| Organic Food Healthier
Researchers from the University of California-Davis found that organically grown kiwis had substantially higher amounts of vitamin c and other ingredients known polyphenols. Those help cut cholesterol and the risk of cancer. They also improve circulation. The researchers speculate that conventional pesticides could disrupt the development of the healthy ingredients in fruits. Organic fruits and vegetables should taste similar to the regular fruit or vegetable, but many times, organics taste better. A manager for Kroger Supermarket's organic fruits and vegetables section said that many of his repeat customers come from those who "accidentally" buy the organic variety -- and then find the taste is superior to the regular produce. Sources: CBN News, Associated Press, Kroger Supermarkets .
UnitedHealth to Buy Sierra Health for $2.6 Billion (Update7)
March 12 (Bloomberg) -- UnitedHealth Group Inc., the largest U.S. health insurance company, agreed to buy Sierra Health Services Inc. for $2.6 billion, adding customers in the American Southwest. Sierra shares gained the most in almost four years. Stockholders of Sierra Health, a Las Vegas-based provider of health benefits and services, will receive $43.50 a share, the companies said today in a statement. The all-cash bid exceeds Sierra's closing price on March 9 by 21 percent. The stock had lost 12 percent in the past month after the company said a Medicare drug plan will lose money this year. The transaction extends the growth strategy of former UnitedHealth Chief Executive Officer William McGuire, ousted in October after an independent probe found he may have manipulated the dating of stock options.
NeoStem Brings Proprietary Technology for Long-Term Storage of ...
NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Mar 20, 2007 - NeoStem, Inc. (OTCBB:NEOI), the first company to specialize in the collection, processing and storage of stem cells from healthy adults for personal use in times of critical medical need, has announced the latest article in a growing body of press coverage on the trend toward long-term banking of adult stem cells appeared recently in the San Diego Business Journal. Under NeoStem's strategic business plan, the Company will provide stem cell collection and storage services through agreements with existing medical facilities around the country. The article spotlights one of the first of those facilities, the California Healthspan Institute, an anti-aging medical institute based in Encinitas, CA. In addition to being one of the first NeoStem facilities, it is one of the first to provide adult stem cell extraction and long-term banking services.
Sentencings in Bucks County Court of Common Pleas, March 5-6
Corey Devaughn Ryan, born 1971, Philadelphia, pleaded guilty to aggravated assault, terroristic threats, recklessly endangering another person, simple assault, criminal mischief, driving under the influence, resisting arrest Sep 14. Sentenced to probation of 3 years, confinement of 11 months, 15 days-23 months, given credit for time served, ordered to undergo drug/alcohol evaluation, pay fine and $2,074.67 restitution, have no contact with victim. Neal Lee Edell, born 1956, Philadelphia, pleaded guilty to use/possession of drug paraphernalia Oct 6. Sentenced to probation of 1 year, ordered to undergo drug/alcohol evaluation and abide by its recommendations. Joseph McDonald, born 1965, Philadelphia, pleaded guilty to possession of controlled substance not regulated Nov 10.
John Giblin Named BlueCross Chief Financial Officer
The board of directors of BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee, in their April 6 board meeting, has confirmed John Giblins appointment to chief financial officer for BlueCross and its affiliated companies.
Most recently, Mr. Giblin served as CFO of Amedisys, Inc., a leading home health nursing company based in Baton Rouge. Prior to that, he worked for 17 years with Crawford & Company in Atlanta, serving as executive vice president and CFO. Crawford & Company is the worlds largest independent provider of claims management solutions to insurance companies and self-insured entities with a global network of over 700 offices in 63 countries. Mr. Giblin, a certified public accountant, began his career with Arthur Andersen LLP in Atlanta.
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“All Kids Act” created to provide Oklahoma children with healthcare
In fact, 55 percent of Americans believe ensuring health insurance for all should be our top legislative priority. I believe the "All Kids Act" is a critical step toward providing greater access to quality healthcare for all Oklahomans. This Act passed on the Senate floor and now awaits action in the House of Representatives. There is no reason why this piece of legislation shouldn't receive swift action in the other chamber and move quickly into the hands of the Governor for his signature.House Concurrent Resolution 1010, a measure I am authoring this session, also takes significant steps in addressing the number of uninsured in our state by creating a task force to gather information about a core health care benefit plan for Oklahoma families. This task force will explore what Oklahoma citizens want in a basic health care policy by bringing key players to the table to tackle this tough issue.
Great American Insurance Group Announces Winner of “BIG RIG GIVEAWAY”
CINCINNATI--(BUSINESS WIRE)--A long-haul trucker from Janesville, WI was the lucky winner of Great American Insurance Group's BIG RIG GIVEAWAY at the Mid-America Trucking Show (MATS) on March 24 in Louisville, KY. Bruce Doering's name was drawn at random from more than 7,500 entries received during the three month contest period. Mr. Doering won a 2002 Freightliner Classic customized by 4 State Trucks, home of the popular Chrome Shop Mafia body shop. The BIG RIG GIVEAWAY was open to all truckers with a valid commercial drivers' license. Mr. Doering, an independent owner-operator, has been insured by Great American since April, 2006. Great American Insurance Group's Trucking Division is a leading provider of insurance products and services to independent owner-operators. The contest demonstrates Great American's commitment to the trucking industry.
Large Property Insurance Market Remains Unsettled, Wholesaler Reports
Even a year of profitability has not settled the large property insurance market for buyers, especially for catastrophic coverage near coastlines and in earthquake zones, finds a new research report from New Jersey wholesale insurance broker NAPCO, LLC. "While the chaos and dysfunction that followed in the wake of Hurricane Katrina have moderated, capacity is still tight and prices are still high" in 2007, said David Pagoumian, president and chief operating officer of NAPCO, a wholesale insurance brokerage firm based in Edison, New Jersey and specializing in property cover. In this environment, agents and brokers who take a wait-and-see position may miss chances for improving terms and conditions, the report noted. "Opportunities exist to improve property insurance programs.
Cracker Barrel sues insurers to cover $2 million harassment settlement
A year after paying $2 million in sexual and racial harassment claims, Cracker Barrel Old Country Store is now suing two of its insurance carries, alleging they both failed to reimburse the Lebanon-based store for the cost of defending itself against the federal lawsuit that led to the $2 million settlement.
The new lawsuit, filed last week in the U.S. District Court in Nashville, claims that the Cincinnati Insurance Company and the Houston Casualty Company breached their contracts with Cracker Barrel by “refusal to honor their insurance policy obligations."
Cracker Barrel became the target of an Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) lawsuit in August of 2004 after an EEOC investigation uncovered multiple instances of sexual harassment against female employees in three Illinois restaurants, as well as discrimination harassment of black employees.
COUNTRY Appoints Fisher to Lead New Chicago District Office
CHICAGO, March 22 /PRNewswire/ -- Veteran Chicago financial services executive Michael Fisher has been appointed director of new market development by COUNTRY Insurance & Financial Services and will manage its newly created Chicago district office. Fisher's hiring as director of new market development accelerates the organization's plans to offer insurance and investment products in Chicago for the first time in its 80-year history. COUNTRY plans to open an 8,000-square-foot Chicago district office at 55 W. Monroe in June. The office will be fully staffed to handle marketing, claims and underwriting to support its Chicago-based agents. In addition, COUNTRY will open branch offices in Beverly, Bridgeport and Clearing this year. Eventually, COUNTRY plans to have 20 Chicago locations and about 100 employees.
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