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ABC News' 20/20 examines maternal health, mortality worldwide

ABC News' 20/20 on Friday examined maternal health and mortality worldwide in a program titled "Giving Life: A Risky Proposition." The show was a sort of "sequel" to a series launched last year called "Be the Change: Save a Life," host Diane Sawyer said.

20 Dec 2011

U.S. to work with South Sudan on agriculture; Aid agencies warn of hunger threat

"Speaking at a two-day development and investment conference for South Sudan in Washington, D.C., [Secretary of State] Hillary Clinton said the newly independent country had the potential to be 'one of Africa's breadbaskets'" and said the U.S. would work with private sector partners to invest in the nation's agriculture system, the Guardian reports.

20 Dec 2011

Tips for sharing holidays in hospital

There are few holiday presents worse than a hospital stay. But if a loved one or friend must be hospitalized this season, University of Alabama at Birmingham experts say you can take steps to ensure their holiday is still merry and bright. "Being in the hospital can be distressing for anybody," says Joshua Klapow, Ph.D., a UAB clinical psychologist. "While the psychological impact may be short-lived, the bottom line is people would rather be well and home than sick and away.

20 Dec 2011

Even as it faces attack, health law implementation — and challenges — continue

The Hill and Reuters report on the health law's numerous 2012 battle fronts - starting with the Supreme Court's review of the law and moving toward the November elections. Meanwhile, however, other news outlets report on continuing implementation of the measure, including the creation of a federal health exchange and defense of its prevention fund.

20 Dec 2011

Payroll tax cut extension bill — which includes temporary 'doc fix' — stalls in House as GOP objects

The once-seemingly sure deal, which allowed the Senate to recess for the year, was for a $33 billion package of bills to keep the Social Security tax paid by most workers at 4.2 percent rather than 6.2 percent, extend unemployment benefits for those already receiving them, and avoid reductions in Medicare payments to doctors. The measure would be effective through February.

20 Dec 2011

Physical fitness tips for older adults

The old adage "move it or lose it" could be the international slogan for the aging population. If you're of a certain age this holiday season and thinking about a New Year's resolution, an aging expert at Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center recommends resolving to begin or increase your physical activity level in some way.

20 Dec 2011

Obama administration avoids political backlash by allowing states flexibility on essential benefits

By allowing states the flexibility to make key decisions, the administration avoided a "political hot potato" regarding essential benefits - the medical benefits insurers must cover under the U.S. health care.

20 Dec 2011

State roundup: Financial issues threaten N.Y.'s Brookdale Hospital

On two separate occasions this year, Brookdale Hospital Medical Center - a once-venerable institution that serves some of the city's most impoverished patients - has been threatened with expulsion from public-health insurance programs after flunking multiple government safety inspections. The hospital relies heavily on Medicaid and Medicare for financial support.

20 Dec 2011

Kessler Foundation researcher earns Humboldt award for brain and behavior study

Jordan Grafman, PhD, director of traumatic brain injury research at Kessler Foundation, has received a Humboldt Research Award from the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation. This prestigious award encourages collaborative research between German scientists and renowned investigators like Dr. Grafman, who specializes in the study of the human prefrontal cortex and cognitive neuroplasticity.

20 Dec 2011

Ariz. eyeing first budget surplus in four years; Wis. study finds low Medicare, Medicaid rates shift costs

Here's something Arizona hasn't seen in a while: a state budget surplus. Estimates range from $416 million to as much as $650 million when the new budget year starts in July. ... "We'll fund population increases in K-12, AHCCCS (the state's Medicaid program) and prisons," said House Appropriations Chairman John Kavanagh, who's starting his fourth year as budget chairman.

20 Dec 2011

OneWorld Health to become PATH affiliate

"PATH and OneWorld Health (OWH) on Friday announced that OWH will become an affiliate of PATH, bringing its drug development expertise and experience in neglected infectious diseases to bear on PATH's mission of improving global health through innovation," according to a PATH press release.

20 Dec 2011

$Physician notification system can help prevent further fractures in osteoporotic patients$

Physician notification system can help prevent further fractures in osteoporotic patients

A simple physician notification system can help prevent further fractures in osteoporotic patients who have had already had fractures, according to a study in CMAJ.

20 Dec 2011

RPCI receives ASCO's QOPI certification, Leapfrog Top Hospital recognition

Roswell Park Cancer Institute (RPCI) has again been recognized at the national level for providing high-quality, patient-centered care. One of only three National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer centers in New York State, RPCI this month received Leapfrog Top Hospital recognition for the second consecutive year and earned Quality Oncology Practice Initiative (QOPI) Certification from the American Society of Clinical Oncology.

20 Dec 2011