Crossing the 50 billion km mark & giving Google Maps for Android a fresh look

(Cross-posted on the Official Google Blog)

Every day, millions of people turn to Google Maps for Android for free, voice-guided GPS navigation to guide them to their destination. So far, Navigation on Google Maps for Android has provided 50 billion kilometers of turn-by-turn directions, the equivalent of 130,000 trips to the moon, 334 trips to the sun, 10 trips to Neptune or 0.005 light years! When getting to your destination matters most, Google Maps for Android will get you there:

A new look for Navigation on Android 4.0+ phones
In today’s release of Google Maps 6.5 for Android we’ve redesigned the Navigation home screen in Android 4.0+ to make it easier to enter a new destination or select from recent and favorite locations by swiping left or right.

Left: New Navigation home screen Right: Navigation in Google Maps for Android

Crisper, faster maps for high pixel density devices
If your device has a high pixel density screen, such as those on Galaxy Nexus, Galaxy S II, Droid Razr and others, you’ll now get higher resolution map tiles that take better advantage of the pixels-per-inch on your screen. The result is a crisper, less cluttered map that is easier to read:

Left: Previous style Right:New style in Google Maps 6.5 for Android

Compare our new map on the right to the previous map on the left. The road network is easier to see, less obstructed by labels, and has more color contrast. At more zoomed-in levels, you’ll notice a more controlled amount of maps labels to avoid cluttering the map and blocking out street names. The new style also helps maps react faster to panning, zooming, and twisting.

You'll start seeing the new style as you navigate around new areas on the map; however, you can see these changes immediately by clearing your cache from the Maps settings.

Pick your preferred public transit mode and route option
Google Maps 6.5 for Android now lets you choose to prioritize a particular transit mode (such as the bus or subway) and route option (like taking the recommended route, one with fewer transfers or one with less walking). Whether you just need to get somewhere as fast as possible, or you want to avoid the risk of a missed connection or you prefer not to tire your legs, you can get the transit directions that best suit you. Transit directions and schedules are available for 475 cities around the world.

To start using Google Maps 6.5 for Android, download the update from Google Play. Learn more about how to use other great features of Google Maps for Android on the redesigned Google Maps YouTube channel that has 12 new videos available today.

Posted by Harlan Hile, Software Engineer

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Sulfur for Health

Sulphur, or in the US 'sulfur', is a basic mineral necessary for healing.  I am pleased to be able to offer my clients and readers an excellent organic form of sulfur.  It is the one I use.  I also can offer an excellent quality product for balneotherapy.

Sulfur is very interesting in the way it works and how it benefits your health. And it is great for pain, inflammation, and anti aging.

I have many clients with diabetes using it and they have found that their blood sugar levels are coming down.

Use sulfur (organic MSM) to help prevent glycation of your cells, allowing insulin to carry glucose.   You may have trouble losing weight even though you have been working out because Sugar molecules cross link with collagen to make your cell walls THICK.  This acts to block the hormone insulin from carrying in glucose you need to FUEL your cells and give you ENERGY!

Take  sulfur twice a day in water to help unglycate your cells! Biologically active sulfur (unlike most MSM sold today) will make your cell membranes more permeable so insulin can carry in the glucose and oxygen (O2) can flood into the cell. Your mitochondria start producing energy once they have enough oxygen. (When cells produce energy in an anaerobic environment, one by product is LACTIC ACID which makes you feel sore!)

Sulfur is a great way to get O2 into the cells. ATP is energy for the cells, but you need O2 to produce it! 

When insulin can't bring in the glucose that you need you gain fat and most often belly fat.  In America the Obesity/ Diabetes epidemic is out of control!

Stop eating sugar and fast acting carbs! Start monitoring your blood sugar,  Use supplements such as chromium polynicotinate and l-glutamine to lower blood sugar levels and stop carb cravings. (Ask us more about this).

Start eating good fats.... that will help convert your body from a glucose burner to a ketone burner and you will start burning your own body fat if you do, and thats GOOD!Good fats include cultured butter, olive and coconut oil. Eating healthy fat doesn't make you fat.  Eating carbs and too much protein (which breaks down into glucose) does. Eat lots of green leafy vegetable and cut out bread, crackers, cookies, ice cream, cake, and beer.Kettlebells make a great exercise proggram that doesn't take more than 10 minutes a day. Walking, cycling, swimming and gardening are also good forms of exercise. Sulfur will help you avoid lactic acid buildup causing pain, and it will help you by making more oxygen available to your sells. (Lactic acid is generated when cells produce energy in an anaerobic environment.)

AND DON'T FORGET TO GET YOUR HEALTH FORENSICS CONSULTATION,

 the road to new health.

About Sulfur -

Sulfur is a naturally occurring mineral that is found mostly near hot springs and volcanic craters. It has a distinct "rotten egg" smell, caused by sulfur dioxide gas escaping into the air. As a supplement, sulfur is available in two forms: dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) and methylsulfonylmethane (MSM). About 15% of DMSO breaks down into MSM in the body. Both have been touted as treatments for pain.

MSM and DMSO are commonly used in veterinary medicine.

MSM occurs naturally in some plants, such as horsetail; fruits and vegetables; some grains; and milk. MSM is important in joint health and helps form connective tissue -- cartilage, tendons, and ligaments. It may also slow the nerve impulses that transmit pain signals, reducing pain.

DMSO is a chemical byproduct of papermaking and is used as an industrial solvent, as well as for medicine. The Food and Drug Administration has approved DMSO for intravesical use. That means it is instilled in the bladder by a doctor to treat interstitial cystitis. DMSO is also used in creams and taken by mouth for pain and other conditions. Unlike MSM, DMSO is absorbed through the skin.

Never use industrial-grade DMSO as a supplement, because it may contain dangerous impurities. 

You should talk to your doctor before either taking DMSO internally or applying it to your skin.

People also apply sulfur products to the skin to treat acne and other skin conditions.

Mud baths containing sulfur, often called balneotherapy, can help treat skin disorders and arthritis. Balneotherapy is one of the oldest forms of pain relief for people with arthritis. The term "balneo" comes from the Latin word for bath and means soaking in thermal or mineral waters. Some people claim these baths are useful for allergies and respiratory problems.

There are more than 1 million scienece based articles about MSM.

Skin DisordersSulfur baths, and other forms of sulfur applied to the skin, seem to help treat psoriasis, eczema, dandruff, folliculitis (infected hair follicles), warts, and pityriasis versicolor, a long-lasting skin disorder characterized by patches of skin that are a different color from the usual skin tone.
Arthritis

• Balneotherapy --
 Well-designed studies, most conducted in Israel, suggest that balneotherapy can help treat several different kinds of arthritis, including osteoarthritis (OA), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and psoriatic arthritis. People who took sulfur baths and other spa therapies improved strength, had less morning stiffness, had better walking ability, and less inflammation, swelling, and pain in joints, particularly in the neck and back. Mud packs and Dead Sea salts dissolved in a regular bath tub also improved symptoms of arthritis, but not as effectively as soaking in the Dead Sea itself.

• MSM --
 MSM is a popular supplement for treating the pain of arthritis, including both OA and RA. But there is not much scientific evidence that it works. One preliminary study suggested that 6,000 mg of MSM did improve pain and function without side effects in people with OA of the knee. Some preparations combine MSM with glucosamine to treat OA. One study suggests that approach might help, but more research is needed to be sure.

• DMSO --
 Several studies suggest that DMSO creams may reduce pain and swelling in people with RA and OA, but not all studies agree. Some find that DMSO is no better than placebo. More research is needed.

Allergic Rhinitis (Hay Fever)One preliminary study showed found that taking 2,600 mg of MSM per day for 30 days reduced symptoms of seasonal allergies. But more and larger studies are needed to see whether there is any real effect.
ShinglesTopical DMSO has been proposed as a treatment to relieve pain and inflammation of shingles (herpes zoster). Some evidence suggests it may reduce the number of lesions and lower inflammation, but more studies are needed.
Interstitial CystitisAlthough research is limited, the FDA has approved DMSO to treat interstitial cystitis, a chronic bladder inflammation that causes frequent and nighttime urination, as well as pain. When DMSO is used to treat interstitial cystitis, a doctor inserts a liquid solution of DMSO directly into the bladder. General anesthesia may be needed because the procedure can be painful and may cause bladder spasms.
AmyloidosisSeveral case reports suggest that DMSO, applied in creams or taken by mouth, may help treat amyloidosis, a condition where protein builds up in the body's organs and damages them. However, because the condition is rare, there are no scientific studies about DMSO and amyloidosis. Take DMSO, or apply it in creams, only with your doctor's supervision.
Dietary Sources:
MSM is found in protein-rich foods such as eggs, meat, poultry, fish, and legumes. Other good sources include garlic, onions, Brussels sprouts, asparagus, kale, and wheat germ.
Available Forms:
Sulfur supplements are available in two main forms: dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) and methylsulfonylmethane (MSM).
Healthy people who eat a well-balanced diet don' t usually need extra sulfur. People who follow a vegan diet, however, may be at risk for sulfur deficiency.
Ointments, creams, lotions, and dusting powders containing sulfur are available to treat skin rashes. Natural sulfur baths -- the kind usually found at hot springs -- may help ease pain associated with arthritis.
How to Take It:
PediatricDon' t give sulfur to a child.
AdultThere is no recommended dietary allowance for sulfur. Most people get all they need from their diet.

• Arthritis: Studies have used a dose by mouth of 500 - 3,000 mg MSM per day; or topical doses of a cream or gel with 25% DMSO applied 1 - 3 times per day

• Hayfever: One study used 2,600 mg per day.

• Amyloidosis: Case reports have used a dose by mouth of 7 - 15 g DMSO per day; or, topical doses of 50 - 100% DMSO applied 2 times per week.

Precautions:
Because of the potential for side effects and interactions with medications, you should take dietary supplements only under the supervision of a knowledgeable health care provider.
Researchers believe MSM is safe. However, you should talk to your doctor before taking large doses of this or any other supplement.
Do not take DMSO internally except under your doctor's supervision. Side effects of taking DMSO internally include headache, dizziness, drowsiness, nausea and vomiting, diarrhea, or constipation. Used topically, DMSO can cause skin irritation.
If you have diabetes, asthma or liver, kidney or heart conditions, do not use DMSO. Never take industrial-grade DMSO.
DMSO should not be used by pregnant or breastfeeding women.
Possible Interactions:
There are no reports to suggest that MSM interacts with any conventional medications. The only indication I have found is possibly with warfarin or other blood thinning medicine.
However, DMSO may interact with a number of other medications. Talk to your doctor before using DMSO.
Read more: http://www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/sulfur-000328.htm#ixzz1qQrBbxoR

Continue reading →

Sulfur for Health

Sulphur, or in the US 'sulfur', is a basic mineral necessary for healing.  I am pleased to be able to offer my clients and readers an excellent organic form of sulfur.  It is the one I use.  I also can offer an excellent quality product for balneotherapy.

Sulfur is very interesting in the way it works and how it benefits your health. And it is great for pain, inflammation, and anti aging.

I have many clients with diabetes using it and they have found that their blood sugar levels are coming down.

Use sulfur (organic MSM) to help prevent glycation of your cells, allowing insulin to carry glucose.   You may have trouble losing weight even though you have been working out because Sugar molecules cross link with collagen to make your cell walls THICK.  This acts to block the hormone insulin from carrying in glucose you need to FUEL your cells and give you ENERGY!

Take  sulfur twice a day in water to help unglycate your cells! Biologically active sulfur (unlike most MSM sold today) will make your cell membranes more permeable so insulin can carry in the glucose and oxygen (O2) can flood into the cell. Your mitochondria start producing energy once they have enough oxygen. (When cells produce energy in an anaerobic environment, one by product is LACTIC ACID which makes you feel sore!)

Sulfur is a great way to get O2 into the cells. ATP is energy for the cells, but you need O2 to produce it! 

When insulin can't bring in the glucose that you need you gain fat and most often belly fat.  In America the Obesity/ Diabetes epidemic is out of control!

Stop eating sugar and fast acting carbs! Start monitoring your blood sugar,  Use supplements such as chromium polynicotinate and l-glutamine to lower blood sugar levels and stop carb cravings. (Ask us more about this).

Start eating good fats.... that will help convert your body from a glucose burner to a ketone burner and you will start burning your own body fat if you do, and thats GOOD!Good fats include cultured butter, olive and coconut oil. Eating healthy fat doesn't make you fat.  Eating carbs and too much protein (which breaks down into glucose) does. Eat lots of green leafy vegetable and cut out bread, crackers, cookies, ice cream, cake, and beer.Kettlebells make a great exercise proggram that doesn't take more than 10 minutes a day. Walking, cycling, swimming and gardening are also good forms of exercise. Sulfur will help you avoid lactic acid buildup causing pain, and it will help you by making more oxygen available to your sells. (Lactic acid is generated when cells produce energy in an anaerobic environment.)

AND DON'T FORGET TO GET YOUR HEALTH FORENSICS CONSULTATION,

 the road to new health.

About Sulfur -

Sulfur is a naturally occurring mineral that is found mostly near hot springs and volcanic craters. It has a distinct "rotten egg" smell, caused by sulfur dioxide gas escaping into the air. As a supplement, sulfur is available in two forms: dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) and methylsulfonylmethane (MSM). About 15% of DMSO breaks down into MSM in the body. Both have been touted as treatments for pain.

MSM and DMSO are commonly used in veterinary medicine.

MSM occurs naturally in some plants, such as horsetail; fruits and vegetables; some grains; and milk. MSM is important in joint health and helps form connective tissue -- cartilage, tendons, and ligaments. It may also slow the nerve impulses that transmit pain signals, reducing pain.

DMSO is a chemical byproduct of papermaking and is used as an industrial solvent, as well as for medicine. The Food and Drug Administration has approved DMSO for intravesical use. That means it is instilled in the bladder by a doctor to treat interstitial cystitis. DMSO is also used in creams and taken by mouth for pain and other conditions. Unlike MSM, DMSO is absorbed through the skin.

Never use industrial-grade DMSO as a supplement, because it may contain dangerous impurities. 

You should talk to your doctor before either taking DMSO internally or applying it to your skin.

People also apply sulfur products to the skin to treat acne and other skin conditions.

Mud baths containing sulfur, often called balneotherapy, can help treat skin disorders and arthritis. Balneotherapy is one of the oldest forms of pain relief for people with arthritis. The term "balneo" comes from the Latin word for bath and means soaking in thermal or mineral waters. Some people claim these baths are useful for allergies and respiratory problems.

There are more than 1 million scienece based articles about MSM.

Skin DisordersSulfur baths, and other forms of sulfur applied to the skin, seem to help treat psoriasis, eczema, dandruff, folliculitis (infected hair follicles), warts, and pityriasis versicolor, a long-lasting skin disorder characterized by patches of skin that are a different color from the usual skin tone.
Arthritis

• Balneotherapy --
 Well-designed studies, most conducted in Israel, suggest that balneotherapy can help treat several different kinds of arthritis, including osteoarthritis (OA), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and psoriatic arthritis. People who took sulfur baths and other spa therapies improved strength, had less morning stiffness, had better walking ability, and less inflammation, swelling, and pain in joints, particularly in the neck and back. Mud packs and Dead Sea salts dissolved in a regular bath tub also improved symptoms of arthritis, but not as effectively as soaking in the Dead Sea itself.

• MSM --
 MSM is a popular supplement for treating the pain of arthritis, including both OA and RA. But there is not much scientific evidence that it works. One preliminary study suggested that 6,000 mg of MSM did improve pain and function without side effects in people with OA of the knee. Some preparations combine MSM with glucosamine to treat OA. One study suggests that approach might help, but more research is needed to be sure.

• DMSO --
 Several studies suggest that DMSO creams may reduce pain and swelling in people with RA and OA, but not all studies agree. Some find that DMSO is no better than placebo. More research is needed.

Allergic Rhinitis (Hay Fever)One preliminary study showed found that taking 2,600 mg of MSM per day for 30 days reduced symptoms of seasonal allergies. But more and larger studies are needed to see whether there is any real effect.
ShinglesTopical DMSO has been proposed as a treatment to relieve pain and inflammation of shingles (herpes zoster). Some evidence suggests it may reduce the number of lesions and lower inflammation, but more studies are needed.
Interstitial CystitisAlthough research is limited, the FDA has approved DMSO to treat interstitial cystitis, a chronic bladder inflammation that causes frequent and nighttime urination, as well as pain. When DMSO is used to treat interstitial cystitis, a doctor inserts a liquid solution of DMSO directly into the bladder. General anesthesia may be needed because the procedure can be painful and may cause bladder spasms.
AmyloidosisSeveral case reports suggest that DMSO, applied in creams or taken by mouth, may help treat amyloidosis, a condition where protein builds up in the body's organs and damages them. However, because the condition is rare, there are no scientific studies about DMSO and amyloidosis. Take DMSO, or apply it in creams, only with your doctor's supervision.
Dietary Sources:
MSM is found in protein-rich foods such as eggs, meat, poultry, fish, and legumes. Other good sources include garlic, onions, Brussels sprouts, asparagus, kale, and wheat germ.
Available Forms:
Sulfur supplements are available in two main forms: dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) and methylsulfonylmethane (MSM).
Healthy people who eat a well-balanced diet don' t usually need extra sulfur. People who follow a vegan diet, however, may be at risk for sulfur deficiency.
Ointments, creams, lotions, and dusting powders containing sulfur are available to treat skin rashes. Natural sulfur baths -- the kind usually found at hot springs -- may help ease pain associated with arthritis.
How to Take It:
PediatricDon' t give sulfur to a child.
AdultThere is no recommended dietary allowance for sulfur. Most people get all they need from their diet.

• Arthritis: Studies have used a dose by mouth of 500 - 3,000 mg MSM per day; or topical doses of a cream or gel with 25% DMSO applied 1 - 3 times per day

• Hayfever: One study used 2,600 mg per day.

• Amyloidosis: Case reports have used a dose by mouth of 7 - 15 g DMSO per day; or, topical doses of 50 - 100% DMSO applied 2 times per week.

Precautions:
Because of the potential for side effects and interactions with medications, you should take dietary supplements only under the supervision of a knowledgeable health care provider.
Researchers believe MSM is safe. However, you should talk to your doctor before taking large doses of this or any other supplement.
Do not take DMSO internally except under your doctor's supervision. Side effects of taking DMSO internally include headache, dizziness, drowsiness, nausea and vomiting, diarrhea, or constipation. Used topically, DMSO can cause skin irritation.
If you have diabetes, asthma or liver, kidney or heart conditions, do not use DMSO. Never take industrial-grade DMSO.
DMSO should not be used by pregnant or breastfeeding women.
Possible Interactions:
There are no reports to suggest that MSM interacts with any conventional medications. The only indication I have found is possibly with warfarin or other blood thinning medicine.
However, DMSO may interact with a number of other medications. Talk to your doctor before using DMSO.
Read more: http://www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/sulfur-000328.htm#ixzz1qQrBbxoR

Continue reading →

Know Your Risk for Type 2 Diabetes

(Salt Lake City) – Right now, an estimated 45,000 Utahns have a potentially deadly disease―diabetes―and don’t even know it. The Utah Department of Health (UDOH), in honor of Diabetes Alert Day, wants to help those people know the signs and symptoms.

Diabetes is a metabolic disorder that causes blood sugar to rise above normal levels. If left untreated, diabetes can lead to heart disease, blindness, kidney failure, and amputations. More than 120,000 Utahns have been diagnosed with diabetes.

Some warning signs of diabetes are excessive thirst, frequent urination, fatigue, or sores that are slow to heal. The disease is more common in African Americans, Hispanics/Latinos, American Indians, Asian Americans, and Pacific Islanders. Persons who are overweight, physically inactive, aged 45 or older, or have a family history of diabetes are at higher risk for the disease. Women who have had gestational diabetes, or have had a baby weighing nine or more pounds at birth, are also at greater risk.

One of the strongest risk factors for type 2 diabetes is pre-diabetes, a condition that occurs when blood sugar levels are elevated but not high enough to reach the clinical threshold for a diabetes diagnosis. Experts believe as many as one out of three Utahns have pre-diabetes. And unless they start taking care of the problem now, they’ll likely develop full-blown diabetes within 10 years.

However, according to Nathan Peterson, Manager, UDOH Diabetes Prevention and Control Program, there is good news.

“Preventing diabetes doesn’t require drastic lifestyle changes,” says Peterson. “Small steps like getting a little more physical activity every day or losing even a few pounds can have a big impact on lowering your chance of developing diabetes.” 

Even if you don’t have symptoms and want to know if you’re at risk, Peterson suggests all adults take the diabetes risk test at www.YourDiabetesInfo.org/alertday2012.

  

In addition, The National Diabetes Education Program invites people at risk for diabetes to visit their Just One Step website for information about easy ways to dramatically improve their health. 

For more information about diabetes prevention and control, visit http://health.utah.gov/diabetes/.

Media Contact:

Christine Weiss

(o) 801- 538-9458 (m) 801-471-8073

Nathan Peterson

(o) 801-538-9291(m) 801-641-5009

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Google Voice for Android, now with Ice Cream Sandwich voicemail integration

(Cross posted on the Google Voice Blog)

Since we launched Google Voice back in 2009, we’ve supported visual voicemail so you could open the Google Voice app, see all your voicemails with text transcripts, and play them on-demand. But sometimes when I get a missed call, I don’t want to jump between my call log and the Google Voice app to see who has called me and what message they left.

So, today, we’re updating our mobile app so you can view and listen to your voicemails on demand directly from the call log on your Android phone. Your voicemails will appear alongside your outgoing, incoming, and missed calls in your phone’s call log and you can just simply touch them to play them. You can slow down the playback of the message which is great for when someone is telling you their callback number, or you even speed playback up, so you can quickly listen to longer messages.

To turn this feature on, download the latest app from Google Play and check “Voicemail display” under settings. This new feature requires Android 4.0+.

Posted by Yong-Hoon Choi, Software Engineer

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Uninsured Adults Urged to Apply for Health Coverage

What:   Utah’s Primary Care Network (PCN) will open enrollment today,  March 19 through Friday, March 30. PCN is a primary preventive health coverage plan for uninsured adults.

Benefits include physician services, prescriptions, dental services, eye exams, emergency room visits, birth control, and general preventive services.

Why:     Since December 2011, PCN has been closed for enrollment and has not accepted new applications. Beginning today through March 30, all uninsured Utah adults may apply online, by mail, or in person to receive primary health care.

Who:     Adults who meet the following requirements may apply:

                - Age 19 through 64

                - U.S. citizens or legal residents

                - Not covered by other health insurance

                - Meet income guidelines (e.g., a family of 4 with a maximum  income of $34,575 per year)

                - Not qualified for Medicaid

                - Have no access to student health insurance, Medicare or Veterans  benefits

For more information, contact:

Kolbi Young

PR and Marketing

801-538-6847 / 801-231-6350

kolbiyoung@utah.gov

When: Today, March 19 through Friday, March 30 at 5:00 p.m.

Where:  Apply online at www.health.utah.gov/pcn  or call the PCN hotline at 1-888-222-2542.

-End-

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For more information, contact: Kolbi Young PR and Marketing 801-538-6847 / 801-231-6350 kolbiyoung@utah.gov Uninsured Adults Urged to Apply for Health Coverage Primary Care Network opens enrollment today What: Utah’s Primary Care Network (PCN) will open enrollment today, March 19 through Friday, March 30. PCN is a primary preventive health coverage plan for uninsured adults. Benefits include physician services, prescriptions, dental services, eye exams, emergency room visits, birth control, and general preventive services. Why: Since December 2011, PCN has been closed for enrollment and has not accepted new applications. Beginning today through March 30, all uninsured Utah adults may apply online, by mail, or in person to receive primary health care. Who: Adults who meet the following requirements may apply: - Age 19 through 64 - U.S. citizens or legal residents - Not covered by other health insurance - Meet income guidelines (e.g., a family of 4 with a maximum income of $34,575 per year) - Not qualified for Medicaid - Have no access to student health insurance, Medicare or Veterans benefits When: Today, March 19 through Friday, March 30 at 5:00 p.m. Where: Apply online at www.health.utah.gov/pcn or call the PCN hot

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New Tobacco Exhibit/Campaign to Launch at Maverik Center

(SALT LAKE CITY) – As patrons enter the restrooms behind section 124 at the Maverik Center in West Valley City, they’ll be greeted by a red velvet rope with a sign that reads, “The TRUTH: Perspectives on Deadly Tobacco.” It’s the entrance to a new Utah Department of Health (UDOH) exhibit that paints a vivid portrait of tobacco’s painful consequences.

For example, one stall is completely black inside, with a plaque that describes the effect of tobacco smoke on the lungs. Another display is at a soap dispenser, which appears to be covered in tar.  A nearby sign details what’s really behind the yellow tar stains that often develop on the fingers and nails of smokers.

“We were looking for a unique way to tell Utahns just how tobacco makes you sick,” said Janae Duncan, UDOH Tobacco Prevention and Control Program. “People don’t expect to see messages like this in a bathroom, and we hope they’ll resonate as reasons to never start tobacco or to quit it for good.”

Maverik Center visitors will also find two columns in the arena designed to look like giant cigarettes being stamped out. “They’re 12 feet tall and right on the concourse, so they’re sure to grab people’s attention and get them talking, which is exactly what we want,” Duncan said.

Alll the displays also provide information on free and confidential quit resources like the Utah Tobacco Quit Line (1-800-QUIT-NOW) and www.UtahQuitNet.com.

“Maverik Center is excited to partner with the Utah Department of Health to display this creative messaging, which is certain to penetrate the minds of our patrons as to the dangers of tobacco,” said Andrew Carroll, Maverik Center Chief Marketing Officer. 

For the exhibit opening, UDOH is giving away tickets to the Grizzlies’ final two home games of the season. Utahns who have quit or tried to quit tobacco, and who share their story on Tobacco Free Utah’s Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/tobaccofreeUT, will receive five free tickets for their efforts.

Media Contact:

Janae Duncan

Tobacco Prevention and Control Program

(801) 538-9273

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New Study, Research Links Weight Loss + Omega 3

Research on Weight Loss Diets linked to Omega 3 (NuIQue)

Review of two studies that suggests successful weight loss is linked to correct Omega 3 balance

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Utah Youth Smoking Rates Decline

(Salt Lake City) – A new U.S. Surgeon General’s report says 3.6 million middle and high school students smoke, and urges states to discourage youth smoking through high- impact interventions, including tobacco tax hikes, smoking bans, and mass media campaigns

“Basically, the report says that the efforts Utah lawmakers and anti-tobacco advocates have made over the years are working, and should be a model for the nation,” said Utah Department of Health (UDOH) executive director Dr. David Patton.

The Utah Legislature approved a $1 per pack tax hike in 2010, and in recent years has also passed comprehensive tobacco control laws and funded effective programs statewide to keep tobacco products out of the hands of Utah youth. The measures have helped bring the teen smoking rate to 5.9%, down from the 1999 rate of nearly 12%. Nationally, 19.5% of teens smoke cigarettes.

“Studies show that when cigarettes get more expensive, teens stop buying them,” said Amy Sands, UDOH Tobacco Prevention and Control Program manager. “We can thank lawmakers, as well as the efforts of our local health departments, educators, and parents for protecting the current and future health of our young people.”

Over the last decade, illegal tobacco sales to underage youth during compliance checks  declined by 64%. At 5.7%, the rate of non-compliance is at its lowest recorded level. The 2010 tax hike also brought per capita sales of cigarettes down from 26.7 packs to 22.3 packs in 2011, the largest one-year decline since 1997.

While strides have been made in fighting tobacco addiction, more remains to be done:

•     More than 200,000 youth and adults in Utah continue to smoke.

•     The tobacco industry spends $60 million annually in Utah recruiting replacement smokers for the 1,150 who die from tobacco addiction.

•     For every tobacco-related death, at least two youths or young adults become new regular smokers, and nearly 90 percent of these “replacement smokers” try their first cigarette by age 18. 

•     Cigarette smoking immediately and permanently harms the health of kids and young adults.  Smoking quickly causes nicotine addiction, cardiovascular damage, and slows lung growth.

“We have every intention to continue our vigilance in protecting our children and addressing this leading cause of preventable death in Utah,” says Sands. “Working together to implement the findings of this report we can further benefit the youth and young adults of Utah.”

For more information or help quitting tobacco visit http://www.tobaccofreeutah.org/.

To see the Surgeon General’s report go to http://www.cdc.gov/Features/YouthTobaccoUse/.

Media Contact:

Karlee Adams

Health Program Specialist

(o) 801-538-6992

(m) 801-389-3709

 

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