Posted by : admin in (Health)

Techno-Savvy Public Awareness Campaign Enables Families to Send a Powerful Message About Children’s Mental Health

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SACRAMENTO, Calif., May 27 /PRNewswire/ — More than 1 million children in California experience an emotional or behavioral disorder every year and more than 600,000 will not receive adequate treatment. A lack of knowledge, stigma, limited funding and inadequate clinical resources in communities delay diagnoses and treatment, putting children at risk for school failure and dropping out, alcohol and drug use, teenage pregnancy, criminal activity and suicide.
“We have children in our communities, homes, schools and churches whose mental challenges render them invisible, undetected and, subsequently, untreated,” said Oscar Wright, chief executive officer of United Advocates for Children and Families (UACF). “We must connect with children, their families and the community at-large to provide early detection, treatment, hope, courage and inspiration.”
On Wednesday, May 28, UACF will launch a statewide mental health video conference in five major regions of California. About 50 families at these local community sites will join in to kick off the first family-driven, grassroots, public-awareness campaign promoting early mental health identification and intervention.
“For families with mental health needs, there is no respite,” adds Wright, whose family has been affected by mental illness. “Through technology, these families will have a visible platform through which to connect with one another, discuss their concerns and call out in unison for change to take place in the current and complicated mental health system statewide. This new coalition will be the start of a powerful family movement to end the social stigmas associated with mental health.”
The unique e-connect video conference is appropriately themed, “Be a Friend of MIND … Start Early(TM)!” It will go live from 5:45 - 7:30 p.m. PST on May 28 with families making their voices heard in the following five regions of the state:
— Sacramento (UACF Headquarters)
2035 Hurley Way, Suite 290
— Compton, Los Angeles County (Star View Community Service)
1055 W. Victoria Street
— Fresno
5130 E. Clinton Way, Suite 2135
— Oakland (Stars Behavioral health Group)
7700 Edgewater Drive, Suite 658
— Redding (A.C.E.S.)
1933 Market Street, Suite C

Children’s mental health problems are widespread and can begin at an early age. Consider the following facts:
— One in five children has a diagnosable mental disorder.
— The onset of major mental illness may occur as early as 7 to 11 years
old.
— Factors that predict mental health problems can be identified in the
early years.
— Of low-income children and youth ages 6 through 17, 21 percent have
mental health problems.
— Sixty-seven percent to 70 percent of youth in the juvenile justice
system have a diagnosable mental health disorder.
— Seventy-five percent to 80 percent of children and youth in need of
mental health services do not receive them.

Following the video conference, UACF plans to expand its newly formed coalition of families and supporters and conduct local, grassroots summits for parents, families and youth to address their concerns and challenges until their voices are heard.
United Advocates for Children and Families is a 501 (c) (3) nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting the emotional, behavioral and social well-being of children, youth and families through transformational leadership. To get involved or to help make a difference in the lives of families and their children with mental health needs, contact UACF at (866) 643-1530 or visit
United Advocates for Children and Families

Posted by : admin in (Computer)

Amalfi Semiconductor Receives the Red Herring 100 North America Award

LOS GATOS, Calif., May 28 /PRNewswire/ — Amalfi Semiconductor, a developer of high-performance CMOS-based radio frequency (RF) and mixed-signal semiconductors for cellular mobile handsets, today announced that it is the recipient of the Red Herring 100 North America, an award given to the top 100 private technology companies based in the region.
Amalfi received the award for its technology innovation in CMOS-based power amplifier devices for cellular handsets. These advanced power amplifiers decrease the power requirements of cellular phones, enabling manufacturers to deliver phones with increased usage time, thinner designs and additional functionality.
“The large number of entries in this year’s competition demonstrates that the economic slowdown has not affected technology innovation, “said Joel Dreyfuss, editor-in-chief of Red Herring. “The companies on this year’s list are proof that creative ideas continue to find the funding that turns them into promising businesses.”
“Amalfi is pleased to be the recipient of the Red Herring 100 North America,” said Jim Finch, co-founder and CEO of Amalfi Semiconductor. “To be recognized by the Red Herring as an industry innovator confirms our belief that our power amplifier technology has the ability to make a significant impact on the performance of future generation cellular handsets.”
Red Herring’s annual lists of top private companies are an important part of the company’s tradition of identifying new and innovative technology companies and entrepreneurs. Companies like Google, eBay and Skype were spotted in their early days by Red Herring editors, and touted as leaders that would change the way we live and work.
Red Herring’s editorial staff rigorously evaluated more than 800 private companies through a careful analysis of financial data and subjective criteria, including quality of management, execution of strategy, and dedication to research and development.
Amalfi was presented the award at the Red Herring 100 North America 2008 event, May 12-14. As the venue for the unveiling of the Top 100 private companies in North America, this event draws unparalleled attention from decision makers and industry observers across the continent. This year marks the 11th anniversary of the Red Herring 100 Awards.
About Red Herring
Red Herring is a global media company which unites the world’s best high technology innovators, venture investors and business decision makers in a variety of forums: a leading innovation magazine, an online daily technology news service, technology newsletters, and major events for technology leaders around the globe. Red Herring provides an insider’s access to the global innovation economy, featuring unparalleled insights on the emerging technologies driving the economy. More information about Red Herring is available on the Internet at .
About Amalfi Semiconductor
Amalfi Semiconductor is a fabless semiconductor company specializing in cost effective, low power, mixed-signal CMOS RF solutions for cellular applications. The company has strong financial backing, with funding from private investors and industry leading venture capital companies, which include DCM, Globespan Capital Partners, and Trinity Ventures. Amalfi Semiconductor can be contacted at their corporate headquarters in Los Gatos, Calif. at 1-408-399-5360 or at .
Amalfi Semiconductor

Posted by : admin in (Computer)

mtvU & Kaiser Family Foundation Launch POSorNOT.com to Challenge Stigma, Fight Spread of HIV/AIDS

NEW YORK, April 30 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — mtvU, MTV’s Peabody and Emmy Award-winning college network, and the Kaiser Family Foundation, in partnership with POZ Magazine, today unveiled “Pos or Not” ( an online game that challenges stereotypes and breaks down the barriers that may prevent people from talking openly about HIV/AIDS, getting tested, and using protection.
People from across the U.S. - half of whom are living with HIV and half who are not - share parts of their lives for “Pos or Not” by divulging their HIV status to help dispel myths and misconceptions about HIV and AIDS. Players confront their own HIV stereotypes as they guess whether a profiled participant is positive or negative based only on a photo and a few personal details, such as what they do on the weekends or their favorite kind of music.
Among the participants who are positive, we’re provided a window on the circumstances in which they learn their HIV status - including after the birth of a child, calls from ex-lovers, and long-postponed HIV tests. HIV negative participants share how the disease has touched their lives, claiming boyfriends, girlfriends, mothers and best friends. Every individual stresses that HIV affects everyone and that the only way to truly know your own or some else’s HIV status is by getting tested.
While “Pos or Not” confronts stereotypes and popular misconceptions about HIV/AIDS, it also provides users with information about HIV prevention, as well as local HIV and STD testing resources from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC). In addition, players are invited to join the game to help underscore that there’s no way to tell a person’s HIV status from how they look or what they do.
Several of the most requested acts on college campuses and major pop culture figures are also lending their efforts to help stoke the online viral spread of “Pos or Not,” including Wyclef Jean, Fall Out Boy, Will.i.am, Alyssa Milano, Say Anything, Perez Hilton, Angels & Airwaves, Atmosphere, The Spill Canvas, 30 Seconds to Mars, Aesop Rock, Motion City Soundtrack, All Time Low and Rise Against. Beginning today, these and many others are sending the game to their fans, families and friends, via a feature that allows users to share “Pos or Not” with everybody in their e-mail address books with only a couple clicks.
“‘Pos or Not’ is an urgent analogue to HotorNot.com, designed to capture college students’ attention and harness the viral nature of the Web in the ongoing fight against the spread of HIV/AIDS,’” said Stephen Friedman, GM, mtvU. “‘Pos or Not’ was created to shatter myths, challenge assumptions and promote responsible sexual behavior - and we salute every participant, as well as the team of college students who conceived the game, for breathing life into it.”
“‘Pos or Not’ confronts the stigma and stereotypes that fuel the continued spread of this disease some 25 years since the first diagnosis,” said Tina Hoff, vice president and director of Entertainment Media Partnerships at the Kaiser Family Foundation. “‘Pos or Not’ has the powerful effect of allowing young people across the country to learn more about those infected and affected by HIV/AIDS and in doing so hopefully form a more personal understanding of the disease.”
“The HIV-positive community has the unique ability to debunk myths and dissolve dangerous stereotypes around HIV/AIDS,” said Regan Hofmann, editor-in-chief of POZ magazine. “Having a face-to-face encounter with a person living with the virus can also positively affect the choices people make regarding behaviors that can lead to their contracting HIV. I think that ‘Pos or Not’ is a wonderful way to allow the HIV community to serve as an awareness and prevention tool for those who are - but who do not believe themselves to be - at risk.”
“Pos or Not” was inspired by the winners of the “Change the Course of HIV Challenge,” a nationwide competition that asked college students to propose a viral, Web-based game that would creatively engage people to help combat the spread of HIV/AIDS. The winning concept was submitted by a team from the Florida Interactive Entertainment Academy and included designers Brendan McLeod and Matthew Laurence, programmers Chris Camilleri and Gabriel Montagne, and artist Chip Lundell.
College students helped conceive “Pos or Not” and are pioneering the future of digital activism every day, so mtvU, the Kaiser Family Foundation and POZ Magazine are calling on users to imagine ways the game can be even more viral and impactful. Anyone with a vision for how “Pos or Not” can be effectively executed on other platforms (mobile, social networks, etc.), remixed, or in any way serve as an even more powerful call to action on the HIV/AIDS epidemic are encouraged to send ideas to . mtvU and the Kaiser Family Foundation are committing to incorporate the best concepts into future versions of the game - or a completely re-imagined iteration - so it continues to evolve and reach more people.
“Pos or Not” follows on the success of “Darfur is Dying” (), mtvU’s student-developed videogame - now played more than 3 million times by over 1.5 million people - designed to spread awareness of and spur action to end the genocide in Darfur. “Darfur is Dying” is a narrative-based simulation in which the user, from the perspective of a displaced Darfurian, negotiates forces that threaten the survival of his or her refugee camp. The game is a key element of mtvU’s nearly four-year, student-led, Emmy Award-winning Sudan campaign.
Representatives from mtvU and the Kaiser Family Foundation will be presenting “Pos or Not” at the fourth annual Games for health Conference, taking place May 8 - 9 in Baltimore, Maryland. To learn more about the conference, please visit .
About The Kaiser Family Foundation
The Kaiser Family Foundation is a non-profit, private operating foundation dedicated to providing information and analysis on health care issues to policymakers, the media, the health care community, and the general public. The foundation is not associated with Kaiser Permanente or Kaiser Industries. Information on HIV/AIDS is available at , and a daily news summary report on developments in HIV/AIDS is available on , the Foundation’s free health information service.
About mtvU
Broadcast to more than 750 college campuses and via top cable distributors in 700 college communities nationwide, mtvU reaches upwards of 9 million U.S. college students - making it the largest, most comprehensive television network just for college students. Twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week, mtvU can be seen in the dining areas, fitness centers, student lounges and dorm rooms of campuses throughout the U.S, as well as on cable systems from Charter Communications, Verizon FiOS TV, Suddenlink Communications, AT&T u-Verse and nearly 70 others. mtvU is dedicated to every aspect of college life, reaching students everywhere they are: on-air, online and on campus. mtvU programs music videos from emerging artists that can’t be seen anywhere else, news, student life features and initiatives that give college students the tools to advance positive social change. mtvU is always on campus, with more than 500 events per year, including exclusive concerts, giveaways, shooting mtvU series and more. For more information about mtvU, and a complete programming schedule, visit .
mtvU also owns and operates the College Media Network, the largest interactive network of online college newspapers in the US, and RateMyProfessors.com, the Internet’s largest listing of collegiate professor ratings. The College Media Network comprises nearly 600 campus publications that serve institutions including Brown University, the University of Illinois, the University of Southern California, the University of Texas at Austin and Duke University, with a combined enrollment of over 5.5 million students, reaching an average of 5 million unique users each month. RateMyProfessors.com reaches approximately 2.9 million college students each month, via the site’s more than 6.6 million student-generated ratings of over 1,000,000 college professors.
MTV Networks, a unit of Viacom , is one of the world’s leading creators of programming and content across all media platforms. MTV Networks, with more than 150 channels worldwide, owns and operates the following television programming services - MTV: MUSIC TELEVISION, MTV2, VH1, mtvU, NICKELODEON, NICK at NITE, COMEDY CENTRAL, TV LAND, SPIKE TV, CMT, NOGGIN/THE N, VH1 CLASSIC, MTVN INTERNATIONAL and THE DIGITAL SUITE FROM MTV NETWORKS, a package of 13 digital services, all of these networks trademarks of MTV Networks. MTV Networks connects with its audiences through its robust consumer products businesses and its more than 300 interactive properties worldwide, including online, broadband, wireless and interactive television services and also has licensing agreements, joint ventures, and syndication deals whereby all of its programming services can be seen worldwide.
About Poz
POZ is the premier lifestyle, treatment and advocacy magazine for people living with–and those affected by–HIV and AIDS. The award-winning magazine and website (poz.com) provide the most complete and expert HIV/AIDS information available in the United States. Together, the magazine and website reach more than 70 percent of all of those living with HIV/AIDS who are aware of their status. The website provides extensive opportunity for both public and private social networking and represents one of the largest communities of openly HIV-positive people in the world. For more information, please visit poz.com.
Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation

Posted by : admin in (Food)

New York Times Best Selling Author Dr. Roy Vartabedian to Endorse New YoNaturals Kids Healthy Vending Program

SAN DIEGO, April 30 /PRNewswire/ — New York Times best selling author Dr. Roy Vartabedian has agreed today to endorse the New Kids Healthy Vending program being launched on May 5, 2008 by YoNaturals Inc. “The timing of this announcement couldn’t be more critical,” said Dr. Roy “As childhood obesity is exploding and parents, educators and especially children need to be educated on what’s good for them.” The Kids Healthy Vending program is designed to appeal to children and ‘tweens’ and will soon begin servicing elementary and middle schools across the U.S. The program will feature specially selected all natural and organic products intended for children.
“Dr. Roy has been invaluable in helping us select the products that have scored the highest NutriPoints on his new NutriHeros and NutriGrades colorful nutritional charts designed especially for children,” said Mark Trotter, CEO of YoNaturals. The NutriGrade is a letter grade — like a grade for a test or a class — for each food, so most of the foods on the NutriHeroes side receive an A or A , while those on the back NutriZeroes side receive a C, D, or F. It’s a great way to educate and motivate kids to see the relative nutritional value of foods and make better choices for their diet.
While dedicated to improving the snacking habits of all people, the direction of YoNaturals most recent campaign was stirred by the fact that today’s youth are, overall, the unhealthiest in U.S. history. More than 12.5 million children are currently overweight, and nearly 13 million more are at high risk of becoming overweight. It is obvious that a healthy vending program geared toward children is a step in the right direction. Mark Trotter, CEO of YoNaturals, adds that, “This nationwide epidemic of childhood obesity and early-onset-diabetes has attracted attention from parents, lawmakers, and school officials who have become increasingly concerned about the diet of America’s school children.”
Kids Healthy Vending was inspired by a successful 2007 vending campaign in middle and high schools. Mark Trotter explains that, “Last year’s program encouraged us to expand upon it in 2008 as a pilot initiative which has now become the cornerstone for Kids Healthy Vending.” Trotter adds that, “Another far-reaching effort that we are committed to exceeding with Kids Healthy Vending involves California Senate Bill 19 (SB19), which sets the nutritional standards for food sold in elementary schools. Today the standards set in that policy are used as models for many school districts and states across the U.S. when considering their own reform.”
While it is still in the beginning stages of the program’s rollout, YoNaturals is already seeing positive feedback from people involved. Kathleen Porterfield, Principal of Encinitas Country Day School, explains that, “Our middle school students are thrilled to have YoNaturals machines on campus, and our parents can share in their happiness because it’s healthy!”
Lisa Hawk, of the Preuss School UCSD, adds that, “We love YoNaturals vending options, the food is not only tasty, but so healthy, and students swarm the machines during lunch and after school.”
“The national launch of Kids Healthy Vending is slated for May 5th, a time when many schools districts across the U.S. begin making decisions for the following year. Trotter explains that, “We are looking for both public and private schools that want to adapt to our Kids Healthy Vending program and also have programs in place allowing the schools themselves to purchase our machines, order our products on line and receive one hundred percent of the profits themselves.”
With support through the program’s website, , YoNaturals hopes to educate children, parents, and decision-makers on the value of healthy snacking. They emphasize the importance in taking action now, and provide steps to begin making a positive change for today’s youth
About Dr. Roy Vartabedian. Dr. Roy is a specialist in Chronic Disease Prevention and holds a Doctor of Public health degree from Loma Linda University, and Master of Public health degrees in health Education and Nutrition. He has worked in the field of health promotion and disease prevention for over 25 years, with patients, managing programs, consulting, and speaking throughout the U.S., Canada, Australia and New Zealand. His landmark publication, Nutripoints, a New York Times Best-Seller, has been used in a total of 13 countries in 10 languages worldwide.
About YoNaturals & Kids Healthy Vending: YoNaturals Inc is the nationwide leader in healthy vending and offers programs for schools, offices, hospitals, health clubs and many other types of locations throughout the U.S. Please visit and or contact for more information.
YoNaturals

Posted by : admin in (Health)

Nutraceutical Reports Stronger Q2 Results

PARK CITY, Utah, May 1 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — Nutraceutical International Corporation today reported results for the fiscal 2008 second quarter ended March 31, 2008. Net sales for the fiscal 2008 second quarter were $44.4 million compared to $42.1 million for the same quarter of fiscal 2007. For the second quarter of fiscal 2008, net income was $4.4 million, or $0.39 diluted earnings per share, compared to net income of $4.2 million, or $0.37 diluted earnings per share, for the same quarter of fiscal 2007.
Net sales for the six months ended March 31, 2008 were $85.5 million compared to $78.0 million for the same period in fiscal 2007. For the six months ended March 31, 2008, net income was $7.6 million, or $0.67 diluted earnings per share, compared to net income of $7.5 million, or $0.67 diluted earnings per share, for the same period of fiscal 2007.
Operating cash flow for the six months ended March 31, 2008 was $9.4 million compared to $10.1 million for the same period of fiscal 2007. This operating cash flow, combined with net borrowings of $7.5 million, was used to invest $10.0 million in property and equipment, $5.9 million in acquisitions of branded natural product businesses and $2.1 million in repurchases of common stock.
Bill Gay, chairman and chief executive officer, commented, “Revenue, net income and EBITDA for the quarter ended March 31, 2008 all strengthened and reflect the synergistic contributions of the six acquisitions completed during fiscal 2007. The late March acquisition of the health from the Sun(R) brand, which specializes in essential fatty acid and phytonutrient products, enhances our portfolio of brands and expands our offerings. We continue to invest heavily in consolidating manufacturing and distribution so that additional operating efficiencies can be achieved. Our day to day focus is on revenue growth and controlling expenses. We are appreciative of everyone who supports us in our efforts to achieve leadership in the Healthy Foods Channel.”
ABOUT NUTRACEUTICAL
We are an integrated manufacturer, marketer, distributor and retailer of branded nutritional supplements and other natural products sold primarily to and through domestic health and natural food stores. Internationally, we market and distribute branded nutritional supplements and other natural products to and through health and natural product distributors and retailers. Our core business strategy is to acquire, integrate and operate, from beginning to end, the manufacturing, marketing and distribution of branded nutritional supplement businesses in the natural products industry. We believe that the consolidation and integration of these acquired businesses provides ongoing financial synergies through increased scale and market penetration, as well as strengthened customer relationships.
We sell branded nutritional supplements and other natural products under the trademarks Solaray(R), VegLife(R), KAL(R), Nature’s Life(R), Sunny Green(R), Action Labs(R), Natural Balance(R), NaturalMax(R), bioAllers(R), Herbs for Kids(TM), Natra-Bio(R), NaturalCare(R), Zand(R), health from the Sun(R), Life-flo(R), Larenim(R), Living Flower Essences(R), Pioneer(R), Thompson(R), Natural Sport(R), Supplement Training Systems(R), Premier One(R), Montana Big Sky(TM), ActiPet(R), FunFresh Foods(TM), Dowd & Rogers(TM), CompliMed(R), AllVia(TM), Oakmont Labs(R), Healthway(R), Body Gold(R), Sayge Biosciences(TM), Monarch Nutritional Laboratories(TM) and Great Basin Botanicals(TM). Under the name Woodland Publishing(TM), we publish, print and market a line of books and booklets to, among others, book distributors, national retail bookstores and health and natural food stores. We also distribute branded products of certain third parties.
We own neighborhood natural food markets, which operate under the trade names The Real Food Company (TM), Thom’s Natural Foods(TM) and Cornucopia Community Market(TM). We also own health food stores, which operate under the trade names Fresh Vitamins(TM), Granola’s(TM) and Pilgrim’s Natureway(TM).
We manufacture and/or distribute one of the broadest branded product lines in the industry with over 3,900 SKUs, including over 700 SKUs sold internationally. We believe that as a result of our emphasis on innovation, quality, loyalty, education and customer service, our brands are widely recognized in health and natural food stores and among their customers.
This Press Release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. These statements relate to our future plans, objectives, expectations, intentions and financial performance and the assumptions that underlie these statements. These statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause our actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, levels of activity, performance or achievements expressed or implied by these statements. We undertake no obligation to update forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances occurring after the date of this Press Release. Important factors that may cause our results to differ from these forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, government regulations, product liability claims and litigation, insurance coverage issues, a decrease in or slowing of the growth rate of the vitamin, mineral and supplement market, the success of the healthy foods channel, consumer perception of safety and quality of our products and similar products, competition, intellectual property rights of other parties, the loss of key personnel, disruptions from acquisitions, issues with obtaining raw materials of adequate quality or quantity, problems with information management systems, manufacturing efficiencies and operations, litigation generally, the volatility of the stock market generally and of our stock specifically, a general lack of adequate industry analyst coverage, and other factors indicated from time to time in our SEC reports, copies of which are available upon request from our investor relations group or which may be obtained at the SEC’s website ().
NUTRACEUTICAL INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(unaudited; dollars in thousands)

March 31, September 30,
2008 2007
Assets
Current assets, net $56,063 $51,534
Property, plant and equipment, net 47,245 39,506
Goodwill 41,068 38,978
Other non-current assets, net 16,665 16,384
$161,041 $146,402

Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity
Current liabilities $21,286 $20,275
Long-term liabilities 27,729 20,208
Stockholders’ equity 112,026 105,919
$161,041 $146,402

NUTRACEUTICAL INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(unaudited; dollars in thousands, except per share data)

Three months ended Six months ended
March 31, March 31,
2008 2007 2008 2007

Net sales $44,446 $42,104 $85,532 $77,952
Cost of sales 19,930 18,980 38,703 35,304
Gross profit 24,516 23,124 46,829 42,648
Operating expenses
Selling, general and
administrative 16,978 16,036 33,606 29,958
Amortization of
intangible assets 170 63 337 109
Income from operations 7,368 7,025 12,886 12,581
Interest and other
(income)/expense, net 405 318 785 462
Income before provision
for income taxes 6,963 6,707 12,101 12,119
Provision for income taxes 2,611 2,548 4,538 4,605

Net income $4,352 $4,159 $7,563 $7,514

Net income per common share
Basic $0.39 $0.38 $0.68 $0.68
Diluted 0.39 0.37 0.67 0.67

Weighted average common
shares outstanding
Basic 11,039,703 11,018,748 11,081,978 11,017,342
Diluted 11,176,351 11,240,665 11,223,450 11,226,460

NUTRACEUTICAL INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION
EBITDA SCHEDULE
(unaudited; dollars in thousands)

Three months Six months
ended March 31, ended March 31,
2008 2007 2008 2007

Net income $4,352 $4,159 $7,563 $7,514
Provision for income taxes 2,611 2,548 4,538 4,605
Interest and other
(income)/expense, net (1) 405 318 785 462
Depreciation and amortization 1,430 1,164 2,742 2,265

EBITDA $8,798 $8,189 $15,628 $14,846

(1) Includes amortization of deferred financing fees.

Nutraceutical International Corporation

Posted by : admin in (Health)

Message to Tucson Residents: Forgo Fad Dieting and Join the Campaign for Healthy Weight

TUCSON, Ariz., May 1 /PRNewswire/ — The last decade can be defined by the ups and downs of different fad diets — which seem to go in and out of fashion like shoulder pads and hemlines. Yet, long-term success has been slim. Two out of three Americans — including 51 percent of Arizona residents — remain overweight or obese.
A new campaign crossing the country, the Campaign for Healthy Weight, is rallying Americans behind the healthy weight cause, not just the political candidates, and urging people to think more about their “health” instead of simply a number on the scale. Studies indicate that small, specific changes in physical activity and calorie intake can make a big difference. And, people who maintain a healthy weight are less likely to be at risk for weight-related health conditions, such as heart disease. The Campaign will make its stop Tucson on May 3, 2008, to urge local residents to change their “diet” mindset and elect a new attitude.
“Health management is really starting to become a bigger part of weight management,” said Liz Bustamante, R.D. “The key is to make small, sustainable changes that can last a lifetime. Drinking lowfat or fat free milk as a part of a healthy daily eating plan and walking more every day are two easy adjustments that can go a long way in supporting a healthy weight.”
Weighing in on the American Diet
A new report called “Weighing in on the American Diet,” found that the number of adults who say they are on a diet has steadily decreased over the past decade. The study, conducted by The NPD Group in collaboration with the Milk Processor Education Program, found the majority of Americans say they are on a diet for their health and their weight; 68 percent say “feeling healthier” is why they’re dieting.
People who are watching their weight, however, are making less than optimal beverage choices. Coffee, soft drinks, teas and juices are most likely filling their glasses and cups with milk being the fifth most frequently consumed beverage — only 14 percent of all beverage occasions. Including milk on the menu appears to make a positive difference, though. The report found that adult dieters who made drinking lowfat or fat free milk a daily habit were more likely to have a healthy body mass index (BMI) with better quality diets richer in essential nutrients and were less likely to feel deprived compared to dieters who didn’t — findings which are in line with previous scientific studies.
Milk supplies two nutrients that along with physical activity are especially important when cutting calories — calcium to prevent bone loss and protein to help build muscle mass. Studies suggest that drinking the recommended three glasses of lowfat or fat free milk a day along with a healthy diet can help maintain a healthy weight. Researchers also have found that people with higher intakes of milk tend to be leaner and are less likely to gain excess weight than those who drink little to no milk.
Milk - The Beverage with Your health Interests at Heart
People who maintain a healthy weight are less likely to be at risk for weight-related health problems, such as diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure and some types of cancer. In addition, some studies have linked meeting the recommendations for lowfat and fat free milk along with eating fruits and vegetables to a lower risk for high blood pressure and heart disease, as part of a heart-healthy diet. The American Heart Association 2007 Guidelines for Preventing Cardiovascular Disease in Women emphasize eating fresh fruits, vegetables and lowfat milk and milk products.
“I always encourage people to include three servings of lowfat or fat free milk as part of a heart-healthy diet and to walk everyday,” said Liz Bustamante, R.D. “With nine essential nutrients, including calcium, vitamin A, vitamin D, protein and potassium, milk is a great way to get a nutrient boost.”
Tucson Residents Pledge to Maintain a Healthy Weight
As part of milk’s proud support for the American Heart Association’s Start! Heart Walks in cities across the country, the Campaign for Healthy Weight will set up headquarters at walk events nationwide to rally Americans to eat right, walk more and milk their diets. Participants at the Tucson Start! Heart Walk on May 3, 2008, who will already be taking steps towards a healthier lifestyle, will be able to join thousands of other Americans who have taken a healthy weight pledge and voted for milk with their upper lips.
While at the Start! Heart Walk, visitors can:
— Join the Campaign and take the pledge to maintain a healthy weight in a
healthy way with milk
— Get coupons and sample heart-healthy lowfat or fat free milk from Fry’s
and Shamrock Farms
— Speak with local registered dietitian, Liz Bustamante, who can explain
how simple, lifelong steps can help maintain a healthy weight and a
healthy heart
— Take the Campaign for Healthy Weight Quiz to see how their weight
management habits compare to those of their fellow Americans
— Take a souvenir Milk Mustache photo and receive a complimentary
two-week Curves membership to help them to continue to be active
— Enter for a chance to win a FREE trip to the 2009 AHA Start! Heart Walk
in Hilo, Hawaii

To learn more about the Campaign for Healthy Weight and the findings from the Weighing in on the American Diet report, log onto . Here visitors can take the healthy weight pledge, get tips on how to maintain a healthy weight and prevent unhealthy weight gain and find out if their beverage choices may be derailing their efforts.
The Milk Processor Education Program (MilkPEP), Washington, D.C., is funded by the nation’s milk processors, who are committed to increasing fluid milk consumption. The MilkPEP Board runs the national Milk Mustache “got milk?” Campaign, a multi-faceted campaign designed to educate consumers about the health benefits of milk. For more information, go to . The tagline “got milk?”(R) was created for the California Milk Processor Board by Goodby Silverstein & Partners and is licensed by the national milk processor and dairy producer groups.
The Milk Processor Education Program

Posted by : admin in (Multimedia)

WebMD to Present at the Third Annual Needham & Company Internet & Digital Media Conference

NEW YORK, May 2 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — WebMD health Corp. and HLTH Corporation today announced that executives of WebMD are scheduled to participate at the Third Annual Needham & Company Internet & Digital Media Conference on Thursday, May 8, 2008 at 8:00 am ET.
Investors, analysts and the general public are invited to listen to a live audio broadcast of the presentation over the Internet. The broadcast can be accessed at (in the Investor Relations section). A replay of the broadcast will be available at the same web address.
About WebMD
WebMD health Corp. is the leading provider of health information services, serving consumers, physicians, healthcare professionals, employers and health plans through our public and private online portals and health-focused publications. WebMD health Corp. is a subsidiary of HLTH Corporation .
All statements contained in this press release, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking statements. These statements are based on WebMD’s current plans and expectations and involve risks and uncertainties, including those described in our SEC filings.
WebMD

Posted by : admin in (Health)

GET UP AND MOVE! May is Arthritis Awareness Month - The Perfect Time to Learn the Importance of Staying Active

ATLANTA, May 2 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — Today, one in five Americans suffers from the pain of arthritis. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) projects that by the year 2030, 67 million people in the U.S. will live with arthritis, up from current estimates of 46 million. Arthritis can be a painful, life-impacting condition, but its effects may be lessened through physical activity.
Physical activity, such as walking, is crucial in preventing and managing the nation’s most common cause of disability. In fact, the Arthritis Foundation says Americans cannot afford to be inactive. This simple, inexpensive activity can help achieve and maintain a healthy weight and reduce the risk of arthritis.
“Physical activity is a natural pain reliever for most people suffering from arthritis,” said Patience White, M.D., chief public health officer, Arthritis Foundation. “Walking just 10 minutes, three times a day can ease joint pain, improve mobility and reduce fatigue often associated with arthritis.”
As the organization celebrates its 60th anniversary, the Arthritis Foundation is working to inform the public of the benefits of walking to ease the pain of arthritis or prevent some forms from developing. In addition to causing pain, disability and loss of independence, arthritis exacts a hefty financial toll on the U.S. economy, costing the nation $128 annually.
“The prevalence of obesity continues to rise even though it can often be prevented by staying active through simple activities such as walking,” said White. “A weight loss of 15 pounds can decrease the pain due to osteoarthritis by 50 percent.”
May is Arthritis Awareness Month and to get Americans moving, each year the Arthritis Foundation hosts Arthritis Walk events around the country designed to educate Americans about the health benefits of walking while raising critical funds to fight arthritis. To sign up for Arthritis Walk events, visit . For a free copy of the Arthritis Today Walking Guide, including tips on getting started, staying injury-free and keeping it all fun, call 800-283-7800 or visit .
About the Arthritis Foundation
The Arthritis Foundation is the leading health organization addressing the needs of some 46 million Americans living with arthritis, the nation’s most common cause of disability. Founded in 1948, with headquarters in Atlanta, the Arthritis Foundation has multiple service points located throughout the country.
The Arthritis Foundation is the largest private, not-for-profit contributor to arthritis research in the world, funding more than $380 million in research grants since 1948. Celebrating its 60th anniversary this year, the foundation helps individuals take control of arthritis by providing public health education; pursuing public policy and legislation; and conducting evidence-based programs to improve the quality of life for those living with arthritis. Information is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week at 1-800-283-7800 or .
Arthritis Foundation

Posted by : admin in (Health)

Better Nutrition Launches 2008 Summer Nutrition Tour

EL SEGUNDO, Calif., May 2 /PRNewswire/ — Better Nutrition (), the country’s most widely read in-store consumer health magazine, today announces the launch of its 2008 Summer Nutrition Tour. Throughout May, June, and July, the magazine will offer health food store shoppers from New Jersey to California the opportunity to sample many of the finest dietary supplements on the market.
“Supplements are important for optimal health, but not all supplements are created equal,” says Joanna Shirk, Better Nutrition’s publisher. “Our Summer Nutrition Tour will help educate consumers about how supplements work, with plenty of free samples from some of the country’s most respected natural product companies.”
2008 Tour Information:

May 17 — -Nature’s Way health Food, Stratford, CT
June 4 — Mother’s Cupboard, Hayden, ID
June 5 — Super Supplements, Coeur D’Alene, ID
June 7 — Super Supplements, Spokane, WA
June 14 — RDown Nutrition Center, Albuquerque, NM
June 18 — Henry’s Marketplace, Chula Vista, CA
June 21 — Rogers Natural Foods & Vitamins, Roger, AR
June 28 — Mustard Seed Market and Cafe, Solon, OH
July 19 — Dietary Foods, Erie, PA
July 22 — health Fair, Little Silver, NJ
July 26 — Foods for Living, Defiance, OH

Tour sponsors include Almased, American Biosciences, Aw Boon Haw, Bioforce, Carlson Laboratories, Essential Formulas, Inc., EuroPharma, Flora, Garden of Life, Genesis Today, health from the Sun, Heel, Hero Nutritionals, Home Health, Meyrenberg, Natrol, Natural Factors, Natural Vitality, Nature’s Answers, Nordic Naturals, North American Herb & Spice, NOW Foods, Quality of Life, Renew Life, To Go Foods, Twin Lab, and Wakunaga.
For more information on the Better Nutrition Summer Tour, contact Lisa Kurdziolek, Tour Director, at , 812-275-5510.
About Better Nutrition: Since 1938, Better Nutrition’s mission has been to responsibly inform health-food-store shoppers about breakthroughs in nutritional approaches to health and wellness, as well as report on the latest research on vitamins, herbs, minerals, nutrients, whole foods, natural personal care and beauty items, and environmentally friendly products. Better Nutrition helps align three unique interests: consumers interested in dietary supplements and holistic nutrition; independent health-food-store owners; and the natural product companies that carefully formulate today’s range of natural products.
Better Nutrition endorses high-quality research and sensible nutrition. The magazine does not endorse any supplements. Better Nutrition is published by Active Interest Media (), headquartered in El Segundo, CA.
For more information on Better Nutrition, contact Joanna Shirk, Publisher, at , or go to .
Better Nutrition

Posted by : admin in (Education)

Patient Groups and Other Stakeholders Call for Rethink on Public Health, Innovation and Access to Medicines

GENEVA, Switzerland, April 29 /PRNewswire/ — Developing countries need more than just access to medicines, and should
not be fooled into thinking there is a quick fix for their health needs, the
AIDS Institute, Alliance for Health, Education, and Development (AHEAD),
patient groups and other experts from around the world said Tuesday.

This warning came as the second session of the Intergovernmental Working
Group (IGWG) on Public Health, Innovation, and Intellectual Property met in
Geneva ahead of an important policy-setting meeting of the World Health
Assembly next month.

Representatives from patient groups and civil society from India,
Argentina, the Slovak Republic, Uganda, Ghana, São Tomé and Príncipe, Canada
and the United States met in Geneva to underline real-world problems
currently being ignored in the IGWG discussions as the result of the
exclusion of patient groups and others with important experience and insights
on the link between access to medicines and research and development.

“As stakeholders, we share the WHO commitment to ensuring patients in
developing countries have access to the best healthcare, including affordable
medicines. But the IGWG plan of action will not do this,” said Durhane
Wong-Rieger, founder and Chair of the Consumer Advocare Network. “The
proposed solutions do not benefit patients in the poorest countries but serve
the political and business agendas of other stakeholders, including
manufacturers and governments of ‘less poor’ countries,” she said.

The groups decided to gather in Geneva to share their common concerns
with the recommendations and process. “Public health is everyone’s
responsibility, so we believe we have a duty to share our experience and
analysis,” said James Sykes, Global Program Coordinator for The AIDS
Institute.

The IGWG was established by member countries of the World Health
Organization (WHO) in 2006 to tackle the problems with the current access to
medicines and R&D environments. This is the first high level international
body to consider both R&D and access to medicines issues at the same time.
The working group will present its proposal at the 61st World health Assembly
in Geneva in May.

“The long-term solution to developing country health care requires a
multi-faceted approach that tackles poverty, lack of infrastructure, lack of
health care workers and access to basic necessities such as clean water and
food,” said Regina Kamoga, Country Manager, Uganda, Community health and
Information Network (CHAIN Uganda). “Partial solutions risk almost certain
failure,” she said.

Unlike IGWG itself, “we have made sure to be as inclusive as we can by
inviting groups from around the world who have real-world experience of the
situations facing patients,” said Bishop Council Nedd for AHEAD.

This event was supported by PhRMA, which shares the stakeholders’ views
on the need for a comprehensive approach to providing health care and
innovative medicines worldwide.

The AIDS Institute is a public policy research, advocacy, and education
organization addressing HIV/AIDS, malaria, tuberculosis, and hepatitis as
well as healthcare systems issues such as consumer access and patient safety.
http://www.theaidsinstitute.org

The Community health and Information Network is an international not for
profit organization registered as a charity and company in the UK and Uganda.
Set up in 1998, CHAIN promotes the empowerment of people living with HIV and
AIDS. CHAIN’s work is mostly undertaken in Africa, where it has Offices in
Kigali, Rwanda and in Kampala, Uganda.

The Alliance for Health, Education, and Development (AHEAD) was
established with the primary goal of educating members of underserved
communities about their full range of choices and options in the areas of
health, education, and economic development. To accomplish this goal, AHEAD
employs a full range of implementation strategies including: the organization
of educational outreach programs; the presentation of special events and
seminars on the regional and national levels; the publication of materials;
and the establishment of scholarship and recruitment programs.
http://www.ahead-usa.org

The Aids Institute and Ahead