The Curious Professor

Get the Hormones Out of Our Water

2009-11-12T06:52:00.000-08:00

Potomac Conservancy today released its third annual State of the Nation’s River report, calling attention to a variety of pollutants found in the Potomac River that disrupt the endocrine system, which regulates the normal growth and sexual development of vertebrate species, including humans and fish.

The report describes the emergence of these new contaminants in the Potomac River system; features the latest research, exploring the potential relationship of these chemicals to the phenomenon of intersex fish; and reviews shortcomings in current federal and local regulations that are leaving this widespread problem essentially unregulated.

A companion document, the 2009 Potomac Agenda, calls on Congress to amend the Safe Drinking Water Act, and seeks better stormwater regulations at the local level. The report suggests other avenues of future action to address these new pollutants, including updated assessment models for chemicals that may disrupt the regulation and development of the endocrine system, advocates for technology to remove these chemicals from our waste water and drinking water supplies, and calls for regulatory action for state and federal government agencies.

Scientists speaking with reporters on a conference call today said the prevalence of the intersex condition in over 80% of Potomac River fish studied is the “canary in the coal mine,” warning of health problems that can because of endocrine disrupting compounds. Since approximately 90% of D.C.-area drinking water comes from the Potomac River and many other nearby municipalities get their water from surface sources, they said it is critical that steps be taken to limit the amount of these chemicals entering the rivers of the greater Potomac basin.

“Endocrine disrupting compounds are major pollutants in the Potomac watershed, and we need to exercise the utmost caution when introducing these compounds into our rivers, streams and, ultimately, our drinking water,” said Dr. John Peterson “Pete” Myers, chief scientist for Environmental Health Sciences of Charlottesville, Va.

“Water treatment facilities are not yet required to screen for endocrine disrupting contaminants, so they end up in our tap water,” Myers said. “We aren’t sure exactly what level of exposure causes harmful effects to human health, but if the intersex fish phenomenon is any indication, there’s a critical need for regulatory agencies and decision makers to start addressing this issue.”

Endocrine disrupting compounds are chemicals that affect growth, metabolism and reproduction in organisms such as humans and fish. They are found in pesticides, veterinary products, pharmaceuticals, personal care products and biosolids. These contaminants have become so widespread in the environment that they have even been detected in the urine of infants.

The State of the Nation’s River report explains that land uses are providing a critical pathway for such chemicals to enter our water supply. Endocrine disrupting compounds are most prevalent in rivers and streams in industrialized, agricultural, and/or urbanized areas, with particularly high concentrations near sewage treatment plants or other sources of wastewater. Virtually every place where water and chemicals combine becomes a potential source of endocrine disrupting compounds entering sources of drinking water.

At present, there are no water quality standards for endocrine disrupting contaminants. “The federal government has already taken steps to limit so-called legacy pollutants from damaging the natural environment and human health,” said Potomac Conservancy President Hedrick Belin. “It now needs to employ 21st-century scientific testing and update the regulatory framework to deal with the emerging threat of endocrine disrupting compounds found in the Potomac River and its tributaries.”

Potomac Conservancy views the following actions as opportunities to break the cycle of allowing endocrine disruptors to enter our environment unchecked:

• Enforce and strengthen water quality regulations

• Call on EPA to incorporate health and exposure data from drug and chemical manufacturers into the agency’s chemical testing profiles

• Provide funding to develop treatment technology, retrofit our wastewater treatment plants, and upgrade drinking water treatment facilities

• Resolve the problem of agricultural biosolids, which are implicated in the problem as well

• Introduce legislation to establish and implement programs to recover unused prescription drugs rather than having them enter drinking water sources

FOR MORE INFORMATION, please visit www.potomac.org

Mental Health For Veterans Must Be Addressed

2009-11-06T07:05:00.000-08:00

The tragic violence that took place at Fort Hood today is being met with immediate and widespread response. It is imperative that the media responsibly report the shooting and provide adequate resources and information to the public. As members of the military, veterans and family members follow the events of today’s tragedy, they will need resources for support.

Media outlets need to provide contact information for hotlines and emergency services. This could be critical in preventing another tragedy. This population often suffers from Post Traumatic Stress, depression, substance abuse or suicidal tendencies which could be triggered from today’s shooting.

Important Resources:

• Defense Centers of Excellence for Psychological Health and Traumatic Brain Injury (DCoE) 866-966-1020

• Military One Source 1-800-342-9647

• The VA Veterans’ Crisis Intervention Hotline 1-888-899-9377

• Veteran Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Hotline 1-800-273-TALK (8255) *Press 1 to be connected immediately to VA suicide prevention and mental health service professionals

Local Vet Centers

San Francisco Vet Center

505 Polk Street

San Francisco, CA 94102

Phone: 415-441-5051

Oakland Vet Center

1504 Franklin St. Suite 200

Oakland, CA 94612

Phone: 510-763-3904

Or search for a Vet Center in your local: http://www2.va.gov/directory/guide/vetcenter.asp

About Swords to Plowshares

War causes wounds and suffering that last beyond the battlefield. Our mission is to heal the wounds, to restore dignity, hope, and self-sufficiency to all veterans in need, and to reduce homelessness and poverty among veterans. Learn more about the work of Swords to Plowshares, and ways in which you can help, by visiting our website at www.stp-sf.org.

How You Can Help Feed The Hungry

2009-11-05T06:50:00.000-08:00

The Land O'Lakes Foundation recently announced the launch of a strategic initiative – Feeding Our Communities – focused on helping alleviate hunger locally, nationally (in rural America) and globally.

“Recent global economic uncertainty has resulted in an increased demand on hunger-focused programs here at home and around the globe,” Land O'Lakes Foundation Executive Director Lydia Botham said today. “As a farmer-owned food and agricultural cooperative, Land O'Lakes and the Land O'Lakes Foundation are committed to helping address this issue. Feeding Our Communities is intended to apply our resources and expertise in a very focused and strategic way – locally, nationally and globally.”

Local

Twin Cities-based Land O'Lakes, Inc. (www.landolakesinc.com) and the Land O'Lakes Foundation are taking a proactive role in supporting local hunger relief programs. Those efforts include partnering with KARE 11 Television and the United Way.

“We are working through KARE 11's 'Take KARE of Your Community' program,” Botham explained. “Visit the station's Web site (www.KARE11.com), click on the 'Take KARE' and 'of your community' links. Then you'll see the 'Operation Co-operation' link, with its green 'YOU CLICK. WE DONATE.' hot button. For every click, the Land O'Lakes Foundation will donate one dollar, up to $100,000, to local hunger relief programs. We urge area residents to take a few moments to visit the site. The more clicks, the more we donate.”

“Our goal is to generate new funding for local hunger relief efforts,” Botham said. “We believe enhancing our traditional support of community hunger initiatives through Operation Co-operation will not only generate additional funding, but also bring increased visibility and community recognition of the hunger issue.”

Botham added that Land O'Lakes is partnering with General Mills and Cargill to sponsor the Twin Cities Hunger Forum on Nov. 10.

National

On a national level, as part of the Feeding Our Communities initiative, the Land O'Lakes Foundation Board of Directors has approved funding for a program with the potential to generate up to an additional $1 million for hunger-related programs in rural communities – delivered through a combination of direct grants and the Foundation's Member Co-op Match Program.

“There is a tendency to underestimate the impact of hunger in rural communities,” Botham said. “But the fact is, the percentage of rural households that are food insecure matches, or even exceeds, the percentage of urban households. As a farmer-owned cooperative, Land O'Lakes is committed to addressing the quality of life in rural communities.”

“The Feeding Our Communities grant program represents a direct response to the increased need we are seeing in today's challenging economy,” Land O'Lakes Foundation Board Chairman Jim Hager said. “It channels financial resources into the communities where our members live, work, farm and do business. It represents a very focused approach to a very significant, and growing, need. Just as important, it involves member- cooperatives in identifying and addressing needs within their local communities.”

In another national initiative, Land O'Lakes is launching a new “First-Run” program, with a commitment to delivering an additional truckload (approximately 20 tons) of fresh product a month to hunger relief programs over the coming year.

“This program basically makes use of time when our production facilities might otherwise be idle to manufacture product for donation,” Botham said. “A key element in this effort is the involvement of our employees, as well as suppliers, packagers or transportation providers we work with.”

Global

On a global level, Feeding Our Communities includes an ongoing commitment to leadership in the delivery of food aid and economic and agricultural development assistance to nutrition deficit regions and emerging economies,” Botham said. “We do this through our International Development Division, working in collaboration with a host of public and private partners.”

Botham indicated that, in 2009, the Land O'Lakes International Development Division will reach more than 200,000 youngsters through the Global School Nutrition Program and is implementing economic development assistance projects in 28 nations.

Land O'Lakes, Inc. (www.landolakesinc.com) is a national, farmer-owned food and agricultural cooperative with annual sales of $12 billion. Land O'Lakes is a Fortune 300 company which does business in all 50 states and more than 50 countries. It is a leading marketer of a full line of dairy-based consumer, foodservice and food ingredient products across the United States; serves its international customers with a variety of food and animal feed ingredients; and provides farmers and ranchers with an extensive line of agricultural supplies (feed, seed, and crop protection products) and services. Land O'Lakes also provides agricultural assistance and technical training in more than 25 developing nations.

The Land O'Lakes Foundation is committed to improving the quality of life in communities where Land O'Lakes Inc. has members, employees, plants and facilities. Land O'Lakes Foundation proactively helps rural communities prosper and prepare for tomorrow by donating resources that develop and strengthen organizations dedicated to human service, education and youth, civic and art endeavors.

Warning Signs For Alzheimer's

2009-11-04T06:56:00.000-08:00

November is Alzheimer’s Awareness Month, and the recently released World Alzheimer Report declares that more than 35 million people worldwide will have dementia by 2010. CRL Senior Living Communities, an industry innovator with 16 independent living and assisted living and Alzheimer’s/memory care communities in Wisconsin and Illinois, offers the following tips to help people recognize some of the common Alzheimer’s disease warning signs.

1. Difficulty completing usual tasks

2. Memory loss that impairs daily life

3. Difficulty in planning or problem solving

4. Confusion about time or place

5. Trouble understanding visual images and spatial relationships

6. New problems with words in speaking or writing

7. Misplacing things and losing the ability to retrace steps

8. Decreased or poor judgment

9. Withdrawal from work or social activities

10. Significant changes in mood and personality

More information is available at www.crlcares.com

Tips for eating well on a budget

2009-11-03T06:51:00.000-08:00

In a tough economic environment, eating well on a budget can be challenging. Tempting low-cost, high-calorie comfort foods are readily available, but often lack important nutrients that are sacrificed in exchange for convenience. With a few key skills and strategies from TOPS Club Inc. (Take Off Pounds Sensibly), the nonprofit weight-loss support organization, it can be relatively easy to create flavorful, well-balanced meals without busting the budget.

Eat In More and Out Less

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Economic Research Service found that spending on food away from home accounted for nearly half of every American food dollar, or $565 billion, in 2008. While they require more planning, home-cooked meals are an excellent way to minimize your grocery bill and they are typically healthier than the options you may find when dining out.

According to Katie Clark, M.P.H., R.D., C.D.E., Assistant Clinical Professor of Nutrition at the University of California - San Francisco and nutrition expert for TOPS, “Eating at home is a great way to save money and create nutritious meals; because you control exactly what goes into your food, you are more likely to avoid excess calories as well.”

To save money while cooking at home, try some of these tips:

* Make at least one meal meatless. Choose recipes that utilize eggs or dried beans – like pinto or northern beans – as the main protein.

* Double your recipes and freeze leftovers or extra amounts of meat, bread, and cooked vegetables. Bring to work for lunch or use the excess ingredients as inspiration for future meals.

* Eat dinner as a family, or consider having a weekly potluck with neighbors to reduce the cost per person of your meals.

* Clip coupons, avoiding “new food” coupon gimmicks that often are low in nutritional value.

* Subscribe to a healthy cooking magazine, or peruse recipe books for healthy ideas.

Plan Meals for the Week in Advance

A meal planning chart or simple shopping list for the week are great tools for the budget-minded, health-conscious consumer. Knowing what you already have in the pantry and what you intend to make ahead of time reduces impulse spending, saves time, and improves the nutritional value of your meal.

* Take part of one day a week to plan the upcoming week’s menu. Search “meal planning charts” on the Internet for a variety of templates and convenient shopping tools.

* Read the supermarket circulars in your local newspaper, or look online for weekly specials that can help guide your meal planning.

* Post meal plans on the refrigerator door where the entire family can see it and refer back to it throughout the week. This also helps avoid the dreaded question, “What’s for dinner?”

Only Shop Once a Week

In addition to shopping at grocery stores, Clark recommends trying local markets and even dollar stores.

“Deals often abound on seasonal items, and you can find a wide variety of quality produce, meat, and fish,” she notes. “Butchers offer occasional fresh or specialty items on sale. When you can select the exact quantity you want, you end up saving more money than you would with larger ‘value’ packs that you may not use or that contribute unnecessarily to your daily caloric budget.”

Some other suggestions include:

* Only shop once a week. This makes it easier to avoid unnecessary purchases and encourages you to stick to your weekly menu.

* Have a snack before you visit the grocery store. Shopping on an empty stomach can lead to impulse buying.

* “Shop the perimeter,” remembering that the least healthy and most overpriced packaged foods are concentrated in the middle aisles.

* If fresh fruits and vegetables are cost-prohibitive, try the frozen or canned versions. Frozen produce is often flash frozen at the source, locking in nutrients. Rinse canned vegetables before cooking to reduce the sodium content.

* Buy generics, which are often less expensive than name-brand items.

* Choose prepared foods with short ingredient lists and minimal additives or artificial ingredients.

Use Unit Pricing to Get the Best Value

Savvy shoppers know that using unit pricing can maximize their purchasing power. Commonly listed in small print below or to the side of the total price and as dollars or cents per unit of weight – such as pounds, ounces, or grams – unit pricing can be a valuable tool that helps you make an informed choice about your purchases.

Grocery stores don’t always post the costs on sale items; bring a calculator with you to the supermarket, or use the calculator on your cell phone.

Buying “economy” or “family size” containers is sometimes, but not always, a better buy. Larger packages that have a lower cost per unit than their smaller counterparts are only going to save you money if you will truly eat all of the food in the package. If it spoils and has to be thrown away, it could just be a waste of your money.

Packaging Gets Downsized

Be cautious of stores’ shrinking food packages and their content while prices stay the same. Common changes include packaging redesign that holds fewer ounces by way of indented container bottoms, cartons that hold 1/4 less of a quart, and boxes that remain the same size but actually have smaller bags of product inside.

“I recommend taking a few extra moments to examine the containers of your potential purchases before you buy,” says Clark. “If you’re not careful, you could be paying the same amount for what used to be one or two more servings, ounces, or pounds per container. Ensure that you are getting the same products that you have purchased in the past.”

Diabetes and Vision Loss

2009-10-31T12:20:00.000-07:00

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

- Are age 65 and older

- Are U.S. citizens or legal residents

- Have not seen an ophthalmologist in three or more years

- Do not have insurance through an HMO or the VA

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

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

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

New Home Allergy Tests for Children

2009-10-27T06:28:00.000-07:00

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

New Program for Learning Hindi Announced

2009-10-25T07:15:00.000-07:00

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

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

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

People Still Confusing Plastic Wrap With Condoms

2009-10-21T07:00:00.000-07:00

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

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

Site Uses Personal Videos to Engage and Educate Consumers

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

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

VIDEO

The Top 10 Myths about Sexually Transmitted Diseases:

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

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

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

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

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

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

7. Only young people get STDs.

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

9. The Pill prevents STDs.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

About STD Test Express (www.STDTestExpress.com)

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

Convenience Store Goes Green

2009-10-20T06:10:00.000-07:00

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Fighting Childhood Obesity

2009-10-19T06:18:00.000-07:00

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

How to keep your auto glass windshield intact

2009-10-16T06:36:00.000-07:00

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

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

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

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

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

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

Eat Potatoes For Better Health?

2009-10-08T07:08:00.000-07:00

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

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

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

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

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

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

Recipe for coping with Halloween temptation

2009-10-06T06:39:00.000-07:00

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Join In the Festivities, Sensibly

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

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

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

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

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

Halloween Baking

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

Pumpkin Cake *

4 eggs, beaten

Three-fourths cup sugar

One-fourth cup canola oil

1 cup unsweetened applesauce

1 30-ounce can pumpkin pie filling

3 cups whole-wheat flour

2 teaspoons baking soda

2 teaspoons baking powder

1 tablespoon cinnamon, or to taste

Three-fourths cup raisins

One-fourth cup chopped walnuts

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

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

Living a healthy lifestyle is all in your head

2009-09-30T06:13:00.000-07:00

A new book has been published that shows people how to successfully gain self-motivation to stick with healthy eating and regular exercise as a way of living that feels too good to stop.

"People know it takes a healthy lifestyle to be in control of their weight, health and fitness, but they just can't seem to do what they know they should," says author and America's Healthy Lifestyle Coach Alice Greene. "The answer isn't greater willpower, incentives or penalties as most assume, but instead changing the way people think and feel about food and exercise so they easily and naturally want to make healthy and fit choices because it feels good physically, mentally and emotionally."

As a woman who has maintained a healthy lifestyle for nine years after overcoming chronic health issues while losing six dress sizes in two years (from size 16 to size 4), Greene knows firsthand what works to successfully and continually stay motivated to stick with healthy eating and regular exercise as a way of life. She has also coached hundreds of others to do the same, including the sixty clients whose stories are in this book.

Specifically, her book Inspired to Feel Good identifies and explains why only twenty-six percent of U.S. adults engage in regular exercise (Centers for Disease Control) or why ninety-five percent of dieters will fail and regain their weight loss (National Eating Disorders Association), despite the wide availability of fitness, nutritional and medical information, experts and programs.

"There is a reason the majority of the population hasn't benefited from this vast array of resources ," says Greene. "These programs don't target the real problem and, in many cases, worsen the situation. Most people strive to succeed and struggle to understand when they don't stick with a healthy diet and regular exercise, and they aren't getting the help they need to identify what is sabotaging their behaviors and goals."

What has been missed by physicians, nutritionists, personal trainers and other experts is the hidden subconscious emotional and mental mindset that drives a person's behavior, which can result in overeating, emotional eating, cravings, binge eating, exercise resistance, self-criticism, ambivalence or denial, as well as yo-yo dieting, yo-yo exercising and yo-yo weight loss.

Inspired to Feel Good (www.feelyourpersonalbest.com/inspired-to-feel-good.asp) teaches people how to create a positive relationship with food and exercise, overcome sabotaging behaviors, and be inspired and motivated to easily make healthier choices. The book provides a step-by-step behavior modification coaching program that is individualized. Anyone, even those who have given up, can finally succeed at maintaining weight loss, healthy eating and regular exercise that is realistic, enjoyable and easily incorporated into real life. The healthy lifestyle coaching techniques used in the program build self-awareness, self-motivation, self-insight, self-confidence and self-esteem. Instead of feeling out of control, readers will finally feel in charge of their choices, delight in their successes and naturally gravitate to more healthy choices because they love how it makes them feel.

In addition to benefiting individual consumers, the book is ideal for healthcare providers, companies or organizations promoting healthy lifestyle behaviors to the public or employees.

Reducing Teen Pregnancy and STDs Through Education

2009-09-29T06:23:00.000-07:00

With 24 health centers throughout Colorado, Planned Parenthood of the Rocky Mountains is working to raise awareness about the need for Congress to fully fund medically accurate, age-appropriate sex education for all teens during a week of action (Sept. 28 - Oct. 2) called Sex Education: Protecting Our Future.

Amid the news that the United States has the highest rate of teen pregnancy of the most developed countries in the world and that at least one in four teenage girls has a sexually transmitted disease, Planned Parenthood affiliates and PPRM's Advocates for Choice (A4C) campus chapters are sponsoring grassroots events and contacting elected officials to urge them to fully fund sex education to address these public health issues.

"An estimated 729,000 teenagers are expected to become pregnant this year, and nearly four million will contract a STD," said PPRM President and CEO Vicki Cowart. "To reduce these alarmingly high numbers, teens in Colorado should have access to comprehensive, age-appropriate information and education, giving them resources to make responsible decisions about their health and their lives."

PPRM is a recognized regional leader in advancing and providing comprehensive, medically accurate and age-appropriate sex education. PPRM offers short and long-term programs, which target individuals of all ages. In 2008, PPRM educators reached 17,869 people in Colorado alone through 1,960 education sessions, working with 200 diverse collaborators including school districts and religious organizations. PPRM is also a member of the Healthy Colorado Youth Alliance, a statewide coalition recently formed to increase access to comprehensive sex education.

In the last decade, more than $1.5 billion federal and state dollars were wasted on what was proven to be dangerous abstinence-only programs that deny teenagers lifesaving information. The Obama administration has ended funding for ineffective abstinence-only programs.

Recently, a study by the Guttmacher Institute found that most federally funded abstinence-only programs do not help delay teens' sexually activity. In contrast, the study reports comprehensive sex education programs had a positive impact and should be more widely used.

A nationwide study conducted by the University of Washington found that teens who had comprehensive sex education were less likely to become teen parents than teens who had no sex education or who were in abstinence-only programs.

At the federal level, President Obama and a majority in the U.S. Congress are supporting medically accurate, age-appropriate sex education, which helps reduce teen pregnancy, by including it in their budget appropriations bills.

As a health care provider, Planned Parenthood knows firsthand the power of education to help teens make responsible decisions about their health. Every year, PPRM provides more than 127,000 women, men, and teens with the health care and information they need to prevent unintended pregnancy and protect their health. For more information visit http://www.pprm.org

Stress Can Be Deadly

2009-09-28T07:23:00.000-07:00

Up to 90 percent of ALL health problems are related to stress, according to a report released recently by the American Holistic Medical Association.

How can stress be controlled?

Stress is the "wear and tear" on the mind and body in response to everyday tensions and hassles. When left unchecked, it can be quite detrimental to health and well-being. Stress affects people physically, emotionally, mentally and spiritually. According to the American Institute of Stress, up to 90 percent of all health problems are related to stress. It is, however, not the stressful events themselves that do the harm; it's how people perceive and respond to them. Chronic health conditions often evolve from persistent stress or, in other cases, are exacerbated by stress, which can impede recovery.

Research is continuing to show the important, bidirectional pathways by which stress, negative emotions, social and psycho-spiritual factors affect physiological events and processes, thus serving as important co-determinants of health and performance.

Increasingly, emotional self-regulation is being recognized as a key factor to balance health, recover from illness and improve performance. More than ever before, health professionals are aware of this reality - that the nature of almost all illness is best addressed both in mind and in body. The public is also increasingly aware of this and are seeking out health care options that are more congruent with this value. Educators also recognize the critical role of emotions to the learning process.

Emotions and feelings have a powerful impact on the human body. Negative emotional reactions mediate undesirable physiologic changes that can create or exacerbate a variety of health problems including heart disease, hypertension, headaches, stroke, depression and sleep disorders. Positive emotions on the other hand, such as appreciation, care, love and compassion, not only feel good, they are good for one's health.

A growing body of research is beginning to provide objective evidence that positive emotions may indeed be the key to optimal functioning, enhancing nearly all spheres of human experience. Positive emotions have been demonstrated to improve health, increase longevity, increase cognitive flexibility and creativity, facilitate broad-minded coping, innovative problem-solving, and promote helpfulness, generosity and effective cooperation.

This means the average person can control his or her own stress, as long as they have the proper tools and guidance.

Protecting Elders From Financial Abuse

2009-09-23T06:40:00.001-07:00

With experts calling elder financial abuse (www.firstbanks.com) the ''crime of the 21st century,'' seniors need to protect themselves from financial exploitation and abuse. To help seniors protect themselves, First Bank offers these tips:

- Don't be threatened or intimidated. Never let yourself get rushed into a deal

- Plan ahead to protect your assets and to ensure that your wishes are followed

- Check references and credentials of anyone who wants to work in your home

- Do not allow people working for you to have access to or information about your finances

- Never give personal information to anyone who phones you

- Consult with a financial advisor or attorney before signing any document you do not understand

- Never pay a fee or taxes to collect "winnings"

- Feel free to say "no." After all, it is your money

Can Music Alter Time and Space?

2009-09-16T06:26:00.000-07:00

Richard Rudis is launching two new CDs that he says may "alter space, mind and time."

Tibetan healing sound instruments are mysterious and singular. Rudis, a student of Buddhism for over a quarter century, has been teaching sacred sound workshops for more than a decade. He invites listeners "to sip at the elixir of Dharmakaya (unwavering truth) and bathe your self in its soothing harmonies." He said that listening effectively stops the mind's internal dialogue, and awakens and stimulates cellular memory into a "natural blissful state" of dynamic trance meditation and a vibrational dance of harmonics.

Pilgrim's Prayer; A Sojourn into Sacred Sound Healing by Richard Rudis is articulated using the uniquely expressive voices of a 38" Paiste planetary earth gong, an ancient Tibetan singing bowl, tingsha's, overtone voices and field recordings from the Tibetan plateau.

Track 1 of Pilgrim's Prayer explores the reconstructive healing waves of harmonic sound. Its "choir" of energy will awaken, dismantle and recreate within its metamorphic overtones. Track 2, entitled "Coherence," is a tantric journey into the ancient sacred geometry of the "Sri Yantra." Its complex structures of overtones and harmonics induce natural healing to balance the mind, body and spirit. The final track, "Three Jewels," offers refuge in the natural collaborative energies of spiritual potential, the Dharma and the Bodhisattvas. It promises fundamental shifts in phenomenon space, clarity, vigor, joy and the sense of peace.

Terma-Yana: A Glorious Sound Mandala, another CD offering by Rudis, also features the multi-tonal voice and soothing harmonies of a large earth gong. The Tibetan word "Terma" means hidden treasure, and the word "Yana" means a path, way, or vehicle. This CD may prove to be your pathway to hidden treasure.

Gong Baths

For more than a decade, Richard Rudis has offered group sound experiences known as "Gong Baths" and has taught sacred sound workshops with the Himalayan sacred sound instruments in select locations across the US. While he is considered most knowledgeable in this esoteric field and has thousands of followers, much of the population has absolutely no idea what a Gong Bath is or what it can offer them.

Upon entering a large, nearly empty room, gong bathers' eyes are drawn to the 38-inch gong hanging suspended from a frame in the center. This is the planetary earth gong, tuned to the vibrational signature of the Earth as it transits around the sun. For thousands of years, in the Vedic tradition, this has widely been known as the sound of the "Void," "Still Point," or "Aum."

Participants lay out their cushions and blankets in circular patterns on the floor, with head pointed toward the gong. Soon the gentle sounds of sacred singing bowls begin the sound journey, followed by the first, unmistakable sounds of the Earth Gong, as Rudis shepherds participants through an hour-long sound journey like none other. Few can believe an hour has passed as they are bathed in the ancient and sacred sounds.

Afterwards gong bathers share their range of individual experiences, from simply feeling refreshed, experiencing relief of a physical ailment, or even reports of altered consciousness, mind travel and out-of-body experiences.

"We have experienced many of Richard's Gong Baths, and recommend the experience without equivocation," remarked Susan Stuth, co-founder of Satiama, LLC. "It is a marvelous event that simply defies description." In fact, gong bath enthusiasts will often attend a series of gong baths spanning weeks, as allowed by Rudis' workshop schedule.

Non-Traditional 'Marriage'

Rudis is now experimenting with a whole new sort of non-traditional marriage -- of sacred sound healing and sacred geometry. "Sacred geometry? Like inThe DaVinci Code?" Well, yes!

Consider Rudis' background. An American practitioner of Vajrayana Buddhism, Rudis has studied Eastern philosophy and Buddhism for more than a quarter of a century. He is a long-time pilgrim and guide to sacred sites in Asia. While in Tibet in 1996, Rudis was granted refuge in the Buddha from His Holiness Gyalwa Karmapa. At that time he was given the Tibetan name Sonam Dorje (Meritorious Thunderbolt).

Rudis holds degrees in Fine Arts and English from U.S. universities, and has also studied engineering and architecture. He is a recognized photographic artist, having studied with such notables as Paul Capreonegro, William Parker and Ansel Adams. He has taught "Zen of Photography" at the university level, and has been a guest lecturer at various schools across New England.

In between Gong Bath appearances, Rudis spoke about the marriage of sound healing and sacred geometry. "Everything is energy and has a sound or vibrational signature," Rudis said. "Within the energetic aspects of our universe, we find light, ultrasound, infrared, etc., separated between degrees of frequency."

Rudis is experimenting with creating a "circular, fully coherent experience" that will touch on the coherent qualities of our own, human vibrational nature. He expects to do this by creating sound of a coherent nature and light of a coherent nature coupled within a sacred space.

For those who cannot attend a gong bath in person, Rudis, under his Buddhist name of Sonam Dorje, has produced several CDs, including Terma Yana and Pilgrim's Prayer, and a Gong Bath DVD of the Gong Bath experience at the third International Sound Healing Conference in Santa Fe, available through www.satiama.com. Rudis' gong bath schedule, as well as ancient Buddhist singing bowls and artifacts, can be found at www.buddhistartifacts.com

A Million American Kids May Have Undiagnosed Hearing Problems

2009-09-09T06:51:00.000-07:00

As schools across America open their doors for the start of the new academic year, the Better Hearing Institute (BHI) is urging teachers and educators to stay alert to the needs of children with unaddressed hearing loss. This call to action comes in response to the findings of a national study--Are 1 Million Dependents with Hearing Loss in America Being Left Behind?--in which BHI found that America's children are paying a high price for the pitfalls in how parents, educators, the healthcare community, and policymakers are addressing hearing loss in our youth.

"Too many children with hearing loss aren't getting adequate help and are being put at risk for learning, social, emotional, and behavioral difficulties," warns Dr. Sergei Kochkin, executive director of BHI, and co-author of the study. "Children need to be able to hear, not just in the classroom, but also because hearing affects language competence, cognitive development, social and emotional well-being, and academic achievement. Children who cannot hear well--that is, children whose hearing loss is untreated or under-treated--could face a life of underperformance and broken dreams."

"Based on our findings, I am concerned that a sizeable population of young people in America is being left behind because they do not fit existing paradigms of hearing disability," said otolaryngologist Dr. William Luxford of the House Ear Clinic, a BHI Board member and co-author of the study. "We need a fundamental re-examination of the current hearing health protocols influencing America's children with hearing loss."

The scientific literature is clear that untreated hearing loss affects nearly all dimensions of the human experience. And the pediatric literature demonstrates that even children with "minimal" hearing loss are at risk academically compared to their normal hearing peers.

According to Kochkin, the findings indicate that too many educators, parents, pediatricians, and other healthcare providers underestimate the impact of mild or unilateral (affecting one ear) hearing loss. As a result, hundreds of thousands of children are left vulnerable to a wide range of social, emotional, behavioral, and academic problems.

Hearing loss of any type or degree in a child can present a barrier to incidental learning--and it's believed that 90% of a young child's knowledge is attributed to incidental reception of conversations around him or her. Research confirms that, on any given day, one third of all children, kindergarten through third grade, have impaired hearing and listening. Hearing loss poses a barrier to the child's ability to overhear and to learn from the environment. It causes the child to miss a significant portion of classroom instruction. And it frequently causes a child to miss social cues. Not surprisingly, many of the symptoms of unaddressed hearing loss in children overlap those of Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD/ADHD).

A large part of the problem is that many parents today either don't recognize their child's hearing problem, minimize it, or have been given misinformation regarding the ability to treat the child's hearing loss. In fact, at least 50 percent of parents don't go back for detailed testing when their infant fails an initial hearing screening.

But according to Eileen Rall, Au.D., CCC-A, an audiologist from the The Center for Childhood Communication of The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia , there are things that teachers can do in the classroom to help children with undiagnosed hearing loss: "First and foremost, teachers can pay attention to the listening environment of the classroom and how the students are functioning in it. There are many low cost, creative ways to improve the acoustics of a classroom including something as simple as teaching children to create good listening environments - make eye contact, reduce distance, taking turns speaking and reducing the noise the students are making themselves. Some schools install sound field systems in their classrooms. Sound field systems amplify the teacher's voice and deliver his/her voice through speakers placed strategically in the classroom. Most importantly, teachers who suspect that a child is having difficulty hearing should bring it to the attention of the child's parents and school administrators so the child can undergo a thorough hearing assessment by an audiologist."

Some basic steps that most teachers can take on their own to help a child with a confirmed or suspected hearing loss include the following:

• Arrange the child's seating away from the heating and cooling system, hallways, playground, and other sources of noise. If the child's hearing loss affects only one ear, or if it's greater in one ear, seat the child in front of the room with his better ear toward the teacher.

• Allow the child to move around in the classroom in order to clearly see the speaker.

• Assign a helper, or notetaker, for the child.

• Try to speak clearly and not too fast.

• While you are speaking, don't turn away to write on the board or cover your mouth.

• Write key words or visual aids for the lesson on the board.

• Write assignments on the board so the child can copy them down into a specific notebook used for this purpose.

• If the child does not understand something, rephrase what you have said rather than repeat the same words again and again.

According to Kochkin, some of the most alarming findings from the study include the following:

• Only 12 percent of children under the age of 18 with hearing loss use hearing aids; yet an estimated 1.5 million youth (including adult dependents) under the age of 21 have hearing loss that may be improved with amplification.

• The study found no evidence of the use of any form of hearing assistance in the classroom (e.g. FM systems, hearing aids, speakers), other than front-row seating.

• Hearing loss leaves children vulnerable to other problems, according to three out of four parents of children with hearing loss. Common problem areas include:

o Social skills (52%)

o Speech and language development (51%)

o Grades in school (50%)

o Emotional health (42%)

o Relationships with peers (38%)

o Self-esteem (37%)

o Relationships with family (36%)

• Three in ten parents (32%) cite embarrassment or other social stigma issues as a reason their child does not use a hearing aid.

• One out of five (22%) parents says they are unable to afford hearing devices.

• Four in ten parents were told that their child did not need amplification because they had hearing loss in only one ear.

• Two in ten parents were mistakenly told that their child could not be helped because they had high frequency hearing loss. Another 20 percent were told they could not be helped because they had a low frequency hearing loss.

Key educational and public policy questions raised by the study include the following:

• Do educators, medical doctors, and hearing healthcare professionals underestimate the impact of mild and unilateral hearing loss on children?

• Are pediatricians sufficiently trained to measure hearing loss and advise parents of treatment options?

• Is the prevalence of treatable hearing loss among children under-represented in the United States when subjective methodology (e.g., parental awareness) is used to assess hearing loss?

• Do parents have viable options for paying for hearing aids for their children if they can't personally afford them?

• Why are only a minority of children in America with hearing loss recipients of amplification, and what can be done in the medical and hearing health profession to make sure that all children receive adequate help for their hearing loss?

• Are too many young people in America being left behind because they don't fit existing models of hearing disability?

Are 1 Million Dependents with Hearing Loss in America Being Left Behind was conducted by BHI among a national sample of parents of 225 youth from infancy to age 21-all of whom were reported by their parents to have hearing loss and not use hearing aids. The authors of this study also included Dr. Jerry Northern (Professor Emeritus at the University of Colorado School of Medicine), Pam Mason (Director of Audiology professional practices at the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association) and Dr. Anne Marie Tharpe (Professor of Audiology at the Vanderbilt School of Medicine).

Founded in 1973, The Better Hearing Institute (BHI) conducts research and engages in hearing health education with the goal of helping people with hearing loss to benefit from proper treatment.

To download a copy of the study, "Are 1 Million Dependents in America with Hearing Loss Being Left Behind?" or to download a copy of "A Guide to Your Child's Hearing" visit the BHI website at www.betterhearing.org.

Teen Sexting And How To Prevent It

2009-09-04T06:36:00.000-07:00

With children getting ready to go back to school the National Crime Prevention Council (NCPC) says a troubling teen trend is on the rise. It is called sexting and it means the act of sending sexually explicit messages or photos electronically, primarily between cell phones and other mobile devices.

NCPC says parents need to pay attention to the "electronic fingerprints" their kids are making. NCPC has developed new reproducible brochures for both parents and teens that provide informative tips on what to do about it and how to prevent sexting.

Roughly, 20 percent of teens admit to sexting, according to a nationwide survey by the National Campaign to Support Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy. NCPC's director of Children and Youth, Joselle Shea, says that "online relationships should be based on respect and not just sharing sexual images of each other."

NCPC believes it is important to teach young people to protect themselves proactively when they are online or using mobile communication devices. NCPC's new reproducible brochures on sexting can be found at the organization's website at www.ncpc.org.

The National Crime Prevention Council (NCPC) is a private, nonprofit organization whose primary mission is to be the nation's leader in helping people keep themselves, their families, and their communities safe from crime. NCPC manages public service advertising under the National Citizens' Crime Prevention Campaign -- symbolized by McGruff the Crime Dog® and his "Take A Bite Out Of Crime®" slogan -- and acts as secretariat for the Crime Prevention Coalition of America, more than 400 national, federal, state, and local organizations representing thousands of constituents who are committed to preventing crime. NCPC is funded through a variety of government agencies, corporate and private foundations, and donations from private individuals. For more information on crime prevention issues, visit www.ncpc.org.

New "Green" Insect Control Developed

2009-08-27T06:51:00.000-07:00

Today, the open access journal BMC Biotechnology published a collaborative study between EVOLUGATE, LLC (www.evolugate.com) and scientists at the University of Florida that discloses the first use of a new technology to experimentally evolve industrially important filamentous fungi, which are among the most widely used microorganisms for industrial applications. In this case, the goal was to evolve improved "green" bio-pesticides.

The publication of this report coincides with the 200th anniversary of the birth of Charles Darwin, who discovered the process of evolution by natural selection. The Evolugate technology exploits the power of Darwinian evolution to select for strains that reproduce faster than their competitors in continuous culture.

While the concept behind the technology is not new, its innovative solutions to intractable problems associated with continuous culture make it a breakthrough in experimental evolution. Previously developed methods of continuous culture are either manually intensive, carry with them a high risk of contamination or invariably select for traits that allow microbes to evade selective pressures rather than adapt to them. This new technology is fully automated and allows experimental evolution to be run indefinitely with little risk of contamination and no risk of incidental selection for undesirable traits.

EVOLUGATE will promote and market the use of its technology for the production of novel bioinsecticides under the name ENTOVIA, a newly created division exclusively dedicated to that purpose.

However, microorganisms are essential players in a variety of other industries. Evolugate technology can be used to rapidly produce the best adapted and most efficient strains for virtually any application, including for the conversion of biomass to biofuels, bioremediation, biosynthesis of fermentation products to compounds like antibiotics. EVOLUGATE aims to become a major player in these exciting fields as well.

"From environmental protection to human medicine, the power of evolution is needed to create solutions to the problems facing us," says Steven Benner, who directs the Gainesville-based research Foundation for Applied Molecular Evolution. "The Evolugate methodology harnesses this power in ways previously unavailable, and their work published today proves this for a problem of considerable importance."

A Technology Based On Natural Selection

In the BMC Biotechnology article, researchers started with a naturally occurring fungus, whose ability to kill insects is currently exploited by industry as a bio-pesticide (www.evolugate.com). Unfortunately, this fungus is neither efficient at killing insects nor capable of targeting specific insects. One of the main problems is that insects have acquired special tricks to avoid being killed by pathogenic fungi. Some insects participate in what is called behavioral fever in which they take sun baths to elevate their body temperatures above that which the fungi can grow. Other insects can even elevate their own body temperature in much the same way humans do. Using the Evolugate technology, researchers selected for variants of this fungus that can grow at high temperatures in the hopes that an evolved 'thermo-tolerant' strain could circumvent insect thermoregulation.

"In the same way farmers have developed new crops for millennia by screening large numbers of seeds, we are attempting to accelerate evolution by selecting for fungi that can withstand the insect immune response" says Dr. Thomas Lyons, Principal Scientist at Entovia, LLC. "Thus far, we have selected for strains that can grow at elevated temperatures and preliminary tests performed by the USDA suggest that one of the strains we have developed may be able to kill control insects significantly faster than the original fungal strain.

An Environmentally Safe Technology

"This technology pioneers new avenues for working with natural evolutionary processes to allow for the development of bioinsecticides that target specific insect pests rather than acting as generalized insect toxins. In this manner we can minimize the impact on humans, animals, fish, birds, plants and, more importantly, beneficial insects” says Dr. Lyons.

A Technology with Breathtaking Commercial Potential

The widespread commercial use of bioinsecticides has so far been limited by their lack of efficacy. Basically, the commercially available biocontrol fungi do not kill the insects fast enough to be particularly economical and most of pesticides currently in use are not insect-specific—meaning that they have the potential to kill beneficial insects (and other animals) in addition to the target. The Evolugate technology can dramatically expand the application of bioinsecticides into new commercial arenas.

Problems with sports mouthguards

2009-08-26T08:11:00.000-07:00

Although commonly used to protect an athlete's teeth during contact sports, mouthguards are now being questioned for their potential to injure a player's mouth. A new study published in the September/October issue of Sports Health: A Multidisciplinary Approach found that mouthguards may increase the number and intensity of mouth cuts and abrasions, exposing an athlete to an increased chance of infection due to the bacteria, yeast, and fungi that mouthguards routinely collect.

Sixty-two collegiate football players' mouths were examined pre-season and post-season. The players selected their own mouthguards, either a "boil and bite" device or a custom-made device. At pre-season testing, 75 percent of the players had oral lesions located in three different areas of the mouth (gums, cheek, and roof of mouth). By the end of the season, 96 percent of the participants had oral lesions not only in the same three areas of the mouth, but also on the tongue.

"We saw not only an overall increase in the number of lesions, but also a wider distribution," explains author Richard T. Glass, DDS, PhD and professor at the Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences. "While there might be other contributing factors to the oral lesions, the percentage increase and the specific locations of the oral lesions, compared with other studies done of the general population, indicated that mouthguards have a significant negative impact on the mouth."

Researchers stress that even with the increase in oral lesions, mouthguards are still an important piece of safety equipment for contact sports. "By no means should the value of a mouth guard be discounted," Glass emphasizes. "The protection they do offer teeth during contact sports is important. However, the length of time that a mouthguard is used and how often it is cleaned needs to be revised."

Glass and his co-authors suggest in the study that as soon as a mouthguard becomes distorted or develops sharp jagged edges or after 14 days of regular use, it should be discarded, whichever comes first. The study also pointed out that mouthguards have a natural ability to become a breeding ground for micro-organisms and should be sanitized on a daily basis using an antimicrobial denture-cleaning solution.

"This study stresses the importance of informing athletes of the danger of not properly taking care of a mouthguard. A mouthguard will do your mouth good only if you keep it in good shape," adds Glass.

Houston Family Renovates Church with Asbestos Settlement Funds

2009-08-25T06:58:00.000-07:00

On a beautiful Sunday morning, the family and friends of Salvador Juarez gathered at El Monte Calvario church in northeast Houston for the ribbon-cutting ceremony on the church's newly renovated fellowship hall.

Mr. Juarez was the pastor at El Monte Calvario and a Williams Kherkher client who was stricken with mesothelioma, a deadly cancer of the lungs caused by asbestos exposure.

Mr. Juarez, who passed away earlier this year, had two wishes: one, that his family be taken care of, and two, that his beloved church be taken care of. In honor of his wishes, the Juarez family used the settlement funds from their asbestos case to redo the church's fellowship hall.

Their settlement, from the companies that exposed Mr. Juarez to asbestos, was negotiated by Williams Kherkher attorneys Troy Chandler and Samantha Flores. Ms. Flores attended the ribbon cutting ceremony for the new fellowship hall and was both honored and taken aback when she was asked to partake in the festivities, including actually cutting the ceremonial ribbon.

"This is one of the most grateful families I've ever met," Ms. Flores said. "I am honored to represent them and to call them my friends. I love that they are following up on their father's wishes to give back to the church. Mr. Juarez and this church are very important in this community, and for the family to continue his legacy this way is a testament to him."

The Juarez family reciprocated Ms. Flores' sentiments. "Samantha, Troy and all the attorneys and staff of Williams Kherkher have been a blessing to us," said Rosalie Lopez, Salvador's daughter. "Without their dedication and commitment to our family and our father we don't know what we would have done. We are so happy Samantha is here to share this day with us. My father would be so happy."

Help for children with ADHD

2009-08-21T06:58:00.000-07:00

One of the biggest challenges for the parent of a child with ADHD is that at least one of the parents typically has similar problems. The non-profit association's current newsletter dives right into this issue, with feedback from parents who explain how they feel when they have consumed food additives that are known ADHD triggers.

"My first clue that I am reacting is often when I raise my voice at the kids or I roll my eyes at my husband (or his back)," writes one mom. "As far as feelings go, I feel disorganized, unable to decide what to do next. I sort of wander around my house seeing all the work that needs to be started, but I can't get my mind around a plan that will get anything done. Sometimes I jump from task to task. Often I go back and forth from a chore to the computer to a magazine."

Another mom compares a reaction to a food additive with "a video where they show only the shortest bits of images and keep cutting from one thing to another. All the concepts from the images are fighting in my head for attention but I don't have time to process them because I am being hit with another image immediately that also demands attention."

Another writer notes, "Having a reaction is awful, especially when you have children who behave better than you!" Some parents report physical reactions of all types, from migraine headaches, to asthmatic attacks to hives and eczema when they eat certain artificial food additives. But most people find that it's a lot simpler to select the brand name products that have been researched by the Feingold® Association and have been found to be free of the offending chemicals.

The Feingold Association is a non-profit support group that shows families how to find the foods they enjoy, but minus chemical additives like artificial colors, flavors and preservatives. Volunteers first started the support group in 1976 after they found out that their children's problems were being triggered by some of the chemicals added to foods. Now, those children are grown and are choosing healthy food for their own families.

Earlier this summer the Feingold Association announced a new recipe book titled "Feingold Family Favorites", which promptly sold out it was so popular as consumers are increasingly aware that what they eat affects how they think and feel. The new "Feingold Family Favorites" recipe book is available from the Feingold Association through the website (www.Feingold.org) .

To request a free copy of the current issue of Pure Facts, the Feingold Association's newsletter, call (800) 321-3287 or visit www.feingold.org. Although most of the people using the Feingold diet focus primarily on eliminating things like food dyes, some need to go further and remove common allergens like wheat, eggs, soy, nuts and dairy. For the specialized help that is needed, the Feingold Association suggests a book by Lisa Lundy titled "The Super Allergy Girl™ Allergy & Celiac Cookbook."

Named in honor of Dr. Ben F. Feingold, the Chief of Allergy at Kaiser-Permanente Medical Center, the Feingold Association website provides medical references on the research that shows how foods and food additives affect health, learning and behavior. Dr. Feingold's success in using diet to help aspirin-sensitive patients led to his discovery that the same foods or additives that can bring on hives and asthma can also trigger what is now being called ADHD. His medical research was presented to the American Medical Association in 1973 and has been published in medical journals.