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Rare diseases: Increasing awareness for better patient outcomes
(BPT) - Getting a diagnosis of any cancer can be frightening, but for those diagnosed with a rare cancer, the emotional toll can be much worse. For some of these patients, the journey to a correct diagnosis may take years, and once they receive an accurate diagnosis, it can be extremely difficult for these patients to find accurate information on their disease. One of the first things patients do is research everything they can about their illness, including connecting with someone who is al...
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Age-related complications of iron overload in NTDT syndromes [Infographic]
Thalassemia, one of the world’s most common genetic diseases, affects red blood cell production, causing anemia. One group of thalassemias is called non-transfusion-dependent thalassemia (NTDT) syndromes, which predominantly affect people of South and Southeast Asian, Mediterranean or Middle Eastern origin. People who have NTDT are not symptomatic at birth, but symptoms begin to appear as early as age 10 and become increasingly common as people reach their 20s and 30s. Diagnosis of the disea...
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Deductions that could dramatically cut your tax bill
(BPT) - For all the talk about taxes during the “fiscal cliff” debate at the end of 2012, many people are still left wondering what it means to them as the April 15 filing date approaches.  "'Is it a big deal? Or is it business as usual?' are questions I'm hearing," says Scott Halliwell, a certified financial planner with USAA. "While many issues were resolved, a lot of taxpayers still aren't sure how their tax returns and deductions are affected.” If you're one of those people, brush up o...
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Class of 2013: The future careers of this year's high school graduates
(BPT) - High school seniors nationwide are preparing to graduate, receiving college acceptance letters and possibly enrolling in a college or university. The challenging economy has made many of these young adults acutely aware of the important role their degree can play when they face commencement once again, this time...
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Healthy eating tips for a well-rounded diet
Maintaining a healthy diet is a popular new year’s resolution for many of us, but for the nearly 400,000 Americans with kidney failure, eating right is actually critical to well-being and survival. Without healthy kidneys, dialysis patients depend on regular treatments to remove waste products from their blood. And for...
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There's more to Girl Scout cookies than what's in the box
The skills a girl develops in the Girl Scout Cookie Program help her to do amazing things. She learns that, by putting her mind and energies into something, she can overcome any challenge. There are no limits to what a girl can do. See what Girl Scouts across the country are achieving through their participation in the Cookie Program. Find your cookies and download the new Girl Scout Cookie App at www.girlscoutcookies.org .
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The most common mistakes homeowners make when choosing a home improvement contractor and how to avoid them
(BPT) - Consumer complaints and lawsuits regarding home improvements are on the rise according to Ripoff Reports; a homeowner that does not do their homework before embarking on a project could find themselves with poor workmanship, inferior products, health and safety issues or even legal problems. So what’s a homeown...
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Why going gluten-free doesn't mean going grain-free
(BPT) - It’s impossible to stroll the aisles in your local supermarket without seeing package after package labeled “gluten-free.” But who really needs a gluten-free diet, and how can you still enjoy grains, even if you are eating gluten-free? Gluten is a protein found in just four grains: wheat, barley, rye and tritic...
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The 5 money habits that can help you find true wealth
(BPT) - When did money get so complicated? From spending and charity to saving and investing, it’s hard to know exactly what to do with your finances. Cut through the confusion and consider five smart ways you can use your money to your advantage today. Bruce Helmer , award winning financial services advisor, author a...
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Want to see more on a Mediterranean cruise? Consider ship size and itinerary
It’s hard to imagine a more perfect travel destination than the Mediterranean – from the sea to the land, natural and cultural treasures enrich and inspire. Rugged cliffs, deep blue seascapes and historic cities hugging the coast all contribute to create a place that is truly unique in the world. There are a number of w...
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2013's hottest home trends and easy upgrades
(BPT) - The top home decor trends for 2013 are already emerging, and homeowners seeking a fresh look will find a lot to love. Not only can these looks be accomplished in minimal time – they’re budget friendly and easy enough for DIYers to finish in a weekend or less. Giving your home an updated feel doesn’t require a f...
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Who has time for sick days? Tips to fight the cold, cough and flu this year
(BPT) - People who have gotten sick report their cold and flu symptoms lasted up to six days, according to the Vicks Second Annual Global Cough and Cold Survey. While health experts advise sick workers to stay home to avoid spreading germs, few of us can afford to take that many sick days off from work or home life. Fo...
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national news
Powerball jackpot could go higher than $600 million

People wait in line to purchase Powerball lottery tickets at the Port Authority bus station in New YorkBy Karen Brooks AUSTIN, Texas (Reuters) - The Powerball jackpot Saturday night could exceed the $600 million figure being advertised, possibly rivaling the largest lottery payoff in U.S. history, a Texas Lottery official said on Saturday. "Oftentimes, the advertised amount is lower than what the actual jackpot ends up being," said Kelly Cripe, a spokeswoman for the Texas Lottery. "It's entirely possible this $600 million jackpot will end up being a bigger jackpot. ...


Sat May 18 17:37:03 UTC 2013
Republican cites IRS scandal in close Virginia governor's race
By Gary Robertson RICHMOND, Virginia (Reuters) - Virginia Republicans on Saturday formally nominated Ken Cuccinelli for governor in the nation's marquee 2013 political race, and the conservative attorney general wasted no time reminding voters of the scandals facing President Barack Obama. "I am not a true conservative because I have not been investigated by the IRS," joked Cuccinelli, referring to the controversy that has engulfed the federal tax collection agency over its targeting of conservative Tea Party groups. ...
Sat May 18 17:08:25 UTC 2013
U.S. state cancels subsidy for investment from Pakistani company
By Susan Guyett INDIANAPOLIS (Reuters) - Indiana has canceled subsidies for a planned $1.8 billion fertilizer plant in the state because of concerns that a Pakistani company involved in the project makes products used in improvised explosives that kill and injure U.S. troops in Afghanistan. Midwest Fertilizer Corp, which has sought to build the plant in southern Indiana, is 48 percent owned by Fatima Group, which produces a calcium ammonium nitrate fertilizer in Pakistan known to have been used in improvised explosives in Afghanistan. Indiana Governor Mike Pence, a Republican, had put a $1. ...
Sat May 18 16:49:43 UTC 2013
Residents capture amazing videos in the face of tornadoes
A series of 16 violent tornadoes ransacked north Texas this week, killing six people and flattening entire neighborhoods. Seven people who were reported missing early Friday morning have now been accounted for, but the storms aren't over yet. Severe thunderstorms are expected late Friday in Alabama and Mississippi, and the Plains and the Midwest face [...]
Fri May 17 19:53:22 UTC 2013