Medical News

September 23, 2004 — The peak season for Lyme disease transmission has passed in most of the United States, but don?t lower your guard yet. Adult blacklegged ticks can be abundant in the fall, and the potential for acquiring Lyme disease exists until cold winter weather sets in. Although immature ticks are more likely to transmit Lyme disease, adults that survive the winter will produce the next generation of these troubling pests. Fall is a good time to take back your yard from blacklegged ticks. Here are some simple steps you can take this fall to reduce tick populations next spring.

1) Raking leaves from lawns and adjacent wooded areas. Published research has demonstrated up to a 75% reduction in tick numbers following removal of leaves.

2) Placing a barrier between a lawn and forested areas. Borders of dry material like gravel or rock are most likely to be effective. This measure has been reported to reduce tick populations an average of 50%.

3) Mowing areas frequented by people. Mowing step reduces moisture at ground level, making it harder for ticks to survive. Although ticks can be found in mowed yards, their numbers tend to be greatly reduced, compared to the number of ticks in nearby woods.

4) Removing trees and shrubs can also reduce moisture in the soil, further disrupting the tick?s habitat. Plantings that tend to discourage feeding by deer may also reduce tick numbers by reducing the number of deer frequenting your yard.

5) Contacting local pest control professional for guidance on host-directed tick control. New methods are available for controlling ticks on mice and deer, which can dramatically reduce tick numbers. One system controls ticks on mice, another controls ticks on deer. When used for several years, these control measures have been reported to reduce tick populations by over 90%.

Fall is a perfect time to put your tick control program in place. Start with these tips, and make your yard a haven for humans, not a habitat for ticks.

This information comes from a new book ?Ticks Off! Controlling Ticks That Transmit Lyme Disease On Your Property? by Patrick Guilfoile, Ph.D. More information about tick control and the book is available at www.tickbook.com or from the publisher, ForSte Press, Inc., P.O. Box 1537, Bemidji, MN 56619; (218) 243-4016. The book is available from www.tickbook.com, Amazon.com, and local booksellers.

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Fresno, CA July 1, 2004 — Multiple Products Line Introduces New Plant DRAIN-OFF Patio Protector. DRAIN-OFF patio protector catches potted plant drip water to keep patios, wood decks and walkways dry and stain free. DRAIN-OFF patio protector also provide conditions necessary to keep potted plants healthy, presentable, while The results include no more wet, stained, patios or wood decks from potted plant drip water. Eliminate potted plant drip water to help prevent West Niles Virus. NEW! There is no other product like this on the market.

Features: Eliminates patio or pool deck stains caused by planter drip water: All drip water drains off immediately as it drops into the drip tray: No drip water left to stagnate and breed harmful bacteria: Plant roots no longer stand in drip water: Prevents pets from drinking drip water contaminated with chemicals: Keeping patio area safe from hazardous planter drip water.

DRAIN-OFF patio protectors have a concave bottom to force excess drain water to the inside perimeter of the tray where the water drains out through a 1/2 inch round drain spout. The spout extends outward from the outside bottom edge of the tray where a nylon tube is attached to carry drip water to a flowerbed or yard area, leaving patio surfaces clean and dry.

Inside the round saucer are three raised ridges in a pie-shaped arrangement. The ridges are elevated in height extending from the center of the drip tray to near the inside wall of the tray. The ridges are left away from the inside wall to assure that drip water reaches the drain spout. Additionally, the raised ridges keep smaller pots, ones that sit inside the drip tray, elevated above the concave bottom keeping the pot from resting on the high center of the tray.

The outside bottom of the drip tray has broken 1/8 inch high raised ridges that encircles the perimeter to hold the tray elevated off the patio surface. The 1/8″ raised ridges leaves a space under the tray for cleaning purposes. The broken ridges allows hose water to flush debris from underneath the tray. Also, air space underneath the tray assures that excess water quickly dries off to eliminate mold and other bacteria.

DRAIN-OFF patio protector will accommodate any size planter. Small pots rest on the raised ridges inside the tray and larger pots will sit on top of the drip tray. For over-sized planters, such as those with small trees, etc., place pot elevator feet under the outside bottom perimeter of the planter and slide DRAIN-OFF patio protector underneath to catch and drain off drip water. DRAIN-OFF patio protectors are only 1″ in height, they are shrunk wrapped and a nylon drain tube is included inside the package.

For further information contact Multiple Products at 559-323-9141or visit www.patioprotector.com

CONTACT:
Doyle W. Eakin
Multiple Products
4974 N. Fresno St., #162
Fresno, CA 93726
Tel: 559-323-9141
IMAGE OF PRODUCT:
www.patioprotector.com

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/1910/03
PRESS RELEASE    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    

For Immediate Release

AIDS Eradicated Naturally

By utilising a proven 100% natural methodology called the HealthRestore? programme.

The HealthRestore programme is based on Natural dietary principles, system cleansing+ natural supplementation, and addresses issues of system toxicity and Ph imbalance problems.

The programme works by optimising and quantum boosting the internal functions, by the use of concentrated nutrients in 100% natural form and specific dietary modifications.

The results are beyond what is thought to be achievable ? since the programme optimises health, and the ejection of toxic accumalation, long standing health issues and challenges will begin to be reversed. This is because the HealthRestore programme activates and stimulates the body?s innate and profound healing self-healing mechanisms. Leading to enhanced and optimised, glandular and hormonal function, which equals rejuvenation and healing at cellular level.

This manifests as increased vitality, beautiful skin. Mental clarity rejuvenation and myriad other benefits.

When the body is activated in this way weight is normalised automatically and dramatically.
The creator of the programme Derin Bepo has spent 20 years studying natural health dynamics and has devised health programmes for the reversal of various health problems including Diabetes, Fibroids and Cancer.

The programme is perhaps the first of its kind and certainly the first by any of Afro Caribbean descent

Natural Resource the company promoting the programme is ready to work with 5 people do a 3-month challenge in conjunction with national International or local publications.

We are also looking for interested organisations, groups or individuals who would be interested in the promotion of the Healthrestore system once they have verified its efficacy.

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January 30 2004–ALDA Pharmaceuticals Corp. (APH:TSX-V) (the ?Company?) announces that it has granted incentive stock options to purchase an aggregate of 512,353 common shares at an exercise price of $0.20 per share to the directors, officers and certain employees of the Company. The Company has granted further incentive stock options to purchase an aggregate of 40,000 common shares at an exercise price of $0.20 per share to certain consultants of the Company. The options are for a term of two years and expire on January 27, 2006. Options granted to directors, officers and employees of the Company and underlying common shares are subject to a four month hold period from the date of grant in accordance with the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange and applicable securities law. Options granted to consultants of the Company and underlying common shares are subject to a four month hold period from the date of grant in accordance with the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange and a further twelve month hold period in accordance with applicable securities law, pending adoption of the revised Multilateral Instrument 45-102.

Terrance G. Owen, Ph.D., MBA

President, Chief Executive Officer and Director
ALDA Pharmaceuticals Corp.
604-521-8300

terry@aldapharma.com
www.aldapharma.com

About ALDA Pharmaceuticals Corp.
ALDA Pharmaceuticals Corp. has developed a family of wide spectrum, non-toxic, biodegradable infection control products based on its patent pending T36? technology. Its first product, ViralexTM, has been tested on over 100 infectious bacteria, viruses and fungi. ViralexTM is 100% effective in killing them all within 3 minutes, including HIV, Hepatitis B and TB.

Viralex? has been approved by Health Canada for use as a hospital grade, hard surface disinfectant and by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency for use in restaurants and the food processing industry.

The emergence of SARS, Norwalk Virus and new strains of influenza has increased the market demand for Viralex? as a highly effective, non-toxic and environmentally friendly disinfectant.

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March 18 2004–Bio-Barrier LLC announced the launch of its new surface modification service to target all healthcare facilities nationwide; helping them to strengthen their interior environments against pathogenic microorganisms. As a preventative service, (Bio-Barrier), an Indiana-based company will focus on minimizing hospital-acquired infections that are caused from indoor environmental factors.

Bio-Barrier is the first Company to focus on permanent interior surface technology, to minimize/prevent pathogenic microorganisms from spreading to the immunocompromised patient. Bio-Barrier will service the healthcare industry exclusively in the 21st Century. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Atlanta, GA., estimate that hospital-acquired (nosocomial) infections are now the 4th leading cause of death in America. Two million Americans are affected annually; approximately 100,000 die each year. The costs associated with this nosocomial problem are estimated to be roughly 500 billion. Many of these infections are often caused from pathogens in the physical environment; they are continually spread throughout the facility by the occupants.

Whiting, IN March 16, 2004?- Bio-Barrier LLC will provide all healthcare facilities an interior safeguard to protect the patients, the staff and entering public from indoor pathogens. The ?GIS Microbe Shield? technology is now the chemistry being utilized by Bio-Barrier. The Company endeavors to provide complete interior coverage to all hospital surfaces using a one-time permanent antimicrobial active effect. This will be a new strengthening feature for all infection control and environmental service programs. This will aid these departments and their protocol, giving them newer alternatives. Bio-Barrier does not replace their existing efforts but compliments them greatly. There are currently no Companies using bound antimicrobial chemistries for permanent interior protection against pathogenic microorganisms. Bio-Barrier will install the safe and scientifically proven ?GIS Microbe Shield? (Dow Corning chemistry) to aid the general public against disease producing agents.

CONTACT INFORMATION:

Michael Triana
Bio-Barrier LLC
1237 121 St. Street Lower Level
Whiting, Indiana 46394

Toll-free: 866-441-4246
Phone: 219-659-1500

Web address: http://www.bio-barrier.net

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January 22 2004–
Portland Oregon based Interstate Meat Dist. Inc. Seeks PR Counsel and Employs Salmon Creek Public Relations Inc. of Vancouver Washington.

It was December 23, the busiest time of the year; the plant was processing at close to capacity and team members were getting ready for the holiday and much deserved time off. The phone rang and a customer reported that BSE-probable (mad cow) beef may have been inspected and approved. Some product was shipped and processed by Interstate Meat Distributor Inc.

Contact: Anita Woodley
Salmon Creek Public Relations Inc.
360-571-5560
awoodley@salmoncreekpr.com

Portland, OR
The first phone call came in from a customer at around 10am, a local radio station reported that beef from the state of Washington was being tested for BSE (mad cow) and some of the beef that had been inspected and approved was shipped to Interstate and one other processor in the Portland area.

Within minutes, the on-site USDA Inspector at Interstate walked into the office of Interstate President, Jerry Meng and confirmed that he was also called by the USDA office in Denver. All products from a shipment on December 12th were under review and a hold order was placed on the product. Interstate began pulling all information related to the shipment. The team at Interstate began informing all customers to pull and hold the product in question. The media was making attempts to inform the public but information was not yet conclusive and Interstate was fielding calls from customers, consumers and media representatives from around the globe. Late the evening of the 23rd, the USDA called and said they were meeting in an emergency recall committee and more information would be available the following morning. While information was inconclusive, one thing was certain: every customer was informed and arrangements were in place to accept returns of all product that was at grocers and other outlets. The number of phone calls was incredible with team members pitching in to answer phones and provide whatever details were available in the early hours of the crisis. It appeared that there was over ten thousand pounds of products that would be re-called. Because of the positive relationships with customers, all customers were told that all returns would be accepted regardless of whether the product was part of the shipment in question or not.

The total returned product jumped to 250,000 pounds and checks totaling hundreds of thousands of dollars were written to customers within forty eight hours of notification of the BSE issue.

On the 24th of December the product in question was being referred to officially as BSE ? Probable. Nevertheless, all Interstate products were being pulled from shelves at grocers throughout the Northwest. It was apparent that lay offs would become necessary.

Interstate has enjoyed a highly regarded reputation built over thirty-five years and there was not a question that the business would go on even with this terrible challenge. But, for Interstate, having a large lay-off of team members was not something they had experienced before. It was right before the holiday and the decision was made to provide extended health benefits and extra pay for team members. Additionally, members were told that they would be called back as soon as possible.

The phones continued to ring but the customers were all cared for and product recalls were proceeding well under the circumstances. It was now members of the media who wanted interviews, opinions and details. This created a challenge for a closely managed family business that was primarily a business to business firm with little experience dealing with a global news story. In addition, there were also concerns and regulations that required the protection of the investigative process and the rights of suppliers and individuals. The USDA suggested that a blanket no comment should be issued regarding all inquiries. Members of the media were suggesting correctly that ?No Comment? may not be in the best interest of Interstate.

Members of the Salmon Creek Public Relations Inc. team were acquainted with the owners of Interstate and keenly aware of the complexities of their situation. As an effort to help, Salmon Creek Public Relations Inc. volunteered to provide whatever support would be needed to help them protect their reputation and provide needed information to representatives of the media. Immediately Interstate requested that Salmon Creek Public Relations Inc. get involved and start fielding questions and providing as much information as possible taking into consideration the directives of the USDA.

Salmon Creek Public Relations Inc. developed a general analysis of the issues and challenges in communications in crisis with a complicated issue like BSE. ?We ascertained the core values and vision of Interstate and we incorporated the culture, vision and values into our strategy for communications?, according to Loran Hickton of Salmon Creek Public Relations Inc.

Salmon Creek met in groups and individually with members of the Interstate team to better understand the effects this crisis had on the company and the individual team members.

Salmon Creek created a series of potential questions that were likely to be asked under the circumstances. Again, meeting in groups and individually to seek accurate responses and to better understand the rationale and philosophy of the company.

Clearly Interstate was not to blame for what had occured. The beef in question was inspected and approved by the USDA at two facilities before arriving at Interstate.

We agreed that we should not communicate regarding how BSE product got into the system, but rather support the process of communications and investigation underway by the USDA.

We quickly implemented standards for speaking to members of the media and consumers. All inquires were provided with USDA web-sites, documents, press releases and phone numbers. All information was factual and documented and we provided no speculation or hypothetical opinions. We expressed a willingness to work with any and all individuals that had an interest or concern.
It was stated (and repeated if possible) that ?Interstate made decisions based on scientific evidence, providing optimally healthy, safe and wholesome products?.

The following ?Question & Answer? was also created to anticipate the general questions.

Q: Tell us about Interstate Meat Distributor Inc.

A: Interstate was incorporated in 1967 by Jack Meng. The company has enjoyed consistent growth of 3-8% per year. The company processes ground beef and pork products for patties and sausage. Today Interstate is still family owned and managed by Jack?s two sons serving in leadership and management roles. In addition to second-generation ownership, many team members are second generation or have been employed since the inception of Interstate. There are currently 120 employees of Interstate, though there was a recent lay-off of 40 team members. Interstate hopes to be calling back team members in the coming weeks.

Q: How has the BSE situation affected Interstate?

A: Safety is always first at Interstate. Receiving inspected beef that was potentially BSE positive is still completely unbelievable and totally unacceptable. Even after many days of dealing with the issue, it still makes no sense and is very frustrating. The beef had been inspected and passed by USDA two times prior to our receiving the product.

It placed us in the center of an issue of which we had no control, but the way it was reported in the media did not explain that any company could have received the product.

It damaged our business. It has required that we spend large amounts of time to protect our excellent reputation.

- It has caused lay-offs.
- It has caused a reduction in business.
- We operate a very close group of team members and we try to create a family environment. We have never had to lay off team members due to business reductions before and this has been painful for our team and most importantly to team members without a paycheck.

Interstate has built the company from the ground-up with over 35 years of service. We are very proud of the positive and committed relationships we have built with our customers. The damage that inspected and approved USDA beef came through the system as BSE positive is harmful to the entire industry. For us it means that many good, caring and committed team members lose their jobs through no fault of theirs or the company. We consistently do everything possible to assure the safety and wholesomeness of products. We not only meet requirements, we exceed them!

Q: What actions did you take when notified that BSE meat came through the system?

A: On the 23rd at 2:00PM the USDA provided us with notification that we may have received products that were associated with the BSE recall. The USDA informed us that the USDA was meeting in ?Recall Committee? and we would be informed the following morning as to actions that should be taken.

On the morning of the 24th we were informed by the USDA of the decisions of the Recall Committee. The Recall Committee asked for all information regarding a load of boneless beef that we received on December 12.We immediately provided requested information. Interstate was already communicating with all customers. The USDA stated that we should draft a document to all affected customers requesting return of product in question. We did so immediately.

We are currently working with the USDA on products being returned.

Q: How much beef was involved or sold to through Interstate?   

A:The USDA informed us that the total amount of beef processed at the first stage was 10,410 pounds. For Interstate, that means our stage of processing expanded to 20,000 pounds. The total returned ground beef will be in excess of 250,000 pounds, with a wholesale market value in excess. $300,000.

Q: What has changed at Interstate as a result of this issue?

A: Interstate has always met and exceeded regulations and standards within our industry. We want to assure consumers that Interstate will increase and redouble all efforts to make certain a safe and wholesome food supply. Further, we await proposed additional actions and safeguards by the USDA to make sure our products are as safe as technologically possible as well. We are encouraged by the immediate changes to testing protocol of BSE. This includes ?Test & Hold? which would have avoided this current issue.

Interstate is back to work and business is coming back. In time it appears that full recovery will occur. Customers understand that Interstate had virtually zero opportunity to know the product was BSE because of multiple inspections and approvals by the USDA. Customers understand that the product could have come through any other
provider and the same situation would have occurred. The damage to business caused by this situation has been costly and only time will reflect the entirety of its effects.

About Salmon Creek Public Relations Inc.: Salmon Creek Public Relations is a Portland Oregon / Vancouver Washington based public relations firm specializing in cause-related communication strategies. Media relations, crisis response, marketing, research, branding, and trade negotiations are just a sample of the services we provide. Salmon Creek is a small firm with proven results in animal health & welfare, entertainment and sporting events.

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Bethesda MD March 31, 2004 — The International Lyme and Associated Diseases Society (ILADS) has published new guidelines for diagnosing and treating Lyme disease to help physicians combat the fastest growing vector-borne disease in the United States. By conservative estimates, hundreds of thousands of U-S victims alone may be infected with Lyme every year, yet there is no evidence-based comprehensive system for diagnosing or treating Lyme disease and there is no ?standard of care? for managing the disease.

The stories of Lyme sufferers go from sad to tragic. Their symptoms range from headaches, fatigue and joint pain to the extremes of hallucinations, paralysis and blindness. The 13-page ?evidence-based? guidelines provide physicians solid direction on which patients to evaluate, which tests to order, which medications to use and what steps to take to ensure concerns over antibiotic use are addressed.

According to ILADS president, Dr. Steven Phillips, ?these guidelines will provide physicians with vital encouragement and validation as well as confidence they?ve sometimes lacked when trying to detect and treat the disease. Misinformation and conflicting views have caused inconsistencies and confusion; sometimes at great costs to patients. ILADS? guidelines come from some of the most respected, published and experienced medical experts in the industry. These guidelines should make a big and positive difference in patients? lives.?

ILADS comprises more than 200 medical experts specializing in the direct treatment of Lyme disease patients. The ILADS members who created the guidelines include specialty physicians, primary care clinicians, researchers, community health care providers and patients advocates.

The peer-reviewed guidelines are being published by the prestigious British-based Future Drugs Ltd.

For more information and a copy of the guidelines go to: ILADS? website: www.ilads.org

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