Do you need to detox?

Nehehmahnyah Ben Shaleak,
KNN Staff Researcher/Writer

Are you overweight or tired all the time? Do you have headaches, other aches and pains, frequent colds and flu’s, constipation or digestive problems, high blood pressure, allergies or sensitivities. Do you often drink too much alcohol, drink caffeinated beverages, smoke cigarettes, use over-the-counter or recreational drugs, or eat fast, fried or refined foods?

– Overweight? If you're overweight, you have more toxins in your body than a thin person because the body stores excess toxins in fat cells. But don't despair– one of the great additional benefits of detoxing is losing weight!

– Tired all the time? According to noted biochemist Jeffrey Bland, Ph.D., "toxicology textbooks list the first symptoms of chronic poisoning as low energy, fatigue, muscle weakness, inability to concentrate and intestinal complaints."

-Headaches? Food additives, sugar, alcohol, caffeine withdrawal, constipation, hormonal imbalance and exposure to irritants such as pollution, perfume or after-shaves are all causes of headaches that can often be relieved by detoxification.
-Other aches and pains? Holistic practitioners are finding that several forms of arthritis can be significantly relieved by a detoxification diet, plus proper supplementation. Drs. Barrie and Bennett, state, "Arthritis pain may be related to a toxic reaction to specific foods (food allergies), dehydration from inadequate intake of water, a very common problem, and bowel toxemia."

– Frequent colds and flu? Frequent colds and flu are signs of a suppressed immune system. Detoxification, appropriate nutritional supplementation, improvement in diet– improved stress management and regular, but not overly strenuous exercise are part of a comprehensive plan for improving your immune system.

– Constipation or digestive problems? A healthy digestive system eliminates its contents one to three times daily. If you do not have at least one bowel movement a day, or if you have flatulence or chronic indigestion, a detox program as part of a larger change of diet and awareness about food can often change those problems rapidly.

– High blood pressure? James F. Balch, M.D., and Phyllis A. Balch, C.N.C., authors of Prescription for Nutritional Healing recommend fasting (an ancient, but what we consider extreme, form of detox) for three to five days a month for those suffering from high blood pressure. Caution must be exercised: High blood pressure is one of the leading causes of death in the United States and for those who suffer from it, there are many specific guidelines in reference to over-the-counter medications, supplements, herbs, foods, and food additives that must be observed to prevent stroke and heart attack. You need to be under a doctor's care, but we encourage you to work with a holistically oriented physician who can support you in lifestyle changes that will address many of its risk factors.

– Allergies or sensitive’s? By and large, conventional health care only deals with masking the symptoms of allergies and food sensitivities, rather than attempting to resolve them. Higher levels of detoxing, as well as additional immune support through nutritional supplementation, have been known to help many allergy sufferers. Allergies are, however, almost by definition, a very individualized condition.

– Drink caffeinated beverages? Most Americans do. And with the stress of our society, it's hard not to. Even if you're not ready to quit for good, a spring and fall detox can give your liver a chance to rest from detoxifying all that caffeine every day, and that can have tremendous physical benefits in terms of more energy, better sleep and reduced stress which in turn can also make it possible to cut down significantly on caffeine after your detox.

– Smoke cigarettes? Surely no one has to tell you they're toxic. But unless you're one of the few people who only smoke a couple at parties now and again, you've got an addiction that is not only expensive, but stinky, and truly unhealthy to others. One great way to look at this is if you can kick this habit (and you can) which is detoxifying in itself, other health improvements are going to be easy by comparison.

Eat fast foods, fried foods or refined foods? In addition to having very little, if any, nutritional value, fast foods, fried foods and refined foods have to be processed by the liver and take its energy away from other detoxification work it has to do. A low fat diet, with lots of whole grains and fresh fruits and vegetables supports the liver with nutrients and easy-to-digest food. Switching to such a diet is the first step in an over-all detox program that can give you more energy, help you to lose weight and feel years younger.

If you have answered yes to any of these, you can significantly benefit from detox. Even if you haven't, detox can help you feel even better, and help you protect your health to an even greater extent.

My first sisterhood conference experience as a Zambian friend of the Community.

Editorial Columnist Herta-Malita Shikapwashya

It was an enjoyable, intellectual and pleasant experience of bonding that every sister should experience. For anyone that missed the conference, here is my experience as a first time attendee.

When the invitation to attend the sisterhood conference was extended to me by Aturah Malcah, I knew I had to attend and experience it but, I did not know what to expect. I knew some of the sisters from the St. Louis extension would be at the conference, and I also knew they would want to mingle with the other sisters that they had not seen in a while. So I wondered how I would fit in because at times, an experience of this magnitude can be overwhelming. I arrived at the Indian Resort with the St. Louis sisterhood at approximately 11pm, having stopped by the Soul Vegetarian in Chicago. We sat for a few minutes, had dinner and headed to our designated rooms. The sisters I was rooming with (Tkumah, Gavriella, and Shimriya) were extremely helpful, pleasant and patient with me. They answered my questions, and encouraged me to ask questions. Needless to say, I was well guided.

Friday morning, we proceeded to the conference room were breakfast was served. I listened to some of the sisters speak, but what caught my attention was the unity in the room. I was seated next to the sisters from the Cleveland extension and they were pleasant and talked to me even though they did not know who I was and vice versa. Our conversations were brief because we had to pay attention to the speaker. Immediately after our morning session, my sister from St. Louis, Shimriya introduced me to Aturah Yoahnah, whom I refer to as Mrs. Ambassador. At lunch time, I joined the rest of my St. Louis sisters, got our lunch and sat at our table were we talked and shared discussions. Aturah Malcah was at the table next to us and as always, she checked on us. After lunch, she introduced me to the other crown sisters as well as the elevated crown sister Aturah Yafah. The crown sisters were so pleasant and welcoming. That brief encounter with them, demonstrated why they were Crown Sisters. Their beauty shined from the inside onto the outside; little did I know there was more to their exquisiteness.

On the afternoon of free time which was for bonding, I had an opportunity of long intellectual and spiritual conversation with my Chicago sister, Tkumah. She was so pleasant to converse with. We talked about Divine marriage, my culture and the Kingdom as well as the best forward in life. We were enjoying our conversation so much that we run out of time as she had to go and practice for the sacred offering. We did exchange telephone numbers and promised to keep in touch.

As I continued to attend our scheduled sessions; I enjoyed each and every one of them, I had the opportunity to speak with Prince Asiel who closed out the session for us. It was really enlightening listening to hear him speak of how he too at one time or another served in the capacity of a woman. He was able to relate to us and that was a beautiful thing to hear, you had to be there to appreciate, understand and enjoy the lesson. It is always a pleasure to speak with the Prince no matter how brief. In fact, when you speak with him, there is never enough time and that’s how I felt about the Wisdom Hut. The highlight of my experience was the “Wisdom Hut” with all the crown sisters. I look back today and I wish I had asked the question that I wanted to ask at the time, but I did not have the guts to stand up and ask. If I had, a lot of sisters would have benefited from their answers because the “high table” was filled with so much wisdom. I was so intrigued by the level of wisdom that was shared by the crown sisters. We had a real sister to sister discussion. For those that were present will recall the discussions we had. The Wisdom Hut gave a lot to think about, re-emphasized a lot of things for me, and comforted my spirit.

I remember how Aturah Malcah gave an example about the best way to learn and understand the community and its objectives. She illustrated using two glasses, 1 with water and the other with just a little water. She said, if we come into the community knowing a lot, then there was no room left for us to learn and restore what we are being taught. She demonstrated this by pouring water into a glass that was already full of water, and the water poured onto the floor. However, if we wanted to learn and restore the knowledge, then we had to come with room for us to restore knowledge and this was the glass with no water in it. I wish we had a whole day of that session. The Wisdom Hut was able to generate avenues and gave everyone an insight of their important role as a woman, sister, and mother. What it did for me was re-emphasis my path in life. I walked away knowing that I have to work harder and stop procrastinating. To re-state some words of the wise, Achievement is “Doing something beyond what you have already mastered, in order to grow”.

I enjoyed the wisdom hut so much that I wanted it to be longer. Thank you all for such a beautiful experience and I was able to share it with the people around me. Next time, I will have a camcorder so that I can watch it at my leisure because all I can do right now, is replay it in my mind. Stay tuned, more to come

Deep-Fried Dangers Pt.1

Experts Discuss Cancer Threat Suggested by Recent Studies
Nehehmahnyah Ben-Shaleak
KNN Staff Researcher/Writer

World Health Organization began a three-day emergency meeting in Geneva to evaluate the recent discovery that certain popular starchy foods, from potato chips to bread, contain a chemical that can cause cancer.New research suggests that you may have one more reason to avoid deep-fried foods.

Never before has the agency assembled so many experts, so quickly, to evaluate food safety. "This is not just another food scare. This is an issue where we find a substance that could give cancer, in foods, and in significant amounts," Jorgen Schlundt, head of WHO's Food Safety Program, told ABCNEWS' John McKenzie. The alarms were triggered in April with the announcement that scientists in Sweden had tested more than 100 food items and discovered that potato and cereal products that were fried, oven-baked and deep-fried may contain high levels of acrylamide, a chemical used to make plastics and dyes that has caused cancer in animals. "It did come as a surprise because it has not been considered as a normal process that you would get acrylamide out of food," said Schlundt. Researchers say it's all about heat. The higher the cooking temperature, the greater the levels of acrylamide. Bread was found to contain 50 micrograms of acrylamide. Cereals, cookies and crackers, and potato chips: 160, 410 and 1,200, respectively. Too Soon to Worry? Since the Swedish study, scientists in several other European countries have tested many of these popular foods with similar results. But here in the United States, many researchers warn we don't know enough about acrylamide to start worrying. While acrylamide causes cancer in rats, there is no evidence it does the same in people. "We put all our reliance upon a rat strain to predict how we're going to respond. Sometimes they do predict it well and many times they do not," said Edward Calabrese, director of the Northeast Regional Environmental Public Health Center at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst.

Ahk Yiore building bridges

Shmerah E. Keymah - KNN
Much work is being done to build bridges between the Africans of the diaspora and Africans on the continent. Ahk Yiore under the leadership of the Office of the Ambassador has been doing a tremendous work. Get the latest updates by clicking the attached links:

V.I. delegation visiting Ghana, ancestral home of many Virgin Islanders By AYESHA MORRISFriday, July 21st 2006 Virgin Islands Daily Newshttp

Ghana invites V.I. residents to emancipation tribute By AYESHA MORRIS Tuesday, July 4th 2006 Virgin Islands Daily News

USVI delegation in Ghana for Emancipation celebration-By SUSAN MANN – Caribbean Net News St Thomas-St John CorrespondentMonday, July 31, 2006 Caribbean Net News http://www.caribbeannetnews.com/cgi-script/csArticles/articles/000000/000071.htm

Virgin Islanders Connect with Ghana at Emancipation Commemoration By LYNDA LOHR Aug. 15, 2006 St. Thomas Source Click Here

The Africa Diaspora Connection Aug. 7, 2006 A Ghana News Agency feature by Hannah Asomaning Click Here

Ghana, United States Virgin Islands establish linkage Saturday, 29 July 2006 Ghana WebClick Here

Ghana can reunite the African family News Date: 28th July 2006 Business Ghana Click Here

Emancipation 2006 begins with wreath-laying Accra, July 28, 2006 Ghana News Agency Click Here

Africans and the Diaspora must collaborate for development – Jake July 28, 2006 Ghana News Agency Click Here

Soul Vegetarian Tallahassee

Tallahassee Democrat

Learn how to make food with vegetarian soul today at the Growers' Market at Lake Ella. The Soul Vegetarian Restaurant, which specializes in vegan food, will supply the expertise for a free cooking demonstration from 3 to 6 p.m. The Growers' Market is open from 3 p.m. to dusk Wednesdays and from 9 a.m. to noon Saturdays at 229 Lake Ella Drive, behind Black Dog Cafe. This week, shoppers can expect to find muscadines, pears, arugula, heirloom tomatoes, garlic, herbs, eggplants, onions, basil, butternut squash, pumpkins, okra, herbs and flowers.

World water demand 'will double'

WORLD demand for water will double by 2050, with a third of the globe's population already facing shortages of the precious resource, an international expert has warned.
Submitted by Laviyah E. Nahum

That will also send the cost of the "blue gold" through the roof, but it is unlikely to match the pricing spiral experienced by crude oil. Dr Frank Rijsberman, a Dutch scientist who heads the eminent International Water Management Institute, said about 2.5 billion people – most of them in Asia – already faced scarcity of water. Click here to read the full article on the website

Overweight 'top world's hungry'

There are now more overweight people across the world than hungry ones, according to experts.
Nehehmahnyah Ben Shaleak-KNN Staff

US professor Barry Popkin said all countries - both rich and poor - had failed to address the obesity boom. He told the International Association of Agricultural Economists the number of overweight people had topped 1bn, compared with 800m undernourished. Speaking at an Australian conference, he said changing diets and people doing less physical exercise was the cause. Professor Popkin, from the University of North Carolina, said that the change had happened quickly as obesity was rapidly spreading, while hunger was slowly declining among the world's 6.5bn population. He told the conference at the Gold Coast convention centre near Brisbane: "Obesity is the norm globally and under nutrition, while still important in a few countries and in targeted populations in many others, is no longer the dominant disease."

He said the "burden of obesity", with its related illnesses, was also shifting from the rich to the poor, not only in urban but in rural areas around the world. China typified the changes, with a major shift in diet from cereals to animal products and vegetable oils accompanied by a decline in physical work, more motorised transport and more television viewing, he added. And he urged governments to begin to develop better strategies to combat the problem. He said food prices could be used to manipulate people's diets and tilt them towards healthier options. "For instance, if we charge money for every calorie of soft drink and fruit drink that was consumed, people would consume less of it. "If we subsidise fruit and vegetable production, people would consume more of it and we would have a healthier diet."

And University of Minnesota's Professor Benjamin Senauer, who has compared lifestyles in the US, which has high obesity rates with Japan, which has low rates, agreed. "The average Japanese household spends almost a quarter of its income on food compared to under 14% in the US." 'Cheap food' While a direct tax on food in the US to reduce obesity would not be politically acceptable, agricultural subsidies which resulted in cheap food could be reduced, he added. But he said other factors, such as exercise, also played an important role. "Japanese cities are based on efficient public transport and walking. The average American commutes to work, drives to the supermarket and does as little walking as possible." Professor Tony Barnett, head of the diabetes and obesity group at Birmingham University, said: "It is becoming increasingly clear that the number of overweight outnumbers the malnourished. "What is also clear is that this is not just happening in developed countries, the developing world also has serious problems. "The biggest increases are being seen in parts of Asia with certain populations more susceptible than others. If we do not get to grips with this, problems associated with obesity, such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease, are going to increase rapidly."

Catch some rays to avoid dangerously low vitamin D levels

MSN Health

"I think this is a major unrecognized epidemic in the United States," says Michael Holick, M.D., a researcher at Boston University medical center and the most high-profile member of the vitamin D research community. "It affects children and adults of all ages, all races, and both sexes. It's very significant." The way God drew it up, getting enough vitamin D ought to be a cinch, since the process is as unconscious as breathing. When you're outside in the sunlight, UVB rays from the sun activate an enzyme in your skin. Presto, vitamin D is created and goes to work in your body.

Unfortunately, in practice several things can interfere with the process. First is geography. The farther you are from the equator, the less direct the sunlight is, and the weaker the UV rays become. Above 42 north, for example — picture a line stretching roughly from Boston to northern California — it's difficult for many people to produce vitamin D during the winter. African-Americans, Latinos, and others with dark skin are at a further disadvantage, since their pigmentation limits the UV light they can absorb and slows vitamin D synthesis.

The final obstacle in vitamin D production is, or at least can be, the environment — the cause of the last big vitamin D crisis, in the early 1900s. As the industrial revolution kicked into high gear, more people moved to the cities and hunkered down in dark, dank tenements; meanwhile, pollution from bustling factories clouded the skies. The result was far fewer UV rays touching people's skin, and a lot more vitamin D deficiency. "At the turn of the last century," says Dr. Holick, "more than 80 percent of the kids in Boston had rickets." See: Why Sunshine is So Healthy

Sisterhood Conference celebrates the 40th year of the 45 second vision

By Paziyah E. Navoniel-KNN Writer

The Divine Jerusalem Sisterhood of the African Hebrew Israelite Community (North American Theater) held it's annual Sisterhood Conference last weekend at the Shady Lakes Resort near Chicago Ill.

Aturah Yoahnah (Chicago) opened up with a visual demonstration of the vow: "I shall shine forth the light of thy loving kindness upon my brother, my sister, my children and the stranger that enters into my presence, so that they may see always a light on the path that leadeth unto you." She had sisters representing various entities come forward carrying a candle to show the roles we all play within the KOY and the impact we have on the world.

Aturah Yafah (Atlanta) opened with Mark 13:27 telling us that now is the time the Anointed is pulling out the elect (those that will cause major influence). One righteous man will put 1000 to flight (Joshua 23:10). She told us the sisterhood have a date with destiny, and they must move forward to build Yah's Kingdom. It is time to refocus, recommit and rededicate. The daughters of Yah are the epitome of grace and Godliness (GBT pg 199 or The Resurrection pg. 98). We have a lot of work to do, setting the example of sisterhood for the world, but we must move into our realm of being Goddesses to accomplish it.

Aturah Shamiyah (Texas) gave a presentation on Divine Family. She told us to begin with the end in mind, always keeping the standard in mind. Never use excuses, have what needs to be done already prepared, always be organized, keep a sense of humor, think that our families will always be a family of wonder, excitement and excellence, we must never arrive in the land of the done (thinking we have nothing else to accomplish).

Akote Ahuvyah (St.Louis) spoke on Khavah. She taught that Khavah was able to submit herself to a mind greater than herself. In the first rounds of a fight you fight on the defense and you think on a personal "me" level. In the latter rounds you fight on the offense and begin to incorporate the needs of the group as a whole. She gave examples of the infertile, unreceptive mind (Isaiah 1:2,4,9 and 14:12) and told us where our minds needed to be. We must totally submit to this Truth and the instructions that we are being given. If not, we can never move into our fullness. Yah Khai!!!

Vote for Soul Vegetarian East - Favorite Vegetarian Restaurant

Welcome to the 2006 Veggie Awards™, the largest survey of its kind in the world. By voting, you and thousands of VegNews readers will select today's best vegetarian products, people and places. The annual celebration has become one of the magazine's most popular features, with winners announced in the November+December "Best of Vegetarian" holiday edition of VegNews. Need an extra incentive to vote? All submissions will be entered into our Grand Prize Drawing for fabulous prizes: Vote Here!!!

Coming to a city near you

Air Travel Changes

Source: http://www.tsa.gov/

Due to enhanced security measures most liquids, gels, lotions and other items of similar consistency will not be permitted in carry-on baggage. These types of items must be packed in your checked baggage. Liquids, gels and lotions can be purchased beyond the checkpoint but must be disposed of before boarding the aircraft. Exceptions: Baby formula and breast milk if a baby or small child is traveling; prescription medicine with a name that matches the passenger’s ticket; up to 8 oz. of liquid or gel low blood sugar treatment and up to 4 oz. of non-prescription liquid medications. While we can not provide an exhaustive list of items, below are some of the most common items now prohibited. Please note, if you have questions or doubts on certain items, place those in your checked baggage. We strongly encourage travelers to read our full list of prohibited items to avoid hassle. Click Here: Learn more about our new security procedures and Learn more about the threat level change.

Brothers Get Ready!!!!

The Divine Jerusalem Brotherhood is proud to present its 2006 International Conference in Corsicana, Texas. Our theme this year is:

The Great Expectation-From Vision to Victory
(Global Expansion and Beyound)
40 Years (1966-2006)

Victory is asured when we stay alinged with our purpose. This conference is focusing on helping the Brotherhood maintain that perfect alignment with the Holy One of Israel. This is a conference you don't want to miss. Be a part of the most dynamic body of spiritual men on the planet.

"For the Lord God is a sun and shield:
no good thing will he withhold from
them that walk uprightly." Psalm 84:11

Don't miss out!!! August 31st - Sept. 4th, 2006. For more info contact: ahtur@yahoo.com or keymah777@aol.com.

Dimona's tribute to the Mean Judeans!!!!

Translation: DIMONA IS ISRAEL CHAMPION IN "SOFTBALL"

BLESSINGS TO THE SOFTBALL TEAM

MEAN JUDEANS ON THE WINNNING

IN THE ISRAEL CHAMPIONSHIP IN SOFTBALL LEAGUE

Photo: Ahtur Ammioz-KNN DC

Translation: Akote Kheelkeeyah-KNN Israel

Dr. Baruch hits the radio

KNN Staff

Radio One entices Dr. Baruch back in front of the mic to educate the Masses on Health, Wealth and Relationships. Listen to Dr. Baruch every Saturday morning from 7 to 8 on WOL 1450 on the AM dial or check him out on the net at wolam.com. Stop the madness and let’s start living life like its Golden. Want to advertise on the Dr. Baruch Morning Show, reply to this email with that request. Sign up for Dr. Baruch’s Super Shrink Me - Weight Loss Clinic August 26,2006. Please contact me for speaking engagements and nutritional consultations for you or a friend. "Together we can make the world healthier. "Check out my website for information on wellness and wealth creation advice and tools. Rescheduled for September - Due to overwhelming demand, I am offering for the second time this year the Conquering Diabetes Seminar. More information will be forthcoming. Please send me your suggestions for future Wellness Wednesday topics. I Love you and pray that you support your body's continual efforts to be healthy. Don't let the desires of your tongue or the influence of radio and TV advertisement get in your way. At your service, Dr. Baruch. Contact me at eatthecure@drbaruch.com or www.drbaruch.com.

Powerful typhoon slams China

1.3 million evacuated as typhoon slams China - Saomai is most powerful storm to hit country in 5 decades; 2 people dead
Associated Press

BEIJING - The most powerful typhoon to hit China in five decades slammed into its southeastern coast Thursday, destroying hundreds of homes and battering the region with rain and wind after more than 1.3 million people were evacuated, state media reported. At least two people were killed. Typhoon Saomai was the eighth major storm to strike China in this summer’s unusually violent typhoon season. Torrential rains were forecast in the next three days as it churned inland across crowded areas where Tropical Storm Bilis killed more than 600 people last month. Saomai, with winds up to 135 mph, made landfall at the town of Mazhan in coastal Zhejiang province at 5:25 p.m. and was moving northwest at 12 mph, the Xinhua News Agency said, citing weather officials. See: Powerful typhoon slams China

A New Vaccine for Girls, but Should It Be Compulsory?

By RONI RABIN-Essay NY Times

Around the time report cards came home this spring, federal health officials approved another new vaccine to add to the ever-growing list of recommended childhood shots — this one for girls and women only, from 9 to 26, to protect them from genital warts and cervical cancer. One of my own daughters, who just turned 9, would be a candidate for this vaccine, so I’ve been mulling this over. A shot that protects against cancer sounds like a great idea, at first. States may choose to make it mandatory, though the cost for them to do so would be prohibitive. But let’s think carefully before requiring young girls to get this vaccine, which protects against a sexually transmitted virus, in order to go to school. This isn’t polio or measles, diseases that are easily transmitted through casual contact. Infection with this virus requires intimate contact, of the kind that doesn’t occur in classrooms. Besides, we already know how to prevent cervical cancer in this country, and we’ve done a darn good job of it. In the war against cancer, the battle against cervical cancer has been a success story. Why, then, did federal health officials recommend the inoculation of about 30 million American girls and young women against the human papillomavirus, a sexually transmitted disease that in rare cases leads to cervical cancer?

Vaccine supporters say that some 3,700 American women die of cervical cancer each year, and close to 10,000 cases are diagnosed. Cervical cancer has a relatively high survival rate, but every death is tragic and treatment can rob women of their fertility. Still, you have to see the numbers in context. Cervical cancer deaths have been dropping consistently in the United States — and have been for decades. Cervical cancer has gone from being one of the top killers of American women to not even being on the top 10 list. This year cervical cancer will represent just 1 percent of the 679,510 new cancer cases and 1 percent of the 273,560 anticipated cancer deaths among American women. By contrast, some 40,970 women will die of breast cancer and 72,130 will die of lung cancer. According to the American Cancer Society Web site, “Between 1955 and 1992, the number of cervical cancer deaths in the United States dropped by 74 percent.” Think about it: 74 percent.

The number of cases diagnosed each year and the number of deaths per year have continued to drop, even though the population is growing. From 1997 to 2003, the number of cervical cancers in the United States dropped by 4.5 percent each year, while the number of deaths dropped by 3.8 percent each year, according to a government Web site that tracks cancer trends, called SEER or Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results (seer.cancer.gov/statfacts/html/cervix.html). This, while many other cancers are on the rise. If current trends continue, by the time my 9-year-old daughter is 48, the median age when cervical cancer is diagnosed, there will be only a few thousand cases of the cancer in women, and about 1,000 deaths or fewer each year, even without the vaccine.

Sugary drinks are piling on the pounds

A single can of soda a day can add 15 up to pounds a year, report says - Associated Press

MILWAUKEE - Americans have sipped their way to fatness by drinking far more soda and other sugary drinks over the last four decades, a new scientific review concludes. An extra can of soda a day can pile on 15 pounds (7 kilograms) in a single year, and the evidence strongly suggests that this sort of increased consumption is a key reason that more people have gained weight, the researchers say. See: Sugary drinks are piling on pounds

SCLC to play global peacekeeping role

By George E. Curry NNPA Editor-in-Chief

DAYTON, Ohio (NNPA)- With a conflict resolution center already established in Israel and a direct line of communication to Hamas-one of Israel's most ardent foes-SCLC (Southern Christian Leadership Conference) President Charles W. Steele Jr. said Dr. Martin Luther King's old organization is poised to play a key role in defusing tensions around the world. "In a world of prejudice, violence, poverty and ignorance, the message of SCLC is to teach and apply Martin Luther King Jr.'s principles of non-violence and conflict resolution," Steele said. One of SCLC's goals, he said, is, "to bring peace, security and hope to the afflicted people in the South, throughout America and around the world."

Steele said that mission was crystallized in a conversation he had in December 2004 with Prime Minister Aerial Sharon and his chief of staff. "I was in Israel talking with the chief of staff and the prime minister and he [the chief of staff] said, "You all can bring about world peace. You all have been through the Trans-Atlantic African slave trade and you got lynched, you were murdered, your women were raped and killed, but you didn't turn out to be terrorists. You didn't strap yourselves with a bomb, you don't have any blood on your hands." I said, "What are you saying Mr. Chief of Staff to the prime minister?' He said, 'Charles, what I am saying is you can stop the war.'" Steele said representatives of Hamas have recently gotten in touch with him, urging SCLC to help diffuse tension in the Middle East. And, Steele said he plans to do just that.

The answer to curbing violence in the U.S. and internationally, Steele said, is the establishment of SCLC Martin Luther King Jr. Conflict Resolution Centers. SCLC has established two centers, one in Dayton, Ohio, the home of Board Chairman Raleigh Trammell, and one in Dimona, Israel, the home of African Hebrew Israelites. A third center is expected to be opened in Ivrea, Italy later this year. The goal is to establish 50 centers in the U.S. and 10 abroad by 2010, Steele said.

Stuck on meds

Some can't quit antidepressants-Syndrome makes it impossible for some patients to wean off medication
Associated Press

When Gina O’Brien decided she no longer needed drugs to quell her anxiety and panic attacks, she followed doctor’s orders by slowly tapering her dose of the antidepressant Paxil. The gradual withdrawal was supposed to prevent unpleasant symptoms that can result from stopping antidepressants cold turkey. But it didn’t work. “I felt so sick that I couldn’t get off my couch,” O’Brien said. “I couldn’t stop crying.” Overwhelmed by nausea and uncontrollable crying, she felt she had no choice but to start taking the pills again. More than a year later she still takes Paxil, and expects to be on it for the rest of her life. In the almost two decades since Prozac — the first of the antidepressants known as SRIs, or serotonin reuptake inhibitors — hit the market, many patients have reported extreme reactions to discontinuing the drugs. Two of the best-selling antidepressants — Effexor and Paxil — have prompted so many complaints that many doctors avoid prescribing them altogether. See: Some can't stop antidepressants