Abstract: Disclosed is a combination food and nutraceutical package which provides convenient and easy access to a food product and at least one nutraceutical. The packaging comprises two segments which secure the food product and the nutraceutical so as to provide a shelf-stable environment that prevents contamination between the various contents. In one embodiment, a single nutraceutical is packaged with a food product. In other embodiments, multiple nutraceuticals with a food product are secured. In yet another embodiment, the food product and nutraceuticals are placed within a tray and then sealed with the two segments. The food product is preferably a fruit based substance, but it may take other forms. The nutraceuticals may be a solid mass, in pill or capsule form, or they may be liquid housed within a container.

Abstract: Medical communication systems and related methods are provided for facilitating the sending of medical treatment related communications to users of various user communication devices, such as wireless devices, over one or more networks. Medical devices providing patient care may be in communication with the system, and transmit operational data thereto. Errors detected in individual medical devices may be operative to transmit notifications to manufacturers. Users of such a communication device may securely log on to a host computer system and access information through the communication device or otherwise. Such information is accessible to all affected entities involved in the administration of healthcare. By utilizing various embodiments of the systems and methods, medical professionals and/or other users can receive timely updates of medical data related to a particular patient independent of location or time of day.

Abstract: A life settlement method is provided for fractionalizing a life insurance policy in response to economic circumstances of an insured having a life expectancy. The method may include the steps of determining a settlement payout goal in response to the economic circumstances of the insured; determining a policy market value of the life insurance policy in response to the life expectancy of the insured; calculating a settlement percentage in response to the settlement payout goal and the policy market value, the settlement percentage being representative of a percentage of the life insurance policy being assignable by the insured; and calculating a settlement payout in response to the settlement percentage, the settlement payout being payable to the insured in exchange for assignment of the settlement percentage.

Abstract: A method of determining a composite life expectancy of an insured is provided. The composite life expectancy may be for purposes of evaluating issuance of a life settlement policy. The method may include the steps of collecting personal medical data being representative of medical circumstances of the insured; collecting actuarial data being representative of actuarial circumstances of the insured; calculating a medical life expectancy in response to the medical data of the insured; calculating an actuarial life expectancy utilizing a statistical analysis of the actuarial data of the insured relative to other persons of the same actuarial circumstances as the insured; and determining the composite life expectancy in response to an evaluation of the medical life expectancy and the actuarial life expectancy of the insured.

Abstract: An edible drinking straw for use in consuming beverages is disclosed. A first layer of a fruit film is coated with a zein solution, and spirally wound. Subsequent layers of the fruit film may be wound on the first layer, each subsequent layer being attached to the previous layer with an adhesive. The outer surface of the straw may be coated with the zein solution.

Abstract: Medical communication systems and related methods are provided for facilitating the sending of medical treatment related communications to users of various user communication devices, such as wireless devices, over one or more networks. Users of such a communication device may securely log on to a host computer system and access information through the communication device or otherwise. Such information is accessible to all affected entities involved in the administration of healthcare, including physicians, hospital staff, healthcare administrators, skilled nursing/assisted living facilities, pharmacists and family members/guardians of patients. By utilizing various embodiments of the systems and methods, medical professionals and/or other users can receive timely updates of medical data related to a particular patient independent of location or time of day.