Saturday, August 3, 2002

Call to Action: Doctors to Help Prevent Environmental Pollution

Call to Action: Doctors to Help Prevent Environmental Pollution

Sustainable health care practices provide alternatives to the threat of rising environmental toxicity.

Berkeley, CA (PRWEB) July 22, 2006

Amidst the onslaught of bad news disseminated daily about toxins in our environment and the corresponding negative repercussions to our health, the Teleosis Institute has released a roadmap of positive, direct actions that citizens and health professionals can take to be part of the solution.

“Discussing phthalates, BCPs, formaldehyde and arsenic not only requires the use of words we can barely pronounce, it also seems to numb our senses,” says Teleosis Institute’s Founding Director Dr. Joel Kreisberg. Instead, Dr. Kreisberg’s health publication, Symbiosis: The Journal of Ecologically Sustainable Medicine, provides readers with current research and data that shows the urgency of the topic, and offers simple steps people can take to reduce the negative impacts of environmental degradation on human health. Click here for a free Symbiosis article: "There is Medicine in These Waters" http://www. teleosis. org/pdf/symbiosis/There_Medicine_Waters. pdf (http://www. teleosis. org/pdf/symbiosis/There_Medicine_Waters. pdf)

Among the urgent issues discussed in the just-released volume of Symbiosis—which focuses on our relationship with toxins in the environment—is the prevalence of commonly-used medicine getting into our drinking water. Our municipal drinking water typically contains 100 or so pharmaceutical drugs and personal care products in significant concentrations(1). Various medicines, including hormones, antidepressants, hypertension and cholesterol-reducing medications, and antibiotics end up in our waterways(2). A recent study(3) found that a mixture of 13 common medications from drinking water inhibited cell growth and caused negative changes to human embryonic cells.

"When dealing with our society’s waste stream, we have not yet come to grips with the fact that hormones and antibiotics are being washed back into our oceans, our animals, and our food products," Kreisberg explains. "Pharmaceuticals are used at a very high cost to us; they end up in our environment, or in our bodies. Did you know that the average baby born in the United States right now has over 200 chemicals in their system?"

In response to this situation, Teleosis advocates for the implementation of sustainable medical practices as a first line of defense before pharmaceutical drugs are indiscriminately prescribed. The current issue of Symbiosis offers a check list for physicians that includes:

Taking cost-effectiveness and environmental impact into account when comparing medications that are equally safe and suitable for the purpose. Prescribing starter packs and/or refill packs if available. Learning more about which drugs have large environmental impacts by using this website (http://www. janusinfo. se/imcms/servlet/GetDoc? meta_id=7240 (http://www. janusinfo. se/imcms/servlet/GetDoc? meta_id=7240)) and by asking for information from the pharmaceutical companies’ representatives.

For consumers, the simple ‘pollution prevention’ solution proposed in Symbiosis is to return unused medications to a participating pharmacy rather than flush them down the toilet.

Kreisberg explains that with rising populations, pharmacological agents will continue to emerge as unsuspected chemical pollutants. “It is our job as health professionals to create ‘clean medicine,’ which is a part of Green Health Care.” Kreisberg says that Green Health Care requires not only that a workplace be healthy for its occupants; it involves medical practices that do no harm to people or the environment. “While current medical practices generate significant pollution, we do have health care options that generate little if any waste. We can and must choose these more enlightened practices,” states Kreisberg.

The current issue of Symbiosis also provides readers with guidelines on choosing less toxic household cleaners; using integrative medicine, which offers far less toxic treatments for the environment; and spending time in the sun wisely by using sunscreen that does no harm to its user or the environment. A corresponding education event, "Healthy Sun and Sunscreen Practices", will be held at Teleosis in Berkeley, California on July 27th and will explore healthy ways to enjoy the sun, safe sunscreen choices and the truth about skin cancer.

About The Teleosis Institute: The Teleosis Institute is an educational not-for-profit organization devoted to developing effective, sustainable health care provided by professionals who serve as environmental stewards. Its Green Health Care Program is an integral process for health professionals committed to improving human and environmental health. Symbiosis is a quarterly online publication available to its members. Visit http://www. teleosis. org (http://www. teleosis. org)

REFERENCES

1 Hemminger P. Damming the flow of drugs into drinking water. Environmental Health Perspectives. 2005;113(10): A678-A681.

2 Kolpin, Dana et al. Pharmaceuticals, hormones and other organic wastewater contaminants in US streams, 1999-2000: a national reconnaissance. Environmental Science and Technology 2002; 26: 1202-1211 Available at: http://pubs. acs. org/journals/esthag/36/i06/pdf/es011055j. pdf (http://pubs. acs. org/journals/esthag/36/i06/pdf/es011055j. pdf) Accessed June 20, 2006.

3 Pomati F, Castiglioni S, Zuccato E, Fanelli R, Vigetti D, Rossetti C, Calamari D. Effects of a complex mixture of therapeutic drugs at environmental levels on human embryonic cells. Environmental Science & Technololgy. 2006; 40(7):2442-2447.

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Friday, August 2, 2002

Healer and Guide Announces Launch of Stress Reduction Podcasts

Healer and Guide Announces Launch of Stress Reduction Podcasts

Cecil McIntosh is a Healer and a stress problem solver. His busy clinic is filled with people experiencing emotion and physical pain. And through the use of Mr. McIntosh's combination of ancient Eastern wisdom and leading edge science, including neuro-linguistic programming, behavior modification, hypnosis and other client-centered therapies, Cecil is unique in his approach to solving today's problems - today.

Mississauga, ON (PRWEB) July 11, 2007

Cecil McIntosh has been called a teacher, a guide, a healer, facilitator and, at times, he's been called a nut. But one thing is certain. Cecil's dedicated followers swear by his techniques for managing stress, improving focus and finding serenity in life.

"I've seen, first hand, the psychological and emotional damage a stress-filled life can cause," Mr. McIntosh explained. "In today's world, people need simple coping mechanisms to counteract the daily onslaught of stress triggers."

With a busy practice, working one-on-one with his clients, Cecil fills his days providing solutions using his client-centered therapies developed from the ancient wisdom of the Far East melded with the latest in behavior modification therapies including neuro-linguistic programming (NLP), hypnosis, exercises and focus techniques that relieve stress, anxiety and even physical pain.

"Eliminating stress improves the quality of life in ways you can't imagine until you experience them. You're liberated. The weight is gone... (and) you're in control again," this practitioner explained.

Cecil also works in local hospitals with terminally ill patients - an experience that has helped hundreds through their most difficult time. "This work has given me an empathy with those in need," Cecil said in a recent media conference call. " I'm able to feel what my clients feel and treat them from this inside perspective." Some who know Cecil call it a gift. None disagree.

Recently, Cecil announced that he would begin podcasting from: 

Http://splitsecondradio. com (http://splitsecondradio. com) beginning July 5, 2007. Unlike other podcasts, Cecil talks one-on-one with patients who can call in their questions at 1-866-441-0783

As Cecil explained, "If you're coping with stress - work stress, marital stress, pressures of daily life - you're putting your physical and emotional health at risk. This September, I'll be holding one of my Relaxation Retreats at the beautiful Almond Beach Resort in Barbados. It's the perfect location to put yourself and your loved ones at ease." To learn more, visit Cecil's web site at www. emptyyourcup. com/barbadosretreat (http://www. emptyyourcup. com/barbadosretreat)

Cecil McIntosh is a remarkable guide and a remarkable man. Listen to his weekly podcasts from, http://splitsecondradio. com (http://splitsecondradio. com) and to discover the potential within you, learn more about Cecil's September Relaxation Retreat at http://www. emptyyourcup. com/barbadosretreat/ (http://www. emptyyourcup. com/barbadosretreat/).

It's the beginning of a journey to better health and a longer, happier life.

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Grantham University Awards Scholarships to Mia Baker of Glenn Dale, MD and Rashad Hamilton of Charlotte, NC

Grantham University Awards Scholarships to Mia Baker of Glenn Dale, MD and Rashad Hamilton of Charlotte, NC

Grantham University announced today that it has awarded a scholarship to Mia Baker of Glenn Dale, Maryland, a member of Blacks In Government and a scholarship to Rashad Hamilton of Charlotte, North Carolina. Grantham University provides Blacks In Government Region XI with an annual scholarship to award to one of its members or an immediate family member.

Kansas City, MO (PRWEB) October 4, 2010

Grantham University, an online universityspecializing in educating working adults, announced today that it has awarded a scholarship to Mia Baker of Glenn Dale, Maryland, a member of Blacks In Government and a scholarship to Rashad Hamilton of Charlotte, North Carolina. Grantham University provides Blacks In Government Region XI with an annual scholarship to award to one of its members or an immediate family member. Because there were two equally deserving candidates this year, the scholarship was divided between them. The scholarship covers tuition costs, required textbooks, software, and fees.

Ms. Baker, who works for the Library of Congress, plans to complete a bachelor’s degreein Multidisciplinary Studies at Grantham University. “I was already on the path to completing my Bachelor of Arts degree, but desperately needed funding, so I applied for the scholarship,” said Ms. Baker.

When she is not busy studying and working, Ms. Baker volunteers her time and raises money for a variety of community organizations including Susan G. Komen and the Make a Wish Foundation. Ms. Baker has also served as the Second Vice President of the Library of Congress chapter in Blacks In Government and was instrumental in increasing her chapter’s membership by 50 percent.

Rashad Hamilton plans to pursue a master’s degreein Information Technology at Grantham University. He currently works as an insurance agent; however, his ultimate goal is to open a homeless shelter in the Charlotte area and offer counseling, life skill classes and money management training, so they can have a second chance at life. Mr. Hamilton plans to use his education to make his dream a reality.

"We are very excited to have Mia and Rashad continue their studies at Grantham University,” said Dr. Cynthia Hoss, president of Grantham University. “Like so many of our working adult students, they both have a great deal of experience and are looking to build on that experience with a college degree.” 

Grantham’s flexible accredited online degree programsallow students to access their coursework when and where it’s convenient for them, so they can fit education into their lives instead of arranging their lives around education. In a recent Student Satisfaction Survey, nearly nine out of ten students stated that they would enroll at Grantham again. To learn more, visit: http://www. grantham. edu.

About Blacks In Government
BIG is a non-profit 501(c) 3 bi-partisan organization comprised of Federal, State, and Local employees, and is committed to achieving excellence in Government through equal employment opportunity. For more information about BIG’s Region XI and the Grantham University Scholarship Program, visit: http://www. bigrxi. org/.

About Grantham University:
Established in 1951, Grantham University is a private institution that specializes in online education for the working adult student. Its mission is to provide accessible, affordable, professionally relevant degree programs in a continuously changing global society. The University prepares graduates for careers in business, engineering technology, computer science, criminal justice, healthcare, nursing, information technology and other professional fields. Grantham University offers a military scholarshipprogram for active duty, reserve, guard, veterans and military family members, as well as scholarships for law enforcement professionals. Grantham's courses are 100% online, allowing students to study at home, at work, on Temporary Duty (TDY) or from almost anywhere in the world. Accredited since 1961 by the Accrediting Commission of the Distance Education and Training Council, Grantham University has compiled a distinguished record as a respected and accredited distance learning university spanning six decades of service to education. For more information, visit http://www. grantham. edu or call 1-800-955-2527.

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Biotrex Vitamins Sports+ vitamin formula may help Psoriasis sufferers too

Biotrex Vitamins Sports+ vitamin formula may help Psoriasis sufferers too.

The same ingredients known to protect joints and accelerate athletic recovery may speed healing, minimize scaling and end the redness associated with Psoriasis.

(PRWEB) November 4, 2003

Runners who use Sports+™ which is a vitamin formula by Biotrex Vitamins, who also have psoriasis are experiencing a decrease in the effects of psoriasis with Sports+™. After 2 weeks of use, the strawberry redness caused by Psoriasis reportedly fades away. In one case, after only 4 weeks of use, the redness and scaling on one person's face disappeared altogether. Redness faded to a light pink color on his arms and trunk and scaling was diminished. He claims he never looked as good and that nothing worked as well as Sports+.

It's no wonder that Biotrex® Sports+™ helps minimize the symptoms of Psoriasis. Based on the ingredients list and what they do, you'll see that most of the ingredients help skin formation or help the recovery of muscle or soft tissue -- those benefits appear to help the symptoms of psoriasis too.

SPORTS+ Nutriceutical Ingredients

Lactobacillus Acidophilus not only help the digestive tract function, they also reduce the presence of less healthful organisms by competing with them for the limited space available. A number of studies suggest that acidophilus can enhance immune function.

MSM (Methylsulfonylmethane) is a safe, natural, assimilable food, which assists the body in maintaining adequate sulfur stores. MSM may support the body in regulating insulin production, improving skin smoothness and elasticity, regulating environmental and allergic sensitivities, enhancing bowel function and liver detoxification, and enhancing respiratory function. MSM is a component of the proteins necessary for the formation of skin, hair, nails and muscle. Sulfur is also a component of bones, teeth and collagen.

Glucosamine HCL is found largely in cartilage and plays an important role in its health and resiliency. As we age, we lose some of the glucosamine and other substances in cartilage.. This can lead to the thinning of cartilage and the onset and progression of arthritis.

Cetyl Myristoleate has been shown to be highly effective as a support in the treatment of many forms of joint conditions. A great ingredient for people who play sports or for seniors because it helps repair cartilage and joints.

Vitamin C is a water-soluble vitamin that maintains skin integrity, helps heal wounds and is important in immune functions. Vitamin C is a redox agent. It acts as an antioxidant in some cases, and an oxidant in others. As an antioxidant, it helps to prevent cell damage by neutralizing "free radicals." Free radicals cause damage to cells. Some studies have shown that people who eat foods high in vitamin C have lower rates of cancer and heart disease. It is not clear if taking vitamin C supplements produces similar benefits. However a 2001 study indicates that supplementation with vitamin C, certain other antioxidants and zinc may slow the progression of age-related macular degeneration. This combination of ingredients is in our Renew+ formula.

Vitamin D aids in the absorption of calcium, a mineral, helping to form and maintain strong bones. It promotes bone mineralization.

Vitamin B-12 helps maintain healthy nerve cells and red blood cells, and is also needed to make DNA.

Calcium a mineral, is necessary for normal functions of the body, especially bone formation and maintenance.

Magnesium is needed for the efficient production of enzymes. It is also involved in protein metabolism, utilization of fats and carbohydrates and is necessary for proper nerve function.

Copper is required by the body to convert iron into hemoglobin.

Manganese is necessary for bone, skin and ligament formation, blood clotting and proper insulin function.

Chromium works with insulin by assisting cells to take in glucose and release energy.

Tumeric Standard Extract is a botanical and people who have various arthritis problems, osteoarthritis, and other common joint pains have reported that this product helped them feel better.

Tomato Extract - Lycopene is responsible for the red color in tomato, grapefruit, watermelon and guava. Substantial research has documented Lycopene's potent antioxidant abilities, especially its ability to reduce lipid peroxidation, suggesting a decreased risk of Cardiovascular Disease. Lycopene's antioxidant abilities are currently being evaluated for its possible protective role in cancer prevention, especially cervical, prostate, pancreatic and stomach cancers.

Colostrum Medical research and the reports of consumers indicate that colostrum has the following health benefits: Speeds healing, builds lean muscle and burns fat, increases endurance, and improves athletic performance.

Sea Cucumber has been shown to be effective in reducing the pain and inflammation seen in the arthritic and traumatized patient. Sea cucumber has been shown in studies to reduce blood pressure, help in the healing of ulcers, joint pain, injury to soft tissue, as well as joint trauma.

Treatments for Psoriasis

Topical treatments These consist mainly of steroid creams and ointments, and are generally the first step for treating psoriasis. Coal Tar ointments are also a traditional method. More recently, Dovonex, and Tazorac and others are recommended. If you have psoriasis that covers more than 10% to 20% of your body, topical treatments on their own usually won't work. Your doctor may include other treatments.

Photo or Light Therapy Regular exposure to the sun or artificial ultraviolet lights can cause the symptoms to subside because Psoriasis often responds to ultraviolet (UV) light. New approaches include UVB which is the exposure to ultraviolet B light and PUVA which exposures the skin to ultraviolet rays in combination with the drug Psoralen, which increases light sensitivity of the skin. Lasers are being used too. Some techniques focus the beneficial effects of light on psoriatic lesions.

Systemic treatments Rheumatrex and Amethopterin, Neoral and Sandimmune may be useful but follow up with your doctor because they may have some unwanted side effects.

Treatments with new medications The FDA has recently approved Amevive for the treatment of moderate to severe psoriasis.

What About Vitamins? There are literally hundreds of products on the market claiming that it can benefit psoriasis. Some of them certainly work, others just do not. Some people benefit from a placebo effect and in others psoriasis might simply go into remission making you think that this new substance is a "cure."

Sports+ is an excellent vitamin supplement in its own right. The added benefit to psoriasis sufferers is an added plus.

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Thursday, August 1, 2002

ALL PRO BEVERAGE Introduces A Better Answer to Coffee Pod Machines

ALL PRO BEVERAGE Introduces A Better Answer to Coffee Pod Machines

Pod or K-cup coffee machines fail to offer the best product design for office coffee services. All Pro Beverage introduces the superior coffee machine!

Paramount, California (Vocus/PRWEB) December 02, 2010

All Pro Beverage introduces a better answer to the demand for single-serve coffee makers. The Espresso Etc coffee machine grinds the beans fresh, brews one cup at a time, and produces many gourmet flavors at the mere push of a button. Plus, these machines are environmentally friendly and even clean themselves.

Because a coffee maker is the most popular appliance purchased for office coffee services, most companies spend considerable time to choose the best, most cost-effective and environmentally responsible machine for their break areas. The idea of brewing a single cup of coffee at a time is especially appealing because there is no coffee sitting around in pots getting old, the coffee is brewed fresh per cup, resulting in little wasted coffee. Just like at Starbucks, pods offer many flavors, but no one has to leave the office, and the price is certainly better.

The Truth About Pod Coffee Makers:
 Is the coffee really fresh? No. True, the containers are sealed, but there is no way of knowing how long ago the coffee was roasted, ground and put inside the pod. The only way to have really fresh coffee is to grind it right before brewing.

 Is there really little waste? No. The pods need to be disposed of and create a lot of trash. The pods are plastic, which is not a green or environmentally friendly product. These pods will spend hundreds of years in landfills.

 Are pods saving your company money? No. The pods are expensive, especially compared to regular brewed coffee. Often, the pods find their way into the purses and pockets of people who own similar machines at home. The thinking of otherwise honest people may be that it's not really stealing, if it's just one little pod. It may be considered the same as filling up a cup to drink on the ride home: drink it now or later, what's the difference? But these add up over time and create added expense, anywhere from 50 cents to $1.00 each pod.

For a limited time, All Pro Beverage is offering to place an Espresso Etc single-serve coffee maker inside qualifying businesses for free. If a company has 35 or more employees, All Pro Beverage Service will set up an Espresso Etc super automatic, single serve coffee machine inside the company's break or lunch room for a no-hassle, no-obligation FREE TRIAL. The company's employees and visitors will be able to experience the convenience and economy of pod-free specialty coffee, the freshness of espresso beans ground per cup at the mere push of a button, and the flavor of specialty coffee beverages are just like Starbucks - without the expense, waste, or hassle of pod coffee machines. Flavors include: Espresso, Americano Cafe Latte, French Vanilla, Chai Latte, Hot Cocoa and more.

About All Pro Beverage
As a leader in the specialty coffee industry and office coffee services, All Pro Beverage is recognized for its award-winning coffees, innovative brewing technology, and socially responsible business practices. All Pro Beverage’s operations are managed through three distribution units: The All Pro Beverage unit manufactures and produces bag-in-box bar supplies and equipment. The Espresso Etc Specialty Coffee unit produces super automatic espresso machines, fresh roasted coffee, tea and hot cocoa. The Fructomat USA Healthy Beverage unit produces custom formulated juice, water dispensers, and vending machines. For more information, visit http://www. allprobeverage. com, espresso-etc. com and fructomatusa. com. Find us on Facebook!

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Monday, July 29, 2002

Cranberry Protein Powder Added to Line of Nutraceutical Products from natural foods wholesaler AHD

Cranberry Protein Powder Added to Line of Nutraceutical Products from natural foods wholesaler AHD.

Cranberry protein powder from AHD is one of their new nutraceutical products for food manufacturers who want to add the benefit of cranberries. Patented technology extracts protein from cranberry seeds to preserve their natural health benefits.

Atlanta, GA (PRWEB) March 11, 2008 -

AHD International, a distributor of nutraceutical products (http://www. ahdintl. com/premium-nutraceutical-products. html), has introduced a new protein powder made from cranberries.

Luravida Cranberry Protein Powder (http://www. ahdintl. com/Products_CranberryProteinPowder. html) is a healthy alternative to dairy and soy protein. "There are drawbacks to dairy protein as well as soy protein. People are allergic to dairy or soy products. Cranberry protein is alternative that can enhance your products," said Kat Frey, Director of Marketing and Operations at AHD.

AHD's new patented cold-pressing technology means the health benefits of cranberry seeds can be added to boost the fiber in foods naturally. The cranberry protein powder is produced using a patented cold extrusion and filtration process which doesn't use enzymes or extraction solvents.

The cranberry protein powder is a raw ingredient that can be added to protein shakes, supplements, energy bars, cosmetics, and other products. Adding cranberry powder, food manufacturers can create unique products that stand out in the competitive natural foods and products industry.

Given cranberries reputation for helping urinary infections Luravidea Cranberry Protein Powder is especially ideal for products marketed to women.

Cranberries are popular with consumers for their rich nutritional and antioxidant qualities earning them the title of "superfruit." While many are familiar with benefits of the fruit, AHD's protein powder is made from protein extracted from cranberry seeds.

Cranberry protein powder is safe for vegetarians, rich in fiber, and packed with vital omega fatty acids 3, 6, and 9. It also contains both soluble and insoluble fiber and packs antioxidants several times more potent than vitamin C. This product is the only 100% fruit protein that contains 25% complete protein, including all EFAs and amino acids.

About AHD International
AHD International supplies the highest quality new-to-market nutraceutical products to manufacturers, wholesalers, and distributors worldwide. AHD's triple-check system means that products are evaluated for natural purity, consistency, and exceptional quality.

See AHD online at ahdintl. com (http://www. ahdintl. com) or call 404-233-4022 for more information on wholesale nutraceutical products (http://www. ahdintl. com/Product_1.html).

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Landmark Fish Habitat Bill Introduced in U. S. Senate

Landmark Fish Habitat Bill Introduced in U. S. Senate

Legislation offers grassroots, tangible solutions to restore our nation's waterways

Washington, D. C. (Vocus) September 24, 2008

Today, Senators Joe Lieberman (I-CT), Christopher Bond (R-MO), Hillary Rodham Clinton (D-NY), and George Voinovich (R-OH), introduced the National Fish Habitat Conservation Act of 2008, a comprehensive strategy to allocate conservation dollars for effective restoration of our national waterways.

Commentary from Senator Joe Lieberman:

"The National Fish Habitat Conservation Act, which I introduced today along with Senators Bond, Clinton, and Voinovich, will revolutionize how the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service approaches fish habitat conservation. With 40 percent of our fish populations in decline and half of our waters impaired, the current fragmented approach to fish habitat protection and preservation has clearly not worked. This bill encourages collaborative regional conservation efforts that bring together federal government agencies, state and local governments, conservation groups, fishing industry groups, and businesses. I look forward to working with my colleagues in Congress to enact this critical legislation to help restore fishstocks across the country."

The legislation was spearheaded by numerous leading environmental organizations including the Association of Fish & Wildlife Agencies, the American Sportfishing Association, The Nature Conservancy], the Congressional Sportsmen's Foundation, and Trout Unlimited, all of which share a common interest in the success of the National Fish Habitat Action Plan.

Currently, our nation's efforts to address threats to fish species are fragmented, and not comprehensive enough to reverse this downward trend. Earlier this month, the American Fisheries Society's Endangered Species Committee (ESC), a U. S. Geological Survey-led team of scientists, conducted a detailed evaluation of the health of our nation's freshwater fishes. In examining the status of continental freshwater and diadromous (migrating between rivers and oceans) fish, the ESC determined that nearly 40 percent of fish species in North American streams, rivers and lakes are now imperiled. This dramatic increase in the number of imperiled fish since the last report 20 years ago calls for the urgent action provided in the National Fish Habitat Conservation Act of 2008.

Under this legislation, federal and state governments, the recreational and commercial fishing industries, the conservation community, and businesses will work together to collectively to conserve and protect aquatic habitats using science-based conservation approaches.

The National Fish Habitat Conservation Act directs critical new resources toward the nation's fish and aquatic communities through partnerships that foster fish habitat conservation and improve the quality of life for the American people. This Legislation leverages federal, state, and private funds to build regional partnerships aimed at addressing the nation's biggest fisheries problems.

To date, the National Fish Habitat Action Plan's progress has included:

*Establishment of six fish habitat partnerships including:
Southeast Aquatic Resources Partnership Eastern Brook Trout Joint Venture Western Native Trout Initiative Midwest Driftless Area Restoration Effort Matanuska-Susitna Basin Salmon Habitat Partnership Southwest Alaska Salmon Habitat Partnership

*Allocated approximately $11 Million towards:
On the ground restoration projects through fish habitat partnerships A National Fish Habitat Assessment - due in 2010

This legislation is expected to improve not only important fish habitat, but also the overall health of vital waterways throughout the United States.

Commentary from Fish Habitat Partners:

From Kelly Hepler, Chairman of the National Fish Habitat Board:
"I would first like to express my sincere gratitude to the sponsors of the bill and their commitment to improving the quality of life in this country," said Kelly Hepler, of the Alaska Fish and Game Department and Chairman of the National Fish Habitat Board. "The waterways in our country are the true lifeblood of our nation and the National Fish Habitat Conservation Act will not only provide additional fishing opportunities and public access to these waterways but will also improve the health of the water and therefore the health of our families."

From Mark Tercek, President and CEO of The Nature Conservancy:
"This is a landmark bill that, if passed, would show our country is moving in the right direction to protect freshwater and aquatic ecosystems," said Mark Tercek, president and CEO of The Nature Conservancy. "With recent studies showing that fish species are in serious decline, we are in dire need of implementing a nationwide, comprehensive program to protect fish habitat. We need to act swiftly on this important legislation."

From Gordon Robertson, Vice President - American Sportfishing Association:
"The National Fish Habitat Conservation Act will provide new money for fish habitat conservation in this country," said ASA Vice President Gordon Robertson. "It represents a ground-up approach to fishery conservation and is complimentary to the Sport Fish Restoration and Boating Trust Fund Act. By improving the nation's fishery resources, the National Fish Habitat Conservation Act will also provide more recreational fishing opportunities for America's 40 million anglers."

The National Fish Habitat Action Plan board and staff appreciate the leadership and commitment of Senators Lieberman, Bond, Clinton and Voinovich along with their many colleagues who we hope will support this unprecedented legislation.

About the National Fish Habitat Action Plan
The National Fish Habitat Action Plan is the most comprehensive effort ever attempted to treat the causes of aquatic habitat decline and fix the nation's most pressing fisheries problems. The Action Plan is a science-based investment strategy to conserve waterways and make conservation dollars stretch farther by combining federal and privately raised funds to build regional partnerships. For more information, visit www. fishhabitat. org.

CONTACT:
Ryan Roberts
NFHAP Communications Coordinator
202-329-8882
Rroberts @ fishwildlife. org

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