Need and Necessity of Dental Treatment

May 24, 2012 by adminIn the past few years an increase in the dental problems in the New York City has been noticed. Numerous people take their dental health for granted and forget that dental care is an important part of their healthy lifestyle. Good dental health is important to total body health.
 
You should be aware of the importance of the good dental health.  Proper preventative dental care is required if you want to have healthy and long lasting teeth. Poor oral and dental health can lead to serious infections of the mouth, etc.  It has been discovered by the dentists that the patients who are suffering from respiratory illnesses, such as pneumonia, acute bronchitis, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, are more prone to periodontal disease. Improper dental care leads to tooth decay which can further lead to cavities.
 
Some people feel scared of visiting the dentists.

A highly qualified and experienced dentist can explain you about the wide range of treatments available and also about what those treatments involve, and why one treatment or another is the best choice.
 
Several types of dental treatments are available as per the needs and requirements of the people. The individuals can opt for treatments like Restorative Treatments, cosmetic treatments like gum lift, teeth whitening, bite reclamation and tooth reshaping.
 
The sole purpose behind the restorative treatment is to restore the teeth and mouth in order to function properly. In case you are suffering from tooth decay then you can opt for restorative treatment. Also many people undergo treatments for cosmetic reasons in order to get more attractive and brighter smile. Invisalign is another type of dental treatment. It helps to re-align your teeth. Dental implants are another type of dental treatment.
All the above mentioned dental treatment not only improves the physical appearance of the individuals but also improves their oral health.
 
The dental treatments can at times prove to be expensive. Hence it is imperative that you go for a good dental insurance. Whether it is a routine check up or an emergency you need not worry as the dental insurance covers the costs of your dental treatments.
 
Find a dentist that you can talk to openly. You can browse the internet as there you can come across several kinds of dentists. Before choosing it is advisable to go through the dentist’s qualifications, degrees, certificates of dentistry, number of successful cases being solved by the dentist, etc. You must also ensure whether the dentist is certified or not. A knowledgeable dentist is able to provide effective advice to his patients regarding what cosmetic procedure would work best for the need of the patients. A good dentist will provide you with all of the available options and help you choose which one will give you the results you want. Make sure whether the dentist makes use of most advanced techniques and devices,
Some of the well known dental clinics in New York City also offer emergency dental care services for the patients who have an urgent need for dental care.

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EatSmart Products Precision Pro Kitchen Scale featured in The Wall Street Journal

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May
2012The Wall Street Journal Test Kitchen tested a dozen digital kitchen scales and selected their top 5 favorites. The EatSmart Precision Pro was chosen based on its accuracy, affordability and ease of use.

Newark, NJ (1888PressRelease) May 23, 2012 - EatSmart Products, a manufacturer of innovative housewares products, announced that their Precision Pro Digital Kitchen Scale was named one of five winners in The Wall Street Journal's Review of Digital Kitchen Scales. The WSJ Test Kitchen evaluated a dozen scales by weighing sugar, spinach, coffee, coins and "gooey liquids". The Top 5 digital kitchen scales were chosen based on accuracy, appearance, ease of cleaning and general user-friendliness.

The Precision Pro was selected based on its precision and affordability, performing equal to or better than higher priced scales. The Precision Pro uses AAA batteries which were applauded by the WSJ test kitchen as a user-friendly feature, more economical and easier to buy, as opposed to the lithium batteries used by some of its competitors.

The Precision Pro has earned over 3,372 reviews with a 5 star average rating on Amazon.com. Included with the Precision Pro is a FREE Calorie Factors Book which informs the consumer on proper portion control and calorie counting.

Bill Geronimo RPh., President of EatSmart Products, acknowledged this award as "an honor to both EatSmart and the consumers who have purchased and endorsed this scale as an essential tool to achieve a healthier lifestyle."

The EatSmart Precision Pro Digital Kitchen Scale is available in five different colors and can be purchased online at eatsmartproducts.com and Amazon.com for $25.00.

For more information about the Precision Pro and other EatSmart products, visit www.eatsmartproducts.com.

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Spectrum Athletic Clubs In Thousand Oaks Debuts Outdoor Fitness Classes

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2012Public Invited to Participate in Free Outdoor Group Fitness Classes in May.

Los Angeles-Long Beach, CA (1888PressRelease) May 23, 2012 - Why do gyms always run their group fitness classes indoors? Instructors and management alike at Spectrum Athletic Clubs in Thousand Oaks asked themselves that very question and decided it was past time to move select fitness classes out under the sun and take advantage of the Southern California weather and views of rolling hills. As an introduction, the public is invited to join members in participating in one of the outdoor classes. Held every Friday in May at 8 a.m., these free classes will be held on a rotating basis and include Caribbean Fitness (Caribbean and Afro-Cuban dance styles mixed in a Zumba format), Boot Camp (combining cardio drills with full-body muscle conditioning) and Cardio & Kick (a combination of boxing, kickboxing and other cardio exercises).

Reservations are required and can be made by calling 805-778-0888. Spectrum Athletic Club located at 2400 Willow Lane in Thousand Oaks.

"We recently held a spinning class outdoors and it was met with an extremely positive response," said Chris Skipp, general manager of the Thousand Oaks Spectrum Club. "We hope that by inviting the public to join our members in an outside venue, we can attract even greater numbers of people to the world of fitness."

Spectrum Clubs, Inc. is one of the most respected fitness companies in the United States, with 12 premium locations in Southern California. With roots that trace back to 1979, Spectrum offers spacious, modern facilities, highly trained staff, the latest in fitness equipment, high-end amenities and a full range of fitness programming. Spectrum prides itself in providing a fitness experience designed to help its members achieve their individual goals. Visit www.spectrumclubs.com for more information.

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ProStrength and Speed Youth Strength and Conditioning Program Announces Young and Experienced 2012 Summer Staff

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May
2012ProStrength & Speed Youth Strength and Conditioning Program Announces Young and Experienced 2012 Summer StaffTennessee's largest nonprofit youth strength and conditioning program announces its youngest and most qualified summer staff in its 9 year history. (3) graduating Cherokee High School Seniors, (3) Area School Coaches and (4) returning college students will fill Senior Staff positions at ProStrength & Speed for Summer 2012.

Knoxville, TN (1888PressRelease) May 23, 2012 - ProStength & Speed is a youth community health initiative offered by Rural Health Services Consortium, Inc. open to all students 4th - 12th grades. Dr. Calendine announced this week that ProStrength will have its youngest and most qualified senior staff in the program's history. ProStrength is staffed by young people of Hawkins County that have distinguished themselves as leaders within the program. Qualified Junior Staff members are promoted to Senior following High School Graduation. This summer graduating Seniors include Brittany Johnson, Justin House, and Christina Maddox. Following graduation this Saturday, these Seniors all have big college plans. Brittany is a (4) yr member of the varsity softball, basketball, and cross country team at CHS and plans to attend Walter State Community College. Christina has signed to play Basketball this fall for Walter State and Justin will be attending Emory & Henry College where he will be playing football.

Casey Ryans leads a group of Senior Staff members returning to ProStrength on College summer break. Casey put together a very successful prep basketball career at Cherokee High School and has completed her freshman year as a Morehead State University Lady Eagle. Cameron Duckworth returns after his freshman year at David Lipscomb University in Nashville as a Biology Major. Mark Collier has completed his second year of studies in Exercise Science at Walter State where he will earn his associate degree this summer. Gabe Brooks is completing studies at ETSU over the next year and applying for graduate school positions. Each of these young people have moved into leadership positions and are anxious to leave their mark on the program. Their background in various sports and disciplines of study continue to provide a well-rounded program for the youth of Hawkins County. Coach Casey Jones, Coach Matthew Davenport, and Coach Forrest Gladson will once again return to oversee the ProStrength Summer program, continuing their year-round dedication to our youth. Austin Albright and Chelsea Lane will work in advisory staff positions this summer as they complete their 2nd year of Medical School at ETSU and begin clinical rotations. Justin Morley has been a big part of getting this summer's program started and will be filling a fulltime position at Eastman in June.

The ProStrength Junior Staff program includes area High School students "in-training" for future Senior Staff positions. Returning Junior Staff members include Ali Thacker from Volunteer High School and Cherokee High School students Courtney Brooks, Kylie Russell, Ty Ryans, Tanner Trent, Cole Russell, Hunter Henegar, Peyton Brooks, and Tanner Blair. Dylan Lawson and Logan Lumpkins will be joining this summer's program as new Junior Staff members. Dylan helped Tanner Blair and Justin House run the after-school program this past year and Logan has distinguished himself as an outstanding participant within the program. Junior staff members complete didactic and practical training based on guidelines set by the National Strength and Conditioning Association and the American College of Sports Medicine. Additional staff member information and contact details can be found at www.prostrengthandspeed.com.

Students can still sign-up for this summer's 8-week Strength and Conditioning program from 8:00-5:00 Monday through Thursday at the new ProStrength facility. You can sign-up to receive weekly program updates and fitness news at www.prostrengthandspeed.com. The new ProStrength facility is located at 530 West Main St. in Rogersville and was made possible by Mr. Terry Whitson, owner of Rogersville Tobacco Exchange. The youth training facility offers 32,000 sqft of space for this Summer's program. The ProStrength Summer program is supported by more than 60 community businesses and supporters that have partnered to make this opportunity available to all Hawkins county youth. For more information contact a ProStrength staff member at (423) 327-5711 or (423) 921-6995.

ProStrength believes that every child deserves to be trained like an elite athlete. The 8-week strength and conditioning program will teach proper running and weightlifting technique. Students will train plyometrics, agility drills, and Olympic lifts just like a collegiate athlete using viper cords, power sleds, parachutes and kettle bells. This summer's program will include even more sport-specific drills, conditioning games and weekly challenges for students to enjoy. Staff members have worked hard through the month of May to prepare the new facility and complete training necessary to make this summer's youth program our most exciting program to date.

Training sessions are modified for each student's athletic ability and based on current recommendations of the National Strength and Conditioning Association, American College of Sports Medicine, and American Academy of Pediatrics. Our mission is to improve student health and athletic performance in areas of strength, speed, agility, and flexibility with emphasis on positive self-image, character, and dedication. ProStrength will provide an environment that fosters teamwork, discipline, respect, and hard work. Rural Health Services Consortium, Inc. continues their partnerships this summer with the University of Tennessee athletic program, East Tennessee State University Sports Performance Enhancement Center, James Madison University, and Vanderbilt University strength and conditioning staff to offer students in Hawkins County a unique and fun experience this summer.

All program schedules and announcements can be found at www.prostrengthandspeed.com . The ProStrength website features regular schedule updates, Athlete's of the Week and announcements about special events throughout the summer. This summer's website will also spotlight area businesses and supporters that continue to make the program such a success. Students can receive regular updates at twitter (http://twitter.com/prostrengthgym) and Facebook (www.facebook.com/prostrengthandspeed).

Rural Health Services Consortium, Inc. (Linda Buck, CEO) is a federally funded, nonprofit community health consortium with administrative offices based in Rogersville, TN. (4966 Hwy 11W). ProStrength & Speed is a community health initiative of Rural Health Services. The program is directly supervised by Dr. Chris Calendine, pediatrician at Hawkins Medical Center. Please contact Dr. Calendine if you have any further questions. Dr. Calendine can be reached at RHSC, Inc. Hawkins Clinic at (423) 272-5600 during office hours or at calendine (

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Excess Fat Outside Your Arteries Causes Coronary Artery Disease

Over the past four years I have extensively reported on the rather stunning finding that fat accumulating on the outside of your arteries is a primary cause, if not the primary cause, of coronary artery disease.  In a clever series of experiments, researchers induced this type of fat to form around the arteries of mice.  Then they transplanted the problematic fat around the carotid arteries of healthy mice, at which point the healthy mice quickly developed coronary artery disease.

I call this “fat in all the wrong places.”  You actually have a layer of perivascular fat around your arteries that is part of the structure and insulation for your arteries.  When you gain weight your body tries to store the extra calories in your white adipose tissue.  After a while your white adipose tissue can’t tolerate the extent of the abuse. Then your liver starts storing excess fat in direct proportion to your waistline expanding. Once that defense mechanism is overloaded fat begins to accumulate in all the wrong places, marbleizing your muscles, kidneys, pancreas, heart, and many other places.  One such place an unfortunate swelling in size occurs is in the perivascular fat around your arteries.  This now swollen fat sends massive inflammatory signals into your arteries causing them to shrink and build up plaque.

You can read more about this in my earlier articles: A Whole New Meaning of Fatty Arteries, Circulatory Health and Baby Fat Cells, How Your Heart Gets Fat, Fat Outside Your Arteries is the Major Cause of Cardiovascular Disease, and Fat Build Up On the Outside of the Heart Predicts Problems in Arteries.

The good news is that as you engage the process of weight loss your body tends to clear out fat from the wrong places first, including the fat around your arteries.  This is one reason why the risk for heart disease drops when people lose 20 percent of the fat they need to lose – and the risk stays low as long as people consistently keep heading in the right direction. 

It doesn’t take rocket science to know whether or not you have a problem.  Cardio imaging scans have demonstrated that if the measurement of your waistline (in inches) multiplied by two is greater than your height (in inches) then you are accumulating fat in all the wrong places.  The greater the size of your waistline, the larger the problem.  The more years you have been in that condition, the greater the amount of problematic fat you accumulate, along with the risk for clogging your arteries.  This is one reason why public health officials are sounding alarm bells about weight problems in our younger people – it is a methodical path to disease at an early age.

In addition to losing weight, nutrients that aid in the metabolism of fat while protecting your body from inflammation coming out of fat are helpful tools to consider.  Top nutrient support includes DHA Docosahexaenoic acid Essential omega 3 fatty acid integral to the health of all cell membranes, nerve and brain function. Must be gotten through the diet via cold water oceanic fish or some very limited plant sources or taken as a supplement., tocotrienol Specialized form of vitamin E. Powerful antioxidant showing positive benefits for cholesterol, cardiovascular, neurological health and cancer risk reduction. E, quercetin, pantethine, acetyl-l-carnitine, and Q10 – there are many others.

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Diabetes drug target identified

ScienceDaily (May 21, 2012) — New research from the University of Cincinnati (UC) points to the naturally produced protein apolipoprotein A-IV (apoA-IV) as a potential target for a new diabetes therapeutic.

See Also:Health & MedicineDiabetesDiet and Weight LossObesityHormone DisordersGastrointestinal ProblemsEpilepsy ResearchReferenceBlood sugarDiabetic dietHyperglycemiaDiabetes mellitus type 2

Patrick Tso, PhD, professor in the UC Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, has published research on the ability of apoA-IV to reduce blood sugar levels and enhance insulin secretion.

The results appear the week of May 21, 2012, in the online early edition of Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

ApoA-IV is secreted by the small intestine in response to fat absorption. Previous studies have shown apoA-IV to be elevated in humans following gastric bypass -- coinciding with improvement in symptoms for diabetes.

The Tso team found that mice deficient in apoA-IV had impaired glucose tolerance (insulin was not secreted to move glucose from the blood stream). These mice also developed diabetes when continuously fed a high-fat diet. When injected with apoA-IV, these same mice showed improved insulin response to glucose, despite a diet high in fat.

Tso's team also tested the response to injected apoA-IV in diabetic mice and found it reduced glucose levels among that group as well.

Tso says their research shows apoA-IV to behave similar to an incretin -- a gastrointestinal hormone causing an increased release of insulin after eating to combat the onset of elevated blood glucose. Two well-known incretins that have been used in the development of existing diabetes medications include gastric inhibitory peptide (GIP) and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1).

"The problem with both of these incretins is that they are short-lived -- lasting only for minutes -- and are quickly inactivated by an enzyme," says Tso. "They have also been linked to hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar, when administered when the body has a low glucose concentration. The challenge is to find something safer with a longer half-life."

Tso says apoA-IV has a long half-life (between seven and eight hours) and that tests in his lab showed it to have no effect on glucose levels when administered at low glucose concentrations. Instead, he says, it seems to function to normalize glucose.

The University of Cincinnati has licensed this research finding to a startup biotech company, Apofore Corporation, formed by HealthCare Ventures of Cambridge, Mass. Apofore will further study apoA-IV in humans in an effort to develop a novel diabetes therapeutic.

Tso's research was supported by grants from the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases of the National Institutes of Health.

Co-authors include Sean Davidson, PhD, Tammy Kindel, Alison Kohan, Silvana Obici, PhD, Fei Wang and Stephen Woods, PhD, all from the University of Cincinnati; and Kathryn Corbin and Craig Nunemaker of the University of Virginia, Charlottesville.

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How high fat foods impact diabetes and metabolic syndrome

ScienceDaily (May 22, 2012) — A University of Michigan Health System study provides new clues about the health-damaging molecular changes set in motion by eating high-fat foods.

See Also:Health & MedicineDiabetesCholesterolDiet and Weight LossObesityHypertensionFitnessReferenceBlood sugarSouth Beach dietDiabetes mellitus type 2Hyperglycemia

A better understanding of the body's response to indulgent eating could lead to new approaches for treating diabetes and metabolic syndrome. High-fat foods can contribute to obesity, which increases the risk for developing type 2 diabetes.

The researchers learned a key protein called Bcl10 is needed for the free fatty acids -- which are found in high fat food and stored in body fat -- to impair insulin action and lead to abnormally high blood sugar.

In the laboratory study, mice deficient in Bcl10 were protected from developing insulin resistance when fed a high-fat diet. The findings will be published May 31 in Cell Reports.

Insulin helps control blood sugar, but insulin resistance can lead to the abnormally high blood sugar levels that are the hallmark of diabetes. Insulin resistance can occur as part of metabolic syndrome, a cluster of conditions that increase the risk for type 2 diabetes and heart disease.

As millions of Americans become overweight and obese, type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome are on the rise.

"The study also underscores how very short-term changes in diet such as high-fat eating for only a few days, perhaps even less, can induce a state of insulin resistance," says senior study author Peter C. Lucas, M.D., Ph.D., associate professor of pathology at the University of Michigan Medical School.

Researchers began by investigating how free fatty acids induce inflammation and impair insulin action in the liver. It's thought the liver is a major target for the harmful effects of free fatty acids.

In the liver, free fatty acids undergo metabolism to produce diacylglycerols prior to inducing the inflammatory response. Diacylglycerols also activate NF-B signaling which has been linked with cancer, metabolic and vascular diseases.

The team of researchers concluded that Bcl10 is required for fatty acids to induce inflammation and insulin resistance. In the study, Bcl10-deficient mice showed significant improvement in regulation of blood sugar.

"We were surprised to learn that Bcl10, a protein previously known for its critical role in immune cell response to infection, also plays a critical role in the liver's response to fatty acid," says Lucas.. "This is an example of nature co-opting a mechanism fundamental to the immune system and using it in a metabolic organ, in this case, the liver."

"These findings reveal a new and important role for Bcl10 and could lead to novel ideas for treating patients with metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes," says co-senior author Linda M. McAllister-Lucas, M.D., Ph.D., associate professor of pediatric hemotology/oncology.

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Juice Maker's Health Benefit Claims 'Deceptive,' Says Judge

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A federal judge ruled that the makers of Pom Wonderful pomegranate juice and supplements must stop making claims that its products can treat or prevent heart disease, prostate cancer and erectile dysfunction pending adequate scientific proof of the alleged health benefits.

The ruling came in response to a complaint by the Federal Trade Commission that Pom Wonderful’s manufacturers violated federal law by engaging in deceptive advertising.  In addition to the order that the drink makers stop making false statements, the agency also asked the judge to require that any claims of health benefits be approved by the Food and Drug Adminstration.

The judge found that several of the advertisements promoting the purported health benefits of several products interpreted by consumers to be true were “false and misleading,” according to the decision.

The judge did find, however, that requiring FDA approval would be “overreaching.”

But the decision also stated that several Pom ads were not deceptive, and “the preponderance of the evidence fails to demonstrate that such advertisements would reasonably be interpreted by consumers as containing such claims.”

Roll Global, the parent company of Pom Wonderful, claimed several victories after the judge handed down his ruling.

“While we are still analyzing the ruling, it is clear that we will be able to continue to promote the health benefits of our safe  food products without having our advertisements, marketing or public relations efforts preapproved by the FDA and without having to rely on double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled studies, the standard required for pharmaceuticals. We consider this not only to be a huge win for us but for the natural food products industry,” Craig Cooper, Pom Wonderful’s chief legal officer, said in a press release.

Cooper also said that the judge found only a few of the company’s ads made misleading claims, and while he disagrees with that finding, he said the company would “make appropriate adjustments if necessary to prevent that impression in the future.”

The order is in effect for the next 20 years.

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Neurosearch denies share manipulation charges

Reuters – 6 hrs ago COPENHAGEN (Reuters) - Danish biopharma firm Neurosearch A/S said on Wednesday charges of share price manipulation had been filed against it, but it denied the allegations and said it was working with the authorities to clear up the matter.

Neurosearch said the charges were related to an announcement in February 2010 in which the management of the company reported top-line results from a Phase III study with its Huntington's disease drug candidate Huntexil and then two months later reassessed and corrected the data in a new announcement.

"On the present basis, Neurosearch is denying the charges and is collaborating fully with the authorities in order to resolve the matter," the company said in a statement.

(Reporting by John Acher)

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Australia says big tobacco aiding WTO challengers

Reuters – 6 hrs ago GENEVA (Reuters) - The tobacco industry is providing legal advice to Ukraine and Honduras in their challenges to Australia's new tobacco packaging rules at the World Trade Organization, Australian Health Secretary Jane Halton said on Tuesday.

"We know that the tobacco companies, because they have admitted it, are providing legal advice to WTO members in order to encourage them to take action against Australia," she said.

Halton was speaking at an event on the sidelines of the World Health Organization's annual ministerial assembly in Geneva, where WHO director-general Margaret Chan called for stepping up the "tooth-and-nail fight against one of public health's biggest enemies -- the tobacco industry."

Australia is planning to introduce tough new packaging regulations for tobacco from October 1 which will force producers to abandon distinct colorful branding and sell their cigarettes in uniformly drab packets with no adornments. Other tobacco products such as cigars must follow suit by December 1.

"We believe this deals with one of the last forms of tobacco advertising in our country - the packet," Halton said. "We are very very confident that we can withstand these attacks, our government will not be intimidated."

Smoking rates in Australia have declined to 15.1 percent in 2010 from some 30.5 percent in 1998. "Our objective in the next few years is to reach 10 percent and hopefully lower," she said.

Ukraine and Honduras have challenged the move at the WTO by saying it unfairly restricts trade, even though neither country has a significant share of the Australian market.

"We are a long way from both countries and we have very, very little trade with them," Halton said.

Both complainants have "requested consultations" with Australia, the first step in the WTO legal process. The first round of negotiations was held in the past month, she said.

"Our belief is that some people in the meeting were British American Tobacco lawyers," she told Reuters, adding that she wasn't aware of any date for a second round.

A spokesman for British American Tobacco confirmed to Reuters that the company had provided assistance for the WTO challenges but could not confirm that BAT lawyers were directly involved in the talks.

If the case is not settled by negotiation, Honduras or Ukraine could ask the WTO to set up a panel of arbitrators to judge the dispute. If Australia were to lose, it could be forced to undo some of its rules on tobacco.

The two trade suits have attracted a large number of countries as third party observers to the disputes, and some diplomats see them as test cases in the struggle by tobacco firms to halt a global tide of regulation that has sharply tightened the rules on cigarette sales over the past decade.

British American Tobacco, Imperial Tobacco and Philip Morris have launched High Court challenges against the Australian laws, saying they infringe their trademark rights.

Halton told Reuters that she expected that the High Court's decision could come by October.

She also said health must be factored into trade in future.

"When we negotiate new trade agreements, we need to be very clear that the right to protect health of our community is paramount. We will make sure we live up to our obligations under the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control," she told the talks, referring to the WHO's treaty ratified by 174 countries.

Philip Morris' chief financial officer Hermann Waldemer has said he expects more countries to challenge Australia's rules at the WTO, according to a transcripts analyst calls provided by ThomsonReuters Streetevents.

A Philip Morris spokeswoman told Reuters earlier this month that the firm was open to supporting governments that challenge Australia on plain packaging but it was not providing support to Ukraine in its WTO complaint.

(Reporting by Stephanie Nebehay and Tom Miles; Editing by Bob Burgdorfer)

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Kids suffer long-term from parents' smoking: study

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At least 3 illegal diamond miners die in S.Africa

Reuters – 3 hrs ago JOHANNESBURG (Reuters) - At least three illegal miners were killed and 18 others trapped underground when a tunnel collapsed in a disused diamond mine in South Africa's Northern Cape province, police said on Wednesday.

"One man was rescued and he survived the incident. Three are confirmed dead so far," provincial police commissioner Janet Basson said.

The national rescue team was on the way to help the local authorities and police in their search for the other miners.

Diamond giant De Beers said the incident occurred in an area where it had stopped mining two years ago, adding that the miners had ignored warnings not to enter the disused shafts.

De Beers officials have been at the site since Tuesday.

"People are knowingly entering mine property, destroying fences, ignoring signage, evading arrest, transporting mining equipment and undertaking the dangerous excavation of tunnels which have proven to be unsafe and have in fact cost the lives of illegal diggers in the past," it said in a statement.

Unions could not immediately be reached for comment.

The area is on the edge of Namaqualand Mines, which De Beers is in the process of selling to Johannesburg-listed miner Trans Hex.

De Beers said it had recently been telling people living nearby about the dangers of illegal mining via the regional radio and in community discussions.

South Africa has the world's deepest gold mines and is also a major producer of platinum and coal. Old or abandoned shafts are often worked by informal diggers, many of them migrants from Zimbabwe or Mozambique.

In a separate incident at a disused gold mine at Welkom in the Free State province, police said five men had been brought out alive since late on Tuesday but others remained trapped underground.

"There are still people underground, alive. We cannot confirm how many because they are scattered," provincial police spokesman Sam Makhele said. "The problem is that they can only be rescued one by one and that takes time."

In March, up to 20 illegal miners were thought to have died after a rock fall at another abandoned mine.

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