Saturday, February 25, 2006

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. "

Finding the Disclosures in "Free" Internet Service Offers

Finding the Disclosures in "Free" Internet Service Offers: "You've probably seen the ads for 'free' Internet service trial periods. Maybe you've even received a CD-ROM in the mail that promises hundreds of hours of free Internet service.
If you're in the market for Internet service, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) wants you to know that some 'free' offers may end up being high cost, long-term items. That's because important restrictions and conditions on these offers are not always disclosed clearly or conspicuously"

In-FUR-mation Alert: How to Comply with the Fur Products Labeling Act

In-FUR-mation Alert: How to Comply with the Fur Products Labeling Act: "Whether it's a coat, cape, jacket, stole or parka...if you manufacture, import or sell fur garments, you must comply with the labeling requirements under the Fur Products Labeling Act (FPLA). Garment labels give consumers important purchasing information. Consumers assume this information is accurate and truthful. When it's not - either through an innocent or deliberate act - their trust in your business is damaged. The likely result for you? A tarnished reputation and bottom-line."

Friday, February 24, 2006

U.S. GOVERNMENT TO ASSIST CALIFORNIA SMALL BUSINESSES IN COMBATING INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY THEFT

U.S. GOVERNMENT TO ASSIST CALIFORNIA SMALL BUSINESSES IN COMBATING INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY THEFT: "During the two-day San Diego seminar, patent, trademark and copyright experts as well as lawyers from the USPTO will provide small- and medium-sized businesses, entrepreneurs and independent inventors with useful tips on protecting and enforcing their intellectual property rights in the United States and around the world."

Another Retirement Savings Option: Roth 401(k) Plan

Another Retirement Savings Option: Roth 401(k) Plan: "Beginning January 1, 2006, employers have a new retirement savings option to offer employees. The plan, commonly referred to as a 'Roth 401(k),' is a hybrid that combines features of Roth IRA and traditional 401(k) plans but differs in important aspects. Some of the differences and similarities are outlined in the exhibit."

Warning:Spring Break in The Bahamas � �Know Before You Go!�

Warning:Spring Break in The Bahamas - "Know Before You Go!": "Thousands of young Americans travel to The Bahamas each year to celebrate Spring Break. Exercising caution and good judgment will help to ensure that your stay in The Bahamas is a pleasant and safe one. "

Warning: SPRING BREAK IN MEXICO � �Know Before You Go!�

Warning: SPRING BREAK IN MEXICO - "Know Before You Go!": "Over 100,000 American teenagers and young adults travel to resort areas throughout Mexico over Spring Break each year. While the vast majority enjoy their vacations without incident, several may die, hundreds will be arrested and still more will make mistakes that could affect them for the rest of their lives. Using some common sense will help travelers avoid these unpleasant and dangerous situations"

Update:Embargo of Birds from Specified Countries

Update:Embargo of Birds from Specified Countries: "Based on concerns about highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 virus and its potential to cause illness in humans, CDC and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) have taken steps to prevent importation of birds and bird products from countries with the virus. "

New Maps Identify Bay Area Liquefaction Risk

New Maps Identify Bay Area Liquefaction Risk: "Then new map products are the latest in a series of new tools and events that showcase the lessons learned with the 100th anniversary of the 1906 San Francisco earthquake fast approaching."

U.S. Funds Innovative New Jimma University Program in Health Monitoring and Evaluation

U.S. Funds Innovative New Jimma University Program in Health Monitoring and Evaluation: "Addis Ababa (U.S. Embassy) - On Thursday, February 16, the U.S. Deputy Chief of Mission, Janet Wilgus, traveled to Jimma to join Dr. Tedros Adhanom, Minister of Health; and Ato Fuad Ibrahim, State Minister of Education to mark the launch of a new program in Health Monitoring and Evaluation at Jimma University. The new program, made possible through funding from the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief, will allow students to work toward either a Post Graduate one-year Diploma or a two-years Masters of Science (MSc) degree"

Hypertension-Related Mortality Among Hispanic Subpopulations --- United States, 1995--2002

Hypertension-Related Mortality Among Hispanic Subpopulations --- United States, 1995--2002: "Hypertension remains a major public health problem in the United States even though effective therapy has been available for more than 50 years (1). Hypertension is a strong independent risk factor for heart disease and stroke and a predictor of premature death and disability from cardiovascular complications"

Hypertension-Related Mortality Among Hispanic Subpopulations --- United States, 1995--2002

Hypertension-Related Mortality Among Hispanic Subpopulations --- United States, 1995--2002: "Hypertension remains a major public health problem in the United States even though effective therapy has been available for more than 50 years (1). Hypertension is a strong independent risk factor for heart disease and stroke and a predictor of premature death and disability from cardiovascular complications"

FDA and Manufacturers of Accutane and its Generics to Implement iPLEDGE Program on March 1, 2006

FDA and Manufacturers of Accutane and its Generics to Implement iPLEDGE Program on March 1, 2006: "The iPLEDGE program, a strengthened risk management program to educate women about the risk of becoming pregnant while taking isotretinoin (Accutane and its generics), a drug to treat severe recalcitrant nodular acne, will be implemented on March 1, 2006, as planned. This comprehensive program seeks to reduce the risk of inadvertent pregnancy exposure by tightly linking negative pregnancy testing with dispensing of isotretinoin. "

Deferral of Back Taxes for Military

Deferral of Back Taxes for Military: "Reservists called to active duty and enlistees in the armed forces may qualify for a deferral of taxes owed if they can show that their ability to pay taxes was affected by their military service."

Estrogen and Exercise: Similar Aids to Leanness

Estrogen and Exercise: Similar Aids to Leanness: "Estrogen, a hormone in both males and females, works in ways similar to exercise to help the body use fat, a 40-day study with laboratory mice indicates."

Update:OSHA Recordkeeping Handbook

Update:OSHA Recordkeeping Handbook: "This handbook provides a general overview of a particular topic related to OSHA regulation. It does not alter or determine compliance responsibilites in OSHA standards or the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970. Because interpretations and enforcement policy may change over time, you should consult current OSHA administrative interpretations and decisions by the Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission and the Courts for additional guidance on OSHA compliance requirements."

Debunking Some Common Computer Security Myths

Debunking Some Common Computer Security Myths: "While believing these myths may not present a direct threat, they may cause you to be more lax about your security habits. If you are not diligent about protecting yourself, you may be more likely to become a victim of an attack."

Metal Charms Recalled for Lead Poisoning Hazard to Children

Metal Charms Recalled for Lead Poisoning Hazard to Children: "The charms are small silver-colored metal shapes that include flowers, bugs, pumpkins, and picture frames. "Art Accentz," "Changlz," "Provo Craft," and "For ages 3 and over"are printed on the charm's packaging. The charms were sold as decorations for craft projects such as scrapbooks, home decor and jewelry making. "

CPSC, Victoria�s Secret Direct Announce Recall of Silk Kimono Tops

CPSC, Victoria's Secret Direct Announce Recall of Silk Kimono Tops: "The kimono tops are made of fabric that fails to meet mandatory standards of fabric flammability in violation of the federal Flammable Fabrics Act. The sheer outer shell fabric of the kimono top can readily ignite and present a risk of burn injuries. "

Thursday, February 23, 2006

Book Club Direct Marketer to Pay $680,000 for Do Not Call Violations

Book Club Direct Marketer to Pay $680,000 for Do Not Call Violations: "Book-of-the-Month Club Partnership Called Over 100,000 Consumers on DNC Registry; Continued Calling Customers Who Specifically Asked Not to be Called"

California State's Free e-file Program Issues Tax Refunds in 5-7 Days

California State's Free e-file Program Issues Tax Refunds in 5-7 Days: "State tax refunds are available to individuals in less than a week-if you file your tax return electronically, announced Board of Equalization Chair and Franchise Tax Board (FTB) Member John Chiang."

Obesity and Your Environment

Obesity and Your Environment: "Right now, 15% of all children in the United States are overweight. At the rate those numbers are increasing, that will soon include one third of all children. If overweight children then become overweight adults, nearly 50 million Americans could have diabetes by 2050. Now that is a very scary thought! "

Second Identity Theft Summit Arms Californians with Education, Training

Second Identity Theft Summit Arms Californians with Education, Training: "The Schwarzenegger Administration's second annual summit aimed at combating the nation's fastest-growing crime got under way this morning at the Los Angeles Convention Center."

HUD ANNOUNCES NEARLY $25 MILLION IN �SWEAT EQUITY� GRANTS TO HELP FAMILIES BUILD THEIR OWN AMERICAN DREAM

HUD ANNOUNCES NEARLY $25 MILLION IN �SWEAT EQUITY� GRANTS TO HELP FAMILIES BUILD THEIR OWN AMERICAN DREAM: "NEW ORLEANS - More than 1,500 families will realize their American Dream with a little elbow grease and $24.8 million in grants announced today by Housing and Urban Development Assistant Secretary Pamela Patenaude. HUD is awarding these so-called 'sweat equity grants' to four national and regional organizations through the Department's Self-Help Homeownership Opportunity Program (SHOP)."

Preliminary Study Shows Creatine and Minocycline May Warrant Further Study In Parkinson�s Disease

Preliminary Study Shows Creatine and Minocycline May Warrant Further Study In Parkinson's Disease: "A National Institutes of Health-sponsored clinical trial with 200 Parkinson's disease patients has shown that creatine and minocycline may warrant further consideration for study in a large trial, according to Karl Kieburtz, M.D., M.P.H., University of Rochester, who spoke today at the World Parkinson Congress on behalf of the trial investigators"

Preliminary Study Shows Creatine and Minocycline May Warrant Further Study In Parkinson�s Disease

Preliminary Study Shows Creatine and Minocycline May Warrant Further Study In Parkinson's Disease: "A National Institutes of Health-sponsored clinical trial with 200 Parkinson's disease patients has shown that creatine and minocycline may warrant further consideration for study in a large trial, according to Karl Kieburtz, M.D., M.P.H., University of Rochester, who spoke today at the World Parkinson Congress on behalf of the trial investigators"

Can FEMA Contact You? Updated Addresses Needed From Applicants

Can FEMA Contact You? Updated Addresses Needed From Applicants: "BATON ROUGE, La. -- Residents of Louisiana who have been displaced by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita may have mail. Many were forced to flee their homes for safer, drier places when the storms hit. Some of them may have been too busy to submit a new change of address, particularly those who have moved more than once. Without the newest change of address, mail cannot be forwarded and may cause important information or checks to be returned as undeliverable. "

CDC�s Advisory Committee Recommends New Vaccine to Prevent Rotavirus

CDC�s Advisory Committee Recommends New Vaccine to Prevent Rotavirus: "The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in their meeting in Atlanta today voted to recommend a newly licensed vaccine to protect against rotavirus, a viral infection that can cause severe diarrhea, vomiting, fever and dehydration (gastroenteritis) in infants and young children. "

U.S. Transportation Chief Says "Energy Diet" Needed To Curb U.S. Oil Addiction

U.S. Transportation Chief Says "Energy Diet" Needed To Curb U.S. Oil Addiction: "Transportation industries will have to go on an "energy diet" to help end America's addiction to oil, U.S. Transportation Secretary Norman Y. Mineta said today in Omaha, NE after a ride with a Union Pacific locomotive engineer trained in the latest fuel-saving driving techniques."

Avoiding Home Equity Scams

Avoiding Home Equity Scams: "You could lose your home and your money if you borrow from unscrupulous lenders who offer you a high-cost loan based on the equity you have in your home. Certain lenders target homeowners who are elderly or who have low incomes or credit problems-and then try to take advantage of them by using deceptive practices. The Federal Trade Commission cautions all homeowners to be on the lookout for Equity Stripping"

Having Problems With Holiday Purchases?

Having Problems With Holiday Purchases?: "The holiday season means gifts and that means shopping. And with all that buying, maybe some of your purchases didn't work out exactly right. If a retailer didn't deliver as promised or if you feel you've been ripped off, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has some tips for you."

CDI Issues Cease and Desist Order to the Global Healings Society - Warns Consumers of the Potential Exposure When Purchasing Fake Auto Insurance

CDI Issues Cease and Desist Order to the Global Healings Society - Warns Consumers of the Potential Exposure When Purchasing Fake Auto Insurance: "We are warning consumers that they are exposed to possible loss without coverage if they have paid for insurance provided by The Global Healings Society also known as The Auto Bond and The Community Financial Bond, " said Commissioner Garamendi. "These companies are selling fake auto insurance policies and consumers are being warned not to purchase insurance from any of these companies. "

Wednesday, February 22, 2006

IRS Has $2 Billion for People Who Have Not Filed a 2002 Tax Return

IRS Has $2 Billion for People Who Have Not Filed a 2002 Tax Return: "WASHINGTON - Unclaimed refunds totaling more than $2 billion are awaiting about 1.7 million people who failed to file a federal income tax return for 2002, the Internal Revenue Service announced today. However, in order to collect the money, a return for 2002 must be filed with an IRS office no later than April 17, 2006"

Treasury and IRS Provide Guidance for energy Credits for Homeowners

Treasury and IRS Provide Guidance for energy Credits for Homeowners: "Washington � The Treasury Department and the IRS today have issued guidance (Notice 2006-26) on the certification that homeowners may rely on when they claim credits for purchases that make their homes more efficient."

FDA Informs Public of Nationwide Infant Formula Recall

FDA Informs Public of Nationwide Infant Formula Recall: "The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is alerting the public to a recall being conducted by Mead Johnson for their GENTLEASE powdered infant formula, lot number: BMJ19, use by 1 Jul 07. This lot was found to contain metal particles, consisting of up to 2.7 millimeter in size."

OSHA CITES READING, PA COMPANY FOR SAFETY AND HEALTH HAZARDS

OSHA CITES READING, PA COMPANY FOR SAFETY AND HEALTH HAZARDS: "HARRISBURG, Pa. -- A Reading, Pa. company's failure to protect workers from falls and other serious hazards has resulted in a penalty of $112,000 from the U.S. Labor Department's Occupational Safety and Health Administration."

FDA Approves New Treatment for Fungal Infections

FDA Approves New Treatment for Fungal Infections: "The Food and Drug Administration approved Eraxis™ (anidulafungin) to treat certain infections caused by Candida, a yeast-like fungus that can cause serious infections in hospitalized patients or patients with compromised immune systems."

OSHA Cites Alabama Company and Proposes $210,000 in Penalties Following Trenching Fatality

OSHA Cites Alabama Company and Proposes $210,000 in Penalties Following Trenching Fatality: "BIRMINGHAM, Ala. -- The U.S. Labor Department's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has issued citations against utility contractor O'CET, and proposed penalties totaling $210,000, following the investigation of a fatal accident last August at a Clay, Ala., construction site."

Apple Mac OS X Safari Command Execution Vulnerability

Apple Mac OS X Safari Command Execution Vulnerability: "A vulnerability in the Apple Safari web browser could allow an attacker to place and run malicious code on your computer."

Online Mortgage Calculator

Online Mortgage Calculator: "This home mortgage tool is designed to help determine whether you qualify for a particular mortgage product based on your financial profile and the lender's underwriting criteria."

Celebrating Women - Women�s History Month: March 2006

Celebrating Women - Women's History Month: March 2006: "In 1981, the U.S. Congress passed a resolution establishing National Women"s History Week. The week was chosen to coincide with International Women's Day, March 8. In 1987, Congress expanded the week to a month. Every year since, Congress has passed a resolution for Women's History Month, and the U.S. president has issued a proclamation."

Tax Rates for a Child's Investment Income

Tax Rates for a Child's Investment Income: "Part or all of a child's investment income may be taxed at the parent's rate rather than the child's rate. Because a parent's taxable income is usually higher than a child's income, the parent's top tax rate will often be higher as well. This special method of figuring the federal income tax only applies to children who are under the age of 14. For 2005, it applies if the child's total investment income for the year was more than $1,600. Investment income includes interest, dividends, capital gains, and other unearned income."

Tuesday, February 21, 2006

FTC Puts Business Directory Scam out of Business

FTC Puts Business Directory Scam out of Business: "A Canadian defendant and his business are permanently banned from selling business directories and listings in those directories to U.S. consumers. To settle the Federal Trade Commission charges they were fraudulently telemarketing directories and listings, the defendant and his mother, another director of the business, will also forfeit all rights to uncashed checks they received because of their scheme. "

New Workers� Compensation Regulations Requiring Certification Of Claims Adjusters And Medical Bill Reviewers

New Workers's Compensation Regulations Requiring Certification Of Claims Adjusters And Medical Bill Reviewers: "Effective February 22, the new regulations require all insurers to meet minimum standards of training and/or experience and show certification to the Department by July 1, 2006

Black Cohosh as Alternative Therapy for Treating Menopause-Related Anxiety

Black Cohosh as Alternative Therapy for Treating Menopause-Related Anxiety: "This study will determine the effectiveness of the herb black cohosh for treating menopause-related anxiety symptoms in women"

Effectiveness of a Vitamin Mineral Supplement

Effectiveness of a Vitamin Mineral Supplement: "The goal of the study is to evaluate the effectiveness of a new one-a-day Cooper complete vitamin supplement with or without a combined omega-3 fatty acid supplement on selected clinical risk factor measures. Participants taking the Cooper Complete one-a-day vitamin plus omega-3 fatty acid will have greater improvement in homocysteine, LDL cholesterol, and C-reactive protein than those taking the other supplements. "

Live Surgical Webcast: Wednesday February 22, 4 pm EST. Robotic Radical Hysterectomy for Cervical Cancer

Live Surgical Webcast: Wednesday February 22, 4 pm EST. Robotic Radical Hysterectomy for Cervical Cancer: "OR-Live.com, with technical assistance from Digital Media Services, UNC School of Medicine, will present a Webcast of a da Vinci (robotic) Radical Hysterectomy, broadcast live from N.C. Women's Hospital at the University of North Carolina Hospitals, on February 22, 2006 at 4 PM (ET). "

CALIFORNIA ISSUES WARNING TO CONSUMERS TO STOP USING "THE FIRST YEARS" LIQUID-FILLED CHILDREN�S TEETHING RINGS MANUFACTURERED BY RC2

CALIFORNIA ISSUES WARNING TO CONSUMERS TO STOP USING "THE FIRST YEARS" LIQUID-FILLED CHILDREN'S TEETHING RINGS MANUFACTURERED BY RC2: "Consumers should stop using 'The First Years' liquid-filled children's teething rings manufactured by RC2 Brands because the liquid contained in these rings may be contaminated with bacteria that may cause serious illness if swallowed by children, State Public Health Officer Dr. Mark Horton announced today. No illnesses have been reported to date."

Urgent Announcement for Public Safety Officers on the Ecstasy and Sensation Cruise Ships

Urgent Announcement for Public Safety Officers on the Ecstasy and Sensation Cruise Ships: "NEW ORLEANS, La. -- Important meetings for residents of the cruise ships Ecstasy and Sensation will be held this Monday, Feb. 20, 2006, at 6 p.m. in the Blue Sapphire Lounge on the Ecstasy, and in the Fantasia Lounge on the Sensation. Only residents of the ships may attend. Media will be briefed after the meetings."

Post-traumatic stress disorder. The management of PTSD in adults and children in primary and secondary care

Post-traumatic stress disorder. The management of PTSD in adults and children in primary and secondary care: "The purpose of this guideline is to make recommendations and suggest good practice points for the treatment and management of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)."

Monday, February 20, 2006

TAXES ON Early Distributions From Retirement Plans

TAXES ON Early Distributions From Retirement Plans: "Payments that you receive from your IRA or qualified retirement plan before you reach age 59 1/2 are normally called early or premature distributions. These funds are subject to an additional 10 percent tax and must be reported to the IRS. There are a number of exceptions to the age 59 1/2 rule if you make an early withdrawal. Some exceptions apply only to IRAs, some only to qualified retirement plans, and some to both."

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome ( CFS) -a virus without a disease

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome ( CFS) "Chronic fatigue syndrome ( CFS) is an illness in search of an infectious etiology"

National Diabetes Education Program Offers New Materials Targeting Blacks with Diabetes

National Diabetes Education Program Offers New Materials Targeting Blacks with Diabetes: "With nearly 21 million people living with diabetes in the United States, the National Diabetes Education Program (NDEP) has developed a discussion guide which targets one of the nation's disproportionately affected populations, blacks."

Sunday, February 19, 2006

Bogus Weight Loss Claims

Bogus Weight Loss Claims: "Despite claims to the contrary, there are no magic bullets or effortless ways to burn off fat. The only way to lose weight is to lower caloric intake and/or increase physical activity. Claims for diet products or programs that promise weight loss without sacrifice or effort are bogus. And some can even be dangerous. "