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Weight Loss Procedure Hits a Nerve -- Literally



Weight Loss Procedure Hits a Nerve -- Literally (382)
(NewsUSA) - If you are one of the millions of Americans that have a body mass index (BMI) of 35 to 45, you may have thought about bariatric surgery to lose weight. The problem is that while it works, it's invasive and there can be significant long-term side effects. So much so that only a fraction of those who are obese consider a surgical option.
Now, however, the future of weight loss may just lie in a first-of-its-kind, pacemaker-like device that reduces hunger and leads to prolonged fullness without altering or restricting the anatomy. The way it works is this: the vagus nerve is the communicator between the brain and the stomach. If interrupted, the stomach tells the brain it's full sooner. Thus, patients eat less and feel full, allowing for safe, sustained weight loss.
Approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in January 2015, it was the first weight-loss device to be available to patients in over a decade.
"Obesity is a global epidemic with consequences to both public and personal health," said Sajani Shah, MD, and Bariatric Surgeon, Tufts Medical Center. "From diet and exercise to bypass surgery, existing treatment options have failed to stop the advance of this disease."
Created by St. Paul-based EnteroMedics, vBloc Neurometabolic Therapy is implanted in a minimally invasive outpatient procedure and allows patients to eat a normal, healthy diet without food restrictions.
"With this new weight-loss option, what's really important to understand is that it's less invasive, less complex and there are absolutely no restrictions to what you can eat," said Shah. "Patients like that it's reversible, they have more control over their hunger and they have more control over how fast they lose weight. They are able to go back to work within days, and it's outpatient surgery," she said.
For Erica Roy, who received her vBloc device over 18 months ago, the results speak for themselves. Down 45 pounds, Roy said she couldn't be happier.
"What is amazing to me about this device is that it doesn't just affect me physically, it works on helping me address my relationship with food," she said.
Roy said the device caters to that group of people who feel gastric surgeries like lap band or bypass are too extreme.
For more information, please call 1-800-MyvBloc or visit www.vbloc.com.

Modern-Day Party Do's and Don'ts


Modern-Day Party Do's and Don'ts (446)
(NewsUSA) - It starts when you receive the invitation in the mail -- either your computer's Inbox or the one that your junk mail gets delivered to.
That complex social conundrum of being asked to a party.
Do you bring wine or beer? Is wine too pretentious? There's always craft beer, or is that elitist? And what to wear? Is it a casual gathering or a dinner party where at least a sport coat is needed? Is it acceptable to add a plus-one, since you just started dating the potential man or woman of your dreams?
While modern-day society may no longer follow the social dictates of Emily Post's rules of etiquette, there's nothing like a soiree to throw many of us into an internal tailspin.
To help navigate the often frustratingly opaque rules of attending a party, be it cocktail, dinner or a child's birthday, the following tips can help:
* Call to RSVP. The French may not have the corner on manners, but they do know that RSVP means respondez s'il vous plait, or please reply. This is essential for the host to get an accurate headcount and not responding is considered rude and inconsiderate.
* Decode the dress code. Is it a formal affair in which tuxes and dresses are appropriate, or a more casual, anything goes party? If you're unsure, it's never inappropriate to ask the hostess.
* Go dateless. Unless specifically stated, it is considered rude to bring an uninvited guest or to ask if you can bring a plus-one. If you can bring a date, remember to RSVP for them, or conversely, if you accepted for your guest and plans change, let the host know that as well.
* Hold your liquor. While you may want to imbibe all the free-flowing alcohol, avoid drinking to excess. Nothing is more disrespectful and uncomfortable than a drunk party guest, particularly at more upscale affairs.
* Take what you need to feel comfortable. For some that's a small bottle of aspirin to ward off a headache, a pair of more comfortable shoes discreetly hidden in the folds of a coat, an embroidered handkerchief rather than bulky tissue, or if you're a smokeless tobacco user, something other than a spit cup or bottle. Smokeless tobacco accessories, such as the portable spittoon created by Atlanta-based FLASR, will help you avoid the uncomfortable (not to mention sometimes messy) aspects of enjoying your snuff, dip or chew while at a party. The new 4-ounce FLASR pocket-sized spittoon is designed to al-low users to open and shut it with just one hand, making it an ideal solution for users to enjoy smokeless tobacco unobtrusively and discreetly without unwanted attention.
For more information, please visit www.flasr.com.

Love Your Gums to Safeguard Your Smile


Love Your Gums to Safeguard Your Smile (438)
(NewsUSA) - Are you attracted to a dazzling smile? Approximately one-third of American adults report first noticing a smile when meeting someone they find attractive. However, poor oral hygiene can harm not only your smile, but your overall health.
TV's Bachelorette Trista Sutter knows the importance of making a good first impression, and she is partnering with the American Academy of Periodontology (AAP) in a public awareness campaign about the importance of healthy gums.
"I believe in being grateful for -- and loving -- what we have, and the gums we are given are the gums we have for life," Sutter says in a statement. "I personally have always tried to take good care of my teeth. But, like many people, I didn't know I should be doing more to take care of my gums. This is why I believe the AAP's campaign to Love The Gums You're With is so important; everyone should understand the importance of keeping their gums healthy."
Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is surprisingly common; it occurs in half of American adults aged 30 years and older. The condition, caused when bacteria in plaque form below the gum line, can lead to swelling, irritation, and possibly receding gums and tooth loss.
Gum disease may impact more than just your smile. Symptoms such as red, swollen gums and bad breath may be signs of a person's health beyond his or her mouth, as gum disease has been linked to diabetes, cardiovascular disease, Alzheimer's disease and even cancer. Not only can gum disease affect your overall health, it can affect your personal life, too. According to a new survey by Harris Poll, 60 percent of American adults who have a partner said their partner's oral health has an effect on intimacy.
The AAP recommends brushing at least twice a day, flossing once a day and receiving an annual comprehensive periodontal evaluation to help prevent gum disease. It's is treatable, and, in many cases, reversible with the right care. If you suspect you may be at risk for gum disease, you should talk to a periodontist about your gum health. A periodontist is a dentist who specializes in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of diseases affecting the gums and can provide a personalized treatment plan.
Visit www.perio.org to find a periodontist in your area and check out the AAP's Facebook page at bit.ly/loveyourgums or @PerioNews on Twitter for tips and resources, including some fun educational information and a message from Sutter about the importance of gum health.
Sutter adds, "Your gums will be grateful for the extra attention."


Florida Resort Gives the Golf Getaway a Makeover


Florida Resort Gives the Golf Getaway a Makeover (338)
(NewsUSA) - The traditional golf resort is going through a major transformation.
While golf is still at the core, the newest properties increasingly offer activities and immersive experiences that appeal to golfers and non-golfers alike -- changing the way guests view and book their getaways. Central Florida's Streamsong Resort is one of the destinations on the forefront of this trend.
Set on 16,000 acres, Streamsong emerged on the site of a former phosphate mine. With towering sand dunes and extreme elevation changes, its land is more reminiscent of Scotland than central Florida. In just a few years, its two intersecting golf courses -- Streamsong Red and Streamsong Blue -- have earned a place on some of the industry's most prestigious rankings, including GOLF Magazine's Top 100 Courses You Can Play in the U.S. A third course, Streamsong Black, will open in late 2017.
"Today's golfer wants a broader experience," said Richard Mogensen, Streamsong's general manager. "Streamsong is designed with this guest in mind."
Beyond its two golf courses, the resort features many options to enjoy the outdoors or just relax. Home to some of the best bass fishing in the United States, Streamsong offers guided catch-and-release fishing expeditions on its prolific lakes. The picturesque sporting clays course, located 10 minutes from the lodge but still on property, is the perfect spot for beginners to learn and pros to refine their shots with guidance from certified instructors. The grotto-style AcquaPietra Spa, infinity lakeside pool, nature trail and tennis courts provide additional opportunities to unwind and enjoy the setting. Dining options, like the award-winning contemporary Italian restaurant SottoTerra, tempt the palate with fresh, innovative fare in spectacular settings.
Streamsong even looks different from the traditional golf resort. Its modern 216-room lodge and intimate 12-room clubhouse have captured architectural accolades for their design, which pays homage to the property's surroundings.
"Golf is absolutely in our DNA, but our eye is also always on delivering that complete experience," Mogensen said.
For more information, visit www.streamsongresort.com or call 1-863-428-1000.

Modern-Day Party Do's and Don'ts



Modern-Day Party Do's and Don'ts (446)
(NewsUSA) - It starts when you receive the invitation in the mail -- either your computer's Inbox or the one that your junk mail gets delivered to.
That complex social conundrum of being asked to a party.
Do you bring wine or beer? Is wine too pretentious? There's always craft beer, or is that elitist? And what to wear? Is it a casual gathering or a dinner party where at least a sport coat is needed? Is it acceptable to add a plus-one, since you just started dating the potential man or woman of your dreams?
While modern-day society may no longer follow the social dictates of Emily Post's rules of etiquette, there's nothing like a soiree to throw many of us into an internal tailspin.
To help navigate the often frustratingly opaque rules of attending a party, be it cocktail, dinner or a child's birthday, the following tips can help:
* Call to RSVP. The French may not have the corner on manners, but they do know that RSVP means respondez s'il vous plait, or please reply. This is essential for the host to get an accurate headcount and not responding is considered rude and inconsiderate.
* Decode the dress code. Is it a formal affair in which tuxes and dresses are appropriate, or a more casual, anything goes party? If you're unsure, it's never inappropriate to ask the hostess.
* Go dateless. Unless specifically stated, it is considered rude to bring an uninvited guest or to ask if you can bring a plus-one. If you can bring a date, remember to RSVP for them, or conversely, if you accepted for your guest and plans change, let the host know that as well.
* Hold your liquor. While you may want to imbibe all the free-flowing alcohol, avoid drinking to excess. Nothing is more disrespectful and uncomfortable than a drunk party guest, particularly at more upscale affairs.
* Take what you need to feel comfortable. For some that's a small bottle of aspirin to ward off a headache, a pair of more comfortable shoes discreetly hidden in the folds of a coat, an embroidered handkerchief rather than bulky tissue, or if you're a smokeless tobacco user, something other than a spit cup or bottle. Smokeless tobacco accessories, such as the portable spittoon created by Atlanta-based FLASR, will help you avoid the uncomfortable (not to mention sometimes messy) aspects of enjoying your snuff, dip or chew while at a party. The new 4-ounce FLASR pocket-sized spittoon is designed to al-low users to open and shut it with just one hand, making it an ideal solution for users to enjoy smokeless tobacco unobtrusively and discreetly without unwanted attention.
For more information, please visit www.flasr.com.

Film Industry Struggles to Hold Steady on Shaky Ground

 

Film Industry Struggles to Hold Steady on Shaky Ground (360)
(NewsUSA) - Most associate the movie industry with red carpets and multi-million dollar paychecks. But in reality, few industry workers see large paychecks or even have full-time employment.
Major and independent studios know that they will lose money on 80 percent of the films produced. According to the Motion Picture Association of America, in 2007, the average studio movie cost $106.7 million dollars to produce and distribute, the average studio-related independent movie $74.9 million. As a result, films must generate astronomically high revenues just to break even.
Major studios rely on the "Tent Pole System," whereby the profits from one or two hits hopefully pay for all the losses. The result is that even with worldwide revenues exceeding $50 billion dollars, investors lose billions of dollars, studios teeter on the brink, independents fail at an alarming rate and survivors struggle to cover their operating budgets.
Despite the amount of money being generated and spent, those making the movies bear the brunt of the studio's faulty financial structure. For the majority of those working on films, full-time employment does not exist. A crew member typically works on one film and then becomes unemployed while searching for another job.
With the increasing globalization of the film industry, runaway production and tough economic times, even for an industry normally considered recession-proof, rampant unemployment is the norm, affecting not only Hollywood, but also the economy at large. Now, some companies are looking to revolutionize the studio structure. One of those companies, Camelot Entertainment Group, incorporates the best of the old studio system with the technology and opportunity of the 21st century.
"We can provide workforce development, full-time employment and financial transparency while delivering profitable films," says company chairman Robert Atwell. "We can create opportunities where the creative teams can unleash their talent while providing a platform for sustained economic growth. We just need to use the opportunities and tools available to change the way movies are put together, which will set the stage for Hollywood to become the dream factory for all involved, not just for the few at the top."
For more information, visit www.camelotfilms.com.

Budget-Friendly Gifts Made at Home


Budget-Friendly Gifts Made at Home (333)
(NewsUSA) - With prices on the rise, gift-giving might seem too expensive for many Americans. But there's no reason to skimp on birthdays or stop surprising loved ones with spontaneous little-somethings. With a little creativity and some craft supplies, you can create economical, pleasing gifts for anyone, no matter the occasion.
Cathie Filian and Steve Piacenza (www.cathieandsteve.com), Emmy-nominated lifestyle hosts of the popular shows Creative Juice and Witch Crafts on the HGTV and DIY networks, have recently teamed up with Plaid Enterprises, Inc., a leading craft manufacturer. Together, they offer these creative and fun craft ideas which can be made from recycled materials around the house:
- Monogrammed box. Take an old wooden cigar box, use acrylic paints and Mod Podge, an all-in-one glue and sealer, which can be found at www.plaidonline.com/news, to create a personalized holder for precious keepsakes.
- Make your own cards. Instead of buying cards for your co-workers, use recycled materials to make your own. You can use Mod Podge to attach fabric or paper cut-outs to card stock for a personalized greeting.
- Decoupage picture frames. A nice photograph in a homemade frame always makes for a heartfelt gift. Using colorful scraps of paper or gift wrap and acrylic paint, turn a generic, thrift-store frame into a personalized gift that brings up good memories.
- Vintage postcard mini lamp. Find a small, old lamp with a paper shade. Create a template from its original shade and, using decorative paper, cut out your template. Apply the cutout to the original lampshade using Mod Podge. After it has dried, fasten your postcards or paper images to the shade in overlapping fashion.
- Denim wine bag. Use the leg from an old pair of jeans to make a wine bag. Embellish it with FolkArt Fabric paint for a personal touch. Give it to a hostess, complete with a bottle of wine, and you are sure to make an impression.
For additional craft tips and gift ideas or to find the latest crafting supplies, visit www.plaidonline.com/news.

Home Projects Becoming Real Entertainment


Home Projects Becoming Real Entertainment (299)
(NewsUSA) - As the recession tightens pocketbooks, Americans will begin to look for inexpensive entertainment at home. Movie ticket sales are down, DVD rentals and TV viewership are up. Libraries are enjoying increased popularity, and many people are now viewing home improvement as a form of entertainment.
Many homeowners are being drawn to landscaping, not only to improve their homes' aesthetics, but also to engage in a rewarding activity that boosts property values and creates entertainment space. With some savvy plant choices and a few accessories, Americans can turn their lawns into outdoor theaters, camping grounds or picturesque picnic spots. Outdoor grilling baskets, marshmallow forks and a firepit allow for parties and at-home camping.
Garden Artisans, a Web site that specializes in distinctive and high-quality handcrafted products, offers many ideas for creating outdoor entertaining spaces. Larger structural items, like wall trellises, can form sequestered areas for private dining or gardening. Planters, landscape lighting, ponds and outdoor sculptures can create peaceful walkways. Outdoor candle holders and windchimes can set a whimsical or romantic mood.
But gardening does more than beautify your yard -- it carries real health benefits. Gardening is a low-impact physical activity. Just a half-hour of gardening three times a week can improve health and fitness levels dramatically, and some studies suggest that working in nature decreases stress levels and improves mental clarity.
As food becomes less affordable, many families will turn to gardening to grow fresh fruits and vegetables at costs well below supermarket prices. Even a few tomato, pepper and zucchini plants can help families enjoy fresh produce through the summer. One organic pepper can cost $2.00 or more at a grocery store. For the same price, home gardeners can purchase a whole package of seeds.
For more information about landscaping or starting a garden, visit www.gardenartisans.us.

Getting Your Wiggle Back


Getting Your Wiggle Back (177)
(NewsUSA) - He's the original "Blue Wiggle," which probably makes him about the last man on earth you'd think ever suffered from clinical depression.
But that's exactly what Anthony Field, founder and co-star of the popular children's musical group The Wiggles, says was at the root of a slew of health problems that lasted years, and -- parents, brace yourselves -- threatened to end his wiggling for good.
"I was troubled by chronic back and neck pain, as well as a string of digestive and food sensitivity issues that extenuated my general ill health, fueled by clinical depression, to the point that I could no longer continue," he says.
It's what turned things around, though, that's perhaps even more surprising.
"Chiropractic care saved my career," Field proclaims.
In fact, his new book, "How I Got My Wiggle Back," describes how a certain chiropractor helped him morph from an overweight, pain-racked mess into the muscled Adonis he is today. "His turnaround has been inspirational," says Kent S. Greenawalt, chairman of the not-for-profit Foundation for Chiropractic Progress.
For more information, visit www.yes2chiropractic.com.


Film Industry Will Thrive With E-Distribution, According to Analysts


Film Industry Will Thrive With E-Distribution, According to Analysts (317)
(NewsUSA) - From backroom meetings in Hollywood to studio lots in Burbank, distribution has been the buzzword for entertainment executives.
Although it has been a long time coming, digital distribution -- the downloading and streaming of movies and television shows to consumers' computers, Internet-enabled televisions and mobile devices -- film executives have turned a somewhat blind eye to the phenom.
And this, says Peter Hoffman, CEO of Los Angeles-based Seven Arts Pictures, may be Hollywood's biggest downfall, if not undoing.
"Whether studios like it or not, consumers would now much rather stream their movies to their electronic devices than rent a DVD," said Hoffman. "We have strategically positioned Seven Arts Entertainment, both in terms of motion pictures and musical content, to deliver entertainment directly to consumers," he added.
Bolstering Hoffman's assessment of the industry is a report released last year by accounting giant PwC, which remains bullish about growth in the film industry, projecting that electronic delivery of movies by various entities such as Apple and Netflix will grow from $4.8 billion last year to $7.6 billion in 2015.
One has only to point to Microsoft as the epitome of a company that has used technology to its advantage -- and profited from it.
Even as music companies were battling piracy issues in court in the late 1990s and early 2000, Apple began slowly amassing an overwhelming presence in the digital music market via iTunes -- and movie executives should use that as a teachable moment, said Hoffman.
"The film industry needs to take note of the lessons learned by the music industry and try to foster cross-platform competition, instead of focusing on one channel of distribution," he said.
While some in Hollywood are still wrapping their heads around this new direction, others are looking at it as an opportunity and potential boon for growth, marketing and, yes, the almighty and important bottom line.
For more information, visit www.7artspictures.com.


NUHO Offers Unique Film Festival Experience to the Masses


NUHO Offers Unique Film Festival Experience to the Masses (395)
(NewsUSA) - From Sundance to Palm Springs to Cannes, film buffs ogle at these cinematic fetes but typically can only dream of parading among the who's who of Hollywood. Now, however, a new indie distribution company is making it easier -- and less expensive -- to attend a film festival by hosting it online.
NUHO Online Film Festival is the brainchild of New Hollywood Entertainment CEO Keith Mitchell and Ivy League entrepreneur Chris Kanik, and was born out of what Mitchell describes as an "inherent problem with quality independent films making it into the movie theaters."
"The festival business is a necessary spoke in the wheel of film distribution," says Kanik. "However when the festival benefits the hosts more than the filmmakers, that's wrong. We offer filmmakers a friendly site where everybody succeeds."
What makes NUHO different from other film festivals is that independent filmmakers gain from profit sharing, have exposure to a worldwide audience, and contact with agents, distributors and other industry professionals -- all without having to incur travel, hotel or marketing costs.
"We are offering everything other film festivals offer -- where you watch films, stream live events, attend panel discussions and meet other filmmakers -- the only thing we can't provide is a cocktail," jokes Mitchell.
The idea, he says, was to make NUHO similar yet different from other film fests by keeping it at a fraction of the cost, and allowing guests to attend from their homes.
To that end, participants can watch any film for $1.99 (per film) or buy an all access pass for all 21 films for $14.99. The all access pass allows guests to join in panel discussions with working industry professionals who will be talking about screenwriting, filmmaking and distribution. In addition, NUHO has an online lounge to meet other attendees, and an industry tab where other distribution and acquisition reps can watch the content and make deals.
"What we're doing is probably as crazy as when [Robert] Redford was telling people he wanted to start a film festival in the mountains of Utah," says Mitchell.
NUHO's state-of-the-art technology ensures the filmmakers that there are no piracy issues.
The online film festival, which will kick off its festivities with a keynote speech by Spike Lee, runs throughout February, and covers all genres of film, including narrative features, documentaries, shorts and web series.
For more information, visit www.nuhofilmfest.com.