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(Reuters Wellness) - Sprinkling a vitamin- and mineral-packed powder onto youthful kids' food could support end anemia in countries where numerous people don't get enough iron, according to a new report.

Young kids with the extra vitamins and minerals, including iron, zinc and vitamin A, ended up about thirty % much less probable to be anemic and 50 % significantly much less most probably to be iron deficient, scientists discovered.

Their perform sums up information from previous study of anemia and iron deficiency in babies and toddlers who obtained the vitamin boost in contrast with men and women who didn't.

For other components of diet plan or kids' advancement, there is nonetheless not adequate information to say if the dietary nutritional supplements have an result, in accordance to the experts, whose findings are printed in The Cochrane Library.

"Anemia and iron deficiency almost definitely are the most widespread dietary deficiencies in the planet," explained assessment writer Luz Maria de Regil, from the Planet Wellbeing Business in Geneva.

50 % of all youthful children are impacted by an iron, zinc or vitamin A deficiency, she knowledgeable Reuters Wellbeing, most of them in bad worldwide spots. The study that she and her colleagues reviewed all took place in Asia, Africa, and the Caribbean.

By the time infants are 6 months earlier, they are beginning up to function lower on the iron reserves they had been born with, scientists say.

The WHO suggests distinctive breastfeeding up to 6 months and continued breastfeeding proper up till young youngsters are at minimum amount two a long time earlier. For the duration of that in-between time period of time, dad and mother normally commence to include semi-strong meals into babies' diets -- really possibly providing an opportunity for the addition of further sources of nutritional vitamins and minerals.

Wellbeing purposes have relied on iron drops or syrups to avoid anemia in more youthful youngsters, de Regil explained. Even so, she additional, "dietary health supplements can be perceived by the mother...as some thing like a drug. Micronutrient powders are sprinkled into the foods so that they do not regulate the taste -- (parents) imagine that they are improving upon the diet with no supplying a remedy."

In addition, iron drops "genuinely do style horrible," stated Purnima Menon, from the Global Food items Protection Analysis Institute, centered mainly in New Delhi. "A really considerable benefit of this is you can feed it actually simply."

De Regil and her colleagues discovered six scientific scientific tests that in comparison the nutrient powders to virtually absolutely nothing extra or a nutrient-free of charge of cost placebo powder in kids amongst 2 and 23 months prior. Of a lot more than 3,000 youngsters, individuals who got the extra vitamins and minerals for a few months at a time, usually day-to-day, had been considerably much less most likely to be anemic or iron deficient at the quit of the fortification time period of time.

In two study that when in comparison the nutrient powders with iron drops or syrups, the researchers uncovered no distinction in anemia charges, but cautioned vs . drawing also considerably from the a lot less-sturdy findings.

And there wasn't enough information for them to say whether the extra vitamins, like iron and zinc, developed any variation in kids' widespread wellness and well-turning out to be -- but prior scientific scientific studies have proposed the minerals are essential for advancement and thoughts advancement.

The researchers also couldn't definitively handle the fret that supplying kids in big-malaria areas added iron could strengthen their hazard of infection (the parasite requirements iron to increase).

"There is a massive controversy," de Regil instructed Reuters Wellbeing. "A feasible side outcome of iron dietary supplements granted very frequently is to improve the danger of malaria in some locations."

In 2008, malaria introduced on around to a single particular million deaths, mainly in African kids, in accordance to the WHO.

Relating to the nutrient powder, de Regil pointed out that "it is even so a problem, but we didn't track down proof that in (higher-malaria) settings it doesn't operate or it is hazardous."

Centered primarily on the latest findings, the WHO has up-to-date its suggestions on nutrient supplementation in youthful youngsters, which now state, "Property fortification of food items with numerous micronutrient powders is advised to strengthen iron standing and minimize anemia between infants and children 6 - 23 months of age."

The authors observe that the nutrient powder packets are practical and could also be employed in colleges or refugee camps, for case in point. They are at present looking at their impact in older, college-age children.

Menon informed Reuters Well being that the nutrient powders generally function about $2 for a 2-month supply, and that much more review is needed to figure out the biggest way to current them to mother and father in decrease-earnings nations, which contains no matter whether or not powder packets ought to be provided out for cost-free of cost by the authorities.

For now, the new evaluation signifies that the powder "is a promising innovation to offer with childhood anemia," stated Menon, who did not take part in the analyze. "Any innovations that consider us closer to solving the dilemma are considerably far more than welcome."

WASHINGTON (AP) — A nationwide regulation enforcement crackdown has billed 91 folks — including medical professionals and other health care pros — with collaborating in Medicare fraud schemes involving $295 million in fake billing.

Attorney Widespread Eric Holder and Nicely getting and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius stated Wednesday that 70 individuals had been billed in indictments unsealed Tuesday and Wednesday and 21 other individuals ended up billed earlier, beginning Aug. 24. Expenses ended up filed in Baton Rouge, La. Brooklyn, N.Y. Chicago, Dallas, Detroit, Houston Los Angeles and Miami.

At a info conference, the attorney normal mentioned that men and women arrested are "jeopardizing the integrity of our well being therapy software." Sebelius referred to as the regulation enforcement initiative "a successful warning to individuals who would consider to defraud taxpayers and Medicare beneficiaries.

Eleven of the folks billed ended up doctors, 3 had been nurses and ten had been accredited wellbeing professionals.

Previously mentioned 50 percent the defendants — 46 — and $160 million of the total in phony statements launched Wednesday came from South Florida, nevertheless foremost the nation in Medicare fraud.

In Miami, U.S. Legal professional Wifredo Ferrer stated investigators noticed a new twist in which folks who by now had been acquiring Medicare disability checks ended up recruited with guarantees they could live in a halfway home in South Florida — as lengthy as they agreed to receive psychological wellbeing suppliers they did not require. Numerous have been addicted to medicines or alcohol, and some ended up homeless, and Ferrer explained they would be threatened with eviction if they did not just take part in the fraud scheme.

"They had been formerly in the program. They had been lured in by the assure of finding housing. It was, 'Come and have a refreshing get started in Miami,'" Ferrer explained.

That specific scheme and other frauds, operated out of an entity referred to as Biscayne Milieu, accounted for $fifty million of the fraudulent Medicare statements, prosecutors explained. It provided no genuine providers.

"It was a thorough fraud," Ferrer talked about.

In Houston, two guys and girls have been charged with fraud schemes involving $62 million in bogus statements for residence wellbeing therapy and health care units. one defendant allegedly marketed beneficiary data to one hundred Houston-area home wellness treatment method companies. The house businesses employed the details to invoice Medicare for suppliers that ended up pointless or in no way provided.

In Baton Rouge, La., a physician, nurse and five other co-conspirators had been charged with billing Medicare far more than $19 million for qualified nursing and other residence health providers that have been not needed or never ever furnished.

Quickly right after finding battered in May's elections, Nick Clegg squared up to the Conservatives on effectively currently being and declared: "No invoice is far better than a damaging one." Tomorrow, the legislation returns to the Commons and, for all the true and claimed concessions, the residence will just take into account shambolic options that ought not to be dignified with the expression "reform". This is a tale of inadequate procedure, bad faith and unwanted coverage, and the outcome fails the Clegg verify. It is decidedly even worse than absolutely nothing at all.

To recap, Andrew Lansley's blueprint for an NHS industry was penned in opposition, when expenditure was however rocketing. It was frequently dubious, but grew to become far more so as prior Tory evaluation paperwork had been hastily decrease and pasted into a command paper, with no adjustment for the real truth – the onset of the most sustained monetary famine in NHS qualifications. After Mr Clegg breezily agreed to the ideas, Lib Dem buddies and activists commenced to realise that the possible new suppliers would not be opening glitzy new services so considerably as placing aged types out of company. We then had the extraordinary spectacle of the legislative assembly line halting in total circulation, so the invoice could be rewritten. Hapless wellbeing pros have been left steering a ship obtaining rebuilt in line with constantly transforming suggestions. Now MPs – distracted by a whipped-up row and retreat on abortion – are to think about shut to 1,000 amendments in twelve hrs of dialogue.

This is no way to make regulation, and it could be the levels in which undesirable technique blurs into undesirable faith. Each Mr Clegg and David Cameron proclaim that there will be "no NHS privatisation", but of examine program a Notify Sid-trend flotation was by no means on the cards. A whole lot of Lib Dems pretty took this slogan as an alternative as a guarantee to keep away from wholesale slippage into an unplanned mixed wellbeing treatment economy, which is what existed prior to the NHS, and what Tony Blair recreated near to the margins. Tweaks hailed by Mr Clegg, this kind of as the taming of the regulator's duty to promote amounts of opposition, appeared to justify their hope.

But now other nips and tucks have arrive to mild which conduct the other way. Asymmetric constraints on anti-competitive as opposed to anti-collaborative practices remain, and there has been a sneaky shift to reinforce the duty on commissioners to marketplace choice at the precise identical time as qualifying it for the regulator. In this context leaked email messages which current officials talking about handing 10-20 hospitals' administration to the German company Helios are damning. They propose Whitehall is working to an agenda which ministers are not frank about, owing to, in the official's words, "political constraints".

There are vital arguments for a measure of choice, and the alarm sounded by the British Health-related Association, numerous of whose members by now work privately, displays self-curiosity as substantially as values. But the delicate equilibrium amongst opposition and organizing ought to be settled by crystal clear arguments, plainly expressed. Instead, lines between purchasers and suppliers are blurred. Senates and patients' committees get piled on to an formerly incomprehensible organogram in a pure political proper. Thick fog surrounds all vital inquiries – about the achieve of EU opposition regulation, the secretary of state's responsibilities and his ability to push the commissioning board in the direction of private possibilities.

Earlier, waiting occasions are creeping up, and the preceding NHS chief executive Sir Nigel Crisp ultimate week learned the following challenge: closing hospitals. Unpleasant function, but, if it is the only way of sustaining tolerable firms, ministers would do considerably better to get on with it than to envision they can depart the dirty perform to fuzzy marketplace forces which they dare not explain as this variety of.

This legislation has pressured a well-recognized services up the agenda at the fairly second it is about to get even even worse. That has to be negative politics. There is no satisfactory way out of this move, but by amending or rejecting this invoice, Lib Dem MPs can at minimal turn a system which was typically one particular more party's notion into an added party's problem.

We have a very good deal of figures to estimate how many men and ladies will acquire wellbeing insurance policy coverage beneath the Price-effective Remedy Act. The Congressional Paying price range Place of work estimates it will hover all close to 34 million, with 24 million getting protection by way of the new wellness trade marketplaces. We feel, based mainly on a look at published this week and the Massachusetts expertise, that the the large the vast majority of the uninsured method to comply with wellbeing reform’s mandated acquire of health insurance plan.

But there is a single crucial depth we actually do not have substantially information on at all: what people 34 million males and women will do with their wellbeing insurance coverage once they get it. And it’s in fact a instead open problem in the nicely currently being protection investigation, regardless of whether or not the freshly-insured use far more health options (creating up for the beforehand lack of protection) or proceed to act as they did prior to gaining protection.

The most recent research states it would seem to be far more like the latter: the freshly-insured are probably to act a good deal a lot more like the uninsured, in accordance to a study printed formerly this week in the journal Wellness Economics (hat suggestion: the Incidental Economist). The review looked at Medicare enrollees, comparing recently-proficient seniors who had wellness insurance plan coverage just before turning 65, vs individuals who did not. It finds that these who did not have insurance plan coverage had eleven % a lot less physicians visits than these who had insurance coverage program prior to gaining Medicare safety.

Curiously though, this evaluation did not track down a value distinction in between these two populations. Even nonetheless the formerly-uninsured acquired considerably less health care therapy, they gravitated to more substantial-priced cures, with eighteen % far far more visits to the emergency location and 43 % a lot more hospital outpatient journeys.

These figures are undesirable info for our attempt to control wellness value progress. The wellbeing reform law’s insurance policy strategy enlargement is mainly meant to inspire improved preventive therapy, to curtail the a lot more expensive hospital and emergency space therapies. If it does not - and our variations of remedy seem pretty similar to what we have now - we’re in some problems.

What this signifies for implementation, I experience, is that any public outreach campaigns on the wellness insurance plan expansion will have to do a great deal far more than get Americans enrolled. It will have to do a fairly excellent work describing what it implies to have wellness insurance strategy, and how to use it. Or, as the analysis authors put it, “both wellbeing insurance policy approach coverage and other policies that facilitate accessibility to health-related doctor providers amid the earlier uninsured might perhaps be needed to considerably change their use of wellbeing remedy.”

NEW YORK — Defending champion Rafael Nadal shocked the US Open up up when he collapsed with cramps all through a weird data conference even however Andy Murray stayed on teaching study course for a semi-very last clash vs the Spaniard.

Nadal, 25, was talking to journalists two hours quickly soon after his third spherical win about close friend David Nalbandian, when he grimaced in soreness, screwed up his eyes and slumped in the once more of his chair, feeling his right leg.

The complete globe variety two, a winner of ten Grand Slam titles, slipped to the floor at the rear of the table in which he had been sitting, and out of appearance at of the media, though tournament healthcare staff ended up summoned.

Scores of reporters and digicam crews had been ushered out of the task interview area deep in the Arthur Ashe Stadium, but the drama was nevertheless relayed into the shut by media centre by the interior television feed.

The conference area lights ended up switched off forward of the major of Nadal's appropriate leg was abruptly silhouetted formerly talked about the desk as the physios obtained to perform.

Proper soon after 15 minutes of treatment method technique, Nadal was again yet again on his ft, insisting that the problem was fundamentally cramping.

"It was just cramping in the correct leg, in the front and in the back again yet again. It was really agonizing, that is all," explained Nadal, who resumed his data conference standing rather of sitting.

A smiling Nadal said the incident will not affect his preparations for his fourth spherical match as opposed to Luxembourg's Gilles Muller, scheduled for Tuesday.

"I will apply normally on Monday. It was just a regular cramp that could have took spot anyplace, but it genuinely is just undesirable luck that it took place in the press room. Everywhere else, no person would have uncovered."

In the course of his 7-six (7/five), six-1, seven-5 win about Nalbandian, played out previously mentioned 2hr 39mins in large, 84 diploma-warmth (29 degrees centigrade), Nadal also essential treatment technique on his blistered correct foot.

Muller, who attained the closing sixteen by beating Russia's Igor Kunitsyn six-one, six-four, 6-four, famously defeated Nadal at Wimbledon in 2005 forward of the Spaniard obtained his All England Club revenge this yr.

British fourth seed Andy Murray, the 2008 runner-up, took his occupation file in the direction of Spanish left-hander Feliciano Lopez to six wins in 6 conferences numerous many thanks to an exceptional six-a single, six-four, 6-two victory.

Murray, who had to arrive again once again from two sets down to defeat Dutchman Robin Haase in the 2nd spherical, didn't concede a stage on his person serve in a brutal initial set on Sunday which set the tone for the a solitary-sided tie.

He now faces American wildcard Donald Youthful, the previous total entire world junior range one, who arrived at the fourth spherical at a Grand Slam for the really 1st time with a 7-five, six-four, 6-three win about Argentine 24th seed Juan Ignacio Chela.

Murray misplaced to Youthful in their only prior meeting at Indian Wells this 12 months, and he is desperate to place the file straight.

"I was in a inadequate place then, it was a challenging portion of the calendar year," mentioned Murray. "It truly is not that I want revenge on Donald, it is far more about revenge on the circumstance and to make self-assured I can transfer on from that."

Argentine 18th seed Juan Martin del Potro, the 2009 champion, who missed ultimate year's title defence simply because of a severe wrist hurt, observed his hopes dashed by Gilles Simon in a four-hour marathon.

The French 12th seed booked his spot in the last sixteen for the 1st time with a four-six, seven-6 (7/5), six-two, seven-6 (7/three) win previously mentioned del Potro who dedicated 72 unforced issues and squandered three set points in the 10th recreation of the fourth set.

Simon will encounter 28th seed John Isner who defeated fellow American Alex Bogomolov seven-six (eleven/9), 6-four, 6-4.

Spanish fifth seed David Ferrer, a semi-finalist in 2007, defeat German 26th seed Florian Mayer six-one, 6-2, seven-6 (seven/two) and following tackles 2003 winner Andy Roddick.

The American 21st seed breezed past French wildcard Julien Benneteau six-1, six-four, seven-six (7/5) and then laughed off the incident involving Nadal.

"When you go to bed and your foot cramps, it is the actual identical issue but your complete leg," explained Roddick, who explained he wasn't shocked that Nadal had ended on the floor.

"That's just a make a variation of what part of your human body cramps. Cramp in your ass, you can not sit on it any more. Can make it tough."

NEW: will be at least five years prior to the test on the market, saysJohnson doctor and Johnson and Massachusetts General Hospital have teamed up upThe test can be used as a diagnostic tool and research

(CNN)--Johnson & Johnson will collaborate with Massachusetts General Hospital to develop and market a blood test that could find a single cell that circulates in the blood cancer of a person, the company said Monday.

Researchers hope that the test will be used by oncologists as a diagnostic tool designed to discover haste if a cancer has spread, as well as by researchers at coming up with new drug therapies.

Dr. Mehmet Toner, Director of the Center resources BioMicroElectroMechanical Systems at the center of the Massachusetts General technology in medicine, says while it will take at least five years before the test is on the market, is another step towards personalized medicine and the consequences for patients is important. "It is too big. Has the potential to transform the cancer in a chronic diseases, because we keep track of individual patients and to respond to treatment for the genetic makeup of their cancer. "

Toner says the test is like a damp biopsy and seeks almost all solid cancers--cancers found solid organs such as the breast or prostate. Will be analyzed cells cancer finds and genetic makeup is determined, something which would be useful to patient follow-up and targeted treatments for this person.

Veridex, a Johnson and Johnson company, announced a partnership in a statement saying implies Ortho Biotech Oncology Research and development, a unit of Johnson & Johnson pharmaceutical research and development.

"This new technology has the potential to facilitate an easy-to-manage, noninvasive blood test that will allow us to count cells that volume, and to characterize the biology of cells," said Robert McCormack, Chief Veridex strategy and technological innovation. "The use of the information contained in these cells in a clinic setting in vitro could allow Editing tools to select and monitor how responding patients".

Veridex launched the first commercial test using technology cell traffic volume in 2004, the company said. Describes traffic volume as cells cancer cells that have been cut from a volume and located at very low levels in the bloodstream. Recording and counting those cells can provide information about patients and doctors prognoses with certain types of metastatic cancer, said the Declaration.

"The value recording and counting CTCs evolve as collected more data survey about the utility of these indicators to monitor the progression of the disease and the guidance potentially personalized cancer therapies," the statement said Veridex.

Toner said it is possible to find a single cell volume traffic across the cells blood 5–10 billion was settled. In reality, one tube of blood taken during the annual examinations will have only a few CTCs.

"The challenging objective of sorting extremely rare traffic volume cells from blood requires continuous technological, biological and clinical innovation to explore fully the utility of these precious cells in Clinical Oncology," said toner. "We have developed and continue to develop a wide range of technologies that are evolving what we know about cancer and cancer care."

The American company cancer said the reinvestigation is exciting, but it is important to remember is simply another step in the scientific process. "Researchers working on this and similar technologies for some time, and others have drawn up a day when we will be able to diagnose cancers before otherwise visible from current techniques," said Dr. Len Lichtenfeld, the Group's Deputy Chief Medical Officer. "It is appropriate to view announcements like the one today with enthusiasm, but recognizes that we must temper this excited with the realization that there is still a substantial amount of research to be done to determine the actual effect of this on the treatment of patients with cancer."CNN Jennifer Bixler contributed to this report.

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 Pam Wurst before and after her dramatic weight loss.Many people will choose weight loss as a New Year's resolution, but many will fail say expertsOne clinical psychologist says people sabotage themselves by not being clear on their goalsPam Wurst, iReporter Seth Leigh each lost over 100 pounds in their weight loss programs

(CNN) -- Pam Wurst struggled for years to lose weight. One of the triggering points for her to finally shed pounds was when a 5-year-old child patted her stomach and asked: "When is the baby coming?"

"I about died," she said. "I wasn't even remotely pregnant, just really overweight."

Wurst, a 39-year old instructional designer, artist and consultant from Marietta, Georgia, lost about 100 pounds, starting from 264 to a low of 155. She lost most of her weight in the first nine months and has kept the majority of the weight off for more than six years.

iReporter Seth Leigh of San Tan Valley, Arizona, a computer programmer, has also struggled with his weight. He says he found the motivation to lose at least 110 pounds in nearly seven months so he could return to the Army National Guard in 2010 as an officer. (He has lost 135 pounds to date.)

See his full iReport

iReporter Seth Leigh before and after his weight loss.

He was 40 1/2 when he started his weight loss regimen. "I was facing an age deadline to get back and knew that once I turned 42 years old, it would be forever too late," he said.

The new year represents a time to create resolutions and for many Americans, weight loss will be high on their lists.

And while Wurst and Leigh's weight loss stories are a success, experts say most people will fail at following through on their resolutions.

Clinical psychologist Mark Crawford of Roswell, Georgia, says some people sabotage themselves by not being clear on their goals.

He offers some tips for getting it right.

1. Be specific about your goal.

"Saying that you want to lose weight is way too general," Crawford said. "You should set specific goals, like you want to lose 5 to 10 pounds."

2. Set a realistic goal.

Make sure you set something achievable and sustainable.

3. Establish a plan to reach your goal.

"Say things like I'm going to exercise four times a week, and I'm going to eat smaller portions," said Crawford.

4. Set a time frame to reach your goal.

"Thirty days is a manageable goal to start with, and then go from there," he said.

Above all, Crawford says stay the course.

Some people sabotage themselves by not being clear on their goals.
--Mark Crawford. Ph.D.

"You will make mistakes," he said. "You will have slip-ups, it is part of it." But never use it as an excuse to give up.

A website supported by the National Institute of Health notes "the key to successful weight loss is making changes in your eating and physical activity habits that you can keep up for the rest of your life."

And even if you don't need to lose weight, it's a good idea to follow healthy eating and exercise habits to keep you healthy throughout your lifetime.

How did Wurst and Leigh shed pounds?

When Wurst first started her journey, she set a goal of fitting into a size 14.

"I didn't know how long it would take, but I felt like I could accomplish that in a year and I did," she said. She now wears a size 10 or 12, which exceeded her plan.

Wurst said when she first started losing weight, she set a goal of exercising six days a week, and three of those days were 22 minutes of cardiovascular moves. After a few months into her Body-for LIFE-program, her job required her to travel a lot and she cut back her workouts to three to four days a week.

Wurst changed her eating habits, too, and stopped eating junk food. She tries to set a goal of eating four to six small meals a day to speed up her metabolism.

Her meals often include proteins with portions the size of her palm such as fish, chicken, nuts, tofu, mushrooms and eggs. She eats carbohydrates such as multigrain rice or multigrain crackers. Wurst tries her best to avoid processed foods and soda.

I had a few times during that heavy-duty weight loss period when I would go out and ride 20 miles on my bike at 11 p.m. or midnight.
--iReporter Seth Leigh

Leigh had a different plan to shed his pounds. At the height of his exercise program, he spent up to five hours a day working out. His routine included walking, biking, swimming, lifting weights and burning calories on a treadmill or Stairmaster.

The iReporter restricted his diet to about 1,500 calories a day.

"I didn't have any time to waste or any days when I could afford not to exercise and eat properly if I wanted to qualify with the right weight for the Guard," he said.

"I had a few times during that heavy-duty weight loss period when I would go out and ride 20 miles on my bike at 11 p.m. or midnight, because I hadn't exercised yet that day and I wouldn't let myself go to sleep having missed a day," he noted.

Both Wurst and Leigh were motivated to reach their goals, but experts differ on their opinions on how much exercise is necessary and what type of foods to eat in order to lose weight.

For those of you planning a weight-loss program in 2011, consider guidelines the National Institute of Health offers on its website to help you get started.

Losing weight can be a challenge

Wurst said before her big weight loss, she tried a lot of methods to lose pounds, including drugs prescribed by her doctor.

My doc shrugged it off and said 'fat people are jolly.'
--Pam Wurst

"In 2000, they tested my thyroid and found it to be very slow, and I was prescribed 300 mg of Levoxyl a day and told it would help," she said.

Six months later, she returned to her doctor in tears and said the drugs weren't helping.

"My doc shrugged it off and said 'fat people are jolly.' " she said. "I was heartbroken."

She struggled for a few more years until a friend visiting from Tampa, Florida, in 2004 helped her get started on the diet and exercise regime he used.

"At last, I finally found a program that worked," she said.

Leigh said he struggled for years as a heavy person and said he weighed more than 300 pounds for about an 11-year stretch.

For him, the motivation to achieve a dream is what it took to finally get him back to better health.

"I would imagine myself standing, in a nice new suit, in front of the Officer Selection Board, answering their questions about why I wanted to get back into the Army National Guard," he said.

"I must have imagined that interview with the board a hundred times while working out," Leigh noted.

Both Wurst and Leigh say the best part of their journey is they are now happier people than they were before the weight loss.

"I feel great and love to tell people about my story," said Wurst.

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The study says "mixed messages from parents may fuel surges on underage drinking."Study estimates 1,980 emergency room visits occurred in the new year of Panagia 2009That compares with 546 visits them on an average dayParents, Community leaders urged to pay attention

(CNN)--the number of minors who have been treated in hospital emergency rooms drinking new year's day 2009 was almost four times the average daily, according to a study by the Federal Reserve System.

The study, published in the Journal of consulting and clinical psychology, this week is based on data from the drug abuse warning network, which is estimated to 1,980 emergency room visits day 2009 new year's participating underage drinking enforcement against these visits 546 an average day.

"This tremendous increase underage drinking-related emergency room visits in new year's day should be a wake-up call to parents, Community leaders and all adults care about the potential risks that young people face alcohol-related accidents, injuries and death during this time of year," Substance Abuse and mental health services administration led by Pamela s. Hyde said in a statement on the study of the organization.

"Parents, clergy, teachers, coaches and other role models must do everything in their power to positively influence young people--including talking with them early and often about the many underage drinking poses health risks for the physical and emotional health and well-being."

The findings are translated into increased discouraging statistics, said Kenneth r. Warren, acting Director of the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism.

"For example, during the Christmas and new year's Eve, two to three times more people die in alcohol-related crashes even during periods of comparable the remainder of the year," he said. And 40% of all traffic fatalities during those holidays mean a driver who is sighted alcohol, compared with 28% for the rest of December. "

The day of the year new layers outstripped those of other holiday. For example, day Memorial emergency room visits for drinking of alcohol by minors was 676; 4th July level was 942.

"That all underage alcohol consumption is alarming, consumption resulting in ER visits per day of new year should be of particular concern to parents and young people because consumption is likely to increase other risky behaviors," he said.

"The greatest access to alcohol, less parental supervision and mixed messages from parents may fuel surges to underage drinking, which can result in visits to emergency services due to overconsumption or alcohol-involved fatal accidents or injuries. New Year holidays can be especially dangerous because underage people can drink more than at most other times of the year, including holidays. "

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Thousands of pounds of ground beef is remembered because of e. coli concernés. It recalls 34,373 pounds of organic soil beefProducts shipped six Member A company sampling confirms a positive result for e. coli.

(CNN)--A California company has recalled 34,373 pounds of organic ground beef over fears of e. coli contamination.

First Class Foods Inc. of Hawthorne said recalled packets produced on 7 December to 16 December.

Have "BEATITUDO 18,398" printed on them, Federal officials said.

The products have been consigned California, New Jersey, North Carolina, New York, Wisconsin and Washington State.

A company sampling confirms a positive result for e. coli. The company and federal employees I have not received reports of illness associated with these products.

E. coli can cause bloody diarrhea, dehydration, and in severe cases, kidney failure. Infants, seniors and people with weak immune system is the most sensitive.

Consumers with questions can contact Lucienne Adams of first-class Foods at (310) 643-2500.

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Seasonal affective disorder tends to strike mainly women in their 20s, 30s, and 40s.About 4% to 6% of the U.S. population may have seasonal affective disorderLight therapy triggers changes in the brain that can help elevate moodPersonal experiences are a major component of how the seasons can influence how you feel

(CNN) -- By 10 a.m. every day during the winters, Rachelle Strauss felt like she could go back to bed. She used to be a morning person, but that all changed about 10 years ago when she started to feel exhausted as the darkest days dragged on.

"As soon as March came 'round and we hit spring, I was back to my bouncy self. It's almost like being two people for two different seasons of the year," said Strauss, 38, of Gloucestershire, England.

Strauss is not alone. In Northern Europe, an estimated 12 million people suffer from seasonal affective disorder. Over here in the United States, about 4% to 6% of the population may have it, but 10% to 20% might have milder winter blues, according to the Cleveland Clinic.

The condition tends to strike mainly women in their 20s, 30s and 40s, although men can also have it. Children and adolescents may also develop it, and it is less common in adults of older ages.

Seasonal affective disorder can be expected in regions of the world that are farther away from the equator and thus experience seasonal changes in daylight hours more dramatically, said Simon Rego, psychologist at Albert Einstein College of Medicine and Montefiore Medical Center in the Bronx, New York.

Scientists aren't sure why some people get seasonal affective disorder and others don't. One theory is that sufferers may have a biological predisposition to it, and the symptoms get triggered in particular ways.

Symptoms of SAD

For Strauss, the symptoms of lack of energy and depression formed a vicious cycle, where she wouldn't exercise or socialize, and then became irritable and cranky.

"I got depressed because I couldn't do the things I wanted to do," she said. "Certainly this total exhaustion is very debilitating after awhile."

Alison Kero of Denver, Colorado, can relate. Before moving from New York, her energy dropped off in the winter, and she would go to sleep at 6 p.m.

Anxiety, suicidal thoughts and poor concentration can also accompany seasonal affective disorder, said Dr. Tracy Latz, psychiatrist in Mooresville, North Carolina.

A hallmark of the condition is that symptoms get worse when daylight saving time ends. If you're feeling down fairly consistently for two weeks or more, and the feelings recur during the same time every year, there's reason to suspect that it's seasonal affective disorder, she said.

More rarely, seasonal affective disorder can flare up with warm, sunny weather. In these people, anxiety, insomnia and irritability can worsen in the spring and summer. And others exhibit a form of bipolar disorder called "reverse seasonal affective disorder," with hyperactivity, agitation and inappropriate enthusiasm in the spring and summer.

When it's not necessarily SAD

For the patients whose moods suffer in the summertime, there may be longstanding issues contributing to the problem, such as bad childhood memories of staying at home when school let out, Latz said.

"If we came to dread a certain time of the year every year as kids because of our family dynamics or the environment that we were in, then we can carry that into this subconscious dread of that time of the year," she said.

Personal experiences are a major component of how the seasons can influence how you feel, said Dr. John Sharp, author of "The Emotional Calendar." Anyone, regardless of whether they have seasonal affective disorder, may get into particular moods because of environmental, psychological and cultural forces that occur at various times of the year.

If you once had an amazing experience one year in the early part of December, you'll likely feel positively when seasonal changes such as snow, crackling fireplaces and hot chocolate bring back those good memories.

The anniversary of a major loss, on the other hand, can throw a dark cloud over any time of year. Sharp noted that Mark Madoff, son of convicted Ponzi-schemer Bernie Madoff, took his own life on December 10, the two-year anniversary of his father's arrest.

Cultural norms can also drive seasonal changes in mood, he said. It has been documented that there are peaks in suicides in the spring. The reason for that has not been pinned down.

Sharp posits that as the days get longer, many people tend to appear more active and carefree, which makes sufferers of depression feel worse. The cultural experiences of the winter holidays can also be a burden for adults, with the stress of family gatherings, whereas for children they were times of joy.

What are the treatments?

Seasonal affective disorder has to do primarily with environment; specifically, how much light you're getting. That's why one of most iconic therapies for seasonal affective disorder is the light box.

Light therapy imitates light from the outdoors and triggers changes in the brain that can help elevate mood. It doesn't work for everyone, but many people such as Strauss have found relief from sitting in front of a bright light box. Strauss uses hers during breakfast, and it helps her get through the day. There are also dawn simulators, which mimic the sunrise as you wake up, and light visors that look like baseball caps that you can wear to get light exposure.

Since moving to Denver, which tends to see more sun than New York, Kero feels like she doesn't have to use her light box anymore, but 15 to 30 minutes a day did help her back East.

"It's a deep biological reality that our brains sense the amount of sunlight we're exposed to with great sensitivity. It adds up to become a big drain when we don't have enough light," Sharp said.

But light therapy doesn't work for everyone.

Some people need medications that depression patients would receive: anti-depressants called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors. Anxiety, suicidal thoughts and poor concentration because of excessive worry are all signs that there could be an issue with serotonin, a brain chemical involved in mood, Latz said.

Lack of energy is a sign of a problem with the brain's levels of dopamine, another brain chemical, she said. Exercise can help stimulate this system and help you feel more awake.

In mild cases, certain nutrients and herbs may help. Omega-3 fatty acids have been shown to relieve some symptoms of anxiety, Latz said, which are found in oily fish. The American College of Physicians considers St. John's wort an option for mild depression, but be aware it can interact with many drugs and might cause oversensitivity to light. Strauss, whose website Little Green Blog discusses natural remedies, recommends uplifting essential oils such as lavender. Kero suggests surrounding yourself with positive people.

And if there are issues you're having besides the weather, try talking to a mental health professional. Cognitive behavioral therapy is one form of talk therapy that can help you confront negative thought patterns.

"Obviously if there's something to talk about, if you're having frustrations with some aspect of life, counseling is quite good as a potential way forward," Sharp said.

Seek help if you're entertaining suicidal thoughts and feeling like life isn't worth living. Call the National Suicide Hotline at 1-800-784-2433 if you need immediate assistance.

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