Healthtorial Health Wire

The Tommy Detesco Fund For Adolescents and Young Adult Brain Tumor Research, supporting the Cleveland Clinic Brain Tumor and Neuro-Oncology Center, is one of but a few research funds in the U.S. focused on teens and young adults with brain tumors, the difficulty diagnosing them and the unique challenges treating them.

“Tumors in adolescents and young adults come from a mixture of causes,” explains Dr. Bruce Cohen of the Cleveland Clinic. “The biologic bases for these tumors are not well studied and not well understood.” Dr. Cohen says brain tumors in teens and young adults may show an unpredictable combination of symptoms seen in much younger or much older patients, which may make diagnosis and treatment very difficult.

Dr. Thomas N. Detesco, an internal medicine physician in Boardman, Ohio, understands the problem; as a doctor and as a father. His son - and the namesake of the fund, Tommy - had brain surgery when he was 6. He then endured round after round of surgery, radiation and chemotherapy until his death in August 2007.

Excellent care at the Cleveland Clinic Brain Tumor and Neuro-Oncology Center “extended Tommy’s life,”“and I’m grateful.” Tommy beat long odds, lived to be 32 years old and made the most of those years. Dr. Detesco says, “Tommy would always say, ‘you know, I love my life.’ He never asked ‘why me?’” Dr. Detesco says,

But Dr. Detesco does want to know “why.”

By establishing the Tommy Fund, he honors his son’s memory and helps fellow doctors get better at treating young brain tumor patients.

Monies from the Tommy Detesco Fund For Adolescents and Young Adult Brain Tumor Research will help the Cleveland Clinic continue innovative brain tumor research. Recently, Cleveland Clinic performed a first-ever brain tumor operation using a laser guided by MRI images. The new technique may improve the odds of survival for patients with difficult to treat cancers.

Friendly’s is making sure their customers’ dining experience is even friendlier – for their health! The entire chain of family restaurants are taking proactive steps and setting an example for the restaurant industry by officially banning artificial trans fat from their menu.

The move continues the trend first set by Tiburon, Calif., in 2005, which became the first American city to voluntarily cook with trans fat free oils. Friendly’s will be using a high mono-unsaturated canola oil product, which can actually help lower blood cholesterol.

“We are very excited to announce this new action and offer an artificial trans fat free menu to our customers,” said Maura Tobias, director of public affairs and communications for Friendly’s Restaurants.

According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, artificial trans fat is produced when manufacturers add hydrogen to vegetable oil — a process called hydrogenation that turns liquid oils into solid fats. Hydrogenation increases the shelf life and flavor stability of foods containing these fats. Trans fat can be found in vegetable shortenings, some margarines, crackers, cookies, snack foods, and other foods made with or fried in partially hydrogenated oils. Trans fat raises the low-density lipoprotein (LDL), or “bad” cholesterol, that increases your risk for coronary heart disease (CHD).

“This initiative is very important to everyone at Friendly’s; we want to continue to try to provide our customers with their favorite foods but in a healthier way,” said Andre Fuehr, vice president, Research and Development for Friendly’s. “We are excited to join others in the restaurant industry who have taken this same step and encourage others to do the same. This small step can have measurable effects on one’s health.”

Dr. Helaine Smith, a Boston-based dentist and a consumer advocate, has produced a YouTube video demonstrating the ease of screening patients for oral cancer. With the video, titled Dr. Helaine Smith Demonstrates ViziLite Plus Oral Cancer Screening, Dr. Smith hopes to educate young women about the importance of oral cancer screening. The video is below:

Over 25% of the 34,000 Americans diagnosed with oral cancer die of the disease, which claims more lives than melanoma and cervical cancer. The death rate for oral cancer is relatively high because the disease is not detected early enough.

According to Dr. Smith, dentists are on the frontline of the fight against this deadly cancer by virtue of the fact that they see patients’ mouths on a regular basis and because they now have various diagnostic tools to help them with the early detection of oral cancer.

One tool, FDA-approved ViziLite Plus, is a chemiluminescent light source used in conjunction with a blue phenothiazine dye that helps dentists detect potentially cancerous lesions.

“Recent media reports have portrayed young women with oral cancer who had no idea how or why they were ‘singled’ out. I want to educate young women that they can easily get screened for oral cancer – simply by visiting the dentist. Due to the suspected link between oral cancer and the human papilloma virus (HPV), it is imperative that anyone who is sexually active get tested. Throat cancer is successfully treated in 90% of cases when detected early.”

The ViziLite test takes approximately a minute to perform. After the patient swishes the solution in the mouth, the dentist then shines a light in the patient’s mouth. If the patient has any lesions, they will show up under the light because the malignant cells glow.

Oral cancer treatment often results in disfiguring effects on patients, and can seriously compromise their quality of life. Early detection and diagnosis can make a tremendous difference in life expectancy. Unfortunately, 70% of oral cancers are diagnosed in the late stages, III and IV, leading to a five-year survival rate of 57%.

Now New Yorkers living with cancer, and those who support them, can help fund operations at Gilda’s Club New York City by paying for everyday purchases with the new Gilda’s Club NYC Visa Platinum card.  Gilda’s Club NYC earns $50 for every activated card, plus an ongoing share of the monthly charge volume. Proceeds help provide a meeting place and support activities for people living with cancer, and families and friends. Gilda’s Club is completely free for members. Gilda’s Club NYC is named for Gilda Radner, the comedian and an original cast member of Saturday Night Live. Ms. Radner died from ovarian cancer in 1989.

“Most people get a credit card statement every month. The Gilda’s Club NYC card helps people make a statement every day,” says Lily Safani, CEO of Gilda’s Club NYC. “By presenting the card in restaurants, shops, online and elsewhere, supporters help Gilda’s Club provide social and emotional support to New Yorkers living with cancer, free of charge.”

We talk every day about staying healthy and increasing your overall wellness, and in this post I want to discuss the importance of keeping the planet healthy.  We Can (All) Live Green author Jennifer Noonan advises consumers, “Even with today’s tough economic climate, it is possible to make smart eco-conscious economical product decisions. It is possible to save money while making the right decisions for the planet.”

We Can (All) Live Green addresses two of the most pressing concerns of the day – saving money in today’s economy and preserving the health of the planet.

The book offers insight into:

• How consumers can implement small changes in their daily buying habits and positively impact their bottom line.
• The top ‘green’ buys in travel, beauty products and homecare goods.
• When it pays to go organic.
• How to find the cheapest alternative transportation mode.
• Easy methods to save at least $5000 each year from making greener choices.

As a teacher and new mom, Noonan set out to create a vital resource in We Can (All) Live Green to help others ‘green’ their buying habits without sacrificing their budget. Noonan also recently launched WeCanLiveGreen.com, an online directory aimed at connecting consumers to the ever-growing green product and services industry, and empowering consumers to educate themselves on environmental issues.

Did you know the holiday season typically exacerbates snoring? The reason is simple: millions of us eat and drink more during the last two months of the year, and all that excess consumption - especially alcohol and fried foods - not only packs on unwanted pounds, but often leads to unwanted sounds (namely, snoring) as well.

According to Dr. Ken Rifkin, an Oregon-based naturopathic physician and founder of the popular SnoreStop brand, eating and drinking (particularly salty foods) causes fluid retention, a condition which can affect all of the body’s tissues, including the soft tissues in our palate. Once these soft tissues fall prey to such retention, they can easily become enlarged, thereby constricting the free passage of air and producing a nighttime of log-sawing.

SnoreStop’s unique homeopathic properties break up fluid retention in the throat to relieve snoring (something nasal-based snoring solutions fail to do). SnoreStop’s therapeutic action shrinks swollen soft tissues in the throat and dries built-up mucous in the sinus passages. Its effective mode of action is:

• Free of side effects & non-habit forming, with no contraindications, no drug interactions and no prescriptions needed
• Decongestive, anti-inflammatory, anti-histaminic and mucolytic
• Tested and prescribed by physician
• Clinically tested by one of the foremost ENT specialists. The positive results have been published in the peer-reviewed Sleep and Breathing. Vol.3, No.2, 1999.
• A natural, homeopathic OTC medicine regulated by the FDA

Unlike traditional throat sprays, which use oils that may lead to lipoid pneumonia (2000 Annual Report of the American Academy of Sleep Medicines) to lubricate the throat tissues to minimize vibrations and sound, SnoreStop’s formula is oil-free – removing this risk altogether.

U-Systems, a company that develops breast ultrasound systems, announced its plans to conduct a multi-center breast cancer screening study named somo•InSIGHT, with more than 20,000 women, using its proprietary Automated Breast Ultrasound System (ABUS). U-Systems is responding to the clinical need for an automated breast ultrasound solution for screening women with dense breast tissue. The clinical study, entitled The somo•InSIGHT Study, will evaluate the sensitivity and specificity of X-Ray Mammography (XRM) and Automated Breast Ultrasound (ABUS) together, as compared to XRM alone, as a breast cancer screening method in women with greater than 50% parenchymal density.

Ron Ho, the President and CEO of U-Systems said, “We know that screening dense breasts with mammography alone is a challenging clinical problem today and we believe that the use of somo•v as an adjunct to mammography could assist the radiologist in the earlier detection of cancer for this large group of asymptomatic women. I am excited about the opportunity to significantly improve the early detection of breast disease with U-Systems’ advanced and proprietary technology.”

Rachel Brem, MD, Director of Breast Imaging and Interventional Center of George Washington University, will be the Principal Investigator for the study. Dr. Brem said, “It is the commitment of U-Systems to evaluate in a scientific and rigorous manner the potential of Automated Breast Ultrasound for screening low risk women with dense breasts.”

Published literature has shown improved early detection of breast cancer when ultrasound is used as an adjunct to mammography for women with dense breast tissue. However, an automated breast ultrasound system is needed to screen women with mammographically dense breasts and whose cancer may not be visible with mammography.

“We are initiating this multi-center study with our somo•v to address that population of women with dense breasts. This is an undertaking that U-Systems feels is vital in the battle to find cancers earlier and at a more curable stage,” said Bob Foley, U-System’s Vice President of Clinical Affairs. “We believe that the somo•InSIGHT Study will demonstrate that screening dense breasted patients with ABUS and XRM is more beneficial than XRM alone.”

Are you ready for the holiday season?  Are you looking to find gifts that will help your kids stay fit along with have fun?  Well, Time to Play , a multi-media resource for parents and caregivers, this past week announced the Top Toys to Keep Kids Active this holiday season. Compiled by renowned industry experts Jim Silver and Chris Byrne along with the Time to Play editorial staff, the list names the top 14 toys that allow kids to have fun and be active indoors. Found at TimetoPlayMag.com, the toys named to the list were created to keep kids active through various types of play – several of the toys to make the list work mind and body together.

“Today’s kids clock a lot of screen time - phones, TV, gaming - and parents often ask us how they can introduce activity into their child’s life without it being a chore,” said Jim Silver, editor in chief, Time to Play. “These toys are so much fun, kids won’t mind working up a little sweat!”

“You don’t want to force your kids to exercise but enjoy it naturally in the world of play - participating in something that they will have fun doing,” said Chris Byrne, A.K.A. The Toy Guy® and content director, Time to Play. “Toys that keep kids moving help encourage physical activity to become a healthy - and fun - habit, one that can last a lifetime.”

Already one of this season’s most highly trafficked family-friendly websites, TimetoPlayMag.com offers parents and gift givers information, entertainment, and services on what’s fun for children and their families. Its comprehensive content features hundreds of toy reviews and recommendations; hot toy lists and editors’ picks; a product/gift finder; informative and amusing blog entries from leading toy, family entertainment and parenting experts; seasonal stories; safety tips and recall information; daily giveaways of in demand toys and more.

A balanced diet and opportunities for regular physical activity are as important as ABCs and 123s for developing kids. There are many toys on the market that promote physical activity, here are the Time to Play editors’ picks for toys that let kids be active indoors, in order of preference:

1. Wii Fit

(Nintendo/Rated E for Everyone/Approx. Retail Price: $150.00)

Wii was the first gaming console that engaged more than just the fingers, and it really was the beginning of the active-play phenomenon for video games. With this breakthrough product it’s possible to get a legitimate workout while getting instant instruction, guidance, and feedback. The pressure-sensitive Wii Balance Board connects to the Wii unit. Put in the software and you’re ready to go. The board is used for an extensive array of fun and dynamic activities, including aerobics, yoga, muscle stretches, and games. Many of these activities focus towards providing a “core” workout, a currently popular exercise method that emphasizes slower, controlled motions. Family members will have fun staying active and talking about and comparing their results and progress on a new channel on the Wii Menu.

Why it made the list: This is one of the only active play items on the market that delivers real, focused workouts. It can be used by people of any age, and it provides instruction and motivation. Plus, you can track your progress and see real results over time with consistent use.

2. Smart Cycle

(Fisher-Price/Ages 3-6 years/Approx. Retail Price: $99.99)

The Fisher Price Smart Cycle combines video game learning play with physical activity. Designed for kids ages three to six, the Smart Cycle “physical learning arcade system” is an all-in-one stationary bike, video game, and educational tool. Plug it into the TV and then start pedaling. Challenges - both physical and cognitive - are age appropriate, engaging, and fun.

Why it made the list: This is a completely age-appropriate experience for kids. The graphics and software are engaging, and it’s easy for kids to pedal while they pay attention to what’s on the screen.

3. U-Dance - Hasbro

(Hasbro/Ages 8 years & up/Approx. Retail Price: $74.99)

U-Dance is a motion-based dance game that connects to the TV. The mat-free system reads the Motion Tags that slip over any shoes (or bare feet). Turn it on, and step into the fun. Players follow real dance moves as they watch their feet show up on the screen. Play at three levels of difficulty, and bop along to twelve classic and current dance hits.

Why it made the list: As an activity, dancing has never been hotter. This is the first really functional unit that doesn’t require a videogame console and is great for all ages.

4. Hyper Dash

(Wild Planet/Ages 6-12 years/Approx. Retail Price: $19.99)

The electronic game that’s as fast as you are, Hyper Dash lets you play solo, head-to-head, or in teams. Set the targets on the table, around the room, or outdoors, follow the announcer’s commands, and tag the targets with the handheld unit. The fastest time wins! Four game modes challenge your speed, skill, memory, coordination and teamwork. Music and the announcer’s voice drive the action. The game includes the ergonomically designed Hyper Dash unit and 5 targets.

Why it made the list: This game is all about getting kids running around. It’s enjoyable, silly, and customizable depending on the level of challenge you want. It doesn’t just exercise small bodies; it exercises the mind at the same time. Plus, it’s really fun.

5. Laugh and Learn Smart Bounce and Spin Pony

(Fisher-Price/Ages 12-36 months/Approx. Retail Price: $69.99)

This cheerful, brightly colored pony is ideal for little ones. It works like a bouncer that responds to baby’s every action. But there’s a lot more. Connect it wirelessly to the television and kids will find all kinds of age appropriate content that will engage little minds while setting the stage for learning and reinforcing things kids learn interacting with parents.

Why it made the list: This is great for toddlers who love to bounce. The unit works with or without the television, and it has appropriate levels of cognitive challenge.

6. Disney High School Musical “Got the Moves” Dance Mat

(Zizzle/Ages 5 years & up/Approx. Retail Price: $29.99)

With four of the most popular High School Musical songs, the Disney High School Musical “Got the Moves” Dance Mat lets you follow along with the lights on the console and master all three levels including Beginner, Pro, and Star!

Why it made the list: Well, it starts with High School Musical. Not only has it revitalized the musical as something cool, it’s made dance cooler than ever for boys and girls. Designed for young fans of the franchise, this mat gets kids moving to their favorite songs from this mega-hit.

7. Give Me Five Sports Station

(Fisher-Price/Ages 3-9 years/Approx. Retail Price: $149.99)

This large, easily-assembled unit has everything kids need to practice their skills in five different sports - baseball, football, soccer, basketball, and hockey - all without changing the basic set up. It comes with all the equipment and accessories needed to get future sports stars on track for their goals of tomorrow.

Why it made the list: This is an ideal sports toy for kids who love to participate but aren’t ready for real sports equipment yet. It lets them feel like big kids, but there’s plenty of challenge. It’s a great value because of the versatility, and it’s fun for older kids - or parents - to play along.

8. V-Motion

(VTech/Ages 3-7 years/Approx. Retail Price: $59.99)

V-Motion takes educational video gaming to a whole new level with a motion-activated gaming system that engages both active minds and bodies. V-Motion plugs directly into the TV to provide kids with a high-tech gaming experience using age-appropriate learning games and a motion-activated, intuitive wireless controller. V-Motion also includes the V.Link™ (USB drive) that connects kids to VTech’s secure online site to unlock bonus games and track their scores against other gamers.

Why it made the list: For kids who are fascinated by the Wii but may be too young to work it, this is the perfect solution. It provides a big-kid gaming experience, offers age-appropriate and fun learning, and keeps kids engaged.

9. ME2

(iToys/Ages 8-14 years/Approx. Retail Price: $29.99)

This new handheld and online gaming gadget teaches kids that exercise can be FUN! With the ME2, or “My Electronic Double,” create your own avatar to represent you in the virtual world and motivate you to be active. The avatar is powered by activity, and there’s built-in reinforcement and encouragement. The more a child is active, the more powerful his or her avatar becomes in the virtual world. Kids can earn points for their avatars by walking, running, biking, skateboarding, and more! Simply clip the ME2 to clothes or put it in your pocket to rack up points with every move.

Why it made the list: This is certainly innovative use of the online/offline play pattern that’s so popular right now. It also allows kids to participate in any activity in order to score points and build the strength of their avatars. It combines open-ended, self-directed play with a cool online world.

10. High School Musical 3 Senior Year Bundle with Dance Pad

(Disney Interactive/Rated E for Everyone/Approx. Retail Price: $49.99)

High School Musical 3: Senior Year DANCE! lets fans experience the energy, fun, and music of all three “High School Musical” movies. Players can dance to the beat of favorite “High School Musical” songs in familiar movie locations alongside their favorite characters. Featuring new music from the first theatrical release in the franchise, High School Musical 3: Senior Year DANCE! will keep the Wildcat fun moving. Players can unlock new songs, characters, clothing, and accessories.

Why it made the list: HSM, dancing, great music. It’s a complete High School Musical experience, and it provides an opportunity for social interaction with friends as well.

11. Step It Up Dance Mat

(Moose Mountain/Ages 5-10 years/Approx. Retail Price: $29.99)

Get a full workout with this fun set which includes an electronic trainer module, four different work-outs to choose from, pre-programmed tunes, special MP3 player feature, exercise ball, and step ramp. Work your legs, arms, and lower body while having fun. Follow along with the trainer as it calls out your exercise moves.

Why it made the list: This is real workout stuff at home. Easy to use and helps players achieve real results with consistent use. We love the MP3 feature that lets you customize the music to your workout.

12. Animal Scramble

(Wild Planet/Ages 3-6 years/Approx. Retail Price: $19.99)

Animal Scramble is the listen-and-learn game of animal tag. Set out the animals and listen to the giraffe call out friendly, encouraging clues. Which animal is green? Who says “roar?” Kids must scramble to the correct animal and tag it with the giraffe. This active learning game lets kids move, have fun, and build coordination as they learn colors, numbers, and animal sounds. Five levels of run-around fun, from easy to hard, allow this game to grow with your child.

Why it made the list: The whole point of the game is being active. Plus it works the whole child by assigning “challenges” to the activity. This is solid cognitive and physical learning for toddlers and preschoolers all in a fun, engaging game.

13. Candy Rock ‘N Bounce Pony

(Radio Flyer/Ages 9 months & up /Approx. Retail Price: $79.99)

The classic Radio Flyer Rock ‘N Bounce Pony received a makeover and now boasts a flashy design in pastel hues of pink and purple. This Toys”R”Us exclusive features a safety saddle to keep toddlers secure, which can be removed to accommodate an older child. The patented rubber bounce suspension provides a safe, quiet ride, while the soft fabric body can be removed for easy cleaning. Riders can also hold onto the easy grip handles for safe, fun riding.

Why it made the list: This is for the littlest kids and helps them get active. For kids of this age, simply bouncing can be very effective developmentally. The versatile design allows it to grow with the child, and provides a springboard for imaginative play.

14. Hannah Montana Dance Mat with DVD/Wig

(Creative Designs/Ages 5 years & up/Approx. Retail Price: $29.99)

Now your little girl can have the best of both worlds. With the Hannah Montana Dance Mat and Secret Celebrity instructional DVD, she can learn to dance and sing just like Hannah! Includes Hannah Montana wig and realistic, pretend, wireless headset microphone. She’ll feel just like a rock star as she swings her long blonde hair and performs her favorite Hannah Montana songs!

Why it made the list: This gives classic dress-up play an active twist. Little girls love pretending to be Hannah, and this item keeps bodies and imaginations active. The dances can be challenging for the youngest kids, but as they keep trying, they’ll learn some of the key elements of learning to dance: watch, understand, and repeat themselves. Terrific!

Airborne Mobile announced this week that Food Network Everyday Chef, the latest Food NetworkFood Network Everyday Chef allows consumers to tap into recipes and meal ideas from the famed Food Network, which is distributed to more than 98 million U.S. households and averages more than nine million unique users monthly at its Web site. subscription mobile application, is now available.

The new Food Network Everyday Chef mobile application is like having your own personal chef, whenever you want and wherever you are. In just a few easy clicks, you can browse a collection of more than a thousand trusted Food Network recipes, personalized to your eating habits. Select the recipes you want and plan out your meals for the week using the Weekly Planner. The handy Grocery List feature totals up everything you need to buy, whether for the whole week’s worth of recipes or just for tonight’s. It’s never been easier or faster to eat well on the go!

The Food Network Everyday Chef was selected as a finalist in the “Best Handset Application” category for the global 2008 Mobile Content Awards.

“We are really excited about the release of the Food Network Everyday Chef,” said Andy Nulman, President and CMO, at Airborne Mobile. “Food Network has helped make cooking today a cultural phenomenon. The Food Network Everyday Chef application is perfect for culinary fans, people who are trying to eat a little healthier, or for today’s busy person on the go. It’s your personal chef, your menu for the week and your consolidated grocery list all in one. It does everything but actually cook for you.”

“How many times have you stopped at the store but you don’t have a print up of the recipe you want to make with you because it is in your other purse or on the counter at home?” asks Deanna Brown, President of the Interactive Group at Scripps Networks, parent company of Food Network. “Now with Food Network Everyday Chef, just in time for the busy holiday season, it is no problem. The interface is friendly and the search is very strong; so by purchasing or subscribing to this mobile application straight from the phone, you have access to recipes from FoodNetwork.com. Being where consumers need us, when they need us, such as through this mobile application, is key to our strategy for continued success and leadership in the food category.”

Consumer confidence in the overall economy increased slightly in November following a record low October level, according to figures released today by the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) and CNET. The CEA-CNET Indexes also showed consumers are slightly more likely to spend on consumer electronics (CE) and technology products.  The CEA-CNET Index of Consumer Expectations (ICE) reached 170.0 in November, an increase of 6.3 points from last month. The ICE, which measures consumers’ confidence in the overall economy, reached the 170 mark for only the second time since February but remains below the level reached last November.

“Consumers are feeling slightly more confident that the economy will improve in the months ahead, although much uncertainty remains,” said Shawn DuBravac, CEA’s economist. “The additional stimulus from gas prices moving back down nearly two dollars a gallon and a new administration set to take office has consumers more positive about the direction of the economy over the next 12 months. Holding back consumer confidence, however, is concern over the employment outlook as consumers continue to worry about jobs.”

Consumer confidence in Consumer Electronic (CE) and technology also climbed in November. The CEA-CNET Index of Consumer Technology Expectations (ICTE), which measures consumers’ confidence in consumer electronics and technology, rose 11 percent, reaching 84.2, the third highest month since December 2007. Although the ICTE increased eight points in November, it is still about five points lower than this time last year.

“Our tech index has moved off its lows and shows that consumers do look ready to buy more consumer electronics in the weeks ahead, which is good news. However, consumers are tentative to spend and will purchase CE products at a much slower rate than last year’s double digit holiday growth,” said DuBravac. “It remains a challenging environment for both manufacturers and retailers but significant interest in technology remains with 79 percent of U.S. adults wanting to receive a technology product this holiday season.”