Dethatcher Equipment Will Save Time on Lawn Care Says AllAboutLawns. com

Dethatcher Equipment Will Save Time on Lawn Care Says AllAboutLawns. com

Featuring a series of articles on dethatching, AllAboutLawns. com addresses many of the most common lawn care questions and provides a forum for further discussion. With lawn maintenance tools, tips and forums, AllAboutLawns. com helps caretakers save valuable time and energy by providing information on the latest techniques and technologies available.

Salt Lake City, UT (PRWEB) April 4, 2007

Dethatching a lawn is a process lawn caretakers face every spring. AllAboutLawns. com, a comprehensive lawn and yard care resource, features articles such as, "How do I Dethatch?" (http://www. allaboutlawns. com/lawn-maintenance-care/aerating-and-thatch/how-do-i-dethatch. php? file_name=how-do-i-dethatch. php (http://www. allaboutlawns. com/lawn-maintenance-care/aerating-and-thatch/how-do-i-dethatch. php? file_name=how-do-i-dethatch. php)) to help educate and inform users on the most recent technology and techniques used in lawn maintenance.

With lawn care articles, a forum and other tools to help people interested in keeping a green lawn, AllAboutLawns. com offers up-to-date information that applies to many aspects of lawn care. According to "De-Thatching Lawns in New York State," there may be a different approach to the process depending on the location. "Before undertaking any major lawn restoration project, it's a good idea to have your soil analyzed"
(http://www. allaboutlawns. com/lawn-maintenance-care/aerating-and-thatch/de-thatching-lawns-in-new-york-state. php (http://www. allaboutlawns. com/lawn-maintenance-care/aerating-and-thatch/de-thatching-lawns-in-new-york-state. php)).

Using specilized equipment can save valuable time for yard and lawn care enthusiasts. AllAboutLawns. com features information on the newest technolgy in lawn equipment, such as a dethatcher to aid in the process. Columnist and forum moderator Dawn West notes that "thatch can be good for lawns, especially during times of drought, water restrictions, and high heat, when it can act like insulation for the soil by providing a screen from sun light and help to hold in moisture" (http://www. allaboutlawns. com/lawn-maintenance-care/aerating-and-thatch/when-should-i-dethatch. php (http://www. allaboutlawns. com/lawn-maintenance-care/aerating-and-thatch/when-should-i-dethatch. php)).

Dr. Tom Samples, a lawn expert from the University of Tennessee Agricultural Extension Service, agrees and points out that dethatching is an important part of maintaining a healthy, green lawn. "Thatch develops naturally as lawn grasses grow and slough off roots, shoots and leaves. Some thatch helps protect the roots, but excessive thatch prevents moisture, oxygen and nutrients from penetrating the soil."

Thatching and dethatching manually can be a time-consuming project, but knowing how to utilize the latest equipment, such as a power dethatcher, can mean freeing up more time to enjoy a healthy green lawn. Learn more about time-saving lawn maintenance techniques at AllAboutLawns. com.

AllAboutLawns. com is a comprehensive lawn and yard care resource. Visitors can ask staff questions in the lawn forum or benefit from hundreds of articles on seasonal lawn care, grass types, weed prevention, mowers and other lawn maintenance equipment.      

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Strong Partnership Makes Conservation History

Strong Partnership Makes Conservation History

The Nature Conservancy, Trust for Public Land Complete Final Phase of the Largest Private Conservation Land Purchase Ever

Missoula, Montana (Vocus) December 2, 2010

Today, The Nature Conservancy and its partner, The Trust for Public Land, completed the final phase of the largest private conservation land purchase in history. The Montana Legacy Project is the culmination of an unprecedented partnership between private and public partners -- from local Montana loggers to a billionaire philanthropist -- to secure the future of one of the last places on the planet where not a single plant or animal has gone extinct in the last two centuries.

The Montana Legacy Project purchase of more than 310,000 acres from Plum Creek, is a critical link to conserving the Crown of the Continent -- a 10-million acre natural region that encompasses Glacier National Park and provides refuge for some of the last grizzly bears, Canada lynx and wolverines left in the lower 48 states.

The former commercial timber land in this purchase was intermingled in a checkerboard pattern with thousands of acres of public land. The Legacy Project seized the opportunity to erase this fractured pattern of ownership, allowing the land to be managed more effectively for both public recreation, sustainable forestry and as wildlife habitat.

Someone else recognized that same opportunity: A quiet philanthropist, engineer, and entrepreneur, Hansjörg Wyss, who became the project’s lead donor and passionate supporter.

“The best legacies are the hardest to achieve. This project represents one of those rare chances to leave future generations one of the wildest places on Earth to use and enjoy for generations.”

The Wyss Foundation’s initial gift of $25 million inspired many to believe this bold enterprise could be realized. His latest gift of an additional $10 million helped bring the deal to completion. These gifts added to public contributions championed by U. S. Senator Max Baucus and Montana Governor Brian Schweitzer.

“Partnership was the key to bringing this complex project to completion. It’s a testament to what can be achieved when people come together to find common ground,” said Will Rogers, CEO of the Trust for Public Land.

The Montana Legacy Project recognizes that, if we’re going to preserve the magnificent diversity of life on our planet, we can’t define conservation by political boundaries, or even a single river valley. We have to work at a scale that preserves all the interconnecting pieces that make Nature work. We also have to recognize that people are part of the picture.

The Legacy Project not only preserves habitat for wildlife, it ensures that people are still able to use this land for recreation, a source of clean water and as a place to make a living through activities such as ranching and sustainable forestry. Through the Montana Legacy Project:
310,000 acres of conserved forest lands now connect millions of acres of public lands; 640 miles of free flowing streams for cold water fisheries have been conserved; Assures that wildlife such as grizzly bears, Canada Lynx and wolverines can reach vital areas of habitat that spread over hundreds of miles; Sustainable forestry continues to provide jobs for timber-dependent communities; Public access for outdoor recreation will be permanently protected.

Mark Tercek, President and CEO of The Nature Conservancy, said, “The Montana Legacy Project represents a new brand of conservation that is focused on protecting large, healthy landscapes for the benefit of both people and wildlife.”

The Nature Conservancy is a leading conservation organization working around the world to protect ecologically important lands and waters for nature and people. To date, the Conservancy and its more than one million members have been responsible for the protection of more than 18 million acres in the United States and have helped preserve more than 117 million acres in Latin America, the Caribbean, Asia and the Pacific. Visit The Nature Conservancy on the Web at http://www. nature. org].

The Trust for Public Land is a leading national non-profit land conservation organization dedicated to conserving land for people. TPL believes that connecting people to the land is key to creating livable communities and a healthy environment for generations to come. Since 1972, TPL has worked with willing landowners, community groups and public partners to protect nearly 2.3 million acres around the country. Visit The Trust for Public Land on the Web at http://www. tpl. org].

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Apples Are the New Superfruit

Apples Are the New Superfruit

According to a Survey Conducted by SupermarketGuru. com, 96 percent of Consumers Consider Apples a Value-Based Anytime Food for Both Adults and Children; Shoppers Say Apples are One-of-the-Top-Three Healthiest Fruits.

Santa Monica, CA (Vocus) April 1, 2010

For more than three-out-of-four Americans, apples and apple beverages fill the dual purpose of being a “better-for-you” food, and a fruit that integrates easily into hectic lifestyles, according to a groundbreaking report released today titled Apples: The Next Superfruit. The report is based on a poll conducted by SupermarketGuru. com, a leading online resource featuring consumer information about marketing issues and consumer trends.

Phil Lempert, a food, consumer and marketing trends analyst and CEO of The Lempert Report and SupermarketGuru. com, created the survey about apples on behalf of the U. S. Apple Association.

“Apples are a year round fruit and consumer willingness to buy, eat and serve more apples is a vast opportunity for retailers,” says Lempert. “Merchants already display apples prominently as a stage-setter, but now they need to think further about how to tap into this mindset that apples are a ‘superfruit’ and great for a person’s health and overall wellness.”

Between December 2009 and February 2010, SupermarketGuru. com conducted a national consumer panel on its website. In all, 1,021 chief household shoppers detailed their beliefs about apples and apple products with regard to nutrition, health, eating habits, merchandising influences and more.

The SupermarketGuru. com consumer panel is an opt-in food-involved population of more than 94,000 shoppers that pre-registered with the site and submitted their confidential demographic information. Respondents to this survey were 84% female.

When asked to rate ten individual fruits separately on a scale of one - to-10 (1 is most healthful, 10 is least healthful), survey respondents showed their strongest conviction for three particular fruits: blueberries, apples and pomegranates. 64 percent rated apples a one, two or three on the scale of one-to-10.

This high perception of healthfulness reflects consumer awareness of apples’ many nutritional attributes. Females (87%), largely Boomers (72% age 50 and older) led the survey respondents who rated apples a one on the health scale. A majority (51%) spends $81 or more per week on groceries for a two person household. However, the income group that rated apples as most healthful (1) is defined in this survey as lower income - 28 percent of respondents who earn $25,001 to $55,000 annually per household.

“This is interesting because blueberries and pomegranates are higher priced food options,” said Lempert. “We suspect one reason why the lowest-income tier of $25,000 and under wasn’t among the percentage leaders in this survey is the continued under-serving of their neighborhoods by supermarkets—which means they have less access to fresh produce. This also fits in with the paradigm that lower income households tend to be more obese.”

Nine-out-of-10 consumers said a resounding ‘Yes’ when asked this question:
“If you or someone you know is trying to eat healthier in 2010, have you considered apples and apple products as a regular part a healthier diet?”

In addition, nine-out-of-10 respondents believe:
Apples and apple beverages, especially those with the peel left intact, are rich in plant compounds called polyphenols and antioxidants, both known to promote health. (92%) Apples and apple products may help to boost weight loss efforts. (89%) Daily consumption of apples and apple products can help reduce LDL (low-density lipoprotein) or “bad” cholesterol levels and protect against heart disease. (85%)

Once the survey disclosed that scientific evidence supports the health statements about apples, overwhelming majorities of adults who took this survey said they will buy and serve apples to their families and house guests more often.

Lempert emphasizes, “The magnitude of their response reflects their desire to eat healthfully—and the ability of apples to help them do that because of their nutritional makeup, portability, affordability and accessibility.”

Lempert says this is a message to retailers. “There is a terrific merchandising opportunity here. They can put apples and apple products throughout the stores. 78 percent of consumers perceive the bountiful display bins as the number one way retailers promote the healthfulness of apples and apple products. Results also showed consumers were hard-pressed to name other tactics used to promote a healthfulness message.”

When asked about the survey results, Nancy Foster, President and CEO of the U. S. Apple Association states “This groundbreaking report helps the American apple industry connect with their customers by better understanding what they're thinking and how to communicate with them about enjoying this delicious ‘superfruit’ in all of its forms—fresh or processed."

About SupermarketGuru. com
Founded in 1994 by Philip Lempert, http://www. SupermarketGuru. com (http://www. SupermarketGuru. com) is a leading online resource providing consumers with food safety, products, trends and shopping tips. With more than 2.5 million visitors annually, consumers have access to breaking food industry news, health and nutrition tips and information. In addition, visitors are invited to join the supermarketguru. com Consumer Panel where they have the opportunity to offer their own candid comments. For more information, please visit http://www. supermarketguru. com (http://www. supermarketguru. com).

About the U. S. Apple Association
The U. S. Apple Association (USApple) is the national trade association representing all segments of the apple industry. Members include 40 state and regional apple associations representing the 7,500 apple growers throughout the country, as well as more than 400 individual firms involved in the apple business. USApple's mission is to provide the means for all segments of the U. S. apple industry to join in appropriate collective efforts to profitably produce and market apples and apple products. For more information, please visit http://www. usapple. org (http://www. usapple. org).

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Program Evaluation and Performance Measures Part of URAC's Comprehensive Wellness Accreditation Standards

Program Evaluation and Performance Measures Part of URAC's Comprehensive Wellness Accreditation Standards

URAC Announces Accreditation Standards for Comprehensive Wellness Programs

Washington, DC (PRWEB) November 20, 2008

URAC announced today that its Board of Directors has approved standards and measures for its Comprehensive Wellness Accreditation program. These innovative standards reinforce and support the commitment that employers and wellness organizations have to ensuring the heath and productivity of America's workforce. Comprehensive Wellness is the first new accreditation program from URAC with integrated program evaluation and performance measurement components.

"Worksites have a powerful impact on individuals' health, since most adults typically spend half or more of their waking hours at work," said Garry Lindsay, managing senior fellow-senior program officer for the Partnership for Prevention. "Having credible standards for comprehensive health management programs, including worksite wellness, will help bring a needed focus on prevention that benefits companies and workers alike. Addressing the true drivers of health care costs is critical to prevention centered health reform, as advocated by Partnership for Prevention."

The Comprehensive Wellness Accreditation program answers the need for national standards to measure the effectiveness of these programs that focus on health promotion, chronic disease prevention and health risk reduction.

"URAC's Comprehensive Wellness Accreditation standards and measures are an excellent structure to guide wellness organizations in their pursuit of quality, while still allowing the market to evolve and improve," said Gail Levenson, RPh, CDE, CGP, director of health management services, National Rural Electric Cooperative Association. "Purchasers are seeking ways to measure the effectiveness of wellness programs. Accreditation is a critical tool employers and purchasers can use to evaluate vendors on a level playing field."

The new Comprehensive Wellness standards and measures were developed by an expert advisory group of employers, health plans, consumer representatives, public benefits organizations, health care professional associations, providers and wellness companies. The program-specific standards fall into five broad categories, creating an evaluation framework for wellness programs that focuses on individual health improvement and risk reduction:
Assessment: Includes risk identification and risk awareness program components, such as the use of Health Risk Assessments; Interventions: Addresses overall program design, health coaching, and use of consumer participation incentives, education and communications aspects of wellness programs; Evaluation: Focuses on how the wellness organization calculates, measures, and reports participant progress and overall clinical and financial program success to the client; Integration: Focuses on an organization’s ability and willingness to coordinate with other organizations, operations, and programs already in place; and Measurement: Focuses on producing and reporting to purchasers and the public on a specified set of performance measures.

"The Comprehensive Wellness program was developed as part of URAC's commitment to consumer empowerment and protection," said Alan P. Spielman, URAC's president and CEO. "Wellness organizations and employers have recognized the need to support individuals in the improvement and maintenance of their health, and URAC's standards and measures provide a meaningful and actionable framework for wellness program evaluation and performance measurement."

According to the Society for Human Resource Management, about 86 percent of U. S. employers currently offer wellness programs to their employees.

"Over the growth cycle of many years, wellness programs have evolved and matured to become a critical component of employer and health plan benefits," said Douglas Metz, DC, chairman of the URAC Wellness Accreditation Advisory Committee. "High quality and effective wellness programs hold tremendous potential to reduce health risks, lower health care costs, and increase productivity. URAC's Comprehensive Wellness Accreditation standards define an industry-accepted baseline for quality standards. Organizations that pursue accreditation can demonstrate that their processes and quality systems meet or exceed these industry standards. These standards will support the industry as organizations adopt and implement quality management systems and processes."

About URAC
URAC, an independent, nonprofit organization, is well-known as a leader in promoting health care quality through its accreditation and certification programs. URAC offers a wide range of quality benchmarking programs and services that keep pace with the rapid changes in the health care system, and provide a symbol of excellence for organizations to validate their commitment to quality and accountability. Through its broad-based governance structure and an inclusive standards development process, URAC ensures that all stakeholders are represented in establishing meaningful quality measures for the entire health care industry. For more information, visit www. urac. org

This press release was distributed through eMediawire by Human Resources Marketer (HR Marketer: www. HRmarketer. com) on behalf of the company listed above.

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Sally Field Shares Her Osteoporosis Story on EmpowHer

Sally Field Shares Her Osteoporosis Story on EmpowHer

Hollywood Legend and Women's Health Web Site Heighten Bone Health Awareness

Scottsdale, AZ (PRWEB) June 26, 2009

EmpowHer, the home of women's health online, (http://www. empowher. com (http://www. empowher. com)) announced today that Academy Award winning actress and bone health advocate Sally Field is sharing her osteoporosis story with the web site's audience. Field joins EmpowHer's large group of women who are sharing their health stories to help other women.

To view Sally Field's videos, click here: http://www. empowher. com/community/herstory/video-herstory-sally-field-shares-how-it-felt-be-recognized-national-osteoporosis (http://www. empowher. com/community/herstory/video-herstory-sally-field-shares-how-it-felt-be-recognized-national-osteoporosis)

Sally Field is a two-time Academy Award winning actress who has tirelessly helped educate women on the importance of osteoporosis awareness and prevention. Since being diagnosed with osteoporosis six years ago, Field has launched a national "Rally With Sally for Bone Health" campaign and has participated in a Capitol Hill briefing co-sponsored by the National Osteoporosis Foundation.

EmpowHer Founder and Chairman, Michelle King Robson, said about Sally Field's presence on EmpowHer, "Sally Field is a powerful advocate in the area of osteoporosis. By sharing her story on EmpowHer, Sally is making a tremendous impact on the bone health of women around the country. It is an honor to help spread her message."

Commenting on how integral osteoporosis awareness is, Sally Field said, "I have been very proud to … help bring about this awareness to the women of my generation and the women to come after us."

About EmpowHer
EmpowHer, the home of women's health online, is a unique resource dedicated to improving women's health and well-being. EmpowHer provides up-to-date medical information, access to leading medical experts, advocates, and a devoted community of women who ask questions, share stories, and connect with one another in a safe and supportive environment.

Useful Information on Osteoporosis & Bone Health
Dr. Robert P. Heaney, M. D.
Internationally recognized expert in the field of bone biology and calcium nutrition, father of the groundbreaking 40+ year nun study on osteoporosis and calcium physiology. http://www. empowher. com/users/rheaney (http://www. empowher. com/users/rheaney)

Dr. Ethel S. Siris, M. D.
Immediate past-President for the National Osteoporosis Foundation and the Director of the Toni Stabile Osteoporosis Center at Columbia University http://www. empowher. com/users/dr-ethel-siris (http://www. empowher. com/users/dr-ethel-siris)

For additional information on EmpowHer, please contact Todd Hartley or visit http://www. empowher. com (http://www. empowher. com).

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CHPA Statement Regarding FDA Proposed Labeling Changes on Over-the-Counter Analgesics

CHPA Statement Regarding FDA Proposed Labeling Changes on Over-the-Counter Analgesics

Linda A. Suydam, D. P.A., president of the Consumer Healthcare Products Association (CHPA), issues a statement regarding the U. S. Food and Drug Administration's (FDA's) proposal on labeling changes for over-the-counter analgesics.

Washington, D. C. (Vocus) December 20, 2006

Following is a statement by Linda A. Suydam, D. P.A., president of the Consumer Healthcare Products Association (CHPA), regarding the U. S. Food and Drug Administration's (FDA's) proposal on labeling changes for over-the-counter analgesics:

"CHPA member companies take very seriously the safe use of OTC medicines. The Agency's proposal is based on a review by FDA's Nonprescription Drugs Advisory Committee meeting in September 2002, after which many of our member companies implemented label improvements. As FDA states in this proposed rule, consumers should remain confident that over-the-counter analgesics continue to be safe and effective.

Our member companies remain dedicated to helping consumers better understand how to safely take these medicines and to consult their doctor, pharmacist, or other healthcare provider should they have any questions. We welcome changes which can effectively help consumers better understand how to safely take these medicines. The reality is, however, that over-the-counter medicines are real medicines with real risks if misused. We reiterate that it is extremely important that consumers know to read and follow the directions on every over-the counter medicine they are taking."

CHPA is the 125-year-old trade association representing U. S. manufacturers and distributors of over-the-counter medicines and nutritional supplement products.

Www. chpa-info. org

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Football Star, Randy Moss, is Hosting 50 of his Celebrity Friends for a Professional Fishing Tournament Benefiting Smile Network International

Football Star, Randy Moss, is Hosting 50 of his Celebrity Friends for a Professional Fishing Tournament Benefiting Smile Network International

Randy Moss has invited his celebrity friends to fish alongside him in the first annual Randy Moss Celebrity Fishing Tournament on June 29th, 2005. The tournament benefits Smile Network International, an organization committed to children. Celebrity attendees include: Michael Bennett of the Minnesota Vikings, Former NHL stars Neal Broten and Paul Broten, Country Entertainer Tracy Byrd (emcee for the event), NBA star Sam Cassell, Byron and Mary from "The Bachelor," and many more.

(PRWEB) June 9, 2005

Former Minnesota Viking and newly minted Oakland Raider, Randy Moss, is hosting the nationÂ’s largest and most star studded Celebrity Fishing Tournament ever held. Few know of RandyÂ’s love for bass fishing and commitment to child related charities. During RandyÂ’s time with the Vikings he was the player with the most community service hours and made countless visits to childrenÂ’s hospitals in his free time.

The Randy Moss Invitational Celebrity Charity Fishing Tournament benefits Smile Network International, a volunteer based humanitarian organization which provides reconstructive surgeries and related healthcare services to impoverished children in developing countries. These surgeries are critical to bringing dignity and quality of life to children that would otherwise go untreated.

RandyÂ’s good friend and pro angler, John Laub first brought the idea of a charity fishing tournament to Randy. When Randy heard the event would benefit children he signed on immediately and has invited many of his friends such as Michael Bennett, Kevin Garnett and Snoop Dogg to fish alongside him. In addition, country music sensation Tracy Byrd has signed to emcee the tournament and banquet. Confirmed participants include Kelly Carlson, of the Golden Globe award winning show Nip/Tuck, Neal Broten, former Minnesota North Star and member of the 1980 Olympic hockey team, and Paul Broten, former member of the New York Rangers and Dallas Stars. Other invitees include Gretchen Wilson, Brooks & Dunn, Travis Tritt, and Toby Keith.

Due to the recent trade of Randy from the Minnesota Vikings to the Oakland Raiders many thought the tournament would be in jeopardy. In fact, the tournament has just been getting bigger and national sponsors have lined up touting it as Randy MossÂ’ going away party. Be advised, this event will provide the best celebrity watching experience the Midwest has ever seen.

The tournament will take place on June 29th on Lake Minnetonka, 10 minutes outside of Minneapolis.

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