An international team of researchers led by Gerard D. Schellenberg, PhD, a member of the CurePSP Genetics Consortium and professor of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine in the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, has identified three new genes that can increase the risk of people developing Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP).
PSP is a rare neurodegenerative brain disease, similar to Parkinson’s disease, which causes severe disability by destroying parts of cells that allow the brain to function normally. While PSP has underlying biological similarities to Alzheimer’s disease, a disease which primarily affects memory, PSP impacts a person’s physical movement and bodily functions. PSP leads to progressive decline in patients — there is no known cause or cure.
To view Multimedia News Release, go to http://multivu.prnewswire.com/mnr/psp/49958/
The Sanford Guide, recognized as the essential reference for infectious disease treatment, announced the release of its first mobile app for the iPhone, iPod touch and iPad. The Sanford Guide App, available on Apple’s App Store for $29.99, contains the comprehensive guidelines and recommendations featured in the well-known pocket-size guides used by health care professionals in treatment decision making for over 40 years.
To view Multimedia News Release, go to http://multivu.prnewswire.com/mnr/sanfordguide/50808/
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
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/
The American Kidney Fund today launches a national campaign to raise awareness about kidney disease, a serious and increasingly common condition that is damaging the health of as many as 31 million Americans. Pair Up: Join the Fight to Prevent Kidney Disease encourages women to take two simple, yet powerful actions: learn if they’re at risk for kidney disease; and spread the word about kidney disease to loved ones who also may be at risk. The launch of Pair Up coincides with the release of a national survey revealing that most Americans who care for their loved ones’ health are unaware that diabetes and high blood pressure are the leading causes of kidney disease.
To view Multimedia News Release, go to http://www.multivu.com/mnr/51973-american-kidney-fund-laila-ali-pair-up-women-prevent-kidney-disease
Chlamydia. HPV. Herpes. Gonorrhea. They’re not easy topics to bring up with your teen, but sexually transmitted disease (STD) rates are rising among adolescents. Nearly half of all new STD cases are in young people between the ages of 15 and 24, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Parents can help slow the rise in STD rates by talking to teens about STDs, STD prevention and the importance of STD testing — but first they need to have the facts. BeSmartBeWell.com prepares parents to talk to their kids about STDs by offering a variety of expert interviews, life story videos and resources. Watch the video What Can I Do About It?
To view Multimedia News Release, go to http://www.multivu.com/mnr/50823-bsbw-sexually-transmitted-diseases-std-teens-what-parents-need-to-know
Season 10 American Idol contestant Casey Abrams, fresh off the summer tour, is once again asking America to vote; but this time it’s for the finalists in the national disease awareness campaign IBD Icons. Casey helped launch IBD Icons to raise awareness for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and to celebrate the courage and persistence of those living with IBD who pursue their dreams despite the challenges of their disease.
To view Multimedia News Release, go to http://www.multivu.com/players/English/51547-ibd-icons/
The Arthritis Foundation is joining a global effort on Oct. 12, World Arthritis Day, to increase awareness of the many forms of arthritis and to call on individuals and policymakers to take action to reduce the burden of arthritis around the world.
Arthritis affects several hundred million people worldwide. In the United States, it’s the nation’s leading cause of disability, affecting one in five adults (50 million). The disease exacts a hefty financial toll, costing the U.S. economy $128 billion annually. As the staggering prevalence of arthritis continues to rise, the Arthritis Foundation is calling on the nation and individuals to “Move to Improve” to reduce the severe health and economic effects of this disease.
To view Multimedia News Release, go to http://www.multivu.com/mnr/52066-ad-council-world-arthritis-day-move-to-improve-october-12
If you think that fall signals the end of heartworm season, think again. The American Heartworm Society (AHS) cautions the pet-owning public that heartworm disease is not solely a summer threat.
To help pet owners spread the word that heartworm is a year-round problem, as well as one of the most common diseases in pets, AHS created a video message that pet owners can forward to their friends. The “Is Your Pet Protected?” video emphasizes that this deadly disease is easy to prevent—but knowledge is needed to help all pet owners understand the importance of year-round protection and the importance of prevention.
To view Multimedia News Release, go to http://www.multivu.com/mnr/52009-american-heartworm-society-urges-year-round-pet-protection
International treatment guidelines – from the Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) – have advised that prevention of exacerbations should be a cornerstone of COPD management, placing equal emphasis on the management of future risk as it does on treatment of COPD symptoms.1 This is also confirmed in the latest data on the impact of season on the frequency of COPD exacerbations, showing an almost two-fold increase in the winter months. This is contributing to the increased morbidity seen during the festive season.
To view Multimedia News Release, go to http://multivu.prnewswire.com/mnr/prne/nycomedtakeda/52782/
Boston Scientific Corporation (NYSE:BSX) announces U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval for the PROMUS Element™ Plus Everolimus-Eluting Platinum Chromium Coronary Stent System, the Company’s next-generation drug-eluting stent (DES) technology. The PROMUS Element Stent, designed to provide physicians improved DES performance in treating patients with coronary artery disease, is built on an innovative platinum chromium (PtCr) platform with the market-leading everolimus drug. The Company plans to begin marketing the product in the U.S. immediately.
To view Multimedia News Release, go to http://www.multivu.com/mnr/43510-boston-scientific-fda-promus-element-plus-platinum-chromium-stent-system
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
