The condition of a woman's skin has a serious impact on her self-esteem, according to results from a new landmark skin care survey announced today sponsored by Obagi Medical Products, Inc. (Nasdaq: OMPI - News), a leader in physician-dispensed topical aesthetic and therapeutic skin health systems. The survey, entitled "Women and Skincare: A Quest For Real Results," was developed to identify women's attitudes, behaviors and desires when it comes to skin health. Further, even though the majority of respondents feel a skin care professional is the best source for skin care information, they continue to seek solutions without the advice of a medical skincare professional.

The majority of women (84%) have at least one issue with their skin. This peaks among women in their 40s, who report having four skin care issues.

Briefly in Tompkins

The City of Ithaca Department of Public Works Water & Sewer Division indicated Wednesday that it will again be closing the 500 block of S. Albany St., intersecting with S. Titus Avenue and Hyers Street, at 7 a.m. today to install new water service. The street is expected to be closed all day, until work is complete.

Health Department seeks dog for rabies check The Tompkins County Health Department is trying to contact the owner of a dog that bit a person while at the Dog Park, located behind the Hangar Theater, adjacent to Treman Marina. The incident occurred about 5 p.m. Sunday, April 6.

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New children's book takes on mother's plastic surgery

NEW YORK - DIVORCE. Bullies. Foster care. There are books for children on just about every tough subject these days. But mummy's plastic surgery?

A Florida plastic surgeon has written about just that in 'My Beautiful Mommy,' a picture book due out on April 28 that tries to calm the fears of kids with parents getting tummy tucks, breast enhancement procedures and nose jobs.

Dr Michael Salzhauer said so many mums brought kids to their appointments that he was motivated to stock up on lollipops in his Bal Harbour, Florida office.

In 'My Beautiful Mummy,' he explains mummy's recuperation, changing look and desire for plastic surgery.

'Many parents don't explain to their kids what's going on,' said the father of four, with his fifth child on the way.

'Children are very perceptive.

In the Bag

The product: adesign angle kabuki brush with case, in set of five kabuki brushes each with its own case, $80; adesign.com or Violet Rouge makeup boutique in Austin.

The promise: "Quality makeup brushes can make the difference between OK makeup and a polished, flawless look. Shana King, professional makeup artist and founder of adesign brushes, a cosmetic brand offering a complete range of high-quality brushes for makeup and skin care, says her brushes are a new and innovative approach to cosmetics.

What the tester said: I couldn't agree more with Shana King about the "power of a good brush." I also know it doesn't necessarily mean spending a lot of money on brushes (the Ecotools brush set that's $10.99 at Walgreens got a big thumbs up from me).

Data From Ortho Biotech-Sponsored Studies to be Presented at National Kidney Foundation 2008 Spring Clinical Meetings

Data from five studies sponsored by Ortho Biotech Products, L.P. will be presented at the National Kidney Foundation (NKF) 2008 Spring Clinical Meetings from April 2 - 6, 2008; three utilization studies involve PROCRIT® (Epoetin alfa).

The data include studies that compare drug utilization patterns and costs of PROCRIT (EPO) and darbepoetin alfa (DARB), evaluate medical costs related to chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients with hypertension or diabetes, and show the impact on hemoglobin (Hb) control using a software-based management tool. These retrospective analyses used data from actual clinical practice.

Data on Drug Utilization Patterns and Costs of Epoetin Alfa and Darbepoetin Alfa

Data on Medical Costs Related to Chronic Kidney Disease Patients with Hypertension or Diabetes

Data on the Impact on Hemoglobin Control Using a Software-Based Management Tool

About PROCRIT (Epoetin alfa)

PROCRIT is used for the treatment of anemia in patients with most types of cancer receiving chemotherapy, with chronic renal failure who are on dialysis and those who are not on dialysis, who are being treated with zidovudine for HIV infection, and to reduce the need for transfusion in anemic patients who are scheduled for elective noncardiac, nonvascular surgery.

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