Houston community leader, Pastor Rudy of St. John's Downtown Church
C.E.O. / President Houston Food Bank - Brian Greene
U.S. Congresswoman - Sheila Jackson-Lee
WHAT: Exclusive PHOTO OPPORTUNITY with Beyonce, Pastor Rudy, U.S. Congresswoman Sheila Jackson-Lee and Brian Greene of Houston Food Bank. Beyonce has partnered with General Mills' Hamburger Helper(R) with the goal of helping Feeding America deliver more than 3.5 million meals to local food banks through the Show Your Helping Hand(TM) campaign. For more information, visit www.showyourhelpinghand.com
Donations of non-perishable food items can be dropped off at the "Beyonce Experience" tent located at Toyota Center, the site of her "I AM..." concert.
WHERE: 1994 Championship Room Toyota Center 1510 Polk Street Houston, TX
WHEN: Saturday, July 4 5:00pm Media Check-In - Administrative entrance (La Branch and Clay) 6:00pm Photo / Media opportunity *(Spanish translator will be available)
RSVP: Yvette Noel-Schure, Columbia Records yvette.noel-schure@sonymusic.com OR 212-833-4483 Contacts: Yvette Noel-Schure, Columbia Records yvette.noel-schure@sonymusic.com
Mark Young, Music World Entertainment 323-656-6401 or myoung@thefactoryinc.com
Pam Becker, General Mills 763-764-2470 or pam.becker@genmills.com
Bernice Neumann, Exponent PR 612 305 6163 or bernice.neumann@exponentpr.com
Ross Fraser, Feeding America 312-641-6422 or rfraser@feedingamerica.org
Betsy Ballard, Houston Food Bank 713 547 8653 or bballard@houstonfoodbank.org
Laura Maag, Toyota Center, Media check-in and escort on site 713-758-7272 lauram@rocketball.com
New First Response® Fertility Test Helps Women Answer the Question: Am I Able to Get Pregnant?
At-home Test Measures Hormone Levels That Indicate Egg Quality and Quantity
PRINCETON, N.J., April 6, 2009 /PRNewswire/ — Women trying to conceive are now able to buy at retail, a new test that can help them quickly and easily identify their potential for becoming pregnant. The First Response® Fertility Test for Women is unique in that it allows women to measure follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) levels to evaluate ovarian reserve – egg quantity and quality. Low ovarian reserve is one of the leading factors of infertility in women. With the test results, women will be better equipped to have productive discussions with their doctors about getting pregnant.
While many women think that getting pregnant will be no trouble, millions of women in America struggle with infertility. According to a new survey for First Response®, 70 percent of women who may want to have children think they can get pregnant whenever they want. But according to RESOLVE: The National Infertility Association, infertility affects 7.3 million Americans.
"Three questions I often get asked by my patients are: am I able to conceive, am I ovulating and am I pregnant? " said Dr. Lisa Masterson, M.D., a Santa Monica-based OB/GYN affiliated with Cedars-Sinai, St. John's and UCLA/Santa Monica hospitals, and a co-host on The Doctors. "The First Response® Fertility Test empowers women to ask the right questions, right from the start, when they're trying to get pregnant so they can take charge of their fertility future."
How the First Response® Fertility Test Works The First Response® Fertility Test measures FSH levels in a woman's urine on the third day of her menstrual cycle. Results appear on the urine stick within 30 minutes with 95 percent accuracy. If FSH levels are found to be above normal, this may indicate that her ovarian reserve is low and may be interfering with her ability to become pregnant.
A woman should speak to her doctor if:
Her FSH levels are above normal. Her FSH levels are normal, but she's 35 years or older and has been trying to get pregnant for at least six months, she's younger than 35 and has been trying to get pregnant for at least 12 months, or she's any age and does not have menstrual periods or has irregular periods. There has been significant growth in consumer demand for over-the-counter reproductive health products. First Response® has become one of the most trusted women's health brands by offering accurate tests that anticipate women's needs, and with the launch of the Fertility Test for Women, First Response® now offers a full range of at-home tests that answer some of life's most important questions.
Surveys Reveals Women Overly Confident About Their Ability to Get Pregnant First Response® surveyed women of child-bearing age about their knowledge of fertility, their pregnancy potential and views on planning for pregnancy.
Also, members of RESOLVE: The National Infertility Association were surveyed about their knowledge of fertility, their pregnancy potential and views on planning for pregnancy. The studies found:
Three-quarters (75 percent) of women believe it's easy for women in general to get pregnant. Interestingly, nearly two-thirds (65 percent) of RESOLVE members thought they could get pregnant without any problem when they first started trying. (These women ultimately experienced difficulties.) Three in four women of child-bearing age did not know what FSH was and how it can affect a woman's ability to get pregnant. Majority (86 percent) of Resolve members would have taken charge faster and sought the care of a medical professional sooner if they had known more about their fertility potential before they started to try to conceive. When women plan key aspects of their life, planning for future pregnancy falls to the bottom of the list behind finances, career, education – even planning for vacations. "Many women don't understand how difficult it can be to become pregnant until they're already experiencing fertility problems," said Barbara Collura, executive director of RESOLVE. "Getting educated about leading causes of infertility, like poor ovarian reserve, arming themselves with the right tools, and starting a conversation with their doctors can help women better plan for a family."
The First Response® Fertility Test for Women is available at major food, drug and mass merchandise outlets. A package with two test sticks has a suggested retail price of $24.99. For more information, visit www.FirstResponse.com.
About the Surveys The online survey was administered to RESOLVE constituents between November 4-December 15, 2008 through resolve.org, and was completed by over 700 women.
StrategyOne, an applied research consulting firm, conducted a nationwide telephone omnibus study on behalf of First Response® of 260 women 18-44. Interviews were conducted between November 6-November 10, 2008 using the field services of ORC (Opinion Research Corporation).
About Church & Dwight, Co., Inc. Church & Dwight, Co., Inc., headquartered in Princeton, NJ, distributes First Response® Early Result Pregnancy Test and other First Response® products, including First Response® Rapid Result Pregnancy Test, First Response® Easy Read Ovulation Test, and Answer Pregnancy and Ovulation Tests.
About RESOLVE: The National Infertility Association Founded in 1974, RESOLVE: The National Infertility Association, headquartered in McLean, VA, is the oldest and largest consumer-based, nonprofit group that provides education, advocacy and compassionate support for those struggling with infertility in the United States. Each year, RESOLVE and its nationwide network of affiliates handle more than 1.5 million contacts from people seeking information and help. For more information, visit the RESOLVE website at www.resolve.org.
Schering-Plough partners with the Allergy & Asthma Network Mothers of Asthmatics to tell the delightful story of "Breathless Bethany Buttercup"
KENILWORTH, N.J., March 24, 2009 /PRNewswire/ — Asthma is the most common chronic condition among children, with approximately 6.8 million children currently with asthma in the United States.1,2 It accounts for almost 13 million missed school days each year and is the third-ranking cause of hospitalization among those younger than 15 years of age.3,4 With statistics like these, a diagnosis of asthma can often be daunting for parents and children. Parents often struggle with the best way to talk to their children about asthma, and many children with asthma report a desire not to be treated differently from other children.5 To help parents speak with their children about asthma and support children coping with their disease, Schering-Plough Corporation has partnered with the Allergy & Asthma Network Mothers of Asthmatics (AANMA) to develop a fun, yet educational, storybook, Breathless Bethany Buttercup, that uses a little girl's story about her experience with asthma to provide information about asthma management.
"When my daughter, Danielle, was first diagnosed with asthma, I was in need of a way to help me talk to her about the condition and the importance of using medication to help her feel better," said Julie Driggers of Omaha, Nebraska. "It is great to see that there is now an informative resource like this storybook available for children. This storybook also conveys the seriousness of asthma and highlights the importance of working with your doctor to develop an asthma action plan."
Some children find it difficult to accept an asthma diagnosis, which makes the role of a parent all the more vital. According to a 2007 study published in the journal Pediatric Nurse, it is important for parents to talk to a physician about ways to build their child's self-confidence and prevent them from feeling stigmatized when they display difficulty coping with their asthma.6 Parents should also monitor their child's asthma and continue to work with their child's physician to determine an appropriate asthma management plan.7
"We're excited to collaborate with Schering-Plough on the development of an asthma storybook for children," said Nancy Sander, founder and president of the Allergy & Asthma Network Mothers of Asthmatics. "The number one reason why parents call our organization is to find answers to questions about medications and how to help their children to take them as prescribed. Breathless Bethany Buttercup provides the perfect forum for parents and children to talk about asthma and how to manage their condition."
Breathless Bethany Buttercup was written by Tolya Thompson and illustrated by Curt Walstead. With playful rhymes and colorful illustrations, the storybook appeals to early elementary school-aged students and parents can order a free copy through Schering-Plough and the Allergy & Asthma Network Mothers of Asthmatics. For more information or to receive your own copy, visit www.asthmastorybook.com or www.breatherville.org.
About Pediatric Asthma Asthma is a chronic disorder characterized by inflammation of the air passages, resulting in the temporary narrowing of the airways that transport air from the nose and mouth to the lungs.8 Asthma symptoms, such as coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath, can occur and can impact multiple aspects of patients' lives.9 Asthma is the most common chronic condition among children1, and it is the cause of 7 million outpatient asthma visits to physician offices and nearly 200,000 hospitalizations among children each year in the United States.3 It is also the third leading cause of hospitalization among children under the age of 15.4
About Allergy & Asthma Network Mothers of Asthmatics (AANMA) Founded in 1985, Allergy & Asthma Network Mothers of Asthmatics is the leading national nonprofit family organization dedicated to eliminating suffering and death due to asthma, allergies and related conditions. AANMA's core areas of expertise are education, advocacy and outreach. Call 800.878.4403 or visit www.breatherville.org.
About Schering-Plough Corporation Schering-Plough is an innovation-driven, science-centered global health care company. Through its own biopharmaceutical research and collaborations with partners, Schering-Plough creates therapies that help save and improve lives around the world. The company applies its research-and-development platform to human prescription, animal health and consumer healthcare products. Schering-Plough's vision is to "Earn Trust, Every Day" with the doctors, patients, customers and other stakeholders served by its colleagues around the world. The company is based in Kenilworth, N.J., and its Web site is www.schering-plough.com.
References "Childhood Asthma." Challenges for the 21st Century: Chronic and Disabling Conditions. National Academy on an Aging Society, No. 8 June 2000. www.agingsociety.org/agingsociety/pdf/asthma.pdf "Fast Stats A to Z: Asthma." National Center for Health Statistics. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2008. http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/fastats/asthma.htm "Asthma Prevalence, Health Care Use and Mortality: United States, 2003-05." National Center for Health Statistics. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2006. http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/products/pubs/pubd/hestats/ashtma03-05/asthma03-05.htm. "Asthma & Children Fact Sheet." American Lung Association, September 2007. http://www.lungusa.org/site/apps/nl/content3.asp?c=dvLUK9O0E&b=2058817&content_id={05C5FA0A-A953-4BB6-BB74-F07C2ECCABA9}¬oc=1.
"Talking to Your Child About Asthma." American Academy of Allergy Asthma and Immunology, 2000. http://www.aaaai.org/patients/allergic_conditions/pediatric_asthma/talking_to_child.stm Butz, Arlene M., et. al. "Shared Decision Making In School Age Children with
"Asthma in Children: Creating an Asthma Action Plan." Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 2008. http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/asthma/HQ00273.
"Asthma Facts and Figures." Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, 2005. http://www.aafa.org/display.cfm?id=8&sub=42
"What is Asthma?" National Heart Lung and Blood Institute, May 2006. http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dci/Diseases/Asthma/Asthma_WhatIs.html Video
Related Links www.asthmastorybook.com
www.breatherville.org
www.schering-plough.com
Media Contacts: Julie Lux 908-298-4774 Investor Contacts: Janet Barth Joe Romanelli 908-298-7436
Simple Steps Can Make a Big Difference In Managing Indoor and Outdoor Allergies
Atlanta, Ga. and Bridgewater, N.J. (March 02, 2009) /PRNewswire/ — As this year's spring nasal allergy season quickly approaches, people living with nasal allergies should take steps to manage their symptoms and ward-off allergens before they hit home. To help the nation's estimated 40 million nasal allergy sufferers prepare for the spring nasal allergy season, UCB and sanofi-aventis have enlisted a team of indoor and outdoor allergy experts in the Nasal Allergies: Tips from The Xperts awareness campaign. These experts, including Jeff May, Certified Indoor Air Quality Professional, are offering tips to help manage nasal allergy symptoms this spring and through out the year.
According to a recent survey, nearly three-quarters (74%) of those diagnosed with indoor and outdoor allergies stated that they don't feel like themselves when they are suffering from nasal allergies. And more than half of nasal allergy sufferers (53%) reported that they avoid activities like being outside, traveling and being social because of their nasal allergies. But according to May, who authored several books published by the Johns Hopkins University Press, including My House Is Killing Me! and Jeff May's Healthy Home Tips, this does not have to be the case.
Based on his indoor environmental investigations of thousands of homes, offices, and schools, May advises that there are solutions at hand to help manage nasal allergy symptoms that are commonly overlooked. "What many people don't realize is that a clean space may not be clean of allergens. To make a home a haven for nasal allergy sufferers, extra steps need to be taken," says May.
May offers these important steps to help prepare for and manage spring nasal allergies:
Watch out for carpets and upholstered furniture. Feel like you can't give up your carpets and upholstered furniture? Don't worry, a steam vapor treatment may help to kill some dust mites. Wash your bedding weekly. Set a day each week to wash bedding in hot water (130°F) and dry them in a hot dryer to help kill dust mites. If you have satin sheets freezing them overnight will kill dust mites, too. Look into allergen-proof bedding. Allergen-proof mattresses and pillowcases are helpful for lessening exposure to dust mites. I would even recommend taping over the length of the zipper. Wipe your feet. Pollen often clings to shoes when walking around outside so be sure to wipe your feet before going inside so you do not bring along the pollen, or better yet, leave pollen-covered shoes outdoors. Leave pollen outside. It's better not to let the allergen in your home than to try to remove it once it's there, so do not rely too much on air purifiers. Keep your windows and doors closed, especially on days with a high pollen count With spring allergy season upon us, it's more important than ever to be prepared to manage nasal allergy symptoms.
"Patients often do not acknowledge the seriousness of their nasal allergy symptoms and self-medicate without speaking with their doctor. However, through proper diagnosis and the right treatment, nasal allergy sufferers can begin to better control their symptoms as they head into the spring nasal allergy season," said Dr. Michael Blaiss, Clinical Professor of Pediatrics and Medicine at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center; Past President of the American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology (ACAAI) and co-editor of the Atlas of Allergic Diseases.
Dr. Blaiss advises:
Do not assume it is a cold: If sneezing and a stuffy or runny nose come without a fever, sore throat, colored nasal discharge, and/or aches and pains, see a physician – it could be allergies. Nasal allergies aren't child's play: Sometimes childhood indoor and outdoor allergies disappear for many years, only to start up again in adulthood. If symptoms reappear, see a physician to have them re-evaluated. Nasal allergies can be hereditary: If parents have indoor or outdoor allergies, it is possible that their children will also. Nasal allergies tend to be hereditary - although the exact genetic factors are not fully understood. Nasal Allergies: Tips from The Xperts Recognizing the diverse needs of nasal allergy sufferers, Jeff May and Dr. Blaiss have joined up with Dr. Linda Stein Gold, dermatologist, among others in the Nasal Allergies: Tips from The Xperts campaign. Throughout the year this team of experts will offer tips and guidance to support nasal allergy sufferers with individual needs and interests. Nasal allergy sufferers will also be encouraged to speak with their physician to review their current nasal allergy management routine.
Indoor and outdoor allergy sufferers can log onto www.XYZAL.com to register for the My Xperts program. They will receive customized e-newsletters to support them in managing their nasal allergy symptoms and learn more about importance of visiting their physician to review their current nasal allergy management routine.
Indoor and outdoor allergy sufferers can also learn about an available treatment option XYZAL® (levocetirizine dihydrochloride), a once-daily prescription medication indicated for the relief of symptoms associated with indoor and outdoor allergies, as well as the treatment of uncomplicated manifestations of chronic idiopathic urticaria (CIU) in adults and children 6 years and older.
Nasal Allergies: Tips from The Xperts is supported by UCB and sanofi-aventis, the makers of XYZAL® (levocetirizine dihydrochloride).
About XYZAL® Indications and Important Safety Information XYZAL® is indicated for the relief of symptoms associated with allergic rhinitis (seasonal and perennial) and the treatment of uncomplicated skin manifestations of chronic idiopathic urticaria in adults and children 6 years of age and older.
The use of XYZAL® is contraindicated in: patients with a known hypersensitivity to levocetirizine or any of the ingredients of XYZAL® or to cetirizine (observed reactions range from urticaria to anaphylaxis); patients with end-stage renal impairment at less than 10 mL/min creatinine clearance or patients undergoing hemodialysis; and pediatric patients aged 6 to 11 years with impaired renal function.
Patients should be cautioned against engaging in hazardous occupations requiring complete mental alertness and motor coordination, such as operating machinery or driving a motor vehicle, after ingestion of XYZAL®. Concurrent use of XYZAL® with alcohol or other central nervous system (CNS) depressants should be avoided because additional reductions in alertness and additional impairment of CNS performance may occur.
In clinical trials, the most common adverse reactions in ≥2% of adult and adolescent patients (12 years of age and older) taking XYZAL® 2.5 mg, XYZAL® 5 mg, or placebo were somnolence (5%, 6%, 2%), nasopharyngitis (6%, 4%, 3%), fatigue (1%, 4%, 2%), dry mouth (3%, 2%, 1%), and pharyngitis (2%, 1%, 1%), respectively.
In clinical trials 4 to 6 weeks in duration, the most common adverse reactions in > 2% of pediatric patients (6-12 years of age) taking XYZAL® 5 mg included pyrexia (4% vs 2% placebo), cough (3% vs <1% placebo), somnolence (3% vs <1% placebo) and epistaxis (2% vs <1% placebo).
Please see accompanying full prescribing information or visit www.xyzal.com.
About Allergic Conditions Many people suffer from the symptoms associated with common allergic conditions. The immune system of nasal allergy sufferers over-reacts to something in the environment, leading to symptoms that affect their respiratory system, eyes, or skin. Experts estimate indoor and outdoor allergies affect as many as 40 million people in the United States.
Seasonal allergic rhinitis (SAR), commonly referred to as "hay fever" or "outdoor allergies," is the most common form of allergic rhinitis. By definition, SAR includes allergies to seasonal pollens like grass, trees, and weeds, as well as mold. Perennial Allergic Rhinitis (PAR) is sometimes referred to as "year round" or "indoor allergies" and is characterized by allergic symptoms that last longer than four weeks. House dust mites, animal dander, and mold most commonly trigger PAR. Chronic Idiopathic Urticaria (CIU) is most commonly known as "chronic hives of unknown origin" and is defined as the occurrence of daily, or almost daily, wheals and itching for at least six weeks with no obvious causes.
About UCB UCB is a global leader in the biopharmaceutical industry dedicated to the research, development and commercialization of innovative medicines with a focus on the fields of central nervous system and immunology disorders. Employing approximately 12,000 people in more than 40 countries, UCB achieved revenue of 3.6 billion euro in 2007. UCB is listed on NYSE Euronext (symbol: UCB). Worldwide headquarters is located in Brussels, Belgium; U.S. headquarters is located in Atlanta, Ga. For more information about UCB, visit www.UCB.com.
About sanofi-aventis Sanofi-aventis, a leading global pharmaceutical company, discovers, develops and distributes therapeutic solutions to improve the lives of everyone. Sanofi-aventis is listed in Paris (EURONEXT : SAN) and in New York (NYSE : SNY).
For Further Information, Please Contact: Lynn Duran UCB 678-571-0116 lynn.duran@ucb-group.com Amy Ba sanofi-aventis 908-981-6563 amy.ba@sanofi-aventis
