Health overhaul narrowly advances Nov 22, 2009
Senator Joseph Lieberman, an independent who sat on the GOP side on the Senate chamber before walking quietly to his seat on the Democratic side to deliver a grim yes vote, wants further cost controls in the bill and opposes the public option ... Who pays if it fails to live up to expectations ... If in fact premiums don t cover the cost of the public plan, it is taxpayers in this country who are faced with the burden of bailing it out. (Boston Globe)
Diane Patrick endorses Capuano in US Senate race Nov 22, 2009
Although Governor Deval Patrick remains officially neutral in the four-way Democratic primary race, his wife called Capuano a tenacious fighter who would make a difference on the Senate floor ... Coakley said last week she could support the Senate s recently unveiled health proposal, whose language on abortion funding is less restrictive than the House version ... On another topic, the congressman took a no-name swipe at Pagliuca, a co-owner of the Boston Celtics and business success who is... (Boston Globe)
New effort links veterans, peers Component of Wounded Warriors Program gets started here, offering counseling and health treatment Nov 22, 2009
Veterans and members of the National Guard and Reserve who are not eligible for benefits through the Department of Veterans Affairs are eligible. They must be Virginia residents. (Fredericksburg.com, VA)
Child is 10th swine flu death in Pima County Nov 22, 2009
Pima County Health Department spokeswoman Patti Woodcock says the girl, who died Nov. 1, had underlying health conditions. She says the child was younger than a preteen but would not release any other information about her. (AZCentral -- News)
Swine flu vaccine effective despite mutations: experts Nov 22, 2009
The experts' comments came a day after the World Health Organization announced that a mutation had been found in swine flu virus samples taken following the first two deaths from the pandemic in Norway ... On Friday, World Health Organization data showed that around 6,750 people had died from swine flu since the virus was first uncovered in Mexico and the United States in April. (Yahoo! Asia News)
New Cancer Guidelines Say to Start Mammograms at 50, Not 40 Nov 22, 2009
International guidelines also call for screening to start at age 50; the World Health Organization recommends the test every two years, Britain says every three years. Breast cancer is the most common cancer and the second leading cause of cancer deaths in American women. (Fox News)
Democrats Unite to Hold Off Senate GOP Health Care FilibusterSens. Landrieu, Lincoln, Nelson vote to debate, but may not back bill later. Nov 22, 2009
Blanche Lincoln, D-Ark, who had been the final Democratic holdout, said she would vote with the rest of her party ... Lincoln, who faces a tough reelection campaign in 2010, criticized both Republicans and liberal political groups for trying to influence her position. (ABC News)
I'm Obese? Big Fat Deal, Some Say Nov 22, 2009
A new study shows that some who are obese see no reason to make efforts to achieve a healthier weight ... "We can't necessarily just say you have to be comfortable with who you are," Powell said ... Obese individuals in the study who didn't think they needed to lose weight appeared not to be getting those messages. (ABC News)
Senate Democrats vote to bring health bill to floor for debate Nov 22, 2009
"The House passed a $1 trillion health bill two weeks ago. The $848 billion Senate version represents the work of two committees and hundreds of hours of hearings and deliberations, against a backdrop of fervent Republican opposition. But even as Democrats heralded their expected victory yesterday, they conceded the vote represents the end of the beginning, not the other way around.Like Sen. Ben Nelson, D-Neb., a holdout until Friday, Lincoln and Landrieu said they will press Reid for further... (Honolulu Advertiser)
U.S. Senate votes on health care reform bill Nov 22, 2009
However, all Republican senators said no to the Democrats-backed bill except one who missed the voting ... WASHINGTON, Nov. 17 (Xinhua) -- More Americans are opposed to the health care reform bill, which was recently passed at the House of Representatives, than those who support it, according to a survey released on Tuesday ... On one side are those who say the reforms are affordable and on the other are those who say costs will balloon out of control. (Xinhuanet, China)
Over 1,600 get swine-flu vaccinations Nov 22, 2009
The event, which used 32 percent of the vaccine that was brought, was advertised as targeted to people who fit into five at-risk groups. The groups are: pregnant women; health care workers; household contacts of children younger than 6 months old; anyone between 6 months and 24 years old; and people between 25 and 64 with underlying medical conditions, such as asthma and diabetes. (Daytona Beach News Journal)
Depressed and Pregnant? Flu Shot May Be Needed Nov 22, 2009
MONDAY, Nov. 9 (HealthDay News) -- Pregnant women who are depressed may suffer severe symptoms if they catch seasonal flu, a new study suggests. Ohio State University researchers assessed depressive symptoms and took blood samples from 22 pregnant women before they received a seasonal flu shot. (MEDLINEplus)
Could Mammograms, Pap Smears Kill Reform? Nov 22, 2009
"If it were my money and my life at stake, I would forget the committees and the politicians and listen only to the one person who knows me best. My own doctor," said Greg Scandlen, senior fellow and director of the advocacy group Consumers for Health Care Choices. Most health policy experts agree that the health care rationing rhetoric does not truly reflect what comparative effectiveness is all about. (ABC News)
Depression and Physical Manifestati... Nov 22, 2009
In September 2006, the American Psychiatric Association (APA), World Health Organization (WHO) and National Institutes of Health (NIH) collaborated on an intensive study to determine the affects of. Dr. Ricardo Araya, MD a keynote speaker from the UK said. (Suite101.com)
Cancer screenings under scrutiny Nov 22, 2009
But cervical cancer tends to disproportionately affect poorer women who are unable to access health care and get Pap tests, he said ... More than half are found in women who have never had a Pap test ... Said Dr. Leo Twiggs, professor and chairman of the department of obstetrics and gynecology at the University of Miami School of Medicine: "Savvy physicians always take these recommendations by these task forces with a grain of salt. Most of us who've been taking care of ob/gyn patients know... (CNN)
MSP seeks drink-drive limit cut Nov 22, 2009
Mr Thompson, who has been campaigning on the issue for two years, has now written to the UK Transport Minister highlighting recent talks to lower the limit in Northern Ireland and the Republic. He said: "If the UK Government won't do it they should pass the powers to Holyrood as soon as possible. Saving lives is too important for parties to play political games. "Police, medical organisations, the European Union and the World Health Organisation all want to see the limit cut and enforcement... (BBC News -- UK)
Can't we rationally discuss health reform? Nov 22, 2009
The people who want more time to discuss the health plan demand an overnight decision for placing up to 40,000 people in harm's way, without any discussion or research. We go to war and spend all the money needed to support the troops, cost be damned. (Fredericksburg.com, VA)
Senate Health Bill Faces Crucial Vote Nov 22, 2009
who needs that many in the 100-member Senate to go forward ... "I have also heard the pleas and cries of many people who need coverage, health coverage, but they can't find it anywhere within reach of their budgets. Through months of public meetings in VFW halls, school gyms and in hospitals and health clinics from New Orleans to Shreveport, in large and small communities throughout my state, it is clear to me that doing nothing is not an option - nor is waiting any longer for this debate to... (CBS News)
Senate Begins Debate Next Month on $848 Billion U.S. Health-Care Overhaul Nov 22, 2009
White House spokesman said in a statement the vote brings us one step closer to ending insurance company abuses, reining in spiraling health-care costs, providing stability and security to those with health insurance, and extending quality health coverage to those who lack it ... It would set up online insurance-purchasing exchanges and provide subsidies for those who cant afford to buy coverage ... Louisiana Senator and Arkansas Senator , the last two Democrats to agree to allow the start... (Bloomberg -- US)
Helping people a world away Through carnival in Fredericksburg's Hurkamp Park, students raise money for poor African villagers Nov 22, 2009
Landau, who is originally from South Africa, said she was struck by the poverty and hopelessness that locked so many of the people of the West African nation into their dire circumstances ... "We met several women who had been seamstresses but had turned to prostitution because they no longer had sewing machines," said Landau ... Coulibaly, who teaches at Chancellor High School, accompanied the students. (Fredericksburg.com, VA)
The Nativism Tax Nov 21, 2009
Joe WilsonIn his to Congress on health care, when President Obama said, "The reforms I'm proposing would not apply to those who are here illegally," Rep ... What Wilson meant was that health care reform would nonetheless allow illegal immigrants who were uninsured to purchase unsubsidized health insurance through the exchanges that reform would create ... If this remains in the bill, those of us who aren't illegal immigrants will end up paying for the health insurance of those who are. (Slate)
Chamber creates health insurance option Nov 21, 2009
United Healthcare will be marketing health plans to chamber members through insurance brokers who are also chamber members. United HealthCare is owned by (NYSE: UNH) in Minnetonka, Minn. (San Antonio Business Journal, TX)
Leader change at Denver Children's Museum Nov 21, 2009
Downey, who has been its president since 2005, is leaving to become president of the , which supports health care and education programs in Denver; Kalamazoo, Mich. and Santa Barbara and Ventura counties in southern California. (Denver Business Journal, CO)
Saint Francis ranked high Nov 21, 2009
It is the dedicated, compassionate people who drive this organization to excellence. Satisfied employees create the foundation for excellent patient care, and they are the power behind the superior health services the Medical Center provides. (Park Hills Daily Journal, MO)
Holmes flags hacked e-mail Nov 21, 2009
"A doctor with a leadership position in this community who completely disregards the ethical requirement to protect patient confidentiality is a concern for anyone," Health First spokesman Elliot Cohen said ... Segina works for Health First and is part of the same trauma team whose members Hynes suspended in January ... Dr. Daniel Segina, whose e-mail was taken, wrote a letter to the medical staff Oct. 26, describing Hynes' actions and demanding the chief of staff "resign immediately.". (Florida Today)
Gripes About Swine Flu Vaccine Abound Nov 21, 2009
--And despite pledges that they would be transparent about the vaccine program, some health officials have refused to disclose where all the doses are going, and they have held back on public service announcements telling people who should be coming in for shots ... And he said they should have been tougher on nurses and other health-care workers who are putting their patients at risk because they declined to get a shot ... "A lot of this is a function of not having as much vaccine as we would... (KIRO TV, WA)
Livingston Co. to offer H1N1 vaccination clinic for college students Nov 21, 2009
PONTIAC To ensure that college students who are Livingston County residents get the H1N1 influenza vaccination, the Livingston County Health Department will have a free vaccination clinic from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesday at the health department in Pontiac ... Children ages 6 months through 9 years old who received their first vaccine dose before Nov. 5 are eligible to receive their second dose at Wednesdays clinic. (The Pantagraph newspaper)
Common Diseases Biggest Child-Killers Nov 21, 2009
Yet UNICEF and the World Health Organization estimate less than 20 percent of those sickened receive the drugs. A vaccine has been available since 2000 but has not yet reached many children in developing countries. (KIRO TV, WA)
Senate Democrats move on crucial health vote Nov 21, 2009
In private, her demands have been more substantive, according to officials who did not describe them. Lincoln has also suggested her vote will be influenced by President Clinton, who was Arkansas governor for 12 years before winning the White House. (Boston Globe)
Arnold Rosoff; advertising executive championed workplace diversity; at 93 Nov 21, 2009
Arnold Z. Rosoff, a fiercely passionate visionary who used his exceptional branding skills to found one of Boston s most successful advertising agencies, died yesterday morning at a nursing home in Newton after suffering complications of a broken hip ... Kiely, who was a managing partner at Arnold Worldwide 10 years ago, said Mr. Rosoff s most significant contribution to the advertising world was trying to bring diversity into the boardroom ... While stationed in Louisiana teaching cadets how to... (Boston Globe)
New resistant strain of swine flu reported Nov 21, 2009
The Duke cluster comes at the same time a hospital in Wales reported five Tamiflu-resistant cases, and the World Health Organization began investigating a more virulent strain of H1N1 virus that appeared in Norway. But North Carolina officials yesterday said there is no evidence that a drug-resistant H1N1 strain is becoming dominant. (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, PA)
Kostelic season under threat Nov 21, 2009
Triple Olympic Alpine champion Janica Kostelic could miss the whole World Cup season through illness and injury ... National team spokesman Ozren Mueller said: "Our priority is Janica's health, I cannot tell you for certain if she will return to the competition or not. "She has been ordered to rest for two weeks and then the doctors will decide what to do," he added. Kostelic announced in November she was experiencing thyroid problems but her team then declined to speculate on whether she would... (Yahoo News -- Skiing)
School district workers pump insurance claims to $5.7 million Nov 21, 2009
The culture change will then trickle down from employees to the students who see their role models living healthy, Pettyjohn said. - A couple good months of lower claims could turn the deficit around, said Larry Reznicek, human resources manager. (Gillette News-Record, WY)
Latest health news » Nov 21, 2009
The latest advice from the major medical groups for routine screening primarily for people who don't have a family history of a particular cancer or other risk factors:Breast cancer: American Cancer Society: Mammograms yearly beginning at age 40; breast exam by doctor at least every three years in 20s and 30s, annually after 40; breast self-exam an option ... China's health ministry said it will punish officials who underreport cases of swine flu after a doctor famous for exposing the extent of... (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Health)
General Counsel Panelists Say They Like Firms That Take the Initiative Nov 21, 2009
The lawyers, who hailed from private, public and nonprofit organizations, were Julia Coyne, assistant general counsel of athletic shoe maker Nike Inc.; Paul Cushing, litigation and compliance counsel of hospital and health care organization Partners HealthCare System Inc.; David Mackey, general counsel of Massachusetts Port Authority, or Massport; and Lon Povich, general counsel of warehouse retail operator BJ's Wholesale Clubs Inc. ... An outside lawyer who sent him a copy of the bill before... (Law.com)
St. Lucie health dept offers 3,500 flu shots Saturday Nov 21, 2009
Be sure to include who shot the photo, where it was shot, where you live and the names of everyone in the photo. Lets see your photo skills. (The Palm Beach Post)
Moderate Dems Pivotal In Saturday Health Care Vote Nov 21, 2009
Landrieu has made comments suggesting she'll support the move to debate, but Lincoln, who faces a difficult re-election next year, carefully avoided taking any public position Friday ... "This bill provides the necessary health reforms that the administration seeks -- affordable, quality care within reach for the tens of millions of Americans who do not have it today, and stability and security for the hundreds of millions who do," the statement said. (Click2Houston, TX)
Check Web Site For H1N1 Flu Vaccine Nov 21, 2009
The vaccine is currently being sent to providers for certain groups: pregnant women, children 6 months through 4 years, 5- through 64-year-olds with high-risk health conditions, health care workers who provide direct patient care and close contacts of infants 6 months or younger. Copyright 2009 by. (Click2Houston, TX)
NAACP members back health care reform Nov 21, 2009
"I have trouble understanding why those of us who are insured, and who can vote, refuse to insure those who don't and provide health care for them," said gastroenterologist Ronald Brown said. Dr. Brown was one of the supporters on the panel who spoke about the benefits of health care reform and why it is necessary at the Henry Brigham Center. (The Augusta Chronicle)
MISSING TEENAGER FOUND Nov 21, 2009
A Pine Bluff girl who had been reported missing since Monday returned home early Friday morning. Lt. Bob Rawlinson said Jamila Chism, 13, was in good health when she went home. (Pine Bluff Commercial, AR)
Democrats Plan Crucial Health Care Vote Saturday Nov 21, 2009
Posted by: Dr. Who Location: Waco on Nov 20, 2009 at 03:59 PM We can only hope enough vote against this travesty to allow a filibuster ... If the Texas Republican primary were held today, who would get your vote in the governors race. (KWTX.com, TX)
Reviews of Senate health bill mixed Nov 21, 2009
The group is a bigger proponent of the House bill passed earlier this month because it provides greater subsidies for low-income residents, helping to cover individuals who earn up to 150 percent of the poverty level. The Senate bill covers individuals who are at 133 percent of poverty ... Ronald Wineholt, chief lobbyist for the , said the group did not like the fact that the bill would impose new fees on employers who do not offer health insurance. (Baltimore Business Journal, MD)
'She will never be innocent again' Nov 21, 2009
Oldham read a letter from Heath's wife, who wrote "Ed is a sensitive, kind and loving person.". No one involved in drafting the presentence investigation report contacted her, and the stress of the case has taken a toll on her health, she wrote. (Casper Star-Tribune, WY)
What's in the Senate Health Bill for You? Nov 21, 2009
But those who don't purchase insurance (even with those incentives) will face fines - $75 the first year, $350 the second, and $750 after that ... Those who choose not to purchase insurance would face fines, beginning at $95 in 2014, and increasing over time to $750 ... Welfare, Unemployment, Food Stamps, Medicare, GFree Healthcare, and a bevy of other freebies await those who jump on the gravy train (Trough)and quit paying taxes at all. (CBS News -- Early Show)
Childhood vaccine cost to drop next year Nov 21, 2009
"We also know that, unfortunately, in the world there are ... children who don't get any vaccines so they die early. It is tragic because we can prevent it.". As a result of not receiving routine vaccinations, about 2 million children die annually. (MSNBC -- International)
County legislature marks health care milestone Nov 21, 2009
We have come a long way over the last six years, said Pamela Hassett, who owns the facility with her husband, Dr. Stephen Hassett. We have had our 100,000th patient visit, and we have 35,000 patients registered in our database. (Catskill Daily Mail, NY)
Health Care 'Public Option' Would Cover Little of Population Nov 21, 2009
Under the House and Senate bills, the government option would be available only to people who shop for insurance on their own - meaning they don't get coverage through work - or who work for small firms ... Jacob Hacker, a Yale University political scientist who first proposed the public option, said the plan would still drive down health care costs despite the changes. (13WMAZ.com, GA)
No hospital savings seen with electronic records Nov 21, 2009
"Our study finds that hospital computerization hasn't saved a dime, nor has it improved administrative efficiency," said Himmelstein, who oversees clinical computing at Cambridge Hospital in Massachusetts. "Claims that health IT will slash costs and help pay for the reforms being debated in Congress are wishful thinking.". (MSNBC -- Politics)
Microbes on Your iPhone Nov 21, 2009
If keeping up to date in microbiology news and information is important to you, the MicrobeWorld app offers the most convenient way for you to do so on the go, in your car, at the gym or even in the lab, says Stanley Maloy of San Diego State University who is Chair of the ASM Communications Committee. This multimedia application delivers content and news items from the following audio, video and news sources available through MicrobeWorld. (Yahoo! Wire -- Entertainment News)
Jean Rah Fya Records Recording Artist Bobby Tinsley Wins for Best R&B/Soul Artist at the 2009 HMMA Awards! Nov 21, 2009
Bobby, an amazing artist who entered the music world in 2004, has also enjoyed a considerable buzz and following, with almost 1 ... He has some of the most loyal fans in the world who adore his music to the extent that they have made more than 280 different YouTube videos with their own versions of his songs. (Yahoo! Wire -- Entertainment News)
Atkins Fares Best in Study Of Four Weight-Loss Regimens Nov 21, 2009
Finally, we will take steps to block users who violate any of our posting standards, terms of use or privacy policies or any other policies governing this site ... A year-long, head-to-head study of four widely used diets found that overweight women who followed the very low-carbohydrate Atkins diet had no adverse health effects and lost slightly more weight than women on the other three ... Women who followed the Atkins plan had a significant drop in triglycerides, one of the unhealthful blood... (Yahoo News -- Diet and Nutrition)
Married Couples Face Extra Tax in Healthcare Bill Nov 21, 2009
Senate Democrats' health care bill would create a new marriage penalty by imposing a tax on individuals who make $200,000 annually but hitting married couples making just $50,000 more. That's one of 17 new taxes imposed by the bill, which also creates a levy on elective plastic surgery - some call it "botax" - and places a 40 percent excise tax on those who have generous health care plans ... "If you have insurance, you get taxed. If you don't have insurance, you get taxed. If you need a... (Newsmax)
Linda Exum: Wrong choice on health reform Nov 21, 2009
A vote for this bill was a vote to provide secure and stable coverage for Americans with insurance, expand coverage for those who do not have insurance, and lower costs for families and businesses. Linda Exum. (Athens Banner-Herald)
Mammography Debate Has Raged for Decades Nov 21, 2009
Data from the Health Insurance Plan (HIP) of Greater New York, published in the Journal of the American Medical Association in 1971, showed a 30 percent reduction in breast cancer deaths in women ages 40 to 64 who underwent clinical breast examination and screening mammography. Related. (ABC News)
Bruce Mandelblit: Scammers Prey on Swine Flu Fears Nov 21, 2009
The H1N1 flu, better known as the swine flu, is officially a pandemic, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). In fact, millions of people worldwide may have already been infected with the swine flu. (Newsmax)
Moultrie health dept. offers flu shots Monday Nov 21, 2009
People in the target populations who are unable to attend the above clinics should contact the health department for alternative arrangements. Due to the slow shipment of H1N1 vaccine and CDC requirements, only people in the above categories will be vaccinated. (Mattoon Journal-Gazette, IL)
H1N1 Vaccine Program Plagued With Problems Nov 21, 2009
And despite pledges that they would be transparent about the vaccine program, some health officials have refused to disclose where all the doses are going, and they have held back on public service announcements telling people who should be coming in for shots ... And he said they should have been tougher on nurses and other health-care workers who are putting their patients at risk because they declined to get a shot ... "A lot of this is a function of not having as much vaccine as we would... (Fox News)
Women's Health Care Under Attack? Nov 21, 2009
I think it s bad timing with the whole health-care reform effort going on and the mammogram recommendations that came out earlier this week, said FoxNews. com managing editor of health Dr. Manny Alvarez, who opposes the new mammogram recommendations ... I ve only seen two cases of aggressive cervical cancer in my career and that was in women who had never had any type of screening in their lives. (Fox News)
Stetson hears French healthcare ideas Nov 21, 2009
The teacher who helped organize the exercise pronounced it a success that will serve as a springboard to more discussions between Stetson students and their counterparts in other countries. "The object here is not just education but building mutual understanding," said Paul Lachelier, a Stetson assistant professor of sociology. (Daytona Beach News Journal)
Public swine flu clinic scheduled for today Nov 21, 2009
The Anchorage municipality's first public clinic for swine flu vaccinations will take place today but will be limited to residents who fall into one of the priority groups, city officials say ... The clinic today is open to children and young adults ages 6 months to 24 years, pregnant women, those who are in contact with babies under 6 months old, health care workers, and people aged 25 to 64 with underlying health conditions that put them at greater risk if they catch the swine flu ... People... (Anchorage Daily News)
Sen. Wyden wins big healthcare concession Nov 21, 2009
The three senators announced an agreement Friday on an amendment that would allow many more people who get health insurance at work to opt out and instead purchase coverage on the new health insurance exchanges the bill would create ... Wyden has worked tirelessly to reform our health system, and I am pleased to have his support," Reid said.The Wyden-Reid-Baucus amendment does not go that far, but it would open up the health insurance exchanges to considerably more people than the bill as... (TheHill.com)
Tips for smart, healthy holiday travel Nov 21, 2009
Don't go visit relatives who are sick either ... --Make sure kids who are flying as unaccompanied minors know where they are going ... A new American Express survey reports that nearly 20 percent of those who traveled last year will be staying home. (CNN)
Health care rhetoric heats up Nov 21, 2009
The White House issued a statement Friday urging "quick action on this landmark bill. "This legislation meets the president's criteria for health insurance reform: it provides stability and security to those with insurance; offers access to quality, affordable health care for those who do not have insurance; cuts costs for families, small businesses and the government; and does so without adding a dime to the deficit," the statement from the Executive Office of the President said, without... (CNN)
Healthcare bill faces first U.S. Senate test Nov 21, 2009
"This bill provides the necessary health reforms that the administration seeks -- affordable, quality care within reach for the tens of millions of Americans who do not have it today, and stability and security for the hundreds of millions who do," the White House said in a statement of support on Friday. Republicans have condemned the measure as a costly and heavy-handed government intrusion in the private sector that would raise insurance premiums and increase taxes. (The Star Online, Malaysia -- News)
Can your doctor spot H1N1? Nov 21, 2009
The World Health Organization and U.S. each list fever as a defining feature of H1N1. But that's being called into question, most recently in the medical journal the Lancet. (CNN)
