Positron partners with MedAxiom

Positron (Indianapolis), a molecular imaging solutions company focused on nuclear cardiology, said that they have signed on as a corporate partner with MedAxiom. MedAxiom is a comprehensive subscription-based service provider and information resource exclusively for cardiology practices. MedAxiom's network is compiled of more than 300 practices representing 5,400 physicians covering 45 states across the U.S. MedAxiom is a community of cardiology practice executives, administrative leaders, physicians and business office teams that strive to be more effective and efficient through sharing of operational practice data, best practice business strategies, positive and negative experiences as well as insights into the future of cardiology.

"Aligning with MedAxiom provides Positron direct access to most all cardiology practices in the country and many that are in the immediate market for Positron's products," said Mark Wilson, director of business development for Positron. "The MedAxiom membership is our exact target market. The products and services which Positron provides truly benefit the types of cardiology groups that make up the MedAxiom membership and community. Positron's solutions for PET and SPECT address the evolving market conditions that face all cardiology groups today."

AHIMA launches new PHR web site

To increase its personal health record (PHR) public outreach, the American Health Information Association (AHIMA; Chicago) has launched the new myPHR.com web site that will channel important health information to healthcare consumers, including the seven audience segments most inclined to embrace PHRs &$8211; parents, students, seniors, caregivers, chronically ill, travelers and athletes.

"Being actively involved in your personal healthcare is paramount to sustaining and improving your health," said AHIMA board president Vera Rulon. "The personal health record is a key to gaining control and improving your health. AHIMA's myPHR.com provides you with the tools you need to start and maintain your own PHR."

CDC study focuses on obesity prevalence

A study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC; Atlanta) showed that blacks had 51% higher prevalence of obesity, and Hispanics had 21% higher obesity prevalence compared with whites.

Greater prevalences of obesity for blacks and whites were found in the South and Midwest than in the West and Northeast. Hispanics in the Northeast had lower obesity prevalence than Hispanics in the Midwest, South or West. The study, in CDC's Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, examined data from 2006-2008.

"This study highlights that in the United States, blacks and Hispanics are disproportionately affected by obesity,'' said William Dietz, MD, Director of CDC's Division of Nutrition, Physical Activity, and Obesity, "If we have any hope of stemming the rise in obesity, we must intensify our efforts to create an environment for healthy living in these communities."