Category Archives: Cf

Richard Skrip cleaned up Carolina Forest.

Now the beautification group he founded will have to carry on that work without his leadership.

Skrip resigned as president of Beautify Carolina Forest last month after a heated dispute with local real estate agents over open house signs, the groups volunteers said.

The disagreement grew so intense that someone went to Skrips house on July 24 and yelled at him for picking up the signs, according to an Horry County police report.

Skrip told the officer he and other Beautify Carolina Forest volunteers had removed the signs because they were illegally placed in the right of way, the report said. The other person involved was not identified in the report.

No one was arrested in the incident and the officer said he would look into whether any county policies were violated.

In an email to the Chronicle, Skrip did not elaborate on his reasons for leaving the organization he built, though he offered encouragement for those still involved with it.

The volunteers deserve support from the community and its leaders to continue beautification efforts, Skrip said.

I believe we set the groundwork over the past three years to improve the appearance of Carolina Forest and hope that others have been inspired to continue to beautify this community.

The remaining members said the departure of Skrip, who had been the groups president, and his wife Cindy will leave a tremendous void.

Rich and Cindy have made Carolina Forest a better and cleaner place to live with their tireless work, said Betsy Fay, one of the volunteers with Beautify Carolina Forest. They will both be missed, and I hope in the future they will be back as volunteers.

The Skrips started mowing the grass around the medians on Carolina Forest Boulevard after the local property owners association dissolved, Fay said.

Initially, they worked alone. But when people began asking questions about the couple cutting the grass, other volunteers came forward.

In 2014, the Skrips formed a beautification committee for the Carolina Forest Civic Association. Eventually, they founded the nonprofit, Beautify Carolina Forest.

The organization began hosting monthly litter cleanups, obtained state grants for planting crape myrtles, replaced the lighting on the big green Carolina Forest sign, and began sprucing up the communitys neglected gateways.

Through all this, Richard and Cindy were there, said Beautify Carolina Forest volunteer Dan Kniola. Without their diligent scheduling and messaging, this effort might have fallen apart.

Kniola met Richard Skrip through the civic association. Like Skrip, he was a retiree and he agreed picking up litter would be a worthwhile use of his time. He was impressed with Skrips organizational skills, how he sent out reminders, made sure there were always enough gloves, vests and bags for everyone, and made sure new volunteers signed the proper forms.

He watched as the organization grew to more than 70 volunteers.

Richard is driven, Kniola said.

Carol Franceski, Beautify Carolina Forests secretary, agrees. After Skrips resignation, she posted her praise on Facebook.

I am sure most [people] dont know what goes into dealing with the county to get things accomplished and approved,she wrote. It is a head banging job.

Franceski credits Skrip with highlighting the appearance problems in Carolina Forest.

The biggest accomplishment is making all the residents of CF aware of our area and the need to keep it clean and beautiful, she said.

Skrips effort to clear up illegal signs had been going on for years. Small markers would litter medians and get shredded by lawnmowers. Some ended up in the street.

County policy prohibits those signs from being left in the right of way, but county leaders have allowed real estate agents to put up open house signs on the weekends as long as they remove them before the work week begins.

It was just an unwritten rule: If yall pick them up after youre done with them on Sundays, we wont give you a hard time about it, Horry County Councilman Johnny Vaught said. Live and let live.

Vaught had hoped there could be a compromise.

Per county policy, the county should have been removing the signs, not the volunteers.

Vaught said he wouldnt have cared if the volunteers had hauled off the signs on weekdays, but the problem was county officials had given permission to real estate agents to place the signs on weekends, the same time the cleanup groups were out.

They were both doing what they thought they could do, he said.

Some of the remaining Beautify volunteers are upset with the way the county handled the situation. Theyre also disappointed about losing Skrip.

It is sad that a resource valuable to the county and the community is struck down while beraters become the apparent winners in a game where presumably all residents should win, Kniola said. If we can hold this together, it wont have the impetus it once did.

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Beautify CF leader quits amid fight over signs - Myhorrynews

Investors in CF Industries Holdings, Inc. CF need to pay close attention to the stock based on moves in the options market lately. That is because the August 18 th , 2017 $22.50 Call had some of the highest implied volatility of all equity options today.

What is Implied Volatility?

Implied volatility shows how much movement the market is expecting in the future. Options with high levels of implied volatility suggest that investors in the underlying stocks are expecting a big move in one direction or the other. It could also mean there is an event coming up soon that may cause a big rally or a huge sell off. However, implied volatility is only one piece of the puzzle when putting together an options trading strategy.

What do the Analysts Think?

Clearly, options traders are pricing in a big move for CF Industries Holdings shares, but what is the fundamental picture for the company? Currently, CF Industries Holdings is a Zacks Rank #4 (Sell) in the Fertilizers industry that ranks in the Bottom 33% of our Zacks Industry Rank. Over the last 60 days, no analysts have increased their earnings estimates for the current quarter, while four has dropped their estimates. The net effect has taken our Zacks Consensus Estimate for the current quarter from a loss of 23 cents per share to a loss of 51 cents in that period.

Given the way analysts feel about CF Industries Holdings right now, this huge implied volatility could mean there's a trade developing. Often times, options traders look for options with high levels of implied volatility to sell premium. This is a strategy many seasoned traders use because it captures decay. At expiration, the hope for these traders is that the underlying stock does not move as much as originally expected.

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The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.

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Options Traders Expect Huge Moves in CF Industries Holdings (CF) Stock - Nasdaq

Shares of CF Industries Holdings Inc (CF) have seen the needle move 0.76% or 0.23 in the most recent session. The NYSE listed companysaw a recent bid of 30.69 on 513521 volume.

Investors may be trying to decide if the current market environment remains bullish. It can be extremely difficult to decide when to sell, especially when data seems positive and most signs are pointing higher. Jumping in to buy stocks on a pullback may seem like a good idea, but following specific sectors may become increasingly more important. Following long-term trends may help the investor see the bigger picture of what has been going on with a specific stock or sector. Deciding to sell a winner after a big run can be tempting, but knowing the underlying causes for the run may help identify if there may indeed be more room for gains. Avoiding common investing pitfalls may take many years to master, but it may end up determining long-term success.

Now letstake a look at how the fundamentals are stacking up for CF Industries Holdings Inc (CF). Fundamental analysis takes into consideration market, industry and stock conditions to help determine if the shares are correctly valued. CF Industries Holdings Inc currently has a yearly EPS of -1.40. This number is derived from the total net income divided by shares outstanding. In other words, EPS reveals how profitable a company is on a share owner basis.

Another key indicator that can help investors determine if a stock might be a quality investment is the Return on Equity or ROE. CF Industries Holdings Inc (CF) currently has Return on Equity of -8.91. ROE is a ratio that measures profits generated from the investments received from shareholders. In other words, the ratio reveals how effective the firm is at turning shareholder investment into company profits. A company with high ROE typically reflects well on management and how well a company is run at a high level. A firm with a lower ROE might encourage potential investors to dig further to see why profits arent being generated from shareholder money.

Another ratio we can look at is the Return on Invested Capital or more commonly referred to as ROIC. CF Industries Holdings Inc (CF) has a current ROIC of -1.91. ROIC is calculated by dividing Net Income Dividends by Total Capital Invested.

Similar to ROE, ROIC measures how effectively company management is using invested capital to generate company income. A high ROIC number typically reflects positively on company management while a low number typically reflects the opposite.

Turning to Return on Assets or ROA, CF Industries Holdings Inc (CF) has a current ROA of -1.39. This is a profitability ratio that measures net income generated from total company assets during a given period. This ratio reveals how quick a company can turn its assets into profits. In other words, the ratio provides insight into the profitability of a firms assets. The ratio is calculated by dividing total net income by the average total assets. A higher ROA compared to peers in the same industry, would suggest that company management is able to effectively generate profits from their assets. Similar to the other ratios, a lower number might raise red flags about managements ability when compared to other companies in a similar sector.

Trying to project the day to day short-term movements of the stock market may be all but impossible. Stocks have the tendency to make sudden moves on even the slightest bit of news or for apparently no reason at all. The daily trader may be looking to capitalize on swings or momentum, but the long-term investor may be searching for stability and consistency over a sustained period of time. During trading sessions, stock movements can seem like a popularity contest from time to time. Even after careful study, there may be no logical reason for a particular stock move. Riding out the waves of uncertainty may not be easy, but having a full-proof plan for when markets erode may just be the savior. Having the patience to wait out abnormal moves may help evade the mistake of letting go too soon out of panic.

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Volume Moving the Tape For CF Industries Holdings Inc (CF) - Morgan Research

ATLANTA - Checkups at Children's Healthcare of Atlanta are a family affair for Amanda Hively and her husband, Matt, and their 20-month old twins Mason and Grayson.

"What they do is fantastic, taking care of 2 kids with cystic fibrosis," says Children's CF specialist Dr. Rachel Linnemann. "Taking care of one kid is hard enough. It takes a village. And having twins really doubles your work."

Linnemann says CF is an inherited disorder that requires constant work to keep thick, sticky mucus from undermining the twins ability to digest food, grow, and, most importantly, breathe.

"It clogs the airways, which can lead to infections like bronchitis and pneumonia," says Dr. Linnemann. "Over time it can lead to lung damage."

Georgia has been routinely screening newborns for C-F since 2007.

"What this has allowed us to do is diagnose patients as infants, says Dr. Linnemann. "This is great because then we can be very preventative."

Amanda Hively was still pregnant with Mason and Grayson when a 20-week ultrasound revealed both babies had a digestive issue. Blood tests confirmed Amanda and her husband are both carriers of a cystic fibrosis gene mutation. That meant each twin had a 1 in 4 chance of having CF.But both boys were born with the disease.

"We were just trying to wrap our minds around what were we going to embark on," Amanda Hively recalls.

The twins spent their first 2 to 3 months in a hospital.

Now, they get 3-month checkups with a team of specialists who wear special gowns to stop the spread of germs, because infections are a constant threat. Dr. Linnemann says life with CF is work in progress.

"So, basically as we've made lots of advances in cystic fibrosis, we've come up with lots of exciting new treatments, but, every time we add a new treatment, that adds to the treatment burden for our patients," she says.

The twins get twice a day vest treatments to break up the thick mucus in their airways. Amanda Hively says getting them to cooperate is getting harder.

"They have to stay somewhat within a confined area," Hively says. "They're now learning to press buttons and they can stop their treatments."

So the Hivelys are trying to find a balance between living with CF and living their lives.

"There just comes a point where I just have to be like, they're 1 and a half-year-old boys, I have to just let them be boys," she says.

Read more from the original source:

Georgia couple raising twins with cystic fibrosis - FOX 5 Atlanta

Insider Trading Activity For CF Industries Holdings, Inc. (NYSE:CF)

Bert A Frost , VP of CF Industries Holdings, Inc. (NYSE:CF) reportedly Sold 6,400 shares of the companys stock at an average price of 31.53 for a total transaction amount of $201,792.00 SEC Form

Insider Trading History For CF Industries Holdings, Inc. (NYSE:CF)

Analyst Ratings For CF Industries Holdings, Inc. (NYSE:CF) These are 2 Sell Ratings, 5 Hold Ratings, 4 Buy Ratings . The current consensus rating for CF Industries Holdings, Inc. (NYSE:CF) is Hold (Score: 2.18) with a consensus target price of $31.33 , a potential (1.71% downside)

Analyst Ratings History For CF Industries Holdings, Inc. (NYSE:CF)

Dividend Information For CF Industries Holdings, Inc. (NYSE:CF) CF Industries Holdings, Inc. (NYSE:CF) pays an annual dividend of Community Ranking: with a yield of 3.76% and an average dividend growth of 39.70% (3 Year Average).

Dividend History For CF Industries Holdings, Inc. (NYSE:CF)

Recent Trading Activity for CF Industries Holdings, Inc. (NYSE:CF) Shares of CF Industries Holdings, Inc. closed the previous trading session at 31.88 up +0.39 1.24% with 3,570,314 shares trading hands.

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Insider Trading Activity CF Industries Holdings, Inc. (NYSE:CF) VP Sold 6400 shares of Stock - Market Exclusive

By: Phil Miller August 09, 2017 - 1:22 AM

A couple of extras from a busy night at the ballpark:

Byron Buxton said he was fine. Well, as good as could be expected.

The Twins center fielder was almost a victim of his own range again on Tuesday, racing back to the wall in an effort to catch Ryan Brauns straightaway blast.

But the ball tailed toward right field, Buxton had to make an unexpectedly awkward jump backwards, and the ball glanced off Buxtons glove just before he crashed into the padded wall.

Did it hurt? Oh yeah, Buxton said afterward. He laid at the base of the wall for a moment while the play went on Braun reached third base for a triple as the ball rolled toward the infield but then jumped up when fellow outfielders Max Kepler and Eddie Rosario arrived to check on him. It stunned me for a second. I hit pretty hard, he said.

Buxton sounded a little surprised he didnt make the catch, but said there was a reason. Its flight was not a normal path, he said, something he didnt realize until he got to the wall.

Castro said once it got about halfway out there, and I was probably at full speed, it started slicing really hard to the right, Buxton said, referring to catcher Jason Castro. I didnt realize how much it was moving away from me, so I had to turn around at the end.

The play was ultimately harmless, except for whatever bruises Buxton sustained from the crash. Adalberto Mejia left Braun stranded at third by getting Travis Shaw to hit a shallow fly to left, and Hernan Perez to fly out, ending the inning. And Braun finished just a home run short of a cycle, striking out in the ninth inning.

Replacing Mejia?

The Twins have a couple of options for Mejias next start, Sunday at Detroit, after placing the lefthander on the disabled list. Hector Santiago is scheduled to make a rehab start Wednesday night for Class AAA Rochester, so he could be scratched and told to rejoin the Twins right away, or his pitches could be limited, in order to rejoin the team this weekend while a different pitcher gets the job in the interim.

But it sounded like Paul Molitor might be willing to give Dillon Gee a try in the rotation. The former Met and Royal has pitched twice for the Twins, a three-inning stint against the Rangers and four innings on Tuesday, and hasnt allowed a run.

Hes had a couple of really nice outings. It was nice to see him come in and clean that game up like he did ,with four clean innings, Molitor said. I thought he pitched well his first time out too, and hes got the experience, so its definitely an option.

In that case, Santiago could be recalled and placed in the bullpen, filling Gees role. The Twins will announce their decision on Wednesday.

Final words

Molitor on Brian Doziers grand slam: [Matt] Garza started him with a fastball in each of his previous at-bats. I was just hoping he didnt try to pull a pitch that was unpullable. Thankfully, he let it get deep. The couple of home runs he hit to right field this week havent been cheap.

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Postgame: Byron Buxton is sore but OK after another crash into CF ... - Minneapolis Star Tribune

A couple of extras from a busy night at the ballpark:

Byron Buxton said he was fine. Well, as good as could be expected.

The Twins center fielder was almost a victim of his own range again on Tuesday, racing back to the wall in an effort to catch Ryan Brauns straightaway blast.

But the ball tailed toward right field, Buxton had to make an unexpectedly awkward jump backwards, and the ball glanced off Buxtons glove just before he crashed into the padded wall.

Did it hurt? Oh yeah, Buxton said afterward. He laid at the base of the wall for a moment while the play went on Braun reached third base for a triple as the ball rolled toward the infield but then jumped up when fellow outfielders Max Kepler and Eddie Rosario arrived to check on him. It stunned me for a second. I hit pretty hard, he said.

Buxton sounded a little surprised he didnt make the catch, but said there was a reason. Its flight was not a normal path, he said, something he didnt realize until he got to the wall.

Castro said once it got about halfway out there, and I was probably at full speed, it started slicing really hard to the right, Buxton said, referring to catcher Jason Castro. I didnt realize how much it was moving away from me, so I had to turn around at the end.

The play was ultimately harmless, except for whatever bruises Buxton sustained from the crash. Adalberto Mejia left Braun stranded at third by getting Travis Shaw to hit a shallow fly to left, and Hernan Perez to fly out, ending the inning. And Braun finished just a home run short of a cycle, striking out in the ninth inning.

XXX

The Twins have a couple of options for Mejias next start, Sunday at Detroit, after placing the lefthander on the disabled list. Hector Santiago is scheduled to make a rehab start Wednesday night for Class AAA Rochester, so he could be scratched and told to rejoin the Twins right away, or his pitches could be limited, in order to rejoin the team this weekend while a different pitcher gets the job in the interim.

But it sounded like Paul Molitor might be willing to give Dillon Gee a try in the rotation. The former Met and Royal has pitched twice for the Twins, a three-inning stint against the Rangers and four innings on Tuesday, and hasnt allowed a run.

Hes had a couple of really nice outings. It was nice to see him come in and clean that game up like he did ,with four clean innings, Molitor said. I thought he pitched well his first time out too, and hes got the experience, so its definitely an option.

In that case, Santiago could be recalled and placed in the bullpen, filling Gees role. The Twins will announce their decision on Wednesday.

XXX

Molitor on Brian Doziers grand slam: [Matt] Garza started him with a fastball in each of his previous at-bats. I was just hoping he didnt try to pull a pitch that was unpullable. Thankfully, he let it get deep. The couple of home runs he hit to right field this week havent been cheap.

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Postgame: Byron Buxton is sore but OK after another crash into CF wall - Minneapolis Star Tribune

LAS VEGAS, Aug. 8, 2017 /PRNewswire/ --CF Corporation (NASDAQ: CFCO) ("CF Corp.") today announced that its shareholders have voted to approve the previously announced merger under which CF Corp. will acquire Fidelity & Guaranty Life (NYSE: FGL) ("FGL") for$31.10per share in cash, or a total of approximately$1.835 billion, plus the assumption of$405 millionof existing debt. The shareholders of CF Corp. also voted to approve all of the other proposals that came before the extraordinary general meeting in lieu of annual general meeting of shareholders held today. The final voting results indicate that 100 percent of votes cast were in favor of the adoption of the merger agreement, representing 83.95 percent of all outstanding shares as of the July 20, 2017 record date. The final vote results will be filed on a Form 8-K with the Securities and Exchange Commission. No shareholders elected to have their public shares redeemed in connection with the business combination.

As previously announced, the transaction is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2017, subject to regulatory approvals and certain other customary closing conditions.

Upon closing of the transaction, CF Corp. will change its name to FGL Holdings. Chinh E. Chu and William P. Foley, II will continue to serve as Co-Executive Chairmen, and Christopher J. Littlefield, Eric L. Marhoun and Dennis R. Vigneau, each a current member of FGL's management team, will join FGL Holdings as executive officers.

About CF Corporation

CF Corporation's primary objective is to build an enduring, high quality business by using permanent capital, a core tenet of the CF Corp. structure. CF Corp. also has the largest individual founder co-investment in a U.S. special purpose acquisition company, which results in alignment of interests with CF Corp.'s investors.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains, and certain oral statements made by representatives of CF Corp. and its affiliates from time to time may contain, "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the "safe harbor" provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. CF Corp.'s actual results may differ from their expectations, estimates and projections and consequently, you should not rely on these forward looking statements as predictions of future events. Words such as "expect," "estimate," "project," "budget," "forecast," "anticipate," "intend," "plan," "may," "will," "could," "should," "believes," "predicts," "potential," "might" and "continues," and similar expressions are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements include, without limitation, CF Corp.'s expectations with respect to future performance and anticipated financial impact of the business combination, the satisfaction of the closing conditions to the business combination and the timing of the completion of the business combination. These forward-looking statements involve significant risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from expected results. Most of these factors are outside CF Corp.'s control and are difficult to predict. Factors that may cause such differences include, but are not limited to: (1) the occurrence of any event, change or other circumstances that could give rise to the termination of the merger agreement relating to the proposed business combination; (2) the outcome of any legal proceedings that may be instituted against CF Corp. or FGL following the announcement of the merger agreement and the transactions contemplated therein; (3) the inability to complete the business combination, including due to failure to fulfill conditions to closing in the merger agreement; (4) delays in obtaining or the inability to obtain necessary regulatory approvals (including approval from insurance regulators) required to complete the transactions contemplated by the merger agreement; (5) the occurrence of any event, change or other circumstance that could give rise to the termination of the merger agreement or could otherwise cause the transaction to fail to close; (6) the inability to obtain or maintain the listing of the post-closing company's ordinary shares on NASDAQ following the business combination; (7) the risk that the business combination disrupts current plans and operations as a result of the announcement and consummation of the business combination; (8) the ability to recognize the anticipated benefits of the business combination, which may be affected by, among other things, competition, the ability of the combined company to grow and manage growth profitably and retain its key employees; (9) costs related to the business combination; (10) changes in applicable laws or regulations; (11) the possibility that FGL or the combined company may be adversely affected by other economic, business, and/or competitive factors; and (12) other risks and uncertainties identified in CF Corp.'s proxy statement relating to the business combination, including those under "Risk Factors" therein, and in CF Corp.'s and FGL's other filings with the SEC. CF Corp. cautions that the foregoing list of factors is not exclusive. CF Corp. cautions readers not to place undue reliance upon any forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date made. CF Corp. does not undertake or accept any obligation or undertaking to release publicly any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statements to reflect any change in its expectations or any change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any such statement is based, subject to applicable law. The information contained in any website referenced herein is not, and shall not be deemed to be, part of or incorporated into this press release.

No Offer or Solicitation

This press release is for informational purposes only and shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities pursuant to the proposed transactions or otherwise, nor shall there be any sale of securities in any jurisdiction in which the offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to the registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such jurisdiction. No offer of securities shall be made except by means of a prospectus meeting the requirements of Section 10 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

CF Corporation Contacts:

Douglas B. Newton, Chief Financial Officer CF Corporation 212-355-5515

Jonathan Keehner/Julie Oakes / Tim Ragones Joele Frank, Wilkinson Brimmer Katcher 212-355-4449

View original content:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/cf-corporation-shareholders-approve-merger-with-fidelity--guaranty-life-300501678.html

SOURCE CF Corporation

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CF Corporation Shareholders Approve Merger with Fidelity & Guaranty Life - Markets Insider

Sweat from infants with cystic fibrosis contains substances that could be used as biomarkers of the disease and even identify new disease mechanisms, a study reports.

The research,published in the journalACS Central Science,was titledThe Sweat Metabolome of Screen-Positive Cystic Fibrosis Infants: Revealing Mechanisms beyond Impaired Chloride Transport.

Scientists say thegold standard for diagnosing CF remains the sweat chloride test, which measures the amount of chloride one of the bodys most important electrolytes in a persons blood.

The test results can be ambiguous, however. This is especially true when chloride levels are intermediate, as opposed to high or low, the researchers wrote.

If doctors had biomarkers they could use in conjunction with the test, they might be able to do a better job of diagnosing the disease, treating patients and predicting outcomes, according to the team.

Scientists know that levels of certain metabolites are associated with the outcomes of many diseases,supportingtheir role as potential biomarkers. Metabolites are substances necessary for cells metabolism.

The problem with using metabolites as CF biomarkers was that scientists had never determined the metabolic composition of patients sweat. Canadian researchers decided to remedy that.

Sweat contains lots of information related to human health that researchers have not fully analyzed, and we found some unexpected chemicals associated with CF, Philip Britz-McKibbin, a professor in the Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology at McMaster University, said in a press release. He was the studys lead author.

The McMaster team analyzed the metabolic composition of the sweat of 18 infants with cystic fibrosis and 50 infants without the disease. The children were at the McMaster Childrens Hospital and the Hospital for Sick ChildreninToronto.

The analysis showed that sweat from babies with CF contained several chemicals besides chloride.

Researchers also discovered that children with the disease had significantly lower levels of ametabolite that stimulates sweat production pilocarpic acid and a plasticizer metabolite, orchemical compound used in making plastics.

The results suggested that testing for the biomarkers could be a way to clarify an unclearchloride sweat test. The findings also indicated that mechanisms besides the ones scientists are aware of may underlie CF. Investigating these mechanisms could lead to new therapy approaches, the researchers said.

The easier it is to detect CF, the earlier it can be diagnosed, and the better peoples chances are at living a longer, healthier life, Joanna Valsamis, chief healthcare, research and advocacy officer at Cystic Fibrosis Canada, said of the results.

CF Canada invests heavily in research that aims to improve the lives of people living with CF, and findings such as those from Dr. Britz-McKibbin are crucial to our understanding of the disease, Valsamis added.

Originally posted here:

CF Patients' Sweat May Contain Diagnosis and Treatment ... - Cystic Fibrosis News Today

I fought cystic fibrosis for 15 years before the overwhelming burden collapsed. My family was driving to get dinner when my brain and heart suddenly exploded. I was sobbing and gasping for breath, able to hear every rapid pound of my heart against my ribs. I couldnt think, yet I was thinking too much my brain overloaded. My parents and sister asked me what was wrong and an unintelligible language gushed out from my mouth. The message was clear, though: Get me to the ER.

Somerelaxed hours later, I told doctors I thought it was a heart attack. After a series of tests, they concluded I experienced a panic attack my first-ever, and the first of hundreds.

You know how in sci-fi movies everything gets sucked into the void of space if theres a hole in the spaceship? Panic attacks are the hole, and depression is the void. My emotions kicked into overdrive and then evaporated, leaving me hollow. My emotions entered a cycle: the revolving door of anxiety and depression, feeling too much, then feeling too little.

Cystic fibrosis patients are two to three times more likely to experience anxiety or depression. I was told many times before, Mental illness comes with the disease. That might be true, but the phrasing belittled the problem for me. It seemed like depression and anxiety were mere side effects I had to get used to rather than serious issues requiring professional help. I made serious mistakes throughout my war against the hijackers of my mind.

I wish I had seen a psychologist before the symptoms occurred.If I already knew a therapist, its possible they could have seen early warning signs and prevented my anxiety and depression from going unchecked. Instead, I suffered for months without help.

When I finally sought help, my therapist only knew me in my crises, which led to mischaracterization and inaccurate benchmarks for my behaviors. They could have treated me more effectively if they knew what Normal Brad was like compared to Anxious and Depressed Brad.

I wish I knew that therapy needs to be comfortable.I stuck with my first therapist for about a year. She was a kind person, but I couldnt open up to her. There just wasnt a connection. A therapy relationship while technically a professional relationship is personal. You need to trust them.

I ended up trying a different therapist simply because they were closer to where I lived. Im so glad I did. We have a connection that lasts to this day, despite me moving away. I shouldnt have continued seeing the same person before if I didnt think I was reaching full potential in my therapy sessions.

I wish I was honest about my medication.The first time I took medicine for my depression, my psychiatrist said it could take a few weeks to begin working. I waited several months to feel a difference that never came. When my psychiatrist asked how my medicine was going, I would respond with an unhelpful, Good. The idea of telling the truth made me anxious for some reason. (Is anxiety ever rational?)

My depression got terrible enough that I confessed the medicine didnt work. He easily switched me to something new that helped fairly quickly. I could have halted my depression before it got unmanageable if I had just given honest feedback.

I wish I joined CF support groups sooner.I used to avoid support groups because I hated to see patients in really terrible conditions and imagine my inevitable future. I finally joined online groups during college when I became desperate for tips for fighting the disease. CF is an incredibly isolating disease. The frustration of normal people not understanding my struggles is depressing in itself. Chatting with patients who empathize is one of the best therapies. Sometimes we just need a good vent.

Many patients say they have enough appointments and medications without worrying about mental health. Its important to consider the effect mental illness has on your physical well-being, though.

Studies of CF patients and humans in general show an intertwined relationship between mind and body health. Lack of motivation can be as dangerous as bacteria when it comes to a high-maintenance disease like CF.

If keeping high spirits keeps you healthy, you could reduce your number of appointments and medications in the long run. CF already attacks your lungs. Dont let it get away with attacking your mind.

***

Note:Cystic Fibrosis News Todayis strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. The opinions expressed in this column are not those of Cystic Fibrosis News Today, or its parent company, BioNews Services, and are intended to spark discussion about issues pertaining to cystic fibrosis.

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CF, Anxiety, and the Mistakes I Made in the War for My Mind - Cystic Fibrosis News Today