Tag Archives: demand

Demand for Timber Frame Houses is ‘Good news’ for Forestry investors, says FRA

A new report from MTW Research shows that demand for timber frame housing will increase hugely over the coming four years in the UK. This could prove good news for forestry investors, according to FRA.

Bainbridge Island, WA, April 11, 2012 – A new report from MTW Research shows that demand for timber frame housing will increase hugely over the coming four years in the UK. This could prove good news for forestry investors, according to Forestry Research Associates (FRA).

The researchers found that as demand for sustainable, energy efficient building materials increases, sales of timber frame homes will increase by 60 per cent in volume. Sales values will increase even further, growing by 80 per cent from current levels.

FRA, a research and analysis consultancy focusing on forestry investment, claims that those with investments in the timber industry could benefit from this new popularity of timber framed homes. The researchers claim that new regulations, such as the Code for Sustainable Homes is helping to promote timber as one of the lowest carbon forms of construction material.

“The research carried out by MTW Research was very comprehensive,” stated FRA’s analysis partner, Peter Collins. He added, “Around 80 per cent of the industry was involved in the study and much of the industry seemed extremely positive about what the future holds in store for them.” Growing demand is expected to come from the house-building sector, but also from the commercial, leisure and retail sectors, which are all also under pressure to turn to more sustainable building materials.

FRA is an advocate of investment in sustainable forestry projects, such as those run by Greenwood Management in Brazil. More and more people are investing in alternative asset classes such as forestry as the traditional financial markets continue to be volatile places to invest – where people can lose a fortune overnight.

“Investing in forestry and timber, however, is much less risky,” added Mr Collins, who went on to say, “If your timber stocks come to maturity at a time when the market is less than strong, you can just hold on a little longer before harvesting and watch your asset continue to grow in the meantime.”

Contact:
Peter Collins
Forestry Research Associates
620 Vineyard Lane
Bainbridge Island, WA 98110
(206) 316 8394
info@forestry-research.com
http://www.forestry-research.com

Demand for Total Joint replacement on the rise in Pennsylvania

The Pennsylvania Orthopaedic Society (POS) acknowledged the findings of a Pennsylvania Health Care Cost Containment Council (PHC4) report released today.

Harrisburg, PA, April 04, 2012 – The Pennsylvania Orthopaedic Society (POS) acknowledged the findings of a Pennsylvania Health Care Cost Containment Council (PHC4) report released today. Information contained in the report, Orthopedic Surgery in Pennsylvania: Total Joint Replacement and Common Spine Procedures, indicates Pennsylvania has followed the national trend of increased joint replacement procedures and spinal fusion.

Total joint replacements are among the most commonly performed and clinically successful surgical procedures in the United States. Typical reasons for these joint replacement procedures are pain and decreased quality of life from osteoarthritis. “The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimate that by 2030 the demand for total hip replacements will increase 175% and the demand for total knee replacements is projected to grow six fold”, stated POS President Greg Gallant, MD MBA. “The PHC4 data shows that Pennsylvania has a mature and active senior population who want to stay in the game. The Baby Boom generation has broken down many barriers and they are now conquering a sedentary old age. Advancing orthopedic technology will help pave the way to meet the need predicted by the CDC and demanded by Pennsylvania’s aging citizens.” New research presented at the 2012 Annual Meeting of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) found that more than 4.5 million Americans are living with a total knee replacement (TKR), as the number of TKR surgeries has more than doubled over the past decade.

Joint replacement rates in Pennsylvania, according to the PHC4 report, are slightly higher than the national average. “The slight increase in this statistic is indicated by the Commonwealth’s aging population the percentage of citizens over the age of 65”, Gallant indicated, “according to 2010 national census data, Pennsylvania ranks 4th in the United States by percentage of population age 65 and older . The prevalence of osteoarthritis in an aging population is a significant contributor to the growing demand for joint replacement procedures.”

The PHC4 data also shows that Pennsylvania is in line with national trends in regard to common spine procedures.

“An increase in demand for procedures comes with a price, however,” said Gallant. “POS members are taking active steps to reduce hospital costs while simultaneously improving patient care. One of which is the development of a national joint registry. “ The American Joint Replacement Registry is designed to collect data from hospitals around the country in order to recognize patterns in implant performance. “Improved information on device and treatment effectiveness provides the opportunity to reduce revision rates, reduce complication rates, and improved device selection to maximize longevity and function; the intent is that the registry will bring both improved patient safety and a significant cost reduction.”

Restoring patient quality of life and maintaining patient safety are paramount in all total joint procedures. Surgeons and hospitals have taken steps to prevent infection and other complications which may result from these surgeries. “Surgeons are partnering with hospitals to implement cost effective patient centered care. Programs such as patient post-operative planning help increase mobility and improve outcomes,” said Gallant.

POS is a professional medical specialty organization representing over 1000 orthopaedic surgeons across Pennsylvania in advocating for excellence in the practice of orthopaedic medicine. For more information on the importance of bone, joint and muscle health at every age, visit the POS website at www.paorthosociety.org

Contact:
Beth Weachter
PA Orthopaedic Society
510 North Third Street
Harrisburg, PA 17101
717-909-8901
beth@paorthosociety.org
http://www.paorthosociety.org/