Megite Health News: What's Happening Right Now

Great Lakes, Great Peril | Update: 32 DNA samples for Asian carp found past barrier

Sat, 21 Nov 2009 09:00:08 EST

Special Section: This series will periodically examine challenges facing the Great Lakes in what experts forecast will be the century of water. The Army Corps of Engineers acknowledged Friday that tests taken earlier this fall revealed 32 positive DNA samples for Asian carp above the electric fish barrier on the Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal, ... (Read on Source)

Rethinking the Mammogram Guidelines

Sat, 21 Nov 2009 08:00:00 -0500

In January 2002, Umea, Sweden was about the coldest inhabited place on earth. But it was at Umea University, in an office festooned with Sweden's ubiquitous winter candles, that Lennarth Nystrom was carrying out his critical research: analyzing and updating the half-dozen Swedish mammography studies that tell us nearly all of what we know about ... (Read on Source)

'Miracle' as Second Formerly Conjoined Twin Wakes Up

Foxnewsonline — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 07:35:42 EST

The weaker of two conjoined twins separated in a landmark surgery in Australia has woken up from a coma and blown a raspberry at her guardian. (Read on Source)

The Proper Use of Disinfectants

Sat, 21 Nov 2009 06:30:09 PST

(HealthNewsDigest.com) - Some medical facilities that have been taking steps to Green their cleaning operations may mistakenly be setting back their Green Cleaning programs as a result of H1N1 and other public health concerns that have surfaced in recent years. (Read on Source)

Public health significance of virus mutation detected in Norway

Sat, 21 Nov 2009 07:24:53 GMT

20 NOVEMBER 2009 | GENEVA -- The Norwegian Institute of Public Health has informed WHO of a mutation detected in three H1N1 viruses. The viruses were isolated from the first two fatal cases of pandemic influenza in the country and one patient with severe illness. (Read on Source)

Children starve in parched southern Madagascar

Sat, 21 Nov 2009 09:00:08 EST

Magnam Pelaky waits at a health clinic his mother had taken him to in the village of Ifotaka in southern Madagascar. In the driest regions in southern Madagascar, 1.5 million people have inadequate food because of prolonged drought--250,000 of them children under 5. (Graeme Williams / UNICEF/World Food Program / October 13, 2009) (Read on Source)

80,000 asbestos sites at Qld schoools

Sat, 21 Nov 2009 09:00:08 EST

Almost 80,000 confirmed or presumed asbestos sites at Queensland state schools have been listed on a government online register made available today. Schools in the state's south coast region - which includes the Gold Coast and Logan - have the highest number of presumed or confirmed cases with 21,230 sites, according to Brisbane media reports. (Read on Source)

Coastal Carbon Sink

Sat, 21 Nov 2009 09:00:08 EST

Copyright © 2009 Living on Earth and World Media Foundation. All rights reserved. No portion of this transcript may be copied, sold, or transmitted without the written authority of World Media Foundation. (Read on Source)

China Says 23 Dead in Mine Explosion

Sat, 21 Nov 2009 09:00:08 EST

BEIJING (AP) -- A gas explosion tore through a coal mine in northern China on Saturday, killing 23 people and trapping another 90 nearly a third of a mile under ground, central government authorities said. (Read on Source)

Obama plans quick action on black lung, new MSHA chief says

Sat, 21 Nov 2009 09:00:08 EST

CHARLESTON, W.Va. -- The Obama administration plans action "in the next couple of weeks" on a program to tighten dust limits in underground coal mines and take other steps "to end black lung disease," the new head of the federal Mine Safety and Health Administration said Friday. (Read on Source)

Nikon MicroscopyU Gene silencing predicted to improve drug manufacturing

Sat, 21 Nov 2009 09:00:08 EST

The burgeoning science of RNA interference (RNAi) — touted as the next frontier in pharmaceutical treatment — is now being directed at increasing the efficiency of drug manufacturing processes. (Read on Source)

Regreening Africa

Sat, 21 Nov 2009 09:00:08 EST

The sun is setting on another scorching hot day in the western African nation of Burkina Faso. But here on the farm of Yacouba Sawadogo, the air is noticeably cooler. A hatchet slung over his shoulder, the gray-bearded farmer strides through his woods and fields with the easy grace of a much younger man. "Climate change is a subject I feel I have ... (Read on Source)

17 days at the VA – Day #7

Rcentor — 2009-11-21T12:34:35Z

Day #7 was a classic post-call day – we had 9 new patients. Fortunately I had seen 2 patients on Day #6, which ameliorated the challenge. Post-call rounds after busy days have a very different flavor than other rounds. We have to work hard, make triage decisions about what to discuss and how much depth to take. For those former residents ... (Read on Source)

Multiple reasons why women are misinformed about breast cancer

Sat, 21 Nov 2009 07:00:00 -0600

John Crewdson in The Atlantic: "The current controversy over the task force's report owes much to the media's confusing coverage, some of which has been misinformed, including by TV doctors who ought to know better. The confusion has been abetted by the American Cancer Society, whose position appeared to have softened, then hardened again, in ... (Read on Source)

Republicans Hope For Just One Defection

Sat, 21 Nov 2009 08:00:00 -0500

No Republicans will vote Saturday night to advance the Senate's health care bill to full debate, Republican Whip Sen. John Kyl says. That leaves the fate of the vote in the hands of a few moderate Democrats, all of whom are needed to reach the 60 votes required to push the bill forward. Host Scott Simon speaks with Kyl on his party's chances of ... (Read on Source)

Why I like The Blind Side?

Rcentor — 2009-11-21T12:52:04Z

Last night we went to see The Blind Side . All 4 in my party loved the movie. As I often do after seeing a movie, I read reviews on returning home. The reviews were generally positive – 65% on the tomatometer. The movie, based on a book, is (as Miracle Max might say) mostly true. As Hollywood does, they take a story and redo that story to ... (Read on Source)

College Requires Overweight Students Take Fitness Class

Foxnewsonline — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 07:46:59 EST

A Pennsylvania university's requirement that overweight undergraduates take a fitness course to receive their degrees has raised the hackles of students and the eyebrows of health and legal experts. (Read on Source)

GBS a Side Effect of H1N1 Vaccine?

Sat, 21 Nov 2009 06:30:05 EST

Teen's Parents Blame H1N1 Vaccine for Son's Condition; Officials Say Link Unconfirmed, Under Investigation (Read on Source)

What Is Cartilage Damage? What Is Articular Cartilage Damage?

Editors — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 04:00:00 PST

Cartilage structures and functions can relatively easily be harmed, often resulting in damage. Cartilage is a tough, flexible connective tissue that is found in many areas of the body. This fine, rubbery tissue mainly functions as a cushion for bones at joints. The English word "cartilage" comes from the Latin word cartilage, which means " ... (Read on Source)

Circassia Announces Successful Results From Phase II Clinical Study Of ToleroMune Cat Allergy Therapy

Editors — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 01:00:00 PST

Circassia Ltd, a specialty biopharmaceutical company focused on allergy, announced positive results from a recently completed phase II clinical study of its ToleroMune(R) cat allergy therapy, which successfully identified the optimal dosing regimens to progress into late-stage development. (Read on Source)

10 Tips for Reducing Cancer Risk

Marijke Durning — 2009-11-21T15:54:49Z

While we can’t always prevent cancer, we can do things to help reduce the risk of developing it. Of course, we always hear: eat healthy foods, exercise, don’t smoke. But the message doesn’t seem to be getting through because people still eat junk or high fat foods, still don’t exercise and still smoke. The Mayo Clinic ... (Read on Source)

Shepardson v. Skilled Healthcare Group securities class action: Glancy Binkow & Goldberg appointed Co-Lead Counsel

Sat, 21 Nov 2009 04:02:42 -0500

Glancy Binkow & Goldberg LLP has been appointed as Co-Lead Counsel in the securities class action against Skilled Healthcare Group, Inc., certain of the Company’s executive officers, and certain underwriters of the Company’s May 2007 initial public offering (“IPO”), currently pending in the United States District Court for the Central ... (Read on Source)

Medication Compliance Is A Key Concern For Employers, According To New Survey

Editors — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 01:00:00 PST

More employers are taking steps to improve their employees' health by making sure they take their medicines as prescribed, a move that could stave off more serious and costly health consequences, according to a new report sponsored by the National Pharmaceutical Council (NPC). (Read on Source)

Unaware And At-Risk

Editors — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 01:00:00 PST

The incidence of Type 2 diabetes has increased significantly over the last two decades, affecting both women and men alike. Obesity, often the result of unhealthy diets and lack of exercise, is a major contributor to the development of Type 2 diabetes. But despite the large number of cases diagnosed in the United States, many Americans still lack ... (Read on Source)

Inaugural recipient of the Pfizer/Heart and Stroke Foundation Chair chosen

Sat, 21 Nov 2009 03:53:56 -0500

Renowned B.C. kinesiologist and heart disease researcher Dr. Scott Lear is the inaugural recipient of the Pfizer/Heart and Stroke Foundation Chair in Cardiovascular Disease Prevention Research at St. Paul's Hospital, established in partnership with Simon Fraser University (SFU). (Read on Source)

Capella University introduces new online degree program

Sat, 21 Nov 2009 03:51:58 -0500

Capella University (www.capella.edu), an accredited* online university that has built its reputation by providing quality education for adults, announced a new Bachelor of Science in Psychology online degree program, along with a Combined BS/MS in Psychology Option, which can save more than $4500 over the cost of pursuing each degree separately. (Read on Source)

Panel Suggests Delaying Regular Mammograms Until Age 50

Sat, 21 Nov 2009 03:45:00 EST

In a turnaround from long-standing guidelines from the American Cancer Society, a U.S. task force recommends that women begin regular breast-cancer screening at age 50, not 40 (Read on Source)

Next stop ... The Philadelphia Marathon

Jokach — 2009-11-21T15:21:59Z

I've managed to make it through about 26 weeks of training, 2 fall marathons, a bunch of minor injuries and yet here I sit the day before the Philadelphia Marathon, ready to go. Its been a long marathon training season, and i'm definitely ready to take a few weeks off. Its ironic that my hip and back have felt good for a week or two and today ... (Read on Source)

408kg man cut from chair, then dies

Newseditor — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 18:28:00 +1100

A US man weighing 408 kilograms, who sat in a chair for the last eight months of his life, died after medical workers had to dismantle his mobile home to remove him, local media said. (Read on Source)

Sprints and trails

ShoreTurtle — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 14:28:27 +0000

I had a great trail run this morning with the Hamilton Area Trail Runners. I got there just as everyone was finishing up their 50 push ups. They did a short loop while I attempted 50 of my own. They looped back and I joined them for the run. The first 30-40 minutes of the [...] (Read on Source)

Wayne County delivers H1N1 vaccine to at-risk groups

Online — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 01:00:00 EST

Southgate -- Wayne County has launched a pilot program aimed at bringing the H1N1 vaccine to at-risk groups who may not be in a position to get to communitywide clinics. (Read on Source)

Memorable Quotes

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 23:33:41 GMT

Rove is a former deputy chief of staff and senior adviser to President George W. Bush. Follow him on Twitter. (Read on Source)

Napolitano: Not vetted

Sat, 21 Nov 2009 14:28:27 +0000

A contentious "Rightwing Extremism" report that warned of military veterans as possible recruits for terrorist attacks against the U.S. was not authorized, has been withdrawn and is being rewritten, Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano told Capitol Hill lawmakers. (Read on Source)

The Age of Terror Has Passed

Sat, 21 Nov 2009 14:28:27 +0000

One year in, it seemed obvious what would define this decade. After 9/11, everyone could see that we were living in the age of terror. Presidents and senators talked about it, the media covered its every twist and turn, from bombings in Bali to terror camps in Pakistan. And yet, as the decade comes to a close, it is clear to me that the big story ... (Read on Source)

MetroCard as Art

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 23:33:41 GMT

Yana Paskova for The New York Times MetroCard as Conceptual art: Turn yours over. Does it say “optimism”? The latest phase of Reed Seifer’s Project Optimism may not solve world hunger, or add much to the history of Conceptual Art. But it could brighten the mood of some New York City commuters – if they happen to look at the back ... (Read on Source)

The secret behind Mona Lisa's enigmatic smile

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 23:33:41 GMT

The secret behind Mona Lisa's enigmatic smile has been explained by scientists who believe it changes depending on which part of the eye sees it first. (Read on Source)

Disney's $4 Bil Princess Brand

Sat, 21 Nov 2009 14:28:27 +0000

Your daughter has a royal crush. So do Barbie and Dora. If Disney has its way, women will become the next subjects kneeling before its $4 billion throne. (Read on Source)

How Not to Helicopter

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 23:33:41 GMT

I’ve never bought macrobiotic cupcakes, or hypoallergenic socks. Nor have I hired a tutor for pencil-holding deficiency, or put covers on the stove knobs, or used a leash on a toddler to be safe in a busy airport. At the grocery store, my kids are often in other aisles, but they’ve never felt lost. When they were babies, we weren’t scared ... (Read on Source)

Cascadian Farm Organic Flax Right Pomegranate Raspberry Clusters Cereal

Sat, 21 Nov 2009 06:51:45 -0500

Walking down the cereal aisle is a must whenever I enter a grocery store, even if I am just running in for one thing. Call me a cereal-holic, but nothing gives me greater pleasure (when I'm in the store), than... (Read on Source)

Dr. Paul Donohue: Doctor must diagnose leg, ankle swelling

Online — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 01:00:00 EST

Dear Dr. Donohue: My legs, ankles and feet get really swollen, and I mean really. During the day, if I slip my shoes off, I can't get them back on. What can I do to take down the swelling? (Read on Source)

CDC: "Nothing Typical" about 2009 Flu

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 23:00:03 EST

(CBS) Although there has been a minimal drop since last week, 43 states are still reporting widespread influenza activity and there have been 21 more H1N1-related deaths, a top official with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said Friday. (Read on Source)

Health News of the Day

Noreply — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 03:10:00 PST

Health News of the Day is a daily summary made from the selected links I post on Twitter . It is in a bullet points format with links to the original sources which include 350 RSS feeds that produce about 2,500 items per day: "The brains of human beings seem built to process stories better than other forms of input. Without numbers, stories are ... (Read on Source)

Trade show pitches surgical passages to India

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 22:03:53 EST

Exhibitors at a Toronto trade fair are hoping to add surgery to the list of reasons Canadians travel, but a medical ethicist questions the lack of oversight. (Read on Source)

Trying to define binge eating disorder

Mon, 23 Nov 2009 00:00:00 -0800

Many binge eaters do not fit into currently defined and accepted psychiatric illnesses. Binge eating was long seen by psychiatrists as an unusual symptom of major depression or an anxiety disorder. After all, it seemed sometimes to lessen or yield to antidepressants and psychotherapy -- both aimed primarily at treating depression or anxiety. (Read on Source)

A desire booster for women?

Mon, 23 Nov 2009 00:00:00 -0800

An experimental non-hormonal drug appears to help women increase their sexual desire, but will the FDA approve it? An experimental non-hormonal drug appears to help women increase their sexual desire and satisfaction -- and reduce the distress associated with lack of desire. (Read on Source)

MINDlink Foundation Launches to Connect the Cerebellum to Cures

LLC. — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 21:30:00 EST

WASHINGTON, Nov. 20 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Dr. Jeremy Schmahmann, Professor of Neurology at Harvard Medical School and neurologist at the Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston, on Thursday, November 19, presented his laboratory's research on the new field of study called "Connectivity" at the launch of the MINDlink Foundation. (Read on Source)

Losing TV Show Won't Diminish Oprah's Power

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 23:33:41 GMT

Fear not, America: Oprah Winfrey isn't going anywhere. Yet. (Read on Source)

Regents Uphold Current Embryonic Stem Cell Research Policy

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 18:03:06 PST

(HealthNewsDigest.com) - A resolution to change the University of Nebraska embryonic stem cell research policy was rejected by the NU Board of Regents on Friday. (Read on Source)

Dog stroking is good for your health: Patting a four-legged friend helps patients halve number of painkillers they take

Editorial — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 01:59:16 +0000

The effect of pet power is well understood by their owners, but now a new study says dogs should be available for patting in every hospital. (Read on Source)

Water load of rubbish! Drinking water does NOT make your skin glow, say nutrition experts

Editorial — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 01:41:26 +0000

It has long been held that eight glasses of water give a glowing complexion. But the advice doesn't hold water. (Read on Source)

Winter Skin Care

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 17:29:54 PST

(HealthNewsDigest.com) - Even the most perfect skin needs help to remain perfect during the winter months, when cold dry air outside and overly-warm dry air inside leech out natural moisture. (Read on Source)

Childhood abuse 'quickens ageing'

Sat, 21 Nov 2009 00:48:10 GMT

Physical or emotional abuse during childhood could speed up the body's ageing process, US research suggests. (Read on Source)

EBook of the day

Boinky — 2009-11-21T14:34:00.004+08:00

The Tale of Tom Kitten is now on line The Tale of Benjamin Bunny and several other Beatrice Potter books are there too. (Read on Source)

Childhood vaccine cost to drop next year

Sat, 21 Nov 2009 00:12:20 GMT

Starting next year an extra 6.3 million children worldwide will have the chance to feel that pinch and get vaccinated against some of the world's deadliest illnesses. (Read on Source)

The Best Omegle Ownage Ever

Sat, 21 Nov 2009 00:12:20 GMT

There’s not much that’s more embarrassing than someone walking in on you having sex. But at least you’re getting some. What’s more embarrassing is trying to get some 90’s cyber sex action and being owned by the person you thought was gonna give it up… virtually… (Read on Source)

Participant recruitment and retention in a pilot program to prevent weight gain in low-income overweight and obese mothers

Mei-Wei Chang — 2009-11-21T00:00:00Z

Background Recruitment and retention are key functions for programs promoting nutrition and other lifestyle behavioral changes in low-income populations. This paper describes strategies for recruitment and retention and presents predictors of early (two-month post intervention) and late (eight-month post intervention) dropout (non retention) and ... (Read on Source)

Coping after a suicide

Jpnm.coordinator — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

A BOOKLET helping people cope with life after the suicide of a loved one has been published by The Scottish Association for Mental Health. (Read on Source)

Plans for funding care in England could cost Scots dearly

Jpnm.coordinator — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

THE SNP has warned that UK government proposals for free personal care in England could result in Scottish pensioners losing �70 a week benefit. (Read on Source)

Fired therapist: Stressed Marines get shoddy care

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 22:59:06 GMT

CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. (AP) -- Marines treated at Camp Lejeune for post-traumatic stress had to undergo therapy for months in temporary trailers where they could hear bomb blasts, machine-gun fire and war cries through the thin walls, according to servicemen and their former psychiatrist.... (Read on Source)

More H1N1 vaccine, ventilators to come

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 17:38:03 EST

Ontario supplied hospitals with 200 additional ventilators on Friday in anticipation of a surge in swine flu cases. (Read on Source)

EHR and Legal Liability Task Force

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 17:38:03 EST

I have the good fortune of co-leading an American Health Lawyers Association Task Force on Electronic Health Records and Legal Liability. For those of you who might be interested in this topic and/or participation, please let me know. The Task Force will seek to address the issues and concerns relating to EHRs, Personal Health Records, and Health ... (Read on Source)

Mammography Guidelines Jolt Medical Field

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 18:21:33 EST

The new guidelines on breast cancer screening have instantly ignited an emotionally charged firestorm among physicians across the country. (Read on Source)

Cat video of the day

Boinky — 2009-11-21T08:46:00.001+08:00

headsup from the Anchoress (Read on Source)

Woman Loses Sick-Leave Benefits for Depression Thanks to Facebook Pics

Summer Beretsky — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 00:17:30 +0000

[caption id="attachment_6838" align="alignleft" width="220" caption="Quebec woman Nathalie Blanchard poses on the beach in a Facebook photograph that convinced her insurance company that she was no longer depressed."] [/caption]Can ... ... (Read on Source)

Craft Item of the day

Boinky — 2009-11-21T07:51:00.002+08:00

AnnaMarieHornerBlog has patterns for a wise owl Christmas ornament LINK (Read on Source)

Artificial Sweetener May Lower Blood Pressure

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 18:49:17 EST

An artificial sweetener that's been shown to help people shed unwanted pounds may also lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels in people with mild or borderline high blood pressure, Chinese researchers report. (Read on Source)

'Frankenstein' fix lets asteroid mission cheat death

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 18:37:00 GMT

The beleaguered Hayabusa asteroid probe is back on track to return to Earth after ground controllers cobbled together a working engine from two dead ones (Read on Source)

Are older nurses being forced out of the profession?

Kevin — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 10:00:15 PST

Originally published in HCPLive.com by Colleen O’Leary, RN, MSN, AOCNS Last time I talked about how I had never really experienced the concept of nurses eating their young in action. However, I have seen the opposite begin to evolve. I see this as a bigger issue in nursing these days. The “putting out to pasture” of seasoned, [...] ... (Read on Source)

Today on New Scientist:

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 18:00:00 GMT

Today's stories on newscientist.com, at a glance, including: the rise of the tiny medibots, the colliders that will follow the LHC, and an interview with Belle de Jour (Read on Source)

FDA Panel Finds Tiotropium Safe for COPD Patients

Editorial — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 13:42:38 -0400

An FDA committee said new data allay concerns about the risk of stroke and cardiovascular events previously associated with tiotropium (Spiriva), drugmaker Boehringer Ingelheim said. (Read on Source)

Medical center expands service

Craig Schneider — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 17:32:53 GMT

The Women’s Imaging Center at Piedmont Fayette Hospital has expanded its breast health services to include Full Field Digital Mammography. (Read on Source)

Business Sours on Health Overhaul

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 12:00:09 EST

Chances of business supporting the Obama administration's health overhaul are fading fast, after Senate Majority Leader Reid's bill took a liberal turn. (Read on Source)

Howard Kurtz doesn't add to public understanding of mammography issue

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 09:51:50 -0600

Washington Post media columnist Howard Kurtz strayed beyond media observations and injected his own comments about the US Preventive Services Task Force breast screening recommendations. He calls the task force recommendation a "don't-worry-be-happy-till-you're-50 finding." He defines "the essential problem with such studies" as "in the end it's ... (Read on Source)

Daily Mayor of New York Higher Office Debunking

Ben Adler — 2009-11-20T20:50:34Z

If it's not Mike Bloomberg , it's his predecessor. The New York Daily News reports that Rudy Giuliani is going to run for the Senate in 2010 and that he may use that as a stepping stone to a presidential run in 2012. Over at The Atlantic Chris Good claims "Giuliani will make a formidable Senate candidate, should he run—in fact, if he enters ... (Read on Source)

Call for Papers: Disability History

Daniel Goldberg — 2009-11-20T10:34:20-06:00

Disability History Conference 2010 Disability History: looking forward to a better past? June 25th - 27th, 2010 University of Central Lancashire Preston, UK Plenary Speakers: Professor Catherine J Kudlick, University of California, Davis Professor Tom Shakespeare, University of Newcastle Disability... (Read on Source)

Beta-2 Receptor Variants Don't Affect LABA Response in Asthma

Editorial — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 12:17:03 -0400

Against expectations, asthma patients with different genotypes for the beta-2 adrenergic receptor all responded well to long-acting beta agonist (LABA) asthma drugs, researchers said. (Read on Source)

Military experiment seeks to predict PTSD

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 16:07:33 GMT

Two days before shipping off to war, Marine Pfc. Jesse Sheets sat inside a trailer in the Mojave Desert, his gaze fixed on a computer that flashed a rhythmic pulse of contrasting images. (Read on Source)

Audit quality reports published

Health Management Specialist Library — 2009-11-20T15:59:51+00:00

The Audit Commission has published two reports on the quality of the work of its appointed auditors for its stakeholders. The first is the Audit quality review process. The second is the Audit practice annual quality report that summarises the results of the quality review of the work of the Audit Commission's own staff as auditors to local ... (Read on Source)

Starbucks Egg White, Spinach & Feta Wrap

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 14:04:07 -0500

The Starbucks Spinach, Roasted Tomato, Feta & Egg Wrap is currently the lowest calorie option listed under their breakfast menu, so I decided to try it out. But instead of breakfast, I had it for lunch one day when I... (Read on Source)

Hello friends

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 14:53:11 GMT

I have not posted in about a year, i am doing well and working hard. someone passed this to me, please share it! MJ Cleaning for a Reason If you know any woman currently undergoing Chemo, please pass the word to her that there is a cleaning service that provides FREE housecleaning - 1 time per month for ... (Read on Source)

N.Y. Man Sues City After Medics Throw Ear in Trash

Foxnewsonline — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 09:48:51 EST

A man from the Bronx is suing New York City after emergency workers tossed his ear, which was ripped off by his son's bull terrier, in the trash, the New York Daily News reported. (Read on Source)

- Diabetes care and you

R.a.court — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 14:17:31 GMT

New patient information from Diabetes UK on what diabetes care you can expect, published in October 2009. (Read on Source)

New Publication Offers Relief to Those Suffering from Pain and Other Distressing Symptoms of Illness

Fri, 20 Nov 09 09:05:00 EST

Dealing with the symptoms of a serious illness is difficult. But help is available -- a new brochure describes a comprehensive treatment that helps reduce or eliminate the pain and other distressing symptoms of illness and medical treatments. "Palliative Care: The Relief You Need When You're Experiencing the Symptoms of Serious Illness," produced ... (Read on Source)

So Much For Comparative Effectiveness

Matthew — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 06:02:53 -0800

By MERRILL GOOZNER The Obama administration's commitment to cost control in health care can now be summed up in four words: Not on our watch. Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius told American women this week that they have... (Read on Source)

Amazing Sand Sculptures

Dr. Mercola — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 13:45:15 GMT

As an impoverished child in Orrisa, India, Sudarsan Pattnaik would go to his local beach and build sand castles. His hobby eventually made him famous and wealthy. Here are some of the sand sculptures carved by Pattnaik. (Read on Source)

Can Alcohol Really Protect Your Heart?

Dr. Mercola — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 13:45:14 GMT

A study has suggested that drinking alcohol every day may cut the risk of heart disease in men by more than a third. But the research has come under fire from scientists who say the study is flawed and should not encourage anyone to drink more. The controversial study found that men who drank moderate, high and very high levels of alcohol had a ... (Read on Source)

So will the public option hurt hospitals? Not in the Ozarks

Matthew — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 05:31:00 -0800

By Matthew Holt I've had this sitting in my inbox a while, but I thought that with the Senate bill out it was time to have a bit of weekend fun with it. The topic is the fear that a... (Read on Source)

Reform Letter to the Editor

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 05:31:00 -0800

Ozarks Community Hospital is a small health system with facilities in southwest Missouri and northwest Arkansas. We are a for-profit organization providing care to a high percentage of patients covered by government programs in a region dominated by large charitable health systems that vie to control the commercial insurance market. Approximately ... (Read on Source)

A 1930 Medical Record

Noreply — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 05:23:52 PST

I was recently in my hometown of New Martinsville visiting my dad , a retired family physician. When I arrived he had waiting for me a copy of one of my grandfather's medical records from the 1930s. My grandfather, Dr. Albert Coffield , practiced rural medicine in Wetzel County, West Virginia from 1911 until his death in 1936. My dad told me the ... (Read on Source)

But These Reagents, Where Are They?

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 10:53:25 -0500

I'm home today (sick children, etc.), so I'm blogging from next to my daughter's guinea pig cage rather across the hall from my lab. But I have a lab-based question to throw out: what would you say is the chemistry technique or reagent with the worst publication-to-real use ratio? I have a couple of nominees to get things rolling. For reagent, I ... (Read on Source)

Crisis pregnancy centers operate on moral precepts, not science

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 10:53:25 -0500

It is the so-called crisis pregnancy centers that have the sinister intent. They use deceit and trickery to lure vulnerable women through their doors in order to fuel a religious agenda.The only thing better than a sign listing the services they actually offer would be one reading "CLOSED". (Read on Source)

Don't They Understand "Recommends Against?"

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 12:52:50 GMT

J. Leonard Lichtenfeld, MD, MACP - Dr. Lichtenfeld is Deputy Chief Medical Officer for the national office of the American Cancer Society. He directs the Society’s Cancer Control Science Department, which produces the Society’s widely recognized guidelines for the prevention and early detection of cancer and guidelines for nutrition and ... (Read on Source)

PostSecret: Gastric Bypass Hypocrite

Laura Moncur — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 14:18:15 +0000

This postcard from PostSecret made me really think. It reads: Six months ago, I had gastric bypass, have lost 100 lbs. and have never felt better. I am terrified that the conversations with my daughter about body image, self-confidence and loving who you are will make me a hypocrite. I think gastric bypass [...] (Read on Source)

Better living through The Baby-Sitters Club

Shauna — 2009-11-20T14:04:43+00:00

The thing I miss least about being a kid is all that longing to be someone else. Oh to be anyone but grotty swotty ginger-haired me! Like many younguns, I found my escape in books, particularly The Baby-sitters Club series. I didn't want to join the Babysitters Club so much as I wanted to shed my own skin and be one of 'em. I deliberated over ... (Read on Source)

Year in Review: Your Picks

John M Grohol PsyD — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 13:13:04 +0000

It's that time of the year again, when we pull together our top picks for mental health and psychology stories in the news in the past year. There's no magic to our choices, we're just looking for stories that you believe had the biggest positive or negative impact in this area. For instance, last year ... ... (Read on Source)

The uninsured and surviving an accident

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 06:04:51 -0500

Swine flu is a special danger to the young, but the biggest danger to the young is not an infectious disease but unintentional accidents. No matter what your age accident is among the top ten causes of death, but for those between the ages of 1 and 44 it is number one. Prevention oriented accident specialists are fond of saying that "accidents ... (Read on Source)

NEW GOOGLE STUDY: Connecting with Physicians Online

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 03:10:00 PST

Today Google released a new primary research study titled: "Connecting with Physicians Online: Searching for Answers". The purpose of this study was to demonstrate "how physicians use the internet and search in their clinical practices." The study was conducted between May 20, 2009 - June 8, 2009, and involved 411 physicians (PCP/GP, Endo, Cardio ... (Read on Source)