The National Retail Federation today asked lawmakers to reject health care reform legislation expected to receive a vote in the House this weekend, saying the measure would drive up labor costs to the point of forcing job losses and that a “transparent procedural ploy” for passing the package would harm Congress’ reputation. NRF said action on a House “rule,” the underlying legislation and related procedural motions will all be counted as key votes in NRF’s annual ranking of lawmakers on issues important to the retail industry. [More]

The United States Army Corps of Engineers announced today that it is fully implementing the Government Accountability Office's recommendations for the future construction of the new Martin Army Community Hospital at Fort Benning, Ga. [More]

Americans United for Life Action is mobilizing thousands of activists in targeted Congressional districts today to make one message crystal clear: a YES vote for health care is a pro-abortion vote. Team Life activists are using a downloadable flyer, printing it, and personally bringing it in to District offices. AUL Action has numerous emails from these activists confirming delivery. [More]

“The final 2009 financial statements confirm the full achievement of our targets; this solid financial basis will be the foundation for future growth. The 2010-2014 Plan confirms the strategic guidelines previously communicated, based on profitability and cash flow expansion and prepares for accelerated growth in the future” said André-Michel Ballester, Chief Executive Officer, Sorin Group. [More]

A new therapy that reduces the risk of mortality and heart failure in patients with mild cardiac disease received a thumb's up this week from an advisory panel to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. The panel recommended that the cardiac resynchronization therapy defibrillator (CRT-D), tested extensively nationwide under the leadership of cardiologist Arthur Moss, M.D., professor of Medicine at the University of Rochester Medical Center, be approved for use in patients with mild heart failure in the United States. [More]

Kaiser Health News staff writers Julie Appleby and Mary Agnes Carey write: "In their attempt to pass a sweeping health care overhaul this weekend, House Democrats are pushing a package of legislative fixes to lure undecided or opposed members of their party to the 'yes' category" (Appleby and Carey, 3/18). [More]

Aqua Sphere, the leader in high-end, innovative swim products, dares to see who will go the distance -- men or women? [More]

Anthony Lippolis of Springfield, OH will travel to Washington, D.C., Tuesday, March 23 through Thursday, March 25, 2010 to meet with congressional leaders and gain their support for epilepsy public health programs and more research toward a cure for epilepsy. [More]

HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius has declared a public health emergency for North Dakota in response to floods affecting the state. The action ensures beneficiaries of Medicare, Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program receive benefits during this emergency time period. [More]

Providing independent advice to Member States is a very important function of the World Health Organization (WHO). We take this work seriously and guard against the influence of any improper interests. The WHO influenza pandemic policies and response have not been improperly influenced by the pharmaceutical industry. [More]