What's Ahead?

It's been a little over a year since Ventrus Biosciences Inc. (VTUS), which is developing drugs that address an unmet need in gastrointestinal diseases, went public at $6 per share. This specialty pharmaceutical company, whose stock now trades around $9, has two catalysts in the coming months.

For readers who are new to Ventrus, here's a brief overview of the company and the pivotal trials to watch out for this year...

Ventrus is focused on developing prescription drugs for gastrointestinal disorders, specifically, hemorrhoids, anal fissures and fecal incontinence. The company was formerly known as South Island BioSciences Inc.

The company's product pipeline includes,

* VEN 309 (Iferanserin ointment), a phase III product, for the topical treatment of hemorrhoids

* VEN 307 (Diltiazem cream), a topical treatment for the relief of pain associated with anal fissures, which is also a phase III product

* VEN 308 (Phenylephrine gel), a phase II product, for the treatment of fecal incontinence associated with ileal pouch anal anastomosis.

VEN 309, the investigational treatment of hemorrhoids, is a new chemical entity that targets a specific serotonin receptor (5HT2A) thought to be important in the disease, and is formulated as an ointment for intra-anal application. Ventrus completed its acquisition of all rights and title to VEN 309 from the licensor, Sam Amer & Co., last November.

Hemorrhoids, often known as piles, refer to a condition where veins in the lower portion of the rectum or anus become swollen, accompanied by primary symptoms of bleeding, itching and pain. It is estimated that about 10 million to 20 million Americans have hemorrhoids.

The first of two pivotal phase III trials of VEN 309 began last August and is currently recruiting participants.

The phase III trial of VEN 309 is designed to enroll about 600 patients at 70 centers in the U.S. who will be randomized into three arms - Iferanserin administered intra-anally twice daily for 7 days followed by placebo for 7 days, Iferanserin administered intra-anally twice daily for 14 days, and placebo for 14 days.

The primary endpoint is the cessation of bleeding by the end of day 7 through day 14 and the secondary endpoints are cessation of itching and pain by day 7 through day 14.

In the German phase IIb study of VEN 309, 57% of Iferanserin-treated patients had cessation of bleeding compared to only 20% of placebo-controlled patients. In the same study, 59% of iferanserin-treated patients had cessation of itching compared to just 32% of placebo-controlled patients , while pain ceased at day 7 and did not return by day 14 in 50% of Iferanserin-treated patients versus 18% of placebo-treated patients.

Enrollment in the ongoing US phase III trial of VEN 309 (Iferanserin) in hemorrhoids is expected to be completed around April, and top line data is anticipated in June of 2012.

There are no FDA approved prescription drugs for treating hemorrhoids. Some of the treatment options for hemorrhoids include, banding, sclerosing agents and even surgery. Only prescription topical steroid containing products, e.g., oral Daflon, are approved in the EU and Japan.

Anusol HC is the most common prescription hemorrhoid medication while Preparation H is a well-known over-the-counter treatment for hemorrhoids.

Yet another arrow in the company's quiver for gastrointestinal medications is VEN 307, a proprietary formulation of Diltiazem hydrochloride, for anal fissures. Ventrus licensed the North American rights to VEN 307 from Switzerland-based S.L.A. Pharma.

Diltiazem hydrochloride is a calcium-channel blocker that has been marketed in oral formulations for the treatment of angina and high blood pressure for over two decades.

Anal fissure, a common anal disorder, refers to a tear in the lining of the anal canal and is characterized by severe anal pain, associated with or after bowel movements. In June of 2011, the FDA approved Scotland-based ProStrakan's - now a subsidiary of Japan'sKyowa Hakko Kirin's, Rectiv (nitroglycerin ointment) to treat pain associated with chronic anal fissures. Rectiv is expected to be launched in the first quarter of 2012.

Diltiazem cream, specially mixed for each patient , is prescribed off-label by many gastroenterologists across the U.S. for the treatment of anal fissures. In topical formulation, Diltiazem is only minimally absorbed, at one-tenth the amount of the lowest dose used for cardiovascular treatment.

A phase III study of VEN 307 in patients with anal fissures was initiated in November 2010. Enrollment in this study, which is being conducted in 31 centers in Europe, was completed last December with 465 patients. The clinical trial has 3 arms with patients randomized to receive thrice a day -2% Diltiazem, 4% Diltiazem and placebo for 8 weeks of treatment.

The primary endpoint of the trial is reduction in pain on defecation at week 4 and is measured using a validated scale like Likert and NRS.

VEN 307 has 505(b)(2) regulatory pathway. The 505(b)(2) regulatory pathway allows a company to rely, at least in part, on the FDA's findings of safety and/or effectiveness for a previously approved drug (the "reference drug").

The data from the European phase III trial of VEN 307 for the treatment of anal fissures is expected in May 2012.

The third clinical product of Ventrus is VEN 308 (Phenylephrine gel) for the treatment of fecal incontinence associated with ileal pouch anal anastomosis, or IPAA, an FDA orphan indication. Ventrus licensed the exclusive North American rights to VEN 308 also from S.L.A. Pharma.

Fecal incontinence, which refers to the inability to control bowel movements, is a common consequence of ileal pouch anal anastomosis, or IPAA procedure. The IPAA procedure is a surgical procedure performed after the colon and rectum have been completely removed in patients with ulcerative colitis.

It is estimated that about seven million Americans have fecal incontinence. In May 2011, Solesta, an injectable gel, developed by Oceana Therapeutics, was approved by the FDA through premarket approval process as a Class III medical device to treat fecal incontinence. Solesta is also CE marked and marketed in Europe. Oceana was acquired by Salix Pharmaceuticals Inc. (SLXP) last November for $300 million.

The other treatment options for fecal incontinence include, bulk laxatives, fiber diets, Imodium, which is a treatment for diarrhea, and invasive surgical procedures.

VEN 308 is a gel formulation of Phenylephrine. VEN 308 also will be developed under the 505(b)(2) regulatory pathway because Phenylephrine has been available since the early 1940s in oral and nasal form for the treatment of nasal congestion.

The company plans to initiate the U.S. phase IIb dose ranging study of VEN 308 for IPAA-related fecal incontinence this year.

A quick look at the company's balance sheet...

Since inception on October 7, 2005, Ventrus has incurred losses, and being a development stage company, it has not derived any revenue from product sales to date.

In the nine months ended September 30, 2011, the company's net loss was about $15.5 million or $1.79 per share. At September 30, 2011, Ventrus had zero debt and $53.3 million in cash and cash equivalents.

Shares of Ventrus have gained 18 percent in the last three months and trade around $9. With two high value pivotal data expected in the coming months, VTUS may be worth keeping an eye on.

Begin job ? Article Directory ? Cure Hemorrhoids Without having...

I have regularly read which the greatest way to cure hemorrhoids is hemorrhoid operation. This really is frequently proposed by healthcare practitioners not to mention laypeople alike because the best way to do away with hemorrhoids.
But I wonder: On what basis is actually this particular information provided? Not research. I currently have studied hemorrhoids and in addition other digestive disorders for more than 20 years and even while it?s true that hemorrhoid operation will bring relief for many kinds of piles ? bleeding piles, internal hemorrhoids, external piles ? it really is certainly not without it?s personal potential side effects.

And additionally it really is certainly not without pain. A hemorrhoidectomy is a great extremely painful surgery. We will need pain-killers and additionally time off work to recover. It can be a thirty days or perhaps 2 before aspects begin with feel ?normal? once again.

Sorry to say, hemorrhoid operation can be definitely not always 100% lucrative ? I have consulted alongside several hemorrhoids afflicted individuals who currently have had several surgery, and have not been treated. The key factor a large number of health professionals and additionally surgeons neglect to inform hemorrhoid afflicted individuals is that hemorrhoid surgery is actually not a remedy, so ? it is very removing the actual symptom, that is the particular swollen vein.

In the event that actual reason for the hemorrhoid typically is certainly not addressed, recurrences can, and even often do, happen.

Within my encounter, hemorrhoid operation may be prevented. During the course of my years of using hemorrhoid sufferers, they typically asked when there have been any kind of effective all-natural hemorrhoid treatments they could check out prior to resorting to be able to hemorrhoid operation. The actual physicians constantly told them to not bother alongside these treatments. Yet right now there are lots of natural hemorrhoid solutions which will shrink piles, prevent bleeding piles and even lessen pain. When many of these never really provide a permanent remedy for hemorrhoids, they are doing permit you to get about along with lifetime, while you treat the actual fundamental causes.

There are numerous easy supplements which will assist address the genuine reasons why piles occur. Many of these can certainly support with regard to strengthening the actual veins not to mention improving the particular digestive program ? most piles afflicted individuals get a hold of lots of added health advantages from this particular, apart from a remedy for piles.

These supplements currently have been the topic of scientific studies which have shown extremely effective results. This is the reason I doubt why medical doctors advise hemorrhoid sufferers from the use of purely natural hemorrhoid treatments. Considering a couple of the possible side-effects of prescription and additionally over-the-counter hemorrhoid remedies, particularly all those containing cortis. I have frequently read that How To remedy piles typically is hemorrhoid surgery. This is frequently suggested by healthcare practitioners plus laypeople likewise as the best option to eliminate of hemorrhoids.

Still I wonder: About what basis typically is this particular guidance given? Certainly not research. I currently have studied hemorrhoids and even some other digestive disorders to get more than 20 many years as well as while it?s true which hemorrhoid surgery can easily bring relief for most types of piles ? bleeding piles, internal hemorrhoids, exterior piles ? it happens to be certainly not without it?s personal possible side-effects. And also it is certainly not without pain. A hemorrhoidectomy will likely be a particular extremely painful surgery. Anyone will need pain-killers plus time off function to recover. It can be a thirty days and / or 2 before details begin in order to feel ?normal? again.

Regrettably, hemorrhoid operation is certainly not usually 100% effective ? I have consulted alongside many hemorrhoids sufferers whom have had numerous operations, as well as have not been resolved. The key element a large number of doctors and in addition surgeons neglect to inform hemorrhoid patients is the fact that hemorrhoid surgery is actually certainly not a remedy, as a result ? it is actually removing the actual symptom, that is the particular enlarged vein.

How to Cure Piles and Hemorrhoids at Home Fast

Many people who have never suffered from piles and hemorrhoids do not know how they can support any person suffering from the same. The piles and hemorrhoids bring about so much pain and discomfort. There are different methods on how to cure piles and hemorrhoids at home fast. Actually, different people have diverse approaches in tackling the different symptoms as well. These simple approaches will definitely not cost much of your money. In fact, some ideas do not need any extra input. They are just basic simple daily routines or behaviors to adapt.

It is also very important to understand how the piles and hemorrhoids come about. This will help you in tackling them effectively. Piles and hemorrhoids are normally occasioned by the intense pressure mounted on the veins in the anus and rectal area. In case you are suffering from constipation, it means that you will have a hard time while in the toilet that will make you stay for a while. The pressure leads to the formation of piles and hemorrhoids. During pregnancy, women are encouraged to have plenty of rest so as to reduce the amount of pressure mounted in the anus and rectal areas. This implicates that curing piles and hemorrhoids should start from home fast since they are just developed from there.

Here is a list of the different ideas that can help in curing piles and hemorrhoids at home fast.

Medical practitioners have always encouraged people to consume large amounts of water. Serious consumption of water will always help in the complete digestion of any food taken and hence do away with constipation.

Always watch your feeding habits. You should actually eat healthy and clean foods so as avoid situations such as diarrhea and constipation.

A domestic habit for curing piles and hemorrhoids is the refrain of staying in the toilet for long periods.

You should also eat supplements that contain high amounts of fiber.

Small-town family physician happy right where he is

Dr. David Hagan, board chairman and immediate past president of the Illinois Academy of Family Physicians, has been practicing medicine for 28 years.

Since his residency, he's had a family medicine practice in Gibson City.

On Dec. 15, he spoke to News-Gazette health reporter Debra Pressey about being a doctor in a smaller community, his views on health care reform, and the issues facing patients and doctors.

Here is some of what he had to say.

On being a family physician:

"I take great joy in being a family physician," Hagan says. "I wanted to be a doctor my whole life."

Family medicine physicians treat children and adult patients, and Hagan said he enjoys the variety and long-term relationships with his patients.

"It's the best kind of medicine to practice," he says.

On practicing medicine in a smaller community:

Hagan, 57, went to medical school at the University of Illinois, and did his residency at St. Elizabeth Medical Center in Dayton, Ohio.

A native of Niantic, he chose Gibson City because it was close to his family and his wife's family, he says.

But projections for more doctors establishing their practices in smaller communities in Illinois aren't great: Hagan quotes from a 2010 Illinois physician work force study showing only 1.5 percent of medical residents plan to practice in rural communities.

Hagan says doctors' reservations about practicing in smaller communities are often based on myths, such as: Small-town doctors don't have a private life, don't see any interesting cases and don't have adequate access to technology.

"It's a myth that all you'll see are colds, sore throats and hemorrhoids," he says.

He's got all the access to medical technology he needs in Gibson City, he says, and as for having a personal life, he can walk through the grocery store any time without being approached for medical advice.

"My home phone number is published. I seldom get a phone call after hours," he says. "In 28 years, I've had three occasions when someone's come to the house, and on two occasions I told them to, and had to convince them it was OK."

On health care reform:

Hagan says his state and national organizations support the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, but speaking strictly for himself, he isn't a fan of this national health care reform legislation.

Here are some of the reasons he gives:

"A health care plan which involves hiring 160,000 IRS agents and the associated bureaucracy that would entail, that's not a health plan. That's something else," he says.

A Congress that won't mandate English as the country's official language shouldn't mandate that everyone purchase health insurance, he says. (Hagan says he believes everyone should have health insurance but he objects to anyone being forced to buy it.)

It doesn't address the Medicare payment shortfall to physicians.

It doesn't adequately address the primary-care workforce shortage and imbalance.

It doesn't address medical professional liability reform.

It doesn't do enough to promote "medical homes" that would provide a regular source of medical care for patients.

It doesn't adequately address quality measures that would reward health care providers for safety improvements.

Does he like anything about the Affordable Care Act?

Hagan acknowledges it does impose some health insurance reforms he agrees were needed, and continues funding for graduate medical education.

On the U.S. adopting a single-payer health plan system:

Hagan says he never wants to be a doctor, a patient or a taxpayer in a single-payer (funded by a single insurance pool) system.

"I don't think the people in Washington can manage something like that without terrible waste," he says.

On how patients can communi- cate better with their doctors:

Hagan says he asks his patients to bring in their medications or put them on a list and bring it in.

Beyond that, he advises: Be honest. Be engaged, and don't be afraid to ask questions.

On the big issues for doctors on the horizon:

Payment reform and too much paperwork.

How much time does he spend on paperwork? "I try not to think about it," he says.

The biggest issue for patients:

"Paying the bills," Hagan says. "That's probably the most common concern I hear in the office."

Scenes We Love: Clark Griswold Explodes with Christmas Cheer

Scenes We Love: Clark Griswold Explodes with Christmas Cheer
There will always be a special place in my heart for Jeremiah Chechik’s National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation. In my adult life, I have made it a Christmas eve tradition to rival any sappy joy-filled movie you may watch with your family. Whether I’m hundreds of miles from home or right next to close friends and family, this movie reminds me of the best Christmas years of my own life. Large family gatherings, plenty of food and yes, plenty of Auxillary Nuclear power-required mishaps. There is no Christmas like a Griswold Family Christmas. And to celebrate this love, our weekly Scenes We Love entry takes a look at one of Clark Griswold’s most iconic and explosive moments.

It’s been a hard fought year for Clark, played by Chevy Chase, the “last great family man” who spends his days creating preservatives to keep your cereal fresh and crunchy, all in hopes of delivering his family a wonderful gift with his big fat bonus check. He’s made his plans, including putting down a $7,500 deposit on a ridiculous pool, all that remains is to receive a check in the mail. But Clark’s boss, as played by the ever grumpy Brian Doyle-Murray, has other plans. Instead of a big fat check, and just after his prized Christmas tree has gone up in flames, Clark receives something far less valuable. And it sends him into one of cinema’s most memorable, somehow PG-13 rated tirades. It was a more innocent time then.

In a film like this, one filled with mishaps and holiday shenanigans including plenty of physical comedy, it’s important to have some sort of plot device that creates tension beyond Clark’s mother-in-law’s hemorrhoids. The bonus check does just that, creates a bit of rising tension that ultimately pays off with a heroic gesture from the unrefined Cousin Eddie (Randy Quaid). It’s also a great example of Chevy Chase’s comedic timing and effortless delivery. Few actors were as good in their time as Chevy was in his.

It’s the breaking point between the rising first two acts and the somewhat action-heavy third act climax. And it’s memorably hilarious to see Clark absolutely lose his shit. In a movie filled with unforgettable moments, this one has the most immediate and uproarious kick.

It was a tough choice, this one. Coming into the holiday season, there was no doubt in my mind that we’d have to share a scene from Christmas Vacation. And with so many from which to chose, it was hard to narrow it down. As an example of that, I’d like to cheat and give you a bonus clip that involves a sled and some high-grade cooking wax. Later dudes…

What Are Piles? What Causes Piles?

Piles are hemorrhoids that become inflamed. Hemorrhoids are masses, clumps, cushions of tissue in the anal canal - they are full of blood vessels, support tissue, muscle and elastic fibers. Although hemorrhoids are thought of as unpleasant inflammations, we all have them. It is when the hemorrhoidal cushions become too big (inflamed) that people have problems - when this happens they are called piles or pathological hemorrhoids. Put simply, "piles" are the swollen ones that cause pain and problems, hemorrhoids can refer to the swollen ones (pathological hemorrhoids) or just the normal structure. However, in most cases these days, piles and hemorrhoids have virtually the same meaning.

Piles can be of various sizes and can be internal ones (inside the anus) or external ones (outside the anus). Typically, internal piles occur from 2 to 4cm above the opening of the anus. External piles (perianal hematoma) occur on the outside edge of the anus. The internal ones are much more common.

According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), USA, symptomatic hemorrhoids affect at least half the US population at some time in their lives, and approximately 5% of all adults have piles at any given time.

According to the National Health Service (NHS, UK), piles affect between 4% to 25% of the UK adult population. They are more common among adults aged between 45 and 65 years, as well as pregnant females.

Males and females are equally susceptible to developing hemorrhoids.

In the vast majority of cases, piles are effectively treated with OTC medications, a good fluid intake, and by following a diet high in fiber. In severe cases the piles may have to be surgically removed. Approximately 10% of patients who go and see their doctor about piles eventually have to undergo surgery.

According to Medilexicon's medical dictionary:

Hemorrhoids are "A varicose condition of the external hemorrhoidal veins causing painful swellings at the anus."

Internal Hemorrhoids are "Dilated veins beneath the mucous membrane within the sphincter."

External Hemorrhoids are "dilated veins forming tumors at the outer side of the external sphincter."

Discomforts of pregnancy can be minimized

The major physical and hormonal changes a woman undergoes during pregnancy can often come with unpleasant side effects, including morning sickness, sleeplessness, or aches and pain during certain activities.

But there is relief to be had, says Dr. Dean Bloch, who is a member of Health Quest Medical Practice’s Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology as well as chief of OB/GYN at Northern Dutchess Hospital in Rhinebeck.

Even simple changes to diet, increasing fluid intake, supplementing with certain vitamins and other natural methods may make a major impact on how a woman feels during her pregnancy.

“We don’t fully understand” the cause of nausea during pregnancy, Bloch says, but “the single most important thing that works is time,” since morning sickness typically abates after the first trimester.

Bloch tells sufferers to eat small, frequent meals and to listen to what their body requires — eating the foods that seem appealing, avoiding the ones that don’t.

Many women, such as Hyde Park resident Amanda Verven, found they crave carbs to quench nausea.

During her first pregnancy, Verven would need to eat Saltine crackers first thing in the morning, even before getting out of bed, in order to keep her morning sickness at bay. Now pregnant with her second child, the 25-year-old Verven has not experienced the same degree of nausea, and she finds she doesn’t need to snack as often, though she does wake up in the middle of the night to eat a bowl of cereal.

For other treatment options, Bloch says Sea Bands, which are wristbands that hit an acupuncture point called PC 6, can help. So can a variety of forms of ginger, including ginger ale, which should be sipped flat and at room temperature.

Do keep drinking fluids to keep hydrated while avoiding too much sugar and artificial colors. (Try unsweetened coconut water, suggests our expert.) Most of the time morning sickness isn’t a cause for concern, but do contact your doctor or midwife if you feel very ill or if your urine is dark, which can signal dehydration.

It’s no surprise a pregnant woman finds herself tired, says our expert, since pregnancy is such a physical event.

“Listen to your body,” Bloch said. “If you are tired, sleep. Have proper nutrition and hydration,” which will provide additional energy.

The first two to three months of pregnancy are particularly fatiguing, so take heart in knowing you may have more energy after the first trimester, although that may not always be the case. Poughkeepsie resident Vanessa O’Keefe, now pregnant with her second child, says that she finds herself much more tired during this pregnancy, mostly because of the demands of caring for her first child, Cole.

“I am a stay at home mom who is chasing a toddler around all day. That would even make a non-pregnant person tired!” O’Keefe said.

Surgery is not the Only Option for Hemorrhoids

A recent survey has revealed that more than 11 million people in US alone have Hemorrhoids or Hemroids. They are most common in people of age group 35-65. They can happen to anyone; men, women, and even children in some extreme cases.

If the question “What causes Hemorrhoids?” has been lingering around your mind, here are some of the Causes of Hemorrhoids that prone people to having them:

If one suffers from Hemorrhoids, it is recommended not to ignore them at their initial stage and seek timely treatment. They generally worsen over time and rarely tend to disappear on their own except in few cases where they disappear in pregnant women after childbirth.

Good news for Hemorrhoids sufferers is that most of these Hemorrhoids do not require surgery. Surgery is mainly considered for severe Hemorrhoids only. It is usually the last option when other over-the-counter treatments, herbal remedies and natural therapies do not work.

For those who are looking for Hemorrhoids Relief can also opt for analgesic or anti-inflammatory Hemorrhoid Relief Ointment or lotion. There are various natural formulas available in the market that can help ease off the discomfort caused by Hemorrhoids.

Hemorrhoidectomy is the surgery that is used to cure the problem with stubborn Hemorrhoids. A scalpel or laser is used to get rid of these skin tags. Those with less pain threshold can go for stapled surgery as well, which is a comparatively less painful option. Infrared coagulation, banding ligation, injection and cauterization are the other options that can be considered.

The most important thing about treating the Hemorrhoids is to seek timely treatment. There are multiple options available and one can choose from curative and symptomatic treatment.

For those who undergo surgery, they should take care of everything that can keep these hemorrhoids from coming back. Following a fiber-rich diet and the intake of ample fluid can help reduce the chances of constipation and ultimately the stress on rectal muscles which is among the main causes of Hemorrhoids.

Hemorrhoids are known to plague mankind for centuries. If a person suffers from them, they should be aware of the fact that hemorrhoidectomy is not the only option available. Making just a few lifestyle changes and dietary modifications can greatly help reduce and ease the symptoms and the disease.

About Help for Hemorrhoids:

Help for Hemorrhoids is a one-stop information for every aspect of usually less talked about disease, Hemorrhoids. Also called Hemroids or piles, it affects a lot of people across the globe. People tend to shy away from this disease however one has to take it head on to win over it. And its curable both with and without surgery.

White Christmas: Back to Berlin

White Christmas is just too good a musical to be limited to holiday-time productions.  Especially when you have Larry Blank's ultra-snazzy swing orchestrations vibrantly delivering a gold-plated assortment of Irving Berlin classics and Randy Skinner's dancers heating up the floor with some sensational tapping.

Based on the classic 1954 film, the stage version of White Christmas, originally directed by Walter Bobbie, has been making seasonal regional appearances since 2004, with stints on Broadway in '08 and '09.  The new mounting at Paper Mill, directed by Bobbie's associate director, Marc Bruni, appears to be a slightly scaled down version of the Broadway production, retaining Skinner's choreography and the festive mid-50s designs by Anna Louizos (sets), Carrie Robbins (costumes) and Ken Billington (lights).

The book by David Ives and Paul Blake streamlines the plot and adds some extra Berlin gems ("Happy Holidays," "Let Yourself Go," "I Love A Piano," "How Deep Is The Ocean?") while keeping most of the film's score, including "Sisters," "Count Your Blessings," "Blue Skies," "Let Me Sing And I'm Happy" and "Love, You Didn't Do Right By Me."

Repeating their roles from the Broadway '09 cast, James Clow and Tony Yazbeck play Bob Wallace and Phil Davis, a pair of World War II vets who become big time Broadway song and dance stars, back in the days when being a Broadway star meant you were famous throughout the country. On the evening before they're to leave for Florida to begin rehearsing their next production, the boys catch Judy and Betty Haynes (Meredith Patterson, encoring her performance from Broadway '08, and Jill Paice), performing "Sisters" at a nightclub and, with both professional and romantic possibilities brewing, follow them to their next gig; a holiday engagement at a Vermont inn. But an unexpected heat wave has forced the financially struggling place to forego its entertainment plans after every reservation cancels, until it turns out the owner is Bob and Phil's beloved General Henry Waverly (Edward James Hyland) from their army days, so they offer to move their Broadway show to the general's barn. In the meantime a few wrenches and misunderstandings get in the way of true love, but that's all straightened out by the time the chorus is dancing through the eventual snowfall.

The four leads all deliver top-shelf musical comedy performances, with Clow's sweetly mellow baritone matched by Paice's earthier tones, including her knockout torching of "Love, You Didn't Do Right By Me."  Yazbeck's street-wise charisma and Patterson's showgirl sass set off major sparks when romancing to "The Best Things Happen When Your Dancing" and rat-a-tatting atop a very baby grand in "I Love A Piano."

A major factor in getting to the heart of White Christmas is that you have to believe the old general is the kind of man who would inspire the boys to gladly do anything for him, and Hyland plays the role with a heartwarming combination of protective tough love, sincere patriotism and a healthy dose of human decency.  Young Andie Mechanic has realistic kid charm as his supportive granddaughter, but the "ringer" in the company is Lorna Luft as the wise-cracking hotel manager.  Ives and Blake re-imagined the role played in the film by Mary Wickes as a vehicle for a beloved old pro musical comedy performer, and Luft brings down the house strutting and belting a super-charged rendition of "Let Me Sing And I'm Happy."  After her number, the character says that talent like hers can't be learned, "You're born with it."  The opening night audience, no doubt in recognition of Luft's lineage, responded to the line with enthusiastic agreement.

Don't delay on toilet trouble, children told

One in eight children in Hong Kong suffers from constipation and the rate doubles in those not living with their parents.

A Chinese University research team said one of the main reasons so many children suffer is because they delay their bowel movements either through embarrassment or by spending too much time on other pursuits.

Delaying bowel movements may lead to fecal incontinence where, researchers say, pants are often soiled.

In later life a child may suffer from such problems as hemorrhoids or fecal fissures.

The research team interviewed 2,318 primary school pupils, aged six to 15, between March and June and found that 12.2 percent suffer from constipation.

This figure rose to 28 percent in the 200 pupils not living with their parents.

Doctors say at least half of them are able to recover quickly with therapy, treatment or proper diets.

Therapy for those with stubborn constipation may last for several months to a year.

Researchers believe parents play an important role in helping prevent constipation embarrass their children.

For instance, the study found 16 percent of those who do not have dinner with their parents for three or four days in a week suffer from constipation.

Other behavioral causes include spending more than two hours on homework (15 percent) and sleeping less than seven hours a day (17 percent).

University honorary clinical associate professor Tam Yuk-him said an unbalanced diet and embarrassment to avail themselves of a school toilet are two additional reasons.

Lee Hon-cheung, a father of two, said he had to move from Shenzhen to Hong Kong because the cross-border school bus banned his children from boarding after they messed their underwear on several occasions.

The bus company told Lee the other children had complained of the smell.

However, Lee said his son has almost recovered after two years of behavioral therapy and medication.

Caring for Elderly Hemorrhoid Patients

More and more children and grandchildren are caring for seniors with hemorrhoids. This article on caring for seniors with hemorrhoids was inspired by a close friend who became the primary caregiver for an aging parent. My friend “Wendy” found herself in the position of being responsible for the care of her aging mother. Her mother lives on a fixed income of around $1200 a month and has Medicare.

There was not enough disposal income to hire home healthcare workers or certified nursing assistants. Being an only child “Wendy” had the job of caring for her mother as needed. “Wendy” could not afford to stop working her regular job, so she had to pay neighbors to check on her elderly mother when she was working during the day. When she got off work she became the sole caregiver. This worked out great until her mother ended up with severe hemorrhoids.

The hemorrhoids were treated by a doctor through Medicare, but there was going to be a recovery time to heal from hemorrhoid laser surgery. This meant “Wendy” would have to take her vacation days off to care for her mother. Neighbors were not going to help out when it came to dealing with a non-relative that was healing from hemorrhoid treatment. Caring for seniors with hemorrhoids takes patience and special hemorrhoid products.

The Medicare doctor provided a list of over-the-counter hemorrhoid creams that would help with pain and promote healing. After that “Wendy” was left on her own to figure out the rest. My close friend asked for my advice since I was a former hemorrhoid sufferer and now a contributing writer for a hemorrhoid blog. I have read lots of emails and done research on many topics that deal with treating and curing hemorrhoids.

In her mother’s hemorrhoid case mobility was an issue. Hydraulic lifts fitted with comfort slings with a commode opening make moving seniors easy and comfortable for both the patient and caregiver. This allows for complete access to the rectum and anal cavity where hemorrhoid medication needs to be applied.

These devices also make using the restroom and keeping the healing area sanitary much easier than trying to move a senior with mobility difficulties. One of the biggest dangers to seniors healing from hemorrhoid laser surgery or other hemorrhoid treatment is infection.

I’m glad to share that in the end her mother made a full recovery from hemorrhoid laser surgery. Her mother now can move around by herself without discomfort or pain. Medicare will only pay for certain treatments and likely that will not include in-house home healthcare after hemorrhoid removal. If a senior is on a fixed income it’s essential to buy hemorrhoid products that can assist relatives that are now the primary caregivers.

Hope in herbs on the rise

Despite end of the doctor's seven-week strike in which government-owned hospitals shut their doors against patients, Lagosians still patronize herbal clinics.

During the period, many patients resorted to use of herbs to treat ailments.

In Lagos State, , herbal medicine men boldly came out en masse from the cocoons of their simple 'clinics' to gain street limelight promoting many products, which gained new heights in patronage by people of different ages, gender, education and income levels.

At Mushin, Agege, Ojo, Badagry and Mile 12, areas which Daily Independent visited, scores of herbal drug marketers were seen displaying processed and semi-processed medicines which they claimed could cure pile, hypertension, diabetes, malaria, hernia, diarrhoea, gonorrheoea, infertility and many other ailments.

Sule Wonaka, indigene of Zamfara State, who has been marketing herbal drugs in Lagos since 2000, boasted the power of herbs to cure all ailments. According to the 30-year-old, who said he inherited knowledge about traditional medicine from his grandfather, who taught him, "herbal remedies for irregular menstruation, ovarian cysts, tooth ache, deafness, skin diseases, fibroids and barreness." Confidently, he added: "I can use the root of plantain, extracts from cabbage leaves and bitter leaf to treat obesity and diabetes."

All the herbal medicine traders have bottles loaded with pieces of wood and medicinal powder which they stated if blended with water, lime, lemon juice, citrus or strong spirit become therapeutic wonder.

A co-trader, who plies his trade at the popular Mile 12 Market, is Ibrahim Borno. He explained that the bark, wood and latex of Iroko, a popular tree in the rain forest of Nigeria, can be used for the treatment of hernia while its powdered bark is used as antiseptic or for wound or dressing. Bark of oak, teak, acacia, bramble, nim, shea butter and rubber trees are said to be raw materials for health-giving drugs.

Middle-aged Fatimo Salawu was holding a jar of herbal drug bought at Iyana Oba, Ojo, Lagos, when Daily Independent accosted her a fortnight ago. The mother of four disclosed that her ailment was painful monthly periods which western medicine could not alleviate satisfactorily. "But since I started taking this herb about six months ago, I enjoy comfort and peace whenever my 'visitor' arrives," she said.

But the medical challenge of 38-year-old Queen Okafor, who lives at Idi-Oro, Mushin, Lagos, is not related with body pain, but infertility, an emotional trauma, especially in a society such as ours that cherishes children and considers infertile women almost as social misfits. Even though she bought herbal drug, she confided in the reporter that she just wanted to experiment or test its efficacy because doctors had tried their best possible on her health in the past eight years, but no cheery result yet. "I have been married for eight years now, but I have never been able to conceive despite visiting many hospitals and doing many tests which have proved that my general condition was satisfactory, my pelvic examination normal; even my husband's semen analysis showed no abnormality," she sadly told Daily Independent.

Not only trado-medical practitioners believe that herbs can make an infertile woman fecund, but men of God quote Ezekiel 47:12, Genesis 1:29 and Revelation 22:2, verses of the holy book that attest that plant are created for sustenance and improving health. In his book on the efficacy of herbs in healing entitled Nature Power, Reverend Father Anselm Adodo stated that kola pods, raw eggs, juice of lime, water and honey can be used to produce herbal remedy for infertility. Some herbalists have also claimed that the seed of cherry can be useful in curing impotence.

Survey shows 140 herbs for treating pile

Many indigenous plants have been used since time immemorial for curing various

ailments and thus lessening human suffering without the actual knowledge of the

active ingredient which caused relief. The potentialities of some of these plants

have been established.

About 80 per cent of  Western pharmaceuticals have their origin in plants and even

now, screening of plants for chemicals to find new pharmaceuticals is rapidly on the

increase. Many nations have set up ethnobotanical facilities to study traditional

medicine or specific projects to study the plants used in traditional medicine for

various health problems such as haemorrhoids.

Many people across the globe experience the discomfort and pain associated with

hemorrhoids. Although they can be embarrassing to talk about, anyone can get

hemorrhoids, even healthy young people in good shape.

Hemorrhoids, also called "piles", are swollen tissues that contain veins. They differ

depending on their location and the amount of pain, discomfort, or aggravation they

cause. When they are located in the wall of the rectum and anus, they may cause minor

bleeding, itching in the anus area, or protrusion during bowel movements.

Hemorrhoids are unique to humans - no other animal develops them. Although they can

occur at any age, they are more common as people get older. Among younger people,

they are most common in women who are pregnant.

Often described as "varicose veins of the anus and rectum," hemorrhoids are enlarged,

bulging blood vessels in and about the anus and lower rectum.

The exact cause of hemorrhoids is unknown. However, the upright posture of humans

alone forces a great deal of pressure on the blood vessels that takes away blood from

the rectum, which sometimes causes them to bulge.

Other contributing factors include chronic constipation or diarrhea, straining during

toileting, faulty bowel function due to overuse of laxatives or enemas,  heredity and

spending long periods of time (e.g., reading) on the toilet.

Researchers in a survey of indigenous plants used in the treatment of haemorrhoids in

South-Western Nigeria found that a total of 143 plants were used for its treatment.

It involved major towns and cities such as Ibadan, Abeokuta, Ijebu-Ode, Ijebu-Igbo,

Ago-Iwoye and Lagos.

The survey entitled, "Ethnobotanical Survey of Plants Used in the Treatment of

Haemorrhoids in South-Western, Nigeria" was documented by the 2011 edition of the

Journal of Advances in Developmental Research. It was carried out by Mike O. Soladoye

from the Department of Plant Science and Applied Zoology, Olabisi Onabanjo

University, Ago-Iwoye, Ogun State in collaboration with Michael O. Adetayo; Emmanuel

C. Chukwuma and Amusa N. Adetunji.

The most prominent among these plants were Senna Alata (Asunwon oyinbo in Yoruba), 

Gongronena latifolium (Madunmaro in Yoruba), Axonopus compressus (Idi in Yoruba),

Anogeiessus leiocarpus (Ayin in Yoruba), Pteleiopsis suberosa (Okuku in Yoruba),

Tetrapleura tetraptera (Aidan in Yoruba), Khaya spp (Oganwo in Yoruba) and garlic.

From the opinion of the 25 people interviewed, if internal haemorrhoids is not

treated, it can lead to external haemorrhoids and, as such the special diet that was

recommended, apart from herbal recipes, is vegetable which should be slightly cooked.

They include green spinach, Amaranthus viridis (Tete in Yoruba), Celosia (Sokoyokoto

in Yoruba) and water leaf (Gbure in Yoruba) as well as Occimum gratissimum (scent

leaf,  Efinrin ajase in Yoruba and  Nchuanwu in Igbo).

Of the group sampled, 52 per cent suggested that herbal tea is the most effective

option in treating haemorrhoids, 16 per cent said herb powder (Yoruba -Agunmu), and

eight per cent confirmed rubbing concoction while 12 per cent confirmed that herbal

paste / lotion are more effective. Only eight per cent suggested herbal juice and the

remaining four per cent herbal gins.

Interestingly, the survey indicated that the acceptance of herbal medicines and

herbal practitioners by the educated class, the problem of finance and the

maintenance of medicinal plants are still of much concern, though some measures of

progress have been made in the past.