Warning: Sun Safety Is More Than Sunscreen

24-7 - The Melanoma Research Foundation (MRF), the largest private, national organization devoted to melanoma in the United States, issued the following statement in response to the media attention regarding the Environmental Working Group's recent report on sunscreen effectiveness:

"It is important that we remain vigilant in making safe decisions when it comes to the sun. Sadly, approximately 65 percent of melanomas—the most serious form of skin cancer and one of the fastest growing cancers in the U.S.—are attributed to ultraviolet exposure," said Dr. Allan Halpern, member of the MRF's Scientific Advisory Committee and Chief of the Dermatology Service at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center. "Too many people mistakenly view wearing sunscreen as a blank check for spending unlimited time in the sun. Sunscreen is just one component of sun safety."

The MRF recommends the following sun safety practices for all skin types to help prevent skin cancer:

• Generously apply sunscreen to all exposed skin—even on cloudy days—using a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 15 that provides broad-spectrum protection from both ultraviolet A (UVA) and ultraviolet B (UVB) rays.
• Re-apply sunscreen every two hours and after swimming or sweating.
• Wear protective clothing, such as a long-sleeved shirt, pants, a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses, when possible.
• Seek shade when appropriate, remembering that the sun's rays are the strongest between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
• Use extra caution near water, snow and sand, as they reflect the damaging rays of the sun, which can increase your chance of sunburn.
• Do not burn. Severe sunburns, especially during childhood, increase your risk of developing melanoma and other skin cancer.
• Avoid intentional tanning and indoor tanning beds. Current research indicates there is no way to get a tan through ultraviolet radiation without increasing the risk for skin cancer.
• Consider using a sunless self-tanning product if you want to look like you've been in the sun, but continue to use sunscreen.
• Get vitamin D safely through a healthy diet that includes vitamin supplements. Don't seek the sun.

Melanoma is one of the fastest growing cancers worldwide and can strike people of all ages, all races and both sexes. In fact, with a one in 50 lifetime risk of developing melanoma, more than 62,000 Americans are expected to be diagnosed with invasive melanoma this year, resulting in an estimated 8,400 deaths.

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Secrets of Safe, Successful Slumber for Your Baby

(ARA) – It’s easy to become sleep-obsessed when you’re a new parent. Not only are you dealing with your own sleep deprivation and trying to help your baby develop a sleep routine, there’s the compelling question of just where your bundle of joy will bed down.

Do you put her in a bassinet? Does he sleep best in his bouncer or car seat? Can she fall asleep on her own in a crib? Or do you co-sleep? No matter where you choose to put your baby to sleep, safety and success must be your main concerns. Your decision will be easier if you know a few basic facts about infants’ sleep habits, safe sleeping practices and bedding options.

First, says Dr. William Sears, a renowned infant sleep expert, don’t be confused or frightened by recent headlines of safety recalls for a specific brand of bassinet. The Consumer Product Safety Commission issued a safety warning regarding a type of convertible bassinet manufactured by the now-defunct Simplicity Inc. of Reading, Pa. The warning applies only to those products, not to all bedside sleepers and definitely not to those produced by Arm’s Reach Concepts, makers of the acclaimed Co-Sleeper brand.

A safe co-sleeping bassinet is designed to attach snugly to an adult bed, leaving no gaps, bars or openings that could potentially entrap an infant. The Arm’s Reach Co-Sleeper bassinet safely allow mothers to have quick, easy access to their infants, and enjoy the closeness of a co-sleeping arrangement, without actually having the baby in bed with them, Sears points out.

Studies show that at least 50 percent of all American parents co-sleep with their infants at some point. Research by Dr. James J. McKenna of the University of Notre Dame’s Mother-Baby Behavioral Sleep Laboratory, shows that safe co-sleeping helps reduce the risk of SIDS and other sleep-related problems.

Co-sleeping may not always be what your little dreamer has in mind, however. Plenty of babies prefer to nap in a car seat or bassinet. While many will happily fall asleep on top of a willing parent, others prefer the quiet of their own crib. Wherever your baby sleeps best, be sure to follow basic safety when putting her down.

* Always put babies to sleep on their backs, per the American Academy of Pediatrics’ recommendation. Since its launch, the “Back to Sleep Initiative,” which taught parents that babies are safest sleeping on their backs, has helped reduce SIDS deaths by more than 50 percent.

* Babies sleeping in a car seat should never be left alone – in the car or in the house. If your little one dozes off on a drive and you don’t want to disturb her, use the kind of car seat that easily detaches from the base. Bring the seat and baby inside the house and place them on the floor where you can easily see them and keep a close watch.

* Choose bassinets, cribs and bedside sleepers that meet the CPSC’s high safety standards. Cribs or bassinets with bars should have no more than 2 3/8 inches between bars or slats, according to federal standards.

* Wherever your baby sleeps, don’t put anything in the bed with her. That means no stuffed animals, blankets or pillows. These and other items may cover her face and obstruct her breathing.

* Never put your baby to sleep in an adult bed alone. If you choose to co-sleep, opt for a Co-Sleeper bassinet, a small, separate bed with one open side that fits up snugly against your bed. “The Arm’s Reach Concepts Co-Sleeper bassinet is a safe product which I fully endorse and which I recommend to patients in my pediatric practice,” Sears says.

To learn more about Arms Reach Co-Sleeper Bassinets, visit www.armsreach.com or call (800) 954-9353.

Courtesy of ARA Content

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Produce for Kids(R) and PBS KIDS(R) Partner for a Second Year with Nationwide School-Based Healthy Eating Campaign

PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Produce for Kids(R) (PFK), an organization that promotes the benefits of healthy eating and supports worthy causes for children and PBS KIDS(R), which provides content, resources and tools that support the positive development of the whole child - the cognitive, emotional, social and physical, are partnering for a second year to raise awareness among kids, parents and teachers of the role fresh fruits and vegetables play in a healthy diet. As part of PBS KIDS' long term commitment to children's health, the partnership highlights the multi-faceted "Eat Smart for a Great Start" campaign, which focuses on school-based programs this fall and features a nationwide classroom contest; resources and tools for parents and educators; fun games and activities for kids; and a variety of regional events, celebrity appearances and in-school promotions. In-store promotions and local community events generated from the first year of the partnership will also continue throughout the coming year at even more participating grocery stores.

From September 4 through October 31, participating retailers and produce companies will make a monetary donation for every fresh produce item purchased during the campaign. Donated funds will support PBS' efforts to provide educational content, resources and outreach materials to families and educators that promote healthy behaviors among kids. Participating local PBS member stations will also raise awareness of the importance of eating fruits and vegetables through community events, character visits and other activities with participating grocery stores including Giant Food Stores, King Soopers, Meijer, Price Chopper and Publix Super Markets.

Highlighting the need for a concerted educational campaign that promotes healthy eating, a Produce for Kids national study released in May 2008 revealed that only 18 percent of America's children are eating the recommended three or more daily servings of fresh fruits and vegetables, and 43 percent of kids have one or less daily serving of fresh produce.

"Our fall campaign will make healthy eating a central topic of discussion and learning in classrooms and communities nationwide," said John Shuman, president of Produce for Kids. "Together, PFK, PBS KIDS and our sponsors are delivering engaging, interactive ways for kids to learn healthy eating habits that last a lifetime."

"Encouraging families to eat right and be active is not just a one-time message and PBS KIDS is committed to helping families explore what it means to lead healthy lifestyles," said Loren Mayor, VP Corporate Partnerships, PBS. "As a longtime advocate of supporting a child's total well-being - cognitive, social, emotional and physical - PBS KIDS is thrilled to extend this partnership with Produce for Kids to encourage more nutritional food choices as one of the key ingredients to fostering a healthier generation."

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Why Should You Care About Diabetes?

(NAPSI)-While awareness is growing about the seriousness of diabetes, more needs to be done to fight this deadly disease. That's the word from experts who consider diabetes to be the biggest public health crisis of the 21st century.

During American Diabetes Month this November, the American Diabetes Association (ADA) is asking the American public "Why should you care about diabetes?"

According to John B. Buse, M.D., president, Medicine & Science, American Diabetes Association, "Few people realize the seriousness of diabetes. Not only does it affect many aspects of a person's daily routine, but the complications that can occur as a result of diabetes can be deadly. It is possible to delay or even avoid these complications with proper diabetes management and treatment."

Proper diagnosis and control can help reduce the risks for a number of serious complications, some of which are life threatening. These include:

• Heart disease and stroke-- Adults with diabetes have heart disease death rates about two to four times higher than adults without diabetes.

• Blindness--Diabetic retinopathy causes 12,000 to 24,000 new cases of blindness each year, making diabetes the leading cause of new cases of blindness in adults 20-74 years of age.

• Kidney disease--Diabetes is the leading cause of kidney failure, accounting for 44 percent of new cases in 2002.

• Amputations--More than 60 percent of nontraumatic lower-limb amputations occur in people with diabetes.

The good news is that remembering the "ABCs of diabetes" can help prevent or delay the onset of diabetes complications:

• A is for A1C--A test that measures the average blood glucose (sugar) level over the past two to three months. For most people with diabetes, it is important to keep their A1C at less than 7 percent.

• B is for Blood Pressure--People with diabetes should have a target blood pressure of less than 130/80 mmHg.

• C is for Cholesterol--LDL (bad) cholesterol should be below 100 mg/dL; HDL (healthy) cholesterol should be above 40 mg/dL for men and 50 mg/dL for women. Triglycerides should be below 150 mg/dL.

The American Diabetes Association is the nation's premier voluntary health organization supporting diabetes research, information and advocacy.

For more information, visit www.diabetes.org or call (800) DIABETES (1-800-342-2383). Information from both these sources is available in English and Spanish.

The purpose of American Diabetes Month is to help raise public awareness about why controlling diabetes is so important.

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The Graying Of America And The Increased Risk For Heart Valve Disease

(NAPSI)-In 2011, the first of America's baby boomers will turn 65--and by 2030, more than 71.5 million individuals--more than 1 in 5 of us-will be "senior citizens."

As boomers age and the population grays, the risk for chronic conditions such as heart disease continues to grow. Fortunately, by becoming more aware of the risks, people are better able to modify their lifestyles, seek appropriate medical attention in a timely manner and stay healthier, longer.

Heart Valve Disease

One condition that is expected to become more prevalent in an older population is heart valve disease (HVD), in which one or more of the four heart valves doesn't work properly. One can be born with the condition (congenital) or develop it later in life (acquired). It is not known what causes congenital HVD. Heart conditions, age-related changes, rheumatic fever and infections may cause acquired HVD.

Many with heart valve defects have no symptoms or develop them in midlife. Symptoms can include heart murmur and others that relate to heart failure such as unusual fatigue, shortness of breath or swelling of ankles, feet or abdomen.

Lifestyle changes to help improve heart health include avoiding activities that trigger irregular rhythms (like heavy lifting), quitting smoking, limiting alcohol and stopping caffeine. Meanwhile, standard treatment for HVD is having affected valve(s) surgically replaced. One type of replacement valve is man-made (i.e., mechanical).

Mechanical heart valves are usually made from materials such as plastic, carbon or metal; they're designed to last for years. However, blood tends to adhere to mechanical valves and can create blood clots, which can enter the bloodstream and cause stroke, heart attack or other major organ damage. Therefore, individuals with mechanical heart valves must take "blood thinner" medications--more appropriately known as "anticoagulants"--for the rest of their lives. Coumadin® (warfarin) is one such anticoagulant.

Monitoring Medication

Patients taking warfarin must have their blood tested regularly (at least once a month) to determine how quickly the blood clots. This test is expressed as the International Normalized Ratio (INR). If the blood clots too slowly or too rapidly, the patient is at risk. That is why it is important for patients to monitor their INR often.

Anticoagulation testing can be simple and fast, with results in just minutes rather than days. A handheld anticoagulation monitor is used with a small drop of blood from a fingerstick. Such testing takes less time and is typically preferred to the venous blood draws and longer turnaround times associated with laboratory testing.

At-Home Testing

Patients with mechanical heart valves may, with their doctor's approval, opt to take their INR measurements at home with a handheld monitor. Such "self-testers" must first learn how to conduct the tests from a certified health educator. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), the federal agency that oversees healthcare reimbursement, has approved coverage of charges for anticoagulation monitoring via at-home testing since such testing became available.

To find out more about potential coverage for at-home testing through CMS or private insurance, request a PST patient information kit or call 1-800-779-7616.

As the American population ages, the national risk for heart valve disease is expected to increase--leading to greater incidence of valve replacement, an increased use of anticoagulants, and an increased need for monitoring that therapy.

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Cost of Caring for Aging Parents Could be Next Financial Crisis

FFH Note: There is much added stress to daily life when the realization hits: "Mom and Dad need me now." Are you prepared?

24-7 - Many people find themselves responsible for paying for the care of their parents as they age. But according to a just-released survey, these adult children of aging parents, known as family caregivers, are vastly unprepared. The survey found:

• 63% of caregivers have no plan as to how they will pay for their parent's care over the next five years.

• 62% say the cost of caring for a parent has impacted their ability to plan for their own financial future.

"With an estimated 34 million Americans providing care for older family members, the survey's results indicate a financial crisis in the making," says Joe Buckheit, Publisher of AgingCare, a website and online forum for family caregivers.

"Medicare only covers long-term care for a short time, and only under strict rules. Medi-gap insurance helps, but does not cover all costs. The burden of paying for long-term care often rests with the family," Buckheit says. "The caregivers' lack of planning is impacting their own financial future."

Long-term care costs are not the only expenses caregivers bear. "Family members responsible for ailing loved ones provide not only hands-on care but often reach into their own pockets to pay for many daily expenses, including groceries, household goods, drugs, medical co-payments and transportation," says Buckheit. "Americans who are already strapped for cash by the rising price of gas and food are unable to afford these additional expenses." The survey found:

• 34% spend $300 or more per month out of their own pocket for caregiving expenses.

• 54% have sacrificed spending money on themselves to pay for care of their parents.

Work Issues

Making matters worse, caring for aging parents often impacts adult children at their workplace as well. The survey found:

• 43% have had to take time off work due to caregiving responsibilities.

• 48% say they are earning less money at work as a result of caregiving.

• 25% have been fired or had to quit their job as a result of caregiving.

Physical and Emotional Toll

Despite potentially making less money and doling out more, more than half of the caregivers surveyed are spending what equates to a full-time work week - 40 hours or more - on caregiving duties- many in addition to their full-time careers outside the home.

• 53% of caregivers provide care 40 or more hours per week.

• 37% provide care more than 80 hours per week.

• 21% say they never get a break from caregiving.

• 36% get a break of 5 hours or less a week.

The survey indicates that today's caregivers face a triple financial threat: unplanned-for caregiving expenses, less money for their own needs and reduced time in the workplace.

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Atlanta Chosen as "Biggest Loser"

Contest website: http://www.atlbiggestloser.com.

24-7 - Mari Garner, founder and owner of The American Boot Camp Company, Atlanta's leading results based fitness company, has been chosen by Atlanta's NBC affiliate, 11Alive, to be one of only two trainers to lead Atlanta's very own The Biggest Loser contest using the same guidelines as the well-known national smash hit TV reality show.

Beginning August 25, 2008, hopeful contestants will submit video applications to be selected on one of two finalist teams. The top 12 finalists will weigh in live on September 17 and begin their 12-week journey to become Atlanta's Biggest Loser. Every Tuesday, contestants will weigh-in and one contestant will be eliminated. Viewers tuning into 11Alive will receive updates and tips from Mari Garner on Wednesday's and Friday's and will be able to see how her team shrinks when they appear live every other week. Mari's team, the Red Team, will receive health screenings, enjoy a personalized nutrition plan, and participate in a boot camp fitness regimen provided by The American Boot Camp Company for the entire 12 weeks. The grand finale will air live on December 13, 2008 when one person will be named Atlanta's Biggest Loser.

Even those not chosen to be a contestant on Atlanta's Biggest Loser can still be a part of the contest. The American Boot Camp Company has created a website dedicated to aiding others in their own journey to become The Biggest Loser. The website will allow viewers to see what's happening with the team, obtain workout and nutrition samples, read success stories, take advantage of fitness tips, and register for giveaways.

Why was The American Boot Camp Company chosen? "Boot camp is the hottest fitness trend in the country, and is a wonderful way to meet health-related goals and have a good time while you're doing it," said Mari Garner, founder of The American Boot Camp Company. "My experience and qualifications as a lead group instructor and the amazing transformations my clients have achieved who have completed my Boot Camp programs played a huge factor in my being selected to lead Atlanta's Biggest Loser contest. Contestants selected to be on my team will be a tremendous force to be reckoned with - there is no doubt - and I know they will be thrilled with their results. Tune in to watch 'Team Mari' contestants' transform their bodies, health and attitude to become the winner and Biggest Loser in Atlanta!"

Garner says that in a society based in efficiency, her boot camp is one of the best full body workouts available. Participants frequently burn up to 750 calories in a 45-minute workout and watch their physique change dramatically in a very short period of time. The American Boot Camp Company workouts combine athletic-based drills, interval training and core conditioning with running and strength training to provide ultimate results. Coupled with a balanced nutrition regimen, this program is designed to help clients of all fitness levels get into shape quickly and stay in shape for life. This intense program has helped hundreds of ordinary people from every stage of health/fitness reach beyond their fitness goals.

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Working With Your Physician To Identify And Manage The Symptoms Of Parkinson's Disease

(NAPSI)-Bijan Farzan was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease in 1996 and has been living with the condition over the past 12 years. Farzan first became aware of Parkinson's disease when he watched Muhammad Ali light the torch at the Olympic Games in Atlanta in 1996. This event sparked Farzan's curiosity, and led the retired senior engineering executive to research and learn more about the movement disorder that affects over 1.5 million Americans.

Parkinson's disease is a progressive disorder of the central nervous system and may appear at any age, but the average age of onset is about 60. Parkinson's disease is the most common neurodegenerative disease after Alzheimer's disease, and is expected to affect an increasing number of people as the population's average life expectancy rises. The primary symptoms of the disease include rigidity and/or tremors of a limb, slow movement and postural instability. Because there is no lab test that can identify the disease, Farzan worked closely with his physician to reach the eventual diagnosis for Parkinson's disease.

The first symptoms Farzan experienced were on one side of his body, a common occurrence for people newly diagnosed with Parkinson's disease. He started experiencing tremors in his left leg, which affected his ability to walk and also caused him to have trouble sleeping at night. The slowness on his left side eventually affected his left hand, and he found that when typing, his right hand would finish typing before his left hand had a chance to begin. Farzan also found that he could not go out as often as he would have liked, and when he did he would have to walk a little slower. He also had to adjust his schedule so that he would be able to accomplish all of his errands before needing to rest. Farzan said that these symptoms are among the toughest hurdles of living with Parkinson's disease, but with the help of treatment, he has remained active and involved in his community.

Although there is no cure for Parkinson's disease, many effective medications are now available to treat the symptoms. The most widely-used therapy to treat the symptoms of the disease is levodopa, and it has been the cornerstone of Parkinson's disease therapy for nearly 40 years. However, after several years of treatment, the effects of levodopa tend to wear off, and people with Parkinson's disease may see changes in the way their medication controls their symptoms. This means that symptoms may re-emerge before it is time for the next scheduled dose of medication.

Farzan was prescribed treatment with levodopa to better manage his symptoms. For a few years, the treatment was working fine and then according to Farzan, "it started wearing off." He noticed that his medication was not lasting as long as it used to and that his symptoms would re-emerge between doses. One of the greatest challenges with his symptoms re-emerging was that he was no longer able to get a full night's rest because his legs would begin to tremor.

To help reduce the effects of symptom re-emergence due to end-of-dose wearing off, Farzan's physician prescribed Stalevo® (carbidopa, levodopa and entacapone). Stalevo is a levodopa therapy that combines levodopa and two other ingredients to extend its benefits. This enables many people with Parkinson's disease who are experiencing symptom re-emergence, to have an improved ability to perform everyday tasks. Stalevo also helps in reducing symptoms associated with the disease. Stalevo is indicated for certain patients with Parkinson's disease who are experiencing end-of-dose "wearing off".

Since starting on Stalevo, Farzan has found that he is more active and can go on longer walks even though he has Parkinson's disease. The medication has also helped him to control his leg tremors, which allows him to sleep better at night.

The most common side effects of Stalevo are unwanted or uncontrollable movements (known as dyskinesia), nausea, diarrhea, excessive muscle movements (known as hyperkinesia), harmless discoloration of urine, sweat and/or saliva; diminished or slow movements (known as hypokinesia), abdominal pain, dizziness, constipation, fatigue, pain, and hallucinations. Some of the more serious side effects may include severe diarrhea, severe dyskinesia, hallucinations, other mental disturbances, orthostatic hypotension (low blood pressure), rhabdomyolysis (a muscle disease), and symptoms resembling neuroleptic malignant syndrome (a condition characterized by fever and muscle stiffness).

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Back to School Groans May Link to Misuse of Back Packs

FFH Note: All those groans of the children as they limp into the house after school may not all be signs of upcoming homework. Instead, some of the groans may be attributed to their back packs. Read on..

24-7 - Back pain is pervasive among American Adults, but a new disturbing trend is emerging. Young Children are suffering from back pain much earlier than previous generations, and the use of overweight backpacks is a contributing factor according to the American Chiropractic Association. In fact, according to the U.S. Consumer Products Safety Commission, the use of book bags or back carries resulted in 6,500 injuries in the year 2000 alone.

"In my own practice, I have noticed a marked increase in the number of young children who are complaining about back, neck, and shoulder pain," said Dr. James R. Fedich of Village Family Chiropractic, "The first question I ask these patients is, 'Do you carry a backpack to school? Almost always, the answer is yes."

This new back pain trend among youngsters isn't surprising when you consider the disproportionate amounts of weight they carry in their backpacks - often slung over just one shoulder. According to Dr. Fedich, a recent study conducted in Italy found that the average child carries a backpack that would be the equivalent of a 39-pound burden for a 176-pound man. Of those children carrying heavy backpacks to school, 60 percent had experienced back pain as a result.

The results of these studies are especially important as more and more school districts remove lockers from the premises, forcing students to carry their books with them all day long.

What can you do?
-Make sure your child's backpack weighs no more than 5 to 10 percent of his or her body weight
-The backpack should never hang more than four inches below the waistline
-A backpack with individualized compartments helps position contents most effectively
-Bigger is not better. More room in the bag, more things will be put in it.
-Urge your child to wear both straps.
-Wide, padded straps are very important to distribute the weight
-Shoulder straps should be adjustable
-If the backpack is still too heavy, talk to your children's teachers
-Although roller packs have become popular, they are now not recommended.

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Is Our Health Tied to the Economy?

FFH Note: What impact does the recent downswing of our economy play on our health? We found this article and thought you'd be interested to see what one group says. We were shocked to realize to learn as gas prices are going up, well-being goes down at the same rate. The data shows the same trend for when food costs go up as well.

Well- Being of Americans Declines as Economy Worsens

BUSINESS WIRE --Research released by the Gallup-Healthways Well-Being Index last week points to a significant decline in overall well-being among all Americans over the past six months – more than 123 million Americans are now estimated to be struggling or suffering. Those struggling outnumber those thriving for the fourth consecutive month.

The Gallup-Healthways Well-Being Index is an ongoing, long-term measurement of personal well-being based on the World Health Organization (WHO) definition of health as "not only the absence of infirmity and disease but also a state of physical, mental and social well-being." The Well-Being Index determines the correlation between the places where people work and the communities in which they live, and how that and other factors impact their well-being.

The survey of nearly 200,000 respondents between January and July shows that American’s well-being score has decreased 5.4 percent in the last six months – and a shift of this magnitude is a significant reflection of the changing well-being of the American people. The report also reveals that the percentage of Americans who believe their standard of living is getting worse has increased from a 30.6 percent average in January, to a 42.2 percent average in July, which also coincides with the percentage decline of Americans who are thriving.

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Be Sure Your Home Is Mold And Mildew Free

FFH Note: It's the time of year when the outside mold counts grow daily in our area. Be sure to keep an eye out for the inside of your home or business as well. If you suspect mold presence in a public place, check out the guidelines for mold remediation for public buildings.

We all remember public mold outbreaks in Peachtree City and in Fayette County, and the resulting cost to the taxpayers. For some, it's also the added cost of medical assistance.

(SPM Wire) Household mold and mildew can be more than unsightly - it can negatively impact your health.

Approximately 10 percent of the U.S. population is sensitive to mold, and invisible mold spores cause countless allergic reactions, asthma attacks, and sinus infections, according to the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology.

Mold also wreaks havoc on building materials. In nature, mold breaks down decaying organic matter, but in a home, it can decompose floors, walls, and other structures.

Fortunately, mold growth can be controlled.

"The key to mold control is moisture control," says Steven Hong, home health specialist and president of Sylvane.com, a leading online supplier of dehumidifiers.

Hong offers the following tips for creating a healthy home environment that's mold and mildew free:

* Recognize Visible Mold: Mold grows in damp, dark environments. Commonly found in bathrooms and basements, it's usually slimy or fuzzy in appearance, and its color may be green, black, orange, or purple.

* Be Aware of Hidden Mold: Mold can grow behind walls and wallpaper, above ceiling tiles, and under sinks. If you notice a musty odor in a particular room, it's likely coming from hidden mold. You can check for mold with a Mold Test Kit.

* Clean Up Spills Immediately: If you have a spill, leak, or any kind of water damage in your home, clean and dry out the area immediately. Mold starts growing within 24-48 hours.

* Keep Indoor Humidity Low: Dehumidifiers keep the humidity low by removing excess moisture from the air. Keep your home's relative humidity below 50 percent to prevent mold growth.

* Protect Your Basement: Basements are notorious for mold and mildew. Use a basement dehumidifier to prevent mold and mildew growth.

* Defend Your Crawlspace: Crawlspaces are dark and damp -- ideal environments for mold. Place a plastic vapor barrier on open earth to reduce moisture. Many crawlspaces require a crawlspace dehumidifier to keep the mold at bay.

* Carefully Clean Visible Mold: If you see visible mold growth, carefully clean it up with water and detergent. It's impossible to completely remove mold from a porous surface such as drywall; this material will have to be removed and discarded.

* Protect Yourself While Cleaning: The Environmental Protection Agency recommends wearing an N-95 respirator mask, gloves, and goggles while cleaning mold. Black mold or toxic mold (usually found in buildings with severe water damage) produces dangerous toxins that can cause neurological symptoms and even death. If you encounter extensive mold growth, or if you suspect that it may be toxic mold, contact a mold remediation professional.

"Indoor mold is a major cause of sinus infections, allergies, and asthma attacks, not to mention structural damage to buildings," says Hong. "But if you control your home's humidity, then mold doesn't stand a chance."

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Take Charge Of Your Heart Health: Know Your Cholesterol Levels

FFH Note: September is National Cholesterol Education Month. Many women don’t realize that high cholesterol is a major controllable risk factor for heart disease. Approximately one woman dies from heart and vascular diseases every minute-that’s nearly half a million women each year.

(NAPSI)-If you thought cancer was the leading cause of female deaths in the United States, think again. Every minute, approximately one woman dies from heart and vascular diseases--that’s nearly half a million women each year. In fact, more women die of heart disease than all cancers combined.

The good news is that you can take steps to prevent heart disease. You can reduce your heart disease risk factors, including excess weight, high blood sugar levels and high cholesterol, just by making simple lifestyle changes, such as increasing your physical activity, making nutritious food choices and managing stress in healthy ways.

An Important First Step

Knowing your cholesterol levels is an important first step toward taking charge of one’s heart health. In recognition of National Cholesterol Education Month this September, the American Heart Association’s Go Red For Women movement is urging women across the country to talk to their doctors, learn their cholesterol levels and better understand their risk for heart disease.

There are two types of cholesterol: the “good cholesterol,” also called HDL, and the “bad cholesterol,” called LDL. It’s important to understand the difference and to know the levels of “good” and “bad” cholesterol in your blood. Too much LDL cholesterol in the blood can clog the arteries, increasing your risk of heart disease and stroke, while high levels of HDL cholesterol seem to protect against heart attack.

High Cholesterol Can Be Controlled

“Many women are unaware that high cholesterol can be controlled and managed by taking small steps, such as eating foods low in cholesterol and saturated fat, being physically active and maintaining a healthy weight,” said Jennifer H. Mieres, M.D., associate professor of medicine and director of nuclear cardiology at New York University. “Working with your doctor to make these steps a part of everyday life can provide long-term benefits for your health and your heart.”

Take the Go Red Heart CheckUp

The American Heart Association started the Go Red For Women movement to better educate women about their personal risk for heart disease. This September, with Merck & Co., Inc. as a national sponsor, Go Red For Women urges women across America to visit your doctor to discuss your heart health and know your numbers--cholesterol as well as fasting blood sugar and blood pressure levels.

With these numbers, you can visit www.goredforwomen.org to take the Go Red Heart Checkup--an online tool that helps you identify your risk factors and provides a personalized heart health action plan you can follow. You can also play the Heart Smarts Challenge at www.goredwithmerck.com for a chance to receive a free copy of the heart-healthy Go Red For Women “Light and Easy Recipes” cookbook.

By being a part of the Go Red For Women movement, you are making an investment in your own health and that of those you love. Join Go Red For Women and spread the word.

For more information about cholesterol and heart disease, visit www.goredforwomen.org or contact your local American Heart Association chapter.

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Skimping on Healthcare is a Risky Way to Save When Economic Times are Tough

When the economy sputters and the cost of living spikes, people inevitably look for ways to cut financial corners – even on basics like healthcare.

A poll released this week by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners found that 22 percent of people who responded said they were cutting back on doctor visits. Eleven percent said they were reducing the number of prescription drugs they take or lowering the dosage to make the medications last longer.

But deferring potentially life-saving screening tests or throttling back on medications is a risky, pennywise-pound-foolish way to save money, doctors at Duke Medical Center say.

"You can more effectively manage healthcare costs and stay healthy at the same time by taking control in other ways," says Lloyd Michener, M.D., chairman of Duke's Department of Community and Family Medicine.

Options include:

* Adopting a healthy diet and exercising regularly.
* Getting regular preventive care, including immunizations and screening tests.
* Seeking care when you need it, before you wind up in the emergency room.
* Asking for less expensive but good medicines.
* Knowing when to see a specialist.

"These are always good ideas, not just when money is tight," says William E. Kraus, M.D., professor of medicine and research director at the Center for Living at Duke Medical Center. "Lifestyle changes can be very economical and save the individual and system money."

Insured people feel the pinch, too. Many say they no longer can afford the $15-$25 co-payment to see a primary care doctor, says Devdutta Sangvai, M.D., M.B.A., assistant professor of family medicine and pediatrics.

"And some folks, especially seniors, are known to ration their medications because of financial hardship – by taking a daily medication every other day to make it 'last longer,' " Sangvai says. "I would suspect that this is even more the case with milk at $5 a gallon and gas at $4 a gallon."

He encourages patients to save money via comprehensive visits to their doctor.

"Encourage your doctor to take care of several related issues at the same time," Sangvai says. "For example, get your vaccines, medications and screening tests all at the same visit."

Another way to save money, he says, is focusing more on generic drugs, particularly the $4 to $5 lists at Kroger, Wal-Mart and other places that offer such lists.

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Boning Up on Bone Health this Back-to-School Season

(ARA) - Each back-to-school season, parents arm children with tools necessary to build a lifetime of knowledge. But children need to develop more than their minds to lead a long and healthy life – they need to develop strong bones, too.

This year, parents can send kids back to school with the tools necessary to build strong minds and strong bones by following a handful of useful nutrition strategies. Ninety percent of girls and 75 percent of boys ages 9 to 13 do not get the 1,300 milligrams of daily calcium recommended, according to the National Osteoporosis Foundation. What’s more, the majority of parents (60 percent) aren’t sure how much calcium their kids get each day, according to a 2007 survey by independent research firm Opinion Research Corporation More than 30 percent of surveyed parents mistakenly believed their children needed less than half of the daily recommended amount.

Parents have an opportunity to become better educated about bone health in order to effectively increase their kids’ bone mass. Bringing bone-healthy foods into the home is one simple step parents can take to help their kids build and maintain strong bones.

Bone-healthy foods include foods rich in calcium, along with those enhanced with prebiotics - non-digestible, soluble fiber that can significantly boost calcium absorption by encouraging the growth of beneficial bacteria in the body. By choosing to bring foods into the home that are both rich in calcium and enhanced with prebiotics, parents can ensure their kids are on the road to a lifetime of healthy bones.

“Back-to-school season presents an opportune time for parents to help their kids build strong bones by providing them with bone-healthy breakfasts and packed lunches,” says Coni Francis, Ph.D., a registered dietitian with GTC Nutrition.

There are an increasing number of kid-friendly, better-for-your-bones foods for parents to choose from, such as Barbara’s Bakery line of Organic Wild Puffs cereals. Barbara’s Bakery recently re-launched their tasty cereals with the added health benefits of NutraFlora, a natural prebiotic fiber. NutraFlora is one of the most effective prebiotics available, and is rapidly gaining awareness among parents and consumers for its ability to significantly improve calcium absorption.

In addition to serving bone-healthy foods, parents can help kids build and maintain healthy bones by encouraging them to exercise. Bones, just like muscles, become stronger through regular athletic activity. Most schools have a wide variety of organized athletics for kids, making back-to-school a perfect time for kids to start a new exercise routine.

To learn more about building and maintaining healthy bones visit www.nutraflora.com or www.nof.org.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

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How Desk Workers Can Prevent Back Pain

(SPM Wire) Work-related back pain doesn't just happen to physical laborers, as many desk-bound office workers can attest.

"Health problems caused by long hours sitting in front of a computer are jeopardizing the health of the workforce, and affecting corporate America's ability to compete in the global economy," said Dr. Peter F. Ullrich, Medical Director of Spine-health (www.spine-health.com) and an orthopedic spine surgeon.

Here are some tips from the experts at Spine-health on preventing back and neck pain:

* Just move. Your body can only tolerate one position for 20 minutes at a time, 30 minutes maximum.

* Avoid hunching. Sitting at the front of your office chair, hunching forward to see the computer screen, is wrong. Try to "retrain" your posture.

* Choose an adjustable office chair. Make sure it has the flexibility to adjust to the needs of your body and your work and can support your low back and create good posture. Consider such features as adjustable seat height, back rests and arm rests, as well as lumbar adjustment and padding.

* Use exercise as the ultimate weapon against back problems. As you age, having strong back and abdominal muscles - your core body muscles - is critical for maintaining good posture. These muscles don't get used in typical everyday activities, so you need to keep them in shape.

More details on these tips are available online at www.spine-health.com.

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New Podcast Series from Abbott for People Living with Crohn's Disease

24-7 - As part of its ongoing commitment to the Crohn's disease community, Abbott today launched a series of podcasts addressing relevant issues for people with Crohn's disease. Crohn's Casts: Speaking from the Gut shares insights and tips from top health professionals regarding diet and nutrition, the emotional impact of the disease and its effect on relationships. Each Crohn's Cast also includes a first-hand account from a person living with Crohn's disease.

Crohn's disease is a serious, chronic gastrointestinal condition affecting an estimated half a million Americans. People with Crohn's disease suffer from symptoms like severe stomach pain and frequent, persistent diarrhea. Most often diagnosed between the ages of 15 and 35, Crohn's disease impacts not just a person's physical health but also can affect their lifestyle and emotional health. More information can be found at http://www.CrohnsOnline.com.

About 'Crohn's Casts: Speaking from the Gut'
The six-part podcast series focuses on key issues for people with Crohn's: diet and nutrition, emotional impact, and relationships. Visit http://www.CrohnsCasts.com to download and/or play each podcast.

Diet/nutrition:
• "Food: Friend or Foe?" features gastroenterologist Dr. David Rubin addressing the relationship between diet and Crohn's. Registered dietitian Tracie Dalessandro talks about some common food concerns.
• In "Enjoying Eating," Dalessandro shares tips for healthy eating, and Crohn's patient and professional chef Baron provides ideas for flavorful, Crohn's-friendly food.

Emotional Impact:
• It is estimated that up to one-third of individuals with a serious medical condition experience symptoms of depression. Clinical psychologist and Crohn's patient Dr. Amy Trachter joins Dr. Rubin in "Understanding the Mind-Gut Connection" to address how to spot signs of depression and what to do if you have depressive feelings.
• In "Coping with Crohn's," Dr. Trachter suggests tips for coping with the disease, and Crohn's patient Debra discusses her battle with Crohn's and depression -- and how she found solutions.

Relationships:
• In "Dating Dilemmas," Dr. Trachter gives pointers for navigating relationships. Jessica, a college student with Crohn's, shares how her disease affected her personal relationships and what she did to overcome those issues.
• "For Better or For Worse" includes married couple Bert and Heather talking candidly about how Crohn's affected their marriage and young family. Dr. Trachter stresses the importance of communication for couples.

Dates & Episodes:
The first two Crohn's Cast episodes are available now. Visit http://www.CrohnsCasts.com to listen to the podcasts and sign up to receive e-mail alerts as new episodes become available.

• August 6, 2008 - Food: Friend or Foe? and Enjoying Eating
• August 20, 2008 - Understanding the Mind-Gut Connection
• September 3, 2008 - Coping with Crohn's
• September 17, 2008 - Dating Dilemmas
• October 1, 2008 - For Better or For Worse

Who's Speaking From The Gut:
Dr. David Rubin - Gastroenterologist University of Chicago Medical Center
Tracie M. Dalessandro - Registered dietitian, American Dietetic Association
Dr. Amy Trachter - Licensed clinical psychologist
Baron - Chef living with Crohn's disease
Debra - Woman living with Crohn's disease
Bert and Heather - Married couple affected by the challenges of Bert's disease
Jessica - College student living with Crohn's disease

About Crohn's Online
Crohn's Online is a Web site developed by Abbott as a resource for people with Crohn's disease. In addition to general information about Crohn's disease, visitors will find information on how to manage Crohn's, including tips for traveling, managing stress and choosing the right diet. Visitors can also sign up to receive a free book that covers a wide range of topics, from diagnosis and treatment to diet and lifestyle.

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Straight Talk About Drug Benefit Plans

(NAPSI)-While drug benefit plans have become more common, there are still aspects of these benefits that some consumers can find confusing.

To help clear up the mysteries, here is some useful information courtesy of the Academy of Managed Care Pharmacy.

• Are all generic drugs put through an FDA approval process?

Yes. Generic drugs are just as effective as their brand-name counterparts, and every generic drug must be approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

The reason that generic drugs cost less--sometimes as much as 75 percent less--is because they aren’t advertised or marketed, which is very expensive, and because the generic manufacturer didn’t have to pay for research and development costs.

• Why does your insurance plan have different co-payments for different drugs?

To encourage patients to use the medications that cost the least, drug plans may make the co-payments for those medications the lowest. This can save money for everyone--the plan, your employer and you.

Many drugs can do the same thing or produce the same results. Your employer, your Medicare Part D plan or your union--or whoever is providing your drug benefit--has a budget, the same as you do.

It’s their job to cover as many people as possible within that budget and keep premiums as low as possible. So after the insurance plan does a thorough clinical analysis of the available medications to treat a condition, it negotiates the price with the manufacturers.

• What’s the difference between co-insurance and a co-payment?

A co-payment is always the same amount of money--for example, a plan might charge $5 for any generic drug, $15 for a preferred brand-name drug and $20 for any nonpreferred brand-name drug. But a co-insurance payment varies, because it is a percentage of the cost. As a result, if you have 50 percent co-insurance, a $100 drug will cost you $50 and your plan would pay the other $50.

Some plans use a mixture of the two payment options, charging co-payments for generics and preferred brand-name drugs, but co-insurance on nonpreferred drugs. Be sure you understand your plan before you go to the pharmacy.

For more information about managed care pharmacy and drug benefit plans, visit www.amcp.org.

To encourage patients to use the medications that cost the least, drug plans may make the co-payments for those medications the lowest.

College Scholarship Helps Students with Asthma

(ARA) – Even as the class of 2008 enjoys the milestones of their senior year, many are already well into their preparations for college. Scholarships are an important way for some students to help fund a college education, though identifying available awards can be daunting. However, if you are one of the many high school students affected by asthma, there’s a special option for you.

Applications are now being accepted for Schering-Plough’s “Will to Win” college scholarship program, which recognizes high school seniors with asthma who are pursuing higher education.

“Every day, teenagers overcome the challenges of living with asthma and achieve great things,” says Mike Tringale, director of external affairs at the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. “The ‘Will to Win’ Scholarship Program recognizes these young asthma patients who are dedicated to properly managing their disease and have not let the condition impede their ability to excel.”

Scholarships of $5,000 will be awarded to two high school seniors in each of five categories: performing arts; visual arts; community service; athletics and science. Each applicant must demonstrate outstanding performance and a documented track record of achievement in one of these categories. Applicants must also have received at least one separate award related to their category.

All high school seniors with asthma who will graduate in 2008 and hold a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.5 on a 4.0 scale are eligible to apply. All scholarship winners will be required to supply documentation of U.S. citizenship, acceptance to an accredited college and enrollment in college in the fall 2008 semester.

For additional information, applications and entry rules, please visit the Web site www.schering-ploughwilltowin.com or call (800) SCHERING.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

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Community News You Can Use

Could Your Child Have Autism?

(NAPSI)-Once considered a rare disorder, autism is now diagnosed in one in every 150 children, with boys nearly four times more likely than girls to receive a diagnosis. For parents who believe their child may have autism, it is important to ask questions, get answers and seek appropriate treatment.

What Is Autism?

Autism is a complex developmental disability that typically appears during the first three years of life and affects a person’s ability to communicate and interact with others. Autism is defined by a certain set of behaviors and is a “spectrum disorder,” which means that it manifests itself differently for every individual, varying in the severity and type of symptoms.

While there are strong and consistent commonalities, there is no single behavior that is always typical of autism and no behavior that would automatically exclude an individual from receiving a diagnosis.

A basic rule for treating autism is the earlier the intervention, the better. Getting the right help at the earliest stage of life can help a child gain the skills he or she needs to be successful. If you’re worried your child may have autism--or feel something just isn’t quite right--you should:

1. First and foremost, follow your instincts. Don’t assume that your child will catch up.

2. Share your concerns with your pediatrician. Consider seeing a doctor who is familiar with autism. The American Academy of Pediatrics offers an online pediatrician referral service, searchable by specialty and location.

3. Utilize early intervention services available in every state. The government provides free services for children with disabilities. Consult the National Dissemination Center for Children with Disabilities at www.nichcy.org and your local early intervention lead agency at www.nectac.org/search/mapfinder.asp. The lead agency is required to provide a timely evaluation, typically within 45 days of being contacted. If your child is experiencing significant developmental delays in one or more of the following areas, you’re eligible for free early intervention services: cognitive, physical, communication, social, emotional or adaptive skills.

4. Get a diagnosis. Autism can be diagnosed as early as 18 months old. Many children are diagnosed before age 5, although many children get misdiagnosed or not diagnosed until later in life.

5. Seek help from community service and treatment providers like Easter Seals. Start by visiting autism.easterseals.com.

To learn more about autism, find services at an Easter Seals near you or help Easter Seals change the lives of people living with autism by becoming a donor or volunteer, visit autism.easterseals.com.

Early intervention, diagnosis and treatment are crucial for children with autism.

Quitting Time: A Look at Smoking and Preventing Diabetes and Heart Disease

(ARA) - It’s well known that smoking causes cancer. But did you know that smoking may also raise your risk for type 2 diabetes? Or that it’s a major factor in nearly half of heart attacks? It’s never easy to stop smoking, but millions of people have quit - and you can, too. Now might be the time to give it a try.

Cigarettes contain more than 4,000 chemicals, including ammonia and substances found in rat poison. No matter how long you’ve smoked, you’ll be healthier just 20 minutes after you quit, as your pulse rate goes back to normal. That reduces the stress on your heart. After just three days, the nicotine leaves your body and each breath comes easier. What about financial benefits? A pack-a-day smoker saves about $150 after one month without cigarettes, more than $1,800 after one year and close to $50,000 after 25 years.

About four out of five smokers would like to quit. Are you one of them? Here are some tips to get smoke-free:

* Make a Plan. Write down the reasons you want to stop smoking. Maybe you want to be around to see your kids graduate. Or be able to spend time with your grandchildren in the extra 10 years, on average, you’ll live as a nonsmoker. Then stock up on distractions -- carrots, pretzels or sugar-free gum.

Choose your official “Quit Day.” According to Dr. Ann L. Albright, president of Health Care & Education at the American Diabetes Association, “The day you quit should be during a time that you expect your life to be fairly calm so that stress won’t tempt you to smoke and withdrawal symptoms won’t significantly interfere with your life.” Then throw away matches, lighters and ashtrays.

* Get Help. Quitting cold turkey works for some. But more succeed by blunting the discomfort of withdrawal. Nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) can help. Options include the nicotine patch, gum, lozenges, inhaler or nasal spray. For some, prescription medicines such as bupropion (Zyban) or varenicline (Chantix) are more effective than NRT in reducing the craving for nicotine. Talk with your doctor about the best option for you.

* Get Support. When you’re fighting the urge to smoke, don’t go it alone. To speak with a counselor, call the National Network of Tobacco Cessation Quitlines at 1-800-QUITNOW (1-800-784-8669) or the National Cancer Institute’s Smoking Quitline at 1-877-44U-QUIT (1-877-448-7848).

* Stay Strong. The urge to smoke lasts about four minutes. Do what you can to wait it out. Many people go back to smoking in their first week without cigarettes. Stay strong, day by day, until you’re smoke-free for a full seven days. Then treat yourself with that new CD you’ve been wanting. “It’s a good idea to plan rewards for sticking to your goal, such as going to a movie for each week you don’t smoke,” Dr. Albright says. After three months, the chances that you’ll smoke again drop sharply. Going 90 days without a cigarette could end up giving you a longer life.

* Keep Going. Visit www.smokefree.gov to learn more about what it takes to quit smoking for good.

It might not seem this way sometimes, but most people don’t smoke. For example, in Massachusetts only 15 percent of adults are smokers. And throughout the United States, nearly half of all adult smokers have already quit. To learn more about how quitting smoking can lower your risk for type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and stroke, call the American Diabetes Association at 1-800-DIABETES (1-800-342-2383), e-mail AskADA@diabetes.org or visit www.CheckUpAmerica.org. You can also learn more at cdc.gov/tobacco/quit_smoking.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Maintaining Men’s Health

(NAPSI)-Physicians may be able to offer good news to many of the over 26 million men in the United States who suffer from enlarged prostate, a natural condition that disrupts daily activities.

Enlarged prostate, also known as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), is a common condition that affects more than half of all men over the age of 60. Most men notice symptoms such as frequent urination, particularly at night, or difficulty trying to go, but assume the problem is just part of the aging process. Although the condition is not cancerous, if left untreated it can cause permanent urinary problems.

Symptoms of BPH that men should watch for include:

• Frequent or sudden need to urinate

• Interrupted sleep due to the need to urinate

• Weak, variable or dribbling stream

• Difficulty beginning urination

• Pain or burning during urination

• Sensation that the bladder is not completely empty after urination

In order to maintain good health and enjoy a worry-free lifestyle, most men who suffer from enlarged prostate choose to seek medical treatment. In the past, medication or surgery was favored; however, more men are now choosing a minimally invasive laser therapy that dramatically improves symptoms without the complications of more invasive surgery.

Although some symptom relief may be attained through taking medications, they do not permanently treat BPH. Medication is a costly alternative that must be taken every day for the rest of your life to maintain symptom relief and may even stop working over time. Side effects of medication can include dizziness, nasal congestion, low blood pressure and erectile dysfunction or even impotence. Taking medications also does not necessarily eliminate the need for surgery in the future.

Transurethral Resection of the Prostate (TURP) is an invasive surgical procedure that usually provides long-lasting relief; however, the procedure can cause side effects such as incontinence, the inability to control your bladder and erectile dysfunction or impotence. Because anesthesia is involved, there is also the risk of general surgical complications. TURP typically requires a three-day hospital stay and most patients are catheterized for four days. Furthermore, activities are restricted for six weeks as TURP requires a lengthy recovery time.

With all those factors in mind, many men are opting for GreenLight™ Laser Therapy instead of TURP. GreenLight is a one-time, outpatient procedure that delivers immediate symptom relief without the side effects or expense of medication, or the risks associated with invasive surgery. The procedure, which is covered by Medicare and most private insurance, uses laser energy to remove enlarged prostate tissue, resulting in an open channel for urine to flow through. Most patients return home within a few hours after the procedure and can return to normal, nonstrenuous activities within days.

For more information or to find a physician nearby, visit www.greenlightforbph.com.

Many men are enjoying a more vigorous lifestyle thanks to a new way to treat an old problem.

Link Between Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and Cosmetic Industry

24-7 -- American women have grown tired of the billion dollar cosmetic industry not addressing 21st century needs. By not providing cosmetic brushes That promotes comfort, provides an easy grip or help alleviate pain in the fingers associated with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Rheumatoid Arthritis and other Musculoskeletal Disorders. Ask.com writes" the force place on the fingers, hand and wrist by repetitive task contributes to CTS"

"Women are three times more likely to have carpal tunnel syndrome than men. Although there is limited research on why this is the case, scientists have several ideas. It may be that the wrist bones are naturally smaller in most women, creating a tighter space through which the nerves and tendons must pass. Other researchers are looking at genetic links that make it more likely for women to have musculoskeletal injuries such as CTS. Women also deal with strong hormonal changes during pregnancy and menopause that make them more likely to suffer from CTS."Medic 8 Family Health Guide(May 2008)" the three fingers affected by musculoskeletal pain such as carpal tunnel syndrome are the thumb, index and middle finger.

Denise Brown Hubbard a makeup artist for the past 25 years; suffers from hand and finger pain do to carpal tunnel syndrome; she explains" the technology exist to develop cost effective cosmetic brushes to address pain in the fingers associated with Musculoskeletal Disorders the findings stem for 4 years of research" as stated by the Curtis National Center. "CTS is from constant muscular contractions, the tendons that move the fingers go through the carpal tunnel. Chronic over working of the tendons causes them to swell with cause's pressure on nerves. This starts the carpal tunnel symptoms." Denise explains" the pain from those disorders are sometimes felt in the fingers and that is what the cosmetic industry have the ability to address. By developing brushes to contour, the digital bone structure of the fingers instead of resting on top of the bones will relieve pressure on the three fingers affected most by musculoskeletal pain. Focusing on the Digital Bone Structure of the fingers to relieve stress, will provide comfort, an easy grip and ultimately help reduce the pain in the fingers that come from musculoskeletal disorders."

According to Curtis National Hand Center "recognized as the largest most experienced hand center in the nation" statement on Hand Injuries and Conditions "the hand is involved in almost every activity we undertake from the moment we wake until we end our day. Yet we often take our healthy hands for granted. It is when we can not use our hands that we realize how vital they are each minute of our lives."

Integrating Adult Vaccines into Your Routine Care

(ARA) - Every year, nearly 50,000 Americans, mostly adults, die from diseases that vaccination can prevent and millions more need to be hospitalized, get too sick to care for loved ones, like children or elderly parents, and are forced to miss work. They also run the risk of spreading illness to those close to them.

“Not getting vaccinated leaves adults all over our country vulnerable to illness, suffering and death,” said Dr. William Schaffner, MD, president-elect of the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases (NFID) and chairman of the Department of Preventive Medicine at Vanderbilt University School of Medicine. “A greater effort is needed to help more adults understand the importance of vaccination.”

Despite the availability of many safe and effective vaccines for adults, a recent survey conducted by NFID showed that Americans have a lot of wrong ideas about vaccines and the diseases they prevent.

Nearly Half of Adults Surveyed Said They Are Not Concerned about Vaccine-preventable Diseases and One-fourth Do Not Know They Are Serious and Can Be Life-threatening

The truth is that vaccine-preventable diseases can be both serious and life threatening. Every year, influenza kills 36,000 Americans and causes over 200,000 hospitalizations. Influenza has been tied to an increased risk of heart attack, stroke and asthma flare-ups. Pneumococcal disease can cause pneumonia, meningitis and bloodstream infection, known as sepsis; it kills up to 5,000 Americans every year.

One in Three Adults Are Not Concerned about Spreading Illness to Their Friends, Family Members and Co-workers

Infectious diseases spread easily and can have devastating consequences when they infect vulnerable people. Pertussis (whooping cough) causes illness among adults, but is most harmful when spread to infants, who are at the greatest risk of complications and death. CDC recently reported that a health care worker in the newborn nursery of a general hospital gave pertussis to 11 different infants over a three-month period in 2004. Five of the 11 infants had to be admitted to a pediatric intensive-care unit, but fortunately all survived. The health care worker got pertussis vaccine as a child, but immunity decreases over time and the booster vaccine that might have prevented this outbreak was not available at the time of this outbreak. It is now recommended for all adolescents and adults up to age 65.

Four in 10 Adults Say They Were Vaccinated as a Child, so They Do Not Need to be Vaccinated Again

It is important to receive appropriate vaccinations at all ages. While some vaccines are only given during childhood, others require booster doses for adults. There are also new vaccines that were not available when today’s adults were children. For example, the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine, which prevents cervical cancer in women, is now available and recommended for females starting at 11 years of age. Shingles (herpes zoster) vaccine is recommended for individuals 60 years and older, because they are at the highest risk of this disease. Shingles can cause a very painful rash and lead to shingles pain syndrome, which is hard to treat and can last for years.

About One in Eight Adults Say They Are too Busy to Get a Vaccine and about One Fourth Think Vaccines Are too Expensive

Most insurers provide coverage for vaccinations, so cost may be much less of an issue than many adults think. What’s more, the cost of not getting vaccinated can be high. Hepatitis B causes liver disease, and takes the lives of 5,000 people every year, costing roughly $700 million in health care and lost productivity, like through people missing work. Adults can call their health insurance plan to find out whether it covers the vaccinations they need. Vaccines are also often offered at local health clinics.

Talk to Your Doctor about the Vaccines You Need

Vaccines play a key role in protecting adults and their close contacts from dangerous, and sometimes life-threatening, diseases. That is why NFID has published a Call to Action, encouraging adults to seek vaccination. Adults are urged to talk to their doctor about what vaccines they need.

For more information about vaccines and the diseases they prevent, visit NFID’s Web site at www.nfid.org.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

“Got Back Pain?” How Back Injuries From Everyday Activities May Cause Painful Muscle Spasms

(NAPSI)-Physicians hear it all the time: “I was just doing some work around the house, and the next thing I knew I could hardly move. My back really hurts!”

These painful acute back injuries have many causes--lifting a child the wrong way, hitting a baseball harder than expected after sitting on the couch all winter, or bending over to weed your garden on a sunny day. What many people do not realize is that the intense pain felt after an acute back injury may be accompanied by muscle spasms.

“I see many patients with acute back pain, and what they don’t realize is that muscle spasms may also be causing discomfort,” explained Arnold J. Weil, M.D., of Non-Surgical Orthopaedics in Atlanta, Ga.

A muscle spasm occurs when a muscle tightens, usually resulting from an injury. A wide range of factors can trigger a muscle spasm, such as overexertion, bending or stretching, which results in injury causing muscle strain or rupture or irritation to a nerve that connects to a muscle. However, muscle spasms can also result from more sedentary activities such as sitting at your computer too long. During a muscle spasm, the muscle often feels like it is clenched in a hard knot and, as a result, may create pain, restrict movement or limit activity.

Muscle spasms are very common. A recent Harris Interactive survey found that four out of five U.S. adults said they have experienced muscle spasms. The most common causes of acute muscle spasms were routine day-to-day activities--household chores, work, gardening, mowing the lawn or lifting heavy objects.

Seeking medical attention early may help relieve painful muscle spasms. “Some people may try to tough it out,” commented Dr. Weil. “What they don’t realize is that there are treatments that may relieve the muscle spasm and associated pain. They don’t need to suffer. By visiting a doctor when you first injure your back, you may get early relief and make sure that there are no serious underlying injuries.”

The good news is that there are many treatments for muscle spasms. Simple steps can help prevent muscle spasms or make them less intense. These include stretching regularly, knowing your limits, pacing yourself and giving your body time to rest after an activity.

Health care professionals may also recommend medicines to treat acute muscle spasms and relieve the pain. For additional information about how to prevent and treat muscle spasms, visit www.TreatMuscleSpasms.com

Helping Women Have Healthy Relationships

(NAPSI)-From quitting smoking to cutting fat from their diets--and even finding time to meditate--women are increasingly taking steps to remain happy and healthy.

Still, about 40 million American women experience symptoms that negatively affect their sense of well-being, relationships and health every day--and far fewer talk about it with a doctor.

These women suffer from one of several types of sexual disorder, the most common being Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder (HSDD), commonly referred to as low sex drive.

Sexual activity has many health benefits and is an important part of committed relationships. But those with HSDD are rarely in the mood for intimacy and this problem can be quite distressing to them.

It is thought that the condition may be associated with a decrease in testosterone, a hormone that affects many things, including sex drive, and that decreases naturally in women who have gone through menopause either naturally or after surgery.

Finding Relief

Women with HSDD are invited to participate in the Bloom Study. This medical research study will examine the safety and effectiveness of the investigational medication LibiGel®, which is applied daily to the skin on a woman’s upper arm as a possible treatment for HSDD. The study is currently looking for area women at least 30 years of age who have lost their sex drive.

Qualified participants must have gone through either menopause or had their ovaries removed.

LibiGel was developed by BioSante Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a publicly traded pharmaceutical company (Nasdaq: BPAX) focused on developing products for female sexual health. Its first product to market, Elestrin™, was approved by the FDA for the treatment of moderate to severe hot flashes and is currently marketed in the U.S.

The company hopes that the experience gained in bringing Elestrin to market will help pave the way for the LibiGel® program--and that could be good news for women and their relationships.

For more information on the Bloom Study, or to participate, visit www.BloomStudy.com or call (877) BLOOM-81.

About 40 million women experience symptoms that negatively affect their lives, relationships and health every day.

UGA Study: Regular Walking Nearly Halves Elderly Disability Risk

Older adults can decrease their risk of disability and increase their likelihood of maintaining independence by 41 percent by participating in a walking exercise program, according to a new University of Georgia study.

The study, which appears in the current issue of the Journal of Geriatric Physical Therapy, also found that walking program participants increased their peak aerobic capacity by 19 percent when compared to a control group and increased their physical function by 25 percent.

“In the past decade, researchers have focused on the benefits of strength training in maintaining independence, but until now we didn’t have good evidence using an objective performance measure that a walking program would improve physical functioning,” said study co-author M. Elaine Cress, professor of kinesiology and researcher in the UGA Institute of Gerontology. “Our study found that walking offers tremendous health benefits that can help older adults stay independent.”

The researchers randomly assigned 26 low-income adults aged 60 and older to either a walking exercise group, which met three times a week for four months, or a nutrition education control group. Initially, the group would walk for 10 minutes continually. As the weeks progressed, they increased their walking time to 40 continuous minutes. Each session began with a 10-minute warm-up and ended with a 10-minute cool-down that included balance and flexibility exercises.

Trudy Moore-Harrison, the lead author of the study and a former UGA doctoral student, explained that the researchers focused their study on low-income individuals because people with fewer financial resources are less likely to be physically active and are more likely to have chronic health conditions and lack health care coverage. Moore-Harrison added that walking doesn’t require any special equipment other than a pair of comfortable shoes, which makes it a simple and low-cost way for people to become active. Moore-Harrison supervised the group, but the researchers said that motivated community members could lead similar groups across the country.

Getting people to stick with exercise programs can be notoriously difficult, but the researchers found that every single member of the group stayed with the program for its four-month duration. “People really enjoyed the program,” said Moore-Harrison, now a post-doctoral fellow at the University of North Carolina Charlotte. “It gave them an opportunity to make new friends and get to know their neighbors.”

The researchers measured the aerobic capacity of the participants using a treadmill test and found that while the control group saw an 9 percent decline in aerobic capacity over the four-month study period, the aerobic capacity of the walking group increased by 19 percent over the same time period.

“Aerobic capacity is really the engine that we draw upon for doing the things we want to do, whether it’s cleaning up around the house or running a marathon,” Cress said. “By increasing their aerobic capacity, the walking group was better able to perform their daily tasks and had more energy left over for recreational activities, like going out dancing.”

The researchers assessed health status and bodily pain through questionnaires and examined disability by measuring performance on factors such as balance and walking. Physical functioning was measured through both questionnaires and through tests that measured how well the volunteers performed daily activities such as climbing a flight of stairs and putting on and removing a jacket.

The researchers found that physical function increased by 25 percent in the walking exercise group, compared to a decrease of 1 percent in the control group. And while the control group saw their risk of disability increase over the four-month period, the walking exercise group saw their disability risk go from 66 percent to 25 percent – a decrease of 41 percent in just four months.

“We know that walking is good for you, but too many people still aren’t doing it,” Moore-Harrison said. “This study shows that just walking on a regular basis can make a huge impact on quality of life.”

The research was supported by the UGA Institute of Gerontology Seed Grant, the Northeast Georgia Area Agency on Aging and the Georgia Gerontology Consortium Seed Grant. The research was done in cooperation with the Athens Housing Authority.

By Sam Fahmy

Diabetes on the Rise in U.S.

As diabetics, David and Susan Dowdy know what they eat directly affects their blood sugar levels and lives. To combat the disease, the Brunswick, Ga., couple eats more healthful and exercises more.

“Before, I ate chocolate cake, brownies and lots of ice cream,” he said. “Now I eat apples when I want a sweet snack.”

Since January, David has lost 25 pounds and his wife has lost 30. In addition to watching their diets, they take daily 30-minute walks. By dieting and exercising, he has been able to stay on oral medication and avoid insulin shots.

On the rise in U.S.

Like the Dowdys, 24 million Americans are afflicted with diabetes, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Since 2005, 3 million Americans have become diabetic. That’s an increase of 15 percent.

“Another 57 million people have abnormally high blood sugar levels that indicate prediabetes,” said Connie Crawley, a health and nutrition specialist with University of Georgia Cooperative Extension.

“If the current trend continues, the CDC estimates that by 2030, 400 million people will have diabetes.”

Monitor blood sugar level

If a person’s fasting blood sugar level is 126 or more or is 200 or more nonfasting, that person is probably diabetic, she said. A fasting blood sugar level between 100 and 126 may indicate prediabetes.

The U.S. population has become more diverse and now includes more ethnic groups that are at greater risk for diabetes, she said, including American Indians and those from African, Asian or Latin descent.

The increase is also due to Americans being older, overweight and inactive.

Diabetes is common in Dowdy’s family. But despite the fact that it’s a hereditary condition, Crawley said it’s not inevitable.

Exercise and weight loss

If an at-risk, overweight person loses 7 percent of her body weight and begins exercising at a moderate pace for 30 minutes a day 5 days a week, her risk for diabetes is cut by 58 percent, according to the Diabetes Preventions Program. For overweight, at-risk adults over age 60, the risk is cut by 71 percent. The workouts can be split into three 10-minute exercise sessions.
“You don’t even need to get to an ideal body weight to see the benefits,” she said.

Decreasing the fat around the middle of the body is essential. Men whose waists are less than 40 inches and women whose waists are less than 35 inches are less likely to get diabetes and other chronic diseases.

Positive diet and exercise lifestyle changes are twice as effective as taking metformin, a drug known to control blood sugar, Crawley said.

“Fortunately, many people see their blood sugars improve even before they lose much weight, just by eating smaller portions of healthier foods and starting to move more,” she said.
To check your diabetes risk, take the risk test on the American Diabetes Association Web site www.diabetes.org/risk-test.jsp. Those at risk should have an annual blood glucose check by a doctor.

By Sharon Omahen
University of Georgia

Got the Workday Blues?

(ARA) - With all the sunshine and warm weather, we all want to spend time outdoors doing our favorite activities like working in the garden or playing our favorite sports. But for many of us, that's not an option during the workday.

It's only natural to feel a little down about being stuck inside all day when the weather is so nice outside, says Julia Kennedy, career services director for Everest Universities throughout North America. If you do have a case of the summertime work blues, Kennedy says there are many ways to cheer yourself up.

For example, if you have a window, open it to let the fresh air in. You can also bring nature into your office by putting a bouquet of flowers on your desk or creating a desk-sized rock garden. You should also try to spend as much time as possible outdoors and build in special times for getting out of the office. You can pack your lunch and eat it outdoors, or take an afternoon coffee break to walk around the block. Lastly, Kennedy suggests that you talk to your boss about flex-time or working from home once a week, if you really want to fit more freedom for outdoor time into your schedule.

But if your dislike of your job goes deeper than simply the summertime blues, Kennedy says your dissatisfaction should be taken seriously. "Everybody has a bad day at work, but if you're having a lot of bad days, you might have the workplace blues, and they can have a real effect on your quality of life," she says.

Kennedy suggests asking yourself the following questions to fairly assess your current work environment: Do you feel trapped at work? Do you dread going to work in the morning? Do you see real potential for advancement at work? Do you have a good relationship with your boss? Do you constantly dream of the weekends?

"Ask yourself, 'How often am I feeling this way? Am I blaming my boss or co-workers for the way I'm feeling consistently?' Once you're aware of the reasons why you feel a certain way, it usually becomes quite obvious what change is necessary," Kennedy adds.

New evidence from north of the border shows that Americans are not alone in our work problems. In fact, half of all Canadians report suffering from occasional bouts of work-induced blues, according to a December 2007 survey commissioned by Everest College of Business, Technology and Healthcare -- Ontario’s leading career college.

Feelings of job dissatisfaction can range from mild frustration to consistent feelings of unhappiness. On the same survey by Everest College of Business, 22 percent of respondents indicated that their salary was the most depressing thing about their job, whereas 12 percent said a lack of opportunity for career advancement was. Perhaps more troubling, 40 percent of respondents believed that their current job did not offer a lot of opportunity for advancement.

“If you are reaching a moderate level of job dissatisfaction and have not yet started thinking about alternatives, it’s time to start learning about new opportunities of which there are many,” says Kennedy. “Career fit is important to happiness on the job. Retraining can play a key role in changing lives for the better and most of our students are working while learning new skills to transition to a new career path.”

If you are thinking of making a career change, Kennedy recommends evaluating these factors: your interests; value system; skill level; opportunities in the market; and which fields, industries or companies seem attractive. “Your career needs to fit with your personality and interests, and support your goals for the future,” adds Kennedy. "Most importantly, remember that you deserve to be happy and fulfilled in your professional choice."

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Seniors Fight Age-Related Eye Disease With Breakthrough Treatment

(NAPSI)-When Bonnie Conway began to experience vision loss due to an eye disease known as wet age-related macular degeneration, or wet AMD, she worried that she might have to leave her job. As Borough Manager of her local community, Conway relies heavily on her sight to complete her bookkeeping, filing and letter writing duties.

More than 15 million American seniors live with some form of AMD, a leading cause of blindness in people over 60. There are two forms of AMD, dry and wet. While all cases begin as the dry form, it is the wet form that accounts for about 90 percent of all AMD-related blindness.

Wet AMD can result in sudden and severe loss of a person’s central vision, and can worsen rapidly without treatment. Like many of the 1.7 million people with the advanced form of the disease, Conway had difficulty reading and the faces of her friends and loved ones became blurry.

“I was a big reader. The most frustrating thing for me was losing the ability to read without a magnifying glass,” said Conway. “I started to accept that my wet AMD would eventually get so bad that I’d have to give up my job.”

But in August of 2006, Conway’s eye doctor, a retina specialist, began treating her with monthly injections of Lucentis® (ranibizumab injection), which is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of wet AMD. Since starting treatment, Conway’s vision has improved from 20/80 to 20/40 on the eye chart.

“Bonnie was one of the first patients in our practice to receive Lucentis, and because she’s continued to come for treatment every month, her vision has improved and she’s been able to continue her normal activities,” said Dr. Miguel Busquets of Associates in Ophthalmology.

In clinical studies of Lucentis, nearly all patients (90 percent) treated once a month maintained their vision for up to two years. About 40 percent of patients’ vision actually improved by three lines or more on the study eye chart at two years, though a few patients have experienced some vision loss.

Because AMD advances so quickly, and can cause sudden and irreversible loss of vision, early diagnosis and treatment are critical. The National Eye Institute recommends that people aged 60 or older schedule eye exams every two years, and anyone who notices changes in vision should receive an eye exam right away.

Lucentis is a prescription medication given by injection into the eye. Lucentis has been associated with detached retina and serious eye infection and should not be used in patients who have an infection in or around the eye. Increases in eye pressure have been seen within one hour of an injection. Although uncommon, conditions associated with eye- and non-eye-related blood clots (arterial thromboembolic events) may occur. Serious side effects included inflammation inside the eye and, rarely, effects related to the injection procedure such as cataract. The most common non-eye-related side effects were nose and throat infection, headache, and respiratory and urinary tract infections. The most common eye-related side effects were the feeling that something is in your eye, and increased tears.

If your eye becomes red, sensitive to light, painful or has a change in vision, you should seek immediate care from your eye doctor.

Choose Flip Flops Carefully for Back to School, Say Chiropractors

PRNewswire-- Despite the cooler weather, many young adults continue to wear slides, flip flops and sandals throughout school season, according to Okabashi Brands -- in the locker room, on campus, in the dorm or as an after sports "recovery" shoe.

But, according to Dr. Leo Bronston, DC, a practicing doctor of chiropractic for 30 years in western Wisconsin and member of the American Chiropractic Association, those slip on shoes are also changing the way kids and young adults walk, leaving them open to infection and leading to possible sprains or heel, toe or foot pain.

"Young adults focus on shoes that look good, but most don't consider how supportive they are or how they're affecting the body's mechanics, says Dr. Bronston. "Down the line, these kids are likely to experience knee, ankle and lower-back pain as a result of their footwear choices."

One popular shoe that can present problems is the flip-flop. Bronston points out that while popular, most flip flops offer poor shock absorption, one can even get stress fractures, as a result of the repetitive forces on the feet.

"Everyone needs to pay attention to their feet, especially the young and those that own several pairs of flip flops," cautions Dr. Bronston.

Bronston does recommend a selection of Okabashi sandals endorsed by the American Chiropractic Association, "because they have a footbed designed with some very important features to ensure safety, shock absorption, arch support and overall better foot health."

When selecting flip flops, Dr. Bronston advises young adults and parents to look for the following features to minimize pain and injury:

-- Make sure they are slip-resistant -- many injuries, such as fractures and sprains, occur from falls on wet surfaces.

-- Make sure the material has some type of anti-microbial treatment.

-- Make sure flip flops are flexible, yet have a firm enough foot bed for support.

-- Look for a stimulating footbed -- the foot has receptors at the bottom that help balance us.

-- Make sure the flip flop fits properly -- most people grip flip flops with their toes to keep them from falling off, causing stress on the entire foot and sometimes causing inflammation of the tissue.

Three Great Workouts You Can Do Anytime, Anyplace

(ARA) – With the cost of everything so high these days, people are looking for ways to trim their budgets. Among the most obvious places to cut back, eliminating that morning cup of coffee, bringing a lunch from home instead of dining out and canceling those services you can really do without – like cable TV and that gym membership you don’t really use much anyway.

That’s not to say you shouldn’t stay active, however. Numerous studies have shown that regular exercise is a critical part of staying healthy. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), regular exercise helps people maintain a healthy weight and delay or prevent the onset of diabetes and heart problems.

Regular activity is so important, in fact, that the Federal Government recommends American adults get at least 30 minutes of exercise five times a week. But that doesn’t necessarily mean you have to head down to the gym, which can be more of a chore than a fun activity, not to mention expensive.

Here are some ideas for getting that 30 minute workout anytime, anyplace:

1. Most employers offer an hour long lunch break and two 15-minute breaks throughout the day. Use some of that time to get up and get moving.

If you work in a tall building with lots of floors, use your break time to go up and down the stairs. If stair climbing is not an option, walk around the building at a brisk pace a couple of times a day, stopping occasionally to stretch.

2. If you’re a stay-at-home mom or dad, turn the baby stroller into work-out equipment.

Head on down to the park or just around the block with baby once or twice a day and as you move, use the stroller as a piece of work-out equipment. You can jog behind it, incorporate walking lunges and use bands for resistance training. Not only will you get the benefit of exercise, your baby will love it.

3. Take up sports hula hooping.
Ten minutes worth of vigorously wiggling your hips and moving around can burn off 110 calories, which is about as much as you’d burn if jogging or running an 8-minute mile. But burning calories quickly isn’t the only benefit the activity offers. It also promotes correct body alignment from the circular motions and proper posture in the upper body.

Substitute that light, plastic hula hoop your kids play with for a weighted one like the Acu Hoop offered by California’s Sports Hoop, Inc., and you can get even more health benefits.

When swiveled for 10 to 15 minutes at a time, weighted sports hoops can provide cardiovascular benefits, help tone muscles, burn calories and fat and facilitate weight loss. Do it religiously every day, and you can trim your waist two inches and lose four pounds every month until fit.

Weighted hoops come in a variety of styles and sizes, ranging from 1- to- 6-pounds in weight. No matter which one you choose to use, here’s how to get started:

1) Find enough space around you. Keep your feet one foot wide. Relax your knees, waist and body.

2) Relax your elbows. Lift the hoop and place it tightly against the back of your waist.

3) Grasp the hoop and keep it in a horizontal position before swinging out. Do not position the hoop at a tilt.

4) Horizontally swing out the hoop against your waist, fast and powerfully. Move your waist immediately.

5) Move your waist in a circular motion, all around pressing against the hoop.

6) Keep your motion fast enough to match the circulation speed of the hoop for it to stay up on your waist.

“The best thing about hula-hooping,” says personal trainer Rosemary Torres, “is it can be done anytime, anywhere.”

It is estimated there are now more than one million people throughout the United States using Sports Hoops as their major waist-trimming fitness equipment. For more information on the weighted hoops offered by California Sports Hoop, Inc., or to place an order, visit www.sports-hoop.com or call toll free (866) 700-5668.

Courtesy of ARAcontent