18 Jul 2011

Braley Secures $12.5 Million in New Medicare Payments to Iowa Hospitals

By Alexandra Krasov

Washington, DC - Today, Congressman Bruce Braley (IA-01) announced that 20 Iowa hospitals will receive $12.5 million in additional Medicare reimbursements. The payments will be delivered to the hospitals tomorrow, and come as a result of a provision Rep. Braley authored and passed into law during the health care negotiations last Congress.

"For decades, Iowa's doctors have been punished for no reason other than geography," said Rep. Braley. "These payments are the first step toward ending these geographic disparities and reforming our Medicare system so it finally rewards quality of care instead of the number of procedures performed."

The following Iowa hospitals will receive the funds:

Hospital Name  

County  

Estimated Payment  

Broadlawns Medical Center  

Polk  

$44,991  

Grinnell Regional Medical Center  

Poweshiek  

$89,982  

Iowa Lutheran Hospital  

Polk  

$479,904  

Iowa Methodist Medical Center  

Polk  

$1,709,658  

Lakes Regional Healthcare  

Dickinson  

$74,985  

Marshalltown Medical & Surgical Center  

Marshall  

$164,967  

Mary Greeley Medical Center  

Story  

$479,904  

Mercy Hospital  

Johnson  

$509,898  

Mercy Medical Center - Cedar Rapids  

Linn  

$584,883  

Mercy Medical Center-Des Moines  

Polk  

$2,129,574  

Mercy Medical Center-North Iowa  

Cerrogordo  

$1,004,799  

Mercy Medical Center-Sioux City  

Woodbury  

$779,844  

Skiff Medical Center  

Jasper  

$104,979  

Spencer Municipal Hospital  

Clay  

$164,967  

St Anthony Regional Hospital  

Carroll  

$104,979  

St Luke's Hospital  

Linn  

$794,841

St Luke's Regional Medical Center

Woodbury

$374,925

Trinity Regional Medical Center

Webster

$434,913

Unity Hospital

Muscatine

$74,985

University Of Iowa Hospital & Clinics

Johnson

$2,399,520

TOTAL

$12,507,499

Rep. Braley secured the funding during late night negotiations with Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Obama Administration officials before the final health care votelast spring. Tomorrow, Iowa hospitals will receive $12.5 million in additional Medicare reimbursements, or 8.3 percent of the available funds. Under Rep. Braley's provision, Iowa receives the 4th-highest amount of payments of any state.

Last Congress, Braley negotiated a compromise adding language to the health carereform bill that provides an immediate $800 million to address geographic disparities for both doctors and hospitals, as well as written guarantees from Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius for further action toreform Medicare reimbursement rates. Iowa doctors and hospitals have long suffered from an unfair Medicare formula which reimburses them at a lower rate than providers in other states - all while offering some of the highest quality, lowest-cost care in the nation.

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18 Jul 2011

AARP LAUNCHES NEXT WAVE OF EFFORTS URGING CONGRESS, WHITE HOUSE TO PROTECT SOCIAL SECURITY AND MEDICARE FROM BENEFITS CUTS

By Ann Black

New national television ad, grassroots activities, and Capitol Hill blitz tell lawmakers, "Seniors are not pushovers."

Washington, DC–Today, AARP launched its latest wave of efforts, centered around a new direct-message television ad, urging Congress and the President to make responsible decisions during the deficit reduction debate by cutting waste and closing loopholes instead of cutting critical Medicare and Social Security benefits that millions of Americans have earned through a lifetime of hard work.

The new, multi-million dollar advertisement is AARP's third focusing specifically on the deficit debate, and begins airing today nationally and in local markets.  In addition to the TV ads, AARP leaders are hitting Capitol Hill to urge their Members of Congress to oppose cuts to Social Security and Medicare benefits as part of a deal to pay the nation's bills.  AARP is keeping up the pressure on Congress and the President by engaging its millions of members to make their voices heard through direct mail, phone calls, email alerts, publications, and tele-townhall meetings.

"We're taking the voice of older Americans to the airwaves, to Capitol Hill and across the country," said Nancy LeaMond, AARP Executive Vice President. "Don't cut the Social Security and Medicare benefits seniors have earned."

AARP will air the television spot beginning July 13.  The television ad script follows here:

"I'm a grandfather.  A retired teacher.  And I count on Social Security.

"Here's what I'm not...

"A pushover.

"Right now, some in Washington want to make a deal cutting the Social Security and Medicare benefits we worked for.

"With billions in waste and loopholes, how could they look at us?

"Maybe we seem like an easy target...

"Until you realize...

"...there are 50 million of us.

"Tell the politicians to cut waste and loopholes, not our benefits."

To date, nearly 4.5 million petitions have been signed and will be delivered to Congress, and over 500,000 calls and emails have gone into congressional offices and to the White House over the past several weeks urging elected leaders to protect Medicare and Social Security from harmful cuts as part of a deal to raise the debt ceiling.

LeaMond added: "We know Washington needs to make tough decisions to reduce the deficit, but they should make responsible decisions instead of cutting the Social Security and Medicare benefits that seniors have worked for their entire lives."

To view the new television ad and learn about AARP's campaign, visit www.aarp.org/protectseniors. 

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 nearly 35 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.

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18 Jul 2011

NIH tips for older adults to combat heat-related illnesses

By NIA Media Group
Risk of heat-related problems increases with age
Older people can face risks related to hot weather. As people age, their bodies lose some ability to adapt to heat. They may have medical conditions that are worsened by heat. And their medications could reduce their ability to respond to heat.
The National Institute on Aging (NIA), part of the National Institutes of Health, has some advice for helping older people avoid heat-related illnesses, known collectively as hyperthermia.
Hyperthermia occurs when the body overheats. Conditions involving hyperthermia have different names, including heat stroke, heat fatigue, heat syncope (lightheadedness or fainting in the heat), heat cramps and heat exhaustion.
Health-related factors that may increase the risk of hyperthermia include :
  • Pre-existing diseases such as congestive heart failure, diabetes and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
  • Decreased ability to move around
  • Dementia or cognitive impairment
  • Certain medications that may cause dehydration or that may affect the responses to heat by the heart, blood vessels or sweat glands.
  • Being substantially overweight
  • Drinking alcoholic beverages
  • Being dehydrated
  • Age-related changes in the skin, such as decreased functioning of small blood vessels and sweat glands
Lifestyle factors that can also increase the risk of hyperthermia include hot living quarters, lack of transportation, overdressing, visiting overcrowded places, and not understanding how to respond to weather conditions. Older people, particularly those at special risk, should pay attention to any air pollution alert in effect. People without fans or air conditioners should go to shopping malls, movie theaters, libraries or other places with air conditioning. In addition, they can visit cooling centers which are often provided by government agencies, religious groups and social service organizations in many communities.
Heat stroke is an advanced form of hyperthermia. It occurs when the body is overwhelmed by heat and unable to control its temperature. In heat stroke, the body temperature is at least 104 degrees Fahrenheit. Someone with heat stroke may have a strong rapid pulse, lack of sweating, dry flushed skin, faintness, staggering and mental status changes such as confusion, combativeness, disorientation or even coma. Seek immediate medical attention for a person with any of these symptoms, especially an older adult.
If you suspect that someone is suffering from a heat-related illness:
  • Move them into an air conditioned or other cool place
  • Urge them to lie down and rest
  • Remove or loosen tight-fitting or heavy clothing
  • Encourage them to drink water or juices if they are able to drink without choking, but avoid alcohol and caffeine
  • Apply cold water, ice packs or cold wet cloths to the skin.
  • Get medical assistance as soon as possible.
The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) within the Administration for Children and Families in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services helps eligible households pay for home cooling and heating costs. Individuals interested in applying for assistance should contact their local or state LIHEAP agency. For more information, go to www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ocs/liheap/ or www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ocs/liheap/brochure/brochure.html.
For a free copy of the NIA's AgePage on hyperthermia in English or in Spanish, contact the NIA Information Center at 1-800-222-2225 or go to http://www.niapublications., or www.niapublications.org/agepages/hyperther-sp.asp for the Spanish-language version.
The NIA leads the federal government effort conducting and supporting research on aging and the health and well-being of older people. The Institute's broad scientific program seeks to understand the nature of aging and to extend the healthy, active years of life. For more information on research, aging, and health, go to www.nia.nih.gov.
About the National Institutes of Health (NIH): NIH, the nation's medical research agency, includes 27 Institutes and Centers and is a component of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. NIH is the primary federal agency conducting and supporting basic, clinical, and translational medical research, and is investigating the causes, treatments, and cures for both common and rare diseases. For more information about NIH and its programs, visit www.nih.gov.
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11 Jul 2011

TOPS "Losers" Are Treated Like Royalty

By Administrator

International Royalty and Runners-Up Lose Combined Total of More than 850 Pounds!


MILWAUKEE, WI - Recognition is an important element of any journey to overall wellness - but a little friendly competition can make it more fun along the way.  Members of TOPS Club, Inc. (Take Off Pounds Sensibly), the nonprofit weight-loss support organization, were recently celebrated for their weight-loss efforts at its annual three-day event, International Recognition Days (IRD).  This year's event took place July 7 through July 9 in Milwaukee, Wis., the city where TOPS was founded more than 63 years ago and is currently headquartered.  The festivity honored TOPS award winners who, with determination, perseverance, and support from fellow members, achieved the greatest weight loss in their category in 2010.

Dione Housden of Portland, Ore., was crowned 2010 International Queen with an incredible total weight loss of 228.5 pounds.  Tom Carano of Wakefield, Mass., 2010 International King, lost an equally impressive total of 230 pounds.  Royalty are those individuals who, at the end of the year, have officially recorded the largest weight loss from their original, starting weight to goal weight, regardless of the time taken to reach goal.

"I hadn't been to a doctor in many, many years and finally decided that it was time one day in 2007," says Housden.  "I affectionately call that doctor's visit 'the day I found out I was dying.'  No, not literally, but yes, I was killing myself.  I knew something had to be done.  I went to a diabetes class, saw a nutritionist, and joined TOPS.  I kept a food journal, weighing and measuring everything that I ate.  I was being thrown a life jacket - I just had to grab hold.  Eating right, exercising, and drinking plenty of water has become a part of my life now.  Do I ever let go of my life preserver?  Yes, sometimes I loosen my grip, but then I just grab it and hold tight again, because this time I know it means my life. Without the accountability and support of my TOPS chapter, I wouldn't be standing here today."

Carano notes, "At close to 500 pounds, it was an exhausting, possibly stroke-inducing chore just to reach my ankles to put my socks on.  My doctor recommended weight-loss surgery, and as I reviewed information about the process, all of it stressed that healthy foods and physical activity would be needed to maintain a successful surgery.  At that point, I made the decision for an honest attempt to eat healthy and get active instead of getting the procedure.  I joined a water aerobics class and met a gentleman who told me about TOPS and his 60-pound weight loss.  When I walked into my first TOPS meeting, I was welcomed with encouragement and hope.  Being a member has given me a feeling of belonging, a sense of being part of something - which I had never known or felt previously.  I truly feel wind in my sails and that the anchor has been lifted.  TOPS has given me the faith to move a mountain.  Today I can climb them!"

"It was a joy to celebrate our members' weight-loss successes at this year's IRD, particularly here in Milwaukee, where our organization was founded," says TOPS president Barbara Cady.  "Esther Manz, TOPS' founder and first president, believed in the power of mutual support on the journey to better health and that anyone who succeeded in losing weight deserved the royal treatment.  TOPS' weight-loss 'losers' are truly winners in our eyes."

International Royalty and Runners-up include :
• International Queen:  Dione Housden; Portland, Ore.; 228.5 lbs.
• International King:  Tom Carano; Wakefield, Mass.; 230 lbs.
• International Queen Runner-up:  Sandra Burnison; Hamilton, Ontario; 190 lbs.
• International King Runner-up:  Lee Hibbard; Ovid, Mich.; 202 lbs.

International Division Winners are members who lost the most weight of all TOPS members in their weight division during 2010:
• Division 1, First Place, Female:  Anne Stinebrickner; Utica, N.Y.; 161 lbs.
• Division 1, First Place, Male:  Kevin Carter; Botwood, Newfoundland; 126.5 lbs.
• Division 1, Second Place, Female:  Julie Vanden Berg; Zeeland, Mich.; 154.75 lbs.
• Division 1, Second Place, Male:  Brian Collins; Eugene, Ore.; 116 lbs.
• Division 2, First Place, Female:  Valerie Wood; St. Albert, Alberta; 109.5 lbs.
• Division 2, First Place, Male:  John Gill; Russellville, Ky.; 102 lbs.
• Division 2, Second Place, Female:  Shirley Pelz; Clearwater, Kan.; 105.75 lbs.
• Division 2, Second Place, Male:  Clifford Harris; Port Orange, Fla.; 98.25 lbs.
• Division 3, First Place, Male:  Don Whiting; Kanata, Ontario; 77.5 lbs.
• Division 3, Second Place, Female:  Shari Farrell; Hamilton, Ontario; 88 lbs.
• Division 3, Second Place, Male:  Anson Myers; Carlisle, Pa.; 68.5 lbs.
• Division 4, First Place, Female:  Barbara Harness; Monroe, Mich.; 65.25 lbs.
• Division 4, Second Place, Female:  Linda Crow; Valles Mines, Mo.; 62 lbs.
• Division 4, Second Place, Male:  Jack Tenney, Jr.; Fulton, Mo.; 48 lbs.
• Division 6 (teens), First Place, Female:  Heather Perry; Ledyard, Conn.; 45.5 lbs.
• Division 6 (teens), First Place, Male:  James Morrison; Redkey, Ind.; 41.75 lbs.
• Division 6 (teens), Second Place, Female:  Corrina Chrisman; Wayland, Mich.; 40.75 lbs.
• Division 6 (teens), Second Place, Male:  Jordan Ulicki; Fort Dodge, Iowa; 39 lbs.
• Division 7, First Place, Female:  Sharlean McKee; Lakeview, Ore.; 116 lbs.
• Division 7, First Place, Male:  Ron Olson; Meridian, Idaho; 106.5 lbs.
• Division 7, Second Place, Female:  Karla DeGreenia; Sutton, Vt.; 112.5 lbs.
• Division 8 (preteens), First Place, Female:  Mary Carson; Cincinnati, Ohio; 11.75 lbs.
• Division 8 (preteens), First Place, Male:  Grant Whitfield; Altoona, Pa.; 13.5 lbs.
• Division 9, First Place, Female:  Donna Steiner; Greenville, N.C.; 153.25 lbs.
• Division 9, First Place, Male:  Peter Copley; Midland, Ontario; 162 lbs.
• Division 9, Second Place, Female:  Darcelle Numainville; Cochrane, Ontario; 152.5 lbs.
• Division 9, Second Place, Male:  Anthony Spilker; Grandview, Mo.; 155.5 lbs.

State Royalty includes:
• Alabama Queen:  Linda Gaylor; Attalla; 66 lbs.
• Alabama King:  Dale Hutchens; Huntsville; 78 lbs.
• Alaska Queen:  Kathleen Daymude; Anchorage; 94.5 lbs.
• Alaska King:  Roger Duncan; Kasilof; 66.5 lbs.
• Arizona Queen:  Teena Conrad; Salome; 135.75 lbs.
• Arizona King:  Walter Richardson; Phoenix; 61.75 lbs.
• Arkansas Queen:  Karen Fritchie; Scranton; 118 lbs.
• Arkansas King:  Frank Lieblang; Atkins; 21.75 lbs.
• California Queen:  Diane Cannon; Napa; 97.75 lbs.
• California King:  Fred Dougherty; La Puente; 55 lbs.
• Colorado Queen:  Diane Bonnell; Arvada; 70.25 lbs.
• Colorado King:  Dannie Thompson; Colorado Springs; 34 lbs.
• Connecticut Queen:  Victoria Kolyvas; Madison; 127 lbs.
• Connecticut King:  Peter Kaplenski; Bristol; 37.75 lbs.
• District of Columbia Queen:  Margaret Haggerty; 15.5 lbs.
• Delaware Queen:  Cornelia Mitchell; Felton; 65.5 lbs.
• Florida Queen:  Jackie Christen; Iron River; 105.25 lbs.
• Florida King:  Clifford Harris; Port Orange; 97.75 lbs.
• Georgia Queen:  Sadie Bostick; Covington; 88 lbs.
• Georgia King:  Philip Baker; Warner Robins; 63 lbs.
• Hawaii Queen:  Carol Wendel; Kula; 52.25 lbs.
• Idaho Queen:  Carol Applegate; Middleton; 73.5 lbs.
• Illinois Queen:  Catherine Hays; White Heath; 119.75 lbs.
• Illinois King:  Daniel McGinty; Port Byron; 124 lbs.
• Indiana Queen:  Lori Bauch; Fort Wayne; 159 lbs.
• Iowa Queen:  Corine Webb; Runnells; 76 lbs.
• Kansas Queen:  April Bond; Wichita; 142 lbs.
• Kansas King:  William Cunningham; Olathe; 48.5 lbs.
• Kentucky Queen:  Tina Moore; Mayfield; 76.25 lbs.
• Kentucky King:  John Gill; Russellville; 99.25 lbs.
• Louisiana Queen:  Joleen Melancon; Golden Meadow; 126.25 lbs.
• Maine Queen:  Cel Paquette; Chelsea; 129.5 lbs.
• Maine King:  Richard Gile; Wales; 41 lbs.
• Maryland Queen:  Rosalind Morrow; Annapolis; 106.75 lbs.
• Maryland King:  Herbert Walker; Frederick; 44 lbs.
• Massachusetts Queen:  Anna Corbett; Peru; 143 lbs.
• Massachusetts King:  Tom Carano; Wakefield; 230 lbs.
• Michigan Queen:  Ruth DeYoung; Cedar Springs; 109 lbs.
• Michigan King:  Lee Hibbard; Ovid; 202 lbs.
• Minnesota Queen:  Gloria Goble; Stillwater; 103.5 lbs.
• Minnesota King:  Jason Heilman; Albert Lea; 18.25 lbs.
• Mississippi Queen:  Jane Kay Pool; Laurel; 57 lbs.
• Mississippi King:  Roger Redfern; Brandon; 28.5 lbs.
• Missouri Queen:  Theresa Roe; Barnhart; 126 lbs.
• Missouri King:  Joshua Hamilton; Independence; 83 lbs.
• Montana Queen:  Leslie Berkey; Seeley Lake; 77 lbs.
• Montana King:  Larry Bonefeole; Clinton; 28.5 lbs.
• Nebraska Queen:  Betty Svanda; Ravenna; 64.5 lbs.
• Nevada Queen:  Nola Reid; Mesquite; 52 lbs.
• Nevada King:  Frank Bybee; Las Vegas; 42 lbs.
• New Hampshire Queen:  Virginia Fairbanks; Windham; 85.5 lbs.
• New Hampshire King:  Mark Papantones; Manchester; 89 lbs.
• New Jersey Queen:  Nancy Duvall; Cape May; 24.25 lbs.
• New Jersey King:  Robert McLaughlin; Cape May Court House; 62.75 lbs.
• New Mexico Queen:  Joyce Wall; Deming; 79.75 lbs.
• New York Queen:  Jaclyn House; Rochester; 128 lbs.
• New York King:  Joshua Maryniewski; Lancaster; 152.25 lbs.
• North Carolina Queen:  Polly Lincoln; Winston Salem; 114.5 lbs.
• North Carolina King:  Charles Seighman; Albemarle; 30.5 lbs.
• North Dakota Queen:  Jamie Olson; East Grand Forks; 76.5 lbs.
• Ohio Queen:  Janice Ommert; Clyde; 102.5 lbs.
• Ohio King:  Morgan Davies; Bluffton; 65 lbs.
• Oklahoma Queen:  Bonnie Peebles; Sapulpa; 88.25 lbs.
• Oklahoma King:  Robert Kuntz; Rush Springs; 30 lbs.
• Oregon Queen:  Dione Housden; Portland; 228.5 lbs.
• Oregon King:  Wayne Elven; Hillsboro; 75.75 lbs.
• Pennsylvania Queen:  Eleanor Bird; Walnutport; 112 lbs.
• Pennsylvania King:  James Kneubehl; Conneautville; 92.5 lbs.
• Rhode Island Queen:  Lisa Scott; Westerly; 87.5 lbs.
• Rhode Island King:  Bruno Kurowski; Manville; 31 lbs.
• South Carolina Queen:  Patricia Volcke; Elgin; 86 lbs.
• South Carolina King:  Stanley Kemp; Rock Hill; 50.5 lbs.
• South Dakota Queen:  Marilynn Sour; Watertown; 77 lbs.
• Tennessee Queen:  Kristy Griner; Hendersonville; 100.25 lbs.
• Tennessee King:  Harold Griffin; Cleveland; 36.25 lbs.
• Texas Queen:  Karen Norrod; Jarrell; 100 lbs.
• Texas King:  Billy Bodine; Cleveland; 63.5 lbs.
• Utah Queen:  Lisa Edens; Providence; 126 lbs.
• Vermont Queen:  Rose Nunn; West Danville; 32.75 lbs.
• Virginia Queen:  Caroline Nicholson; Strasburg; 59 lbs.
• Virginia King:  John Walton; Roanoke; 48 lbs.
• Washington Queen:  Penny Carson; Kalama; 135.75 lbs.
• Washington King:  Brian Steinwand; West Richland; 67 lbs.
• West Virginia Queen:  Brenda Rider; Shady Spring; 66 lbs.
• West Virginia King:  Greg Ward; Kermit; 30 lbs.
• Wisconsin Queen:  Mary Linssen; Green Bay; 106.75 lbs.
• Wisconsin King:  Larry Orlando; Elkhorn; 100 lbs.
• Wyoming Queen:  Linda Kolar; Thermopolis; 67.25 lbs.

Provincial Royalty includes:
• Alberta Queen:  Darlene Crick; Bonnyville; 81.25 lbs.
• Alberta King:  Ken Ralstin; St. Vincent; 82.5 lbs.
• British Columbia Queen:  Barbara Balon; Comox; 127.75 lbs.
• British Columbia King:  Mark George; Port Moody; 86.5 lbs.
• Manitoba Queen:  Linda Reavely; Winnipeg; 111.5 lbs.
• New Brunswick Queen:  Lisa Will; Petitcodiac East; 115 lbs.
• New Brunswick King:  Gordon Piper; Minto; 36 lbs.
• Newfoundland Queen:  Mary Price; Grand Bank; 79.75 lbs.
• Nova Scotia Queen:  Laura McGrath; Truro; 91.25 lbs.
• Nova Scotia King:  Peter Thomson; New Minas; 48.5 lbs.
• Ontario Queen:  Sandra Burnison; Hamilton; 190 lbs.
• Ontario King:  Don Whiting; Kanata; 166 lbs.
• Prince Edward Island Queen:  Gloria Stewart; Charlottetown; 44.75 lbs.
• Prince Edward Island King:  Michael Weeks; Charlottetown; 65 lbs.
• Quebec Queen:  Gisele Villeneuve; Longueuil; 100 lbs.
• Saskatchewan Queen:  Melody Mills; Yorkton; 139.5 lbs.
• Saskatchewan King:  Paul Morin; Edam; 37.5 lbs.

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

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


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11 Jul 2011

Governor Quinn Signs Legislation Strengthening Access to Healthcare for Cancer Patients

By Laurel White

New Laws Ensure Coverage for Trial-Related Medical Expenses, Extends 'Ticket for the Cure'  

   

CHICAGO - July 11, 2011. Governor Pat Quinn today signed two pieces of legislation strengthening access to healthcare for cancer patients in Illinois. House Bill 1191 prohibits insurance companies from excluding coverage for related medical costs for patients participating in clinical cancer trials, and Senate Bill 1279, extends the "Carolyn Adams Ticket for the Cure" scratch-off lottery game until 2016.  

   

"Access to quality healthcare is a basic right, and Illinoisans - particularly those who are fighting cancer - should not be denied coverage for participating in trials that might save their lives," said Governor Quinn. "It is important that Illinois takes the lead in increasing women's access to new science that can save lives."  

   

Many patients who qualify for clinical trials - and the potential benefits of these innovative therapies - cannot access them because their insurance plans do not cover the routine care they need while participating in the trial. These uncovered expenses include the costs of medical visits, hospitals stays, clinical lab tests, scans and x-rays. The new law amends the Illinois Insurance Code so that a group insurance policy cannot deny routine patient care to an insured patient participating in a qualified clinical cancer trial.  

   

The lack of coverage for routine care has created a barrier to patient participation in clinical trials and limited access to additional treatment options for cancer. The cost barrier has led to lower participation rates for low-income and minority women in clinical trials.  

   

House Bill 1191 was an initiative of Susan G. Komen Foundation. Sponsored by Rep. Greg Harris (D-Chicago) and Sen. Heather A. Steans (D-Chicago), the bill passed both houses unanimously. The new law takes effect Jan. 1, 2012.  

   

Senate Bill 1279, sponsored by Sens. Mattie Hunter (D-Chicago) and Jacqueline Y. Collins (D-Chicago) and Reps. Constance A. Howard (D-Chicago) and Mary E. Flowers (D-Chicago), extends the "Ticket for the Cure" lottery scratch-off game an additional five years, until Dec. 31, 2016. The ticket was the first nationwide lottery scratch-off game to provide grants to non-profit organizations supporting breast cancer research and education. The ticket originally was scheduled to be discontinued at the end of 2011.  

   

Launched in 2006, the ticket was renamed in honor of former Illinois Lottery Superintendent Carolyn Adams, who died of breast cancer in 2007 at age 44. More than 8,700 Illinois women were diagnosed with breast cancer in 2010, and more than 1,700 died as a result.  

 

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11 Jul 2011

American Red Cross National Blood Supply Drops to Critically Low Levels

By Theresa Kuhlmann

All eligible blood donors asked to make and keep appointments

PEORIA, Ill. (July 11, 2011) - Due to a critical shortage of donated blood across the nation, the American Red Cross - the single largest supplier of blood products in the United States - is asking eligible donors of all blood types to make an appointment to give blood as soon as possible.

With many donors busy or traveling, and with school out of session where up to 20 percent of donations are made during the academic year, donations have dropped dramatically. In fact, during May and June 2011, while the need for blood products remained steady, donations were at the lowest level the Red Cross has experienced in more than 12 years.

The Red Cross needs blood donors - now more than ever - to roll up a sleeve and give as soon as possible. All blood types are needed, but especially O negative, B negative and A negative. Call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or visit redcrossblood.org to make an appointment or for more information.

The American Red Cross has responded to more than 40 major disasters in over 30 states during the past three months - delivering help and hope to people affected by floods, tornadoes and wildfires. But there's another, more personal, kind of disaster which can happen to any of us at any time if we need blood and it's not available.

"As a physician, I have seen firsthand how blood transfusions can truly help save lives," said David C. Mair, M.D., chief medical officer of the Mid-America Blood Services Division of the American Red Cross which provides blood products and specialized laboratory services to more than 326 hospitals in the Midwest and central U.S. "However, a critical blood shortage like the one we're experiencing right now could have a devastating effect on patients whose survival may depend on blood being there when and where needed. Blood donors can help ensure a readily available blood supply locally as well as throughout the country."

A year and a half ago, 15 year old Cora Peters of Princeton, Illinois was diagnosed with stage 4 synovial sarcoma. Since her diagnosis, Cora has gone through three surgeries and countless lifesaving blood product transfusions to replace the blood cells that her body was no longer able to make.

Cora's story highlights the importance of each and every blood donation. Because of that, the Red Cross is reaching out to eligible blood donors, sponsors and community leaders to ask them to recruit blood donors to help meet the needs of patients in communities across the United States.

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 permission 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

Governed by volunteers and supported by giving individuals and communities, the American Red Cross is the single largest supplier of blood products to hospitals throughout the United States. While local hospital needs are always met first, the Red Cross also helps ensure no patient goes without blood no matter where or when they need it. In addition to providing nearly half of the nation's blood supply, the Red Cross provides relief to victims of disaster, trains millions in lifesaving skills, serves as a communication link between U.S. military members and their families, and assists victims of international disasters or conflicts.

Upcoming Blood Donation Opportunities

ROCK ISLAND COUNTY

7/11/2011, 11:00 am- 4:00 pm, DHL Global Forwarding, 3100 69th Ave #2, Moline

WHITESIDE COUNTY

7/12/2011, 1:00 pm- 5:15 pm, Old Fulton Fire Station, 912 4th Street, Fulton, IL, Whiteside

7/13/2011, 10:00 am- 2:00 pm, Rock Falls Blood Donation Center, 112 W. Second St., Rock Falls, , IL, Whiteside

7/14/2011, 3:00 pm- 8:00 pm, Fairfield Amish Mennonite School, 29467 425 E. Street, Tampico, , IL, Whiteside

7/15/2011, 11:30 am- 6:00 pm, Sterling National Manufacturing Education Center, 1 First Avenue, Sterling, , IL, Whiteside

7/16/2011, 9:00 am- 1:00 pm, Culver's, 1901 Harley Davidson Drive, Rock Falls, IL, Whiteside

7/16/2011, 10:00 am- 2:00 pm, Army National Guard, 716 Sixth Ave, Rock Falls, IL, Whiteside
11 Jul 2011

$175,000 to the Iowa Department of Public Health

By Grassley Press
WASHINGTON - Senator Chuck Grassley today said that the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has awarded a $175,000 grant to the Iowa Department of Public Health.  

   

Distribution of the federal funds is determined by the Department of Health and Human Services.  The award is not an earmark determined by Congress.  According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Iowa will use the funds to conduct an early hearing detection and intervention project.    

   

Each year, local Iowa organizations, colleges and universities, individuals and state agencies apply for competitive grants from the federal government.  The funding is then awarded based on each local organization or individual's ability to meet criteria set by the federal entity administering the funds.  

 

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06 Jul 2011

Governor Quinn Signs Legislation Requiring Child Care Workers SUID, SIDS Prevention Training

By Laurel White

Reforms Will Improve Infant and Newborn Safety Throughout Illinois

NAPERVILLE - July 6, 2011. Governor Pat Quinn today signed legislation to increase the safety of infant and newborn children throughout Illinois. Under House Bill 2099, child care workers who care for newborns and infants will be required to complete regular training on how to prevent sudden unexpected infant death (SUID) and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).

"It is important that those who work with our children possess the most up-to-date health and safety information," said Governor Quinn. "This legislation ensures that child care workers in Illinois will continue to provide the highest standard of care."

House Bill 2099 requires all licensed child care facility employees who care for newborns and infants to complete training at least every three years on sudden unexpected infant death (SUID), sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), and the safe sleep recommendations of the American Academy of Pediatrics.

The bill was an initiative of SIDS of Illinois, an organization of parents who have lost children due to SIDS or SUID and are committed to educating others about preventable infant death. SUID and SIDS are leading causes of death in infants under two years of age, and approximately 20 percent of SIDS deaths occur while the infant is in the care of a non-parental caregiver.

House Bill 2099 was sponsored by Representative Emily McAsey (D-Lockport) and Senator A.J. Wilhelmi (D-Joliet) and takes effect on Jan. 1, 2012.

In July 2010, Governor Quinn signed House Bill 5930, which requires birth hospitals to provide safe sleep information to parents as they leave the hospital. This legislation took effect at the beginning of 2011.

###

05 Jul 2011

Independence from Health Care Restrictions

By Elisha Smith

Report examines how Affordable Care Act will revive and sustain small towns, farms and ranches

 

REPORT EMBARGOED UNTIL 6:00 a.m.

Wednesday, July 6, 2011

Lyons, Nebraska - According to a new report to be released July 6, 2011 by the Center for Rural Affairs, nearly 15 million young adults (19-29 years of age) in America are without health insurance. However, the report estimates that over 12 million of that young adult uninsured population will obtain coverage under provisions of the Affordable Care Act. These provisions are especially important for small towns and rural areas.

A full copy of the embargoed report can be viewed and downloaded immediately at:http://files.cfra.org/pdf/heal th-care-young-adults.pdf  and will remain available after the embargo is lifted.

Members of the media are asked to contact Elisha Smith (elishas@cfra.org or 402.687.2103 ext 1007) to set up interviews.

"Access to affordable, quality health insurance means more young adults can stay, return, or relocate to rural communities," said Alyssa Charney with the Center for Rural Affairs and the author of the report.

The report examines how the Affordable Care Act significantly benefits young adults, specifically those in rural areas, with provisions that include the ability to remain on their parents' policies, the creation of health insurance marketplaces, the elimination of pre-existing conditions, and incentives for employers to provide coverage. 

According to Charney's report, of the approximately 7 million rural residents between 20 and 29 years of age, 600,000 will be eligible to remain on their parents' health insurance until age 26 pursuant to the Affordable Care Act. Nationally it is estimated that 3.4 million young adults will be eligible for coverage under this provision. 

"The Affordable Care Act benefits rural young people in ways that extend well beyond individual health and affordability, because supporting the younger generation means supporting our rural communities for generations to come," explained Charney. 

"The places where young people choose to live, the work they pursue, and the passions they follow shouldn't be decided by limitations on how or where to find health insurance. The Affordable Care Act addresses these limitations," Charney added.

Rural communities are quickly declining in population, with many young adults leaving in search of outside opportunities and benefits. However, it would be incorrect to assume that this migration is driven by a lack of desire to live in rural places.

Forty percent of Americans would prefer to live in a rural area or small town, compared to the less than 20 percent who currently do, according to a survey from the National Association of Realtors. 

The author concludes that access to affordable, quality health insurance means more young adults can stay, return, or relocate to rural communities. Young farmers, entrepreneurs, and rural health care providers not only have much to gain from the Affordable Care Act, but they also have valuable skills and knowledge to contribute to rural communities.

This is the 13th report in a series dealing with how health care reform and the Affordable Care Act will impact rural America. Visit http://www.cfra.org/policy/hea lth-care/research  to review or download earlier Center for Rural Affairs health care reports.

22 Jun 2011

Cooperative Guiding Principles Support Community Well-being

By Joy Venhorst

AMES, Iowa -- Stephen Ronstrom, Sacred Heart Hospital CEO, wanted the healthiest foods available served at the Eau Claire, Wis., hospital. So, in 2008 he gave his hospitality service director the go-ahead to begin buying local food for the institution's kitchen. The directive stemmed from Ronstrom's belief that healthy, fresh, nutritious foods are part of the healing cycle of the patient. He was tired of sending the hospital's money around the country and beyond to truck in food that could be grown and raised better by people in the hospital's own community.

Rick Beckler, Sacred Heart Hospitality Services Director, admits it took a bit of fumbling around to figure out how to work with local producers to get the quantities of product needed by the hospital on an ongoing basis. "I knew I couldn't just show up at the farmers' market and buy 1,500 pounds of ground beef," Beckler said. The other thing he knew was 10 percent of the hospital's food budge twas committed to purchasing local food products. He used that to publicly challenge growers and producers to address this compelling community need and opportunity. As a result of that public challenge a new business, the Producers & Buyers Co-op, rose to meet the need.

Forming the cooperative
In communities across the country, people are working together through cooperatives to get the things they need. From telecommunication, electric and farmer cooperatives in rural areas to housing, organic food and childcare cooperatives in metropolitan areas - cooperatives bring people together to improve their quality of life and financial well-being.

Madeline Schultz, Iowa State University Extension cooperatives specialist, says there are a set of principles that define cooperatives. "Cooperatives have three basic principles that they adhere to - member benefits, member ownership and member control," she said. "When we think about cooperatives, we think about businesses organized for the people that are going to use those products or services."

The Producers & Buyers Co-op in Eau Claire has become a business that produces, processes and delivers nutritious local produce for institutional use, illustrating those principles. With assistance from River Country Resource and Development (RC&D) and Margaret Bau, Wisconsin-USDA Rural Development cooperative development specialist, the Producers & Buyers Co-op was formed using a multi-stakeholder approach with a membership that includes the producers, buyers, processors and local transportation. "This co-op is interesting from so many different perspectives," said Bau. "For example, buyer-members are not mere customers. Buyer-members serve on the board, work on committees concerning product standards, work through fair pricing, and sweat through details of initial product runs."
Through co-op membership, the Producers & Buyers Co-op buyers are part of the learning process about the seasonality of food, the constraints of not having enough processing facilities, crop failures, etc. "If a hospital likes the idea of obtaining locally grown food but isn't willing to put in this extra effort or pay more for high quality food, then local food isn't for them," said Bau. "Cooperatives are all about being in an ongoing relationship with the other co-op members. It is a relationship of equals."

The community benefits
As of September 2010, the Producers & Buyers Co-op had facilitated the purchase and transportation of more than $177,000 of locally grown product from more than 18 producer-members and four processor-members to three buyer-members.

There is growing interest in cooperatives especially among young adults, according to Iowa State's Schultz. "Cooperatives are self-affirming - you see a need and you address that need through the business," she said. "People can make a contribution to their community by becoming involved in cooperatives several ways. They can start a business, become a member or serve on the board of directors."
Folks around Eau Claire recognize the value of the Producers & Buyers Co-op. Member Darrell Lorch of Lorcrest Farms Inc., in Blair, Wis., says having a stable market price allows him to do more long range planning with his farm operation. Sacred Heart's Beckler reports an outpouring of warm compliments on the hospital's food from patients, Meals on Wheels patrons and employees. "We have learned a great deal about our community through the co-op," said Beckler. "The civic engagement has been good on many levels. We are eating healthier and supporting a healthier local economy."

Producers and processors that sign up for the Producers & Buyers Co-op promise to employ growing practices and animal husbandry that's good for the land, good for the animals and good for the people who eat the food. The buyers, in turn agree to pay a price that reflects the cost of producing food that lives up to those standards plus a small profit. Buyers also agree to be flexible if certain products or quantities aren't available when they want them, filling the gaps through other suppliers.

Educational materials about cooperatives online
Schultz said that anyone interested in starting a cooperative, needing to know more about cooperative board of director responsibilities, or wanting to learn about the opportunities associated with cooperatives can easily access information at www.eXtension.org/cooperatives. eXtension is an educational partnership of 76 land-grant universities collaborating with industry experts and the USDA. Information on specific topics is developed by teams of educators from across the country, called communities of practice (CoP).

"Cooperatives is one of about 50 communities of practice publishing on the eXtension website," said Schultz who serves as chair for the CoP. "eXtension is an exciting place for us to be developing and delivering Web-based content on cooperatives because there are so many other topics of interest there."

Schultz said it is the goal of the cooperatives CoP leadership team to bring the best information forward. "Many universities andorganizations have some information about cooperatives available online, but it's often difficult to find," she said. "The leadership team has gathered the best of the best available information and is creating new content where they see unmet needs. We are hoping by using the eXtension platform more people will be able to access this collection of resources."Some cooperative experts believe economically challenging times foster the growth and interest in cooperatives, in part because start-up capital comes from member-investors and because of the civil engagement that is intrinsic to cooperatives. That interest is finding fresh support through models like the Producers & Buyers Co-op in Eau Claire, Wis., and the resources available at eXtension.

Youth and adults can increase their understanding of the cooperative business model; become more engaged as cooperative business members, employees, board directors and managers; and achieve greater economic and social improvements in their communities from the information available at eXtension.

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