06 Feb 2014

Genesis Builds HealthPlex In Bettendorf

By Craig Cooper

BETTENDORF, Iowa - Feb. 6, 2014 - Genesis Health System announced today it will invest $15 million in the future of health care in the region at the new Genesis HealthPlex, Bettendorf.

The second Genesis HealthPlex - the first opened in November in Moline -- will give patients "one stop'' access to many health services. Genesis HealthPlex, Bettendorf is under construction at 2140 53rd Ave., Bettendorf. The HealthPlex is adjacent to ORA Orthopedics and the Genesis Center for Digestive Health.

Genesis Health Group President Richard Kishiue, M.D., said the new facility is recognition of the national trend to provide more health care services outside of a hospital setting.

"Like Genesis HealthPlex, Moline, the Genesis HealthPlex, Bettendorf will be able to provide virtually all of the health services now available at multiple sites, from primary care physicians, to radiology, laboratory, specialists and Genesis Convenient Care,'' Dr. Kishiue said.

The 43,140-square foot HealthPlex is under construction and will be open to patients late in 2014. Estes Construction of Davenport is the general contractor.

Genesis HealthPlex, Bettendorf is an IMPACT construction project using local skilled trades.

With a focus on providing care to more patients in the future, four graduates of the Genesis Quad Cities Family Medicine Residency Program will start their practices in the new facility.

"We understand the concerns about access to a primary care physician as thousands more residents of the region will have health insurance under the Affordable Care Act and will develop a relationship with a physician,'' Dr. Kishiue added. "Genesis has been very aggressive in recruiting new primary care physicians and specialists and will continue to be aggressive in our recruiting to make sure the newly insured are able to establish a relationship with a primary care physician rather than using emergency departments as their gateway for health services.''

The four recent residency program graduates who will base their new practices at Genesis HealthPlex, Bettendorf are Stacie Salowitz, M.D., a University of Iowa medical school graduate; Sheena Harker, who received her undergraduate degrees at Augustana College and received her medical degree from Des Moines University College of Osteopathic Medicine; Catherine Schierbrock, M.D., a University of Iowa medical school graduate; and, Ryan Boone, M.D., who received his medical degree from Destiny University School of Medicine, St. Lucia.

Linda Jager, M.D., is a fifth graduate of the Genesis Quad Cities Family Medicine Residency Program who has already joined Genesis Health Group.

Chris Crome, M.D., and Kurt Andersen, M.D., will move their practices from other Genesis Health Group locations and will serve as mentors for the recent residency graduates. Genesis Convenient Care will be moving from Devils Glen in Bettendorf to the new location.

"The support of Genesis Health Group physicians is one of the reasons we've been able to develop this plan,'' Dr. Kishiue said. "Usually we would only be able to retain one or two of the new doctors from the residency program. Being able to recruit five in one year is unheard of for us.

"The collaborative approach of experienced doctors and new doctors emphasizes how important we believe it is for newly insured patients to have a health and wellness relationship with a primary care doctor.

"That is how the Affordable Care Act will work effectively and not only will the health of the region improve, care will be more efficient as services are consolidated at a single site.''

Genesis HealthPlex, Bettendorf will have a full-service lab, digital imaging, including MRI, CT, radiography, ultrasound and mammography. There will be space for 18 providers, 65 examination rooms, nine procedure rooms and two education rooms.

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05 Feb 2014

GOP Senate, House Lawmaker Inquiry Reveals Weak Administration Oversight of Drug Discount Program for Uninsured, Low-Income Americans

By Grassley Press

Department of Health and Human Services' Office of the Inspector General releases report today showing major problems in discount drug program serving the poor, uninsured

WASHINGTON, Feb. 5 - A group of Republican Senate and House lawmakers released statements today in response to a report the lawmakers requested of the Office of the Inspector General (IG) of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). The lawmakers asked the IG to look into the Health Resources and Services Administration's (HRSA) oversight of the 340B Drug Pricing Program, through which prescription drug manufacturers give health safety net providers access to discounted prices on outpatient drugs. The IG report indicates that the program suffers from a lack of clear guidance from HRSA, the result of which is that "some covered entities in our study do not offer the discounted 340B price to uninsured patients at their contract pharmacies." The report also indicates that there are insufficient safeguards in place to prevent illegal or wasteful use of taxpayer funds.

On May 6, 2013, Senators Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.), lead Republican on the Senate health committee; Mike Enzi (R-Wyo.); Orrin Hatch (R-Utah); and Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa); as well as House Energy and Commerce Health Subcommittee Chairman Joe Pitts (R-Pa.) and Representative Bill Cassidy (R-La.) sent a letter to the HHS Inspector General requesting examination of HRSA's oversight of contract pharmacy arrangements to ensure that these pharmacies do not violate the terms of the 340B drug discount program. (Click HERE to read the letter and HERE to see the IG report released today.)

Alexander said: "For the sake of the low-income Americans who should be benefitting from prescription drug discounts through this program, I expect that Secretary Sebelius will take immediate action to ensure the Health Resources and Services Administration fixes the problems uncovered by the Inspector General."

Hatch said: "It's unacceptable that inconsistent, lax oversight has allowed the 340B program to be gamed - jeopardizing its core mission of helping low-income Americans. As this report demonstrates, it's imperative the Health Resources and Services Administration step up to the plate and perform more aggressive oversight to better guarantee assistance for those it's meant to serve."

Enzi said: "Without proper oversight there isn't accountability. Without accountability we're giving a pass to a broken program that isn't meeting its goals of helping uninsured and low-income Americans. The Administration can do better and I expect to hear their solutions for addressing the vulnerabilities identified by the Inspector General."

Grassley said: "Congress expects the discounts to go to low-income patients, but according to this report, that isn't always happening because of the complexities that have developed around this program. Maintaining program integrity is fundamental to the work of every federal agency. In this case, HRSA needs to faithfully execute its responsibilities or account for why it can't do so."

Pitts said: "This report from HHS's own watchdog raises serious questions about whether the 340B program is serving its core mission to help the uninsured. This report underscores the need for strong oversight so that the program is best suited to help those most in need."

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04 Feb 2014

Local Health Care Professional Offers Purification Program

By Scott Stewart

The Standard Process 21-day program combines whole food supplements with a whole food diet to cleanse the body

MOLINE, IL.  February 5, 2014–Daily exposure to toxins, including pollutants and diets high in processed foods, can ultimately disrupt the body's endocrine, immune, nervous and reproductive systems. To help patients purify their body, Healing Lotus Acupuncture, offers a 21-day purification program, developed by whole food supplement manufacturer Standard Process Inc. The program uses whole, organic and unprocessed food, along with whole food supplements to help cleanse the body.

Although the body rids itself of toxins naturally, eventually it can become overburdened. Purification, also known as detoxification, can help remove toxins. The Standard Process 21-Day Purification Program is designed to lighten the toxic load, improve digestion and help maintain a healthy weight.*

"It gave me so much more energy, it helped me feel well . . . it kind of opened my eyes to how unhealthy I'd been eating," says Janet, patient of Healing Lotus Acupuncture.  "I think I lost a total of 12 lbs., and I'm thrilled with the results!  I would highly recommend it!"

 

Join us on March 3rd at 6pm, when Healing Lotus Acupuncture will be having a free special program, A New Healthy You, to introduce the 21-day purification process and explain in further detail the benefits of purification. To get started on your journey to optimal health and a New Healthy You, visit www.healinglotus.co or call Scott at (309) 764.4753 and register for this special event.

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food & Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

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About Healing Lotus Acupuncture

Scott Stewart, LAc., Dipl., is a graduate of National University of Health Sciences and has been serving the Quad Cities area for the last 2 years. The clinic is located at 4300 - 12th Avenue in Moline.  Scott is a licensed and board certified acupuncturist, who also studied and did research in South East Asia for 2 years.  His goal is to educate his patients so they can have a higher quality of life, with less pain and suffering.  For additional information about Healing Lotus Acupuncture, or to schedule your appointment, call (309) 764.4753 or visit www.healinglotus.co.

 

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04 Feb 2014

Think a zero-trans-fats label means there are no trans fats in your food? Think again.

By Best Food Facts

JOIN OUR WEBCAST

Think a zero-trans-fats label means there are no trans fats in your food? Think again. Your food can have up to 0.5 grams of trans fats per serving and still boast it's trans-fat-free.

With all of the chatter and uncertainty around trans fats, we think the subject warrants a little more exploration, so we created the Trans Fats: Moving Off the Menu webcast with a powerhouse of food experts to cut through the confusion and find out what's really important when it comes to trans fats. Whether you are a professional working in the food industry or a concerned consumer, our webcast will give you straight talk on the subject and answer questions like:

  • What are trans fats and why were they developed in the first place?
  • What is the difference between naturally occurring trans fats and man-made trans fats?
  • If I grew up my whole life eating trans fats, am I in trouble?
  • What are some common foods that contain trans fats that may surprise me?
  • Besides looking for trans fats on the nutrition label, what are the hidden names for trans fats so I can look for them in the ingredient list?
  • What are good substitutes for trans fats?
  • What's going on with the FDA's proposed rule against trans fats, and how will this affect the food I eat?

Join us Tuesday, Feb. 11, from 2-3 p.m. Central (3-4 p.m. Eastern) for some straight talk on the subject.
04 Feb 2014

Upcoming Red Cross blood drives

By Marvin Whittaker

Give blood and help save lives

PEORIA, Ill. (Feb. 3, 2014) ? Like a hospital emergency room, the American Red Cross must be prepared to provide blood for patients 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and 365 days a year. It's the blood already on the shelves and readily available that can be lifesaving for people like Chris Salinas.

Chris was a horse trainer who was seriously injured in an accident when a horse pinned him to the pavement. He and his family said they credit the multiple blood transfusions he received with helping him recover.

Type O negative blood is especially needed right now. O negative is the universal blood type and can potentially be transfused to patients with any type. To make an appointment to donate blood and help ensure the shelves are stocked for patients in need, please visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS.

Upcoming blood donation opportunities:

Carroll County

Feb. 21 from 12-5 p.m. at Carroll County Farm Bureau, 811 S. Clay St. in Mount Carroll, Ill.

Clinton County

Feb. 20 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at LyondellBasell, 3400 Anamosa Road in Clinton, Iowa

Henry County

Feb. 18 from 7 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Kewanee Hospital, 1051 W. South St. in Kewanee, Ill.

Feb. 18 from 12-5 p.m. at Kewanee Hospital, 1051 W. South St. in Kewanee, Ill.

Feb. 21 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Wethersfield High School Key Club, 439 Willard St. in Kewanee, Ill.

Feb. 25 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Black Hawk College East Campus, 26230 Black Hawk Road in Galva, Ill.

Mercer County

Feb. 18 from 11:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. at VFW Hall, 106 SW Third Ave. in Aledo, Ill.

Scott County

Feb. 19 from 3-7 p.m. at Davenport Central High School, 1120 W. Main St. in Davenport, Iowa

Whiteside County

Feb. 19 from 2-6 p.m. at American Red Cross, 112 W. Second St. in Rock Falls, Ill.

Feb. 25 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Robert Fulton Community Center, 912 Fourth St. in Fulton, Ill.

Feb. 26 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at American Red Cross, 112 W. Second St. in Rock Falls, Ill.

Feb. 27 from 4-7 p.m. at American Red Cross, 112 W. Second St. in Rock Falls, Ill.

The need is constant. The gratification is instant. Give blood.®

How to donate blood

Simply call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or visit redcrossblood.org to make an appointment or for more information. All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. A blood donor card or driver's license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age (16 with parental consent in some states), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.

About the American Red Cross

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. The Red Cross is supported in part through generous financial donations from the United Way. For more information, please visit redcross.org or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.

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04 Feb 2014

HEALTH ADVOCACY ORGANIZATIONS URGE LEGISLATORS TO STREAMLINE PATIENT ACCESS TO LIFE-SAVING MEDICATIONS

By Vanessa Figueroa

Hundreds of forms cause delays, pain and suffering to patients waiting for relief

 

SPRINGFIELD, IL -- February 3, 2014 - Cancer patients waiting in pain for relief ... quality of life being compromised ... these are just a few of the concerns legislators will hear Wednesday, February 5th when the Illinois House Human Services Committee takes up a bill designed to standardize the hundreds of different forms used by insurance companies to authorize medical treatment.

Health advocacy organizations from around the state are urging the Illinois General Assembly to support House Bill 3638 sponsored by Rep. Laura Fine (D-Glenview) and Senate Bill 2585 sponsored by Senator Dan Kotowski (D-Park Ridge) and Senator Mattie Hunter (D-Chicago) to ensure prompt patient access to life-saving medications by streamlining the prior authorization process in the state - a process where patients must wait until the insurance company approves the use of a medication recommended by their physician. It has meant mounds of paperwork for doctors and nurses, and days, even weeks, of delays for patients seeking critical care.

According to a 2010 American Medical Association survey on prior authorization, physicians and staff spend about 20 hours per week on average dealing with prior authorizations. In Illinois alone, there are more than 300 different forms used by various insurance companies for prior authorization, which according to health care providers, is causing alarming, even dangerous delays in access to medication.

"The prior authorization process can absolutely have an impact on the health of our patients," said Nancy Leone, a registered nurse in Antioch. "Recently, a patient needed a specific type of chemotherapy for abdominal cancer. It was denied by the insurance company, and then it took about a month of waiting and back and forth before the patient was finally approved and could receive it."

At least 20 Illinois health advocacy organizations, representing tens of thousands of patients, have sent a letter to the Illinois General Assembly supporting HB 3638 and SB 2585 and stating, in part:

 

Standardization of prior authorization should be part of Illinois' efforts to improve health care and reduce costs, as it has clear implications for improved efficiency and enhanced patient outcomes. As organizations that represent a wide variety of patients, we urge you to support legislation that would standardize the state's prior authorization system.

 

Organizations include :

AIDS Foundation of Chicago

American Cancer Society-Cancer Action Network

American Heart Association/American Stroke Association

American Lung Association of Illinois

American Nurses Association of Illinois

Chicago Hispanic Health Coalition

Epilepsy Foundation of Chicago

Epilepsy Foundation of North Central Illinois, Iowa and Nebraska

Epilepsy Foundation of Greater Southern Illinois

Epilepsy Therapy Project

Gateway Hemophilia Association

Gilda's Club of Chicago

Illinois African American Coalition for Prevention

Illinois Psychiatric Society

Illinois Rural Health Association

Illinois Society for Advance Practice Nursing

Leukemia and Lymphoma Society-Gateway Chapter

Leukemia Lymphoma Society of Illinois

Lupus Foundation of America-Illinois Chapter

Mental Health America of Illinois

NAMI Greater Chicago
State Pain Policy Action Network

"There have been times when I've had to wait for up to three weeksafter requesting my prescriptions, because the doctor must fill out any number of forms and wait for approval from the insurance company," said Columbia resident and arthritis sufferer Kim Kitowski. "Access to medication is critical to my ability to go to work, care for my twin boys - live my day-to-day life."

HB 3638 and SB 2585 would amend the Illinois Public Aid Code and the Illinois Insurance Code and require the Department of Healthcare and Family Services and the Department of Insurance to jointly develop a uniform prior authorization form for prescription drug benefits on or before July 1, 2014.

"Pain remains one of the most feared and burdensome symptoms for cancer patients and survivors, and waiting for prior authorization approval can have significant negative impacts on a patient's treatment and quality of life," said Heather Eagleton, director of public policy & government relations of the American Cancer Society-Cancer Action Network. "When a person has a disease like cancer, they need to be focusing on getting better and fighting the disease, not administrative barriers to care."

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31 Jan 2014

Tips from The Skin Cancer Foundation on Achieving a Healthy Glow Without Tanning Beds

By Carla Barry-Austin

New York, NY (January 30, 2014)- As the temperature drops and winter lingers, women are seeking ways to warm up their dull winter skin. Taking a note from Hollywood A-listers, many are abandoning the fake-baked looks achieved from UV tanning in favor of a more natural glow. This is an important and timely shift, as research shows that melanoma incidence among young women ages 18-39 has jumped an alarming 800 percent in the past 40 years1. Additionally, there is evidence showing that just one indoor tanning session increases users' chances of developing melanoma by 20 percent, and each additional session during the same year boosts the risk almost another two percent2.

 

This new trend of natural radiance means having youthful and refreshed skin, not wrinkles, age spots and a leathery appearance. "A glowing skin tone can be achieved through a healthy skincare and sun protection regimen," said Skin Cancer Foundation spokesperson Amy Forman Taub, MD. "Adopting sun safety is a great way to keep your skin looking youthful, and will help prevent future sun damage, which often presents itself in the form of premature skin aging."

 

To help brighten winter skin, Dr. Taub and The Skin Cancer Foundation offer these tips:

 

Protect Against Sun Damage

Sun protection is a crucial tool in the battle against premature skin aging. More than 90 percent of the visible changes commonly attributed to skin aging are caused by the sun. Since UV damage is cumulative over a lifetime, it is something to be concerned about on a daily basis. The Skin Cancer Foundation recommends adopting a complete sun protection regimen that includes seeking shade, covering up with clothing (including a wide-brimmed hat and UV-blocking sunglasses) and wearing sunscreen daily with an SPF of 15 or higher, applying about one ounce (a shot glass full) to all exposed areas.

 

Shimmer Like a Pro

A proper skincare regimen is essential when working toward a healthy, glowing complexion. Follow this routine to help achieve glowing skin:

1. Start with a Morning Cleanse­-- Glowing skin starts with proper cleansing in the morning, and remember- it doesn't have to lather or foam to work. Many cleansing cloths, for instance, don't lather, yet take all the effort out of face washing.
2. Smooth on a Serum-- If using a serum, try one with Vitamin C, which has anti-aging benefits.
3. Apply Moisturizer with Sunscreen-- Next, reach for a moisturizer with an SPF of 15 or higher.

4. Prime the Skin­-- A primer creates a smooth canvas for makeup.

 

Go With Your Own Glow

Through The Skin Cancer Foundation's Go With Your Own Glow™ campaign, the Foundation strongly advocates embracing one's natural skin tone. The campaign encourages women to love and protect their skin, whatever its natural hue. For those who can't resist the bronzed look but won't sacrifice their health to achieve it, consider sunless (UV-free) tanners. They are available in many different formulations, including creams, lotions, gels, pump sprays, aerosols and wipes.
1.  Reed KB, Brewer JD, Lohse CM, Bringe KE, Pruit CN, Gibson LE. Increasing Incidence of Melanoma Among Young Adults: An Epidemiological Study in Olmsted County, Minnesota.
Mayo Clinic Proceedings 2012; 87(4):328-334.

 

2. Boniol M, Autier P, Boyle P, Gandini S. Cutaneous melanoma attributable to sunbed use: systematic review and meta-analysis. BMJ 2012; 345:e4757. doi: 10.1136/bmj.e4757

 

# # #

 

About The Skin Cancer Foundation
The Skin Cancer Foundation is the only global organization solely devoted to the prevention, early detection and treatment of skin cancer. The mission of the Foundation is to decrease the incidence of skin cancer through public and professional education and research. Since its inception in 1979, the Foundation has recommended following a complete sun protection regimen that includes seeking shade and covering up with clothing, including a wide-brimmed hat and UV-blocking sunglasses, in addition to daily sunscreen use. For more information, visit SkinCancer.org.

 

29 Jan 2014

Nutrition info for seniors

By National Institute on Aging

Eating a well-planned, balanced mix of foods every day has many health benefits for older adults. Research shows that smart food choices can help reduce risk of chronic diseases like heart disease, diabetes, and osteoporosis.

The National Institute on Aging, part of the National Institutes of Health, now offers an engaging online nutrition resource, What's On Your Plate? Smart Food Choices for Healthy Aging. 

Explore What's On Your Plate? for reliable information based on scientific research, including:

  • ·         recommended eating plans
  • ·         how to shop for food that's good for you, even on a tight budget
  • ·         food safety
  • ·         practical tips to help older adults lead healthy lives

You can also print the resources to use on-the-go or to share with others. Visitwww.nia.nih.gov/health/publication/whats-your-plate today!

The National Institute on Aging offers a wealth of information on healthy aging. Subscribe to get regular updates.

28 Jan 2014

How to Maximize Your ROI of Life

By Ginny Grimsley
Physican Shares 4 Tips for Enjoying Life to the Fullest

Have you ever felt like you need an upgrade on your life? Most of us have - and there's a way to get it, says veteran physician Sanjay Jain.

"First, I tell people, 'Don't be afraid of making your life clearer.' Many argue that life is not simple and, therefore, there are no easy answers, but as we have paraphrased from Chinese philosopher Laozi, 'The journey of a thousand miles begins with the first step,' " says Jain, whose specialties include integrative medicine. He's also an international speaker and author of Optimal Living 360 - available February 2014 (www.sanjayjainmd.com).

"Lives are built from many small components which, when viewed as an assembled whole, can appear overwhelmingly complex," Jain says. "But when we break them down and consider the pieces as we make decisions in our lives, it's much easier to see how small adjustments can result in a better return on all of the investments we make - not only in health, but in relationships, finances, and all the other essential aspects of our lives."

Jain offers four points to keep in mind as you start the journey.

• Life is short, so live it to its fullest potential. Live it optimally. This is your life, so don't waste its most precious resource - time. No matter one's spiritual leanings, economic and education status, health, intelligence level, etc. - one thing is true for all: Our time on Earth is finite. There will be a time for most of us when, perhaps after a frightening diagnosis from a doctor, we reflect deeply upon our time and consider the most important moments, and all the time that may have been squandered.

• Balance is key. Too much or too little of something, no matter how good, is actually not good. Balance is one of the easiest tenets to understand, but arguably the most difficult to maintain. Obviously, too much alcohol is bad; then again, there are some health benefits to moderately imbibing red wine. What about too much of a good thing; can a mother love her children too much? Yes, if she is an overprotective "helicopter parent." The best antidote to overkill of anything is awareness; try to be aware of all measures in your life.

• Learn to tap your strengths and improve upon your weaknesses. Engaging your strengths at work and in your personal life is important. When we do what we're good at and what comes easily, we feel self-confident and satisfied. Some people, however, are not in jobs that utilize their strengths, or they don't put their talents to work at home because they're mired in the prosaic work of living. It's important to identify your strengths and find ways to engage them. It's equally important to recognize our weaknesses and work on improving them (because we can!) This is essential for achieving balance.

• Life is about making the right choices. Integrative decision-making makes this easier. There are many different types of decision-making, including systematic, hierarchal, impulsive, decisive and flexible. Integrative decision-making can be used for problems large and small, and includes the following process: 1. Define the problem. 2. Frame the problem. 3. Develop all your options. 4. Analyze your options. 5. Make the decision. 6. Execute your decision. 7. Debrief yourself. While experts may be the best consultants for compartmentalized areas of your life, only you know the other aspects that affect your well-being and can determine how a decision in one area will affect another area.

About Sanjay Jain, MD, MBA: Sanjay Jain is a U.S.-trained physician with certifications in Diagnostic Radiology, Integrative Medicine, and Healthcare Quality and Management and more than 15 years of clinical experience. He graduated from Northeastern Ohio Universities College of Medicine and The Ohio State University, where he earned a master's in business administration. This unique blend and perspective has made him a highly sought after domestic and international speaker. He remains actively involved with many medical organizations at both the local and national levels.
27 Jan 2014

Couple's Medical Odyssey Provides Cautionary Tale for All

By Rick Martin

Ruth Fenner Barash's new book, "For Better or Worse: Lurching from Crisis to Crisis in America's Medical Morass," reveals a medical system gone haywire, a system that's become a nightmare for sick and elderly Americans and their loved ones.

Her cautionary tale traces the long death of her husband, Philip, through a medical journey she says was fraught with mismanagement and excess, useless interventions and a sometimes complete disregard for pain - even when there was no hope of healing.

The Barashes were a long-married couple who tried to keep their heads above the quicksand of illness. Amidst the welter of statistics and cost analyses, their ordeal is a critical and moving look at a medical system that prioritizes itself above its patients.

Barash shares the deeply personal story of a man who, not through his own choice, overused the medical system, resulting in a long, slow death. She laments the state of our wildly expensive MD/hospital/Big Pharma complex, which all too often creates additional suffering for patients and their families.

"Patients and their loved ones cannot blindly turn themselves over to this massive, technology-based system and trust that it will care - or take care of them," says Barash, who adds that she had always expected much more from America's medical system.

"We did experience some wonderful health-care professionals - brilliant, compassionate and helpful doctors and nurses - but they were not the rule. I learned a great deal from our experience, and with so many people now gaining access to health care, I want others to benefit from what I've learned.

"You can navigate the system; you just have to know how. Above all, you have the power to say No."

Each one of us has a stake in advocating for a better health-care system; one that puts the emphasis on the patient and not gratuitous tests, mysterious technology or complicated insurance plans, she says. Until we get to that point as a nation, she says there are many things patients and their families can do to improve the medical experience, including avoiding the emergency room whenever possible, being skeptical and questioning everything, and asking about the costs - no matter who's paying.

About Ruth Fenner Barash

Ruth Fenner Barash studied philosophy at City College of New York and did graduate work at the University of Chicago. In 1958, she met and married Philip Barash, a private practice attorney. She went on to work in public relations and real estate, served on education and civic boards, and taught art in various media. Her long marriage was a "harmonious adventure" despite the couple's treacherous journey through the health-care system. Her husband died in 2012.

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