Avian Flu Talk Launches New Discussion Forum

Avian Flu Talk hosts forum for discussions relating to H5N1 bird flu virus.

(PRWEB) January 30, 2006 -- Avian Flu Talk recently announced that it had launched a discussion forum dedicated to discussing issues relating to the H5N1 bird flu virus. Over the last 90 days, this new forum has rapidly grown to be one of the most active forums in the world. The new forum appears to be capturing the public’s attention as people continue to join this community in waves.

“Perhaps the forum is appealing to so many around the world because of the overall caring nature being displayed among the members,” said Ryan Evans, founder of the forum. “The people on this forum also seem to be taking a united stance against the growing pandemic threat, which is also attracting people to the site.”

The new website recently added new informative forums that are designed to help educate the public on pandemic preparedness. “The addition of these new forums will provide a great service to the world,” said Evans, who attributed these latest enhancements to the forum Moderator.

In addition, this forum is a great news source to receive all of the latest information and developments regarding the bird flu as its members share news articles from around the world.

View the forum at www.Avianflutalk.com .

Media Contact:
Ryan Evans
Avian Flu Talk
P.O. Box 1294
Stanton, California 90680
714.965.5950
www.Avianflutalk.com

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Press Contact: Ryan Evans
Company Name: Avian Flu Talk
Email: email protected from spam bots
Phone: 714.965.5950
Website: www.Avianflutalk.com

# posted by PPC Meso @ 1:08 PM 0 comments

Brayton Purcell Fighting Against Unfair Asbestos Legislation

Four clients of the Brayton Purcell law firm will travel to the capitol to fight against proposed asbestos legislation (S. 852). Three have developed cancers due to asbestos exposure; the fourth is a widow whose husband died from asbestos-related cancer.

Washington, DC (PRWEB)January 27, 2006 -- Four clients of the Brayton Purcell law firm will travel to our nation’s capitol next week to make their voices heard against S. 852. This unfair asbestos legislation would deny access to the courts for asbestos victims, who instead would be required to pursue their claims through an asbestos trust fund. Congressional analysts and other government experts predict that the trust fund would run out of money well before all asbestos victims could be compensated. Medical experts question the criteria that the bill uses to identify and classify the diseases related to asbestos.

A Father Suffering From Mesothelioma

One client, David Bakkie, was exposed to asbestos when he worked as an assembler, a lineman and a line construction supervisor. He is 50 years old and has two teenage sons, Christopher and Charles.

Last September, Mr. Bakkie was diagnosed with mesothelioma, an aggressive cancer that first attacks the membranes surrounding the lungs. The disease is caused by asbestos exposure.

A Ship Rigger’s Exposure to Asbestos

Ron Dutton is married and 51 years old. He has two daughters and a granddaughter. For many years, Mr. Dutton worked as a rigger on ships, a job that exposed him to asbestos. Like most other workers, he did not know about the danger to his health and was given no protection. Now he has asbestos–related colon cancer and asbestosis. Asbestosis is a progressive scarring of the lungs that is only caused by exposure to asbestos.

Mr. Dutton says that he is going to Washington to let the Senators know that workers who were exposed to asbestos have real illnesses and have the right to be compensated. He poses this question: “The government didn’t get in the way when asbestos manufacturers made huge profits, so why should it make it hard for people like me to be compensated when they become sick from asbestos products?”

An Asbestos Victim’s Widow

Joan Nettler Kiss became a widow last year when her husband, John, died of metastatic colon cancer. An insulator for 35 years, John Kiss was an active member of the Heat and Frost Insulators and Asbestos Workers Local 16 in San Francisco. He had worked in power plants, shipyards, and industrial and commercial sites throughout Northern California. He contracted asbestosis and colon cancer due to his exposure to asbestos at these jobs

After he retired as an insulator, Mr. Kiss began a second career as an investigator at Brayton Purcell because he wanted to help other asbestos victims. He was very proud of this job. His co–workers came to rely on his extensive knowledge of asbestos products and his ability to put clients at ease. Mr. Kiss eventually became the manager of the firm’s Investigations Department.

John Kiss had three children of his own and also helped raise two of Joan’s children. He was a proud grandfather to his eight grandchildren. He is sorely missed by his family, friends and co–workers.

A Machinist With Asbestos Lung Cancer

Mr. George Goodyard is married with four daughters. For 34 years, he worked as a machinist in naval and private shipyards. He now has asbestosis and lung cancer as the result of his on–the–job exposure to asbestos. He has had part of his lung removed, and visits his doctor every three months for a check–up and X–rays. He receives a CAT scan every six months, and hopes that his condition does not deteriorate further.

“They knew about asbestos in 1970, but didn’t tell us anything about it,” Mr. Goodyard said. “We didn't know about the risks we were taking.” He also points out that even today, the insulation used in ships may be 30 to 40 years old and contain asbestos. The asbestos can be easily disturbed and become airborne, allowing workers to breathe in asbestos fibers.

Mr. Goodyard has a court date set for later this year. However, if S. 852 becomes law, his asbestos case could be thrown out, and he would have to apply to the asbestos trust fund program instead. The delay would be a hardship for Mr. Goodyard and his family. The asbestos trust fund will not be up and running immediately, and S. 852 creates an unwieldy bureaucracy that may not be efficient or effective.

Protest Against S. 852

S. 852 is extremely bad legislation that will help asbestos–related companies, but harm people with asbestos diseases. Please call or write to your Senators and urge them to vote NO on S. 852. The bill may come before the Senate in early February, so it is important to do this right away. You can find your Senators’ names, e–mails, and telephone numbers on the U.S. Senate web site at http://www.senate.gov/general/contact_information/senators_cfm.cfm

List of Client Cases

The four clients are involved in these cases:
David Bakkie: David Bakkie vs. Asbestos Defendants, San Francisco Superior Court, No.     491129
Ron Dutton: Ronald Dutton and Terri Dutton vs. Asbestos Defendants, San Francisco Superior Court, No. 420971
Joan Nettler: Joan Nettler, et al vs. Asbestos Defendants, San Francisco Superior Court, No. 413663
George Goodyard: George Goodyard vs. Asbestos Defendants, San Francisco Superior Court, No. 434978

About Brayton Purcell
For over 20 years, Brayton Purcell has helped clients protect their legal rights in the face of devastating losses such as illness, injuries, and harm to family members. The law firm enjoys a national reputation for the high quality of its personal injury and product liability work, particularly in the area of asbestos litigation. For more information, call 415-898-1555 or visit the firm web site at http://www.braytonlaw.com.

For information about asbestos and asbestos-related diseases, see the firm’s web sites, Mesothelioma Network, http://www.mesotheliomasite.com and Asbestos Network, http://www.asbestosnetwork.com.

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Press Contact: Butch LeRoy
Company Name: Brayton Purcell
Email: email protected from spam bots
Phone: 415 898-1555
Website: http://www.braytonlaw.com

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[Editor's comments: For information on asbestos and the lung cancer called Mesothelioma that exposure to asbestos causes, please visit http://www.mesothelioma-lung-cancer.org. (hris ]

 

# posted by PPC Meso @ 4:28 PM 0 comments

University of California Uses Technology to Tackle Rising Healthcare Costs

California’s 2nd largest employer selects CompassCare’s Clinical Information System.

Chicago, IL (PRWEB) January 26, 2006 -- The University of California’s (UC’s) Office of the President selects CompassCare’s Clinical Information System, which will be provided to its occupational health clinics on a system wide basis. CompassCare provides software to manage healthcare information and delivery.

“A top priority for UC is to ensure that all employees have access to quality healthcare when they need it. Technological innovation helps us advance the delivery of care while stemming the tide of rising costs,” says Dan Nicholson, Workers’ Compensation Manager, UC Office of the President.

The State of California has seen workers’ compensation (WC) costs more than triple from 1995 to 2003. Total medical treatment costs are estimated to be 50 to 100 percent higher in WC than treatments paid for by private health insurance. Although medical costs have decreased with recent reforms, the overall cost of workers’ compensation in California remains significantly higher than in other states.

“As the 2nd largest employer in California with more than 175,000 faculty and staff, it is important that we take proactive measures to ensure our people’s access to high quality care,” says Nicholson. “CompassCare enhances our ability to monitor and measure performance system wide, increasing our visibility into the entire care process. It will help us standardize clinical documentation electronically, capture information on a real-time basis, transmit appropriate levels of information to the correct parties (e.g., claims administrator), and automate clinical and operational functions using a rules-based engine.”

UC comprises 10 campuses and 5 medical centers. The Office of the President is responsible for UC's system wide activities and programs including the coordination of all workers’ compensation claims made throughout the UC system. The CompassCare system will be used by UC to link together its Occupational Health clinics on a common, electronic platform, creating seamless networking and information flow.

The CompassCare clinical information system integrates practice management, EMR, billing and communication processes on top of a rules engine driven architecture – all accessible from a secure, HIPPA compliant, web-interface.

“Effectively managing the delivery of Occupational Healthcare services is paramount for employers like the University of California who serve a broad patient community. We designed CompassCare with the intent of improving the delivery of care on a massive scale. This is being validated at UC as it is with several other hospital systems that use our software,” said Rick Valentine, CEO of CompassCare Inc.

“The CompassCare system helps hospitals reduce the costs associated with processing claims, ensure compliance with regulations, eliminate redundant data entry, manage the delivery of care, and improve communication flow between key stakeholders such as the healthcare provider, the employer and the insurer, all to ensure the injured worker gets the required treatment quickly and efficiently,” says Valentine.

UC represents Chicago-area CompassCare’s 3rd customer in California, others include Dameron Hospital in Stockton, CA and Sutter Health based in Sacramento, CA.

About University of California
UC’s ten campuses at Berkeley, Davis, Irvine, Los Angeles, Merced, Riverside, San Diego, San Francisco, Santa Cruz and Santa Barbara. The UC’s 5 medical centers and 10 health centers comprise one of the largest health care systems in the state, and one of the most respected in the country. Each year the University provides care to more than 135,000 inpatients, 239,000 emergency room visitors and more than 3.6 million outpatients. In 2004, the UCLA and UCSF medical centers were ranked fifth and sixth, respectively, in the entire by U.S. News and World Report.

About CompassCare
CompassCare Inc. provides occupational healthcare stakeholders (employers, care providers, and TPA/ case managers) an integrated management system that connects all parties together in "real-time” via the Internet. It provides instant access to HIPAA-compliant information on an injured worker so all parties have the tools they need to manage the information and activity associated with workers' compensation. The result is improved quality of care and better financial and operations management. With more than 25 million electronic medical (patient) records accurately processed to date, CompassCare is one of the leading suppliers of healthcare information technology. The following are copyrights of CompassCare: CompassCare, MedTRAK, FasTRAK, ClaimTRAK, CaseTRAK, For more information please visit: www.compass-care.com.

Media Contact:
Stewart Dixon
847.604.9800

# # #

Press Contact: Stewart Dixon
Company Name: CompassCare
Email: email protected from spam bots
Phone: 847-604-9800
Website: www.compass-care.com

# posted by PPC Meso @ 3:51 PM 0 comments

S-Enzymes: Complete Systemic Enzyme Blend for Total Health and Well Being

S-Enzymes, new from Encinitas, California based Pure Prescriptions, Inc., is a carefully formulated blend of systemic enzymes, which act as catalysts to every chemical reaction in the body.

Encinitas,CA (PRWEB) January 25, 2006 -- Whether recovering from surgery, sports injury or merely a harsh allergic reaction, the body can use all the help it can get to repair itself quickly and effectively. Systemic enzymes can be a key ingredient to speedy recovery and the right supplement makes all the difference in the world.

S-Enzymes, new from Encinitas, CA based Pure Prescriptions, Inc., is a carefully formulated blend of systemic enzymes, which act as catalysts to every chemical reaction in the body. It is a completely natural product and chiefly designed for:
• Post-surgical recovery
• Sports injuries/trauma
• Immune support and balance
• Cardiovascular support
• Anti-inflammatory actions

The doctors at Pure Prescriptions understand that the health of the body is completely dependent upon the quantity and activity of enzymes. Therefore their goal was to develop the best supplement on the market. The naturally occurring enzymes in S-Enzymes help to rebuild and regenerate the widely diverse tissues in the body. So what sets this supplement apart from competing brands? According to scientific studies, systemic enzymes such as Serrapeptase require enteric coating. Enteric coating is necessary to prevent the degradation of these enzymes by the acidic environment (pH) of the stomach. Unlike other brands, S-Enzymes is enteric coated to ensure maximum absorption.

“I developed S-Enzymes specifically for my patients suffering from painful joints, sore muscles and poor circulation,” says Dr. Chad Larson, Pure Prescriptions’ chief nutritionist. “S-Enzymes represents the most comprehensive and effective blend of systemic enzymes, including genuine Serrapeptase."

Systemic enzymes are completely derived from natural sources and are widely considered safe and effective. S-Enzymes contains ingredients that are USP standardized. The United States Pharmacopeia (USP) is the official public standards-setting authority for all prescription and over-the-counter medicines, dietary supplements, and other healthcare products manufactured and sold in the United States.

Founded in California by Dr. Devin Ryerson in 2001, Pure Prescriptions is committed to providing sound advice, practical health knowledge and premier health products.

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Press Contact: Dalyn Miller
Company Name: FREELANCE PR
Email: email protected from spam bots
Phone: 617-504-6869
Website: www.pureprescriptions.com

# posted by PPC Meso @ 10:31 AM 0 comments

FLAVORx Enhances Treatment Options for Pediatric Oncology Patients

Because of the struggles that young cancer patients face on a day to day basis during and after treatment, FLAVORx is dedicated to defining methods in which they can best accommodate their needs to make their situation that much more bearable. Working with several cancer-related medications and consumer responses, FLAVORx has discovered flavorings that improve several cancer medications' taste most effectively, and therefore improves patient quality of life.

Bethesda, MD (PRWEB) January 19, 2006 -- It is estimated that approximately 12,400 children in the United States are diagnosed with cancer each year. The most common childhood cancers are leukemia, lymphomas, brain tumors and bone cancers. The frequency of cancer diagnoses has risen since the 1970’s. In each individual case, cancer patients and their families must endure the pain, uncertainty and disruptions caused to their lives as a result of the diagnosis. Recognition of the needs of these pediatric oncology patients and the opportunity to improve the quality of their lives has led FLAVORx to dedicate a targeted investigation on how they can best serve the needs of childhood cancer patients.

The chemotherapy, doctor’s exams, constant discomfort of their condition and the countless medications these children must tolerate, is more than even the strongest adult could endure. Beyond the physical and medical changes to a child’s lifestyle, diagnosis and treatment also cause feelings of fear, anxiety, anger, guilt, sadness and depression. Therefore, any way of making these children’s lives a little easier, a little less painful and a little less traumatic is what FLAVORx strives for. Succeeding in this manner is what sets FLAVORx apart as a company dedicated to understanding the needs and situations of all children.

Medications used during cancer treatment are essential to alleviate or eradicate the signs of cancer from the body and can be classified into two groups: antineoplastic (cancer-fighting) or immuno-suppression (lessening the body’s reaction). These include drugs that can prevent infection, like antibiotics, or drugs that treat side effects such as nausea and pain. FLAVORx testing and research with children has shown that some flavors mask the existing tastes of certain medications better than others. Of the following common cancer medications, here are some of the most effective flavors:

1. Zofran (for nausea associated with chemotherapy)- Raspberry, Natural Orange, Bubblegum
2. Phenergan (for nausea associated with chemotherapy)- Grape, Sour Apple, Peaches and Cream
3. Acyclovir (to prevent viral infections)- Orange Cream, Banana, Cherry
4. Septra/Bactrim (to prevent some types of pneumonia)- Grape, Bubblegum, Watermelon
5. Vancomycin (an antibiotic)- Vanilla, Strawberry Cream, Grape/Bubblegum
6. Roxanol (to relieve pain)- Grape, Raspberry, Orange Cream

Because FLAVORx flavors are inert, non-allergenic, sugar-free, alcohol-free, very concentrated, as well as gluten and casein-free, they do not affect the efficacy of the medication and also comply with any specific dietary restraints (to reduce the risk of infection from food) that many oncology patients must follow.

Many years ago, a father came to FLAVORx with a problem. His young son had an inoperable brain tumor and was on a very strict regimen of medications. In anticipation of the medications’ taste, the young boy would become nauseated hours before he had to take them everyday, and simply could not keep them down. With no foreseeable solution, his parents were told if he couldn't ingest the medications necessary for his survival, they would have no choice but to return him to the hospital and administer the medications intravenously. Needlessly readmitting their son to the hospital would add unnecessary strain and suffering to an already unbearable situation. The family knew he would only be comfortable in a home setting, not in a cold, sterile hospital. They finally found FLAVORx and Kenny asked the entire family to come in to see how he could help. Kenny asked the little boy to name his favorite flavor, and without hesitation, he responded “Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups.” Kenny created a formulation using a combination of peanut butter and chocolate flavoring to pair with each of his medications.After that the young boy was able to take all of his medicine without opposition. Sadly, he only lived for eight more months but his final months were spent at home with his family and those that loved him, surrounded by familiarity. Kenny recalls, “Knowing that we were able to bring this child a little happiness at the end of his life is a feeling that I will never forget. It was a feeling of triumph over an otherwise cold world that for the most part didn’t do all it could to help a little boy, and value the importance of his life. I will always remember him and feel we succeeded by helping him and his family. After this, I vowed I would never let another child’s health and happiness fall by the wayside if I could help it.”

It is extremely important that children with compromised immunity, as in the case of cancer, take all medications prescribed by their physicians as they are precisely directed. FLAVORx has improved treatment quality in administering medicines by alleviating the unnecessary strain, trauma and more importantly, ramifications of medicinal non-compliance by improving the taste of unpalatable medications. FLAVORx President and CEO, Kenny Kramm, has brought increased pediatric oncology awareness to his company, as well as a heightened dedication to patient needs. FLAVORx offers 42 scientifically developed and safety-tested flavors to cover both over-the-counter and prescription medications and is available at most pharmacies nationwide.

For more information, please contact Teresa Chen at 800.884.5771, extension 234.

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Press Contact: Teresa Chen
Company Name: FLAVORX, INC.
Email: email protected from spam bots
Phone: 240.223.0953
Website: www.flavorx.com

# posted by PPC Meso @ 2:45 PM 0 comments

Carmel Pharma, Inc. to Market and Distribute PhaSeal®, the Only Clinically-Proven Closed System Transfer Device Available Today

At the beginning of 2006, Carmel Pharma, Inc. applies its passion and undivided resources to the distribution and education of their own product, PhaSeal®--the only "clinically-proven" closed system transfer device available today. PhaSeal's unique design "contains the drug" which helps prevent occupational exposure to hazardous drugs in health care settings--a call to action required by The National Institute for Occupational Safety.

Columbus, OH (PRWEB) January 18, 2006 -- Carmel Pharma began to market and distribute PhaSeal® from its own company, Carmel Pharma Inc, based in Columbus Ohio as of January 2006.

PhaSeal is the only "clinically proven" closed system transfer device on the market today. It's unique design is meant to prevent environmental contamination and help protect healthcare employees through the preparation, administration and waste handling of hazardous drugs.

The National Institute for Occupational Safety (NIOSH) states that "working with or near hazardous drugs in health care settings may cause skin rashes, infertility, miscarriage, birth defects, and possibly leukemia or other cancers," quotes David Schneider, President of Carmel Pharma Inc. "The PhaSeal System contains the hazardous drug which prevents enviromental contamination, therefore providing healthcare workers a safer working environment. As the manufacturer, our sole focus is to continue to educate and be a valuable resource on this important safety issue."

PhaSeal's double membrane provides dry connections between system components and it's expansion chamber ensures aerosols and vapors are contained and neither over pressure or under-pressure occurs duing drug preparation.

PhaSeal was launched in the US in December of 2000 and today, more than 400 leading cancer facilities, such as MD Anderson, University of San Francisco, Standford and Texas Childrens Hospital have contributed to PhaSeal's outstanding growth. Carmel Pharma has recently been placed on the Deloitte´s Fast 500 EMEA List.

If you have questions or want more information on ordering PhaSeal, please contact Carmel Pharma, Inc. at
866-487-9250 or 614-841-0504.

Contacts:
Christine Crooks, Marketing Director Carmel Pharma, Inc.
Direct: 866-487-9250 ext. 202

Agneta Ekblad, VP Oncology Solutions Carmel Pharma Inc. Direct: 858-220-3583

David Schneider, President Carmel Pharma Inc.
Direct: 866-487-9250 ext. 201

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Press Contact: Christine Crooks
Company Name: CARMEL PHARMA, INC.
Email: email protected from spam bots
Phone: 614-841-0504
Website: www.phaseal.com

# posted by PPC Meso @ 10:50 AM 0 comments

An ICT Perspective on Private v. Public Healthcare in Canada

This e-book examines the role of ICT in how the private/public health system debate in Canada plays out.

Saskatoon, Canada (PRWEB) January 15, 2006 -- Bankix Systems Ltd has released its new 68-page e-book, An ICT perspective on Private v. Public Healthcare in Canada. The e-book examines a kaleidoscopic health issue in Canada with a technology paradigm. It discusses the pros and cons of public and private health systems, and analyzes differing views on the debate.

It examines the effectiveness of the current health system and its challenges, if a parallel private healthcare system would be more effective in reducing wait times, and the overall costs of running a public versus a private health system. It also examines broader views regarding the interplay of political, social, economic, and technology forces in the success or otherwise of any health system, including in the financial rearrangement, insurance regulation and risk, and other issues that a shift to a private health system would engender.

The role that ICT plays in improving the efficiency and effectiveness of healthcare delivery is no longer in doubt. The e-book explores the differences in approaches to ICT implementation between publicly vis-à-vis privately financed health systems and the consequences of these differences for their survival, competitiveness, and sustainability. It examines pertinent questions that arise thereof and seeks to provide answers to these and other important questions relevant to the debate.

Doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals, hospital CEOs, government agencies, software and ICT vendors, all other healthcare stakeholders, and members of the public interested in the private v. public health debate would find this e-book delightful to read.

Bankix Systems Ltd is a Canadian healthcare ICT consulting company that publishes online articles, reports, market and industry analyses, and books on healthcare ICT. Kindly visit our website at www.bankixsystems.com

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Press Contact: Dr. George O. Obikoya
Company Name: BANKIX SYSTEMS LTD.
Email: email protected from spam bots
Phone: 13064416601
Website: www.bankixsystems.com

# posted by PPC Meso @ 11:59 AM 0 comments

Scientific Advances In The Field Of Nutrigenomics Target The Future of Disease Prevention; Customized Nutrition & Lifestyle Programs Formulated Through Genetic Testing

Genetic testing and the Nutriceutical Industry have joined forces in the pursuit of optimizing our ability to look into the future to foresee disease before it happens. The goal: to customize individual nutritional supplementation & lifestyle programs based on individual genetic “weaknesses” or "variances" that leave individuals more prone to certain diseases.

(PRWEB) January 13, 2006 -- Genetic testing and the Nutriceutical Industry have joined forces in the pursuit of optimizing our ability to look into the future to foresee disease before it happens. The goal: to customize individual nutritional supplementation & lifestyle programs based on individual genetic “weaknesses” or "variances" that leave individuals more prone to certain diseases. Many publications have highlighted the possibility of being able to identify the unique nutritional needs of an individual through genetic testing, "some time in the future". That future is now.

A Genetic/DNA Screening Analysis Kit and Personalized Analysis Report now make this healthful resource available to anyone, anytime, affordably … in the convenience of your own home. Families across America can use convenient Testing Kit products to reveal important lifestyle, nutritional, health related, and preventive analysis data within a few short weeks. This diagnostic breakthrough provides an excellent resource for those searching for answers to critical health questions.

Everyone has “unique genetic make-up”, and thus, “unique genetic weaknesses”, and unique nutritional needs. In the past, many leading medical researchers and doctors, summarized the application of nutritional supplementation as no more than the creation of expensive urine. Current research and application shows the efficacy of dietary supplementation of vitamins, minerals & and more targeted nutritional products on overall health and prevention of disease.

“Nutrigenomics” is the cutting edge science linking nutrients & other dietary bioactives (toxins, chemicals, etc) with the genetic variances. Even a slight variation in a gene or "genetic letter" can totally alter the genetic message, like changing one letter in a word can completely alter the meaning, like "deer" to "beer". Slight changes in these genetic codes can completely alter physiologic processes, and thus life-health issues. If these genetic code alterations are determined, addressing disease prevention with nutritional programs and lifestyle choices becomes “the epitome of prevention” for long-lasting, optimum health.

Knowing one’s critical genetic make-up provides the future for health related issues and prevention. Convenient, Genetic Testing provides a comprehensive preventive road map identifying variances related to Heart Health, Bone Health, Antioxidant & Detoxification Capacity, Inflammation Response, and Insulin Sensitivity. Combined with personalized Weight Management systems should the need exist, millions of Americans can enjoy a brighter future, and elevated quality of life.

Nutrigenomics is a boundless field of discovery that can be used to the human advantage. Americans can tap into this potential as an important personal resource for themselves and their families. Testing process is affordable, confidential, rapid, and results oriented. Change your life today.

For more information contact: Maureen Maples, DC, FASA www.DrMaples.ws

Dr. Maples has been helping patients fight disease and achieve their wellness & weight management goals for almost 10 years through various alternative healthcare methods.

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Press Contact: Maureen Maples
Company Name:
Email: email protected from spam bots
Phone: 704-654-9560
Website: http://www.drmaples.ws

# posted by PPC Meso @ 10:48 AM 0 comments

Mesothelioma.com Analyzes Proposed Asbestos Legislation from a Historical Perspective

Bill s.852, the Fairness in Asbestos Injury Resolution Act of 2005, is analyzed according to historical precedent.

(PRWEB) January 12, 2006 -- Mesothelioma.com today announced further opposition to the bill S.852 - the Fairness in Asbestos Injury Resolution Act of 2005. The bill is expected to receive intense scrutiny in the coming weeks, as it could be voted on this month or in the month of February. Mesothelioma.com was one of the first to criticize the bill on grounds that it is unfair to victims of this horrible affliction, especially United States veterans.

In recent weeks, Mesothelioma.com staffers have performed unbiased historical research and data mining using similar programs as models, uncovering some startling findings. Around the same time the United States Government Accountability Office ("GAO") reviewed four federal compensation programs designed to compensate individuals injured due to exposure to harmful substances- black lung, vaccine injury, radiation exposure, energy employees occupational illness- and determined the following:

•    The compensation programs have seen an expanded federal role and higher costs over time;
•    All four programs have been expanded to provide additional categories of claimants, cover more medical conditions, or provide additional benefits;
•    Some programs have been extended longer than planned;
•    There have been far more claims than estimated for each program;
•    There have been significant delays in completing claims for victims; and
•    It took at least 2 years for all four programs to become fully operational.

Both the release in numbers from Mesothelioma.com and the GAO put the potential costs needed to cover the trust fund at over $550 Billion. For the full results of our findings and for a review of the GAO report you can visit http://www.mesothelioma.com.

# # #

Press Contact: Steve Rinaldi
Company Name: IIMSNET.COM
Email: email protected from spam bots
Phone: 8004113359
Website: http://www.mesothelioma.com

# posted by PPC Meso @ 11:39 AM 0 comments

Confusion Surrounding The Medicare Part D Controversy is Reaching Panic Level For Seniors and Family Members Alike

There is a lot of confusion right now concerning the Medicare Part D issue. Pressure is mounting because seniors feel they are being forced or intimidated into making a decision with Medicare Part D. The threat of penalties for not joining in time is cause for concern, and the deadline is May 15th.

(PRWEB) January 12, 2006 -- Seniors are panicky, confused and angry at the way Medicare part d is being handled. There are gapping holes in the plan when it is examined closely and most people will not be able to take advantage of the ideal savings because that ideal savings is based on a specific annual expense.

Here are some facts that may help answer the concerns and make the issue a little clearer.

The Government is enforcing Medicare Part D. Proof of this is evident if considering the penalties individuals will incur by not joining Medicare Part D by May15th. The accumulative 1% penalty (per month) can become expensive over time and looks counter productive. It seems more likely the Government agenda is geared towards herding the public into a central plan and closing the doors for international prescription imports.

Medicare Part D is great if individual retail expenses are exactly $2250 each year. The further away annual costs are from that perfect amount, the less effective the plan is.

Medicare Part D is deceptive because it is presented as a 75% savings when in reality the savings are at best 60% when the perfect amount of $2250 is spent.

Medications that are not insured obviously reduce the savings. If you spend exactly $2250 retail on insured medications then your savings will be significant, probably between 50% and 60%. So who will hit that perfect amount?

Here are some scenarios to consider: (Based on $250 deductible and monthly premiums of $35)

* Spend $1200 on insured medications - Savings will be about 16%

* Spend $3000 on insured medications - Savings will be about 36%

* Spend $4000 on insured medications - Savings will be about 27%

The Perfect Situation:

* Spend $2250 on insured medications - Savings will be 52%

Anyone who is spending more than $2250 on prescriptions each year will be unhappy paying full retail after spending beyond the $2250 mark, and possibly angry when they realize the monthly premiums are still due.

Spokesman for Professional Services Canada Darwin Corby, has this advice:

"Sit down and calculate all your prescription expenses at full retail by phoning a local Pharmacy. Get familiar with your Medicare Part D costs. Add the $250 deductible and monthly premiums together with the %25 not covered in the first $2250. Then add the full retail you will be paying in the doughnut hole on top of your costs. (The doughnut hole is the gap between $2250 and $5100)

Subtract the deductible, monthly premiums, doughnut hole expenses and 25% from the savings to find your approximate savings for the year. You also need to understand that reaching the ideal savings is highly unlikely."

A simple webpage chart is provided to help understand Medicare Part D on this page http://www.medicareaide.com/supplement.html

Recommendations:

Use a Canadian Prescription service to help avoid the Doughnut hole if expenses are high. Join a low cost Medicare Part D plan to avoid the penalties if expenses are low. Enquire about Canadian prescription prices to maximize savings

Take full advantage of Medicare Part D
Use a Canadian Pharmacy together with / or in place of Medicare part D
Call for more information
1-800-946-4820
http://www.medicareaide.com

Professional Services Canada
Contact: Dwain Berlin
1-800-946-4820
#1 Flynn Court
Port Moody B.C.
V3H4W1
www.medicareaide.com

# # #

Press Contact: Dwain Berlin
Company Name: AUTOMATIC MARKETING
Email: email protected from spam bots
Phone: 1-800-946-4820
Website: http://www.medicareaide.com

# posted by PPC Meso @ 8:49 AM 0 comments

A Company That Cares - FLAVORx Develops Products to Accommodate Needs of Celiac Disease Patients

In response to growing demand from consumers for a gluten-free and casein-free line of FLAVORx Medicinal Flavorings, President Kenny Kramm has re-vamped the products to diminish the possibilities of allergy or adverse reactions due to diet limitations. Nearly all of the 42 flavors have been modified to cater to the needs of patients who cannot consume wheat, barley, rye, oats and dairy products.

Bethesda, MD (PRWEB) January 10, 2006 -- FLAVORx, Inc., the industry standard for the flavoring of prescription and OTC drugs, now offers medicinal flavorings safe for patients suffering from Celiac Disease, gluten intolerance or wheat allergies. Additionally, FLAVORx flavorings are now also casein-free and thus friendly to consumers who face troubles digesting dairy products. In a response to consumer requests for gluten and casein-free products, the company has taken it upon itself to re-vamp its formulations to make them safe and available to consumers of all needs.

Having received calls from many parents and pharmacists regarding the gluten and casein content in FLAVORx flavorings, Kenny Kramm, President and CEO of FLAVORx, began to realize that this was a limiting factor to many children. Thus began the modification process for the existing FLAVORx product line to address the dietary limitations that consumers with Celiac Disease face. According to Kramm, “Disease, allergy or intolerance shouldn’t prevent a child from being able to have their medication taste palatable. The limitations that these children (also teens, adults and the elderly) have to face on a day to day basis are already more than most could endure, adding bad-tasting medicine to that list is adding insult to injury.” With gluten and casein-free flavors, patients can rest-assured that they will still receive the maximum benefit from their medications, without having to worry that the addition of a flavoring could cause further complication because of a specific allergy or disease.

Working with all 42 flavors, Kramm had the formulations tested for safety and efficacy, to ensure they would still be appetizing and successful to use in medications. By making these modifications, 41 of the 42 flavors are now completely safe for consumers with a chronic reaction to gluten and/or dairy products, and also better for those consumers who may be unaware of allergic conditions. This vastly reduces any incidence of complication with allergy or adverse reaction when taking a FLAVORx medication. The one flavor that is still being modified is Strawberry Cream, which contains a very small amount of casein, a milk protein; however FLAVORx researchers are currently working to alter this component while maintaining the taste characteristics and medication covering properties.

Celiac Disease is the result of an adverse reaction to glutens that causes destruction of villi in the small intestine and results in inadequate nutrient absorption. Patients with Celiac Disease are typically unable to consume gluten products containing wheat, rye, barley and oats including common items like breads, pasta, cookies and even alcoholic beverages like beer. Celiac Disease affects 1 in 133 Americans, and there is no prescriptive cure for Celiacs, except to maintain a gluten-free diet. Doing so allows for immediate repair of villi in the small intestine, and likewise regression back to a diet containing gluten can be immediately detrimental. Therefore, even a small amount of gluten, like that in a few drops of flavoring, could cause a negative reaction. When asked why he took such great lengths to ensure that the flavorings were absolutely without gluten or casein, Kramm simply stated, “When it comes to medicine, you just can’t be too careful and everybody’s health circumstances must be taken into consideration.”    

Symptoms of Celiac Disease include both intestinal and non-intestinal disorders including abdominal pain, general swelling, hair loss and malnutrition, as well as additional complications like lactose intolerance. Similarly, allergies and intolerance to gluten and casein can lead to such reactions as GI symptoms (gas, bloating) and respiratory problems.

FLAVORx’s development of flavors that are gluten and casein-free exemplifies the company’s dedication to consumer needs, so patients can be confident that flavoring their medications will not cause adverse reactions to their medications.

For more information, please visit www.flavorx.com or contact Teresa Chen at 800.884.5771, extension 234.

###

Press Contact: Teresa Chen
Company Name: FLAVORX, INC.
Email: email protected from spam bots
Phone: 240.223.0953
Website: www.flavorx.com

# posted by PPC Meso @ 7:17 AM 0 comments

Effective Pain Relief Without Medications: Stanford Engineer Introduces Impressive New “Acupuncture Without Needles”

Gary Craig (Stanford ’62) has discovered a clear link between our bodily pains and our negative emotions. Used properly, EFT (Emotional Freedom Techniques) simultaneously removes or reduces emotional and physical pains in about 80% of the cases. The basics are available free on his website.

San Francisco, CA (PRWEB) January 9, 2006 -- A growing number of physicians are “tossing the meds” for some of their pain-ridden clients. Because of the dangers of many medications, a new “Acupuncture Without Needles” procedure is being substituted, often with astonishing results.

EFT (Emotional Freedom Techniques) is a dual-purpose method introduced by Stanford Engineer Gary Craig. After thousands of clinical uses it has proven effective 80% of the time and simultaneously removes or reduces both emotional and physical pain. The process involves stimulating established acupuncture meridian points by tapping on them with the fingertips. No needles are necessary.

As Eric Robins, MD states, "Someday the medical profession will wake up and realize that unresolved emotional issues are the main cause of 85% of all illnesses. When they do, EFT will be one of their primary healing tools...as it is for me."

EFT makes clear the link between our physical pains and our negative emotions. Once anger, stress, anxiety and fear abate with EFT, the corresponding pains usually subside. Sometimes the results are astonishing. Examples: Migraine headaches vanish on the spot, never to appear again. Frozen shoulders loosen and regain normal mobility. A gout sufferer goes dancing without pain.

As EFT user Bill Edens states, “We are very excited about this EFT program. My wife got rid of her back pain and too frequent headaches she has had for years. I no longer have acid reflux and no longer have to take a prescription drug for it.”

Hundreds more cases fill the EFT website. The basics can be learned and applied by anyone and are available free in the downloadable 79 page EFT Manual. See http://www.emofree.com/downloadeftmanual.htm?ref=prw . The finer points of EFT are available on low cost DVD sets and purchasers are encouraged to make up to 100 copies to give (not sell) to others.

For additional information, or for a complete press kit, contact:

Gary Craig
Emotional Freedom Techniques
707-785-2848
http://www.emofree.com

# # #

Press Contact: Gary Craig
Company Name: EFT
Email: email protected from spam bots
Phone: 707-785-2848
Website: http://www.emofree.com

# posted by PPC Meso @ 8:27 AM 0 comments

======================================================
Drug Discovery Online Newsletter - http://www.drugdiscoveryonline.com
Friday, January 06, 2006
======================================================

-------------------------------------
TOP NEWS STORIES
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1) TransTech Pharma and Boehringer Ingelheim Initiate $54 Million Drug Discovery Collaboration
2) Perlegen Forms Collaboration With Genentech in Cancer Genetics
3) Pfizer Invests $50 Million In Perlegen Sciences
4) Quintiles Book Shows Path To High-Performance Phase IIIB-IV Research
5) Xenogen Announces Extension of Global Licensing Agreement
6) Vaccine For Chronic Myeloid Leukemia Active In Patients With Persistent Disease
7) The Personalized Medicine Market Aims to Match the Most Appropriate Drug to the Right Person
8) Cetek Raises $10 Million To Advance Drug Discovery And Development
---------------------------------------

1) TransTech Pharma and Boehringer Ingelheim Initiate $54 Million Drug Discovery Collaboration

TransTech Pharma, Inc. recently announced a worldwide research and license collaboration with Boehringer Ingelheim GmbH using TransTech's proprietary TTP Translational Technology(R)...
http://www.drugdiscoveryonline.com/

2) Perlegen Forms Collaboration With Genentech in Cancer Genetics

Perlegen Sciences, Inc. announced today that it has begun a collaboration with Genentech, Inc. to study the genetics of cancer...
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3) Pfizer Invests $50 Million In Perlegen Sciences

Perlegen Sciences, Inc. announced recently that Pfizer Inc has made a $50 million equity investment in Perlegen, taking a twelve percent position in the private biotechnology company...
http://www.drugdiscoveryonline.com/

4) Quintiles Book Shows Path To High-Performance Phase IIIB-IV Research

Patients, physicians, payers and politicians are calling for more information on the risks and benefits of prescription drugs. At the same time, some organizations are questioning the value of direct-to-consumer advertising...
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5) Xenogen Announces Extension of Global Licensing Agreement

Xenogen Corporation announced recently an extension of its licensing agreement with Novartis for up to two more years...
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6) Vaccine For Chronic Myeloid Leukemia Active In Patients With Persistent Disease

Breakthrough Therapeutics, a privately owned biotechnology company, recently announced the presentation of positive interim data for a novel vaccine known as VAX100 for patients with persistent chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) while on imatinib mesylate (Gleevec(R); Novartis)...
http://www.drugdiscoveryonline.com/

7) The Personalized Medicine Market Aims to Match the Most Appropriate Drug to the Right Person

The aim of personalized medicine or individualized treatment is to match the right drug to the right patient and, in some cases, even to design the appropriate treatment for a patient according to his/her genotype...
http://www.drugdiscoveryonline.com/

8) Cetek Raises $10 Million To Advance Drug Discovery And Development

Cetek Corporation announced it has raised $10 million to advance its proprietary drug discovery platform and its emerging pipeline of compounds to treat cancer and infectious diseases...
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# posted by PPC Meso @ 1:38 PM 0 comments

Survivors of Radon-Induced Lung Cancer Speak Out

Elizabeth Hoffmann of Milwaukee, Wisconsin is a survivor of radon induced lung cancer. Although she has never smoked, her 15-year exposure to dangerous levels of radon in her home resulted in doctors having to remove the cancerous lower lobe of her left lung prior to her 38th birthday.

(PRWEB) January 4, 2006 -- Elizabeth Hoffmann of Milwaukee, Wisconsin is a survivor of radon induced lung cancer. Although, she has never smoked, her 15-year exposure to dangerous levels of radon in her home resulted in doctors having to remove the cancerous lower lobe of her left lung prior to her 38th birthday.

More than a year ago, Liz announced the creation of a new website for Cancer Survivors Against Radon www.cansar.org. Its purpose is to put a face on radon by empowering sufferers of radon-induced lung cancer (and their families) with a unified voice and to prevent LC victims from remaining clueless.

Since few oncologists provide a potential explanation for the cause, most non-smokers diagnosed with lung cancer never make the association with radon exposure. Liz would remain clueless herself, if it had not been for the determination of her family to find out why. Her cousin mentioned radon as a possibility to her father, who tested Liz’s house for radon upon her return from the hospital. The results were over twice EPA’s Recommended Radon Action Level.

The CANSAR Registry enables non-smoking lung cancer patients and their families to register with the organization and order a free radon test kit for their home. Survivors and their families can choose to join others who are committed to warning the public about the danger of indoor radon. Approximately 50% of the people diagnosed with lung cancer have never smoked or are former smokers, including a 17% occurrence in never smokers.

“While it is obviously too late to preclude our cancer, our stories may convince others to prevent deadly radon exposure by testing and fixing,” says Liz. “We can also shape public policy by convincing lawmakers and government agencies to treat the radon issue and lung cancer with the seriousness it deserves. But it’s difficult to put together an advocacy group when 85% of the victims die within five years of being diagnosed. They’re just struggling to survive”.
    
Lucky for Liz, they caught her cancer early. The National Academy of Sciences (NAS) and EPA blame radon exposure for the deaths of 21,000 Americans annually. But, their deaths, like Liz’s cancer, could have been prevented. A simple radon test at the time she bought her home in 1988 would have alerted her and her husband to fix their house before moving in.

In April of this year Dennie Edwards, a real estate agent for Realty-One in Elyria, Ohio went to the doctor with a very bad cold. After the doctor performed a chest x-ray to check for pneumonia, he was shocked to find a 4.5-centimeter mass in his left lung. Like Liz, Dennie had never smoked. But, even though he had been a real estate agent for 31 years, he had never bothered to test his house for radon.

“To protect my liability, I always informed my clients that radon testing prior to purchase was an option, but truthfully, I really didn't care if they tested or not,” says Dennie. “Now I had to wonder whether my lung cancer had been caused by radon exposure.”

While the doctor scheduled his surgery, Dennie scheduled a radon test. The result was 10 pCi/l, (two and a half times the EPA's recommended Action Level). He had lived in the home for 12 years. He immediately called a contractor to have a mitigation system installed. Two days later he had surgery.

“I thought I was surely going to die,” says Dennie. “When I woke up choking with tubes in my throat, panic set in.” They had removed his entire left lung.

“I'm getting better. I can walk up to a mile,” he continues. “ But, I can no longer dance, lift things, or exert myself. My clients now get a very personal testimonial about the importance of testing for radon.”

Dr. Lane Mathis Price, Medical Director and Oncologist at the Decatur (AL) General Oncology Center has seen her share of lung cancer victims.

“People come into my office and say Doc Price I just don’t understand it. How can this happen to me? I don’t smoke. Nobody ever smokes around me. How can I have lung cancer?"

"Convincing the public that radon is dangerous is made more difficult because the nation’s leading housing authority, (the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development) refuses to take action to prevent radon exposure in our homes,” says Price. “ HUD requires a termite letter to qualify for a mortgage, yet to my knowledge a termite never killed anybody. Why are they not requiring a radon test?”

“Never underestimate the importance of prevention in all aspects of your life,” warns Dr. Michael Dick, Director of Internal Medicine at Decatur Adult Medicine. “If you’re a lung cancer victim aware of all the ways it is impacting you and your family -- you’d be kicking yourself if you knew something a simple as a radon detection device would have allowed you to prevent this from occurring.”

"There also needs to be a much greater effort to find a cure," explains Liz. "Even though lung cancer kills more Americans than breast, prostate and colorectal cancers combined, very little money is spent on lung cancer research."

In 2003, approximately $1,740 was spent on research per lung cancer death, compared with:$13,649 per breast cancer death, $10,560 per prostate cancer death and $4,581 per colorectal cancer death.

# # #

Press Contact: Dallas Jones
Company Name: AMERICAN RADON POLICY COALITION
Email: email protected from spam bots
Phone: 678-895-1639
Website: www.cansar.org

# posted by PPC Meso @ 11:33 AM 0 comments