American Laser Centers, the largest and most successful laser hair-removal, skin-rejuvenation and cellulite reduction therapy company in the country, today announces a promotional partnership with Detroit's urban radio station, WJLB-FM 98. The promotion will educate WJLB listeners about reducing the appearance of cellulite through American Laser Centers cellulite reduction therapy treatment VelaSmooth. VelaSmooth, offered at American Laser Centers nationwide, as well as in metro-Detroit clinics, is a device using radio-frequency energy, infrared light and mechanical manipulation to reduce the appearance of cellulite.

To launch the program, WJLB-FM 98 morning show personality CoCo will receive VelaSmooth treatments at American Laser Centers' Grosse Pointe location and will be the voice of radio commercials on the station.

Doctors squeezed by Medicare's cuts

Half of the people Dr. Charles Hickey sees at his Columbus ophthalmology practice are Medicare patients. He makes little money on them, he says, because Medicare pays at or below his costs. Hickey, however, makes a profit when he performs surgery and sells eyeglasses. He plans on increasing this side of his practice. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services have proposed cutting payments to doctors next year by 5.1 percent. Hickey and other physicians have done the math. Right now, many have quit adding Medicare patients or are cutting them. More are planning to do the same. And many are turning to moneymaking procedures, such as cosmetic surgery, or are selling products, including beauty aids. "I really didnt spend 12 years in school to sell glasses, but thats half our income right now," he said.