A well functioning digestive system is one of the key factors for a healthy and carefree life.

The role of the colon as an integral part of the immune system and the last station of consumed food is easily underrated when it comes to general well-being. It is not until complaints such as obstipation occur that this forgotten organ painfully calls attention to itself. Such problems can be prevented by a balanced diet. And in many cases, hydro-colon therapy has proved itself to be extremely efficient as a prophylactic measure and as a treatment of disorders of the digestive system. Colon Hydromat systems made by the manufacturer of medical equipment HERRMANN Apparatebau GmbH (HAB) guarantee for safe and gentle treatment.

Basically, hydro-colon therapy is a further development of colonic irrigation and subaqual bath applications. High cultures like the ancient Greeks and Egyptians were already aware of the possible positive effects of this treatment. In Ayurveda, the Indian science of life, the process of colonic irrigation has a long tradition, too, and is practised until today. Hydro-colon therapy as a modern medical treatment has originally been developed in the USA and was meant to prepare astronauts for their space flights.

It was not until the middle of the 1980s that this therapy gradually became known in Europe and especially in Germany. Until then, all the medical systems for hydro-colon therapy on the domestic market had to be imported from the USA. HAB decided to adapt the US-American models to European standards. Eventually at the end of the 80s, as one of the first manufacturers in Germany, the company presented its own development. The industry’s standards of modern applications fall back on ideas which had been implemented in the realization of HAB’s first Colon Hydromat. Thanks to committed pioneering work and 20 years of experience in this field, the company from Kleinwallstadt in Lower Franconia was able to establish itself as an important initiator of impulses in its industry.

But in which cases is a treatment with hydro-colon systems indicated? Over time, a biased diet can cause metabolic disorders due to harmful intestinal bacteria or mycosis. A therapy with HAB’s systems ‘Colon Hydromat standard’ and ‘Colon Hydromat comfort’ boosts the body’s defences and fosters purification and the elimination of toxins. Especially when it comes to treating the widespread complaint of obstipation, the systems have proved to be extremely efficient. But there are many therapists who have been very successful in treating patients with conditions such as neurodermatitis, migraine, high blood pressure or allergies, too, thus guaranteeing for more vitality and enjoyment of life. In addition, hydro-colon treatment has beneficial effects in the preparation of therapeutic fasting.

Hydro-colon systems made by HERRMANN Apparatebau offer a thorough purification on the highest technical level. Their intuitive handling and a high degree of suitability for daily use in hospitals and doctors’ surgeries are two of the unique characteristics of the systems. As special highlights, ‘Colon Hydromat comfort’ boasts an integrated colour selection and automatic ventilation. That way, the advantages of light therapy can be incorporated in the treatment easily. The automatic ventilation for its part guarantees for a comfortable treatment for patients. Bowel gases are washed away along with the rinse water. The standard device and the comfort version work in a closed system. Reflux of bacteria or odour nuisance can thus be eliminated. All this makes hydro-colon therapy a safe and relaxed matter – for patients as well as for doctors and health care professionals.

For further information on hydro-colon therapy with the systems ‘Colon Hydromat standard’ und ‘Colon Hydromat comfort’ made by HAB please visit us at www.herrmann-apparatebau.de


Data show superiority of endoscopic ablation therapy using the HALO System for eradicating Barrett’s esophagus in randomized, multicenter, sham controlled trial

Results from a clinical study published in the New England Journal of Medicine reveal that ablative therapy using the HALO system (BARRX Medical, Inc.) is highly effective for complete eradication of a pre-cancerous condition of the esophagus called Barrett’s esophagus afflicting more than 3.3 million Americans. Additionally, ablative therapy using the HALO system reduced the risk of progression to cancer in the highest risk cohort studied (compared to control) from 19.0% to 2.4%.

The study entitled “Radiofrequency Ablation in Barrett’s Esophagus with Dysplasia” is authored by lead investigator Nicholas J. Shaheen, M.D., Associate Professor of Medicine and Epidemiology, The University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill.

“This is a well-designed trial conducted in a rigorous manner at 19 expert U.S. centers, each having experience in the management of Barrett’s esophagus, dysplasia, and cancer,” said Dr. Shaheen. “Our results reported in the Journal are very promising, demonstrating superiority of ablation therapy for eliminating Barrett’s and dysplasia, as well as reducing the rate of disease progression to more severe forms of dysplasia and esophageal cancer. This and data from other recent trials may ultimately change the paradigm for how gastroenterologists manage their patients with this disease.”

As a result of chronic injury from gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), the normal esophageal lining is replaced with abnormal cells (Barrett’s tissue), predisposing the patient to a higher risk for developing cancer of the esophagus. Patients with Barrett’s who develop cancer, typically do so through a series of steps, starting with early Barrett’s, then low-grade dysplasia or high-grade dysplasia, and then finally cancer. The present study included patients with the later stages of low- and high-grade dysplasia.

Beginning in 2006, the AIM Dysplasia Trial enrolled 127 patients having a diagnosis of Barrett’s esophagus with dysplasia, the most advanced stage of this condition. Patients were randomly assigned to receive either endoscopic ablation with the HALO system or a sham intervention (control, no treatment). Tissue samples (biopsies) were obtained from the esophagus at regular intervals for one year after enrollment to assess for the presence of early Barrett’s, dysplasia, and esophageal cancer. Comparison of the biopsy results at one year served as the primary outcome for the trial. The study endpoints were the eradication of all early Barrett’s and, separately, all dysplasia in each group, as well as occurrence of new esophageal cancers.

At one-year follow-up, patients treated with ablation had a significantly higher complete eradication rate for both early Barrett’s and dysplasia as compared to the control group. More than three quarters of treated patients had no detectable Barrett’s at the end of the treatment period, compared to sham patients where 98% had persistent disease. The overall rate of disease progression to more severe forms of dysplasia and cancer was significantly lower in the ablation treatment group (3.6%) as compared to the control group (16.3%). In the highest risk cohort (high-grade dysplasia), ablative therapy significantly reduced the risk of progression to cancer by nearly 90% compared to control (2.4% in treated patients versus 19.0% in untreated controls).

Source: BARRX Medical, Inc.


Institute releases report on health care costs

A report issued today by the WellPoint Institute of Health Care Knowledge revealed some startling facts about health care costs in America. The report identified the primary drivers of increased health care services and health insurance premiums, dispelling the notion that insurer profits are the primary drivers spiking costs.

The May 2009 Institute report, titled “What’s Really Driving the Increase in Health Care Premiums?,” compiles research from sources such as PricewaterhouseCoopers, the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, the Kaiser Family Foundation, the Bureau of Labor Statistics and the Congressional Budget Office.

“The current rate of increase of health care costs is unsustainable,” said John Martie, President, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield. “In Colorado, health insurance for an employee of a small business costs an average of $4,150 per year, or $346 per month. The cost for a one night hospital stay in Colorado now averages $6,000. We have to address the key drivers of health care costs to be able to lower premiums and increase access to health care for all members of the communities we serve,” Martie added.

According to the report the “key drivers” of spiraling U.S. health care costs are:

  • Advances in medical technology and subsequent increases in utilization.
  • Price inflation for medical services that exceeds inflation in other sectors of the economy.
  • Cost-shifting from people who are uninsured and those receiving Medicare and Medicaid to the private sector.
  • High cost of regulatory compliance.
  • Patient lifestyles, such as physical inactivity and increases in obesity.

Citing research from PricewaterhouseCoopers’ December 2008 report, The Factors Fueling Rising Health Care Costs, the report also debunks a commonly held belief about the profitability of health insurance companies. Contrary to public opinion, which puts health insurers’ profitability at somewhere between twenty-five and forty percent, PricewaterhouseCoopers confirms that it in truth only three cents of every health care premium dollar is spent on health insurer profit. This is less than the 2008 profit of 4.9 percent reported to Reuters by auto and truck manufacturers, the 4.8 percent reported by health care facilities, or the 4.7 percent reported by utility companies.

According to the Institute’s report, newer medical technologies tend to increase prices because they are generally more expensive than the older technologies they replace. While the availability of more advanced, superior technologies can yield better results for some patients, these technologies and diagnostic tests can be used inappropriately in some situations where existing, older technologies are more effective and accurate.

“We have learned over time that newer technologies do not always produce better health outcomes,” Martie continued. “We need to focus on outcomes and delivering better quality care and apply the breathtaking advances in technology and treatment when they produce better patient care. The wise application of these expensive new therapies will result in more affordable health care for all Americans.”

The WellPoint Institute of Health Care Knowledge was established with the belief that intimately understanding the factors impacting consumers’ experiences with their health plan and which factors most impact their satisfaction are central to efficiently addressing consumer needs. For more information and a copy of the full report, please visit WellPoint Institute of Health Care Knowledge at www.wellpoint.com/institute

Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield is the trade name of Rocky Mountain Hospital and Medical Service, Inc., an independent licensee of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association. (R) ANTHEM is a registered trademark of Anthem Insurance Companies, Inc. The Blue Cross and Blue Shield names and symbols are registered marks of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. Additional information about Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Colorado is available at www.anthem.com.


In Massachusetts alone, nearly 3,000 people are on the waiting list for lifesaving organ transplants and the number continues to grow. Meanwhile, only 41 percent of licensed drivers in Massachusetts are registered donors, ranking the state 32nd in the country for the percentage of licensed drivers registered, according to the 2009 National Donor Designation Report Card issued by Donate Life America.

Also, a recent survey conducted by Donate Life America, with support from Astellas Pharma US, Inc. (Astellas), found that people in Massachusetts were significantly more likely than all adults nationwide to have not signed up because they “don’t have time” or “haven’t gotten around to it” (22 percent versus 7 percent nationwide). Donate Life New England is launching an online registry this spring in an effort to simplify the registration process.

“There is an organ availability crisis taking place in Massachusetts and around the country,” said David Fleming, Executive Director, Donate Life America. “It is important for the donation and transplant community to continue to educate people about how to register and drive people to take that action.”

Transplant Expo and Making Strides Run/Walk Aim to Inspire and Incite Action

Saturday, May 30, through Monday, June 1, the Transplant Expo, hosted by Astellas, will visit The Shops at Prudential Center, Belvidere Arcade, 800 Boylston Street. The Expo provides an intimate look at the wonders of transplantation and the dedicated heroes who help make it possible, as well as explores the art and science of transplantation, the history of transplantation and inspirational stories of heroic donors. Volunteers from Donate Life New England will be on-site to answer questions and provide visitors with the opportunity to join the state donor registry.

On May 30 and May 31, those visiting the Transplant Expo will have the opportunity to receive a complimentary ticket to Inspiring Action, an evening hosted by The Creative Coalition featuring leaders and personalities from film and television who will participate in a one night performance that brings attention and inspiration to the vital need for health care reform and support for organ donation. The Creative Coalition is the leading nonprofit, nonpartisan, social and public advocacy organization of the arts and entertainment community. The event will take place Sunday evening, May 31 from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Sheraton Boston Hotel.

Also, on Sunday, May 31, from noon until 4 p.m., Chris Klug, bronze medalist snowboarder and liver transplant recipient, will be on-site at the Expo to greet attendees. On Monday, June 1 at 6 a.m., Astellas First Annual Making Strides: A 5K Run/Walk for Organ Donation will take place on the banks of Boston’s Charles River. Transplant professionals attending the American Transplant Congress, as well as the public are invited to run or walk to show their support for the transplant community. For every finisher, Astellas will donate $1 – up to $20,000 total – to the National Transplant Assistance Fund (NTAF), a 501c3 nonprofit organization that helps transplant patients (hopefuls and recipients) afford critical but uninsured medically related expenses through fundraising guidance, patient resources and support, as well as financial assistance. Celebrating 25 years of service, NTAF has helped patients, their families and communities nationwide raise more than $58 million (and counting) for out-of-pocket expenses related to transplantation.

“Astellas is proud to launch the Transplant Expo and Making Strides Run/Walk in Boston as part of our continued efforts to reach the public with accurate and compelling messages about organ donation and transplantation,” said Maribeth Landwehr, Director, Corporate Communications for Astellas. “We hope people from around the area will visit the Expo and take the dynamic journey through the legacy of transplantation, as well as show their support for the transplant community by running or walking in the Making Strides 5K.”

Both the Transplant Expo and 5K Run/Walk are free of charge. For more information about the Expo, visit www.AstellasTransplant.com. For more information about the 5K Run/Walk or to register online, visit www.tracs.net/makingstridesatc.

For more information about organ donation or to join the state registry, visit www.Facebook.com/DonateLife.

Source: Astellas Pharma US, Inc.


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