Fifty-two year-old Paul McNeel, a fire chief from Leonardtown, Maryland was 37 in 1996 when a sudden health problem caused the loss of his small intestine. Almost all of it had to be surgically removed to save his life. For 13 years after that, McNeel continued to fight fires and stayed alive by feeding himself a special liquid formula through a tube that went from a port in his chest directly to his heart and into his bloodstream. Over time that feeding process called TPN or total parenteral nutrition took a toll on his body; it was damaging his liver and he began to suffer frequent and worsening infections. McNeel needed a life-saving transplant that 13 years earlier would not have been survivable. Thanks to research into improved surgical methods, better anti-rejection medications and a better understanding of the small intestine, McNeel was able to have that transplant in May 2009 at Georgetown University Hospital under the care of Thomas Fishbein, MD, executive director of the Georgetown Transplant Institute and a specialist in small bowel transplants.
To view Multimedia News Release, go to http://www.multivu.com/mnr/52073-small-intestine-transplant-experts-hosted-by-georgetown
Ridgefield, CT, September 14, 2011 – Landmark public health campaign DRIVE4COPD today announced the unveiling of 24M: The DRIVE4COPD Monument, a visual representation of the impact of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in the United States. Reaching 14 feet at its highest peak and spanning half a football field, this first-of-its-kind monument comprised of 24 large-scale pinwheels to represent the 24 million Americans who may be living with COPD, was designed by internationally renowned artist and sculptor Michael Kalish.
To view Multimedia News Release, go to http://www.multivu.com/players/English/51245-24m-the-drive4copd-monument/
Music icon Barry Manilow today revealed his long struggle to manage a serious heart disease called atrial fibrillation (AFib). He has joined with Sanofi US to kick-off Get Back in Rhythm™, a national education campaign to raise awareness about AFib, and to encourage people to learn more about all the risks of AFib and the importance of keeping the heart in rhythm.
Today, approximately 2.5 million Americans have AFib and that number is expected to grow to 12 million by 2050. A serious heart disease that causes the heart to race and beat out of rhythm, AFib can lead to permanent heart damage, heart attack, heart failure, stroke and death.
To view Multimedia News Release, go to http://www.multivu.com/mnr/51813-get-back-in-rhythm-barry-manilow-afib-awareness
Urgent coordinated action from national governments, medical societies and patient organizations is needed to avoid a public health crisis resulting from the tide of preventable strokes that leave many people with atrial fibrillation (AF) mentally and physically disabled or dead, every year. How Can We Avoid a Stroke Crisis in Latin America?, a report from Action for Stroke Prevention – a group of health experts from around the world - reveals the huge economic, social and personal burden of AF-related strokes across the region. Launched today at the International Society for Pharmacoeconomics and Outcomes Research (ISPOR) 3rd Latin America Conference, the report proposes measures to tackle stroke in patients with AF, the most common, sustained abnormal heart rhythm and a major cause of stroke.
To view Multimedia News Release, go to http://multivu.prnewswire.com/mnr/prne/strikeoutstroke/50549/
Billie Jean King is joining the Arthritis Foundation, the Ad Council and the United States Tennis Association (USTA) to launch a new public service campaign to fight arthritis—the leading cause of disability in America. The ads, which debut at the US Open today, highlight the power of movement and activities, such as tennis, walking, biking and swimming, as weapons in the fight against osteoarthritis (OA). They will premiere on TV screens and PA announcements and in signage and collateral materials throughout the US Open in the Arthur Ashe Stadium.
To view Multimedia News Release, go to http://www.multivu.com/mnr/51773-ad-council-fight-arthritis-pain
Pet owner Judy Bernath loves her 11-year-old cat Billy, so when she noticed he had become lethargic, started losing weight and drastically changed from the happy cat he had once been, she made a visit to see her veterinarian Dr. David Bruyette, medical director at VCA West Los Angeles Animal Hospital. The VCA team diagnosed Billy as being hyperthyroid within a few days, and Dr. Bruyette shared conventional therapy options with Judy, like radiation therapy, daily pharmaceuticals and surgery. In addition, he discussed and ultimately recommended a new and different approach for Billy’s case – nutritional management.
To view Multimedia News Release, go to http://www.multivu.com/mnr/51765-hills-pet-nutrition-launches-new-pet-food-for-hyperthyroid-cats
Emmy® and Tony® award-winning actress Blythe Danner and Amgen (NASDAQ:AMGN) today launch Act 2 Reduce Fractures™, an educational campaign for women with postmenopausal osteoporosis at increased risk for fractures. Earlier this year, Danner was diagnosed with postmenopausal osteoporosis at increased risk for fractures and wants to encourage women like her to educate themselves, take action and speak to their doctors to learn all they can about helping to strengthen their bones. The campaign is being supported by American Bone Health, the Global Healthy Living Foundation and the Older Women’s League.
To view Multimedia News Release, go to http://multivu.prnewswire.com/mnr/amgen/48052/
Discovery Communications today announced the expansion of its ‘Discover Your Skills’ public affairs job skills program, including a partnership with Montgomery College focused on better preparing students with the necessary skills to take advantage of available job opportunities, and the airing of eight public service announcements (PSAs) across its U.S. networks and digital platforms highlighting career opportunities in the skilled trades, and the importance of training workers to fill critical jobs in manufacturing, health care, energy, technology, construction and other industries.
To view Multimedia News Release, go to http://www.multivu.com/mnr/51862-discovery-communications-american-job-growth-job-skills-development
It’s no surprise that parents and kids are feeling the pressure to get ready for school. There are school supplies to be bought, first-day outfits to be chosen, and fears to be calmed. However, that's not the end of the back-to-school list. A great start to the school year also means the healthiest start possible.
Therefore, it is imperative that parents take certain steps to promote healthy behaviors, improve nutrition and encourage healthy habits. So whether your child is a toddler or a teen, award-winning health and nutritional expert, Sharon Liao, is available for live interviews to share the latest information in health and nutrition, and will provide tips on how to maintain your child’s health and nutritional needs throughout the school year.
CVS/pharmacy and MinuteClinic announced their “You vs. Flu” campaign today. Flu vaccinations are now available at all CVS/pharmacy and MinuteClinic locations nationwide to help consumers win against the flu. CVS/pharmacy has more than 7,200 locations and MinuteClinic has nearly 600 locations inside select CVS/pharmacy stores.
Flu shots are being provided by CVS pharmacists and MinuteClinic nurse practitioners and physician assistants every day, including evenings and weekends, with no appointment necessary. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that everyone ages six months and older get a flu shot as soon as vaccine is available, including those who were vaccinated last flu season.
To view Multimedia News Release, go to http://www.multivu.com/mnr/51328-cvs-minuteclinic-flu-shot
Transitions Optical and VSP® Vision Care brought a state-of-the-art 40-foot mobile eyecare clinic, nicknamed “Eyenstein,” to the Harlem community to provide comprehensive eye exams and complimentary eyewear to area children to help them prepare for the start of a new school year. The mobile eyecare clinic, onsite at East Harlem Scholars Academy on Thursday, August 18, will also be at the Harlem Week Children’s Festival which is open to the public on Saturday, August 20 and Sunday, August 21.
To view Multimedia News Release, go to http://multivu.prnewswire.com/mnr/transitions/50070/
Life is unpredictable and can be even more so when you have allergies. During this fall allergy season, your runny nose, sneezing or itchy, watery eyes just might earn you top honors in Allegra's new Allergy Adventures contest on Facebook. Allergy sufferers are invited to upload a short video showing their daily challenges with allergies for a chance to win $5,000 toward a fun-filled adventure where they can enjoy life – without worrying about allergies.
Over 40 million adults suffer from indoor and outdoor allergies in the United States. During the fall, many people suffer from allergy triggers such as ragweed and dust mites. The contest is meant to help people say farewell to disruptive allergy symptoms now that fast (starts working at hour one), long-lasting, non-drowsy relief is available over-the-counter from Allegra.
To view Multimedia News Release, go to http://multivu.prnewswire.com/mnr/allegra/50885/
