Eye Cells Believed to Be Retinal Stem Cells Are Misidentified

  • Author: Health Informer
  • Filed under: Health News
  • Date: Mar 31,2009

St. Jude study findings suggest that therapies to restore vision in people with retinal degeneration should emphasize the use of other types of stem cells

Cells isolated from the eye that many scientists believed were retinal stem cells are, in fact, normal adult cells, investigators at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital have found. If retinal stem cells could be obtained, they might provide the basis for treatments to restore sight to millions of people with blindness caused by retinal degeneration. Stem cells are immature cells capable of producing large numbers of adult cells, such as retinal cells. Researchers believe that stem cells offer the promise of regenerating tissue in organs such as the eye, brain and heart, damaged by trauma or disease.

The new findings suggest that research on cell therapies to restore blindness should not concentrate on these eye cells previously believed to be retinal stem cells. More promising, the scientists said, is research aimed at re-engineering stem cells to develop into the light-sensitive photoreceptor cells that are lost as a result of retinal degeneration. Such studies could lead to implantation of such engineered photoreceptor cells into the eye to restore sight.

Led by Michael Dyer, Ph.D., the researchers published their findings March 30, 2009, in the online early edition of the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. Dyer is a member of the St. Jude Department of Developmental Neurobiology.

In studies reported in 2000, scientists proposed that the layer of ciliary epithelial cells lining the inside of the eye, contains retinal stem cells because when grown in culture dishes these cells formed tiny spheres of about a thousand cells, said Dyer, the paper’s senior author. These spheres, in turn, could be cultured to give rise to more spheres, reminiscent of the self-renewing capability of stem cells. Also, the cultured sphere cells showed activation of genes characteristic of adult eye cells.

“The first clue that these cells were not stem cells was that they were pigmented,” Dyer said. “Neural stem cells, in general, and retinal progenitor cells, in particular, are not pigmented. Nevertheless, the previous finding was met with a tremendous amount of enthusiasm because of the promise of introducing these cells into the eye to regenerate photoreceptors lost to blindness.”

In their studies, Dyer and his colleagues analyzed the sphere-forming cells in detail to determine whether they were really retinal stem cells. Painstaking microscopy studies of each cell in the spheres revealed all were pigmented and had features of ciliary epithelial cells. The researchers also compared the structure of the sphere-forming cells with those of confirmed stem cells and other immature cells in the developing retina called progenitor cells. That comparison revealed fundamental differences between the sphere-forming cells and established stem or progenitor cells.

The researchers also found that simply culturing the sphere-forming cells in the same growth medium as is used for stem cells caused them to activate genes characteristic of stem cells, yet remain adult ciliary epithelial cells.

Dyer said that a particularly promising alternative is the possibility of taking samples of adult cells – such as fibroblasts that form connective tissue – from a patient with retinal degeneration and exposing them to genetic cues that induce them to revert to stem cells. Those induced pluripotent stem cells could then be manipulated to develop into light-sensing photoreceptor cells that could then be transplanted into the patient’s eyes to restore vision.

“This approach would solve many problems of developing cell-based therapy for blindness,” Dyer said. “First, these cells are immortal, so they can be grown indefinitely to produce large amounts of cells for treatment. And secondly, they would be immunologically matched to the patient, so there would be no danger of rejection. And thanks to some excellent research during the past 15 years, we know a lot about how to reprogram such stem cells to make them into photoreceptors.”

Other authors of this paper are Samantha Cicero, Sharon Frase, Samuel Connell, Lionel Chow, Suzanne Baker and Brian Sorrentino (St. Jude); Dianna Johnson (University of Tennessee Health Sciences Center); and Steve Reyntjens (FEI Helios Nanolab, Netherlands).

This research was supported in part by the National Institutes of Health, Cancer Center Support from the National Cancer Institute, American Cancer Society, Research to Prevent Blindness, Pearle Vision Foundation, International Retinal Research Foundation and ALSAC.

St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital

St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital is internationally recognized for its pioneering work in finding cures and saving children with cancer and other catastrophic diseases. Founded by late entertainer Danny Thomas and based in Memphis, Tenn., St. Jude freely shares its discoveries with scientific and medical communities around the world. No family ever pays for treatments not covered by insurance, and families without insurance are never asked to pay. St. Jude is financially supported by ALSAC, its fundraising organization. For more information, please visit www.stjude.org.


Hay-Band Acupressure Band Puts Hay Fever Symptoms Under Pressure

  • Author: Health Informer
  • Filed under: Health News
  • Date: Mar 31,2009

More than 13 million(1) people in Britain suffer from hay fever and five million1 of these could be taking inappropriate medicines, which can affect both their health and hip pocket, however, new developments in acupressure may have the answer in the shape of Hay-Band(R).

Borrowing from the principles of acupuncture, Hay-Band(R) is a specially designed acupressure elbow band bringing instant, constant and cost-effective hay fever relief. According to a recent customer survey, Hay-Band(R) was reported to be effective by 74% of respondents(2).

Hay-Band(R) works by exerting a gentle, constant pressure at the elbow crease to bring instant and continuous relief for common hay fever symptoms. Acupuncture and its sister therapy acupressure have been used in traditional Chinese medicine and other eastern cultures to restore vitality and alleviate the symptoms of hay fever for over 2,500 years(3).

Drug-free, Hay-Band(R) does not cause side effects like drowsiness, often associated with hay fever medicines and is safe for patients taking prescription medications and children(4). Hay-Band(R) may be used before or after the onset of symptoms and throughout the day and night. It is also washable, durable, long lasting and offers value for money – a single band will last this hay fever season and beyond.

Available from Lloydspharmacy nationwide the recommended price is GBP9.99. For further information or to buy on line see http://www.hay-band.co.uk

Hay-Band customer survey: According to Hay-Band (R) survey over 96% of respondents suffered nose symptoms and over 81% eyes symptoms. The most common treatment used was antihistamines (almost 83%). 69% found Hay-Band(R) to be as good as or more effective than their current treatment. Hay-Band(R) improved quality of life for over 70% of respondents2

REFERENCES

1. http://www.rpsgb.org.uk/

2. Hay-Band customer survey of approximately 100 hay fever sufferers conducted in 2008

3. British Acupuncture Council: http://www.acupuncture.org.uk

4. Best for children aged 8 and over

Source: SCD Ltd.


Anti-Aging Market – Latest Findings From TriPollar Stop Customer Survey

  • Author: Health Informer
  • Filed under: Health News
  • Date: Mar 31,2009

Younger Looking Skin is so Important it is Recession Proof

Anti-aging and skin renewal look to be one of the few industries not affected by the current economic downturn. The anti-aging skincare sales in the US having risen 13% to $1.6bn between 2006 and 2008, outperforming the general facial skincare sales which were up 11% over the same period.

Looking young is extremely important to both men and women and is not an area they are willing to compromise on. However, with the current international financial conditions, more people are looking for a clinically proven professional solution at home, bringing quick and easy treatments that show both immediate and long-term effects.

A recent customer survey by TriPollar(TM) indicated that this year 82% of respondents would intend to purchase additional home-use aesthetic products powered by TriPollar technology, indicating a high level of satisfaction with the product they are currently using. When queried about functionality, 71% revealed an interest in a device that would provide body skin tightening; 47% are interested in a localized fat reduction product.

Latest reports show continuing growth in sales of anti-aging skincare to new customers, and 82% resale to existing TriPollar(TM) customers, indicating rare growth in stiff economic conditions.

To emphasize the importance that anti-aging has on women between the ages of 35 and 64, 76% of the audience said that price only affected the timing of their purchase decision or was not a factor at all.

When discussing the most important factors considered when deciding on which anti-aging solution to choose, 88% said that the solution needed to be clinically proven, 88% said they were looking for immediate and long lasting results 82% said they were looking for a quick and easy solution, and a further 76% said they were looking for a non-invasive solution.

“Anti-aging professional solutions at home seem to be one of the few markets sectors that is recession proof,” said Dr. Zion Azar, chairman of Ultragen Ltd. “Many women, especially baby boomers, see anti-aging skincare as a reasonably priced investment in their appearance and well-being.”

Source: Ultragen Ltd.


Finding the Best Health Insurance Plan

  • Author: Health Informer
  • Filed under: Health News
  • Date: Mar 30,2009

HealthInsurancePlan.us, a new option for those seeking Health Insurance

More and more people are managing a new and unexpected level of uncertainty in their lives, due to the present economic crisis that is affecting our country. With businesses struggling, employees are now facing not only the risk of unemployment, but also losing benefits they have been receiving consistently due to their employers cutting costs. The percentage of Americans looking for an alternate health insurance plan is increasing, and many people don’t know where to turn.

“Finding the right Health Insurance Plan for you and your family is not an easy thing, and it’s not something that should be taken lightly. More than one insurer should be quoted, and plans must be revised thoroughly to ensure the best outcome possible,” says Carlos Cabrera, CEO of HealthInsurancePlan.us, a new website created by Health Insurance Plan dedicated to helping Americans find the best plan possible by providing consumers information about health insurance as well as a pay-per-lead system for agents and brokers who, in return, help consumers with health insurance quotes.

The new website intends to become a major comprehensive source of information for consumers interested in health insurance plans by offering extensive up-to-date information about different plans such as Individual, Group Health Insurance, Dental Health Insurance, among others. The site features a State Health guide, with the latest information about the overall health status within the U.S. Also, consumers can request and Get Free Quotes from site partners in their state with an easy-to-follow form.

“The launch of HealthInsurancePlan.us is another step in the right path for us,” says Cabrera. “Our resources and information will now help many customers find the best health insurance plan possible and make the right choices for them when it comes to their health, especially now when they need it most.” Cabrera also stresses the importance of HealthInsurancePlan.us partners in this new website, and how they will also benefit from its launch. “Not only consumers get to make a better decision based on a wider range of options given by our partners, but our partners also get to increase their customer base thanks to their exposure on HealthInsurancePlan.us”.

Source: HealthInsurancePlan.us


Thomson Reuters Announces 100 Top Hospitals Award Winners

  • Author: Health Informer
  • Filed under: Health News
  • Date: Mar 30,2009

Company also Introduces Everest Award for Hospitals with Fastest Improvement and Top Performance

The Healthcare business of Thomson Reuters today released its annual study identifying the 100 top U.S. hospitals based on their overall organizational performance.

The Thomson Reuters 100 Top Hospitals(R): National Benchmarks study is based on the 100 Top Hospitals National Balanced Scorecard that evaluates performance in nine areas: mortality, medical complications, patient safety, average length of stay, expenses, profitability, cash-to-debt ratio, patient satisfaction, and adherence to clinical standards of care. The study has been conducted annually since 1993.

“The 100 Top Hospitals winners raised the bar again this year, delivering a higher level of reliable care and greater value for their communities and payers,” said Jean Chenoweth, senior vice president for performance improvement and 100 Top Hospitals programs at Thomson Reuters.

Thomson Reuters also is launching the 100 Top Hospitals: Everest Award for National Benchmarks to recognize those hospitals among the 100 winners that delivered the greatest rate of improvement over a five-year period. This marks the first time the 100 Top Hospitals national benchmarks have been integrated with data reflecting long-term performance trends to identify the top-performing hospitals that are improving at the fastest rate. This year, there are 23 Everest award winners.

“Integration of national benchmarks for improvement and top performance is an innovation that enables Thomson Reuters to identify those hospitals with a mature culture of performance improvement,” Chenoweth said. “The ability to objectively gauge where a hospital stands in its journey to excellence is a breakthrough in the measurement of leadership effectiveness, the success of organizational improvement strategies, and the impact of executive decisions.”

“The boards, executives and physician leaders of the Everest award-winning hospitals developed long-term strategies and executed them with extraordinary skill and extraordinary results,” she said. “The Everest award winners have reached the point at which innovation is a must to improve further.”

To conduct the 100 Top Hospitals study, Thomson Reuters researchers evaluated 3,000 short-term, acute care, non-federal hospitals. They used public information — Medicare cost reports, Medicare Provider Analysis and Review (MedPAR) data, and core measures and patient satisfaction data from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Hospital Compare data set.

If all Medicare inpatients received the same level of care as patients treated in the winning hospitals:

  • More than 107,500 additional patients would survive each year.
  • Nearly 132,000 patient complications would be avoided annually.
  • Expenses would decline by $5.9 billion a year.
  • The average patient stay would decrease by nearly half a day.

Here are the winning hospitals, by category:

Major Teaching Hospitals
St. Joseph’s Hospital and Medical Center — Phoenix, AZ
University Medical Center –Tucson, AZ
Northwestern Memorial Hospital — Chicago, IL
NorthShore University HealthSystem — Evanston, IL
Advocate Lutheran General Hospital — Park Ridge, IL
Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center — Boston, MA
University of Michigan Hospitals & Health Centers — Ann Arbor, MI
Providence Hospital and Medical Center — Southfield, MI
Mayo Clinic – Saint Marys Hospital — Rochester, MN
Duke University Hospital — Durham, NC
University Hospitals Case Medical Center — Cleveland, OH
The Western Pennsylvania Hospital — Pittsburgh, PA
Vanderbilt University Medical Center — Nashville, TN
Scott and White Memorial Hospital — Temple, TX
University of Virginia Medical Center — Charlottesville, VA

Teaching Hospitals
Rose Medical Center — Denver, CO
Cleveland Clinic Florida — Weston, FL
Mercy Medical Center-North Iowa — Mason City, IA
St. Luke’s Boise Medical Center — Boise, ID
St. Vincent Indianapolis Hospital — Indianapolis, IN
Saint Joseph Regional Medical Center-South Bend — South Bend, IN
St. Elizabeth Medical Center — Edgewood, KY
Union Memorial Hospital — Baltimore, MD
MidMichigan Medical Center-Midland — Midland, MI
Munson Medical Center — Traverse City, MI
Metro Health Hospital — Wyoming, MI
St. Cloud Hospital — St. Cloud, MN
North Mississippi Medical Center — Tupelo, MS
Good Samaritan Hospital — Cincinnati, OH
Riverside Methodist Hospital — Columbus, OH
Hillcrest Hospital — Mayfield Heights, OH
Providence St. Vincent Medical Center — Portland, OR
Bryn Mawr Hospital — Bryn Mawr, PA
Hamot Medical Center — Erie, PA
Lancaster General Hospital — Lancaster, PA
Robert Packer Hospital — Sayre, PA
Avera McKennan Hospital & University Health Center — Sioux Falls, SD
Gundersen Lutheran Health System — La Crosse, WI
Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare-St. Joseph — Milwaukee, WI
Waukesha Memorial Hospital — Waukesha, WI

Large Community Hospitals
San Antonio Community Hospital — Upland, CA
Memorial Hospital West — Pembroke Pines, FL
Mercy Medical Center-Dubuque — Dubuque, IA
Advocate Good Samaritan Hospital — Downers Grove, IL
Silver Cross Hospital — Joliet, IL
Central DuPage Hospital — Winfield, IL
King’s Daughters Medical Center — Ashland, KY
Baptist Hospital East — Louisville, KY
St. Mary Mercy Livonia Hospital — Livonia, MI
St. John’s Regional Medical Center — Joplin, MO
Missouri Baptist Medical Center — St. Louis, MO
Saint Elizabeth Regional Medical Center — Lincoln, NE
Alegent Health Bergan Mercy Medical Center — Omaha, NE
Southwest General Health Center — Middleburg Heights, OH
Memorial Health Care System — Chattanooga, TN
Saint Thomas Hospital — Nashville, TN
Centennial Medical Center — Nashville, TN
Doctors Hospital at Renaissance — Edinburg, TX
Citizens Medical Center — Victoria, TX
Providence Regional Medical Center Everett — Everett, WA

Medium Community Hospitals
West Anaheim Medical Center — Anaheim, CA
Middlesex Hospital — Middletown, CT
Riverside Medical Center — Kankakee, IL
Columbus Regional Hospital — Columbus, IN
St. Francis Hospital-Indianapolis — Indianapolis, IN
Memorial Hospital and Health Care Center — Jasper, IN
Marion General Hospital — Marion, IN
Saint Joseph East — Lexington, KY
Gratiot Medical Center — Alma, MI
Holland Hospital –Holland, MI
Rutherford Hospital, Inc. — Rutherfordton, NC
Mercy Hospital Clermont — Batavia, OH
Union Hospital — Dover, OH
Sycamore Medical Center — Miamisburg, OH
Licking Memorial Hospital — Newark, OH
Wooster Community Hospital — Wooster, OH
Memorial Regional Medical Center — Mechanicsville, VA
The Monroe Clinic — Monroe, WI
Aurora Sheboygan Memorial Medical Center — Sheboygan, WI
Aurora West Allis Medical Center — West Allis, WI

Small Community Hospitals
Chambers Memorial Hospital — Danville, AR
St. Elizabeth Community Hospital — Red Bluff, CA
Desert Valley Hospital — Victorville, CA
Sacred Heart Hospital on the Emerald Coast — Miramar Beach, FL
Meadows Regional Medical Center — Vidalia, GA
The King’s Daughters’ Hospital & Health Services — Madison, IN
Major Hospital — Shelbyville, IN
Saint Joseph-London — London, KY
Mercy Hospital Cadillac — Cadillac, MI
Central Michigan Community Hospital — Mount Pleasant, MI
Saint Joseph Mercy Saline Hospital — Saline, MI
Douglas County Hospital — Alexandria, MN
Lakeview Hospital — Stillwater, MN
Parkland Health Center-Farmington — Farmington, MO
Jamestown Hospital — Jamestown, ND
Duncan Regional Hospital — Duncan, OK
St. Mary’s Jefferson Memorial Hospital — Jefferson City, TN
St. Mary’s Medical Center of Campbell County — LaFollette, TN
Lake Whitney Medical Center — Whitney, TX
Castleview Hospital — Price, UT

Source: Thomson Reuters


Instantaneous full-volume imaging and knowledge-based workflow applications streamline exam processes

During the 58th Annual Scientific Session of the American College of Cardiology (ACC) from March 29-31 in Orlando, Fla., Siemens Healthcare (www.usa.siemens.com/healthcare) demonstrates the ACUSON SC2000(TM) volume imaging ultrasound system that delivers workflow speed and improved diagnostic confidence with non-stitched, instantaneous full-volume imaging of the heart in one single heart cycle (booth #1842). The company will also show how knowledge-based applications and automation of procedures across their platforms enhance clinical workflows.

With Echo in a Heartbeat(TM), the ACUSON SC2000 system delivers non-stitched, real-time full-volume imaging of the heart in one single heart cycle at the highest volume acquisition rate in the industry of up to 40 volumes per second. Unlike conventional 3D ultrasound systems which require four to seven heart cycles to stitch together a volume, this one-beat technology changes the way echocardiography workflow is practiced today by making imaging the shortest part of the exam. Automatic extraction of reference planes from the cardiac volume for measurement, analysis, and interpretation as well as protocol-driven exam procedures enhance workflow efficiency and increase diagnostic confidence. Migrated over from existing premium ACUSON Sequoia(TM) technology, the 4V1c 2D echocardiography transducer will offer additional application versatility.

“The ACUSON SC2000 volume imaging system delivers genuine instantaneous full-volume imaging at an unparalleled information rate,” said Klaus Hambuechen, chief executive officer, Ultrasound, Siemens Healthcare. “Its streamlined and accelerated knowledge-based applications bring a new paradigm to echo imaging and workflow that transforms the practice of echocardiography – now and in the future.”

The system allows for a full-volume acquisition of the entire heart with 90 degree pyramids with a high-volume acquisition rate of up to 40 volumes per second, every second, which dramatically reduces acquisition time. Designed to support advanced cardiovascular applications, the knowledge-based workflow software uses learned pattern recognition technology and an expert database of real clinical cases. This enables the system to recognize anatomical patterns and landmarks, as well as to perform automatic measurements further streamlining clinical workflow. Automated full-volume contouring for fast qualitative and quantitative analysis, and customizable, programmable, and protocol-driven workflow sequences deliver repeatability for better outcomes: greater efficiency, accuracy, consistency, and care – from data acquisition to diagnosis. To further enhance efficiency, the syngo(R) SC2000 Workplace enables offline reporting, as well as complete review, processing and storage of the acquired volumes.

A Complete Cardiology Toolset

Siemens will also be featuring the 5.0 release for its ACUSON X300(TM) ultrasound system, premium edition (PE), featuring advanced technologies and applications to offer a complete cardiology toolset in one compact, easy-to-use package. Dynamic TCE(TM) tissue contrast enhancement technology increases diagnostic confidence by smoothing the overall image, reducing speckle and enhancing borders and contrast. For increased penetration and higher frequency imaging of pediatric patients, the new P9-4 pediatric probe enables high-resolution, multi-frequency phased array imaging.

The ACUSON X300 PE also offers advanced capabilities for comprehensive cardiac assessment, such as syngo(R) Auto Left Heart with expert-like measurements of ejection fraction and volumes of the left ventricle and atrium. Improved Stress Echo capabilities as well as compatibility with ACUSON AcuNav(TM) intracardiac ultrasound catheters and transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) for the evaluation of heart valves and chambers complement the solution.

Cardiovascular Assessment

For use on the ACUSON X300 PE and ACUSON S2000(TM) ultrasound systems, Siemens will also highlight its recently FDA-cleared syngo Arterial Health Package (AHP) application. syngo AHP offers a new tool to help physicians measure carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) and to communicate results regarding subclinical vascular disease and cardiovascular disease risk to their patients. syngo AHP combines the semi-automated ultrasound measurement of CIMT and the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) database to estimate vascular age. It also includes a Framingham Risk Calculator to help physicians evaluate their patients’ risk of cardiovascular disease. Without the use of radiation or medicines to slow the heart, syngo AHP provides an inexpensive and immediate means of assessing subclinical atherosclerosis. It computes the CIMT, replacing tedious, manual measurements, allowing the entire exam to be performed in 15 to 20 minutes. In addition, syngo AHP is an excellent tool for patient information and education to help them understand their vascular health and the importance of preventative care.

Power and Performance in a Personalized System

Another highlight of the Siemens Ultrasound exhibition is the 2.0 release* of the ACUSON P50(TM) ultrasound system. The system offers exceptional image quality in a platform that moves with the daily workflow of busy healthcare providers: running as a Microsoft(R) Windows(R) application with an intuitive user interface, it enables care givers to focus on the patient. The platform offers immediate access to analysis, reporting, archive, email, the Internet, and other productivity applications. In its new release, the ACUSON P50 system offers intracardiac echocardiography (ICE) imaging for the 8F or 10F ACUSON AcuNav(TM) ultrasound catheter provides electrophysiologists and interventional cardiologists with high-quality, real-time diagnostic ultrasound images and Doppler blood flow information from within the heart. In addition, the system now drives 256 beam forming channels, providing superior imaging quality that is also complemented by SieClear(TM) multi-view spatial compounding and SieVision speckle reduction technology.

The Siemens Healthcare Sector is one of the world’s largest suppliers to the healthcare industry. The company is a renowned medical solutions provider with core competence and innovative strength in diagnostic and therapeutic technologies as well as in knowledge engineering, including information technology and system integration. With its laboratory diagnostics acquisitions, Siemens Healthcare is the first integrated healthcare company, bringing together imaging and lab diagnostics, therapy, and healthcare information technology solutions, supplemented by consulting and support services. Siemens Healthcare delivers solutions across the entire continuum of care – from prevention and early detection, to diagnosis, therapy and care. Additionally, Siemens Healthcare is the global market leader in innovative hearing instruments. The company employs around 49,000 people worldwide and operates in 130 countries. In the fiscal year 2008 (Sept. 30), Siemens Healthcare reported sales of euro 11.2 billion, orders of euro 11.8 billion, and Sector profit of euro 1.2 billion. Further information can be found by visiting http://www.siemens.com/healthcare.

*510(k) pending. Not commercially available in the United States.

Source: Siemens Healthcare


NHS Health Checks, which could prevent 1600 heart attacks and strokes each year and help save 650 lives will begin from April this year, announced Health Secretary Alan Johnson.

The Health Secretary also announced the start of two further groundbreaking measures – the abolition of prescription charges for cancer patients and the start of MRSA screening for elective patients.

Everyone aged between 40-74 in England will begin to be invited for a free health check as part of a national programme to identify their risk of diseases such as coronary heart disease, stroke, diabetes and kidney disease. The programme is an essential tool in tackling health inequalities across the country.

The health checks are part of a drive to ensure that people from this age group have the necessary information about their health in order to make important lifestyle changes and reduce their risks of developing diseases like diabetes and coronary heart disease. These illnesses currently affect the lives of 4 million people in England and are responsible for a fifth of all hospital admissions.

The checks are part of the drive towards a more preventative NHS.

The health checks will consist of:

  • Straightforward questions to patients on their health and diet, exercise habits and family medical history
  • Height and weight measurements taken from patients
  • A simple blood test for cholesterol and in some cases for glucose levels
  • A follow up, personal assessment setting out the individual’s level of risk and what they can do to reduce this
  • Recommendations of what could be done to reduce risk including: weight management programmes, stop smoking, physical activity programmes

Local Primary Care Trusts are designing their own local implementation plans to make sure that they can deliver the checks and follow up services that will be best suit the needs of the local population.

Health Secretary Alan Johnson said:
“The NHS is becoming more personal and responsive to individual needs; becoming as good at prevention and keeping people healthy as it is at providing care and cures; and able to offer the information and support people need to make healthy choices.

“There are a number of different commitments that we are delivering on which will start from this April. The national programme of Health Checks could save 650 lives a year and reduce the health inequalities that blight the lives of the country’s most deprived families.

“Screening of all relevant elective patients for MRSA before admission is an and additional preventative measure that will help to protect patients against infection, and also, free prescriptions for people living with cancer and related conditions is one less worry for them at such a difficult time and will be welcomed by many patients and their families.”

The preventative checks will be rolled out across England from April and will be fully implemented by 2012/13. They are likely to be available at GP surgeries, health centres, walk in centres and pharmacies to ensure as many people benefit from them as possible.

Further measures to protect patient’s health being delivered by the NHS on April 1 include all NHS Trusts being able to offer MRSA screening to all relevant elective patients. This will allow the NHS to reduce the chances of patients getting an MRSA infection, or passing MRSA onto another patient. Although the number of people getting infections from MRSA is falling (latest figures show reductions of 38 per cent), we still have further to go and this is part of our continued efforts to reduce numbers even further.

April 1 is also the date when the abolition of NHS prescription charges for everyone undergoing treatment for cancer, the effects of cancer, or the effects of cancer treatment, will also come in to effect. Up to 150,000 patients already diagnosed with cancer are expected to benefit, saving them £100 or more each year in prescription charges.

Source: Department of Health


Securing Your Health Care Coverage

What Seniors Can Do Over the Next Five Days to Ensure Their Coverage for the Next Nine Months

The open enrollment period for individuals who are enrolled in Medicare plans to make final changes to their 2009 benefits ends Tuesday, March 31. Seniors and their caregivers have five more days to take one more look, consider one more change before they can no longer switch to a new Medicare plan. The next opportunity to change will be in November for a January 1, 2010 effective date.

“By now, seniors should have had some experience with their current benefit packages, whether seeing physicians, filling prescriptions or finally reviewing the packet of information provided by their health insurers,” said Bill Stapleton, president and chief executive officer of Health Plan One, the parent company of MedicareSolutions, an online insurance brokerage and Medicare information portal. “Some may be surprised to find out that their physicians are no longer in their plans’ networks or that co-pays and other costs had gone up more than they had anticipated.”

Before April 1, Medicare recipients can make the following changes:

  • Individuals enrolled in Medicare Advantage Plans with prescription drug coverage can disenroll back to original Medicare coverage and a separate prescription drug plan.
  • Individuals enrolled in a Medicare Advantage Prescription Drug (MAPD) plan can change to another MAPD plan.
  • Individuals enrolled in original Medicare can enroll in a Medicare Advantage Plan.

Stapleton, whose company provides side-by-side comparisons of Medicare Advantage Plans through its Web sites www.healthplanone.com and www.medicaresolutions.com, recommends thoroughly reviewing your policy and making appropriate changes prior to the lock-in deadline.

However, there are situations in which seniors can make changes on or after April 1, 2009, including:

  • Lose employer-sponsored health benefits;
  • Move to another county or state;
  • Go into or come out of a nursing home;
  • Are diagnosed with a chronic illness or are deemed disabled after the lock-in period begins;
  • Enroll or disenroll from Medicaid; or
  • Meet certain income levels and qualify for government Medicare programs.

“We have received a fair number of calls from seniors worried about how the economy may hurt their ability to access and pay for needed health care,” Stapleton, a 15-year veteran in the health insurance industry, said. “There are federal and state programs that seniors may be eligible for should their income reach a certain level. These safety nets help ensure that individuals do not sacrifice their health due an inability to pay.”

Low-income subsidies for Medicare prescription drug coverage are available through the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). Additional assistance is available through other government programs to help offset the cost of monthly Part B premiums and other expenses. Seniors with annual incomes below $12,500 for individuals and $25,000 for couples are eligible for assistance. States also have programs to help seniors pay for the cost of health benefits including New York’s EPIC drug program, Connecticut’s ConnPACE program and Texas’ Texas Kidney Health Care program. For more information on these and other programs, visit http://www.medicaresolutions.com/state-medicare-information.asp.

MedicareSolutions’ customer service advocates also can help individuals determine if they are eligible for federal and state programs and help them apply for these funds by going to www.medicaresolutions.com or calling (800) 328-7305.

Founded in 2005, Health Plan One is a licensed health insurance agency and a leading online health insurance market, offering the broadest selection of health plans to individuals, families and Medicare recipients. Through its comprehensive Web sites, which include health plan comparison tools and extensive educational information, and its enhanced customer service model, individuals can purchase the best health plans to meet their health care coverage and affordability needs. For more information, visit www.healthplanone.com for individuals and families; and www.medicaresolutions.com for Medicare beneficiaries.

Source: Health Plan One, L.L.C.


Top 10 reasons why drinking water is good for your health

The sentence “Drink more water” became similar to a cliché; you can hear it all the time. But only few of us really know the reasons why we should make a daily habit of drinking at least two liters of water. It is not only a fashion to advice people to drink more, but it really helps our organism in several ways. As we all know 70% of our body consists of water or at least of different liquids. It is important to keep this balance and to provide our organism with the necessary amount of water.

In the following you can read ten reasons why you should include water drinking in your daily rituals and the benefits it can offer to your organism.

1. Purifies and makes your skin beautiful
You can read in various magazines dedicated to women that drinking water is essential for hydrating your skin as well, not only your organism. While cosmetic products offer an outer hydrating effect for your skin, you could change them with a bog bottle of fresh water that would have the same effect, only from inside. I should not even mention that it has a stronger impact from inside than from outside. This way you can preserve your beauty and youth for a longer time.

2. Toxins
Thanks to our healthy way of living and to the great foods we eat, we introduce lots of toxins in our organism every day. Water purifies our blood that is taken to all of our organs. This way we can purify the whole organism. As we all know the liver purifies the blood and the more diluted it reaches the liver the easier it will be for the liver to extract the toxins and release only pure blood. Through water we can get rid of toxins such as nitrogen and ketones.

3. Helps preventing heart attacks
Researches were made that proved that those who drink at least two liters of water are less probable to be affected by heart problems than those who do not drink even one liter per day. In indirect proportion with the introduced amount of water does the probability of a heart attack lessen.

4. Hydrate the muscles
It may sound funny but the muscles need to be hydrated as well. If you regularly do some physical exercises and tend to omit drinking an adequate amount of water you may experience cramps and other pains. Professional sportsmen do recognize the necessity of drinking water on a regular basis. It also optimizes and helps reaching a better performance.

5. Helps concentration
The loss of liquids from our body may result in different unpleasant symptoms such as headaches, incapability of concentrating, irritability.
To go back to our references to magazines dedicated to women, there we can also read frequently that drinking water helps burning fat, or at least reducing it. Water is essential for the appropriate circulation of blood that transports oxygen to all of our organs. But the oxygen is not only vital for our staying alive, it also helps burning fat. So water does not help reducing fat in a direct way but it helps the circulation of the oxygen in the body that plays an important role in burning fat. Another important effect of oxygenating your organism would be upon your strength and energy level.

The brain also needs water in order to be able to function properly. The more oxygen reaches our brain the more vivid it will become. So in an indirect way water can influence our cognitive skills as well and may help us become more quick in thinking and able to focus better on what we are doing.

6. Digestions
As it does with our blood the water dilutes all the liquids in our body. This has an important role in the process of digestions as well. It is vital for a proper digestion and it also helps preventing constipation. Similar to the case of blood with the liver, for example as food reaches our digestive organs, the more diluted it reaches the stomach the easier it will be digested.
Water also helps nutrient absorption and it transports the waste material from our cells.

7. Fights infections
The reduced amount of water in our organism can lead to a disease called Chronic Cellular Dehydration. This state of the body simply means that the organism is not hydrated enough to be able to fight different infections or diseases. By the inadequate hydration of the body our immune system is weakened.

When your body feels it does not have the necessary amount of water for proper functioning, cells may draw water from the blood. Of course it was already explained that blood should be diluted because only so it can provide us with all its benefits. But if cells withdraw water from it, blood will become thick. Its speed of circulation will be reduced and hardened. This can lead to another defending mechanism of the body, it may redirect blood only to the most vital organs. Of course all of our body and all organs, all cells need blood. In the places where the blood does not reach the toxins will remain and there will be nothing to transport them. This again can lead to numberless health problems.

An interesting experiment was made that proved that water drinking can reduce the probability of cancer in the urinary bladder. The most exposed participants drank less than one liter water per day while the less exposed ones drank more than two liters. The conclusion of the experiment was that every 250 ml water added to the organism decreased the probability of cancer in the urinary bladder with 7%.

8. Cools your body
Water helps you to maintain a regular temperature of your body. It is proved that water is the most effective liquid. While usually only 10% of the introduced beverages is absorbed by our body, approximately 90% of plain water is absorbed.

We lose water in every action we sweat, urinate and not always replace the amount that left our body while water would be vital for maintaining the optimal temperature of all the organs.

9. Hunger or thirst?
With all you eat you introduce calories in your organism, calories that can become fat or muscle. It was already mentioned that water helps increase protein synthesis that stands at the basis of muscle building. If you help your organism with enough water the introduced calories will become muscles through protein synthesis.

If you do not possess the necessary amount of water you may experience constant hunger that sometimes could be repressed by drinking a glass of water. Water can help the metabolism as well.

10. In case of illnesses
One of the reasons why a sick person who has temperature should drink liquids is that he loses lots of liquids through sweating, but also because this way the temperature can be repressed.

Although water costs almost nothing we do not use it properly and do not draw all the possible benefits from it. We should understand that water is vital and it helps the functioning of all of our organs and our brain. If omitted it can cause headaches, pains in our muscles, cramps, the loss of proper cognitive abilities. If you regularly do physical exercises, you are ill, have temperature, it is even more important to drink water.

You can check the state of your hydration by checking your urine. Its color gives you a clear hint upon the amount of water you need. Normally the urine should have a light yellow color. The more colored it is, the worst the situation is. Of course it can be remedied any time by drinking a glass of water. But it is important not to forget that this should be a habit, a daily ritual not only a “once in a while” practice. Yet you must not overreact with water drinking. The human body can not absorb all the water you drink, and even less if you drink big amounts once or twice a day. It is advised to drink a glass of water every one hour, even if you do not really feel thirsty. If you do not like the taste of water or you are simply just through with it, you can try some special drinks that consist of water almost exclusively but maybe their taste is more special.

You can try to add a slice of lemon or other fruit or even a leaf of mint to your glass of water, this way you will fasten your metabolism even more and reduce the amount of fat that is deposited in your body.

There are special drinks that are made of distilled water and fruit essence. They are not the typical carbonated beverages or sugar solutions but pure water with a fruity taste.

Try drinking tea. Of course it is important not to fill your tea with sugar because that way it will be not much better than the typical sugar solutions. Instead of sugar try to put honey in it, but if you can drink it without any sweets it is even better. Try herbal teas that can help purifying your organism and eliminating toxins.


The American Lung Association of the Upper Midwest shares the concerns many are feeling about the rising water levels and flooding in several states that we serve.

Because flood water damage from this emergency can pose special problems for the thousands of people with lung disease, and may cause lung disease in healthy individuals in the region, we are offering these tips. For more specific help on cleaning up after a flood or water damage, contact the American Lung Association Help Line at 1-800-548-8252.

Direct risks from contact with floodwaters

The greatest health risk for the general public may come from water-borne microorganisms and toxins. However, even after the water recedes, the contaminants, bacteria, viruses and mold left behind pose a risk to those with preexisting lung disease. Exposure to these microorganisms and toxins may increase the risk of developing lung disease.

The physical stress of dealing with the flood may also put a strain on people who are already ill or the elderly, providing an opportunity for respiratory infections and other sicknesses to arise. In addition, the time spent in large group emergency housing may increase the risk of spread of infectious diseases, such as influenza, pneumonia, and tuberculosis.

Damp buildings and furnishings promote the growth of microorganisms, dust mites, cockroaches and mold, which can aggravate asthma and allergies and may cause the development of asthma, wheeze, cough and hypersensitivity pneumonitis in susceptible persons.

Emergency power risks

If electric power is lost during a flood, many people may turn to portable gasoline- or diesel-powered generators, gas stoves, charcoal stoves, grills, portable camping stoves and other devices to cook indoors. All of these produce a deadly odorless and colorless gas, carbon monoxide. Exposure to carbon monoxide reduces the blood’s ability to carry oxygen and can lead to death. To keep yourself and your family safe, remember the following advice:

  • Never operate gasoline-powered or diesel-powered engines indoors, including garages, sheds and outbuilding.
  • Do not use ovens and gas ranges to heat your home.
  • Do not burn charcoal or propane inside a home, cabin, recreational vehicle or camper.

After the flood: safe cleanup tips

After the flood water is gone and local officials determine it is safe for homeowners to return, the process of cleaning up should begin soon afterwards. Mold can begin growing within 48 hours of the flood, so start by removing or cleaning any materials affected by the flood.

Wet materials such as sheetrock, carpeting particleboard and plywood that have been exposed to floodwaters or basement flooding need to be removed from the home. Bag the materials to be tossed out inside the area that flooded, rather than drag them through the rooms that remained dry, to reduce the risk of spreading contaminants throughout the home. Provide continuous and controlled ventilation in work area, with the area of contamination kept at a negative pressure in relationship to the rest of the home. In other words, air should flow from clean to dirty areas, not the other way around.

Air cleaning devices can help remove some indoor air pollution, but won’t solve the problems alone. Cleaning up the water, the contaminants, and the damaged furnishings and material are essential steps and nothing can substitute for them. Avoid using air cleaning devices that emit ozone. Ozone has not been found to clean indoor air, including mold problems. Ozone can harm lung health, especially for children, the elderly, and people with asthma and chronic lung diseases.

Sources of additional information:

American Lung Association Lung Help Line: http://www.lungum.org/helpline/

American Lung Association Flood Cleanup Fact Sheet http://www.lungusa.org/site/pp.asp?c=dvLUK9O0E&b=35694

American Lung Association of Upper Midwest Health House Mold Tip Sheet http://www.healthhouse.org/tipsheets/TS_MoldControl.pdf


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