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Gary Lipton Media Relations Manager Phone: 1-(800)-222-5551 Fax: 1-(800)-990-4329 Web site: www. napsnet .com e-mail: printmedia@napsnet.com #2441 North American Precis Syndicate, Inc., 350 Fifth Avenue, 65th Floor, New York, N.Y. 10118-0110 Living Large In The Living Room New Medication May Help Many Injured Americans (NAPSA)—Researchers may soon have some good news for many of the nearly 200,000 people in the U.S. who live with a disability related to a spinal cord injury—and the approximately 11,000 Americans who the Centers for Disease Control predicts will join them this year. A Problem For many people whose spinal cord has been hurt, a common consequence is spasticity. It occurs when the normal flow of nerve signals is interrupted, prompting an exaggeration of reflexes that leave the muscles jumping. These uncontrolled muscle spasms can be painful and interfere with the ability to sit comfortably, maintain balance, get restful sleep and engage in such daily activities as dressing and eating. Involuntary spasms also pose safety concerns because patients can easily fall out of wheelchairs or off their beds. Also, some people with spasticity experience difficulty breathing and an increased risk of pressure sores. “Sometimes when muscle spasms kick in, patients can’t move at all,” explained physical therapist Michelle Nemeth. She’s the leading research coordinator at Shepherd Center, a private, not-for-profit hospital devoted to the medical care and rehabilitation of people with spinal cord injury and disease, acquired brain injury, multiple sclerosis and other neuromuscular problems. A Possible Solution Currently, 10 medical centers nationwide are evaluating a new, Researchers work with a patient to see how a new drug can help people suffering from spinal cord injuries. centrally acting muscle relaxant that may offer hope. Spinal cord injury patients can take medication to try to control the spasms. Unfortunately, currently available medications can make patients drowsy. The new drug, called AV650 or tolperisone, is being developed by Avigen, Inc. Tolperisone has been used in other countries for more then 40 years and has the potential to cause no drowsiness or sedation. A Study In the research study, participants are randomly assigned the drug or a placebo taken by mouth three times a day for 35 days. They must make eight studyrelated visits to the clinic and they get a small stipend for their time and expenses. “Our hope with this study is to find a drug that is safe for patients and provides adequate symptom relief without causing harmful side effects,” said Dr. David Apple. Learn More For information about the study and how to be part of it, you can call the Clinical Trial Hotline toll-free at 1-866-924-4695 or visit www.avigen.com. (NAPSA)—There aren’t any hard-and-fast rules in terms of room arrangements and dcor ideas—even in the living room. But a few guidelines will help you create a comfortable and inviting atmosphere in a room of any style. Chloe Warner, a rising star interior designer whose work can be found in some of San Francisco’s finest homes and restaurants, was recently featured in Domino magazine. Here she shares some of her living room design and modern dcor tips: • Instead of one major pendant fixture, try grouping three smaller fixtures (Warner recommends the Moooi Non Random Lights found at www.ylighting.com) at different heights over a table or in a foyer. This will illuminate while creating a dynamic, less conventional space. • A pair of sconces flanking a sofa is a terrific way to create a sense of symmetry and order. • Use statement chandeliers in rooms where the furniture is simple. •Keep in mind the purpose of the lamp for the room and adjust it accordingly. Will you be using it for a mere accent or a specific purpose like reading, entertaining or relaxing? The lighting effect varies with the number, type and wattage of bulbs and the shade material. • Playful and daring, the Capri #2 lamp by Jonathan Adler (available at www.croftandlittle.com) is Chloe’s pick for adding an affordable splash of color to a room. • Use two different types of chairs that share a common element to keep the effect from becoming too busy—a daring combination would be six black Ero/S/ Swivel Chairs and two Mademoiselle Chairs in Dolce & Gabbana’s leopard-print silk upholstery with black frame, both available at www.zwello.com. Creating A Flower Bed With Curb Appeal (NAPSA)—Whether you’re thinking of selling your home or just hoping to impress your guests, you can plant the seeds of love at first sight with the help of a beautiful flower border. Creating one, however, takes careful planning. “Blend plants for the longest season of color, artfully mix in different plant textures, shapes and sizes, and work within a wellestablished color theme,” says Bayer Advanced™ Garden Expert Lance Walheim, author of “Landscaping for Dummies.” It’s not always about blooming plants. Dramatic foliage, bright berries or fruit, and even colorful branches can all contribute dramatic hues. Here’s a checklist for planning a colorful garden bed: • Annuals. Quick-blooming annuals are the all-important fillers in the flower bed. Use them wherever there’s room. Plant pansies, violas, calendulas and primroses for spring and fall color, then follow up with such heat lovers as zinnias, marigolds and vinca. • Bulbs. Spring bulbs such as tulips and daffodils provide carefree color year after year, but don’t forget the summer bloomers including dahlias and canna. Also consider planting low-growing annuals and perennials on top of the bulbs. They’ll create a colorful carpet the bulbs will push through and bloom above. • Perennials. Count on these to be the workhorse of your bed. Campanula, dianthus, geranium and phlox for spring and early summer; yarrow, coreopsis, daylilies and rudbeckia for midsummer; and asters, pennstemon and mums for fall. Don’t forget the great foliage plants such as ornamental grasses, hostas and artemisia. When you get down to it, few things can enhance the look of your home more than flowers. • Shrubs. Shrubs are the backbone and backdrop of the flower border. Plants such as shrub roses, viburnum and dwarf crepe myrtles provide structure and organization and can contribute a long season of color and interest. Their foliage makes everything else stand out and look more dramatic. Look for plants that bring long seasons of color beyond bloom. There are colorful foliaged barberries, brightfruited rugosa roses and viburnums and shrubs like crepe myrtles and serviceberry with stunning fall foliage color. Plants with showy branches such as the red-twigged dogwood can provide color in winter. You can protect all your flowers and shrubs from insects and diseases and feed them too with the help of Bayer Advanced All-InOne Rose & Flower Care. Just mix with water and pour around the base of the plant. Apply every six weeks for protection. Always read and follow label instructions. You can learn more by visiting www.bayeradvanced.com or by calling (877) BAYERAG.