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Statistics Show Drop In Births, Lower Demand For Infertility Services During Recession
More people in the Atlanta area and across the U.S. are delaying pregnancy in a possible reaction to the current economic recession, leading to a decline in the number of couples seeking infertility treatments, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports. According to the Journal-Constitution, 13 states saw a decrease in the number of recorded births in 2008 compared with 2007. The Georgia Hospital Association reports that there were 5,352 fewer recorded births in Georgia in 2008 than in 2007. Mark Perloe of Georgia Reproductive Specialists said there has been a 20% decline in the number of people seeking infertility services. To retain business during the economic downturn, Perloe said Georgia Reproductive Specialists is offering a discount on select services of as much as 70%.Elisabeth Burgess, a Georgia State University sociology professor who focuses on families, said, "In times of economic downturns, different people react in different ways." For some people, "[f]amily becomes more important, so you might decide to have a child." The Journal-Constitution reports that one cycle of treatment can cost $15,000 or more, which some people pay for through credit, retirement savings or home equity loans. Evelina Sterling, co-author of a book on budgeting finances for infertility treatments, said that 70% of infertility patients cover the costs of the treatments completely out of pocket. She added that some older infertility patients "can"t wait on" the economy to recover to start a family.Carol Hogue, a professor of maternal and child health at Emory University, said there has been a "very predictable" pattern of reduced births during periods of economic recessions dating back to the Great Depression. The Journal-Constitution reports that some people delay planned pregnancy because of concerns over job security, health insurance, income and the cost of raising a child. Statistics from USDA show that the average middle-class family will pay $11,000 to raise a child in the first year, with the largest portion of that cost going to child care. The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality reported in 2007 -- the latest year for which data are available -- that prenatal care and routine delivery costs about $7,600 after insurance (Cash, Atlanta Journal-Constitution, 5/24).

Campaign Welcome Parliamentary Report Exposing Serious Failings In Treatment For Alcohol Dependents Across England
UK Advocates (UKA), a new charitable campaign group dedicated to helping the still suffering alcoholic achieve lasting sobriety, has welcomed the All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Alcohol Misuse report published which calls for urgent action to address serious shortcomings in the treatment of alcohol dependents in England.
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New Data Confirm That Diovan(R) And Valsartan-Based Combinations Offer Patients Sustained, 24-hr BP-lowering Efficacy
Data presented at the 19th Scientific Meeting of the European Society of Hypertension (ESH) confirm that Diovan® (valsartan) and valsartan-based combinations deliver sustained, 24-hr blood pressure (BP)-lowering efficacy2-6.
Mental Health

American Red Cross And ArcelorMittal Launch "Creating Safer Communities" Program

ArcelorMittal and the American Red Cross are launching a new national partnership, Creating Safer Communities, designed to bring important safety training and res to people who live and work in communities where ArcelorMittal operates. ArcelorMittal, the world"s leading steel company, provided a grant of $152,500 to be distributed in multiple communities across the US. The program will provide health and safety education to more than 1,800 community members in addition to thousands of ArcelorMittal employees and their families. "ArcelorMittal"s number one priority is the health and safety of our workforce," said Heather Loebner, Manager, Corporate Responsibility, ArcelorMittal Americas. "This commitment extends beyond our facilities to the neighborhoods in which we operate. By partnering with the American Red Cross, one of the most respected non-profit organizations in the world, we are aligning our commitment to the community with our ongoing employee safety goals. Through Creating Safer Communities we will engage both our neighbors and employees in a shared mission to live and work more safely." Several ArcelorMittal facilities have existing relationships with their local Red Cross chapters, and Creating Safer Communities brings these efforts together to maximize the positive impact in local communities across the US. All of the participating Red Cross chapters will host educational events, such as trainings in fire safety, general first aid and disaster preparedness, throughout the year for community members at a free or discounted rate. Over 10 million people a year enroll in Red Cross first aid, CPR/AED, water safety and other health and safety courses where they learn lifesaving and care giving skills. "Every day across America, local Red Cross chapters are leading communities in preventing, preparing for and responding to emergencies," said Michael J. Brown, vice-president Corporate and Foundation Partnerships of the American Red Cross. "We continue to make an impact because of the generous gifts of time, blood and money from the American public and caring corporate partners like ArcelorMittal." ArcelorMittal is partnering with the following Red Cross chapters through the Creating Safer Communities program: - American Red Cross of Greater Chicago (ArcelorMittal USA/Americas headquarters) - American Red Cross, Coastal South Carolina Chapter (ArcelorMittal Georgetown - S.C.) - American Red Cross, Northland Chapter (ArcelorMittal Minorca - Minn.) - American Red Cross of Northwest Indiana (ArcelorMittal Indiana Harbor - Ind.) - American Red Cross, Porter County Chapter (ArcelorMittal Burns Harbor - Ind.) - American Red Cross, River Valley Chapter (ArcelorMittal Weirton - W.Va.) - American Red Cross, Southeast Louisiana Chapter (ArcelorMittal LaPlace - La.) - American Red Cross, Southeastern Pennsylvania Chapter (ArcelorMittal Coatesville and Conshohocken - Pa.) - American Red Cross of Susquehanna Valley (ArcelorMittal Steelton - Pa.) About ArcelorMittal ArcelorMittal is the world"s leading steel company, with operations in more than 60 countries. ArcelorMittal is the leader in all major global steel markets, including automotive, construction, household appliances and packaging, with leading R&D and technology, as well as sizeable captive supplies of raw materials and outstanding distribution networks. With an industrial presence in over 20 countries spanning four continents, the Company covers all of the key steel markets, from emerging to mature. Through its core values of sustainability, quality and leadership, ArcelorMittal commits to operating in a responsible way with respect to the health, safety and wellbeing of its employees, contractors and the communities in which it operates. It is also committed to the sustainable management of the environment and of finite res. ArcelorMittal recognizes that it has a significant responsibility to tackle the global climate change challenge; it takes a leading role in the industry"s efforts to develop breakthrough steelmaking technologies and is actively researching and developing steel-based technologies and solutions that contribute to combat climate change. In 2008, ArcelorMittal had revenues of $124.9 billion and crude steel production of 103.3 million tons, representing approximately 10 per cent of world steel output. ArcelorMittal is listed on the stock exchanges of New York (MT), Amsterdam (MT), Paris (MT), Brussels (MT), Luxembourg (MT) and on the Spanish stock exchanges of Barcelona, Bilbao, Madrid and Valencia (MTS). For more information about ArcelorMittal visit: http://www.arcelormittal.com American Red Cross


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