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Guy Fieri, star of three shows on Food Network including Diners, Drive-ins and Dives, is taking American food culture to new heights by combining the worlds of food and rock n' roll. In November, The Guy Fieri Roadshow, produced by his company, Knuckle Sandwich, will hit 21 cities in 30 days and play in venues that seat from 2,000 to 5,000 fans.

Fieri modeled this two-hour food-a-palooza after a high-energy rock concert, including traveling from city to city on two tour buses with his culinary krew. "We've been test-driving this concept on a smaller scale and the adrenaline of the crowd is through the roof," Fieri says. "Putting on a show for my fans that marries food and rock n' roll with blow-your-mind entertainment is a dream come true."

Australian-based flair bartender Hayden "Woody" Wood, an effervescent entertainer and educator on all things liquid, will serve as the opening act. Each city will feature a local celebrated chef, and then Fieri will take center stage with an unscripted and wildly entertaining performance, complete with interactive cooking stations, demos, behind-the-scenes stories from the road and more.

The show hits the road Tuesday, November 17, in Lowell, Mass., at Lowell Memorial Auditorium and wraps Thursday, December 17, at The House of Blues in Las Vegas, Nev. For a complete list of cities, log on to www.guyfieri.com.

Learn more about Guy Fieri by reading Guy Fieri: This Flashy Father Is Cooking for Kids. And try his recipe for S'more Pizza!

(9-22-09)

Michelle and Jim Bob Duggar of TLC's 18 Kids and Counting were awarded the "2009 National Parents of the Year Award" by the National Parents' Day Council. The couple, who recently announced that they are expecting their 19th child, were presented the award in a ceremony at Tontitown City Hall.

Michelle and Jim Bob have been married for 24 years; they were high school sweethearts and were married just after graduation. As of this year, they have an astounding 18 biological children (and baby No. 19 on the way!), ranging in age from 7 months to 20 years. Boys have the edge numerically, 10 boys and "only" eight girls. There are just two pairs of twins in the jumbo-sized family. Oldest son, Josh, married last September and the happy couple are expecting their first child in October – it will be Michelle and Jim Bob's first grandchild.

The National Parents' Day Council is a project of the American Family Coalition Inc.

(9-22-09)

The fascinating and inspiring story of Walt Disney will come to life on October 1, 2009, when The Walt Disney Family Museum opens in San Francisco.

Born in Chicago in 1901, Disney grew up on a failing farm in the rural Midwest, fell in love with drawing and animation and traveled, nearly penniless, to California in the early 1920s. Over the next 40 years, Disney elevated animation to an art form, created the first Academy Award-winning nature documentary, commissioned scores of songs that millions of people know by heart and oversaw the birth of the first theme park, Disneyland. Today, more than 40 years after his death, Disney's characters and creations remain an indelible part of popular culture around the world.

"The name 'Disney' calls to mind the vast company that bears my father's name, rather than my father himself," says Diane Disney Miller, daughter of Walt Disney and a director of the foundation that is funding the $110 million museum. "My father was a man of endless curiosity who loved to tinker and explore and entertain people. We look forward to sharing an honest and affectionate portrait of this amazing man."

Inside the Museum: An American Story
The Walt Disney Family Museum will contain hundreds of audio clips of Disney and his family and coworkers telling the stories of his creations, as well as over 1,600 objects and works of art, 200 monitors and interactive exhibits that will invite visitors to learn about Walt Disney and the industry he nurtured. Highlights of the museum include the following:

The earliest known drawings of Mickey Mouse

Animation cels of Disney's characters

Storyboards, a Disney innovation, that map out timeless film classics

The innovative Multiplane Camera that revolutionized animation

The unique Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs Academy Award: one full-size Oscar and seven miniature castings

The one-eighth scale train he installed at his Hollywood home that spurred his vision for Disneyland

A model of the Disneyland of Walt's imagination.

Visit www.waltdisney.org for more information.

(9-22-09)

In recognition of national ADHD Awareness Day, Dancing with the Stars performer and professional dancer Karina Smirnoff is adding her voice to the growing attention about adult Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) by sharing her personal experiences for the first time and advocating for others to seek evaluation and appropriate treatment.

Smirnoff is partnering with Shire plc , the global specialty biopharmaceutical company and a leader in ADHD treatment, in an effort to highlight the impact of ADHD on adults at work, at home and in social settings, and to educate people that ADHD symptom management is possible.

"As a professional dancer, I've become known for my moves and my career accomplishments, but most people don't know about another part of my life – I'm an adult with ADHD," says Smirnoff.

Smirnoff has struggled with the ADHD symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity throughout her life. She was diagnosed after a friend recognized how her symptoms were impacting her life, and urged her to see a doctor. With the hope that other adults with ADHD will benefit from her story, she is speaking out about her experiences with ADHD to reinforce that ADHD is a real, treatable medical disorder.

"My parents tried anything and everything just to address my inattention and provide an outlet for my hyperactivity," says Smirnoff. "They enrolled me in activities that held my interest like figure skating, ballet, gymnastics and playing the piano. Throughout my life, I have found ways to cope with my symptoms, because I thought they were just part of who I am."

"After speaking with my doctor and getting diagnosed with ADHD, I realized that having tools – such as medication and organizational strategies – would help manage my symptoms," says Smirnoff. "In addition to recommending strategies, such as taking breaks during rehearsals, my doctor prescribed Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine dimesylate) Capsules CII, as part of my ADHD treatment plan. Like most adults, my schedule is very busy. My day is filled with 10-hour dance rehearsals for my television show, teaching choreography, dancing in shows and constant travel. With improvement in my ADHD symptoms, I can focus on finishing what I start."

"My doctor did let me know about the possible side effects of Vyvanse, including possible heart problems, as well as more commonly associated side effects including decreased appetite, difficulty falling asleep and dry mouth," says Smirnoff. "Talk to your doctor about your symptoms. Because everyone is different, work with your doctor to find a treatment plan, which may include educational approaches, psychological or behavioral modification and/or medication, that may be right for you."

To learn more about Karina Smirnoff's story, visit www.vyvanseadult.com.

(9-22-09)

Families of low and modest incomes who are saving for college save as much or more as a percentage of income as families in higher income brackets, says a new study released from Sallie Mae and Gallup. On average, parents who save for college earmark 3.6 percent of annual income for their child's education, while households earning under $50,000 set aside 7.5 percent of their annual income. Based on a nationally representative survey of more than 1,200 parents of children under age 18, "How America Saves for College" identified savings habits and motivators to encourage more families to save.

However, only 29 percent of families are on track to reach their savings goal. The study estimates that parents would need to save an average of 5.7 percent of income annually to meet their self-defined goal by the time their child goes to college.

"The urgency of addressing college affordability has never been felt so strongly across the full spectrum of American families," said Indiana Treasurer Richard Mourdock. "We are fast approaching an era in which our retirees will be better educated than our workforce -backwards momentum that we must reverse in order to reclaim our leadership position on the world stage. These survey numbers suggest that saving for higher education has become a high priority for the nation, and we should encourage that commitment by providing creative solutions and support for families of all income levels."

Among the study's additional findings:

Parents of children 12 and under are more likely than parents of teens to have saved. On average, parents began saving when their oldest child was almost 3 years old.

Families saved an average of $2,676 for college annually, for an average total of $13,827.

Parents cited employer matching as the top motivator (66 percent) that would encourage them to save for college, followed by tax benefits (44 percent). In addition, 25 percent indicated that a shopping rewards program would motivate them to save for college.

529 college savings plans are gaining popularity, particularly among families with younger children. While the overall 529 usage rate for savers was 33 percent, parents with children under age seven are twice as likely to turn to 529 plans (43 percent) as parents of teens (20 percent).

Regardless of the parents' income level or child's age when parents began saving, the total amount saved increases steadily the longer that dedicated savings vehicles are used. Parents of any income level who had saved seven years or more accumulated two to three times the savings as parents in corresponding income levels who saved for shorter periods of time.

Families in the Northeast have saved the most with an average savings of $15,846 closely followed by the West with $15,589. The South has an average savings of $13,722 and the Midwest has the lowest with an average of $9,693.

"President Obama has set a goal of achieving the highest proportion of students graduating from college in the world by 2020," said Albert L. Lord, vice chairman and CEO, Sallie Mae, the nation's leading saving, planning, and paying for education company. "Students spend 12 years preparing academically, but too many families overlook the need to prepare financially. Even a little bit of savings set aside regularly over time can go a long way toward opening the doors to a college education."

"How America Saves for College" is part of a series conducted by Sallie Mae and Gallup on how families save and pay for college, and the full report is available at www.SallieMae.com/howAmericasaves.

(9-22-09)

Chlorine is effective at killing pathogens in swimming pools, but it also irritates the skin, eyes and upper respiratory tract of swimmers, according to a study in the journal Pediatrics. Recent research has found swimming in outdoor or indoor chlorinated pools can increase asthma risks. The study found that children who swim in chlorinated pools have a higher risk of asthma, as well as other allergic diseases such as hay fever and allergic rhinitis.

Researchers in Belgium compared the health of adolescents who swim in chlorinated pools to adolescents who swim in pools sanitized with a concentration of copper and silver. In children with allergic sensitivities (atopy), exposure to chlorinated pools significantly increased the prevalence of asthma and respiratory allergies.

Study authors suggest the chlorine-based oxidants in the water or just above the water cause changes in the airway and promote the development of allergic diseases. The findings reinforce the need for further research and to enforce regulations on the level of these chemicals in the water and air of swimming pools.

(9-22-09)

Up to 80 percent of women experience depressive symptoms postpartum, with one in eight reporting the emergence of major depression within weeks of delivery. Caused by multiple factors, including stress and hormone changes in the body, postpartum depression ranges from a minor presentation, known as postpartum blues, to major depression and in rare circumstances, the most severe form, postpartum psychosis. To better identify and address postpartum depression, Prentice Women's Hospital has implemented a new protocol to standardize screening and education of depression for patients and their families.

"Postpartum depression is under-recognized and under-treated," says Dr. Jacqueline Gollan, clinical psychologist at Northwestern Memorial Hospital and the Northwestern Medical Faculty Foundation Women's Behavioral Health Services Program. "By establishing a clinical protocol to screen all obstetric patients for depression, we can better detect the emergence of mood disorders, offer treatment and improve the clinical outcomes of these patients."

Experts from the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences developed a partnership to spearhead this effort, which included the adoption of a reliable patient health questionnaire to be used by all physicians who provide pre- and postnatal care at Prentice. The group also provided extensive staff education to address how and when to screen women for mental health disorders during prenatal and postnatal care, and how to interpret and follow up on the screening results. As part of the new evidenced-based, standardized protocol, expectant mothers are screened for depressive symptoms at the first prenatal visit, again in the third trimester (28 to 32 weeks), and again at the postnatal visit (six to eight weeks after childbirth) using the patient health questionnaire.

"For many, pregnancy and childbirth is a wonderful time full of joy; however it is also a time when our bodies change rapidly; hormones rage and emotions run high," says Dr. Ann Borders, maternal fetal medicine specialist at Northwestern Memorial's Prentice Women's Hospital. "It's important for women to know that postpartum depression is not something they can control and it's not their fault. It is however something that can be addressed. Through better communication, we can help more women receive the treatment they need, as well as educate others to break down societal stigmas and improve patient care," says Borders.

Postpartum depression can manifest in several ways and can range in severity. The most common form is known as postpartum blues, a mild and temporary condition that affects up to 80 percent of new mothers. Postpartum blues typically strike soon after pregnancy, peaking around day five and normally resolve on their own within 10 days of delivery. Symptoms include tearfulness, irritability, loss of appetite, feelings of anxiety or being overwhelmed, low energy and insomnia. All too often, women succumb to depression without realizing that they are struggling with a medical condition.

Postpartum depression, characterized as major depression that typically occurs within four weeks of delivery, however can present months later and affects an estimated one out of every eight new mothers (12-15 percent of women). While major depression can strike anyone, studies show a higher level of occurrence among mothers who are young, have a low-socioeconomic status or lack social support. Women with a previous history of mood disorders are also at greater risk for postpartum depression – as high as a 25 to 40 percent chance. Symptoms can include depressed mood, lack of interest in pleasure or activities, physical agitation, fatigue, feelings of worthlessness or inappropriate guilt and decreased concentration or ability to make decisions.

The most severe, and also most rare, perinatal mental health disorder is known as postpartum psychosis. Symptoms typically occur within two weeks of childbirth and can include hallucinations or delusions, confusion, poor judgment and impulsiveness. There are high rates of suicide and infanticide associated with postpartum psychosis. Women who suffer from bipolar disorder are at increased risk.

"Treating postpartum depression requires a careful diagnosis, which starts with clear communication between patient and doctor," says Dr. Gollan. Use of the patient health questionnaire in regular pre- and postnatal care will help doctors identify patients experiencing some form of postpartum depression. We also hope it will help women who experience symptoms understand the prevalence of postpartum depression so they can realize they are not alone and acknowledging their feelings in order to receive treatment."

When left untreated, depression can lead to obstetric complications such as premature birth and low birth weight. In addition, postpartum concerns can also occur, including disturbed mother-infant bonding, failure to thrive and infant irritability. "There is a serious need for more emphasis and education surrounding postpartum depression," says Borders. "We believe the implementation of these tools will help address this matter and enhance care for both mother and baby."

Women who experience symptoms associated with postpartum depression should talk with their doctor and be proactive about their health and the health of their baby. Prentice Women's Hospital offers a full range of services to help, including comprehensive behavioral evaluations, one-on-one counseling, support groups for new moms and a full health information library that is open to the public. For more information or to schedule an appointment, patients can call 312-926-8400. For more information, visit www.nmh.org/prentice.

Read Dealing with Postpartum Depression? Why Getting Help Is a Good Thing for Mom and Baby.

(9-15-09)

Nancy O'Dell, co-anchor of Access Hollywood, celebrity mom and author of the new parenting book Full of Life: Mom-to-Mom Tips I Wish Someone Had Told Me When I Was Pregnant (Simon Spotlight Entertainment, 2009), recognizes the importance of building and maintaining strong, healthy bones through a diet rich in calcium and vitamin D. Along with milk and cheese, she recommends enjoying a creamy cup of yogurt such as Yoplait.

"After my recent knee injury I recognize the importance of a proper diet and exercise to help me get back on my feet," says O'Dell. "My family and I eat healthy foods rich in calcium and vitamin D, to help build and maintain strong bones. Yoplait yogurt is a delicious and nutritious way to get both of these essential nutrients throughout the day."

As part of the program, O'Dell and Yoplait will provide personal diet and fitness advice featured on Yoplait's new Facebook page, www.facebook.com/Yoplait. The tips will demonstrate how O'Dell and her family build and maintain strong, healthy bodies.

Data reveals that adults are falling short on nutrients important for bone health, with 76 percent of the population not getting enough vitamin D and 72 percent not getting enough calcium in their daily diet. These statistics reinforce the need for daily diets rich in calcium and vitamin D.

Vitamin D is naturally present in very few foods (i.e., cod liver oil, fatty fish like salmon and tuna, and in limited amounts in beef liver, cheese and egg yolks). A report released in 2006 from the American Academy of Pediatrics found that eating dairy foods such as milk, cheese and yogurt during childhood and adolescence may help build strong bones and reduce the risk of fractures and osteoporosis later in life. Calcium and vitamin D work together to build strong bones, with vitamin D aiding calcium absorption.

"Yoplait yogurt is the only leading brand of yogurt containing vitamin D and calcium in every serving," says Katherine Brooking, registered dietitian. "These nutrients are important for bone health. Based on recent research, it is clear we need to do a better job of incorporating both vitamin D and calcium into our own and our children's diets. Yoplait yogurt, specifically its Original and Light varieties, provides an excellent source of calcium for both adults and children. Yoplait offers a large variety of flavors to help the whole family meet their dairy, vitamin D and calcium needs." (9-15-09)

Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment (WDSHE) has announced the launch of the new Diamond Collection at the D23 Expo. Diamond Collection is the definitive collection of the Walt Disney Studios' most historic and beloved animated classics that will debut on Blu-ray Hi-Def.

Beginning with Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs on October 6, the Diamond Collection comprises an additional 13 of Disney's most treasured titles, including Beauty and the Beast; Fantasia and Fantasia 2000; The Lion King; Bambi; Cinderella; Lady and the Tramp; The Little Mermaid; Peter Pan; The Jungle Book; 101 Dalmatians; Sleeping Beauty; and Pinocchio.

"Walt Disney's gift of telling captivating and engaging stories was matched only by his passion for presenting them in the most spectacular way," says The Walt Disney Studios Chairman Dick Cook. "We are proud to continue his pursuit of excellence with 'The Diamond Collection,' which brings the films that are the foundation of our Company to audiences of all ages across the globe."

As part of the new Diamond Collection criteria, each film will be thoroughly restored to the highest level of picture and sound, feature groundbreaking, state-of-the-art immersive bonus content, and include unprecedented levels of interactivity, personalization and customization only made possible by Blu-ray technology. The Disney Diamond Collection will represent a major transformation of the home entertainment industry providing families with more engaging, entertaining experiences than any other format.

(9-15-09)

Families Fighting Flu (FFF) reminds parents to get their children vaccinated against the seasonal flu. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that children 6 months through 18 years of age get a seasonal flu vaccination each year. This is the first year that this full influenza vaccination recommendation for children will be implemented by all doctors.

"Every year we remind families about the importance of getting children vaccinated against the flu," says Richard Kanowitz, president of FFF. "This year, it is just as important as any other to get your kids vaccinated. The seasonal flu is very serious as it took the life of my healthy daughter who was only 4 years old when she died. I do not want what happened to my family to happen to any other family; therefore, I encourage everyone to call their doctor now and make an appointment to get your kids vaccinated."

FFF is also announcing the availability of a new public service announcement (PSA) that features soccer legend and mom, Mia Hamm, who talks about the importance of getting a seasonal flu vaccination this year and every year. The goal of the PSA is to encourage families to get their kids, and themselves, vaccinated against the seasonal flu, which is the single best way to stay healthy. The PSA was developed in partnership with FFF, the American Youth Soccer Organization and MedImmune.

"I am excited about this new PSA as it is another great tool to help educate families about the importance of seasonal influenza vaccination," says Joe Lastinger, board member of FFF who lost his healthy 3-year-old daughter to influenza in 2004. "As a dad who has kids that play sports, it is very important to my wife and me that we help keep our children healthy by getting them vaccinated every year so that they don't get sidelined by the flu. We've seen firsthand the devastation that can result from not getting children vaccinated. It's our responsibility as parents to protect our children, so please get them a seasonal flu vaccination this year and every year."

To view the new PSA, click here.

Learn more by reading the following:

Swine Flu and Pregnancy

Swine Flu and Babies

Tackling Influenza: Healthy Decisions This Flu Season

Pregnant Women and New Parents Urged to Get Swine Flu Vaccine

Swine Flu Vaccine: One Shot or Two?

CDC Answers Questions About Swine Flu and Breastfeeding

Expert Tips for Swine Flu Prevention

What Parents Should Know About Swine Flu

(9-15-09)