Researchers have discovered that a subtype of leukemia characterized by a poor prognosis is fueled by mutations in pathways distinctly different from a seemingly similar leukemia associated with a much better outcome. The findings from the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital — Washington University Pediatric Cancer Genome Project (PCGP) highlight a possible new strategy for treating patients with this more aggressive cancer.
The work provides the first details of the genetic alterations fueling a subtype of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) known as early T-cell precursor ALL (ETP-ALL). The results suggest ETP-ALL has more in common with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) than with other subtypes of ALL. The study appears in the January 12 edition of the journal Nature.
To view Multimedia News Release, go to http://www.multivu.com/mnr/46768-st-jude-cancer-genome-sequencing-project-combat-aggressive-leukemia
New findings from the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital – Washington University Pediatric Cancer Genome Project (PCGP) have helped identify the mechanism that makes the childhood eye tumor retinoblastoma so aggressive. The discovery explains why the tumor develops so rapidly while other cancers can take years or even decades to form.
The finding also led investigators to a new treatment target and possible therapy for the rare childhood tumor of the retina, the light-sensing tissue at the back of the eye. The study appears in the January 11 advance online edition of the scientific journal Nature.
To view Multimedia News Release, go to http://www.multivu.com/mnr/46767-st-jude-genome-project-treatment-childhood-eye-tumor-retinoblastoma
Doctors at Children’s Hospital Boston are just another step closer to securing a cure for sickle cell disease thanks to a little help from some superstar friends. More than $1 million was raised in support of their research efforts on Sunday, January 15 during the “Play Without Pain: Children’s Sickle Cell Benefit,” a partnership with international megastar Celine Dion, Caesars Entertainment, AEG Live and Children’s Hospital Boston. Held at Caesars Palace, the evening included a performance of Celine Dion’s glamorous show directed by Grammy Awards producer Ken Ehrlich, including a touching tribute to sickle cell victims during her rendition of Billy Joel’s “Lullabye.”
To view Multimedia News Release, go to http://www.multivu.com/mnr/54153-celine-dion-play-without-pain-children-s-sickle-cell-benefit
ChildObesity180 today launched a new initiative, the Active Schools Acceleration Project (ASAP), in the continuing effort toward reversing the trend of childhood obesity. Because of their strong support for Let’s Move!, her initiative to solve the problem of childhood obesity within a generation, First Lady Michelle Obama encouraged participation in the competition with a new video message.
ASAP, in a commitment with The Partnership for a Healthier America (PHA), is conducting a national competition to identify and reward the most creative, impactful, and scalable school-based programs and technological innovations that promote physical activity for children. The contest will award a total of $500,000 in prizes, with individual awards of up to $100,000. In addition to monetary awards, top winners will advance to participate in funded pilot studies aimed at expanding both reach and impact.
To view Multimedia News Release, go to http://www.multivu.com/mnr/54594-childobesity180-innovation-in-physical-activity-competition-for-let-s-move
Adults aren’t the only ones who should be thinking heart smart this February, as heart disease is a concern for an increasing number of children, too. Research shows that overweight kids are more likely to develop heart disease as adults. And many overweight children already have conditions like high blood pressure and high cholesterol, which puts them at risk for heart disease now.
The good news is that most kids can address these risks with changes in diet and exercise. Throughout February, which is American Heart Month, BeSmartBeWell.com highlights the heart risks facing overweight kids and provides advice for how to manage them.
To view Multimedia News Release, go to http://multivu.prnewswire.com/mnr/childhoodobesity/50830/
Today the International OCD Foundation (IOCDF), announced their support for children and families suffering from Sudden Onset Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. They are releasing two new PSAs created to bring awareness and engender change surrounding the disorder PANDAS (Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal infections) and PANS (Pediatric Acute-Onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome).
To view Multimedia News Release, go to http://www.multivu.com/mnr/54781-ocd-foundation-pandas-psa-obsessive-compulsive-disorder
We Learn a Lot From Our Children
The other thing I had was meditation as taught to me by my young son Andrew – wow, can’t we learn a lot from our children. Andrew taught me meditation, and I was meditating – endeavouring to get some sort of peace, some sort of clarity … that sort of thing and I knew it was good for relaxation, stress release, anxiousness and all that sort of thing.
The Greatest Wake Up Call
So I already knew all of that, so I did it. And you know what? I got the greatest wake up call that you could ever get. It was like a whack across the head … and this was it: “Hey, if you persist in being hateful, angry and vengeful … then you’re going to end up like that! Wow! In other word, if I talked to myself 65,000 times a day, then I am going to be another victim … and who has done it to me? Me … haven’t I. I’ve done it to myself.
By Sandy MacGregor – http://www.selfimprovementdeals.com
See it on Video – 12 of 16 A Wake-Up Call - Talking to Yourself Negatively
Next Video – 13 Asking the Wrong Question Can Lead to Guilt, Blame and Judgements
Researchers have identified the first gene mutation associated with a chronic and often fatal form of neuroblastoma that typically strikes adolescents and young adults. The finding provides the first clue about the genetic basis of the long-recognized but poorly understood link between treatment outcome and age at diagnosis.
The study involved 104 infants, children and young adults with advanced neuroblastoma, a cancer of the sympathetic nervous system. Investigators discovered the ATRX gene was mutated only in patients age 5 and older. The alterations occurred most often in patients age 12 and older. These older patients were also more likely than their younger counterparts to have a chronic form of neuroblastoma and die years after their disease is diagnosed.
To view Multimedia News Release, go to http://www.multivu.com/mnr/52992-st-jude-pediatric-cancer-genome-project-neuroblastoma-research
With about one out of every three children in this country obese or overweight, it’s more important than ever to focus on healthy choices and changes that families can make together. Throughout March, which is National Nutrition Month, BeSmartBeWell.com shares stories of real families like Cindy and her children, who got healthier by cutting out junk food and exercising more.
“We lost over 200 pounds together as a family,” says Cindy in a video on Be Smart. Be Well. “After going back through and looking at pictures of where we were to where we’ve come, it’s just absolutely amazing!”
To view Multimedia News Release, go to http://multivu.prnewswire.com/mnr/childhoodobesity/50831
Stiefel, a GSK company, announced today that Hats On For Skin Health, its global campaign with the International League of Dermatological Societies (ILDS), has raised enough funds to produce 15,000 sun-protective hats for albinos living in East Africa and has already distributed more than 2,000 hats. The hats are being distributed from Tanzania, where estimates are that 98 percent of albino children will die before the age of 40 from cancers of the skin – a direct result of the sun’s damaging rays. Worldwide, albinism affects about one in 20,000 people. However the incidence of albinism in Sub-Saharan Africa is significantly higher than in the rest of the world, specifically in Tanzania where the incidence is one in 1,429.
To view Multimedia News Release, go to http://www.multivu.com/mnr/55030-stiefel-gsk-ilds-hats-on-for-skin-health-campaign-east-africa
Today Safe Kids Worldwide released a new research report that found while the death rate among children from poisoning has been cut in half since the late 1970s, the percentage of all child poisoning deaths due to medications has nearly doubled, from 36 percent to 64 percent.
Safe Storage, Safe Dosing, Safe Kids: A Report to the Nation on Safe Medication examines trends in morbidity and mortality of medication poisoning among children ages 14 and under. The report underscores the challenge of medication-related poisoning among children and offers solutions that will reverse the trends. Safe Kids also proposes specific roles that parents and other caregivers, industry, governments, and the medical community can play in improving medication safety through safe storage and safe dosing.
To view Multimedia News Release, go to http://www.multivu.com/mnr/55155-safe-kids-worldwide-medication-safety-campaign-research-report
Primrose Schools, The Leader in Educational Child Care®, announces the Peetz family of Charlotte, N.C. as the grand-prize winner of the third annual Family Dance-off video contest. The national contest encourages families to step up the fight against childhood obesity by dancing for healthy, active lifestyles.
“Primrose is committed to helping children learn healthy habits from an early age. It is our hope that the Family Dance-off not only provided a fun way for families to get moving, but encouraged them to make physical activity a priority in their everyday lives. All the families that participated in the contest have inspired us with their fantastic moves and passion for children’s health,” said Jo Kirchner, president and CEO of Primrose Schools. “We’re honored to donate a total of $81,000 to Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals across the country on behalf of our winning families.”
To view Multimedia News Release, go to http://www.multivu.com/mnr/55499-primrose-schools-national-family-dance-off-winners
