TRUEtanich

Trutanich came in at 52 percent. Weiss came in at 48. It was a tight race. YaaY Trutanich! *SD

GLEE

ITZ ON! Fox 11 *SD

Here is that announcement I mentioned was coming...

"Assemblymember Paul Krekorian invites you to attend Surviving the Meltdown: A Housing and Financial Crises Workshop The free session will feature workshops and informational booths by government agencies, financial institutions and non-profit groups who will be on hand to help deliver practical advice you will be able to use immediately.

Job Seekers: Specialists from the Employment Development Department (EDD) will talk about unemployment insurance, job placement programs and what to do if you lose your job;

Homeowners: Experts will offer helpful strategies on loan modifications, how to avoid foreclosures and reassess your property tax;

Renters: Representatives will be on hand to guide you through your options should a landlord foreclose on the property, and explain your rights with regards to property maintenance, rent increases and evictions;

Potential and recent home buyers: learn the tenets of financial fitness and what to expect when buying a home. Also, first time home buyers can learn how to take advantage of up to $22,000 in government grants.

Saturday, May 23, 2009

10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Roy Romer Middle School
6501 Laurel Canyon Blvd,
North Hollywood, CA 91601

To RSVP (encouraged, not required) or for more information, please call (818) 558-3043. Light refreshments will be served.

हियर इस ठाट

Healthcare News Update - 19th May 2009

Talk Medical (http://talk.news-medical.net). Post news from your organization or company, post events you are involved in or feel would be of interest to the wider community, blog to your heart's content on current health issues or simply just share any interesting health stories you may have.

Latest News

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Industry groups reiterate commitment to reduce health spending growth
The six industry groups that pledged to reduce health care spending growth by $2 trillion over 10 years on Friday issued a statement reaffirming their commitment to work toward the goal, Roll Call reports (Murray, Roll Call, 5/15).
http://www.news-medical.net/news/2009/05/18/Industry-groups-reiterate-commitment-to-reduce-health-spending-growth.aspx

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Washington Post examines lobbying efforts of health information technology industry
The Washington Post on Saturday examined the role of the Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society in lobbying for the national adoption of health information technology as part of health reform efforts.
http://www.news-medical.net/news/2009/05/18/Washington-Post-examines-lobbying-efforts-of-health-information-technology-industry.aspx

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California Governor outlines cuts to address State's budget deficit problems
California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger (R) outlined two budget proposals to address the state's budget problems, and both plans would affect health care, the Los Angeles Times reports.
http://www.news-medical.net/news/2009/05/18/California-Governor-outlines-cuts-to-address-States-budget-deficit-problems.aspx

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California mental health advocates raise concern over treatment of ICE detainees
The San Diego Tribune on Monday profiled the La Mesa, Calif.-based private psychiatric hospital Alvarado Parkway Institute. Some advocates say that the hospital is in a network of private hospitals that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement uses to hold "severely" mentally ill detainees nationwide, often "out of reach of lawyers and even their families," the Tribune reports.
http://www.news-medical.net/news/2009/05/18/California-mental-health-advocates-raise-concern-over-treatment-of-ICE-detainees.aspx

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American Indian tribes to get $500 million in stimulus funds for health projects
Newly appointed IHS Director Yvette Roubideaux on Friday announced that American Indian tribes will receive $500 million as part of the $787 billion economic stimulus package to fund health care projects, the Green Bay Press-Gazette reports.
http://www.news-medical.net/news/2009/05/18/American-Indian-tribes-to-get-24500-million-in-stimulus-funds-for-health-projects.aspx

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Recession is contributing to a decline in overall family health in the Hispanic community
The economic downturn is contributing to a decline in overall family health in the Hispanic community, with parents prioritizing their children's health over their own. While 44 percent of Hispanics consider it equally important for parents to take care of their own health and the health of their children, significantly more parents say the economic downturn has affected their own health and wellness compared to that of their children (69 percent vs. 59 percent).
http://www.news-medical.net/news/2009/05/18/Recession-is-contributing-to-a-decline-in-overall-family-health-in-the-Hispanic-community.aspx

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Patients want full access to all medical records - willing to make privacy concessions
As President Barack Obama calls for streamlining heath care by fully converting to electronic medical records and as Congress prepares to debate issues of patient privacy, one question has largely gone unasked: What do patients want?
http://www.news-medical.net/news/2009/05/18/Patients-want-full-access-to-all-medical-records-willing-to-make-privacy-concessions.aspx

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Ensuring seniors are safe and secure during emergencies
Planning for emergencies must take into account the growing numbers of frail elderly people who will by virtue of shifting demographics be involved in any natural or manmade disaster, according to US researchers writing in the International Journal of Emergency Management.
http://www.news-medical.net/news/2009/05/18/Ensuring-seniors-are-safe-and-secure-during-emergencies.aspx

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What is the formula for sustainable healthcare reform?
A new report, released today by the Manhattan Institute's Center for Medical Progress and authored Douglas Holtz-Eakin, the former Director of the Congressional Budget Office, makes the fiscal and political case for bipartisan healthcare reform.
http://www.news-medical.net/news/2009/05/18/What-is-the-formula-for-sustainable-healthcare-reform.aspx

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Early mobilization of patients in intensive care improves outcomes
Aside from the obvious and immediate health problems that patients undergoing mechanical ventilation face, those who recover often do so with profound loss of strength and mobility that can impair their daily functioning and even lead to increased risk of morbidity and mortality down the line.
http://www.news-medical.net/news/2009/05/17/Early-mobilization-of-patients-in-intensive-care-improves-outcomes.aspx

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Insured immigrants have lower medical costs than U.S.-born citizens, study finds
Insured immigrants have lower medical expenses than insured U.S.-born citizens after taking into account their health status and other characteristics, according to a study released on Thursday and published in the American Journal of Public Health, Reuters Health reports.
http://www.news-medical.net/news/2009/05/15/Insured-immigrants-have-lower-medical-costs-than-US-born-citizens-study-finds.aspx

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Chicago Tribune examines use of urgent care centers
More people have begun using urgent care centers as a means of avoiding waiting for care in emergency departments or for a doctor's appointment, the Chicago Tribune reports.
http://www.news-medical.net/news/2009/05/15/Chicago-Tribune-examines-use-of-urgent-care-centers.aspx

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General Motors, United Auto Workers nearing deal to use company stock for half of VEBA obligation, sources say
General Motors and the United Auto Workers are close to finalizing a deal that would reduce the automaker's cash obligation to a retiree health care trust fund, according to people with knowledge of the matter, the Wall Street Journal reports.
http://www.news-medical.net/news/2009/05/15/General-Motors-United-Auto-Workers-nearing-deal-to-use-company-stock-for-half-of-VEBA-obligation-sources-say.aspx

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Senate Finance Committee holds second closed-door meeting on health care reform; details of House Energy and Commerce Committee overhaul plan leaked
The Senate Finance Committee and the House Energy and Commerce Committee on Thursday both worked on health care proposals aimed at overhauling the U.S. health care system, CQ Today reports.
http://www.news-medical.net/news/2009/05/15/Senate-Finance-Committee-holds-second-closed-door-meeting-on-health-care-reform3b-details-of-House-Energy-and-Commerce-Committee-overhaul-plan-leaked.aspx

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Obama campaign contributors being asked to donate to effort supporting health care reform
The Washington Times on Friday examined how President Obama's "former campaign apparatus is cranking up a full-tilt drive for passage of a health care overhaul this year" by "tapping his 13-million-strong e-mail list" for financial contributions to fund advertising efforts, hire staff and open election-style offices.
http://www.news-medical.net/news/2009/05/15/Obama-campaign-contributors-being-asked-to-donate-to-effort-supporting-health-care-reform.aspx

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Industry groups say White House overstated pledge to reduce health spending growth
Groups representing hospitals and insurers on Thursday said that President Obama considerably overstated their pledge to rein in health care spending, the New York Times reports.
http://www.news-medical.net/news/2009/05/15/Industry-groups-say-White-House-overstated-pledge-to-reduce-health-spending-growth.aspx

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Don't punish people for just staying alive!
Among all the mixed messages on retirement flowing from the budget, the biggest policy development is the decision to extend the working age for Australians to 67. Without doubt, this change will be the enduring legacy of this budget, certainly for future retirees, and for the country as a whole.
http://www.news-medical.net/news/2009/05/14/Dont-punish-people-for-just-staying-alive!.aspx

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Urgent Care Centers: Between the ER and the family doctor
Urgent care centers (UCCs) are providing an alternative to emergency room treatment. A study published in the open access journal BMC Health Services Research has shown that UCCs tend to be open well outside of office hours and offer a wider range of services than primary care offices.
http://www.news-medical.net/news/2009/05/14/Urgent-Care-Centers-Between-the-ER-and-the-family-doctor.aspx

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California ballot measures would have negative effect on health care access for children, immigrants, minority advocacy groups say
A coalition of ethnic minority advocacy groups has raised concerns that two of six budget-related propositions on the May 19 special election ballot would negatively affect minorities' health, New America Media reports.
http://www.news-medical.net/news/2009/05/14/California-ballot-measures-would-have-negative-effect-on-health-care-access-for-children-immigrants-minority-advocacy-groups-say.aspx

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Editorial says, Obama is "right to push for health care reform"
President Obama is "right to push for [health care] reform now, despite calls to postpone efforts solely on the economic recovery," a Philadelphia Inquirer editorial states.
http://www.news-medical.net/news/2009/05/14/Editorial-says-Obama-is-e2809cright-to-push-for-health-care-reforme2809d.aspx

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Missouri Legislature passes bills that impose levies on health care providers to generate additional Federal Medicaid funding
Missouri lawmakers have approved two bills (HB 740 and SB 307) that extend or create health care provider taxes or certification fees as part of an effort to draw in more federal Medicaid matching dollars, the AP/Ann Arbor News reports.
http://www.news-medical.net/news/2009/05/14/Missouri-Legislature-passes-bills-that-impose-levies-on-health-care-providers-to-generate-additional-Federal-Medicaid-funding.aspx

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Senate Finance Committee to discuss public plan options; House Energy and Commerce Committee discusses state, regional plans
The Senate Finance Committee on Thursday will meet to discuss the inclusion of a public insurance plan in its health care reform legislation, the Des Moines Register reports (Beaumont, Des Moines Register, 5/14). Supporters of the public plan say it would allow middle-income workers a choice between their employer coverage and coverage offered by the government. The insurance industry and Republican lawmakers oppose such a plan.
http://www.news-medical.net/news/2009/05/14/Senate-Finance-Committee-to-discuss-public-plan-options3b-House-Energy-and-Commerce-Committee-discusses-state-regional-plans.aspx

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Senate Democrats meet with White House adviser to craft response to Republican criticism on health reform
Senate Democrats on Wednesday worked with senior White House adviser David Axelrod to craft a health care message focused on affordability and choice, the AP/Contra Costa Times reports (Werner, AP/Contra Costa Times, 5/13).
http://www.news-medical.net/news/2009/05/14/Senate-Democrats-meet-with-White-House-adviser-to-craft-response-to-Republican-criticism-on-health-reform.aspx

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Two New York State health agencies launch series of projects that seek to reduce racial health disparities
The Perinatal Network of Monroe County and the Finger Lakes Health Systems Agency in New York state on Friday will unveil a series of 13 initiatives that aim to reduce racial health disparities, the Rochester Democrat and Chronicle reports.
http://www.news-medical.net/news/2009/05/13/Two-New-York-State-health-agencies-launch-series-of-projects-that-seek-to-reduce-racial-health-disparities.aspx

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Nevada Legislative Committee reinstates Governor's proposed Medicaid cuts
A Nevada Senate-Assembly budget subcommittee has voted to reject some of the changes to the $900 million state Medicaid budget proposed by Gov. Jim Gibbons (R) and others, the AP/San Jose Mercury News reports (Gines, AP/San Jose Mercury News, 5/12).
http://www.news-medical.net/news/2009/05/13/Nevada-Legislative-Committee-reinstates-Governors-proposed-Medicaid-cuts.aspx

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Senate Finance Committee weighs proposal to tax employer health benefits, other plans to pay for health reform
The Senate Finance Committee on Tuesday heard arguments for taxing employer-sponsored health care benefits as a means for funding a comprehensive health care overhaul, the Wall Street Journal reports.
http://www.news-medical.net/news/2009/05/13/Senate-Finance-Committee-weighs-proposal-to-tax-employer-health-benefits-other-plans-to-pay-for-health-reform.aspx

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House Democrats say they will introduce reform legislation August recess; Obama Administration to look into wellness programs
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, (D-Calif.) and other House Democrats met with President Barack Obama on Wednesday, promising a health reform bill by the end of July, the AP/Examiner reports.
http://www.news-medical.net/news/2009/05/13/House-Democrats-say-they-will-introduce-reform-legislation-August-recess3b-Obama-Administration-to-look-into-wellness-programs.aspx

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Medicare hospital fund will be insolvent by 2017, two years earlier than expected, trustees say
The trust fund that Medicare uses to pay for beneficiaries' hospital care will be insolvent by 2017, as the program since last year has been paying out more than it collects in taxes and interest, in part due to the worsening economy, according to a Medicare Payment Advisory Commission report issued Tuesday, the Washington Times reports.
http://www.news-medical.net/news/2009/05/13/Medicare-hospital-fund-will-be-insolvent-by-2017-two-years-earlier-than-expected-trustees-say.aspx

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Medicare information for caregivers now available on NIHSeniorHealth
If you're caring for an older friend or family member, you've probably had questions about Medicare, the federal health insurance program for adults 65 and older and people under age 65 with disabilities.
http://www.news-medical.net/news/2009/05/13/Medicare-information-for-caregivers-now-available-on-NIHSeniorHealth.aspx

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Gov. O'Malley signs two bills that set new rules for no-cost, low-cost hospital care, financial information
Maryland Gov. Martin O'Malley (D) signed two bills on Thursday that institute new rules to determine eligibility for no-cost or reduced-price care at state hospitals and mandate that staff provide financial assistance information to all patients, the Baltimore Sun reports.
http://www.news-medical.net/news/2009/05/12/Gov-OMalley-signs-two-bills-that-set-new-rules-for-no-cost-low-cost-hospital-care-financial-information.aspx

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Few dentists in Wisconsin accept patients enrolled in BadgerCare Plus
Few dentists in Wisconsin are accepting patients insured by BadgerCare Plus, and children in particular are affected, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports.
http://www.news-medical.net/news/2009/05/12/Few-dentists-in-Wisconsin-accept-patients-enrolled-in-BadgerCare-Plus.aspx

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More 'walk-in clinics' affiliated with hospitals, medical centers
The number of hospitals in the U.S. that are affiliated with walk-in clinics in large retail chains, such as Wal-Mart or CVS, is rising, as hospitals view the collaborations as a means of expanding their business, the New York Times reports.
http://www.news-medical.net/news/2009/05/12/More-e28098walk-in-clinicse28099-affiliated-with-hospitals-medical-centers.aspx

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Blue Dog Coalition criticizes house health care leaders for developing legislation in secret
Members of the fiscally conservative, Democratic Blue Dog Coalition on Monday sent a letter to the chairs of three House committees who have been tasked with drafting health care legislation, saying they are "increasingly troubled" by the exclusivity of the process, the New York Times reports.
http://www.news-medical.net/news/2009/05/12/Blue-Dog-Coalition-criticizes-house-health-care-leaders-for-developing-legislation-in-secret.aspx

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Health industry groups pledge to reduce spending; some health advocates express skepticism about plan
As President Obama on Monday met with health care industry groups regarding their pledge to reduce $2 trillion in expected health care spending increases over the next 10 years, many health care advocates expressed skepticism about the promise, the Hartford Courant reports (Levick, Hartford Courant, 5/12).
http://www.news-medical.net/news/2009/05/12/Health-industry-groups-pledge-to-reduce-spending3b-some-health-advocates-express-skepticism-about-plan.aspx

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Obama calls for additional taxes to offset budgeting mistakes that overstated revenue for health reform
The Obama administration on Monday proposed $58 billion worth of new taxes in response to findings that returns from the original funding mechanism for President Obama's health care plan were overstated, the AP/Boston Globe reports (Ohlemacher, AP/Boston Globe, 5/11).
http://www.news-medical.net/news/2009/05/12/Obama-calls-for-additional-taxes-to-offset-budgeting-mistakes-that-overstated-revenue-for-health-reform.aspx

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West Virginia Gov. Manchin vetoes Medicaid mental health reimbursement hike
West Virginia Gov. Joe Manchin (D) on Thursday vetoed a $1.5 million bill to increase Medicaid reimbursements for mental health care services over three years, but said that the state will direct $12.7 million in state and federal money to community-based mental health services and reduce overcrowding in psychiatric hospitals, the Charleston Gazette reports.
http://www.news-medical.net/news/2009/05/12/West-Virginia-Gov-Manchin-vetoes-Medicaid-mental-health-reimbursement-hike.aspx

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Hospitals' efforts to reduce readmissions not recognized under current payment model
Hospitals' efforts to reduce the portion of patients who are readmitted for follow-up care are proving successful in many cases, but even though the moves often result in savings for insurers, the hospitals do not necessarily benefit financially, the New York Times reports. Because insurer payments are based on treatments provided rather than the health of patients, hospitals can "actually lose money by providing better care," the Times reports.
http://www.news-medical.net/news/2009/05/12/Hospitals-efforts-to-reduce-readmissions-not-recognized-under-current-payment-model.aspx

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Kaiser Health News/Philadelphia Inquirer examines college graduates' search for health insurance
Kaiser Health News/Philadelphia Inquirer on Monday examined health insurance for young adults, many of whom lose coverage after they graduate from high school or college or reach a certain age.
http://www.news-medical.net/news/2009/05/12/Kaiser-Health-NewsPhiladelphia-Inquirer-examines-college-graduates-search-for-health-insurance.aspx

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Lawmakers considering changing tax rules to allow employers to encourage wellness, prevention among workers
A plan being developed by Sen. Tom Harkin (D-Iowa) would give tax credits to employers offering wellness programs, such as periodic screenings for health problems and counseling, to encourage workers to adopt healthier lifestyles, the New York Times reports.
http://www.news-medical.net/news/2009/05/12/Lawmakers-considering-changing-tax-rules-to-allow-employers-to-encourage-wellness-prevention-among-workers.aspx

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Health industry members vow to reduce spending by $2 trillion over next 10 years; savings could help finance reform
Leading health care industry groups on Monday are expected to pledge to President Obama that they will attempt to reduce $2 trillion in expected health care spending increases over the next 10 years, Obama administration officials said on Sunday, the Wall Street Journal reports (Adamy, Wall Street Journal, 5/11).
http://www.news-medical.net/news/2009/05/12/Health-industry-members-vow-to-reduce-spending-by-242-trillion-over-next-10-years3b-savings-could-help-finance-reform.aspx

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Senior Medicare beneficiaries give their coverage higher ratings than do those with ESI
Elderly Medicare beneficiaries are more satisfied with their health care, and experience fewer problems accessing and paying for care, than Americans with employer-sponsored insurance (ESI), according to a study by Commonwealth Fund researchers published today on the Health Affairs Web site.
http://www.news-medical.net/news/2009/05/12/Senior-Medicare-beneficiaries-give-their-coverage-higher-ratings-than-do-those-with-ESI.aspx

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HAPPY VOTING DAY!

Today, also, I have a presentation. Further, it is Open House at my youngest son*s school, along with the book fair we will be attending. Busy day. And, tomorrow, MY personal election voting day, for the committee positions I have been asked to run for. Wish me luck, no, blessings. I better decide on one and quickly put together a campaign. I can do it quickly. And, fortunately, I was able to knock out a 6 page report in one night, last night. Busy week. Go Trutanich! :) Go me! ;) For the next two terms, I think I will take on less responsibilities, and schedule more vacation time, in the form of day vacations. :) *SD