CrossFit, a workout and training program designed by Greg Glassman in 2001, is rapidly becoming the new way to get moving and into shape. Unlike fad diets, slim-quick schemes, and dusty gym memberships, CrossFit is a trainer-led program that focuses on strength, cardiovascular conditioning, and “…simply to ensure the broadest and most general fitness possible” as stated by Glassman in The CrossFit Journal Classics.

The program is so general that military training and police academies use it, yet the average man or woman is still able to pick up the routines.

CrossFit is a brand name, and the program works out of 5,500 affiliated gyms and through over 35,000 certified CrossFit trainers, according to the official website.

So how and why does CrossFit work? The first thing those looking into it should know is, that the method is intense. Each day the official website puts up a Workout of the Day, or WOD, and an explanation. Though it is possible to do at home, CrossFit trainers at affiliated gyms run most CrossFit programs, which means no more incorrect or ineffective workouts stemming from lack of know-how. The trainer leads and everyone does the same workout all together, like a group class, just at different speeds or with augmented actions to compensate for individual levels of fitness. The idea is to push your workout and yourself to do more than you could before.

The exercises, which require short periods of speed, lifting, gymnastics, and endurance, are designed to build power and energy seemingly through exhausting them. Workouts are in circuit form, one following immediately after the other, so calories are burned quickly. Unlike cardio-focused workouts, muscle is also built, but without the single-minded bulk of pure weight training. Workouts change daily, and are never quite the same twice consecutively, resulting in a continued interest to members. No muscle group is overlooked, no jump or kick left out, and every moment is a challenge for both the body and the mind.

One of the main differences between traditional gym time and CrossFit, is the community that has developed internationally and within individual gyms. Followers of the program actively aid one another through encouragement, offering support both on the mats and online through the company’s website. Sometimes, this atmosphere of encouragement and the never-quit mentality found in the program, can be more than a little intimidating to new-comers; but the program stresses that everyone can do the exercises with a little bit of prep work. After signing up with an affiliate, there is a one-month initiation course which serves to bring everyone to the necessary baseline fitness needed to successfully complete the circuits without serious risk of injury. This is a smart way to ease the body into the intensity and teach participants important workout basics they would not be taught in the traditional gym setting. Once complete, people join the general class and set the work building their bodies and some new friendships.

As with all workout programs, there are risks along with the rewards. Instead of the normal risk of losing interest or not seeing results due to lack of trying, CrossFit has the odd problem of people pushing themselves too much. Exhaustion and dehydration are the top problems seen in workouts, which by medical standards are easily preventable through drinking plenty of water and by not letting the ‘never-quit’ mantra be taken too literally.

CrossFit affiliates and locations can be found here, on the search page.

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Hollywood, U.S.A. — Medbox, commented on the fact that Canada’s conservative government will soon stop producing and distributing medical marijuana, leaving it up to the private sector to find ways to distribute the drug in a controlled manner.

Canada’s Health Minister Leona Aglukkaq made the announcement on Sunday, claiming current regulations “have left the system open to abuse.”

Aglukkaq said Canada would no longer produce and distribute marijuana for medical purposes. Instead, companies will be licensed to grow and sell the product at market rates. Thus, Patients with a prescription from a doctor starting in March 2013 will be allowed to purchase a variety of strains of marijuana from licensed producers, who will set prices. Also individuals will no longer be permitted to grow marijuana in their homes for their own personal use, said Aglukkaq.

As a result of the forgoing news, Medbox will be stepping up its efforts in Canada and will be opening up an office in Vancouver British Columbia to assist the private sector in: Non-profit entity formation, assistance in zoning approvals and locating spaces for retail and cultivation, and technology sales to assist with inventory control and overall management of dispensing locations.  The new office will supplement the company’s existing presence in Toronto.

“We are witnessing governments around the world that see the medical benefits of cannabis and are seeking ways to regulate production and distribution of the drug,” said Vincent Mehdizadeh, Founder of Medicine Dispensing Systems, a Subsidiary of Medbox, Inc. “The company stands ready, willing, and able to assist the private sector in all aspects of responsible medicine dispensing that it also legally beyond reproach.”

In other news, the company signed a distribution agreement with MedTrend to place a minimum of 15 Medbox systems in the State of Michigan over the course of the next 36 months. The deal, signed last Friday, allows for Medbox to place these systems with the help of MedTrend and guarantees a $500,000 contract fee to be paid to Medbox by Medtrend that is earned upon execution of the agreement. This fee is a guaranteed minimum and is over and above any additional machine placements, consulting, and maintenance fees Medbox will generate from both initial and future placements in the state of Michigan. MedTrend has company affiliates with ties to over 40 tobacco retail locations within the state, so according to Medbox the deal was easy to digest by all parties.

“We are pleased to have established this distribution relationship in Michigan as it allows the company to grow at a faster rate and with a partner that has roots in the traditional retail industry in the state,” stated Dr. Bruce Bedrick, CEO of Medbox.

Image Courtesy : ChameleonsEye / Shutterstock.com

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‘Tis the season for the “inevitable” weight gain for some partygoers. But for others, their focus can shift from the season’s greeting of weight gain that many holiday shindigs provide, to being mindful of their intake wherever they are throughout the season.

Bethany Thayer, a registered dietitian and spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, said the theme for the season is mindfulness and focus on the reason for holiday parties: socializing. Thayer suggests some easy tips that won’t make you a holiday party outcast.

1. Be mindful

During the holiday, there are so many choices and situations that you’re not usually thrown into; it’s important to keep in mind what you eat and the amount of intake. “Mindfulness is important no matter what season you’re in,” Thayer says.

2. Don’t go hungry

Not going to a party hungry may seem counterintuitive. Thayer suggests having a snack with protein before you attend, and that will save you from calories and over-eating. “When you go hungry, your defenses will be down,” Thayer says.

3. Have a plan

Having a plan is important for whatever you choose to eat. Thayer also reminds partygoers that exercise is a component for weight loss, not just watching what you eat. “When it’s time to eat, peruse what’s available and make selections in your head,” Thayer says. Think about what foods you don’t want to miss out on.

4. Don’t lose focus

Thayer suggests to make choices wisely and don’t feel deprived. “Just because something is there,” she says, “you don’t have to eat it.”

Thayer advises doing the socializing part versus the food part. “You’re at a party to socialize, and don’t lose that aspect,” says Thayer. “At any party, don’t make food a focus,” she says. “Keep your back to the table and socialize.”

5. Portion size is essential

Getting one of each food item is the key to portion control. Thayer suggests that if you try many of the food items; get something that you can share with others. Thayer reminds us that you don’t have to eat everything you put on your plate.

6. Don’t be an outcast

No one likes the third degree and some people have a tendency to point out if your eating habits have changed. Stick to your guns and “if you’re on a diet, go for the smaller plate and then fill that,” she says. “Fill your plate with fruits and veggies and low calorie foods, while getting a few treats.” And again, don’t deprive yourself. Thayer suggests that if you carry your plate around and don’t wolf it down, you’ll be able to enjoy your food without questions.

7. Just say “No”

Having alcohol available at parties pressures some to drink (a lot of calories.) “You don’t have to partake,” Thayer informs. “Your defenses go down with two drinks and you’ll tend to over-eat.”

A healthy, social alternative is to have wine spritzer. Having spritzer with fruit looks a lot like wine without the calories, and you’ll have something in hand throughout the duration of the party.

8. Substitute ingredients

“Play around with recipes and use low calorie, low fat alternatives and still enjoy the meal,” Thayer said. A few of Thayer’s substitutions include using fat free milk, fat free evaporated milk, and skim milk instead of dairy. Also, cut back on sugar.  Thayer suggests asking yourself if you need as much as the recipe calls for. “The sugar substitute depends on the recipe,” she said.

For traditional holiday meals stuffing is common. Use whole grain bread instead of white bread. Cut back on butter and oil. Cheese is a higher fat ingredient. Once more, decide how much fat you can cut back on and still enjoy the product.

9. Have an eating strategy

Again, come with a plan. Thayer says if you’re at the mall and you know the smell of cinnamon will grab you, come with a plan, and be aware. While shopping, if you always get a certain unhealthy snack while passing by a certain store, then change your routine. Or even “have your hands full of packages” so you can’t pick up anything else.

10. Take Control

Thayer assures us that weight gain is not inevitable. You must be mindful through the season and take control of your eating habits. Thayer stresses to remember that it’s holiday, singular! There’s Thanksgiving day, Christmas day, and then Hanukkah, which is eight days. Thayer suggests enjoying the day, and then picking up your normal routine. “If you have the mindset of the season you’re celebrating instead of the day, then you will gain weight.”

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Chicago, U.S.A. — Despite their wide use and popularity, contact lenses are not the safest way to correct your vision. Contact lenses come with many inherent risks that patients should be well aware of, especially if you rely on contacts on a daily basis. Many of these risks can be lessened through correct wear and careful hygiene. Still, it is often difficult to identify problems with your contacts without the help of an experienced ophthalmologist.

According to the FDA, contact lenses can potentially cause both eye irritation and eye infection. Both of these conditions can develop quickly, and in some cases, even lead to blindness. Some of the most common symptoms of contact lens problems include:

• Excess tearing
• Abnormal discharge
• Itching, burning, or “gritty” feeling in your eyes
• Blurry vision
• Mucous in the eyes
• Pain
• Increased light sensitivity
• Redness in the eyes

If you experience any of the symptoms listed above, you should remove your contact lenses and contact your ophthalmologist as soon as possible. Do not throw away your contact lenses; bring them to your eye doctor. He may want to examine them to determine the cause of your condition. If you wear contact lenses, make sure they are thoroughly cleaned according to the instructions every day, and be sure to see your eye doctor regularly to check for problems.

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Philadelphia, U.S.A. — One of the most commonly overlooked causes for a wide range of oral and systemic health issues is temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD.) Detecting and treating this disorder is the primary focus of neuromuscular dentistry.

TMD may be asymptomatic, but can often be identified through symptoms such as limited jaw mobility, clicking or popping in the jaw, and pain and swelling around the jaw joint. However, TMD also has a number of other, less obvious symptoms.

Symptoms of TMD that may seem unrelated include:

• Chronic headaches
• Ear aches without infection
• Ear ringing or stuffiness
• Pain behind the eyes
• Neck and backaches
• Postural problems
• Digestive difficulties

If you suffer from any of these problems and have not been able to get relief from a doctor or physician, you may be one of the millions of Americans suffering from TMD. Only a neuromuscular dentist can evaluate the alignment of your jaw and help you determine if treating TMD could provide you relief and restore comfort well into the future.

Neuromuscular Dentistry Solutions

When you see a physician for the above listed problems, you may very well end up with prescription medications. Not only are these ultimately dangerous, they fail to address the underlying problem and cannot actually treat your disorder.

By contrast, a neuromuscular dentist can address the root cause of your discomfort and, with state-of-the-art technology and treatments, provide you with an actual solution that gives long-term results.

Many dentists offer comprehensive dental services including general, cosmetic, and neuromuscular. Look for a dentist who offers all of these things to help ensure any problems with the appearance or function of your teeth and bite can be detected early and treated before serious problems arise.

For more information on comprehensive dental services, please visit www.lindseymarshall.com.

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Philadelphia, U.S.A. — A new article released by U.S. News and World Report explains that parents play a major influence when it comes to how their children view dental professionals. In fact, a study conducted by Spanish researchers suggests that the higher the fear of the dentist in one family member, the greater the fear in the rest of the members of that family. For this reason, Sean Hebdon, a dental professional who practices in Chicago, Illinois, urges parents to promote positive feelings about trips to the dentist’s office.

The study looked at 183 children ranging in ages from 7 to 12. The families of the children were also examined. Researchers from the Rey Juan Carlos University of Madrid determined that a father’s feelings about a trip to the dentist ended up having a major impact on whether a mother’s fear of the dentist would be passed on to the children.

America Lara-Sacido, a co-author of the study, said the following in a news release from the Spanish Foundation for Science and Technology, “Although the results should be interpreted with due caution, children seem to mainly pay attention to the emotional reactions of the fathers when deciding if situations at the dentist are potentially stressful.”

The results indicate that there is a strong need to involve parents, particularly fathers, in the effort to keep kids from fearing the dentist. This is an important part of helping kids learn the importance of the dentist from a young age, thus setting them up for strong oral hygiene habits as adults. To do this, fathers should make regular trips to their dental practitioners, and must approach these visits without signs of fear or anxiety.

Dental professional Sean Hebdon agrees with these findings saying, “As a dentist, I see a lot of people who are afraid to come to my office. However, I always find it particularly intriguing when children express an extreme fear. If a boy or girl has only had a few trips to the dentist and is seeing a qualified and gentle professional, this type of fear leads me to believe that a parent or sibling is influencing the child’s nerves. For this reason, it’s extremely important that trips to the dentist are not viewed as negative or scary in the home.”

Hebdon continues, “Parents must speak in positive tones about these trips and explain to their son or daughter why they’re important. Kids look to Moms and Dads for indicators about how they should feel, so positivity is important in order to help children learn to appreciate the dentist. You want them to strive to have good oral hygiene for the rest of their lives.”

Study co-author America Lara-Sacido went on to explain that relaxed parents help to ensure that the child is relaxed too.

Sean Hebdon agrees with this assessment, adding, “Based on my experience, a parent who comes in laughing and smiling is more likely to get their kid feeling the same way about the trip. On the other hand, a parent who appears nervous or uncertain is likely to have a child mimicking this behavior. We forget just how influential we are over our children.”

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Montreal, Canada — ADHD Sleeping Problems are much more common than people realize. For example, did you know that More than 50% of adults with ADHD have on-going sleep problems, and 27% have chronic insomnia? Yet despite this being such a huge problem, there aren’t many websites dedicated to this subject.

“Having adult ADHD insomnia is doubly annoying because lack of sleep mimics ADHD symptoms such as difficulty concentrating, poor memory, distraction and disorganization.”

“It’s such a shame that so many adults with ADHD suffer like this because there are ways to get a good night’s sleep and feel refreshed when you wake up, even if your sleeping problems date back to childhood’ says Jacqueline Sinfield, the ADHD coach for adults.

“If you want to change your sleep patterns from say 4am to noon to one that fits in with the rest of the world, there are strategies to quieten your mind so you can fall asleep, stop waking up in the night, or even how to get up when your alarm rings. There are answers to all these common problems,” says Sinfield.

With the launch of the new website, articles with information, resources and easy to implement tips are being added all the time to help reduce the stress, discomfort and sadness that sleeping problems in ADHD adults can cause.

ADHD Sleeping Problems is currently adding more information to their website in celebration of its launch. Topics covered include clocks, caffeine, medication, falling asleep, waking up, Teeth Grinding, two types of Sleep Apnea, Restless Leg Syndrome and others.

As well as being a registered nurse, Jacqueline is a qualified counselor, has a degree in psychology (Hons) from London, England and is a graduate of Coach University. Her expertise has been featured in the media, including CJAD radio and the Montreal Gazette. Her first ADHD book, “Untapped Brilliance: How to Reach your Full Potential as an Adult with ADHD“, has been endorsed by Dr. Hallowell and Dr. Gabor Mate. She also has her own radio show which airs every Monday.

She has helped hundreds of adults with ADHD all around the world and lives in Montreal, Cananda.

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San Francisco, U.S.A. — Music has been incorporated into medical practice since before the ancient Greeks. However, though practitioners have been convinced of music’s health benefits for thousands of years, there had been little peer-reviewed research to back them up. But recent studies are providing an empirical backbone for the anecdotal evidence. A 2012 scientific review, published in the journal Nutrition, collects information from a number of studies to support music’s influence on the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, the sympathetic nervous system (SNS) and the immune system. These results support the experiences of complementary practitioners, who have long used music to help heal.

“As an integrative physician and traditional Chinese medicine practitioner, the healing power of music has always been an important part of my practice and family life,” says integrative medicine pioneer Isaac Eliaz, M.D. “Harmony and tempo help synchronize the rhythms of the natural world with the music of the heart – each person’s individual energetic pattern, expressed in their pulse.”

Proven Medicine
The review highlighted a number of studies that confirm music’s healing potential. For example, music reduces levels of serum cortisol in the blood. An important player in the HPA axis, cortisol increases metabolic activity, suppresses the immune system and has been associated with both anxiety and depression. A number of studies have shown that exposing post-operative patients to music dramatically lowers their cortisol levels, enhancing their ability to heal.

Other studies in the review measured music’s impact on congestive heart failure, premature infants, immunity, digestive function and pain perception. In particular, music’s effects on the limbic and hypothalamic systems reduced the incidence of heart failure. Other studies showed that surgical patients required less sedation and post-operative pain medication.

“These results only confirm what I have observed for many years in my practice,” says Dr. Eliaz. “Music produces quantifiable healing. For example, my daughter Amity, a professional musician, regularly plays her songs for chronically ill patients who express how uplifting her music is. These performances do more than encourage good feelings, they help the body heal on a molecular level.”

Amity’s original debut song and music video, “Me and My Guitar,” tells a unique story about the power of music to heal, transform and uplift the spirit. To watch and listen, visit www.AmityVideo.com.

Powerful Impact
Perhaps the most interesting aspect of music’s healing properties is how widespread they are. For example, music also aided recovery time following strenuous exercise. Other studies showed that fast-paced music can increase resting metabolism, which may prove helpful for people trying to lose weight.

“Modern science has just begun to scratch the surface of music and sound in terms of healing potential,” says Dr. Eliaz. “However, traditional medical systems from around the world have long revered the beneficial vibrations of music, harmony and rhythm for health and vitality. The effects are instant and tangible, but they are also powerful and long lasting.”

To hear Amity’s uplifting song and watch her music video, visit www.AmityVideo.com. The story she tells is a heart-felt tribute to the healing and transformative power of music to help access your true spirit.

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Jacksonville, U.S.A. — Electronic cigarette website ECigarette Hub is giving away free smokeless cigarette trial kits. It’s a one-stop shop to buy electronic cigarettes, read the best electronic cigarette reviews and quit smoking tobacco.

Electronic cigarette user Jenny Jenkins says: “I started smoking the ecigarette after I found myself having extreme difficulty trying to keep from picking up a pack of cigs. Well, thanks to the electric cigarette, I have not touched a real cigarette for a long time and I feel great. I dropped about 27 lbs, breathe better and my ecig water vapor does not offend anyone around me when I ‘smoke’.”

Like Jenny, millions of people are still trying to find an effective way to quit smoking for good. Amongst other alternatives to cigarette smoking are nicotine patches, gums, even hypnosis and medication. But none of them have been as successful as smokeless cigarettes, which have been around only for a few several years, and already, the success stories are pouring in heavily.

An ecigarette, also known as water vapor cigarette is an electrical inhaler that vaporises a propylene glycol – or glycerine – or polyethylene glycol-based liquid solution containing some amount of nicotine, which is inhaled by the user, simulating the act of tobacco smoking.

An electronic cigarette study conducted by the Boston University School of Public Health, spearheaded by Professor Michael Seigl found that 31% of smokers quit tobacco absolutely within the 6-month period of the test. Meanwhile, 49% claimed they had quit, but with no specific amount of time.

So regardless, whether one wants to buy electronic cigarette or read the best electronic cigarette reviews, they can always go to the ecig hub. Even if the person doesn’t want to quit smoking and is looking for a safer alternative, one should give ecigarettes a try, which are known by various names: smokeless cigarettes, electric cigarette, ecigarette or water vapor cigarettes.

Go to http://electroniccigarettehub.org for more information.

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Washington, U.S.A. — A new report released by Safe Kids Worldwide and SANUS on December 13 revealed that every three weeks, a child dies from a television tipping over and nearly 13,000 more children are injured each year in the U.S. This represents a 31 percent increase in TV tip-over-related injuries over the last ten years.

The study, A Report to the Nation on Home Safety: The Dangers of TV Tip-Overs, includes data from the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and new findings from Safe Kids Worldwide primary research. According to the CPSC, from 2000-2010, on average, a child dies every three weeks.

The report shows that young children are at greatest risk of TV tip-overs. According to the research, 7 out of 10 children injured by TV tip-overs are 5 years old or younger. This age group also accounts for 9 out of 10 serious injuries requiring hospitalization, including head injuries, which are among the most severe.

“Every 45 minutes, or less than the length of a Sesame Street episode, a child visits the ER because of a TV tipping over,” said Kate Carr, President and CEO of Safe Kids Worldwide. “Dramas and tragedies should be on TV, not caused by them.”

Many TV tip-overs are a result of unsteady TVs that are not secured to the wall. Flat screen TVs that are top-heavy with narrow bases can be easily pulled off an entertainment center or table. Large and heavy old-style cathode ray tube (CRT) TVs placed on dressers or high furniture can also tip over if children climb the drawers to reach a remote control, a piece of candy, a video game or anything else that attracts their attention.

The report also revealed that three out of four parents don’t secure their TV to the wall. Most families are unaware that securing a TV is an important safety measure. Others decide not to mount their TVs because of concerns about damaging the wall or installing the TV incorrectly.

“You wouldn’t think to bring a baby home from the hospital without a car seat or have your child ride a bike without a helmet,” said Carr. “Mounting your TV will protect your TV, and most important, your child.”

Safe Kids Worldwide is launching a national effort to prevent injuries from TV and furniture tip-overs and educate communities by calling on families to conduct a quick TV safety check, which includes the following steps:

• Check Your TV: Assess the stability of the TVs in your home. Remember, a curious, determined child can topple a TV. Children playing with friends or pets could knock a TV over, while other kids might be tempted to climb up to reach items placed on or near a TV, such as remote controls or candy.

• Secure Your TV: Securing your TV to the wall is a safe solution. Much like child proofing with a toddler gate or electrical socket cover, TV mounts and furniture straps are necessary precautions for keeping your family safe.

Go to www.safekids.org to learn more.

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Hillsborough, U.S.A. — This month, AdamAndEve.com, America’s most trusted source for adult products, is back with its “Great American Survey,” and one of the most risque topics yet. Over 1,000 American adults were asked if they’ve had sex with more than one person in 24 hours, and one-third admitted they had!

Thirty-three percent of the respondents said they had multiple partners within a 24-hour period. Of these, 81% were men. Just over 66% of the respondents said they had never had sex with more than one person in a 24-hour window.

While the number for multiple partners within a day may appear high, Dr. Kat Van Kirk, resident sexpert for AdamAndEve.com, finds these results on par with previous statistics regarding cheating and one-night stands. “Our studies put the numbers for cheating at around 28%,” said Dr. Kat. “Based on that figure, and possible multiple partner situations, I’d say that 33% is accurate.”

“We encourage safety in any sexual scenario,” says AdamAndEve.com Director of Marketing Chad Davis. “However, in situations involving multiple partners or high risk behavior, safety is mandatory.”

The web-based survey, conducted by an independent third party survey company, of over 1,000 American adults age 18 and up, was sponsored by Adam & Eve to study sexual preferences and practices. “Sex Chat with Dr. Kat” and “Daily Sex Tips from Hawaii” can be found on podcasts through iTunes or www.drkat.com.

For more information about Adam & Eve, visit their website at http://www.adamandeve.com/news

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Washington, U.S.A. — In 1995, R.J. Reynolds targeted gays in a marketing campaign titled Project SCUM. Today, an edgy Delicious Lesbian Kisses (DLK) campaign draws attention to smoking among lesbians; The Network for LGBT Health Equity helps bridge the gap between Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) organizations and tobacco control funding; and the CRUSH campaign uses ‘cuties’ to spread the message that being tobacco free is sexy.

Grassroots efforts across the country have worked hard to combat pervasive tobacco use within the LGBT community and a new report released by Legacy focuses on those efforts. The report, titled Tobacco Control in LGBT Communities, explores the reasons behind continued disparities in tobacco use among LGBT people versus the general population, explains Legacy’s role in addressing needs to support this priority population, and offers case studies of successful interventions.

“It’s very likely that smoking is the single greatest health issue stealing years off the lives of LGBT people. Why do LGBT people smoke so much? We’ve been targeted by the tobacco industry, we’re extremely vulnerable for social acceptance as we come out, and the pressures of stigma can nudge anyone towards unhealthy behaviors,” said Scout, Ph.D., Director of the Network for LGBT Health Equity. “More LGBT civil rights leaders’ voices have been silenced by tobacco disparities than any other single thing. For me, tobacco is one of the biggest social justice issues.”

While nationally representative data is limited due to the diversity of the LGBT group, an article just released in the American Journal of Public Health analyzed nationally representative survey results and found that LGBT people smoke cigarettes at rates that are nearly 70 percent higher than the general population. It is estimated that LGBT adults are 1.5 to 2.5 times more likely to smoke than heterosexual adults. In the 1990s, the LGBT community gained more visibility which led the tobacco industry to push for heavier marketing campaigns toward gay and lesbian communities, especially among youth.

In 2000, Legacy hosted a forum in Atlanta to help guide a Legacy program designed to address the disparities in LGBT tobacco control. Some of the primary issues included:

• A lack of tobacco-related research or services specifically for LGBT populations
• A lack of LGBT community representation in mainstream tobacco control efforts
• Targeted marketing of LGBT communities by tobacco companies
• Reliance on tobacco company funding by LGBT organizations
• A lack of knowledge among community members in recognizing the public health threat that tobacco poses
• A lack of infrastructure and capacity among LGBT groups to address tobacco use
• A lack of an LGBT-organized network or structure to create coordinated and comprehensive tobacco control efforts

“For more than a decade, Legacy has worked hard with grassroots groups across the country to help combat the direct targeting that the industry has had on this community in an effort to reduce tobacco use and encourage cessation. Through funding and research, it has been our charge to help the LGBT community fight back and educate others on the dangers of tobacco use and nicotine addiction,” saidCheryl Healton, President and CEO of Legacy.

Individual projects at the grassroots level have succeeded in shifting norms within the LGBT community. Some of these projects are detailed as case studies in the report.

• Leave No Funds Behind: Bridging the Gap Between LGBT Organizations and Tobacco Control Funding: The Network for LGBT Health Equity (The Network) worked with Legacy to create a project called “Leave No Funds Behind,” to create a national database and toolkits and provide technical assistance and training in order to establish a bridge between LGBT organizations and tobacco control funders.
• CRUSH: The LGBT Lifestyle Project: CRUSH was an experiential marketing campaign by the Southern Nevada Health District Tobacco Control Program designed to address tobacco disparities among LGBT populations in Las Vegas, Nevada.
• Delicious Lesbian Kisses: A Social Marketing Campaign with Staying Power: The National Lesbian Health Organization (Mautner Project) designed the campaign to address tobacco disparities among women over the age of 40 by promoting the idea that nonsmoking women were sexier and more fun to kiss through posters and launch events in five cities across the United States.
• 30 Seconds: Helping Health Care Providers Reach LGBT Tobacco Users: The Gay and Lesbian Medical Association (GLMA) created an online Continuing Medical Education (CME) course for health care providers to teach culturally tailored strategies for conducting Brief Tobacco Interventions with LGBT patients.

Great strides have been made but much remains to be done to bring about social justice on tobacco use for this community. “People in the community want and need help, but it is difficult to provide them with knowledge and training when there is a lack of support for the LGBT population,” said Scout. “With the help of others, people from within and even outside of the community can continue to improve tobacco education among a population that needs and deserves help.”

For more information and to read the report visit: www.LegacyForHealth.org/LGBT.

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Fort Washington, U.S.A. — There are a wide range of estimates pinpointing the amount of weight Americans gain over the holidays, but one thing is for sure – you know it when you feel it. On the heels of the average American consuming more than 4,500 calories on Thanksgiving Day, it’s no wonder that for many “Black Friday” can feel like “Fat Friday.” Whether it’s .2 pounds or two full pounds, gaining weight at the start of the holiday season can set the stage for a fattening few weeks and ultimately lead to permanent weight gain, but the good news is “Black Friday” doesn’t have to be “Fat Friday.”

Nutrisystem, the nation’s leading provider of home delivery weight loss programs, explained why this is a key dieting juncture and issued a series of related tips to help people get back on track. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) also has advice.

According to the Calorie Control Council, the average person will consume more than 2 ¼ times the amount of calories they normally would during Thanksgiving Day’s national food fest. It is not unusual for a holiday dinner alone to tally up to 3,000 calories with the fat equivalent of three sticks of butter.

Registered Dietitian and one of the research heads at Nutrisystem, Meghan Nichols, describes the day after Thanksgiving as a “critical turning point for dieters.” Nichols oversees some of the company’s counseling support available online and by phone. “This is the time a lot of people either ‘go off the wagon’ or make a quick correction and get back on track. It’s a really challenging time for anyone trying to lose weight.”

Nichols offers the following tips for achieving dieting success even if you’ve already stuffed the turkey and yourself.

Tips for Making Sure “Black Friday” Isn’t “Fat Friday”

Own Up to the Number: It can be a rough day to get on the scale, but it’s one of the most objective ways to keep yourself accountable. While a weight gain of a pound or two may seem unimportant, studies have shown that each year, people gain the most weight within the 6-week winter holiday period, and tend to hold on to that weight through the remainder of the year, with the average American adding on an extra 2 pounds every year of their adult life.

Keep Your Eye on the Prize: Just because you may have thrown caution to the wind for a day or two, doesn’t mean you should throw in the towel on your weight loss goals. Visualize success, stick to your game-plan and forge ahead. Remembering that this is a journey, not a race, is key.

Shop Till You Drop: Even if you’re not buying anything, it can be a good day to hit the mall or an outdoor outlet center and window shop while you walk. Increasing physical activity is a great way to prevent weight gain during this high-risk time. Wear comfortable shoes and throw on a pedometer if you’ve got one. Web MD’s Fit-o-Meter can help you calculate how many calories you’ll burn.

Go Low GI: From the office, to the family holiday party, tempting food may be lurking around every corner during this time. Be sure to plan ahead by preparing foods that feature ingredients that are low on the glycemic index (GI), like whole grains, fruits and nuts. Low-glycemic index eating is a proven approach to managing hunger which can help you resist overindulging. The Nutrisystem community is chock full of tips and recipes that can help you say no to that snickerdoodle.

Dont Blame it on the Cost: Needless to say, it can be a costly time of year with out-of-pocket expenses going toward holiday gifts. But Nichols cautions about using “I can’t afford it right now” as an excuse not to sign up for a proven successful weight loss program. Nutrisystem has plans starting as low as $8 a day and most Nutrisystem customers report spending the same or less on food than they did before using Nutrisystem. Plus, starting the New Year with a new wardrobe after weight loss is often a larger (and welcomed) expense.

You Can do it: The Monday after Thanksgiving, which is also known as “Cyber Monday,” is widely recognized as one of the most popular days to start a diet, only second to January 2. A 2011 study conducted by Nutrisystem determined that Nutrisystem customers lose about one pound a week on average during the “holiday season” (defined as Thanksgiving to New Year’s). “These findings suggest that meaningful weight loss is not only possible, but also common, among persons attempting to lose weight during the holiday season,” said Anthony Fabricatore, co-researcher of the study and Senior Director of Research and Development at Nutrisystem.

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In September 2012, Irish medical doctors came together to present cutting-edge research and diverse opinions on maternal healthcare. One of the conclusions from the Dublin Declaration on Maternal Healthcare was this – “As experienced practitioners and researchers in Obstetrics and Gynecology, we affirm that direct abortion is not medically necessary to save the life of a woman.” On October 28, 2012, Savita Halappanavar, an Indian woman living in Galway, Ireland, died of septicemia after having been denied a potentially life-saving abortion for three excruciatingly agonizing days at the University Hospital in Galway.

On October 21, when Savita, who was 17-weeks pregnant, was admitted to the hospital, she was in agony. She had suffered a miscarriage and accepted that she was going to lose her precious baby – a baby that her family back home had yearned for. But fighting through her pain and her grief, Savita requested for an induced abortion, which was refused outright.

“This is a Catholic country. As long as there is a fetal heartbeat, we can’t do anything,” the Irish doctors told her and her husband, Praveen Halappanavar. For three days, Praveen was caught in a desperately futile struggle to convince the doctors to proceed with terminating the pregnancy, as his wife’s health deteriorated with every passing minute. “I am neither Irish nor Catholic,” was Savita’s last plea. The fetus died two days later and a couple of days later, Savita’s heart, liver, and kidneys stopped working. She died because of blood poisoning that may have been reversed had she been allowed to undergo the abortion. Savita’s death sparked global debate over legalizing abortion in Ireland and outrage among thousands of men and women across the world.

Despite a 1992 ruling by the Supreme Court that permitted abortion in the case of a “real and substantive risk” to the mother’s life, Irish governments since then have been reluctant to legalize abortion in a country where 80% of the population is Catholic. Even though the European Court of Human Rights had ruled that the inadequate access to abortions in Ireland – resulting in most Irish women seeking medical termination of their pregnancies, travelling to Britain – for life-threatening pregnancies violated the European Union Law, there is still a lack of legislative detail in Irish law, making abortions a controversial issue. Medical practitioners are unclear on the guidelines and therefore refuse to carry out medical termination.

Carrying out an abortion, however, is not an easy choice even for the mother. Savita Halappanavar wanted to keep her baby but she knew that her body would not permit her to. Savita, like most women, faced the dilemma of her baby’s life and her own conscience. In her case, she had made the right decision by choosing to end her pregnancy.

But Nima Purohit, a lawyer in India, probably still wonders whether she made the right decision. 19-weeks into her pregnancy and Nima’s doctors informed her that her little one had Dandy-Walker Syndrome, a congenital disease that would have serious implications. Since 20-week limit for an abortion was fast approaching, Nima underwent an amniocentesis test, but had her pregnancy terminated. After the abortion, she was still waiting for the amniocentesis test results hoping that she had made the right decision.

Nima made a choice between her child’s quality of life and her own conscience as a mother. One cannot say that she made a wrong decision. Abortions are legal in India, a religious and secular country. Yet, the choice for an abortion is in the hands of a woman. Legalizing abortions can put an end to unsafe abortions but many Indians are still unaware of the risks involved in unsafe abortions. Anti-abortion groups are calling for liberalization of the abortion laws in Ireland. Losing one life, that of the fetus, is better than losing two lives.

The choice of life and conscience may remain a debatable topic; however, religion cannot triumph over a woman’s right to live. Religion will not be able to explain to a child why he lives each day with a genetic abnormality or mental retardation. In some situations, abortions are a desperate need for survival. Law makers and governments have to accept this hard truth. Savita lost out on her abortion rights. She lost a painful battle to religious fanaticism. But, for the other Savitas in the world, radical change and constitutional reform is needed.

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Miami, U.S.A. — NFL Hall of Famer Nick Buoniconti and his son Marc of the The Buoniconti Fund, the fundraising arm of The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis, hosted an inspirational evening with more than 2,000 guests to celebrate Destination Fashion 2012. Held at Miami’s famed Bal Harbour Shops, Saks Fifth Avenue Bal Harbour presented Emilio Pucci’s Spring 2013 Fashion Show Designed by Peter Dundas, which was followed by an interactive destination party experience and private concert by Enrique Iglesias.

Tom Brokaw hosted the evening, which was chaired by Academy Award winner Tommy Lee Jones and International Polo Sensation Ignacio “Nacho” Figueras and raised $31 million for The Miami Project.

The staggering amount raised at the event was the result of some especially magnanimous donors who made announcements that astounded the sold-out crowd. The surprises began when Christine E. Lynn, who was being honored with the Humanitarian Award and is a Buoniconti Fund Board Member and longtime supporter, announced a gift of $25 million that would go to build state-of-the-art spinal cord injury surgical suites, surgical intensive care units and rehabilitation center. The new tower, to be called the Christine E. Lynn Tower for The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis, will house surgical suites, an in-patient rehabilitation hospital and rehabilitation research entities that will enhance the Miami Project’s research efforts toward finding a cure for paralysis.

Buoniconti Fund Board Member Paul DiMare and his wife Swanee, who were also honored during the evening with The Buoniconti Fund Award, and Tim Gannon, Buoniconti Fund Board Member and one of the founders of Outback Steakhouse, each gave an additional$1 million to the cause.

“This collective effort from globally known celebrities and philanthropists is a remarkable testament to their commitment to The Buoniconti Fund’s efforts and the research conducted at The Miami Project,” saidNick Buoniconti, founder of The Buoniconti Fund. “Destination Fashion is an event without compare that helps promote awareness and raises funds for a cause that affects millions of people worldwide and has an economic impact in the billions of dollars. That is why it is imperative that we succeed in our mission of finding a cure for paralysis, and tonight goes a long way to helping us get there.”

The November 10 affair included the presentation of the Inspiration Award to Micky and Madeleine Arison, the Champion for a Cure Award went to Edie Laquer and the Laquer Foundation, the Humanitarian Award to Christine E. Lynn, The Buoniconti Fund Award to Paul and Swanee DiMare , and the Philanthropist Award to Beatrice and Dr. Sanford Ziff.

Following the Emilio Pucci Fashion show and dinner, tribute was paid to The Buoniconti Fund’s notable 2012 Women of Substance and Style, who walked down the runway accompanied by Celebrity Presenters. The evening culminated with guests dancing to the musical stylings of DJ Irie and traveled their way through the shops, which were transformed into “The Destinations” of locations from around the world such as Asia, Africa and the Americas. Bal Harbour Shops donated one-of-a-kind silent auction items including a Harry Winston diamond timepiece valued at more than $34,000, Tiffany & Co. platinum and diamond earrings valued at $11,000 and Warren Henry Auto donated a year lease for the new Range Rover Evoque, to name a few.

Notable celebrities and presenters included: Steve Alaimo, Moises Alou, Stanley Bahnsen, Rick Barry,Bob Beamon, Woody Bennett, Bruce Bowen, Miguel Cabrera, Helio Castronoves, Jeff Conine, Channing Crowder, Christopher Cuomo, Gil de Ferran, Colin Egglesfield, Todd English, Scott Erickson, Mike Eruzione, Emilio Estefan, Gloria Estefan, Rod Gilbert, Tim Hardaway, Randall Hill, Marvin Jones, James Lafferty, Brad Leland, Danell Levya, Rex Linn, Joe Manganiello, Mercury Morris, Alonzo Mourning, Tony Nathan, Wayne Newton, John Offerdahl, Louis Oliver, Tony Perez, Mike Piazza, Errict Rhett, Brett Romberg, Mark Rypien, Matthew Settle, Dwight Stephenson, Tico Torres, Aiden Turner, EJ Viso and Jed Weaver.

Destination Fashion 2012 was presented by Micky and Madeleine Arison. Destination Fashion Champion for a Cure: Edie Laquer and The Laquer Foundation join Event, Continent and Ocean Sponsors including Bal Harbour Shops, Bal Harbour Village, Barton G., Carnival Corporation & plc., Coastal Construction Group, Susan and Mark Dalton, Wayne Gaunce, Kim and James Pallota. Scene Sponsors Anthony R. Abraham Foundation, Bunny Bastian, Trish and Dan Bell, Chanin and Adam Carlin, Roberta and Harvey Chaplin, City National Bank, Swanee and Paul DiMare, The Fairholme Foundation, Mary and Howard Frank, Richard Gray, Gretchen and Jay Jordan, Kandy and Jeffrey Kramer, Krupnick Campbell Malone Buser Slama Hancock et al, Lauren’s Kids, Christine E. Lynn, Robert and Judi Prokop Newman, Victoria Ranger Nunez and Mike Nunez, Simkins Rubell Family, Stamps Family Charitable Foundation, Laura and Irwin Tauber and Beatrice and Dr. Sanford Ziff.

Sponsors including American Airlines, Atlantico Rum, Aventura Worldwide Transportation Service, Chateau Group – Chateau Beach Residences, Comcast, Departures, FranklinDodd Communications, Ocean Drive Magazine, One Bal Harbour Resort and Spa, and Quarzo Bal Harbour Boutique Hotel, Saks Fifth Avenue Bal Harbour, Selecta Magazine, Southern Wine and Spirits, The St. Regis Bal Harbour Resort and Tiffany & Co., Warren Henry Auto Group.

For more information about The Buoniconti Fund, please visit: www.thebuonicontifund.com, Facebook, orTwitter.

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New York, U.S.A. – Elsevier, a provider of scientific, technical and medical information products and services, is pleased to announce the launch of Health Care: The Journal of Delivery Science and Innovation.

“Health Care” provides a vehicle for communicating important advances in the study of cutting edge research on innovation in health care delivery, including improvements in systems, processes, management, payment, and applied information technology. The United States health care system is undergoing unprecedented reform; “Health Care” builds on examples to demonstrate how change happens in real-world settings, disseminating important ideas that inform and improve clinical practice by publishing innovative, high-quality research, reviews and opinions.

The leadership of the journal comes under three Senior co-Editors-in-Chief, all renowned experts on health care transformation: Arnold Milstein, Professor of Medicine at Stanford and Medical Director of the Pacific Business Group on Health; Richard Shannon, the Frank Wister Professor of Medicine and Chair of the Department of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania; and Ashish Jha, C. Boden Gray Associate Professor of Medicine at the Harvard School of Public Health.

“This is a critical time for the U.S. health care system,” said Dr. Jha. “The need for thoughtful, high-quality empirical work to guide us has never been greater. “Health Care” will combine data-driven evaluations of current efforts with insightful commentary from the most innovative thinkers in the U.S.  We aim to make it an important force for fresh ideas on how to improve the healthcare delivery system.”

Founders of the journal and co-Editors-in-Chief are Amol Navathe, MD, PhD, a physician at the Brigham and Women’s Hospital who holds appointments at Harvard Medical School and The Wharton School of theUniversity of Pennsylvania, and Sachin H. Jain, MD, MBA, a physician at the Boston Veteran’s Administration Medical Center, Lecturer in Health Care Policy at Harvard Medical School, and Chief Medical Information and Innovation Officer at Merck.

Christine Cassel, the President of the American Board of Internal Medicine and a member of the journal’s editorial board, stated, “Health care delivery systems are advancing at an incredible pace. Physicians and other members of the health care team need help in translating these changes in health care delivery into broader practice. This new launch will provide the community with a high-quality journal in which to publish these advances and drive change.”

“Elsevier is pleased to work with the distinguished leadership of this journal to publish scholarly communication at the nexus of healthcare and technology,” said Ann Gabriel, Publishing Director at Elsevier. “The launch of this journal is very timely given the rapidly evolving landscape of health care delivery in the U.S.”

For more information or to submit an article, go to Health Care: The Journal of Delivery Science and Innovation.

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Chapel Hill, U.S.A. — According to recent research, more than 50% of leading pharma companies expect social networking, online video, and other types of Digital Marketing to grow in use as critical tools for communicating disease state and product information.

New pharmaceutical products – particularly those that are first-in-class – require not only external disease state communication but also internal communication to win support in the marketplace.

Now, a critical Best Practices, LLC benchmarking report, “Raising Disease State Awareness: Best Practices in Internal Brand Messaging for New Products,” examines how companies communicate at the brand and disease state levels in order to educate employees internally and create a consistent, credible external message surrounding new products.

The study spells out 10 key best practices culled from in-depth interviews with benchmark participants, who were involved in pre-launch, internal communication for Viagra, Gardasil, Prozac and many other successful brands.

Comprising in-depth surveys and interviews with 32 top biopharma companies, this report enables marketing and brand team leaders to implement the type of well-timed and well-targeted internal communications strategies essential for cementing both the medical and commercial framework for a new product’s market entry and supporting its overall success as a brand.

Key topic areas analyzed in this study include:

• Effective communication channels & use of new communication technologies
• Timing of communication activities by product development phase
• Advantages & disadvantages of employee message segmentation
• Tracking internal message effectiveness
• Preventing sensitive-information leaks
• Using KOLs to influence employees
• Needs creation marketing tactics

For a free summary of this 67-page report, visit http://www.best-in-class.com/rr1183.htm.

Image Courtesy : Novartis AG / Foter / CC BY-NC-ND

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Dr. Mary Newport may have found a cure for Alzheimer’s disease with coconut oil. Dr. Newport has published the book “Alzheimer’s Disease: What If There Was a Cure?” (2011) and travels around the US preaching the benefits of coconut oil. Dr. Newport has also been interviewed by several notable programs about this “cure.” Using coconut oil as a potential cure for Alzheimer’s has been making news within the last few years by several notable doctors other than Dr. Newport; since it is still a relatively new development, there is no entire consensus among the medical field about the possible benefits or the possible health risks.

Dr. Bruce Fife, also known as the “Coconut Doctor,” presented his evidence in his book, “Stop Alzheimer’s Now.” Fife believes that coconut oil is the cure for Alzheimer’s and has even established a nonprofit organization called the Coconut Research Center in order to educate the public about the miracles of the coconut. He has documented his researches in two books, “Coconut Cures” (2005) and “Coconut Water.”

Dr. Mercola, a highly respected osteopathic physician and New York Times bestselling author, discussed Dr. Newport’s findings and presents his own explanations and reasoning why coconut oil may truly work towards curing Alzheimer’s. In his article, Dr. Mercola stated, “Dr. Mary Newport discusses ketone bodies, an alternative fuel for your brain which your body makes when digesting coconut oil, and how coconut oil may offer profound benefits in the fight against Alzheimer’s disease.” This could be life-changing because if coconut oil is truly the cure for Alzheimer’s disease, this will be one of the most impressive natural health finds in years. Dr. Newport backs up her claim that coconut oil is the key because of the remarkable recovery of her own husband.

The main reasoning why coconut oil could cure the disease is because there are several substances that can prevent brain atrophy, which is the main reason Alzheimer’s progresses. However, there is one substance is different from others because “it may even restore and renew neuron and nerve function in your brain after damage has set in. The substance in question is called ketone bodies, or ketoacids. Ketones are what your body produces when it converts fat (as opposed to glucose) into energy. And a primary source of ketone bodies are the medium chain triglycerides (MCT) found in coconut oil!” The reason coconut oil may work is because it “contains about 66 percent MCTs.”

Not only will ketone bodies help Alzheimer’s disease, but it “may also extend to a number of other health conditions”, according to Dr. Newport:

“Further, this is a potential treatment for Parkinson’s disease, Huntington’s disease, multiple sclerosis and amyotrophic lateral sclero­sis (ALS or Lou Gehrig’s disease), drug resistant epilepsy, brittle type I diabetes, and diabetes type II, where there is insulin resistance. Ketone bodies may help the brain recover after a loss of oxygen in newborns through adults, may help the heart re­cover after an acute attack, and may shrink cancer­ous tumors.”

The proper amount of coconut oil to take is very scientific. According to Dr. Newport’s calculations, just over two tablespoons of coconut oil (about 35 ml or 7 level teaspoons) would supply you with the equivalent of 20 grams of MCT. Taking this amount would work either to prevent against Alzheimer’s or to treat the already existing disease. Dr. Mercola suggests to start with taking one teaspoon of coconut oil with food in the mornings and gradually add more coconut oil every few days until you are able to tolerate four tablespoons. Dr. Mercola also suggests repeating the dose of four tablespoons of coconut oil twice a day if you already have pre-Alzheimer’s or Alzheimer’s.

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Chicago, U.S.A. — Even before shows like “Dance Moms” and “America’s Got Talent” entertained viewers, generations of young boys and girls have grown up with dreams of stardom in dance, theatre or music, but those who follow their dreams know that it takes years of mental and physical discipline and, as one osteopathic physician (DO) points out, it also strains their developing bodies.

During the American Osteopathic Association (AOA) OMED 2012, the Osteopathic Medical Conference & Exposition, Rebeccah R. Rodriguez, DO, an AOA board-certified family physician and company physician for the San Diego Ballet, the Academy of Performing Arts of San Diego and the San Diego Symphony, discussed the stress that training in the performing arts puts on adolescents’ bodies and how to prevent injuries.

“As a former professional dancer, I absolutely encourage young artists to follow their dreams,” says Dr. Rodriguez. “But parents should be aware of the potential for injury and discuss their child’s artistic goals and training with their physician so they can work together to treat injuries early.”

There are certain injuries that are unique to each genre of the performing arts. For instance, advanced ballerinas— who can spend an average 35-40 hour per week dancing— are prone to strained hip flexor muscles and pain in their knees due to repeatedly turning out their legs to 180 degree angles. Dr. Rodriguez believes that treating injuries early can help avoid further complications, but she also reminds dancers to discuss their upcoming roles or performances with their physician so they can ensure their bodies will be able to handle the physical demands.

In the case of singers– who run the risk of vocal cord injuries, chronic laryngitis and nodules or cysts forming on vocal cords due to overuse– Dr. Rodriguez suggests avoiding whispering or yelling, and cutting out spicy foods and drinking 10-12 glasses of water daily as soon as they start to experience hoarseness, which is often the first sign of a vocal issue. They should also talk to their physician about prescribing a medication that is not drying (i.e. antihistamines), which can also irritate the vocal cords.

“The level of skill and competition for young performers is so much greater than it was even five years ago,” adds Dr. Rodriguez. “As the talent bar is raised, adolescents are at greater risk for injuries.”

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Phoenix, U.S.A. — It’s a fact: hospital stays are shorter than ever before, even for major surgeries. As a result, home-based education has become a critical component not only for patient recovery, but also for lowering costly re-admission rates.

Most educational material is provided while the patient is still in the hospital in a postoperative state. Once home, patients and caregivers quickly become overwhelmed and have trouble recalling all of the information and instructions they were given. Enter Recover Rite’s Recovering from Heart Surgery DVD, a 31-minute high-definition video in both English and Spanish that walks patients through the steps of heart surgery recovery.

Why video? Studies show that patients remember approximately 10% of what they read, 25% of what they hear, 45% of what they see, and 65% of what they hear and see, making visual aids a must for recovery.

“The only thing more frightening than having surgery is going home,” says owner and creator Lisa Coleman. “My mother had an emergency triple bypass several years ago and there just wasn’t any comprehensive information available to guide us through her recovery, much less a take-home video. I just knew there had to be a better way to inform patients and caregivers, so RecoverRite was born.”

Recover Rite was founded on the premise that knowledge is power. Patients and family members need specific tools to help them better understand and manage medications, appointments, daily requirements and expectations of life after heart surgery. The more patients know about what to do after surgery, the more effectively they will recover. In turn, this improves outcomes and reduces re-admissions for hospitals.

The bilingual Recovering from Heart Surgery DVD is available on the RecoverRite website and retails for $15.95 plus S&H (and is available for licensing on in-room hospital networks). The company also provides a suite of products in both English and Spanish to help the heart surgery patient prepare and recover from their procedures, including My Heart Notebook – A Recovery Guide for Heart Surgery Patients, and the recently released Preparing for Heart Surgery Handbook.

“With the population of the United States being around 25% Hispanic, quality medical products in Spanish have become indispensable,” said Coleman. “We are now marketing our recovery products in both languages in order to meet this need and help hospitals and patients ease the ever-increasing problem of communication.”

For more information on RecoverRite‘s DVD and suite of recovery products, please visit www.recoverrite.com

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Omaha, U.S.A — October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and Oncology Associates, an independent Omaha oncology practice, is dedicated to raising awareness and helping to educate individuals about breast cancer throughout the year. And they are hoping to increase awareness with educational videos.

“Getting the word out on the importance of breast cancer screening and early detection is crucial but we also want to help provide support and useful information to women who are diagnosed with breast cancer,” says Dr. Stephen Lemon, of Oncology Associates. “We’re finding that video is an effective way for patients and their families to learn more about cancer.”

Oncology Associates hopes to provide additional information to women recently diagnosed with breast cancer with their newest video “You’ve Been Diagnosed with Breast Cancer, Now What?”, which may be viewed on the Oncology Associates YouTube channel at http://bit.ly/Ry73w3. 

“A cancer diagnosis is one of the most emotional times in a patient’s life, so we want to help in whatever way we can to provide comfort and support,” says Dr. Lemon. “Upon a recent diagnosis, a patient is often overwhelmed and might not be able to initially gather information or know what to ask,” says Dr. Lemon. “Being able to watch our educational videos at their own pace, and at a place where they’re more comfortable, really helps. And it also provides them with information that they can follow up with us, with more questions.”

Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers among women in this country and it’s the second leading cause of cancer death in women. The chance of a woman having invasive breast cancer is now about 1 in 8.

According to The National Cancer Institute, getting a high-quality mammogram and having a clinical breast exam on a regular basis are the most effective ways to detect breast cancer early. It is recommended that women age 40 and older receive annual mammogram screenings to provide early detection of breast cancer.

About Oncology Associates

The oncologists and staff of Oncology Associates provide a full range of cancer care, which includes experts in medical oncology, hematology, genetic risk evaluation, chemotherapy treatment and diagnostic services. In addition, the practice provides access to many types of clinical trials.

Oncology Associates serves the Nebraska community, including Omaha, Norfolk, Holdrege and Blair. For more information, please visit www.oacancer.com.

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New York, U.S.A. — Steve Carell, Colin Hanks and Ken Jeong are featured in a new Stand Up To Cancer campaign, titled “Baseball Believes,” filmed at Boston’s Fenway Park that celebrates amazing plays from Major League Baseball’s Postseason history.

The six spots, which include the actual broadcasts of the historic plays, connect believing in miracles on the playing field with a shared vision of ending cancer. The spots will begin airing in early September in stadiums, on MLB Network, FOX and ESPN, and will continue through the 2013 baseball season.

Major League Baseball is a founding donor of Stand Up To Cancer and, together with its 30 Clubs, has committed more than $30 million to the initiative to date.

Carell, Hanks and Jeong took to the field at Fenway Park to re-create signature moments in baseball history that led fans across the nation to believe that anything was possible. After the three actors highlight the importance of these moments in baseball history, the spot ends with a call to action, encouraging fans to join Major League Baseball in its belief that we can end cancer forever.

The four baseball moments are:

• New York Yankees All-Star Derek Jeter makes the famous backhand toss to Jorge Posada in Game 3 of the 2001 American League Division Series to tag out Jeremy Giambi at the plate.
• Boston Red Sox catcher Carlton Fisk waves his 12th inning home run to “stay fair” to win Game 6 of the 1975 World Series against the Cincinnati Reds at Fenway Park.
• New York Giants center fielder Willie Mays makes his over-the-shoulder basket catch to rob Vic Wertz of the Cleveland Indians of extra bases in Game 1 of the 1954 World Series. The catch has been heralded as one of the greatest in baseball history.
• Los Angeles Dodgers star Kirk Gibson, hobbled by a pulled hamstring and a swollen knee, delivers a pinch-hit, walk-off home run off dominant Oakland Athletics closer Dennis Eckersley in Game 1 of the 1988 World Series and limps around the bases. The legendary play is often referenced as a prime example of the miracles of Postseason baseball.

Baseball Commissioner Allan H. (Bud) Selig commented, “This campaign is a part of Major League Baseball’s unwavering efforts to support and help empower Stand Up To Cancer in its noble work fighting all forms of cancer through the spirit of collaboration.  We are proud that the most memorable and improbable moments in Postseason history can be used as a way to inspire people to believe that anything is possible, including an end to cancer.”

“Under the steadfast leadership and dedication of Commissioner Bud Selig and all 30 teams, MLB’s financial support of SU2C has been vitally important to the success of our mission. Equally important is what MLB has done to help build our grassroots movement by encouraging baseball fans everywhere to support our researchers, who work tirelessly to develop new therapies for patients to save lives now,” said SU2C Co-Founder Rusty Robertson.

“Everyone at MLB has helped enormously with our efforts to convey this key message: each and every one of us has a role to play in ending cancer, and we are profoundly grateful for that,” added SU2C Co-Founder Sue Schwartz.

“As the husband of a cancer survivor, I know how important it is to believe that we can beat this disease,” said Jeong. “I’m proud to be a part of Stand Up To Cancer and Major League Baseball’s effort to build more support for the scientists on the front lines of the fight.”

The spot was shot at Fenway Park during its 100th year anniversary and will build on the previous spots created at Major League ballparks, including the 2010 SU2C PSA, which featured actor Jake Gyllenhaalat Dodger Stadium and debuted during the 2010 All-Star Game at Angel Stadium of Anaheim.

Since the SU2C launch in 2008, Major League Baseball has continued to promote the initiative year-round, including a featured spotlight during the World Series and other MLB Jewel events. Notably, in 2011, MLB and SU2C introduced in-stadium SU2C “I Stand Up For” placards, a powerful symbol of fans, Club leadership, managers and players uniting in the fight against cancer.

Image Courtesy of  Dooley Productions / Shutterstock.com

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New York, U.S.A. — On September 4, 2012, Gaiam, the leading distributor of lifestyle media, announced the release of famed Pilates instructor Mari Winsor’s Beginner Pilates DVD. This new title is designed to teach the correct form, alignment, and positioning of the most basic Pilates moves, allowing individuals to achieve results safer and faster.

As one of the most celebrated names in Pilates, with over 20 years teaching experience, Winsor continues to see basic Pilates moves being performed incorrectly, which can limit results and potentially cause injury. Whether a novice or advanced practitioner, Beginner Pilates allows users to visualize and understand correct form and placement of each move.

“It is my mission to ensure that my students carry out each and every one of my exercises with precision and correct form,” says Winsor. “Now, with the help of this new Gaiam DVD, I can provide one-on-one personal coaching to everyone doing the workouts at home, so that they too can attain the results they are looking for.”

Beginner Pilates features three workouts plus a bonus downloadable practice:

• Perfect Pilates Form (5 minutes) – This “workshop” format breaks down several standard Pilates moves to ensure correct form throughout each exercise, making the most of every move.

• Pilates Primer (25 minutes) – Contains easy-to-follow exercises, which teach how this dynamic workout method can help users achieve the body and results they have always wanted.

• Strengthen and Lengthen (30 minutes) – Combines elements of the first two workouts showing how using “perfect form” can produce quicker results.

• Bonus Downloadable: Stand Tall (10 minutes) – A standing series that takes traditional Pilates vertical for a comprehensive, full body calorie burning workout.

“We are thrilled to work with Mari Winsor again and offer another Pilates DVD that will help our consumers achieve their fitness goals more efficiently,” says Bill Sondheim, president of Gaiam. “With this new DVD led by Mari, who has been a driving force in spreading Pilates to the masses, we are continuing to fulfill our mission at Gaiam to provide consumers with the highest quality content developed by the most esteemed fitness professionals.”

Mari Winsor’s Beginner Pilates has an approximate runtime of 60 minutes and a suggested retail price of$14.98. The DVD will be available beginning September 4, 2012 in stores nationwide and online at Amazon.com.

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Toronto, Canada — Canadian moms earn top marks when it comes to good hygiene practices, but a new study by Lysol and the Global Hygiene Council reveals they could do more to safeguard against bacteria hotspots in schools, especially at lunch time.

The 2012 Lysol Back to School Study surveyed 14,000 mothers of five- to 12-year-olds across 14 countries, including 1,000 Canadians. Eighty-eight per cent of Canadian mothers said they teach their child good hygiene practices, such as hand washing after using the washroom and coughing into the sleeve. However, only 53 per cent said their children are made to wash their hands before eating lunch.

“The survey results reveal that parents need to continue to educate their kids about the importance of proper hygiene – particularly before mealtime,” said Erica Di Ruggiero, Chair of the Canadian Public Health Association. “Thorough and regular hand washing with soap and warm water, and encouraging kids to not put food directly on their desk or cafeteria table can help to protect children against many illnesses.”

Improper storage of packed lunches can also cause foodborne illness. Less than half (43 per cent) of Canadian moms said they refrigerate their child’s lunch after preparation. Improper food storage puts kids at an increased risk of coming into contact with bacteria such as Ecoli and salmonella, which could cause serious illness and force kids to stay home from school. Considering 35 per cent of Canadian moms said doing well academically is their biggest worry when their child goes back to school, these findings may be especially significant.

Lunches may also become contaminated from improper disinfection habits at home. Only 45 per cent of mothers said they clean and disinfect their child’s lunch box daily, increasing the opportunity for bacteria to grow and foodborne illness to occur.

“A lunch box is supposed to keep kids’ food safe, but in some cases, the lunch box can do the exact opposite,” said Dr. Donald Low, Microbiologist in Chief at Mount Sinai Hospital. “If lunch boxes are not cleaned daily, small spills and crumbs can lead to bacteria growth and spread to ready-to-eat food, potentially causing children to get food poisoning or sick with diarrhea.”

Parents should also teach kids about the importance of proper hygiene while eating lunch at school. In a second part of the Lysol Back to School Study, seven elementary schools in the United States were swabbed for bacteria to detect levels of contamination. Results showed that 44 per cent of eating areas were contaminated. In contrast, the level of contamination in the washrooms was surprisingly low (3 per cent), which is likely due to more vigilant cleaning regimes in school bathrooms.

The Global Hygiene Council offers the following tips for guarding against germs at school this fall:

Hand washing

• Get your child into the habit of washing his/her hands regularly, particularly after visiting the washroom and before eating, both at home and at school. Remind your child to wash his/her hands before opening their lunch box.

Surface disinfection

• Teach your child to wipe off the desk or cafeteria table with disinfectant wipes before eating lunch. This will decrease the chances of your child ingesting harmful bacteria from commonly-touched surfaces, which are more likely to be contaminated.
• Be aware that moist environments, like the water fountain, can harbor germs.

Hygienic food preparation and storage

• Disinfect your child’s lunch box every day with disposable disinfectant wipes, and rinse with warm water.
• Wash raw fruit, salad and vegetables thoroughly before packing them in your child’s lunch.
• Freshly prepare food each day. There is less of an opportunity for germs to grow, the shorter the amount of time that food is stored.
• Refrigerate your child’s lunch box after preparation, and consider using a freezer pack or cool bag to help keep your child’s lunch chilled.

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Montreal, Canada – Bell announced on August 21 it will be presenting the largest-ever fundraising event for mental health in Québec. Bal des Lumières, to be held March 20, 2013, at the Bell Centre in Montréal will raise funds for the Fondation de l’Hôpital Louis-H. Lafontaine, the Mental Illness Foundation, and the Douglas Mental Health University Institute Foundation.

“Bal des Lumières will set a new standard for mental health fundraising in Montréal and Québec,” said George Cope, President and CEO of BCE and Bell, and Chair of the event. “I’m very pleased to be joined by some of Québec’s most distinguished business leaders in building on the progress of the Bell Let’s Talk initiative and the fight against the stigma of mental illness.”

Joining Mr. Cope as co-chairs of Bal des Lumières are Serge Godin, Founder and Executive Chairman of the Board, CGI; Geoff Molson, Owner, President and Chief Executive Officer, Club de hockey Canadien, Bell Centre & evenko; and Louis Vachon, President and CEO, National Bank. These leaders of Québec industry and culture have joined to shine a spotlight on mental health and raise funds for three of Montréal’s most important mental health organizations.

“The last two years have seen major progress in highlighting mental health while breaking the stigma of mental illness,” said Mr. Godin. “Collectively we are committing to making the next leap in converting awareness of mental illness – which after all affects 1 in 5 of us – into much needed funding for these three leading organizations in Québec mental health.”

Bal des Lumières is the first external charitable gala to be held at the Bell Centre in over five years. Some 700 guests will enjoy an evening of exquisite dining and inspiring entertainment in this unique venue.

“We are very happy to make the Bell Centre available for Bal des Lumières, working together as a team to inspire hope and support the incredible work of Louis-H. Lafontaine, the Douglas and the Mental Illness Foundation,” said Mr. Molson. “This issue touches us all and there can be no better expression of the commitment of our four companies to dedication and commitment of those on the front lines of mental health care here in Québec.”

“National Bank is proud to join with Bell, CGI and the Canadiens to not only raise awareness of mental health but raise funds for those at the forefront of research and care in Québec,” said Mr. Vachon. “With mental health issues the leading cause of workplace disability, costing our economy $51 billion every year, I look forward to seeing every business leader in Québec on March 20.”

The Bell Let’s Talk mental health initiative is a $50-million charitable program based on 4 action pillars: Anti-stigma, care and access, research, and workplace best practices. To learn more about Bell Let’s Talk, please visit Bell.ca/LetsTalk.

Bell is honoured to be named the recipient of the 2012 Freeman Philanthropic Services Award for Outstanding Corporation for the Bell Let’s Talk mental health initiative. The prestigious international award by the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) was presented to Bell in March in Vancouver.

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Rhode Island, U.S.A. — CVS/pharmacy and MinuteClinic announced on August 20 that flu vaccinations are now available at all of their locations nationwide.

“Getting a flu shot is the first and most important step you can take to protect yourself and your family from getting sick with influenza,” said Troyen A. Brennan, M.D., Chief Medical Officer, CVS Caremark. “Flu season can be unpredictable and, because it takes about two weeks after being vaccinated to develop full protection, a flu shot is recommended as soon as vaccine is available.”

The 2012 seasonal flu vaccine includes protection against the H1N1 influenza strain as well as two new strains: H3N2 and a B strain.

Here are the “Top 5″ reasons you should get a flu shot at CVS/pharmacy or MinuteClinic this season.

• CVS/pharmacy and MinuteClinic have 20,000 pharmacists and nurse practitioners ready to help people on their path to better health with a flu shot.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that everyone who is at least 6 months old get a flu vaccine every year to protect against catching the flu. More than 20,000 immunizing health care professionals at CVS/pharmacy and MinuteClinic are available to provide this important preventive health care service.
“Influenza causes between 3,600 to 49,000 deaths and 200,000 hospitalizations in the U.S. annually. Receiving a flu shot can reduce the chance of becoming infected by up to 70%,” said Papatya Tankut, RPh, Vice President of Pharmacy Professional Services, CVS/pharmacy.

• CVS/pharmacy and MinuteClinic are two of the most convenient places to get a flu shot.

More than 7,300 CVS/pharmacy stores and nearly 600 MinuteClinic sites inside select CVS/pharmacy locations are providing flu shots every day including evening and weekends, no appointment needed.

• A flu shot at CVS/pharmacy or MinuteClinic provides great value.

This flu season, customers will receive a 20% Off CVS/pharmacy Shopping Pass when they get a flu shot at CVS or MinuteClinic. The Shopping Pass can be used with CVS/pharmacy’s ExtraCare card to save 20 percent off non-pharmacy purchases up to $100.
A seasonal flu shot at CVS/pharmacy or MinuteClinic costs $31.99. Many health plans, including Medicare Part B and TRICARE, typically cover the full cost of a flu shot. Direct medical billing for many national and regional health plans that cover all or part of the cost of a flu shot is also available.

• CVS/pharmacy and MinuteClinic offer a range of flu vaccines to fit patients’ needs.

In addition to the regular seasonal flu shot, CVS/pharmacy and MinuteClinic will offer patients the option to receive Fluzone High-Dose or Fluzone Intradermal vaccine at CVS/pharmacy or MinuteClinic this season. The High-Dose vaccine contains four times the antigens as the seasonal flu vaccine. It is intended for people 65 and older to provide better protection for this age group, who are at greater risk of developing severe illness from the flu. The Intradermal vaccine is approved for patients ages 18-64 and has a 90 percent smaller needle than the regular flu shot. It injects the vaccine just under the skin instead of into the muscle.

• Flu shots are just one of the vaccinations available at CVS/pharmacy and MinuteClinic.

“In addition to flu shots, CVS pharmacists and MinuteClinic nurse practitioners are available to provide a number of other vaccinations, including pneumonia, whooping cough and several others,” said Paulette Thabault, ANP-BC, JD, CNPO, Chief Nurse Practitioner Officer, MinuteClinic.

Certain immunizations have age and location restrictions. Visit https://vaccines.cvs.com for more information on the vaccines offered, to schedule a vaccination appointment or find a CVS/pharmacy or MinuteClinic location for a walk-in vaccination.

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Los Angeles, U.S.A. – The London Olympic Games have just concluded, and now all eyes turn… to Los Angeles. With the 2013 LA Marathon just over six months away, organizers have unveiled a special package for those who want to run their best Marathon yet. And until LA Marathon registration officially opens on October 1, it’s the only way to secure a spot at the starting line on March 17, 2013.

Runners can sign up now for the LA Roadrunners + LA Marathon bundled package at www.lamarathon.com. For just $250, runners have access to six months of guided training with LA Roadrunners, along with entry to the 2013 race. The package price includes a significant discount on the normal $145 cost of the LA Roadrunners program.

“This year’s Olympic Games captured the imagination of millions of athletes and spectators alike,” said Nick Curl, LA Marathon LLC chief operating officer. “Now is the perfect time to commit to run the LA Marathon next spring. Our LA Roadrunners training program will get you ready.”

The six-month LA Roadrunners training program is designed to serve everyone from first-time marathoners to veteran racers. Program participants can choose from 20 pace groups for runners, walkers and run-walkers that range from those striving to run a sub-3:20 race to those who wish to walk the iconic Stadium to the Sea course in just under the Marathon’s limit of eight hours.

Beginning September 8, LA Roadrunners participants will join weekly group training runs led by experienced pace leaders, and benefit from a comprehensive training manual and calendar, weekly guest speakers, and technique & nutrition advice.

This year, elite ASICS coach Andrew Kastor will lead the LA Roadrunners program and offer inspiration to thousands of marathoners, from first-timers to avid runners. Kastor has spent 15 years as a competitive runner and trained some of the world’s finest athletes and worked with many renowned coaches. He is currently involved with some of the world’s best distance runners, including his wife, Olympic Medalist and U.S. Record-Holder Deena Kastor.

“We have an amazing Roadrunners program lined up that will get you outside, active and prepared for next year’s LA Marathon, no matter what shape you are in,” Andrew Kastor said. “Our special LA Roadrunners and LA Marathon package is the first chance you have to sign up and be part of something great in 2013.”

Participants are urged to sign up for the race early either through the LA Roadrunners bundled package available now, or through general registration for the LA Marathon, which opens October 1. Space will be limited as race organizers are capping registration to ensure each runner has their best possible marathon experience.

Image Courtesy of   meganwest

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Los Angeles, U.S.A. – The 2012 Summer Olympics have ended, and the world’s greatest competitors have showcased their abilities in London. Americans and people from every country were watching and rooting for their greatest sports stars. Because these are the summer games, these patriotic athletes were dressed somewhat revealingly, increasing scrutiny on their bodies.

This can make us reflect on our own physiques. However, it’s not always the physiques of these athletes that we are drawn to (because they have to undergo rigorous exercise and eating routines that are, frankly, impossible for most people to follow)—it’s the confidence these legends convey in their spandex, bathing suits, and other Olympic uniforms. If a part of your body is causing undeserved damage to your self-esteem, then perhaps an aesthetic procedure is just what you need.

Dr. Payam Jarrah-Nejad, affectionately called Dr. J by his patients, is a double-board certified plastic surgeon who can restore your confidence and make you feel as boldly beautiful as an Olympic gold-medalist.

Dr. J has been performing top-rate Beverly Hills plastic surgery for many years, specializing in breast and buttock augmentations, mommy makeovers, rhinoplasties, and many other procedures. What distinguishes him from other surgeons is his notion that his work is a delicate art form. As such, he treats patients with the utmost respect and care; after all, Michelangelo didn’t just carelessly hack at marble to craft his David. This compassion can be seen on the many testimonials showcased on Dr. J’s website.

One stated that Dr. J “cares 100% about his patients,” and another called him “one of the warmest people I know.” His work itself is viewable on the “Before and After” section of his site. There’s mastery on display in the pictures, but also confidence; after all, these patients are so proud of and happy with their results that they’re willing to let Dr. J showcase their bodies.

It’s not too far into the summer to sport your Olympian-inspired makeover. Breast augmentation recovery time can be quick, allowing you to be on the beach before August. Many can return to work 24 hours after surgery; for a butt lift or augmentation, it may take two weeks. However, for both, normal activity can be resumed after a month.

Meetings with Dr. J will confirm this for sure. As with any surgical procedure, he will guide you through the recovery process, comforting you and ensuring that you are happy with your results. If you’re considering buttock or breast augmentation in Beverly Hills, reach out to Dr. J for a free consultation.

For more information, visit his website at www.drjplasticsurgery.com.

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The weight-loss industry in the United States is worth its share in billions of dollars. An impressive number, but unsurprising statistic, being that one in three Americans suffers from obesity. This is only the tip of the scale because the number does not account for all the ranges in between, from the overweight to the fad dieters who struggle with the same fifteen pounds. According to PRWeb.com, there are approximately 75 million dieters in the United States at any given time.

That’s a lot of people struggling with the same question. When did losing weight become so complicated? According to a recent New York Times article, two new studies have shown that exercise alone will not necessarily result in weight loss. Exercise cannot only be insignificantly effective in the fight against fat—it can actually lead to weight gain. Muscle weights more than fat.

Perhaps it’s a question of overestimating not only our workouts, but also ourselves. That euphoric feeling of satisfaction so brutally earned can lead us into thinking that, certainly, that second piece of cheesecake cannot be all that bad. We earned it.

What the studies showed is a fact easily forgotten amongst the Dukan diets and Insanity workouts that claim to resolve, but rarely keep in mind, the simplicity of weight loss: Weight loss is simple math. You only need to burn more calories than you consume: calories in, calories out. This may seem to oversimplify a daunting struggle, but it can be helpful to keep in mind and maintain realistic goals. You can work yourself to death, but if you are still eating more than you consume, then all that effort is moot. Exercise should not be used to compensate for past or future indulgences.

It turns out that contrary to popular belief, exercise can actually lower your metabolism. Our bodies can become accustomed to exercise. For example, you may be burning a large number of calories, but if your metabolism slows down, you may actually be burning less than you thought. You will lose fewer calories, rather than if your metabolism stayed the same.

What all of these findings best seem to illustrate is that moderation is key. Eating in moderation and exercising in moderation should eventually lead to weight loss. It may not be as fast as only drinking spicy lemonade for seven days, but it is far more effective and easier to stick to.

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Windsor, U.K. — LensWay, an online optical store, have collated some of the most enduring of eye-care myths and revealed some surprising results.

Carrots help you see in the dark

TRUE Well, kind of: carrots contain vitamin A, a lack of which can cause poor night vision. So, while tucking into ten carrots a day won’t give you the vision of an owl, missing out on them altogether will mean that your vision will deteriorate. Vitamin A could potentially reduce your chances of needing glasses or corrective eye wear.

You can tell if someone’s lying by looking into their eyes

TRUE: (mostly). There’s a belief that if a person is unable to make eye contact with you, there’s a good chance that they’re lying. However, there’s more to it than that, and all sorts of theories abound: for example, some people believe that if someone glances to her or his right (i.e. your left) then that person is likely to be lying. Confusingly, this may be reversed if the person you’re speaking to is left-handed!

Looking directly at the Sun will harm your eyes

TRUE! Looking directly at the sun is extremely dangerous. Exposure to extremely high levels of light causes parts of your eyes to become less sensitive to light or, in extreme circumstances, destroys them). That’s just one of the ways that staring at the Sun unprotected can harm your eyes – you can even sunburn your eyes (trust us, it’s not pleasant!) so if you’re out in the sun, wear a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses with a UV filter.

Sitting too close to the TV will give you square eyes

FALSE: No prizes for guessing that your eyes won’t go square from sitting too close for the TV. However, too much screen time does have negative effects, and you should be sure to take regular screen breaks to keep your eyes from getting fatigued. Similarly, if you need corrective lenses to see the TV, then watching it for extensive periods without wearing your glasses can lead to eye strain.

Reading in low light will damage your vision

FALSE: Another one of those myths that’s been doing the rounds for years without a shred of evidence. Although reading in dim light isn’t ideal (you’ll find it much easier if you turn a light on!), it won’t cause any long term damage to your eyes.

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