Video: Insurance Company Kills Armenian Girl

This is the tragic story of a girl named Nataline Sarkisyan who was denied a liver transplant and allowed to die, even though her insurance company CIGNA had committed to the precedure prior to her developing a lung infection. As a result, the family has now hired Mark Geragos to sue CIGNA for having "maliciously killed her."

If this moves you - and I have no doubt that it does unless you're inhuman or a Turk - then watch the movie Sicko. Nataline's life is just one example of the exploitation of patients by ruthless insurance companies for profit.

It doesn't have to be this way.

More details at ABC News

Elon to Perform in Benefit Concert

Armenia Blog's friend Elon is going to perform live on Friday, June 1st, at Glendale's Alex Theater and 100% of the proceeds will be donated towards helping Armenian children with bone-marrow cancer. Armenia Blog also believes in charity and the helping of those in need.

Great music, great cause, great time. I can't see why you wouldn't attend!

Here's more information: Elon and Artists For Kids

First Jermuk, Now Ark Land?

So, is this the beginning of the almost end for Armenian exports

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency is warning the public not to consume Ark Land brand Naturally Carbonated Mineral Water because it may contain arsenic.

The affected Ark Land brand Naturally Carbonated Mineral Water was sold in 330 millilitre bottles with the UPC code of 7-85000-12033-9 and in 500 millilitre bottles with a UPC code of 7-85000-12050-6. The Best Before date of both products is 09-05-07.

If you're in Canada, go check your refrigerator!

Source: RedOrbit

Armenians Paranoid About Jermuk Claims

Ah, paranoia: where would Armenians be without it?

They suppose that an illegal mineral water is exported to the USA. "The picture of the examined bottle is on the site. There is no such brand in the Armenian market. One of the deer is missing, which is a confusing sign,"

The companies are surprised to hear no specific company. "First of all the agency should have discussed it with the corresponding producer, to see whether it belonged to it or not. None of our company got any notification."

"This is a deliberate action towards Armenian mineral water."

"There is 0.1% less arsenium in product exported to US as compared with Armenian brand. It is strange to believe that this quantity could result in poisoning."

If you happen to see the missing deer, please contact Jermuk.

Source: A1+

Food and Drug Administration: Armenian Mineral Water is Poisonous

Go check your fridges!

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is warning consumers not to drink certain brands of mineral water imported from Armenia due to the risk of exposure to arsenic, a toxic substance and known cause of cancer in humans. FDA testing of this water revealed 500 - 600 micrograms of arsenic per liter. FDA's standard of quality bottled water allows no more than 10 micrograms per liter.

Here are the specifics of the products recalled:

Zetlian Bakery, Inc., Pico Rivera, CA is recalling product with labels that read:
"Jermuk Original Sparkling Natural Mineral Water Fortified With Natural Gas From The Spring". The product is additionally labeled as "2006 Jermuk Mayr Gortsaran CJSC" and "Imported by: Zetlian Bakery Inc."

Importers Direct Wholesale Company Los Angeles, CA is recalling the product with labels that read:
"Jermuk Sodium Calcium Bicarbonate and Sulphate Mineral Water". The product is additionally labeled as "Bottled by ARPI Plant, Republic of Armenia" and "Exclusive US importer and distributor: Importers Direct Wholesale Co., Los Angeles, CA".

Kradjian Importing Company, Glendale, CA is recalling the product with labels that read:
"Jermuk, Natural Mineral Water Sparkling". The product is additionally labeled as "Bottled by Jermuk Group CJSC" and "Sale Agent Kradjian Importing Co. Inc." in Glendale, CA

If you drank any of these and have concerns, the FDA is asking you to contact your doctor. Pass on the word.

Source: News-Medical

Breast Cancer Leading Cause of Death

Not even our little country can escape the reach of this vile disease.

A recent study shows that breast cancer remains number one cause of death for Armenian women, followed by cervical cancer.

"Armenian women are different focusing on taking care of their children and husbands and ignoring their own health."

Apparently, a yearly examination costs $6 or about 3,000 drams. There are some free services, as well.

Source: ArmenPress

Child Cancer Cases Increase 15% in Decade

What could be the reason for this increase? Perhaps pesticides and other chemicals in the soil and fruits? Perhaps pollution from cars and trucks? I certainly don't know.

Cancer cases in children have surged 15 percent in the last decade with about 100 new cases diagnosed every year, Haykanush Yukchian, a doctor with the Center and executive director of a non-governmental organization called Friend of Children with Cancer said.

She said the National Cancer Treatment Center treats annually 250 children and about 65 percent of these children recuperate.

How very sad. I wonder, though, if at least a part of the increase is due to better reporting and diagnosis.

Source: ArmenPress