Pritikin Diet Program

People looking to improve their heath through diet and exercise should check the following article out. For more information you should check out the Pritikin website at http://www.pritikin.com.

Health Benefits

Delivering Scientifically Proven Results

Since 1975, more than 100,000 people have experienced the life-changing benefits of the Pritikin Longevity Center & Spa. No other diet-and-exercise program has been more highly praised by the scientific community. More than 110 studies in leading medical journals have found that people who adopt the Pritikin Program achieve dramatic results in just a few weeks, with more benefits long-term.

The Pritikin Program has been found to:

REDUCE TOTAL AND LDL BAD CHOLESTEROL 23%

Analyses of 4,587 guests staying at Pritikin for three weeks showed an average 23% drop in total cholesterol and 23% drop in LDL "bad" cholesterol. New England Journal of Medicine, 323: 1142, 1990;Archives of Internal Medicine, 151: 1389, 1991.

REDUCE TRIGLYCERIDES 33%

Analyses of 4,587 guests staying at Pritikin for three weeks showed an average 33% reduction in triglyceride levels. New England Journal of Medicine, 323: 1142 ,1990; Archives of Internal Medicine, 151: 1389, 1991.

LOWER C-REACTIVE PROTEIN 45%

In just two weeks, inflammation markers like C-reactive protein plummeted 45% in women at the Pritikin Center. No other diet-and exercise program or drug therapy, including statins, has proven to lower C-reactive protein so dramatically or rapidly. Metabolism, 53: 377, 2004.

LOWER INSULIN LEVELS 46%

In three weeks, insulin levels fell 46% in men at the Pritikin Center. Circulation, 106: 2530, 2002.

ALLEVIATE THE METABOLIC SYNDROME IN ADULTS

Having the Metabolic Syndrome, a condition now epidemic in the U.S., puts one at major risk for diabetes and heart disease. In about 50% of men studied, the syndrome was not only controlled but also reversed after just three weeks at the Pritikin Center. Journal of Applied Physiology, 100: 1657, 2006.

ALLEVIATE THE METABOLIC SYNDROME IN CHILDREN

Among children with the Metabolic Syndrome, 100% no longer had the clinical diagnosis of the syndrome within two weeks of starting the Pritikin Program. Metabolism Clinical and Experimental, 55: 871, 2006

LOWER HEART DISEASE RISK FACTORS IN CHILDREN

In two weeks, overweight children in the Pritikin Family Program decreased LDL bad cholesterol on average 25%, shed nine pounds, lowered triglyceride fats 39%, reduced key markers for inflammation, and increased the body's production of nitric oxide, a very beneficial chemical that squelches plaque growth. Atherosclerosis, 191: 98, 2007.

LOWER BLOOD PRESSURE TO NORMAL, MEDICATION-FREE LEVELS

In a study of 268 men, 83% lowered their blood pressure to normal levels and left Pritikin free of all drugs for hypertension. Journal of Cardiac Rehabilitation, 3: 839, 1983. See also Circulation, 106: 2530, 2002.

In a meta-analysis of 1,117 hypertensives, nearly 60% normalized blood pressure and no longer required medications within three weeks of starting the Pritikin Program. Journal of Applied Physiology, 98: 3, 2005.

ENHANCE EFFECTIVENESS OF STATIN THERAPY

Prior to attending Pritikin, 93 people had reduced their cholesterol about 20% on statins. After two weeks at Pritikin, they demonstrated an additional 19% decrease in cholesterol. American Journal of Cardiology, 79: 1112, 1997.

CONTROL DIABETES AND, FOR MANY, ELIMINATE THE NEED FOR DRUGS

A meta-analysis of 864 diabetics found that 74% on oral agents left Pritikin free of such medications; and 44% on insulin left insulin-free. Those who continued the Pritikin Program stayed off the medications.Journal of Applied Physiology,98: 3, 2005. See also Diabetes Care, 17: 1469, 1994.

PROMOTE HEALTHY, LONG-TERM WEIGHT LOSS

Pritikin guests in need of weight loss shed on average 10 pounds within three weeks of starting the Pritikin Program. Archives of Internal Medicine, 151: 1389, 1991.

In two long-term studies, more than 85% of Pritikin graduates claimed a 50% or greater adherence to the Pritikin Program after 5 years, and the majority continued to lose weight after leaving the Center. Journal of Cardiac Rehabilitation, 3: 183, 1983; Diabetes Care, 6: 268, 1983.

The most comprehensive study of long-term weight loss ever conducted, the National Weight Control Registry, found that the vast majority of its nearly 4,500 successful dieters follow a diet, like Pritikin, that is low in fat and very high in fiber-rich carbohydrates like fruits and vegetables. The members lost, on average, 66 pounds and have kept it off for six years. Less than 1% follow a high-protein, high-fat diet.Journal of the American Dietetic Association, 98: 480, 1998.

ELIMINATE THE NEED FOR CORONARY BYPASS SURGERY

A five-year follow-up of 64 participants who went to Pritikin instead of having bypass surgery found that 80% never needed surgery. Journal of Cardiac Rehabilitation, 3: 183, 1983.

RELIEVE ANGINA PAIN

Among 64 heart patients taking drugs for angina (chest) pain, 62% left the Pritikin Longevity Center pain-free and drug-free. Journal of Cardiac Rehabilitation, 3: 183, 1983.

REDUCE KEY RISK FACTORS FOR BREAST, COLON, AND PROSTATE CANCER

Several studies have found that adopting the Pritikin Program reduced key risk factors for breast, colon, and prostate cancer. Journal of the National Cancer Institute, 86: 1419, 1994; Nutrition and Cancer, 31: 127,1998; Nutrition and Cancer, 38: 158, 2000; The Journal of Urology, 166: 1185, 2001.

RETARD THE GROWTH OF PROSTATE CANCER CELLS

Groundbreaking studies showed that the Pritikin Program retarded the growth of prostate cancer cells in in vitro laboratory testing, and even induced tumor cells to self-destruct. Prostate, 56: 201, 2003.

RETARD THE GROWTH OF BREAST CANCER CELLS

Groundbreaking studies showed that the Pritikin Program retarded the growth of breast cancer cells in in vitro laboratory testing, and even induced tumor cells to self-destruct. Nutrition and Cancer, 2006.

AVOID AGGRESSIVE TREATMENT OF PROSTATE CANCER

Patients with prostate cancer were able to avoid aggressive treatment, surgery, radiation, etc., by exercising regularly, increasing their fruit-and-vegetable intake, and reducing dietary fat to 10% of total calories. Journal of Urology, 174:1065, 2005

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Florida Gets Customer Satisfaction Award

I thought that you may be interested in hearing that Blue Cross Blue Shield of Florida has received the highest satisfaction rating for the second year in a row. It seems that they know what they are doing when it comes to satisfying their members. See the article below that was originally posted on the BCBSFL website.

You've probably heard of the J.D. Power and Associates automotive awards. It's the ultimate recognition for highest in class. Did you know that they also have a customer satisfaction award for health insurance? For the second year in a row, this research powerhouse presented us an award because we believe members like you value one-to-one attention and a variety of health-related services.

* Easy access to online medical information and tools.

* Health coaches available 24/7 to help you think through your options*.

* Programs to help you better manage your health.

* Extra value with discounts such as massage therapy, LASIK surgery and weight management programs*.

* Personalized service and multi-cultural support with customer service representatives fluent in five languages.

* Customized summary of your family's health expenses.

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida, Inc., received the highest numerical score among large commercial health plans in Florida in the proprietary J.D. Power and Associates 2008 National Health Insurance Plan StudySM. Study based on 37,060 total member responses, measuring five plans in Florida (excludes Medicare and Medicaid). Proprietary study results are based on experiences and perceptions of members surveyed November-December 2007. Your experiences may vary. jdpower.com

*These value-added services are provided by third party vendors and are not benefits under the health plan.

If you need information on the plans that Blue Cross Blue Shield of Florida offers you can feel free to contact us at 800-946-3303 or visit us on the web at http://www.berlindenys,com.

Have a great weekend!

Covering the Uninsured

While researching options to cover uninsured Floridians I can upon the following article. I thought that it may provide some insight on what the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association proposes on this important issue. Please let me know what you think.

Blue Cross And Blue Shield Association Statement: Covering The Uninsured Is A Top Healthcare Priority

Statement from Scott P. Serota, President and CEO Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association

March 27, 2009

In recognition of Cover the Uninsured Week, March 22-March 28, Scott P. Serota, president and chief executive officer of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association (BCBSA), issued the following statement:

"The Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association strongly believes everyone should have health insurance and we must do more to expand coverage to the 45 million Americans without healthcare coverage. Now is the time to act. We understand what is at stake for our country and want to help craft solutions that work for all sectors of our economy, including the private sector.

"BCBSA's 'Pathway to Covering America' proposal is a comprehensive plan to expand access to all by building on the employer-based system while also addressing initiatives to improve quality and lower costs – the two go hand-in-hand as part of any solution. Using comparative effectiveness research to know which treatments work best, changing incentives in the delivery system to reward quality, focusing on prevention and wellness, and public-private coverage solutions are also critical components of our 'Pathway' plan to change healthcare delivery.

"An individual mandate requiring every American to have insurance coverage and requiring insurers to accept everyone regardless of their health status is a critical component of meaningful reform. Coupling these requirements would enable insurers to offer coverage to everyone regardless of their health status – without the unintended consequences of premium increases. With everyone covered through an effective individual mandate, and subsidies for those who need help affording coverage, insurance can function as intended and spread the risk over a broad and representative population and, thereby, avoid the risk of only those who need insurance purchasing coverage.

"Our 'Pathway' proposal mirrors many of the president's priorities and we look forward to working with the administration, Congress and key stakeholders to advance health reform. We're optimistic that together we can address some of the challenges that for far too long have made coverage unaffordable for far too many."

To learn more about BCBSA's comprehensive 5-point reform plan – "The Pathway to Covering America" visit www.bcbs.com/pathwayreport. More information about Cover the Uninsured Week may be found at http://covertheuninsured.org/.

The Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association is a national federation of 39 independent, community-based and locally operated Blue Cross and Blue Shield companies that collectively provide healthcare coverage for nearly 102 million individuals - one-in-three Americans. For more information on the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association and its member companies, please visit www.BCBS.com.

If you need information about the plans that BCBSFL offers you may call us at 800-946-3303 or visit us on the web.