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Researchers discuss possibility of using food to prevent individual's genes from expressing disease

Personal health recommendations and diets tailored to better prevent diseases may be in our future, just by focusing on genetics.

6 Mar 2010

Salmonella Tennessee in Basic Food Flavors' HVP: FDA taking steps to protect consumers

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is taking steps to protect the public following the early identification of Salmonella Tennessee in one company's supply of hydrolyzed vegetable protein (HVP). This is a common ingredient used most frequently as a flavor enhancer in many processed foods, including soups, sauces, chilis, stews, hot dogs, gravies, seasoned snack foods, dips and dressings.

6 Mar 2010

NAE Grand Challenge Summit to launch call to action toward solving world's biggest challenges

Leading futurists and technologists have worked with the National Academy of Engineering (NAE) to identify "Grand Challenges for Engineering in the 21st Century," focusing on technological breakthroughs needed to build sustainable societies and improve the quality of life in a growing and increasingly complex world.

6 Mar 2010

PPA: Assistance programs for uninsured and financially struggling patients

An article in the Times Courier recently highlighted the Partnership for Prescription Assistance (PPA), a group that has helped more than 6 million uninsured and financially struggling patients find assistance programs that provide the medicines they need for free or nearly free.

6 Mar 2010

New technologies have potential to help elderly people live independently

The population of the UK is ageing. Sixteen per cent of the UK population is 65 or older, and for the first time, there are more people over the age of 65 than there are under the age of 18. This raises a lot of questions on issues such as pension provision, health care and wellbeing. Ensuring that elderly people have access to medical and social support; the use of new technologies to make it easier for them to live independent lives; and helping the elderly to stay active within society.

6 Mar 2010

Homecare advocates discuss the value and cost-effectiveness of home-based care

More than 250 providers of home medical equipment and services from across the U.S. met with members of Congress this week during the American Association for Homecare's Washington Legislative Conference.

6 Mar 2010

Abt Associates receives two new contracts to evaluate effectiveness of H1N1 vaccine

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has awarded Abt Associates two new contracts to evaluate the effectiveness of the H1N1 vaccine among health care workers and children under the age of 18.

6 Mar 2010

Study, conference highlight risks associated with migrant workers' limited access to health services

Despite being at high-risk for HIV infection, migrant workers in Southern Africa have a challenging time accessing HIV prevention and treatment services, according to a new study by the International Office of Migration (IOM), PANA/Afrique en ligne reports.

6 Mar 2010

CMA applauds federal government for promoting efficient and integrated patient care

The Canadian Medical Association (CMA) welcomed the announcement yesterday that the federal government will release the $500 million promised for electronic medical records. It is also relieved that transfers to the provinces remain untouched.

6 Mar 2010

US Oncology honored with FORTUNE magazine's World's Most Admired Companies distinction

US Oncology, Inc., the leading oncology services company uniting the nation's largest cancer treatment and research network to expand patient access to high-quality, cost-effective cancer care and advance the science of cancer care, has been named to FORTUNE magazine's World's Most Admired Companies list for 2010.

6 Mar 2010

Research Roundup: Childhood obesity, insurance coverage in cancer trials, hospitals stays and need for nursing homes

Health Affairs this month is devoted to the topic of childhood obesity, with the first study of the group - National, State, And Local Disparities In Childhood Obesity - pointing out that "new data from the 2007 National Survey of Children's Health show that the percentage of children ages 10-17 who are overweight ... remained stable, while the national prevalence of obesity (BMI in the ninety-fifth percentile and higher) grew significantly, from 14.8 percent in 2003 to 16.4 percent in 2007.

6 Mar 2010

Opinions on rebuilding Haiti: Role of U.S., good governance efforts, orphans, poverty

In McClatchy opinion piece, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) discusses her recent trip to Haiti and outlines the U.S. role in the country's rebuilding. "Congress is committed to helping Haiti recover from this tragedy. Congress has not only taken action to express condolences and solidarity with the Haitian people, but also to incentivize charitable giving for Haiti," Pelosi writes.

6 Mar 2010

KHN Column: The President's health plan won't cut the budget

In his latest Kaiser Health News column, James Capretta writes: "One of the central arguments President Barack Obama has made on behalf of the health care plan he wants Congress to approve in coming weeks is that it would begin to address the problem of rising costs and thus also begin to bring down future federal budget deficits" (Kaiser Health News).

6 Mar 2010

Researchers assess clinical and cost impacts of PPI utilization in hospitalized patients

Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are the most effective agents for treating acid related gastrointestinal (GI) disorders. The utilization of intravenous (IV) formulations of PPIs has dramatically increased in health care institutions for inappropriate indications, route of administration and length of treatment. This is associated with an increased cost burden, increased risk of IV related infections, and utilization of hospital resources.

6 Mar 2010

Community prevention and wellness initiatives: HHS announces availability of $10M ARRA funds

National organizations will have a key role in building a healthier nation as part of the new U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Communities Putting Prevention to Work initiative. HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius today announced a funding opportunity for national public or private non-profit organizations to apply for $10 million in cooperative agreements to help communities decrease smoking and obesity, increase physical activity and improve nutrition.

6 Mar 2010

Health reform fact check: Republicans have used reconciliation, Obama bill will bring down health costs

Several news organization have "fact checks" on the reconciliation procedure and health reform provisions.

6 Mar 2010

Adults with depression and diabetes face increase risk of dementia

Adults who have both diabetes and major depression are more than twice as likely to develop dementia, compared to adults with diabetes only, according to a study published in the recent Journal of General Internal Medicine.

6 Mar 2010

Legislation requires hospitals to disclose prices in Wisconsin

The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: "The frustration of finding out what hospitals and doctors charge for common services -- from routine office visits to diagnostic tests and surgical procedures -- could soon get a lot easier in Wisconsin. The state Senate and Assembly have passed legislation that will require hospitals to disclose average prices for the 75 most common inpatient services and 75 most common outpatient services based on their contracts with commercial health plans.

6 Mar 2010

Soluble Systems, SWAI launch TheraSkin to jumpstart healing in chronic and acute wounds

Soluble Systems, LLC and the Skin and Wound Allograft Institute, a wholly owned subsidiary of LifeNet Health, have signed a noteworthy agreement to launch TheraSkin™, a biologically active human skin allograft designed to jumpstart healing in chronic and acute wounds.

6 Mar 2010

It Starts with the Heart: Community initiative launched to support not-for-profits of all sizes

Health Diagnostic Laboratory Inc., www.hdlabinc.com, has launched a community initiative known as It Starts with the Heart, a company-wide commitment to support not-for-profits of all sizes in making a difference in their community.

6 Mar 2010

Health Care News and Research

Researchers discuss possibility of using food to prevent individual's genes from expressing disease

Salmonella Tennessee in Basic Food Flavors' HVP: FDA taking steps to protect consumers

NAE Grand Challenge Summit to launch call to action toward solving world's biggest challenges

PPA: Assistance programs for uninsured and financially struggling patients

New technologies have potential to help elderly people live independently

Homecare advocates discuss the value and cost-effectiveness of home-based care

Abt Associates receives two new contracts to evaluate effectiveness of H1N1 vaccine

Study, conference highlight risks associated with migrant workers' limited access to health services

CMA applauds federal government for promoting efficient and integrated patient care

US Oncology honored with FORTUNE magazine's World's Most Admired Companies distinction

Research Roundup: Childhood obesity, insurance coverage in cancer trials, hospitals stays and need for nursing homes

Opinions on rebuilding Haiti: Role of U.S., good governance efforts, orphans, poverty

KHN Column: The President's health plan won't cut the budget

Researchers assess clinical and cost impacts of PPI utilization in hospitalized patients

Community prevention and wellness initiatives: HHS announces availability of $10M ARRA funds

Health reform fact check: Republicans have used reconciliation, Obama bill will bring down health costs

Adults with depression and diabetes face increase risk of dementia

Legislation requires hospitals to disclose prices in Wisconsin

Soluble Systems, SWAI launch TheraSkin to jumpstart healing in chronic and acute wounds

It Starts with the Heart: Community initiative launched to support not-for-profits of all sizes

Expanding research and clinical options for children with cancer

Examining how pain could play a direct protective role in the gut

From Puberty to Menopause: Clue’s CEO, Audrey Tsang on the Power of Femtech

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