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 'current affairs'. Sat, 03 Sep 2011 01:49:00 +0100 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5182209&cid=t_99496_136_f&fid=35302&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FWhitePebble%2F%7E3%2FZWEUr2jpJ3Y%2F If people routinely cannot tell the difference between your jokes and your policy statements, perhaps you need to reassess how you present yourself in public. Michele Bachmann‘s press secretary characterized comments by the Republican presidential candidate, when she said Hurricane Irene was a message to Washington, as a joke. via Just a joke: Bachmann’s hurricane message from God – CNN Political Ticker – CNN.com Blogs. Related articles Michele Bachmann Has A ‘Great Sense of Humor’ (Says Michele Bachmann) (mediaite.com) Michele Bachmann’s hurricane comments were only a joke, she says (guardian.co.uk) Filed under: Current Affairs Tagged: Joke, Michele Bachmann (Source: white pebble) white pebble blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5182209 Tue, 30 Aug 2011 21:31:53 +0100 5182209 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5181701&cid=t_99496_87_f&fid=34698&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.healthyconcerns.com%2F2011%2F08%2Finterviewed-kathy-freston-for-blogher-shes-awesome-httpwwwbloghercominterview-talking-health-oprah-and-veganism-au.html Interviewed Kathy Freston for BlogHer. She's awesome: http://www.blogher.com/interview-talking-health-oprah-and-veganism-author-kathy-freston (Source: HealthyConcerns.com) HealthyConcerns.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5181701 Mon, 29 Aug 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5181701 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5159545&cid=t_99496_130_f&fid=34938&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FEvidenceInMotion%2F%7E3%2FEEhFoc0jbA0%2Fphysicaltherapy-a-meaningful-difference.html After several weeks of a self-imposed blog break, I decided it was time to get back!    The best part of taking a respite from this stuff is that you can sit back and observe what is going on in your profession rather than feel the need to respond.  While the events of the economy, the stock market, and the Kardashian wedding, dominate mainstream media, physical therapy continues to make a meaningful difference.  Some random thoughts and observations to that end: Keyword "physical therapy" and "physical therapist".         When we first started this blog over 1500 posts ago, (April 2005) with this intro,  I started using a service that brought all mentions of of "physical therapy" and "physical therapist".  It averaged less than 5 per day.  The new average is now over 30 and c... MyPhysicalTherapySpace.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5159545 Sun, 21 Aug 2011 21:46:02 +0100 5159545 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5130754&cid=t_99496_88_f&fid=34491&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgruntdoc.com%2F2011%2F08%2Fbbc-news-f1-team-grants-teenager-hand-wish.html Very cool. Good for all involved. A Formula One fan has had his wish of a new bionic hand fulfilled after a plucky letter to boss of the Mercedes GP Petronas team, Ross Brawn. via BBC News – F1 team grants teenager hand wish. Related posts:Obama gives TCU rifle team a warm welcome at White House | Fort Worth | News from Fort W… WASHINGTON — The five female members of Texas Christian University’s... Cops: Calif doctor gets stuck in chimney, dies | KOMO News | Seattle News, Weather, Sports, Breaking News – Seattle, Washington | National & World News BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (AP) – A doctor involved in an “on-again,... FY11 Team Run & Remember Rock ‘N Roll Dallas Half Marathon – General Donation Welcome to the Donation Page of Kate ... GruntDoc blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5130754 Mon, 15 Aug 2011 20:01:33 +0100 5130754 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5125751&cid=t_99496_88_f&fid=34491&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgruntdoc.com%2F2011%2F08%2Fever-want-something-then-realize-you-didnt-want-it.html I have a few things I really like. Vacation trips to SoCal (nearly always to Disneyland), silly and trivial but fun events there, and a nearly Holy Grail trip to In-N-Out Burger are some of my favorites. I’m easy to please, really. Attainable fun and gastronomic happiness in one trip. Bliss. (I’m not an expert on pleasure. I’m the weirdest extrovert you’ll meet, in that I will include everyone very happily in my public life, and by that I mean I have a blog, I tell people about all the superficial things in my life (I just had my pond filled in, and I have bored everyone at work with that), I’ve blogged a lot of things people know about, and I keep my private life and friends private. You might be surprised that things happen I don’t blog. You might not.... GruntDoc blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5125751 Sat, 13 Aug 2011 09:30:34 +0100 5125751 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5096212&cid=t_99496_88_f&fid=34491&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgruntdoc.com%2F2011%2F08%2Fperrys-surgery-included-experimental-stem-cell-therapy.html Seems like a lot to get into a tweet. I’d cut the guy some slack on that… When Gov. Rick Perry emerged from back surgery on July 1, he tweeted that his “little procedure” — a spinal fusion and nerve decompression designed to treat a recurring injury — had gone “as advertised.” The possible presidential contender didn’t reveal that he’d undergone an experimental injection of his own stem cells, a therapy that isn’t FDA approved, has mixed evidence of success and can cost upwards of tens of thousands of dollars. via Perry’s Surgery Included Experimental Stem Cell Therapy — Rick Perry | The Texas Tribune.   Related posts:Scientists turn skin into blood in medical breakthrough; could help cancer treatment | The Australian STEM cell researchers have ... GruntDoc blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5096212 Thu, 04 Aug 2011 04:00:04 +0100 5096212 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5096213&cid=t_99496_88_f&fid=34491&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgruntdoc.com%2F2011%2F08%2Ffeelgood-story-of-the-day.html   He defends Marines and sailors with love and tenacity, protecting them as any Marine would protect a brother-in-arms. He is the epitome of man’s best friend, shielding service members from the enemy while providing companionship and camaraderie. His name is Willy Pete, and he’s a warrior, a protector, a friend. He’s also a dog. via Photo: Willy Pete Watches over Marines. via Michael Yon‘s Twitter feed. Related posts:» Features » Jessie the chopper dog. Following recent heavy flooding to some areas around our hospital, ... Jury finds Roberts guilty | roberts, county, arguments – ROBERTS TRIAL VERDICT – Odessa American Online Justice. 1:45 p.m. Jury finds Sheriff Robert Roberts guilty on... Dr. Wes: The Wren Dr. Wes: The Wren. A beautifully done blog post.... GruntDoc blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5096213 Thu, 04 Aug 2011 03:48:00 +0100 5096213 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4968805&cid=t_99496_136_f&fid=35302&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FWhitePebble%2F%7E3%2FJJ1I15lbFYo%2F Falling Whistles | A Campaign for Peace in Congo. Filed under: Current Affairs, Link (Source: white pebble) white pebble blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4968805 Sun, 26 Jun 2011 16:42:08 +0100 4968805 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4953275&cid=t_99496_136_f&fid=35302&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FWhitePebble%2F%7E3%2F2_CBHPxEUnY%2F General Order 3: The people of Texas are informed that, in accordance with a proclamation from the Executive of the United States, all slaves are free. This involves an absolute equality of personal rights and rights of property between former masters and slaves, and the connection heretofore existing between them becomes that between employer and hired labor. The freedmen are advised to remain quietly at their present homes and work for wages. They are informed that they will not be allowed to collect at military posts and that they will not be supported in idleness either there or elsewhere. — General Gordon Granger via Daily Kos: Happy Juneteenth!. Filed under: Current Affairs, qotd Tagged: Emancipation Proclamation, Galveston Texas, Gordon Granger, Juneteenth (Source: white pebble) white pebble blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4953275 Sun, 19 Jun 2011 20:38:23 +0100 4953275 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4934508&cid=t_99496_114_f&fid=35708&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Ftypepad%2Frwjfblogs%2Fpioneer%2F%7E3%2FkUgtP3_omCg%2Fproject-echo-a-game-changer-for-patient-care.html Note: This post originally appeared on The Health Care Blog June 14, 2011 By BRIAN QUINN, Pioneer Team Director I met Sanjeev Arora as part of the RWJ crowd at TEDMED last year and was pretty impressed with his approach–especially given the lack of access to care in poor and minority regions. Now there’s proof his approach works –Matthew Holt On June 1 the New England Journal of Medicinepublished a study about how primary care providers can treat very sick patients who previously did not have access to specialty care.  The piece described Project ECHO, a disruptive model of health care delivery based on collaborative practice that has the potential to transform health care.  Supported by Robert Wood Johnson’s Pioneer Portfolio and b... Pioneering Ideas blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4934508 Wed, 15 Jun 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4934508 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4911768&cid=t_99496_136_f&fid=35302&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FWhitePebble%2F%7E3%2FNp6CCHWmtwk%2F . Filed under: Current Affairs, Link (Source: white pebble) white pebble blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4911768 Wed, 08 Jun 2011 15:33:57 +0100 4911768 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4902636&cid=t_99496_136_f&fid=35302&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FWhitePebble%2F%7E3%2FdBTcIQxUHzQ%2F Sarah Palin’s history lesson… Daily Kos: Animal Nuz #49. Filed under: Current Affairs (Source: white pebble) white pebble blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4902636 Sat, 04 Jun 2011 15:26:10 +0100 4902636 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4893804&cid=t_99496_136_f&fid=35302&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FWhitePebble%2F%7E3%2FuY2Isds3iC0%2F Sarah Palins bus needs more eagles and rifles.. Filed under: Current Affairs, Link Tagged: Palin, Sarah Palin (Source: white pebble) white pebble blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4893804 Wed, 01 Jun 2011 13:07:04 +0100 4893804 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4862835&cid=t_99496_136_f&fid=35302&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FWhitePebble%2F%7E3%2FgrKByavLkcA%2F Tea Party Sheriffs Deputies Arrested for Human Trafficking – Gawker. Filed under: Current Affairs, Link (Source: white pebble) white pebble blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4862835 Wed, 25 May 2011 12:22:35 +0100 4862835 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4848114&cid=t_99496_136_f&fid=35302&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FWhitePebble%2F%7E3%2F6i9jrj4yQFc%2F Bill Maher: If you rejoice in revenge, torture and war …you’re not a Christian. This should be self-evident, but evidently some folks need a refresher on the basic tenets of the religion they profess to follow. via Todays signs that the Apocalypse may be upon us – What Would Jack Do. Filed under: Current Affairs, Link Tagged: Bill Maher, christianity, Religion and Spirituality, Wars and Conflicts (Source: white pebble) white pebble blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4848114 Fri, 20 May 2011 13:54:19 +0100 4848114 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4841652&cid=t_99496_113_f&fid=34603&url=http%3A%2F%2Fginasmith.typepad.com%2Fgina_on_gina%2F2011%2F05%2Fbyte-unplugged-teambyte-launch-editors-posting-now-.html .. breaking stories and providing news analysis and live streaming coverage of great tech events before BYTE arrives in July. Check it out here. (Source: I'm Gina Smith) I'm Gina Smith blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4841652 Thu, 19 May 2011 08:37:42 +0100 4841652 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4813293&cid=t_99496_88_f&fid=34491&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgruntdoc.com%2F2011%2F05%2Fcity-of-dallas-tested-on-civics-fails-overwhelmingly.html If you needed to find an example of government action designed to make citizenry cynical and disillusioned look no further than this story, from WFAA: DALLAS — Dallas will keep $2,000 found by a teenager in a parking lot last February. The money will go into the city’s general fund — not back to Plano high school student Ashley Donaldson, who found the cash in an envelope at the Pavillion Shopping Center in North Dallas. (The video.) This after being told she’d get it if nobody claimed it. I found this story on Hot Air, who described it as wall-punching material. They were correct. So, how much is $2,000 to the city of Dallas? (Hint, their 2010-11 budget is $2,795,393,655 (it’s in the 2011 .pdf file) Two Billion with a B.) 2000/2795393655=  7.15×10-7, or, 0.000... GruntDoc blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4813293 Thu, 12 May 2011 02:45:31 +0100 4813293 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4813610&cid=t_99496_136_f&fid=35302&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FWhitePebble%2F%7E3%2FYdBkfMDMnro%2F Obama Still Enjoying Post-Assassination Popularity Boost – Gawker. Filed under: Current Affairs, Link (Source: white pebble) white pebble blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4813610 Wed, 11 May 2011 13:20:43 +0100 4813610 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4775554&cid=t_99496_136_f&fid=35302&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FWhitePebble%2F%7E3%2FZiDlxRE4lXU%2F ‎I mourn the loss of thousands of precious lives, but I will not rejoice in the death of one, not even an enemy. Returning hate for hate multiplies hate, adding deeper darkness to a night already devoid of stars. Darkness cannot drive out darkness: only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate: only love can do that. Martin Luther King, Jr Filed under: Current Affairs, qotd Tagged: Martin Luther King (Source: white pebble) white pebble blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4775554 Tue, 03 May 2011 02:01:28 +0100 4775554 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4742391&cid=t_99496_88_f&fid=34491&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgruntdoc.com%2F2011%2F04%2Fcollins-is-first-gop-senator-to-oppose-ryan-budget-proposal-the-hills-floor-action.html An astonishingly unserious look at the budget problem. Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine.) said Friday that she will not support the 2012 budget passed by the House last week. “I don’t happen to support Congressman Ryan’s plan but at least he had the courage to put forth a plan to significantly reduce the debt,” Collins said on “In the Arena” a program on WCSH 6, a local NBC affiliate in Portland, Maine. … Collins, who is one of several centrists in the Senate Republican Caucus, did not say specifically what she opposed in the House GOP plan, but she did say that she would like to begin moving the government towards solvency by eliminating ethanol and farm subsidies as well as funding for an extra engine for the F-35 fighter jet. “There are lots of... GruntDoc blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4742391 Sat, 23 Apr 2011 02:56:35 +0100 4742391 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4724179&cid=t_99496_136_f&fid=35302&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FWhitePebble%2F%7E3%2Fa-S6QQ8BJ4k%2F Filed under: Current Affairs (Source: white pebble) white pebble blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4724179 Mon, 18 Apr 2011 00:58:44 +0100 4724179 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4696590&cid=t_99496_87_f&fid=34698&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.healthyconcerns.com%2F2011%2F04%2Fplanned-parenthood-health-care-and-me.html Hi. I've used Planned Parenthood. In fact, for at least 4 years (not sure I fully remember how long) Planned Parenthood was my sole health care source. I used the student health center when in college, but then I moved to NYC, and like any of us who don't go right from college (or high school) to full-time employment with a company big or progressive enough to provide employees with health care, I was out of luck. I was doing part-time temp work while pursuing my dream, and even when I transitioned to full-time work, there was no health care. And no I didn't buy heath insurance. I'm not sure at the ripe old age of 21 I had a good concept of why I would need it or how to get it. What I did know, what had been sort of burned into my consciousness, was that I need to get an an... HealthyConcerns.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4696590 Sat, 09 Apr 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4696590 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4676937&cid=t_99496_118_f&fid=34892&url=http%3A%2F%2Flifeinthenhs.wordpress.com%2F2011%2F04%2F04%2Fa-bit-of-a-mess%2F It seems that the Health and Social Care Bill, the legislation designed to cut bureaucracy and fix an NHS that is not quite broken is in trouble. For months now, health unions, professional bodies and respected ‘Think Tanks‘ have described deep flaws within the proposed legislation. To us, despite the length of the numerous papers produced so far, firstly as white papers, consultations and discussions and now as a Bill, it has produced many more questions than answers. How will specialist services be commissioned and managed? How can we be sure that GPs will be willing and able to commission all of the services needed? How can we prevent GPs being part of businesses that are set up to provide services and then giving them huge profits? How can we be sure there will be sufficien... Life in the NHS blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4676937 Mon, 04 Apr 2011 21:53:36 +0100 4676937 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4676796&cid=t_99496_88_f&fid=34491&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgruntdoc.com%2F2011%2F04%2Ffukushima-daiichi-nuclear-plant-hi-res-photos.html Very neat. Via @CardioNP on Twitter. 3 April 2011. Also: Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Plant Hi-Res Photos 2: via Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Plant Hi-Res Photos. Related posts:Fukushima nuke plant geography Okay, I’ve been passively watching, safe in my relative geography.... A guest post from a friend who knows a thing or two about nuclear power From a High School friend who went the Navy path,... The Pestilence League Versus The Evil Vaccinations | ZDoggMD The Pestilence League Versus The Evil Vaccinations | ZDoggMD. Good... Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin. (Source: GruntDoc) GruntDoc blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4676796 Mon, 04 Apr 2011 03:32:11 +0100 4676796 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4636444&cid=t_99496_88_f&fid=34491&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgruntdoc.com%2F2011%2F03%2Fa-guest-post-from-a-friend-who-knows-a-thing-or-two-about-nuclear-power.html From a High School friend who went the Navy path, and keeps in touch: RadGuy in West Texas… My background in nuclear power. I completed 6 years in the US Navy’s nuclear program. I qualified at the Nautilus (S1W) prototype in Idaho, and was assigned for several years to a nuclear power guided missile cruiser. My last year in the Navy was spent planning and performing repair work on submarine, cruiser and carrier nuclear plants. As a civilian, I spent 5 years doing inspection and testing in the engineering department at one of the largest (1250+ megawatts per unit) nuclear plants in the United States. I ended up with a reasonable amount of knowledge enlightened by a great deal of practical experience. Why is this on a medical blog dealing the Emergency Medicine? The EM system has evo... GruntDoc blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4636444 Sat, 26 Mar 2011 03:48:19 +0100 4636444 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4605831&cid=t_99496_88_f&fid=34491&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgruntdoc.com%2F2011%2F03%2Ffukushima-nuke-plant-geography.html Okay, I’ve been passively watching, safe in my relative geography. Then today I read that there are TWO Fukushima nuclear plants. It’s F1 that’s having all the problems, reportedly F2 is shut down and cooling off. When I’m confused about geography, my current go-to is Google Earth. So: There are two Fukushima nuclear plants, you ask? So, what’s F1 look like, from above? (Update: from Reuters, a nice diagram. Via @scanman). I have no idea which of the six are in trouble. I’ll leave it to you to tell me which are. Also, reportedly somewhere there are ‘rod ponds’ where the used fuel rods are kept here on site, and it’d be nice to know Incidentally, it looks to my uneducated eye that the Japanese bury their power lines. US power plants a... GruntDoc blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4605831 Thu, 17 Mar 2011 07:58:15 +0100 4605831 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4600672&cid=t_99496_118_f&fid=34892&url=http%3A%2F%2Flifeinthenhs.wordpress.com%2F2011%2F03%2F15%2Ftoo-little-too-late%2F Contrary to what the government might like us to believe, and also contrary to what the Department of Health might think General Practitioners are not the only doctors working and living in England. This quote from the DH follows the exceptional meeting of the British Medical Association (BMA) today: We are disappointed the BMA has decided to take this step, including now opposing elements of the Bill they previously supported, rather than work constructively with us to improve services for patients. The BMA’s own survey shows their position is not representative of many of their members, who are keen to be involved in our proposals. The reality is over 5,000 GP practices, covering two-thirds of the country, have already signed up and have started to implement plans to give patients ... Life in the NHS blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4600672 Tue, 15 Mar 2011 22:08:05 +0100 4600672 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4570639&cid=t_99496_118_f&fid=34892&url=http%3A%2F%2Flifeinthenhs.wordpress.com%2F2011%2F03%2F10%2Fpay-more-work-longer-end-up-with-less%2F What a cheery week this is turning out to be. Gadaffi is busy overseeing the murder of his own people, politicians across the world are busy scratching their heads and wondering what to do without seeming about to create another Iraq. Meanwhile we find that petrol is now £6 per gallon (remember that measurement?) food prices rise by the week. Soon enough we will all need banker style bonuses to make ends meet. Fat chance. This is 2011 in the UK. This is the year (or perhaps decade) to bash the public sector worker. We are apparently all lazy people on massive salaries who push a pen (or certainly sit at a desk) all day inventing rules for rules sake. Not only to we turn up late, leave early, have too much holiday, perhaps get paid overtime and some other unnecessary benefits but at the en... Life in the NHS blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4570639 Thu, 10 Mar 2011 21:21:27 +0100 4570639 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4517297&cid=t_99496_130_f&fid=34938&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FEvidenceInMotion%2F%7E3%2FpjHLFdx0fzA%2Fcsm-reflections.html Although it has been several days since CSM at the Big Easy, I can't get several thoughts out of my mind. First, congratulations and all the kudos to APTA on a successful meeting.  This was my 23rd CSM and I don't remember a bigger crowd.  While there are growing pains on the execution side (like meeting room sizes, enough help to control commotion), I am confident that this is a relatively easy fix.  While overall the percent of PT's participating at CSM are low (see Rachele's post), this would at least imply that next years will even be bigger (ok the fact that we have about 17k students in the US also suggest more numbers). Some observations and thoughts: -Content is king.  Yes, New Orleans is one of the best convention cities in the US but people come for content and the Section... MyPhysicalTherapySpace.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4517297 Thu, 24 Feb 2011 21:30:06 +0100 4517297 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4517298&cid=t_99496_130_f&fid=34938&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FEvidenceInMotion%2F%7E3%2F8NuvE9tJBgg%2Freferral-for-profit-popts-the-battle-over-billions-of-wasted-dollars-in-ca.html The California Private Practice Special Interest Group - fired off a press release on Feb 23 in response to Assemblywoman Mary Hayashi's (D-Hayward) two bills (AB 374 and AB 783) that, if passed, would legalize POPTS in CA and also allow athletic trainers to be licensed under the CA Medical Board and therefore, bill CPT codes. California needs your support!  A group of concerned consumers have created www.stoppopts.org to help spread the message.  Take a look at their CLOCK that has a current tally of wasted resources. Please support them by clicking the Like Button on their Facebook page Follow the cause on Twitter- www.twitter.com/stoppopts In light of the MRI info about self referral here, and the posts by Larry and John (with great discussion) here , here and here about POPTS/c... MyPhysicalTherapySpace.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4517298 Thu, 24 Feb 2011 08:01:29 +0100 4517298 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4498310&cid=t_99496_118_f&fid=34892&url=http%3A%2F%2Flifeinthenhs.wordpress.com%2F2011%2F02%2F19%2Ftime-to-confront-the-lies-being-peddled%2F This letter appears in today’s Guardian: Feel free to ask me to justify that Nottingham city council pays our chief executive £160,000. She voluntarily took a £20,000-a-year pay cut when she took up the job three years ago. Ask any council leader to justify what their chief executive is paid, but please stop comparing them to the prime minister. The prime minister, in addition to his £142,000 salary, enjoys free housing, free transport and a range of other living-cost benefits. Then there’s his pension. Now that he’s been in office for more than just three months, he’s entitled to half his salary, index-linked, every year for the rest of his life. It’s all part of the package, even though, like Gordon Brown before him, David Cameron has decided to turn it ... Life in the NHS blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4498310 Sat, 19 Feb 2011 22:27:41 +0100 4498310 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4477908&cid=t_99496_118_f&fid=34892&url=http%3A%2F%2Flifeinthenhs.wordpress.com%2F2011%2F02%2F14%2Fwhat-is-this-big-society%2F When you work in the public sector as I do, you cannot help but come across some amazing people. I don’t mean those people who work as nurses, doctors, therapists, social workers even managers and who as many do carry on working after others have gone home, who go that extra mile. No I mean people who, on top of their usual lives actually do things for others because they want to, not because it is their job, but because of a sense that they can and should do more for others. Around us there are people who help out in schools, hospitals, charity shops, take people places, visit the elderly and disabled or who sit on committees and make a difference to the way those with jobs view the people they are there to support. In my current job I come across many people who work hard but who a... Life in the NHS blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4477908 Mon, 14 Feb 2011 21:38:43 +0100 4477908 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4460049&cid=t_99496_118_f&fid=34892&url=http%3A%2F%2Flifeinthenhs.wordpress.com%2F2011%2F02%2F10%2Ftuition-fees-politicians-just-dont-get-it%2F Yesterday I watched a clip of Nick Clegg meeting a group of students. He was quite brave to sit in a room with them given the pledge he and his party made before the election and subsequently ripped up. I guess the students had made their own pledge not to rip into him physically but they certainly had plenty to say to him about his broken promises. On one hand we are told the country is in the worst debt ever. A debt so bad that we could soon be another European basket case (along with Greece and Ireland). A debt so bad we are all paying for it in VAT, petrol tax and any other tax you might mention. On the other hand it is quite ok to encourage students to take out the biggest debt ever known to students ever. This assertion is made on the basis that the government promises that no stude... Life in the NHS blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4460049 Thu, 10 Feb 2011 21:49:53 +0100 4460049 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4450469&cid=t_99496_136_f&fid=35302&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FWhitePebble%2F%7E3%2FpfC9tBR5iZc%2F This is a police state. — Anderson Cooper, AC360° CNN’s Anderson Cooper Leaves Egypt With ‘A Heavy Heart’ (omg.yahoo.com) Filed under: Current Affairs, qotd Tagged: Anderson Cooper, Anderson Cooper 360°, CNN, egypt (Source: white pebble) white pebble blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4450469 Tue, 08 Feb 2011 06:10:04 +0100 4450469 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4438888&cid=t_99496_88_f&fid=34491&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgruntdoc.com%2F2011%2F02%2Fphysician-who-had-nurses-prosecuted-is-placed-on-probation-state-news-from-fort-wort.html AUSTIN — Texas medical regulators on Friday placed on probation a West Texas doctor involved in the unsuccessful prosecution of two nurses who complained anonymously that the physician was unethical and risking patients’ health. The Texas Medical Board technically suspended Dr. Rolando G. Arafiles Jr. but allowed him to continue to practice medicine while on probation for four years if he completes additional training. via Physician who had nurses prosecuted is placed on probation | State | News from Fort Wort…. Ugh. Related posts:ER doctor on probation after suspected DUI arrest – San Jose Mercury News ER doctor on probation after suspected DUI arrest The Associated... Obama gives TCU rifle team a warm welcome at White House | Fort Worth | News from Fort W…... GruntDoc blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4438888 Sat, 05 Feb 2011 20:54:20 +0100 4438888 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4436752&cid=t_99496_88_f&fid=34491&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgruntdoc.com%2F2011%2F02%2Ffy11-team-run-remember-rock-n-roll-dallas-half-marathon-general-donation.html Welcome to the Donation Page of Kate Schickedanz Join me in my efforts to support Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS)! On March 27, 2011, I will be participating in the Dallas Rock ‘N Roll Half Marathon in support of the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS). TAPS provides direct support to families who have been impacted by a death in the military regardless of geography or circumstance. via FY11 Team Run & Remember Rock ‘N Roll Dallas Half Marathon – General Donation. I wrote about her late husband, an ED Nurse colleague, after his untimely death here. I’m glad Kate is helping others, and TAPS sounds like a terrific program. I gave to her goal, and hope you’ll consider doing the same. Related posts:Little Rock Physician bombing fr... GruntDoc blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4436752 Fri, 04 Feb 2011 23:09:28 +0100 4436752 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4433285&cid=t_99496_136_f&fid=35302&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FWhitePebble%2F%7E3%2FXyQVhfPrANY%2F @NevineZakiNevine A pic I took yesterday of Christians protecting Muslims during their prayers #jan25 http://yfrog.com/h02gvclj about 19 hours ago via Twitter for BlackBerry®RetweetReply Filed under: Current Affairs Tagged: christian, egypt, muslim, protests (Source: white pebble) white pebble blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4433285 Thu, 03 Feb 2011 17:05:58 +0100 4433285 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4414524&cid=t_99496_88_f&fid=34491&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgruntdoc.com%2F2011%2F01%2Fyeah-im-alive.html I’m in one of those phases where feeding the blog is a) not a priority and b) a potential liability, so it’s one of those things. It’s not that I don’t like all 9 of you readers, I do.  It’s just that with the repeal of the 24 hour day I have less time to get work/family/TV/CME/all that other stuff in.  2/3 of my kids have been home for a while, it’s been terrific, and tomorrow I go down to 1/3, keeping the lawyer.  Go ahead, tick me off, and find out what having a temporarily unemployed lawyer at the other end of a complaint feels like.  He’d like me to tell you that’s a joke, so it is, because he says it is.  That’s what a decent legal education gets you. My medical practice is smooth, and I’ve given a couple of talks to gr... GruntDoc blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4414524 Sat, 29 Jan 2011 10:22:10 +0100 4414524 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4352812&cid=t_99496_136_f&fid=35302&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FWhitePebble%2F%7E3%2F9bIjke7cAJA%2F Former President Ronald Reagan‘s youngest son suggests in a new book that his father showed signs of Alzheimer’s disease while he was in the White House. via Reagan’s son: Father showed signs of Alzheimer’s in White House – CNN Political Ticker – CNN.com Blogs. Filed under: Current Affairs Tagged: Alzheimer's disease, Ronald Reagan (Source: white pebble) white pebble blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4352812 Sat, 15 Jan 2011 15:50:48 +0100 4352812 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4331290&cid=t_99496_82_f&fid=34498&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Fbookofjoe%2F%7E3%2F7ua502LUXEQ%2Fhedgehog-pencil-sharpener.html (Source: bookofjoe) bookofjoe blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4331290 Mon, 10 Jan 2011 00:00:00 +0100 4331290 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4318567&cid=t_99496_82_f&fid=34498&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Fbookofjoe%2F%7E3%2FPSDeDIH5Z4U%2Fcalliope-hummingbird-hovering.html (Source: bookofjoe) bookofjoe blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4318567 Thu, 06 Jan 2011 00:00:00 +0100 4318567 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4298599&cid=t_99496_87_f&fid=34698&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.healthyconcerns.com%2F2010%2F12%2Fhappinesslowered-expectations.html Medical Lessons pointed me to an article in The Economist that discusses the "U-bend" of happiness. Apparently, once into middle age, we get happier. Much of this, it is proposed,is because ambition dies, and acceptance is born. We realize we're never going to make it big; we accept that fact; our expectations are lowered, meaning our life is more apt to meet those expectations. Met expectations=happiness. Reminds me of the time I got a new boss. He had no experience in Marketing and yet was temporarily managing my team...Product Management and Product Marketing. I delivered this awesome presentation on all the phases of Marketing (Inbound Product Management, Outbound Product Marketing, Marketing Communications, etc.)...and where we were performing well, and where we were una... HealthyConcerns.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4298599 Wed, 29 Dec 2010 00:00:00 +0100 4298599 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4277918&cid=t_99496_130_f&fid=34938&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FEvidenceInMotion%2F%7E3%2FzFiuZ8wo3cI%2Fdear-santa.html ............physical therapists have been good little boys and girls this year.  While some have mistakenly interpreted the recent extension to the extension on the exceptions process and the delay on the SGR "doc fix" as early Holiday gifts, we know better.  We were disappointed as to being the only healthcare practitioners to receive an early lump of coal in our stockings through an obscure MPRR implementation that cuts our reimbursement.  As crazy as it sounds, some PT's are now happy that the final MPPR will not be as bad as initially drafted.  While we have compiled our list a little late, I would like to ask for the following: -The Current Health Affairs journal in the hands of every legislator.  It contains 4 articles on the abuse of in office imaging equipment through self-re... MyPhysicalTherapySpace.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4277918 Tue, 21 Dec 2010 17:09:30 +0100 4277918 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4233189&cid=t_99496_88_f&fid=34491&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgruntdoc.com%2F2010%2F12%2Famon-carter-stadium-demo.html Via the Star Telegram: Related posts:John Peter Smith gets ACS accreditation as a Level 1 Trauma Center Congrats! FORT WORTH — Some of the most seriously injured... Updated: Vid link added Texas Stadium comes down Sunday, 0700 Central It was the only place I saw Cowboys play home... Winkler County Nurse found Not Guilty Former Winkler County Nurse Found “Not Guilty” 2/11/10 Elias Hernandez... Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin. (Source: GruntDoc) GruntDoc blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4233189 Mon, 06 Dec 2010 18:26:50 +0100 4233189 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4225520&cid=t_99496_130_f&fid=34938&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FEvidenceInMotion%2F%7E3%2FxpBBwha91nc%2Fnovember-filings.html November filings (ok, hashtags #): #Governmentatwork.  CMS contracts CSC for a multi year contract to put together Short Term Alternatives for Therapy Services (STATS) and develop recommendations for improving outpatient therapy payment policy in the short term.  The workgroups consisted of representative professionals. Think any of the short term recommendations were accepted?  Think again. MPPR wasn't recommended or contrived by anybody in the PT world. #Inconsistency  APTA has a policy for credentialed residencies and Fellowships that they cannot train physical therapists who work in referral for profit situations.  Why do they allow these same PT's to be members of APTA then?  Side note:  If a hospital employs orthopedists and their buyout and compensation is based on anci... MyPhysicalTherapySpace.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4225520 Fri, 03 Dec 2010 16:21:42 +0100 4225520 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4190159&cid=t_99496_88_f&fid=34491&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgruntdoc.com%2F2010%2F11%2Fsergeant-friday-on-the-tsa-searches.html Just the facts, ma’am. We could use more Joe Fridays. Related posts:Joe Gibson Memorial Foundation – Home Joe Gibson Memorial Foundation – Home. I hadn’t heard about... Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin. (Source: GruntDoc) GruntDoc blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4190159 Mon, 22 Nov 2010 07:38:37 +0100 4190159 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4179390&cid=t_99496_114_f&fid=35708&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Ftypepad%2Frwjfblogs%2Fpioneer%2F%7E3%2FdY_HupvekC4%2Fits-starting-to-add-up-a-few-observations-from-amia-2010.html I’ve just finished three days at AMIA’s Annual Symposium – the geekfest gathering of informaticians (or informaticists, if you prefer).  It’s a big conference, with many themes and tracks, so it’s hard to draw general conclusions as any observations are largely functions of which sessions one chooses to attend.  So I’ll try not to generalize (too much) but offer a few thoughts on what I saw and heard. Meaningful Use policy is a really delicate business.  As provider organizations are starting to translate Meaningful Use requirements into operational plans, the details are getting really tricky.  I saw a panel representing some real EHR pioneers (e.g. Intermountain Health Care, Marshfield Clinic) that showed how even for them, who’ve been using EHRs rat... Pioneering Ideas blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4179390 Thu, 18 Nov 2010 00:00:00 +0100 4179390 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4159394&cid=t_99496_130_f&fid=34938&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FEvidenceInMotion%2F%7E3%2FPtPjXCSsJ2s%2Fphysical-therapy-is-not-a-zero-sum-game.html For the third time in the last few weeks, a payor has described significant increases in profits during this third quarter.  Aetna reports that their net income jumped 53% over the same period last year.  Wellpoint, the parent of  Anthem, profits rose to 739 million.  Humana reported a 30% rise in earnings. While increases to employers are part of the reason for such juicy profits, the biggest reason reported is the reduction in utilization.   As David Lazarus reports in the LA Times, "Did we all suddenly become healthier?  Not likely".  There actually has been a recession in healthcare for several months.  The reason is simply that while insurance companies have socked it to employers, there has also been a concomitant change in plans to high deductibles which has put a major bur... MyPhysicalTherapySpace.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4159394 Fri, 12 Nov 2010 02:01:08 +0100 4159394 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4139244&cid=t_99496_88_f&fid=34491&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgruntdoc.com%2F2010%2F11%2Ffort-hood-murders-one-year-ago-today.html Ace of Spades HQ has a nice salute to them. They were murdered (minimally allegedly) by a Physician who should be on trial for Treason as well as murder. Respect and condolences to the families of those murdered, thank you for their service. Related posts:Obama gives TCU rifle team a warm welcome at White House | Fort Worth | News from Fort W… WASHINGTON — The five female members of Texas Christian University’s... Fun with Amazon Tipped by Ace, here’s some hilarity brought to you by... Hospital Bribe Alleged – WSJ.com In another of the things I had no idea about,... Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin. (Source: GruntDoc) GruntDoc blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4139244 Fri, 05 Nov 2010 18:57:58 +0100 4139244 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4133705&cid=t_99496_87_f&fid=38962&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.healthbeatblog.com%2F2010%2F11%2Fpost-election-analysis-expect-few-changes-in-reform-legislation.html Today, unemployment threatens the hopes and lives of millions of Americans. Recent graduates can’t find jobs. Families that need two paychecks are living on one. Households that depended on one paycheck have none. More than nine million Americans who need a full time job are working part-time.  Many who have jobs are “working scared.”  They haven’t had a raise for years, and don’t dare ask for one.  They live with the constant fear that, without warning, they will join the ranks of the unemployed. The economy remains sluggish; there is little hope that the private sector will begin to generate the jobs this country needs.Over the past two years, many of us pinned our hopes on healthcare reform. If we could just manage that, it would be a sign that we, as a natio... Health Beat blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4133705 Thu, 04 Nov 2010 20:01:32 +0100 4133705 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4134083&cid=t_99496_130_f&fid=34938&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FEvidenceInMotion%2F%7E3%2FldhOEJwoCSk%2Fmedicare-timing-and-private-practice-section-meeting-pps.html Nov 2:  Two Courts Ruled that Medicare improperly denied physical therapy services.  We all know that medicare policy is to let debilitated patients decline and then reimburse for skilled services rather then let "maintenance" prevent debilitation but fortunately two courts and a letter to our President is trying to unravel this enigma. Nov 2:  The largest turnaround in the House occurs thru the general election in large part due to the overwhelming disapproval of the population to the Affordable Care Act that was passed without anybody really understanding it. Nov 3. The final Medicare Physician Fee Schedule Rule is released and affirms a new multiple procedure payment reduction (MPPR) aimed at outpatient therapy services (yes, it is "Physician Fee Schedule Rule").  This will reduce... MyPhysicalTherapySpace.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4134083 Thu, 04 Nov 2010 12:35:24 +0100 4134083 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4098196&cid=t_99496_118_f&fid=34892&url=http%3A%2F%2Flifeinthenhs.wordpress.com%2F2010%2F10%2F22%2Frobin-hood-i-dont-think-so%2F If we are to believe the rhetoric of that little group of upper class Tory boys now in power, the country has been saved from ruin. what is more, those who have the most will pay the most and those in most need will continue to get the help they need. The comprehensive spending review took place on Wednesday and political commentators, economists and media moguls remain divided on just how fair the whole thing was. We all accept that the country is in debt and that we will all have to contribute to getting us out of that debt. What I find hard to accept is the short memories so many people have. It is almost exactly 2 years since the credit crisis struck and there was all party support for the need to bail out the banks and prevent the country from going completely to the wall. Indeed th... Life in the NHS blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4098196 Fri, 22 Oct 2010 21:49:51 +0100 4098196 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4082201&cid=t_99496_118_f&fid=34892&url=http%3A%2F%2Flifeinthenhs.wordpress.com%2F2010%2F10%2F18%2Fwhat-to-do-next%2F There is no getting away from the fact that while I am online most nights, browsing facebook and generally stalking my own family I am a very lazy blogger. This is not because I have nothing to say, indeed some of what I might say could be reasonably interesting to more than just myself. It is just that often I don’t even think of it and when I do I worry about saying the wrong kind of stuff and getting discovered by the PCT higher management. I have just been reading some blog posts by other healthcare bloggers and getting discovered by your hierarchy seems to be a common fear and apparent reality to quite a few. One good thing about the demise of the PCTs might be that gradually those who might discover you drift away as people ‘move on’ to bigger and better things an... Life in the NHS blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4082201 Mon, 18 Oct 2010 20:43:18 +0100 4082201 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3999071&cid=t_99496_113_f&fid=34603&url=http%3A%2F%2Fginasmith.typepad.com%2Fgina_on_gina%2F2010%2F09%2Feddie-fisher-dead-at-82.html I knew the famous singer, Eddie Fisher. Not well. I met him a few times at a friend's house, a friend who was close to him. He was fascinating, relating stories of the 40s and 50s when Elizabeth Taylor was taming her shape in girdles. Eddie was still singing beautiful songs (on request from his living room without accompanient) with a still resonant voice. He lived here in San Francisco in the Marina district. Sorry to lose Eddie. He had some nice final years, it appeared. (Source: I'm Gina Smith) I'm Gina Smith blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3999071 Fri, 24 Sep 2010 10:00:44 +0100 3999071 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3994113&cid=t_99496_118_f&fid=34892&url=http%3A%2F%2Flifeinthenhs.wordpress.com%2F2010%2F09%2F22%2Fpromoting-bigoted-views%2F I am not really a fan of radio phone in programmes. This is not because I don’t think people shouldn’t be able to enter into a discussion about current affairs on a media forum, but it is because they seem to encourage narrow minded views to be expressed. This lunch time I happened to be travelling to a meeting when Jeremy Vine was discussing the idea, apparently promoted by NICE that pregnant teenagers should receive their antenatal care in school. The usual formula was followed, firstly he introduced a couple of ‘experts’, in this case a policy expert and the Chief Executive of the National Childbirth Trust. This was followed by a series of phone calls, emails and texts from listeners. I only caught a small amount of the first part, but while both speakers express... Life in the NHS blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3994113 Wed, 22 Sep 2010 21:49:00 +0100 3994113 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3993829&cid=t_99496_87_f&fid=34698&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.healthyconcerns.com%2F2010%2F09%2Faids-is-still-a-political-football-in-this-country-even-as-most-of-think-it-no-longer-impacts-our-lives-a-new-documentary-c.html AIDS is still a political football in this country, even as most of think it no longer impacts our lives. A new documentary called "The Other City" explores that...and how it reflects America's issues around race, class and more. Written and co-produced by Jose Antonio Vargas, a sharp journalist I met in NYC last year. Check it out: http://www.facebook.com/TheOtherCity?v=info (Source: HealthyConcerns.com) HealthyConcerns.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3993829 Mon, 20 Sep 2010 23:00:00 +0100 3993829 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3987140&cid=t_99496_118_f&fid=34892&url=http%3A%2F%2Flifeinthenhs.wordpress.com%2F2010%2F09%2F20%2Fan-obsession-with-pay%2F Today the BBC is running a Panorama programme about public sector pay. Suddenly there is a major obsession with the public sector itself – somehow and suddenly we are all fat cat, faceless bureaucrats who earn too much and have a gold plated pension waiting for us to retire. Apparently some 9000 people who work in the public sector earn more that the Prime Minister who apparently just gets by on £140,000 or so. I wonder though if this is just a distortion of the bigger picture. After all, David Cameron currently lives rent free in a top notch residence in London with a country home thrown in for weekends. I doubt somehow that he needs to meet all of the usual costs associated with the life of a regular family. What is more, I wonder if that is his entire income? Most of us who act... Life in the NHS blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3987140 Mon, 20 Sep 2010 20:06:09 +0100 3987140 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3920843&cid=t_99496_88_f&fid=34491&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgruntdoc.com%2F2010%2F08%2Fcops-calif-doctor-gets-stuck-in-chimney-dies-komo-news-seattle-news-weather-sports-breaking-news-seattle-washington-national-world-news.html BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (AP) – A doctor involved in an “on-again, off-again” relationship apparently tried to force her way into her boyfriend’s home by sliding down the chimney, police said Tuesday. Her decomposing body was found there three days later. via Cops: Calif doctor gets stuck in chimney, dies | KOMO News | Seattle News, Weather, Sports, Breaking News – Seattle, Washington | National & World News. Awful. Related posts:Local News | Walgreens: no new Medicaid patients as of April 16 | Seattle Times Newspaper Seattle, Washington: Effective April 16, Walgreens drugstores across the state... Breaking News: EPs Push Back Against ABEM MoC : Emergency Medicine News Wow, I’ve been promoted from crank to prominent critic! A... Permian player is impost... GruntDoc blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3920843 Wed, 01 Sep 2010 03:40:11 +0100 3920843 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3866961&cid=t_99496_88_f&fid=34491&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgruntdoc.com%2F2010%2F08%2Fmore-on-the-kermit-winkler-county-nurses.html First, imagine keeping your job as Hospital Administrator after this kind of public derision. No, it doesn’t end as you’d expect: Via CBS 7: A week after it was posted at the Winkler County Courthouse that Winkler County Memorial Hospital Administrator, Stan Wiley, would announce his resignation, he changed his mind. In what board member, John Walton, is calling “the shortest meeting in the board’s history”, Wiley did not resign. The resignation was put before the board members as a motion. John Walton seconded the motion to “accept Wiley’s resignation” but none of the other board members did so. Wiley then acted as if this were a dramatic show of support and decided to not resign. Quite the vote of confidence… That was on August 10th, ... GruntDoc blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3866961 Sat, 14 Aug 2010 23:04:22 +0100 3866961 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3845108&cid=t_99496_88_f&fid=34491&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgruntdoc.com%2F2010%2F08%2Flittle-rock-physician-bombing-from-2009-trial-underway.html Remember this?  The Chair of the Arkansas Medical Board being critically injured with a car bomb? A multi-disciplined physician is on trial for the crime: LITTLE ROCK – The Arkansas Medical Board chairman, his face scarred and embedded with bits of tire, testified Wednesday that he lost an eye, his sense of smell, teeth and some hearing when a bomb went off in his driveway. Dr. Trent Pierce testified against Dr. Randeep Mann, who prosecutors say planned the attack as retaliation for the medical board taking away his license to write prescriptions. Pierce took the stand after a jail inmate told jurors Mann had offered him $50,000 to kill Pierce to keep him from testifying. Wow.  I’m glad he pulled through.  And I wonder at the (alleged) depravity of those who should have insi... GruntDoc blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3845108 Sun, 08 Aug 2010 08:09:54 +0100 3845108 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3823190&cid=t_99496_82_f&fid=34498&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.bookofjoe.com%2F2010%2F08%2Fmy-entry.html From European Street Painting: •••••••••••••••••••••••••••On June 17, 2005 at Potsdamer Platz in Berlin, an unexpected illusion appeared. Pedestrians saw people hanging on the skids of a helicopter in the center of Berlin and new buildings rise out of the ground.  It took four days to 'build' this virtual city, a huge 3-D painting done with chalk. With a size of 15 by 25 meters it was a challenge for the four German masters of street painting.  Just one step and you may fall into this fascinating and deceptively real 3-D effect, standing on the 22nd floor with a view of an imaginary urban metropolis. You feel dizzy, though you are standing with both feet on the ground. ••••••••••••�... bookofjoe blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3823190 Tue, 03 Aug 2010 23:00:00 +0100 3823190 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3776566&cid=t_99496_136_f&fid=35302&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FWhitePebble%2F%7E3%2FyhuUroklUKk%2F From a daily non-fiction letter that I get every day, a frightening list of conflicts. “As Scientific American said in September 1998, ‘Many of the world’s problems stem from the fact that it has 5,000 ethnic groups but only 190 countries.’ … via delanceyplace.com 7/21/10 – ethnic differences. Filed under: Current Affairs Tagged: conflict, war (Source: white pebble) white pebble blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3776566 Wed, 21 Jul 2010 15:52:06 +0100 3776566 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3772414&cid=t_99496_136_f&fid=35302&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FWhitePebble%2F%7E3%2FjPFCer1wGRY%2F The quotes that former USDA worker Shirley Sherrod gave on the edited tapes disseminated by Andrew Breitbart are indeed indefensible, but is it not fair to provide some kind of context? via Breitbart’s Skilled Editing – The Daily Dish | By Andrew Sullivan. (emphasis mine) Filed under: Current Affairs (Source: white pebble) white pebble blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3772414 Tue, 20 Jul 2010 22:09:13 +0100 3772414 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3742375&cid=t_99496_136_f&fid=35302&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FWhitePebble%2F%7E3%2F5vIt6jmG1No%2F JOHN LE CARRE PUZZLED BY RUSSIAN SPIES’ MOTIVES The Associated Press, July 10, 2010 LONDON (AP) — John le Carre, master of the Cold War espionage novel, says he can’t comprehend what the 10 Russian spies kicked out of the United States this week thought they were doing. In a commentary published Saturday in The Guardian newspaper, le Carre writes: “Who did they think they were protecting in their distorted, programmed little minds as they tried and tried again, unsuccessfully, to slither up the slippery pole of western society?” Le Carre — the pen name of David Cornwell — says there was a time when spies had motives, and took their place in a great struggle between capitalism and communism. But now, says le Carre: “What was there to choose between Mo... white pebble blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3742375 Sat, 10 Jul 2010 15:05:23 +0100 3742375 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3710518&cid=t_99496_87_f&fid=34698&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.healthyconcerns.com%2F2010%2F06%2Fnew-book-i-want-to-read-the-white-house-doctor.html Recently saw Connie Mariano on The Daily Show, and now I have a hankering to buy her book, The White House Doctor. She served as the family physician in the White House for a part of the first Bush presidency, the entire Clinton presidency and part of the Dubya presidency.She seems to have a dry sense of humor, and gives a peek into something I knew nothing about. I guess it's totally logical, if you stop to think about it, that the President would always have a doctor no more than a few feet away. But I never really imagined there'd be someone whose job it was to follow the President everywhere 24/7.  And what that would be like.It sounds fascinating. And I'm also kind of fascinated to see how much she can really share. I mean, isn't there doctor-patient confidential... HealthyConcerns.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3710518 Mon, 28 Jun 2010 23:00:00 +0100 3710518 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3703047&cid=t_99496_130_f&fid=34938&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FEvidenceInMotion%2F%7E3%2F5hNa38ui7Nw%2Fnational-physical-therapy-news-month.html The last several days there has been several news items impacting physical therapists: -we had over a drop of 21% in Medicare with claims withheld and then another temporary fix thru Nov which resulted in a 2.2% increase -Medpac  released a significant report telling us what we already know-physicians overutilize PT services when they are "in office ancillary". -MD/PT partners in an email style that is a combination of Publisher's Clearinghouse, Ronco, and Shamwow released their response to Medpac data assuring their current and future clientele that regardless of any changes in law that their will be some type of  legal "work around" for private practices to "partner" (share in revenue) with referring physicians (but of course any legal agreements and potential liability, fraud an... MyPhysicalTherapySpace.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3703047 Sun, 27 Jun 2010 21:46:53 +0100 3703047 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3702919&cid=t_99496_87_f&fid=34698&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.healthyconcerns.com%2F2010%2F06%2Fdepressing-study-showing-that-exercise-does-not-prevent-weight-gain-for-middle-aged-womenunless-theyre-already-at-a-health.html Depressing study showing that exercise does not prevent weight gain for middle-aged women...unless they're already at a healthy weight. Le sigh. http://getbetterhealth.com/physical-activity-for-weight-loss-not-for-most-middle-aged-women/2010.06.26#more-22553 Of course as with any study, it raises as many questions as it answers. And since only the abstract is available at no cost on the JAMA site, I'm not sure if the answers are available or not.Like: Isn't weight loss still (mostly) a mathematical equation? Is the fact that exercise did not prevent weight gain indicative that women who exercised were eating more to fuel their energy to exercise? Or is it disproving the whole generally accepted notion that weight loss is all about calories in vs. calories out.Inquiring minds... HealthyConcerns.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3702919 Sat, 26 Jun 2010 23:00:00 +0100 3702919 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3671701&cid=t_99496_88_f&fid=34491&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgruntdoc.com%2F2010%2F06%2Fman-survives-bullet-in-head-being-hit-by-truck-cbs-news.html (AP) A spokesman for a South African emergency service says a man has survived after shooting himself in the head and then being hit by a truck. via Man Survives Bullet in Head, Being Hit by Truck – CBS News. If South Africa has a lottery, this guy should buy himself a ticket. Related posts:Briefs: Bullet from suicide attempt ends up in Starbucks | Northeast Tarrant | News from… This is going to sound awful, but… if you kill... Pictured: amazing X-ray of Chinese teenager with 10 inch knife embedded in his head – Telegraph The 16 year-old amazingly survived the attacked after a fight... Breaking News: EPs Push Back Against ABEM MoC : Emergency Medicine News Wow, I’ve been promoted from crank to prominent critic! A... Related posts brought to you by Yet Anoth... GruntDoc blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3671701 Fri, 18 Jun 2010 03:13:24 +0100 3671701 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3662868&cid=t_99496_136_f&fid=35302&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FWhitePebble%2F%7E3%2Fu-hIS7uJohI%2F Well, I for one was raised to respect elected officials. I guess the reverse is not true… Filed under: Current Affairs (Source: white pebble) white pebble blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3662868 Mon, 14 Jun 2010 21:31:07 +0100 3662868 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3581724&cid=t_99496_118_f&fid=34892&url=http%3A%2F%2Flifeinthenhs.wordpress.com%2F2010%2F05%2F19%2F1997-2010-what-has-changed%2F In 1997 I was a proper nurse; well a nurse seeing patients. My head was firmly down and the work was hard; my patients had rheumatoid arthritis. My job essentially was to start them on heavy duty medication for their disease, monitor their progress on that medication and to provide advice and support. It was a good time for me, I was competent at my job and the work while busy didn’t overwhelm me. The medications we used was reasonably tried and tested and the new wave of drugs now used to treat this disease hadn’t arrived to test our budgets. The internet was reasonably in its infancy, and the main source of healthcare advice for patients came from the written rather than the virtual media. My main source of learning around that time related to things clinical. I studied for a... Life in the NHS blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3581724 Wed, 19 May 2010 20:58:58 +0100 3581724 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3566762&cid=t_99496_130_f&fid=34938&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FEvidenceInMotion%2F%7E3%2FDbUwqmx5bh8%2Facos-wont-work-cause-you-dont-win-the-kentucky-derby-with-mules.html While my lifelong devotion and suffering for the Cleveland Indians continues, my favorite vocal manager and the only one I follow on Twitter is Ozzie Guillen of the Chicago White Sox who was credited with the above quote when responding to questions about players, GM's, and managers.This blog has had many posts regarding the propensity to make up retreaded terms and concepts to come up with easy answers to complex problems in healthcare including this post 13 months ago on Medical Homes.  The latest Lady Gaga is ACO's or Accountable Care Organizations with this month's Health Affairs offering a national implementation strategy for it.In 1899, Charles Duell, the commissioner of the patent office at that time stated that "everything that can be invented has been invented".  I am quite sur... MyPhysicalTherapySpace.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3566762 Sat, 15 May 2010 14:05:13 +0100 3566762 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3564086&cid=t_99496_118_f&fid=34892&url=http%3A%2F%2Flifeinthenhs.wordpress.com%2F2010%2F05%2F13%2Fchange-for-change-sake%2F Just for the hell of it tonight, I decided to look at the key governement department for children’s services; The Department for Children Schools and Families. The following notice has been put up: A new UK Government took office on 11 May. As a result the content on this site may not reflect current Government policy. All statutory guidance and legislation published on this site continues to reflect the current legal position unless indicated otherwise. To view the new Department for Education website, please go tohttp://www.education.gov.uk A re-branding has begun and I wonder what this will mean. The undoing of 13 years of policy, I expect. A change back to an idea that a child attending school is there to be educated, no more, no less. I wonder what money will be spent to toughen... Life in the NHS blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3564086 Thu, 13 May 2010 20:34:39 +0100 3564086 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3552423&cid=t_99496_118_f&fid=34892&url=http%3A%2F%2Flifeinthenhs.wordpress.com%2F2010%2F05%2F11%2Fin-a-world-of-uncertainty%2F Let me be clear (this is the way that first of all politicians then the journalists they speak to daily now speak) things are pretty unclear. Yesterday Gordon Brown resigned (though he won’t actually go until a new leader is elected) and the Liberal Democrats negotiated with both the Tories and the Labour party in an attempt (perhaps) to form a government. In this world of 24 hour news, of newspapers that can make direct, pointed and unpleasant attacks on individuals we are used to journalists who know what is going on and who are able to tell us whatever it is straight away. These people are getting fed up with knowing little, being told less and what is worse having to wait. Their way of trying to get people to make decisions on this situation is to say the public are getting fed u... Life in the NHS blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3552423 Tue, 11 May 2010 07:22:07 +0100 3552423 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3529791&cid=t_99496_88_f&fid=34491&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgruntdoc.com%2F2010%2F05%2Frunning-a-hospital-i-was-wrong-i-am-sorry.html I’ve been able to study Paul Levy’s management of BIDMC during several classes (more on that someday), and he’s a smart guy.  Which makes this dumbfounding, if humanizing: The Board of Directors of BIDMC today issued the following statement, which has been distributed to the media and to the entire hospital community. The Board of Directors of Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, with the assistance of outside counsel, has completed its review of allegations made involving President and CEO Paul Levy. The review focused on a personal relationship with a former employee of the Medical Center. The Board found that over time the situation created an improper appearance and became a distraction within the hospital. via Running a hospital: I was wrong. I am sorry.. Good for ... GruntDoc blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3529791 Tue, 04 May 2010 07:16:13 +0100 3529791 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3522715&cid=t_99496_118_f&fid=34892&url=http%3A%2F%2Flifeinthenhs.wordpress.com%2F2010%2F05%2F01%2Fim-not-sure%2F Whether I am looking forward to Election day next Thursday or whether I am dreading it. On one hand the constant bombardment with leaflets and letters from the various politicians (local and national) are getting me down and just adding to the contents of my paper recycling bin. Today I received a letter from David Cameron with some kind of agreement of what I can get if we vote him in. This kind of thing wouldn’t be so bad if you could actually believe a work written on it. I will never vote Tory; even if hell froze over and all other political parties went with it. Watching the leadership debate on Thursday I was struck that David Cameron has a thin upper lip that doesn’t move. I am not sure what to make of it, but it doesn’t made me want to trust him any more. No I w... Life in the NHS blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3522715 Sat, 01 May 2010 14:45:05 +0100 3522715 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3501525&cid=t_99496_88_f&fid=34491&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgruntdoc.com%2F2010%2F04%2Fbriefs-bullet-from-suicide-attempt-ends-up-in-starbucks-northeast-tarrant-news-from.html This is going to sound awful, but… if you kill yourself you’re obligated not to take others with you.  I know that people who kill themselves aren’t thinking about others, but, here’s a cautionary tale: Bullet from suicide try ends up in Starbucks GRAPEVINE — A Starbucks customer stirring his drink Thursday afternoon heard a bullet whiz by his ear after a man shot himself across the street from the coffee shop, police said. The man was on the front porch of his house in the 900 block of East Wall Street, said Lt. Todd Dearing, a Grapevine police spokesman. The bullet went through the man’s head and the drive-through window at Starbucks and past the customer and finally lodged in a restroom wall at the back of the business, Dearing said. The man who sho... GruntDoc blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3501525 Sat, 24 Apr 2010 07:00:26 +0100 3501525 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3457835&cid=t_99496_88_f&fid=34491&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgruntdoc.com%2F2010%2F04%2Ftexas-stadium-comes-down-sunday-0700-central.html It was the only place I saw Cowboys play home games in my lifetime, and I got to march there in the HS band long, long ago (big stuff when you’re 16).  I have some ’souvenir’ AstroTurf from the first time they recarpeted the place. For those who are going to be up that early, the WFAA link to their live streaming web page is here: WFAA. Here’s the video, via Austin’s KXAN.  Implosion starts about 1:10. CNN Video: Related posts:Texas Party of Medicine Early voting starts today in Texas (Feb 16-26) with Election... Updated and Bumped: CBS 7 – Your Eye on West Texas covering the Winkler County Nurse Trial Welcome InstaPundit readers! (links fixed @ 2225 Central; sorry). If... Sudden cardiac death in a teen athlete prevented with AED (and a smart team) ... GruntDoc blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3457835 Sat, 10 Apr 2010 16:01:42 +0100 3457835 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3456678&cid=t_99496_88_f&fid=34491&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgruntdoc.com%2F2010%2F04%2Ftexas-stadium-comes-down-sunday-0700-central.html It was the only place I saw Cowboys play home games in my lifetime, and I got to march there in the HS band long, long ago (big stuff when you’re 16).  I have some ’souvenir’ AstroTurf from the first time they recarpeted the place. For those who are going to be up that early, the WFAA link to their live streaming web page is here: WFAA. Related posts:Texas Party of Medicine Early voting starts today in Texas (Feb 16-26) with Election... Sudden cardiac death in a teen athlete prevented with AED (and a smart team) Sudden cardiac death prevented: Coaches, trainer honored for saving teen... Hey, Remember That Patient You Saw… « The Central Line Hey, Remember That Patient You Saw… « The Central Line... Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.... GruntDoc blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3456678 Sat, 10 Apr 2010 16:01:42 +0100 3456678 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3424803&cid=t_99496_87_f&fid=34698&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.healthyconcerns.com%2F2010%2F03%2Fso-healthblogger-why-so-silent.html For the few, the proud, the patient who actually still read this blog, you may be wondering: How on earth could a blogger who claims to blog about healthcare from the layperson's point of view be so quiet over this last month or two or three, while health care was the hottest topic in the country?I guess to answer that I'd have to ask you: Do you actually believe most of the debate was actually about health care?And health care for regular people?Because I don't. I believe it's about political parties vying for dominance I believe it's about the Republicans thinking they have to squash anything that makes Obama look effective I believe it's about the Democrats wanting to look like something is getting done, anything I believe it's about for-profit insurance comp... HealthyConcerns.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3424803 Mon, 29 Mar 2010 23:00:00 +0100 3424803 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3382821&cid=t_99496_87_f&fid=38962&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.healthbeatblog.com%2F2010%2F03%2Fhighlights-from-the-reconciliation-bill-and-maggies-comments-on-the-changes.html Overall, the changes in the reconciliation bill will make the Senate bill more progressive—and fairer.My prediction: the bill will pass. Those who oppose universal coverage are becoming angrier, louder, more abusive, and more frantic. This is because they realize that they are losing, and now they are just flailing about.This evening (Thursday) I heard Bart Stupak acknowledge, on “Hardball with Chris Matthews”, that while the Democrats may not have the votes today, by Sunday, they could well have them. On this, I agree with Stupak.Below, the details of the new bill, and my comments in red. Under the new reconciliation bill: Low-income and middle-income families will have an easier time affording premiums. The tax credits for health insurance premiums are more generous for ... Health Beat blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3382821 Fri, 19 Mar 2010 01:39:29 +0100 3382821 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3362392&cid=t_99496_87_f&fid=38962&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.healthbeatblog.com%2F2010%2F03%2Fpelosi-watch-the-final-mile-.html Today House Speaker Nancy Pelosi confirmed that Congressional Democrats are inching "closer" to final votes on health care reform. She declared that Democrats will take   "whatever time is required" to get it finished.  “It won't be very long,” she said, “and we'll be making a real difference in the life of the American people.”Pelosi has also made it clear that the public option will not be in the final legislation, adding “I’m quite sad that the public option is not in there.” Pelosi also noted that she has been for single payer for many years, long before many of the reporters in the room were born.  I, too, have been watching the health care reform battle since the days of the Nixon administration, and I realize how easy... Health Beat blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3362392 Fri, 12 Mar 2010 19:16:53 +0100 3362392 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3318388&cid=t_99496_88_f&fid=34491&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgruntdoc.com%2F2010%2F03%2Fdubai-police-chief-mossad-should-be-ashamed-over-hamas-killing-cnn-com.html Jerusalem (CNN) — Dubai’s police chief said Sunday the secretive Israeli foreign intelligence unit Mossad “needs to be ashamed” after the January killing of a Hamas leader in a Dubai hotel. via Dubai police chief: Mossad should be ‘ashamed’ over Hamas killing – CNN.com. I concur.  Really, 26 people to smother one guy? Seriously…. Related posts:Physician killed for denying drug seeker a prescription By Dori Hjalmarson, Bill Estep and Karla Ward - dhjalmarson@herald-leader.com... Best triage Chief Complaint of the night “Pt got a Hini shot today and now feels bad”.... Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin. (Source: GruntDoc) GruntDoc blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3318388 Mon, 01 Mar 2010 09:55:34 +0100 3318388 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3318360&cid=t_99496_87_f&fid=34698&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.healthyconcerns.com%2F2010%2F02%2Frobert-reich-on-the-filibuster-reconciliation-and-health-care-reform-so-did-you-watch-the-health-care-summit-last-week--an.html So, did you watch the Health Care Summit last week? And if so, do you have much hope that that a single Republican will really work with the majority party to make something happen? If your answer to the second question is "no" (and regrettably, that's my answer too), then you may find yourself vigorously nodding your head when you read this Robert Reich post on the HuffPo: It's Time to Enact Health Care Reform With 51 Senate Votes. I've always liked Reich, and I think he's sadly pretty spot-on here. How about you? (Source: HealthyConcerns.com) HealthyConcerns.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3318360 Sun, 28 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100 3318360 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3275760&cid=t_99496_87_f&fid=34698&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.healthyconcerns.com%2F2010%2F02%2Fjamie-oliver-at-ted-i-actually-dont-think-jamie-is-saying-something-revolutionary-or-new-in-his-tedtalk-this-yearall-about.html Jamie Oliver at TED I actually don't think Jamie is saying something revolutionary or new in his TedTalk this year...all about teaching children about real foods in order to save our lives...BUT: 1. He has a passion that is, hopefully, infectious 2. He's actually gone out and done something about it in a community in our unhealthiest state, West Virginia. And it seems replicatable. Check out his 20 minute talk: (Source: HealthyConcerns.com) HealthyConcerns.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3275760 Mon, 15 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100 3275760 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3212657&cid=t_99496_82_f&fid=34498&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.bookofjoe.com%2F2010%2F01%2Freem-in-amman-jordan-best-shawarma-in-the-middle-east.html Long story short, from Michael Slackman's December 29, 2009 New York Times story: People from all over the city — and the world — go way out of their way to order shawarma from the tiny shop (above and below) on Amman's second circle, which sells more than 5,000 of the $1 sandwiches daily.Here's the article.••••••••••••••••••••••••• Wrapped in a Pita, a Taste Jordanians Can't Resist If you were to slow everything down, this is what you would see: scoop of sauce, pinch of onions, scoop of tomatoes, shovel in some meat, roll it all up in a pita. But who has time to slow down? The crowds are always pressed up against the gate — in the searing heat of a Jordan summer day or the desert chill of a cold winter night — outs... bookofjoe blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3212657 Tue, 26 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100 3212657 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3182157&cid=t_99496_87_f&fid=34698&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.healthyconcerns.com%2F2010%2F01%2Fwow-i-finally-feel-like-the-jetsons-are-here-artificial-pancreas-in-the-works.html Thanks to Amy Tenderich from Diabetes Mine for doing a thorough job reporting on the recently announced partnership between the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) and a J&J company that makes insulin pumps and the like. Their goal? To create an artificial pancreas for Diabetes patients that can be ready for market within something like four years!It's fascinating to read the details. It's not that this pancreas will create insulin...there will still be a need to have some kind of patch/pump system to provide the insulin, but the "pancreas" would monitor levels and dispense in an automated fashion.Read the whole post, so much information.It may not be a hovercraft, but it feels like the future to me! (Source: HealthyConcerns.com) HealthyConcerns.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3182157 Sun, 17 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100 3182157 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3139007&cid=t_99496_87_f&fid=34698&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.healthyconcerns.com%2F2010%2F01%2Fkevin-mds-top-links-for-2009-i-think-this-shows-the-power-of-google.html Kevin MD is one of the most popular, prolific and comprehensive MedBlogs out there. Multiple posts per day cover just about every piece of medical news out there.So, I read with interest his list of his Top 13 most popular blog posts of 2009.The tally: Three about Michael Jackson Three about swine flu One about the Octomom One about Jett Travolta One about the Brazilian model who died from sepsis So, six of thirteen about celebrity death and another three about swine flue, admittedly a hot topic. Given that, I'm guessing a whole lot of hits come from Google search.I find it somewhat sad that there was only one post about health care reform out of the whole Top 13. In general I think the Internet has made us smarter, more connected, more informed, more able to express ourselves.&... HealthyConcerns.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3139007 Sun, 03 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100 3139007 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3136672&cid=t_99496_130_f&fid=34938&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FEvidenceInMotion%2F%7E3%2FHK06Ul6C7tY%2Fgrowing-technology-in-the-world-of-physical-therapy.html The American Physical Therapy Association Combined Section Meeting will be here before we know it.  I've been checking out the programming and figured I'd begin to share sessions that spark an interest for me.  Granted, our profession spans multiple types of settings and various types of patients.  I realize what may spark an interest may not necessarily be conducive for attending because we don't practice in that particular realm of physical therapy.When you think about our bodies and how we learn how to do things, it makes such practical sense to basically have people with substantial movement dysfunctions be able to learn from their movement mistakes.  Personally, I have never exactly understood how people with neurological deficits really learn efficient movement patterns when we... MyPhysicalTherapySpace.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3136672 Fri, 01 Jan 2010 22:30:35 +0100 3136672 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3126565&cid=t_99496_87_f&fid=34698&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.healthyconcerns.com%2F2009%2F12%2Ftwo-quick-links-about-health-care-reform.html Was relatively surprised to see Kevin MD state that, in the end, he would vote for the health care reform bill before the Senate. [Note, the post was written on 12/21, and it didn't pass until 12/24, so I'm not exactly clear on what changes may have been made between the 21st and 24th, and if that would impact his opinion. Only surprised because Kevin strikes me as a basically conservative guy. His post is long, thoughtful, takes a look at both sides and brings some different perspectives to the table. Like how about this one: And, as I wrote earlier this year in the USA Today, medical malpracticeneeds to be reformed for the patient’s sake, not the doctors’.Of course, he's getting mostly slammed in his comments. By people who'd rather be condescending ... HealthyConcerns.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3126565 Tue, 29 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0100 3126565 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3126566&cid=t_99496_87_f&fid=34698&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.healthyconcerns.com%2F2009%2F12%2Funiversity-backs-down-but-i-just-cant-stand-not-commenting.html So a few weeks ago, via BlogHer, I learned of an historically black college, Lincoln University, that was introducing a new and shocking graduation requirement: If a student is tested and has a BMI over 30, they'll need to take a course on health/fitness to graduate.BlogHer's post listed numerous rational questions that had come up on the online version of the school's on student newspaper, the Lincolnian: Why is the university focusing solely on BMI and physical education, when its cafeteria could be offering better-quality, fresher, organic food to its students? Does the university really want to lose bright, motivated students and prospective students who happen to have a BMI of 30 or higher? Why only target those who are declared obese based on the BMI, which is already a c... HealthyConcerns.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3126566 Mon, 28 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0100 3126566 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3096806&cid=t_99496_87_f&fid=34698&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.healthyconcerns.com%2F2009%2F12%2Fi-went-to-the-white-house-and-it-was-all-because-of-health-care.html Mid-last year, we learned that Valerie Jarrett, Senior Advisor to President Obama, would be attending BlogHer '09 for a brief amount of time. She was hoping to meet bloggers with health care stories to tell because the health care reform debate was really heating up.  She had such a meeting with about 20 bloggers. Some of them blogged about ongoing health issues, like diabetes and cancer, every day...it was part of what their blogs were all about. Some of them weren't really health bloggers at all, but had a story to tell...about the time they were denied coverage, or the time their coverage was dropped, about the time they lost nearly everything because of health care costs. Ever since that meeting at BlogHer '09 we have been working on a way to bring more information about women w... HealthyConcerns.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3096806 Thu, 17 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0100 3096806 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3082406&cid=t_99496_88_f&fid=34491&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgruntdoc.com%2F2009%2F12%2Fiowahawk-fables-of-the-reconstruction.html Iowahawk explains the stats behind AGW, in an accessible post. The smartest AND funniest guy on the internet?  Thank heavens I look better… (I told you we should elect him President…) Related posts:iowahawk: SantaCorp Pleads Case For Bailout Well, why not; everyone else is getting one. iowahawk: SantaCorp... Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin. (Source: GruntDoc) GruntDoc blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3082406 Sat, 12 Dec 2009 07:30:34 +0100 3082406 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3063410&cid=t_99496_130_f&fid=34938&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FEvidenceInMotion%2F%7E3%2FwPSXQxa7osQ%2Frational-irrationality-and-value-based-reimbursement.html I “tagged” the following under “evidence of rational irrationality”: -The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, a government appointed entity presented in its new guidelines that women need not get regular mammograms until they’re 50 and older and that those specific self-exam instructions are no longer recommended.  However, for reasons clearly based on emotions, the US Senate voted to not accept these recommendations.  Does this mean that every potential policy backed with “clinical effectiveness research” will be either individually voted on or put up for endorsement by the Senate?  Isn’t it a little odd that they would even vote on such a thing?  While we can always point out the case of the woman under 50 who was saved... MyPhysicalTherapySpace.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3063410 Sun, 06 Dec 2009 17:52:35 +0100 3063410 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3036930&cid=t_99496_87_f&fid=34698&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.healthyconcerns.com%2F2009%2F11%2Fthe-quick-compose-test.html Cross posted at Elisa's Green Scene, since I did the same test to both blogs!Right below this post is my first attempt to use Quick Compose. This seems to be Typepad's way of incorporating Status Updating (i.e. the kind of posting done in Twitter or Facebook) into one's blog.There are two things that will probably keep me from using this all that regularly:1. No titles or categories for your Quick post. It's really just the message. No headline. No ability to categorize (that I saw). So it interrupts the visual and formatting flow of your blog, providing less information that is, I think, required.2. I may try it again, to see if you can post a hyperlink under text, but it didn't seem like it on first glance. It automatically converts any URl you enter as a hyperlink, b... HealthyConcerns.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3036930 Sat, 28 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100 3036930 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3029797&cid=t_99496_88_f&fid=34491&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgruntdoc.com%2F2009%2F11%2Fdiy-botox-seller-busted-by-texas-attorney-general-wired-science-wired-com.html Well, good: DIY Botox Seller Busted by Texas Attorney General | Wired Science | Wired.com There seems to be no limit to either the desire for body modification or the willingness to serve that desire. Related posts:Better Health » What Does The Surgeon General Do? Better Health » What Does The Surgeon General Do? Dr....CNN Political Ticker: Senate confirms Benjamin as surgeon general CNN Political Ticker: All politics, all the time Blog Archive...And guess who has the night shift in the ER… Bewerewolves: Fullest Moon in 15 Years Tonight | Wired Science... Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin. (Source: GruntDoc) GruntDoc blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3029797 Thu, 26 Nov 2009 04:18:10 +0100 3029797 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2992797&cid=t_99496_130_f&fid=34938&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FEvidenceInMotion%2F%7E3%2F016T1LW2Fb4%2Ffriday-private-practice-physical-musings.html On wayto PPS National Meeting for a presentation tomorrow entitled Charity Good For Business? I am gong to have participants text or twitter me questions and feedback during the presentation.  We shall see how it goes. Online access courtesy of Delta airlines for $12.95.  Data shows that few people actually pay this-similar to the phones that used to be in airplanes. My guess is airlines will all go this route anyway-similar to PT practices that get a biodex, BTE, or any capital intensive piece of equipment just because their competor has obtained it. Enjoyed reading this article in NEJM about controlling US Healthcare spending.  They looked at 12 policy options and the ability (or lack thereof) in decreasing cost.  Other than bundled payment, the sa... MyPhysicalTherapySpace.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2992797 Fri, 13 Nov 2009 19:19:57 +0100 2992797 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2967283&cid=t_99496_88_f&fid=34491&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgruntdoc.com%2F2009%2F11%2Ffort-hood-shooting.html From the Austin American Statesman: Scott & White in Temple receives 10 patients. By Joshunda Sanders and Steven Kreytak AMERICAN-STATESMAN STAFF Friday, November 06, 2009 The Fort Hood shooting victims were dispersed to hospitals throughout Central Texas, where few details of their injuries or prognoses were released Thursday evening. The first stop for many of those injured was the Darnall Army Medical Center at Fort Hood and the Metroplex Adventist Hospital in nearby Killeen. The more serious were then transferred to other hospitals so patients could receive specialized care. Ten of the wounded were taken to Scott & White Memorial Hospital in Temple, 26 miles from the Army post’s main gate. Of those patients, four were in operating rooms late Thursday and some others we... GruntDoc blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2967283 Fri, 06 Nov 2009 05:56:02 +0100 2967283 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2958849&cid=t_99496_88_f&fid=34491&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgruntdoc.com%2F2009%2F11%2F6000-dollars-a-minute-for-your-deceased-son-in-the-uc-davis-trauma-center.html Wow. Just wow: Hospital bill stuns slain student’s parents By Sam Stanton “It was just devastating and insulting,” Gerald Hawkins said Monday. “It’s just hard to grasp for words. My wife and I were near collapse.” On Saturday, 10 days after Scott Hawkins was beaten to death inside his dormitory at California State University, Sacramento, his parents got a letter in the mail. It contained a bill from the UC Davis Medical Center for $29,186.50 along with a form letter addressed “Dear Patient” that implied they were indigent and stated that the hospital no longer could provide them services. “UC Davis can no longer provide follow-up care or any other non-emergency care to you,” it read. “Please go to a County clinic for all no... GruntDoc blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2958849 Wed, 04 Nov 2009 07:34:16 +0100 2958849 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2948426&cid=t_99496_130_f&fid=34938&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FEvidenceInMotion%2F%7E3%2FoZkH3GKSIEU%2Fhalloween-and-the-bundling-flaw.html Larry gave me the most excellent idea.  Bundling the Cost of Care got me thinking about the future.Last night was my initiation as a physical therapist gone negotiator!  I was 100% successful in acquiring THE largest pieces of chocolate candy (or whatever choice I wanted) out of the bucket!  In some cases, the whole bucket of candy was just handed to me!  (I was polite every time and smiled and said, "thank you.")I am so ready to be at the service of any physical therapist that has to negotiate with some large hospital system for the payment of physical therapy services provided by an independent physical therapist.  Trust me, as your negotiator, I know how to walk quietly and carry a big stick.  Your company will survive this change; you and your family will survive this change.  I... MyPhysicalTherapySpace.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2948426 Sun, 01 Nov 2009 14:06:53 +0100 2948426 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2948313&cid=t_99496_88_f&fid=34491&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgruntdoc.com%2F2009%2F10%2Ftulane-surgeon-stabbed-to-death-in-french-quarter-home-that-was-set-fire.html By Ramon Antonio Vargas, The Times-Picayune October 31, 2009, 4:50PM  A Tulane University plastic surgeon — known for healing the disfigured limbs and facial features of trauma victims and skin cancer patients with his scalpel — was knifed to death inside of his French Quarter home early Saturday.       An arsonist then lit his home on fire in an apparent attempt to destroy any clues leading to his killer, according to authorities. Dr. Ralph Edward Newsome Jr.,  45, died after being stabbed to death multiple times inside his three-story town house in the 900 block of Toulouse Street about 3 a.m. His body had no burns, and he had not inhaled any smoke, meaning someone set fire to the home after he was stabbed, New Orleans coroner’s chief... GruntDoc blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2948313 Sat, 31 Oct 2009 22:54:03 +0100 2948313 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2947064&cid=t_99496_130_f&fid=34938&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FEvidenceInMotion%2F%7E3%2FWnyFZc0uzUM%2Fthe-results-of-one-court-case-will-affect-the-nation.html Is an orthopaedic surgeon a "qualified health care provider" with regard to providing physical therapy services? According to the Kentucky Supreme Court, yes, an orthopaedic surgeon can provide physical therapy services and is a qualified health care provider. What can I say? Over the last 6 years, the case went through the whole darn court system and a final ruling occurred in the Kentucky Supreme Court. The result... since section (1) proviso allows orthopaedic surgeons the authorization to provide physical therapy services, but since section (3) disallows the orthopaedic surgeon from referring to the services as physical therapy either directly or indirectly - an "absurd" situation is created. Apparently, the General Assembly wanted the statute to be considered as a whole and for all... MyPhysicalTherapySpace.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2947064 Fri, 30 Oct 2009 15:59:11 +0100 2947064 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2943733&cid=t_99496_87_f&fid=34470&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thehealthcareblog.com%2Fthe_health_care_blog%2F2009%2F10%2Fsaving-health-care-saving-america.html By BRIAN KLEPPER, DAVID C. KIBBE, ROBERT LASZEWSKI and ALAIN ENTHOVEN So far, Congress' response to the health care crisis has been alarmingly disappointing in three ways. First, by willingly accepting enormous sums from health care special interests, our representatives... (Source: The Health Care Blog) The Health Care Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2943733 Fri, 30 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0100 2943733 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2939481&cid=t_99496_130_f&fid=34938&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FEvidenceInMotion%2F%7E3%2FK7fJpjRBHG8%2Fmedical-necessity-to-fix-a-problem-there-cannot-be-two-standards.html Health Care Reform... 21.5% reduction in payments to providers... possible shifting of reimbursement to favor primary care physicians... possible reducing payments to physical therapists to increase payments to cardiologists and oncologists.  It seems to me to really resolve any problem there are always various considerations.  In the case of health care reform... there are at least 3 entities to consider.  1)  Medicare - its processes:  the inefficiencies, strengths and weaknesses  2)  Providers -  their processes:  how clinical decisions are made, the risk/benefit of the decisions and 3) Patients - their behaviors:  when they seek services, their responsibility in taking care of themselves, when they make poor choices.I am so ready for a primal scream when I see something like ... MyPhysicalTherapySpace.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2939481 Wed, 28 Oct 2009 19:05:11 +0100 2939481 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2934782&cid=t_99496_109_f&fid=34817&url=http%3A%2F%2Fshrinkwrapped.blogs.com%2Fblog%2F2009%2F10%2Fwhile-we-sleep.html One of the great motivating forces in human events is inertia.  In the geopolitical realm this is a most powerful force that causes nations to slide inexorably into disasters that hindsight predicts 100% of the time.  In 1980 the USSR was expected to be a rival for the foreseeable future and Ronald Reagan was derided as a cowboy likely to lead us to disaster.  Instead, within a decade the Berlin Wall crumbled and the monolith shattered in short order, to the surprise of all the Solon and commentators.  Once the USSR fell, its disintegration, in retrospect, was noted to be inevitable. The Executive can only focus on a limited number of problems at a time.  If Obamacare is the primary concern of the administration, there is less energy and attention avail... ShrinkWrapped blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2934782 Wed, 28 Oct 2009 16:07:00 +0100 2934782 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2927606&cid=t_99496_82_f&fid=34498&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.bookofjoe.com%2F2009%2F10%2Fworlds-smallest-working-train-set-measures-18-inch-x-14-inch.html True. Here's an October 24, 2009 Telegraph story about the 1:35,200 scale model (above) built by New Jersey model train enthusiast David Smith. •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• World's smallest working model train set unveiled At 1-35,200 scale to the real thing, the five-carriage train travels around an oval route including a ride through a tunnel.Created by New Jersey model train enthusiast David Smith, the model was built using nothing more fancy than a craft knife and a steady hand.Mr Smith, 55, from Toms River, said: "This model train set is going to be part of the larger train set I have at home."I am creating a fictitious village called James River Branch and this model train is going to be placed insi... bookofjoe blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2927606 Mon, 26 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0100 2927606 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2912469&cid=t_99496_136_f&fid=35302&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FWhitePebble%2F%7E3%2F3rHTSVrAbU4%2F SC Republicans Sorry for Jewish Remarks COLUMBIA, S.C. (Oct. 21) – Two Republican county officials in South Carolina have apologized after they disparaged Jews in a newspaper op-ed in support of a fiscally conservative U.S. senator. The chairmen, Edwin Merwin Jr. and Jim Ulmer, wrote the newspaper in backing Republican Sen. Jim DeMint’s opposition to congressional earmarks. "There is a saying that the Jews who are wealthy got that way not by watching dollars, but instead by taking care of the pennies and the dollars taking care of themselves," according to the piece published Sunday in The Times and Democrat of Orangeburg. Emphasis mine. OK, Republican apologists, try to defend and justify this. Technorati Tags: antisemitism, Judaism (Source: white pebble) white pebble blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2912469 Wed, 21 Oct 2009 15:30:57 +0100 2912469 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2881163&cid=t_99496_87_f&fid=34698&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.healthyconcerns.com%2F2009%2F10%2Fwhat-my-doctor-thinks-about-health-care-reform.html Had my annual exam last week. I've had the same gynecologist for about 6 years now, and every year we have a very enjoyable conversation, even as she's poking and prodding me.This time, as is not too unexpected, we discussed health care reform.My doctor is frustrated. She actively avoids the news and reading or hearing about how it's going.You see, she works for Kaiser, which is the nation's largest non-profit health plan. According to her, she has it great. According to her, she makes medical decisions based only on what makes sense for her patient, and she can't imagine being in a for-profit situation (especially in private practice) where you had to worry about whether your treatment plan will make you enough money.It's not that Kaiser doesn't make revenues, ... HealthyConcerns.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2881163 Sat, 10 Oct 2009 23:00:00 +0100 2881163 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2871529&cid=t_99496_87_f&fid=34698&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.healthyconcerns.com%2F2009%2F10%2Fdomestic-violence-as-a-preexisting-condition-say-wha.html Did you know that in nine states it is legal to consider domestic violence as a "pre-existing condition" and to therefore deny medical coverage of treatments related to said violence?It's true.For a personal take on the meaning of that, read PunditMom's story.I thought, in honor of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, you all should know.Not that I feel good about knowing. I'm pretty sure I wish I didn't know that. Because I certainly wish it weren't true.Especially when domestic violence stats still look like this:Nearly one in every four women are beaten or raped by a partner during adulthood.1 ␣ 1 in 6 women and 1 in 33 men have experienced an attempted or completed rape.2 ␣ Three women are killed by a current or former intimate partner each day in Americ... HealthyConcerns.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2871529 Tue, 06 Oct 2009 23:00:00 +0100 2871529 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2871530&cid=t_99496_87_f&fid=34698&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.healthyconcerns.com%2F2009%2F10%2Fanother-blogher-conference-call-with-a-congressperson.html Following on BlogHer's conference calls with Senator Klobuchar (D-Minn) and Representative McMorris Rodgers (R-Wash), we bring you the third call with Representative George Miller (D-Calif). It's tomorrow at 11AM Pacific. If you want to listen to the first two calls, the audio is available here:Senator KlobucharRep. McMorris RodgersWe're talking to Democrats and Republicans. And these Congresspeople are completely open to having members of both or any part on the calls with them. All we ask is that the questions remain as civil as the rest of the debates on BlogHer.We'd like to show that civil debate is possible. That there is more to political discourse online than either an echo chamber or a flame-war.So far, so good. (Source: HealthyConcerns.com) HealthyConcerns.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2871530 Mon, 05 Oct 2009 23:00:00 +0100 2871530 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2862707&cid=t_99496_136_f&fid=35302&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FWhitePebble%2F%7E3%2FzXNbPTiB2So%2F … this venomous anti-Semite and Holocaust denier will never be able to play the anti-Israel card again without members of his audience sniggering. “How can you attack your own cousins?” they’ll ask. And as for Ahmadinejad’s anti-Semitic political enemies, both in Iran and the Arab world, I can tell you exactly how they will refer to him in future: THE JEW AHMADINEJAD. via Let’s see how Iran’s president likes being called ‘the Jew Ahmadinejad’ – Telegraph Blogs. Technorati Tags: Iran, Israel, Judaism, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad (Source: white pebble) white pebble blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2862707 Sun, 04 Oct 2009 19:51:19 +0100 2862707 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2862708&cid=t_99496_136_f&fid=35302&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FWhitePebble%2F%7E3%2FNolIRySwmbA%2F Ahmadinejad holding up his identity papers This explains a lot. A photograph of the Iranian president holding up his identity card during elections in March 2008 clearly shows his family has Jewish roots. via Mahmoud Ahmadinejad revealed to have Jewish past – Telegraph. Technorati Tags: Iran, Judaism, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, Religion and Spirituality (Source: white pebble) white pebble blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2862708 Sun, 04 Oct 2009 19:47:52 +0100 2862708 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2858734&cid=t_99496_130_f&fid=34938&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FEvidenceInMotion%2F%7E3%2Fu5lX9AoThOA%2Fa-feasibility-study.html Direct access for physical therapists isn't new.  Direct access has been around since 1957.  Can the the decision-makers within 44 states be wrong?   Safety... I would think that could be answered by analyzing claims data.  The only source I am aware of is by CNA.  I am supposed to be happy about an amendment added to "America's Healthy Future Act" which will allow someone to research direct access for physical therapy services for beneficiaries in rural areas.Am I allowed to ask... where's the logic?  First of all, research costs money.  Is there money available to adequately research the issue?  Secondly, there is a shortage of primary care physicians.  Researching takes time.  Won't timely access to care continue to be compromised?  Thirdly, why only beneficiaries in rural ar... MyPhysicalTherapySpace.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2858734 Sun, 04 Oct 2009 14:12:34 +0100 2858734 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2846557&cid=t_99496_130_f&fid=34938&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FEvidenceInMotion%2F%7E3%2F7A8kmRSptRA%2Ftwitter-and-tweets-and-twits.html You read correctly... twits.Curiosity killed the cat.  I was curious about Twitter.  I've been reading a lot of tweets about "back pain."  It's very easy to search for terms with TweetDeck.  Social media and all the venues for communication are fabulous, yes.  There are twits out there though... the freedom of speech is great, but what if liberties are being taken and what is being spewed is just crap?  Oh, and crap gets retweeted and retweeted.  The more it gets retweeted the more truthful it must be, right?Let's take today for the last few hours:  Arthritis Back Pain Management and What Causes Back Pain:  Nice start with the video but then progressively worsens to increase fear level AND plants the seed multiple diagnostic tests are needed.  The written portion focuses on tylen... MyPhysicalTherapySpace.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2846557 Tue, 29 Sep 2009 23:22:00 +0100 2846557 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2838888&cid=t_99496_87_f&fid=34698&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.healthyconcerns.com%2F2009%2F09%2Fexcellent-firsthand-comparison-of-us-and-uk-health-care-systems.html While I agree that anecdotal evidence is not sufficient to know everything there is about the health care debate, Strawberry from Potential and Expectations has gone to great lengths to make a rational comparison of her experience of the US and UK health care systems, and to share a little of her observations of the UK attitude towards healthcare, as an American expat who lived there for years. The post is entitled "This American's Experience of Britain's Healthcare System", and that title is indicative of her approach. No ideology or inflammatory rhetoric to be found.I like the fact that she discusses how her attitude towards the UK NHS changed over time, how she began to be able to separate what were system issues and what were simply people issues, how she realized tha... HealthyConcerns.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2838888 Sun, 27 Sep 2009 23:00:00 +0100 2838888 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2820172&cid=t_99496_87_f&fid=34698&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.healthyconcerns.com%2F2009%2F09%2Fblogher-health-care-reform-call-with-congress-2.html Yesterday, BlogHer held the first in a series of conference calls with congresspeople from both sides of the aisle, kicking off with Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-Minnesota). On Wednesday September 30th, call #2 is taking place, this time with Representative Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-Washington). Go here to ask your question or sign up to be on the call.I heard call #1 was awesome, with rational questions from both sides of the aisle. The recording is supposed to be posted tomorrow.Why not take your opportunity to be part of call #2? (Source: HealthyConcerns.com) HealthyConcerns.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2820172 Sun, 20 Sep 2009 23:00:00 +0100 2820172 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2809839&cid=t_99496_130_f&fid=34938&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FEvidenceInMotion%2F%7E3%2Fgio464qDKd4%2Fdeaths-due-to-lack-of-insurance.html The world probably would be a better place if everyone had health care insurance.  I say *probably* because it really does seem like the right thing - a human thing - a caring thing.  A recent study attributes 45,000 deaths a year  due to lack of insurance.  The population considered were 64 years of age and younger.If I am allowed to extrapolate a little bit using some current data for uninsured, that means that 46.3 million uninsured run a risk of dying because they don't have health insurance.  So, even though the 1 death in every 12 minutes computation sounds horrible, mathematically the occurrence is something like .0972%.Now the flip side... life isn't a fairy tale.  Just because one has medical health insurance does not mean death won't occur.  There happen to be reports on ... MyPhysicalTherapySpace.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2809839 Sat, 19 Sep 2009 13:58:37 +0100 2809839 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2812373&cid=t_99496_87_f&fid=34698&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.healthyconcerns.com%2F2009%2F09%2Fwant-to-talk-to-congresspeople-about-health-care-reform.html Just a couple of days ago BlogHer announced that we will be starting a series of conference calls with Congresspeople from both sides of the aisle about health care reform. It was Senator Harry Reid's office that first brought us the idea. And to their credit they didn't blink when we said, sure, but we want to talk to congresspeople from both parties. And we want it to be open to BlogHer community members from both parties too. The first call is with Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-Minnesota). It's taking place this Monday at 11:30AM Pacific. Other calls with Democrats and Republicans will be forthcoming. Leave a comment on the post if you want to participate.Nancy Watzman from the Sunlight Foundation (with whom BlogHer is partnering on our non-partisan community journali... HealthyConcerns.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2812373 Fri, 18 Sep 2009 23:00:00 +0100 2812373 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2786241&cid=t_99496_136_f&fid=35302&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FWhitePebble%2F%7E3%2FJiBy1DF5HXE%2F World Trade Center map Justin McCarthy has today been gone from his friends and family for eight years. He was a trader at Cantor Fitzgerald, which was so horribly decimated by the WTC attacks. He was about to start out on a new life with his girlfriend and her son. I wish I could say something good enough to be of comfort or help to them and his family now. He had a great sense of humor, and he loved his yearly shark-fishing tournaments with his friend. He made sculptures; he thought of inventions. I wish I knew more about him, but even more, I wish I did not have this horrible anniversary to remember him on. This should be the eighth anniversary of just another day. But this is not the case. Today, my thoughts will be with Justin McCarthy’s family and friends. Technorati Tags: ... white pebble blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2786241 Fri, 11 Sep 2009 13:04:35 +0100 2786241 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2778653&cid=t_99496_136_f&fid=35302&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FWhitePebble%2F%7E3%2FzsGqvA4XtmE%2F Gregory Williams, president of City College of New York and former dean of the law school at Ohio State University, is expected to be named the University of Cincinnati’s 27th president Wednesday morning. via UC set to name new president | Cincinnati.com | The Cincinnati Enquirer. (Source: white pebble) white pebble blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2778653 Tue, 08 Sep 2009 21:47:29 +0100 2778653 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2778368&cid=t_99496_87_f&fid=34698&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.healthyconcerns.com%2F2009%2F09%2Fquick-link-pcrms-21day-vegan-kickstart.html If you've ever considered becoming vegan because for health reasons, then you might get the little boost you need by signing up for the PCRM's 21-day vegan kickstart. I signed up, even though I'm already a vegan, because after all: Who wouldn't want daily healthy tips and recipes?And just in case you'd like some links on vegan being the healthiest way to eat:PCRM's entire Health sectionWebMD: Vegan diet good for Type-2 diabetesNIH: Vegan proteins may reduce risk of cancer, obesity, and cardiovascular disease (Source: HealthyConcerns.com) HealthyConcerns.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2778368 Mon, 07 Sep 2009 23:00:00 +0100 2778368 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2766103&cid=t_99496_113_f&fid=34603&url=http%3A%2F%2Fginasmith.typepad.com%2Fgina_on_gina%2F2009%2F09%2Fstudy-points-to-possible-aids-vaccine-design-.html Interesting article that ran today on AIDS vaccine work. WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The discovery of immune system particles that attack the AIDS virus may finally open a way to make a vaccine that could protect people against the deadly and incurable infection, U.S. researchers said on Thursday. They used new technology to troll through the blood of 1,800 people infected with the AIDS virus and identified two immune system compounds called antibodies that could neutralize the virus. And they found a new part of the virus that the antibodies attack, offering a new way to design a vaccine, they reported in the journal Science. "So now we may have a better chance of designing a vaccine that will elicit such broadly neutralizing antibodies, which we think are key to successful vaccine devel... I'm Gina Smith blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2766103 Thu, 03 Sep 2009 21:34:51 +0100 2766103 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2727382&cid=t_99496_136_f&fid=35302&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FWhitePebble%2F%7E3%2FphlQqeIKSa0%2F Yup, September is just a few days away. This of course means that September 11th is coming up as well. As I have in the past, I will be participating again in Project 2,996. This year, I will be writing a memorial of Justin McCarthy, who was killed in the World Trade Center. Click on the link if you’d like to participate. (Source: white pebble) white pebble blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2727382 Sun, 23 Aug 2009 17:03:46 +0100 2727382 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2727269&cid=t_99496_118_f&fid=34892&url=http%3A%2F%2Flifeinthenhs.wordpress.com%2F2009%2F08%2F23%2Fbritish-justice%2F Over the years there have been many miscarriages of justice. I guess that because we don’t execute people then it is always possible to release a person who has been wrongly convicted. Recently the body of a young woman killed in 1979 was exhumed after the convicted killer was released when DNA evidence not available at the time showed he wasn’t the killer. 27 years in prison for something you didn’t do is a long time, and Simon Hodgson is not alone in serving years in prison in this way. The Charles Smith blog gives a whole list of British Miscarriages of justice, and generally in the lack of serious evidence it is when an individual continues to deny guilt and therefore show remorse that they are less likely to be released guilty or innocent. This is one of the things t... Life in the NHS blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2727269 Sun, 23 Aug 2009 08:33:34 +0100 2727269 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2727103&cid=t_99496_87_f&fid=34698&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.healthyconcerns.com%2F2009%2F08%2Fgood-source-for-active-discussions-around-health-care-reform.html If you're looking for a blog where some active health care debates are ongoing, and where both sides of the debate seem to be engaging in (mostly) intelligent and (mostly) civil discussion, I recommend Joe Paduda's Managed Care Matters blog. He's dealing with everything from the "Swiftboating" of a respected bio-ethicist, to how we're watching health care reform die a death of 1,000 cuts, to the Top 10 Myths about health care reform (and there are some myths on both sides of the issue, i should add).And, of course, if you want to follow the wonky arguments on both sides of the issue in another ongoing way, I'd recommend following the blog carnival entitled Health Wonk Review. This week it's over on the Health Business Blog. Next week it will be on th... HealthyConcerns.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2727103 Sat, 22 Aug 2009 23:00:00 +0100 2727103 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2719695&cid=t_99496_87_f&fid=34698&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.healthyconcerns.com%2F2009%2F08%2Fblogher-health-care-and-the-white-house.html This is a bit of a linky post, mostly because I am proud of and want to point to the work BlogHer is doing reporting on and driving conversations about health care reform.1. President Obama's senior advisor, Valerie Jarrett, attends BlogHer '09 and conducts an intimate round-table discussion with about 20 bloggers, all of whom have a health care story to tell. Denise Tanton live-blogged it here.2. The White House asked us to collect the comments of our community about the health care plan...our suggestions, our concerns. We asked here, among other places. It's our reputation for civil discourse, even about controversial subjects, that makes a difference, I think.3. We then launched a cooperative project with the Sunlight Foundation to get beyond shouting and mudslinging and hav... HealthyConcerns.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2719695 Wed, 19 Aug 2009 23:00:00 +0100 2719695 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2715958&cid=t_99496_88_f&fid=34491&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgruntdoc.com%2F2009%2F08%2Fits-h1n1-not-swine-flu.html I got a nice email from the American Meat Institute (representing pork producers, among others), politely asking that we stop saying ’swine flu’: Novel H1N1 is a human disease.  Pigs have not played any role in the spread of the virus.  We urge you to remind your reporters and producers that continued use of the term “swine flu” is inappropriate and ask that your coverage de-link the virus from pigs or pork.  We ask that you refrain from using pig graphics in your reporting as it reinforces the perception that a link has existed between the Novel H1N1 virus and pig production– something that is regrettable, inaccurate, yet commonly seen. So, just say no to swine flu, it’s H1N1. (Source: GruntDoc) GruntDoc blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2715958 Wed, 19 Aug 2009 21:09:05 +0100 2715958 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2712105&cid=t_99496_87_f&fid=34698&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.healthyconcerns.com%2F2009%2F08%2Fquick-handy-links-to-do-your-health-care-reform-factchecking.html My BlogSis, Cristina from Working Mom, Democrat, Patriot, has a useful resource post that provides links to sources debunking some of the current appalling myths re: health care reform.I don't know what bothers me more:-Scaring people needlessly-The hypocrisy of changing positions and opinions simply to prevent looking like you support someone of the opposite political party-Discouraging people from doing things like setting up a living will-The abdication of duty of much of the media, particularly covering the fact that there are shouting matches at town halls...instead of covering the substance of what they are shouting about!-And I'm just about done caring about some new spirit of bi-partisanship. See, the whole "bi" thing requires that it be a two-way street, th... HealthyConcerns.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2712105 Mon, 17 Aug 2009 23:00:00 +0100 2712105 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2702315&cid=t_99496_88_f&fid=34491&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgruntdoc.com%2F2009%2F08%2Fdoctor-has-part-of-finger-bitten-off-by-patient.html Allegedly for “not writing a prescription”… Dr. Paul Arnold turned his back for a moment on a patient who was upset because the doctor wouldn’t write him a prescription. That’s when the patient, Gregory S. Powell, 45, of Fort Myers, allegedly attacked Arnold, 65, biting off part of one of the doctor’s fingers. As my tipster says “…probably wasn’t about refusing an amoxicillin script…”. In custody; no word on the doc, and best wishes.    Thanks to Glenn (a true homie) for the tip. (Source: GruntDoc) GruntDoc blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2702315 Sat, 15 Aug 2009 02:51:29 +0100 2702315 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2699722&cid=t_99496_118_f&fid=34892&url=http%3A%2F%2Flifeinthenhs.wordpress.com%2F2009%2F08%2F14%2Fis-the-nhs-such-a-bad-thing%2F The US Healthcare debate seems to have caused some people across the Atlantic to suggest that the NHS is some kind of evil Socialist ideal and to have fixed on what they consider to be the worst aspects of the system to try to prevent government involvement in healthcare. I guess that when the NHS started in 1948 it could have been accused of being a socialist ideal, a system that would provide free healthcare at the point of contact to all those who live in the UK. I am not sure that the current NHS is quite like that, and what is more I am not sure it is particularly socialist. The UK is a much smaller place than the US but even here we don’t actually have one NHS as such. Ok so policy and top level guidelines are national, but the way they are implemented and the way in which prio... Life in the NHS blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2699722 Fri, 14 Aug 2009 07:45:47 +0100 2699722 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2683978&cid=t_99496_136_f&fid=35302&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FWhitePebble%2F%7E3%2F6ThXG3J7qZc%2F I’m all for spiritual exploration, but I think that taking the Book of Revelations too literally in a phone call between heads of state can make you look just silly in posterity. Incredibly, President George W. Bush told French President Jacques Chirac in early 2003 that Iraq must be invaded to thwart Gog and Magog, the Bible’s satanic agents of the Apocalypse. Honest. This isn’t a joke. The president of the United States, in a top-secret phone call to a major European ally, asked for French troops to join American soldiers in attacking Iraq as a mission from God. via Council for Secular Humanism. Related articles by Zemanta Bush told French President Iraq was a quest foretold in the Bible (inquisitr.com) Former French President says Bush invaded Iraq to thwart Gog and Magog&#82... white pebble blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2683978 Sun, 09 Aug 2009 00:55:16 +0100 2683978 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2674265&cid=t_99496_88_f&fid=34491&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgruntdoc.com%2F2009%2F08%2Fgoing-postal-from-the-comments.html One of the joys of having a blog with 10 readers is that a bunch of them actually add content.  From the comments to this post (about the Collier Township, PA mass shooting) by CHenry: Sadly a recurring pattern of tragedy. A mentally ill person: depressed, angry, frustrated and paranoid, socially isolated largely due to the behavioral features of his disordered personality (I say “his” particularly because it is true, most of these mass-killer-suicides are men) and then some event that triggers the lethal cataclysm of violence. It doesn’t even have to be something most people would think would trigger someone to break, maybe the failure of a brief relationship, or something more significant like a job loss. U. Texas at Austin, Port Arthur, Tasmania, San Ysidro, Californi... GruntDoc blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2674265 Thu, 06 Aug 2009 02:34:51 +0100 2674265 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2641376&cid=t_99496_118_f&fid=34892&url=http%3A%2F%2Flifeinthenhs.wordpress.com%2F2009%2F07%2F26%2Fmeeting-the-flu-friends%2F Who would have imagined that just a day after my last post I would have answered the call for people to man the new antiviral collection points? On Friday afternoon however HR were out of their offices recruiting, and seeing as I sit just 10 feet from the HR managers and given that I am a soft touch, I was easily persuaded to give up my saturday morning for the good of the NHS. The idea of actually earning some overtime pay didn’t come into this, though with numerous birthdays and a golden wedding celebration in August any addtional money at time and a half at the top of band 7 will be welcome! According to the media just about anyone can get a job in the pandemic call centre. This may well be true, but the collection points are manned by a combination of clinical and non clinical st... Life in the NHS blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2641376 Sun, 26 Jul 2009 17:02:53 +0100 2641376 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2634517&cid=t_99496_118_f&fid=34892&url=http%3A%2F%2Flifeinthenhs.wordpress.com%2F2009%2F07%2F23%2Fwhat-the-media-isnt-talking-about%2F Today a new flu helpline went live, apparently the people manning it were recruited on Monday, trained on Tuesday, probably practiced on Wednesday and today, Thursday did it for real. according to the media the helpline and its associated website crashed by this afternoon. I expect this was caused by newspaper and TV reporters trying it out just to get it to crash, because even though we are told that 100,000 people caught swine flu last week in England, that kind of number isn’t enough to crash the website and and helpline. If you ring the helpline (or use the website) you will be given a number so that your ‘flu buddy’ can go to a central place (of which in the whole of our county there are 2) and collect some antiviral tablets. Tonight we have all been asked for our av... Life in the NHS blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2634517 Thu, 23 Jul 2009 20:40:21 +0100 2634517 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2591581&cid=t_99496_118_f&fid=34892&url=http%3A%2F%2Flifeinthenhs.wordpress.com%2F2009%2F07%2F11%2Fplanning-for-the-flu-pandemic%2F Discussions with colleagues who know people who have suffered so far say that it is quite a nasty virus, likely to knock you off your feet and to make you feel awful. For many people this will have been their first run in with any kind of proper flu virus, since people often have a day or two of sniffles and return telling you they have had flu. My colleagues working in midwifery in that part of the county are already putting plans into place (as I am sure all ward and community manager are) for if and when staffing levels dip so low that normal services cannot be guaranteed and they have to prioritise. I and many others have completed a form owning up to being nurses, and offering to pick up some slack if needed. I wonder why though in that planning process no one has suggested it might b... Life in the NHS blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2591581 Sat, 11 Jul 2009 08:10:26 +0100 2591581 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2588206&cid=t_99496_87_f&fid=34470&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thehealthcareblog.com%2Fthe_health_care_blog%2F2009%2F07%2Fwhy-congress-should-listen-to-and-incorporate-bob-laszewskis-health-care-affordability-model.html By BRIAN KLEPPER Over the last few months, I have become increasingly disheartened over the prospects for meaningful health care reform. First, the process is terribly conflicted, and it shows. In the first quarter of 2009, the Center for Responsive... (Source: The Health Care Blog) The Health Care Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2588206 Wed, 08 Jul 2009 23:00:00 +0100 2588206 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2584246&cid=t_99496_113_f&fid=34623&url=http%3A%2F%2Fhealthnex.typepad.com%2Fweb_log%2F2009%2F07%2Fnew-paradigms-in-using-computers-npuc-2009-webcast.html Catch the external webcast of NPUC 2009 (New Paradigms in Using Computers) from IBM’s Almaden Research Center, tomorrow, starting at 12 noon Eastern, on the GBS New Intelligence Video Studio (Source: HealthNex) HealthNex blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2584246 Wed, 08 Jul 2009 19:02:34 +0100 2584246 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2580358&cid=t_99496_118_f&fid=34892&url=http%3A%2F%2Flifeinthenhs.wordpress.com%2F2009%2F07%2F08%2Fmaking-the-most-of-life%2F We live in a world where there are definitely more old people, people are living longer and people are living longer with illnesses and conditions that previously would have killed them at an earlier age. However we are often told in this country that our population are not necessarily happy with their lot. While they eat better, have more disposible income even in poverty than some of our ancestors did, they are often less healthy in terms of both physical and mental health. Perhaps in the past, if you didn’t die of a health problem during childhood and were relatively healthy, you stayed that way until you became ill and died at what we might consider to be young by todays terms. You might then have considered, perhaps on your death bed that you had had a ‘good innings’... Life in the NHS blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2580358 Wed, 08 Jul 2009 08:05:48 +0100 2580358 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2580359&cid=t_99496_118_f&fid=34892&url=http%3A%2F%2Flifeinthenhs.wordpress.com%2F2009%2F07%2F07%2Fat-last-2%2F Julie visits her own blog. It is true. Not only haven’t I posted for about a month and a half, but I don’t seem to have even dropped by. I have got lazy, I have been on holiday, I have visited facebook, I might even have twittered, but why haven’t I been by my trusty blog? It is complex in truth. I have to change it’s name. I still work for the NHS but to be honest I can’t write about that whole thing, except in general terms. As I have said before, I am there doing a job not done by anyone else in the county and that makes it just too risky. I am however lazy and I am short on ideas. I will try, but if I can’t sort myself out soon, I might need to kiss goodbye to Life in the NHS. Maybe, I should get myself reborn? In my absence though what has been lear... Life in the NHS blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2580359 Tue, 07 Jul 2009 21:31:00 +0100 2580359 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2556108&cid=t_99496_87_f&fid=34698&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.healthyconcerns.com%2F2009%2F06%2Fwhat-a-waste-and-what-are-you-thinking-yahoo.html Today a reader here at this poor neglected blog pointed out to me that a few of the links in my MedBlogs blog roll were defunct. One had changed URLs...easily fixed. Several were personal bloggers from various doctors or patients who had stopped blogging (and apparently stopped paying hosting fees to keep their archives live for the finding)...a shame, but understandable.But one dead pool blog really surprised me. It was the Beat the Blues blog on Yahoo!'s health site, written by one of their Health Experts, Dr. David Neubauer.OK, so times change, the economy is tough, I get that they may have cut back on their experts. But as far as I can tell the archives of this blog is gone. His most recent post was earlier this month, but searching by his name or by the last few topics he wr... HealthyConcerns.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2556108 Mon, 29 Jun 2009 23:00:00 +0100 2556108 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2512305&cid=t_99496_130_f&fid=34938&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FEvidenceInMotion%2F%7E3%2F-BUJcNp4JH4%2Fphysical-therapists-and-moving-forward.html What's beer got to do with it?  A lot.  Michigan Brewing Company does it right.  Greater success and growth happens the more you rely or network with others.  This company is an excellent example of how creating beer can be so much more than creating beer.  This company has embedded itself in the community and win-win relationships have occurred.  At the same time, this company also forged a relationship with an individual who was instrumental in changing Michigan law.  The change is better from a business perspective for this company and others like it.As physical therapists "Move Forward," who have we networked with?  Who do we have win-win relationships with?  Are we moving forward alone in hopes for success?  Sho... MyPhysicalTherapySpace.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2512305 Wed, 24 Jun 2009 15:02:56 +0100 2512305 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2512909&cid=t_99496_136_f&fid=35302&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FWhitePebble%2F%7E3%2FJW3viG6ypIg%2F So continuing a previous thread, started when the allegations of torture were brought to the fore by the New York Times, we have this story… SACRAMENTO, Calif. – A convicted terrorist can sue a former Bush administration lawyer for drafting the legal theories that led to his alleged torture, ruled a federal judge who said he was trying to balance a clash between war and the defense of personal freedoms. [From Terrorist can sue over torture memos - Terrorism- msnbc.com] Technorati Tags: torture (Source: white pebble) white pebble blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2512909 Sun, 14 Jun 2009 21:04:06 +0100 2512909 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2469807&cid=t_99496_130_f&fid=34938&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FEvidenceInMotion%2F%7E3%2FFBNRXn4PH9M%2Fthe-rise-of-integrative-medicine.html Many of us in the world of scientific medicine (which naturally includes the readers of EIM!) have been alarmed at the steady rise in popularity of the so-called "Integrative Medicine" movement. The following consists of my personal opinion and commentary on this topic.For those unfamiliar with the term "Integrative Medicine", here's the WebMD entry: IMThe Wikipedia entry is a little more telling: Integrative Medicine. As of this writing, it redirects you to the "Alternative Medicine" entry. Interesting.So what gives? I think IM is theoretically an attempt to combine some popular alternative methods into standard science/evidence-based care. This might be due to the desire of the patient to have some of these therapies, or a desire of the practitioner to be seen as "open-minded". In practi... MyPhysicalTherapySpace.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2469807 Tue, 09 Jun 2009 15:08:59 +0100 2469807 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2458076&cid=t_99496_87_f&fid=34698&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.healthyconcerns.com%2F2009%2F06%2Fthe-continuing-saga-of-vitamin-d-deficiency.html When you blog, your friends send you links. Links to stories similar to what you've been writing about. Sometimes stories they simply think you should be writing about.Today my friend Maria NIles contributes to my ongoing series of posts about Vitamin D, or Vitamin D deficiency to be more specific.The post: Why Black People Need More Vitamin D from TheRoot.com.This I already knew, but the article goes into some detail about why.Bottom line: The melanin in the skin of people of color does something great: It protects them from harmful UV rays. but it also does something not-so-great: It blocks Vitamin D production.And since the medical community has evolved from thinking Vitamin D only impacts bone health, but also may lower the risk of diabetes, hypertension and... HealthyConcerns.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2458076 Sat, 06 Jun 2009 04:00:00 +0100 2458076 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2458468&cid=t_99496_136_f&fid=35302&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FWhitePebble%2F%7E3%2F0o6IU0yQy98%2F via youtube.com Posted via web from Patti’s posterous Technorati Tags: obama (Source: white pebble) white pebble blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2458468 Sat, 06 Jun 2009 01:19:42 +0100 2458468 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2447503&cid=t_99496_87_f&fid=34698&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.healthyconcerns.com%2F2009%2F05%2Fsurviving-the-system-courtesy-of-the-acs.html The American Cancer Society has a lobbying arm called the Cancer Action Network [Read about it here.] The ACS CAN recently launched a big initiative for cancer patients called "Surviving the System". They launched it with a Lobby Day which took place on the 20th.The idea was to get regular people sharing their stories...and reachng out to their elected officials to ask for health care reform, for cancer patients and in general.While cancer isn't the number one killer in America, it does claim over half a million lives a year. And getting cancer can be devastating to families for more reasons than just the fear and anxiety over our lvoed ones' health. According to a study released to coincide with ACS CAN's Lobby Day:  Nearly one in three people diagn... HealthyConcerns.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2447503 Sun, 31 May 2009 04:00:00 +0100 2447503 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2441915&cid=t_99496_113_f&fid=34623&url=http%3A%2F%2Fhealthnex.typepad.com%2Fweb_log%2F2009%2F05%2Fsmarter-planet-widgets-analytics-healthcare-cities-energy.html In addition to the Smarter Healthcare widget seen here in the right column, we've developed other widgets on key Smarter Planet topics that you are welcome to add to your site, page, or blog, or share with your contacts and network.  Simply copy and paste the embedding code that works for your site. We've also made these widgets available as Facebook applications.  Please feel free to put these to work and enable our community to function as a social media catalyst.Smarter Healthcare Widget http://apps.facebook.com/smarterhealthcare/ http://www.widgetbox.com/widget/smarter-healthcare Smarter Energy Widget http://apps.facebook.com/smarterenergy/ http://www.widgetbox.com/widget/smarter-energy  Smarter Cities Widget http://apps.facebook.com/smarte... HealthNex blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2441915 Thu, 28 May 2009 18:36:20 +0100 2441915 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2510443&cid=t_99496_87_f&fid=34698&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.healthyconcerns.com%2F2009%2F05%2Fdo-patients-have-a-right-to-visitors-wow.html OK, when I saw the headline of this NY Times blog post, Do patients have a right to visitors?, I really thought it was going to be about something else. I thought perhaps there were cases of family members who were awful to hospital staff and banned, despite a patient wanting to see them. I didn't think it was actually about that well-worn cliche: Gay life partners being banned from their partners' bedsides. I mean, admit it, haven't you heard that a million times and wondered if it really still happened?Call me naive, I thought that argument was more about the possibility, not the reality. I mean, in this day and age? In America? Oh, silly silly blogger!Well, two such cases are becoming court cases, one in Florida and one in Washington state. The NY Times blog post point... HealthyConcerns.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2510443 Thu, 21 May 2009 23:00:00 +0100 2510443 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2405121&cid=t_99496_87_f&fid=34698&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.healthyconcerns.com%2F2009%2F05%2Fin-case-youve-been-wondering-being-a-bad-patient-works-sometimes.html I wrote about once I finally went to the doctor for my lingering plagues, I was the typical bad patient, wanting my doctor to drug me up.So, how's that working out? Thanks for asking.As I suspected, getting the steroid shot and prednisone treatment has made a huge difference. My allergies have gone from out of control and wearing me down, to barely a blip on my radar. How does that make a difference in day to day life?How about this: The other night I went out for drinks with a friend who is leaving the country. About 7 years ago i developed an allergy to alcohol out of nowhere. Any kind of alcohol. I basically stopped drinking altogether. I visited an allergist who thought that being allergic to alcohol in such a sweeping way was unlikely. He instead subscribed... HealthyConcerns.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2405121 Thu, 14 May 2009 22:05:41 +0100 2405121 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2510444&cid=t_99496_87_f&fid=34698&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.healthyconcerns.com%2F2009%2F05%2Fyour-heroes-unveiled.html Last month I blogged about a project from the folks at Our Bodies, Ourselves to name our Women's Health Heroes.And on May 11th they announced the Heroes. From the release:The 2009 inaugural inductees represent seven countries and a wide range of health fields and disciplines. Among them: Elisabeth Bing, founder of Lamaze International; Efua Dorkenoo, an activist against female genital mutilation; Jenni Prokopy, founder and editor of ChronicBabe.com; Susan Corrado, a community parish nurse in Wisconsin; and Bene E. Madunagu, a professor of botany in Nigeria.Two nominees were selected for special honors: Lisa Copen, founder of Rest Ministries, received the Audience Choice Award, and the Fair Haven (Conn.) Community Health Center Midwifery Group was selected by OBOS.This event marks... HealthyConcerns.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2510444 Wed, 13 May 2009 23:00:00 +0100 2510444