22 Feb 2013

Free Colon Cancer Screening Kits Available

By Craig Cooper

DAVENPORT, Iowa - Feb. 19, 2013 - Anyone 50 years old or older, or
those with other factors associated with an increased risk of colon cancer, are
encouraged to pick up and return a free colon cancer testing kit in the Quad
Cities during National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month in March.

The kits are provided free of charge as long as supplies last. This annual
screening is sponsored by Genesis Health System, Walgreens Drug Stores,
Illini Laboratory and the American Cancer Society. Completed kits should be
mailed to the Illini Laboratory. Participants will have results mailed to them
within four weeks.

The kits are designed to detect small amounts of hidden blood, which can
indicate early problems with polyps or cancer before other symptoms are
apparent. Anyone with a positive test should contact their family physician
and ask about a colonoscopy. Also, anyone 50 years old or older should ask
their doctor about having a first colonoscopy.

Excluding skin cancers, colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer
diagnosed in both men and women in the United States. The American
Cancer Society's estimate for the number of new colon cancer cases in the
United States for 2013 is 102,480.

The death rate (the number of deaths per 100,000 people per year) from
colorectal cancer has been dropping in both men and women for more than
20 years. There are a number of likely reasons for this. One is that polyps
are being found by screening and removed before they can develop into
cancers.

Screening is also allowing more colorectal cancers to be found earlier when
the disease is easier to treat and cure.

Both men and women are at risk for colon cancer and more lives could be
saved if people better understood the risks of the disease and received
regular testing.

Screening and colonoscopy are the most effective ways to prevent colon
cancer from developing. Most cases of the disease begin as non-cancerous
polyps, which are growths on the lining of the colon and rectum. These
polyps can become cancerous.

Removing polyps during a colonoscopy can prevent colorectal cancer from
developing. Approximately 90 percent of colorectal cancers and deaths are
thought to be preventable.

Because there are often no symptoms to polyps, it is important to be
routinely screened.

For more information on colon cancer, including risk factors, prevention
options, and early detection methods, please call the American Cancer
Society at 1-800-ACS-2345 or visit www.cancer.org.

Free kits can be picked up at the following locations in March, or until
supplies last:

Walgreens Drug Stores

Bettendorf: 830 Middle Road, 3425 Middle Road; Clinton: 806 S. 4th St.,
1905 N. 2nd St.; Davenport: 1805 Brady St., 1720 West Kimberly; 1525
East Kimberly, 1660 West Locust St., 4011 East 53 rd St.; East Moline: 301
30th Ave.; 1301 Ave. of the Cities; Moline: 3601 16th St., 555 19th Ave.;
4000 Ave. of the Cities; Milan: 440 10th Ave. West; Muscatine:1703 Park
Ave; Rock Island: 3100 11th St.; 2955 18th Ave.

Other Pick-Up Locations
Genesis Cancer Care Institute, 1351 West Central Park, Davenport; Genesis
Medical Center, Illini Campus, 801 Illini Drive, Silvis; Illini Laboratory,
801 Illini Drive, Silvis; Genesis Medical Center, DeWitt, 1118 11th Street,
DeWitt; Genesis Medical Center, Davenport, West Campus Information
Desks; Genesis Medical Center, Davenport, East Campus Information Desks;
Jackson County Regional Health Center, Maquoketa; Mercer County Hospital,
Aledo, Ill; American Cancer Society Discovery Shop, 2397 Cumberland
Square, Bettendorf.

Risk Factors
Both men and women are at risk for colon cancer. Personal risk varies,
so your doctor can help you make informed decisions about when to begin

testing and the most appropriate testing method for you. Factors associated
with increased risk for colon cancer include :

Age - most diagnosed are 50 or older.
Race - African Americans are at greater risk.
Personal or family history of colon cancer.
Personal or family history of intestinal polyps.
Personal history of inflammatory bowel disease (ulcerative or Crohn's colitis).
Certain genetic factors (familial adenomatous polyposis, Gardner's syndrome, hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer, Ashkenazi Jewish descent).
Smoking, or use of other tobacco products.
Physical inactivity.
Diets high in red meat.

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15 Feb 2013

Governor Quinn and HHS Secretary Sebelius Announce Health Insurance Marketplace for Illinois

By Leslie Wertheimer

State-Federal Partnership Created by the Affordable Care Act Will Deliver Quality Health Care to Hundreds of Thousands in Illinois by End of First Year

CHICAGO - February 13, 2013. Governor Pat Quinn and U.S. Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Kathleen Sebelius today announced that Illinois has been conditionally approved to operate a State Partnership Marketplace, which will be ready for open enrollment in October 2013. This federal approval of the partnership, which was announced in a joint appearance at the Erie Health Center in Chicago, will allow Illinois to select health insurance carriers and tailor the marketplace to local needs and market conditions.

Today's announcement is part of Governor Quinn's commitment to increase access to decent healthcare and ensure Illinois reaps the benefits of the Affordable Care Act.

"Here in the home state of President Barack Obama, we are forging ahead to make the promise of the Affordable Care Act a reality," Governor Quinn said. "Access to decent healthcare is a fundamental right. Hundreds of thousands of people in Illinois will gain quality health coverage through the Health Insurance Marketplace. They will also gain the peace of mind that comes from knowing that the care will be there if they need it. We are going to be working very hard between now and October 1 to educate the people of our state about the health care coverage options they will have through the marketplace, thanks to President Obama's leadership."

"I applaud Illinois' work to build a new health insurance marketplace," Secretary Sebelius said. "Illinois has made significant progress, and will be ready in eight months for open enrollment when Illinoisans will be able to use the new marketplace to easily purchase quality, affordable health insurance plans."

A key feature of the Affordable Care Act, the marketplace will be accessed through a robust, user-friendly website where individuals, families and small businesses will be able to compare health care policies and premiums and purchase comprehensive health coverage. Individuals and families with income between 133 percent and 400 percent of the federal poverty level will receive subsidies on a sliding scale if they obtain coverage through the marketplace. Illinois officials estimate that 500,000 people will secure coverage through the marketplace in the first year of operation, and up to one million people will be covered by 2016.

Thanks to the Affordable Care Act, as of January 2014, consumers and small businesses will have access to a new marketplace that will deliver access to quality, affordable private health insurance coverage. These comprehensive health plans will provide consumers with the same kinds of insurance choices as members of Congress, and ensure they are not denied coverage because of a pre-existing condition. Consumers in every state will be able to buy insurance from qualified health plans directly through these marketplaces, and may be eligible for tax credits to help pay for their health insurance.

For more information on the new health insurance marketplace, visit www.healthcare.gov/exchanges.

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06 Feb 2013

Illinois Association of County Board Members and Commissioners Endorses Discount Prescription Card

By Leila Forsythe Alvarez

In a press release today, Coast2Coast Rx announced that the Illinois Association of County Board Members and Commissioners (IACBMC) has endorsed the free discount prescription card. The program, already approved in 10 counties statewide and dozens of townships, has reached thousands of residents, collectively saving them millions of dollars on prescription costs.

Coast2Coast Rx saves consumers significantly on their prescriptions and other healthcare services?up to 75 percent on more than 60,000 brand name and generic prescriptions. The card is a public to residents and the county: it requires no administrative work by county personnel, and the card actually generates revenue for public programs?providing $1.25 to the participating county for each prescription filled using the card.

With no restrictions on age, income status, or existing health conditions, the benefits of the card extends to everyone: those without insurance, the underinsured and those even those with high deductibles or expenses?such as certain prescriptions or flu vaccines?not covered by their health plan may save significantly by using the free program. In some cases even Medicare Part D patients experiencing the "donut hole" can use the card to help relieve their out-of-pocket expenses.

Our goal is to increase awareness of this resource so that more residents are aware of this great program, and we hope to have your support. As many consumers struggle with the high cost of medications and health care expenses, the Coast2Coast Rx card allows many consumers to save on this needed prescriptions while creating a revenue stream for their community?making this program a win-win.

Given the effect this program has already made on residents and its potential to expand its positive impact, I hope to speak to you about a feature. Please let me know if you have any questions. Thank you for your consideration!

06 Feb 2013

Ending Deals that Delay Cheaper Prescription Drugs to Consumers

By Grassley Press

Tuesday, February 5, 2012

Klobuchar, Grassley Reintroduce Legislation to Crack Down on Anti-Competitive Pay-for-Delay Deals

Legislation would help put an end to pay-offs by brand-name drug manufacturers to keep cheaper generic equivalents off the market and help make sure consumers have access to cost-saving generic drugs they need

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) recently released a report indicating a significant increase in the number of potential pay-for-delay settlements over the past year

WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Chuck Grassley (R-IA) today reintroduced legislation to crack down on anti-competitive pay-for-delay deals. The Preserve Access to Affordable Generics Act would help put an end to the practice of brand-name drug manufacturers using pay-off agreements to keep more affordable generic equivalents off the market and help make sure consumers have access to cost-saving generic drugs they need. A report released by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) shows the number of potential pay-for-delay agreements rose over 40 percent in 2012. Klobuchar and Grassley introduced similar legislation in 2010 following a resurgence of patent settlement agreements.

"These pay-for-delay deals keep more affordable generic drugs off the market, hurting consumers and stifling competition," said Klobuchar. "I have long supported efforts to crack down on this behavior and the recent rise in pay-for-delay agreements underscores the need for legislation to help make sure people have access to the drugs they need at a price they can afford."

"Clearly, pay-for-delay deal-making is an obstacle to getting cheaper prescription drugs on the market," Grassley said. "These anti-competitive patent settlements between brand and generic drug companies hurt consumers' access to affordable medications, and they hurt taxpayers who pay for prescription drugs under both Medicare and Medicaid. It's a practice that puts the interests of drug companies above the interests of consumers, and it's time for it to end."

Pay-for-delay settlements occur when brand-name drug companies seek to eliminate competition by paying generic manufacturers not to sell their products for a period of time. These agreements delay generic entry into the market nearly 17 months longer on average than agreements without payments. These pay-off settlements (also known as "reverse payments") delay consumer access to cost-saving generic drugs, which can be as much as 90 percent cheaper than brand-name drugs.

The Preserve Access to Affordable Generics Act would make it illegal for brand-name drug manufacturers to use anti-competitive pay-off agreements to keep more affordable generic equivalents off the market. The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) expects that enacting this legislation would accelerate the availability of lower-priced generic drugs and generate over $4.7 billion in budget savings to the Federal Treasury between fiscal years 2012 and 2021.

Klobuchar has been a leader in Congress on working to advance consumer protection and was recently appointed to chair the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Antitrust, Competition Policy, and Consumer Rights. Grassley is the ranking member of the Senate Judiciary Committee.

01 Feb 2013

WQPT TACKLES BULLYING IN FEBRUARY

By Lora Adams

MOLINE, IL - WQPT-Quad Cities PBS, in conjunction with a collaboration of area non-profit organizations focused on bullying in our community (known as CARE QC - Connecting Anti-Bullying Resources and Education), will host a series of community conversations, television programming and online activities to inform parents, students and teachers about the resources available to combat bullying.

"CARE QC was formed as a result of information gathered during WQPT's 'American Graduate' work last year. At the community forums convened to discuss the drop-out crisis and the need for mentors in our community, we discovered that bullying was one of the top factors in a student's decision to drop out of school," said WQPT Interim General Manager Jamie Lange.

The community conversations will be held from 5-7:30 p.m., Monday, Feb. 18 at the Martin Luther King Center in Rock Island, and Wednesday, Feb. 20 Wednesday, Feb. 20 at the Moline Public Library.

In addition, Ballet Quad Cities will offer a free performance of "The Ugly Duckling" from 7-8:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 22 at Davenport North High School. The dance performance carries an anti-bullying message about treating on another with respect. Renowned anti-bullying expert Dr. Jennifer Caudle will host a short program following the event.

Related programming featured on WQPT includes:

Sunday, Feb. 17, 8 p.m.: "Official Best of Fest: Bullies." Get a glimpse into the world of bullying with two short films from Australia and the UK.

Sunday, Feb. 17, 8:30 p.m.: "Dissed Respect." The impact of bullying encourages dialogue about the need to reduce the high-risk behavior of bullying.

Monday, Feb. 18, 8 p.m.: "Teaching Channel: Bullying at School." The program visits three schools where parents, teachers and students are implementing bullying prevention programs.

Monday, Feb. 18, 9 p.m.: "Enough is Enough." Learn about the evolving interactive web, social networking and cyber-bullying. Learn how to protect your child on all internet enabled devices.

For more resources, interactive surveys and information, visit wqpt.org/stopbullying.

WQPT is a public media service of Western Illinois University-Quad Cities.

31 Jan 2013

IBHS Offers Ways to Stop the Flu From Shutting Down a Business

By Joseph King

Tampa, Fla. (January 31, 2013) - As the U.S. is now in the height of flu season (January - February), the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS) urges small business owners to take preventive measures to help keep employees healthy and the business open.

"For any business, employees are precious assets that merit active protection," notes Julie Rochman, IBHS president and CEO. "Through education and planning, you can help protect employees from the flu and prevent a large disruption, particularly for small businesses."

This year, IBHS is offering a new Flu Season Business Assessment, which is a free resource business owners can use to evaluate their risk. After completing the IBHS flu assessment, business owners can create a business continuity plan using the IBHS' free Open for Business ® toolkit to plan for a variety of potential emergencies that could disrupt day-to-day operations. Additional commercial resources are available at DisasterSafety.org.

Widespread influenza activity has been reported in 47 states this year. This can be particularly harmful to businesses as nearly 111 million workdays are lost due to flu; this equals approximately $7 billion in sick days and lost productivity, or $230 per person, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

or via direct message on Twitter @jsalking. Follow IBHS on Twitter at @DisasterSafety and on

# # #

29 Jan 2013

It might not be the flu - RSV levels on the rise

By Claire Orphan

Flu season is wreaking havoc around the country, and yet another seasonal illness, respiratory syncytial virus or RSV, appears to be peaking in Illinois. In fact, according to CDC surveillance data, almost all states are reporting epidemic levels, including:

AZ - 25%
CA - 39%
FL - 12%
GA - 29%
IL - 23%
LA - 27%
NY - 15%
OH - 39%
TX - 29%

RSV is considered having reached epidemic levels once rates of positive cases are at or above 10% for two consecutive weeks.

Background:

It's a virus that's often mistaken for a common cold, but this highly prevalent, easily-spread illness can be devastating and it's affecting young infants across the country. It's called respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and if contracted, it can bring serious complications to young infants, particularly to preemies whose underdeveloped lungs and immature immune systems make it harder to fight off the infection. In fact, RSV is the leading cause of infant hospitalization?about 125,000 each year?and is responsible for approximately 10 times more infant deaths each year than the flu.

According to the CDC, "RSV season" typically runs from November through March. All children can contract RSV, and nearly 100% of babies do by age two. Unfortunately, there is no cure for RSV, so prevention is key to protecting against this virus, which is highly contagious, particularly among children. For instance, daycare and pre-schools are common areas where children can contract RSV, but there are steps daycare providers and parents can take to help protect children.

Frequent washing of hands, toys, play areas and bedding is important, as RSV can live for several hours on surfaces such as countertops, doorknobs and tissues. Other preventative measures include keeping children away from those who are sick and never letting anyone smoke around the baby. Although RSV can be mild in many children, it's best to air on the side of caution for the sake of other children. Parents of children who have cold-like symptoms should keep them home from daycare, to avoid exposing other children (especially those who may be at high-risk) from potentially dangerous germs.

Nationally recognized RSV expert Dr. Ram Yogev, MD of Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago and Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine is available to answer common RSV questions and talk about how it impacts children and their families:

· What is RSV, and what are the risk factors for developing severe RSV disease?

· What symptoms should parents look for and flag for their child's pediatrician?

· What can parents do to try to prevent their child from contracting RSV?

· How can parents help keep their child from spreading germs and illnesses to other children?

29 Jan 2013

Iowa Health Care Providers and Consumer Advocates Call Upon State Leaders to Expand Medicaid Coverage for Iowans

By Richard Swearinger

DES MOINES – Today 48 of Iowa's influential health providers, consumer and patient advocates, and faith groups
joined together to ask Iowa's state leaders to expand Medicaid health coverage for hardworking Iowans who make
annually make up to 133 percent of federal poverty level, or $25,390 per year for a family of three.

The groups supporting expansion include the Iowa Hospital Association, the Iowa Medical Society, AARP, the American
Cancer Society CAN, the Iowa Catholic Conference, and the Iowa Conference of the United Methodist Church.

"The Iowa Hospital Association supports Medicaid expansion for the simple reason that insuring more Iowans
is good for everyone, whether you provide health care, have your own insurance, own a business or just want
Iowa to be a better and more prosperous place," said Kirk Norris, IHA President and CEO. "IHA is proud
to join with nearly 50 other prominent and powerful Iowa groups in calling upon our state leaders to enact
Medicaid Expansion under the parameters of the ACA."

Norris explained that while the organizations have not organized as a formal coalition, it is significant that this
broad range of diverse organizations have joined together with the common goal of expanding Medicaid in
Iowa. He said each group offers a unique perspective on the issue and will continue to implement their own
strategy for engaging on Medicaid Expansion. "It is our differences and unique perspectives that make our
shared message so powerful, and we hope our state leaders will set aside their differences and come together
on this issue that directly affects the health and quality of care of low-income Iowans and the Iowans who
provide that care. "

"Iowans expect our leaders to come together on solutions for improving health care in Iowa, and expanding
Medicaid is a necessary piece of that puzzle," said AARP State President, Tony Vola.

Vola noted that approximately 17,204 Iowans who are uninsured and would be eligible for Medicaid
Expansion are between the ages of 50-64.

"Expanding Medicaid will reduce costly emergency visits, and catch and treat at an earlier stage our growing
epidemic of chronic disease in Iowa, which becomes a bigger problem as we age. It will help Iowans who've
lost their jobs or are struggling in jobs without health benefits get access to quality and preventive care so that
they can be healthier and more productive," added Vola.

"Increased health care coverage is the gateway to reducing the cancer burden in Iowa," said John McCalley,
Midwest Advocacy Leader for American Cancer Society CAN. "The American Cancer Society Cancer Action
Network strongly encourages policy makers to accept the federal money to cover more people and save
taxpayer dollars by fully expanding Medicaid. Our poll last month showed that 57% of Iowa voters support
accepting federal funds already allocated to provide health care coverage by expanding Medicaid, while only
27% thought Iowa should turn it down."

"At their core, health care choices are not just political, technical, or economic, but also moral," said Tom
Chapman, Executive Director of the Iowa Catholic Conference. "Good health is a benefit that needs to be
defended and guaranteed for all people, not just for those who can afford it."

"The Iowa Catholic Conference supports making health care more readily available and affordable to all
Iowans. The expansion of Medicaid is a welcome step in that direction. We look forward to working with
legislators as they make important choices on how to strengthen and improve health care in the state," added
Chapman.

The following Iowa groups call upon our Iowa state leaders to expand Medicaid to Iowa residents with incomes up to
133 percent of the federal poverty level as set forth in the Affordable Care Act, in order to provide and compensate for
an efficient and cost effective health care delivery system for low income Iowans who are in need of, but currently lack
adequate and accessible health care coverage.

Group
AARP
American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network
AFSCME Iowa Council 61
American Heart Association
AMOS (A Mid-Iowa Organizing Strategy)
Brain Injury Alliance of Iowa
CAFE Iowa CAN
CHAIN (Community HVI/Hepatitis Advocates of Iowa Network)
Community Health Charities Iowa
Communications Workers of America Iowa State Council
Easter Seals Iowa
Epilepsy Foundation of Iowa
Every Child Counts (Child and Family Policy Center Initiative)
HCI Care Services (formerly Hospice of Central Iowa)
Hospice & Palliative Care Association of Iowa
Iowa Alliance for Retired Americans
Iowa Alliance in Home Care
Iowa Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church
Iowa Association of Area Agencies on Aging
Iowa Care Givers Association
Iowa Catholic Conference
Iowa Citizen Action Network (ICAN)
Iowa Community Action Association
Iowa Developmental Disabilities Council
Iowa Federation of Labor, AFL-CIO
Iowa Hospital Association
Iowa Human Needs Advocates
Iowa Medical Society
Iowa Mental Health Planning Council
Iowa Nurses Association
Iowa Occupational Therapy Association
Iowa Olmstead Consumer Task Force
Iowa Public Health Association
Iowa Primary Care Association
Iowa Psychological Association
Iowa Statewide Independent Living Council
League of Women Voters of Iowa
Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, Iowa Chapter
Mercy Health Network
NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) Greater Des Moines
National Association of Social Workers, Iowa Chapter
National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Upper Midwest Chapter
Polk County
Progressive Action for the Common Good
Progress Iowa
Results (The Power to End Poverty)
South Central Iowa Federation of Labor, AFL-CIO
Visiting Nurse Services of Iowa

Contact
Anthony Carroll
John McCalley
Marcia Nichols
Stacy Frelund
Teresa Bomhoff
Geoff Lauer
Eileen Fisher
Tami Haught
Jim Swanstrom
Midge Slater
Sherri Nielsen
Vic Verni
Danielle Oswald-Thole
Katie McIntyre
Rebecca Anthony
Midge Slater
Greg Boattenhamer
Naomi Sea Young Wittstruck
Mike Issacson
John Hale
Tom Chapman
Sue Dinsdale
Lana Ross
Rik Shannon
Charlie Wishman
Greg Boattenhamer
Kelli Soyer
Lucinda Stephenson
Teresa Bomhoff
Pam Deichmann
Peggy Parker
Geoff Lauer
Jeneane Moody
Tori Squires
Greg Febbraro
Dawn Francis
Bonnie Pitz
Wendy Sontag
Sara Eide
Teresa Bomhoff
Kelli Soyer
Dan Johnson
Tom Hockensmith
Karen Metcalf
Matt Sinovic
Jos Linn
Mark Cooper
Mary O'Brien

Phone number
(515-707-2722)
(515-401-8284)
(515-246-2654)
(515-246-4563)
(515-277-0672)
(855-444-6443)
(319-624-5121)
(641-715-4182)
(515-243-7207)
(515-278-5551)
(515-274-1529)
(800-221-2689)
(515-778-8187)
(515-333-4258)
(515-283-9316)
(515-262-9571)
(515-283-9303)
(515-974-8908)
(319-272-2244)
(515-313-7766)
(515-243-6256)
(515-480-3240)
(515-244-0328)
(515-689-2870)
(515-664-5197)
(515-283-9303)
(515-277-1117)
(515-223-1401)
(515-277-0672)
(515-462-3277)
(515-720-7346)
(319-466-7455)
(515-491-7804)
(515-333-5012)
(515-229-2890)
(515-282-0275)
(641-792-6123)
(515-270-6169)
(515-556-6883)
(515-277-0672)
(515-277-1117)
(612-335-7930)
(515-286-3120)
(563-355-0093)
(515-423-0530)
(515-288-3622)
(515-265-1862)
(515-802-2240)

About AARP

AARP is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization with a membership that helps people 50+ have independence, choice and control
in ways that are beneficial and affordable to them and society as a whole. AARP does not endorse candidates for public office or
make contributions to either political campaigns or candidates. We produce AARP The Magazine, the definitive voice for 50+
Americans and the world's largest-circulation magazine with over 35.1 million readers; AARP Bulletin, the go-to news source for
AARP's millions of members and Americans 50+; AARP VIVA, the only bilingual U.S. publication dedicated exclusively to the 50+
Hispanic community; and our website, AARP.org. AARP Foundation is an affiliated charity that provides security, protection, and
empowerment to older persons in need with support from thousands of volunteers, donors, and sponsors. We have staffed offices in all
50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

About the Iowa Hospital Association

The Iowa Hospital Association is a voluntary membership organization representing hospital and health system interests to business,
government and consumer audiences. All 118 community hospitals in Iowa, with more than 70,000 employees and a $6.2 billion
impact on the state's economy, are IHA members.

28 Jan 2013

Communities Reducing Readmissions

By Deb Innis

West Des Moines, Iowa - When Medicare patients make an unplanned return to the hospital it delays their recovery, exposes them to infection, costs taxpayers money and consumes health care resources. The approach Iowa communities are taking to improve the transition between hospital and post-hospital care has been validated by research in the January 23, 2013 edition of JAMA, the Journal of the American Medical Association.

The article describes projects in communities in 14 states that produced an average 6% decrease in hospitalizations and re-hospitalizations over two years. This CMS QIO project formed the foundation for Telligen's current care transitions work.

"Our data show that nearly one in five patients who leave the hospital today will be re-admitted within the next month, and that more than three-quarters of these re-admissions are potentially preventable," said Dr. Patrick Conway, CMS Chief Medical Officer and Center for Clinical Standards & Quality Director. "This situation can be changed by approaching health care quality from a community-wide perspective, and focusing on how everyone who touches a patient's life-whether part of the traditional 'health care team' or not-can better work together in the best interests of their shared patient population to prevent hospitalizations."

Telligen is working with communities focused on reducing avoidable hospital readmissions. Following the model described in the JAMA study, this work brings together consumers, hospitals, nursing homes, physician clinics, home health care, pharmacists and social service agencies.

"In our complex health care system people rely on many providers and services, so shared, local effort is important," said Kate LaFollette, Telligen Sr. QI Facilitator. "Communities are breaking down organizational boundaries to do what is best for the patient."

Telligen helps communities discover the reasons behind the readmissions rates. Medical research and best practices are identified and tailored to meet the community's needs. Telligen works with community partners to analyze data to gauge progress and impact.

Telligen's efforts are part of a national project to transform health care in more than 400 communities across the country. Called "Integrating Care for Populations and Communities," the project is part of the Medicare Quality Improvement Organization Program.

More details about this national effort are online at http://www.cfmc.org/integratingcare/.

About the QIO Program: The QIO Program is a major force and trustworthy partner for the continual improvement of health and healthcare for all Americans. The program achieves national health quality goals through a network of 53 QIOs located in every state, territory and the District of Columbia. QIOs bring together patients, providers, practitioners and other stakeholders to improve patient care, improve population and community health and lower the costs of care through improvement.

About Telligen: For over 40 years, Telligen has been dedicated to the delivery of innovative health management solutions that improve the quality and cost-effectiveness of healthcare for consumers and providers. Telligen serves commercial clients and government programs at the federal, state and local level, improving healthcare for millions of people nationwide. For more information, visit us at www.telligen.org.

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23 Jan 2013

Warped by Your Family? Join the Club

By Ginny Grimsley

Psychiatrist Offers Tips to Overcome Common Issues

At the heart of almost all of his patients' problems, says psychiatrist Gary Malone, are issues that stem from the family that raised them creating problems in the family they've started.

"Almost all of us deal with this to some degree or another. Very few families are idyllic," says Malone, a distinguished fellow in the American Psychiatric Association, and coauthor with his sister Susan Mary Malone of "What's Wrong with My Family?" (www.whatswrongwithmyfamily.com).

"Forget 'Leave it to Beaver.' Normal families are more like 'The Twilight Zone.' "

Despite that, most of us manage to lead happy, productive lives.

"Once we recognize the childhood baggage we've carried into adulthood, we can take steps to compensate, make corrections, and change how we raise our own children," Malone says.

These are some of the qualities of a healthy family, and what you can do if that quality was missing or in short supply as you were growing up:

• Shows love: Family is usually the one place and time in life that a person experiences unconditional love. If you did not receive that as a child, you likely have difficulty loving and valuing yourself. There is no substitute for loving yourself; this issue is the No. 1 cause of unhappiness in adult relationships. The first step in healing is recognizing the damage and being willing to believe your feelings of unworthiness are not based in reality but are the product of a deficit likely handed down through generations in your family. Listen to what you tell yourself - if it's things like, "I'm an idiot" and "I am really messed up," change that self talk. Words are powerful!

• Respects autonomy: Individuals in the family are encouraged to develop their own personal identity and separate from the family while maintaining a role within it. The family supports and even cheers on individuals in their personal quests. Children who are not allowed the freedom to express and explore their identities may become adults who develop co-dependent relationships - wherein they put the needs of others before their own and/or are dependent on the control of others. Ways to begin addressing autonomy issues as an adult include learning how to comfortably spend time alone, pursuing interests (whether or not they are valued by friends and family) by taking classes or joining clubs, and boosting self-esteem through positive self talk.

• Creates structure & boundaries: Parents are the keepers of the rules; they provide structure for children, both to protect them and to foster learning and growth. People who grow up with little or no structure may fail to offer structure to their own children - or overreact and be too rigid. Provide structure and consistency by setting up routines that everyone in the family is expected to follow daily, with occasional exceptions. These might include making your bed in the morning; daily chores; a set dinnertime, with everyone at the table; and "together" time, such as a game night.

About Dr. Gary Malone, M.D. & Susan Mary Malone

Dr. Gary Malone is an Associate Clinical Professor of Psychiatry at the University of Texas Southwestern and a teaching analyst at the Dallas Psychoanalytic Institute. He is a distinguished fellow in the American Psychiatric Association with board certifications in general and addiction psychiatry. He has worked in hospitals and private practices for more than 30 years. Dr. Malone is director of Adult Chemical Dependency Services at Millwood Hospital in Arlington, Texas.

Award-winning writer and editor Susan Mary Malone is the author of the novel, "By the Book," and three nonfiction books, including "Five Keys for Understanding Men: A Women's Guide." More than 40 of the book projects she has edited were purchased by traditional publishing houses. She is Dr. Malone's siste

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