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 'agenda'. Sat, 03 Sep 2011 02:11:49 +0100 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4992925&cid=t_150420_135_f&fid=35277&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.aac.org%2Findex.php%2F2011%2F07%2F01%2Fthe-ma-legislature-has-finalized-a-budget-for-2012-cutting-15m-for-hivaids-services%2F Statement from Rebecca Haag, President & CEO, AIDS Action Committee: “We are deeply disappointed with the Conference Committee budget cutting $1.5 million in the HIV/AIDS line item. This is the third year in a row that the HIV/AIDS line item has been cut by $1.5 million or more. Last year’s cut of $2 million resulted in reduced prevention and screening programs, residential support services, non-medical case management for persons living with HIV/AIDS, and elimination of the regional Service Coordination Collaborative system. “The state’s investment in HIV/AIDS treatment and prevention over the last three decades has paid off with a 59 percent reduction in new HIV diagnoses over the last 10 years, which will result in savings of more than $1.6 billion in health care costs. Mas... AIDS Action Committee's Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4992925 Fri, 01 Jul 2011 15:02:14 +0100 4992925 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4960267&cid=t_150420_135_f&fid=35277&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.aac.org%2Findex.php%2F2011%2F06%2F22%2Fupdates-from-the-state-house-june-22-2011%2F From health care funding to anti-discrimination laws, public policy plays a key role in the fight against HIV/AIDS. That’s why AIDS Action maintains a strong advocacy presence at the local, state, and federal levels. Our public policy work is especially important on Beacon Hill, where decisions are routinely made that impact the lives of people at risk for and already living with HIV/AIDS here in Massachusetts. We wanted to give you a brief update on some important legislative efforts currently underway: The 2012 State Budget The state legislature is in the final days of coming up with a budget proposal to send to Governor Patrick for fiscal year 2012, which begins on July 1st. Over the last few months, the House and Senate passed their own versions of the budget, and now a small c... AIDS Action Committee's Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4960267 Wed, 22 Jun 2011 18:35:47 +0100 4960267 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4934550&cid=t_150420_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2Fr7ddNltOXQU%2F (Editor’s Note: the recent trade book Computer Games and Instruction brings together the leading edge perspectives of over a dozen scientists in the area of videogames and learning, including a very insightful analysis –excerpted below– by Harvard’s Chris Dede. Please pay attention to his thoughts on scalability below, and enjoy!) — The research overview provided by Tobias, Fletcher, and Dai (this volume) is very helpful in summarizing studies to date on various dimensions of educational games and simulations. The next challenge for the field is to move beyond isolated research in which each group of investigators uses an idiosyncratic set of definitions, conceptual frameworks, and methods. Instead, to make further progress, we as scholars should adopt common research strategies ... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4934550 Sat, 11 Jun 2011 15:24:20 +0100 4934550 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4862511&cid=t_150420_87_f&fid=36438&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FCato-at-liberty%2F%7E3%2F80qXXWymvBI%2F By Sallie JamesOn Monday, a group of 41 Senate Democrats, led by Sen. Debbie Stabenow (MI) sent a letter to President Obama, praising his administration’s recent decision to abandon its erstwhile promotion of the three pending trade deals as “job creators” and instead warn Congress it won’t submit the pacts for a vote unless they can be assured that a stimulus-enhanced version of trade adjustment assistance will be renewed. The letter contains much about the benefits of the program, with little mention of its costs to taxpayers and even less concern shown for the innocent consumers whose pockets have been picked for decades to maintain the jobs lost when trade is allowed to flow more freely. That’s pretty standard fare for protectionists, who rely on the hid... Cato-at-liberty blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4862511 Wed, 25 May 2011 15:41:30 +0100 4862511 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4821091&cid=t_150420_135_f&fid=35277&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.aac.org%2Findex.php%2F2011%2F05%2F12%2Fprogress-and-challenges-in-hepatitis-c%2F May is Hepatitis Awareness Month. Currently, more than 3 million people in the U.S. and 170 million worldwide are infected with the hepatitis C virus (HCV).   HCV-related liver disease and other health complications now claim an estimated 8,000 to 12,000 American lives each year – making HCV the fourth leading infectious cause of death in the U.S.  These numbers have been projected to increase substantially in the coming decade. Fortunately, the past few weeks have brought news of promising developments that may help change these bleak projections:  Namely, the imminent approvals of two new drugs for HCV treatment – Merck and Co.’s boceprevir and Vertex Pharmaceuticals’ telaprevir. In late April, a Food and Drug Administration (FDA) advisory committee unanimously recommended th... AIDS Action Committee's Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4821091 Thu, 12 May 2011 17:00:05 +0100 4821091 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4758934&cid=t_150420_135_f&fid=35277&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.aac.org%2Findex.php%2F2011%2F04%2F27%2Fmassachusetts-house-passes-public-health-amendment-adding-25m-to-hivaids-funding%2F Statement by Rebecca Haag, AIDS Action President & CEO BOSTON, April 27, 2011—“The public health amendment passed by the House yesterday is a smart and focused investment in public health. Prevention and wellness programs are critical to long-term savings in health care. Over the last 10 years, the state’s investment in HIV/AIDS treatment and prevention has paid off with a 59 percent reduction in new HIV diagnoses. This will result in a savings of more than $1.6 billion in health care costs. “Even as the rate of new infections has declined dramatically, the number of people living with HIV and AIDS has increased by 42 percent. Today, there are approximately 18,000 people living in Massachusetts with a diagnosis of HIV. Care is prevention and the House deserves praise for recog... AIDS Action Committee's Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4758934 Wed, 27 Apr 2011 13:56:59 +0100 4758934 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4742609&cid=t_150420_135_f&fid=35277&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.aac.org%2Findex.php%2F2011%2F04%2F22%2Ffunding-the-fight-against-hivaids%2F It’s budget season, and as you’ve probably heard funds for health and prevention programs are on the chopping block nationwide. We’re busy reminding lawmakers that investing now in HIV prevention and care services will save billions in the long run. In Massachusetts alone, it is estimated that without the programs we had in place from 1998-2008 we would have seen an additional 4,085 HIV cases in our state, resulting in over $1.5 billion in health care costs, not to mention the challenges each of these people would have faced managing a life-threatening disease. In Massachusetts Last week, the Ways & Means Committee of the Massachusetts House of Representatives released its budget proposal for Fiscal Year 2012, which begins July 1. The committee recommended $2 million in cuts to ... AIDS Action Committee's Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4742609 Fri, 22 Apr 2011 13:43:30 +0100 4742609 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4709352&cid=t_150420_135_f&fid=35277&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.aac.org%2Findex.php%2F2011%2F04%2F13%2Faids-actions-statement-on-ma-house-budget-cuts%2F Statement by Rebecca Haag, AIDS Action President & CEO on $2 million cut to HIV/AIDS line item in the Massachusetts House budget: “The House budget released today is a short-sighted approach to the state’s investment in public health. Prevention and wellness programs are critical to long-term savings in health care. The state’s investment in HIV/AIDS treatment and prevention has paid off with a 59 percent reduction in new HIV diagnoses over the last 10 years, which will result in savings of more than $1.5 billion in health care costs. “The fact is that care is prevention. Massachusetts has been successful in reducing new infections because we’ve invested heavily in connecting people with care. The combination of Medicaid and community-based services for people with HIV resul... AIDS Action Committee's Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4709352 Wed, 13 Apr 2011 18:59:36 +0100 4709352 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4489920&cid=t_150420_135_f&fid=35277&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.aac.org%2Findex.php%2F2011%2F02%2F17%2Faids-action-statement-on-governor-patrick%25e2%2580%2599s-health-reform-proposal%2F BOSTON, February 17, 2011— Statement by Rebecca Haag, AIDS Action President & CEO, on Governor Patrick’s Proposal To Create Accountable Care Organizations: “AIDS Action Committee applauds Gov. Patrick for his bold plan to reduce health care costs. His proposal to create accountable care organizations will inevitably bend the treatment curve toward the model of chronic disease management that service organizations like AIDS Action have been practicing for years. We already know what lowers health costs and increases the quality of care — treating people not diseases. Care is prevention. That is the model our health care system needs to embrace and the current fiscal climate is an opportunity to transform the way we provide critical health, community wellness, and prevention ser... AIDS Action Committee's Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4489920 Thu, 17 Feb 2011 20:33:26 +0100 4489920 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4482933&cid=t_150420_135_f&fid=35277&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.aac.org%2Findex.php%2F2011%2F02%2F15%2Frebecca-haag-responds-to-the-new-york-times%2F Rebecca Haag, AIDS Action’s President and CEO,  has a letter published in today’s New York Times in response to a February 8th article entitled “An H.I.V. Strategy Invites Addicts In” that examined a reduction in HIV infections through an innovative prevention and treatment program in Vancouver, Canada Rebecca’s letter highlights the success that Massachusetts has seen in reducing new HIV infections by 59% in the years 1998 to 2008 by providing aggressive prevention and behavioral interventions in addition to making sure that those who are living with HIV are connected to care and treatment. (Source: AIDS Action Committee's Blog) AIDS Action Committee's Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4482933 Tue, 15 Feb 2011 21:34:15 +0100 4482933 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4445974&cid=t_150420_135_f&fid=35277&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.aac.org%2Findex.php%2F2011%2F02%2F07%2Ftime-to-bring-hivaids-awareness-to-the-village%2F This blog post was by Larry Day, the Manager of HIV Health Promotion here at AIDS Action Committee. Larry wrote this post in observance of National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day, which is Monday, February 7, 2011. As I sit here in my bedroom writing this post on my laptop, I’m looking for inspiration and direction. In the background, a network news anchor is droning on about world events, then suddenly I hear a few words that strike a chord; “these people are tired of 30 years of the status quo, they are ready, no they are demanding change and their taking charge and creating that change.” Well there it was, my muse was in the midst of the crowds in the ancient city of Cairo. The people rising up and demanding change. Sick and tired of being sick and tired and rising up to do somethin... AIDS Action Committee's Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4445974 Mon, 07 Feb 2011 17:18:42 +0100 4445974 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4405986&cid=t_150420_135_f&fid=35277&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.aac.org%2Findex.php%2F2011%2F01%2F27%2Fstatement-on-governor%25e2%2580%2599s-budget-cuts%2F Statement by Rebecca Haag, AIDS Action President & CEO, on $2M cut to HIV/AIDS line item in Governor’s budget: “The governor’s budget released today reflects what we all know: Times are tough. But this is a short-sighted approach to the state’s investment in public health. Prevention and wellness programs are critical to long-term savings in health care. The state’s investment in HIV/AIDS treatment and prevention has paid off with a 50 percent reduction in new HIV diagnoses over the last 10 years, which has resulted in millions of dollars saved in health care costs. But if we undercut the infrastructure of programs supporting public health, we will not be able to sustain a model of care that effectively manages chronic diseases like HIV, diabetes, and asthma, all of which a... AIDS Action Committee's Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4405986 Thu, 27 Jan 2011 20:22:37 +0100 4405986 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4411676&cid=t_150420_135_f&fid=35277&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.aac.org%2Findex.php%2F2011%2F01%2F27%2Fstatement-on-governor%25e2%2580%2599s-budget-cuts%2F Statement by Rebecca Haag, AIDS Action President & CEO, on $2M cut to HIV/AIDS line item in Governor’s budget: “The governor’s budget released today reflects what we all know: Times are tough. But this is a short-sighted approach to the state’s investment in public health. Prevention and wellness programs are critical to long-term savings in health care. The state’s investment in HIV/AIDS treatment and prevention has paid off with a 50 percent reduction in new HIV diagnoses over the last 10 years, which has resulted in millions of dollars saved in health care costs. But if we undercut the infrastructure of programs supporting public health, we will not be able to sustain a model of care that effectively manages chronic diseases like HIV, diabetes, and asthma, all of which a... AIDS Action Committee's Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4411676 Thu, 27 Jan 2011 20:09:26 +0100 4411676 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4405987&cid=t_150420_135_f&fid=35277&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.aac.org%2Findex.php%2F2011%2F01%2F26%2Four-2011-2012-policy-priorities%2F At the HIV Health & Policy Institute of AIDS Action Committee, we investigate the links between social justice issues – including poverty, racism, sexism, homophobia, and transphobia — and HIV infection. We lobby state and federal lawmakers for better HIV/AIDS policies that empower people to live better lives. As a result, our clients are more likely to know their HIV status, connect with the health care system, and keep themselves and their families safer from infection. To that end, we are pursuing the following policy priorities in the 2011-2012 state legislative session. If you would like to stay up to date on these issues and any related bills that are filed, please sign up to receive our occassional CyberAction email updates! HIV Testing AIDS Action SUPPORTS legis... AIDS Action Committee's Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4405987 Wed, 26 Jan 2011 21:53:17 +0100 4405987 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4394592&cid=t_150420_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2FdGcGAXSLcBQ%2F The Council on the Ageing Society is one of the Global Agenda Councils created by the World Economic Forum in 2008. It addresses global issues associated with our ageing society and has the task of challenging prevailing assumptions, monitoring trends, proposing solutions, devising strategies, and making public policy proposals. It is composed of scientists, public policy makers, academics, physicians and business leaders, including our very own Alvaro Fernandez. The first report of the Council on the Ageing Society was published this month in Global Policy. In this first publication the Council presents the basic principles that will guide its views, actions and policies in the coming years. We emphasise the power of knowledge as a policy tool. Evidence-based information about individual... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4394592 Mon, 24 Jan 2011 19:34:07 +0100 4394592 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4300718&cid=t_150420_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Frecoveryissexy.com%2Fwhat-co-dependency-is-not%2F Sometimes people mistake the milk of human kindness for co-dependency. Thus, when co-dependent women start to recover, the pendulum swings the other way and they become determined not to "caretake" or to give away too much. They don’t want to offer care unless someone asks. This is fine, and for some a necessary part of the recovery, but some distinctions are in order.Empathy, sensitivity, care, compassion, and tenderness are wonderful traits. Being deeply involved and nurturing in a relationship can reflect a person’s wonderful capacity for intimacy. The ability to protect and care for children is a skill to be highly valued. When you comfort someone in need, you bestow a precious gift. Tuning in to the needs of others is beautiful. The codependent woman does not need to get... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4300718 Wed, 29 Dec 2010 15:45:01 +0100 4300718 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4119522&cid=t_150420_135_f&fid=35277&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.aac.org%2Findex.php%2F2010%2F10%2F26%2Ftuesdays-election-is-all-about-no-no-and-no%2F The following message is from Deborah Silva, AIDS Action’s Director of Public Policy: November 2nd is election day! Don’t forget to go to the polls and cast your vote for Governor and other important political races, including State Auditor, State Treasurer, Attorney General, state representative and state senator! (For detailed information on voting, visit wheredoivotema.com.) Equally important is your vote on 3 important statewide ballot questions. AIDS Action Committee OPPOSES ALL 3 BALLOT QUESTIONS because each of them would be harmful to our clients. QUESTION 1 would remove the Massachusetts sales tax on alcoholic beverages. Currently, the alcohol sales tax provides over $100 million in funding for drug and alcohol treatment programs and helps discourage teen drinking. Vote N... AIDS Action Committee's Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4119522 Tue, 26 Oct 2010 21:03:31 +0100 4119522 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4086457&cid=t_150420_135_f&fid=35277&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.aac.org%2Findex.php%2F2010%2F10%2F20%2Fwhite-house-visits-aids-action%2F It’s not often that people living with HIV/AIDS get to sit down and talk with the White House official responsible for implementing federal policy initiatives that directly impact them. But that’s what happened at the AIDS Action Committee on Oct. 19, when Jeffrey Crowley, Director of the Office of National AIDS Policy, participated in a town hall style meeting with about 30 clients of AIDS Action. AIDS Action President and CEO Rebecca Haag introduced Crowley who gave an overview of the Obama Administration’s National Policy on HIV/AIDS, which was released this past July. The plan — the first ever released by the federal government to coordinate federal, state, and local responses to the HIV/AIDS pandemic — calls for a 25 percent reduction in new HIV diagnoses over the ne... AIDS Action Committee's Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4086457 Wed, 20 Oct 2010 20:25:27 +0100 4086457 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4055701&cid=t_150420_87_f&fid=36438&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FCato-at-liberty%2F%7E3%2FJLcEQVaKnlw%2F By Roger PilonToday POLITICO Arena asks: Will President Obama’s campaign finance attacks on the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and others resonate with voters over the next three weeks? My response: With so many senior advisors leaving the White House so early in the term, you have to wonder who’s left to advise the president except, well — the president. And judging from his attacks on corporate campaign spending generally and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce in particular, you’re inclined to believe that that’s the case. After all, the attacks are perfectly consistent with the president’s larger agenda. As others here at the Arena have noted, not since the New Deal have we seen so sustained an anti-business political agenda as has come from this president. U... Cato-at-liberty blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4055701 Mon, 11 Oct 2010 16:27:12 +0100 4055701 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3969145&cid=t_150420_135_f&fid=35277&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.aac.org%2Findex.php%2F2010%2F09%2F14%2Fjohanns-amendment-defeated-public-health-fund-safe-for-now%2F The Johanns Amendment to the Small Business Jobs and Credit Act just failed 46-52 in the US Senate. The Amendment would have used the newly created Public Health Fund to offset the cost of repealing an unrelated change in business tax reporting. Put simply, $11 billion dedicated to improving our nation’s preventative health care would have been squandered. AIDS Action Committee asked our Cyber Action activists to let Senator Scott Brown know that they wanted him to vote no on using the Public Health Fund for unrelated purposes. Senator Kerry had previously stated that he opposed the amendment, and did vote no. In the end, Senator Brown voted in favor of the amendment, but our voices were still heard loud and clear. Thank you for taking action. Brave senators beat back this attack ... AIDS Action Committee's Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3969145 Tue, 14 Sep 2010 16:46:50 +0100 3969145 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3566813&cid=t_150420_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FRecoveryIsSexycom%2F%7E3%2FvrQQNYaDMsU%2F Sometimes people mistake the milk of human kindness for co-dependency. Thus, when co-dependent women start to recover, the pendulum swings the other way and they become determined not to "caretake" or to give away too much. They don’t want to offer care unless someone asks. This is fine, and for some a necessary part of the recovery, but some distinctions are in order. Empathy, sensitivity, care, compassion, and tenderness are wonderful traits. Being deeply involved and nurturing in a relationship can reflect a person’s wonderful capacity for intimacy. The ability to protect and care for children is a skill to be highly valued. When you comfort someone in need, you bestow a precious gift. Tuning in to the needs of others is beautiful. The codependent woman does not need to ge... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3566813 Fri, 14 May 2010 19:57:24 +0100 3566813 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3378456&cid=t_150420_87_f&fid=36438&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FCato-at-liberty%2F%7E3%2FZ5r_O6He898%2F By Chris Moody Busy with an ambitious domestic agenda, the Obama administration has put trade issues on the back burner. Let’s hope it stays that way. A little lesson on how government works. (As opposed to how it’s supposed to work.) There has been talk that House Democrats are planning to “deem” the health care bill into law without calling for a vote. If you’re not sure how that process works, read this. Contrary to a growing belief in Washington, revaluing China’s currency will not cure the trade deficit. Podcast: “ObamaCare Threatens Innovation” featuring Michael F. Cannon. (Source: Cato-at-liberty) Cato-at-liberty blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3378456 Wed, 17 Mar 2010 20:10:12 +0100 3378456 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3223458&cid=t_150420_135_f&fid=35277&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.aac.org%2Findex.php%2F2010%2F01%2F29%2Fcontribute-to-the-first-federal-report-on-lgbt-health-disparities%2F Lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people are fully aware of the obstacles they face in receiving quality, competent and affordable health care. From the uncomfortable assumptions medical providers sometimes make about LGBT people’s lives to the high costs of inequality in health insurance coverage and treatments, the health care roadblocks for LGBT people are varied and often hard to address. How do you know if your new PCP is biased against LGBT people until you’re sitting through a difficult exam? How do you convince an insurance company that covering transition-related procedures and hormone therapies for transgender people is central to their health? HIV/AIDS advocates have long known that discomfort with the medical field contributes greatly to HIV testing av... AIDS Action Committee's Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3223458 Fri, 29 Jan 2010 21:21:07 +0100 3223458 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3193706&cid=t_150420_87_f&fid=36438&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FCato-at-liberty%2F%7E3%2FTNAsiNzS9LI%2F By Roger PilonToday, Politico Arena asks: The message from Massachusetts What now for the Democratic agenda? My response: Listening to Scott Brown’s long, barely scripted acceptance speech last night, you had the refreshing sense that you were listening to an ordinary American, not to some political cut-out.  Here’s a guy who campaigned in a pick-up truck with over 200,000 miles on the odometer, who listened to the voters and understood that they wanted not simply to block tax hikes but to lower taxes (and the last thing they wanted was for their taxes to pay terrorists’ lawyers bills!), who understood that even worse than the health care bill now before Congress were the back-room deals that brought it about, who’s served proudly for 30 years in the National Guard — in shor... Cato-at-liberty blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3193706 Wed, 20 Jan 2010 17:22:12 +0100 3193706 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3157549&cid=t_150420_109_f&fid=38950&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.shockmd.com%2F2010%2F01%2F10%2Fwhere-does-your-hamburger-come-from%2F PopTech 2009: Michael Pollan from PopTech on Vimeo. Author and activist Michael Pollan is a passionate advocate for sustainable food. In his compelling talk at PopTech, he explores how our industrial food system is keeping us overly dependent on fossil fuels, destroying our environment, and making us sick. Breaking this cycle requires fundamentally changing our relationship to food – and eating more meals together. This presentation was made in collaboration with Duarte Design. You can read about the making of this presentation on their blog here. Amazing presentation on an important topic. For his speaking agenda and giving the Sun Food Agenda presentation have a look at the schedule here. Related posts:Presentation Update 2 In previous posts we made the distinction between ballr... Dr Shock MD PhD blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3157549 Sun, 10 Jan 2010 13:11:04 +0100 3157549 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3104996&cid=t_150420_87_f&fid=36438&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FCato-at-liberty%2F%7E3%2FSSVKuxXsqbI%2F By Roger PilonPolitico asks, “Was he convincing?” My response: In Copenhagen this morning, President Obama convinced only those who want to believe — of which, regrettably, there is no shortage.  Notice how he began, utterly without doubt:  “You would not be here unless you, like me, were convinced that this danger is real.  This is not fiction, this is science.”  The implicit certitude is no part of real science, of course.  But then the president, like the environmental zealots cheering him in Copenhagen, are not really interested in real science.  Theirs, ultimately, is a political agenda.  How else to explain the corruption of science that the East Anglia Climate Research email scandal has brought to light, and the efforts, presently, to dismiss the s... Cato-at-liberty blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3104996 Fri, 18 Dec 2009 16:49:18 +0100 3104996 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3084932&cid=t_150420_135_f&fid=35277&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.aac.org%2Findex.php%2F2009%2F12%2F14%2Fcongress-ends-20-year-ban-on-syringe-exchange-funding%2F Over the weekend, Congress passed an appropriations bill, including language that will end the 20-year ban on federal funding for syringe exchange programs (SEPs). These programs are shown to effectively reduce new HIV infections among intravenous drug users, and to provide avenues to get otherwise hard to reach HIV-positive people into care. The following is a press release from the national advocacy group, AIDS Action Council, whose Executive Director, Rebecca Haag, is also President & CEO of AIDS Action Committee here in MA. For Immediate Release December 13, 2009 Contact: Ronald Johnson, (202) 530-8030 x3096, rjohnson@aidsaction.org  William McColl, (202) 530-8030 x3096, (202) 595-4167, wmccoll@aidsaction.org AIDS Action Applauds Congress for Historic End to Twenty Year Ban on th... AIDS Action Committee's Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3084932 Mon, 14 Dec 2009 15:43:27 +0100 3084932 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3067264&cid=t_150420_135_f&fid=35277&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.aac.org%2Findex.php%2F2009%2F12%2F07%2Faacs-public-policy-director-testifies-against-budget-cuts-that-would-hurt-people-living-with-hivaids%2F I recently had the privilege of testifying at the State House on behalf of the Coalition to END HIV. We were joining the Massachusetts Coalition for Addiction Services to ask the Office of Health and Human Services to preserve existing funding for key state initiatives that support people living with HIV/AIDS and others. I wanted to share my testimony with the readers of AIDS Action’s blog. My prepared comments can be read below. Thank you for reading and supporting our efforts, Monique Tula Director of Strategic Planning and Public Policy, AIDS Action Committee EOHHS Public Hearing December 3, 2009 Testimony on FY 2011 Budget HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, Mental Health and Addiction Prevention, Treatment and Recovery Services Secretary Bigby and members of the committee, thank you fo... AIDS Action Committee's Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3067264 Mon, 07 Dec 2009 20:36:56 +0100 3067264 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3003921&cid=t_150420_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2FpceD3xedXZs%2F Heading to Dubai today (a 15-hour direct flight!), coming back to San Francisco next Monday. Last year I wrote about this remarkable new initiative by the World Economic Forum here (proposal) and here (reflections, emerging discussion). This year’s update: Overview: Network of Global Agenda Councils List of Councils: Here List of Members: Here Members of Ageing Society Council: Here Info on 2009 Summit: Here Report from 2008 Summit: Here (opens PDF in new window) Twitter: #WEFDubai. Will tweet during the event, and blog about it next week. (Source: SharpBrains) SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3003921 Wed, 18 Nov 2009 14:52:00 +0100 3003921 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2992815&cid=t_150420_135_f&fid=35277&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.aac.org%2Findex.php%2F2009%2F11%2F12%2Fpolicy-update-progress-in-the-fight-against-hivaids%2F The HIV/AIDS community continues to make progress in the policy fight against the epidemic. Critical funding has been maintained or enhanced at the state and federal levels, and discriminatory policies targeting HIV+ people are coming undone. Read on for more detail on key areas of policy progress, as well as struggles that still need your help. National HIV/AIDS Strategy Comment Period Closing Friday AIDS Action Committee is proud to be a leading member of the Coalition for a National AIDS Strategy, the grassroots organization founded two years ago that successfully lobbied presidential candidates Obama and McCain to commit to creating a National HIV/AIDS Strategy for the United States. After 26 years of the domestic HIV/AIDS epidemic, the U.S. still operates without a coordinated, outcom... AIDS Action Committee's Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2992815 Fri, 13 Nov 2009 23:13:39 +0100 2992815 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2886673&cid=t_150420_135_f&fid=35277&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.aac.org%2Findex.php%2F2009%2F10%2F13%2Fnational-equality-march-a-call-to-action-at-the-aids-rally-vigil%2F This past weekend, tens of thousands (some estimates have it at hundreds of thousands) of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and allied people from across the nation converged on Washington, DC for the National Equality March (NEM), the first national LGBT rights march in DC since 2000. On Saturday, October 10th, 15+ organizations hosted a rally and vigil for HIV/AIDS on the Ellipse, not even a block away from the White House. Cleve Jones, one of the co-chairs of the NEM and founder of the NAMES Project AIDS Memorial Quilt, said of the rally, “The weekend of course is about achieving full equality for LGBT Americans. We need to be using that political power to underscore that the AIDS epidemic continues. We believe a great many young people will be attending the march, and they need... AIDS Action Committee's Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2886673 Tue, 13 Oct 2009 14:33:38 +0100 2886673 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2804172&cid=t_150420_135_f&fid=35277&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.aac.org%2Findex.php%2F2009%2F09%2F16%2Froutine-testing-town-halls-inform-aacs-ongoing-deliberations%2F This summer AAC’s Public Policy department held a series of town hall meetings in Boston, Worcester, Springfield, Gloucester, and Brockton to discuss the feasibility of implementing routine testing for HIV in medical settings, such as a doctor’s office. The intent of the meetings was to solicit feedback from the HIV/AIDS community regarding recent changes to the Centers for Disease Control recommendations in favor of routine testing in these settings. According to the CDC, the changes in their recommendations, which are nonbinding, were made in an effort to decrease the number of people who do not know their HIV status by making HIV testing a routine part of doctor and hospital visits. We learned a great deal about what the community thinks about the CDC’s recommendations... AIDS Action Committee's Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2804172 Wed, 16 Sep 2009 19:59:09 +0100 2804172 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2774609&cid=t_150420_87_f&fid=36438&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FCato-at-liberty%2F%7E3%2FnYufE6O6ARI%2F My old friend E. J. Dionne of the Washington Post writes that the Citizens United v. FEC rehearing on Wednesday is “A Test Case for Roberts.” Because, you see, Chief Justice John Roberts said in his confirmation hearings that “it is a jolt to the legal system when you overrule a precedent. Precedent plays an important role in promoting stability and evenhandedness. It is not enough — and the court has emphasized this on several occasions — it is not enough that you may think the prior decision was wrongly decided.” Dionne says that if Roberts and the Court overturn the precedents that seem to point to banning a movie with a political agenda because it was produced by a nonprofit corporation, “he will unleash havoc in our political system and great... Cato-at-liberty blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2774609 Tue, 08 Sep 2009 14:50:58 +0100 2774609 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2712317&cid=t_150420_135_f&fid=35277&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.aac.org%2Findex.php%2F2009%2F08%2F18%2Faids-action-council-issues-ryan-white-funding-alert%2F This afternoon, AIDS Action Council, the national advocacy group, issued an alert to its supporters regarding Ryan White funding. Here’s their alert in full: Congress Must Extend the Ryan White CARE Act Immediately The current Ryan White CARE Act sunsets on September 30, 2009.  That’s just 6 weeks away. The Ryan White Program provides essential medical and support services to hundreds of thousands of individuals each year.  The services are a critical part of our HIV health care safety net. Congress must extend the Ryan White Program as a Stand-Alone bill by September 30, 2009 to avoid gaps in coverage. This moment is critical. Your letter will make a difference. Together the HIV community has reached a broad consensus for a three-year extension of Ryan White.  Please join A... AIDS Action Committee's Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2712317 Tue, 18 Aug 2009 17:59:01 +0100 2712317 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2657873&cid=t_150420_135_f&fid=35277&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.aac.org%2Findex.php%2F2009%2F07%2F30%2Fsenate-throws-wrench-in-effort-to-lift-the-syringe-exchange-funding-ban%2F The Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education and Related Agencies approved a spending bill this week that maintains the ban on federal funding for syringe exchange programs nationwide. Just last week the Subcommittee’s companion in the House approved a bill that strikes the ban, marking “the first time in 20 years that the federal government is on the verge of recognizing syringe exchange as an important, evidence-based tool in HIV prevention…,” said Rebecca Haag, AIDS Action Committee President & CEO and Executive Director of AIDS Action Council, the national advocacy group. House and Senate leaders will determine the fate of the syringe exchange ban in conference, where both sides work to reconcile differences in their ver... AIDS Action Committee's Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2657873 Thu, 30 Jul 2009 18:59:22 +0100 2657873 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2634350&cid=t_150420_87_f&fid=36438&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FCato-at-liberty%2F%7E3%2FwuzaidfTLyY%2F There’s lots of outrage in the blogosphere over revelations that some of the biggest recipients of the federal government’s $700 billion TARP bailout have been spending money on lobbyists. Good point. It’s bad enough to have our tax money taken and given to banks whose mistakes should have caused them to fail. It’s adding insult to injury when they use our money — or some “other” money; money is fungible — to lobby our representatives in Congress, perhaps for even more money. Get taxpayers’ money, hire lobbyists, get more taxpayers’ money. Nice work if you can get it. But the outrage about the banks’ lobbying is a bit late. As far back as 1985, Cato published a book, Destroying Democracy: How Government Funds Partisan Polit... Cato-at-liberty blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2634350 Thu, 23 Jul 2009 12:37:08 +0100 2634350 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2614031&cid=t_150420_135_f&fid=35277&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.aac.org%2Findex.php%2F2009%2F07%2F17%2Fupdate-questionable-aids-charity-still-wants-your-money%2F Back in March, AIDS Action Committee’s Dan Scanlan, Senior Development Officer, brought to your attention the questionable AIDS charity, Center for AIDS Prevention, operating out of Beverly Hills, CA. Journalists at ProPublica, a leading nonprofit newsroom for investigative journalism, had published an initial report calling the Center’s advertising and fundraising activities into question. Despite attempts to further investigate the Center since March, little has been done to regulate its activities, which include major, national media campaigns (soliciting donations) and a website that regularly features inaccurate information about HIV and AIDS. ProPublica recently published a follow-up report, highlighting in particular a recent Center gaffe involving Tiger Woods. In April,... AIDS Action Committee's Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2614031 Fri, 17 Jul 2009 14:56:48 +0100 2614031 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2464357&cid=t_150420_135_f&fid=35277&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.aac.org%2Findex.php%2F2009%2F06%2F08%2Femory-university-looks-at-same-sex-civil-marriage-bans-and-hiv-rates%2F In an interesting story, bans on same-sex marriage can be tied to a rise in the rate of HIV infection a new study by two Emory economists has found. In the first study of the impact of social tolerance levels toward gays in the United States on the HIV transmission rate, the researchers estimated that a constitutional ban on gay marriage raises the rate by four cases per 100,000 people. You can read the full story here (Source: AIDS Action Committee's Blog) AIDS Action Committee's Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2464357 Mon, 08 Jun 2009 16:59:07 +0100 2464357 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2356855&cid=t_150420_87_f&fid=36438&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FCato-at-liberty%2F%7E3%2Fx3CqYWp1u64%2F Do trade and economic growth conflict with human rights? Too often, human rights advocates present development as incompatible with rights. So-called development agencies like the World Bank often ignore rights, including personal choice, when they push for top-down growth strategies around the world. Jean-Pierre Chauffour will speak at the Cato Institute tomorrow on his new Cato book, The Power of Freedom: Uniting Human Rights and Development, where he takes the human rights and development “communities” to task for working at cross purposes and muddled thinking. Sign up here or watch online to hear him present a development agenda that respects the full range of human rights. Susan Aaronson of George Washington University will comment. (Source: Cato-at-liberty) Cato-at-liberty blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2356855 Wed, 22 Apr 2009 16:33:32 +0100 2356855 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2349468&cid=t_150420_135_f&fid=35277&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.aac.org%2Findex.php%2F2009%2F04%2F20%2Fcombatting-complacency%2F Finally, HIV/AIDS in the US is getting some attention from the government and the media, in light of waning public engagement: AIDS at Home: The Obama administration starts to combat complacency in the United States, The Washington Post, April 14, 2009 When it comes to fighting the HIV/AIDS epidemic in the United States, there is an alarming complacency among Americans. Perhaps it’s the success of antiretroviral drug treatments. In the eyes of many, those drugs have transformed the disease from one with no cure to a manageable ailment. Or maybe it’s the view that AIDS is more of a worry in Africa or Southeast Asia. But it’s not just happening “over there.” And the Obama administration took a first step last week to remind people that it’s happening right... AIDS Action Committee's Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2349468 Mon, 20 Apr 2009 15:31:48 +0100 2349468 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2348536&cid=t_150420_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2009%2F04%2F19%2Fguidelines-for-good-listening%2F My publisher, Guilford Press, reminded me to tell you about The Lost Art of Listening: How Learning to Listen Can Improve Relationships, just released in its second edition. The book by Dr. Mike Nichols explores the ways in which poor communication skills have robbed us of the comfort and security that can only come from genuine human interaction. He then offers “a wealth of practical techniques, simple exercises, and easy-to-reference tips for becoming a better listener and establishing solid lines of connection with those around us.” Listening, as I noted recently in a blog entry about improving your communication skills in a relationship, is a core component to a healthy relationship. Many relationships fail simply because one or both partners in a relationship aren’t ... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2348536 Sun, 19 Apr 2009 19:46:40 +0100 2348536 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2349469&cid=t_150420_135_f&fid=35277&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.aac.org%2Findex.php%2F2009%2F04%2F17%2Fa-day-in-the-life-at-aids-action-committee%2F The money raised each year by AIDS Walk Boston supports a diverse and far-reaching range of programs and services. Here’s a snapshot of a typical day at AIDS Action Committee, to show the many ways AAC provides care for over 2,500 clients and reaches out to thousands of others in the community. 9:15 a.m. A client’s neighbors have become violent and threatening because of his perceived sexual orientation, and extreme anxiety is affecting his health. His client advocate and the Rental Start-Up Program Coordinator begin the process of finding him a new apartment and providing first and last months’ rental costs, to ensure his safety. 10:00 a.m. Through the Maria Talks website, the Massachusetts Sexual Health Helpline team gets an email from a teen seeking advice on how to deal with peer... AIDS Action Committee's Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2349469 Fri, 17 Apr 2009 15:00:26 +0100 2349469 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2222549&cid=t_150420_135_f&fid=35277&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.aac.org%2Findex.php%2F2009%2F02%2F26%2Faids-action-applauds-jeffrey-crowleys-appointment-as-director-of-national-aids-policy%2F AIDS Action congratulates Jeffrey Crowley, an openly gay man with significant knowledge and experience in health care and HIV/AIDS for his appointment as Director of the Office of National AIDS Policy (ONAP).  He joins a well respected and dedicated team in the Executive Office of the President’s Domestic Policy Council (DPC) and reports to Director Melody Barnes who has a long standing commitment to HIV/AIDS.    “Jeff Crowley’s appointment is the beginning of delivery on a promise made by President Obama to people living with, affected by and at risk for HIV/AIDS – that their needs will be included in the health care reform discussion and that a National AIDS Strategy will be developed which will establish outcomes, strategies and a timetables to end the domestic epidemic and ... AIDS Action Committee's Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2222549 Thu, 26 Feb 2009 19:20:04 +0100 2222549 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2195766&cid=t_150420_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2F541881207%2F Hiroshi Komiyama, President of the University of Tokyo and Chairperson of the Global Agenda Council on the Challenges of Gerontology I am a member of, just provided council members with a brief update of his participation in the recent World Economic Forum. Part of the proceedings are public - you may enjoy reading this panel write-up of the session Healthcare under Stress: - "Japan has the world’s oldest population. Health and longevity create wealth and, thus, “health begets wealth”. It is documented that nations that develop a five-year life expectancy advantage also create a larger GDP. A healthy childhood and adulthood contribute to a more productive old age. New markets and industries are arising – “silver industries” such as financial services, health, housing and h... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2195766 Tue, 17 Feb 2009 18:28:34 +0100 2195766 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2144457&cid=t_150420_86_f&fid=36669&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffadelibrary.wordpress.com%2F2009%2F01%2F29%2Fnhs-pay-modernisation-in-england-%25e2%2580%2593-agenda-for-change%2F From the National Audit Office, NHS Pay Modernisation in England: Agenda for Change (Executive summary) examines: the implementation and costs of Agenda for Change and the Knowledge and Skills Framework; and whether the intended benefits have been achieved. Agenda for Change was to pay staff on a consistent basis by reference to the work they do and the skills and knowledge they apply. There were three main elements to the programme: New harmonised terms and conditions and a simplified single pay spine; A job evaluation scheme to assess the appropriate pay band for each point; and A new competency based staff development framework (the Knowledge and Skill Framework). Posted in Grey Literature, Human Resources, NHS, Pay   Tagged: Agenda for Change, Competency, Grey Lite... Fade Library blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2144457 Thu, 29 Jan 2009 16:18:28 +0100 2144457 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2121673&cid=t_150420_135_f&fid=35277&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.aac.org%2Findex.php%2F2009%2F01%2F21%2Fabc-news-takes-a-look-at-prep-trials-now-going-on%2F ABC News’ reporter Lauren Cox takes a look at the ongoing investigational trials for Pre-exposure Prophylaxis (PreP).  Behavior issues and cost issues are also discussed in the article.  The full text of the article is here. (Source: AIDS Action Committee's Blog) AIDS Action Committee's Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2121673 Wed, 21 Jan 2009 15:37:19 +0100 2121673 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2121674&cid=t_150420_135_f&fid=35277&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.aac.org%2Findex.php%2F2009%2F01%2F20%2Fjoin-united-we-stand-for-health-at-the-statehouse-this-thursday-january-22nd-at-1pm%2F Due to the difficult financial times we face, the Department of Public Health has suffered tremendous cuts to its budget and is expecting more in the next few weeks.  Public Health programs prevent illness and disease and serve our most vulnerable residents, including people with HIV/AIDS, children, elders and those who are low-income.   A coalition of Public Health programs called United We Stand for Public Health is holding a press conference this Thursday, Jan 22nd, at 1pm, at the State House to urge the Commonwealth to protect public health.  Please join us as we stand up for Public Health and protect these programs from further cuts!  For more information about how to participate, please contact Deb Fournier at dfournier@aac.org    .     (Source: AIDS Action Committee's ... AIDS Action Committee's Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2121674 Tue, 20 Jan 2009 20:53:32 +0100 2121674 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1968831&cid=t_150420_135_f&fid=35277&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.aac.org%2Findex.php%2F2008%2F11%2F17%2Fstudents-from-smith-leadership-academy-visit-aids-actions-offices%2F 8th grade students from the Smith Leadership Academy paid a day-long visit the AIDS Action Committee offices in early November. They were accompanied by their homeroom teacher Laura Kacewicz and the head of Smith Leadership, Kamala Sherwood. While at the AAC office a number of staff members spoke to them, including Eric Brus in the HIV/AIDS Library, Tonia Hines & Emerson Miller from Peer Support, and Deb Fournier from Public Policy. Our BE SAFE Mass Promise Fellow Cara Mathews toured them around the offices and organized most of their activities. During the afternoon of their visit, the students made scarves out of fleece fabric that they brought with them.  When they had completed their project at the end of the day, the scarves were donated to Boomerangs to benefit AIDS Action.... AIDS Action Committee's Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1968831 Mon, 17 Nov 2008 21:56:41 +0100 1968831 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1955845&cid=t_150420_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2F449788110%2F Discussion Highlights. Below go some of my own still-jetlagged reflections. The financial crisis has made obvious the obvious: that we live in a truly new and global world. And that business as usual will lead to global disaster - we need new approaches to collectively adapt to and thrive in this new environment. The answer is not to go back to any old paradigm, which simply will not work in a new reality, but to imagine and build a better new way of doing things. Some of the attendants urged us to “reboot” the system. I don’t think that a "reboot" is enough - we need to upgrade to a new operating system. We can call it Planet Earth 2.0.Based on the group discussion we had on Sunday morning, let me propose some of the architectural principles that should underlie any emergi... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1955845 Tue, 11 Nov 2008 18:07:19 +0100 1955845 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1880645&cid=t_150420_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2F421936674%2F I announced two months ago (Global Agenda Councils: The Challenges of Gerontology) that I had been invited to join a very stimulating new initiative by the World Economic Forum. Next month, 700 experts will meet to drive an interdisciplinary agenda covering 68 topics (see below); 16 of us focused on the Challenges of Gerontology. Dubai To Host 700 Of The World’s Most Influential Leaders From Academia, Business, Government and Society At First World Economic Forum Summit on the Global Agenda (I didn't write the title of the press release...) - "The World Economic Forum, in partnership with the Government of Dubai, will hold its inaugural Summit on the Global Agenda in Dubai from 7 to 9 November 2008. The Summit is a new, unique gathering of the world’s 700 most innovative and relev... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1880645 Thu, 16 Oct 2008 03:40:36 +0100 1880645 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1879857&cid=t_150420_135_f&fid=35277&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.aac.org%2Findex.php%2F2008%2F10%2F14%2Fcbs-news-to-look-at-both-mccains-and-obamas-stance-on-aids-in-america%2F On Tuesday’s broadcast of the “CBS Evening News with Katie Couric,” Medical Contributor Dr. Sanjay Gupta reported on where each presidential candidate stands on AIDS in America.  There is a new infection every 9.5 minutes and an AIDS related death every 33 minutes with 1.2 million Americans who carry the virus.  Yet HIV / AIDS is America’s “forgotten epidemic,” as the nation spends almost $10 billion annually to fight AIDS abroad, but less than 10 percent of that here at home.  Dr. Gupta explored how Senators McCain and Obama intend to stop the epidemic and how they plan to care for those living with this deadly disease.  If you missed the report on CBS News on Tuesday night, for a link to the full story including video, please click here.      (... AIDS Action Committee's Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1879857 Wed, 15 Oct 2008 15:57:43 +0100 1879857 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1876031&cid=t_150420_135_f&fid=35277&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.aac.org%2Findex.php%2F2008%2F10%2F14%2Fcbs-news-to-look-at-both-mccains-and-obamas-stance-on-aids-in-america%2F Tonight (10/14) on the “CBS Evening News with Katie Couric,” Medical Contributor Dr. Sanjay Gupta reports on where each presidential candidate stands on AIDS in America.  There is a new infection every 9.5 minutes and an AIDS related death every 33 minutes with 1.2 million Americans who carry the virus.  Yet HIV / AIDS is America’s “forgotten epidemic,” as the nation spends almost $10 billion annually to fight AIDS abroad, but less than 10 percent of that here at home.  Dr. Gupta will explore how Senators McCain and Obama intend to stop the epidemic and how they plan to care for those living with this deadly disease.  For all the candidates answers, tune in tonight at 6:30 p.m. EST. This is part of an ongoing weekly series of in-depth reports called &#822... AIDS Action Committee's Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1876031 Tue, 14 Oct 2008 20:21:01 +0100 1876031 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1868544&cid=t_150420_135_f&fid=35277&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.aac.org%2Findex.php%2F2008%2F10%2F10%2Fwhy-a-new-approach-to-prevention-is-important%2F The current issue of HIV Plus Mag talks about the need to re-emphasize a specifically “gay” marketing campaign with respect to HIV prevention.  Jim Picket from the AIDS Foundation of Chicago points out that up to now, the approach has been “the politically expedient path of of pushing a generalized epidemic in which ‘we are all at risk’”. (Source: AIDS Action Committee's Blog) AIDS Action Committee's Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1868544 Fri, 10 Oct 2008 14:00:24 +0100 1868544 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1734637&cid=t_150420_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2F374851157%2F Here are the dates and locations of some upcoming events where I will be presenting. Please introduce yourself if you are attending! >> September 4-5th, San Francisco, CA: several Brain Health Promotion sessions, at the American Society on Aging conference. >> October 11th, San Jose, CA: The Science and Practice of Brain Fitness, at San Jose State University's Osher Lifelong Learning Institute. (Information here). >> October 23rd, Pocatello, Idaho: Cognitive and Emotional Training for Healthy Aging, at the Idaho Conference on Health Care. (Information here). >> November 1st, Berkeley, CA: The Science and Practice of Brain Fitness, at UC-Berkeley's Osher Lifelong Learning Institute. (Information here). >> November 7-9th, Dubai: Global Agenda Councils Inaugural Summit in Dubai, organized by... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1734637 Tue, 26 Aug 2008 03:29:58 +0100 1734637 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1675520&cid=t_150420_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2F352747552%2F My brain is honoured to have been nominated to participate, together with the rest of my body of course, in a new initiative by the World Economic Forum. The Global Agenda Councils have a fascinating charter: - "Global Agenda Councils will challenge prevailing assumptions, monitor trends, map interrelationships and address knowledge gaps. Equally important, Global Agenda Councils will also propose solutions, devise strategies and evaluate the effectiveness of actions using measurable benchmarks." - "In a global environment marked by short-term orientation and silo-thinking, Global Agenda Councils will foster interdisciplinary and long-range thinking to address the prevailing challenges on the global agenda." The Inaugural Summit on the Global Agenda in Dubai (November... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1675520 Fri, 01 Aug 2008 16:17:04 +0100 1675520 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1596393&cid=t_150420_135_f&fid=35277&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.aac.org%2Findex.php%2F2008%2F07%2F08%2Fthe-2009-gay-mens-health-agenda%2F As we enter the final stretch of this election season, it’s time to focus on what is coming next, and more importantly, on our goals for the future. It’s exciting – and challenging – for those of us in the HIV/AIDS community to envision a day when we are not merely scrambling to survive the latest round of budget cuts and homophobic attacks on our work, but that time may soon be here.As the President and CEO of AIDS Action Committee of Massachusetts and Executive Director of AIDS Action Council in Washington, DC, I have the opportunity to see the effects of the epidemic both on a particular region – New England — and on the nation as a whole. Lifelube has asked me to dream big – about what is needed to allow gay men, now and in the future, the opportunity to fulfill their... AIDS Action Committee's Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1596393 Tue, 08 Jul 2008 15:55:23 +0100 1596393 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=659394&cid=t_150420_109_f&fid=35677&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FBrainBasedBusiness%2F%7E3%2F122329925%2Ffrom_a_street_in_calcutta_into.html Back in 1982, I interviewed Mother Teresa’s right hand man, Brother Andrew. He led  a large group men who chose to follow a similar path as Mother Teresa - to help the poor on the streets in downtown Calcutta. Andrew happened to come to Victoria, British Columbia, while I was there and a  magazine asked for an article about why his work was so successful. Even after 25 years I still remember Andrew’s key statement when I questioned him about the poor people that consumed his sphere of influence …. “In many ways these people are far richer than people in your nation,” he said, lowering his eyes as if embarrassed to tell me this. When I asked how this was so … he added "The people I work with live on the street but they... BrainBasedBusiness blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=659394 Tue, 05 Jun 2007 13:26:25 +0100 659394 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=551392&cid=t_150420_133_f&fid=35452&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.graphictruth.com%2F2007%2F03%2Fimmediate-local-benefits-had-better-be.html The Blog | Rick Jacobs: California's Speaker Asks the Candidates to Speak with California | The Huffington PostWhile Iraq occupies the headlines, we have a country that is practically falling apart. The California experience is emblematic of the series of problems that face the nation. A high percentage of the military executing the president's war in Iraq is a product of a public school system that offered those now serving few choices beyond the military. To put a fine point on it, about half of those who enroll in the ninth grade in LA public schools drop out before graduation. And unfortunately, a fair number of those who graduate are not well-equipped for a job or a higher education, the latter of which is now unaffordable for many in California, a sad post script for a state that was... Graphictruth blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=551392 Fri, 30 Mar 2007 04:00:00 +0100 551392