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 'benefits,'. Tue, 04 May 2010 18:19:43 +0100 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3529789&cid=t_299686_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fhealthblawg.typepad.com%2Ffiles%2Fgeorge-pantos-hpm-institute-healthblawg-interview-with-david-harlow-042110.mp3 Healthcare costs are a perennial issue for employers and employees. There are a variety of approaches out there designed to improve health status and health outcomes and reduce costs at the same time. Proponents of a variety of approaches have been featured here on HealthBlawg in the past.  I recently had the opportunity to speak with George Pantos, of the Healthcare Performance Management Institute, a brand-new organization on the scene, founded by a group of folks who have developed tools for managing these costs. (more…) *This blog post was originally published at HealthBlawg :: David Harlow's Health Care Law Blog* (Source: Better Health) Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3529789 Mon, 03 May 2010 17:00:33 +0100 3529789 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3508245&cid=t_299686_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2010%2F04%2F27%2Fbest-of-our-blogs-april-27-2010%2F You know what I love most about this crazy roller coaster ride we call life? I appreciate the opportunity it gives us each and every day to do better and be better. And through challenges, heartbreaks and rock bottom moments, we pick ourselves up, keep growing and learn more in this ongoing classroom of life. We just need to be fully conscious and open our eyes and hearts to take advantage of it. Take this week’s round-up of top posts, for example. Scroll down and you’ll discover new movements and programs changing our world, ways to become a better person, how to get clear on your fears and take control of your own destiny. Not a bad list for the beginning of the week. Puppies Behind Bars: Helping Inmates and Veterans Alike (Forensic Focus) – Dogs provide a wealth of phy... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3508245 Tue, 27 Apr 2010 10:59:16 +0100 3508245 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3504897&cid=t_299686_87_f&fid=36438&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FCato-at-liberty%2F%7E3%2FEV-gfxTNYqA%2F By David BoazConcern about the pay, benefits, and performance of government employees seems to be growing. Chris Edwards’s articles on how government pay is outpacing private-sector pay have generated media attention, cartoons, and angry rebuttals from the head of the federal Office of Personnel Management. Steven Greenhut has a new book, Plunder! How Public Employee Unions Are Raiding Treasuries, Controlling Our Lives and Bankrupting the Nation, and is writing lots of newspaper articles on the high costs of government unions, also the topic of a recent Cato Policy Analysis. New Jersey unions are not finding much sympathy as they try to hold on to their raises, benefits, pensions, and work rules in the face of Gov. Chris Christie’s attempt to cut the budget. Liberal journalist... Cato-at-liberty blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3504897 Mon, 26 Apr 2010 13:08:35 +0100 3504897 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3482954&cid=t_299686_111_f&fid=39123&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Fnursingcomments%2Ftdtc%2F%7E3%2Fg2DjJtRj8Zc%2F           It’s common sense that you should be educated about any drugs you use.  But how knowledgeable is the average person when it comes to interactions, side effects or recommended dosages – factors that are even further complicated by age? Too often manufacturers, pharmacists and caregivers are either unaware of these factors, or don’t explain them properly.  From coughs and colds to fever, aches and pain, heartburn and other common ailments, we often use nonprescription or “over-the-counter” (OTC) medicines to treat our symptoms.  But even though OTCs are safe when taken as directed, they are also serious medicines.  That is why it is so important to be Drug Wise when buying and taking OTC medicines.            Over-the-counter (OTC) medi... Nursing Comments blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3482954 Sun, 18 Apr 2010 16:21:29 +0100 3482954 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3463774&cid=t_299686_133_f&fid=35096&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAutismVox%2F%7E3%2FV3cMtIsYFWw%2F Though definitely a cliché, it’s true that being a mom is a full-time job (with overtime). Add multiple kids and/or a career outside the home to the equation, and you have the recipe for an extremely wiped out mommy. Here’s a list of 10 ways to help tired moms survive the day. Image: istockphoto Remember to Eat “Skipping meals literally starves the body – it’s like running the car on empty,” explained Marlene Merritt, founder of the Merritt Wellness Center to CNN.com. Drink Up A wide variety of liquids can have you on your toes again in no time – from Monster Energy Drinks to 5-hour Energy to your favorite coffee at Starbucks. Breathe Deeply Real Simple teaches us that stress leads to a failure to breathe deeply, and a failure to breathe deeply leads to f... Autism Vox blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3463774 Mon, 12 Apr 2010 21:50:26 +0100 3463774 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3463561&cid=t_299686_87_f&fid=36050&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblisstree.com%2Flive%2F10-pick-me-ups-for-spent-moms%2F Though definitely a cliché, it’s true that being a mom is a full-time job (with overtime). Add multiple kids and/or a career outside the home to the equation, and you have the recipe for an extremely wiped out mommy. Here’s a list of 10 ways to help tired moms survive the day. Image: istockphoto Remember to Eat “Skipping meals literally starves the body – it’s like running the car on empty,” explained Marlene Merritt, founder of the Merritt Wellness Center to CNN.com. Drink Up A wide variety of liquids can have you on your toes again in no time – from Monster Energy Drinks to 5-hour Energy to your favorite coffee at Starbucks. Breathe Deeply Real Simple teaches us that stress leads to a failure to breathe deeply, and a failure to breathe deeply leads to f... Breastfeeding 1-2-3 blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3463561 Mon, 12 Apr 2010 21:50:26 +0100 3463561 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3463777&cid=t_299686_133_f&fid=35096&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAutismVox%2F%7E3%2FFSRFFcJy5MM%2F Working Hard for the Money: A new study reveals that employee work loads have increased since 2007, but benefits have stayed the same. (via Huffington Post) Post from: BlissTree (Source: Autism Vox) Autism Vox blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3463777 Mon, 12 Apr 2010 20:44:06 +0100 3463777 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3463564&cid=t_299686_87_f&fid=36050&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblisstree.com%2Flive%2F174244%2F Working Hard for the Money: A new study reveals that employee work loads have increased since 2007, but benefits have stayed the same. (via Huffington Post) Post from: BlissTree (Source: Breastfeeding 1-2-3) Breastfeeding 1-2-3 blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3463564 Mon, 12 Apr 2010 20:44:06 +0100 3463564 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3453956&cid=t_299686_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2010%2F04%2F09%2Fbest-of-our-blogs-april-9-2010%2F Happy Friday! Hope everyone has an exciting weekend planned, even if “exciting” means sleeping in and vegging out in front of the TV. I don’t know about you, but I love this early spring weather, when the sun’s out, large clunky sweaters get stored away and tank tops and flip flops finally show their face. However, for some the warm weather brings up other things like spring cleaning, getting organized, taxes (ack!), a reminder of what we haven’t accomplished from our 2009 New Year’s Resolution, or our body image issues. In regards to the latter, ever notice that the two most busiest times at the gym are after New Year’s and spring? What’s great is that I’m noticing a new trend, one that has to do with self-acceptance regardless of size... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3453956 Fri, 09 Apr 2010 12:51:17 +0100 3453956 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3443922&cid=t_299686_133_f&fid=35096&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAutismVox%2F%7E3%2Fsb-z9el4kbM%2F Massaging your baby will help her relax, reduce crying, and strengthen your bond together. These days, baby massage is becoming more and more popular – you can even find classes on it at community colleges, children’s hospitals, parenting centers, and from one-on-one instructors. It’s beneficial for newborn infants, babies, and even older children. In addition to relaxation and bonding benefits, massage improves circulation, enhances neurological and physiological development, reduces pain from teething, helps increase oxygen flow, teaches babies to self-soothe, and increases sensory awareness. The video below highlights some basic baby massage techniques; it’s best to practice massage when your baby is calm, and at least a half-hour after eating. Right after bathtime i... Autism Vox blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3443922 Wed, 07 Apr 2010 13:50:14 +0100 3443922 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3443659&cid=t_299686_87_f&fid=36050&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblisstree.com%2Flive%2Fget-the-perfect-massage-%25e2%2580%2593-for-your-baby%2F Massaging your baby will help her relax, reduce crying, and strengthen your bond together. These days, baby massage is becoming more and more popular – you can even find classes on it at community colleges, children’s hospitals, parenting centers, and from one-on-one instructors. It’s beneficial for newborn infants, babies, and even older children. In addition to relaxation and bonding benefits, massage improves circulation, enhances neurological and physiological development, reduces pain from teething, helps increase oxygen flow, teaches babies to self-soothe, and increases sensory awareness. The video below highlights some basic baby massage techniques; it’s best to practice massage when your baby is calm, and at least a half-hour after eating. Right after bathtime i... Breastfeeding 1-2-3 blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3443659 Wed, 07 Apr 2010 13:50:14 +0100 3443659 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3374106&cid=t_299686_87_f&fid=36438&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FCato-at-liberty%2F%7E3%2FUA3h7xM7mE4%2F By Michael F. CannonThe Associated Press reports: Buyers, beware: President Barack Obama says his health care overhaul will lower premiums by double digits, but check the fine print… The [Congressional Budget Office] concluded that premiums for people buying their own coverage would go up by an average of 10 percent to 13 percent, compared with the levels they’d reach without the legislation… “People are likely to not buy the same low-value policies they are buying now,” said health economist Len Nichols of George Mason University. “If they did buy the same value plans … the premium would be lower than it is now. This makes the White House statement true. But is it possibly misleading for some people? Sure.” Nichols’ comments are also m... Cato-at-liberty blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3374106 Wed, 17 Mar 2010 14:51:05 +0100 3374106 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3354301&cid=t_299686_87_f&fid=36438&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FCato-at-liberty%2F%7E3%2FNhKpCeZLjag%2F By Michael F. CannonNoting that premium increases, such as Anthem’s proposed 39-percent hike in California, have caused individuals and employers to purchase less coverage, Kaiser Family Foundation president Drew Altman writes: Rising health care costs and insurance company practices are leading not just to more expensive premiums, but to skimpier, less comprehensive coverage as well; slowly redefining what we have known as health insurance. To be sure, some economists argue that this is precisely what should happen…But this is not likely how regular people see it. Appropriate cost sharing is one thing, but we may be reaching the point in the individual market where the policies many people have simply cannot be considered meaningful coverage. Of course, this is the whole idea ... Cato-at-liberty blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3354301 Thu, 11 Mar 2010 15:57:34 +0100 3354301 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3331271&cid=t_299686_87_f&fid=36438&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FCato-at-liberty%2F%7E3%2FaIbxtY5oaD4%2F By Daniel GriswoldIf you want to witness the clash of two worldviews on trade, check out the online debate I’m having with Ian Fletcher of the U.S. Business and Industry Council. A self-described protectionist, Fletcher has written a new book with the unambiguous title, Free Trade Doesn’t Work: What Should Replace it and Why. In the opposite corner, I argue for eliminating barriers to trade, drawing on my own recent book, Mad about Trade: Why Main Street America Should Embrace Globalization. The debate is being hosted by the International Economic Law and Policy Blog. We’ve already filed two 600-word posts each, with a third to come at the end of this week and concluding arguments early next week. (Source: Cato-at-liberty) Cato-at-liberty blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3331271 Thu, 04 Mar 2010 15:05:21 +0100 3331271 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3331277&cid=t_299686_87_f&fid=36438&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FCato-at-liberty%2F%7E3%2FvIY9CEB2c48%2F By Jason KuznickiWouldn’t it be great if we could just get the state out of the marriage business? Perhaps. Marriage is fundamentally private, after all. It’s a matter for families, churches, and couples to decide for themselves. Yet state recognition of marriage often acts to keep the government out of private life, to ensure family stability, and to give regular, orderly rules for all those times when, despite our best efforts, family and state still collide. Here are just a few of the things that the civil side of marriage does: If you’re happily married and you have children, you don’t have to worry for a moment about child custody law. Your children are yours to raise jointly, whether they are biological or adoptive. If you’re married and you die without... Cato-at-liberty blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3331277 Wed, 03 Mar 2010 18:36:59 +0100 3331277 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3318378&cid=t_299686_87_f&fid=36438&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FCato-at-liberty%2F%7E3%2FkWx3DqwyBI4%2F By Alan ReynoldsSen. Jim Bunning (R., Ky.) blocked “extended” unemployment benefits beyond their scheduled expiration on February 27. That thwarted bill would also have put off, again, a scheduled 21 percent cut in Medicare payments to physicians. Democrats were outraged. But why? Bunning just wanted to use leftover “stimulus” money to pay for the benefits. Why not? Such transfer payments accounted for over 80 percent of stimulus spending last year. Besides, as Federal Reserve policymakers noted, the evidence is overwhelming (see here and here) that extending unemployment benefits from six months to nearly two years has raised the unemployment rate by a percentage point or two. I’ve waited since 1991 for someone to prove I’m wrong about that. Nobody has, because nobody can. If ... Cato-at-liberty blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3318378 Sat, 27 Feb 2010 22:39:00 +0100 3318378 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3306828&cid=t_299686_87_f&fid=36438&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FCato-at-liberty%2F%7E3%2FrH1K8GAlV04%2F By Mark A. CalabriaToday, in what seems like an endless string of 3-2 votes, the SEC moved to restrict the ability of investors to short stocks, claiming that such restrictions would restore stability and protect our financial system.  The truth couldn’t be more different.  Short sellers have long been the first, and often only, voice raising questions about corporate fraud and mismanagement.  For instance, shorts exposed the fraud at Enron, WorldCom and other companies while the SEC largely slept. Bush’s SEC, lead by former Congressman Chris Cox banned the shorting of various financial industry stocks during the crisis.  The SEC then, as now, would have us believe that Bear, Lehman, AIG, Fannie, Freddie and others were not the victims of their own mismanagement, but rather vict... Cato-at-liberty blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3306828 Wed, 24 Feb 2010 18:50:16 +0100 3306828 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3302304&cid=t_299686_87_f&fid=36438&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FCato-at-liberty%2F%7E3%2F616ciamU-w8%2F By José PineraThe Maastricht Treaty requires countries in the eurozone not to exceed a public debt of 60% of GDP. Well, now almost all of them have an official debt exceeding that ceiling. But the situation is immensely worse because European states also have huge, and largely hidden, unfunded liabilities arising from their pension and health systems. According to a 2009 study by my colleague Jagadeesh Gokhale, the true debt of the 25 European countries is, on average, 434% of GDP. And the treaties that underpin European integration do not say a word about such debt. Greece’s true debt is 875% of GDP and its current problems are just the first act of the coming fiscal bankruptcy of Europe. In my 2004 essay “Will the Pension Time Bomb Sink the Euro?”, I concluded that... Cato-at-liberty blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3302304 Tue, 23 Feb 2010 17:27:26 +0100 3302304 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3231631&cid=t_299686_113_f&fid=34634&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.emrandhipaa.com%2Femr-and-hipaa%2F2010%2F02%2F01%2Fhas-emr-helped%2F An EMR vendor saw my question, “Has EMR helped?” and they sent it to one of their EMR users to get some feedback. Here’s their response: I am absolutely in the camp where this transition to EMR has been helpful. Long and steep learning curve but the benefits of accessing readable notes and histories and helping patients off hours has all been great. I believe I am writing better notes and noticing HCM issues more, and I hope the drug interactiion piece will be helpful down the road also. SO, yes, this has been great. I’d love to hear more people’s response to the question: “Has EMR helped?” Related posts:Does EHR Software Save Time? The question every doctor wants to ask is, will the... The Real Long Term Benefits of Broad EMR Adoption Do we rea... EMR and HIPAA blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3231631 Mon, 01 Feb 2010 16:30:11 +0100 3231631 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3227871&cid=t_299686_113_f&fid=34634&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FEmrAndHipaa%2F%7E3%2FNdsVC_OCX2w%2F An EMR vendor saw my question, “Has EMR helped?” and they sent it to one of their EMR users to get some feedback. Here’s their response: I am absolutely in the camp where this transition to EMR has been helpful. Long and steep learning curve but the benefits of accessing readable notes and histories and helping patients off hours has all been great. I believe I am writing better notes and noticing HCM issues more, and I hope the drug interactiion piece will be helpful down the road also. SO, yes, this has been great. I’d love to hear more people’s response to the question: “Has EMR helped?” Related posts:Does EHR Software Save Time? The question every doctor wants to ask is, will the... The Real Long Term Benefits of Broad EMR Adoption Do we rea... EMR and HIPAA blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3227871 Mon, 01 Feb 2010 16:30:11 +0100 3227871 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3220762&cid=t_299686_180_f&fid=38610&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.productivity501.com%2Fgetting-more-out-of-your-job%2F6560%2F Most people focus on their paycheck as the reward for their work. While it is true that this is a significant portion of what you get in exchange for your time and effort, there are often other benefits.  Many jobs offer benefits like: Health insurance Life insurance Retirement accounts Financial planning services Training opportunities Tuition reimbursement Contribution matching Mentoring programs Corporate discounts Wellness & Fitness programs Not every job offers every benefit mentioned above, but I’m consistently amazed at how many people have no idea what their company offers.  The best way to find out what is available is to get a copy of your employee manual and re-read it every year or so.  Some of these programs can add a significant amount to the value you receive... Productivity501 blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3220762 Thu, 28 Jan 2010 18:00:16 +0100 3220762 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3220593&cid=t_299686_113_f&fid=34634&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.emrandhipaa.com%2Femr-and-hipaa%2F2010%2F01%2F28%2Freasons-for-adopting-an-ehr%2F I’m still a little bit partial to my list of EMR benefits which is pretty specific in its description of the possible benefits of an EMR. However, today in an EMR stimulus webinar they listed the following reasons for adopting an EHR: Financial Quality Patient Satisfaction Clinical Research Community Leadership Not a bad list of reasons to consider for those people on the fence about adopting an EMR. Related posts:Top Reasons to Get an EMR or EHR 1. Quickly locate a chart, never look for a chart... EMR Adoption Rates Increasing – Why Are Doctors Adopting EMR’s Now? Dr. Rob Lamberts recently blogged about how EMR adoption is... 5 Reasons Your EHR Implementation Will Succeed I recently read a really interesting and informative article called... (Source: EMR and HIPAA) EMR and HIPAA blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3220593 Thu, 28 Jan 2010 16:11:53 +0100 3220593 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3216678&cid=t_299686_113_f&fid=34634&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FEmrAndHipaa%2F%7E3%2Fh8wREsPzCVo%2F I’m still a little bit partial to my list of EMR benefits which is pretty specific in its description of the possible benefits of an EMR. However, today in an EMR stimulus webinar they listed the following reasons for adopting an EHR: Financial Quality Patient Satisfaction Clinical Research Community Leadership Not a bad list of reasons to consider for those people on the fence about adopting an EMR. Related posts:Top Reasons to Get an EMR or EHR 1. Quickly locate a chart, never look for a chart... EMR Adoption Rates Increasing – Why Are Doctors Adopting EMR’s Now? Dr. Rob Lamberts recently blogged about how EMR adoption is... 5 Reasons Your EHR Implementation Will Succeed I recently read a really interesting and informative article called... (Source: EMR and HIPAA) EMR and HIPAA blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3216678 Thu, 28 Jan 2010 16:11:53 +0100 3216678 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3216639&cid=t_299686_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2010%2F01%2F28%2F7-tips-for-making-the-most-of-online-support-groups%2F Online support groups can be a great source of emotional support and valuable health information you won’t find on any website from the National Institute of Mental Health or others. Some people are a little leery of joining an online support group, however. Others don’t quite understand what benefit they may gain from joining one. Still others understand a support group’s benefits, but feel like they still don’t gain as much from joining one as they had hoped. Your experience in an online support group will inevitably vary. But these tips may help you get the most from your experience, and keep your expectations in check. 1. Take what you need, leave the rest. Many people come into an online support group with their story, asking a specific question about treatment... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3216639 Thu, 28 Jan 2010 16:01:20 +0100 3216639 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3200664&cid=t_299686_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FRecoveryIsSexycom%2F%7E3%2FPkQG6ItLcls%2F Romantic sex is the healthiest Lose weight. Reduce stress. Lower your cholesterol level. Improve your circulation. Live longer. Stay younger. Sounds like an ad for a new wonder drug right? In fact it’s a partial list of the benefits of humanity’s oldest and most pleasurable pastime – sex. Most of us are aware of the feel-good benefits of sex while we’re engaged in it, but do you also know that there are benefits which carry on after the sweaty bodies have dried and the sweet talk has reverted to sports? For instance: Maintaining Ideal Body Weight Sexual intercourse burns approximately 150 calories per half hour. Here’s how that stacks up against some other activities that may be part of your fitness regime: yoga 114 calories per half hour, dancing – 129,... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3200664 Sat, 23 Jan 2010 07:47:46 +0100 3200664 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3201793&cid=t_299686_113_f&fid=34634&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FEmrAndHipaa%2F%7E3%2F6nt0fzuk-qQ%2F Today, I decided that I’d ask people to share a benefit they’ve received from an EMR (or seen received if you’re an EMR vendor) that you didn’t expect to happen when you implemented an EMR. I’ll start off with one unexpected benefit of an EMR: audit logs. There’s so many things you can do with audit logs. It resolves so many issues with accountability for a record. You just run a quick report on the audit logs and you know exactly when someone did something in the EMR. This is also true for patients when we check to see for things like when a patient checked in and when they were seen. The audit logs can tell you a lot about your clinic. Plus, it just feels so much more secure knowing that everything that’s being done in the EMR is being audited. N... EMR and HIPAA blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3201793 Fri, 22 Jan 2010 16:46:46 +0100 3201793 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3197749&cid=t_299686_113_f&fid=34634&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.emrandhipaa.com%2Femr-and-hipaa%2F2010%2F01%2F22%2Femr-benefit-you-wouldnt-expect%2F Today, I decided that I’d ask people to share a benefit they’ve received from an EMR (or seen received if you’re an EMR vendor) that you didn’t expect to happen when you implemented an EMR. I’ll start off with one unexpected benefit of an EMR: audit logs. There’s so many things you can do with audit logs. It resolves so many issues with accountability for a record. You just run a quick report on the audit logs and you know exactly when someone did something in the EMR. This is also true for patients when we check to see for things like when a patient checked in and when they were seen. The audit logs can tell you a lot about your clinic. Plus, it just feels so much more secure knowing that everything that’s being done in the EMR is being audited. N... EMR and HIPAA blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3197749 Fri, 22 Jan 2010 16:46:46 +0100 3197749 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3193667&cid=t_299686_86_f&fid=36669&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffadelibrary.wordpress.com%2F2010%2F01%2F21%2Fchildren-in-out-of-work-benefit-households%2F Title: Children in Out-of-work Benefit Households Skinny: Statistics from the Department for Work and Pensionss showing the numbers of children living in households where at least one parent or guardian claimed one or more of the following out-of-work benefits: Job Seekers’ Allowance, Income Support, Incapacity Benefit/Severe Disablement Allowance, or Pension Credit at May 2008. The key points from the latest release are: There were 2.40 million children living in an out of work benefit household at May 2008. They represented 1.27 million households. 1.9 million children lived in households claiming Income Support. 193 thousand children lived in households claiming Jobseekers’ Allowance. 699 thousand children lived in households claiming Incapacity Benefit or Severe Disablem... Fade Library blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3193667 Thu, 21 Jan 2010 09:42:31 +0100 3193667 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3175858&cid=t_299686_87_f&fid=36438&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FCato-at-liberty%2F%7E3%2FsxH4epVmmjQ%2F By Julian SanchezThat’s the slogan the Transportation Security Administration is apparently using to entice people to apply for jobs as airport screeners. Now that they’re preparing to expand the use of whole body imaging scanners, which can produce moderately detailed nude images of travelers, maybe they should consider a tagline that doesn’t sound like it’s designed to recruit voyeurs. (Source: Cato-at-liberty) Cato-at-liberty blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3175858 Thu, 14 Jan 2010 19:15:48 +0100 3175858 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3153354&cid=t_299686_87_f&fid=36438&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FCato-at-liberty%2F%7E3%2FLE3EQtuGuQk%2F By Daniel GriswoldThe Center for American Progress and the Immigration Policy Center released a new study this morning that finds comprehensive immigration reform would boost the U.S. economy by $189 billion a year by 2019. The bottom-line results of the study are remarkably similar to those of a Cato study released last August. Titled “Raising the Floor for American Workers: the Economic Benefits of Comprehensive Immigration Reform,” the CAP study was authored by Dr. Raul Hinojosa-Ojeda of the University of California, Los Angeles. It finds that legalizing low-skilled immigration would boost U.S. gross domestic product by 0.84 percent by raising the productivity of immigrant workers and expanding activity throughout the economy. Using a different general-equilibrium model of the U.S. ... Cato-at-liberty blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3153354 Thu, 07 Jan 2010 20:19:45 +0100 3153354 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3123432&cid=t_299686_113_f&fid=34634&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FEmrAndHipaa%2F%7E3%2FK5Yrg6-ugNU%2F In the press release I wrote about in my previous CCHIT certification post, they had a nice summary list of the meaningful use requirements as we know them today: • Allow patients to access clinical information • Comply with state and federal privacy, security and data sharing regulations • Document patient progress and provide clinical summaries • Exchange critical information with other care providers • Implement drug interaction safeguards • Send patient reminders about follow-up and preventive care • Submit immunization and laboratory data to relevant public health registries • Use computerized physician order entry systems to transmit prescription Interestingly, this is what I think many doctors consider meaningful use of an EHR: • Lower costs • Increase revenue �... EMR and HIPAA blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3123432 Tue, 22 Dec 2009 16:31:05 +0100 3123432 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3115163&cid=t_299686_113_f&fid=34634&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.emrandhipaa.com%2Femr-and-hipaa%2F2009%2F12%2F22%2Farra-ehr-stimulus-bill-benefits%2F In the press release I wrote about in my previous CCHIT certification post, they had a nice summary list of the meaningful use requirements as we know them today: • Allow patients to access clinical information • Comply with state and federal privacy, security and data sharing regulations • Document patient progress and provide clinical summaries • Exchange critical information with other care providers • Implement drug interaction safeguards • Send patient reminders about follow-up and preventive care • Submit immunization and laboratory data to relevant public health registries • Use computerized physician order entry systems to transmit prescription Interestingly, this is what I think many doctors consider meaningful use of an EHR: • Lower costs • Increase revenue �... EMR and HIPAA blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3115163 Tue, 22 Dec 2009 16:31:05 +0100 3115163 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3092778&cid=t_299686_113_f&fid=34634&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FEmrAndHipaa%2F%7E3%2FnaQJ3skPWfE%2F “Physician order entry and decision support I believe offer the most chance of improving healthcare delivery. There are a lot of information systems with bells and whistles that don’t focus on physicians’ real needs.” – Neil R. Powe, MD, MPH, MBA, Chief of Medical Services, San Francisco General Hospital source I previously posted about the benefits of EMR interoperability. The above quote touts Physician order entry and clinical decision support as the most likely to improve healthcare. Are these the three most promising features of an EMR or is there something they’re missing? What’s the killer feature of an EMR that will make every doctor implement an EMR whether they like it or not? Related posts:Killer EMR Features According to EMR Vendors I... EMR and HIPAA blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3092778 Mon, 14 Dec 2009 16:25:34 +0100 3092778 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3084852&cid=t_299686_113_f&fid=34634&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.emrandhipaa.com%2Femr-and-hipaa%2F2009%2F12%2F14%2Femr-features-with-the-most-potential%2F “Physician order entry and decision support I believe offer the most chance of improving healthcare delivery. There are a lot of information systems with bells and whistles that don’t focus on physicians’ real needs.” – Neil R. Powe, MD, MPH, MBA, Chief of Medical Services, San Francisco General Hospital source I previously posted about the benefits of EMR interoperability. The above quote touts Physician order entry and clinical decision support as the most likely to improve healthcare. Are these the three most promising features of an EMR or is there something they’re missing? What’s the killer feature of an EMR that will make every doctor implement an EMR whether they like it or not? Related posts:Killer EMR Features According to EMR Vendors I... EMR and HIPAA blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3084852 Mon, 14 Dec 2009 16:25:34 +0100 3084852 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3084855&cid=t_299686_113_f&fid=34634&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.emrandhipaa.com%2Femr-and-hipaa%2F2009%2F12%2F10%2Fbenefits-from-emr-come-from-interoperability%2F “Looking for savings in hospitals that use EMRs is short-sighted. The real payday for use of EMRs will come with interoperability. Measurable savings will be realized as middleware is installed that will allow for the electronic transmission and translation of patient records across different proprietary systems between delivery networks.” – Jim Lott, Executive Vice President, Hospital Council of Southern California, Los Angeles source “EMRs don’t save money in standalone situations. However, EMRs will absolutely save significant money (and improve care and safety) when connected and sharing clinical information.” Johnny Walker, MBA, CPA, Founder and past CEO of Patient Safety Institute, Plano, Texas source These two quote remind me a lot of my previous ... EMR and HIPAA blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3084855 Thu, 10 Dec 2009 16:04:02 +0100 3084855 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3075606&cid=t_299686_113_f&fid=34634&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FEmrAndHipaa%2F%7E3%2F3hKlDUA3394%2F “Looking for savings in hospitals that use EMRs is short-sighted. The real payday for use of EMRs will come with interoperability. Measurable savings will be realized as middleware is installed that will allow for the electronic transmission and translation of patient records across different proprietary systems between delivery networks.” – Jim Lott, Executive Vice President, Hospital Council of Southern California, Los Angeles source “EMRs don’t save money in standalone situations. However, EMRs will absolutely save significant money (and improve care and safety) when connected and sharing clinical information.” Johnny Walker, MBA, CPA, Founder and past CEO of Patient Safety Institute, Plano, Texas source These two quote remind me a lot of my previous ... EMR and HIPAA blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3075606 Thu, 10 Dec 2009 16:04:02 +0100 3075606 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3048092&cid=t_299686_87_f&fid=36438&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FCato-at-liberty%2F%7E3%2F_VXuFTws38Q%2F The state of California recently received $60 million in U.S. Department of Labor stimulus funds to upgrade its 23 year-old unemployment benefits system. But according to the Associated Press, California is yet to spend $66 million it received from Labor in 2002 to upgrade its system. The price tag isn’t whopping by federal standards, but it is another reminder of the need to return to fiscal federalism. Apparently, the Department of Labor couldn’t care less: The federal government has no plans to sanction or fine California for not completing the original technology upgrade. The Labor Department said it was more concerned that new stimulus funding is used in a way that will allow more workers to qualify for unemployment assistance. At the same time, California’s unemployment insuran... Cato-at-liberty blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3048092 Tue, 01 Dec 2009 19:03:24 +0100 3048092 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3023227&cid=t_299686_113_f&fid=34634&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.emrandhipaa.com%2Femr-and-hipaa%2F2009%2F11%2F18%2Femr-roi%2F HIMSS has been collecting stories of EMR success. One of my readers asked for more of these stories as well. So, I figured I’d highlight one that I found that was an interesting look at the ROI he received from implementing an EMR. Here’s an excerpt of the ROI they Glynn Medical Associates out of Georgia saw: The first three months of going paperless were stressful. However, returns have proven the transition well worth it, with the practice saving approximately/conservatively $200,000/year. Also, one physician in the practice is seeing 33 percent more patients daily with use of the EMR system helping to increase patient satisfaction. Glynn described that the above benefits came from: Transcription Cost Savings Reduced Medical Records personnel (through natural attrition) Redu... EMR and HIPAA blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3023227 Wed, 18 Nov 2009 16:18:44 +0100 3023227 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3003859&cid=t_299686_113_f&fid=34634&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FEmrAndHipaa%2F%7E3%2FI89jGQuUpJI%2F HIMSS has been collecting stories of EMR success. One of my readers asked for more of these stories as well. So, I figured I’d highlight one that I found that was an interesting look at the ROI he received from implementing an EMR. Here’s an excerpt of the ROI they Glynn Medical Associates out of Georgia saw: The first three months of going paperless were stressful. However, returns have proven the transition well worth it, with the practice saving approximately/conservatively $200,000/year. Also, one physician in the practice is seeing 33 percent more patients daily with use of the EMR system helping to increase patient satisfaction. Glynn described that the above benefits came from: Transcription Cost Savings Reduced Medical Records personnel (through natural attrition) Redu... EMR and HIPAA blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3003859 Wed, 18 Nov 2009 16:18:44 +0100 3003859 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3003725&cid=t_299686_87_f&fid=36438&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FCato-at-liberty%2F%7E3%2FOMyfED4MxVw%2F The U.S. Postal Service reported that it lost $3.8 billion last fiscal year and that it expects to lose $7.8 billion this year. The loss occurred despite cost-cutting measures and legislation that allowed the USPS to forgo $4 billion in required payments to pre-fund retiree health benefits. From the Associated Press: The post office has been struggling to cope with a decline in mail volume caused by the shift to the Internet as well as the recession that resulted in a drop in advertising and other mail. Total mail volume was 177.1 billion pieces, compared to 202.7 billion pieces in 2008, a decline of almost 13 percent. For the fiscal year that ended Sept. 30 the agency had income of $68.1 billion, $6.8 billion less than in 2008. Expenditures were down $5.9 billion to $71.8 billion. The rec... Cato-at-liberty blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3003725 Wed, 18 Nov 2009 14:11:41 +0100 3003725 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2958821&cid=t_299686_87_f&fid=36438&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FCato-at-liberty%2F%7E3%2F4JpnKXs7Q4M%2F Yahoo News is highlighting the story “10 Jobs With High Pay and Minimal Schooling.” Topping the list: air traffic controllers, who work for the federal government. These workers make sure airplanes land and take off safely, and they typically top lists of this nature. The median 50% earned between $86,860-142,210, with good benefits. Air traffic controllers are eligible to retire at age 50 with 20 years of service, or after 25 years at any age. Huge salaries and retirement after 20 years — sweet deal! Air traffic controllers seem to provide a good illustration of my general claim that federal workers are overpaid. I don’t know what the proper pay level for controllers is, but I do know that we should privatize the system, as Canada has, and let the market figure... Cato-at-liberty blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2958821 Tue, 03 Nov 2009 20:53:01 +0100 2958821 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2954553&cid=t_299686_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2009%2F11%2F03%2Fwhat-health-care-reform-means-for-mental-health%2F Now that it looks like some form of health care reform will be passed this year — barring a catastrophe like Joe Lieberman — we have some idea of how the eventual act will affect mental health services. All of the plans now under consideration will mean some real improvements for mental health consumers, and there doesn’t seem much likelihood of these improvements being cut out before passage. However, it appears that individuals and employers will still have to purchase their insurance from private insurance companies, without competition from a strong public option like Medicare available for everyone. Nevertheless, the “reform” aspect of the bill would require private insurers to make some real changes in how they treat mental health issues. Key Benefits Parity for m... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2954553 Tue, 03 Nov 2009 12:08:39 +0100 2954553 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2934651&cid=t_299686_87_f&fid=36438&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FCato-at-liberty%2F%7E3%2FbdO1uXt8MtA%2F The National Park Service announced Friday that it has removed its superintendent at Gettysburg National Military Park and reassigned him to work in a cultural resources office as an assistant to the associate director. His job duties have not yet been determined. John A. Latschar said Thursday that his demotion was in response to the public disclosure of Internet activity in which he viewed more than 3,400 “sexually-explicit” images over a two-year period on his government computer — a violation of department policy. The misconduct, which Latschar acknowledged in a sworn statement, was found during a year-long investigation by the Interior Department’s inspector general and was documented in an internal Aug. 7 report obtained by The Washington Post. The reassignme... Cato-at-liberty blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2934651 Wed, 28 Oct 2009 16:04:03 +0100 2934651 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2927300&cid=t_299686_87_f&fid=38368&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FDisruptiveWomenInHealthCare%2F%7E3%2Ffi7e4yaNdfY%2F The fact is that although nearly 250 million Americans do have health insurance, according to a monthly survey of about 50,000 households done by the Bureau of Labor Statistics and the Census Bureau, an estimated 46 million Americans do not. Listed below you’ll find arguments for not having health insurance that I hear on a regular basis. As a broker, I’ve provided a reality check for individuals to consider before making their final decision. 1. It costs too much. The reality: Should a catastrophic illness or injury occur, it would likely bankrupt most people who do not have health insurance. It’s the terrible fact of life in 2009. Medical care is incredibly expensive, and employers are increasingly less likely to be able to support an injured or ill employee. So if something happen... Disruptive Women in Health Care blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2927300 Mon, 26 Oct 2009 13:00:19 +0100 2927300 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2908581&cid=t_299686_87_f&fid=36438&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FCato-at-liberty%2F%7E3%2FF4OyERJiqJM%2F If the goal is to improve health, then the answer is clearly no. Ironically, even though universal coverage is presumably about helping the sick, the Democrats’ pursuit of universal coverage demonstrates not how much, but how little they care about their neighbors’ health. Economists Helen Levy and David Meltzer explain, in a book published by the Urban Institute, “There is no evidence at this time that money aimed at improving health would be better spent on expanding insurance coverage than on…other possibilities,” such as clinics, hypertension screening, nutrition campaigns, or even education.  In the Annual Review of Public Health, they explain further: The central question of how health insurance affects health, for whom it matters, and how much, remains largely unanswered ... Cato-at-liberty blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2908581 Mon, 19 Oct 2009 15:47:15 +0100 2908581 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2904863&cid=t_299686_87_f&fid=36438&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FCato-at-liberty%2F%7E3%2Fjyf0Z5I3kX0%2F Governments love to promise benefits.  But politicians prefer not to have to raise the funds necessary to provide the promised services.  The result for nationalized medical systems is political rationing … and long waiting lists.  The Mackinac Institute, located in Michigan, has produced a series of videos on Canadians speaking about how their system works.  The British Columbia Automobile Association even developed medical access, or wait list, insurance, before abandoning the program under pressure. (Source: Cato-at-liberty) Cato-at-liberty blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2904863 Mon, 19 Oct 2009 12:32:53 +0100 2904863 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2898927&cid=t_299686_87_f&fid=36438&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FCato-at-liberty%2F%7E3%2FsOTk-fBoGcU%2F Social Security benefits are indexed for inflation, but because inflation has been roughly zero for the past year, the adjustment formula implies no increase in benefits this year. Nevertheless, President Obama on Wednesday attempted to preempt the announcement that Social Security recipients will not get an increase in their benefit checks for the first time in three decades, encouraging Congress to provide a one-time payment of $250 to help seniors and disabled Americans weather the recession. Obama endorsed the idea, which is expected to cost at least $13 billion, as the administration gropes for ways to sustain an apparent economic rebound without the kind of massive spending package that critics could label a second stimulus act. This is outrageous on four levels: 1. If the president ... Cato-at-liberty blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2898927 Thu, 15 Oct 2009 16:34:58 +0100 2898927 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2862727&cid=t_299686_137_f&fid=35426&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FTheAlzheimersReadingRoom%2F%7E3%2FEFMvTyNOCLQ%2Fbenefits-check-up-searches-1750-public.html I want to introduce you to a website for all seniors (older people) called Benefits Check Up. This service from the National Council on Aging has helped more than 2 million people find over $7.6 billion dollars worth of service. The website streamlines the process of finding programs that can help you pay for prescription drugs, health care, meals, utility bills, and more. If you have never used the site, I suggest you go there and fill out the comprehensive service form. Once you fill out the form you will be taken to a list of services that are available to you or your loved one. This is an important service that could save you money and its free. Benefits Check Up is the best site I have seen on the Internet for caregivers searching for help, ways to reduce prescription costs, and sp... Alzheimer's Reading Room, The blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2862727 Mon, 05 Oct 2009 17:29:25 +0100 2862727 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2838904&cid=t_299686_87_f&fid=36438&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FCato-at-liberty%2F%7E3%2FvvX7j9SH63w%2F The Washington Post has an interesting story today on the program of the Cuban government to transfer idle state-owned land to private farmers so they can resurrect the dilapidated agricultural sector on the communist island. As Ian Vásquez and I wrote in the chapter on U.S. policy toward Cuba in Cato Handbook for Policymakers, before this reform, the agricultural productivity of Cuba’s tiny non-state sector (comprising cooperatives and small private farmers) was already 25 percent higher than that of the state sector. At stake is an issue of incentives. Collective land doesn’t give farmers an incentive to work hard and be productive, since the benefits of their labor go to the government who distributes them (in theory) evenly among everyone, regardless of who worked hard or not. Whi... Cato-at-liberty blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2838904 Mon, 28 Sep 2009 15:57:50 +0100 2838904 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2832416&cid=t_299686_158_f&fid=38949&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FAgingWithGraceCareconnection%2F%7E3%2F6s8Kxd0TSPU%2Fva-benefits-top-reasons-claims-are.html The VA’s own website (www.va.gov) confirms that 75% of all VA pension applications (commonly referred to as Aid & Attendance) are denied the first time. The main reason VA applications are denied is because they are not complete and well-documented. Here are 5 things you should know to avoid having your claim denied:# 1: Failure to Document Income and Unreimbursed Medical Expenses. On the application, the VA can ONLY confirm the amount of your Social Security benefits independently. Everything else should be documented with a written explanation, this year’s award letter or an annuity agreement. When in doubt, document it. Unreimbursed Medical Expenses should be documented on the VA form 21-8416. If you have any other recurring, ongoing or continuous unreimbursed Medical Expenses (... Aging with Grace CareConnection blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2832416 Fri, 25 Sep 2009 16:51:00 +0100 2832416 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2828357&cid=t_299686_125_f&fid=34820&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.dentalblogs.com%2Farchives%2Flina-miles%2Flinda-miles-dr-rhonda-savage-on-dental-benefit-plans%2F TWO SIDES OF THE MANAGEMENT COIN: DENTAL BENEFIT PLANS STAFF’S VIEWPOINT: BY: Linda Miles, CMC DOCTOR’S VIEPOINT: BY: Rhonda Savage, DDS Dental insurance can be a frustrating topic for dentists and dental team members. In this article, we’ll review common concerns from both sides, then present an end-of-the-year insurance benefits template that you can use for your insurance patients. Staff’s Viewpoint “There are just too many insurance plans to keep track of. Why don’t the patients understand their dental benefits?” “I get so weary trying to explain these benefits.” “It is so time-consuming to do pre-authorizations, and 80% of the patients still say ‘no’ to treatment after we wait for weeks to get the responses back. What a waste of time!” “Doc... dental blog for dentists about dentistry blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2828357 Thu, 24 Sep 2009 13:03:02 +0100 2828357 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2823955&cid=t_299686_87_f&fid=36438&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FCato-at-liberty%2F%7E3%2F9d_QjFkWqlY%2F As Michael Cannon discussed in an earlier post, the White House is trying to claim that health care “reform” does not mean higher taxes. This is a two-pronged issue. First, there is a mandate to purchase health insurance. Second, there is a tax (the White House calls it a fee) on people who fail to purchase a policy. The White House claims this mandate is akin to state-level requirements for the purchase of health insurance, and that the newly-insured people will be getting some value (a health insurance policy) in exchange for their money. These assertions are defensible, but that does not change the fact that a tax is being imposed. It might be plausible to argue that the mandate is not a tax if the value of the insurance policy to the individual was equal to the cost. But ... Cato-at-liberty blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2823955 Wed, 23 Sep 2009 16:45:48 +0100 2823955 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2803867&cid=t_299686_87_f&fid=36050&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.blisstree.com%2Fbreastfeeding123%2Ffeed-the-mother-who-feeds-the-baby%2F In celebration of my 1,000th post here at Breastfeeding 1-2-3, I want to share a very happy story I came across. You might remember this post I wrote for Blog Action Day last year on Breastfeeding and Poverty (read it if you haven’t already — it’s one of my better posts if I do say so myself ). In that post I shared what I learned about how a malnourished mother should continue breastfeeding and not wean and give her baby f*ormula. I remembered that information as I started to read a post by Mary at Owlhaven.net on her sister Sophie’s medical mission in Ethiopia (you can read my review of Mary’s book A Sane Woman’s Guide to Raising a Large Family and check out her newly released book Family Feasts for $75 a Week: A Penny-wise Mom Shares Her Recipe for C... Breastfeeding 1-2-3 blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2803867 Thu, 17 Sep 2009 05:54:01 +0100 2803867 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2800301&cid=t_299686_86_f&fid=36669&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffadelibrary.wordpress.com%2F2009%2F09%2F16%2Fdynamic-benefits-towards-welfare-that-works-a-policy-report-by-the-csj-economic-dependency-working-group%2F Title: Dynamic Benefits: Towards Welfare That Works: A Policy Report by the CSJ Economic Dependency Working Group The Skinny : Report from the thinktank Centre for Social Justice that presents a review of the UK benefits system and proposals for a radical recasting of state support for the jobless and low-paid. The proposals would result in 600,000 households coming off welfare dependency and into work, boost the incomes of the lowest paid by nearly £5 billion and help move more than 200,000 children out of poverty. In addition the report suggests that this reform will make welfare spending predictable and promote a culture of working rather than not working. Publisher: Centre for Social Justice Size of Publication: 369p Published: 16/09/2009 Posted in Employment, Grey Literature, Health ... Fade Library blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2800301 Wed, 16 Sep 2009 09:15:17 +0100 2800301 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2796831&cid=t_299686_158_f&fid=38949&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FAgingWithGraceCareconnection%2F%7E3%2FiIQvQtWwkF0%2Fva-benefits-using-aid-and-attendance-to.html Most people who have heard about Pension (Aid & Attendance) know that it will cover the costs of assisted living and, in some cases, cover nursing home costs as well. But the majority of those receiving long term care in this country are in their homes. Estimates are that approximately 70% to 80% of all long term care is being provided in the home. All of the information available about Pension overlooks the fact that this benefit should be used to pay for home care. Maybe if more people knew this fact, more people would be applying for the benefit.It also comes as a surprise to most people that VA will allow veterans’ households to deduct the annual cost of paying any person such as family members, friends or hired help for care when calculating the Pension benefit. This annual cost... Aging with Grace CareConnection blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2796831 Mon, 14 Sep 2009 21:23:00 +0100 2796831 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2786172&cid=t_299686_125_f&fid=38161&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.dentalheroes.com%2F5-things-you-can-do-to-make-the-economy-work-for-your-dental-practice%2F The following is guest post by Monica Cross, author of  UrgentDentalCareServices.com. Interested in guest posting on Dental Heroes? Have a look at our guidelines and sign up. There is no doubt that today’s economy has had a profound effect on industries across the board. Consumer spending is way down due to heightened unemployment, salary cuts and the housing crisis. While the dental industry has proven to be recession-proof in the past, fears of losing jobs and/or insurance benefits have made many consumers reluctant to pay for dental treatments. Don’t Cut Back While common sense is telling many business owners to cut back during this time in order to manage costs, the recession actually presents a great opportunity for dental professionals to stand out from their competitors. Al... Dental Heroes blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2786172 Fri, 11 Sep 2009 05:00:56 +0100 2786172 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2774572&cid=t_299686_86_f&fid=36669&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffadelibrary.wordpress.com%2F2009%2F09%2F08%2Fhouse-of-commons-public-accounts-committee-supporting-carers-to-care-forty%25e2%2580%2593second-report-of-session-2008%25e2%2580%259309-report-together-with-formal-minutes-oral-and-written-evidence%2F Title: House of Commons Public Accounts Committee: Supporting Carers to Care: Forty–second Report of Session 2008–09: Report, together with formal minutes, oral and written evidence The Skinny: Report from the House of Commons Public Accounts Committee on support to carers. Findings and Recommendations are: The Department of Work and Pensions approach to providing carers’ benefits is complex, making it difficult for carers to access financial and other support.  Some applicants ineligable for Carer’s Allowance have to apply for it in order to recieve Carer’s Premium or the Additional Amount added to existing benefits. Direct application for these should be enabled. Communications can be lengthy, incomprehensible and confusing for carers.  All communication should be in plain e... Fade Library blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2774572 Tue, 08 Sep 2009 07:13:26 +0100 2774572 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2765958&cid=t_299686_86_f&fid=36669&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffadelibrary.wordpress.com%2F2009%2F09%2F04%2Fcomparing-taxes-and-benefits-in-1979-1997-and-2008%2F This study uses ‘lifetime simulation’ for different income earners to look at the impact of taxes and benefits over time. Using three ‘model lifetimes’ for low, average and high earners and also looks at child and pensioner poverty under the systems of 1979, 1997 and 2008. It analyses changes in tax and benefit policy since the mid-1970s Publisher: Joseph Rowntree Foundation Size of Publication: 4p Published: 03/09/2009 Posted in Deprivation, Equity, Grey Literature, Health Economics, Inequalities in Health, Poverty, Public Health, Social Exclusion, Social Inclusion, Taxation Tagged: Economics, Equity, Grey Literature, Social Security, Social Security Benefits, Taxation (Source: Fade Library) Fade Library blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2765958 Fri, 04 Sep 2009 10:02:22 +0100 2765958 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2757879&cid=t_299686_113_f&fid=34634&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FEmrAndHipaa%2F%7E3%2FX3EHmZz2J5U%2F I’ve been discussing the case for EMR implementation recently both on my blog and in emails with various people. In fact, someone even recently commented that the cost of an EMR was less than the EMR stimulus money and so it was a negative return on investment. I quickly responded that maybe he was looking at the wrong EMR companies and also that there were other benefits to implementing an EMR beyond just the EMR Stimulus money. One example of these benefits is those people who have multiple locations. I was recently talking with someone about how they managed paper charts between multiple offices. What a mess. I’m sure those who read this blog who have done this know about all the challenges. The most important of which is that sometimes you’re left without the chart fr... EMR and HIPAA blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2757879 Tue, 01 Sep 2009 16:29:00 +0100 2757879 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2751980&cid=t_299686_111_f&fid=36048&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAHeartyLife%2F%7E3%2FUQphnFTa97A%2F We’ve heard for years now that taking a daily dose of aspirin may help prevent heart attacks. Certainly, for those who have already had heart trouble, aspirin has proven to be a great benefit. But new research looked at healthy people who were taking aspirin as a precaution, and found that it may do more harm than good. Researchers have found that is a person is healthy, taking aspirin does not necessarily reduce the risk of having a future heart attack. More than that, however, daily aspirin use in healthy people may up the risk of internal bleeding at some point. This research clearly contradicts the advice to take an aspirin every day if you’re healthy. What should you do? Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. Aspirin may still be a good choice for you, but only ... A Hearty Life blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2751980 Mon, 31 Aug 2009 17:44:51 +0100 2751980 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2747914&cid=t_299686_87_f&fid=36438&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FCato-at-liberty%2F%7E3%2FFOSgWZM_BO0%2F What do workers in finance, energy, and the federal government have in common? Very generous compensation packages, according to data from the Bureau of Economic Analysis. When I posted federal compensation data last week, I received a flood of comments that disputed my contention that federal workers are overpaid. A common retort was that “federal workers are not burger flippers.” That’s true, but workers in the computer systems design, computer manufacturing, and chemicals industries are not burger flippers either, yet those folks also earn less than federal workers, on average. The Bureau of Economic Analysis presents compensation data for 72 industries that span the U.S. economy (Table 6.2D). Figure 1 shows the 20 industries with the highest levels of average compensation, inclu... Cato-at-liberty blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2747914 Mon, 31 Aug 2009 12:49:33 +0100 2747914 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2737700&cid=t_299686_87_f&fid=36438&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FCato-at-liberty%2F%7E3%2FZptJwMYfVis%2F My post yesterday on federal worker pay generated a large and aggressive response from federal workers, both in my inbox and on websites such as Fedsmith.com. (See also Federal Times and Govexec). Here are four points raised in criticism: First, people accuse me of producing distorted data somehow. Actually, it’s essentially just raw Bureau of Economic Analysis data, but the data is usually overlooked by the media because I don’t think the BEA puts out a press release on it. Anyway, the average wage data is from BEA Table 6.6D. The average compensation data is simply total compensation (Table 6.2D) divided by the number of workers (Table 6.5D). Second, people argue that reporting overall averages for wages and compensation is somehow illegitimate. People email me co... Cato-at-liberty blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2737700 Wed, 26 Aug 2009 17:19:26 +0100 2737700 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2737704&cid=t_299686_87_f&fid=36438&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FCato-at-liberty%2F%7E3%2F7X_pJG6gRnI%2F An article published this week by National Review magazine blames the many problems of California on—take a guess—high taxes, over-regulation of business, runaway state spending, an expansive welfare state? Try none of the above. The article, by Alex Alexiev of the Hudson Institute, puts the blame on the backs of low-skilled, illegal immigrants from Mexico and the federal government for not keeping them out. Titled “Catching Up to Mexico: Illegal immigration is depleting California’s human capital and ravaging its economy,” the article endorses high-skilled immigration to the state while rejecting the influx of “the poorly educated, the unskilled, and the illiterate” immigrants that enter illegally from Mexico and elsewhere in Latin America. Before swallowing the article’s ... Cato-at-liberty blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2737704 Wed, 26 Aug 2009 15:34:18 +0100 2737704 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2734019&cid=t_299686_87_f&fid=36438&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FCato-at-liberty%2F%7E3%2F6Egsv8D10hY%2F The Bureau of Economic Analysis has released its annual data on compensation levels by industry (Tables 6.2D, 6.3D, and 6.6D here). The data show that the pay advantage enjoyed by federal civilian workers over private-sector workers continues to expand. The George W. Bush years were very lucrative for federal workers. In 2000, the average compensation (wages and benefits) of federal workers was 66 percent higher than the average compensation in the U.S. private sector. The new data show that average federal compensation is now more than double the average in the private sector. Figure 1 looks at average wages. In 2008, the average wage for 1.9 million federal civilian workers was $79,197, which compared to an average $49,935 for the nation’s 108 million private sector workers (measured i... Cato-at-liberty blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2734019 Mon, 24 Aug 2009 15:57:52 +0100 2734019 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2727083&cid=t_299686_87_f&fid=36438&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FCato-at-liberty%2F%7E3%2FH4kgQqimzAs%2F At last week’s Mont Pelerin Society meeting in Stockholm, Deirdre McCloskey argued that it was important for society to affirm entrepreneurship.  How right she is. The economic benefits of the new technologies and processes constantly created by people with new economic ideas is obvious.  But the social benefits of such inventions also are enormous. Consider James C. Marsters, who helped end the isolation of the deaf around the world.  The Wall Street Journal reported on his death: As an orthodontist, a licensed pilot and a sometime-professional magician, James C. Marsters mastered fields challenging for anyone, even more so for a profoundly deaf person such as himself. His greatest feat was to conjure the text telephone, or TTY, which for the first time gave deaf people independ... Cato-at-liberty blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2727083 Mon, 24 Aug 2009 12:26:38 +0100 2727083 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2709206&cid=t_299686_111_f&fid=36048&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAHeartyLife%2F%7E3%2F7B6-docGX0U%2F We’ve hear for a while that garlic is one fabulous food item when it comes to benefiting the heart. As soon as the news was out that garlic was good for us, we saw everything from packaged to powdered to pill form. But which is best? You probably guessed this, being the smart reader you are: fresh garlic. Fresh is usually best! The original is always better than the copy. Book always better than the movie… ooops, got off topic there. (But the book usually IS better than the movie – I think most of us can agree on that.) Anyways, a new study has confirmed that fresh garlic helps suppress those nasty chemicals that “act as a “death signal” for heart muscle cells.” So include some fresh garlic in your dinner meal. Who knows, it may make you a little bit heal... A Hearty Life blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2709206 Mon, 17 Aug 2009 22:24:43 +0100 2709206 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2709116&cid=t_299686_87_f&fid=36438&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FCato-at-liberty%2F%7E3%2F7nvtIb_Ez3o%2F Politico reports that the so-called “public option” provision could be dropped from the highly controversial health care bill currently being debated throughout the country: President Barack Obama and his top aides are signaling that they’re prepared to drop a government insurance option from a final health-reform deal if that’s what’s needed to strike a compromise on Obama’s top legislative priority…. Obama and his aides continue to emphasize having some competitor to private insurers, perhaps nonprofit insurance cooperatives, but they are using stronger language to downplay the importance that it be a government plan. As I have said before, establishing health insurance co-operatives is a poor alternative to the public option plan. Opponents of a government ta... Cato-at-liberty blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2709116 Mon, 17 Aug 2009 14:33:11 +0100 2709116 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2691564&cid=t_299686_111_f&fid=36048&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAHeartyLife%2F%7E3%2FLmpGi1vsvDg%2F How many times have we heard about omega-3 fatty acids? All the time, right? It gets so that when you hear about how great they are, you kind of ignore the information. But several research studies not only talk about the benefits of omega-3 fatty acids for prevention of heart disease, they also talk about how beneficial they are in treating it. That’s huge. One study says that omegas “help in therapy for a number of conditions, such as atrial fibrillation, heart attack, atherosclerosis and heart failure.” When you think about the damage done to your body during heart disease, this news is truly fabulous. It means that it’s never too late to be better heart healthy. Image: sxc.hu. Post from: Blisstree Omega-3 Fatty Acids for Cardiac Trea... A Hearty Life blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2691564 Wed, 12 Aug 2009 11:21:13 +0100 2691564 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2678702&cid=t_299686_113_f&fid=34634&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FEmrAndHipaa%2F%7E3%2FL9SVNfVtnpw%2F 1. Quickly locate a chart, never look for a chart 2. Access to chart from multiple locations by multiple users 3. Legible Charts 4. EMR Data: chart it, graph it, flag it and organize it Oh wait, none of those are financial are they? Try these potential EMR financial benefits. 1. Transcription cost savings 2. Space Savings 3. Eliminate Staff 4. Paper Chart Costs 5. Improved Charge Capture Oh wait, why not just hope you get $44k in stimulus money? That might work. See the full list of EMR Benefits. Related posts:27-41 of 50 Reasons to get an EHR or EMR – Greater Efficiency and Lower Costs I should really thank Medical Economics for creating the original...13 of 50 Reasons to get an EHR or EMR – Better Access to Data and Better Charting I found a nice article in Medical Economic... EMR and HIPAA blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2678702 Thu, 06 Aug 2009 16:36:25 +0100 2678702 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2653671&cid=t_299686_87_f&fid=36438&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FCato-at-liberty%2F%7E3%2FqluhO8I2kB0%2F It’s not often that I can transition from my education beat to other hot topics, but an Inside Higher Ed story on colleges’ health-care benefits includes this little nugget: One trend documented in the survey that may concern many employees is the increase in “consumer driven” health insurance plans by colleges. These typically involve employees setting up tax-free accounts to pay for some care, and then high deductibles for major medical expenses. This year, 17 percent of colleges were offering the plans, up from 11 percent two years ago. So what’s so terrible about “consumer driven” health care, which from the article sounds like health savings accounts ? The story doesn’t say — nor does it give any details on who puts the money into... Cato-at-liberty blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2653671 Wed, 29 Jul 2009 17:31:12 +0100 2653671 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2648970&cid=t_299686_87_f&fid=36438&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FCato-at-liberty%2F%7E3%2Fd0G9SHVipA8%2F Inside Higher Ed features a terrific essay today by economist Michael Rizzo. Rizzo takes issue with President Obama’s goals to have all Americans complete at least one post-secondary year of education or job training, and for the nation to have the world’s highest percentage of college graduates by 2020. I’ve opined about this before, but Rizzo does it much more comprehensively, noting especially that - surprise! - education can suffer from “diminishing returns.” Here’s the meat of Rizzo’s piece, but you really should read the whole thing: More education has to be a good thing. After all, receiving more schooling can’t make you less productive, right? Education is like exercise, reading, spending time with one’s children, and sleeping –... Cato-at-liberty blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2648970 Tue, 28 Jul 2009 14:42:27 +0100 2648970 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2645379&cid=t_299686_113_f&fid=34634&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FEmrAndHipaa%2F%7E3%2Ffv7SpMC5sYw%2F One of the things that has bothered me most about the $36.3 billion which is estimated to be spent by the government in EMR stimulus money is the affect it’s had on the decision to implement an EMR. The doctors looking at the stimulus money remind of of Scrooge McDuck from my favorite cartoon ever Ducktales. Yes, Scrooge was the one who had so much money he’d go and swim in it. That part of the story is fictional. The part of Scrooge that’s not fictional is the trance that he’d go into when there was the possibility of more MONEY!! That same look seems to have come over far too many people looking at selecting an electronic medical record. Certainly there are exceptions, but with the announcement of ARRA’s EHR stimulus money it seems like all of the previous b... EMR and HIPAA blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2645379 Mon, 27 Jul 2009 17:37:12 +0100 2645379 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2645266&cid=t_299686_87_f&fid=36438&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FCato-at-liberty%2F%7E3%2Fi7W1qQskV3k%2F According to Don Johnson of The Health Care Blog: Speculators seem to be betting that a watered down health insurance reform bill won’t hurt health insurers, hospitals, drug makers or medical device and supply manufacturers. Stocks for almost all of these health sectors and for exchange trade funds that track health stock indexes turned higher last week. In other words, those with real money at stake don’t believe that health reform will hurt the firms that make a living off of America’s highly inefficient health sector — President Obama’s assurances notwithstanding. Johnson provides seven possible explanations for this development, including: 3. If the very liberal Coastal Democrats who lead Congress and most of the five committees drafting health insurance l... Cato-at-liberty blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2645266 Mon, 27 Jul 2009 17:14:36 +0100 2645266 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2639632&cid=t_299686_113_f&fid=34634&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FEmrAndHipaa%2F%7E3%2FO3zkvsnC8ro%2F I’m always sad when I come across an EMR implementation that doesn’t have an interface between their EMR and their lab. I can appreciate someone having just implemented an EMR not having a lab interface. However, it should be one of the first things on your list to implement. It’s such a great compliment to your EMR software. First thing I must suggest is that you get a bi-directional lab interface if at all possible. One way lab interfaces can work, but do take more management to make it work right. Why Get a Lab Interface with Your EMR? Lab interfaces are so seamless. The order is made in the EMR and it’s automatically is sent to the lab. Talk about removing a lot of the possibilities for error. In our case, we have an in house lab and so this saves a ton of time ... EMR and HIPAA blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2639632 Sat, 25 Jul 2009 17:00:19 +0100 2639632 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2591545&cid=t_299686_111_f&fid=36048&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAHeartyLife%2F%7E3%2FwDevFXt4NgI%2F With the economy and healthcare system in the state it is right now, many workers are sticking with jobs that offer health insurance. I can say that this has always been the case for me. I had jobs I absolutely despised, but with Type 1 diabetes I have needed health insurance since I was very young. So if I didn’t like a job or worked under poor conditions, I had to either stay there or stick it out until I could find something else. Now, with the economy, it’s hard to find something else. So many workers are simply sticking with a job for the health benefits alone. So many employers off poor health insurance, that if you’ve got a job with decent benefits you’re more apt to stay. What do you think? Have you stayed with a job just because of its health benefits? Ima... A Hearty Life blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2591545 Fri, 10 Jul 2009 21:52:23 +0100 2591545 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2580326&cid=t_299686_113_f&fid=34634&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FEmrAndHipaa%2F%7E3%2FxvBhoGrUeF0%2F The question every doctor wants to ask is, will the EHR save me time? The answer is an obvious: depends. Here’s a nice little way to break it down into an EHR’s functions (started by gchiu on EMR Update with a few of my own changes): Takes Less Time Finding and Retrieving Notes (milliseconds) Doing Refills (minutes) Faxing Off Prescriptions (seconds) Making Appointments (seconds) Looking Up Results (milliseconds) Doing Calculations (DAS28, Framingham) (seconds) Drug Interactions (seconds) Reporting to Recall Patients (minutes) Reprinting Letters (seconds) Looking Up ICD9s (seconds) Takes More Time Documenting an Encounter (Level of Documentation Is Now Higher than Before?) Entering Initial Diagnosis List Writing Prescriptions Please feel free to add to this list in the com... EMR and HIPAA blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2580326 Tue, 07 Jul 2009 15:13:09 +0100 2580326 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2570648&cid=t_299686_111_f&fid=36048&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAHeartyLife%2F%7E3%2Fp-N0sWdU3C8%2F You know the fabulous “Got Milk” campaign? It’s where celebrities pose in ads with milk mustaches, all in an effort to have us drink more of the while beverage. From now until September, the milk campaign is traveling to a city near you. From July 2- July 10 the Milk Mustache Mobile Drink Well. Live Well. Tour will be heading through Chicago to encourage residents to “drink well with nature’s wellness drink.” The tour offers: • Health assessments from a registered dietitian • Ice-cold milk from local dairies: Bareman Dairy, Kemps, Kroger, Lactaid, Liberty Dairy, Prairie Farms and Swiss Valley • Homemade smoothie samples • Five-minute chair massages • Souvenir Milk Mustache photos Watch for it in your city. And drink milk! Image: sxc.hu. Sha... A Hearty Life blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2570648 Sun, 05 Jul 2009 12:11:46 +0100 2570648 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2570386&cid=t_299686_87_f&fid=36438&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FCato-at-liberty%2F%7E3%2FMwC1DQQHSZY%2F Economists have advanced many theories of taxation. But as usual, the one that seems to explain the policies of the Obama administration best is what I call the Mikulski Principle, the theory most clearly enunciated in 1990 by Sen. Barbara Mikulski (D, Md.): Let’s go and get it from those who’ve got it. Just take a look at the myriad taxes proposed or publicly floated by President Obama and his aides and allies: Raise the top income tax rates from their current 33 percent and 35 percent rates to 36 percent and 39.6 percent in 2011 Limit itemized deductions for people paying high rates Increase capital gains and dividend taxes by 33 percent for people paying high income tax rates Impose a value-added tax (VAT) on all goods and services Raise the Social Security tax by lifting the ca... Cato-at-liberty blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2570386 Thu, 02 Jul 2009 13:02:26 +0100 2570386 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2561202&cid=t_299686_87_f&fid=36438&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FCato-at-liberty%2F%7E3%2FkAA5Tc-BYjo%2F Those who think that the college-educated, or soon to be so, should have more and more of their education funded by taxpayers – whether those taxpayers themselves attended college or not – are shooting off the fireworks a bit early this year, celebrating increasingly generous federal aid going into effect today. Perhaps the most galling part of all the increasingly free-flowing aid is how much is being targeted at people who work in “public service.” Ignoring for the moment that the people who make our computers, run our grocery stores, play professional baseball, and on and on are all providing the public with things it wants and needs, to make policy on the assumption that people in predominantly government jobs are somehow selflessly sacrificing for the common good is to blata... Cato-at-liberty blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2561202 Wed, 01 Jul 2009 18:10:50 +0100 2561202 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2517279&cid=t_299686_111_f&fid=36048&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAHeartyLife%2F%7E3%2FcYOpz5naCW4%2F Want to live a long and happy life? Stay involved in social activity. A new study said that socially active seniors had better mental outlook and even walked at a faster clip than those who weren’t around people so much. The socially “active ranked in the top 10% in gait speed, while those who shunned social activities were in the bottom 10%.” Social activity includes everything from spending time at restaurant or sporting events with friends, playing bingo, and even attending church. Image: sxc.hu. Share and Enjoy: Post from: Blisstree Key to Staying Young (Source: A Hearty Life) A Hearty Life blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2517279 Thu, 25 Jun 2009 22:03:18 +0100 2517279 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2517280&cid=t_299686_111_f&fid=36048&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAHeartyLife%2F%7E3%2FvWYrm_uv3v0%2F So many of us don’t get enough sleep. And we need it. Research shows that sleep helps boost immunity, maintain weight, and even contributes to heart health. Just an additional hour tremendously. But how much do you need? It varies as we age. MSN Health offers from recomendations: • Toddlers 12-14 hrs • Preschoolers 11-13 hrs • School-age children 10-11 hrs • Adolescents 9-10 hrs • Adults 7-9 hrs With busy lives, it seems that the first thing that falls by the wayside is sleep. We cut into our nightly zzz’s just to get more done. Where do you rate on this scale? Image: sxc.hu. Share and Enjoy: Post from: Blisstree How Many Hours of Sleep Do You Need? (Source: A Hearty Life) A Hearty Life blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2517280 Thu, 25 Jun 2009 19:15:52 +0100 2517280 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2510289&cid=t_299686_87_f&fid=36438&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FCato-at-liberty%2F%7E3%2Fsv9adaBOhpI%2F Each semester, when I speak to Cato’s new employees and interns, I give them a quick discussion of some of the reasons that government tends to grow, such as the problem of concentrated benefits and diffuse costs and what James Payne called “the culture of spending.” In his book by that title, Payne noted: The congressman lives in a special world, a curiously isolated world that is dominated by the advocates of government action. He is subjected to a broad chorus of persuasion that incessantly urges the virtues of spending programs. Year after year he hears how necessary government programs are. Day after day, year after year, people come to the congressman’s office with stories about why some particular government program is needed — to help their grandfathe... Cato-at-liberty blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2510289 Tue, 23 Jun 2009 13:09:11 +0100 2510289 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2452704&cid=t_299686_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2009%2F06%2F04%2Fthe-love-and-compassion-behind-state-of-mind-water%2F Midweek Mental Greening “Refresh Your Mind and Body with State of Mind Water” We all know water is good for us; it’s common sense. Without water we’d dehydrate and eventually die. And, given that every part of our bodies needs water, it’s also common sense that our brains need water. If I’m not mistaken, something like 80% of the brain is made of water. Plus, a balanced diet that consists of plenty of – but not too much – water is necessary for good mental health. So, yeah – drink your water. Yet, when it comes to the concept and driving force behind State of Mind Water, it’s not so much that water is essential for our physical and mental health; rather, it’s more about the idea that you might actually help spread the same “Love” and “Compas... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2452704 Thu, 04 Jun 2009 20:02:04 +0100 2452704 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2447473&cid=t_299686_87_f&fid=36050&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.blisstree.com%2Fbreastfeeding123%2Fthe-value-of-traveling-with-your-baby%2F While it’s not always easy to travel with a young baby, the rewards of doing so are great! I recently traveled to Newport Beach, California, for a La Leche League conference and I took my 10-month-old with me. It was a grand adventure being away for the weekend and my daughter made a developmental leap — something I have noticed happening with each of my three children when we travel! My 10-month-old playing in a box of books Some of the benefits of traveling with a baby: ~ The extra stimulation from new places and new faces when we travel has led to new words or first steps for my children at all different ages. This time my daughter went from taking a few wobbly steps here and there to becoming an official “walker”! ~ When you see new places, things and people, y... Breastfeeding 1-2-3 blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2447473 Mon, 01 Jun 2009 11:16:55 +0100 2447473 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2441898&cid=t_299686_113_f&fid=34634&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FEmrAndHipaa%2F%7E3%2FhSC5s6gd7-U%2F I’ve posted previously the best video I’ve seen promoting EHR use. Today I came across another video that talks about some of the benefits and challenges associated with electronic health records. It’s a little bit dry compared to that other video, but for someone just wanting to learn more about electronic health record or those considering the benefits and challenges of an EHR, it’s worth a watch. Those experts in the field of EMR can carry on. Related posts:Electronic Health Records Don’t Aid Patient Care From MSNBC: Electronic health records don’t aid patient care �...Interesting Survey on Consumer’s View of Electronic Medical Records I often get emails from all sorts of people that...Top 10 Open Source Medical Billing and Electronic Medic... EMR and HIPAA blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2441898 Thu, 28 May 2009 23:45:07 +0100 2441898 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2441169&cid=t_299686_87_f&fid=36438&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FCato-at-liberty%2F%7E3%2FDdyysKBdvUk%2F The Federal Diary column in the Washington Post is a curious piece of newspaper real estate. Most newspaper columns are aimed at the broad general public, but this column is aimed directly at the few hundred thousand government workers in the DC region. The result is that it takes a very government- and union-centric view of the world. The fact that the federal civilian workforce costs taxpayers an enormous $300 billion or so every year is beside the point for the column. In a briefing with reporters yesterday, the head of the Office of Personnel Management complained about a Lou Dobbs television bit that featured this data that I assembled from the Bureau of Economic Analysis. The Federal Diary columnist called me yesterday about the data, and I explained to him the shortcomings of ... Cato-at-liberty blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2441169 Thu, 28 May 2009 20:46:14 +0100 2441169 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2441821&cid=t_299686_111_f&fid=36048&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAHeartyLife%2F%7E3%2FYWtde3g8adM%2F It used to be that when you worked for a company, you were “set.” If you packed in, say, 30 years on a job, you were rewarded later in life by having the burden of finding health insurance and making extra money lifted by the company. You received health benefits in retirement and also a pension. Even before this poor economy, companies were changing the way they dealt with retirees. They began to look at retiree benefits as a burden and not an obligation. Now, GM, which is victim to this economy, may cut retiree medical benefits “with immediate effect at the insistence of the U.S. Treasury because of GM’s “difficult financial situation.” Even more cuts for retiree benefits could be made in the next two years. Do you think this is the right course of a... A Hearty Life blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2441821 Wed, 27 May 2009 21:20:44 +0100 2441821 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2441822&cid=t_299686_111_f&fid=36048&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAHeartyLife%2F%7E3%2FbfOhiD-uDo8%2F When did health benefits get to be such a dirty couple of words? It used to be that employers would eagerly provide health and insurance coverage for their employees. Then, people actually started using it and getting sick. Then, costs went up. The more people that got sick, the more companies had to kick in. Now, Congress is trying to encourage “wellness” over health benefits. Wellness means getting in shape and preventing illness. Senator Tom Harkin is one of the leaders in the health reform debate, and “recently proposed giving tax incentives to companies that offer comprehensive wellness programs to their employees.” What do you think about this? Is it a better plan than simply providing health benefits? Image: sxc.hu. Share and Enjoy: ... A Hearty Life blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2441822 Wed, 27 May 2009 21:16:17 +0100 2441822 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2424237&cid=t_299686_113_f&fid=34634&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.emrandhipaa.com%2Femr-and-hipaa%2F2009%2F05%2F20%2Fbody-of-medical-knowledge-too-complex-for-human-mind%2F In a recent comment, Steven suggested that an EMR and HIT in general might be necessary because the volume of medical knowledge is so large and complex that it’s too complex for the human mind. Here’s a short section of his comment: Another set of reasons to adopt EMR, and sooner rather than later, are the reasons that are beyond the horizon. With the rate of change continuing to accelerate in the health care industry, along with our body of medical knowledge, I see a day where a person’s care plan is simply going to be too complex for a human brain alone to work out all the contributing factors. Sometimes I think we’ve already reached that point and haven’t quite realized it yet. I absolutely love this concept of the body of medical knowledge being “too com... EMR and HIPAA blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2424237 Wed, 20 May 2009 16:05:33 +0100 2424237 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2424033&cid=t_299686_87_f&fid=36438&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FCato-at-liberty%2F%7E3%2F3dH6-XcTItA%2F Over at Salon, Michael Lind takes me to task for raising the alarm about the latest Social Security Trustees report showing that a) Social Security’s insolvency date is growing closer, and b) the system’s unfunded liabilities have increased dramatically since last year’s report. Like most of those who resist having an honest debate about Social security’s finances, Lind relies on a combination of economic flim-flam and political sophistry to obscure the true problem. For example, Lind points out that when I quote the Trustee’s assertion that the system’s unfunded liabilities currently top $17.5 trillion, that “assumes there are no changes made between now and eternity.” Well, duh! All estimates of US budget deficits assume that spending won’t be cut or taxes raised enough... Cato-at-liberty blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2424033 Tue, 19 May 2009 15:26:17 +0100 2424033 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2424037&cid=t_299686_87_f&fid=36438&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FCato-at-liberty%2F%7E3%2FcFpwPOHV67s%2F Democrats in Congress are reportedly considering taxing employer-provided health insurance benefits as a way to pay for their health care reform plan.  And, even though he brutally attacked John McCain for something similar (see below) during the campaign, President Obama may now go along with the idea. Much of the media coverage around the idea has equated this tax hike with the McCain plan and other proposals by advocates of market-based health reform over the years that would shift the tax break from employer-provided insurance to individual insurance.  However, there is an important distinction.  The market-based proposals would have taxed employer-provided health benefits (treating them as taxable compensation), but would have provided workers with a deduction or credit for purchas... Cato-at-liberty blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2424037 Tue, 19 May 2009 14:35:51 +0100 2424037 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2414917&cid=t_299686_113_f&fid=34634&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FEmrAndHipaa%2F%7E3%2FJmBOkXyC074%2F I previously posted about the Guaranteed EMR benefit of legible charts. I told you this would be a series on the benefits of EMR and so here’s a link that will constantly update with the benefits of an EMR. The second guaranteed benefit of an EMR is the accessibility of charts. This really encompasses a number of issues with paper charts. Issue 1: Chart stored in Medical Records I must admit that I’m always amazed at how quickly medical records staff can find a paper chart. However, just the fact that you have to call medical records to have them pull the patient chart takes time. Depending on your clinic, you probably have appointments and can pull the chart the day before and have it ready. However, this is much more difficult for those clinics that allow for patient walk ins... EMR and HIPAA blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2414917 Sat, 16 May 2009 16:34:12 +0100 2414917 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2405567&cid=t_299686_113_f&fid=34634&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.emrandhipaa.com%2Femr-and-hipaa%2F2009%2F05%2F11%2Fguaranteed-emr-benefits-legibility-of-charts%2F There are some absolute guaranteed benefits to implementing an EMR. These aren’t things that some will get. These EMR benefits don’t come from the government. They aren’t based on some certification. They are just absolute benefits to implementing an EMR system. The crazy part about these absolute benefits of an EMR system is that most of these absolute benefits to using an EMR just get quickly swept under the rug. They are easily forgotten and never get the credit they deserve (like a good medical biller). People just begin to take them for granted once they have them that they forget what it was like before the implemented an EMR. For those who haven’t implemented an EMR, most of the absolute benefits aren’t financial and so they don’t even make it on ... EMR and HIPAA blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2405567 Mon, 11 May 2009 14:47:21 +0100 2405567 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2398861&cid=t_299686_111_f&fid=36048&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAHeartyLife%2F%7E3%2Fhu4DXt90l50%2F Does prayer make you healthier? There are arguments on both sides of this, of course, but I certainly believe so. One source says, “The person who prays has an outlet for stress and anxiety. Blood pressure can improve. Recovery after surgery is shown to significantly improve in those who find comfort in religious faith.” Today is the National Day of Prayer. If you’re someone who doesn’t really understand how to pray, or what you should pray for, there are some excellent information on the National Day of Prayer website. I think you might be surprised at the benefits of prayer, both on a spiritual and emotional level. Image: sxc.hu. Share and Enjoy: Post from: Blisstree National Day of Prayer (Source: A Hearty Life) A Hearty Life blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2398861 Thu, 07 May 2009 10:15:30 +0100 2398861 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2386823&cid=t_299686_87_f&fid=36438&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FCato-at-liberty%2F%7E3%2FRDDzgDMYdZs%2F Jeff Zeleny at the New York Times Caucus Blog reports, “President Obama will present a set of proposals on Monday aimed at changing international tax policy, calling for the elimination of benefits for companies and wealthy individuals that harbor their cash in offshore accounts.” Cato scholars have long made arguments in defense of tax havens. In The Wall Street Journal, Senior Fellow Richard Rahn outlined the policy the federal government should be taking instead: The correct policy for the United States to follow is to reduce its corporate tax rate to make it internationally competitive, and to move toward a tax system that does not punish savings and productive investment so severely. We know from the experiences of many countries that reducing tax rates and simplifying th... Cato-at-liberty blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2386823 Mon, 04 May 2009 15:01:58 +0100 2386823 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2382285&cid=t_299686_87_f&fid=36050&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.blisstree.com%2Fbreastfeeding123%2Fguidance-on-swine-flu-and-breastfeeding%2F Both the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the United States Breastfeeding Committee (USBC) have issued strong guidance on the importance of breastfeeding for protection against the H1N1 swine flu. The CDC states, “Infants who are not breastfeeding are particularly vulnerable to infection and hospitalization for severe respiratory illness.” Photo courtesy of Furya Thus, the CDC urges new mothers to initiate breastfeeding early and to feed frequently. Mothers already breastfeeding should continue to do so, even if they become ill. Formula feeding should be avoided or minimized and breastfeeding maximized. In the Health News Digest, USBC Chair Joan Younger Meek, MD, MS, RD, FAAP, FABM, IBCLC, recommends breastfeedng in emergency situations such as a swine flu o... Breastfeeding 1-2-3 blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2382285 Sat, 02 May 2009 05:55:40 +0100 2382285 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2380881&cid=t_299686_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2009%2F04%2F30%2Ftherapist-interview-felix-treitler-leaves-the-couch-behind%2F Midweek Mental Greening You might remember my post about Felix Treitler’s new spin on therapy a few weeks ago. If not, here’s a little refresher course: Felix Treitler is a Boston-based Certified Tennis Professional and Licensed Therapist who has combined his love of physical activity and helping others to create an interesting kind of therapy. This week, I was able to email with Treitler about this new kind of “sports therapy” (for which I learned there is a more appropriate name), how he came to combine his two passions to provide this therapy to clients, and the positive responses he’s received from both clients and mental health professionals thus far. Read on! Alicia Sparks: Before we dive into anything else, why don’t you explain the kind of therapy ... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2380881 Thu, 30 Apr 2009 18:21:50 +0100 2380881 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2376318&cid=t_299686_113_f&fid=34634&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FEmrAndHipaa%2F%7E3%2F4nUXUUVgnGA%2F Today I came across what someone called a new Health and Human Services (HHS) health information technology (HIT) website. Unfortunately, they didn’t get the same graphic designer and web developer that have been doing such a fine job with the various websites that Obama has been putting up. I find the first page interesting since it has HHS asserting the following: Health information technology (Health IT) allows comprehensive management of medical information and its secure exchange between health care consumers and providers. Broad use of health IT will: Improve health care quality Prevent medical errors Reduce health care costs Increase administrative efficiencies Decrease paperwork Expand access to affordable care Interoperable health IT will improve individual patient ca... EMR and HIPAA blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2376318 Tue, 28 Apr 2009 06:50:39 +0100 2376318 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2365247&cid=t_299686_117_f&fid=36026&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Fzimney-health-and-medical-news-you-can-use%2Fearth-day-and-health-walk-more-drive-less%2F In honor of Earth Day, which was April 22, I’ve been writing this week about things you can do to improve both your health and the health of the environment. On Tuesday, I wrote about changing your diet in an earth-friendly manner, and today I’d like to talk about another activity that would be good for you and good for the environment; namely, walking more and driving less. You can also substitute bicycle riding for driving, but walking is easier and needs no equipment. Countless studies have proven the health benefits of walking, and less driving is obviously beneficial both from reduced energy consumption and lower production of pollutants such as greenhouse gases, which contribute to global warming. Walking has been shown repeatedly to be an excellent form of exercise, espe... Dr. Z's Medical Report blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2365247 Thu, 23 Apr 2009 17:40:12 +0100 2365247 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2353770&cid=t_299686_87_f&fid=36050&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.blisstree.com%2Fbreastfeeding123%2Fheart-health-for-breastfeeding-mothers%2F Researchers have long known that breastfeeding mothers benefit from less incidence of breast and ovarian cancer and type II diabetes than formula-feeding mothers. A new study shows yet more strong correlation between breastfeeding and lower rates of diabetes, heart disease and stroke. Photo courtesy of Karen Barefoot Nearly 140,000 post-menopausal women were studied in the Women’s Health Initiative. According to the Vancouver Sun (via One Small Step for Breastfeeding…), the study revealed breastfeeding’s heart health benefits on three levels: 1. Risk Factors. Women who breastfed their babies had lower incidence of the following three risk factors for heart disease: diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol. 2. Cardiovascular Disease. Women who had never breastfe... Breastfeeding 1-2-3 blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2353770 Wed, 22 Apr 2009 02:16:02 +0100 2353770 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2353955&cid=t_299686_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2Fz-myvW1TxG4%2F My wife and I just came back from an inspiring Goldman Prize Award ceremony, where seven grassroots environmental changemakers were recognized for their work and resiliency, and shared their passion and purpose with everyone attending the event. We did hear too from Al Gore, Tracy Chapman, Robert Redford, and the founder of the awards 20 years ago, Richard Goldman.  The BBC recently published an Op-Ed by Mr. Goldman on the story behind the Awards themselves: article Here. He explains how... - "One morning in 1989, as I sat with my daily breakfast and newspaper, I read about the most recent Nobel laureates and wondered if there was a comparable award for environmental work." - "We asked a staff member at our foundation to do some research and he found that nothing yet e... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2353955 Tue, 21 Apr 2009 04:27:08 +0100 2353955 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2348678&cid=t_299686_111_f&fid=36048&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAHeartyLife%2F%7E3%2FhbF0XzMvveI%2F Congratulations to juedy, Amanda, and Lorri S! They are the winners of our Smile Essential Package from Arm & Hammer. What a great prize this is. I was just reading today that dental work and a great smile can aid in a person’s self esteem. Isn’t that the truth? If you feel confident in your smile, you will be more confident in how your interact with other people. If you’re always worried about your teeth, then it will reflect in how your talk, laugh, and engage in the world around you. Image: sxc.hu. (Source: A Hearty Life) A Hearty Life blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2348678 Fri, 17 Apr 2009 17:23:13 +0100 2348678 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2347972&cid=t_299686_87_f&fid=34595&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnhsblogdoc.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F04%2Fattacking-drunks.html Paramedics treat drunk City workers in a specially constructed tent at Liverpool Street Station in London last Christmas.Alcoholics face having their benefits docked if they do not get treatment, under government plans.Minister James Purnell has announced a review into the idea to be carried out jointly by the Department of Health and Department for Work and Pensions.BBCAnother bit of headline grabbing, focus group driven cynical cruelty from this failing government. Declaring “war on the work shy” is always worth a vote. And yes, there are some boozers who are both on the piss and taking the piss. But, mostly, those sad people with chronic alcohol problems are an inadequate lot who need sympathy and support."What is an alcoholic?" I have not got a clue. I long since stopped using the ... NHS Blog Doctor blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2347972 Wed, 15 Apr 2009 14:09:00 +0100 2347972 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2313535&cid=t_299686_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2009%2F04%2F08%2Fgetting-started-with-yoga-in-3-easy-steps%2F Midweek Mental Greening I used to be into yoga. Like, really into yoga. So much so that a few of my friends teasingly called me “Yogi.” (Though, don’t misunderstand – I was nowhere near being the “accomplished practitioner” the name suggests. I just really liked yoga and I think they thought the name was cute.) I don’t know why I fell out of yoga, but I’ve been making some serious attempts to get started with it again. I’ve noticed, though, that despite how into yoga I was before, getting started with it again offers some of the same challenges that getting started with it the first time offered. Why is it I want to do this again? What will I gain? Am I ready? Do I have time? Because I’m not a “Yogi,” I’m not going to attempt to teach you how to pr... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2313535 Wed, 08 Apr 2009 17:51:22 +0100 2313535 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2463558&cid=t_299686_180_f&fid=38602&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.armstrongmethod.com%2Fblog%2Fdealing-with-change-in-your-life%2F Does the idea of a change in your life or career send you running for the hills? Do you get nervous, feel unsettled or anxious about change? Would you prefer that things just stay the same? Well you are not alone. Millions of people feel the same way you do. Why is Change so Difficult to Embrace? Change often stirs up feelings of uncertainty, doubt, fear and trepidation. Emotions most of us don’t like to experience very much. Change can be scary as it often means you have to step outside your comfort zone. People Love Sameness Most people prefer sameness, routine, certainty and familiarity. Just think about organizations like McDonalds and Starbucks. Why are they so popular? What makes them so attractive? It’s not their burgers or their coffees, it’s because they offer ... Armstrong Method blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2463558 Tue, 07 Apr 2009 11:54:36 +0100 2463558 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2284387&cid=t_299686_87_f&fid=36050&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.blisstree.com%2Fbreastfeeding123%2Fthe-sleep-hormone%2F Everyone warns new mothers about the sleep deprivation, yet it still comes as a shocker because you simply can’t fathom what it means to get up every couple of hours with a newborn night after night. Luckily, breastfeeding provides a secret weapon for sleepy mothers: the hormone cholecystokinin (CCK). Photo by Hector Landaeta When the baby suckles, the mother releases CCK. The hormone infusion relaxes her and readies her to drift off to sleep again. If mother and baby are co-sleeping, the mother might even drift off before the baby finishes the feed! What a peaceful experience compared to getting up to prepare a bottle, sitting up to feed, placing the baby back in a crib, and finally climbing back in bed to attempt to fall back asleep after that wide-awake period, without the benefit... Breastfeeding 1-2-3 blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2284387 Sat, 21 Mar 2009 14:42:51 +0100 2284387 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2290613&cid=t_299686_117_f&fid=36026&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Fzimney-health-and-medical-news-you-can-use%2Fwalking-is-good-medicine%2F I’ve written about the benefits of walking before, but there’s a few new reasons to talk about it again. First is a newly published study that figured out how fast you need to walk in order to achieve a “moderate” level of intensity. That’s important because the current recommendation is that you should get 30 minutes of “moderate intensity” exercise five times per week. But if you didn’t know what “moderate intensity” was that recommendation wouldn’t be of much help. More details below. The second newsworthy item is that April 8 is National Start! Walking Day.  According to the American Heart Association (AHA), “On this day, employees are encouraged to wear sneakers to work and take at least 30 minutes out of their day to get up and walk. It’s pretty simple ... Dr. Z's Medical Report blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2290613 Thu, 19 Mar 2009 20:36:51 +0100 2290613 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2284355&cid=t_299686_87_f&fid=36438&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FCato-at-liberty%2F%7E3%2FNoT-w7ex4VU%2F Attorney General Eric Holder’s announcement that the federal government will end raids on medical marijuana distributors is terrific news. The Bush administration’s scorched-earth approach to the enforcement of federal marijuana laws was a grotesque misallocation of law enforcement resources. The U.S. government has a limited number of law enforcement personnel, and when a unit is assigned to conduct surveillance on a California hospice, that unit is necessarily neglecting leads in other cases that possibly involve more violent criminal elements. This shift in policy is also more mindful of the constitutional principle of federalism by allowing the states to try different policy approaches, and it is more respectful of the division of opinion within the medical community about ... Cato-at-liberty blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2284355 Thu, 19 Mar 2009 16:43:15 +0100 2284355 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2272386&cid=t_299686_111_f&fid=36048&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAHeartyLife%2F%7E3%2Fu7WoG_2DwyA%2F A recent report on MSN said President Obama “could support taxing some employee health benefits” in an effort to ” help pay for overhauling the health care system.“ I have a huge problem with this! As someone who has several chronic health conditions, I look for work that includes health coverage. Often I have skipped over more lucrative jobs because they didn’t offer health benefits. Since we already pay an income tax, it is beyond wrong to charge us for having health insurance. I don’t agree with this strategy, because it seems the average worker already foots the bill for a lot of things. Is there a better way to do this? What’s your opinion? Image from StockXchange. (Source: A Hearty Life) A Hearty Life blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2272386 Mon, 16 Mar 2009 10:00:27 +0100 2272386 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2256019&cid=t_299686_87_f&fid=36050&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.blisstree.com%2Fbreastfeeding123%2Fpoll-results-food-allergies-and-the-breastfed-baby%2F The results of the poll on allergies and breastfeeding were quite telling and the comments were helpful and insightful, especially for all those dealing with allergies in the breastfed baby. Frankly I was surprised at the number of nurslings with known or suspected allergies and the number of mothers coping with an elimination diet. An even 1/3 of respondents said that yes, their nurslings have food allergies. These pyramids (in honor of the USDA food pyramid LOL) illustrate the distribution of the 148 votes. Let’s be clear though — breastfeeding is wonderful for babies with food allergies. Do not interpret these results to mean that breastfed babies are more likely to have food allergies, because in fact the opposite is true! To learn more about the protective effects of brea... Breastfeeding 1-2-3 blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2256019 Thu, 12 Mar 2009 17:30:54 +0100 2256019 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2260664&cid=t_299686_140_f&fid=35457&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Fbattlingforhealthcom%2F%7E3%2Fpb-I6Y42vQE%2F The state of the health care system of the US has always been a subject of great controversy. The recent approval of the Children´s Health Insurance Bill by President Obama which gives health care access to all American children as well as children of legal immigrants was met with mixed reactions. Its proponents were pleased and hope that this is the first step in their goal of having health coverage for everyone. Those against the bill, on the other hand, the bill too closely resembles “socialized medicine” or “government-run health care for every one” that can easily be abused and can cost taxpayers a lot of money. A recent report by the Institute of Medicine (IOM) states that “having health insurance is essential for people’s health and well-being&#8... Battling-Schizophrenia blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2260664 Tue, 10 Mar 2009 10:31:27 +0100 2260664 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2256000&cid=t_299686_87_f&fid=36438&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FCato-at-liberty%2F%7E3%2F-R6xU_U7KBk%2F On the Diane Rehm Show last week, I predicted that all the lovey-dovey coalition-forming by the Church of Universal Coverage would fall apart as soon as people started talking about actual reforms instead of vague principles. Today, The New York Times reports: Two labor unions have pulled out of a broad coalition seeking agreement on major changes in the health care system. The action, by the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees and the Service Employees International Union, shows the seeds of discord behind the optimistic talk at a White House conference on health care this week. It also illustrates the difficulty of reaching agreement on two of the knottiest issues in the health care debate: whether to offer a new government-sponsored insurance option, and whether... Cato-at-liberty blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2256000 Mon, 09 Mar 2009 19:29:58 +0100 2256000 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2192372&cid=t_299686_177_f&fid=38133&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FTubalReversalBlog%2F%7E3%2F541673457%2Ftubal-ligation-reversal-after-40-ivf-overview.html The tubal reversal doctors at Chapel Hill Tubal Reversal Center provide an overview of the process of in vitro fertilization (IVF), egg retrieval and intrauterine insemination and also discuss the application of these reproductive techniques in comparison with tubal ligation reversal. (Source: Tubal Reversal Blog) Tubal Reversal Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2192372 Tue, 17 Feb 2009 23:53:50 +0100 2192372 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2513508&cid=t_299686_177_f&fid=38133&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FTubalReversalBlog%2F%7E3%2Ffy-reuMQA74%2Ftubal-ligation-reversal-after-40-ivf-overview.html The tubal reversal doctors at Chapel Hill Tubal Reversal Center provide an overview of the process of in vitro fertilization (IVF), egg retrieval and intrauterine insemination and also discuss the application of these reproductive techniques in comparison with tubal ligation reversal. (Source: Tubal Reversal Blog) Tubal Reversal Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2513508 Tue, 17 Feb 2009 12:23:24 +0100 2513508 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2147493&cid=t_299686_113_f&fid=34634&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FEmrAndHipaa%2F%7E3%2F_sHWbgfOmUU%2F Do we really know the true benefits of EMR or can we not find them out until we have them implemented? This is a question which has been on my mind a lot lately as I’ve been reading and writing about Obama and EMR.  There have been so many different studies describing the effectiveness of electronic medical records.  Some show the amazing benefits of an EMR.  Others have shown that electronic medical records aren’t everything we hoped they’d be. As I think about these two differing opinions, I can’t help but think that we probably don’t know the benefits that can come from having broad EMR adoption. Certainly many studies and those interested in EMR have evaluated the fiscal and clinical benefits of an EMR.  I just can’t help but wonder if we won&#82... EMR and HIPAA blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2147493 Fri, 30 Jan 2009 16:00:18 +0100 2147493 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2160939&cid=t_299686_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2F531109479%2F We present a very complex task, mixing different forms of stimuli (auditory, visual) under time pressure. - Designed for Transferability: The tasks can be designed in a way that do not allow for the development of task-specific "strategies" to beat the game. One needs to truly expand capacity, and this helps ensure the transfer of to non-trained tasks." brain age, Brain Training, brain training games, cognitive benefits, cognitive psychology, crossword puzzles, enhance intelligence, fluid intelligence, intelligence, Lieury, nintendo, Nintendo Brain Age, nintendo brain training, Rise of Nations, videogame (Source: SharpBrains) SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2160939 Tue, 27 Jan 2009 23:14:48 +0100 2160939 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2141905&cid=t_299686_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.sharpbrains.com%2Fblog%2F2009%2F01%2F27%2Fnintendo-brain-age-training-vs-crossword-puzzles%2F We present a very complex task, mixing different forms of stimuli (auditory, visual) under time pressure. -??Designed for Transferability: The tasks can be designed in a way that do not allow for the development of task-specific "strategies" to beat the game. One needs to truly expand capacity, and this helps ensure the transfer of to non-trained tasks." brain age, Brain Training, brain training games, cognitive benefits, cognitive psychology, crossword puzzles, enhance intelligence, fluid intelligence, intelligence, Lieury, nintendo, Nintendo Brain Age, nintendo brain training, Rise of Nations, videogame (Source: SharpBrains) SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2141905 Tue, 27 Jan 2009 23:14:48 +0100 2141905 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2110551&cid=t_299686_125_f&fid=34820&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.dentalblogs.com%2Farchives%2Flina-miles%2Fdb-column-two-sides-of-the-management-coin-dental-team-compensation-and-benefits%2F STAFF VIEWPOINT (LINDA MILES) During these difficult economic times, the dental team doesn’t understand WHY raises and improved benefits don’t automatically happen. This is especially true if they are having a more difficult time with their personal finances. There needs to be open and concise communication from the doctor as to how times like these are handled so that when times are better, their personal compensation can be better as well. Not discussing this issue with the team crates low morale, inner-office gossip, and total dissatisfaction of employees. The staff members think and in most cases say to each other: “We have worked harder this past year than any other, yet there was no end-of-the year bonus, as in the past (or it was much lower)…AND, have you he... dental blog for dentists about dentistry blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2110551 Fri, 16 Jan 2009 21:05:19 +0100 2110551 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2040326&cid=t_299686_134_f&fid=36049&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FDiabetesNotes%2F%7E3%2FIdqIEryPMNY%2F var iamInit = function() {try{initIamServingHandler(420,631,351899,"http://cdn.pis.picapp.com/IamProd/Resources/Css/css2.css")}catch(ex){}}() Every once in a while you hear some odd medical news that just doesn’t seem to make sense on the surface. This news falls into that category: people with psoriasis may face of higher risk of obesity. Apparently high-levels of a fat hormone leptin are to blame. Leptin is the hormone that manages metabolism, weight, and could also put people at risk to develop diabetes. So there’s yet one more reason to lose weight! Tags: dangers in obesity, Diabetes, fat hormone, health benefits, leptin, losing weight, psoriasis, risk of obesity, treatmentShare This (Source: Diabetes Notes) Diabetes Notes blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2040326 Tue, 16 Dec 2008 02:01:46 +0100 2040326 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1938845&cid=t_299686_113_f&fid=34634&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.emrandhipaa.com%2Femr-and-hipaa%2F2008%2F11%2F06%2Fbenefits-of-converting-from-paper-chart-to-emr%2F Today, I decided to start a new web page that I believe will really grow over time. It’s basically a list of the possible benefits a doctor or clinic can receive from using an EMR or EHR rather than paper charts. I haven’t take much time to make the list at all, but I think it’s better to start it and then as ideas come to my head I can add to it as time permits. I already have a number of other ideas (like quality of medical care), but I need some more free time to put all the details down. Now that I’m thinking about it a little bit more, maybe each benefit of an EMR should have it’s very own blog post describing the benefit that’s received by using EMR. We’ll see how that works. Seems like a worthwhile series of posts to me. Also, in all fairnes... EMR and HIPAA blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1938845 Fri, 07 Nov 2008 07:04:57 +0100 1938845 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1930211&cid=t_299686_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2008%2F11%2F03%2Ffriends-with-benefits%2F One of my dearest female friends is in a relationship with a friend of her own. It’s not an unhealthy relationship, but the man has made it clear to my friend that it has a definite ending as he needs to move away for a job. She understands this, intellectually anyway. But there’s some question as to whether our intellect can overrule our emotion in every instance and in every situation. I suspect that the more time we spend with another person involved in intimacies, the more intimate we get regardless of our overall intentions. I would even go so far to say that it’s inevitable. That like that old premise in “When Harry Met Sally,” men and women can’t just be friends. Well, I mean that they definitely cannot just be friends if they’re actively ... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1930211 Mon, 03 Nov 2008 23:02:43 +0100 1930211 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1948504&cid=t_299686_167_f&fid=37833&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnutrition.edublogs.org%2F2008%2F10%2F30%2Faspirin-101%2F Estimates figure that about 60 percent of people ages 65 and older take an aspirin at least once a week, some on the recommendation of their doctor (to prevent heart disease) some now. This common, over-the-counter medication can cause some serious side effects. Regular use should be discussed with a doctor. Aspirin is routinely recommended by the American Heart Association for people who’ve had a heart attack, stroke caused by blood clot, unstable angina, or “ministrokes.” Further more the American Heart Association recommends that people who have yet to experience an event but who are at increased risk because of family history, say, may also stand to gain from aspirin therapy. Here are some things you may not know about Aspirin. 1. Aspirin would have a hard time gettin... Nutrition and Wellness Biology 50 blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1948504 Thu, 30 Oct 2008 22:41:38 +0100 1948504 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2512095&cid=t_299686_125_f&fid=38161&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.dentalheroes.com%2Fdental-insurance-end-year%2F Our friend, Tammy Davenport, a guide for the About.com Dentistry section, wrote a post recently to remind us that it’s a good idea to use our dental insurance before the end of the year.  If you’re lucky enough to have dental insurance(sadly 100+ million Americans don’t), then you’ll appreciate her post entitled “5 Reasons to use Your Dental Insurance Before the End of the Year.” 5 Reasons In short, the reasons she states for using your dental insurance before the end of the year are as follows: Yearly Maximum – unused benefits do not typically rollover, so you should try to meet your annual maximum if possible. Deductibles – This could increase next year, so using your insurance now will ensure that you’ve locked in the current ded... Dental Heroes blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2512095 Wed, 22 Oct 2008 00:27:54 +0100 2512095 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1971026&cid=t_299686_125_f&fid=38161&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2Fdentalheroes%2F%7E3%2F428017179%2F Our friend, Tammy Davenport, a guide for the About.com Dentistry section, wrote a post recently to remind us that it’s a good idea to use our dental insurance before the end of the year.  If you’re lucky enough to have dental insurance(sadly 100+ million Americans don’t), then you’ll appreciate her post entitled “5 Reasons to use Your Dental Insurance Before the End of the Year.” 5 Reasons In short, the reasons she states for using your dental insurance before the end of the year are as follows: Yearly Maximum - unused benefits do not typically rollover, so you should try to meet your annual maximum if possible. Deductibles - This could increase next year, so using your insurance now will ensure that you’ve locked in the current deductible unti... Dental Heroes blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1971026 Wed, 22 Oct 2008 00:27:54 +0100 1971026 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1873220&cid=t_299686_87_f&fid=36050&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FBreastfeeding123%2F%7E3%2F8ffMS2fdlGg%2F Today b5media Health and Wellness bloggers write on a fall theme of Harvest. What better time to discuss reaping the rewards of breastfeeding! There is a lot of debate in the breastfeeding community about whether it’s better to say “breast is best” or “breastfeeding is the norm” (and there is increased risk with formula-feeding). Any way you say it, there are many ways breastfeeding benefits baby, mother, the family, and even society in general! Benefits for Baby ~ A meta-analysis of several studies found “There is good evidence that breastfeeding reduced infants’ risk of ear infections by up to 50 percent, serious lower respiratory tract infections by 72 percent, and a skin rash similar to eczema by 42 percent. Children with a family history of asthm... Breastfeeding 1-2-3 blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1873220 Tue, 14 Oct 2008 07:01:58 +0100 1873220 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1845424&cid=t_299686_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2F407499879%2F We just received this quote of how a major health system is using our Brain Fitness Market Report: "At Sutter Health Partners we recognize the importance of brain health and how much the health of the brain and the body are interdependent.  The market report helped us further target our coaching efforts to integrate brain fitness and upgrade our entire coaching platform.  It is easy to read and gives you the industry perspective in a thorough yet concise manner.  I highly recommend it!" -- Margaret Sabin, CEO of Sutter Health Partners and VP, New Product Development, at Sutter Health. You may wonder, "what is the link between  wellness coaching and brain fitness"? In practice, good health and wellness coaches provide excellent brain health advice, given that the are... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1845424 Tue, 30 Sep 2008 18:18:33 +0100 1845424 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1826753&cid=t_299686_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2F402091904%2F Conclusions Please Note: if you are an individual interested in programs for yourself and/ or a loved one, you can use these 10-Questions to Find the Right Brain Fitness Program For You. The checklist above, and the special report, are aimed at helping professionals making decisions on behalf of their organizations. American Seniors Housing Association, asha, Belmont Village Senior Living, brain, Brain Fitness, brain fitness centers, business case, checklist, cogmed, cognifit, cognitive benefits, cognitive exercise, Cognitive Training, cognitive vitality, Dakim, device, early users, Erickson Retirement Communities, Happy Neuron, hardware, health, healthcare, innovation, insurance, lumos labs, My Vigorous Mind, neuropsychologists, news, nintendo, Posit Science, retirement communities, retu... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1826753 Thu, 25 Sep 2008 00:46:58 +0100 1826753 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1730855&cid=t_299686_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2F372866231%2F I apologize for the long delay in getting back to this column but I have a good excuse. We just recently had a baby, and boy, that takes care right there of the physical exercise need. Between carrying the baby upstairs and downstairs, running to get the baby, getting out of the bed and picking the baby up and putting the baby down a couple of times a night no you need not worry about getting your daily exercise dose in…Now, the majority of the answers to my post on the brain virtues of physical exercise suggests that most people think that the brain benefits of physical exercise are mostly to be understood as complementary effects of a healthy life style. Is this correct? In my post today I will attempt to answer this question. First, while generally healthier people seem to have health... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1730855 Sat, 23 Aug 2008 18:09:27 +0100 1730855 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1642630&cid=t_299686_87_f&fid=34872&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.healthbolt.net%2F2008%2F07%2F21%2Fmake-me-happy-sweet-chocolate-and-lower-my-blood-pressure%2F Image details: Health Food Junk Food served by picapp.com Is there just anything better than reading about the health benefits of steak, beer or chocolate? Methinks not. So here’s another gem for you: German researchers say that eating a square of dark chocolate every day can reduce your systolic blood pressure (the top number) by 3 points and your diastolic pressure by 2! And you don’t have to worry about breaking the diet bank, either. Each square only totals about 30 calories (calories full of bliss, I might add.) The trick? Natural compounds found in dark chocolate raise your levels of nitric oxide, a known blood-vessel relaxer. So…more chocolate in your life = better health? Man, what great news for a Monday, eh? Bon apetit! Tags: Chocolate for Health, Diet, Health, ... Healthbolt blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1642630 Mon, 21 Jul 2008 17:00:57 +0100 1642630 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1637743&cid=t_299686_87_f&fid=34872&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.healthbolt.net%2F2008%2F07%2F18%2Fpour-me-a-drink-cocktails-strengthen-bones%2F Image details: Thinkstock Single Image Set served by picapp.com Keeping with the topic of women’s health today (be sure you enter our awesome book contest in the post below!), word is that cocktails (yes I mean those dreamy little Friday Happy Hour mood-enhancers) can help strengthen bones. For real! Not only that, but according to The American Journal of Medicine, they also help reduce the risk of hip fracture by 20%. Of course, everything in moderation though, my friends. Having more than two alcoholic drinks per day makes you 39% more susceptible to hip fractures, a figure that most likely comes from falling while tipsy. So hey, while bellying up at the bar and grill tonight, make sure to tell everyone how that martini is really a health potion in disguise. Enjoy! Tags: Benefits o... Healthbolt blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1637743 Sat, 19 Jul 2008 00:58:30 +0100 1637743 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1552964&cid=t_299686_87_f&fid=34872&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.healthbolt.net%2F2008%2F06%2F28%2Fsexbolt-saturday-need-another-reason-to-have-sex-weve-got-a-bunch%2F Image details: Close-up of alphabets spelling the word Sex with red chili peppers on a tray served by picapp.com It’s Sexbolt Saturday again, my kittens, and we got a hold of an article that spells out 56 glorious reasons to meet up in the sheets. Now, those 56 reasons are fab, indeed, but some of them we’ve already shared with you here, here, and here. Because, you know, we like to give you lots of reasons to have sex. As if you needed some more. But if you’re mojo ain’t quite where you’d like it to be this weekend, give these a read (hell, have your honey read ‘em, too) and get ready for one sassy samba in the sack. Enjoy! And Happy Sexbolt Saturday! Tags: Health Benefits of Sex, Healthbolt, Reasons to Have Sex, Sex, Sexbolt SaturdayShare This (Source:... Healthbolt blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1552964 Sat, 28 Jun 2008 11:30:38 +0100 1552964 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1499893&cid=t_299686_87_f&fid=34872&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.healthbolt.net%2F2008%2F06%2F06%2Fa-little-virgin-stops-ulcers-who-knew%2F Image details: Close-up of a bottle of olive oil served by picapp.com Got ulcers? Know someone who does? Grab a virgin. Olive oil, that is. Yep, the antioxidants found in extra-virgin olive oil (or EVOO if you’re an unfortunate Rachael Ray fan), may put the kibosh to stomach ulcers by squashing the H. pylori bacteria, which is a cause of ulcers. Says a study in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, all you need is a couple teaspoons a day to get the benefits. Try preparing your chicken or fish with EVOO instead of veggie oil, or add some to your salad dressing for that extra boost. Long live the virgin!! Tags: Extra Virgin Olive Oil, H pylori, Health Benefits of Olive Oil, Healthbolt, UlcersShare This (Source: Healthbolt) Healthbolt blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1499893 Fri, 06 Jun 2008 20:09:28 +0100 1499893 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1497416&cid=t_299686_87_f&fid=34872&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.healthbolt.net%2F2008%2F06%2F05%2F4-good-reasons-to-love-lovin%2F What does love do for you, other than make you googly-eyed and smiley? Plenty. Image details: Love spelt in silver letters served by picapp.com As I prepare to celebrate my 10th wedding anniversary tomorrow, I was thrilled to come across a small article listing 4 fabulous “side-effects” to being in a loving relationship. 1) Lower stress hormones 2) More physical activity (of all kinds, ahem) 3) Less likely to smoke 4) Decrease in blood pressure Wow! Seems not only does love affect your emotional heart, it’s great for your physical ticker as well. Sounds like I have lots to celebrate! Grab your honey and celebrate being in love along with me, won’t you? Tags: Being in Love, Health Benefits of Love, Healthbolt, Heart Health, LoveShare This (Source: Healthbolt) Healthbolt blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1497416 Fri, 06 Jun 2008 02:47:22 +0100 1497416 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1488159&cid=t_299686_87_f&fid=34872&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.healthbolt.net%2F2008%2F06%2F02%2Ffabulous-news-shopping-sharpens-your-grey-matter%2F Guess what shoppers? Your habits are making both your brain and bod happy! Image details: Couple carrying shopping bags served by picapp.com If you think shopping belongs in the Summer Olympics (or Winter, for that matter), do we have the news for you! Seems that browsing and buying gives more than your credit card a workout - it’s good for the human body and mind, too! How so, you ask? We’re happy to share: * Conversing, haggling and all-around interacting with other folks forces you to think and act quickly * Comparison shopping strengthens the brain’s math and reasoning capacities * Positive visual stimulation keeps the brain engaged and feelings of happiness present * Walking from store to store, bending and stretching for items, and carrying all those packed-to-the-g... Healthbolt blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1488159 Tue, 03 Jun 2008 01:56:44 +0100 1488159 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1443507&cid=t_299686_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2F289934859%2F We reported our results in two unpublished dissertations, but this is the first time it has been published in a peer-reviewed journal. Could you please explain the training involved in this particular study? We recruited 70 students aged around 26 years and set half of them on a challenging computer-based cognitive training regimen, based on the so-called "n-back task." This is a very complex working memory task that involves the simultaneous presentation of visual and auditory stimuli. The experimental group watched a series of screens on their computers, where a blue square appeared in various positions on a black background. Each screen appeared for half a second, with a 2.5 second gap before the next one appeared. While this happened, the trainees also heard a series of lett... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1443507 Wed, 14 May 2008 05:54:27 +0100 1443507 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1433734&cid=t_299686_87_f&fid=34872&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.healthbolt.net%2F2008%2F05%2F09%2Ftea-to-fight-skin-cancer-indeed%2F Image details: Pouring a Cup of Tea served by picapp.com Need yet another reason to enjoy tea time? How about this… Researchers at Dartmouth University have found that drinking two or more cups of black or green tea every day can cut your risk of acquiring two of the most common types of skin cancer. Your risk for squamous cell is reduced by 65% and basal cell carcinoma by 80%! Not bad for a beverage, hey? So why the super powers? Tea is loaded with protective polyphenols which are said to contain a plethora of antioxidant properties. Bonus: polyphenols may also reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. Bottom line: If you’re not yet a tea drinker, now might be a good time to get brewing. And if you are, good for you. Enjoy all the benefits this healthy beverage has to offer.... Healthbolt blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1433734 Sat, 10 May 2008 03:57:18 +0100 1433734 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1423148&cid=t_299686_87_f&fid=34872&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.healthbolt.net%2F2008%2F05%2F05%2Flitter-box-healthy-heart-who-knew%2F Image details: Thinkstock Single Image Set served by picapp.com Great news for kitty lovers: Turns out your feline friends do more than keep your toes warm at night - they help keep your heart healthy, too. A recent study from the University of Minnesota found that owning a cat can slash your risk of dying from a heart attack by up to 40 percent. Evidently, having kitty around can help soothe away the harmful effects of stress and anxiety. Suddenly, dealing with the litter box doesn’t seem quite so vexing, now does it? Of course, it’s best to keep exercising and eating right, but if it’s been one of “those days”, spend some extra time with your furry pal and make your heart (and your pet) happy. Tags: Animals, Cats, Cats and Heart Health, Cats and Stress, Heal... Healthbolt blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1423148 Tue, 06 May 2008 03:26:29 +0100 1423148 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1417850&cid=t_299686_87_f&fid=34872&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.healthbolt.net%2F2008%2F05%2F02%2Feggs-actly-the-breakfast-you-need-for-a-cheerful-weekend%2F Image details: Eggs served by picapp.com In a lot of homes, eggs are those things you buy because you feel like you’re supposed to, but then after weeks of neglect, find themselves in the bottom of your trash barrel. You may have meant well, but meaning well doesn’t cook those puppies into omelets, now does it? Well today, we’re here to encourage you to buy that carton of eggs, crack those babies open and scramble, fry, poach or boil away. And why? Eggs are packed with a B vitamin called folic acid. Many people recognize folic acid as the pre-conception wonder supplement which helps prevent neural tube abnormalities in a developing fetus. But folic acid is also a mood-elevating nutrient. In fact, adding folic acid to your diet can diminish bad moods, depression, anger, an... Healthbolt blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1417850 Sat, 03 May 2008 03:32:25 +0100 1417850 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1377947&cid=t_299686_111_f&fid=34834&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FMentalNurse%2F%7E3%2F271996030%2F Since the rules are about to be changed to make it harder to claim incapacity benefit (presumably in order to fend off the hordes who are supposedly bleeding the system dry claiming spurious illness), here’s an account (reprinted by permission of the author) of a mental health service user’s tussles with the DWP. She doesn’t mention [...] (Source: Mental Nurse) Mental Nurse blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1377947 Thu, 17 Apr 2008 07:32:00 +0100 1377947 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1375057&cid=t_299686_117_f&fid=34612&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thedoctorweighsin.com%2Fjournal%2F2008%2F4%2F16%2Frandom-walks-through-stock-trading-testosterone-guts-and-bra.html By Dov michaeli MD, Ph.DThe April 14 online edition of the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences carried an intriguing article titled “ Endogenous steroids and financial risk taking on a London trading floor”. Both authors, J.M. Coates and J. Herbert are from the Dept. of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience at Cambridge University . But J.M.C. is also from the School of business at Cambridge , and his main research interests are summarized by him thusly: “ I have been sampling endogenous steroids from traders on a trading floor in the City to determine the role of both testosterone and cortisol in their decision making and in their performance. I compliment this field work with behavioral experiments set in the lab and in artificial asset markets” Rag... The Doctor Weighs In blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1375057 Wed, 16 Apr 2008 03:28:29 +0100 1375057 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1349496&cid=t_299686_87_f&fid=34872&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.healthbolt.net%2F2008%2F04%2F03%2Feasy-health-tip-cut-bad-cholesterol-with-this-little-wonder%2F picApp_publisherId = 473;picApp_imageId = 11954;picApp_imageWidth = 271;picApp_imageHeight = 408;picApp_configUrl = "http://pis.picapp.com/IamProd/FlashSite/GetConfig.aspx";picApp_Picview="http://pis.picapp.com/IamProd/FlashSite/en/picviewerv1_1.swf";picapp_numberOfLine=1;ImageServe(); That’s right! According to a recent article in Woman’s World magazine (April 7th edition), red grapefruit can help lower your “bad” (aka LDL) cholesterol levels by as much as 20%. This seems to be the case whether or not your high cholesterol is responsive to statin drugs or whether you make any diet or lifestyle changes. So what’s behind this little Wonder Fruit? Experts claim the antioxidants in red grapefruit have the power to inhibit the liver’s tendency to overproduce... Healthbolt blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1349496 Fri, 04 Apr 2008 02:37:33 +0100 1349496 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1331629&cid=t_299686_129_f&fid=36038&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.healthtalk.com%2Fmultiple-sclerosis%2Flife-with-ms%2Fms-money-matters-when-should-you-stop-working%2F We’re trying to take on the subject of MS and your finances once a month in 2008. It’s a difficult topic to tackle as there are so many ways in which MS can (and does) affect our financial lives. In the comments I’ve read over the past few months, you’ve really surprised me in your willingness to not only share your concerns but also some of the ways in which you cope. You’ve consoled the newly separated and divorced and offered drug assistance information; you’ve really been there for each other! Today, I think I’ll bring to the floor a topic many of us consider, but few are happy to talk about; when should I stop working? For many, the idea of not working and relying solely on Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is impossible. We all get those annual statements tell... Life with MS blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1331629 Thu, 27 Mar 2008 22:07:47 +0100 1331629 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1327752&cid=t_299686_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2F258097784%2F An interesting recent article announcesPupils to start day with Nintendo Brain Training(UK's Daily Telegraph). Some quotes: - "Children at 16 primary schools are to start each day by playing on a Nintendo games console, it was disclosed yesterday." - "The pupils will play "brain training" exercises before lessons after a pilot scheme at a school in Dundee found that it boosted learning ability." - "Children at St Columba's Primary in the city scored higher in maths tests and had improved concentration and behaviour after playing the Nintendo game More Brain Training from Dr Kawashima, the study showed." - "LTS is working with school inspectors and Dundee University to carry out a larger pilot of the scheme, with 16 schools using the game every... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1327752 Wed, 26 Mar 2008 05:13:01 +0100 1327752 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1230403&cid=t_299686_111_f&fid=36048&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAHeartyLife%2F%7E3%2F234701162%2F Sex is heart healthy! Here are the top 3 hearty reasons to incorporate sex into your weekly exercise regimen… 1. Orgasms boost your circulation, helping the body rid itself of harmful toxins. Regular sex can even keep your heart healthy and lower your risk of heart attack. 2. Sex uses every muscle group, gets the heart and lungs working hard, and burns about 300 calories an hour. 3. It’s fun! Okay, that last one isn’t clinical but it is true! Now go get that heart pumping, haha. picApp_publisherId = 448;picApp_imageId = 1041;picApp_imageWidth = 286;picApp_imageHeight = 430;picApp_configUrl = "http://pis.picapp.com/IamProd/FlashSite/GetConfig.aspx";picApp_Picview="http://pis.picapp.com/IamProd/FlashSite/en/picviewerv1_1.swf";picapp_numberOfLine=1;ImageServe();JavaScript ... A Hearty Life blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1230403 Thu, 14 Feb 2008 02:15:05 +0100 1230403 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1175050&cid=t_299686_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2F222275948%2F More than 20,000 Lilly employees will have to pay a larger share of their health-care premiums when they retire, and some might wind up working longer than expected to earn their full pensions, The Indianapolis Star reports. The changes are designed to keep benefits plans sustainable for years to come, according to Lilly spokesman Phil Belt, who maintains the drugmaker, which has been shedding workers through attrition, is not using the changes to further reduce head count or to increase retirements. The new benefits plan has three major elements. A defined-benefit pension plan remains, but the calculation for determining retirement benefits will change, and so an unspecified number of employees “will have to work a little longer” to get the same benefit provided under the curr... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1175050 Thu, 24 Jan 2008 12:57:18 +0100 1175050 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1162000&cid=t_299686_86_f&fid=36669&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffadelibrary.wordpress.com%2F2008%2F01%2F19%2Fdisability-poverty-in-the-uk%2F shows that disabled people are twice as likely to live in poverty as non-disabled people.  Disabled people are more likely to live in poverty than they were 10 years ago, with an estimated three million disabled people living in relative poverty in the UK . The report shows Low levels of employment for disabled people mean that many are trapped in inescapable poverty. For people not expected to work, benefit levels frequently fail to cover basic costs of living, leaving them with no real route out of poverty. Half (49 per cent) of disabled people surveyed had no savings. The majority revealed this was because their incomes were way below the national average. Disabled people face discrimination in the education system. Disabled people are more than twice as likely to have no qualificati... Fade Library blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1162000 Sat, 19 Jan 2008 05:01:30 +0100 1162000 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1158361&cid=t_299686_134_f&fid=36049&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FDiabetesNotes%2F%7E3%2F218414784%2F This study showed that when you remove those barriers, people started using these high-value services significantly more. These results bolster the idea that health insurance benefits should be designed in ways that produce the most health per dollar spent.” What can be done? How do we tangibley make it happen? Do you pay for all your diabetic supplies? Do you fill all your prescriptions, or have to pick and choose? via University of Michigan Health System Share This (Source: Diabetes Notes) Diabetes Notes blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1158361 Thu, 17 Jan 2008 19:36:33 +0100 1158361 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1156111&cid=t_299686_129_f&fid=36038&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.healthtalk.com%2Fmultiple-sclerosis%2Flife-with-ms%2Fms-money-matters-the-disability-tax%2F Today we are going to talk about another kind of proactivity in our new monthly discussion about “MS Money Matters.” We’ll cover many of the challenging aspects of multiple sclerosis and money in these postings. There are so very many topics with which we struggle that I searched my mind, notes and friends with MS for a beginning place. I’ve settled on the very beginning; a place where we all were or even are without even knowing. If you are still working and have MS (or know a family member who may be looking at a long term disability) these words will be paramount in your future. First I would like to offer a statistic I was given years ago by more than one insurance agent: Americans are 6 times more likely to need disability insurance in their jobs than life insurance. N... Life with MS blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1156111 Wed, 16 Jan 2008 21:23:39 +0100 1156111 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1141006&cid=t_299686_111_f&fid=36048&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAHeartyLife%2F%7E3%2F214134403%2F You know the saying “you don’t know what you have till it’s gone”? Those words came to mind when I read the latest scientific find studying oatmeal’s benefits in regard to cholesterol. I love oatmeal!!! Being diabetic, I really don’t eat much of it and it has to be the low sugar, low carb stuff, which quite frankly… just isn’t the same. But being that the benefits of cholesterol reduction are proven to be even stronger than when the FDA first approved the correlation back in the 80’s, I am gonna start enjoying my oats again! The new findings suggest that there is many more healthful benefits that go along with the whole grains then what was first thought including… Reduce the risk for elevated blood pressure, Type 2 diabetes, an... A Hearty Life blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1141006 Wed, 09 Jan 2008 19:23:48 +0100 1141006 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1131928&cid=t_299686_117_f&fid=34612&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thedoctorweighsin.com%2Fjournal%2F2008%2F1%2F6%2Fjack-la-lanne.html Brian Klepper Some things are timeless. I remember watching Jack La Lanne, the TV health fitness evangelist, when I was a boy, 45 years ago. My Mom would turn him on, and would occasionally bend and stretch with his show. You couldn't help but admire his strength and vitality. It was clear he was doing something that everyone ought to do.It turns out, of course, that his advice - exercise and diet - was solid then and is solid now. Now 93, Mr. La Lanne's life and achievements are chronicled in, of all places, the Costco Connection. If nothing else, in checking out this article you'll learn, for example, that in 1956, at age 42, he set a new world record by doing 1,033 pushups in 23 minutes on the TV show You Asked For It. Or that in 1984, at age 70, handcuffed and shackled, he swam 1.... The Doctor Weighs In blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1131928 Sun, 06 Jan 2008 06:32:17 +0100 1131928