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Retired cop shares secret of longevity

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NONAGENARIAN Tony Lee celebrated a momentous milestone in the company of family and friends, and proffered some advice for those seeking to emulate his longevity.

On his 90th birthday, the retired policeman said that being contented and happy about ones existence, leading a clean life, and surrounding oneself with friends, are key to aging gracefully.

Always be happy with what you have and never yearn for other things. Dont look back to the past nor into the future, for your life is now. Live it with no regrets, he said.

Lee, who has been married 64 years to wife Suzanne, 88, still enjoys an active social life, has regular exercise sessions, and spends hours on the computer surfing the Internet.

Each morning, I thank God for my first cup of coffee, the computer that I had to learn using at the age of 75, and a lovely wife who says I spend more time on the device than I do with her.

Weve had many adventures together and I treasure every moment of it, he quipped during the birthday gathering at a restaurant in George Town recently.

He said that longevity has been a blessing, and it is a gift he intends to make the most of. He urged people to cherish the goodness around them for it keeps one young at heart.

There is nothing better to wish for than a long, healthy life. Because good health is your wealth, he added, eagerly looking forward to his 100th birthday.

Lee later went up on stage to serenade his guests with a several melodies before making a wish, blowing out the candles and cutting his elegant birthday cake.

Youngest daughter, Veronica Ann, 57, said her father, who was born in Seremban but moved to Penang after retiring from the police force, had always been the life of the family.

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Retired cop shares secret of longevity

Dorm degrees prove bothersome

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By Brantly Houston Posted on April 2, 2013 | News | No comment

Several residents of A.B. Barret Hall have experienced discomfort in their rooms due to inconsistencies with the temperature of the air conditioning.

Kealey Fabian, sophomore biochemistry major from San Antonio, has noticed many problems with the halls air conditioning system.

When its hot outside you walk into the dorm and have to put on a sweatshirt, Fabian said. And during the cold months you walk in and its like walking into Mordor and its really uncomfortable.

Fabian said this problem has been occurring all school year. However, she said not all days are unpleasant.

Sometimes its not running at all and well open our window, she said. Its glorious.

Fabian said she has sent several maintenance requests addressing the problem, even emailing as late as 2 a.m. after being woken up by extreme temperatures. She also said it seems to be a general consensus among the residents that the air conditioning system does not work well.

Caroline Gafford, sophomore biochemistry major from Dallas, has noticed other problems with the system.

This past week it was cold outside in the morning and at night, but in the afternoon it was super hot, Gafford said. Wed walk into our room at night but the air would still be cold even though it was 30 degrees outside and then wed have no way to heat our room.

Its really been kind of frustrating trying to sleep at night because Im either freezing in the morning or burning up in my covers at night, said Aaron Vaught, sophomore vocal music education major from Fort Worth.Its not a very good situation.

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Dorm degrees prove bothersome

iovera Introduced in Europe as the World's First Toxin-Free Treatment for Dynamic Facial Lines

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iovera Introduced in Europe as the World's First Toxin-Free Treatment for Dynamic Facial Lines

Biologix Hair to Exhibit at the 11th Annual Anti – Aging Medicine World Congress, Grimaldi Forum, Monaco

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TORONTO, ONTARIO--(Marketwired - Apr 3, 2013) - Biologix Hair Inc. (BLGX) (BLGX) announces that senior executives from the Company's clinician licensing department will be exhibiting the Biologix Hair Therapy System to attendees at the Anti-Aging World Congress, Grimaldi Forum, being held in Monte Carlo, Monaco from April 4 - 6, 2013.

Ron Holland, Biologix Hair Inc. CEO, commented, "The Anti-Aging Medicine World Congress is the world's leading conference in the fields of aesthetic and anti-aging medicine. More than 8,000 professionals from over 95 countries will be in attendance discussing topical issues and medical advances. This is an excellent opportunity for Biologix to showcase its breakthrough hair loss solution to the leading edge of opinion makers within the international medical community.

"We are determined to be in a ready position to capitalize on the high-margin sales potential of the Biologix Hair Therapy System, if and when FDA and other major market approvals are forthcoming. Exhibiting at conferences such as the Annual Anti-Aging Medicine World Congress is expected to greatly assist Biologix in rapidly expanding its global distribution network of licensed clinicians and medical practitioners seeking to become Certified Biologix Hair Therapists and secure exclusive territorial purchasing and treatment rights for the Biologix Hair Therapy System."

Biologix extends an open invitation to all attendees to visit the Biologix exhibit booth to learn more about the Biologix Hair Therapy System and how it can complement your current services and business revenues.

For more information about the Annual Anti-Aging Medicine World Congress being held this week in Monaco, visit http://www.GrimaldiForum.com.

About Biologix Hair Inc. and Biologix Hair Science Ltd.

Biologix Hair Inc. (Biologix Hair), together with its wholly owned biotechnology subsidiary, Biologix Hair Science Ltd. (BHS), is focused on realizing the full market potential for its patent-pending hair loss prevention and regeneration treatment - the Biologix Hair Therapy System - and its demonstrated ability to prevent and reverse the effects of alopecia, which plagues hundreds of millions worldwide.

Between mid-2004 and mid-2012, more than 30,000 pre-clinical-trial treatments of Biologix Revive - the essence of the Biologix Hair Therapy System - were administered to 5,000-plus patients in South America suffering with varying degrees of alopecia, as well as people seeking preventive treatment. The participating treatment clinicians subjectively observed and reported that virtually 100% of preventive care clients continued to retain their healthy hair and an estimated 80-85% of the males and 90-plus% of the females treated for hair regeneration experienced significant regrowth of their own natural hair. And among alopecia areata patients, virtually total hair regrowth was observed in 100% of the cases. To date, no negative side effects have been reported.

BHS is currently focused on obtaining FDA approval for its breakthrough hair loss prevention and regeneration therapy and has initiated a research and development program with one of the world's leading medical research universities, the Beijing Institute of Technology (BIT). The R&D program, expected to take approximately twelve months to complete, is an important final step before formal clinical trials and the FDA approval process begins.

Additionally, on May 11, 2012, Venable LLP, the Washington-based law firm overseeing the worldwide IP and regulatory approval processes on behalf of BHS, filed a Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) application on behalf of BHS for Biologix Revive in Geneva, Switzerland. The PCT is an international treaty, administered by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), to which 144 countries have as of now contracted, including Canada and the United States.

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Biologix Hair to Exhibit at the 11th Annual Anti - Aging Medicine World Congress, Grimaldi Forum, Monaco

Spas, salons warned on stem cell therapy

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By Tina G. Santos Philippine Daily Inquirer

MANILA, PhilippinesStem cell therapy at spa centers and salons? Watch out, government agents are coming.

Health Secretary Enrique Ona says no clinic or hospital in the Philippines can offer stem cell therapy without accreditation from the Department of Health (DOH).

Speaking to reporters last week, Ona noted that while many centers are advertising stem cell therapy treatment, none of them have the approval of the health department.

As of now we have not accredited any clinic or even hospital offering stem cell therapy yet, Ona said.

Admitting that the DOH doesnt have the police power to close down erring health centers, Ona said the department would coordinate with other governmental agencies like the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and local governments to prevent spas and salons from offering stem cell treatment.

We will issue a warning for them to stop [doing stem cell therapy]. But if they continue despite warnings from us, thats when we will move to close them down, Ona said.

Stem cell therapy and treatment, which are becoming popular here and abroad, are medical procedures that deal with ailments by replacing malignant cells with healthy cells.

Only medical doctors with the right training can perform stem cell treatment.

Cosmetic purposes

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Spas, salons warned on stem cell therapy

The Velcro Companies Deliver an Innovative Packaging Closure Solution to Hill's® Pet Nutrition

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MANCHESTER, N.H., April 2,2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Velcro Industries, a technology-driven, global organization providing connection solutions for businesses and consumers around the world, today announced its partnership with premium pet food maker, Hill's Pet Nutrition.Velcro Industries worked with Hill's to integrate PRESS-LOK closure technology into some pet food packaging to ensure an easy, consumer friendly experience.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20130402/CG83134)

"With our focus on creating smart products, services and technologies wherever items can be connected, we developed the PRESS-LOK closure solution to provide a superior experience for our customers," said Jurjen Jacobs, Vice President of Global Marketing, Velcro Industries. "VELCRO Brand products are about the art of connecting. We strive to create smart products, services and technologies that will benefit brands and consumers across a wide spectrum of industries and we ensure a secure closure with our innovative PRESS-LOK fastening solution."

"There are many tangible consumer benefits that the PRESS-LOK closure system provides to our Hill's Science Diet packaging," said Christopher Rector, Director of Marketing of Hill's U.S. "The PRESS-LOK application providesa fast, effective and stress-free bag closure solution. PRESS-LOK closure opens and closes easily and quickly, keeping the kibble in and the paws out."

A unique solution in the industry, the PRESS-LOK closure is simple to open and close because it contains an easy alignment that allows the hooks to engage without precise line-up, securing closure with great burst strength to maintain the package integrity that Hill's Science Diet customers expect. Additionally, PRESS-LOK closure has an audible click, allowing consumers to hear their pet food packages open and close, ensuring a tight seal, even if kibble crumbs get on the fastener surface. The VELCRO Brand PRESS-LOK closure system is a proprietary hook to hook technology that can work for a wide variety of packaging closure scenarios.

The new packages are produced by PEEL Plastics Products Ltd., located in Brampton, Ontario. Hill's Science Diet pet foods packaging will feature VELCRO Brand closures and are available through Veterinary clinics and finer pet specialty stores.

About Velcro IndustriesVelcro Industries together comprise a technology-driven, global organization providing fastening solutions that solve problems in simple, elegant and surprising ways for businesses and consumers around the world. With more than 50 years of experience, Velcro Industries is proud of their heritage in innovation. Velcro Industries B.V. owns over 300 active patents and numerous trademarks, including the VELCRO mark which is registered throughout the world. Velcro Industries offer global resources for world-class solutions, with manufacturing locations in Spain, the United States, Canada, Mexico, and China and sales offices around the world. "Like" VELCRO Brand on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/velcrobrand or visit http://www.velcro.com/business for more information.

About Hill's Pet Nutrition Hill's Pet Nutrition Inc. manufactures Hill's Prescription Diet brand pet foods, therapeutic pet foods available only through veterinarians, and Hill's Science Diet brand pet foods sold through veterinarians and finer pet specialty stores. Founded more than 60 years ago with a unique commitment to pet nutrition and well-being, Hill's is committed to its mission to help enrich and lengthen the special relationships between people and their pets. Hill's produces high-quality, great-tasting pet foods owners can trust and give to their canine and feline companions as part of a veterinary health care team recommendation. This ultimately improves patient health and the health of the practice. For more information about Hill's Pet Nutrition Inc., and Hill's Evidence-Based Clinical Nutrition visit HillsPet.com, or on Facebook, keywords "Hill's Pet Nutrition."

About PEEL Plastics Products Ltd.For over 30 years, PEEL Plastics Products Ltd. has been a recognized leader in flexible packaging solutions and process innovation. We create custom packaging solutions to complement your brand. As a responsive supply partner, our products are customized to provide solutions that are unique, industry relevant and brand specific. PEEL is committed to being the most responsive supply partner, a recognized leader in product and process innovation, and the overall best value provider of flexible packaging materials. We house all of our print, lamination and converting capabilities in one location, which gives us a clear advantage at meeting otherwise challenging deadlines. For more information visit http://www.peelplastics.com and learn how we can help bring packaging innovation to your brand.

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The Velcro Companies Deliver an Innovative Packaging Closure Solution to Hill's® Pet Nutrition

Lakewood Veterinarian Focuses on Pet Nutrition as Part of Pet Wellness Care

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LAKEWOOD, Colo., March 31, 2013 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Wadsworth Animal Hospital in Lakewood, CO announced that the animal hospital offers pet nutrition counseling as part of the practice's pet wellness care services. "A nutritious diet is just as important for pets as it is for humans," says Lakewood veterinarian Dr. Eric L. Eisen. Together with fellow veterinarian Dr. Erika Olson, Dr. Eisen is educating pet owners about proper pet nutrition, including how to pick the right pet food for a pet's dietary needs. As part of the animal hospital's wellness program, the veterinarians can assist pet owners with an elimination diet if a food allergy is suspected, and then make dietary recommendations.

"The variety of foods available at the average pet store can be overwhelming," said Lakewood veterinarian Dr. Eric L. Eisen. "Nutritional counseling helps pet owners feel confident that they are choosing the right food for their pet's needs."

Nutritional counseling is beneficial for pets of all ages, including puppies and kittens and senior pets. A specially formulated large breed diet will help large and giant breed puppies safely gain weight without straining their bones and joints in the process.

Senior pets may also have special dietary requirements. Specially formulated foods can address joint health, a thyroid imbalance, bladder or urinary tract problems, and digestive health. Dietary supplements may also ease arthritis symptoms.

"Proper nutrition is important for pets at every stage of their life," said Dr. Eisen. "That's why we incorporate nutrition counseling into our regular wellness appointments. Pet dietary management can address specific health concerns and also ensure that pets remain a healthy weight throughout their lives."

Overweight pets, like humans, are also at risk for obesity-related health problems, such as diabetes and heart disease. Some pets may become overweight because their owners overestimate how much food the pets actually need on a daily basis. A special diet can help pets lose the pounds and get healthy.

"We know that pet owners want the very best for their pets," said Lakewood veterinarian Dr. Erika Olson. "Unfortunately, pet food labels can be misleading. Given the recent number of pet food recalls and pet treat contamination problems, owners must be vigilant when choosing their pet's food and treats. Our veterinary team is here to answer questions and help pet owners make healthy pet food choices."

In addition to pet nutrition counseling, Lakewood veterinary hospital provides comprehensive pet wellness care. These services include vaccinations, puppy and kitten care, pet surgery, and pet acupuncture for holistic pain management.

Pet owners may learn more about the services available at Wadsworth Animal Hospital by visiting http://www.wadsworthanimalhospital.com/.

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Lakewood Veterinarian Focuses on Pet Nutrition as Part of Pet Wellness Care

Nutrition News: Diet and kidney stones

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Most of us don't give much thought to kidney stones -- until we, or a loved one, suffer from one. But the truth is, kidney stones are on the minds of more people today than in the past. They affect about one in 11 Americans -- a marked increase over the one in 20 in 1994.

Researchers recently analyzed data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) and found the highest incidence of stones to be among white males. Among adults ages 60 and over, 20 percent of men and 10 percent of women had a history of kidney stones. The findings were published in the journal European Urology last July. The same study suggests that much of the blame for the increase should be placed on the rise in obesity. Researchers also found an association between kidney stone risk and diabetes and gout. Traditional risk factors for kidney stones include inadequate fluid intake, which results in the production of too little urine, a personal or family history of stones and a history of surgeries such as gastric bypass or bariatric surgery. Calcium supplements are also associated with a slight risk of kidney stones. However, consuming too little calcium from food can promote kidney stone development as well. (Most kidney stones are formed from calcium combined with oxalate or phosphate, but when calcium is consumed, it combines with oxalate and leaves the body through the stool. When oxalate doesn't have enough calcium to bind with, it builds up in the bloodstream and enters the urine, where it can cause stones.) So can what you eat make a difference? Absolutely. Here's the recommendation to prevent stones. 1. Consume sufficient amounts of calcium -- at least two servings a day 2. Drink at least 8 to 10 cups of fluid a day -- drink enough so your urine is light and clear. Citrus beverages like lemonade and orange juice, as well as citrus-based sodas, such as lemon-lime and orange-flavored sodas, may also help. 3. Cut back on salt. 4. Eat a healthy, well-balanced diet. A diet high in animal protein is associated with kidney stone formation. 5. Lose excess weight and get regular physical activity. 6. If you take calcium supplements, take them with meals so the mineral better binds with oxalate. Information is courtesy of Johns Hopkins Medicine Health After 50 Letter. Q and A Q: Are green apples different in nutrition from red apples? A: Not really, according to Tufts University Health & Nutrition Letter. When you compare the nutrients in green apples (including Granny Smith) versus red apples (including Red Delicious and Royal Gala), the differences are minimal. They all provide the same amount of fiber and vitamin C. However, the green varieties tend to be slightly lower (about 10 percent) in both calories and carbohydrates, while the red varieties tend to be higher (about 50 percent) in beta carotene -- presumably due to their color. With regard to the different types of phytochemicals present in these apples, it depends on how they are measured. One study showed significantly higher amount of total phenolics in Granny Smith apples, while in another study Red Delicious came out on top. Variations in nutrient and phytochemical content can be due to a number of factors including where the apples are grown, when they are harvested and how they are stored. Information courtesy of the Tufts University Health & Nutrition Letter. Recipe Here's a great recipe for Cheesy Penne with Broccoli, from Cooking Light magazine. It's low fat, adds a serving of vegetables and is full of protein, despite being meatless. Cheesy Penne with Broccoli --8 ounces uncooked mini penne pasta --5 cups broccoli florets (about 1 medium head) --1 1/2 cups fat-free milk, divided --2 tablespoons all-purpose flour --3 tablespoons grated fresh Parmesan cheese, divided --2 tablespoons 1/3-less-fat cream cheese --1 teaspoon Dijon mustard --1/2 teaspoon salt --1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper --1/8 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg --2.5 ounces Cheddar cheese, shredded (about 2/3 cup) Cook pasta according to package directions, omitting salt and fat. During the last 3 minutes of cooking, add broccoli to pan; drain. Place pasta and broccoli in a large bowl. Combine milk and flour in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring with a whisk until smooth. Cook 5 minutes or until slightly thickened; remove from heat. Add 2 tablespoons Parmesan and remaining ingredients, stirring with a whisk until smooth. Add cheese mixture to pasta mixture; toss. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese. Serves 4. Per serving: 381 calories, 20 g protein, 54.9 g carbohydrate, 9.8 g fat, 29 mg cholesterol, 4.6 g fiber, 577 mg sodium. Charlyn Fargo is a registered dietitian from Springfield, Ill. For comments or questions, contact her at charfarg@aol.com or follow her on Twitter @NutritionRD. To find out more about Charlyn Fargo and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at http://www.creators.com.

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Nutrition News: Diet and kidney stones

McDonald's® Tri-State Restaurant Owners Launch Second Annual Nutrition Network Fund To Support Community Nutrition …

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ISELIN, N.J., April 2, 2013 /PRNewswire/ --McDonald's New York Tri-State area restaurants today announced the return of the McDonald's New York Metro Nutrition Network, a community outreach initiative implemented last year to provide grants to local organizations that focus on nutrition programs. Through the program, New York Tri-State McDonald's restaurant owners are teaming up with Dasani to offer seed money to help local organizations bring nutrition information and guidance to the communities they serve. McDonald's will be offering $25,000 worth of grant funding, while Dasani will offer an additional $5,000.

In addition to providing seed funding to community organizations, McDonald's is collaborating with the American Diabetes Association to help consumers make informed decisions at McDonald's. McDonald's had a booth at the organization's Expo on March 9, 2013, to distribute literature and wholesome menu items.

"The McDonald's Tri-State Owner/Operators Association is thrilled to be launching the Nutrition Network program for the second year," said Anthony Scari, president of the McDonald's New York Tri-State Owner/Operators Association. "After seeing the response from organizations in need across the Tri-State last year, it's become increasingly apparent how important it is that we do our part to support organizations that align with our commitment to nutrition awareness."

The McDonald's "Commitments to Offer Improved Nutrition Choice" initiative strives to help customers make informed choices. The brand will continue to seek to provide customers with wholesome menu items including the new Egg White Delight McMuffin, which will be available at participating restaurants nationwide this Spring.

To further educate consumers on wholesome choices, McDonald's is teaming up with Registered Dietitian Sharon Richter for the second year in order to help spread the nutrition message and show customers how McDonald's can be incorporated into a balanced diet. Richter was present at the American Diabetes Expo on March 9, and will also participate in judging applications submitted by non-profits.

"I'm extremely excited to be working with McDonald's again this year," said Sharon Richter, RD. "As a brand that feeds millions of customers a day, it's wonderful that these Owner/Operators are taking a stand and getting out in the community to help spread awareness in their communities."

McDonald's New York Metro Nutrition Network applications will be evaluated based on the expected impact of the proposed program on nutrition awareness in the community. This year, McDonald's has teamed up with Dasani who will offer an additional grant, so that six organizations will be selected. Each winning organization will be acknowledged with a presentation in their community. Tri-State area non-profit organizations can find the application at http://www.McDNYMetroNutritionNetwork.com. The submission deadline is May 15, 2013.

Last year's grant recipients included: Let's Celebrate (Hudson County, New Jersey); SoBro (Bronx, New York); Star Inc., Fairfield (Fairfield, Connecticut); Hillside Food Outreach (Westchester, New York); Island Harvest (Long Island, New York).

ABOUT McDONALD'S NEW YORK TRI-STATE RESTAURANTS: McDonald's is one of the world's best-known brands and is a global leader in food service. There are more than 600 McDonald's restaurants, owned by over 100 franchisees, located throughout the New York, New Jersey and Connecticut Tri-State area. Visit http://www.mcdonaldsnymetro.com or follow us on Twitter @McDNYTriState for information about other McDonald's area programs.

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McDonald's® Tri-State Restaurant Owners Launch Second Annual Nutrition Network Fund To Support Community Nutrition ...

Symbiotic bacteria program daily rhythms in squid using light and chemicals

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Public release date: 2-Apr-2013 [ | E-mail | Share ]

Contact: Jim Sliwa jsliwa@asmusa.org 202-942-9297 American Society for Microbiology

Glowing bacteria inside squids use light and chemical signals to control circadian-like rhythms in the animals, according to a study to be published on April 2 in mBio, the online open-access journal of the American Society for Microbiology. The Hawaiian bobtail squid, Euprymna scolopes, houses a colony of Vibrio fischeri bacteria in its light organ, using the bacteria at night as an antipredatory camouflage while it ventures out to hunt. The results of the study show that, in addition to acting as a built-in lamp, the bacteria also control when the squid expresses a gene that entrains, or synchronizes, circadian rhythms in animals.

"To our knowledge, this is the first report of bacteria entraining the daily rhythms of host tissues," says corresponding author Margaret McFall-Ngai of the University of Wisconsin - Madison. If bacteria can entrain daily rhythms in an animal, McFall-Ngai says, it's reasonable to think these influences will eventually be found in other animals. It's possible that microbial partners in the human gut, for instance, could similarly influence human daily rhythms through chemical signaling.

Like all animals, squids make proteins that set their inner clock to environmental light. E. scolopes produces two of these "light entrainment" proteins (cryptochromes, or CRYs), and one is regulated in the squid's head, just like every other animal. McFall-Ngai and her co-authors noticed that escry1, the gene that encodes the other protein, is most highly expressed in the light organ, where the squid houses its glowing bacterial symbionts. "The animal uses the luminescence in the evening, so the luminescence is greatest at night. The gene escry1 cycles with the bioluminescence of the animal and not with environmental light," says McFall-Ngai.

But is it the bacterial luminescence that synchronizes the cycling, or is it the bacteria themselves? It's both, says McFall-Ngai.

The bacteria are necessary for cycling, she says, since squid grown without their bacterial symbionts do not cycle their expression of escry1, and mimicking the bacterial light with a blue light did not induce the cycling.

And they showed that the light is also necessary, because squids grown with defective V. fischeri symbionts that lack the ability to luminesce didn't cycle their expression of escry1 either. With light-defective bacteria in their light organs, squids exposed to the blue light got back on track, cycling escry1 production as usual.

What is it about the bacteria that could be signaling to the squid? Long experience taught McFall-Ngai where to turn next: microbe-associated molecular patterns (MAMPs), molecules that signal the presence of microbes to other creatures. "In this system we have found again and again that bacterial surface molecules are active at inducing all kinds of cellular behavior in the host," says McFall-Ngai.

Her hunch was right. MAMPs plus light turned cycling on. In squid grown without symbionts, light, combined with MAMPs (either the lipid A component of lipopolysaccharide or the peptidoglycan monomer), could induce some degree of cycling. The squid did not respond fully, though, maybe because the MAMPs were only injected into their seawater habitat, not presented directly to the light organ.

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Symbiotic bacteria program daily rhythms in squid using light and chemicals

May seeks longevity in Japan

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May seeks longevity in Japan

Ben May will call time on his six-year Super Rugby career at the end of the Hurricanes' current campaign.

The 30-year-old prop has signed a two-year deal with Sanix and will leave at the conclusion of the 2013 Super Rugby season.

The 2012 Maori All Blacks player revealed he decided a few years ago that when he reached 30 he would start to look at his options.

"I came down here [to the Hurricanes] last year for a last opportunity to give everything I had to a franchise in New Zealand," May said. "I've really enjoyed my time here. Obviously it's still going and that's my main focus at the moment. But once I put the feelers out there something came pretty quick. It's good to get it signed up and done and dusted pretty quickly."

May also had offers from Europe but felt the type of rugby and the amount of games played in the Northern Hemisphere wouldn't suit him at this stage in his career.

"They play a lot of footy over there and it's tough footy. I'm not saying Japan's not but it's a lot less games and just a different experience I think."

May's announcement came on the same day as former All Blacks lock Anthony Boric and ex-All Blacks fly-half Stephen Donald announced their moves to Mitsubishi. The Chiefs' Richard Kahui and Lelia Masaga are also on their way to Japan at the conclusion of Super Rugby.

"I think we can offer things over there in terms of experience in the Southern Hemisphere game and taking that up there," May said of the number of New Zealanders signing for Japanese clubs. "[We can fulfil] leadership roles and it's also a lifestyle choice. Super Rugby is not getting any easier. It's bloody tough and it's tough to keep the body in check to play every week."

May wasn't sure whether his deal with Sanix, which he said was "a little bit more" in money terms than a New Zealand contract, would be his last one.

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May seeks longevity in Japan

Spa Spy: Longevity Wellness Resort, Monchique, Portugal

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About 50 minutes drive from Faro Airport, past the pristine golf courses that dot the Algarve coast, Longevity is a vast temple to wellbeing that attracts visitors from all over the world. A low-level building, designed as three long, interconnected structures accommodating several hundred guests, it includes extensive spa facilities, consulting rooms, hot and cold pools and a zen room for total relaxation.

The prescription

A four-day Longevity Essential Fitness programme, including a personalised fitness plan and lifestyle assessment.

The procedure

Spy reluctantly gave up her poolside sun-bed for a biophysical evaluation, which revealed horrifying details about her fat distribution and ''metabolic age. After analysis, personal trainer Sofia led Spy through the first of four private training sessions, involving boxing, pilates and power plate work in the gym and by the pool.

Spy was then allowed a heavenly Body Scrub and Deep Relaxing Massage Ritual, which has no doubt extended her life by at least three years. A consultation with a nutritionist confirmed Spys suspicion that she must try harder to eat better.

The verdict

Spys gym workouts, combined with regular plunges in the refreshing pool and sessions in the hot tub and steam rooms, left her feeling truly relaxed and at ease with herself for the first time in months.

The feelgood factor

Spys programme was complemented by the Longevity Wellness meal plan, which Spa was delighted to find included delicious and tempting fare without too much tofu or too many lentils or seeds. Lots of food for thought when revamping her own daily diet back in Blighty.

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Spa Spy: Longevity Wellness Resort, Monchique, Portugal

Health, Not Income, Tops Longevity Concerns for Middle-Income Americans, New Study Reveals

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CHICAGO, April 2, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Declining health is the number one longevity concern for middle-income Americans, nearly four times the concern over inadequate retirement savings (10%) or outliving their money (9%), the latest study released by the Bankers Life and Casualty Company Center For A Secure Retirement (CSR) reveals.

The study, Longevity Risk and Reward for Middle-Income Americans surveyed 500 Americans ages 55 to 75 with an annual household income of between $25,000 and $75,000.

Retirement Income ShortfallsTo compensate for the possibility of outliving their savings, here's a look at how middle-income Americans plan to deal with shortfalls in retirement income.

The good news is that the majority of today's middle-income Americans are living within their budget.According to the CSR study, seven out of ten (70%) report living comfortably within their budget.Only one in ten (9%) admit to living beyond their means.

Use of Common Planning MethodsFour in ten (44%) admit that their retirement savings may not last until the end of their life. Yet, when it comes to developing a retirement savings goal, only one-fifth (21%) of middle-income retirees and pre-retirees calculated a monthly retirement income goal number; only one in ten (13%) determined a total savings goal number to reach.

"Realistically assessing longevity can be a powerful tool in planning for retirement," said Chris Campbell, vice president of marketing and business development at Bankers Life and Casualty Company, a national life and health insurer. "Set a clear retirement goal and be realistic about the amount of savings it will take to be able to live the retirement lifestyle you desire."

Retirement AnxietyThe CSR study cites more than half of middle-income Boomers (55%) have saved less than $100,000 for retirement. In light of this reality, it is not surprising that nearly two-thirds (62%) of middle-income pre-retirees report some level of anxiety about retirement; one in four (28%) report being "anxious" or "very anxious."

All of these factors suggest that most middle-income Americans should apply some disciplined planning to overcome these anxieties. Yet that does not seem to be the case, according to the study.

MethodologyThe Bankers Life and Casualty Company Center for a Secure Retirement's study Longevity Risk and Reward for Middle-Income Americans was conducted in November 2012 by the independent research firm The Boomer Project. The full report can be viewed at CenterForASecureRetirement.com.

A nationwide sample of 500 Americans ages 55 to 75 who have an annual household income of between $25,000 and $75,000 participated in the Internet-based survey.

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Health, Not Income, Tops Longevity Concerns for Middle-Income Americans, New Study Reveals

Community News: New principal named at Georgetown High School; Power outage interrupts STAAR test

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TRAVIS COUNTY

AUSTIN

Professor presents latest in self-diagnosis

University of Texas biochemistry professor Dr. Andrew Ellington is hosting a free lecture highlighting how low-cost technology can help with medical self-diagnosis at 7 p.m. Thursday at the universitys Student Activity Center, located on Speedway near 21st Street.

Ellington will describe how low-cost, personalized diagnostics can help people with little or no medical background detect ailments such as viruses. He will also describe how advances in biotechnology are being made to help us gain a better understanding of our own physiology.

The event is part of the universitys Hot Science-Cool Talks outreach series of lectures that allow leading researchers to share their discoveries with the general public.

For those who cannot attend in person, a live broadcast of the lecture as well as broadcasts of previous lectures can be viewed at http://www.hotsciencecooltalks.org.

Wes Gardner, American-Statesman

PFLUGERVILLE

Master Gardeners discuss oak-wilt treatment

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Community News: New principal named at Georgetown High School; Power outage interrupts STAAR test