29 Jul 2015

Q/A: Americans With Disabilities Act Turns 25

By Vonnie Hampel

With U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley

Q: How has the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) shaped American society?

A: The landmark civil rights law this summer observes 25 years since President George H.W. Bush signed the bill on July 26, 1990.  Iowans will recall that one of the key architects of the legislation was my long-time Iowa colleague in the United States Senate. Throughout his years of public service, Sen. Tom Harkin built upon his advocacy to champion change for those living with a disability so that they may participate more fully in American society. In the last 25 years, the ADA has helped remove barriers to education, employment, transportation and access to public places and services. Perhaps the most influential change in the quarter century since passage of the ADA is a shift in expectations for the millions of Americans who live with a disability. For those who previously identified with the limits of their disability rather than embracing the potential of their skills and talents, the ADA has raised society's bar of expectations to foster integration and inclusion in our schools, communities and places of work. For individuals who live with a physical or mental impairment, the ADA affords equality under the law to enjoy the rights and responsibilities of citizenship like Americans who do not have a disability. An entire generation has grown up with the ADA as the law of the land. To the extent that the ADA has worked to erase a divide between those living with or without a disability, this 25th anniversary of the ADA gives us reason to celebrate. It's good for America when public policy encourages Americans to dream big in their pursuit of happiness and prosperity.

Q: What is the Transition to Independence Act?

A: Just as the ADA has helped pave the way for millions of Americans to more fully participate in American society, policymakers can do more to help people with disabilities achieve integrated employment in the U.S. workforce. In communities across the country, a network of service providers helps to make it possible for people with disabilities to live and work alongside non-disabled peers. By far, Medicaid is the largest program that provides the financial framework that pays for services for people with disabilities, such as primary health care, community-based care, transportation, workforce training and residential support services. Just as the ADA served as a catalyst to help individuals with disabilities integrate more fully in their communities and achieve their God-given potential, the Transition to Independence Act seeks to build on that progress and give even more individuals with disabilities real opportunities to land a job in their local communities. The bipartisan bill I introduced this summer is a consensus proposal with broad support and includes valuable input from key advocacy groups that are committed to help individuals with disabilities achieve maximum success in their communities. The bill would create a five-year, 10-state pilot program within Medicaid. The participating states would qualify for bonus payments if reforms they adopt help drive better outcomes for people striving to become productive contributors and wage-earners in their local communities. The demonstration program would change the financial formula to give states incentives rather than disincentives to reform business-as-usual among the multi-disciplinary patchwork of service providers serving this community. States would be rewarded for improving outcomes and helping individuals with disabilities seeking to secure maximum participation in the local job market. For example, states could receive more funding for growing the workforce that provides support services for the disabled community. States could increase their revenue stream by implementing reforms that encourage collaboration among a mishmash of agencies and service providers. In a nutshell, participating states would be rewarded for achieving targets of integrated employment.

People living with disabilities have every right to pursue the American Dream. So many families and individuals with disabilities I have talked with tell me they want to earn money in a fulfilling job. I'm all for championing ambition and rewarding a strong work ethic. That's why I'm working to craft public policy that will help even more individuals with disabilities to join the workforce, earn a paycheck, pay taxes and contribute to their local economies. For those who are able to participate in an integrated work setting and maximize their potential in the local community, my bill would improve the policy tools to help drive inclusion and better outcomes for people with disabilities.

Monday, July 27, 2015
29 Jul 2015

Prescription drug take-back program re-instated; Grassley pushed for this result

By Grassley Press

Sen. Chuck Grassley of Iowa, chairman of the Judiciary Committee and the Caucus on International Narcotics Control, was among several senators who urged the Drug Enforcement Administration to re-instate a popular take-back program for unused opioids and other prescription drugs.   The Drug Enforcement Administration confirmed in a letter to Grassley that it has re-instated the program.  Grassley was an original cosponsor of the Secure and Responsible Drug Disposal Act of 2010, which became law, and encourages drug take-back efforts.  Grassley made the following comment on the re-instatement.

"Iowans turned in literally tons of unused prescription drugs under the program.  Getting medicines out of the house, where they can be taken by teen-agers or used beyond the need for the prescription, is important for reducing opioid abuse and addiction.  I appreciate the Drug Enforcement Administration's turn-around on this program.  The more options we have to reduce the scourge of opioid addiction, the better."

The letter Grassley signed urging a re-instatement of the drug take-back program is available here.  The Drug Enforcement Administration's letter to Grassley on the re-instatement is available here.  More information on the results of drug take-back days in Iowa is available here and here.

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28 Jul 2015

Frankly Speaking About Cancer: Coping with the Cost of Care

By Erin Williams

Davenport, Iowa (August 2015) - Gilda's Club will host Ruth Laabs-Wilcox, LMSW, in a discussion about coping with the cost of cancer treatment on Thursday, August 6th, 5:30 p.m. at Gilda's Club, 1234 East River Drive, Davenport, IA.

This free educational workshop is designed for people living with cancer and their loved ones. Participants will gain practical advice on how to navigate the numerous and complex challenges of managing the cost of cancer care. Advanced Registration is preferred as dinner is included.

For more details and registration call Gilda's Club at 563-326-7504 or email erin@gildasclubqc.org
28 Jul 2015

They Mystery of Medical Imaging

By Kelly Hendershot

Davenport, Iowa (August 2015) - Gilda's Club will host Lindsay Vittetoe, Nuclear Medicine Technologist & PET/CT, in a presentation on the varying types of medical scans on Thursday, 20th, 6:00 p.m. at Gilda's Club, 1234 East River Drive, Davenport, IA.

This free educational workshop will inform attendees about the purpose and differences in common medical imaging (CT, MRI, PET). Advanced Registration is preferred as dinner is included.

For more details and registration call Gilda's Club at 563-326-7504 or email erin@gildasclubqc.org
27 Jul 2015

Senate vote on repealing Obamacare

By Grassley Press

Sen. Chuck Grassley of Iowa made the following comment on the Senate's vote that came short of a procedural step on a vote to repeal the President's health care law.  Grassley voted in favor of the procedural step toward repealing the law.

"Obamacare has led to far too many people losing the coverage they had and liked, and now being forced to spend more for what coverage they can get.  Iowans tell me directly in town meetings and in emails and letters to my office that they don't like the law.  Instead of targeting what was wrong and fixing those problems, Obamacare upended the whole health system.  I'm committed to replacing Obamacare with health care reforms that empower consumers, drive down costs, and use marketplace incentives to make health care coverage accessible and affordable.  The current majority in Congress should not stop in our effort to repeal Obamacare and replace it with effective reforms."
23 Jul 2015

Join Us at the State Fair and Help Us End Alzheimer's!

By Emily Holley
I am excited to announce that the Alzheimer's Association will have a booth in the (air-conditioned) Varied Industries Building at this year's Iowa State Fair!  We will be using the booth to spread awareness of Alzheimer's and everything the Alzheimer's Association does throughout our state.  We will also be taking this opportunity to promote our Iowa Caucus Project and circulate our petition asking all presidential candidates to prioritize Alzheimer's in their health care plans.

I invite you all to join us in staffing the booth.  We will have our booth from 9am to 9pm August 13th - August 23rd.  Each volunteer will receive a free ticket to the fair and a free Alzheimer's Association t-shirt.  Volunteer shifts are only four hours, and then you will be free to enjoy the fair.

This is a tremendous opportunity to educate the tens of thousands expected to attend the fair this year on Alzheimer's and what you all are doing to help end Alzheimer's!

To volunteer, please click HERE to select the shift, or shifts you would like.  You can volunteer by yourself or in a group.
Please email me (eholley@alz.org) with any questions.

Hope to see you there!

Emily

P.S.  If you haven't signed our statewide petition to presidential candidates, please do so:  act.alz.org/iapetition.  Our goal is 10,000 signatures by November 7th, at which time we will present the signatures to each presidential candidate.
22 Jul 2015

The Basics of Meditation - A 4-Week Series

By Rick Martin

July 21, 2015,  Davenport, IA: "Meditation affects the brain physically, science is revealing this more and more," states Joe Gauthier, Resident Teacher at Lamrim Kadampa Buddhist Center in Davenport, Iowa,  "More importantly is the affect meditation has on our state of mind, changing it from a negative state to a positive state."

Beginning August 13th, Lamrim Kadampa Buddhist Center in Davenport, Iowa will present a 4-week Series titled The Basics of Meditation. In this series learn everything you need to know to start meditating and gain in-class practical meditation experience. Series topics will include : How to Meditate, Why Learn to Meditate, The Benefits of Meditation, Ways to Meditate, Breathing Meditation & Transforming Meditations.

Through practicing meditation we can improve both our physical and mental well-being. Meditation is a powerful way to overcome stress and cultivate a calm and relaxed mind, making everything we do more satisfying and enjoyable. Everyone can benefit from meditation and the public is invited to attend this Series.   
Thursday evening class dates are August 13th , 20th , 27th & September 3rd at Lamrim Kadampa Buddhist Center, 502 1/2 West 3rd Street, entrance on Scott Street in Davenport, IA.   Cost is $10 per class or $30 for the series (no cost with class card). This series is open to the public.  For more information or to register call (563)322-1600 or email info@meditateiniowa.org, or visit www.MeditateInIowa.org.

22 Jul 2015

U.S. News Ranks Genesis Medical Center, Davenport As Top Community Hospital In Iowa

By Craig Cooper

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- July 21, 2015 -- Genesis Medical Center, Davenport has been rated as the top community hospital in Iowa for the second consecutive year by U.S. News Media & World Report's 2015-16 Best Hospitals ratings.


Genesis Medical Center, Davenport was recognized as "High Performing'' in three Common Care measures.  Genesis was rated as "High Performing'' in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), heart failure and hip replacement.


The University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, an academic center, was rated No. 1 overall in Iowa. Genesis Medical Center, Davenport shares the No. 2 overall rating in Iowa with Alegent Creighton Mercy Hospital in Council Bluffs.


"The important message from the high Iowa rating for the second consecutive year is that Genesis Medical Center, Davenport is consistently providing high quality care,'' said Doug Cropper, President and CEO, Genesis Health System. "We want patients to expect a high quality of care and excellent patient outcomes when they are Genesis patients.


"This is a tribute to the quality and safety of care provided by our doctors, nurses and everyone who is part of the patient experience at Genesis.  In these Common Care conditions ... treatment of COPD, heart failure and hip replacement ... Genesis Medical Center, Davenport met high standards for patient safety and survival.


"Patients have better access than ever before to information about safety and quality of care at hospitals.  Information in the hands of our patients is a valuable tool.  We value their research and evaluation of Genesis."


Of the 4,665 hospitals that were considered as possible Best Hospitals for Common Care, only 16% achieved a "High Performing'' rating in any of the five procedures being evaluated.


Genesis Medical Center, Davenport was the only Quad Cities hospital receiving a "High Performing'' rating in any of the five Common Care procedures.


U.S. News also evaluates hospitals in 16 adult specialties and 10 pediatrics specialties.  In most specialties, U.S. News ranks the nation's top 50 hospitals. Only 3 percent of the nearly 5,000 hospitals that were analyzed for "Best Hospitals 2015-2016'' were nationally ranked in even one specialty.


The 2015-2016 national top five were: 1. Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston; 2. Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Mn.; 3. Tie, Johns Hopkins, Baltimore and UCLA Medical Center, Los Angeles; 5. Cleveland Clinic.


"This annual report by U.S. News is considered to be an objective, credible resource for how hospitals are caring for patients,'' Cropper added.  "The next step for Genesis is to make the highly selective honor roll of hospitals ranked in the top 50 nationally in at least one specialty.  We're getting closer to that goal.''


U.S. News publishes Best Hospitals to help guide patients who need a high level of care because they face particularly difficult surgery, a challenging condition, or added risk because of other health problems or age.  Objective measures such as patient survival and safety data, the adequacy of nurse staffing levels, and, other data largely determined the rankings in most specialties.


The regional hospital rankings complement the national rankings by including hospitals with solid performance nearly at the level of nationally ranked institutions. The regional rankings are aimed primarily at consumers whose care may not demand the special expertise found only at a nationally ranked Best Hospital or who may not be willing or able to travel long distances for medical care. The U.S. News metro rankings give many such patients and their families more options of hospitals within their community and in their health insurance network.


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21 Jul 2015

Genesis Medical Center, Silvis Top-Ranked For Outstanding Patient Safety

By Craig Cooper

TUCSON, Az. - July 21, 2015 - Genesis Medical Center, Silvis has earned the No. 1 ranking of 600 hospitals in the U.S. based on outstanding patient safety and outcomes.

Genesis Medical Center, Silvis earned the top ranking from Midas+ by being at the 99th percentile for hospitals in low readmission rates, core measures, low mortality and average length of stay.

The Silvis hospital also earned a Platinum Quality Award from Midas+ for the fourth time in five years. GMC, Silvis earned the recognition in the category of hospitals with fewer than 100 patients each day.

GMC, Silvis was presented the recognitions recently at the Midas+ annual symposium in Tucson.

Midas+ Solutions recognizes excellence in clinical healthcare. The Platinum Quality Award reflects achievement in quality outcomes, care efficiency, and consistent delivery of evidence-based best practices in healthcare delivery.

"To be the top-ranked of 600 hospitals across the country for patient safety and outstanding outcomes is a testament to the quality of care provided on a daily basis by physicians, nurses and other clinical staff at the hospital,'' said Kevin Youmans, president of Genesis Medical Center, Silvis. "And, Genesis Medical Center, Silvis has consistently maintained a high standard of quality by earning a Platinum Quality Award for the fourth time in five years. "What it means for patients is that they can expect an outstanding level of care delivered consistently at Genesis Medical Center, Silvis.''

Youmans explained that a hospital with fewer than 100 patients per day must be extremely consistent in its quality of care to win the Platinum Quality Award because there is more variation when just one patient doesn't receive the quality of care expected.

Genesis Medical Center, Silvis had a mean percentage score of 81 percent, the highest of the 27 hospitals of all sizes receiving Platinum Quality Awards.

Among the measurements used to determine award winners are acute care readmissions, myocardial infarction care, heart failure care and pneumonia care. Mortality rates and average lengths of stay are also factors.

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21 Jul 2015

NIH Body Weight Planner Added to USDA SuperTracker Food and Activity Tool

By USDA Office of Communications

Science-based technology provides users greater customizing to help reach and sustain a healthy weight

WASHINGTON, July 20, 2015 - The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and National Institutes of Health (NIH) have partnered to add the NIH Body Weight Planner to USDA's SuperTracker online tool as a goal-setting resource to help people achieve and stay at a healthy weight. Created in 2011, the SuperTracker tool empowers people to build a healthier diet, manage weight, and reduce risk of chronic disease. Users can determine what and how much to eat; track foods, physical activities, and weight; and personalize with goal setting, virtual coaching, and journaling. With science-based technology drawing on years of research, the Body Weight Planner will enable SuperTracker's more than 5.5 million registered users to tailor their plans to reach a goal weight during a specific timeframe, and maintain that weight afterward.

The math model behind the Body Weight Planner, an online tool published by NIH in 2011, was created to accurately forecast how body weight changes when people alter their diet and exercise habits. This capability was validated using data from multiple controlled studies in people.

"We originally intended the Body Weight Planner as a research tool, but so many people wanted to use it for their own weight management that we knew we needed to adapt it with more information about how to achieve a healthy lifestyle," said Kevin Hall, Ph.D., who led creation of the Planner and is a senior investigator at the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), part of the NIH. "The Planner is a natural fit within the SuperTracker as it lets people accurately determine how many calories and how much exercise is needed to meet their personal weight-management goals."

The Planner's calculations reflect the discovery that the widely accepted paradigm that reducing 3,500 calories will shed one pound of weight does not account for slowing of metabolism as people change their diet and physical activities. More recently, the math model was further validated using data from a two-year calorie restriction study of 140 people. With those data, Hall and colleagues showed the model can also provide accurate measurements of calorie intake changes by tracking people's weight. Researchers are examining how to apply this method for public use.

"We are pleased to offer a variety of interactive tools to support Americans in making healthy lifestyle changes," said Angie Tagtow, executive director of USDA's Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion, which created and manages SuperTracker. "The NIH Body Weight Planner helps consumers make a plan to reach their goals on their timeline, and SuperTracker helps them achieve it."

More than two-thirds of American adults are overweight or obese. Maintaining a healthy weight can help prevent complications related to overweight and obesity such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes and certain types of cancer, some of the leading causes of preventable death.

"NIH's collaboration with USDA allows the public to quickly reap the benefits of the latest medical research results," said NIDDK Director Griffin P. Rodgers, M.D. "Sharing resources and expertise lets us get out important information as efficiently as possible, empowering people to take charge of their weight and their health."

The NIDDK, a component of the NIH, conducts and supports research on diabetes and other endocrine and metabolic diseases; digestive diseases, nutrition and obesity; and kidney, urologic and hematologic diseases. Spanning the full spectrum of medicine and afflicting people of all ages and ethnic groups, these diseases encompass some of the most common, severe and disabling conditions affecting Americans. For more information about the NIDDK and its programs, see www.niddk.nih.gov.

About the National Institutes of Health (NIH): NIH, the nation's medical research agency, includes 27 Institutes and Centers and is a component of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. NIH is the primary federal agency conducting and supporting basic, clinical, and translational medical research, and is investigating the causes, treatments, and cures for both common and rare diseases. For more information about NIH and its programs, visit www.nih.gov.

About the United States Department of Agriculture Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion: The Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion, part of USDA's Food, Nutrition and Consumer Services mission area, works to improve the health and well-being of Americans by developing and promoting dietary guidance that links scientific research to the nutrition needs of consumers.

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