14 Mar 2011

TOPS' Ten Ways to Eat More Vegetables

By Rick Martin

MILWAUKEE, WI - Whether you're trying to lose weight or just maintain a healthy lifestyle, it's important to include a variety of vegetables in meal planning. The health benefits of eating vegetables are many and include reducing the risk of stroke, type 2 diabetes, coronary heart disease, and certain cancers, such as mouth, stomach, and colon cancer.
It can be a challenge to include a sufficient amount of this tasty and beneficial food group to menus. These tips from TOPS Club, Inc. (Take Off Pounds Sensibly), the nonprofit weight-loss support organization, offer some creative ways to eat more vegetables:
1. Make a "pasta" dish with spaghetti squash instead of noodles.
2. Puree cooked vegetables and add them to stews, gravies, and soups.
3. Add raw spinach leaves and an extra-ripe banana to a fruit smoothie. It may sound strange, but the sweetness of the banana masks the taste of the spinach.
4. Baking? Add shredded carrots to muffins or bread.
5. Instead of cheese and meat, pile your morning omelet with onions, mushrooms, and red and green peppers. Chop vegetables the night before to save time in the morning.
6. Add chopped spinach to meat when preparing meatballs or hamburgers.
7. Try mashed cauliflower instead of mashed potatoes. Experiment with different flavorings such as garlic, a dab of butter, and Parmesan cheese.
8. Add salsa to a breakfast burrito, pile it on a veggie burger, or use it in place of high-fat, creamy vegetable dips.
9. Puree pasta sauce with vegetables such as winter squash or chopped broccoli.
10. Add chopped carrots to casseroles or meat loaf.
TOPS Club Inc. (Take Off Pounds Sensibly), the original, nonprofit weight-loss support and wellness education organization, was established more than 63 years ago to champion weight-loss support and success. Founded and headquartered in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, TOPS promotes successful, affordable weight management with a philosophy that combines healthy eating, regular exercise, wellness information, and support from others at weekly chapter meetings. TOPS has about 170,000 members in nearly 10,000 chapters throughout the United States and Canada.
Visitors are welcome to attend their first TOPS meeting free of charge. To find a local chapter, visit www.tops.org or call (800) 932-8677.

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14 Mar 2011

Illinois Health Care Reform Implementation Panel Releases Initial Recommendations

By Kara Beach

Health Benefits Exchange, Control of Rate Increases, and Higher Percentages of Premiums Going to Health Care Among Recommendations

CHICAGO - March 2, 2011. A state panel convened by Governor Pat Quinn to guide Illinois' implementation of national health care reform released its initial recommendations today. The Health Care Reform Implementation Council urged the creation of a health benefit exchange -- called for in the federal Affordable Care Act (ACA) -- through which individuals and small businesses would be able to purchase health coverage at competitive prices. The panel also recommended that state regulators be given the authority to approve or deny health insurance rate increases, and that insurance companies be required to spend at least 80 percent of premium dollars on health care for policy holders.

"I would like to thank the members of the Council for the thoughtful and thorough analysis and outreach effort that they have conducted across our state," Governor Quinn said. "The unifying theme heard at the Council's meetings was that the ACA must be implemented quickly, efficiently and fairly in order to make comprehensive health insurance affordable and accessible to all Illinoisans. The council will continue leading the state's implementation efforts and reporting periodically on their progress to ensure we meet our goals."

Governor Quinn created the Health Care Reform Implementation Council by Executive Order in July 2010. The group was tasked with providing recommendations for implementation of the ACA, many provisions of which take effect in 2014.The panel held a series of five hearings around the state to gather input from health-care stakeholders, including providers, insurers, and consumer advocates.

"Governor Quinn has directed the state agencies that will play a role in implementing health care reform to work together to deliver on the promise of the Affordable Care Act," said Michael Gelder, chair of the council and Governor Quinn's senior health policy advisor. "As we implement the federal reforms, this council will continue to meet with the goal of improving the health of Illinois residents by increasing access to health care, reducing treatment disparities, controlling costs, and improving the affordability, quality and effectiveness of health care."

The report estimates that by 2014, more than 1 million uninsured Illinois residents will obtain health coverage. Between 500,000 and 800,000 individuals will be covered under the state's Medicaid program with full federal funding. An additional 200,000 to 300,000 people will purchase their insurance through the health benefit exchange, with premiums subsidized by the federal government.

The Council's report recommends that legislative action should begin this year on many of the steps that will be needed to implement the ACA. The report recommends passage of state legislation to give the Department of Insurance the power to approve or deny health insurance rate increases; the ACA gives state exchanges the authority to regulate rates.

The panel also called for legislation to meet a requirement in the federal law that insurance companies spend a minimum percentage of premium dollars on health care. For individuals and groups of 50 employees or less, 80 percent would have to be spent on health care; for large groups, the minimum would be 85 percent.

In the initial report delivered to Governor Quinn, the panel also recommends:

  • Passage of state legislation to bring Illinois in compliance with the ACA's requirement for internal review and external appeal for health insurance claims that are denied.
  • Amendment to state law that would make it easier to create non-profit, member-run health insurance cooperatives that will be eligible for funding under the ACA.
  • Passage of state legislation to bring Illinois in compliance with federal law that requires parity for mental health coverage in group health insurance policies and HMOs.
  • Seeking the maximum available federal funds to upgrade the state's data system so to accurately verify eligibility and keep track of individuals that shift between Medicaid, the Children's Health Insurance Program and private insurance purchased through the Exchange.

The report notes that further study and input will be needed from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services before decisions can be made on a variety of issues, including the exact nature of the Exchange and whether the state should adopt a Basic Health Plan that would specify the health benefits offered by the Exchange.

In addition to Mr. Gelder, the chairman, the members of the Council include : vice chairs Julie Hamos, director of the Department of Healthcare and Family Services and Michael McRaith, director of the Department of Insurance; Dr. Damon Arnold, director of the Department of Public Health; Charles Johnson, director, Department on Aging; Michelle Saddler, secretary, Department of Human Services; James Sledge, director, Central Management Services and David Vaught, director of the Office of Management and Budget.

To view the full report, go to: HealthCareReform.Illinois.gov.

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03 Mar 2011

Synthetic drugs get temprorary halt from DEA

By Sen Chuck Grassley

Senator Chuck Grassley today released the following statement after the Drug Enforcement Administration used its administrative authority to control five chemicals used to make synthetic marijuana products that when used have similar or possibly more severe side effects than smoking marijuana.  These substances are easily available at local stores or online.  Grassley brought attention to the growing problem of K2 in a speech on the floor of the U.S. Senate in September.  In that speech, Grassley highlighted the life of a young Iowan who died after smoking K2.  That speech follows today's comment from Grassley and the Drug Enforcement Administration announcement.

"As more people experiment with these substances with tragic results, it's increasingly clear that K2 is anything but safe.  These dangerous substances are easily obtained and are being used across the country.  Tragically, people, including a young Iowan, have died or been seriously injured because of these products. The DEA's action is a positive step forward, but this step is only temporary.  The Congress needs to take action and permanently control these substances, and I'll work with my colleagues to make sure this gets done."

Here's is a copy of the Drug Enforcement Administration's press release.

CHEMICALS USED IN "SPICE" AND "K2" TYPE PRODUCTS NOW UNDER FEDERAL CONTROL AND REGULATION

DEA Will Study Whether To Permanently Control Five Substances

Contact: DEA Public Affairs

(202) 307-7977

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) today exercised its emergency scheduling authority to control five chemicals (JWH-018, JWH-073, JWH-200, CP-47,497, and cannabicyclohexanol) used to make so-called "fake pot" products.  Except as authorized by law, this action makes possessing and selling these chemicals or the products that contain them illegal in the United States.  This emergency action was necessary to prevent an imminent threat to public health and safety.  The temporary scheduling action will remain in effect for at least one year while the DEA and the United States Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) further study whether these chemicals should be permanently controlled.

The Final Order was published today in the Federal Register to alert the public to this action.  These chemicals will be controlled for at least 12 months, with the possibility of a six month extension.  They are designated as Schedule I substances, the most restrictive category under the Controlled Substances Act.  Schedule I substances are reserved for those substances with a high potential for abuse, no accepted medical use for treatment in the United States and a lack of accepted safety for use of the drug under medical supervision.

Over the past couple of years, smokeable herbal products marketed as being "legal" and as providing a marijuana-like high, have become increasingly popular, particularly among teens and young adults. These products consist of plant material that has been coated with research chemicals that claim to mimic THC, the active ingredient in marijuana, and are sold at a variety of retail outlets, in head shops, and over the Internet.  These chemicals, however, have not been approved by the FDA for human consumption, and there is no oversight of the manufacturing process. Brands such as "Spice," "K2," "Blaze," and "Red X Dawn" are labeled as herbal incense to mask their intended purpose.

Since 2009, DEA has received an increasing number of reports from poison control centers, hospitals and law enforcement regarding these products. At least 16 states have already taken action to control one or more of these chemicals. The Comprehensive Crime Control Act of 1984 amends the Controlled Substances Act (CSA) to allow the DEA Administrator to place a substance temporarily in schedule I when it is necessary to avoid an imminent threat to the public safety. Emergency room physicians report that individuals that use these types of products experience serious side effects which include : convulsions, anxiety attacks, dangerously elevated heart rates, increased blood pressure, vomiting, and disorientation.

"Young people are being harmed when they smoke these dangerous 'fake pot' products and wrongly equate the products' 'legal' retail availability with being 'safe'," said DEA Administrator Michele M. Leonhart.  "Parents and community leaders look to us to help them protect their kids, and we have not let them down.  Today's action, while temporary, will reduce the number of young people being seen in hospital emergency rooms after ingesting these synthetic chemicals to get high."

Here is a copy of Grassley's September 22, 2010 speech.

Prepared Statement of Senator Chuck Grassley

The Growing Problem of K2

Wednesday, September 22, 2010

Video of Senator Grassley's speech can be found by clicking here.

Mr. President, as a parent and grandparent I have long been concerned about the dangers that face our kids. I have been especially concerned about the large amount of dangerous drugs in this country.

It is clear that drug dealers will stop at nothing to get our kids hooked on drugs.  All too often we learn of new and emerging drug threats to our communities that often have a negative impact on our youth.

When these drug threats emerge it is crucial that we unite to halt the spread of the problem before it consumes families and communities.

Today we are confronted with new and very dangerous substances packaged as innocent products.  Specifically, kids are able to go online or to the nearest shopping mall and purchase incense laced with chemicals that alter the mind and body.

These products are commonly referred to as K2 or Spice among other names.

In the chart behind me, you can see the packaged varieties of K2 products.  Kids and drug users are smoking this product in order to obtain a "legal high."  It is believed that K2 products emerged on the scene beginning about 4 or 5 years ago.  Their use spread quickly throughout Europe and the U.S.

According to a study conducted by the European Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction, most of the chemicals found in K2 products are not reported on the label.  This study concluded that these chemicals are not listed because there is a deliberate marketing strategy to represent this product as a natural substance.

However, K2 is anything but natural.

Most of the chemicals the DEA has identified within K2 products where invented by Dr. John W. Huffman of Clemson University for research purposes.  These synthetic chemicals were never intended to be used for any other purpose other than for research.

They were never tested on humans and no long term effects of their use are currently known.

As more and more people are experimenting with K2 it is becoming increasingly evident that K2 use is anything but safe.

The American Association of Poison Control Centers reports significant increases in the amount of calls concerning these products.  There were only 13 calls related to K2 use reported for 2009.  There have been over 1,000 calls concerning K2 use in 2010 to date.

This is a drastic increase in a short amount of time.

Common effects reported by emergency room doctors include : increased agitation, elevated heart rate and blood pressure, hallucinations, and seizures.  Effects from the highs from K2 use are reported to last several hours and up to one week.

Dr. Huffman has stated that since so little research has been conducted on K2 chemicals using any one of them would be like, "playing Russian roulette."

In fact, Dr. Anthony Scalzo, a professor of emergency medicine at St. Louis University, reports that these chemicals are significantly more potent than marijuana.  Dr. Scalzo states that the amount of chemicals in K2 varies from product to product so no one can be sure exactly the amount of the drug they are putting in their body.  Dr. Scalzo reports that this can lead to significant problems such as altering the state of mind, addiction, injury, and even death.

According to various news articles across the nation, K2 can cause serious erratic and criminal behavior.

In Mooresville, Indiana police arrested a group of teens after they were connected to a string of burglaries while high on K2.  The local County Attorney prosecuting the case stated this was an unusual crime spree.  These kids were not the type who are normally seen in the criminal justice system.  The County Attorney stated that these kids had, "no prior record, good grades, athletes, so that got me wondering: is there a correlation between K2 and the crime?"

Another case in Honolulu, Hawaii shows police arrested a 23-year-old man after he tried to throw his girlfriend off an 11th floor balcony after smoking K2.

A 14 year-old boy in Missouri nearly threw himself out of a 5th story window after smoking K2.  Once the teen got over his high he denied having any suicidal intentions.  Doctors believe he was hallucinating at the time of this incident.

K2 use is also causing serious health problems and increased visits to the emergency room.

A Louisiana teen said he became very ill after trying K2.  The teen said he experienced numbness starting at his feet and traveling to his head.  He was nauseous, light-headed and was having hallucinations. This teen stated that K2 is being passed around at school.  The teen also stated that many people were trying it without fear, assuming it was safe because it was legal.

Another case has a teenager in Indiana being admitted to the emergency room with a blood pressure of 248/134 after testing positive for K2.

A teen in Texas, became temporarily paralyzed from the waist down after smoking K2.

Another teen in Texas had a heart attack after smoking K2 but fortunately survived this event.

Regrettably, K2 use also has deadly consequences.

The picture behind me is of David Rozga.  David was a recent 18 year-old Indianola, Iowa High School Graduate.  According to his parents and friends, David was a bright, energetic, talented student who loved music, was popular, and active in his church.  David was looking forward to attending the University of Northern Iowa this fall.

On June 6, 2010 David, along with some of his friends, smoked a package of K2 thinking it was nothing more than a little fun.  David and his friends purchased this product at a mall in Des Moines after hearing about it from some college students who were home for the summer.  After smoking this product, David's friends reported that David became highly agitated and terrified. When he got home, he found a family shotgun and committed suicide 90 minutes after smoking K2.

The Indianola police believe David was under the influence of K2 at the time of his death.  David's parents and many in the community who knew David were completely shocked and saddened by this event.  As a result, the Iowa Pharmacy Board placed an emergency ban on K2 products in Iowa which began on July 21, 2010.

David's tragic death may be the first case in the United States of K2 use leading to someone's death, but sadly it was only the beginning.

A month after David's tragic death police report that, a 28-year-old Middletown, Indiana mother of two passed away after smoking a lethal dose of K2.  This woman's godson reported that anyone could get K2 easily because it can be sold to anybody at any price at any time.

This last August, a recent 19-year-old Lake Highlands High School graduate in Dallas, Texas passed away after smoking K2.  The medical examiner confirmed that this boy had K2 in his system at the time of his death.

These incidents throughout the country give me great concern that K2 use is a dangerous and growing problem.

Twelve states, including Iowa, have acted to ban the sale and possession of the chemicals found in K2 products.  Many more states, counties and communities throughout the country have proposed bans or are in the process of banning these products.

However, a recent article in the Des Moines Register highlights the fact that some stores are working around these bans by changing some of the chemicals and relabeling the products.

I believe it is time we have a national discussion about these dangerous substances.  I hope in the coming weeks and months that my colleagues will begin to take notice of this issue.

As Co-Chairman of the Senate Drug Caucus it is my hope that we will have a hearing on this issue in the not-too-distant future.

It is important to fully understand the magnitude and implications of allowing these products to remain legal in the U.S.

Mr. President, it is clear that the sale and use of K2 products is a growing problem.

People believe these products are safe because they can buy them online or at the nearest shopping mall.  We need to do a better job at educating the public and our communities about the dangers these products present.  We need to nip this problem in the bud before it grows and leads to more tragedy.

I urge my colleagues to join me as we explore positive actions to stem the use of K2.

 

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01 Mar 2011

Eat Good, Feel Great

By McKenzie Taets

The Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program of Scott County Iowa serves pregnant, post-partum, and breastfeeding women; infants and children through age five. The program provides monthly checks to every family member who is eligible and enrolled in the program. The checks are for healthy foods that can be bought at participating grocery stores. WIC provides an average of $50-$75 worth of checks to each participant monthly.

Women, parents, and guardians of children under age 5, can call one of our two locations to check their program eligibility. WIC at Edgerton Womens Health Center 563-359-6635 and WIC at Friendly House 563-322-1105. Hours of operation for both facilities are Monday, Tuesday and Friday 8am-4:30pm, Wednesday at Friendly House 9:30am-6pm and Thursday at Edgertons 9:30am-6pm.

The WIC program also offers child immunizations and lead screens, as well as, breastfeeding support. Call today to see if you qualify for any our program benefits!

28 Feb 2011

State of IL proclaims March Kidney Cancer Awareness Month

By Linda Cox

The Governor of Illinois has proclaimed March is Kidney Cancer Awareness Month.  The Kidney Cancer Association has also proclaimed March Awareness Month Internationally.  The Proclamation can be seen on KCA's facebook page at:  http://tinyurl.com/4b7qtup If you would like a copy e-mailed to you I will be happy to do this also.

The National Cancer Institute estimated that in 2010 there were 58,240 new cases and 13,040 deaths from kidney cancer. The nation/world needs to be educated regarding this disease. PLEASE consider writing an article in the month of March listing the symptoms of kidney cancer.

Signs and Symptoms Associated with Kidney Cancer: Blood in urine ("hematuria") Pain in the back just below the ribs A mass that can be felt Unexplained weight loss which can sometimes be rapid Intermittent fevers or night sweats Fatigue and lethargy Fever that is not associated with a cold or the flu Pain in other parts of the body if the cancer has spread

While kidney cancer normally affects men over 60, more young people are being diagnosed.  Kidney cancer is among the 10 most common cancers in both men and women.

My daughter Lori Shew lost her battle to kidney cancer 1/18/2005.  She would have been 41 on 3/14/2011.  Lori was misdiagnosed at the age of 32, 4 weeks after her 4th child was born.   Her OB/GYN told her for 3 months he "wasn't concerned"  it was just a severe urinary infection. That "urinary infection" turned out to be a watermelon sized tumor that weighed more than 10 pounds.

Doctors need to be further educated regarding kidney cancer!  People need to realize that if a doctor does not take their symptoms seriously, they should find one that WILL listen! This information could save your life or the life of a loved one.

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17 Feb 2011

TOPS Offers New Motivational Video To Help Reduce Obesity

By Kimberly Greene

MILWAUKEE, WI - TOPS Club (Take Off Pounds Sensibly), the nation's oldest weight-loss support organization, has released a new video to help educate people on the dangers of obesity and being overweight. The video also seeks to motivate viewers through a series of dramatic testimonials from TOPS members who have lost substantial weight through the TOPS nutrition and exercise plans and other members' support. The video is available to view at the TOPS website, www.tops.org.

Narrated by Nicholas "Dr. Nick" Yphantides, M.D., M.P.H., an executive medical consultant to the San Diego County Health and Human Services Agency and co-chair of San Diego County's Childhood Obesity Initiative, the video also features interviews with researchers from the TOPS Obesity and Metabolic Research Center at the Medical College of Wisconsin in Milwaukee. TOPS, a nonprofit organization, has been actively involved in the clinical study of obesity since 1965 and has contributed over $6.5 million to the Medical College of Wisconsin in support of these efforts.

According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), two-thirds of the U.S. population is now overweight and as many as 72 million adults are considered obese. About one in three American kids and teens is overweight or obese, nearly triple the rate of 1963. Obese children also have an 80% chance of staying obese their entire lives. Research has shown that, for adults, as weight increases, the risks for the following preventable, chronic conditions also increase: coronary heart disease, type 2 diabetes, certain cancers, hypertension, stroke, and more. Obesity costs U.S. companies an estimated $45 billion per year and 39 million lost workdays.

To help temper this trend and increase overall wellness for its members, TOPS promotes lasting, affordable weight management with a philosophy that combines healthy eating, regular exercise, wellness information, and support from others at weekly chapter meetings. Founded and headquartered in Milwaukee, Wis., more than 63 years ago, TOPS has approximately 170,000 members in about 10,000 chapters throughout the United States and Canada.

Recent findings from what is believed to be the largest study of a weight-loss program in the United States indicate that TOPS is effective and associated with clinically significant weight loss among participants who remain in the program for at least one year.

According to a study published in "Obesity," the official journal of The Obesity Society, TOPS members who participated over a consecutive period of one to three years lost between 5.9% and 7.1% of their initial weight. People who remained in the program maintained that weight loss for up to three years.

In addition to regular group meetings designed to reinforce healthy habits, the TOPS program includes a six-week "quick-start" guide, "My Day One," and TOPS' lifestyle guide, "The Choice Is Mine." Membership also includes a one-year subscription to "TOPS News," the organization's members-only magazine.

The researchers noted a substantial difference in cost between nonprofit TOPS and commercial weight-loss programs, like Weight Watchers and Jenny Craig. TOPS' annual membership fee is $26 in the United States and $30 in Canada, plus nominal chapter fees (on average, $5 per month) collected for local chapter expenses. There are no special foods to purchase. Visitors are welcome to attend their first TOPS meeting free of charge. To find a local chapter, go to www.tops.org or call 1-800-932-8677.

As noted in the new video, members of TOPS lost a combined total of 431 tons in 2009. Regular chapter meetings, awards programs, and regional events comprise a system of recognition and positive reinforcement for TOPS members on the wellness journey. Goal weights are set in consultation with members' health-care professionals. About 80,000 members have achieved significant weight loss and are maintaining it with the support of TOPS and the support its members provide for each other. Maintaining one's weight loss is believed to be one of the most challenging parts of successful weight management.

For additional information about TOPS and to view the new motivational video, go to www.tops.org. 

For more information on the TOPS chapters in your area, visit www.tops.org and click "Find a Meeting." If you would like to speak with a local representative from TOPS, please contact us.

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10 Feb 2011

Braley Works to Bring More Health Care Services to Iowa

By Alexandra Krasov

Introduces bill to attract new providers, train specialists

Washington, DC - Today, Congressman Bruce Braley (IA-01) introduced a bill to bring more health care providers and services to Iowa. The Access to Frontline Health Care Act creates a new loan repayment program to give health care providers incentives to practice in areas such as Iowa where there is a shortage of specialty health care providers.

"I think every Iowan should have access to the full range of comprehensive health care services they need right here in our own state," Braley said.  "Unfortunately, these services are not always available right now because of the shortage of providers in Iowa. This bill will give providers more incentives than ever to practice in underserved places and will give Iowans access to the quality, affordable health care they deserve."

Congressman Braley previously introduced a version of this bill in 2009. It became part of the House version of the health care reform bill, but was not in the Senate version and was not included in the final bill signed into law. Under the loan repayment program created by the Access to Frontline Health Care Act health care providers would commit to practice in a geographic area with a shortage of specialty health care professionals for at least two years in exchange for assistance in repaying student loans.

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07 Feb 2011

Getting Fit Can Be More Fun with a Partner

By Kimberly Greene

MILWAUKEE, WI - Beginning a new fitness program can be tough - but studies show that participating in a program with a friend or loved one can lead to a more successful outcome. As Valentine's Day approaches, consider how inviting your special someone(s) to participate with you on a wellness journey could improve your health and your relationship.

Members of TOPS Club, Inc. (Take Off Pounds Sensibly), the nonprofit weight-loss support organization, have experienced success in reaching their fitness goals by partnering with loved ones and friends to get moving! No matter your goal, losing weight with a friend can be easier than going it alone. In fact, according to a study from the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor, people who work out with friends spend an average of 40 percent more time exercising than those who exercise alone.

TOPS members belong to local chapters, where group support provides positive reinforcement for follow-through on nutrition and exercise programs. Weekly weigh-ins and meetings provide accountability and camaraderie. And when members achieve a goal, they are recognized and celebrate together. The following TOPS members agree.

A chapter in Kansas had an influx of new members last spring who joined at the urging of each other. Linda Culbertson and Judy Harvey joined first. "I had some good success, and started telling everybody I work with that they should join TOPS," says Culbertson.

One month later, Glen Harvey, Judy's husband, joined the fitness fun, followed by Mary Orr, Pam and Chuck Ireland, and finally, Pat Orr, husband of Mary.

Since joining, the group of co-workers and spouses are successful and encouraging to each other. "You feel like you don't want to let the other person down," says Glen Harvey.

Couples who may be looking for a new way to express their love for each other should remember to keep it positive and enjoy time together in their new endeavor towards wellness. Consider these tips for fitness success:

• Be open to trying an activity that is different or completely new for both of you, like salsa classes or indoor rock-climbing. Incorporating new activities adds to your shared interests and helps keep things fresh.
• Try activities you can do side-by-side but at different paces. It's okay to work out on adjoining machines and pick your own level of intensity.
• Do assisted stretches together to increase both of your flexibility.
• Challenge yourself, but don't do too much too soon. The purpose of working out together is getting motivated to go farther than you think you can while spending time together.
• Be supportive, kind, and encouraging. Don't criticize each other.
• Bring the kids, too. Research indicates that family lifestyle influences children's weight. Family walks and pickup games, like basketball and soccer, are good exercise.

TOPS Club Inc. (Take Off Pounds Sensibly), the original, nonprofit weight-loss support and wellness education organization, was established more than 63 years ago to champion weight-loss support and success. Founded and headquartered in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, TOPS promotes successful, affordable weight management with a philosophy that combines healthy eating, regular exercise, wellness information, and support from others at weekly chapter meetings. TOPS has about 170,000 members in nearly 10,000 chapters throughout the United States and Canada.

Visitors are welcome to attend their first TOPS meeting free of charge. To find a local chapter, view www.tops.org or call (800) 932-8677.


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07 Feb 2011

Harkin Announces Nearly $950,000 for Research at the University of Iowa

By Sen. Tom Harkin
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA) today announced that the University of Iowa has been awarded two separate grants totaling $949,079 to perform medical research.  The funding was awarded by the National Institutes of Health.  Senator Harkin is Chairman of both the Senate Health Committee and the Appropriations subcommittee that funds health and medical research programs.  

"Today's funding will help the University of Iowa stay at the forefront of critical medical research," said Harkin. "These projects will accelerate research in their respective areas, and help improve our understanding of the afflictions so many Americans face.  Congratulations to the University on receiving this funding."  

Information on the grants follows.

$374,100 for allergy, immunology and transplantation research. Specifically, the funding will be used to study ECF Sigma Factors and the Cell Envelope Stress Response of Clostridium difficile.  The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases is the awarding agency.

$574,979 for mental health research. Specifically, the funding will be used to study Combined Illness Management and Psychotherapy in Treating Depressed Elders. The National Institute of Mental Health is the awarding agency.
03 Feb 2011

Floor Statement by Chairman Harkin on the Consequences of Repealing Health Reform

By Sen. Tom Harkin

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Sen. Tom Harkin (D-IA) today made the following comments on the Senate floor about the importance of health reform and the consequences of repealing the law. The Senate is expected to vote on a Republican amendment that would repeal the Affordable Care Act, the health reform bill that was signed into law last year. Repeal would deprive millions of Americans of important protections against insurance companies, raise health costs, cut funding to rural hospitals in Iowa, and, according to the non-partisan Congressional Budget Office, increase the federal deficit by $230 billion by 2021.  Harkin's remarks, as prepared for delivery, are below.  Harkin is Chairman of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee, as well as the Appropriations subcommittee that funds the Department of Health and Human Services.

"Mr. President, if there is one clear message that voters sent in the past election, it is that they want Democrats and Republicans in Congress to cut out the bickering and partisanship, and to focus like a laser beam on boosting the economy, creating jobs, and reducing the deficit.  

"So I find it absolutely astonishing that the Republicans' No. 1 priority - their obsession - in these opening weeks of the new Congress is to launch bitter new partisan attacks on the new health reform law, and to attempt to repeal it - something that would cost hundreds of thousands of jobs and add $240 billion to the deficit over the next decade.

"It would be sufficient to oppose this reckless amendment strictly on budgetary grounds.  As I said, it would add $240 billion to the deficit in the first decade, and nearly $1 trillion in the second decade.  The sponsors of the amendment have proposed no offsets whatsoever.  So for all the Republicans' crocodile tears over big budget deficits, their first action in the new Congress is to propose adding nearly a quarter trillion to the deficits over the next 10 years!

"The Congressional Budget Office is our only objective, nonpartisan referee when it comes to budget projections.  CBO has told us, in no uncertain terms, that the McConnell amendment will add $240 billion to the deficit.

"The Republicans' lame response is to attack the credibility of CBO and to claim that the hundreds of billions in budget savings thanks to the new health reform law are supposedly based on "gimmicks."  That is complete nonsense.  The budget savings in this new law are real.  If anything, CBO has underestimated the savings that will come about as a result of the robust wellness and prevention provisions in the new law - provisions that will keep Americans healthy and out of the hospital in the first place.

"I would simply add that if the savings in the new law were based on gimmicks, then those gimmicks would certainly show up by the second decade of the law's implementation.  That's the nature of gimmicks - they eventually get exposed.  But the savings in the new law actually skyrocket in the second decade to nearly $1 trillion.   So to wildly assert that the savings are based on gimmicks is flat wrong; it is irresponsible.

"Let's be clear, the Republicans' obsession with repealing the new health reform law is not based on budgetary considerations.  It is based strictly on ideology.  They oppose the law's crackdown on abuses by health insurance companies.  And they oppose any serious effort by the federal government to secure health insurance coverage for tens of millions of Americans who currently have none.  

"We all remember William Buckley's conservative motto.  He said that the role of conservatives is "to stand athwart history yelling stop!"

"In 1935, Franklin Roosevelt passed Social Security, providing basic retirement security for every American.  Republicans fought it bitterly.   And 75 years later, they are still trying to undo it!

"In 1965, Lyndon Johnson passed Medicare, ensuring seniors' access to decent health care.  Republicans fought it bitterly.  And 45 years later, they are still trying to undo it!

"Well, here they go again!

"By the way, notice that the Republicans are no longer even pretending to offer a realistic, comprehensive alternative.  They used to talk about "repeal and replace."  Now their focus is mostly on "repeal."  

"As always, the Republican approach to health reform can be summed up in five words:  Pray you don't get sick!

"So make no mistake: The fight to provide access to quality, affordable health care for all Americans has only just begun.

"The same ideologues who came up with the Big Lies about "death panels" and "pulling the plug on grandma" are rolling out their latest campaign of misinformation.

"The good news is that, this time around, the dynamics of the debate have shifted.  

"Just as I long predicted, as people learn more about the great things in the Affordable Care Act - benefits and protections that are now guaranteed by law - support for health care reform is growing steadily.    

"A year ago, we were bogged down in the messy, frustrating politics of passing the bill.  This time around, the law is the law, and what's at stake is crystal clear:

"Are we going to put the health insurance companies back in the driver's seat - once again free to discriminate based on preexisting conditions, free to cancel your policy when you get sick, free to cut off payments?

"Are we going to revoke access to health insurance for more than 30 million Americans?

"Are we going to add hundreds of billions of dollars - and, eventually, trillions of dollars - to the deficit by wiping out all of the savings in the Affordable Care Act?

"Are we going to impose higher taxes on up to four million small businesses that are eligible for health care tax credits thanks to the new law?

"Mr. President, I also want to rebut the extreme, ideological attacks on the "individual mandate" in the new law.  Republicans claim that this is somehow an "assault on freedom."  Well, it is certainly an assault on the freedom to go without insurance, show up at the emergency room, and stick other Americans with your health care bills!

"The individual mandate is just common sense - that's why so many Republicans supported it in the past.  

"Senator John Chafee's reform bill in the early 1990s included an individual mandate; it was supported by Republican Senators Grassley, Hatch, and Lugar.  

"More recently, the original Wyden-Bennett bill, including an individual mandate, was supported by Senators Alexander, Crapo, Corker, Graham, and Grassley.  

"And, as we all know, the individual mandate was a critical piece of Republican Governor Mitt Romney's health reform in Massachusetts.   

"As I said, it's just common sense.  By eliminating free riders and putting everyone in the risk pool, we keep rates down for everyone.  And it's the only way that people with preexisting conditions are not left out in the cold.

"When we join together, we have more freedom.

"When everyone is covered and no one is left out, we enhance liberty.  

"Health reform is all about freedom - freedom from the fear that if you get sick, you won't be able to afford a doctor . . . freedom from the fear that a major illness will lead to financial ruin.  These are the practical freedoms that really matter to Americans.

"Mr. President, I can't tell you how many people have come up to me to thank me and other sponsors for passing the Affordable Care Act.  They tell me how it has personally affected their families in profoundly positive ways.  

"Let me tell you about Sarah Posekany of Cedar Falls, Iowa.  She was diagnosed with Crohn's disease when she was 15 years old.  During her first year of college, she ran into complications from Crohn's, which forced her to drop her classes in order to heal after multiple surgeries. Because she was no longer a full-time student, her parents' private health insurance company terminated her coverage. Four years later, she found herself $180,000 in debt, and was forced to file for bankruptcy. Sarah was able to complete one semester at Hawkeye Community College, but could not afford to continue. Because of her earlier bankruptcy, every bank she has applied to for student loans turned her down. With the new health law, people like Sarah are able to stay on their parents' health insurance plan until they are 26.

"And consider the case of Eleanor Pierce, also of Cedar Falls, Iowa.  When her job with a local company was eliminated, she lost her health insurance.  She had the option of purchasing COBRA insurance, but it was completely unaffordable. So she searched for coverage on the private, individual market, but was almost universally denied access because of her pre-existing condition of high blood pressure. The only plans that would cover her came with premiums she could never hope to afford without an income.

"So Eleanor - at age 62, suffering from high blood pressure - had no choice but to go without insurance, and hope for the best.  But, Mr. President, "hope for the best" is no substitute for regular medical care.  One year later, Eleanor suffered a massive heart attack.  And, when all was said and done, she had racked up $60,000 in medical debt.

"Mr. President, we need to get beyond ideological obsessions and listen to these ordinary Americans - victims of the old, broken health care system.  Americans have a clear message:  The new law has important new benefits and protections.  Don't take these protections away!

"Nearly half of non-elderly Americans have some type of preexisting condition, like high blood pressure, arthritis or heart disease.  The new law outlaws the denial of coverage based on preexisting conditions.  The McConnell amendment sweeps that away.

"The largest health insurer in California used technicalities to cancel the policies of women who got breast cancer.  The new law outlaws the practice of canceling policies when people get sick. The McConnell amendment fully restores the right of health insurers to return to that despicable practice.

"The new law prohibits insurers from imposing lifetime limits on benefits.  The McConnell amendment takes that away.

"The law allows parents to keep adult children on their policies until age 26.  The McConnell amendment takes that away.

"Mr. President, I want to briefly mention the destructive impacts the McConnell amendment would have on my State of Iowa:

  • It would raise taxes on more than 260,000 Iowans by taking away tax credits to help them purchase health care coverage.
  • More than 8,300 young adults in Iowa would lose their insurance coverage through their parents' health plans.
  • Tens of thousands of Iowa seniors would face significantly higher prescription drug prices, and, once again, would have to pay a co-pay for preventive services such as colonoscopies and mammograms.
  • And, of course, the 1.9 million Iowans with private coverage would, once again, be vulnerable to the whole range of abuses and discriminatory practices by health insurance.

"In addition, Mr. President, I want to mention that the new health reform law dramatically remedies the discrimination against Iowa and some other states in terms of Medicare reimbursement.  Under a complicated Medicare formula, doctors in Iowa and a number of states were paid less for their services than their colleagues elsewhere. Under the formula, for example, Iowa physicians are reimbursed less than doctors in Louisiana.

"As part of the new health reform bill, I joined with Reps. Bruce Braley, Leonard Boswell and Dave Loebsack to negotiate a compromise that provides an immediate $800 million to address geographic disparities for both doctors and hospitals, as well as written guarantees from Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius for further action to reform Medicare reimbursement rates.  This great achievement is wiped out if the McConnell amendment passes.

"In addition, thanks to the new law, mid-sized hospitals in Iowa - the so-called "tweeners" - will see a greater Medicare reimbursement.  The two-year fix will cover Fiscal Years 2011 and 2012 and will aid low-volume hospitals, some of which have struggled to keep their doors open.  The fix was included in the new health reform law - the Affordable Care Act.

"At the heart of the reform mission was an effort to decrease the number of uninsured and increase access to affordable care.  The law does just that and will ensure every Iowan access to quality healthcare, which these community hospitals.  This, too, goes away if the McConnell amendment prevails.

"Finally, Mr. President, I want to mention the many millions of Americans who will be denied health coverage if the McConnell amendment passes.  The Republicans, apparently, reckon that middle class Americans who already have health insurance don't care about those who are not so fortunate.  I couldn't disagree more strongly!  

"Americans do care about the uninsured.  And they are well aware of the devastating human cost of repeal.  Nearly 45,000 Americans die each year, in part, because they don't have health insurance.

"With this landmark law, we are ensuring - at long last - that every member of our American family has access to quality, affordable health care as a right, not a privilege!

"So mark my words:  The American people are not going to allow the Republicans to take away this great humanitarian achievement.

"Mr. President, I urge my colleagues to oppose the McConnell amendment.  It blows a huge hole in the budget deficit.  It destroys hundreds of thousands of jobs.  It repeals the Patient's Bill of Rights - allowing health insurers to return to the same old abusive and discriminatory practices.  It revokes health insurance coverage for tens of millions of Americans.

"Instead, let us listen to the American people.  

"Let us move forward to build a reformed health care system that works not only for the healthy and the wealthy, but for all Americans."

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