Tuesday, March 3, 2009

VGI Announces the Launch of DISMISS� Instruments for the VerteLoc™ Minimally Invasive Spine Stabilization System

VGI Announces the Launch of DISMISS® Instruments for the VerteLoc™ Minimally Invasive Spine Stabilization System

VGI introduces a revolutionary surgical instrument system that is smaller in diameter than a pencil. The DISMISS® instrument system is designed specifically for the implantation of the VerteLoc™ Minimally Invasive Spine Stabilization System and will be unveiled at the Congress of Neurological Surgeons meeting in Phoenix, Arizona starting on March 12, 2009.

Winston-Salem, NC (PRWEB) March 3, 2009 -- VG Innovations, Inc. (www.vginnovations.com) (VGI), announces the launch of a new surgical instrumentation system, named DISMISS®.

"DISMISS® stands for Directional Instrument System for Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery," stated VGI's President and CEO, Dan Grayson. "We have received very positive feedback from our surgeon users, regarding the biomechanical advantages of the VerteLoc™ Minimally Invasive Spine Stabilization system, so the next logical step was to further refine the system's current instrumentation. We have now taken minimally invasive spinal facet fusion to a whole new level with the DISMISS® instruments."

"The DISMISS® instruments, used specifically for the implantation of the VerteLoc™ implants, are smaller in diameter than a pencil," noted Executive Vice President and Chief Technical Officer Dr. Tov Vestgaarden. "In addition, we have not only reduced the size, but also the number of instruments required for surgical implantation. This is just the beginning of a whole new era in surgical instrumentation from VGI."

"New sets of the DISMISS® instruments will be distributed during the second and third quarters of 2009 to select VGI distributors throughout the United States," Grayson added. "These new instruments will allow our distributors to introduce the VerteLoc™ system to a more diverse surgeon base."

The VerteLoc™ Minimally Invasive Spine Stabilization System (www.verteloc.com) is designed to allow earlier intervention in the continuum of spinal care. The procedure should prolong or prevent more invasive spine procedures in indicated patients, which would provide significant benefits to the quality of life versus traditional methods of spinal fusion.

Company Profile

VG Innovations, Inc, is a privately held company and was formed in late 2007. The company is in the business of developing and commercializing proprietary, implantable devices with a specific focus on minimally invasive surgical products that could provide better surgical solutions over present technology. The products are designed to treat specific spinal disease indications that affect millions of people. More information on the company and its products can be found at: www.verteloc.com.

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Contact Information Dan Grayson

VG Innovations, Inc

http://www.verteloc.com

336-760-2012



The Health Alliance's Dennis Robb Announced Contracting Professional of the Year by The Journal of Healthcare Contracting

The Health Alliance's Dennis Robb Announced Contracting Professional of the Year by The Journal of Healthcare Contracting

Pioneer in healthcare supply chain honored for accomplishments

Dallas (Vocus) March 3, 2009 -- Dennis Robb, senior vice president, supply chain management (www.broadlane.com), The Health Alliance of Greater Cincinnati, was recently announced 2008 Contracting Professional of the Year by The Journal of Healthcare Contracting.

Described as a pioneer in healthcare for more than three decades, Robb was selected to receive this honor based on his accomplishments in supply chain management and history of clinical and executive leadership.

As the senior vice president of supply chain management (www.broadlane.com) for The Health Alliance of Greater Cincinnati, Robb is continually seeking avenues for improvement for the 929-bed health system and manages its $369 million supply and capital spend. Robb is also responsible for initiation of value analysis committees and leadership of multidisciplinary teams of doctors, nurses, pharmacy, information technology and bioengineering professional for the management of capital procedures, contracting and contract compliance, system-wide standardization, price verification documentation of audited savings, vendor negotiations, environmental responsibility and economic inclusion.

"We congratulate Dennis on his latest achievement," said David Ricker, president and chief executive officer, Broadlane. "He is a valuable member on our Executive Steering Committee, helping drive all contracting decisions and awards. Dennis has also emerged as a leader in Supplier Diversity, working with the Broadlane Supplier Diversity Contracting team to implement the methods by which to execute and track results of The Health Alliance's supplier diversity initiative."

One of Robb's most notable achievements is the 2008 Corris Boyd Leadership and Diversity Award from the Federation of American Hospitals. This award was presented for Robb's efforts to create an environment of cooperation and commitment within The Health Alliance, which helped the health system reach a $23 million diverse supplier spending goal in its first year.

"I work daily with Dennis on supply chain initiatives," said Ruby Kern, vice president, enterprise accounts, Broadlane. "In my 35 years of supply chain experience, I've never come across anyone as passionate as Dennis is about meeting supply chain, environmental and supplier diversity goals."

In 10 months, The Health Alliance reached and exceeded the $23 million target with certified diverse suppliers and was recognized with awards from the Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky African American Chamber of Commerce and the Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber. The number of diverse suppliers grew 360 percent over a year. Over the past three years, the organization has maintained its commitment, spending a total of $90 million with diverse suppliers.

"We are very proud of Dennis' newest honor as Contracting Professional of the Year," said Ken Hanover, chief executive officer, the Health Alliance. "He has done an extraordinary job managing our supply chain. Dennis' optimism, professionalism and commitment to excellence are outstanding attributes, and this recognition is something in which we can all take pride."

About The Journal of Healthcare Contracting

The Journal of Healthcare Contracting is the only publication that is solely devoted to the contracting arena of healthcare. It focuses on the interactions of the four primary stakeholders in healthcare contracting: health systems and their facilities, manufacturers and suppliers, distributors and group purchasing organizations. The participants in the contracting arena will grow to rely on The Journal of Healthcare Contracting for industry understanding, insight into the minds of thought leaders and collaboration opportunities amongst contracting constituents.

About The Health Alliance

The Health Alliance of Greater Cincinnati, which includes the University, Jewish and Fort Hamilton hospitals, Drake Center, West Chester Medical Center and the physicians of Alliance Primary Care, continues to be Cincinnati's largest healthcare provider and recently expanded its physician practice by acquiring Greater Cincinnati Associated Physicians. The Health Alliance, which employs 7,800 people, has been recognized for its progressive supplier diversity and disability services programs. For more information on the Health Alliance, visit

www.health-alliance.com.

About Broadlane

Broadlane is the leading cost management company for healthcare providers. Broadlane's scalable business solutions optimize operational performance and achieve significant cost savings, thereby improving the overall financial performance of its clients. Its core services include supply chain management and clinical workforce management services.

Broadlane's comprehensive supply chain services include:

• Unparalleled national and custom contracting for supplies, pharmaceuticals, equipment and purchased services

• Innovative Procurement Services and purchase transaction management

• Clinical Services for managing clinical preference items and operating room and cath lab spending

• Comprehensive Materials Management Services - including outsourcing

• Informatics - benchmarking, advanced analytics and reporting

• Supply chain technology and e-commerce

Broadlane Workforce Management™ addresses nurses and allied healthcare practitioners and includes:

• External shift and agency management services

• Internal shift management, including electronic shift auctions

• Regional nurse float pool management and internal agency management

• E-commerce workforce exchange linking healthcare providers, clinical staff and agencies, enabling efficient shift management and fulfillment and reconciliation

Broadlane's clients include leading providers such as Advocate Health Care, Ascension Health, Beaumont Hospitals, CHRISTUS Health, Continuum Health Partners, Kaiser Permanente, Kindred Healthcare, MedCath Corporation, New Hanover Regional Medical Center, Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth Health System, Tenet Healthcare, The Health Alliance of Greater Cincinnati, US Oncology and UMass Memorial Health Care.

The company is headquartered in Dallas with offices in Cincinnati, Detroit, Houston, New York City and Oakland. For more information, visit www.broadlane.com.

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Contact Information Jim Webb

http://www.broadlane.com

972-813-7782



Sunetics' New Laser Paddle Brush for Hair Enhancement Provides Largest Coverage Area of All Hand-Held Devices

Sunetics' New Laser Paddle Brush for Hair Enhancement Provides Largest Coverage Area of All Hand-Held Devices

New hair enhancement laser device offers best coverage available.

Las Vegas, NV (PRWEB) March 3, 2009 -- Sunetics International announces the official launch of the new Laser Paddle Brush, an advanced at-home hair care device for men and women with weak or thinning hair that delivers a greater degree of low level laser energy to the scalp than any other hand-held unit on the market.

"Sunetics' Laser Paddle Brush is an important advancement for consumers as it provides the maximum level of scalp coverage at a more optimal low level laser energy wavelength than any other 'brush' or 'comb' currently available," said Dr. Charles Maricle, Chief Technological Officer of Sunetics International. "Low level laser therapy has been demonstrated to effectively improve the appearance of hair, making it look fuller, thicker, shinier and healthier."

With the new Laser Paddle Brush, Sunetics has enhanced the size of the laser area by creating three rows of laser diodes utilizing 12 true laser diodes. Sunetics also uses its patented technology to expand the laser beam pattern, thus creating a superior coverage area of laser energy. The Laser Paddle Brush was developed to deliver the largest coverage area of all hand-held devices so that consumers can experience in the privacy of their own homes the maximum amount of laser energy at the optimal wavelength level. The average usage time is just 10 minutes per day, three times per week.

"Customers who use the Sunetics' Laser Paddle Brush for at-home laser hair therapy care will also be able to use it on the road when they travel since it is so portable as well as rechargeable," says John Carullo, Director of Marketing for Sunetics.

Key Facts for Consumers About the Sunetics' Laser Paddle Brush:

•    Maximum Laser Energy - Designed with 12 true laser diodes, the most of any other hand-held unit on the market. Each laser diode used for hair rejuvenation has a wavelength of 650 nm.

•    Superior Scalp Coverage - Uses multiple, wide-pattern, true laser diodes to provide maximum coverage of the scalp for men and women. The laser diodes are positioned on the brush to produce an expanded elliptical laser light pattern that provides maximum coverage of the scalp.

•    Portable - Unlike other hand-held laser devices that are plugged in, the Laser Paddle Brush is cordless and uses a rechargeable battery to make it portable and easier to use with maximum energy.

•    Unique Bristle Design - A true laser "brush," the device has over 75 soft, gentle scalp-massaging bristles. The unique soft bristles are designed to not break or damage fine or weakened hair.

•    Certified, Patented and Approved - The Laser Paddle Brush is a U.S. patented device (#7,258,695) that is CE-certified and complies with all FDA manufacturing standards and safety regulations for personal use as well as 11 FDA performance standards for laser products.

Evidence for Low Level Laser Hair Therapy:

In January of 2007, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) officially cleared the first hand-held laser device (www.fda.gov/cdrh/pdf6/K060305.pdf) to treat hair loss and to re-grow hair.

Previous cosmetic clinical studies performed by Sunetics have shown that, as a result of its laser hair therapy program, 86-percent of participants reported the appearance of healthier hair, 78-percent reported the appearance of thicker hair, 76-percent reported the appearance of fuller hair and 85-percent of the participants reported overall satisfaction with the Sunetics Laser Hair Therapy program.

About Sunetics International

Sunetics International is a leading U.S. manufacturer of low level laser devices that are regularly used by doctors for the care of weak or thinning hair. Sunetics also offers devices for acne, wrinkles and skin rejuvenation. Established in 2003, Sunetics is a registered cosmetic manufacturer with the FDA and provides both hand-held laser devices and in-office clinical laser units. For more information about low level laser devices or products from Sunetics, visit www.sunetics.com or call 1-888-266-2232.

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Contact Information John Carullo

Sunetics International

http://www.sunetics.com

888-266-2232



Monday, March 2, 2009

LifeMasters Introduces Health Activation Tool to Disease Management Participants

LifeMasters Introduces Health Activation Tool to Disease Management Participants

Innovator of the PAM™ Assessment in Chronic Disease Coaching

Irvine, Calif. (Vocus) March 2, 2009 -- In keeping with its commitment to implement the latest advances in behavior change, LifeMasters (https://www.lifemasters.com/innovation/) Supported SelfCare, Inc. is the first disease management company in the country to introduce a powerful health activation tool for use with its chronically ill participants.

The Patient Activation Measure™ (PAM™) was developed by Judith Hibbard, Ph.D., and colleagues at the University of Oregon to assess an individual's knowledge, skills and confidence in playing a role in one's own health and healthcare. By understanding participants' "activation levels," LifeMasters health professionals can better tailor participant coaching to an individual's level of activation, helping him or her identify and overcome barriers to behavior change.

"We know that higher levels of activation are correlated with improved self-care behaviors," said LifeMasters CEO Christobel Selecky. "By focusing on increasing a participant's activation level, our health coaches can help LifeMasters participants to develop self-efficacy and greater levels of motivation, which ultimately lead to greater confidence in managing their health. We are very excited about the potential that this tool provides us to improve outcomes and enhance sustained engagement."

LifeMasters is a health improvement company with more than 15 years experience in developing scientifically based interventions that target key cost drivers such as diabetes, congestive heart failure, asthma, coronary artery disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, hypertension, cancer and musculo-skeletal pain. The company began piloting the PAM in 2005. In 2007, it completed a 2-call-center comparison study based on the PAM with Dr. Hibbard and her team and is now widely implementing the use of PAM across all LifeMasters sites and additional research is being considered.

LifeMasters coaches are trained in the use of motivational interviewing techniques - informed by the insight gained from the PAM tool - which allows them to focus on helping participants develop confidence in managing their health (depending on their activation level) rather than on encouraging behaviors they may not be ready to achieve.

The Patient Activation Measure, which is licensed and marketed by Insignia Health, consists of a 10 or 13-question survey that asks people about their beliefs, knowledge and confidence for engaging in a wide range of health behaviors. Based on responses to the survey, each person is assigned an activation score and level. The PAM segments participants into one of four progressively higher activation levels.

At the low end of the spectrum, individuals tend to be passive with regard to managing their health, and may fail to see the connection between their own behaviors and health outcomes. At the high end, individuals understand that relationship and have become good self-managers across a constellation of behaviors. However, even high activation level individuals may benefit from coaching to stay on course when stress occurs.

Answers to the PAM survey give the health professional insight into a participant's frame of reference and help facilitate tailored discussion about what a participant wants to work on. By periodically re-administering the survey and reviewing responses to individual items over time, changes in a participant's activation level can be reassessed and used as a guide for ongoing coaching.

"In using the PAM, LifeMasters is supporting consumers on a journey to improve the self-management competencies that drive health status, and in so doing, helping consumers unlock their potential to flourish," said Chris Delaney, Insignia's Chief Executive Officer.

The level of patient activation varies considerably in the U.S. population, with less than half of the adult population at the highest level of activation, according to a recent study by the Center for Studying Health System Change. More than 85 studies have documented the PAM's ability to effectively measure patient activation and to predict a range of behaviors in wide demographic variability. These include preventive behaviors such as exercise, diet, and smoking cessation, disease-specific self-management behaviors such as medication compliance and health monitoring, and consumer behaviors such as successful interaction with a healthcare provider.

Because of the strong correlation between activation and self-care behaviors, the PAM scores can also greatly enhance the credibility of reported outcomes. While return on investment and closing clinical gaps in care will always be important outcomes measures, the ability to demonstrate a concurrent improvement in activation increases the likelihood that those positive outcomes can be attributed to the health improvement program.

A research project between LifeMasters and Dr. Hibbard's team demonstrated that activation levels and health outcomes can be improved by tailoring participant care plans to the individual's activation level. The full results of this study are expected to be published in June of 2009.

About LifeMasters Supported SelfCare, Inc.

LifeMasters Supported SelfCare, Inc. is a leading provider of health improvement and condition management programs and services that create health partnerships among individuals and their physicians. The programs improve the quality of care for populations with risk factors and

chronic conditions and reduce healthcare cost trends for the nation's leading health plans, employers, retirement systems, labor unions/trusts and governmental organizations. LifeMasters offers programs for individuals with diabetes, congestive heart failure, coronary artery disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, hypertension, asthma, cancer, depression and musculo-skeletal pain. LifeMasters' programs are holistically focused, support co-morbidities like depression, and facilitate lifestyle changes such as smoking cessation and weight loss. LifeMasters is accredited by the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) and URAC. More information can be found at innovation.lifemasters.com (https://www.lifemasters.com/innovation/).

About Insignia Health

Insigna Health is committed to helping consumers develop the behaviors that are crucial to becoming more active and effective members of their own healthcare team. These efforts are anchored by the Patient Activation Measure and the self-management competencies revealed by this assessment tool. With this knowledge, Insignia's tailored coaching resources and self-care products can be leveraged to help individuals begin to master new positive behaviors that are realistic given one's current level of activation. Research has shown consistently that with increased activation comes better health and the more effective and efficient use of healthcare resources. More information can be found at www.insigniahealth.com.

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Contact Information Abbie Pauley

http://innovation.lifemasters.com

412-926-7093



German Medical Advancement Reflects Major Improvement in Individuals with Common and Chronic Illnesses Related to Immune System Dysfunction

German Medical Advancement Reflects Major Improvement in Individuals with Common and Chronic Illnesses Related to Immune System Dysfunction

A new preparation highly beneficial in patients with ailments from common skin disorders to hepatitis or HIV, is now available in the US without a prescription. Oral intake of the GKL03 synthetic peptides induces modulation and regulation of the immune system. GKL03 (Thymrevit) is a demonstrably potent immmunomodulator effective in the short term.

Mannheim, Germany -- A new preparation highly beneficial in patients with ailments from common skin disorders to hepatitis or HIV, is now available in the US without a prescription. Oral intake of the GKL03 synthetic peptides induces modulation and regulation of the immune system. GKL03 (Thymrevit) is a demonstrably potent immmunomodulator effective in the short term.

This preparation was first used in 2004 on tumor patients whose immune system was significantly weakened by chemotherapy or radiotherapy which had been carried out or recently administered. All subjects felt significantly better in several chemotherapy phases each time GKL-03 was taken, and also had better excersise tolerance in endurance test. Since 2004, ongoing clinical trials conducted in Germany, has shown GKL-03 to be adventageous in those with tumourigenic disease, cancer or immuno deficiencies. There are unambiguous findings indicating GKL-03 can protect the body from opportunistic infections where the body has been damaged from pre-existing conditions such as chemotherapy, x-rays, or bacterial, fungal or latent viral infections. "Since such a short term improvement of immune disorders is extremely difficult to achieve, I venture to assume with all reserve a positive effect of the GKL-03" --- Dr. Med Knut Briken, Oncology/Immunobiological Cancer Aftercare, Berlin Germany.

Klett-Loch GmbH, a medium size company, located in Mannheim Germany is a top leader in research and development against immune system disorders for over 25 years. Biotechne Complex, Inc. (www.biotechne.com) located in Georgia is designated the North American representative since 1995 assisting in continued support and informational programs.

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Contact Information Martin Wainright

Biotechne Complex, Inc.

http://www.biotechne.com

800-214-8631



Sunday, March 1, 2009

Menersa Demand Spikes on the Heels of Health Report

Menersa Demand Spikes on the Heels of Health Report

A recent study that was conducted by the National Sleep Foundation (NSF) in the US, involving more than six hundred women between the ages of 43 and 53, has concluded that women who are in the menopausal phase, or who were premenopausal, got less sleep at night due to frequent disturbances that were greatly attributed to the symptoms of menopause; namely hot flashes, and or, night sweats. Many menopausal women, who previously have relied upon popular prescription drugs for treating hormonal pathway imbalances, are now turning to natural cures for menopause, like Menersa, because they utilize proprietary blends of clinically proven botanical alternatives that not only correct hormonal pathway imbalances, but also relieve the symptoms of menopause that can contribute to sleep deprivation.

Manalapan, NJ (PRWEB) March 1, 2009 -- Many of the most important functions of our bodies are controlled by hormonal releases. Some hormones help our body to distribute and process fats. Others control the rates at which we grow hair and skin. And yet others can determine how well we will sleep at night. For the millions of women are entering premenopausal stages, or who are already experiencing menopause, their hormones can be bouncing out of control. So much so that it can greatly affect the amounts of sleep that they receive each night and in turn can be detrimental to their overall wellbeing, quality of life and happiness.

In fact, shifting hormones during the menopausal period can greatly contribute to the lack of sleep or disturbed sleeping patterns, generally related to hot flashes, night sweats and other side effects of hormonal pathway imbalances. During a recent study--which was conducted by the National Sleep Foundation (NSF) in the US--more than six hundred women between the ages of 43 and 53 were asked to make frequent journal entries during their menstrual periods. The studies concluded that women who were showing the earlier signs of menopause got far less sleep at night when compared to those who were still premenopausal. In short: even the earliest symptoms of menopause caused for a greater disturbance of nightly sleep cycles. A trend which increases as the natural phase of menopause sets in.

Yet the most popular prescribed menopause drugs only work to correct hormonal pathway imbalances. Many offer no cure for sleep deprivation or night flashes, which commonly contribute to sleep disturbances during menopause. This is why more women are turning to clinically proven, all-natural menopausal remedies like Menersa--which utilizes the power of a variety of unique botanicals that treat all symptoms of menopause. Menersa is able to also relieve symptoms associated with sleep deprivation by incorporating calming herbs that work to naturally relieve discomforts associated with the symptoms of menopause, and that help to replenish essential and vital bodily nutrients.

"The recent reports of interrupted sleep patterns (as they relate to the symptoms of menopause) has caused a big spike in the online sales of our popular and clinically proven botanical alternative, Menersa," states Constantine Lopez, spokesperson for Vitaloix Labs. "More women are turning to natural cures for menopause that not only work to safely correct hormonal imbalances, but that also offer a cure for common associated symptoms (of menopause) that can really take their toll on the quality of life of the sufferer."

Menersa is an all-natural menopause supplement that is taken daily. It has been clinically proven to be comparable to low-dose transdermal estradiol (Estraderm 25 mcg every 7 days) for relieving hot flashes and the other 34 symptoms of menopause.

For more information on how the all-natural and clinically proven menopause remedy Menersa can relieve the symptoms of menopause safely and efficiently, please visit their website online at: http://www.menersa.com

About Menersa:

•    Created by Vitaloix Labs--a leading nutraceutical company

•    Relieves the common symptoms associated with menopause naturally, including, but not limited to: hot flashes, mood swings, decreased energy, nervousness, irritability, vaginal irritation, poor sex drive, abnormal weight gain, chronic headaches, fatigue, anxiety, tension and others

•    Works to promote healthy weight maintenance and an increased sexual drive

•    Specifically targets the support of hormonal pathway imbalances, greatly reducing menopausal symptoms

•    Provides the body with a source of naturally-occurring phytoestrogen complexes

•    Incorporates calming herbs that work to naturally relieve discomforts associated with the symptoms of menopause, and that helps to replenish essential and vital bodily nutrients

•    Uses powerful and clinically proven botanicals to help women enjoy a more natural and healthier sleep cycle during the menopausal phase

•    Clinically proven to be a safer alternative to hormone therapy and hormone replacement therapy, and has also been proven to be as equally or more effective than using menopausal products containing soy

•    Tedious and lengthy clinical studies provided clear cut evidence that Menersa is comparable to low-dose transdermal estradiol (Estraderm 25 mcg every 7 days) for relieving hot flashes

•    No known adverse side effects

•    100% all-natural, safe & effective

•    Available online at their website for a generous discount at: http://www.menersa.com

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Contact Information Liz Gilman

Health Web Shopping

http://www.menersa.com

(800) 344-0478



Friday, February 27, 2009

Align International Recruitment - Thinking of Working in New Zealand? A Positive Move in Troubled Times

Align International Recruitment - Thinking of Working in New Zealand? A Positive Move in Troubled Times

The advantage of using Align Recruitment to apply for work in New Zealand is simple - service. Applying for a new position can be a big challenge at the best of times, add to this the prospect of moving countries and there is a considerable amount of the unknown. Align Recruitment assists job seekers with New Zealand immigration, we have the contacts within the appropriate organizations to make the transfer as smooth as possible.

Christchurch, New Zealand (PRWEB) February 27, 2009 -- So, the global economy has tightened up - jobs are becoming harder to find, competition for available job openings is becoming more intense.

You may be considering a move offshore? Align International Recruitment Ltd (http://www.alignrecruitment.com/) is a boutique recruitment company that helps highly skilled people find work in New Zealand. In early 2009 Align Recruitment launched a new website to assist international job seekers find that 'dream job' and 'dream lifestyle'. in New Zealand.

What are the advantages of moving to New Zealand in the current climate?

Right now, off the back of a dip in New Zealand exports, the New Zealand dollar (NZD) is at a low against most major trading partners. In effect, this means that migrants arriving from (for example) the USA are buying homes at half the price over the same period three or four years ago when the dollar was much stronger. New Zealand has also weathered the start of the global downturn with remarkable resilience - thanks largely to a strong agricultural market and limited exposure to the events happening within the securities market. The recent New Zealand elections saw a right wing 'National' led government assume the reins placing particular emphasis on public spending and tax cuts to continue to stimulate the New Zealand economy.

Another major attraction to New Zealand is opportunity. New Zealand has a number of skill shortage areas as defined by the Department of Labour, in particular in Healthcare. You can visit the Align Recruitment website to browse Clinical Psychologist jobs (http://www.alignrecruitment.com/jobs/-/Clinical-Psychology.php), Physician jobs (http://www.alignrecruitment.com/jobs/-/Medical-Officer-Doctor-Physician.php), jobs for Nurses (http://www.alignrecruitment.com/jobs/-/Nursing.php), Physiotherapist vacancies and Occupational Therapist openings in different parts of New Zealand. But whilst healthcare is a major focus of Align Recruitment, we also like to hear from people in areas such as Project Management, .NET Development (http://www.alignrecruitment.com/jobs/-/.NET-Development.php), Embedded Software Development, Java Development, Testing Protocol Stacks and seeking related Software Engineering jobs (http://www.alignrecruitment.com/professions.php). There is good opportunity for the right people with the right skills in New Zealand.

New Zealand is a nation with a strong migrant tradition. There are many communities represented here with immigrants coming from the USA, the United Kingdom, Canada, Scandinavia and the Asian continent. A key attraction to New Zealand is the great lifestyle. With a land mass similar to the Untied Kingdom, California or Japan and a population hovering around 4 million - open space is abundant. People with a love of the great outdoors will be in their element with so many activities on offer - from hiking, heliskiing and trekking to cycling, kayaking and fishing all staples of the New Zealand lifestyle (http://www.alignrecruitment.com/lifestyle.html). And, for families - with positive government assistance schemes and a safe environment - this is a great country in which to raise children. New Zealand is a great place for the long-term, but also offers a great way to experience something different in a stable climate during the current turmoil.

The advantage of using Align Recruitment to apply for work in New Zealand is simple - service. Applying for a new position can be a big challenge at the best of times, add to this the prospect of moving countries and there is a considerable amount of the unknown. Align Recruitment assists job seekers with New Zealand immigration and have the contacts within the appropriate organizations to make the transfer as smooth as possible. They also help facilitate with the various New Zealand professional registration boards on behalf of their clients to move their applications along. When they help you find the job you want, Align Recruitment doesn't stop there - their welcome services (http://www.alignrecruitment.com/welcome.html) are designed to assist offshore or expatriate workers shift country and start enjoying the great quality of life New Zealand offers. Align Recruitment will provide information on the cost of living in New Zealand, the lifestyle, the 'Kiwi' way of doing things and also provide detailed tips on how best to prepare for an interview.

Align Recruitment was founded in 2002 by Larry Beck, an American expatriate who holds dual NZ and US citizenships. Prior to immigrating to New Zealand Larry had been working in recruitment in the USA. He says "When I came here I recognised that overseas job candidates looking to work in New Zealand needed more information, about the country, about the types of work, how best to interview for a position in New Zealand, insights into some of the Kiwi ways of doing things and they needed help with immigration. So, I set about launching Align International Recruitment Ltd to provide that information so that overseas job seekers could weigh up the advantages and disadvantages of immigrating to New Zealand and make the right choice for them."

Further Larry added, "We work closely with our applicants - even if there is not an immediate job opening we are always looking to hear from skilled professionals - we are constantly getting requests from employers to find that 'special person'."

For further information - check out the new website www.alignrecruitment.com.

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Contact Information Larry Beck

Align International Recruitment Limited

http://www.alignrecruitment.com/

0064 3 366 8779