Saturday, April 01, 2006

Antiviral Drugs and Influenza

Antiviral Drugs and Influenza: "Four antiviral medications (amantadine, rimantadine, zanamavir and oseltamivir) have been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for treatment of influenza. "

Pilot Study of a Dietary Intervention to Prevent Acne Recurrence

Pilot Study of a Dietary Intervention to Prevent Acne Recurrence: "The purpose of this study is to determine whether minimizing the intake of milk and dairy products will reduce the recurrence of acne among people who have been successfully treated for acne with isotretinoin. "

Effect of Omega 3-Fatty Acids on the Reduction of Sudden Cardiac Death After A Heart Attack (Myocardial Infarction)

Effect of Omega 3-Fatty Acids on the Reduction of Sudden Cardiac Death After A Heart Attack (Myocardial Infarction): "Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death in North America and Europe. The major cause of CVD is atherosclerosis like coronary artery disease (CAD). The results of recent trials hint that the course of CAD may be positively influenced by an increased intake of omega 3-fatty acids. The OMEGA-Trial analyses this effect in subjects who suffered an acute myocardial infarction. "

Protein Supplements to Treat High Blood Pressure

Protein Supplements to Treat High Blood Pressure: "The purpose of this study is to examine the effect of dietary protein supplements on high blood pressure (BP)."

Friday, March 31, 2006

Selecting a New Water Heater

Selecting a New Water Heater: "You have a lot to consider when selecting a new water heater for your home. You should choose a water heating system that will not only provide enough hot water but also that will do so energy efficiently, saving you money. This includes considering the different types of water heaters available and determining the right size and fuel source for your home."

THE WOMEN'S HEALTH KIT

THE WOMEN'S HEALTH KIT: "To celebrate the 100th anniversary of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the FDA's Office of Women's Health and the Federal Citizen Information Center have a gift for you a free kit of 10 health publications. With practical tips on everything from asthma to depression, this kit is filled with helpful information that every woman can use for herself, her family, and friends"

Review of Home Health Agencies' Billing for Services Preceded by a Hospital Discharge

Review of Home Health Agencies' Billing for Services Preceded by a Hospital Discharge: "Previous audits identified overpayments to home health agencies that did not comply with Medicare requirements for billing services preceded by discharges from both an acute care hospital and a postacute care facility. "

Retirement Account Protection Increases April 1

Retirement Account Protection Increases April 1: "Insurance protection on retirement accounts in federally insured credit unions increases April 1, 2006, to $250,000, while coverage on all other types of share accounts remains $100,000 in compliance with an interim final rule NCUA issued amending insurance protection and implementing changes required by recent Congressional reform."

$3.4 Million Available for Treatment of Pregnant and Postpartum Women

$3.4 Million Available for Treatment of Pregnant and Postpartum Women: "The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) announces the availability of FY 2006 funds for grants to expand the availability of comprehensive, high quality residential treatment services for pregnant and postpartum women who suffer from alcohol and other drug use problems, and for their minor children impacted by prenatal and environmental effects of maternal substance use and abuse."

$3.4 Million Available for Treatment of Pregnant and Postpartum Women

$3.4 Million Available for Treatment of Pregnant and Postpartum Women: "The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) announces the availability of FY 2006 funds for grants to expand the availability of comprehensive, high quality residential treatment services for pregnant and postpartum women who suffer from alcohol and other drug use problems, and for their minor children impacted by prenatal and environmental effects of maternal substance use and abuse."

$3.3 Million Available for Prevention of Methamphetamine Abuse

$3.3 Million Available for Prevention of Methamphetamine Abuse: "The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) announces the availability of FY 2006 funds for grants to support expansion of methamphetamine prevention interventions and/or infrastructure development. The grants will help communities expand prevention interventions that are effective and evidence-based with the goal of reducing or delaying the use of methamphetamine abuse."

$3.3 Million Available for Prevention of Methamphetamine Abuse

$3.3 Million Available for Prevention of Methamphetamine Abuse: "The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) announces the availability of FY 2006 funds for grants to support expansion of methamphetamine prevention interventions and/or infrastructure development. The grants will help communities expand prevention interventions that are effective and evidence-based with the goal of reducing or delaying the use of methamphetamine abuse."

Insurance Commissioner John Garamendi Announces the Arrest of Employer for Wrongly Accusing Employee of Committing Workers' Comp Insurance Fraud

Insurance Commissioner John Garamendi Announces the Arrest of Employer for Wrongly Accusing Employee of Committing Workers' Comp Insurance Fraud: "San Bernardino employer is arrested on three felony counts of workers' comp fraud and, if convicted, could serve five years in prison with a fine of $150,000 or double the value of the fraud"

Thursday, March 30, 2006

Cyber Letters - FDA Warning Letters to Websites Promoting Health & Herbal Products

Cyber Letters - FDA Warning Letters to Websites Promoting Health & Herbal Products - Cyber letters issued from CFSAN are to Internet Website Operators promoting dietary supplement products that claim to diagnose, mitigate, treat, cure, or prevent a specific disease or class of diseases.

CPSC, Nautilus Inc. Announce Recall to Repair Bowflex Ultimate 2 Home Gyms.

CPSC, Nautilus Inc. Announce Recall to Repair Bowflex Ultimate 2 Home Gyms.: "Hazard: One end of the leg extension cable can release from the guide pulley and swing around, potentially striking the user or a bystander. "

11 charged in ICE crackdown on south Los Angeles counterfeit document mills

11 charged in ICE crackdown on south Los Angeles counterfeit document mills: "Mills produced fake 'green cards,' Social Security cards, and drivers licenses"

$4.8 Million Available for State-Sponsored Youth Suicide Prevention

$4.8 Million Available for State-Sponsored Youth Suicide Prevention: "It is expected that approximately $4.8 million will be available to fund up to 12 cooperative agreements to build on the foundation of prior suicide prevention efforts by states and tribes to develop and implement statewide or tribal youth suicide prevention and early intervention strategies"

Undercover Shop Finds Decrease in Sales of M-Rated Video Games to Children

Undercover Shop Finds Decrease in Sales of M-Rated Video Games to Children: "The Federal Trade Commission today released the results of its latest nationwide undercover shop of electronic and video game stores. The FTC conducted the shop to collect data on the extent to which retailers prevent children from buying video games that have been rated by the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) as Mature. The FTC also announced a second comment period for an upcoming survey on awareness of and attitudes towards ESRB ratings."

Panel Finds Insufficient Evidence to Recommend For or Against Maternal-Request Caesarean Delivery

Panel Finds Insufficient Evidence to Recommend For or Against Maternal-Request Caesarean Delivery: "Women requesting a Caesarean delivery should be thoroughly counseled on potential risks and benefits "

$5.3 Million Available for Targeted Capacity Expansion for Treatment of HIV/AIDS Services

$5.3 Million Available for Targeted Capacity Expansion for Treatment of HIV/AIDS Services: "The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) announces the availability of FY 2006 funds for grants to enhance and expand substance abuse treatment, outreach and pretreatment services in conjunction with HIV/AIDS services in African American, Latino/Hispanic, and other racial or ethnic communities highly affected by the related epidemics of substance abuse and HIV/AIDS."

CDF and State Fire Marshal Remind Californians: Change Your Clocks � Change Your Battery

CDF and State Fire Marshal Remind Californians: Change Your Clocks � Change Your Battery: "Sacramento- CDF and the Office of State Fire Marshal is reminding all Californians to replace batteries in smoke detectors when turning clocks forward this weekend."

FEMA Releases �Getting Ready For Disaster� Preparedness DVD

FEMA Releases "Getting Ready For Disaster" Preparedness DVD: "WASHINGTON D.C. -- With The Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) facing the upcoming 2006 hurricane season being touted as just as active as last years'- and watching killer tornados, floods and wildfires from Illinois to California wreak death and destruction, a new citizen preparedness DVD titled, " Getting Ready For Disaster- One Family's Experience" is ready for distribution to help people get ready for those natural and man-made disasters that may impact their families and their communities. "

FLOODS COST LIVES AND BILLIONS OF DOLLARS IN PROPERTY DAMAGE EACH YEAR AROUND THE UNITED STATES

FLOODS COST LIVES AND BILLIONS OF DOLLARS IN PROPERTY DAMAGE EACH YEAR AROUND THE UNITED STATES: "How do you protect yourself against the dangers of floods? The NOAA National Weather Service has extensive tips and programs to help get the word out about flooding and ways to save lives and property."

MSHA, NIOSH to Hold April 18 Workshop on Mine Escape Planning - Mine Safety Event

MSHA, NIOSH to Hold April 18 Workshop on Mine Escape Planning - Mine Safety Event: "WASHINGTON - The U.S. Department of Labor's Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) and the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), will host a day-long workshop on mine escape planning and emergency shelters Tuesday, April 18 in Washington, D.C. Working in conjunction with the West Virginia Office of Governor Joe Manchin, MSHA and NIOSH will also be among the cosponsors of a symposium on Mine Safety Technology April 20-21 in Wheeling, W.Va."

Looking for a JOb? MSHA Seeking Mine Inspectors in Kentucky and Tennessee

Looking for a JOb? MSHA Seeking Mine Inspectors in Kentucky and Tennessee: "ARLINGTON, VA - The U.S. Department of Labor's Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) is continuing its efforts to hire new mine inspectors by conducting on-site applicant screenings in Barbourville, Ky., April 28 and 29. Registration for all candidates begins at 7 a.m. at Union College, 310 College St."

Staying Safe on Social Network Sites - Cyber Security Alert

Staying Safe on Social Network Sites - Cyber Security Alert: "Social networking sites, sometimes referred to as 'friend-of-a-friend' sites, build upon the concept of traditional social networks where you are connected to new people through people you already know. The purpose of some networking sites may be purely social, allowing users to establish friendships or romantic relationships, while others may focus on establishing business connections."

Wellmark Foundation -- Health Mini-Grant Program for Iowa and South Dakota

Wellmark Foundation -- Health Mini-Grant Program for Iowa and South Dakota: "Grants of up to $5,000 will be awarded. A total of $50,000 has been allocated for the competition. Examples of initiatives eligible for funding through the mini-grant program include projects to: develop a coalition; conduct a community survey; develop a health fair or a certified diabetes education program; or other similar local health projects. The program is limited to nonprofit organizations with 501�(3) status located in Iowa and South Dakota. "

Nestl� Country Creamery Ice Cream being Recalled in Texas

Nestl� Country Creamery Ice Cream being Recalled in Texas: "Oakland, Calif., March 28, 2006 --- Two flavors of Nestl� Country Creamery Ice Cream purchased from Wal-Mart stores in Texas are being recalled because the ice cream may contain egg not identified on the label. The Nestle Country Creamery flavors being recalled are Toll House Chocolate Chip and French Vanilla. "

Webcast: Preventing Gangs in Our Communities

Webcast: Preventing Gangs in Our Communities: "This two-part free, live interactive webcast and satellite broadcast will discuss preventing the growth of gangs. The webcasts will feature a panel discussion by gang specialists and viewers will be able to submit questions to the panel by e-mail"

Have a consumer question or problem? Get Your Free Copy of the 2006 Consumer Action Handbook Today!

Have a consumer question or problem? Get Your Free Copy of the 2006 Consumer Action Handbook Today!: "Have a consumer question or problem? You�ve come to the right place for help. All of the information available in the Consumer Action Handbook is available right here online. Just use the left hand navigation bar to browse through the site"

Wednesday, March 29, 2006

Update: Human Infection with Avian Influenza A (H5N1) Virus

Update: Human Infection with Avian Influenza A (H5N1) Virus: "Avian influenza A (H5N1) viruses usually affect wild birds but have infected and caused serious disease among poultry, such as chickens. Human infections with H5N1 viruses are rare, but have also occurred in several countries since 2003. For a current list of countries reporting outbreaks of H5N1 infection among poultry and other birds and a list of countries reporting laboratory-confirmed human infections with H5N1 viruses, see the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website,"

New Light Truck Economy Standards to Save 10.7 Billion Gallons of Fuel, Include Largest SUVs for First Time

New Light Truck Economy Standards to Save 10.7 Billion Gallons of Fuel, Include Largest SUVs for First Time: "New fuel economy standards for light trucks will save 10.7 billions of gallons of fuel and include, for the first time ever, the largest sport utility vehicles, Transportation Secretary Norman Y. Mineta announced today in Baltimore, MD. "

Facts About Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

Facts About Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD): "Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or COPD, refers to a group of diseases that cause airflow blockage and breathing-related problems. It includes emphysema, chronic bronchitis, and in some cases asthma"

Ethiopia "at Crossroads," Warns U.S. Official

Ethiopia "at Crossroads," Warns U.S. Official: "Ethiopia is 'currently at a crossroads' -- it can continue to move forward or it can lapse into the sort of government that is best encountered in the history books, Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Donald Yamamoto told the U.S. Congress March 28."

USGS New Book on Wildlife-Human Disease Connection

USGS New Book on Wildlife-Human Disease Connection: "A new 400-page publication from the USGS National Wildlife Health Center that addresses current issues related to disease emergence and resurgence is now available. This publication, Disease Emergence and Resurgence: The Wildlife-Human Connection, focuses on concepts associated with disease emergence in wildlife, the general importance of wildlife as sentinels for disease emergence, and critical issues regarding wildlife as sources for zoonotic disease (diseases transmissible between humans and animals)."

Acts of Terrorism Insurance Coverage Available

Acts of Terrorism Insurance Coverage Available: "Now At No Additional Cost, Acts of Terrorism Coverage Automatically Included for All International Travelers"

FDA Approves a Second Drug for the Prevention of Influenza A and B in Adults and Children

FDA Approves a Second Drug for the Prevention of Influenza A and B in Adults and Children The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) today approved the use of Relenza (zanamivir for inhalation) for prevention (prophylaxis) of influenza (flu) in adults and children 5 years of age and older. Relenza, an antiviral medication, was previously approved for the treatment of influenza A and B virus infections in adults and children. Tamiflu (oseltamivir phosphate) previously was approved for both prevention and treatment of flu; today's approval of Relenza for prevention provides Americans with another option for the prevention of influenza A and B infections.

You Can Still Make a 2005 IRA Contribution

You Can Still Make a 2005 IRA Contribution If you haven’t contributed funds to an Individual Retirement Arrangement for tax year 2005, or if you’ve put in less than the maximum allowed, you still have time to do so. You can contribute to either a traditional or Roth IRA until the April due date for filing your tax return for 2005, not including extensions.Mar 29, 2006, 09:12

Acupuncture for Hot Flushes in Menopause

Acupuncture for Hot Flushes in Menopause: "This study will investigate whether Traditional Chinese Medicine acupuncture-care decreases the frequency of hot flushes and increases health related quality of life among postmenopausal women. "

Unemployment rate 32.9 percent among recent dropouts

Unemployment rate 32.9 percent among recent dropouts: "Between October 2004 and October 2005, about 400,000 young people dropped out of high school.The unemployment rate for these high school dropouts was 32.9 percent in October 2005, while the unemployment rate of 2005 high school graduates who had not enrolled in college was 20.6 percent. "

Colorectal Cancer Fact Sheet

Colorectal Cancer Fact Sheet: "Colorectal cancer is cancer of the colon and/or rectum. In 2006, 148,610 people are estimated to be diagnosed with the disease, and men and women are diagnosed in nearly equal numbers. Of those diagnosed, 55,170 are estimated to die from colorectal cancer. It is the second leading cause of cancer death in the United States. However, it is one of the most preventable cancers, because it can develop from polyps that can be removed before they become cancerous."

Allergy Alert: Easter Egg Candy Recall Alert

Allergy Alert: Easter Egg Candy Recall Alert: "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE -- Columbus, OH -- March 28, 2006 -- Anthony-Thomas Candy Company, Columbus, OH is recalling 6 oz and 12 oz packages of Filled Easter Eggs because they may contain undeclared egg whites, yellow #5 and yellow #6. People who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to eggs run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume these products. No illnesses have been reported to date."

Education Initiative on Substance Abuse Coming to Memphis

Education Initiative on Substance Abuse Coming to Memphis: "The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) will come to Memphis on April 5 to inform physicians and the public about buprenorphine, a new office-based medical treatment for addiction to prescription pain relievers and other opiate drugs, such as heroin. The forum will offer information about the science of buprenorphine and the federal requirements for establishing this new office-based treatment."

Tuesday, March 28, 2006

Health and Safety Guide for Gardeners

Health and Safety Guide for Gardeners: "Spring is here and summer is not far away! In March and April, gardeners prepare for the main growing seasons and the beauty and bounty that they bring. Gardening can be a great way to get physical activity, beautify the community, and grow nutritious fruits and vegetables."

Attorney General Lockyer Announces $14 Million National Settlement with GlaxoSmithKline to Resolve Patent Fraud, Antitrust Allegations

Attorney General Lockyer Announces $14 Million National Settlement with GlaxoSmithKline to Resolve Patent Fraud, Antitrust Allegations: "Attorney General Bill Lockyer today announced pharmaceutical giant GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) will pay $14 million to resolve allegations that state-government programs paid inflated prices for the firm�s anti-depressant drug Paxil because GSK engaged in patent fraud, antitrust violations and frivolous litigation to maintain a monopoly and block generic versions from entering the market."

Change to Federal Reserve Discount Rate Effective March 28

Change to Federal Reserve Discount Rate Effective March 28: "Discount Rate' on Advances to Member Banks under Sections 13 and 13a of the Federal Reserve Act in Effect at the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco"

Have Insurance? Apply Anyway

Have Insurance? Apply Anyway: "COLUMBIA, Mo. -- Individuals who suffered damages from the recent tornadoes and storms between March 11 and 13 may be eligible for disaster assistance from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the State of Missouri even if they are insured."

Webcast: Make the Most of Your Tax Return the Second in the 2006 Series of Wise Up Teleconference Calls

Webcast: Make the Most of Your Tax Return the Second in the 2006 Series of Wise Up Teleconference Calls: "Do you understand tax terminology and basic tax code principles? How do you determine the amount of allowances to claim on your W-4? Which tax form should you use when filing? What are the tax implications of investing, buying and selling a home, getting married, and having children? Do you qualify for the earned income tax credit, the child tax credit, the child and dependent care credit, or the retirement saver's credit? "

Daylight Time Begins April 2 - Don't Forget to Set Your Clocks

Daylight Time Begins April 2 - Don't Forget to Set Your Clocks: "Currently, daylight time begins in the United States on the first Sunday in April and ends on the last Sunday in October. On the first Sunday in April, clocks are set ahead one hour at 2:00 a.m. local standard time, which becomes 3:00 a.m. local daylight time. On the last Sunday in October, clocks are set back one hour at 2:00 a.m. local daylight time, which becomes 1:00 a.m. local standard time. These dates were recently modified with the passage of the Energy Policy Act of 2005, Pub. L. no. 109-58, 119 Stat 594 (2005). Starting in March 2007, daylight time in the United States will begin on the second Sunday in March and end on the first Sunday in November. "

HPV and Men - CDC's New Fact Sheet

HPV and Men - CDC's New Fact Sheet: "Genital human papillomavirus (HPV) is a sexually transmitted virus. There are more than 30 types of genital HPV that can infect the genital area of men."

1200 Town Hall Meetings To Confront Underage Drinking as National Problem

1200 Town Hall Meetings To Confront Underage Drinking as National Problem: "Nearly 1,200 town hall meetings are being convened today around the nation as part of a campaign to prevent underage drinking. The town hall meetings are spearheaded by a Federal Interagency Coordinating Committee on the Prevention of Underage Drinking, chaired by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), in partnership with state and local agencies and organizations. Meetings are being held in all 50 states, four territories, and the District of Columbia."

When You Swim During Spring Break, Swim Healthy

When You Swim During Spring Break, Swim Healthy Protect yourself from getting a swimming-related illness during spring break...

When You Swim During Spring Break, Swim Healthy

When You Swim During Spring Break, Swim Healthy Protect yourself from getting a swimming-related illness during spring break...

2006 National Health Promotion Conference

2006 National Health Promotion Conference: "The 2006 National Health Promotion Conference is the first joint conference presented by CDC's Coordinating Center for Health Promotion (CoCHP) and its constituent groups: the National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion (NCCDPHP), the National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities (NCBDDD), and the Office of Genomics and Disease Prevention (OGDP). With a conference theme of Innovations in Health Promotion: New Avenues for Collaboration, the conference will provide an unprecedented opportunity to create new partnerships and strengthen existing ones to move forward with a national health promotion agenda."

Monday, March 27, 2006

Injured on the job? Attend the State of California DWC Free Workshop

Injured on the job? Attend the State of California DWC Free Workshop: "At these free, one-hour workshops you will learn about: Your right to medical treatment , disability payments
returning to work after your injury , and Resolving a disagreement over your claim. The workshops consist of a presentation followed by a question and answer session. Workshops are set up for injured workers that have recently filed a workers' compensation claim with their employer, but any injured worker can benefit from attending, and anyone can attend. "

IRS Establishes e-Mail Box for Taxpayers to Report Phony e-Mails

IRS Establishes e-Mail Box for Taxpayers to Report Phony e-Mails: "The Internal Revenue Service announced today that it has established an electronic mailbox for taxpayers to send information about suspicious e-mails they receive which claim to come from the IRS. The IRS's new mail box allows taxpayers to send copies of possibly fraudulent e-mails involving misuse of the IRS name and logo to the IRS for investigation"

France and Monaco Public Announcement : Travel Alert for U.S. Citizens

France and Monaco Public Announcement : Travel Alert for U.S. Citizens: "This Public Announcement is issued to alert Americans to ongoing security concerns in France. Demonstrations, sometimes involving violence, have occurred and continue to occur in Paris and other large cities in France in opposition to a new law concerning employment contracts for young workers. This Public Announcement will expire on April 30, 2006. "

Small Business Week 2006 - Celebrating Small Businesses

Small Business Week 2006 - Celebrating Small Businesses: "Small businesses are, in many ways, the backbone of our nation's economy. During Small Business Week, this sector of business owners and workers is recognized. As President Bush stated this year in his Small Business Week proclamation, "The entrepreneurial spirit of America is robust and strong, and small businesses are thriving throughout our great nation. The opportunity to own a business is an important part of the American dream. During Small Business Week, we celebrate small business owners and employees who are willing to take risks and work hard in pursuit of a better life for themselves and their families. "

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) Effective Health Care Report

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) Effective Health Care Report: "Drugs can be as effective as stomach surgery for treating gastroesophageal reflux disease, also known as GERD. This finding is from the first report of a new program from the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, or 'ark,' that compares alternative treatments for health conditions. "

U.S. Travel Advisory Regarding German Passports

U.S. Travel Advisory Regarding German Passports: "Beginning May 1, 2006, German temporary passports (or emergency passports) will no longer be valid for travel to the U.S. under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). Regular, official and diplomatic German passports (with a digital photo if issued after October 26, 2005) remain valid for Visa Waiver Program travel, per the current VWP passport requirements. "

California Warns Consumers Not To Eat Some Shellfish And Viscera Of Sardines, Anchovies And Crab From Southern California Coast

California Warns Consumers Not To Eat Some Shellfish And Viscera Of Sardines, Anchovies And Crab From Southern California Coast: "SACRAMENTO - Consumers should not eat sport-harvested species of bivalve (two-shelled) shellfish, sardines and anchovies, or the organs, or viscera, of sport-harvested or commercially sold lobster or crab taken from the coast of San Diego, Los Angeles, Orange, Ventura, Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties because they may be contaminated with domoic acid, a naturally occurring toxin that can cause human illness, State Public Health Officer Dr. Mark Horton warned today. Dogs, cats, birds and other household pets are also susceptible to domoic acid poisoning and should not be fed these products."

How to Use Fruits and Vegetables to Help Manage Your Weight

How to Use Fruits and Vegetables to Help Manage Your Weight: "Fruits and vegetables are part of a well-balanced and healthy eating plan. There are many different ways to lose or maintain a healthy weight. Using more fruits and vegetables along with whole grains and lean meats, nuts, and beans is a safe and healthy one. Helping control your weight is not the only benefit of eating more fruits and vegetables. Diets rich in fruits and vegetables may reduce the risk of some types of cancer and other chronic diseases. Fruits and vegetables also provide essential vitamins and minerals, fiber, and other substances that are important for good health. "

Navigating the Teen Years: A Parent's Handbook for Raising Healthy Teens

Navigating the Teen Years: A Parent's Handbook for Raising Healthy Teens: "Navigating the teen years can be formidable. But research shows that kids who learn from their parents about the dangers of underage drinking, illicit drugs, tobacco use, dangerous driving and other risky behaviors are less likely to engage in them."

Celebrating Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month:May 2006

Celebrating Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month:May 2006: "The estimated number of U.S. residents in July 2004 who said they were Asian or Asian in combination with one or more other races. This group comprised 5 percent of the total population. California had both the largest population (4.8 million) and the largest numerical increase (123,000) of people of this group since July 2003; Hawaii is the state where Asians made up the highest proportion of the total population (58 percent). "

Sunday, March 26, 2006

Problem Gambling Prevention Media Buy Contract Opportunity

Problem Gambling Prevention Media Buy Contract Opportunity: "The Office of Problem Gambling (OPG) in the Department of Alcohol and Drug Programs (ADP) is soliciting competitive proposals from bidders who possess strong skills, knowledge and abilities to provide strategic radio and outdoor planning and buying media services required for the Problem Gambling Prevention Program. The selected Contractor will develop and implement a media plan, including ethnic media, utilizing previously-produced radio spots and outdoor display to address a targeted portion of the public."

Securities Class Action Monitoring Service Contract Opportunity

Securities Class Action Monitoring Service Contract Opportunity: "Contractor will perform the tasks described below to assist CalPERS staff deciding whether to recommend to the CalPERS Investment Committee that CalPERS actively participate in a particular securities class action."

Be Suspicious About Wiring Money Back After Cashing a Check

Be Suspicious About Wiring Money Back After Cashing a Check: "The set-up for the scam can be different every time: maybe they are buying something you advertised, paying you to do work at home, or giving you an advance on a sweepstakes. But, the Federal Trade Commission and the National Consumers League warn that after the initial hook, all check overpayment scams end the same way - with a request for you to wire money back. The scams are the fifth most common telemarketing fraud and the fourth most common Internet scam reported to the NCL"

Curtain Falls on Two Bogus �Biz Opp� Actors -�Surplus Goods� Scam Cost Consumers Almost $31 Million

Curtain Falls on Two Bogus "Biz Opp" Actors -Surplus Goods Scam Cost Consumers Almost $31 Million: "Two persons have agreed to settle Federal Trade Commission charges for their roles in a fraudulent business opportunity scheme targeted in early 2005 as part of Project Biz Opp Flop, a crackdown on violations of the FTC's Franchise Rule, which requires that prospective franchisees must be given a full disclosure document about business opportunities they are offered, and Section 5(a) of the FTC Act, which prohibits unfair and deceptive acts or practices affecting commerce."

American Diabetes Alert

American Diabetes Alert: "The American Diabetes Alert is an annual, one-day call-to-action held on the fourth Tuesday of March for people to find out if they are at risk for diabetes. The Alert's goal is to raise the awareness that diabetes is serious, you can have diabetes and not even know it, and that taking the Risk Test is an easy way to find out if you are at risk for "

What I need to know about Prostate Problems

What I need to know about Prostate Problems: "The prostate* is part of a man's sex organs. It's about the size of a walnut and surrounds the tube called the urethra, located just below the bladder. "

Effects of Leptin Treatment on Weight Loss

Effects of Leptin Treatment on Weight Loss: "Leptin is a hormone that is produced by the fat tissue and acts on the brain. Leptin plays a key role in regulating energy balance and body weight in animals and in humans. When a person loses weight leptin concentration in the blood is reduced. Reduction in blood leptin levels has been found to be related to a decreased metabolic rate (the rate in which the body burns its calories), an increased appetite, and to many other physiological and hormonal changes that may lead to failure in dieting. "

Plant-Based Diet May Help Control Weight

Plant-Based Diet May Help Control Weight: "Consuming more plant foods and fewer animal products may help individuals control their weight, according to a new study funded in part by ARS. The researchers examined the health records of more than 55,000 healthy women participating in the Swedish Mammography Cohort. They looked at the body mass index (BMI) of semi-vegetarians (who eat some meat, dairy, and eggs), lacto-vegetarians (who consume milk but not meat or eggs), vegans (who consume no animal products), and omnivores (who eat all foods). "