Health care costs and heightened public health concerns have consumers focused on staying well in 2010. That's according to a recent MamboTrack(TM) study by Mambo Sprouts Marketing, the leader in natural and organic product marketing and promotions, which surveyed the organic buying and wellness habits of 1,000 natural product consumers to get an outlook for the coming year.

Nine in ten (88%) consumers took additional steps recently to promote their family's health and wellness. With the economic recovery in slow mode, consumers are going "back to basics" to bolster their health, with 7 in 10 or more taking vitamins (84%), eating the recommended fruits and veggies (73%), and choosing organic foods (68%).

These same consumers plan to increase their commitment to health and wellness behaviors including fitness and exercise (64%), getting enough sleep (63%) and eating fruits and veggies (61%). More than 1 in 2 reported adding more "raw" and "whole" foods into their diet (57%), eating organic foods (53%) and meditation and relaxation (52%) would be more important in 2010.

Consumers identified more health/wellness product coupons (93%) and a wider selection of health/wellness products (62%) as the retailer and natural product company strategies they would find most helpful.

Most (59%) expect to buy more organics in the coming year, albeit cost conscious consumers are seeking ways to make organics more affordable by shopping sales (53%) and using coupons (51%). Interest in buying local is on the rise with consumers shifting natural and organic dollars away from local gourmet markets (16%) and discount stores (15%) in favor of farmer's markets (52%) and local food co-ops (43%).

Consumers rated produce (69%) as the category most important to purchase organic. Other organic purchasing priorities include milk (54%), meat and poultry (54%), children's food (53%), cheese and eggs (50%). Respondents were least likely to identify beer and wine, (7%), desserts and snacks (21%) and pet products (23%) as very important to buy organic.

Notably, most survey respondents had already adopted basic "green" habits including recycling (82%), and using energy saving light bulbs (75%), environmentally friendly cleaning products (61%), and energy efficient appliances (52%). Apart from energy efficient light bulbs, those same tools ranked highest in green priority for 2010 along with eco-clothing and "green" restaurants.

SOURCE Mambo Sprouts Marketing

As the economy crisis continues, many individuals may feel more stress and anxiety during the upcoming holidays.

"The holidays can be a wonderful time for many people, but they can also bring about pressure, stress and anxiety," said Dena Cabrera, PsyD, staff psychologist at Remuda Ranch Programs for Eating and Anxiety Disorders. "Many news outlets have reported the recession is over, but people across the country may not be feeling the reprieve. They hear one thing, but their bank account says something different."

Because many people are struggling with lay offs and financial loss, they may have trouble enjoying pleasurable activities, particularly during the holidays. This can bring about lots of stress, and for some, anxiety.

"When stress is poorly managed, it can interfere with functioning," adds Cabrera. "Excess stress can manifest itself in a variety of emotional, behavioral and physical symptoms."

People with stress can experience sleep disturbances, headaches, muscle tension, stomach problems and fatigue. Additionally, people who experience anxiety can experience excessive worrying, to the point where it interferes with daily life. They may also engage in unhealthy behaviors such as substance abuse, overeating and mood changes.

Cabrera offers the following tips to help enjoy the holidays:

• Set realistic expectations. Holiday excitement also brings demands. Between shopping, baking, feasting, crafting, parties and entertaining, it can get quite overwhelming. By setting realistic expectations, we don't set ourselves up to become stressed because we overextended ourselves.
• Stay balanced. As we become busy with holiday tasks, activities and demands, we can lose ourselves. Sleep, eating and exercise can become compromised. Stay consistent and don't neglect healthy living.
• Find meaning in the season. The holidays can be difficult and challenging for many people. Many emotions can come into play. For those who struggle with the holidays, they should reach out for support and recreate meaning in the holiday season that's comfortable for them. Prepare to take care of yourself emotionally and physically.
• Prepare ahead. Time goes fast. Make a list and check it twice. Don't wait until the last minute, this only creates more stress.
• Learn how to deal with stress. Learn to talk to yourself with positive thoughts such as, "It's temporary, I've been through things like this before, etc."
• Seek help when things are stressful. Just talking about it with someone you trust helps.
  

Remuda Ranch offers Christian inpatient and residential programs for individuals of all faiths suffering from eating or anxiety disorders. Each patient is treated by a multi-disciplinary team including a Psychiatric and a Primary Care Provider, Registered Dietitian, Masters Level therapist, Psychologist and Registered Nurse. The professional staff equips each patient with the right tools to live a healthy, productive life.

SOURCE Remuda Ranch Programs for Eating and Anxiety Disorders

The Hain Celestial Group, Inc. a leading natural and organic products company, today called upon all consumer packaged goods companies to adopt truth in labeling standards. These standards would clearly identify product benefits without masking product negatives by simply addressing actual ingredient and health benefits on packaging in a clear and consistent manner. Recent controversy over front-of-package labeling programs and practices has inspired Hain Celestial to assist consumers in making informed purchase decisions.

 

"We have long been troubled by packaging practices that lead consumers to believe that a product is healthful, when natural ingredients are just a very small percentage of the product and are accompanied by detrimental ones," stated Irwin D. Simon, President and Chief Executive Officer of The Hain Celestial Group, Inc. "For many years, we have advocated "A Healthy Way of Life(TM)" in which the enjoyment of food, including healthful snacking, can be managed without including harmful ingredients. It is time that the consumer packaged goods industry stops practices that create consumer confusion by front-labeling products as natural and healthful. Too often these products contain certain natural ingredients or nutrients, but then they also contain artificial flavors, colors, and preservatives as well as highly processed and refined ingredients, often only disclosed in the ingredient statement in small type on the package back. Misleading labeling also includes labeling a product as 'healthful' despite its containing high levels of sodium, fat and sugar. At Hain Celestial, our natural products contain only 100% natural ingredients, as we continuously work with our nutritionists to improve the nutritional quality of Hain Celestial products across our portfolio," he continued.

Hain Celestial has published a guide to understanding "The 'ABCs' of Natural", which is available at www.ahealthywayoflife.com. The Company calls to action all consumer packaged goods companies to adopt standards for natural and healthful products that use a similar model to the National Organic Program ("NOP") standards published by the United States Department of Agriculture ("USDA"). These standards require any product to be at least 95% organic before stating it is organic, and that the remaining ingredients to only be taken from the NOP approved list. Hain Celestial offers over 1,400 organic products that already meet these labeling requirements. Natural claims on products should follow suit.

"With 'natural' being the second most widely used claim on new products introduced in 2008 in the U.S. according to Mintel, and additional labeling programs being used to identify products with healthy attributes, it is time for companies to restrict the use of natural claims and accompany them with meaningful nutritional information that is consistent. We applaud the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's (the "FDA") efforts to review these practices. However, we urge the FDA to not only consider sugar, sodium and fat claims, but to also look at the character of the products and their ingredients. In addition to the quality of ingredients, it is the overall labeling practices themselves which require scrutiny," concluded Irwin Simon.

For more information on the ABCs of natural ingredients and nutrition, visit www.ahealthywayoflife.com. For more information on Hain Celestial, visit www.hain-celestial.com.

SOURCE The Hain Celestial Group, Inc.

In honor of American Diabetes Month and the launch of the American Diabetes Association's (ADA) new "Stop Diabetes" campaign, Gold's Gym is hosting a first-of-its-kind calorie "Burn-a-thon" to promote diabetes awareness. On Saturday, November 7th, Gold's Gym locations around the world will open their doors to the public, inviting people to take place in the record-setting event. Gold's Gym and the ADA have set a world-record goal of burning 180 million calories in 24 hours, to demonstrate the need to "Do a 180" on the growing diabetes epidemic.

The idea is simple: invite the world to Gold's Gym that day to "donate" their calories to the cause. Whether it's 5 minutes on the treadmill, 20 minutes on the elliptical machine, an hour long group exercise class or 30 minutes of lifting weights, all calories burned by exercising will count as a donation to the cause. Gold's Gym has even created a special calorie guide that shows how many calories are burned with each activity performed at the gym.

"We are proud to invite people everywhere to join us as we work to promote diabetes education, research and awareness," said Lisa Zoellner, chief marketing officer, Gold's Gym International. "By setting a new record for the most calories burned in a single day, we are hoping to both generate awareness and demonstrate the pervasiveness of diabetes. This event will also generate important funds for diabetes research."

From now until November 7th, consumers can visit Gold's Gym for a free workout and make a donation to the ADA by purchasing special "Burn-a-thon" pin-up jerseys. In addition, a special Web site has been created (www.diabetes.org/tour-goldsburnathon) where people can make donations directly to the ADA online. The site also features the Gold's Gym's calorie burning charts.

On the day of the Burn-a-thon, consumers can simply walk in to any participating Gold's Gym and perform the exercise of their choice. Fitness professionals will be on hand to demonstrate all of the equipment and activities in the gym and consumers can utilize the calorie burning charts so they can decide how many calories they would like to "pledge."

In addition to the Burn-a-thon, Gold's Gym supports the ADA by sponsoring the organization's signature cycling event, The Tour de Cure®. Gold's Gym has also worked with the organization to develop a variety of initiatives and resources that support the fight against diabetes, including a special guide on how to start an exercise routine, a web site (www.goldsgym.com/ada) that features tips on fighting diabetes with fitness and a special discounted gym membership for anyone affected by the disease.

 

SOURCE Gold's Gym

For an investment of 20 minutes each morning, the payback is reduced stress, a sense of calm and peace, improved strength, limberness, better immune function and lower blood pressure.

It's not too good to be true. The investment is practicing yoga or tai chi, which were developed and revised over many centuries. The October issue of Mayo Clinic Health Letter includes an in-depth Special Report on Yoga and Tai Chi, covering health benefits, differences between yoga and tai chi, tips for learning postures and poses, simple stretches, how breathing enhances energy, and resources to learn more.

An important advantage of yoga and tai chi is that they combine key elements of exercise -- aerobic, strength training, core stability, flexibility and balance -- into unified approaches. Certain benefits, particularly stress reduction, can be seen in as little as one day. People report better sleep and improvements in digestive health within the first few days. Better digestive health can mean better bowel function and decreased constipation. Practiced regularly, yoga and tai chi may help reverse some effects of aging, such as restricted and narrowed movements.

After 10 to 12 weeks of regular sessions, practitioners often notice significant health benefits in other areas. For example, a study of yoga and people who experience migraines found that those doing yoga had less frequent and less intense headaches than did those taking medication.

In addition, those who practiced yoga saw improvements in anxiety and depression. Yoga and tai chi can improve bone density and cardiovascular health and decrease blood pressure.

The best way to learn yoga or tai chi is by taking a class or working with a qualified instructor. These classes, which teach the art of breathing, meditation and posing, are offered at many health clubs and senior centers and through community education.

Source: Mayo Clinic Health Letter

Prevalence of lactose intolerance may be far lower than previously estimated, according to a study in the latest issue of Nutrition Today.(1) The study, which uses data from a national sample of three ethnic groups, reveals that the overall prevalence rate of self-reported lactose intolerance is 12 percent - with 7.72 percent of European Americans, 10.05 percent of Hispanic Americans and 19.5 percent of African Americans who consider themselves lactose intolerant.

These new findings indicate that previous estimates of lactose intolerance incidence - based on the incidence of lactose maldigestion - may be overestimated by wide margins. Previous studies have found lactose maldigestion, or low lactase activity in the gut, to occur in approximately 15 percent of European Americans, 50 percent of Mexican Americans and 80 percent of African Americans.(2,3,4) The new study shows that lactose intolerance, based on self-reported data, may actually occur far less frequently than presumed.

"There's so much confusion surrounding lactose intolerance," said Theresa Nicklas, DrPH, of the USDA/ARS Children's Nutrition Research Center at Baylor College of Medicine and lead study author. "By getting a better handle on the true number of people who deal with this condition every day, the nutrition community can be better equipped to educate and provide dietary guidance for Americans, including strategies to help meet dairy food recommendations for those who self-report lactose intolerance."

Since increasing daily consumption of dairy can be an effective strategy for ensuring adequate intake of shortfall nutrients (such as calcium, magnesium and potassium),(5) those who do experience symptoms of lactose intolerance should know there are several practical solutions that can allow for consumption of milk and milk products. In fact, according to a recent study in the Journal of Sensory Studies, adults who identified themselves as lactose intolerant reported a higher liking of lactose-free cow's milk compared to non-dairy, soy-based substitute beverage.(6)

"Those with lactose intolerance are often relieved to know they can still enjoy the great taste and health benefits of dairy if they follow certain strategies," said Orsolya Palacios, PhD, RD, and lead author of the study. "The symptoms of lactose intolerance vary greatly for each individual, and there are options in the dairy case that allow almost everyone to take advantage of the health benefits provided by the recommended three daily servings of dairy foods."

Recommended Solutions for Incorporating Dairy

Several health authorities have addressed ways that those with lactose intolerance can benefit from dairy's unique nutrient package of nine essential nutrients including calcium, potassium, magnesium and vitamin A, identified as "nutrients of concern" by the current Dietary Guidelines for Americans.(7) The Dietary Guidelines encourages people with lactose intolerance to try lower-lactose dairy food options to ensure they get the essential nutrients found in dairy. In a supplement to the October issue of the Journal of the National Medical Association (JNMA), the National Medical Association states that dairy milk alone provides a key package of essential nutrients, and that African Americans should use dietary strategies to increase the amount of dairy foods they consume. And in a 2006 report, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends children with lactose intolerance still consume dairy foods to help meet calcium, vitamin D, protein and other nutrient needs essential for bone health and overall growth. The report cautions that lactose intolerance should not require avoidance of dairy foods.(8)

The National Dairy Council has identified some strategies to help people with lactose intolerance enjoy the taste and nutrition of dairy:

• The good news is lactose-free milk is regular milk, just without the lactose.
  • It provides the same unique package of nine essential nutrients as found in the equivalent form of regular milk (reduced-fat, fat-free etc.) - calcium, potassium, phosphorus, protein, vitamins A, D and B12, riboflavin and niacin (niacin equivalents).
• Try drinking small amounts of milk with meals.
  • Consuming milk with other foods or a meal can make it easier to digest, so try milk on cereal, in smoothies or licuados, and enjoy a glass of milk with lunch or dinner.
• Try cooking with milk.
  • Make oatmeal with milk instead of water and add milk to soups, sauces, casseroles, etc.
• Try eating yogurt.
  • Yogurts that contain live and active cultures can make it easier for the digestive system to digest lactose.
• Try aged cheeses.
  • Aged cheeses like Swiss, Parmesan, Gouda, Colby, provolone, Cheddar, Edam, Fontina, Gruyere, Muenster and Monterey Jack have very little lactose.
    

For more information, visit www.nationaldairycouncil.org, and get the latest dairy and nutrition news from NDC's blog, www.thedairyreport.com.

SOURCE National Dairy Council

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration today warned consumers to use extreme care when purchasing any products over the Internet that claim to diagnose, prevent, treat or cure the H1N1 influenza virus. The warning comes after the FDA recently purchased and analyzed several products represented online as Tamiflu (oseltamivir), which may pose risks to patients.

One of the orders, which arrived in an unmarked envelope with a postmark from India, consisted of unlabeled, white tablets taped between two pieces of paper. When analyzed by the FDA, the tablets were found to contain talc and acetaminophen, but none of the active ingredient oseltamivir. The Web site disappeared shortly after the FDA placed the order. At the same time, the FDA also purchased four other products purported to diagnose, prevent, treat or cure the H1N1 influenza virus from other Web sites.

These products contained various levels of oseltamivir but were not approved for use in the United States. Several of the products purchased did not require a prescription from a health care professional. Additionally, the products did not arrive in a timely enough fashion to treat someone infected with the H1N1 influenza virus, or with an immediate exposure to the virus.

"Products that are offered for sale online with claims to diagnose, prevent, mitigate, treat or cure the 2009 H1N1 influenza virus must be carefully evaluated," said Commissioner of Food and Drugs Margaret A. Hamburg, M.D. "Medicines purchased from Web sites operating outside the law put consumers at increased risk due to a higher potential that the products will be counterfeit, impure, contaminated, or have too little or too much of the active ingredient."

Consumers may not know exactly what they are getting when buying such antiviral products on the Internet from an unfamiliar company. Patients who buy prescription drugs from Web sites operating outside the law are at increased risk of suffering life-threatening adverse events, such as side effects from inappropriately using prescription medications, dangerous drug interactions, contaminated drugs, and impure or unknown ingredients found in unapproved drugs. This may particularly be the case in the event of a public health emergency, such as an influenza outbreak, where approved treatment options would be in high demand and expensive, and where drug shortages could occur.

Drugs that are in high demand are vulnerable to counterfeiting and diversion because buyers may be desperate to stock the product, and criminals capitalize on the situation.

The FDA urges consumers to only purchase FDA-approved products from licensed pharmacies located in the United States. Consumers should contact their health care provider if they have any questions or concerns about medical products or personal protective equipment.

The two antiviral drugs approved by the FDA for treatment and prophylaxis of the 2009 H1N1 influenza virus are Tamiflu (oseltamivir phosphate) and Relenza (zanamivir).

Tamiflu and Relenza, in addition to their approved label, have Emergency Use Authorizations that describe specific authorized uses during this public health emergency.

The FDA actively monitors the Internet, and where appropriate, will purchase and analyze drug products.

Consumers can also visit FDA's Web site for tips about how to protect themselves when buying medicines online.

Media Inquiries: Christopher Kelly, 301-796-4676 christopher.kelly@fda.hhs.gov

Consumer Inquiries: 888-INFO-FDA

SOURCE U.S. Food and Drug Administration

In recognition of National Massage Therapy Awareness Week, set for October 25 - 31, Cortiva Institute in Boston will offer free massages to any first-time clinic client.

"What better way to bring awareness to the massage profession than to offer free massages by our talented student clinic therapists," said Dianne Polseno, President of Cortiva Institute - Boston, School of Massage Therapy. "It is a win-win situation, as members of the community receive free 60-minute relaxation massage from Cortiva students in a supervised environment and students develop their skills and gain valuable hands-on experience working directly with clients."

The Boston school is located at 103 Morse Street in Watertown. First-time clients should call the school during the week of massage awareness (Oct. 25-31) at 617.668.2000 to schedule an appointment for their free massage. Calls for appointments will be accepted Monday through Friday between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. and free massages will begin the week of National Massage Therapy Awareness Week. The school will offer the free massages from October 26(th) through December 20(th). Please go to www.cortiva.com/boston for further details.

Massage therapy is a growing career field as evidenced by statistics cited by the U.S. Department of Labor's 2009-2010 Occupational Outlook Handbook which states that employment for massage therapists is expected to increase 20 percent through 2016, faster than average for all occupations.

About Cortiva Institute

Cortiva Institute is a community of Massage Therapy Schools with 10 locations nationwide, offering full and part-time massage therapy instruction, continuing education courses, student clinics that are open to the public, and career services for graduates. Cortiva schools take a holistic and integrated approach to ensure that our graduates are prepared to work in clinics, hospitals, health clubs, spas, resorts, sports therapy clinics or start their own private practices. Go to www.Cortiva.com for more information.

SOURCE Cortiva Institute

The Organic Center (TOC), a leading research institute focused on the science of organic food and farming, announced today that they will be included alongside the Center for Biological Diversity and the Energy Action Coalition in receiving a donation of $100,000 from Stonyfield Farm's Profit for the Planet (PFP) initiative and "bid with your lid" program. Launching October 1st, the program invites consumers to cast online votes to support one of the three participating organizations and each will receive a donation based upon the final tally of votes on December 15th.

With limited-edition yogurt lids printed to raise awareness for the program, Stonyfield Farm is encouraging consumers to support their favored organization through voting online at Stonyfield.com. Consumers can vote once with a simple click or vote multiple times through their "myStonyfield Reward" program where each reward code printed on the yogurt packaging can be used to cast a vote and earn point(s) to redeem for eco-friendly gifts. Online voting can be accessed on both the TOC's web site at www.organic-center.org/liveStonyField_v1.htm and Stonyfield Farm's web site at www.stonyfield.com/lids/the_future_is_green_sept_09.cfm.

"We thank Stonyfield Farm in helping us spread our message to a greater audience and continue our research on the scientifically proven health and environmental benefits of organic food and farming," said Seleyn DeYarus, Development Director of TOC. "TOC is honored to be included with the Center for Biological Diversity and the Energy Action Coalition in raising awareness around efforts to protect and restore the earth."

In addition to today's announcement, The Organic Center in partnership with the Organic Trade Association and Vitamin Angels is launching the "Unconventional Angels" program that will help save millions of children worldwide at risk for malnutrition by raising funds and distributing approximately one million coupon books at participating retailers through October, Child Health Month. Participating companies supporting the effort include many categories of natural products such as dietary supplements, natural personal care products, natural foods, organic foods and other products. Participating retailers include Whole Foods Markets nationwide, New Seasons Markets, Nature's Pantry, Vitamin Shoppe, and another 1000 natural and organic retailers.

About The Organic Center

The Organic Center's unique mission is to advance scientific research on the health and environmental benefits of organic foods, and to communicate those benefits to the public. As an independent nonprofit 501(c)(3) research and education organization, we envision improved health for the earth and its inhabitants through conversion of agriculture to organic methods. All of The Organic Center's research reports, publications, consumer guides and videos are available free of charge on our website, www.organic-center.org.

SOURCE The Organic Center

Newest study presented at the American College of Nutrition shows Celsius(R) when combined with exercise improves body composition and lipid profiles.

Celsius Holdings, Inc. (OTC Bulletin Board: CSUH) continues to build the scientific portfolio of their calorie-burning brand, Celsius®, with the presentation of a fifth clinical study. The scientifically formulated, calorie-burning beverage not only burns up to 100 or more calories per can, it also enhances the benefits of moderate exercise, by enhancing body composition and improving cardiovascular health, according to the latest independent clinical study, Celsius Holdings, Inc. The study was funded by Celsius Holdings, Inc.

The Metabolic and Body Composition Laboratory of the Department of Health and Exercise Science at the University of Oklahoma just announced the results of the fifth scientific study of Celsius, showing that pre-workout consumption of Celsius results in improvements in the benefits of exercise among a test group of previously sedentary overweight and obese women subjects. The study showed that when compared to exercise alone, drinking a single 12 oz. can of Celsius per day for 10 weeks prior to a workout resulted in the following benefits:

• 46% greater fat loss
• 27% greater muscle mass
• 35% greater endurance performance
• Drinking Celsius with or without exercise resulted in a significant drop in total cholesterol (5 to 13%) and bad LDL cholesterol (12 to 18%). Exercise alone had no effect on blood lipid levels.
  

"Our data suggest that consuming a single serving of Celsius prior to working out may significantly enhance the positive adaptations of exercise on body composition and cardiovascular health and fitness in previously sedentary overweight women greater than exercise alone," stated Jeffrey R. Stout, Ph.D., who served as the Chief Researcher of the study. He added, "These results are important due to the fact that these positive results were achieved in sedentary overweight women who are considered at risk for cardiovascular and many other diseases."

Naturally refreshing Celsius contains no sugar, no preservatives, no high fructose corn syrup, no aspartame, no artificial flavors, and very low sodium- a healthier alternative to energy drinks and other sugary sweet beverages. Celsius drinks are powered by the proprietary blend of ingredients, MetaPlus(TM), that includes Green Tea with EGCG, Ginger, Caffeine, Calcium, Chromium, B Vitamins and Vitamin C. Scientifically shown to raise metabolism over a three-hour period, consuming Celsius results in a sustained calorie burn while keeping you energized.

About Celsius Holdings, Inc.

Celsius Holdings, Inc. (OTCBB: CSUH.OB) markets Celsius®, the original, great tasting calorie burner that is backed by science through its wholly-owned operating subsidiary, Celsius, Inc. Celsius, Inc. is dedicated to providing healthier, everyday refreshment through science and innovation. Information about Celsius Holdings, Inc. is available at our website. More information about Celsius, the original, great tasting calorie burner, is available at http://www.celsius.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements made in this press release are forward-looking in nature (within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995) and, accordingly, are subject to risks and uncertainties. The actual results may differ materially from those described or contemplated. Certain of these risks and uncertainties are discussed in the reports we filed with the SEC.

SOURCE Celsius Holdings, Inc