CHICAGO (CBS) — The past decade saw a decline in the teen birth rate in Chicago, although the number of teen pregnancies is still much higher than the national average, according to new statistics released by the city on Tuesday. RELATED: Read The Full Report Between 1999 and 2009, the rate of teenagers having children declined 33 percent, according to a new report “Births in Chicago, 1999-2009.” The report noted that the number of teen births is still 1.5 times higher than the national average, but that the decline is outpacing the national trend. In 2009, the teen birth rate per 1,000 females was 57, compared with 39 nationwide. In 1999 that number was 85 per 1,000 in Chicago. The report found that 84 percent of women sought prenatal care during the first trimester of their pregnancies, an increase of 10 percent. In 2009, the report found, that just under 4 percent of women reported that they smoked while pregnant. The percentage of low birth weight babies also declined–to about one in 10 infants. Older women were also having more children, the report said. The birth rates for women between the ages of 35 and 44 increased 40 percent. To further decrease teen pregnancy rates, the Chicago Department of Public Health is working with Chicago Public Schools to pilot a new condom availability program, implement comprehensive sex education at all grade levels, and launch a city-wide public awareness campaign, according to a city news release. There were 44,441 babies born in Chicago in 2009, a decline of 12 percent from 1999. About half of those babies were born to unmarried mothers. The Austin neighborhood had the highest average number of births (1,877 a year) between 2005-2009.
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Showing posts with label Health. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Health. Show all posts
Marin's New Public Health Officer to Tackle the County's Health Disparities
Labels: HealthEven though Marin is ranked as the healthiest county in California, that doesn?t mean Dr. Matthew Willis, the county?s new public health officer, has an easy job ahead of him. ?Marin has consistently had some of the highest health rankings of any county in the state and that?s certainly something to be proud of,? said Willis in a recent interview in his new San Rafael office in the county's Health and Human Services department. But Marin also has some of the highest degrees of health disparities in the state, Willis said. ?There are significant portions of the Marin population that don?t enjoy the health benefits enjoyed by the majority.? He said his job ? which he started at the beginning of December ? largely involves maintaining basic public health responsibilities including: Controlling communicable diseases Disaster preparation Ongoing disease surveillance Maintenance of a high-quality public health laboratory Protection against threats to health from our environment Willis said he also plans to tackle some of the health disparities in Marin. For example, life expectancy varies greatly between some Marin towns that are just miles apart; parts of San Rafael have the lowest expectancy in the county ? 77 ? while the nearby Ross has the highest expectancy at the average age of 94. ?When I see the life expectancy varying by 17 years in Marin, it?s clear that?s a main issue to address,? he said. Other towns with high expectancies include Kentfield (87), and Larkspur, Tiburon, Belvedere and Mill Valley, which are all at 85. A study recently reported that Marin men have the highest health expectancy in the U.S. ?Your life expectancy should not be determined by your zip code. But in Marin it appears to be,? Willis said. The least healthy regions of Marin include portions of West Marin, Marin City, the canal neighborhood in San Rafael and Hamilton in Novato. ?Some people living in certain areas don?t have the opportunity to make healthy choices in everyday life,? Willis said. This can include a lack of access to green space, safe bicycle paths and health foods options in some areas. ?I see it as my responsibility, as public health officer, to raise the bar for all of Marin?s residents,? he said. Willis said Marin also has higher than usual rates of exemptions from vaccinations and higher than usual rates of alcohol use and binge drinking, including adolescent drinking. Willis has already started working with the Mill Valley City Council to address data on leading causes of death, smoking rates, alcohol use and domestic violence rates. ?Mill Valley expressed an interest in partnering with Health and Human Services to review that data to help guide their initiatives and priorities,? he said, adding he hopes other Marin municipalities follow suit. PERSONAL BACKGROUND Even though Willis, 47, returned to Marin a few years ago, he grew up in Marin. It's where he developed a passion for road cycling. He went to Wade Thomas Elementary and Hidden Valley Middle School in San Anselmo, where his father taught at the San Francisco Theological Seminary. His family moved to New Jersey before he started high school and since he has traveled extensively, first as a professional road racer on the United States National Cycling Team from 1987 to 1990 and then throughout earning his education and during his career that has ?straddled public health and clinical medicine,? he said. Before he went to the medical school he studied medical anthropology and spent a year in Africa volunteering in health clinics. After earning his medical degree from Temple University he earned a Masters in Public Health from Harvard University. He had been working with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, researching tuberculosis and HIV while spending a lot of time abroad in places including Haiti, Kazakhstan, India and Rwanda. In Haiti, he spent a month living in a tent on the embassy compound after the 2010 earthquake to build a surveillance system for disease outbreak detection in the tent camps. He started as an internal medicine provider in Marin Community Clinics in September 2011. His wife, Heather ? a physiatrist in Marin ? and their three children, 13-year-old Lily, 9-year-old Thomas and 2-year-old Basil, settled in San Anselmo. ?I came back mainly for quality of life reasons,? Willis said. ?We wanted to live in a healthy environment and a place where my wife and I could raise our family surrounded by the values that we?ve come to hold after moving around a lot.? See what else is happening on San Rafael Patch: Man Shot at San Rafael Transit Center, Suspect at Large San Rafael Transit Center Gunman Identified San Rafael?s Priciest Houses: 50 Beach Drive 3 Women Hospitalized After Head-on Crash on Golden Gate Bridge Marin Law Enforcement Plans Holiday Crackdown on Drunken Driving "Like" us on Facebook|Follow us Twitter|Get "Patched" in with our newsletter|Start a blog
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New Book Aims To Take ‘Mask Off’ HIV’s Misconceptions
Labels: HealthCOTTAGE GROVE, Minn. (WCCO) – The face of HIV in Minnesota is getting frighteningly younger. New research shows youth make up about 20 percent of new infections. A new project in the works aims to re-educate Minnesotans about HIV, especially in communities typically thought of as safe. The name of the book is “Face Off HIV.” And the author has worked in HIV prevention for years, saying the misconception that it’s only a gay man’s disease is unfortunately still too prevalent. Take, for example, personal trainer Annie Elmer, who works out five to six times a week. Infected with HIV by her then boyfriend 22 years ago, Annie says her workouts help keep her life-saving medicine from destroying her body. “Two years ago I wanted to end my life,” she said. “Because I couldn’t deal with the side effects.” But physical side effects are just one part of Annie’s story, there are the emotional scars, too. Elmer’s been single since her diagnosis. Most men are just too afraid. “They’re afraid for their lives, and they don’t want to get involved with somebody they think is going to die,” Elmer said. Annie was diagnosed even before Magic Johnson’s HIV status went public in the early 1990s. A straight woman from the suburbs, she says at the time, most people like her didn’t think they could get it. “I live in Washington County, in Cottage Grove — a low impact area — I don’t think that people think about it there,” she said. HIV researcher Keith Pederson hopes to raise awareness. His soon-to-launch book “Face Off HIV” will feature people from across the state, just like Elmer, living positive and sharing their stories. “Take the mask off of HIV, and talk literally about the fact that this is a communicable disease that’s preventable,” he said. The book will feature more than 40 people’s stories, including Elmer’s. Pederson hopes his project will help Minnesotans talk more openly about HIV in their homes and communities. For more on the book’s upcoming release, click here. Like this:LikeBe the first to like this.
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Chatham County officials tour new health department facility
Labels: HealthThe future home of the Chatham County Health Department is starting to take shape. The brick-red exterior of the building is now standing after workers began lifting the prefabricated concrete walls into place in September. Inside, the metal wall framing remained exposed Tuesday as workers installed electrical components and insulation.County health administrator Randy McCall said construction of the $8.5 million facility is on schedule and expected to open by the end of May.On Tuesday, McCall toured the facility along with Luke Dorman, project manager for Rives E. Worrell, and County Manager Russ Abolt. The 37,000-square-foot building being built on Sallie Mood Drive will replace the department?s 57-year-old headquarters next door on Eisenhower Drive.The new facility will accommodate the same services offered in the current building such as adult and childhood immunizations, Tuberculosis testing, sexually transmitted disease treatment and family planning. The department?s environmental services, which includes restaurant inspections, will also be moved from rented space on Mall Boulevard. McCall said there were about 78,000 clinical visits last year at the current facility, which is difficult for patients to navigate.He said, ?People get lost in the maze.?
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Comprehensive Information on Yaz Birth Control Warnings and Legal News Added to DrugRisk Resource Site
Labels: HealthThe Drug Resource Center is the Web’s largest source for information on prescription drug warnings, side effects and legal news. Visit http://www.DrugRisk.com
New York, NY (PRWEB) December 19, 2012
Online prescription drug and medical device resource center DrugRisk has added information about the latest side effect warnings and legal settlements related to the birth control drugs Yaz and Yasmin to its existing data on the most popular medications and devices.
“The goal of the DrugRisk Resource Center has always been to improve public safety by providing the latest updates on prescription drug warnings, recalls, studies and litigation. We continue this with up-to-date information on the birth control drugs Yaz and Yasmin,’ said DrugRisk representative Ryan Mayer.
The added information includes a recently published warning by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists that birth control pills containing drospirenone, such as Yaz and Yasmin, may have a higher risk of causing blood clots.*
DrugRisk also tracks financial reports from prescription drug makers disclosing pending legal issues. Bayer recently reported that they continue to settle claims that Yaz and Yasmin caused blood clots, indicating they have settled approximately 3,500 Yaz lawsuits so far at a total cost of nearly $750 million, or an average of approximately $214,000 per case.**
The company also confirmed they are only settling claims involving blood clot injuries, such as deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism.
Anyone who suffered a blood clot, DVT, stroke or Pulmonary Embolism after taking Yaz or Yasmin is urged to contact the Drug Risk Resource Center or speak with a lawyer about their legal options.
DrugRisk contains previously issued information on Yaz and Yasmin as well. On October 25, 2011, the British Medical Journal published a study from the University of Copenhagen linking the hormone in Yaz to blood clots. On October 27, 2011, the FDA also released a study entitled "Combined Hormonal Contraceptives and the Risk of Cardiovascular Disease Endpoints" showing drugs like Yaz could increase the risk of blood clots, DVT and pulmonary embolism by as much as 74%.
DrugRisk has learned that the volume of Yaz lawsuits have been consolidated to a special federal Multi-District Litigation court in Illinois. The formal case is known as Yasmin and Yaz (Drospirenone) Marketing, Sales Practices and Products Liability Litigation (MDL No. 2100, Southern District Illinois).
The Drug Risk Resource Center cautions victims who wish to learn about their legal options that they should seek a lawyer with experience in defective drug litigation, and only recommends lawyers and law firms who have already settled Yaz lawsuits.
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New York, NY (PRWEB) December 19, 2012
Online prescription drug and medical device resource center DrugRisk has added information about the latest side effect warnings and legal settlements related to the birth control drugs Yaz and Yasmin to its existing data on the most popular medications and devices.
“The goal of the DrugRisk Resource Center has always been to improve public safety by providing the latest updates on prescription drug warnings, recalls, studies and litigation. We continue this with up-to-date information on the birth control drugs Yaz and Yasmin,’ said DrugRisk representative Ryan Mayer.
The added information includes a recently published warning by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists that birth control pills containing drospirenone, such as Yaz and Yasmin, may have a higher risk of causing blood clots.*
DrugRisk also tracks financial reports from prescription drug makers disclosing pending legal issues. Bayer recently reported that they continue to settle claims that Yaz and Yasmin caused blood clots, indicating they have settled approximately 3,500 Yaz lawsuits so far at a total cost of nearly $750 million, or an average of approximately $214,000 per case.**
The company also confirmed they are only settling claims involving blood clot injuries, such as deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism.
Anyone who suffered a blood clot, DVT, stroke or Pulmonary Embolism after taking Yaz or Yasmin is urged to contact the Drug Risk Resource Center or speak with a lawyer about their legal options.
DrugRisk contains previously issued information on Yaz and Yasmin as well. On October 25, 2011, the British Medical Journal published a study from the University of Copenhagen linking the hormone in Yaz to blood clots. On October 27, 2011, the FDA also released a study entitled "Combined Hormonal Contraceptives and the Risk of Cardiovascular Disease Endpoints" showing drugs like Yaz could increase the risk of blood clots, DVT and pulmonary embolism by as much as 74%.
DrugRisk has learned that the volume of Yaz lawsuits have been consolidated to a special federal Multi-District Litigation court in Illinois. The formal case is known as Yasmin and Yaz (Drospirenone) Marketing, Sales Practices and Products Liability Litigation (MDL No. 2100, Southern District Illinois).
The Drug Risk Resource Center cautions victims who wish to learn about their legal options that they should seek a lawyer with experience in defective drug litigation, and only recommends lawyers and law firms who have already settled Yaz lawsuits.
Geithner dice que republicanos aceptarán mayores impuestos en EEUU
Labels: Health
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - El principal negociador fiscal del presidente de Estados Unidos, Barack Obama, presionó el domingo a los republicanos para que ofrezcan ideas específicas para reducir el déficit, y predijo que aceptarán un alza de impuesto a los ricos para obtener un acuerdo antes de fin de año que evite la catástrofe económica.
El secretario del Tesoro de Estados Unidos, Timothy Geithner, dijo que depende de los republicanos si Estados Unidos cae en el "abismo fiscal", una combinación de recortes automáticos al gasto y alzas generalizadas de impuestos que podrían lanzar al país a una recesión.
"Esa es una decisión que está en las manos de los republicanos que ahora se oponen al aumento de tasas tributarias" para los estadounidenses más ricos, un importante punto pendiente en las negociaciones para lograr un acuerdo de reducción del déficit, dijo Geithner a "Fox News Sunday".
Los sondeos muestran que la mayoría de los estadounidenses está a favor de un alza de impuestos para los ricos y han comenzado a aparecer grietas en la que había sido una sólida oposición republicana a tal medida, por lo que el Gobierno de Obama estima que tiene la ventaja.
Pero el presidente de la Cámara de Representantes de Estados Unidos, el republicano John Boehner, se mantuvo firme y reiteró su postura contra el aumento de impuestos.
"Este es el problema", dijo Boehner en una aparición separada en Fox. "Cuando subes las tasas, haces más difícil que nuestra economía crezca", agregó.
Además, dijo Boehner, si los republicanos acceden a dar a Obama un total estimado de 1,6 billones de dólares en nuevos ingresos por impuestos, "El va a gastarlos", no va a reducir el déficit.
Boehner también reiteró la oposición de su partido a que el Congreso otorgue al presidente la autoridad de aumentar el límite de deuda de Estados Unidos, un poder que tanto demócratas como republicanos valoran.
"El Congreso nunca va a renunciar a ese poder", dijo Boehner, explicando que brinda a los legisladores el poder necesario para negociar con la Casa Blanca.
Con el público y los mercados financieros preocupados sobre el "abismo fiscal", Boehner aprovechó su aparición en televisión para intentar aliviar los temores.
"No quiero ninguna parte de caer en el abismo. Voy a hacer todo lo posible para evitar eso", dijo Boehner. Pero sostuvo que ambas partes siguen distanciadas cuando queda menos de un mes pasa negociar, agregando "no estamos en ninguna parte".
Nuevamente se rehusó a entregar detalles específicos de sus propuestas de reducción del déficit, más que repetir que una opción sería terminar con varias deducciones tributarias no especificadas.
"El presidente ha visto varios opciones de nuestra parte. Hay muchas de ellas sobre la mesa y espero que la conversación continúe", dijo Boehner.
Se esperan más negociaciones esta semana, al menos a nivel de personal. Pero ambas partes han dicho que podría necesitarse otra semana aproximadamente para que las negociaciones se pongan serias.
Un posible escenario es una solución de corto plazo que pospondría el plazo del abismo fiscal en seis meses a un año.
La oferta inicial de Geithner la semana pasada era elevar los ingresos tributarios en 1,6 billones de dólares y al menos 50.000 millones de dólares en nuevos gastos de estímulo económico, además de otorgar efectivamente al presidente la capacidad de aumentar el límite de deuda.
Los republicanos rápidamente rechazaron la propuesta como inaceptable, incluso risible.
"Quedé simplemente atónito", dijo Boehner.
¿QUE GASTOS SE RECORTAN PRIMERO?
La demócrata de mayor rango de la Cámara de Representantes, Nancy Pelosi, reiteró su amenaza de obligar a una votación sobre un plan aprobado por el Senado para extender los beneficios tributarios a la clase media si Boehner no programa una inmediatamente.
"El reloj está avanzando y los puntos muertos son lujos que no nos podemos permitir", dijo en un comunicado escrito después de que Boehner habló.
El senador republicano Lindsey Graham, en una aparición en el programa "Face the Nation" de CBS, repitió lo que muchos en su partido han predicho. "Vamos a caer en el abismo".
Al igual que otros republicanos, Graham acusó al Gobierno de no negociar de buena fe al rehusarse a ofrecer recortes significativos al gasto.
El Gobierno insiste en que los republicanos ofrezcan sus recortes primeros, especialmente debido a que Obama ganó la reelección este mes prometiendo que elevaría los impuestos a los ricos.
"Es muy claro para mí que ellos han hecho un cálculo político", dijo Graham.
"Esta oferta no lidia ni remotamente con la reforma a los programas sociales de manera de salvar a Medicare, Medicaid y la Seguridad Social de una inminente bancarrota", sostuvo Graham.
En una serie de apariciones en televisión, Geithner insistió en que las tasas tributarias a los más ricos deben subir, y restó importancia a la conflictiva retórica de la semana pasada llamándola "teatro político".
"La única cosa en el camino (de un acuerdo) sería una negativa de los republicanos a aceptar que las tasas deberán subir para los estadounidenses más ricos. Yo no los veo realmente haciendo eso", dijo Geithner en "Meet the Press" de NBC.
Los comentarios corresponden a la más reciente ronda de maniobras que se concentran en la extensión de las exenciones tributarias temporales, creadas durante el gobierno del ex presidente George W. Bush, más allá de su vencimiento el 31 de diciembre.
Los republicanos quieren que los beneficios se prolonguen para todos los estadounidenses, mientras que el presidente Barack Obama y los demócratas quieren que las rebajas se apliquen sólo a quienes ganan menos de 250.000 dólares.
Los republicanos, que controlan la Cámara de representantes pero son minoría en el Senado, han expresado su voluntad de aumentar los ingresos mediante la adopción de medidas como limitar las deducciones tributarias, pero la mayoría se opone al aumento de tasas.
"No va a haber un acuerdo sin que las tasas suban", dijo Geithner directamente en "State of the Union" de CNN.
El vencimiento previsto de los beneficios tributarios de la era de Bush y las reducciones automáticas al gasto del gobierno que deberían aplicarse a comienzos del próximo año restarían cerca de 600.000 millones de dólares de la economía.
El secretario del Tesoro de Estados Unidos, Timothy Geithner, dijo que depende de los republicanos si Estados Unidos cae en el "abismo fiscal", una combinación de recortes automáticos al gasto y alzas generalizadas de impuestos que podrían lanzar al país a una recesión.
"Esa es una decisión que está en las manos de los republicanos que ahora se oponen al aumento de tasas tributarias" para los estadounidenses más ricos, un importante punto pendiente en las negociaciones para lograr un acuerdo de reducción del déficit, dijo Geithner a "Fox News Sunday".
Los sondeos muestran que la mayoría de los estadounidenses está a favor de un alza de impuestos para los ricos y han comenzado a aparecer grietas en la que había sido una sólida oposición republicana a tal medida, por lo que el Gobierno de Obama estima que tiene la ventaja.
Pero el presidente de la Cámara de Representantes de Estados Unidos, el republicano John Boehner, se mantuvo firme y reiteró su postura contra el aumento de impuestos.
"Este es el problema", dijo Boehner en una aparición separada en Fox. "Cuando subes las tasas, haces más difícil que nuestra economía crezca", agregó.
Además, dijo Boehner, si los republicanos acceden a dar a Obama un total estimado de 1,6 billones de dólares en nuevos ingresos por impuestos, "El va a gastarlos", no va a reducir el déficit.
Boehner también reiteró la oposición de su partido a que el Congreso otorgue al presidente la autoridad de aumentar el límite de deuda de Estados Unidos, un poder que tanto demócratas como republicanos valoran.
"El Congreso nunca va a renunciar a ese poder", dijo Boehner, explicando que brinda a los legisladores el poder necesario para negociar con la Casa Blanca.
Con el público y los mercados financieros preocupados sobre el "abismo fiscal", Boehner aprovechó su aparición en televisión para intentar aliviar los temores.
"No quiero ninguna parte de caer en el abismo. Voy a hacer todo lo posible para evitar eso", dijo Boehner. Pero sostuvo que ambas partes siguen distanciadas cuando queda menos de un mes pasa negociar, agregando "no estamos en ninguna parte".
Nuevamente se rehusó a entregar detalles específicos de sus propuestas de reducción del déficit, más que repetir que una opción sería terminar con varias deducciones tributarias no especificadas.
"El presidente ha visto varios opciones de nuestra parte. Hay muchas de ellas sobre la mesa y espero que la conversación continúe", dijo Boehner.
Se esperan más negociaciones esta semana, al menos a nivel de personal. Pero ambas partes han dicho que podría necesitarse otra semana aproximadamente para que las negociaciones se pongan serias.
Un posible escenario es una solución de corto plazo que pospondría el plazo del abismo fiscal en seis meses a un año.
La oferta inicial de Geithner la semana pasada era elevar los ingresos tributarios en 1,6 billones de dólares y al menos 50.000 millones de dólares en nuevos gastos de estímulo económico, además de otorgar efectivamente al presidente la capacidad de aumentar el límite de deuda.
Los republicanos rápidamente rechazaron la propuesta como inaceptable, incluso risible.
"Quedé simplemente atónito", dijo Boehner.
¿QUE GASTOS SE RECORTAN PRIMERO?
La demócrata de mayor rango de la Cámara de Representantes, Nancy Pelosi, reiteró su amenaza de obligar a una votación sobre un plan aprobado por el Senado para extender los beneficios tributarios a la clase media si Boehner no programa una inmediatamente.
"El reloj está avanzando y los puntos muertos son lujos que no nos podemos permitir", dijo en un comunicado escrito después de que Boehner habló.
El senador republicano Lindsey Graham, en una aparición en el programa "Face the Nation" de CBS, repitió lo que muchos en su partido han predicho. "Vamos a caer en el abismo".
Al igual que otros republicanos, Graham acusó al Gobierno de no negociar de buena fe al rehusarse a ofrecer recortes significativos al gasto.
El Gobierno insiste en que los republicanos ofrezcan sus recortes primeros, especialmente debido a que Obama ganó la reelección este mes prometiendo que elevaría los impuestos a los ricos.
"Es muy claro para mí que ellos han hecho un cálculo político", dijo Graham.
"Esta oferta no lidia ni remotamente con la reforma a los programas sociales de manera de salvar a Medicare, Medicaid y la Seguridad Social de una inminente bancarrota", sostuvo Graham.
En una serie de apariciones en televisión, Geithner insistió en que las tasas tributarias a los más ricos deben subir, y restó importancia a la conflictiva retórica de la semana pasada llamándola "teatro político".
"La única cosa en el camino (de un acuerdo) sería una negativa de los republicanos a aceptar que las tasas deberán subir para los estadounidenses más ricos. Yo no los veo realmente haciendo eso", dijo Geithner en "Meet the Press" de NBC.
Los comentarios corresponden a la más reciente ronda de maniobras que se concentran en la extensión de las exenciones tributarias temporales, creadas durante el gobierno del ex presidente George W. Bush, más allá de su vencimiento el 31 de diciembre.
Los republicanos quieren que los beneficios se prolonguen para todos los estadounidenses, mientras que el presidente Barack Obama y los demócratas quieren que las rebajas se apliquen sólo a quienes ganan menos de 250.000 dólares.
Los republicanos, que controlan la Cámara de representantes pero son minoría en el Senado, han expresado su voluntad de aumentar los ingresos mediante la adopción de medidas como limitar las deducciones tributarias, pero la mayoría se opone al aumento de tasas.
"No va a haber un acuerdo sin que las tasas suban", dijo Geithner directamente en "State of the Union" de CNN.
El vencimiento previsto de los beneficios tributarios de la era de Bush y las reducciones automáticas al gasto del gobierno que deberían aplicarse a comienzos del próximo año restarían cerca de 600.000 millones de dólares de la economía.
Supreme Court to Decide If Gene Patents Are Legal: It's About Time
Labels: Health
FIRST PERSON | The Supreme Court announced on Nov. 30 that it plans to rule on the issue of gene patents. This stems from a case in 2010, when the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) took the drug research company Myriad Labs to court over its patent on the BRCA gene. The ACLU claims that naturally occurring genes should not be patented. Myriad Labs disagrees, stating that it will not be financially viable to conduct important medical research without the ability to patent.
To patent or not
CBS News reported that the Supreme Court plans to hear the case in early spring 2013. This will finally lay to rest the question as to whether human genes are patentable. It is not a simple question. Right now, only Myriad Labs can test or perform medical research on the BRCA genes. Researchers wishing to test the BRCA gene sequence must pay royalties to Myriad Labs.
BRCA genes
The BRCA genes are an important sequence from a research standpoint. Certain mutations involving these genes leave women at high risk for breast, ovarian, and other cancers. The BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene mutations are at the heart of this legal battle. Testing for BRCA1 or BRCA2 is extremely expensive. Because Myriad Labs holds the patent, no other company can design a less expensive test.
Testing
I had genetic testing done because of my family history with breast cancer. It involved genetic counseling and a blood draw. Testing from Myriad Labs cost $5,000. Insurance paid for some of it, but I still had a significant amount to pay out of pocket. Women who receive Medicare, Medicaid, or those without insurance may not be able to afford the test -- leaving them without access to potentially life-saving medical information.
If you are BRCA positive, your risks for cancer skyrocket. Important decisions about your health care, including preventative surgical procedures, must be made. Sharing your BRCA status with immediate family members may impact important life decisions such as deciding to have children. This is why the ACLU sued.
Genes should not have patents
I had a diagnosis of breast cancer before undergoing genetic testing. It was important for me to share the test results with my family. Fortunately, my cancer is not BRCA1 or 2 related. This does not rule out my cancer being genetic. Here is the problem with Myriad Labs owning the patent on the gene: They are not looking for new mutations and no one else can undertake this important research without paying royalties to Myriad.
It would be different if Myriad Labs created a new gene. For that they should have a patent. But, for genes that occur naturally in the human body, patents should not be allowed. If the cancer in my family really is genetic, I should know. Until we have free and open access to all human gene sequences, Big Pharma is holding the human race hostage.
To patent or not
CBS News reported that the Supreme Court plans to hear the case in early spring 2013. This will finally lay to rest the question as to whether human genes are patentable. It is not a simple question. Right now, only Myriad Labs can test or perform medical research on the BRCA genes. Researchers wishing to test the BRCA gene sequence must pay royalties to Myriad Labs.
BRCA genes
The BRCA genes are an important sequence from a research standpoint. Certain mutations involving these genes leave women at high risk for breast, ovarian, and other cancers. The BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene mutations are at the heart of this legal battle. Testing for BRCA1 or BRCA2 is extremely expensive. Because Myriad Labs holds the patent, no other company can design a less expensive test.
Testing
I had genetic testing done because of my family history with breast cancer. It involved genetic counseling and a blood draw. Testing from Myriad Labs cost $5,000. Insurance paid for some of it, but I still had a significant amount to pay out of pocket. Women who receive Medicare, Medicaid, or those without insurance may not be able to afford the test -- leaving them without access to potentially life-saving medical information.
If you are BRCA positive, your risks for cancer skyrocket. Important decisions about your health care, including preventative surgical procedures, must be made. Sharing your BRCA status with immediate family members may impact important life decisions such as deciding to have children. This is why the ACLU sued.
Genes should not have patents
I had a diagnosis of breast cancer before undergoing genetic testing. It was important for me to share the test results with my family. Fortunately, my cancer is not BRCA1 or 2 related. This does not rule out my cancer being genetic. Here is the problem with Myriad Labs owning the patent on the gene: They are not looking for new mutations and no one else can undertake this important research without paying royalties to Myriad.
It would be different if Myriad Labs created a new gene. For that they should have a patent. But, for genes that occur naturally in the human body, patents should not be allowed. If the cancer in my family really is genetic, I should know. Until we have free and open access to all human gene sequences, Big Pharma is holding the human race hostage.
U.S. hospital chain HMA's shares fall after TV report
Labels: Health
(Reuters) - Shares of Health Management Associates Inc fell about 5 percent on Monday after the television news program 60 Minutes aired a story describing aggressive patient admissions policies allegedly pursued at the company's U.S. hospitals.
The story included interviews with several former employees of the hospital chain who said they were pressured to meet quotas for admitting patients.
HMA Senior Vice President Alan Levine told 60 Minutes the allegations were "absolutely wrong".
In a statement released after the 60 Minutes broadcast, the Naples, Florida-based hospital company said the report found no issues with the quality of care at its hospitals and relied entirely on "disgruntled" former employees and contracted physicians.
"Neither 60 Minutes nor the physicians interviewed identified any admission decision in which a physician's medical judgment was overridden by an HMA executive, much less to defraud Medicare," HMA said.
HMA, which operates 70 hospitals in 15 states, said admissions rates from its emergency rooms were in line with industry standards and consistent over several years.
The company held a conference call for investors on Friday ahead of the 60 Minutes report in which Levine said that HMA's review showed there was no basis for an allegation of increased admissions through the company's emergency departments.
CRT Capital Group analyst Sheryl Skolnick cut her rating on HMA shares to "sell" from "fair value", citing the Medicare fraud allegations in the 60 Minutes report.
"We believe there is significantly greater risk of a deeper/wider (government) investigation and a substantially higher risk that HMA may have to pay bigger fines to settle it," Skolnick wrote in a note to clients.
Among those interviewed for the television show was a former director of compliance for HMA, Paul Meyer, who sued the company for wrongful termination. Meyer accused the company of committing Medicare fraud by billing the government for hospital stays that did not meet government standards for admission or reimbursement.
HMA said it hired an outside law firm to investigate Meyer's allegations, but it found no evidence to support an allegation of fraud.
HMA shares were down 38 cents, or 4.8 percent, at $7.57 in afternoon trade on the New York Stock Exchange.
The story included interviews with several former employees of the hospital chain who said they were pressured to meet quotas for admitting patients.
HMA Senior Vice President Alan Levine told 60 Minutes the allegations were "absolutely wrong".
In a statement released after the 60 Minutes broadcast, the Naples, Florida-based hospital company said the report found no issues with the quality of care at its hospitals and relied entirely on "disgruntled" former employees and contracted physicians.
"Neither 60 Minutes nor the physicians interviewed identified any admission decision in which a physician's medical judgment was overridden by an HMA executive, much less to defraud Medicare," HMA said.
HMA, which operates 70 hospitals in 15 states, said admissions rates from its emergency rooms were in line with industry standards and consistent over several years.
The company held a conference call for investors on Friday ahead of the 60 Minutes report in which Levine said that HMA's review showed there was no basis for an allegation of increased admissions through the company's emergency departments.
CRT Capital Group analyst Sheryl Skolnick cut her rating on HMA shares to "sell" from "fair value", citing the Medicare fraud allegations in the 60 Minutes report.
"We believe there is significantly greater risk of a deeper/wider (government) investigation and a substantially higher risk that HMA may have to pay bigger fines to settle it," Skolnick wrote in a note to clients.
Among those interviewed for the television show was a former director of compliance for HMA, Paul Meyer, who sued the company for wrongful termination. Meyer accused the company of committing Medicare fraud by billing the government for hospital stays that did not meet government standards for admission or reimbursement.
HMA said it hired an outside law firm to investigate Meyer's allegations, but it found no evidence to support an allegation of fraud.
HMA shares were down 38 cents, or 4.8 percent, at $7.57 in afternoon trade on the New York Stock Exchange.
CDC says US flu season starts early, could be bad
Labels: Health
NEW YORK (AP) — Flu season in the U.S. is off to its earliest start in nearly a decade — and it could be a bad one.
Health officials on Monday said suspected flu cases have jumped in five Southern states, and the primary strain circulating tends to make people sicker than other types. It is particularly hard on the elderly.
"It looks like it's shaping up to be a bad flu season, but only time will tell," said Dr. Thomas Frieden, director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The good news is that the nation seems fairly well prepared, Frieden said. More than a third of Americans have been vaccinated, and the vaccine formulated for this year is well-matched to the strains of the virus seen so far, CDC officials said.
Higher-than-normal reports of flu have come in from Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi, Tennessee and Texas. An uptick like this usually doesn't happen until after Christmas. Flu-related hospitalizations are also rising earlier than usual, and there have already been two deaths in children.
Hospitals and urgent care centers in northern Alabama have been bustling. "Fortunately, the cases have been relatively mild," said Dr. Henry Wang, an emergency medicine physician at the University of Alabama at Birmingham.
Parts of Georgia have seen a boom in traffic, too. It's not clear why the flu is showing up so early, or how long it will stay.
"My advice is: Get the vaccine now," said Dr. James Steinberg, an Emory University infectious diseases specialist in Atlanta.
The last time a conventional flu season started this early was the winter of 2003-04, which proved to be one of the most lethal seasons in the past 35 years, with more than 48,000 deaths. The dominant type of flu back then was the same one seen this year.
One key difference between then and now: In 2003-04, the vaccine was poorly matched to the predominant flu strain. Also, there's more vaccine now, and vaccination rates have risen for the general public and for key groups such as pregnant women and health care workers.
An estimated 112 million Americans have been vaccinated so far, the CDC said. Flu vaccinations are recommended for everyone 6 months or older.
On average, about 24,000 Americans die each flu season, according to the CDC.
Flu usually peaks in midwinter. Symptoms can include fever, cough, runny nose, head and body aches and fatigue. Some people also suffer vomiting and diarrhea, and some develop pneumonia or other severe complications.
A strain of swine flu that hit in 2009 caused a wave of cases in the spring and then again in the early fall. But that was considered a unique type of flu, distinct from the conventional strains that circulate every year.
Health officials on Monday said suspected flu cases have jumped in five Southern states, and the primary strain circulating tends to make people sicker than other types. It is particularly hard on the elderly.
"It looks like it's shaping up to be a bad flu season, but only time will tell," said Dr. Thomas Frieden, director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The good news is that the nation seems fairly well prepared, Frieden said. More than a third of Americans have been vaccinated, and the vaccine formulated for this year is well-matched to the strains of the virus seen so far, CDC officials said.
Higher-than-normal reports of flu have come in from Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi, Tennessee and Texas. An uptick like this usually doesn't happen until after Christmas. Flu-related hospitalizations are also rising earlier than usual, and there have already been two deaths in children.
Hospitals and urgent care centers in northern Alabama have been bustling. "Fortunately, the cases have been relatively mild," said Dr. Henry Wang, an emergency medicine physician at the University of Alabama at Birmingham.
Parts of Georgia have seen a boom in traffic, too. It's not clear why the flu is showing up so early, or how long it will stay.
"My advice is: Get the vaccine now," said Dr. James Steinberg, an Emory University infectious diseases specialist in Atlanta.
The last time a conventional flu season started this early was the winter of 2003-04, which proved to be one of the most lethal seasons in the past 35 years, with more than 48,000 deaths. The dominant type of flu back then was the same one seen this year.
One key difference between then and now: In 2003-04, the vaccine was poorly matched to the predominant flu strain. Also, there's more vaccine now, and vaccination rates have risen for the general public and for key groups such as pregnant women and health care workers.
An estimated 112 million Americans have been vaccinated so far, the CDC said. Flu vaccinations are recommended for everyone 6 months or older.
On average, about 24,000 Americans die each flu season, according to the CDC.
Flu usually peaks in midwinter. Symptoms can include fever, cough, runny nose, head and body aches and fatigue. Some people also suffer vomiting and diarrhea, and some develop pneumonia or other severe complications.
A strain of swine flu that hit in 2009 caused a wave of cases in the spring and then again in the early fall. But that was considered a unique type of flu, distinct from the conventional strains that circulate every year.
Flu Season Begins Earliest in a Decade
Labels: Health
Flu season 2012-13 has begun in the United States, according to Dr. Thomas Friedan, director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention . The good news: The vaccine available for the season matches up well with the flu already being reported. This information, coupled with the fact that there are ample flu shots to go around, bodes well for those who have been immunized and for those wanting to be immunized against this season's most likely flu virus culprits.
Early Flu Season 2012
Friedan participated in a telebriefing on Monday, explaining that reports from physicians in several states points to an increase of patients seeking treatment for flu-like symptoms and that most of those cases will likely turn out to be influenza. Unlike the flu season of 2011-12, which had a late start, this season has begun the earliest since 2003.
Both Friedan and Dr. Melinda Wharton, acting director of the National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, emphasized that peak flu season is generally seen in the months of January and February, allowing plenty of time to get the flu shot now and develop immunity to the strains protected by the immunization.
A "Flu View" map provided by the CDC, updated weekly with the most current information, shows that five states are already experiencing high levels of flu activity: Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and Tennessee, with Georgia and and Missouri each reporting moderate flu activity.
National Influenza Vaccination Week Dec. 2-8
In an effort to encourage people to take the flu vaccine, the CDC has embarked on a concentrated effort to educate the public on both influenza and its prevention. Although some people may think it's too late to take the flu shot, the CDC and the U.S. Surgeon General's office want you to know that getting a flu shot now may save you and/or your family from the flu and its possible complications, including hospitalization and even death. An average of 24,000 people in the United States dies each year from flu complications.
People who are at higher risk for developing complications from the flu include children age 5 years and younger -- and especially children under 2 years of age and those under 6 months of age. Also included in the high risk categories for flu complications are pregnant women, people with chronic conditions such as lung problems, diabetes and heart disease. People age 65 and older, baby boomers and seniors, are also more likely to develop serious complications from the flu.
Where You Can Find the Flu Shot
An interactive map allows you to find the places nearby that are offering flu vaccinations and answers questions you may have about the vaccine and the various administration options.
Bottom Line
Approximately 112 million people have already taken the flu shot, according to estimates by the National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases. The immunization is the single best way to protect you and your family from this season's influenza. Even if you are not concerned about yourself becoming ill, give consideration to those about whom you care and protect them from the flu, and worse.
Early Flu Season 2012
Friedan participated in a telebriefing on Monday, explaining that reports from physicians in several states points to an increase of patients seeking treatment for flu-like symptoms and that most of those cases will likely turn out to be influenza. Unlike the flu season of 2011-12, which had a late start, this season has begun the earliest since 2003.
Both Friedan and Dr. Melinda Wharton, acting director of the National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, emphasized that peak flu season is generally seen in the months of January and February, allowing plenty of time to get the flu shot now and develop immunity to the strains protected by the immunization.
A "Flu View" map provided by the CDC, updated weekly with the most current information, shows that five states are already experiencing high levels of flu activity: Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and Tennessee, with Georgia and and Missouri each reporting moderate flu activity.
National Influenza Vaccination Week Dec. 2-8
In an effort to encourage people to take the flu vaccine, the CDC has embarked on a concentrated effort to educate the public on both influenza and its prevention. Although some people may think it's too late to take the flu shot, the CDC and the U.S. Surgeon General's office want you to know that getting a flu shot now may save you and/or your family from the flu and its possible complications, including hospitalization and even death. An average of 24,000 people in the United States dies each year from flu complications.
People who are at higher risk for developing complications from the flu include children age 5 years and younger -- and especially children under 2 years of age and those under 6 months of age. Also included in the high risk categories for flu complications are pregnant women, people with chronic conditions such as lung problems, diabetes and heart disease. People age 65 and older, baby boomers and seniors, are also more likely to develop serious complications from the flu.
Where You Can Find the Flu Shot
An interactive map allows you to find the places nearby that are offering flu vaccinations and answers questions you may have about the vaccine and the various administration options.
Bottom Line
Approximately 112 million people have already taken the flu shot, according to estimates by the National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases. The immunization is the single best way to protect you and your family from this season's influenza. Even if you are not concerned about yourself becoming ill, give consideration to those about whom you care and protect them from the flu, and worse.
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