|
|
you are here We Are National Voice Gazette To stay informed, subscribe to our
RSS feeds, book mark us, or even better,
webmasterb@nationalvoicesite.com Off-the-charts Pollen Spreads Allergy Misery Allergy season has come early and hit with a wheezing vengeance in parts of the South and Midwest this year, Mold & Allergies (Conditions A-Z) Mold grows in damp places, such as soil, basements, bathrooms and kitchens. Adult Allergies: Coming Late to the Party Suddenly developing allergies in your 20's, 30's, or older, hardly seems fair, Secrets of Toothpaste Richard Ambrose explores the history of toothpaste, including a look at old brands that made one's gums bleed or even contained radioactive material! Anaphylaxis: When Allergies are Deadly Anaphylactic reactions are responsible for approximately 1,500 deaths in the U.S. each year. What are the most common migraine triggers? (Conditions A-Z) Figuring out what triggers your migraines and then avoiding the triggers The 3 minute routine for reducing neck and shoulder pain Dr. Marshall Bronstein demonstrates simple techniques for reducing pain and tension CDC Releases Pamphlet On Zombie Preparedness!
from Webmaster B. javamanmonk: these people will not be laughing when zombies are sucking their brains from their broken skulls! From A To Zombi military and government secret, revealed :D plans to loose a virus that makes zombies out of all exposed! What was in the secret book? It was obviously used for military training A complete zombie dictionary, designed to give you an insight into a world crawling with zombies, a world so foreign to this one that it baffles the imagination We are continuously fed the same crap by the mainstream media, the military and the government and it is clear that they are unwilling to share this information with us. They want control and a well-informed and protected citizen is a great threat to that control system. So, if there's a serious threat of a zombie outbreak, why do they keep quiet? Is it for fear of panic or because they simply don't care about you and me? We know how things work and also know that if you want to stand a chance of surviving in a zombie-infested world, you are going to need all the help that you can get. FROM A TO ZOMBIE is the only zombie dictionary in existence, designed to give you a new mindset, new facts and a completely new experience of a zombie apocalypse.
from Webmaster B. javamanmonk: This advertiser has disappeared. I thought, when I first saw this ad, it was for some sort of comic book. When I spoke with the author, he was quite nervous, he told me he thought his telephones had been tapped, and that he was being followed. When I saw this story about the CDC zombie alert, it reminded me of this advertiser. I thought I would run the ad again. I clicked the link, as I often do, to see if it was still valid. Following the link, it came up on a suspended account page. Has some secret part of our military or government, discovered this information, and gone after the leakers and the author? If you see this website go off-line, or hear of my disappearance in the media, take this alert very seriously! It may be only a short time before you are invaded by zombies! UPDATE to prepare for the inevitable zombie attack, click the badge below and goto the U.S. Government's Center For Disease Control web site.
My Weapon of Choice for the Zombie Apocalypse USDA Sets New Standards for Reducing Foodborne Pathogens in Chickens and Turkeys, Preventing Up To 25,000 Illnesses First Standards for Campylobacter, Stricter Standards for Salmonella WASHINGTON, (MMD Newswire) March 16, 2011 -- The U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) today announced implementation of revised and new performance standards aimed at reducing the prevalence of Salmonella and Campylobacter in young chickens and turkeys. The improved standards will become effective in July 2011. With the new standards, FSIS is encouraging establishments slaughtering chicken and turkey to make continued reductions in the occurrence of pathogens - namely Salmonella and Campylobacter - in the products they produce. After two years of enforcing the new standards, FSIS estimates that approximately 5,000 illnesses will be prevented each year under the new Campylobacter standards, and approximately 20,000 illnesses will be prevented under the revised Salmonella standards each year. "These improved standards are a stronger buffer between foodborne illnesses and our consumers, especially our most vulnerable consumers - children, the elderly and those with weakened immune systems," said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. "There is no more important mission at USDA than ensuring the safety of our food, and we are working every day to lower the danger of foodborne illness. The new standards announced today mark an important step in our efforts to protect consumers by further reducing the incidence of Salmonella and opening a new front in the fight against Campylobacter." FSIS developed stricter performance standards using recently completed nationwide studies that measure the baseline prevalence of Salmonella and Campylobacter in young chickens and turkeys prepared for market. The studies indicated that, despite improvements, there was still a risk of consumers being exposed to these pathogens through poultry. "While the industry has made significant strides in recent years, far too many Americans continue to fall victim to these foodborne illnesses," said Under Secretary for Food Safety Dr. Elisabeth Hagen. "These improved standards will drive the industry to do better. They are tough but achievable. And when fully implemented, they will prevent tens of thousands of Americans from getting sick." President Obama's Food Safety Working Group (FSWG) developed three core principles to help guide food safety in the United States: prioritizing prevention, strengthening surveillance and enforcement, and improving response and recovery. In its overall mission to ensure a safe food supply for the public, and in response to the FSWG, FSIS developed the stricter performance standards to cut the Salmonella risk in poultry products. FSIS is announcing the new performance standards and inviting comment in the Federal Register Notice that will publish shortly. FDA approves imaging agent for central nervous system scans Washington, DC (MMD Newswire) March 15, 2011 --The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved Gadavist (gadobutrol), a gadolinium-based contrast agent, for use in patients undergoing magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the central nervous system. Gadavist was approved by the FDA on March 14. It provides contrast-enhanced imaging of the central nervous system, helping to detect and visualize lesions that disrupt the cell barrier that normally separates the brain from the blood stream. It also helps to detect and visualize abnormal blood supply and circulation of the central nervous system. "Gadavist MRI scans improved the visualization of lesions in the central nervous system when compared to MRI scans without contrast," said Libero Marzella, M.D., acting division director, Division of Medical Imaging Products in the FDA's Center for Drug Evaluation and Research. Gadavist is the sixth gadolinium-based contrast agent (GBCA) approved by the FDA for use in patients undergoing magnetic resonance imaging of the central nervous system. It is indicated for adults and children ages 2 years and older. Gadavist is more concentrated than the other GBCAs and should be administered at half the volume. Two clinical studies involving 657 patients and other trial data established the safety and efficacy of Gadavist. All GBCAs, including Gadavist, carry a boxed warning about the risk of nephrogenic systemic fibrosis (NSF), a rare, but serious, condition associated with the use of GBCAs in certain patients with kidney dysfunction. NSF is characterized by pain and thickening of the skin, and can cause fibrosis of internal organs. There is no known treatment for NSF. Gadavist is currently considered to be one the GBCAs with a lower risk of NSF, and is not one of the GBCAs that is contraindicated in patients with acute kidney injury or chronic, severe kidney disease. Those receiving Gadavist during the studies reported headache and nausea as the most common adverse reactions. Other adverse events associated with Gadavist included hypersensitivity reactions, involving cardiovascular, respiratory, or skin effects ranging from mild to severe. Gadavist is manufactured by Bayer Pharmaceuticals, Wayne, N.J. Number of Americans with Diabetes Rises to Nearly 26 Million More than a third of adults estimated to have prediabetes January 26, 2011 (MMD Newswire) -- Nearly 26 million Americans have diabetes, according to new estimates from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). In addition, an estimated 79 million U.S. adults have prediabetes, a condition in which blood sugar levels are higher than normal, but not high enough to be diagnosed as diabetes. Prediabetes raises a person's risk of type 2 diabetes, heart disease and stroke. Diabetes affects 8.3 percent of Americans of all ages, and 11.3 percent of adults aged 20 and older, according to the National Diabetes Fact Sheet for 2011. About 27 percent of those with diabetes-7 million Americans-do not know they have the disease. Prediabetes affects 35 percent of adults aged 20 and older. "These distressing numbers show how important it is to prevent type 2 diabetes and to help those who have diabetes manage the disease to prevent serious complications such as kidney failure and blindness," said Ann Albright, Ph.D, R.D., director of CDC's Division of Diabetes Translation. "We know that a structured lifestyle program that includes losing weight and increasing physical activity can prevent or delay type 2 diabetes." CDC is working on the National Diabetes Prevention Program, as stated in the Affordable Care Act. This program, based on the NIH-led Diabetes Prevention Program research study, is aimed at helping people reduce their risk for developing type 2 diabetes. In 2008, CDC estimated that 23.6 million Americans, or 7.8 percent of the population, had diabetes and another 57 million adults had prediabetes. The 2011 estimates have increased for several reasons: * More people are developing diabetes. In a study published last year, CDC projected that as many as 1 in 3 U.S. adults could have diabetes by 2050 if current trends continue. Type 2 diabetes, in which the body gradually loses its ability to use and produce insulin, accounts for 90 percent to 95 percent of diabetes cases. Risk factors for type 2 diabetes include older age, obesity, family history, having diabetes while pregnant (gestational diabetes), a sedentary lifestyle, and race/ethnicity. Groups at higher risk for the disease are African-Americans, Hispanics, American Indians/Alaska Natives, and some Asian-Americans and Pacific Islanders. Other data from the fact sheet: * About 215,000 Americans younger than age 20 have diabetes. Most cases of diabetes among children and adolescents are type 1, which develops when the body can no longer make insulin, a hormone that controls the amount of blood glucose. The fact sheet estimates are drawn from a variety of sources, including CDC surveys, the Indian Health Service National Patient Information Reporting System, the U.S. Renal Data System of the National Institutes of Health, the U.S. Census Bureau, and published studies. The fact sheet was prepared in collaboration with a number of agencies within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, other federal agencies, and the American Association of Diabetes Educators, the American Diabetes Association, and the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation International. Diabetes is the seventh leading cause of death in the United States. People with diabetes are more likely to suffer from complications such as heart attacks, strokes, high blood pressure, kidney failure, blindness and amputations of feet and legs. Diabetes costs $174 billion annually, including $116 billion in direct medical expenses. The fact sheet is available at www.cdc.gov/diabetes. Information on diabetes prevention and control from the National Diabetes Education Program-a joint effort of CDC and NIH-is available at www.yourdiabetesinfo.org. source: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES card board cut outs
Anti-baldness Drug May Cause Permanent Erectile Dysfunction A 26-year-old youth from the UK left impotent for good after taking the anti-baldness drug Propecia. Finasteride is a widely-used anti-baldness medication, which was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1997 as a prescription-only treatment for male pattern baldness (MPB). Finasteride is manufactured and marketed by NJ-based Merck, which sell this drug worldwide under the trade name Propecia. In clinical tests, 9 out of 10 men who took Propecia noticed hair loss stop, and some of them even reported regrowth of hair. (source: propecia.com) However, the impressive effectiveness of this drug does not come for free. There are several side effects of Propecia, which (according to Merck's official website) include the following: allergic reactions including rash, itching, hives, and swelling of the lips and face; problems with ejaculation; breast tenderness and enlargement; and testicular pain. Merck have recently, and after receiving many complaints from consumers, updated the drug's label and added new warnings that Propecia may cause sexual side effects. The noted sex-related side effects include decreased libido, decrease in the amount of semen, and erectile dysfunction. Merck claim on their website that less than 2% of users reported such side effects, and that these side effects will vanish after quitting the medicine, but will they? Apparently, not to 26-year-old James of Edinburgh - UK, whose story has been lately published on BBC's website. It began when James started taking Propecia after noticing continuous fall of his head hair. "I went onto the Internet and researched it. I found out there was a drug called Propecia, and soon enough I started buying that and it worked a treat." - James told BBC reporter Simon Mundie. After a while of using Propecia, James started noticing less interest in sex (low libido). He figured out it was a side effect of his baldness treatment, and so he stopped taking the drug thinking he will be back to normal. But instead, "things soon got worse" - James added. "After about three weeks all hell broke loose. I more or less became completely impotent." A few months later, he went to see a doctor, who recommended testosterone therapy. However, that did not work for James and his doctor told him he had the chance of a penile implant. "It did work well for my hair, but the cost is ridiculous - losing my sex life... It's happening to lots and lots of men, and it's about time people woke up to it." There are doctors in the U.S. who claim that cases like James's are quite usual, and warn users that Propecia may have long-term sexual side effects. Propecia is not the only drug that may cause impotence. According to the National Institutes of Health's website (NIH.gov), there are dozens of other drugs that were found to lead to erection problems in men. The ED and men's health dedicated website BuyViagraPillsOnline.com follows all news and events that have to do with erectile dysfunction, and will keep its users updated about the safety of Propecia and other drugs that may have sexual side effects. New Brain Injury Treatment with Botox December 24, 2010 (MMD Newswire) -- LegalView announces new additions to its brain injury treatment online information portal. The information update includes the use of Botox to treat brain injury patients. LegalView is an online legal resource site that provides information for persons seeking legal assistance. LegalView provides free information and legal resources to readers that cover, among many other subjects, brain injury treatment options. With over 1.4 million Americans suffering a traumatic brain injury (TBI) every year, thousands are left with loss functional ability. These people often face emotional, physical, and financial distress. LegalView is dedicated to helping brain injury victims and their families find information and related resources. The newest addition to the site covers the less known practice of using Botox to treat brain injury victims. Many traumatic brain injury victims suffer a tightening of muscles or muscles spasms. By injecting Botox into patients with TBIs, the muscles become looser and can lead to improvement in the patients' quality of life. Current traumatic brain injury treatment options include brain surgery, as well as treatments ranging from preventive, corrective or acute treatments. LegalView also includes explanations of brain injury terminology and people involved such as the rehab team and physiatrists, neuropsychologists, rehabilitation nurses, and occupational therapists. LegalView also provides information and expectations for both the family and patient to increase understanding of the medical, aesthetic, and physical experience. Topics include educational rehab, counseling options, and utilizing community support resources. Litigation for traumatic brain injuries is complex, and LegalView urges patients to contact an expert brain injury attorney who has an understanding of the medical aspects, as well as experiences with the legal matters involved. LegalView provides information on and resources for finding a traumatic brain injury law firm, lawsuit results and verdicts, attorneys, and more. By expanding its section for traumatic brain injury patients, LegalView can help brain injury victims and their families improve their knowledge, and even assist them in learning more about TBI laws. Within the brain injury section of the LegalView website, other subjects include brain injury lawsuits, legal assistance for traumatic brain injury victims, information on traumatic brain injuries, and brain injury lawsuit frequently asked questions. LegalView includes more medical and legal information on subjects such as mesothelioma cancer, auto accidents, and a section on Avandia side effects. About LegalView:
Narconon Trois-Rivieres and The Drinking and Driving Mentality by Debra Tone, content editor for Send2Press®. TROIS-RIVIERES, Quebec, Dec. 20 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Drunken people never consider themselves to be drunk. They just don’t. They can be falling down, slobbering, wetting themselves drunk and they still will get behind the wheel of a car and drive. Sadly, it is often up to friends, bar-keeps and even sometimes perfect strangers to divert tragedy. If someone drinks and drives, the probability is very high that an accident will ensue, says Narconon Trois-Rivieres. Deaths as a result of someone drinking and driving are senseless deaths. There are too many options available. Just DON’T drink and drive. Take a taxi, ask for a ride, do something, but don’t drink and drive. Yes, you are probably drunk. Even if you are not, would getting a ride be so terrible? No, what would be terrible is causing an accident that claims a life. Data shows that deaths due to drinking and driving spike during the holiday season. This may be because there are so many social gatherings, but it also gives the alcoholic an excuse to drink. As if drinking isn’t bad enough, they decide to drive too. Many families spend the holiday season mourning instead of celebrating due to the carelessness of drunken drivers. Narconon Trois-Rivieres remembers these families during the holiday season (www.youtube.com/watch?v=ID6HQ9l-MzM). They understand the incredible hurt and loss that is felt. They also would like to offer hope. The holiday season is the perfect time to address an issue with alcohol. It is a gift that is not only for person who uses alcohol, but also their family, friends and community. If the thought of being in rehab is so terrible, think of spending the holidays in jail for motor vehicle homicide. Now THAT would be terrible. Drinking and driving never ends well. It may end without incident, but it doesn’t end well. Innocent people are killed every year by those who drink and drive. Alcohol may make people merry at parties, but the mood is much more somber at the scene of an accident. Where is the joy in alcohol then? In a split second, lives are changed forever due to drinking and driving. No one ever thinks it will happen to them, but too often, it does. After the party they are surrounded by flashing lights and sirens and faced with the very harsh reality that they may have killed or injured someone. It’s a few simple words that mean so very much; Please don’t drink and drive. From the executives and staffs of Narconon Trois-Rivieres – narconontroisrivieres.org/ Government Actions Move U.S. Toward Healthier, More Organic and Local Food Menus EINNEWS, December 3---Passage by Congress of the new child nutrition act and conditions included in the recently passed food safety bill both highlight the growing U.S. movement toward healthier food, and organic food markets. With its large consumer base and the world's highest spending power, the U.S. has both the luxury and resources to pay for organic foods. And because of the fertility of much U.S. land, that food can be produced close to markets where it's consumed. A study by the research firm RNCOS anticipates that this trend will continue and will receive growing monetary and regulatory support for state and federal governments. Cancers Diagnosed at Late-Stages Despite Available Screening Tests November 24, 2010 (MMD Newswire) -- Almost half of the colorectal and cervical cancer cases and a third of the breast cancer cases in the United States are diagnosed at late-stages of the diseases when treatment is more difficult, according to a new report released today by the Centers for Disease and Control and Prevention. The report, "Surveillance of Screening-Detected Cancers (Colon and Rectum, Breast, and Cervix) - United States, 2004-2006," is published as a Surveillance Summary in the Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report. In this first report to highlight the nationwide incidence of late-stage cancer diagnosis and cancer screening prevalence, the incidence rates of late-stage cancers differed by age, race/ethnicity, and state. "This report causes concern because so many preventable cancers are not being diagnosed when treatment is most effective," said Marcus Plescia, MD, MPH, Director, Division of Cancer Prevention and Control. "More work is needed to widely implement evidence-based cancer screening tests which may lead to early detection and, ultimately, an increase in the number of lives saved." Researchers examined stage-specific cancer incidence rates and screening prevalence for breast, cervical and colorectal cancer by demographic characteristics in states. National data on new cancer cases were obtained from cancer registries affiliated with the CDC National Program of Cancer Registries and the National Cancer Institute's Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results Program. State-level cancer screening data were obtained from the CDC Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System. Authors of the report noted that differences in late-stage cancer diagnoses may be partially explained by differences in screening rates in locations and among different demographic groups. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends the following evidence-based population-based cancer screenings: * Men and women aged 50-75 years, at average risk for colorectal cancer, should get screened with any of the three tests: a fecal occult blood test every year, a flexible sigmoidoscopy every five years, or a colonoscopy every 10 years. Significant findings of the study include: * Incidence rates of late-stage colorectal cancer increased with age and were highest among black men and women. State incidence rates * Late-stage colon and rectum incidence rates ranged from 51.0 to 86.5, and were highest in Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Nebraska, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania. The Affordable Care Act provides coverage of these recommended cancer screening tests by eliminating financial barriers such as co-pays which is an important first step to increasing the numbers of persons who receive these services. Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States, after lung cancer. In 2006, more than 139,000 new cases of colorectal cancer were diagnosed and more than 53,000 people died from this disease. Colorectal cancer screening tests can find precancerous polyps so they can be removed before they turn into cancer, thus preventing the disease. In addition, screening can detect colorectal cancer at an early stage when treatment can be very effective. Each year, approximately 12,000 women in the United States are diagnosed with cervical cancer. However, it is the easiest gynecologic cancer to prevent with regular screening tests and follow-up. Cervical cancer screening can detect precancerous lesions so they can be removed before they turn into cancer. In 2006, more than 191,000 women were diagnosed with invasive breast cancer and more than 40,000 died from the disease. Mammograms are the best method to detect breast cancer before it is big enough to feel or cause symptoms, and it is easier to treat. CDC Efforts to Increase Cancer Screening CDC's Colorectal Cancer Control Program funds 25 states and 4 tribal organizations across the U.S. to increase rates of colorectal cancer screening among men and women 50 years of age and older through population-based approaches such as policy and health systems change, outreach, case management, and selective provision of direct screening services. The CDC National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program provides access to breast and cervical cancer screening services to low-income, uninsured, and underserved women in 50 states, the District of Columbia, five territories, and 12 tribes. For more information about CDC's efforts to prevent cancer, visit www.cdc.gov/cancer.
The Old Fashioned House Call is Being Revived in a Big Way The old fashioned house call is being revived in a big way by Dr. Arthur Freiberg, who is the President and CEO of a new service which has board certified physicians making house calls in most of the major big cities and their surrounding areas throughout the country today. "Board certified physicians and medical staff come to your home, hotel or office to treat all non-emergency medical concerns in usually less than one hour. And we are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, including weekend and holidays" New York, NY (PRWEB) November 17, 2010 When we think back to the more innocent days of Americana in which our parents and grandparents lived years ago, we naturally think of more innocent and relaxed images: the corner ice cream parlor with the soda jerk making ice cream sundaes for the kids, or going to the neighborhood carnival to buy five cent popcorn or to catch the ring on the merry-go-round. We certainly think back to the local doctor walking with his little black bag going to make a house call to treat a sick kid in the neighborhood. Those iconic images have long gone and disappeared from our social fabric and fast paced world and modern landscape that we live in today. However, a New York City doctor is now making it possible for one of those images to return in a big way today. The old fashioned house call is being revived in a big way by Dr. Arthur Freiberg, who is the President and CEO of a new service which has board certified physicians making house calls in most of the major big cities and their surrounding areas throughout the country today. Dr. Freiberg has formed a company called House Call Express, Inc. He has been noticing for a a number of years a growing need for the old fashioned house call. "Just because a patient is too sick to come to the office does not mean that the patient can't be seen by a doctor in their home," says Dr. Freiberg. "We make it very easy for patients to be seen within an hour or less in the comfort, security, and privacy of their own home in their own familiar surroundings. It certainly beats sitting for many, many hours in a cold, crowded, impersonal E.R. where germs are rampant all over the place from all of the sick patients, and waiting times demand that you had better bring a very large book to read while you wait to be seen. It also beats spending time travelling to a doctor's office only to sit in the doctor's waiting room for many, many hours in order, if your are lucky, to see the doctor for ten or fifteen minutes." "House Call Express, Inc. was created so that both adults and children would have access to top quality, personalized health care," says Dr. Freiberg, who is the President and Founder of the company. Being tired of excessive workloads and unable to treat patients with the time and compassion they deserved, a large group of caring, prominent associates of Dr. Freiberg have found a better way to practice medicine. "Our board certified physicians and medical staff come to your home, hotel or office to treat all non-emergency medical concerns in usually less than one hour. And we are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, including weekend and holidays." All of our physicians are affiliated with top hospitals in their local areas. Whether it's a sick toddler in the middle of the night that needs a pediatrician, a teenager with a sports related injury, or a busy parent who does not have time to see a doctor because of a cold or flu, House Call Express is there very rapidly. "We arrive within an hour, according to availability, spend as much time as is necessary to adequately diagnose the condition, and can usually begin treating immediately." Every patient is provided a follow-up telephone call within 48 hours to see how each patient is doing. "In today's society," says Dr. Freiberg, "patients are not used to this type of quality care as well as quality follow-up care. Our society has become so cold, so distant and distracted, so 'me-me-me' oriented, that our patients are surprised and delighted to have this type of medical care. We treat our patients just like they are part of our own families," says Dr. Freiberg. House Call Express has been somewhat modernized today from old fashioned house call doctors of yesteryear. First,the doctors can draw blood right in the home for all types of blood chemistry tests. They can also order mobile X-rays, ultrasound, EKG, and echocardiograms right in the patients own home. Test results are obtained in a very short period or time. It certainly is one-stop medical care right in the patients own home so that the patient is able to receive a full diagnosis and be treated from beginning to end in a very short period of time without the patient leaving their home or hotel entirely. House Call Express, Inc. also has a complimentary Hotel Urgent Physicians Service. This is a group of board certified, multilingual physicians who provide comprehensive, in-room hotel medical care for travelers from out-of-town as well as out of the country visiting in each city. These physicians are on-call 24/7, 365 days a year, including holidays. Our staff includes board certified emergency medicine physicians, internists, pediatricians, cardiologists, podiatrists, and optometrists, as well as other specialists. Travelers are contacted by phone and are usually seen by a physician within an hour of their phone call in their hotel room. "House Call Express, Inc. is a full service practice. Anything that primary care physicians can do in their offices, we can do in the patient's home, hotel or office." The physicians have everything from their own medical equipment to an EKG. The benefits to patients are enormous. You have the convenience of a physician coming to your home and meeting you personally. Treating patients in their homes can reduce the number of hospitalizations and trips to the ER, and can prevent or delay nursing home placements. In the home, physicians get a better sense of how a patient is really getting along. In the home, physicians have the opportunity to speak with the patient's relatives and other caregivers to better coordinate medical care more effectively with other health care professionals. More and more VIP's and businessmen use our service, but more for reasons related to privacy, time and convenience. Many business executives cannot imagine spending half the day sitting around in a doctors waiting room. They prefer to schedule an appointment at a time and place of their convenience. They can even have a physician come right to their office. Many business executives have not seen a physician in years because they can't bring themselves to go. We lower the threshold by eliminating their excuses completely. We started making house calls ten months ago on New Year's Eve 2010. We've treated thousands of patients in all of this time in all major cities across the country, East to West, North to South, and we have thousands of happy ex-patients. Dr. Freiberg, with a glint in his eyes, likes to say, "We make our patients into ex-patients very rapidly because with our quality care, our patients have no need for our services again." House Call Express, Inc. is a 24/7, concierge medical house and hotel call company located throughout the United States. You can call your local House Call Express representative at your local number. Or call 212-315-0300 for more information. Check http://www.housecallexpress.net for more information. regarding the company. The world's first anti-hangover beer Australian lifestyle company, TheFeelGoodFactory announced it will be pioneering a new era in the way consumers drink alcohol. November 23, 2010 (MMD Newswire) -- TheFeelGoodFactory has made a major breakthrough in their development of a world first line of anti-hangover alcoholic beer, wine and spirit beverages which was originally seen as a long term development process. However, the overwhelmingly positive preliminary trials of their anti-hangover alcoholic products have seen the company triple its efforts to bring the product line to market early 2011. TheFeelGoodFactory will not be releasing any scientific evidence or details on their world first anti-hangover alcoholic beverages until it has completed its final phase of testing. The final phase is expected to be completed soon and a press conference will be held in Sydney on December 16, 2010. Directors of TheFeelGoodFactory and self-proclaimed "Kings of the lifestyle industry" believe their products will usher in a new era in the way people drink alcohol and will change the alcoholic beverage industry forever. The self-proclaimed "Kings of the lifestyle industry" went on to say they believe this development will make TheFeelGoodFactory the biggest lifestyle company in the world. TheFeelGoodFactory also announced it will be looking to partner with major alcoholic beverage manufacturers and distributors in the coming months and expect to have products launched in Australia, UK, Europe, US, Canada, Mexico, China, Japan and the UAE early 2011. TheFeelGoodFactory has cancelled the 2011 launch of its anti-hangover shot, F*CK!NG HANGOVER. However it will be selling a new anti-hangover tablet, available only on their website and the company claims it is the most superior product on the market. Getting Treatment When You Don't Have Medical Insurance Far too many Americans are living without health insurance. In the economic downturn, millions of people have lost their jobs and accompanying medical insurance benefits. ;November 25, 2010 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Far too many Americans are living without health insurance. In the economic downturn, millions of people have lost their jobs and accompanying medical insurance benefits. A new report from the Kaiser Foundation says the number of uninsured has risen sharply: 50 million Americans are now without health insurance. Uninsured and in Need of Care The passage of health reform last year provides hope for future coverage for many, but what should you do today if you're uninsured and in need of medical care? Coming Expansions of Care for the Uninsured Because the comprehensive health care reform signed last year is being phased in, different elements of the law are enacted at different times. For instance, this year there was an expansion of the Children's Health Insurance Program, as well as an increase in the Medicaid drug rebate percentage. More expansions and health care options are to come in 2011 and beyond, including the following: While the debate about health care reforms and rights continues, there is little disagreement on this point: everyone needs quality health care. If you're currently uninsured, explore every available avenue to obtain the medical care you and your family need. Article provided by DeLuca & Weizenbaum, LTD. Florida Gynecologist Rebuts Misconceptions About Cosmetic Procedures Florida gynecologist, Dr. Mark Scheinberg, responds to some of the criticisms about cosmetic gynecological procedures. Nottingham Consulting Group DEERFIELD BEACH, FL, November 25, 2010 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Cosmetic gynecology is a burgeoning field with a growing number of practitioners and patients all over the U.S. However, some doctors expressed concern about the field in a recent issue of OB.Gyn News. Many worried that such procedures aren't medically indicated, while others were concerned about negatively affecting a woman's self-image by suggesting that her private parts might be unattractive. However, Dr. Mark Scheinberg, a South Florida cosmetic gynecologist from the Center for Cosmetic Laser Gynecology, knows these criticisms are unfounded. "I have seen hundreds of patients in my practice," says Dr. Scheinberg. "Many of them have functional concerns, such as pain, difficulty with urine retention, or diminished sexual satisfaction. Aging, childbirth, and other causes can result in some distressing changes in the vulva area. After surgery, they are very happy to have these functions return to normal." Other critics have voiced concern that gynecologists' straying into purely cosmetic treatments is a inappropriate. However, as Dr. Scheinberg points out, "These procedures are no different than breast enhancement or tummy tucks which are performed for cosmetic reasons. Enhancing your appearance is a valid choice for women. It can improve their self-image and quality of life." Ultimately, Dr. Scheinberg notes, it's an issue of giving women choices. "I believe that women should have cosmetic gynecology options," he says. "It's not up to me to tell a woman whether she should or shouldn't be happy with the appearance of the vulvar area. It's the patient's choice." Learn More About Dr. Mark Scheinberg Families Can Reduce Stress Over the Holidays with Tips from Stress Management Expert Dr. Richard Blonna HILLSBOROUGH, N.J., Nov. 19, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- Dr. Richard Blonna, author, life coach, and stress management expert, offers five simple strategies for managing holiday stress. His approach to managing the worry and anxiety associated with holiday stress is adapted from his new book, Stress Less, Live More; How Acceptance and Commitment Therapy Can Help You Live a Busy Yet Balanced Life (http://www.newharbinger.com/bookstore/productdetails.cfm?PC=908). ACT is a values-based approach to managing stress and other psychological problems. One of its main objectives is to help people set goals and live lives that are consistent with what they value. Values give direction to our lives and are central to defining who we are as people. According to Blonna, "because our values are so important to us, stress commonly occurs when our values collide with each other." This often happens over the holidays when family, friends, and other loved ones come together and visit. Many people value family yet struggle with family-related values and conflicts that crop up over the holidays. For example, you might value small intimate dinners with just a few family members but your visiting parents want to bring the whole family together at your house. You might value sharing simple, meaningful yet inexpensive gifts but your siblings like to buy expensive, trendy gifts for you and your children. You value classical music and good conversation but your uncle wants to put the football game on and shut off the music. To Cope With Holiday Stress Try the Following Five Tips: 1. Clarify what you value about the holidays before making any plans. Finish the following sentence stem with as many endings as possible: "The things I value about the holidays are..." When you are done, rank your holiday values from most to least important. 2. Set reasonable goals for your top three values. It is better to break goals down into smaller objectives that answer the question: "Who will do how much of what by when?" This will make it easier to meet your values-based holiday goals. For example: Top value: "Family." Goal: "Visiting my family over the holidays." Objective: "I will visit my mom and dad, aunt Millie and her family and my uncle Bob between Thanksgiving weekend and the weekend after New Year's." 3. Accept the pain and suffering that accompanies the joy associated with the holidays. Seeing your family will more than likely dredge up some old painful thoughts, feelings and mental images. ACT has found that the worst thing you can do when these painful thoughts and feelings arise is try to control, avoid, or eliminate them. This only makes them worse. The best way to deal with them is to accept them. Tell yourself: "I am willing to co-exist with these painful thoughts and feelings in the service of ... value (fill in the value: family, etc. )." 4. Work in some daily physical activity or exercise. The stress response mobilizes energy and creates muscle tension. If you don't dissipate this through physical activity it has nowhere to go and will cause irritability, insomnia, fatigue, and muscle pain. 5. Take a few good breaths several times a day. Every day take a few moments to calm yourself by becoming more mindful of the present moment through diaphragmatic breathing. Sit comfortably and close your eyes. Put your hands on your belly and slowly exhale completely through your nose. As you inhale slowly through your nose notice the feeling of the air travel in through your nose, down your windpipe, and all the way down to the bottom portion of your lungs closest to where your hands are resting. As you slowly fill your lungs from the bottom up feel your belly rise and push on your hands. When your lungs are completely full pause for a moment and notice how this feels. Slowly empty your lungs and notice the feelings in your chest as the air exits your body. Continue to notice the sensations in your nose, windpipe, lungs and belly as you breathe in and out for a few breaths. Repeat this a few times a day. About Dr. Blonna Dr. Richard Blonna is a Nationally Certified Coach (CPC), Counselor (NCC), Distance Counselor (DCC), and Health Education Specialist (CHES). In addition to his coaching practice he is a full-time tenured university professor with over 25 years of experience teaching stress management and health counseling. He is the author of four textbooks, two trade paperbacks, and several journal articles. Video tips on how to manage stress can be seen on You Tube: http://www.youtube.com/user/blonnar?feature=mhum. His website is http://www.healthystressdoctor.com. Bionic Leg Evidence That Daily Antiretroviral Pill Reduces HIV Risk in Gay Men is a Major Breakthrough Says AVAC Public health agencies and communities must move quickly to translate trial results into impact NEW YORK, Nov. 23, 2010 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- "This is a great day in the fight against AIDS. The positive results of the iPrEx oral PrEP study are a major milestone in HIV prevention research and provide important information about how antiretroviral drugs might be used for prevention by HIV-negative people at high risk for HIV infection," said AVAC Executive Director Mitchell Warren. "It's a result that requires immediate action. Because the pill evaluated in iPrEx is licensed and available as treatment for HIV-positive people, gay men and others at risk of HIV need immediate information about what these data tell us and what questions remain. Moreover, gay men and others at risk of HIV need to give crucial input and have influence on what the next steps for this new intervention might be," Warren said. "There is a global imperative to act on the results with ambitious, carefully prioritized research and implementation agendas, including strategic demonstration projects," Warren continued. The iPrEx pre-exposure prophylaxis, or PrEP, trial evaluated the safety and effectiveness of a once-daily dose of the antiretroviral drug TDF/FTC (brand name Truvada) for HIV prevention among 2,499 HIV-negative gay men and transgender women who have sex with men. At the end of the three-year trial, there were 36 infections in participants who received TDF/FTC and 64 in placebo recipients. This translates into an average 43.8% reduction in HIV risk overall in participants who received TDF/FTC compared to those who received the placebo. "We congratulate the trial sponsors, scientific collaborators and partners who conducted this landmark global trial. We especially want to thank the nearly 2,500 gay men and transgender women from four continents whose altruism and commitment as trial volunteers made this effort possible," Warren added. "The commitment of the iPrEx volunteers is especially important in light of the current human rights struggles in many countries and communities of gay men and other men who have sex with men. These volunteers and their communities have made an inestimable contribution to HIV prevention research and to the eventual development of new ways for both men and women to protect themselves from HIV. The world owes them and their communities an enormous debt of gratitude." "The identification of any new HIV prevention strategy is a landmark moment for the global AIDS response. IPrEx tells us that we have a new tool for gay men and transgender women. At the same time, the adherence and resistance data reported in today's New England Journal of Medicine article tell us that there's a lot of work to be done on identifying the best possible ways to deliver PrEP to these communities in ways that are safe, effective and grounded in a rights-based response. It's also important to remember that even more data will emerge as follow up and analysis continue over the coming months," Warren said. One important source of additional information will be a follow-up trial, which will begin in early 2011 and be open to all participants from the original iPrEx trial. All HIV-negative participants who choose to join this open-label trial will receive the active TDF/FTC pill along with an HIV prevention package and will be counseled on daily use of the drug. However, monitoring and HIV testing will be less frequent, with the goal of learning about PrEP safety and effectiveness in a "real world" context. "As this information is gathered, public health officials, regulatory bodies and policy makers must quickly provide clear statements on what we know and what we don't, stressing that PrEP reduced risk in gay men and transgender women in the context of intensive counseling around safer sex, condom use and daily pill-taking, as well as regular monitoring including HIV testing," Warren said. The trial underscores the importance of providing a comprehensive prevention package. All of the iPrEx participants received a full prevention package, including condoms, safer sex counseling and treatment of sexually transmitted infections. At each monthly clinic visit, participants were tested for HIV and counseled about daily use of the trial drug, a level of counseling and testing not easily achieved outside of a clinical trial. The trial also demonstrates that PrEP is only safe in people with confirmed HIV-negative diagnoses. Two cases of drug resistance documented in iPrEx occurred among two men who started PrEP while in the earliest phases of HIV infection, and therefore did not test positive for HIV using the trial's diagnostics. iPrEx shows that adherence to the drug regimen is essential. Participants who received TDF/FTC and had detectable levels of drug in their blood were at much lower risk of HIV compared to participants who received TDF/FTC and had no drug in their blood. The trial also analyzed risk of infection as it related to reported rates of pill taking. Participants who reported taking their pills correctly and consistently the majority of the time had significantly lower risk of HIV infection compared to those who reported taking the pills less frequently. These data can't be extrapolated to people at risk of HIV via heterosexual sex or injection drug use. Differences in biology of the vagina and rectum, and between HIV risk in sexual versus injection exposure make it essential that ongoing trials looking at PrEP in these contexts must continue. "iPrEx is the first of several PrEP trials to provide results. There are more than 20,000 participants enrolled in additional PrEP trials worldwide that must continue," said Warren. The iPrEx findings add to a growing body of evidence confirming the powerful potential of antiretroviral drugs for HIV prevention. This includes findings from CAPRISA 004, a trial of 1% tenofovir gel as an HIV prevention tool for heterosexual women, which found that women who received the gel had an estimated 39 percent lower risk of infection compared to those who received an inactive placebo gel. After many years of disappointing results from biomedical prevention trials, iPrEx and CAPRISA 004—along with the RV144 AIDS vaccine trial—mark the beginning of a new era of HIV prevention. "New strategies come with new costs. We must ensure that any new strategy is well-validated before it is widely introduced, and that this introduction comes with new resources and not at the expense of any proven prevention modality," said Warren. "As we move towards potential PrEP implementation, it is critical to remember that millions of HIV-positive people around the world, including thousands in the United States, lack access to the HIV treatment they need, which is often the same drug used in this trial," Warren said. "We can and must find a way to ensure that PrEP is a part of comprehensive, well-funded response to HIV. That means ensuring access for all who need it to existing HIV prevention and treatment options; ensuring continued research to find and refine effective new options, including PrEP, microbicides, vaccines and the possibility of treatment as prevention; and planning for integrating these new interventions into combination programs." Additional information about the trial is available on the official iPrEx trial website at www.iprexnews.com. More information about key issues around the iPrEx study and the future of PrEP generally is available in AVAC's PrEP and the iPrEx Trial FAQ that is online at www.avac.org/iprex. What PrEP is and What PrEP is not In iPrEx, daily TDF/FTC helped prevent HIV among HIV-negative gay and bisexual men when used with condoms and other HIV prevention methods. The observed benefit was seen among participants who also received monthly HIV testing, counseling, condoms, treatment for sexually transmitted infections and other services. This study showed that PrEP using TDF/FTC is safe and effective in gay men who were instructed to take the drug daily, received monthly HIV testing and ongoing monitoring for side effects and who received comprehensive HIV prevention services. There are risks, including possible HIV drug resistance and side effects. The only way to minimize these risks is through ongoing monitoring and testing. PrEP is not a "vaccine" or a "morning-after" pill. The strategy as studied involves ongoing pill-taking. In iPrEx, TDF/FTC was effective when participants received intensive counseling to take the drug every day. There is no evidence supporting the effectiveness of this PrEP drug in any other context. In the trial, participants who reported taking the TDF/FTC pill consistently had the highest levels of protection. The iPrEx results cannot be extrapolated to other populations. Only other PrEP studies underway among heterosexual men and women and injecting drug users will tell us whether this or other PrEP strategies work in these other groups. About AVAC: Founded in 1995, AVAC is an international non-profit organization that uses education, policy analysis, advocacy, and community mobilization to accelerate the ethical development and eventual global delivery of AIDS vaccines and other new HIV prevention options as part of a comprehensive response to the pandemic. Life-Saving Therapy for Lung Clots: Reported Study Show Ultrasound Helps Drugs Dissolve Clots Offering Hope to Patients A new technique that combines the heat and energy of ultrasound with highly targeted delivery of clot-busting drugs appears to be an effective treatment for patients with acute massive pulmonary embolism (PE), commonly referred to as a blood clot in the lung. The novel treatment is called ultrasound-accelerated catheter-directed thrombolysis (developed by EKOS Corporation, Bothell, Washington). It adds a new dimension to catheter-directed thrombolysis (CDT), a procedure in which a high concentration of clot busting medication is delivered directly to the clot over an extended period of time through an infusion catheter. In ultrasound-accelerated CDT, the infusion catheter includes an element device that emits ultrasound energy in the therapeutic zone; the ultrasound works to make the clot more porous and more penetrable by the thrombolytic agent, thus lessening both the length of time of the infusion and the volume of thrombolytic drug applied. Reporting on the results of a study of 46 patients treated for massive PE over a ten-year period, Peter Lin, M.D., professor of surgery at the Baylor College of Medicine told attendees at the VEITHsymposium that ultrasound-accelerated CDT achieved complete thrombolysis in 100 percent of the patients treated compared to 67 percent patients receiving CDT without ultrasound. Both the average dose of thrombolytic agent and the length of time for infusion were lower for patients receiving ultrasound-accelerated CDT. Furthermore, there were no hemorrhagic complications within this group compared to 3 incidents in the CDT group. All patients receiving ultrasound-accelerated CDT were treated with tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) as the thrombolytic agent. tPA was administered in 16 of the 21 patients undergoing CDT, with urokinase as the thrombolytic for the other five. Dr. Lin lauded “while both CDT and ultrasound-accelerated therapy have remarkable therapeutic effects for this life threatening condition, the EKOS device provides a significant added benefit of clearing most if not all the clot while using less drug.” PE accounts for more than 300,000 deaths every year in the United States, and most of these are the result of acute massive PE and typically occur within one hour of presentation. For patients with hemodynamic instability from massive PE, systemic thrombolysis is considered to be the standard of care. “In institutions with appropriate clinical expertise,” Dr. Lin said, “ultrasound-accelerated thrombolytic is a beneficial treatment option in patients who have acute massive PE with contraindications to systemic thrombolysis, when time to administer systemic thrombolytic agents is lacking, or when no improvement follows stand intravenous thrombolytic administration.” About VEITHsymposium: Now in its fourth decade, VEITHsymposium provides vascular surgeons, interventional radiologists, interventional cardiologists and other vascular specialists with a unique and exciting format to learn the most current information about what is new and important in the treatment of vascular disease. The 5-day event features over 400 rapid-fire presentations from world-renowned vascular specialists with emphasis on the latest advances, changing concepts in diagnosis and management, pressing controversies and new techniques. To register to attend the VEITHsymposium, please visit http://www.VEITHpress.org or contact Pauline T. Mayer at 631.979.3780. SIDEBAR: Although DVT is most common in people older than 60, it can occur at any age. In about half of all cases of deep vein thrombosis, there are no symptoms. Signs to watch out for are leg swelling, leg pain or tenderness, and redness or warmth in the leg. Many times, the first sign of deep vein thrombosis is a pulmonary embolism. Warning signs of a pulmonary embolism: Chest pain or discomfort that gets worse when you take a deep breath or cough, Fainting or feeling lightheaded or dizzy, CDC Spotlights Global Efforts to Address Antibiotic Resistance Expands 'Get Smart' programs to hospitals and nursing homes November 15, 2010 (MMD Newswire) -- Antibiotic resistance is one of the world's most pressing public health threats. To bring attention to this increasing problem, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and other government partners will observe its third annual Get Smart About Antibiotics Week on November 15-21, 2010. The national campaign will highlight the coordinated efforts of CDC, state and local health departments, and non-profit and for-profit partners to educate the public about antibiotic resistance and the importance of appropriate antibiotic use in both community and healthcare settings. "Antibiotics are essential to combat life-threatening bacterial infections," says Dr. Thomas Frieden, director of CDC. "Unfortunately, misuse of antibiotics is widespread and contributes to resistance. We have to better promote appropriate use of antibiotics to preserve these life-saving tools." Taking or prescribing antibiotics when they are not needed creates additional health risks. And, antibiotic use can lead to antibiotic resistance - when bacteria change in a way that reduces or eliminates the effectiveness of antibiotics. As resistance increases, a patient's risk of complications or death from an infection also increases. Additionally, antibiotic-resistant bacteria have the potential to spread between people and cause severe infections. Reducing unnecessary antibiotic use can reduce avoidable adverse events including Clostridium difficile infections (a potentially deadly diarrheal infection) and allergic reactions. "Antibiotics are a shared resource - and, for some infections, are becoming a scarce resource," says Dr. Lauri Hicks, medical director for CDC's Get Smart: Know When Antibiotics Work program. "The problem is we expect antibiotics to work for every illness, but they don't. If you have a cold, antibiotics will not work for you." In conjunction with Get Smart About Antibiotics Week 2010, CDC unveiled its new Get Smart for Healthcare program to complement the existing Get Smart: Know When Antibiotics Work program. Get Smart for Healthcare will focus on improving antibiotic use in hospitals and nursing homes. The goal of the Get Smart for Healthcare program is to ensure that these facilities are using antibiotics wisely by implementing proven strategies Data from published studies show that: * Approximately 50 percent of antibiotics are unnecessarily prescribed or inappropriate. The 2010 observance of Get Smart About Antibiotics Week is an international collaboration, which will coincide with European Antibiotic Awareness Day and a Canadian observance day, both scheduled for Nov. 18, 2010. For additional information about Get Smart: Know When Antibiotics Work or Get Smart for Healthcare, please visit www.cdc.gov/getsmart or www.cdc.gov/getsmart/healthcare. As Europe Regulates Probiotics, Americans Need to Know What They’re Buying BOULDER, Colo., Nov. 19, 2010 — With the European Union poised to regulate probiotics, and with probiotic supplement sales increasing dramatically in the United States, Americans need to know what they’re buying, and how these products can affect their health. “Currently, there are not these types of regulations in the U.S. As European regulations raise the bar in the probiotic industry world wide, U.S. consumers are still faced with a confusing array of immune system supplements, ingredients and health benefits claims,” said Russian-trained microbiologist Dr. Liubov Shynkarenko, a veteran of Soviet Cold War-era bio-chemical warfare research that led to the development of modern probiotics as immune system supplements. “From moderate health imbalances to serious illnesses, different strains and combinations of probiotics will produce different results with liver, heart and other body systems affected by toxicity.” Now Vice President of Research for the Del-Immune V® probiotic product line, Dr. Shynkarenko recommends the following tips for consumers looking to achieve the most effective results from immune system supplements: “With Europe and eventually the U.S. conducting trials and regulating the probiotics industry, better products will be developed, and consumers will have access to more information,” said Dr. Shynkarenko. “This will lead to better understanding, and give doctors the knowledge they need to advise patients on the proper strains and combinations of probiotic supplements, which will vary between individuals.” About Del-Immune Del-Immune V®, manufactured by Lyoferm Inc. in Indiana and distributed by Boulder-based Pure Research Products LLC (PRP), is a probiotic-derived nutritional supplement that provides immediate immune system support. Del-Immune represents the culmination of 30 years of research originated by Cold War-era Soviet Bloc scientists and Russian military bio-warfare troop protection programs. PRP obtained exclusive rights to manufacture, distribute and market the unique Lactobacillus rhamnosus (DV strain) from its Russian partners in 2002. Del-Immune V is used by thousands and recommended by doctors around the world. For more information, please visit http://www.del-immune.com. New Hangover Cure Could Save the US Hundreds of Billions November 17, 2010 (MMD Newswire) -- F*CK!NG HANGOVER is the new hangover cure which could save the American economy and its consumers hundreds of billions in coming years, said the makers of F*CK!NG HANGOVER. Each year, alcohol abuse costs the United States an estimated $185 billion, according to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. Almost half, a whopping $88 billion comes from lost productivity, a combination of morning after hangovers and other alcohol-related diseases. Well now there's a solution and it's called F*CK!NG HANGOVER, it's a new product aimed at helping prevent hangovers and it's launching nationally in the US early January 2011. "We believe our product can help people get out of bed and to work on time. Our in-house trials have shown overwhelmingly positive results; in 90 percent of cases the consumers experienced no hangover the following morning. We believe once our product is available nationwide to the consumers and they have the advantage of waking up hangover free, a significant decrease in workplace absenteeism, lost productivity and cost on the US economy is not unlikely. A decrease of only 25 percent per year in the $88 billion cost could potentially see the US economy save over $100 billion in the next five years", said the Directors of TheFeelGoodFactory. This hangover cure comes in a 2 fl oz shot. When taken as the last drink of the night, the secret formula helps the consumers prevent hangovers the morning after. Although the name may look offensive, it is actually an acronym TheFeelGoodFactory discovered while developing a slogan for the company. It is an acronym for "For* Countering Killer! No Good", the asterisk and exclamation mark were put there for creative purposes, said its makers. TheFeelGoodFactory is scheduled to have millions of the hangover cures available nationally in the US early 2011, Directors of TheFeelGoodFactory and self-proclaimed "Kings of the anti-hangover market" believe the launch into the US and their expansion throughout the rest of the world in the coming years will set the benchmark in the anti-hangover market, and the self-proclaimed "Kings of the anti-hangover market"believe this will make TheFeelGoodFactory the biggest anti-hangover brand in the world, like RedBull is for the energy drink market. In the event that experts make the assumption that TheFeelGoodFactorys hangover cure does not work, and that it encourages people to drink a lot of alcohol in the mistaken view they can cure a hangover. TheFeelGoodFactorys response to that is "it does not promote irresponsible drinking. Our product, F*CK!NG HANGOVER, is for responsible Americans who want to have a good time without the dreaded hangover, not for out of control drinkers who abuse alcohol. We actually encourage experts to trial our product personally before they jump to conclusions like they don't work, said the Directors of TheFeelGoodFactory. Parent deployment may impact mental health of children 2010-11-09 20:12:31 (GMT) (WiredPRNews.com - Press Releases) 11/08/2010 // US // TiffNews10 // News Desk U.S. – A new study suggests the deployment of parents to war zones such as Iraq or Afghanistan may impact the mental health of their children. As reported by HealthDay News, researchers found that kids whose parents have been deployed require outpatient medical visits more than those whose parents have not been, for treatments such as anxiety or adjustment disorders. Lead researcher Dr. Gregory Gorman, an assistant professor of pediatrics at Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences in Bethesda, Md. is quoted in the report as stating of the findings, “It’s statistically significant, but I also think it’s clinically significant… These are also probably the worst cases.” Rick Olson, a retired Army general and director of strategic communications for the Child, Adolescent and Family Behavioral Health Proponency in Fort Lewis, Washington is further quoted as stating of the issue, “There are statistics that show how multiple and extended deployments are causing increased problems in terms of the behavioral health of our kids… We hear that all the time from our commanders.” More information about the study may be found in Pediatrics journal. Large Numbers of People Claim to be Changing Their Diets in Ways That Would Improve Their Health However many Americans may be thinking wishfully NEW YORK, Nov. 9, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- A new Harris Poll finds that large numbers of people claim to be changing the foods and drinks they consume. Many of these changes are in line with the guidance provided by experts, such as eating more fruit, whole grains and vegetables and consuming less soda, white bread and processed food. However the data strongly suggest that many of these replies reflect wishful thinking and public knowledge of what people think they should be doing, rather than actual changes in behavior. New Test Offers Improved Mesothelioma Diagnosis Houston, TX - (WiredPRNews.com) Using new screening technology developed in their laboratory, researchers at Colorado-based SomaLogic, Inc., a privately held firm, have discovered that specific changes in the blood of patients suffering from mesothelioma may allow doctors to diagnose the disease at an earlier stage, thus delivering therapies that significantly prolong lives. Mesothelioma, which occurs most often in the protective lining around the lungs as pleural mesothelioma (but can also occur in the linings around abdominal organs and the heart), is a cancerous disease which typically lies dormant for up to five decades before exploding into aggressive and highly lethal tumors. Most victims are diagnosed only in advanced stages, and the typical prognosis is about a year to live. This often precludes any significant therapeutic or curative interventions like surgery, radiation and chemotherapy, which – singly or in combination – can improve breathing, reduce pain, and in some cases even extend lifetimes. Presenting at the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) meeting in Denver, on September 28, Rachel Ostroff, Somalogic’s clinical research director, revealed that the company’s tests rely on aptamers, which tend naturally to adhere to proteins. Using advanced technology, Somalogic has refined a process that makes aptamers attach themselves to specific proteins. Then, using a cohort of patients who had mesothelioma or pancreatic cancer, as well as a control group which had similar but non-malignant conditions like pancreatitis and lung fibrosis, the researchers used computer modeling algorithms to see if the groups had any significant biological differences in their blood-screen panels. Researchers found that both types of cancer, mesothelioma and pancreatic, produced biological “footprints” that were highly individualistic when used in combination with the company’s aptamers as cancer detection tools. Now, according to Ostroff, these biological footprints, or biomarkers, need to be validated in ongoing studies to make sure the results of the first tests were accurate and authentic, and that they can be reliably duplicated in diagnostic tests. As Ostroff noted, the discovery of biomarkers is much simpler than the process used to validate them. SomaLogic’s new breed of aptamers (the first were discovered over two decades ago) are called SOMAmers (Slow Off-rate Modified Aptamers) have “superior affinity and specificity”, according to the company’s news release. It is these two traits in particular which make possible a highly complex platform of proteins and their attractors which can be used for both identification and quantification of targets. Ostroff and her team of investigators now plan to look at several factors that might lead to inconclusive or false results, including how long a given sample had been shelved before testing. However, Ostroff and associates are encouraged by the fact that the high specificity of their SOMAmers means fewer incorrect diagnoses and, as a result, fewer unnecessary tests and procedures and more appropriate treatment. In September of this year, SomaLogic, which develops proteomics systems and applications for use by researchers and clinicians, allowed global enterprise solutions company NEC Corporation to purchase an equity stake in the company to permit expansion into the arena of health information “to provide essential and actionable information to patients, doctors and researchers”, according to an NEC official. The AACR is the world’s largest and oldest professional organization dedicated to the eventual eradication of cancer, and its yearly meetings – which attract more than 18,000 participants – are one method of advancing and disseminating cancer research developments, cancer treatments, and cancer care. Relapse risk high for teens recovering from depression 2010-11-06 22:40:39 (GMT) (WiredPRNews.com - Press Releases) 11/05/2010 // US // TiffNews10 // News Desk Chicago – A significant number of adolescents and teens who receive treatment for depression relapse a few years later. As reported by Reuters, researchers found that of the teens who receive treatment for the condition, approximately half have a relapse within five years. John Curry of Duke University in North Carolina is quoted in the report as stating of the findings of his study, which also showed females to have a higher risk for relapse than males, “Further research needs to be done to confirm our findings and to sort out the variables that may be associated with recurrent major depression in young women.” “We need to learn why females in this age range have higher chances of descending into another major depression after they have made a recovery.” More information about the study may be found in the Archives of General Psychiatry. Holiday Heartburn or GERD? Learn the Difference: GERD Awareness Week November 21 - 27 MILWAUKEE, Nov. 8, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- National GERD Awareness Week takes place the week of Thanksgiving, a prime time for heartburn, with many people eating to excess. While occasional heartburn rarely is a cause for concern, frequent or chronic heartburn can be a sign of a more serious health issue known as gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD, according to IFFGD (the International Foundation for Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders). GERD occurs when stomach acid flows back (refluxes) into the food pipe (esophagus). Repeated backwash can irritate the lining of the esophagus, possibly leading to erosion of the esophagus, bleeding, narrowing of the esophagus, or, in some cases, a potentially precancerous condition called Barrett's esophagus. Often people do not take heartburn seriously because it is so common. There are signs, though, that a health care professional should check to see an underlying condition, like GERD, is present. You Should See A Doctor If Heartburn: Heartburn is not the only symptom of GERD. Other symptoms include trouble swallowing, chronic sore throat, or hoarseness in the morning. As part of GERD Awareness Week, IFFGD encourages anyone who is experiencing possible symptoms to visit its website Study says alcohol more harmful than illegal drugs 2010-11-02 03:09:57 (GMT) (WiredPRNews.com - Press Releases) 11/01/2010 // Britain // TiffNews10 // News Desk London – A new study suggests alcohol is more harmful than heroin or cocaine. As reported by the Associated Press (AP), researchers ranked alcohol as being more lethal than some illegal drugs in terms of widespread social effects. One of the authors of the study, Leslie King, an adviser to the European Monitoring Centre for Drugs, is quoted by the AP as stating that despite the findings, “We cannot return to the days of prohibition… Alcohol is too embedded in our culture and it won’t go away.” Wim van den Brink, a professor of psychiatry and addiction at the University of Amsterdam, who is not connected to the study, is further quoted as stating, “What governments decide is illegal is not always based on science… Drugs that are legal cause at least as much damage, if not more, than drugs that are illicit.” More information about the study, which was funded by the Centre for Crime and Justice Studies in Britain, may be available in the online publication of the Lancet medical journal. Study links higher education to diabetes 2010-11-04 19:57:52 (GMT) (WiredPRNews.com - Press Releases) 10/25/2010 // US // TiffNews10 // News Desk New York – A new study suggests there may be a link between higher education and a rare form of diabetes. As reported by Reuters, researchers found in a study on adults living in Norway, that those who had reached college had a significantly higher chance of developing autoimmune diabetes than those who did not complete high school. Study author Lisa Olsson of the Karolinska Institutet in Sweden is quoted in the report as stating of the possible causes for the correlation, aside from traditional risk factors for the disease, “Subjects with high education may have a different lifestyle (or) be exposed to other environmental factors than people with low education, which may increase their risk.” Night guard lab stops teeth grinding 2010-11-03 12:09:07 (GMT) (WiredPRNews.com - Medical News, Press Releases) Save money and time by skipping the dentist, here is an innovative new way to protect your teeth and save money. Atlanta, GA - (WiredPRNews.com) Stress can cause more physical and mental harm to the body than most people realize. The effects of stress and strain on the body can come out during any time, even while you are asleep! This can occur in the form of grinding or clenching of teeth and jaw muscles while in certain stages of deep sleep to the point that it causes actual damage to the teeth. Although many people aren’t aware that they grind or clench their teeth during sleep, without proper treatment this condition can begin building the blocks for other oral and physical health issues such as tension headaches, neck aches and over time can dramatically speed up the wearing away and flattening of teeth. Stress and anxiety are the two main triggers for teeth grinding at night. Many suffer from this quiet yet painful condition; however there is a new and innovative way to stop teeth grinding at night and save money. Some slight discomfort, or even health issues such as Bruxism, TMJ, jaw pain, and all other common forms of teeth grinding or clenching can sometimes be overlooked as a medical problem and therefore some insurance companies do not cover the cost of treatment (buying a night guard) making it incredibly expensive to purchase a custom night guard. Night guards are essential for someone who grinds their teeth, as a night guard is not just simply a vanity. It has a specific purpose to reduce the wear and tear damage that teeth grinding can cause over time. www.nightguardlab.com specializes in fabricating custom dental night guards, allowing the consumer to skip the trip to the dentist, and in essence saving gas, time and the cost of several office visits. This Atlanta based company has been established to make it a breeze for the customer to order a night guard and have it shipped right to their own home within a couple of days. The customer simply takes their own impressions, and mails them back to the lab in a self addressed pre-paid envelope. The night guard is then fabricated at the www.nightguardlab.com in-house dental laboratory which is certified by the National Association of Dental Laboratories (NADL). A custom fitted night guard from www.Nightguardlab.com provides immediate relief from jaw clenching and teeth grinding with the option of choosing between a Soft Night Guard or an Acrylic Night Guard. What differentiates this company from simply going to the dentist is how the three-way shipping works. This innovative new three-way shipping method makes it possible for the consumer to browse through the website, place an order, and even track the shipping without ever having to leave home. Once an order is placed, a package containing impression materials is sent out with instructions for sending the impressions back to the dental lab. From there, the dental technicians fabricate a custom fitted night guard and ship the finished product back. www.Nightguardlab.com makes ordering a custom dental night guard simple, affordable and guaranteed to work or your money back. It’s simple, affordable and effective. Why Should Anyone Care About Alzheimer’s Disease? 2010-11-04 23:32:15 (GMT) (WiredPRNews.com - Health & Fitness, Medical News, Press Releases) Fort Pierce, Florida - (WiredPRNews.com) The misconceptions about Alzheimer’ Disease abound, but this month of November, Alzheimer Awareness month, the spouses of www.thealzheimerspouse.com are on a mission to educate the public about the REAL nature of Alzheimer’s Disease. According to www.thealzheimerspouse.com, the #1 site on the Internet for support and information for spouses of Alzheimer patients, the most common misconceptions about Alzheimer’s Disease are: -It is a normal part of aging. All of these facts are false. The facts are: Alzheimer’s Disease is NOT a normal part of aging. It is a brain disease that affects all areas of brain functioning – cognitive ability; comprehension; language; mobility; speaking; memory; all bodily functions. It is not an “old person’s disease”. Many cases are diagnosed as young as 35 -50, and increasingly, people are being diagnosed in their 60’s. There are no survivors. The disease is 100% fatal. The spousal members of www.thealzheimerspouse.com are sharing their stories with the media during Alzheimer’s Awareness month in an effort to save others from the torment of misdiagnosis and misunderstanding they endured from the medical community, their families, friends, and acquaintances. It is imperative that everyone understand the true nature of Alzheimer’s Disease, so they can get the appropriate diagnosis and support for themselves and their loved ones. No, Alzheimer’s Disease cannot be stopped or cured, but with proper diagnosis, the caregiver can receive support, information, and education on how to cope, and armed with that information and support, the patient can have a better quality of life. Log onto www.thealzheimerspouse.com, the #1 site (Google) on the Internet for support and information for spouses of Alzheimer patients, and take advantage of their resources like DAILY BLOGS by website founder Joan Gershman, an Alzheimer spouse who writes of her challenges and struggles to cope with caring for a spouse with Alzheimer’s Disease and MESSAGE BOARDS filled with spouses who understand each others’ emotions as no one else can, offering support and information to one another. Topics include: Help for the newly diagnosed, understanding the dementia experience, driving and dementia, videos and articles, early onset Alzheimer’s Disease - a practical guide, financial help, Medicaid help, Medicare help, project lifesaver, caregiver tips, tips for male caregivers, disaster preparation, travel tips, communication and memory tips, relationship repair, reader’s love stories, finding a memory disorder clinic in your area, caregiver cruises, and drug trials.
Magnet therapy may aid in treating depression 2010-10-18 20:10:05 (GMT) (WiredPRNews.com - Press Releases)10/17/2010 // US // TiffNews10 // News Desk U.S. – A new study suggests magnet therapy may help patients with depression that is difficult to treat. As reported by HealthDay News, researchers found that the use of magnetic impulses for brain stimulation may work for extended periods when used in conjunction with antidepressants. Study leader Dr. Philip Janicak, a professor of psychiatry at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago, is quoted in the report as stating of the findings, “We wanted to address the question of whether the benefit of TMS [transcranial magnetic stimulation] can be sustained over a reasonable time… Based on this trial, the answer is yes.” Janicak is further quoted as stating that the small study “indicates that we can maintain the benefit of TMS over six months, and do it safely — there were no further risks associated with the use of TMS in combination with antidepressant drugs.” More information about the research may be found in the October publication of Brain Stimulation.
Mayo Clinic Finds Upper, Lower Body Gain Weight Differently May explain why thigh fat is better ROCHESTER, Minn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Using ice cream, candy bars and energy drinks to help volunteers gain weight, Mayo Clinic researchers have discovered the mechanisms of how body fat grows. Increased abdominal fat seems to heighten risk for metabolic disease, while fat expansion in the lower body -- as in the thighs -- seems to lower the risk. The findings, appearing in today’s Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS), help explain why. “The accumulation of abdominal fat happens largely by individual cells expanding in size, while with fat gain in the femoral or lower body, it’s the number of fat cells that increases. So, different mechanism, different impact.” “The cellular mechanisms are different,” explains Michael Jensen, M.D., Mayo Clinic endocrinologist and lead author of the study. “The accumulation of abdominal fat happens largely by individual cells expanding in size, while with fat gain in the femoral or lower body, it’s the number of fat cells that increases. So, different mechanism, different impact.” Researchers recruited 28 volunteers to the research study. They were overfed for eight weeks, consuming giant candy bars, ice cream shakes, high-calorie drinks and almost anything else they wanted to eat. On average, participants put on 2.5 kilograms (kg) or 5.5 pounds (lbs) of upper body fat and 1.5 kg or 3.3 lbs of lower body fat. Even prior to fat gain, the preadipocytes (cells with the ability to become mature fat cells) in the upper body showed an increase in RNA messages which prompt proteins to synthesize fat. Fifteen men and 13 women participated in the study. Researchers measured body fat and fat cell size before and after the eight weeks of overeating. Researchers say their findings challenge the concept that the number of fat cells in the body remains stable in adults. It also supports the idea that increased capacity to produce lower-body fat cells creates some form of protection to the upper body and potentially helps prevent metabolic disease which can lead to diabetes and other complications. Others on the study include first author Yourka Tchoukalova, Ph.D.; Susanne Votruba, Ph.D.; Tamar Tchkonia, Ph.D.; Nino Giorgadze; and James Kirkland, M.D., Ph.D.; of Mayo Clinic. The research was funded by the National Institutes of Health, the U.S. Public Health Service, The Noaber Foundation and Mayo Clinic, including the Robert and Arlene Kogod Center on Aging. About Mayo Clinic For more than 100 years, millions of people from all walks of life have found answers at Mayo Clinic. These patients tell us they leave Mayo Clinic with peace of mind knowing they received care from the world's leading experts. Mayo Clinic is the first and largest integrated, not-for-profit group practice in the world. At Mayo Clinic, a team of specialists is assembled to take the time to listen, understand and care for patients' health issues and concerns. These teams draw from more than 3,700 physicians and scientists and 50,100 allied staff that work at Mayo Clinic’s campuses in Minnesota, Florida, and Arizona; and community-based providers in more than 70 locations in southern Minnesota, western Wisconsin and northeast Iowa. These locations treat more than half a million people each year. To best serve patients, Mayo Clinic works with many insurance companies, does not require a physician referral in most cases and is an in-network provider for millions of people. To obtain the latest news releases from Mayo Clinic, go to www.mayoclinic.org/news. For information about research and education, visit www.mayo.edu. MayoClinic.com (www.mayoclinic.com) is available as a resource for your general health information. New addiction treatments may have longer effects 2010-10-19 03:45:55 (GMT) (WiredPRNews.com - Press Releases) 10/18/2010 // USA // TiffNews10 // News Desk Washington – New treatment options for drug addictions may have longer effects for addicts in recovery. As reported by the Associated Press (AP), experts state that longer lasting treatments such as a once a month shot, or implant that would last six months, may help patients better stay on track in the recovery process. Dr. Katherine Beebe of Titan Pharmaceuticals, which is developing the Probuphine implant, is quoted by the AP as stating of the need for longer-lasting treatments, “Opioid addicts are notoriously bad at complying with their medication. They like to take drug holidays. They like to party on the weekend.” Dr. Patrick O’Connor of Yale University School of Medicine is further quoted as stating, “To have these medications work effectively, you need to stay on them for long periods of time… We are really struggling to get the public and physicians to think of this more like a standard chronic disease — like diabetes, like cancer, like chronic lung disease — and not apply a special stigma to it.” Some herbal weight loss supplements contain illegal drugs 2010-10-19 04:04:56 (GMT) (WiredPRNews.com - Press Releases) 10/14/2010 // Hong Kong // TiffNews10 // News Desk Hong Kong – A new study suggests some herbal weight loss supplements contain illegal drugs. As reported by LiveScience.com, researchers found after analyzing 81 products for weight loss that many of their ingredients included pharmaceutical agents, some which were not permitted on the market for sale. The products analyzed were taken by patients treated in hospitals for poisoning. Princess Margaret Hospital in Hong Kong researchers, who authored the study, are quoted in the report as stating of the findings, “A wide variety of illicit, weight-reducing agents has been found in proprietary slimming products that are readily available to the public. Importantly, ingestion of these products may result in significant toxicities and even mortality.” More information about the research may be found in the British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology. “Myths, Facts and Science” of Breast Cancer in Marin to Be Explored at Community Forum Leading Experts Separate Fact from Fiction “Myths, Facts and Science” of Breast Cancer in Marin to Be Explored at Community Forum Leading Experts Separate Fact from Fiction GREENBRAE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Marin Cancer Institute, a program of Marin General Hospital in Greenbrae, CA, will host a free community forum on Tuesday, October 26, 6:30 p.m., that aims to separate facts from fiction concerning the issue of breast cancer rates and causes in Marin. “We know there is significant confusion around mammography guidelines and that the recession has seen many women forego preventive screenings as they cut back spending. Coupled with the concern about the rate of breast cancer in Marin, there’s a real need for more public discussion and education” “The Myths, the Facts, and the Science: Breast Cancer Rates and Breast Cancer Care in Marin,” features Marin’s leading experts discussing the dimensions of the problem, the impact and implications of current mammography guidelines, new treatment developments and help for breast cancer survivors. Speakers include Marin County Dept. of Health and Human Services epidemiologist Rochelle Eremen; Dr. Vida Campbell, medical director of the Breast Diagnostic Center of Marin; medical oncologist Dr. Bobbie Head; surgical oncologist Dr. Cheryl Ewing; radiation oncologist Francine Hallberg; and Susan Ezra, RN and Nurse Navigator at Marin Cancer Institute. “We know there is significant confusion around mammography guidelines and that the recession has seen many women forego preventive screenings as they cut back spending. Coupled with the concern about the rate of breast cancer in Marin, there’s a real need for more public discussion and education,” said Dr. Campbell. “By separating the facts from the fiction, we hope both to allay concerns and to provide a framework which women can use to make well-informed decisions concerning their breast health." This free event takes place at the Marin Cancer Institute, 1350 South Eliseo Drive, Greenbrae. Space is limited and pre-registration for the forum is requested; call 888-99-MY-MGH (996-9644). About Marin General Hospital’s Breast Cancer Program The breast cancer program at Marin General Hospital, which includes Marin Cancer Institute and the Breast Diagnostic Center of Marin, is one of just 11 programs in California that have received accreditation from the American College of Surgeons National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers (NAPBC). The Breast Diagnostic Center of Marin recently received the Imaging Center of Excellence designation from the American College of Radiology (ACR). To learn more about Marin General Hospital and its services, visit our website at www.maringeneral.org. For physician referral, visit our website or call the Marin General Health Line at 888-99-MY-MGH (888-996-9644). Teens view sports drinks as healthy 2010-10-05 14:48:46 (GMT) (WiredPRNews.com - Press Releases) 09/29/2010 // US // TiffNews10 // News Desk U.S. – A new study suggests that teens consider sports drinks a healthy beverage due to their connection with physical activity. As reported by HealthDay News, researchers found in a study on students in Texas that those who consumed sports drinks had a higher likelihood of exercising and eating healthier foods. Lead researcher Nalini Ranjit, an assistant professor of health promotion and behavioral sciences at the Michael & Susan Dell Center for Healthy Living at the University of Texas School of Public Health in Austin, is quoted in the report as stating of the findings, “Adolescents and their parents need to be educated that consumption of large amounts of flavored and sports beverages is not consistent with a healthy lifestyle.” “Adolescents who engage in an otherwise reasonably healthy lifestyle with lots of physical activity and a healthy diet still consume large amounts of sugar-sweetened beverages in the form of flavored and sports beverages… We believe that this is due to successful marketing that has led consumers to see these beverages as healthy.” More information about the study may be available in the online publication of Pediatrics. HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius, Sesame Street and the Ad Council Launch National PSA to Protect Families from the Flu
Sleep loss effects may be affected by genes 2010-10-27 21:04:31 (GMT) (WiredPRNews.com - Press Releases) 10/27/2010 // US // TiffNews10 // News Desk U.S. – A new study suggests the way individuals react to sleep deprivation may be in their genes. As reported by HealthDay News, researchers found that the reason some individuals may feel more fatigued than others after not getting enough sleep may be caused by a gene variant linked to the sleep condition narcolepsy. Namni Goel, author of the study and an assistant professor of psychology and psychiatry at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine in Philadelphia, is quoted in the report as stating of the gene, “This particular gene, which is carried by roughly 30 percent of the population, may be a biomarker for predicting how someone will respond to getting too little sleep.” More information about the study may be found in the Oct. 26 publication of Neurology.
“Pink Viagra” development halted 2010-10-13 18:30:54 (GMT) (WiredPRNews.com - Press Releases) 10/12/2010 // Germany // TiffNews10 // News Desk Frankfurt – German drugmaker Boehringer Ingelheim has decided to stop efforts to develop a drug referred to as “pink Viagra.” As reported by Reuters, the manufacturer pulled the plug on the experimental drug, which would have been called Girosa, after regulators in the U.S. found the pill to pose health risks to women, and not offer significant benefits for improving their sex drive. Chief executive Andreas Barner is quoted in the report as stating of the company’s decision, “The decision was not made lightly, considering the advanced stage of development.” Barner is further quoted as stating, “The response of the authorities and the complexity and extent of further questions that would need to be addressed to potentially
Albireo Announces Positive Results in Patients With Chronic Idiopathic Constipation From a Phase IIb trial of A3309 GOTHENBURG, Sweden, October 12, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- Albireo today announced positive top-line results from a Phase IIb study in chronic idiopathic constipation (CIC) assessing efficacy and safety of three different dose levels (5, 10 and 15 mg orally once a day) of the investigational drug A3309 during an eight week trial. Analyses of the data show clinically meaningful and statistically significant improvement for patients treated with A3309 compared to placebo-treated patients. A3309 is a first-in-class IBAT inhibitor with minimal systemic exposure which is developed for the treatment of CIC and constipation-predominant irritable bowel syndrome (IBS-C). The primary efficacy endpoint, change from baseline in spontaneous bowel movements (SBMs), showed a dose-dependent increase and highly significant results were obtained for the two highest dose levels. In addition, the secondary endpoints of effects on SBM and complete SBM (CSBM) frequencies were also dose dependent and statistically significant. Bloating and straining, important constipation symptoms, also decreased significantly during A3309 treatment. The effect of A3309 was rapid and a significantly higher proportion of the A3309-treated patients had a CSBM within 24 hours of the first administration. The beneficial effects were maintained over the eight week trial period. "A3309 has a unique and novel mode of action which utilizes the body's physiologic processes to induce an increase in bowel movements. The results of this Phase IIb study show that A3309 has the potential to be an important therapeutic addition for patients with chronic constipation. I am sure that scientists and clinicians alike look forward to seeing further results with this exciting new compound" said William D. Chey, MD, Professor of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor. "More than 30 million individuals suffer from CIC and IBS-C and the results of this Phase IIb trial further support the potential of A3309 to be an important treatment for these patients. The data in the trial presented today provide a solid base for moving forward into Phase III in 2011" said Hans Graffner, Chief Medical Officer of Albireo. Albireo expects to present detailed results of the trial A3309-002 at upcoming scientific conferences. Trial results A3309-002 was a multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial conducted in the US and included 190 patients with severe constipation treated for an eight-week period. The patients included into the study were mainly female (90%) and experienced severe constipation as judged by a low number of weekly CSBMs (0.4/week). The patients had severe straining and bloating problems. Primary endpoint Change from Baseline in SBM Frequency during the first week of treatment A higher frequency of SBMs occurred in all three active dose groups with statistically significant increased levels for the 10 mg and the 15 mg groups (p=0.002 and p<0.001 respectively). The numerical magnitude of change was 4.0 and 5.4 SBMs/week respectively in the two highest dose groups. Main secondary efficacy endpoints Change in SBM and in CSBM over the eight week treatment period A3309 treated patients demonstrated a significant increase in average weekly CSBMs from baseline (1.0 for placebo; 2.4, 2.5 and 4.1 for 5 mg, 10 mg and 15 mg respectively and with p values being 0.021, 0.017 and <0.001 respectively). The overall change for SBMs followed the same pattern. Time to First CSBM and Response Within 24 Hours A3309 has a fast onset; the percentage of patients having a CSBM within 24 hours of starting therapy was 20, 31 and 55% in the active groups ((p=0.027 and p<0.001 for the two highest dose levels) compared to 10 % in the placebo group. Other important symptoms of chronic constipation such as bloating, straining and hard stools were also relieved in higher proportions in the active dose groups. Safety No Serious Adverse events related to the treatment were reported. Terminology used: Spontaneous Bowel Movement (SBM): An SBM is a bowel movement that occurs in the absence of laxative, enema, or suppository usage during the preceding 24 hours. Complete spontaneous bowel movement (CSBM): A CSBM is an SBM that is accompanied by the patient self-reporting a feeling of complete emptying of the bowel. About A3309 A3309 is a therapeutic alternative with a novel mechanism of action developed for the treatment of CIC and IBS-C. A3309, which has minimal systemic exposure, modulates the re-uptake of bile acids by inhibiting the ileal bile acid transporter (IBAT or ASBT). This results in an increased concentration of bile acids in the colon which, in turn, increase fluid secretion and colonic motility. These physiological responses should provide benefits to patients with CIC and IBS-C without any effects on other parts of the gastrointestinal tract. About Chronic Idiopathic Constipation (CIC) and constipation predominant IBS (IBS-C) Chronic constipation is among the most common diseases, affecting approximately 15 % of the general population particularly women and the elderly population. Patients with CIC often experience hard and lumpy stools, straining during defecation and a sensation of incomplete evacuation, as well as discomfort and bloating. CIC adversely affects a person's quality of life and is associated with significant health care expenditure. Studies show that approximately 50 % of individuals with CIC are not satisfied with available treatments underscoring the unmet medical need in this area. IBS-C is a disease characterized by a combination of abdominal pain and constipation. Throughout the world, about 10%-20% of adults have symptoms consistent with IBS, and most studies find a female predominance. IBS symptoms come and go over time, often overlap with other functional disorders, impair quality of life, and result in high health care costs. There is a high rate of dissatisfaction with available therapies. About Albireo Albireo is an independent Swedish biotechnology company, which brings unique translational approaches to develop drugs that fulfill unmet medical needs in the gastrointestinal (GI) area. The Albireo team has a broad experience in drug development, primarily in the GI area and has an extensive network in the international scientific and clinical communities. Albireo was created as a spin out of AstraZeneca, financed by a syndicate of leading healthcare investors, led by Nomura Phase4 ventures, and joined by TPG Biotech, TVM Capital and Scottish Widows Partnership, To learn more about Albireo, visit http://www.albireopharma.com.
Abbott Laboratories Agrees to Withdraw Its Obesity Drug Meridia SILVER SPRING, Md., Oct. 8 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Abbott Laboratories has agreed to voluntarily withdraw its obesity drug Meridia (sibutramine) from the U.S. market because of clinical trial data indicating an increased risk of heart attack and stroke, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced today. "Meridia's continued availability is not justified when you compare the very modest weight loss that people achieve on this drug to their risk of heart attack or stroke," said John Jenkins, M.D., director of the Office of New Drugs in the FDA's Center for Drug Evaluation and Research (CDER). "Physicians are advised to stop prescribing Meridia to their patients and patients should stop taking this medication. Patients should talk to their health care provider about alternative weight loss and weight loss maintenance programs." Meridia was approved by the FDA in November 1997 for weight loss and maintenance of weight loss in obese people, as well as in certain overweight people with other risks for heart disease. The approval was based on clinical data showing that more people receiving sibutramine lost at least 5 percent of their body weight than people on placebo who relied on diet and exercise alone. The FDA requested the market withdrawal after reviewing data from the Sibutramine Cardiovascular Outcomes Trial (SCOUT). SCOUT was initiated as part of a postmarket requirement to look at cardiovascular safety of sibutramine after the European approval of this drug. The trial demonstrated a 16 percent increase in the risk of serious heart events, including non-fatal heart attack, non-fatal stroke, the need to be resuscitated once the heart stopped, and death, in a group of patients given sibutramine compared to another given placebo. There was a small difference in weight loss between the placebo group and the group that received sibutramine. "The patients in the European SCOUT trial did not have the same characteristics as the patients for the approved indication in the United States; however, these results, combined with other available safety data raised serious questions about Meridia's safety for all patient groups," said Gerald Dal Pan, M.D., M.H.S., director of the Office of Surveillance and Epidemiology in CDER. The agency's analysis of SCOUT was the subject of the FDA's Endocrinologic and Metabolic Drugs Advisory Committee meeting on Sept. 15. Researchers find possible ADHD genetic link 2010-10-04 01:52:46 (GMT) (WiredPRNews.com - Press Releases) 10/02/2010 // US // TiffNews10 // News Desk London – A new study suggests children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder have a higher likelihood of having additional or missing chromosomes than their peers. As reported by the Associated Press (AP), researchers found that kids with the disorder were twice as likely to have abnormalities in their DNA. ADHD is said to affect millions of children worldwide. Anita Thapar, a professor at the MRC Centre in Neuropsychiatric Genetics and Genomics at Cardiff University, who helped author the study, is quoted by the AP as stating of the research findings, “This is the first time we’ve found that children with ADHD have chunks of DNA that are either duplicated or missing.” More information about the study may be available in the online publication of the Lancet medical journal.
Understanding Asthma Kids in U.S. need to drink more water U.S. – A new study suggests kids in the U.S. are not taking in a recommended amount of water on average daily. As reported by HealthDay News, researchers found that the deficiency of the fluid could lead to significant health complications. Samantha Heller, clinical nutrition coordinator at the Center for Cancer Care at Griffin Hospital in Derby, Conn., who is not connected to the study, is quoted in the report as stating of the potential consequences of not drinking enough water, “Even mild dehydration can affect physiological function, and cause fatigue, muscle weakness, headaches and dry mouth.” Ashima K. Kant from Queens College of the City University of New York and Barry I. Graubard of the U.S. National Cancer Institute, are quoted as writing of the implications for their findings, “Efforts to moderate the consumption of sweetened beverages and promote plain water intake should not only continue to promote plain water for snacks but also should recognize the importance of replacing nonnutritive beverages at meal time with plain water.” More information about the study may be found in the October publication of the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. Vaccine preservative not linked to increased autism risks New York – A recent study suggests the mercury based preservative thimerosal is not linked to increased autism risks. As reported by Reuters, researchers found evidence to add to a number of studies that show the vaccine preservative does not increase the risk of the development of autism in children. Senior author of the study, Dr. Frank Destefano, director of the Immunization Safety Office at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in Atlanta, is quoted in the report as stating of the findings, “This study should reassure parents about following the recommended immunization schedule.” Dr. Michael J. Smith, a pediatrician at the University of Louisville School of Medicine in Kentucky, who is not connected to the research, is further quoted as stating of the findings, “This is a very reassuring study… These data show that you could receive a thimerosal vaccine and not be concerned about it.” Mini meals may be less helpful in weight loss New York – A new study suggests eating three full meals per day as opposed to several mini meals may have more benefits than previously stated for those seeking to lose weight. As reported by Reuters, researchers found that overweight study participants reported less hunger after eating three meals daily as part of a low calorie, high protein diet in comparison with eating six small meals each day. Dr. Heather J. Leidy with the University of Missouri in Columbia is quoted as stating of the research findings of she and colleagues from Purdue University in West Lafayette, Indiana, “There’s a lot of lay press about eating frequency… these mini-meals everyone is talking about don’t seem to be as beneficial as far as appetite control. Obesity puts a strain on the wallet San Francisco – Researchers have found that obesity can not only negatively impact a person’s health, put can also add on additional financial strain. As reported by the Associated Press (AP), George Washington University researchers found that being obese costs men and women thousands of additional dollars per year, with an average of $4,879 for women and $2,646 for men when things such as lost productivity are factored in. Dr. Kevin Schulman, a professor of medicine and health economist at Duke University, who is not connected to the recent report, is quoted by the AP as stating of the issue of obesity, “We’re paying a very high price as a society for obesity, and why don’t we think about it as a problem of enormous magnitude to our economy?… We’re creating obesity and we need to do a man-on-the-moon effort to solve this before those poor kids in elementary school become diabetic middle-aged people.” Non-invasive fat reduction technique approved by FDA Dallas – A fat reduction laser therapy used for the waist, hips, and thighs has received FDA approval. As reported by The 33 News, the non invasive treatment is said to shrink fat cells without pain or discomfort. Dr. Jeffery Adelglass, the Medical Director at Skintastic in Plano, is quoted in the report as stating of the procedure, “And by shrinking down the fat cells they secrete their content and it’s carried away though the body and people lose inches,” also noting that his client base for the treatment is comprised of approximately 30 percent men. Adelglass is further quoted as stating, “Men are typically pain adverse and they love to lay here for 20- minutes and flip over for 20- minutes and go home… It’s the perfect man procedure.” Nutritionist Lee Tucker-Horne is quoted as cautioning those who choose to undergo the procedure, “You still have those fat cells you need to be very cautious about what you’re eating… But it’s a great jump start and good kick start to a good eating plan.” Smoking bans linked to easier breathing for children U.S. – A new study suggests smoking bans in public places may have health benefits for children. As reported by HealthDay News, Scottish researchers found that smoke-free laws are linked to a decrease in hospital admissions related to childhood asthma. Lead researcher Dr. Jill Pell, the Henry Mechan Professor of Public Health at the University of Glasgow, is quoted in the report as stating of the study, “ours is the first study to have looked at a subgroup of the population [children], who do not have occupational exposure.” Pell is further quoted as stating of the findings, “The evidence from Scotland is that legislation has an effect that extends beyond the locations that are covered by the restrictions… In Scotland there has been an increase in voluntary bans in the home and a resultant reduction in exposure to secondhand smoke among children. It is clear that legislation has a more general effect on smoking attitudes and behaviors.” Severe acne may increase risk of teen depression TiffNews10 WiredPRNews.com U.S. – A recent study suggests severe acne may increase risks for mental health problems in teens. As reported by HealthDay News, researchers found that acne may increase suicidal thoughts in teenagers, with results of an analysis of surveys completed by a group of Norwegian teens showing higher rates of having these kinds of thoughts in those with more severe acne. Social issues were also reportedly an issue for those dealing with the condition. Dr. Jon Anders Halvorsen, of the University of Oslo, and colleagues are stated in the report to note that the findings may be beneficial in advancements in the treatment of acne for teens. More information about the study may be available in the Sept. 16 online publication of the Journal of Investigative Dermatology. U.S. adult smoking rate remains high Atlanta – The rate of adult smokers in the U.S. has yet to see a decline in approximately six years. As reported by the Associated Press (AP), statistics show that the rate remains at one in five adults, or over an estimated 46 million adults in the country amid anti-tobacco campaign funding cuts. Advocates are reportedly calling on governments on local, state, and national levels to do more to aid in combating the issue of decreasing the smoking rates for adults and teens. Nancy Brown, chief executive of the American Heart Association, is quoted by the AP as saying in a statement, “Without bold action by our elected officials, too many lives, young and old, will suffer needlessly from chronic illness and burdensome health care expenses.” Long-term weight loss could pollute blood stream TiffNews10 WiredPRNews.com South Korea 09/07/2010 - A new study suggests long-term weight loss could lead to health complications. As reported by Reuters, researchers found that weight loss over an extended period of time could cause a release of pollutants into the blood stream that may lead to conditions such as high blood pressure and diabetes. Lead researcher Duk-Hee Lee at the Kyungpook National University in Daegu in South Korea is quoted in the report as stating in an email to Reuters, “We are living under the strong dogma that weight loss is always beneficial, but weight gain is always harmful…but we think that increased (pollutant) levels (in the blood) due to weight loss can affect human health in a variety of ways.” More information about the research may be available in the International Journal of Obesity. Many Americans don’t realize they are overweight
U.S. – A recent poll suggests the perception many Americans have about their weight is off-base. As reported by HealthDay News, information from the Harris Interactive/HealthDay survey shows that many respondents viewed themselves as being thinner than they actually are. Regina Corso, vice president of Harris Poll Solutions, is quoted in the report as stating of what the findings may indicate with regards to the issue of obesity in the United States, “While there are some people who have body images in line with their actual BMI, for many people they are not, and this may be where part of the problem lies… If they do not recognize the problem or don’t recognize the severity of the problem, they are less likely to do something about it.” Keri Gans, a registered dietician and spokeswoman for the American Dietetic Association, is further quoted as stating, “I think too many people are unsure of what they should actually weigh… For many, they have grown up in a culture were most people are overweight and that is the norm, or they have been surrounded by too many celebrities and fashion in the media and think very thin is the norm.” More information about the poll may be found at Harris Interactive. MOORHEAD, Minn. -- If your home was affected in the recent flooding it could be harboring mold. Mold can be a major problem after flooding and proper cleanup is critical to ensure that it does not affect you or your family's health, according to the Minnesota Department of Health. How to deal with mold during a disaster A helpful brochure on the FEMA Web site is titled Dealing With Mold & Mildew In Your Flood-Damaged Home at www.fema.gov/pdf/rebuild/recover/fema_mold_brochure_english.pdf., and is available here also.Download Valuable information is also available from the Minnesota Department of Commerce Energy Information Center Web site Home Energy Guide: Techniques, Tactics and Tips -- www.state.mn.us/mn/externalDocs/Commerce/Home_Moisture_110802041415_Moisture.pdf., and is available here also. Download
Health archives Americans washing hands more Tummy Trouble? Try Eating Mud Individuals urged to clean out medicine cabinets Charisela Technologies, Inc. Begins Shipping 1 Hour, No Wash Insulin Assay Study shows kids with dogs are more active A Game Plan for Healthy Living: Helpful Hints for Prostate Health
What You Need to Know About the Egg Recall Study suggests drinking water may aid in weight loss Kudzu extract may aid in cocaine addiction treatment Military Commissary Eggs Unaffected by Recall More severe mental illness cases seen on college campuses Foreign-born Doctors Care on Par With U.S. Trained Physicians New Superbug From Asia Electrosmog: 10 Ways to Avoid Frying Your Brain Too much television can boost attention problem risks Social networking feels good? HEALTH OFFICIALS CAUTION ABOUT DEHYDRATION AND HEAT EXHAUSTION Cyanide Poisoning Treatment Coalition Provides Training Opportunity for Firefighters to Wear their Air, Take a Shower and Wash their Gear! Laughter is nothing to laugh about scientists say Dispelling the myths of Alzheimer’s Disease–It’s not just a grandparent’s disease
Check your local fuel prices. 
|
|
|
National Voice Gazette
www.nationalvoicesite.com
Remember the Troops
Support the Mission
