Oprah May Benefit From Growing Organic Crops

By Rob Sutter

When an action receives support from someone famous in the media, it seems like it receives a great boost. Growing organic crops has become one such action recently and a certain big name is making sure that this happens. I don't think that anyone needs an introduction to Oprah Winfrey, so I will leave all of the formalities to the side. It's apparent that she has stepped foot into the area of farming and now I'm curious as to what the results of this will be.

It seems like Oprah has decided to try her hand at growing organic crops and it's possible that it couldn't be done without the work done on her farm in Maui. As a result, she has the means to go about it from an agriculture standpoint but she made certain that all of the legal initiatives were taken as well. This was seen due to her registration of the titles "Oprah's Organics" and "Oprah's Harvest." I don't think that networks the likes of Colle Farmers Market can deny the impact of this potential action.

Oprah has seemingly always had a charitable nature about her and I think you can see this through how she managed the farm in the past. There was a time when she simply gave away the vegetables and the movement seemed to grow in terms of popularity. Bob Greene, a fitness expert and close friend of Oprah's, said that this will change in due time. It's the kind of endeavor which can produce a number of profits but I have my concerns about this business venture of hers.

In order for this to be the most effective venture Oprah's has gone on, she has to make sure that the crops are sold at affordable prices. It was recently reported that Prince Charles of Wales had to close down his own market because the prices were ones that not many people could have afforded. Business cannot happen if the revenue doesn't come in. If Oprah can keep this aspect in mind, she can certainly bring her farm into a much more profitable future.

Oprah, in theory, can do a great deal when it comes to growing organic crops and creating a marketplace that anyone would be able to invest in. Keep in mind that she is a person of power in the world and her name is known by just about everyone. One would imagine that she'd be able to utilize a number of resources so that this could be more of a guaranteed success. If she manages to price items well and manage the marketplace in question accordingly, I don't think she'll encounter many issues.

About the Author:

Visit Colle Farmers Market if you're searching for more information about farming organically.

Menu 19 Updates for March 2011 May 2011

A lot of interesting news was made over the past few months that I posted online. This update covers the period from March through May of 2011, including extensive coverage of developments from the recent ARVO Meeting held the beginning of May, and several other items.

I would like to start with my coverage of developments announced either just prior to or during the ARVO Meeting.

ARVO Highlights – Synopses and Links:

I have posted several items to my online Journal, based on what I learned was presented at ARVO 2011. Here are a few short briefs of what I’ve put online, along with the links to each posting.

CATT Study Updates

CATT Study Update 13: A First Peek (April 27, 2011)

The day prior to the release of the NEJM writeup about the CATT Study results, Andrew Pollack of the NY Times broke the story after speaking with two of the researchers involved in the study (and who presumably had access to the study results), Pollack basically said that the study will be interpreted in many ways, as some complicating factors may indicate that Lucentis is safer to use than Avastin, but essentially the two drugs showed equivalent results.

CATT Study Update 14: One-Year Study Results Show Equivalency Between Avastin and Lucentis (April 28, 2011)

Probably the biggest news from this year’s ARVO Meeting was the presentation of results of the one-year results of the CATT Study, along with its publication in the NEJM.

In this posting I summarized the results from the NEJM that showed equivalency of Avastin and Lucentis, but with the latter having a 40x larger price tag.

CATT Update 15: Preliminary Two-Year Safety Data Presented at ARVO (May 3, 2011)

During the presentation at ARVO, the study co-authors presented on some of the preliminary safety data that they had collected, but not yet published. This was, perhaps, to refute the charges made by Genentech later in the week that a retrospective study that they had had conducted by a researcher from Johns Hopkins showed that Lucentis was apparently safer than Avastin (surprise!). In the data presented by Drs. Martin and McGovern, there were no major differences in safety.


Other Updates Announced During ARVO:

Iluvien Sustained Release for Treating Diabetic Macula Edema

Iluvien Update 2: New Safety and Efficacy Data Presented at ARVO (May 6, 2011)

Alimera presented on a subset of their FAME Study using Iluvien to treat DME. In this study, the subset data showed that 34% of patients treated with the low dosage of Iluvien that had had DME for three or more years before treatment, gained three lines of vision after therapy.

This subset of data will be provided to the FDA in response to the CRL letter issued by the FDA in December 2010, in response to the New Drug Application filed last summer.


New Results on 2RT for Treating Dry AMD
 

Ellex 2RT Updated Clinical Results: ARVO 2011 (May 7, 2011)

I have been closely following the exciting news about the Ellex 2RT laser treatment for stopping the progression of dry AMD. Based on the 12-month data presented at ARVO, it appears that we may have a non-invasive treatment that might be able to stop dry AMD in its tracks and prevent the progression into the vision-losing forms of this disease.


And, the Rest of the Recent Postings:

The Development of Femtosecond Lasers for Cataract Surgery (March 27, 2011)

Several years ago, I wrote about my history with intrastromal lasers. That became “Intrastromal Ablation: A Technology Whose Time Has Come?” In that article, I wrote about Automated Laser Systems; its successor, Phoenix Laser Systems; another company working on ISA at the time, Intelligent Surgical Lasers; and, finally, the followup of ISL’s work with picosecond lasers that became the laser development work done at the University of Michigan’s Ultrafast Laser Center, that spawned IntraLase, and its femtosecond (FS) laser.

That is where my history of the development of femtosecond lasers stopped – although I did mention the FS lasers were being developed by Technolas Perfect Vision. Carl Zeiss Meditec, and Ziemer Ophthalmic Systems, and the then startup LenSx, begun by former Intralase founders. In addition, I also wrote about the work being done by Dr. Luis Ruiz, using the Technolas FS laser in treating presbyopia.

Then, recently, Stephen Daily, news editor for CRST, wrote about what happened to the FS laser companies in the several years after my story. His story, “The Origins of Laser Cataract Surgery: Three companies' pathways from development to commercialization” picks up where my story ended.

A Golden Retriever Named Trevor and Retinitis Pigmentosa (April 6, 2011)

Katie McCormick recently learned about a genetic defect in her dog that has its counterpart in humans. The dog defect,  photo receptor cone disease (prcd), associated with progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) is genetically similar to retinitis pigmentosa (RP) in humans. There is extensive research being done on RP, but little on PRA in dogs.

To read about Trevor, a golden retriever diagnosed with PRA as a puppy, and its owners search for a cure, perhaps due to RP research, please see my writeup about Trevor.


Drug Eluting Device Slows Vision Loss in Geographic Atrophy Brought on by Dry AMD

AMD Update 14: Neurotech Pharmaceuticals NT-501 Implant Shown to Slow Vision Loss in Patients with Geographical Atrophy Associated with Dry AMD (April 8, 2011)

A new study, recently published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS) shows that a potential treatment for the advanced stage of dry AMD, geographic atrophy (GA), can be used to slow vision loss in this blinding condition that affects more than a million people.

Neurotech Pharmaceuticals’ NT-501 drug eluting device can be placed in the vitreous of those suffering from GA and will deliver a neuroprotective agent, ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF), for up to a year and should result in preservation of vision. NT-501 is not yet FDA approved, as further testing will be required before marketing can occur.


Some Further Updates:
Iluvien Update 3: Alimera Files Resubmission for Approval of Iluvien (May 13, 2011)

Alimera Sciences Inc. filed a resubmission of its New Drug Application (NDA) for the use of Iluvien in treating diabetic macular edema (DME). This resubmission addresses the questions raised in the Complete Response Letter (CRL) received in December 2010. (See Iluvien Update: FDA Marketing Approval Delayed)


Stem Cells in Ophthalmology Update 7: Research Studies with Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells Suggest Opposite Results (May 15, 2011)

Two research studies were recently published about the use of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) in treating retinal problems, but with opposing results.

In one study, published in Nature, Dr.Yang Xu and his colleagues at the University of California, San Diego, found that iPSCs made from mouse skin cells were rejected by genetically identical mice. (Similar studies with iPSCs, also published in Nature earlier this year, also showed problems, including genetic and epigenectic abnormalities. See Stem Cells in Ophthalmology Update 5: Gene Defects Common in Induced Stem Cells.)

In the second study, Dr. Budd Tucker and his colleagues at the Schepens Eye Research Institute used iPSCs derived from skin to regenerate large areas of damaged retinas and improve visual function in specially  grown degenerative mice. This study was just published in PloS ONE.


Avedro Update: Company Completes U.S. Phase III Study of Microwave Treatment for Progressive  Keratoconus and Ectasia after Refractive Surgery (May 18, 2011)

I have been following the progress of Avedro since I first learned about the formation of the company back in May 2009 (The Rebirth of Thermal Keratoplasty). I then wrote about the company a second time in February 2010 (Avedro Keraflex: Microwaves for Reshaping the Cornea).

Now the company has announced completion of the one-year follow up visits of patients enrolled in its two multi-center Phase III clinical studies, although, not releasing the data as yet, which is undergoing timely analysis.
Oraya IRay Update: Company Completes Enrollment in European Clinical Trial (May 25, 2011)

Since first writing about this company in November 2009 (Oraya IRay In-office Stereotactic X-ray Treatment for AMD: A First Report), I have been following its progress. As I wrote back then, its Phase III Clinical Trial, which planned to enroll approximately 450 patients at 15-20 sites in both the U.S. and Europe, was expected to initiate in mid-2010.

In January, 2010, I learned that the groundbreaking clinical trial, being conducted at seven European sites, and to include a minimum of 150 patients, with approximately one third of those receiving a sham exposure and the remainder receiving radiation dosing of either 16 or 24 Gray (GY), had been initiated.

Now the company has announced that it has completed enrollment in the European arm of the study, as reported in this update. I also asked company officials about the U.S. study arm and the company has responded with some information.


And, Finally, the Completion of my Trilogy About the Discovery of Avastin:

Avastin/Lucentis Update 46: Avastin — The Rest of the Story (April 18, 2011)

Early in April, I came across an important missing piece in the story behind the decision to try Avastin in the treatment of wet AMD. I learned of a story that had been written in November 2006 about how and why Dr. Phil Rosenfeld decided to try Avastin on his patients. I have posted this tidbit as, Avastin/Lucentis Update 46: Avastin — The Rest of the Story. I hope you enjoy this piece of history that might have changed the way that wet AMD is treated forever.

Injured Athletes May Find Treatments At A Chiropractic Practice Inman Park Are Their Best Choice

By Leticia Jensen

Because people who are involved in athletic competitions and other types of events continually are pushing their bodies to do better, it is not surprising they frequently sustain injuries and issues with pain. While there are numerous of medications to help in dealing with these situations, many times an athlete may prefer a more natural type of treatment such as can be obtained from a Chiropractic Practice Inman Park.

When athletes are competing are preparing for an event, they generally will need to push themselves much harder than they normally do. While this can be helpful in their competitions, often it can result in painful conditions in the body. While a medical doctor can provide pain medications or other types of drugs to help dealing with the pain being experienced, many athletes may find this is only a temporary fix to their problems.

To really correct these type of painful conditions, the injured area must be manipulated so the soreness and tightness can be removed form the muscles and the tissues. An experienced chiropractor in Atlanta, GA, will generally understand the problem and will know how to treat the problem area.

Reducing the tightness in an area is beneficial because it allows the patient's range of motion to be increased. This is essential as it will allow the patient to continue moving the area so it becomes stronger and can heal itself. In addition, it will allow them to get back to training in a much faster timeframe.

Chiropractors also will work with the patient to make sure their spine and other musculoskeletal structures are in proper alignment. This will often enable the body to work at healing itself. The body has great healing properties, but it must be in proper alignment to accomplish these processes.

A chiropractor uses many techniques to help a person who is dealing with pain and tightness. However, the most important treatment they offer is by manual manipulation of the muscles and tissues. This is primarily accomplished by the use of their hands. While these treatments are generally calm and smooth, there are times when a join may be out of proper place and the chiropractor may need to use force to shift it back into alignment.

While a chiropractor can be of significant benefit to their patients, often their treatments must be carried out over a period of time. This is because they work in a gradual manner to help the patient achieve long-lasting results. For athletes or anyone who does not wish to take pain medications, this type of natural care can be a great choice both for any issues they are currently dealing with and in helping to prevent further problems.

By seeing a chiropractor for help with an injury or other painful condition, often an athlete may be able to avoid needing medications or surgery to repair the problem. This is a great advantage as some medications can limit a person's ability to compete in certain types of competitions. Having surgery will generally cause the athlete to be sidelined for a period of time while they heal. However, if chiropractic treatments can be used instead, the athlete will generally be able to get back to their normal training regimen much sooner.

About the Author:

You can visit www.anyspine.com for more helpful information about Injured Athletes May Find Treatments At A Chiropractic Practice Inman Park Are Their Best Choice.

You May Have Weight Damage Success Try These Tips

Every individual has their own ideas and opinions of what a good, healthy weight-loss program must be. You may end up so caught up in the flood of available data that you may not know which strategy to use. Below you'll find some reasonable weight-loss tips that can help.

A smart way to lose weight is to listen to music if you are doing cardio. Doing cardio can be extremely dull and boring without anything to keep you. Whenever you listen to music, you'll stop checking the timer every few minutes, and you'll be more likely to put more time in.

When embarking on a weight-loss journey, particularly an important one, set multiple little objectives in place of focusing on the main target. It is a whole lot more challenging to take into account losing 50 pounds in a few months than it's to concentrate on losing 10 pounds in one month. By choosing the smaller goal, in a few months you will have lost 60 pounds instead of 50.

To stick to your weight-loss goal quicker, allow others you need their help to keep your goal. Sometimes nearest and dearest can destroy your plans without meaning to by giving you fatty meals, if they're perhaps not nicely reminded by you. It can be tough to say no whenever your partner or friend holds up a plate of ice cream and asks if you want some.

It is important to show patience with yourself when you are wanting to slim down. Rushing weight reduction and engaging in accident diets generally doesn't result in permanent effects. Think of why you wish to lose weight, how much you'd like to lose, and create achievable goals to work at. Should you make a mistake, don't stop trying! Just start fresh another day.

Be searching for sugars and sweeteners when arranging an eating plan for weight-loss. The normal sugars that occur in foods like good fresh fruit really are a far cry in the synthetic compounds used to enhance prepared foods. Examine materials carefully and remain conscious that artificial sweeteners can arrive in unlikely places. Even foods that do not taste sweet could be packed with sugar and its synthetic compatriots.

A good idea that can help you keep weight down for good is to reexamine your relationship with food. Plenty of people people who are overweight have a tendency to eat being an emotional response. They will eat when they are depressed or anxious. If you're able to learn better methods to cope, you'll be more likely to achieve your fat loss goals.

You can add more vitamins and nutrients into your daily diet, by juicing at home. Purchase a home juicer (it can not have to be costly) and try making yourself a brand new glass of juice each morning. Test out various combinations that you like and you'll have more energy and have a immune system to boot.

If you're really craving something, don't deny yourself the easy pleasures of food. Take a bite or two, but try to remain in moderation. If you deny yourself goodies, you will end up mentally hurting yourself and worrying about this to your friends who'll resent it.

Drinking a of milk before eating a meal is just a good way to help slim down. A glass of milk can provide a sense of fullness that might help you to eat less throughout the meal. Moreover, milk is high in calcium; this can help with solid bones and muscles.

About the Author:By John Taylor

The first faltering step to shedding away pounds of fat is to know how to slim down. Knowing how to lose weight, then losing weight is as simple as carrying out a few principles to live by. Hopefully, the methods you've learned using this site have helped you learn how to lose weight.