MedWorm: Rural Health

AHRQ Pharmacy Health Literacy Center

Rural web sites and other tools via the Rural Assistance Center — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 15:39:00 +0100

Provides tools for pharmacy faculty and pharmacy residents. Includes the module titled Advancing Pharmacy Health Literacy Practices Through Quality Improvement Curricular Modules for Faculty. -- Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (Source: Rural web sites and other tools via the Rural Assistance Center)

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Eyeing Greener Acres, New Farmers Reap Growing U.S. Aid

Scientific American - Official RSS Feed — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 13:14:00 +0100

By Carey Gillam HALLSVILLE, Missouri (Reuters) - Dan Pugh wishes he had a bigger tractor and his wife Laura worries about their chickens in the winter weather. But as new farmers putting down roots in rural Missouri, the Pughs are counting on more rewards than regrets in trading their city lives for the country. [More] (Source: Scientific American - Official RSS Feed)

Bronchoscopy in Rural Areas?

Advances in Urology — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 12:46:42 +0100

Quality of bronchoscopy performed by one single pulmonologist in a scarcely populated subarctic area was compared to the guidelines provided by the British Thoracic Society (BTS). 103 patients underwent bronchoscopy. Diagnostic yield was increased to 76.6% when the first bronchoscopy was supplemented by bronchial washing fluid and brush cytology and to 86.7% (BTS guidelines >80%) after a second bronchoscopy. Median time from referral to bronchoscopy was 10 days and 8 days from positive bronchoscopy to operative referral to another hospital. 1% of patients that underwent transbronchial lung biopsy had minor complications. One pulmonologist had rate of correct diagnosis based on visible endobronchial tumors that was comparable to the rates of numerous pulmonologists at larger center...

Zimbabwe: Global Fund Cancellation Jeopardises Health Sector

AllAfrica News: Health and Medicine — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 12:15:19 +0100

[Financial Gazette] THE termination of funding by the Global Fund could jeopardise Zimbabwe's under-funded health sector in the next two years, stakeholders cautioned this week, amid fears of a reversal in the gains achieved against the HIV and Aids scourge, tuberculosis (TB) and malaria, especially in the rural areas. (Source: AllAfrica News: Health and Medicine)

Rural school transportation in emerging countries: The Brazilian case - Carvalho WL, Moreira da Cruz RO, Câmara MT, Guilherme de Aragão JJ.

SafetyLit: All (Unduplicated) — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 11:54:53 +0100

The lack of proper policies for the rural environment, in contrast to the situation in the urban environment in Brazil, has prevented the rural population from benefiting from basic infrastructure and access to their rights as citizens. The poor school tra... (Source: SafetyLit: All (Unduplicated))

Outsourcing rural school transportation: A Brazilian handbook for practice at the municipal level - Moreira da Cruz RO, Câmara MT, Guilherme de Aragão JJ, Yamashita Y.

SafetyLit: All (Unduplicated) — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 11:54:53 +0100

In Brazil, Rural School Transportation (RST) falls under the responsibility of state and municipal governments. However, there are no clear rules to guide the provision of this essential service. RST in Brazil is characterised by inefficient contracting pr... (Source: SafetyLit: All (Unduplicated))

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Validation of the trait anxiety scale for state-trait anxiety inventory in suicide victims and living controls of Chinese rural youths. - Zhang J, Gao Q.

SafetyLit: All (Unduplicated) — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 11:54:53 +0100

This study evaluated the validation of STAI Trait-Anxiety Scale in suicide cases and community living controls in rural China. The participants were 392 suicides and 416 controls. Cronbach's Alpha was computed to evaluate the internal consistency. The Spea... (Source: SafetyLit: All (Unduplicated))

Early driving experience and influence on risk perception in young rural people. - Knight PJ, Iverson D, Harris MF.

SafetyLit: All (Unduplicated) — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 11:54:53 +0100

Young people, particularly males and those from a rural area, are over represented in road crashes; this occurs in vehicle dependent countries around the world, including Australia. The attitudes, experiences and behaviours of young drivers are some of the... (Source: SafetyLit: All (Unduplicated))

Let the country, not the City, drive the UK economy | Colin Tudge

Guardian Unlimited Science — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 11:02:51 +0100

In one Oxfordshire village, an idea is gathering traction: that it's time for a new agricultural revolutionOxford city council has decided that we need more houses and jobs – not least in my own village of Wolvercote, to the north-west of the city. Under the coalition's neighbourhood development order (part of the localism bill) we, the yokels, the ordinary Joes, have some say in what should be done.So now we plot and ponder in the village hall – and we are witnessing what I hope will prove to be a seismic shift in public mood, in the economy, and in the balance of power. For more and more people are beginning to feel that "development" shouldn't mean more of the same – more city-bound jobs and city-sprawl. Instead what we need is an agrarian renaissance: small-scale farming, includi...

Family Physicians Lead in Specialties in Providing Rural Health Care

News stories via the Rural Assistance Center — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 06:00:00 +0100

AAFP News Now article reports that family physicians provide more health care to rural areas than other primary care or subspecialty physicians, according to data released by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. (Source: News stories via the Rural Assistance Center)

Rural Jobs Four Years After Recession

News stories via the Rural Assistance Center — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 06:00:00 +0100

Most of rural America has not recovered from the recession that began four years ago, a Daily Yonder analysis of federal jobs figures has found. (Source: News stories via the Rural Assistance Center)

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Questions Emerge About Whether War Savings Can Pay for 'Doc Fix'

News stories via the Rural Assistance Center — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 06:00:00 +0100

Kaiser Health News brings together a variety of articles discussing how hospitals, physicians and some members of Congress want to use war savings as a way to get rid of Medicare's sustainable growth rate formula, but congressional rules could complicate things. (Source: News stories via the Rural Assistance Center)

Agriculture Deputy Secretary Merrigan Announces Funding to Create Jobs and Strengthen the Economic Foundation of Rural America

News stories via the Rural Assistance Center — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 06:00:00 +0100

Agriculture Deputy Secretary Kathleen Merrigan today announced that USDA has selected 298 recipients in 44 states and Puerto Rico to receive business development assistance through the Value-Added Producer Grant (VAPG) program. (Source: News stories via the Rural Assistance Center)

With Uncle Sam's Help, Americans Return to the Farm

News stories via the Rural Assistance Center — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 06:00:00 +0100

MSNBC article tells how fueled by an economic downturn that has curtailed the upward mobility of many corporate jobs, general dissatisfaction with suburban stresses and growing discontent with what they see as the ills of industrialized agriculture, thousands of families across the United States have left suburban cul de sacs and headed to the countryside - forging a new demographic of family farmer. (Source: News stories via the Rural Assistance Center)

CDC Releases Its First iPad "App"

News stories via the Rural Assistance Center — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 06:00:00 +0100

In an effort to enable fast and efficient mobile delivery of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC's) critical health information, they have released their first iPad "App" . The CDC App is free for anyone to download. (Source: News stories via the Rural Assistance Center)

Statement of Organization, Functions, and Delegations of Authority

Federal Register updates via the Rural Assistance Center — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 06:00:00 +0100

In this notice the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention amends their Statement of Organization, Functions, and Delegations of Authority for a variety of agencies including the Division of Adolescent and School Health, the Division of Adult and Community Health, the Division of Oral Health, and many others. (Source: Federal Register updates via the Rural Assistance Center)

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Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA) for Loan Guarantees Under the Guaranteed Rural Rental Housing Program (GRRHP) for Fiscal Year 2012

Federal Register updates via the Rural Assistance Center — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 06:00:00 +0100

This is a request for proposals from the Rural Housing Service for guaranteed loans under the section 538 Guaranteed Rural Rental Housing Program to increase the supply of affordable rural rental housing through the use of loan guarantees that encourage partnerships between the Agency, private lenders, and public agencies. (Source: Federal Register updates via the Rural Assistance Center)

Guarantee Fee Rates for Guaranteed Loans for Fiscal Year 2012; Maximum Portion of Guarantee Authority Available for Fiscal Year 2012; Annual Renewal Fee for Fiscal Year 2012

Federal Register updates via the Rural Assistance Center — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 06:00:00 +0100

This notice by the Rural Business-Cooperative Service announces the Guarantee Fee Rates for Guaranteed Loans for Fiscal Year 2012, the Maximum Portion of Guarantee Authority Available for Fiscal Year 2012, and the Annual Renewal Fee for Fiscal Year 2012. (Source: Federal Register updates via the Rural Assistance Center)

Physical activity, cardio‐respiratory fitness, and metabolic traits in rural mexican tarahumara

American Journal of Human Biology — Sun, 05 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: This study suggests high levels of overweight and hypertension in the Tarahumara, and points to fitness and physical activity as potential intervention targets although findings should be confirmed in larger samples. Am. J. Hum. Biol. 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. (Source: American Journal of Human Biology)

Poor food and nutrient intake among Indigenous and non-Indigenous rural Australian children

BioMed Central — Sat, 04 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: The nutrient intake and excessive EDNP food consumption levels of Australian rural children from disadvantaged areas are cause for concern regarding their future health and wellbeing, particularly for Indigenous boys. Targeted intervention strategies should address the high consumption of these foods. (Source: BioMed Central)

Lay Health Workers and HIV Care in Rural Lesotho: A Report from the Field

AIDS Patient Care and STDs — Sat, 04 Feb 2012 04:02:23 +0100

AIDS Patient Care and STDs , Vol. 0, No. 0. (Source: AIDS Patient Care and STDs)

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Oral Health Quality Improvement in the Era of Accountability

Rural publications via the Rural Assistance Center — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 21:59:36 +0100

Reviews the status and trends in oral health quality measurement and improvement, and outlines efforts in place to expand and enhance them. Describes how to use these measurement and quality improvement systems to improve the oral health of the U.S. population. -- (Source: Rural publications via the Rural Assistance Center)

Relevant Quality Measures for Critical Access Hospitals

Rural publications via the Rural Assistance Center — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 21:42:05 +0100

Policy brief describes quality measures relevant to Critical Access Hospitals (CAHs) and identifies policy implications. -- Flex Monitoring Team (Source: Rural publications via the Rural Assistance Center)

New Rural Health Information Technology (HIT) Toolkit

NN/LM Middle Atlantic Region Blog — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 21:30:14 +0100

The Rural Assistance Center and the National Rural Health Resources Center recently announced the release of an online health IT toolkit aimed at helping rural health care providers plan and implement health IT projects. HHS’ Office of Rural Health Policy provided funding to support the development of the online toolkit (AHA News, 1/27). Toolkit Details [...] (Source: NN/LM Middle Atlantic Region Blog)

Ohio Appalachian Residents' Views on Smoke-free Laws and Cigarette Warning Labels

Rural publications via the Rural Assistance Center — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 19:53:51 +0100

Presents results from a study that explored attitudes and beliefs of residents in Ohio Appalachia relating to smoke-free laws and public health policies in place to reduce smoking and smoking-related diseases. -- (Source: Rural publications via the Rural Assistance Center)

Wellness & Recovery Toolkit

Rural web sites and other tools via the Rural Assistance Center — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 19:13:06 +0100

Helps mental health agencies integrate health and wellness measures into their service settings. -- Maine Department of Health and Human Services (Source: Rural web sites and other tools via the Rural Assistance Center)

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Sen. Udall Drafting Bill to Kill Telemedicine Barriers

News stories via the Rural Assistance Center — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 16:43:47 +0100

Government Health IT article reports that Sen. Tom Udall (D-Utah) anticipates introducing a bill this spring to make it easier for physicians to practice telemedicine in many states instead of applying for a separate license for each state. (Source: News stories via the Rural Assistance Center)

The Worth of the Rural 'Creative Economy'

News stories via the Rural Assistance Center — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 15:52:04 +0100

Daily Yonder article tells how from the Blues Trail through the Delta to the Walter Anderson Museum on the Gulf Coast, rural Mississippi's economy is buoyed by what they call the "creative economy." (Source: News stories via the Rural Assistance Center)

Notice of Federal Property Suitable as Facilities to Assist the Homeless

Federal Register updates via the Rural Assistance Center — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 15:43:34 +0100

This notice identifies unutilized, underutilized, excess, and surplus Federal property reviewed by HUD for suitability for use to assist the homeless. (Source: Federal Register updates via the Rural Assistance Center)

Residential exposure to outdoor air pollution from livestock operations and perceived annoyance among citizens.

Environment International — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 09:49:05 +0100

Authors: Blanes-Vidal V, Suh H, Nadimi ES, Løfstrøm P, Ellermann T, Andersen HV, Schwartz J Abstract Epidemiological studies have shown that residential exposure to livestock odors can affect the health and wellbeing of rural citizens. However, exposure-response models for this relationship have not been developed. One of the main challenges is to identify a compound that can be used as proxy for livestock odor exposure. In this paper we developed models that describe the relationship between long-term averaged outdoor residential ammonia (NH(3)) exposures and livestock odor annoyance experienced by rural residents, and investigated person-related variables associated with annoyance responses. We used emission-based atmospheric dispersion modeling data to estimate household-speci...

Data Illustrate Geographic Dispersal of Family Physicians, Other Primary Care Professionals

News stories via the Rural Assistance Center — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 06:00:00 +0100

AAFP News Now article reports that family physicians are the most likely of any physician specialty or subspecialty to practice in rural areas and the most likely to be geographically distributed in the same proportion as the U.S. population, according to a one-page fact sheet published by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ). (Source: News stories via the Rural Assistance Center)

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House Bill Would Gouge Rural Transit

News stories via the Rural Assistance Center — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 06:00:00 +0100

Daily Yonder article discusses how rural transportation leaders are speaking out against a proposal before Congress that would cut funding for needed public transit programs. (Source: News stories via the Rural Assistance Center)

Aging America Creates Demand for Health - Care Workers

News stories via the Rural Assistance Center — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 06:00:00 +0100

Reuters article reports that the graying of America and a booming Hispanic population is driving major changes in the structure of the U.S. workforce and the types of jobs that will be available over the next decade, according to a new government report. (Source: News stories via the Rural Assistance Center)

Rural Relevant Quality Measures for CAHs

News stories via the Rural Assistance Center — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 06:00:00 +0100

NRHA Rural Health Voices blog reports that the FLEX Monitoring Team just released a Brief on rural relevant quality measures for Critical Access Hospitals (CAH). The purpose of the brief is to provide a set of rural relevant quality measure for policy makers and the rural health provider community. (Source: News stories via the Rural Assistance Center)

How One Hospital Entices Doctors to Work In Rural America

News stories via the Rural Assistance Center — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 06:00:00 +0100

NPR Health Blog article tells how the Ashland Health Clinic, a tiny hospital in southwest Kansas, is trying a reverse-recruitment model, by offering potential candidates eight weeks off to do missionary work overseas. (Source: News stories via the Rural Assistance Center)

Equal Access to Housing in HUD Programs Regardless of Sexual Orientation or Gender Identity

Federal Register updates via the Rural Assistance Center — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 06:00:00 +0100

Through this final rule, HUD implements policy to ensure that its core programs are open to all eligible individuals and families regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, or marital status. (Source: Federal Register updates via the Rural Assistance Center)

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Action learning enhances professional development of research supervisors: an Australian health science exemplar

Nursing and Health Sciences — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

AbstractThe worldwide academic workforce is ageing. At the same time, health and human services workforces are expanding. The preparation of educators to fill gaps in expertise and to position the health sciences for future growth is an urgent need. The findings from a recent action learning project that aimed to enhance the professional growth and development of higher degree researcher student supervisors in a School of Health and Human Sciences are presented. Seven early career researchers and the facilitator met for two hours every two to three weeks over 4 months between April and July 2010, in a rural and regional university in New South Wales, Australia. The processes initiated were a combination of experiential knowledge, referral to relevant published reports, use of an effectiv...

Establishing a web-based integrated surveillance system for early detection of infectious disease epidemic in rural China: a field experimental study

BMC Medical Informatics and Decision Making - Latest articles — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

DiscussionAlthough syndromic surveillance system has mostly established in developed areas, there are opportunities and advantages of developing it in rural China. The project will contribute to knowledge, experience and evidence on the establishment of an integrated surveillance system, which aims to provide early warning of disease epidemics in developing countries. (Source: BMC Medical Informatics and Decision Making - Latest articles)

The Alabama Coalition for a Healthier Black Belt: A Proof of Concept Project.

Community Mental Health Journal — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: Savage RM, Dillon JM, Hammel JC, Lewis TC, Johnson NC, Barlow LM, Brooms MM, Moore PM, Parker HE, Rodney KZ Abstract The Alabama Coalition for a Healthier Black was a demonstration of concept project. This paper is a descriptive and qualitative overview of this 2.5 year project. Limited key project results are reported here. Located in the rural Black Belt region of Alabama this coalition had several key aims: to develop a collaboration between primary care and mental health care through co-location of services; use of video-conferencing capability to provide mental health services more efficiently; enhanced training in rural healthcare; and development of stigma reduction campaigns along with other coalition partner specific initiatives. Co-location and telepsychiatry im...

Seroprevalence of Hepatitis E Virus infection in rural and urban populations, Tunisia

Clinical Microbiology and Infection — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

This study investigated the prevalence and risk factors of HEV infection in Tunisian adult general population, either in blood donors (n=687) or in patients hospitalised for acute hepatitis (n=202). The mode of transmission differed between these two populations: contact with animals and living in rural habitat were the main risk factors of being in contact with HEV in asymptomatic blood donors, while HEV was contracted through contaminated water in symptomatic cases. HEV seroprevalence in adult blood donors in Tunisia was relatively low (5.4%) and increased with age.© 2012 The Authors Clinical Microbiology and Infection © 2012 European Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases (Source: Clinical Microbiology and Infection)

The effects of social connections on self-rated physical and mental health among internal migrant and local adolescents in Shanghai, China

BMC Public Health - Latest articles — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 03:50:27 +0100

Conclusions: Self-rated data suggest that migrant adolescents enjoy a physical health advantage and a mental health disadvantage. Layered social connections, such as peer association and social cohesion, may be particularly important for migrants. A public health effort is required to improve the health status of migrant youth. (Source: BMC Public Health - Latest articles)

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No end in sight to the warm winter

Los Angeles Times - Science — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 01:35:00 +0100

Forecasters are perplexed by the mild weather across the U.S., and they expect more of the same. Many residents are delighted, but ski areas and other season-oriented businesses are struggling.Birds were singing. Insects were buzzing. And a large skunk suddenly appeared in the road in front of meteorologist Paul Pastelok as he drove to work in rural Pennsylvania. (Source: Los Angeles Times - Science)

Explaining Health Care Reform: How Will the Affordable Care Act Affect Small Businesses and Their Employees?

Rural publications via the Rural Assistance Center — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 21:26:52 +0100

Describes ACA initiatives that will be implemented between now and the year 2016 and affect small businesses in terms of insurance exchanges, penalties for not providing affordable coverage, tax credits, and grants for wellness programs. -- Kaiser Family Foundation (Source: Rural publications via the Rural Assistance Center)

Rural Health Clinic Billing Releases New White Paper: "Why Small Balance Billing Matters"

Medical News (via PRIMEZONE) — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 18:00:00 +0100

MORAINE, Ohio, Feb. 2, 2012 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Rural Health Clinic Billing, the only billing company that is singularly focused on providing the leadership, expertise and technology necessary to enhance the success rate of small-balance billing collections at hospitals and clinics, has today released a white paper designed to help decision makers understand the paramount importance of small-balance billing collections. (Source: Medical News (via PRIMEZONE))

Rural Health: Residency Doctor Chooses to Return to Rural Roots

News stories via the Rural Assistance Center — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 17:19:22 +0100

Tri-State Neighbor, (SD) article profiles students in the almost 40-year-old Sioux Falls Family Medicine Residency program that has helped produce about 300 doctors since 1973. (Source: News stories via the Rural Assistance Center)

Anthelio, Healthland to help bring EHRs to rural hospitals

Healthcare IT News — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 16:09:12 +0100

Anthelio has partnered with Healthland, which implements technology in rural community and critical access hospitals, to help migrate Healthland clients to its new Centriq EHR. read more (Source: Healthcare IT News)

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Medicare Program; Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act (EMTALA): Applicability to Hospital Inpatients and Hospitals With Specialized Capabilities

Federal Register updates via the Rural Assistance Center — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 15:22:44 +0100

This request for comments from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services addresses the applicability of the Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act (EMTALA) to hospital inpatients. (Source: Federal Register updates via the Rural Assistance Center)

Bill Would Improve Medicare Payment for Small, Rural Hospitals

News stories via the Rural Assistance Center — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 06:00:00 +0100

AHA News Now article reports that Reps. Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA) and Mike Thompson (D-CA) today introduced the Rural Hospital and Provider Equity Act, a bill that would improve Medicare payment for rural hospitals that serve a disproportionate share of low-income patients, and adjust the low-volume adjustment for small prospective payment system hospitals that do not qualify as critical access hospitals. (Source: News stories via the Rural Assistance Center)

Health Reform Law Saves $2.1 Billion for 3.6 Million Americans with Medicare

News stories via the Rural Assistance Center — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 06:00:00 +0100

Nearly 3.6 million people with Medicare saved $2.1 billion on their prescription drugs in 2011 due to the Affordable Care Act according to data issued today by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). (Source: News stories via the Rural Assistance Center)

Obama Administration Announces Pilot Program to Help Rural Borrowers Refinance Mortgages, Get Lower Interest Rates

News stories via the Rural Assistance Center — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 06:00:00 +0100

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture is launching a pilot program to help rural borrowers refinance their mortgages to reduce their monthly payments. (Source: News stories via the Rural Assistance Center)

Heat from Farmers Results in Rethinking of Youth Labor Limits

News stories via the Rural Assistance Center — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 06:00:00 +0100

Washington Times, (DC) article reports that bowing to an angry backlash from agriculture groups and family farmers across the country, the Obama administration Wednesday said it would scale back proposed new rules that would have sharply limited the amount of work young people can do on farms. (Source: News stories via the Rural Assistance Center)

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Medicaid Program; Covered Outpatient Drugs

Federal Register updates via the Rural Assistance Center — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 06:00:00 +0100

This proposed rule from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services would revise requirements pertaining to Medicaid reimbursement for covered outpatient drugs to implement provisions of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act of 2010. This proposed rule would also revise other requirements related to covered outpatient drugs, including key aspects of Medicaid coverage, payment, and the drug rebate program. (Source: Federal Register updates via the Rural Assistance Center)

Recruiting Women with Breast Cancer in Rural Communities for a Community Initiated Clinical Trial: Effective Strategies

The Breast Journal — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

(Source: The Breast Journal)

A longitudinal study on diarrhoea and vomiting in young dogs of four large breeds

Acta Veterinaria Scandinavica — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: Both diarrhoea and vomiting occurred most frequently during the first months of life. The incidence of diarrhoea and vomiting was significantly different between breeds. Diarrhoea occurred more frequently in males and in dogs living in urban areas. Also, a positive association between the occurrence of diarrhoea and vomiting in the same dog was found. (Source: Acta Veterinaria Scandinavica)

Genotyping for cytokine polymorphisms in a Northern Ivory Coast population reveals a high frequency of the heterozygote genotypes for the TNF‐α‐308G/A SNP

International Journal of Immunogenetics — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

SummaryCytokine polymorphisms influence the outcomes of parasitic diseases and vary among populations because of their different evolutionary histories and selective pressures imposed by host–pathogen interactions. In this frame, we investigated the frequencies of TNF‐α (‐308G/A), TGF‐β1 (codon 10C/T, codon 25C/G) and IL‐10 (‐1082A/G) SNPs in 133 individuals from Ouangolodougou, a rural village in Northern Ivory Coast, where malaria and other parasitic diseases are endemic. The SNPs alleles were determined by ARMS‐PCR methodology. Allele frequencies of the SNPs investigated were as follows: IL 10 ‐1082G = 0.741 and ‐1082A = 0.259; TGF‐β1 Codon 10 C = 0.835 and T = 0.165; TGF‐β1 Codon 25 G = 0.782 and C = 0.218. For the TNF‐α gene, we f...

Lens thickness and associated factors

Clinical and Experimental Ophthalmology — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: In the rural Central Indian population, a thick lens was associated with higher age, male gender, high body stature, high body mass index, hyperopia, thick central cornea, shallow anterior chamber depth, and nuclear cataract. The data may be helpful to explain anatomic relationships of the anterior segment of the eye and to elucidate risk factors of diseases associated with ocular dimensions.© 2012 The Authors. Journal compilation © 2012 Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Ophthalmologists (Source: Clinical and Experimental Ophthalmology)

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The quest for equity in Latin America: a comparative analysis of the health care reforms in Brazil and Colombia

BioMed Central — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: Neither reform seems to have had a decisive positive impact on the health outcomes analyzed for the defined time period of this research. This, in turn, may be a consequence of both internal characteristics of the respective reforms and external factors beyond the direct control of health reformers. Among the internal characteristics: underfunding, unbridled decentralization and inequitable access to care seem to have been the main constraints. Conversely, international economic adversities, high levels of rural and urban violence, along with entrenched income inequalities seem to have accounted for the highest burden among external factors. (Source: BioMed Central)

A Computer Beats a Pen for Getting Prescriptions Right

News stories via the Rural Assistance Center — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 18:31:59 +0100

NPR article discusses how one way to reduce drug errors inside hospitals is to have doctors enter the prescriptions on a computer instead of with pen and paper. After the switch, hospitals can see error rates drop by a whopping 60 percent. (Source: News stories via the Rural Assistance Center)

Socio-economic disparities in mortality due to pandemic influenza in England

International Journal of Public Health — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 17:12:22 +0100

Conclusion Tackling socio-economic health inequalities is a central concept within public health, but has not always been a part of emergency preparedness plans. These data demonstrate the opportunity to reduce the overall impact and narrow inequalities by considering socio-economic disparities in future pandemic planning. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Original ArticlePages 1-6DOI 10.1007/s00038-012-0337-1Authors Paul D. Rutter, Imperial College, London, UKOliver T. Mytton, University of Oxford, Oxford, UKMatthew Mak, King’s College Hospital, London, UKLiam J. Donaldson, Imperial College, London, UK Journal International Journal of Public HealthOnline ISSN 1661-8564Print ISSN 1661-8556 (Source: International Journal of Public Health)

Pediatric surgical site infection in the developing world: a Kenyan experience

Pediatric Surgery International — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 17:10:04 +0100

Conclusions Our rate of SSI among pediatric patients in sub-Saharan Africa is the lowest reported in the literature to date. More work is needed to identify modifiable risk factors for pediatric SSI in low- and middle-income countries. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Original ArticlePages 1-5DOI 10.1007/s00383-012-3058-xAuthors James H. Wood, Department of Surgery, University of Colorado Denver School of Medicine, 12631 East 17th Avenue, Box C302, Aurora, CO 80045, USAPeter M. Nthumba, BethanyKids at Kijabe Hospital, Kijabe, KenyaEdita Stepita-Poenaru, BethanyKids at Kijabe Hospital, Kijabe, KenyaDan Poenaru, BethanyKids at Kijabe Hospital, Kijabe, Kenya Journal Pediatric Surgery InternationalOnline ISSN 1437-9813Print ISSN 0179-0358 (Source: Pediatric Su...

Medicare Advantage Premiums Down 7 Percent on Average, Enrollment Up 10 Percent

News stories via the Rural Assistance Center — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 16:32:00 +0100

Medicare Advantage premiums have fallen by 7 percent on average and enrollment has risen by about 10 percent since this time last year, HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius announced today. (Source: News stories via the Rural Assistance Center)

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Results from the 2009 National Survey on Drug Use and Health: Mental Health Findings

Rural publications via the Rural Assistance Center — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 16:19:38 +0100

Presents results pertaining to mental health from the 2009 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), focusing on trends between 2008 and 2009 and differences across population subgroups in 2009. Includes statistical breakdowns between large, small, and nonmetropolitan counties. -- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (Source: Rural publications via the Rural Assistance Center)

Meth360 Information Kit

Rural web sites and other tools via the Rural Assistance Center — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 16:13:26 +0100

Collection of fact sheets containing information on these methamphetamine topic areas: facts about meth, effects on users, effects on communities, families & prevention, intervention & treatment, and communities & prevention. -- Partnership for a Drug-Free America (Source: Rural web sites and other tools via the Rural Assistance Center)

Rural Business Investment Program; Technical Amendments

Federal Register updates via the Rural Assistance Center — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 15:51:31 +0100

The Rural Business-Cooperative Service is making several technical amendments to correct the Rural Business Investment Program (RBIP) regulation, including one to conform to the 2008 Farm Bill provision that allows a Rural Business Investment Company two years to raise its capital. (Source: Federal Register updates via the Rural Assistance Center)

Hospital Classification (SCH/CAH/Rural)

Rural web sites and other tools via the Rural Assistance Center — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 15:50:07 +0100

Offers lists of sole community hospitals (SCH), critical access hospitals (CAHs), CAH inpatient and outpatient cost to charge ratios (CCRs), plus rural hospitals under 100 beds and rural sole community hospitals under 100 beds. -- Military Health System (Source: Rural web sites and other tools via the Rural Assistance Center)

iGR Partners With RCA to Deliver Educational Webinar Series to Discuss Key Issues Facing U.S. Rural Operators

News stories via the Rural Assistance Center — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 06:00:00 +0100

iGR, a market strategy consultancy focused on the wireless and mobile communications industry, today announced a partnership with RCA (Rural Cellular Association) to provide a series of webinar sessions dedicated to addressing the unique challenges rural and smaller operators face in today's competitive consumer markets. (Source: News stories via the Rural Assistance Center)

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Country Doctors: Center Draws Doctors to Underserved Areas

News stories via the Rural Assistance Center — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 06:00:00 +0100

WCF Courier, (IA) article discusses the efforts being made by the Area Health Education Center in Iowa to attract more doctors to rural and underserved areas. (Source: News stories via the Rural Assistance Center)

One-Room School Also One-Student School

News stories via the Rural Assistance Center — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 06:00:00 +0100

New York Times article tells how at a time when many schools are concerned about overcrowded classrooms, the Sunset school in a Montana ranching community has a different problem keeping its lone student at her desk so it can remain open. (Source: News stories via the Rural Assistance Center)

Talk of the Town at Policy Institute

News stories via the Rural Assistance Center — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 06:00:00 +0100

As 450 of Americas most passionate advocates are fighting for rural health on Capitol Hill, the NRHA Rural Health Voices blog thought they would recap some of the memorable (and often unscripted) quotes from the National Rural Health Associations 23rd annual Rural Health Policy Institute so far. (Source: News stories via the Rural Assistance Center)

Medicare Program; Hospital Inpatient Prospective Payment Systems for Acute Care Hospitals and the Long-Term Care Hospital Prospective Payment System and Fiscal Year 2012 Rates; Corrections

Federal Register updates via the Rural Assistance Center — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 06:00:00 +0100

This document from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services corrects technical errors that occurred in the Addendum of the final rule entitled Medicare Program; Hospital Inpatient Prospective Payment Systems for Acute Care Hospitals and the Long-Term Care Hospital Prospective Payment System and Fiscal Year 2012 Rates which appeared in the August 18, 2011 Federal Register. (Source: Federal Register updates via the Rural Assistance Center)

Performance of Two Malaria Rapid Diagnostic Tests in Febrile Adult Patients with and without Human Immunodeficiency Virus-1 Infection in Blantyre, Malawi.

The American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: Chinkhumba J, Nyanda M, Skarbinski J, Mathanga DP Abstract Abstract. The performance of two histidine-rich protein type-2-based malaria rapid diagnostic tests (mRDTs) was examined in a rural area with a high prevalence of malaria and human immunodeficiency virus type-1 (HIV-1) infection in 113 and 445 febrile patients ≥ 15 years of age with and without HIV-1 infection, respectively. Patients were tested for HIV-1 infection by using a standard assay and for Plasmodium falciparum by using two mRDTs and microscopy. When microscopy was used as the gold standard, both mRDTs performed similarly in patients with and without HIV-1 infection: Bioline SD Malaria Antigen P.f, sensitivity 94.4% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 81.3-99.3%) versus 97.1% (95% CI:92.8-99.2%) and specifici...

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Prediction of child health by household density and asset-based indices in impoverished indigenous villages in rural panama.

The American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: Halpenny CM, Koski KG, Valdés VE, Scott ME Abstract Abstract. Chronic infection over a 16-month period and stunting of preschool children were compared between more spatially dense versus dispersed households in rural Panamá. Chronic protozoan infection was associated with higher household density, lower household wealth index, poor household water quality, yard defecation, and the practice of not washing hands with soap before eating. Models for chronic diarrhea confirmed the importance of household wealth, water quality, sanitation, and hygiene practices. Furthermore, chronic protozoan infection was an important predictor for low height-for-age, along with low household wealth index scores, but not household density. Thus, despite better access to health related infras...

Evaluation of the diagnostic accuracy of the Haemoglobin Colour Scale to detect anaemia in young children attending primary healthcare clinics in Zanzibar

Tropical Medicine and International Health — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions Haemoglobin Colour Scale does not improve the capacity of HCWs to diagnose anaemia in this population. Accuracy is limited by considerable variability in the performances of test operators. However, optimizing the training protocol for those using the test may improve performance. (Source: Tropical Medicine and International Health)

Training community care workers to provide comprehensive TB/HIV/PMTCT integrated care in KwaZulu‐Natal: lessons learnt

Tropical Medicine and International Health — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusion The findings of this study suggest higher uptake of TB and STI symptoms screening, TB contact tracing and home based HCT in the intervention clusters. This study suggests that up‐skilling CCWs could be one avenue to enhance TB/HIV case finding, TB contact tracing and linkages to care. (Source: Tropical Medicine and International Health)

Med Sci Monit 2012; 18(2):PH6-11 "How well do anthropometric indices correlate with cardiovascular risk factors? A cross-sectional study in Croati"

Medical Science Monitor — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: Results encourage the use of BMI and WtHR as important tools in predicting CV risk in GP’s practice. (Source: Medical Science Monitor)

A Rural Health Service Learning Elective (Rita Lahlou)

Family Medicine Digital Resources Library (FMDRL) Recently Uploaded — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Although many curricula are designed to increase student interest in primary care, few have been evaluated with regard to participants' final specialty choice, controlling for characteristics known to predict primary care practice. This session will describe an elective designed to foster interest in primary care, in which second year medical students manage operations at a free clinic, establish a continuity relationship with patients, attend a class covering primary care topics, keep a reflective journal, and complete a community project. We evaluated the impact of this course by surveying a sample of 257 alumni who graduated between 2003 and 2007. After adjustment for characteristics known to be associated with specialty choice, course participants were 5.5 times more likely than contro...

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[Medical students and their career choices : Preferred specialty, where and how to work].

Bundesgesundheitsblatt, Gesundheitsforschung, Gesundheitsschutz — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

This article presents selected results from a nationwide online survey in Germany asking medical students about their occupational perspectives and expectations: what kind of specialization are they inclined to, where do they want to work, and under what conditions? We sent an email to all the students at 34 of 36 faculties of medicine, asking them to partake in the survey. Through 9 July 2010, 12,518 students answered, which is 15.7% of all 79,929 students enrolled in medicine. One central result is that general medicine-compared to the current situation-will have significant problems in recruiting young medical professionals, if the preferences of the students do not change. In addition, we found spatial disparities: students consider Berlin and Hamburg, urban areas in Southern Germany...

Prevalence and incidence of ocular trauma in North China: the Beijing Eye Study

Acta Ophthalmologica — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: In the adult population of Greater Beijing with an age of 40+ years, the prevalence of ocular trauma was 1.6 ± 0.2% and was associated with male gender, rural residence and alcohol consumption. The age‐standardized ocular trauma prevalence of 1.7 ± 0.01% was comparable with figures from Caucasian populations. The 5‐year incidence of ocular trauma of 2.6 ± 0.3% was associated with male gender, younger age and lower income. (Source: Acta Ophthalmologica)

Willingness to pay for potential enhancements to a low‐cost cataract surgical package in rural southern China

Acta Ophthalmologica — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: Opportunities exist to increase cataract programme revenues through multi‐tiered offerings in this setting, allowing greater subsidization of low‐income patients. Personal familiarity with cataract surgery is important in determining WTP. (Source: Acta Ophthalmologica)

Urban–rural differences in the nature and prevalence of mental ill‐health in adults with intellectual disabilities

Journal of Intellectual Disability Research — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions We found these results surprising and at odds with the majority of studies carried out in the general population and propose several reasons for the differences found. We believe that the results and further studies in this area will help inform health service provision for those with ID who live in different geographical areas. (Source: Journal of Intellectual Disability Research)

Psychosis incidence through the prism of early intervention services [Short Reports]

The British Journal of Psychiatry — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

We present results from 18 months of the 3-year Social Epidemiology of Psychoses in East Anglia (SEPEA) study of incepted incidence observed through five early intervention services. We identified 378 eligible individuals (incidence: 45.1/100 000 person-years, 95% CI 40.8–49.9). Rates varied across these services, but were 2–3 times higher than those on which services were commissioned. Risk decreased with age, was nearly doubled among men and differed by ethnic group; doubled in people of mixed ethnicity but lower for those of Asian origin, compared with White British people. Psychosis risk among ethnic minorities was lower than reported in urban settings, which has potential implications for aetiology. Our data suggest considerable psychosis morbidity in diverse, rural commun...

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Arizona DHS approves Rural/Metro purchase of PMT

bizjournals.com Health Care:Hospitals headlines — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 00:10:50 +0100

The Arizona Department of Health Services has approved Rural/Metro Corp.’s acquisition of Professional Medical Transport and its sister companies in Arizona. The deal was announced last fall, but has been waiting approval from the state health department. Today ADHS Director Will Humble approved the deal, but with some qualifications. “I wanted to make sure this didn’t result in a rate increase,” Humble told the Phoenix Business Journal. He is not allowing Rural/Metro to increase its rates for three years... (Source: bizjournals.com Health Care:Hospitals headlines)

Keeping Opportunities in Place: The Influence of the Rural Community College Initiative

Rural publications via the Rural Assistance Center — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 20:45:26 +0100

Provides an assessment of the Rural Community College Initiative (RCCI). RCCI was a national demonstration program at 24 community and tribal colleges started in 1994 that worked to help community colleges in distressed rural areas to expand access to postsecondary education and help foster regional economic development. -- American Association of Community Colleges (Source: Rural publications via the Rural Assistance Center)

Transforming Health Care: The Role of Health IT

Rural publications via the Rural Assistance Center — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 19:06:28 +0100

Identifies six barriers to the optimal use of health information technology including: misaligned incentives, lack of health information exchange (HIE), limited level of consumer engagement with health IT tools, limited levels of EHR adoption, privacy and security concerns and vague federal priorities. -- Bipartisan Policy Center (Source: Rural publications via the Rural Assistance Center)

Agriculture Secretary Vilsack Announces Investments to Promote Business Development, Improve Medical Services and Create Jobs in Ten States

News stories via the Rural Assistance Center — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 16:33:00 +0100

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced that loans and grants provided through USDA's Rural Economic Development Loan and Grant program will be provided to applicants in 10 states to support businesses, improve the quality of medical care, and create or save hundreds of jobs. (Source: News stories via the Rural Assistance Center)

Wakefield: Proud to Partner with NRHA

News stories via the Rural Assistance Center — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 16:23:31 +0100

NRHA Rural Health Voices blog gives excerpts of a talk given by Mary Wakefield, PhD, Health Resources and Services Administration administrator, at the Rural Health Policy Institute being held this week in Washington, D.C.Wakefield outlined workforce, education, health information technology, telehealth and other HRSA projects and grant programs benefiting or with the potential to help improve rural health quality and access. (Source: News stories via the Rural Assistance Center)

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Public Health Service Act, Non-competitive Replacement Award

Federal Register updates via the Rural Assistance Center — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 15:28:30 +0100

The Health Resources and Services Administration is issuing a non-competitive replacement award under the Telehealth Resource Center Grant Program to the California Telehealth Network in order to continue advancement of the effective use of telehealth technology that will facilitate the provision of health care services to rural, medically-underserved California residents. (Source: Federal Register updates via the Rural Assistance Center)

Angola: Death Rate Reduces in Kilenda Municipal Hospital

AllAfrica News: Health and Medicine — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 08:29:36 +0100

ANGOP (Luanda)-The expansion of health services in rural areas and awareness campaigns in communities contributed to the reduction of death rate in the municipal hospital of Kilenda, central Kwanza Sul province. (Source: AllAfrica News: Health and Medicine)

U.S. Recession Hikes Rate of Rural Poverty

News stories via the Rural Assistance Center — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 06:00:00 +0100

Daily Yonder article reports that the percentage of people living in poverty was higher in rural America than in either exurban or urban counties in 2010, according to the U.S. Census, and these rates have increased since the recession began in 2007. (Source: News stories via the Rural Assistance Center)

HUD Secretary Donovan Announces New Regulations to Ensure Equal Access to Housing for All Americans Regardless of Sexual Orientation or Gender Identity

News stories via the Rural Assistance Center — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 06:00:00 +0100

U.S. Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Secretary Shaun Donovan announced today new regulations intended to ensure that HUD's core housing programs are open to all eligible persons, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity. (Source: News stories via the Rural Assistance Center)

'Spam' Meat Tied to Diabetes Risk in Native Americans

News stories via the Rural Assistance Center — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 06:00:00 +0100

FOX News article reports that Native Americans who often ate processed meat in a can, generically known as "spam" and a common food on reservations, one subsidized by the government -- had a two-fold increased risk of developing diabetes over those who ate little or none, according to a U.S. study. (Source: News stories via the Rural Assistance Center)

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Anthony E. Siegman: Laser pioneer, Optical Society president, friend, and colleague [Retrospectives]

Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

The death of Anthony E. (Tony) Siegman on October 7, 2011, was a profound shock to the worldwide optical science and laser community. An esteemed scientist and educator, Tony was also a kind and gentle man.Tony was born November 23, 1931, and raised in rural Michigan. As an early National Merit Scholar, he attended Harvard University and received an AB degree summa cum laude in 3 years. After 2 years on a cooperative plan with the University of California, Los Angeles, and Hughes Research Laboratories, he obtained an MS degree in Applied Physics in 1954. He went north to Stanford... (Source: Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences)

Sri Lanka: UN agency funds irrigation improvement projects

UN News Centre - Health, Poverty, Food Security — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

The United Nations fund tasked with promoting rural development will provide a $22-million loan to Sri Lanka to finance the improvement of the South Asian country's irrigation infrastructure and crop diversification, as well as projects to expand market opportunities for smallholder farmers. (Source: UN News Centre - Health, Poverty, Food Security)

Won't You Be My Rural Preceptor? (David Deci MD)

Family Medicine Digital Resources Library (FMDRL) Recently Uploaded — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Guide to successfully recruiting and retaining rural community preceptors (Source: Family Medicine Digital Resources Library (FMDRL) Recently Uploaded)

Examining factors influencing patient satisfaction with nurse practitioners in rural urgent care centers

Journal of the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: No statistical significance was noted in regards to patient satisfaction for the demographic factors age, gender, country of upbringing, or education level. Presence of health insurance was a significant factor, with uninsured patients rating higher levels of satisfaction. However, based on patients' responses to role clarity for this survey, it is evident that there continues to be insufficient public understanding of the role of NPs.Implications for practice: The future of the NP relies on patient approval as well as acceptance of the role. This study joins the pioneering efforts towards describing what patient satisfaction is and supports NPs serving as providers in rural, nonprimary care venues. By identifying influential factors of satisfaction, NPs can bridge the gap bet...

5 US urban counties lead 'Terror Hot Spots' list, but rural areas not exempt

EurekAlert! - Social and Behavioral Science — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

(University of Maryland) Five urban counties lead the list of US terror "hot spots" - Manhattan, LA, Miami-Dade, San Francisco and Washington, DC - though smaller, more rural areas have emerged as hot spots in their own right in recent years with an increase in domestic terror there, says new research from the University of Maryland and Mass-Boston. The researchers identified 65 of the nation's 3,143 counties as "hot spots" of terrorism. (Source: EurekAlert! - Social and Behavioral Science)

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Combatting tropical diseases

MSF News — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 19:55:00 +0100

The Gates Foundation-hosted conference held in London Monday, ‘Uniting To Combat Tropical Diseases,’ draws attention to devastating tropical illnesses that have been neglected for too long. However, the ambitious goals to eliminate or control 10 neglected tropical diseases will only be credible when some critical remaining gaps are filled, according to Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF). “Though we are delighted that the World Health Organisation (WHO), donors and development agencies are finally drawing attention to neglected tropical diseases, we are concerned that challenges for some of these diseases are being glossed over,” says Daniel Berman, deputy director of MSF’s Access Campaign. “Expanded drug donations from the pharmaceutical industry will be part of the solution, bu...

Doctor, Did You Check Your Checklist?

News stories via the Rural Assistance Center — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 16:06:20 +0100

Kaiser Health News article discusses patient safety issues and how faulty hospital care is one of the leading causes of death, behind heart disease and cancer. (Source: News stories via the Rural Assistance Center)

A Brief Intervention for Prevention of Sexually Transmitted Infection among Battered Women. - Laughon K, Sutherland MA, Parker BJ.

SafetyLit: All (Unduplicated) — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 15:32:08 +0100

OBJECTIVE: To test the feasibility and acceptability of a combined brief nursing intervention (BNI) to prevent sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and intimate partner violence (IPV) among rural women attending a family planning clinic. The primary outc... (Source: SafetyLit: All (Unduplicated))

The impact of perceptual treatments on driver's behavior: From driving simulator studies to field tests-First results. - Auberlet JM, Rosey F, Anceaux F, Aubin S, Briand P, Pacaux MP, Plainchault P.

SafetyLit: All (Unduplicated) — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 15:32:08 +0100

Our study focused on the lateral position of drivers in relation to risk on rural crest vertical curves, using a field site proposed by a local operator of the French road network (Conseil Général de Maine-et-Loire, 49). The final goal was to test one ro... (Source: SafetyLit: All (Unduplicated))

All-Terrain Vehicle Injury Prevention: Healthcare Providers' Knowledge, Attitudes, and the Anticipatory Guidance They Provide. - Jennissen CA, Denning GM, Sweat S, Harland K, Buresh C.

SafetyLit: All (Unduplicated) — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 15:32:08 +0100

All-terrain vehicles (ATVs) continue to be an increasing cause of injuries and deaths in children, especially in rural communities. More children die in the United States each year from ATV-related events than from bicycle crashes. The purpose of this stud... (Source: SafetyLit: All (Unduplicated))

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Frequently Asked Questions Section 6411(a) of the Affordable Care Act

Rural web sites and other tools via the Rural Assistance Center — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 14:43:55 +0100

Collection of common questions covering general information on the Medicaid RAC (Recovery Audit Contractor) and operational guidance to States. -- Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (Source: Rural web sites and other tools via the Rural Assistance Center)

State Medicaid RACs At-A-Glance

Rural web sites and other tools via the Rural Assistance Center — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 14:39:03 +0100

Map summarizes the status of each state and territory RAC program, based on the information submitted in its Medicaid State Plan Amendment (SPA.) During the implementation phase of these RAC programs, this website will be updated on an ongoing basis. -- Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (Source: Rural web sites and other tools via the Rural Assistance Center)

Rwanda: HIV Positive Women Denied Inheritance Rights - Report

AllAfrica News: HIV-Aids and STDs — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 13:30:58 +0100

[New Times] Women living with HIV/Aids in Gasabo and Nyanza districts are being denied their rights to inherit family property by their spouses and other relatives, a research conducted by the Women's Network for Rural Development, commonly known by its French moniker Reseaux Des Femmes, has shown. (Source: AllAfrica News: HIV-Aids and STDs)

Ghana: Study On Malaria Reveals Shocking Results

AllAfrica News: Malaria — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 12:34:07 +0100

[Public Agenda] Volunteer Partnerships for West Africa has released the results from its most recent case study, Knowledge, Treatment and Prevention of Malaria in Rural Ghana: A Case Study of Darmang. (Source: AllAfrica News: Malaria)

Tanzania: Child Spacing Saves Lives

AllAfrica News: Pregnancy and Childbirth — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 10:13:18 +0100

[Daily News] IN the past child spacing was virtually unheard of. So, some women in rural tribal settings mothered up to thirteen children without qualms. My own parents raised 12 children. I came third in the line-up. I know an elderly woman who lives in Dar es Salaam who mothered 15 children. (Source: AllAfrica News: Pregnancy and Childbirth)

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Affordable Care Act Will Save States and Taxpayers $17.7 Billion on Prescription Drugs

News stories via the Rural Assistance Center — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 06:00:00 +0100

Provisions in the health care reform law, the Affordable Care Act, will save taxpayers and States an estimated $17.7 billion over five years on prescription drugs bought through Medicaid, according to estimates in a proposed rule issued today by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). (Source: News stories via the Rural Assistance Center)

State of the Indian Nations

News stories via the Rural Assistance Center — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 06:00:00 +0100

Daily Yonder article reports that The National Congress of American Indians every year releases its State of Indian Nations, an alternative prospect for the Congress reported during the week of the State of the Union. One goal set by Nation Congress of American Indians President Jefferson Keel is to turn out a record number of Indian voters in 2012. (Source: News stories via the Rural Assistance Center)

Outpatient Move Saves Hospital

News stories via the Rural Assistance Center — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 06:00:00 +0100

HealthLeaders Media article tells how an expanded physical therapy program helped save a 22-licensed-bed critical access hospital in Illinois, a facility that nearly shut down because of fiscal and management problems. (Source: News stories via the Rural Assistance Center)

Why Men From Rural Communities Avoid Seeking Mental Health Counseling

News stories via the Rural Assistance Center — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 06:00:00 +0100

GoodTherapy.org article tells of a new study that suggests that men from rural communities are even more resistant than urban-dwelling men when it comes to getting psychological counseling. (Source: News stories via the Rural Assistance Center)

Assessment of occupational exposure to benzene, toluene and xylenes in urban and rural female workers.

Chemosphere — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSIONS: Benzene is a human carcinogen, and BTXs are potential reproductive toxins at low dose exposures. Biological and environmental monitoring to assess exposure to BTXs represents a preliminary and necessary tool for the implementation of preventive measures for female subjects working in outdoor environments. PMID: 22297198 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Chemosphere)

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Flow experience and health‐related quality of life in community dwelling elderly Japanese

Nursing and Health Sciences — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

This study was performed to investigate the relationship between mental state (especially flow experience [Flow Experience Checklist of Ishimura]) health‐related quality of life (Medical Outcome Study 8‐Item Short‐Form Health Survey), and stress (salivary amylase concentrations). The subjects were 119 healthy elderly persons living in rural areas who participated in a “meeting for the elderly” at a nursing home in Kagawa Prefecture, Japan. The subjects were classified into apathetic, anxious, relaxed, and flow groups. It was found that physical health was significantly better when performing important daily activities in the group who experienced flow and the relaxed group than in the group that was in an apathetic state. However, no significant relationship was observed between ...

Performance evaluation of the point-of-care CD4 analyser Pima using capillary blood sampling in field tests in South Africa

Journal of the International AIDS Society — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

This study evaluated performance of the point-of-care Pima CD4 device using capillary blood sampling in representative primary health care clinics doing HIV testing. Methods: Prior to testing, prescribed capillary-sampling and instrument training was undertaken by suppliers across all sites. Matching venous EDTA samples were drawn throughout for comparison to laboratory predicate methodology (PLG/CD4). In Phase I, Pima cartridges were pipette-filled with EDTA venous blood in the laboratory (N=100). In Phase II (N=77), Pima CD4 with capillary sampling was performed by a single operator in a hospital-based antenatal clinic. During subsequent field testing, Pima CD4 with capillary sampling was performed in primary health care clinics on HIV-positive patients by multiple attending nursing pers...

HIV-free survival among nine- to 24-month-old children born to HIV-positive mothers in the Rwandan national PMTCT programme: a community-based household survey

Journal of the International AIDS Society — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: HIV-free survival among HIV-exposed children aged nine to 24 months is estimated at 91.9% in Rwanda. The national PMTCT programme could achieve greater impact on child survival by ensuring access to HAART for all HIV-positive pregnant women in need, improving the quality of the programme in rural areas, and strengthening linkages with community-based support systems, including associations of people living with HIV. (Source: Journal of the International AIDS Society)

Making endoscopy mobile: a novel initiative for public healthcare.

Rural Remote Health — Sun, 29 Jan 2012 06:06:13 +0100

Authors: Talukdar R, Nageshwar Reddy D Abstract Public healthcare has progressed immensely in the past few decades. However, the rural masses in the developing and underdeveloped countries very often have limited access to the advanced healthcare technology. At the Asian Institute of Gastroenterology, Hyderabad, India, the Rural Health Care Project has been initiated in an attempt to provide cost-effective gastrointestinal care to the rural population. The Project was implemented by traveling to remote rural areas in a bus that had been converted into a mobile hospital and equipped with basic diagnostic facilities including a custom-made endoscopy unit. The mobile hospital and endoscopy unit is accompanied by a telemedicine vehicle that transmits all procedures and data to the main...

Long-term efficacy of 10-12 years after being immunized with Chinese hamster ovary cell derived hepatitis B vaccine in Chinese Rural Communities.

Vaccine — Sun, 29 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSION: The long-term efficacy of the CHO-derived hepatitis B vaccine is good and after vaccination maternal transmission is the most important route of spreading HBV. PMID: 22296954 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Vaccine)

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HIV Outcomes and Medication Use Are Similar between Rural and Urban HIV Patients

MedlinePlus Health News — Sat, 28 Jan 2012 13:03:30 +0100

Source: Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality Related MedlinePlus Pages: HIV/AIDS Medicines, Living with HIV/AIDS (Source: MedlinePlus Health News)

Medical ethnobotany of the Albanian Alps in Kosovo

BioMed Central — Sat, 28 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Background: Ethnobotanical studies are crucial in South-Eastern Europe for fostering local development and also for investigating the dynamics of Traditional Environmental Knowledge (TEK) related to plants in one of the most crucial European hotspots for biocultural diversity. The current medico-ethnobotanical survey was conducted in rural alpine communities in Kosovo. The aims of the study were twofold: 1) to document the state of TEK of medicinal plants in these communities; 2) to compare these findings with that of similar field studies previously conducted among local populations inhabiting the Montenegrin and Albanian side of the same Alpine range. Methods: Field research was conducted in 36 villages on the Kosovar side of the Albanian Alps. Snowball sampling techniques were used to r...

[Comment] Oral azithromycin for treatment of yaws

LANCET — Sat, 28 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Yaws—an infectious disease caused by Treponema pallidum subsp pertenue—affects children and adults in poor rural communities in tropical countries, causing disfiguring lesions of the skin and bones. The yaws elimination programme coordinated by WHO in the 1950s and 1960s screened more than 160 million people, treated more than 50 million people with intramuscular injections of benzathine benzylpenicillin, and reduced the prevalence of yaws by more than 95%; however, yaws was not eliminated. This disease is now re-emerging (largely unnoticed) in parts of Africa, southeast Asia, and the Pacific islands. (Source: LANCET)

[This Week in Medicine] January 28–February 3, 2012

LANCET — Sat, 28 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

At the end of 2011, China's urban population overtook its rural population for the first time. The National Bureau of Statistics reports that 51·3% of the country's 1·35 billion people now live in cities. For an economy at China's stage of development, this ratio is still low, possibly due to past constraints on free movement. (Source: LANCET)

AHRQ Quality Indicators Toolkit for Hospitals

Rural web sites and other tools via the Rural Assistance Center — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 21:55:53 +0100

Helps hospitals understand the Quality Indicators (QIs) from the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ), and support the use of them to successfully improve quality and patient safety in hospitals. -- Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (Source: Rural web sites and other tools via the Rural Assistance Center)

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FindYouthInfo.gov

Rural web sites and other tools via the Rural Assistance Center — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 20:02:30 +0100

Promotes positive, healthy outcomes for youth and provides information on topics such as youth employment, civic engagement, afterschool programs, bullying, and preventing youth violence. -- (Source: Rural web sites and other tools via the Rural Assistance Center)

Prevalence of macular holes in rural central India. The Central India Eye and Medical Study

Graefe's Archive for Clinical and Experimental Ophthalmology — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 17:54:25 +0100

Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Case ReportPages 1-3DOI 10.1007/s00417-012-1933-8Authors Vinay Nangia, Suraj Eye Institute, Nagpur, Maharashtra, IndiaJost B. Jonas, Suraj Eye Institute, Nagpur, Maharashtra, IndiaAnshu Khare, Suraj Eye Institute, Nagpur, Maharashtra, IndiaSarang Lambat, Suraj Eye Institute, Nagpur, Maharashtra, India Journal Graefe's Archive for Clinical and Experimental OphthalmologyOnline ISSN 1435-702XPrint ISSN 0721-832X (Source: Graefe's Archive for Clinical and Experimental Ophthalmology)

Announcement of Requirements and Registration for EHR Accessibility Challenge

Federal Register updates via the Rural Assistance Center — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 17:27:36 +0100

The Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology is challenging multidisciplinary teams to create and test a module or application that makes it easy for disabled consumers to access and interact with the health data stored in their Electronic Health Records (EHRs). (Source: Federal Register updates via the Rural Assistance Center)

Recruitment of Sites for Assignment of National Health Service Corps Loan Repayors (FY 2012)

Federal Register updates via the Rural Assistance Center — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 16:23:56 +0100

The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) announces that the proposed list of the Health Professional Shortage Areas (HPSAs) and entities that would receive priority in applying for the assignment of National Health Service Corps (NHSC) Loan Repayors (Corps personnel, Corps members) during the period November 1, 2011, through September 30, 2012 is posted on the NHSC Web site. (Source: Federal Register updates via the Rural Assistance Center)

Patient Safety Program Resource Guide

Rural web sites and other tools via the Rural Assistance Center — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 15:56:50 +0100

Designed to engage, educate and equip readers with products, services, tools and solutions made available by the PSP (Patient Safety Program) to help ensure the safe delivery of health care in the MHS (Military Health System.) -- U.S. Department of Defense (Source: Rural web sites and other tools via the Rural Assistance Center)

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NCHS Urban - Rural Classification Scheme for Counties: Data Evaluation and Methods Research

Rural publications via the Rural Assistance Center — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 15:36:25 +0100

Details the National Center for Health Statistics development of the 2006 NCHS Urban-Rural Classification Scheme for Counties. Provides examples of how the scheme can be used to describe differences in health measures by urbanization level. -- National Center for Health Statistics (Source: Rural publications via the Rural Assistance Center)

Design of occupational therapy on‐road test routes and related validity issues

Australian Occupational Therapy Journal — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 13:40:37 +0100

Conclusions: This study highlighted variation in route complexity between urban and rural locations. Whereas compliance with current professional guidelines for compulsory route items was very high, more detailed specification of standard route requirements is needed to improve the construct and content validity of assessments. (Source: Australian Occupational Therapy Journal)

Ground-breaking service becomes the largest online support network for people with HIV in its first year

Terrence Higgins Trust — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 10:00:47 +0100

A year today, Friday 27 January, after its launch, almost 3,000 people with HIV in the UK are part of myHIV, a groundbreaking online support system. This makes it the largest community of people with HIV in the UK, with people helping each other to manage their health and wellbeing. To celebrate the success of these services and encourage even more people to join up, Terrence Higgins Trust is holding a monthly prize draw for members, with an iPad as the opening draw’s prize.MyHIV is part of Life Plus, a suite of integrated online, face-to-face and telephone support services for people living with HIV and supports individuals’ everyday, non-clinical needs. Created by HIV and sexual health charity, Terrence Higgins Trust, the Elton John AIDS Foundation and people living with HIV, myHIV i...

Adoption of Health Information Technology in Rural Health Clinics

News stories via the Rural Assistance Center — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 06:00:00 +0100

The Technical Assistance and Services Center, a program of the National Rural Health Resource Center, and the Maine Rural Health Research Center at the University of Southern Maine are developing a database of Rural Health Clinics (RHCs) and will be utilizing this information to conduct a national survey focusing on meaningful use of Health Information Technology by RHCs. (Source: News stories via the Rural Assistance Center)

Public Hearings: Attorney Generals National Task Force on Children Exposed to Violence

News stories via the Rural Assistance Center — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 06:00:00 +0100

The Attorney General's National Task Force on Children Exposed to Violence will hold the second of four public hearings January 31, 2012 in Albuquerque, New Mexico. The hearing will highlight the issue of children's exposure to violence in rural and tribal communities. (Source: News stories via the Rural Assistance Center)

MedWorm Sponsor Message: Find the best January Sales in the UK.

Score! for Two Rural Broadband Teams

News stories via the Rural Assistance Center — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 06:00:00 +0100

Daily Yonder article tells how communities in Vermont and rural Lancashire, England, have kicked off efforts to finance rural broadband networks. (Source: News stories via the Rural Assistance Center)

Announcement of Requirements and Registration for Discharge Follow-Up Appointment Challenge

Federal Register updates via the Rural Assistance Center — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 06:00:00 +0100

The Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology announces a Discharge Follow-Up Appointment Challenge that challenges software developers to create an easy-to-use web-based tool that will make post-discharge follow-up appointment scheduling a more effective and shared process for care providers, patients and caregivers. (Source: Federal Register updates via the Rural Assistance Center)

Announcement of Requirements and Registration for Health Innovations in Commuting Challenge

Federal Register updates via the Rural Assistance Center — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 06:00:00 +0100

The National Coordinator for Health Information Technology invites innovators to submit their best ideas and models for improving the health of American commuters through better collection, exchange, and analysis of health data. (Source: Federal Register updates via the Rural Assistance Center)

Experience on Healthcare Utilization in Seven Administrative Regions of Tanzania

Journal of Ethnobiology and Ethnomedicine — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

This article presents findings on the study that aimed to get an experience of health care utilization from both urban and rural areas of seven administrative regions in Tanzania. A total of 33 health facility managers were interviewed on health care provision and availability of supplies including drugs, in their respective areas. The findings revealed that the health facilities were overburden with higher population to serve than it was planned. Consequently essential drugs and other health supplies were available only in the first two weeks of the month. Conventional health practitioners considered traditional health practitioners to be more competent in mental health management, and overall, they were considered to handle more HIV/AIDS cases knowingly or unknowingly due to shear need o...

Hardship financing of healthcare among rural poor in Orissa, India

BMC Health Services Research — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: Rural poor households are subjected to considerable and protracted financial hardship due to the indirect and longer-term deleterious effects of how they cope with out-of-pocket healthcare costs. The social network that households can access influences exposure to hardship financing. Our findings point to the need to develop a policy solution that would limit that exposure both in quantum and in time. We therefore conclude that policy interventions aiming to ensure health-related financial protection would have to demonstrate that they have reduced the frequency and the volume of hardship financing. (Source: BMC Health Services Research)

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HPV Self-Testing Effective in Rural Chinese WomenHPV Self-Testing Effective in Rural Chinese Women

Medscape Today Headlines — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 21:33:16 +0100

HPV self-testing as a screen for cervical cancer could increase coverage of the large number of geographically isolated Chinese women and of all women who do not have ready access to healthcare. Medscape Medical News (Source: Medscape Today Headlines)

UC Davis students to staff Knight's Landing clinic

bizjournals.com Health Care:Pharmaceuticals headlines — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 21:27:52 +0100

UC Davis medical students will open a new health clinic Sunday in Knight’s Landing to provide free care to underserved residents in rural Yolo County. The clinic will be open every third Sunday of the month. It will be staffed by medical students and undergraduates, along with volunteer doctors, nurses and graduate students in public health. Knights Landing hasn’t had a local medical clinic since Davis-based CommuniCare Health Centers pulled out in 2008. The clinic was losing more than $10,00 a month at the time, because of a drop in use and high numbers of people without insurance... (Source: bizjournals.com Health Care:Pharmaceuticals headlines)

Final Data Collection Standards for Race, Ethnicity, Primary Language, Sex, and Disability Status Required by Section 4302 of the Affordable Care Act

Rural web sites and other tools via the Rural Assistance Center — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 19:55:51 +0100

Provides the published standards for data collection on race, ethnicity, sex, primary language and disability status, as required by Section 4302 of the Affordable Care Act. Includes explanation and fact sheets regarding these standards. -- U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (Source: Rural web sites and other tools via the Rural Assistance Center)

Health Information Technology Toolkit: Federal HIT Resources for Rural Health Care Providers

Rural web sites and other tools via the Rural Assistance Center — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 19:08:47 +0100

Offers federal resources to guide rural health facilities and providers through the phases of choosing, implementing and operating HIT systems. -- Rural Assistance Center (Source: Rural web sites and other tools via the Rural Assistance Center)

Community Transportation Assistance Program (CTAP) Peer Network

Rural web sites and other tools via the Rural Assistance Center — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 19:06:53 +0100

This online community of mobility professionals allows for interacting with peers in the field, sharing expertise, requesting and offering technical assistance, suggesting topics for learning events, and posting calendar items. -- Community Transportation Association of America (Source: Rural web sites and other tools via the Rural Assistance Center)

MedWorm Sponsor Message: Find the best January Sales in the UK.

RAC Launches New Online Health Information Technology Toolkit

News stories via the Rural Assistance Center — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 15:34:29 +0100

Providing health information technology (HIT) resources to rural health care providers is the purpose of a new online toolkit from the Rural Assistance Center (RAC). A pilot program developed through RAC and the National Rural Health Resource Center (The Center), the toolkit is designed to help rural providers find HIT resources directed at them. (Source: News stories via the Rural Assistance Center)

Climate change: threats and opportunities to the UK - graphic

Guardian Unlimited Science — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 09:48:00 +0100

The Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs has identified potential opportunities and threats for the UK that could arise as a result of climate change (Source: Guardian Unlimited Science)

Flooding rated as worst climate change threat facing UK

Guardian Unlimited Science — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 06:01:00 +0100

This report says, for the first time, that not only are our homes and offices leaky, but that they will start to overheat in a warmer world," said Mallaburn. "We need a coherent strategy to sort out this mess. Let's hope that this report acts as a wake-up call."A website has been set up asking for the public's views on the national adaptation programme.Climate changeFloodingClimate changeEnvironmental sustainabilityWildlifeWaterForestsJuliette Jowitguardian.co.uk © 2012 Guardian News and Media Limited or its affiliated companies. All rights reserved. | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More Feeds (Source: Guardian Unlimited Science)

SAMHSA is Accepting Applications for up to $15.6 Million to Fund Sober Truth on Preventing Underage Drinking Act (STOP Act) Grants

News stories via the Rural Assistance Center — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 06:00:00 +0100

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) is accepting applications for up to a four year total of $15.6 million to fund STOP Act grants aimed at preventing alcohol use among underage youth in communities across the nation. (Source: News stories via the Rural Assistance Center)

USDA Unveils Historic Improvements to Meals Served in America's Schools

News stories via the Rural Assistance Center — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 06:00:00 +0100

The U.S. Department of Agriculture has released new meal requirements that will raise standards for the first time in more than 15 years and improve the health and nutrition of nearly 32 million kids that participate in school meal programs every school day. (Source: News stories via the Rural Assistance Center)

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Filling the Gap

News stories via the Rural Assistance Center — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 06:00:00 +0100

Times Daily, (AL) article discusses why rural health clinics are an important link to the health-care community. (Source: News stories via the Rural Assistance Center)

Annual Update of the HHS Poverty Guidelines

Federal Register updates via the Rural Assistance Center — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 06:00:00 +0100

This notice provides an update of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) poverty guidelines to account for last calendar year's increase in prices as measured by the Consumer Price Index. (Source: Federal Register updates via the Rural Assistance Center)

U.S. Department of Agriculture Multi-Family Housing Program 2012 Industry Forums-Open Teleconference and/or Web Conference Meetings

Federal Register updates via the Rural Assistance Center — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 06:00:00 +0100

This Notice announces a series of teleconferences and/or Web conference meetings regarding the USDA Multi-Family Housing Program. The teleconference and/or Web conference meetings will be scheduled on a quarterly basis, but may be held monthly at the Agency's discretion. (Source: Federal Register updates via the Rural Assistance Center)

Galactose-alpha-1,3-galactose Specific IgE is Associated with Anaphylaxis but not Asthma.

American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSIONS: These results provide: i) a model of an ectoparasite-induced specific IgE response that can increase total serum IgE without creating a risk for asthma, and ii) further evidence that the main allergens that are causally related to asthma are those that are inhaled. PMID: 22281828 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine)