HealTHy

noreply@blogger.com (socrates al-hakim) — Thu, 14 Apr 2011 17:51:00 +0000

Holding Women's Health Hostage: The Sequel

The greatest nation on earth nearly had to turn off the lights last week. Please take note of the reason. It wasn't because of terrorism. It wasn't the aftermath of a tsunami or an earthquake. And it certainly was not -- despite some claims -- because of a financial crisis. No. The most powerful nation on the planet nearly went out of business because a few fringe members of Congress wanted to show off their spite for Planned Parenthood. The sideshow seemed finished Friday night, when President Obama and Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid stood firm for women's health and the House leadership folded a losing hand.

Just days later, the small band of believers (House leadership in tow) are back with a fresh attack on Planned Parenthood. This week, at the insistence of House Speaker John Boehner, the House and Senate will vote on a stand-alone version of the same measure that Rep. Mike Pence of Indiana tried to link to last week's short-term spending plan. The measure would explicitly bar one of the nation's oldest, most trusted and most cost-effective family-planning providers from participating in any federal health program. Period. Pence and his allies claim the measure would somehow reduce federal support for abortion, but the public now knows this is a ruse. Congress has prohibited federal funding for abortion for more than 30 years. This measure would cut off access to birth control -- thus increasing the need for abortion -- while also eliminating lifesaving cancer screenings and other vital services. That's not just aggressive. It's bad for women's health.

The Planned Parenthood Mike Pence wants to eliminate looks nothing like the Planned Parenthood that three million patients rely on each year. One American woman in five has received care from a Planned Parenthood health center. Abortion -- a safe, legal procedure -- makes up three percent of our services, not the "well over 90 percent" that Senator Jon Kyl recently claimed on the Senate floor and later had to retract. The rest of our services are basic preventive health care -- affordable, high-quality care that helps avert serious illness rather than treat it at advanced stages. Each year we provide nearly two million screenings to detect breast and cervical cancer early. We also provide nearly four million tests and treatments for sexually transmitted infections, including half a million HIV tests. And we ensure that nearly 2.5 million people have access to affordable birth control, which reduces unintended pregnancy.

What would Pence's proposal mean to the women we serve? Two thirds of them, the two million whose care is covered by Medicaid and other federal health programs, would lose all access to our health centers. And because Planned Parenthood is the only provider available to many of these women, the loss would be more than an inconvenience. Cutting off our services would amount to cutting off their health care, with tragic and predictable outcomes: more cancer deaths, more undiagnosed HIV and untreated STDs, and more unintended pregnancies, which means more abortion.

Why would anyone pursue such an agenda? Pence may spin this as an effort to control federal spending, but it's nothing of the kind. In fact, his proposal would cost the government money. Family planning saves taxpayers nearly $4 for every $1 invested. Killing family planning would eliminate those savings, and locking Planned Parenthood out of federal programs would make the programs themselves less efficient. We provide high-quality care for less money than other publicly funded providers charge. If all of our three million patients had to get preventive health care from other publicly funded providers, the total cost could rise by as much as $200 million a year.

The recent assault on Planned Parenthood, a 95-year-old organization, has provoked a powerful backlash. Women and men from every community have come forward in vast numbers to stand with us, and reasonable policymakers from both sides of the aisle have paid attention. Continuing these senseless attacks is not only wrongheaded but politically foolish. An April 11 poll by CNN shows that 65 percent of Americans favor continued support for Planned Parenthood. And why wouldn't they? The attack on Planned Parenthood shows indifference to women's health. If adopted, it will deny millions of women access to cancer screenings and birth control. In many communities, it will eliminate a provider of affordable, high-quality care. And it will hit women and families struggling in this economy especially hard.

It's time to end this political vendetta. It's wasting valuable time when our congressional leaders should be focused on getting folks back to work. America has real problems to address, and voters know what they are. The House leadership needs to part ways with these extremists and get back to the business of governing.

Women's Health habentes obses: The Sequel

Maximum gens una in terra erant prope arceatur lumina septimana. Lorem animadverti causa. Non propter terrore. Non ex renovatione Europae seu motu terrae tsunami. Quod profecto non - obstante aliqua petat - financial propter habuisse. The No opulentissima in plagiarius fere negotio exiit propterea quod paucis membris Congress fringe Volens enim insultant off paternitas cogitavit. The Friday perfecta uidebatur sideshow Noctis President Obama senatusque Leader Harry Reid Maioritas steterunt mulieres et sanitatem ductus domum perdere est involutus manu.

Iustus post diebus parva manu fidelium (imperator House stuppa) Rediit novo impetu paternitas cogitavit. Is week in House Speaker instantia John Boehner domus et sententia Senatus-supra candelabrum solo version eandem mensuram Rep Mike Indiana denarios conatus septimana pagina's term sumptibus breve consilium. Esset mensura explicite de bar gentis antiquissimus, ac maxime confide-efficens sumptus family planning-suggero a societate aliqua valetudine Federal program. Period. Denarios sociis esset petere mensuram reducere quodammodo abortum Federal subsidium tamen publica hoc modo scit fraudem. Federal Congress prohibuit sumptu ad abortum amplius XXX annis. Quam rem si aditus percussit coerceatur - augentes abortum necessitas - dum etiam remotis cancer screenings lifesaving vitaeque alia servicia. Id non solum ultro. It's feminis valetudini.

The paren propositum vult Mike Denarii nihil spectat eliminate cogitavit ut paternitas ut aegros tricies credo annum. Una mulier quinque American accepit conposito curas salutem paternitas centrum. Abortus - pignore, iuris ordo - tria facit Our Services sentio, non "tam super XC percent" Jon Kyl senator nuper senatus petitur piano sicut post tractare. Reliquum Praecaventur basic muneris es valetudinis - affordable, GENEROSUS avertere cura gravi morbo prodest quam at advanced accipiat vetat. Quotannis ferme damus screenings vicies deprehendere cancer colli pectora diluculo. Lorem ferme quattuor prospiciat million medicamina expertus infections sexualiter transmissi, inter medium HIV million probat. Adiuvare et paene populus million 2.5 aditus affordable coerceatur, quod conceptus ignorata reducit.

Quid sibi volunt Denarii propositum's mulieribus servimus? Duae partes illorum, curante vicies tegitur Federal Medicaid salutem et cetera progressio, totum perderet saluti aditus convertit. Et quia cogitavit nisi paternitate available provider Begoai mulieres amitteret quam incommodum. Secandum esset muneris summam amputatis valetudinis, et tragico eventu praedictio: Mortui Cancer magis magis et increatum HIV undiagnosed STDs et plus uterum ignorata, quae pluris abortivum.

Quare talis sequebatur quisquam agendum? Denarii spin ut labore hoc Federal sumptibus continere, tamen suus nihil tale. Nam pretium esset propositum imperio pecuniae. Family planning servo prope coeperat $ $ IV I omne collocari. Family planning necare voluit eos eliminate condimentum et obfirmatis de paternitate cogitavit Federal progressio progressio faceret minus se agente.Damus GENEROSUS Pecuniam minorem curam publice ceteris suggero hanc scientiam maxime promoverunt crimen. Si omnes nostrae patiens erat tricies Praecaventur impetro valetudinis hanc scientiam maxime promoverunt ex aliis publice suggero, funditus possit oriri pretium quanto $ million annum CC.

Recens cogitavit insultum paternitas in-XCV olim ANNUS ordinem, provocavit backlash potenti. Mulierum et virorum ex omni civitate hue processisse multitudinem stare nobiscum et rationabili de policymakers ultraque have ALA intendebat. Insipientes iisdem non solum impetus sed publice wrongheaded stultus. An XI capita April ostendit per CNN LXV pro cento Americans continue paternitas propositum favorem. Quid non sunt? Oppugnabantur paternitas cogitavit mulieribus neclegens valetudini. Si adhibetur, eam neget mulierum millions cancer screenings aditus et coerceatur. In aliquot populos, haec a precentor eliminate affordable, GENEROSUS cura. Id hit familiae feminae moliuntur imprimis ardua parsimonia.

It's vicis ut politica vendetta terminabis. It's valuable tabe quo illi esse principes Congressional focused questus ad opus folks.Casus reales America problems appellare et electorum quid sint.Domus parte ductum vias eget extremists his revertuntur et res regiminis.

What you should Know About Business Liability Insurance

noreply@blogger.com (socrates al-hakim) — Sun, 10 Apr 2011 14:58:00 +0000

Every entrepreneur must be aware of every angle in their business. Not just the operations, finance and marketing side but also the legal matters involved. Whether you have a small business, medium-sized or a large company, it is imperative to have business liability insurance.

What is business liability insurance? It is a type of insurance that protects a business if in case there is a formal lawsuit or third party claim pertaining to the business or the owner of the business itself in reference to the same. All expenses regarding legal defense is being covered by the insurance and personal contribution of the owner beyond the business is lessened. There are three types of business liability insurance: general liability insurance, professional liability insurance and product liability insurance.

For instance, you are a contractor offering home remodeling services. It is a pre-requisite that before you are allowed to open your firm, the state that you are in requires that you purchase a business liability insurance. Other than that, potential clients will first look if your firm is insured to be on the secure side – in case an accident happens, there is an insurance policy to turn to in time of need.

The government is more inclined to issue contracts to private firms that are insured. Homeowners are keen on who they want to work in their homes. They need contractors who can pay up if there will be an unfortunate event.

The insurance policy is different from one business to another. Depending upon your needs, the insurance company or its broker will give you a quote and discuss with you what type of insurance is necessary for your business. They will also give you full details about the risks in your business and how they will assist you if ever the time comes.

Here is another example:

An IT firm pays less insurance premiums for their employees as compared to a home remodeling firm. The former keeps his employees inside the office 8 hours daily – accident risk is very minimal. The latter, on the other hand, have workers that climbs up and down the ladder, handles big equipments and walks on roofs. Common accidents like falling debris on unsuspecting passers by is not a cliche. In fact, it happens in real life. When things go wrong, the injured party will sue the homeowner. The homeowner will then turn to the contractor. If the contractor has a business liability insurance, the injured party will be compensated justly.

Business assets can also be insured like the company car, the building your business is in, computers and other equipments that are of value to the business. Just remember that insurance is there to help you when you need it most. If you dont have insurance and trouble comes your way, are you prepared to pay a big amount of cash up to the extent that you can go bankrupt? It is better to be safe than sorry.

At times it is hard to find a good commercial trucking insurance company. When you have a few company cars or trucks for your business, you should shop around for the best commercial auto insurance rates.

Ryan budget ignores CBO, reality, says health care repeal will reduce deficit

noreply@blogger.com (socrates al-hakim) — Wed, 06 Apr 2011 03:06:00 +0000

The non-partisan, number crunching CBO has long since become a major nuisance for the GOP, since many of it's conclusions about the realities of the budget run counter to GOP budget truthiness. That's the case again in the so-called "Path to Prosperity," Rep. Paul Ryan's plan to weed the nation of the elderly, the sick, and the disabled so the rich people can get even more stuff.

In the case of this budget proposal, Ryan conveniently ignores the fact that the CBO saysrepealing the Affordable Care Act won't reduce the deficit.

The budget plan unveiled by Rep. Paul Ryan (R-WI) Tuesday does a neat trick: It claims that repealing the health care reform law will actually reduce the federal budget deficit—despite extensive analyses by the Congressional Budget Office that show exactly the opposite.
The CBO—which is the gold standard for budget analysis and number crunching on Capitol Hill—has issued a series of reports which conclude that the health care law will reduce the deficit and, by corollary, that repealing the health care law will cause the deficit to go back up.
This is a problem for Republicans, who dismiss CBO findings out of hand. Indeed, the budget they unveiled Tuesday morning relies on unofficialnumbers to create the impression that repealing the health care law willreduce the deficit.
According to the GOP budget, repealing the health care law will reduce the deficit by $1.4 trillion by 2022. CBO, by contrast, holds that repealing the health law now will add well over $200 billion to the deficit over the same time frame....
It's not clear where Ryan is getting his numbers. Asked about this disparity at a Capitol briefing Tuesday, House Budget chairman Paul Ryan claimed to have used CBO figures and not to have dictated assumptions to its analysts.

See, now that's boldness and courage, to get the real numbers, but pull the analysis completely out of your ass. And all the Very Serious People applaud. Because you can't finally break the stranglehold America's elderly and disabled have on our government unless you cook the books.

A Missing Health Policy Story

noreply@blogger.com (socrates al-hakim) — Tue, 05 Apr 2011 15:29:00 +0000

A “study says” piece gets short shrift

The most underreported health story of this past week was, in my view, one that came out of the RAND Corp., the Santa Monica think tank known for its thorough, leading edge research on health policy. Before the words “health policy” throw you into a snooze, dear reader, let’s look at what the study showed and its implications for how people will fare under the new health law.

RAND researchers, with funding from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and the California Healthcare Foundation, two groups with a big stake in health reform, looked at medical claims from 800,000 families between 2004 and 2005, a time when high-deductible policies were beginning to surface. What they found was predictable.

Families whose policies carried a deductible of $500 or more spent fourteen percent less on health care than those who had insurance with lower deductibles, said Amelia Haviland, a member of the research team: “In plans with deductibles of $1000 or more, there was a significant reduction in spending.” Even when employers put money into these high-deductible accounts, as some do, they saved money on health expenditures for their workers. The reason: People were not going to doctors and hospitals as much, and they weren’t buying as many prescription drugs. In particular, researchers examined preventive care and found that people in high-deductible plans were receiving less than those with low-deductible insurance. But get this—most of the time preventive care wasnot subject to the high deductibles. In other words, a $200 mammogram would be covered in full, but women were not getting them. Children in the control group got more immunizations than kids whose parents had high-deductible insurance, and adults in the control group got significantly more cancer screenings. Researchers speculated that perhaps consumers did not understand their policies. Or if they weren’t going to the doctor, they weren’t getting referred for routine screenings.

Offering policies with deductibles of $1000, $2000, or more is fast becoming the cost containment measure of choice. People choose them because they have cheaper premiums and often can’t afford anything else. Asking patients to pay more on their own—making them have more skin in the game, as they say—is a way to reduce the nation’s health care tab without imposing tight controls on the docs and hospitals, which yell and scream whenever that threat shows up. The theory is that if you have to pay for your own care, you’ll think twice before running off to a doctor.

“There is a cost shift here,” Haviland explained. “What these plans are about is shifting costs. They are an effective tool for reducing spending, but there’s concern they could reduce necessary medical care in ways that could affect their future and the future of health-care spending.” Health reform was supposed to change all that. Remember all that talk about preventive care saving money so people wouldn’t have costly illness later on?

Given that, you might have expected the media to be all over the story, especially since high deductible plans will be offered through the state health insurance exchanges. Policies sold to employees of small groups can have deductibles as high as $2000 for individuals and $4000 for families; those offered to individuals will have no limits, although out-of-pocket spending will be limited in other ways. High-deductible policies are already common in the Massachusetts Connector, where deductibles can be as high as $2000 for individuals and $4000 for families. Instead coverage was scarce, particularly in the MSM. Much of what there was appeared in the trade pubs such as American Medical News and Healthcare Leaders Media. “I’ve been surprised and a bit disappointed there wasn’t much uptake,” said RAND’s PR guy, Warren Robak. Was it that the news hole was too tiny with Libya, Japan, and Washington’s budget shenanigans hogging all the space? Or was it that reporters couldn’t immediately find an anecdote to stick in their stories? Or was it plain disinterest?

Kay Lazar, the Boston Globe’s health reporter, couldn’t find any anecdotes, but she knew a good story when she saw one, and she ran with it. Lazar interviewed Haviland—who, by the way is one researcher who speaks in plain English—and tailored her piece to Massachusetts, where only two percent of people with health insurance took a high deductible plan. Still, that number has nearly doubled —from about 50,000 people in 2009 to about 93,000 last year. Lazar said her story connected with the public; lots of people called to talk about their experiences with high-deductible plans. The issue was covered well in the state. The AP rewrote the Globe story; the Worcester Business Journaland WBUR also noted the study. WBUR, however, took the story one step further, as I’ll explain tomorrow—it showed how high deductible coverage affects real people.

Rove's Crossroads suing HHS over health reform waivers

noreply@blogger.com (socrates al-hakim) — Mon, 28 Mar 2011 00:47:00 +0000

This is rich.administration over transparency, of all things.

Crossroads Grassroots Policy Strategies (Crossroads GPS) says the suit was prompted by the [Department of Health and Human Service's] failure to respond to a Jan. 7 request for documents under the Freedom of Information Act.
The organization is seeking "any and all memoranda, guidance, directives, instructions and other documents … relating to the criteria to be applied by HHS in deciding whether to grant or deny applications for [a] waiver."
"Until President Obama is willing to grant the entire country a waiver from ObamaCare," Crossroads GPS President Steven Law said in a statement, "his administration needs to come clean on how they decide who wins and loses in the waiver lottery."

Conservatives have been making hay over waivers granted by HHS, temporary exemptions from the law's $750,000 minimum annual cap on benefits for 2011. According to HHS, "The department has given the Energy and Commerce Committee 25 boxes of documents for its hearing on the issue; the department has also published regulations and three guidance documents about the waivers, as well as a regularly updated list of approved waivers." In other words, who got the waivers.

So it's not really any big secret. For her part, HHS Secretary Sebelius says the suit is groundless and that "Nothing is further from the truth," regarding the Right's accusations that the administration is granting waivers as political favors.

Rove's group is pushing a politicized nuisance suit. What a shock.

One year after passage, health care reform continues to generate lobbying and legal fees

noreply@blogger.com (socrates al-hakim) — Sat, 26 Mar 2011 07:10:00 +0000

One year ago today, President Obama signed the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act into law. The legislative process that led to the bill's enactment proved to be a boon to lobbyists, including former aides to key members. Industry exerted influence on the administration and members of Congress from early on in the process, and continued lobbying after the bill was passed.

In 2009 and 2010, lobbyists for some 1,251 organizations disclosed lobbying on the bill, according to the Center for Responsive Politics. Those interests included pharmaceutical firms and their trade group, the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America, insurers like Blue Cross/Blue Shield, the American Hospital Association, the American Medical Association, universities, retailers, restaurant chains, manufacturers, telecommunications firms and labor unions.

หนึ่งปีหลังจากผ่านการปฏิรูปการดูแลสุขภาพอย่างต่อเนื่องเพื่อสร้างค่าการล็อบบี้และทางกฎหมาย

หนึ่งปีที่ผ่านมาในวันนี้ประธานาธิบดีโอบามาลงนามในผู้ป่วยการดูแลป้องกันและราคาไม่แพงพระราชบัญญัติเป็นกฎหมาย กระบวนการนิติบัญญัติที่นำไปสู่การตรากฎหมายเรียกเก็บเงินของการพิสูจน์ให้เป็นประโยชน์เพื่อ lobbyists รวมทั้ง aides อดีตไปยังสมาชิกหลัก อุตสาหกรรมการกระทำมีอิทธิพลต่อการบริหารและสมาชิกสภาคองเกรสจากในช่วงต้นของกระบวนการและการล็อบบี้อย่างต่อเนื่องหลังจากที่เรียกเก็บเงินก็ผ่านไปได้

ในปี 2009 และ 2010, lobbyists สำหรับบาง 1,251 องค์กรเปิดเผยการล็อบบี้ในบิล, ตามศูนย์ตอบสนองการเมือง ผลประโยชน์ที่รวม บริษัท ยาและกลุ่มการค้า, การวิจัยและการผลิตยาของอเมริกาของพวกเขา บริษัท ผู้รับประกันภัยชอบ Blue Cross / Blue Shield, สมาคมโรงพยาบาลอเมริกัน, American Medical Association, มหาวิทยาลัย, ค้าปลีก, กลุ่มร้านอาหาร, ผู้ผลิต, บริษัท โทรคมนาคมและสหภาพแรงงาน .

Un anno dopo il passaggio, la riforma sanitaria continua agenerare spese di lobbying e di diritto

Un anno fa oggi, il presidente Obama ha firmato la protezione del paziente e non costose legge in legge. Il processo legislativo che ha portato alla promulgazione del disegno di legge si è rivelata un vantaggio per i lobbisti, tra cui ex collaboratori di membri chiave.Industria esercitato un'influenza sulla gestione e membri delCongresso fin dalle prime fasi del processo, e ha continuatolobbying dopo il disegno di legge è stata approvata.

Nel 2009 e nel 2010, 1.251 lobbisti per alcune organizzazionicomunicati lobbying sul disegno di legge, secondo il Center for Responsive Politics. Tali interessi incluso le impresefarmaceutiche e del loro gruppo commerciale, la ricerca farmaceutica e Produttori di America, gli assicuratori, come Blue Cross / Blue Shield, l'American Hospital Association, l'American Medical Association, università, commercianti, catene di ristoranti, produttori, società di telecomunicazioni e sindacati .

Un anno dopo il passaggio, la riforma sanitaria continua a generare spese di lobbying e di diritto

Un anno fa oggi, il presidente Obama ha firmato la protezione del paziente e non costose legge in legge. Il processo legislativo che ha portato alla promulgazione del disegno di legge si è rivelata un vantaggio per i lobbisti, tra cui ex collaboratori di membri chiave. Industria esercitato un'influenza sulla gestione e membri del Congresso fin dalle prime fasi del processo, e ha continuato lobbying dopo il disegno di legge è stata approvata.

Nel 2009 e nel 2010, 1.251 lobbisti per alcune organizzazioni comunicati lobbying sul disegno di legge, secondo il Center for Responsive Politics. Tali interessi incluso le imprese farmaceutiche e del loro gruppo commerciale, la ricerca farmaceutica e Produttori di America, gli assicuratori, come Blue Cross / Blue Shield, l'American Hospital Association, l'American Medical Association, università, commercianti, catene di ristoranti, produttori, società di telecomunicazioni e sindacati .

Post annum loco manet reformare valetudinis generare feodis et actiones lobbying

Unus annus abhinc hodie President Obama signed Praesidium et patiens Care Act Maecenas tristique in lege. Processus legislativa duxit rogationem lata's probavit lobbyists beneficium, etiam ut illa Tite key members. Industry invita pertingit ad administrationem a sodales Congress mane in processu, pergit billa lobbying lata.

In et MMIX MMX, aliquod lobbyists aperit 1.251 Institutionum liber in lobbying secundum Center for Politics responsive. Pharmaceutical studia inclusa et negotia nem coetus in Pharmaceutical Manufacturers lucubrationes Americae Blue Cross ut insurers / Blue Shield, Hospital Association American, American Association Medical, academias, Retailers Restaurant vinculis manufacturers, nem et labore Telecommunications uniones .

Polls Highlight Split on Health Care Law

noreply@blogger.com (socrates al-hakim) — Thu, 24 Mar 2011 12:49:00 +0000

One year after President Obama signed the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act into law, the public remains confused about the legislation, divided on its passage and unconvinced that it will improve health care.

And a significant partisan rift persists as Democrats continue to have positive reactions to the law and Republicans remain negative about it.

In a recent Kaiser Family Foundation poll, less than half, 47 percent, said they had enough information about the law to know how it would affect them.

People without health insurance and those from low-income households — those most likely to benefit from the law — were more inclined to say that they had too little information to understand how it would affect them personally. This is only slightly more than last April, when 43 percent said they had enough information about the health reform law.

The public is evenly divided on the passage of the law: Forty-six percent in arecent Gallup Poll said it was a good thing that Congress passed a law that revamps the nation’s health care system, while 44 percent said it was a bad thing.

This balanced division masks the stark political splits. More than three-quarters, 79 percent, of Democrats called the law’s passage a good thing. Conversely, just about as many Republicans, 74 percent, deemed passage a bad thing.

Independents were more closely divided: 37 percent said it was a good thing and 51 percent a bad thing.

Both surveys found opinions remained divided on the effect of the health care law on medical care in the country as a whole, as well as its impact on people’s personal health care. (Some of the legislation’s main provisions will not go into effect for a few more years.)

The Gallup Poll was conducted March 18 and 19 with 1,038 adults nationwide and has a margin of sampling error of plus or minus 4 percentage points. The Kaiser Family Foundation poll was conducted March 8 through 13 with 1,202 adults nationwide and has a margin of sampling error of plus or minus 3 percentage points.

გამოკითხვა მონიშნეთ გაყოფილი "ჯანმრთელობის დაცვის შესახებ კანონი

ერთი წლის შემდეგ პრეზიდენტმა ობამამ ხელი მოაწერა პაციენტთა დაცვისა და ხელმისაწვდომი მომსახურება აქტი შევიდა კანონი, საზოგადოებრივ რჩება დაბნეული შესახებ კანონმდებლობის, დაყოფილი მისი გამავლობის და unconvinced, რომ ეს ხელს შეუწყობს ჯანდაცვის.
და მნიშვნელოვანი პარტიზანი განხეთქილების გამეორდება, როგორც დემოკრატები განაგრძობს პოზიტიური რეაქციები კანონი და რესპუბლიკელები კვლავ უარყოფითი შესახებ.
ამ ბოლო დროს Kaiser საოჯახო ფონდი გამოკითხვის მიხედვით, არანაკლებ ნახევარი, 47 პროცენტი, განაცხადა, რომ მათ საკმარისი ინფორმაცია კანონის იცოდეს როგორ იმოქმედებდა მათ.
ხალხის გარეშე ჯანმრთელობის დაზღვევის და იმ დაბალი შემოსავლის მქონე ოჯახებისათვის - ის ყველაზე მეტად ისარგებლოს კანონის - უფრო მეტი იყო, ჩართულნი საგანმანათლებლო ვთქვა, რომ მათ ძალიან მცირე ინფორმაცია გაიგოთ, თუ როგორ იმოქმედებდა მათ პირადად. ეს მხოლოდ ოდნავ მეტია გასული წლის აპრილში, როდესაც 43 პროცენტი, განაცხადა, რომ მათ საკმარისი ინფორმაცია ჯანდაცვის რეფორმის კანონით.
საზოგადოება თანაბრად დაყოფილი გამავლობის კანონის: ორმოცდაექვსი პროცენტით ბოლო Gallup გამოკითხვა განაცხადა, რომ ეს კარგია, რომ კონგრესში მიიღო კანონი, რომელიც revamps ქვეყნის ჯანდაცვის სისტემა, ხოლო 44 პროცენტის აზრით, ეს იყო ცუდი რამ.
ამ დაბალანსებული განყოფილება ნიღბიანი ხისტი პოლიტიკური გაყოფილი. მეტი სამი მეოთხედი, 79 პროცენტი, დემოკრატების მოუწოდა კანონის გამავლობის კარგია. პირიქით, სულ დაახლოებით იმდენი რესპუბლიკელები, 74 პროცენტი, ითვლება გამავლობის ცუდი რამ.
დამოუკიდებელია უფრო მჭიდროდ იყოფა: 37 პროცენტის აზრით, ეს კარგია და 51 პროცენტს ცუდი რამ.
ორივე კვლევები ი აზრი დარჩა დაყოფილი ეფექტი ჯანდაცვის შესახებ კანონი სამედიცინო მომსახურების ქვეყანა მთლიანად, ასევე მის გავლენას ხალხის პირადი ჯანდაცვა.(ზოგიერთ კანონმდებლობის ძირითადი დებულებები არ წავიდეთ ძალაში რამდენიმე წლის განმავლობაში.)
Gallup გამოკითხვა ჩატარდა 18 მარტს და 19 ერთად 1,038 უფროსებისათვის ეროვნული და ზღვარი შერჩევითი ცდომილება პლუს ან მინუს 4 პროცენტული რაოდენობა.Kaiser საოჯახო ფონდი გამოკითხვა ჩატარდა 8 მარტი საშუალებით 13 რომელზეც 1,202 უფროსებისათვის მასშტაბით და აქვს ზღვარი შერჩევითი ცდომილება პლუს და მინუს 3 პროცენტული რაოდენობა.

Uchaguzi Highlight Split juu ya Huduma ya Afya ya Sheria

Mwaka mmoja baada ya Rais Obama saini ya Ulinzi na subira na nafuu ya Huduma ya Sheria ya ndani ya sheria, wananchi bado kuchanganyikiwa kuhusu sheria hiyo, umegawanyika katika kifungu yake na hajaridhishwa kuwa ni kuboresha huduma za afya.
Na muhimu ufa msaidizi likiendelea kama Democrats kuendelea kuwa na athari chanya na Sheria na Republican kubaki hasi kuhusu hilo.
Katika uchaguzi wa hivi karibuni Kaiser Family Foundation, chini ya nusu, asilimia 47, walisema taarifa ya kutosha juu ya Sheria ya kujua jinsi gani kuathiri yao.
Watu bila bima ya afya na wale kutoka familia za kipato - wale zaidi uwezekano wa faida na Sheria - walikuwa kupendelea kusema kuwa walikuwa na taarifa kidogo sana kuelewa jinsi gani kuathiri yao binafsi. Hii ni kidogo zaidi kuliko Aprili uliopita, wakati asilimia 43 walisema taarifa za kutosha kuhusu sheria ya marekebisho ya afya.
umma ni sawasawa kugawanyika juu ya kifungu cha Sheria ya arobaini na asilimia sita katika ya hivi karibuni Gallup Poll alisema ni jambo zuri kwamba Bunge lilipitisha sheria ya kuwa revamps ya afya ya taifa ya mfumo wa huduma, wakati asilimia 44 alisema ni jambo baya.
Uwiano huu mgawanyiko masks kabisa kisiasa splits. Zaidi ya robo tatu, asilimia 79, wa Democrats aitwaye kifungu ya sheria ni jambo jema. Kinyume chake, kama wengi tu kuhusu Republican, asilimia 74, kifungu aliona kitu mbaya.
Wagombea binafsi walikuwa karibu zaidi kugawanywa: 37 asilimia alisema ni jambo zuri na asilimia 51 kitu mbaya.
Wote tafiti kupatikana maoni alibakia kugawanyika juu ya athari za sheria ya huduma za afya juu ya huduma ya matibabu katika nchi nzima, pamoja na madhara yake katika huduma ya afya ya watu binafsi. (Baadhi ya masharti ya sheria kuu si kwenda katika athari kwa miaka michache zaidi.)
Uchaguzi wa Gallup ulifanyika Machi 18 na 19 na watu wazima 1,038 nchi nzima na ina kiasi ya sampuli kosa la plus au minus asilimia pointi 4. Kaiser Family Foundation uchaguzi ulifanyika Machi 8 kwa watu wazima 13 na 1,202 nchi nzima na ina kiasi ya sampuli kosa la plus au minus pointi asilimia 3.

Refresh Mind

noreply@blogger.com (socrates al-hakim) — Thu, 24 Mar 2011 03:48:00 +0000

Toenail study: No heart risk from mercury in fish

noreply@blogger.com (socrates al-hakim) — Wed, 23 Mar 2011 23:43:00 +0000

In an unusual health study, researchers analyzing toxin levels in tens of thousands of toenail clippings determined that mercury from eating fish does not raise the risk of heart disease or stroke.

Health experts have long urged people to eat fish to lower heart risks, but some have worried that the mercury in certain types of fish like shark and swordfish might offset any benefits. Earlier studies on mercury and heart problems in adults have yielded contradictory results.

The latest government-funded work is the largest to look at this question. Instead of relying on what people said they ate, it measured mercury in their toenails — a good gauge of long-term exposure to the metal from fish consumption.

No differences were seen in the rates of heart and stroke among those with the highest concentrations of mercury compared to those with the lowest.

"The average person should eat fish as part of a healthy diet," and not worry about ill heart effects, said Harvard School of Public Health cardiologist Dr. Dariush Mozaffarian, who led the research published in Thursday's New England Journal of Medicine.

Mercury occurs naturally in soil and rocks, including coal. It gets into the air from coal-fired power plants and other sources, and settles into water. Small fish absorb mercury when they feed on plankton, and they, in turn, are eaten by bigger fish. Older and larger predator fish — like shark, swordfish and king mackerel — tend to accumulate the highest mercury levels.

In high quantities, the metal can damage the developing brain and nervous system of young children and is a special concern for pregnant women because of potential harm to the fetus.

The new research in adults used information from two studies of 174,000 health professionals. Some participants sent in toenail clippings when the work started decades ago.

Since toenails grow slowly and at different rates, they are favored over blood samples because they provide a more accurate picture of long-term mercury exposure. Toenails are also easy to collect and can be stored cheaply.

After an average of 11 years, 3,500 participants who had given nail samples had suffered strokes or developed heart disease. Researchers compared them to an equal number of participants who did not develop those health problems.

After adjusting for factors such as age, gender and smoking, there was no link between mercury exposure and risks for heart disease or stroke. This was true even at high exposure where the average toenail mercury levels were 1 microgram per gram — roughly twice the recommended limit for pregnant women.

The American Heart Association recommends that adults eat fish at least twice a week. Pregnant women and young children are advised to avoid fish with the highest mercury concentrations and limit themselves to 12 ounces of fish a week such as shrimp, salmon and catfish, which contain lower mercury levels.

While fish contains heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids, consumers should also round out their diet with whole grains and fruits and vegetables, experts say.

"Fish intake is important, but we also have to think about the whole package," said Alice Lichtenstein, a Tufts University nutrition professor and spokeswoman for the heart group, who was not involved in the research.

Toenail Studju: L-ebda riskju tal-qalb mill-merkurju fil-ħut

Fi studju tas-saħħa mhux tas-soltu, Riċerkaturi analiżi livelli ta 'tossini fl-għexieren ta' eluf ta 'clippings determinat li l-merkurju toenail milli jieklu ħut ma jgħolli r-riskju ta' mard tal-qalb jew puplesija.

esperti tas-Saħħa ilhom ħeġġeġ lin-nies biex jieklu ħut għal riskji tal-qalb aktar baxxi, iżda xi wħud jinkwetaw il-merkurju fil Dik Ċerti tipi ta 'ħut simili klieb il-baħar u Pixxispad jagħmlu tajjeb xi benefiċċji. studji preċedenti dwar il-problemi tal-merkurju u tal-qalb fl-Adulti taw riżultati kontradittorji.

Il-ħidma aħħar iffinanzjata mill-gvern huwa l-akbar li tħares lejn din il-kwistjoni. Minflok wieħed jistrieħ fuq dak in-nies qal Sonny ate, hija mkejla merkurju fl toenails TAGĦHOM - gauge tajjeb ta 'esponiment fit-tul għall-metall mill-konsum tal-ħut.

Kienu dehru ebda differenzi fir-rati tal-qalb u puplesija ma 'l-Bear Ġlieda Fost konċentrazzjonijiet ogħla ta' merkurju meta mqabbla ma 'Bear Ġlieda ma' l-aktar baxx.

"Jekk il-persuna medja jieklu ħut bħala parti minn dieta sana," u ma joqogħdu jinkwetaw dwar l-effetti tal-qalb morda, qal li l-Harvard School of Public Health Dr Cardiologist. Dariush Mozaffarian, li wasslu lill-riċerka ppubblikata fil-Ġurnal Ħamis Ingilterra l-Ġdida tal-Mediċina.

Merkurju sseħħ b'mod naturali fil-ħamrija u blat, inklużi l-faħam. Jiġrilha fl-ilma minn impjanti jaħdmu bil-faħam u sorsi oħrajn, u toqgħod fl-ilma. ħut Żgħar jassorbu merkurju Meta Huma l-għalf fuq il-plankton, u Huma, min-naħa tagħhom, huma mikulin mill-ikbar ħut. Anzjani u akbar ħut predatorju - Kelb simili, king mackerel u Pixxispad - għandhom tendenza li jakkumulaw l-livelli tal-merkurju ogħla.

Fil Kwantitajiet għolja, il-metall jistgħu jagħmlu ħsara lill-moħħ u sistema nervuża-iżvilupp ta 'tfal żgħar u huwa ta' tħassib speċjali lil nisa tqal Minħabba ta 'ħsara potenzjali għall-fetu.

Il-riċerka ġodda fl-Adulti użat informazzjoni minn żewġ studji ta 'professjonisti tas-saħħa 174.000. Xi parteċipanti mibgħuta clippings toenail Meta x-xogħol beda ikkontestata ilu.

Peress toenails Kabbar Bil-mod u b'rati differenti, Huma huma ppreferuti fuq kampjuni tad-demm minħabba li jipprovdu stampa aktar preċiża ta 'espożizzjoni għall-merkurju fit-tul. Toenails huma wkoll rati faċli biex tinġabar u jistgħu jiġu maħżuna bl-irħis.

Wara medja ta '11-il sena, 3,500 parteċipanti li minħabba l-limiti tal-limiti ta' kampjuni tad-dwiefer puplesiji soffruti jew mard tal-qalb żviluppati. Riċerkaturi mqabbla prototip għal numru ugwali ta 'parteċipanti li ma żviluppawx problemi tas-saħħa Bear Ġlieda.

Wara l-aġġustament għall-fatturi Poor 'età, sess u t-tipjip, ma kien hemm ebda rabta Bejn espożizzjoni għall-merkurju u r-riskji għall-mard tal-qalb jew puplesija. Dan kien veru anke fuq espożizzjoni għolja fejn il-livelli medji tal-merkurju toenail Kieku 1 mikrogramma kull gramma - madwar Darbtejn l-limiti rakkomandati għal nisa tqal.

L-American Heart Association jirrakkomanda li l-adulti jieklu ħut mill-inqas darbtejn fil-ġimgħa. Nisa tqal u tfal żgħar huma avżati biex jevitaw ħut ma 'l-konċentrazzjonijiet tal-merkurju ogħla u jillimitaw ruħhom għal 12 uqija ta' ħut fil-ġimgħa Standard and Poor gambli, salamun u catfish, li fihom livelli baxxi merkurju.

Filwaqt li ħut fih aċidi qalb b'saħħithom omega-3 fatty, Jekk ir-rati il-konsumaturi wkoll TAGĦHOM round l-dieta bil-frott u żrieragħ sħaħ u l-ħxejjex, l-esperti jgħidu.

"Il-konsum tal-ħut huwa importanti, imma aħna wkoll rati biex jaħsbu dwar il-pakkett kollu," qal Alice Lichtenstein, a trofof Università professur Nutriment u l-kelliema għall-grupp tal-qalb, li ma kienx involut fil-riċerka.

Toenail Estudo: Não há risco cardíaco de mercúrio em peixes

Em um estudo de saúde fora do comum, investigadores que analisam os níveis de toxina em dezenas de milhares de recortes concluiu que Mercúrio unha de comer peixe não aumenta o risco de doença cardíaca ou derrame.

Os peritos da saúde já alertaram as pessoas a comer peixes menores riscos cardíacos, mas alguns têm preocupado o mercúrio em certos tipos de peixes como tubarões e espadarte poderia compensar os eventuais benefícios. Estudos anteriores sobre os problemas do mercúrio e do coração em adultos produziram resultados contraditórios.

O mais recente trabalho financiado pelo governo é o maior de olhar para esta questão. Em vez de confiar no que as pessoas comiam, disse Sonny, ele mediu o mercúrio nas unhas dos pés deles - um bom indicador de exposição a longo prazo para o metal a partir do consumo de peixe.

Não foram observadas diferenças nas taxas de cardíaco e de curso com o Urso de luta entre as mais altas concentrações de mercúrio em relação ao Bear Lute com os mais baixos.

"Se a pessoa comum comer peixe, como parte de uma dieta saudável", e não se preocupar efeitos sobre o coração doente, disse que a Escola de Saúde Pública de Harvard Dr. Cardiologista. Dariush Mozaffarian, que liderou a pesquisa publicada no New England Journal of Medicine.

O mercúrio ocorre naturalmente em solos e rochas, incluindo o carvão. Ele fica na água a partir de usinas a carvão e outras fontes, e se instala dentro de água. Pequenos peixes absorvem o mercúrio quando se alimentam de plâncton, e eles, por sua vez, são comidos por peixes maiores. Mais velhos e maiores peixes predadores - como o tubarão, cavala e espadarte - tendem a acumular-se os maiores níveis de mercúrio.

Em quantidades elevadas, o metal pode danificar o cérebro eo sistema nervoso em desenvolvimento de crianças e jovens é uma preocupação especial para gestantes, devido a danos potenciais para o feto.

A nova pesquisa em Adultos usou a informação de dois estudos de 174 mil profissionais de saúde. Alguns participantes enviados em Recortes unha Quando o trabalho começou desafiou atrás.

Desde unhas crescem lentamente e em ritmos diferentes, eles são favorecidos sobre as amostras de sangue porque eles fornecem uma imagem mais precisa da exposição ao mercúrio a longo prazo. As unhas são também taxas de fácil coleta e podem ser armazenadas mais barato.

Após uma média de 11 anos, 3.500 participantes que dado os limites dos limites de amostras da unha sofreram ataques cardíacos ou doenças do coração desenvolvidas. Os investigadores compararam protótipo para um número igual de participantes que não desenvolveram problemas de saúde Bear Fight.

Após o ajuste para fatores etários Pobres ', sexo e tabagismo, não houve ligação entre a exposição ao mercúrio e os riscos de doença cardíaca ou derrame. Isso era verdade mesmo em alta exposição onde os níveis de mercúrio média unha foram de 1 micrograma por grama - aproximadamente o dobro do limite recomendado para mulheres grávidas.

A American Heart Association recomenda que os adultos comem peixes pelo menos duas vezes por semana. As mulheres grávidas e crianças pequenas são aconselhados a evitar o peixe com as maiores concentrações de mercúrio e limitar-se a 12 gramas de peixe por semana Standard and Poor camarão, salmão e peixe-gato, que contêm baixos níveis de mercúrio.

Enquanto o peixe contém o coração saudável omega-3 os ácidos gordos, as taxas Os consumidores também seus completar a dieta com frutas e cereais integrais e vegetais, dizem os especialistas.

"O consumo de peixes é importante, mas também as taxas têm que pensar sobre o pacote todo", disse Alice Lichtenstein, professora de nutrição da Universidade Tufts e porta-voz do grupo de coração, que não estava envolvido na pesquisa.

Toenail навучання: Няма сэрца рызыкі ад ртуці ў рыбе

У незвычайным даследаванні здароўя, даследчыкі аналізу таксіну узроўняў у дзясяткі тысяч вызначаецца Clippings Гэта пазногці ртуці ад ежы рыбы не павышае рызыку хваробы сэрца або інсульт.

Эксперты ў галіне аховы здароўя ўжо даўно заклікаў людзей ядуць рыбу, каб знізіць рызыкі сэрца, але некаторыя з іх занепакоеныя ртуці ў, што некаторыя віды рыб, як акула і меч-рыбы можа звесці ніякай выгады. Раней праведзеныя даследаванні па ртуці і праблемы з сэрцам у дарослых далі супярэчлівыя вынікі.

Апошнія фінансуюцца ўрадам працы з'яўляецца найбуйнейшым глядзець на гэтае пытанне. Замест таго каб спадзявацца на тое, што людзі казалі, Сонні елі, ён вымяраецца ртуці ў пазногці свае - добрыя датчык доўгатэрміновага ўздзеяння на метал ад спажывання рыбы.

Было заўважана ніякіх адрозненняў у хуткасці сэрца і інсульту з мядзведзем змагацца паміж Найбольш высокія канцэнтрацыі ртуці ў параўнанні з Bear барацьбы з самымі нізкімі.

"Калі сярэдні чалавек есць рыбу, як частка здаровай дыеты", і не турбавацца пра сэрца негатыўных наступстваў, сказаў Гарвардскай школы грамадскага аховы здароўя д-р кардыёлаг. Дарыюш Мозаффариан, які ўзначальваў даследаванне, апублікаванае ў Новай Англіі ў чацвер Часопісе медыцыны.

Ртуць сустракаецца ў прыродзе ў глебы і горных парод, у тым ліку вугалю. Ён трапляе ў ваду з вугальных электрастанцый і іншых крыніц, а асядае ў вадзе. Рыбка паглынаць ртуць, сілкуючыся планктонам, а яны, у сваю чаргу, ядуць больш рыбы. Пажылым і вялікіх драпежных рыб - як акула, каралеўская макрэль і меч-рыбы - як правіла, назапашваюцца самыя высокія ўзроўні ртуці.

У вялікіх колькасцях, метал можа прывесці да пашкоджання мозгу і нервовай сістэмы Развіццё дзяцей малодшага ўзросту і з'яўляецца асаблівай заклапочанасці для цяжарных жанчын з-за патэнцыйнага шкоды для плёну.

Новых даследаванняў у дарослых выкарыстоўваць інфармацыю з двух даследаванняў 174000 медыцынскіх работнікаў. Некаторыя ўдзельнікі адпраўляюцца ў пазногці Clippings Калі пачалася праца аспрэчваецца таму.

Так як пазногці растуць павольна і з рознай хуткасцю, яны аддаюць перавагу больш проб крыві, паколькі яны забяспечваюць больш дакладнае ўяўленне аб доўгатэрміновых ўздзеяння ртуці. Пазногці таксама нумары лёгка збіраць і можа захоўвацца танна.

Пасля сярэднім 11 гадоў, 3500 удзельнікаў, якія з улікам межы пазногця узораў межы перанеслі інсульт ці сардэчна-сасудзістых захворванняў распрацаваны. Даследнікі параўналі прататып роўнае колькасць удзельнікаў, якія не развіваліся праблемы са здароўем мядзведзя барацьбы.

Пасля уліку фактараў ўзросту бедных, мужчын і жанчын і не паляць, няма ніякай сувязі паміж уздзеяннем ртуці і рызыку развіцця хваробаў сэрца і інсульту. Гэта было дакладна нават пры высокіх экспазіцыі, дзе сярэднія ўзроўні ртуці пазногці былі 1 мкг на грам - прыкладна ў два разы рэкамендуемы лімітавы для цяжарных жанчын.

Амерыканская Асацыяцыя Сэрца рэкамендуе, каб дарослыя ядуць рыбу радзей двух разоў у тыдзень. Цяжарныя жанчыны і дзеці малодшага ўзросту рэкамендуецца пазбягаць рыб з найбольшай канцэнтрацыяй ртуці і абмяжоўваць сябе да 12 грамаў рыбы ў тыдзень стандартныя і бедных крэветак, ласося і сома, якія ўтрымліваюць больш нізкія ўзроўні ртуці.

Хоць рыба змяшчае сэрца амега-3 тлустых кіслот, Калі спажыўцы таксама нумары ІХ завяршаюць дыета з садавінай і суцэльнага збожжа і агародніны, кажуць эксперты.

"Рыба спажыванне з'яўляецца важным, але мы таксама стаўкі павінны думаць аб цэлым пакеце," сказала Аліса Ліхтэнштэйн, Універсітэт Тафтса харчавання прафесар і прэс-цэнтры групы, які не прымаў удзелу ў даследаванні.

足の爪の研究：魚類の水銀なし心臓病の危険性

異常な健康調査では、決定クリッピング何千もの心臓病や脳卒中のリスクが発生しない魚を食べてからその足の爪の水銀数十の毒素レベルを分析する研究。

保健専門家は長いが、人々は低い心臓リスクに魚を食べるように主張してきたいくつかはサメやメカジキなどの魚のそれは特定の種類の水銀を心配しているすべての利点を相殺するかも。大人の水銀や心臓の問題の以前の研究では、矛盾する結果が得られている。

最新の政府出資の仕事はこの質問を見て最大です。代わりに、ソニーは何を食べたかの人が言ったに頼ることなく、それは彼らの爪の水銀を測定 - 長期暴露の良いゲージを金属に魚の消費量から。

クマさんの心や脳卒中の発生率に差はベアーが最も低いとの戦いに比べて水銀の最高濃度の中で戦いが見られた。

と"平均的な人、健康的な食事の一環として、魚を食べる必要があります"ではないの中心部に悪影響を心配する、公衆衛生博士循環器内科のハーバード大学は言った。医学の木曜日のニューイングランドジャーナルに発表された研究を主導したダリウシュMozaffarian。

水銀は土壌や岩石、石炭を含む自然に発生します。これは、石炭火力発電所やその他のソースからの水の中に取得し、水の中にセトリングします。彼らはプランクトンを餌にする小魚は、水銀を吸収する彼らは、今度は、大きな魚が食べられている。それ以上の年齢の、より大きな捕食魚 - のようなサメは、王のサバとソードフィッシュは - 最高の水銀のレベルを蓄積する傾向がある。

高量では、金属は、小さなお子様の開発脳と神経系損傷し、胎児への潜在的な被害のために妊娠中の女性のための特別な関心事です。

大人の新しい研究では、174000医療専門家の二つの研究からの情報を使用していました。仕事は前に挑戦を開始すると一部の参加者が足の爪のクリッピングに送信されます。

成長ゆっくりと足の爪から彼らは長期的な水銀暴露のより正確な画像を提供するため、異なる速度で、彼らは、血液サンプルで好まれている。爪は、速度にも収集しやすい安価に保存することができます。

苦しんでストロークや心臓病の爪サンプルの制限の範囲を指定された11歳、3500参加者の平均後に開発した。研究者たちは、ファイトベアーの健康上の問題を開発していない参加者の数と同じ数のプロトタイプを比較した。

要因プアーズ年齢、性別、喫煙の影響を調整した後、水銀曝露と心臓病や脳卒中のリスクの間のリンクがないでした。妊娠中の女性のため約2倍の範囲の下限 - これは、平均足の爪の水銀濃度は、グラム1マイクログラムあたりであった高露出でも本当だった。

米国心臓協会は、その大人は、少なくとも週に2回魚を食べることをお勧めします。妊娠中の女性や子供がどの低い水銀レベルを含む、最高の水銀濃度で魚を避けるために、魚の12オンスの週に、スタンダードアンドプアーズエビ、サーモン、ナマズ自体を制限することをお勧めします。

魚は心臓の健康にオメガ3脂肪酸が含まれていますが、果物、全粒穀物と野菜のダイエットを完成それらば、消費者率は、専門家は言う。

"魚の摂取量が重要なのはですが、我々はまた、料金、パッケージ全体を考えなければならない"と、研究には関わっていないアリスリヒテンシュタインは、タフツ大学栄養学教授と広報担当者は心のグループのために、言いました。

Arthritis

noreply@blogger.com (socrates al-hakim) — Wed, 23 Mar 2011 16:17:00 +0000

First study to examine the national burden of arthritis among specific Hispanic groups

An estimated 3.1 million Hispanic adults in the United States have arthritis.

A newly released CDC study provides information on the burden of arthritis among specific Hispanic groups in the United States. CDC found the prevalence of arthritis varied across Hispanic populations, ranging from 12% among Cuban/Cuban-Americans to 22% among Puerto Ricans. The study also showed that at least one in five Hispanics with arthritis experienced an adverse effect associated with arthritis such as activity limitations and pain. Approximately 1.4 million Hispanics had activity limitations due to arthritis, making it the most common disability across Hispanic groups.

In this report, CDC described the prevalence of arthritis and arthritis-attributable effects (activity limitations, work limitations, pain) among seven groups of Hispanics. The Hispanic groups were— Mexicans; Mexican Americans; Central and South Americans; Puerto Ricans; other or Multiple Hispanics; Cuban/Cuban Americans; and Dominicans. This analysis was based on data from the National Health Interview Survey, a survey that is designed to be representative of the U.S. civilian population.

10 Tips To Healthy Eating

noreply@blogger.com (socrates al-hakim) — Sun, 13 Mar 2011 15:28:00 +0000

Experts agree the key to healthy eating is the time-tested advice of balance, variety and moderation. In short, that means eating a wide variety of foods without getting too many calories or too much of any one nutrient. These 10 tips can help you follow that advice while still enjoying the foods you eat.

See Reference Guide for: Vitamins Minerals Amino Acids Herbs Special Nutrients Anti-Oxidants
Dietary Fibers Nutritional Greens Digestive Nutrients also see Nutritional Glossary INDEX

Eat a variety of nutrient-rich foods. You need more than 40 different nutrients for good health, and no single food supplies them all. Your daily food selection should include bread and other whole-grain products; fruits; vegetables; dairy products; and meat, poultry, fish and other protein foods. How much you should eat depends on your calorie needs. Use the Food Guide Pyramid and the Nutrition Facts panel on food labels as handy references.
Enjoy plenty of whole grains, fruits and vegetables. Surveys show most Americans don't eat enough of these foods. Do you eat 6-11 servings from the bread, rice, cereal and pasta group, 3 of which should be whole grains? Do you eat 2-4 servings of fruit and 3-5 servings of vegetables? If you don't enjoy some of these at first, give them another chance. Look through cookbooks for tasty ways to prepare unfamiliar foods.
Maintain a healthy weight. The weight that's right for you depends on many factors including your sex, height, age and heredity. Excess body fat increases your chances for high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, diabetes, some types of cancer and other illnesses. But being too thin can increase your risk for osteoporosis, menstrual irregularities and other health problems. If you're constantly losing and regaining weight, a registered dietitian can help you develop sensible eating habits for successful weight management. Regular exercise is also important to maintaining a healthy weight.
Eat moderate portions. If you keep portion sizes reasonable, it's easier to eat the foods you want and stay healthy. Did you know the recommended serving of cooked meat is 3 ounces, similar in size to a deck of playing cards? A medium piece of fruit is 1 serving and a cup of pasta equals 2 servings. A pint of ice cream contains 4 servings. Refer to the Food Guide Pyramid for information on recommended serving sizes.
Eat regular meals. Skipping meals can lead to out-of-control hunger, often resulting in overeating. When you're very hungry, it's also tempting to forget about good nutrition. Snacking between meals can help curb hunger, but don't eat so much that your snack becomes an entire meal.
Reduce, don't eliminate certain foods. Most people eat for pleasure as well as nutrition. If your favorite foods are high in fat, salt or sugar, the key is moderating how much of these foods you eat and how often you eat them.
Identify major sources of these ingredients in your diet and make changes, if necessary. Adults who eat high-fat meats or whole-milk dairy products at every meal are probably eating too much fat. Use the Nutrition Facts panel on the food label to help balance your choices.
Choosing skim or low-fat dairy products and lean cuts of meat such as flank steak and beef round can reduce fat intake significantly.
If you love fried chicken, however, you don't have to give it up. Just eat it less often. When dining out, share it with a friend, ask for a take-home bag or a smaller portion.
Balance your food choices over time. Not every food has to be "perfect." When eating a food high in fat, salt or sugar, select other foods that are low in these ingredients. If you miss out on any food group one day, make up for it the next. Your food choices over several days should fit together into a healthy pattern.
Know your diet pitfalls. To improve your eating habits, you first have to know what's wrong with them. Write down everything you eat for three days. Then check your list according to the rest of these tips. Do you add a lot of butter, creamy sauces or salad dressings? Rather than eliminating these foods, just cut back your portions. Are you getting enough fruits and vegetables? If not, you may be missing out on vital nutrients.
Make changes gradually. Just as there are no "superfoods" or easy answers to a healthy diet, don't expect to totally revamp your eating habits overnight. Changing too much, too fast can get in the way of success. Begin to remedy excesses or deficiencies with modest changes that can add up to positive, lifelong eating habits. For instance, if you don't like the taste of skim milk, try low-fat. Eventually you may find you like skim, too.
Remember, foods are not good or bad. Select foods based on your total eating patterns, not whether any individual food is "good" or "bad." Don't feel guilty if you love foods such as apple pie, potato chips, candy bars or ice cream. Eat them in moderation, and choose other foods to provide the balance and variety that are vital to good health.

10 savjeta kako Healthy Eating

Stručnjaci se slažu da ključ zdrave prehrane je put testiran savjet ravnoteže, raznolikost i umjerenost. Ukratko, to znači da jede raznoliku hranu bez uzimajući previše kalorija i previše bilo kojeg hranjiva. Ovih 10 savjeta vam može pomoći da slijedite taj savjet, a još uvijek uživajući u hranu koju jedu.

Pogledajte referentni priručnik za: Vitamini Minerali Aminokiseline Bilje Posebne hranjive tvari anti-oxidants
Dijetalna vlakna prehrambene Zeleni Probavni Hranjiva vidi prehrambene Pojmovnik INDEKS

Jedite raznovrsne namirnice bogate hranjivim tvarima. Trebate više od 40 različitih hranjivih tvari za dobro zdravlje, i niti jedna hrane ih sve. Vaš dnevni izbor hrane treba da sadrži kruh i druge proizvode od cjelovitih žitarica, voća, povrća, mliječnih proizvoda i mesa, peradi, ribe i druge proteinske hrane. Koliko biste trebali jesti ovisi o vašem kalorijski potrebama. Koristi za hranu Vodič piramide i ploče Nutricionizam Činjenice o hrani etikete kao što su pri ruci reference.
Uživajte u mnogo cjelovitih žitarica, voća i povrća. Ankete pokazuju većina Amerikanaca ne jede dovoljno od tih namirnica. Da li jesti 6-11 obroka od kruh, riža, žitarice i tjestenina grupe, 3 koja bi trebala biti cijela zrna? Da li jesti 2-4 porcije voća i 3-5 porcije povrća? Ako ne uživati u nekim od ovih na prvi, dati im još jednu priliku.Pogledajte kroz kuharica za ukusna načine pripremiti nepoznate hrane.
Održavati zdravu tjelesnu težinu. Težinu to je prava stvar za vas ovisi o mnogim čimbenicima uključujući spol, visinu, dob i nasljednosti. Višak tjelesne masti povećava vaše šanse za visoki krvni tlak, bolesti srca, moždani udar, dijabetes, neke vrste raka i drugih bolesti. No, previše tanka može povećati rizik za osteoporozu, menstrualne nepravilnosti i drugih zdravstvenih problema. Ako ste stalno gubimo i vraćanju težine, registrirani dijetetičar može vam pomoći razviti pametan prehrambene navike za uspješnu kontrolu tjelesne težine. Redovita tjelovježba je također važno za održavanje zdrave težine.
Jedite umjerene porcije. Ako zadržati dio veličine razumne, to je lakše jesti hranu koju želite i ostanete zdravi. Jeste li znali preporuku posluživanje kuhanog mesa je 3 unci, slična u veličini do palube igraće karte? Srednji komad voća 1 porcija i čaša tjestenine iznosi 2 serviranja. Pinta sladoleda sadrži 4 servings. Pogledajte Food Guide Pyramid za informacije o preporučenim veličinama posluživanje.
Uzimajte redovite obroke. Preskakanje obroka može dovesti do out-of-control gladi, često rezultira u prejedanje. Kad ste jako gladni, to je također primamljiva da zaboravim dobru prehranu. Grickanje između obroka mogu pomoći obuzdati glad, ali ne jedu toliko da vaš snack postaje cijeli obrok.
Smanjite, ne eliminiraju određene namirnice. Većina ljudi jesti za užitak, kao i prehrana. Ako vaša omiljena hrana su visoke u masnoće, soli ili šećera, ključ je ublažavajući koliko od tih hranu koju jedu i koliko često ih jedu.
Prepoznati glavne izvore tih sastojaka u vašoj prehrani i napraviti promjene, ako je potrebno. Odrasle osobe koje jedu meso s visokim udjelom masnoća ili cijelo mlijeka mliječnih proizvoda u svaki obrok vjerojatno su jeli previše masnoće. Koristite panel Nutricionizam Činjenice o hrani oznaku kako bi se ravnoteža svoj izbor.
Odabir bacati ili nisko-mast mliječni proizvodi i mršav komadi mesa, kao što bok odrezak i govedine okrugli mogu smanjiti unos masti značajno.
Ako volite pržena piletina, međutim, ne morate se odreći. Dovoljno je jesti manje često. Kada blagovaona out, to podijeliti s prijateljem, pitati za ponijeti doma torbu ili manji dio.
Stanje vaš izbor hrane tijekom vremena. Nije svaki hrana mora biti "savršen". Kada jedući hranu visoke u masnoće, soli ili šećera, odaberite druge namirnice koje su niske u tih sastojaka. Ako propustite na bilo koji grupa hrane jedan dan, čine ga sljedeći. Vaš izbor hrane tijekom nekoliko dana trebao stati zajedno u zdrav uzorak.
Znaj svoje zamke dijeta. Da biste poboljšali svoje prehrambene navike, prvo morate znati što nije u redu s njima. Zapišite sve što jesti za tri dana. Zatim provjerite svoj popis prema ostatku ovih savjeta. Da li dodati puno maslac, kremasti umaci ili salatu? Umjesto uklanjanje tih namirnica, samo smanjiti vaš dijelove. Jeste li dobivanje dovoljno voća i povrća? Ako ne, vi svibanj biti nedostaju na vitalne hranjive tvari.
Napravite promjene postupno. Baš kao što ne postoje "super" ili jednostavno odgovore na zdravu prehranu, ne očekujem da potpuno obnoviti svoje prehrambene navike preko noći. Promjena previše, prebrzo se mogu dobiti na putu uspjeha.Počnite lijek ekscesima ili nedostataka sa skromnim promjenama koje se mogu dodati do pozitivnih, cjeloživotno prehrambene navike. Na primjer, ako vam se ne sviđa okus obrano mlijeko, probajte s niskim udjelom masti. Na kraju vam svibanj pronaći želite bacati, previše.
Zapamtite, hrana nije dobra ili loša. Odaberite hrane temelji se na Vaše ukupno prehrambene navike, a ne da li bilo koji pojedinac hrana je "dobar" ili "loše". Nemojte se osjećati krivima ako volite namirnice, kao što su pita od jabuka, čipsa, bombona barovi ili sladoled. ih jesti u umjerenim količinama, i izabrati druge namirnice osigurati ravnoteža i raznolikost koji su vitalni za dobro zdravlje.
10 съвета за здравословно хранене

Експертите са съгласни, ключът към здравословното хранене е изпитан съвет на баланс, разнообразие и умереност. Накратко, това означава, че яденето на голямо разнообразие от храни, без да става прекалено много калории, или твърде много от всички хранителни вещества един. Тези 10 съвета ще ви помогне да следват този съвет, докато се наслаждавате на храната, която ядем.

Вижте справки за: Витамини Минерали Аминокиселини Билки Специални хранителни вещества антиоксиданти
Диетични фибри Хранителни Зелените храносмилателната хранителни вещества също така да видите Хранителни Речник ИНДЕКС

Яжте разнообразни храни, богати на хранителни вещества. Вие се нуждаете от повече от 40 различни хранителни вещества за добро здраве, и нито един снабдяването с хранителни продукти всички тях. Дневният подбор храни трябва да включва хляб и други продукти с цели зърна, плодове, зеленчуци, млечни продукти и месо, птици, риба и други храни белтък. Колко трябва да се яде зависи от вашата калорийна нужда. Използвайте хранителната пирамида и Хранителна информация панел върху етикетите на храните като удобни препратки.
Насладете се на много пълнозърнести храни, плодове и зеленчуци.Проучванията показват, повечето американци не ядат достатъчно на тези храни. Ядете ли 6-11 порции от хляб, ориз, зърнени храни и тестени изделия група, 3 от които трябва да бъдат цели зърна? Ядете ли 2-4 порции плодове и 3-5 порции зеленчуци? Ако не се ползват някои от тях на първо място, да им даде още един шанс. Погледни през готварски книги за вкусни начини за приготвяне на непознати храни.
Поддържайте здравословно тегло. Теглото, което е точно за вас зависи от много фактори, включително вашия пол, височина, възраст и наследствеността.Излишните мазнини увеличава шансовете си за високо кръвно налягане, сърдечни заболявания, инсулт, диабет, някои видове рак и други заболявания.Но е твърде тънък, може да увеличи риска от остеопороза, менструални нарушения и други здравословни проблеми. Ако сте постоянно губи и възстановяване на теглото, регистриран диетолог може да ви помогнат да развиват разумно хранителни навици за успешно управление на теглото.Редовните упражнения също е важно за поддържането на здравословно тегло.
Яжте умерено порции. Ако държите размера на порцията за разумни, по-лесно е да се ядат храни, които искат и да останат здрави. Знаете ли, че се препоръчва, обслужващи от топлинно обработени месо е 3 грама, сходни по размер с тесте карти за игра? Със среден плод е 1 порция и чаша макаронени изделия се равнява на 2 порции. А литър сладолед съдържа 4 порции.Обърнете се към хранителната пирамида за информация за препоръчителните обслужващи размери.
Яжте редовно хранене. Пропускане на хранене може да доведе до извън контрол глад, което често води до преяждане. Когато сте много гладни, тя също е изкушаващо да забравите за правилното хранене. Лека закуска между отделните хранения може да помогне за ограничаване на глада, но да не се яде толкова много, че си закуска става цялото хранене.
Намаляване, не се отстранят определени храни. Повечето хора се хранят за удоволствие, както и храненето. Ако любимата ви храни са богати на мазнини, сол или захар, ключът е Модераторски колко от тези храни, които ядем и колко често ще ги изяде.
Определете основните източници на тези съставки в диетата си и да правите промени, ако е необходимо. Възрастните, които ядат богата на мазнини меса или пълномаслените млечни продукти на всяко хранене вероятно яде прекалено много мазнини. Използвайте Хранителни стойности панел на храна етикета, за да помогне на баланса на възможностите за избор.
Изборът обезмаслено или ниско съдържание на мазнини млечни продукти и постно разфасовки на месо като фланг пържола и кръг говеждо месо може да намали консумацията на мазнини значително.
Ако обичате пържено пиле, обаче, не трябва да се откаже от него. Просто го ядат по-рядко. Когато вечер, да го споделите с приятел, поиска да дома чанта или по-малък дял.
Баланс вашия избор на храни с течение на времето. Не всяка храна трябва да е "перфектен". Когато ям храна с високо съдържание на мазнини, сол или захар, изберете други храни, които са с ниско съдържание на тези съставки. Ако сте пропуснали върху всички хранителни групи един ден, да се компенсира това на следващата. Вашият избор на храна в продължение на няколко дни трябва да се съчетаят в един здравословен модел.
Знайте диета клопки. За да се подобри хранителните си навици, първо трябва да се знае какво не е наред с тях. Запишете всичко, което ядат в продължение на три дни. След това проверете списъка в съответствие с останалата част от тези съвети. Да добавя много масло, крем сосове или салата превръзки?Вместо да отстрани тези храни, просто нарязани гърба си части. Получавате ли достатъчно плодове и зеленчуци? Ако не, можете да се лишите от жизненоважни хранителни вещества.
Направете промени постепенно. Точно както не съществуват "суперхрани" или лесни отговори на здравословния начин на хранене, не очаквайте да преустрои напълно своите хранителни навици за една нощ. Смяна на твърде много, твърде бързо може да получите в пътя на успеха. Започнете да отстрани ексцесии или недостатъци със скромни промени, които могат да допринесат за положителна, през целия хранителни навици. Например, ако не ви харесва вкуса на обезмаслено мляко, опитайте ниско съдържание на мазнини. В крайна сметка може да откриете, че подобно на обезмасленото, също.
Не забравяйте, че храните не са добри или лоши. Изберете храни, въз основа на общите си модели на хранене, а не дали отделните храни е "добро" или "лошо". Не се чувствайте виновни, ако те храни като ябълков пай, картофен чипс, барове бонбони или сладолед. Яжте ги в умереността, и да изберат други храни, за да предоставят на баланс и разнообразие, които са от жизненоважно значение за доброто здраве.
10 Tipps für eine gesunde Ernährung

Experten sind sich einig der Schlüssel für eine gesunde Ernährung ist die bewährte Beratung der Ausgewogenheit, Abwechslung und Mäßigung. Kurz gesagt, bedeutet, dass Essen eine Vielzahl von Lebensmitteln, ohne zu viele Kalorien oder zu viel von einem Nährstoff. Diese 10 Tipps helfen Ihnen folgen die Beratung aber dennoch mit den Lebensmitteln Sie essen.

Siehe Referenzhandbuch: Vitamine Mineralstoffe Aminosäuren Kräuter speziellen Nährstoffen Anti-Oxidantien
Ballaststoffe Nahrungsergänzung Grünen Digestive Nährstoffe siehe auch Ernährungs Glossar Index

Essen Sie eine Vielzahl von nährstoffreichen Lebensmitteln. Sie benötigen mehr als 40 verschiedene Nährstoffe für eine gute Gesundheit, und kein einziges Lebensmittel liefert sie alle. Ihre tägliche Nahrung Auswahl sollte Brot und andere Vollkornprodukte enthalten; Obst, Gemüse, Milchprodukte und Fleisch, Geflügel, Fisch und anderen proteinreichen Nahrungsmitteln. Wie viel Sie essen sollten, hängt von Ihren Kalorienbedarf. Benutzen Sie die Ernährungspyramide und die Nährwerte Gremium für Lebensmittelzusatzstoffe,-Etiketten als handliche Referenzen.
Genießen Sie viel Vollkornprodukten, Obst und Gemüse. Umfragen zeigen die meisten Amerikaner essen nicht genug von diesen Lebensmitteln. Essen Sie 6-11 Portionen aus dem Brot, Reis, Getreide-und Teigwaren Gruppe, von denen 3 Vollkornprodukte werden sollte? Essen Sie 2-4 Portionen Obst und 3-5 Portionen Gemüse? Wenn Sie nicht in den Genuss einiger dieser auf den ersten, geben ihnen eine zweite Chance. Schauen Sie durch Kochbücher für leckere Möglichkeiten, ungewohnte Nahrungsmittel herzustellen.
Pflegen Sie ein gesundes Gewicht. Das Gewicht, das Richtige für Sie ist, hängt von vielen Faktoren wie Geschlecht, Größe, Alter und Vererbung. Überschüssiges Körperfett erhöht Ihre Chancen für hohen Blutdruck, Herzkrankheiten, Schlaganfall, Diabetes, bestimmte Arten von Krebs und anderen Krankheiten. Aber zu dünn kann Ihr Risiko für Osteoporose, Menstruationsstörungen und andere gesundheitliche Probleme zunehmen. Wenn Sie ständig verlieren und Wiedererlangung Gewicht, kann eine eingetragene Ernährungsberater helfen Ihnen bei der Entwicklung vernünftige Essgewohnheiten für erfolgreiches Gewichtsmanagement. Regelmäßige Bewegung ist auch wichtig, ein gesundes Körpergewicht.
Eat mäßigen Portionen. Wenn Sie Portionsgrößen vernünftig zu halten, ist es einfacher, die Lebensmittel, die Sie wünschen und gesund zu bleiben essen.Wussten Sie, dass die empfohlene Dosierung von gekochtem Fleisch ist 3 Unzen, ähnlich groß wie ein Stapel Spielkarten? Ein mittelgroßes Stück Obst ist 1 Portion und eine Tasse Nudeln gleich 2 Portionen. Ein Pint Eiscreme enthält 4 Portionen.Lesen Sie die Ernährungspyramide für Informationen über die empfohlenen Portionsgrößen.
Eat regelmäßige Mahlzeiten. Auslassen von Mahlzeiten kann zu Out-of-Control-Hunger, was häufig zu übermäßigem Essen führen. Wenn Sie sehr hungrig sind, ist es auch verlockend sein, über gute Ernährung zu vergessen. Naschen zwischen den Mahlzeiten kann helfen Bordstein Hunger, aber nicht so sehr, dass Ihr Snack eine ganze Mahlzeit wird essen.
Reduzieren, nicht beseitigen bestimmten Lebensmitteln. Die meisten Menschen essen zum Vergnügen sowie Ernährung. Wenn Ihr Lieblingslied Lebensmittel mit hohem Fett-, Salz oder Zucker sind, ist der Schlüssel moderieren, wie viel von diesen Lebensmitteln Sie essen und wie oft Sie essen.
Identifizieren der wichtigsten Quellen für diese Zutaten in Ihrer Diät und Änderungen vornehmen, falls erforderlich. Erwachsene, die fettreiche Fleisch oder Vollmilchpulver Milchprodukte essen zu jeder Mahlzeit sind wahrscheinlich essen zu viel Fett.Verwenden Sie die Nährwerte Panel auf dem Lebensmittel-Label zu helfen, Balance Ihrer Wahl.
Die Wahl überfliegen oder fettarme Milchprodukte und mageres Fleisch wie Rind und Flankesteak Runde kann Fettaufnahme reduzieren.
Wenn Sie gebratenes Huhn, aber Liebe, die Sie nicht haben, es aufzugeben. Nur essen sie weniger häufig. Bei einem Dinner, teilen Sie es mit einem Freund, fragen Sie nach einem Take-Home-Tasche oder eine kleinere Portion.
Balance Ihre Ernährungsgewohnheiten im Laufe der Zeit. Nicht jedes Lebensmittel muss "perfekt." Beim Essen ein Lebensmittel mit hohem Fett-, Salz oder Zucker, wählen anderen Lebensmitteln, die gering sind in diesen Zutaten. Wenn Sie auf ein Lebensmittel Gruppe 1 Tag verpassen, machen es für die nächste. Ihre Auswahl von Lebensmitteln über mehrere Tage sollten zusammen passen in eine gesunde Muster.
Kennen Sie Ihre Diät Fallstricke. Zur Verbesserung Ihrer Ernährungsgewohnheiten, müssen Sie zunächst wissen, was mit ihnen los. Notieren Sie alles, was Sie essen für drei Tage. Dann überprüfen Sie die Liste nach dem Rest der diese Tipps. Haben Sie noch eine Menge von Butter, cremigen Saucen oder Salatdressings? Anstatt die Beseitigung dieser Lebensmittel, nur kürzen Ihre Portionen. Essen Sie genug Obst und Gemüse? Wenn nicht, können Sie verpassen wichtige Nährstoffe.
Nehmen Sie Änderungen allmählich. So wie es keine "superfoods" oder einfachen Antworten auf eine gesunde Ernährung, nicht erwarten, dass völlig überarbeiten Sie Ihre Essgewohnheiten über Nacht. Ändern zu viel, zu schnell kann im Wege des Erfolgs zu bekommen. Beginnen Sie zur Behebung Exzesse oder Mängel mit bescheidenen Veränderungen addieren können, um positive, lebenslanges Essgewohnheiten. Zum Beispiel, wenn Sie nicht wie der Geschmack von Magermilch, fettarme versuchen. Schließlich können Sie feststellen, wie Sie überfliegen, zu.
Denken Sie daran, Lebensmittel sind nicht gut oder schlecht. Wählen Sie Ihre Lebensmittel auf insgesamt Essgewohnheiten basiert, nicht, ob einzelne Lebensmittel "gut" oder "schlecht". Fühle dich nicht schuldig, wenn Sie Lebensmittel wie Apfelkuchen, Kartoffelchips, Schokoriegel oder ein Eis zu lieben. Essen Sie sie in Maßen, und wählen Sie andere Lebensmittel, die Balance und Vielfalt, die entscheidend für eine gute Gesundheit sind bereitzustellen.

10 dicas para uma alimentação saudável

Especialistas concordam que a chave para uma alimentação saudável é o conselho testada pelo tempo de variedade, equilíbrio e moderação. Em suma, o que significa comer uma grande variedade de alimentos sem ter muitas calorias, ou muito de qualquer um dos nutrientes. Estas 10 dicas podem ajudá-lo a seguir esse conselho e ainda desfrutar de alimentos que você come.

Consulte o Guia de Referência para: Vitaminas Minerais Aminoácidos Ervas Especial Anti-oxidantes Nutrientes
Fibras Alimentares Nutricional Verdes Digestivo nutrientes também ver Nutricional ÍNDICE

Comer uma variedade de alimentos ricos em nutrientes. Você precisa de mais de 40 nutrientes diferentes para uma boa saúde, e nenhum alimento os fornece todos.Sua seleção alimentação diária deve incluir pão e outros produtos de grãos integrais, frutas, legumes, laticínios e carnes, aves, peixes e outros alimentos ricos em proteína. Quanto você deve comer depende de suas necessidades energéticas.Use o Guia da Pirâmide Alimentar e as informações nutricionais nos rótulos dos alimentos como sendo feitas à mão.
Aproveite a abundância de grãos integrais, frutas e legumes. Pesquisas mostram que a maioria dos americanos não come o suficiente destes alimentos. Você come 6-11 porções do pão, arroz, cereais e massas alimentícias grupo, 3 dos quais devem ser grãos inteiros? Você come 2-4 porções de frutas e 3-5 porções de legumes? Se você não gosta de alguns destes no início, dar-lhes outra oportunidade. Olhe através de livros de receitas saborosas maneiras de preparar alimentos desconhecidos.
Manter um peso saudável. O peso que é certo para você depende de muitos fatores, incluindo o sexo, altura, idade e hereditariedade. O excesso de gordura corporal aumenta suas chances de pressão alta, doença cardíaca, derrame, diabetes, alguns tipos de câncer e outras doenças. Mas ser muito fino pode aumentar o risco de osteoporose, irregularidades menstruais e outros problemas de saúde. Se você está constantemente a perder e recuperar o peso, um nutricionista pode ajudar você a desenvolver hábitos alimentares sensato para a gestão bem sucedida do peso. O exercício regular também é importante para manter um peso saudável.
Coma porções moderadas. Se você mantiver porções razoáveis, é mais fácil de comer os alimentos que você quiser e permanecer saudável. Você sabia que a dose recomendada de carne cozida é de 3 onças, semelhante em tamanho a um baralho de cartas? Um pedaço médio de fruta é um serviço e uma xícara de massa igual a 2 porções. Um quilo de sorvete contém 4 porções. Consulte o Guia da Pirâmide Alimentar para obter informações sobre as porções recomendadas.
Comer refeições regulares. Pular refeições pode levar a fora-de-fome controle, freqüentemente resultando em excessos. Quando você estiver com muita fome, é também a tentação de esquecer a boa nutrição. Lanches entre as refeições pode ajudar a refrear a fome, mas não come tanto que o seu lanche torna-se uma refeição inteira.
Reduzir, não eliminam determinados alimentos. A maioria das pessoas come por prazer, assim como a nutrição. Se os seus alimentos favoritos são ricos em gordura, sal ou açúcar, a chave está moderando o quanto desses alimentos que você ingere e quantas vezes você comê-los.
Identificar as principais fontes desses ingredientes em sua dieta e fazer alterações, se necessário. Os adultos que comem carnes ricas em gordura ou laticínios de leite integral em todas as refeições são, provavelmente, comer muita gordura. Use o painel dos fatos da nutrição sobre o rótulo dos alimentos para ajudar a equilibrar as suas escolhas.
Escolhendo desnatado ou produtos lácteos com baixo teor de gordura e cortes de carne magra, como bife de flanco e redondos de carne pode reduzir significativamente o consumo de gordura.
Se você gosta de frango frito, no entanto, você não tem que desistir. Basta comer menos vezes. Ao jantar fora, compartilhá-lo com um amigo, para pedir uma bolsa para levar para casa ou uma porção menor.
Balanço de suas escolhas alimentares ao longo do tempo. Nem todo alimento tem que ser "perfeita". Ao comer um alimento rico em gordura, sal ou açúcar, escolha outros alimentos que são baixos nesses ingredientes. Se você perder nenhum grupo de alimentos, um dia, tornar-se para ele o seguinte. Suas escolhas alimentares ao longo de vários dias, deve se encaixar em um padrão saudável.
Conheça as armadilhas sua dieta. Para melhorar seus hábitos alimentares, você primeiro tem que saber o que está errado com elas. Anote tudo o que você come durante três dias. Então confira a lista de acordo com o resto das dicas. Você adicionar uma grande quantidade de manteiga, molhos cremosos ou molhos para salada? Ao invés de eliminar esses alimentos, apenas cortar suas parcelas. Você está recebendo bastante frutas e verduras? Se não, você pode estar perdendo nutrientes vitais.
Faça mudanças aos poucos. Assim como não há "superalimentos" ou respostas fáceis para uma dieta saudável, não espere de reformular totalmente seus hábitos alimentares durante a noite. Mudar muito, muito rápido pode ficar no caminho do sucesso. Comece a reparar os excessos ou deficiências, com pequenas mudanças que podem adicionar até positivo, ao longo da vida hábitos alimentares. Por exemplo, se você não gosta do sabor do leite desnatado, tente baixo teor de gordura. Eventualmente você pode achar que você gosta desnatado, também.
Lembre-se que os alimentos não são bons ou maus. Escolha alimentos com base em seus hábitos alimentares total, não se alimentar de qualquer indivíduo é "bom" ou "ruim". Não se sinta culpado se você ama alimentos como a torta de maçã, batata frita, doces ou sorvetes. Comê-los com moderação e escolher outros alimentos para fornecer o equilíbrio ea variedade que são vitais para a boa saúde.

10 порад для здорового харчування

Експерти сходяться на думці ключ до здорового харчування є перевіреним часом радам баланс, різноманітність і помірність. Коротше кажучи, це означає, що є велика різноманітність продуктів, не отримую занадто багато калорій, або занадто багато будь-якого одного поживної речовини. Ці 10 порад допоможуть вам слідувати цій раді в той же час насолоджуватися їжею.

Див довідкове керівництво для: Вітаміни Мінерали Амінокислоти Трави Спеціальні живильні речовини антиоксиданти
Харчові волокна Харчові зелених Травна Живильні речовини також див Харчові Глосарій Покажчик

Їжте різноманітні багатих поживними речовинами продуктів. Вам потрібно більше, ніж 40 різних поживних речовин для гарного здоров'я, і жодне продовольство їх усіх. Щоденний вибір їжі повинен включати хліб та інші продукти з цільного зерна, фрукти, овочі, молочні продукти і м'ясо, птицю, рибу та інші продукти білка. Скільки ви повинні з'їсти залежить від ваших потреб калорій.Використання Food Guide Піраміди і панелі харчування Факти на продуктових етикетках як зручний посилання.
Насолоджуйтесь багато цільного зерна, фрукти і овочі. Опитування показують, більшість американців не їдять достатньо цих продуктів. У вас є 6-11 порцій хліба, рису, зернових і макаронних виробів групи, 3 з яких повинні бути з цілісного зерна? У вас є 2-4 порції фруктів і 3-5 порцій овочів? Якщо ви не користуються деякі з цих по-перше, дати їм ще один шанс. Подивіться куховарських книг для смачного способів підготовки незнайомі продукти.
Підтримуйте здорову вагу. Ваги, який підходить саме вам, залежить від багатьох факторів, включаючи ваш стать, зріст, вік і спадковість. Надлишковий жир збільшує ваші шанси на високий кров'яний тиск, хвороби серця, інсульт, діабет, деякі види раку та інших хвороб. Але, будучи надто тонка може збільшити ризик розвитку остеопорозу, порушення менструального циклу й інші проблеми зі здоров'ям. Якщо ви постійно втрати і відновлення ваги, дієтолог може допомогти вам розвинути розумне харчування для успішного управління вагою.Регулярні фізичні вправи також важливі для підтримки здорової ваги.
Їжте помірними порціями. Якщо ви тримаєте порцій розумні, легше приймати їжу, ви хочете, і залишатися здоровим. Чи знаєте ви, рекомендовані порції вареної м'яса становить 3 унцій, аналогічні за розміром колоди карт? Середній фрукт є 1 порцію і чашки макаронних виробів дорівнює 2 порції. Пінту морозива містить 4 порції. Див Керівництво Продовольчої Піраміда Інформацію про рекомендовані розміри порцій.
Приймайте їжу регулярно. Пропуск харчування може призвести до з-голод-контроль, що часто призводить до переїдання. Коли ви дуже голодні, це також заманливо забувати про гарному харчуванні. Перекусів між їжею може допомогти приборкати голод, але не їдять так багато, що ваша закуска стає всієї їжі.
Скорочення, не виключають певні продукти. Більшість людей їдять заради задоволення, а також харчування. Якщо ваші улюблені продукти з високим вмістом жирів, солі або цукру, ключ модераторам, скільки з цих продуктів ви їсте і як часто ви їсте їх.
Визначити основні джерела цих компонентів у свій раціон і внести зміни, якщо це необхідно. Дорослі, які їдять з високим вмістом жиру м'яса або продуктів з незбираного молочної при кожному прийомі їжі, ймовірно, їдять занадто багато жиру. Використовуйте панель харчування Факти про харчову етикетки, щоб допомагати збалансувати ваш вибір.
Вибір знежирене або з низьким вмістом жиру молочні продукти й нежирні шматки м'яса, такі як стейк флангу і стегна можуть зменшити жирів значно.
Якщо ви любите смажену курку, однак, ви не повинні відмовитися від нього.Просто є це менш часто. Коли ресторани, поділитися нею з одним, просять забирати додому мішок або меншу частину.
Баланс вашого вибору продуктів з плином часу. Не кожна їжа повинна бути "ідеальним". Коли є їжу з високим вмістом жирів, солі або цукру, вибрати інші продукти з низьким вмістом цих інгредієнтів. Якщо ви пропустите будь-якій групі продовольчих товарів в один прекрасний день, щоб компенсувати це в наступний. Ваш вибір їжі протягом декількох днів має поєднуються один з одним у здорових картини.
Знайте свої пастки дієти. Щоб поліпшити свої переваги в їжі, ви повинні спочатку знати, що трапилося з ними. Запишіть все, що ви їсте протягом трьох днів. Потім перевірте ваш список відповідно до решти з цих рад. Ви додати багато вершкового масла, вершкового соусу або салату? Замість усунення цих продуктів, просто скоротити порції. Чи отримуєте ви достатню кількість фруктів і овочів? Якщо ні, ви можете втратити життєво важливих поживних речовин.
Внесіть зміни поступово. Так само, як Є немає "суперпродуктів" або простих відповідей на здорову дієту, не слід очікувати, щоб повністю реконструкції Ваші уподобання в їжі на ніч. Зміна занадто багато, занадто швидко можна отримати в дорозі до успіху. Почніть для виправлення недоліків, надмірностей або з невеликими змінами, які можуть додати до позитивного, безперервного живлення. Наприклад, якщо вам не подобається смак знежиреного молока, спробуйте з низьким вмістом жиру. В кінці кінців ви можете виявити, як знежирене, теж.
Пам'ятайте, що продукти не добре чи погано. Вибирайте такі продукти, засновані на загальній моделі є, не в тому, будь-яка особа їжа "гарне" або "погано". Не відчувайте себе винним, якщо ви любите продукти, такі як яблучний пиріг, картопляні чіпси, цукерки або морозиво. Їжте їх в помірних кількостях, і вибрати інші продукти, щоб забезпечити баланс і різноманітність, які життєво важливі для доброго здоров'я.

Despite Tucson Shooting And Rising Needs, Mental Health Given Low Budget Priority

noreply@blogger.com (socrates al-hakim) — Thu, 10 Mar 2011 09:51:00 +0000

HelThy And StaMina

It's been two months now since Jared Lee Loughner opened fire outside a Tucson, Ariz. shopping center killing six people and wounding 14 more, and what's come to light since leaves more than a few troubling questions.

In the days following the shooting, it was revealed that authorities had barred Loughner from Pima Community College, where he attended classes, until he was certified as fit by a mental health professional. Loughner apparently never sought professional help, and the questions the community college had about Loughner's state of mind still resonate -- what was going on with this young man, and is there anything the local mental health infrastructure could have done to change the horrible outcome?

The nation's mental health infrastructure is not offering easy answers these days. Advocates say that in extreme cases like Loughner's, it's possible the public system may not have been able to do much to stop him. But mental health leaders are worried that soon, they may not be able to do much of anything at all.

Desperate to close historically cavernous budget gaps, states have cut $2.1 billion from their mental health budgets over the last three fiscal years according to a study from the National Association of State Mental Health Program Directors' Research Institute. More slashing is expected in the coming weeks as states finalize their 2012 spending plans,

Meanwhile a new study from the National Alliance on Mental Illness finds that between fiscal years 2009 and 2011, 16 states and the District of Columbia cut their mental health budgets by more than 10 percent.

But the fiscal reality may even be worse than those numbers make it appear. That's because up to now, federal stimulus money has cushioned the blow by pumping $103 billion into the states through Medicaid since early 2009. The money has been keeping state-run health insurance programs afloat for the last two years, but it will end this summer.

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Meanwhile, growing demands for help show few signs of abating, say mental health authorities.

The same economic crunch that has put states in the red has forced struggling Americans out of jobs, homes and insurance plans, creating more demand for the shrinking pool of public services.

"The safety net," says Marylou Sudders, former Massachusetts commissioner for mental health, "is shredded."

BIG CUTS

According to the federal National Institute of Mental Health, while ailments like depression occur in about one in four adults, roughly 6 percent of the U.S. population has a serious mental illness like schizophrenia or bipolar disorder. That's nearly as many people as live in the New York metropolitan area, and it makes mental illness the leading cause of disability in the United States and Canada.

People with severe mental illnesses are more likely to have low incomes because their education was interrupted by the disease, says Elaine Alfano, deputy policy director for the Judge David L. Bazelon Center for Mental Health Law in Washington, D.C. Employers are often hesitant to hire them, and their unexplained behaviors can alienate friends and family. Their conditions can be expensive to treat, which puts a hefty burden on the government if they qualify for public support.

According to the state directors' survey, in fiscal 2010 and 2011 roughly half the states reported reducing the number of hospital beds in state run psychiatric hospitals. They've limited the amount of money they pass on to out-patient providers and cut staff everywhere. A third of states say they've had to reduce the number of people their programs serve.

Between 2009 and 2011, Kentucky made the largest cuts to its mental health spending with a 47.5 percent reduction, according to the National Alliance on Mental Illness. Alaska dropped spending by 35 percent. South Carolina, Arizona and Wisconsin all dropped by between 22 and 23 percent.

In the last two fiscal years Washington state cut 11 percent out of its mental health budget, dropping it to $278.5 million. The state's proposed 2011-2013 budget proposes cutting another $42 million. Of that, $17.4 million comes out of community-based mental health services. Last year, the state served 144,000 clients through its community mental health system. The cuts would reduce that number by 26,000 -- 18 percent fewer.

Scott Birdsong is the executive director of GUIDE Program, Inc., a nonprofit that offers mental health and other social services in Maryland, which cut its budget by $26.2 million between fiscal 2009 and 2011. In an effort to preserve programs, he says his staff has taken the financial hit.

"We're all in the boat of subsidizing programs as the budgets continue to melt down," he says. "In the last couple years our agency had to lay off about 20 percent of our workforce, 35 people, due to program closures or having to reduce personnel to make ends meet. Salaries have been frozen, fringe benefits reduced; executive staff have taken voluntary pay reductions up to 16 percent."

In Missouri, over the past five years the number of full-time Department of Mental Health employees has dropped from 9,231 to 7,874. Four hundred more positions are likely to be cut in 2012. Accompanying the decreased mental health staff is a drop in in-patient beds, from 1,558 to 1,315 in the past five years.

Between 2007 and 2009, California reported to the federal government that it served 130,000 fewer people through its state mental health agency -- a 20 percent drop.

Budget proposals in Texas would cut overall mental health money by $240 million, down to $2.07 billion, for the 2012-2013 budget cycle. That would mean a 20 percent hit for adult and children's services; projections indicate that, as a result, more than 3,500 of the 53,400 adults now receiving treatment at one of 39 state-funded community mental health centers would be turned away. The number of children served would drop from 13,400 children to 12,200 this fiscal year and 11,455 in each of the next two years.

In Massachusetts, next year's proposed budget pulls $2 million from child and adolescent mental health services, a reduction that is expected to affect 165 families; $3 million is slated to be cut from adult mental health services, impacting 2,000 adults, and $16.4 million worth of cuts would come from state psychiatric hospitals, closing 160 beds for those in need of hospitalization.

"Because we don't have the facilities, more and more people are ending up in homeless shelters or on the streets," says state Rep. Elizabeth A. Malia, who heads the Massachusetts legislature's Committee on Mental Health and Substance Abuse.

"Housing isn't available," she says, "Crisis counseling and decent medical care isn't there. Because of that, the number of people showing up in emergency rooms is at a crisis [level]. People can end up for days in an emergency ward because there is no room for them. We're seeing the [prison] budget grow exponentially because the number of mentally ill people who are incarcerated is high and growing."

MEDICAID

The situation will be exacerbated further as federal stimulus dollars dry up this this summer. Some analysts are using the term "cliff effect" to describe the budget situation states face as they pull together spending plans for the next fiscal year, beginning in most states July 1.

When the stimulus bill passed in February 2009, it included an $87 billion boost to the amount of money the federal government gave the states for Medicaid. In August 2010, Congress approved $16 billion in additional funds. As a condition of accepting the stimulus money, the federal government required states to keep everyone in Medicaid that was eligible before the crisis. Those eligible for Medicaid are mostly lower-income children and their parents; not all low-income adults are covered.

A majority of mental health services are financed by Medicaid. In fiscal 2010, Medicaid enrollment growth averaged 8.5 percent in the states, significantly higher than the 6.6 percent growth projected at the start of the year, according to a report from the Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation . Meanwhile, 20 states cut program benefits in 2010, and 14 plan to in 2011.

Medicaid is funded jointly by the state and federal governments. It doesn't cover hospitalization, but states can choose to use it to fund other kinds of mental health services from therapy and prescription coverage to case management and skills training, even "peer programs" in which people who are recovered from a mental illness help those who are still in treatment cope.

But on June 30, that federal stimulus money that was pumped into Medicaid will run out. Most state legislatures are still in session, hashing out their budgets, so just how states will adjust Medicaid in terms of who's eligible and what services they can get is not yet clear. But it's unlikely that mental health will escape more of the the budget ax.

Some states are already floating proposals. Now that the stimulus money is running out, and the mandate to maintain previous coverage levels is ending, some states are trying to return to minimum allowable coverage levels. Arizona, for instance, has signalled its desire to cut 280,000 "childless adults" it opted to cover under Medicaid in the past out of the program.

If the new health care law passed by Congress last year is implemented as planned, the federal government will eventually come to Medicaid's rescue; everyone making less than a certain amount annually -- childless or not -- will be covered by Medicaid, as the result of a big planned boost in federal dollars. But that won't happen until 2014.

A MISMATCH IN SUPPLY AND DEMAND

In the meantime, though, state mental health budgets are shrinking while demand for their services climbs. The state directors' survey says that half of the states report an increase in demand for community-based services, a third report a spike in the need for crisis psychiatric services and 18 percent have seen more people showing up in their emergency rooms with mental health related issues over the past coule years.

The demand for mental health programs combined with the cuts has created a backlog for providers. As staffing levels get cut, social workers have seen their caseloads increase, often leaving patients on waiting lists sometimes for time-sensitive scenarios like medication adjustments.

Rick Cagan, executive director of the Kansas office of the National Alliance on Mental Illness, says waiting list for services at community mental health services there are running anywhere from four to eight weeks. "A lot can happen to people in four to eight weeks," he says. "Ultimately, some people may lose their lives over this," he says.

"The system, which was traditionally underfunded, is now clogged," adds Timothy O'Leary, deputy director of the Massachusetts Association for Mental Health, an agency that works with individuals and families to help them access services.

"There are people stuck in emergency rooms trying to get into private psychiatric facilities," he says, "and people from there who can't get into state facilities because people there are waiting for community placement."

In Virginia, 10 percent of the state's 1,300 state hospital beds are occupied by someone who was ready to be discharged, but there was no appropriate, less restrictive location -- like a family, nursing home or group home -- for them to move to.

In Detroit, Shereece Fleming-Freeman, a police commander who oversees the downtown entertainment district, sees a direct impact on public safety from mental health program reductions. Her officers have been trained to recognize someone having a public psychiatric episode and help get the person medical attention rather than lock them up.

"I'm forced to divert frontline officers to hospital waiting rooms," she says, where they can be tied up for a minimum of three hours waiting for emergency room intake, then assisting nurses stabilize the patient, rather than doing the public safety work they are trained for. Meanwihle, psychiatric patients increasingly vie for medical attention with incoming victims from car accidents, heart attacks and gunshot wounds. With the recent uptick in police-escorted psych cases, she says, average wait times for other patients has increased.

HISTORY'S BURDENS

For the last 50 years, public mental health care in the United States has been moving out of isolated, locked hospitals and into community programs. Psychiatric hospitals housed more than 550,000 people in 1955. Shifting federal budget priorities, a mental health rights movement and a new generation of drugs, like Prozac, dropped that number 87 percent by 1994, to just 71,619, according to research by Dr. E. Fuller Torrey, a psychiatric researcher.

But as hospitals emptied out, the funding didn't necessarily flow to those community programs; much of it simply disappeared. A recent study from the federal Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Adminstration shows that when adjusted for changes in both population and medical inflation, the country spent $261.7 billion in 1955 and only $30.9 billion in 2006 for all mental health spending.

The outpatient programs that partly replaced hospitalization -- including drugs, counseling, case management and day programs -- are cheaper and more effective for maintaining mental health for all but the most serious cases, but their availability is patchy, says Steve Ronik, CEO of Henderson Mental Health Center in Fort Lauderdale, Fla.

"It costs something like $125,000 to keep somebody in a hospital for a year," he says. "For far less, we could treat that person. And treatment works. Eighty percent of people treated for depression get better. Compare that with treatment for heart disease, which has a 40 percent rate of success. But you've got to have the funding to do it."

All over the country, that sort of out-patient care, despite its relative cost-efficiency, is being cut. In Kansas, for instance, where the budget shortfall for 2012 hovers at nearly $500 million, it may cost $22 a day to serve a patient in a community setting versus $428 a day in a state mental hospital or $80 a day in a correctional facility.

The system is "fractured" and riddled with gaps, says Roger Munns, Iowa's Department of Human Services spokesman. "What services you get is basically dependent on where you live."

PUBLIC OPTIONS

The services may also depend on income levels; there are plenty of gaps there too, especially for people of modest incomes who don't have health insurance but aren't poor enough to qualify for Medicaid. Jared Loughner may well have fallen into that category.

The Pima County assessor's office values the Loughner family's Arizona home $105,107. Census data reportedly indicates that the median family income in the neighborhood is $65,000, well-above the federal poverty line for a family of three and far above the income levels that Medicaid covers. Furthermore, Loughner is 22-years-old, too old for Medicaid.

States have offered some stop-gap coverage for folks that fall into such gaps, but such programs have shrunk dramatically from state budgets. According to the Center on Budget Policy and Priorities, a left-leaning think-tank, in its fiscal 2011 budget, Arizona eliminated non-Medicaid mental health services for 4,000 children, and has also cut services for 14,500 seriously mentally ill individuals.

The Center reports that in Illinois and Ohio non-Medicaid services outside of hospitals will hardly be available at all.

Amnon Shoenfeld, director of King County's Mental Health, Chemical Abuse and Dependency Services Division in Washington state, says that hypothetically, if a student similar to Loughner lived in King County and had been diagnosed with a psychiatric condition for which he'd been referred to outpatient treatment, he or she would not be able to get those services. "Someone with serious symptoms, but not on Medicaid, is not able to get mental health treatment in our system," he says.

That leaves two ways those with mental illness who don't qualify for Medicaid can get coverage, says Mark Utterback, president and CEO of Mental Health America of Eastern Missouri.

"Jail time or hospitalization."

HOSPITALS

Medicaid doesn't typically pay for state hospitals, so that's one item that state-only funds must cover almost entirely.

According to the state directors' survey, so far 3,930 beds, or close to 10 percent of the nation's state psychiatric hospital capacity, could be cut between 2010 and 2012.

In Missouri, the number of psychiatric hospital beds has shrunk from 1,558 to 1,315 in the past five years. More than once during 2010, Kansas's Department of Social and Rehabilitation Services had to freeze voluntary admissions to state psychiatric hospitals.

Wisconsin is eyeing Winnebago Mental Health Institute, one of two state-owned psychiatric hospitals and the only remaining public child and adolescent unit in the state. That means that a child who has a psychotic episode in Bayfield, a community in the state's northern reaches, and requires hospitalization will need to ride more than five hours to the Mendota Mental Health Institute in Madison, WI. Those long rides are often in a police car.

In October 2010, Washington Gov. Chris Gregoire ordered an across-the-board cut of 6.3 percent for all departments to close a state budget gap related to the severe recession. The state cut about $7 million from Western State Hospital's budget, which resulted in the immediate closure of a 30-bed ward.

Ironically, the state budget cutbacks come on the heels of passage of a 2010 state law that will make it easier for other people to commit mentally ill individuals to state hospitals, which means demand for the dwindling supply of beds will likely become even more acute.

PRIVATE PLANS AND PUBLIC SAFETY

Even for those with private insurance, mental health coverage may not go very far. Traditionally, insurers have offered fewer benefits for mental health than medical services. According to a Feb. 3 article in Health Affairs, in both 2002 and 2005, just 4.4 percent of all health spending by private insurance went toward treatment of mental health conditions.

That's changing. The Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act, which passed in 2008 and went into effect in February 2010, requires equal coverage. But while it will likely expand access for psychiatric medication and hospitalization, it's not clear how insurance companies and courts will interpret their obligations regarding certain mental health services for which there is no medical counterpart. The new requirements for the private exchange markets instituted by the new health care law will also impact what is mandated to be covered in ways that are not yet settled.

Meanwhile, the unsettling specter of what happened in Tucson leaves many worrying about when some similar crime might be committed by somone who could have been helped. Studies show that the mentally ill are more often victims than perpetrators. But the psychiatric researcher Dr. Torrey estimates that approximately 10 percent of the homicides in this country are committed by people with untreated, severe mental illnesses. According to a 2005 New England Journal of Medicine article, only about half of the people with serious mental illnesses receive treatment. Other studies suggest that mental illness and violence is most strongly linked to people who have addictions too.

January's Tucson rampage often comes up in conversations with mental health services providers. Loughner does not appear to have sought mental health care even after it became a requirement for his readmission to Pima Community College. These are the situations that worry folks like Jackie Lukitsch, executive director of the National Alliance for Mental Illness in St. Louis.

"The largest lack of access to care is among those who are not only uninsured, but who are also very, very ill, and wouldn't want mental health care if it was offered for free," Lukitsch said.

Getting that population into services is time intensive, and expensive. Outreach and engagement programs are among the most difficult to persuade lawmakers to fund.

"Let's assume the guy in Arizona was mentally ill, and that he killed those people. Let's say the family knew there was something wrong but he wasn't coming in for services," says Francie Broderick, outgoing executive director of Missouri's Places for People. "You send a team or one person out to engage him and become friends with him. He begins to trust them, and, if at some point they can see he needs medication, fine; they'll assess that, and whether or not he needs an involuntary hospitalization."

In an ideal system, that's what she thinks would have had to best shot at stopping Loughner.

"Once somebody has become problematic in school or the criminal justice system, the public system is going to have to serve them," the Bazelon Center's Alfano says, "but the early intervention and preventive approaches are much more difficult to fund." And becoming more difficult all the time.

Reporting for this story was contributed by the Midwest Center for Investigative Reporting, InvestigateWest, the Iowa Center for Public Affairs Journalism, the Florida Center for Investigative Reporting, St. Louis Beacon, California Watch, the New England Center for Investigative Reporting, Texas Watchdog, WyoFile and the Wisconsin Center for Investigative Journalism

Surprising Way Race Colors Attitudes To Health Care Reform

noreply@blogger.com (socrates al-hakim) — Wed, 09 Mar 2011 09:35:00 +0000

Some opposition to the Obama administration's health care reform law is linked to racial bias, according to a study released by the Greenlining Institute on Tuesday.

But, according to the research, much of this opposition to health care reform is not attributable to racially charged views about President Barack Obama in particular, but, comes from a complex idea called racial resentment.

"The racial bias that I looked at is a construct called racial resentment, it's the idea that the reason why blacks don't get ahead in society is because they don't work hard enough," said Daniel Byrd, research director at the Greenlining Institute. "Obama isn't affecting their attitudes towards the healthcare reform law, it's more about the idea that blacks may be getting something they don't deserve."

According to the report, which analyzed data from the 2008 to 2010 American National Election Survey of opinions and voting habits:

"Whites who like Obama are more supportive of the health care reform when compared to whites who do not like Obama. In contrast, for whites high in racial resentment, Obama is not a factor in their attitudes towards the health care reform law. Instead their attitude towards blacks as a group, specifically the belief that blacks do not work hard, is related to their attitude towards the recently passed health care reform law."
The study found that during the summer of 2010, 44.3% of all Americans backed healthcare reform, 35.8% opposed it and 19.8% had no opinion. There was also a "racial component" to support for the measure, the report found, as 78.6% of African Americans, 52.6% of Latinos and 43.6% of people from other racial backgrounds backed reform, compared with 38.4% of the white people surveyed, according to the study. This could be linked to the fact that, according to the Center for American Progress, black and Latino Americans are less likely to have health insurance when compared to their white counterparts.

Opposition to the health care reform bill has sometimes been racially charged. In 2009, a swastika was painted on a sign outside the Smyrna, Ga., office of representative David Scott, D-Ga., who backed the bill, after a town hall meeting about an unrelated issue became a confrontation over health care reform.

“This kind of hate and racism is bubbling underneath the surface,” Scott told the AJC at the time. “You hear these people say I want my country back, but from whom?” Scott told the paper. “They feel somebody has taken their country. What has happened to demonstrate that? I think it speaks for itself.”

Several other representatives who backed the bill received death threats, according to the AJC:

"Democratic congressman, Brad Miller of North Carolina, has received death threats for his support of health care reform. Two other Democratic congressman, Lloyd Doggett of Texas and Frank Kratovil of Maryland, were hanged in effigy by protesters opposed to President Barack Obama's health care reform."

West Penn Allegheny Health System creates an emergency responder app, placing your life in far better hands

noreply@blogger.com (socrates al-hakim) — Sun, 06 Mar 2011 03:25:00 +0000

mobility healthy

Creating a health-minded application for those who are unconscious, dead, or creeping awfully close to death might not do much good, but creating a health-minded application for those who care for the near-dead... now that's a novel concept! The West Penn Allegheny Health System has just churned out the EMS Field Partner app for iPod touch and iPhone, giving emergency medical services (EMS) professionals and other first responders the ability to easily sift through a variety of emergency conditions or complaints -- such as chest pain, stroke symptoms or fall injury, etc. -- and be directed to the closest WPAHS hospital that is most qualified to treat the patient. It also provides an interface with Google Maps and directions to the System's hospitals, not to mention "up to the minute traffic information as well." For more serious encounters, there's a direct link to West Penn Allegheny's LifeFlight Command Center, with the built-in location system telling the backend where to send an emergency helicopter. The app's available for free as we speak, but many of the features (like the chopper request, we're guessing) will require registration. We know, we know -- you had all sorts of crazy ideas.

Federal judge stays earlier injunction against health care reform act

noreply@blogger.com (socrates al-hakim) — Sat, 05 Mar 2011 03:05:00 +0000

[JURIST] A judge for the US District Court for the Northern District of Florida [official website] on Thursday granted [order, PDF] the Obama administration's petition to stay his previous order [JURIST report] declaring the health care reform law [HR 3590; JURIST news archive] unconstitutional [order, PDF], on the condition that an appeal is filed within the next week. In January, Judge Roger Vinson voided the entire Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) upon ruling that requiring all Americans over the age of 18 to have health insurance violated the Constitution by exceeding Congress' Commerce Clause [Cornell LII backgrounder] power. The stay will allow the administration to continue its implementation of the law in other states until after appellate review. The administration had not formally sought a stay on the injunction, but rather had requested Vinson to "clarify" [JURIST report] his earlier judgment in order to determine its "potential impact" on the implementation of the Act. In his clarification order, Vinson reprimanded the administration for not filing a formal motion, but agreed to stay the injunction in order to expedite the appellate review:
In the time since [the litigation was filed], the battle lines have been drawn, the relevant case law marshaled, and the legal arguments refined. Almost everyone agrees that the Constitutionality of the Act is an issue that will ultimately have to be decided by the Supreme Court of the United States. It is very important to everyone in this country that this case move forward as soon as practically possible.
The administration must file its notice of appeal and seek an expedited review from the US Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit [official website] before March 10.
The health care reform law is the subject of numerous legal challenges across the country. There are currently cases in 28 states challenging the provisions of the PPACA and the lower court rulings on issues surrounding the legislation have been mixed. Last month, Virginia Attorney General Kenneth Cuccinelli [official website] filed a petition [JURIST report] for a writ of certiorari [text, PDF] with the US Supreme Court [official website] asking the court to rule on the constitutionality of the law on an expedited basis, before the US Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit [official website] rules on the issue. In January, a judge for the US District Court for the Western District of Virginia [official website] dismissed [JURIST report] a lawsuit challenging a provision of the health care reform law. In October, a federal judge in Michigan ruled [JURIST report] that the law is constitutional under the Commerce Clause as it addresses the economic effects of health care decisions, and that it does not represent an unconstitutional direct tax.

Practice Transformation, Health Information Technology, Payment Reform: Is There Optimism for Primary Care?

noreply@blogger.com (socrates al-hakim) — Sat, 05 Mar 2011 00:24:00 +0000

I recently celebrated 21 years as an independent family practitioner in Grand Junction, CO. Frustrated and exhausted from trying to maintain my income and practice in the face of ever-increasing overhead expenses, I was not expecting to celebrate many more years at my job. That was until we began our journey with health information technology (health IT).

It started five years ago when our community came together to fund and deploy a health information exchange called Quality Health Network in Mesa County. This technology gives us the capability to receive much of our clinical data from labs and hospitals in an electronic format. It also populates a community-wide health information database, which we can access to get additional clinical information about our patients that we may not have in our own medical records.

Our practice decided to “take the plunge” and purchase an electronic health record (EHR) system three years ago. At that time, EHR vendors were advertising that their tool allowed for more complete documentation of patient encounters, which meant visits could be billed at a higher level of service. They also said that this technology would pay for itself over the course of a few years. Unfortunately, the discussion about EHRs centered on the documentation of care, not how to use the technology to improve the quality of care.

With the passage of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, the Federal Government committed billions of dollars to encourage the spread of health IT. The goal is to use health IT in a meaningful way to improve the quality of care and reduce the increasing rate of health care expenditures in this country. The key word here is “meaningful.” As our practice discovered, simply having an EHR for documenting patient visits does very little for improving the quality of care and nothing to help reduce the cost of care. EHRs offer the opportunity to do much more, and the Beacon Community Program is helping my practice, and many others, realize what can be achieved through the meaningful use of health IT.

Last year, our community was one of 17 in this country to receive a Beacon Community Cooperative Agreement Program grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology. The Beacon Community Program supports communities like ours to build and strengthen their health IT infrastructure and exchange capabilities. We have committed to use this funding to improve the delivery of health care in our region by employing health information technology tools and practicing redesign methods in primary care offices. More than 70 different primary care practices will be involved in the program with a potential impact on more than 300,000 patients in our region.

As one of the physician leaders for this program, I view this as an opportunity to save primary care, not simply a way to proliferate health information among physicians. Numerous studies have validated the value that primary care physicians bring to our health care delivery system. Yet, fewer and fewer medical school graduates are choosing primary care. The reasons are numerous. Simply funding more residency positions or providing more loan repayment opportunities for primary care physicians will not solve the problem. What must happen is a transformation of the delivery of primary care services so that primary care physicians see more “meaningfulness” in their daily work at the front lines of health care delivery.

This is the one of the goals of the Colorado Beacon Consortium. Using practice transformation coaches, we are learning about work flow, practice redesign, Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) cycles, population management using registry tools, and team-based care. We are collecting data and will be measuring outcomes. We are coming together with other practices in “learning collaboratives” to share best practices on how we are using our technology to work smarter, not harder. I notice a renewed sense of excitement within these practices as we work together to redesign the delivery of primary health care services.

Lastly, but most importantly, we recognize the importance of testing new payment methods for primary care services as part of the Beacon Community Program. The fee-for-service system of payment has been the most significant factor in demoralizing and devaluing primary care in this country. Without payment reform, we cannot sustain a transformed, high-quality, efficient primary care delivery system. Using the funding we received through the Beacon Community Program, we are hoping to demonstrate how costs can be reduced and patient care improved through the collection, analysis, and sharing of clinical data, and the redesign of primary care practices and clinics.

The Beacon Community Program has given me a glimmer of hope that my final decade of medicine will be “meaningful” for myself and my specialty: primary care.

Gregory C. Reicks, DO, FAAFP, is President of the Mesa County Physician’s Independent Practice Association and is part of the Colorado Beacon Consortium’s executive leadership. Dr. Reicks is also the Chairman of the Quality Health Network and a practicing clinician at Foresight Family Physicians, PC, in Grand Junction, CO.

Searching for Health Care's Entrepreneurial Spirit

noreply@blogger.com (socrates al-hakim) — Thu, 03 Mar 2011 10:10:00 +0000

At first blush, it would appear that entrepreneurship is alive and well in health care. And that's true in many areas: New devices, pharmaceuticals, and surgical techniques regularly get developed and incorporated into practice. Virtually every day, there is information about a clinical study with a new way to treat sick people. Fortunes have been made from implants, surgical instruments, and artificial products. And biotechnology and medical devices are among the leading areas for venture capital funding.

But in a different sense, the health care system is starved for innovation and the entrepreneurial spirit. Medicine has innovated greatly in the therapies that are provided, but not in the way the system is organized. The situation is such that if a physician from the 1950s were magically brought back to life today, he would recognize none of the technology that a contemporary doctor uses, but he would feel quite at home in the settings in which the technology is used. Very few things in the economy are the same today as they were a half century ago, and most of those are still the same are not considered successes.

Think instead about other industries. When people want financial information, they can get it right away, day or night. Critical information is stored centrally and accessed wherever it is convenient. Purchases can be made electronically, by telephone, or in person, whichever is more convenient. Convenience and coordination are the standards for most industries - but medicine falls far short.

Look deeper and the situation becomes even more puzzling. There are examples of good care, visible like oases in the desert. The Mayo clinic in Minnesota shows that care can be coordinated. Geisinger Health System in Pennsylvania demonstrates that treatments can be systematized to improve quality. Intermountain Health Care in Utah has set up a learning health care system. In all of these settings, physicians and patients are happy. The major question is why these systems remain one-off, rather than spreading nationally.

There are two explanations for this failure of organizational innovation. The first lays the blame at the door of the government. Coordinating health care information technology requires government action, which was a decade slow in coming. Medicare payment policy favors doing more, not doing better. The federal government has recognized its failures, and is promising to do better. The stimulus bill of 2009 allocated $30 billion for health care IT, and the Affordable Care Act of 2010 allowed significant changes in the way Medicare pays for services. Thus, the landscape for a better medical system is being laid.

But that puts the ball squarely in the court of the private sector, which has not been very innovative. Will private insurers follow up on these Medicare changes to move away from volume-based payment and into value-based payment? Will hospital managers search for efficiency, or continue to manage volume? Will doctors think about care management as equally valuable as rescue of the sick? Everyone knows these changes need to occur, but change has been painfully slow.

Here, then, is the conundrum. Our best estimates suggest that medical spending is about $700 billion higher than an efficient system would generate, and the system is well on the way to imploding. At the same time, we have documented examples of good care. What we lack is the entrepreneurship needed to make the best care the norm. Will it come? I hope so - because the consequences of continuing on as we have are too awful to contemplate.

David Cutler, PhD is the Otto Eckstein Professor of Applied Economics at the Harvard Kennedy School of Government and author of Your Money or Your Life: Strong Medicine for America's Health Care System, published by Oxford University Press. Dr. Cutler served on the Council of Economic Advisers and the National Economic Council during the Clinton Administration and was the senior health care advisor to the 2008 Obama Presidential campaign.

Doctors and Patients Improving Health Care

noreply@blogger.com (socrates al-hakim) — Thu, 03 Mar 2011 10:05:00 +0000

The American public is not satisfied that the major healthcare legislation that became law last year really does anything to improve the system. A majority of Americans surveyed in three recent polls — CNN, Fox News and Rasmussen – all said the new law makes things worse and want it repealed.

Quite simply, Americans don’t want a big government – one-size fits all bureaucracy dictating the terms of health care services. Instead of reforming the system, the American public believes the new measure compounds an already broken process—a compounding that will inevitably lead to rationing.
Instead of centralizing control, Washington should consider innovations that give authority and responsibility back to patients and their doctors.
One truly interesting solution is the Heartland Institute’s Free to Choose Medicine initiative. If combined with other market-based reforms, it would significantly improve our health care system and give Americans more control over their health care, and provide lower costs all the while getting government out of the way.
How does Free to Choose Medicine work? FTCM makes an end run around the costly and time-consuming FDA reform approval process – a process that in some instances is approaching 10 years. At present, the FDA has as its goal an impossible task – ensuring the absolute safety of all new drugs brought to market. Rather than admit that 100% safety can never be accomplished the FDA has come up with an ever more rigorous and time-consuming review process.
While providing modest safety protection, the longer approval times give little comfort to a patient with a terminal condition. In fact, there are literally hundreds of cases where a drug that would ultimately prove safe and effective was denied to patients – and tragically, the patients died before getting access to the drugs.
Patients should have a right to make informed decisions along with their physician about whether they have access to promising new drugs. Free to Choose Medicine is a solution that could be quickly implemented. It relies on a two-tiered system: One is keeping the status quo for any who still believe it is useful or effective and the other an innovative waiver approval process whereby patients with either a terminal diagnosis or a chronic illness are allowed to access drugs that have been submitted to the FDA for review prior to their formal approval by the FDA.
To participate, pharmaceutical companies would have to make available all existing relevant information on the drug that is waiting for approval. Patients, in consultation with their doctors, would agree to accept that there are some risks associated with using the unapproved drug.
These patients in consultation with their doctors would keep track of their medical progress with the results submitted to a nationwide Trade-Off Evaluation Database (TED) – a database that would be open to medical practitioners nationwide.
As the results of the database develop, the FDA would be legally authorized to use the results as a way of either approving or denying the drug for public use. This process could reduce by 4-6 years the amount of time that drug approval takes.
Companies would benefit as well. Today investors and drug developers have to assume that their ROI – return on investment will be delayed by as much as decade before going forward with a particular field. Since there is no guarantee that research will ultimately result in a new drug, delay only adds to the risk factor of investors and leads to higher pricing once drugs are finally approved. FTCM rewards drug makers whose drugs are effective by giving them the earliest possible approval times.
Unlike the big government health care takeover that Congress passed last year, FTCM puts patients and doctors back in the driver’s seat when it comes to their medical needs. Patients will have access to more treatment options sooner and doctors will be able understand better understand the results of various treatments. Moreover, since companies’ research costs are lower, everyone can benefit from the reduction in drug costs.
Moreover, these results are not just theoretical. FTCM gives patients more access and hope than the current program that pushes a lucky few into the clinical trials where they still have a 50 percent chance of receiving a placebo instead of the real drug.
Ultimately, America can’t afford to have a health care system where it is acceptable to let people suffer or die needlessly due to delay in receipt of drugs while it pursues an unrealistic quest to provide 100% perfection in the drug approval process.
FTCM would empower patients by giving them the ability to decide their future. As Congress continues to explore ways to improve our health care system, they should include Free to Choose Medicine among their options.

6 Parenting Tips for Raising Kids With ADHD

noreply@blogger.com (socrates al-hakim) — Tue, 01 Mar 2011 21:32:00 +0000

What to do, and not to do, if your child has ADHD.

When Hal Meyer learned that his son, 5, had ADHD, he couldn’t believe it. When his child was at school, “He was rambunctious, he couldn’t stay in his seat, he was going around, helping everybody,” Meyer recalls. But to him and his wife, these were signs of brightness and curiosity, not symptoms of inattention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity.

But experts told them, “You don’t understand. These are not typical of a 5-year-old.”

After they explained the disorder, the couple took a long time to accept the news. “We went through a year or two of denial,” Meyer says.

That was 20 years ago. Since then, Meyer has learned a lot about raising a child with ADHD. He shares those lessons with other parents who are dealing with the power struggles, tantrums, low self-esteem, and school problems that often come with the disorder.

Shortly after his son’s diagnosis, Meyer co-founded the New York City chapter of Children and Adults with Attention Deficit-Hyperactivity Disorder (CHADD), a nonprofit education and advocacy group. He also founded the ADD Resource Center in New York City, which provides parenting classes and support groups, among other services.

In New Jersey, Eva O’Malley also knows the challenges first-hand. She has ADHD and so do her daughter, 22, and son, 17. O’Malley founded the Monmouth County CHADD chapter.

When O’Malley’s son was diagnosed at age 12, her husband worried about his son being “labeled.” Would people see the ADHD and not the boy?

The children have grappled with school problems, forgetfulness and disorganization, O’Malley says. Sometimes, ADHD makes both offspring live only in the moment. “You don’t learn from your past, and you don’t have a vision to the future,” O’Malley says. But there have been bright spots, too, including her son’s improved grades.

WebMD asked these parents, as well as a developmental pediatrician, to share insights on raising a child with ADHD.

1. Be honest with your child about ADHD.

Meyer never thought about keeping the news from his son. “I told him exactly what was going on,” he says.

In contrast, some parents hide the disorder by telling their child, for example, that their ADHD drug is a “magic vitamin,” he says. But Meyer has done ADHD coaching with kids who have confided that they aren’t fooled: they know that it’s medication.

ADHD isn’t a child’s fault. It’s a brain disorder that causes youngsters to have trouble with concentration, ability to complete tasks, or plan for the future. By being open, Meyer lessened the stigma for his son.

Once, he took his son, who was 7 or 8 at the time, to a restaurant where they spotted a youngster in perpetual motion -- so much, in fact, that one parent had to hold him down. “My mouth must have dropped,” Meyer says. “And my son said to me, ‘Don’t look at him as hyperactive. Look at him as being in a hurry to see the world.”

Patients are closing the health gap online

noreply@blogger.com (socrates al-hakim) — Tue, 01 Mar 2011 11:31:00 +0000

For all of us — young, old, and those in the middle — life is simply an interlude between doctors’ visits. This perspective, while obvious, perennially stays beneath our consciousness since we are consumed by the daily pursuit of personal identity as if our mind-body-and-spirit were to function without incident and without end. More powerfully of late is the recognition that the explosive neglect of mental health issues has led to the horror of deadly violence—so massively played out recently in Arizona. In my own family, we have witnessed the tragic consequences of unattended drug addiction.

On a national level, as we have engaged in a heated debate about legislating health care, my greatest fear is that we have lost focus on the ability of an individual to take control of his or her own health and wellness. Now is the time for us to transform the conversation from one about “healthcare” to the far more personal issue of an individual’s own “health.”

Clearly we have reached an inflection point in our quest to improve healthcare. Empowering people to control their own health and wellness destinies may be the most important way to create greater efficiencies in the healthcare system and help drive down the spread of excessive costs. In fact, one of the most important parts of a renewed personal investment in healthcare are the real benefits associated with preventive measures like sound nutrition, frequent exercise, stress reduction and regular medical visits.

We can also see that the Internet is revolutionizing people’s ability to take charge of their physical and mental health. Sparkling advances in social media and mobile technologies have shifted the paradigm for consuming health information online and have created a “new bedside manner” for health practitioners. Doctors and other medical experts now actively participate on Facebook and Twitter, on personal blogs and through many other online interactions—empowering patients with more knowledge and understanding at their fingertips than ever before.

While the number of health experts online is still relatively small, it is growing every day as more doctors view their online presence as an extension of their professional reputation. A recent Manhattan Research survey of U.S. physicians showed an increase in Internet usage for professional purposes up from 2.5 hours per week in 2002 to 8 hours per week in 2010.

This is reminiscent of the early days of television when we heard arguments that the new screen would deaden human emotion and personal connection. We hear echoes of this same concern for the generation growing up with the Internet. Yet today’s children are still raised with a mother’s touch and a father’s care, and they play with each other with the same joy that we experienced; however, they also enjoy the enormous value of having the Internet in the classroom as digital technology is providing a gateway to greater learning and self-realization. Rather than diminishing human connection, technological innovation and the Internet have the power to bring the world together and improve countless lives.

Indeed the pace of change wrought by the Internet is breathtaking. According to Google’s Eric Schmidt, we now create as much information every two days as we did between the dawn of civilization up until the year 2003. Moreover, Pew Research has reported that searching for health information ranks among the top three Web activities across generations. The most significant way to utilize this wealth of available information is to encourage innovation in online health technology with the mission of elevating the standard of care and closing the gap that exists between a doctor visit and an Internet search—where people are left alone with only an empty search box and their own unmet anxieties.

We are on the cusp of vastly improving the overall level of health and wellness knowledge in this country by using the Internet to cultivate a new generation of highly informed patients. It is clear that the more understanding patients have, both before and after a doctor visit, the more efficient our healthcare delivery system will be. With a commitment to better understanding of ourselves and our own bodies, we can take control of our personal health, live a more fulfilling existence and advance in the pursuit of real happiness.

Oregon Congressman David Wu: Mental Health Not A Job Issue

noreply@blogger.com (socrates al-hakim) — Mon, 28 Feb 2011 06:41:00 +0000

Oregon Congressman David Wu: Mental Health Not A Job Issue

LIKELY......

PORTLAND, Ore. — An Oregon congressman facing calls for his resignation from some of the state's largest newspapers said the mental health condition from which he suffers doesn't prevent him from doing his job.

U.S. Rep. David Wu told KGW-TV in an interview aired Saturday that he won't specify his mental health issue.

"There are personal things, even for a congressman," the Democrat told the television station. "I think it is appropriate to have some sphere of privacy about the specific diagnosis because I'm not the president of the United States with my finger on the nuclear trigger."

"Even for a congressman, there are some things which I think appropriately may remain private, and I think Oregonians can respect that," he added.

Wu was responding to questions about his fitness to continue in office after bizarre behavior concerned his team at the end of the 2010 campaign and led to the resignations of seven staff members after the campaign.

He blamed the stress of the campaign and the responsibility of caring for his two children as reasons for his behavior, which included sending pictures of himself wearing a tiger costume to staff members, a decision he now calls "unprofessional and inappropriate."

He said Saturday that he does not have a substance abuse problem, and that he should not have publicly disclosed his decision to stop drinking alcohol last summer because it gave a false impression that he suffered from alcoholism.

"If you do stop drinking, don't brag about it, because people think that you have a problem," Wu said. "And if you ever go back to drinking, people think you really have a problem. Moderation is very good."

Healthy Eating EASY TIPS FOR PLANNING A HEALTHY DIET AND STICKING TO IT

noreply@blogger.com (socrates al-hakim) — Sun, 27 Feb 2011 07:41:00 +0000

DIet ANd heALThy ExcellEnt

Healthy eating is not about strict nutrition philosophies, staying unrealistically thin, or depriving yourself of the foods you love. Rather, it’s about feeling great, having more energy, and keeping yourself as healthy as possible– all of which can be achieved by learning some nutrition basics and using them in a way that works for you.
Healthy eating begins with learning how to “eat smart”—it’s not just what you eat, but how you eat. Your food choices can reduce your risk of illnesses such as heart disease, cancer, and diabetes, as well as defend against depression. Additionally, learning the habits of healthy eating can boost your energy, sharpen your memory and stabilize your mood. You can expand your range of healthy food choices and learn how to plan ahead to create and maintain a satisfying, healthy diet.
IN THIS ARTICLE:
Set yourself up for success
Moderation is key
It’s not just what you eat
Fill up on fruits & vegetables
Eat more whole grains
Enjoy healthy fats
Put protein in perspective
Add calcium & vitamin D
Limit sugar & salt
Plan healthy meals ahead
Related links for healthy eating
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Healthy eating tip 1: Set yourself up for success
To set yourself up for success, think about planning a healthy diet as a number of small, manageable steps rather than one big drastic change. If you approach the changes gradually and with commitment, you will have a healthy diet sooner than you think.

Simplify. Instead of being overly concerned with counting calories or measuring portion sizes, think of your diet in terms of color, variety and freshness—then it should be easier to make healthy choices. Focus on finding foods you love and easy recipes that incorporate a few fresh ingredients. Gradually, your diet will become healthier and more delicious.
Start slow and make changes to your eating habits over time. Trying to make your diet healthy overnight isn’t realistic or smart. Changing everything at once usually leads to cheating or giving up on your new eating plan. Make small steps, like adding a salad (full of different color vegetables) to your diet once a day or switching from butter to olive oil when cooking. As your small changes become habit, you can continue to add more healthy choices to your diet.
Every change you make to improve your diet matters. You don’t have to be perfect and you don’t have to completely eliminate foods you enjoy to have a healthy diet. The long term goal is to feel good, have more energy and reduce the risk of cancer and disease. Don’t let your missteps derail you—every healthy food choice you make counts.

Chinese companies mass producing fake rice out of plastic Learn more: http://www.naturalnews.com/031344_plastic_rice.html#ixzz1F8jZaEKo

noreply@blogger.com (socrates al-hakim) — Sun, 27 Feb 2011 06:56:00 +0000

driving for healhty

NaturalNews) The Chinese food contamination freak show is back in full swing with new reports out of Singapore indicating that certain Chinese companies are now mass producing and selling fake rice to unwitting villagers. According to a report in the Korean-language Weekly Hong Kong, the manufacturers are blending potatoes, sweet potatoes, and plastic industrial resin to produce the imitation rice.

A report in Very Vietnam states that an official from the Chinese Restaurant Association has announced that eating three bowls of this fake rice is the equivalent of eating an entire plastic bag. Consuming such plastic material is obviously a serious health hazard, and officials are allegedly gearing up to conduct an investigation into the factories accused of producing the phony rice.

The scandal is not a surprise when considering China's long legacy food problems, including the 2008 melamine-tainted milk incident where roughly 300,000 people were injured and at least six infants died as a result of being poisoned by the toxic chemical (http://www.naturalnews.com/024837_f...). Other tainted food from China has included melamine-tainted pet foods, lead-tainted children's cups, and even another fake rice case where a Chinese company added synthetic flavorings to ordinary rice to trick people into thinking it was the more expensive "Wuchang" variety.

Some media commentators have already begun to run wild with the fake rice story, comparing the imitation rice to what they say is the imitation reality in which the world lives.

"Fake stimulus, fake money printing, fake GDP growth, fake goods and services being produced, is ... forcing us to consume fake food because we can't afford real food, because we have no real growth, we have no real economy, we have no real industry, we only have fake stuff," bemoaned talk show co-host Stacy Herbert from Russia Today. "So it makes sense that we're only eating fake food."

Learn more: http://www.naturalnews.com/031344_plastic_rice.html#ixzz1F8jgTKyM

A home remedy for whitening your teeth. Don't spend money on expensive teeth whitening kits. Get the same results for free

noreply@blogger.com (socrates al-hakim) — Sun, 27 Feb 2011 06:50:00 +0000

healhty

How can I get whiter teeth for free?

Don't spend your hard-earned money on expensive teeth whitening kits! Get the very same results absolutely free. Don't pay a high office call to go to the dentist and get your teeth professionally whitened! You can have white teeth with things that are probably just sitting in your medicine chest or kitchen cupboard. Don't bother with those gel packs that you have to leave on your teeth. Don't buy that expensive mouthwash for smokers! You have everything that you need to brighten and whiten your teeth right in your own home. Remember that this is free and it works.

Do I have these items in my house?

All you need to whiten your teeth are simple household products. Ok, first go to the kitchen. Open the cupboard where you keep your baking supplies. Do you have baking soda? You probably do. Spoon about two teaspoons of baking soda into a little bowl or cup. Now, travel over to the nearest bathroom. Open the medicine chest. Do you have hydrogen peroxide? You probably have this common household item, too.

How do I make this paste?

Drop two or three teaspoons (this may not be exact) of the hydrogen peroxide into the baking soda, making a paste. This sometimes takes a little trial and error. Be sure it is the same consistency as toothpaste. If you wish, you can add a bit of mint flavoring or even a small dollop of toothpaste.

How do I use this free whitener?

Brush your teeth with your mixture, being sure to leave it on your teeth for at least two minutes. Do NOT swallow this paste! Trust me, you wouldn't want to swallow it- the taste is not the best. To make the paste taste better, try to use the above tips. This will help to make the taste a little bit tastier.

What should I do after using this paste?

After you finish brushing with this free paste, brush again with regular toothpaste to rid your mouth of the taste as well as the peroxide solution. You will be amazed at just how white and bright your teeth will be! Many smokers and heavy coffee drinkers use this little trick. This may be a home remedy that your grandmother even used.