Health News
E-Clips
An electronic healthcare news link service
provided by UHA,
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Utah seeks more people to sign up for help with health insurance premiums (Salt Lake Tribune, October 22, 2008) Diagnosed with breast cancer last year, Jennifer Thomas couldn't help but feel a little lucky: she had good insurance through her husband's employer. http://www.sltrib.com/news/ci_10816791
Insurance premiums rising five times faster than earnings (Daily Herald, October 28, 2008) A new study says while Utah workers saw their earnings increase by an average of 17.2 percent over the past eight years, their health insurance premiums jumped five times that much. http://www.heraldextra.com/content/view/286039/17/
U. of
Hip new surgery: Resurfacing better than replacement for some active types (Deseret News, October 27, 2008) An alternative to total hip replacement surgery, hip resurfacing isn't for everyone. But for younger, more athletic patients who chafe at potential activity restrictions following hip surgery, the bone-sparing alternative may be just what the doctor ordered. http://www.deseretnews.com/article/1,5143,705257853,00.html?linkTrack=rotator-cvr-500000000007613
National Healthcare Headlines
Hospitals
ease ER crowding with ward beds in halls (
Also found at http://www.nytimes.com/aponline/health/AP-MED-Hallway-Medicine.html
(New York Times, October 27, 2008) and http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/10/27/AR2008102700056.html
(Washington Post, October 27, 2008)
Scrimping on Medical Care (Editorial, New York Times, October 25, 2008) The economic crisis is exposing further weaknesses in this country’s health care system. With family finances strained, many Americans are skimping on medications, physician visits and preventive screening in order to pay other household bills. (You must register to view this link—no fee) http://www.nytimes.com/2008/10/26/opinion/26sun3.html?_r=1&th&emc=th&oref=slogin
Errors test openness at Beth Israel Deaconess (Boston Globe, October 28, 2008) For the past year, Paul Levy, president of Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, has more than ever before staked his reputation on "transparency," particularly about medical errors inside his Harvard teaching hospital. (You must register to view this link—no fee) http://www.boston.com/news/health/articles/2008/10/27/errors_test_openness_at_beth_israel_deaconess/?p1=Well_MostPop_Emailed5
21-Year Study of Children Set to Begin (New York Times, October 28, 2008) After nearly a decade of planning, researchers will begin recruiting pregnant women in January for an ambitious nationwide study that will follow more than 100,000 children from before birth until age 21. (You must register to view this link—no fee) http://www.nytimes.com/2008/10/28/health/research/28chil.html?partner=rssnyt&emc=rss
Trail of Odd Anthrax Cells Led FBI to Army Scientist (Washington Post, October 27, 2008) In late October 2001, lab technician Terry Abshire placed a tray of anthrax cells under a microscope and spotted something so peculiar she had to look twice. (You must register to view this link—no fee) http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/10/26/AR2008102602522.html?wpisrc=newsletter
Study: AIDS treatment should begin earlier (USA Today, October 27, 2008) A new analysis of the best time to begin HIV treatment found that starting early sharply improves survival, doctors said Sunday. http://www.usatoday.com/news/health/2008-10-26-study-aids_N.htm
When courage is the cure (Boston Globe, October 25, 2008) Her mother died from stomach cancer at the age of 52. (You must register to view this link—no fee) http://www.boston.com/news/local/articles/2008/10/25/when_courage_is_the_cure/
Quickly Vetted, Treatment Is Offered to Patients (New York Times, October 26, 2008) After a surgeon removed a cancerous lump from Karen Medlock’s breast in November, he recommended radiation, a routine next step meant to keep cancer from recurring. (You must register to view this link—no fee) http://www.nytimes.com/2008/10/27/health/policy/27device.html?partner=MOREOVERNEWS&ei=5040
Clearing the way for
low-cost biogenerics (
Rx for Ailing Investors? (Wall Street Journal, October 27, 2008) The health-care industry is in the midst of an innovation renaissance, even as big pharmaceutical companies lose patent protection on their most lucrative drugs. With huge challenges looming for the industry, companies developing new ways to improve lives or cut costs are likely to come out ahead -- and reward investors the most. http://online.wsj.com/article/SB122497688528969657.html
In Drug Case, Justices to Weigh Right to Sue (Wall Street Journal, October 27, 2008) For nearly a century, Americans have been able to sue drug companies for deaths or injuries caused by medicines. Now the pharmaceutical industry and other big businesses are hoping the Supreme Court will sharply curb that right. http://online.wsj.com/article/SB122506300017470355.html
Humana Reports Sharply Lower Earnings (Wall Street Journal, October 27, 2008) U.S. health insurer Humana Inc. said Monday its third-quarter profit tumbled nearly 40%, dragged down by a bitter dose of investment losses and an expected decline in premiums from its prescription drug plans. http://online.wsj.com/article/SB122510550123371629.html
Long-Term Prognosis Remains in Question (Wall Street Journal, October 27, 2008) Two of the U.S.'s biggest health insurers, Aetna Inc. and Cigna Corp., report third-quarter earnings this week after already warning investors that their investment portfolios will suffer some exposure to the financial meltdown. But the bigger cause for concern is how the deepening economic slump will weigh on next year's profits. http://online.wsj.com/article/SB122506539549570533.html
Wyeth Reports Positive Data on Prevnar Successor Vaccine (Wall Street Journal, October 27, 2008) An investigational Wyeth vaccine known as Prevnar-13 appears to offer enhanced protection against pneumococcal disease in young children compared with the company's current blockbuster vaccine, Prevnar, according to new data presented Monday. http://online.wsj.com/article/SB122512410888972331.html
Some Health Insurers See Signs Of Firmer Industry Pricing (Wall Street Journal, October 28, 2008) Even as managed-care businesses post lower third-quarter profits, company executives indicate they are seeing improvement in their ability to raise prices on commercial health plans. http://online.wsj.com/article/BT-CO-20081027-710990.html
Heart, germs, cancer top 3 killers (Deseret News, October 28, 2008) Heart ailments, infectious diseases and cancer remain the world's top three killers, the U.N. health agency said Monday. http://www.deseretnews.com/article/1,5143,705258555,00.html
Rotavirus vaccine slashes number of diarrhea cases in kids (Deseret News, October 26, 2008) A vaccine against rotavirus, the leading cause of diarrhea in infants, has led to a dramatic drop in hospitalization and emergency room visits since it came on the market two years ago, doctors reported Saturday. http://www.deseretnews.com/article/1,5143,705258087,00.html
Staph germs harder than ever to treat, studies say (USA Today, October 28, 2008) Drug-resistant staph bacteria picked up in ordinary community settings are increasingly acquiring "superbug" powers and causing far more serious illnesses than they have in the past, doctors reported Monday. These widespread germs used to be easier to treat than the dangerous forms of staph found in hospitals and nursing homes. http://www.usatoday.com/news/health/2008-10-27-staph-infections_N.htm
Behind Milk Scandal,
a Drop in Breast-Feeding (Washington Post, October 27, 2008) Facing a
classroom of anxious parents-to-be, the head nurse at Haidian
Maternal and
Tainted Eggs From China Discovered in Hong Kong (New York Times, October 26, 2008) Hong Kong food inspectors have found eggs imported from northeast China to be contaminated with high levels of melamine, the toxic industrial additive at the heart of an adulteration scandal in Chinese milk products. (You must register to view this link—no fee) http://www.nytimes.com/2008/10/27/world/asia/27china.html?th&emc=th
Doctors Lack Smoking
Cessation Training (Washington Post, October 28, 2008) Few doctors or other
health-care providers have enough smoking cessation training to help their
patients quit smoking, a
Johnson & Johnson buys provider of online health advice (Boston Globe, October 28, 2008) Johnson & Johnson said it has bought HealthMedia Inc., a closely held provider of online health counseling. It called the deal its first step in building a preventive care unit that could generate $20 billion. (You must register to view this link—no fee) http://www.boston.com/business/healthcare/articles/2008/10/28/johnson__johnson_buys_provider_of_online_health_advice/?rss_id=Boston+Globe+--+Business
Small Firms' Take On Insurance Reform (Wall Street Journal, October 28, 2008) Where do small businesses stand on proposals to overhaul the health-insurance system? A new survey suggests many small employers currently without coverage aren't willing to pay much, if anything, to get insurance. http://online.wsj.com/article/SB122516671737375357.html?mod=todays_us_marketplace
Researchers: Cost of
diabetes care on rise (Boston Globe, October 28, 2008) Diabetes drug costs
in the
Also found at http://www.deseretnews.com/article/1,5143,705258657,00.html (Deseret News, October 28, 2008)
Bedside Manner: Advocating for a Relative in the Hospital (Wall Street Journal, October 28, 2008) Don't go to the hospital alone, if you can possibly avoid it. http://online.wsj.com/article/SB122514012478473347.html?mod=
Small Spurts of Activity Add Up (Washington Post, October 28, 2008) Exercising at your desk won't make you an athlete, but it might keep you alive, experts say. (You must register to view this link—no fee) http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/10/24/AR2008102403057.html?wpisrc=newsletter
CT Scans Gain Favor as Option for Colonoscopy (Wall Street Journal, October 28, 2008) When Janice Rodefeld turned 50, her doctor began hounding her to get a colonoscopy. But Ms. Rodefeld was afraid to have the test, which involves snaking a thin tube through the large intestine. It wasn't until she recently was offered a noninvasive "virtual colonoscopy" that she relented. http://online.wsj.com/article/SB122515172081974303.html
Treating Neuropathy With Some Vitamin B (Wall Street Journal, October 28, 2008) Peripheral neuropathy, or damage to nerves in hands and feet, can cause tingling, pain and numbness. A high-dose vitamin B supplement to treat neuropathy can alleviate pain and improve sensation, says a company that sells it. A few scientific studies show improvement in symptoms, but many physicians remain skeptical. http://online.wsj.com/article/SB122453878192251677.html
Doctors, families fought for approval of Huntington's disease drug (USA Today, October 28, 2008) Jonathan Monkemeyer, an engineer by training, worked long and hard on the heartfelt four-minute talk he presented at a packed Food and Drug Administration advisory committee meeting last December. But even without saying a word, Sheryl Monkemeyer was far more expressive than her husband could ever be. http://www.usatoday.com/news/health/2008-10-27-huntingtons-disease-main_N.htm
Healthcare on the Campaign Trail
Businesses Wary of Details in Obama Health Plan (New York Times, October 26, 2008) Dave Ratner, owner of Dave’s Soda and Pet City, is pretty sure he is about to get “whacked” by the new state law that requires employers to contribute to health care benefits for their workers or pay a $295-per-employee penalty. (You must register to view this link—no fee) http://www.nytimes.com/2008/10/27/us/politics/27healthcare.html?th&emc=th
Almost Everyone Would Do Better Under the McCain Health Plan (Opinion, Wall Street Journal, October 27, 2008) The McCain health-care insurance tax credit may well be one of the most misunderstood proposals of this presidential election. Barack Obama has been ruthless in his attacks. But the tax credit is highly progressive and will provide a powerful incentive for people to purchase health insurance. (You must register to view this link—no fee) http://online.wsj.com/article/SB122506862956370705.html?mod=googlenews_wsj
Neither candidate has a health-care solution (Opinion, Deseret News, October 26, 2008) f you intend to vote for president solely on the basis of either candidate's claims about what he will do to solve the nation's growing health-care pains, you have to be one confused dude or dudess. http://www.deseretnews.com/article/1,5143,705257849,00.html
Arizonans can put brakes on universal health care (Opinion, October 26, 2008) On Election Day, Arizonans can give the nation the gift of a good example. They can enact a measure that could shape the health-care debate that will arrest or accelerate the nation's slide into statism. http://www.deseretnews.com/article/1,5143,705257791,00.html
Health care Rx: Mix
up McCain's and Obama's plans (Opinion, October
27, 2008) To hear the
ads approved by John McCain and Barack Obama, each other's health care plans would unleash the
bubonic plague on
Health-Coverage Plans Could Face Obstacles From Growing Budget Gap (October 27, 2008) Both presidential candidates say their plans would provide health insurance to millions of people who lack it. The problem is cost: With the federal budget deficit growing, Congress is likely to look at more limited and incremental moves to expand coverage. http://online.wsj.com/article/SB122506452225970455.html
The Candidates’ Health Plans (Opinion, New York Times, October 28, 2008) The nation’s health care system is desperately in need of reform — as far too many Americans know from grim, personal experience. In this election, Barack Obama and John McCain are offering starkly different ideas for how to fix that system. (You must register to view this link—no fee) http://www.nytimes.com/2008/10/28/opinion/28tue1.html?_r=1&partner=rssnyt&emc=rss&oref=slogin
Elective Surgery Is
One Thing, Elective Politics Another (
Celebrity Ad Presses McCain and Obama on Chronic Disease (Wall Street Journal health blog, October 28, 2008) The Partnership to Fight Chronic Disease, a consortium of advocacy groups, is running ads on CNN and elsewhere that ask where presidential candidates Barack Obama and John McCain stand on health care and spending to prevent chronic disease. http://blogs.wsj.com/health/2008/10/28/celebrities-press-mccain-and-obama-on-chronic-disease/