GM To Slash Health Care Costs

In its annual report filed last Thursday, General Motors Corp. stated its intention to significantly slash their employees health care costs. However, the report added that the cost-cutting push could be hamstrung by an agreement that it struck with the union in 2005. It also does look like the threat of a strike is a risk to GM's comeback, the report further shared.

In regards to the report, the automaker acknowledged that ineffective accounting methods resulted to repeated restatements of its earnings over the previous years and were in place through the end of 2006. GM said, those mistakes could further strain the company if the ongoing federal investigations into its accounting lead to fines or other penalties.

The report arrived a day after the automaker released its last quarter report and full-year financial analysis for the previous year. The company said that the earnings report was delayed because it is sorting out accounting issues starting from 2002.

As Volvo fuel injectors continue to boost the performance of the Volvos but GMs performance is ominously groping in the dark. Earlier, the automaker filed a 200-page report to the Securities and Exchange Commission. It detailed a bunch of other potential risks to GM's turnaround. The risks include fluctuating gasoline prices, auto parts suppliers, and workforce issues.

The report also laid down GMs key goals for 2008 in accordance with its restructure plan. In order for the plan to be realized, the automaker has to recover first from more than the $12 billion loss it reported over the past two years.

"Our current collective bargaining agreement with the UAW will expire in September 2007, and we intend to pursue our cost-reduction goals vigorously in negotiating the new agreement," the company said, adding that a UAW strike or threat of a strike could hamper efforts to cut costs.

GM said its health care obligations for retired workers stood at $68 billion at the end of 2006 and could continue to grow. In the United States, the company spent $4.8 billion on health care in 2006. This year, health care cost is expected to plunge to $4.7 billion.

In addition, the 2005 deal could preclude GM from making structural changes in the way retiree health care is funded. This statement is found in the filing. The deal included a class-action lawsuit settlement, which means that any major changes to retiree health care likely would require court approval.

"The retiree health cuts last year should not be read as an indication of more cuts to come, but in fact restrict the company's and union's degrees of freedom in 2007 discussions," Lehman Brothers analyst Brad Johnson said in a research note on Thursday.

GM also said that it is putting in place contingency plans should a strike result from this summer's contract talks with the UAW. "Any UAW strikes, threats of strikes, or other resistance in connection with the negotiation of a new agreement could materially adversely affect our business," according to the filing.

Other concerns for 2007 include the rising cost of raw materials, rising fuel costs, potential failure of the company's sales strategy, negotiations with bankrupt parts supplier Delphi Corp. and the volatility in the supplier base.

"They've got to honestly portray worst-case scenarios," said labor expert Harley Shaiken of the University of California-Berkeley. "And they know the UAW is reading these filings. It's a combination of GM having a responsibility to stockholders and sending a message."

Shaiken added, "They're a bit startling [pertaining to the accounting revelations]. They're one of the largest corporations in the world and they look like they're doing their tax returns for the first time. I don't think it's fatal, but it's a headache they don't need right now."

Glady Reign is a 32 year old is a consultant for an automotive firm based in Detroit, Mi. she is a native of the motor city and grew up around cars hence her expertise in the automotive field. Please visit Volvo fuel injectors for more information. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Glady_Reign

Prostate Cancer? Consider Tomatoes & Broccoli

If you have adopted a "watchful waiting" approach to your slow-growing prostate cancer, talk to you doctor about a new study from the University of Illinois. Released in January 2007 and published in the journal Cancer Research, this study suggests that combining broccoli with tomato products serves up a powerful one-two punch to slow growing prostate cancers.

During the course of the study, researchers fed a diet containing 10% powered broccoli and 10% powered tomato to a group of rats that had previously been implanted with prostate cancer cells. After only 22 weeks, the rats who were fed this vegetable-rich diet showed dramatic reductions in the size of their tumors. Rats fed tomato powder but no broccoli powder showed slight improvements in their tumors but the results weren't even close to the effect seen with the combined diet.

Can a diet rich in broccoli and tomatoes help humans? Researchers are hopeful. Dr. John Erdman, one of the study's co-authors, tells us, "When tomatoes and broccoli are eaten togther we see an additive effect." Dr. Erdman goes on to explain that the synergistic effect is likely the result of different bioactive compounds working together.

The only downside to this approach is the volume of broccoli and tomato products that needs to be consumed on a daily basis. The authors of the study recommend that men interested in trying this approach consume 1.5 cups of raw broccoli and 2.5 cups of raw tomatoes every day. In lieu of fresh tomatoes, researchers suggest substituting 1/2 cup of tomato paste.

Can dramatically increasing your consumption of fresh broccoli and tomatoes help you? Only your doctor is qualified to give you advice about your slow-growing prostate tumor but researchers are very optimistic about this new discovery.

Lisa Barger is a traditional naturopath specializing in natural health education. To learn more about Ms. Barger's belief in "Empowerment through Education" or to take a free online natural health class see her website, http://www.LisaBarger.com Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Lisa_Barger

Costus Spicatus and Alternative Health

For centuries, the natives of the Amazon Rainforest have relied upon natural resources for medicinal purposes, nutrition, and other methods of improving their overall quality life. This bountiful region of South America yields a variety of trees, plants, and herbs that are as beneficial as they are beautiful. One such plant is the ginger costus spicatus.

What is costus spicatus?

The costus spicatus is a plant indigenous to tropical regions. It grows mainly in moist areas, yet can thrive in the sun so long as there is plenty of water. The costus spicatus can grow as high as seven feet, sprouting foot-long leaves and small, red cones that can bloom into beautiful flowers. The petals resemble the leafy ginger one might see in a restaurant.

Costus spicatus and Alternative Health

Inside the plant a sweet nectar is produced that attracts forest animals looking for food. Yet, the natives find using this plant can prove beneficial in the relief of various bodily functions. When taken as a supplement, costus spicatus has been known to reduce inflammation of the bladder as well assist the body's prostate health. In parts of Guyana, it is recorded that costus spicatus has been used to treat malaria, whooping cough, and other maladies, yet it is not recorded that costus spicatus is a known cure for any illness or disease.

Where to find costus spicatus

Dietary supplement companies that feature organic ingredients from South America may include costus spicatus among the plants featured in their products. Anybody interested in trying costus spicatus as an alternative supplement for bladder or prostate improvement should first consult with a physician to learn more about possible side effects. While natives of the Amazon have used costus spicatus and other indigenous plants for remedy, anything new taken for supplemental health should be approached with care.

Kat Lively is a freelance writer for AcaiGogo, pure acai powder in handy, easy-to-use individual packets, Rainfloresta, quality exotic rainforest products of health and beauty for the new age, and Guarana Gogo, guarana powder in easy to use packets. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kat_Lively

Cats Claw For Better Health & Immune System Protection

Cats Claw may not be as well known as some other herbs but the protection it can give to the body and its overall health benefits have seen it rise dramatically in popularity.

Lets take a closer look at Cats Claw and its immense health benefits.

Description

Cat's Claw is a tropical woody vine that grows in the rain forests and jungles of Peru and has been referred to as "Miracle Herb of the Rain Forest ".

The vine derives its name from the small thorns at the base of the leaves, which look like a cat's claw.

Medical research

It has been drawing increasingly more interest among the proponents of natural health care and Cats

Miracle of Triphala

Ayurveda is a miracle and miracle of ayurveda is Triphala. A unique combination of three fruits in dried form obtained from three herbs that can act in generally all the diseases. As mentioned in charak samhita, triphala is a rasayan i.e. a things that prevent aging and promote longevity. It has been used since ages by people in India and has attained life reaching more than 100 years. Triphala has been used in many medicines that help in promoting and gaining efficacy of that medicine.

Triphala consists of three herbs. There are

1. Haritaki (Terminalia chebula)

2. Baheda (Terminalia bellerica)

3. Amla (Emblica officinalis)

Out of the three, herbs two i.e. Amla and haritaki are considered as rasayan in ayurveda, that help in preventing aging and helps in maintaining good health with longevity. As Triphala is considered as tridosha shamak i.e. it bring in harmony in aggravated dosha (because haritki is considered as herb that decreases vata, baheda decreases kapha and Amla decreases pitta although all the three also are tridosha shamak when taken individually) hence it find it application in numerous of diseases. It has found its application in constipation as it acts as mild laxative. It is kashaya Rasa dominant and its vipaka is madhur (sweet).

Morpheme Triphala

This the wonder of ayurveda, made especially for mankind to make them lead a good and healthy lifestyle. It contains three herbs commonly known as Amla, haritaki and baheda