On Learning Your Life Insurance Quotes

Picking or selecting your life insurance quotes cannot be done abruptly. Instead, you need to carefully perform some important steps to make sure that you will be able to make some best choice over your life insurance services.

Of those important steps, one stands out as both the foremost and most important: your own learning. This simply means that you need to know mostly about anything your life insurance quotes are mentioning. For instance, your insurance quotes may speak a lot about claims. And thus it is your job to know what this claim is all about. However, your learning should not stop just by knowing the definition of this term. Rather, you also need to get yourself familiar with all the procedures and conditions that enable you to make claims.

Do this also with any other terms your life insurance quotes always are fond of mentioning. These could include the rates of your insurance, your premium payments, penalties and or rewards, and of course, some discounts. Now that you have some good knowledge covering all of these important terms, you should be ready to compare your life insurance services so that you will be able to get the best life protection service just like you always want it to.

Why Women’s Addiction Is Different from that of Men

Addiction causes both physical and psychological detriment. Both men and women have similar degree of susceptibility to becoming drug addicts; however, there are several differences between men’s addiction and that of women. Therefore, if you are a woman who is addicted to a particular addictive drug, you should know those differences and undergo womens addiction rehab treatment that is special for treating women’s addiction.

Men’s addiction is different from women’s addiction because of several factors. The first factor is that women have ovaries that produce a particular steroid hormone called estrogen. When you abuse a particular drug, your brain will respond by releasing dopamine. Dopamine is a chemical that makes you feel good when you abuse narcotics. Researches show that the amount of the produced dopamine is influenced by the amount of estrogen that is produced by ovaries. Another factor why there is difference between men’s addiction and that of women is that women’s abusing behavior is different from that of men. Women abuse cocaine, for instance, in order to heal their anxiety and depression. Men, on the other hand, abuse cocaine not because they are depressed, but because they want to feel good. Because women’s addiction is different from that of men, women require special treatment for women in order to get rid of their addiction.

If you are looking for a drug rehab center that treats female addicts specially, internet can be a great help. By using internet, you can search for all women rehab centers where you can get help to get your addiction healed. If you want to choose one of those rehab centers, there are several things that you can do. Firstly, you can interview each of those rehab centers so that you can understand the characteristics of its treatments. Afterwards, you can learn about the treatment cost. Make sure that you choose a rehab center whose treatment cost is affordable.

Leroy Students and Mass Psychogenic Illness

A Personal Letter From Dr. Laszlo Mechtler and Dr. Jennifer McVige

Buffalo 08 Feb 2012

At the Dent Neurologic Institute, Drs Jennifer McVige and Laszlo Mechtler have had the privilege to examine and treat 14 of the 19 patients from LeRoy, NY. The diagnosis of Mass Psychogenic Illness (MPI) was not made without considerable input from regional and national experts. We understand the difficulty some of our patients and family members may have with our diagnosis, but it is reassuring to see that most of our patients are improving significantly over the last several

months.

Although we have not evaluated all the patients affected, we have considered many other diagnoses, such as PANDAS and neuro-toxicity due to environmental factors. With the cooperation of the New York State Department of Health and nationally recognized PANDAS specialists, we have ruled out these diagnoses.

We also feel that the media exposure has raised the national awareness of a rare form of conversion disorder, such as MPI, which has not been fully accepted or understood by the public as well as the many in the medical community. At the same time our primary responsibility is to our patients, who unfortunately have not done well with the intense community and media scrutiny.

We do respectfully request that the media remember that we are dealing with impressionable teenagers that have understandable fears and concerns. Although it is not uncommon to have a difference of opinion by treating physicians, I would respectfully request that the patients be treated not through the mainstream media but by credible experts specializing in the field of movement disorder. In this regard, multiple international experts have made themselves available for further consultation. We have strongly encouraged that our patients take advantage of this unique opportunity.

Laszlo L. Mechtler, MD Medical Director, DENT Neurologic Institute

Jennifer McVige, MD, DENT Neurologic Institute Pediatric Neurologist

Please Mister Postman

Today I went to the post office

I handed the postwoman my credit card and license to pay

she looked at my license and said

"is that YOU?" incredulously.

I said, "Yes" naively.

she said. . .

"you look MUCH better in person" rudely. honestly.

Thank goodness this is the year to update my license. seriously.

New Chiropractic Technique Eliminates Muscle and Joint Pain

Western New York Muscle and Joint Performance Chiropractic just announced its unique approach to chiropractic treatment called Active Release Technique. Many chiropractors do not use this method so many people are unaware of its benefits.

Long hours of sitting or repetitive motions with a keyboard and mouse can lead to scar tissue build up within your muscles. This scar tissue alters normal muscle function that causes pain symptoms such as carpal tunnel, tendinitis, shoulder, neck, back and general joint pain.

Dr. James Phipps, a board certified chiropractor and owner of Western New York Muscle and Joint Performance Chiropractic uses Active Release Technique (ART^®) to break down scar tissue that causes discomfort in people of all ages. From aging baby boomers to teens playing sports with developing muscles, Dr. Phipps has a specific, credentialed ART treatment protocol to relieve these pains.

“I can feel different texture changes in muscles where the scar tissue formed,” said Dr. Phipps. “Using ART’s varying motions I break down this tissue,” said Dr. Phipps. “The technique restores normal muscle and soft tissue function, texture and motion.”

Dr. Phipps develops a personally tailored plan that includes ART, additional muscle therapies and chiropractic adjustments. Many diverse joint and muscle conditions can be successfully treated with this approach. Western New York Muscle and Joint Performance Chiropractic is located at 390 South Youngs Rd. in Williamsville and is open Monday and Friday 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Tuesday and Thursday 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. For more information visit www.wnymjpc.com or call 716.629.3100.

Floortime - An Emerging Intervention for Children With Autism

By Annette Pinder

Growing up in Brooklyn, there was a child on ourstreet who was different. She didn’t talk, and seemed to be off in her ownworld, as our moms whispered, “She’s autistic.” I found a book at the local library on the topic and secretlyyearned to reach this child, but unfortunately never had the opportunity.

So years later, it seemed fitting when my daughter,now 25, made the decision to work with children diagnosed with autism and othercommunication disorders. It is also a topic no longer discussed in hushedtones, because today one in 110 children in America have an autism spectrumdisorder, males are four times more likely to have it, and early intervention isessential.

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), is the most commontherapy today that has been proven to effectively help children learn skillsranging from making eye contact and following simple instructions, todeveloping advanced language and social-skills. But new developmental interventions are emerging, as ABA has comeunder some criticism for producing ‘robot-like’ behavior in children, and forits use of punishment to reduce or eliminate problem behavior.

One program that is gaininf attention as analternative to ABA is Floortime, developed by Dr. Stanley Greenspan. A renownedleader in autism education, Greenspan worked with many young children diagnosedwith the disorder. Now older, these children are said to be fullycommunicative, creative, warm, loving, and joyful. Anecdotal evidence alsosuggests that parents whose children experienced Floortime found it to beeffective.

Floortime meets a child at his or her developmentallevel, and builds upon their strengths. Child-focused, with the parent ortherapist following the child's lead, Floortime incorporates playful positiveattention while tuning in to the child's interests. Its premise is thatchildren learn skills from relationships they have with their caregivers andother significant people in their lives. Through interactive child-directedplay and experiences children ‘want’ to relate to the outside world.

Recently, when I observed Floortime at BuffaloHearing & Speech Center (BHSC), a young boy jumped up from the circle ofseated children during a lesson enthusiastically pointing to a chart of facialfeatures. Instead of reprimanding the child for speaking out of turn, theinstructor immediately seized upon the opportunity to engage the child, therebyincreasing his desire to verbalize and interact socially. And it worked!

BHSC offers Floortime to children ages 3 to 7years, who are eligible, and CEO Joseph Cozzo, is enthusiastic about theresults. He explains, “Education is tailored to meet the specific needs of eachchild and family, and program funding is provided by the NYS EducationDepartment and the County. Classes operate five full days a week combiningindividual, small, and large group activities. The classroom team consists ofstaff trained and educated in Floortime. A multidisciplinary team provides services, including speech languagepathology, special education, occupational therapy, social work, and musictherapy. Physical therapy is included if required on a child's IndividualizedEducational Plan (IEP).

Cozzo also wants parents to know about BHSC’soutpatient social communication program for children ages 5-18 with AutismSpectrum Disorder, and encourages them to make an appointment to observe theGreenspan/Floortime and the outpatient programs by calling 885-8318. To learnmore visit www.stanleygreenspan.com.

WNY Resource:

Buffalo Hearing & SpeechCenter is headquartered at 50 E. North Street in Buffalo with additionallocations in Amherst, West Seneca, Fredonia, and Wheatfield. Visit www.askbhsc.org to learnmore.

Recipe Box #23

All pictures are property of the blogs that originally featured the recipes.

Spicy Black Bean Soup

Gimme Some Oven

Chicken Chili

Finding Joy in My Kitchen

Avocado Chicken Parmigiana

Cuisine Paradise

Mexican Stuffed Shells

The Way to His Heart

Peanut Butter Chocolate Cheesecake Bites

Peanut Butter Cheesecake Bites

The Craving Chronicles

Enjoy!

Check out

For other recipes!

Buy Lovegra for exciting romantic relationship

A pink pill of Lovegra is sufficient to change your dull mood into excitement. A happening romantic love relation is what everyone looked for. But due to some problem especially in terms of intimacy the whole relation can be spoiled. Lovegra also known as female viagra help to sort out the sexual dysfunction in women. There are several reasons that can make a woman feel disinterested in sexual act. Because of these reasons when their partner demands for intimacy they have cooperate with a heavy heart. But with Lovegra this problem can be sorted out easily.

Lovegra is sildenafil citrate composition which has the capability to increase the blood circulation towards female reproductive parts so that it can become sensitive to stimulation. Basically no feeling of sensation or difficulty in acquiring orgasm is the major reasons for the sexual dysfunction in women. The vaginal part becomes dry to lack of lubrication causing painful intercourse. Lovegra or female viagra increases the blood supply thus causing intense lubrication of the vagina and thus women can enjoy intimacy.

Lovegra is the replica of the branded female viagra and thus available at low cost. Thus any sufferer can get pink viagra online for the treatment of sexual dysfunction. Cheap Lovegra is the solution for the lack of desire for intimacy in women. This works effectively and increases the desire of lovemaking in women. It also helps women to get multiple orgasms which were not possible before. That is why many women buy Lovegra to get complete satisfaction through sexual activity.

Women who are allergic to sildenafil citrate should not buy Lovegra. This Female Viagra tablet comes in 100mg strength. This should be consumed almost an hour before intimacy. Lovegra requires almost 40 minutes fixing up the problem. This pink Viagra online is accessible to all sufferers because of its economic price and great result oriented effect.

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Eat Well Live Well Challenge

Employers and Community Organizations are invited to Participate in A Community Wellness Program

The “Eat Well Live Well” Challenge is focused on increasingregular physical activity and nutrition choices that enable individuals toimprove their health while lowering their risk for chronic illnesses. TheChallenge is an affordable wellnessprogram that offers employers andcommunity organizations a valuable opportunity to be proactive in improving health and health care cost management.

Please consider these facts:More than 65 percent of our adult population is overweight, resulting in aone-third increase in the number of diabetes cases. Adult onset diabetesincreases health care costs by 25 percent. Obesity and physical inactivityaccount for 25 to 30 percent of several major cancers. Overweight and inactiveindividuals are at greater risk of cardiovascular disease, including high bloodpressure and stroke.

The World Health Organizationand U.S. Centers for Disease Control concur that 70 percent of chronicillnesses can be prevented with simple lifestyle changes such as eatinghealthier and becoming more physically active. That’s where “Eat Well Live Well”comes in! The “Eat Well Live Well” Challenge is a proven, healthpromotion program that requires a minimal amount of time and investment for a powerfulreturn. The “Eat Well Live Well” participants need only walking shoes,pedometers and the desire to be healthy! The website, www.eatwelllivewell.org, (free foremployers, employees and community organizations) offers user friendlysupport and resources to help participants achieve their wellness goals.

With over 200,000participations to date, the “Eat Well LiveWell” Challenge has received national recognition, (Business Week magazine,11/09) and a Certificate of Recognition for Outstanding Prevention Efforts fromthe U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The Challenge has beensuccessfully implemented for the past 3 years in the Buffalo/Niagara region,with multiple employers including Rich Products, New Era Cap, the American RedCross, Walsh Insurance Group, M&T Bank and the Buffalo Public School System. A major local employer had this successstory to share:

"The “Eat Well Live Well” Challenge providedus with an excellent opportunity to promote our commitment to a culture ofwellness for our employees (at UB). Employees thought it was challenging yetfun and they felt a lot of camaraderie as a result of the"competition" between teams. We are seeing a lot more walkers oncampus and more produce as snacks as a result. We can't wait to do itagain!" – Kathie Frier, University at Buffalo.

For more information, or to register (required) forthe Information Session or Training Session, please contact the WellnessInstitute at (716) 851-4052 or email beactive@city-buffalo.org.

INFORMATION SESSION Thursday, Feb. 16, 2012, 9:00 A.M. OR 10:30A.M.,

Wegmans, 651 Dick Rd., Depew, NY

TRAINING SESSION Wednesday, Feb. 29, 2012, 12:00 P.M. to 3:30P.M.,

Wegmans 5275 Sheridan Dr., Williamsville, NY

* Returning employers may start between Jan. 15, 2012and May 6, 2012

* New employers may start between Mar. 4, 2012 and May6, 2012, following training

At the Information Sessions,interested employers and community organizations will be invited to attend thefree local train-the-trainer session for employer or organizationrepresentatives. The free trainingwill focus on “how to” successfully implement the “Eat Well Live Well”Challenge. An “Eat Well Live Well”Challenge program/community resources toolkit (cost: $25) will also be providedto those who attend the local ½ day training. A healthful lunch will beprovided.

Please share this invitationwith others you believe might be interested. We look forward to your successfulparticipation in the Spring 2012 WNY “EatWell Live Well” Challenge!

For information contact: Philip Haberstro, BeActive NYS, www.BeActiveNys.org,a statewide health promotion initiative of the non-profit Wellness Institute ofGreater Buffalo. Watch for information on the May 2012 WesternNew York Healthiest Employers Awards. See www.CreatingHealthyCommunities.org for more information.

Healthy Living - Shakeology

About a year ago I received my first sample of Shakeology and decided to start taking it on a regular basis. I immediately noticed improved energy, better digestion and it helped me lose the last 5 lbs I had been trying to work off. Shakeology can help you: Lose Weight, Feel Energized, Improve Digestion and Regularity and Lower Cholesterol

This patent-pending daily nutritional shake helps your body gently eliminate toxins more efficiently while allowing for better absorption of the essential nutrients you need.

Here is a list of all of the ingredients. It's super nutritional and vitamin dense!

INGREDIENTS

I've found that it is an easy way for me to ensure that my body is getting the nutrients it needs. I drink the chocolate flavor, but they are coming out with a strawberry flavor this month that I am excited to try! For more information you can check out my Shakeology Site.

Why Choose Mini Dental Implants

by Benjamin D.Oppenheimer, DDS

When David came in to see me he had just been laidoff from work, and the prospect of going on interviews with two missing teethwas overwhelming. When he asked about mini-implants he was shocked to learnthey cost 50% less than regular implants and wanted to know why.

Approximately 50,000,000 people in the U.S. are"edentulous" (lacking teeth) and struggle daily with embarrassmentdue to missing teeth and discomfort due to loose or ill-fitting dentures,disagreeable breath, and the inability to enjoy the foods they love.

While dentalimplants come in a variety of brands and sizes, mini dental implants (MDIs)have becoming increasingly popular due to improved technology and lower cost.An MDI is a miniaturetitanium screw that acts like the root of your tooth, is very thin and small in diameter, and easy to implant even in thinbone. MDIs can also be usedto connect or cement to a crown or bridge, so they are fixed in place insteadof having to be removed like a denture. Sometimes they are used toreplace one or more teeth, or an entire arch of teeth.

TodayMDIs are FDA approved, and able to function as long-term supporting structures,rather than short-term or medium term devices. In fact, somehave been successfully functioning in patients' jaws for several decades. Butit is important to understand that all implant systems, as well as naturalteeth, are subject to potentialfailure due to natural causes, including osteoporosis, poor oral hygiene, wearand tear, poor health, stressful biting habits, and lack of follow-up dentalcare. MDI implants, like regular dental implants, do not carry any actualor implied guarantee as to longevity. However, the loss of a mini dentalimplant is a far less critical event to a patient since it may bereplaced at relatively minimal cost compared to conventional implants, and withminimal associated bone or gum deterioration.

Minidental implants are surprisingly affordable, are usually available at a fractionof the cost of traditional implants, and have been changing the lives ofpatients all over the world. Meanwhile, Dave couldn’t be happier. He says,“Mini dental implants are really affordable, and cost me a fraction of what Iwould have paid for traditional implants. It was painless and I’m reallyhappy!”

Aboutthe Author:
Benjamin D. Oppenheimer, DDS provides both regular and mini dental implants(MDIS). He has lectured to thousands of dentists all over the world, and haswritten extensively on the subject, and placed thousands of dental implants inhis career. He sees patients at his office at 2000 Eggert Road in Amherst. Tolearn more visit www.drmdi.com. To schedulea free consultation and obtain information about a personalized treatment plancall 716-418-7272.

Generic Yasmin is an effective birth control pills

While planning future together both the partners should have a deep conversation regarding various aspects of life. This mainly includes having a baby. It couldn’t be a decision taken by any one of the partner. Both need to understand and communicate with each other while thinking about having a baby. In such cases a suitable birth control method could be a great option to try for. As there are several options available one has to choose the one that will not fail. Birth control drug such as generic Yasmin is one of the effective anti pregnancy pill for women. There are other options too but birth control pill like generic Yasmin is quite easier method to prevent unplanned pregnancy.

Amongst the various birth control methods available in the market it is not easy to choose the one that suits you. Since you need to consult a doctor about it and get the suitable method to prevent pregnancy. Many couples believe that birth control is not the male partner’s responsibility. But this is a myth. There are male condoms available that can be used to prevent pregnancy. As generic Yasmin could not be the best birth control pill for every woman. There are some side effects that may not be tolerable by every woman. Generic Yasmin does not give protection against sexually transmitted diseases and hence using condoms along with birth control drug help you to fight with sexually transmitted diseases.

There is a barrier method which includes using condoms by man or woman or both the partners. Male condoms are made of latex and might cause allergic reactions. If the male partner is sensitive to the latex used to manufacture condom then the woman can opt for female condoms or other methods. Female birth control method includes using contraceptive sponge or diaphragm that stop the entry of sperms and make it difficult to enter the female body. But these methods may fail resulting in pregnancy and thus women buy anti pregnancy pill such as generic Yasmin. This is the generic prescription medication which is quite useful in preventing pregnancy. Birth control drug should be taken as directed by your gynecologist as these anti pregnancy pills should not be missed.

Generic Yasmin is the generic version of the brand Yasmin which is as effective as the brand product. It is a combination birth control pill of two female hormones. This birth control pills contains ethinyl estradiol and drospirenone. Women buy anti pregnancy pill like generic Yasmin because of its effective mechanism of preventing pregnancy. It is quite funny to know how generic Yasmin works. It fools our body and makes it realize that ovulation has occurred and thus prevents ovulation. It also makes the cervical mucus thick making it difficult for sperms to enter inside the female body. Generic Yasmin also changes the inner lining of the womb thus reduces the chances of implantation of the embryo. This is how this birth control pill works to stop the fertilization process and avoid unwanted pregnancy.

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Lift Up Your Eyes ~ Never Forget

Sometimes the amount of brokenness in the world just makes me want to run and hide. Selfishly, I long to be ignorant again. . .to be unaware of the pain and suffering that is all around me.

This week has been rough. Our church family lost a dearly loved Atlanta Police Officer. Having just spoken to her last Sunday and then handing out memorial ribbons this Sunday . . . how quickly life can change takes my breath away.

A close childhood friend lost her grandfather this weekend. I talked to her this past week and they were expecting at least a few more weeks, but they were only given a few more days. Nothing about life is predictable.

I read this blog today and I'm reminded that there are people without friends or families to comfort them and I'm sad that I've forgotten. That they've been forgotten.

I see a piece about foster children in Georgia on the news and my heart breaks, thinking about these children without a home. Children every day that are aging out of the system and don't have a family, a mentor or even a place to call home - no where to go.

I remember that there are over 500,000 children in foster care right now and 120,000 of those are ready to be adopted and are just waiting for a family. Children are without families. Then I get angry because I remember that there are over 320,000 churches in America and there are STILL children without families. If 2 families out of each church in America fostered or adopted a child. . .there would be no more children in America without a home.

I listen to the radio and I hear a woman talk about the redemption she has found in Jesus and that now she knows the hope of LIFE and she says LIFE like its the biggest gift she's ever been given because she knows what DEATH feels like and I choke up, because I take life for granted all of the time.

I feel paralyzed by it sometimes. . .there is only one of me and the sheer vastness of need makes me feel like I'm defeated before I've even started. . .but I know that's not true. I know God will give me the strength to play the role He wants me to play and I can only hope that my eyes stay open. That I never forget.

"The Spirit of the LORD is upon Me, Because He has anointed Me To preach the gospel to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, To proclaim liberty to the captives And recovery of sight to the blind, To set at liberty those who are oppressed" Luke 4:18

“A father to the fatherless, a defender of widows, is God in his holy dwelling. God sets the lonely in families.” Psalm 68:5-6a

“Pure and undefiled religion in the sight of our God and Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself unstained by the world.” James 1:27

"Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand." Isa 41:10

Healthy Living - Workout

Choose a workout that works for you.

If you choose a workout based on anything else, you will not stick with it.

Last summer I was determined to run a 5k, even though I despise running. I started the Couch to 5k plan and got halfway through it and stopped. It wasn't working for me. I hated running. Maybe one day this will change, but for now, running is not my workout of choice.

I've decided I really like strength training mixed with cardio. I feel like with strength training my results appear quicker and I can see a significant change in strength within just a week or two.

I also tried Zumba last year and really liked that for a great cardio workout. Right now my life is too crazy to get to a class on a regular basis. I can definitely see myself doing that workout again.

I primarily use Jillian Michael's 30 Day Shred and just alternate between the workouts.

This works great for me right now because the workout is only 25 minutes.

Very easy to slip into my morning and check it off the list!

I recently got this workout

This workout is a bit longer and focuses on a lot of endurance and core training.

I really like this workout as well.

Caleb recently joined a gym and he an bring me as a guest whenever I want to go, so I might start incorporating free weights and elliptical training over the next few months.

It is the end of January - this is the perfect time to make a commitment, lay out a plan, find an accountability partner and get moving! The longer you wait, the longer getting in shape will take.

What is your workout of choice?

Roswell Park Cancer Institute Announces Vaccine for Cancer

Dendritic cell vaccine, manufactured in unique RPCI facility, trains body’s defenses to remember, destroy cancer cells

Tuesday, January 24, 2012

The Center for Immunotherapy at Roswell Park Cancer Institute (RPCI) has launched a phase I clinical research study of a dendritic cell vaccine designed to both eradicate cancer cells and prevent disease relapse. Developed at RPCI, the NY-ESO-1 dendritic cell vaccine will be manufactured in the Institute’s new Therapeutic Cell Production Facility using a unique FDA-approved process — making RPCI the first research facility in the U.S. to use a custom-made barrier isolator for vaccine cell production, and the first in the world to use this system in an approved, government-regulated study.

Dendritic cells are the gatekeepers of the human immune system, defending against invaders like bacteria, viruses and cancer. The vaccine to be produced at RPCI will be the first to incorporate a particular form of NY-ESO-1, antiDEC205-NY-ESO-1. “Armed with this specialized protein, the treated cells are then given back to the patient as a vaccine designed to recruit an army of killer immune cells that seek out and destroy cancer,” explains Kunle Odunsi, MD, PhD, Director of RPCI’s Center for Immunotherapy (CFI) and the study’s Principal Investigator.

The new study is also unique in that it’s the first to test a dendritic vaccine given in combination with rapamycin, a compound used to prevent rejection of solid-organ transplant. The study just launched will capitalize on a striking recent scientific discovery by Protul Shrikant, PhD, of the Department of Immunology at RPCI, who found that in low doses, rapamycin confers a previously unknown benefit — it prevents the immune system from using up its cancer-killing T-cells in one quick burst. “We have shown for the first time that rapamycin has the capacity to produce immune cells that have memory attributes,” explains Dr. Odunsi, who is also Chair of RPCI’s Department of Gynecologic Oncology. “The immune cells are trained to live longer and to always remember that cancer cells are bad and should be attacked and killed.”

The ability to stretch out the attack for a long-term, durable response suggests that the vaccine may be effective in preventing disease recurrence. The new NY-ESO-1 dendritic cell vaccine is expected to show great promise in patients with bladder, brain, breast, esophageal, gastrointestinal, hepatocellular, kidney, lung, melanoma, ovarian, prostate, sarcoma and uterine tumors.

The NY-ESO-1 vaccine, tailor-made for each patient, will be produced in RPCI’s Therapeutic Cell Production Facility (TCPF) under the direction of Yeong “Christopher” Choi, PhD, who notes: “We believe that our facility’s custom-made barrier isolator, the unit in which the vaccines are manufactured, is the first of its kind.” The barrier isolator — an Xvivo System processing chamber designed to RPCI’s specifications by BioSpherix, Ltd., Lacona, NY — maintains strict control of the unit’s temperature and atmospheric gases, critical for optimal production of dendritic cell vaccines.

“Those conditions, and the sterile vaccine-manufacturing environment, are rigidly maintained throughout the entire process,” says Dr. Choi. “The Xvivo — which at about 70 square feet is basically a clean room in a box — acts as a physical barrier that protects the cell-therapy product from outside contaminants, resulting in a safer, more predictable manufacturing process.”

The potential of therapeutic vaccines is attracting increasing interest in the field of oncology. Last year, the FDA approved the first therapeutic cancer vaccine, Provenge® (sipuleucel-T), for men with advanced prostate cancer. RPCI’s Center for Immunotherapy is awaiting FDA approval to launch additional cancer vaccine trials, including a vaccine for malignant glioma (a type of brain tumor) and another vaccine for patients with ovarian, fallopian tube, and primary peritoneal cancer.

“This trial will be only the beginning of a very robust program of activity in the area of using the human immune system to fight cancer,” adds Dr. Odunsi. “Our production process holds tremendous potential for applications related to stem-cell therapy and regenerative medicine, and I believe we’re uniquely positioned at RPCI to have the tools, infrastructure and multidisciplinary collaboration to capitalize on these ideas and opportunities both effectively and efficiently.”

The clinical research study will enroll 18-20 eligible patients whose tumors express a specific antigen, known as NY-ESO-1. Apart from the adult male testis, NY-ESO-1 is not expressed in normal tissues of the body, but is expressed in cancers. This may help decrease the risk of side effects from the vaccine, because it should target only the tissues that express NY-ESO-1.

Dr. Odunsi, who developed the NY-ESO-1 vaccine, led previous trials evaluating its effectiveness in treating ovarian cancer. Christine Sable of Lancaster, Pennsylvania, enrolled on one of those studies in February of 2004, after undergoing surgery and chemotherapy for advanced-stage ovarian cancer. Although she faced a 75-80% chance that the cancer would return, her immune system responded strongly to the vaccine, and she has remained cancer-free in the seven years since then, with no side effects.

To learn more about the clinical research studies of the NY-ESO-1 dendritic cell vaccine, call 1-877-ASK-RPCI (1-877-275-7724).

The mission of Roswell Park Cancer Institute (RPCI) is to understand, prevent and cure cancer. RPCI, founded in 1898, was one of the first cancer centers in the country to be named a National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer center and remains the only facility with this designation in Upstate New York. The Institute is a member of the prestigious National Comprehensive Cancer Network, an alliance of the nation’s leading cancer centers; maintains affiliate sites; and is a partner in national and international collaborative programs. For more information, visit RPCI’s website at http://www.roswellpark.org, call 1-877-ASK-RPCI (1-877-275-7724) or email askrpci@roswellpark.org.

More information:

B-roll video (QuickTime H.264 1920x1080, 329 MB) available for download at:https://files.me.com/rpcicreative/wn2kxt.mov

About this clinical trial: http://www.roswellpark.org/clinical-trials/list/191511

Marriage ~ Looking In The Same Direction

Yesterday Caleb and I were talking about marriage, length of relationships, what makes them work, what doesn't work, etc. We both agreed that the number one thing that has made our marriage strong is remembering that we are on the SAME team.

In a world where being your own person is always talked about and loving your spouse for who they are is rarely talked about, we're trained from an early age to think about marriage in the wrong way.

Caleb and I are completely different. Completely. If you know me in real life, say amen. AMEN.

But it works for us. We've had our hard times where I've wondered how I could marry someone so disorganized and he's probably wondered how he found the most OCD person on the planet, but we're both learning to compromise - to meet each other halfway. This means that dirty dishes stay in the kitchen overnight, but not for a ~~month~~ week. Ahem.

Here's the key though - if we're going to be different than our spouse, we need to realize that they are different from us. What? This means they don't approach life exactly like we do and it also means they react differently. This doesn't make them wrong - this makes them different. The Five Love Languages by Dr. Chapman is one of the best books you will ever read in regards to this. Learning your spouse's love language is KEY!

We're a self centered generation, it's true. The sooner we all realize that, the sooner we can fix it. I was talking to a close friend about marriage a few weeks ago and she said, "I want to approach marriage with the intent of making my husband the happiest he's ever been." Can you imagine what this simple act would do for marriage in our generation?

We'd talk a little less about ourselves and we'd be thinking of ways to bless our spouse. We'd worry a little bit less about our happiness and a little bit more about theirs. This is called cause and effect people. This type of thinking would get us the effect we're all looking for - a better marriage.

Marriage is on the battlefield right now - it's being fought over ferociously. The world is teaching us to find ourselves (oh dear), to find someone that completes us (no one can do this), and to live life before you settle down (so marriage is not living life?). I'm passionate about this people because this is MY generation that is experiencing the attack on marriage. Recognize the problems in your marriage for what they probably are - an attack. Don't fight against your spouse, fight against the situation, the lies, the incorrect perceptions - these are what you need to be fighting against. If you and your spouse can choose to be a team and to take on life as a team, your marriage will thrive.

Found this printable this morning that is perfect for anyone trying to re-pattern their thinking on marriage.

It's a Crafty Life