If cancer is detected early there's a greater likelihood of cure, families and loved ones could possibly be spared grief, and medical costs could be reduced by shorter, less radical treatments. Women know there is still no cure for breast cancer. What they don't seem to know is that until a cure is found, besides mammography and annual physician check-ups, the most powerful weapon for fighting breast cancer is early detection through regular breast self exams.

   That is why Y-ME, the National Breast Cancer Group, has partnered with health at Home by Sunbeam, to develop the first ever comprehensive breast self-exam kit.

   The kit makes it virtually impossible for a woman to forget to examine herself. A percentage of sales from this affordable kit ($24.95) will be donated to Y-ME.

   For more information call Y-ME hotline at 800-221-2141.

   The dream of 10,000 Israeli children who are diabetic, and their parents is a device that wold enable them to check their blood and administer insulin without piercing the skin. Artist Yaacov Agam has teamed up with the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation in Israel.

   Agam, the Israeli artist who pioneered kinetic movement in art, designed a series of four telecards that bear the image of what the artist and JDF call "The Star of Hope."

   One of the board members of JDF decided to tap into the worldwide telecard craze, to raise money for research. Bezeq donated the message units, 10 per card, and Tayco, the company that represents Bayer medical equipment in Israel, covered the cost of the packaging. And of course, Agam, donated the designs. That means that every penny raised through this campaign goes straight to research.

   To order a set, write to the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation in Israel, 5 Jabotinsky St. Tel Aviv, Israel 63479. The cost for the autographed issue is $250; for the issue set in fiber glass, $130, and the regular set in deluxe holder, $100. Payment is possible by check or credit card, and any contributions are welcome. Tax deductions in US are available.

   The New York Times in an unprecedented lead story called it "The Brave New World of Kosher." Chef Paul Prudhomme, called the Babe Ruth of American Chefs, attracted hundreds at his cooking demonstration of glatt kosher cuisine. More than 8,000 trade buyers from around the world participated in the Kosherfest Œ96 (International Kosher Food and Foodservice Trade Show), the largest ever at the Meadowlands Exposition Center in Secaucus, N.J. (November 13th and 14th) in a major demonstration of the growth of kosher foods. Exhibitors were unanimous in their praise of the professionalism and success of the show.

   More than 250 manufacturers filled nearly 300 booths in a colorful display of thousands of kosher food products. A record 750 new products were presented for the first time. At a ceremony on the first day of the show, several of the new products received awards. Herr's new ketchup Potato Chips shared first prize with a Sugar-Free Marzipan by the Multiflex Company. The best refrigerated new product went to Marcelle & David's new Pareve Ranch and Caesar Salad Dressings. Wilton Foods took the first prize in the Frozen category with their exceptionally tasty filos. The products were judged by the Kosher Food Distributors Association and included ordinary consumers.

   Chef Prudhomme, who is also affiliated with the kosher Magic Seasoning Blend was an instant hit with the huge crowds who completely filled the Exposition Center on the first day of the show. He also contributed to the magnificent presentation of foods at the Manager's Reception. Food Processing, Alle Processing, Atlas Preserves, Banner Smoked Fish, Sabra Salads, Carmel Wines, Ceres Fruit Juices(new from South Africa), Dr. Brown's, Empire, Empress Chocolates, Father Sam Syrian Bread, Kedem Wines, Lea & Perrins, National Kosher Produce, Paskesz, RC Cola, Schick's Bakery, Season Products, Setton's, Smilowitz, T & L Creative Salads, and William Greenberg Jr. Desserts. The reception was magnificently prepared by Foremost Caterers, and was planned by Joshua Shuchatowitz.

   In addition to Chef Prudhomme, visitors also enjoyed demonstrations by Marilyn Shupak, Herb Schon, Chef Gershon Schwadron, Chef Barry Simanowitz, Chef Jeff Crawford, Brigitta Wade (Empire), Marilyn Miller, and Ceres Fruit Juices.

   Also well attended were the thought provoking seminars that were held throughout the two day trade sho. Speakers included(in order of their appearance) Rabbi Menahem Genack (OU), Rabbi Zecharia Senter (Kof-K), Robert Schwartz (Red Apple), Barry Eizik (I. Epstein & Sons), Joe Regenstein (Cornell University), Abe Sharp (SWB Central), Art Klawans (Kosher Food Distributors Association), Harry Geedy (Empire), Irwin Simon (JHain), Mendy Stern (Internet), Michael Cohen (OU), Rabbi Yosef Wikler (Kashrus Magazine), Rabbi Don Joel Levy (OK), Ed Wellmeyer (Wilsey Foods), Rabbi Abraham Sommerfeld, Michael Dwyer (USDA), Felice Gross (NYS Department of Agriculture), Dr. Avrom Pollak (Star-K), and Chef Gershon Schwadron.

   In analyzing the success of Kosherfest Œ96, organizer Menahem Lubinsky particularly noted that more than 500 people who came from 42 states and 3 continents filling all of the nearby hotels. He noted: " With 37,000 products, 7 million consumers and a $3 billion market, there is no question that Kosher has gone well beyond its traditional boundaries." Kosherfest Œ96 featured 88 new exhibitors, grew by 75 booths and 3,000 buyers.

   Plans are already underway for Kosherfest Œ97 which will take place at the Meadowlands Exposition Center, November 12-13, 1997. More than 60% of the space was immediately rebooked for next year. Next year's show will again grow by 75 booths to 375 booths, completely filling the huge convention center.