Report Uncovers New and Missed Opportunities to Improve the Management of Asthma, Most Common Chronic Disease Among U.S. Children

Report Uncovers New and Missed Opportunities to Improve the Management of Asthma, Most Common Chronic Disease Among U.S. Children

Asthma, Health and Policy Thought Leaders Identify and Recommend Ways to Close the Gap Between Recommended and Actual Asthma Management.

Washington, DC (PRWEB) March 3, 2009 -- Many parents of the 9.6 million children who have been diagnosed with asthma in the United States may be surprised to learn that their child's asthma is not being managed in ways that meet standard medical guidelines developed more than fifteen years ago and updated in 2007. In fact, a report authored by asthma and policy experts that was released today found that two out of three children with moderate or severe asthma did not receive adequate or recommended treatment. Further, it shows that where children live is linked to how a child's asthma is managed.

"Let's be clear: we know the most effective methods to manage childhood asthma," said Dr. Floyd Malveaux, Executive Director of the Merck Childhood Asthma Network, Inc. (http://www.mcanonline.org) (MCAN) and former Dean of the College of Medicine at Howard University. "Our challenge is to communicate and implement these methods across the nation for every child, wherever he or she might live."

"Too many parents are watching their children - especially those families living in African American, Hispanic and poor neighborhoods - suffer needlessly from asthma because of improper or non-existent management of their condition," said Dr. Malveaux.

"The State of Childhood Asthma (http://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/vol123/Supplement_3/)," a supplement to the March edition of The Journal of Pediatrics, features articles from a cross-disciplinary field of experts in children's health, asthma and public policy. Among its most important findings:

-In 2007, a historically-high number of children - nearly one in every ten children in the United States - had asthma. While consensus guidelines to promote science-based and appropriate management have been in place since 1991, childhood asthma rates have not uniformly improved.

-Racial/ethnic disparities are found in asthma prevalence, with minority and medically underserved children shouldering both a disproportionate burden of the disease and, in the case of African American children, a continuing increase in asthma mortality rates. For example:

•    Children of racial minorities admitted for asthma attacks were less likely than white children to have taken anti-inflammatory medications and to be prescribed a nebulizer for home use at discharge.

-Living in communities near a major highway or Interstate dramatically increases the incidence of new cases of asthma, level of asthma symptoms, the frequency of visits to hospital emergency rooms and hospitalizations.

•    If air pollution levels were reduced to match levels in the cleanest communities, annual asthma-related school absences would drop by two-thirds and new cases of asthma would decrease by 75 percent.

Dr. Malveaux and MCAN brought these thought leaders together not only to examine the barriers to improving asthma management, but also to highlight evidence-based programs and policies that have been proven to work. Articles stressed that the most successful management methods were ones that considered the many factors that lead to and tend to complicate asthma among children. Home-based interventions and school-based clinics, for example, were found to be particularly effective in limiting hospital visits, reducing symptoms and improving quality of life for children with asthma.

"Asthma continues to present a major burden for children and their families, a challenge to policymakers, public health organizations, and health care providers and a puzzle for researchers searching for its primary causes," said Sara Rosenbaum, supplement author and Chair of the Department of Health Policy at the George Washington University School of Public Health and Health Services. "While asthma currently is not curable, it is manageable when children and their families have access to and utilize quality health care services."

To view the full supplement, visit The Journal of Pediatrics online (http://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/vol123/Supplement_3/).

About MCAN

The Merck Childhood Asthma Network (MCAN) is a separately incorporated, non-profit, 501(c)(3) organization established to address the complex and growing problem of pediatric asthma. MCAN is funded by the Merck Company Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Merck & Co., Inc. Led by Floyd Malveaux, MD, PhD, a nationally recognized expert in asthma and allergic diseases and former Dean of the Howard University College of Medicine, MCAN is specifically focused on enhancing access to quality asthma care and management for children in the United States. For more information, please visit www.mcanonline.org.

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Contact Information Danielle DeForge

Merck Childhood Asthma Network

http://www.mcanonline.org/

202.609.6011

Americas Watchdog Discovers Toxic Chinese Drywall In California & Arizona In Homes Built Between 2003 & 2007

Americas Watchdog Discovers Toxic Chinese Drywall In California & Arizona In Homes Built Between 2003 & 2007

Americas Watchdog & its Homeowners Consumer Center have been leading the national investigation of potentially toxic Chinese drywall. The Homeowners Consumer Center is now confirming that Chinese drywall was used in new home construction in California & Arizona. Specifically, Phoenix, Tucson, in Riverside County, Fresno, Stockton, the Sacramento metro & extreme northern California. The group is saying, "if your new California, or Arizona home was built between 2003 & 2007 has a rotten egg or sulphur type smell, and or if your electrical wiring has turned black, you need to call us immediately at 866-714-6466". Homeowners can also contact the Homeowners Consumer Center via their web site at http://www.prweb.com/printer/http://www.prweb.com/printer/http://www.prweb.com/printer/http://www.prweb.com/printer/Http://HomeownersConsumerCenter.Com

(PRWEB) March 3, 2009 -- Americas Watchdog's Homeowners Consumer Center has been leading the national investigation of potentially toxic Chinese drywall. Initially the toxic Chinese drywall was discovered in Florida, and Virginia in the time frames of 2005 & 2006. According to the Homeowners Consumer Center, "we have now found the potentially toxic Chinese drywall in California, and Arizona, in heavy concentrations. Homeowners who purchased a new home in Phoenix, Tucson, the Sacramento, or Stockton metro areas, and or Riverside County, California should call us, if their new home came with a rotten egg or sulphur type smell, and or if the home now has electrical wiring, that has turned black." California homeowners, Arizona homeowners, or homeowners in any state, who live in a new home, built between 2003 & 2007, with these indicators should call the Homeowners Consumer Center immediately at 866-714-6466, or contact the group via their web site at http://www.prweb.com/printer/http://www.prweb.com/printer/http://www.prweb.com/printer/http://www.prweb.com/printer/Http://HomeownersConsumerCenter.Com

According to the Homeowners Consumer Center, "we always expected to find very heavy concentrations of the Chinese drywall in California, Arizona, Las Vegas, the Pacific Northwest & the Mountain West, because most of the product shipped through the ports of Long Beach, Oakland, and or Seattle/Tacoma."

"If you are a California or Arizona homeowner, who knows they have the drywall product in your home, or if you are in another state & your new home was built between 2003 & 2007, & has always had a rotten egg or sulfur smell, and or, you have gone through numerous AC coils, or suffered upper respiratory issues since move in, please call us right away at 866-714-6466." Homeowners can also contact the group via their web site at http://HomeownersConsumerCenter.com.

What should homeowners in these cities who have a new home built between 2001 & 2008 be looking for with respect to the Chinese Drywall?

* The house has to have been built, or remodeled after 2000.

* There may be a rotten egg or sulfur-type smell in the home or condominium.

* Homeowners, building owners, or occupants in most cases will have seen continuous failures of their air conditioning coils, or HVAC units beyond anything normal.

* Homeowners, building owners, or occupants may have noticed corroded electrical wiring in their walls, in properties built, or remodeled since 2001.

* Homeowners, building owners or occupants may have experienced mild to severe upper respiratory problems, nose bleeds, headaches or other potentially serious medical conditions.

* Oven, or stove elements, or refrigerator coils may have failed in the homes, or condominiums a number of times.

* Silver jewelry or silver plated utensils may be tarnished

A repeat special call out to our friends in New Orleans and all Gulf Coast States. "We were in New Orleans before, during and after Hurricane Katrina. The Homeowners Consumer Center fears the Chinese dry wall was used in the post Hurricane Katrina metro areas of New Orleans & Texas, and the group wants to hear from any and or all Louisiana or Texas residents that think this product is in their home or condominium." The toxic Chinese drywall super dangerous. If you know, or suspect it is in your house, please call the Homeowners Consumer Center at 866-714-6466, or contact the group via their web site at http://HomeownersConsumerCenter.com

"The Chinese drywall is the worst homeowner environmental disaster ever. We are particularly concerned about exposure with groups with weakened immune systems, like children or senior citizens.The Chinese drywall is in every US State, from Alaska to Maine."

Americas Watchdog's Homeowner Consumer Center is advancing the Chinese drywall investigation as both a nationwide, and a state by state project. According to the group, "if the Chinese drywall is toxic enough to degrade electrical wires, air conditioning coils, and or metal in a home, what is it doing to the homeowners, or their children? This keeps us up at night, trying to figure out better ways of getting the word out. We can help." Affected or interested homeowners can call the Homeowners Consumer Center anytime at 866-714-6466 or they can contact the group via their web site at http://www.prweb.com/printer/http://www.prweb.com/printer/http://www.prweb.com/printer/http://www.prweb.com/printer/Http://HomeownersConsumerCenter.Com

Americas Watchdog & its Homeowners Consumer Center are all about homeowner protection & corporate responsibility.

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Contact Information THOMAS MARTIN

Americas Watchdog

http://www.prweb.com/printer/http://www.prweb.com/printer/http://www.prweb.com/printer/http://www.prweb.com/printer/Http://HomeownersConsumerCenter.Com

866-714-6466

Americas Watchdog Wants to Hear From Homeowners in Florida, & All U.S. States Who Have Potentially Toxic Chinese Drywall

Americas Watchdog Wants to Hear From Homeowners in Florida, & All U.S. States Who Have Potentially Toxic Chinese Drywall

Americas Watchdog & its Homeowners Consumer Center have been leading a national investigation, and a state by state investigation into what could be extremely toxic Chinese drywall in new homes, built after 2001, in Florida. Virginia, California, Arizona, Nevada, Louisiana, New Jersey Texas and all other U.S. States. According to the Homeowners Consumer Center, "the potentially toxic Chinese drywall was extensively used in new U.S. home construction between 2004 & 2007. We want to talk to every homeowner, who knows they have it, and or, owners who suspect they have it, so that we can help them & try to protect them at the same time." The indicators of potentially toxic Chinese drywall are a rotten egg/sulfur smell, repeated AC coil failures, electrical wiring corrosion & even silver jewelry turning black. "if you already know you have the Chinese drywall, or if you suspect it, please call our Homeowners Consumer Center immediately at 866-714-6466. Homeowners or media can also contact the group via their web site at http://HomeownersConsumerCenter.com.

(PRWEB) March 2, 2009 -- Americas Watchdog has been leading the national and the state by state investigations of potentially toxic Chinese drywall since the beginning of the year. The Homeowners Consumer Center has discovered that the Chinese drywall was initially brought into the US in 2001. At its peak, the Chinese dry wall was used in new subdivisions, condo projects and town homes in every state, with the heaviest concentrations being in Florida, California, Arizona, Nevada, Louisiana, Texas, Virginia, Georgia, Colorado, the Carolina's & the Pacific Northwest. Aside from making a home, or condominium a potential tear down, the building material is so toxic, that last week the group learned exposure to the Chinese drywall could produce emphysema in Children.

"If you are a Florida or Virginia homeowner, who knows they have the drywall product in your home, or if you are in another state & your new home built between 2001 & 2007 has always had a rotten egg or sulfur smell, and or, you have gone through numerous AC coils, or suffered upper respiratory issues since move in, please call us right away at 866-714-6466." Homeowners can also contact the group via their web site at http://HomeownersConsumerCenter.com.

Extremely Important Consumer Note To All Florida & Virginia Homeowners Who Have The Chinese Drywall Product In Their Home: "Do not agree to simply have a homebuilder replace your drywall. If you have the most toxic Chinese drywall, the house, or condominium will have to be completely torn down. Do not sign a phony homebuilder re-drywall agreement, without first talking to us or our legal teams. In many, to most cases a re-drywall may not correct the problem, because the toxic's are already spread throughout your home." For more information homeowners with the Chinese drywall product should call the Homeowners Consumer Center immediately at 866-714-6466 or contact them via their web site at http://HomeownersConsumerCenter.com

The Homeowners Consumer Center is also concerned there will be large quantities of potentially toxic Chinese drywall in new home subdivisions, and condominiums in the states of California (central & northern, Riverside County), Arizona(Phoenix & Tuscon) , Nevada (Las Vegas-Reno), Colorado (Denver metro), Texas (Houston, Dallas, Austin, San Antonio), Utah, New Mexico, Ohio (Columbus), Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina (Bluffton/Hilton Head , Georgia (Atlanta Metro & statewide) and New Jersey, Washington (Seattle metro) and Oregon.

What should homeowners in these cities who have a new home built between 2001 & 2008 be looking for with respect to the Chinese Drywall?

* The house has to have been built, or remodeled after 2000.

* There may be a rotten egg or sulfur-type smell in the home or condominium.

* Homeowners, building owners, or occupants in most cases will have seen continuous failures of their air conditioning coils, or HVAC units beyond anything normal.

* Homeowners, building owners, or occupants may have noticed corroded electrical wiring in their walls, in properties built, or remodeled since 2001.

* Homeowners, building owners or occupants may have experienced mild to severe upper respiratory problems, nose bleeds, headaches or other potentially serious medical conditions.

* Oven, or stove elements, or refrigerator coils may have failed in the homes, or condominiums a number of times.

* Silver jewelry or silver plated utensils may be tarnished

A special call out to our friends in New Orleans and all Gulf Coast States. "We were in New Orleans before, during and after Hurricane Katrina. The Homeowners Consumer Center fears the Chinese dry wall was used in the post Hurricane Katrina metro areas of New Orleans, and the group wants to hear from any and or all Louisiana or Texas residents that think this product is in their home or condominium." The toxic Chinese drywall super dangerous. If you know, or suspect it is in your house, please call the Homeowners Consumer Center at 866-714-6466, or contact the group via their web site at http://HomeownersConsumerCenter.com

According to the Homeowners Consumer Center, "The imported toxic Chinese drywall disaster is going to go down in history, as the worst environmental disaster for US homeowners ever. If you live in a home that was built or remodeled after 2000, that has any of the indicators, please contact us immediately, at 866-714-6466." The group says, "While right now the problem appears to be just Florida, or Virginia, in fact we are 110% certain, this is going to an even bigger problem in the entire western half of the US. Please share this press release with your co-workers, family members, or loved ones. Especially if they live in a house built or remodeled after 2000."

For more information please contact the Homeowners Consumer anytime at 866-714-6466 or contact them via their web site at http://HomeownersConsumerCenter.com.

Americas Watchdog's Homeowner Consumer Center is all about homeowner protection & corporate responsibility.

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Contact Information THOMAS MARTIN

Americas Watchdog

http://www.prweb.com/printer/Http://HomeownersConsumerCenter.Com

866-714-6466

CheckOrphan Launches iWish to Commemorate Rare Disease Day

CheckOrphan Launches iWish to Commemorate Rare Disease Day

CheckOrphan, the leading news site for rare, orphan and neglected diseases, launches iWish, which allows people to visually (creative, artistic and realistic images) show their conception of these diseases through and image. In addition, people are invited to explain their imagery and add their iWish - which should convey creative solutions for a rare disease or for the community in general.

Basel, Switzerland (PRWEB) February 28, 2009 -- Today, CheckOrphan is launching one of its flagship features - iWish (http://www.checkorphan.org/content/iWish) - in conjunction with Rare Disease Day, February 28, which is an international effort to raise awareness for rare diseases and the needs of people affected by them.

To help commemorate this day, iWish is a way for people affected by, or working with, rare diseases to step forward and tell their stories through words and images. Currently, CheckOrphan is accepting iWish submissions in English, Spanish, French, German, and Italian.

Participants are asked to provide a text of up to 1,000 words describing a change or development they would like to see in the world of rare diseases - their iWish. They are also encouraged to discuss their experience with a rare disease or diseases, if applicable, and to provide and describe an image (a photograph or other creative image) that in some way complements or illustrates their text. Examples of some iWish contributions can be viewed at:

http://www.checkorphan.org/content/iWish

"People affected by a rare disease have the chance to show the world in an artistic or realistic way through a picture and words what it is like to have a rare disease," explains Ian Sowers, Head of Marketing and PR for CheckOrphan. "But, we also encourage industry professionals, physicians, researchers and others to explain want they encounter as well. This way the world will have a complete view of the problem, accompanied with ways to overcome the hurdles that rare, orphan and neglected diseases face."

CheckOrphan's goal is to allow people around the world to provide creative solutions, through their iWish. At the same time CheckOrphan offers people the opportunity to make an iWish come true. People who want to support an iWish can contact CheckOrphan and then CheckOrphan will contact the individual who submitted the iWish on behalf of the interested supporter.

"Rare, orphan and neglected disease need solutions. They are a huge drain on families and society in general," says Robert Derham, President of CheckOrphan. "So as the saying goes 'two heads are better than one' - we believe that 7 billion heads will be even better. Collectively we will be able to think outside of the box and start to bring solutions to the hundreds of millions of people that are affected with rare, orphan and neglected diseases."

Since its inception two years ago, CheckOrphan.org has become the leading online source of news about rare, orphan, and neglected diseases.

Recently re-launched with a new look and increased functionality, CheckOrphan is dedicated to being a complete web platform for rare diseases that unites and empowers researchers, physicians, professionals and, most importantly, those affected by rare diseases so that they can initiate change.

CheckOrphan's features include: a database of over 8,000 news articles (http://www.checkorphan.org/news) about rare diseases, events, clinical trials, treatments (http://www.checkorphan.org/node/8379), research publications, physician-researcher-hospital-organization-industry databases, videos, daily newsletters and more. Users can submit content for each feature

About CheckOrphan

CheckOrphan is the leading source of news about rare, orphan and neglected diseases. Its news database holds the largest concentration of articles about rare diseases, with over 8,000 entries. CheckOrphan's users benefit from several large databases that also include: events, treatments, research publications, physician-researcher-hospital-organization-industry databases, videos, daily newsletters and more. It is also home to iWish - every wish means hope for a better tomorrow.

CheckOrphan is a non-profit organization that encourages its visitors to submit content and information to the platform. CheckOrphan is always interested in meeting new partners and supporters. CheckOrphan would like to thank the Gebert Rüf Stiftung for its support. For more information about this foundation, please visit http://www.grstiftung.ch.

Contact:

CheckOrphan

Ian Sowers

Head of Marketing and PR

Tel: +41 61 267 0447

Mob: +41 79 719 5539

Robert Derham

President

Tel: +41 61 267 0447

Mob: +41 78 662 5231

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Contact Information Robert Derham

CheckOrphan

http://www.checkorphan.org

+41 61 267 0447

Ian Sowers

CheckOrphan

http://www.checkorphan.org

Americas Watchdog Expands Imported Drywall Investigation In Florida and All US States

Americas Watchdog Expands Imported Drywall Investigation In Florida and All US States

Having just returned from Florida, Americas Watchdog is greatly expanding its investigation of imported Chinese drywall in Florida and other states. Americas Watchdog and its Homeowners Consumer Center have been leading a nationwide investigation of Chinese imported drywall since January. They were the first group to recognize, that the toxicity issues associated with the Chinese-made drywall was very significant, & they were the first group to recognize the Chinese dry wall is in every state. After the Florida inspection, the group is now saying, "we want to talk to every homeowner in Florida, and other states, who think, or know they have this product in their home or condominium. We are now learning the potential toxicity issues with the Chinese-made drywall are much more severe than even we knew. Do not sign anything with a homebuilder before you talk to us first." Homeowners in Florida, or any other state, who suspect they might have the sulphur or rotten egg smelling Chinese drywall product should call Americas Watchdog's Homeowners Consumer Center immediately at 866-714-6466 or contact them via their web site at http://www.prweb.com/printer/http://www.prweb.com/printer/http://www.prweb.com/printer/Http://HomeownersConsumerCenter.Com.

(PRWEB) February 27, 2009 -- Americas Watchdog's Homeowners Consumer Center has been leading the national investigation of Chinese-made drywall, and by far has produced more information about the issues related to this product, than any other group, organization, or firm in the United States. Because of their trip to Florida this week, the group is now warning all affected homeowners in Florida, or any other state, to not sign any homebuilder agreement, before learning some of the possible new information about the potentially toxic Chinese drywall. According to the group, "we are now receiving medical information from physicians in Florida that some children living in homes with the potentially toxic Chinese drywall now have emphysema. We are also advising homeowners in Florida, or other states to not to sign any agreement for a re-drywall of the house with the home builder, until you talk with us." For more information homeowners in Florida who know, or suspect that they might have the potentially toxic Chinese drywall, should call the Homeowners Consumer Center at 866-714-6466, or visit the group's web site at http://www.prweb.com/printer/http://www.prweb.com/printer/http://www.prweb.com/printer/Http://HomeownersConsumerCenter.Com.

What things should a Florida homeowner or a homeowner in any other state be looking for with respect to the potentially toxic Chinese drywall?

The house has to have built or remodeled after 2000.

What are the signs a home might have the potentially toxic imported Chinese drywall?

* There may be a rotten egg or sulphur-type smell in the home or condominium.

* Homeowners, building owners, or occupants in most cases will have seen continuous failures of their air conditioning coils, or HVAC units beyond anything normal.

* Homeowners, building owners, or occupants may have noticed corroded electrical wiring in their walls, in properties built, or remodeled since 2001.

* Homeowners, building owners or occupants may have experienced mild to severe upper respiratory problems, nose bleeds, headaches or other potentially serious medical conditions.

*Oven, or stove elements, or refrigerator coils may have failed in the homes, or condominiums a number of times.

* Silver jewelry or silver plated utensils may be tarnished.

If a homeowner, a building owner or occupant of a home, a condominium, a town home, office, retail or commercial property has had or seen any of these symptoms, they should contact the Homeowners Consumer Center immediately at 866-714-6466, or contact them via their web site at http://HomeownersConsumerCenter.com.

* The Homeowners Consumer Center fears the Chinese dry wall was used in the post Hurricane Katrina metro areas of New Orleans, and the group wants to hear from any and or all Louisiana or Texas residents that think this product is in their home or condominium.

* The Homeowners Consumer Center is also concerned there will be large quantities of potentially toxic Chinese drywall in new home subdivisions, and condominiums in the states of California, Arizona, Nevada, Colorado, Colorado, Utah, New Mexico, Ohio, Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia and New Jersey, Washington and Oregon.

If a homeowner in any state has any of the symptoms associated with the potentially toxic Chinese dry wall please call the Homeowners Consumer Center immediately at 866-714-6466, or contact the group via their web site at http://HomeownersConsumerCenter.com.

The Homeowners Consumer Center is all about Homeowner protection and corporate responsibility.

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Contact Information THOMAS MARTIN

Americas Watchdog

http://www.prweb.com/printer/http://www.prweb.com/printer/http://www.prweb.com/printer/Http://HomeownersConsumerCenter.Com

866-714-6466

Americas Watchdog Discovers Possibly Toxic Chinese Dry Wall In New Orleans

Americas Watchdog Discovers Possibly Toxic Chinese Dry Wall In New Orleans

Americas Watchdog & its Homeowners Consumer Center are leading a national investigation into potentially toxic Chinese dry wall used in new home, condominium, town home & some commercial developments since 2001. The potentially toxic Chinese dry wall has been associated with health issues, air conditioning coil & electrical corrosion in homes remodeled after Hurricane Katrina. According to the group, "We have now heard from homeowners in New Orleans, and we are positive we will find hundreds, if not thousands more in In Orleans, Jefferson, St. Bernard and other Parishes in Southeast Louisiana. If a homeowner in Louisiana and has had a sulfur, or rotten egg smell, and has also had air conditioning coil corrosion, and or failures, or health issues, after their home was dry walled, after Katrina, they should call us right away at 866-714-6466." To contact the group via their web site go to http://HomeownersConsumerCenter.com

(PRWEB) February 25, 2009 -- Americas Watchdog's Homeowners Consumer Center is leading a national investigation into what could be toxic imported Chinese dry wall that began showing up in the United States in 2001. Aside from Florida, and the eastern half of the U.S., the group has now found the imported Chinese dry wall in New Orleans & Southeast Louisiana.

According to the group, "we were based in New Orleans before, during and after Hurricane Katrina, and we think we will find the Chinese dry wall all over Orleans, Jefferson & Saint Bernard Parishes. If you are a homeowner in Southeast Louisiana, and you have had the symptoms associated with the potentially toxic Chinese dry wall, you can call the Homeowners Consumer Center anytime at 866-714-6466 or contact the group via their web site at http://www.prweb.com/printer/Http://HomeownersConsumerCenter.com.

What are the symptoms of the Chinese dry wall?

* There may be a rotten egg or sulphur type smell in the home or condominium.

* Homeowners, building owners, or occupants in most cases will have seen continuous failures of their air conditioning coils, or HVAC units beyond anything normal.

* Homeowners, building owners, or occupants may have noticed corroded electrical wiring in their walls, in properties built, or remodeled since 2001.

* Homeowners, building owners or occupants may have experienced mild to severe upper respiratory problems, nose bleeds, headaches or other potentially serious medical conditions.

* Oven, or stove elements, or refrigerator coils may have failed in the homes, or condominiums a number of times.

If a homeowners, a building owner or occupant of a home, a condominium, a town home, office, retail or commercial property has had or seen any of these symptoms, they should contact the Homeowners Consumer Center immediately at 866-714-6466, or contact them via their web site at http://HomeownersConsumerCenter.com.

* The Homeowners Consumer Center fears the Chinese dry wall was used in the post Hurricane Katrina metro area's of New Orleans, and the group wants to hear from any and or all Louisiana or Texas residents that think this product is in their home or condominium.

According to the Homeowners Consumer Center, "We think this will turn out to be the worst product liability and environmental disaster faced by U.S. homeowners ever. As we talk to people, it's so amazing, it's almost like they never could have guessed that the potentially toxic Chinese dry wall could have caused so many maintenance problems, and serious health issues in their homes, or condominiums."

If a homeowner in any state has any of the symptoms associated with the potentially toxic Chinese dry wall please call the Homeowners Consumer Center immediately at 866-714-6466, or contact the group via their web site at http://HomeownersConsumerCenter.com

The Homeowners Consumer Center is all about Homeowner protection and corporate responsibility.

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Contact Information THOMAS MARTIN

Americas Watchdog

http://www.prweb.com/printer/Http://HomeownersConsumerCenter.Com

866-714-6466

Americas Watchdog Discovers Possibly Toxic Chinese Dry Wall In California, Nevada & Arizona Homes & Condominiums

Americas Watchdog Discovers Possibly Toxic Chinese Dry Wall In California, Nevada & Arizona Homes & Condominiums

Americas Watchdog & its Homeowners Consumer Center are leading a national investigation into potentially toxic Chinese dry wall used in new home, condominium, town home & some commercial developments since 2001. The potentially toxic Chinese dry wall has been associated with health issues, air conditioning coil & electrical corrosion in new home sub divisions and or condominiums built in the U.S. since 2001. According to the group, "We have now heard from homeowners in California, Nevada and Arizona, and we are positive we will find hundreds, if not thousands more in California, Nevada and Arizona. If a home or condominium in any state was built after 2000, and has always had a sulfur, or rotten egg smell, and has also had air conditioning coil corrosion, and or failures, or health issues they should call us right away at 866-714-6466." To contact the group via their web site go to http://HomeownersConsumerCenter.com.

(PRWEB) February 24, 2009 -- Americas Watchdog's Homeowners Consumer Center is leading a national investigation into what could be toxic imported Chinese dry wall that began showing up in the United States in 2001. Aside from Florida, and the eastern half of the U.S., the group has now found the imported Chinese dry wall in California, Arizona and Nevada in subdivisions & condominiums.

According to the group, "Finding the potentially toxic Chinese dry wall in large numbers of homes & condominiums was always expected on the West Coast, and in the Mountain States. It comes as no surprise to us, as even the largest U.S. homebuilders used undocumented workers to install the dry wall. So if there was a problem, or an issue with installing this building product who were they going to complain to? We have been warning about who built your house for years."

If you are a homeowner in California, Arizona or Nevada and you have had the symptoms associated with the potentially toxic Chinese dry wall, you can call the Homeowners Consumer Center anytime at 866-714-6466 or contact the group via their web site at http://www.prweb.com/printer/Http://HomeownersConsumerCenter.com.

The group is asking friends or family members to share this press release with any U.S. homeowner, condominium owner, or town home owner that lives in a home or condominium built after 2000.

What Are The Time Lines As Far As When The Chinese Dry Wall Was Introduced To The United States?

The potentially toxic Chinese dry wall was first introduced to the United States in 2001, and would have entered the U.S. through the ports of Long Beach, or Oakland California, and or the ports of Seattle/Tacoma Washington.

What Are The Symptoms Of Potentially Toxic Chinese Dry Wall In A House, Condominium/Town Home, Office, Retail Store Or Work Place?

* Homeowners, building owners, or occupants in most cases will have seen continuous failures of their air conditioning coils, or HVAC units beyond anything normal.

* Homeowners, building owners, or occupants may have noticed corroded electrical wiring in their walls, in properties built, or remodeled since 2001.

* Homeowners, building owners or occupants may have experienced mild to severe upper respiratory problems, nose bleeds, headaches or other potentially serious medical conditions.

* Oven, or stove elements, or refrigerator coils may have failed in the homes, or condominiums a number of times.

If a homeowners, a building owner or occupant of a home, a condominium, a town home, office, retail or commercial property has had or seen any of these symptoms, they should contact the Homeowners Consumer Center immediately at 866-714-6466, or contact them via their web site at http://HomeownersConsumerCenter.com.

What Types Of Properties Could Be Affected In This Imported Chinese Potentially Toxic Chines Dry Wall Disaster?

* Single family homes in subdivisions in Florida, California, Arizona, Texas, Nevada, Georgia, the Carolina's, Ohio, Washington, Oregon, Colorado or any other U.S. state built from 2001 to the present.

* Condominium projects in any U.S. State, built since 2001.

* Town Home Projects in any U.S. State, built since 2001.

* Any type of low rise commercial, retail or industrial property built or remodeled in the U.S. since 2001.

* Single family homes, condominiums, town homes or commercial properties remodeled in the U.S. since 2001.

* The Homeowners Consumer Center fears the Chinese dry wall was used in the post Hurricane Katrina metro area's of New Orleans, and the group wants to hear from any and or all Louisiana or Texas residents that think this product is in their home or condominium.

According to the Homeowners Consumer Center, "We think this will turn out to be the worst product liability and environmental disaster faced by U.S. homeowners ever. As we talk to people, it's so amazing, it's almost like they never could have guessed that the potentially toxic Chinese dry wall could have caused so many maintenance problems, and serious health issues in their homes, or condominiums."

If a homeowner in any state has any of the symptoms associated with the potentially toxic Chinese dry wall please call the Homeowners Consumer Center immediately at 866-714-6466, or contact the group via their web site at http://HomeownersConsumerCenter.com.

The Homeowners Consumer Center is all about Homeowner protection and corporate responsibility.

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Contact Information THOMAS MARTIN

Americas Watchdog

http://www.prweb.com/printer/Http://HomeownersConsumerCenter.Com

866-714-6466

Americas Watchdog Says The Potentially Toxic Chinese Dry Wall Issue Is Nationwide & Affected Homeowners Should Call The Group For Help Immediately

Americas Watchdog Says The Potentially Toxic Chinese Dry Wall Issue Is Nationwide & Affected Homeowners Should Call The Group For Help Immediately

Americas Watchdog & its Homeowners Consumer Center are leading the national investigation into potentially toxic Chinese drywall. Initially, the Chinese dry wall was found in Florida. Americas Watchdog has now determined the potentially toxic Chinese dry wall has been installed throughout entire US. According to the group, "While the potentially toxic Chinese dry wall was first identified in South Florida, the problem is nationwide & will involve single family homes in sub divisions, condominiums, town homes, office, retail and warehouse properties in every US state. Contrary to earlier reports, the Chinese dry wall products were first introduced to the US in 2001. The imported toxic Chinese dry wall is about to become the biggest defective product disaster in US history, and because of the health implications, it is critical we identify the victims as quickly as possible." Homeowners or building owners in Florida, California, Virginia, Arizona, Texas, Colorado or any US state who live in, or work in a property, that smells like rotten eggs or sulfur, live or work in a property that has suffered continuous air conditioning coil, or electrical wiring corrosion, that was built, or remodeled after 2000, should contact the Homeowners Consumer Center immediately at 866-714-6466 or contact them via their web site at http://HomeownersConsumerCenter.com.

(PRWEB) February 23, 2009 -- Americas Watchdog's Homeowners Consumer Center has been leading the national investigation into potentially toxic Chinese dry wall, and the group is now advising the nation that, "This building product is about to become literally the worst consumer disaster in US history. We are 100% confident we will find these Chinese made dry wall products in every US state, & we are warning homeowners, or building owners in affected properties to call us, so we can get their property inspected as soon as possible. This is an environmental & product failure disaster of biblical type proportions." Homeowners, or building owners wishing more information, are welcome to call the Homeowners Consumer Center anytime, at 866-714-6466 or visit their web site at http://HomeownersConsumerCenter.com.

* What Are The Time Lines As Far As When The Chinese Dry Wall Was Introduced To The United States?

The potentially toxic Chinese dry wall was first introduced to the United States in 2001, and would have entered the US, through the ports of Long Beach, or Oakland California, and or the ports of Seattle/Tacoma Washington.

What Are The Symptoms Of Potentially Toxic Chinese Dry Wall In A House, Condominium/Town Home, Office, Retail Store Or Work Place?

* Homeowners, building owners, or occupants in most cases will have seen continuous failures of their air conditioning coils, or HVAC units beyond anything normal.

* Homeowners, building owners, or occupants may have noticed corroded electrical wiring in their walls, in properties built, or remodeled since 2001.

* Homeowners, building owners or occupants may have experienced mild to severe upper respiratory problems, nose bleeds, headaches or other potentially serious medical conditions.

If a homeowners, a building owner or occupant of a home, a condominium, a town home, office, retail or commercial property has had or seen any of these symptoms, they should contact the Homeowners Consumer Center immediately at 866-714-6466, or contact them via their web site at http://HomeownersConsumerCenter.com.

What Types Of Properties Could Be Affected In This Imported Chinese Potentially Toxic Chines Dry Wall Disaster?

* Single family homes in subdivisions in Florida, California, Texas, Nevada, Georgia, the Carolina's, Ohio, Washington, Oregon, Colorado or any other US state built from 2001 to the present.

* Condominium projects in any US State, built since 2001.

* Town Home Projects in any US State, built since 2001.

* Any type of low rise commercial, retail or industrial property built or remodeled in the US since 2001.

* Single family homes, condominiums, town homes or commercial properties remodeled in the US since 2001.

* The Homeowners Consumer Center fears the Chinese dry wall was used in the post Hurricane Katrina metro area's of New Orleans.

A special note to building supply, air conditioning, electrical, construction project managers, or importers: "We know many of you know, or knew about the issues with the Chinese imported dry wall, & its potential problems, or health risks. We are looking for insiders who are willing to step forward to save lives. If you have inside information about this product, please contact the Homeowners Consumer Center at 866-714-6466," or contact the group via their web site at http://HomeownersConsumerCenter.com.

According to Americas Watchdog, "We are aware that some home builders are attempting to offer to re-dry wall a home, condominium, town home or commercial property as a fix. We consider this a bandaid that will not correct the problem in the severe cases of toxic's being released by the Chinese dry wall. Do not sign anything, until we find out more about this product." To repeat, Americas Watchdog is calling the potentially toxic Chinese dry wall products, "the worst defective product issue, and the worst environmental issue to ever hit US homeowners or building owners ever." Affected parties should contact the Homeowners Consumer Center at 866-714-6466, or contact the group via their web site at http://HomeownersConsumerCenter.com.

Americas Watchdog & its Homeowner Consumer Center are all about US homeowner protection and corporate responsibility.

An important note From Americas Watchdog: "Aside from the entire United States, we fear toxic Chinese dry wall has been exported to Europe, Japan & Australia."

An important note from Americas Watchdog to the people of China." The world is proud of the enormous progress your amazing country has made, in becoming a great power. Please learn from Japan, that greatness must be tempered with the desire to be proud of what you produce."

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Contact Information THOMAS MARTIN

Americas Watchdog

http://www.prweb.com/printer/Http://HomeownersConsumerCenter.Com

866-714-6466

What's Hot in Organic Beauty? YOGA Magazine Chooses Softress Fragrance-free Body Oils

What's Hot in Organic Beauty? YOGA Magazine Chooses Softress Fragrance-free Body Oils

Softress body oils -- designed for care of very dry skin, sensitive skin, and eczema -- have been earning 5-star reviews on Amazon.com and PristinePlanet.com. This month Softress is recognized by YOGA Magazine in "What's Hot in Organic Beauty."

New York, NY (PRWEB) February 19, 2009 -- Softress fragrance-free and chemical-free body oils for chemically sensitive skin (http://www.softress.com) are featured in this month's YOGA Magazine special section, "What's Hot in Organic Beauty."

Softress's benefits for sensitive skin and very dry skin are earning 5-star reviews on Amazon.com and PristinePlanet.com, an "eco-friendly comparison shopping" site. One reviewer notes: "My facial skin is very dry and sensitive to many products.... I am very happy to have discovered Softress products, as they are the answer to my sensitive skin issues." Another writes: "I have finally found a product for super dry hands that really works.... After suffering my whole adult life with very dry hands, I can rely on SoftHands to keep my hands lovely and smooth. Even my manicurist has commented on my improved hands and cuticles!"

YOGA Magazine Editor Vanessa Vasquez notes that the magazine researches beauty companies extensively before featuring them in the magazine. Companies must offer a unique, sustainable product and be signatories of the Compact for Safe Cosmetics. "We are very selective in who we offer editorial to. The beauty line must match our consumers. . . . Softress has made a fantastic beauty line that is committed to the natural and organic philosophy."

Softress body oils are unusual in the natural body care industry: they are made completely without fragrances or essential oils. Although essential oils are almost universally used in natural body care, they have the capacity to trigger contact allergies and increase skin's sun sensitivity. Some essential oils may affect the hormonal system. These are serious concerns for those with sensitive skin, eczema, fragrance allergies or multiple chemical sensitivities. They're especially relevant to women going through chemotherapy or radiation treatment for cancer.

Ann Fonfa, founder of the Annie Appleseed Project (www.annieappleseedproject.org/) is a Softress fan. "I became chemically sensitive shortly before my cancer diagnosis -- reacting badly to anything with fragrance, preservatives, or alcohol. Softress products are exactly what I and others like me can really use. And some people getting chemotherapy become sensitive too, so these items would be perfect for them."

Softress also eschews almond oil, coconut oil and soy oil--key ingredients in a majority of natural body oils--so their oils can be used by many nut allergy sufferers.

Softress formulas are especially effective for softening and healing very dry skin and protecting against moisture loss. They have a luxuriously smooth and non-greasy skin feel. The oils are protected against oxidation (rancidity) with a powerful antioxidant blend of natural vitamins C and E, which is up to 10 times stronger than the plain vitamin E used by most manufacturers. The antioxidant vitamins are also wonderful for skin, contributing to Softress oil's healing qualities.

Each product is a proprietary blend of whole, food-grade plant oils and antioxidants. Natural plant oils contain high amounts of Vitamins E, A and D. The essential fatty acids they contain are utilized by every cell in the body.

The Softress line comprises seven formulas designed for winter and summer dry skin care, eczema care, care of dry hands, dry curly hair care, and baby dry skin care. Softress body oils are available at www.Softress.com and Amazon.com.

For more information, visit the Softress website at http://www.softress.com or contact Nina Birnbaum at ninab at Softress.com.

About Softress

Softress, Inc. (www.Softress.com) manufactures a line of vegan-certified, fragrance-free, preservative-free moisturizing oils for dry, sensitive skin. The line includes E-Blend, for care of eczema and extremely dry skin; Deep Moisture, for sensitive skin and dry hair care; Love Your Hair, a natural conditioner/detangler for dry, damaged hair and curly hair; and SoftBaby, for soothing baby dry skin and infant eczema. SoftHands utilizes macadamia oil to soothe and heal very dry hands and cuticles. All products except SoftHands are nut oil-free.

"Mompreneur" Nina Birnbaum founded Softress with products she developed to manage her daughter's eczema and condition her dry, curly hair. When her daughter developed pre-diabetes, Ms. Birnbaum spent several years researching the links between diabetes and the topical steroids used to treat eczema. An eczema resources page (http://www.softress.com/eczema_information.php) presents this information along with natural eczema management techniques. Ms. Birnbaum, treated for breast cancer in 2006, has also written a comprehensive resource guide for women newly diagnosed with breast cancer (http://www.softress.com/breastcancer.php). Softress is based in New York City.

About AnnieAppleseed Project

The Annie Appleseed Project (www.annieappleseedproject.org/), founded by Ann Fonfa, provides information, education, advocacy, and awareness for people with cancer and their family and friends who are interested in complementary or alternative medicine (CAM) and natural therapies from a patient's perspective. The site is a comprehensive database of information and links to studies about nutrition, vitamins, herbs and alternative cancer therapies.

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Contact Information Nina Birnbaum

Softress, Inc.

http://www.softress.com/

212-961-1156

Toxic Element Research Foundation Announces Its Latest Worldwide Educational Programs for Health Professionals and Patients

Toxic Element Research Foundation Announces Its Latest Worldwide Educational Programs for Health Professionals and Patients

Toxic Elements Research Foundation (TERF), a non profit research foundation, announces its series of dental related health care reports under the title of 'Elements of Disease.'

Colorado Springs, CO (PRWEB) February 19, 2009 -- Toxic Elements Research Foundation (TERF), a non profit research foundation, announces its series of dental related health care reports under the title of 'Elements of Disease.' Toxicity, or the inadvertent poisoning of our population, is the focal point of the Toxic Element Research Foundation. For the past thirty years, TERF has funded a wide variety of research to discover the connection between dental materials and health. Its primary focus was its research on Mercury containing dental amalgam (silver) fillings and the dangers associated with it. The FDA has finally admitted many of these dangers. TERF has turned its attention to other dental materials and procedures, and is now releasing the results of this highly controversial research to the news media and general public.

This first series of reports identifies various factions of blood tests that demonstrate extremely unhealthy aspects of not only common silver mercury fillings, but introduces the role of bacterial toxins from root canals, dental implants and cavitations. A surprising expose is presented on 'cavitations', or defects in the bone where wisdom teeth were removed. Through the use of sophisticated DNA technology, identification of the especially damaging anaerobic bacteria (those who live in the absence of oxygen) that are found in root canals and cavitations has shed new light on the potential cause and advanced treatment for diseases thought to be incurable. This research confirms data discovered and presented to the American Dental Association over ninety years ago.

Examples of the diseases that have been associated with the bacterium discovered hidden within dental procedures are MS, ALS, AD, leukemia and diabetes. With proper dental treatment and recognition of these sources of toxins and their eradication, many patients can be improved, and TERF believes most could have been avoided entirely. New generations will not have these new diseases to be concerned about IF research institutions can be encouraged to explore these newly discovered avenues of their cause.

Results and correlations are provided free of charge in order to stimulate investigative type of reporters to assist the Toxic Element Research Foundation in generating awareness in the public. TERF has created a media outreach program where media writers can visit the web site - www.terftalks.com - and e-mail their choice of two topics in addition to the basic report up on root canals, the incubators. Other topics include: cavitations, the caverns of deceit; dental implants, the invitation for Alzheimer's; cholesterol, the giver of life; chronic fatigue, complexity encompassed; sodium and potassium, the butlers; albumin, the primary detoxifier; porphyrins, the origin of all energy; methyl mercury on the red cell, the biomarker of recovery; and white blood cells, our primary defense against autoimmune diseases.

About Toxic Elements Research Foundation

TERF, a non-profit research foundation, is dedicated to stimulating interest in the research community as well as informing the public to become aware of potential problems associated with dental materials and procedures. Informed consent of potential problems makes for better informed decisions by the patient - especially where health is at risk.

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Contact Information Jamie Tolle

Toxic Element Research Foundation

http://www.terftalks.com

719-262-2978