10.30.07
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Associates in Ophthalmology (AIO), an eye research institute that has been working with Pennsylvania eye doctors to promote eye health for over 100 years, is very proud to announce new treatments for patients suffering from macular degeneration. Through their Pittsburgh eye care facility and center for surgery, they have found that a new drug called Lucentis may help some macular degeneration patients maintain or improve their vision.
Pittsburgh, PA (PRWEB) October 30, 2007 -- Associates in Ophthalmology (AIO), an eye research institute that has been working with Pennsylvania eye doctors to promote eye health for over 100 years, is very proud to announce new treatments for patients suffering from macular degeneration. Through their Pittsburgh eye care facility and center for surgery, they have found that a new drug called Lucentis may help some macular degeneration patients maintain or improve their vision.
Age-related macular degeneration, or AMD, is an eye condition that begins when the central portion of the retina, called the macula, begins to deteriorate. It is the leading cause of vision loss and blindness in Americans 65 and older and in 2004 it was estimated that 1.75 million Americans suffer from AMD with that number expected to grow to 3 million by 2020.
There are two forms of AMD and each damages vision in a particular way. These two forms are:
- Dry Macular Degeneration - In dry AMD, a yellowish material begins to form beneath the retina which gradually blurs vision by breaking down the light sensitive cells in the macula. Dry AMD is responsible for approximately 90% of the cases of AMD but only 10% of AMD-related blindness.
- Wet Macular Degeneration - In wet AMD, abnormal blood vessels grow beneath the retina and then bleed which causes central vision to be distorted or destroyed. Although wet AMD only occurs in 10% of AMD cases, it is responsible for 90% of AMD-related blindness.
Lucentis (ranibizumab) is a prescription medication that studies have shown can be effective for patients with wet Macular Degeneration. The researchers at AIO have found that Lucentis can maintain or improve vision in patients with wet Macular Degeneration and they are very pleased to make this treatment available to their patients. Although they caution that Lucentis may not be effective for everyone, their ongoing research suggests that Lucentis, coupled with other therapies, may be able to save the eyesight of many wet Macular Degeneration patients. Anyone located in the Pittsburgh area that might be interested in Lucentis therapy for Macular Degeneration or
Pittsburgh Lasik treatment is encouraged to call 1-800-246-1000 or visit
www.aioeyesurgeons.com for more information.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Marilyn K. Amick
Associates in Ophthalmology, Ltd.
412-653-7489 x1032
www.aioeyesurgeons.com
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A new natural sleep remedy MidNite™ uses natural sleep ingredients that enable the body's natural sleep cycle to take over.
Blauvelt, NY (PRWEB) October 30, 2007 -- To anyone who has spent precious sleep time watching late night re-runs and tossing and turning, middle of the night waking is all too familiar and not fun. Most of us can relate to what is called "sleep maintenance insomnia" and know how difficult it is to fall back to sleep. In today's fast-paced, high-stressed world, this loss of sleep is taking a toll on America's health, and many wish they could say "goodnight" to sleepless nights forever.
Sleep maintenance insomnia can be described as the problem of waking after one has initially fallen asleep. More than 20 million Americans report having some chronic form of insomnia that keeps them from sleeping well nearly every night. This can cause a myriad of problems from fatigue, exhaustion, headaches and depression to heart disease and obesity as a result.
According to the National Sleep Foundation, over one million Americans over the age of 18 - 54% of all U.S. adults experience some form of occasional sleeplessness a few nights per week or more. It is a surprise to some that 32% of people wake up in the middle of the night versus 21% of people who have difficulty initially falling asleep. And yet, until recently, there was nothing people could take if they woke in the middle of the night. That's because most sleep drugs keep one sedated for many hours and leave the user groggy if taken only a few hours before waking. That's why they are not approved for middle of the night use.
A new natural sleep remedy MidNite™ uses natural sleep ingredients that enable the body's natural sleep cycle to take over. Because it is not a sedative, this new herbal supplement with a patented blend of safe and natural ingredients is the first and only sleep remedy that can be taken anytime throughout the night with no drowsy, morning-after side effects. MidNite™ is physician recommended and contains a unique blend of natural herbs including melatonin (a substance that the body naturally secretes to help us get to sleep); Lemon Balm (an herb that helps calm nerves); Lavender (one of nature's most soothing herbs) and Chamomile (a natural herb known for its relaxing effects.)
Sleep has become a multibillion dollar industry.
In fact, the pharmaceutical sleep aid market has doubled in the last four years to a $4.5 billion market, while health concerns have soared. Nonetheless, prescription sleeping pills can have harmful side effects including next day sedation and even behavioral problems such as sleep binge eating and sleepwalking. They can be addictive and habit forming. Over the counter remedies also have their problems. The National Sleep Foundation reports that 49% of current over-the-counter sleep aid users feel drugged the next day and 36% have difficulty getting out of bed the next morning.
With concerns continuing to grow about the side effects that can come with prescription and over-the-counter sleep aids, the market for homeopathic and natural alternatives has greatly expanded in recent months. "People want safer and more natural ways to solve their sleep problems," says Holly Rosenthal, founder and president of Concepts in Health Inc., whose all-natural sleep aid MidNite™ recently became available to millions of sleepy Americans. Natural and herbal supplements can be a safe and highly effective solution for sleep problems.
"MidNite™ works differently from prescription, non-prescription and other herbal sleep products," Rosenthal added. "This new all-natural sleep remedy does not cause sedation and its complex blend of ingredients helps relax the body so the natural sleep cycle can take over. In fact, numerous clinical and safety tests have proven the safety, non-toxicity and effectiveness of the product's ingredients. More and more consumers are looking for natural solutions for their sleep problems ....MidNite™ is the best healthy alternative."
MidNite™ (www.Midnitesleep.com) is safe and easy to use. This pleasant tasting tablet is chewable and instantly dissolves without the need for water. It is available in food, drug and mass merchandisers nationwide for a suggested retail price of $9.99.
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Bioiberica highlights two 2007 research studies recommending the use of chondroitin sulfate (CS) as first treatment option for osteoarthritis (OA).
Barcelona, Spain (PRWEB) October 30, 2007 -- Bioiberica highlights two 2007 research studies recommending the use of chondroitin sulfate (CS) as first treatment option for osteoarthritis (OA).
One of the studies, published in 2007 by Elsevier Ltd., focuses on OARSI (Osteoarthritis Research Society International) recommendations for the management of hip and knee OA. The researchers, led by W. Zhang, Ph.D., conducted a critical appraisal of published guidelines for treating OA as a prelude to creating a new, updated, evidence-based consensus of recommendations. Overall, they identified 51 different treatment modalities, 20 of which were universally recommended. One figure in the study, purporting to show pain relief with pharmacological therapies, places glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate within the top three options, along with intra-articular corticosteroids.
Another recent study published in Rheumatology in 2007 was carried out by M. Pocheret et al. in collaboration with the UK Primary Care Rheumatology Society with the aim of developing an evidence-based model of care for the treatment of knee pain in older adults. This study concludes that CS should be offered to all knee pain sufferers as a first step intervention.
These systematic reviews and recommendations on OA performed by international independent groups such as OARSI and the UK Primary Care Rheumatology Society are in line with the previous recommendations of the European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR), which were recently published including and recommending treatment with CS. They all conclude that CS has the highest level of evidence and strength of recommendation due to its efficacy on pain and disability, together with its high level of safety.
CS is included in a group of modalities called Symptomatic Slow-Acting Drugs for Osteoarthritis (SYSADOA). Classified as a dietary supplement in the United States, CS is regarded as a drug in Europe and many parts of the world and as such has been the subject of a growing body of clinical evidence to prove its efficacy and safety.
Current evidence indicates that oral administration of CS produces a slow but gradual decrease in clinical symptoms of OA, inducing pain reduction and improvement of functional capacity compared to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID's) and placebo. This effect persists for at least 3 months after cessation of treatment.
As regards to safety, all the clinical trials, meta-analyses and pharmacosurveillance conducted in Europe, where CS is regulated as a drug, conclude that it is safe. For over 10 years there has been no serious adverse events or pharmacological interactions with other drugs. This is particularly important for older patients, who make up the largest overall group of OA patients, and may suffer concomitantly of high blood pressure, diabetes, etc., in which the use of analgesics and NSAIDs is not free from risks.
Considering the positive effect of CS on disease progression, its symptomatic efficacy and its high safety profile and additional advantage on reducing analgesic and NSAID consumption, CS offers a safe and effective alternative in patients with symptomatic OA.
Among CS ingredients available in the marketplace, CSb™ Bio-Active, developed by the Spanish company, Bioiberica, has been used in more published studies than any other brand. It was featured in the groundbreaking GAIT (Glucosamine/Chondroitin Arthritis Intervention) study and can be found in exclusivity in Cosamin DS in the USA. Since the early 1980s, CSb™ Bio-Active has helped more than 15 million people worldwide relieve the symptoms of OA.
Bioiberica has become a recognized leader in joint health. Established in 1975, the company has pioneered advancements in pharmaceuticals and dietary supplements that have led to the development of a global business in over 40 countries around the world. Dedicated to research, Bioiberica has established itself as on of the most prestigious names in the industry for top-quality raw materials that are backed by science.
For more information on the science supporting the use of CS, visit www.csbioactive.com.
To arrange an interview with a company spokesperson or a member of the medical advisory panel, please contact Tamara York at ADinfinitum, 212.693.2150, Ext 314, or email at tamara(at)adinfinitumny.com.
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Glenda, A Coordinator of the Aids Support Group, talked about her Experiences with Phase I of the V-1 Study. She said she was ecstatic with the lab results, and equally excited about the observable physical and psychological improvements revealed in her clients who participated in the V-1 Study.
Johannesburg Aids Support Group V-1 Trials, Phase I
Completed 17 October 2007
Bangkok, Thailand (PRWEB) October 30, 2007 -- Today Glenda, A Coordinator of the Aids Support Group, talked about her Experiences with Phase I of the V-1 Study. She said she was ecstatic with the lab results, and equally excited about the observable physical and psychological improvements revealed in her clients who participated in the V-1 Study.
With tears streaming down her face, she begged Roger, one of the representatives from Immureboost Company, for more V-1 supplements. She told the representative she is receiving constant requests for V-1 from HIV/AIDS sufferers throughout Greater Johannesburg and beyond.
She pleaded that she now realizes that she has something to help the community that she loves and withholding the V-1 Immureboost supplement from them is impossible for her to do. She explained that she met thousands of people asking for the new V-1 supplements. She pleaded with the Immureboost representatives to send more free supplements as their organization could not financially support all the requests.
While leaving the Aids facility today Roger was confronted by Representatives from the AIDS Consortium in South Africa. They are a network of more than 1000 members, including 300+ community-based organizations focusing on HIV/AIDS related issues in South Africa. They had heard Roger was going to be on the site today, and came to implore him to make a presentation at this week's Consortium conference.
The word is out Glenda said and our phones are besieged by hospital nurses, private physicians, and community organizations. Seven years ago, in response to a lack of family and other support services for people living with the HIV virus in Johannesburg; Glenda formed an Aids Support Group.
Glenda, founder and current coordinator-in-chief, began with her first patient, who was first diagnosed in 1989, and has lived with the virus for over 19 years.
Their foundation believes in a holistic approach to caring for the HIV community, and follows its Mission Statement by offering a range of services to clients that include.
- A Safe Haven
- Meals
- Support Structure
- Home-Based Care
- Counseling
- Mentoring
- Supervision (adherence)
Glenda's reputation for exploring alternative therapies to control the disease within individuals and to slow its spread within the community heavily influenced our decision to approach her with the idea of hosting the initial V-1 Trial in Southern Africa.
Due to the known side effects of antiretroviral (ARV) treatments, many of her clients were reluctant to avail themselves of ARV treatments. Partially due to that reluctance, Glenda and her associates cautiously agreed to an initial 45-day V-1 immunitor pills trial for 15 clients.
The impressive results demonstrated in the few individuals who
participated in Phase I have resulted in Glenda and her staff's enthusiastic propulsion into Phase II, a second 45-Day Trial including persons involved in Phase I and a new group of 15 additional clients, plus a waiting list for persons wishing to join Phases III and beyond.
The Selection Process
Entering Phase I, we had to balance the requirements of the Study with the reality that we did not control the group nor the individuals involved. We were dependent on Glenda to select the persons for Phase I, because she knew the individuals and the group dynamics, and we did not. We provided the expectations and supervision, and relied heavily on Glenda for many specifics.
Our learning curve included becoming conversant with AIDS / HIV medical terminology unique within the local AIDS / HIV community. In addition, we had limited experience working with the hardcore poor, and were appalled at lifestyles we barely knew existed
During Phase I, however, we interacted daily with everyone, and learned to know them as individuals and as members of the group dynamic. We virtually lived at the site for eight weeks, became well-acquainted with every staff member and also with many of the non-Study clients. We have chatted with dozens of them about all subjects, eaten meals with them daily, and earned their trust, which was not an easy process.
We will be intimately involved in the selection process and in the Daily adherence to protocol for Phases II and beyond. We understand that persons with mental illness, alcohol or substance abuse, or a history of non-compliance with group rules are less likely to follow the regimen required to accurately test the efficacy of V-1.
Persons who will be allowed to be in the pool from which names will be drawn for Phase II will have undergone a pre-screening process, designed to assure regimen compliance and commitment to complete the Study, and will sign a pledge to commit to the criteria.
With the exception of the above criteria, no attempt will be made to alter the results of future testing. Our sole goal is to assure the validity of the tests, not to influence the results.
The Administration
At the inception of Phase I, due to a remodeling project, the Foundation was housed in temporary offices, presenting the staff and us with abnormal challenges, and causing staff inefficiencies, lack of space for staff-client interaction, shortage of computers and other office equipment for processing of test data. Because permanent location of clients' files was temporarily decentralized, staff and we lost valuable time looking for hard copy information, resulting in double and triple entry of data that should have been a single entry computerized process.
Fortunately, the Group has moved back into their permanent facility prior to the inception of Phase II, which will greatly minimize, and hopefully eliminate the administrative problems encountered in the initial Phase.
Secondly, because the Group was so impressed with the obvious improvements in the lives of the Phase I participants, the foundation allocated a separate, dedicated and secure workspace for the computerized recording of Phase II test data.
Building Trust
Initially, Glenda was optimistic about V-1, but cautious, as befits her administrative responsibilities. Soon after the trial began, however, the naysayers came out of the woodwork, and pounced on her. She, the staff and the clients' concerns about the safety of the product increased exponentially as the negatives poured in. As one of the clients aptly stated, "I'm taking this tablet, but I don't trust you". Immediately thereafter, she resolved to take our daily V-1 dosages with the group.
Our open participation helped ease some fears, but the turning point was one particular client who joined the Study in Week 4 of the 45 day trial. Her Cd4 count was 78 and she weighed 30 kg. Within one week, she gained an incredible 15 kgs. Immediately, the fears were replaced with trust. At the end of Phase I she had retained her weight and her Cd4 increased to 130, and the group's trust in V-1 and in us remains solid as we enter Phase II.
Conclusion
Of the seven adults who completed Phase I, six of the Cd-4 counts went up. The improbability of those results (+34, +45, +62, +74, +116,+236) being random is statistically off the charts.
In general, over the course of the study, clients experienced fewer and less intense mood swings, demonstrated improved appetites and physical appearance, increased their liquid consumption and felt more energy and a better outlook on life.
As the results become public knowledge, and the Aids Support Group is being inundated with persons wanting to be included in future Phases, including persons who wish to remain on their ARV holidays in order to join the Study.
An interesting twist resulting from the publicity is that there are
persons within the AIDS / HIV community who do not want to take V-1 for fear that their C-d 4 cell count will increase beyond 200, and they will lose their government pension.
The first phase of the clinical trials in South Africa proved to be beyond anyone's expectations.
Anyone interested in the particulars should contact the company or visit our web site at http://www.immureboost.com/
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Audiologist Judy Boersma, MA, CCC-A, is latest addition to America Hears.
Philadelphia, PA (PRWEB) October 30, 2007 -- America Hears, which manufactures digital hearing aids and distributes them over the Internet, is pleased to announce the hiring of Judy Boersma, MA, CCC-A as its newest audiologist. Boersma comes to America Hears following a career as an audiologist that spans over 15 years and includes work on two continents.
"I have respected and admired Henry Smith and his work with America Hears for years, and I was delighted to become a part of his team," said Boersma. "I truly support the company's mission of making high-quality digital hearing aids available at great prices so that they can reach a broader scope of people who are in need of help with their hearing."
Boersma previously worked as an audiologist at Kerry General Hospital in Tralee, in southwestern Ireland, where she primarily worked with children, fitting them for hearing aids. Before that, she was employed for 15 years with the hearing aid practice of Doctors Culotta, Gallagher, and Gallagher-Braun at St. Mary Medical Center in Langhorne, Pennsylvania.
"We are happy to introduce Judy Boersma as the latest addition to the America Hears family," said Henry Smith, president of America Hears. "Judy's extensive experience, combined with her enthusiasm when working with people, made her a great fit with the America Hears philosophy of putting the customer first while selling high-quality digital hearing aids at a great price."
About America Hears
America Hears is a 26-year-old, American-owned-and-operated digital hearing aid manufacturer located in Bristol, Pennsylvania. The company recently introduced its new FreedomAD line of digital hearing aids, which utilizes the latest generation of ADRO hearing aid technology. America Hears is a member of the Better Business Bureau and is an approved manufacturer of hearing aids by the United States Food & Drug Administration (FDA).
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