The European Commission has banned the UK’s meat producers form using Desinewed meat (DSM); the flesh left on bones after butchering that is grated off mechanically to create a cheap mince-like substance.  This is then used to ‘bulk up’ food products to portray a higher meat content and quality to consumers.

Kevin McWhinney, MD of McWhinney’s Sausages, commented: “To our huge disappointment and disgust even the majority of our own industry ‘experts’ are outraged that DSM can no longer be considered as meat. We are overjoyed that this is now no longer the case, as we have always argued that DSM is not meat. Despite its ban some manufacturers have used new technology to produce this product, but have called it by a new name to try and pull the wool over the eyes of the industry and the consumer.”

The Food Standards Agency is enforcing this new ban because the European Commission sees DSM and MSM (Mechanically Separated Meat) as the same. “Unsurprisingly, the ‘big boys’ of the industry – the British Meat Processers Association (BMPA) are horrified that using DSM is to cease.  These are the manufacturers that see profit as king, with product quality a distant second.”

“I’m not portraying any manufacturer as having done anything illegal- as they haven’t.  I’m simply delighted that after all this time the industry is soon to be on a level playing field.  This product can no longer and under the (2004) regulations, should not have been, referred to as meat.”

McWhinney’s has a clear ethos on using any variety of mechanically reclaimed meat- never has, never will. The company hasn’t an issue with other manufacturers producing cheap products with the aid of DSM, but it has always battled the fact that with the laws allowing DSM to be classified as ‘meat’, its customers have struggled to understand the reasons for our higher prices.

Now with this new law announcing DSM as non-meat, many others are now adapting their product in order to remain legal.

McWhinney states: “Since we have never used DSM, we have always been more expensive and buyers have always been able to source other sausages cheaper.  Given DSM’s right to be called meat, the fact that others in the industry were getting away with it was just a hard pill for us to swallow.  Now, a new era is beginning when the entire industry will be legally obliged to declare the meat content of a product separately from its DSM content.  Our reaction…it’s about time.”

McWhinney’s Sausages advise that this is taken a step further whereby product details are available not only on retail food packaging, but throughout food consumption.  The experts suggest that diners in restaurants, bars, and cafes must be in a position to know what they are eating.

McWhinney added: “It is vital to let every food consumer decide what they want and what they don’t.  In terms of the use of pork and poultry DSM- by all means allow those who use it to use it, but clearly and concisely declare it and let the public know that it is in their food!  Let the customer make their own informed decisions.”

ENDS

We are busy planning schedules, activities, meals and recruiting medical staff and counselors to take care of children who will attend the camp.

Many kids with type 1 diabetes find a home at a camp made just for them. Kids participate in tons of outdoor activities including swimming, high ropes courses, boating, and all-camp games. Hashmi Health Care Dedicated counselor supervises all of their activities. Medical staff supports the kids by helping them manage insulin dosing and meal planning. Kids meet and live with other kids with diabetes. They become friends –sometimes life-long friends. Some kids come back year after year to re-connect with old friends and to meet new friends. Kids grow from the youngest campers to become the camp counselors years later. The connection between these kids runs deep. As one teenager said: “I see my camp friends on Facebook all year, but when I see them on the first day of camp, I just scream! I am so EXCITED!”

And kids learn a lot of other things too; like paddling in a canoe, shooting an arrow in archery, going down a zip line, or tie-dying a t-shirt. Most kids end their day tired but full of stories of all the things they did that day. The days are full, building tons of memories.

The mission of Summer Diabetes camps specialized for children and youth with diabetes is to facilitate a traditional camping experience in a medically safe environment. An equally important goal is to enable children with diabetes to meet and share their experiences with one another while they learn to be more responsible for their condition. For this to occur, a skilled medical and camping staff must be available to ensure optimal safety and an integrated camping/educational experience.

Hashmi Health care Diabetes Management at Camp During camp, a record of the camper’s diabetes care progress should be documented daily. All blood glucose levels and insulin dosages should be recorded in a format that allows for review and analysis to determine whether alterations in the diabetes regimen are required. A record of the degree of activity and food intake may also be helpful in determining subsequent alterations in the diabetes regimen. It is imperative that the medical staff have knowledge about the exercise schedule and the meal plan at camp so that they can make appropriate insulin dosage adjustments.

The camp setting is an ideal place for teaching diabetes self-management skills. Education programs should be developmentally appropriate. Examples of educational topics suitable for the camp setting include:

• Blood glucose monitoring

• The importance of diabetes control

• Healthy lifestyles issues, including integration of healthy eating, physical activity, and relaxation

• Problem-solving skills for caring for diabetes at home versus camp

• Life skills for independent living

A 52-year-old woman from Lancashire has been jailed for 56 days for going on holiday whilst sitting on a jury. Janet Chapman from Blackpool called Preston Crown Court to say that she had back pain and could not attend the trial for a fortnight but she has been found guilty of contempt of court because during the time she jetted off on holiday.

It emerged that the juror, who was a deputy care home manageress, had flown out with her partner to Malta for a week’s holiday but she said she thought that obtaining a seven-day sick note from the doctors for sciatica meant she would automatically not have to attend the trial because she was unfit.

Recorder of Preston Judge Anthony Russell QC said: “I am satisfied that if you really suffered back pain of such severity that you could not continue your jury service you would not have been able to endure the travel to Malta.”

He added: “I am driven to the conclusion that you pretended to your doctor that you had a back problem in order that you could take a holiday in Malta.”

The defendant had listened to three weeks of evidence in a robbery trial at Preston Crown Court but failed to be present at the start of the scheduled four-week hearing.

All potential members of the jury were asked before the case started whether there were any reasons why they could not serve the set period of time; and Ms Chapman said there was none.

Her absence from the proceedings was later explained that the trip was a surprise birthday present but the trial had been delayed for two days whilst inquiries were made with concern for her welfare which resulted in significant wasted costs and considerable inconvenience.

Sciatica is pain within the pathway and distribution of the sciatic nerve and is formed from the spine at the junction of the lumbar and sacral regions. It passes from the spine into the pelvis, into the buttock, back of the thigh and down below the knee and most patients desire relief from the pain when they have severe sciatica.

Relief can be achieved using a number of medications, simple pain killers and anti-inflammatory medications are commonly prescribed; and epidural injections of steroid may also be used. For prolonged periods of time surgical treatment may have a role.

Spinalsurgeon.com can help people with the condition by offering advice and expert information such as common symptoms and treatments. And the professionals can help for all spinal problems including back and neck pain as well as Spondylolisthesis and whiplash.

ENDS

Many teenagers are carrying dangerously heavy bags to school that exceed up to 10-15% their own body weight and this is putting them at risk of future back pain, according to a new study.

Findings published online in the Archives of Disease in Childhood reveal that many youngsters carry hefty backpacks which is resulting in the possibility of back pain and related disorders later on in life as adults.

The survey took place in schools in Northern Galicia in Spain and involved more than 1,400 students aged 12-17 years old. It found that the posed threat by the substantial weight is made even greater by the fact that many teens do not get enough exercise.

Researchers discovered that 62% of children lugged backpacks that surpassed 10% of their body weight; and 18% of kids’ carted bags that topped 15% of their own body weight.

And the results are damaging because according to the report, one in four students experienced back pain for more than 15 days during the previous year; and 70% of the students with back pain were diagnosed as having scoliosis which is a curvature of the spine. Those with the heaviest backpacks were 50% more prone to have back pain for more than 15 days in contrast to those with the lightest bags.

Common problems consisted of continuous and involuntary muscle contraction and low back pain. What is more, girls were more likely to have back troubles than boys and this risk increased with age.

Back pain in older life can be challenging and often or not you can feel lonely whilst you struggle due to not knowing where to go for help or advice. Spinalsurgeon.com is the go-to-place for information and guidance where you can read patient’s stories of their experience of surgery as well as get support whilst you wait for surgery and after it.

Its founder, Mr Manoj Krishna, is a consultant spinal surgeon with over 15 years’ experience of delivering excellence in spinal care. If you are suffering back or neck pain and want to speak to an expert, look no further than spinalsurgeon.com.

ENDS

Many companies, to their credit, offer employee training in first aid, counting cardiopulmonary recovery. Airlines also train flight attendants in these methods, of course. But lots of business travellers, myself comprised, who may be quite willing to help when others lie stricken, simply lack basic first-aid skills that can make the difference between life and death in those first minutes before trained emergency medical responders arrive.

As we saw here, readiness in an emergency matters a great deal more when coupled with basic skills. “If you have someone who can follow suitable directions, like hold the neck this way, do chest-compressions this way, you are way ahead of the curve” before spare technicians and physicians enter the picture.

First-aid training is simple. For years, companies have trained employees as initial responders for in-house emergencies, and the trend is growing to safeguard that business travellers also have basic skills.

At some companies, he said, first-aid and emergency-response training is now “part of the location for the international traveller.”

Obviously, when somewhat truly horrible happens in front of you, or to you, he said, “it’s a shock to the system, and you never know how people are going to react. Sometimes the people who you wouldn’t suspect rise to the time. But the more training people have had, the more they have reconsidered what they would do in an emergency, and how they would do it, the better it is.”

First-aid training was once mainly offered through public organizations. Schools now do a good job, but in recent years the focus for grown-ups has moved more into companies.

Acorn Stairlifts made its debut on Kay Mellor’s hit BBC drama The Syndicate last week during the second episode which was broadcast to the nation. The five-part series tells the story of five supermarket workers whose lives are turned upside down when they win £18 million in a lottery syndicate.

30Last week viewers saw character Denise, played by actress Lorraine Bruce, transform her elderly mother’s life by buying a stairlift for her 80th birthday. In the scene, Maureen, played by BAFTA nominated Judy Parfitt, descends the stairs to be greeted by a house full of guests to celebrate her surprise 80th birthday party. Dave Belmont, Acorn’s Company Secretary, said: “It’s an absolute honour for Acorn to be associated with Kay Mellor. She’s one of the most successful scriptwriters of all time and a real Yorkshire treasure – as is Acorn! Research shows that after 20 years in business, we are transforming someone’s world every 14 minutes with a stairlift, and the difference it can make is wonderfully reflected in The Syndicate. “After thousands of installations across the globe, we hear every day that a new stairlift can be as life changing as winning the lottery so it is excellent to see the sort of reaction that usually happens behind closed doors, dramatised and broadcast on national television.”

Acorn Stairlifts exports to over 60 countries, has an annual turnover of over £72 million and employs over 340 staff at its headquarters in Steeton, West Yorkshire. For further information about Acorn Stairlifts, please contact Company Secretary Dave Belmont on 01535 291000, mobile 07917 217260, or by email at dbelmont@acornstairlifts.com

(April, 2012 )The only way to “cure” mesothelioma is to stop all forms of asbestos exposure. In a perfect world, asbestos use would be banned everywhere, asbestos mining would stop, all buildings would be properly abated and asbestos would be properly clean up. But that’s not the reality. The reality is that only around 55 countries have banned asbestos. The United States is not one of those countries. In fact, according to the Environmental Information Association (EIA), around 75 percent of countries have not banned asbestos. Asbestos is still being mined and exported from China, Brazil, Russia -and even Canada, though Canada has banned its use at home. (Side note: the Canadian government recently funded an asbestos abatement project in the capital buildings, yet they have no qualms about sending asbestos to other countries and, in fact, the government is trying to re-open asbestos mines in the province of Quebec.) The only reason this hidden killer continues to be perpetuated throughout the world is because of corporate greed. Numerous other materials can be used in place of asbestos that don’t cause cancer -and the asbestos industry knew for decades before the public that asbestos can kill.

There is no “safe” level of exposure to asbestos. There is no “responsible” way to use asbestos. There are no “safe” types of asbestos.

Regardless of what the industry might say, all asbestos is bad. “Blue” asbestos kills. “White” asbestos (known as “chrysotile”) kills.

The only way to protect future generations from mesothelioma and other asbestos diseases is to ban the use of asbestos everywhere.

There needs to be more awareness about the horrible health risks of asbestos, and people need to understand that asbestos can still threaten their health -what you can’t see can hurt you.

That’s why, at the close of Global Asbestos Awareness Week 2012, we are standing with the Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO) in calling for a worldwide ban on asbestos: all asbestos, in every form, everywhere.

Baron and Budd, the mesothelioma law firm that sponsors this website, is a proud 2012 platinum sponsor of ADAO.

Follow us on:

http://www.facebook.com/Fight.Mesothelioma

http://twitter.com/mesonews

https://plus.google.com/113709637057346965240/posts

Contact:
Baron & Budd, P.C.
Susan Knape, 214-629-0596
email: susan@susanknape.com

Hot news from America, electronic cigarette use appears to be rising at a rapid rate…

Despite the almost noncommittal stance from the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) in regards to health concerns, which almost exactly mirrors the current UK situation, a study conducted by Centre for Disease Control (CDC) Researchers and published by US Tobacco Control and Pubmed.gov, suggests that the number of electronic cigarette users in the USA nearly quadrupled over the last 12 months.  Vapestick, the UK’s leading electronic cigarette manufacturer looks set to capitalise on the UK market with its unparalleled range of electronic cigarette products and its recent national listing in TESCO Pharmacies across the country.

It should be noted this increase in popularity is taking place even amidst debate over the advantages of these products. For the uninitiated, Vapestick e-cigarettes are designed to mimic the habitual effects of a tobacco cigarette. And while they do not use tobacco, combustion, smoke, ash or any of the thousands of chemicals found in normal cigarettes, the FDA and its UK counterpart (MHRA) has yet to completely rule on how they will be regulated.

According to the CDC, tobacco smoking is the leading cause of preventable death in the United States, “accounting for approximately 443,000 deaths in the United States each year.” The fact that more than 2.5 million Americans have made the switch to electronic cigarettes seems to suggest that the public is looking for an alternative to tobacco products.  The situation over here in the UK is just as stark – with an estimated 10 million smokers, and a cost to the already-stretched NHS of around £2.7 billion per year.

The simple truth is that tobacco cigarettes contain thousands of toxins and chemicals. According to the CDC, tobacco cigarettes contain over 7,000 known chemicals. Hundreds of these are toxic, and around 70 are directly linked to cancer. This is to say nothing of the toxins and chemicals found within second-hand smoke. The current NHS backed ‘stop-smoking’ TV campaign clearly focuses on the dangers of second-hand smoke specifically, along with the potential dangers for those children exposed to it.

As an alternative, Vapestick e-cigarettes do not use tobacco, and they do not combust. So instead of producing smoke, they produce a vapour.

Personal benefits may not be the only appeal of e-cigarettes for those looking to make the switch. The environmentally-conscious smoker may be taking note of the impact their smoking habit is having on the environment. As reported in a June 2008 article by Popular Science, every year, some 600 million trees are destroyed, all in the name of producing the paper for tobacco cigarettes. In addition, a countless number of cigarette butts and finished packets get tossed, many of which end up lining pavements and filling public parks.

Then there’s the cost savings.  The Chancellor raised the taxation on a packet of 20 cigarettes by 37p in last month’s Budget, which means some retailers are selling packs of 20 for over £8 now.  Calculations made by Vapestick estimate that users can save over £2,200 a year by taking the Vapestick healthier alternative to smoking –a saving over up to 75%.

Whatever happens, in the end, what the electronic cigarette offers is an alternative to tobacco – an alternative that the public seems very willing to explore.  And Vapestick are at the forefront of development and innovation to make sure that smokers have the very best tools at their disposal.

A new report by visiongain predicts that the world market for ophthalmic drugs will reach $18.7 billion for 2012. That revenue forecast appears in Ophthalmic Drugs: World Market Prospects 2012-2022, published in March 2012. Visiongain is a business information provider based in London, UK.

From 2012 to 2022, the pharmaceutical industry will improve treatment of ocular disorders and increase revenues from those products. The R&D pipeline for treating eye diseases is strong. Visiongain’s study predicts that the world market for eye drugs will grow strongly from 2012 to 2022. It will be stimulated by increasing prevalence of eye disorders among aging populations worldwide. Sustained-release ocular implants, gene therapy and RNA interference technology will influence R&D in ophthalmology, as will neuroprotective agents for glaucoma. Many commercial opportunities for ophthalmic drugs exist, with high revenues possible this decade.

Dr Syed Ahmed, a senior pharmaceutical industry analyst at visiongain, said, “The world market for ophthalmic drugs is an important segment of the pharma industry. The main causes of visual impairment and sight loss in developed countries are retinal diseases. These include age-related macular degeneration (AMD), diabetic macular oedema and macular oedema caused by retinal vein occlusion. Glaucoma is the leading cause of irreversible blindness. It remains a large segment of the ophthalmic prescription drug market. Worldwide, there are many under-met treatment needs for eye disorders.

“Over coming years, there will be much research in ophthalmics, especially for sustained release implants and injection technologies for retinal diseases. Improved drug delivery and new formulations will be important. Sustained release formulations will offer marked potential for revenue growth. Diabetic macular oedema (DME) will also be important to the future of the ophthalmic drug market. The number of people developing Type II diabetes is rising, with many diabetics developing DME. In particular, anti-VEGF therapy will play an increasing role in the treatment of DME.”

Visiongain’s report provides revenue forecasts to 2022 at world market, therapeutic submarket, product and national level. It forecasts world sales for the following submarkets:

• Glaucoma treatments
• Anti-allergy, anti-inflammatory and anti-infective agents
• Retinal disorder treatments
• Dry eye treatments
• Other medicines.

That investigation forecasts sales of 20 leading drugs, including Lucentis, Visudyne, Xalatan/Xalacom and Restasis. Research, data and analyses cover activities of Allergan, Novartis, Pfizer, Roche and other pharmaceutical companies.

The analysis includes researching the R&D pipeline, interviewing authorities on the industry and forecasting revenues in leading national markets. Countries analysed are the US, Japan, the EU5, Brazil, China and India. Ophthalmic Drugs: World Market Prospects 2012-2022 adds to visiongain’s range of analytical reports on industries and markets in healthcare.

For sample pages and further information concerning the Visiongain report Ophthalmic Drugs: World Market Prospects 2012-2022 please visit:

http://www.visiongain.com/Report/784/Ophthalmic-Drugs-World-Market-Prospects-2012-2022

For an executive summary please contact:
Email: Sara Peerun on sara.peerun@visiongainglobal.com
Tel: +44 (0) 20 7336 6100

About visiongain

Visiongain is one of the fastest growing and most innovative independent media companies in Europe. Based in London, UK, visiongain produces a host of business-2-business conferences, newsletters, management reports and e-zines focusing on the Energy, Telecoms, Pharmaceutical, Defence, Materials sectors.

Visiongain publishes reports produced by its in-house analysts, who are qualified experts in their field. Visiongain has firmly established itself as the first port-of-call for the business professional, who needs independent, high quality, original material to rely and depend on.

Staying in the sun for too long is definitely bad for your health, but new worries are growing over Britons starved of sunshine.

During the winter Chief Medical Officers spent time highlighting the issue to health professionals, naming pregnant and breastfeeding women, people over 65 and young children particularly at risk of Vitamin D deficiency.

Now, as the daylight hours increase, a national charity has also been encouraging people to enjoy the outdoors.

Vitamin D, 90 per cent of which we produce from sunlight, is good for promoting healthy bones. On-going research suggests that without the recommended levels of it people could be more prone to health complications such as osteoporosis, diabetes, heart disease and cancer.

A lack of Vitamin D is said to affect one in four people in the UK. The reasons for this can be anything from hectic lifestyles to avoiding the sun for fear of skin cancer.

Martin Lau, nutritionist at charity The Arthritic Association, said: “Vitamin D is the one vitamin that the body can synthesise through being exposed to sunlight.”

To produce enough Vitamin D a person need only be outdoors for 20 minutes around three times a week, for example on your lunch break.

For adults and children spending time in the garden and park is an easy way to make the most of the good weather and sunshine.

To boost the quality of your outdoor living experience and get more sunshine in your life having garden furniture and dining al fresco is both practical and social.

So this spring why not get out in the garden? Visit www.Trueshopping.co.uk where you’ll find a range of dining sets, firepits, barbecues and more.

About Trueshopping.co.uk:

Trueshopping is a UK based online retailer dedicated to helping ‘everyone afford luxury’. That’s why we ensure high quality home and lifestyle products at competitive prices. Our departments include Bathroom, Heating, Plumbing, DIY & Tools and Garden & Outdoors.

At Trueshopping our exceptional product ranges are backed by our unrivalled customer service, with fast, reliable delivery and 100% secure shopping.