Younger People Suffering Strokes

A recent study in the American Journal of Occupational Therapy shows that a considerable number of the middle-aged are having strokes today.Almost half the 7740 patients in the study,conducted at a St.Louis hospital,are under 65,and 25% of them were under 55.Many of their strokes were mild to moderate,and the victims consequently received no rehabilitation.The American Heart Association believes that many stroke patients generally,and younger patients in particular,are being neglected in this respect.
The risk of heart disease and stroke may be lessened by eating butternut squash.This fall and winter produce has a lot of fiber and potassium in it,with a cup of squash containing about three grams of fiber and more than 10% of the RDA of potassium.It is also high in folate,which data suggest is good for the heart.Campbell Soup makes a butternut squash soup for its V8 line.
Adequate daily intake of potassium for healthy adults 19 and older is 4700 mg a day.Increased potassium intake is associated with a lessened risk of stroke.Potassium may also help prevent kidney stones and osteoporosis.A medium-size banana has 422 mg of potassium,while a baked potato with skin has 926 mg.A half cup of raisins has 598 mg.
Always consult your doctor before taking nutritional supplements or making major dietary changes.Too much potassium can result in bodily harm for some individuals with certain conditions or taking some medications.The publisher is not responsible for readers making poor decisions regarding health,finance or any other matter.Professional advice is suggested before taking any significant steps in your life.

The Paring Knife,Part 2:Yahoo Cuts Cell Phones

While Wal-Mart is cutting jobs and closing stores,Yahoo is responding to its situation by no longer serving lower end cell phones.Yahoo Mobile,its cell phone hub,has posted an apology to some pay-as-you-go phone owners.When these customers try to access Yahoo email or other services,they are met by the frustrating message.Yahoo Mobile says that if you own a higher end phone that got swept up in the change,you should let them know.Some AT&T customers with Motorola GoPhones are being impacted by the abrupt move.Windows Live Hotmail is still available to them.
GoPhone owners might consider complaining to the Federal Communications Commission about Yahoo's action.In the course of the financial crisis,many consumers are turning to the pay-as-you go model from the more expensive plans.Lack of access to their Yahoo account will hardly be helpful to them as they themselves navigate the difficulties of a damaged economy.

ICI Seeks Research Assistant

The Investment Company Institute,located in Washington,D.C.,is seeking a research assistant.An undergraduate degree in accounting/finance,business,economics or a related field is desired.Experience with Excel,Access,SAS or similar software is preferred.Attention to detail and accuracy,as well as good analytical skills are sought for work with investment companies' data bases such as maintenance,verification and responding to data requests,plus providing support to other projects.Send cover letter,resume and salary requirements to employment@ici.org

The Paring Knife:Wal-Mart Cuts Jobs

Wal-Mart,the largest U.S. and world employer,is cutting 10,000 more jobs from its Sam's Club division.Last week it cut 1200 jobs from Sam's Club customer recruitment ranks,saying it will turn to more targeted methods.Earlier in the month,it closed 10 Sam's Club stores,laying off 1500.The new job cuts are as a result of contracting with Shopper Events to handle sampling activities in the stores,which are considered crucial to warehouse store marketing.The total number of jobs cut from Sam's Club is 12,700.
Sam's Club has been trailing its competitors,Costco and BJ's Wholesale Club.Its sales declined last quarter,while parent Wal-Mart's sales increased.Typically,its customers have ended up buying well in excess of their actual needs.It's a habit many of them may be abandoning in the frugal atmosphere that prevails today.Samples staff will have a much harder sell under current conditions.
Some of the laid-off workers may be hired by Shopper Events.Others have been offered positions at Wal-Mart locations.This could limit the effect of the layoffs on local communities.Just how much the effect will be limited remains unclear,however.

Fish For The Eyes

Even one serving of fish a week can be highly beneficial for your eyes,according to a study published in the Archives of Ophthalmology.The research found that fish can reduce your risk of getting age-related macular degeneration,or AMD,by up to 30%.AMD is a grave threat to vision for people over 65.It damages the retina,a layer of cells in the back of the eye that are sensitive to light.Omega-3 fatty acids in fish are believed to have a protective effect on the eyes.
Exposure to the sun's UV rays has been linked to AMD,so wearing UV-rated sunglasses may also be beneficial in warding off the disease.The drugs Lucentis and Avastin have been used to treat some cases of AMD with remarkable results,reversing blindness.The Genentech division of Swiss firm Roche manufactures the medicine.

Cybersecurity Scare At Lincoln Financial

Lincoln Financial Advisors,a subsidiary of Lincoln Financial Group,has informed its clients that a portfolio information system,containing clients' names,Social Security and financial account numbers was potentially vulnerable to unauthorized access.LFA added quickly that they have no evidence or reason to believe that the information has been acquired or misused by an unauthorized person.They are notifying clients out of an abundance of caution and to inform them of steps they are taking,LFA said in a letter.
The portfolio information system integrates accounting and performance of customer assets.It is not used to transfer funds or effect trades-only for reporting and analysis of accounts,LFA explained.There is no indication that the vulnerability of the system has compromised the security,confidentiality or integrity of the information.LFA has engaged outside forensic consultants,who conducted a comprehensive investigation of the vulnerability.LFA has taken specific actions to improve data security,as well as investigate other client information systems for other potential problems.LFA says it is continually strengthening its computer security policies and procedures across all of its IT platforms.
As a precautionary measure,LFA has engaged Kroll,Inc. to provide their ID TheftSmart service free for one year to LFA clients.This includes Continuous Credit Monitoring and Enhanced Identity Theft Consultation and Restoration.The matter shows the jittery atmosphere that is currently pervading the IT world in light of recent reports of high profile breaches of cybersecurity.Even a vulnerability is being treated with the utmost gravity,sought out and firmly dealt with immediately,regardless of cost.

DHS Seeks Buyers

The Department of Homeland Security has multiple openings for experienced Acquisition Professionals GS 13-15(via the Direct Hire Authority)throughout DHS HQ and the various DHS agencies.Key Requirements:
U.S. Citizenship
Ability to obtain a Secret security clearance
Drug testing may be required
Financial disclosure forms must be submitted annually
email RESUMES ONLY to acquisitionprofessionals@dhs.gov