Tips for Natural Ways of Lowering High Cholesterol

Tips for Natural Ways of Lowering High Cholesterol

Holistic Medical Center Offers Webinar for National Cholesterol Education Month

New York, NY (PRWEB) September 14, 2010

Patients Medical (http://www. patientsmedical. com), a leading integrative medical center in New York City, reminds adults to get their serum cholesterol tested and offers tips on how to lower high cholesterol safely and naturally, in observance of National Cholesterol Education Month (September).

Serum cholesterol is the level of lipids (fat) in your blood. Traditionally, high low-density lipoproteins (LDLs) and low high-density lipoproteins (HDLs) are a red flag for cardiovascular disease and heart attacks. “Most conventional doctors would prescribe a statin such as Lipitor or Crestor to bring down high LDL’s, but some of these prescriptions may have side effects that severely affect the patient’s quality of life, including nausea, kidney failure, insomnia, erectile dysfunction, as well as nerve and liver damage,” explains Dr. Rashmi Gulati, Medical Director at Patients Medical.

“In cases that are not acute, diet and lifestyle modification are very effective in balancing cholesterol. Simply by eliminating junk food, increasing the amount of whole, nutritious foods consumed, including appropriate exercise and stress management techniques, many peoples’ cholesterol levels balance effectively without the use of any prescribed substance,” says Dr. Gulati.

Plant sterols are another approach to treating high LDL's that has received media attention lately. “These phytosterols are naturally-derived substances, popping up in fortified foods and as supplements that have shown to be gentler than statins while helping to lower the LDL’s by blocking absorption of cholesterol in the intestines. They are being used as a safer alternative to statins with great success in tandem with diet and lifestyle modifications,” adds Dr. Gulati.

Patients Medical’s team of physicians seeks to educate their patients and the general public on cholesterol, heart health and overall wellness. The next complimentary webinar, “Is Your Cholesterol Medicine Killing You?” (https://www1.gotomeeting. com/register/669027089) will be held on Thursday, September 16th at 6:30pm Eastern. Dr. Gulati will discuss holistic ways of treating high cholesterol and will address harmful effects of statins and benefits of more natural substances like plant sterols, and will also answer questions from participants.

About Patients Medical
Patients Medical (http://www. patientsmedical. com) (http://www. patientsmedical. com (http://www. patientsmedical. com)]) is a unique integrative medicine center in Manhattan that combines the best of traditional and holistic medicine with modern technology to provide comprehensive care. Established in 1974, the center employs a multi-disciplinary staff including Board Certified Internists, licensed practitioners and nutritionists. The practice specializes in diagnosing the root cause of an ailment, then healing the whole person with personalized protocols that draw upon ancient healing techniques alongside Western Medical perspectives.

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Safety in Drinking Water? Monitoring for Radioactive Contaminants Only Required Every Three, Six, or Nine Years per Federal Law

Safety in Drinking Water? Monitoring for Radioactive Contaminants Only Required Every Three, Six, or Nine Years per Federal Law

An incident of terrorism, accident, or improper disposal of radioactive materials will surely contaminate America's public water systems. Such a catastrophe would impact the population with increased cancer and associated illnesses and the enormous cost of replacing the critical water treatment and distribution network. In response to this threat, Technical Associates created the models NexGen-SSS and UniTect. World-wide, these are the only instrumentation available providing 24/7 monitoring for radionuclide contamination of American's vulnerable water systems.

Canoga Park, CA (PRWEB) October 28, 2009

Current federal law requires testing of drinking water for radionuclides, "hazardous radioactive materials" every three to nine years. The states have the option to increase testing frequency, per the Federal Register (http://www. gpoaccess. gov/fr/retrieve. html), Year 2000; page 76746.

An incident of terrorism, accident, or improper disposal of radioactive materials will surely contaminate America's public water systems. Such a catastrophe would impact the population with increased cancer and associated illnesses and the enormous cost of replacing the critical water treatment and distribution network.

The risk of such contamination is real and cannot be ignored. Community water sources are vulnerable and such infrequent monitoring poses a real threat to national security.

"Imagine the scope of damage from pulling water from a radiation contaminated lake or reservoir, pumping it around the city, and unknowingly drinking it for three years?" asks Technical Associates CEO Bob Goldstein, "The logical solution is 24/7 monitoring at the treatment plant and distribution point."

In response to this threat, Technical Associates created the models NexGen-SSS and UniTect. World-wide, these are the only instrumentation available providing 24/7 monitoring for radionuclide contamination of American's vulnerable water systems. The NexGen-SSS, currently in use by the Environmental Protection Agency, is the latest version of the SSS-33-5FT also in use at several locations including the Los Alamos and Jefferson National Laboratories. A NexGen-SSS installation for the Potomac River is being produced for Washington DC.

The heightened sensitivity of this model meets and exceeds the U. S. DHS (Department of Homeland Security) 2009 Protective Action Guidelines (http://www. fema. gov/good_guidance/download/10260) (PAGs) for Gamma, Alpha, and Beta levels of radiation.

The UniTect real-time integrated monitoring system provides comprehensive instrumentation of radionuclides, chemicals, and biological contaminants in drinking water and wastewater. This recent breakthrough system is the complete CBRN Chemical Biological and Radiation Detection system.

"The minimum three year interval for radiation testing of drinking water is outrageous and indefensible now that Technical Associates' new technology makes complete real-time measurement systems readily available," adds Goldstein.

TA's 24/7 systems have been available since 2005 and some are listed in the EPA's Water and Wastewater Security Product Guide (http://cfpub. epa. gov/safewater/watersecurity/guide).

Notes to Editors:

ABOUT TECHNICAL ASSOCIATES

Technical Associates, "TA" was founded in 1947 as a spin off from the Manhattan Project. TA's founders designed and built the first industrial grade radiation monitors to safeguard the scientists building the world's first atomic bomb. TA excels in product engineering for radiation measurement and safety instruments for diverse requirements; the result of 62 years of dedication and commitment to radiation monitoring.
Technical Associates radiation detectors and monitors are used globally, in the fields of research, medicine, municipal water districts, industry, power plants, environmental protection, military, police, fire protection, and national security.

ABOUT THE EPA / DHS PAG LEVELS

The January 2009 Revisions Protective Action Guide Levels (PAG levels) http://www. tech-associates. com/product-info/protectiveactionguideschart. pdf (http://www. tech-associates. com/product-info/protectiveactionguideschart. pdf)
Are critical for public health officials to know when to declare a drinking water emergency and when to evacuate the city! This version of PAG provides actual concentration levels for 110 Nuclides of Interest, giving both Derived Response Levels and Committed Effective Dose.

The previous 1992 EPA document was an excellent manual. However, it had One Major Fault: ALL radiation levels were given in REM per year. There was no guidance for the layman of airborne or waterborne concentrations in terms of microCuires or Becquerel /Liter for various isotopes. This was corrected in the January 2009 document.

ABOUT TA WATER MONITORING SYSTEMS:

The UniTect and the NextGen-SSS systems are both easily integrated into the existing infrastructure of water utilities and wastewater treatment plants. Alarms and data records are an integral part of both instruments.

This state-of-the-art instrumentation makes the detection of alpha and beta radionuclides in water at the required levels of detection possible for the first time. These instruments were designed with industry input and manufactured with EPA's 2009 PAG levels specifically in mind. http://www. tech-associates. com/product-info/protectiveactionguideschart. pdf (http://www. tech-associates. com/product-info/protectiveactionguideschart. pdf)

A Tritium Detector is optional for the Model NexGen-SSS and measures the 2009 PAG Tritium levels in response to the new mandatory ground water testing as outlined in the September 27, 2007 NEI 07-07 Ground Water Protection Initiative.
Http://www. nrc. gov/reactors/operating/ops-experience/tritium/public-meetings. html (http://www. nrc. gov/reactors/operating/ops-experience/tritium/public-meetings. html)

NexGen-SSS system description is at http://www. tech-associates. com/product-info/nexgen-sss. pdf (http://www. tech-associates. com/product-info/nexgen-sss. pdf). UniTect system description is at http://www. tech-associates. com/product-info/TABrochure. pdf (http://www. tech-associates. com/product-info/TABrochure. pdf)

Contact:

John Forrester
+1 (323) 702-3684
John(at)johnforrester. com

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New E-Mail Workshop Defeats Universal Office Enemy: E-Mail Overload

New E-Mail Workshop Defeats Universal Office Enemy: E-Mail Overload

Cohesive Knowledge Solutions has developed a new training workshop that helps enterprises to reduce e-mail by 20% while improving quality of e-mail by 50%.

(PRWEB) October 14, 2004

Every morning Tim Burress, a Regional Sales Director at a large healthcare company, was greeted by an avalanche of e-mail and voice-mail. Processing this rising tide of information was draining TimÂ’s productivity and sapping his motivation. To make matters worse, Tim was finding it increasingly difficult to rapidly locate documents and e-mail that he had stored on his computer. His world was becoming more and more chaotic.

Like countless others suffering from information overload, TimÂ’s first instinct was to invest in new technology. Unfortunately, the shiny new PDA that he purchased only seemed to increase the number of messages that he sent and received. Tim noticed that his co-workers were also struggling with bloated e-mail inboxes and the management of tons of documents. His company had tried to distribute a list of e-mail best practices without much buy-in from the rank and file. Tim began to realize that solving this problem would help a lot of companies become much more productive.

Tim smelled an opportunity. He and a partner left their jobs and began a quest to find the holy grail of the business world: A proven and sustainable solution for e-mail overload! They called their company Cohesive Knowledge Solutions, Inc.

The Quest

Tim took two years and studied information and knowledge management. He spent another year interviewing professionals and beta testing ideas. After much trial and error, Tim and his team developed a new training workshop that actually seemed to decrease the amount of e-mail sent and received by participants.

The Cohesive Knowledge Team dubbed the new training experience TeamMessaging™ because of its focus on teamwork, coaching, and leadership. TeamMessaging led participants through a series of interactive experiences that helped them to apply time-tested teamwork principles to the virtual world of e-mail.

The Results: E-Mail Reduced by 20%!

Armed with impressive metrics from rigorous beta testing, Tim began knocking on the doors of large Fortune 500 companies. Remarkably, doors began to swing open almost immediately. As it turned out, just about every company - was wrestling with the challenge of too much, low value e-mail. Enterprises embraced TeamMessaging because it succeeded where all previous attempts had failed.

One large Fortune 500 financial institution, was able to reduce total messaging by almost 20% while improving the quality of e-mail by 50%. This saved each trainee about 12 work days per year. The word spread fast and customers began contacting Cohesive Knowledge.

Just three months after bringing TeamMessaging to market, Cohesive Knowledge has trained over 1,500 Fortune 500 employees and has initiated a strategic partnership with a large, nationwide training outfit.

CEOÂ’s and CIOÂ’s have taken a particular shine to TeamMessaging. Executives like the emphasis on teamwork and the idea of leveraging existing technology investments. They also are impressed that Cohesive Knowledge conducts long term surveys that demonstrate lasting results.

Tim and his growing team are very happy these days. They spend their time delivering a valuable service that helps people to defeat a universal arch enemy: information overload. In a way, itÂ’s like going to work each day and beating up Lex Luther. ItÂ’s fun and rewarding! If you would like to learn more, please e-mail Tim at TimBurress@Cohesiveknowledge. com or call him at 804-513-4116.

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AEC Software Releases FastTrack Schedule 10 for Windows and Mac Environments

AEC Software Releases FastTrack Schedule 10 for Windows and Mac Environments

Focus on user interface and advanced resource management capabilities extends lead for powerful yet cost-effective project management software

Sterling, VA (PRWEB) April 14, 2010

AEC Software, a leading developer of project management business solutions, today announced the release of FastTrack Schedule 10 (http://www. fasttrackschedule10.com/), the latest version of the company’s flagship project management (PM) software. FastTrack Schedule is well known among project managers worldwide not only as a comprehensive and easy-to-use solution, but also for AEC Software’s unsurpassed record of continuous support and innovation across both Windows (http://www. aecsoftware. com/project-management-software/fasttrack-schedule-win/) and Mac (http://www. aecsoftware. com/project-management-software/fasttrack-schedule-mac/) environments.

As the economy recovers and moves into a growth period, the tenth version of FastTrack Schedule provides the key project planning and management features that both small business owners and enterprise project managers need in order to secure new projects and manage them effectively.

“Budgets are improving, but decision-makers typically feel better about deploying capital when they can see a detailed and visual plan upfront and a way to assure deadlines are being met,” noted Dennis Bilowus, President and CEO of AEC Software. “Whether selling a project to a client or making an internal case for a new initiative, there’s no question that FastTrack Schedule 10 can provide that risk mitigation buyers are seeking.”

FastTrack Schedule 10 enables users to quickly and simply plan projects, present plans clearly with colorful timelines, track performance precisely and easily share project details. Often implemented as an alternative to or in parallel with Microsoft Project™, FastTrack Schedule is viewed as easier to use, resulting in more complete end-user adoption and therefore more successful projects. At the same time, advanced project managers who are accustomed to Microsoft Project™ are assured that all users’ work will seamlessly integrate.

Improved usability (http://www. aecsoftware. com/resources/video-tutorials/) and new resource management capabilities top the list of enhancements within FastTrack Schedule 10. Furthermore, it now includes completely integrated but separately developed Mac and Windows user interfaces (UI) for each of the Mac and Windows versions of the product. This helps match both the visual and workflow expectations of each type of user while ensuring a uniform business process and seamless compatibility and collaboration for project teams using both PCs and Macs.

Mac users will appreciate the new, simplified interface (http://www. aecsoftware. com/project-management-software/fasttrack-schedule-mac/) as it bears a close likeness to the familiar elegance of Apple’s iWork applications, Meanwhile, Windows users will recognize the application’s sleek Ribbon interface (http://www. aecsoftware. com/project-management-software/fasttrack-schedule-win/), which provides the type of view found in the latest versions of Windows applications (i. e.: Windows 7, Microsoft Office 2007). Windows users also have the option of changing the interface to a traditional, menu-based interface and creating a hybrid UI that combines classic toolbars with the Ribbon.

"Our ongoing dialogue with our customers guided our decision to focus on making FastTrack Schedule 10 even more intuitive for every type of user," continued Bilowus. "While we're always adding powerful features needed for the most serious forms of project management, we're also making it easier for managers to assure adoption by team members, by providing easy to use planning tools and a simplified familiar interface that their users will appreciate."

In addition to the UI enhancements, FastTrack Schedule 10 also includes features once reserved for only the most expensive project management applications. Here are four features likely to interest even the most advanced project manager:
 Effort-Driven Scheduling – Provides a fast-track compression technique that enables managers to reduce task durations as resources are assigned to tasks and create what-if scenarios to determine what it will take to complete the project sooner.  Assignment Contouring – This feature helps ensure timely completion of projects by providing managers with the flexibility to quickly redistribute resources’ efforts on tasks without running the risk of over allocation.  Advanced Work Calendars – Integrated project, task, base, and resource work calendar system to efficiently schedule tasks, team members, and account for exceptions such as holidays or non-standard work schedules. Work calendars can also be unified across all projects, resources, and corporate calendars, so that all project stakeholders are working from the same work calendar, regardless of location.  Work Usage Inspector – Using this feature, managers can effectively manage employee workloads and assign resources as new business arrives and tasks are completed, ensuring that team members are working at their optimized levels.

"These are serious project management features that you just can't find within the 'fast food' task management programs that are appearing in the market with a very questionable project management 'label,'" added Bilowus. "Capabilities beyond status checks are needed to keep serious projects healthy. We feel we’re delivering those features at an unbelievable price point."

AEC Software provides free project templates (http://www. aecsoftware. com/resources/project-management-templates/), video tutorials (http://www. aecsoftware. com/resources/video-tutorials/) and even trial version for its user community. To learn more about FastTrack Schedule 10, please visit http://www. aecsoftware. com (http://www. aecsoftware. com).

Free Trial Versions Available
Trial versions of FastTrack Schedule 10 are available online at the AEC Software website: http://www. aecsoftware. com/resources/trial-versions/ (http://www. aecsoftware. com/resources/trial-versions/)

Pricing and Availability
All FastTrack Schedule 10 products are immediately available. FastTrack Schedule 10 is $349, $179 upgrade (U. S. suggested list prices). For a limited time, AEC Software is also extending upgrade pricing to licensed users of FastTrack Schedule 8 and earlier products. For details, visit http://www. aecsoftware. com/purchase/promotions/ (http://www. aecsoftware. com/purchase/promotions/)

About AEC Software
Headquartered in Sterling, VA, AEC Software, Inc. develops and publishes project-focused and business productivity solutions for Windows, Mac, and other operating systems. Fortune 500 companies and industry leaders use AEC Software’s products to schedule activities, manage project information, and achieve project goals. For more information about AEC Software and its productivity solutions, visit http://www. aecsoftware. com (http://www. aecsoftware. com).

FastTrack Schedule and Details are trademarks of AEC Software, Inc. Other brands and products referenced herein are the trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders.

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UNIVEC Licenses its Bifurcated Safety Needle for Smallpox Vaccine Programs to Pharmacy Services, Inc., a Minority Business Enterprise

UNIVEC Licenses its Bifurcated Safety Needle for Smallpox Vaccine Programs to Pharmacy Services, Inc., a Minority Business Enterprise

Farmingdale-based Univec, Inc., (OTCBB:UNVC - news) announced that it has licensed its new Bifurcated Safety Needle, designed to meet U. S. Government requirements for safe administration of the smallpox vaccine, to Pharmacy Services, Inc., a certified Minority Business Enterprise.

(PRWEB) April 10, 2002

FARMINGDALE, N. Y. - April 8, 2002 - Farmingdale-based Univec, Inc., (OTCBB:UNVC - news) announced that it has licensed its new Bifurcated Safety Needle, designed to meet U. S. Government requirements for safe administration of the smallpox vaccine, to Pharmacy Services, Inc., a certified Minority Business Enterprise.

Univec's patented Bifurcated Safety Needles are the only ones available that comply with U. S. Public Law 106-430, "Needlestick Safety and Prevention Act," and OSHA regulations to effectively reduce the risk of accidental needle sticks.

According to Joel Schoenfeld, Univec's Chairman, and inventor of the Bifurcated Safety Needle, "Univec's mission is to save lives through safer health products. Licensing our patented technology to PSI supports this cause while advancing our commitment to the minority community. "

Dr. David L. Dalton, President and CEO of PSI, adds that, "Through the license of Univec's Bifurcated Safety Needle we expect Centers for Disease Control and Health and Human Services to contract with PSI to supply the U. S. government with Bifurcated Safety Needles."

About Univec

Founded in 1992, Univec is considered one of the leading innovators in the design and production of auto-disable and safety syringes. The Company also provides safe delivery of physician samples and disposal of infectious medical waste. The Company has production facilities in Portugal, South Korea, China, Belgium and the U. S., and distributes its products in 80 countries.

About PSI

Pharmacy Services, Inc., with locations in Pennsylvania, Maryland and Tennessee, is a certified Minority Business Enterprise that fulfills pharmaceutical and medical supply requirements for government entities, such as correctional institutions, clinics and other healthcare facilities.

Forward Looking Statements

This document contains forward-looking statements based on current expectations that could be affected by the risks and uncertainties involved in Univec's business. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, the risks described from time to time in Univec's reports to the Securities and Exchange Commission, which include Univec's Annual Report on Form 10-K. Subsequent written or oral statements attributable to Univec or persons acting on its behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by the cautionary statements in this document and those in Univec's reports filed with the SEC.

Contact:

G. Edward Kalbaugh

Allegent Growth Strategies International

516-364-7034 or e-mail gekalbaugh@allegentgsi. com

Fort Lauderdale Advertising and PR Agency Hires Promotional Product Specialist

Fort Lauderdale Advertising and PR Agency Hires Promotional Product Specialist

Premiere Advertising and Public Relations Agency located in Fort Lauderdale, South Florida announces new employee Tami S. Blatecky to join their Advertising Specialties department. Blatecky brings with her over eighteen years of corporate marketing, promotions and sales experience within the consulting, sports marketing, legal and retail industries.

Fort Lauderdale, Florida (PRWEB) October 19, 2006 -–

AdBit's (http://www. AdBits. com (http://www. AdBits. com)), a premiere Advertising and Public Relations Agency located in Fort Lauderdale, South Florida announces new employee Tami S. Blatecky to join their Advertising Specialties department. In this position, Blatecky will be responsible for managing all aspects of business-to-business relations, coordinating the creative workflow and sorting an internal database of more than 800,000 different promotional products, corporate gifts and giveaway items.

Blatecky brings with her over eighteen years of corporate marketing, promotions and sales experience within the consulting, sports marketing, legal and retail industries. She holds a B. S. Degree in Journalism/ Marketing from Southern Illinois University. She is a certified volunteer with the Make-A-Wish Foundation in the Fort Lauderdale/Miami area.

“I enjoy helping our clients grow their business with creative custom promotional products that appeal to their specific customers,” says Tami. “I have a lot of great ideas and I love helping people create sales solutions. AdBit's Advertising & PR has a great reputation in South Florida for creating the best brochures, web sites, print ads and promotional items available. I am excited to be a new member of the team.”

AdBit's Advertising & PR specializes in developing unique promotional product ideas that fit any marketing plan. Our advertising specialties department can imprint your company logo or slogan on anything, for example; Stress Relievers, Awards & Recognitions, Lanyards, Bags, Calendars & Planners, Clocks & Watches, Cups & Napkins, Coasters, Robes, Towels & Slippers, Gift Sets, Golf Products, Key Rings, Magnets, Notepads, Pens & Pencils and Hats & Shirts.

“We are very fortunate to have Tami on our team,” says Bit Grubbström, Founder of AdBit's. “Her experience as a buyer of corporate marketing services and promotional products gives her the ability to see the process from the client's perspective. She knows how to effectively help improve our clients' bottom line by integrating advertising specialty items in their promotions.”

About AdBit's

AdBit's, a Florida based full service agency, is a woman owned business creating outstanding results in advertising since 1994. AdBit's has a diverse client list including many local and international companies within tourism, real estate, yachting & marine, motorcycle, healthcare, education and many other industries.

Please call AdBit's for a free analysis of your advertising efforts. If you are in the tri county Florida area; Broward, Dade or Palm Beach, a company representative will be happy to meet at your location to discuss your advertising needs; or feel free to schedule an appointment to visit AdBit's located at 1003 SE 17th Street in downtown Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

More Info Contact:

Anthony M. Ragland

AdBit’s Advertising & PR

P 954.467.8420

F 954.467.0809

Website: http://www. AdBits. com (http://www. AdBits. com)

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Johns Hopkins Health Alerts Releases Free Special Report on Antidepressants

Johns Hopkins Health Alerts Releases Free Special Report on Antidepressants

Johns Hopkins Health Alerts has just released a free special report on antidepressants, The Johns Hopkins Guide to Antidepressants, to help raise awareness of the new kinds of therapies available to relieve depression, including "winter depression", Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).

New York, NY (PRWEB) January 17, 2008

Johns Hopkins Health Alerts has just released a free special report on antidepressants, The Johns Hopkins Guide to Antidepressants, to help raise awareness of the new kinds of therapies available to relieve depression.

Depression can affect up to 50% of all people at some point in their lives. It can commonly occur after stressful events, such as the loss of a loved one or job, and frequently develops in conjunction with serious illness, such as heart disease or cancer.

Depression is particularly prevalent in the over 50s. Commonly referred to as "feeling blue" or "not feeling well" by people in that age group, depression is not always recognized for the serious medical condition it really is.

Often, depression sufferers do not seek help because they believe depression is a 'character weakness', and don't realize that it is usually caused by a chemical imbalance.

With the right diagnosis, depression is a highly treatable medical condition. This free special report, The Johns Hopkins Guide to Antidepressants, gives you an overview of the many current options for treating depression safely and effectively, without too many unwanted side effects.

To download a free PDF copy of The Johns Hopkins Guide to Antidepressants, please visit: Johns Hopkins Guide to Antidepressants (http://www. hopkinsreports. com/depression)

About Johns Hopkins Health Alerts:
Johns Hopkins Health Alerts is a free public service which publishes articles and email health alerts on 15 different health topics. A new article is published every weekday to help keep you up to date on the latest breakthroughs for the most common medical conditions which prevent healthy aging.

Here is the most recent Johns Hopkins Health Alert on depression:

**Feeling SAD due to winter depression? An antidepressant may help**

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently approved Wellbutrin XL (bupropion HCL extended-release tablets) for the prevention of major depressive episodes in people with a history of seasonal affective disorder (SAD).

Seasonal Affective Disorder is characterized by recurrent bouts of major depression that coincide with the shorter daylight hours of autumn and winter (thus the nickname "winter depression").

At this time of year, changes in the amount of daily sunlight cause changes in the body's internal biological clock, known as circadian rhythm.

This rhythm is a 24-hour cycle that affects our eating and sleeping patterns, brain wave activity, hormone production, and other biological activities. In some people, less daily sunlight and changes in circadian rhythm can bring about depression.

One theory is that the relative lack of sunlight during these times may alter brain levels of certain mood-related chemicals. People with seasonal affective disorder often eat and sleep excessively, crave sugary or starchy foods, and have a full remission of seasonal affective disorder in the spring and summer when more daily sunlight is available.

Wellbutrin XL is the first drug officially approved for the prevention of major depressive episodes in people with a history of seasonal affective disorder (SAD). The efficacy of Wellbutrin XL for the prevention of seasonal affective disorder episodes was demonstrated in three double-blind, placebo-controlled trials -- the gold standard of medical research -- in adults with a history of recurrent major depressive disorder in autumn and winter.

Treatment for seasonal affective disorder was started before the onset of symptoms in the autumn (September to November) and was discontinued following a two-week taper starting the first week of spring (fourth week of March).

In these trials, the percentage of patients who were depression-free at the end of treatment was significantly higher for those on Wellbutrin XL than for those on placebo. Combining data from all three studies, the overall rate of patients depression-free at the end of treatment was 84% for those on Wellbutrin XL, compared to 72% for those on placebo.

These findings have not surprised psychiatrists and primary care physicians, who have long been using antidepressant drugs off label for treating seasonal affective disorder. But the stamp of approval by the FDA adds credibility to this treatment approach.

FURTHER RESOURCES:
For more free articles and special reports on depression, please visit:
Johns Hopkins Health Alerts (http://www. johnshopkinshealthalerts. com/alerts_index/depression_anxiety/16-1.html)

Download a copy of the FREE Johns Hopkins Guide to Antidepressants at:
Johns Hopkins Guide to Antidepressants (http://www. hopkinsreports. com/depression)

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