Thursday, June 29, 2006

New Research Finds 472 Million People Worldwide Have Potentially Been Affected by Dams

New Research Finds 472 Million People Worldwide Have Potentially Been Affected by Dams

First Ever Global Analysis Examines How Dams Have Impaired Food Security and Livelihoods, Offers Pragmatic Solutions for Mitigating Dam Impacts

Arlington, VA (Vocus) June 9, 2010

Today, The Nature Conservancy (http://www. nature. org/) and partners released a new report calling attention to the large number of river-dependent people that have been affected by dams around the globe. Published in a special issue of the Water Alternatives journal recognizing the 10th anniversary of the World Commission on Dams, the findings reveal that at least 472 million people have potentially experienced negative consequences to their incomes and livelihoods.

“There are many places where dams (http://www. nature. org/initiatives/freshwater/strategies/dams. html) have undeniably provided economic benefits such as flood protection, irrigation, and hydropower, but as this report shows they have also caused serious consequences for some of the world’s most vulnerable people,” said Brian Richter, The Nature Conservancy’s Global Freshwater (http://www. nature. org/initiatives/freshwater/) Program Director and lead author of the report. “At a time when global dam-building is rampant, we need to be smarter about planning for and operating dams in ways that alleviate harmful human and ecological impacts.”

While previous studies have focused on the number of people displaced by dam building projects, this paper, “Lost in Development’s Shadow: The Downstream Human Consequences of Dams,” provides the first ever analysis of the populations located downstream of dams whose livelihoods have been adversely affected by dam-induced changes in river systems. These changes can include altering the natural patterns of water flow, blocking movement of fish trying to reach spawning and feeding areas, and damaging human livelihoods such as fisheries, flood–recession agriculture, or floodplain grazing. Alterations in a river’s natural rhythm can and frequently do cause lifecycles and natural processes to break down, hurting not just the environment and species but also human communities and economies.

To calculate the number of potentially affected people, the report’s authors created a database documenting dam effects on people living along more than 120 rivers in 70 countries, and used geospatial analysis and case-studies to examine the populations located downstream of the world’s 7,000 largest dams.
Findings from the database include:
 Globally, a total of 472 million people living along dam-affected rivers have potentially experienced impacts to their fishing and other river-dependent activities.  91 million of these people live along rivers that have been “most severely” impacted by dams.  On the Kafue River in Zambia, 50 percent of the fish catch once consisted of the commercially-important three spotted tilapia, but after the Kafue Gorge and Itezhitezhi Dams were built, this figure was reduced to only 3 percent.  On the Senegal River flowing through Mali and Senegal, fish catches before the Manantali and Diama Dams averaged 23,500 tons per year; after the dams were built, the fish catch was reduced by 50 percent.  Asia (http://www. nature. org/wherewework/asiapacific/) clearly emerges as the epicenter of dam impacts; more than half of the world’s population and more than half of all large dams built to date can be found in this region, specifically in China (http://www. nature. org/wherewework/asiapacific/china/), India, and Southeast Asia.  In the Lower Mekong River, which spans Cambodia, Thailand, Laos and Vietnam, 40 million people are dependent on river and floodplain fisheries. In the Sunderban Delta in Bangladesh, 73 percent of all households are involved in floodplain fisheries.  In the Mun River in Thailand, the Pak Mun Dam has caused a 60-80 percent decrease in fish catch, and 50 fish species have disappeared entirely.

While the economic benefits of riverine and floodplain fisheries can be difficult to calculate across impoverished, vast, and politically sensitive regions, the few studies that have been conducted suggest that the economic value of healthy, free-flowing river systems can be substantial and that their omission from dam planning can cause significant negative impacts to downstream communities. The paper’s authors point out that pragmatic, scientifically-sound and well-demonstrated approaches and solutions are already available and can be utilized today, not only at the dam planning phase but also retroactively, to adjust the operations of an existing dam.
"It is unacceptable that half a billion people have been essentially ignored," said Thayer Scudder, Ph. D., Professor of Anthropology Emeritus, California Institute of Technology. "At least that many have seen their lives adversely affected by large dams that were planned and built without sufficient concern for those living downstream. If the full scope of potential economic and personal costs of proposed new dams were calculated, fewer would be built."

The authors point to the example of the Penobscot River in Maine (http://www. nature. org/wherewework/northamerica/states/maine/features/art26645.html) as a successful model to be replicated on a widespread scale. In the case of the Penobscot, scientists and dam managers are implementing solutions that produce hydroelectricity and enhance local development without destroying fisheries or flood-dependent crops.

Among the solutions outlined in the paper:
 Dam planning needs to occur at a river-basin scale, to ensure that interactions between the environment, economic development, and people dependent on the river are all evaluated, and that the people with an interest in the river’s health or development are all consulted. Planning at the river-basin scale can help direct dams away from the most sensitive or vulnerable areas.  Dam engineers need to incorporate design features that protect ecosystems, such as ensuring that a dam will release adequate water downstream to sustain river species, especially during natural flood seasons, which are often breeding, migration and germination periods for species.  To alleviate the downstream impacts of dams, additional health programs and local economic opportunities should be integrated into dam development projects to help raise living standards of rural communities.

Contributors to “Lost in Development’s Shadow: The Downstream Consequences of Dams” include The Nature Conservancy, the Global Water Policy Project, the California Institute of Technology, McGill University, and the University of Virginia’s Department of Landscape Architecture. The full report can be downloaded here: http://www. water-alternatives. org/ (http://www. water-alternatives. org/)

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Wednesday, June 28, 2006

Male Genital Odors Are History - Synerfied Healthcare Introduces NodorO™ on ismellperfect. com

Male Genital Odors Are History - Synerfied Healthcare Introduces NodorO™ on ismellperfect. com

Synerfied Healthcare introduces NodorO ™ on ismellperfect. com, NodorO is a safe and effective OTC (Over The Counter) medicated cream developed in accordance with an FDA approved monograph; NodorO's brand was specifically created to remove and prevent MGO (Male Genital Odors).

Miami, FL (PRWEB) January 4, 2008

Synerfied Healthcare introduces NodorO™ on ismellperfect. com. NodorO™ is a safe and effective OTC (Over The Counter) medicated cream developed in accordance with an FDA approved monograph; This brand was specifically created to remove and prevent MGO (Male Genital Odors) and can be obtained immediately without a prescription exclusively on NodorO™ website.

President/CEO and NodorO™ Creator, Dominic Adams suffered from MGO since he was a teenager, until he realized his discovery. Adams personally tested the product for several years, which inspired him to share his discovery with the world and created NodorO™. "I could not imagine my sexual life without NodorO™ anymore. I have no more fears of repulsing my partner due to bad genital odors. For anyone who has ever dealt with MGO, it is a miracle cream. I went from being embarrassed because of the smell, to being confident." says Adams without embarrassment or shame anymore.

MGO affects men of different ages. It is more likely to occur to men who are not circumcised, due to the moist environment between the foreskin and the glans, which is a favorable ground for development of fungi cells. NodorO™ targets the micro-fungi called tinea corporis. However, MGO can also happen to men who are circumcised.

Statistically, during the past decade, circumcision has dropped from 90% to 56% (almost 50% of the US male population*) and the number is increasing. At the present time, approximately one of every three American is not-circumcised. Therefore, there is a potential of approximately 33 million Americans who are at a high possibility of currently having MGO. The percentage is even greater worldwide. The WHO (World Health Organisation) stated in 2006, that about 70% of males are not circumcised worldwide. **

Unlike other products such as scented oils and perfumes, NodorO™ does not mask or cover up the smell; it kills, destroys, removes and prevents odors. "Men have had to deal with this problem for centuries, and women had to deal with their partners having MGO. This subject has been taboo for the longest time" says Adams.

"The truth is that, bad MGO is a real turn off to women, and too embarrassing to discuss. Now that NodorO™ is available, and that we are able to remove and prevent MGO, I predict that it will rejuvenate many couple's sex life for all users, due to the increased attraction from their partner, and men's increased confidence and happiness level. It inspired our slogan:"Lose the odor, keep your lover. NodorO, get some™".

NodorO™ is proudly manufactured in the United-States in compliance with the FDA's GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice) regulations.

NodorO™ is available for ordering on our website at: ismellperfect. com

OR

You may call us with questions on our product at 1-877-8-NODORO.

Synerfied Healthcare is a division of Synerfied Capital Inc. a company that specializes in diversified investments.

Media Contact:
Synerfied Healthcare
Media Contact
10 SW South River Dr.
Suite# 1207
Miami, FL

305.325.1522

*(source cirp. org Circumcision Information and Resource Pages)
**(Source: wikipedia. com)

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Tuesday, June 27, 2006

The Pros and Cons of Reverse Mortgages for Senior Homeowners

The Pros and Cons of Reverse Mortgages for Senior Homeowners

Is a reverse mortgage the best option for senior homeowners who want to tap into the burgeoning equity in their homes? George Downey, founder of Harbor Mortgage Solutions in Braintree, MA, an expert on the subject of reverse mortgages, points out the need for a customized approach as he explains some of the pros and cons of reverse mortgages.

Braintree, MA (PRWEB) January 22, 2006

General knowledge about the concept of reverse mortgages is often fragmentary, inaccurate, and negative. What exactly is a reverse mortgage and what are the pros and cons for senior homeowners?

When this question was posed to Reverse Mortgage expert George Downey, founder of Harbor Mortgage Solutions in Braintree, MA, the response was comprehensive but succinct, offering an overview of the plusses and minuses of reverse mortgages.

An overview of the pros and cons of reverse mortgages

A reverse mortgage, essentially the opposite of a traditional or “forward” mortgage, can enable seniors (62 or older) to tap into accumulated home equity without having to face ongoing payments. Unlike traditional mortgages where borrowers make monthly payments, in a reverse mortgage the cash flow is reversed, and the lender makes payments to the borrower, enabling borrowers to use the tax free cash they receive in any way that they wish.

There are no minimum income, asset, or credit qualifications to meet and no effect on Social Security or Medicare benefits. The property must be the primary residence of the borrower and properly insured and maintained, with real estate taxes kept current. As long as the borrower continues to live in the property the loan can never be called. Repayment is required if the home is sold, or when the last borrower permanently leaves the property, or passes away. At that time, the heirs can sell, or refinance, the property to pay off the loan.

The major downside of a reverse mortgage is the potential expense associated with the loan. Reverse mortgages generally are most costly when you live in your home only a few years after closing the loan. These loans are tied to a floating interest rate, so as interest rates increase, the cost of the reverse mortgage becomes more expensive. Compared to traditional mortgages, the closing costs of reverse mortgages are higher since they are non-recourse loans, which means that the amount due can never exceed what the home is worth. Insuring this risk away protects borrowers and their heirs but adds to the total cost of the loan.

There are also some caveats that exist in a reverse mortgage that might cause a problem for some homeowners, such as maintaining the home to a certain standard. Borrowers also cannot move out of the property without the loan coming due. It cannot be turned into a rental property to gain income, instead it must be sold or refinanced so that the loan is paid off within a certain time period after the owners move out. It can also be risky to take out a reverse mortgage to provide cash for an investment. Borrowers must be aware of the pitfalls of assuming that an investment will make money when, in reality, it may fail!

Downey emphasizes, “Each situation is unique. A reverse mortgage may provide the best solution for some for some senior homeowners and be totally inappropriate for others. Involving family members in the decision making process is critical, as is the availability of sound professional advice. Experts on Elder Care Management and Elder Law attorneys are also often drawn into the process to determine if a reverse mortgage is the best solution for all concerned, or whether other alternatives might provide a better solution.”

Harbor Mortgage Speakers Bureau

Area Councils on Aging, Visiting Nurse Associations, home healthcare providers, civic organizations, and church groups are invited to contact Harbor Mortgage to schedule an educational presentation to learn about alternatives available to senior homeowners, including ways to unlock the equity in their homes.

“Use Your Home to Stay at Home”

A recent study conducted by the National Council on Aging (NCOA) set out to develop a blueprint to serve as a guide for policymakers as they explore the opportunities and limitations of tapping home equity to pay for long-term care at home. The study found that impaired, older Americans are struggling to live at home at a time when they own more than $2 trillion in untapped housing wealth.

Education is an ongoing goal, as outlined in the NCAOA report entitled “Use Your Home to Stay at Home - Expanding the Use of Reverse Mortgages for Long-Term Care: A Blueprint for Action.” It is in keeping with the spirit of this report that Harbor Mortgage Solutions established its free Speakers Bureau.

Once the province of a few small banks and private lenders, the great majority of reverse mortgages today are provided through government-sponsored programs, namely the HUD/FHA Home Equity Conversion Mortgage (HECM) and the Fannie Mae Home Keeper (HK) programs.

Customized Harbor Mortgage Solutions

Specializing in conventional residential and reverse mortgages, Harbor Mortgage Solutions, Inc. is located at 100 Grandview Road, Suite 105 in Braintree, MA. George A. Downey, who is now joined by his son Christopher Downey, founded family owned and operated Harbor Mortgage Solutions in 1978.

Assisted by a staff of experienced mortgage professionals, Harbor Mortgage Solutions is dedicated to providing customized service, obtaining the best possible solution for each individual client every time. An equal opportunity lender licensed in Massachusetts and Rhode Island, Harbor Mortgage Solutions is a member of the Massachusetts Mortgage Association, the National Association of Mortgage Brokers, and the National Reverse Lender Mortgage Association, strictly subscribing to their rigid code of ethics. Harbor Mortgage Solutions is also an Educational Subscriber of the Massachusetts Chapter of the National Association of Elder Law Attorneys.

For additional information on services offered by Harbor Mortgage please call 781-843-5553 or 800-599-8700, or visit www. HarborMortgage. com.

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Monday, June 26, 2006

South Florida is a National Center for Drug Rehabilitation and Alcohol Rehabilitation

South Florida is a National Center for Drug Rehabilitation and Alcohol Rehabilitation

Florida has more substance abuse rehabilitation facilities than any state except California and New York

Lake Worth, FL (PRWEB) June 18, 2008

According to Morgan Poncy M. D. (http://sunrisedetox. com/substance-abuse. html), medical director of Sunrise Detox, a company that runs private medical detox facilities, "South Florida is a national center of the drug and alcohol rehabilitation industry."

In 2006, the most recent year for which data is available, Florida had 668 substance abuse treatment facilities. That is more facilities than any other state except California and New York. Florida facilities are clustered around Palm Beach, Tampa and Orlando. In March of 2006, these Florida facilities served more than 52,000 patients. (National Survey of Substance Abuse Treatment Services produced by the U. S. Department of Health & Human Services, 2006.)

"South Florida offers the full spectrum of substance abuse treatment facilities including detox centers, rehabilitation centers, and sober living facilities," said Dr. Poncy. Detox facilities like Sunrise Detox (http://sunrisedetox. com) help alcoholics and addicts get through withdrawals safely and comfortably. Getting over the physical addiction to drugs or alcohol is the vital first step in recovery. "Once people are detoxed, we help them choose a rehabilitation program that is appropriate based on their unique situation." Rehabilitation is a process of dealing with the emotional drivers of addiction. The final phase of recovery is sober living. While many people go back to their lives, some choose to stay in recovery by living in a residential program. The sunny Florida lifestyle and large recovery community encourages many people to stay in South Florida.

"Sunrise Detox is one of the best centers for drug detox and alcohol detox (http://sunrisedetox. com/faq. html)," said Joseph Bryan, Executive Director of The Beachcomber, a private family center for alcoholism and addiction recovery in Delray Beach, Florida. "Sunrise Detox excels because patients are completely detoxed when they come to us for rehab. That's important because the rehab process cannot begin until patients are completely free of their physical addiction."

"Most of our drug detox and alcohol detox patients live in Florida, but many also come from New York and New Jersey because it is easy to travel from there to Florida," said Dr. Morgan Poncy. "We also get patients from across the country and even internationally." When someone is fighting addiction it is helpful for them to get out of their immediate environment so they can focus on recovery; and after all, Florida is a nice place to visit.

About Sunrise Detox
Sunrise Detoxification Center, LLC helps people stop using drugs or alcohol by getting them through withdrawals safely and comfortably in a medically supervised, hotel-like environment, and then helping them choose a rehabilitation program that is appropriate for their lifestyle. Sunrise Detox has been operating a 30-bed free-standing, acute medical detox facility near Palm Beach in Lake Worth, Florida, since 2004. Sunrise Detox has been featured in several episodes of the A&E Television series Intervention™. For more information, visit www. SunriseDetox. com

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Obesity Epidemic and Alcohol Abuse - Linked to stopping smoking?

Obesity Epidemic and Alcohol Abuse - Linked to stopping smoking?

The politically correct answer is that they aren’t linked. Experts tell us, “Ex-smokers might gain weight but not that much.” “We don’t know why the rate of alcohol abuse has increased.” One independent researcher offers evidence that those most-serious lifestyle health risks are related. He says, “Something especially lethal and wasteful is happening. Applying superficial remedies for smoking and nicotine addiction enables a bigger threat to all of us. The public health crisis and financial burden of overweight and obesity now are added to those from cigarette smoking. The better news is that we can avoid piling on the next epidemic: alcohol abuse. We can with the help of adults who recognize that this evidence is probably accurate and will warn others. Before long. . . it will be too late.”

(PRWEB) June 15, 2004

"Hints from published research, many clinical observations, a good memory, strong timeline evidence and a more science-based perspective all combined to clearly say that those health threats are linked," says Richard T. Lovelace. "Doing little more than pressure nicotine addicted people to not smoke–with lawsuits, higher taxes, smoking bans, and more–encouraged piling on another lifestyle health risk crisis. And this one raises health care costs more than smoking." According to Lovelace, "Other countries made the same tragic mistake. We humans have added a global overweight and obesity epidemic to the global smoking epidemic."

"Please understand," he requests. "You might respond to what I'm telling with something like, 'My friend is overweight and she never smoked.' I'm giving an explanation for the recent epidemic. That reason doesnÂ’t apply to every situation."

OVERLOOKED REASON FOR THE OVERWEIGHT EPIDEMIC

Information supplied by government agencies and more bureaucracies establish that the current "obesity epidemic" happened within the past 30 years. The significant push to get people to avoid or quit smoking cigarettes started a short time before. Dr. Lovelace is sure the "push" is the primary reason for that "epidemic." "Nicotine smokers didn't have an effective, long-term way to avoid substituting eating for smoking. Many put down their cigarettes and picked up food and chronic excess body fat."

One in five ex-smokers has occasional cravings for several years. Lovelace believes the numbers are higher for "those who tried to stop or reduce smoking with NRT or nicotine replacement therapy. NRT keeps the drug in someone's body longer than he or she would realize." He points out that saying "nicotine replacement" can be confusing. "It's 'cigarette replacement.' The gum, patch, lozenge and spray are alternatives to puffing on cigarettes to get the nicotine. (Later, be sure to see references.) People don't expect to have prolonged cravings. Consequently, they confuse those with hunger for food. Also in those 'stressful' situations where they smoked nicotine for its apparent calming effect, people compensate by eating 'comfort foods' or drinking alcohol. Rather than smoke to 'reward' themselves, they eat and drink. In restaurants, malls, stadiums and bars where they smoked before, now they eat more and drink more alcohol."

When unable to get their drug, heroin addicts can temporarily substitute with candy. Says Lovelace, "Nicotine users do something similar. They stop smoking, have cravings and overeat, gain weight, understandably get discouraged, mistakenly blame their metabolisms and return to smoking. They keep the unhealthy fat or much of it. Later, when they cut back or try to quit again, they put on additional unwanted pounds. Unsuccessful efforts to stop or reduce smoking, or successfully staying quit, promotes becoming overweight or even heavier than before." From his experience treating thousands of adults, this specialist is certain that it's the accumulation of excess pounds that does the damage. "Even if the average amount of weight gained after stopping is less than 10 pounds, smokers stop several times before success."

SNEAKY PART

"That's the hidden or sneaky part of what's occurred that led to the global obesity epidemic," this researcher believes. "People added considerable excess body fat from several attempts to quit or cut back and are still smoking...some smoke heavily. Other folks made several attempts to give it up or reduce smoking, added bodyweight each time, finally succeeded and gained only a few pounds afterward. Hardly anyone would associate all the added unhealthy pounds with efforts to not smoke or smoke less. We humans tend to forget what we think are our failures. If asked, we honestly donÂ’t recall all the times we stopped or cut back."

OVERWEIGHT YOUTH

This could explain what happens to adults. How does Lovelace apply his discovery to the increase in childhood obesity and overweight? "People agree that the children of smokers are more likely to smoke. It is as probable that the children of former, or wanting to quit, smokers who add bodyweight do the same. Fewer teens are smoking or admitting to it. Obviously they're eating more."

"JUNK FOODS" AND "COUCH POTATOES" NOT THAT NEW

Consumption of fast and junk foods along with technology that discourages physical activity are common factors alleged to contribute to the "overweight epidemic." But were fast foods, junk foods and beverages produced and only begun to be widely used in the past three decades? Have adults and children that recently become "couch potatoes" and disinclined to be physically active? Dr. Lovelace asserts that the answer to both questions is a "big NO."

"We all grew up with such convenience foods and beverages," he says. "One difference is that the junk older Americans ate and drank during childhood had more calories than much of what's sold today. Many of us didn't begin to do aerobic exercise until 20 or 30 years ago. In our neighborhoods, people now walk or jog for exercise. When we senior Americans were children, if a grownup was running on a street, probably a dog was chasing him. If out walking, he or she was going to a neighborhood store for a soft drink and sugary treat."

There are additional varieties of fattening snacks and prepared meals and more places to purchase them. Asserts Lovelace, "Even with the considerable advertising that's done, ultimately the way it works is that demand drives availability. There are more available because people want them. It isn't that people want them because there are extra junk and fast foods and places to buy them. Advertising doesnÂ’t create the demand nearly so much as it influences which places and fattening products people will use to satisfy themselves and their children." This healthcare clinician is convinced that much of the increased demand results from consistently substituting or occasional attempts to replace cigarettes with food and drink.

BETTER NEWS – HOW TO AVOID ADDING THE NEXT (ALCOHOL ABUSE) EPIDEMIC

Says Lovelace, "The well-intentioned individuals and their research publications that help enable the obesity epidemic do what's politically correct. Understandably, they prefer research that supports their views and those of their benefactors. They, drug companies and other allies–that generate enormous profits or tax revenues–might claim otherwise. But exposing what experienced professionals who might help readily can recognize as valid doesn't encourage smoking. It does the opposite. For teens and children who don't want to become fat or fatter, it's another incentive to not start smoking."

"It is exceedingly important," according to Dr. Lovelace, "to know about this link between smoking cessation and reduction and adding large amounts of unhealthy bodyweight. It says that instead of raising taxes and in other ways penalize people and their employers for unhealthy behaviors our representatives need to examine some realities." He gives examples: "No matter how much they want to help, please don't let agency administrators and corporate executives apply superficial remedies to try and solve public health problems that have internal, inside people, origins. We will sufficiently overcome the widespread beliefs that create the essential cause of nicotine smoking, overweight, obesity and alcohol abuse or we and our children will continue to suffer for it."

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Notice and author: This press release contains the opinions and ideas of its author and is for educational purposes only. Richard T. Lovelace is a licensed healthcare clinician, lifestyle health risk researcher, workshop leader and author. His publishers include John Wiley & Sons and McGraw-Hill. On his website he gives free online access to health and wellness books, articles, self-help programs and self-tests.

References:

1. "The influence of smoking cessation on the prevalence of overweight in the United States," New England Journal of Medicine,1995;333;1165-70. (As much as 1/4 of the increase in the incidence of becoming overweight in US men and 1/6 in US women from 1975 to 1990 could be attributed to smoking cessation.) See abstract and access to full text online at http://www. ncbi. nlm. nih. gov/entrez/query. fcgi? cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=Abstract&list_uids= (http://www. ncbi. nlm. nih. gov/entrez/query. fcgi? cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=Abstract&list_uids=)
2. "Alcohol Abuse Increases, Dependence Declines Across Decades" http://www. niaaa. nih. gov/press/2004/NESARCNews. htm (http://www. niaaa. nih. gov/press/2004/NESARCNews. htm)
3. "Stopping smoking and body weight in women living in the United Kingdom" Find an abstract online at

Http://www. ncbi. nlm. nih. gov/entrez/query. fcgi? cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=Abstract&list_uids= (http://www. ncbi. nlm. nih. gov/entrez/query. fcgi? cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=Abstract&list_uids=)
4. "Obesity Threatens WorldÂ’s Health" http://www. rnw. nl/science/html/obesity020702.html (http://www. rnw. nl/science/html/obesity020702.html)
5. "The Smoking Epidemic - A Fire in the Global Village" http://www. who. int/archives/inf-pr-1997/en/pr97-61.html (http://www. who. int/archives/inf-pr-1997/en/pr97-61.html)
6. "UQ Researcher Uncovers Global Smoking Epidemic" http://www. uq. edu. au/news/index. phtml? article=4889 (http://www. uq. edu. au/news/index. phtml? article=4889)
7. "CDC's Role in Combating Obesity" http://www. hhs. gov/asl/testify/t020725a. html (http://www. hhs. gov/asl/testify/t020725a. html)
8. "Obesity Costs Rival Smoking" http://my. webmd. com/content/article/64/72524.htm (http://my. webmd. com/content/article/64/72524.htm)
9. "Cigarette Warning Labels: History and Impact" http://www. health. family. org/women_men/articles/a0000382.html (http://www. health. family. org/women_men/articles/a0000382.html)
10. "Obesity Trends" http://www. cdc. gov/nccdphp/dnpa/obesity/trend/ (http://www. cdc. gov/nccdphp/dnpa/obesity/trend/)
11. "About Obesity" http://www. obesite. chaire. ulaval. ca/iotf. htm#Prevalence (http://www. obesite. chaire. ulaval. ca/iotf. htm#Prevalence)
12. "About Smoking" (Ex-smokers still have occasional cravings for cigarettes.) http://www. doh. gov. ph/tobacco/aboutsmoking. htm (http://www. doh. gov. ph/tobacco/aboutsmoking. htm)
13. "Why Treat Nicotine Addiction with Nicotine?", R. T. Lovelace, Counselor (magazine), 1989.

14. "Have Profits Blinded the Nicotine Replacement Industry?" http://www. prweb. com/releases/2004/5/prweb127213.htm (http://www. prweb. com/releases/2004/5/prweb127213.htm)
15. "Nicotine Gum Maker's Concern Raises Concerns" http://www. prweb. com/releases/2004/5/prweb125542.htm (http://www. prweb. com/releases/2004/5/prweb125542.htm)
16. ASH Article (It takes a number of attempts to learn how to stop smoking for good.) http://www. ashscotland. org. uk/quit/stop. html (http://www. ashscotland. org. uk/quit/stop. html)

Contact Information:

Richard T. Lovelace, MSW, Ph. D.

Suite 1-A

2200 Silas Creek Parkway

Winston-Salem, NC 27103

(336) 722-7300

(336) 414-1628

Wellnessnet@mindspring. com

Sunday, June 25, 2006

NuSil Technology Announces Completion of Clean Room Facilities

NuSil Technology Announces Completion of Clean Room Facilities

The newly constructed clean room is well suited for compounding active pharmaceutical ingredients into silicones in a safe and controlled environment

Carpinteria, CA (Vocus) April 15, 2010

NuSil Technology LLC (http://www. nusil. com (http://www. nusil. com)), a leading formulator and manufacturer of silicone compounds for the healthcare and pharmaceutical industries, announces the completion of 2,400-square-feet of controlled manufacturing facilities that are environmentally controlled up to Class 10,000.

NuSil recently launched a comprehensive Drug Delivery Silicone (DDS) (http://www. nusil. com/products/healthcare/drug_delivery/index. aspx) line of materials and services intended specifically for drug delivery and combination medical device products. These new and much larger facilities are a natural addition created to meet the healthcare industry's rapidly increasing need for a silicone manufacturer capable of compounding an active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) into silicone. Featuring state-of-the-art equipment, these facilities processes a wide variety of silicones with a range of consistencies.

“In the last several years, we’ve seen an increase in demand from manufacturers of controlled release and combination products to compound and deliver silicones that contain APIs,” said Brian Reilly, NuSil Technology’s product director for healthcare materials. “As a direct result of that spike in interest, we felt it was time to make a capital investment in multiple facility expansions that would ensure all future compounding was done in a safe and controlled environment.”

These new clean rooms are registered with the U. S. FDA as well as the California State Health Department.

For more information on NuSil’s silicones for healthcare applications, call 805-684-8780 or visit http://www. nusil. com/products/healthcare (http://www. nusil. com/products/healthcare).

About NuSil Silicone Technology

NuSil is a leading formulator of silicone compounds for healthcare, aerospace, electronics and other applications requiring precise, predictable materials performance. ISO 9001 certified since 1994, NuSil operates state-of-the-art laboratories and processing facilities in North America and provides on-site, in-person application engineering support worldwide. More information about NuSil Technology can be found at http://www. nusil. com (http://www. nusil. com).

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Saturday, June 24, 2006

Give Shoes the '1,2,3 Test' During Back-To-School Shopping

Give Shoes the '1,2,3 Test' During Back-To-School Shopping

Foot-friendly shoe shopping tips from the American Podiatric Medical Association

Bethesda, MD (Vocus) August 20, 2009

As parents across the country check off school items from their shopping lists, remember one of the most important purchases that can be made for children this season -- foot-friendly shoes. Whether on the school bus, in the classroom or on the playground, a properly constructed and well-fitted pair of shoes can drastically reduce a child's risk of injury, from conditions such as blisters to more serious injuries such as tendonitis, sprains, strains and even fractures.

"Ensuring a child wears a shoe that fits properly is paramount to keeping feet healthy during the school year," said APMA President Ronald Jensen, DPM (http://www. apma. org/MainMenu/News/MediaRoom/ExpertProfiles/DrRonJensen. aspx). "By taking just a few extra minutes to examine a shoe before purchase, parents can rest assured that their child will be keeping their feet safe to and from school, as well as during the busy school day."

One easy way to determine if a child's shoe is foot-friendly is to perform the "1,2,3 Test." First, press on both sides of the back of the shoe's heel. Make sure that it does not collapse when pushed on. Second, check toe flexibility. The shoe should bend with your child's toes, but should not be too stiff or bend too much in the toe box area. Third, grab the shoe by the front and back and twist gently. A foot-friendly shoe should never twist easily in the middle.

Here are several more shoe shopping tips to help start the school year off on the right foot:
Take your child shoe shopping. Letting a child have a say in the shoe buying process promotes healthy foot habits down the road. Examine the heels. Children often wear through the heels of shoes faster than outgrowing the shoes themselves. Uneven heel wear can indicate a foot problem that should be checked by a podiatrist. Look for the Seal of Acceptance. Certain footwear brands, such as the Reebok Classic Leather Collection and Asics' GEL-Nimbus model, carry the APMA's Seal of Acceptance (http://www. apma. org/MainMenu/RecommendedProducts/General-Seal-Information. aspx). APMA's Seal program recognizes products that set the benchmark for footwear and foot care industries, and have been evaluated by a team of podiatrists to guarantee proper foot function. Remember socks when shopping. Make sure to have your child try on shoes with socks or tights, if that is how they will be worn, in order to ensure a proper fit. For more tips on foot health, visit www. apma. org]. For a full list of children's footwear that has received the APMA's Seal of Acceptance, please click here (http://www. apma. org/MainMenu/RecommendedProducts/APMAsSealofAcceptancePediatricFootProducts. aspx).

Founded in 1912, the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) is the nation's leading and recognized professional organization for doctors of podiatric medicine (DPMs). DPMs are podiatric physicians and surgeons, also known as podiatrists, qualified by their education, training and experience to diagnose and treat conditions affecting the foot, ankle and structures of the leg. The medical education and training of a DPM includes four years of undergraduate education, four years of graduate education at an accredited podiatric medical college and two or three years of hospital residency training. APMA has 53 state component locations across the United States and its territories, with a membership of close to 12,000 podiatrists. All practicing APMA members are licensed by the state in which they practice podiatric medicine. For more information, visit www. apma. org].

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Thursday, June 22, 2006

Calling Detoxifying Agents

Calling Detoxifying Agents

Our health may diminish or deteriorate as we age. Synonyms to deteriorate include such words as: decline, weaken, spoil, oxidize, rot and rust. Toxicity can be prevent by taking some precautions in our daily activities. Things we do that cause us to perspire, whether it be running or working around the house, will cause our bodies to excrete toxins. Antioxiditants which is a great source of energy also helps to eliminate toxins.

(PRWEB) May 4, 2005

According to the recent article published, "our health may diminish or deteriorate as we age. What, if anything, can be done about it? Over the years we get a build up of toxins in our bodies."

What Are Toxins?

Toxins are substances that create irritating or harmful effects in the body. Toxins produce antibodies that are very harmful to good health. For example, parasites are harmful to any organ or system that they inhabit in the body since they decrease its efficient working. But they are doubly harmful because they excrete toxins into the body, the cells, and the bloodstream, slowing down or altering the normal processes of the body. Toxins are real poisons to the body.

It is reported that toxicity comprises of heavy metals which includes mercury, lead, arsenic, cadmium and many more. Many serious or chronic health conditions are caused by toxic metals and other environmental pollutants and it is spreading everywhere. If we analyze all these issues, we will find that environmental factors are the main concerns for various diseases in human beings. For instance, aggressive behavior and learning disabilities are caused by low levels of lead intoxication whereas AlzheimerÂ’s disease is the result of accumulation of aluminum and mercury. You will be surprised to know that research has pointed to parasites as being a primary cause of cancer. It has made some experts to believe that all illness is a result of toxicity brought about by yeast and fungus infections.

If there is so much toxicity prevent in environment from the air we breathe to the water we drink, then it is certainly a matter of grave concern. The instant question that pops up in our mind is “what are the ways to detoxify?” Well the answer is very simple, you know it as well but only due to our careless nature of not paying heed to information, we draw a firewall to our health concerns. Toxicity can be prevented by taking some precautions in our daily activities. Things we do that cause us to perspire, whether it be running or working around the house, will cause our bodies to excrete toxins. Antioxidant which is a great source of energy also helps to eliminate toxins. What’s more and interesting fact is that the more you do the activities that have positive impact on our body the more you will stay away from toxins.

If you are feeling uncomfortable while applying the above mentioned methods, don’t be panic it shows that your cleansing process is truly working. Additionally “Some people like to use saunas for detoxification. Other people may choose to go to a health food store and talk to a knowledgeable clerk about what is available there. When I began my research for this article, I learned that there are really a lot of ways to cleanse or detoxify our body from the metallic or non metallic poisons that may cause most of our illnesses and diseases. I have personally used several methods for eliminating toxins.”

The use of all-natural detoxification pouches can be a good method. These are cheap and can be easily available.

While applying these detoxification pouches one thing that you should know about them that You simply apply them to the bottoms of your feet before you go to bed at night and the poisons are drawn out during the night. As the pouch absorbs fluids it will become moist and change color. These way harmful toxins will go out of the body.

So the main point that you should remember is that:

(1) Most of the diseases are caused by the growth of toxins in the body.

(2) The more we get rid of toxins the more we will be stay fit and be healthier.

(3) There are many methods available to eliminate toxins.

Note: To access similar articles and to learn more about obesity and weight loss, weight loss pills, weight loss programs, diet pill phentermine, visit www. phentermine. com, www. pillslim. com, www. princeofprussia. org.

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South Shore Elder Services Recognizes Supporters at Recent Open House and Appreciation Event

South Shore Elder Services Recognizes Supporters at Recent Open House and Appreciation Event

South Shore Elder Services, providing seniors and caregivers throughout the South Shore with resources and services, honored their consistent supporters at an Open House and Appreciation Event held last week at their Braintree offices.

Boston and Braintree, MA (PRWEB) June 9, 2006

South Shore Elder Services, providing seniors and caregivers throughout the South Shore with resources and services, honored their consistent supporters at an Open House and Appreciation Event held last week at their Braintree offices.

Approximately 200 people attended the Open House and recognition ceremony. During the Open House, attendees had an opportunity to view artwork donated by local artists through the Art Connection, a non-profit organization dedicated to making art accessible to those who may not have exposure to art in their daily lives.

In a recognition ceremony, supporters of South Shore Elder Services received “Certificates of Appreciation” from both South Shore Elder Services and Congressman William Delahunt’s (D-Massachusetts) office.

Those receiving special honors included: Anodyne; Eastern Bank; HealthSouth Braintree Rehabilitation Hospital; Jack Conway Realtor; PR Works; Quincy Mutual Fire Insurance Company; Quirk Auto Dealers; Randolph Savings Bank; Senior Resource Center, Inc.; South Shore Co-operative Bank Weymouth; South Shore Plaza; South Shore Senior News; Welch Healthcare and Retirement Group; Wells Fargo Home Mortgage; Willis-Works Communications; and, Tom and Cheryl Harris.

The supporters of South Shore Elder Services, whether they are donors, volunteers or providers of in-kind services, are an important component in the agency’s ability to help elders and caregivers. Their support ranges from donations for South Shore Elder’s Nutrition Program and “Stroll the Mall for Meals on Wheels” to the “Aging is Everyone’s Future” conference; the Special Needs Fund and many other programs.

“This ceremony honors their outstanding contributions that support our efforts to help elders remain at home or in the community. We are very grateful to them,” said Ed Flynn, Executive Director of South Shore Elder Services.

“Your Age Info Specialist”

Since 1977, South Shore Elder Services, Inc. has been providing South Shore seniors and caregivers with the resources and services that promote and maintain optimal levels of elder independence.

As one of 27 Aging Services Access Points in Massachusetts, South Shore Elder Services coordinates and provide a wide range of services to elders and caregivers throughout Braintree, Cohasset, Hingham, Holbrook, Hull, Milton, Norwell, Quincy, Randolph, Scituate and Weymouth. The agency’s mission is to promote and maintain an optimal level of elder independence through the coordination of resources, advocacy and caregiver support.

Supported in part by the Massachusetts Executive Office of Elder Affairs, South Shore Elder Services is located at 159 Bay State Drive in Braintree, MA. For more information contact (781) 848-3910 or (781) 383-9790 or visit the website at www. sselder. org.

CONTACT: Steven Dubin, PR Works, (781) 582-1061.

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Tuesday, June 20, 2006

Discover True Craftsmanship, All-Natural Body Care Products With The Click Of A Mouse

Discover True Craftsmanship, All-Natural Body Care Products With The Click Of A Mouse

Sun Turtle Naturals Website Allows Customers To Purchase Natural Soap From The Comfort Of Home. The Sun Turtle Naturals website allows online visitors to peruse and purchase the company’s all-natural soaps, customizable gift baskets, and other natural body care products. Website visitors can also learn how Sun Turtle’s unique and empowering philosophy of Turtle Wisdom is woven throughout their business principles and product offerings.

Louisville, CO (PRWEB) November 19, 2010

The Sun Turtle Naturals website allows online visitors to peruse and purchase the company’sall-natural soaps, customizable gift baskets, and other natural body care products. Website visitors can also learn how Sun Turtle’s unique and empowering philosophy of Turtle Wisdom is woven throughout their business principles and product offerings.

The Sun Turtle website provides information on each of the company’s twelve handmade soap scents, including Agave Clove, Lemongrass and Cinnamon Tangerine. Each bar of soap contains a different mixture of fruits, flowers and essential oils that endow a natural color and rich aroma. The company’s all-natural shampoo collection is also available for sale on its website.

Visitors searching for gifts can choose from Sun Turtle’s 2-Bar, 4-Bar and 6-Bar customizable gift baskets. Customers are able to mix and match different soaps scents to create the perfect thoughtful present for their loved one. A fourth gift basket option, the “Turtle Wisdom Gift Set” includes three bars of soap and Donna DeNomme’s classic book, Turtle Wisdom.

The Sun Turtle Naturals website also introduces the company’s owners, Julio and Debbie Blanco. The husband and wife team explain how they developed their passion for small business, craftsmanship and all-natural body care essentials.

As a business tool, the Sun Turtle website expands the company’s reach to discerning consumers located throughout the United States.

“Our website is designed to be clean and easy to navigate,” said Sun Turtle Naturals owner Julio Blanco,“with the idea that a customer can easily find the type of natural body care product she’s looking for, easily find the scent of handmade soap or other products that she likes, have all the details she needs about the products available, and be able to check out smoothly.” Added Blanco,“We want the shopping experience to be enjoyable just as using our products is enjoyable.”

The Sun Turtle website is continually updated to enhance the visitor’s experience. New products will be available on the website in the near future, including additional scents of handmade soap as well as new product lines of all-natural lotions, lip balms and body moisturizers.

Visitors can also expect the launch of engaging and informative videos on the Sun Turtle website. The videos will provide additional insight into Sun Turtle products and the people behind the company.
For more information about Sun Turtle Naturals or any of its products, please visit http://www. SunTurtleNaturals. com.

Sun Turtle Naturals is a family business founded by Julio and Debbie Blanco on the principles of “Turtle Wisdom.” The company creates and sells all-natural body care products, including handmade soaps and natural shampoos. Sun Turtle products are made to pamper the body and spirit and to inspire customers to slow down and focus on what is truly important: health, peace of mind, enjoyment of beauty and connection with others.

The company was founded in 2008 and is headquartered in Louisville, Colorado. Learn more about Sun Turtle Naturals at http://www. SunTurtleNaturals. com or follow the company on Facebookand Twitter.

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Monday, June 19, 2006

Daily and Weekly Entertainment Editors and Writers Reveal Newsroom And Media Pitch Secrets And Protocols

Daily and Weekly Entertainment Editors and Writers Reveal Newsroom And Media Pitch Secrets And Protocols

Entertainment Publicists Professional Society (EPPS)Sponsor media workshop on publicity trends and protocols in pitching weekly and daily entertainment publications.

Hollywood, CA (PRWEB) October 9, 2004

“Story ideas come from all kinds of places, some of the best ones come from my teenagers, but I prefer an email pitch that’s fast, fun and intriguing,” Entertainment Editor Rob Lowman of the Los Angeles Daily News told a about 150 PR pros at a PR Newswire Entertainment Publicists Professional Society (EPPS) sponsored workshop recently (9-23-04) at the Wyndham Bel Age Hotel, West Hollywood. “I don’t need to be flattered and never start your pitch off with ‘let me take a few minutes of your time,’ because I get hundreds of emails daily.

The Daily News is the largest paper of the Los Angeles Newspaper Group (LANG) - others are Long Beach, San Gabriel, Pasadena, Whittier, Ontario, and San Bernardino. (About 650,000 total daily circulation). The Daily News provides the overwhelming bulk of the entertainment coverage with combined sections on Friday and Sunday. “I have a DVD column, and on I write on studios and TV Networks. All of our stories go out on New York Times wire,” he said.

Los Angeles Newspaper writers phone numbers and email-everyone's email is first name. last name. com as in Robert. lowman@dailynews. com. All the phone numbers are 818-713-extension. Sandra Barrera - Music, General Assignment, Extension: 3728; L. Evan Henerson - Theater, Film, General Assignment, Extension: 3651; David Kronke _ Television. Extension: 3638; avidkronke@Aol. com; Val Kuklenski - Television, General Assignment, ext: 3750; Rob Lowman _ Entertainment Editor, DVD Columnist, Cherry Picker, ext: 3687; Fred Shuster - Music, General Assignment, ext: 3676; Bob Strauss _ Film, ext: 3670; Glenn Whipp _ Film, ext; 3672; Eric Noland _ Travel Editor, ext: 3681; Natalie Haughton _ Food Editor, ext: 3692.

“Email is definitely the best way to pitch us,” said Kevin Bronson and Scott Sandell – both Deputy Editor, Calendar Weekend, Los Angeles Times, which is the most read section of the national newspaper with a total circulation of 914,584. Calendar and Calendar Weekend sections, covering Los Angeles-area entertainment, lifestyle, and recreation; Health (Monday), covering consumer health and fitness trends, healthcare news, and medical research updates; Food (Wednesday), offering cooking advice and recipes and reviewing southern California restaurants; and Homes (Thursday) covering home design, decorating, and consumer electronics. “We need about a three week notice, especially for Calendar stories,” said Sandell. “Breaking news hopefully in the morning by 11:00 with a heads up,” said Bronson. Contact info: Kevin. Bronson@latimes. com; 213-237-5324 Scott. Sandell@latimes. com; 213-237-5324.

“We need a two-week notice at the Daily Breeze and the stories need to be about artists that live in the south Bay or about national acts coming to Los Angeles,” said Corey Levitan, Daily Breeze, entertainment writer and columnist; Hollywood Correspondent for New York Post. Levitan covers all music and split film with Jim Farber. Both can be reached at: corey. levitan@dailybreeze. com and Jim Farber - jim. farber@dailybreeze. com. “You should email your pitch with my name and if you call me and you’re reading a script I will hang up on you. Our circulation is 80,000.”

“We have the second most read newspaper in Los Angeles,” said Entertainment Editor Antonio Mejias-Rentas, La Opinión. “We developed a relationship with the Tribune Company this year, which had owned 50 percent of La Opinion for a few years. The Lozano family (Lozano Enterprises) that owns it, formed a new company called ‘Intermedia that now owns both La Opinion and La Prensa, one of the oldest Spanish language newspapers in the country in New York City. The company is about to announce the acquisition of another Hispanic newspaper soon.” Mejias Rentas prefers email pitches and contact: (213) 896-2065 Email: Antonio. Mejias@laopinion. com. Other contacts: Brenda Camberos, assignment editor (213) 896-2067; Victoria Infante, La Vibra editor (213) 896-2034 and Alicia Morandi, Life and Style editor (213) 896-3260.

“We very Orange County, rarely cover Los Angeles, but we do cover Long Beach, and I have a detailed voice mail explaining out to get a hold of me,” said Rich Kane, music editor, OC Weekly (714/550-5900, rkane@ocweekly. com) one of seven alternative weeklies owned by the Village Voice media, which also owns the LA Weekly. “We don’t rely on publicists, because we have a full time staff,” said Kane.

“Email news releases are the best way to get my attention,” said Deborah Vankin, book and restaurant editor, LA Weekly. “A hard press kit, the book and materials should be mailed later. I spend a half hour at the end of the day clearing out my voice mailbox, sorry. Our circulation is 224,000.” Contact info: Best way is by phone: 323-465-9909. Other contacts: Tom Christie – Senior Features Editor – tchristie@laweekly. com; 323-465-9909; John Payne – music editor; jpayne@laweekly. com; 323-465-9909 and Jonny Whiteside – music calendar listings; jwhiteside@laweekly. com.

“We prefer email pitches and I like to have a weeks notice on pitches and our daily deadline is by 11:00 a. m.,” said Entertainment Editor Mariana Caballero, HOY El pulso de nuestra gente, which is a sister newspaper of the Los Angeles Times. The Hispanic daily, which began last February already has a subscription exceeding 250,000 readers. Contact info: 213-237-4567 Tel.: (213) 237-4567. Email: mcaballero@hoyllc. com. “We have two great sections: HOY (Weekly Entertainment Guide) / Farandula (Showbiz Breaking News),” said Caballero.

“Email is also best for pitching our staff,’ said Phillip Zonkel, staff writer, Long Beach Press Telegram. “I get a lot of pitches from rock bands. Tell me why these people are important, why se should waste my time and get me the details up front. I need a least one week notice and two weeks is better.” First contact by email, pzonkel@earthlink. net; then phone, 572-499-1258; third snail mail: 604 Pine Ave., Long Beach, CA 90844. Other contacts: Marlene Greer, features editor, 562-499-1253; Alessandra Djurklou, theater writer-critic and food editor, 562-499-1252 and Al Rudis, restaurant editor, 562-499-1255.

The Press-Telegram is a 100,000 circulation daily paper covering Long Beach and several surrounding communities in LA and Orange counties (San Pedro, Wilmington, Seal Beach, Huntington Beach, Cypress, Hawaiian Gardens, Norwalk, Downey, Cerritos, Lakewood, Artesia, and La Mirada). The audiences are very diverse, with large Latino, black, Cambodian, Anglo, and gay populations. Our daily features-entertainment section, "U," shares copy with our six other sister papers - LA Daily News, San Gabriel Valley Tribune, Pasadena Star News, San Bernardino Sun, Whittier Daily News and Inland Daily Bulletin. Total circ is 650,000.

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Sunday, June 18, 2006

Trans Fatty Acids are Public Health Hazard, Says Author of 'Poison in the Food'

Trans Fatty Acids are Public Health Hazard, Says Author of 'Poison in the Food'

Author of a popular book warning consumers of the harmful health effects directly related to the consumption of trans fat applauds New York City's initial efforts to limit the use of this dangerous food ingredient in city restaurants.

Tucson, AZ (PRWEB) October 3, 2006

While some critics are denouncing New York City's proposal to almost completely ban dangerous trans fat from its restaurants, natural health advocate Mike Adams, author of "Poison In the Food: Hydrogenated Oils" (Truth Publishing, 2006) is publicly stating his support for the plan.

"NYC has every right to protect its people from this artificial food adulteration that promotes birth defects, nutritional deficiencies, heart disease and cancer," said Adams.

Trans fats appear in the body when people consume fats that have been hardened to a butter-like state using hydrogenization. The oils are responsible for giving some fried foods their "crunchy" texture, but they are also responsible for a number of health issues, including raising LDL (bad) cholesterol and lowering HDL (good) cholesterol.

On Tuesday, the New York City Board of Health put forward the proposal for a near-total ban on artificial trans fats in area restaurants, giving them six months to switch to oils, margarines and shortening that contains less than 0.5 gram of trans fat per serving, and 18 months to bring all other food to the same level. A public hearing will be held Oct. 30.

Trans fats are most prevalent in fast food restaurants, but some -- including national brands like Wendy's and Dunkin' Donuts -- are already moving toward compliance with such an idea.

"This is an ingredient the World Health Organization urged member nations to ban more than three decades ago," Adams said. "Yet the food industry, with utter disregard for human health and safety, continues to use political influence to keep hydrogenated oils in the food supply, regardless of the considerable science showing how harmful they are to the health of consumers."

In his book, "Poison in the Food" (available now at http://www. truthpublishing. com/PoisonintheFood. html (http://www. truthpublishing. com/PoisonintheFood. html)) Adams describes what dangers consumers face when they consume trans fat, and how they can avoid this harmful ingredient. Readers of the book can also learn how a two percent increase in trans fat in the diet can contribute to a 39 percent increase in type 2 diabetes risk; the link between hydrogenated oils and cancer, birth defects, heart disease, diabetes, liver disease and more; and, perhaps most shockingly, how and why the food industry has used its vast resources to keep this ingredient legal and its dangers secret.

"The food industry is a lot like the Big Tobacco," Adams said. "They just want to sell more products, regardless of the health consequences, and even when the science reveals their products to be harmful, they will fight the science, lobby the lawmakers, and deny reality for as long as they can get away with it."

About Truth Publishing

Truth Publishing is dedicated to a mission of public service through the creation and distribution of educational materials covering natural health, wellness, environmental responsibility and other topics important to people everywhere. Articles and commentary are published at http://www. NewsTarget. com (http://www. NewsTarget. com), and books and interviews are published at http://www. TruthPublishing. com (http://www. TruthPublishing. com).

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Friday, June 16, 2006

Sky Angel Adds INSP and i-Lifetv Channels to IPTV Lineup

Sky Angel Adds INSP and i-Lifetv Channels to IPTV Lineup

Sky Angel, a national provider of faith-based and family-friendly television and radio programming, is excited to announce two additional channels now available through their IPTV platform: INSP - The Inspiration Network (Channel 131) and i-Lifetv - Inspirational Life Television (Channel 106).

Naples, FL (PRWEB) November 26, 2008

Sky Angel, a national provider of faith-based and family-friendly television and radio programming, is excited to announce two additional channels now available through their IPTV platform: INSP - The Inspiration Network (Channel 131) and i-Lifetv - Inspirational Life Television (Channel 106).

INSP targets the millions of Americans who embrace inspirational values and has an in-depth array of inspirational programming. The network features original and exclusive music and talk programs as well as content for kids, teens, women, and men. In addition, INSP offers a wide variety of content from some of the world's leading ministries including Cornerstone with Dr. John Hagee, In Touch with Dr. Charles Stanley and The Potter's Touch with Bishop T. D. Jakes.

I-Lifetv is a 24 hour-a-day digital cable network designed to bring unique, fresh and distinct inspirational programming to American families. It is a lifestyles network filled with practical and inspirational programs on better finances, health, families, relationships, marriages and more. i-Lifetv includes programming designed for children of all ages, as well as a special block for teens, plus exclusive and original music concerts, movies, sports, documentaries and family entertainment.

"Sky Angel continues to bring value to our subscribers by adding partners like the INSP and i-Lifetv channels. Utilizing IPTV technology, we continue to select channels that our viewers will not only enjoy but bring a kingdom impact with inspirational programming now available within both channels," said Tom Scott, Sky Angel's President and COO.

"We are excited about our partnership with Sky Angel," said David Cerullo, Chairman & CEO of The Inspiration Networks. "INSP and i-Lifetv are two distinct networks that deliver a wide variety of quality, inspirational programs that the entire family can enjoy. We look forward to serving Sky Angel subscribers with our diverse and exciting lineup of programs."

Using the latest technology, Sky Angel IPTV offers television viewers the widest variety of Christian-based channels available, plus family, sports and news programming through a high-speed Internet connection. Sky Angel IPTV also provides subscribers with value-added features including 48-hour playback on all faith-based TV channels plus an ever-growing Video-On-Demand library with free and fee-based selections. To learn more, or to subscribe, visit http://www. skyangel. com (http://www. skyangel. com) or call 1-800-SKY-ANGEL (1-800-759-2643).

About Sky Angel:
Sky Angel® U. S. LLC is a Christian-owned multi-channel provider of faith-based and family-friendly television and radio programming. Founded by Robert Johnson Sr. more than 27 years ago, Sky Angel was created to provide a Christ-centered and family-friendly alternative to the standard television fare. Since then, his vision has grown into a service providing quality television and radio programming to all corners of the United States. Sky Angel's mission is to build and operate a global communications system to assure the Gospel will penetrate every nation, culture and people.

Sky Angel also carries the Parents Television Council's® prestigious Entertainment Seal of Approval™, which recognizes excellence and social responsibility in programming.

About The Inspiration Networks:
The Inspiration Networks are available to more than a billion people worldwide through multiple distribution platforms, including Internet Broadband (www. inspiration. net) and four satellite and cable TV networks (INSP - The Inspiration Network; i-Lifetv - Inspirational Life Television; LFC - La Familia Cosmovision; and INI - Inspiration Network International). The Inspiration Networks also operate "Inspiration Video On Demand," the first inspirational platform for cable television and satellite video on demand (VOD) delivery; and "Inspiration Global," providing broadband video content in the world's four major trade languages - French, Italian, German, and Spanish

Press Release Distributed By BuzzPlant http://www. buzzplant. com (http://www. buzzplant. com)

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Barnes & Noble Earns Top Rating in the 2010 Corporate Equality Index for the Second Year in a Row

Barnes & Noble Earns Top Rating in the 2010 Corporate Equality Index for the Second Year in a Row

Barnes & Noble Achieves Rating of 100 Percent in Human Rights Campaign Foundation's Annual Index

New York, NY (PRWEB) September 14, 2009

Barnes & Noble, Inc. (NYSE: BKS), the world's largest bookseller, proudly announced today that it has earned the top rating of 100 percent for the second year in a row in the 2010 Corporate Equality Index (CEI), an annual survey administered by the Human Rights Campaign Foundation, the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender civil rights organization. Barnes & Noble joins the ranks of 304 other major U. S. businesses which received top marks for their treatment of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) employees and consumers.

"At Barnes & Noble we are as passionate about our booksellers as we are about bookselling. It is an honor to be recognized once again by the Human Rights Campaign Foundation for our dedication to recruiting the best and most diverse talent and providing them with expanded and competitive benefits," said Michelle Smith, Vice President of Human Resources for Barnes & Noble, Inc. "Our booksellers make the Barnes & Noble experience special for our customers, and we make enormous efforts to create a rewarding career experience for each of them. We also believe a great bookstore is a reflection of its community as well as its booksellers, and annually host more than 100,000 local events, which support and reflect the diversity of the communities we serve."

The CEI rated 590 businesses in total on a scale from 0 to 100 percent, evaluating LGBT-related policies and practices including non-discrimination policies, transgender health benefits and domestic partner benefits. Once again, Barnes & Noble's efforts in ensuring LGBT equality in each of the survey's main criterion earned it the prestigious 100 percent ranking.

For more information on the 2010 Corporate Equality Index, or to download a free copy of the report, visit HRC. org (http://www. hrc. org/cei? cm_mmc=press_release-_-PR_Web-_-CEI-_-HumanRights).

About Barnes & Noble, Inc.
Barnes & Noble, Inc. (NYSE: BKS), the world's largest bookseller and a Fortune 500 company, operates 774 bookstores in 50 states. Barnes & Noble is the nation's top bookseller brand for the sixth year in a row, as determined by a combination of the brand's performance on familiarity, quality, and purchase intent; the top bookseller in quality for the second year in a row and the number two retailer in trust, according to the EquiTrend® Brand Study by Harris Interactive®. Barnes & Noble conducts its online business through Barnes & Noble. com (http://www. bn. com? cm_mmc=press_release-_-PR_Web-_-CEI-_-HumanRights), one of the Web's largest e-commerce sites, which also features hundreds of thousands of titles in its eBookstore (http://www. bn. com/ebooks? cm_mmc=press_release-_-PR_Web-_-CEI-_-HumanRights). Customers can buy and read eBooks on a wide range of platforms, including the iPhone and iPod touch, BlackBerry® smartphones, as well as most Windows® and Mac® laptops or full-sized desktop computers.

General information on Barnes & Noble, Inc. can be obtained via the Internet by visiting the company's corporate website: BarnesandNobleInc. com (http://www. barnesandnobleinc. com? cm_mmc=press_release-_-PR_Web-_-CEI-_-HumanRights).

Social Media Links:
Follow B&N on Twitter (http://www. bn. com/twitter? cm_mmc=press_release-_-PR_Web-_-CEI-_-HumanRights)
Become a Fan on Facebook (http://www. facebook. com/barnesandnoble? cm_mmc=press_release-_-PR_Web-_-CEI-_-HumanRights)
Subscribe to our YouTube (http://www. youtube. com/user/BNStudio? cm_mmc=press_release-_-PR_Web-_-CEI-_-HumanRights) channel

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2008 Life Science Industry Awards Finalists Announced by The Scientist

2008 Life Science Industry Awards Finalists Announced by The Scientist

Finalists have been announced for the 2008 Life Science Industry Awards, which recognize those life science suppliers that are best-in-class in both product categories and customer communications and support categories. The 45 finalists represent the five companies receiving the highest overall scores in each of 20 award categories. The finalists were selected from the more than 500 companies nominated.

PHILADELPHIA (PRWEB) May 5, 2008

 In all, almost 4,500 scientists voted between February 15th and March 31st, 2008. These respondents, based on their experiences using scientific products, voted for their favorite suppliers - taking into consideration practical factors such as satisfaction with product features, likelihood to purchase or recommend, the best overall solution, and cost-effectiveness. Winning The Life Science Industry Award has become the benchmark of excellence for companies in the industry.

The Scientist, the magazine of the life sciences, organizes the annual awards along BioInformatics, LLC, the premier market research and advisory firm serving the life science industry. This year's winners will be announced at the 6th annual Life Science Industry Awards ceremony from 5-8:00pm EDT, June 3, 2008 at the Renaissance Waterfront Hotel in Boston, MA and held concurrent with the General Meeting of the American Society for Microbiology (ASM).

The annual awards have become a source of pride for companies in the life science industry. "The equipment and services that these finalists provide are an essential part of the life science community and our readers," noted Richard Gallagher, Editor-in-Chief and Publisher of The Scientist. "They should be proud of their achievements, especially because they were chosen by scientists who use their products on a day-to-day basis."

A full review, including winner profiles will be published in the September issue of The Scientist magazine and online at The-Scientist. com. Full details of the event, RSVP information, a list of the nominees, survey methodology and past winners can also be found at the official awards site: http://www. LifeScienceIndustryAwards. com (http://www. LifeScienceIndustryAwards. com).

BioInformatics, LLC collected and tabulated the votes for the awards. "The Life Science Industry Awards continue to enjoy a special prestige because they are conferred by the international life science community," said Bill Kelly, President. The Life Science Executive Exchange and The Science Advisory Board also added support by including their members in the survey.

The finalist companies for 2008 are:

Agilent Technologies (NYSE: A) - Affymetrix (NASDAQ: AFFX) - Alpha Innotech (OTCBB: APNO. OB) - Ambion (a division of Applied Biosystems, NYSE: ABI) - Apple (NASDAQ: AAPL) - Applied Biosystems (NYSE: ABI) - BD Biosciences (a part of Becton, Dickinson and Co., NYSE:BDX) - Beckman Coulter (NYSE: BEC) - Bio-Rad (AMEX: BIO) - Bruker Daltonics (an operating company of Bruker BioSciences, NASDAQ: BRKR) - Calbiochem (a brand of EMD Chemicals Inc., an affiliate of Merck KGaA) - Carl Zeiss - Corning Life Sciences (a division of Corning, Inc., NYSE: GLW) - Dako - Dell (NASDAQ: DELL) - Eppendorf - GE Healthcare (a division of General Electric, NYSE: GE) - Guava Technologies - HP/Compaq (NYSE: HPQ) - Lenovo - Illumina (NASDAQ: ILMN) -- Invitrogen (NASDAQ: IVGN) - Kodak Molecular Imaging (now Carestream Health, a subsidiary of Onex Corp.) - Leica Microsystems - Lonza - Molecular Devices (a division of MDS, NYSE: MDZ) - New England Biolabs - Nikon - Olympus - PerkinElmer Life and Analytical Sciences (NYSE: PKI) - Promega - Qiagen (NASDAQ: QGEN) - R&D Systems (division of TECHNE Corp., NASDAQ: TECH) - Roche Applied Science (a division of Roche Holdings) - Santa Cruz Biotechnology - Sigma-Aldrich (divisions that are also finalists: SAFC Biosciences - NASDAQ: SIAL) - Tecan - Thermo Fisher Scientific (divisions that are also finalists: Pierce Biotechnology, Hyclone, Dharmacon, Nalge Nunc, Fisher Scientific - NYSE: TMO) -- VWR International

Award Categories:

Cell Biology Instruments - Cell Biology Kits and Reagents - Cell Culture Media and Reagents - Computer Hardware - Gene Expression Analysis Products - High Throughput Screening and Analysis Systems - Image Analysis Systems - Instrumentation for Genomic Analysis - Instrumentation for Protein Analysis - Laboratory Plasticware - Nucleic Acid Purification Products - Protein Separation Products - RNAi Products - Most Useful Print Catalog - Most Responsive Customer Service - Most Knowledgeable Technical Support - Most Useful Web Site - Most Supportive Sales Representatives - Most Memorable Print Advertisements

ABOUT THE SCIENTIST

The Scientist, the magazine of the life sciences, has informed global life science professionals for over 20 years. We provide our print and online magazine readers with coverage of the latest developments in the life sciences including trends in research, new technology, news, business and careers. We reach the leading researchers and executive management in academia and industry who are interested in maintaining a broad view of the life sciences by reading insightful articles that are current, concise and entertaining. For more information about The Scientist, visit http://www. the-scientist. com (http://www. the-scientist. com).

ABOUT BIOINFORMATICS, LLC

BioInformatics, LLC (http://www. gene2drug. com (http://www. gene2drug. com)) is a market research and advisory firm that supports marketing, sales and R&D executives in the life science, medical device and pharmaceutical industries through published research reports, custom research and consulting.

ABOUT THE LIFE SCIENCE EXECUTIVE EXCHANGE

The Life Science Executive Exchange (http://www. lifescienceexec. com (http://www. lifescienceexec. com)) is an online community that enables professionals to stay in touch with what's happening in the life science "tools" and technology marketplace today.

ABOUT THE SCIENCE ADVISORY BOARD

The Science Advisory Board (http://www. scienceboard. net (http://www. scienceboard. net)) is the world's largest market research panel of scientific customers. The online community is divided into Research and Clinical panels and consists of more than 32,000 life scientists from 62 countries.

Thursday, June 15, 2006

Tea: The Most Consumed Beverage in the World

Tea: The Most Consumed Beverage in the World

Tea is the most consumed beverage in the world. So why are Americans a coffee drinking society? Tea has health benefits that all coffee drinkers should know about.

(PRWEB) July 18, 2005

Tea is the beverage of choice for most of the world, so why do Americans drink so much coffee? With Starbucks around every corner, it is obvious why Americans are coffee drinkers rather than tea drinkers. Only recently, the coffee giant Starbucks introduced their green tea “frappuccino”. Yet, compared to coffee, tea has real benefits which you will see.

Every day more than half of all American adults consume over 300 milligrams (mg) of caffeine, thereby making caffeine America's most consumed drug. Caffeine slips into our daily diet through the form of coffee, tea, chocolate and cola. What is caffeine? Caffeine is known in the medical world as trimethylxanthine and occurs naturally in coffee and cocoa beans and teas leaves. However, while the caffeine found in coffee and tea is the same molecule, it is proportionately more present in coffee than tea. A six ounce cup of coffee contains 100 mg of caffeine. Yet, a six ounce cup of tea contains just 70 mg and, unlike coffee, this stimulant to the nervous system is released slowly into the body. As a result, it allows the body to be alert, but not hyper like coffee.

Coffee drinkers often say they cannot function without their morning cup of coffee. Yet drinking tea can also give you a mild, more sustainable caffeine boost. And, if the taste of coffee is irresistible try replacing your coffee latte with a tea latte. Or, on a hot summer day, try making an ice lemongrass green tea. It is cool, refreshing and wonÂ’t make you nervous.

It is almost impossible to find the health benefits of coffee. However, the health benefits of tea are bountiful(http://www. camellialearf. com/health_benefits (http://www. camellialearf. com/health_benefits)). For example, if you are concerned about cellulite, green tea is recommended as an anti-cellulite solution. Daily intake of green tea has also been shown to lower LDL cholesterol. Plus, green tea contains EGCG, a major ingredient of the well-known TrimSpa diet product. EGCG is a polyphenol that is responsible for increasing your metabolic rate and burning more calories, naturally. When shopping for teas, keep in mind that not all teas are created equal. Fresh teas are more potent and will likely be more beneficial.

To purchase the freshest premium organic tea, visit www. camellialeaf. com. For your convenience, this newly-launched online company has a 24 hour order line (888) 883- 6784. Or, get free shipping by ordering online! Camellia Leaf is not only committed to your body, they are committed to the environment and the community. Camellia Leaf donates one dollar from each purchase to www. afsusa. org and www. hei. org. As their gift to you, visit the site to receive free muslin tea bags for your loose tea.

The next time you drink a cup of coffee ask yourself whether the tea drinkers of the world know something that Starbucks is not telling you. Then, try Camellia Leaf teas. You will be pleasantly surprised by the delicious taste and comforted in knowing you are drinking a healthy alternative to coffee.

Contact:

Deborah Nguyen, director of public relations

Camellia Leaf

1 888 883 6784

Ddnguyen@camellialeaf. com

Http:// (http://) www. camellialeaf. com

Spring Clean Your Credit - Experts Recommend Reviewing Credit Reports and Financial Statements

Spring Clean Your Credit - Experts Recommend Reviewing Credit Reports and Financial Statements

As a new spring season is upon us, now is the time to spring clean your credit.

Rockville, MD (PRWEB) April 22, 2005

While spring flowers bloom and Mother Nature awakens from a long slumber, many Americans begin the age-old tradition of clearing away the dreary signs of winter and breathing new life into their surroundings with a little spring cleaning. But shaking out the rugs and wiping down the patio furniture arenÂ’t the only tasks that require a springtime checkup. Experts recommend taking the time right now to spring clean your credit and get the new season off to a fresh financial start.

“Like a bear that hibernates for the winter and wakes up in the spring, right now is the perfect time to wake up to your own financial situation and get moving in the right direction,” said Steve Rhode, president of Myvesta, a nonprofit consumer education organization. “This is the time to analyze all aspects of your financial life, shop around for better deals and prepare for the future.”

Rhode recommends taking these steps when spring cleaning your credit:

Read your credit card statements carefully, checking to see if your interest rates have gone up or if there are any errors being billed to your account. Close old accounts that are no longer in use such as store or gas credit cards, but make sure you leave your oldest major credit card account open. The length of your credit history makes up a large portion of your credit score and closing the oldest account could hurt your score. Shop around for better deals on insurance, cell phone service and utilities. Develop a savings plan you can stick with and look for a bank that pays a high interest rate on savings accounts. Many online banks are currently offering very competitive rates. If you recently had to pay a large tax bill, adjust your withholding on your W-2 forms so it wonÂ’t happen again next year. Get a copy of your credit reports to make sure everything is accurate and up to date. A consolidated credit report, containing information from all three credit bureaus, is available online at Myvesta. org.

“It’s important to remember that much like the work that needs to be done around the house to keep everything running smoothly, your finances also require regular checkups and maintenence,” Rhode added.

Myvesta is dedicated to helping people create healthy financial lives. The organization provides a wide range of materials to inspire and inform people so that they can break down their barriers to financial and personal success. For more information visit Myvesta. org online.

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Wednesday, June 14, 2006

Movie Magic Stirs Up Hunger for Home Cooking, Says Meal Planning Central

Movie Magic Stirs Up Hunger for Home Cooking, Says Meal Planning Central

Pixar's Parisian Rat fuels growing culinary trend for families.

Milford, IL (PRWEB) November 8, 2007

The "anyone can cook" message in Pixar's latest animation, Ratatouille, has been resonating with families across the country since its DVD release this past week. The film's focus on the pleasures of cooking and eating comfort food has helped illuminate a growing trend towards family cooking. Parents and children alike, agree that the movie certainly sparks the desire to explore cooking as a tastier and healthier choice. However, once the screen fades to black and reality encroaches, it can be difficult to maintain the momentum to follow through with movie theatre promises. Christine Steendahl, of Meal Planning Central believes that there are ways to bridge the gap between fantasy and reality and eat more meals at home despite the busyness of modern family life.

"The reality is that thousands of families pick up dinner at a fast food drive through or call for pizza delivery instead of preparing a home-cooked meal," says Steendahl, "Cooking at home is perceived to be difficult and time consuming, but there are ways to make it as quick and easy as take out."

According to Steendahl, the bulk of time attributed to cooking is actually spent in the planning stages. It's the lack of time that can be spent sitting down and figuring out what to cook and finding family friendly recipes that causes most parents to falter in their desires to provide healthy, home cooked meals for their loved ones. Reducing or eliminating the need to plan will increase the number of meals eaten at home.

"Services like those I provide at Menu Planning Central can eliminate the need to plan," explains Steendahl, "and allow parents to put their goal of healthy, family dinners into immediate action."

"This is just what my family needed", agrees Susanne Myers. "Our four-year-old daughter is enjoying the family-friendly meals and I'm even able to sneak in the occasional piece of steamed fish and of course lots of veggies. I'm feeling like a much better mom feeding her a balanced meal instead of heating up some frozen chicken nuggets and calling it dinner."

For more information about menu planning, or to arrange an interview, contact Christine at support @ menuplanningcentral. com or download her free report Menu Planning Basics at http://www. menuplanningcentral. com (http://www. menuplanningcentral. com)

Contact: Christine Steendahl
Company: MenuPlanningCentral. com
Phone: (888) 277-0429
Email: support @ menuplanningcentral. com
URL: http://www. menuplanningcentral. com (http://www. menuplanningcentral. com)

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Saturday, June 10, 2006

Intake for Full Circle ArtÂ’s Art About Women Competition

Intake for Full Circle ArtÂ’s Art About Women Competition

Intake dates for Full Circle ArtÂ’s Annual Competition Art About Women will be Thursday, January 27 through Saturday, January 29 1:00-6:00 p. m. at Full Circle Arts, 219 First Avenue NW Suite 101, Hickory NC. Art About WomenÂ’s purpose is to give area artists a means of exhibiting their artwork featuring women and womenÂ’s issues in all visual media and is open to all artists ages 16 and over.

(PRWEB) January 22, 2005

Part of the proceeds from Art About Women will benefit the First Step Program of the Family Guidance Center of Catawba County. Entry fees are $25.00 for Full Circle Arts member and $35.00 for non-members. Each artist may submit up to three pieces of artwork. Prize monies will be First Prize $300, Second Prize $200 and Third Prize $100. Entries should be hand delivered to Full Circle Arts.

An Opening Reception will be held on Thursday, February 3, 6:30-8:30 p. m. at Full Circle Arts.

Judge for the yearÂ’s competition will be dwaine c. coley, Executive Director of the Hiddenite Center, Incorporated since 1981. Mr. coley attended Furman University and graduated from Lenoir Rhyne College with a B. A. in Sociology with minors in Psychology and Art. He holds a Masters in Education from Southeastern Theological Seminary and is a Graduate of Managing the Arts from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Among his many affiliations with the arts are The North Carolina Museums Council (positions held were Awards Committee chair, President, Immediate Past President, SEMC Representative), Southeastern Museums Council (Board Member), Arts North Carolina (Treasurer, three Board terms), Arts Advocates, American Association of Museums, National Association of Arts Councils, Western Arts Agencies of North Carolina (Block Booking Coordinator, Staff Supervisor) and Underserved Presenters Technical Assistance Consortium (Rural Presenters) grant planner for Southern Arts Federation and writer and administrator for two NEA Grants. He has also served as a Guest Panelist for the North Carolina Arts Council, as an IMLS Reviewer for over ten years and consultant for numerous organizations including arts councils, art and history museums.

Full Circle Arts is located in downtown Hickory NC at 219 First Avenue Northwest, Suite 101 in the Glassworks Building. Gallery hours are Wednesday to Saturday 12:00 to 6:00. More information about Full Circle Arts, classes, membership or other upcoming events is available at 828-322-7545. You may also write to Full Circle Arts P. O. Box 3905 Hickory NC 28603 or email info@fullcirclearts. org. Please visit out website at http://www. fullcirclearts. org/ (http://www. fullcirclearts. org/). MembersÂ’ works are also on display at BR-Teknowledge on 1st Avenue NW in Downtown Hickory beside Drips Coffee House, Studio 70 in the Catawba Furniture Mall in Hickory, the Adult Life Programs of Hickory 1265A 21st St. NE Hickory and The Health Hut 2432 North Center Street in Hickory.

Full Circle Arts is a not-for-profit educational organization whose mission is to encourage public appreciation and education for the arts.

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Wednesday, June 7, 2006

ICPS Enters Into Strategic Alliance with Medappz, LLC to Improve Patient Safety

ICPS Enters Into Strategic Alliance with Medappz, LLC to Improve Patient Safety

ICPS entered into a strategic alliance with Medappz, LLC to offer their Electronic Health Record System to Hispanic physicians.

Washington, D. C. (PRWEB) April 27, 2006 –-

The Interamerican College of Physicians and Surgeons (ICPS), the oldest and largest national Hispanic medical society in the U. S., has worked for many years to improve physician effectiveness and increase patient safety through the use by physicians of an electronic medical record (EMR) system. Technology is redefining medicine. It links knowledge of genes with pharmaceuticals, uses stem cells to fight disease, allows less invasive laparoscopic surgery, and improved imaging capabilities. Likewise, information management advancements improve efficiency and safety. Effective patient management requires physicians to utilize technology in ways few could imagine twenty years ago.

Perhaps the most important benefit of the use of technology as it applies to patient safety is the electronic medical record. This process requires the physician to input doctor’s orders into an electronic system. There will be much fewer errors due to misreading of the order. “The elimination of hand-written orders and records will reduce error and greatly improve patient safety” said Dr. Rene F. Rodriguez, President of the Interamerican College of Physicians and Surgeons.

Medappz, LLC is a software development company headquartered in Wichita, Kansas with sales offices in Boca Raton, Florida, focusing on building advanced health information systems for ambulatory-care providers. Through its innovative electronic health record and practice management software, Medappz is changing the way ambulatory-care providers capture, manage, and exchange patient information amongst one another.

ICPS entered into a strategic alliance with Medappz, LLC to offer their EHR system to Hispanic physicians at reduced pricing. Medappz has developed a product called the “Clinical Agent”, an electronic health record and computer provider order entry system for ambulatory-care providers. By implementing the Clinical Agent in today's ambulatory-care setting, Hispanic physicians and their staff have instant access to medical records, lab reports, medications, allergies, and correspondence from other physicians. Many Americans who are members of ethnic minority groups, such as Hispanic Americans experience disparities in health outcomes. By targeting a community-based approach, Medappz has the capability of gathering massive amounts of clinical information on Hispanics allowing research to provide evidence-based medicine initiatives to improve health outcomes in Hispanic communities said CEO Brian Lichtlin.

The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) require the security and privacy policies of the provider be recorded and audited for compliance. Medical records can be safeguarded far more easily if they are on a secure, private database, such as the Clinical Agent.

For more information contact James P. Tierney, Chief Operating Officer, 202 467-4756.

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Growing Tree Toys Offers a Win Your Wish List Promotion - Up to $1,000 in Toys

Growing Tree Toys Offers a Win Your Wish List Promotion - Up to $1,000 in Toys

Throughout the month of October, Growing Tree Toys is offering customers a chance to win all of the educational toys on their Wish List, up to $1,000 in toys with the Win Your Wish List Promotion! Any customers that create a Wish List or add toys to their Wish List at Growing Tree Toys from now until October 31, 2009, are eligible to win the contest. For more information, visit http://www. growingtreetoys. com.

State College, PA (PRWEB) October 2, 2009

Growing Tree Toys, a leading specialty retailer of educational toys (http://www. growingtreetoys. com), has announced the launch of its Win Your Wish List Promotion, which offers customers a chance to win up to $1,000 in quality children's toys.

Throughout the month of October, customers that shop at Growing Tree Toys (http://www. growingtreetoys. com), and who use the Wish List feature, are eligible to win all the items on their Wish List - up to $1,000 worth of toys! All customers have to do from now until the end of October is create an account, shop the website and add items to their Wish List, and then they are eligible to win everything they place on their Wish List. For more information about the contest, please visit http://www. growingtreetoys. com/winyourwishlist (http://www. growingtreetoys. com/winyourwishlist).

In addition to offering customers a chance to win free educational toys, Growing Tree Toys is using this promotion to introduce the updated and improved Wish List feature on its website. After listening to customer feedback, completing research, and combining the results with industry best practices, Growing Tree Toys has created a very valuable Wish List for customers, which features the ability to: group toys on a Wish List by child; search and buy from a friend's Wish List; email a Wish List to friends and family; track toys that others have purchased from a Wish List; and, keep track of customers' favorite toys!

"Since many of the toys purchased on our website are gifts for children, our enhanced Wish List makes it easy for caregivers to share information with gift givers about the desired toys of a child or multiple children. This simple, convenient, and robust Wish List feature will be a great resource for the 'list maker,' as well as the gift purchaser, while also making for happy children," says Managing Partner, Jon Emigh.

To learn more about how to participate in the exciting Win Your Wish List Promotion, shoppers can visit http://www. growingtreetoys. com/winyourwishlist (http://www. growingtreetoys. com/winyourwishlist). Until October 31, 2009, customers can search the wonderful selection of educational toys and add their favorites to their Wish List for a chance to win from Growing Tree Toys.

About Growing Tree Toys
Growing Tree Toys is a family-owned, specialty toy store based in State College, PA that has been offering educational toys for kids for over 30 years. After 25 years as a brick-and-mortar business solely, Growing Tree Toys launched their website in 2003, aiming to provide the same excellent children's toys and excellent customer service that made the store successful for years. Growing Tree Toys strives to provide the best toys for children, while also creating awareness about how essential play is to their healthy physical, emotional, and social well being.

Contact:
Kim Emigh
Growing Tree Toys
814-237-0155

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Tuesday, June 6, 2006

Vocada Releases VoiceLink 2.0; New Solution for ‘Critical Test Results Management’

Vocada Releases VoiceLink 2.0; New Solution for ‘Critical Test Results Management’

Vocada, Inc., which in 2004 introduced VoiceLink™, the first technology-based solution for the fail-safe communication of critical patient findings, has announced a major upgrade, VoiceLink 2.0, creating a complete Critical Test Results Management (CTRM) system.

Dallas, TX (PRWEB) October 10, 2005

Vocada, Inc., which in 2004 introduced VoiceLink™, the first technology-based solution for the fail-safe communication of critical patient findings, has announced a major upgrade, VoiceLink 2.0, creating a complete Critical Test Results Management (CTRM) system.

The new version of VoiceLink incorporates many of the recommendations of the Massachusetts Coalition for the Prevention of Medical Errors, http://www. macoalition. org/Initiatives/docs/CTRbates. pdf (http://www. macoalition. org/Initiatives/docs/CTRbates. pdf). VoiceLink 2.0 enables hospitals to implement strategic critical test results management capabilities across their entire health care delivery system, according to Peter White, CEO and co-founder of Vocada, Inc.

The patented VoiceLink system is an easy-to-use, hosted solution that enables a reporting clinician, such as a radiologist or clinical lab technologist, to create and send real-time reports of a critical patient finding to an ordering clinician. The ordering clinician can easily retrieve critical reports by phone or online.

VoiceLink ensures that every critical rest result is retrieved in a timely manner by the ordering physician. VoiceLink 2.0 supports a robust set of escalation rules that automatically forward critical test results to backup contacts and to other critical destinations within the hospital. The reporting clinician can monitor the process and status of his or her reports via the Internet. The entire process, including the original critical test result, is archived and remains searchable for 10 or more years.

VoiceLink 2.0 features include:

Critical Test Result classifications – three time-based levels of result classifications. This supports the red, orange, yellow critical test result classification model recommended by the Massachusetts Coalition for the Prevention of Medical Errors; Critical Test Result tracking, reporting and alerting tools -- Establishment and tracking of test result completion times, ability to set and monitor compliance goals, and compliance alerts if messages exceed designated time thresholds; Critical Test Result role-based notification profiles – Expanded profiling tools allow ordering clinicians to include position or staff-based backup contacts, departmental escalation rules, establishment of “fail-safe” communication rules and weekend notification rules, and Critical Test Result phone-based notifications – Designed for answering services and paging desks of ordering clinicians.

“The new features in VoiceLink 2.0 add to its usefulness in eliminating the communication delays and failures that often threaten patient safety,” said Dr. R. James Brenner, Director of Breast Imaging and Professor of Radiology, University of California, San Francisco. “The color coding of test results, role-based notification rules, phone and online communications, and complete tracking of the communications process all fit the working environment of diagnostic and referring clinicians.”

“Critical Test Results Management is a new category of technology-based solutions that addresses the unique communication requirements of health care organizations. More than 35 hospitals currently use VoiceLink to communicate critical test results to enterprise-wide ordering clinicians,” said Thomas White, co-founder and executive vice president of Vocada. “The need has been there, but VoiceLink 2.0 is the first solution to address it.”

Vocada offers VoiceLink as a hosted, on-demand solution. It requires no customer investment in hardware or software. It can be accessed from any telephone and/or Internet-connected web browser.

The growing list of major hospitals now using or about to implement the VoiceLink system include leading academic, community and governmental healthcare institutions http://www. vocada. com/customers. asp (http://www. vocada. com/customers. asp)).

VoiceLink 2.0 will be presented at the upcoming meeting of the Radiological Society of North America, Nov. 27 – Dec. 2, 2005 in Chicago.

For more information call toll free 866-4VOCADA ext. 106.

About Vocada, Inc.

Vocada is a Dallas-based company that has created the first fail-safe medical communications system for hospital based diagnostic departments to communicate critical test results to ordering clinicians. The privately held company was founded in October 2000 by brothers Peter and Thomas White, who were both previously involved with other innovative and successful technology ventures. The company’s first product, VoiceLink™, was introduced in 2004. For more information, visit www. vocada. com

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