USA Health and Wellness News Blog

Millions of Americans are buying medical "discount cards"

2005-12-15T22:42:00.000-08:00

They Think They're Insured. They're Not
Millions of Americans are buying medical "discount cards" that don't deliver on their promises. Now states are taking action

Michelle S. O'Kelley considered herself a fairly savvy health-care consumer. A diabetic since the age of four, the 42-year-old Minneapolis resident knew that if she went without health coverage for even a short stint, insurers would label her diabetes a preexisting condition and deny coverage for a year. So when she lost her job as an employment counselor last January, O'Kelley hopped online and signed up for a plan offered by the International Association of Benefits (IAB). Its Web site said she would get "insured benefits" from doctors, hospitals, and other providers for $169 a month.

It sounded good. But her discount card knocked just 50 cents off her $75 bottle of insulin. Then in April, when O'Kelley landed a job that provided health care, the insurer denied coverage for illness related to her diabetes for a year. Why? Because, it told her, IAB sells discounts from medical-care providers, not insurance. "I can't believe I was such a sucker," says Kelley.

She's hardly alone. Illinois and Texas have filed lawsuits accusing IAB of misleading consumers into thinking its discount plans are health insurance. (IAB founder James Wood says he's trying to settle the suits and that his 5,000 independent agents tell customers that its plans aren't insurance.) And across the country, a rising tide of complaints about fraud and deception by discount card companies has prompted action by dozens of other states. Twenty now require companies that offer discount cards to say expressly that discount plans aren't insurance.

FLY-BY-NIGHT HUSTLERS. Even so, there's a new indicator of spreading card confusion: As many as 17% of the U.S.'s 40 million temporary and part-time workers -- 7 million people -- say they have health insurance when they actually only have discount cards. That's according to a study released in December by the Iowa Policy Project, funded by the Labor Dept. and the Commonwealth Fund and conducted by pollsters Lake, Snell, Perry, Mermin & Associates.

The pollsters first asked a sample of nonstandard workers if they had health insurance. They then re-interviewed those who said yes to determine exactly what they had. University of Iowa economics professor Peter Fisher says he and his colleagues were shocked by the findings, which suggest that discount cards are masking an explosion in the ranks of the uninsured far beyond the 46 million reported by the Census Bureau this fall.

Many discount card companies offer valid savings on services such as doctors' visits and prescription medicines. But because they typically aren't selling insurance, they're usually not regulated by state insurance commissioners, creating an opening for scammers. Todd Cioni, who heads the compliance unit of Maryland's Insurance Commission, says some card companies are fly-by-night hustlers that blast-fax pitches and make cold calls hyping discounts of up to 95% that turn out to be far less.

PRICE RELIEF. In Texas, Family Health Corp. and Family Care/NAPP recently settled a lawsuit over allegedly misleading ads. Although the companies maintain they did nothing wrong, they decided it was advantageous to pay $312,500 to settle the suits, says Kristopher A. Rabie, president of the parent company of Family Health. It does business with Family Care, whose CEO is his father, Mahmoud Rabie.

Some victims get hit by what they see as outright fraud. That happened to Mary (not her real name, which she's too embarrassed to give). When the 32-year-old resident of Havre, Mont., got pregnant, she ponied up $289 for what she was told was health insurance to a Tampa company that has since disconnected its phone. It sent her a card her doctor and hospital wouldn't accept, she says. Says John M. Morrison, state auditor for Montana, which cracked down on card companies last year: "There are a lot of illegal discount plans advertising in misleading ways."

To be sure, many discount cardholders buy their cards from more legitimate players, which can provide a much-needed service. In the past decade or so, soaring medical inflation has prompted the insured and uninsured alike to seek price relief. Card companies can negotiate group discounts of 10% to 30% for individuals, who often can't get the lower prices traditional insurers squeeze out of health providers. Doctors sign on to get new patients.

IMAGE PROBLEM. The cards offer "tremendous value" to some consumers, says Thomas R. Beauregard, a senior vice-president in the health-access strategies unit of UnitedHealth Group (UNH ). The Minnetonka (Minn.) insurer provides the discount card to 400,000 people, who get it from their employers or buy it at outlets such as Sam's Club. For $6 to $10 a month, they get discounts from UnitedHealth's 400,000-strong provider network.

Overall, Americans have snapped up as many as 20 million discount cards, estimates Vince DiBenedetto, CEO of Chicago-based Coverdell & Co., a unit of Vertrue (VTRU ), a publicly traded marketing outfit. Coverdell alone has 3.5 million cardholders, he says.

While discount card execs say they work hard to make sure customers know their cards aren't insurance, they acknowledge that the industry has a growing image problem. Card companies formed the Consumer Health Alliance in 2002 to self-monitor the industry and work with state regulators. But an investigation by Maryland's Insurance Commission last fall found misleading sales pitches implying that the cards were insurance and involving hidden fees and unauthorized billings. Companies there and in other states hawk cards with messages such as "Save on Healthcare & Prescription Drugs. Everyone Accepted!" and "Healthcare Discounts Up to 95%."

MODEL LAW. The only in-depth examination of the industry thus far turned up a raft of similar problems. Last year, researchers at Georgetown University's Health Policy Institute purchased five discount cards available in the Washington area. They called 44 medical providers listed as members of the cards' networks. The result: Only 16 honored the card, and only nine would give an estimated discount prior to performing the service. Only one card listed providers that all offered discounts.

Even when discounts were real, they weren't always what they were cracked up to be. They varied from 4% to 36%, much less than the 80% promised by two cards. In some cases, providers told the Georgetown researchers they offered similar or even greater discounts to uninsured consumers without cards. "We already offer patients willing to prepay their bill a 30% discount," says Michelle R. Leone, vice-president for patient financial services at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston. She says her hospital, which wasn't part of the study, doesn't accept discount cards.

If state governments are able to crack down on the scammers, discount cards could end up helping the uninsured. Florida is one of the strictest, requiring card companies to get licensed like insurers. That has reduced complaints, says Florida Deputy Insurance Commissioner Rich Robleto. He's leading a committee of the National Association of Insurance Commissioners to draw up a model law that all states could adopt. That would be a first step in addressing a growing national problem.

Elk Grove Chamber of Commerce November Events

2005-11-13T11:54:00.000-08:00

Elk Grove Chamber of Commerce November Events

After Hours Biz Mixer

Tuesday, November 15, 2005 • 5:30 to 7:00 p.m.
Any Event Party Rentals/Catering
9251 Elk Grove Blvd.
Members and the public welcome! Mingle, network, win prizes,
and learn about a great business member of the Elk Grove
Chamber of Commerce. Bring a door prize…a great way
to promote your business!

Membership Luncheon
Friday, November 18, 2005 • 11:30 a.m.
Business Expo
Wackford Community Aquatic Complex
9014 Bruceville Rd.
Please RSVP by Tuesday, November 15, 2005
Fax to (916) 691-3810, go online at
www.elkgroveca.com or call (916) 691-3760.
$20 Members w/reservation; $25 Door
$25 Non-members w/reservation; $30 Door
(Cancellations required by Thursday preceding the luncheon. Thank you.)

Press Release - Over 100,000 Manhattan people at risk for mesothelioma after 9/11 attacks.

2005-08-02T12:39:00.000-07:00

Press Release - Over 100,000 Manhattan people at risk for mesothelioma after 9/11 attacks.: "Over 100,000 Manhattan people at risk for mesothelioma after 9/11 attacks.
Over 100,000 Manhattan people at risk for mesothelioma after 9/11 attacks. Mesothelioma is a form of cancer which is widely known to be caused by exposure to asbestos.

/24-7PressRelease/ - ST MARTINS, NEW ZEALAND, August 02, 2005 - There is only one known cause of mesothelioma: exposure to asbestos. Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral used for centuries in insulation, clothing, and fire-resistant materials. Ancients praised this versatile material, but also decried the lethal nature of the small fibers easily inhaled by anyone who used it. It was not until the 20th century that X-Rays, computed axial tomography (CAT) scans, and magnetic resonance imagery (MRI) revealed the extensive damage caused by these microscopic fibers. Even though advances are made every day in modern times, medical science is still only beginning to provide adequate treatment for mesothelioma.

If you are suffering from mesothelioma, or have lost a loved one to the disease, you may have the right to receive reparations from the asbestos industry that failed to adequately warn consumers of the grave risks associated with their product. A knowledgeable and understanding mesothelioma lawyer will help you fight for "

2005 Walk to Cure Diabetes

2005-07-29T10:47:00.000-07:00

2005 Walk to Cure Diabetes
Sunday, October 2, 2005
Check-in Time: 8:00 a.m.
Walk Start Time: 9:00 a.m.
Sacramento
Start/Finish: State Capitol West Steps
Walk Length: 5K
Walk will take place rain or shine.
For more information contact:
Northern California Inland Chapter
916-920-0790
northernca@jdrf.org

Website: http://www.jdrf.org/index.cfm?page_id=100599
Larry Nelson,
Regional Director of Harman Management,
along with the Northern California Inland Chapter
of the Juvenile Diabetes
Research Foundation
invite you to join us at the...
2005 Walk to Cure Diabetes
Team Captain Kick-off Luncheon
Date: Wednesday, August 10, 2005
Location: Hyatt Regency Sacramento
1209 L Street
Sacramento, CA 95814
Time: 12:00 Noon
For further information and reservations,
please call JDRF at 916-920-0790
or you may fax the RSVP card to 916-920-0367
or email to northernca@jdrf.org
Please RSVP by Wednesday, August 3rd

The Northern California Inland Chapter of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) serves Northern California from Shasta to Fresno and everywhere in between! The Chapter provides valuable information about juvenile diabetes and research to people with diabetes, their families, and the general public.

The "Bag of Hope" and "Teen Pak" are available free of charge to newly diagnosed children by calling the Northern California Inland Chapter at (800) 650-7714.

JDRF holds successful events including the Walk to Cure Diabetes, Cure Diabetes Golf Tournament, and the Passport to a Cure Gala that raises much-needed funds for diabetes research.

Wired News: Grow Your Own Digital Med Records

2005-05-23T18:47:00.000-07:00

Wired News: Grow Your Own Digital Med Records:

Connie Grimstad doesn't need to call her doctor's office when she has a question about the slew of medications she takes daily -- the 57-year-old homemaker simply delves into her medical records from her home computer. As the medical industry moves slowly to replace its paper files with electronic versions, people like Grimstad are light years ahead of most doctors.
She's among about 10,000 Americans who've made the leap with a free online service that permits anyone to create their own electronic personal health record -- and access it anywhere through the Internet. With a few keystrokes, everything's there: the details of her prescriptions, health insurance records, diagnoses and surgeries.

Granted, it's far easier for consumers to go digital than it is for physicians, given the technology overhauls often involved. It took Grimstad an hour to type her medical history into her iHealthRecord account with San Francisco company Medem.

Details of her fibromyalgia, which causes chronic pain and fatigue, and Behcet's syndrome, an immune system disorder that causes ulcers and skins lesions, are password-protected and easily updated.

Before Grimstad left her Kent, Washington, home for a recent trip to California to help plan her daughter's wedding, she knew that if she had a health crisis her account could quickly bring a new doctor up to speed on her ailments. A wallet-sized emergency card has directions on accessing her iHealthRecord account.

"When you go to a new doctor, they always ask, 'When did you have this and that and the other thing.' All of that's right there at their fingertips -- the dates, any medications you have, everything they need," she said.

The federal government, insurers and consumer advocates are putting growing pressure on the nation's hospitals and doctors to embrace electronic health records and related technologies. Making the switch will eliminate paperwork costs and reduce the estimated 50,000 to 100,000 deaths each year from medical errors, which include medication foul-ups resulting from poor physician penmanship.

But doctors have been slow to join the digital revolution. A Rand study published this year found that in 2002 between 10 percent and 16.4 percent of the nation's physicians had adopted electronic medical record technology.

What's holding things back isn't simply doctors set in their ways, said David Brailer, the federal government's health-information technology coordinator. Brailer, who is pushing the federal government's goal of making sure most Americans have computerized medical records within 10 years, says the cost of new technology and retraining staff is too formidable for many small practices.

But it's not just cost. Differences in technical standards and features among the software made by more than 100 software vendors hamper doctors' ability to exchange patient data with other physicians and hospitals.

The federal government is trying to change that by encouraging private industry to settle on software standards and features so the data can be easily exchanged. Federal agencies are also mulling possible incentives, such as grants, loans or tax credits, to encourage doctors to go electronic.

But until industry standards are set and software prices come down, most of the small-doctor's offices that handle about three-quarters of the nation's health care needs will be hesitant to sign on, Brailer said.

"If small-doctors' offices aren't online, patients are going to miss big chunks of their data and it frankly won't be that useful to doctors," Brailer said. "We want to have a world where the data follows the patient."

When that day comes, patients who want a second opinion will have a much easier time arranging one, said David C. Kibbe, director of the American Academy of Family Physicians' center for health-information technology. Currently, getting a second opinion means collecting records from several physicians, radiology offices and labs.

Kibbe said a recent survey of the academy's 105,000 members found that more about 15 percent currently use electronic health records. Another 30 percent to 40 percent are "looking very seriously" at joining them in the next few years, he said.

WellPoint, the nation's largest health benefits provider, last year enticed 25,000 of its high-volume physicians in California, Georgia, Missouri and Wisconsin with a choice of either free computers to submit claims electronically or PDAs for writing e-prescriptions that eliminate doctor's notoriously sloppy handwriting.

For a host of reasons, about a quarter of the physicians passed up the $42 million offer. Among the 19,600 who bit on it, only 2,700 chose the PDAs, Dell Axims that run on Microsoft software, said Carl Volpe, vice president of strategic initiatives for WellPoint's health solutions division.

Although the company had hoped more of the doctors would have chosen PDAs to help reduce medical errors, Volpe said WellPoint realizes that adopting new technology is a big step for any business.

"When you talk to physicians about new technology, the common discussion right now is how does the new technology fit into their existing work flow?" he said. "They want to know how their work flow will change."

Dr. Jim Morrow, one of eight doctors and eight physician assistants with a three-office family practice in suburban Atlanta, said he and his colleagues switched to electronic health records in 1998 at a cost of $150,000 for computers and software. For the first few weeks, things were a bit chaotic, he said, because it took longer to examine each patient while the staff adjusted to typing notes and prescriptions into computers, instead of scribbling things down.

But the change more than paid for itself in the first year, Morrow said, through $225,000 in savings that came largely from eliminating the costs of transcribing notes after patients' examinations and adding them to their growing paper files.

Going digital also increased the speed and size of insurance reimbursements, he said, because insurers now receive more detailed accounts of patients' progress and they get them more quickly with electronic submissions.

Morrow said he would never go back to paper files. Among other things, he and his colleagues can keep closer track of his patients' treatment because the practice's system has prompts when it's time for patients to get annual tests such as mammograms or prostate exams. The practice's 59,000 patient files are also linked to a database that warns when a doctor writing prescriptions is prescribing a potentially dangerous drug combination.

"I'm a much better physician because of it," Morrow said.

While he's riding the new technology wave, his old medical school classmate, Dr. Ralph Riley, is sticking with paper records for now. Riley works nine to 10 hours a day seeing more than 100 patients at his practice in rural Saluda, South Carolina, with the help of a nurse practitioner and physician's assistant.

He recognizes the benefits of electronic health records, but said the cost, lack of uniformity among software and the disruption of switching from paper to electronic records would be too daunting for him right now.

"Getting to electronic medical records is like going to paradise, but you have to walk through a bed of hot coals to get there. I want to get there -- I just don't want to get my feet burned on the way," he said.

Consumer advocates have their own worries.

Emily Stewart, an analyst for the nonprofit Health Privacy Project in Washington, D.C., said security and privacy issues posed by digital medical records have not been adequately addressed.

"Consumers are the biggest stakeholders here, and the success of any national health network will ultimately depend on their trust and participation," Stewart said.

Edward Fotsch, the chief executive of Medem, said his company's fledgling iHealthRecord system protects patients' data with encrypted security features modeled after those adopted by the financial-services industry.

He believes Medem, a nonprofit founded in 1999 by the American Medical Association and six other medical societies, can help win over patients who will then encourage their doctors to make the switch from paper to digital records. About 100,000 doctors who subscribe to Medem's website and doctor-patient e-mail services are now linked to its iHealthRecord service, he said.

Aside from tying their records into one online package, participating patients are kept abreast of the latest medical research and are quickly notified by e-mail when the U.S. Food and Drug Administration pulls a drug they are prescribed.

"It's a personal health record but it's really interactive. It reaches out to you and tells you things you need to know," Fotsch said.

Long-term vitamin E use slows cataract development

2005-04-24T23:10:00.000-07:00

Long-term vitamin E use slows cataract development
The April 2005 issue of the journal Archives of Opthalmology reports that long- term use of vitamin E supplements and an increased intake of the B vitamins thiamin and riboflavin are associated with a reduction in the progression of cataracts.

Researchers from Harvard and Tufts Universities analyzed data from 408 participants in the Nurses' Health Study between the ages 52 to 74. The association of cataract development with B vitamins thiamin, riboflavin and niacin, vitamins C and E, and carotenoids was evaluated. Computer-assisted image analysis was used to determine the amount of lens nuclear opacification (cloudiness) that occurred during the duration of the study.

Long-term vitamin E supplement use, and higher intakes of thiamin and riboflavin were associated with a reduced progression of opacities. Niacin additionally appeared to have an effect, although it was smaller than that of the other B vitamins.

The current research is consistent with prior studies which documented an association between long-term vitamin E supplement use and a lower risk of cataracts.

Nutrition Know-how: Seven Simple Ways to Eat Healthier

2005-04-20T11:26:00.000-07:00

Nutrition Know-how: Seven Simple Ways to Eat Healthier (with Strawberry Orange Sorbet Recipe)
By Monique N. Gilbert

Article Word Count: 918 [View Summary]

The key to better health is learning the difference between healthy and unhealthy nutrients. The choices we make greatly affect our health. Making a few simple healthy and nutritious changes in our dietary choices can have a profound and positive impact on our health, well-being, energy levels and life span. For instance . . .

• Healthy proteins provide the amino acids our bodies require to build and repair lean body mass (like muscles, skin, hair and nails), and are low in saturated fat, cholesterol and chemicals. Good sources include wild salmon, beans, legumes, soy products (tofu, tempeh, TVP), seeds (sunflower, pumpkin), nuts (walnuts, almonds, peanuts) and peanut butter.

• Unhealthy proteins are loaded with saturated fat, cholesterol, hormones, or antibiotics (like beef, lamb, beacon and sausage). While they give your body the needed amino acids, they also clog arteries and compromise your immune system.

• Healthy fats are unsaturated fats (mono and poly), omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids. Good sources of these fats include extra virgin olive oil, canola oil, ground flax seeds and walnuts. They help your body absorb fat-soluble antioxidant micronutrients like vitamins A, E, D, and K, and lycopene.

• Unhealthy fats are saturated fats and trans fatty acids (trans fats), like butter and margarine. These fats contribute to heart disease, stroke, high cholesterol and triglyceride levels, hypertension and obesity.

• Healthy carbohydrates are high in fiber and are considered complex carbohydrates. Good sources include rolled oats, brown rice, whole wheat, broccoli, squash, green leafy vegetables, sweet potatoes, beans and whole fruit. These help lower cholesterol, aide digestion, regulate blood sugar and insulin levels, and reduce caloric intake.

• Unhealthy carbohydrates are high in sugar and are called simple carbohydrates, like candy, white bread, sodas, ice cream, cake and cookies. These spike blood sugar and insulin levels, and increase caloric intake (they are considered empty calories).

Eating nutrient-dense foods that are high in antioxidants, phytochemicals and fiber help the body function optimally, promote overall well-being and improve digestion. These nutrients also help fight and prevent heart disease, cancer and diabetes, strengthens the immune system, slows the aging process, increases energy and improves cognitive performance.

Additionally, as we age our appetite lessens, making it even more critical to choose foods wisely. When every bit counts, picking foods with the highest nutritional profile is more important than ever.

An easy way to make your nutritional choices is to look for foods that are bright in color, for they usually contain more beneficial vitamins, minerals and phytochemicals. For example, red and pink grapefruit have the heart-healthy cancer-fighting antioxidant phytochemical called lycopene while white grapefruit does not. Here are seven more simple ways to start eating healthier.

1. Switch from iceberg lettuce to romaine lettuce. Romaine lettuce has more vitamins and minerals like vitamins A and C, thiamine, riboflavin, calcium and potassium. It also has more fiber than iceberg lettuce.

2. Eat brown rice instead of white rice. Brown rice naturally has more fiber and riboflavin, and less sugars than white rice. It is digested slower and is more filling.

3. Switch from white bread to whole-wheat or whole-grain bread. Whole-wheat and whole-grain breads have more fiber, iron and potassium. Slice per slice, they are more filling and satisfying than white bread.

4. Drink iced teas (black, green and herbal) instead of sodas. Black, green and herbal teas provide antioxidants and phytochemicals that enhance your health. Unlike sodas, you can control the sugar content when brewing your own iced teas.

5. Choose whole-grain or whole-wheat cereals with bran instead of sugar-coated cereals. Whole-grain cereals and whole-wheat cereals with bran naturally have more protein, fiber, calcium, iron, vitamin A, thiamin, riboflavin, and niacin than sugar frosted cereals. Besides having less sugar, they are metabolized slower and are more filling. So you have more energy during the day and you will not get hungry right away.

6. Switch from cows milk to fortified soymilk. Soymilk contains no cholesterol or hormones, and is extremely low in saturated fat. It also provides isoflavones and other beneficial phytochemicals that promote good health. Fortified soymilks also contain easy to absorb calcium, vitamins D and B6, and some even add extra antioxidants (like vitamins A, C, and E), folate and omega-3.

7. For dessert, have frozen fruit sorbet instead of ice cream. Frozen fruit sorbet is fat and cholesterol free and has more fiber. It is also loaded with antioxidant vitamins A and C, and contains beneficial phytochemicals.

To get you started, try Monique N. Gilbert's deliciously nutritious homemade sorbet recipe. It's cholesterol-free, and high in antioxidants, phytochemicals and fiber.

Strawberry Orange Sorbet

1-1/2 cups frozen strawberries

1/3 cup orange juice

1/3 cup fortified soymilk

2 tablespoons canned pumpkin

1 tablespoon honey

Blend in a food processor or blender for 1-2 minutes, until smooth and creamy. Place in the freezer until ready to serve. Makes about 2 servings

Copyright © Monique N. Gilbert. All rights reserved.

Monique N. Gilbert, B.Sc. is a Health, Nutrition, Weight-Loss & Lifestyle Coach; Certified Personal Trainer/Fitness Counselor; Recipe Developer; Freelance Writer and Author of Virtues of Soy: A Practical Health Guide and Cookbook. She has offered guidance in natural health, nutrition, fitness, weight-loss, and stress management since 1989.

Monique N. Gilbert, B.Sc. has received international recognition for helping people get healthy, manage stress, lose weight and keep it off. Through her coaching program and writings, Monique motivates and teaches how to improve your well-being, vitality, and longevity with balanced nutrition, physical activity, and healthy living. For more information or to contact Monique, visit her website - http://www.MoniqueNGilbert.com/

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/

Surviving Mesothelioma, a Terminal Cancer: Paul Kraus' Remarkable Story

2005-03-27T00:56:00.000-08:00

Surviving Mesothelioma, a Terminal Cancer: Paul Kraus' Remarkable Story

Surviving Mesothelioma, a Terminal Cancer: Paul Kraus' Remarkable Story

Download this press release as an Adobe PDF document.

The Premier Edition of Cancer Monthly’s CancerWire focuses on mesothelioma and how one patient has survived a terminal diagnosis. Like Cancer Monthly, the focus of CancerWire is on treatment results. While, Cancer Monthly reports the cancer treatments results published in the peer reviewed medical literature, CancerWire reports on results that have not yet enjoyed the visibility of a major Phase I, II, or III clinical trial. This may include the extraordinary results a patient experienced by trying a new or innovative approach or the results achieved by a researcher or physician as they treat cancer patients in their hospital or clinic.

(PRWEB) March 18, 2005 – For anyone faced with a dire prognosis of cancer or any other disease, the following interview will inspire you. In the annals of cancer, mesothelioma is one of the worst possible types of cancer to have. In the words of oncologists it has a "dismal therapeutic outcome"¹ and is "an aggressive incurable tumor."² The median survival from diagnosis ranges from 6 to 18 months³. Despite this prognosis, Mr. Paul Kraus is alive nearly 8 years after he was diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma. What is equally remarkable is that Mr. Kraus had no orthodox cancer therapies - he opted to say 'no' to chemotherapy, surgery, and radiation. Instead, Mr. Kraus made radical lifestyle changes, altering his diet, using intravenous and oral vitamins, herbs, amino acids and other immune boosting therapies and supplements, and tapping into the power of the mind-body connection.

The Interview

Cancer Monthly: Paul can you tell us when you were diagnosed and what types of symptoms you experienced that led to your diagnosis?

PK: I was diagnosed at the end of June 1997. The only symptom I had was a very bloated abdomen. I did not have any pain. I actually went into the hospital for an umbilical hernia repair and the cancer was an accidental finding. During the surgery the surgeon removed a lot of fluid from my abdomen. He also conducted a laparoscopic examination that revealed widespread metastases. He first thought that I had metastatic pancreatic cancer. It took two or three weeks for the pathology to come back from Sydney and say that in fact it was mesothelioma.

Cancer Monthly: And that diagnosis was reconfirmed by another hospital?

PK: Yes, my pathology was sent to Australia's leading pathologist in mesothelioma cases, Professor Douglas Henderson of Adelaide. They had two teams of pathologists verify and confirm the diagnosis. In fact, it was confirmed as peritoneal or abdominal rather than pleural mesothelioma. This is a very unusual subtype, even within the annals of mesothelioma.

Cancer Monthly: Does peritoneal mesothelioma have the same kind of dire prognosis as the more frequently encountered pleural mesothelioma?

PK: Yes. In fact, when we first went to a professor of oncology in Sydney, we thought that peritoneal is less dangerous than pleural. He shook his head and said, "Oh, no, oh no. In fact, in some ways it is even more difficult." To read the rest of the interview go to http://www.cancermonthly.com

Comments

Asbestos & Mesothelioma: David Chervenick, Esq., The Law Offices of Goldberg, Persky & White http://www.gpwlaw.com

I read with interest the interview with Paul Kraus. It is great to know that, for some people with mesothelioma, lives are extended and, significantly, the quality of that life is good. I have learned through my 17 years of representing mesothelioma victims that one's outlook on life and the disease is very important in extending one's life…To read the rest of David Chervenick’s comments go to http://www.cancermonthly.com

Alternative Intravenous Therapies in Cancer: Richard Kinsolving, Ph.D.,Immune Recovery Foundation http://www.immunerecovery.net/index.htm

The treatments employed by Mr. Kraus are among many of the "standards" in alternative medicine. Unfortunately, it is often difficult to ascribe the exact degree of for each individual component in a treatment, as they so seldom have been used exclusively as a single agent. Clearly, the major contributors to his favorable outcome are the intravenous ascorbic acid (vitamin C), Ukraine, and to a lesser extent, ozone…To read the rest of Dr. Richard Kinsolving’s comments go to http://www.cancermonthly.com

Cancer and the Immune System: Devin Ryerson, D.O. Pure Prescriptions www.pureprescriptions.com

After reading Mr. Kraus' interview, I found it to be both amazing and inspirational. I'm also connected to his story on a personal level. Being a cancer survivor myself and losing my father to this epidemic, I can certainly relate to what Mr. Kraus describes as a "...struggle with myself, with my constant fears and doubts." To read the rest of Dr. Devin Ryerson’s comments go to http://www.cancermonthly.com

The Mind/Body Connection: Wendy Goldner: The Wild Divine Project http://www.wilddivine.com/CancerMonthly_WildDivine/

I was impressed with Paul Kraus' ability to articulate the role the mind has in potentially contributing to disease and in helping one to overcome one's diagnosis. There is a great deal of scientific and medical literature describing how stress can pressure the body and leads to some form dis-ease. Whether it's hypertension, migraines, depression, anxiety, chronic fatigue or cancer - stress takes its toll on both the physical and mental well-being. To read the rest of Wendy Goldner’s comments go to http://www.cancermonthly.com

To subscribe to CancerWire go to: http://www.cancermonthly.com

# # #

Disclaimer - Please Read:
Of course, none of this information in CancerWire is a substitute for professional medical advice, examination, diagnosis or treatment and you should always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health professional before starting any new treatment or making any changes to an existing treatment. No information contained in Cancer Monthly or CancerWire including the information above, should be used to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease without the supervision of a medical doctor.

¹ Phase II trial of a single weekly intravenous dose of ranpirnase in patients with unresectable malignant mesothelioma. Mikulski SM, et al., J Clin Oncol. 2002 Jan 1;20(1):274-81.
² A multicentre phase II study of cisplatin and gemcitabine for malignant mesothelioma. Nowak AK, et al., Br J Cancer. 2002 Aug 27;87(5):491-6.
³ A multicentre phase II study of cisplatin and gemcitabine for malignant mesothelioma. Nowak AK, et al., Br J Cancer. 2002 Aug 27;87(5):491-6.

Mesothelioma

2005-03-26T23:53:00.000-08:00

Mesothelioma and Nutrition

Mesothelioma is a term that is used to describe a cancer that occurs in your body’s mesotheliol cells. These cells are part of the protective lining around your major organs, for example the heart, lungs and stomach.
Pleural mesothelioma is the most common form of this disease. This affects the lining of the lungs, and symptoms can include both breathing and swallowing difficulties, coughing, shortness of breath, fever and weight loss.
Peritoneal mesothelioma describes when the abdomen has become diseased. This is not as common as pleural mesothelioma and symptoms include nausea, vomiting and weight loss, bowel obstructions as well as pain or swelling of the stomach.
Another less common type of mesothelioma is pericardial mesothelioma. This is where the cancer affects the heart and surrounding tissue. Symptoms can include palpitations, breathing difficulties, and a persistent cough.

Four Food Groups For Cancer
http://www.lifewithmesothelioma.com/learnmore/foodgroups.htm

According to the Cancer Project, a special program of the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine, there are for basic cancer food groups that provide a no-cholesterol, low-fat plan supplies all of an average adult's daily nutritional requirements, including substantial amounts of fiber as seen by the USDA’s revised Food Guide Pyramid. The original food pyramid was introduced in 1956, with major revisions in 1991 to allow for less fatty means of getting the recommend allowance of protein and to encourage healthier eating.

Eating a balanced diet based on these four basic food groups is not a stand-in for traditional care, but can provide a healthier lifestyle and can assist in allowing the body to recoup after operations and stressful periods. The four basic food groups include:

Vegetables
Servings: 3 or more a day

Serving Size: 1 cup raw vegetables; ½ cup cooked vegetables

Important nutrients such as vitamin C, beta-carotene, riboflavin, iron, calcium, fiber and others are packed into vegetables. Broccoli, collards, kale, mustard and turnip greens, chicory, and bok choy are dark green leafy vegetables are rich in nutrients while dark yellow and orange colored vegetables are high in beta-carotene.

Whole Grains
Servings: 5 or more a day

Serving Size: ½ cup hot cereal; 1 ounce dry cereal; 1 slice bread

Building a meal around a hearty grain dish provides protein, B vitamins and zinc. A hearty grain dish is rich in fiber and other complex carbohydrates, but is better for you than “white flour” items such as yeast rolls. Some examples of whole grains include bread, rive, pasta, hot or cold cereal, corn, millet, barley, bulgur, buckwheat, oats, and tortillas. Check the package to determine the healthiest option and watch for extra fats in this category.

Click here to request this free packetFree Information Packet provides needed help locating financial aid and assistance to take advantage of new treatment options, cover medical expenses, and provide family financial security

Fruit
Servings: 3 or more a day

Serving Size: 1 medium piece of fruit; 1/2 cup cooked fruit; 4 ounces juice

Include at least one serving of fruit that is high in vitamin C such as citrus fruits, melons, and strawberries. Whole fruit has more fiber than fruit juice, making it a healthier choice. Fruits also contain fiber, vitamin C, and beta-carotene, making them a vitamin-rich choice.

Legumes
Servings: 2 or more a day

Serving Size: ½ cup cooked beans; 4 ounces tofu or tempeh; 8 ounces soy milk

Legumes is another name for beans, peas, and lentils. They are a good source of fiber, protein, iron, calcium, zinc, and B vitamins. Other good legumes are chickpeas, baked beans, refried beans, soymilk, tempeh, and texturized vegetable protein.

Nutritional Supplements: Can They Help With Heart Disease?

2005-03-23T01:57:00.000-08:00

Yahoo! Media Presentation Window

Featured Video:
Nutritional Supplements:
Can They Help With Heart Disease?

Nearly 60 million Americans are diagnosed with heart disease every year, and it's the leading cause of death in both men and women. But there are many things a person can do to maintain a healthy heart, and there's been a lot of talk lately about how nutritional supplements might help. Which supplements are effective? Which don't work, or may even be unsafe? Join our panel of specialists as they discuss the pros and cons of various supplements that are currently available on the market.

Click here

vitamins
usana
health

ABC News: Will Obesity Shorten Life Expectancy?

2005-03-18T21:28:00.000-08:00

ABC News: Will Obesity Shorten Life Expectancy?: "March 17, 2005 -- Life expectancy in the United States is at an all-time high, according to recent reports from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Deaths from heart disease, cancer and diabetes are down, the agency reports, contributing to an average life expectancy of 77.6 years for Americans. The Social Security Administration has even predicted a substantial rise in life expectancy in the 21st century."

Sudden stress can trigger 'broken hearts': study - Health-Care - Personal Finance

2005-02-13T19:10:00.000-08:00

Sudden stress can trigger 'broken hearts': study - Health-Care - Personal Finance: "SAN FRANCISCO (MarketWatch) -- Broken hearts aren't limited to the domain of literature and art.
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Whether it's an unexpected marriage proposal or news of a loved one's tragic death, some people's hearts become temporarily dysfunctional and need medical attention when dealt an emotional whammy, according to a new study.

Sudden, stressful events can cause some people's tickers to give out in ways that mimic a heart attack, though stress cardiomyopathy, as it's called, is less damaging and reversible, according a study published in the Feb. 10 edition of the New England Journal of Medicine.

Researchers studied the emergency-room treatment of 19 previously healthy patients at two Johns Hopkins hospitals for symptoms such as shortness of breath and chest pain.

Unlike a heart attack, 'broken heart syndrome' doesn't cause parts of the heart muscle to die, said Dr. Hunter Champion, senior author of the report and an assistant professor of medicine at Johns Hopkins University and Johns Hopkins Heart Institute in Baltimore.

Still, some of the patients required blood-pressure medications, mechanical ventilators and a balloon pump to help take pressure off the heart, and six of the 19 were very ill and could have died without hospital intervention"

SAN FRANCISCO (MarketWatch) -- Broken hearts aren't limited to the domain of literature and art.

Whether it's an unexpected marriage proposal or news of a loved one's tragic death, some people's hearts become temporarily dysfunctional and need medical attention when dealt an emotional whammy, according to a new study.

Sudden, stressful events can cause some people's tickers to give out in ways that mimic a heart attack, though stress cardiomyopathy, as it's called, is less damaging and reversible, according a study published in the Feb. 10 edition of the New England Journal of Medicine.

Researchers studied the emergency-room treatment of 19 previously healthy patients at two Johns Hopkins hospitals for symptoms such as shortness of breath and chest pain.

Unlike a heart attack, "broken heart syndrome" doesn't cause parts of the heart muscle to die, said Dr. Hunter Champion, senior author of the report and an assistant professor of medicine at Johns Hopkins University and Johns Hopkins Heart Institute in Baltimore.

Still, some of the patients required blood-pressure medications, mechanical ventilators and a balloon pump to help take pressure off the heart, and six of the 19 were very ill and could have died without hospital intervention, he said.

Their conditions were brought on by wide-ranging events including the suicide of a friend, a court appearance, a spouse's death and a surprise party.

"We've known for eons that emotions can affect the body," Champion said. "This gives you a physiological reason as to why. The brain sends signals to the sympathetic nervous system to release stress hormones like adrenaline."

A little bit of stress is necessary for the fight-or-flight response that enables survival when a person is physically threatened, he said. But some people, for reasons not yet well understood, seem to have severe cardiac reactions to stress hormones.

"This appears to be a good thing gone bad," Champion said. "There's a huge amount of adrenaline stunning the heart -- just like emotions are stunned."

Women especially affected

All but one of the patients was female and most were post-menopausal, he said, leading researchers to ask whether estrogen plays a protective role. The average age of the patients in the study was 63.

The study "calls attention to the need for further research and understanding of how heart disease affects women," said Dr. Sidney Smith, professor of medicine at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and past president of the American Heart Association.

"For too long, the problems of heart disease in women have not been emphasized," he said. "More women die from heart disease than men. Here we have a syndrome that appears to be much more prevalent in women."

Further research also is necessary to avoid misdiagnosis that can lead to patients having invasive surgery to implant costly defibrillators or being moved onto transplant waiting lists erroneously, Champion said.

Research should next aim to figure out whether some people have a genetic predisposition to the syndrome, how it can be prevented in individuals and perhaps their relatives and whether it recurs, he said.

"Some patients don't handle adrenaline very well. They have an exaggerated response to it and they don't turn off the adrenaline response rapidly."

Another area of investigation involves developing an emotional stress test in addition to the standard physical stress test to see if such patients respond differently than other people, Champion said.

Taking lessons

Unlike heart attacks, patients with broken heart syndrome don't have blockages in the coronary arteries, Smith said.

"You get impaired pumping of the heart," he said. "It bulges out, doesn't contract."

What's more, patients involved in the study were generally described by their family members as laid-back and not possessing of a neurotic nature or Type A personality, Champion said.

How anxiety or panic attacks with symptoms of hyperventilating and sometimes chest pain may relate to broken heart syndrome remains to be explored.

"Maybe shortness of breath associated with an anxiety attack is a subclinical form of this syndrome that just gets better fairly quickly," he speculated.

Though the study focused on 19 patients, Johns Hopkins has seen about 100 cases of stress cardiomyopathy since 1999, Champion said. "The prognosis in general is very good."

Even so, Americans can take two lessons from the study, Champion said. "If you're going to break up with someone or get engaged to someone, drop some hints. The other moral is time really does mend a broken heart. It might be on the order of days to weeks."

Kristen Gerencher is a reporter for MarketWatch in San Francisco.

Slender Lady of Elk Grove 916-691-4673

2005-01-20T22:16:00.000-08:00

Slender Lady of Elk Grove 916-691-4673

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We hope you enjoy our website and will stop by and visit us if you are in the area. This site is designed to give you information about our amenities, our services, our staff and provide you with information on how to contact us as well.

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Slender Lady® is dedicated to improving the lives of women, children and families on a one-to-one personal level!

Re: Question: FIBROMYALGIA

2005-01-17T20:56:00.000-08:00

Subject: FIBROMYALGIA

Q: FIBROMYALGIA

Jan 12, 5:06 pm
From: "chinacat781"
Subject: FIBROMYALGIA

Does anyone have any ideas on how to help ease symptoms...esp fatigue

A: From Dr. Ernesto S. Quinto
Simply put, fibromyalgia has no cure per se, however, fatigue and lack
of energy are a few of the most common symptoms of this disease, for
which essentials should benefit with overall improved energy and sense of
well-being.

More on what are essentials can be found here

Technology News: News: British Web Site Logs Adverse Drug Events

2005-01-17T15:49:00.000-08:00

Technology News: News: British Web Site Logs Adverse Drug Events: "British health officials Monday said they would begin to publish online anonymous data from patients on adverse drug reactions.

The Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency's goal is to improve Britain's drug side effect reporting system known as the Yellow Card Scheme.

Officials said researchers also will have access to more detailed data, with measures put in place to prevent any potential abuse of the information. Requests will be reviewed by an independent committee to make sure they are ethically and scientifically sound and protect patient confidentiality.

The data generated by the new online reporting will be used to further research on drug safety.

The new measures were recommended by experts who reviewed the Yellow Card Scheme last year. Chairman of the review, former deputy Chief Medical Officer Dr. Jeremy Metters, also will lead a group advising the MHRA on setting up the new measures.

Patients can make an adverse drug report online at yellowcard.gov.uk or complete a paper-based Patient Yellow Card."

Lifestyle - Bread winner - sacbee.com

2005-01-16T09:08:00.000-08:00

Lifestyle - Bread winner - sacbee.com: "Dieters who once went against the grain have returned for a slice of the carb action
By Cynthia Hubert -- Bee Staff Writer
Published 2:15 am PST Sunday, January 16, 2005
Giant loaves of bread will dance through the streets of New York City next month and, the nation's bakers hope, onto American dinner plates once again.

Carbohydrate, it seems, no longer is a dirty word.

The frenzy over diets that severely limit carbohydrates has subsided, industry observers agree. Specialty stores that cater to people following Atkins, South Beach and similar plans are closing across the country. Fewer products labeled 'zero carb' or 'low carb' are finding their way onto grocery shelves."

Study links meat diet, cancer risk

2005-01-12T02:02:00.000-08:00

Study links meat diet, cancer risk: "Study links meat diet, cancer risk

By David Wahlberg
Cox News Service
January 12, 2005

ATLANTA -- Eating a lot of red or processed meat over many years increases the risk of colon cancer, a major new study finds.

Fruits and vegetables don't protect against breast cancer, another study says, though diets rich in them are still thought to ward off heart disease.

Both studies, in today's Journal of the American Medical Association, are among the largest ever to analyze links between diet and cancer, though they assessed only adults' eating habits.

The studies come as the federal government plans today to release its new dietary guidelines, expected to call for more fruits and vegetables but no changes in meat intake.

Other research has shown a connection between meat and colon cancer, though some findings have been mixed. The new study, by the Atlanta-based American Cancer Society, strongly supports a link. It looked at 150,000 Americans, who reported their meat consumption in 1982 and again a decade later.

Nearly 10 years after that, in 2001, people who had said in both surveys that they ate the equivalent of a hamburger a day were 30 percent more likely to have cancer of the lower intestine than those who ate little or no meat.

Colon cancer is the third most common cause of cancer and cancer deaths in men and women.

With breast cancer -- the most common cancer in women -- several studies have said fruits and vegetables lower the risk. Some researchers say those studies are flawed, either because they are small or ask about diet after women learn they have cancer.
"

IE Bugs Now 'Extremely Critical' Don't Use Internet Explorer

2005-01-10T15:53:00.000-08:00

IE Bugs Now 'Extremely Critical' Jan. 10, 2005
EMAIL THIS ARTICLE

Stop using Internet Explorer now!
Download FireFox here as a secure free browser!
http://www.spreadfirefox.com/?q=user/register&r=52689

An unpatched, months-old vulnerability in Microsoft's Internet Explorer is now even more dangerous, security firms warn.
By Gregg Keizer
TechWeb News

An unpatched, months-old vulnerability in Microsoft's Internet Explorer is now even more dangerous, security firms reported Monday.

Danish security vendor Secunia warned that new exploits of an earlier series of vulnerabilities in IE now let hackers compromise Windows computers without any more work than enticing users to malicious Web sites.

In August and then again in October 2004, Secunia broadcast warnings of similar threats to IE, but at the latter date posted proof-of-concept code which required the user to actually drag and drop a file within the browser to be at risk. The exploits now in the wild, said Secunia and the SAN Institute's Internet Storm Center, are automated and require no user action except visiting a hacker-constructed site.

In response, Secunia upped its assessment of the vulnerability to "extremely critical,' its most dire warning.

The three vulnerabilities noted by Secunia affect Internet Explorer 6.x, including the version bundled with Windows XP Service Pack 2 (SP2), the massive update from last October which was touted by Microsoft as a major security upgrade.

SAN Institute's Internet Storm Center confirmed the vulnerabilities, which "will allow remote code execution on a victim's system just by visiting the [malicious] site."

The Center said it had received e-mail with a link to such a site -- users would still have to be drawn to the site -- and noted that "as of now, there is no patch available."

Secunia has posted an online test that users can run to determine if their browser is vulnerable.

Until a patch is available, IE users should consider switching browsers, said Secunia, or disabling the "Drag and Drop or copy and paste files option in Internet Explorer. Microsoft has posted a document on its support site that explains the process.

Stop using Internet Explorer now!
Download FireFox here as a secure free browser!
http://www.spreadfirefox.com/?q=user/register&r=52689

http://www.informationweek.com/story/showArticle.jhtml?articleID=57700320

Baron Davis leads Hornets in 121-117 OT win over Kings

2005-01-08T23:38:00.000-08:00

Published 8:39 pm PST Saturday, January 8, 2005

NEW ORLEANS - Baron Davis had his first triple-double in more than two seasons, helping the New Orleans Hornets end their 10-game losing streak with a 121-117 overtime victory over the Sacramento Kings on Saturday night.

Davis scored 26 points, tied a career high with 17 assists and grabbed his 10th rebound late in overtime to ice the Hornets' third win of the season.

Davis' final rebound came after a missed free throw by teammate P.J. Brown with 17 seconds left and with the Hornets leading 119-115. Davis then drew a foul -- waving his arms to the delight of a crowd that had stood since late in the fourth quarter -- and hit a pair of free throws with 13 seconds to go.

Rookie J.R. Smith tied a career high with 23 points for New Orleans, hitting four 3-pointers to go with several acrobatic inside moves. Dan Dickau and Rodney Rogers each scored 15, while Bostjan Nachbar tied a career high with 14 points before fouling out late in the fourth quarter. Brown had 10 points and 14 rebounds.

Seven of the Hornets' last 12 field goals were 3-pointers and they finished 13-of-26 from that range.

Peja Stojakovic scored 37 points on 13-of-23 shooting, with 22 points coming after halftime. Chris Webber had 22 points and 13 rebounds, while Brad Miller had 14 points and 16 rebounds. Bibby, who had scored more than 30 points in his previous two games, struggled with his shooting through most of regulation but finished with 20 points and was nearly the star for the Kings.

New Orleans had a 102-99 lead when Davis missed on a drive inside the last 20 seconds of regulation. Sacramento casually brought the ball upcourt and Webber took a 3-pointer that missed, but the rebound was tapped out to Bibby, who had shot only 3-of-16 to that point. Bibby, who had hit a decisive shot in the Kings' win a night earlier in Atlanta, had no choice but to unload a 3 -- and he nailed it with 2.5 seconds left to tie it at 102. The Hornets could not score on their final possession when Davis, inbounding the ball, could only find Brown for a tough turnaround jumper that missed.

Sacramento opened overtime with a 3 by Maurice Evans (11 points) and a jumper by Bibby to go up 107-102. Bibby had a big smile on his face and it looked like another late-game collapse for the Hornets, who wasted a second-half lead in a loss at Memphis on Friday. But Brown hit a pair of free throws, then Davis made a 3 to tie it.

The Hornets would then get two more 3-pointers from Smith and another from Dickau, who also tossed in a fast-break layup set up by Davis' fourth steal.

Stojakovic's fadeaway jumper and free throws a possession later gave Sacramento a 70-60 lead midway through the third quarter. Then the Kings failed to score on their next five possessions while the Hornets went on a 10-0 run, highlighted by Chris Andersen's alley-oop dunk from Davis, to tie the score, and the game remained close the rest of the way.

Notes: Andersen finished with 12 points. ... In the first half, Dickau hit a 3 from the corner as he was fouled by Bibby, then hit the ensuing free throw for his second four-point play of the season. ... Webber had a first-quarter double-double with 10 points and 10 rebounds. ... The Kings missed all six of their 3-pointers in the first half and started 0-for-7 on 3s and finished 5-of-18.

--Associated Press

Sacramento Bee
http://www.sacbee.com/content/sports/basketball/kings/story/11970274p-12848369c.html

Nutritional supplements slow aging of brain

2005-01-01T23:03:00.000-08:00

Nutritional supplements slow aging of brain

A study published in the December 2004 issue of the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition has found a correlation between nutritional supplement use and improved cognition later in life. Cognition is the mental process of thought, including perception, reasoning, intuition and memory.

The researchers found that supplement users scored higher on mental speed tests than those who did not take supplements. Fish oil supplement users were found to have greater red blood cell membrane omega-3 fatty acid content, which was correlated with improved cognitive function later in life. A greater ratio of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) to arachidonic acid was also related to better cognitive function.

The results of this study are consistent with previous reports that dietary supplements may reduce dementia risk and suggest that optimizing omega-3 fatty acid intake may improve the retention of cognitive function in the elderly."

Happy 2005 New Year Everybody!

2005-01-01T15:41:00.000-08:00

Happy 2005 New Year Everybody!

Happy Blogging for the New Year!

I am using a neww posting tool!

sacbee.com -- Business -- Infections linked to nail salons

2004-12-16T03:16:00.000-08:00

sacbee.com -- Business -- Infections linked to nail salons: "If you're thinking of going to a nail salon to get decked out for the holiday season, be sure the establishment is licensed and equipment looks sanitary, state health regulators cautioned Tuesday.
The warning comes after consumers reported developing lesions on their legs following visits to nail shops in Santa Clara County, said Patti Roberts, spokeswoman for the state Board of Barbering and Cosmetology."

Household Products Database

2004-12-07T08:05:00.000-08:00

Household Products Database: "Chemical Name:Methylisothiazolinone
CAS Registry Number:002682-20-4
Synonyms:Methylisothiazolinone; 3(2H)-Isothiazolone, 2-methyl-; 2-Methyl-2H-isothiazol-3-one; 2-Methyl-4-isothiazolin-3-one; 2-Methyl-3(2H)-isothiazolone"

See article below on Shampoo.

shampoos

2004-12-06T06:49:00.000-08:00

Forbes.com:: "MONDAY, Dec. 6 (HealthDayNews) -- Experiments with the brain cells of rats show that contact with an ingredient found in shampoos, hand lotions and paint causes neurons to die.
The chemical, methylisothiazolinone (MIT), belongs to a class of compounds called biocides. These are used in the manufacture of many common household products and industrial water cooling systems to prevent bacteria from developing."

BBC NEWS | Health | Pollutant 'damages bone marrow'

2004-12-03T15:43:00.000-08:00

BBC NEWS | Health | Pollutant 'damages bone marrow': "They have shown that workers who inhaled less than one part per million had fewer white blood cells than those who were not exposed.
Benzene is found in many sources, including second-hand cigarette smoke, petrol vapours and air pollution.
The research, by US and Chinese scientists, is published in the journal Science. "

Cardiovascular benefits of magnesium

2004-12-01T17:03:00.000-08:00

Cardiovascular benefits of magnesium are similar to statin pharmaceuticals

A review published in the October 2004 issue of the Journal of the American College of Nutrition has found that many cardiovascular benefits of magnesium parallel those of statin drugs. Statins are a class of drugs commonly prescribed for individuals with elevated cholesterol levels, a risk factor for cardiovascular disease.

The researchers discuss the fact that both statin drugs and magnesium can inactivate the enzyme responsible for the first step in cholesterol formation and improve the function of blood vessels, reduce inflammation, and provide other cardiovascular benefits. Magnesium, however, is also involved in the activity of another enzyme known as LCAT, which helps elevate beneficial HDL cholesterol levels while reducing unhealthy LDL cholesterol and triglycerides. In addition, magnesium is necessary for the enzyme that converts linoleic acid and linolenic acid into compounds that reduce inflammation. Furthermore, optimal levels of magnesium within the cell are a natural calcium channel blocker, which helps dilate the blood vessels.

Because of its many cardiovascular benefits, relatively low cost, and good safety profile, the researchers suggest that increasing magnesium could be a viable alternative for those who cannot or choose not to take statin drugs.

Note: If you are currently taking a statin drug to lower cholesterol, do not discontinue its use except on the advice of your physician. This information is not meant to imply that magnesium supplements should replace all statin drugs. However, adequate magnesium is very important for cardiovascular health, especially for those at risk for coronary artery disease.

Selenium and colorectal cancer risk

2004-11-24T13:24:00.000-08:00

Selenium and colorectal cancer risk

A recent study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute has found that selenium intake may be related to a decreased risk of colorectal cancer. Researchers combined data from three randomized trials - the Wheat Bran Fiber trial, the Polyp Prevention Trial, and the Polyp Prevention Study - which tested the effects of various nutrients for colorectal adenoma prevention among patients who had recently had an adenoma removed. Although adenomas themselves are not cancerous, they are generally predictive of colorectal cancer incidence. Analysis of this combined data showed that the group of individuals with the highest blood selenium levels had a significantly lower likelihood of developing a new adenoma compared with those in the lowest intake group. The association between higher selenium levels and reduced adenoma recurrence supports previous research indicating that higher selenium levels may be related to a decreased risk of developing colorectal cancer.

Women's HIV rates rise rapidly, report says

2004-11-24T08:27:00.000-08:00

Women's HIV rates rise rapidly, report says: "The epidemic of human immunodeficiency virus infection is growing more rapidly in women than in men in almost every part of the world, according to a new report.

The 'feminization' of AIDS appears to reflect a maturing of the epidemic, suggest the authors of the annual AIDS update prepared by the United Nations, World Health Organization and World Bank. More and more seemingly low-risk women, many of them married, are being infected by men who acquired the virus through high-risk behavior years ago.

The trend is most advanced in sub-Saharan Africa, where the AIDS epidemic began and home to more than half the world's HIV-infected people. Women there now comprise 57 percent of people living with the virus."

NBC11.com - News - Duty Changes For National Guard In Iraq

2004-11-12T01:00:00.000-08:00

NBC11.com - News - Duty Changes For National Guard In Iraq: "Dr. Ernesto Quinto runs his own medical practice in Sacramento. The son of immigrants, he joined the National Guard four years ago.
'I figure this is something wonderful. I can give back to say 'thank you' to this country for the opportunity to do and have what I have at this point,' Quinto said.
Quinto chose a medical unit that would stay close to home. The doctors process troops who are ready to ship out, but their duty has changed as well.
Now, Quinto spends roughly a week to a month working with the guard. Half his unit has been deployed full time. He could be next and is facing the collapse of his civilian career.
'If I'm not here in my private practice, my solo practice, then my practice will not survive,' he said.
It's a huge personal price to pay. But if his country asks, the doctor said he will go.
'I think if I get called, there won't be a question,' Quinto said."

VITAMIN E META-ANALYSIS

2004-11-11T19:08:00.000-08:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Judy Blatman at 202-204-7962
CRN QUESTIONS CONCLUSIONS REACHED BY RESEARCHERS
IN RECENT VITAMIN E META-ANALYSIS
Washington, D.C., November 10, 2004 – A meta-analysis on vitamin E and all-cause mortality
(ACM) from today’s on-line issue of Annals of Internal Medicine inappropriately tries to draw
conclusions for the whole population based on a combination of studies of people who were
already at grave risk with existing diseases including cancer, heart disease, Alzheimer’s,
Parkinson’s and kidney failure, says the Council for Responsible Nutrition (CRN).

The researchers themselves noted limitations in their meta-analysis, stating “the
generalizability of the findings to healthy adults is uncertain. Precise estimation of the threshold
at which risk increases is difficult.” Yet they go on to make sweeping generalizations about the
use of vitamin E and all-cause mortality for the whole population, although they provide no
evidence that these kinds of effects would occur in healthy populations.
“This is an unfortunate misdirection of science in an attempt to make something out of
nothing for the sake of headlines,” comments John Hathcock, Ph.D., vice president, scientific
and international affairs, CRN.

The meta-analysis combined 19 individual studies, eighteen of which showed no
statistically significant increase in mortality, squeezing out an overall finding of risk. Combining
numerous clinical trials into a single large cohort gave greater statistical power but failed to
capture the limitations of each study included.

-moreCRN
Questions Conclusions in Recent Vitamin E Meta-Analysis Page 2
Most of the trials involved middle-aged to elderly persons who had heart disease or other
serious conditions or were at risk of disease. The placebo groups had an ACM rate of
1022/10,000 and the high-dose (defined by the researchers as 400 IU and up) vitamin E subjects had an ACM increase of 39/10,000.
Says Dr. Hathcock, “The overall conclusion of this meta-analysis is driven by the results
from a few of these clinical trials, some of which are suspect and/or dated. For example, the
WAVE trial (Waters et al., 2002) made no correction for multiple comparisons, and found one of
22 comparisons ‘significant.’ This is 1/22 whereas 1/20 would have been expected on a random
basis. In other words, they found nothing.”

Dr. Hathcock added, “In reviewing the totality of evidence on vitamin E, including all clinical trial data and several large observational studies, CRN agrees with the Institute of Medicine in finding vitamin E supplements safe at levels of at least up to 1,000 mg (1,600 IU) for normal, healthy adults. This meta-analysis provides no convincing evidence to the contrary.”
###
Note to Editor: The Council for Responsible Nutrition (CRN), founded in 1973, is a Washington, D.C.-based
trade association representing dietary supplement industry ingredient suppliers and manufacturers. CRN
members adhere to a strong code of ethics, comply with dosage limits and manufacture dietary supplements to
high quality standards under good manufacturing practices. For more information on CRN, visit
http://www.crnusa.org.

FOXSports.com - USADA bans sprinter Young for life

2004-11-11T08:38:00.000-08:00

FOXSports.com - USADA bans sprinter Young for life: "Olympic relay gold medalist and world 400-meter champion Jerome Young was given a lifetime ban from the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency for his second performance-enhancing drug violation, according to USA Today.
The newspaper said the 28-year-old Young did not contest the positive July 23 drug test for performance-enhancing EPO, according to USADA lawyer Travis Tygart. Young had also tested positive in 1999 for a steroid in a controversial case.
Young was exonerated by U.S. Track & Field and he went on to win a gold medal in the 4x400 at the Sydney Games."

Beta Carotene (Provitamin A)

2004-11-10T01:43:00.000-08:00

USANA Technical Bulletin

Disclaimer: The information provided in this Technical Bulletin is strictly educational. It may not be used to promote USANA products nor is it intended as medical advice. For diagnosis and treatment of medical disorders, consult your health care professional. When there are references to third party websites, addresses and/or phone numbers, USANA, Inc. makes no claim, actual or implied, regarding the
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Beta Carotene (Provitamin A)

Technical Background
· Carotenoids comprise a diverse class of antioxidant molecules that help protect the
body from oxidative damage. Approximately 700 natural carotenoids have been
isolated and characterized. Most are derived from plants where they serve multiple
functions as photosynthetic pigments, photoprotectants, and free radical scavengers.
Some 50-60 carotenoids are present in a typical diet with the major sources being
fruits and vegetables.1
· Beta carotene is the best known of the carotenoids because: (1) it is one of the most
abundant in our diet; and (2) it provides a dual nutritional function. In addition to its
role as an antioxidant, beta carotene also possesses provitamin A activity.2
· Like other carotenoids, beta carotene’s role as an antioxidant is based on its extensive
system of conjugated double bonds which, upon reacting with singlet oxygen for
example, absorb and diffuse that oxygen’s potentially destructive energy. The singlet
oxygen returns to its lower energy ground state, and beta carotene dissipates the
absorbed energy harmlessly as heat. Similar mechanisms are involved in quenching the
oxidative potential of hydroxyl radicals and other free radical compounds.3
· As provitamin A, beta carotene contributes to an entirely different set of functions by
supplying a portion of the body’s requirement for retinol (vitamin A). In fact, a single
molecule of beta carotene can be cleaved in the body to produce two molecules of
vitamin A. Other carotenoids, including alpha carotene, gamma carotene, and
cryptoxanthin, have provitamin A activity, but they yield only one molecule of vitamin
A when metabolized.4
· Retinol (vitamin A) is an essential nutrient that is associated with three important
functions but its best defined role is in vision. Retinol is a functional constituent of
rhodopsin, a protein in the retina of the eye that absorbs light and triggers a series of
biochemical reactions that ultimately initiate the nerve impulses that result in sight.1
· Vitamin A is further involved in the activation of gene expression and, subsequently,
the control of cell differentiation. It is through this function that vitamin A affects
immune function, taste, hearing, appetite, skin renewal, bone development, and
growth.2
© 1997. USANA, Inc. All rights reserved. 2 BETAC-8/97
· Vitamin A’s third role involves control of embryonic development. Here it is thought
that retinoic acid modulates the expression of certain genes which govern patterns of
sequential development of various tissues and organs in the body.2
· Vitamin A deficiency is a major public health issue, particularly in developing
countries. It has been estimated that 500,000 preschool-age children, worldwide,
become blind each year as a result of vitamin A deficiency. Millions of others
presumably suffer from night blindness, a common clinical sign of inadequate vitamin
A intake. Further estimates suggest that more than 100 million children worldwide
suffer from vitamin A inadequacy without showing clinical signs of acute deficiency.
Beta carotene is known to be an effective dietary cure for vitamin A deficiency and an
effective remedy for the symptoms of this disorder.2
· Epidemiological studies support long-term beneficial effects of beta carotene intake on
a number of degenerative diseases. For example, the relationship between beta
carotene intake and cancer has received considerable attention in recent years.
Epidemiological evidence suggests that long-term intake of dietary beta carotene can
reduce the risk of several types of cancer. Similar findings pertain to heart disease and
immune health.5 To date, few controlled supplementation trials have been performed
to study the effects of beta carotene and have produced mixed results.
Sources and Recommended Intake
· Dietary sources rich in beta carotene and other provitamin A carotenoids include
carrots, broccoli, and dark green leafy vegetables such as spinach, kale and Chinese
cabbage, yellow squash, corn, tomatoes, papayas, and oranges.
· Beta carotene is heat stable, so it is not degraded during prolonged boiling or
microwaving.6
· Two systems are used to express the amounts of beta carotene and vitamin A in foods
and supplements. The method in current favor for use with foods is based on retinol
equivalents (RE). In this system, 1 RE is defined as 1 mcg of all-trans retinol or 6 mcg
of all-trans beta carotene. (The larger amount of beta carotene reflects that fact that
the bioavailability of carotenoids in most foods is significantly lower than that of
dietary vitamin A.) The second system, based on International Units (IU), is used to
express potency in nutritional supplements containing vitamin A or beta carotene.
Here, 1 IU of vitamin A activity is defined as 0.3 mcg of all-trans retinol or 0.6 mcg of
all-trans beta carotene. To avoid unnecessary complication, the remainder of this
discussion will employ the International Unit system.4
· No Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA)has been established for beta carotene,
because this compound is not a primary vitamin. The RDA’s for vitamin A are as
follows: 1,330-2,330 IU (400-700 RE) for children; 3,330 IU (1,000 RE) for adult
men; 2,670 IU (800 RE) for adult women; and 4,000-4,330 IU (1,200-1,300 RE) for
lactating women.4
· Ingestion of too much preformed vitamin A (retinol) can be toxic. Symptoms of acute
and chronic toxicity include nausea, headache, blurred vision, cracking lips, dry and
itchy skin, and bone and joint pain. After dosing stops, most symptoms disappear.
Over ingestion of preformed vitamin A can also cause teratogenic effects; i.e. fetal
resorption, spontaneous abortion, birth defects and permanent learning disabilities in
© 1997. USANA, Inc. All rights reserved. 3 BETAC-8/97
children. Because of such effects, most health organizations recommend that women
of child-bearing years limit their intake of preformed vitamin A to within a reasonable
range around the RDA.2
· Excessive intake of beta carotene is not known to induce vitamin A toxicity. Negative
feedback mechanisms in the body prevent the over-conversion of beta carotene to
retinol. However, high levels of beta carotene in the diet will induce hypercarotenosis,
a benign condition characterized by a jaundice-like yellowing of the skin. Symptoms
are reversed when dietary intake is reduced.1
Abstracts
Garewal HS, Schantz S. Emerging role of beta-carotene and antioxidant nutrients in
prevention of oral cancer. Arch Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 1995 Feb; 121(2):141-4.
Beta-carotene and other antioxidant nutrients, such as vitamin E, are well suited for widespread
preventive use because they are nontoxic and easily given in supplement form. Intervention trials designed
to show a reduction of cancer incidence in the general population are logistically and practically
impossible for most types of cancer, including cancer of the oral cavity. Thus evidence for
chemoprevention must be indirect, using laboratory and animal models, epidemiologic surveys, and trials
showing reversal of premalignant lesions or cancer prevention in high-risk groups. In several animal
models, beta-carotene and other antioxidant nutrients inhibit oral carcinogenesis. Epidemiologic studies
consistently relate low intake of these nutrients with high cancer risk. Smokers have lower beta-carotene
levels in plasma and oral mucosal cells than nonsmokers. Eight clinical trials have now shown that betacarotene
and vitamin E produce regression of oral leukoplakia, but chemoprevention studies in oral
leukoplakia have limitations, which we review. All available evidence supports a significant role for
antioxidant nutrients in preventing oral cancer.
Santos MS, Meydani SN, Leka L, Wu D, Fotouhi N, Meydani M, Hennekens CH,
Gaziano JM. Natural killer cell activity in elderly men is enhanced by beta-carotene
supplementation. Am J Clin Nutr 1996 Nov; 64(5):772-7. Natural killer (NK) cell activity
has been postulated to be an immunologic link between beta-carotene and cancer prevention. In a crosssectional,
placebo-controlled, double-blind study we examined the effect of 10-12 y of beta-carotene
supplementation (50 mg on alternate days) on NK cell activity in 59 (38 middle-aged men, 51-64 y; 21
elderly men, 65-86 y) Boston area participants in the Physicians' Health Study. No significant difference
was seen in NK cell activity due to beta-carotene supplementation in the middle-aged group. The elderly
men had significantly lower NK cell activity than the middle-aged men; however, there was no ageassociated
difference in NK cell activity in men supplemented with beta-carotene. beta-carotenesupplemented
elderly men had significantly greater NK cell activity than elderly men receiving placebo.
The reason for this is unknown; however, it was not due to an increase in the percentage of NK cells, nor
to an increase in interleukin 2 (IL-2) receptor expression, nor to IL-2 production. beta-carotene may be
acting directly on one or more of the lytic stages of NK cell cytotoxicity, or on NK cell activity-enhancing
cytokines other than IL-2, such as IL-12. Our results show that long-term beta-carotene supplementation
enhances NK cell activity in elderly men, which may be beneficial for viral and tumoral surveillance.
References
1 Groff JL, Gropper SS, Hunt SM. Advanced Nutrition and Human Metabolism. New York:West
Publishing Co. 1995. 575 pp.
2 Olson JA. Vitamin A. In Ziegler EE, Filer LJ. Present Knowledge in Nutrition. Washinton (DC):ILSI
Press. 1996. p 109-19.
© 1997. USANA, Inc. All rights reserved. 4 BETAC-8/97
3 Handelman GJ. Carotenoids as scavengers of active oxygen species. In Cadenas E, Packer L (eds).
Handbook of Antioxidants. New York: Marcel Dekker, Inc. 1996. p 259-314.
4 National Research Council. Recommended Dietary Allowances. Washington (DC): National Academy
Press. 1989. 284 pp.
5 Swanson JE, Parker RS. Biological effects of carotenoids in humans. In Cadenas E, Packer L (eds).
Handbook of Antioxidants. New York: Marcel Dekker, Inc. 1996. p 337-70.
6 Khachik F. Carotenoids in fruits, vegetables, and human blood and their role in nutritional prevention of
cancer, heart disease, and cataract. Nutrient Composition Laboratory, BHNRC, ARS, USDA. 1995.

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FREE PRESS NEWS SERVICES
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The Herald

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Health Nutrition high-quality Vitamins Supplements

2004-11-06T09:17:00.000-08:00

Health Nutrition high-quality Vitamins Supplements: "Health News and Wellness

USANA Health Sciences formulates exceptional, science-based nutritional and personal-care products. However, inferior manufacturing can destroy even the greatest product formulations. For this reason, USANA manufactures its own nutritional supplements, and voluntarily meets pharmaceutical Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP). Pharmaceutical GMP standards are far more stringent than the food GMP requirements set by the U.S. government for supplements.

To adhere to the exacting standards of pharmaceutical GMP, and to ensure the quality of every product manufactured, USANA inspects all raw ingredients before they are mixed, tests the product during manufacturing, and performs a final analysis before any product is sent to the customer. USANA's Quality Assurance team keeps track of every detail, from careful testing and evaluation of raw materials, to meticulous product shipping and storage. Visitors to USANA's corporate headquarters can take a self-guided tour to see USANA's manufacturing process firsthand.

The company is publicly traded on NASDAQ (USNA), and currently operates in the U.S., Canada, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Australia, New Zealand, the Caribbean, Hong Kong, Japan, Taiwan, South Korea, Singapore, and Mexico. "