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<body topmargin=0 leftmargin=0 marginheight=0 marginwidth=0> <table cellpadding=0 cellspacing=0 border=0><tr> <td valign="top" colspan=2 height=90 BGCOLOR="#006699" TEXT="#080000" bgproperties="fixed" background="02c285a1erlcgo.png"> <div> <FONT SIZE="5" COLOR="#FFCC66" FACE="Arial" ><B>Canberra Blind Society (Inc.)</B></FONT><B>     |     </B><A HREF="index.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Canberra Blind Society (Inc.)"><U><B>H</B></U></A><A HREF="index.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Canberra Blind Society (Inc.)"><U><B>ome</B></U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id22.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Services"><U><B>Services</B></U></A><B>   |   </B><A HREF="id25.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="About Us"><U><B>About Us</B></U></A><B>   |   </B><A HREF="id24.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="CanBraille"><U><B>Can-Braille</B></U></A><B>   |   </B><B>Newsletter</B><B>   |   </B><A HREF="id19.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Activities"><U><B>Activities</B></U></A><B>   |   </B><A HREF="id28.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Special 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valign="top" height=390 BGCOLOR="#FFFFCC" TEXT="#080000"> <div> <I><B>Newsletter</B></I></div> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <I><B>        CANBERRA BLIND SOCIETY</B></I></div> <bR> <div> <I><B>November Newsletter  302</B></I></div> <bR> <div> <I><B>(funded by the Department of Disability, Housing & Community Services)</B></I></div> <bR> <div> We begin with the <U>Noticeboard</U> for November/December, followed by an update on developments at CBS:  Sense-able Leisure,  Sense-able Cooking, Heart Foundation Walking Group,  CBS AGM, Men’s Lunch, Christmas Party,  Coffee Morning with Retina Australia </div> <bR> <div> <U>Equipment & Daily Living</U> </div> <div> Safety Inside your Home </div> <div> Safety in the Kitchen </div> <div> For Sale</div> <bR> <div> <U>Eye Health</U></div> <div> Let’s not take our eyes for granted</div> <div> Emerging Treatment Stabilizes Vision in People with Dry AMD</div> <div> Stemcell Breakthrough – the Achiever</div> <bR> <div> <U>Lighter End</U></div> <div> Monster Tag </div> <div> Service</div> <div> Repeat of the Noticeboard</div> <bR> <div> <U>Recipe Club Newsletter & Recipes</U></div> <bR> <div> <B>Notice Board</B></div> <div> <TABLE BORDER="2" CELLPADDING="2" CELLSPACING="1" WIDTH="832" BORDERCOLORLIGHT="#C0C0C0" BORDERCOLORDARK="#808080" FRAME="BOX" RULES="ALL" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" > <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 34 ><NOBR><div> <B>NOV 12</B></div> </NOBR></tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="102"><div> <B>THUR</B></div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="136"><div> <B> 7.30 pm</B></div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP><NOBR><div> <B> CBS Annual General Meeting</B></div> </NOBR></tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 34 ><NOBR><div> <B>    "    13</B></div> </NOBR></tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="102"><div> <B>FRI</B></div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP><NOBR><div> <B>   10.00 am </B></div> </NOBR></tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="445"><div> <B>Sense-able Leisure</B></div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 63 WIDTH="116"><div> <B>   "    13</B></div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="102"><div> <B>FRI</B></div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="136"><div> <B>12.00</B></div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="445"><div> <B>Men’s Lunch at Hellenic in the City</B></div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 34 WIDTH="116"><div> <B>  </B><B> "    20</B></div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="102"><div> <B>FRI</B></div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="136"><div> <B>10.00 am</B></div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="445"><div> <B>Sense-able Leisure</B></div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 63 WIDTH="116"><div> <B>  </B><B> "    26</B></div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="102"><div> <B>THUR</B></div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="136"><div> <B>12.00</B></div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="445"><div> <B>Drop In BYO Lunch in Jessie Leonard Rm after Braille</B></div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 34 WIDTH="116"><div> <B>DEC 5</B></div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="102"><div> <B>SAT</B></div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="136"><div> <B>12.00</B></div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="445"><div> <B> CBS Christmas Party</B></div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 63 WIDTH="116"><div> <B>DEC 7</B></div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="102"><div> <B>MON</B></div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="136"><div> <B>10.30 am</B></div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="445"><div> <B>Coffee with Retina Australia at Kippax Coffee Shop</B></div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 34 WIDTH="116"><div> <B>"    11</B></div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="102"><div> <B>FRI</B></div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="136"><div> <B>10.00 am</B></div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="445"><div> <B>Sense-able Leisure</B></div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 63 WIDTH="116"><div> <B>"    11</B></div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="102"><div> <B>FRI</B></div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="136"><div> <B>12.00</B></div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="445"><div> <B>Men’s Lunch at Hellenic in the City</B></div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 34 WIDTH="116"><div> <B>"    18</B></div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="102"><div> <B>FRI</B></div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="136"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="34" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="136" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="445"><div> <B>CBS Office Closes</B></div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 34 ><NOBR><div> <B>JAN  18</B></div> </NOBR></tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="102"><div> <B>MON</B></div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="136"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="34" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="136" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="445"><div> <B>CBS Office Opens</B></div> </tD> </tR> </TABLE></div> <div>  </div> <div>     </div> <bR> <div> <B><U>At CBS</U></B><B> </B></div> <div> <U>Sense-able Cooking</U></div> <div> In October’s Sense-able Cooking class we made two recipes that were contributed by Faye Martin.  We enjoyed her easy quiche recipe and had lots of fun and quite a few laughs making individual chocolate cakes which were cooked in coffee mugs in the microwave.  </div> <bR> <div> November’s Sense-able Cooking class will be the last one for the year.  We will be cooking “Gourmet Pizzas” using different bases and cooking methods, topped with yummy fillings that you are unlikely to find on the menu at your local take-away.  So come and join us on Friday 20th at 10.30am………but please remember to let Judy know that you are coming so that she knows how many people that she is catering for.</div> <bR> <div> <U>Sense-able Leisure</U></div> <div> The Sense-able Leisure group will be making Christmas tree decorations with wire and beads.  Join us on Friday 13th November at 10.30am.</div> <bR> <div> Next year CBS is planning to run exercise classes at the Griffin Centre as part of our Sense-able Leisure program.  Precise details are yet to be made, but to help with the planning, Judy and Deb would like to know if you are interested in attending, whether you would need transport and your ideas on the length of the program, best day and time etc. </div> <bR> <div> Talking of exercise…….do you enjoy walking?  Heart Foundation Walking is Australia’s largest network of free community-based walking groups led by volunteer Walk Organizers. The aim of Heart Foundation Walking groups is to make regular physical activity enjoyable and easy, especially for people who are not used to being active. Walking groups can be any size and walk at various times, days, lengths and levels of difficulty. Everyone is encouraged to walk at their own pace.  Participants are provided with social support, newsletters and recognition for reaching walking milestones.</div> <bR> <div> <B>The Griffin Centre Walkers</B> is one such group that has just started up.   They walk on Wednesday lunchtimes to places like Glebe and Commonwealth Park, leaving the Griffin Centre at 1.15pm.  The walk lasts for about 45 minutes.  If you would like to join Judy and others on these walks please contact her at CBS for more details and help with registration.  Perhaps you would prefer to join a group closer to home.  Judy has details of all the other Heart Foundation Walking groups around Canberra.</div> <bR> <div> <B>CBS Annual General Meeting</B> will be held in CBS rooms on the Ground Floor Griffin Centre, Genge Street Civic on Thursday 12 November 2009. Members are encouraged to attend and to nominate for the Board.  In accordance with amendments to CBS Constitution agreed to at a General Meeting held on 12 June 2008, Office bearers and Ordinary members of the Board are elected to the Board for a 2 year tenure. Positions on the Board due for re-election at this years’ AGM include President, Secretary and 2 Ordinary Board members.</div> <div> Members nominating for a position on the Board for the first time must include a half page CV including any qualifications or competencies the applicant will contribute to the Board.</div> <div> Nominations close on Thursday 5 November 2009.</div> <bR> <div> <B>Men’s Lunch – change of venue</B></div> <div> The Men’s Lunch which has been held at the City Labor Club over the last few months will now resume at the new “Hellenic in the City” or most of the gents would know it as the old RSL Club located on Moore Street in the City. If there is anyone who would like to join the men in a lunch and chat every second Friday of the month, you are welcome to call the office and we can put your name on the list.</div> <bR> <div> At October’s Tuesday Lunch those attending were consulted regarding their opinions on the future of what has been the Seniors Lunch.     </div> <div> *There was agreement that there was no great value in keeping this for <U>Seniors</U> and possibly more people would come if it was completely opened up.</div> <div> *Many attendees thought that the huge Rm 1 belonged to CBS, not realising that it was hired for special occasions, or that the rent was correspondingly huge! </div> <div> *They agreed that for some events and crowds the hire of the room was justified, but not for small groups, and a venue that wasn’t central was out of the question.</div> <div> *They said what they valued about the monthly lunches was the friendships and feeling of togetherness they had built up, and that the regularity of it was something they depended on.   As people grow older and their vision deteriorates and they lose health and many of their friends, they are reluctant to also lose these valued monthly gatherings.</div> <div> *Although some remarked on the quality of the meal, saying it was the best meal in their month, the majority said that to simplify use of a smaller room, they would be happy with a simpler meal, which might enable people to be more crowded round a table.   If this was sandwiches, cold collation, or an afternoon tea so be it.</div> <div> *They thought that for ease of management the Jessie Leonard Room would be worth crowding into for limited groups, e.g. have 8 or more people round each of two tables if necessary.</div> <div> *My own concern was that staining food dropped on carpet in public rooms would quickly earn the displeasure of the management.     Staff and helpers would have to become vigilant, and conscientious about adequately mopping up stains.</div> <bR> <div> <B>CBS Christmas Party</B> will as usual be for everyone who is a client or member of CBS, and will be held at 12.30pm on Saturday 5 December in Room 1, as we expect lots of people. This is the one day of the year when as many members as possible come together, and being a Saturday some may have a driver from their own family, who is naturally invited to stay for lunch.    At the same time this driver might also be willing to give a lift to someone else from the same neighbourhood;   if this is the case, please ask that this be made known to CBS office, as it will help Wendy greatly in organising the transport.   Our usual volunteer drivers cannot be taken for granted, as Saturdays may not suit them as well as Tuesdays.      Please note that the invitation time is for 12.30pm, and the event will be finished by <B>2.30pm</B>.     It is hoped that in the Christmas spirit there will be a good turn-out.    We shall endeavour to seat you with anyone you specially ask for, or at least take you to find a friend that you may not have seen since the last Christmas Party. . . .</div> <bR> <div> <B>Christmas holidays</B> meaning closure for a month, everyone who has need of a visit, or wants help with a problem, should contact Judy in good time, rather than leave needs till the last minute.    Thus Judy can plan a useful last few weeks without crises at the moment the office is about to close. </div> <bR> <div> <B>Retina Australia Coffee Morning</B> </div> <div> Change of venue for Mondays November 2nd and December 7th to Kippax Shopping Centre Coffee Shop outside the Pharmacy.     A new venue will be found for 2010 and we shall be notified where that will be when it is decided.</div> <bR> <div> <B><U>Equipment and Daily Living</U></B></div> <div> <B>Safety Inside your Home</B></div> <div> Although no longer functioning as an advisory body, the booklet of the Community Liaison and Advisory Safety Project (CLASP) aims to facilitate the continued independent living of our older population.   The booklet suggests improvements that can be made to personal safety and security, besides adding points specific to people with poor vision.    </div> <bR> <div> Lighting needs to be bright but not too bright.   Light switches should be easy-to-reach and near doorways (extra large switches are available), at both ends of the hall and at the tops and bottom of the stairs.  </div> <div> •    Keep hallways well lit at night – night lights, or blue or green light bulbs give a soft glow.   </div> <div> •    Allow time for your eyes to adjust when going to and from light and dark areas.</div> <div> •    <B>Carpets</B>.    Check for worn carpet and loose flooring.   Tape or tack down the edges of floor coverings if they are beginning to curl.</div> <div> •    <B>Phones</B>.   Is your telephone easy to reach and use?   </div> <div> •    Consider having an extension socket or second phone installed, perhaps in your bedroom.   </div> <div> •    Cordless phones can be carried around the house and eliminate hazardous cords.    </div> <div> •    CBS has a range of Oricom Large print phones which are available from $70.</div> <div> •    <B>Furniture</B>.   If possible arrange the furniture so that you can move freely about your house.   </div> <div> •    Keep walkways clear of hazards such as low furniture, loose rugs, electrical cords and toys.</div> <div> •    <B>Electrical</B>.   Use a power board, elevated to a comfortable height, such as on the back of a sofa, rather than double adaptors; or better still, have multiple power points installed.   </div> <div> •    Avoid using extension cords.    </div> <div> •    Pull out plugs by gripping the plug, not the cord.    Electrical cords and phone cables are best run beside the walls.   This allows work and walk areas to be kept clear.</div> <bR> <div> <B>Safety in the kitchen</B> </div> <div> *Try to have power points placed where they are within reach.   </div> <div> *Put items for everyday use where they can be easily reached – waist level is best.</div> <div> *Kettles with wide bases are more stable.    Avoid filling the kettle to the top.</div> <div> *Make sure the floor surface is non-slip and always clean spills as quickly as possible.</div> <div> *Good lighting is important, especially over working surfaces.</div> <div> *Use power boards in place of double adaptors.</div> <div> *Ensure good ventilation to avoid eye glasses fogging and reduced vision.</div> <div> *Roll back long, loose sleeves or fasten them with pins or elastic bands while you are cooking.</div> <div> *Remember the National Safety Council estimates that 14% of all people who die from clothing fires are over 65 years of age.   Long sleeves are more likely to catch fire than are short sleeves.   Long sleeves (of dressing gowns for example) are also more likely to catch on pot handles, overturning pots and pans and causing scalds.</div> <bR> <div> <B>In the bathroom</B></div> <div> *Consider having grab-rails installed in the bath, shower and near the toilet, with advice from an occupational therapist.    Ordinary towel rails will not take the weight of a person.</div> <div> *To make washing easier, install a bath seat and / or a hand held shower hose.</div> <div> *Avoid scalding yourself by running the cold tap in the bath first and test the water temperature before getting in.</div> <div> *Consider altering the shower access so that you don’t have to step over anything to get into it.</div> <div> *Turn the thermostat in your water heater down to around 50 degrees Celsius.</div> <bR> <div> <B>In Case of Fire in the House</B></div> <div> *Make sure there are windows or other exit points to get outside safely.   If window locks are fitted make sure all in the house know how to unlock and open the window.</div> <div> *Insurance is essential, not only is the loss of precious items devastating, but the fact that they were not covered by insurance makes it worse.   It is advisable to have special items, such as photo albums and heirlooms, placed in a fire proof cabinet or in a box near the main door.   In an emergency it may be possible to grab that box as you depart.</div> <div> *Burning Pans</div> <div> Cooking fat will ignite if the temperature is too high.   In such cases do the following:</div> <div>     Turn off the source of the heat.</div> <div>     Don’t attempt to move a burning pan.</div> <div>     Smother the fire with the lid or fire blanket.</div> <div>     Call the fire brigade.</div> <div>     Remember it is dangerous to pour water on a burning frying pan.</div> <div> *Remember:</div> <div>     Provide escape routes</div> <div>     Do not lock internal doors.</div> <div>     Locked external doors should have the key left in the lock.   Note that locks     should not be deadlocked when people are in the house.</div> <div>     Keep stairways and hallways free of obstructions.</div> <div> *Fire alarms can be linked together when installed.   These units can work on the mains power and do not require batteries to operate.   In houses occupied by older people, it’s a good idea to install a system with an external bell which will alert the neighbours.</div> <div> *Single point smoke alarms are now freely available from retail outlets. They are easy to install and can cost less than $20.    The batteries in smoke alarms should be replace once a year.   Most alarms will emit a regular beep when the battery needs replacing.   However, it’s a good idea to choose a day of the year when all smoke alarm batteries are replaced, for example, and anniversary or when you change your clocks for daylight saving.</div> <div> *Alarms should be placed between kitchen/living and sleeping areas.   Specially designed alarms are required for kitchens.   </div> <div> *When there is smoke in a room, the smoke alarm will emit a loud piercing sound.   People with hearing problems may not hear such sound and should consider installing a special alarm with a strobe alarm.</div> <div> *Humans cannot smell smoke while asleep.   Smoke detectors replace this sense.</div> <div>     </div> <bR> <div> <B>For Sale</B></div> <div> To a good home Videomatic CCTV, 10 years old.   Phone Heather on 6290 0253 or 0402 026 298.</div> <bR> <div> SMARTVIEW XTEND –19 “ CCTV Reader</div> <div> $3690 New 13/10/06</div> <div> Used 1 week at work </div> <div> As New</div> <div> $1900 – ONO</div> <div> Location: Canberra</div> <div> PH: 02 6249 6598</div> <bR> <div> SMARTVIEW SVS000—17” Coloured Screen</div> <div> $4800 New  – 16/08/2005</div> <div> Excellent Condition</div> <div> $1900 –ONO</div> <div> Location: Canberra</div> <div> PH: 02 6249 6598</div> <bR> <bR> <div> SMARTVIEW PV50011AW</div> <div> Hand-held Pocket Size Colour Magnifier</div> <div> (in soft bag)</div> <div> $1280 New –13/10/06</div> <div> Excellent Condition</div> <div> $500 </div> <div> PH: 02 6249 6598</div> <bR> <div> SmartView 5000 as new</div> <div> $1,500.00 (new $6,500)</div> <div> Enquiries contact Mrs Huys on 02 6281 3406 or mobile 0408 487 209</div> <bR> <bR> <div> <B><U>Eye Health </U></B>   </div> <div> <B>Let’s not take our eyes for granted </B></div> <div> Half of all Australians have at least one eye problem. As people get older, this rises to almost 90 per cent of those aged over 45. </div> <bR> <div> Vision disorders cost the Australian economy $9.85 billion each year – well above conditions such as diabetes, asthma and depression. </div> <bR> <div> As Australia’s population ages, vision impairment will soon emerge as the most prevalent health condition among older people. But while getting older increases the risk of developing  an eye problem, poor eye health is not inevitable. Up to 80% of blindness and vision impairment can be prevented by early detection and treatment. </div> <bR> <div> Some eye diseases have no symptoms in the initial stages so having an eye test is the only way to diagnose the condition early. Those most at risk include people who have diabetes, a family history of eye disease and anyone over the age of 40. More information on eye health – including refractive errors, age related macular degeneration, glaucoma, cataracts and diabetic retinopathy – and a who’s who when it comes to the different types of eye health care services, can be found at the National Eye Health Awareness Campaign website www.australia.gov.au/eyehealth</div> <bR> <div> RESEARCH UPDATE BREAKING NEWS — <B>Emerging Treatment Stabilizes Vision in People with Dry AMD</B> An innovative technology, employing a tiny capsule implanted in the eye, is stabilizing vision in people suffering from dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Encapsulated Cell Technology (ECT), developed by Rhode Island-based Neurotech, preserved vision in a majority of the 51 people who participated in a Phase II clinical trial.  There are currently no treatments for dry AMD, which is a leading cause of blindness for people 55 and older in developed countries.  "These are very encouraging results for this treatment approach," said Stephen Rose, Ph.D., chief research officer, Foundation Fighting Blindness (FFB). "Neurotech's Encapsulated Cell Technology has the potential to preserve the vision of millions of people with dry AMD.  Finding treatment options for people with dry AMD is a key goal for FFB."  "The Foundation has been a pivotal funding source for the development of ECT, and we are very pleased with the success of this dry AMD clinical study," said William T. Schmidt, chief executive officer, Foundation Fighting Blindness. "This is great news for our members and the millions around the world affected with dry AMD."  Neurotech reported that 96.3 percent of participants receiving the high dose treatment had stable vision over a 12-month period.  People with better visual acuity at the start of the treatment — 20/63 or better — appeared to benefit most.  The company also noted that people with stabilised vision had increased thickening of their retinas — an indication that the treatment was increasing the health and population of photoreceptors, which are essential for vision.  The Foundation Fighting Blindness funded preclinical studies of ECT, and is currently funding two Phase II/III clinical studies of the treatment for retinitis pigmentosa, Usher syndrome, and choroideremia. Results of these two trials will be announced at the annual meeting of the Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology taking place May 3-7.  The ECT implant is a tiny device — the size of a grain of rice — that contains cells which provide sustained delivery of a vision-preserving protein known as ciliary neurotrophic factor.  Source: Owings Mills, MD - March 26, 2009     </div> <bR> <div> <B>Information from the latest Achiever</B></div> <div> <B>Stemcell Breakthrough</B></div> <div>      Stemedica Cell Technologies, Inc, a biopharmaceutical company based in San Diego which manufactures and develops clinical grade allogeneic adult stem cell technology, has discovered a significant breakthrough in the use of human stem cells and stem cell factors for the potential treatment of degenerations of the retina and retinal pigmented epithelium. </div> <bR> <div> Retinal degenerations include diseases such as Retinitis Pigmentosa, which are hereditary conditions in which abnormalities of the retinal pigmented epithelium (RPE) within the eye lead to progressive vision loss. According to one of the study's Principle Investigators, Dr. Paul Tornambe, "The results from this pre-clinical experiment are exciting. It allows researchers and clinicians to push the envelope in the quest to use stem cells to modulate diseases like Retinitis Pigmentosa." There is currently no medical treatment that can completely cure Retinitis Pigmentosa - an eye disease that affects approximately 1,500,000 people on a worldwide basis each year.  An international consortium of prominent researchers and clinicians were assembled by Stemedica to fully explore the application of its proprietary lines of stem cells and stem cell factors for treatment of Retinal Degeneration in a pre-clinical environment. Their discoveries provide great promise for treating this disease at a clinical level. "We knew the team assembled had the experience and expertise to fully explore how stem cells and stem cell factors might be applied in the possible treatment of Retinal Degeneration that may apply to Retinitis Pigmentosa in the future", said Nikolai Tankovich, MD, PhD, Stemedica's President and Chief Medical Officer. "While there have been similar results achieved with our stem cells and factors in the experimental treatment of neurological diseases, we did not expect that these efforts would provide the kind of breakthrough results that have been achieved in our ophthalmological study."  </div> <bR> <div> <B>Stemedica Discovers Significant Breakthrough in the Use of Stem Cells and Stem Cell Factors for the Treatment of Retinal Degeneration </B></div> <div> Dr. Tornambe identified several observations that resulted from the group's efforts, "There were two very encouraging findings: RPE stem cells injected into the suprachoroidal space prevented the animal's RPE cell's degeneration as well as preventing degeneration of the overlying photoreceptors proven by very objective ERG testing and histopathology. Secondarily, and even more interesting, is that the fellow contra lateral eye also showed a beneficial effect. This crossover effect suggest this treatment stimulated upregulation of other factors, yet unknown, which decreased the rate of degeneration in the fellow eye. Degeneration of RPE cells occur in many other human retinal diseases such as age related macular degeneration. It is very important to temper initial enthusiasm with the test of time, however, this study strongly suggests, at least in this animal model, that certain kinds of stem cells and factors can modify a disease process."  The 18 month pre-clinical study was implemented at the Fyodorov Eye Institute using Stemedica's proprietary multiple cell technology. Three different types of human stem cells (hSC) were used in the study - retinal pigment epithelium (RPE), neural (NSC) and cilliary body (CB) - all obtained from human donor tissue. Various cells were injected into rats with hereditary pigmented degradation of retina. One eye of each participating rat served the treatment eye and the other eye served as the control eye. Healthy non-dystrophic and non-treated (normally dystrophic) animals were also used as independent control groups The research team compared the efficacy of each of the three cell types. A summary of the results yielded the following observations and discoveries:  1. The study showed a statistically significant gain (77%) in the treated eye (with RPE cells) over the control eye of the same animal. However, both the treated eye and the control eye were approximately 10 times more active (response to ERG) compared to non-treated (normally dystrophic) control animal.  2. The RPE and NSC cells were effective in preserving the thickness of the outer nuclei layer of the retina. 3. A contra lateral effect was observed between the test and control eyes. As a result, both eyes exhibited significant improvement. It is believed that the positive outcome in the control eye was achieved through the systemic release of cytokines; growth and other important factors; peptides; and, molecules from stem cells transplanted into the treated eye. This phenomenon is referred to by Stemedica as "The Factor Release Effect" and branded by the company as StemedicaFRE™. These factors, circulating in the blood flow, effect and mobilize endogenous stem cells. Stemedica believes improvement in the contra lateral eye is a 'Factor Release Effect' rather than a Sympathetic Ophthalmic effect which is very rare. Stemedica discovered the presence of these endogenous RPE stem cells in adult retinas several years ago. This original research demonstrated that these RPE stem cells acquired embryonic markers (Nanog and Oct-4) in adult humans.  "Stemedica has filed a number of patent applications to secure the rights for these discoveries - the use of our stem cells and their factors in the treatment of a variety of neurodegenerative diseases and conditions. </div> <bR> <div> "The discovery of the effect of stem cell factors supports our other clinical evidence substantiating how stem cells and stem cell factors can be isolated and used for the treatment of complex medical conditions. Clinical studies in countries outside of the United States have already demonstrated the efficacy of Stemedica's stem cells and their factors in the experimental study treatment of diabetic retinopathy and other conditions. Based upon this breakthrough discovery and validation of our previous evidence, Stemedica has begun negotiations with a select number of potential strategic partners. Our goal is to rapidly advance our findings into a comprehensive clinical application", said Maynard A. Howe, Vice Chairman of Stemedica.   Source:  PRWeb, 1 July 2009.</div> <bR> <div> <B><U>Lighter End</U></B></div> <div> <B>Monster Tag</B></div> <bR> <div> There was a guy driving down the road when he ran out of gas. He went to the nearest house to ask for some gas. As soon as he opened the door it started to pour so the guy asked to stay overnight. The owner said, ''OK, but if you see a monster in the garage, whatever you do don't touch it.'' </div> <div> So the man went up to the guestroom but was too curious. He went down to the garage and saw the huge ugly monster. He decided to see what it would do if he threw a rock at it or made faces. He did both these but nothing happened. </div> <div> So the man went and touched the monster. Up the monster jumped and chased the man all over the country. When the man got to a cliff he thought he was going to die, so he rolled up in a tiny ball. </div> <div> When the monster came over he touched the man and said, ''You're it!'' </div> <bR> <div> <B>The Rabbit and The Bear</B></div> <div> A frog leaps out of the magical forest where he has lived all his life and into a real forest. Since he lived in the magical forest he has magical powers. He sees a bear chasing a rabbit and thinks to himself, this isn't right, everyone should live in peace. So he stops the bear and rabbit and tells them that if they stop chasing each other he'll give them both three wishes. </div> <div> The bear thinks for a second and wishes that all the rest of the bears in the forest were female. Poof, all of them are female. Next the rabbit wishes for a crash helmet. The bear looks at the rabbit wondering why he would want a crash helmet. </div> <div> The bear thinks for a second making sure he makes a good second wish and wishes that all the rest of the bears in the country were female. Again -- poof -- all the rest became female. Then the rabbit wishes for a motorcycle. Now the bear steps back and looks at the rabbit in amazement. How dumb is this rabbit he thinks to himself. All he had to do was wish for money and he could buy all the motorcycles he ever wanted. This has to be the dumbest creature the bear has ever seen, he thinks to himself. </div> <div> It is time for the bear's final wish and he takes a second to think and makes sure he doesn't waste it. After a minute he wishes that all the other bears in the whole world were female. And again poof they are all female. </div> <div> Next the rabbit puts on his helmet and jumps on the bike. He turns around and smiles. Then he says, ''I wish that that bear is gay.'' </div> <bR> <div> <B>Service</B></div> <div> A resident in a posh hotel breakfast room called over the head waiter one morning and read from the menu.   “I’d like one under-cooked egg so that it’s runny, and one over-cooked egg so that it’s tough and hard to eat.   I’d also like grilled bacon which is a bit on the cold side, burnt toast, butter straight from the freezer so that it’s impossible to spread, and a pot of very weak , lukewarm coffee.”</div> <div> “That’s a complicated order sir,” said the bewildered waiter.   “It might be quite difficult.”</div> <div> The guest replied sarcastically, “It can’t be that difficult because that’s exactly what you brought me yesterday!”</div> <bR> <div> To repeat the next two months’ Diary so you can note events on your calendar, here is the</div> <div> <B>Notice Board</B></div> <div> <TABLE BORDER="2" CELLPADDING="2" CELLSPACING="1" WIDTH="832" BORDERCOLORLIGHT="#C0C0C0" BORDERCOLORDARK="#808080" FRAME="BOX" RULES="ALL" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" > <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 34 ><NOBR><div> <B>NOV 12</B></div> </NOBR></tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="102"><div> <B>THUR</B></div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="136"><div> <B> 7.30 pm</B></div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP><NOBR><div> <B> CBS Annual General Meeting</B></div> </NOBR></tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 34 ><NOBR><div> <B>    "    13</B></div> </NOBR></tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="102"><div> <B>FRI</B></div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP><NOBR><div> <B>   10.00 am </B></div> </NOBR></tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="445"><div> <B>Sense-able Leisure</B></div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 63 WIDTH="116"><div> <B>   "    13</B></div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="102"><div> <B>FRI</B></div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="136"><div> <B>12.00</B></div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="445"><div> <B>Men’s Lunch at Hellenic in the City</B></div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 34 WIDTH="116"><div> <B>   "    20</B></div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="102"><div> <B>FRI</B></div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="136"><div> <B>10.00 am</B></div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="445"><div> <B>Sense-able Leisure</B></div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 63 WIDTH="116"><div> <B>   "    26</B></div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="102"><div> <B>THUR</B></div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="136"><div> <B>12.00</B></div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="445"><div> <B>Drop In BYO Lunch in Jessie Leonard Rm after Braille</B></div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 34 WIDTH="116"><div> <B>DEC 5</B></div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="102"><div> <B>SAT</B></div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="136"><div> <B>12.00</B></div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="445"><div> <B> CBS Christmas Party</B></div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 63 WIDTH="116"><div> <B>DEC 7</B></div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="102"><div> <B>MON</B></div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="136"><div> <B>10.30 am</B></div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="445"><div> <B>Coffee with Retina Australia at Kippax Coffee Shop</B></div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 34 WIDTH="116"><div> <B>"    11</B></div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="102"><div> <B>FRI</B></div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="136"><div> <B>10.00 am</B></div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="445"><div> <B>Sense-able Leisure</B></div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 63 WIDTH="116"><div> <B>"    11</B></div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="102"><div> <B>FRI</B></div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="136"><div> <B>12.00</B></div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="445"><div> <B>Men’s Lunch at Hellenic in the City</B></div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 34 WIDTH="116"><div> <B>"    18</B></div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="102"><div> <B>FRI</B></div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="136"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="34" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="136" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="445"><div> <B>CBS Office Closes</B></div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 34 ><NOBR><div> <B>JAN  18</B></div> </NOBR></tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="102"><div> <B>MON</B></div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="136"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="34" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="136" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="445"><div> <B>CBS Office Opens</B></div> </tD> </tR> </TABLE></div> <div>  </div> <div> <B>CANBERRA BLIND SOCIETY</B></div> <div> <B>SENSE-ABLE COOKING OCTOBER 2009</B></div> <bR> <div> <U>This month’s Sense-able Recipes</U><B> </B></div> <div> •    Faye’s Easy Quiche</div> <div> •    5 Minute Chocolate Mug Cake (yes, that does say “mug” not “mud cake”)</div> <bR> <div> <U>This month’s Topics</U></div> <div> •    Microwave cooking and nutrition</div> <div> •    Sense-able Recipes List</div> <bR> <div> <U>Microwave cooking and nutrition</U></div> <div> From: <A HREF="http://www.csiro.au/resources/safety-of-microwave-ovens.html" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.csiro.au/resources/safety-of-"><U>http://www.csiro.au/resources/safety-of-microwave-ovens.html</U></A></div> <div> Microwave ovens provide a convenient and time-saving method of cooking and reheating food. </div> <div> While few people would dispute their convenience, consumers are sometimes concerned about the safety of microwaves and their effect on nutrients in food. If correctly used, microwave ovens can be a safe method of food preparation, without any detrimental effects on consumer safety or nutrition.</div> <div> The majority of reports published on the nutritive value of foods cooked in microwave ovens indicate that food prepared in this manner is at least as nutritious as comparable food cooked by conventional methods.</div> <div> Most of these studies have concentrated on vitamin retention and indicate that cooking in minimal water for a reduced time, as occurs with microwaving, promotes the retention of the water-soluble vitamins particularly of vitamin C and thiamin.</div> <div> Microwave cooking is preferable to boiling to minimize the leaching of vitamins into the cooking water; in this regard it is similar to steaming. For the same reasons given for vitamin C, microwave cooking enhances mineral retention in vegetables.</div> <div> Studies have not revealed any non-heat related effects on the macronutrients of foods, proteins, fats and carbohydrates, when cooked in microwave ovens. There may be slight differences in denaturation rates of proteins when food is heated in a microwave oven compared with conventional heating but this is due to differences in the time and temperature to which the food is subjected.</div> <div> Recent reports reveal that cooking vegetables in a microwave oven leads to a greater loss of soluble phenolic antioxidant compounds than does conventional cooking.</div> <div> However, this appears to have been at least partly due to the use of more cooking water than is necessary with microwaves. The role of these phenolic compounds in human nutrition remains an open question.</div> <div> Far less information is currently available on the effect of microwave cooking on other food components such as carbohydrates, lipids and fat-soluble vitamins. The quality of protein is higher in microwaved than in conventionally cooked food as far less oxidation occurs in meat cooked in a microwave.</div> <div> Lack of browning is visible evidence that heating is gentler, and makes it likely that vitamins A and E are better retained than in conventional cooking. However, these differences are likely to be slight and of little nutritional significance.</div> <div> Reheating food quickly in a microwave retains more nutrients than holding food hot for long periods; this is significant in institutions and hospitals where food may be held hot for several hours in traditional catering systems.</div> <div> The nutritional value of food does not depend only on the way in which it is cooked. Just as important are shopping wisely for quality products, correct temperature control during storage and preparation and serving food promptly after it is prepared.</div> <div> Leaching effects aside, there seems to be little difference to the retention of nutrients between food cooked by microwaves or by conventional means, provided that cooking time and temperature guidelines are carefully followed.   </div> <div>                      </div> <div> <B>Sense-able Recipes List</B></div> <div> Since this newsletter commenced in October 2007 it has featured many recipes, some of which you may have missed.  To receive large print copies of any of these recipes contact Judy at CBS.</div> <bR> <div> <U>Soups</U></div> <div> Brown lentil and vegetable soup</div> <div> Chicken minestrone soup</div> <div> Chinese crab and sweet corn soup</div> <div> Corn and pumpkin soup</div> <div> Curried red lentil soup</div> <div> McCormick’s Slow Cooker Soups</div> <div> Quick and easy chicken and corn soup</div> <div> Tuscan soup and cheese toast</div> <bR> <div> <U>Chicken</U></div> <div> Apricot chicken</div> <div> Low fat Thai chicken curry</div> <div> Microwave chicken noodle “stir-fry” for one</div> <div> Moroccan chicken with couscous</div> <div> Sour cream and lemon chicken</div> <bR> <div> <U>Meat</U></div> <div> Honey pork and apple stir-fry</div> <div> Lamb moussaka</div> <div> McCormick’s Slow Cooker Casseroles</div> <div> McCormick’s Slow Cooker Roasts</div> <div> Sausage casserole</div> <div> Saucy chops</div> <div> Shepherd’s pie with kumara topping</div> <bR> <div> <U>Lebanese</U></div> <div> Armenian kebabs</div> <div> Beetroot dip</div> <div> Lebanese chicken kebabs</div> <div> Lebanese rolls</div> <div> Lamb kofta</div> <div> Tabouli</div> <div> Tahini sauce</div> <bR> <div> <U>Vegetables</U></div> <div> Balsamic roasted vegetables</div> <div> Pumpkin quiche</div> <div> Roast veggies with bacon and walnuts</div> <div> Shredded zucchini and corn sauté</div> <div> Zucchini slice</div> <bR> <div> <U>Fish</U></div> <div> Crunchy oven-baked hoki fillets </div> <div> High fibre salmon and vegetable casserole</div> <bR> <div> <U>Pasta</U></div> <div> Easy pasta base</div> <div> Judy’s no-name pasta</div> <div> Ravioli and spinach bake</div> <bR> <div> <U>Desserts</U></div> <div> Black forrest pudding</div> <div> Butterscotch pudding</div> <div> Californian apple crunch</div> <div> Cherry rice</div> <div> Coffee pears with mocha sauce</div> <div> Easter bread and butter pudding</div> <div> Fluffy pudding</div> <div> Low fat chocolate mousse</div> <div> Low fat fruity yoghurt whip</div> <div> Lump free microwave custard/white sauce</div> <div> Peach and custard bake</div> <div> Peach gallette</div> <div> Pear and chocolate gallette</div> <bR> <div> <U>Baking</U></div> <div> Anzac slice</div> <div> Carrot and zucchini muffins</div> <div> Wholemeal damper</div> <bR> <div> <U>Christmas</U></div> <div> Chocolate bark</div> <div> Chocolate orange fudge</div> <div> Christmas cookies</div> <div> Cinnamon twigs</div> <div> Easy Christmas pudding</div> <div> Nutty reindeer nibbles</div> <div> Three ingredient fruit cake</div> <div> Turkey brie and cranberry rolls</div> <bR> <div> <U>Other</U></div> <div> Apple and banana porridge</div> <div> Cold and flu remedy</div> <div> Individual frittata tarts</div> <div> Vietnamese rice paper rolls</div> <bR> <div> <U>Next Month’s Recipes</U></div> <div> •    Gourmet Pizzas</div> <bR> <div> Date:    Friday 20th November at 10.30am</div> <bR> <div> Judy Hackett</div> <div> Client Services Officer</div> <div> <A HREF="mailto:canclint@tpg.com.au" TARGET="_top" TITLE="mailto:canclint@tpg.com.au"><U>canclint@tpg.com.au</U></A></div> <div> Phone: 6247 4580</div> <bR> <div> <B>FAYE’S EASY  QUICHE</B></div> <div> Turn oven to 180 deg</div> <div> Grease a pie or quiche dish</div> <div> <U>Ingredients</U></div> <div> •    3 eggs beaten</div> <div> •    1 tbsp butter or margarine, melted</div> <div> •    salt and pepper</div> <div> •    1 1/2  cups milk</div> <div> •    1/2 cup SR flour</div> <div> •    1 cup grated onion</div> <div> •    1 cup grated cheese</div> <div> •    4 rashes bacon or slices ham, or 2 ham steaks, chopped</div> <div> •    Extra grated cheese for topping.</div> <bR> <div> <U>Method</U></div> <div> 1.    Place eggs, salt and pepper, butter and milk into a mixing bowl and mix together.</div> <div> 2.    Add SR flour,  cheese,  onion and bacon or ham pieces  and mix together</div> <div> 3.    Pour into a greased deep pie or Quiche dish, add  grated cheese over top and bake in moderate oven for 45 minutes</div> <div> 4.    Serve with oven baked chips and/or lettuce salad</div> <bR> <div> <B>5 MINUTE CHOCOLATE MUG CAKE</B></div> <div> <U>Ingredients</U></div> <div> •    4 tbsp SR flour</div> <div> •    2 tbsp sugar</div> <div> •    2 tbsp cocoa</div> <div> •    1 egg</div> <div> •    3 tbsp milk</div> <div> •    3 tbsp oil or butter</div> <div> •    1 tbsp chocolate chips or chopped walnuts (optional)</div> <div> •    1/4 tsp vanilla essence</div> <bR> <div> <U>Method</U></div> <div> •    Grease 2 coffee mugs (or 1 large one)</div> <div> •    Add flour, sugar and cocoa to small bowl (e.g. margarine container) and mix well.</div> <div> •    Add the egg and mix.</div> <div> •    Add milk and oil and mix.</div> <div> •    Add chocolate chips or walnuts and vanilla essence and mix.</div> <div> •    Divide mixture into the 2 mugs (place one spoonful at a time into each mug until all mixture used)</div> <div> •    Place the mugs on the microwave turntable at 3 o’clock and 9 o’clock position. Cook on HIGH for 3 minutes (1000watts) to 3 minutes 30 seconds (600watts).  The cake will rise over the top of the mug if you are using one mug, but don’t be alarmed!</div> <div> •    Allow to cool a little, run knife around the cup and tip it out onto a plate.</div> <bR> <div> <U>Serving Suggestion</U></div> <div> Serve with a dollop of ice cream, vanilla yoghurt or chocolate custard.</div> <bR> <bR> <div> <B>Back to</B><FONT SIZE="4" COLOR="#CC0033" FACE="Arial" > </FONT><FONT SIZE="4" COLOR="#0000FF" FACE="Arial" ><A HREF="index.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Canberra Blind Society (Inc.)"><U><B><U>Canberra Blind Society Home Page</U></B></U></A></FONT></div> <bR> </td> </tr></table></body>