Good that there are people ho still try to make the differrence QJ
Osprey Media. - Brantford Expositor: "Brant Out of the Cold cllent: 'They don't judge people'
Expositor Staff
By Michell Ruby
Local News - Friday, March 30, 2007 Updated @ 11:20:17 PM
Eyes brimming with tears and wearing an outfit he said he wasn't ashamed to say he picked from a donation bin, Brad Giletchuk talked about being homeless.
Among the audience Thursday were many faces familiar to him: those from local agencies he may have contacted over his years of addiction and loss.
“People didn’t want me around when I was using,” said the soft-spoken 36-year-old. “Now people are listening intently to me and looking at me with respect.”
Giletchuk credits the Brant Out of the Cold program, which offered him a warm place to sleep over the winter, with helping change his life. His words put a face to the sometimes elusive problem of local homelessness.
Peggy Weston, who presented a report on the Out of the Cold program to representatives of local agencies, said there’s no way to determine just how many homeless there are in the city. But she says the number is growing and there’s a need for a shelter, open to anyone without restriction, all year long"
Friday, March 30, 2007
Thursday, March 29, 2007
Canadian physicians keen to deploy IT
Canadian physicians keen to deploy IT: "Canadian physicians keen to deploy IT, but...
By: Lisa Williams, senior writer, InterGovWorld
(2007-03-07)
Email the Editor | Email a Friend
Muttitt adds that Infoway is building the new kidney disease care portal on the success of Grand River's portal for patients managing cancer.
'The portals allow patients to be more engaged in their care management. They're able to monitor their processes and keep a journal of their side effects,' says Muttitt.
'This helps to facilitate better communication with their health team and improves intervention. It also prevents some of the progression of the disease, and that's really what's pivotal here.'
The urgency for physicians to move to an online care environment is growing internationally, according to Dare. 'What I often see as I work across Commonwealth countries and the U.S. is that physicians, especially GPs, are feeling a huge pressure to implement a full electronic medical record in their practice,' she says.
Dare concurs with Chris that implementation is expensive, however. It's also a massive undertaking in terms of the technology involved, she adds, as it also changes physician workflows.
'I think the more we in the IT industry and the rest of health care can help physicians find some good first steps, that aren't quite so enormous, it starts us down that path in a very tangible way.'
Key findings of the survey:
- 45 per cent of Americans said they would like to be able to directly e-mail their doctor
'It will develop (in Canada) because it's efficient for patients and for doctors. But it's only efficient if you get paid for it,' says Chris. 'That's something we're a bit behind on: developing remuneration systems consistently with moder"
By: Lisa Williams, senior writer, InterGovWorld
(2007-03-07)
Email the Editor | Email a Friend
Muttitt adds that Infoway is building the new kidney disease care portal on the success of Grand River's portal for patients managing cancer.
'The portals allow patients to be more engaged in their care management. They're able to monitor their processes and keep a journal of their side effects,' says Muttitt.
'This helps to facilitate better communication with their health team and improves intervention. It also prevents some of the progression of the disease, and that's really what's pivotal here.'
The urgency for physicians to move to an online care environment is growing internationally, according to Dare. 'What I often see as I work across Commonwealth countries and the U.S. is that physicians, especially GPs, are feeling a huge pressure to implement a full electronic medical record in their practice,' she says.
Dare concurs with Chris that implementation is expensive, however. It's also a massive undertaking in terms of the technology involved, she adds, as it also changes physician workflows.
'I think the more we in the IT industry and the rest of health care can help physicians find some good first steps, that aren't quite so enormous, it starts us down that path in a very tangible way.'
Key findings of the survey:
- 45 per cent of Americans said they would like to be able to directly e-mail their doctor
'It will develop (in Canada) because it's efficient for patients and for doctors. But it's only efficient if you get paid for it,' says Chris. 'That's something we're a bit behind on: developing remuneration systems consistently with moder"
Saturday, March 24, 2007
mark up on drugs
Food for thought And the alternative is to use natural products
The markup
--------------------------------------------
A couple of years ago, the Life Extension Foundation listed the cost of the key ingredients of several best selling prescription drugs. Here's a quick breakdown of just a few:
Prilosec consumer price: $360.97 for 100 20mg tabs. The active ingredient costs a little more than 50 cents per tab. The markup: more than 69,000 percent.
Norvasc consumer price: $188.29 for 100 10mg tabs. The active ingredient costs 14 cents per tab. The markup: more than 134,000 percent.
Prozac consumer price: $247.47 for 100 20mg tabs. The active ingredient costs 11 cents per tab. The markup: nearly 225,000 percent
Of course, there's quite a bit more to drug production than just active ingredients. But even after you consider the cost of research and development, manufacturing, marketing, packaging, legal fees, etc., you're left with an easy-to-understand equation: Consumers pay through the nose while major drug companies make billions in profits each year. "
The markup
--------------------------------------------
A couple of years ago, the Life Extension Foundation listed the cost of the key ingredients of several best selling prescription drugs. Here's a quick breakdown of just a few:
Prilosec consumer price: $360.97 for 100 20mg tabs. The active ingredient costs a little more than 50 cents per tab. The markup: more than 69,000 percent.
Norvasc consumer price: $188.29 for 100 10mg tabs. The active ingredient costs 14 cents per tab. The markup: more than 134,000 percent.
Prozac consumer price: $247.47 for 100 20mg tabs. The active ingredient costs 11 cents per tab. The markup: nearly 225,000 percent
Of course, there's quite a bit more to drug production than just active ingredients. But even after you consider the cost of research and development, manufacturing, marketing, packaging, legal fees, etc., you're left with an easy-to-understand equation: Consumers pay through the nose while major drug companies make billions in profits each year. "
Sunday, March 18, 2007
Healing power of pets
Amazing Healing Power of Pets Bernie S. Siegel, MD
Pets -- cats, dogs, rabbits, horses, birds, etc. -- are good for our health. Pet owners make fewer doctor visits, have shorter hospital stays and take less medication than people who don't own pets. Pets even help prevent and relieve the following medical conditions...
Cardiovascular disease. A researcher at Brooklyn College in New York studied 369 people who had suffered heart attacks. Dog owners were eight times more likely to survive for one year after a heart attack than those who didn't have dogs -- and it wasn't because they were walking their dogs and exercising more. Increased survival rates were based on owning a dog, not on any other physical, psychological or social factors.
High blood pressure. In another study, half of a group of stockbrokers with high blood pressure were instructed to get a cat or dog. Six months later, both groups pretended to have a brief discussion with an angry client who had lost a lot of money in the stock market. On average, those with pets experienced only half the rise in blood pressure as those without pets.
Arthritis. At the Missouri Arthritis Rehabilitation Research and Training Center at University of MissouriColumbia, pets such as dogs are recommended to help patients increase their daily movement -- one of the best ways to manage the disease and minimize disability.
Cancer. At the Mayo Clinic, an oncologist tells many of his new patients to acquire a pet to reduce the devastating emotional impact of a cancer diagnosis.
In one study, Alzheimer's patients at a resident facility ate more and gained weight after aquariums were installed. In another study, patients at a facility had fewer behavioral problems one month after a dog became a resident.
Mind/body connection Petting an animal is soothing to mind, body and spirit. You become focused on loving and being loved. This increases levels of the mood-improving brain chemical serotonin. Interacting with a pet even increases oxytocin, a hormone generated in high levels during pregnancy and lactation. Dozens of animal studies link higher levels of oxytocin with lower blood pressure, lower cortisol (a hormone associated with stress), positive social interaction, increased pain tolerance and faster wound healing.
Pets can even lengthen life. In a study of nursing homes, when pets were part of the program, mortality rates were 25% lower than at facilities that didn't include pets. Dogs also encourage us to exercise. If there's one thing on which every doctor agrees, it's that exercise is good for you. And because pets are such great icebreakers, you're more likely to meet and talk with other people. That extra sociability is beneficial, too.
Pets -- cats, dogs, rabbits, horses, birds, etc. -- are good for our health. Pet owners make fewer doctor visits, have shorter hospital stays and take less medication than people who don't own pets. Pets even help prevent and relieve the following medical conditions...
Cardiovascular disease. A researcher at Brooklyn College in New York studied 369 people who had suffered heart attacks. Dog owners were eight times more likely to survive for one year after a heart attack than those who didn't have dogs -- and it wasn't because they were walking their dogs and exercising more. Increased survival rates were based on owning a dog, not on any other physical, psychological or social factors.
High blood pressure. In another study, half of a group of stockbrokers with high blood pressure were instructed to get a cat or dog. Six months later, both groups pretended to have a brief discussion with an angry client who had lost a lot of money in the stock market. On average, those with pets experienced only half the rise in blood pressure as those without pets.
Arthritis. At the Missouri Arthritis Rehabilitation Research and Training Center at University of MissouriColumbia, pets such as dogs are recommended to help patients increase their daily movement -- one of the best ways to manage the disease and minimize disability.
Cancer. At the Mayo Clinic, an oncologist tells many of his new patients to acquire a pet to reduce the devastating emotional impact of a cancer diagnosis.
In one study, Alzheimer's patients at a resident facility ate more and gained weight after aquariums were installed. In another study, patients at a facility had fewer behavioral problems one month after a dog became a resident.
Mind/body connection Petting an animal is soothing to mind, body and spirit. You become focused on loving and being loved. This increases levels of the mood-improving brain chemical serotonin. Interacting with a pet even increases oxytocin, a hormone generated in high levels during pregnancy and lactation. Dozens of animal studies link higher levels of oxytocin with lower blood pressure, lower cortisol (a hormone associated with stress), positive social interaction, increased pain tolerance and faster wound healing.
Pets can even lengthen life. In a study of nursing homes, when pets were part of the program, mortality rates were 25% lower than at facilities that didn't include pets. Dogs also encourage us to exercise. If there's one thing on which every doctor agrees, it's that exercise is good for you. And because pets are such great icebreakers, you're more likely to meet and talk with other people. That extra sociability is beneficial, too.
Saturday, March 17, 2007
Frugal living – online - 50Plus.com
Interesting back to basics links QJ
Frugal living – online - 50Plus.com: "Money
Frugal living – online
Article By: Jennifer Gruden
If you've decided to live more simply or frugally, connect with others taking the lesser-travelled path.
If you've chosen – or been forced by circumstance – to live on a tight budget, it can seem like you're swimming against the currents of our consumer-based society. Shopping trips, meals out, and gifts all add up if you're expected to tag along and chip in. And others' tales of their latest vacation or expensive 'toys' can make you feel deprived, even if you truly feel you lack for nothing – or very little.
But take heart. You can find other like-minded individuals. Here are some great sites you can visit for tips, information, and discussion with others taking the same lesser-travelled path. And of course, they're all free (other than the price of connecting to the Internet, of course!)
About.com's frugal living site (http://frugalliving.about.com/), although lacking a guide at the moment, remains a fantastic source of ideas, links, and articles. I particularly like the inspiration section, and the monthly shopping guides are very helpful, cataloguing what's likely to be on sale – and what's likely to be expensive. There is an active forum available at the site, but visitors may find it to be a little difficult to use. Quote from the site keep savers on track: “Having a clear goal in mind is half the battle, no matter what it is. You can't get 'there' without knowing where 'there' is.”
The Simple Living Network (http://www.simpleliving.net/) has been an online resource for 11 years, and it shows. Based largely on the philosophies outlined "
Frugal living – online - 50Plus.com: "Money
Frugal living – online
Article By: Jennifer Gruden
If you've decided to live more simply or frugally, connect with others taking the lesser-travelled path.
If you've chosen – or been forced by circumstance – to live on a tight budget, it can seem like you're swimming against the currents of our consumer-based society. Shopping trips, meals out, and gifts all add up if you're expected to tag along and chip in. And others' tales of their latest vacation or expensive 'toys' can make you feel deprived, even if you truly feel you lack for nothing – or very little.
But take heart. You can find other like-minded individuals. Here are some great sites you can visit for tips, information, and discussion with others taking the same lesser-travelled path. And of course, they're all free (other than the price of connecting to the Internet, of course!)
About.com's frugal living site (http://frugalliving.about.com/), although lacking a guide at the moment, remains a fantastic source of ideas, links, and articles. I particularly like the inspiration section, and the monthly shopping guides are very helpful, cataloguing what's likely to be on sale – and what's likely to be expensive. There is an active forum available at the site, but visitors may find it to be a little difficult to use. Quote from the site keep savers on track: “Having a clear goal in mind is half the battle, no matter what it is. You can't get 'there' without knowing where 'there' is.”
The Simple Living Network (http://www.simpleliving.net/) has been an online resource for 11 years, and it shows. Based largely on the philosophies outlined "
Friday, March 16, 2007
Elder-care Planning
Elder-care Planning: "Elder-care Planning
Steps to Take Now Before a Health Crisis
Susan Beerman, MSW
Barrister Advisory Services
Judith Rappaport-Musson, CSA
Preferred Client Services, Inc.
Special from Bottom Line/Retirement
lthough much of life is unpredictable, most of us work hard to prepare for what might happen. We install smoke alarms, click seat belts and stock up on cough syrup... because you never know.
The same sense of cautious anticipation characterizes the ablest caregivers. Applying common sense and foresight, those who look out for the elderly can plan for some of the crises that are common in old age.
As experienced geriatric care managers, we are frequently called in as alarm bells are ringing. Time and again, we wish clients caring for the aged had recognized the likelihood of certain events and prepared for them to the best of their ability. Even making on-the-spot decisions, we’ve found, is less stressful when the way is paved with research.
The secret to successful caregiving comes down to organization and planning. To prevent some emergencies and reduce the shock of others, imagine what might happen -- and be ready. All-too-common scenarios... Elder-care Planning
Steps to Take Now Before a Health Crisis
Steps to Take Now Before a Health Crisis
Susan Beerman, MSW
Barrister Advisory Services
Judith Rappaport-Musson, CSA
Preferred Client Services, Inc.
Special from Bottom Line/Retirement
lthough much of life is unpredictable, most of us work hard to prepare for what might happen. We install smoke alarms, click seat belts and stock up on cough syrup... because you never know.
The same sense of cautious anticipation characterizes the ablest caregivers. Applying common sense and foresight, those who look out for the elderly can plan for some of the crises that are common in old age.
As experienced geriatric care managers, we are frequently called in as alarm bells are ringing. Time and again, we wish clients caring for the aged had recognized the likelihood of certain events and prepared for them to the best of their ability. Even making on-the-spot decisions, we’ve found, is less stressful when the way is paved with research.
The secret to successful caregiving comes down to organization and planning. To prevent some emergencies and reduce the shock of others, imagine what might happen -- and be ready. All-too-common scenarios... Elder-care Planning
Steps to Take Now Before a Health Crisis
Thursday, March 08, 2007
Bloodless Surgery
Medical innovations that work!
When my brother had major surgery a number of years ago, a significant decision prior to the surgery was whether or not to donate some of his own blood for fear of needing a transfusion. But what if that extra blood wasn't a necessary part of the equation? What if new surgical techniques, new equipment and a better understanding of the body's reliance on hemoglobin meant that many surgeries -- especially elective surgeries -- no longer required transfusions of donated blood? Sound unrealistic? Guess again. The truth is, bloodless surgery is a reality that's gaining popularity among surgeons and patients alike. And its definitely something you need to know about.
HOW IT WORKS
Technology has paved the way for bloodless surgery -- it simply wouldn't be an option without some of the cutting-edge instruments and surgical techniques currently available. This includes minimally invasive surgeries such as extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy, which uses high-energy sound waves to break up kidney stones. Bloodless surgery also may involve groundbreaking new scalpels like the harmonic scalpel (using ultrasound waves) and microwave-coagulating scalpel, which seal bleeding blood vessels as they cut... cryosurgery, which freezes (and thus destroys) the tissue that would normally be cut out... the gamma knife, which uses precision radiation to destroy tumors or abnormal vessels... and relatively new "cell saver" machines that collect the small amount of blood lost during these surgeries or after, clean it and return it to the patient.These technologies are so efficient that, according to Patricia A. Ford, MD, medical director of The Center for Bloodless Medicine and Surgery at Pennsylvania Hospital in Philadelphia, even complex surgeries can now be done without transfused blood. "More complex surgeries can be performed, such as open heart surgeries, liver transplants, even orthopedic procedures, which are normally quite bloody," she explains. "We've not yet encountered any particular type of elective surgery that cannot use these technologies." (Note the word "elective," however. Even Dr. Ford says that, in acute trauma situations, blood transfusions may be the only life-saving options available.)
BACKERS OF BLOODLESS
Bloodless surgery isn't exactly new, as the techniques and related technologies have been used and developed for more than a decade, partly for the benefit of Jehovah's Witnesses, whose religious beliefs prevent them from accepting blood transfusions. But there are other groups who support the development of bloodless surgery, as well. "There are individuals who will decline transfusions for various reasons," explains Dr. Ford. "including the fear of infection and other complications. But doctors also request bloodless surgery for their patients, because they recognize there's still a risk associated with transfusions and they want to be able to offer their patients alternatives."Another reason bloodless surgery is vital is the shortage of donated blood. The American Red Cross, for example, faces an increasing number of blood-supply shortages each year as the whole population lives longer and more elective and necessary surgeries are performed. "They suspect that, within the next 10 or so years, we're not going to be able to meet the needs of our population for elective procedures," says Dr. Ford. "These blood products are becoming increasingly unavailable." And bloodless surgery provides a solution to the shortage so that necessary surgeries that may call for donated blood can still be done, with minimal impact on overall blood supply
FEW RISKS -- AND BIG SAVINGS"
Personally, I think there are very few risks with bloodless surgery," says Dr. Ford. The biggest risk, obviously, is blood loss. But healthy adults can usually lose up to 20% of their normal blood volume without suffering permanent damage to vital organs, and the technology mentioned above minimizes the risk of massive bleeds. Still, the risk of excessive bleeding is something to consider and talk to a surgeon about -- Are you willing to receive a transfusion if the need arises? Fortunately, such complications are rare. When Dr. Ford compared bloodless surgery patients to those who received traditional surgery, she found that the bloodless surgery patients not only didn't have an increased mortality risk, but they actually had shorter stays in the hospital. The bloodless procedures even reduced the overall costs associated with surgery, which isn't hard to understand as the per-unit cost of blood often hovers between $200 and $500. While there is a cost to the equipment, and likely to training, you don't need a special surgeon -- any surgeon can use the equipment -- so the costs are not ongoing. So, overall, and especially over time, there is a savings due to the shorter hospital stays and less blood use. "Hospital administrators are increasingly interested in this," says Dr. Ford. "Many hospitals have a $2 million or $3 million budget for blood... even a 10% reduction in blood use can really have a significant impact."
WORK TO BE DONE
Solid research -- including significant large-scale clinical trials -- into each of the various forms of bloodless surgery has yet to be conducted or evaluated, says Dr. Ford. She admits that it's the next step proponents of bloodless surgery need to take, if they hope to further promote their blood-saving methodologies. "There are over 120 bloodless surgery centers across the country that have been operating independently," she explains. "We need to pool our data and information and publish the results if we want to change the standard of care." That work is underway -- and the face of surgery is changing.
If you're interested in bloodless surgery and want to find a hospital near you, visit the Society for the Advancement of Blood Management Web site at www.sabm.org... and, talk to your doctor about your surgery options.
When my brother had major surgery a number of years ago, a significant decision prior to the surgery was whether or not to donate some of his own blood for fear of needing a transfusion. But what if that extra blood wasn't a necessary part of the equation? What if new surgical techniques, new equipment and a better understanding of the body's reliance on hemoglobin meant that many surgeries -- especially elective surgeries -- no longer required transfusions of donated blood? Sound unrealistic? Guess again. The truth is, bloodless surgery is a reality that's gaining popularity among surgeons and patients alike. And its definitely something you need to know about.
HOW IT WORKS
Technology has paved the way for bloodless surgery -- it simply wouldn't be an option without some of the cutting-edge instruments and surgical techniques currently available. This includes minimally invasive surgeries such as extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy, which uses high-energy sound waves to break up kidney stones. Bloodless surgery also may involve groundbreaking new scalpels like the harmonic scalpel (using ultrasound waves) and microwave-coagulating scalpel, which seal bleeding blood vessels as they cut... cryosurgery, which freezes (and thus destroys) the tissue that would normally be cut out... the gamma knife, which uses precision radiation to destroy tumors or abnormal vessels... and relatively new "cell saver" machines that collect the small amount of blood lost during these surgeries or after, clean it and return it to the patient.These technologies are so efficient that, according to Patricia A. Ford, MD, medical director of The Center for Bloodless Medicine and Surgery at Pennsylvania Hospital in Philadelphia, even complex surgeries can now be done without transfused blood. "More complex surgeries can be performed, such as open heart surgeries, liver transplants, even orthopedic procedures, which are normally quite bloody," she explains. "We've not yet encountered any particular type of elective surgery that cannot use these technologies." (Note the word "elective," however. Even Dr. Ford says that, in acute trauma situations, blood transfusions may be the only life-saving options available.)
BACKERS OF BLOODLESS
Bloodless surgery isn't exactly new, as the techniques and related technologies have been used and developed for more than a decade, partly for the benefit of Jehovah's Witnesses, whose religious beliefs prevent them from accepting blood transfusions. But there are other groups who support the development of bloodless surgery, as well. "There are individuals who will decline transfusions for various reasons," explains Dr. Ford. "including the fear of infection and other complications. But doctors also request bloodless surgery for their patients, because they recognize there's still a risk associated with transfusions and they want to be able to offer their patients alternatives."Another reason bloodless surgery is vital is the shortage of donated blood. The American Red Cross, for example, faces an increasing number of blood-supply shortages each year as the whole population lives longer and more elective and necessary surgeries are performed. "They suspect that, within the next 10 or so years, we're not going to be able to meet the needs of our population for elective procedures," says Dr. Ford. "These blood products are becoming increasingly unavailable." And bloodless surgery provides a solution to the shortage so that necessary surgeries that may call for donated blood can still be done, with minimal impact on overall blood supply
FEW RISKS -- AND BIG SAVINGS"
Personally, I think there are very few risks with bloodless surgery," says Dr. Ford. The biggest risk, obviously, is blood loss. But healthy adults can usually lose up to 20% of their normal blood volume without suffering permanent damage to vital organs, and the technology mentioned above minimizes the risk of massive bleeds. Still, the risk of excessive bleeding is something to consider and talk to a surgeon about -- Are you willing to receive a transfusion if the need arises? Fortunately, such complications are rare. When Dr. Ford compared bloodless surgery patients to those who received traditional surgery, she found that the bloodless surgery patients not only didn't have an increased mortality risk, but they actually had shorter stays in the hospital. The bloodless procedures even reduced the overall costs associated with surgery, which isn't hard to understand as the per-unit cost of blood often hovers between $200 and $500. While there is a cost to the equipment, and likely to training, you don't need a special surgeon -- any surgeon can use the equipment -- so the costs are not ongoing. So, overall, and especially over time, there is a savings due to the shorter hospital stays and less blood use. "Hospital administrators are increasingly interested in this," says Dr. Ford. "Many hospitals have a $2 million or $3 million budget for blood... even a 10% reduction in blood use can really have a significant impact."
WORK TO BE DONE
Solid research -- including significant large-scale clinical trials -- into each of the various forms of bloodless surgery has yet to be conducted or evaluated, says Dr. Ford. She admits that it's the next step proponents of bloodless surgery need to take, if they hope to further promote their blood-saving methodologies. "There are over 120 bloodless surgery centers across the country that have been operating independently," she explains. "We need to pool our data and information and publish the results if we want to change the standard of care." That work is underway -- and the face of surgery is changing.
If you're interested in bloodless surgery and want to find a hospital near you, visit the Society for the Advancement of Blood Management Web site at www.sabm.org... and, talk to your doctor about your surgery options.
Tuesday, March 06, 2007
Rising Health costs
"What's Behind the Rise in Health Care Costs?
Americans are more than aware of the critical flaws in the system. Canadians should be as well. How informed are you? Indifferent-You will only become aware when you need it and then it will be too late. Pre-emptive health is a solid alternative QJ
What's Behind the Rise in
Health Care Costs?
A recent article in The Wall Street Journal caught my eye: "Health-Care Premiums Rise 7.7%, Outpacing Wages and Inflation" -- that's more than double the rate of inflation. And, frighteningly, the rise in health care costs is actually low compared with the fact that insurance costs have been averaging double or triple inflation for several years. I know the debate over rising health care has been a hot topic in Washington, DC, for years, but thought Charles B. Inlander, founder of the People's Medical Society, could further shed some light on the problem.
How did we get to this point and what can we do about it? Inlander offered an explanation and -- even though this is a complicated situation with no easy solutions -- a few coping tips that we can use as individuals to rein in our own runaway costs.
A HEALTH CARE SYSTEM IN DISARRAY
The numbers are grim. The US spends twice as much money per capita on medical care as any other industrialized country, yet we tend to have worse results with infant mortality, disease-free life expectancy, cancer rates, hospital infections, drug errors and many other health care measurements. We spend more, and we get less. This is because of rampant waste and inefficiency in our health care system, says Inlander.
According to a survey conducted by the The Commonwealth Fund (www.cmwf.org), a private foundation that supports independent research on health care issues, Americans are more than aware of the critical flaws in the system. Three out of four adults said that the health care system "needs either fundamental change or complete rebuilding." More than one third of respondents reported that they had received poorly coordinated, inefficient or unsafe care at some time during the past two years. This included unnecessary treatments, duplicate tests, drug or lab test errors and failure to provide test results or other important medical information.
NUMBER OF UNINSURED AMERICANS AT AN ALL-TIME HIGH
Sad to say, the problem is getting worse, not better. Employers are reacting to rocketing health care costs by reducing or dropping health care benefits for workers, adding to the growing ranks of the uninsured. The percentage of moderate-income Americans who lack health insurance for at least part of one year rose from 28% in 2001 to 41% in 2005... more than half of Americans with incomes of less than $20,000 a year have reported being uninsured for some or all of 2005. Many of the uninsured are children, with their numbers rising from 7.9 million in 2004 to 8.3 million in 2005. People without insurance are less likely to have a regular doctor or get important screening tests such as mammograms. According to the Institute of Medicine, approximately 18,000 Americans die prematurely each year because they have no health insurance.
This is why Inlander feels we're eventually going to end up with national health insurance. But is national health insurance the solution? Would offloading the expense of medical care to the government address the inefficiencies in the system? Or would this just guarantee payment for them? Whatever the future holds, here's what you can do now.
WHAT YOU CAN DO
While the politicians bicker about how to fix the rising health care costs, there are steps that we can take as individuals to keep a lid on our own medical expenses. Inlander recommends the following...
Use generic prescription drugs, which have been on the market longer. Not only are these less expensive, they are equally effective as brand name drugs and have a longer track record for safety.
Negotiate fees. Don't assume you have to pay the posted fees. Many physicians will be flexible depending on your circumstances, and may waive fees for repeat visits. For example, if your physician tells you to come back in for a blood pressure check or to examine your child's ears after an infection, say you're not coming back if you get charged again.
Shop around for the most economical health care plan that fits the needs of your family. You can learn more about how to choose a health plan at Web sites such as www.ahrq.gov/consumer/hlthpln1.htm and www.covertheuninsured.org.
Daily Health News contributing editor Andrew L. Rubman, ND, recommends that his patients focus on another important aspect of "beating health care costs" -- stay healthy through a focus on creating wellness in their lives. Whereas the mainstream medical community is geared toward symptom suppression through pharmacy, naturopathic practitioners work with patients to maximize their body's function and help it avoid disease... and in turn this reduces unnecessary health care costs. Whether or not your insurance company covers these visits, you may well find a better return on your investment with an ND. (natural doctor)
Americans are more than aware of the critical flaws in the system. Canadians should be as well. How informed are you? Indifferent-You will only become aware when you need it and then it will be too late. Pre-emptive health is a solid alternative QJ
What's Behind the Rise in
Health Care Costs?
A recent article in The Wall Street Journal caught my eye: "Health-Care Premiums Rise 7.7%, Outpacing Wages and Inflation" -- that's more than double the rate of inflation. And, frighteningly, the rise in health care costs is actually low compared with the fact that insurance costs have been averaging double or triple inflation for several years. I know the debate over rising health care has been a hot topic in Washington, DC, for years, but thought Charles B. Inlander, founder of the People's Medical Society, could further shed some light on the problem.
How did we get to this point and what can we do about it? Inlander offered an explanation and -- even though this is a complicated situation with no easy solutions -- a few coping tips that we can use as individuals to rein in our own runaway costs.
A HEALTH CARE SYSTEM IN DISARRAY
The numbers are grim. The US spends twice as much money per capita on medical care as any other industrialized country, yet we tend to have worse results with infant mortality, disease-free life expectancy, cancer rates, hospital infections, drug errors and many other health care measurements. We spend more, and we get less. This is because of rampant waste and inefficiency in our health care system, says Inlander.
According to a survey conducted by the The Commonwealth Fund (www.cmwf.org), a private foundation that supports independent research on health care issues, Americans are more than aware of the critical flaws in the system. Three out of four adults said that the health care system "needs either fundamental change or complete rebuilding." More than one third of respondents reported that they had received poorly coordinated, inefficient or unsafe care at some time during the past two years. This included unnecessary treatments, duplicate tests, drug or lab test errors and failure to provide test results or other important medical information.
NUMBER OF UNINSURED AMERICANS AT AN ALL-TIME HIGH
Sad to say, the problem is getting worse, not better. Employers are reacting to rocketing health care costs by reducing or dropping health care benefits for workers, adding to the growing ranks of the uninsured. The percentage of moderate-income Americans who lack health insurance for at least part of one year rose from 28% in 2001 to 41% in 2005... more than half of Americans with incomes of less than $20,000 a year have reported being uninsured for some or all of 2005. Many of the uninsured are children, with their numbers rising from 7.9 million in 2004 to 8.3 million in 2005. People without insurance are less likely to have a regular doctor or get important screening tests such as mammograms. According to the Institute of Medicine, approximately 18,000 Americans die prematurely each year because they have no health insurance.
This is why Inlander feels we're eventually going to end up with national health insurance. But is national health insurance the solution? Would offloading the expense of medical care to the government address the inefficiencies in the system? Or would this just guarantee payment for them? Whatever the future holds, here's what you can do now.
WHAT YOU CAN DO
While the politicians bicker about how to fix the rising health care costs, there are steps that we can take as individuals to keep a lid on our own medical expenses. Inlander recommends the following...
Use generic prescription drugs, which have been on the market longer. Not only are these less expensive, they are equally effective as brand name drugs and have a longer track record for safety.
Negotiate fees. Don't assume you have to pay the posted fees. Many physicians will be flexible depending on your circumstances, and may waive fees for repeat visits. For example, if your physician tells you to come back in for a blood pressure check or to examine your child's ears after an infection, say you're not coming back if you get charged again.
Shop around for the most economical health care plan that fits the needs of your family. You can learn more about how to choose a health plan at Web sites such as www.ahrq.gov/consumer/hlthpln1.htm and www.covertheuninsured.org.
Daily Health News contributing editor Andrew L. Rubman, ND, recommends that his patients focus on another important aspect of "beating health care costs" -- stay healthy through a focus on creating wellness in their lives. Whereas the mainstream medical community is geared toward symptom suppression through pharmacy, naturopathic practitioners work with patients to maximize their body's function and help it avoid disease... and in turn this reduces unnecessary health care costs. Whether or not your insurance company covers these visits, you may well find a better return on your investment with an ND. (natural doctor)
Saturday, March 03, 2007
For the love of dogs - 50Plus.com
For the love of dogs - 50Plus.com: "For the love of dogs
Article By: Cynthia Ross Cravit
A new UK study shows what many dog lovers already know: owning a dog is good for you.
The joy of companionship is only one benefit of dog ownership.
Yet another study has shown that dog owners are generally healthier than non-pet owners. Having a dog in the family can lower your blood pressure and cholesterol. It can also prevent you from becoming ill and help you recover more quickly when you do.
And dogs can even warn of cancer, heart attack, epileptic seizures and hypoglycemia, says Dr. Deborah Wells a senior lecturer from the Canine Behaviour Centre of Queens University in Northern Ireland.
Dr. Wells, whose study was published in the British Journal of Health Psychology, reviewed research papers that explore the link between dog ownership and human well-being. She also reviewed research on a dog's effect on a person's psychological health, including the therapeutic role of dogs in helping the disabled and people in hospitals, prisons and residential homes.
An Israeli study reported it was likely that animal companions helped people with schizophrenia feel motivated and calmer. And another UK study suggested that canine companionship aided children with chronic illnesses endure painful treatments.
A study conducted back in 1985 found that dog owners had a higher one year survival rate after a heart attack compared to people who did not have a dog.
A buffer for stress
What is it about dog ownership that makes us healthier? Dr. Wells says it's because the human-dog bond helps to reduce stress – a well-known cause of illness – and promotes general well-being. Owning a dog leads to increased physical activity and can facilitate increased social contact, both of which"
Article By: Cynthia Ross Cravit
A new UK study shows what many dog lovers already know: owning a dog is good for you.
The joy of companionship is only one benefit of dog ownership.
Yet another study has shown that dog owners are generally healthier than non-pet owners. Having a dog in the family can lower your blood pressure and cholesterol. It can also prevent you from becoming ill and help you recover more quickly when you do.
And dogs can even warn of cancer, heart attack, epileptic seizures and hypoglycemia, says Dr. Deborah Wells a senior lecturer from the Canine Behaviour Centre of Queens University in Northern Ireland.
Dr. Wells, whose study was published in the British Journal of Health Psychology, reviewed research papers that explore the link between dog ownership and human well-being. She also reviewed research on a dog's effect on a person's psychological health, including the therapeutic role of dogs in helping the disabled and people in hospitals, prisons and residential homes.
An Israeli study reported it was likely that animal companions helped people with schizophrenia feel motivated and calmer. And another UK study suggested that canine companionship aided children with chronic illnesses endure painful treatments.
A study conducted back in 1985 found that dog owners had a higher one year survival rate after a heart attack compared to people who did not have a dog.
A buffer for stress
What is it about dog ownership that makes us healthier? Dr. Wells says it's because the human-dog bond helps to reduce stress – a well-known cause of illness – and promotes general well-being. Owning a dog leads to increased physical activity and can facilitate increased social contact, both of which"
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