WASHINGTON - Tuesday, October 26, 2010 - Senator Chuck Grassley today said that the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has awarded $1,143,168 to the Iowa Department of Public Health. 

According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the Iowa Department of Public Health will use the money to fund maternal and child health services.

Each year, thousands of 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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New Advisory Panel will Address Disparities in Breast Cancer Rates

CHICAGO - October 18, 2010. Governor Pat Quinn today announced a new initiative to fight breast cancer that will improve access to mammograms and treatment. The effort will be overseen by a new advisory panel charged with raising the quality of care for all women, focusing specifically on strategies to reduce the racial disparity in breast cancer mortality.

"Breast cancer is a deadly disease that affects women across Illinois," said Governor Quinn. "We are doing everything we can to make sure more women have access to lifesaving screenings and treatments. The Breast Cancer Quality Screening and Treatment Board consists of highly-qualified medical experts and health care advocates who will work hard to fight this disease."

The members of the newly formed Breast Cancer Quality Screening and Treatment Board include :

  • Dr. David Ansell, Vice President for Clinical Affairs and Chief Medical Officer for Rush University Medical Center and Associate Provost for Medical Affairs, Rush University.
  • Dr. Bechara Choucair, Commissioner, Chicago Department of Public Health
  • Sister Sheila Lyne, CEO and President, Mercy Hospital
  • Eileen Knightly, Director, Mercy Hospital Breast Care Center
  • Anne Marie Murphy, Executive Director, Metropolitan Chicago Breast Cancer Task Force
  • Dr. Pamela Ganschow, Director, John H. Stroger Hospital of Cook County Breast & Cervical Cancer Screening Program
  • Dr. Elizabeth Marcus, Chair, John H. Stroger Hospital of Cook County Division of Breast Oncology
  • Stephani Huston Cox, Director of Patient Services, Planned Parenthood Springfield Area
  • Linda Maricle, Executive Director, Susan G. Komen for the Cure Peoria
  • Donna Thompson, Chief Executive Officer, Access Community Health Network
  • Elizabeth S.A. Patton, Administrator, East Side Health District
  • Salim Al Nurridin, Chief Executive Officer, Healthcare Consortium of Illinois
  • Vicki Vaughn, Director, St. Mary's Hospital

The mission of the Breast Cancer Quality Screening and Treatment Board is to work with the Medicaid Program and IBCCP to identify gaps in screening and diagnostic mammogram services throughout the state; expand the use of digital mammography; recommend common quality standards; identify best practices for effective outreach to reduce racial disparities; and monitor the pilot projects.

The new initiative is a joint project by the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services (HFS) and the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH). It will include an increase in the Medicaid reimbursement rate beginning in 2011 for screening providers who commit to high-quality service and data sharing on detection rates with the Chicago Breast Cancer Quality Consortium. Medicaid spending for the program will qualify for federal matching funds.

"I am very glad to be working with Governor Quinn, our partners at IDPH and our board of experts to improve access to-and the quality of-breast cancer screening and treatment for women throughout our state," said HFS Director Julie Hamos.

The initiative will include three new pilot projects to assist women who have breast cancer and are being treated through either the Medicaid Program for low-income women or the Illinois Breast and Cervical Cancer Program (IBCCP), which provides free breast and cervical cancer screenings and services to uninsured eligible women in Illinois. The pilot projects will test different approaches to best assist these women in navigating the complex system of breast cancer health care and treatment.

"Early detection can help save lives, and mammography remains the most effective means available to detect cancer in its earliest stages," said IDPH Director Dr. Damon T. Arnold. "We look forward to working with the new board to help ensure all women have access to quality mammography and other breast cancer services."

As part of the initiative, the state will ramp up its educational outreach programs about early detection and treatment of breast cancer. Women over the age of 40 will be informed of access to free annual mammograms - whether they are enrolled in Medicaid or Medicare, have private insurance coverage or are uninsured. Under the new federal Affordable Care Act all new and renewed private health insurance policies will offer free annual mammograms.

###

Monday, October 18, 2010

WASHINGTON - Senator Chuck Grassley is continuing his effort to protect Medicare and Medicaid dollars, this time by demanding greater transparency from program officials at the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), regarding possible waste, fraud and abuse of program resources by outside contractors.

In a follow up inquiry to CMS Administrator Donald Berwick, Grassley said the agency should release data about how much the agency is paying contractors to identify and investigate potential fraud, waste and abuse in the Medicare and Medicaid programs, and stop working to find excuses why the information about how public dollars are used should be kept secret.

"Government officials are stewards of tax dollars and they have a responsibility to be transparent and forthright about decisions and actions involving public money," Grassley said.  "That stewardship includes holding contractors accountable if they fail to deliver.  And, in this case like most others, transparency can help establish accountability."

Click here to read Grassley's letter October 15 letter to CMS Administrator Donald Berwick.

Click here to read Grassley's October 6 press release regarding the initial letter to Secretary of Health and Human Services Kathleen Sebelius and CMS Administrator Donald Berwick seeking accountability.

 

-30-

WASHINGTON - Senator Chuck Grassley, along with Senator Kit Bond of Missouri, Senator Sam Brownback of Kansas and Senator Patrick Leahy of Vermont, has sent a letter to defense Secretary  Robert Gates questioning whether a new loophole has been created in the administrative discharge system which results in erroneous discharges of members of the Armed Forces who are experiencing symptoms of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) or Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), instead of making sure they receive medical care worthy of their service and sacrifice.

"The men and women in America's armed services put their lives on the line day in and day out for our freedom," Grassley said.  "We worked to close a loophole where many of these honorable service members were being discharged without medical and disability benefits for supposedly pre-existing personality disorders that may in fact have been undiagnosed PTSD or TBI due to service in combat. Now it appears that a new loophole may have taken its place and we need to get to the bottom of this situation so our service members are treated fairly."

Click here to view Grassley's letter to Secretary Gates.

Click here to read the October 20th, 2009 press release regarding a letter Grassley, along with Senators Kit Bond, Blanche Lincoln and Sam Brownback, sent to President Barack Obama to renew his commitment to ensure that returning service members are provided medical care from the Department of Veterans Affairs for what may have previously been diagnosed as a pre-existing personality disorder instead of combat-related post traumatic stress disorder.

Click here to read the August 5th, 2009 press release regarding Grassley's letter to the Chairman and Ranking Member of the Senate Armed Services Committee advocating for legislation that guarantees that PTSD and TBI are diagnosed and those diagnoses are considered in any future discharge proceeding.

Click here to read the June 22nd, 2007 press release regarding a letter to Secretary Gates sent by Grassley and a group of bipartisan senators, including Senator Obama, calling for an independent review of the personality disorder discharge process in the Armed Forces.

 

-30-

WASHINGTON, Oct. 8, 2010 - Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced the celebration of National School Lunch Week, October 11- 15, by highlighting Obama administration efforts to improve child nutrition, combat childhood obesity and encourage schools to participate in USDA's HealthierUS School Challenge (HUSSC), an initiative that recognizes schools for excellence in nutrition and physical activity.

"National School Lunch Week reminds us how important it is that our children be healthy and active, that they not go hungry, and that they have access to nutritious meals," Vilsack said. "Through our HealthierUS School Challenge, USDA recognizes schools that meet the highest standards for creating and maintaining healthy school environments by promoting good nutrition and physical activity."

The HUSSC is a key component of First Lady Michelle Obama's Let's Move! campaign to end childhood obesity within a generation. Schools participating in the HUSSC voluntarily adopt USDA standards for food they serve at their schools, agree to provide nutrition education and provide opportunities for physical activity.

In February, the First Lady and USDA challenged stakeholders to double the number of HUSSC schools within in a year and add 1,000 schools per year for two years after that. Schools participating in the Challenge are recognized with Gold of Distinction, Gold, Silver, or Bronze-level certification. As of late September, 841 HUSSC awards have been made to schools. HUSSC certification also includes monetary incentives for schools -$2,000 for Gold Award of Distinction, $1,500 for Gold, $1,000 for Silver and $500 for Bronze.

Next week, USDA will recognize the following schools for meeting the HealthierUS School Challenge:

  • Phoenix Elementary School in Grand Forks, ND for Gold of Distinction certification
  • Krause Elementary School in Brenham, TX for Gold certification
  • Brenham Elementary School in Brenham, TX for Gold certification
  • Central Elementary School in Lewisville, TX for Gold certification
  • Byram Middle School in Terry, MS for Gold certification
  • River Terrace Elementary School in Washington, DC for Gold certification
  • Greene Central School in Greene, ME for Silver certification
  • Leeds Central School in Leeds, ME for Silver certification
  • Turner Primary School in Turner, ME for Silver certification
  • Turner Elementary School in Turner, ME for Silver certification
  • South Hamilton Elementary School in Jewell, IA for Silver certification
  • Adrian Elementary School in Adrian, MN for Silver certification
  • Belwood Elementary School in Calhoun, GA for Bronze certification
  • Fairmount Elementary School in Fairmount, GA for Bronze certification
  • Redbud Elementary School in Calhoun, GA for Bronze certification
  • Sonoraville Elementary School in Calhoun, GA for Bronze certification
  • Swain Elementary School in Plainville, GA for Bronze certification
  • Tolbert Elementary School in Resaca, GA for Bronze certification
  • Horizon Elementary School in Johnston, IA for Bronze certification

USDA Food, Nutrition and Consumer Services Under Secretary Kevin Concannon salutes the example set by HUSSC schools and underscored the importance of a strong legislation to reauthorize the National School Lunch and School Breakfast programs.

"These programs provide vital nutrition assistance to America's school-aged children and deserve our full support," he said. "Congress has the opportunity to pass improved legislation in time to make important changes to our school meals this very year and future years and we urge them to pass this when they convene again in November."

The First Lady actively supports the HUSSC with innovative Let's Move! initiatives, including Chefs Move to Schools, a collaboration that links chefs with nearby schools, and most recently with the Recipes for Healthy Kids competition, launched in early September. This competition brings together chefs, school nutrition professionals, students and parents who work in in teams to develop nutritious, delicious, kid-approved recipes for use in schools. Recipes must be submitted by Dec. 30. Winners will have a chance to compete in a national cook-off and $12,000 in prizes. For more information, please visit www.recipesforkidschallenge.com.

Improving USDA's child nutrition programs on behalf of nearly 32 million kids across the nation is a top priority of the Obama Administration. Strengthening the Child Nutrition Act, which authorizes USDA's child nutrition programs including the National School Lunch and School Breakfast Programs, is the legislative centerpiece of First Lady Michelle Obama's Let's Move! campaign. This legislation will serve as a down payment in battling hunger and food insecurity while providing critical resources to raise a generation of healthy children. To learn more about the First Lady's Let's Move! campaign, visit www.LetsMove.gov.

USDA's Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) oversees the administration of 15 nutrition assistance programs, including the child nutrition programs, that touch the lives of one in four Americans over the course of a year. These programs work in concert to form a national safety net against hunger. Visit www.fns.usda.gov for information about FNS and nutrition assistance programs.


BOSTON?American homes are increasingly besieged by menacing zombies, invading aliens, and threatening criminals. The fact that these beings exist only on-screen?as characters in popular video games?may be small comfort to parents concerned about limiting their children's exposure to violence. The October issue of the Harvard Mental Health Letter reports that worries about video game violence are probably overblown, but also offers advice on how parents can minimize any potential harm.

As a first step, check a video game's Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) rating to better understand what type of content the game has. It may also help to place video consoles and computers in common areas of the home, such as the kitchen or living room, rather than in children's bedrooms. Finally, set limits on the amount of time youths play these games. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends two hours or less of total screen time per day?a limit that includes television and computers as well as video games.

Dr. Michael Miller, editor in chief of the Harvard Mental Health Letter, points out that video games share much in common with other pursuits that are enjoyable and rewarding, but that can become hazardous in certain contexts. Parents can best protect their children by remaining engaged with them and providing limits and guidance as necessary.

Read the full-length article: "Violent video games and young people"

Also in this issue:

  • Cognitive enhancement therapy for schizophrenia
  • Managing dental phobia
  • Treatment for adolescent depression
  • Living with bipolar disorder
  • Why eating slowly makes people feel full
  • Antidepressants and cataracts

The Harvard Mental Health Letter is available from Harvard Health Publications (www.health.harvard.edu), the publishing division of Harvard Medical School, for $59 per year. Subscribe at www.health.harvard.edu/mental or by calling 877-649-9457 (toll-free).

XXX


Common Sense On:
New Consumer-Friendly Improvements to www.HealthCare.gov

By Senator Tom Harkin

The historic health reform bill, The Affordable Care Act, was signed into law just over six months ago and Iowans are already seeing many of the benefits.  For example, the new Patient's Bill of Rights, which cracks down on the worst abuses of health insurance companies and gives Iowans and all Americans important new protections, is now in effect.  

By now, all Iowans should be familiar with www.HealthCare.gov.  Launched on July 1, it is the first website of its kind to bring information and links to health insurance plans into one place to make it easy for consumers to learn about and compare their insurance choices.  Just last week, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced that new information and tools have been added to the website that will make the health insurance market more transparent, increase competition and help lower costs for individuals.  These are changes that put consumers, not the insurance companies, in the driver's seat.

What changes have recently been made to www.HealthCare.gov?

For the first time, the site makes price estimates for private insurance policies available, allowing consumers to easily compare health insurance plans.  This one-stop shopping takes the guesswork and confusion out of buying insurance.  So far, more than 225 insurance companies have provided information about their individual and family plans for more than 4,400 policies, including policies in every state.  Consumers can search for and compare information on plans available to them based on their age, gender, family size, tobacco use and location.  

What details about the insurance plans can I now find on www.HealthCare.gov?

Consumers can find a great deal of information on each insurance plan including: monthly premium estimates, deductibles, maximum out-of-pocket costs and services covered.

What additional protections for consumers are available at www.HeathCare.gov?

According to HHS, to help consumers make more informed choices, the site includes new information including two notable metrics never before made public:

  • Insurance providers are required to provide the percentage of people who applied for insurance and were denied coverage.

  • Insurance companies are required to provide the percentage of applicants who were charged higher premiums because of their health status.

Where can I find more information on health reform?

For more information on the health reform bill please feel free to contact any of my offices or my website at http://harkin.senate.gov.

###

A PDF version of the column is available by clicking here.

MILWAUKEE, WI - Recent findings from what is believed to be the largest study of a weight-loss program in the United States indicate that TOPS Club, Inc. (Take Off Pounds Sensibly), the nonprofit weight-loss support organization, is associated with clinically significant weight loss among participants who remain in the program for at least one year.

According to a study published in Obesity, the official journal of The Obesity Society, TOPS participants who renewed their annual membership consecutively over a period of one to three years lost between 5.9% and 7.1% of their initial weight.  People who remained in the program lost 6% of initial weight in the first year and maintained that weight loss for up to three years. 

The Institute of Medicine defines successful long-term weight loss as "losing at least 5% of body weight...by the completion of a weight-loss program... and keeping it [off]...for at least one year."  The average weight loss estimated in this study exceeds these criteria for successful long-term weight loss which have been associated with improved health benefits, including decreased likelihood of developing heart disease, lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels, and the reduction of sleep apnea symptoms.

Study authors Nia S. Mitchell, L. Miriam Dickinson, Allison Kempe, and Adam G. Tsai, all of the University of Colorado Denver, examined data from nearly 43,000 TOPS members who joined between Jan. 1, 2005, and Dec. 31, 2007, and who had at least one membership renewal between 2006 and 2008.  Members were weighed at weekly meetings by the chapter weight recorder and subsequently submitted to TOPS' national headquarters by local Field Staff.  In addition to regular group meetings designed to reinforce healthy habits, such as setting reasonable goals, increasing physical activity, portion control, and food journaling ? major components of TOPS' weight-loss philosophy, the TOPS program includes a six-week "quick-start" guide, My Day One, and TOPS' lifestyle guide, The Choice Is Mine. Membership also includes a one-year subscription to TOPS News, the organization's members-only magazine.

The researchers noted the substantial difference in cost between TOPS and commercial weight-loss programs, like Weight Watchers and Jenny Craig.  A nonprofit organization, TOPS' annual membership fee is $26 in the United States and $30 in Canada, plus nominal chapter fees (on average, $5 per month) collected for local chapter expenses.  There are no special foods to purchase.

TOPS chapters are also led by volunteer leaders who are elected by their peers.  The study authors speculate that the lower dropout rate in TOPS could be due to the camaraderie, support, and recognition that develops from regular chapter meetings because participants may hold offices in the chapter.

"We are pleased that the findings of this landmark study further confirm that members of TOPS can experience measurable and lasting weight-loss success," said Barbara Cady, TOPS President.  "TOPS has been shown to be as successful as commercial groups and plans that have been scientifically studied and evaluated in recent years.  These include the 2005 JAMA study of the Ornish, Zone, Weight Watchers, and Atkins diets.  TOPS is affordable and nationally available, with more than 7,000 chapters located across the country.  Our focus on wellness education and healthy lifestyle choices has led TOPS members to lose a combined total of 431 tons of weight in 2009.  By joining TOPS, anyone can experience even the smallest (or largest) of health benefits as they take steps on the journey of weight loss."

TOPS Club Inc. (Take Off Pounds Sensibly), the original, nonprofit weight-loss support and wellness education organization, was established more than 62 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.

###
Members of U.S. House lining up to pull rug from under president's nationalization

By Bob Unruh
(c) 2010 WorldNetDaily

U.S. President Barack Obama makes remarks about the leaked Afghan war documents in the Rose Garden at the White House in Washington, July 27, 2010. REUTERS/Jim Young (UNITED STATES - Tags: POLITICS)

The November election is getting closer. And so is the possibility that Obamacare - with its so-called "death panels," government intervention in health-care decisions and mandates for all consumers to buy the insurance the government specifies - simply will be repealed.

The effort has been assembled by U.S. Rep. Steve King, R-Iowa, whose discharge petition would call for a new House vote on the proposal.

Share your thoughts about the Obamacare nationalization of health-care decision-making.

It needs 218 signatures of House members, and since that constitutes a majority in the 435-member House, the goal of the discharge petition likely would be accomplished, he has explained. The effort now has 173 signatures, only a few dozen short of the number required.

The plan had collected 170 signatures before the summer congressional break, but since members of Congress returned to Washington, three more names - Jim Gerlach of Pennsylvania, Gene Taylor of Mississippi and Steve Buyer of Indiana - have been added.

King also this week released a statement about Obamacare, noting that it has been six months since its adoption.

"Speaker [Nancy] Pelosi once said that Congress had to pass Obamacare so that Americans would know what was in it. Americans have now had six months to review this unconstitutional legislation, and the majorities seeking repeal continue to grow," he said.

He said more than 20 states already have filed lawsuits against Obamacare, and voters in Missouri have passed a law protecting themselves from Obama's "unconstitutional 'individual mandate.'"

"A recent survey by Rasmussen Reports concludes that 61 percent of the American public wants Obamacare repealed," King said. "Americans should urge their representatives to sign Discharge Petition No. 11 and should also insist that members of Congress pledge to withhold funding for Obamacare's implementation in future Congresses."

Review the names on the discharge petition to see whether your representative is aboard with the plan.

House members who previously endorsed King's plan are:

1. Steve King, Iowa
2. Connie Mack, Florida
3. Michele Bachmann, Minnesota
4. Todd Tiahrt, Kansas
5. Marsha Blackburn, Tennessee
6. Tom Price, Georgia
7. Paul C. Broun, Georgia
8. Jerry Moran, Kansas
9. Tom Graves, Georgia
10. Rob Bishop, Utah
11. Joseph R. Pitts, Pennsylvania
12. Mike Pence, Indiana
13. Lynn A. Westmoreland, Georgia
14. Glenn Thompson, Pennsylvania
15. Jeb Hensarling, Texas
16. Louie Gohmert, Texas
17. Judy Biggert, Illinois
18. John Boozman, Arkansas
19. Kenny Marchant, Texas
20. Jim Jordan, Ohio
21. Jason Chaffetz, Utah
22. Gary G. Miller, California
23. Bob Goodlatte, Virginia
24. Doug Lamborn, Colorado
25. Robert E. Latta, Ohio
26. Tom Cole, Oklahoma
27. Trent Franks, Arizona
28. K. Michael Conaway, Texas
29. Jo Bonner, Alabama
30. Dan Burton, Indiana
31. J. Gresham Barrett, South Carolina
32. John Linder, Georgia
33. Bill Posey, Florida
34. Lynn Jenkins, Kansas
35. Mike Coffman, Colorado
36. Roscoe G. Bartlett, Maryland
37. Virginia Foxx, North Carolina
38. John Campbell, California
39. Mike Rogers, Alabama
40. Randy Neugebauer, Texas
41. Charles K. Djou, Hawaii
42. Pete Sessions, Texas
43. F. James Sensenbrenner, Jr., Wisconsin
44. Howard Coble, North Carolina
45. Candice S. Miller, Michigan
46. Steve Scalise, Louisiana
47. Robert B. Aderholt, Alabama
48. Phil Gingrey, Georgia
49. Kevin Brady, Texas
50. Pete Olson, Texas
51. C.W. Bill Young, Florida
52. Tom McClintock, California
53. Joe Wilson, South Carolina
54. Mac Thornberry, Texas
55. John R. Carter, Texas
56. John Shimkus, Illinois
57. Mary Fallin, Oklahoma
58. Gus M. Bilirakis, Florida
59. John Fleming, Louisiana
60. Jeff Flake, Arizona
61. W. Todd Akin, Missouri
62. Peter Hoekstra, Michigan
63. Donald A. Manzullo, Illinois
64. Eric Cantor, Virginia
65. Scott Garrett, New Jersey
66. John A. Boehner, Ohio
67. Henry E. Brown, Jr., South Carolina
68. Kay Granger, Texas
69. Parker Griffith, Alabama
70. Ted Poe, Texas
71. Cathy McMorris Rodgers, Washington
72. Rodney Alexander, Louisiana
73. Fred Upton, Michigan
74. Jean Schmidt, Ohio
75. John Sullivan, Oklahoma
76. Peter J. Roskam, Illinois
77. Blaine Luetkemeyer, Missouri
78. Michael C. Burgess, Texas
79. Ken Calvert, California
80. Lee Terry, Nebraska
81. Patrick T. McHenry, North Carolina
82. Mary Bono Mack, California
83. Spencer Bachus, Alabama
84. Jeff Miller, Florida
85. John B. Shadegg, Arizona
86. Gregg Harper, Mississippi
87. John Abney Culberson, Texas
88. Dana Rohrabacher, California
89. David P. Roe, Tennessee
90. J. Randy Forbes, Virginia
91. Bill Cassidy, Louisiana
92. Brett Guthrie, Kentucky
93. Denny Rehberg, Montana
94. Sue Wilkins Myrick, North Carolina
95. Tom Latham, Iowa
96. Michael K. Simpson, Idaho
97. John Kline, Minnesota
98. Ron Paul, Texas
99. Thomas J. Rooney, Florida
100. Daniel E. Lungren, California
101. Darrell E. Issa, California
102. Harold Rogers, Kentucky
103. John J. Duncan, Jr., Tennessee
104. Todd Russell Platts, Pennsylvania
105. Duncan Hunter, California
106. Sam Graves, Missouri
107. Bob Inglis, South Carolina
108. Edward R. Royce, California
109. Ralph M. Hall, Texas
110. Timothy V. Johnson, Illinois
111. Michael T. McCaul, Texas
112. Thaddeus G. McCotter, Michigan
113. Robert J. Wittman, Virginia
114. Lamar Smith, Texas
115. Cynthia M. Lummis, Wyoming
116. Wally Herger, California
117. Vern Buchanan, Florida
118. Christopher H. Smith, New Jersey
119. Geoff Davis, Kentucky
120. Jack Kingston, Georgia
121. Brian P. Bilbray, California
122. Zach Wamp, Tennessee
123. Jerry Lewis, California
124. Erik Paulsen, Minnesota
125. Roy Blunt, Missouri
126. Jo Ann Emerson, Missouri
127. Frank Wolf, Virginia
128. George Radanovich, California
129. Steve Austria, Ohio
130. Greg Walden, Oregon
131. Frank D. Lucas, Oklahoma
132. Adrian Smith, Nebraska
133. Jeff Fortenberry, Nebraska
134. Frank A. LoBiondo, New Jersey
135. Sam Johnson, Texas
136. Paul Ryan, Wisconsin
137. John L. Mica, Florida
138. Michael R. Turner, Ohio
139. Aaron Schock, Illinois
140. Cliff Stearns, Florida
141. Devin Nunes, California
142. David Dreier, California
143. Christopher John Lee, New York
144. Kevin McCarthy, California
145. Bill Shuster, Pennsylvania
146. Leonard Lance, New Jersey
147. Howard P. "Buck" McKeon, California
148. Ander Crenshaw, Florida
149. Elton Gallegly, California
150. Rodney P. Frelinghuysen, New Jersey
151. Ed Whitfield, Kentucky
152. Walter B. Jones, North Carolina
153. Vernon J. Ehlers, Michigan
154. Thomas E. Petri, Wisconsin
155. Doc Hastings, Washington
156. Don Young, Alaska
157. Ginny Brown-Waite, Florida
158. Patrick J. Tiberi, Ohio
159. Mike Rogers, Michigan
160. Joe Barton, Texas
161. Adam H. Putnam, Florida
162. Dave Camp, Michigan
163. Steven C. LaTourette, Ohio
164. Dean Heller, Nevada
165. Peter T. King, New York
166. Mario Diaz-Balart, Florida
167. Lincoln Diaz-Balart, Florida
168. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, Florida
169. Tim Murphy, Pennsylvania
170. Charles W. Dent, Pennsylvania

King also has posted a list online divided by state delegations.

The effort in the House continues gaining momentum even though it has been reported but little in the media. Under House rules, once King's discharge petition acquires the needed number of names, it would move forward even if House Speaker Nancy Pelosi vigorously opposes it.

All of the GOP representatives and 34 Democrats opposed Obamacare when it was passed on a narrow 219-212 vote earlier this year. King said 212 representatives, at least, should be in favor of overturning it, since they previously opposed it.

Then it will be up to the handful of Democrat votes that would be needed to turn from endorsement to rejection for it to advance.

He also said there are a number of Democrats who supported the nationalization plan who now are running for re-election in districts where residents oppose it.

The proposal states: "Pursuant to clause 2 of rule XV, I, Steve King of Iowa, move to discharge the Committees on Energy and Commerce, Ways and Means, Education and Labor, the Judiciary, Natural Resources, Rules, House Administration and Appropriations from the consideration of the bill (H.R. 4972) to repeal the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, which was referred to said committees on March 25, 2010, in support of which motion the undersigned Members of the House of Representatives affix their signatures."

Its target is the $940 billion, or greater, bill adopted by the Democrat-controlled Congress in March.

King said he expects the numbers "to swell."

"Once the discharge petition reaches 218 signatures, Speaker Pelosi will not be able to prevent the repeal legislation from receiving, and passing, a vote on the floor," King's announcement said.

The congressman said the process may be a little complicated to rid the nation of thousands of pages of laws that a majority of voters oppose, but it can be done.

The discharge petition is first, which then can be used as a litmus test against Democrats in November, he said. The likelihood is that if the GOP returns to a majority in the House in November, while President Obama still could veto a complete repeal, the House simply could shut off funding for the program until a new president is elected in 2012, he explained.

In a related effort, almost 41,000 voices from across America are offering their encouragement to members of the House who have yet to sign the discharge petition offered by King.

The campaign is a petition drive that urges members of Congress to repeal Obamacare because of several problems:

* Whereas, the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, approved by a narrow vote of the House of Representatives earlier this year, threatens to transform the U.S. health-care system from its roots in free enterprise and personal choice;

* Whereas, the act is unconstitutional because of its unprecedented requirement that Americans purchase a service;

* Whereas, the system the law would create is financially unsustainable, places personal medical decisions in the hands of bureaucrats and is likely to lead to rationing of health-care options;

* Whereas, the act is likely to result in forcing some 87 million Americans to drop their current health-care coverage;

* Whereas, the costs involved in complying with the law are likely to cost more Americans their jobs, inhibit the creation of new employment opportunities and suppress wages ...

The petition drive was launched by Joseph Farah, founder and CEO of WorldNetDaily, who said the results are worthy of note already.

"This is a very impressive petition, but it will be much more impressive at 100,000 or 200,000 or 1 million," he said. "We need people signing and spreading the news about this effort - news that has not been reported anywhere else expect at WND."


ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Devin Nunes grew up on his family's dairy farm in Tulare County, California. He was appointed state director of the U.S. Department of Agriculture for Rural Development by President George W. Bush. In 2002, the 29-year-old Republican was elected to Congress and is currently in his fourth term representing the people of California's 21st Congressional District (which includes Tulare and parts of Fresno County). He was a prominent figure in the opposition to expanding federal control over health care and the banking sector. He remains a fierce advocate for individual freedom and has penned many bold ideas on energy independence, border and national security and tax, entitlement and education reforms.


ABOUT THE BOOK:  At a time of unprecedented government spending, historic deficits, and gathering foreign threats, America stands at a crossroads. We can either reassert fiscal discipline and reduce the government to the size envisioned by our Founders, or we can continue on the current path of spending ourselves into oblivion.

In "Restoring the Republic," Republican congressman Devin Nunes lays out a detailed agenda for solving the menacing problems that threaten our nation's future. Born and raised in the breadbasket of central California, thirty-six-year-old Nunes has seen firsthand how the convergence of big government, big business, and the radical Left has wreaked havoc on entire communities, turning the once-thriving farmland of the San Joaquin Valley into a blighted desert reminiscent of the Dust Bowl.

Now the same forces are doing their damage on the national level, threatening America's very foundation. But Nunes has a plan to stop them. This book reveals:

# How America can break its Middle East oil dependence and become an energy powerhouse

# Reforms that can keep Social Security and Medicare from bankrupting the Treasury

# A simple, fair tax code that can restore economic growth

# A foreign policy that will better protect America's interests

# Why politicians from both parties won't discuss the single most crucial reform for restoring our Republic

Packed with revealing, behind-the-scenes anecdotes from the halls of the Capitol, Restoring the Republic sounds the alarm on the malicious alliance of forces that is endangering America and offers concrete solutions to keep America strong and free.

Product Details
# Paperback: 224 pages
# Publisher: WND Books
# Language: English
# ISBN-10: 978-1-935071
# ISBN-13: 978-1-935071-19-8
# Product Dimensions: 5.5 x 8.25

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Perioperative nurses everywhere are being celebrated for their important role and commitment to safe patient care during the annual Perioperative Nurse Week, Nov. 8-14. The Association of periOperative Registered Nurses (AORN), a 40,000 member strong organization with state and local chapters nationwide, supports operating room nurses in hospitals and outpatient surgery centers.

Perioperative nursing is a specialized area of nursing practice, providing nursing care to surgical patients before, during, and after surgery. As a fundamental member of the surgical team, the perioperative registered nurse works in collaboration with other health care professionals which may include the surgeon, anesthesia provider, surgical assistant, and other assistive personnel.

Perioperative nursing requires a unique and highly-specialized skill set gained from specialized training and education. As a perioperative nurse, I am responsible for planning and directing all nursing care for patients who undergo invasive surgical procedures, and I serve as the patient's advocate while they are powerless to make their own decisions.

If you or someone you love had a surgical procedure, the perioperative RN was directly responsible for you or your loved one's well-being throughout the operation.  While all of the other well-qualified medical professionals are focused on their specific duty, the perioperative RN focuses on the patient. By employing their critical thinking, assessment, diagnosing, outcome identification, planning, and evaluation skills, the RN circulator directs the nursing care and coordinates activities of the surgical team for the benefit of the patient.

We want to come from behind the masks and the closed doors to let you know that our nurses are dedicated to working hard to protect you, our patients, when you are most vulnerable. We are your advocate using evidence based interventions to provide superior patient care. Join in celebrating the perioperative nurse in your life during the 2010 Perioperative Nurse Week.

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