Organic Foods No More Nutritious, Safe than Conventional, Study Says

Organic foods are no more nutritious than conventionally grown foods, and no less likely to be contaminated with certain bacteria, according to a new review of studies.

However, organics were less likely to contain pesticide residues, or harbor bacteria that were resistant to antibiotics, compared with conventional alternatives, the study found.

Though farming practices vary, organic plants are generally grown without the use of pesticides or industrial fertilizers, and organically raised animals are not routinely treated with antibiotics or growth hormones. Organic foods typically contain no genetically modified organisms.

Consumers purchase organic foods for a number of reasons, including perceptions that organic foods may be safer or more nutritious than conventionally grown foods. However, the health benefits of organic foods remain unclear.

"Our aim was to understand the evidence about differences in nutrient and contaminant levels between organic and conventional foods," said study researcher Dr. Crystal Smith-Spangler, an internist at the Stanford School of Medicine.

Though prices vary, consumers may pay up to twice as much for organic as conventional foods.

What the researchers found

Smith-Spangler and her colleagues analyzed data from more than 200 studies comparing nutrient and contaminant levels in organic and conventional foods, including fruits, vegetables, grains, meats, poultry, milk and eggs.

They found no significant differences between organic and conventional products, in terms of their vitamin content.

"Despite the widespread perception that organically produced foods are more nutritious than conventional alternatives, we did not find robust evidence to support this perception," the researchers wrote.

Organic and conventional foods were about equally likely to be contaminated with disease-causing bacteria, such as E. coli and Salmonella. About 7 percent of organic produce, and 6 percent of conventionalCK produce was contaminated with E. coli. For chicken, 35 percent of organic, and 34 percent of conventional samples were contaminated with Salmonella.

But when the researchers looked at pesticide contamination and antibiotic resistance, conventional and organic foods differed.

The researchers found pesticide residue on 7 percent of the organic produce samples, but 38 percent of conventional produce samples. In all, organic produce had a 30 percent lower risk of containing pesticides than conventional produce.

The researchers also found that conventional chicken and pork were 33 percent more likely than organic products to harbor bacteria that were resistant to three or more antibiotics.

"The data on pesticides and antibiotic-resistant bacteria is very compelling, and in favor of organic foods," said Charles Benbrook, chief scientist at the Organic Center, a Boulder, Colo. organization that promotes the benefits of organic food and farming.

However, the researchers said the difference between organic and conventional produce were only slight, in terms of how likely it was that the pesticide levels on the food reached the maximum acceptable limits. The risk of either type of produce exceeding regulatory limits may be small, Smith-Spangler said.

What the findings mean

Experts have debated the routine use of antibiotics in animal farming. The extent to which antibiotic use in livestock contributes to antibiotic-resistant infections in people remains unclear. Overuse of antibiotics in human medicine is likely the major cause of antibiotic-resistant infections in humans, according to the study authors.

"It is impossible to say from this study whether one method of farming is better than the other, though we are not seeing the negatives associated with organics that we are with some of the conventional products," said Gene Lester, a plant physiologist for the Agricultural Research Service of the United States Department of Agriculture in Maryland.

While the findings are interesting, he cautioned, they are far from definitive. Variation within organic farming practices, and differences in the way previous studies reported their findings make it difficult to draw conclusions, Lester said.

"We found very few studies that compared the health of human populations consuming largely organic versus conventional diets, so it is difficult to interpret the clinical significance of the findings," Smith-Spangler said.

Future studies should investigate whether the decreased risk of exposure to pesticide residues in organic foods leads to real health improvements, particularly for pregnant women and children, Smith-Spangler said.

The review is published today (Sept. 3) in the Annals of Internal Medicine.

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Source: http://news.yahoo.com/organic-foods-no-more-nutritious-safe-conventional-study-220428229.html

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In Florida, Medicare is not a senior-only issue

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) ? For Bruce Cargill, an 87-year-old retiree, Medicare is a "glorious program" that, along with Social Security, keeps millions of older Americans out of poverty.

But he's also quick to note that he forks out premiums and co-pays: "It's government insurance. But it's insurance."

Mike Manning, 64, accuses President Barack Obama of "cutting Medicare" through the federal health care overhaul "then lying about it." He also says the country is headed for fiscal ruin unless it curtails spending.

"How do you know who to trust in this?" frets Ed Galante, also a few months from Medicare eligibility. He declares the entire debate to be poisoned by craven politicians.

In Florida, where legions of retirees are so important to election outcomes, voters from seniors to young people express strong feelings about the future of Medicare. The debate is playing out in the presidential campaign as well as House and Senate races that will help determine the balance of power on Capitol Hill.

The views expressed in a series of recent interviews with voters in this key battleground state were as varied as the solutions politicians have offered for the costly entitlement program.

This is where voters found common ground: None expressed confidence that government will provide new generations the benefits now granted to older Americans. And few said they believe that either Obama or Republican challenger Mitt Romney have a practical answer for sustaining an insurance program that accounts for nearly a fifth of federal spending and about 4 percent of the U.S. economy.

"I just assume Medicare won't be there for me at all," said Christine Pallesen, a 26-year-old business consultant in Fort Lauderdale.

The responses demonstrate how vexing the issue is for Americans across age groups, particularly baby boomers. That landscape makes it particularly difficult for campaigns to know just how their Medicare strategies will play in November.

Like Florida, swing-voting states such as Iowa and Ohio also have large numbers of seniors and older boomers. Obama won all three states in 2008, and Romney has no likely path to the White House if he fails to win Florida and Ohio.

The Medicare debate intensified when Romney named Wisconsin Rep. Paul Ryan, the House Budget Committee chairman, as his running mate. Ryan's long-term budget blueprint would curtail government insurance in favor of vouchers to help individuals buy private plans.

Democrats say that's proof enough that Republicans "will end Medicare as we know it." The GOP counters that the 2010 health care law, which redirects about $700 billion in future Medicare spending, makes the president the real threat to existing beneficiaries.

Democratic strategists in Florida say Medicare is an issue that fires up the party's liberal base while resonating with nonpartisans who believe government should establish a social safety net and reasonably regulate the marketplace.

Their Republican counterparts outline a two-pronged strategy: convince older voters that Romney is the better protector of the status quo for them. But they want younger voters to analyze Medicare within the GOP's larger framing of Obama as a profligate who has left no choice but to overhaul benefits for future recipients.

Florida Sen. Marco Rubio, 41, said recently after a speech in Palm Beach County, "I believe people in my generation understand that."

Romney demonstrates the delicate balance. He praises Ryan, 42, for forcing "serious discussion," while emphasizing that the congressman's budget won't define a Romney administration. One of Ryan's first campaign stops was at The Villages, a GOP-friendly retirement development in central Florida. He introduced his mother as a proud Medicare recipient.

Michelle Obama came to Fort Lauderdale recently and told an equally friendly audience that her husband's insurance overhaul strengthened the program. Romney has promised a full repeal of that law, though it was patterned after an act he signed with great fanfare as Massachusetts governor. Now in general election mode, Romney has again started highlighting individual provisions of the Massachusetts law.

Florida's senior senator, Democrat Bill Nelson, saddles his Republican challenger, Rep. Connie Mack IV, with the Ryan plan. Mack voted for one version of Ryan's proposed budget, but skipped a second vote.

In the 18th Congressional District, which includes parts of Palm Beach County and all of Martin and St. Lucie counties to the north, Republican Rep. Allen West has in multiple statements embraced his two votes for the Ryan model. But West's initial general election ads don't mention that, as he pledges not to balance the budget on seniors' backs.

Democratic challenger Patrick Murphy said Medicare "is the clear distinction" in the race. Murphy, West's Democratic challenger, said a plan that moves from a "guarantee" to private premium subsidies "is not the same as keeping our Medicare promise." Tim Edson, West's campaign manager, retorted, "If you don't have a plan, don't criticize ours."

That maneuvering and voters' reactions highlight how difficult it is to understand ? and how easy it is for a candidate to manipulate ? the complexities of health care economics and policy.

Glenn Basile, who retired to West Palm Beach after decades as a New York City public school teacher, recalled future President Ronald Reagan lambasting Medicare as a "socialist" threat before President Lyndon Johnson signed the new law. "Has it not always been the Republican point of view to do away with Medicare?" he asked. Basile, 63, said he has voted Republican for president before.

Yet Republicans are right that Ryan has not proposed imposing vouchers on current Medicare beneficiaries, with no one 55 or over being affected by any changes. And the congressman says he would still want future seniors to have the options of government coverage.

Ted D'Alessandro, 64, said Obama's 2010 law will only exacerbate the nation's lopsided financials. Yet the self-described libertarian said the overhaul includes "good things" like barring insurers from denying coverage based on existing conditions and allowing young adults longer stays on family policies. Both provisions add cost to any coverage pool.

The law does not lower the bottom-line of future Medicare spending but reallocates some of what would have been spent under old rules. The reductions come mostly from payments to providers and private insurers who offer plans in lieu of traditional Medicare. The money will cover annual physicals, preventive care and more generous prescription drug coverage. Republicans argue that fewer physicians and hospitals will accept Medicare, meaning fewer services. Obama argues that better access to preventive care and drugs will prevent more expensive hospitalizations.

Ryan's budget presumes some of the same savings found in Obama's law. But Ryan would steer the money back to Medicare's trust fund, a move Republicans pitch as more responsible than spending it elsewhere.

Jean Siciliano is an 85-year-old who came to Palm Beach County from Long Island, N.Y. She said her fellow seniors are less swayed any of the Medicare arguments than strategists and younger voters might assume. They formed their politics long ago, she said, proudly declaring her GOP allegiance.

"I'm set," she said of her Medicare benefits. "They won't come after me. I'm worried about my children. What'll they get? How will they pay for it? ... I don't think any of the politicians know the answer."

Source: http://news.yahoo.com/florida-medicare-not-senior-only-issue-083639706--election.html

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The Work Of Business Consulting Saudi Arabia | Business Finance ...

When it comes to the business consulting Saudi Arabia, it cannot be underrated before one invest in this region. Industries with prevailing legal stipulations and provided returns will confirm their work and change the mind of investors in the way that they should trust. Also, some other issues will be necessary to deal with, not just economic issues which are a case in most of the countries. Those are cultural, and as well as religious issues which are inseparable part of Arabian society.

However, everything that investor should know about the political system in the Middle East region will be told to him or her. Also, any kind of effort when it comes to the understanding of this system will not be tolerated. Knowing this population mentality is the best way to accept and understand. It will facilitate compatibility with them. It is a very specific case, but in the same time not had to understand.

All behaviors that are not allowed will be told to investor by his or her consultant. The safest way should be just to respect the norms and values. Of course, not all values are different from those in the West. There are also shared values in the West as well in the Arabian world. But, everyone must be aware that some rules are uniquely Islamic. There is an Islamic law which is the highest law in society and has very strict prohibitions. So, to have good interaction with Arabian people investor should know their way of living.

Also, every person who is investing has to talk to someone who knows everything about people and their attitude regarding politics. This is necessary because person can interact with people from society, and also with people from political part of it. To make sure that he is ready to make a good business, he has to be prepared.

Yet, Middle East countries have a special case when it comes to the economy. This is not a case only in this region. Each state has its unique problems. So, getting to know and introducing is a good way for every investor to have successful business.

Leading industry in the Middle East is Oil Company. Other ones which belong to this group will also be evaluated by the consultant. His task is to discuss this issue.

If any investor wants to be consulted while trying to make a business in the Middle East, he can chose between many successful companies. Some of them are qualified to give advice on specific issue, like taxing or finances. Also, some of them do not depend on others and provides consulting from any type. However, it should be easy for any investor to find appropriate cooperators.

There is only one thing for sure when it comes to the business consulting Saudi Arabia, and that is a plenty of consultant firms. Since Arabian people live under different kind of rules, every investor has to be aware of it and introduced for the sake of his investing. As every beginning, this one is also difficult for each businessman, especially foreign one. However, just follow advices and be confident in your investment.

Read more about Specific Issues On Business Consulting Saudi Arabia by visiting our website.

Source: http://immfinancial.com/2012/the-work-of-business-consulting-saudi-arabia/

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PFT: Referees, NFL fail to reach an agreement

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[Editor's note:? Now that rosters are set, teams may sign up to eight players to the practice squad.? Given that the practice squad is always changing, we won't try to provide an exhaustive list of the eight extra guys who won't dress until they are added to the active roster.? Here's a collection of lists to accounts of the preliminary practice-squad movement for all teams, except the Dolphins and Redskins.? We didn't intentionally leave them out.? It simply appears they have yet to sign any members to their practice squads.]

The Bills haven?t announced their practice squad, but Mark Gaughn of the Buffalo News has figured out five of them.

The Jets named seven members to the practice squad on Saturday.

The Pats have named seven to the practice squad, too.

And seven for the Bengals.

A pair of wideouts are among the Steelers? eight practice squadders.

The Browns? practice squad includes seventh-round FB Brad Smelley.

The Ravens signed only five at first, including S Omar Brown.

The Colts announced six players for their practice squad.

QB John Parker Wilson is one of eight members of the Jaguars? practice squad.

QB Case Keenum was one of seven players the Texans signed to the practice squad.

The Raiders have added four to the practice squad.

The Broncos? practice squad includes DT Ben Garland.

The seven players signed to the Chargers? practice squad include former Stanford WR Chris Owusu, who was in camp with the 49ers.

The Chiefs have added eight to the practice squad.

The Cowboys? eight-man practice squad includes WR Danny Coale.

The Giants have announced eight players on their practice squad.

WR B.J. Cunningham, a Dolphins draft pick who didn?t make the cut, opted for the Eagles? practice squad.

The Lions are rounding up their practice squad.

The Vikings? partial practice squad includes RB Jordan Todman.

Bears RB Armando Allen lost a roster spot to Lorenzo Booker, but won a spot on the practice squad.

The Packers? partial practice squad includes QB B.J. Coleman.

The Panthers? initial practice-squad moves include Jared Green, son of Hall of Fame cornerback Darrell Green.

The Saints are keeping their practice squad under wraps, but at least two names have leaked out.

The Bucs signed four, including former Broncos QB Adam Weber.

The Falcons added five to the practice squad.

All eight members of the 49ers? practice squad practiced on Saturday.

The Rams have signed six to the practice squad.

Cardinals DT Ricky Lumpkin will be able to pay off that $21,000 fine for hitting Raiders QB Matt Leinart with practice-squad pay.

QB Josh Portis is among the initial members of the Seahawks? practice squad.

Source: http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2012/09/01/referees-nfl-try-and-fail-to-reach-an-agreement/related

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Video: Secret Service investigates "Pray for Obama" sign (cbsnews)

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Apple Takes Loss Against Samsung In Japan Patent Lawsuit

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Illumanis ? a new standard in health and fitness holidays

Today, there are numerous fitness holidays to choose from, ranging from the extreme to the more relaxed. A fitness holiday does not have to involve sweating and exhaustion either, if you are eager to get into shape, but still want to enjoy your time away then Illumanis five-star fitness holidays offer just that. Recognised as one of the UK?s top fitness travel companies, they offer a wide range of luxurious boot camps with first-class trainers and facilities.

Illumanis holidays are based in the Gold City Sports and Tourism complex, which is located close to the beautiful city of Alanya, in Turkey. Bordering both the Taurus Mountains and the Mediterranean Sea the resort provides stunning panoramas of the surrounding countryside. The hotel is equipped with a range of state-of-the-art facilities and is in close proximity to the resort, where there are more than 100 swimming pools, mini-golf facilities, football pitches and tennis courts. The city is an ideal place to relax after a workout, having a picturesque harbour and a plethora of shops and caf?s.

Illumanis offer a selection of health and fitness holidays, all of which have been expertly designed. If you are eager to improve your muscular strength, the lean muscle programme will get you working hard at the gym, combined of course, with plenty of time to rest and relax. Alternatively, there is the muscle mass programme, which focuses on building up bulk.

Guests who are eager to lose a few pounds might like to opt for the individualised weight loss holiday, which aims not only to help shed excess weight, but also keep it off permanently. If you are keen to shift a lot of weight quickly, however, the ultimate weight loss holiday might be more appropriate. Professionals work out the best programme for you, so that you can attain your perfect figure as quickly as possible.

Illumanis also offers the more traditional boot camp holiday in which guests can enjoy a variety of activities in a group setting. There is also the tone up programme, which focuses on overloading the body with nutrients in order to lose weight. Lastly, there is the wedding diet, which, as the name suggests, helps the bride-to-be become leaner and firmer for her big day.

Illumanis holidays are designed to provide an all round approach with a focus, not only on exercise, but also nutrition. The goals and preferences of each guest are taken into consideration, which is what makes the programmes so effective. Illumanis fitness holidays are a luxurious way to enjoy a holiday and get fit in the process.

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Source: http://www.hitravel.net/illumanis-%E2%80%93-a-new-standard-in-health-and-fitness-holidays/

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