Padma Lakshmi and Dr. Tamer Seckin, MD, Launch Endometriosis Foundation of America

New York, NY (PRWEB) April 15, 2009

Padma Lakshmi and Dr. Tamer Seckin today announce their partnership to form the nonprofit organization Endometriosis Foundation of America (EFA), Endometriosis Foundation of America. Endometriosis affects nearly 10 million women and adolescent girls in the United States and can cause debilitating menstrual periods, infertility and health concerns. Ms Lakshmi, an actress, author and host of Top Chef has been treated for this health condition by Dr. Tamer Seckin, MD, a laparoscopic surgeon and renowned endometriosis specialist, and together they have decided it's time to bring attention to this important issue. The EFA will make its formal debut during its first annual fundraising event, the "Blossom Ball", on Monday, April 20, 2009 in New York City set to include a silent auction, seated dinner and dancing to raise funds to help combat this "silent epidemic".

"Women are having hysterectomies, suffering from infertility and lifelong pain which could all be avoided with proper education about this frequently misdiagnosed disease. Endometriosis is completely treatable but most doctors don't even know how to look for it," says Ms. Lakshmi. "I went through years of chronic pain until I met Dr. Seckin who literally changed the quality of my life. I have been treated for the disease and I am now completely healthy and free from the pain and stress it caused and the effect it had on every part of my life. I owe this to Dr. Seckin and I feel I owe it to young women to educate them so that they don't have to go through what I did."

"Needlessly, proper care is stifled and suffering from this ailment (endometriosis) is widespread because of common, societal prejudices and 'taboo subject' notions, which can result in a woman or adolescent girl who doesn't have the language to describe troubling symptoms with a doctor. Frankly, there's misinformation in the medical community," says Dr. Seckin. "But endometriosis is treatable--even curable--if addressed early enough. Too often it may not be diagnosed until a decade after it begins."

Adds Dr. Seckin, "Whether it's our mother, sister, daughter or other loved one, we all know someone with endometriosis."

Dr. Seckin is one of the field's most highly regarded U.S. surgeons, with experience and skill to address the ailment. Through increased awareness and education among the general public and medical professionals as well as research initiatives and legislative advocacy, the Foundation is committed to improving affected individuals' lives by early endometriosis detection, intervention and treatment.

EFA is the first United States organization of its kind founded by a medical professional. Its inaugural is scheduled to occur Monday evening, April 20, 2009, at Prince George Ballroom. For info on the "First Annual Blossom Ball" go to Endometriosis Foundation of America-First Annual Blossom Ball.

About Endometriosis and Treatment for It

During monthly menstruation, the female body based on hormonal fluctuations sheds the endometrium or uterine lining (the process commonly known as a "period"). In women who have endometriosis menstrual fluids leak back into the body in areas outside of the uterus, have no way to exit and accumulate on the bladder, top of the vagina or other nearby organs, leading to the development of scarring and fibroid-like nodules. This causes symptoms that vary from severe cramping to chronic pelvic pain, severe painful periods, infertility, and pain with sex, among additional complications.

Often women "manage" their discomfort for years with powerful painkillers and hormones, but these only mask symptoms of the condition. What's more, many patients are incorrectly informed by their doctors and treated for symptoms -- but not endometriosis, which consequently causes a long delay in treatment. This dangerous result has led to many "hit or miss" surgeries and thousands of unnecessary hysterectomies. Laparoscopic Excision Surgery (deep removal of all the disease) is one effective, less invasive option and is ideally performed by experienced, specialized surgeons with dedicated, multidisciplinary medical teams. The EFA will help create organized networks of specialists and support the establishment of endometriosis centers for excellence nationwide.

For more information or to make a tax-deductible donation to the Endometriosis Foundation of America, please visit Endometriosis Foundation of America

About the Founders

Padma Lakshmi is known internationally as an actress, food expert, model and award-winning author. 2009 will be a busy year for Ms. Lakshmi with a new namesake jewelry line coming out in May, her return as host of Bravo's successful television series Top Chef, and as the new face of Pantene's Nature Fusion line. Ms. Lakshmi established herself as a food expert early in her career, having hosted two successful cooking shows (including the Food Network's Padma's Passport) and writing a best-selling cookbook Easy Exotic, for which she won the International Versailles Event for best cookbook by a first-time writer. Ms. Lakshmi followed this success with the publication of her second cookbook Tangy, Tart, Hot & Sweet, a larger endeavor filled with over 150 recipes from around the world and intriguing personal memoirs.

Tamer Seckin, MD, is ranked among America's Top Surgeons and Gynecologists, and over two decades has established himself internationally as a leading specialist in Advanced Laparoscopic Surgery for the treatment of endometriosis, fibroids and associated pelvic pain. Dr. Seckin is noted for his expertise and skill in Excision Surgery, the gold standard therapy for endometriosis and fibroids, holds a patent in this field and has worked in partnership with world famous laparoscopic surgeons Dr. Harry Reich and Dr. C.Y. Liu in New York City. He passionately pursues thorough treatment of even the most challenging pathologies without leaving visible scars and, to that end, is recognized as a pioneer in Natural Orifice Surgery, the next generation of surgical challenge and choice.

Dr. Seckin serves on the board of the International Society for Gynecologic Endoscopy, and is a member of the American Medical Association, the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the European Society of Reproductive Endocrinology, the Society of Laparoscopic Surgeons, The American Association of Gynecologic Laparoscopy, The American Fertility Society, The American Society for Reproductive Medicine, The Society of Reproductive Surgeons, The New York Gynecological Society and The Society of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility.

See a brief, "endometriosis treatment" video-interview with expert Dr. Tamer Seckin, MD at

How are women currently being mistreated for Endometriosis?

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Experience the Mediterranean with Best Cruises and Travel Now Through a Master Chefs Eyes on a Roundtrip Cruise from Rome on the Holland America Noordam

Westport, CT (Vocus/PRWEB) April 12, 2011

Chef Pietro Scotti is a fine artist in the kitchen and he has turned out culinary masterpieces at his acclaimed Westport restaurant, Da Pietros, for close to 25 years. Pietro has earned a stellar reputation among reviewers, fans and The James Beard Foundation for his timeless, classic cuisine.

In 1987, he took a chance, opening Da Pietros on a waterside street lined with antique shops in Westport. He decorated the restaurants cozy, jewel-like dining room with plush banquets and framed Hermes scarves. Pietros Italian and French fare quickly became the talk of the town - and of reviewers. Zagat gave Da Pietros a 27 rating for food, calling it Extraordinary. And Patricia Brooks of The New York Times granted the restaurant an Excellent rating.

Summertime in the Mediterranean with Pietro:

Sail with Best Cruises and Travel Now aboard Holland America's glorious Noordam for a ten night culinary cruise in the Mediterranean, leaving August 6 from amazing Rome (Civitavecchia) to Dubrovnik, Croatia; Corfu, Greece; Katakolon (Olympia), Greece; Santorini, Greece; Ephesus, Turkey; Piraeus (Athens), Greece; Messina, Sicily and two luxurious days at sea, filled with Pietro's wonderful cooking classes, a welcome cocktail party, plus additional optional wine tastings and visits to markets., orchards and restaurants at the ports.

Aboard the Holland America Cruise:

The Noordam, is an all-inclusive, premium, luxurious, stress-free vacation aboard an elegant ship. Holland America has won many top awards: Conde

Thousands of North Carolina Public School Students to Participate in "Jazz in America" Education Programs

Washington, DC (PRWEB) October 6, 2006

With generous support from the National Endowment for the Arts, the Thelonious Monk Institute of Jazz, a non-profit education organization, will introduce its Jazz in America: The National Jazz Curriculum to thousands of public school students in North Carolina during the week of October 9-13. Jazz in America (http://www.jazzinamerica.org) is the Institutes Internet-based jazz curriculum that is being made available to all 5th, 8th, and 11th grade public school students in the United States. Designed to be a regular part of each schools social studies or American history classes, Jazz in America is the first jazz curriculum to use state-of-the-art Internet technology that is offered free of charge on a national basis.

Throughout the week-long visit to North Carolina public schools, the Institute will present a series of jazz assembly programs, jazz band clinics, and vocal master classes. Each assembly program will feature a five-piece jazz combo led by internationally renowned saxophonist Bobby Watson, a presentation called What is Jazz? by Dr. J.B. Dyas, and a question-and-answer session with students. In addition, jazz drummer Thelonious Monk, Jr., Chairman of the Institutes Board of Trustees and son of the legendary jazz pianist and composer, will make remarks about jazz and its role as Americas greatest musical contribution to the world.

Members of the press are invited to attend any of the following events:

MONDAY OCTOBER 9: ROCKY MOUNT

Rocky Mount High School, 308 South Tillery Street

10:00-11:00am: Assembly Program for 600 students in auditorium

TUESDAY OCTOBER 10 (Birthday of Thelonious Monk): RALEIGH

Knightdale High School, 100 Bryan Chalk Lane

8:30-9:30am - Jazz band clinic in Room 1306

8:30-9:30am - Vocal master class in Room 1330

9:45-10:45am - Assembly Program for 900 students in auditorium

Ligon Middle School, 706 E. Lenoir Street

12:00-1:00pm - Jazz band clinic in Room 6116

12:00-1:00pm - Vocal master class in Room 6114

1:15-2:15pm - Assembly Program for 900 students in auditorium

WEDNESDAY OCTOBER 11: DURHAM

Hillside High School, 3727 Fayetteville Street

9:00-10:00am - Assembly program for 300 students in auditorium

THURSDAY OCTOBER 12: CHARLOTTE

Harding University High School, 2001 Alleghany Street

10:30-11:30am - Jazz band clinic

10:30-11:30am - Vocal master class

Myers Park High School, 2400 Colony Road

1:00-2:00pm - Assembly Program for 300 students in auditorium

FRIDAY OCTOBER 13: CHARLOTTE

Northwest School of the Arts, 1415 Beatties Ford Road

9:00-10:00am - Assembly Program for 300 students

10:30-11:30am - Jazz band clinic

ABOUT THE CURRICULUM

The Jazz in America curriculum (http://www.jazzinamerica.org) presents an introduction to jazz as it evolved in America and spread throughout the world. It defines the characteristics of jazz, explains how to listen to the music, details the many styles of jazz, and highlights some of the musicians who have advanced the art form. The curriculum also focuses on the development of jazz in America by highlighting the major cities that influenced the music. Further, each lesson plan explores the social, economic, and political contexts within which jazz evolved. In addition to the lesson plans, the curriculum website includes a teachers manual, assessments, and a comprehensive Jazz Resource Library.

ABOUT THE MUSICIANS

The tour will be headlined by internationally renowned saxophonist and recording artist Bobby Watson (http://www.bobbywatson.com), who rose to prominence as a member of Art Blakeys Jazz Messengers, and will feature vocalist Lisa Henry, a winner of the Thelonious Monk International Jazz Vocals Competition. The members of the rhythm section are Richard Johnson, piano; Derek Nievergelt, bass; and Otis Brown III, drums. Brown attended the Thelonious Monk Institute Jazz Colony in Aspen, Colorado in the summer of 1999. Nievergelt and Johnson are 1999 graduates of the Thelonious Monk Institute of Jazz Performance, a specialized graduate level college program that enables the worlds most gifted young musicians to study tuition-free with the greatest living jazz legends including Herbie Hancock, Wayne Shorter, and Clark Terry.

ABOUT THE THELONIOUS MONK INSTITUTE OF JAZZ

The Thelonious Monk Institute of Jazz (http://www.monkinstitute.org) is a non-profit education organization established in memory of Thelonious Monk, the legendary jazz pianist and composer. Monk believed the best way to learn jazz was from a master of the music. The Institute follows that same philosophy by bringing together the greatest living jazz musicians to teach and inspire young people. The Institute offers the most promising young musicians college level training by America's jazz masters and presents public school-based jazz education programs for people around the world. Helping to fill the tremendous void in arts education left by severe budget cuts in public school funding, the Institutes education programs are provided free to the public and use jazz as the medium to encourage imaginative thinking, creativity, a positive self-image, and respect for ones own and others' cultural heritage.

ABOUT THELONIOUS MONK

Thelonious Sphere Monk (1917-1982) is recognized as one of the most influential figures in the history of jazz. He was one of the architects of bebop and his impact as a composer and pianist has had a profound influence on every genre of music.

Monk was born on October 10, 1917, in Rocky Mount, North Carolina. His parents, Barbara Batts and Thelonious Monk, later moved the family to New York City. Monk began piano lessons as a young child and by the age of 13 he had won the weekly amateur contest at the Apollo Theater so many times that he was barred from entering. At the age of 19, Monk joined the house band at Minton's Playhouse in Harlem, where along with Charlie Parker, Dizzy Gillespie, and a handful of other players, he developed the style of jazz that came to be known as bebop. Monk's compositions, among them "Round Midnight," were the canvasses over which these legendary soloists expressed their musical ideas.

In 1947, Monk made his first recordings as a leader for Blue Note. These albums are some of the earliest documents of his unique compositional and improvisational style, both of which employed unusual repetition of phrases, an offbeat use of space, and joyfully dissonant sounds. That same year, he married his long-time love Nellie Smith and later had two children, Thelonious, Jr. and Barbara (1954-1984). In the decade that followed, Monk played on recordings with Miles Davis, Charlie Parker, and Sonny Rollins and recorded as a leader for Prestige Records and later for Riverside Records. Brilliant Corners and Thelonious Monk with John Coltrane were two of the albums from this period that brought Monk international attention as a pianist and composer.

In 1957, the Thelonious Monk Quartet, which included John Coltrane, began a regular gig at the Five Spot. The group's performances were hugely successful and received the highest critical praise. Over the next few years, Monk toured the United States and Europe and made some of his most influential recordings. In 1964, Thelonious Monk appeared on the cover of Time magazine, an honor that has been bestowed on only three other jazz musicians. By this time, Monk was a favorite at jazz festivals around the world, where he performed with his quartet, which included long-time associate Charlie Rouse. In the early '70s he discontinued touring and recording and appeared only on rare occasions at Lincoln Center, Carnegie Hall and the Newport Jazz Festival.

Thelonious S