6 Million People will die and $500 Billion Lost

G-20 leaders pledged to provide the International Monetary Fund with $500 billion to help struggling economies, sparking global controversy. Yet startling research shows that the combined costs of tobacco-related death and related productivity losses, healthcare expenditures, employee absenteeism, and widespread environmental harm are responsible for draining the same amount – $500 billion – from the global economy each year and it receives much less attention than it deserves.

In recognition of World No Tobacco Day on 31st May, the World Heart Federation insists on bringing more attention to the impact of tobacco on health and disease. Tobacco use is the leading preventable cause of death and is closely linked to cardiovascular disease, which is the leading cause of death worldwide. In 2010, it is estimated that six million people will die from the effects of tobacco – more than from HIV/AIDS, malaria and tuberculosis combined – and nearly three-quarters (72%) will be in low- and middle-income countries. Using tobacco causes clogging of the arteries, heart disease, stroke, sudden death and heart failure.

Dr. Pekka Puska, President of the World Heart Federation stated: “This year we embrace the WHO theme of tobacco health warnings and demand that the tobacco industry display pictorial warnings on all tobacco packages in order to clearly and effectively communicate tobacco’s deadly consequences.”

Studies show that pictorial warnings work: they effectively motivate users to quit and reduce the appeal of tobacco for those who are not yet addicted. The World Heart Federation supports its members around the world to advocate for pictorial labeling, working with Ministries of Health, the media and businesses. But 9 out of 10 people live in countries that do not require warnings with pictures on tobacco packages.

One successful example is in the Caribbean. Debbie Chen, Executive Director of the Heart Foundation of Jamaica, coordinates a coalition of partners, which includes the Heart and Stroke Foundation of the Barbados and the InterAmerican Heart Foundation, with a Bloomberg Award grant for Global Tobacco Control. She said: “We were convinced that labeling could help us when we read research from other countries. We have accelerated the process in the region and are determining which warnings will have the strongest impact in four Caribbean countries.”

Worldwide, tobacco control is one of the simplest ways to reduce cardiovascular disease; in low-resource settings its feasibility and cost-effectiveness only magnifies its importance.

To know more about the World No Tobacco Day, and download toolkits, please visit: http://www.who.int/tobacco/wntd/2009. To know more about the Framework Convention, please visit: http://www.fctc.org. To know more about countries that are working on ensuring tobacco products have pictorial labels, please visit: http://www.tobaccolabels.ca/labelima

The World Heart Federation, a nongovernmental organization based in Geneva, Switzerland, is committed to helping the global population achieve a longer and better life through prevention and control of heart disease and stroke, with a particular focus on low- and middle-income countries. It is comprised of 198 member societies of cardiology and heart foundations from over 100 countries covering the regions of Asia-Pacific, Europe, the Americas and Africa. For further information on World Heart Federation visit: http://www.worldheart.org

References:

  • The Tobacco Atlas, Third Edition, March 2009, http://www.TobaccoAtlas.org
  • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The health consequences of smoking: A report of the Surgeon General, http://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/Data_statistics/sgr/sgr_2004/index.htm
  • Oxford Health Alliance, http://www.oxha.org
  • Tobacco Free Initiative, World Health Organization, http://www.who.int/tobacco/en/index.html

Source: World Heart Federation


Free “Eye Health & Allergies” brochure available from Asthma & Allergy Foundation of America

Many allergy sufferers say symptoms such as itchy, dry, red and watery eyes leave them frustrated and irritable, tired, and distracted, according to a new survey conducted by the Asthma & Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA). About 40 percent of women allergy sufferers surveyed say their red and puffy eyes make them look tired and unattractive.

Among those who wear contact lenses, other problems arise. When their allergies act up, half (50%) say they switch to glasses, while 45 percent report that they wear their contacts less often. For some, not being able to wear their contacts affects how they feel about themselves and impacts their performance at work, school, and when playing sports.

“Having to stop wearing their contacts or wear them less frequently creates a wide range of emotions among allergy sufferers,” says Mike Tringale, Director of External Affairs, AAFA, the leading patient advocacy organization for people with asthma and allergies. “Contact lens wearers say they feel less attractive when wearing their glasses (37%), unhappy (35%), less confident without their contacts (29%), and less able to perform activities as well as when they are wearing their contact lenses (26%).”

More than 800 people responded to the online survey about eyes and allergies, conducted by AAFA, and supported by 1-DAY ACUVUE(R) MOIST(R) Brand Contact Lenses. One-third (33%) identified themselves as contact lens wearers, while 12 percent admit to having dropped out of contacts because of allergies.

The majority of contact lens wearing respondents report that they replace their lenses monthly (45%) or every one to two weeks (38%). Paul Karpecki, O.D., F.A.A.O., Clinical Director, Kofler Vision Group, Lexington, Kentucky says he is not surprised to learn that two out of three (66%) say they find it very uncomfortable to wear their contacts while suffering from eye allergy symptoms.

“Allergy sufferers who wear contact lenses that you use for two weeks or more may experience discomfort and symptoms such as ocular itching, tearing, and redness because allergens and other irritants can build up on contact lenses over time, he says. “This can lead to discomfort and interference with job performance, school, and sports activities.”

For allergy sufferers who want to remain in contacts, Dr. Karpecki recommends single-use contact lenses – daily disposable lenses that you throw away at the end of the day.

“Studies have shown that single use contacts, such as 1-DAY ACUVUE(R) MOIST(R) can be a healthy and more comfortable option for any lens wearer with eye allergies,” he explains. “By putting in a clean, fresh lens every day, one-day contacts minimize the potential for accumulation of allergens and irritants that can often accumulate with repeated use of the same pair of lenses.”

Other major findings from the survey show:

  • Spring was identified by 67% of respondents as the most troublesome time of year for eye-related allergies. Over half (51%) say they experience eye allergy symptoms all year long. One-quarter of all respondents (26%) report Fall as the worst time for eye allergies
  • Half of women surveyed (52%) report that their eyes are so itchy as a result of their allergies that it causes them to rub their eyes and rub off makeup
  • About four in ten (39%) of allergy sufferers say they have consulted with an allergy specialist about their eye-related allergy symptoms. They also report consulting with their Family Practitioner (28%), Optometrist (28%), or Ophthalmologist (28%)

To help allergy sufferers better understand and manage the condition, AAFA offers a free educational brochure titled Eye Health & Allergies. The brochure, which also includes a free* trial certificate for by 1-DAY ACUVUE(R) MOIST(R), can be viewed or downloaded at www.aafa.org/eyeallergies or www.acuvue.com/seasons.

Clinical research has shown when worn on a daily disposable basis, 1-DAY ACUVUE(R) and other daily disposable etafilcon A contact lenses such as 1-DAY ACUVUE(R) MOIST(R) may provide improved comfort for many patients suffering from mild discomfort and/or itching associated with allergies during contact lens wear compared to lenses replaced at intervals of greater than 2 weeks.

Source: VISTAKON, Division of Johnson & Johnson Vision Care, Inc.


“Outrageous” Proposal Would All But Destroy the IHSS Program

Gov. Schwarzenegger today proposed catastrophic cuts in the In Home Supportive Services (IHSS) program that would all but destroy the program, which provides home care for more than 420,000 low-income elderly, blind and disabled Californians.

Under the latest Schwarzenegger plan, some 380,000 individuals–nearly 90 percent of all IHSS consumers–would be thrown out of the program. This comes on top of an earlier proposal from the governor that would cut the pay for the state’s home care providers back to minimum wage.

“While the governor’s earlier proposals were foolish and shortsighted, his latest scheme is outrageous, vindictive and unconscionable,” said Doug Moore, president of the 65,000 member UDW Homecare Providers Union.

“IHSS saves taxpayers hundreds of millions of dollars each year by keeping some of our most vulnerable citizens out of nursing homes, which cost at least five times more than home care,” Moore said. “It also brings millions in federal revenue to the state. Yet the governor would gut this cost-effective program, while continuing to fully fund more expensive nursing homes.

“We believe that all Californians should do their share to help the state through its financial problems. But Schwarzenegger and his Republican allies would put all of the burden on low-income, working Californians. They won’t call on businesses to give up some of their tax breaks. They won’t ask the oil companies to do their part by taxing the oil produced here in California, just like every other state in the union already does.

“It is time for the leaders of our state legislature to really lead. It is time for them to stand up to the governor and the Republicans and say ‘enough.’ It is time for realistic, common-sense solutions to our budget crisis that call on everyone to contribute.”

UDW Homecare Providers Union represents more than 65,000 providers in 11 California counties. It is the only union in California made up solely of homecare workers.

Source: UDW Homecare Providers Union


New Study Shows Probiotics Linked to Metabolism

  • Author: Health Informer
  • Filed under: Health News
  • Date: May 30,2009

Results of a new study published in the journal Molecular Systems Biology show probiotics have a tangible effect on metabolism.

Researchers from Imperial College London and Nestle Research Center in Lausanne, Switzerland, fed mice two different strains of probiotics, Lactobacillus paracasei and Lactobacillus rhamnosus. Each strain showed a range of biochemical effects that were markedly different.

They also observed that one biological change was in how the treated mice metabolized bile acids. The primary function of bile acids is to emulsify fats in the upper gut. If probiotics influences the way bile acids are metabolized, they could change the amount of fat the body can absorb.

Probiotics are nutritional supplements or foods that contain the good bacteria similar to that found naturally in the body. While there are billions of both bad and good bacteria throughout the digestive tract, most are found in the intestines.

Good bacteria is critical for good health as it aids digestion, supports the immune system, and plays a role in the creation of B-vitamins and certain enzymes.

Foods like yogurt, kefir, and sauerkraut are some of the foods that are high in probiotics. Other foods, known as Prebiotics, are essential as well; they help good bacteria grow. Prebiotic foods include onion, garlic, and the superfood Chlorella.

Sun Chlorella, a single-cell, fresh water green alga, helps to detoxify and rejuvenate the body. It contains more protein and chlorophyll than any other plant; is high in vitamins, minerals, dietary fiber, and nucleic acids; and, includes all the essential amino acids.

According to nutritionist David Nelson, Ph.D., “Nutrition helps every aspect of health, from metabolic to emotional. Sun Chlorella is a wonderful whole food that contains a wide range of nutrients.”

For more information about Sun Chlorella USA, visit their website at www.sunchlorellausa.com. Sun Chlorella USA (www.sunchlorellausa.com) is a distributor of Sun Chlorella “A”, Pet Sun Chlorella, Sun Eleuthero, Wakasa Gold, Wakasa Honey, Sun Eleuthero Extract, Sunergize, Sun Chlorella Cream and Sun Eleuthero Tea.

References

“Probiotics affect metabolism, says new study,” Imperial College London News Release, 1/08

Source: Sun Chlorella USA


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