Creative Marketing Ideas For Shoe Stores

During an economic recession, the retail industry has taken a big hit as customers simply don't have as much discretionary income as they used to. Whether your shoe store is part of a large chain or is just a small independent retailer, you should always be on the lookout for new, interesting marketing ideas that can stimulate business. Here are some great ways to put your best foot forward.

1. In-store events- Customers need to know the benefits of your shoes, be it that they are edgy and fashionable or that they provide a comfortable walking experience. Hosting an in-store event like a fashion show or a teaching session will not only generate buzz and awareness for your store, but also sell a lot of shoes! Have your featured products fully-visible using a vertical banner or even a window cling so customers know which shoes they're going to learn about.


2. Loyalty cards- Most women have a shoe fetish, so create a loyalty program that keeps her coming back for more shoes. This could be a punch card or you could even use a computer-tracking system. After a certain amount of pairs purchased, your customer will receive a free (or at least discounted) pair. Not only do you sell more shoes, but you also retain loyal customers.


3. Shoe care- A great way to make your store more marketable is by offering shoe care services such as shining, stretching, and even minor repair. If you really want to offer a first-class experience, offer complimentary shoe repair services. You probably won't be able to do this in-store, but set-up an agreement with a local shoe hospital or cobbler. Your client will appreciate the VIP treatment, and this ensures they'll visit your store at least twice (once to drop off the shoes and again to pick them up). Odds are they'll find a new pair in at least one of those visits. Display vinyl decals at your cash wraps letting customers know these special services you offer, and make sure your sales team is mentioning it as well.


4. Sponsorship/donation- Sponsoring local events is a great way to build a positive business reputation. In exchange, you're usually able to advertise at these events with a vinyl banner or in the program. Another unique idea is to create a shoe-donation program. Work with charity groups such as the Salvation Army to donate a pair of shoes for every X amount you sell. This is a huge PR boost and makes your business socially-responsible. It has certainly worked for TOMS.


5. Family bundles- If you are a shoe store that caters to all customers (men, women, and children), create a family bundle package. Offer a special discount when customers buy a pair of shoes for every member of the family, or even have a buy one-get one special. You're a one-stop shop for the family, but it may take a special deal for customers to realize that.

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Creative Marketing Ideas For Shoe Stores

Creative Marketing Ideas For Shoe Stores

Michael Allen works as a Director of Marketing in Boston, Massachusetts. He has worked with both large companies and small local businesses for over 20 years. His vast experience in the field of marketing positions him as an expert in helping businesses expand by using marketing tactics.

As a seasoned expert in Marketing and Branding, Michael has a wealth of knowledge in the use of car signs and retail signs. In his articles, he covers tips and techniques for effective use of banners, vinyl decals, and window clings for small businesses.

Reaching Out! Community Program Ideas for Healthcare Facilities

Community programming is instrumental to enhancing the services of any activity department. With the implementation of the 2006 revised CMS Activities Guidance to Surveyors, there is a heightened focus on the individual needs and interests of the residents. Involving local communities and volunteers is an essential part of establishing a well-balanced, diverse program of activities. There are many organizations, clubs, and associations that can be contacted. Ask them to post an announcement in their newsletter, bulletins, flyers, or bulletin board, or announce at their next meeting, that community groups and volunteers are needed at your facility. Inform them of your specific needs i.e. you need a volunteer that speaks German that can read to a resident or you would like a volunteer who can do arts and crafts. Other methods of recruitment include word of mouth, media coverage, on-line, family members and visitors, community fairs/events and mailings.

Often times, Activity Directors are given the responsibility of developing and managing the volunteer and community outreach program. It can become overwhelming. Activity Directors often do not pursue volunteers and community groups because of the extensive work that goes into it. There is ongoing research, organization, planning, implementation, and follow-up. For that reason, it is suggested that each facility have a Volunteer Coordinator or someone who is primarily assigned to manage these responsibilities. But since it is not common practice to have a separate Volunteer Coordinator, here are some ideas and suggestions that will help you reach out to the community and expand your volunteer program.

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School System

Reaching Out! Community Program Ideas for Healthcare Facilities

• Pen Pal Programs
• Adopt-A-Resident Program
• Educational Opportunities for the students (students may learn about Ellis Island, WWII, the Depression, etc.)
• Volunteer opportunities (Key Club, course requirements, independent volunteer services)
• Entertainment (school choir, bands, dance groups, drama club, art, poetry, specialty groups)
• Sporting events
• Special education opportunities (volleyball game with DD adolescents)
• Intergenerational Programs (holiday activities, craft projects, physical games, discussion groups)
• Cultural Clubs (Spanish, Italian, African American etc.)
• Day Care children
• College internships/field experience

Churches/Synagogues

• Rosary Groups
• 1:1 Communion (Sundays)
• Adopt-A-Resident Program
• Outreach programs (donations, community services)
• Choirs
• Bible Study
• Church intergenerational programs
• Independent volunteer opportunities
• Confirmation requirements
• Rabbi Visits
• Church Services

Community Groups

• Community public relations opportunities
• Cub/Boy/Eagle Scouts community service (special/holiday events)
• Brownies/Girl Scouts Community Service (special/holiday events)
•Clubs (VFW, Elks, Masons, Kiwanis Club, Eastern Star, 4-H, American Legion, Knights of Columbus, Lions, Chambers of Commerce)
• Cultural Clubs (Italian American Independent Club, Hispanic, Polish etc.)
• YMCA/YWCA
• YM-YWHA (Hebrew Association)
• Salvation Army
• Historical Society presentations
• United Way
• Joint community fundraising or community service programs (toy Drives, food drives, raffles, car washes, etc.)
• Local dance groups/troupes
• Senior dancers
• Independent volunteer opportunities
• LTC resident service projects for the above mentioned groups

It is also important to bring the residents into the community as well. Before doing so, establish a well-developed policy and procedure that outlines all aspects of the outing, especially what to do in the case of an emergency or missing resident. Check with the desired site before bringing the residents to ensure appropriate parking, wheelchair accessibility, bathrooms, process, etc. There are so many places that you can bring the residents. Check the local newspapers for community events, special deals, and coupons. Assign a resident or group of residents browse the weekly newspapers.

Some ideas include: community/school sporting events, parks and recreation, community flea markets, festivals, music events, movie theater/plays, local restaurants, historical sites/museums, zoos, visits to other facilities or organizations, churches, synagogues and other places of worship, school events and so on.

Organizing a community outreach program is an ongoing process and requires an abundance of creativity, time and commitment. Utilize as many resources as possible and don't hesitate to ask community groups and individuals to volunteer. By "reaching out" you will greatly enhance the lives of the residents in your healthcare facility.

Reaching Out! Community Program Ideas for Healthcare Facilities

Kimberly Grandal, Founder and Executive Director of Re-Creative Resources, Inc., is a strong advocate for the field of Therapeutic Recreation and Activities, with over eighteen years of experience working with the elderly in numerous management and consultant positions. She is an Activity Consultant Certified and a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist. She is a recipient of the Kessler Institute of Rehabilitation 1997 Triumph of the Human Spirit Award.

Kim is a member of NJAPA, NJ/EPA-TRA and COAP and serves on the NJAPA board as the Chairperson for the Legislation Committee. She is the Government Relations liasion for NCCAP and the President Elect for NJ/EPA TR Association. Kim is a speaker for various national, state and local activity associations and other health care groups. She also provides consultation and support to numerous facilities in the state.

Kim is the editor and writer for the "The Rec-Room", a monthly newsletter published by her company. In addition, she writes monthly articles for Activity Directors Today newsletter, and has contributed articles to Creative Forecasting Magazine, Current Activities in Long Term Care Magazine and The Continuing Care Insite newsletter and many other online sources. For more information visit http://recreativeresources.com

Making a Custom Aluminum Dashboard

Are you a proud owner of a Moto Guzzi 'Jackal'? Well, then you are likely to be an envy of many. But if you missed out on the benefits of a tachometer, you might just go by the sound and feel of the engine whether or not it was happy with the revs you are using during changing up or down the box. We can forgive you if you are clueless as to what those revs actually were.

Used motorcycle parts like a tachometer could really be a beneficial thing to improve the general condition of your Moto Guzzi motorcycle. However, new or second-hand Cali EV dash is not that easy to get hold of. Given this difficulty, you could produce a new dashboard for yourself. You could even produce a better dashboard than the original Jackal item.

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Itching to start already? First, you must get a bit of 4mm thick 1050-H14 aluminium (BS 1470), (99.5% pure aluminum, a bit of wet & dry sandpaper, a couple of drills and a counter sinker for the warning light cluster / mounting screw holes. If you decide to do the cutting yourself, you need basic hand tools, drill, hole cutter for 85mm diameter holes, a small band saw few files and a couple of medium / fine flap wheels for finishing off the edges and for doing the brushed satin finish. Water Jet Cutting, Plasma Cutting, Laser Cutting, CNC Milling are several ways of manufacturing the aluminum. You can choose any method feasible for you and that which will create smooth results for your dash..

Making a Custom Aluminum Dashboard

Here are the steps in cutting out your dash from http://www.webbikeworld.com/Moto-Guzzi-motorcycles/dashboard-tachometer/:

1. Mark out the plate, including profile and hole centres

2. Centre-pop all of the hole centres

3. Centre-pop the holes using sharp centre-pop. A light tap should do it.

4. Pilot drill each hole centre using something like a 1/16th drill

5. Cut the 85mm holes

6. Use the trepanner / tank cutter or an 85mm hole saw.

7. Drill the warning light and mounting holes. De-burr.

8. Finish off the warning light holes using a bit of wet & dry for a clean edge to the holes.

For the underside of the dash:

1. Cut out the profile using a hacksaw / bandsaw / plasma cutter

2. Smooth off and finish off the edges

3. Use file, wet & dry, wire wool, flap wheel to remove cutting marks

4. Bend the 'mounting lugs' to the correct angle using the original dash as a pattern

5. To surface finish, hold the drill with both hands and ran the flap wheel down the dash in one smooth, even stroke, starting at one side.

Finish-off by getting some Methylated spirit and de-grease the dash, taking care not to leave any finger marks. Then, spray with a few coats of acrylic lacquer. For fitting and connections, the speedo cable fits fine. The article "Install a rev counter on your motorcycle" at http://www.articlecity.com/articles/auto_and_trucks/article_195.shtml may help you with the wiring and the fitting of the dash. You'll find it complicating but once you've finished, you'll be even prouder of having your Moto Guzzi motorcycle with its new dashboard!

Making a Custom Aluminum Dashboard

Lala C. Ballatan is a 26 year-old Communication Arts graduate, with a major in Journalism. Right after graduating last 1999, she worked for one year as a clerk then became a Research, Publication and Documentation Program Director at a non-government organization, which focuses on the rights, interests and welfare of workers for about four years.

Book reading has always been her greatest passion -- mysteries, horrors, psycho-thrillers, historical documentaries and classics. She got hooked into it way back when she was but a shy kid.

Her writing prowess began as early as she was 10 years old in girlish diaries. With writing, she felt freedom – to express her viewpoints and assert it, to bring out all concerns -- imagined and observed, to bear witness.

For comments and inquiries about the article visit http://www.motorcyclepartsbin.com

Top Companies Offering Aftermarket Car Warranties

Aftermarket car warranties extend warranty coverage for vehicle repairs after the factory warrant expires. An aftermarket auto warranty is especially important to have when purchasing a car with high mileage. The price of the warranty depends on the age of the vehicle as well as the mileage. But which company offers the best deal? Here are top companies offering aftermarket car warranties.

Stop Repair Bills offers affordable service contracts personalized to fit your needs with flexible payment plans. 24-hour roadside assistance, towing and rental car are part of the package.

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Fidelity Automotive Solutions offers three different plans to help the buyer find the right coverage for their needs and budget.

Top Companies Offering Aftermarket Car Warranties

Warranty Direct, a company with 30 years of experience, provides quality customer service along with benefits such as trip interruption protection.

AA Auto Protection customizes aftermarket car warranties for your budget.

Automotive Protection Group has low monthly premiums and allows the buyer to decide the deductible, along with some of the most affordable rates in the industry.

Carchex offers comparison shopping deals to keep the buyer informed about all of the available options.

Auto Warranty Elite provides nationwide coverage and lockout/lost key assistance.

Auto Warranties.com offers aftermarket car warranties on any year, make or model vehicle regardless of the mileage.

Total Car Warranty is a transferable warranty and provides anytime warranty protection cancellation.

Auto Protection offers aftermarket warranties for sports cars even if the car is not currently covered by the factory warranty.

When buying a used car, be sure to get an aftermarket car warranty. The coverage costs save the buyer up to half as much as a manufacturer's warranty and offer a variety of plans customized to fit each individual customer. Don't be left with a dead or dying car and no way to repair it.

Top Companies Offering Aftermarket Car Warranties

Tim is a web developer, musician and author who writes on subjects such as aftermarket car warranties and automotive extended warranties.

El Camino Profile

One of the most popular and recognizable vehicles in the history of the automotive industry is the EL Camino. The EL Camino was manufactured and distributed by Chevrolet and was first released to the market in 1959. The production of the vehicle stopped in 1960 but then resumed in 1964 and lasted until 1987. It is an easily recognizable vehicle that is in the class of the coupes and is also known as the Chevrolet Conquistador in the country of Mexico. It was manufactured in response to the popular Ford Ranchero and was sold under four different models known as the Super Sport, the Royal Knight, the Conquista and the El Camino.

The EL Camino also had a twin known as the GMC Sprint and then later as the GMC Caballero. The El Camino is a two door vehicle with a bed behind the cabin where the passengers sit. The bed is not as large as a bed in a pickup truck but still has enough room in it for some storage capacity. The platform for all four generations of the EL Camino is an A-body style. The vehicles were produced at one time or another in Atlanta, Georgia; Baltimore, Maryland; Fremont, California; Framingham, Massachusetts; Kansas City, Missouri; Arlington, Texas; Flint, Michigan; Van Nuys, California; Doraville, Georgia; Leeds, Missouri; Ramos Arizpe, Mexico and Oshawa, Ontario, Canada.

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The El Camino did not fare well at all on the market with its competition, the Ford Ranchero, which is why Chevrolet discontinued producing the model in 1960. There were only 22,246 vehicles produced in 1959 and did even worse in 1960 when only 14,163 vehicles were produced. A total of 36,409 vehicles were produced by Chevrolet during the first generation of the El Camino. The three engines used in the first generation of the El Camino were the inline-6, the 4.6 L V-8, and the 5.7 L V-8. There are hundreds of El Caminos still on the roads today driven by people all across the country. They have declined in popularity and have not been manufactured since 1987. There aren't any new vehicles on the roads today but people continue to sell their El Camino for its historical value. People purchase these vehicles to not only drive them but to also remodel them or supe them up and enter them in car shows. El Caminos are also used in certain driving venues today. These cars have also been replicated in the toy collector world by Hot Wheels, Matchbox, and Johnny Lightning.

El Camino Profile

The El Camino was such a popular vehicle and still is today that it has been a major part of popular culture. El Caminos have been used in television shows such as M y Name is Earl, Monster Garage, Pimp My Ride, That 70's Show and Knight Rider. The El Camino has also been featured in such movies as Dazed and Confused, Joe Dirt, Exit Wounds, The Mexican, The Banger Sisters and many more. General Motors considered producing a Pontiac G8 Concept Truck but declined the idea because of their financial problems.

El Camino Profile

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DORF Spells Doom for Detroit

The other day my wife and I talked about summer camps. We want our children in busy learning spaces when school vacates. For some reason the subject reminds me of a New Hampshire camp where I worked during the summers of graduate school. Every morning at camp, the grounds crew would empty trash barrels. Driving the old, dented pick-up truck made this job fun. As they drove past, I noticed that someone changed the chrome letters to read "DORF" instead of Ford.

Dorf has no definition. It suggests goofy; for the camp pick-up truck, it described a poor-running, smokey, rusty, mechanical nuisance. Ford and GM have designed vehicles with mechanical panache. Corvette, Impala, and Country Squire were the cars of my youth. Their look made drivers proud when the price of gasoline did not matter.

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As a high school senior, I drove a 1950 convertible Chevrolet with Dynaflow. I loved the smell of the interior, the sound of the automatic transmission, and the convertible top that needed pushing and pulling during sudden down pours. My grandfather drove a 1954 Cadillac as did my father. Long, sleek American cars lined lanes from New Haven to Newport Beach. Now, time, technology, unions, and quality turned consumers toward safer, fuel efficient cars from Honda, Toyoto, KIA,Subaru, Isusu and Hyundai (once the brunt of comedic joking). Foreign labor-cost advantages offered consumers better vehicles dollar-for-dollar.

DORF Spells Doom for Detroit

All of this spells doom for the dorfs of Detroit. For example, The Wall Street Journal's headlines of the past week describe the tension in GM's Boardroom.

• Foreign vehicles last longer with reliable performance. U.S. car-markers have a "worse-than-average" record.
• "Don't come to work; we'll still pay you as long as you stay here from 6AM to 2:30PM": Cost .4billion to US automakers
• Malcolm Bricklin brings China's Chery Automobile, Inc. to the U.S. in 2007 to "steal" GM customers.
• GM one year stock return: -48.4%
• GM ten year average stock return: -3.6%

U.S. companies once listed on the Dow Jones Industrial Average have disappeared; they are gone forever because of competition and poor management decisions. My father had a Nash for a few months. In July of 1930, Nash Motors was removed from the Dow (and again in 1939). Ever drive a Hudson (me neither)? In May of 1932, Hudson Motor was removed from the Dow. Chyrsler had its problems and was removed from the Dow in June of 1979. Could GM be far behind? Detroit may soon become the American car industry's museum.

DORF Spells Doom for Detroit

Ray Randall serves clients as a registered investment advisor with his firm, Ethos Advisory Services, Essex, Massachusetts Ethos Advisory Services. He has wide experience within the financial services industry, writes a weekly newsletter for http://www.ethosadvisory.com Ethos Advisory Services, and coordinates the developments at http://www.echievements.com Echievements.com. Ray holds a Masters Degree from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, Hamilton, MA. You may call Ray (617-275-5565).

Infertility Insurance - Limits, Mandates and ObamaCare - How to Pay For Infertility Treatment

Because infertility is a health problem it should be covered by your employer's group health plan. Well, it probably isn't - so you better check your policy details. Insurer's classify it as optional treatment, like liposuction or breast reduction surgery. If you're feeling the fears, anxiety, and mental weight of going month after month without becoming pregnant, you know it's a real and serious health problem.

Infertility Insurance - It's the Law in 15 States

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Before you panic, check for mandated infertility treatment in your state. Fifteen states have laws specifically requiring insurers to provide some coverage - most likely limited coverage - for infertility treatment. Here's the list: California, New York, Texas, Massachusetts, Illinois, Ohio, Connecticut, Georgia, Hawaii, Arkansas, Maryland, Montana, New Mexico, West Virginia and Rhode Island.

Infertility Insurance - Limits, Mandates and ObamaCare - How to Pay For Infertility Treatment

But if you're in one of these states, check the details about coverage limits because they vary greatly - some really generous and some ridiculously limited. More advanced treatments such as IVF and egg donation may not be covered. And even if you live in a state mandating liberal coverage, your group health plan may be excluded under the law because your employer is a small company. Or the definition of infertility may exclude your case - really, check the law.

No Mandated Coverage in Other States

In the 35 states without laws requiring infertility insurance coverage, you're dependent on the generosity of your employer's health plan. But only about one in four plans cover infertility treatment. Those plans impose limits on specific types of treatment or extent of treatment or dollar limits on treatments or drugs. So your out-of-pocket costs will probably be significant even if you have some coverage.

New Federal Health Care Law - ObamaCare

President Obama's health care initiative has been highly touted as a big improvement, a broad overhaul that will bring expanded coverage and fairness across the board. Maybe it will, but don't count on it to provide comprehensive infertility insurance coverage. Consider:

- If you need help now, or even next year, it won't help you. Some benefits in the law are in effect now, but the vast majority of changes to insurance coverage won't be implemented until 2013.

- Nothing in the new law's 2,000+ pages specifically addresses coverage for infertility treatment or implies mandated coverage for infertility. There may or may not be some coverage, we won't know until full details are worked out.

What to Do

Be realistic - you can only deal with the here and now. If the reality of infertility treatment cost is overwhelming and you are committed as a couple to having children, consider these steps:

- Get a realistic estimate of the likely costs for the full course treatment you will need.

- Carefully examine details of the insurance plans covering each of you to determine exactly what costs will be covered.

- If one partner's plan is more generous than the other's, consider shifting to the plan with better infertility coverage.

- Otherwise, you might consider changing jobs, if you have the opportunity to work for a company with especially generous insurance benefits.

- Finally, consider relocating to a state with better mandated coverage.

If none of those options are available, you will probably have to pay for infertility treatments from resources available to you. With the cost established, consider these possible sources:

- Your infertility clinic may offer payment plans or guarantees to cap your costs at a certain level. Carefully evaluate those plans before agreeing.

- If you have a flexible-spending account for health costs, it can be used to pay for infertility treatment.

- You can withdraw from your 401-K account, but beware of the tax bite you may incur.

- If you have lived in your home for a few years, you may have enough equity to get a home equity loan at a very favorable rate.

- Your parents (eager future grandparents) may be able and willing to help.

Infertility Insurance - Limits, Mandates and ObamaCare - How to Pay For Infertility Treatment

Donna Williams is a teacher and health educator with personal experience dealing with infertility issues. For more information about infertility insurance and specific advice on other infertility concerns, visit her website http://www.infertility-help-advice-answers.com - a resource for couples dealing with infertility issues.

Scientific Study Shows How To Stop Eye Disease - Proof That A Natural Extract Can Stop Eye Disease

A scientific study showed how it's possible to stop eye diseases. It is definitive proof that a naturally occurring substance could help stop some eye diseases.

A press release of July 31, 2007 by Sirtris Pharmaceuticals, Inc., which is a biopharmaceutical company based in Cambridge, Massachusetts and listed on the NASDAQ stock exchange as SIRT, focused on how it discovered a means to facilitate anti-aging; and specifically how to stop optic neuritis.

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The findings, which presented definitive proof that eye diseases may be stopped with a naturally occurring substance, appeared in an article entitled "SIRT1 Activation Confers Neuroprotection in Experimental Optic Neuritis, Shindler et al., 2007" that was published in The Investigative Ophthalmology and Visual Science Journal (IOVS), Volume 48, Number 8.

Scientific Study Shows How To Stop Eye Disease - Proof That A Natural Extract Can Stop Eye Disease

Optic neuritis is an eye disease, which affects the optic nerve comprised of axons emerging from the retina of the eye. The optic nerve carries visual information to the main visual nuclei, of which is primarily relayed to the outer layer of the occipital lobe of the brain; where the brain processes information into vision.

Swelling of the optic nerve can result in loss of vision more often than not because the inflammation results in destruction of the myelin sheath, which covers the optic nerve. Uninterrupted axonal damage often plays a role in neural destruction.

Optic neuritis is commonly linked to conditions including:

• Autoimmune disorders,
• Multiple sclerosis,
• Huntington disease,
• Infections, and
• Granulomatous diseases.

The scientific study at Sirtris showed, that by developing small molecule interference, eye diseases could be stopped. Sirtris hopes that he substance used in the scientific study will be approved by the FDA to treat diseases related to aging like Type II Diabetes and Macular Degeneration.

The scientific study showed that activating the SIRT1 gene, which is an enzyme in the sirtuin family, with SRT501 (resveratrol); optic neuritis be relieved. Sirtris presented pictures related to the microscopic analysis of the optic nerves of mice, which they performed; after the mice initially were induced to have optic neuritis, then anesthetized--and finally the mice had the nerves leading to the occipital injected with the SIRT1 formula.

Sirtris offered the results of the experiment as definitive proof that resveratrol could be associated with anti-aging, and that their SIRT1 a formula was a debilitating factor when used to deter some eye diseases.

Resveratrol was the agent to which the scientists assigned credit for activation of the anti-aging gene SIRT1 in mice; and they took it one step further by inferring that humans could generally, and conveniently, become accustomed to the adaptation of resveratrol as a neuroprotective agent against optic neuritis.

Therefore, Sirtris offered the study as proof that eye diseases associated with optic neuritis in humans could be stopped too, simply by using resveratrol.

The gradually loss of neurons associated with age may bring about a various debilitating neurological disorders, one of which is optic neuritis. One of the initial signs of multiple sclerosis is optic neuritis, and it's been associated with a reduction of mitochondrial function.

Sirtuin, which is a new class of enzymes and only recently discovered, appears to influence the aging process in test mammals, and Sirtris offered the study under review as proof that it increases the number and fundamental operation of mitochondria.

According to results of the scientific study, resveratrol is an SIRT1 activator and it fundamentally deterred losing retinal ganglion cells in test animals; thereby preserving axonal function in a pre-clinical model of optic neuritis.

A single intravitreal injection of SRT501, which is the proprietary resveratrol formula developed by Sirtris, was adequate for neuroprotection. What's more; the neuroprotective effect was proof that activation of SIRT1 was the reason for the significant results because that was how sirtinol, which is a SIRT1 inhibitor, was blocked.

Peter Elliott, Ph.D. said, "This work is significant because it shows that a SIRT1 activator is neuroprotective and thus has the potential to be therapeutic for a range of neurodegenerative diseases of aging."

Christoph Westphal, M.D., Ph.D., who was the Chief Executive Officer of Sirtris Pharmaceuticals, Inc. until April 2010; added, "These new data support our belief in SIRT1 as a therapeutic target for a broad range of diseases of aging including metabolic, mitochondrial, and neurological disorders."

Sirtris Pharmaceuticals, a biopharmaceutical company, is focused on inventing and developing proprietary small molecule drugs, which can be administered by physicians via intravitreal injection; and the research project under review in this expose' concerns their SRT501 resveratrol formula. Whether or not Sirtris plans to make their SRT501 formula available as an over-the-counter supplement remains to be seen.

But the question, which will remain unanswered in this editorial; is, "Can over-the-counter resveratrol stop many of the diseases that are associated with aging simply by taking a capsule of it once or twice a day, without a prescription from a medical doctor?"

Some of the diseases, which need to be considered in a future scientific study that could provide proof that such a miracle capsule would really work to stop eye diseases, include metabolic disorders such as:

• Type 2 Diabetes,
• Alzheimer's disease,
• Optic neuritis, and
• Macular degeneration.

The study wouldn't be limited to those diseases specifically, but it will look at overall general health of individuals.

People who would like to be candidates for such a study would have to understand that the nutritional supplements, one of which would include an over-the-counter formula with a substantial amount of resveratrol, would be formulated to mimic beneficial health effects that'd ultimately be equivalent to calorie restriction; without necessitating a change of eating habits.

Activation of the newly discovered class of enzymes, sirtuin, is the foundation upon which Sirtris has offered proof via several scientific studies; that resveratrol is an anti-aging agent. The company's headquarters are in Cambridge, Massachusetts.

The press release, upon which this article is based; contained forward-looking statements, which were contained in it that conform to the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Those statements included, but they weren't limited to, potential therapeutic benefits of resveratrol; and they have proof that it is an SIRT1 activator.

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) hasn't evaluated the statements contained within this commentary. Over-the-counter resveratrol supplements are not intended to prevent, diagnose, cure or treat any disease.

The sole purpose of over-the-counter resveratrol is to activate the SIRT1 gene, which in theory would allow people to age normally without maladies commonly associated with getting older; so, as the scientific study discussed in this editorial shows, it's how some people might stop some debilitating eye diseases.

The information provided in this expose' is for educational purposes only. The information contained herein is not meant to be a substitute for medical advice of physicians, or the advice of which any other medical professionals might provide.

The accounts contained within this document shouldn't be used as a basis to diagnose or treat any health problem and/or disease; nor should any product containing resveratrol be used as a substitution for a medication that's been prescribed by your physician.

Be sure to read all product packaging and labels carefully. If you think that you could have a medical problem, promptly consult a physician or a health care provider.

February 17, 2011 Copyright of J. Michael Brown

Scientific Study Shows How To Stop Eye Disease - Proof That A Natural Extract Can Stop Eye Disease

The FAITH Army mission is: Help people make more money while providing a means for a longer, healthier life. The 'Make More Money' link by the arrow below, has information about a joint venture with the FAITH Army. You'll get Free Websites, Free auto-responders & a lot more.

Make More Money Click the 'Make More Money' link because it has information about a way you could make more money than in a regular job. J Michael Brown, Chairman of the Board for the FAITH Army, is linked with TheFaithArmy.com

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The 10 Best Pregnancy Tips

On the eve of my baby's due date, I am unable to sleep. With baby moving in my belly, Braxton Hicks contractions spontaneously occurring (that often render me helpless, like a beetle on it's back waving its legs), and the enormous pressure in my pelvis that whisks me off to the toilet only to expel an unimpressive thimble full of pee every 15 minutes...I reflect upon the following 10 best parenting advice and pregnancy resources I received.

Pregnancy Tip 1:

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Learn to love your belly: Strangers on the street exclaimed, "Wow! Are you big! Must be any day now," when I was a mere four months pregnant. After months of experiencing a pang of panic each time I caught a glimpse of my reflection, I finally came to love my belly in a pregnancy photo shoot my girlfriend gave to me. The photographer was so supportive that I finally began to see myself how others did--a beautiful pregnant woman.

The 10 Best Pregnancy Tips

Pregnancy Tip 2:

Beg and borrow maternity clothes: No matter how ugly and how huge some of the maternity pieces seem, accept them all. You truly don't know how big you may get and how comfortable those hideous panels might be later on. Put away your pre-pregnancy clothes once you grow out of them so you aren't constantly grieving the loss of your old wardrobe.

Pregnancy Tip 3:

Let go of your due date: Did you know only 4% of babies are born on their actual due date? Who knew! Once I found out that it is perfectly normal for a baby to arrive anytime between 37 and 42 weeks of pregnancy, I let go of my due date altogether and followed the scout motto of "be prepared" (at any time during that five week window).

Pregnancy Tip 4:

Learn to enjoy your admiring public: Yes, strangers will sometimes see your belly as public property and dish out a host of comments and advice. My husband helped me to start having fun with this new celebrity status. For instance after being annoyed by comments such as, "Looks like your due any time now!" my husband suggested I say things like, "Yup, any minute now!" or even joke, "Can you believe I'm not due for another 8 months?!" The fact of the matter is most people actually mean well--this milestone in your life brings up fond memories for them.

Pregnancy Tip 5:

Find a health care practitioner you love: The ups and downs of your pregnancy require special support and pregnancy resources. Find someone who welcomes your questions, puts your fears to rest and supports you in having the best pregnancy and delivery you can. For me I found this support in my midwives who gave me one hour session and even made house calls. Plus, once I found out my midwives' statistics on c-sections, forceps use and episiotomies I was hooked! Other friends hired a doula (birth coach), or had a doctor they loved, and were thrilled with the care they received.

Pregnancy Tip 6:

Listen and learn to trust your body: Surrendering to my cravings (turkey sandwiches with cranberry sauce and chocolate ice cream), the need of extra sleep (sometimes I would simply sit down to rest and suddenly wake up two hours later!) and being gentle with myself was what got me through.

Also, reading parenting books like The Girlfriends Guide... (for the humor and practicality), to fabulous hardcore midwifery books like Ina May's Guide To Pregnancy (my favorite) helped me to learn to trust my body more than ever before. These books (another good one was Birthing From Within) helped to dissolve many of my fears, as I learned things like no matter how big your baby is, babies heads are mostly around the same size, and are designed by nature to make the journey through the birth canal.

Pregnancy Tip 7:

Find other pregnant women and hang out with them: My pre-natal exercise class is a real pregnancy resource blessing. Not only am I getting fit but I found a sense of belonging, where I could really let my belly hang out with the best of them. Whenever I began to pity myself (like on an especially nauseous day) I would find another pregnant woman who was going through a tougher situation (like kidney stones or painful hemorrhoids!), or a real trouper in class would say something that lifted my spirits. Plus, by finding other pregnant women I saved my non-pregnant friends the hassle of listening to me share every play-by-play experience of my pregnancy--which likely saved a few of my friendships. ;-)

Pregnancy Tip 8:

Spend money only on the baby things that will make a real difference to you and borrow or buy the rest second-hand: Babies don't care about paint chips and décor, only about being close to the milk source--you! The fact they will rapidly grow out of any and all clothes helped put my priorities in order. So we splurged on the things that mattered to me: the stroller (as I am a huge walker), a safe car seat (for obvious reasons) and a rocker/glider (once I realized that I could be feeding up to twelve hours a day for the first six weeks).

The rest we either borrowed or bought second-hand, and we saved a mint! By getting so many great deals from places like eBay, and going to local 'mothers of multiples' sales I saved enough to put away for extra cleaning hours, and a special service to bring meals in during the first three months of our child's life.

Pregnancy Tip 9:

'Morning sickness' can happen at anytime!: Morning sickness can happen at any hour of the day, all day or not at all. Fortunately not often, it can even creep into the second or third trimester like it did with me.

Pregnancy Tip 10:

Everyone's experience of pregnancy is different, so take what is useful and ignore the rest: So many experiences and so many people dishing out advice. What I have observed is that pregnancy for the most part is the great equalizer--if you don't get something on one end you'll likely get something on the other. Fortunately, whatever our pregnancy experience may be, the majority of us end up with a little bundle of joy that makes the journey worth all the effort.
I am off to bed now to join my sleeping husband and my five pillows that prop up my bountiful belly, my buxom boobs and weary head. As I go off to sleep, I go with gratitude in my heart, knowing that soon we will be welcoming a beautiful new addition into our little family. This truly is the greatest parenting miracle of all.

The 10 Best Pregnancy Tips

Kelly Nault-Matzen, MA, family counselor, corporate parenting spokesperson and award winning parenting author of When You’re About To Go Off The Deep End, Don’t Take Your Kids With You shares time-tested tools that motivate children to want to be well behaved, responsible and happy! To gain access to more parenting tools and to access your free online parenting course visit http://www.ultimateparenting.com