In Service

The Companion Animal Market is a huge sector of the US economy and has an important impact to the Kansas City area. For 2009, it’s estimated that $45.4 billion will be spent on our pets in the U.S.

Think non-traditional retailers haven’t noticed the trends? Think again. Big name companies including Paul Mitchell, Omaha Steaks, Origins, Harley Davidson and Old Navy are now offering lines of pet products ranging from dog shampoo, pet attire, and name-brand toys to gourmet treats and food.

Heart Smart Business

On a sunny June morning in 2005, Neita Wiese’s life changed in a moment. Her heart literally stopped beating. Her miraculous survival of a life-threatening heart attack is truly a testament to the quick action of co-workers, emergency responders and hospital staff.

What was ironic is that Neita had a career reciting the symptoms that she nearly ignored. She was a National Marketing Director for the American Heart Association (AHA) and she also sold cardiovascular pharmaceuticals. To say that this was a “wake-up” call in her life is an understatement.

 

 Neita Wiese of Neita's Charleston Vinaigrette [10:50m]: Play Now | Play in Popup

Hearts Powered by Horsepower

The Victory Junction Gang recently announced a site selection for its second, medical camping facility for children with chronic medical conditions or serious illnesses. The expansion of Victory Junction will be located built on 71 acres in Wyandotte County, Kansas, pending Unified Government review and approval.

Victory Junction Gang is a year-round facility that enriches the lives of children with chronic medical conditions or serious illnesses by providing life-changing camping experiences that are exciting, fun, and empowering, in a safe and medically-sound environment. As a not-for-profit organization, the camp operates solely through the support of generous donors to provide this experience free of charge to children and families.

 

 Victory Junction Gang at the Kansas Speedway [18:02m]: Play Now | Play in Popup

Family Practices are Ailing

“If Family Medicine doesn’t change, along with the U.S. Health Care system, the family practice as we know it will cease to exist in the next 10-15 years.”

That was one of findings of a study entitled “The Future of Family Medicine” commissioned by the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP).

TransforMED was inspired by the practice redesign recommendations of the report that called for “a financially self-sustaining national resource (to be) implemented to provide practices with ongoing support in the transition to the New Model of family medicine.”

 

 Terry McGeeney, MD of TransforMED [17:56m]: Play Now | Play in Popup

 

 Douglas E. Henley, MD & Terry McGeeney, MD of AAFP [13:57m]: Play Now | Play in Popup

Putting ‘Health’ Back in Healthcare

The topic of “health care” is not a subject that I believe is to be discussed in polite company. There are more layers here than an onion and it’ll bring tears to your eyes just the same.

That said, I am glad to know that there are organizations and individuals out there who are still fighting the good fight.

A group that has been serving that capacity for more than 60 years is the American Academy of Family Physicians

 

 Douglas E. Henley, M.D. of American Academy of Family Physicians [16:36m]: Play Now | Play in Popup