Vitamins: Folic Acid May Help Treat Allergies
In a study examining the link between blood levels of folate - the naturally occurring form of folic acid - and allergies, the scientists say results add to mounting evidence that folate can help regulate inflammation. Recent studies found a link between folate levels and inflammation-mediated diseases, including heart disease.

Cautioning that it is far too soon to recommend folic acid supplements to prevent or treat people with asthma and allergies, the researchers emphasise that more research needs to be done to confirm their results, and to establish safe doses and risks.

Reviewing the medical records of more than 8,000 people ages two to 85 the investigators tracked the effect of folate levels on respiratory and allergic symptoms and on levels of IgE antibodies, immune system markers that rise in response to an allergen. People with higher blood levels of folate had fewer IgE antibodies, fewer reported allergies, less wheezing and lower likelihood of asthma, researchers report.

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Abbott today announced the release of its 2008 Global Citizenship Report entitled, "Advancing Innovation." The report provides an update on Abbott's progress and results in 2008 in delivering on the company's mission to improve people's lives around the world, focused on four key areas: innovating for the future, enhancing access, safeguarding the environment, and protecting patients and consumers.

"We appreciate this opportunity to share news of our continued progress in addressing the most important impacts that our company makes in our world," said Miles D. White, chairman and chief executive officer, Abbott. "These are the areas in which our business has the greatest effects on society and the environment, and which offer us the greatest opportunity to make a difference in the challenges facing our world today.

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Royal Philips Electronics announced its behind the scenes support of NBC’s The Biggest Loser: Couples, a top-ranked primetime show. The reality television show challenges and encourages overweight contestants to shed pounds and become healthier. The series has become a worldwide hit airing in more than 90 countries and produced in 25 countries. For the first time in the show’s history, contestants on The Biggest Loser: Couples received comprehensive diagnosis and treatment for Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA), a potentially life-threatening condition in which a person has episodes of stopped breathing during sleep. Philips Respironics, part of Philips’ home healthcare business, assisted in providing medical equipment, testing, treatment and therapy to diagnosed contestants competing in the show’s seventh season.

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Centocor Ortho Biotech Inc. Sponsors Award Honoring the Work of Oncology Nurses

 The winner and finalists of CURE magazine’s 2009 Extraordinary Healer Award for Oncology Nursing, sponsored by Centocor Ortho Biotech Inc., were announced during a special reception at the Oncology Nursing Society’s (ONS) 34th Annual Congress.

More than 150 cancer patients and caregivers submitted nominations.  The winner, Christine Wilson, RN, Nationwide Children’s Hospital (Columbus, Ohio), was announced during the third annual award reception alongside her former patient, Delaney Diggs, and Delaney’s mother, Renée La Forest.  Christine, who treated Delaney when she was six years old, is the first pediatric nurse to be a finalist for the award and was described as “inspirational” with “boundless energy and enthusiasm” who “remained a consummate professional while bringing a positive spirit of hope and encouragement.”

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