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 'americans'. Sat, 03 Sep 2011 01:54:20 +0100 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5008696&cid=t_107862_158_f&fid=38949&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FAgingWithGraceCareconnection%2F%7E3%2Fm5kZ0MDqZ0E%2Ffor-many-emotional-well-being-deepens.html Think you are happy now? According to the Gallup-Healthways well-being index, best emotional times come later in life. I would certainly agree with this finding. The oldest group outscored the other three age groups in emotions, which was one of six categories measured in a massive study on well-being. Out of a possible score of 100, the 65-and-older age group scored 83. Those 45-64 had the lowest score, 76. Credit experience, says Kay McCurdy, 72, of Springfield, Va. “You shift your idea of what a good life is into what you can have as a good life,” says McCurdy. “You get realistic. " Elisabeth Burnett, 73, a neighbor of McCurdy’s at the Greenspring retirement home in the Washington, D.C. metro area, says that having a strong emotional life takes a hefty dose of true grit. Burn... Aging with Grace CareConnection blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5008696 Thu, 07 Jul 2011 23:14:00 +0100 5008696 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4952800&cid=t_107862_87_f&fid=36438&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FCato-at-liberty%2F%7E3%2FofDEWKTgXJc%2F By Walter OlsonIn today’s decision in Wal-Mart v. Dukes, the Supreme Court unanimously found that the Ninth Circuit had jumped the gun in certifying what would have been one of the largest class actions in history, a job-bias action against the giant retailer on behalf of female employees. A five-justice majority led by Justice Scalia found that the plaintiffs had clearly not met the requirements needed to have the case certified for class treatment; four dissenters led by Justice Ginsburg would have sent the case back for more consideration. While some press commentary simplistically treated this case as a “Which Side Are You On” parable of workplace sexism, both the majority and the dissent spend much time grappling with more lawyerly issues specific to class actions a... Cato-at-liberty blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4952800 Mon, 20 Jun 2011 16:57:44 +0100 4952800 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4911480&cid=t_107862_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fmyplate-spiffy-new-nutritional-guidelines-for-americans%2F2011.06.08 The crumbling Food Pyramid and its hip successor (MyPyramid) fell into oblivion yesterday, eroded by the stinging winds of science. Their replacement? A quartered plate called—wait for it—MyPlate that was designed to visually convey the elements of healthy eating to Americans of all ages. The new icon consists of a white plate divided into four segments: green for vegetables, red for fruits, orange for grains, and purple for protein. Dairy has a prominent place, sitting where a glass of water should be. The hope is that the plate will nudge Americans away from meals dominated by meat and starch and towards meals made up mostly of plant-based foods. The original Food Guide Pyramid debuted in 1992. It was built on shaky scientific ground. Over the next few years, research from around the... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4911480 Wed, 08 Jun 2011 19:00:00 +0100 4911480 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4847957&cid=t_107862_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fwhy-racial-disparities-are-alive-and-well-in-healthcare%2F2011.05.20 It was 1999 when the Federal government first acknowledged our nation had a problem with race and health care. That year, Congress tasked the Institute of Medicine to study the matter, and the resulting report was not good. Minorities were in poor health and receiving inferior care, the report said. They were less likely to receive bypass surgery, kidney transplants and dialysis. If they had diabetes, they were more likely to undergo amputations, meaning their disease had been poorly controlled. And there was a lot more where that came from. The IOM report was a call to action. In subsequent years, lawmakers crafted policies and established goals for improvement. Federal and state governments and numerous foundations set aside billions to fund projects. Health services researchers expanded... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4847957 Fri, 20 May 2011 16:00:50 +0100 4847957 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4758733&cid=t_107862_87_f&fid=36438&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FCato-at-liberty%2F%7E3%2FPDJoX94MhVE%2F By David RittgersThe Obama administration’s record on open government isn’t so hot, but the State Department expects the utmost in transparency from anyone applying for a passport. Here are the details on a proposed passport application: The proposed new  Form DS-5513 asks for all addresses since birth; lifetime employment history including employers’ and supervisors names, addresses, and telephone numbers; personal details of all siblings; mother’s address one year prior to your birth; any “religious ceremony” around the time of birth; and a variety of other information.  According to the proposed form, “failure to provide the information requested may result in … the denial of your U.S. passport application.” This document is only intended for those who do not hav... Cato-at-liberty blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4758733 Wed, 27 Apr 2011 20:51:26 +0100 4758733 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4734095&cid=t_107862_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fwill-our-healthcare-system-end-up-looking-like-an-apple-or-android-product%2F2011.04.21 The future direction of American health care is unclear.  Certainly the cost trend as it exists is unsustainable with health care costs being a major concern of the private sector, the government, and individuals.  How does the nation manage costs while ensuring high quality medical care, access, and service?  Proposals include increasing competition among insurers, providers, and hospitals to drive down prices or giving more financial responsibility to patients via higher deductibles and co-pays with the belief that they will demand price transparency, shop around for the best price, and as a result slow health care costs. What if both ideas are wrong? While it is possible these plans might work, I cannot help but notice the similarities in the challenges for patients in navigating the... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4734095 Thu, 21 Apr 2011 17:00:00 +0100 4734095 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4684431&cid=t_107862_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2011%2F04%2F06%2Fshould-you-tell-your-employer-you-have-autism%2F April is Autism Awareness Month, and in helping to promote awareness of autism, I’m pleased to provide an excerpt from the book, Living Well on the Spectrum by author Valerie L. Gaus, Ph.D. The book is a self-help book that helps a person with an autism spectrum disorder identify life goals and the steps needed to achieve them. One of the concerns I often hear from people with an autism spectrum disorder is about work and their career. In fact, just last evening while hosting our weekly Q&A on mental health issues here at Psych Central, the question came up whether a person should tell a potential employer about their Asperger’s (the mildest form of autism). While I am not a lawyer, my suggestion was that it probably wasn’t relevant for many jobs and not something tha... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4684431 Wed, 06 Apr 2011 13:16:41 +0100 4684431 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4631569&cid=t_107862_129_f&fid=36038&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Ftrevis-life-with-multiple-sclerosis-ms%2Fdisabled-parking-about-to-take-a-hit-in-seattle%2F In a move parking officials in Seattle see as a way to “free up hundreds of [parking] spaces,” our city council is looking to limit free parking for people with legitimate disabling issues… in the neighborhoods around hospitals! According to flyers posted around the proposed “test” area, the city wants to impose a 4-hour limit on people who need extra time to get around because, “[Disabled parking] placards represent golden tickets to free parking, especially in downtown Seattle where monthly parking is so expensive.” Mr Mayor, City Council of Seattle: I am offended! So my disability – the medical condition that slows everything from my thinking to my ability to move around my city – is a Golden Ticket in your eyes?!?!?! Are You Kidding Me? Don’t get me wrong. I... Life with MS blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4631569 Thu, 24 Mar 2011 15:29:22 +0100 4631569 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4575045&cid=t_107862_87_f&fid=36438&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FCato-at-liberty%2F%7E3%2FhYxQkYpDKeg%2F By Daniel J. MitchellThere's a significant debate now taking place in Washington — largely behind closed doors, but sometimes covered by the media — on whether fiscal conservatives should maintain a rigid no-tax-increase position. One side of the debate features Grover Norquist of Americans for Tax Reform, which is the organization that maintains the no-tax-increase pledge. The other side features Sen. Tom Coburn of Oklahoma, who is part of a small group of GOP senators who might be willing to increase the tax burden as part of a deal that supposedly reduces deficits. I'm a huge fan of Senator Coburn, who was in favor of cutting wasteful spending before it became fashionable. His office, for instance, releases a "Pork Report" every couple of days. You shouldn't read it if you have hi... Cato-at-liberty blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4575045 Fri, 11 Mar 2011 15:28:29 +0100 4575045 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4552045&cid=t_107862_86_f&fid=34445&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwomenshealthnews.wordpress.com%2F2011%2F03%2F05%2Fa-series-of-personal-and-bloggy-updates%2F I just realized last night that I haven’t actually posted anything here since last Sunday’s round-up. In usual blogger style, I’m going to say how busy I’ve been. This week has been pretty packed at work, including work related to another women’s health topic comparative effectiveness review that might get done. I also found out that I get to go to the IHA health literacy conference this year, which I’m really excited about – but that of course took some unexpected time making arrangements and working with colleagues on a poster abstract. At home, I’m currently reading “The Revolution Will Not Be Funded: Beyond the Non-Profit Industrial Complex,” which I’m finding pretty compelling, and which talks about the ways in which d... Women's Health News blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4552045 Sat, 05 Mar 2011 19:09:28 +0100 4552045 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4527733&cid=t_107862_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fweight-loss-counseling-is-race-a-factor%2F2011.02.27 Most people know that the U.S. is struggling to contain a surging epidemic of obesity, and that the problem is most acute among African-Americans. Whereas about 27 percent of all adult Americans are obese (defined as having a body mass index of 30 or more), fully 37 percent of African-American adults are obese, and that number jumps to an appalling 42 percent among African-American women. Over the years, public health officials have provided evidence that socioeconomic and cultural factors drive this racial disparity. Now, a new study suggests there is another reason as well: Obese African-Americans receive less obesity-related counseling than their white counterparts, and it matters not whether the physicians they see are African-American or white. To reach these conclusions, Sara Ble... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4527733 Sun, 27 Feb 2011 21:00:02 +0100 4527733 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4472951&cid=t_107862_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fthe-still-incredible-edible-egg%2F2011.02.12 Enriched chicken feed may have resulted in eggs having less cholesterol and more Vitamin D than previously measured, reports the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). A large egg today has about 185 milligrams of cholesterol, down 14 percent from 215 milligrams in 2002, according to new research from the USDA’s Agricultural Research Service, reports USA Today. Also, an egg today has 41 international units (IUs) of Vitamin D, up 64 percent from 25 IUs measured in 2002. (That’s still only about 7 percent of the 600 IUs recommended per day.) The agency regularly does nutrient checks on popular foods, this time analyzing eggs taken from store shelves in 12 locations around the country. The American Egg Board said in a press release that hen feed is made up mostly of corn, soyb... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4472951 Sat, 12 Feb 2011 20:00:00 +0100 4472951 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4470410&cid=t_107862_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fthe-still-incredible-edible-egg%2F2011.02.12 Enriched chicken feed may have resulted in eggs having less cholesterol and more Vitamin D than previously measured, reports the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). A large egg today has about 185 milligrams of cholesterol, down 14 percent from 215 milligrams in 2002, according to new research from the USDA’s Agricultural Research Service, reports USA Today. Also, an egg today has 41 international units (IUs) of Vitamin D, up 64 percent from 25 IUs measured in 2002. (That’s still only about 7 percent of the 600 IUs recommended per day.) The agency regularly does nutrient checks on popular foods, this time analyzing eggs taken from store shelves in 12 locations around the country. The American Egg Board said in a press release that hen feed is made up mostly of corn, soyb... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4470410 Sat, 12 Feb 2011 20:00:00 +0100 4470410 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4459939&cid=t_107862_87_f&fid=36438&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FCato-at-liberty%2F%7E3%2F15JGehVfEHQ%2F By David RittgersThe American criminal justice system has long been flawed. This probably isn’t news to you. What is news is the emergence of a broad chorus of organizations and leaders from across the political spectrum speaking out in support of serious reform. A few examples: The Smart on Crime Coalition released its recommendations (and in pdf) for the 112th Congress, providing ways that the federal government can help fix the criminal justice system. Congress creates, on average, a new criminal offense every week. The urge to overcriminalize just about everything needs to be replaced with serious thought about how broadly Congress writes laws so that the drive to lock up a few bad actors does not make felons of a large portion of the citizenry. The Smart on Crime report also points ... Cato-at-liberty blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4459939 Thu, 10 Feb 2011 22:00:12 +0100 4459939 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4436749&cid=t_107862_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Favoid-weight-gain-by-using-brain-tricks-to-master-portion-control%2F2011.02.04 When I was growing up, my parents had a simple rule when it came to food: “Finish everything on your plate.” We had to sit at the table until we did. They meant well. They wanted us to understand that food should not go to waste. The problem with this advice — and I’m sure I’m not the only American who grew up with it — is that we learned early on to eat everything put in front of us when we sat down to meals. Then the size of the plates grew — and so did the amount of food we consumed. It’s called portion inflation. Take a look at the illustration at left. It’s based on an analysis published in the Journal of the American Dietetic Association which found that typical restaurant portion sizes today are two to eight times as large as those in 1955. Back then, p... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4436749 Fri, 04 Feb 2011 18:00:41 +0100 4436749 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4433102&cid=t_107862_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Faccountable-care-act-unconstitutional-the-fate-of-americans-health%2F2011.02.03 A Florida’s judge’s ruling that the Accountable Care Act (ACA) is unconstitutional doesn’t resolve the underlying constitutional issue (which will ultimately have to be decided by the U.S. Supreme Court) but it has introduced new uncertainty for the $2.3 trillion health care industry, and emboldened the law’s critics to push even harder for repeal (not that they weren’t trying already). The Wall Street Journal’s (WSJ) health blog reports that “states and companies that are supposed to be implementing the law trying to figure out what to do next. The WSJ reports that the 26 states that are parties to the suit are considering whether to ask the Supreme Court to take up the case now, before it has fully wended its way through the legal system. The New York Times (NYT) quotes the... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4433102 Thu, 03 Feb 2011 20:00:00 +0100 4433102 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4429019&cid=t_107862_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fnew-dietary-guidelines-offer-little-new-guidance%2F2011.02.02 There isn’t much new in the latest iteration of the “Dietary Guidelines for Americans.” Three years in the making, the 2010 guidelines (released a tad late, on January 31, 2011) offer the usual advice about eating less of the bad stuff (salt; saturated fat, trans fats, and cholesterol; and refined grains) and more of the good stuff (fruits and vegetables; whole grains; seafood, beans, and other lean protein; and unsaturated fats). I’ve listed the 23 main recommendations below. You can also find them on the “Dietary Guidelines” website. The guidelines do break some new ground. They state loudly and clearly that overweight and obesity are a leading nutrition problem in the United States, and that a healthy diet can help people achieve a healthy weight. They also r... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4429019 Wed, 02 Feb 2011 19:00:27 +0100 4429019 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4419472&cid=t_107862_167_f&fid=38271&url=http%3A%2F%2Frebeccascritchfield.wordpress.com%2F2011%2F01%2F31%2Fquick-post-press-release-for-2010-dietary-guidelines-for-americans%2F EMBARGOED UNTIL 10:00 AM EST, JANUARY 31, 2011   USDA and HHS Announce New Dietary Guidelines to Help Americans Make Healthier Food Choices and Confront Obesity Epidemic WASHINGTON, Jan. 31, 2011 — Agriculture Secretary TomVilsack and Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Kathleen Sebelius today announced the release of the 2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans, the federal government’s evidence-based nutritional guidance to promote health, reduce the risk of chronic diseases, and reduce the prevalence of overweight and obesity through improved nutrition and physical activity. Because more than one-third of children and more than two-thirds of adults in the United States are overweight or obese, the 7th edition of Dietary Guidelines for Americans place... Balanced Health and Nutrition Rebecca Scritchfield's Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4419472 Mon, 31 Jan 2011 15:13:09 +0100 4419472 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4318335&cid=t_107862_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fdenying-the-obesity-epidemic%2F2011.01.06 It seems that for every established science there is an ideological group who is motivated to deny it. Denialism is a thriving pseudoscience and affects any issue with the slightest political or social implications. Sometimes, even easily verifiable facts can be denied, as people seem willing to make up their own facts as needed. Denialists have an easy job — to spread doubt and confusion. It is far easier to muddy the waters with subtle distortions and logical fallacies than it is to set the record straight. Even when every bit of misinformation is countered, the general public is often left with the sense that the topic is controversial or uncertain. If denial is in line with a group’s ideology, then even the suggestion of doubt may be enough to reject solid science. We see this ... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4318335 Thu, 06 Jan 2011 14:00:53 +0100 4318335 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4314007&cid=t_107862_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fnew-year-begins-with-a-baby-boom%2F2011.01.05 On January 1, Kathleen Casey-Kirschling became the first of the baby-boom generation to qualify for Medicare. She’s hardly alone: The baby-boom generation will cause enrollment in Medicare to soar. According to the Kaiser Family Foundation, Medicare enrollment will increase from 47 million today to 64 million in 2020 to 80 million people by 2030. At the same time, the ratio of workers paying into the program to support each Medicare enrollee will drop from 3.4 (2010) to 2.8 (2020) and then to 2.3 workers per beneficiary in 2030, denying the program the tax revenue needed to sustain it. What happens then? Well, the President and Congress would have a dismal menu of political and policy choices. They could impose huge tax increases, inflicting great harm on working families and the economy... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4314007 Wed, 05 Jan 2011 18:00:00 +0100 4314007 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4253137&cid=t_107862_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fdecline-in-stroke-deaths-reinforces-brain-attack-prevention%2F2010.12.13 Stroke killed 2,000 fewer Americans in 2008 (the last year with complete numbers) than it did in 2007, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said yesterday in its latest annual Deaths report. That dropped stroke from the third leading cause of death in the United States to the fourth. Good news? Yes and no. It’s always good news when fewer people die. The reduction suggests a payoff for efforts to prevent stroke and improve the way doctors treat it. Yet the drop from third to fourth place is due largely to an accounting change. The CDC reorganized another category, “chronic lower respiratory diseases” (mainly chronic bronchitis and emphysema), to include complications of these diseases such as pneumonia. The change substantially increased the number of deaths in this c... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4253137 Mon, 13 Dec 2010 13:00:25 +0100 4253137 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4200561&cid=t_107862_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fwhy-we-should-be-thankful-for-the-uninsured%2F2010.11.25 In what has become a tradition over the past few years, DrRich proudly reprises his annual Thanksgiving message to his beloved readers: Gathered around the Thanksgiving table, DrRich’s large extended family, carrying out a longstanding tradition, each offered in their turn one reason for being thankful on this most reflective of American holidays. DrRich listened respectfully as each of his loved ones, and each of the ones he was obligated to tolerate benignly because they had married (or in some other manner had committed to) one of his loved ones, recounted a cause for thanks. There is no need for DrRich to recite their utterances here, because they were all perfectly predictable and fairly mundane, having mostly to do with items such as maintaining good health, finding a job, being ab... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4200561 Thu, 25 Nov 2010 16:00:30 +0100 4200561 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4151659&cid=t_107862_83_f&fid=34856&url=http%3A%2F%2Finsidesurgery.com%2F2010%2F11%2Fnational-health-insurance-interview-reports-591-million-americans-insurance%2F New statistics released by the Centers for Disease Control show that 59.1 million Americans were without health insuranceduring at least a part of 2009. This is an increase of 400,000 over the 2008 numbers. (Source: Inside Surgery) Inside Surgery blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4151659 Wed, 10 Nov 2010 02:31:49 +0100 4151659 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4105670&cid=t_107862_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fhealth-insurance-new-survey-reveals-record-number-of-uninsured%2F2010.10.24 Last month the U.S. Census Bureau released its annual survey on health insurance coverage. The results were startling, yet few politicians seemed to take notice: – The number of people with health insurance declined for the first time ever in almost two decades. In fact, as reported by CNN this is the first time since the Census Bureau started collecting data on health insurance coverage in 1987 that fewer people reported that they had health insurance: “There were 253.6 million people with health insurance in 2009, the latest data available, down from 255.1 million a year earlier.” The percentage of the population without coverage increased from 15.4 percent to 16.7 percent. – Almost 51 million U.S. residents had no health insurance coverage at all, a record high, ... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4105670 Sun, 24 Oct 2010 22:00:00 +0100 4105670 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4086255&cid=t_107862_87_f&fid=36438&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FCato-at-liberty%2F%7E3%2F378dCQZLq0s%2F By Daniel J. MitchellGovernor Mitch Daniels of Indiana has triggered a spat among policy wonks with his recent comments expressing sympathy for a value-added tax (VAT). Kevin Williamson of National Review is arguing that a VAT will probably be necessary because there is no hope of restraining spending. Ryan Ellis of Americans for Tax Reform jumped on Williamson for his “apostasy,” arguing that a VAT would be bad news for taxpayers. From a policy perspective, I’m very much against a VAT because it will finance bigger government, as explained in this video.   That being said, Kevin Williamson makes a good point when he says that some supply-siders have neglected the spending side of the fiscal ledger. And it certainly is true that Republicans don’t seem very intere... Cato-at-liberty blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4086255 Wed, 20 Oct 2010 15:29:47 +0100 4086255 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4077244&cid=t_107862_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fpublic-health-should-be-apolitical%2F2010.10.18 You can be for freedom. You can be for smaller government that intrudes less. You can be for lower taxes. You can be for most anything, but if you’re interested in improving the sagging health of American citizens, get on Michael Bloomberg’s wheel. As reported in the Wall Street Journal, NYC mayor, Michael Bloomberg, has asked the U.S. Department of Agriculture to bar city residents from using food stamps to buy sugary soft drinks. It turns out that last year $135 million in food stamp money was used for the consumption of these obesity-fostering beverages in NYC alone. Mr Bloomberg is morphing into a real-world public health super star. Previously, he was a pioneer in banning smoking in restaurants and bars. They said it could not be done, or that it wouldn’t work. Well,... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4077244 Mon, 18 Oct 2010 16:00:00 +0100 4077244 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4074443&cid=t_107862_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2FoppfCN3GA60%2F The US Justice Department was given a green light to intervene - or join - a whistleblower lawsuit accusing Wyeth of illegally marketing the Rapamune kidney transplant drug for unapproved uses and for targeting African-Americans, a high-risk patient group, according to a court document. US District Court Judge John Padova signed an order this week granting a recent motion filed to intervene on behalf of two plaintiffs, who are two former Wyeth hospital reps. The case has drawn national attention, given the recent surge of settlements and big fines paid by big drugmakers - including Pfizer, which owns Wyeth - over allegations of off-label marketing. This particular lawsuit prompted still more interest because of the sensational accusation that Wyeth targeted African-Americans. Wyeth manager... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4074443 Fri, 15 Oct 2010 12:08:02 +0100 4074443 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3983394&cid=t_107862_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fpatient-empowerment-is-it-what-americans-really-want%2F2010.09.19 Empowered patient. Consumer driven healthcare. Transparency. Access to their full medical records online. Review the latest news and you’ll discover more books and articles recommending patients be advocates for themselves. The pitch? The only way to get the best care is to be thorough, informed, and always asking questions. This perspective is understandable because advocates have observed a healthcare system that provides inconsistent quality, too many preventable medical errors, and overtreatment resulting in unnecessary injuries and deaths. Even I’ve written a book saying the same thing, and I hate to write.  The public is urged to take charge of their health and their healthcare. When they have a problem, ask the doctor questions. Do research. If they need a proc... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3983394 Sun, 19 Sep 2010 14:00:00 +0100 3983394 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3969001&cid=t_107862_87_f&fid=36438&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FCato-at-liberty%2F%7E3%2FpFZGiZAcU4Q%2F By Walter OlsonOn September 3 John Stossel’s Fox Business show took an unsparing look at the seldom-criticized Americans with Disabilities Act on its 20th anniversary (I was a guest commentator during part of the show, including this segment.) Now the American Association of Persons with Disabilities has reacted with outrage and urged its constituents to fire off protest letters to Stossel, to Fox, and also to me since my criticisms of the law were featured on the show. But it didn’t play fair. In a related syndicated column, after recounting some of the abuses and excesses associated with ADA litigation — including settlement mills that file assembly-line suits against Main Street businesses and Equal Employment Opportunity Commission demands that alcoholics in rehab be... Cato-at-liberty blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3969001 Tue, 14 Sep 2010 15:15:48 +0100 3969001 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3929220&cid=t_107862_87_f&fid=36438&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FCato-at-liberty%2F%7E3%2FfsrhCElgO7c%2F By Walter OlsonI’m a guest on tonight’s John Stossel program on the Fox Business Network, on the subject of the consequences of the twenty-year-old Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The show was shot live to tape yesterday in New York and was fascinating throughout; even those who think they know this subject well will learn a lot. I’m also quoted in John’s latest syndicated column on the same issue. Among the highlights of the taping: a disabled-rights lobbyist defended several extreme applications of the law, including the notion that it might be appropriate to force networks to hire someone who suffers from stuttering as on-air television talent. We also shed some light on the state of California’s up-to-$4,000-a-violation bounty system for freelancers... Cato-at-liberty blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3929220 Thu, 02 Sep 2010 11:33:06 +0100 3929220 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3845102&cid=t_107862_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Famerica-has-a-heart%2F2010.08.08 As an American, I was proud when I heard the news. I grinned to myself. It was on my way to work, through a beautiful city park, with the sun rising over the hillside. The morning radio program reported the news that a California judge overturned their state’s ban on gay marriage. I know what you’re thinking: A medical blog is running amuck right into a political hornet’s nest. But isn’t it true that a nation’s kindness is a defining characteristic? America and Americans do much that is good and right. Examples of such goodness are too numerous to list. If you are a victim of a calamity, you can be sure that America will help. Ask Haiti. And it’s not just foreign countries, we help each other. There’s a flood and then there are volunteers. A powe... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3845102 Sun, 08 Aug 2010 14:00:00 +0100 3845102 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3798681&cid=t_107862_129_f&fid=36038&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Ftrevis-life-with-multiple-sclerosis-ms%2F20-years-on-what-has-the-americans-for-disability-act-done-for-me%2F I’m not going to lie to you. I began writing this blog over the weekend and it was supposed to be posted on Monday. I’ve had a very difficult time trying to find the right angle to address this week’s 20th anniversary of the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA). There can be no doubt that the law has changed the very face of cities in which I’ve lived, sites I’ve frequented, and constructions projects with which I’ve been involved. I have also seen how non-compliance can adversely affect people more severely impacted with mobility issues than myself. How, though, have the pages of this important legislation, now two decades old, had an impact on me? I remember living in New England back in the 1980s, when our nephew would visit in his wheelchair, and how difficult old building... Life with MS blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3798681 Wed, 28 Jul 2010 14:18:22 +0100 3798681 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3790749&cid=t_107862_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2010%2F07%2F26%2F20-years-of-the-americans-with-disabilities-act%2F Twenty years ago, George W. Bush signed into law the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), a broad civil rights law that forbids discrimination based on any kind of disability — physical or mental. It gives similar protections against discrimination to Americans with disabilities as the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Some see it as a broad government boondoggle, but it’s the law that makes a simple thing like a curb cut a federal mandate because local governments just didn’t care about the people within their communities who live with a physical or mental disability. Navigating a crosswalk seems like such a simple thing for most of us. But try it in a wheelchair when the curbs don’t have ramps and suddenly it becomes an opportunity to be hit by a car. More importantly, ... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3790749 Tue, 27 Jul 2010 01:35:39 +0100 3790749 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3790684&cid=t_107862_87_f&fid=36438&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FCato-at-liberty%2F%7E3%2FLwzsNG-0NUs%2F By Walter OlsonToday marks the 20th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act, and celebratory discussions, events and rallies are underway (sometimes with taxpayer help) in Washington, D.C. and around the country. Few if any of the events will include any panelists who are skeptical about the law, and indeed much press coverage nowadays treats the ADA as if it were uncontroversial, with at best a nod to libertarian commentators who see it as a coercive and fabulously expensive government venture into what ought to be private decision-making. When Kentucky Senate candidate Rand Paul recently voiced some relatively mild criticism of the law, he drew heated criticism for days. Which is not to say the ADA and related legislation does not continue to generate startling and unsettling... Cato-at-liberty blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3790684 Mon, 26 Jul 2010 19:42:03 +0100 3790684 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3786131&cid=t_107862_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Ftwitter-used-to-gauge-the-nations-mood%2F2010.07.24 A team from Northeastern University and Harvard Medical School has been analyzing words used in tweets by American users in an attempt to gauge the public mood around the country. What they discovered was that users on the West Coast seem to be quite a bit jollier than those on the East Coast. It’s not clear whether the data was collected during the summer or winter months and accordingly adjusted, for that surely would affect the readings. Researchers were able to infer the mood of each tweet using a psychological word-rating system developed by the National Institute of Mental Health’s Center for the Study of Emotion and Attention. The system ranks words based on how they make people feel. (more…) *This blog post was originally published at Medgadget* (Source: Bette... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3786131 Sat, 24 Jul 2010 19:00:41 +0100 3786131 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3776375&cid=t_107862_87_f&fid=38368&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FDisruptiveWomenInHealthCare%2F%7E3%2FGenspaPxPc8%2F By Stephanie Mensh. During the next week or so, various Federal, state, and local government agencies as well as consumer organizations will be celebrating the 20th anniversary of the landmark legislation, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), signed into law on July 26, 1990.  My husband suffered a stroke that resulted in speech and mobility impairments around the time that the ADA became law.  The ADA continues to help my husband and family by increasing awareness and accessibility for people with disabilities to fully participate in our community, to go to school, work, shop, movie theaters, restaurants, and hotels, to use public transportation, to access hospitals and health care, and to have a place to call “home.” The ADA rights also extend to caregivers of people with dis... Disruptive Women in Health Care blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3776375 Wed, 21 Jul 2010 18:36:27 +0100 3776375 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3714469&cid=t_107862_167_f&fid=38271&url=http%3A%2F%2Frebeccascritchfield.wordpress.com%2F2010%2F06%2F30%2Fmindless-eating-are-you-sabotaging-yourself%2F One of my favorite presentations at Food for Your Whole Life Symposium was Dr. Brian Wansink, author of Mindless Eating. A leader in the field of food psychology, he has unveiled a lot of the hidden influences on how much we eat, and how consumers make food choices. Did you know that we make at least 250 food choices every day? Rather than being the next fad diet which promises you can lose weight effortlessly without thought, he uses years of food psychology research to re-engineer your food environment so that you will eat less without even knowing. While it is easy to blame fast food, big food, and the government for the rising rates of obesity in America, this food fight begins in our own homes. Some tips for preventing Mindless Eating in YOUR life: We eat with our eyes not out stom... Balanced Health and Nutrition Rebecca Scritchfield's Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3714469 Wed, 30 Jun 2010 09:32:07 +0100 3714469 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3690809&cid=t_107862_87_f&fid=36050&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblisstree.com%2Flive%2F184691%2F U.S. in Last Place for Healthcare: Even though Americans spend twice as much on healthcare as people in other developed countries, the care they get is lower quality and less efficient than in other developed nations. (via Reuters) Post from: BlissTree (Source: Breastfeeding 1-2-3) Breastfeeding 1-2-3 blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3690809 Wed, 23 Jun 2010 18:56:37 +0100 3690809 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3665935&cid=t_107862_87_f&fid=36050&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblisstree.com%2Flive%2Fliving-in-fear-whats-your-phobia%2F photo: Thinkstock Boo! Sorry, we didn’t mean to scare you. More phobias exist than we could possibly list in this post – and more than 19 million American adults have them. Usually, our fears are founded during childhood around the age of seven. When confronted with a specific phobia, the brain reverts to fight or flight. Phobias are very treatable, but most people with deep-rooted fears never seek treatment (because they’re scared, probably). We want to know what our Blisstree audience thinks about phobias. Do you have a specific fear? (spiders, clowns, darkness, escalators, whatever.) Take our poll, and elaborate in the comments, below. Hey, no judgments – we’re scaredy-cats, too! #MicroPollDiv_261270 { width: 250px; margin: 0px auto; } via CNN Post from: BlissTr... Breastfeeding 1-2-3 blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3665935 Wed, 16 Jun 2010 13:30:56 +0100 3665935 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3641022&cid=t_107862_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fhealthcare-reform-motivating-self-responsibility-in-patients%2F2010.06.07 Last week I heard a lecture about Accountable Care Organizations by a physician leader working for one of the major hospital systems. His discussion made me realize that large physician organizations and hospitals are spending lots of time solving problems of quality medical care. In my opinion quality medical care has not been adequately defined. A working definition right now is to decrease hospital stays, efficient medical care for a disease at lower cost, avoidance of medical errors in the hospital, and avoidance of hospital acquired infections. These are important goals. They must be attached to monetary incentives. Many of these problems can be solved now. The solution demands the development of processes of care. An important question is how much money will process improvement save?... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3641022 Mon, 07 Jun 2010 21:00:05 +0100 3641022 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3595896&cid=t_107862_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2FiV6AzOtYXlk%2F A pair of former hospital sales reps filed a whistleblower suit alleging Wyeth, which is now owned by Pfizer, illegally promoted its Rapamune kidney transplant drug for use with other organs and targeted African-Americans, even though this is a high-risk patient group, according to the product labeling. The suit was filed by Marlene Sandler and Scott Paris in 2005, but was recently unsealed and an amended complaint was filed today (see the suit). In arguing their case, the former reps contend Wyeth management “openly encouraged and directed their entire Rapamune sales force” to promote Rapamune to docs practicing heart, lung, liver, pancreas, and islet cell transplants even though the drug was never approved for patients receiving transplants of these organs, according to the s... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3595896 Mon, 24 May 2010 22:16:09 +0100 3595896 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3420598&cid=t_107862_117_f&fid=39098&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Fhealthmedwatch%2FprWt%2F%7E3%2FLiHV0m8lh4E%2F    photo credit: klaxtonphoto I’m reading a letter to my friend (an internal medicine physician) from the Medical Outreach Coordinator of an organization called Hawkwing, a non-profit out of Glastonbury, CT. Hawkwing serves the people of the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe (CRST) reservation, current home of the Cheyenne River Lakota Nation in South Dakota. The letter [...] (Source: HealthMedWatch) HealthMedWatch blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3420598 Wed, 24 Mar 2010 23:21:39 +0100 3420598 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3339773&cid=t_107862_136_f&fid=37846&url=http%3A%2F%2Fhealthinfoispower.wordpress.com%2F2010%2F03%2F06%2Fdietary-factors-influence-ovarian-cancer-survival-rates%2F University of Illinois at Chicago researchers identify relationship between healthy eating and prolonged ovarian cancer survival A study published in the March 2010 issue of the Journal of the American Dietetic Association (JADA), is among the first to evaluate possible diet associations with ovarian cancer survival. Researchers from the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC) determined [...] (Source: Libby's H*O*P*E*) Libby's H*O*P*E* blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3339773 Sat, 06 Mar 2010 23:52:34 +0100 3339773 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3331547&cid=t_107862_136_f&fid=39022&url=http%3A%2F%2Flifesandwiches.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F03%2Fhockey-players-rock.html I just want to share a brief little note about our city's fine athletes. Last night six Rochester American hockey players dropped by our center to play a little Kan Jam with our teens in the Al Sig Center gym. Each teen was assigned an Amerk as a teammate and the fun began. Most of the guys, who had never played Kan Jam--might possibly be hooked on this simple 'yard' game now. Afterwards the guys snacked on some ice cream and other goodies with teens and their families and chatted briefly, answering questions that even reporters never get to ask. Off the record, of course.These guys were just 'class acts'- truly connecting with the teens and families in a way that shows that these tough guys love to play nice. I want to thank Rory Fitzpatrick for allowing us to have some time with these fa... Life is like a sandwich...enjoy the big bites. blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3331547 Thu, 04 Mar 2010 11:22:00 +0100 3331547 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3273059&cid=t_107862_135_f&fid=35246&url=http%3A%2F%2Faids-write.org%2F%3Fp%3D2162 LGBT ally Rep Diane Watson will not run for re-election by Karen Ocamb February 11, 2010 Longtime LGBT ally Congressmember Diane E. Watson (D-CA) formally announced Thursday that she is not seeking re-election. She wants Karen Bass, the outgoing Speaker of the California Assembly and another pro-LGBT ally, to replace her representing California’s 33rd Congressional District. Watson’s openly gay legislative deputy Charles Stewart describes below how his boss told her staff she was retiring. But first something about Watson. I first met Diane Watson in the early 1990s at AIDS activist Phill Wilson’s house for a meet and greet with the California State Senator, where she’d been serving since 1978. First thing that struck me was how tall she was – statuesque and elegant and smart. Tu... aids-write.org blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3273059 Mon, 15 Feb 2010 15:26:33 +0100 3273059 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3259184&cid=t_107862_135_f&fid=35246&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.latalkradio.com%2Fimages%2FTerry-013110.mp3 Terry LeGrand’s The Alternative Internet Radio Channel 1Sunday nights 6:00-7:00 http://www.latalkradio.com/ chers— click below to listen or download the audiofile namaste —rk Broadcast date: Sunday, January 31, 2010 Guests Richard Kearns, a poet, journalist, activist, organizer for the LA Grassroots Elder HIV/AIDS Advocacy Summit, and long time AIDS survivor, and Elliott Katz discussed LA Grassroots Elder HIV/AIDS Advocacy Summit along with a special visit from LATalkRadio’s Greg Rempe discussing BBQ. Please click this sentence to Play audio recording of show Please click this sentence to Download audio recording of show Terry Le Grand transfers his show “The Alternative” from KTLK 1170 Los Angeles to LATALK Radio. Terry Le Grand, has been a GAY activist fo... aids-write.org blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3259184 Wed, 10 Feb 2010 05:59:28 +0100 3259184 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3251192&cid=t_107862_87_f&fid=36941&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mazecordblood.com%2Fblog%2F%3Fp%3D413 New Yorkers!  Rally behind Jennifer Jones Austin! The Brooklyn-based mother, lawyer and family advocate has been stricken with Acute Myeloid Leukemia and has become the face of a city-wide blood and bone marrow drive in conjunction with New York Blood Center (NYBC) and The City University of New York (CUNY). After feeling tired, believing it was just a virus, Jennifer was diagnosed.  Once she confirmed, unfortunately, that her siblings were not a match for a transplant, she turned to the “Be The Match” blood drive going on now at Borough of Manhattan Community College.  According to statistics, only 10% of the donors registered with the National Marrow Donor Program are African American, and the changes for a match improve greatly when race and ethnic synergies exist.  Th... Cord Blood News blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3251192 Mon, 08 Feb 2010 14:35:26 +0100 3251192 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3246950&cid=t_107862_111_f&fid=36048&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAHeartyLife%2F%7E3%2FgujoXamzW-E%2F African Americans who develop multiple sclerosis deteriorate more quickly than their white counterparts and don’t respond as well to the currently available treatments, say researchers. It’s not unusual for different races to respond in different ways to various illnesses or treatments. The best known illness where this occurs is hypertension (high blood pressure), but we don’t always know which diseases or disorders will fall into this category. Multiple sclerosis is much more common among whites than African Americans, so not much research had been done regarding any differences in progression and treatment. Researchers from the University of Buffalo began looking into this while examining the magnetic resonance images (MRIs) of 567 patients who had MS. What they found ... A Hearty Life blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3246950 Sat, 06 Feb 2010 01:45:37 +0100 3246950 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3243979&cid=t_107862_135_f&fid=35246&url=http%3A%2F%2Faids-write.org%2F%3Fp%3D2134 This study examined the relationships between HIV-related stigma and a range of demographic, social, physical and health characteristics. A meta-analysis was conducted to assess the overall strength and direction of these relationships. Twenty-four studies of PLHIV, conducted in North America and published in peer-reviewed journals between January of 2000 and November of 2007, were examined and their findings integrated. The heterogeneity of reported results was also assessed and examined. Our review revealed substantial variability in the ways researchers measure participants’ HIV-related stigma as well as their physical, emotional and mental health. In spite of this variability, high stigma level was consistently and significantly associated with low social support (r = -0.369, p&l... aids-write.org blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3243979 Thu, 04 Feb 2010 21:03:46 +0100 3243979 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3236038&cid=t_107862_135_f&fid=35246&url=http%3A%2F%2Faids-write.org%2F%3Fp%3D2128 Study predicts HIV drug resistance will surge By Enrique Rivero January 22, 2010 chers— there are several useful lilnks at the end of this post. namaste —rk New research based on a novel mathematical model predicts that a wave of drug-resistant HIV strains will emerge in San Francisco within the next five years. These strains could prove disastrous by hindering control of the HIV pandemic. In a study published Jan. 14 on the website of the journal Science, researchers from the Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior at UCLA and the University of California, San Francisco’s HIV AIDS Program at San Francisco General Hospital, developed a complex network model that tracks the transmission of multiple strains of HIV. The model can be used to predict drug resista... aids-write.org blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3236038 Wed, 03 Feb 2010 11:28:44 +0100 3236038 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3236039&cid=t_107862_135_f&fid=35246&url=http%3A%2F%2Faids-write.org%2F%3Fp%3D2124 Los Angeles City Council approves medical marijuana ordinance that will shut down hundreds of dispensaries By John Hoeffel January 26, 2010 In a 9-3 vote, the Los Angeles City Council today gave its final approval to an ordinance that will shut down hundreds of medical marijuana dispensaries and impose strict rules on the location and operation of the dispensaries that are allowed. The measure passed quickly, without debate. The ordinance, which the council first began discussing more than 4 1/2 years ago, will cap the number of dispensaries at 70 but make an exception to allow all those that registered with the city in 2007 and have remained open. City officials believe that number is around 150. Hundreds of dispensaries have opened in Los Angeles as the City Council debated its proposed ... aids-write.org blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3236039 Wed, 03 Feb 2010 06:01:54 +0100 3236039 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3236040&cid=t_107862_135_f&fid=35246&url=http%3A%2F%2Faids-write.org%2F%3Fp%3D2121 Medical cannabis advocate and rastafarian minister Ali Rashi offering public comment at a december Los Angeles City Council meeting about safe access and distribution. a great photo by Mark Ralston/AFP/Getty Image captures some of the feel of the debate —rk LA City Council members talk about their marijuana use by Frank Stoltze Jan. 26, 2010 The Los Angeles City Council Tuesday [approved] a new ordinance that would shut down most medical marijuana dispensaries in the city. It would place a cap of 70, with up to about 140 pot shops grandfathered in. KPCC surveyed councilmembers about whether they’d ever smoked pot – medical or otherwise. It was 1968, and Councilman Tom LaBonge was a high school kid sweet on a girl. She offered him some pot. “I was 15. It was after school. I w... aids-write.org blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3236040 Wed, 03 Feb 2010 05:36:13 +0100 3236040 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3197839&cid=t_107862_135_f&fid=35246&url=http%3A%2F%2Faids-write.org%2F%3Fp%3D2118 Cut! Why did the Supreme Court ban videocasting of the Olson-Boies marriage trial? By Jenny Pizer, Marriage Project Director, Lambda Legal(on (left, pictured here with her wife Doreena Wong) January 14, 2010 Following the emergency appeal filed by the Prop 8 team, the U.S. Supreme Court on Wednesday ruled 5-4 that the federal marriage trial may not be videocast for public viewing at other federal courthouses.  The earlier plan to upload trial video to the court’s website already had been nixed by the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals’ Chief Judge Kozinksi, who decided there are technical problems to be worked out before webcasting will be possible. The high court’s majority decision is troubling in its accommodation of Prop 8’s proponents’ supposed fears of harm.  As the dissent ... aids-write.org blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3197839 Fri, 22 Jan 2010 06:12:34 +0100 3197839 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3189411&cid=t_107862_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FRecoveryIsSexycom%2F%7E3%2F5ZZcMwXlR9o%2F Wellbriety – Continuing a Legacy of Resistance … Implementing a Vision for Healing Wellbriety means to be both sober and well. It’s a word translating a term from the language of the Passamaquoddy Nation of Maine as given by an elder in the mid 1990s. It describes a natural evolution of the recovery process. The Wellbriety Movement among Native Americans is a direct descendent of the modern Native sobriety movement that began in the 1950s and continues to change and grow even today. “I went to a sobriety meeting in Albuquerque, New Mexico in the early 1980s and there was a guy named Harold Belmont there who had a smudge. I was going, ‘What is this? What is this?’ It was controversial because it was very early sobriety for Indian people and there were sober people prese... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3189411 Wed, 20 Jan 2010 12:16:35 +0100 3189411 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3159940&cid=t_107862_135_f&fid=35246&url=http%3A%2F%2Faids-write.org%2F%3Fp%3D2115 chers— if this works, share my joy of this unhistoric moment of major insignificance, la la la namaste —rk after the jump [december 15, 2009] good morning president garcetti, distinguished council members. i have given the clerk copies of my prepared remarks. my name is richard kearns. i am a 58-year-old gay man living with AIDS in los angeles for more than 20 years, an angelino poet advocate. i am delighted to announce to you this morning that on friday, february 12th, 2010, upstairs in the tom bradley conference center, on the 27th floor, we will hold, the LA city grassroots elder HIV/AIDS advocacy summit & new media training “new tricks for old dogs & their allies” sponsored by councilmember rosendahl & the city AIDS coordinators office HIVers over 50 — el... aids-write.org blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3159940 Mon, 11 Jan 2010 15:49:11 +0100 3159940 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3159941&cid=t_107862_135_f&fid=35246&url=http%3A%2F%2Faids-write.org%2F%3Fp%3D2108 chers— terry has just migrated to LA TalkRadio (channel 1), and his premiere show tonight features medical cannabis adevocates don duncan, scott imler and richard eastman. i’m not quite sure what next week’s topic will be. but i’ll be there on January 31st, talking about HIV/AIDS & aging and the upcoming summit/training february 12. Listen live @ http://www.latalkradio.com/Terry.php. namasté —rk Jan 10- This week’s topic is Medical Marijuana in Los Angeles. Guests include Don Duncan, from ASA (Americans for Safe Access), Rev. Scott Imler, the first person to open a collective in the LA area, and activist Richard Eastman……..Tune in live and call in your remarks and questions. Call-In telephone number 323-203-0815 Jan 17- “Cut Off Funding to UGA... aids-write.org blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3159941 Sun, 10 Jan 2010 21:59:20 +0100 3159941 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3136689&cid=t_107862_135_f&fid=35246&url=http%3A%2F%2Faids-write.org%2F%3Fp%3D2104 text of flyer after jump SAVE THE DATE! LA City Grassroots Elder HIV/AIDS Advocacy SUMMIT & new media TRAINING February 12, 2010 Tom Bradley Center (26th & 27th floors) LA City Hall 200 N. Spring Street Los Angeles, CA 90012 hosted by - LA 11th district City Councilmember Bill Rosendahl - the City of LA AIDS Coordinator’s Office - richard kearns publisher of http://AIDS-write.org & http://havvacc.wordpress.com [seal of city of los angeles ) FOR MORE INFORMATION: contact rk@aids-write.org or call 310-488-1328 “new tricks for old dogs & their allies” (Source: aids-write.org) aids-write.org blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3136689 Sat, 02 Jan 2010 06:06:09 +0100 3136689 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3136690&cid=t_107862_135_f&fid=35246&url=http%3A%2F%2Faids-write.org%2F%3Fp%3D2101 Step into the GLM Time Machine by Maeve Maddox january 1, 2010 The Global Language Monitor (GLM) is an Austin, Texas-based entity that documents, analyzes and tracks trends in language and publishes a list of the year’s most used English words, names, and phrases. According to GLM’s algorithm, 2009’s most used word, both online and in print, is Twitter. GLM’s top ten for 2009: Twitter Obama H1N1 stimulus vampire 2.0 (as a suffix attached to the next generation of everything. Ex. Web2.0) deficit Hadron healthcare transparency A look at the Words of the Year for 2000-2008 recalls the prominent events and personalities of those years: 2000 chad 2001 GroundZero 2002 misunderestimate 2003 embedded 2004 incivility 2005 refugee 2006 sustainable 2007 hybrid 2008 change Taking the decad... aids-write.org blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3136690 Fri, 01 Jan 2010 23:01:35 +0100 3136690 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3136691&cid=t_107862_135_f&fid=35246&url=http%3A%2F%2Faids-write.org%2F%3Fp%3D2098 2009 AIDS IN BLACK AMERICA City Sheet Los Angeles, California chers— this is a comprehensive resource list. print out all four pages and stick it on the frig. add phone numbers and email addresses on your contact lists, both phone and internet. use them. local & state stuff. links to officials after the jump. namasté —rk The CitySheet Series This CitySheet is a resource intended to provide Black community stakeholders that want to get involved in stopping the disease with AIDS information and potential partners. These numbers represent real people in your community who are impacted by HIV and AIDS. These organizations represent traditional Black leadership and have an important role to play in ending AIDS in the Black community. In our annual State of AIDS reports, we as... aids-write.org blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3136691 Fri, 01 Jan 2010 22:27:21 +0100 3136691 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3111640&cid=t_107862_135_f&fid=35246&url=http%3A%2F%2Faids-write.org%2F%3Fp%3D2096 Sunnie Rose says: January POZ Weekend Seminar - Jan 23rd and 24th! Reservation Page is now open! The Next POZ Life Seminar is Jan. 23 and 24 in the West Hollywood area. Download the PDF Flyer Registering for the POZ Life Weekend Seminar can be easy! You can either drop us a note at registration@thelifegroupla.org or call us TOLL FREE at (888) 208-8081 and we will contact you, or you can simply follow this link to the registration form. (Source: aids-write.org) aids-write.org blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3111640 Tue, 22 Dec 2009 04:27:21 +0100 3111640 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3111641&cid=t_107862_135_f&fid=35246&url=http%3A%2F%2Faids-write.org%2F%3Fp%3D2093 commemorating the first long night that ended when raven stole the sun & moon & stars & put them in the sky (Source: aids-write.org) aids-write.org blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3111641 Tue, 22 Dec 2009 03:22:56 +0100 3111641 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3097016&cid=t_107862_135_f&fid=35246&url=http%3A%2F%2Faids-write.org%2F%3Fp%3D2091 [december 15, 2009] good morning president garcetti, distinguished council members. i have given the clerk copies of my prepared remarks. my name is richard kearns. i am a 58-year-old gay man living with AIDS in los angeles for more than 20 years, an angelino poet advocate. i am delighted to announce to you this morning that on friday, february 12th, 2010, upstairs in the tom bradley conference center, on the 27th floor, we will hold, the LA city grassroots elder HIV/AIDS advocacy summit & new media training “new tricks for old dogs & their allies” sponsored by councilmember rosendahl & the city AIDS coordinators office HIVers over 50 — elder Persons Living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHAs) — are predicted to double in community prevalance over the next five years to con... aids-write.org blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3097016 Thu, 17 Dec 2009 03:34:19 +0100 3097016 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3089261&cid=t_107862_87_f&fid=36438&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FCato-at-liberty%2F%7E3%2Fd6Sn7DlE3js%2F By Michael F. CannonBlogger Matthew Yglesias has a response to my post on Ezra Klein’s slander that Sen. Joe Lieberman (I-CT) is okay with the mass murder (or the mass negligent homicide) of hundreds of thousands of uninsured Americans. Yglesias claims that only one of the three studies I cited speaks to what he claims is the central point: the Institute of Medicine’s estimate of how many Americans die each year because they lack health insurance.  Yglesias is incorrect.  The central point/threshold question is whether giving the uninsured health insurance will save lives.  All three studies speak to that point, and all three all cast doubt on the intuitively appealing idea that giving uninsured people health insurance ipso facto saves lives. To rebut the one study that Ygle... Cato-at-liberty blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3089261 Tue, 15 Dec 2009 00:19:39 +0100 3089261 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3084931&cid=t_107862_135_f&fid=35246&url=http%3A%2F%2Faids-write.org%2F%3Fp%3D2079 will be making announcement during public comments at LA city council meeting tuesday, december 15, 2009 text of jpeg after jump SAVE THE DATE! LA City Grassroots Elder HIV/AIDS Advocacy SUMMIT & new media TRAINING February 12, 2010 Tom Bradley Center (26th & 27th floors) LA City Hall 200 N. Spring Street Los Angeles, CA 90012 hosted by - LA 11th district City Councilmember Bill Rosendahl - the City of LA AIDS Coordinator’s Office - richard kearns publisher of http://AIDS-write.org & http://havvacc.wordpress.com [seal of city of los angeles ) FOR MORE INFORMATION: contact rk@aids-write.org or call 310-488-1328 “new tricks for old dogs & their allies” (Source: aids-write.org) aids-write.org blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3084931 Mon, 14 Dec 2009 04:03:17 +0100 3084931 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3044967&cid=t_107862_135_f&fid=35246&url=http%3A%2F%2Faids-write.org%2F%3Fp%3D2074 [december 1, 2009, world AIDS day] richard kearns, poet advocate. here is my poem for world AIDS day, 2009. (i have given the clerk copies) jeff was dying, i was not a hundred karposi lesions covered his body & made him look like nijinsky in afternoon with a faun, only skinny he was my captain of bright & stormy mornings my saint & my man he was my AIDS hero (more than mine) & i hated he was leaving me i wanted to pour into him all the life left to me — because i could never hope to be good enough to survive this plague by myself, let alone for anyone else — because i was cannon fodder — because we needed him i told him so one day he laughed & then — i don’t remember how — he scooped up my tanned gym-hard bod in his pale & thin ... aids-write.org blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3044967 Tue, 01 Dec 2009 04:42:18 +0100 3044967 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3037062&cid=t_107862_135_f&fid=35246&url=http%3A%2F%2Faids-write.org%2F%3Fp%3D2071 [november 24, 2009] good morning president pro tem perry, distinguished council members. i have given the clerk copies of my prepared remarks. my name is richard kearns. i am a 58-year- old gay man living with AIDS in los angeles for more than 20 years — a long-term survivor & AIDS activist, a medical cannabis patient & advocate, a poet & journalist. an angelino. my intent in addressing you this morning is to comment on the character of the meetings i missed last week: monday’s joint PLUM & public safety committee meeting & the city council meeting that followed it wednesday. i was too sick to make it downtown last week — i wish medical cannabis cured everything, but it doesn’t. however, i did listen & watch on the internet (thank you for making tha... aids-write.org blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3037062 Sun, 29 Nov 2009 04:23:47 +0100 3037062 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3037063&cid=t_107862_135_f&fid=35246&url=http%3A%2F%2Faids-write.org%2F%3Fp%3D2062 LA City Attorney wrong about AG by Don Duncan November 25, 2009 The Los Angeles City Attorney’s office misrepresented the position of California Attorney General Jerry Brown today, implying that the state’s top law enforcement official said that all sales of cannabis are illegal. That never happened. On Saturday, KFI Radio in Los Angeles broadcast a previously recorded statement by the Attorney General Brown in which he says, “Unfortunately, in some communities, Los Angeles in particular, there’s a lot of exploitation and just getting into the drug business, the dope business.” Pundits at the notoriously conservative radio station (home to Rush Limbaugh and anti-gay crusader “Dr. Laura” Schlesinger) then added their own spin to the Attorney General’s comments. The reporte... aids-write.org blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3037063 Sun, 29 Nov 2009 03:43:04 +0100 3037063 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3037064&cid=t_107862_135_f&fid=35246&url=http%3A%2F%2Faids-write.org%2F%3Fp%3D2058 Global Fund Approves $2.4 Billion For Global HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria Programs By Nora Proops Nov 21, 2009 On November 12, the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria approved grants worth $2.4 billion to support treatment of these diseases worldwide. Although it is the second largest amount ever approved by the Global Fund, the number of accepted grants fell by 35 percent from the year before. The Global Fund is an organization that attracts aid from wealthy governments and the private sector for distribution among poor countries to prevent and treat people with HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria. These diseases account for 12.5 percent of deaths in low-income nations, according to 2004 World Health Organization estimates. Since its inception in 2002, the Global ... aids-write.org blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3037064 Sun, 29 Nov 2009 02:36:32 +0100 3037064 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3017195&cid=t_107862_135_f&fid=35246&url=http%3A%2F%2Faids-write.org%2F%3Fp%3D2052 Amending motions to LA medical marijuana ordinance posted online by brett stone mmjnews november 19, 2009 All of the amending motions to the 5th draft ordinance regulating medical marijuana collectives in Los Angeles that were presented in city council on Wednesday are posted online at - http://cityclerk.lacity.org/lacityclerkconnect/index.cfm?fa=ccfi.viewrec\ ord&cfnumber=08-0923 Also the agenda for next Tuesday’s city council meeting has been released, the medical marijuana ordinance is item #10. See - http://ens.lacity.org/clk/councilagendas/clkcouncilagendas363681_1124200\ 9.pdf Peace brett (Source: aids-write.org) aids-write.org blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3017195 Sat, 21 Nov 2009 19:43:35 +0100 3017195 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3004039&cid=t_107862_135_f&fid=35246&url=http%3A%2F%2Faids-write.org%2F%3Fp%3D2049 D.A. chides L.A. council, says he’ll target pot dispensaries Steve Cooley insists sites that sell marijuana are violating state law and will be prosecuted. Of the City Council’s effort to pass an ordinance, he says: ‘Quite frankly we’re ignoring them.’ By John Hoeffel November 18, 2009 With the Los Angeles City Council poised to take up a medical marijuana ordinance after two years of contentious debate, L.A. County Dist. Atty. Steve Cooley warned Tuesday that he intends to prosecute dispensaries that sell the drug even if the city’s leaders decide to allow those transactions. “The L.A. City Council should be collectively ashamed of their failure to grasp this issue,” Cooley said, arguing that state laws do not allow medical marijuana to be ... aids-write.org blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3004039 Wed, 18 Nov 2009 08:46:19 +0100 3004039 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3004040&cid=t_107862_135_f&fid=35246&url=http%3A%2F%2Faids-write.org%2F%3Fp%3D2047 D.A. will prosecute medical marijuana dispensaries — even if L.A. does not ban sales [Updated] “It makes no sense to play political football with people’s lives.” says councilmember Reyes in update below [after jump], by John Hoeffel November 17, 2009 Dist. Atty. Steve Cooley said today he will prosecute dispensaries that sell medical marijuana even if the Los Angeles City Council adopts an ordinance that does not ban such sales. On Monday, two council committees rejected the city attorney’s advice and changed a provision in the proposed ordinance, allowing cash transactions as long as they complied with state law. “Undermining those laws via their ordinance powers is counterproductive, and, quite frankly, we’re ignoring them. They are absolutely so irrelevant it’s not... aids-write.org blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3004040 Wed, 18 Nov 2009 07:33:43 +0100 3004040 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3004041&cid=t_107862_135_f&fid=35246&url=http%3A%2F%2Faids-write.org%2F%3Fp%3D2045 In rebuff to city attorney, council committees support pot dispensaries Rejecting advice that Los Angeles must ban sales, lawmakers endorse patients’ cash contributions to outlets, which cannot make a profit. By John Hoeffel November 16, 2009 Two Los Angeles City Council committees rejected the advice of the city attorney and voted Monday to approve an ordinance that allows marijuana dispensaries to continue to sell the drug to people with a doctor’s recommendation. The city attorney’s office has maintained for a year and a half that Los Angeles has no choice but to ban sales because state law and court decisions are clear that collectives can only cultivate marijuana. That opinion had stalled the council’s deliberations because dispensary operators insisted it wou... aids-write.org blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3004041 Wed, 18 Nov 2009 07:11:28 +0100 3004041 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3004042&cid=t_107862_135_f&fid=35246&url=http%3A%2F%2Faids-write.org%2F%3Fp%3D2043 West Hollywood’s medical marijuana success story The small city enforces a strict ordinance and eliminates the drama that plagues L.A. By John Hoeffel November 16, 2009 A few miles from Los Angeles City Hall, a small experiment in marijuana regulation has been underway for years. While the state’s largest city passed a flawed moratorium, failed to enforce it, debated proposed rules endlessly and watched flummoxed as dispensaries multiplied, West Hollywood pressed ahead. Confronted with its own dispensary explosion in 2005, the city surrounded by L.A. imposed a moratorium on dispensaries, clamped interim rules on the ones that were open, passed a strict ordinance and capped the number allowed at four, all within two years. When the West Hollywood City Council updated its ordina... aids-write.org blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3004042 Wed, 18 Nov 2009 06:54:25 +0100 3004042 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3004043&cid=t_107862_135_f&fid=35246&url=http%3A%2F%2Faids-write.org%2F%3Fp%3D2041 boxer We are honored to have Senator Barbara Boxer share with Courage Campaign members her commitment to strip the horrific Stupak Amendment from any healthcare reform bill and pass true health care reform. Her message is powerful. We need to show her — and the nation — that thousands and thousands of us stand with her by signing the petition. –Rick Jacobs, Chair, Courage Campaign Dear Friend, Ten days ago, the House passed the Stupak Amendment, which would be one of the biggest setbacks to women’s health in recent decades - unless we stand together and stop it. That’s why we are launching a petition at FightForWomensHealth.com, because women must not be denied access to safe and legal medical procedures. Will you join us? Click here to stand with us t... aids-write.org blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3004043 Tue, 17 Nov 2009 22:49:37 +0100 3004043 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2999502&cid=t_107862_87_f&fid=36438&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FCato-at-liberty%2F%7E3%2FthQcqA0cvW4%2F Ezra Klein defends an individual healthcare mandate against charges that it’s unconstitutional, and what’s striking to me is that the argument seems awfully wobbly even if you’re on board with a lot of the post–New Deal jurisprudence about the scope of federal power.  Sez Ez: The summary is that you can look at the individual mandate as a tax, which is constitutional, or as a regulation forcing private actors to engage in a certain transaction, much like the minimum wage, which is also constitutional. I’ve also heard scholars mention auto insurance, which is an obvious analogue, and the Americans With Disabilities Act, which proved that the government can order businesses to install ramps, despite the fact that the constitution doesn’t explicitly give the f... Cato-at-liberty blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2999502 Tue, 17 Nov 2009 13:52:41 +0100 2999502 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2999759&cid=t_107862_135_f&fid=35246&url=http%3A%2F%2Faids-write.org%2F%3Fp%3D2034 L.A. City Council panels reject ban on medical marijuana sales John Hoeffel at City Hall November 16, 2009 Rejecting the advice of the city attorney, two Los Angeles City Council committees voted today to scrap a proposed provision that would have banned the sale of medical marijuana. The controversial measure, first proposed a year and a half ago, delayed deliberations as council members debated the wisdom of ignoring the opinion of the city’s top prosecutor. But about four hours into a raucous hearing, council members made it clear they were ready to move on. “When can we finally stop the merry-go-round?” said Councilman Dennis Zine, who kicked off the City Council’s consideration of the issue in 2005 when concerns about dispensaries first surfaced. He proposed a... aids-write.org blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2999759 Tue, 17 Nov 2009 04:00:48 +0100 2999759 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2993908&cid=t_107862_135_f&fid=35246&url=http%3A%2F%2Faids-write.org%2F%3Fp%3D2024 Pesticides & Politics, Part 2 the second of two guest blogs concerning medical cannabis safety by M. Backes November 11, 2009 The Los Angeles City Attorney’s office found 5.25% of the cannabis samples tested from purchases made at Los Angeles dispensaries (3 out of 52 samples) to contain pesticide residues. Legal thresholds of pesticide residue on cannabis have not yet been established by the EPA or CDPR. By comparison, when the CDPR tests fresh ginger root purchased from California supermarkets, it has found that 5% of samples contain illegally high levels of pesticide residues. Questions: Should California state and local officials be concerned about pesticide contamination on medical cannabis? How does the risk of contaminated cannabis (an unregulated agricultural product) compa... aids-write.org blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2993908 Sun, 15 Nov 2009 12:07:32 +0100 2993908 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2993909&cid=t_107862_135_f&fid=35246&url=http%3A%2F%2Faids-write.org%2F%3Fp%3D2021 Pesticides & Politics, part 1 (This is a guest blog by M. Backes, responding to allegations by City Attorney Carmen Trutanich about pesticides on medical cannabis.) October 15, 2009 LA City Attorney, Carmen “Nuch” Trutanich, has been all over the media trying to convince Los Angeles that a pesticide used to kill Mexican fire ants is evidence that medical cannabis provided by dispensaries is poisonous and supporting Mexican drug cartels. Having abandoned the flawed interpretation of the California Supreme Court’s decision in People v. Mentch, Mr. Trutanich and LA County District Attorney Steve Cooley have now latched onto toxic reefer as their latest justification for shuttering LA’s pot shops. According to Trutanich, three samples of medical marijuana from “controlled buys�... aids-write.org blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2993909 Sun, 15 Nov 2009 11:48:59 +0100 2993909 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2993910&cid=t_107862_135_f&fid=35246&url=http%3A%2F%2Faids-write.org%2F%3Fp%3D2018 Medical marijuana gets a boost from major doctors group The American Medical Assn. changes its policy to promote clinical research and development of cannabis-based medicines and alternative delivery methods. By John Hoeffel November 11, 2009 The American Medical Assn. on Tuesday urged the federal government to reconsider its classification of marijuana as a dangerous drug with no accepted medical use, a significant shift that puts the prestigious group behind calls for more research. The nation’s largest physicians organization, with about 250,000 member doctors, the AMA has maintained since 1997 that marijuana should remain a Schedule I controlled substance, the most restrictive category, which also includes heroin and LSD. In changing its policy, the group said its goal was to cl... aids-write.org blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2993910 Sun, 15 Nov 2009 00:37:16 +0100 2993910 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2989356&cid=t_107862_135_f&fid=35246&url=http%3A%2F%2Faids-write.org%2F%3Fp%3D2015 [tuesday, November 3, 2009] good morning president garcetti, distinguished council members. i have given the clerk copies of my prepared remarks. my name is richard kearns. i am a 58-year-old gay man with AIDS, a long-term survivor & activist, a medical cannabis advocate, a poet & journalist. i am here this morning to suggest a plan B for medical cannabis in LA please empower a special high-speed ad hoc medical cannabis team, who, starting with the text of the city’s legislative analyst submitted to the plum committee september 25th can finish translating the whereases to section numbers inside a month (sort of like going from iambic pentameter to dactylic hexameter) & not to “correct” them, but to produce a good faith medical cannabis ordinance, one that spells out fees... aids-write.org blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2989356 Fri, 13 Nov 2009 01:49:10 +0100 2989356 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2989357&cid=t_107862_135_f&fid=35246&url=http%3A%2F%2Faids-write.org%2F%3Fp%3D2010 chers— wanted to put up reference info from the wikipedia entry for satyagraha, not only because it doesn’t get enough circulation, but also because i believe it could be a successful strategy when applied to the development of an LA medical cannabis ordinance. i don’t think it has truly been applied yet. take a read namasté —rk Satyagraha theory also influenced Martin Luther King, Jr. during the campaigns he led during the civil rights movement in the United States: Like most people, I had heard of Gandhi, but I had never studied him seriously. As I read I became deeply fascinated by his campaigns of nonviolent resistance. I was particularly moved by his Salt March to the Sea and his numerous fasts. The whole concept of Satyagraha (Satya is truth which equals love, and ag... aids-write.org blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2989357 Fri, 13 Nov 2009 01:25:22 +0100 2989357 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2989358&cid=t_107862_135_f&fid=35246&url=http%3A%2F%2Faids-write.org%2F%3Fp%3D2007 chers— this is my favorite essay on the term “namasté,” which belongs in the mix before we go too much further along. i make no claims about divinity here, because nothing can really be verifiably known about divinity. but we all share & perceive & express greatnesses whose roots reach into an inner invisible realm of spirit. namasté —rk . . . while we are singing the praises of namasté, it should be observed how efficient a gesture it is in an age of mass communication. A politician, or performer can greet fifty thousand people with a single namasté, and they can return the honor instantly. In such a situation a handshake is unthinkable . . . “Shake hands and come out fighting.” It’s the referee’s final counsel to two pugilists ... aids-write.org blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2989358 Thu, 12 Nov 2009 22:17:18 +0100 2989358 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2977521&cid=t_107862_135_f&fid=35246&url=http%3A%2F%2Faids-write.org%2F%3Fp%3D1997 chers— this is the second publication of this letter, which originally went to rocky degadillo, the LA city attorney at the time (march 4, 2009). in it, i itemize the many problems with a “cultivation only” type ordinance for people who are sick & dying, an ordinance such as the current city attorney, carmen trutanich, has currently proposed, an ordinance whose intent is to shut down medical cannabis in los angeles by making the regulations unreasonable, contrary to the intent of voters and the LA city council. i will be offering a copy of it to mr. trutanich at the lgbt community forum tonight. he is a big supporter of same-sex marriage, and rode in gay pride in councilmember dennis zine’s motorcycle brigade. what’s the problem with medical cannabis? his... aids-write.org blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2977521 Mon, 09 Nov 2009 21:31:01 +0100 2977521 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2977522&cid=t_107862_135_f&fid=35246&url=http%3A%2F%2Faids-write.org%2F%3Fp%3D1992 Standing Up Before Stonewall Exhibit Illuminates Los Angeles’ History of Gay Life and Activism by Ryan Vaillancourt Published: Friday, November 6, 2009 3:55 PM PST DOWNTOWN LOS ANGELES - In 1969, the Stonewall Riots in New York ignited the nation’s gay rights movement, proving to be a flashpoint for organization and advocacy against discrimination and prejudice. The riots followed a police raid of the Stonewall Inn, a gay bar in Greenwich Village. Although Stonewall is widely considered the most important event for the gay rights movement, it didn’t happen in a vacuum. Nor was New York alone as a host city for gay advocacy: Los Angeles’ homosexual community also played a major role in the fight for recognition and justice, and the organizers of a two-week exhibition in the Histori... aids-write.org blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2977522 Mon, 09 Nov 2009 19:40:33 +0100 2977522 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2977523&cid=t_107862_135_f&fid=35246&url=http%3A%2F%2Faids-write.org%2F%3Fp%3D1990 Dear friends and colleagues, I am reaching out to you today to invite you to join the World AIDS Day “Testing Millions” campaign.  A global coalition is working hard to make HIV testing free and accessible with linkages to antiretroviral treatment (ART).  Be a part of this worldwide movement to conquer AIDS. We at AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) believe that the best way to reach the estimated 33 million people living with HIV/AIDS is to identify those who do not know they are infected and link them to treatment. This is also the best route to combating the spread of the disease, as it is believed that the source of the majority of new infections are people who are HIV positive, but do not know it. Clearly, testing in much greater numbers is urgently needed.  AHF’s Testing Milli... aids-write.org blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2977523 Mon, 09 Nov 2009 17:26:18 +0100 2977523 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2974158&cid=t_107862_135_f&fid=35246&url=http%3A%2F%2Faids-write.org%2F%3Fp%3D1987 ViiV vows joint venture will help fight HIV By Andrew Jack November 3 2009 The new head of the pioneering HIV joint venture between GlaxoSmithKline andPfizer predicts his company can operate for at least five years without fresh funding from its shareholders. Dominique Limet, chief executive of ViiV Healthcare, which was formally launched on Tuesday, says it will generate £1.6bn a year in sales to finance its own research and would begin paying a dividend to its two owners in 2011 as it sells new products. A woman infected with HIV prepares her medicines in Indonesia. She could be one of thousands who would benefit from more effective treatments EDITOR’S CHOICE Novartis to expand Chinese research labs - Nov-03 French crackdown on parallel drugs trade - Nov-02 Interactive grap... aids-write.org blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2974158 Mon, 09 Nov 2009 17:10:49 +0100 2974158 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2974159&cid=t_107862_135_f&fid=35246&url=http%3A%2F%2Faids-write.org%2F%3Fp%3D1984 Larger Merck says merger will actually increase R&D efficiency pharmatimes.com 05 November 2009 The new Merck & Co has opened its doors for business, and the company has been laying out its plans for future growth now that Schering-Plough has been added to the group. Chief executive Richard Clark says that “our integration teams prepared us well for a strong start…with thorough plans designed to ensure a seamless transition”. The new entity now has more than 15 late-stage candidates “spanning critical therapeutic categories” and has 106,000 employees in more than 140 countries. That figure is expected to be reduced by 15%, or some 15,000 jobs, as Merck has set itself a target of cost savings of $3.5 billion annually beyond 2011, “which are expected to co... aids-write.org blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2974159 Mon, 09 Nov 2009 15:11:25 +0100 2974159 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2974160&cid=t_107862_135_f&fid=35246&url=http%3A%2F%2Faids-write.org%2F%3Fp%3D1980 Drug Policy Changes Under New Director Talk of the Nation The Department of Justice will no longer prosecute medical marijuana users who comply with state laws. Some reform advocates hope the move means decriminalization of pot may be in the works. Drug czar Gil Kerlikowske talks about the direction of U.S. drug policy. REBECCA ROBERTS, host please click here to kisten to audio recording of Kerlikowske’s interview on the NPR site This is TALK OF THE NATION. I’m Rebecca Roberts in Washington. Last month, medical marijuana advocates cheered when Attorney General Eric Holder announced that the Department of Justice will de-prioritize cases against medical marijuana users and dispensaries, as long as they comply with state laws. But Gil Kerlikowske, the director of the Office of N... aids-write.org blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2974160 Mon, 09 Nov 2009 08:52:54 +0100 2974160 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2974161&cid=t_107862_135_f&fid=35246&url=http%3A%2F%2Faids-write.org%2F%3Fp%3D1978 text transcribed from jpeg follows jump LGBT forum with los angeles city attorney carmen trutanich an evening of discussion on how the los angeles city attorney’s office may address issues concerning the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender communities tuesday, november 10, 2009 the village at ed gould plaza, renberg theatre 1125 n. mccadden place los angeles, ca 90038 reception 6pm refreshments will be served community forum 7-8pm presented by asian pacific islander pride council la gay & lesbian center jordan/rustin coalition log cabin republicans stonewall democratic club 2009 LA Pride Parade held in West Hollywood, California Los Angeles City Attorney Elect Carmen Trutanich rides in the 2009 LA Pride Parade in West Hollywood, California on June 14, 2009. (UPI Photo/Phil Mc... aids-write.org blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2974161 Mon, 09 Nov 2009 07:10:52 +0100 2974161 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2963281&cid=t_107862_135_f&fid=35246&url=http%3A%2F%2Faids-write.org%2F%3Fp%3D1961 World AIDS Day Federal Conference Call Tuesday, November 17, 2009: 2:30pm - 4:00pm (EST) AIDS.gov is hosting a World AIDS Day Conference Call for Federal staff and grantees. The call will provide a brief update on the state of the HIV/AIDS epidemic in the U.S. and a brief overview of the global epidemic. Participants will have a chance to ask these representatives about Federal HIV/AIDS programs: Dr. Howard Koh, HHS Mr. Christopher Bates, Office of HIV/AIDS Policy Ambassador Eric Goosby, PEPFAR Dr. Kevin Fenton, CDC Mr. David Vos, HUD Dr. Deborah Parham Hopson, HRSA Dr. Carl Dieffenbach, NIH/NIAID Ms. Beverly Watts Davis, SAMHSA Dr. Ronald Valdiserri, VA To participate, register here by November 15. Conference call capacity is limited to the first 3500 callers. If you have logistical... aids-write.org blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2963281 Thu, 05 Nov 2009 04:50:06 +0100 2963281 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2948449&cid=t_107862_135_f&fid=35246&url=http%3A%2F%2Faids-write.org%2F%3Fp%3D1958 Is LA’s City Attorney a Wolf in Loose Cannon Clothes? CityWatch By Ken Draper Oct 30, 2009 So what are we to think of our Carmen Trutanich? Is the City’s attorney a sad buffoon or a wonderful, much needed, City Hall bully? As has become the case in this considerably divided national and local political climate, the answer to who won the game depends on which side of the field the fans are sitting. As a society we’ve become quite good at defending … making excuses for … the foolish performances of those we blindly support. Such is the case these days with LA’s heat-seeking and controversial City Attorney. A bunch of folks love him and rationalize away his over-the-top behavior. (“He knows what he’s doing … it’s all part of a plan … he has City Hall right where he wan... aids-write.org blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2948449 Sun, 01 Nov 2009 03:14:55 +0100 2948449 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2948450&cid=t_107862_135_f&fid=35246&url=http%3A%2F%2Fmpegmedia.abc.net.au%2Fnews%2Faudio%2Ftwt%2F200910%2F20091030-twt-6-marijuana-tussle.mp3 US vows crackdown on medical marijuana By Kim Landers for The World Today, ABC news australia Fri Oct 30, 2009 Audio: LA officials to clean up the joint(The World Today) Officials in the United States are vowing to crack down on medical marijuana facilities even as the Obama administration signals a new hands-off policy on the drug. Los Angeles officials have been agonising for two years over a move to introduce what they call sensible guidelines to help regulate the booming industry. In the US, 14 states have laws allowing the use of medical marijuana, but no state has gone further than California and no city has gone further than LA, where there are more marijuana dispensaries than public schools. Brian Berens is the owner of Green Oasis, a medical marijuana dispensary in LA. “Da... aids-write.org blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2948450 Sat, 31 Oct 2009 21:29:14 +0100 2948450 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2947090&cid=t_107862_135_f&fid=35246&url=http%3A%2F%2Faids-write.org%2F%3Fp%3D1946 Ryan White HIV/AIDS Treatment Extension Act Signed into Law REMARKS BY THE PRESIDENT AT SIGNING OF THE RYAN WHITE HIV/AIDS TREATMENT EXTENSION ACT OF 2009a Diplomatic Reception Room 11:58 A.M. EDT THE PRESIDENT: Good morning, everybody. AUDIENCE: Good morning. THE PRESIDENT: We often speak about AIDS as if it’s going on somewhere else. And for good reason — this is a virus that has touched lives and decimated communities around the world, particularly in Africa. But often overlooked is the fact that we face a serious HIV/AIDS epidemic of our own — right here in Washington, D.C., and right here in the United States of America. And today, we are taking two important steps forward in the fight that we face here at home. It has been nearly three decades since this virus first... aids-write.org blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2947090 Fri, 30 Oct 2009 18:40:17 +0100 2947090 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2944018&cid=t_107862_135_f&fid=35246&url=http%3A%2F%2Faids-write.org%2F%3Fp%3D1936 Obama to sign Ryan White reauthorization Friday Measure would provide funds for an additional four years By CHRIS JOHNSON Oct 29 2009 President Obama plans to sign into law on Friday a reauthorization of funds under the Ryan White Care Act, according to Shin Inouye, a White House spokesperson. The Ryan White HIV/AIDS Treatment Extension Act of 2009 would provide funding for low-income people living with HIV/AIDS for an additional four years. First enacted in 1990, the Ryan White Care Act is the nation’s largest federally funded program for people living with HIV/AIDS and is designed to assist low-income patients who are underinsured or who have no insurance. (Source: aids-write.org) aids-write.org blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2944018 Fri, 30 Oct 2009 04:47:52 +0100 2944018 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2944019&cid=t_107862_135_f&fid=35246&url=http%3A%2F%2Faids-write.org%2F%3Fp%3D1927 ONLINE JOURNALISM & BLOGGING AS A PROFESSION Wednesday, Nov. 18, 2009 4:30pm English Dept. University Hall 3226 Loyola Marymount University Featuring Siel Environmental Activist & Founder of Green LA Girl Blog http://greenlagirl.com/ Richard Kearns Blogger & Activist, HIV/AIDS issues http://aids-write.org http://havvacc.wordpress.com Simon Samano Associate Editor, NFL.com http://www.nfl.com/ Sponsored by the LMU English Department • Refreshments will be served For more info, contact Molly Youngkin, 310-568-6226 DIRECTIONS TO LMU We will be meeting in University Hall 3226, which is at the east end of the building. Please ask for a visitor’s pass, which is free, at the entry gate on Lincoln Boulevard and park in Visitor Parking in P2 or P3 in University Hall. If you p... aids-write.org blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2944019 Fri, 30 Oct 2009 04:22:24 +0100 2944019 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2944020&cid=t_107862_135_f&fid=35246&url=http%3A%2F%2Faids-write.org%2F%3Fp%3D1923 Farr Introduces Medical Marijuana Fair Trial Bill Wed. October 28, 2009 WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman Sam Farr on Tuesday introduced legislation that would allow individuals accused of violating federal marijuana laws to offer evidence in federal court that their use of medical marijuana followed state medical marijuana laws. Rep. Farr introduced the bill, called the Truth in Trials Act, in the wake of a recent directive from the Justice Department telling federal prosecutors not to prosecute individuals who are following state medical marijuana laws. The bill would codify legal protections for defendants caught between state and federal laws, ensuring that state medical marijuana laws remain a defense in federal trials even if a future administration overturns the recent guidelines. &#... aids-write.org blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2944020 Fri, 30 Oct 2009 02:50:58 +0100 2944020 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2944021&cid=t_107862_135_f&fid=35246&url=http%3A%2F%2Faids-write.org%2F%3Fp%3D1921 One City’s Insane Fight Against Obama’s Sane New Pot Policy The administration has officially put a stop to crackdowns on the medical-marijuana business, but to hear the dispensers tell it, nothing’s stopping Los Angeles from finding every last ridiculous loophole By John H. Richardson October 27, 2009 Two years ago, in the throes of a Bush administration that disregarded states’ rights whenever it felt like getting high on itself, there were fewer than two hundred medical-marijuana outlets in Los Angeles. Today, even the most conservative estimates say that number has quadrupled. On one stretch of Santa Monica Boulevard alone, four thriving pot shops estimate their tax payments at $4 million a year. Got an emergency radiation treatment and can’t find the n... aids-write.org blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2944021 Fri, 30 Oct 2009 02:22:49 +0100 2944021 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2944022&cid=t_107862_135_f&fid=35246&url=http%3A%2F%2Faids-write.org%2F%3Fp%3D1915 POT GROUP: BANNING MEDICAL MARIJUANA DISPENSARIES WOULD COST L.A. MILLIONS Story Published: Oct 25, 2009 Los Angeles’ proposed medical marijuana ordinance, which would outlaw the sale of pot at dispensaries, would cost the city $36 million to $74 million in lost sales taxes, a marijuana advocacy group asserted Sunday. Under the proposed ordinance, only nonprofit medical marijuana collectives — groups of qualified patients and their primary caregivers — would be allowed to cultivate the drug to relieve pain from serious illnesses. According to the California chapter of the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws, the proposed ordinance would “effectively shut down the city’s medical marijuana distribution system by banning all sales of marijuana... aids-write.org blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2944022 Fri, 30 Oct 2009 01:46:34 +0100 2944022 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2944023&cid=t_107862_135_f&fid=35246&url=http%3A%2F%2Faids-write.org%2F%3Fp%3D1913 Los Angeles could act on medical pot in early November A proposal to ban all sales of medical marijuana in the city is unlikely to be taken up next week. Aides to Councilman Smith say he supports it and believes it would force most dispensaries to close. By John Hoeffel October 23, 2009 The Los Angeles City Council moved Thursday to consider a controversial medical marijuana ordinance in early November, as a poll released by a national organization that supports marijuana legalization found that more than three-quarters of voters in the county want dispensaries regulated, not prosecuted and closed. FOR THE RECORD: Medical marijuana: An article in Friday’s Section A on medical marijuana misattributed a quote to Los Angeles City Council President Eric Garcetti. It was Councilman Gre... aids-write.org blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2944023 Fri, 30 Oct 2009 01:23:33 +0100 2944023 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2944024&cid=t_107862_135_f&fid=35246&url=http%3A%2F%2Faids-write.org%2F%3Fp%3D1909 In conclusion, the prevalence of overall transmitted resistance among patients in Europe in whom HIV‐1 infection was newly diagnosed was found to be stabilizing under 10%. Concomitantly, transmitted NRTI resistance also seems to be stabilizing, whereas transmitted NNRTI and PI resistance decreased over time. Subtype B infection was the strongest predictor of transmission of resistance. Results. In total, 2793 patients with newly diagnosed HIV‐1 infection met the predefined inclusion criteria: they were HIV‐1 drug naive, were >18 years old, provided a sample for genotypic analysis within 6 months after diagnosis, and had viral loads >1000 copies/mL. Sequence analysis was successful for >96% (2687) of 2793 patient samples. The baseline characteristics of the patients are summa... aids-write.org blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2944024 Fri, 30 Oct 2009 00:50:13 +0100 2944024 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2927520&cid=t_107862_135_f&fid=35246&url=http%3A%2F%2Faids-write.org%2F%3Fp%3D1907 Hot man uncovered as clocks go back chers— evidently they doit a week earlier in great britain. namaste —rk http://www.be-selfish.co.uk/ A cheeky reminder that the clocks are going back on October 25th, one thats sure to help you and your friends remember… Brilliant little reminder at a time of year … (Source: aids-write.org) aids-write.org blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2927520 Mon, 26 Oct 2009 05:42:14 +0100 2927520 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2927521&cid=t_107862_135_f&fid=35246&url=http%3A%2F%2Faids-write.org%2F%3Fp%3D1905 chers— eight posts on HIV/AIDS & H1N1 at http://HAVVACC.wordpress.com (the HIV/AIDS volunteer virtual assisted care community) weho news: free flu shots tuesday by cedars (056) cdc recommendations for HIVers (full text) (055) about.com — difference between  seasonal & swine flus (054) AIDS-meds no evidence HIV worsens H1N1 severity (053) natap-sickest H1N1 patients have comorbidities (052) weho news – michael mooney on vaccine drawbacks (051) wikipedia: 1918 flu epidemic (050) cdc swine flu social media toolkit (049) namaste —rk (Source: aids-write.org) aids-write.org blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2927521 Mon, 26 Oct 2009 05:32:34 +0100 2927521 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2923329&cid=t_107862_111_f&fid=36048&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAHeartyLife%2F%7E3%2FV7maD4f_5g8%2F A study has found older African Americans are less likely to get a flu shot than are older non-Hispanic whites. It’s not uncommon to hear about differences in certain illnesses and approach to illnesses, depending on race or culture, or even genetics. For example, it’s known that African Americans have a higher risk of developing high blood pressure (hypertension). However, when it’s a behavior, such as avoiding a vaccination, it’s important for the medical community to understand why this is happening. Researchers in Buffalo, NY, looked at the reasons why older African Americans may be reluctant to get a flu shot and they found several factors: Many thought that vaccines provided life-long immunity, not just a few months It wasn’t understood by many that the... A Hearty Life blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2923329 Fri, 23 Oct 2009 21:16:29 +0100 2923329 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2920435&cid=t_107862_135_f&fid=35246&url=http%3A%2F%2Faids-write.org%2F%3Fp%3D1900 City of Angles L.A. Medical Marijuana Scene in Tumult By Brian Doherty October 22, 2009 8:57 AM The medical marijuana scene in Los Angeles gets more uncertain, with judges knocking down the existing moratorium, the city attorney threatening a severe crackdown, and the city council ready to act on a new wave of restrictions. First on the court action, from the L.A. Times account: A Superior Court judge concluded today that Los Angeles’ moratorium on new medical marijuana dispensaries is invalid and granted a preliminary injunction against enforcement of the ban sought by a dispensary that had sued the city. Judge James C. Chalfant determined that the city failed to follow state law when it extended its initial moratorium. “The city cannot rely on an expired ordinance,” he ... aids-write.org blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2920435 Fri, 23 Oct 2009 02:57:42 +0100 2920435 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2920436&cid=t_107862_135_f&fid=35246&url=http%3A%2F%2Faids-write.org%2F%3Fp%3D1898 LAnow Medical marijuana poll: Most L.A. voters support dispensaries by John Hoeffel October 22, 2009 | 10:00 am More than three-quarters of the voters in Los Angeles County want to see medical marijuana dispensaries regulated, rather than prosecuted and forced to close, according to a poll released today by a national organization that supports marijuana legalization. The poll, completed Monday and Tuesday, also found that 74% support the state’s medical marijuana law, while 54% want to see marijuana legalized, regulated and taxed. The Marijuana Policy Project, based in Washington, D.C., commissioned the poll by an independent firm, Mason-Dixon Polling & Research, after Los Angeles County Dist. Atty. Steve Cooley threatened all dispensaries in the county with prosecution. Cool... aids-write.org blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2920436 Thu, 22 Oct 2009 18:44:25 +0100 2920436 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2916386&cid=t_107862_135_f&fid=35246&url=http%3A%2F%2Faids-write.org%2F%3Fp%3D1893 Los Angeles City Council to rush vote on medical pot law The draft ordinance currently being urged would severely restrict the operations of medical marijuana dispensaries, which have exploded across the city in the absence of permanent regulation. By John Hoeffel October 20, 2009 | 10:25 p.m With its moratorium on new medical marijuana dispensaries declared unlawful, the Los Angeles City Council is now poised to act quickly on a strict ordinance that it has struggled with fitfully for more than two years. On Tuesday, the city attorney’s office delivered a draft that some members want the council to take up within a week. The sudden acceleration stems from a Superior Court ruling Monday that left the city unable to enforce its ban and derailed its four-month-old drive to shut down ne... aids-write.org blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2916386 Thu, 22 Oct 2009 06:09:07 +0100 2916386 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2916387&cid=t_107862_135_f&fid=35246&url=http%3A%2F%2Faids-write.org%2F%3Fp%3D1890 Medical Pot Is Bringing L.A. Together In the increasingly acrimonious pot wars, all sides agree City Hall is incompetent By PATRICK RANGE MCDONALD AND JILL STEWART Published on October 21, 2009 at 5:04pm When Los Angeles Superior Court Judge James C. Chalfant ruled on October 19 that the Los Angeles City Council’s two-year moratorium on medical-marijuana dispensaries was illegal, invalidating the ban, few legal experts seemed surprised — including City Attorney Carmen Trutanich, whose aide promptly admitted that the City Council had indeed been in the wrong. The judge issued an injunction banning L.A. from enforcing its moratorium against Green Oasis, a popular pot shop in Playa Vista. That decision is widely expected to prevent City Hall from enforcing its ban throughout Los Angeles.... aids-write.org blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2916387 Thu, 22 Oct 2009 05:36:16 +0100 2916387 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2916388&cid=t_107862_135_f&fid=35246&url=http%3A%2F%2Faids-write.org%2F%3Fp%3D1888 Rally Thursday!! What: LA Rally & Protest - and Statewide Day of Action When: Thursday, October 22, 2009 - 2:15 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. Where: Los Angeles City Hall - N. Main St. entrance (between Temple and 1st St.) LA is going to pass regulations that will close our dispensaries.  The raids have already started.  It’s time for ALL of us to take a stand. Call all your friends and gather at City Hall today. Stay safe and be well. Sincerely, Degé Coutee Education & Advocacy Director Patient Advocacy Network www.CannabisSavesLives.com (323) 334-5282 (Source: aids-write.org) aids-write.org blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2916388 Thu, 22 Oct 2009 05:24:58 +0100 2916388 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2916389&cid=t_107862_135_f&fid=35246&url=http%3A%2F%2Faids-write.org%2F%3Fp%3D1885 What Gets You Out of Bed in the Morning (when over- whelmed, discouraged, etc.)?: Answers to Sunday’s Question Julie Cristal had a good idea: so many good answers today (October 18) they should be “preserved” in a single note. Here they are: K.D. Miller: the fact that I have a world to change for my eight year old sister!! Lisa Hirzel: the need to keep my job. Peggi Cella: The belief that every new day holds endless possibilities and I want to be available to them. Kathleen C. Rolenz: Putting on my running shoes and running. Like I am doing right now Steve Louzos: I think of a dear friend who died a few years back. Steven would call up, blurt out a phrase and then abruptly hang up. Here’s what he would say, “Something wonderful is gonna happen today!” ... aids-write.org blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2916389 Thu, 22 Oct 2009 04:50:18 +0100 2916389 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2916390&cid=t_107862_135_f&fid=35246&url=http%3A%2F%2Faids-write.org%2F%3Fp%3D1882 Medical pot advocates say law still a purple haze By MARCUS WOHLSEN and LISA LEFF Associated Press Writers Tuesday, October 20, 2009 SAN FRANCISCO — A new Obama administration policy loosening guidelines on federal prosecution of medical marijuana on Monday signaled to users that they had less to fear from federal agents but still left their suppliers to contend with a tangled mesh of state laws and regulations. The Justice Department told federal prosecutors that targeting people who use or provide medical marijuana in strict compliance with state laws was not a good use of their time. Marijuana advocates and patients called the memo an encouraging step forward from the strict anti-pot policies of the Bush administration. But many worried that the web of laws in the 14 states that allow... aids-write.org blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2916390 Thu, 22 Oct 2009 04:09:46 +0100 2916390 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2916391&cid=t_107862_135_f&fid=35246&url=http%3A%2F%2Faids-write.org%2F%3Fp%3D1879 Judge rules L.A.’s ban on new medical marijuana dispensaries is invalid The Superior Court judge’s decision undermines the city’s 4-month-old drive to shut down hundreds of the stores. By John Hoeffel October 20, 2009 Los Angeles’ ban on new medical marijuana dispensaries is invalid, a Superior Court judge said Monday in a decision that undermines the city’s 4-month-old drive to shut down hundreds of the stores. The judge issued an injunction banning enforcement of the moratorium against Green Oasis, a dispensary in Playa Vista that had challenged the ban. But city officials acknowledged the ruling would effectively block current efforts to enforce the ban against other dispensaries. The decision came on the day the Obama administration issued guidelines that ... aids-write.org blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2916391 Thu, 22 Oct 2009 03:37:51 +0100 2916391 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2916392&cid=t_107862_135_f&fid=35246&url=http%3A%2F%2Faids-write.org%2F%3Fp%3D1874 .LA NOW . Judge grants injunction against city’s medical marijuana dispensary ban by John Hoeffel at L.A. Superior Court October 19, 2009 | 11:13 am A Superior Court judge concluded today that Los Angeles’ moratorium on new medical marijuana dispen-saries is invalid and granted a preliminary injunction against enforcement of the ban sought by a dispensary that had sued the city. Judge James C. Chalfant determined that the city failed to follow state law when it extended its initial moratorium. “The city cannot rely on an expired ordinance,” he said. Green Oasis and a number of other medical marijuana collectives sued the city last month, challenging its efforts to control the dispensaries. The lawsuit argued that the City Council violated state law when it extended... aids-write.org blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2916392 Thu, 22 Oct 2009 03:21:06 +0100 2916392 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2916393&cid=t_107862_135_f&fid=35246&url=http%3A%2F%2Faids-write.org%2F%3Fp%3D1871 MEMORANDUM FOR SELECTED UNITED STATES ATTORNEYS October 19,2009 FROM: David W. Ogden - Deputy Attorney General SUBJECT: Investigations and Prosecutions in States Authorizing the Medical Use of Marijuana This memorandum provides clarification and guidance to federal prosecutors in States that have enacted laws authorizing the medical use of marijuana. These laws vary in their substantive provisions and in the extent of state regulatory oversight, both among the enacting States and among local jurisdictions within those States. Rather than developing different guidelines for every possible variant of state and local law, this memorandum provides uniform guidance to focus federal investigations and prosecutions in these States on core federal enforcement priorities. The Department of Just... aids-write.org blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2916393 Wed, 21 Oct 2009 22:36:00 +0100 2916393 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2916394&cid=t_107862_135_f&fid=35246&url=http%3A%2F%2Faids-write.org%2F%3Fp%3D1868 Pelosi Applauds House Passage of Ryan White HIV/AIDS Treatment Extension Act Washington, D.C. – Speaker Nancy Pelosi released the following statement in support of the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Treatment Extension Act, which passed the House of Representatives today by a vote of 408 to 9. The Senate passed the bill earlier this week so the bill now goes to President Obama for his signature into law. “As everyone knows, San Francisco was hit early and hard by the devastation of AIDS. But San Franciscans responded to the needs of our neighbors by developing a system of community-based care that became the model for the Ryan White CARE Act when it was first enacted in 1990. “Today, Ryan White-funded initiatives are a fundamental component of the systems of care upon which low-income individua... aids-write.org blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2916394 Wed, 21 Oct 2009 21:43:11 +0100 2916394 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2916395&cid=t_107862_135_f&fid=35246&url=http%3A%2F%2Faids-write.org%2F%3Fp%3D1864 STATEMENT OF ADMINISTRATION POLICY S. 1793 — Ryan White HIV/AIDS Treatment Extension Act of 2009 (Sen. Harkin, D-Iowa) The Administration strongly supports Senate passage of the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Treatment Extension Act of 2009. The Ryan White program provides critical health care and related services to uninsured and underinsured people living with HIV/AIDS. This legislation authorizes appropriations for the program for the next four years. The Administration is committed to strengthening access to care for people living with HIV/AIDS. The legislation reauthorizes all parts of the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program and supports continued funding for the Minority AIDS Initiative, the goal of which is to address the disproportionate impact of the disease on racial and ethnic minorities. When ... aids-write.org blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2916395 Wed, 21 Oct 2009 21:19:24 +0100 2916395 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2905001&cid=t_107862_125_f&fid=38161&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.dentalheroes.com%2Fdental-emergencies-americans-unprepared%2F New York, NY (October 16, 2009) Although 72 percent of Americans have fillings, caps or crowns and one in six had a dental emergency during the past 12 months, most are not prepared to deal with a dental emergency, according to a recent survey conducted by Majestic Drug Company, a leading provider of oral care products. Interestingly, in the national survey of 1,000 Americans, those with a lower income (less then $35,000) were more likely to have had a dental emergency in the past 12 months (vs. 14 percent of those who make $100,000 or more). Of those who had a dental emergency, 23 percent involved a loose crown or cap, 10 percent involved a lost filling, while 72 percent said their dental emergency involved something else. Among those who had a dental emergency involving a loose crown/ca... Dental Heroes blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2905001 Mon, 19 Oct 2009 06:00:56 +0100 2905001 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2876298&cid=t_107862_135_f&fid=35246&url=http%3A%2F%2Faids-write.org%2F%3Fp%3D1857 chers— this was a very thoughtful & (i thought) useful overview looking at the spread of HIV/AIDS as driven by social structures. Dr. Lynne C. Todman, Director of the Institute of Social Exclusion (ISE) at the Adler School of Professional Psychology in Chicago, presented it at the HIV Prevention Justice Alliance teleconference call may 27, 2009. Toddman’s point: “Poverty reduction must be at the core of any long-term, sustainable solution to ending HIV/AIDS.” these are the official notes from the session, which also included presentations by  Marisa Franco, National Lead Organizer, Right to the City Alliance & Jaime Grant, Ph.D., Director of the Policy Institute at the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force (NGLTF) also, see the link to the book toddman recommends below, ... aids-write.org blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2876298 Fri, 09 Oct 2009 05:10:12 +0100 2876298 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2862699&cid=t_107862_135_f&fid=35246&url=http%3A%2F%2Faids-write.org%2F%3Fp%3D1852 Life Group LA Takes The POZ Life Weekend Seminar to San Diego, CA! The Life Group LA is proud to announce that it will be bringing its team of dedicated volunteers and presenters to the San Diego area on November 14th and 15th, 2009. Our innovative and ground breaking POZ Life Weekend Seminar is a place where compassion, education, community and love is offered unconditionally. It’s a place HIV+ men, women, youths, family members and care givers can come be themselves, feel comforted and support in their effort to learn how to either live a long healthy productive POZitive lifestyle, or help someone they know and love overcome the fears associated with being HIV+ at no cost… the seminar is Free! Our diverse group of Presenters, Volunteers and Staff effectively reach out and relate... aids-write.org blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2862699 Mon, 05 Oct 2009 03:38:58 +0100 2862699 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2862700&cid=t_107862_135_f&fid=35246&url=http%3A%2F%2Faids-write.org%2F%3Fp%3D1850 Discussions: ONAP will hold a series of fourteen forums from late summer through the end of 2009 in various regions of the country with diverse communities impacted by HIV/AIDS. These forums will provide opportunities for individual citizens to provide White House staff and other policy makers with their recommendations for achieving the President’s three goals for the NHAS.Locations for the planned forums include (in alphabetical order): Albuquerque, NM; Atlanta, GA; Columbia, SC; Fort Lauderdale, FL; Houston, TX; Jackson, MS; Los Angeles, CA; Minneapolis, MN; New York, NY; Oakland, CA; San Francisco, CA; San Juan, Puerto Rico; the Virgin Islands, and Washington, DC. [chers---cut & pasted from another location: ---rk] Location Date Minneapolis, MN October 2 Albuquerque, NM ... aids-write.org blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2862700 Mon, 05 Oct 2009 03:01:26 +0100 2862700 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2862701&cid=t_107862_135_f&fid=35246&url=http%3A%2F%2Faids-write.org%2F%3Fp%3D1848 Related Websites These links will take you out of the www.PEPFAR.gov Web site. PEPFAR Archive Website: This website contains PEPFAR-related information released prior to January 20, 2009. Content on the archive site is not updated. Act Against AIDS HHS/CDC Domestic Campaign AIDS.gov serves as an information gateway to guide users to Federal domestic HIV/AIDS information and resources. AIDSinfo Centers for Disease Control and Prevention - Global AIDS Program (GAP) Champions for an HIV-Free Generation is a group of former African presidents and other influential personalities with an aim to mobilize high-level leadership in renewed and revitalized responses to HIV and AIDS in Sub Saharan Africa. Department of Defense HIV/AIDS Prevention Program Department of Health and Human Services - Of... aids-write.org blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2862701 Mon, 05 Oct 2009 02:54:43 +0100 2862701 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2855794&cid=t_107862_135_f&fid=35246&url=http%3A%2F%2Faids-write.org%2F%3Fp%3D1844 “]”]Remarks at Swearing-In Ceremony for Dr. Eric Goosby Global AIDS Coordinator and Ambassador-at-Large Hillary Rodham Clinton, Secretary of State Eric Goosby, M.D., Global AIDS Coordinator Ben Franklin Room Washington, DC September 17, 2009 [Transcript of Ambassador Goosby’s remarks provided by the Office of the U.S. Coordinator for Global AIDS] [link to 22-min video which cannot be embedded here] SECRETARY CLINTON: Thank you. Well, this is such a wonderful occasion, and I am especially grateful that you were all so understanding to change the time for this event. I learned at the last minute yesterday that I had to be at the White House for a meeting with the President. And I actually did say, well, I’m sorry I have to swear-in. (Laughter.) And the answer came back sayin... aids-write.org blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2855794 Fri, 02 Oct 2009 00:17:25 +0100 2855794 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2852010&cid=t_107862_135_f&fid=35246&url=http%3A%2F%2Faids-write.org%2F%3Fp%3D1840 Ryan White funding extended for 30 days Senate committee passes measure to renew HIV program for four years By LAURA DOUGLAS-BROWN Sep 30 2009 The U.S. Senate voted 62-38 late Wednesday to approve legislation that will extend funding to the U.S. government for 30 days after the Sept. 30 end of the current fiscal year. Included is a measure to maintain HIV/AIDS programs funded by the Ryan White CARE Act for the next month. The U.S. House passed the measure Sept. 25. The legislation buys time for Ryan White, but does not permanently renew funding for the programs. At stake is at least $2.1 billion in funding that props up HIV services around the country, including $72 million that goes to programs in Georgia. Although the Ryan White Act has bipartisan support in Congress, the legislation, l... aids-write.org blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2852010 Thu, 01 Oct 2009 00:44:36 +0100 2852010 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2834430&cid=t_107862_135_f&fid=35246&url=http%3A%2F%2Faids-write.org%2F%3Fp%3D1837 U.S. House approves measure to extend Ryan White funding for 30 days Measure to continue key HIV funds still must pass Senate By LAURA DOUGLAS-BROWN Sep 25 2009, 7:15 PM The U.S. House on Friday approved a resolution to extend funding for the legislative branch for 30 days, including a measure that continues funding the Ryan White CARE Act, a key HIV/AIDS program. The continuing resolution must still pass the U.S. Senate, which is expected to take it up next week. Once the resolution is approved by both chambers, it will enable funding for Ryan White to continue until the end of October. Within that time, Congress must pass legislation renewing the Ryan White Act in order for the program to continue. At stake is at least $2.1 billion in funding that props up HIV services around the countr... aids-write.org blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2834430 Sat, 26 Sep 2009 02:03:27 +0100 2834430 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2834431&cid=t_107862_135_f&fid=35246&url=http%3A%2F%2Faids-write.org%2F%3Fp%3D1834 Pot dispensaries sue L.A. over moratorium Medical marijuana collectives’ suit comes as the city struggles to write a new ordinance. By John Hoeffel September 23, 2009 A newly formed association of Los Angeles medical marijuana collectives has challenged the city’s efforts to control dispensaries, claiming in a lawsuit that the 2-year-old moratorium is unconstitutionally vague and that the City Council violated state law when it extended the ban until mid-March. The lawsuit, filed late Monday, is the first to take aim at the city’s attempts to halt the explosive growth in dispensaries. It comes as the City Council’s Planning Committee continued Tuesday to struggle with a permanent ordinance to replace the moratorium. Representatives from the city attorney’s of... aids-write.org blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2834431 Sat, 26 Sep 2009 01:30:39 +0100 2834431 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2834433&cid=t_107862_135_f&fid=35246&url=http%3A%2F%2Faids-write.org%2F%3Fp%3D1828 chers— sarah armstrong spoke to these points at the PLUM meeting tuesday, and her analysis is quite coherent, so i thought i’s pass it along. (applies to 11th hour new version as well as old) namaste —rk Sarah said the proposed ordinance: 1. Allows police to enter dispensaries at any time to nose around. Since 14 LAPD are cross sworn as federal DEA Agents, this probably isn’t a good idea. [Section 46.71] 2. Requires dispensaries to register the names and contact info of their cultivators with the LAPD, presumably so that the 14 cross sworn officers can find them easily. [Section 46.64 Section b number 3 item n] 3. Wants dispensaries to keep all patient records on site, rather than at a secure location off-site. So, when the DEA busts down the door, your medical reco... aids-write.org blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2834433 Sat, 26 Sep 2009 00:31:05 +0100 2834433 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2834434&cid=t_107862_135_f&fid=35246&url=http%3A%2F%2Faids-write.org%2F%3Fp%3D1823 carmen trutanich pulled a rocky degadillo tuesday, submitting a new draft version of a medical cannabis ordinance 15 minutes before the city’s PLUM committee (planning, land use & management) meeting began, rendering informed discussion about the proposed law impossible at the public hearing. Medical cannabis draft regulations were on the agenda tuesday in PLUM committee. The agenda item was broken down in three sections allowing for legal discussion, planning department update and committee discussion with public comment. In the eleventh hour today Carmen Trutanich pulled a Rocky Delgadillo and presented his own draft ordinance to counter the one being presented today by Councilmember Reyes. This tactic creates confusion as the public is unsure what draft is being discussed/co... aids-write.org blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2834434 Sat, 26 Sep 2009 00:06:27 +0100 2834434 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2834435&cid=t_107862_135_f&fid=35246&url=http%3A%2F%2Faids-write.org%2F%3Fp%3D1821 Delay in LA by Don Duncan about medical marijuana September 23rd, 2009 Los Angeles City Councilmember Dennis Zine told a standing room only crowd at Tuesday’s Planning and Land Use Management (PLUM) Committee hearing that an ordinance that does not recognize sales of medical cannabis would not work for Los Angeles, but he is worried about creating a policy that violates state law. The Councilmember’s ambivalence is part of the confusion that dominated yesterday’s marathon committee meeting. The PLUM committee voted to continue the debate on the regulations, Zine’s motion for more study into relevant case law, and a progress report from the planning department for another week to allow committee members more time to review the material. Part of what the committee is reviewing is a ... aids-write.org blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2834435 Fri, 25 Sep 2009 21:51:18 +0100 2834435 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2834436&cid=t_107862_135_f&fid=35246&url=http%3A%2F%2Faids-write.org%2F%3Fp%3D1818 Argentina rules on marijuana use The supreme court in Argentina has ruled that it is unconstitutional to punish people for using marijuana for personal consumption. The decision follows a case of five young men who were arrested with a few marijuana cigarettes in their pockets. But the court said use must not harm others and made it clear it did not advocate a complete decriminalisation. Correspondents say there is a growing momentum in Latin America towards decriminalising drugs for personal use. The Argentine court ruled that: “Each adult is free to make lifestyle decisions without the intervention of the state.” Supreme Court President Ricardo Lorenzetti said private behaviour was legal, “as long as it doesn’t constitute clear danger”. “The state c... aids-write.org blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2834436 Fri, 25 Sep 2009 21:18:14 +0100 2834436 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2834437&cid=t_107862_135_f&fid=35246&url=http%3A%2F%2Faids-write.org%2F%3Fp%3D1814 Save the Date! The 3rd Annual 47th Assembly District Well Body, Well Mind Health Fair Saturday, October 3rd, 2009 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. At Rancho Cienega Park (baseball field) 5001 Rodeo Rd. Los Angeles, CA 90016 The 47th District Health Fair will include: Free health services and onsite testing including mammograms, dental exams, diabetes checks, optometrist screenings, immunization shots, and more! Interactive educational resources and organizational materials. Promotional materials and/or promotional item giveaways. Presentations regarding health and wellness. Please join Assembly Speaker Karen Bass, Councilmember Herb Wesson, and the 47th Assembly District People’s Council for a day of health and community! Please call 323-937-4747 to RSVP or for more information. (Source: aids... aids-write.org blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2834437 Fri, 25 Sep 2009 20:21:19 +0100 2834437 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2832364&cid=t_107862_135_f&fid=35246&url=http%3A%2F%2Faids-write.org%2F%3Fp%3D1801 chers— the kokomo, indiana perspective is ryan white’s hometown newspape: a sentimental choice for you a week before the ryan white CARE act sundowns namaste —rk Bayh calls for extension of Ryan White Act Senator Evan Bayh urged the leaders of the Senate’s Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee to extend the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Treatment Modernization Act before the law expires at the end of the month. Originally passed in 1990, the landmark legislation was named for Kokomo native Ryan White and provides life-saving medical treatment and support services to Americans living with HIV/AIDS. “Many Americans still suffer from inadequate medical treatment for this disease,” Bayh said. “Ryan White’s brave battle helped change atti... aids-write.org blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2832364 Thu, 24 Sep 2009 20:40:08 +0100 2832364 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2828425&cid=t_107862_135_f&fid=35246&url=http%3A%2F%2Faids-write.org%2F%3Fp%3D1797 Today in Congress FLOOR SCHEDULE FOR WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2009 Committee events of note: 10am, Senate HELP Committee:Ryan White HIV/AIDS Treatment Extension Act of 2009 Witness: Timothy F. Geithner, Secretary, US Department of the Treasury 10am, House Education and Labor Committee: Hearing on HR 3017, Employment Non-Discrimination Act of 2009 10am, Senate HELP Committee:Ryan White HIV/AIDS Treatment … (from wikipedia: Timothy Franz Geithner (pronounced /ˈɡaɪtnər/; born August 18, 1961), is the 75th and current United States Secretary of the Treasury, serving under President Barack Obama. He was previously the president of the Federal Reserve Bank of New York. Geithner’s position includes a large role in directing the Federal Government’s economic response to the fi... aids-write.org blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2828425 Thu, 24 Sep 2009 16:08:40 +0100 2828425 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2820537&cid=t_107862_135_f&fid=35246&url=http%3A%2F%2Faids-write.org%2F%3Fp%3D1788 [what you can do] by Lindy, still fruity september 20, 2009 I know that most of you have been wondering what you can do to help make sure that the Ryan White CARE Act is re-authorized. God love you, all of you. The best thing you can do is let your elected representatives know that this is something that you care about. A handwritten note, a very short note, is best. But, you know what? If you don’t have time for that, just call them up. Here’s all you need to know… Here’s the address and phone number for your president: President Barak Obama The White House 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW Washington, DC 20500 The telephone number for the comment line is 202 456 1111. If you know who you want to talk to, and do not use this line to try to talk to the president, but if y... aids-write.org blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2820537 Mon, 21 Sep 2009 22:21:22 +0100 2820537 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2820538&cid=t_107862_135_f&fid=35246&url=http%3A%2F%2Faids-write.org%2F%3Fp%3D1786 Ryan White HIV/AIDS Funding Due to Expire Oct. 1 by Jim Chud Volume 28 Issue 10 In December 2006, the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Treatment Modernization Act of 2006 (RWTMA) became law. The Act replaced the Ryan White Comprehensive AIDS Resources Emergency (CARE) Act that had been initially signed into law in 1990, and subsequently “reauthorized” (renewed) in 1996 and 2000. The CARE Act was the country’s largest federally funded non-entitlement program for people living with HIV/AIDS and forms the core of the local HIV/AIDS care and treatment response in most local jurisdictions. The act sought funding to improve availability of care for low-income uninsured and under-insured victims of AIDS and their families. The RWTMA included a sunset clause that entails the end of the legislation on O... aids-write.org blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2820538 Mon, 21 Sep 2009 22:00:38 +0100 2820538 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2804166&cid=t_107862_135_f&fid=35246&url=http%3A%2F%2Faids-write.org%2F%3Fp%3D1782 With people in the U.S. with AIDS expected to live close to a normal life span, the majority of pharmaceutical companies are not developing innovative new long-term treatment options that offer improved efficacy, safety and tolerability. The ATAC Pharmaceutical Company HIV/AIDS Report Card evaluates the nine largest HIV/AIDS drug-producing pharmaceutical companies in five categories: drug development portfolio and plans, access to drugs, pricing, community relations and marketing practices. The average final grade was a C-. See below for how ATAC ranked each of the companies on the five categories, and view the additional resources for more information. If your browser cannot display the graphic above, go here. Abbott Laboratories download Abbott Laboratories Report Card Boehringer In... aids-write.org blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2804166 Thu, 17 Sep 2009 17:17:31 +0100 2804166 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2804167&cid=t_107862_135_f&fid=35246&url=http%3A%2F%2Faids-write.org%2F%3Fp%3D1777 CDC Issues Recommendations For HIV Infected Individuals About H1N1 Swine Flu Posted By Shruti Kalra On September 9, 2009 @ 2:00 pm The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has published a document of recommendations for HIV infected individuals about the H1N1 (swine) flu. Currently, the CDC does not have any information about the risk of H1N1 flu in individuals with HIV/AIDS. However, HIV/AIDS infected individuals may experience more severe side effects and complications with H1N1 flu, as evidenced by severe side effects to previous seasonal influenzas. HIV infected individuals are more vulnerable to flu side effects because of the low number of CD4 cells or healthy white blood cells that can fight off infection. Common signs and symptoms of H1N1 infection are similar to th... aids-write.org blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2804167 Thu, 17 Sep 2009 16:02:32 +0100 2804167 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2804168&cid=t_107862_135_f&fid=35246&url=http%3A%2F%2Faids-write.org%2F%3Fp%3D1774 Please Join Speaker Karen Bass and the 47th Assembly District People’s Council for a 2009 Policy Outcomes & Opportunities Town Hall Monday, September 21st, 6:30 - 8 p.m. Junior Blind of America 5300 Angeles Vista Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90043 To R.S.V.P. please call 323-937-4747 or email amanda.martin@asm.ca.gov R.S.V.P. Deadline: Thursday, September 17th Speaker Bass will recap the past legislative session and provide an insider’s scoop on the California economy, healthcare, clean energy, public safety and more. It has been an unprecedented year with more action to come! Join us to discuss what we can all do to ensure our communities have a strong voice within the ongoing debates. (Source: aids-write.org) aids-write.org blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2804168 Thu, 17 Sep 2009 14:53:27 +0100 2804168 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2804169&cid=t_107862_135_f&fid=35246&url=http%3A%2F%2Faids-write.org%2F%3Fp%3D1771 Come on down Saturday, September 19, to the 4th Annual West Hollywood Medical Cannabis Expo & Patients Rally. Doors open at 11:00 AM and the fun goes all day! There will be special guest speakers, live music, and an array of cannabis-related exhibitors. Organizers ask for a $5 donation at the door, but no one will be turned away for lack of funds. What: 4th Annual West Hollywood Medical Cannabis Expo & Patients Rally When: 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM - Saturday, September 19 Where: West Hollywood Park Auditorium, 647 N. San Vicente Blvd. (Santa Monica Blvd & San Vicente), West Hollywood 90069 (Source: aids-write.org) aids-write.org blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2804169 Thu, 17 Sep 2009 13:53:29 +0100 2804169 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2804171&cid=t_107862_135_f&fid=35246&url=http%3A%2F%2Faids-write.org%2F%3Fp%3D1758 DC Emergency Patients Who Decline HIV Test Have Twice Higher HIV Rate by Mark Mascolini 49th ICAAC (Interscience Conference on Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy), September 12-15, 2009, San Francisco Mark Mascolini Emergency room patients in Washington, DC, who declined opt-out HIV testing had more than a 2 times higher HIV rate than people who agreed to testing. The most common reason for turning down the HIV test was the belief that they had no risk of infection. In 2006 the US Centers for Disease Control recommended routine opt-out HIV testing for all adults who seek medical care, including those who visit emergency rooms. Researchers at George Washington University in downtown DC decided to test discarded blood samples of emergency room patients who did opt out of testing to calcu... aids-write.org blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2804171 Thu, 17 Sep 2009 05:15:21 +0100 2804171 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2800641&cid=t_107862_135_f&fid=35246&url=http%3A%2F%2Faids-write.org%2F%3Fp%3D1754 AIDS Project Los Angeles (APLA) with our community partners presents: HIV MATTERS: IAS COMMUNITY UPDATE Wednesday, September 16, 2009 Buffet Dinner: 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm Presentations: 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm West Hollywood Park Auditorium 647 North San Vicente Boulevard West Hollywood, CA 90069 FEATURING: Eric Daar, MD (Chief, HIV Medicine, Harbor-UCLA Medical Center) David Hardy, MD (Chief, HIV Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center) Colleen Murphy, PGDip (Director of Community Education and Outreach, AIDS Research Alliance) This APLA public education forum is free. Parking: West Hollywood Park Lot. Enter directly south of Santa Monica Boulevard on west side of San Vicente Boulevard by baseball diamond. The parking lot is adjacent to Koontz Hardware. SPONSORS: AIDS Prorject Los Angeles, Being Al... aids-write.org blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2800641 Wed, 16 Sep 2009 15:44:23 +0100 2800641 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2800642&cid=t_107862_135_f&fid=35246&url=http%3A%2F%2Faids-write.org%2F%3Fp%3D1739 chers— this is a special report on last wednesday’s raids of 14 medical cannabis clinics and 6 residences in the san diego area. raids were conducted by a team of federal & county & city law enforcement officials (no representation from the state of california, according to the district attorney’s press release). District attorney Bonnie Dumanis held a news conference the next day, thursday, attempting to justify not only the SWAT-style tactics but also the political timing of the raids, which took place the day after the san diego city council voted 6-1 to create dispensary regulations by early next year. pay particular attention to the channel 10 news video showing law officers tossing a man out of his wheelchair into the back of a squad care, while fellow cops unsucces... aids-write.org blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2800642 Wed, 16 Sep 2009 04:06:30 +0100 2800642 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2800643&cid=t_107862_135_f&fid=35246&url=http%3A%2F%2Faids-write.org%2F%3Fp%3D1735 Drug Policy Alliance www.drugpolicy.org FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE September 9, 2009 Margaret Dooley-Sammuli (213) 291-4190 Contact: Dion Markgraaf (619) 518-0776 SWAT-Style Raids on Medical Marijuana Dispensaries in San Diego Come Day After City Council Acts to Regulate Dispensaries Patients Condemn Tactics, Express Concern for Safe Access SAN DIEGO – Several medical marijuana dispensaries were raided in San Diego today, after the City Council yesterday voted 6-1 to establish a taskforce to create dispensary regulations by early next year. Medical marijuana patients and advocates criticized the raids’ timing and tactics. “These raids are unnecessary and unacceptable. Yesterday the City Council agreed to create local regulations for dispensaries. We could have those rules as early as Janu... aids-write.org blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2800643 Tue, 15 Sep 2009 22:16:13 +0100 2800643 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2800644&cid=t_107862_135_f&fid=35246&url=http%3A%2F%2Faids-write.org%2F%3Fp%3D1729 The 2009 911 Reign of Terror by J. Craig Canada September 13, 3:01 PM Santa Cruz County Drug Policy Examiner Reports continue to come in of federal raids of medical marijuana dispensaries up and down the West Coast. San Diego has been hardest hit.  In the midst of the trial of the Operation Green RX defendents, on the heels of the decision by City Council to create yet another task force on medical marijuana, District Attorney Bonnie Dumanis went on a rampage. In San Diego 14 dispensaries were robbed and vandalized and 31 people kidnapped, tortured, and held for ransom.  The terrorists, led by San Diego District Attorney Bonnie Dumanis, claim they stole $70,000, 6 guns, and an undisclosed quantity of marijuana.  In justification of the robberies, Dumanis states that a single dispensar... aids-write.org blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2800644 Tue, 15 Sep 2009 21:30:13 +0100 2800644 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2800645&cid=t_107862_135_f&fid=35246&url=http%3A%2F%2Faids-write.org%2F%3Fp%3D1726 Bonnie Dumanis From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Bonnie M. Dumanis (born December 16, 1951, in Brockton, Massachusetts) is currently the District Attorney of San Diego County. Dumanis has been the District Attorney since 2003, when she defeated incumbent Paul Pfingst.[1] Dumanis received a Bachelor of Arts in sociology from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst, and her Juris Doctor degree from the Thomas Jefferson School of Law in 1976[2]. Following graduation, she served as a Deputy District Attorney from 1978 to 1990. In 1994, she was elected to the Municipal Court where she would serve for four years. In 1998, Dumanis was elected to the San Diego Superior Court.[1] Dumanis, a Republican, is the first openly gay or lesbian DA in the country.[3] She is also the first Jewish woma... aids-write.org blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2800645 Tue, 15 Sep 2009 20:23:43 +0100 2800645 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2800646&cid=t_107862_135_f&fid=35246&url=http%3A%2F%2Faids-write.org%2F%3Fp%3D1722 DA, DEA, US Attorney, IRS, Sheriff, SDPD Serve Warrants at Illegal Marijuana Dispensaries Number of Dispensaries Increasing along with Citizen Complaints San Diego County District Attorney Bonnie M. Dumanis, along with United States Attorney Karen Hewitt, DEA’s San Diego Field Office Assistant Special Agent-in-Charge William Sherman, IRS San Diego Field Office Special Agent-in-Charge Tami Steine, San Diego Sheriff William Gore, San Diego Police Chief William Lansdowne, San Diego Narcotics Task Force, San Marcos Mayor Jim Desmond and Vista City Attorney Darrold Pieper announced today that 14 search warrants were served at 14 marijuana dispensaries and six associated residences in San Diego, the North County and South Bay The warrants are a result of a four-month undercover investigation ... aids-write.org blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2800646 Tue, 15 Sep 2009 19:45:39 +0100 2800646 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2796716&cid=t_107862_135_f&fid=35246&url=http%3A%2F%2Faids-write.org%2F%3Fp%3D1717 district attorney defends raids on marijuana dispensaries posted september 09, 2009 updated september 11, 2009 embedded video should be here. if not, please click on link. The district attorney is defending this week’s raid on medical dispensaries throughout the county, saying they were simply drug dealers out to make a fast buck. Authorities say 31 people were arrested in a sting that targeted medical marijuana distributors in San Diego County. District Attorney Bonnie Dumanis said Thursday that she supports marijuana use for medical purposes - as allowed under California law - but that the distributors may have been operating stores to sell drugs illegally. No charges have been filed. Prosecutors say possible charges include sale and possession of marijuana and firearms offenses.... aids-write.org blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2796716 Tue, 15 Sep 2009 18:17:27 +0100 2796716 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2796717&cid=t_107862_135_f&fid=35246&url=http%3A%2F%2Faids-write.org%2F%3Fp%3D1712 broadcast report on raids at san diego’s medical marijuana clinics chers—if the embedded piece doesn’t show up, please click to the page and watch it. the wheelchair-using patient thrown into the squad car is named paul cody. —rk from the top down 1. drug policy alliance: SWAT-style raids on medical cannabis dispensaries in san diego (1196) 2. j. craig canada, examiner.com: the 2009 911 reign of terror (1195) 3. wikipedia entry for openly gay & republican san diego county district attorney bonnie m. dumanis (1194) 4. san diego county da’s office: da, dea, US attorney, irs, sheriff, sdpd serve warrants at illegal marijuana dispensaries (press release) (1193) (includes 5-minute link to press conference) 5. kfmb-tv channel 8, san diego: district attorney defen... aids-write.org blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2796717 Tue, 15 Sep 2009 17:35:30 +0100 2796717 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2796718&cid=t_107862_135_f&fid=35246&url=http%3A%2F%2Faids-write.org%2F%3Fp%3D1710 Hi, my name is Patti Walker and I am both a medical marijuana recommended patient as well as a former San Diego collective employee. I was involved in the raids yesterday and my collective was hit pretty bad. I worked at Beneficial Care Collective in downtown San Diego at about 1:30 pm I walked into the office and heard pounding and saw police task force every where. I had no idea what was going on and then an officer pointed a shotgun at my face and told me to sit down, and there I sat. Myself and everyone else who worked there was then handcuffed and put in a room, they told me it was just procedure and I wasn’t in any trouble just caught up in something really. About 30 min later they told me and the other employees were being arrested and charged with felony sale of marijuana. T... aids-write.org blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2796718 Tue, 15 Sep 2009 17:04:42 +0100 2796718 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2796719&cid=t_107862_135_f&fid=35246&url=http%3A%2F%2Faids-write.org%2F%3Fp%3D1708 Hello, My name is Sebastian Maselli, I am a legal medical marijuana patient in California, as well as a founding member of The Healing Dragon collective. I am also an Iraq war veteran that has honorably and voluntarily served our country in the United States Marine Corps for over seven years. I know the meaning of sacrifice. I understand struggles. Most importantly I have witnessed first-hand how the war on terrorism has affected our military members. I have seen what happens to my brothers and sisters in the military medical system, Marines, sailors, and soldiers get pumped full of prescription medications. One med is for this, the other is for that, and the other seven meds help to counteract the side-effects of the first few drugs. This is not to say that they are not getting the care t... aids-write.org blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2796719 Tue, 15 Sep 2009 16:43:12 +0100 2796719 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2796720&cid=t_107862_135_f&fid=35246&url=http%3A%2F%2Faids-write.org%2F%3Fp%3D1704 Authorities Raid Local Medical Marijuana Dispensaries POSTED: 4:19 pm PDT September 9, 2009 UPDATED: 6:31 pm PDT September 9, 2009 SAN DIEGO — Multi-agency law enforcement teams raided medical marijuana dispensaries across the San Diego region Wednesday. Personnel from federal, state and local departments served warrants at an undisclosed number of cannabis-dispensing storefronts in various locales in the county, according to Monica Munoz, a spokeswoman for the San Diego Police Department. Authorities refused to release details — including the reason for the raids and the number of related arrests, if any — about the operation, which apparently began around midday and targeted dispensaries in several San Diego beach communities, among other areas. Amy Roderick, an inform... aids-write.org blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2796720 Tue, 15 Sep 2009 03:01:35 +0100 2796720