MedWorm provides a medical RSS filtering service. Over 6000 RSS medical sources are combined and output via different filters. This feed contains the latest medical blog items that have been tagged with 'aarp'. Sat, 03 Sep 2011 02:03:28 +0100 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5028216&cid=t_138348_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fmisleading-medical-tweets-could-cause-harm%2F2011.07.14 This is not a lesson about the limitations of 140-character messages on Twitter. Rather, it is a warning about careless Tweets that mischaracterize the real meat of the message in longer stories linked to in the Twitter message. As I wrote on Twitter in response to these two episodes, “Better not to Tweet on complex health care topics than to mischaracterize your own story with a misleading 140 characters.” First, my friend Andrew Holtz caught the fact earlier this week that Men’s Health Magazine tweeted: If you’re a smoker, you NEED to get a CT scan. Here’s why: http://ow.ly/5x34y That “here’s why” link took you to a Men’s Health Magazine story, that despite being headlined “The Medical Test Every Smoker Needs,” went on to ... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5028216 Thu, 14 Jul 2011 14:00:49 +0100 5028216 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4684317&cid=t_138348_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fthe-republican-healthcare-plan-the-good-the-bad-and-the-ugly%2F2011.04.07 I am all for any proposal that will improve heath care in America. Improvement means controlling costs, covering all Americans so no one has to worry about going bankrupt to pay for health care. Improvement means access to quality care without having to worry about losing your job, which means losing your coverage. Improvement means a system where all incentives are aligned to prevent disease, rather than using expensive technologies and hospitals to treat disease after the fact. Any proposal that gets us there has my vote. In the GOP “Path to Prosperity” budget for 2012, they propose a few things that are good and a few big things that are bad…really really bad. First the good. Capping the medical malpractice lawsuits for “pain and suffering” would be a huge ... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4684317 Thu, 07 Apr 2011 12:00:00 +0100 4684317 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4642777&cid=t_138348_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2FyyME_JEo_sk%2F Registration to participate in 2011 SharpBrains Virtual Summit closes tomorrow Tuesday, March 29th, at 1pm US Pacific Time/ 4pm US Eastern Time. If you are planning to attend, please Register Now. — We are hon­ored to announce that Dr. Brenda Dann-Messier, US Depart­ment of Education’s Assis­tant Sec­re­tary for Voca­tional and Adult Edu­ca­tion, will open 2011 Sharp­Brains Virtual Summit on Wednesday, March 30th, shar­ing her Wel­come Remarks with 220+ registered participants. Brenda Dann-Messier was nom­i­nated by Pres­i­dent Obama as assis­tant sec­re­tary for voca­tional and adult edu­ca­tion on July 14, 2009. On Oct. 5, 2009 she was con­firmed by the U.S. Sen­ate and began her offi­cial duties on Oct. 13, 2009. More information on Dr. Dann-Messier’s bi... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4642777 Mon, 28 Mar 2011 11:05:10 +0100 4642777 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4459959&cid=t_138348_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fthe-forecast-for-heart-disease-gloomy-with-a-strong-chance-of-boomers%2F2011.02.10 As a youngster, I loved being part of the baby boom — it meant there were dozens of kids on my block who were ready to play hide-and-seek or join mysterious clubs. Now that I’m of an AARP age, there’s one club I don’t want to join: The one whose members have bypass scars, pacemakers, or other trappings of cardiovascular disease. The American Heart Association’s (AHA) gloomy new forecast on cardiovascular disease tells me it won’t be easy to avoid. The AHA foresees sizeable increases in all forms of cardiovascular disease (see table) between now and 2030, the year all of the boomers are age 65 and older. Those increases will translate into an additional 27 million people with high blood pressure, eight million with coronary heart disease, four million with stroke, and thr... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4459959 Thu, 10 Feb 2011 18:00:43 +0100 4459959 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4399826&cid=t_138348_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2FTU6O6Hd_s60%2F Another day, another letter to the FDA commish from a group of bipartisan US senators over the biologics debate. The latest missive comes from health committee chair Tom Harkin, John McCain, Chuck Schumer and Sherrod Brown, who are “extremely concerned about possible misinterpretations” of the biosimilars statute “that could further delay the availability of generic biologic drugs.” They are referring to a provision in the healthcare reform law that says generics can enter the market after a brand-name biologic has had exclusivity for 12 years. But earlier this month, a different group of senators - Orrin Hatch, Kay Hagan, Michael Enzi and John Kerry - wrote FDA commish Margaret Hamburg to urge a different interpretation that would favor brand-name drugmakers and biotechs. At issue... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4399826 Tue, 25 Jan 2011 16:57:23 +0100 4399826 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4382949&cid=t_138348_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2FbWRWTVXZO5M%2F Another nasty lobbying battle has broken out over biosimilars. And the latest involves a group of generic drugmakers, insurers and pharmacy benefit managers, which are pushing back against a recent effort by brand-name drugmakers to weaken a part of healthcare reform that is supposed to create competition for expensive biologics. The provision says generics can enter the market after a brand-name biologic has had exclusivity for 12 years. But earlier this month, a bipartisan group of four US Senators - including Orrin Hatch, Kay Hagan, Michael Enzi and John Kerry - wrote FDA commish Margaret Hamburg to urge a different interpretation that would favor brand-name drugmakers and biotechs. Their letter was circulated on and beyond Capitol Hill by, among others, the BIO trade group. At issue is... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4382949 Fri, 21 Jan 2011 14:25:26 +0100 4382949 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4281407&cid=t_138348_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2FnnAVsOykJHA%2F We are honored to announce four new confirmed SharpBrains Summit Speakers: Nigel Smith at AARP, Peter Kissinger at the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, Keith Wesnes at United BioSource, and Ken Kosik at UCSB Neuroscience Research Institute. Nigel Smith, AARP Strategy and Innovation Director, is responsible for developing decentralized innovation models for AARP and for consulting with business units in the execution of innovation processes. Prior to AARP, Nigel was the Director or Product Innovation for Visa USA. Other professional experiences have been with McKinsey & Company, Goldman Sachs Group, and KPMG. Nigel holds a Masters in Business Administration degree from Stanford University and a Bachelors in Business Administration degree from Howard University. Peter Kissinger, Presid... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4281407 Wed, 22 Dec 2010 17:56:40 +0100 4281407 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4179403&cid=t_138348_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2FbIK4cuhZ8z0%2F Discussions (Members-only links below. To Learn More and Join Council, click Here) Now let’s take a look at the great things going on with the SharpBrains Council. Council Membership 60 Council Members are already active in the Council members-only platform, bringing an excellent cross-sector participation and featuring innovative research, products, services and practices. The Member List available in the Library section includes interests and 2011 priorities, to facilitate connections. We are featuring: 7 most active Council Members: Philip Toman, Jamie Wilson, Luc Beaudoin, Joshua Steinerman, Pascale Michelon, Adam Gazzaley and Sherrie All. 7 Council Members doing great work outside the US: Peter Reiner, Veronika Litinski and David Tal in Canada; Jenny Brockis and Steve Zanon in A... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4179403 Thu, 18 Nov 2010 17:05:02 +0100 4179403 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4139349&cid=t_138348_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2FxLZj9ZGW-Rg%2F Discussions >Industry Activity from October 2010 (Posit Science, Dakim, Zeo, NovaVision, Lumosity) >Pearson starts to promote Cogmed working memory training (press release) Research & Policy Discussions >New report on workplace mental/physical health >Non-invasive electrical stimulation of the brain can improve numerical abilities >JAMA trial finds no evidence of DHA Supplementation impacting on cognitive decline in Mild to Moderate Comment of the week Philip Toman on the potential of computer-administered CBT and heart-rate variability (HRV) biofeedback Idea of the week We now have a very fun Ideas feature that allows Council Members to submit and to vote on ideas and suggestions on anything that crosses your mind. Please visit the new Ideas section and challenge you... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4139349 Sat, 06 Nov 2010 04:28:40 +0100 4139349 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4065614&cid=t_138348_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2F3ieT7tccico%2F No, AARP did not file a lawsuit. But the age-old advocacy group has signed on as co-counsel in an existing whistleblower lawsuit that was filed against Abbott Laboratories, Johnson & Johnson and Boston Scientific for allegedly off-label marketing of metal biliary stents. The suit was filed in 2006 by Kevin Colquitt, a former sales rep and manager for Guidant, which was bought by Abbott. In his suit, Colquitt charged the stents were incorrectly placed in older patients to treat vascular disease, but were not approved by the FDA for that purpose. The suit also contends the device makers made false statements to the FDA that the stents were intended for cancer patients with biliary blockages, and were marketed to docs as vascular stents, also without FDA approval (read the lawsuit here).... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4065614 Wed, 13 Oct 2010 10:51:34 +0100 4065614 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3946718&cid=t_138348_180_f&fid=38607&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Fsuccessbeginstoday%2FBHWQ%2F%7E3%2FvTX5k-_xa24%2F As I was preparing for a humorous speech contest last week, I was putting together some props for my speech about receiving the dreaded AARP card. I used a mailbox as my main prop and filled it with free sample items that you can get for free by filling out the sample card at the back of the AARP magazine. As part of my props I designed a simple “Can’t Remember Sheet.” It’s basically a sheet of paper with four bright yellow boxes where you can write the names of things you need to remember. For my speech I used milk and eggs as examples. To use the sheet, you just write down the items you want to remember and put the sheet on your refrigerator door. When you are ready for work, just take the sheet with you and post it in your car or keep it on your desk at work. That way you’ll ... Success Begins Today blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3946718 Wed, 08 Sep 2010 13:35:11 +0100 3946718 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3903130&cid=t_138348_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2Ftv9Dj06babs%2F The retail prices for the 217 most widely used brand-name drugs rose an average of 8.3 percent last year, despite a drop in inflation, according to a new survey by AARP. And for the most popular meds, prices rose 41.5 percent, outpacing a 13.3 percent rise in the Consumer Price Index. The results were first reported in The New York Times and here is the complete survey. However, the findings may not match reality for many Americans who take lower-cost generics, according to John Vernon, an assistant professor of health policy at the University of North Carolina who consults for drugmakers. “It can easily be shown that branded prices are higher here than they are in other countries, but we have the lowest and the most competitively priced generic drugs in the world, and the generic share ... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3903130 Wed, 25 Aug 2010 13:16:57 +0100 3903130 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3790706&cid=t_138348_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fpublic-service-does-having-an-opinion-disqualify-you%2F2010.07.26 Many conservatives are up-in-arms about President Obama’s decision to appoint Don Berwick, a pediatrician and renowned expert in quality improvement and patient safety, to lead the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). They object to Dr. Berwick’s views on a range of issues, and to Obama’s decision to use his office’s authority to appoint Dr. Berwick while the Senate was out on a short Independence Day holiday recess. As a “recess appointment,” Dr. Berwick was able to take office without Senate hearings and confirmation, but he can only serve through the end of the 111th Congress — that is, until the end of 2011 — unless ratified by the Senate. Berwick, though, also has many supporters. Maggie Mahar articulates the “pro&#8221... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3790706 Mon, 26 Jul 2010 12:00:00 +0100 3790706 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3733083&cid=t_138348_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fdr-insurance-broker%2F2010.07.07 Call it sweet, delicious vindication. It was clinic day yesterday. No longer had I completed my rant in this blog about UnitedHealthcare’s program to require all cardiac elecrophysiologists to obtain a “notification number” before performing any pacemaker or defibrillator procedure, I discovered my letter from them dated June 3, 2010, on my desk stating that this requirement will begin September 1, 2010, for all Illinois electrophysiologists for “all electrophysiology procedures.” Not longer than an hour later I was seeing a 67-year-old patient in the clinic who asked me: “I just got my Medicare (Part A) card and must decide about which insurer I should use for Part B, C, D, E, and F,” he said jokingly. “Since I have the medical problem and... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3733083 Thu, 08 Jul 2010 01:00:00 +0100 3733083 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3573944&cid=t_138348_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2FyWRw6FKi8nc%2F Prices for the most widely used brand-name meds jumped 9.7 during the 12-month period ending in March, according to AARP, which called the increase the largest since the organization began tracking this sort of thing in 2002. Specialty drug prices rose 9.2 percent and generics fell by 9.7 percent. AARP notes that general inflation climbed 0.3 percent during the same period. AARP then makes another comparison - the average annual cost for three generic meds declined by $51 during this period, while there was a $706 increase for three brand name drugs. “The life-saving drugs Americans need are out of reach for many because of unjustifiable price hikes,” AARP Executive Vice President John Rother says in a statement. “Consumers desperately need a competitive prescription drug market that... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3573944 Tue, 18 May 2010 12:23:54 +0100 3573944 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3542875&cid=t_138348_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2FaEC8QXIOt_M%2F A bill that would have gone into effect in Connecticut on July 1 to strictly limit gifts that drug and device makers could provide physicians and restrict the use of prescriber data died last night (this is the text). The bill hardly had bipartisan support as Democrats backed passage, while Republicans opposed (see here). For the legislation, which has been around while, to become law, the state assembly’s Public Health Committee must reintroduce the legislation during the next session beginning in January. Instead, in a last-minute maneuver, another bill did pass that simply requires adherence to existing codes adopted by PhRMA and AdvaMed. “This gets most people where they wanted to be,” says state senator Jonathan Harris, who chairs the Public Health Committee. “... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3542875 Thu, 06 May 2010 17:59:04 +0100 3542875 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3533973&cid=t_138348_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2FEMVgEyM-q80%2F We are honored to count on such a distinguished, interdisciplinary and forward-looking Innovation Awards Judging Panel (please judge for yourself!), thanks to the participation of: Baba Shiv, Professor at Stanford Business School, conducts research on consumer decision making and decision neuroscience, with specific emphasis on the neurological underpinnings of emotion and motivation in decision making. His recent work examines the potential for nonconscious placebo effects related to pricing. He is currently the editor of the Journal of Consumer Research and sits on the editorial board of the Journal of Consumer Psychology and the Journal of Marketing Research. Bill Tucker, Managing Director at Education Sector, is a social entrepreneur who has founded and led both nonprofit organizations... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3533973 Wed, 05 May 2010 04:59:21 +0100 3533973 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3350420&cid=t_138348_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2F6ki3S0Q1arM%2F We are pleased to announce the new annual Brain Fitness Innovation Awards, designed to foster innovation and best practice sharing by celebrating outstanding pioneers who apply neuroplasticity-based research and tools in the “real world”. The awards will recognize organizations that are devising and implementing results-oriented and scalable initiatives that demonstrate their commitment to the brain fitness of their clients, members, patients, students or employees, and showcase innovative uses of non-invasive tools to improve cognitive and emotional functions and “real-world” outcomes. Prizes 1 Grand Prize Winner will receive: $2,500 check, consulting session with SharpBrains staff, 2 tickets for each SharpBrains Summit in 2011; 10 signed copies of The SharpBrains ... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3350420 Wed, 10 Mar 2010 17:08:14 +0100 3350420 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3200484&cid=t_138348_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2010%2F01%2F22%2F10-good-things-about-depression%2F A radio talk host recently asked me this question: “If you could have had your way and never deal with a mood disorder in your life, would you do that. Or has the depression, somehow, enhanced your life?” Thankfully he asked that question on a fairly stable day, when I wasn’t counting up the years until I could become a member of AARP and be closer to the finish line. Had he asked me during my two suicidal years, I think I would have shot back, “Go to hell, dude. Why not ask a 10 year old dying with Leukemia to give you a list of goodies that illness has bestowed?” I immediately thought of Peter Kramer’s eloquent 2005 article in the New York Times Magazine titled “There’s Nothing Deep About Depression.” Kramer explained that he penned h... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3200484 Fri, 22 Jan 2010 19:00:09 +0100 3200484 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3023265&cid=t_138348_117_f&fid=38158&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.drneedles.comhttp%3A%2F%2Famericanacupuncture.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F11%2Fopen-letter-to-aarp.html This woman's letter to the AARP speaks to not only the problem with that organization but speaks equally well to the mood of this country and why they feel the way we do.    This was sent to Mr. Rand, the Executive Director of AARP  As a medical physician for over 51 years, I strive to give you the best medical information on controversial medical subjects, and help your read betwwen the lines. You must come to your own conclusions. I have no ties to any organization, pharmaceutical, or lobby group. As an practicing medical acupuncturist since 1982, I find western medicine and medical acupuncture are very complimentary. This results in astounding healing in pain management, addictions to cigarettes and food, and a host of other maladies. Visit drneedles is blogging... Dr. Needles Medical Blogs blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3023265 Tue, 24 Nov 2009 02:09:00 +0100 3023265 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2967404&cid=t_138348_117_f&fid=38158&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.drneedles.comhttp%3A%2F%2Famericanacupuncture.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F11%2Faarp-health-insurance-company.html The AARP, a $40 million strong American organization, is wondering why its leaders are endorsing a health bill that would undermine Medicare?As a medical physician for over 51 years, I strive to give you the best medical information on controversial medical subjects, and help your read betwwen the lines. You must come to your own conclusions. I have no ties to any organization, pharmaceutical, or lobby group. As an practicing medical acupuncturist since 1982, I find western medicine and medical acupuncture are very complimentary. This results in astounding healing in pain management, addictions to cigarettes and food, and a host of other maladies. Visit drneedles is blogging" at the end of each blog for a complete alphabetical list of all my blogs Visit http://www.americanacupuncture.com/ ... Dr. Needles Medical Blogs blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2967404 Thu, 05 Nov 2009 21:54:00 +0100 2967404 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2943945&cid=t_138348_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2FLdrtQopG7g4%2F Next Tuesday, November 3rd: I’ll be presenting the SharpBrains Guide to a business/ entrepreneurial audience at the San Francisco Chapter of the Association for Corporate Growth (you can register online). Description: While most of us have heard the phrase “use it or lose it,” very few understand what “it” means, or how to properly “use it” in order to improve brain function and fitness. This talk will provide an overview of the most recent research, guidelines and resources to “Use It and Improve It”, summarizing the main findings and topics from the new book The SharpBrains Guide to Brain Fitness. We will debunk 10 common brain fitness myths; discuss how the brain works and the 4 pillars of brain maintenance; explain the difference be... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2943945 Fri, 30 Oct 2009 13:37:12 +0100 2943945 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2691632&cid=t_138348_125_f&fid=34819&url=http%3A%2F%2Fflapsblog.com%2F2009%2F08%2F11%2Fobama-lies-about-obamacre-endorsement-by-aarp%2F AARP to their members: “We do not support President Obama’s health care plan” A gaffe, a mistake or blatant misrepresentation? President Obama today suggested that the health care reform legislation for which he’s pushing has been endorsed by the American Association of Retired Person. “We have the AARP on board because they know this is a good deal for our seniors,” the president said. At another point he said: “Well, first of all, another myth that we’ve been hearing about is this notion that somehow we’re going to be cutting your Medicare benefits.  We are not.  AARP would not be endorsing a bill if it was undermining Medicare, okay?” The problem? The AARP hasn’t endorsed any plan yet. The country’s largest advocacy group for... FullosseousFlap's Dental Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2691632 Wed, 12 Aug 2009 00:40:18 +0100 2691632 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2104992&cid=t_138348_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2F511462725%2F Good article in the New York Times today: An Epidemic of Crashes Among the Aging? Unlikely, Study Says - "The (Insurance Institute for Highway Driving) insurance institute is conducting further research to determine why the risks appear to be going down for older drivers. It may be that today’s older drivers are simply in better physical and mental shape than their counterparts a decade ago, so they are not only less likely to make a driving mistake, but also less frail and better able to survive injuries." There is no doubt that, as a group, older persons of any given age are in better physical and mental shape today than their counterparts years ago. For context, worldwide life expectancy has increased more than 20 years in less than 6o years - so you can imagine how a person... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2104992 Wed, 14 Jan 2009 04:09:36 +0100 2104992 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1833423&cid=t_138348_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2F402967745%2F The prices of specialty meds most commonly used by Medicare Part D beneficiaries to treat such maladies as cancer, rheumatoid arthritis and multiple sclerosis have risen faster than inflation every year since 2004 and rose three times the inflation rate last year, according to a survey from AARP. “The skyrocketing cost of specialty drugs is especially tragic for those suffering from diseases like cancer and multiple sclerosis,” John Rother, AARP’s executive vp of policy and strategy, says in a statement. “These drugs can provide comfort and hope to these individuals and their families. But even the most miraculous drug is useless if a person can’t afford to take it.” The survey, which covered 144 brand-name and generic meds, will be used by AARP in its battle to speed appro... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1833423 Thu, 25 Sep 2008 17:07:22 +0100 1833423 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1709718&cid=t_138348_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2F365651139%2F This is a new twist on summer reading. Now that the key parties have filed their briefs with the US Supreme Court, which will review a case involving Wyeth on November 3, a host of interested parties - including 47 state attorneys general, former FDA commissioners, members of Congress, constitutional experts and editors of The New England Journal of Medicine - have just filed their own briefs arguing against preemption. What is all the fuss about? The background: During an emergency room hospital visit, Diana Levine was given a Wyeth nausea med called Phenergan, which was administered improperly and caused the Vermont musician to lose her right arm below the elbow. She successfully argued that, even though labeling complied with FDA requirements, the adequacy of the warning still wasn’t ... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1709718 Fri, 15 Aug 2008 23:42:31 +0100 1709718 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1709802&cid=t_138348_117_f&fid=36026&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.healthtalk.com%2Fzimney%2Fnew-checklists-for-staying-healthy-over-50%2F Two new checklists designed to help people over the age of 50 learn what they can do to stay healthy have been released by the U.S. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) and the AARP. They provide all the information that women and men over 50 need to monitor and maintain their health. The two checklists are reprinted below, but originals can be obtained from the AHQR Web site, under the headings Tools and Resources, Health Care Consumers. Women: Stay Healthy at 50+ Checklists for Your Health Use the checklists in this flyer to help you stay healthy at 50+. The checklists help answer your questions about what daily steps you can take for good health, whether you need medicines to prevent disease, and which screening tests you need and when to get them.Select to downlo... Dr. Z's Medical Report blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1709802 Thu, 14 Aug 2008 23:57:11 +0100 1709802 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1512376&cid=t_138348_158_f&fid=36018&url=http%3A%2F%2Fcaregiversbeacon.blogspot.com%2F2008%2F06%2Fcaregivers-and-seniors-dilemma-medicine.html Caregivers and care-receivers can face a multiple choice in the current economy - medicine, gas, or food? Solving the problem can be like trying to find one's way through a maze and running into a wall at every turn. Forget about trying to hang on to luxuries. Many are trying to decide whether they can afford their prescription, a trip across town to a medical provider, or enough food for a nutritious diet. Below are some places to look for help on the internet.1. FOOD RESOURCES: At the website for FRAC, the Food Research and Action Center, "Fighting Hunger In America" there are resources to help. A portion of the website is dedicated to the elderly, and has information about programs you can turn to for assistance. Seniors Centers across the United States often have a commodities program ... The Caregiver's Beacon - Resources, Links, Ideas, News blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1512376 Thu, 12 Jun 2008 20:48:00 +0100 1512376 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1450466&cid=t_138348_158_f&fid=36160&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.popeinstitute.com%2Fcaregivingminutes%2F%3Fp%3D90 Increasingly the number of grandparents who function as primary caregivers to children under age 21 is increasing. Grandparents are increasingly becoming parents to young children. Whether biological parents are removed due to drug use, criminal prosecution, or simple abandonment, grandparents who function as parents have a lot to deal with in caring for a young grandchild. The AARP Foundation Grandparent Information Center is a valuable resource to grandparents who function as parents. AARP (The American Association of Retired Persons) offers a wealth of information for families and the GIC Local Grandparent Support Database is among its least well-known resources. The database essentially connects grandparents to local third party resources that provide support for the challenges grand... CaregivingMinutes™ by Pope Institute blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1450466 Sun, 18 May 2008 10:50:28 +0100 1450466 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1434693&cid=t_138348_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2F287836973%2F We recently prepared a Directory of Web Sites as part of our  Resources section. You will find some gems here, in a variety of areas: >> The Dana Foundation offers several excellent online resources: - Brainy Kids Online offers children, teens, parents and teachers links to games, labs, education resources and lesson plans. - BrainWeb: general information about the brain and current brain research, as well as links to validated sites related to more than 25 brain disorders. - Brain Resources for Seniors provides older adults and their caretakers with links to sites related to brain health, education and general information. >> PBS's The Secret Life of the Brain: fun website including a history of the brain, anatomy, illusions, brain scanning, and development from child through adulthood.... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1434693 Sun, 11 May 2008 03:06:49 +0100 1434693 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1358649&cid=t_138348_158_f&fid=36018&url=http%3A%2F%2Fcaregiversbeacon.blogspot.com%2F2008%2F04%2Faarp-specialty-assisted-living-places.html AARP has an article explaining that creative assisted living facilities can offer options such as (1) community gardens with mountain views, (2) making award winning wines , (3) pets (4) putting courses for the golfer, (5) Japanese themes, (6) woodland paths and other opportunities for residents to enjoy, (7) living in an RV park with assisted care. AARP (American Association of Retired Persons) has the article in their Bulletin, titled "Assisted Living - 10 Great Ideas" by Barbara Basler, describing creative specialty assisted care. The facilites costs ranged from $5,400 to $800 (if living in an assisted care RV park).The article starts by describing Ray Croft, 77, who "zips around the gardens of Oatfield Estates in his motorized wheelchair carrying a large watering can." There he raises ... The Caregiver's Beacon - Resources, Links, Ideas, News blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1358649 Tue, 08 Apr 2008 20:08:00 +0100 1358649 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1291147&cid=t_138348_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2F249048313%2F Last week, we wrote about an AARP study that concluded drugmakers increased their prices last year by an average of 7.4 percent for brand-name meds most commonly prescribed to the elderly, and the increase was about 2.5 times the overall inflation rate. However, the the study was criticized over methodology and motivation. One reader, for instance, wrote: “The two drugs among the top 25 with the greatest increases (Ambien and Norvasc) are both available generically. Thus, the vast majority patients (more than 90 percent) on either drug experienced a cost decrease of 50 percent to 80 percent. AARP intentionally ignores this so it can grab headlines. Not only do the headlines help AARP to advance its political agenda, it also stands to benefit financially since it has a financial inter... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1291147 Mon, 10 Mar 2008 19:59:14 +0100 1291147 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1279510&cid=t_138348_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2F245741630%2F Drug makers increased their prices last year by an average of 7.4 percent for brand-name meds most commonly prescribed to the elderly, and the increase was about 2.5 times the overall inflation rate, according to AARP, which released the report and has been tracking prices charged to wholesalers since 2002. In discussing the findings, AARP notes the price increases have been slightly greater since the Medicare drug benefit began Jan. 1, 2006, the Associated Press reports. In the four years before the benefit, wholesale prices rose between 5.3 percent and 6.6 percent annually, according to AARP. This is the study. AARP officials say the outcry over high drug prices has diminished since the Part D benefit was created. “Unfortunately, many manufacturers have taken the absence of an outc... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1279510 Tue, 04 Mar 2008 21:59:21 +0100 1279510 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1235031&cid=t_138348_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2F235601555%2F A spate of recent news coverage on brain fitness and "brain training" reflects a growing interest in natural, non-drug-based interventions to keep our brains sharp as we age. This interest is very timely, given the aging population, increasing Alzheimer's rates, and soaring health care costs that place more emphasis than ever on prevention and changing lifestyle. This past Tuesday, the MIT Club of Northern California, the American Society on Aging, and SmartSilvers sponsored an event on The Emerging Brain Fitness Software Market: Building Better Brains to explore the realities and myths of this growing field. The panel was moderated by Zack Lynch, Executive Director of the Neurotechnology Industry Organization, and composed of a venture capitalist and 3 CEOs of program developers... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1235031 Fri, 15 Feb 2008 21:10:57 +0100 1235031 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1205051&cid=t_138348_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2F229385028%2F Today we are fortunate to interview Dr. Jerri Edwards, an Associate Professor at University of South Florida's School of Aging Studies and Co-Investigator of the influencial ACTIVE study. Dr. Edwards was trained by Dr. Karlene K. Ball, and her research is aimed toward discovering how cognitive abilities can be maintained and even enhanced with advancing age. Main focus of research Alvaro Fernandez: Please explain to our readers your main research areas Jerri Edwards: I am particularly interested in how cognitive interventions may help older adults to avoid or at least delay functional difficulties and thereby maintain their independence longer. Much of my work has focused on the functional ability of driving including assessing driving fitness among older adults and remediation of cogniti... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1205051 Tue, 05 Feb 2008 06:23:15 +0100 1205051 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1176355&cid=t_138348_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2F222621494%2F Discussion  Contact information and Registration Here. Bios:  Alvaro Fernandez, Co-founder, CEO SharpBrains.com. Alvaro is a leading voice and thought-leader in the growing science-based brain fitness market, Alvaro has been quoted by Los Angeles Times, Forbes, MSNBC, MarketWatch, among others, and is a guest blogger at the Huffington Post. Alvaro has presented trends in the emerging brain fitness market at multiple conferences and universities including the Neurotech Leaders Summit, Serious Games Summit, Stanford Business School, Neurotechnology Industry conference, the Institute for the Future, American Society on Aging (2007), and more. He started his career at McKinsey & Company and led the launch and turnaround of several publishing and education companies in the US and Europe,... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1176355 Fri, 25 Jan 2008 01:51:01 +0100 1176355 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1114462&cid=t_138348_137_f&fid=35357&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAlzheimersNotes%2F%7E3%2F205388520%2F Taking care of the caregivers, or caregivers taking time for themselves, becomes extremely important during the holiday season.  The task of caregiving often involved more than anyone ever imagined, as related in the AARP magazine article, Caring for the Caregiver, by Sheree Crute. A cascade of studies in recent years has shown that caregivers stand at particular risk for a host of mental and physical illnesses, many of which have roots in stress, exhaustion, and self-neglect—symptoms some medical professionals have begun calling caregiver syndrome. Ms. Crute’s article relates caregiver stories, how some found help, what others can do, and the statistics about the growing need to care for the caregivers.  She also mentions an AARP guide, Caring for Your Parents: the Complete AA... Alzheimer's Notes blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1114462 Mon, 24 Dec 2007 02:01:13 +0100 1114462 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1087745&cid=t_138348_158_f&fid=36024&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.healthtalk.com%2Fcaregiver%2Fjeff%2Fa-caregiver-shops-for-the-holidays%2F I think it’s pretty well recognized that the holiday season is a time of stress and strain for many people, and I am sure there are many caregivers among them. My own holiday stresses are happily minor, but still vexing. For starters, it’s time to buy gifts for the family. When it comes to my 90-year-old father, it means my buying a gift for him as well as all the gifts he gives to the rest of us. Pops doesn’t drive anymore, and though theoretically I could take him shopping, he has always been helpless and overwhelmed in department stores and malls. Come to think of it, even when he was much younger and still got around he depended on me to think of gifts for the family and then procure and wrap them for him. You might call it a holiday tradition. My problem is that I have a hard ti... Caregiver Notes blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1087745 Tue, 11 Dec 2007 19:31:52 +0100 1087745 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1009646&cid=t_138348_158_f&fid=36024&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.healthtalk.com%2Fcaregiver%2Fjeff%2Fshare-the-care-group-offers-a-team-approach-to-caregiving%2F The AARP magazine has an article on caring for the caregivers in the current November/December issue. It has the usual scary stuff abut how caregivers are at greater risk for depression, infectious diseases, inflammatory diseases, exhaustion, self-neglect and a bunch of other bad stuff all wrapped up in a new quasi-medical term: “caregiver syndrome.” I almost put the article down. Reading another article about caregiver depression was starting to make me depressed. But then my attention was drawn to a sidebar about setting up a “share the care” group, an approach to caregiving based on the experience of a group of women who got together in 1988 to help care for a mutual friend with cancer. The experience spawned a novel and creative model for caregiving, a book called Share the Car... Caregiver Notes blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1009646 Tue, 06 Nov 2007 22:34:12 +0100 1009646 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=995183&cid=t_138348_158_f&fid=36018&url=http%3A%2F%2Fcaregiversbeacon.blogspot.com%2F2007%2F10%2Faarp-reports-on-long-term-care-trends.html A new report from the AARP says meeting the upcoming demands for workers in Long Term Care will be difficult without recruiting and retaining more workers. The report said that " low wages, low prestige and dangerous working conditions will have to improve to expand the difficult tasks associated with LTC." At the website for the American Association of Retired Persons you can read their article titled Long Term Care Trends, Comparing Long Term Care in Germany and the United States: What Can We Learn From Each Other? The research paper is by Mary Jo Gibson, AARP Public Policy Institute, and Donald L. Redfoot, AARP Public Policy Institute.The article said the United States has made progress in (1) shifting from institutions to home based care (2) "strong civil rights protections for people ... The Caregiver's Beacon - Resources, Links, Ideas, News blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=995183 Thu, 01 Nov 2007 00:13:00 +0100 995183