What A 6-Month Old Can Teach Us About Our Eating Habits – by: Melanie R. Jordan

Recently, I had the pleasure of seeing my 6-month old niece Rianna in Las Vegas. She has just started eating “real” baby food beyond the formula in her bottle, and I got a kick out of feeding her one of her meals of squash. Okay, so not all of it got in her mouth, but she was pretty cooperative overall.

I was curious as to what else she was eating, and my sister-in-law showed me an assortment of baby food jars containing green beans, carrots, bananas and a variety of other fruits and vegetables.

It was at this moment the following thought hit me. When we come into this world we are “NMP” (a healthy eating style) and then some! We don’t start off eating meat, poultry and the various other junk food we become accustomed to later on. The craving for these items is something we learn. And if we can learn it, we can also “unlearn” it. That’s what I did when I used my unique Fallback Methods to make the easy, gradual transition to my healthy “NMP” eating style. By the way, I coined the acronym “NMP” for my book “Have Your Cheeseburger And Keep Your Health Too!” to describe my healthy eating style. It stands for “no meat or poultry”, but unlike vegetarian diets, includes fish, and its emphasis on converting favorite comfort foods we all grew up on and like to eat out, into more healthful meatless forms.

You can do your children a huge favor by bringing them up “NMP”, or at least as “NMP” as possible, and letting them continue with the non-meat/poultry diet they naturally started when they first were introduced to solid food. You can also help the other children in your life–grandchildren and nieces and nephews by teaching them when you have time with them that good food choices are their friends.

There is an epidemic of overweight and obese kids in the United States due to poor diet and a sedentary lifestyle (too much television, video games and computer time). So diseases like Type II diabetes which are supposed to be “adult onset” are starting to show up even in teenagers. Researchers have shown that arteries can begin being clogged by poor diet from the early years of childhood on. It’s never too soon to adopt healthy eating habits that can put a child in the best possible position to have a very long and healthy life.

So does this mean that as your kids grow they cannot have all the “traditional” kid fare that all of us love like hot dogs, hamburgers and chicken nuggets? Not at all! There are healthy and delicious non-meat/poultry versions of all of these foods that you can use, and feel good about giving your child. So your kids can definitely “have their cheeseburger and keep their health too!” There’s even one company, Yves, that has introduced a line of “lunchable”-type meals that mimic those incredibly unhealthy, heavily-advertised meals that kids are often sent off to school with.

And, just because you’re not a kid (at least in numeric age) anymore yourself, it doesn’t mean that you can’t asily “unlearn” and improve upon your current eating habits. “NMP” eating is designed to allow you to eat healthfully, yet still have all your favorite comfort foods. “NMP” also teaches you to avoid hidden food dangers. It’s the unique combination of the two that gives you the best of all possible worlds when it comes to diet and your health. So why not make “NMP” the healthy eating style of choice in your household? It’s never too early and it’s never too late!

Note: Please check with your pediatrician or other healthcare professionals to determine the best way to incorporate healthy “NMP” eating in your child’s diet and it’s applicability to his or her particular needs.

(c) Copyright 2002 By Melanie R. Jordan E-Publishing

About The Author Melanie is the author of “Have Your Cheeseburger And Keep Your Health Too!” This Booklocker.com print best seller uniquely shows how healthy eating achieved with favorite comfort foods is deliciously possible! Melanie also publishes a free monthly e-zine called “Have Your Cheeseburger And Keep Your Health Too! Update” (subscribe by e-mail to healthycoach@aweber.com). Visit her web site Healthy Eating Coach’s Corner at http://www.healthyeatingcoach.com healthyeatncoach@aol.com

10 Tips For Staying Fit While Working From Home – by: Lynn Bode

Despite what many may think, working from home takes a lot of time and a lot of work. I’m sure you’ve heard someone say, “They don’t really have a job, they just work from home.” That statement couldn’t be farther from the truth! Running a home business takes almost all of your time. Therefore, many other things drop down on your priority list. Probably one of the first ones to drop is fitness.

When you have a never-ending to-do list, a house that never seems to get clean and family and/or friends who demand attention, it’s understandable that exercise can take a back seat. But, it shouldn’t.

Exercise offers so many important benefits that it should always be part of your weekly routine. Of course, we all know that exercise can help you stay slim and fit. But, do you also know about all the other great results of exercising? Daily physical activity reduces stress and can help you sleep better – two things that are especially beneficial to busy at-home workers and business owners. Fitness helps keep you healthy and has been linked to reducing the risk of some diseases and to warding off depression. Researchers also believe that strength training can help prevent osteoporosis. If that still doesn’t convince you to get moving, then keep in mind that exercise also improves self-esteem, increases stamina and ultimately helps you be able to do continuous work for longer. What more could you ask for?

It all sounds great, right? But you still don’t think that you can find any time in your hectic schedule for staying in shape. Don’t worry. There are a lot of creative ways to fit it in. Below are some tips to help you get started.

1. Schedule time for working out. When you work at home it’s so easy to work around the clock. To help avoid this think of yourself as having a traditional “office job”. In most “office jobs” when you go home for the night you leave work behind and concentrate on personal things. Even though going home for you may simply be walking down the hall, you need to set boundaries in order to find time for you.
2. During working hours, take several 5-10 minute breaks and run up and down the stairs (or even just walk). This will also help rejuvenate your mind.
3. Sitting in front of a computer can be hard on your body, especially your posture. So, find a comfortable place where you can occasionally stand to do your computer work.
4. It’s not necessary for you to find 30 continuous minutes for working out. You’ll get just as much benefit if you break your exercise into small chunks. Try 10 minutes before you start work, 10 minutes at lunch and 10 minutes after work (re-read # 1 above if you just said you have no “after work” time).
5. If you don’t won’t to spend a lot of time in the kitchen but still want to eat healthy, cook large portion meals on the weekend that you can freeze. Then simply defrost and warm for dinners during the week. This saves you the time of having to make dinner and you don’t have to compromise calories as you would if you instead opted for take-out.
6. One great advantage of working at home is that you can workout over your lunch hour while never leaving your office plus you don’t have to pack your workout clothes and toiletries to take with you to work. This saves you travel time, which you can instead spend on grabbing a healthy bite to eat. And, if you don’t have any face-to-face meetings scheduled, then you don’t have to worry about looking perfect after your workout.
7. If you haven’t already done so, invest in a good hands-free headset for your phone. This is a great way to multi-task because your hands are free to do other things while you concentrate on your conference call. You can even do some simple (but worthwhile) exercise moves. Some good choices are squats, tricep dips, lunges, wall push-ups, etc.
8. Keep healthy snacks available for when you need an energy boost or simply just need something to chew on to help you get through some tough work. Don’t forget to keep water on hand and sip some all throughout your day.
9. Purchase an exercise stability ball. While there are dozens of great toning exercises you can do with the ball, it’s also beneficial to simply sit on it. Try sitting on it instead of a chair for even short periods throughout your day. This will help build your core strength (your trunk area).
10. Don’t forget the importance of stretching. Take a couple of minutes every hour to stand up and stretch your entire body.

As you can see, exercise offers huge benefits even with just a small amount of effort. And if you have kids, by exercising you also set a great example. So, to help you, your business, and your family it’s time to stop making excuses and just start moving!

About The Author Lynn Bode is owner of http://www.workoutsforyou.com an Online Personal Fitness Training company. Workouts For You offers online exercise programs for weight loss, strength training, nutritional planning and race training. Personalized programs can be designed for all fitness levels. The programs are customized to meet your individual needs and lifestyle (based on the extensive profile you provide when enrolling) and include a motivational accountability system and a huge library of exercise technique demos. You receive all the trainer benefits without the expensive price, and you can workout wherever and whenever you want. To receive a FREE, no-obligation fitness evaluation, visit us at www.workoutsforyou.com. Need a quick gift –we provide gift certificate delivery within 24 hours of purchase. info@workoutsforyou.com

Fitness Tips On How To Avoid Gaining Weight During The Holiday Season – by: Lynn Bode

This holiday season don’t be trendy – avoid the Seasonal Seven (the average weight most Americans gain between Thanksgiving and New Year’s). That’s one trend you don’t want to participate in!

I know what you are thinking – the holidays are a time for fun and indulgence. You don’t want to think about fitness during that time. You want to enjoy yourself. Okay, before you accuse me of being the Grinch, you should know that I completely agree. The festivities don’t have to be eliminated or avoided, because you can have a fabulous time while also maintaining your weight and your fitness regimen.

The secret to achieving a holiday season that is both full of fun and also includes fitness is found in moderation. There are two typical approaches to the seasonal festivities: 1) throw all healthy habits out the window and indulge in every guilty pleasure 2) starve and binge approach (for example, you eat nothing all day long to allow yourself to overindulge in party food). Of course, neither approach is successful at maintaining a healthy, fit lifestyle throughout the holiday season.

As I mentioned above, the key is found in moderation. With a moderate approach both to what you eat (or don’t eat) and how much exercise you do (or don’t do), you can avoid packing on extra weight AND also partake in all the fun of the season. So this season, get a head start on the New Year instead of starting January with extra pounds to lose.

Here are some tips to help you:

1. Create a plan ahead of time. Before the holidays sneak up on you, create a plan for incorporating fitness and good nutrition into your daily routine. Evaluate your holiday and then determine how much time you will realistically have available to devote to working out and/or eating healthy meals.
2. Don’t put your fitness goals on hold until the New Year. If you can’t exercise as often during this time period as you normally do, adjust appropriately. Don’t use the excuse that since you don’t have time for your full workout you just won’t workout at all. Instead accept your limited availability and simply reduce the frequency and/or duration of your exercise. It’s much better to cut your fitness time in half than to completely eliminate it.
3. On the day of a party, be sure to eat regularly all day long. If the party is in the evening, eat breakfast, lunch and a snack before hand (just as you would on any other day). Once you are at the party, go ahead and indulge in some of the fun, delicious foods. Since you have eaten meals earlier in the day, you probably will find that you aren’t tempted to go overboard and eat everything in sight. However, if you starve all day long attempting to save up all your calories for the party, you will be so famished by the time it begins that it will be difficult not to overeat.
4. Schedule your workouts. Mark them on the calendar and set-aside time to complete them. Consider them as important as any other appointment or event you have marked on your calendar.
5. When at a party, start by eating some of the healthy offerings. For example, vegetable sticks (without dip), fruit pieces, plain chicken pieces, etc. Then move on to some of the less healthy (but yummy) offerings. You will be less likely to overindulge on these foods if you have already filled-up on some of the healthier items. Yet, you will not feel deprived or unsatisfied.
6. On days that you really lack motivation or simply do not have time for your complete exercise routine, commit to do just 10 minutes of exercise. You’ll probably end up doing more than that once you get started. Even if you only end up completing 10 minutes, that is still a lot better than zero minutes.
7. When presented with a large variety of food options, it’s tempting to want to eat everything. Rather than eating one large slice of chocolate cake or a huge plate of meatballs, select a sampling of bite size pieces of several of the desert or appetizer offerings. This way you get the enjoyment of trying many different foods without overeating.
8. Exercise at home. You’ll be more inclined to follow-through on your exercise commitment if you don’t have to drive somewhere to do your workout. Plus, you won’t waste any time on driving, parking, the locker room or waiting to use equipment. Working out at home requires very little equipment (even can be equipment-free) and is quite inexpensive.
9. Avoid wasting calories on alcoholic beverages. The average alcoholic drink contains 150-200 calories per glass. Indulge in just 2-3 drinks and you’ve drunk the equivalent calories of an entire meal. If you partake in these beverages, choose wisely. For example, instead of having a full glass of wine, try mixing half a glass of wine with sparkling water or with a diet cola. This will help cut your calories in half.
10. When running errands or shopping, be sure to pack some healthy snacks to have on-hand. Then after you work-up a big appetite, you won’t be tempted to grab something at the mall food court or the fast food restaurant on the way home.

I hope these tips will help you find a balance between staying fit and also enjoying the fun of the season. For additional fitness tips, visit www.workoutsforyou.com. Remember, moderation is the key. Have a great holiday season!

About The Author Lynn Bode is owner of http://www.workoutsforyou.com an Online Personal Fitness Training company. Workouts For You offers online exercise programs for weight loss, strength training, nutritional planning and race training. Personalized programs can be designed for all fitness levels. The programs are customized to meet your individual needs and lifestyle (based on the extensive profile you provide when enrolling) and include a motivational accountability system and a huge library of exercise technique demos. You receive all the trainer benefits without the expensive price, and you can workout wherever and whenever you want. To receive a FREE, no-obligation fitness evaluation, visit us at www.workoutsforyou.com. Need a quick gift –we provide gift certificate delivery within 24 hours of purchase. info@workoutsforyou.com

Unique Gift Ideas — The Gift Of Fitness – by: Lynn Bode

Well, it’s almost that time of year again – the holiday shopping season is just around the corner. Have you thought about what you are going to give those people on your “hard to shop for” list? Instead of another tie for your dad or music CD for your sister, why don’t you give them a truly unique and invaluable gift? I’m talking about the gift of fitness.

The gift of fitness is something that you can give to just about everybody on your shopping list, from your parents, to your spouse, a friend, your siblings, an employee or co-worker, even your children. And it’s a gift that is invaluable to everyone. After all who doesn’t want to look better, feel better, and be healthier?

And, it’s a gift that you can truly feel proud to give. When you give someone the gift of fitness, you are helping him open a door to better health (both physically and mentally). I can’t think of a more thoughtful gift that shows the recipient how much you care about their well-being. By giving the gift of fitness you are providing them with unlimited health benefits.

Of course, we all know that exercise can help people stay slim and fit. But, do you also know about all the other great benefits of exercising? Daily physical activity reduces stress and can help you sleep better. Fitness has been linked to reducing the risk of some diseases and to warding off depression. Researchers also believe that strength training can help prevent osteoporosis. Not to mention that exercise also improves self-esteem, increases stamina and ultimately helps you be able to do continuous work for longer.

I bet a lot of people on your shopping list would find these fitness benefits incredibly invaluable. If the people on your list are like most of us, they’ve probably even mentioned how they want to drop a few pounds of just get in better shape. In fact, experts say that about 62% of Americans are currently on a diet. By giving the gift of fitness you are helping provide them with motivation (which is one of the biggest obstacles in getting fit). They may feel more motivated to actually get fit because they don’t want to feel guilty for ignoring such a thoughtful gift (personal training gift certificates and gym memberships are especially good for helping with motivation).

While fitness gifts are incredibly valuable, they don’t have to be expensive. Gifts can cost as little as $5 or range into the $100s of dollars. Here are a few suggestions in the various price ranges:

Under $15:

• Resistance Band (also makes a great stocking stuffer)
• Dumbbells
• Jump Rope (also makes a great stocking stuffer)
• Exercise Mat

$15 – $35

• Fitness Ball
• Online Personal Training Program gift certificate (Workouts For You offers custom designed programs for only $20)
• Home Exercise Video (also makes a great stocking stuffer)
• Heart Rate Monitor

Over $35

• Full dumbbell and barbell set
• Treadmill
• Bicycle
• Yoga Kit

Giving something that supports health and wellness will be appreciated for years to come and may even turn someone’s life around. The gift of fitness will make the recipient feel special – they’ll know that someone cared enough to give them the opportunity to improve their health. And, giving a gift that will help someone lead a healthier life is also one of the most rewarding gifts you can give. So why spend another holiday season searching for the perfect gift only to end up with the same old things like gift certificates or socks or books? Surprise everyone this year and give the gift that comes from the heart and truly keeps on giving throughout the New Year and beyond. And don’t forget yourself – you deserve the gift of fitness too!

About The Author Lynn Bode is owner of http://www.workoutsforyou.com an Online Personal Fitness Training company. Workouts For You offers online exercise programs for weight loss, strength training, nutritional planning and race training. Personalized programs can be designed for all fitness levels. The programs are customized to meet your individual needs and lifestyle (based on the extensive profile you provide when enrolling) and include a motivational accountability system and a huge library of exercise technique demos. You receive all the trainer benefits without the expensive price, and you can workout wherever and whenever you want. To receive a FREE, no-obligation fitness evaluation, visit us at www.workoutsforyou.com. Need a quick gift –we provide gift certificate delivery within 24 hours of purchase. info@workoutsforyou.com

Boost Your Metabolism for Fall – by: ARA Content

A balanced approach to diet and nutrition provides long-term results.

(ARA) – As the balmy late-summer days give way to the cool breezes of autumn, many people are inspired to tackle their fitness routine with new vigor. With kids back in achool, parents have more time to get to the gym, and the crisp fall air makes it possible to exercise comfortably, free of the summer heat and humidity.

Even with a fitness regimen in place, most people tend to be more sedentary in fall and winter; for that reason, it is important to incorporate a balanced approach to diet and nutrition into your plan. For example, most people don’t eat the recommended four to five servings of fruits and vegetables each day. But our health, energy, muscle development and more are all directly linked to the whole foods, vitamins and supplements we ingest each day.

As a society, we are very interested in health and fitness, and yet it seems that this heightened curiosity has become our worst enemy. We constantly fall victim to the quick fix approaches promised by many diet and exercise companies. In doing so, we misunderstand our body and how it really works.

Accurate information is imperative when considering a change to your diet. Unfortunately, too many people make their choices based on information from television, newspapers, magazine, books and myriad other mediums that lack scientific authenticity or any form of governmental regulation.

Test your knowledge regarding health, fitness and nutrition by answering the following true or false questions:

1. A fat-free diet is good for you.
2. You can lose fat around your mid-section by performing sit-ups or leg lifts.
3. Eating late at night is bad for you.
4. A slow metabolism is a result of your genetic disposition.
5. An all-protein diet is a safe and effective way to lose weight and keep it off.
6. You can lose weight more quickly if you combine exercise and an extremely low-calorie diet.
7. When you go on a very low-calorie diet, your body will use its own fat for energy.
8. Counting calories is the solution for proper, long-lasting weight control.
9. The real purpose of exercise is to burn calories.

If you answered “true” to any of these questions, it is a good indication that you don’t understand the basic information about your body and how it works. Don’t feel bad; you aren’t alone. Most Americans share these misconceptions.

Helping to cut through the clutter of misinformation, Life Time Fitness, the country’s fastest-growing health and fitness company, has launched an educational tool designed to help consumers obtain accurate and practical information regarding fitness and nutrition.

Entitled “Master Your Metabolism,” this unique video program helps dispel many of the myths and misconceptions surrounding health and fitness, while providing viewers with valuable insight into how the body functions and responds to exercise and what we eat. The 90-minute program summarizes years of biochemistry and exercise physiology research to provide a comprehensive understanding of how our bodies work, how metabolism can be slowed or accelerated, and how we can properly communicate our desired goals to our bodies by understanding its logic.

“The human body is an amazing machine with incredible capabilities, said Jeff Zwiefel, vice president, Life Time Fitness Health Enhancement Division. “It operates on a pure and perfectly logical platform. Our job simply is to understand that logic and learn how to communicate with our bodies. With an easy-to-understand format, ‘Master Your Metabolism’ has been designed to help us gain this knowledge so that we can extend longevity and enhance lifestyle.”

Life Time Fitness didn’t stop there. The company also amassed a team of independent, nationally renowned physicians, biochemists, nutritionists and researchers, to help it develop a full line of Fast Fuel nutrition bars, and vitamin and mineral supplements specifically designed to help people achieve their health and fitness goals.

The fact is that there is no magic formula when it comes to becoming fit and achieving the shapely and toned body we desire. The safe and effective solution to a long-term healthy lifestyle is simply gaining a big-picture understanding of how our bodies work.

“When we better understand our bodies and make wise, informed choices around a balanced diet and exercise program, we transcend that once-per-year effort to get into shape for the summer to achieve a consistent, long-term and healthy lifestyle,” said Zwiefel. “Instead of being blindly lead by every new diet and exercise fad, consumers finally will possess the knowledge to understand what works, what doesn’t, and why.”

For more information about Master Your Metabolism or LIFE TIME FITNESS, visit www.lifetimefitness.com, or call (800) 430-5433.

About The Author Courtesy of ARA Content, www.ARAcontent.com; e-mail: info@ARAcontent.com

What You Eat Can Protect Your Skin from the Sun – by: Barbara Levine, R.D., Ph.D. (ARA Content)

(ARA) – By now you probably think you’ve heard all of the health reasons there are for eating your vegetables. But recently, researchers from Harvard University have announced that lutein — a potent antioxidant found in such dark green, leafy vegetables as spinach and kale — may protect the skin from sun damage.

“Lutein has been widely recognized for its eye health benefits for several years. But, our data is the first of its kind to suggest that lutein may have the potential to act as a preventative agent against UVB-induced skin cancer,” said Salvador Gonzalez, M.D., Ph.D., leader of the Harvard research team. “In addition, these data suggest that lutein protects the skin against damage caused by exposure to UVB light, further validating our position that lutein is a critical component to overall skin health.”

Lutein (LOO-teen) is a yellow pigment (the yellow is covered up by chlorophyll in green leaves) found predominantly in vegetables. It is also present in the eyes and skin of the human body. In women, lutein is found in the breasts and cervix. As an antioxidant, lutein protects the eyes from the damaging effects of aging. Lutein also acts as a light filter, protecting against the sun’s harmful rays.

UVA and UVB rays are two types of harmful rays found in sunlight. UVA rays contribute to wrinkling the skin, as well as to the development of skin cancer. UVB rays are the ones that are the primary cause of sunburn and skin cancer.

Good sunscreens block both UVA and UVB rays and are critical to skin health. But, you can do even more to protect your skin and eyes when you’re outside.

Safety tips to keep top of mind:

• Wear UV-blocking sunglasses. Over time, exposure to ultraviolet light can cause cataracts and increase your risk of macular degeneration, a disease that causes irreversible blindness.
• If you’re a parent, protect your children’s skin. Research indicates that one or more severe, blistering sunburns in childhood or adolescence can double the risk of skin cancer later in life.
• Check the expiration date on your sunscreen. Sunscreen without an expiration date has a shelf life of no more than three years.
• Eat a healthy diet comprised of green leafy vegetables. Consumption of 6 milligrams of lutein per day (approximately one-third cup of cooked spinach) has been linked to a reduced risk of cataracts and age-related macular degeneration. Vitamins and dietary supplements formulated with purified lutein provide another option for adding this nutrient to a daily diet.

It’s important to note that when lutein is consumed in foods or vitamins, it deposits in various tissues in the body — the eyes, the skin, fat tissue and so on. Therefore, it may also be beneficial to apply lutein directly to the surface of your skin. Several skin care products containing lutein are now available and can be purchased online at www.sephora.com or at salons that carry California Tan Heliotherapy sun care products.

For more information about how lutein can help promote healthy eyes and skin, talk to your doctor and visit the Lutein Information Bureau at www.luteininfo.com.

About The Author Courtesy of ARA Content, www.ARAcontent.com; e-mail: info@ARAcontent.com EDITOR’S NOTE: Barbara Levine is associate clinical professor of nutrition in medicine at Cornell University Medical College and chairperson of the Lutein Information Bureau.

New, Less Painful Option for Varicose Vein Sufferers – by: ARA Content

(ARA) – Being “vain” about their looks was not the primary motivation for schoolteacher Jacqueline Munoz and barber Sal Salvaggio to seek treatment for their varicose veins. Rather, it was the fact that it had become increasingly more painful for them to stand for eight hours a day as required by their professions.

Tens of millions of people around the world suffer from the aches, pains and swelling of varicose veins — symptoms that tend to become more severe by the end of a long day or simply after prolonged sitting or standing. Other factors that can contribute to varicose veins are hormone therapy, heredity, obesity, pregnancy and age. In severe cases, varicose veins can lead to skin changes resulting in eczema, pigmentation discoloring, ulceration and bleeding.

Women are almost twice as likely to have varicose veins as men — 25 percent of women have them. The condition is caused by vein valves that fail to close properly, resulting in blood pooling in the vein walls which then causes an outward push, resulting in obvious visual signs of enlargement and bulging. Pain and discomfort often are associated with severe varicose veins.

In the past, varicose vein sufferers like Munoz had to opt for painful surgical ligation and stripping of the vein. Vein stripping involves a hospital operating room procedure whereby two surgical incisions are made in order to tie off and strip the faulty vein, causing swelling and bruising with a recovery period taking several weeks. “I was in pain and uncomfortable for weeks,” said Ms. Munoz.

But Savaggio took a different approach. He discovered recently that the Food and Drug Administration had approved a new, less painful outpatient procedure for the elimination of varicosities associated with reflux of the Greater Saphenous vein. Called Endovenous Laser Treatment or EVLT, the process was developed by Diomed Inc. EVLT is a minimally invasive laser treatment for varicose veins that can be performed under local anesthesia in a doctor’s office.

The treatment itself normally takes less than one hour and initially involves both a physical and ultrasound examination to map the vein, which is then treated with short energy pulses from a laser to seal the abnormal vein. At the end of the procedure, the fiber is withdrawn and a compression bandage is applied. A compression stocking is worn for approximately seven days and the patient is encouraged to resume normal activities, excluding rigorous physical activities.

Patients notice immediate relief from past pain or discomfort. The many patients who have opted for EVLT treatment so far report a short and relatively pain-free procedure as well as an immediate return to daily activities without scarring. Walking immediately following the procedure is encouraged and normal daily activities can be resumed quickly. “I really did feel no pain at all during the treatment. After the procedure, I dressed myself and went back to the shop,” said Savaggio.

For those suffering from failure of the Greater Saphenous vein, an EVLT treatment is reimbursable under most medical plans. In an effort to educate varicose vein sufferers about their condition and provide information regarding less invasive treatments, Massachusetts-based Diomed Inc. has launched a public awareness patient Web site, www.evlt.com. Besides providing more information about the causes of varicose veins, Diomed Inc. hopes the Web site will help sufferers obtain information regarding EVLT. More information about Diomed Inc. is available at www.Diomedinc.com.

About The Author Courtesy of ARA Content, www.ARAcontent.com; e-mail: info@ARAcontent.com

New Drug Offers Hope to Cancer Patients – by: ARA Content

(ARA) – A decade ago, research into angiogenesis-inhibiting compounds was still in a relative state of infancy. The principle itself was not new — as far back as the early ’70s, there was speculation that human cancer tumors could not grow beyond a few millimeters in diameter without obtaining their own blood supply. But opinion was still divided in the scientific community.

Angiogenesis itself is a natural and necessary physiological function, which refers to the process by which new blood vessels form and develop. In its pathological form, however, angiogenesis is also implicated in the progression of more than 20 different diseases, including cancer.

In order to grow, solid tumors need to be supplied by blood vessels that act as conduits for oxygen and nutrients. Once a vascular network has been generated around a tumor, cancerous cells can then invade the rest of the body, a process called metastasis. Angiogenesis inhibitors block the formation of new blood vessels, without which cancerous cells are starved and tumors cannot grow.

In recent years, the therapeutic potential of angiogenesis inhibitors has gained wide acceptance. Indeed, the scientific community now believes that more than 90 percent of all cancer cases are angiogenesis dependent. The industry spends nearly $4 billion annually in angiogenic research and more than 100 research organizations and companies are currently developing angiogenesis-blocking drugs.

Æterna Laboratories Inc. is at the forefront of this effort. In fact, it is one of the very few biotechnology companies in the world with an angiogenesis-blocker in Phase lll clinical development. Its proprietary compound, Neovastat, is currently the subject of Phase III trials in lung and kidney cancer and a Phase ll trial in multiple myeloma, a form of blood cancer.

Neovastat possesses multiple mechanisms of action that counteract the angiogenic process. Among competing products, this makes it unique. It has also shown an excellent safety profile in clinical trials. Further advantages of Neovastat are that it is orally administered, which makes it convenient for patients who must receive treatment on a long-term basis, and it may be taken in association with standard therapies such as chemotherapy.

Angiogenesis blockers are not a cure for cancer. They are a form of treatment — in the same way that insulin is a treatment for diabetes — that should allow patients to lead a more normal life, without suffering from the often debilitating side-effects that some treatments can produce.

Æterna’s clinical trials strategy has targeted forms of cancer for which there is an urgent need for new therapies. Since 1996, Neovastat has been tested in more than 850 patients in North American and European countries. Currently, Neovastat is the subject of three clinical trials, targeting three forms of cancer. For multiple myeloma, the second most common form of blood cancer, the drug is in Phase II trials with 125 patients in the United States, Canada and Europe. This trial should be completed in early 2003. For progressive renal cell carcinoma, the drug is in Phase III trials with 302 patients in the United States, Canada and Europe, which should be completed in early 2003. For non-small cell lung cancer, Neovastat is in a Phase III trial sponsored by the National Cancer Institute with 760 patients in the United States and Canada. This trial should be completed in 2005.

Once the clinical trials are complete, health authorities in various countries can then assess these results and make decisions on approval.

About The Author Courtesy of ARA Content, www.ARAcontent.com; e-mail: info@ARAcontent.com EDITOR’S NOTE: For more information about current trials call (888) 349-3232. For additional information, contact Paul Burroughs, director of communications, (418) 652-8525, Ext. 406. Neovastat is being developed by Æterna Laboratories of Quebec, Canada. To learn more about anti-angiogenesis and Æterna Laboratories, visit the Æterna Web site at www.aeterna.com. For more information about the NCI’s clinical trials, visit http://cancertrials.nci.nih.gov.

Eat Right, Work Out, Sleep Better – by: ARA Content

The Three Components of a Healthy Lifestyle

(ARA) – In today’s fast-paced world, moving at full speed isn’t an option, it’s a way of life. Finding the energy to keep up has led many Americans to improve their diets and increase their activity and exercise. Yet many people are missing the third vital component to a healthy lifestyle — a good night’s sleep.

“Committing to improving overall health requires ambition, focus and knowledge,” says women’s health researcher Joan Shaver, Ph.D., RN, professor and dean of the College of Nursing at the University of Illinois at Chicago. “We should think of a healthy lifestyle as a triangle, with the three points of proper nutrition, exercise and sleep. If we fail to fulfill any one of these points, we are missing the potential for optimum health.”

Good nutrition and exercise

The requirements of eating a balanced diet will vary from individual to individual, but it is vital that all major food groups are included. Many of today’s diets may help improve weight loss, but often leave the body begging for vitamins and other essential nutrients. Eating a diet full of fruits, vegetables, breads, and fibers will help to give the body more energy for exercise and taking on the events of a busy day.

“Getting in shape” means exercising at least three days a week for 30 minutes or more — not necessarily all at once. Exercise doesn’t have to be boring or rigorous — it can be as simple and fun as a morning walk or an evening bike ride. In fact, yard work is considered a great workout and long summer days allow for plenty of time outside. Since exercise will raise the body’s temperature and heart rate, be sure to complete exercise at least three hours before bedtime to allow the mind and body to wind down.

Better sleep

According to Dr. Shaver, several lifestyle factors must be considered to benefit from a better night’s sleep. First, evaluate the sleep environment — ensure that your room is cool, dim and quiet. Reserve the bedroom for sleep — avoid bringing work to bed or watching television in the bedroom.

Next, allow enough time for sleep — on average, the National Sleep Foundation (NSF) recommends eight hours for adults. But, in the 2002 NSF “Sleep in America” poll, 39 percent of respondents said they were sleeping less than seven hours at night on weekdays. And most only slept 7.5 hours on the weekends.

Finally, ensure that each sleep partner is comfortable by finding a mattress that meets individual needs. According to the NSF, 91 percent of people say their sleep surface is important in helping them get a deep, restful night’s sleep. And 89 percent of those surveyed in 2002 agree that a better quality mattress provides a better night’s sleep.

One alternative to traditional innerspring mattresses is The Sleep Number Bed by Select Comfort. It allows individuals to adjust the bed to their ideal level of personal comfort — their Sleep Number. A Sleep Number is a number between zero and 100 that represents each individual’s ideal setting for mattress firmness, comfort and support. With dual-adjustable air chambers, sleep partners can independently adjust the firmness on their side of the Sleep Number bed without disrupting their partner’s desired comfort level.

Kevin Garnett, professional basketball player for the Minnesota Timberwolves, has recognized the importance of sleep on his overall performance as a professional athlete and has taken personal sleep comfort to a new level. In 2001, the 6-foot, 11-inch forward ordered a custom-made 9-foot by 9-foot, dual-adjustable Sleep Number bed from Select Comfort.

“The Sleep Number bed has helped me sleep through the night when my muscles ache after a hard workout,” says Garnett. “With a regular mattress you have to adjust your body to the bed. The Sleep Number bed allows you to adjust the bed to your body.”

In studies conducted at Stanford University and Duke University, participants fell asleep faster and experienced better quality, more restorative sleep on the Sleep Number bed than on a traditional innerspring mattress. Stanford University researchers also found that 87 percent of those who slept on the Sleep Number bed experienced a greater percentage of REM sleep with fewer disturbances. The Sleep Number bed also provides more proper spinal alignment and 93 percent of participants reported back pain relief.

For more information about these or other sleep facts, visit www.selectcomfort.com. To find out more about the Sleep Number bed, call (800) 535-BEDS.

About The Author Courtesy of ARA Content, www.ARAcontent.com; e-mail: info@ARAcontent.com

TUNA Therapy Combats Benign Prostatic Hyperlasia – by: ARA Content

(ARA) – With age, most men’s prostates grow larger, resulting in irritating problems associated with urination. Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a common condition affecting the prostate. It is a non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate that restricts the flow of urine from the bladder. Millions of men worldwide are affected by BPH, but fewer than five percent are receiving treatment. Fifty percent of men older than 50 and 80 percent of men older than 80 have some symptoms of BPH. This condition is the most common non-cancerous form of cell growth in men. While there is no definitive cause of BPH, factors that contribute to the condition include aging, hormones and growth factors.

Though BPH is not life threatening, it can lead to a reduced quality of life, causing discomfort, inconvenience, sleep disruption and embarrassment. BPH was traditionally treated by a method called Transurethral Resection of the Prostate (TURP). This involves inserting a scope into the urethra and removing a section of the obstructing prostate tissue. It involves surgical risks but remains a “standard.”

Medication is also available to help treat BPH. Some relax the neck of the bladder while others shrink the prostate. These medications are effective, but not as effective as surgery. Within the past decade, a number of minimally invasive techniques have been developed to treat BPH. Transurethral Needle Ablation (TUNA) is one such technique that has fewer side effects than other minimally invasive laser or microwave treatments. The side effect profile also compares favorably to TURP.

With Medtronic TUNA Therapy, a catheter is inserted into the urethra and two small needles are deployed into the obstructing prostate tissue. The needles emit radio frequency (RF) energy directly and precisely into the prostate, causing thermal ablation of the obstructing tissue while protecting the urethra and adjacent structures from damage. This procedure is associated with few side effects and adverse events. Possible side effects from the TUNA procedure include obstruction, bleeding, pain/discomfort, urgency, frequency and urinary tract infection.

“TUNA offers men a much more attractive option to surgery when first-line medications fail,” said Dr. Michael J. Naslund, associate professor of urology and director of the Maryland Prostate Center at the University of Maryland.

TUNA Therapy provides long-term relief of BPH symptoms in a single treatment. It is performed as an outpatient procedure in a urologist’s office. It typically takes less than an hour to perform and most patients require local anesthesia. Most patients return to normal activities within 48 hours. TUNA Therapy is affordable and cost effective. It is covered by most private health plans and Medicare approved the procedure for in-office reimbursement on Jan. 1, 2000.

The procedure received marketing clearance from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in 1996 for the treatment of symptoms due to urinary outflow obstruction secondary to benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) in men older than 50 with prostate sizes between 20 and 50 cc. Since its introduction, more than 33,000 TUNA procedures have been performed worldwide.

“Even with medications, I was still living my life around where the nearest bathroom was located — it was embarrassing and distressing,” said David Schachnovsky, who underwent a TUNA procedure performed by Dr. Naslund. “I felt surgery was the only way I would get relief, so my doctor explained the available options. Now I’m back taking long walks on the beach with my wife. My life is normal again, which is a fantastic feeling.”

The best protection against prostate problems is to have regular medical check-ups that include prostate exams. Symptoms of BPH include a frequent urge to urinate, difficulty urinating and the dribbling of urine.

Medtronic, Inc. (www.medtronic.com), headquartered in Minneapolis, is the world’s leading medical technology company, providing lifelong solutions for people with chronic disease. More information about Medtronic Urology is available online at www.medtronic-urology.com.

About The Author Courtesy of ARA Content, www.ARAcontent.com; e-mail: info@ARAcontent.com

Isoflavones Help Alleviate Menopausal Symptoms – by: ARA Content

However, Independent Study Finds That All Isoflavone Supplements are Not Created Equal

(ARA) – As baby boomers age, large numbers of women are entering menopause. Doctors often prescribe hormone replacement therapy (HRT) to alleviate symptoms associated with menopause. However, more and more women prefer to try other therapies as an alternative to conventional HRT.

“Many women are turning to products containing phytoestrogens in an attempt to reduce menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, as well as slow the rate of bone loss and reduce cholesterol,” said Lila Nachtigall, M.D., professor of OBGYN at the New York University School of Medicine, and director of the NYU Medical Center’s Women’s Wellness Center. “Phytoestrogens come from plants including soybeans and red clover. Isoflavones are a type of phytoestrogen that resembles human estrogen. They may help offset the drop in estrogen and regulate its fluctuations that occur at menopause.”

Because it is difficult for a woman who eats a typical American diet to consume enough isoflavones through food alone, many women turn to supplements to get to beneficial levels. According to the National Consumers League, women in the United States spend approximately $200 million per year on non-prescription dietary supplement therapies for menopausal symptoms.

Unfortunately, it can be almost impossible for consumers to know what they are getting in their supplements.

Recent studies show that many dietary supplements are mislabeled and have different amounts of active ingredients from what the manufacturer claims on the label. Unfortunately, according to a recent study, this practice holds true for some dietary supplements containing isoflavone-based ingredients. The results of an independent study, funded by the National Institute of Health, were reported in a recent peer-reviewed article in the Journal of Nutrition. To confirm that the manufacturers label claims were accurate the study analyzed the isoflavone content of known active phystoestrogens for 33 products sold in the U.S.

“It is evident that for a high proportion of these products, the consumer should have little confidence in what they are purchasing,” say the authors of the study.

“These supplements are intended to provide phytoestrogen support to women,” said Dr. Nachtigall.

However according to the study, just seven of 33 products were within 10 percent of their label claim and only one — Promensil — delivered the isoflavones in the readily bio-available form.

Women taking many of these products may be receiving phytoestrogens well below effective levels and possibly of no true benefit. “Our studies of a selection of commercially available over-the-counter phytoestrogen supplements show that there is a wide variation in composition and that no two supplements appear to be the same. This poses some difficulties for the consumer as to what supplement is ‘best’ to purchase,” according to the study.

Promensil, manufactured by Australia-based Novogen, contains isoflavones derived from specially cultivated red clover. Promensil is standardized to deliver the claimed dose in every tablet. Products that are not standardized can vary significantly in the amount of active ingredient. Additionally Promensil provides four important dietary plant estrogens: formononetin, biochanin and the two contained in soy: genistein and daidzein.

The NIH-funded study also found that a number of the labels for the supplements promote soy content, and yet only a very small percentage of content appears to come from soy plants. A close review of the labels reveals that many contain isoflavones derived from kudzu (often identified by its Latin name, pueraaria lobata root extract). While there may be some soy isoflavones in these products, the major source of isoflavones is likely kudzu, the pest plant seen strangling natural vegetation in the Southern United States.

Consumers need to be informed to ensure they are making wise health decisions, including the safe and effective use of dietary supplements. Promensil can be purchased in the dietary supplement section of pharmacies and health food stores nationwide. For more information on Promensil, call (877) 4-1-Promensil (417-7663).

About The Author Courtesy ARA Content, www.ARAcontent.com; e-mail: info@ARAcontent.com

Diabetic Eye Disease Can Cause Blindness, Gives No Early Warning Signs – by: ARA Content

Annual Eye Exams Crucial to Early Detection and Treatment

(ARA) – Loss of eyesight in people with diabetes is a national health problem. People with diabetes are 25 times more likely to become blind than those without diabetes, and diabetic eye disease can cause as many as 25,000 new cases of blindness every year, according to the National Eye Institute (NEI), one of the Federal government’s National Institutes of Health.

Nearly half of the nation’s estimated 16 million people with diabetes will develop some degree of diabetic retinopathy, the most common form of diabetic eye disease, and the leading cause of blindness in American adults. Diabetic retinopathy damages the tiny blood vessels in the retina, the light-sensitive tissue that lines the back of the eye.

The disease does not have any early warning symptoms such as pain, and vision may not change until the disease becomes severe. “This is one of the most frightening things about diabetic eye disease,” says Dr. Paul Sieving, director of NEI. “People with diabetic eye disease do not realize that their eyesight is slowly deteriorating.”

The only way to diagnose diabetic eye disease in its early stages is with a dilated eye exam. Using eye drops to enlarge the patient’s pupils, a dilated eye exam allows the eye care professional to see more of the inside of the eye to check for signs of the disease. People with diabetes need to make annual dilated eye exams a priority. Ignoring the importance of an annual eye exam could lead to trouble later on, when diabetes begins to affect a person’s eyesight.

Vision lost from diabetes cannot be restored. Yet in about 90 percent of those who would otherwise become blind, the early detection of diabetic eye disease, combined with laser surgery when needed, and appropriate follow-up, has helped preserve vision. Laser surgery can shrink the abnormal blood vessels caused by diabetic retinopathy.

Sieving notes that “the longer a person has diabetes, the more likely it is that person will develop diabetic retinopathy. However, studies have shown that people with diabetes who keep their blood sugar levels as normal as possible slow the onset and progression of diabetic retinopathy and lessen the need for laser surgery. This may also help reduce other complications from the disease, such as kidney disease, stroke and nerve damage.”

Individuals with diabetes are also at risk for other eye diseases. Studies show that they are twice as likely to get a cataract as a person who does not have the disease, and that cataracts develop at an earlier age in people with diabetes. Glaucoma may also become a problem. A person with diabetes is nearly twice as likely to get glaucoma as other adults. And, as with diabetic retinopathy, the longer someone has had diabetes, the greater the risk of getting glaucoma.

Much research is being done to learn more about diabetic eye disease. For instance, the National Eye Institute is supporting a number of research studies in the laboratory and with patients to learn what causes diabetic retinopathy and how it can be better treated. This research should provide better ways to detect and treat diabetic eye disease and prevent blindness in more people with diabetes.

A free brochure, “Don’t Lose Sight of Diabetic Eye Disease,” is available by writing to Diabetic Eye Disease, 2020 Vision Place, Bethesda, MD 20892-3655. NEI’s Web site, www.nei.nih.gov/health/index.htm provides additional information about diabetic retinopathy.

About The Author Courtesy of ARA Content, www.ARAcontent.com; e-mail: info@ARAcontent.com

Stopping Sleepless Nights: What You Need to Know about Restless Legs Syndrome, a Common but Unrecognized Condition – by: ARA Content

(ARA) – “Creepy-crawly,” “prickly,” “tingling,” and “twitching” … These are the words typically used to describe one of the most common but relatively unknown sleep disorders in the United States: Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS).

According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), nearly 12 million Americans have RLS, and even though it’s slowly becoming more recognized, many researchers believe RLS is misdiagnosed or never diagnosed at all, since many people feel their symptoms will not be taken seriously or cannot be treated. To address the continuing need for public education, the RLS Foundation, an organization committed to providing information and assisting RLS patients in finding a doctor or support group, is funding new research and sponsoring educational initiatives.

“My mother, my sister and I had these awful sensations. We couldn’t sleep or sit still on long car rides. It was difficult for my father, our doctors and even my wife, to understand,” said Bob Waterman, chairman of the RLS Foundation’s board of directors. “We were relieved to finally discover we had a real illness; it had a name; it could be treated.”

The classic symptom of RLS is uncomfortable sensations in the legs that worsen at night or when the legs have not moved for an extended period of time. The only way to relieve this feeling is by moving the legs, making a good night’s sleep or any activities that restrict movement, such as long drives, plane trips, or going to movies or sporting events, very difficult.

“People suffering from RLS not only see their quality of life diminish, but they may be unaware they have a real disorder that can be diagnosed and treated,” said John Winkelman, M.D., Ph.D., sleep specialist at Harvard Medical School and member of the RLS Foundation’s medical advisory board. “Physicians also need to be aware of RLS so they can properly diagnose patients and prescribe the most appropriate medication when necessary.”

Among the primary symptoms of RLS are:

• Compelling or irresistible urge to move the affected limbs (most often the legs);

• Uncomfortable (creepy-crawly) sensations deep in the limbs;

• The urge to move and the uncomfortable sensations are relieved with movement of the affected limbs;

• Symptoms are worse in the evening and at night, especially when the individual is at rest.

Associated features of RLS include:

• Periodic leg movements (PLM), characterized by a repetitive jerking of the leg, either during sleep or when awake;

• Sleep disturbance and fatigue;

• Family history;

• Absence of other conditions known to cause RLS symptoms, such as iron deficiency and pregnancy.

“By educating yourself, you develop a greater understanding of the condition and can have a more productive discussion with your doctor,” said Waterman. “The recognition of RLS symptoms by you and your doctor will lead to a quicker diagnosis and treatment.”

The RLS Foundation recently held its first national meeting to share new research among doctors and patients. The foundation has also established Sept. 23, the birth date of RLS discoverer Dr. Karl Ekbom, as the annual International RLS Awareness Day.

While new research is being conducted, there are many effective treatments for RLS currently available. In mild cases, simple lifestyle changes such as taking baths, having massages, doing yoga and other relaxation exercises, and eliminating caffeine and alcohol may improve symptoms. In severe cases, various classes of medication, including dopaminergic agents, sedatives, anti-convulsants and pain relievers, have relieved RLS symptoms. However, all of the classes of drugs have varying benefits and side effects, so patients must discuss which medication is most appropriate for them with their doctors.

For more information about RLS or to find a local support group, please call the RLS Foundation’s toll free number at (877) 463-6757 or visit the foundation’s Web site at www.rls.org.

About The Author Courtesy of ARA Content, www.ARAcontent.com; e-mail: info@ARAcontent.com

Remain Active with Rheumatoid Arthritis: Yoga Guide – by: ARA Content

(ARA) – More and more people are performing the age-old practice of Yoga. Yoga can stretch you, it can relax you and now it may help people with arthritis. According to the American Yoga Association (AYA), Yoga may help people with arthritis deal with pain and stiffness, improve range of motion and increase strength for daily activities.

One of the most common forms of arthritis is rheumatoid arthritis (RA), which affects approximately two million Americans, of which more than 75 percent are women. RA is a chronic, autoimmune disease in which the body’s immune system attacks healthy tissue lining the joints, leading to pain, deformity and disability that may be permanent. Now available is a first-of-its kind online Yoga guide specifically for people with RA, developed by the AYA, in collaboration with the Arthritis Foundation and support from RAacademy.com.

For thousands of years people have used Yoga to build flexibility and strength, improve concentration, relieve stress and increase energy. Today the benefits of Yoga may extend to people with RA. According to a pilot study published in the British Journal of Rheumatology, people with RA who participated in a Yoga program over a three-month period experienced greater handgrip strength compared to those who did not practice Yoga.

“People with RA may benefit from low-impact exercises like Yoga to help improve overall health and fitness without further damaging or hurting the joints,” said Dr. Cheryl Lambing, M.D., Assistant Clinical Professor at the University of California Los Angeles. “Physical activity may optimize both physical and mental health and plays a vital role in disease management.”

The unique Yoga guide, Remain Active with RA, encompasses traditional Yoga poses including range-of-motion, muscle strengthening, and endurance exercises – the three major forms of exercise typically prescribed for people with RA. Each exercise contains detailed photographs and instructions indicating the proper way to perform each movement, with variation of exercises based on disease severity. It is important for people with RA to speak to their physician before embarking on any new exercise program.

“With my rheumatoid arthritis, I never thought I would be able to do an exercise like Yoga,” said Lynn McKenzie-Collins, Ph.D. “I am now reassured that there is a Yoga guide tailored for people with my disease that may help my pain and stiffness.”

The Remain Active with RA Yoga Guide is offered free exclusively at www.RAacademy.com and can be accessed when visitors to the site register. RAacademy is a disease web site, sponsored by Aventis Pharmaceuticals that provides RA-related news and information to people with the disease and their families. In addition to the Yoga guide, the site features self-care tools and tips for living with RA.

About The Author Courtesy of ARA Content, www.ARAcontent.com; e-mail: info@ARAcontent.com

Who Can Donate Organs And Tissues? – by: News Canada

(NC)-Everyone is a potential organ and tissue donor. Typically, organ donors are healthy people who have suffered an irreversible brain injury (most often due to a motor vehicle accident), or a brain hemorrhage resulting in brain death. The health of the donor and his organs and tissues, not his or her age, is what the transplant surgeon considers. The organs and tissues used for transplantation cannot have sustained any damage at the time of death. Brain death means that the brain is no longer functioning and can never recover, but vital organs and tissues can be supported artificially for a limited time and saved for possible transplantation.

Tissues don’t require the same special conditions as organs to survive, so tissue donation is possible even after the heart and lungs have stopped working.

Why decide to be an organ and tissue donor?

Donors tell us that their primary motivation for deciding to become an organ or tissue donor is to help someone else. One donor can save or improve the lives of many other people if a variety of different organs and tissues are used. What better way is there to preserve the memory of a loved one who has died prematurely?

Which organs and tissues can be donated?

Organs that can be donated include the kidneys, heart, lungs, liver, pancreas, stomach and bowel. These organs can be used alone or in combination (heart/

lung, liver/kidney, or pancreas/kidney). Transplantation is performed as quickly as possible after brain death, preferably within eight hours for the liver and pancreas, four hours for the heart, and two hours for the combined heart/lung.

Tissues require less blood supply than organs and are therefore more easily preserved, frozen and stored for future use. Corneas, bone, skin, heart valves and veins are among the tissues that can be stored for months, and even, in some cases, for years.

For more information on organ and tissue donation and how you can donate, visit www.healthcanada.ca/organandtissue on the Internet.

About The Author News Canada provides a wide selection of current, ready-to-use copyright free news stories and ideas for Television, Print, Radio, and the Web. News Canada is a niche service in public relations, offering access to print, radio, television, and now the Internet media, with ready-to-use, editorial “fill” items. Monitoring and analysis are two more of our primary services. The service supplies access to the national media for marketers in the private, the public, and the not-for-profit sectors. Your corporate and product news, consumer tips and information are packaged in a variety of ready-to-use formats and are made available to every Canadian media organization including weekly and daily newspapers, cable and commercial television stations, radio stations, as well as the Web sites Canadians visit most often. Visit News Canada and learn more about the NC services.

When Does The Donation Process Begin? – by: News Canada

(NC)-The surgery can begin after two doctors, not involved in the transplantation procedure, have declared the patient to be brain-dead. If and when the family agrees to donate the organs and tissues of their loved ones, the transplantation team arrives to harvest them.

If I have registered my consent for organ donation, will everything be done to save my life if I’m severely injured?

Absolutely. Organ donation is, first and foremost, about saving lives. Potential organ donors must be declared brain dead by two impartial doctors who work separately from the transplant team. Transplant doctors are not involved with the patient until lifesaving attempts have failed, brain death has been declared, and consent for organ donation has been confirmed.

A person is brain dead when all the functions of the brain stop working. Less than 1% of all deaths in Canada result in the potential for organ donation.

What is the success rate for transplantation of organs?

Success rates for transplants vary depending on the organ, but in general 85-95% of transplants are successful one year after surgery.

For more information on organ and tissue donation and how you can donate, visit www.healthcanada.ca/organandtissue on the Internet.

About The Author News Canada provides a wide selection of current, ready-to-use copyright free news stories and ideas for Television, Print, Radio, and the Web. News Canada is a niche service in public relations, offering access to print, radio, television, and now the Internet media, with ready-to-use, editorial “fill” items. Monitoring and analysis are two more of our primary services. The service supplies access to the national media for marketers in the private, the public, and the not-for-profit sectors. Your corporate and product news, consumer tips and information are packaged in a variety of ready-to-use formats and are made available to every Canadian media organization including weekly and daily newspapers, cable and commercial television stations, radio stations, as well as the Web sites Canadians visit most often. Visit News Canada and learn more about the NC services.

Support For Organ Donation High: Survey – by: News Canada

Family consent key

(NC)-Canadians overwhelmingly support the idea of organ donation. A 2001 survey by the Environics Research Group of more than 1,516 Canadians revealed that 96% of Canadians support the idea of organ and tissue donation. They also have a fairly good knowledge of the official way to express their intention to donate with their provinces and territories.

A total of 46% of Canadians have signed their cards or registered their intentions to be a donor with their province or territory. However, 45% remain uncommitted. Only 9% say they have decided not to donate.

89% of those who have signed up (46%) have also discussed their wishes with their families. The challenge facing Canada is to get the 45% who remain uncommitted to take the decision, sign up and then tell their families. It is a life-saving, life-improving decision… and it could be your last.

For more information on organ and tissue donation and how you can donate, visit www.healthcanada.ca/organandtissue on the Internet.

About The Author News Canada provides a wide selection of current, ready-to-use copyright free news stories and ideas for Television, Print, Radio, and the Web. News Canada is a niche service in public relations, offering access to print, radio, television, and now the Internet media, with ready-to-use, editorial “fill” items. Monitoring and analysis are two more of our primary services. The service supplies access to the national media for marketers in the private, the public, and the not-for-profit sectors. Your corporate and product news, consumer tips and information are packaged in a variety of ready-to-use formats and are made available to every Canadian media organization including weekly and daily newspapers, cable and commercial television stations, radio stations, as well as the Web sites Canadians visit most often. Visit News Canada and learn more about the NC services.

Summer Safety Week-Hiking Hazards: First Aid For Sprains – by: News Canada

(NC)-The great outdoors-a winding trail stretching deep into the forest, offering hikers a glimpse of nature in its prime. The solitude is broken by the call of a distant bird flying high overhead. You turn to look up and are momentarily blinded by the sun. You stumble and catch your foot on a root. Down you tumble with a sharp pain erupting in your ankle.

Joint injuries are a common occurrence for outdoor enthusiasts. Even with precautions, an injury can result in fractures, dislocations or sprains. St. John Ambulance, Canada’s leader in safety-oriented™ first aid training and products, advises that first aid knowledge can reduce suffering and the risk of further injury.

Bones at a joint are held together with tough bands called ligaments. When ligaments stretch and tear, it’s called a sprain. A first-degree sprain is least severe, with the ligament merely stretched. A second-degree sprain involves some tearing of the ligament while a third degree sprain is when the ligament is completely torn.

Most sprains benefit from Rest, Ice, Compression and Elevation-RICE.

Rest: Stop the activity and do not use the injured joint.

Ice: Apply cold to the injured area, but not directly to the skin.

Compression: Use a bandage to compress the injury to limit swelling.

Elevation: Raise the injured joint to relieve pressure and promote blood flow.

Knowing what to do in an emergency can help reduce suffering and prevent further injury. St. John Ambulance has been helping Canadians learn essential lifesaving first aid skills for more than a century. With custom, modular programs and state-of-the-art training techniques, St. John Ambulance is Canada’s leader in training. For more information on courses in your area, contact the branch nearest you or check us out on the web at www.sja.ca.

About The Author News Canada provides a wide selection of current, ready-to-use copyright free news stories and ideas for Television, Print, Radio, and the Web. News Canada is a niche service in public relations, offering access to print, radio, television, and now the Internet media, with ready-to-use, editorial “fill” items. Monitoring and analysis are two more of our primary services. The service supplies access to the national media for marketers in the private, the public, and the not-for-profit sectors. Your corporate and product news, consumer tips and information are packaged in a variety of ready-to-use formats and are made available to every Canadian media organization including weekly and daily newspapers, cable and commercial television stations, radio stations, as well as the Web sites Canadians visit most often. Visit News Canada and learn more about the NC services.

Safe Boating Week – Boater Checklist: Don’t Leave Shore Without It – by: News Canada

(NC)-Fresh breezes, sunshine and sparkling water – an ideal combination for summer pleasure boating. Don’t let disaster darken your outing.

Canada’s leading provider of first aid training and safety products, St. John Ambulance, says take precautions to avoid tragedy. Keep this boater checklist handy and refer to it before you leave shore every time.

1. Does your boat meet all safety regulations?

2. Is your boat seaworthy and capable of handling the prevailing water conditions?

3. Do you have an approved lifejacket for every member of your party?

4. Do you have safety flares and a waterproof lighter?

5. Do you have two buoyant towlines?

6. Do you have an anchor?

7. Do you have a sound-emitting device, such as a horn or whistle?

8. Do you have paddles or oars?

9. Do you have tools to perform minor mechanical repairs?

10. Do you have a first aid kit?

11. Do you have a fire extinguisher?

12. Do you have sufficient fuel?

13. Have you checked for fuel system leaks or fumes?

14. Do you have water and nourishment?

15. Do you have protection from the elements – sun, wind or rain?

Boating is nothing to fool with

Many people think operating a boat requires merely knowing how to run the motor and steer. That’s far from the case. Should your boat capsize or if you fall overboard, don’t panic. Never attempt to swim to shore unless you are positive you can easily make it.

Hang on to the boat and wait for help. If you are in the water for an extended period, be wary of the signs of hypothermia, which can be present even in warm water conditions. As the body cools it becomes susceptible to shivering, slurred speech, and drowsiness – all warning signs of hypothermia. The condition is severe when shivering stops. Unconsciousness and stopped breathing could follow. This is a dangerous, life-threatening condition that requires immediate first aid.

Here’s what to do when a hypothermic casualty is in the water:

• Tell the casualty not to take off any clothing – clothing helps keep heat in.

• Tell the casualty to move as little as possible – movement causes more heat loss.

• When removing the casualty from the water, keep them horizontal and handle them gently as rough movement could upset heart rhythm.

St. John has training programs and first aid products to give you what you need. Contact the St. John Ambulance branch nearest you or visit our website at www.sja.ca.

About The Author News Canada provides a wide selection of current, ready-to-use copyright free news stories and ideas for Television, Print, Radio, and the Web. News Canada is a niche service in public relations, offering access to print, radio, television, and now the Internet media, with ready-to-use, editorial “fill” items. Monitoring and analysis are two more of our primary services. The service supplies access to the national media for marketers in the private, the public, and the not-for-profit sectors. Your corporate and product news, consumer tips and information are packaged in a variety of ready-to-use formats and are made available to every Canadian media organization including weekly and daily newspapers, cable and commercial television stations, radio stations, as well as the Web sites Canadians visit most often. Visit News Canada and learn more about the NC services.

Safe Boating Week-Don’t Get ‘Hooked’ On Fishing – by: News Canada

(NC)-There’s nothing like a fresh catch of fish to spice up a summer outdoor adventure. As with most outdoor activities, fishing can pose a threat to health and safety. Take care that you don’t get hooked on more than just the sport.

St. John Ambulance, Canada’s leader in safety-oriented™ first aid training and products, suggests you keep this information handy for every fishing trip.

First Aid for embedded fish hook

1. Wash your hands to reduce risk of infection.

2. Expose the injured area and inspect the wound, without touching it.

3. Gently place clean dressings around the object.

4. Place bulky dressings around the object to keep it from moving. This will apply pressure to the wound but not the object.

5. Secure the bulky dressings in place with a narrow bandage; taking extra care to ensure that pressure is not exerted on the embedded object.

6. Elevate the injured part, if injuries permit. Check circulation below the injury before and after bandaging. You may have to loosen the bandage slightly to restore circulation.

7. Get medical help to remove the object. Do not attempt this yourself as you may cause further damage.

Knowing what to do in an emergency is your best defence. St. John Ambulance is the name you can trust for quality first aid training and products. For more information, contact the St. John Ambulance branch nearest you or check us out on the Internet at www.sja.ca.

About The Author News Canada provides a wide selection of current, ready-to-use copyright free news stories and ideas for Television, Print, Radio, and the Web. News Canada is a niche service in public relations, offering access to print, radio, television, and now the Internet media, with ready-to-use, editorial “fill” items. Monitoring and analysis are two more of our primary services. The service supplies access to the national media for marketers in the private, the public, and the not-for-profit sectors. Your corporate and product news, consumer tips and information are packaged in a variety of ready-to-use formats and are made available to every Canadian media organization including weekly and daily newspapers, cable and commercial television stations, radio stations, as well as the Web sites Canadians visit most often. Visit News Canada and learn more about the NC services.