2011

AgriBank, FCB Reports 2011 Fourth Quarter and Year End Financial Results

March 3, 2012 By jbheaqzy Leave a Comment

St. Paul (PRWEB) March 01, 2012

AgriBank, FCB announced today its financial results for the fourth quarter and full year of 2011, reporting continued strong levels of net income, capital, liquidity and credit quality.

?2011 was another successful year by every metric. We achieved significant results during a year of extremes from weather to commodity prices to world economic unrest, proving once more that when we focus on the fundamentals and the collective strengths of the District, we succeed and rural America wins.? said Bill York, AgriBank CEO.

2011 Results of Operations

AgriBank?s financial strength is clear, as proven by strong financial performance in 2011. AgriBank reported very strong net income of $ 464.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2011, which resulted in our second highest level of earnings only trailing the record 2010 net income of $ 580.9 million.

Net interest income for 2011 was strong at $ 457.7 million and reflects the positive impact of 2011 funding actions. Throughout 2010, the Bank took advantage of a favorable interest rate environment and repriced unprecedented levels of its debt at lower costs and at a pace that exceeded the rate at which interest-earning assets repriced, which resulted in $ 506.2 million of net interest income in 2010. This continued in 2011, although at a slower pace which was expected given the level of activity in 2010.

Credit quality remains very strong. The Bank recorded provision for loan losses of $ 8.6 million in 2011 which was primarily related to a single large customer.

Non-interest income was $ 121.7 million for 2011 compared to $ 173.7 million in 2010. Loan prepayment and conversion fee income was $ 54.4 million in 2011 compared to $ 87.3 million in 2010. The relatively low interest rate environment resulted in strong 2011 prepayment and conversion activity, although lower than the high level of activity of 2010. Also contributing to the 2011 non-interest income was business services income was $ 19.9 million reflecting revenue earned from business services offered to our Association customers and mineral income of $ 46.0 million generated from mineral rights held primarily in North Dakota and Arkansas.

Non-interest expense was $ 105.9 million in 2011 compared to $ 97.3 million in 2010. The non-interest expense in 2011 primarily consisted of $ 61.3 million of operating expenses and $ 23.3 million of investment impairment losses.

Fourth Quarter 2011 Results of Operations

AgriBank reported strong net income of $ 126.5 million for the fourth quarter 2011. Net interest income for the quarter ended December 31, 2011 was $ 115.7 million and continues to reflect the positive impact from funding actions. Net income was positively impacted in the fourth quarter of 2011 due to a reversal of provision expense of $ 6.6 million, which was primarily related to the resolution of a large customer?s nonaccrual loans. The ultimate loss was less than had been provided for during the first three quarters of 2011. Loan prepayment and conversion fee income totaled $ 17.4 million in the fourth quarter of 2011. Fourth quarter 2011 net income included $ 10.9 million of investment impairment losses recorded on certain of the Bank?s housing-related securities in its investment portfolio.

Loan Portfolio

Total loans were $ 62.0 billion at December 31, 2011, an increase of 4% from $ 59.5 billion at December 31, 2010. AgriBank?s primary business is providing wholesale lending to its affiliated Associations, which represented 87.6% of total loans. Wholesale volume directly reflects the retail marketplace activities at the Associations which are funded through their wholesale lines with the Bank. Throughout the year, Associations? seasonal operating loan demand was lower than historical patterns, but this was more than offset by new volume in December 2011 from strong levels of loan originations in the mortgage real estate sector and advance purchases of 2012 inputs on operating lines. Loans also increased due to $ 1.3 billion of loan volume in a new equipment financing program operated in partnership with other Farm Credit entities.

AgriBank?s loan portfolio credit quality improved during 2011 and remains strong at 99.7% ?acceptable? and ?special mention? under the Farm Credit Administration?s Uniform Classification System at December 31, 2011, up from 99.5% at December 31, 2010. This strong credit quality continues, in part, due to cash grain producers experiencing strong profitability, higher milk prices improving dairy profitability and continued profitability in the pork sector.

The meat complex remains positive despite narrow operating margins occurring due to higher feed costs. More specifically, operating margins for some cattle feedlots continue to be negative despite very high sales prices of finished cattle. However, hog producers continued to maintain positive margins in 2011 even with higher feed costs due to increased prices for pork and the use of contracting and hedging for risk management. Dairy producers net income in 2011 improved but increases in production, higher feed costs and a possible reduction in dairy product exports create a cautionary outlook. Broiler oversupply and the high cost of feed have generally produced negative margins.

Nonaccrual loans were $ 62.0 million at December 31, 2011 compared to $ 94.8 million at September 30, 2011 and $ 73.6 million at December 31, 2010. The decrease in nonaccrual loans during the fourth quarter of 2011 was due primarily to the final payoff of a single large nonaccrual customer which went into nonaccrual during the first quarter of 2011. The decrease in nonaccrual loans from the prior year primarily reflects a large asset in the dairy industry moving to accrual status during the first quarter of 2011.

The allowance for loan losses at December 31, 2011 was $ 9.2 million compared to $ 23.8 million at September 30, 2011 and $ 13.0 million at December 31, 2010. The decrease in allowance for loan losses during the fourth quarter of 2011 was primarily due to final payoff and charge-offs related to a single large nonaccrual customer. The decrease in allowance for loan losses from the prior year reflects improving credit quality and charge-offs on certain nonaccrual loans, somewhat offset by allowance provided on the new equipment financing portfolio.

Liquidity and Capital

Liquidity and capital levels remain strong and exceed regulatory minimum requirements.

Cash and investments totaled $ 10.4 billion at December 31, 2011, compared to $ 10.7 billion at December 31, 2010. The Bank?s liquidity position was 138 days coverage of maturing debt at December 31, 2011, compared to 137 days at December 31, 2010, each well above the 90-day minimum established by the Farm Credit Administration, the Bank?s regulator. Average liquidity for the year ended December 31, 2011 was 152 days. Capital increased to $ 3.806 billion at December 31, 2011, from $ 3.595 billion at December 31, 2010. The increase of $ 211.0 million primarily reflects net income earned and retained and an increase in capital stock.

?We are committed to building and maintaining a strong, sound organization that will provide shelter through any storm so that together, AgriBank and affiliated Associations are not only preparing for tomorrow, but redefining tomorrow. We are leading the way in solid operations, technology-driven solutions, young farmer support, and listening to, collaborating with and building relationships with third parties. With our substantial size, we remain flexible and nimble, positioning us to navigate all future scenarios while continuing to be proactive, risk conscious and service driven,? said York.

About AgriBank

AgriBank, FCB is one of the largest banks within the national Farm Credit System, with over $ 73 billion in total assets. As agriculture?s borrower-owned financial leader, AgriBank complements the market-facing focus of affiliated Associations to serve rural America in a District that stretches from Ohio to Wyoming and from Minnesota to Arkansas, representing nearly 40% of farmland and over 54% of cropland in the United States. The affiliated Associations and AgriBank are collaborating in successfully shaping the future of agriculture.

Additional Information

For more information about AgriBank, including its annual and quarterly reports, visit the Bank?s website at http://www.agribank.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

Any forward-looking statements in this press release are based on current expectations and are subject to uncertainty and changes in circumstances. Actual results may differ materially from expectations due to a number of risks and uncertainties. More information about these risks and uncertainties is contained in AgriBank?s annual report. The Bank undertakes no duty to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

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Filed Under: Wellness Tagged With: 2011, AgriBank, Financial, Fourth, Quarter, Reports, results, Year

4th Quarter 2011 Winners Announced In International Writers of the Future Contest

January 23, 2012 By jbheaqzy Leave a Comment

Hollywood, CA (PRWEB) January 19, 2012

The 4th Quarter winners of the 28th year of the L. Ron Hubbard Writers of the Future Contest were announced today by Joni Labaqui, the contest Director.

THE FOURTH QUARTER WINNERS ARE:

Filed Under: Wellness Tagged With: 2011, Announced, Contest, Future, International, Quarter, Winners, Writers

Celebrate the 2011 Holiday Season in New Arrivals of Fashionable and Affordable Party Heels from Ankle Boots Retailer, Make Me Chic

December 29, 2011 By jbheaqzy Leave a Comment

City of Industry, CA (PRWEB) December 23, 2011

This December, California-based online fashion store and leading ankle boots retailer, Make Me Chic, invites all fashionable ladies out there to celebrate in style with newly arrived fun, colorful and affordable party heels. Ladies in search of fashionable alternatives to ankle boots will surely love Make Me Chic?s new additions to its collection of party heels.

For those who like their heels colorful, Make Me Chic recommends the new Color Block Patent Strap Heels in fuchsia and purple. This style is also available in beige and orange as well as in blue and yellow. Meanwhile, those who prefer something a bit more classic will surely want a pair of Beaded Bow Suede Peep Toe Pumps available in black and red. Ladies who like their heels with some bling will surely go gaga over the Satin Strappy Crisscross Rhinestone Heels available in black and leopard.

Other party heel designs to look forward to include the newly arrived Draped Pearl Ruffle Back Pumps, the Zebra Bow Front Platform Pumps, and the T-Strap High Heels. Ankle boots fans will also be delighted to know that there are ankle boots-inspired styles such as the Peep Toe Rhinestone Collar Ankle Booties and the Ruched Side Rosette Ankle Booties. To view the complete list of available party heels, visit MakeMeChic.com now.

In addition to classic ankle boots and an updated collection of party heels, the company also retails women?s dresses, accessories and even costumes, swimsuits and lingerie. All purchases worth $ 50 and above are entitled to free ground shipping. Simply use the coupon code SHIP50 upon checkout. Customers can also opt to advantage of the new $ 9.99 flat rate shipping with no promo code required! For the company?s Holiday shipping schedule, check out the website.

Retailers and resellers can contact Make Me Chic for wholesale inquiries. Meanwhile, customers can sign up for the Make Me Chic VIP Club to enjoy the perks of being a preferred client. Follow the company on Facebook, Twitter or subscribe to the blog for more news and updates on newly arrived products and the latest promotions.

About Make Me Chic

Based in City of Industry, CA, Make Me Chic is an online manufacturer of ankle boots, women?s apparel, women?s shoes, lingerie, accessories, swimsuit as well as costumes.

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Filed Under: Wellness Tagged With: 2011, Affordable, Ankle, Arrivals, Boots, Celebrate, Chic, Fashionable, From, Heels, Holiday, Party, Retailer, Season

Steve Kimock & Friends Close Out 2011 With Pittsburgh New Years Celebration

December 19, 2011 By jbheaqzy Leave a Comment

Pittsburgh, PA (PRWEB) December 16, 2011

After four decades as a professional musician, the world of Steve Kimock is a more adventurous place than ever as he continues to raise the bar in diverse musical landscapes. Earning a solid reputation as a gifted guitarist with an inspiring approach to melodic improvisation, Kimock captivates audiences with his genre-bending, enlightened guitar speak and highly refined signature sounds from his arsenal of fretless, lap steel, acoustic and electric guitars.

Kimock co-founded the quintessential Jazz/Rock/Blues band Zero in the 80?s, KVHW in the 90?s, and has since toured with various Kimock projects. He is widely embraced by fans as one who carries the free-form torch of improvisation with his elevated guitar revelations. Bolstered by his association touring in numerous bands with Grateful Dead members (The Other Ones, Phil Lesh and Friends, Rhythm Devils, Ratdog Bruce Hornsby etc.), Kimock?s name is forever entwined with psychedelic rock. After all, it was Jerry Garcia who put him on the map decades ago when he praised him as ?the best unknown guitar player.? Not one to subscribe to limitations or labels, Kimock is a chameleon, adding his fluid style to an impressive array of musical genres, way beyond most expectations. He is involved in numerous projects, including PRAANG, an electronica/improv rock band Kimock has with the members of EOTO.

Over the past three decades, Kimock has performed alongside the likes of Bruce Hornsby, John Cipollina, Jerry Garcia and all members of the Grateful Dead, as well as Peter Frampton, Bonnie Raitt, The Allman Brothers, all members of Phish, Buddy Miles, Jorma Kaukonen and Hot Tuna, Buddy Cage, Screamin? Jay Hawkins, Martin Fierro, Joe Satriani, Baaba Maal, Angelique Kidjo, Elvin Bishop, Steve Winwood, Derek Trucks, Ivan Neville, Grace Slick, Papa John Creach, Norton Buffalo, Amos Garrett, Warren Haynes, Nicky Hopkins, Freddie Roulette, and many more.

Steve Kimock and Friends has been a perennial project of Kimock?s since the 90?s, enabling him to feature a revolving cast of notable characters, and this season Kimock is stretching boundaries with some of the best musicians out on the scene including Bobby Vega, Bernie Worrell, and drummer John Morgan Kimock, all highly accomplished in their own right. Bassist Bobby Vega began his professional career at age 16 with Sly and the Family Stone. Besides playing with ZERO, Kimock and Vega paired with guitarist/vocalist Ray White (Frank Zappa) and drummer Alan Hertz (Garaj Mahal) in KVHW in the late 90?s: a meteoric group with original songs that pioneered a cutting edge approach towards ?small group improvisation.? The musical kinship between Kimock and Vega is a powerful union which has withstood the test of time, recently energized by the brilliance of Bernie Worrell, whose credits include founding member and Musical Director of Parliament/Funkadelic and recording/touring with the Talking Heads, among others. John Morgan, Kimock?s son, is a highly accomplished drummer, playing since the age of two and growing up backstage at many of his father’s shows, absorbing firsthand the funk and richness of a literal ?who’s who? of American rock and jazz. While he obviously inherited his father’s intense creative spark and unwavering diligence on his instrument, his sensibility clearly belongs to a younger generation, bringing a fresh energy to the SK&F quartet.

For more information about the shows, VIP media passes, and ticket information check out http://www.kimock.com.

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Filed Under: Wellness Tagged With: 2011, Celebration, Close, Friends, Kimock, Pittsburgh, Steve, Years

East Bay Ford Dealer at The Ford Store in San Leandro Announces its 2011 Year End Sell-a-Thon

December 15, 2011 By jbheaqzy Leave a Comment

San Leandro, CA (PRWEB) December 14, 2011

East Bay Ford Dealer at The Ford Store in San Leandro is offering their biggest discounts and incentives of the year with zero percent on many of their Ford and Lincoln vehicles at their 2011 Year End Sellathon event. With an overstock of new and pre-owned vehicles, the dealership needs to make room for new inventory arriving every day.

?The Sellathon is a great time to come and buy a new Ford or Lincoln, or choose from our huge pre-owned inventory. And don?t forget those last minute tax write-offs with the purchase of a new car,? reminds Phillip Baltazar of The Ford Store.

As part of the event, The Ford Store clients and their children can have their picture taken with Santa for free at the dealership on Saturday, Dec. 17 between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.

Now is a good time to buy a used car.

?If you are shopping for a used car, buy it now for the best deal,? says Baltazar. ?That’s the word from analysts at Kelley Blue Book, who say you could pay four percent to six percent more for that car if you wait for the first three months of 2012.?

For more information on Ford sales, Ford cars, service and anything else, contact The Ford Store at (510) 352-2000 or visit them online at http://www.sanleandroford.com. The Ford Store is located at 1111 Marina Blvd. San Leandro, CA 94577.

About The Ford Store

Since 1991, The Ford Store in San Leandro has been the best choice for everything Ford in the East Bay. A merger with Hayward Ford in 2008 further solidified The Ford Store in San Leandro?s position as the premier Ford dealer in the Bay Area. They are also the best used Ford dealer in the area. As a participant in the Ford Certified Used Vehicle Program, The Ford Store is dedicated to offering their customers the best used cars, as well as used Ford trucks and SUVs.

Family-owned and operated for the last twenty years, The Ford Store knows that it takes a dedicated team of professionals in every department to create an unrivaled automotive experience for their customers. Their staff is certified to the standards set forth by the Ford Motor Company, assuring that all their personnel are fully knowledgeable in every aspect of each car, part, and repair service.

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Filed Under: Wellness Tagged With: 2011, Announces, Dealer, East, Ford, Leandro, SellaThon, Store, Year

Mandeep Khera?s Inspirational Book ?Why?? Bags More Awards Including Prestigious USA Books “Best Books 2011″ Finalist Award, and Books-And-Authors.net Award

December 14, 2011 By jbheaqzy Leave a Comment

Fremont, California (PRWEB) December 13, 2011

Following awards from Written Art Awards, Next Generation Indie Book Award and NY Book Festival, and positive reviews from RebeccasReads, Reader Views, and Linda Thompson, a noted author and TV host, the book ?Why?? wins two more key awards. The book ?Why?? was selected as a finalist in the USA Books ?Best Books 2011? in the Spirituality-Inspirational category among other reputable authors like Helen Keller and Richard Singer. Earlier the book won Book- Of ?The-Year Award for 2010 in the Best Self-Help- Positive Life category from BookAndAuthors.net.

?Why?? is an inspirational book that touches on various aspects of life, death, sadness, power of positive thinking, life after life, and other topics while providing specific guidance and action plan on how to lead a happy life. The book weaves in different points of views from religions, philosophers, and science, along with the author?s own perspectives to provide a balanced view.

?It?s an honor to receive these prestigious awards.? said Mandeep Khera, the author of the book. ?To be in the company of notable authors like Michele R. Wright, Helen Keller and, Richard A. Singer Jr. as finalists in the USA Books Spirituality-Inspirational category makes me feel proud. I hope the book continues to inspire people towards a positive attitude similar to books from various spiritual authors like Deepak Chopra, and Eckhart Tolle.?

Jeffrey Keen, President and CEO of USA Book News, said this year?s contest yielded an unprecedented number of entries, which were then narrowed down to over 500 winners and finalists.

?Why?? is available in Soft Cover from leading online retailers like Amazon.com, Barnesandnoble.com, and OzarkMt.com. Retailers can also order the book through distributors Baker & Taylor, Ingram Book Services and New Leaf Distributing Company. #ISBN-10:1886940673, # ISBN-13: 978-1886940673, $ 13.

About The Author ? Mandeep Khera

Mandeep Khera has been writing on various inspirational as well as business topics for over 25 years. He served as an assistant editor for an English Newsweekly, and an oil journal. His articles spanning various topics have been published both in India and the United States. Author?s Web: http://www.why-thebook.com; Blog:http://whythebook.blogspot.com; Twitter: http://twitter.com/whylife; Author?s Interview: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XMA-VbvNnMk

About USA Books Awards

USA Book Awards, now in its ninth year are given by USABookNews.com, an online publication providing coverage for books from mainstream and independent publishers to the world online community. JPX Media Group, in Los Angeles, California, is the parent company of USABookNews.com.

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Filed Under: Wellness Tagged With: 2011, Award, Awards, Bags, Best, Book, Books, BooksAndAuthors.net, Finalist, Including, Inspirational, Kheras, Mandeep, More, Prestigious

2011 SeniorHomes.com “Best of the Web” Winners Announced

December 6, 2011 By jbheaqzy Leave a Comment

Seattle, WA (PRWEB) December 16, 2010

SeniorHomes.com, an online directory and resource for seniors and their families searching for senior care or senior housing, has announced the winners of its “Best of the Web” Contest. The program is the first of its kind in the senior care space to take a systematic, expert-led approach to pinpointing the most valuable resources on the internet.

“We?re thrilled with the outcome of this program,” says Chris Rodde, CEO of SeniorHomes.com. ?We had a tremendous response from the community, which enabled us to create a robust list of exceptional resources for seniors, their families and industry professionals.?

A total of fifteen leading senior industry experts participated in the judging process, using a standardized rating system to determine the best websites in each category in terms of quality of content and writing, ease of navigation, credibility and the scope of content provided. The judging panel includes such industry leaders as Liz Taylor, a 35-year senior industry veteran and advocate and founder of Aging Well Consortium, and Anthony Cirillo, principal and Chief Experience Officer at Fast Forward Consulting who has recently been named editor of About.com?s Guide to Assisted Living.

?I found this experience stimulating, enriching and difficult,? says Terry Lynch, author of ?But I Don?t Want Eldercare!? and founder of Strategies for Independent Living, LLC, who served as an expert panel judge. ?We have found a treasure-trove of resources so vast that many deserving entries will not receive the recognition they merit.?

Overall, the SeniorHomes.com Best of the Web contest received more than 200 nominations in seven categories. In the Best Caregiver Resources category, twenty-five finalists were rated and the Alzheimer?s Association emerged as the clear winner with an average rating of 4.9 out of a possible 5. Among the 38 Best Senior Living Blog finalists, The New York Times Caring and Coping Blog earned the top position with an average rating of 4.5.

The winners of the SeniorHomes.com Best of the Web are as follows:

Filed Under: Alzheimer's Disease Tagged With: 2011, Announced, Best, SeniorHomes.com, Winners

Incoming Congress Urged to Uphold Disease Prevention in 2011 Health Care Efforts by Health Club Trade Association

December 2, 2011 By jbheaqzy Leave a Comment

Boston, MA (PRWEB) January 3, 2011

With chronic diseases accounting for roughly 75 percent of the $ 2 trillion spent on medical care in the United States each year, effective measures for disease prevention remain vital to a sustainable health care system, the International Health, Racquet & Sportsclub Association (IHRSA) reminded the incoming 112th Congress today. IHRSA is urging the new Congress to make disease prevention a major tenet of future health care legislation.

?As the 112th Congress gets under way, it?s expected that the continued debate over health care reform will consume a great deal of political energy,? says Joe Moore, IHRSA?s president and CEO. ?We want to ensure that both Republicans and Democrats alike understand and remain vigilant to the cost-saving role that effective disease prevention measures can play in the health care delivery system.?

Since the late 1980s, roughly two-thirds of the increase in health care spending in the United States is due to the increased prevalence of treated chronic disease, according to the Partnership to Fight Chronic Disease. And today, about half of all Americans suffer from one or more chronic disease. Yet, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), chronic diseases are largely attributable to four controllable health risk behaviors: (1) the lack of physical activity, (2) poor nutrition, (3) tobacco use, and (4) excessive alcohol consumption.

Effective health care legislation that removes barriers to healthy lifestyle choices and supports the medical and business communities in efforts to counsel and engage individuals in health-promoting practices are the most cost-effective solutions for stemming the tide of obesity and chronic disease that consume the bulk of our nation?s health care spending.

The CDC estimates that 80 percent of heart disease and stroke, 80 percent of type 2 diabetes, and 40 percent of cancer could be prevented if Americans stopped smoking, exercised more, and started eating more healthfully. A full $ 5.6 billion in heart disease costs could be saved if 10 percent of adults began a regular walking program. And according to a 2008 report by the Trust for America?s Health, an investment of $ 10 per person per year in proven community-based programs to increase physical activity, improve nutrition, and prevent smoking and other tobacco use, could save the country more than $ 16 billion annually within five years.

Many leaders in the business community already understand the financial wisdom of reducing health care costs through prevention. According to the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB), studies show that poor employee health habits plus excessive work pressure cost at least $ 3,000 per employee per year, and an overweight worker can add as much as $ 1,500 per year to a company’s healthcare costs?but businesses that operate well-organized wellness programs that enjoy a high rate of active participation can generate about $ 3 in returns for every dollar spent. What?s more, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce asserts that by incorporating wellness, prevention, and chronic disease management into their traditional health plans, employers see fewer sick days, greater worker productivity, and lower health insurance costs; and it cites one study showing that workplace health programs present on average a 28 percent reduction in sick leave, a 26 percent reduction in health care costs, and a 30 percent reduction in worker’s compensation and disability claims costs. Pedometers, gym membership discounts, on-line health risk assessments, educational materials, and incentives for smoking cessation are just some of the measures the Chamber encourages.

?Until we structure a health care system around the practice of disease prevention, America?s health care problems cannot be solved,? says Moore. ?I strongly urge our new Congress to heed the financial and human value that disease prevention measures can bring to bear on our nation?s health care dilemma.?

The Benefits of Regular Exercise

Research shows that physical activity is extremely important to good health. At the proper moderate intensity, regular exercise significantly improves overall health; reduces the risk of heart disease by 40 percent; lowers the risk of stroke by 27 percent; reduces the incidence of high blood pressure by almost 50 percent; reduces the incidence of diabetes by almost 50 percent; can reduce mortality and the risk of recurrent breast cancer by almost 50 percent; can lower the risk of colon cancer by over 60 percent; can reduce the risk of developing of Alzheimer?s disease by one-third; and can decrease depression as effectively as medications or behavioral therapy?according to Exercise is Medicine?, a global initiative supported by the American Medical Association (AMA) and the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) calling on physicians to assess and review every patient?s physical activity program at every visit.

About IHRSA

IHRSA is a not-for-profit trade association representing health and fitness facilities, gyms, spas, sports clubs, and suppliers worldwide. IHRSA is committed to taking a leadership role in advancing physical activity, which is critical to America’s health and the battle against obesity and disease. IHRSA supports effective national initiatives to promote more active lifestyles for all Americans and is working to pass laws that will help affect societal changes toward a more fit America.

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Filed Under: Alzheimer's Disease Tagged With: 2011, Association, care, Club, Congress, Disease, Efforts, Health, Incoming, Prevention, Trade, Uphold, Urged

2011 Is ?The Year of the Mouth? Declared by AAOSH President

November 26, 2011 By jbheaqzy Leave a Comment

(Vocus/PRWEB) January 24, 2011

The Chinese have designated 2011, ?The Year of the Rabbit,? however, the bunnies are being asked to step aside because the president of the States? fastest growing health organization, The American Academy for Oral Systemic Health (AAOSH), is proclaiming the year 2011 as ?The Year of the Mouth.? AAOSH is taking a stand that the mouth is the first place to start for overall body health and longer life. In recent years the studies have been piling up connecting poor oral health to the deadliest of diseases including heart disease, stroke, cancer and diabetes. Oral health problems have also been shown to have close connections to many other serious health concerns like Alzheimer?s, arthritis, pneumonia and pregnancy complications. Founding member DEAN LODDING, DDS AND HIS HYGIENIST, STEPHANIE PIETRANTONIO, RDH

Filed Under: Alzheimer's Disease Tagged With: 2011, AAOSH, Declared, Mouth, President, Year

Victorywatches.com Announces Sale on Top Running Watch Gift Ideas for 2011

November 20, 2011 By jbheaqzy Leave a Comment

Birmingham, MI (PRWEB) November 17, 2011

Victorywatches.com, retailers of popular GPS running watches, heart rate monitor watches, triathlon watches and watch accessories, recently announced a sale on the top running watch gift ideas for 2011. Just in time for the busy holiday shopping season, the site has reduced prices on some of the most-wanted running watches of the year, including styles from top selling brands like Timex and Garmin.

For a limited time, holiday shoppers can enjoy heavy discounts on select styles at victorywatches.com, including the Timex Men?s 1440 Sports Digital Watch, the Garmin Forerunner GPS Receiver with Heart Rate Monitor, and the Timex Men?s Ironman FLIX System Watch. Selected for both their high level of functionality and durability, the watches featured in the top running watch gift ideas for 2011 sale are some of the most popular on the market today and are well-known for being providing highly accurate data, even under severe weather conditions or in water.

Those looking for the top running watch gift ideas for 2011 will find it easy to find everything they need at victorywatches.com. Designed for athletes and outdoor enthusiasts, the site offers a large selection of athletic watches that provide data on the user?s heart rate, GPS information and even data on the latest weather patterns to help athletes get the most out of their outdoor adventures. With these latest price reductions on select styles, holiday shoppers will find it even easier to find the perfect running watch for everyone on their list – from the weekend warrior who enjoys the occasional hike, to the serious pro who trains for competitive sports.

Victorywatches.com makes it easy to quickly browse through the most popular styles, and complete the purchase using the site?s fast, secure payment system.

Victory Watches specializes in athletic watches designed for a variety of activities, including running, swimming, biking and skiing. The company sells popular styles from top watch companies, including Suunto Watches, Garmin and Timex. For more information, please visit http://victorywatches.com.

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Filed Under: Wellness Tagged With: 2011, Announces, Gift, ideas, Running, Sale, Victorywatches.com, Watch