When Absolute Organix MD, Bruce Cohen, became aware of the powerful healing potential of iodine, he set out to track down the original Lugol's solution. This is an inorganic form of pharmaceutical grade Iodine that the body can easily absorb and is the only form in which it should be taken. It was first developed by the French physician, Jean Lugol, in 1829 and consists of 10 parts potassium iodide (KI) to 5 parts Iodine to 85 parts of (distilled) water. This product, once a mainstay of the medical profession, had vanished. So he decided to make some. "With my collaborator Gregory Sondak, who has deep knowledge of natural medicines and the benefits of Iodine, we approached a local pharmaceutical company to make us a batch of high-grade Lugol's," explains Cohen, who believes, along with a growing group of medical specialists, that Iodine should return to its rightful place in the medicine chest.
Dr Guy Abraham, a US specialist in the use of Iodine, says: "Of all the elements known so far to be essential for health, Iodine is the most misunderstood and the most feared. Yet, it is by far the safest of all the trace elements known to be essential for human health. It is the only trace element that can be ingested safely in amounts up to 100,000 times the RDA."
Lugols' Iodine is now available from Absolute Organix.
French company Naturex, represented in South Africa by Sharon Bolel Chemical Marketing, is totally committed to improving the living conditions of the communities from which it sources raw materials. The Naturex Foundation, established to concentrate on these upliftment programmes has, in the two years since its inception, notched up several successes in education, medical, environmental and basic needs projects. In India, for example, the Foundation supports the "Poverty Alleviation through Promotion of Agricultural Micro-Enterprises". Located in the north in the Sahhaspur Block the project, driven by local non-profit organization Agrisund, helps create small farms that specialize in the production of aromatic plants. The aim is to crate 20 new farms in 2010.
‘The Naturex Foundation's activities represent the underlying principles of integrity and respsonsibility that have always been inherent within the company," says Sharon Bolel. "These projects represent a long-term commitment to responsible corporate citizenship and sustainable development. We've no doubt that the on-going success of these projects will pave the way for further projects in other areas that provide Natruex with raw materials. In our experience, when Naturex sets itself goals, it makes sure it reaches them - responsibly and authentically. We're proud to be associated with Naturex and its strong policies of social investment."
Naturex, which has production facilities in France. Morocco, the USA and Italy, manufactures natural ingredients for the pharmaceutical, cosmetic, nutraceutical and food industries
The growth in sales of Holle organic baby formulas and porridges in South Africa over the last year has far exceeded the expectation of Absolute Organix. It's clear there is a growing market of discerning parents who recognise that the Holle proposition - ultra-high quality ingredients from bio-dynamic organic farms in Switzerland and Germany - gives their children an extraordinary start in life. Holle's Goat's Milk formula has been a particular success; for infants with lactose intolerance or other feeding challenges, the goat's formula has time and again brought relief to mother and child; so pure, so easy to digest, so rich in natural nutrients. Holle recently made some changes to its core range. These include the introduction of two new gluten-free porridges, new organic fruit bars and the repackaging of Stage 2 Formula. For more information on Holle and other quality organic products contact the Absolute Organix head office on (011) 615 9233.
The Dis-Chem Foundation and Primedia Broadcasting's 567 CapeTalk in Cape Town and 94.7 Highveld Stereo in Johannesburg continue to help improve the lives of people in need across South Africa. In August 2009, Dis-Chem and 567 CapeTalk helped the residents of St Monica's Centre, an organisation in the Western Cape that shelters previously destitute pensioners. The Fund offered to provide the home with groceries and toiletries for the remainder of this year and assist in keeping the elderly warm by providing blankets. On Thursday 27 August 567 CapeTalk host Soli Philander visited St Monica's and arranged a special tea party with the residents.
The Dis-Chem Foundation Fund - a beneficiary of Dis-Chem Pharmacies' Benefits Programme - gives Dis-Chem shoppers the opportunity to donate a percentage of the value of their purchase towards worthy causes each time they swipe their membership card at any Dis-Chem pharmacy. Dis-Chem further adds to the kitty when and where it is needed.
Throughout the year 94.7 Highveld Stereo and Talk Radio 702 in Gauteng and 567 CapeTalk and 94.5Kfm in Cape Town, look for various ways to provide care and support to charities, organisations or groups of individuals in desperate need of help. By partnering with the Dis-chem Foundation the radio stations are able to make a number of social investments.
The reputable organic product company Absolute Organix recently announced a distrubition deal with BioLIfe Nutrition. Established by well-known Sea Point pharmacist and health store owner Ellis Henen, BioLife offers a range of superior quality supplements with high levels of actives at attractive prices.
Before setting up his own successful pharmacy and health shop, Ellis consulted to a leading pharmaceutical company on product development. He says: "During the consultancy period and associated research into alternative health I became very interested in the action of anti-oxidants and their importance in the aging process. It became an objective of mine to create a range of affordable, quality products."
This he has achieved and the BioLife range includes not only a superior multivitamin and antioxidant blend, but also a number of core supplements, with a special focus on Omega-rich oils which are all manufactured by a leading company in the UK. The range is exclusive to health shops and independent pharmacies.
Natural health manufacturers Good Health Products Limited and Massey University have undertaken an Omega 3 pilot study, utilising their O-Mega 3 burstsTM fish oil product. This study, which is the first of it's kind, has monitored the effectiveness of Omega 3 on children's learning. TVNZ's Close Up, has featured this study on 10 November 2009 and will also follow up with additional coverage in early 2010, when the results are finalised and documented. If this pilot trial proves successful then a full blown trial could gain New Zealand, international recognition. More than 200 school children have taken part in the study, which is being commissioned by Good Health Products and researched by principal investigator Kerry Lee. The study has gained full university ethics approval with the children's parents having signed consent forms for participation in the 15 week study. Results of the trial have been closely monitored by educational and nutrition specialists. Kerry Lee, a senior lecturer in technology education at the University of Auckland, says she chose to be involved in the trial because she is confident it will prove that changing a child's diet can assist their learning development.
In their annual awards in which a panel of Britain's leading Nutritionists and Trainers judge the merits of supplements available in the UK, Men's Health (UK) have judged Udo's Choice Ultimate Oil Blend the Winner in the category of "Best for Losing Weight". The panel found that the "healthy fats" (Omega 3 Alpha Linolenic Acid - ALA and Omega 6 Linoleic Acid - LA) that make up Udo's Oil are an important factor in the battle to lose weight. They also approved of the quality of its ingredients and the fact that, unlike fish oils Udo's Oil does not smell like a fishmonger! Udo's Oil is distributed in South Africa by Flora Health - http://www.sanaka.co.za/
Catalent Pharma Solutions and GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) have agreed to extend their contractual relationship where Catalent will continue to supply GSK with its trade requirements of Lovaza® omega-3 acid ethyl esters in soft gelatin capsules. Lovaza is an omega-3 prescription medication derived from fish oil approved by the FDA to reduce very high triglycerides. The Lovaza softgels are manufactured in Catalent's St. Petersburg, Florida facility, which is part of Catalent's Oral Technologies segment.
"We value our long-term partnership with GSK and look forward to continuing that relationship," said Dr. Aris Gennadios, Catalent's Vice President and General Manager, Pharmaceutical Softgels
Bayer has been listed in the Carbon Disclosure Leadership Index as the world's top company in climate protection. This was announced by the investor group of the Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP) on September 21 in New York, United States. Awarded 95 out of a possible 100 points, Bayer is the top enterprise among the 50 of the 500 biggest global stock-market-listed companies to be included in the index. The firms are rated according to the level of detailed and transparent reporting on their climate strategies and greenhouse gas emissions. The evaluation for the renowned climate ranking was carried out by independent auditors PricewaterhouseCoopers. With its renewed inclusion, Bayer is the only European company in the chemical and pharmaceutical industry to be included for the fifth time in succession in the world's first global climate index.
In July 2009, JSE listed Aspen (Apn), Africa's largest pharmaceutical manufacturer, was once again ranked as South Africa's top pharmaceutical company in the annual Campbell Belman Pharmacy Company Confidence Predictor Survey. The national survey was conducted in March amongst 146 top retail pharmacies. Characteristics such as Trust in Company, Trust in Product, Representatives, Company Service, Distribution, Communications and Sentiment were analysed. The survey evaluates 42 Over-The-Counter (OTC) / Self Medication Companies. Aspen's relative confidence standing is ranked in first position in the industry, an achievement that the Group continues to retain. Over the past six years, Aspen has been ranked first on four occasions, further endorsing it as South Africa's pharmaceutical leader in the OTC/Self Medication pharmaceutical sector.
The team at Oxygen for Life take their purpose to facilitate improving of the health of humans, plants and animals very seriously. Laurice Matulovich, Public Relations Director of Oxygen For Life SA, is involved in and supports many charities that are desperately in need of assistance. Their main social responsibility commitment is Mother Theresa's Home in Johannesburg. This home offers safety and comfort for babies and children, abandoned or orphaned, through the HIV/AIDS virus as well as taking in ill and destitute adults. Oxygen For Life SA regularly supplies the home with items needed to sustain and care for the little ones, and donates Oxygen For Life products. The company also supports the Mission Vale Care Centre in Port Elizabeth - a "village" started by Sr Ethel, under a backyard "tree" given to her by a local resident who played a vital role in helping to build up and understand the dire need of the community. Today the village offers Health Care, Schooling for many of the children, Adult Education, Community and self help projects. Other organisations supported by Oxygen for Life SA are the SA Guide Dogs Association, the Lesago Primary School and Reach for a Dream.
Oxygen For Life SA were awarded the "Nutritional Supplier of the Year" by Dischem Pharmacy, at their gala evening on the 3 December 2008.
"An accolade of this nature is far-reaching," says Laurice Matulovich, Public Relations Director at Oxygen for Life. "It serves as a reminder as to what our company has become known for in the industry. It can be seen as a culmination of the excellence that we consistently strive for in our role as a premier brand company in the nutritional supplement market. Every person at Oxygen For Life SA share in this recognition by one of the industry's leading retailer groups. Each one has played a role in ensuring that all the criteria needed to qualify were met.We thank all our dedicated staff, our loyal customers and Dis-Chem Pharmacy for making this happen for us. We will continue to strive beyond all expectations, to serve all our customers and the industry"
A number of HPA members were recently honoured for supporting local charities. The Direct Selling Education Foundation's (DSEF) annual Vision for Tomorrow Awards recognise social responsibility and community support programmes that have helped improve the quality of life for individuals, groups or communities in the areas of healthcare, child welfare, community welfare, education and the environment.
Cornelle van Graan, chairwoman of the DSEF and MD of Avroy Schlain Cosmetics said corporate social responsibility was about uplifting and educating people, and in so doing, empowering them to improve their lives.
"These awards recognize those companies and distributors who actively make a difference, big or small, long or short term," said Van Graan.
Annique Rooibos Products received the award for its social development project at the Maria Klopper Children's Home for upgrading the facilities and contributing products, nappies, milk and food on a monthly basis.
Sportron received an award for three community-focused projects, particularly its work with the Thembalethu, an NGO that equips people to care for dying Aids patients, counsel tramuatised families, care for orphans and engage the youth in programmes to combat HIV infection.
Avroy Schlain Cosmetics was recognised for its financial support to build a home for Aids orphans in Bushbuckridge, while Herbalife received an award for its support of the Acres of Love Foundation in Gauteng and the Sara Rose Children's Foundation in Zambia. Amway sponsors the Chapel Stree School in Cape Town with an active feeding programme that provides a hot meal to 572 children every day.
"The Direct Selling Association of South Africa encourages not only financial contribution to needy causes but, more importantly, a physical contribution where distributors get actively involved and offer their support in a personal way. People helping people is the best way to help communities," said DSASA chairman Richard Clarke.
SOURCE: Sunday Times, Business Times, August 21, 2008. Original article by Linda Doke.
Viridian, the award-winning brand of ethical vitamins, has achieved Kosher status for virtually all of its 150-strong range. Supervised and certified by the Kashrus and Medicines Information Service (Rabbi Abraham Adler), a full list of the Viridian products now suitable for use in a Kosher diet is available from Viridian head office and listed in the back of the new catalogue. Viridian has a commitment to making available the most pure and unadulterated ingredients and has an extensive ethical and environmental policy to include a charity donation programme, recycling for the glass packaging, green business practices, and a growing organic range. Viridian is constantly reviewing its ethical and environmental policy and is striving to reduce the company's impact on the environment and to further support the community. The Viridian multi-award-winning range of more than 150 vitamins, minerals, herbs, tinctures, ointments, amino acids, specialty nutrients and nutritional oils was founded in 1999 and is available to selected health food stores worldwide. More than 40% of the Viridian is certified organic by the Soil Association. Viridian has donated in excess of £70,000 to selected children's and environmental charities.
Healthcare, education and training are all integral to the social responsiblity programme of the Tibb Herbal Health Sciences Institute. This is achieved through dedicated social efforts such as the establishment of healthcare facilities in under-privileged areas, and by providing cost-effective medication and study bursaries.
Founder Prof Rashid Bhikha's personal vision was put into practice when the first two Tibb primary healthcare outreaches were opened, in Kagiso (July 1998) and Leratong (April 1999). Later, an Aids Homebase Care Centre was established in Katlehong ( July 2001), in cooperation with the Greater Germiston City Council, and handed over to local government.
After Unani-Tibb was recognized by the Allied Health Council in 2001, training in this discipline began in earnest two years later, at the University of the Western Cape (UWC). Bursaries for the one-year post-graduate diploma were initiated for clinical primary healthcare nurses who were unable to afford the University fees. To date more than 100 bursaries have been awarded. In addition, financial assistance is made available to recently qualified Tibb doctors, enabling them to establish their own practices. To date, ten have been helped in this matter.
The Institute has also set up Tibb Medical Centres in King Williams Town, Manenburg and Langa and established the Saartjie Baartman Centre for Women and Children. This is in line with the aim of making Tibb medicine both accessible and affordable to people in previously disadvantaged areas. Treatment costs at the centres are subsidised. These sites are also used to support undergraduate and postgraduate training at the University of the Western Cape, as well as for undertaking research. In addition the Institute is actively collaborating with NGO's to assist in the provision of affordable healthcare.
By bearing all the costs of the training, the Institute, has initiated the modular based Tibb Lifestyle Advisors Programme and more than 1000 participants, many representatives from NGO's or local municipalities, have completed the courses to date.
Warren Chem has been appointed as the agent & distributor for SPI Pharma (formerly SPCA Barcroft), the worldwide leader in the production of antacid raw materials, as well as preformulated antacid products. SPI Pharma also produces a large range of excipients. The quality of SPI Pharma‘s products is well-recognised in the pharmaceutical industry and Warren-Chem look forward to providing an excellent distribution service with technical back-up for new formulations. SPI Pharma's range includes some exciting new concepts on pharmaceutical excipients and drug delivery systems for example directly compressible excipients for tablets including chewable and "quick-dissolve" as well as chewing gum delivery systems.