Saturday, October 31, 2009

Diabetes and Vision Loss

An estimated 17.9 million Americans have been diagnosed with diabetes and another 57 million people are at risk of getting the disease?

What many of these individuals may not know is that all people with diabetes - both type 1 and type 2 - are at risk for getting diabetic retinopathy, a leading cause of vision loss among adults in the United States. In fact, people with diabetes are 25 times more likely to lose their vision than those without the disease.

November is Diabetes Eye Health Month and during this month-long health observance EyeCare America is asking Americans with diabetes to know the ABCs of diabetes and eye health.

A - Alert your Eye M.D. if you have been diagnosed with diabetes;

B - Be sure to have your eyes examined regularly; and

C - Call 1-800-272-EYES (3937), if you are 65 or older and without an ophthalmologist, to see if you qualify for a no-cost dilated eye exam through EyeCare America's Diabetes EyeCare Program.

By following these simple steps EyeCare America hopes to help protect seniors from preventable vision loss caused by diabetes.

"Diabetes causes up to 24,000 new cases of vision loss each year," said C. Pat Wilkinson, MD, ophthalmologist and chairman of EyeCare America's Diabetes EyeCare Program. "What people don't know is that early detection, timely treatment and appropriate follow-up care can reduce their risk of blindness by 95 percent even for people with established and significant diabetic retinopathy."

Diabetic retinopathy is caused by changes in the blood vessels of the retina. In some people with diabetic retinopathy, blood vessels may swell and leak fluid. In other people, abnormal new blood vessels grow on the surface of the retina. In its early stages, diabetic retinopathy usually has no warning signs. Over time, however, the vision blurs and everyday tasks become more difficult. Vision loss cannot usually be regained.

EyeCare America's Diabetes EyeCare Program is designed for people who:

- Are age 65 and older

- Are U.S. citizens or legal residents

- Have not seen an ophthalmologist in three or more years

- Do not have insurance through an HMO or the VA

People eligible for a referral through the program receive a comprehensive, medical eye exam and up to one year of care at no out-of-pocket cost for any disease diagnosed during the initial exam. Volunteer ophthalmologists accept Medicare and/or other insurance reimbursement as payment in full. Individuals without insurance are seen at no charge.

For a Diabetes EyeCare Program referral, those interested may call 1.800.272.EYES (3937) toll-free, 24 hours a day, every day, year round.

To learn more about diabetic retinopathy, its risk factors and treatment options; view informative videos; and to learn how your vision would be affected by diabetic retinopathy, visit www.eyecareamerica.org.

Tuesday, October 27, 2009

New Home Allergy Tests for Children

Far too many allergy parents know first hand the health and quality of life limitations that their allergies or allergic asthma cause them, and will do whatever is necessary to protect their children from the same allergy future. Regrettably, when allergy parents bring their allergy child in for physician treatment, because cold, flu and allergy symptoms are often similar, a child's physician will typically focus only on cold and flu, leaving allergy as a very distant treatment consideration.

Glenn Toth M.D., FAAFP and Medical Director for DropYourAllergies.com, said: "For far too long, allergies have been considered a nuisance, rather than the lifetime Engine of multiple 'allergy driven' diseases that it is. The truth is, 80% of child asthma is caused by allergies with 90 % of pediatric asthmatics demonstrating allergic asthma symptoms before age 5. GA2LEN, an European Allergy Asthma Consortium has even posed the question: 'Today's Allergy…Tomorrow's (Allergic) Asthma?' Greatly, lending credence that early testing and neutralization of allergy is a cornerstone toward abating allergy progression to allergic asthma and beyond."

Toward this goal, DropYourAllergies.com is committed to assisting allergy parents and their physicians, confront and defuse their child's Allergy March head on. Beginning with a simple, FDA Approved, at-home allergy test, parents can order and test their child to determine if their child sufferers from any of the top ten allergy disease producing allergens that signal the emergence of Allergy March.

As with physician office-based allergy blood testing, the AllergyMarchTopTen.com kit measures specific allergen IgE antibody levels that reflect allergy sensitivity. A few drops of blood are gathered via finger prick or heel stick for infants (9 months or older), then popped into an envelope and mailed to the lab.

"Following test completion, allergy parents will know if their child is at Allergy March risk or not. Such that they and their child's physician can make the informed decision as to whether expanded allergy testing and eventually immunotherapy is the best course of action," said Stephen Hauer, Principal of DropYourAllergies.com. "The last thing a loving mother and father want to learn, is that their child's suffering and eventual irreversible disease status could have been prevented by diagnostic testing and neutralization of allergy disease early on."

Unfortunately, the only traditional, clinically proven treatment that neutralizes allergy disease, termed immunotherapy, involves frequent and inconvenient office visits and involves shots -- something no one likes, especially kids, who need immunotherapy the most. So regardless of clinical efficacy, unfortunately ouch non-compliance prevails and child Allergy March continues and exacerbates unabated.

To overcome this un-friendly "ouch" method of immunotherapy, while still on task to neutralize child allergy, DropYourAllergies.com offers drug-free, custom formulated, self administered allergy oral drops that can be prescribed by your primary physician. As with shots, allergy drops neutralize the child's test identified offending allergens providing similar relief without the frequent, painful shots or troubling side effects.

Hauer said: "As a parent of two, I can't imagine getting Mom's taxi and my kids to a specialist every week …especially for shots! Now get them to take our doctor's prescribed drops at home, after brushing morning and night -- that would not be an issue at all."

Sunday, October 25, 2009

New Program for Learning Hindi Announced

I'll bet you did not know that Hindi is the fourth most spoken language in the world (after Mandarin, Spanish and English). Although many languages are spoken in India, Hindi is it's official tongue. Despite its enormous popularity, until very recently there has been a remarkable shortage of online programs for people who want to learn to speak and understand Hindi.

But why would you want to take Hindi lessons? Well, for movie fans, the Indian film industry, known as Bollywood, is the second largest on earth, and what better way to fully appreciate those amazing movies than to not have to read subtitles? For business people, India is fast becoming a world leader in science, commerce, information systems and digital media. Businesses that want to expand their operations and sales to South Asia will be recruiting people who not only speak Hindi but also have an appreciation of the Indian culture to market their products to a Hindi-speaking population.

What put this notion into our heads was when we were made aware of a fascinating new website about an English-speaking Canadian man who was searching for a way to learn Hindi almost to no avail until he discovered a new Hindi language course that was so new the ink on its packaging was practically still wet. Anyway, you can learn more about what Hindi language course he eventually chose if you go to the Hindi Course Review website.

Wednesday, October 21, 2009

People Still Confusing Plastic Wrap With Condoms

A new series of videos has been announced that present to the public the facts about sexually transmitted diseases. With a balance of accurate STD information and an engaging approach to sharing it, new videos expose Top STD Myths that exist in U.S. culture which may discourage sexually-active adults from critical health screening.

"With 19 million new reported STD cases each year, there's clearly a disconnect between facts and behavior around sexual health," says Michelle Sobel, co-founder of Analyte Media, the publisher of STDTestExpress.com. "An estimated 65 million US citizens are living with an STD - about 1 in 4 will contract an STD in their lifetime. There's so much misinformation out there. We want to open up the dialogue by trading fact for myths while helping people access a private and affordable way to get tested for STDs."

Site Uses Personal Videos to Engage and Educate Consumers

Sobel, who also co-founded of Emmi Solutions, one of the most awarded health communications products in the industry, understands the impact of personalizing information to help people make positive actions that improve their health.

"The fact is, people have many ways to hear and see healthcare information, but against all the media messages in a day, does it sink in?" asks Sobel. "STD Text Express showcases very human, personal stories that help people realize they aren't the only ones who've ever believed an absolute myth when it comes to how you can contract or infect someone with a sexually transmitted disease. Using video and distributing via the Web is a great way to expose myths and say, 'Here are the facts. Be smart, get tested.' "

VIDEO

The Top 10 Myths about Sexually Transmitted Diseases:

1. You can't get an STD from oral sex.

2. You can only get herpes when your partner is having an outbreak that you can see.

3. If you have an STD, you'll see it, feel it and know it.

4. Only promiscuous people and "players" get STDs.

5. If you have sex in a pool or hot tub, the chlorine will kill anything and everything.

6. If you don't have a condom, use plastic wrap.

7. Only young people get STDs.

8. Skin to skin contact isn't enough. You can only get an STD from semen.

9. The Pill prevents STDs.

10. Chlamydia and gonorrhea are no big deal and aren't harmful.

STD Test Express provides online access to STD testing and follow-up healthcare counseling. Service is fast, private and affordable with a full range of individual tests, test panels and even a test plan with pricing to encourage testing now - and in 90 days as a follow up.

The service, recognized by the American Social Health Association (ASHA) for its positive messaging around sexual health, encourages people to stop wondering and start actively managing their sexual health. Earlier this year STD Test Express won a WebAward for Standard of Excellence in the category of Healthcare. Other 2009 WebAward Healthcare winners included McKesson Corporation, Walgreens, Livestrong, and Mayo Clinic Health Solutions.

In addition to STD Myths Exposed, other high impact areas of www.stdtestexpress.com include:

- STD Test Recommender - A free personalized test recommendation based on the CDC and other national health guidelines, lifestyle and other risk factors. http://www.stdtestexpress.com/test-recommender

- UNZIPPED - A sexual health blog responding to user questions and comments. http://blog.stdtestexpress.com

- Real Stories - a series of videos featuring consumers with a wide array of STD stories and how testing has impacted their lives. http://www.stdtestexpress.com/std-stories

About STD Test Express (www.STDTestExpress.com)

STDTestExpress.com is a leading provider of physician-authorized STD testing and results counseling, with most current accurate information about sexually transmitted disease and STD testing. The American Social Health Association (ASHA) has endorsed STD Test Express for its positive messaging about sexual health. STD Test Express is managed by Analyte Media.

Tuesday, October 20, 2009

Convenience Store Goes Green

If Whole Foods and 7-11 had a love child, Locali Conscious Convenience might just be theirs. A mom and pop shop meant for the new millennium, Locali offers value and sustainable food service with its full service deli. Catering to vegans and omnivores alike, as well as those with gluten and soy allergies, Locali's unique and delicious soups, salads and sandwiches draw a loyal following.

The small format eco and health friendly market packs a carefully selected inventory of natural and organic food, beverages, coffee, wine, beer, health, beauty and household items into under 500 square feet of retail space. Besides soups, salads and sandwiches, Locali features updated versions of several convenience store favorites. There's agave-sweetened slushies, organic hot pretzels and even vegan nachos to enjoy.

However, it's Locali's pre-packaged meals and baked goods from local food artisans along with their deli menu (http://www.localiyours.com/menu.pdf) that have lead sales since the opening in January 2009. "In fact, the majority of Locali's customer base are regulars who visit multiple times daily to enjoy our organic made-to-order menu and grab n' go selections," states owner, Greg Horos.

Inspired by in-person satisfaction and positive online dialogues from customers about Locali's fresh sandwiches, Horos along with his wife and business partner, Melissa Rosen, worked with Locali's chef and deli manager, Heather Joy Morrison, to expand their menu. The result is a delectable mix of panini and cold sandwiches that feature Applegate Farms® meats, rBGH-free cheeses and organic produce on locally baked breads.

There is also an additional array of unforgettable vegan sandwiches. Tempeh meatball subs, vegan BLTs and faux rosemary chicken salad sandwiches are some satisfying options for those who don't consume animal products or are looking to reduce their meat intake. In fact, any sandwich at Locali can be made with a non-GMO vegan meat substitute or cheese alternative upon request. All sandwiches can be made with gluten-free bread to accommodate those with celiac concerns. Since there's something for everyone, it's not a surprise that Locali's catering services are increasingly in high demand.

The new menu is rounded out by savory soups, organic salads full of local greens from Kenter Canyon Farms®, gluten-free wraps, loaded baked potatoes, satiating smoothies and a variety of breakfast options. "We're not giving lip service to quality," states Horos, "Melissa, and I source the best ingredients for our patrons and you truly can taste the difference." Those looking for a bargain on Locali's mouthwatering sandwiches will find the deli now offers hearty half sandwiches for under $5.00. "We're committed to a sustainable business model that puts community involvement and customer value first," adds Rosen.

In many ways, Locali is one of the pioneers in the small footprint restaurant and retail movements. "All of our service ware and deli packaging is biodegradable. We commercially compost our waste. Our recycling program benefits Recycled Movie, a film production company that teaches vocational skills to children as they make movies about the environment," notes Rosen, "We also encourage our customers to bring their reusable containers to fill up with free reverse osmosis filtered water, rather than sell petroleum-based plastic bottled water."

Locali strives to do it's part to conserve while at the same time hoping to provide its community with convenient access to healthy and sustainably produced food. Completely gutting their commercial space to be as eco-friendly as possible, Locali's shelving and counters are made from reclaimed Douglas Fir wood, their appliances are energy efficient, their walls are painted with non-VOC paints, their ceiling tiles are made of recycled materials and their lighting, including outside signage, is LED.

Locali's inspired design, eclectic product merchandising and unique menu have attracted the attention of both local and international publications. Locali and their mobile frozen dessert bike, The Icycle has been featured in the LA Times, Vogue Nippon and Madame Figaro.

Greg Horos and Melissa Rosen have a passion for healthy eating and a mission to make a difference through their innovative business model. Facing a litany of franchise requests already, the couple has begun to investigate this avenue of expansion. "We're also looking for the perfect second location in Los Angeles where we can fill a need," states Horos, "While at the same time, constantly searching for ways to get more involved in our current Franklin Village neighborhood." Locali donates to various local charitable causes on an ongoing basis. From volunteering their time to lead green business workshops to working on urban farming projects to sponsoring an elementary school field trip to a Community Supported Agriculture farm, Melissa, Greg and their staff are committed to improving the lives of others in multiple small ways...one sandwich at a time.

Monday, October 19, 2009

Fighting Childhood Obesity

Obesity is the top health risk in America as well as a leading cause of heart disease, diabetes and stroke, according to a June report from The U.S. Centers for Disease Control. Jim May, founder of the Gilbert, Ariz.-based company that produces SweetLeaf Sweetener® (http://www.sweetleaf.com/), is taking a stand against childhood obesity, a condition that defines nearly one-fifth of American children. The Department of Health and Human Services says that 1 in 3 youngsters is overweight.

May is teaming up with the Worthy Institute (http://worthyinstitute.com/), WellCare Foundation (http://www.wellcarefoundation.org/) and the American Heart Association (http://www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=1200000) to present the 2009 Arizona Children's Obesity Conference: A Community Taking Action (http://worthyinstitute.com/page/1lyiu/2009_Childrens_Obesity_Conference.html).

May's co-sponsorship of the event represents both a personal and a professional concern over the rapidly increasing rates of childhood obesity. May is confident that there are solutions to this epidemic of childhood obesity. In its latest Scientific Statement, the American Heart Association boldly said that added dietary sugars lead to cardiovascular disease. Reducing the amount of sugary foods and beverages is an important step toward a healthier heart and greater quality of life for children and their families.

Administrators from the Arizona Department of Health Services will join with health care professionals from both the private and public sectors to share information and exchange ideas as to how the State, schools and communities can develop and implement strategies to successfully combat childhood obesity. One of the changes that the Arizona Department of Health Services has already made is to change the regulations in the Women, Infant and Children (WIC) (http://www.azwic.gov/) nutrition program to promote healthier eating.

Jim May applauds this change. As the first person to bring stevia to the United States in 1982, May is known as the "Father of Stevia," and has spent his life researching and promoting the uses and health benefits of the Paraguayan plant.

"Arizona has taken a first step with the kind of common-sense action that will make our state healthier," he said. "We need more movement across Arizona and the nation to confront the obesity epidemic. I have worked 27 years to make people healthier and I have no plans to stop now."

Jim's passion for health and purity extends into his business philosophy. SweetLeaf Sweetener® is the only zero-calorie, zero-carbohydrate, zero-glycemic index sweetener that uses no chemicals or solvents in processing, making it 100%-natural and ideal for diabetics. SweetLeaf™ is made from the stevia plant, a naturally sweet plant native to Paraguay whose leaves are 30 times sweeter than sugar in its unprocessed form, which can be 300-350 times sweeter than sugar when purified. SweetLeaf™ recently achieved GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe) status, the FDA's designation of quality. The U.S. stevia and natural-sweetener industry is projected to expand from $100 million this year to $2 billion by 2011.

Friday, October 16, 2009

How to keep your auto glass windshield intact

While some instances of glass damage are unavoidable, there are often instances resulting in repair and/or replacement that could have been easily avoided. As an expert on windshield problems, Auto Glass Guru offers 3 driving tips that will enable drivers to avoid as many instances of glass damage as possible.

3 Driving Tips that Will Aid Drivers in Avoiding Glass Damage:

1. Never tail gate a large vehicle (i.e. dump truck, garbage truck, tractor trailer, etc.) It's really a good idea never to tailgate any vehicle, but large vehicles have a higher likelihood to have been mobile in areas of loose gravel, etc. and they also tend to cause more damage due to the difference in height. (A rock that is kicked up by a car is not going to have the same negative effect as a rock that has fallen from a significant distance (say the top of a 10 wheel dump truck) to hit the windshield of a small to mid-sized car.

2. Be aware of construction zones. Loose gravel and other loose construction material and refuse leads to a large majority of auto glass damage. Stay out of construction areas or drive slowly and cautiously.

3. Take advantage of covered parking areas. If using the covered parking at your place of business results in a longer walk to your vehicle…do it anyway.

Jace Green of Auto Glass Guru suggests, "If drivers just take advantage of a few driving tips they can avoid the hassle and the cost of repairing or replacing their windshield in most cases. Doing so would cut back on unnecessary time spent scheduling the repair or replacement, the cost of the repair/replacement and it will also cut down on the waste created when a windshield is replaced." Even with insurance the cost of replacing a windshield can be inhibitive for many on a fixed income. And while repairing a windshield is far less costly, some areas have high rates of glass damage and repetitive repair costs can add up.

Thursday, October 8, 2009

Eat Potatoes For Better Health?

Syngenta announced today the company will make a donation for every view its new video receives between Wednesday, October 7 and Friday, November 20, 2009, to Feeding America formerly America’s Second Harvest.

“This is a wonderful opportunity for Syngenta to educate people on the health benefits of the potato while also working with an organization that, like Syngenta, does its part to feed the world,” said Mary DeMers, horticulture communication manager at Syngenta.

The 30-second commercial posted on YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/) highlights some of the lesser known nutritional facts about potatoes. The potato is fat free, rich in Vitamin C and potassium, and contains only 100 calories. The video was a collaborative effort among Syngenta, the National Potato Council (http://www.nationalpotatocouncil.org/) and the United States Potato Board (http://www.uspotatoes.com/).

“We believe reaching the consumer about the health benefits of potatoes is very important,” said DeMers. “Our donation to Feeding America is also important given the economic situation as the holiday season approaches. We’re looking forward to touching the lives of many Americans through this effort, especially since potatoes are such a large part of the Thanksgiving holiday tradition.”

The donation to Feeding America coincides with the holiday season, a time when many families receive donations of food and gifts from companies and individuals across the nation. The donation from Syngenta will be given to Feeding America to purchase fresh and non-perishable potatoes for its food banks to distribute to families in need.

Syngenta is one of the world's leading companies with more than 24,000 employees in over 90 countries dedicated to our purpose: Bringing plant potential to life. Through world-class science, global reach and commitment to our customers we help to increase crop productivity, protect the environment and improve health and quality of life.

Tuesday, October 6, 2009

Recipe for coping with Halloween temptation

Are you worried about unwanted weight gain due to all of those Halloween goodies that will soon be filling up your home? When Halloween treats start to cast a spell, TOPS Club Inc. (Take Off Pounds Sensibly) can help ward off unwanted pounds with timely coping suggestions.

To manage temptation, try the following “out of sight, out of mind” tips:

* Buy treats that aren’t so enticing. If chocolate is a food trigger, buy only gummy treats or small boxes of raisins to distribute to trick-or-treaters.

* Remove excess candy corn and other sweets immediately after trick-or-treat hours end. Give treats to a food pantry, homeless shelter, or, if needed, toss surplus candy in the garbage.

* Turn the refrigerator or pantry door into a roadblock rather than an entry point. Decorate it with a frightful image of a monster ready to terrorize a food plan, or a cute orange curtain that literally blocks the way into the vault of food.

Remember that Halloween treats can include non-food items. Halloween fun lasts longer when kids receive:

* Stickers, colorful shoelaces, or small containers of bubbles from a party store or dollar store.

* New pencils – orange or black – to use at school, along with shaped erasers.

* Pennies, perhaps wrapped in appropriately “slime green” cellophane wrap.

Join In the Festivities, Sensibly

There’s no need to avoid Halloween parties. During trick-or-treat hours or at costume events, get in the spirit of the season by wearing toy plastic “fangs.” Others will love the fun, theatrical look, and the mouthpiece will keep you from overindulging in treats.

A tip to limit sugar, suggested by TOPS member Viola Jarvis, outlines how to eat just one cookie. This method, which can make a cookie last 15 to 20 minutes, satisfies a craving for sugar while adding minimal calories. Follow these four steps:

* Buy the kind of sandwich cookie that has frosting in the middle.

* Twist the cookie apart and lick each side slowly until the cream is gone. This will take several minutes and provide a mindful sugary sensation.

* Nibble the two cookie halves in tiny bites, enjoying the texture of crumbs being chewed and swallowed.

Halloween Baking

Costume the top of the following recipe with dollops of fat-free whipped cream and chocolate sprinkles. Another festive look is to put jack-o’-lantern faces on each serving. Just before serving, tint fat-free whipped cream with orange food coloring, and frost the cake with it. Dot each serving with raisins for eyes and add pineapple tidbits for a crooked grin.

Pumpkin Cake *

4 eggs, beaten

Three-fourths cup sugar

One-fourth cup canola oil

1 cup unsweetened applesauce

1 30-ounce can pumpkin pie filling

3 cups whole-wheat flour

2 teaspoons baking soda

2 teaspoons baking powder

1 tablespoon cinnamon, or to taste

Three-fourths cup raisins

One-fourth cup chopped walnuts

Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Mix eggs, sugar, oil, applesauce, and pumpkin. In a separate bowl, mix flour, baking soda, baking powder, and cinnamon. Combine wet and dry ingredients just until moistened. Add raisins and nuts. Spoon batter into two loaf pans or one Bundt pan. Bake in preheated oven for 1 hour. Makes 16 servings.

*This recipe can also be converted into cupcakes for handy individual servings. Lessen cooking time as needed.