Health news

Soft tissue injury

BANGOR – The Maine Technology Institute board of directors approved five development awards to technology companies across Maine. More than $1.6 million was awarded, matched by approximately $3.6 million from other sources to composite materials, biotechnology and environmental projects from Bangor to Brunswick.

Access Wellness Diagnostic Technologies in Bangor has developed an Acoustic Response Locator that identifies soft tissue dysfunction and injury.

The company will use MTI funds for prototype development, clinical studies and regulatory and market evaluation activities. Its award amount is $134,600.

Each award requires a 1:1 match consisting of actual cash, salaries, staff time or equipment directly attributable to the proposed project.

Development awards are awarded three times each year.

The application deadline for the next round of awards is October 4, 2006. Information about development awards is available at www.mainetechnology.org.

The ‘Light Life’ for children and families

BANGOR – Lauri Jacobs and Heather LeClerc have written a workbook for families fighting obesity, “The Light Life Program: A Family Guide for Weight Control and Healthy Living.”

The women, both licensed dietitians and certified diabetes educators, said they were particularly concerned with the lack of resources available written for families with children who need to lose weight due to high cholesterol levels, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, joint pain and other problems.

The family-based program and workbook offer 31 short, easy to read lessons with positive messages and information to help readers achieve better health and fitness.

Topics include “How Many Calories Should I Eat?”, “Fad Diets,” “Be a Sleuth – Find the Truth (on food labels)”, “I’m Bored! What Can I Do?”, “Eating on the Run” and “Rewarding without Food.”

Sample recipes include Sweet Potato Oven Fries, Dilly Dip, Blueberry Crisp and Delicious and Healthy Macaroni and Cheese.

Jacobs is a consultant to the Maine Youth Overweight Collaborative, and both authors are consultants to pediatric specialty clinics at Eastern Maine Medical Center.

For information on ordering the workbook, visit www.thelightlife.com or write The Life Light Program, P.O. Box 8306, Bangor, ME 04402.