30 Sep 2014

Bridgestone Group Expands Efforts to Fight Ebola with Major Gifts to International Aid Groups

By Veronica Hunt

Funds to Support Efforts of Samaritan's Purse and UNICEF in West Africa

NASHVILLE, Tenn. and Tokyo (September 29, 2014) ? The Bridgestone Group (Bridgestone) today announced it will donate one million dollars (USD) to critical efforts underway in Liberia and the region to combat the Ebola outbreak. Specifically, $500,000 will be paid to Samaritan's Purse by Bridgestone Americas, Inc. for work in Liberia, while Bridgestone Corporation will donate $500,000 (JPY 54 million) to support UNICEF's efforts in Liberia and Nigeria.  This $1,000,000 donation follows months of work by Firestone Liberia to manage an effective Ebola emergency response program on its subsidiary rubber farm and nearby communities in country.  The funds are aimed at strengthening efforts to stop the spread of Ebola through public awareness; helping facilitate delivery of in-home care supplies for the sick; enhancing medical treatment; and providing support for children left orphaned due to the epidemic.

Firestone Liberia, a Bridgestone Americas subsidiary, has been directly affected by the Ebola outbreak.  Since the outbreak hit Liberia, there have been approximately 71 Firestone Liberia employees, family members, retirees and people from surrounding communities who have contracted the virus.  The Firestone Medical Center located on Firestone Liberia's rubber farm has been treating patients in its Ebola Treatment Unit, which has helped 17 people survive the deadly disease.

"Our Firestone Liberia teammates and community have selflessly met the demands of this deadly outbreak and we support them and the great work Samaritan's Purse and UNICEF are doing in the region to help protect the citizens of Liberia and West Africa," said Gary Garfield, CEO and President, Bridgestone Americas, Inc.  "We implore others to step up in taking on this fight against Ebola."

"We know that it will take everyone - every citizen, government official, health worker and company in the region - to provide the education, resources and supplies needed to stop the spread of this disease," said Yutaka Yamaguchi, Bridgestone Group's Vice President and Senior Officer, Responsible for CSR and Quality Management, CSR and Quality Management Planning.  "More support is needed and we hope others will join Bridgestone in supporting organizations that are on the front lines of this global health crisis."

Samaritan's Purse has been working since April to combat the disease through a prevention education program.  Its more than 350 staff members in Liberia provide education and direct patient care.  The money donated by Bridgestone Americas will be used for the organization's home-based care program which provides Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) kits to people caring for sick family members.

"We thank Bridgestone Americas for its support in the fight against Ebola," said Franklin Graham, president and CEO of Samaritan's Purse.  "Firestone Liberia is working tirelessly to

protect and treat the approximately 80,000 people living within its community, and with their support, we're able to broaden those efforts in the larger Liberian community."

UNICEF's work across the region to contain and control the spread of the disease includes mass education for communities on essential prevention methods, promoting health and hygiene activities, providing medical and other supplies, supporting the government of Nigeria's Ebola Emergency Operations and Care Center and the Liberian national taskforce.  UNICEF works with these governments and partner organizations to develop services for families and establish a system to care for the children orphaned by Ebola.  The money donated by Bridgestone Corporation will be used to support UNICEF's mass public awareness efforts and work to support orphaned children.

"The current Ebola outbreak is unprecedented and requires an urgent global response. UNICEF is racing against time to control the spread of the disease among children and families," said U.S. Fund for UNICEF President and CEO, Caryl Stern.  "We greatly appreciate the donation from Bridgestone Group, which will help UNICEF expand its critical work in West Africa."

In addition to the Firestone Medical Center's Ebola Treatment Unit, Firestone Liberia's emergency response to Ebola includes active case management, investigations, contact tracing, as well as intervention measures and strategies to help protect and care for thousands of people who live in the Firestone community.  Part of the intervention strategy is a mass education program which reaches its more than 8,000 employees and approximately 72,000 additional people residing within Firestone's property, as well as many more in the surrounding communities.  The company also is working with local government and health officials to help curb the spread of the disease throughout the country.  Firestone Liberia is working closely with the Liberian Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the WHO, among other organizations.

About Bridgestone Corporation:

Bridgestone Corporation, headquartered in Tokyo, is the world's largest tire and rubber company. In addition to tires for use in a wide variety of applications, it also manufactures a broad range of diversified products, which include industrial rubber and chemical products and sporting goods. Its products are sold in over 150 nations and territories around the world.

About Bridgestone Americas, Inc.:

Nashville, Tenn.-based Bridgestone Americas, Inc. (BSAM) is the U.S. subsidiary of Bridgestone Corporation, the world's largest tire and rubber company. BSAM and its subsidiaries develop, manufacture and market a wide range of Bridgestone, Firestone and associate brand tires to address the needs of a broad range of customers, including consumers, automotive and commercial vehicle original equipment manufacturers, and those in the agricultural, forestry and mining industries. The companies are also engaged in retreading operations throughout the Western Hemisphere and produce air springs, roofing materials, and industrial fibers and textiles. The BSAM family of companies also operates the world's largest chain of automotive tire and service centers. Guided by its One Team, One Planet message, the company is dedicated to achieving a positive environmental impact in all of the communities it calls home.

About Firestone Natural Rubber Company, LLC:

Firestone Natural Rubber Company, LLC traces its origins back to 1926 when The Firestone Tire & Rubber Company first established a natural rubber production facility in Liberia, West Africa. The company's Firestone Liberia, Inc. subsidiary operates an 118,000-acre rubber growing and processing facility, employing more than 8,000 employees who harvest and process natural rubber and latex. After processing, the natural rubber (dry rubber and liquid latex) is shipped to the United States. The dry rubber is used by Bridgestone Americas' tire plants throughout North America in the manufacture of tires. The latex is sold to third party North American manufacturers of dipped goods, adhesives and carpet backing. Firestone is North America's leading supplier of natural latex concentrate.

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29 Sep 2014

Suburban Propane offers big prize to Red Cross donors

By Ben Corey

Nationwide "Fuel Your Community" campaign to help save lives

PEORIA, Ill. (Sept. 29, 2014) - During October, Suburban Propane is joining the American Red Cross to raise awareness of the constant need for blood and platelet donations with the first nationwide "Fuel Your Community" campaign. All presenting blood and platelet donors at Red Cross blood drives and donation centers during October will be eligible to win one $5,000 Visa gift card as part of the campaign, courtesy of Suburban Propane.

While the October "Fuel Your Community" campaign is the first nationwide effort, it's the sixth time Suburban Propane and the Red Cross have partnered to raise awareness since 2012. Most recently, in June, Suburban Propane helped to collect more than 750 blood donations as part of an 11-state partnership from Maine to South Carolina. During the October campaign, Suburban Propane will sponsor an advertising campaign to raise greater awareness for the constant need for blood and platelet donations, and its employees will volunteer at blood drives and give blood or platelets themselves.

"Suburban Propane chose to support the Red Cross because of the impact it makes in people's lives every day," said Mark Wienberg, Suburban's Chief Operating Officer. "Some of our employees have been directly affected by the need for donated blood and they inspire us to make a difference in the communities we serve. We are proud to partner with the Red Cross in our first nationwide effort."

From Kristine Smith, a mother receiving blood after the birth of her son, to Janet Nitchman standing by her husband's side while he receives transfusions after a liver transplant, the Red Cross has touched the lives of many Suburban Propane employees. "I am appreciative of all blood donors out there, they really do save lives," said Smith.

"The support of Suburban Propane is welcomed and tremendously appreciated as the Red Cross aims to maintain sufficient blood supplies for hospital patients all year long," said Shelly Heiden CEO, Heart of America Blood Services Region. "We hope this campaign encourages more people to give the gift of life."

To schedule an appointment to donate blood or platelets, download the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). For more information about the campaign, visit redcrossblood.org/suburbanpropane.

How to donate blood

Simply download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) to make an appointment or for more information. All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. A blood donor card or driver's license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age (16 with parental consent in some states), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.

About the American Red Cross

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.

About Suburban Propane

Suburban Propane Partners, L.P. (NYSE:SPH) is a nationwide distributor of propane, fuel oil and related products and services, as well as a marketer of natural gas and electricity. Headquartered in Whippany, New Jersey, Suburban serves the energy needs of more than 1.2 million residential, commercial, industrial and agricultural customers through more than 750 locations in 41 states.

 

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26 Sep 2014

WACOAL HOSTS FIT FOR THE CURE® EVENT TO HELP FIGHT BREAST CANCER

By Hannah Rood

--Free bra fittings to help women look good, and do good--

WHAT: Join Wacoal in its mission to help end breast cancer with Fit for the Cure®! Participate in a Fit for the Cure event and receive a complimentary bra fitting from a Wacoal fit specialist. For every woman that participates, Wacoal will donate $2 to Susan G. Komen® for breast cancer research and community health programs. Wacoal will also donate an additional $2 for every Wacoal bra, shapewear piece or b.tempt'd bra purchased at these events. 

For nearly 15 years, Wacoal has swept the nation educating and fitting more than 604,000 women across 411 cities about the importance of bra fit, foundation and overall breast health. To date, through Fit for the Cure, Wacoal has donated nearly $4 million to Susan G. Komen.

During the month of October, Wacoal will also donate $2 to Susan G. Komen for each item purchased from the Embrace Lace collection in support of Breast Cancer Awareness (BCA) month. Supporters will receive a free gift with the purchase of $80 or more from the Wacoal Embrace Lace collection. 

This year, Wacoal also offers an exclusive limited edition silver strap to provide further support to women in need, through a partnership with Hollye Jacobs, award-winning blogger, breast cancer survivor and author of New York Times best-seller The Silver Lining: A Supportive and Insightful Guide to Breast Cancer. All proceeds from sales of the silver strap will go to provide copies of the book to women going through treatment in communities across the country.

WHY: Research shows that 8 out of 10 women are wearing the wrong sized bra. Women should be professionally fitted for a bra once a year to ensure their bra size has not changed as a result of fluctuations in their body.  

   

Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in American women and accounts for 26% of all cancers among women.  Conducting monthly breast self-examination is an important way to detect abnormalities at an early stage. Take 15 minutes to meet with a Wacoal fit expert while contributing to an important cause and sign up for a monthly reminder e-mail that could ultimately save your life.  

WHEN: Friday, October 10, 2014

10am - 4pm

Dillards - Northpark Mall

320 W Kimberly Rd.

Davenport, IA

(563) 388 - 7954

For more information or to schedule interviews, please contact:

Hannah Rood or Jessica Nadaud

hrood@lsagency.com or jnadaud@lsagency.com

26 Sep 2014

World Alzheimers Month: 5 Brain-Health Tips from Bodybuilding Neurosurgeon

By Ginny Grimsley
During World Alzheimer's Month, Take Steps
to Care for Your Most Vital Organ

As a fitness expert and neurosurgeon, Dr. Brett Osborn says he appreciates the growing public interest in general health and fitness. Now, he says, that attention needs to extend to arguably our most essential organ - the brain.

"There are several, multi-billion dollar industries out there dedicated to burning fat and building muscle; cognitive health, on the other hand, has been largely overlooked," says Osborn, author of "Get Serious, A Neurosurgeon's Guide to Optimal Health and Fitness," www.drbrettosborn.com.

"Of course, any good health expert is quick to remind readers that it's all connected. For example, what's good for the heart will be, directly or indirectly, good for the brain."

September's an appropriate time to talk brain health: its World Alzheimer's Month, and it's the beginning of football season. By now, we know that football players in the NFL, college and even high school suffer considerable head trauma, whether through big hits resulting in concussions or moderate, repeated blows, he says.

It's also soccer season in other parts of the world. Concern continues to mount about the neurological damage done to players from repeated headers, where the ball is hit by the head. The long-term effects, including depression and other mental-health problems, are similar to those suffered by American football players, he says.

"Sports can impart great habits to kids, including discipline, fellowship and an emphasis on strength and endurance," says Osborn, a bodybuilder and father. "As our children return to school and sports, health-care providers, coaches and parents need to make it a top priority to protect our student-athletes' brains."

Osborn offers five tips to help everyone maintain brain health:

•  Learn new skills. "Just as with other health concerns, brain health should be rooted in the prevention of disease," he says. Alzheimer's is a neurodegenerative disease, the causes of which, and the cure, are unknown. However, it's widely thought that brain stimulation and activity can delay the onset of the disease. The acquisition of a new skill - whether it's learning to play an instrument or taking up waterskiing - exercises the brain "muscle."

•  Commit to actual exercise. Everyone knows that exercise helps protect the heart, but not everyone knows that physical activity is also good for the brain. The brain is not a muscle, but it can be worked as muscle is worked during exercise, which forges new neuron pathways.

"Let's face it, there is a component of learning in exercise," Osborn says. "You cannot master the squat overnight; the brain has to change. Neuronal connections, or 'synapses,' are formed through very complex biophysical mechanisms. That takes time."

•  Don't sweat stress. There is such a thing as good stress, including the acute bodily stress involved in strength training. Of course, there's the bad stress, such as psychological stress associated with work or interpersonal relationships, and environmental stress, derived from pesticide-laden food - toxins. As always, you have a choice. You don't have to accept mental stress in your life. Reconsider toxic relationships. Rethink how you handle pressure at work. Perhaps adopt a lunchtime exercise routine.

•  Fuel a better body and brain. "I don't believe in 'diets,' " Osborn says. "Fit individuals were around for eons before the term existed, and I associate the term with temporary and, often, self-destructive behaviors."

Again, it's all connected. A healthy balance of food and activity will inevitably be good for the entire body: the heart, skeleton, muscles, brain, etc. Proper nutrition is a natural mood enhancer, and good health will inevitably improve self-esteem.

•  Feed your head with smart drugs. Some pharmaceuticals may help enhance cerebral blood flow and increase concentration, including Hydergine, Deprenyl and Prozac, to name a few. Ask your doctor about these. There are also over-the-counter smart drugs to consider. Piracetam is one of the oldest and has been shown to have a variety of positive effects in patients with cognitive disorders like dementia and epilepsy. Vinpocetine has potent anti-inflammatory effects, and inflammation is a key component in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease, and others. You may also want to check out gingko biloba and pregnenolone.

About Dr. Brett Osborn

Brett Osborn is a New York University-trained, Board-Certified neurological surgeon with a secondary certification in Anti-Aging and Regenerative Medicine. He is a Diplomate of the American Board of Neurological Surgery and of the American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine. He holds a CSCS honorarium from the National Strength and Conditioning Association. Dr. Osborn specializes in scientifically based nutrition and exercise as a means to achieve optimal health and preventing disease. He is the author "Get Serious, A Neurosurgeon's Guide to Optimal Health and Fitness," www.drbrettosborn.com.

26 Sep 2014

3 Tips for National Dental Hygiene Month

By Ginny Grimsley
Halloween is the Perfect Time to Take Measures for Lasting Fresh Breath and Oral Health

Halloween kicks off a series of holidays celebrated with delicious treats, from yummy chocolate candies to gut-busting dinners to seasonal alcoholic beverages.

While most parents will make sure their kids brush after eating their treats, National Dental Hygiene Month in October encourages a fuller approach to oral health.

"Teeth and gums are obviously key components of oral health care, but they're just part of the whole environment inside one's mouth," says Dr. Bob Kross, a biochemist who's been researching and developing oral health-care products since the 1980s. His patented Breath Appeal oral rinse, (www.breathappeal.com), destroys both the putrefying anaerobic bacteria that degrade food particles and body cells to form sulfurous bad breath malodorants as well as many of the bacteria associated with gum disease.

"The nooks and crannies in our mouths and gums are not the only places crammed with organic debris, which feed the bacteria that create biofilm, such as plaque, to protect themselves from oxygen," Kross says. "There are also cracks on the tongue's surface and in the other soft tissues in the mouth and pharynx where bacteria collect, further compromising dental health and creating bad breath."

Normal oral bacteria are fine, actually even necessary, when present in proper balance with each other, but it's a problem when putrefying and pathogenic bacteria start to take over, he says.

"The sticky candies and treats children and adults consume during this time of year can disrupt the normal balance of bacteria if good dental hygiene isn't practiced," says Kross, who describes how bad breath is created and how we can prevent it.

•  If you develop bad breath don't simply try to mask it with mints. Anaerobic bacteria can also lead to painful and potentially serious conditions such as gingivitis and periodontitis, so it's best to attack the problem at the root. Maintaining the proper balance or oral bacteria will not only keep your breath fresh, it will help you maintain good oral health.

•  Add tongue scraping and an oxidizing daily rinse to your oral hygiene. Brushing and flossing reach about 25 percent of your mouth, and that's why you should add tongue scraping and rinsing to your daily routine. That white stuff you might see on your tongue is a collection of food particles and other organic matter, which can putrefy and create oral malodorants. Oxygen inhibits the growth of the responsible anaerobic bacteria, so scraping off the film and using an oxidizing mouthwash will counter that problem.

•  Control bad breath by controlling the mouth's bacteria. Brush at least twice a day, floss, scrape the tongue and use a non-alcoholic rinse that has oxidizing properties.  Individuals suffering from bad breath will experience optimum relief only by using alcohol-free, oxidizing oral hygiene products.

"At least 90 percent of bad breath problems are associated with the sulfurous compounds generated by the putrefying, malodor-forming, anaerobic bacteria, which hide in oral crevices, and which degrade food particles and salivary cell fragments," Kross says. "For a cleaner mouth and fresher breath, you'll need oxidants to destroy a major portion of the bacteria in these low-oxygen environments, thereby removing the root cause of persistent halitosis.

About Dr. Bob Kross

Dr. Bob Kross is a biochemist associated with All USA Direct, (www.breathappeal.com), producer of Breath Appeal products. Many of Kross' 40 U.S. patents reflect his interest in biomedical areas, including oral antimicrobials and associated conditions and diseases.

25 Sep 2014

Giving Kids a Shot at a Healthy School Year

By Lainey Tick
A new Illinois law is giving kids a shot at a healthy school year. It's an epinephrine shot, providing treatment for those at risk of anaphylactic emergencies. Illinois schools are required to have epinephrine available for emergency use and state legislators have taken this requirement a step further in providing timely care for those at risk.

Governor Quinn recently signed into law additional legislation to strengthen the existing epinephrine-in-schools law, now allowing not only school nurses but any trained school employee or volunteer to administer an epinephrine auto-injector to someone believed to be experiencing anaphylaxis from a severe allergic reaction.

Food allergies are on the rise. Currently an estimated one in 13 children in the U.S. is living with a food allergy. Kids with known food allergies avoid their allergens and typically carry epinephrine auto-injectors with them wherever they go in case of accidental exposure. According to national food allergy guidelines, epinephrine is the treatment that should be given first when a person is experiencing anaphylaxis.

Fast facts:
·        According to the CDC, the incidence of food allergy increased 18% from 1997-2007

·        Anaphylaxis is an unpredictable, life-threatening allergic reaction that is rapid in onset and may cause death
·        Everyone at risk for anaphylaxis should have an anaphylaxis action plan that include : (1)
Avoiding known allergens; (2) Recognizing signs and symptoms; (3) Having immediate access to
two epinephrine auto-injectors; and (4) Seeking immediate emergency medical care should
anaphylaxis occur

Having access to epinephrine on school grounds is critical, because reports show that among children with peanut allergies who have experienced anaphylaxis at school, 25% had not previously been diagnosed with a food allergy.

The fear of anaphylaxis is something Lurie Children's Hospital Advanced Practice Nurse, Christine Szychlinski, knows very well. Szychlinski is the manager of the Food Allergy program within Lurie's Department of Allergy and Immunology, where she has practiced for 35 years. She also does a lot of outreach in the schools. This legislation is critical to her patients and their families which is why she is pleased that Illinois lawmakers have taken steps to provide additional access to epinephrine auto injectors in the school setting.

25 Sep 2014

Chicago Retirement Community The Clare Introduces Workout-to-Go for Traveling Residents Who Want to Maintain Their Routines

By Bridget Machalinski

The Clare has introduced its Workout-to-Go program for residents who are traveling, developed by Melissa Cusick, director of The Clare Athletic Club. The program delivers a custom developed fitness routine for travelers, based on their fitness level, interests, method of transportation and destination.

Late summer is the most popular vacation time of the year, and residents of The Clare are ardent travelers. Melissa Cusick, director of The Clare Athletic Club, is all in favor of residents relaxing on vacation, but not to excess. "There are residents who are really dedicated to fitness, and work out regularly. I wanted to make sure that they had the opportunity to maintain their routine or some variation of it, while they're traveling the four corners of the world," she said.

Cusick developed Workout-to-Go for any interested resident of The Clare. "I always encourage residents to use fitness centers in their hotels when they're traveling, but this is a back-up game plan when that's not a possibility or desirable," she said.

The program delivers a custom developed fitness routine for travelers, based on their fitness level, interests and even method of travel and destination. Resident Karol Moller took her Workout-to-Go with her on an Alaskan cruise. "She told me she'd seen my flyer and thought it would be a good idea for her trip. She hoped that the routine would keep her active so that she didn't gain weight while she was away," said Cusick. "She attends group fitness three times each week and doesn't want to lose the progress that she's made while traveling. She also wanted to maintain the strength and endurance that she'd already achieved."

Cusick put together a routine using stretchy exercise bands. "They're easy to pack in a suitcase and travel with. I included a sheet with pictures of the different exercises," she said. The result surpassed Cusick's expectations. "Karol's granddaughter who was traveling with her, exercised with her. They worked out together and had a buddy system. They had a blast with it," said Cusick.

Cusick will continue to offer the Workout-to-Go program throughout the year for any residents traveling, and willing to take their fitness routine along.

About The Clare:

The Clare at Rush and Pearson is a Life Care retirement community in the heart of Chicago's Gold Coast with incomparable lifestyle, amenities and the financial stability only a debt-free community can offer. The Terraces at The Clare, which partners with Northwestern Memorial Hospital, provides assisted living, memory support, rehabilitation and skilled nursing. The Terraces has earned the 5-star quality rating by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. The Clare is owned by Chicago Senior Care and managed by Life Care Services. For more information visit: www.TheClare.com or call 312-784-8100.

23 Sep 2014

Clean Out Your Medicine Cabinet for Medication Take Back Day

By TRICARE Communications
On Saturday, Sept. 27, TRICARE beneficiaries can safely and responsibly dispose of unused, expired or unwanted prescription medications. The Drug Enforcement Agency's (DEA's) National Prescription Drug Take-back Day will have sites around the country open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The DEA event allows people to turn in excess prescription drugs that otherwise could be abused or contaminate the environment.

Learn more here: www.health.mil/News/Articles/2014/09/23/Clean-Out-Your-Medicine-Cabinet-for-Medication-Take-Back-Day.

23 Sep 2014

NADeFA Assists Research on Chronic Wasting Disease in Iowa

By John Meng
CANTON, Ohio ? Leading the cervid industry for more than 30 years, the North American Deer Farmers Association (NADeFA) assisted recent efforts by the U.S. Department of Agriculture to expand scientific research on Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) that could lead to a new disease prevention strategy.

During a recent depopulation of a CWD-infected herd of whitetail deer in Iowa, researchers from Kansas State University (KSU), who were sponsored by NADeFA, and the United States Department of Agriculture's National Wildlife Research Center collected a variety of samples, including blood, feces, nasal swabs, and tissue biopsies from the live deer prior to euthanasia. The 'live' samples will provide critical data needed to develop an all-new 'live' testing protocol for CWD.

"The herd depopulation in Iowa gave researchers a rare opportunity to collect significant live data, and we're very proud to have worked with the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the private herd owner in Iowa to conduct the research necessary to successfully combat CWD and save the lives of thousands of deer," says Shawn Schafer, executive director for the North American Deer Farmers Association.

Current management practices require the destruction of entire deer herds when a single animal tests positive for CWD, however, most of the animals destroyed are often found to be perfectly healthy afterwards. The KSU research, sponsored by NADeFA and Cervid Livestock Foundation, is developing three testing methods ? nasal swab, rectal biopsy and blood samples ? for the early detection of CWD and to prevent the excessive euthanasia of thousands of animals.

"Without the help and cooperation of the land owner and NADeFA, these opportunities would not have been available," said Dr. Nicholas Haley, who is part of the KSU research team. "The samples will be evaluated using cutting-edge approaches to detect very low levels of the prion agent that causes CWD in an effort to identify which sample and testing strategy is the most useful for diagnosis. The development of a live-animal test may eventually allow identification of CWD-infected animals under quarantine without the need for large-scale culling of animals."

Chronic wasting disease, a fatal brain disease that affects deer, elk and moose, is similar to other prion diseases including bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE or mad cow disease) and human Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD). Dr. Haley explains that the diagnosis of CWD, as well as BSE and CJD, currently requires samples collected after death or 'post-mortem,' including brain and lymph node tissues. Researchers hope that through the combined efforts of state and federal regulatory agencies, and deer and elk farmers, progress can be made on the development of an 'antemortem' or live animal test. Such a live test could be useful for diagnosis of human prion diseases and potentially other diseases including Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease.     

"The samples we've collected will also be made available to researchers at various other institutions, such as Colorado State University and the National Institutes of Health at Rocky Mountain Laboratories, which are actively pursuing an antemortem test for a variety of prion and other neurological diseases," added Dr. Haley.

The North American Deer Farmers Association was founded in 1983 and is dedicated to the promotion of deer farming and ranching as an agricultural pursuit and serves its members through its educational programs and publications and by providing leadership in setting and maintaining quality standards. NADeFA represents the deer farming industry at all levels of government, and works closely with livestock producers and other organizations to promote ethical standards of conduct and husbandry in deer farming and to actively market standards for deer and deer products. NADeFA representatives are also available to media for expert testimony and information about deer farming and animal health issues, such as Chronic Wasting Disease, EHD and other topics.

For more information about NADeFA and membership, call 330.454.3944 or visit www.NADeFA.org.

Since 1983, the North American Deer Farmers Association (NADeFA) has worked to establish and promote deer farming as an agricultural pursuit and to facilitate education on breeding, handling and deer farm management. For more information on the North American Deer Farmers Association, call 330.454.3944 or visit www.NADeFA.org
23 Sep 2014

NAMI RECEIVES GRANTS FOR MENTAL HEALTH OUTREACH

By Caroline Vernon

Free NAMI Basics Class Supports Parents of Children living with Mental Illness

DAVENPORT, Iowa (September 19, 2014) - Local civic groups and foundations have provided grants to the National Alliance on Mental Illness Greater Mississippi Valley affiliate.  Iowa 80 Group Go Iowa Fund, Davenport Jaycees, and North Scott Rotary each granted NAMI $1,000 each for the launch of a nationally-developed program in the Quad Cities designed to educate parents and caregivers of children and adolescents living with mental illness.

NAMI Basics is taught by nationally-trained parents or other primary caregivers who have lived similar experiences with their own children. This free class allows families to connect to one another while learning about the biology of mental illness, latest research and treatment options. Parents learn communication and coping skills important for supporting their child's recovery.

NAMI Basics class will be offered on six Wednesdays, October 1 to November 5, from 6 to 8:30 p.m. at Eastern Iowa Community College Urban Center in Davenport. To register call 563-441-4100 with course number 143212.

About NAMI Greater Mississippi Valley

One in10 children and one in four adults experience a mental health disorder in any given year. Half of all lifetime cases of mental illness begin by the age of 14. NAMI Greater Mississippi Valley is an affiliate of the National Alliance on Mental Illness. This grassroots organization complements the work of mental health professionals by providing support, education and advocacy to individuals and families living with mental illness. NAMI works cooperatively through the Quad Cities Community Mental Health Initiative, serving residents in Muscatine, Clinton, Scott Counties in Iowa and Mercer, Henry, Rock Island Counties in Illinois.  Additional information is available at 563-322-8870 or www.namigmv.org.

 

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