Medical blog » Family Health

US Congress passes children health insurance bill

admin — Tue, 27 Jan 2009 08:07:06 +0000

WASHINGTON, Feb 4 (Reuters) – The U.S. Congress approved on
Wednesday a bill expanding a health insurance program for
children and raising tobacco taxes to pay for it, giving
President Barack Obama a big legislative victory a day after
his pick to lead a healthcare industry overhaul stepped aside.
The House of Representatives voted 290-135 for the $32.8
billion expansion of the State Children’s Health Insurance
Program, or SCHIP, which was approved by the Senate last week.
Democratic leaders are rushing the bill to Obama, who plans
to sign it at a White House ceremony on Wednesday. Former
Republican President George W. Bush twice vetoed similar
legislation.
“Today, the objective of years of work will be
substantially advanced. With this vote, and with President
Obama’s immediate signature, this bill will at long last be
law,” said House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer of Maryland.
The signing ceremony should provide a lift for Obama a day
after he acknowledged mistakes in the handling of Tom Daschle’s
nomination as his point man to lead a broader overhaul of the
$2.3 trillion U.S. healthcare industry.
Daschle, a former Senate minority leader, withdrew his name
from consideration as secretary of health and human services
because of tax problems.
The SCHIP program aims to help working families who cannot
afford private health insurance but earn too much to qualify
for Medicaid healthcare coverage for the poor. The additional
money for the program will help states insure as many as 11
million children, compared with about 7.4 million currently
enrolled in the program.

Stop smoking for Fido's sake

admin — Sun, 25 Jan 2009 14:11:21 +0000

Quitting smoking is tough. But if smokers won’t do it for their own good, or the benefit of family members, some may do it for their pets, say the authors of a study published today in the journal
.
Secondhand smoke is as dangerous for pets as it is for the non-smoking people who live with smokers. Non-smokers who live with smokers have to worry about the risk of lung cancer and respiratory diseases. But even dogs and cats exposed to secondhand smoke have an increased risk of lung cancer, allergies, eye and skin diseases and respiratory problems. Few smokers realize the health impact on their pets, however, said the authors of the study.
The researchers, from the Center for Health Promotion and Disease Prevention at the Henry Ford Health System in Detroit, conducted an online survey of 3,300 people, 1 in 5 of whom were smokers and 1 in 4 of whom lived with a smoker. More than one-quarter of the smokers said that knowing that smoking was bad for their pets would motivate them to give it up. Among nonsmokers who lived with smokers, 16% said such knowledge would prompt them to ask their partners to quit. Almost 20% of the smokers and 40% of the nonsmokers said they would not allow smoking inside the house if it imperiled their pets.
The study raises the possibility that smoking cessation campaigns may work better if they were targeted to pets’ health. As the researchers noted: “Pet owners in the U.S. are very devoted to their pets.”

Hospital staff to speak at Patel inquiry

admin — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 03:29:40 +0000

Staff from the Bundaberg Base Hospital will continue to give evidence on Friday to the Jayant Patel committal hearing in Brisbane.
On Thursday the hearing was told Patel was a difficult man who would lie to families about the success of operations even when his patients’ health was deteriorating.
Intensive care unit nurse Karen Stumer (Stumer) told the court on video link she overheard Patel telling the family of James Phillips that he was stable after an oesophagacetomy in May 2003, when in fact he was deteriorating.
Mr Phillips died just days after Patel’s operation.
The hearing will run for another two weeks, with an additional two weeks set aside in April.

Get Active: Cruise into the fitness lifestyle

admin — Sun, 18 Jan 2009 17:46:34 +0000

February 15, 2009 03:47 am
It’s mid- February, and the beginning of spring-like weather is a wonderful time in South Georgia.
It’s mid- February and the beginning of spring-like weather is a wonderful time in South Georgia. The flowers, bushes and trees are beautiful and alive. The temperatures are wonderful for being active outdoors. Not too hot, not too cold, just right. The sun is shining a little more each day — more hours to get your workout done in the day light hours.
Some of us are ready to shed the winter insulation we have gained, in preparation for the summer season just around the corner. We may have had New Year’s Resolutions, but they have dwindled to the side as we have gotten farther away from January 1. What a perfect time to make the personal decision to begin for the first time, or start another exercise program. It is never too late to start a program to improve your physical fitness and quality of life. Spring offers a variety of reasons to decide on an activity that allows you to enjoy the outdoors, like walking, running, cycling and such.
There are plenty of events coming up in March and April that will boost your support system. You will be amazed at how many neighbors, co-workers and members of your congregation are active in these types of events week-in and week-out.
Most Thursday evenings, listen to Talk 92.1 FM for the radio program that will offer an interview with recognized experts concerning the benefits of an active lifestyle. In the meantime, start a program to be proactive and preventative – rather than reactive. Get active. Listen in and become involved on Talk 92.1 FM between 6-7 p.m. You will learn from this program.
The Valdosta Grand Prix circuit for 2009 started on Jan. 1 and continues throughout the year. There are five events throughout the year: New Year’s Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day and Thanksgiving Day. In each of these events, points can be earned towards overall and age group categories. Four of the five events will have an entry fee of $5 and a cap for a family of $20; however, no T-shirts will be offered. Awards will be given out to overall, masters and the top two in each of 16 age groups, both male and female. The way the points are awarded should keep everyone close in the standings. Be a part of the 2009 Valdosta Grand Prix. In conjunction with this Grand Prix is one designed for the younger folks who run the 1-mile events. Get the family involved in either the 5K or 1-mile events. You will feel the difference.
On Feb. 28, the annual Victory for Victoria run/walks will occur on the Valwood campus. Applications are out, and your family can get involved.
On March 14, the annual Azalea Festival 5K and 1-mile runs will be presented. Applications are available, so come by the Get Active running store to pick one up.
On March 21, the Knights of Columbus present a 5K and 1-mile fun run to raise money for the ACS Relay for Life. Be a part of a wonderful family event that helps raise money to rid of world of cancer.
Events and opportunities in April will be shared in the coming weeks.
If you have questions about your walking, running or other training, drop me an e-mail and I will do my level best to answer your questions. Check out www.getactivevaldosta.com to get connected. Become a member of the GetActiveSouthGeorgia yahoo group with over 119 other people. Listen to the Get Active radio program on Thursday evenings from 6-7 p.m. on Talk 92.1 FM to receive additional information or to ask questions.

As economic fears rise, families on verge of unraveling

admin — Thu, 15 Jan 2009 08:54:27 +0000

Children can do well despite a family’s financial setbacks, says Jana Martin, a psychologist in Long Beach, Calif.
-Parents should explain what is changing and what isn’t, she suggests. “We may have to move, but you’ll get to keep your bed and your favorite things.” Keep as many family routines as possible. If something has to go, try to give options: The family makes pizza together instead of going out.
-Invite teenagers to help brainstorm ways to cut costs and contribute.
-Notice signs of possible worry, such as changes in sleep, crying or isolation from friends. Ask about their fears. Correct misinformation and comfort them.
-Let children know that they can ask questions about changes and that parents will talk about whatever upsets the kids.

Proposal creates database for drugs

admin — Thu, 15 Jan 2009 04:13:13 +0000

ATLANTA – People who get multiple doses of pain medicine for the same complaint would have a tougher time going undetected under legislation designed to create a statewide drug database.
Rep. Ron Stephens, R-Savannah, introduced House Bill 273, the Georgia Prescription Monitoring Program Act to make it easier to spot cases where people have gotten multiple prescriptions for federally controlled pain medications.
It’s designed to catch two kinds of situations, from either the same physician or from multiple doctors. One situation is where an unprofessional doctor over-prescribes powerful painkillers, as in the case of professional wrestler Chris Benoit who killed his family and himself due to drug overdose. That Carrollton physician pleaded guilty in federal court last week. A second situation is where someone goes to multiple doctors with the same complaint of pain so each writes a prescription.
Some of the people getting multiple prescriptions are abusing the drugs themselves. Some are selling the drugs, experts say.
Because 32 states – many surrounding Georgia – already operate prescriptions databases, Georgia is vulnerable to abuses, said Jim Bracewell, executive vice president of the Georgia Pharmacy Association which supports the bill.
“We know that people are crossing the lines from those states to have suspicious or perhaps illegal prescriptions filled in Georgia,” he said.
Stephens, who owns a pharmacy, sees the bill from a humanitarian perspective.
“It will save people’s lives,” he said. “… We’ll be able to help people that are going down an addictive path.”
State inspectors have the authority to review prescriptions manually, he said, but their staff of eight would benefit from the instant access an electronic database would provide.
walter.jones@morris.com, (404) 589-8424

Long collapses, taken to hospital

admin — Sun, 11 Jan 2009 00:58:01 +0000

Raleigh, N.C. —
Former state Insurance Commissioner Jim Long was taken to Rex Hospital Wednesday afternoon after he suffered a stroke at the Legislative Office Building.
Long was outside the office of state Rep. Cary Allred, R-Alamance, when he collapsed. Legislative assistant Nancy Garriss said she saw Long writing on top of a file cabinet when he fell “like a tree” to the floor.
Garriss and other legislative aides rushed to his assistance and called paramedics.
“I ran in there and asked him his name and if he was OK. He said he was OK and his name was Jim Long,” Garriss said. “The fact that he was able to respond immediately and say, ‘I’m OK’ (was a good sign). He was a little shook up, of course. Anybody would be when you fall.”
Long, 68, served as insurance commissioner for 24 years before choosing not to seek re-election last fall.
He was transported by EMS to Rex Hospital where doctors determined Long had suffered a stroke, Rex spokeswoman Melody Hunter-Pillion said. Doctors were continuing to evaluate his condition Wednesday evening.
“He is in my prayers,” said Insurance Commissioner Wayne Goodwin, Long’s former assistant. “I’ve asked the (legislative) committee to keep him and his family in our prayers.”

FDA Clears Medical Test

admin — Tue, 30 Dec 2008 03:50:39 +0000

Its unclear exactly what causes asthma. Find out what the experts are saying and get other asthma related questions answered here.
By removing toxins from your home you can make you and your family healthier in the long run. Here are ten ways to do just that.
If youre like most people these days youre feeling the pinch of a tough economy. Find out the best ways to make the most of your money.
Be sure you can spot the signs of poor nutrition and help your aging parents live a healthier life.

Teen Test Day screens health of 1000

admin — Sun, 28 Dec 2008 07:33:09 +0000

The HIV test required a saliva swab and was completed in 20 minutes. Teens walked away with a T-shirt, candy or a pen. Many said they weren’t sexually active, but thought it wise to get a free screening.
“It’s good to get them in the habit even if they haven’t been sexually active,” said Regina Hampton, a case manager for Circle Family HealthCare Network, which administered the screenings. “You can get it from blood transfusions or a freak accident.”
The screenings were part of the second annual Teen Test Day, which drew hundreds of teenagers and health experts to the South Shore Cultural Center. Last year, 650 teenagers were tested for HIV.
In recent years, about half of new HIV patients have been younger than 25, according to organizers. And the rate is highest among black teenagers.
Teen Test Day is sponsored by the Metropolitan Area Group for Igniting Civilizations, a Chicago youth group.
Bryan Echols, the group’s executive director, said HIV screening is a priority, but there are other “silent killers” such as hypertension, high blood pressure and diabetes.
Jasmeen Wellere, 15, a freshman at Hirsch Metro High School, said that her father has diabetes, but that she has never had her glucose tested.
“I wouldn’t have done it if I didn’t come here,” she said. “I just wonder if I have diabetes, or may get it.”
A nurse told Johnnie Butler, 17, an athlete at Robeson High School, that his blood pressure is normal, but that he needs to stay active.
Butler, who hasn’t been to the doctor in a year, said he is trying to keep his weight down and eat healthy. But he said most teenagers usually don’t think about health.
“It’s not taught to them,” he said. “At my school, health is not something we learn.”

Heartless mom of NJ cop charged in DWI death blames couple

admin — Tue, 23 Dec 2008 08:38:06 +0000

Heartless mom of N.J. cop charged in DWI death blames couple
,
Monday, February 9th 2009, 1:08 AM
cop who plowed into a young couple – killing a recent law school grad – tried to blame the victims for the crash Sunday.
and her boyfriend were crossing West St. against the light when her son,
, 25, struck them.
“It was her fault,” said the woman, who identified herself only as the officer’s mother.
Cops pointedly refused to say whether the couple had the light or not.
The mom even said there was nothing wrong with Abreu’s drinking and driving.
“So my son went out and had a couple of drinks. He deserves to have a good time now and then,” she said.
southbound on West St. at 3:40 a.m. Saturday when he hit Feng, 26, and
, 26, as they walked home to
after a night of tango dancing, police and family members said.
Feng died at the scene. Loffredo is recovering from injuries to his leg and head at
.
Abreu was charged with vehicular manslaughter and DWI. He was suspended from his job.
None of that mattered to his mom. “My son is a good kid,” Abreu’s mother said. “He doesn’t deserve this.”
Loffredo’s parents tried to counsel their distraught son as they recalled his relationship with his “lovely” girlfriend.
“They met at a Renaissance festival in the Cloisters. He saw her and invited her to tango,” said his mother,
.
Dennis Loffredo only found out Sunday afternoon that Feng had died.
,
, but came to the city most weekends to see Feng.
four years ago.
and was studying to take the bar exam this summer.
“She was a lovely young woman and very sweet,” said
of Manhattan, who was visiting Dennis Loffredo at the hospital.