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UST Global and University Cardiovascular Medical Group Team Up to Fight Global Heart Disease Growth

Posted on: Tuesday, 10 June 2008, 12:00 CDT

UST Global(SM), a leading provider of IT services and solutions for Global 2000 enterprises, announced today that in an effort to help employees worldwide protect themselves and their families from the growing incidence of heart disease, UST is hosting a live "Heart Health" presentation and 15-city Webcast on June 11, 2008. The event will feature world-recognized cardiologist Jignesh Patel, M.D., Ph.D. of University Cardiovascular Medical Group (Westwood and Westlake Village, Calif). Dr. Patel is also a clinical professor of Cardiology at the University of California, Los Angeles.

Speaking live to employees at the company's Calabasas facility and via Webcast to four U.S. and 11 international UST Global locations, Dr. Patel will explore how shifting economic factors have led to a dramatic increase in the global rate of heart disease and will offer UST's 5,500-employee audience strategies for identifying and managing their own personal heart disease risk.

"Heart disease crosses all socio-economic and geographic borders, as is evidenced by the alarming rate increases we've seen over the last several years in many parts of the world, particularly in developing countries," said Dr. Patel. "There are a host of issues contributing to this, including the adoption of a more Western lifestyle, increased tobacco use and existing population-specific risk factors that are now being exaggerated. Companies like UST Global are wise to address this growing health threat head on by empowering their employees to learn more and take charge of their own heart health."

Heart disease is a well-known health threat in the United States, with one person killed every 34 seconds and more than 80 million affected (American Heart Association 2008). At the same time, developing countries, including India, China, Japan, Russia, Brazil and several African nations, are experiencing a dramatic rise in heart disease, diabetes and stroke. In fact, one recent study estimates that by 2010 India will account for 60 percent of the world's heart disease (The Lancet, April 26, 2008).

"While many employers may question the viability and future of their employee health programs when facing uncertain global economic conditions, we are completely committed to giving our associates the resources they need to improve their overall health and well-being," said Barry Newton, UST Global's chief wellness officer. "Heart disease is clearly a growing threat to us all, and until that risk diminishes, we will continue to offer our employees access to the critical information and practical advice that an expert like Dr. Patel can provide."

UST Global's "Heart Health" presentation and Webcast is the first major employee event developed as part of the company's comprehensive worksite wellness initiative, announced on March 25, 2008. It will be broadcast to approximately 5,500 employees at UST Global locations in Calabasas and Aliso Viejo, Calif; Chicago; Vancouver; New York; Boston; London; Geneva; Dubai; Kochi, Chennai and Trivandrum, India; Singapore; Kuala Lumpur; Makati, Philippines; and Hong Kong.

About University Cardiovascular Medical Group

University Cardiovascular Medical Group is a world-recognized cardiology practice dedicated to the prevention and management of cardiovascular disease. Its unique approach brings together an experienced team of physicians, researchers and clinical staff who work in concert to provide individualized patient care and an unparalleled level of customer service. For more information or to schedule an appointment at UCMG, please call (310) 794-1200.

About UST Global

UST Global(SM) is a leading provider of end-to-end IT services and solutions for the Global 2000 market. UST Global offers a Client-centric Fully Integrated Engagement Model that provides the optimal mix of senior local resources with the cost, scale and quality advantages of offshore operations for each client. The company is known for its relentless focus on clients, flexibility, and commitment beyond contract. Headquartered in Aliso Viejo, California, UST Global has more than 5,500 employees worldwide and is certified globally as CMMI(R) Level 5, P-CMM(R) Level 5 and ISO 27001. For more information visit: www.ust-global.com.

Source: Business Wire

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