 NewsUSA) – The one-of-a-kind, fan-voted Pontiac Game Changing Performance scholarship award is gearing up for another exciting season of NCAA college sports action.
As the official performance machines of the NCAA, Pontiac continues to capture the excitement of NCAA competition and inspire passionate fans to support their favorite schools. The Pontiac Game Changing Performance program acknowledges NCAA teams and their schools for outstanding athletic accomplishments and team-based achievements by providing resources for university programs and recognition for student athletes. Since the program’s inception, Pontiac has donated more than $1 million dollars to NCAA institutions. “There are tangible benefits for everyone involved, including college sports fans and especially the students who gain the most in the form of scholarship contributions from Pontiac,” said Chris Hornberger, Pontiac Advertising Manager. “And as GM’s performance division, Pontiac is able to recognize great athletic performances and support NCAA institutions through programs like Game Changing Performance.” The award invites fans to select the defining moment of the game or even the season during NCAA Division I Football and the NCAA Division I Men’s and Women’s Basketball Tournament. Weekly winning schools of the football season and Men’s Basketball Tournament receive a $5,000 contribution to their general scholarship fund and the chance to be awarded the Pontiac Game Changing Performance of the Year. The overall winning performance from each sport earns a contribution of $100,000 from Pontiac to its general scholarship fund. The winning school from each round of the Women’s Basketball Tournament receives a $5,000 scholarship. Last year, Auburn University was awarded the NCAA Football Pontiac Game Changing Performance of the Year. “Auburn University and the Auburn Athletics Department are extremely grateful for the $100,000 scholarship that went toward the University’s General Scholarship Fund. The generous contribution by Pontiac has benefited countless Auburn students and will continue to impact Auburn students for years to come. We are thankful to Pontiac for their contribution to college athletics and support of educational opportunities for students across the country,” said Jay Jacobs, Director of Auburn Athletics. Pontiac contributes even more by awarding a $5,000 scholarship to a college sports fan each week during the football season and the Men’s Basketball Tournament. In total, close to $400,000 in scholarships are awarded each year to NCAA institutions by Pontiac. “As we enter our fourth year of the program, I’m looking forward to watching all the game-changing moments on the playing field and creating life-changing moments for NCAA students with more general scholarship contributions from Pontiac,” said Hornberger. For more information, visit Pontiac.com/ncaa. |
Pontiac Game Changing Performance Award Hits $1 Million Mark in Scholarships
Survey Reveals Current Trends in Men’s Health
 NewsUSA) – Men in the United States may not be as healthy as they say they are. Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention indicate cases of testicular and colorectal cancer have been on the rise for more than a decade. According to a recent survey commissioned by the American Academy of Family Physicians and conducted by Harris Interactive, almost one in five men age 55+ have not received the recommended screening for colon cancer. And, while 79 percent of the men surveyed said they are in excellent, very good or good health, 42 percent have been diagnosed with at least one of the following chronic conditions: high blood pressure, heart disease, arthritis, cancer or diabetes.
One of the biggest obstacles to improving men’s healthcare is men themselves, the survey indicates. Among the findings: * Twenty-nine percent of men said they wait as long as possible before seeing a doctor when they feel sick, are in pain or are concerned about their health. * Men spend an average of 19 hours a week watching television, and more than 4 hours a week watching sports, but only 38 percent of men exercise on a regular basis. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates more than 71 percent of men are overweight. But not all is bad news. Among those men surveyed who indicated they had a spouse/significant other, 78 percent said their spouse or significant other has influence over their decision to go to the doctor. But, what kind of doctor should a man see? The Academy of Family Physicians recommends that all men have a personal family physician who knows their medical history and is their first point of contact for medical care. In addition to diagnosing and treating illnesses, family physicians provide routine checkups, health-risk assessments, immunization and screening tests, and personalized counseling on healthy lifestyle choices. They also manage chronic illnesses and coordinate care, when necessary, with other specialists. For more information on men’s health, visit www.familydoctor.org. For survey methodology, please contact the Academy of Family Physicians Public Relations Department. |
ATVs Make Ideal Gifts For Dads
 NewsUSA) – Shopping for Dad can be a tough order to fill. For a versatile present that really will get his excitement revving, consider an all-terrain vehicle.
Family fun is perhaps the greatest gift that you can give, and ATVs serve it up in spades. Whizzing through forests or racing down back-country trails can be an experience that Dad and your family may never forget. Some models, such as the Sportsman X2, even feature seating for two people, so multiple family members can come along on a single ride. The second seat folds into the vehicle’s rear cargo box, so when Dad is riding alone, he’s got plenty of space for extra cargo or gear, making the vehicle an ideal accessory for hunting or camping. ATVs can provide more than fun, however. In addition to their uses for recreational activities, these versatile vehicles also can serve utilitarian purposes. ATVs built by Polaris, for instance, can be fitted with a variety of attachments, such as plows, mowers and winches. Mowing the lawn or plowing the driveway can be fast and easy with the aid of an ATV, so Dad won’t have to suffer through any more back-breaking shoveling or yard work. To view a wide selection of ATV models, including the Sportsman X2, or to shop for a variety of ATV accessories, visit www.polarisindustries.com. |
Ways to Lower Your Risk Of Colorectal Cancer
 NewsUSA) – Twenty-seven-year-old Queah Habern didn’t know why she was always feeling full, and after months of sickness and misdiagnoses, she had an emergency appendectomy. Two days after surgery, she got the verdict: stage III colon cancer.
“I just remember thinking that this can’t be happening, it was surreal,” says Habern. In fact, colorectal cancer is the second-leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the U.S. It can affect anyone, men and women, at any age. “Tragically, there is a general perception that colorectal cancer only affects Caucasian males older than 50,” says Dr. Tonya Adams, a gastroenterologist and rectal cancer survivor who was diagnosed at age 36. “If you have a family history of colorectal cancer or polyps, a history of inflammatory bowel disease, unexplained abdominal symptoms or blood in the stool, consult with a board-certified gastroenterologist for further evaluation.” Experts recommend that people 50 and over have a colorectal cancer screening (colonoscopy) every five to 10 years. The five-year survival rate for people whose colorectal cancer is treated at any early stage is greater than 90 percent, according to the American Cancer Society. “We know there are effective screening technologies to help detect this cancer early and save lives,” says F. Mark Gumz, president of Olympus America Inc. “I urge all U.S. companies to include routine screenings in their employee health insurance plans.” Olympus is the leading global manufacturer of endoscopes, the medical devices commonly used for colonoscopies. While symptoms of colorectal cancer vary, they may include vomiting, rectal bleeding or weight loss. Yet as Habern knows all too well, even simple conditions such as bloating or a feeling of fullness can be signs of something more serious. Ironically, the most common symptom is no obvious symptom at all. A disease this stealthy can affect a wider population than commonly thought, and it’s easy to see why people have misconceptions, as Habern once did. “I ate well. Nobody in my family has ever had colon cancer. And I definitely didn’t fit the typical 50-year-old white guy profile,” she notes. For more information, log on to www.crcawareness.com, a comprehensive Web resource created by Olympus. |
Men Have New Resource for Prostate Cancer Information
 NewsUSA) – When Robert Marckini was diagnosed with prostate cancer, he had no trouble finding information about his disease. Instead, Marckini experienced a different kind of dilemma: The more information he gathered, the more confused and anxious he became.
Marckini resolved to help men experiencing a similar predicament. After receiving proton beam radiation therapy from southern California’s Loma Linda University Medical Center, Marckini wrote a book that he hopes will serve as a one-stop source for information about prostate cancer and the different steps in coping with it. The book, “You Can Beat Prostate Cancer,” is a memoir-like account of Marckini’s cancer experience that additionally describes the specific facts about testing processes, diagnoses and available treatment options. The book also includes helpful hints throughout its text as well as a list of 10 things that men can do to take control of the detection and treatment of their cancer. Here are a few of those suggestions: * Have an annual digital rectal exam. Marckini writes that it’s unwise to rely solely on one test to diagnose prostate cancer. He suggests that men receive several tests, including annual DREs. * Talk to others. Marckini suggests that prostate cancer patients speak with other men who have had each of the treatments they are considering. Marckini created a Web site, www.protonbob.com, that partly serves as a means for prostate cancer survivors and patients to interact. * Personally choose your treatment. Weigh the pros and cons of each available cancer treatment and then make a decision based on your own criteria. Marckini says that he chose to receive proton beam therapy for a variety of reasons, including the painlessness of the treatment and the 89 percent disease-free survival rate of patients. By shaping a beam to match the specific shape of a tumor, proton beam therapy delivers high-energy particles to a tumor site while sparing healthy surrounding tissue. The facility at Loma Linda University Medical Center remains the world’s largest proton treatment center, treating 140 to 150 patients per day. For more information on proton therapy, call 800-PROTONS (800-776-8667) or visit www.proton-therapy.org. To learn more about the book, log on to www.protonbob.com. |
Tips to Allay Fathers’ Pregnancy Pangs
 NewsUSA) – Having a baby – be it for the first time or the fourth – can be simultaneously awe-inspiring and overwhelming.
And while the responsibility of carrying a child to term lands squarely on the shoulders of the soon-to-be-mom, experts say that fathers go through an adjustment period of their own, with distinct yet valid issues and concerns. These feelings can range from fear to high anxiety and are common for new fathers. But, experts say, when fathers take an active role in the pregnancy, they feel closer to their partners, which in turn helps them to become emotionally and psychologically responsible and involved with the life of their growing children. The following tips provide ways that both parents can alleviate the stress of having a baby, while still enjoying the experience: * Learn as a team. There are numerous books on everything related to pregnancy and childbirth. Reading can be a joint exercise that provides closeness and understanding about this life-changing event. * Join a pregnancy group. Such groups are not just for moms-to-be. Both parents can benefit from being around others who are going through the same experience. * “Interact” with the baby. Both parents can bond with the unborn baby by rubbing the belly, talking to it, or playing sounds using a prenatal learning system like Baby Bee Bright (www.babybeebright.com). This system includes a flexible, orthopedic support belt that is placed around the mother’s abdomen. The belt houses a CD player and stereo fetal speakers and places them in the ideal position for the baby to hear whatever is being played. It comes with five hour-long educational CDs filled with nursery rhymes, soothing nature sounds, lullabies and classical music. * Make decorating the baby’s room a joint effort. Both parents can be involved in such decisions as what color to paint the room, what the theme should be and what toys to buy. * Attend doctor’s appointments together. As much as possible, fathers should accompany their partners to the doctor throughout the pregnancy. Listening to the baby’s heartbeat for the first time or seeing the baby on an ultrasound can go a long way in making any new father feel like he’s a part of the entire experience. * Have a couple’s shower. Buck tradition and shower the dad, too. |
New Treatments Help Men Fight Prostate Cancer
 NewsUSA) – Prostate cancer is the most common form of cancer among American men. In fact, according to the American Cancer Society, as many as 1.8 million American men have the disease at any given time.
Although treatments for prostate cancer have existed for years, men can now choose from a wider variety of therapies than ever before. One in six men will develop prostate cancer at some point in his lifetime, but only one in 34 will die of the disease, and this statistic is improving with each passing year. After being diagnosed with prostate cancer, patients will often discuss treatment methods with a radiation oncologist, a cancer doctor who specializes in treating diseases with radiation therapy, and a urologist, a surgeon who specializes in the urinary tract. Possible options for dealing with prostate cancer include surgery, external beam radiation therapy, hormone therapy, chemotherapy or prostate brachytherapy. Sometimes, a combination of treatments proves to be the best way to fight prostate cancer; for example, some men undergo surgery followed by external beam radiation therapy, also known as radiotherapy. External beam radiation therapy, which involves a series of daily treatments to accurately deliver radiation to the prostate, often proves to be successful in treating cancer. Brachytherapy involves treating the cancer by inserting radioactive sources into the gland itself. Seed implants are given by inserting small metal seeds of radioactive iodine or palladium directly into the prostate while the patient is under anesthesia. To better understand your options, it’s important to speak with several cancer specialists before undergoing any kind of therapy, as each man’s cancer and health parameters are unique. Doing so can help you choose the most effective and suitable treatment for your life and condition. Organizations such as the American Society for Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology can help you learn about your treatment options and establish contact with specialists suited to your condition. Visit www.rtanswers.org for more information. |
New Fragrances Capture Lifestyle of ‘The O.C.’
 NewsUSA) – First came the wildly popular TV series, “The O.C.,” then came the ringtones, wallpaper, buddy icons and music compilations.
And now, to make the O.C. lifestyle complete, there are signature fragrances – The O.C. for Her and The O.C. for Him – inspired by the show. Set in the affluent, harbor-front community of Orange County, Calif., “The O.C.” lets the rest of us live the life of the privileged, if only for an hour a week. Millions of viewers tune into the show to follow the glamorous lifestyle of its captivating characters. The new fragrances, created by AMC Beauty, a marketer of licensed personal care products, capture the seductive Newport Beach lifestyle. Like the show, the fragrances are all about “the self-expression of today, what’s hip and what’s new,” according to AMC Beauty. In The O.C. for Her, top notes combine juicy mandarin and florals. Middle notes of hibiscus, tuberose, jasmine and freesia, with accents of white peach, guava and nectarine lead the way to a foundation of white amber, vanilla and clear musk, creating a scent that is ideal for either day or night. The O.C. for Him begins with a fresh scent of mandarin, citron and bergamot. The middle consists of a masculine yet fragrant combination of lavender, rose and jasmine laced with spicy accents of black pepper. An accord of golden amber and clear musk blended with patchouli and other sensual woods concludes the fragrance. Since its debut in 2003, “The O.C.” has attracted legions of viewers and devoted fans that buzz about the show in online message boards and eagerly speculate what the next episodes will bring. The fragrances, introduced just in time for the show’s fourth season, are available at select retailers nationwide. “The O.C.” airs Thursday nights on Fox at 9 p.m. Eastern /8 p.m. Central. |
Shoe Polishing: Putting a New Spin on an Old Chore
 NewsUSA) – Shoe polishing is no longer a dirty job, thanks to a new gadget that eliminates the muss and fuss.
The Buff ‘n Shine polisher is a battery-operated device that features a slow-moving shoe polish applicator on one of its two heads and a fast-moving polishing brush on the other. The device cuts polishing time in half, according to Douglas Whitner, president of Boxwood Industries in Cleveland, the product’s manufacturer. First introduced in December 2005, the Buff ‘n Shine struck a chord with those who have limited time and “don’t want to deal with dirty rags and polish applicators,” says Whitner. “It is particularly popular with members of the armed services, safety forces and business community. Men or women on their way to an important meeting or even a black tie event can restore luster to their shoes without ever touching the polish.” Buff ‘n Shine is powered by AA batteries, which provide dozens of shines before needing to be replaced. It comes in a package that also includes tins of black and brown shoe polish, replacement heads for the polishing device, and a travel kit that makes shoe care easily transportable. The product was designed by Nottingham-Spirk Design Associates in Cleveland, which also developed the Dutch Boy plastic paint container and the Crest SpinBrush. The kit sells for approximately $20 and is available at participating Wal-Mart stores. |
Natural Remedies Link Prostate Health to Pleasure
 NewsUSA) – Prostate health is a major concern for men in their late 30s and older. Benign prostatic hyperplasia, a common part of aging, can be uncomfortable and even debilitating.
During the course of the aging process, active testosterone in the blood decreases, leaving a higher proportion of estrogen. In clinical studies, this estrogen increases the activity of substances that promote cell growth. Another possibility is the loss of ability to produce dihydrotestosterone, which controls the growth of the prostate. Without production of dihydrotestosterone, few men develop BPH. Although surgery is often an option for prostate enlargement, adverse symptoms including incontinence and sexual disfunction are enough to make many sufferers choose prescription drugs if their BPH is mild or moderate. However, there is always a risk of experiencing similar side effects as with surgery, which is why natural remedies such as Roplex are a good alternative. Roplex’s combination of natural ingredients – including Scandinavian Flower Pollen, B-sistosterol and vitamin E – help reduce the symptoms of BPH, specifically frequent urination and a decline in libido, with no adverse side effects as shown in a recent three- month study done by Rexall/Sundown Inc. Subjects of the study showed no evidence of cancer and were evaluated by American Urological Association Symptom Index score, urinary flow rate and residual bladder volume. After three months, overall BPH symptoms decreased dramatically as indicated by an improvement in the total American Urological Association Symptom Index. Subjects also reported an increase in sexual function as a result of taking a combination of the ingredients found in Roplex. Because the ingredients in Roplex effectively shrink the prostate back to a more healthy size, pressure on the urethra is lessened, which decreases the incontinence attendant in BPH, and semen production increases. Thusly, Roplex can not only contribute to prostate health but also intensify male sexual pleasure. For more information, visit www.roplex.com or call (877) 476-7539. |
