Tuesday, August 3, 2010

Asthma Caused by Thunderstorms?

Summer thunderstorms are great theater—sky-spanning fireworks followed by crackling, crashing booms. But thunderstorms are also linked to some negative effects on health, from breathing disturbances to heart problems, reports the August 2010 issue of the Harvard Health Letter.

Lightning. Getting hit by lightning isn't as deadly as you might think. In fact, many people survive this rare event, although their injuries can be serious. Direct strikes aren't the only danger. The current from lightning can travel through the ground to a person standing nearby. Lightning can also “splash” from one person to another or from a tree to a person. Lightning can even be dangerous to people inside a building who touch lightning-charged plumbing or telephone wiring. Survivors of lightning-related injuries may end up with neurological and eye problems.

Thunderstorm asthma. Some thunderstorms trigger an increase in the number of people seeking medical attention for asthma. These occasional episodes of “thunderstorm asthma” have been correlated with high pollen and spore counts. How might thunderstorms increase pollen and spores in the air? According to one theory, the gusts of wind that signal the approach of a thunderstorm storm whip pollen off of grass and trees.
Sleep apnea. Falling atmospheric pressure is a common feature of most thunderstorms. People with sleep apnea—periods during which they briefly stop breathing while they sleep—have more apnea “events” on nights when atmospheric pressure is lower.

Read the full-length article: “Storm’s a-comin (http://www.health.harvard.edu/newsletters/Harvard_Health_Letter/2010/August/storms-a-comin?utm_source=mental&utm_medium=pressrelease&utm_campaign=health0810)’”

Thursday, July 29, 2010

Bed Bugs in New York are Serious Problem

Maybe you saw the episode of the TV show "30 Rock" that joked about bed bugs. Well, when the mayor of New York City gets involved, you can be sure that nobody will be laughing.

The New York Mayor’s Office and the NYC Bed Bug Advisory Board will be holding a press conference at 2:00 p.m. at City Hall to discuss New York’s new bed bug public education initiative. As media-coverage of this story develops, you will likely want access to entomologists that served members of the NYC Bed Bug Advisory Board.

Expert research entomologists Richard Cooper (http://www.bedbugcentral.com/about/profile.cfm/richard-cooper) and Jeffrey White of BedBug Central (http://www.bedbugcentral.com/) are available to you to provide expert opinions and analysis of the situation as it develops.

As a nationally regarded entomologist, Richard Cooper was appointed to the New York City Bed Bug Advisory Board by Mayor Michael Bloomberg. With more than 20 years of experience in entomology and the pest control industry, Richard has become nationally recognized as an expert on bed bugs and bed bug management. Richard will be available all day for comment and he will also be present at the press conference. Richard has already been featured as an expert in an MSNBC article this week in addition to “Newsweek,” “Early Show,” “Dateline,” NBC’s “Today Show.”

Our other lead entomologist, Jeffrey White is also nationally regarded and has already spoken with the NBC Nightly News last night.

Jeffrey has over 10 years of experience as an entomologist and his expertise is in bed bug biology, behavior and treatment protocol. Jeffrey has been featured on major news networks such as NBC and CBS. He is also the host of Bed Bug TV; a video blog that addresses a wide variety of topics associated with bed bug. The site been viewed by over 100,000 people around the world.

BedBug Central will available all day to provide you with assistance and access to either of our entomologists.


BedBug Central is a national company headquartered in New York and New Jersey which serves as a resource and website available to the public for information regarding bed bugs and bed bug related issues concerning health, prevention, and treatment methods.

Friday, July 23, 2010

Summer Lawn Care For Unpredictable Weather

Summer showers seem to be making an appearance in every weekly forecast. And, although pop-up showers seem like a major improvement compared to droughts from previous years, they might not be enough to keep yards as healthy and green as desired. waterSmart, a water conservation education program, offers the following tips to help keep lawns healthy through rain or shine. These tips will help save water, time and money this summer—regardless of the forecast.
  • Mulch –When showers are light or irregular, use mulch to maintain moisture in the soil. Pine bark, nuggets and hardwood chips are best, but rocks, gravel and marble retain heat which can cause evaporation. Another helpful hint – saturate a newspaper and place it on the ground before using mulch.
  • Use Rain Barrels – Build or buy a rain barrel to capture water from pop-up showers. When scattered showers skip over lawns, rain barrels provide a conservation-friendly thirst quencher for plants. Materials can be purchased from local hardware stores. Screens can be used to keep out debris and insects. Visit www.watershed.cobbcountyga.gov for more tips on rain barrels.
  • Know When To Water – Take advantage of pop-up showers and only water yards when necessary. Established yards can remain healthy on one inch of water for up to seven to 10 days. By setting up sprinklers to run once a week, individuals will save water, time and money, and plants will be healthy too! Or, look for natural signs. When plants turn a gray-green color and their leaves wilt, they need to be watered.
“Use the water from pop-up showers to your advantage,” says Becky Mixon, project manager for waterSmart. “By implementing waterSmart lawn care techniques, you can keep beautiful landscaping while helping to conserve Georgia’s drinking water supply.”
For more tips on how to have a waterSmart landscape, as well as other water conservation techniques, visit www.waterSmart.net.
Statewide watering restrictions went into effect June 2, 2010. Outdoor watering hours are 4 p.m. to 10 a.m. Details regarding the Georgia Water Stewardship Act can be found by visiting www.georgiaepd.org.

Wednesday, July 14, 2010

How to Improve Your Health by Reducing Stress

Stress is one of today's greatest health problems. It contributes to much of our illness. Today we learned about a new tool for reducing your stress levels in the form of a weekly newsletter.

The Weekly 'Success with Stress News' draws its content from a wide range of sources keeping readers informed about the latest breakthroughs, research and good news about how to live through and overcome the multiple pressures of modern life.
The new site springs from its mother site, http://www.success-with-stress.com/stress-news.html (http://www.success-with-stress.com/stress-news.html), where readers will find previous stress articles in issues stored by date and topic.
As self-healing author Louis Proto says, "Healing oneself is an individual process.” So, watch the video at the Home Page of the mother site, http://www.success-with-stress.com (http://www.success-with-stress.com), to find details of a myriad of free active and passive exercises for each person to choose from according to their needs, including an non-exhaustive list of free: Relaxation Tools, Breathing Exercises, Meditation Processes, Financial Solutions, Stress Relief Exercises, Illustrated Psycho-Physical Exercises, a Free Exercise Program, etc.
It's very important, even crucial for a person to have practical strategies available to maintain their equilibrium and well-being in difficult times. According to the famous author Leslie Kenton: "Being in control really works when dealing with stress. People who feel in control of a situation experience a sense of empowerment. Helplessness leads to anxiety and then to depression."
So, the self-help methods Francoise Bonhoure offers are varied -- but by no means always conventional -- and are geared to meet our different, individual requirements, according to what we need at any particular time.
She calls these, ‘Unique Solutions to Transform Stress into Well-Being’. To have a taste, here are some of them:
- Shaking and Breathing Exercise Video (http://www.success-with-stress.com/stretching-exercises.html) - 7-Day Free Exercise Program (http://www.success-with-stress.com/free-exercise-program.htm) Video - Free Guided Self Massage (http://www.success-with-stress.com/chinese-self-massage.html) Video And there's much more, for you to start dealing with stress effectively.
These methods are there for your support -- a compendium of what others have found and are finding helps them to feel better and, in many cases, cures them.
So, in a nutshell:
- From Success with Stress News: Visitors Have Access to Weekly Updates on Stress Management, Cures, Tips, Etc. in Your Email Inbox. - From the Main Site, Success-with-Stress: You Can Read All Past News Updates, PLUS Choose from a Wide-Ranging Compendium of Solutions for Stress Management. Francoise Bonhoure 33 468 24 77 89 10, Rue du Château 11270 – La Force France http://www.successwithstressnews.com (http://www.successwithstressnews.com) Having suffered from Stress all her life in one form or another, Francoise Bonhoure, owner/manager of the sites, has encountered a lot of different approaches and has experimented with a large amount of methods in her endeavour to ‘get better’ and she did this for many years, discovering and integrating them into her understanding and way of life. She trained in and taught active and passive methods to reduce and cure stress, including becoming a certified Tai Chi and Chi Kung teacher with the French Federation of Tai Chi Chuan, having studied for 3 years at the Qimetao Institute, Paris, France. She is also a qualified Massage therapist and Dance Meditation teacher, teaching these methods in South-East France for ten years. She now offers these and any new discoveries and updates, online, via her 2 websites, enjoying sharing and finding what she describes as "Unique Solutions to Transform Stress into Well-Being".

Tuesday, July 13, 2010

Hot Flashes Reduced by Weight Loss for Overweight Women

A new study shows that overweight and obese women who suffer from hot flashes can reduce the severity of their hot flashes if they lose weight through diet or exercise.
Hot flashes, which are associated with sleeping problems, anxiety and depression, are the most common complaints of women during menopause and persist for five or more years past menopause in up to one third of women, according to the researchers. In multiple observational studies, women with a higher body mass index (BMI) have reported more frequent or severe hot flashes compared to women with lower BMI, but the effect of weight loss on hot flashes has been unknown.
“We still don’t understand the underlying mechanism of hot flashes, or why some women experience flashes and others don’t,” said Alison J. Huang, MD, assistant professor of internal medicine in the UCSF Department of Medicine, who was the lead author on the paper. “The good news is that millions of women who are overweight and troubled by hot flashes may be able to reduce their discomfort through diet and exercise.”
Findings are available July 12 in the online edition of the Archives of Internal Medicine.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimate that 64.1 percent of adult women in the United States are overweight and 35.5 percent of women are obese. Those estimates are based on a BMI of 25-29.9 for the overweight category and 30 or more for the obese category. BMI, expressed as weight in kilograms divided by height in meters squared, commonly is used to classify weight.
The study included 338 women aged 30 or older with a BMI of 25-50 who were randomly assigned to two groups. One group, of 226 women, attended weekly one-hour group sessions led by experts in nutrition, exercise and behavior change, and were asked to follow a reduced calorie diet. They also were encouraged to increase their physical activity to at least 200 minutes per week. The remaining 112 women, in the so-called “control” group, participated in one-hour group sessions that provided general information about weight loss, physical activity, healthy eating and health promotion.
Bothersome hot flashes and other baseline menopausal symptoms were assessed at baseline and at six months using self-administered questionnaires. Participants were asked to indicate intensity of hot flashes in the past month with responses ranging from ‘not at all’ to ‘extremely.’
Half of the participants reported being at least slightly bothered by hot flashes at the start of the study. Among these women, reductions in weight, abdominal circumference and BMI were associated with an improvement in hot flashes.
In fact, women in the active weight loss group were twice as likely to see an improvement in their hot flashes after six months compared to women in the control group, according to senior author Deborah Grady, MD, of the UCSF Department of Medicine and the Veterans Affairs Medical Center, San Francisco.
“This gives women who suffer from hot flashes an added option in controlling their symptoms, while also creating a healthier life for themselves,” Grady said.
The study was ancillary to the Program to Reduce Incontinence by Diet and Exercise (PRIDE), a randomized, controlled trial of an intense behavioral weight loss intervention versus a structured education program to promote weight loss in overweight and obese women with urinary incontinence, coordinated by UCSF. The researchers acknowledge that a possible limitation of the ancillary study is that participants also had urinary incontinence. However, they said that urinary incontinence, while more prevalent among older women, has not been shown to be associated with menopause, nor did they see a link between more severe incontinence and increased hot flashes.
“We don’t see any reason why our findings aren’t also applicable to women who are not incontinent,” Huang said.
Co-authors are Leslee L. Subak, MD, of the UCSF Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, UCSF Department of Urology, UCSF Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, and the Veterans Affairs Medical Center, San Francisco; Rena Wing, PhD, of the Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Warren Alpert Medical School at Brown University; Delia Smith West, PhD, of the College of Public Health, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences; Alexandra L. Hernandez, MPH, of the UCSF Department of Medicine; and Judy Macer, of the UCSF Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences. This research was supported by grants from the National Institutes of Health.
UCSF is a leading university dedicated to promoting health worldwide through advanced biomedical research, graduate-level education in the life sciences and health professions, and excellence in patient care. For further information, please visit www.ucsf.edu.

Monday, June 28, 2010

Cardiovascular Disease Risk Improves with Healthy Diet and Phytonutrient-Based Medical Food

New research presented at the American Diabetes Association (http://www.diabetes.org/)’s 70th Scientific Sessions in Orlando, Florida on June 27, 2010, suggests that a medical food developed by Metagenics, Inc. (http://www.metagenics.com/) called UltraMeal® PLUS 360° (http://www.metagenics.com/products/a-z-products-list/UltraMeal-Plus-360-deg-Medical-Food) enhances the cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk-lowering benefits of a Mediterranean-style low-glycemic-load diet.

A Mediterranean-style low-glycemic-load diet emphasizing “good” fats, whole grains, fresh produce, and fish, has been shown to be effective in addressing metabolic syndrome, a cluster of conditions that affects nearly a third of adults in the U.S. and increases their risk to develop cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and many other chronic diseases. Metabolic syndrome is defined as the presence of three or more of the following: elevated blood pressure, elevated blood sugar, central obesity (“apple shape”), elevated blood triglycerides, and low HDL (“good cholesterol”).

The key ingredients in UltraMeal PLUS 360° are soy protein (shown to have cholesterol-lowering effects and which may be more beneficial than animal protein in reducing the risk of heart disease); plant sterols (shown to promote healthy cholesterol levels); and hops rho iso-alpha acids and acacia proanthocyanidins (which function as selective kinase response modulators).

Recently, a team of researchers from the University of Florida College of Medicine in Jacksonville, FL (http://www.hscj.ufl.edu/medicine/research-affairs/search/details.asp?view=d&id=2008-X-0054) compared the effects of two dietary interventions on CVD risk factors in 47 women with metabolic syndrome. In the 12-week, two-arm, randomized, parallel group study, participants received a Mediterranean-style, low-glycemic-load diet alone or in conjunction with UltraMeal PLUS 360°.

Both groups experienced improvements in the following markers of CVD risk:

- Improvements in total cholesterol, LDL-C, apolipoprotein B (apoB) and non-high density lipoprotein cholesterol (non-HDL-C) compared to baseline.
- Reduction in total LDL particle number
The group that additionally received UltraMeal PLUS 360° experienced:

- Reductions in triglycerides, apoB/apoA-1, cholesterol/HDL, and small LDL particle number
- Greater reductions in total cholesterol, LDL-C, non-HDL-C, apoB, total LDL particle number, and small LDL particle number
According to lead researcher, Mark McIntosh, MD (http://www.hscj.ufl.edu/emergency-medicine/bio.asp?id=1141), “All of our subjects benefited from switching to this heart-healthy diet for 12 weeks. But those who received the medical food which contained the plant sterols, hops rho iso-alpha acids and acacia proanthocyanidins experienced additional benefits. We believe this combination of healthy eating and targeted nutrients offers an effective therapeutic option for clinicians whose patients suffer from metabolic syndrome.”

The study was conducted by Dr. McIntosh, Colleen J. Kalynych, Clare Vukich, Vivek Kumar, Michelle Lott (all of the University of Florida College of Medicine/Jacksonville) and Robert Lerman (of MetaProteomics, LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Metagenics, Inc.) and sponsored by Metagenics, Inc.

Thursday, June 24, 2010

Free Eye Care Available For Seniors

Imagine not being able to read the newspaper, watch television, or drive your car. These are a few of the things many seniors have trouble doing due to various eye diseases. In fact, by the age of 65, one in three Americans has some form of vision impairing eye disease. However, with the U.S. economy experiencing a major downturn, senior communities on fixed incomes are struggling to pay for health care.

In light of this, EyeCare America (www.eyecareamerica.org) is reminding seniors, ''Don't Lose Sight of Your Independence.'' The national health campaign is intended to remind the senior community about the value of eyesight and encourage seniors 65 and older to visit EyeCare America’s online referral center at www.eyecareamerica.org to see if they qualify for an eye exam and care, often at no-out-of-pocket cost.

“I had excellent care and I now have 20/20 vision and it is so very good,'' said Melva Rayles, an EyeCare America patient from Warner, Oklahoma. ''Now I can do all of my crocheting and knitting. Thank you all so very much for giving me my eyesight back so that I can do the things I love most, seeing my husband, children, grand children and my great grand children. They are not a blur anymore.”

The program provides a comprehensive eye exam and care for any disease detected in the initial visit for up to one year, at no out-of-pocket cost, for seniors who are without an ophthalmologist (a medical eye doctor). To see immediately if you, a loved one or a friend, 65 and older, is eligible to receive a referral for an eye exam and care, visit www.eyecareamerica.org.

EyeCare America, a public service program of the Foundation of the American Academy of Ophthalmology, operates one of the largest programs of its kind in American medicine. All eligible callers receive a referral to one of 7,000 volunteer ophthalmologists. Volunteer physicians agree to accept Medicare or other insurance as payment in full, resulting in no out-of-pocket cost to the patient. Eligible individuals without insurance are seen at no charge.

EyeCare America is designed for people who:

- Are U.S. citizens or legal residents
- Are age 65 and older
- Have not seen an ophthalmologist in three or more years
- Do not belong to an HMO or the VA

Thursday, June 3, 2010

HIV Prevention Advice

The Florida Department of Health (DOH) today announced the launch of its newly redesigned HIV/AIDS prevention website at www.wemakethechange.com. The website was originally developed to complement the We Make the Change program, a statewide media campaign designed to increase awareness about HIV/AIDS and its impact on minority communities. The website serves as a portal for Florida’s Hispanic, African-American, Haitian and MSM (Men Who Have Sex with Men) populations to access resources regarding HIV/AIDS prevention.



The redesigned website provides a user-friendly experience and more enhanced features that can help Floridians learn about the various HIV/AIDS prevention opportunities available throughout the state. Some of the new features include a comprehensive press room, the latest news and articles regarding HIV/AIDS prevention, downloads for community outreach efforts and e-features like community stories and volunteer opportunities.

WeMaketheChange.com also provides extensive information regarding the numerous We Make the Change community initiatives such as Stop the Spread (http://www.stopthespread.com/), Sistas Organizing to Survive, Man up, Latinas Unidas Contra SIDA and the AME faith-based initiative. Various county-specific and noteworthy programs are also highlighted.

“The campaign has grown tremendously over the past 10 years and we are excited to relaunch a web component that reflects the campaign’s growth and success,” said April Hogan, Bureau of HIV/AIDS, HIV Prevention Program Supervisor. “It’s a great one-stop resource for HIV prevention information.”

We Make the Change is a multi-faceted, nationally recognized awareness program. The campaign includes event outreach, both traditional and nontraditional advertising, online components, text-messaging service to help identify local testing centers, and community based programs.

Friday, May 28, 2010

Keep Your Pets Safe When Traveling This Summer

Summer is just around the corner, school is almost out, the weather is heating up and bags are being packed. Many Americans will soon head out on vacation and bring along their four-legged friend. According to the Travel Industry Association of America, an estimated 29.1 million Americans have traveled with a pet in the past three years. However, few consider the many safety and regulation issues associated with pet travel until it’s too late. PETCO (www.petco.com) and pet expert Tracie Hotchner, host of NPR’s Gracie-Award® winning show “Dog Talk”® and “Cat Chat”® on the Martha Stewart channel of SiriusXM satellite radio, have teamed up to educate vacationers on the many challenges associated with pet travel and how to better prepare yourself and your furry friend.



CHALLENGE #1: Ensuring Your Establishment is Pet-Friendly
SOLUTION: You may be surprised to learn that finding a pet-friendly hotel is easier than ever if you know where to look. The Internet is a great place to start for the most up-to-date and timely information. There are also many websites that have comprehensive lists of pet-friendly (www.petco.com) hotels and campgrounds. Stop by an AAA office to pick up their localized pet guide. Extra tip: when staying in your home-away-from-home, feed pets on the tile bathroom floor to help with hotel cleanup and always tip the maid for a job well done.

CHALLENGE #2: Knowing What to Pack for Your Pet
SOLUTION: Packing for a pet is much like packing for a child -- you must prepare for every occasion. Make sure your dog has a collar listing your mobile number not your home number. Microchips are another surefire way to ensure a pet’s safe return if lost. Prepare your pets’ normal food in plastic bags, as switching their diet can result in stomach upset. For those packing lightly, freeze dried meals are available and easy to pack such as Grandma Lucy’s raw dehydrated premium foods sold in the natural section of PETCO. Always pack towels to cover the back seat of your car or rental car, as well as plastic bags to pick up after your pet regardless of local laws. Water is also critical, so bring portable water bowls and plenty of water. You can find PETCO brand foldable bowls at your nearest location. Simplify things by creating a pet travel kit with food, treats, favorite toys, any medicines and health documents.

CHALLENGE #3: Inconsistent & Confusing Pet Travel Airline Regulations
SOLUTION: There are so many things to consider when traveling by air and information is often confusing and ever-changing. Tracie says, “beginning your journey with a pre-approved pet carrier always helps to ensure your airline travel runs smooth.” PETCO and Sherpa have partnered with American Airlines to create the ''Guaranteed on Board'' program, which includes universally approved pet carriers that come with all the necessary information for airline pet travel (www.petco.com). To avoid confusion at the airport, plan ahead by making a reservation for your pet. Most airlines only allow a small number of animals in the cargo area and an even smaller number of animals inside the cabin. If your pet is traveling in the cabin with you, they must fit comfortably under your seat in a pre-approved carrier and not be taken out for the duration of the flight. Additionally, make sure you have your pets’ health certificate, pet passport for international travel, and proof of age. Always check with your individual airline before taking off so you have the most up-to-date information.

CHALLENGE #4: Dealing with a Nervous Animal
SOLUTION: Just like humans, pets become anxious when put in new situations. “Before traveling, get your pet acquainted with their carrier or take them in the car to a place other than the vet,” Tracie suggests. The more familiar your animal is with their surroundings, the more at ease they will be. Most vets agree that you should not give your pet a tranquilizer before they fly. Your pet is more likely to deal better with their anxiety without tranquilizers. Additionally, less food in the animal’s system is less likely to upset his/her digestive track making the animal feel more at ease.

CHALLENGE #5: Ensuring Pet Safety
SOLUTION: A recent survey from petrelocation.com stated that 80 percent of those traveling with their pet say the safety of their pet is the most important thing when planning their travel arrangements. While driving in your car, Tracie suggests a dog seatbelt or a barrier. '''These products can be found in a major pet store like PETCO, and can help keep your animal contained and comfortable in the car.'' Try PETCO’s adjustable auto safety vest harness. Additionally, make sure not to leave your pet in the car for an extended time. Even leaving your pet in the car for a short amount of time on a hot day can be lethal. When traveling by air, Tracie suggests ''not letting your pet travel in the cargo area of a plane unless necessary.'' Although the cargo area is pressurized, its temperature often relates to the temperature outside the aircraft, which can be very hot or very cold.

Saturday, May 22, 2010

Search Engine Optimization Tips

Here are some tips for Search Engine Optimization:

For a moment let us put ourselves into the shoes of search engines owners and creators. A few years ago, a directory submitting to thousands of other sites needed you to put in a lot of work, time and determination. After the software and online scripts, which automatically submit pages to directories, appeared, gaining hundreds or thousands of links in a short period of time is not a problem any more.  At the same time, the  number of websites is growing by leaps and bounds every day and it increases competition for particular keywords. The search engines have to find sites which best suit to the search phrase from millions of sites.

In light of all of these factors, the people who design and keep re-inventing the search engines have been forced to use special filters. In their opinion, on the one hand, the inflow of the large number of useless links from sites submitted to the thousands of directories is limited, and the focus is only on these which prove the real quality of the page. On the other hand,  only these sites, which best suit the topic of the search, are fund. Therefore, nowadays it is better to have our one or two links on quality sites than one hundred in useless directories. At the same time, much attention should be paid to the search engine optimization of keywords, which still remains to be the primary factor for determining the theme of the site.

Friday, May 21, 2010

Many Young Women Ignorant About STDs

Can stigmas about testing hinder the prevention of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and screening among young women?



“Based on my clinical experience and now by the results of this study, it’s clear many women have significant misconceptions about STDs and STD testing,” says Dr. Heather Royer, a University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Nursing (http://son.wisc.edu/) researcher who recently completed a study of young women’s knowledge and beliefs about STDs. ''Those beliefs may influence continued disease transmission.''

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), one in four young women is infected with at least one of the four most common STDS affecting women -- human papillomavirus (HPV), Chlamydia, genital herpes, and trichomoniasis. About 19 million new sexually transmitted infections occur each year among all age groups in the United States while half of these infections occur in the 18-to-24 age group.

Royer surveyed 302 women, 18 to 24 years old, about their beliefs about STD testing. She found barriers to testing that include:

- The great majority of women (88 percent) were uncomfortable being tested by a male.
- Most women (79 percent) would prefer being tested by a specialist, not a family doctor.
- Most women (62 percent) were anxious about being tested.
- Nearly a third (31 percent) were concerned about STD results appearing in their medical records.
Royer found that many women had additional misconceptions about the STD testing process.

- STD-related symptoms were the most common reason (99 percent) why a woman would request STD testing; however, STDs are commonly asymptomatic.
- More than half (58 percent) believed that a health care provider would not conduct STD testing if they tell the provider that they use condoms, suggesting the lack of recognition that some STDs can be transmitted even with condom use.
- Nearly half (40 percent) inaccurately believed that routine STD testing includes screening for eight STDs including: Gonorrhea, Chlamydia, Trichomoniasis, Syphilis, Human Papillomavirus, Herpes Simplex Virus, Hepatitis B and AIDS/HIV.
- About one-third of respondents mistakenly thought that infections such as Chlamydia and gonorrhea could be diagnosed solely by visual inspection, without a diagnostic test.
- One quarter mistakenly thought that a Pap smear could detect Chlamydia (26 percent) and gonorrhea (23 percent).
Health care providers, Royer says, should not assume that the patient understands the sexually transmitted disease (STD) testing process, or feels comfortable leading the discussion about their sexual health or requesting STD testing.

''It may also be helpful for providers to think about their own level of comfort in initiating and/or participating in a sexual health discussion with their patients,'' Royer says.

"Health care providers must be mindful of women's discomfort in discussing their sexual health and consider ways to help reframe this conversation from one of embarrassment to one of empowerment," Royer adds. "Normalizing the sexual-health conversation is the first step in reducing the stigma surrounding sexually transmitted diseases and helping improve women’s knowledge about STDs and STD testing.”

Wednesday, May 19, 2010

Help Raising Kids With Health Eating Attitude

With the incidence of disordered eating continuing to rise among children, being a psychologically savvy parent can help significantly decrease chances that kids will develop an eating disorder or have a poor body image, says New York City-based psychologist and eating disorder specialist Dr. Stacey Rosenfeld (http://www.staceyrosenfeld.com/). Disordered eating --whether obesity, anorexia, or other forms -- can be prevented in many cases if parents look at their own bodies differently.

“While eating disorders have genetic components and are influenced by peer groups and media exposure, there are concrete ways that parents can help promote healthy eating and a positive body image for their children. Kids are very smart and they pick up on their parents’ relationship with their own bodies and with food.” Dr. Rosenfeld explains.

Parents may not even realize that when they themselves count calories or nonchalantly criticize their own body -- or someone else’s -- that they may be sending cues to their child which can have long-term and serious repercussions. “Children need to feel confident about themselves and their bodies -- no matter what shape or size they are -- in order to have a healthy lifelong relationship with food. This starts with modeling their parents and seeing a positive body image and security in one’s own skin,” Dr. Rosenfeld says.

Dr. Rosenfeld’s (http://www.staceyrosenfeld.com/) advice for parents:

•    Do not count calories or talk about dieting in front of your children.
•    Throw out your scale and stop weighing yourself. Your child sees everything you do and seeing you weigh yourself has a significant impact on their perception of weight and body.
•    Limit your child’s access to television, magazines, and other places where unrealistic images of how people should look, are often presented.
•    Talk about food with regard to how it can nourish your body, rather than its effects on weight. Focus on health, not on calories, fats, or carbohydrates.
•    Do not judge or criticize your body -- or anyone else’s body -- in front of your kids. Never use the word “fat” or “thin” about anyone. Never even glance in the mirror in a critical way at yourself.
•    Encourage physical activity for the sake of health, rather than weight control.
•    Focus on all of your child’s strengths outside of their body, and make it a point to tell them how beautiful he or she is.
•    Focus on the physical strengths of your children, yourself, and of other role models so that kids can learn how to put more emphasis on what their bodies can do, rather than how they look.
•    Children should not be deprived of food. Everything in moderation is better than deprivation and then a binge when their parents are not around.

When parents focus more on moving their bodies rather than on counting calories, they are less likely to raise children who are obese or have other eating disorders and body image issues. Parents should encourage children to participate in daily physical activities that they enjoy, and get moving as a family.

If parents recognize that they have an unhealthy relationship with food, they should seek professional help for themselves. This will ultimately help their children. For more about body acceptance, click here (http://www.eat-in-peace.com/how_to_eat_in_peace).

Tuesday, May 11, 2010

Teaching Kids How To Avoid Dog Bites

During the third week in May, Doggone Safe Inc., Pet At Home Sitting Services, Inc., “Pet At Home,” and other organizations will be calling attention to one of the nation’s most commonly reported public health problems: dog bites. Half of all children will be bitten by a dog by age 12 and the majority of these bites are by the family dog or other dog known to the child.



Deedra Thompson of Pet At Home Sitting Services will be presenting the “Doggone Safe Be a Tree” children’s program on Tuesday, May 18 at 6:30 p.m. at
All Paws Animal Clinic, located at 1011 North State Rd 7, Royal Palm Beach in the Regal Cinema Plaza. Bring your child and learn to be a doggie detective. The class is catered to school age children and there is no charge for the class, but registration is required. Please call All Paws today at 561-790-9225 to reserve a space for your child. One parent is requested to accompany the child.

Doggone Safe, a non-profit organization dedicated to dog bite prevention through education offers free information at its website www.doggonesafe.com to help promote safety messages during dog bite prevention week. Doggone Safe also promotes the “Doggone Safe Be a Tree” children’s program. This program is a short presentation with large photos and lots of activities to teach children to understand the signs dogs send with their body language. The central message of this program is “Be a Tree”. That is, stand still if a strange dog approaches or any dog is threatening or overly frisky. Children learn to be doggie detectives, looking for the clues that dogs give with body language to show how they are feeling.

Doggone Safe and Pet At Home offer the following tips for parents and dog owners to help keep kids safe:

The 3 Most Important Things to Teach Your Kids
1.    Dogs Don’t Like Hugs and Kisses – Teach your kids not to hug or kiss a dog on the face. Hugging the family dog or face-to-face contact are common causes of bites to the face. Instead, teach kids to scratch the dog on the chest or the side of the neck.
2.    Be a Tree if a Strange Dog Approaches – Teach kids to stand still, like a tree. Trees are boring and the dog will eventually go away. This works for strange dogs and anytime the family dog gets too frisky or becomes aggressive.
3.    Never Tease a Dog – and never disturb a dog that’s sleeping, eating or protecting something.

The 2 Most Important Things Parents Can Do
1.    Supervise – Don’t assume your dog is good with kids. If a toddler must interact with your dog, you should have your hands on the dog too. Even if your dog is great with kids and has never bitten – why take a chance?
2.    Train the dog – Take your dog to obedience classes where positive-reinforcement is used. Never pin, shake, choke, hold the dog down or roll the dog over to teach it a lesson. Dogs treated this way are likely to turn their aggression on weaker family members. Involve older children in training the family dog while supervising. Don’t allow children to punish the dog. Condition the dog to enjoy the presence and actions of children using positive experiences.

The 3 Most Important Things Dog Owners can do
1.    Spay or Neuter Your Dog – Neutered pets are calmer, healthier and less likely to be aggressive. Neutering prevents unwanted dogs that may end up in shelters or in less than ideal conditions where they may grow up to be poorly socialized or aggressive.
2.    Condition Your Dog for the World – Give your puppy lots of new positive experiences. Train using positive methods i.e. clicker training.
3.    Supervise Your Dog – Supervise your dog at all times around children. Do not allow children to hug and kiss the dog. If visiting children are bothering your dog, put the dog away or send the children home.

Wednesday, May 5, 2010

How to Improve Your Children's Reading Skills

While it is common knowledge that reading to children helps them learn to read, a recent study suggests that by pointing to the words being read and talking about print, children's literacy development can be greatly enhanced.



The study published in the journal Language, Speech, and Hearing Services in Schools, of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (www.asha.org) (ASHA), was conducted to determine the effectiveness of teachers' use of a print-referencing style during story time.

The results showed that preschool teachers can make very small adjustments in the way they read books aloud that make very large differences in children's literacy development. In a study of 379 children, those who experienced a print-referencing style of reading had significantly higher print knowledge scores after only 30 weeks.

"This study was conducted in classrooms with preschool teachers but has direct implications for parents,” according to first author Laura Justice, PhD, CCC-SLP. "Parents can easily help their children become better readers by not only reading to them every night but by also pointing to the words as they read aloud to their child.” Justice further explains that "although reading aloud is important to children's language development, its influence mostly affects oral language skills unless adults explicitly reference the written code. Talking to children about words that, for example, begin with the letter R after reading the word radio can greatly enhance literacy development.”

The entire paper can be found at http://lshss.asha.org/cgi/content/abstract/0161-1461_2010_09-0056.

About the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association
ASHA is the national professional, scientific, and credentialing association for more than 140,000 audiologists, speech-language pathologists, and speech, language, and hearing scientists. Audiologists specialize in preventing and assessing hearing and balance disorders as well as providing audiologic treatment including hearing aids. Speech-language pathologists identify, assess, and treat speech and language problems including swallowing disorders.

Thursday, April 29, 2010

End of Home Buyer Tax Credit Unlikely to Deter Most Real Estate Buyers

The expiration of the 2010 Home Buyer Tax Credits on April 30 are unlikely to put off Americans looking to purchase homes who believe now is a good time to buy and are confident that home prices will rise according to a survey released today by Prudential Real Estate and Relocation Services, Inc., a Prudential Financial, Inc. [NYSE: PRU company. The survey of 1,000 Americans between the ages of 25-64 with at least $35,000 household income was conducted during April 15-20, 2010.

More than 90 percent of consumers believe that the home buyer tax credits have helped both first-time home buyers and the U.S. housing market overall. Among consumers actually shopping for homes, 65 percent believe that the end of the tax credits will have little or no effect on their interest in purchasing a home.

While consumers remain unsure about the direction of the housing market, the survey reveals that they are optimistic about real estate values with 46 percent of consumers expecting real estate prices in their area to increase over the next year. Just 12 percent expect prices will decline. Over the next five years, 79 percent expect real estate prices to increase, with 20 percent expecting that prices will increase substantially.

“The survey underscores the key role the federal home buyer tax credits played in stimulating residential real estate market activity and the U.S. economy,” said James Mallozzi, chairman and chief executive officer of Prudential Real Estate and Relocation Services, Inc. “It also shows that most consumers believe the market has hit bottom and are more optimistic about the future.”

Survey respondents identified concerns about rising mortgage interest rates and unemployment as the most important factors affecting their decision to purchase a home, along with more stringent lending criteria and fewer mortgage-backed securities purchased by the Federal Reserve. The expiration of the tax credits placed lowest on their list of concerns. Among those who have recently purchased a home, 61 percent cited low mortgage interest rates as “very important” to their decisions – an amount greater than either the tax credit or even cheaper prices. The 66 percent expecting interest rates to rise underscores potential headwinds for the market.

“The tax credits clearly helped stimulate the market when consumer confidence was low and housing inventory was high,” said Earl Lee, president, Prudential Real Estate and Relocation Services, Inc. “While the tax credit expiration is a concern for many, the bigger issues now are the availability and cost of financing as well as if they will have a job.”

Despite the significant downturn in the real estate market, the survey underscores that the dream of home ownership and the perception that owning a home is a good investment remain intact. Among current renters, 75 percent still believe owning their home is a better long-term choice for their needs than renting. The majority of consumers also believe that homeownership is a better investment than individual stocks or bonds (75%), mutual funds (72%), or savings accounts (74%).

“The real estate market is precariously balanced. Consumers are clearly motivated to take advantage of the opportunities the current low interest rates and prices afford,” Lee notes. “While the market is picking up in terms of sales and confidence, and the majority still believe that owning a home is a good investment, the outlook for the market remains highly dependent upon the direction of the economy overall.”

The Prudential Real Estate Outlook Survey was conducted online. The margin of error is+/- 3 percent. A more detailed breakdown (http://news.prudential.com/images/20026/PruRealEstateDetail.pdf) of the data is available, as well as supporting charts and visuals (http://news.prudential.com/images/20026/PruRealEstateDetail.pdf), at www.news.prudential.com.

Friday, April 23, 2010

How to Deal With Your Pet's Medical Emergencies

92 percent of animals will experience an emergency during their lifetime. Perhaps just as important is information from the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA), which reports that 25 percent more pets would survive if just one pet first aid technique were applied prior to getting emergency veterinary care.



Rob Nager, owner of Decadent Dog in Needham, MA and certified PetTech™ CPR and first aid instructor, believes that the most important thing for pet owners to be aware of is that pet CPR and first aid classes exist.

“In my experience, most pet owners just aren’t aware that they can spend four hours learning crucial techniques that may someday help them save the life of their beloved pet,” Nager said. “In any emergency, feeling helpless is excruciating and, because of pet CPR and first aid classes, unnecessary.”

According to Nager, Pet Sitters International’s 2008 Pet Sitter of the Year™, abrasions and choking are the two most frequent pet injuries he encounters.

''Dogs are usually eager to make the most of their outside time by running and playing with reckless abandon,'' he said. ''Unfortunately the world is filled with rocks, sticks, trees, broken glass, pieces of metal and other sharp objects that can quickly puncture or cut the pads of their feet. Additionally, dogs and cats are both prone to choking hazards by eating too quickly and from swallowing toys, balls, string, tinsel, bones and biscuits.''

Simple first-aid procedures can make the difference between life and death. Nager recommends that all pet owners and pet-care givers know how to perform rescue breathing and/or CPR, as well as be able to respond effectively to bleeding, poisoning and injuries such as heatstroke and frostbite.

The best piece of advice Nager gives pet owners is to stay calm when dealing with a pet emergency.

“By taking a deep breath when you first discover an injured pet, you are more able to assess the situation and react with safety as you put your knowledge and experience into action,” he said.

Nager says that becoming a certified CPR and first aid instructor has been enormously beneficial to his business.

''I’ve earned the respect of my clients, staff and other pet professionals like veterinarians, groomers, trainers and pet-store owners in the Boston area,'' he said. “By being PetTech™ certified, I have earned a level of credibility as a knowledgeable professional within my community. There is no doubt in my mind that this knowledge helped our company achieve solid growth last year in a down economy.”

The decision to become certified in CPR and pet first aid was an easy one for Nager.

“As a pet sitter, the health and well-being of my clients’ pets are in my hands,” he said. “My first priority and pledge to every one of my clients is that I will do everything I can to keep their pets safe.”

To find the best care for your best friends, please visit The Pet Sitter Locator (http://www.petsit.com/locate/). And to find a pet first aid class in your community, please visit PetTech (http://www.pettech.net/)

Wednesday, April 21, 2010

New Green Button Helps Single Lesbians Find Female Friends

When a self-described "not stereotypical looking" lesbian wrote to sex columnist Dan Savage asking for advice, little did she know she was helping start a mini-industry.

She complained of the need for a way "single and looking" lesbians could identify themselves to one another, and Mr. Savage recommended wearing a small, tasteful green button on her lapel, purse strap or belt loop. The color green, he said, would stand for "go" as in "Go ahead and hit on me, ladies, I''m a lesbian."


Now, an enterprising internet-based company has made the green lesbian button a reality. Women who want to identify themselves as single and looking to other like-minded woman may go to http://GreenLesbianButton.com and purchase one. The price is described as "a three dollar bill."

The buttons measure one inch in width and are available in only one color, a tasteful shade of green.

A percentage of the profits from the sale each Green Lesbian Button is donated to a battered women''s support organization in Vancouver, Canada.

For more information visit: http://GreenLesbianButton.com 

Friday, April 16, 2010

How to Green Your Pet

From the 8 billion pounds of kitty litter heading to landfills each year to the effects of a pet's carnivorous diet, pet parents should be aware of the substantial carbon footprint (www.PETCO.com) left by pets. To address this important matter, PETCO has developed an exclusive partnership with Greenwala.com, the leading online resource empowering people to go "green". With the help of both Greenwala.com and Tracie Hotchner, author and host of NPR's Gracie-Award winning show, "Cat Chat" on Sirius Radio, PETCO has compiled a list of simple ways to reduce the environmental impact of pets.

"When you consider the carbon pawprint of your pet, it also makes you think about some of the ways our own actions are affecting the environment," said Hotchner. "I encourage pet parents to take this opportunity to make changes in their behaviors and purchases to help take all of us into a new era of environmental responsibility."

10 Steps to Reduce Your Pet’s Carbon Pawprint:

1) Go Bio-degradable and Sustainable to Clean up Poop -- Who wants to populate the landfill will plastic bags full of dog do-do? And are you aware that cat-litter made from clay is mined much like coal? Use bio-degradable poop bags when walking your dog and an eco-friendly (www.PETCO.com) cat-litter in the kitty box. Look for PETCO’s Natural line of litters made of corn, paper and pine pellets.

2) Think Adoption First -- The HSUS estimates that animal shelters care for 6-8 million dogs and cats every year in the United States, of whom approximately 3-4 million are euthanized. Find the perfect addition to your family at one of PETCO’s monthly in-store national adoption events where local shelters match pets in need with parents.

3) Spay or Neuter Your Pet -- Over 70K puppies and kittens are born every day. We are already at crisis mode in terms of homeless and abandoned animals. Thanks to the economy, this has only gotten worse. Help decrease the number of homeless animals in the United States by spaying or neutering your animals. Not only does it help control animal over-population and homelessness, but it also has been demonstrated to provide long-term health and behavioral benefits for pets.

4) Use Natural and Organic Pet Food -- Your pets should eat the same quality foods you do. Natural, organic and holistic pet foods use proteins that are raised in sustainable, humane ways and do not contain hormones. They are preserved with natural vitamins. In addition, these healthy foods create less waste for you to clean up at the dog park. Look for the labels and see that they are full of vitamins, and nutrients and free of pesticides, and any attempt to bio-engineer the product. Check out the following high-quality brands; Halo, Blue Buffalo, and Wellness -- all available at PETCO in their ‘Healthy Living Naturally’ sections.

5) Use Organic Grooming and Cleaning Products -- Make cleaning product choices that are as safe for the planet as they are for you and your pets and children. Many pet shampoos and cleaning supplies use plant-based cleansers and natural bio-cultures to remove pet stains and odors. These products are completely non-toxic for pets and people, including natural flea removers. Look for Simple Solution Natural Cleaners and Earthbath Oatmeal & Aloe Totally Natural Pet Shampoo both available at PETCO stores and www.PETCO.com.

6) Use Organic and Sustainable Pet Accessories (Bedding, Collars and Leashes) -- We humans spend a third of life sleeping. Well so do most dogs. We obviously want to be comfortable so look for organic cotton and sustainable bedding to help give your dog a sound sleep. While you are at it, you can also look to get collars, leashes and PET bottles made from recycled materials or sustainable fibers without herbicides or pesticide as well. Bison branded collars and leads are made from recycled plastic bottles from landfills that are melted and spun into fibers that are woven into strong material. PETCO Naturals line of cat feeding bowls have been produced from fully compostable corn and their dog and cat toys are made with safe, natural vegetable dyes and non-toxic organic materials.

7) Avoid Pet Toys with Harmful Toxins Such as Lead -- When looking for pet toys do the same thing that you would do for your kids and that's to read the label and avoid toys with lead in them. Lead in products are equally as harmful for pets as they are for humans. In fact, the best thing to do is to get creative and create toys from recycled items that you have laying around the house.

8) Be Active and Live a Healthy Lifestyle -- Get out and get active. Not only is this a great tip for humans, but it is absolutely the best thing to do for your dog. Don't have a dog, then let your cat run around outside but make sure there is a cat enclosure. In fact, if you want to get out with your dog, go to a dog park to play with other dogs because usually the vegetation around the park can handle your dog jumping around looking for the ball that you threw a little too hard. However, when in doubt always leash your dog, since accidents can happen.

9) Planet-Friendly Manufacturing -- Choosing natural and organic based products is important. However, it's just as important to support brands that incorporate sustainability into their everyday business practices such as packaging, ingredient sourcing and recycling. Most companies proudly share their eco-conscious efforts on their websites where you can easily find it.

10) Be Committed to Your Pet -- The worse thing a pet owner could do is not be committed to them once they own one. Owning a pet is a big responsibility and not just to have fun or because it is the latest trend/fad or it was in the latest pet movie. Yes pets are fun for all ages, but they need care like a child and if you are committed to your pet it will be easier for you to also implement the other tips above.

Tuesday, March 30, 2010

How to Be a Fish Friendly Boater

Just in time for spring, anglers and recreational boaters (http://www.FocusOnFishHealth.org) in the nation’s midsection are hearing disturbing news about their recreational waterways.



With evidence that the voracious Asian carp has been detected in all of the Great Lakes and that the contagious fish disease VHS, or viral hemorrhagic septicemia, is now in waters as far north and west as Lake Superior, fishing (http://www.FocusOnFishHealth.org) and boating enthusiasts might be concerned that their favorite spots may be ruined. The United States Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) notes that prime waters can still be protected by the people who use them, particularly small bodies of water, streams and rivers where diseases and destructive invaders have not been detected.

APHIS offers a list of surprisingly simple steps to be taken to preserve the health of wild fish (http://www.FocusOnFishHealth.org) species for generations to come:

1.    Thoroughly clean and dry all fishing and boating equipment including bait buckets, boots, boats, and trailers with HOT water.
2.    Empty all water from equipment including buckets and bilges.
3.    Remove all visible mud, plants and aquatic life from equipment before transporting.
4.    Do not move fish and plants from one body of water to another.
5.    Buy bait from certified bait dealers and dispose of unused bait in a secure trash area away from the water.

For more information, visit http://www.FocusOnFishHealth.org.

Tuesday, March 23, 2010

Chest X-Rays and H1N1 Flu News

A new study published in the April issue of Radiology suggests that chest x-rays may play an important role in the diagnosis and treatment of H1N1 influenza by predicting which patients are likely to become sicker.

“Working in the emergency room is very stressful and physicians need information fast,” said lead author Galit Aviram, M.D., head of cardiothoracic imaging in the Department of Radiology at Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center in Tel Aviv, Israel. “Our study provides significant findings that will help clinicians triage patients presenting with clinically suspected H1N1 influenza.”

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the H1N1 virus is the predominant influenza virus in circulation during the 2009-2010 flu season. The CDC estimates that between April 2009 and January 2010 there have been approximately 57 million cases of H1N1 in the U.S., resulting in 257,300 hospitalizations and 11,686 deaths.

As in past pandemics, the virus can occur in waves. It is possible that the U.S. could experience additional waves of the virus throughout 2010.

In the study, Dr. Aviram’s research team analyzed the chest x-rays of 97 consecutive patients with flu-like symptoms and laboratory-confirmed diagnosis of H1N1, admitted to the emergency department of Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center between May and September 2009. The researchers then correlated the x-ray findings with adverse patient outcomes.

“To our knowledge, this is the largest series describing the presentation of chest x-ray findings in patients diagnosed with H1N1 influenza,” Dr. Aviram said.

The chest x-rays revealed abnormal findings for 39 of the patients, five (12.8 percent) of whom experienced adverse outcomes, including death or the need for mechanical ventilation. For the other 58 patients, chest x-ray findings were normal, although two (3.4 percent) of the patients experienced adverse outcomes. The mean age of patients in the study, which included 53 men and 44 women, was 40.4 years.

“Abnormal findings in the periphery of both lungs and in multiple zones of the lungs were associated with poor clinical outcomes,” Dr. Aviram said.

Although a normal chest x-ray did not exclude the possibility of an adverse outcome, Dr. Aviram said the study’s findings can help physicians better identify high-risk H1N1 patients who require close monitoring.

“In H1N1, as in various types of community-acquired pneumonia, initial chest x-rays may not show abnormalities that develop later in the course of the disease,'' Dr. Aviram explained. ''Further x-rays should be performed according to the patient’s clinical course.”

AT A GLANCE

- Chest x-rays may help radiologists identify high-risk H1N1 patients who require intense monitoring.
- Abnormal findings in the outer areas of both lungs and in multiple sections of the lungs were associated with more serious outcomes.
- Approximately 13 percent of patients with abnormal chest x-ray findings experienced adverse outcomes, compared to 3 percent of patients with normal chest x-rays.
''H1N1 Influenza: Initial Chest Radiographic Findings in Helping Predict Patient Outcome.'' Collaborating with Dr. Aviram were Amir Bar-Shai, M.D., Jacob Sosna, M.D., Ori Rogowski, M.D., Galia Rosen, M.D., Iuliana Weinstein, M.D., Arie Steinvil, M.D., and Ofer Zimmerman, M.D.

Radiology is edited by Herbert Y. Kressel, M.D., Harvard Medical School, Boston, Mass., and owned and published by the Radiological Society of North America, Inc. (http://radiology.rsnajnls.org/)

RSNA is an association of more than 44,000 radiologists, radiation oncologists, medical ph

Wednesday, March 10, 2010

Brain Quiz: How Brainy Are You?

Do you know the extraordinary changing powers of the Brain? March is National Brain Awareness Month (and Brain Injury Month) and the local LearningRx (http://www.learningrx.com/) cognitive skills’ experts are offering free tips, activities, expert seminar, and reduced-priced assessments for kids and adults. Whether a child needs cognitive skills help, a student needs a boost before SATs, senior needs memory help, a war veteran needs brain injury recovery, or a business executive needs a higher IQ in a competitive economy…the brain-training experts aim to educate everyone on our body's most complex and fascinating organ.

The free quiz is designed to help raise awareness about the brain's remarkable ability to change, how most learning disabilities like dyslexia and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) do not have to be lifelong labels, and why tutoring, accommodations and/or medications are usually not the best option for children who struggle in school.


"Until the 1990s, scientists believed the brain was stagnant," explains Christina Sevilla of LearningRx, Denver. "We now know that the brain is capable of change at any age, and that intensive one-on-one cognitive skills training can treat the root cause of learning struggles like ADHD, dyslexia or memory issues. It's also good news for anyone who wants to strengthen their cognitive skills, increase their IQ, and become a better learner – whether they're six or 106 years old. Cognitive skills training does for the brain what physical exercise does for the body."


Examples of the amazing brain, and our knowledge of it, are everywhere today, whether with 2010 USA Olympic Team Snowboarder hopeful Kevin Pearce recovering from a fall and brain injury prior to the Games, to new research from Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences on general intelligence that show that “the connections between very specific areas of the brain determine intelligence and how well someone does in life.” (Health Day News, Friday, Feb. 26.)


In addition to the quiz (below), the new Learning RX Denver is offering for the month of March:
•    Free tips on games and other at-home play for “Brain-Training”
•    A thorough “Cognitive Skills Evaluation” for $19.95 (usually $200), for anyone.
Brain Awareness Day activities, open house, and speaker David Delaney, MA, CAR, LPC (http://boulderneurofeedback.com/about/) on Sat., March 20th 10a– 1p, "THE EXTRAORDINARY BRAIN! DYNAMIC ON THE TURN OF A DIME, OR NEUROPLASTICITY EXPLAINED"


Here are three sample questions from the longer Brain Awareness Quiz:
TRUE OR FALSE:
1. Dyslexia is a permanent diagnosis and cannot be cured.
2. IQ is a stagnant number and cannot change.
3. Most people hit their mental peak at age 22.


For answers to these three questions and to try the complete quiz, visit the Brain Awareness page on www.LearningRx.com. The answers to the 10-question quiz provide research-rich explanations and proof about how brain-training programs are literally changing lives. Perhaps most impressive, considering the number of children diagnosed with ADHD: With the right program, most children who have been labeled as having ADDH can improve from three to five grade levels and about half no longer require medications.

To learn more about Brain Awareness Month, brain-training, cognitive skills, ADHD, dyslexia, autism or age-related cognitive decline, or to sign up for a Cognitive Skills Evaluation appointment, contact Christina Sevilla at LearningRx, Denver, at (303) 284-6105 or christina(at)learningrx(dot)net.


About LearningRx
LearningRx specializes in identifying and correcting the underlying cognitive skill deficiencies that keep people from achieving their full potential in school, business or life. The program was pioneered by Dr. Ken Gibson and refined over a decade of research and testing. Using a comprehensive skills assessment test and intensive one-on-one training, certified trainers quickly and effectively enhance weak cognitive skills such as attention, memory, processing speed, and problem solving. Students completing the program usually see three to four years of improvement in as little as 12 to 24 weeks and benefit from improved confidence, self-esteem and overall achievement. The company guarantees improvement for all people with deficiencies who complete the training. To learn more about LearningRx, visit www.learningrx.com.

Tuesday, March 9, 2010

April 2 is World Autism Day

For the one in 94 New Jersey families whose children struggle with autism spectrum disorders (http://www.crossroadsforgrowth.org), finding financial help for ABA and other therapies is often a struggle. World Autism Awareness Day, taking place April 2, will draw attention to the growing worldwide problem of autism, says Linda Lajterman, founder of Crossroads for Growth, Inc. (http://www.crossroadsforgrowth.org), but few people realize that New Jersey has the highest rate of autism in the United States.



Of the millions of dollars that go to autism causes, most is used for research; very little goes to the families living with it now. Lajterman, a Registered Nurse and Certified Disability Management Specialist, founded Crossroads for Growth, Inc., a non-sectarian, non-profit organization to provide relief to New Jersey’s economically-challenged families and to help them receive therapeutic services for children with autism.

“Families struggle to obtain the necessary services for their autistic children and are constantly fighting with schools for proper placement and home programs,” Lajterman says. “Many generous individuals donate to autism causes, but most are likely unaware of how little of their money goes to help families. Though the funding need for autism research is vital, donors should be able to choose where their dollars will go: research for the future, or help for the families who need it now.”

Recent state legislation will soon make it possible for New Jersey parents to receive insurance coverage to help with the cost of therapy for their autistic children, but those treatments are expensive, and there is a cap on that coverage. Current standards of treatment recommend at least 25 hours of intensive one-to-one therapy – much more than schools can provide, and much more than insurance will cover. In addition, recent government spending cuts to the NJ Division of Developmental Disabilities are putting a strain on other programs that parents have relied upon for even a small degree of financial help.

In addition to ABA therapy, Crossroads for Growth, Inc. provides professional care management, a collaborative process that assesses, plans, implements, coordinates, monitors and evaluates the options and services required to meet the client’s health and human services needs. “We only provide services that are science-based — ABA therapy (http://www.crossroadsforgrowth.org/services.html) is our main service, although we offer a full spectrum of behavioral assessments and plan implementation,” Lajterman says. ABA is Applied Behavior Analysis, a technique which aims to improve socially important behaviors by using interventions based on principles of learning theory.

Despite operating on a limited budget, Crossroads for Growth, Inc. has helped several deserving families, like those of Araina Streeter-Colbert and Denise Diese, whose testimonials (http://www.crossroadsforgrowth.org/testimonials.html) are featured on the Crossroads for Growth Web site.

Though Lajterman says the group is often passed over for grants and donations, she remains undaunted. “The CDC estimates the lifetime care of an autistic individual will cost 3.2 million dollars,” she says. “We need to do everything we can to help families find the care their children need and deserve right now.”

For more information about Crossroads for Growth, Inc., or to donate online, visit http://www.crossroadsforgrowth.org.

Friday, March 5, 2010

Get Your Facts Straight About Your Food

Hungry for answers about where your food, fiber and some renewable fuels come from? Do you feel unsure about modern, U.S. agriculture or have “agricultural angst?” The United Soybean Board would like to point you in the direction of a new resource that may help put some of your questions to bed.

BestFoodFacts.org (http://bestfoodfacts.org/prod/), developed by the Center for Food Integrity (http://www.foodintegrity.org/), hosts a venue for experts from universities across the country to weigh in on what’s true, plausible, unknown, misguided or just plain false.

Some topics being discussed now include:

- Technology’s role in feeding the expanding global population

- Animal welfare on modern farms

- The price of food around the world

- Truths about organic and non-organic food

Get the answers to these questions or submit your own right now by going here (http://bestfoodfacts.org/prod/). To stay up-to-date on topics such as biotechnology, food supply, sustainability and animal agriculture, follow the United Soybean Board on Twitter and become a fan on Facebook.

About the United Soybean Board

The United Soybean Board represents a group of volunteer farmer-leaders administering a U.S. soy research and promotion program known most commonly as the “soybean checkoff.” Through the soybean chcekoff, U.S. soybean farmers invest a portion of their sales in research and promotion to provide food, feed fuel and fiber to the world. By building demand for such things as biodiesel, soybean meal, soybean oil, soy exports and more, the soybean checkoff helps ensure a profitable future for all American soybean farmers. On the Web:

Friday, February 19, 2010

Changes Needed in Stem Cell Regulations

A recommendation has been made that the National Institutes of Health ethics guidelines for embryonic stem cell research be modified to better protect the rights of individuals donating egg or sperm to patients undergoing in vitro fertilization.

The recommendation is reported in the February 19, 2010 issue of Science.

Third parties frequently donate sperm and egg, or “gametes,” for patients attempting to create embryos in the in vitro fertilization clinic.

Under current practice in the United States, gamete donors sign a form giving the IVF patient unrestricted legal authority to determine how to dispose of any embryos that may be leftover following fertility treatments. Donor banks and IVF clinics are not required to brief gamete donors about the various options for disposition, which include donating the embryos for stem cell research, thereby enabling scientists to derive new human embryonic stem cell lines; discarding the embryos, or donating them to other IVF patients.

While many state, national, and international scientific committees and agencies have recommended that third-party gamete donors give official “informed consent” for stem cell research with embryos remaining after infertility treatment, the NIH did not stipulate this requirement in its guidelines issued in March 2009. As these guidelines determine which human embryonic stem cell (hESC) lines may be studied under NIH research grants -- which are expected to play a growing role in funding stem cell research -- the ethical implications are significant, says Lo, chair of the UCSF Gamete, Embryonic Stem Cell Research Committee, members of which published the Science paper.

“We urge the NIH to revise its guidelines to require that gamete donors be advised that embryos containing their sperm or egg could be used for embryonic stem cell research, before they grant dispositional authority over embryos to the IVF patient,” he says. “Because some gamete donors may not approve of embryonic stem cell research, we consider this the ethically appropriate position.”

In their paper, the team recommends a process that is less complex than the detailed “informed consent” process carried out when IVF patients donate embryos for research. They suggest the disclosure to gamete donors may be made through oral discussion or brochures before donors sign a form authorizing the IVF patient to determine the disposition of embryos.

Importantly, says Lo, the gamete donors’ instructions would not disrupt the IVF process. IVF patients would learn of a gamete donor’s restrictions in advance of selecting embryos for IVF treatment, and could select other gamete donors if not satisfied with the donors’ disposition restrictions.

The recommendation is consistent with that of the National Academy of Sciences and the International Society for Stem Cell Research says Lo, a member of the ethics committee of the ISSCR, and the co-chair of the Standards Working Group of the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine.

“It would be highly desirable to have consistency among standards and regulations,'' he says. ''If such harmonization were achieved, many university Institutional Review Boards and other research oversight bodies would likely allow NIH-eligible human embryonic stem cell lines to be used for any otherwise acceptable hESC research.”

“It’s critical that we consider all parties involved in the creation of embryos and honor their wishes,” says co-author Arnold Kriegstein, MD, PhD, director of the Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regeneration Medicine and Stem Cell Research at UCSF.

“The field of human embryonic stem cell research offers enormous promise for patients suffering from devastating diseases. We want to build this field on an ethical foundation of which we can be proud.”

Exceptions to the guideline could be justified for hESC lines already in existence if there were strong scientific reasons to use the cell lines and the third-party gamete donor had granted rights to the IVF patient to determine disposition of the embryos.

At the moment, many Americans are traveling overseas for stem cell treatments because they are not available in the USA.

Tuesday, February 16, 2010

Researchers Develop Standard of Care for Breast Cancer Survivors with Lymphedema

Lymphedema, a chronic swelling condition that can appear after breast cancer surgery, is a risk for 1.3 million breast cancer survivors. Although lymphedema can cause lifelong swelling in the arms, back, neck and chest, there is no national standard of diagnosis or care. Now, University of Missouri researchers are leading the American Lymphedema Framework Project (ALFP), a national, multi-disciplinary collaboration to develop comprehensive guidelines for the assessment, treatment, and management of lymphedema.

“We can’t cure lymphedema today – we can only manage it,” said Jane Armer, MU nursing professor and director of the project at the MU Ellis Fischel Cancer Center. “Lymphedema is a complex, chronic condition. Currently, there are inconsistent approaches to care for lymphedema, and often the most common form of self-management is to not treat it at all.”

The ALFP, established in 2008, has two main goals: establish a best practices document with evidence-based lymphedema treatment guidelines for health practitioners, and create a minimum data set of all available lymphedema research and clinical data. The ALFP researchers plan to publish the best practices document in 2011.

“Part of why there isn’t a standard of care is the lack of reliance on current evidence by health practitioners and third party payers, which in turn causes problems with reimbursement from health insurance companies. Many people with lymphedema have to pay out-of-pocket for care,” Armer said. “There isn’t a clear, national consensus for how to diagnose lymphedema and when to start treating it. The ALFP collaborators aim to document a standard of care reflecting a consensus on best practices that will help solve these problems.”

Researchers, including those at MU, have found that the most effective method of care for lymphedema is complete decongestive physiotherapy, in which therapists use specialized lymphatic massage techniques to reduce protein-rich fluid buildup. Bandages and compression garments also help to reduce swelling.

One of Armer’s innovations at MU is measuring patients’ arms with a perometer, a machine that was first used to fit garments for swollen limbs. First implemented in a research setting at MU, the machine has a large optoelectric frame that glides over a patient’s arm, scans its image and records an estimated limb volume reading. Perometer measurement is as, or more, accurate than several previous methods to measure arm circumference and volume. The machine is now used in about 20 sites across the country.

Highlights of MU Sinclair School of Nursing research from the past 10 years reveal that there is a 40 percent higher risk of developing lymphedema in women with a body mass index (BMI) classified as overweight or obese compared to normal-weight women. The researchers also found that younger patients may have less occurrence of the condition but tend to report more symptoms, which could be a result of psychological and aging-related factors.

“In addition to our previous findings, we’re currently studying whether there are any genetic factors that increase the risk of lymphedema,” Armer said. “A pilot study now underway and a proposed multi-site research study will look at the possibility of genetic predisposition for secondary lymphedema. The results could be applied to cancer treatment in which surgery and radiation affect the lymphatic system.”

In recognition of the leadership in lymphedema research at MU, the ALFP is housed at the MU Ellis Fischel Cancer Center. Armer’s research is funded by the National Institutes of Health and is published in several journals, including the Journal of Lymphoedema; Lymphology; Lymphatic Research and Biology; and the Journal of Cancer Survivorship, and presented at conferences throughout the world. The activities of the ALFP have been funded by industry partnerships and grants from the American Cancer Society through The Longaberger Company, a direct-selling company offering home products, and the Longaberger Horizon of Hope Campaign, which provided a grant for breast cancer research and education.

Wednesday, February 3, 2010

The West Must Plan For Climate Change

Planners in the Intermountain West must focus on the economic savings of mitigating and adapting to climate change as they tailor federal and state efforts to suit local and regional needs, according to a new report published by the Lincoln Institute of Land Policy (www.lincolninst.edu).

Planning for Climate Change in the West, by Rebecca Carter and Susan Culp, acknowledges the critical role of local planners in confronting challenges posed by climate change. It also addresses the region’s many political, cultural, demographic, and geographic factors that can be barriers to innovation and effectiveness. The report can be downloaded at http://www.lincolninst.edu/pubs/1744_Planning-for-Climate-Change-in-the-West

“State and federal initiatives are important, but mitigation and adaptation will only happen if implemented on the ground, locally,” said Armando Carbonell, senior fellow and chairman of the Department of Planning and Urban Form at the Lincoln Institute.

“Western planners are emphasizing sustainability or economic efficiency, rather than climate change, in their decisions to manage water supplies, reduce energy consumption, increase transportation efficiency, and protect open space,” said Susan Culp, the report co-author and project manager of Western Lands and Communities, a joint venture of the Sonoran Institute and the Lincoln Institute. She cited a survey of nearly 50 government staff and elected officials in the Intermountain West indicating local skepticism that climate change was a problem in many communities. According to the research, a significant number of residents in these communities are unconvinced that climate change is human-caused and they perceive the issue as global and remote.

Planning for Climate Change in the West (http://www.lincolninst.edu/pubs/1744_Planning-for-Climate-Change-in-the-West) is the latest Policy Focus Report from the Lincoln Institute. It was released today at the New Partners for Smart Growth conference in Seattle, an annual symposium on sustainability and land use that runs Feb. 4-6 and includes presentations by Housing and Urban Development Secretary Shaun Donovan, Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lisa Jackson, and Department of Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood. The report is available at the exhibition booth of the Lincoln Institute and Sonoran Institute and can be downloaded free online at www.lincolninst.edu.

The Intermountain West, primarily arid landscapes that include all or a portion of 11 states west of the Rocky Mountains, is in a unique position when it comes to climate change. Climate change impacts are expected to wreak particular havoc on the region, yet it remains difficult to pursue many mitigation or adaptation strategies for political and cultural reasons.

The West has been shaped by dramatic fluctuations in its water and energy resources, land use patterns, economy, and a climate known for its extremes. In the decades ahead, the hydrology of the region will become even drier, leading to drought, heat waves, diminished mountain snowpack, earlier snowmelt, catastrophic wildfires, and disruptions to natural processes and wildlife habitat.

Faced with the challenge of both adapting to these impacts, and contributing to mitigation through the reduction of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, planners in western communities should adopt the policy language of cost-effectiveness, the report says. An array of smart growth strategies, with an emphasis on land use and transportation policies, double as climate solutions leading to more resilient communities: building codes and standards, compact mixed-use development, transportation alternatives, distributed and renewable energy, water resource consumption and planning, preservation of open space and agriculture, and mitigation of wildfire impacts. To integrate climate-oriented policies into land use and development agendas, the report encourages planners to:

• Mobilize the political will. Focus on sustainability, economic and energy efficiency, and the co-benefits of local actions, rather than politically controversial policies and goals.

• Recognize local action and citizen participation. Coordinate state and local activities to address climate change, and use public education about climate change impacts to foster citizen participation and buy-in for local programs.

• Establish peer community networks on a regional scale. Develop peer learning networks with guidance from state climate action plans and regional initiatives to help smaller communities learn from each other.

• Identify resources and a variety of options. Refer to state climate action plans region-wide for a variety of strategies and ideas that communities can select and apply to their own needs and circumstances.

• Adapt climate science to local planning needs. Seek out current information and tools in reports, Web sites, and other resources that can help planners translate available climate science for local use, and develop a baseline level of GHGs as a first step in measuring climate strategies and results.

Local planners in the Intermountain West face both the challenge and the opportunity to ensure a sustainable future for the region, where the need to respond to potential climate change impacts is particularly urgent. This report presents a regional context and reliable data, case studies, and planner-recommended guidelines for western communities to spur local actions that can minimize those threats.

Wednesday, January 27, 2010

Wild Blueberries Are "Healthiest Superfood"

In recent good news for health-conscious consumers, Health magazine has named Wild Blueberries high on its list of “America’s Healthiest Superfoods for Women.” The feature, running in the magazine’s January/February 2010 issue, singles out Wild Blueberries’ impressive variety of potential health benefits, including preventing memory loss, improving motor skills, lowering blood pressure, and fighting wrinkles (see http://tinyurl.com/yzrsndg).

“If berries are nutritional treasures, Wild Blueberries are the crown jewels…truly one of nature’s ultimate antiaging foods,” according to the feature, which gave Wild Blueberries the #2 slot on its Superfoods list. Health editors recommend that readers mix in Wild Blueberries with their daily berries servings “as much as possible” for their many health benefits, and point readers to the frozen fruit aisle of supermarkets for the healthy frozen version available every season of the year.

A native North American berry, Wild Blueberries (www.wildblueberries.com) grow naturally in Downeast Maine and Canada. The state of Maine is by far the #1 producer in the world, growing over 90 million pounds in recent years. Sweet and tangy Wild Blueberries – as opposed to their cultivated counterpart – have been found to have a higher level of antioxidants than most other fruits by USDA research findings and by such respected publications as the Journal of Agriculture and Food Chemistry, having long been prized for their nutritional properties. The delicious, pearl-sized berries may help boost immune systems and help guard against cell damage associated with cancer, heart disease, damage from stroke, Alzheimer’s disease, and the effects of aging for both men and women.

The recent Health article on America’s Healthiest Superfoods further builds on Wild Blueberries’ stellar reputation in the health and flavor arena. The magazine reports that when Cornell University scientists recently devised a new method of testing the antioxidant activity in foods, Wild Blueberries scored the highest marks.

“This is impressive. Wild Blueberries have become a bona fide icon for healthy foods, plain and simple,” noted Dr. Steven Pratt, M.D., senior staff ophthalmologist at Scripps Memorial Hospital in La Jolla, California, world-renowned nutrition authority, and author of the best-selling SuperFoods Rx series of books. “Of particular interest has been watching the rise of frozen Wild Blueberries (http://www.wildblueberries.com/frozen_landingpage/index.php), where the frozen version of the fruit is every bit as nutritious as the fresh off the field.”

Dr. Pratt’s observation helps explain why nutrient-rich, frozen Wild Blueberries are changing how many shoppers are beginning to view the frozen food aisle in their local supermarkets.

Nutrition Advisor Susan Davis, MS, RD agrees: “Wild Blueberries really are leading the charge in the frozen fruit aisle,” she said. “For starters, you’ve got all of the antioxidant-rich nutritional properties remaining intact when fresh Wild Blueberries are flash-frozen. But add to that the unique fact that Wild Blueberries perfectly retain their structural integrity and sweet flavor when frozen, and health-conscious shoppers who want Wild Blueberries year round are presented with a ‘home run’ fruit.

“This is an especially valuable dynamic when you consider that the majority of Americans still aren’t eating the recommended daily amounts of fruits and vegetables,” Davis added. “Frozen Wild Blueberries can really help people reach the next healthy-eating level, and that’s a promising development.”

A growing number of headlines over the past few years have drawn attention to the many benefits of Wild Blueberries’ high antioxidant value. One such national example is AARP The Magazine’s “Healing Foods” feature, which reported that when Tufts University researchers at the USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging reviewed disease-fighting antioxidant activity of 40 fruits and vegetables, Wild Blueberries beat the pack by a wide margin. Study results indicated that the benefits of eating just one serving of Wild Blueberries equaled those of eating two to three servings of other fruits and vegetables, such as spinach, apples, and broccoli. A wide range of news outlets ranging from CBS News and Yahoo! Health to The New York Times Magazine similarly have promoted the natural fruit’s benefits and growing appeal.

“Wild Blueberries are viewed as a superfood for a reason, and more and more Americans are coming to realize that,” added Dr. Pratt. “It’s interesting that this very different sort of fruit can provide so many real benefits to such a wide range of people interested in healthy options – whether aging Americans, younger couples, or their kids – but can go about doing so in such a simple, delicious and convenient way.”

The Wild Blueberry Association of North America sees the inherent nutrition and convenience value of frozen Wild Blueberries, as well, and is aligned with the Produce for Better Health Foundation in support of its “Fruits and Veggies More Matters” campaign. The campaign seeks to educate Americans that all forms of fruits and veggies – frozen, fresh, canned and dried – count toward meeting daily fruit and vegetable consumption goals.

Is America Dealing With Its Homeless People?

This week, communities across the country will rally elected officials, service providers, and volunteers to conduct local homeless counts – a measure of the number of people experiencing homelessness. This year’s count marks the first opportunity to assess the impact of the federal stimulus program aimed at preventing and ending homelessness in the face of the recession.

As a part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA), President Obama created the Homelessness Prevention and Rapid Re-Housing Program (HPRP). This program is intended to help the most financially vulnerable avoid or escape homelessness. The $1.5 billion program provides help paying for housing and negotiating with landlords,, as well as case management and other services to help families get back on their feet. . The National Alliance to End Homelessness (Alliance) projected that, without federal intervention, another 1.5 million people would experience homelessness over the course of two years as a result of the recession; HPRP is expected to help 600,000 people.

“Prior to the recession, we had turned the corner on homelessness, finally beginning to reduce the number. That has now changed,” said Nan Roman, president of the Alliance. “High unemployment and increasing deep poverty are driving the number of homeless people up in many places. These counts will help us understand the national picture, and what the impact of HPRP has been. Certainly the counts are a reminder that this is a problem far from solved – and there has never been a more urgent time to address this great American tragedy. As all Americans struggle through this recession, we must not forget those most vulnerable to the instability of the economy. “

Homeless counts are required by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) every other year, though many communities count annually. From 2005 – when the first count was federally mandated – to 2007, homelessness declined by an average of ten percent. From 2007 to 2008, homelessness stayed flat. An evaluation of the 2009 counts is expected from HUD by this summer, which could serve as the first insight into the effect of the recession on the state of American homelessness.

The Alliance has produced an interactive map which includes all community counts officially submitted to the Department of Housing and Urban Development. The map tracks increases and decreases in homeless numbers, as well as changes to the community’s size. The map is available on the Alliance website: http://www.endhomelessness.org/section/data/interactivemaps/mycountsmap.