Health Advocate™, Inc. Announces Major West Coast Expansion

Plymouth Meeting, PA (Vocus/PRWEB) February 10, 2011

Health Advocate™, Inc., the nation’s leading independent healthcare advocacy and assistance company, today announced that it has expanded its sales team with the hiring of five new sales professionals in new strategic locations (Orange County, CA; Los Angeles County, CA; San Francisco County, CA; Multnomah County, OR; Denver County, CO) to market the company’s services in several key west coast areas. The company has hired veteran sales professional Kevin Astrup to serve as Regional Vice President, Sales. Mr. Astrup will be responsible for managing the company’s west coast region.

“The west coast market is quickly adopting our health advocacy services and continues to present an enormous opportunity for our company,” said David Rocchino, Executive Vice President of Sales and Cofounder of Health Advocate. “California is the fourth largest market for our current client base and Kevin’s years of experience, along with the talents of the entire team, will help us grow well beyond our existing presence in these key areas.”

Mr. Astrup, along with the western sales team, will be responsible for expanding the coverage of the company’s spectrum of award-winning, cost-saving, health benefit solutions to employers and other organizations.    

The West Coast Team:
Kevin Astrup, Regional Vice President, Sales
Orange County, CA
Focus: The entire west coast market

Ken Holt, Assistant Vice President, Sales
Los Angeles County, CA
Focus: Southern CA including Los Angeles, Orange County and San Diego

Kathy Adler, Assistant Vice President, Sales
San Francisco County, CA
Focus: Northern California including the San Francisco Bay area and Silicon Valley

Kirk Landau, Assistant Vice President, Sales
Denver County, CO
Focus: Areas of eastern California; Denver, CO; Phoenix, AZ; Las Vegas, NV; Utah

Mary Margaret Craford, Assistant Vice President, Sales
Multnomah County, OR
Focus: Portland, OR, and Seattle, WA

“The current healthcare and insurance environment is extremely confusing and costly for everyone,” says Astrup. “Health Advocate provides an innovative suite of healthcare products that assist in the delivery of care, making the system easier to navigate, improving health outcomes and saving money for employers and employees alike. I am excited to be leading this amazing Health Advocate sales team and we look forward to bringing these products to a wider number of Americans.”

About the West Coast Sales Team

Kevin Astrup, Regional Vice President, Sales
Orange County, CA
Mr. Astrup brings with him 20 years of insurance sales and team management experience, which includes the sale, retention and support of a variety of employer health benefit products.

Before joining the Health Advocate team, Mr. Astrup directed and managed the California Local Group sales of specialty products for Anthem Blue Cross in Costa Mesa, CA. There, he sold Life & Disability, Dental, Vision and EAP products to large employer groups. Anthem Blue Cross awarded Mr. Astrup the 2007 Life Sales of the Year and 2006 Rookie of the Year awards. Mr. Astrup is a Registered Health Underwriter (RHU) as well as the current President of the Orange County Employee Benefits Council (OCEBC). He received a degree in Physical Science from the United States Naval Academy and served as a Commanding Officer and Operations Officer in the Marines. In 1992, Mr. Astrup was named “National Reserve Marine Junior Officer of the Year” by the United States Marine Corps.

Ken Holt, Assistant Vice President, Sales
Los Angeles County, CA
Mr. Holt will focus on selling Health Advocate’s services to mid- and large-size employer groups, Fortune 1000 companies, healthcare consultants, brokers, general agents and third party administrators in Southern California including Los Angeles, Orange County and San Diego. His goal is to grow the company’s client base in the western territory while increasing awareness about Health Advocate with prospects and distribution channels.

Mr. Holt brings with him years of health insurance industry sales and operations experience. In his 19 plus years in the industry, Mr. Holt was a top producer for a variety of health insurance carriers including Western Dental Services and UnitedHealth Group where he sold new business to Fortune 500 Companies and 1000+ Employee-sized Employer Groups, cross-marketed multiple products, and helped develop new territories for their regional companies. He also participated in the development of a start-up Preferred Provider Organization.

Kathy Adler, Assistant Vice President , Sales
San Francisco County, CA
While working at Health Advocate, Ms. Adler will focus her sales efforts on the San Francisco Bay area. She will be selling Health Advocate’s solutions to employer groups, consultants, brokers, and third party administrators. Ms. Adler brings with her 30 years of experience in sales and account management in the healthcare industry where she sold and managed medical, behavioral health, health and wellness, and EAP products. Ms. Adler previously worked for ValueOptions® Managed Care Company and MHN, a Health Net Company, where she sold and managed EAP, Mental Health/Substance Abuse, Health and Wellness, and Integrated products to large employers, third party administrators, health plans, brokers, and consultants. Ms. Adler is a member of the Golden Gate Association of Health Underwriters and has a Life Agent license. She resides in the San Francisco Bay area.

Kirk Landau, Assistant Vice President, Sales
Denver County, CO
Mr. Landau will be responsible for new business growth and the development of consultant and broker relationships in the West and Midwest, specifically California, Colorado, Arizona, Nevada, and Utah. Mr. Landau has over 10 years experience in the health and benefits industry, including positions with Mercer, MetLife, and Anthem Health Insurance. He graduated from Temple University with a bachelor’s degree in Risk Management and Insurance and grew up in the Philadelphia area. He now resides in Colorado with his wife.

Mary Margaret Craford, Assistant Vice President, Sales
Multnomah County, OR
Ms. Craford will focus her sales efforts on Portland, OR, and Seattle, WA. In her new role, she will work directly with employers and broker/distributors to maximize the value of their benefit programs by engaging them in a partnership with Health Advocate to deliver the company’s solutions. Ms. Craford brings with her over 25 years of benefits expertise. She previously worked for American Fidelity Assurance and FamilyCare Health Plan, Inc. where she sold insurance products to employer groups. She began her career as an independent insurance broker. Ms. Craford lives in Portland, Oregon.

About Health Advocate
Health Advocate™, Inc., the nation’s leading independent healthcare advocacy and assistance company, offers a spectrum of time- and money-saving solutions to businesses. We serve more than 20 million Americans and 7,000 clients—including the nation’s largest companies—offering expert, personalized help to navigate the complex healthcare system and resolve clinical and insurance issues. Our complementary solutions, offered for an additional charge, include Wellness Advocate™, Benefits Gateway + Health Information Dashboard™, EAP and Work/Life™, as well as Pricing Decision Support and HR solutions. The company also offers a direct-to-consumer advocacy service, called Health Proponent® to individuals who are not part of groups.

Founded in 2001 and headquartered in suburban Philadelphia, Health Advocate, has been recognized for the fourth consecutive year as one of America’s fastest growing private companies by Inc.500, named one of the Fastest Growing Companies in North America on Deloitte’s 2010 Technology Fast 500™ and is rated one of the Top 20 Best Places to Work by Philadelphia Magazine.

Health Advocate is not affiliated with any insurance or third party provider. Health Advocate does not replace health insurance coverage, provide medical care or recommend treatment.

HealthAdvocate.com
HealthProponent.com

Contact:
Jessica Parker-Smith
Public Relations Director
Health Advocate, Inc.
D: 610-397-7753/ Toll Free: 866-385-8033 x7753
C: 484-354-8084
jparkersmith(at)healthadvocate(dot)com

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Petaluma Spa Features Moisturizing Face Creams and Much More for...

Petaluma, CA (PRWEB) February 10, 2011

Florencia®Skin and Body Care, a Petaluma spa that specializes in moisturizing face creams and a wide assortment of unique beauty products and treatments, is featuring Valentine’s Day specials guaranteed to make everyone feel pampered and loved.

Florencia is offering customers stellar discounts through Monday, February 14, on a number of organic and customized beauty treatments, including original Florencia products. Customers can enjoy 20 percent off of creams, moisturizers and serums that are the perfect gift this Valentine’s Day. Discounted products include the Vitamin C Serum, Luminous Peptide Serum, Wrinkle Firming Cream and Sage and Citrus Moisturizer. Customers can also purchase for themselves and/or loved ones discounted beauty services.

Give the royal treatment with the Florencia Wellness Facial or the Anti-Stress Cocoon Facial, both for 20 percent off. Both deals are Internet exclusives, so be sure to mention the Web promotion when claiming the discount.

This Petaluma spa is also offering bubble bath roses, a luxurious alternative to traditional long -stemmed roses. Infused with a pomegranate and fig fragrance and made from organic white tea, these bath roses are a romantic and nourishing gift for every valentine.

About Florencia®Skin and Body Care

Florencia®Skin and Body Care is located in Petaluma, California, the heart of California’s Wine Country. Founded by Michelle Cox, this Petaluma spa carries integral skin treatment products that combine organic botanicals and the latest scientific innovations. Michelle’s Cosmetics products are specially designed to invigorate the skin and aid in the reversal of acne, aging and sun damage. Her skin products are created for at-home use and are ideal compliments to Florencia’s in-spa treatments.

The Petaluma spa can be found at 718 East Washington Street in Petaluma, California. Visit the spa to try out the innovative moisturizing face creams, assorted unique serums and in-spa treatments and procedures.

For more information please contact:

Michelle Cox
Florencia Skin & Body Care
707-789-0168
home(at)florenciaskin(dot)com

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New Targeted Websites for the Doan Law Firm, P.C. Help Injured Victims...

Houston, TX (PRWEB) February 11, 2011

Recovering from a serious injury is difficult enough without having to deal with the complexities and often subversive tactics of insurance companies who deny or reduce valid claims. When injured, even small tasks can be arduous; searching for a well-respected personal injury attorney should not be. Houston residents who have been involved in preventable accidents rely on the legal skills of the Doan Law Firm, P.C. to represent their rights and interests against large insurance companies. The firm has invested in new targeted websites in order to facilitate the client's process of finding an experienced injury attorney to represent their case.

Being injured, especially when the injury is serious or catastrophic and prevents work or normal daily activities, can make the victim feel impotent. Being unable to recover the damages can exacerbate this feeling and bring it further into reality, as medical payments and lost income can quickly drive a person deep into debt. With the help of a knowledgeable Houston personal injury attorney http://www.houston-injury.com/, however, victims can focus their efforts on recovering physically while he focuses his efforts on recovering damages. Mr. Doan is as committed to his clients during the legal process as he is to securing compensation for their losses. He is well-regarded by past clients because of his caring and supportive demeanor. The importance of hiring an effective injury attorney cannot be overstated; thus, having strong online visibility is of the utmost importance for law firms in the modern era.

Houston personal injury lawyer http://www.houston-injury.com/ Jimmy Doan fights aggressively against puissant insurance corporations who place profit above the lives and livelihoods of accident victims. He strongly believes that this practice is reprehensible, and that no victim of negligence should ever go without compensation for medical expenses and other damages, which may include unearned income due to incapacitation, lost benefits from unemployment, necessary health aids, property damage, emotional trauma and suffering. By involving an assertive legal professional from the very beginning, victims not only have a better chance at obtaining full compensation, but the process is often much faster than when they attempt this financial recovery alone. His newly designed website and effective marketing package enable to easily give helpful information about personal injury claims and his practice to injured individuals, regardless of whether or not they retain his services.

Contact a Houston Personal Injury Attorney http://www.houston-injury.com/ at the office for effective legal counsel.

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On Its First Anniversary "Ending The Nightmares Of Easy...

Jacksonville, FLorida (Vocus/PRWEB) February 10, 2011

Jan Doan, the self-proclaimed Doctor of Bruiseology, announces that he's having his first book on providing the answers to the questions regarding people's tendency to bruise easily entitled Ending the Nightmares of Easy Bruising or The Definitive Desktop Reference on Bruising Causes and Bruise Prevention is now being bound for presentation to independent pharmacists all over the United States.

When many people suddenly begin to discover bruises on their arms and legs with no recollection of what could have caused the bruises, they typically ask "Why is this happening to me?"

Doan states that he wrote his reference book a year ago to answer that question from others and answer his own questions "Why me?" and "What do I do now?" Now he states "It only makes sense to provide this book to the pharmacists because they're the folks that actually see and deal with the people that have the easy bruising problem directly.

This unique book answers, for the layman, the questions of the whys and hows of the causes of easy bruising. Pharmacists will be able to quickly refer to the book, just like any other reference book, to answer their clients' questions about bruising.

Mr. Doan further commented "Information on easy bruising is scattered all over the internet, but this book is a single source for information on the causes for easy bruising, and a source of true guidance for helping people overcome the tendency to bruise easily."

Folks have gotten life changing answers from the book to questions like these:
    What exactly causes a bruise to form?    Why have I just started to bruise easily for almost no reason?    Does my lifestyle have any affect on my easy bruising?    Is there anything I can do to prevent bruising?

Doan also stated "It's so much easier to deal with a problem, if you can seek solutions from a central knowledge base.", and that's the whole reason for placing this book in the hands of the people who can put the information to its best use to help people overcome their tendency to bruise easily.

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Ocean of Love Public Service Awards to be Held February 19th -- Smart...

Toms River, NJ (PRWEB) February 11, 2011

Ocean of Love is a non-profit, charitable organization dedicated to helping Ocean County children with cancer and their families. Our purpose is to assist the children through their illness. We provide financial and emotional support so that they can experience the “normal” joys of childhood, knowing their lives are significant and meaningful to each and every one of us.

Serving over 400 families since 1988, which have lived in Ocean County for 6 months or more, Ocean of Love provides:

· Counseling
· Support Group Meetings
· Food Assistance
· Household Bill Assistance (Utilities, Mortgage, etc.)
· Travel Expenses to and from hospitals that are not covered by other means
· Funeral expenses
· Holiday adoptions & Parties
· Car repairs
· And much more…

Each of our families are treated as friends . . . they are not a number or name without a face. Many consider us a lifeline to hold onto at any time, day or night. When we lose a child to cancer, our contact with the family does not end; this is when we are needed even more.

Many years of devotion by board members, benefactors, staff and above all the generous grassroots efforts of the public has made our mission a reality. Over 400 children and their families of which 50% are considered cancer free have been helped by us. Unfortunately we lose 25% to this appalling disease. The other 25% continue their battle daily.

You Can Help:

· Referrals of Children with Cancer
· Volunteers needed: nurses, social workers, babysitters, office help
· Donations
· Your talents for fund raisers
· Your business or trade may be available to service the needs of a family

Ocean of Love
1709 Hwy 37E
Toms River, New Jersey 08753

Linda Gillick, Executive Director

Office: 732-270-3500
Fax: 732-270-5775
Office Hours: Monday-Friday 8am-4pm
Emergency Cell phone: 732-267-5113

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New Hypnosis Marketplace eStore Allows People to Download Hypnosis...

Orlando, FL (PRWEB) February 10, 2011

Moments Of Magic Inc. has launched HypnosisMarketplace.com, a unique online store that provides instant access to hundreds of Self Hypnosis Audio Recordings that people can enjoy in the privacy and comfort of their own home.

Everybody has heard about the power of the subconscious mind and how the power of suggestion can help people improve their lives. The truth is, people have the resources within themselves to make the changes they desire, but sometimes accessing those resources can be difficult and people get stuck in a particular behaviour or pattern.

Hypnosis opens the subconscious gateway and allows people to consider options and choices without pre-judgment. When more choices and possibilities are brought into our conscious awareness, people get unstuck and are able to move forward and make the changes they desire.

People experience a very deep state of relaxation while listening to our Hypnosis mp3 sessions. Many people report that they feel more relaxed than at any other time in their lives, with the exception of actually sleeping. The result is that the body gets the additional benefit of being in a state of rest and repair which in itself is highly therapeutic.

Much mystery has been built up around Hypnosis through movies and stage performances, so it’s important for people to know the truth about Hypnosis. Hypnosis is a state of relaxation that focuses attention on internal thoughts and feelings, using a person's imagination to explore new possibilities.

Essentially, all Hypnosis is Self Hypnosis and the listener is the one in control, it’s their experience. When people are listening to our recordings they can open their eyes or stop the recording at any time. This rarely happens however, because people find the recordings so relaxing and enjoyable.

You have probably heard the term “there’s an app for that” well at Hypnosis Marketplace we like to say “There’s a mp3 for that!”. Whether you’re looking to build self-confidence, fall asleep more easily, eliminate phobias, change a behavior or just relax and reduce stress, there is a MP3 Hypnosis Session available through our site that can help.

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New Survey in the Wake of Health Care Reform to Reveal Critical...

Indianapolis, IN (Vocus/PRWEB) February 10, 2011

United Benefit Advisors, LLC (UBA), (http://www.UBAbenefits.com ), one of the nation’s leading employee benefits advisory organizations, today announced the opening of the 2011 UBA Benefit Opinions Survey, which delineates employers’ opinions in five key areas: Health Plan Strategies, Benefits Philosophy and Opinion, Health Plan Management, Personal Health Management and Employee Communications.

The survey results will provide employers who participate with critical benchmarks that allow them to compare their attitudes and strategies regarding employer-provided health care with those of their peers and competitors. “Employers will learn which strategies are actually being implemented (rather than just talked about) and which ones are really working,” said William Stafford, Vice President, Member Services for UBA. The survey results compile information from employers representing all major industry classifications, employee size categories and regions of the country.

“Health plan strategies, philosophy, management and communication of health plans will be an important focus for employers in the upcoming months as the debate on health care continues in Washington. As we have seen in prior opinion surveys conducted by UBA, there will undoubtedly be some surprises that we will identify and include in our analysis,” Stafford said.

The survey is open from Feb. 7 through March 4. Employers who participate in the 2011 UBA Benefit Opinions Survey will receive a complimentary electronic synopsis of the final report.

To participate, visit UBA’s website at: http://www.UBAbenefits.com .

ABOUT UNITED BENEFIT ADVISORS (UBA)
UBA is a Member-owned alliance of more than 140 premier independent benefit advisory firms with offices in more than 165 locations throughout the U.S., Canada and the U.K., and is one of the nation's top five employee benefits advisory organizations. UBA also conducts the annual UBA Health Plan Survey, the nation’s largest and most comprehensive validated survey of plan design and plan costs ever conducted. With responses from 17,113 health plans sponsored by 11,413 employers nationwide, the UBA Health Plan Survey provides health plan benchmarks by a greater number of specific industries, regions and employer size categories than is available from any other resource.

CONTACT:
Bill Olson
Marketing Manager
United Benefit Advisors
317-660-6652
bolson(at)UBAbenefits(dot)com

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