03 Dec 2012

The Fiscal Cliff &The Patient Protection & Affordable Care Act

By Marilyn M. Singleton, MD, JD

It's doubtful that the country will be popping bottles of champagne on January 1, 2013?we can't afford it. But we will be throwing confetti printed by the Federal Reserve over a cliff.

As of November 27, 2012, the country's debt was $16.279 trillion?just $115 billion below the $16.394 trillion statutory ceiling. The Treasury predicts that borrowing will reach the current limit near the end of December 2012. Right around the Mayan calendar "end date" of 12-21-12.

Apocalyptic prophecies aside, there are a number of things that are scheduled to expire at the end of 2012. One is the Medicare "Doc Fix," which postponed until Dec 31 the day that the rates at which Medicare pays physicians will decrease by 27 percent. Another is the "Bush tax cuts." On January 1, all income tax, estate, and capital gains tax rates will go up substantially, and millions more people will be subject to the Alternative Minimum Tax.

Then there are new taxes, compliments of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA or ObamaCare), some of which take effect in 2013. These include the Medicare surtax on so-called millionaires and billionaires, i.e., individuals making more than $200,000 a year ($250,000 if married), and a new 3.8% tax on capital gains and dividends, interest, and other passive income. The now infamous penalty-that-is-really-a-tax kicks in for those who don't buy government-approved health insurance in 2014. Another revenue-raising measure is a cap of $2,500 on previously unlimited Flexible Spending Accounts. This discourages Americans from taking personal responsibility for medical spending instead of relying on third-party payments.

And January 2 could ring in sequestration, that is, automatic budget cuts. The Budget Control Act of 2011 (BCA) authorized the President to increase the debt ceiling by $2.1 trillion in exchange for some $917 billion in cuts, from 2012 to 2021, in "discretionary"?that is, nonentitlement?programs such as defense, education, national parks, the FBI, the EPA, low-income housing assistance, medical research, and many others. Unless Congress and the President agree to modify or repeal the BCA, spending reductions of some $109 billion per year with half coming from defense budget and half from nondefense are triggered. Sequestration for Medicare payments to health care providers and health plans is limited to 2%.

The President does not want cuts to his signature law, the inappropriately named Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA). It is, however, a financial disaster. The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) has projected a cost of $1.4 trillion over 10 years, but if we look at history, such projections are meaningless. In 1967, the House Ways and Means Committee said Medicare would only cost $12 billion in 1990. The actual cost was $110 billion. In 2010, total Medicare expenditures were $523 billion. Medicare spending has been forecasted by the CBO to increase to $922 billion in 2020.

Just the IRS and HHS costs to implement the PPACA, $20 billion over 10 years, exceed the House's initial estimate for all Medicare spending. And how can we afford a vast new entitlement when the CBO admits in an Oct 1 report, CRS Report R41390, that "even maintaining current funding levels for existing programs with an established appropriations history may prove a challenge under growing pressure to reduce federal discretionary spending."

In the PPACA, there are about 100 new programs with noble-sounding names or goals: for example, the program to facilitate shared decision making, culture change (to patient-centered care), the Elder Justice Coordinating Council, the Offices of Minority Health, and the Offices on Women's Health. But none have been evaluated for effectiveness before we start pouring money into them. Under the circumstances, I think we should add more funds to the newly minted Centers of Excellence for Depression.

Fortunately, the PPACA's discretionary provisions are subject to the congressional appropriations process, which can potentially defund a program. Additionally, appropriations are needed for administrative costs associated with even exempt programs. Thus, Congress has the power to back off from the PPACA contribution to the cliff, if it has the will to do so.

The cliff, however, is not going away. Cliff diving, anyone?

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http://www.aapsonline.org/

03 Dec 2012

Digital Eye Exam Machine Needed for QC's

By M. McNeil
The Early Childhood Coalition is hoping the generous Holiday spirit in the Quad Cities will help the group get a new digital eye exam machine this fall

(Moline, IL)  The Early Childhood Coalition (ECC) has been coordinating efforts to offer monthly free Early Learning Screenings for children 4 months to age five at various locations throughout Rock Island County for years.  The group also has spent a decade offering vision, hearing and overall developmental screenings.  Now it wants to make the screenings more effective and quicker.  This can be done with a new digital vision camera called the "Spot", manufactured by Pediavision.

The Secretary of the ECC, Lisa Viaene, says the current camera the group is using, the 'Photo Screener' is becoming obsolete and the film is no longer being produced.  Viaene says the new camera will cost almost eight thousand dollars and she is reaching out to the community for assistance in securing the funds.   Since the group began their monthly screenings in September of 2002 more than 2,200 children have been screened.  Viaene says with the new camera thousands more children will be served.  She says when vision problems are found early children will be more successful throughout their lives.
***The media are invited to hear more information on the new camera on Monday, December 3 at 9:00 at the Early Childhood Coalition/AOK office (4341 18th Avenue Rock Island).
03 Dec 2012

Governor Quinn Announces $1.3 Million to Improve Healthcare in Underserved Areas of Illinois

By Leslie Wertheimer

Federal Funding will Upgrade Health Information Technology for 1,600 Providers Across the State

CHICAGO - December 1, 2012. Governor Pat Quinn today announced that $1.3 million in federal funding was awarded to three Illinois not-for-profit organizations to help them upgrade health information technology services in underserved areas of the state. The grants made possible by the Illinois Office of Health Information Technology (OHIT) as part of its White Space Grant Program will connect providers in the Metro-Chicago area, Central and Southern Illinois. The OHIT anticipates the grants will enable more than 1,600 individual providers to connect with more than 48 health care organizations serving hundreds of thousands of patients every year.

"Upgrading our health information technology network is a critical part of our efforts to transform our health care system into one that focuses on wellness and keeping people healthy through better preventive care," Governor Quinn said. "Improving communication among providers is a key to this transformation. These grants are another important step in the direction of a fully connected Illinois and better patient care."

Federal health officials refer to "White Space" health care providers as those who are practicing in areas that are currently underserved by health information technology infrastructure.

The three grants totaling $1.3 million will be awarded to:

1.  Heartland Health Outreach, the Alliance of Community Health Services and the Chicago Health Information Technology Regional Extension Center (CHITREC) in Chicago. Grant amount: $500,000.

2.  The Illinois Critical Access Hospital Network in Princeton. Grant amount: $495,120.

3.  Southern Illinois Healthcare in Carbondale. Grant amount: $338,600.

Funding for these grants is made possible through the $18.8 million in federal funding awarded to Illinois in 2010 under the Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health (HITECH) Act as part of the HIE Cooperative Agreement Program. Illinois is using the funding to implement the Illinois Health Information Exchange (ILHIE), a network for the secure sharing of clinical and administrative data among health care providers across the state.

The ILHIE will allow for better care coordination among providers, reduced medical errors and duplicative tests, controlled health care costs, and improved health outcomes. The White Space grants will fill in gaps throughout Illinois and connect organizations to health information exchange services that would not otherwise be able to connect.

"Illinois' health information exchange network is only as strong as the volume and geographic diversity of providers connected to it," OHIT Director Laura Zaremba said. "Through these projects we are connecting providers in communities that need our assistance the most."

"Illinois is in an outstanding position to be a national leader in health information exchange for many years to come, " added ILHIE Authority Executive Director Raul Recarey, who will be working closely with these and other providers all across Illinois. "This is an opportunity to leverage our federal funding in a way that promotes connectivity and improves health care quality and care coordination among providers."

For additional information about health information exchange in Illinois please visit the ILHIE website at http://hie.illinois.gov.

 

About the Illinois Office of Health Information Technology (OHIT)

and the Illinois Health Information Exchange (ILHIE)

The Illinois Health Information Exchange (ILHIE) is a statewide, secure electronic transport network for sharing clinical and administrative data among health care providers in Illinois. The ILHIE allows providers to exchange electronic health information in real time and in a secure environment to improve health care quality and patient care. The Illinois Office of Health Information Technology  (OHIT) is working with the ILHIE Authority to support its development.

 

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03 Dec 2012

Lung Cancer Proclamation Signed by Governor Branstad

By Mickey Sandquist

On Wednesday, November 28, Governor Terry E. Branstad signed a proclamation designating November 2012 as Lung Cancer Awareness and Education Month in Iowa.  Governor Branstad was joined by lung cancer survivors and their families and friends during the ceremony held at the State Capitol in Des Moines.  Also present were representatives from the American Lung Association, Mercy Cancer Center in Des Moines, Des Moines University and the American Cancer Society.

 

"The Governor's Proclamation is recognition of the significant impact of lung cancer in Iowa and the importance of finding ways to reduce the burden of lung cancer for Iowans," said Micki Sandquist, Executive Director of the American Lung Association in Iowa.

 

Later in the day, the American Lung Association sponsored a free, two-hour workshop, Frankly Speaking about Lung Cancer.  The workshop focused on the latest treatments for lung cancer.  Dr. Bradley Hiatt, a medical oncologist from Des Moines, and Rose Richman, a lung cancer nurse navigator from Mercy Cancer Center, spoke about the diagnosis and treatment of lung cancer, and about side-effects of care and how to effectively manage those side effects.  Rose and Dr. Hiatt also shared tools to overcome the social and emotional challenges of lung cancer.

 

Two lung cancer survivors, Gail Orcutt and Lori Tassin, shared their personal stories of triumph over lung cancer during the event.  Lori encouraged the audience with the message that a lung cancer diagnosis may be an opportunity to develop stronger ties to support and spiritual systems while battling cancer.
30 Nov 2012

Ending Child Obesity in America Is a 'Piece Of Cake,' Says Health Expert

By Rick Martin
Offers 4 Tips for Transformation

There are many complicated opinions from experts about why America's children are becoming fatter, more diseased and emotionally unstable each year.

At the same time, bullying, teen suicides and child obesity continue to rise, and proposed solutions to these problems tend to be expensive and unlikely to be undertaken in these tough economic times, says Gordon Filepas, author of "Lean And Healthy To 100," (www.adviceformychildren.com), a guide for achieving optimal health based on studying cultures where long lives are the norm.

"Even if implemented, most of these 'solutions' are not likely to solve the problem," he says. "That's because most Americans were never taught the simple, common-sense root of most obesity and disease. There's no mystery or magic to it at all."

Filepas talks about easy, inexpensive and natural steps to solving child obesity in five years or less:

• Parental accountability: Your job as a parent is to teach your children what they need to learn to become productive, balanced and healthy adults. Buying snack foods, sodas and junk food for your children is not being responsible. Plus, you're rewarding companies that make these products. You're probably listening to the "popular" health advice in America, which is mostly incorrect. You need to learn the correct common sense information once and for all so that it becomes easy for your child to stop craving these "foods."

• School accountability: If your school sells and profits from any type of junk food in vending machines, it should be ashamed of itself. I know school budgets are strained, but making money from junk food is wrong on so many levels. If a school really needs to carry these foods to make money, then we should mandate that manufacturers create a "school version" that contains all the nutrients the human body needs and are made from only whole, natural food sources and nothing man-made. If implemented, students would shine in so many ways.

• Teach parents and children the root cause: From 20 years of health research, I've learned from experts that the root cause of obesity and disease is due to imbalances in the human body. The underlying, real root cause of these imbalances is a lifestyle that does not honor how the human body actually works, or respects what it really needs. The proper lifestyle is composed of the proper nutrition and daily living habits that maintain and preserve this nutrient foundation, and balances biological function. Without this lifestyle, biochemical imbalances occur inside the body at every level and begin to create the "symptoms" we call weight gain, addictions, cravings, emotional and behavioral imbalances, mood swings, learning problems, poor attitude, poor choices, disease and ultimately death.

• Focus on the inside first: The fatal flaw America is making in terms of its health and obesity is that it is trying to solve health and weight problems using outside-in solutions like calorie counting, calorie restriction, willpower, dieting, etc. This is ineffective because it does not create natural internal balance. These are "unnatural" man-made solutions that do not respect what the human body needs or how it works. The secret is to balance the inside first. Then everything on the outside will naturally balance itself automatically.

About Gordon Filepas

Health author and father Gordon Filepas spent thousands of hours over a 20-year period researching the research of the world's top health, anti-aging and longevity experts and long-lived cultures after his father and brother both died of cancer. He boiled down more than 80 years of their research into the seven daily steps that ultimately matter. He has recently partnered with the national charity Beating the Odds Foundation to teach the information in his book, "Lean And Healthy To 100," in schools to end child obesity. Gordon donates approximately $9 from every book sale to Beating the Odds Foundation when the book is purchased from this link: www.endchildobesity.us. Individuals or organizations interested in helping to end child obesity in America can contact Gordon through www.endchildobesity.us.

30 Nov 2012

New Eye Exam Camera for the Quad Cites children

By M. McNeil
The Early Childhood Coalition is hoping the generous Holiday spirit in the Quad Cities will help the group get a new digital eye exam machine this fall

(Moline, IL)  The Early Childhood Coalition (ECC) has been coordinating efforts to offer monthly free Early Learning Screenings for children 4 months to age five at various locations throughout Rock Island County for years.  The group also has spent a decade offering vision, hearing and overall developmental screenings.  Now it wants to make the screenings more effective and quicker.  This can be done with a new digital vision camera called the "Spot", manufactured by Pediavision.

The Secretary of the ECC, Lisa Viaene, says the current camera the group is using, the 'Photo Screener' is becoming obsolete and the film is no longer being produced.  Viaene says the new camera will cost almost eight thousand dollars and she is reaching out to the community for assistance in securing the funds.   Since the group began their monthly screenings in September of 2002 more than 2,200 children have been screened.  Viaene says with the new camera thousands more children will be served.  She says when vision problems are found early children will be more successful throughout their lives.
27 Nov 2012

New Guide,'5 Simple Steps,' Helps Readers Make Wiser Choices

By Rick Martin
Life Coach W. Granville Brown Says Taking Time for Thought,
Taking Responsibility, and Being Honest with One's Self Are
Crucial for Making Good Choices

Life is filled with confusing options and competing interests, which is why W. Granville Brown wrote his new guide, 5 Simple Steps to Choosing Your Path (www.wgranvillebrown.com).

"For better or for worse, your life is shaped by your choices and decisions, and knowing the difference between the two helps tremendously in organizing your will," Brown says. "There is a distinction between the two that goes far beyond semantics."

A choice, generally speaking, is a selection from a number of options, and a decision entails reaching a conclusion or passing judgment on an issue, he says.

Why is this important to understand as we navigate our lives?

Brown gives an example:

"A friend of mine loved the year-round sunshine of Las Vegas, where she worked. But she always complained about being unable to break through the glass ceiling at her job," Brown says. "Finally, her company offered her a promotion: managing its new branch in Boston. Although this seems like a no-brainer - whether to grow with a great career in an exciting new city, or stay safe in Vegas - she clouded her mind as if she had multiple choices."

If Lisa had equally attractive career options in Miami and Philadelphia in addition to the Boston offer, she would be faced with choices. But actually, the options were between the safety and comfort of what she knew versus the unknowable future of a great opportunity. Her dilemma begged a decision.

Much of the time, however, we face choices, Brown notes. Does the teenager choose to adhere to his curfew or violate it? Does the adult choose to spend all of his earnings or save part of them?

"Once you recognize the choices in your life, you can think each one through and make the one that is right for you," Brown says. "That's Step. 1. You'll also need to recognize that, since it is your choice, you must deal with the consequences. You must accept responsibility for those choices."

Brown's guide walks readers through his five steps using illustrative anecdotes to clarify points. The result is a how-to for anyone seeking to take control of their life.

"When I applied W. Granville Brown's five simple steps, I went from working at a dead-end job to going back to school and getting my degree in accounting," writes reviewer Donna from Kinston, N.C.

Arthur, from Philadelphia, writes: "You're never too old to grow and learn. At 63, I've struggled with making wise choices my entire life. After counseling with Brown and applying his methods, I have a renewed lease on life."

About W. Granville Brown

After serving in the U.S. Army and earning his degree in business administration, W. Granville Brown embarked on a successful career in the insurance industry spanning two decades. He later became committed to improving the lives of others by encouraging inward reflection, and became a bestselling, self-published author. As a certified life coach, Brown has helped many clients transform their lives for the better by using real-world methods.

27 Nov 2012

Ouchies Announces a Design-Your-Own Bandage Contest To Help in the Fight against Pediatric Cancer

By Lindsay Doyle

CAN A BANDAGE CURE CANCER? YOURS CAN!

New York, November 2012 - Bandages are known for bringing comfort, healing and smiles to children with cuts and scrapes.  Now, thanks to a new program being launched by Ouchies Bandages, bandages may also bring something much more to the many children affected by pediatric cancer - through a new contest designed to raise money for three national pediatric cancer organizations.

As part of its "Ouchies for Others" program, Ouchies Bandages has just announced a new Bandage Art contest to help raise money in the fight against pediatric cancer.  The contest gives kids the chance to design their own Ouchies bandages and tell their own story about the fight against pediatric cancer or anything else uplifting - with the chance to have their designs featured in the new "Ouchies for Others" bandages and tin to be released in 2013.

The "Ouchies for Others" Bandage Art Contest is open to kids 18 and younger.  To participate in the contest, a design template and further instructions for submitting entries can be found at www.ouchiesonline.com/bandage-art-contest.  All entries will be displayed on Ouchies' Facebook page, where fans will vote for their favorite entries by "liking" the bandage designs.  10 finalists will be chosen, and five winners will have their designs featured on the new "Ouchies for Others" bandages and tin, which will be released in 2013.  The deadline for entries is January 25th.

Through the "Ouchies for Others" program, Ouchies gives 100% of profits to varied not-for-profit organizations - with all profits from the sale of these new bandages going to three national pediatric cancer organizations. Earlier this year, Ouchies launched its first "Ouchies for Others" program designed to help combat bullying.

"This line of bandages is all about inspiring kids to help other kids and what better of a way than to let kids design the bandages themselves?" says Ian Madover, President of Ouchies.  "What makes it all even better is that 100% of the profits from the sale of these bandages will benefit such important organizations in the fight against pediatric cancer, with this program raising money for  the Childhood Leukemia Foundation, Cookies for Kids' Cancer, and the American Childhood Cancer Organization®."

According to the National Cancer Institute, on average, 1 to 2 children out of every 10,000 in the United States develop cancer each year.  What's really special about the Ouchies Bandage Art Contest is that everyone wins in the fight against Pediatric Cancer - with children having the opportunity to help others while participating in this unique contest, and money being raised for such an important cause.

"The contest is designed to raise awareness about this disease and to raise the money to help find a cure," says Jennifer Saporta, Director of Sales & Marketing at Ouchies. "If the Bandage Art Contest can put a smile on one face or allow a kid to tell his/her story through a bandage design, Ouchies has made a difference."

The Childhood Leukemia Foundation, Cookies for Kids' Cancer, and the American Childhood Cancer Organization® will be promoting the contest on their web sites. According to Kim Wetmore, Director at the Childhood Leukemia Foundation, "Last year more than 12,000 children were diagnosed with pediatric cancer. Childhood Leukemia Foundation (CLF) is dedicated to making a difference in lives of these children. CLF is honored to partner with Ouchies Bandages to work together raising awareness and bringing smiles to many little faces."

Ouchies asks, "Can a Bandage Help to Cure Cancer?" and answers emphatically, "Yours can!"

For more information on Ouchies for Others and the Bandage Art Contest, visit

www.ouchiesonline.com.
26 Nov 2012

AD RescueWear Has Received the National Eczema Association Seal of Acceptance.

By Anne Fairchild McVey
AD RescueWear is proud to announce they have received the National Eczema Association Seal of Acceptance.

Products eligible for the National Eczema Association Seal of Acceptance are those that have been created or intended for use by persons with eczema or severe sensitive skin conditions and that have satisfied the NEA Seal of Acceptance Criteria. The following product categories are included: Personal Care Products, Household Products, Fabrics, and Devices. The Seal of Acceptance criteria includes a list of ingredients and contents that should be avoided because they contain known irritants. Depending on the product, the NEA Seal of Acceptance Review Panel considers testing data on sensitivity, safety, and toxicity, as well as the ingredients, content, and formulation data. Acceptance of a product means that the product has been evaluated to determine that it does not contain ingredients or contents that are known to be unsuitable for use by persons with eczema or sensitive skin conditions. For more information on the National Eczema Association and its Seal of Acceptance please visit www.nationaleczema.org.

AD RescueWear is the first U.S. Company to manufacture and sell ready-made, wet wrap therapy products for the treatment of childhood Atopic Dermatitis/Eczema. The product line includes the Wrap-E-SootheTM Suit for full body treatment and Wrap-E-SootheTM Sleeves for treating arms and legs. The Wrap-E-SootheTM products were developed by AD RescueWear in consultation with leading allergists. The Wrap-E-SootheTM products are made with eco-friendly MicroTENCEL®/lyocell fabric which is proven through verifiable testing to be superior for Atopic Dermatitis/Eczema and sensitive skin. TENCEL® fabric is Oeko-Tex Standard 100 certified (tested for harmful substances and free of hazardous chemicals).

These new garments are a breakthrough for parents, doctors and nurses who struggle with wet wrapping children with Atopic Dermatitis/Eczema. The revolutionary design simplifies the full body and spot treatment of Atopic Dermatitis/Eczema. The Wrap-E-SootheTM Suit and Sleeves replace the traditional treatment of using wetted gauze, shirts, pants, multiple pairs of socks and duct tape for fastening. Instead of the traditional time consuming and sometimes confusing process, the caregiver just wets the suit or sleeves and slips them onto the child.

The Wrap-E-SootheTM products can also be worn dry to protect irritated or healing skin. The ultra soft and smooth fabric is a great protection layer under clothing or as clothing. These products are reusable and machine washable.

If you would like more information about this topic please call 303-953-4137.

# # #
26 Nov 2012

Lt. Governor Simon, EMS Task Force make recommendations to improve emergency medical services

By Kara Beach

Increased access to education would improve provider training

 

SPRINGFIELD - November 20, 2012. Lt. Governor Sheila Simon joined state Rep. Don Moffitt (R-Gilson) and state Rep. Lisa Dugan (D-Bradley) today to issue recommendations that will help improve rural emergency medical services. The recommendations were generated after 17 hearings of the Illinois House of Representatives' Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Task Force were held last year.

"During an emergency, every second counts," Simon said. "Rural Illinois residents may travel up to 30 miles or more to reach the appropriate hospital. It is important that emergency medical technicians and paramedics who are treating patients during long transports are well-trained and have access to the best technology. I would like to thank the Task Force members for their hard work as we move forward with implementing some of these recommendations."

Lt. Governor Simon testified in Galesburg in favor of increasing the availability of high-quality online training for EMTs and paramedics to improve employee and volunteer retention. Emergency medical service providers are required to complete 120 hours of continuing education every four years to renew their license. Currently, only 25 percent of that can be completed online, but the Task Force agreed with Simon that the offering should be increased. The Task Force also recommended that evaluation of that training should be based on performance, rather than only the hours completed.

"While the work of this current Task Force has been completed, the job is not finished. As our communities continue to grow and change and technology continues to advance we must continue to reach out to local emergency responders to make sure they have the tools they need to keep local families safe," Moffitt said.

"It was an enlightening and enjoyable experience working with EMS personnel throughout the state of Illinois and Rep. Moffitt. I look with anticipation to the state moving forward to recognize and address the EMS needs throughout this state, so they can continue to provide a valuable service for the people of the state of Illinois," Dugan said.

The Task Force also discussed the implementation of new federal EMS educational standards so that emergency medical technicians who have obtained licenses in Illinois are able to use them in other states. Additionally, the recommendations included a proposal to simplify licensing for ambulances. Rather than renewing licenses annually, if implemented, providers could obtain licenses lasting two to four years contingent on annual state inspections.

Lt. Governor Simon is the chair of the Governor's Rural Affairs Council. Enhancing EMS is a part of the council's strategic plan for rural Illinois.

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