American Red Cross Contributes Another $30 Million for Japan’s Recovery

• Author: Health Informer
• Filed under: Health News
• Date: Apr 30,2011

Support for Japan earthquake and tsunami response and recovery now $133 million

The American Red Cross committed another $30 million to the Japan earthquake and tsunami relief and recovery efforts, bringing the organization’s total contribution to $133.5 million. The latest donation to the Japanese Red Cross followed a four-day visit to Japan by Gail McGovern, president and CEO of the American Red Cross.

With the funds sent to date in support of the Japanese Red Cross and other humanitarian partners, the American Red Cross becomes one of the largest private, international contributors to the response. As of April 28, the American Red Cross had raised more than $197 million for the Japan earthquake and Pacific tsunami response, including more than $4.5 million in text donations.

Additional contributions to Japan will follow today’s $30 million gift as pledges are fulfilled and donations are received.

McGovern, who had gone to Japan at the invitation of the Japanese Red Cross, spent four days traveling the affected areas, meeting with survivors and learning how American donations have been and will in the future be put to use. Read the rest of this entry »

Most Americans Are Health-Conscious, But Behavior Varies By Age

• Author: Health Informer
• Filed under: Health News
• Date: Apr 28,2011

Healthy eating habits differ the most between the old and the young

When purchasing food and beverages, U.S. adults are aware of basic nutritional facts of these products and how to manage their weight.  In addition, Americans think that locally sourced produce is an important aspect of food choice.  At first glance, the good news is that U.S. adults show a high level of health-consciousness, but whether or not awareness translates into behavior is still in question.

A closer look at the results shows that as Americans age, they develop stronger purchasing preferences and habits with regard to healthier choices.  Matures (66+ years old) are the most likely of all generations to pay close attention to nutritional facts and translate their health consciousness into behavior, possibly because they are more likely to need to follow a diet with specific restrictions, such as with low salt and sugar. The differences in eating habits among age groups suggest that actual behavioral change may, to some extent, be more driven by necessity than by knowledge.

These are some of the results of The Harris Poll of 2,379 adults surveyed online between March 7 and 14, 2011 by Harris Interactive. Read the rest of this entry »

US Labor Department launches national outreach campaign to protect workers from heat-related illnesses

• Author: Health Informer
• Filed under: Health News
• Date: Apr 27,2011

Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis announced, from Anaheim, Calif., a national outreach initiative by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration to educate workers and their employers about the hazards of working outdoors in the heat and steps needed to prevent heat-related illnesses.

“If you’re working outdoors, you’re at risk for heat-related illnesses that can cause serious medical problems and even death,” said Secretary Solis.  ”But heat illness can be prevented.  This Labor Department campaign will reach across the country with a very simple message – water, rest and shade.”

Each year, thousands of outdoor workers experience heat illness, which often manifests as heat exhaustion.  If not quickly addressed, heat exhaustion can become heat stroke, which killed more than 30 workers last year.

“As we move into the summer months, it is very important for workers and employers to take the steps necessary to stay safe in extreme heat,” said OSHA Assistant Secretary Dr. David Michaels.  ”Drinking water often, taking breaks and limiting time in the heat are simple, effective ways to prevent heat illness.”

Heat can be a real danger for workers in jobs ranging from agriculture and landscaping to construction, road repair, airport baggage handling and even car sales. Read the rest of this entry »

Unused and Expired Prescription Drugs Pose Safety Threats

• Author: Health Informer
• Filed under: Health News
• Date: Apr 26,2011

In a nationwide effort to clear homes of potentially dangerous, expired, unused, and unwanted prescription drugs, Independence Blue Cross is supporting the Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day taking place on Saturday, April 30.

“At IBC, we focus on enhancing the health and wellness of the Philadelphia region, and so we are proud to be an advocate for responsible use and disposal of all prescription medicines once they are no longer in use,” said Dr. Richard Snyder, IBC’s chief medical officer. “National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day helps raise awareness of the serious dangers of improper drug use and disposal, and it also benefits the safety of our environment, which will have positive effects on the health of our community as a whole.”

According to a national survey on Drug Use and Health, more Americans currently abuse prescription drugs than the number of those using cocaine, hallucinogens, and heroin combined.  The Partnership for a Drug Free America reports that each day, approximately, 2,500 teens use prescription drugs to get high for the first time. Studies show that a majority of abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends, including the home medicine cabinet. In addition, research indicates that usual methods of disposing unused medicines – flushing them down the toilet or throwing them in the trash – pose potential safety and health hazards.

This year on April 30 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., the DEA will offer hundreds of locations across the Philadelphia region available for the public to dispose unwanted prescription drugs.  The service is free and anonymous; no questions asked.  For more information and to find the collection site nearest you, visit www.dea.gov, click on “Got Drugs?” and enter your zip code.

During its inaugural National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day in September 2010, the DEA collected more than 121 tons of prescription drugs at nearly 4,100 collection sites across the country. This year’s collection numbers are expected to exceed the 2010 figures.

“Many do not know that prescription drug abuse is an epidemic. Unused prescription medicines that remain in homes can be misused or abused if they get in the wrong hands of children, family or friends,” said Allan Korn, M.D., BCBSA senior vice president and chief medical officer. “BCBSA and Blue Cross and Blue Shield companies nationwide are leading efforts to increase patient safety and make it a healthcare priority and we commend the DEA’s efforts of providing a safe and easy way for Americans to drop off their unnecessary prescription drugs.”