Fuel Freedom Foundation Launches Book Club and Webinar Series

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IRVINE, CA--(Marketwire - Mar 28, 2013) - Fuel Freedom Foundation, a nonpartisan, nonprofit campaign dedicated to ending America's oil addiction through fuel market competition, today announced the launch of its book club and webinar series: "Fueling the Future."

Fuel Freedom Foundation advocates for an open fuel market so that cheaper, cleaner, American-made replacement fuels may compete fairly with gasoline at the pump. Competition will drive down transportation fuel prices, create jobs and promote innovation. By commercializing cheaper, cleaner and domestically produced replacement fuels, we can pave the way to freedom of choice for all consumers, strengthen the economy, relieve families from the burden of high gas prices, secure our nation from oil-producing adversarial countries and significantly reduce harmful air toxins.

The "Fueling the Future" book club and webinar series is part of a national effort to inform the public of the key issues surrounding America's oil dependency and to motivate public participation and discussion. The book club program will feature relevant, timely and thought-provoking book selections throughout the year. We have established a book club forum that provides members the opportunity to collaborate with like-minded individuals, initiate discussions with members of their community and pose questions to leading industry experts.

Following the book reading and forum discussion, participants are invited to attend a webinar featuring the book's authors. In addition to the book club webinars, Fuel Freedom will host a variety of other webinars with industry professionals, energy experts and political leaders to discuss the feasibility of flex-fuel vehicles, the cost-benefit of alternative fuels and the positive macro-economic impact of oil independence.

"We are storming into the national energy debate as American family budgets are being clobbered, yet again, by the high cost of oil. In an effort to influence and alter the national dialogue, our education and outreach programs, including the book club and webinar series, offer lively and engaging conversations and an opportunity to connect with members of your community and industry professionals all in one place. It is a platform to exchange ideas, learn about current events from energy experts and most importantly, to get a sense of the devastating consequences of our oil addiction and the viable replacements that offer a solution," said Ann Norman, Fuel Freedom Foundation vice president of communications.

The Foundation's current book selection is "Petropoly: The Collapse of America's Energy Security Paradigm." In a no-holds-barred, fast-paced, information-packed sequel to "Turning Oil into Salt: Energy Independence through Fuel Choice," energy experts and co-directors of the Institute for Analysis of Global Security (IAGS), Gal Luft and Anne Korin, spell out the pitfalls of an oil market dominated by a cartel.

The Washington Times said, "Ms. Korin and Mr. Luft's thinking is rooted in science, economics and politics and they display intellectual equity to other points of view that is refreshing and clarifying." The National Review calls the book "a muscular case for a Teddy Roosevelt-style solution: trust-busting." The webinar for "Petropoly," featuring Luft and Korin, will be held April 8, 2013 at 7 p.m. EDT.

"We believe the public would be interested to learn that simple, inexpensive modifications would enable most new vehicles on the road today to utilize readily available, abundant supplies of cost-effective replacement fuels, such as natural gas, methanol and ethanol. Fuel Freedom Foundation strongly believes in educating the public about the viability of replacement fuels and these newly formulated programs are one way of doing so. Fueling the Future promises to be an exciting, enlightening and valuable series. Only by addressing the problems with oil head-on can we find and enact solutions to free us of our dangerous oil addiction," said Fuel Freedom Foundation co-founder Yossie Hollander.

Please visit http://www.fuelfreedom.org/book-club to learn more about how you can join the Fueling the Future conversation, get involved, and help end America's addiction to oil.

About Fuel FreedomFuel Freedom Foundation is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization dedicated to breaking the U.S. economy's oil addiction by powering cars and trucks with cheaper, cleaner, healthier American replacement fuels. Consumers could easily convert their cars from running on gasoline to replacement fuels, but outdated regulations and entrenched commercial interests stand in the way. The Fuel Freedom campaign works to remove barriers to competition so that natural gas, methanol, ethanol and electricity can compete on equal footing with gasoline at the pump and the dealership. Achieving Fuel Freedom will lower fuel prices, create jobs, spur economic growth, reduce pollution, and improve national and global security. For more information go to the Foundation's website at http://www.fuelfreedom.org; Facebook: FuelFreedomFoundation; and Twitter: @FuelFreedomNow.

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Fuel Freedom Foundation Launches Book Club and Webinar Series

Americans oppose paying for storm-ravaged beaches

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WASHINGTON (AP) More than 4 out of 5 Americans want to prepare now for rising seas and stronger storms from climate change, a new national survey says. But most are unwilling to keep spending money to restore and protect stricken beaches.

The poll by Stanford University released Thursday found that only 1 in 3 people favored the government spending millions to construct big sea walls, replenish beaches or pay people to leave the coast.

This was the first time a large national poll looked at how Americans feel about adapting to the changes brought on by global warming, said survey director Jon Krosnick, a professor of political science and psychology at Stanford.

The more indirect options the majority preferred were making sure new buildings were stronger and reducing future coastal development. New building codes rated the highest with 62 percent of those surveyed favoring it.

Three in 5 people want those who are directly affected by rising seas to pay for protection, rather than all taxpayers.

Krosnick said the low favorability of sea walls and sand replenishment "reflect the public's fatalistic sense that it's more realistic to just give up the beach than to try to save it when other storms in the future will just wash it away again."

The nationally representative survey of 1,174 Americans conducted online by GfK Custom Research has a margin of error of plus or minus 4.9 percentage points.

University of Miami geology professor Harold Wanless, who wasn't involved in the survey, said he was at a Miami Beach meeting on Thursday with business and political leaders on how to try to keep from losing their "hugely expensive" land. But they are afraid of spending money in vain attempts that won't work.

There are three ways the public can deal with the effects of rising seas on beaches, said coastal geology professor S. Jeffress Williams of the University of Hawaii. He is an expert on sea level rise and methods of adapting to it. You can "hold the line" with expensive sea walls, retreat and leave the beach, or compromise with sand dunes and beach replenishing.

Sand dunes helped protect the New Jersey town of Seaside Park more than its dune-less neighbor Seaside Heights when Superstorm Sandy hit last fall, said Laurie Mcgilvray, a government coastline science expert.

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Americans oppose paying for storm-ravaged beaches

Awesome L.A. Beaches

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Miles of soft sand, swaying palm trees, and the lure of the sparkling ocean make the City of Angels a magnet for surf-and-sun devotees. Yet with over 90 beaches and 75 miles of shoreline in Los Angeles County, it can be difficult for visiting families to know where to begin. When compiling this go-to list of great kid-friendly beaches, we gave top priority to cleanliness. Each of our picks consistently makes the A-list from Heal the Bay, an organization that measures and tracks pollution at 475 California beaches. We also considered location, amenities, and family-fun vibe. These five beaches get top marks on all fronts, so lather on the sunscreen and bring the kids.

With its photogenic pier and tony neighborhood, this South Bay classic has a certain star quality. Pristine waters invite swimming, boogie boarding and surfing, but the beach is perhaps most famous for what happens on the sand. More than 50 beach volleyball nets make this the volleyball capital of SoCal. Theres also a childrens play area, coastline bike path, restrooms, and showers. At the end of the 928-foot pier is the free Roundhouse Marine Studies Lab and Aquarium, where kids can touch starfish, ogle seahorses, and learn about sea life. Fishing along the pier is allowed year-round.

Welcome to people-watching heaven. Venice is famous for its funky boardwalk and constant parade of street performers, jugglers, musicians, and bikini-clad roller-skaters. There is always a good crowd, yet thanks to the wide stretches of sand, theres also plenty of room for picnics or tossing a Frisbee. Lifeguards are stationed during daylight hours. Splash in the waves or hang ten at the Venice Breakwater, a popular surf spot located north of the Venice Pier. The boardwalk is packed with shops selling skim boards and beach clothing, and theres also a smorgasbord of tasty eateries.

One of the largest stretches of sand in Los Angeles County, this perennial family beach delivers a quintessential California beach experience, with waves that beg for body surfing and a vast expanse of silky white sand. (Parents will be equally grateful for lifeguards, ample parking, and two food huts that serve tasty food and drinks.)

Zuma is also a wonderful place to watch whales make their winter migration, from late December to March. For the best vantage, hike to the lookout atop nearby Point Dume. Note that Zuma lies beyond Santa Monica Bay and receives heavy breakers, so be alert for strong currents and riptide warnings posted by lifeguards.

If youve got nature-loving kids, this state ecological preserve is a blast to explore. Wear sturdy shoes to trek down relatively easy trails from scenic bluff tops to tide pools teeming with sea urchins, starfish, anemones and other marine life. This is an outstanding picnic spot, with spectacular views of Catalina Island. Lifeguards are on duty during summer hours and weekends only.

Situated right beneath the LAX flight path (the jets are noisy but fun for kids to watch), this is a surprisingly great place to swim, bask in the sun, fish by the jetties, or play volleyball. Plan to stay later in the day, so you can gather around a fire pit and watch the sunset. As L.A.s only beach with fire pits and an oceanfront RV Park, Dockweiler is always bustling. Happily, its 288 acres ensures theres plenty of room for everyone.

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Awesome L.A. Beaches

ALMA: Extreme, Precision Astronomy in the Desert

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The Atacama Large Millimeter/Submillimeter Array, or ALMA, is already producing amazing science results. To see the telescope up close at an altitude of 16,500 feet (5,000 meters) is even more incredible. This high-precision instrument on top of the world is truly one of the most impressive sights that I have ever seen.

So whats the big deal with a millimeter and submillimeter telescope anyway?

PHOTOS: ALMA: New Jewel of the Atacama Desert

ALMA is the most sensitive instrument (by far) to probe this region of the electromagnetic spectrum just a bit longer in wavelength than infrared, yet still quite high energy for most radio astronomers.

It has a special power to see an unbiased sample of the universe. That is, by a combination of an increase of star formation (and thus infrared emission) in the galaxies in the early universe and the way that light is redshifted by the expansion of the universe, you can see a whole swath of the history of galaxies in this band. However, it has traditionally been a difficult place to work since the water molecules in our atmosphere absorb and scatter much of the submillimeter light coming from space.

So, to some of the highest, driest mountain peaks we go.

I came to the Atacama Desert as a guest of the National Radio Astronomy Observatory along with several other science writers from around the United States. At the Operations Support Facility, located at an altitude of 9,500 feet (2,900 meters), we joined an even larger host of journalists from around the world to get a special tour of this remote facility.

The altitude was already wearing on a few of us that are used to sea level, especially when lugging around laptops and camera bags. We had a safety briefing before our trip to the high site where we were instructed on the use of our oxygen bottles and informed that a team of paramedics would be traveling with us to the high site, or Array Operations Site. This was about to get real.

ANALYSIS: ALMA Inauguration: Journey to the Atacama

Despite the occasional dizziness and mild headache once we reached the array, I actually jumped up and down and squealed with excitement upon seeing it in person. There were 54 dishes on site from North America, Europe, and East Asia, all built to the same precise performance specifications but each looking a little bit different. The surface accuracy of the gleaming 12-meter wide dishes is the width of a human hair, and the drives and motors that move them must point to an object with 0.6 arcseconds of accuracy. (Thats like pointing accurately at a single person in Charlottesville, Virginia, from St. Louis. Trust me, thats a LONG drive.) Seeing the arrays in person was beautiful.

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ALMA: Extreme, Precision Astronomy in the Desert

Meet Research Luminaries at Celebration of Harvard Astronomy

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More than a century, Harvard astronomers have delved into some of the most compelling puzzles in the cosmos. From the successful hunt for alien worlds to the surprise discovery of dark energy, Harvard researchers and their students have made a bold imprint on the field.

At the same time, the Harvard Department of Astronomy has upheld a century-old tradition of exceptional graduate students and faculty. The departments graduates have become distinguished scientists and leaders in their respective specialties.

Journalists are invited to attend a reunion of Graduate Alumni of Harvard Astronomy. Two spirited panel discussions will focus on areas of astronomical research with seminal Harvard contributions: testing Einsteins theory of gravity, and extrasolar planets and life.

Date: Friday, April 5, 2013 Time: 12:00 - 6:30 p.m. Location: Sheraton Commander Hotel, 16 Garden Street, Cambridge, MA Website: http://www.gsas.harvard.edu/alumni_events/a-celebration-of-harvard-astronomy.php

Participants will include two Nobel laureates and a variety of distinguished researchers, all Harvard alumni. A full list of participants is available at the website above.

This event also will include a luncheon featuring a historical review of astronomy at Harvard by Owen Gingerich, Emeritus Professor of Astronomy and of the History of Science. Tickets to the luncheon are $30 per person.

Conference registration is free to credentialed journalists. To register, visit http://www.events.harvard.edu/profile/web/index.cfm?PKWebId=0x934931a3 and click on the link at upper right.

Journalists can obtain free registration by selecting the PhD/postdoc option at the bottom of the page. Instead of department/degree/year, please list your affiliation.

You are urged to register soon because the registration cap has nearly been reached. Seating is limited, and admission will be on a first come first serve basis.

This conference is hosted by the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences at Harvard University.

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Meet Research Luminaries at Celebration of Harvard Astronomy

Hospitals performing stem cell therapy are yet to be accredited – DOH

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By: Azer N. Parrocha, Philippine News Agency March 28, 2013 3:16 AM

InterAksyon.com The online news portal of TV5

MANILA, Philippines - Although guidelines for stem cell therapy in the country have already been released, the Department of Health (DOH) on Wednesday reminded the public that hospitals performing the treatment are as of the moment, not accredited.

Health Secretary Enrique Ona, in a press conference, explained that for a hospital or clinic to be considered accredited, a years worth of tests and studies have to be done to prove that the procedure is indeed safe and effective.

I hope the general public understands that these stem cells, although called innovative (form of treatment) is not standard and should not be advertised as though it is already an accepted form of treatment, Ona said.

Ona explained that the DOH still continues to look on the capacity of the treatment and will make sure that the stem cells used for procedure are accepted as protocol.

Stem cells like those coming from embryos or animals which are restricted will also be looked into by the DOH to see if there are any hospitals or clinics that do not abide by the administrative order.

If the protocol is accepted, report of results should be evaluated, he said. They are evaluated about a year to see if their claim is effective [and if it is] it will be validated.

At present, there are no hospitals or clinics completely accredited for the stem cell therapy yet. Given that, certain processes must be followed before doctors are allowed to use the treatment.

I cannot see a so-called clinic yet certifying that there is a process that is very effective, Ona explained. We have to see the type of stem cell, the type of claim they have.

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Hospitals performing stem cell therapy are yet to be accredited – DOH

UMMS scientists tie dietary influences to changes in gene expression and physiology

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Public release date: 28-Mar-2013 [ | E-mail | Share ]

Contact: Jim Fessenden james.fessenden@umassmed.edu 508-856-2000 University of Massachusetts Medical School

WORCESTER, MA Sometimes you just can't resist a tiny piece of chocolate cake. Even the most health-conscious eaters find themselves indulging in junk foods from time to time. New research by scientists at the University of Massachusetts Medical School (UMMS) raises the striking possibility that even small amounts of these occasional indulgences may produce significant changes in gene expression that could negatively impact physiology and health.

A pair of papers published in Cell by A.J. Marian Walhout, PhD, co-director of the Program in Systems Biology and professor of molecular medicine at UMMS, describe how metabolism and physiology are connected to diet. Using C. elegans, a transparent roundworm often used as a model organism in genetic studies, Dr. Walhout and colleagues observed how different diets produce differences in gene expression in the worm that can then be linked to crucial physiological changes.

"In short, we found that when C. elegans are fed diets of different types of bacteria, they respond by dramatically changing their gene expression program, leading to important changes in physiology," said Walhout. "Worms fed a natural diet of Comamonas bacteria have fewer offspring, live shorter and develop faster compared to worms fed the standard laboratory diet of E. coli bacteria."

Walhout and colleagues identified at least 87 changes in C. elegans gene expression between the two diets. Surprisingly, these changes were independent of the TOR and insulin signaling pathways, gene expression programs typically active in nutritional control. Instead, the changes occur, at least in part, in a regulator that controls molting, a gene program that determines development and growth in the worm. This connection provided one of the critical links between diet, gene expression and physiology detailed in "Diet-induced Development Acceleration Independent of TOR and Insulin in C. elegans." "Importantly, these same regulators that are influenced by diet in the worms control circadian rhythm in humans," said Lesley MacNeil, PhD, a postdoctoral student in the Walhout Lab and first author on the paper. "We already know that circadian rhythms are affected by diet. This points to the real possibility that we can now use C. elegans to study the complex connections between diet, gene expression and physiology and their relation to human disease."

Strikingly, Walhout and colleagues observed that even when fed a small amount of the Comamonas bacteria in a diet otherwise comprised of E. coli bacteria, C. elegans exhibited dramatic changes in gene expression and physiology. These results provide the tantalizing possibility that different diets are not "healthy" or "unhealthy" but that specific quantities of certain foods may be optimal under different conditions and for promoting different physiological outcomes.

"It's just as true that a small amount of a 'healthy' food in an otherwise unhealthy diet could elicit a beneficial change in gene expression that could have profound physiological effects," said Walhout.

Additional research by the Walhout Lab further explored the possibility of using C. elegans as a model system to answer complex questions about disease and dietary treatment in humans. Detailed in the "Integration of Metabolic and Gene Regulatory Networks Modulates the C. elegans Dietary Response," Walhout and colleagues found that disrupting gene expression involved with C. elegans metabolism lead to metabolic imbalances that interfered with the animal's dietary response; a result that may have a direct correlation to the treatment of a class of human genetic diseases.

"To better understand the molecular mechanisms by which diet effects gene expression in the worm, we performed complimentary genetic screens looking for genes that gave an abnormal response to diet," said Emma Watson, a doctoral student in the Walhout Lab and co-first author on the second Cell study together with Dr. MacNeil. "What we discovered was a large network of metabolic and regulator genes that can integrate internal cellular nutritional needs and imbalances with external availability," said Watson. "This information is then communicated to information processing genes in the worm to illicit the appropriate response in the animal."

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UMMS scientists tie dietary influences to changes in gene expression and physiology

UE's Public Health program to offer new nutrition emphasis

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EVANSVILLE, IN (UE) -

Students interested in studying public health at the University of Evansville now have the opportunity to specialize in nutrition.

The nutrition emphasis was approved last week by UE's curriculum committee and involves the creation of two new courses in the existing public health program: Public Health Nutrition and Food Science.

"With the ongoing cultural shift toward preventive care and wellness, the University of Evansville has seen a significant increase in the number of students interested in studying nutrition," said Payal Patel-Dovlatabadi, DrPH, assistant professor and director of the public health program. "Nutrition is a key part of public health, and the need for trained professionals in this field has never been greater. We're excited to be at the forefront of this effort and prepare students for careers that make a significant impact on individual and community needs."

A Bachelor of Science in public health with an emphasis in nutrition will prepare students for diverse employment opportunities with state and local health departments, health and school systems, government agencies, universities and research institutions, wellness centers, and consulting firms, to name a few. The program will also prepare students who wish to pursue advanced degrees in fields including physical therapy, public health, health services administration, dietetics, and health education.

For more information on the public health program and the new nutrition emphasis, visit http://www.evansville.edu/majors/publichealth/.

Copyright 2013 WFIE. All rights reserved.

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UE's Public Health program to offer new nutrition emphasis

Foods Nutrition Experts Can't Live Without

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I find it funny when a patient becomes bored while trying to eat healthy. (By the way, that same patient never complained about eating a plain bagel and cream cheese each morning for years before we met.) For many, there seems to be a strong disconnect between eating healthy and loving what they are eating.

Sure, I love French fries and pizza, but if asked which foods I couldn't live without, they wouldn't be included. Which foods would make my short list? If I narrow down the many foods I love, which would be tough, I'd say: oatmeal, eggs, hummus, and a baked potato. For me, oatmeal is the perfect start to the day because it's high in fiber, so it fills me up. Eggs can be prepared in many different ways and are a great source of protein. Hummus is packed with flavor (but not fat), and goes so well with a variety of foods. And a baked potato is the perfect stand-alone meal; I love it topped with hummus and an egg, or as the perfect compliment to my entree.

I know I'm not alone in my love of food, so I decided to ask my registered dietitian/nutritionist (RDN) pals which foods they couldn't live without. Mind you, it was very hard for them to choose, too.

Karen Ansel, MS, RDN, spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.

"I absolutely can't live without low-fat ricotta and Greek yogurt. Packed with protein and calcium, they're the ultimate multitasking foods that help you stay full, slim and strong. I put them on everything. Another is Ezekiel 4:9 Flax Sprouted Whole Grain Bread. Just one slice has four grams of fiber, five grams of protein and only 80 calories. "

Elisa Zied, MS, RDN, CDN, author of "Nutrition At Your Fingertips" and fellow Eat + Run blogger

"I love pink grapefruit because of its sweet taste, not to mention the vitamin C punch it packs. Brussels sprouts are delicious and a great way to incorporate veggies into my diet. I love sirloin or strip steak for its high-quality protein, along with its B vitamins, iron and zinc. I really love the taste and texture of lean beef and don't need a big portion to feel satisfied. And I simply adore doughy bread with a little butter or dipped in olive oil--comfort food all the way!

Jackie Newgent, RDN, culinary nutritionist and author of "1,000 Low-Calorie Recipes"

"I'm a pasta fanatic; I never go a week without it. It's a perfect and fast foundation for a nutritious meal. When I'm in the mood for comfort food on the go, I reach for pizza. And frankly, it can be a rather balanced food, nutritionally speaking. At home, you can always find an avocado in my kitchen. It's my better butter, my sandwich condiment of choice and my ideal pairing with eggs. Of course, I can't live without veggies either. I'm a devotee of broccoli; it has so many health promoting properties, but I eat it because I'm obsessed with the flavor!"

Rachel Begun, MS, RDN, spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.

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Foods Nutrition Experts Can't Live Without

Consumer Reports puts restaurant nutrition claims to the test

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By Herb Weisbaum, TODAY contributor

Most big chain restaurants now put nutrition information calories, fat and sodium on their menus and websites. But just how accurate are these numbers? Does the meal youre served match the nutritional profile promised?

Consumer Reports decided to find out. For its May issue, the magazines secret shoppers went to a dozen well-known restaurants and fast-food chains, from Applebees to Wendys, and ordered 17 different items. They tested the same item from three restaurants in each chain.

The good news: In most cases, the published information was accurate.

We found that you can usually trust the figures you see, said editor Leslie Ware. On average, most of them were telling the truth.

Only two of the 17 dishes Consumer Reports analyzed in the lab had a fat or calorie count that was higher than promised at all three locations.

Olive Gardens Lasagna Primavera with Grilled Chicken was supposed to have 420 calories and 15 grams of fat. The samples the magazine tested had 508 to 585 calories and 25 to 32 grams of fat. Thats more than the 20 percent variance thats generally considered acceptable with nutrition information.

The company told TODAY it takes great care to provide accurate nutrition information. In an email, Olive Garden explained that an error had been made in the initial testing of the entree when it was introduced last October.

As soon as we caught this error, we retested the dish and updated the nutritional information on our website with the new data in late December, the email said. Unfortunately, though, the information was not updated everywhere and one page on our website still contained the old nutritional data. We have since corrected this, too.

Olive Garden told TODAY that Consumer Reports never contacted them to confirm the numbers and did not give them an opportunity to respond.

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Consumer Reports puts restaurant nutrition claims to the test

Guiding Stars Nutrition Guidance Program Debuts at Seattle's Virginia Mason Medical Center

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PORTLAND, Maine, March 28, 2013 /PRNewswire/ --Guiding Stars, the nation's leading independent nutrition guidance program, today announced the launch of a new partnership with award-winning Virginia Mason Medical Center in Seattle designed to help hospital staff and guests make more nutritious choices when dining in the medical center's cafeteria.

Virginia Mason is the first foodservice provider on the West Coast to implement the Guiding Stars at-a-glance food rating system that helps diners quickly and easily identify foods that offer a better nutritional value. The program is part of the hospital's comprehensive Health and Sustainable Food Practice Pledge designed to improve the overall health and well-being of patients, staff, visitors and the surrounding community.

As one of the most sophisticated and advanced facilities in the Pacific Northwest, Virginia Mason has been recognized as one of America's 100 Best Hospitals by Healthgrades in six clinical areas, including cardiac and gastrointestinal care for the second consecutive year. The medical center was also recognized as a Five-Star Recipient by Healthgrades in 22 categories of care.

"Virginia Mason has been widely recognized as a premiere health care center across many clinical disciplines, and adding Guiding Stars to its foodservice program is a clear indication of the priority the center places on holistic health," said Sue Till, client services manager with Guiding Stars. "We're very pleased to have them as our first West Coast hospital partner and we look forward to working together to help people live healthier."

The Guiding Stars system rates the nutritional value of every item in the Virginia Mason cafeteria, including hot and cold prepared foods, salad bar, grab-and-go items and beverages. Each item is then labeled according to its value: one Guiding Star is good, two Guiding Stars is better and three Guiding Stars is best. All items are evaluated using a patented algorithm based on the USDA Dietary Guidelines for Americans and other national evidence-based nutrition policies.

"We all know that eating healthy is so important, but when you're pressed for time or concerned about a loved one, it can be difficult to take time to figure out which items are the best choice for you," said Virginia Mason Food & Nutrition Director Jerry Roundy. "While we always make it a priority to provide healthy options, the Guiding Stars program adds an extra layer of user-friendliness, especially for those with specific dietary concerns."

In addition to providing nutritional guidance for cafeteria guests, the Guiding Stars program can also be easily expanded to include patient menus in hospital settings.

For more information about the Guiding Stars program, visit http://www.guidingstars.com.

About Guiding Stars Licensing Co. Since 2006, Guiding Stars has been leading the way in helping consumers make nutritious food choices and has received a U.S. Patent for the Guiding Stars nutrition rating algorithm. The Guiding Stars nutrition guidance program is a simple, easy-to-understand tool for making good nutrition choices and is designed to make a positive and lasting impact on public health. Guiding Stars is currently found in more than 1,700 supermarkets including Hannaford, Food Lion, Sweetbay, Homeland, Marsh, as well as Loblaw's Supermarkets in Ontario. Guiding Stars has also expanded into public schools, colleges and hospitals and appears on the Shopper mobile iPhone application. Additional information can be found atwww.guidingstars.com.

About Virginia Mason Medical Center Virginia Mason Medical Center, founded in 1920, is a nonprofit regional health care system in Seattle that serves the Pacific Northwest. Virginia Mason employs more than 5,300 people and includes a 336-bed acute-care hospital; a primary and specialty care group practice of more than 450 physicians; satellite locations throughout the Puget Sound area; and Bailey-Boushay House, the first skilled-nursing and outpatient chronic care management program in the U.S. designed and built specifically to meet the needs of people with HIV/AIDS. Benaroya Research Institute at Virginia Mason is internationally recognized for its breakthrough autoimmune disease research. Virginia Mason was the first health system to apply lean manufacturing principles to health care delivery to eliminate waste and improve quality and patient safety.

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Guiding Stars Nutrition Guidance Program Debuts at Seattle's Virginia Mason Medical Center

Eatery nutrition info put to test

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By Herb Weisbaum, TODAY contributor

Most big chain restaurants now put nutrition information calories, fat and sodium on their menus and websites. But just how accurate are these numbers? Does the meal youre served match the nutritional profile promised?

Consumer Reports decided to find out. For its May issue, the magazines secret shoppers went to a dozen well-known restaurants and fast-food chains, from Applebees to Wendys, and ordered 17 different items. They tested the same item from three restaurants in each chain.

The good news: In most cases, the published information was accurate.

We found that you can usually trust the figures you see, said editor Leslie Ware. On average, most of them were telling the truth.

Only two of the 17 dishes Consumer Reports analyzed in the lab had a fat or calorie count that was higher than promised at all three locations.

Olive Gardens Lasagna Primavera with Grilled Chicken was supposed to have 420 calories and 15 grams of fat. The samples the magazine tested had 508 to 585 calories and 25 to 32 grams of fat. Thats more than the 20 percent variance thats generally considered acceptable with nutrition information.

The company told TODAY it takes great care to provide accurate nutrition information. In an email, Olive Garden explained that an error had been made in the initial testing of the entree when it was introduced last October.

As soon as we caught this error, we retested the dish and updated the nutritional information on our website with the new data in late December, the email said. Unfortunately, though, the information was not updated everywhere and one page on our website still contained the old nutritional data. We have since corrected this, too.

Olive Garden told TODAY that Consumer Reports never contacted them to confirm the numbers and did not give them an opportunity to respond.

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Eatery nutrition info put to test

Adia Nutrition (ADIA.PK) Announces Integrated Marketing Campaign

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NEWPORT BEACH, CA--(Marketwire - Mar 27, 2013) - ADIA Nutrition, Inc. (PINKSHEETS: ADIA) announces integrated marketing campaign in support of our recent retail initiatives.

In addition to the launch of our new radio marketing campaign on Clear Channel's KOST 103.5 in Southern California, ADIA is developing a newly revamped website.

"With the initial success we've had with our radio marketing campaign on KOST 103.5 FM in support of our Adia retail presence at 196 Albertsons Grocery Stores in California. We noticed a huge spike in traffic to our website, and therefore we decided it was time to revamp our website to provide consumers more information about Adia and its unique benefits to them and their families. We felt this was critical to helping support our retail partners," says April Nugent, co-founder, Adia Nutrition.

"Based on our recent radio campaign and our presence at retailers like Whole Foods and Albertsons, we are being approached by other large retailers about them carrying Adia Nutrition and offering their customers the health benefits of Adia Nutrition's 'On- the-Go' Flavored Probiotics," said Wen Peng, CEO of Adia Nutrition."Integrated marketing campaigns are essential in creating awareness and our sell through at retail. Stay tuned for news on new retail partners."

"Now available in Albertsons in Southern California, our family-friendly line of probiotic drink sticks and individually wrapped probiotic chews are low calorie, low sugar and gluten-free,"says April Nugent, co-founder of Adia Nutrition."Adia is packed full of billions of LIVE probiotics that require NO refrigeration. We're a welcomed alternative to more traditional pill form probiotics or high calorie yogurt brands. We're a probiotic that fits into your lifestyle -- easy to take and tastes great.Simply pop one of our five powdered flavor sticks in your water bottle, shake, and go!Each drink delivers 10 billion LIVE probiotics and vitamins straight to your digestive tract.Plus, our individually wrapped Adia Nutrition Probiotic Chews are not only a big hit with kids, but appreciated by moms!Each chew offers the equivalent of 1 serving of yogurt worth of digestive benefits, and is a tasty treat or pre and post workout energizer."

About KOST: KOST 103.5FM is one of the top radio stations in Los Angeles, and it is one of the top revenue billing radio stations in the United States.

About Adia Nutrition, Inc. Adia Nutrition is a publicly traded company (PINKSHEETS: ADIA) specializing in great tasting and shelf stable probiotics. Probiotics are live beneficial microorganisms that are found in the digestive tract. Adia offers five flavors of probiotic drink mixes and two flavors of probiotic chews. The drink powders come in a convenient and easy-to-use stick pack that is mixed with water. Flavors include Lemon Lime, Berry, Raspberry Lemonade, Orange Mango, and Unsweetened Green Tea. They offer significantly more probiotics and significantly less sugar and calories than the more traditional yogurts and dairy-based drinks. Adia sells their product across the country and can be found in health clubs, independent pharmacies and health food stores. According to a market research report titled 'Probiotics Market,' published by Markets and Markets (www.marketsandmarkets.com), the global probiotics market is expected to be worth US $32.6 billion by 2014. Moreover, the global market is expected to record a CAGR of 12.6%. For more information, visit our website at http://www.adianutrition.com.

Forward-Looking Statements This press release may contain forward-looking statements. The words "believe," "expect," "should," "intend," "estimate," and "projects," variations of such words and similar expressions identify forward-looking statements, but their absence does not mean that a statement is not a forward-looking statement. These forward-looking statements are based upon the Company's current expectations and are subject to a number of risks, uncertainties and assumptions. The Company undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Among the important factors that could cause actual results to differ significantly from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements are risks that are detailed in the Company's filings, which are on file with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

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Adia Nutrition (ADIA.PK) Announces Integrated Marketing Campaign