Preview Guide for MCAT2015

Washington, D.C. (PRWEB) February 16, 2012

Starting in 2015, when aspiring doctors take the MCAT® examination, they will need more than a solid basis in the natural sciences. Under changes approved today by the AAMC (Association of American Medical Colleges), they also will need an understanding of the psychology, sociology, and biology that provide the foundation for learning about the human and social components of health.

The changes to the MCAT exam, the first since 1991, are designed to help students prepare for a rapidly changing health care system and an evolving body of medical knowledge while addressing the needs of a growing, aging, and increasingly diverse population.

“Being a good doctor is about more than scientific knowledge. It also requires an understanding of people. By balancing the MCAT’s focus on the natural sciences with a new section on the psychological, social, and biological foundations of behavior, the new exam will better prepare students to build strong knowledge of the socio-cultural and behavioral determinants of health,” said Darrell G. Kirch, M.D., AAMC president and CEO.

A new section, “Psychological, Social, and Biological Foundations of Behavior,” will test the ways in which these areas influence a variety of factors including people’s perceptions and reactions to the world; behavior and behavior change; what people think about themselves and others; cultural and social differences that influence well-being; and the relationships among socio-economic factors, access to resources, and well-being.

By testing what is taught in introductory psychology, sociology, and biology at many undergraduate institutions, this new section will examine concepts that provide a solid foundation for learning in medical school about the behavioral and socio-cultural determinants of health. The changes to the exam also recognize a growing body of evidence showing that integrating social and behavioral sciences into medical education curricula and clinical practice can improve the health of all patients.

In addition, a new “Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills” section will test students’ reasoning ability by having them analyze, evaluate, and apply information provided in passages from a wide range of social sciences and humanities disciplines, including ethics and philosophy, cross-cultural studies, and population health.

The revised exam also will include two natural sciences sections to test concepts typically taught in introductory biology, general and organic chemistry, biochemistry, and physics that medical school faculty, residents, and students rate as most important to the success of entering medical students. Building on the framework described by the report “Scientific Foundations for Future Physicians,” these sections will ask test takers to combine knowledge of natural science concepts with their scientific inquiry and reasoning skills to solve problems that demonstrate their readiness for medical school.

In another major change, the exam will no longer include a writing section. Feedback from admissions officers and other data revealed that this section offered little additional information about applicants’ preparation for medical school, particularly relative to the insights gained from undergraduate grades and the other sections of the exam. With all the revisions to the test, the length of the exam will increase to about six and a half hours.

Sample questions and a detailed list of concepts and topics covered by the new exam are provided in a “Preview Guide for MCAT2015.” In addition, a number of resources are posted on the AAMC Web site to help students, undergraduate faculty, and pre-health advisors prepare for the exam, including an informational video featuring students describing the new exam and giving tips for preparation. The AAMC will continue to provide new resources on its Web site as they become available.

The changes to the MCAT exam were developed by a 21-member advisory panel, the MR5 Advisory Committee, appointed by the AAMC in 2008 to review the exam, which is used for admission to medical school as well as by some other health professions including osteopathy, podiatry, and veterinary medicine. The final recommendations are the product of an extensive, three-year period during which the MR5 committee gathered input from stakeholders at more than 90 outreach events, solicited expert input from blue-ribbon committees and advisory groups, and reviewed more than 2,700 informational and opinion surveys from undergraduate and medical school faculty, administrators, residents, and medical students.

The revisions to the MCAT exam are part of a broader effort by the AAMC and the nation’s medical schools to improve the medical school admissions process. Through efforts such as holistic review and the development of tools to help admissions committees assess the personal characteristics of applicants, medical schools are working on new and better ways to assess prospective medical students on criteria beyond traditional academic predictors of success.

The Association of American Medical Colleges is a not-for-profit association representing all 136 accredited U.S. and 17 accredited Canadian medical schools; nearly 400 major teaching hospitals and health systems, including 62 Department of Veterans Affairs medical centers; and nearly 90 academic and scientific societies. Through these institutions and organizations, the AAMC represents 128,000 faculty members, 75,000 medical students, and 110,000 resident physicians. Additional information about the AAMC and U.S. medical schools and teaching hospitals is available at http://www.aamc.org/newsroom.

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Bel Marra Nutritionals supports recent clinical study of lutein and now delivers optimal dosage to promote healthy vision

Toronto, ON (PRWEB) February 19, 2012

Bel Marra Nutritionals, well know for offering high-quality, specially formulated vitamins and nutritional supplements, supports research of the natural ingredient lutein and delivers on the optimal dosage that will promote positive impact on vision.

Healthy vision plays a critical role in our day-to-day lives. Unfortunately, our vision is vulnerable to aging and deterioration over time. According to Dr. Victor Machione, a Board-certified doctor and pioneer in nutritional medicine, “these scientific studies point to a new generation of vision savers that are giving weakening eyes the natural boost needed for healthier vision. Vision loss doesn’t have to be inevitable.”

One nutrient has substantial research behind it, backing it as the ideal choice for supporting and protecting vision and aging eyes. This nutrient is lutein, a substance found in small amounts in some dark green leafy vegetables and a few other sources. From this research it was noted “there is a substantial body of evidence that benefits of lutein are justified, particularly in relation to age-related mascular degeneration.”

Lutein possesses some physical and chemical properties which make it ideal as a supplement for supporting vision and macular health. First, lutein is a powerful natural anti-oxidant. It works to neutralize free radicals which can wreck havoc on the eyes. Years of sunlight and exposure to chemicals cause free radials throughout the body. The eyes are at higher risk, due to the high exposure to UV light from the sun. Lutein can combat the free radials, preventing them from doing damage to the eyes impeding healthy vision.

The more important property of lutein is that it is one of the main pigments which make up the human macula. The macula is the part of the human eye which absorbs UV light, protecting the rest of the eyes. Over time UV lights takes a toll on the macula and it becomes weaker. Without this protective ability, serious damage can occur in the eyes and to our vision.

Luckily, nature has provided a way to support the macula, in the form of lutein, and promote healthy vision. Oral supplementation actually increases the level of lutein in the eye which helps to build up the eye’s natural defenses. It is estimated that the average North American naturally consumes 1-2 mg of lutein a day. But, clinical research has shown that the major benefits lutein offers occur at 10 mg a day. As a result Bel Marra Nutritionals has formulated 20/20 Vision to contain the optimal amount of lutein and other ingredients to promote healthy vision.

(SOURCE: “Arch Biochem Biophys” December 2011)

As the distributor of 20/20 Vision which contains lutein, Bel Marra Nutritionals offers high-quality vitamins and nutritional supplements in formulations designed to address specific health concerns. All ingredients are backed with scientific evidence. Every product is tested for safety, quality, and purity at every stage of the manufacturing process. Furthermore, Bel Marra Nutritionals products are produced only in Health Canada approved facilities, going that extra mile to ensure our health conscious customers are getting top quality products. For more information on Bel Marra Nutritionals visit http://www.belmarrahealth.com or call 1-866-531-0466.

Bel Marra Nutritionals, Inc.

100-7000 Pine Valley

Woodbridge, ON L4L 4Y8

Jim Chiang, CEO

pr(at)belmarrahealth(dot)com

866-531-0466 X245

http://www.belmarrahealth.com

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Ft. Lauderdale, Florida (Vocus) June 16, 2010

Hospital Physician Partners, one of the nation’s leading medical management companies specializing in Emergency and Hospitalist Medicine, announced today a new partnership with Lock Haven Hospital located in Lock Haven, Pennsylvania.

Lock Haven Hospital represents Hospital Physician Partners newest emergency department (ED) contract in Pennsylvania. Hospital Physician Partners Chief Executive Officer Jeffrey Schillinger says he is excited about this new partnership. “They have a great administrative and medical leadership team which appreciates the value of teamwork and collaboration in delivering quality patient care. It is our job to manage an emergency department that is safe, effective and efficient,” said Schillinger.

Hospital Physician Partners will be responsible for the daily management and physician staffing of Lock Haven Hospital’s ED. Hospital Physician Partners Clinical Operations team consists of physicians, allied healthcare professionals and former hospital executives with decades of emergency department management and clinical practice experience. “Our strength is our local approach,” says Schillinger. “All of our Clinical Operations team members actively practice clinically in the hospitals they serve. “We’ve been doing this for more than 30 years,” adds Schillinger. “Our local approach has served us well and it a core value we are committed to.”

Last year, the Hospital Physician Partners’ Clinical Operations Leadership team worked 1,086 shifts representing over 11,000 clinical hours in client hospitals. The Florida-based Medical Management company added 26 new contracts across the United States in 2009 and has already expanded its national base in 2010 with the addition of 10 new Emergency and Hospitalist Medicine contracts.

About Hospital Physician Partners

Hospital Physician Partners and its family of affiliates are among the nation’s largest privately-held Medical Management companies specializing in Emergency & Hospitalist Medicine and government healthcare staffing. Along with PhyAmerica Government Services, Inc., Hospital Physician Partners maintains hospital and provider partnerships in more than 130 hospitals in over 20 states treating more than two million patients annually and working with over 1800 providers. Hospital Physician Partners is based in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida and maintains offices in Durham, North Carolina, Jacksonville, Florida and Plantation, Florida. For more information, visit http://www.hppartners.com.

Media Contact:    

Al Emerick, Director of Marketing & Communications

(904) 805-1305 – Office

(904) 430-3077 – Cellular

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Attorneys Andres Alonso and David Krangle Announce that Alonso Krangle LLP has Launched an Investigation of Side Effects Allegedly Associated with the NuvaRing Birth Control Device, Including Blood Clots, Deep Vein Thrombosis, Pulmonary Embolism, Heart attacks, Strokes, and Wrongful Death.

Melville NY (PRWEB) February 16, 2012

Attorneys Andres Alonso and David Krangle, founding partners of Alonso Krangle LLP, a national law firm focused on fighting for the rights of serious personal injury victims, announce the launch of an investigation into alleged NuvaRing side effects.

The firm is currently offering free NuvaRing lawsuit evaluations to young women, or their families, who suffered:

Blood Clots,
Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT),
Pulmonary Embolism,
Heart Attack or Myocardial Infarction,
Strokes,
Cerebral Thrombosis,
Retinal Thrombosis,
Cerebral Hemorrhage,
Thrombophlebitis and Venous Thrombosis with or without Embolism,
Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS)
Wrongful Death

that may be connected to the use of the NuvaRing birth control device.

There is still time for young women who may have been injured by NuvaRing side effects, or their families, to file their own lawsuits against Merck and Organon. To discuss a potential lawsuit claim with one of the experienced and compassionate NuvaRing side effects lawyers at Alonso Krangle LLP, please contact us at 1-800-403-6191 or visit our website, http://www.FightForVictims.com

What is Nuvaring?

NuvaRing is a hormonal contraceptive device that releases a combination of etonogestrel, a synthetic generation progestin, and the estrogen, ethinyl estradiol. NuvaRing is a small flexible ring that is designed to be inserted into the vagina once a month. It is kept in place for three weeks, and prevents pregnancy by releasing controlled amounts of those hormones into the bloodstream. Marketed by Merck & Co.’s Organon subsidiary, NuvaRing was introduced to the U.S. marketplace in 2001.

Etonogestrel is a form of desogestrel, a third-generation progestin. In February 2007, the consumer advocacy group [citizen.org/notmypill"] Public Citizen petitioned the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) to ban oral birth control pills that contain desogestrel, citing studies which indicated they could double the risk of blood clots compared to second generation oral contraceptives.

Pending NuvaRing Lawsuits.

In August 2008, the Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation ordered all federally filed NuvaRing lawsuits consolidated in a multidistrict litigation and transferred to Judge Rodney W. Sippel of the U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Missouri [moed.uscourts.gov/sites/default/files/mdl/08-1964/1.pdf] (MDL No. 1964). The lawsuits involved in this litigation allege that Merck & Co. and Organon failed to adequately warn patients and their doctors about the potential for NuvaRing blood clots and other side effects. The lawsuits claim that NuvaRing users have suffered blood clots, deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, heart attacks, strokes and sudden death because of the device.

There is still time for young women who may have been injured by NuvaRing, or their families, to file their own lawsuits against Merck and Organon. To discuss a potential claim with one of the experienced and compassionate NuvaRing side effect lawyers at Alonso Krangle LLP, please contact us at 1-800-403-6191 or visit our website http://www.FightForVictims.com

About Alonso Krangle LLP

Andres Alonso and David Krangle, attorneys with almost 40 years of collective legal experience, have focused their law practice on the handling of significant personal injury cases, defective drug and medical device litigation, construction site accidents, nursing home abuse, medical negligence, qui tam/whistleblower actions and consumer fraud cases.  A national law firm representing injured victims throughout the U.S., Alonso Krangle LLP is headquartered in Long Island, New York, with offices in New York City, and plans to open additional locations in New Jersey.

For more information about Alonso Krangle or to join the fight and be a part of our team, please contact us at 1-800-403-6191 or visit our website, http://www.FightForVictims.com

Contact: Alonso Krangle LLP

445 Broad Hollow Road

Suite 205

Melville, New York

11747

Toll-FREE 1-800-403-6191

Tel: 516-350-5555

Fax: 516-350-5554

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London, UK (PRWEB UK) 11 February 2012

It is now possible to get effective treatment for high blood pressure and high cholesterol from OnlineClinic. The addition of these new categories means that the company can now provide information and treatments for fifteen different medical and lifestyle conditions to help their patients stay in optimum health.

High Cholesterol

High cholesterol is a problem for many people in the UK and it has the potential to cause a number of serious health complications, including coronary heart disease and atherosclerosis. People who have been diagnosed with high cholesterol will usually be instructed to make a number of lifestyle and dietary changes to minimise the risk of the development of health problems. There are also prescription medications available if these changes are not successful, such as Simvastatin, which is now available at OnlineClinic.

HIgh Blood Pressure

High blood pressure, which is also known as hypertension, is unfortunately very common among adults in the UK, affecting millions of people. It is a potentially fatal condition as it can cause very serious cardiovascular and kidney problems. It is known as the “silent killer” because it is possible for people to be unaware that they are affected. In addition to changes to lifestyle and diet that are usually recommended, prescription medications are often prescribed to help manage the condition. A range of these medications are available to those diagnosed with high blood pressure at OnlineClinic. These now include Ramipril, Lisinopril, Bendroflumethiazide and Amlodipine.

Company Information

OnlineClinic.co.uk offers prescription treatments for a number of common healthcare problems including men’s and women’s health problems, sexual health, obesity, smoking, travel treatments and general lifestyle health. Because OnlineClinic.co.uk specialise in treating sensitive conditions, they offer a simple yet discreet online consultation service with a registered doctor. Patients can complete their private consultation and receive their medication the following day via secure courier.

For more details, visit the website at http://www.onlineclinic.co.uk/ or contact OnlineClinic on 020 7084 7593 or via email on enquiry(at)onlineclinic(dot)co(dot)uk.

OnlineClinic is a brand name of Hexpress Healthcare Ltd, 138 – 140 Mitcham Road, London SW17 9NH, United Kingdom. Phone: 020 7084 7060.

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Flemington, NJ (PRWEB) July 21, 2011

Artcraft Health Education announces that it has won a coveted Grand Award for interactive patient education from the Apex Awards for Publication Excellence. Artcraft Health Education’s winning entry was an interactive easel, “Understanding Multiple Sclerosis.” Apex judges’ comments about the easel included: “Clear, concise copy and reinforcing illustrations work exceptionally well together, making this an excellent display – and an excellent teaching tool.”

In addition, Artcraft Health Education received 3 Awards of Excellence for its integrated health education in oncology and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

“We are honored to receive these awards from Apex,” says Marc Sirockman, General Manager at Artcraft Health Education. “We provide effective education programs that enable patients to take an active role in managing their own health and wellness. Our clients know that Artcraft Health Education programs can improve compliance and health outcomes. It’s gratifying to know that the expert judges at Apex recognize the quality of our work.”

About Artcraft Health Education (http://artcrafthealthed.com/)

Artcraft Health Education is dedicated to providing effective patient education for the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and medical device industries. Artcraft Health Education partners strategically with clients to identify and address the needs of specific patient populations. Our team of experienced medical writers, designers, medical illustrators, animators, editors, and account personnel work with clients to create relevant tools that patients can understand and use.

CONTACT:

Christina Lynch

Artcraft Health Education

70 Church Street

Flemington, NJ 08822

908-782-4921 x4216 (v)

908-782-7158 (f)

clynch(at)artcrafthealthed(dot)com

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Chicago, IL (PRWEB) February 13, 2012

AHA Solutions, Inc. today announced it has issued a Request for Information (RFI) invitation to Professional Liability & Claims Management solutions providers wishing to be considered for the exclusive Endorsement of the American Hospital Association (AHA). AHA Solutions, a subsidiary of the AHA, awards the AHA Endorsement to products and services that support member hospitals and care organizations in their efforts to achieve of operational excellence.

Professional Claims & Liability Management plays a key role in helping hospitals and care systems achieve operational excellence. As the professional liability insurance crisis peaked, many health care organizations turned to alternative risk transfer programs. These programs have proved an affordable option. As a result, however, claims management historically controlled by commercial carriers is now the immediate organizational challenge of care systems. AHA Solutions has responded by analyzing providers of Professional Liability & Claims Management solutions.

According to Mike Albion, Assistant Vice President, Strategic Alliances, AHA Solutions, Inc. “Our investigation of potential Partners has begun in order to connect care providers with the tools required for effective, efficient and economical claims management. Hospitals require keen understanding of their unique needs. Therefore, we are now seeking candidates with the capacity to work closely with care organizations and insurance brokers to develop the claims administration plan; prepare required state filings; ensure regulatory compliance; work to avoid litigation; and, if litigation becomes necessary, to minimize loss. Candidates seeking the AHA’s exclusive Endorsement should demonstrate the capacity and ability to fulfill these responsibilities.”

The AHA Endorsement Process

AHA Solutions has invited organizations that provide Professional Claims & Liability Management to initiate the process of potentially forming an esteemed strategic alliance with the AHA by submitting a completed RFI. Upon approval of a request, AHA Solutions will contact qualified candidates to begin the proprietary AHA Signature Due Diligence Process™. This evaluation process provides a deep financial, organizational and product understanding of potential Endorsed Partners.

A product or service bearing the exclusive AHA Endorsement Seal instills the confidence and prestige of having met the highest standards of the leading national advocate for the nation’s hospitals. To apply, candidates should submit an electronic request to receive the RFI document now or contact Brian Heaton, Project Manager and Senior Analyst, Strategic Alliances, AHA Solutions, Inc. directly at 312.895.2529 or bheaton(at)aha(dot)org.

The AHA Solutions team is committed to identifying products and services that foster operational excellence in hospitals. We appreciate organizations exploring the AHA Endorsement as demonstration of their dedication to our shared commitment.

About the AHA

The American Hospital Association (AHA) is a not-for-profit association of health care provider organizations and individuals committed to the health improvement of their communities. The AHA is the national advocate for its members, which includes nearly 5,000 hospitals and care systems, networks, and other providers of care and 42,000 individuals. Founded in 1898, the AHA provides education for health care leaders and is a source of information on health care issues and trends. For more information, visit http://www.aha.org.

About AHA Solutions

AHA Solutions, Inc. is a resource to hospitals pursuing operational excellence. As an American Hospital Association member service, AHA Solutions collaborates with hospital leaders and market consultants to conduct the proprietary AHA Signature Due Diligence Process™ and identify solutions to hospital challenges in the areas of care continuum, cultural transformation, clinical integration and financial sustainability. As a subsidiary of the AHA, the organization convenes people with like interests for knowledge sharing centered on timely information and research. AHA Solutions is proud to reinvest its profits in the AHA mission: creating healthier communities. For more information, contact AHA Solutions at 800.242.4677 or visit http://www.aha-solutions.org.

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Honolulu Cataract Surgery Practice Now Offering LenSx Femtosecond Laser for Refractive Surgery

Honolulu, HI (PRWEB) February 09, 2012

At his Honolulu cataract surgery practice, Dr. Alan Faulkner has announced he will now be offering the LenSx® Femtosecond Laser for refractive cataract surgery. Developed by Alcon, the LenSx® Laser removes cataracts without the need for a surgical blade. Dr. Faulkner says he is excited about the addition of the new technology to his procedures as it offers surgeons improved precision when performing laser cataract surgery, thus enhanced results for his patients.

Recently approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the LenSx® Laser utilizes a custom-guided laser to perform corneal incisions and anterior capsulotomies, based on the unique qualities of each individual patient’s eye structure. By automating traditionally challenging aspects of cataract surgery and presbyopia treatment, Dr. Faulkner says the LenSx® Laser helps surgeons reduce the risk of a vision procedure and enhance the effectiveness of results. “The LenSx laser has the ability to make precise and reproducible incisions that we believe will improve the visual outcomes in cataract surgery.”

For patients looking for cataract surgery with the LenSx laser, Dr. Faulkner says the addition of new technology to his practice represents a commitment to providing the most advanced, effective procedures and dedicated care to his patients. He adds that as laser vision correction continues to progress through developments like the LenSx® Laser, he hopes to stay at the forefront of emerging techniques and devices in order to improve his patients’ vision and their experience of the wonders of life without dependency upon glasses or contact lenses. “I have been doing both cataract and refractive surgery for over 20 years now. I am amazed and excited to see the precision this new technology has to offer, and believe this will result in improved outcomes for our patients.”

About Alan R. Faulkner, MD

After earning his Bachelor of Arts degree from Northwestern University, Dr. Alan Faulkner received his medical education and degree at the Tulane Medical School in New Orleans, where he was elected to the National Medical School Honors Society Alpha Omega Alpha. He also completed an internship in Internal Medicine, residency training in Ophthalmology, and a Fellowship in Oculoplastics, Ocular Oncology, and Orbital Disease from Tulane. Dr. Faulkner has also served on the full-time faculty at Tulane as an Assistant Professor of Ophthalmology. He is a Fellow of the American Academy of Ophthalmology, board-certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology, a founding member of the American College of Opthalmic Surgeons (ACOS), and a member of the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons, the International Society of Refractive Surgeons, and several other professional organizations.

Located at 1100 Ward Ave. Ste. 1000 in Honolulu, HI, Dr. Faulkner’s practice, Aloha Laser Vision can be reached at (808) 792-3937. He can also be contacted online via the website alohalaservision.com or facebook.com/alohalaservision.

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Dad and daughter playing together.

San Francisco, CA (PRWEB) February 09, 2012

Armin Brott, of MrDad.com and Paul Banas of GreatDad.com are on the hunt for the best toys for dads and kids. Brott is the author of The Expectant Father and seven other bestselling books on involved fatherhood. Banas is Publisher of Pregnancy magazine. Both men strongly believe in the importance of involved dads in child development.

MrDad.com and GreatDad.com are promoting positive parenting for dads is by evaluating toys, services, and other products that help strengthen father/child bonds and awarding them their Seals of Approval.

Awarded quarterly, submissions are now open for the Mr Dad Seal of Approval and Great Dad Recommends Awards. The deadline for the Winter 2012 submissions is March 9. Winners will be announced on March 27.

“As dads, we know how hard it is balance life’s pressures to be the best fathers we can be,” says Paul Banas, founder of GreatDad.com. “But we also know that dads are more likely to get down on the floor and play a game if they like it too. We search for products and services that make it fun and easy to be involved fathers. We hope that by identifying toys that dads will play with too, families will spend more time together. The seals programs help us find new products that will help other dads—and their families.”

The New York Toy Fair, the largest in the Western Hemisphere, is the perfect venue to see many toys and games in one place and test games for dad interest. Dad-friendly toys and games are then tested with dads and kids together.

“Next to ‘I love you, Daddy,’ some of the sweetest words a father can hear are, ‘Hey Dad, can we play that again?’ But as our kids get older, it gets progressively harder to find activities to do with them,” says Armin Brott, bestselling author and founder of MrDad.com. “We created the Mr. Dad Seal of Approval to help dads (and those who love them) identify top-quality, fun products and services that will help them and their children stay connected at every age. Each seal recipient has been field tested by other dads to ensure that it truly has that play-it-again factor.”

Winners receive endorsements on GreatDad.com and MrDad.com, the two leading parenting websites for dads and can be used in advertising and on packaging. Winners may also be mentioned in Brott’s nationally syndicated newspaper column and radio shows, which air on over 500 stations. Past recipients include Lego, Haba USA, The Smithsonian, and Wild Creations.

Manufacturers large and small have also found that earning recognition from MrDad.com and GreatDad.com is good for business. “The GreatDad Recommends and Mr. Dad Seal provide assurance to our vendors that we have built a quality product that they can feel confident to sell to their customers,” adds Wayne Lifshitz, CEO, Full Sail International, LLC.

Banas and Brott are available for interviews to discuss the selection process, past winners, and their soon-to-be-released book collaboration, The Playful Father, which will feature many Seal and Recommends winners.

Submission categories include:

    Pregnancy and infancy

    Toddler and pre-school

    Elementary school

    Tweens and Teens

    Good for all ages

    Websites

    Family Wii games

    Kid-friendly websites and mobile apps

    Products and Services for dads who are away from their kids.

The last category is a new addition because so many families are separated these days. Both GreatDad.com and Mr. Dad are especially interested in recognizing products, services, and organizations that help fathers and their children stay connected–even when dad is far away. That could be because of military deployment, business trips, or even divorce.

Notes for News Editors

About MrDad.com

Headquartered in Oakland, California, MrDad.com, along with founder, Armin Brott, has helped millions of men around the world become the fathers they want to be. The author of eight bestselling books on fatherhood, Armin also writes the nationally syndicated newspaper column, “Ask Mr. Dad,” and hosts the internationally syndicated “Positive Parenting” radio show.

About GreatDad.com

Headquartered in San Francisco, California, GreatDad.com is a leading source of experience, recommendations, inspiration and advice for dads – delivered from the male perspective. GreatDad.com has the only weekly pregnancy newsletter written for dads.

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Milwaukee, WI (PRWEB) February 04, 2012

Brian Ewald of Ewald Chevrolet Buick in Oconomowoc, Wisconsin, has been nominated for the 2012 TIME Dealer of the Year award. A well-known Waukesha Chevy Buick dealer, Ewald is one of a select group of dealers from across the country that will be honored at the 95th annual National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) Convention & Exposition in Las Vegas on February 4, 2012. The announcement of this year’s nominees was made by Kim Kelleher, worldwide publisher of TIME, and Tim Russi, executive vice president, North American Operations, for Ally Financial.

The TIME Dealer of the Year award is one of the automobile industry’s most prestigious and highly coveted honors. Recipients are among the nation’s most successful auto dealers who must also demonstrate a long-standing commitment to community service. Ewald, 58, was chosen to represent the Wisconsin Auto & Truck Dealers Association in the national competition – one of only 50 auto dealers, from 17,000 nationwide, nominated for the 43rd annual award.

The award is sponsored by TIME Magazine in association with Ally, and in cooperation with NADA. A panel of faculty members from the Ross School of Business at the University of Michigan selects one finalist from each of the four NADA regions and one national Dealer of the Year.

“It’s my passion and pleasure to be a Chevy Buick dealer in Milwaukee,” said Ewald. “The automobile business has provided me with an opportunity to teach my two children my passion and conviction for nurturing the human spirit and how that translates to enjoying my career, building a successful legacy and hoping they achieve the same in their futures.”

That legacy began when Ewald worked for his father’s Chevy Buick dealership in Milwaukee at the age of 12 doing odd jobs during junior high and high school.

“The privilege to work at an early age was a gift from my father because it taught me a strong work ethic and a discipline of how to earn money and keep it,” he said. “The varied jobs I did at this time in my young career served as a foundation for other roles that I would tackle in learning how to eventually run a store of my own.”

Ewald commuted daily from Milwaukee to the University of Wisconsin, Whitewater, while maintaining fulltime employment at the family business throughout college.

“This initial stage of work also helped to build a desire and passion for the family business that led to the commitment I made to serve our business for a lifetime,” he added.

Today, the Ewald Automotive Group has six dealerships, plus Mayfair Rent-A-Car and Mayfair Leasing, and is owned by Ewald and his three brothers. Ewald’s father Emil and brother Craig were also chosen to represent the Wisconsin Auto & Truck Dealers Association in the national competition in 1998 and 2001, respectively. His two children and two nephews also work for the business.

The Waukesha area Chevy Buick dealer also gives back to his community as a member and contributor of the American Legion, Oconomowoc Chamber of Commerce, Oconomowoc Rotary and Oconomowoc Lions. He has been a consistent contributor to the YMCA StrongKids Program and CenturyClub, an auxiliary sponsor/contributor for Oconomowoc Memorial Hospital Foundation, official sponsor/ contributor for the Wisconsin Harley Davidson Ridin’ to a Cure breast cancer ride and donated to create the Ewald Soccer Field & Ewald Family Pavilion for the Oconomowoc Soccer Association.

Nominated for the TIME Dealer of the Year Award by William Sepic, president of the Wisconsin Auto & Truck Dealers Association, Ewald and his wife Betty have two children and two grandchildren.

As part of its support for the program, Ally will make charitable contributions to local community causes on behalf of all 50 nominated dealers across the United States. In addition, the 2012 national TIME Dealer of the Year winner will receive a $ 10,000 contribution for a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization of his or her choice.

About Ewald Automotive

Ewald Automotive Group has been a Southeastern Wisconsin car dealer since 1964. Ewald Automotive has an extensive inventory of new and used vehicles including trucks, SUVs, commercial vehicles, certified used cars and budget vehicles at all seven Southeastern Wisconsin automotive dealership locations. Ewald Automotive offer Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge, Ram, Chevrolet, Ford, Buick, Kia and Airstream. Ewald also offers a state-of-the art service department, Ewald Fleet Solutions and a vehicle rental company, Mayfair Rent-A-Car.

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