National Pancake Day by IHOP

IHOP, Pancakes

National Pancake Day was started in 2006 by the International House of Pancakes (IHOP) restaurant chain. IHOP offers a free short stack of Buttermilk pancakes on February 28. 

Pancakes are not really free because, in return, the guests are asked to consider leaving a donation for Children's Miracle Network Hospitals and other designated local charities. 

Since the beginning of National Pancake Day celebration in 2006, IHOP has raised nearly $8 million to support charities

Citrus fruits cut stroke risk – It is not a lemon deal

citrus fruit

We have heard the saying, when you get lemon make lemonade.  Recent reports suggest that may not be necessary. A research study published in the Journal Stroke indicates that the citrus fruit (orange, grapefruit) may reduce the risk of stroke.

The study, a joint effort of researchers at Harvard (USA) and Norwich Medical School, Norwich, UK, studied and analyzed data from 69 622 women over 14

Rhode Island sees health benefits of smoking ban

no smoking

A number of states prohibit smoking in public places. In the city of Los Angeles, California, even outdoor parks are designated as no smoking zones. 

In Rhode Island (RI) similar smoking ban took place under “Smoke-Free Public Places and Workplaces Act” in 2005. The good news is RI is seeing health and financial benefit from such smoking ban.

A new study from the Rhode Island Department of Health (HEALTH) has announced that Rhode Island hospitalization rates for heart attack, and associated costs have been declining since the smoking ban took place in 2005.

Canker Sores and SLS free Toothpastes

SLS free toothpaste

Recently, while browsing Craigslist, I came across an interesting post emphasizing “I'm not selling anything.” The post was about Canker sores and it got me interested in further research on this subject and the benefits of  SLS free toothpastes. I rarely develop canker but I have compiled a LIST of SLS free Toothpastes.

But, first, here is the POST from the Craigslist:

los angeles craigslist > westside-southbay > community > general community

Do you get Canker sores "mouth ulcers"? (I'm not selling anything)

Dog ear cannot be glued back

Dog, animal health

The health of our animal friends is as important as ours and should be treated as such. Often precautions must be taken the same way as one would think about children safety. 

I have heard of a neighbor who let his friendly German shepherd hang around while he was mowing the lawn. The dog screamed when his long waging tail got sucked in the lawn mower. The dog was saved but lost his tail.

In a recent incident in Hawaii, after a grooming trip to Petco, the dog

Healthy Vending Machines of Santa Monica

Healthy vending machines

Obesity is a problem in the U.S. and it can lead to several health problems such as diabetes. The problem is worldwide and even countries like Brazil and China have begun to experience the issue of obesity and its adverse consequences.

A Santa Monica company, H.U.M.A.N. Healthy Vending, is taking a healthy look at food vending machine business. H.U.M.A.N. in company name stands for helping unite man and nutrition (h.u.m.a.n.). The company states its mission is to eradicate childhood obesity through education and healthy eating and 10% of profits are donated to charities that fight obesity and malnutrition.

The company claims, traditional Vending machines in schools usually only sell foods high in sugar, fat, and sodium--which leads to worse-

Health Secrets of Ron Paul, the Presidential Candidate

Ron Paul, Rand Paul 1960's

Republican presidential candidate, Congressman Ron Paul is 76 years of age but he is full of energy and keeps up with competitors younger than him. During one of the presidential debates in January, Dr Paul emphasized his good health by stating that he does not mind showing his health records because it is hardly a half page long. In addition, Dr, Paul challenged other presidential candidate for a 25 mile bike ride in boiling hot weather.

Ron Paul is a physician by training. As a physician he has delivered more than 4, 000 babies. Apparently, Dr. Paul was even offered a track

Inhale chocolate with no calories – Le Whif

Le Whif inhalable chocolate

Chocolate lovers can never have enough of it. We even have a National Chocolate Cake Day, as if they really need an excuse to consume chocolate. If you were concerned about inconvenience of bulk handling and hands getting dirty, now you can enjoy no calorie chocolate by simply inhaling. Le Whif is the inhalable, breathable chocolate.

Le Whif inhalable chocolate is available in lipstick size tubes that you simply puff into your mouth.

 

 VIDEO - Want A Chocolate High? Just Inhale

Man jailed for defrauding Medicare with penis pumps

Medicare fraud

The law struck hard on a man for defrauding Medicare with penis pumps. Basically, he sent penis pumps free of charge to the Medicare patients, who never ordered the product, and then billed Medicare for $2.2 million claiming necessities ordered by the physicians.

An Illinois man, Gary Winner, 50, was sentenced to three years in prison for defrauding Medicare and seniors with erectile pumps. In addition, he will serve three years of supervised release after his prison sentence, pay a $12,500 fine and reimburse $2.2 millions to the Medicare.

Weight loss drug Qnexa wins support of FDA advisory panel

Qnexa, Vivus

Weight loss drug, Qnexa won strong recommendation from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) advisory panel despite being potentially risky for heart and birth related issues. The FDA is expected to make its decision in April.

According to the developer:

“Qnexa [kyoo-nek-suh] is an investigational drug candidate being developed to address weight loss, type 2 Diabetes and obstructive sleep apnea. Qnexa is a once-a-day, proprietary, oral, controlled-release formulation of low-dose phentermine and topiramate, which is designed to decrease appetite and increase satiety (the sense of feeling full), the two main mechanisms that impact eating behavior.”

Kim and Khloe Kardashian may lose some weight over QuickTrim legal issues

QuickTrim, Kardashian

Kardashians always seem to find some way to stay in the news and make money because of it. It turns out this time Kim and Khloe Kardashian will be tossed around by the lawyers because of their involvement with weight loss product QuickTrim. Kim and Khloe Kardashian have done paid endorsement for QuickTrim and claimed to have lost a lot of weight because of it. Up coming legal workout will make them lose weight for real.

Quicktrim International’s website and products show pictures of Kim and Khloe Kardashian. The website claims:

Inhalable Caffeine, AeroShot by Breathable Foods is under FDA review

AeroShot inhalable caffeine

AeroShot, Inhalable Caffeine product, is being investigated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The investigation will determine whether this product can be safely taken and/or if this can be sold as dietary supplement which does not require FDA approval.

Inhalable caffeine, known by the brand AeroShot, is made by Breathable Foods Inc, of Cambridge, MA. Breathable Foods aims to deliver nutrients to the mouth for ingestion using novel aerosol delivery system. AeroShot is the first product from Breathable Foods, Inc. and it is manufactured in France.

Animal rights group loses drone in South Carolina shoot out

Mikrokopter drone

Remote controlled drones are being used by the U.S. military in war in places like Afghanistan, Iraq, Pakistan and Somalia. The police agencies have been using drones in the U.S. The Occupy Movement in Poland used drones to watch locations of riot police. Now, it turns out animal rights groups have started using drones to keep an eye on animal abuses. According to thetandd.com, the latest incident occurred near Broxton Bridge Plantation in Ehrhardt, South Carolina.

Animal rights group SHARK (SHowing Animals Respect and Kindness), showed up with a Mikrokopter drone to document live pigeon slaughter

Brazilian bikini business booms as women get fat

Brazilian bikinis

Brazil is known for its warm climate, carnival and beautiful, shapely, tan women in teeny bikinis. Supermodel Gisele Bundchen comes from Brazil. However, things seem to be changing for bigger in this sunny country as women are getting fat and larger bikinis are hard to find.

Brazil is a part of BRIC (Brazil, Russia, India and China) group of nations

Healthy meals for the U.S. Military

Military meal

The U.S. has the best equipped military but it is not the same thing about the military meals. Keeping aside combat situation, the military meal has been considered average at best that did not give serious attention to obesity or other long-range health risks.

According to defense department, the number of service members with the weight problem has about doubled from 1 out of 50 in the mid-1990s

Lipsticks with Lead – Top 20

Lipstick

The saying “you get what you pay for” may not be a blessing when it comes to lipsticks. A survey conducted by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) found that some of he the most popular and the most expensive brands (Maybelline, L'Oréal, NARS, Cover Girl Queen, Collection, Maybelline, Stargazer, Revlon, Sonia Kashuk, Avon) also contain the MOST amounts of lead.

The LEAST-contaminated brand, Wet & Wild Mega Mixers Lip Balm, was also the least expensive. Other brands with

Compression stockings for health and active life

Compression stockings

Compression shorts and shirts are popular as sportswear because they seem to help muscles during a work out.

However, this may not be the only beneficial use for compression garments.

A company, CompressionStockings.com, sells compression stockingsfrom a number of brands: Jobst, Juzo, Mediven, Sigvaris, Cep, Zensah, LympheDivas and Bio Compression Systems.

Tasers responsible for 500 deaths in the U.S.

Taser can be deadly

Police in the U.S. currently use Tasers to subdue dangerous or uncooperative suspects. The police claims Tasers save lives and considers them non-lethal tool. However, the data compiled by the Amnesty International indicates use of Tasers have led to a number of deaths. In several cases the death can be attributed to the unnecessary and forceful use of Tasers.

According to Amnesty International, at least 500 people in the USA have died since 2001 after being shocked with Tasers while being arrested or while in custody.

Los Angeles Beaches will allow Football and Frisbee play

Los Angeles beach play

Los Angeles beaches are visited by 50-70 million people per year. You can enjoy the beaches but a 40 year old law banned throwing balls and playing sports on the beach. The original ordinance was intended to prevent injuries to bystanders from playing objects.

On January 31, 2012, Los Angeles County has revised that ordinance. The revised Ordinance does not ban footballs, soccer balls, or Frisbees. Instead, it provides a set of guidelines for safe ball playing at the beach.

Saucony running shoes rated high in social media

Running shoe

In January 2012, NetBase Solutions released a brand passion study of sneakers (running shoes). 

Several brands were analyzed for their popularity in the social media:

Skechers, Puma, Nike, VibramFiveFingers, Saucony and Reebok.

Girls basketball team penalized for wearing pink uniform

pink basketball girls

An interesting incident occurred during a girls’ high school basketball game in Nebraska between Burke High (Omaha) and visiting Columbus (Nebraska.).

Burke High girls basketball team was penalized with a technical foul for wearing pink uniforms in a home game. When Burke High was leading by a point, the opposite team coach pointed out the violation that the home teams are required to wear white uniform. The opposite team scored the points and finally also won the game 62-47.

Heart Attack Grill in Las Vegas got the job done

The Heart Attack burger

The Heart Attack Grill restaurant in Las Vegas lived up to its slogan 'A taste worth dying for' when a customer collapsed while eating the burger and had to be hospitalized.

SIGNATURE PRODUCT

The top of the line, most popular product  “QUADRUPLE BYPASS BURGER” is loaded with 8,000 calories.

It contains four half-pound beef patties, cheese and bacon and comes with a milkshake containing the world's 'highest butterfat content' (with an extra pat of butter) and 'Flatliner Fries' that are deep-fried in pure lard.

Pizza Hut Valentine Deal - Tie the Knot With the $10 Dinner Box

Pizza Hut Valentine Day Deal

If you want to show love to your valentine and to your first love, the Pizza, at the same time, check out what Pizza Hut can do for you.

Pizza hut regularly offers deals such as popular $10 dinner box. The latest deal was designed for loving hearts who would like to propose at the Pizza Hut. For an additional $10,000 you could had The Valentine’s Day special “Tie the Knot With the $10 Dinner Box.”  

Drugs associated with celebrity deaths

drugs and death

Prescription drugs are known to cause more deaths in the U.S. than auto accidents. Drugs,

both legal and illegal, have been responsible for a number of deaths including celebrities. Recent death of Whitney Houston is reported to be linked to drugs.

Here are some of the drugs that have been associated with the deaths of a number of celebrities:

Jeremy Lin, Knicks basketball and Asian, Chinese madness

Jeremy Lin, NBA basketball

Since Jeremy Lin started playing basketball for the New York Knicks a few week ago, they have been doing well. Knicks have won six games in a row partly due to good performance of Jeremy Lin who is of Chinese descent. However, things have gone a bit too far almost to the verge of insanity because of Chinese Asians.

There is an explosion of Asians watching and talking about basketball. People are willing to pay more to watch Lin play. Every time Jeremy Lin plays, which has been about six times with Knicks so far, the Asians bombard the internet with flood of twits, tags and chatter about the greatness of Chinese basketball player. 

President Obama given lousy C Minus performance grade by Animals

Animal welfare

It seems President Obama has not pleased anyone other than the corrupt bankers. It turns out even animals are unhappy with Obama as far as animal welfare issues are concerned.  

According to a report card issued by the The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS), Obama got a “C-Minus” grade, which is really pathetic compared to B-minus for 2009, and B for 2010. The HSUS said:

Natural Products Expo, Anaheim, California

Natural Products Expo

Natural Products Expo West 2012 will take place at the Anaheim Convention Center, Anaheim, California from March 9-11.

It is the biggest exhibition of natural and organic products covering a variety of natural and specialty foods, organic, dietary supplements, health and beauty, natural living and pet products. This year the expo will have over 3,000 exhibits and will be attended by over 58,000 industry members.

Celebrities with drug related deaths

Michael Jackson

Whitney Houston’s death recently reminds us of the problem with drugs both illegal and legal. Combined that with alcohol and we have a nasty combination that causes several death a year. 

Prescription drugs are known to cause more deaths in the United States than auto accidents. Celebrity deaths are known because of their visibility but it is only a small portion of the casualty suffered by general public.

Here are some notable celebrities whose death was linked to drug usage:

Whitney Houston, drugs and celebrity deaths

Whitney Houston

Singer Whitney Houston death past week at the age 48 is a tragedy. She was found dead in her room at the Beverly Hills Hilton. Whitney was known to have drug addiction problem.

According to TMZ, Whitney Houston died from what appears to be a combination of alcohol mixed with Xanax and other prescription drug. 

Whatever may be the reason for her death, celebrity deaths are often a lesson in living healthy and death. The lesson is simple: watch your health and stay away for drugs, legal or illegal.

Celebrities with drug related deaths include:

Andrej Pejic, androgynous model, not so healthy role model

Andrej Peji

There is a lot of buzz about Andrej Pejic, an androgynous model from Australia. Andrej Pejic is a 20 year old male Serbian Australian model. He was born in Serbia and moved with his family in 2000 to Melbourne, Australia. 
 

He is a model in high demand for both women's and men's fashion shows.  In 2011, he ranked number 18 among the models.com Top 50 Male Models list and he was number 98 in FHM magazine's 100 Sexiest Women in the World 2011. He has also been named one of OUT Magazine's 100 Most Compelling People of 2011.

He has facial features of a woman and appears to do everything to maintain his feminine looks. Most of his modeling work is done as a woman. He is tall, thin, flat chested, has no chest or facial hair and looks frail and unhealthy. Information available on web suggests his measurements are: height 6’2, chest 35”, waist 28”. There is no mention of the weight but pictures show him tall, thin like a tooth pick, frail, underweight and unhealthy.

Iguanas Meat export to the U.S. will solve Puerto Rico’s problems

Iguana

When you think of iguanas, the movie “The Night of the Iguana” comes to mind. This 1964 movie filmed in Mexico, starring Richard Burton and Ava Gardner, was directed by John Huston.

However, Puerto Rican are not having any fun with iguanas where they haves become a massive problem.

Philz Coffee gets good buzz in the social media

Philz coffee

Acoording to a study by NetBase, Philz Coffee seems to be well liked in the social media although it may not be known to many people due to its limited few locations in San Francsico area.

NetBase Solutions Inc., based in Mountain View, California, is a Social Media Insight & Analysis company.

NetBase provide services that help understand what consumers are saying on the social web, their opinions, passions, and behaviors and how one can use such information to improve their business from social media. 

NetBase software reads and interprets 50,000 sentences a minute from billions of social media sources.

Protandim and Life Vantage, what’s the buzz all about

Protandim

Recently the name Protandim has been in the news. The surge started on Feb 7, 2012 after a company,  LifeVantage Corporation announced that it will release financial results for the second quarter ended December 31, 2011, on Tuesday, February 14, 2012.

The excitement is because LifeVantage is expected to report higher revenue. In a press release on December 19, 2011, the Company provided guidance for fiscal 2012 and indicated it expects to generate revenue in a range of $95 million to $105 million, a significant increase from $38.9 million in revenue in fiscal 2011. As a result, its stock price has increased about 14% to $1.87. 

Gisele Bundchen is right about NE Patriots, the Super Bowl bums

Gisele Bunschen

The Super Bowl is over. So, what is the big deal when Gisele Bunschen said:

"My husband cannot f***ing throw the ball and catch the ball at the same time. I can't believe they dropped the ball so many times."

Fact is NY Giants beat New England Patriots 21-17 because they played better and poked another hole in the chin of Tom Brady. Now, Patriot teammates are blaming the supermodel, Gisele, for violating a "code of brotherhood" by airing her grievances in public.

Randy Travis got drunk but he also has lyme disease

Randy Travis

Superbowl turned Randy Travis into Super Randy for celebrating too much. Randy Travis was arrested for public intoxication on early February 6. Apparently, he was drinking and having good time in his vehicle outside of the First Baptist Church in Sanger. The police arrested him and, upon his release, Randy has apologized for this behavior.

Roseanne Barr, the Presidential candidate, on food, fitness, health and well being

Roseanne Barr

Roseanne Barr is running for president as a Green Party candidate. Roseanne, 60, is known as a comedian. However, most people may not know that Roseanne is very thoughtful and eloquent and actively blogs on a variety of issues.

Here are a few gems from Roseanne as related to the subject of food, fitness, health and general well being:

Pet Photo Contest 2012 and the Annual World Spay Day

Pet photo contest

Folks, it is time to say "cheese" to your pets and get those silly (or not so silly) photos to Pet Photo Contest.

The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) and Humane Society International (HIS) have announced that the 2012 Pet Photo Contest has started on February 3.

Zsa Zsa Gabor, 95, can take it to 100

Zsa Zsa Gabor, 1989

Monday, February 6, 2012, was Zsa Zsa Gabor’s birthday,

She is now 95.

Despite all the health concerns that come naturally with aging, she is holding it.

I say, she can take it to 100.

After all, I remember Zsa Zsa for being the only woman (or, only person) who kicked cops in the groins. And, these were Beverly Hills Cops. Even though it was over 20 years ago, I say she has still got plenty of juice left.

So, Zsa Zsa, go for it.

Zsa Zsa Gabor 95th birthday

No stopping before 100.

HAPPY 95^th BIRTH DAY

to

ZSA ZSA GABOR

Health conscious social media users lead to Trader Joe’s

Social media health trends

Social media, in general, feels like a bunch of strangers clicking LOL, HaHa, HeHe, Omg, WTF etc. However, there is a huge amount of information floating around on the web if someone can make any sense out of it.

NetBase Solutions Inc., based in Mountain View, California, is a Social Media Insight & Analysis company. NetBase provides services that help understand what consumers are saying on the social web, their opinions, passions, and behaviors and how one can use such information to improve their business from social media. 

NetBase software reads and interprets 50,000 sentences a minute from billions of social media sources.For example, during recent controversy involving Susan Komen  for Cure and Planned Parenthood. Netbase’s analysis found that two-thirds of more than 3,600 sentiments expressed online about the incidence were negative, with people calling it "outrageous," and saying it did "irreparable harm" to the organization.

NetBase has created a “Brand Passion Index” which analyzes consumer passion for brands in various categories and publishes the results on the NetBase blog.

In January, NetBase realeased its first Brand Passion Index of 2012 which analyzed HEALTH conscious consumer patterns in social media. The analysis involved emotions, opinions and behaviors expressed by online consumers for five nutritious foods: kale, quinoa, pomegranates, acai berries and wheatgrass. The data was analyzed using three key metrics: share of buzz, net sentiment and passion intensity. The finding showed:

Social media users not only love eating healthy foods, but they also love talking about it. Over 2 million soundbites contained positive net sentiment and passion intensity for the topics.

Pomegranate was the winner and generated 34% of the overall chatter. Pomegranate was intensely talked about fruit by social media users for its many health benefits such as its flavor and nutritional value to its effect on the skin.

POM, Kool-Aid, Welch and Old Orchard were the hottest pomegranate brands discussed.

Quinoa and Acai berries had the highest Net Sentiment scores. Acai berries were the passion winner over quinoa out by a mere one point.

Acai berries got glowing reviews due to the abundance of its health benefits, especially antioxidants.

Quinoa carried 13.5% of the conversations with die hard followers who talked about this wonderful tasty grain.

Trader Joe’s and Whole Foods Market were the preferred places of social media users to buy their quinoa, acai berries and kale.

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References

Susan Komen Charity criticized by Senators Boxer and Murray

http://www.netbase.com/blog/

http://www.netbase.com/

Celliant products for active, healthy lifestyle

celliant.com

Video - Reebok ZIGApparel celliant

If you are interested in an active and healthy life, you may want to know about Celliant.

Celliant is an ingredient brand used in the textile industry. It is the world's most technologically advanced fabric material (aka, responsive textile) that is a proprietary blend of minerals which have been embedded into a polyester fiber. Celliant’s technology harnesses and recycles the body's natural energy through the medium of fibers.

Celliant products have been available since 2003 and its parent company Hologenix is based in Santa Monica, California. The research that led to the development of Celliant started in the 1990s. It was based on Asian practice of using several natural substances to attain natural healing, physical comfort and general well being. It took several years of research to develop techniques to integrate those properties into fibers which can be used in clothes and in other textiles. The result was Celliant, a proprietary fabric technology developed by Hologenix.  

Celliant is a specially formulated fabric material with proprietary ingredients that are blended with polyester fiber. This fiber, in turn, can be woven or knit into almost any materials including wools, cottons and other polyesters. Celliant ingredients contain thirteen optically responsive minerals, including Titanium Dioxide, Silicon Dioxide and Aluminum Oxide. Most people are not expected to have allergic reactions to these minerals.

Celliant modifies visible and infrared light, recycling them into energy that the body can use more effectively. Celliant technology absorbs and stores the electromagnetic (natural energy) emissions from the human body and releases them where they are reabsorbed into the skin and deep muscle tissue. In the deep muscle tissue, they act as catalysts for natural, biological processes resulting in enhanced blood flow and oxygen levels and more balanced body temperature during sleep, rest or physical activity. This results in better healing against muscles and joints stiffness, soreness and edema caused by aging, injury or arthritis.

Products enhanced with Celliant do not have to be next to the skin in order to work. Celliant works equally well through any type of covering including multiple layers of sheeting or clothing, laminated or waterproof fabrics, or synthetic pillowcases. Since Celliant is embedded in the fabric, it cannot wash out or wear out, and the benefits of Celliant do not decrease after laundering.

Benefits observed

Products containing Celliant technology have been clinically proven to:

• Enhanced blood flow
• Enhance tissue oxygen levels in the body
• Stimulate quicker recovery and healing
• Heighten strength and athletic performance
• Balance body temperature
• Improve sleep quality and an overall improved sense of health
• Celliant products have also shown a significant reduction in pain associated with diabetic neuropathy, arthritis and other conditions caused by poor blood circulation

Where to find Celliant

As indicated earlier, Celliant is an ingredient used in textile and it is not the actual fabric you can wear by itself. Fibers, yarns and fabrics with Celliant technology can be found in some of the world's most recognized name brand products that are worn or used in proximity to the body. Currently, Celliant is featured in bedding, pillows, mattresses, athletic apparel, hosiery, medical bandages, wraps, braces and veterinary products.

Celliant Containing Products  

Achieve O2™ Socks   Medical and performance socks, elbow, wrist, knee and ankle braces

Adidas Golf     Taylormade golf climacool polos with energy fabric

Asics               Socks

Belevation       Maternity support undergarments engineered for real support and maximum comfort. Available in brief, boyshort and support band.

Carpenter Co. Ambient line of bed pillows, body pillows and mattress pads

Courage Sports Workout apparel, post workout recovery, apparel and high performance socks

DesleeClama   Innovative mattress fabrics

Draper Therapies Our line includes a wide array of products not only for humans, but for canines and equines as well.

Equipedic        Saddle pads and socks

Fabrictech       Purecare line of mattress and pillow protectors

Flex                 Bedding products

Grasshopper Shoes Joy Mangano performance platforms GetFit sneakers

Imbotex           Mattress filling

Ironman® T3 Recovery Products The official sleep products of Ironman

Mattex             Bedding products

Pavletic           Biocrystal sleep pads

Reebok            Zigtech Apparel

Reflexa® Socks Socks with the latest technology and a medical background to make you feel better

Saucony          AmpPro2 compression clothing

Serta                Perfect Day mattresses feature Celliant technology

Slumbertech    Bedding products

Superba           Bedding products

Wickers America Running shorts, pants, t-shirts, hosiery, and glove liners

Yatas               Bedding products

Video - Celliant Technology in the Draper Therapies Products  

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References

www.celliant.com/

http://www.youtube.com/user/Celliant?feature=watch

Kobayashi eats 337 Wings, wins Wing Bowl 20

Kobayashi during competition

       






VIDEO WING BOWL 20

Japan’s Takeru Kobayashi proved he is still the champion. He ate 337 Wings in 30 minutes and won Wing Bowl 20 and $20,000 in prize money. The Japanese champion easily beat last year’s record of 255 wings by Jonathan “Super” Squibb.

This was the first time Kobayashi competed in the Wing Bowl. He trained for this event by eating 200 wings a day. After the competition, this is what Kobayashi had to say through a translator:

"I could probably eat another 100 wings or so. Not really fast, I'd have to take my time. But if you brought me 100 more, I could eat them."

Kobayashi, the winner

Kobayashi is 33 years old, weighs 128 pounds and is six time “Mustard Belt” winner of Nathan's hot dog eating championship. Kobayashi has built a reputation as the world’s premiere competitive glutton and is often a favorite to win such eating events. His fellow competitors have complimented him with phrases such as

“the Babe Ruth of eaters” or
“the Gandhi of eaters.”

Wing Bowl was started in Philadelphia as a promotion by local sports radio station WIP in 1993. The concept was created as a fill-in for Eagles fans who were left disappointed by the team's inability to reach the Super Bowl. The annual event takes place the Friday before the NFL title game.

Susan Komen Breast Cancer Charity criticized by Senators Barbara Boxer and Patty Murray

Fall out continues from Susan G. Komen Foundation’s decision to cut off financial support to Planned Parenthood for breast cancer work. Over 20 senators have signed a letter of protest that will be sent to Komen Foundation.

Today, Senators Barbara Boxer and Patty Murray appeared on MSNBC to speak out regarding Susan G. Komen for the Cure’s decision to stop funding critical breast cancer screenings through Planned Parenthood.

Senator Boxer released this statement:

“I was perplexed and troubled that Komen for the Cure cut off funding for life-saving breast cancer screenings because of a political witch hunt by House Republicans.  I truly hope that they will reconsider this decision and put the needs of women first.”

Watch the VIDEO

Susan G. Komen for the Cure, a Dallas-based a breast cancer charity, was founded in 1982 by Nancy G. Brinker in memory of her sister Susan G. Komen who died of breast cancer at the age of 36. It is a non profit foundation and the world’s largest grassroots network of breast cancer survivors and activists who are working together to save lives, empower people, ensure quality care for all and energize science to find the cures. The organization has also become the largest source of nonprofit funds dedicated to the fight against breast cancer in the world and haves invested more than $1.9 billion in breast cancer research, education, screening and treatment.

On Tuesday, Komen announced that it would cut the ties and funding for the Planned Parenthood because the organization is under investigation. Planned Parenthood, the largest reproductive and sexual health service provider is a major supporter of women’s health. However, it is also a prime political target of anti-abortion activists, mostly the Republicans.

The decision by Komen has generated a massive amount of criticism. Komen's own local offices went public with their disapproval and several prominent individuals associated with Komen also resigned in protest.

Komen's own local offices went public with their disapproval

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References;

Senator Boxer’s website

http://boxer.senate.gov/en/press/videos/020212.cfm

http://ww5.komen.org/

National Wear Red Day for heart health awareness

National wear red day

National Wear Red Day is a day in February when many people wear red to show their support for the awareness of heart disease. It occurs in the U.S. on the first Friday in February each year.

Friday, February 3, 2012 is National Wear Red Day when Americans nationwide will wear red to show their support for women's heart health.

National Institute of Health suggests that you show off your favorite red dress, red shirt, red tie, or Red Dress Pin to raise awareness that heart disease—the #1 killer of women—is largely preventable. 

So, join the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, Office on Women's Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the National Coalition for Women with Heart Disease, and many other groups to promote National Wear Red Day in your local community. 

The Heart Truth^® created and introduced the Red Dress as the national symbol for women and heart disease awareness in 2002 to remind women of the need to protect their heart health, and inspire them to take action. National Wear Red Day promotes the symbol and provides an opportunity for everyone—men and women alike—to unite in this life-saving awareness-to-action movement by wearing anything and everything red!

The Heart Truth—is a national awareness campaign for women about heart disease sponsored by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, part of the National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

===

References

National Institute of Health (NIH) Wear Red Day page

The Heart Truth

Brazilian Blowout gets blown out by California Attorney General

Brazilian Blowout

Brazilian Blowout is a popular hair-straightening treatment. The company claims its product result in smooth, healthy, frizz-free hair with radiant shine.

Professional Entire in-salon treatment is completed in just 90 minutes at a cost of about $250 and the results last up to 12 weeks. However, the company has run into problem in California over its deceptive labeling practices.

In November 2010, California Attorney General's office filed suit against GIB, LLC, which does business under the name Brazilian Blowout, for violating five state laws, including deceptive advertising and failure to provide consumers with warnings about the presence of a carcinogen in its products.

The complaint alleged the two products ) "Brazilian Blowout Acai Smoothing Solution" and the "Brazilian Blowout Professional Smoothing Solution") contained formaldehyde but were labeled "formaldehyde free." Proposition 65 requires businesses to notify Californians about certain exposures to chemicals in the products they purchase. Formaldehyde is on the Proposition 65 list of chemicals known to cause cancer.

The complaint alleged that that GIB - the manufacturer of the Brazilian Blowout products - did not inform customers or workers that formaldehyde gas was being released during a Brazilian Blowout treatment, and therefore product users did not take steps to reduce their exposure, such as increasing ventilation.

An investigation by the FDA found presence of formaldehyde in the products. Subsequently, The U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) issued a Hazard Alert in April 2011 to hair salon owners and workers about potential formaldehyde exposure from working with these products. On August 22, 2011, FDA issued a Warning Letter citing Brazilian Blowout for safety and labeling violations.

 It appears now the issue has been resolved. On January 30, 2012, California Attorney General Kamala D. Harris announced a settlement with the manufacturer of Brazilian Blowout products that will require the company, to cease deceptive advertising that describes two of its popular products as formaldehyde-free and safe and to warn consumers and hair stylists that two of its most popular hair smoothing products emit formaldehyde gas The company must also make significant changes to its website and pay $600,000 in fees, penalties and costs. The hair-straightening products will continue to be sold in California.

Under the terms of the settlement, GIB is required to:

- Produce a complete and accurate safety information sheet on the two products that includes a Proposition 65 cancer warning; distribute this information to recent product purchasers who may still have product on hand; and distribute it with all future product shipments. The revised safety information sheet -- known as a "Material Safety Data Sheet," or MSDS -- will be posted on the company's web site.

- Affix "CAUTION" stickers to the bottles of the two products to inform stylists of the emission of formaldehyde gas and the need for precautionary measures, including adequate ventilation.

- Cease deceptive advertising of the products as formaldehyde-free and safe; engage in substantial corrective advertising, including honest communications to sales staff regarding product risks; and change numerous aspects of Brazilian Blowout's web site content.

- Retest the two products for total smog-forming chemicals (volatile organic compounds) at two Department of Justice-approved laboratories, and work with DOJ and the Air Resources Board to ensure that those products comply with state air quality regulations.

- Report the presence of formaldehyde in its products to the Safe Cosmetics Program at the Department of Public Health.

- Disclose refund policies to consumers before the products are purchased.

- Require proof of professional licensing before selling "salon use only" products to stylists.

GIB will also pay $300,000 in Proposition 65 civil penalties, and $300,000 to reimburse the Attorney General's office fees and costs.

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References

CA Attorney General:  https://oag.ca.gov/news/press_release?id=2617

FDA investigation report on Brazilian Blowout

http://www.brazilianblowout.com

National Chocolate Cake Day is not necessary

chocolate cake

I was a bit amused to learn that January 27 is named National Chocolate Cake Day. I have never seen a chocolate lover refusing to eat chocolate because it is not a special day. Bottom line is chocolate lovers can easily be called chocolate addicts and they simply can’t limit eating chocolate to one special day.

Nevertheless, it is not a national public holiday for everyone to rest and indulge in chocolate. I also wonder about how it got started.

Apparently, a fellow named Dr. James Baker got this going. Dr. Baker is responsible for bringing chocolate cake into existence. In 1764, he developed a way to make chocolate by grinding the cocoa beans between two giant millstones. Cocoa powder was born, and with it came infinite baking and eating possibilities. Since then, people have been on experimental mission and, now, imagination is the limit of how many ways chocolate can be consumed. Of course, eating chocolate cake is the ultimate satisfaction for chocolate lovers.

Fact is chocolate lovers don’t need a special reason. For them any time is chocolate time and, when it comes to chocolate, Every Day is a Holiday.

Pfizer’s recalls out of control birth control pills

Birth control pills recalled

Pfizer has recalled 1 million birth control pills in the US because they may not do what they were supposed to do. It appears the pills may not contain enough contraceptive to be effective in pregnancy prevention.

The problems seems to be a quality control screw up as some packets were found to contain too many active tablets, while others had too few. According to Pfizer, these packaging defects do not pose any immediate health risks. However, consumers exposed to affected packaging are advised to begin using a non-hormonal form of contraception immediately.

The product recalled are Lo/Ovral®-28 (norgestrel and ethinyl estradiol)Tablets and Norgestrel and Ethinyl Estradiol Tablets (generic). Lot numbers of affected packs are listed on the FDA’s website,

These tablets were manufactured and packaged by Pfizer Inc., commercialized by Akrimax Rx Products and labeled under the Akrimax Pharmaceuticals brand. This product is distributed to warehouses, clinics and retail pharmacies nationwide.

Any adverse events that may be related to the use of these products should be reported to Akrimax Medical Information at 1-877-509-3935 (8 AM to 7 PM Mon-Fri CST) or to FDA's Med Watch Program either online, by regular mail or by fax.

Online:              www.fda.gov/medwatch/report.htm
Regular Mail:   Use postage-paid, pre-addressed Form FDA 3500
                           available at: www.fda.gov/MedWatch/getforms.htm. Mail
                           to the address on the pre-addressed form.
Fax:                   1-800-FDA-0178

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Source

the U.S. Food and Drug Administration website

Lot numbers of affected packs of Lo/Ovral®-28 (norgestrel and ethinyl estradiol)Tablets and Norgestrel and Ethinyl Estradiol Tablets (generic) follow on the table below:

NDC	Product	Lot	Expiration	Configuration/Count
24090-801-84	LO/OVRAL® 28	E15678	08/31/2013	6 Pilpacks® of 28 tablets each
24090-801-84	LO/OVRAL® 28	E15679	08/31/2013	6 Pilpacks® of 28 tablets each
24090-801-84	LO/OVRAL® 28	E15686	08/31/2013	6 Pilpacks® of 28 tablets each
24090-801-84	LO/OVRAL® 28	E15687	01/31/2014	6 Pilpacks® of 28 tablets each
24090-801-84	LO/OVRAL® 28	E15690	01/31/2014	6 Pilpacks® of 28 tablets each
24090-801-84	LO/OVRAL® 28	E15698	01/31/2014	6 Pilpacks® of 28 tablets each
24090-801-84	LO/OVRAL® 28	E15700	02/28/2014	6 Pilpacks® of 28 tablets each
24090-801-84	LO/OVRAL® 28	E80434	07/31/2013	6 Pilpacks® of 28 tablets each
24090-801-84	LO/OVRAL® 28	E80438	08/31/2013	6 Pilpacks® of 28 tablets each
24090-801-84	LO/OVRAL® 28	F36908	02/28/2014	6 Pilpacks® of 28 tablets each
24090-801-84	LO/OVRAL® 28	F36909	02/28/2014	6 Pilpacks® of 28 tablets each
24090-801-84	LO/OVRAL® 28	F43915	03/31/2014	6 Pilpacks® of 28 tablets each
24090-801-84	LO/OVRAL® 28	F43926	03/31/2014	6 Pilpacks® of 28 tablets each
24090-801-84	LO/OVRAL® 28	F43927	03/31/2014	6 Pilpacks® of 28 tablets each
24090-961-84	Norgestrel 0.3 mg/Ethinyl Estradiol 0.03 mg	E15677	08/31/2013	6 Pilpacks® of 28 tablets each
24090-961-84	Norgestrel 0.3 mg/Ethinyl Estradiol 0.03 mg	E15704	01/31/2014	6 Pilpacks® of 28 tablets each
24090-961-84	Norgestrel 0.3 mg/Ethinyl Estradiol 0.03 mg	E15706	01/31/2014	6 Pilpacks® of 28 tablets each
24090-961-84	Norgestrel 0.3 mg/Ethinyl Estradiol 0.03 mg	E80440	08/31/2013	6 Pilpacks® of 28 tablets each
24090-961-84	Norgestrel 0.3 mg/Ethinyl Estradiol 0.03 mg	F16388	01/31/2014	6 Pilpacks® of 28 tablets each
24090-961-84	Norgestrel 0.3 mg/Ethinyl Estradiol 0.03 mg	F16390	02/28/2014	6 Pilpacks® of 28 tablets each
24090-961-84	Norgestrel 0.3 mg/Ethinyl Estradiol 0.03 mg	F22132	02/28/2014	6 Pilpacks® of 28 tablets each
24090-961-84	Norgestrel 0.3 mg/Ethinyl Estradiol 0.03 mg	F31330	02/28/2014	6 Pilpacks® of 28 tablets each
24090-961-84	Norgestrel 0.3 mg/Ethinyl Estradiol 0.03 mg	F36911	03/31/2014	6 Pilpacks® of 28 tablets each
24090-961-84	Norgestrel 0.3 mg/Ethinyl Estradiol 0.03 mg	F36913	03/31/2014	6 Pilpacks® of 28 tablets each
24090-961-84	Norgestrel 0.3 mg/Ethinyl Estradiol 0.03 mg	F43924	03/31/2014	6 Pilpacks® of 28 tablets each
24090-961-84	Norgestrel 0.3 mg/Ethinyl Estradiol 0.03 mg	F43925	03/31/2014	6 Pilpacks® of 28 tablets each
24090-961-84	Norgestrel 0.3 mg/Ethinyl Estradiol 0.03 mg	F43934	03/31/2014	6 Pilpacks® of 28 tablets each
24090-961-84	Norgestrel 0.3 mg/Ethinyl Estradiol 0.03 mg	F53238	03/31/2014	6 Pilpacks® of 28 tablets each