Category Archives: Health

New Discovery Opens the Door to Possible Cure for Heart Disease

Dr. Larry Weisenthal

HUNTINGTON BEACH, Calif., July 21, 2014 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- Larry Weisenthal, M.D., Ph.D., today announced new findings that unravel mysteries about the root cause of atherosclerosis - the narrowing of blood vessels that leads to heart attack and stroke. It is a big step toward developing drugs, possibly in the very near future, that prevent the most common forms of heart disease.

Larry Weisenthal, M.D., Ph.D., is a physician and researcher. He has discovered a previously unknown biological mechanism that accounts for vascular calcification - hardening of the arteries. Dr. Weisenthal has named the new mechanism MCED (pronounced EM-sed). It stands for Massively Calcified Endosome Death. By targeting MCED with new drugs, he feels it should be possible to stop vascular calcification from occurring, even among individuals with high cholesterol.

"Cholesterol levels probably won't matter," says Dr. Weisenthal, "at the end of the day the most important cause of arterial blockage may be the presence or absence of circulating MCED factors."

According to the report, Dr. Weisenthal has discovered that, under some circumstances, artery-forming cells, called endothelial cells, die in a special way that involves release of highly calcified micro-particles. These escape from dying endothelial cells and trigger the body's normal immune response. This causes inflammation within the blood vessel and narrows the opening through which blood flows.

Scientists understand that arteries do not literally become clogged with fat, like sludge in an old sewer pipe. Instead, the wall of the artery undergoes an apparent thickening as part of an inflammatory process. But what causes the inflammation to occur? That is exactly the mystery Dr. Weisenthal has unraveled. He contends that MCED is the cause of arterial inflammation.

Until now, no theory fully explained the perplexing mysteries of heart disease. Why do some people who eat all the "wrong" foods live long, healthy lives while other people whose diets appear ideal have heart problems? Why do some people with sky-high cholesterol counts have squeaky-clean arteries while other people, with "good" cholesterol levels, suffer narrowing of the arteries, heart attack, and stroke? Clearly, cholesterol seems to be a factor but, just as clearly, it is not the most important factor.

According to Dr. Weisenthal, MCED explains everything.

Dr. Weisenthal's laboratory experiments have shown that certain chemicals such as cholesterol can indeed cause MCED to occur - but not in everyone. Dr. Weisenthal has shown that blood drawn from different persons varies widely in the ability to prevent MCED from occurring. He says this probably is due to substances - called factors - that are contained in the blood.

Dr. Weisenthal believes it will be possible to isolate MCED-inhibiting factors in the blood and then develop drugs that mimic them. Conceivably, persons at risk for atherosclerosis could be identified through a simple blood test. Such persons would then receive a daily pill to inhibit MCED and prevent the narrowing of arteries.

"That's the importance of this work," says Dr. Weisenthal, "It answers the most important questions relating to the genesis of atherosclerosis and identifies the target for specific drugs to prevent and treat it."

Importantly, only endothelial cells are subject to this particular form of cell death. No other cell Dr. Weisenthal has tested can be made to die in exactly this way. This is additional, strong support for his theory.

The report is available online at http://biorxiv.org/content/early/2014/07/15/007112 .

The discovery itself and the story behind it are featured at this web address: http://vasocell.com/ .

There is also Facebook page called "MCED Vasocell" at: https://www.facebook.com/vasocell .

About Dr. Larry Weisenthal:

Dr. Larry Weisenthal, M.D., Ph.D. is board-certified in medical oncology and internal medicine. He also holds a Ph.D. degree in Pharmacology Research. Dr. Weisenthal owns a laboratory-based medical practice in which he personalizes chemotherapy treatments for individual cancer patients using a test he developed that shows how each patient's living cancer cells respond when exposed in the laboratory to a broad range of chemotherapy drugs. His laboratory website is http://weisenthalcancer.com/. Dr. Weisenthal is also a researcher, author, lecturer, and Associate Clinical Professor of Medicine at the University of California Irvine.

*PHOTO: Send2Press.com/mediaboom/14-0721-Larry-Weisenthal_300dpi.jpg .

To view the original version on Send2Press Newswire, visit: https://www.send2press.com/newswire/New-Discovery-Opens-the-Door-to-Possible-Cure-for-Heart-Disease_2014-07-0721-002.shtml.

NEWS SOURCE Larry Weisenthal :: This press release was issued on behalf of the news source (who is solely responsible for its accuracy) by and Copr. © 2014 Send2Press® Newswire, a service of Neotrope®.

Weitz and Luxenberg – Lawsuit Filed in Industrial Chemical Case

health and safety law

WESTPORT, Mass., May 12, 2104 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- The Town of Westport and Westport Community Schools have taken an important step to protect the health of students, teachers, administrators, and others who work in or visit schools in Westport. They filed a lawsuit against Monsanto Company and its corporate successors to recover the costs of removing polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB's) from their schools, says Weitz & Luxenberg.

In May 2011, PCBs were first discovered in Westport Middle School at levels that far exceeded minimal safety standards set by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). PCBs are man-made chemicals that were widely used in hundreds of industrial and commercial applications from the early 1950s to the late 70s - including construction materials used in thousands of schools and governmental buildings. Monsanto is the only known U.S. manufacturer of PCBs during that period.

The Westport Middle School was completed in 1969, and during its construction, PCB-containing materials, including window and door caulking and light ballasts, were used. PCBs can migrate out of these products and into adjoining masonry, flooring, walls, and soil and can be released into the air causing danger to those who come in contact with it.

The EPA has determined that Monsanto's PCBs are probable human carcinogens and exert significant toxic effects on the immune system, the reproductive system, the nervous system, and the endocrine system. Students, teachers, administrators, and other individuals who come in regular contact with PCBs at the levels found in the Westport schools may be at an increased risk of contracting these and other serious illnesses. For these reasons, EPA discourages the continued use of certain PCB-containing materials.

The Town of Westport and Westport Community Schools have asserted in their Complaint that Monsanto had knowledge of the dangers of this product going back decades but failed to warn of its dangers. The lawsuit seeks the costs associated with removing PCBs from all school buildings in Westport.

The lawsuit is brought by Attorney Richard M. Sandman of Rodman, Rodman & Sandman, P.C., in Malden, Massachusetts, together with Scott Summy of Baron & Budd in Dallas, Texas, and Robert Gordon of Weitz & Luxenberg in New York City.

About Weitz & Luxenberg:

Founded in 1986 by attorneys Perry Weitz and Arthur Luxenberg, Weitz & Luxenberg, P.C., today ranks among the nation's leading law firms. Weitz & Luxenberg's numerous litigation areas include: mesothelioma, defective medicine and devices, environmental pollutants, accidents, personal injury, and medical malpractice. Victims of accidents are invited to rely on Weitz & Luxenberg's more than 25 years of experience handling such cases. You can contact the firm's Client Relations department at 800-476-6070 or at clientrelations@weitzlux.com.

More information: http://www.weitzlux.com/ and http://www.weitzluxenberg.com/ .

To view the original version on Send2Press Newswire, visit: https://www.send2press.com/newswire/Weitz-and-Luxenberg-Lawsuit-Filed-in-Industrial-Chemical-Case_2014-05-0512-003.shtml.

NEWS SOURCE Weitz and Luxenberg :: This press release was issued on behalf of the news source (who is solely responsible for its accuracy) by and Copr. © 2014 Send2Press® Newswire, a service of Neotrope®.

Global Green Light Day is March 20, 2014: A Powerful Day to Think, Speak and Take Benevolent Action

author Schoeman

SEATTLE, Wash., March 10, 2014 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- Spreading goodness and happiness in the world - that's the heart of Global Green Light Day (GGLD). This new growing global movement is initiated by Marilyn Schoeman, of Seattle, Washington. Creator of the Green Light(R) system, the foundation of GGLD, features a new model of communication. It introduces a unique and powerful way to think, speak and take expansive, benevolent action.

The Green Light(R) Goal:
Create the greatest good, in the best way,
for the most people, for the longest time.

"A standard rule for some is 'First, do no harm.' With Green Light, it is, 'First, do some good - then do some more,'" declares Schoeman. Occurring on the first day of spring, March 20, 2014, this is an invitation for people to step out with their Greenest spirit, contribute to others and enjoy GGLD annually.

Founder, Marilyn Schoeman, is an international speaker, creative catalyst, game developer and author of, "GO! How to Think, Speak and ACT to Make Good Things Happen" (ISBN: 978-0-9841497-9-7; paperback, $19.95; available at Amazon.com, B&N and www.GoGreenLightWay.com). Her next book is, "Green Lightning! Creating a Green Light World - In a Flash!"

"Avoid the Red Lights of objections and obstacles by focusing on Green Light objectives and opportunities," Schoeman states. "From a base of positive thinking, dive into the exciting, enticing world of positive action. Green Light is the quantum leap that improves everything. It propels you beyond a paradigm shift, all the way to a Trinadigm shift - opening whole new realms of possibilities. It equips you, and inspires others, to do well by doing good."

Schoeman recently spoke about GGLD in Singapore at the M.I.N.D. (Mindfulness Integration Networking Dynamism) Conference, attended by representatives from 28 countries, hosted by the Wee Kim Wee Center, Singapore Management University. Individuals and groups there join others in preparing Green actions and posting them on social media. She also met with the Singapore Kindness Movement team, a very Green Light group spreading Greenness in Singapore and beyond.

"What Green Light actions will you be taking, celebrating and posting on GGLD?" asks Schoeman. "Continue ongoingly. You make a grand Green difference in the world."

Spread Green Light thoughts, words, and ACTIONS. This is a new way to enjoy being of service and to Green up our homes, neighborhoods, workplace - and our lives. Make March 13-20 a Green Light week. St. Patrick's Day adds a big dose of Green midweek. Plan a series of Green Light actions, ending with a celebration of your achievements on the 20th. Start your day with a Green Light greeting. Sound off with a "Good morning, world! Happy Global Green Light Day!" Celebrate the day in a bright Green Light Way.

Green someone's day. It might take a minute, it might continue over time. Who might you thank for a favor, a gift, or contribution? Who might you call with an uplifting message? What nearby area, roadside or park can you beautify or clear of trash? Who might you give an hour of two of help - babysitting, running an errand or just sharing your good company? Gather Green Light news to share with others. Expand friendships in the process. Find a Green Light colleague or partner and make something Green happen. Collect books for shelters and disadvantaged youth. Share Green Light ideas and actions at a hospital, school, or retirement center.

Find Green Light workers and commend them. Spread the Green news about their impact. Initiate Green Light conversations. Write a compliment or thank you on a business card or note pad and give it to a flight attendant, server, mechanic, or other day-brightener. Send a Green Light message by mail, phone, or email. Inhale gratitude. Exhale regret. Inhale joy. Exhale stress. Spread joy around you. Volunteer. Serve a worthy cause - education, social justice, the environment, literacy, health or other concerns. This is the day to play, "How Green can you be?" How many smiles can you generate? How many compliments can you give? Every Green thought, word and action Greens up the day for others - and yourself as well. Relish the Green Light outcomes.

Continue Green efforts throughout the year. As a Green Light DO-er, turn your creative ideas into reality. Go Green! Enjoy it. Celebrate it. Spread the Green news. Know that you are contributing to a global focus that benefits all. Salutes for your contribution to Global Green Light Day - and for daily Green Light actions you take.

For more information go to: http://www.GoGreenLightWay.com/ .

To view the original version on Send2Press Newswire, visit: https://www.send2press.com/newswire/Global-Green-Light-Day-is-March-20-A-Powerful-Day-to-Think-Speak-and-Take-Benevolent-Action_2014-03-0310-002.shtml.

NEWS SOURCE Marilyn Schoeman :: This press release was issued on behalf of the news source (who is solely responsible for its accuracy) by and Copr. © 2014 Send2Press® Newswire, a service of Neotrope®.

Mukuria Wins Adelina Award

Megan White Mukuria

NAIROBI, KENYA, Dec. 6, 2013 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- Megan White Mukuria, founder of ZanaAfrica, is the latest recipient of the Adelina Award, a prize awarded for exemplary accomplishment in the areas of humanitarian assistance, environmental improvement, education reform, sustainability, and disaster relief, according to John Toomey, Eula Laki and Lydia Ramos of Friends Beyond Borders and the World Mind Network, co-chairs of the Awards Committee.

Mukuria's organization provides a holistic and sustainable solution to keeping Kenyan girls in school by providing them with locally made sanitary pads.

In Kenya, one million girls miss up to 1.5 months of school because of their period, and the drop-out rate is twice that of boys starting at puberty. Considering that staying in school means girls are four times less likely to contract HIV, five times less likely to become teen mothers, and can earn 10 to 20 percent more, it becomes clear that it is necessary to work on keeping these young women in the classroom.

Mukuria believes that pads for girls, though crucial, are only one part of the equation. Her group is developing a new, more affordable pad that can be distributed widely to meet womens' needs and offer a sustainable and scalable business model. They are reinventing the pad-leveraging agricultural byproducts, streamlining the process, and creating a high-quality, radically affordable pad that helps solve an environmental problem rather than creating one.

They have also designed engaging comics to provide critical health education to girls in a way that is fun, standardized, and easily sharable. Young women can better take control of their lives and livelihoods and inspire those around them to do the same.

65 percent of women and girls in Kenya cannot afford pads. This means that over 850,000 girls miss 6 weeks of school every year and women miss valuable work hours. The problem is worse across East Africa with 4 in 5 unable to afford pads.

Reusable pads and rags are the alternatives, but can be unhygienic, leading to long-term health complications. They also cause embarrassing leaks. Girls would rather stay home than risk such humiliation

ZanaAfrica's mission is to produce the lowest-cost, most eco-responsible sanitary pad in the world and to provide large-scale, cascading impact to women and intermediary partners through distribution.

By 2020 ZanaAfrica will directly support 3 million girls and women with pads, to sustainably win back 5 million school days, 2 million work hours and $1 million to reinvest in their families. They will equip 23,000 saleswomen to earn an additional $100/year.

For more information go to http://www.zanaafrica.org/ .

Original syndication source of this press release: http://i.send2press.com/MfVIH .

To view the original version on Send2Press Newswire, visit: https://www.send2press.com/newswire/Mukuria-Wins-Adelina-Award_2013-12-1206-002.shtml.

NEWS SOURCE World Mind Network :: This press release was issued on behalf of the news source (who is solely responsible for its accuracy) by and Copr. © 2013 Send2Press® Newswire, a service of Neotrope®.