Sex::Tech 2009 Speakers Announced

Sex::Tech 2009 Speakers Announced

Sex::Tech 2009 - Focus on Youth is all about marketing to youth to engage them in making change around sexual health - how to educate, inform and inspire youth to make good decisions about their own lives.

Oakland, CA (PRWEB) February 24, 2009 -- Distributive Networks and Buckworld One are two of the powerful acts planned to present at Sex::Tech 2009 (http://www.sxtechconference.org). Hosted by Internet Sexuality Information Services (ISIS) (http://www.isis-inc.org), Sex::Tech 2009 will bring together researchers, academicians, healthcare professionals, technology companies and youth and youth advocate groups, for a two-day event packed with new research and insights on sexual health and technology.

Distributive Networks, creator of the text message initiative that anchored President Obama's historical campaign, will present case studies addressing the use of technology for social change. Buckworld One, an electrifying theatre production group from Southern California, will bring together hip hop, spoken word, the use of digital media and krump dancing, to offer a provocative view into the world of the African American "exburb" youth community.

Sexually transmitted diseases are among the most common infectious diseases in the U.S. today, especially among our youth, escalating the need for innovative education and prevention solutions. The theme of Sex::Tech 2009 is Focus on Youth. Viral marketing, use of mobile tech, and pop culture/media influence are a few of the topics planned for discussion at this year's event.

Additional featured speakers at Sex::Tech 2009 include:

•    John Santelli, Columbia University

•    Sheana Bull, University of Colorado

•    Mitchell Tepper, Morehouse School of Medicine

•    Philip Massey, UCLA School of Public Health

•    Marion Howard and Melissa Kottke, Emory University

To register for the event, visit: http://www.sxtechconference.org/register.html. For information on sponsorships, contact Gabriela Aranda at (877) 665-2250 or gabriela (at) isis-inc (dot) org.

About ISIS

ISIS, Inc., based in Oakland, CA, is a nonprofit organization working locally, nationally, and internationally to develop innovative sexual health resources through technology and effective collaboration among corporate, public, and nonprofit sector partners for awareness, education and prevention programs that improve people's lives. For more information visit: http://www.isis-inc.org/.

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Contact Information Danielle Simmons

DMS Public Relations

http://www.isis-inc.org/

650-991-8899

New survey: Flu Shot Still not Catching on, Especially at Retail Clinics

New survey: Flu Shot Still not Catching on, Especially at Retail Clinics

A new survey from global market research firm Synovate shows that less than half of Americans (42%) received the flu vaccine during the past six months. Of those, only 10% received it at a pharmacy and just 4% received it at a retail clinic.

Chicago, IL (PRWEB) February 24, 2009 -- According to a new survey by leading market research firm Synovate, less than half of Americans (42%) received the flu vaccine during the past six months. Of those, only 10% received it at a pharmacy and just 4% received it at a retail clinic.

Although there is a much higher rate of flu vaccination among older Americans 65+ (80%), especially compared to those in younger age groups, this is still lower than the federal government's target of 90% flu immunization for the elderly.

"While most older Americans have accepted the importance of the flu shot, adoption among those who are younger is still quite low," said Terri Crudup, Vice President for Synovate's Healthcare practice. "This is likely because the messages they've heard have focused on the elderly and those working with people who are ill - such as hospital workers - needing it more than the general population."

Among respondents with at least one dependent in their household, less than half (42%) report that their dependent(s) received the flu vaccine in the past six months, and the majority of them (74%) obtained the flu vaccine from their pediatrician's office.

Of those who had obtained the flu vaccine in the past six months, the majority report having received the vaccine either from their doctor's office (43%) or from their employer (23%). Pharmacies and retail clinics in large stores were less popular venues, especially among those aged 18 to 44, suggesting either low patient awareness or low acceptance of such venues for healthcare access.

"Even though retail clinics are actively advertising their ability to give the flu vaccine, it's clear that people are not often using them for that purpose," said Crudup. "This may be because they don't trust retail clinics, they think that their health insurance will only cover the flu vaccine if it's obtained at a doctor's office and / or that they receive their flu shot when they're visiting the doctor for another reason."

Not surprisingly, people in the lowest annual household income bracket (under $25K) are significantly less likely to obtain the flu vaccine compared to those in higher income brackets.

The survey was conducted by Synovate Healthcare (www.synovate.com/healthcare) via Synovate's Omnibus service (www.synovate.com/whatwedo/omnibus-research) with a nationally representative sample of 879 heads of household ages 18+ during January 2009.

About Synovate

Synovate, the market research arm of Aegis Group plc, generates consumer insights that drive competitive marketing solutions. The network provides clients with cohesive global support and a comprehensive suite of research solutions. Synovate employs over 6,000 staff across 62 countries.

For more information on Synovate visit www.synovate.com.

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Contact Information Jennifer Chhatlani

Synovate

http://www.synovate.com

1-312-526-4359

Alternative Surface Disinfection Explored in Latest Issue of American Journal of Infection Control (AJIC)

Alternative Surface Disinfection Explored in Latest Issue of American Journal of Infection Control (AJIC)

Groundbreaking research published in the February issue of the American Journal of Infection Control validates a new surface disinfection process that may one day replace chemical disinfectants in hospitals.

Seattle WA (Vocus) February 24, 2009 -- Groundbreaking research published in the February issue of the American Journal of Infection Control (http://www.ajicjournal.org/) validates a new surface disinfection process that may one day replace chemical disinfectants in hospitals. The process incorporates a saturated steam vapor system with TANCS® technology, harnessing the power of steam to eradicate antibiotic-resistant bacteria, viruses, and fungi on surfaces in less than 5 seconds.

The study, "Reduction in Infection Risk Through Treatment of Microbially Contaminated Surfaces With a Novel, Portable, Saturated Steam Vapor Disinfection System," (http://preview.tinyurl.com/ajicjournal) was designed and overseen by Dr. Benjamin Tanner, president and scientific director of Antimicrobial Test Laboratories (http://www.antimicrobialtestlaboratories.com/). The study set out to determine the capability of the TANCS-equipped steam vapor disinfection system to kill microorganisms, reduce surface-associated infection risks and serve as an alternative to chemical disinfectants.

"During rigorous testing, the TANCS system surprised us in several instances with its efficacy," Dr. Tanner said. "It has been gratifying to see the research peer-reviewed for AJIC and to have our lab findings published in a medium easily accessible to the infection control community."

Dr. Tanner and staff treated a diverse assortment of pathogenic organisms, including vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecalis (VRE), methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and MS2 coliphage, with the TANCS system. Surface sanitation was observed within 2 seconds for most microorganisms, and all of the pathogens tested were completely inactivated within 5 seconds. Risks of infection from the contaminated surfaces clearly decreased with increasing periods of treatment.

The results confirm what Rick Hoverson, principal of Advanced Vapor Technologies (http://www.advap.com/tancs) (AVT), has seen in tests performed by other independent laboratories.

"The present level of HAIs, the ever-increasing number of multi-drug-resistant pathogens, along with concerns over use and exposure to chemicals, highlights the need for a simpler, safer, broader-spectrum and faster-acting surface disinfection protocol," Hoverson said. "This published paper represents a valid scientific basis for such a protocol."

TANCS, or Thermal Accelerated Nano Crystal Sanitation, is a patent-pending process available from AVT. According to the company, the TANCS chemical-free pre-treatment causes nano crystals to form in common tap water. When the TANCS-treated water is transformed into super-heated low-moisture steam, the crystals are energized and disrupt microbial cell walls and membranes. This, coupled with the protein denaturing effect of the moist heat, rapidly and reliably kills a broad range of pathogens.

"We are excited that this paper will create confidence and awareness in the infection prevention and environmental services sector that effective, less toxic alternatives are readily available," Hoverson said. "We believe that the more the infection control community learns about this efficacious alternative, the more the advantages will become apparent."

The American Journal of Infection Control (http://www.ajicjournal.org/) covers key topics and issues in infection control and epidemiology. Infection control professionals, including physicians, nurses, and epidemiologists, rely on AJIC for peer-reviewed articles covering clinical topics as well as original research. As the official publication of the Association for Professionals in Infection Control (APIC) and Epidemiology, Inc., AJIC is the foremost resource on infection control, epidemiology, infectious diseases, quality management, occupational health, and disease prevention.

About Advanced Vapor Technologies

Seattle-based Advanced Vapor Technologies (AVT) provides state-of-the-art steam vapor sanitation systems that enable deep cleaning and disinfection, reducing the dependence on potentially harmful or corrosive chemicals. Carrying an EPA establishment number, TANCS steam vapor units have been tested and proven to disinfect surfaces in less time and with greater safety and efficacy than typical EPA-registered chemical disinfectants. For more information, contact Rick Hoverson, principal of Advanced Vapor Technologies (http://www.advap.com/tancs), at 800-997-6584.

About Antimicrobial Test Laboratories

Antimicrobial Test Laboratories (ATL) (http://www.antimicrobialtestlaboratories.com/) is an independent testing facility specializing in the research and development of antimicrobials, including disinfectants. ATL's principal Dr. Benjamin Tanner holds a B.S. in Molecular Biology and a Ph.D. in Microbiology and Immunology from the University of Arizona, where he studied environmentally mediated disease transmission and assessed infection risks for workers.

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Contact Information Rick Hoverson

Advanced Vapor Technologies

http://www.advap.com/tancs

800-997-6584