Real-Time Health Management Through Text Messaging

When Dr. Jennifer Dyer, an assistant professor of pediatrics at Ohio State University, discovered that 2.5 billion text messages are sent each day in the US and that calling plans of roughly 75 percent of teens have unlimited text messaging, she decided to try to harness the power of text messaging for her teen diabetics.

According to an article in The Suncoast News, Dr. Dyer, who is also an endocrinologist at the Nationwide Children's Hospital, in Columbus, Ohio, conducted a study on the effects of weekly customized text messages to her teen diabetics.

"Every Time There Is Change, There Is Opportunity"

HMENews, page 8
August 2010

THE UTAH MEDICAL EQUIPMENT DEALERS ASSOCIATION (UTMED) held its annual conference in May at the Embassy Suites in Salt Lake City. One of the hot topics at the conference:  competitive bidding. Panel speaker Rich McKeown, president and CEO of Leavitt Partners and chief of staff for former HHS Secretary Michael Leavitt, said of the program:  "The train has left the station.  I have no doubt that competitive bidding is here to stay.  There will be some that will adapt and thrive in this new structure and some will just go away.  Every time there is change, there is opportunity."

The Pulmonary Press

MedGroup
Volume 1, Issue 1, August 2010

COPD Awareness Improves,  But Work Still Needs To Be Done

Awareness of COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) is still low, but it’s improving. That’s the take-home message from a survey conducted in 2009 by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI). According to the government agency, 68% of adults are now aware of COPD, up from 64% in 2008 and just 49% in 2004. Awareness among current smokers rose from 69% in 2008 to 74% in 2009.

Less than half of all adults, however — just 44% — understood that the COPD can be treated. Physicians maintained a more optimistic view, with approximately nine out of 10 primary care physicians agreeing that available treatments can optimize quality of life for their patients with COPD.

“Awareness is an important first step,” says James P. Kiley, PhD, director of the NHLBI Division of Lung Diseases. “However, awareness alone is not enough. People at risk of developing the disease need to know what the disease looks and feels like, and most importantly, to understand that it can be treated. The key is to get tested and start treatment as soon as possible.”

Petersen Medical — A Proud Sponsor of Camp Kostopulous

Saturday, July 10th, 2010, was the first annual Wasatch Wheelchair Rally held at beautiful Liberty Park in Salt Lake City. This event was organized to raise funds for Camp Kostopulos' year-round adaptive recreation programs and activities for more than one thousand youth and adults with physical and mental disabilities.

Petersen Medical not only had the opportunity to participate as a sponsor for this great event, but also sent volunteers to answer mobility questions and inspect wheelchairs for spectators and race participants.

We even provided free water!

It was great to participate in the support of such a great cause.  Several employees brought their children to help.  What a great way to promote acceptance and understanding for people with special needs.

Petersen Medical Employees Cut 120 Bear Kits for the Utah Children's Justice Center.

At Petersen Medical, one of our core values is “serving others first”. As part of that value and our commitment to serve the community, we have committed to participating in at least one service project each month.

For April, our service was focused on the Utah Children’s Justice Centers and the teddy bears provided to children who have been abused.  The bears are donated by a volunteer group called the “Teddy Bear Ladies”

Utah’s Children’s Justice Centers provide a child-friendly atmosphere designed to help children feel safe and comfortable while they are being interviewed regarding alleged abuse.

Petersen Medical Employees Stock Anna's Treasures for Young Pregnant Women

The Pregnancy Resource Center is a non-profit, charitable organization dedicated to helping those unprepared for pregnancy. They help young women learn about their pregnancy options and help them through difficult times. One of the services they provide is called Anna's Treasures. Anna's Treasures is their baby boutique filled with baby items to help those in need. Young mothers earn Mommy Dollars by attending parenting classes. These dollars can be spent in the baby boutique on items that they need. They carry maternity clothes, layettes, and infant and toddler clothes.  Other items they offer include diapers, baby wipes, baby bottles, nursing needs, formula, baby furniture, new car seats and toys.

Company Gives Back to Community in a Major Way as Thanks for 40 Years of Business

PARKCITY.TV
SALT LAKE CITY, UT (April 28, 2009) — Petersen Medical— a company providing high-quality home medical equipment to Utahns and Coloradoans with in-home respiratory, mobility and medical equipment needs—celebrated its 40 years of business by conducting 40 acts of giving and service that reached throughout Utah, Colorado, nationally and even internationally. The celebration of service included community service, charitable contributions, community beautification, education and cultural contributions.
  
With six retail locations in Utah and Colorado and a corporate office, Petersen Medical was able to make a difference on a broad scale, with such acts of service as helping build a house for Habitat for Humanity, giving a Ronald McDonald House room a complete makeover, volunteering for the Special Olympics Indoor Games, providing Thanksgiving dinners and pies to select families, sending supplies with respiratory therapists volunteering in Africa, donating to flood victims and so much more.