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Thu, 22 May 2003 15:48:45 GMT

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WHAT'S MORE IMPORTANT IN MARKETING? THE PRODUCT? THE MARKET? OR WHAT?

Sun, 27 Apr 2003 14:00:00 GMT

"I'm not so interested in products," my partner explained to a mutual protégé. "Products change with the times. I'm interested in developing a sophisticated understanding of how our market works."

As someone who spends a good deal of time inventing new products, this comment shocked me. But it didn't take me very long to realize he was right.

Products -- good products -- are things that meet certain needs or solve particular problems. The same can be said of services. But what solves today's problem is not necessarily what will work tomorrow. The endless need to refine, reinvent … to make our products "new" … is evidence of that.

A common mistake a lot of entrepreneurs and executives make is becoming very knowledgeable about the product without knowing as much (or more) about how to market it. Product knowledge gives you the illusion of being in control because you can answer all your colleagues' questions and correct the technical guys when they are wrong -- but in the long run, it isn't as important as knowing how, when, and why your customers buy.

Having market knowledge means that you understand the attractiveness of the product rather than the product itself. It means that you understand its benefits, not just its features. It means that you know your customers' wants, needs, and desires so intimately that you can reinvent the product even before they realize it needs to be reinvented.

If you want to be a prime mover in business -- someone who can move your company forward when it has stalled and the person who can come up with that sorely needed blockbuster promotion -- become an expert in your market.

Being a market expert implies having a very good understanding of the selling process. How it's done. Why it works. What is essential and what is not.

Rate yourself by answering these questions:

1. What is the most important psychological benefit your product offers?

2. What is the most common mistake other marketers make when they sell it?

3. How have your customers' needs and desires changed in the recent past?

4. What changes have you made to accommodate those changes?

If you answered those questions quickly and confidently, you are doing the right kind of thinking. If you are hesitant about some of them, you've got to spend more time with your marketing hat on. If you have spent little time asking and answering such questions, you need to start from scratch. [ via www.earlytorise.com ]

Networking Tip

Sun, 27 Apr 2003 13:51:22 GMT

Asking for help and support is what networking is all about. But to save yourself -- and your contact -- time, you should always know exactly what it is that you want before you pick up the phone.

In his e-book "Creating Opportunities by Networking," Jeffrey J. Mayer suggests three phrases that will help you be clear and concise:

1. I need ... Do you have any ideas where I could find it?

2. I've got a problem and thought you might be able to help me with …

3. I'm looking for … and thought you might be able to tell me where to go.

Editorial note: If you're tired of calling the same people over and over again- and don't have enough prospects - you probably need to improve your networking skills. Jeffrey J. Mayer’s "Creating Opportunities by Networking" eBook teaches you how to become an expert networker. [ via www.earlytorise.com ]

Prevent Colds Through Exercise

Sun, 27 Apr 2003 13:48:20 GMT

In a study published in the journal Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, researchers compared the exercise habits and the number of colds for 547 adults aged 20 to 70. They found that both men and women who were active had as much as one-fourth fewer respiratory infections. We already know that exercise has many benefits -- preventing colds is an added bonus.

(Source: Dr. Al Sears' Health Confidential for Men newsletter)

Wed, 16 Apr 2003 13:07:43 GMT

The intuitive mind is a sacred gift and the rational mind is a faithful servant. We have created a society that honors the servant and has forgotten the gift. -- Albert Einstein

Sat, 29 Mar 2003 13:54:04 GMT

"Massage in essence is a relationship between two people who share equally
with each other in order to faciliate change.

That is why it is important to find a Therapist thats suits you.""

Thu, 27 Mar 2003 11:36:45 GMT

"I don't know what your destiny will be, but one thing I know: the only ones among you who will be really happy are those who will have sought and found how to serve." -- Albert Schweitzer

Thu, 13 Mar 2003 13:15:52 GMT

"A person experiences life as something separated from the rest - a kind of optical delusion of consciousness. Our task must be to free ourselves from this self-imposed prison, and through compassion, to find the reality of Oneness."-- Albert Einstein

Plant Killer

Wed, 12 Mar 2003 10:48:09 GMT

No matter how hard my mom tries, every plant or flower she has attempted to grow seems to wither and die an untimely death under her care. But she never gives up hope. While she was visiting home recently, my sister nudged me and pointed to a line of new plants placed by the kitchen window.

"Look," she whispered, "death row."

Boosting Immune Function

Tue, 11 Mar 2003 22:48:47 GMT

During periods of stress, the effectiveness of the body’s immune system is reduced. Research indicates that massage can increase the immune system’s cytotoxic capacity (the activity level of the body’s natural "killer cells") and decrease the number of T-cells, which improves the body’s immune functioning overall.

Easing Pain After Bypass Surgery

Tue, 11 Mar 2003 22:46:41 GMT

According to a pilot study conducted at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, massage therapy reduces pain and muscle spasms in patients who have undergone heart bypass surgery when patients are treated at the hospital after their surgery. Because of its effectiveness, 60 percent of the massage group expressed a willingness to pay for massage therapy out-of-pocket.

Helping Breast Cancer Survivors Cope Emotionally & Physically

Tue, 11 Mar 2003 22:46:04 GMT

Research shows therapeutic massage is an effective complement to traditional medical care for women suffering from the trauma of undergoing a lumpectomy, mastectomy or breast reconstruction. Pre-surgery, massage relaxes muscle tissue and increases the flow of lymph. Post surgery, women who use specialized lymph drainage techniques from a well-trained massage therapist as part of their treatment for lymphedema may experience less pain and swelling, as massage helps disperse build-up of lymphatic fluid. Although the physiological benefits are important, many women who’ve undergone breast cancer treatment report that the emotional benefits of massage are paramount. Women report that massage helps them reconnect with their bodies after this invasive surgery.

An Effective Treatment for Lower Back Pain

Tue, 11 Mar 2003 22:45:34 GMT

A study conducted by Beth Israel-Deaconess Center for Alternative Medicine Research and Education and the Center for Health Studies in Seattle concluded that therapeutic massage was an effective treatment for providing long-lasting benefits for patients suffering from chronic low back pain. In fact, researchers hypothesize that massage might be an effective alternative to conventional medical care for persistent low back pain. Researchers hope to continue their research to determine which components of the massage therapy experience contribute to its effectiveness.

Use & Acceptance of Massage Therapy Increasing

Tue, 11 Mar 2003 22:43:27 GMT

According to a recent report by the American Massage Therapy Association®, the massage therapy profession and the public's use of massage continue to grow in quantity as well as quantity. The most significant growth is in medical practitioners' and consumers' interest in and appreciation for massage therapy as an effective integrative and complementary modality. Mainstream acceptance of massage therapy continues its strong trend. Since 1997, the number of adult Americans who say they had a massage from a massage therapist in the previous 12 months jumped from 8% to 18%…Among people who had experienced severe back, neck or shoulder pain, the rate of use of massage therapy increased from 14.6% in 1996 to 19.4% in 1999. The massage explosion can be attributed partly to the growing population of tired, aging, not-quite-as-limber-as-they-once-were baby boomers, partly to an increased awareness of the effects of stress and of the physiological benefits of "pressing the flesh." Doctors and consumers are turning more and more to massage as an adjunct to regular health practices. More working-class professionals are using massage therapy to relieve stress and treat sore muscles. Massage therapists that once served only elite professionals or athletes see a wider range of clientele…[In addition,] an increasing number of corporations, small businesses and municipalities have found on-site massage to be a low-cost benefit with high payoff...By including 15 minutes of free massage therapy once each week, the Calvert Group, an investment firm in Bethesda, Maryland, reduced its turnover rate to 5% in an industry where the norm is 20%. Among emergency room patients, 31% report they have used massage in the past for painful conditions...Of the 14% of adults who spoke to their doctors or other healthcare providers in the past 12 months about massage therapy, 76% report that the conversation was favorable about massage…With this increasing demand, the number of massage therapists in the United States, including students, is [now] between 260,000 and 290,000. For the full report, including sources, visit the www.amtamassage.org news room.

DC Mugger

Tue, 11 Mar 2003 16:44:44 GMT

Late one night in the Washington, D.C. area a mugger wearing a ski mask jumped into the path of a well-dressed man and stuck a gun in his ribs.

"Give me your money," he demanded.

Indignant, the affluent man replied, "You can't do this - I'm a US Congressman!"

"In that case," replied the robber, "give me MY money!"

Guidelines Issued for Cancer Treatments (Including Lymph Drainage Massage)

Thu, 06 Mar 2003 20:49:07 GMT

By Alan R. Gaby, MD

Healthnotes Newswire (March 6, 2003)—A team of researchers has developed a set of guidelines to help doctors advise their patients about the safety and efficacy of various treatments for cancer. Their report, published in the Annals of Internal Medicine (2002:137:889–903), evaluates a wide range of therapies, including dietary modifications, nutritional supplements, herbs, acupuncture, massage therapy, and exercise.

Massage therapy may help relieve anxiety associated with cancer. A specific massage technique, called manual lymph drainage, was found to be beneficial for women with chronic swelling and pain in the arm (lymphedema) after surgery for breast cancer. Several precautions were suggested in relation to the use of massage in cancer patients. The therapist should avoid the area directly over known tumors (in order to minimize the possibility of spreading the tumor), should not massage over areas of bone that might be affected by the cancer (in order to reduce the risk of fracture), and should avoid deep massage in people who are prone to bleeding.

According to the report, acupuncture can help control chemotherapy-related nausea and may also be useful for the treatment of cancer-related pain.

Of the nutritional supplements evaluated, vitamin E in relatively small amounts (approximately three times the Recommended Dietary Allowance) was found to reduce the risk of prostate cancer. Vitamin A and beta-carotene, on the other hand, showed little evidence of benefit; in fact, taking beta-carotene actually increased the risk of lung cancer in smokers. Vitamin C was judged to be ineffective as a treatment for cancer; moreover, taking large amounts of this vitamin could potentially increase the risk of bleeding. Consequently, it was recommended that the use of vitamin C as a treatment for cancer be discouraged. No evidence was found to indicate that shark cartilage is an effective treatment for cancer.

The authors of the report reached their conclusions after reviewing a large body of published research. They relied mainly on randomized clinical trials, when they were available, and gave less weight to intervention trials that lacked a control group and to observational (epidemiological) studies.

While this report will help practitioners and the public to make wiser and better-informed choices regarding the prevention and treatment of cancer, its recommendations are by no means the final word. Many cancer treatments have not been well studied, and recommendations concerning their use will be updated as additional research is done. Furthermore, some of the conclusions reached in this report appear to have been based on a superficial analysis of the evidence.

For example, one study suggested that taking large amounts of vitamin C (10 grams per day) can prolong the lives of terminal cancer patients by more than five-fold. In that study, 8 of 100 terminal patients experienced dramatic improvement, and were still alive an average of 3.5 years after starting vitamin C supplementation. That study was not considered in the new report because it was not a randomized trial. However, the negative research that was reviewed had serious flaws. In the most widely publicized negative study, vitamin C supplementation was given only for a few months, rather than for the rest of the patients' lives, as in the positive study. Second, vitamin C therapy was abruptly withdrawn during the study, and the patients were immediately put on chemotherapy. Abruptly discontinuing vitamin C may result in "rebound" vitamin C deficiency, and giving chemotherapy in the face of acute vitamin C deficiency could increase the toxicity of the drugs. Third, there was evidence that the patients assigned to placebo were able to identify which treatment they were receiving, and that some patients in the placebo group were taking large amounts of vitamin C on the sly.

Concerning the alleged risk of bleeding from high-dose vitamin C, that side effect has never been reported to occur, even in people taking enormous quantities of vitamin C.

Despite its weaknesses, this report provides a great deal of useful information regarding the prevention and treatment of cancer. However, it also underscores the fact that a great deal remains unknown and that additional research is urgently needed.

Alan R. Gaby, MD, an expert in nutritional therapies, testified to the White House Commission on CAM upon request in December 2001. Dr. Gaby served as a member of the Ad-Hoc Advisory Panel of the National Institutes of Health Office of Alternative Medicine. He is the author of Preventing and Reversing Osteoporosis (Prima, 1994), and co-author of The Natural Pharmacy, 2nd Edition (Healthnotes, Prima, 1999), the A–Z Guide to Drug-Herb-Vitamin Interactions (Healthnotes, Prima, 1999), Clinical Essentials Volume 1 and 2 (Healthnotes, 2000), and The Patient’s Book of Natural Healing (Prima, 1999). A former professor at Bastyr University of Natural Health Sciences, in Kenmore, WA, where he served as the Endowed Professor of Nutrition, Dr. Gaby is the Chief Medical Editor for Healthnotes, Inc.

Copyright © 2003 Healthnotes, Inc. All rights reserved. Republication or redistribution of the Healthnotes® content is expressly prohibited without the prior written consent of Healthnotes, Inc. Healthnotes Newswire is for educational or informational purposes only, and is not intended to diagnose or provide treatment for any condition. If you have any concerns about your own health, you should always consult with a healthcare professional. Healthnotes, Inc. shall not be liable for any errors or delays in the content, or for any actions taken in reliance thereon. Healthnotes and the Healthnotes logo are registered trademarks of Healthnotes, Inc.

Tue, 04 Mar 2003 09:44:56 GMT

It could be argued that all leadership is appreciative leadership. It's the capacity to see the best in the world around us, in our colleagues, and in the groups we are trying to lead. It's the capacity to see the most creative and improbable opportunities in the marketplace. It's the capacity to see with an appreciative eye the true and the good, the better and the possible.
--David L Cooperrider, HR.com: Interview with David Cooperrider by David W. Creelman

Massage for Stress Reduction

Mon, 17 Feb 2003 23:35:53 GMT

In a study of 60 schoolchildren traumatized by Hurricane Andrew, Tiffany Field, director of the University of Miami’s Touch Research Institute, found that depression dropped in kids who received 30 minutes of massage twice a week for a month; kids who watched a relaxing video showed no improvement. And cortisol levels, the body’s marker for stress, declined significantly in the massage group compared with controls. [ via MSNBC ]

False Memory Planting: Bugs at Disney

Mon, 17 Feb 2003 15:38:40 GMT

A key, researchers said, is to add elements of touch, taste, sound and smell to the story.

In the Bugs Bunny study, Loftus talked with subjects about their childhoods and asked not only whether they saw someone dressed up as the character, but also whether they hugged his furry body and stroked his velvety ears. In subsequent interviews, 36 percent of the subjects recalled the cartoon rabbit.

In another study, Loftus suggested frog-kissing incidents that 15 percent of the group later recalled.

"It is sensory details that people use to distinguish their memories," said Loftus, who has conducted false memories experiments on 20,000 subjects over 25 years. "If you imbue the story with them, you'll disrupt this memory process. It's almost a recipe to get people to remember things that aren't true."

What is Holistic Health?

Thu, 06 Feb 2003 20:35:38 GMT

Interesting article and chart on difference between allopathic and holistic approaches. [via A Simpler Way ]

Wed, 05 Feb 2003 18:56:34 GMT

If vegetarians love animals so much, why do they eat all their food???

Tue, 04 Feb 2003 12:24:38 GMT

Massage therapists have just been named to the top ten list of most healthiest professions. Go to http://editorial.careers.msn.com/articles/tenhealthiest/ to check it out.

Eating Nuts Reduces Risk of Diabetes in Women

Sat, 01 Feb 2003 00:27:28 GMT

By Darin Ingels, ND

Healthnotes Newswire (January 30, 2003)—Women who consume nuts or peanut butter as part of their regular diet may reduce their risk of developing type 2 (adult onset) diabetes, according to a new study in the Journal of the American Medical Association (2002;288:2554–60). This study provides more evidence that type 2 diabetes may be prevented by making relatively simple dietary changes.

In this study, 83,818 female nurses from ages 30 to 55 were questioned in 1980 about their dietary habits. Frequency of nut consumption was recorded as never, less than one 1-ounce serving a week, one to four servings a week, or more than five servings a week.

During a 16-year follow-up period, women who consumed a 1-ounce serving of nuts more than five times a week had a 27% less chance of developing type 2 diabetes, compared with those who never ate nuts. Nut consumption between one and four servings per week also led to a reduction in type 2 diabetes risk, but to a lesser extent than seen with higher nut intake. Frequent consumption of peanut butter was also associated with a lower risk of developing diabetes. Concerns have been raised that, because of their high fat content, nuts could cause weight gain and increase the risk of heart disease. However, in this study, there was no significant change in body weight and no increase in the incidence of heart disease among the high nut consumers.

Type 2 diabetes has become a worldwide epidemic affecting more than 16 million people in the United States and 135 million people around the world. An estimated 300 million individuals will be affected worldwide by the year 2025. Type 2 diabetes is associated with several complications, such as heart disease, kidney disease, blindness, and circulation problems. Studies show that the risk of developing type 2 diabetes is increased by excessive alcohol consumption, smoking, obesity, and sedentary lifestyle. Some physicians believe that dietary factors particularly the high consumption of refined grains and sugar—may also play a significant role in the development of diabetes. The role of these dietary factors warrants further investigation.

Nuts are rich in fiber, magnesium, and many other essential nutrients. Other studies have shown that consuming fiber and magnesium can help achieve better blood sugar control. Peanuts are technically legumes (beans), but their nutritional content is similar to that of other types of nuts. Although it is not clear which components of nuts contribute to the decrease in diabetes risk, the evidence suggests that consuming nuts and peanut butter on a regular basis may help prevent a potentially devastating and life-threatening disease.

Darin Ingels, ND, MT (ASCP), received his bachelor’s degree from Purdue University and his Doctorate of Naturopathic Medicine from Bastyr University in Kenmore, WA. Dr. Ingels is the author of The Natural Pharmacist: Lowering Cholesterol (Prima, 1999) and Natural Treatments for High Cholesterol (Prima, 2000). He currently is in private practice at New England Family Health Associates located in Southport, CT, where he specializes in environmental medicine and allergies. Dr. Ingels is a regular contributor to Healthnotes and Healthnotes Newswire.

Relaxation (Including Massage) and Exercise Relieves Migraines

Sat, 01 Feb 2003 00:25:33 GMT

By Maureen Williams, ND

Healthnotes Newswire (January 30, 2003)—A treatment program for migraine sufferers that includes exercise and relaxation therapies is more effective than conventional treatment alone, according to a new study in Headache (2002;42:845–54).

Migraine is a disorder characterized by episodes of severe headaches, nausea, vomiting, and light and sound sensitivity. An estimated 30 million people in the United States suffer from migraines. This high prevalence and the significant disability associated with migraines make finding acceptable and affordable treatment a high priority.

Conventional treatment focuses on drug therapies, including nonprescription and prescription pain relievers, and medications designed to interrupt the biochemical processes that cause migraines. Most of these medications relieve migraine by restricting blood flow to the head, but their effects on blood vessels in other parts of the body can be problematic, particularly in people with heart and blood vessel diseases, people using other medications that affect blood flow, and pregnant and breast-feeding women. It is possible to become dependent on some of these medications. Furthermore, long-term frequent use of any of these medicines can result in additional headaches, known as medication overuse headaches, which are far more difficult to treat than common migraines. For these reasons, more than half of people who suffer from migraines stop seeking medical care for their headaches.

In the current study, 80 participants with migraines were randomly assigned to receive either a six-week comprehensive treatment program or standard medical care from family practice physicians. Standard medical care in this study included medications, referrals to other providers, or no treatment, while comprehensive treatment included drug therapies as needed along with exercise and relaxation therapies, two relaxing massages, and a lecture on diet. Participants were evaluated for pain and disability, quality of life, and medication use at the end of the six-week treatment period and three months later.

Pain frequency, intensity, and duration all decreased significantly after six weeks in the group receiving the comprehensive treatment program but increased slightly in the group receiving only medical treatment. In addition, the comprehensive treatment group rated their ability to function as improved by nearly 35% and their overall quality of life as improved by more than 35%, while the conventional treatment group reported slight reductions in their ability to function and in their quality of life. The improvements noted by the comprehensive treatment group were even more significant at the three-month evaluation, with ability to function increased by 51% and quality of life by 57%. Individuals who continued with their exercise program had more improvement than those who did not.

Studies over the past 30 years have consistently found that behavioral therapies, primarily relaxation training and stress reduction, effectively reduce migraine and another type of headache known as tension headache. A review of these studies revealed that behavioral therapies consistently reduced migraine and tension headaches between 35% and 50%. Few studies, however, have compared behavioral therapies with conventional treatment. One such study found that the combination of behavioral and drug therapies was more effective than drug therapies alone in treating medication overuse headache. The current study shows that a comprehensive treatment program is also a better approach for treating uncomplicated migraine. Furthermore, participants in this study found that exercise therapy was the most important aspect of their treatment.

Dietary approaches, such as limiting foods high in the amino acid tyramine and identifying and avoiding allergenic foods, are helpful for some people with migraines. Although participants in the comprehensive treatment group were given a lecture on diet, the authors did not describe the type of dietary advice given, and did not attribute the reduction in migraines to any specific dietary changes.

Other natural approaches to preventing and treating migraines include supplementing with nutrients such as magnesium, riboflavin, and coenzyme Q10. The herb feverfew has also been shown to reduce the recurrence rate of migraines.

Maureen Williams, ND, received her bachelor’s degree from the University of Pennsylvania and her Doctorate of Naturopathic Medicine from Bastyr University in Seattle, WA. She has a private practice in Quechee, Vermont, and does extensive work with traditional herbal medicine in Guatemala and Honduras. Dr. Williams is a regular contributor to Healthnotes Newswire.

Diglyceride-Rich Foods May Promote Weight Loss

Sat, 01 Feb 2003 00:24:12 GMT

By Darin Ingels, ND

Healthnotes Newswire (January 30, 2003)—Obese men and women who consume foods high in diglycerides as part of a calorie-restricted diet may increase their chances of successful weight loss, according to a study in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition (2002;76:1230–6). While other studies have shown that high fat consumption can lead to weight gain, the findings of this study show that some types of dietary fat may actually enhance weight loss and reduce body fat when used in conjunction with a low-calorie diet.

Obesity, a growing problem in Western cultures, is associated with many health risks, including heart disease, diabetes, stroke, high blood pressure, gallbladder disease, and some forms of cancer. More than 55% of all adults and 16% of all children in the United States are overweight or obese. Studies suggest that certain dietary factors may be important contributors to the rise in obesity, particularly saturated fat, trans-fatty acids, and simple carbohydrates (such as refined sugar).

In the study, 79 obese men and women from ages 19 to 75 were assigned to incorporate specific food products that contained high amounts of diglycerides (from rapeseed oil, also known as Canola oil) or triglycerides (from rapeseed, soybean, and safflower oils) in their diets for 24 weeks. All participants were put on a low-calorie diet that contained 30% to 35% of energy as fat, 45% to 50% of energy as carbohydrate, and 15% to 20% of energy as protein. Measurements of body weight, total fat mass, and abdominal fat were recorded initially and periodically throughout the study.

Body weight and total fat mass decreased significantly in the group consuming diglycerides by almost 4% and 8%, respectively, compared with those consuming triglycerides. A trend toward a drop in abdominal fat mass was observed in the diglyceride group but did not reach statistical significance. Although a decrease in body weight and total fat mass were observed in the group consuming triglycerides, the results were more significant in the diglyceride group. No significant side effects were reported in either treatment group.

Diglycerides and triglycerides are fats made from combining a glycerol molecule to long chain fatty acids. The difference between the two fats is the number of fatty acid chains bound to the glycerol, with diglycerides containing two fatty acid chains and triglycerides containing three. Diglycerides are natural components of edible oils that are found in low amounts in all vegetable oils. They are also used in small quantities in some foods as an emulsifier, such as mayonnaise and margarine. However, the amount of diglycerides in these foods is considerably less than the amount used in this study. Triglycerides are the most common form of fat found in food, especially vegetable oils, butter, whole milk, and most meat products. Enova, the specific product used in this study, will be available in the United States in January 2003 and is expected to be available in local grocery stores. Enova is a rapeseed oil product that is manufactured to contain high amounts of diglycerides that are not normally found in regular rapeseed oil.