Press Releases

HOT SPRINGS, Va., Feb. 9, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- The Homestead, America's premier mountain resort for 200-plus years, is embarking on a $25 million transformation that will take the Hot Springs, Virginia resort to a new level. Dramatic enhancements will excite a new generation of travelers while impressing returning clientele. The transformation will be completed in Summer 2012.

The Homestead has hosted 22 U.S. Presidents. None made a greater impact than Thomas Jefferson, who enjoyed the ritual "taking of the waters" while visiting in the 1800s. While those waters still flow, the resort will provide additional opportunities to experience restorative natural waters as Jefferson did.

New Spa and Wellness CenterThe new Spa and Wellness Center will be world-class, offering a serene setting, calming interiors, and a private outdoor sanctuary enveloping fresh air and mountain beauty. The spa will integrate geothermal springs to present modern experiences for "taking of the waters." 

New treatments, wellness programs, classes and more will inspire and nourish the soul. Signature offerings and services will be customized to suit personal needs. New features including 29 renovated treatment rooms and an inspiring design will encourage relaxation, while a new fitness center will offer cutting-edge cardiovascular and resistance equipment. 

A tranquil spa garden will be open year round as a secluded adults-only refuge that utilizes indigenous hot springs. Walking paths warmed by radiant heat will lead to a therapeutic geothermal mineral bath and river reflexology bed. Additionally, guests will be able to relax in winterized poolside cabanas and in an outdoor sauna and whirlpool.

Family Adventure at Allegheny SpringsThe transformation will introduce Allegheny Springs, a two-acre attraction with family-friendly features with water from the Alleghenies. In summer, all ages will enjoy Mountain Rush, with three 100-foot water slides and a 400-foot lazy river. A charming gazebo, winding footpaths, separate family pool and a sandy beach will be surrounded by decking with chaise lounges. Come winter, the family pool will remain open with steamy waters and a deck warmed by radiant heat.

New Dining ExperiencesThe Homestead is introducing innovative new restaurants and bars to appeal to the evolving preferences of guests. The new Jefferson's Grill will draw inspiration from the nation's first gourmand with a farm-to-table menu celebrating Virginia's original farmers and present-day artisans. Hip and upscale, Jefferson's Grill will unfold with modern decor, informal and private dining, and an exhibition kitchen.

The transformation will also see the relocation of The Presidents Lounge as part of the Great Hall. Showcasing historical artifacts and paintings, the lounge will be the spot to get convivial around the fireplace. Down the hall, a comfortable new lounge will be wrapped in wood paneling with wide-screen televisions to spark a lively atmosphere. Another casual restaurant will be added within Allegheny Springs.

Cascades-Style Miniature GolfThe Homestead is adding to its championship courses with Mini Cascades, a new 18-hole miniature golf course inspired by the renowned Cascades Course. Mini Cascades will be enjoyable for guests of all abilities.

Rates from $250. For reservations at The Homestead, contact (877) 549-9506; or visit www.thehomestead.com

About The HomesteadOpen since 1766, The Homestead is one of America's most storied resorts, offering unparalleled hospitality and Southern charm in a 3,000-acre setting within the Allegheny Mountains of southwestern Virginia. Renowned for its natural healing springs, The Homestead has 483 luxurious guest rooms and suites, 72,000 square feet of meeting space, fine and casual dining choices, a world-class spa, three championship golf courses, and more than 30 recreational attractions.

SOURCE The Homestead

SANTA ROSA, Calif., Feb. 9, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Scientists at Indiana University, Methodist Research Institute study a botanical formula that kills aggressive prostate cancer tumors. Their findings, based on experiments in mice using a human prostate cancer tumor model, appear online in The International Journal of Oncology. This is the third published study from a major university to show significant results of this specific multi-nutrient prostate formula against the invasive behavior of aggressive prostate cancer cells, tumor growth and metastasis. The formula combines botanical extracts, phytonutrients, botanically enhanced medicinal mushrooms, and antioxidants. *Learn more about the formula by visiting http://www.prostatehealthsolutions.org. 

Lead researcher Dr. Daniel Sliva says, "Multiple studies demonstrate that this prostate formula is a possible treatment for hormone refractory (androgen independent) prostate cancer."

Suppresses Aggressive Tumor Growth Without Toxicity

Results of the study show this prostate formula significantly suppressed tumor growth in aggressive, hormone refractory (androgen independent) human-prostate cancer cells. This study also analyzed the formula for potential toxicity, demonstrating it to be safe with no signs of toxicity at the highest dosages. *To view the study, visit http://www.spandidos-publications.com/10.3892/ijo.2012.1344 

Researcher and formulator Dr. Isaac Eliaz says, "This study is a milestone in the research of this formula, demonstrating its safety and effectiveness in treating human prostate cancer in an animal model. These positive results offer a significant contribution to the field of prostate cancer research, and add to the growing body of published data substantiating the role of natural compounds in the treatment of prostate cancer."

Results of the study show that the oral administration of the formula produced a statistically significant 27% suppression of tumor growth, compared to controls. The study was performed using a xenograft tumor model of human prostate cancer in mice.

Inhibits Genes Involved in Tumor Growth and Metastasis

Even more important, in addition to significant reduction in tumor volume, results showed inhibition of the expression of several genes involved in cancer proliferation and metastasis. Three prostate cancer-related genes (IGF2, NRNF2 and PLAU/uPA) that were suppressed by this formula not only control aggressive prostate tumor growth, but also relate to the metastatic potential. It is metastasis that makes prostate cancer deadly. The formula also significantly increased the expression of a gene that fights against prostate cancer, CDKN1A, which works by specifically inhibiting other cancer-promoting cellular mechanisms.

By suppressing specific genes related to aggressive prostate cancer growth and proliferation, and increasing the expression of cancer-fighting genes, this integrative formula demonstrated multiple anti-cancer mechanisms and genetic targets. This pre-clinical in vivo study confirms previously published in vitro data, which also shows the ability of this formula to decrease the expression of PLAU/uPA genes in aggressive, hormone-independent prostate cancer cells.

Study Further Validates Earlier Results

This formula was previously studied at research laboratories at Columbia University, New York, NY, and at the Cancer Research Laboratory, Methodist Research Institute, Indiana University Health, Indianapolis, IN. These published studies showed significant results in this formula's ability to inhibit prostate cancer growth and proliferation. *To view the research, visit http://www.prostatehealthsolutions.org  

"In summary, this dietary supplement is a natural compound for the possible therapy of human hormone refractory (independent) prostate cancer," says Dr. Sliva. Ongoing research on this formula in prostate cancer models continues to show encouraging results, and additional studies are forthcoming.

For more information about this study, call (707) 583-8622 or visit http://www.spandidos-publications.com/10.3892/ijo.2012.1344    

For further details about the formula, visit http://www.prostatehealthsolutions.org 

Source:ProstaCaid™ inhibits tumor growth in a xenograft model of human prostate cancer.http://www.spandidos-publications.com/10.3892/ijo.2012.1344

About Better Health Publishing:

Better Health Publishing (BHP) focuses on the publication of key works promoting health and wellness. BHP believes that education and accessible information are the core components of a healthy and sustainable society.

Contact:

Amy PellegriniCommunications SpecialistBetter Health Publishing(707) 583-8622amy@dreliaz.org

This press release was issued through eReleases(R).  For more information, visit eReleases Press Release Distribution at http://www.ereleases.com.

SOURCE Better Health Publishing

WASHINGTON, Feb. 9, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- New 2012 Medicare Part D data released by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) show the growing popularity among Medicare Part D beneficiaries in choosing plans featuring lower cost preferred pharmacy network options. Enrollment in plans with preferred pharmacy networks has grown twice as fast as conventional plans and is offered by many of the largest Part D plan sponsors. Now almost a third of all beneficiaries are enrolled in a preferred pharmacy network plan, which can have premiums as low as $15 dollars a month and $0 dollar copays.

Pharmaceutical Care Management Association (PCMA) President and CEO Mark Merritt released the following statement on the new data:

"New CMS data, which shows that beneficiaries are flocking to lower cost Part D plans with competitive pharmacy networks, is great news for Medicare, seniors, and American taxpayers.

"Recent surveys confirm that 61 percent of employers say it is a good idea to allow employers to choose lower cost plans that exclude the most expensive drugstores from their coverage network, while more than four-fifths of insured adults are unwilling to pay higher premiums to gain access to more drugstores. Consumers want America's 60,000 pharmacies to compete for their business and are willing to reward those that offer lower prices.

"This new evidence is a stumbling block for special interests fighting to stop Part D plans from offering seniors the choice of lower cost, high performance pharmacy networks."

SOURCE Pharmaceutical Care Management Association

MENLO PARK, Calif., Feb. 9, 2012  /PRNewswire/ -- TE Circuit Protection, a business unit of TE Connectivity, today announces AC-rated and DC-rated Reflowable Thermal Protection (RTP) devices featuring a temperature open (Topen) value of 140 degrees C. Innovative RTP devices can be quickly and easily installed using industry-standard pick-and-place and Pb-free reflow equipment, enabling manufacturers to realize significant savings by moving from hand assembly to surface-mount device (SMD) processes. The new RTP140R060S (AC) and RTP140R060SD (DC) devices offer designers a convenient, reliable alternative to typical thermal cut-off devices (TCOs) when protecting against potentially damaging thermal events in low-temperature AC or DC applications.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20110505/LA96464LOGO)

The AC-rated RTP140R060S device features 0.7mOhm (typical) series resistance, high-voltage capacity (250VAC) and high-current AC-interrupt ratings of 80A at 120VAC. This device is useful for helping to protect against damage from over-temperature events in low-temperature AC industrial applications, such as lighting dimmers. Because they are embedded in the wall, lighting dimmers may have difficulty dissipating heat, which can lead to thermal events. Moreover, MOSFETs employed in this type of design can fail in resistive mode, generating heat and resulting in a thermal runaway condition. To overcome space and heat challenges, the RTP140R060S device can be installed on the PCB in close proximity to the MOSFET it protects.

The DC-rated RTP1­­­40R060SD device helps provide MOSFET protection against thermal events in low-power DC applications such as battery power tools, monitoring electronics and automotive designs. Similar to the AC-rated device, the RTP140R060SD device offers 0.7mOhm (typical) series resistance and a 140 degrees C degree temperature open value that helps prevent false activations. Additionally, the device's high-voltage capacity (32VDC) and high-current DC-interrupt ratings (200A at 16VDC) make it especially well-suited for providing robust thermal protection in DC applications that must maintain high levels of reliability and safety.

TE Circuit Protection's RTP technology utilizes a one-time electronic activation process to become thermally sensitive, allowing the device to open at 140 degrees C in the field. Before activation, an RTP device can withstand up to three Pb-free solder reflow steps (260 degrees C peak) without opening. Arming can be implemented during system test or in the field.

Unlike radial-leaded thermal fuses that must be installed after reflow, the RTP device permits the use of standard surface-mount production methods, obviating the need for special assembly procedures. The device can also be installed on double-sided PCBs.

"The new low-temperature AC- and DC-rated RTP devices are an important enhancement to our RTP portfolio," said Faraz Hasan, TE Circuit Protection's Global Marketing & Business Development Manager for Appliance/Industrial/Lighting. "The new devices are available in the same form factor as our existing RTP200 devices yet activate at even lower temperatures."

The RTP devices are Pb-free and halogen-free, RoHS compliant and allow for conformal coating. UL testing is currently underway.

ABOUT TE Connectivity

TE Connectivity is a global, $14 billion company that designs and manufactures nearly 500,000 products that connect and protect the flow of power and data inside the products that touch every aspect of our lives. Our nearly 100,000 employees partner with customers in virtually every industry—from consumer electronics, energy and healthcare, to automotive, aerospace and communication networks—enabling smarter, faster, better technologies to connect products to possibilities. 

SOURCE TE Connectivity