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September is Pain Awareness Month, and Scottsdale's True REST Float Center - the first in the United States to offer REST pod technology - is conducting research on pain relief and helping individuals conquer their pain.

True REST (Restricted Environmental Stimulus Therapy) is a zero-gravity environment allowing the mind and body to truly rest. Flotation Therapy is a special solution of salinated water utilizing 1,200 pounds of epsom salt. The buoyancy makes floating on water feel like floating on air.

A recent chronic pain study focused on 20 participants entering treatment with an average pain of 6, on a scale of 1 to 7, characterized as "dreadful." After undergoing consecutive daily REST Pod sessions, 70 percent of the participants experienced no pain after only three sessions.

"Anyone who has experienced chronic pain knows how debilitating it is," said True REST owner Nick Janicki. "It's rewarding to help our clients lead pain-free, productive lives."

"It was rather miraculous for me," said one client, who had undergone back surgery and tried a myriad of painkillers to minimize his discomfort. Another patient also preferred the natural REST Pod sessions over medication to relieve her migraine headaches. The medicine, she said, would knock her out for 12 to 15 hours at a time.

In addition to pain relief, clients also experience multiple benefits from REST Pod therapy. One client said he felt as if he awoke from 10 hours of good sleep. Another said he felt exceptionally clear-headed after his session.

A standard one-hour float costs $79. True REST also offers special pain-relief packages:

• Minor pain/injury - 5 float sessions (valued at $395) for $249
• Moderate pain/injury - 10 float sessions (valued at $790) for $475
• Severe pain/injury - 20 float sessions (valued at $1,580) for $899

"We're so confident that float sessions will alleviate our clients' pain," said Janicki, "that any client who purchases a pain/injury package and does not experience at least a 50 percent decline in pain while in the REST Pod, after four sessions, will receive a full refund of their money." He notes that, to achieve optimum results, sessions must be redeemed in consecutive days, without skipping any days.

The facility is at 15033 N Thompson Peak Parkway, Suite D101. For more information, visit http://www.truerest.com or call 480-389-0853.

Graymark Healthcare (Nasdaq: GRMH) announced that it has added two new sleep centers in Texas and Nebraska with the signing of agreements to provide on-site services to Goodall-Witcher Medical Center in Central Texas and Henderson Community Hospital in Nebraska. These agreements continue to execute on Graymark's strategy to expand the availability of sleep medicine in rural communities that otherwise might not have access to comprehensive sleep care.  "These are important partnerships as they position and validate our model to offer customized services to meet the needs of medical centers and sustain a business model where all stakeholders win," said Stanton Nelson, Chairman and CEO of Graymark Healthcare.  With these strategic partnerships Graymark Healthcare now manages and provides care in 93 Sleep Centers in 11 states.

"Goodall-Witcher Medical Center in Central Texas is very pleased to be able to offer sleep studies locally.  Previously patients would have to travel to Waco or other distant areas for these services," commented Clarence Fields, Jr., FACHE, President/CEO.  "Not only will Goodall-Witcher Medical Center be able to serve patients locally for these tests, but it will also service patients referred by physicians and providers located in surrounding areas," Fields added.

"It is amazing how many individuals I see on a regular basis with sleep disorders," said Dr. Kenneth Lowrance, APRN, FNP-BC, Family Nurse Practitioner/Vice President at Goodall-Witcher.  "Once diagnosed with sleep apnea, treatment has resulted in almost miraculous changes in many patients' lives.  One cannot underestimate the value and importance of high quality sleep in optimizing one's ability to function and in improving their overall quality of life." 

"Graymark Healthcare is honored to create an alignment with Goodall-Witcher Medical Center and Henderson Community Hospitals to provide sleep diagnostic and treatment services," said Stanton Nelson.  "The Graymark Healthcare Comprehensive Care Model for Sleep Disorders including obstructive sleep apnea complement the care offered by hospitals and medical centers and allow them to provide state-of-the-art sleep disorder services in a high quality, affordable manner," Nelson continued.

The management agreement between these Medical Centers and Graymark Healthcare become effective in July; the sleep centers will begin seeing patients in August.

Graymark Healthcare, Inc. is a diversified medical holding company that owns and operates diagnostic sleep centers that treat a wide range of sleep disorders; independent pharmacies that serve the needs of local markets; and a medical equipment company that provides both disposable and durable medical equipment. Graymark plans to continue its growth both internally and through strategic acquisitions within the medical industry.

This press release may contain forward-looking statements which are based on the Company's current expectations, forecasts and assumptions. Forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties which could cause actual outcomes and results to differ materially from the Company's expectations, forecasts and assumptions. These risks and uncertainties include risks and uncertainties not in the control of the Company, including, without limitation, the current economic climate and other risks and uncertainties, including those enumerated and described in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, which filings are available on the SEC's website at www.sec.gov. Unless otherwise required by law, the Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

Sleep HealthCenters, a leading provider of sleep medicine services in the US, is proud to announce the formation of SleepPartners (www.sleeppartners.com) - a nationwide network of exceptional accredited sleep centers with board-certified sleep specialists and a focus on superior sleep disorder care.

The expertise of these sleep programs combined with their geographic reach extends high quality sleep medicine services throughout the country under one network. Each SleepPartners member shares a common vision of the value of sleep as it relates to overall health and wellness. Beyond local sleep medicine centers, the network offers services on a national basis, such as corporate wellness and payer disease management programs.

A recent example is the latest recommendation of the National Transportation Safety Board that all transportation providers test their employees for sleep apnea. The SleepPartners network is in an optimal position to design and implement customized sleep testing programs for these national organizations.

"Corporate Wellness Programs educate employees on the importance of sleep, screen employees for sleep disorders, diagnose those screened as high-risk and then provide treatment options and follow-up care. The SleepPartners network members provide the flexibility and responsiveness critical to offering these services nationally," said Paul Valentine, CEO of Sleep HealthCenters.

Each SleepPartners center reflects a consistent level of quality, evidenced by accreditation through the American Academy of Sleep Medicine or The Joint Commission, board-certified sleep specialists, and the ability to provide a comprehensive sleep medicine program including evaluation, diagnostics, treatment and long-term management for all sleep disorders.

"The SleepPartners network allows our centers to be connected to other sleep centers in the country who share a unified approach to sleep medicine," states Joseph M. Ojile, MD, Medical Director of the Clayton Sleep Institute in St. Louis. "This ensures consistent care and a high level of quality is maintained, whether a patient or employer is in Boston, St. Louis, or Phoenix."

The SleepPartners network currently includes close to 100 centers across the United States and is increasing to offer sleep medicine services in every major region in the United States.

SOURCE Sleep HealthCenters

In preparation for its Winter of 2009 opening, True REST Float Center has launched its new website, http://Truerest.com. The center is the first in the United States to offer REST pod technology.

The website walks potential clients through every step of the float experience. In addition to a video overview, site features include:

• An online reservation system
• Members' area
• Special discounts
• Live help
• Complimentary products and services
  

Flotation REST (Restricted Environmental Stimulus Therapy) involves floating on top of a pool of saltwater - 10 inches of purified water and 800 pounds of specifically formulated Epsom salt imported from Germany. Because of the high salt content of the water, which is heated to skin surface temperature, a person is able to float effortlessly. According to the website's video, the "special solution of salinated water makes floating on water feel like floating on air."

Owner Nick Janicki said Flotation REST - originally developed in the '70s - is an idea whose time has come. Recent studies have linked lack of sleep to problems ranging from obesity, memory loss, and a weakened immune system. True REST owner Nick Janicki said the REST pod is designed to take flotation into the 21st century. "Lack of sleep is approaching epidemic proportions," said Janicki. "We believe 60 minutes in our technology will surpass the benefits gained from the most restful sleep."

Flotation REST also has been associated with the following benefits:

• Eliminates jet lag
• Alleviates stress
• Energizes, rejuvenates and revitalizes
• Quickens rehabilitation and recovery
• Relieves pain
• Boosts immunity
• Improves circulation
• Reduces blood pressure, pulse, heart rate and oxygen consumption
• Sharpens mental clarity and alertness
  

The 60-minute float sessions include a wide variety of musical choices and guided audio. Audio guidance can help clients experience enhanced mental, physical, and emotional states. Specific sound frequencies can help clients tap into more of the brain's innate abilities, enter deep meditative states reliably and easily, reduce stress, enhance creativity and become more productive.

    Membership packages are available as follows:

    Basic: $59 (one float per month)
    Plus: $99 (two floats per month)
    Premium: $180 (four floats per month)

Many additional services and benefits are provided to members free of charge, including an oxygen bar, quiet room and loyalty points.

"With medical factors pointing to the importance of rest, Flotation REST sessions are not a luxury but a necessity for a healthy lifestyle," said Janicki. "I invite anyone interested to visit http://Truerest.com for more information - and, in November, to visit our facility and experience it for themselves."

SOURCE True REST Float Center

The Sleep Center at Baylor University Medical Center at Dallas recently received accreditation from the American Academy of Sleep Medicine. The center at Baylor Dallas is one of only two dozen accredited centers in North Texas.

"Accreditation provides formal recognition of our commitment to quality scientific research and care for patients suffering from sleep disorders," said David L. Luterman, M.D., sleep medicine physician and pulmonologist on the medical staff at Baylor Dallas and director of the Sleep Center at Baylor Dallas. "We are proud to be an accredited resource for the community."

The Sleep Center at Baylor Dallas offers comprehensive care for more than 80 sleep disorders and other conditions, including sleep apnea, restless legs syndrome, insomnia, daytime sleepiness, and narcolepsy.

"Sleep disorders can profoundly affect a person's physical and emotional health," said Dr. Luterman. "Our sleep center designs a personalized diagnostic and treatment program to meet each patient's needs."

To receive a five-year accreditation, a sleep center must meet or exceed all standards for professional health care as designated by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine. The accreditation process involves detailed inspection of a center's facility and staff, including an evaluation of testing procedures, patient contacts and physician training. Additionally, the facility's goals must be clearly stated and include plans for positively affecting the quality of medical care in the community it serves.

SOURCE Baylor University Medical Center at Dallas