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 'golden'. Sat, 03 Sep 2011 01:56:36 +0100 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5158873&cid=t_137006_87_f&fid=34765&url=http%3A%2F%2Fhcrenewal.blogspot.com%2F2011%2F08%2Fmore-executives-prospering-despite.html Cases that demonstrate the contrast between compensation given to the hired executives of health care organizations and their or their organizations' performance continue to appear.  Last week we discussed how freely million dollar plus compensation is given to executives of nominally non-profit hospitals, and discussed how well some executives were paid just prior to charges of financial mismanagement, arrests or guilty pleas that drove them from their jobs.I have also found a series of cases of executives whose pay seemed disproportionate in the context of their institutions' financial difficulties.  Here they are, discussed in alphabetical order.Greenwich Hospital, ConnecticutAccording to GreenwichTime.com, here is the context:Greenwich Hospital went under the k... Health Care Renewal blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5158873 Tue, 23 Aug 2011 16:26:00 +0100 5158873 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5008077&cid=t_137006_87_f&fid=34765&url=http%3A%2F%2Fhcrenewal.blogspot.com%2F2011%2F07%2Fbeing-non-profit-hospital-ceo-means.html When my arm was twisted heartily to see the movie "Love Story" a very long time ago, I could never understand why so many audience members sighed upon hearing that immortal line, "love means never having to say you're sorry."  I could not understand it then, and still cannot.However, it seems that for reasons that are not any more clear, being the CEO of a not-for-profit hospital or hospital system also means never having to say you are sorry, as shown in some recent stories from the media. Not Sorry for LeavingOriginally published in the Fargo (ND) InForum:The merger 1½ years ago of Sanford Health and MeritCare created a new entity that doubled in size and covers a service area of more than 130,000 square miles.But the unified health care giant needed only one top executive, and the... Health Care Renewal blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5008077 Thu, 07 Jul 2011 19:59:00 +0100 5008077 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4997614&cid=t_137006_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2011%2F07%2F04%2Fliving-the-compassionate-life%2F In November 2007, religious historian Karen Armstrong won the TED (Technology, Entertainment, Design) award because of her many contributions that have made a profound difference in the world. Each recipient is given $100,000 and a wish for a better world. So, three months later, when Armstrong accepted the award, she asked TED to help her create, launch, and propagate a Charter for Compassion that would be designed by prominent thinkers, philosophers, and leaders from a variety of different faiths. Its mission? To restore compassion to the heart of religious and moral life at a time of such flagrant violence and terrorism in the name of race and religion. As I read through excerpts of Armstrong’s book, Twelve Steps to a Compassionate Life, and reviewed her interview earlier this year wi... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4997614 Mon, 04 Jul 2011 15:18:22 +0100 4997614 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4893916&cid=t_137006_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2F_PKuBogHIcg%2F And so, another working week will soon draw to a close. This is, of course, our signal to daydream about the weekend. Our agenda includes some therapeutic swimming, catching up on our reading and taking in a soccer match with the short people. And you? How about enjoying the weather with a nice bike ride? Or spending time with someone special? Perhaps thinking big thoughts is in order. Whatever you do, have a wonderful time. And be safe. See you soon… Pfizer And Hisun Pharmaceuticals Plan Generic Venture (Bloomberg News) Tianjin Tasly Pharmaceutical To Build A Factory In Maryland (CapitalVue) Drugmakers Bolster US Corporate Philanthropy (Reuters) The New Pricing Game In Germany (Business Week) Endo Sales Reps Granted Class-Action Lawsuit For Overtime (Reuters) Teva Gives Big Golden P... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4893916 Fri, 03 Jun 2011 12:03:23 +0100 4893916 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4684768&cid=t_137006_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Frecoveryissexy.com%2Fgolden-rules-for-recovery%2F When I first got sober an AA member said it was the little things that were the key to making his spiritual life so fulfilling. These are examples of some of the many keys that helped keep him sober.If you open it, close it.If you turn it on, turn it off.If you unlock it, lock it up.If you break it, admit it.If you can’t fix it, call in someone who can.If you borrow it, return it.If you value it, take care of it.If you make a mess, clean it up.If you move it, put it back.If it belongs to someone else, get permission to use it.If you don’t know how to operate it, leave it alone.If it’s none of your business, don’t ask questions.Anonymous Related articlesTiger Woods Truths of his Greatest Legacy (recoveryissexy.com)Fear of Change (alcoholismcoach.com)The Last Bargain ... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4684768 Wed, 06 Apr 2011 16:47:00 +0100 4684768 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4575025&cid=t_137006_87_f&fid=34765&url=http%3A%2F%2Fhcrenewal.blogspot.com%2F2011%2F03%2Fmassachusetts-blue-cross-blue-shield.html We have frequently discussed the kind of compensation now frequently given to leaders of health care organizations.  Although often even the most disproportionately outrageous compensation only attracts transient interest, a recent regional story in this genre has really gotten legs.How Big the Golden Parachute?The story was about the severance package given to one Cleve L Killingsworth, the former CEO of not-for-profit health care insurance company Massachusetts Blue Cross Blue Shield.  While first reported as being worth $8.6 million,(1) the estimate of his total severance was soon raised to $11 million.(2)This is a Way to Control Costs?Immediately, that amount was contrasted with the supposed emphasis of the company on controlling costs, and its recent poor performance: K... Health Care Renewal blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4575025 Fri, 11 Mar 2011 22:37:00 +0100 4575025 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4489608&cid=t_137006_87_f&fid=34765&url=http%3A%2F%2Fhcrenewal.blogspot.com%2F2011%2F02%2Fafter-manufacturing-problems-genzyme.html In late 2009, I posted about problems at a Genzyme plant that manufactured some fabulously expensive drugs, e.g. Cerezyme whose cost to patients approximated $160,000 a year. We thought then that for a drug costing that much, the company ought to have figured out a conservative process to provide pure and unadulterated product. In a later post I asked why a company that could afford to make its CEO very rich could not afford to adequately maintain its manufacturing facilities. In May, 2010, I posted about a legal settlement of charges related to its manufacturing problems requiring Genzyme to pay a $175 million fine and function under US government supervision.  And in August, 2010, I posted about how this series of management missteps could lead to the company's C... Health Care Renewal blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4489608 Thu, 17 Feb 2011 22:16:00 +0100 4489608 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4265857&cid=t_137006_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2010%2F12%2F17%2Ffriday-flashback-for-december-17-2010%2F It’s been awhile since I’ve done one of these, but as we head into the holiday season, we slow down a bit here. So enjoy these great golden oldies from days of yore. 15 Years Ago on Psych Central Seek Out Help One of the first things I wrote for the website was an editorial piece about how you should nearly always seek out psychotherapy in addition to medications for treatment of mental health issues (which is even more true today than it was 15 years ago). And I announced a call for articles for a new online mental health magazine called Perspectives. 5 Years Ago on Psych Central At trial, noted cardiologist criticizes Merck’s behavior Talk about the “tip of the iceberg.” In this blog entry from December 2005, I noted how a cardiologist was calling out Merck for... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4265857 Fri, 17 Dec 2010 13:33:02 +0100 4265857 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4225253&cid=t_137006_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fphysician-lifestyle-is-criteria-when-choosing-a-medical-specialty%2F2010.12.02 Medical students today consider lifestyle an essential criteria when choosing a specialty. It’s become a cliche that most are looking towards the ROAD (radiology, ophthalmology, anesthesiology and dermatology) to happiness. There’s been some recent media attention at how women are lured to specialties that offer a greater balance between their family lifestyle and professional demands. Claudia Golden, a Harvard economics professor, recently noted that, high-paying careers that offer more help in balancing work and family are the ones that end up luring the largest numbers of women. Surprisingly, colon and rectal surgery is one of these, because of rapid growth in routine colonoscopies that can be scheduled in advance, giving doctors control over their time. Goldin says 31% of colon and... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4225253 Thu, 02 Dec 2010 21:00:38 +0100 4225253 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4142808&cid=t_137006_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2010%2F11%2F06%2Fon-mourning-the-death-of-a-pet%2F My friend, Priscilla, just lost her best friend (okay, after her husband, Jimmy). On her blog, she writes: Our beloved golden retriever died this morning, peacefully, after spending a wonderful week by our side on Martha’s Vineyard, at the beach, where she ran into the ocean, and in the woods, where she took a long walk with me. She was 14 years old, my zen teacher, and my most constant meditation partner. We loved her so much. I know how traumatic losing a pet can be. I’m bracing for it myself, as one or both of our two Retriever-Chow mutts could go in the next two years. I found the Pet Loss Support Page online, which includes “Ten Tips on Coping with Pet Loss” from Moira Anderson Allen, M.Ed. I’ve excerpted the first five below. Anyone who considers a pet ... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4142808 Sat, 06 Nov 2010 16:01:32 +0100 4142808 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4036889&cid=t_137006_136_f&fid=37852&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdonnatrussell.com%2F2010%2F10%2F05%2Foakland-cop-kills-dog-leaves-family-a-note-on-front-door%2F A typical Golden Labrador Retriever My new post on Politics Daily / Woman Up. Oakland Cop Kills Dog, Leaves Family a Note on Front Door. A burglar did not violate Mary Kate Hallock’s house in Oakland, Ca. on Sept. 28, but the false alarm at her home led to the death of her dog. In Hallock’s back yard, Oakland Police officer Victor Garcia shot and killed Hallock’s 11-year-old golden Lab. According to the note left for owner Hallock on the front door, her dog Gloria was shot after she “advanced on officers in a threatening manner.” Really? Gloria, whom Hallock had raised from a puppy, was arthritic and suffered from hip dysplasia. And then there’s the matter of three bullets. So one bullet wouldn’t have stopped an “advancing” elderly gold... Donna Trussell blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4036889 Wed, 06 Oct 2010 00:59:25 +0100 4036889 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3957869&cid=t_137006_87_f&fid=34765&url=http%3A%2F%2Fhcrenewal.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F09%2Fgolden-parachute-for-captain-outrageous.html A year ago, I posted about leadership and governance problems at Northeast Health Systems, a small hospital system located in neighboring Massachusetts.  The colorful story included leaders who solicited money from the community but concealed what they were doing from the same community, an adolescent pregnancy pact after the hospital system refused to provide confidential birth control information at the high school clinic it ran, a hospital vice-president accused of art theft, various cuts, some concealed, of medical services, accusations of conflicts of interest affecting the board of trustees, and no-confidence votes by nurses and physicians. Finally, Stephen Laverty, the CEO held responsible for much of the mess, resigned and things quieted down a bit.  H... Health Care Renewal blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3957869 Fri, 10 Sep 2010 20:35:00 +0100 3957869 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3772429&cid=t_137006_136_f&fid=39027&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.lrdlc.dreamhosters.com%2F2010%2F07%2Foperation-weight-gain-week-2%2F I had a nice weekend. July 13 was my wife’s 30th birthday and July 14 marked our 8-year “let’s be boyfriend/girlfriend” anniversary. To celebrate, we spent Friday, Saturday, and Sunday in my hometown, San Francisco. We stayed in a nice hotel just outside the city and paid way less than it was worth (thanks, Priceline). Friday night Continue reading Operation Weight Gain: Week 2 (Source: Cancer, life, and me) Cancer, life, and me blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3772429 Mon, 19 Jul 2010 18:45:51 +0100 3772429 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3641303&cid=t_137006_147_f&fid=39202&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnicolaziady.wordpress.com%2F2010%2F06%2F07%2Fthe-golden-triangle%2F In a Forrester report published earlier this year, Social Media spend is expected to increase by 34% by 2014, placing it just behind mobile marketing, but ahead of search marketing. Regardless of industry, the top areas of marketing, whether it’s interactive or marketing in general, for any business, must focus on social, mobile, and also the real-time Web. Thus forming a Golden Triangle engagement. The iPhone is the poster child of mobile. Facebook is the poster child of social. Twitter is the poster child of real-time. (Source: Nicola Ziady) Nicola Ziady blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3641303 Tue, 08 Jun 2010 02:14:11 +0100 3641303 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3629606&cid=t_137006_87_f&fid=36050&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblisstree.com%2Flive%2Frue-mcclanahan-remembering-the-golden-girls-star%2F Actress Rue McClanahan, best known for playing Blanche on The Golden Girls, died this morning at age 76, reportedly of a stroke. She played the saucy, sharp, southern belle alongside her Golden Girls co-stars. This hilarious condom skit showcases her confident spirit on the show, the way we want to remember her: Post from: BlissTree Rue McClanahan: Remembering The Golden Girls Star (Source: Breastfeeding 1-2-3) Breastfeeding 1-2-3 blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3629606 Thu, 03 Jun 2010 21:52:34 +0100 3629606 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3590337&cid=t_137006_87_f&fid=36438&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FCato-at-liberty%2F%7E3%2FXHSoSIuXLck%2F By David BoazI’ve gotten some questions about these paragraphs in today’s Wall Street Journal (slightly shorter in the print version): David Boaz, executive vice president of the libertarian Cato Institute, said that in many ways Americans are freer now than they were in any pre-1937 libertarian Halcyon day. Women and black citizens can vote, work and own property. “Micro-regulations” that existed before the Supreme Court shift, which controlled trucking, civil aviation and other private pursuits, are gone. “Sometimes he talks the way libertarians talk in political seminars,” Mr. Boaz said of Mr. Paul. “There are not really many people who want to reverse Wickard, but there are many professors who could make a good case for it.” Whenever a re... Cato-at-liberty blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3590337 Sat, 22 May 2010 20:25:29 +0100 3590337 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3585540&cid=t_137006_83_f&fid=34856&url=http%3A%2F%2Finsidesurgery.com%2F2010%2F05%2Fheart-surgeon-dr-christina-vassileva%2F Dr. Christina Vassileva decided to give up her love of boxing to pursue a career in cardiac surgery. She is now on staff at Southern Illinois University. (Source: Inside Surgery) Inside Surgery blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3585540 Thu, 20 May 2010 22:01:23 +0100 3585540 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3567889&cid=t_137006_87_f&fid=36438&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FCato-at-liberty%2F%7E3%2FEL030zabcUQ%2F By David BoazThe sight of middle-class Americans rallying to protest overtaxing, overspending, Wall Street bailouts, and government-directed health care scares the bejeezus out of a lot of people. The elite media are full of stories declaring the Tea Partiers to be racists, John Birchers, Glenn Beck zombies, and God knows what. So it’s a relief to read a sensible discussion (subscription required) by John Judis, the decidedly leftist but serious journalist-historian at the New Republic. Once the managing editor the journal Socialist Revolution, Judis went on to write a biography of William F. Buckley Jr. and other books, so he knows something about ideological movements in the United States. Judis isn’t happy about the Tea Party movement, but he warns liberals not to dismiss ... Cato-at-liberty blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3567889 Sat, 15 May 2010 19:38:52 +0100 3567889 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3416004&cid=t_137006_87_f&fid=36050&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblisstree.com%2Flive%2Fblisstree-photo-of-the-day-3%2F OK, today we’re cheating a little, but at least it’s for a good cause. All of the following photos from last Saturday’s Earth Hour were so cool, we couldn’t pick just one to feature. So here are eight for your viewing pleasure. Las Vegas, Before & After Earth Hour 2010 (Photo: WWF) Parthenon Temple at Acropolis in Greece, Before & After Earth Hour 2010 (Photo: boston.com) Mohammed Ali mosque at Cairo's Salahadeen Citadel, Before & After Earth Hour 2010 (Photo: boston.com) Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, Before & After Earth Hour 2010 (Photo: WWF) Post from: BlissTree Blisstree Photo of the Day (Source: Breastfeeding 1-2-3) Breastfeeding 1-2-3 blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3416004 Mon, 29 Mar 2010 12:34:56 +0100 3416004 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3359184&cid=t_137006_135_f&fid=35274&url=http%3A%2F%2Facidrefluxweb.com%2F%3Fp%3D4376 For the next little while my recent fab magazine conversation piece can be found here. I can honestly say that It was indeed a conversation starter. At least a comment generator as this is one of the pieces I’ve had the most people come up to me and say something. I haven’t been featuring my pieces on here, and I will get back to that as I’ve been a wee bit lazy. Hope you enjoy it. Not for the faint of heart when it comes to talking about “pee.” (Source: acidrefluxweb.com) acidrefluxweb.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3359184 Fri, 12 Mar 2010 16:37:14 +0100 3359184 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3142626&cid=t_137006_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2010%2F01%2F04%2F5-ways-to-make-your-resolutions-stick%2F I know what you’re thinking: another cheesy, goody-two-shoes article on how I can keep all those goals I’ve set going into 2010. If you abhor such articles (like 10 ways to de-clutter your bathroom), then keep on reading. I’m like you. Normal. 1. Bribe yourself. A so-called parenting expert that I read last week claimed that bribing your kid to get him to do something was an example of irresponsible and ineffective parenting. I suspect that the same man sits in his quiet and tidy little office cranking out advice like that while either his wife or nanny is home changing diapers and doling out time-outs. Let’s face it. Bribing is one of the most effective tools to get anyone–your kid, your stubborn mother, your golden retriever, or yourself–to do somethin... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3142626 Tue, 05 Jan 2010 00:13:58 +0100 3142626 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3133577&cid=t_137006_87_f&fid=36050&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.blisstree.com%2Fbreastfeeding123%2Fmake-a-golden-bow-for-breastfeeding-support%2F Have you heard of the Golden Bow Initiative? In 2002 on the 12th anniversary of the Innocenti Declaration, UNICEF launched the Golden Bow Initiative, formalizing and encouraging the use of a golden bow as the symbol for the protection, promotion and support of breastfeeding. Golden Bow by Sanja Gjenero Why a Golden Bow? The gold color symbolizes that breastfeeding is the gold standard for infant feeding. The yellowish colostrum is often called “liquid gold” and I know many mothers who call their precious bags of expressed breast milk “liquid gold” as well. The bow is used rather than a simple loop of ribbon because the two loops of the bow represent the mother and the infant. Naturally, both parties are necessary for successful breastfeeding and neither is more impo... Breastfeeding 1-2-3 blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3133577 Thu, 31 Dec 2009 12:58:30 +0100 3133577 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2695361&cid=t_137006_87_f&fid=34872&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.blisstree.com%2Fhealthbolt%2Fsaudi-man-orders-golden-penis-stretcher%2F What’s a medical devices company, that promotes itself as selling  the world’s number one penis extender,  to do when presented with an order for a 18 carat gold penis extender worth nearly 50,000 dollars? They could ignore it or they could find a custom jeweler to work on the project with them.  X4 Labs, the company faced with this dilemma,  choose to find a jeweler and start working on this somewhat unique request. Apparently the client, a Saudi businessman living in Jeddah,  had a legitimate practical reason for requesting a sold gold version - he claimed to have severe skin allergy to stainless steel. But by also rrequesting 40 diamonds and several rubies be encrusted in the design, he  obviously also wanted his penis stretcher to sparkle, According to the X4 Labs spokesper... Healthbolt blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2695361 Thu, 13 Aug 2009 00:46:05 +0100 2695361 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2447999&cid=t_137006_133_f&fid=35129&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwhitterer-autism.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F06%2Fhow-to-make-moss-stick.html Devil’s Ivy is an attractive plant with dark green leaves with yellow streaks and marbling. It’s real name is Pothos [Epipremnum aureum] but commonly known as Devil’s Ivy or Golden hunter's robe or Ceylon creeper. Whilst it hales from the Solomon Isles, it is also the most common houseplant around. I am reliably informed that it is only toxic if eaten in very large quantities. Most people cultivate it by allowing it to cascade down from a high point but since it is really a climber it will really thrive given some support in the form of a moss stick. As it turns out, moss sticks are unheard of in my local Home Depot, so that made for another very curious conversation for another time.All you need for this tackle, apart from the plant is a bag of moss and an interesting stick, freely ... Whitterer on Autism blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2447999 Tue, 02 Jun 2009 06:41:00 +0100 2447999 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2117329&cid=t_137006_88_f&fid=38129&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsandnsurf.medbrains.net%2F2009%2F01%2Fgolden-llama-award-the-gla%2F It is with honor that I accept the Golden Llama Award from @Doc_Rob of ‘Musings of a distractible Mind‘. Unfortunatley I was unable to place in the ‘medical verse‘ category - and was instead given the award ‘postbribulously’ - and for that I am humbled Lastly, I have to recognize a buddy from the Twitter world, @Sandnsurf. [...] (Source: Life in the Fast Lane) Life in the Fast Lane blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2117329 Tue, 20 Jan 2009 01:00:47 +0100 2117329 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1873042&cid=t_137006_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2008%2F10%2F13%2Fhow-does-a-bridge-suicide-net-work%2F As we noted a few days ago, the Golden Gate Bridge is finally getting a suicide barrier. However, it’s not so much a barrier as it is a net. A steel net, to be specific. The net will be suspended from either side of the iconic span, and reach out about 20 feet. Out of the five barrier proposals considered, this is the only suicide barrier that will not interfere with tourists’ view from the bridge. It will also allow the 16 painters employed on the bridge to continue their current work routines (the other four barriers would’ve required additional effort and risk for the painters to do their work). When people jump from the bridge into the net, it will hold them there, suspended some 740 feet over the entrance to the San Francisco Bay. Denis Mulligan, the chief engi... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1873042 Mon, 13 Oct 2008 20:10:18 +0100 1873042 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1868528&cid=t_137006_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2008%2F10%2F10%2Fgolden-gate-bridge-to-get-a-suicide-net%2F As we reported earlier today, it looks like the Golden Gate Bridge will finally get a suicide barrier: After decades worth of engineering studies and heated debate, Golden Gate Bridge officials have voted to erect a suicide barrier on the bridge. The winning design is a stainless steel net that will be hung beneath the iconic bridge span. The Bridge’s board of directors has been under increasing pressure in recent years to do something more to prevent the numerous suicides that take place on the iconic span. Thirty eight people plummeted to their death last year from the bridge. We’ve previously documented how a film was made capturing some of the suicides that take place on the Golden Gate Bridge. We expressed our frustration in July with the slow progress being made in ere... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1868528 Fri, 10 Oct 2008 21:43:58 +0100 1868528 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1825831&cid=t_137006_133_f&fid=35096&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAutismVox%2F%7E3%2FUg-wgE4Wthw%2F I signed Charlie up for a special needs kids bowling league every Wednesday. It’s at the same bowling alley we’ve been going to all summer and with many of the same kids. Yesterday Charlie bowled a few, poked a finger in some ketchup on a plate of French fries, and sat with his head against his elbows. “No bowling,” he told me, and let that be known in a louder way. He sat, I bowled a round (why not), and after I’d told him he only had to bowl two more times and we’d head for the car, Charlie stood up, picked up a neon orange ball, and rolled it with such force that nine pins came down. He barely pushed the ball the second time so the spare remained, and, as promised, it was to the car. I’d sensed something edgy in the set of Charlie’s featur... Autism Vox blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1825831 Thu, 25 Sep 2008 07:10:15 +0100 1825831 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1646108&cid=t_137006_137_f&fid=35357&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAlzheimersNotes%2F%7E3%2F343148566%2F Estelle Getty, who played ‘the meddling mother’ Sophia in the hit sitcom Golden Girls died on Tuesday at the age of 84. She was suffering from advanced parkinsons and dementia. Here’s a video tribute that I found over at youtube to help us remember this dynamite lady… Tags: dementia, estelle getty, Parkinsons, the golden girlsShare This (Source: Alzheimer's Notes) Alzheimer's Notes blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1646108 Wed, 23 Jul 2008 03:13:10 +0100 1646108 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1616177&cid=t_137006_133_f&fid=35096&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAutismVox%2F%7E3%2F333136176%2F I first heard about training dogs specially for autistic children years ago through a friend of a friend; since then, there have been frequent reports about “four-footed therapists.” An organization called 4 Paws for Ability has placed more than 200 service dogs with autistic children, today’s Star-Ledger (NJ). The parents of 7-year-old Will Polak are trying to raise $11,000 for a service dog; so far they’ve raised $3500 through fundraising letters and a garage sale. Dogs need to receive some 500 hours of training from inmates at a local correctional facility first, then from professional trainers and then the family. A recent article in Scientific America asked about the long-term efficacy of therapy animals in particular, and whether they might only provide &#8220... Autism Vox blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1616177 Sat, 12 Jul 2008 00:22:51 +0100 1616177 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1605887&cid=t_137006_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2008%2F07%2F10%2Fsuicide-barriers-are-effective%2F Suicide is one of those irrational acts that is still misunderstood and stigmatized, even amongst people who otherwise are okay with mainstream mental health concerns. Most people still don’t understand how someone could ever feel so despondent and depressed that they would want to end their own lives. I also suspect that at one time or another, a significant minority of people have thought about suicide, even if just in passing. The New York Times Magazine had an article this past weekend about a different approach to suicide. Instead of only looking to help treat people most at risk for suicide (people who suffer from depression, for instance), public health officials are also looking at the common means in which suicide is committed. One of those common means is jumping off a b... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1605887 Thu, 10 Jul 2008 13:59:27 +0100 1605887 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1368872&cid=t_137006_133_f&fid=35096&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAutismVox%2F%7E3%2F269104987%2F Scene: Charlie and I are sitting in the black car waiting for Jim who has run into a 7-11 for sodas. We have just had our usual Friday night dinner at Charlie’s favorite hamburger stand. Charlie: Red slide! Me: Where’s that? Charlie: Red slide. Me: Inside or outside? Charlie: Inside. Me (getting an inkling of where this might be going): Is that in a restaurant? Charlie: Burger place. Me: I think you just had a burger for dinner. Charlie: Burger and fries, burger slide. Jim came back and as we drove past Burger King on the right, McDonald’s on the left, Charlie pointed and said “this way” and laughed. His teacher and speech therapist have been telling me that he’s been speaking a lot at school, and slow, and clear—yes, indeed. Tags: 7-11, asd, asper... Autism Vox blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1368872 Sat, 12 Apr 2008 20:06:05 +0100 1368872 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1271490&cid=t_137006_137_f&fid=35357&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAlzheimersNotes%2F%7E3%2F244166706%2F AlzheimersNotes.com Golden oldies songs, movies with stars from the 40s and 50s, memories about churning butter, World War II photos…these contributed to the activities residents participated in while Mother lived in a nursing home.  These activities might bring back memories, make residents feel comfortable in a familiar era when all around them may seem strange, and calm them if they’re agitated. However, with people from a more recent era developing Alzheimer’s, the activities in nursing homes may need changing to reflect this.  They won’t have so much familiarity with the music, movies, and memories of their parents’ days. Cultural Differences Also, with more and more cultures (and languages)  represented in our country, the activities will have to ... Alzheimer's Notes blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1271490 Sun, 02 Mar 2008 05:00:57 +0100 1271490 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1223825&cid=t_137006_129_f&fid=36038&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.healthtalk.com%2Fmultiple-sclerosis%2Flife-with-ms%2Fthe-cold-and-flu-season-with-multiple-sclerosis%2F In the cold, wet, gray (and bloody short!) days of February, we notice people sniffling, snuffling and sneezing and wheezing all around us. The last thing we want is to succumb to another person’s bug but, alas, there isn’t much we can do. We are in the heart of cold and flu season in my neck of the woods, and everyone seems to be either coming down with, just getting over or in the midst of suffering some viral thing or another. It’s like walking into a germ fog anytime you go out in public. I used to have a failsafe for this time of year. I used a tincture of echinacea and goldenseal, which a friend would brew up every year from her organic gardens. A few drops of this stuff at the first sign of a cold and I was good to go. Now, of course, I’m not really into the idea of boosting... Life with MS blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1223825 Mon, 11 Feb 2008 23:40:59 +0100 1223825 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1106208&cid=t_137006_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2007%2F12%2F19%2Fan-interview-with-patty-duke-bipolar-sufferer%2F Patty Duke is best known for her roles as identical twin cousins in The Patty Duke Show and her portrayal of Helen Keller in the movie The Miracle Worker at age 16, which earned her an Academy Award and made her the youngest winner at the time. She’s earned three Emmys from six nominations, two Golden Globes, and a People’s Choice Award during her career. But behind the scenes, her behavior was erratic, earning her a bad rep with Hollywood insiders, not to mention her own family. It took many years, but in 1982, at the age of 35, Duke was finally diagnosed with bipolar disorder. Since then she’s become the bestselling author of Call Me Anna and A Brilliant Madness (coauthored with Gloria Hochman). She currently travels around the country to educate others about this o... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1106208 Wed, 19 Dec 2007 18:19:23 +0100 1106208 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1064935&cid=t_137006_109_f&fid=35677&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FBrainBasedBusiness%2F%7E3%2F193952051%2Fsurprising_news_from_neuroscie.html Would you agree that people tend to be hardwired to follow the golden rule? If this question intrigues you, you'll likely also be curious about new research that shows surprising results related to your brain and to ethical actions. Interestingly,  neuron pathways open to support you whenever you do something altruistic. At least that’s what Dr. Donald Pfaff discovered recently. In Pfaff’s new book, The Neuroscience of Fair Play, he shows how selfless acts swing into action from the same neural connections that fired to help up raise children with care.Dr. Pfaff shows how this nurturing neural circuitry seems to spring into action to help us help others. How so?Pfaff explains how ethics, fairness and care work from the brain’s perspective.Neurobiologically, ... BrainBasedBusiness blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1064935 Sun, 02 Dec 2007 17:15:48 +0100 1064935 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1064615&cid=t_137006_85_f&fid=36194&url=http%3A%2F%2Ftesstermulo.com%2F2007%2F12%2F02%2Ffew-more-days-until-the-golden-compass-movie%2F And so the countdown begins. A lot of people are anticipating the movie adaptation of Philip Pullman’s first book in the trilogy, His Dark Materials. However, this movie is being heralded by a lot of controversies. Protests are increasing about the atheist content of the book and most fear that even the “watered-down” version of the book in the film will still be inappropriate for children. However, I note that most people who’re protesting the movie and the trilogy are those who haven’t read the trilogy IN ITS ENTIRETY. Now, it is common sense to think that the opinion of someone who’s not even read or seen what he’s proclaiming judgment over does not have the same credibility as someone who did read and see it. Most are making a fuss about God be... Prudence and Madness blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1064615 Sun, 02 Dec 2007 05:50:59 +0100 1064615 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1045157&cid=t_137006_85_f&fid=36194&url=http%3A%2F%2Ftesstermulo.com%2F2007%2F11%2F22%2Fbetter-a-doubt-than-blind-obedience%2F It seems that the Christian groups protests again will be increasing as the day for the launch of “The Golden Compass” movie, based on the first book of Philip Pullman’s His Dark Materials Trilogy, gets nearer. Emails have been circulating, warning Christians to beware of watching the film because it “promotes atheism for kids”. An example of such email is this: There will be a new children’s movie out in December called “The Golden Compass”. The movie has been described as “atheism for kids”and is based on the first book of a trilogy entitled “His Dark Materials” that was written by Phillip Pullman. Pullman is a militant atheist and secular humanist who despises C. S. Lewis and the “Chronicles of Narnia”. His motivation for writing this tril... Prudence and Madness blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1045157 Thu, 22 Nov 2007 11:42:40 +0100 1045157 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=877672&cid=t_137006_131_f&fid=35008&url=http%3A%2F%2Fscienceroll.com%2F2007%2F09%2F17%2Fthe-golden-mouse-award-goes-to-genomicron%2F This is the second time I present the Golden Mouse Award to a blogger. From time to time, I’ll present this award to bloggers who educate people in high quality and write hardcore scientific/medical articles with plenty of references, so to bloggers who make science or medicine more readable for laypeople and for even specialists. Now, the winner is T. Ryan Gregory of Genomicron who proved his enthusiasm and professionalism with posts like these: Genome size and gene number. Guide to translating scientific papers into plain English. Anatomy of a bad science story. Why would advisors encourage students to publish? Past winner: The Golden Mouse Award goes to… Discovering Biology in a Digital World (Source: ScienceRoll) ScienceRoll blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=877672 Mon, 17 Sep 2007 15:52:40 +0100 877672 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=852123&cid=t_137006_131_f&fid=35008&url=http%3A%2F%2Fscienceroll.com%2F2007%2F09%2F08%2Fthe-golden-mouse-award-goes-to-discovering-biology-in-a-digital-world%2F This time, the Golden Mouse Award goes to Sandra Porter, the author of Discovering Biology in a Digital World. From time to time, I’ll present this award to bloggers who educate people in high quality and write hardcore scientific/medical articles, so to bloggers who make science or medicine more readable for laypeople and for even specialists. This week, Sandra Porter had some excellent posts: Digital Biology Friday: What sequences do you believe? Why is sequencing a human genome so expensive? Genetic Variation I: What is a SNP? Watson’s genome, Venter’s genome, what’s the difference? (Source: ScienceRoll) ScienceRoll blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=852123 Sat, 08 Sep 2007 11:24:06 +0100 852123 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=778623&cid=t_137006_87_f&fid=34865&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thecancerblog.com%2F2007%2F08%2F04%2Fworthy-wisdom-flax-seed-to-the-rescue%2F Filed under: Prevention, Diets, Nutrition, Worthy WisdomThe folks at Canyon Ranch in Tucson, Arizona told me all about the merits of flax seed. They told me to sprinkle it here, sprinkle it there, sprinkle it everywhere. While at this desert destination, I did just that. I dipped into the bowls of flax scattered at all dining locations, and I topped my bagels, cereals, salads, and more with this powerful substance. As soon as I got home from this little slice of paradise, I bought my own personal container of flax. I promptly placed it in my refrigerator, have used it a few times, and just recently realized I'd forgotten why exactly it's so good for me.I've done some research, and now I know a little more about this thing called flax -- and I remember why it must become a part of my everyd... The Cancer Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=778623 Sat, 04 Aug 2007 04:00:00 +0100 778623 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=515950&cid=t_137006_133_f&fid=35129&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwhitterer-autism.blogspot.com%2F2007%2F04%2Fnot-so-foolish.html The lengths we go to lure them into the garden.Maybe not for hours.......but a few minutes of increased tolerance."Happiness" is!If you like what you read, send it to someone in 'need.' (Source: Whitterer on Autism) Whitterer on Autism blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=515950 Mon, 02 Apr 2007 01:36:00 +0100 515950 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=495355&cid=t_137006_134_f&fid=35193&url=http%3A%2F%2Fannetics.blogspot.com%2F2007%2F01%2Fway-up.html Here's another picture from my ride today. I'm looking up from the sidewalk to the top of the first tower (coming from Marin). The camera on my phone didn't quite capture the intensity of the colors in this picture. (Source: Annetics) Annetics blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=495355 Sun, 07 Jan 2007 00:33:00 +0100 495355