Dr kathy health forum

Top 9 most drinked Tea in China

2010-05-18T23:20:00.003+09:00

As the research report 70% of Chinese people who drink tea must be green tea.It is the best drink for sultry summers as it is cool and fights off inflammation, or relieves fever.Green teas are not fermented during processing, and thus retain the original color of the tea leaves.

The following Chinese teas are ranked by the frequency they appear on 9 lists from various references.

West lake Dragon Well tea

Lion Dragon Well Tea

Common LongJing tea

Dong Ting Pi Lo Chun tea

Huang Shan Mao Feng

Xiang Iron Goddess Tea

Gan Iron Goddess Tea

Tribute Pi Lo Chun

Lion-King Dragon Well

10 benefits tea bring to you

2010-05-09T00:02:00.001+09:00

Green teas really helps for health!
Marji McCullough, ScD, RD, the American Cancer Society's strategic director of nutritional epidemiology, says human studies haven't yet proven what researchers like Chan have discovered in the lab: green tea's EGCG regulates and inhibits cancer growth and kills cells that are growing inappropriately.

1. It is used to treat multiple sclerosis.
2. It is used for treatment and prevention of cancer.
3. It is used to stop Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases.
4. It is used to raise the metabolism and increase fat oxidation.
5. It reduces the risk of heart diseases and heart attacks by reducing the risk of trombosis.
6. It reduces the risk of esophageal cancer.
7. Drinking green tea inhibits the growth of certain cancer cells, reduces the level of cholesterol in blood, improves the ratio of good cholesterol to bad cholesterol.
8. It is used to treat rheumatoid arthritis and cardiovascular diseases
9. It is used to treat impaired immune function. .
10. Some researches show that, drinking green tea regularly may help prevent tooth decay by killing the bacteria which causes the dental plaque.

"Epidemiologically, one of the challenges is finding populations that drink enough green tea and have for a long time," she says. "With cancer, it's always difficult to find the exposure time," or the point at which cancer cells begin to develop.

Allen Boyd Visits FAMU’s Center for Plasma Science and Technology

2009-06-02T10:48:00.000+09:00

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. - Congressman Allen Boyd toured Florida A&M University's Center for Plasma Science and Technology in Innovation Park to talk to FAMU researchers to learn more about the federally funded and defense related research that FAMU is conducting. FAMU President James H. Ammons and Larry Robinson, FAMU's vice president for Research, accompanied Boyd.

During the tour, Congressman Boyd visited the modern fluid physics and the laser remote sensory laboratories. He also had the opportunity to learn more about FAMU research for the U.S. Army and FAMU's Spheromak Turbulent Plasma Experiment.

FAMU researchers are developing stronger lightweight materials that may be used by the U.S. Army in its development of future combat systems. These materials could cost less to produce, manufacture quicker and maximize soldier protection. Researchers are also working to develop a new generation of laser and sensor technologies that can be used on the battlefield to determine potential threats from long-range distances.

Researchers at CePaST also discussed that our national security is in jeopardy unless we develop new energy sources. The planet is at risk of CO2 suffocation unless we discover clean energy alternatives, which is the focus of a new research project at FAMU.

FAMU faculty and students are now positioned to lead with innovations into a 22nd century of worry free electricity. A spheromak uses magnets to squeeze plasma and produce fusion much like the more expensive and government utilized tokamaks. Fusion leaves no carbon footprints behind and is a pollution-free source of energy.

"FAMU is now funded at $1 million to design and begin a vigorous pursuit of a fusion facility," said FAMU Physics Professor Joseph Johnson, Ph.D.

According to Johnson, FAMU would need an additional funding of $5 million for the second year (2010), and $5 million for the third year (2011). FAMU will collaborate with West Virginia University and Auburn University on this project. This research will provide new career and research opportunities for students, along with models for the development of expanded job opportunities throughout the nation.

According to Congressman Boyd, the Congressional earmarks are different now.

"The money is not there the way it used to be," said Boyd.

President Ammons thanked Congressman Boyd for his support.

"We are very appreciative for Congressman Boyd's relentless support for Florida A&M University," said Ammons. "We will continue to do our part to secure more grant opportunities for FAMU to make sure FAMU remains a leader in research."

Delonia Wiggins, a Florida A&M University Ph.D. physics candidate, (left) and Joseph Johnson, Ph.D., a distinguished professor of science and engineering and physics, (far right) gives a demonstration for Congressman Allen Boyd in the modern fluid physics lab during his tour of the FAMU Center for Plasma Science and Technology in Innovation Park.

Smart Spring & Summer Travel Tips from Lifestyle Expert Susie Coelho

2009-05-25T09:29:00.000+09:00

As the weather heats up, more people are out and about! Whether you are planning a weekend getaway with friends, a family vacation or just traveling on business, there are ways to make sure you are sticking to your healthy lifestyle and not succumbing to quick food fixes while on the road.

- When heading for the airport, I always try to pack light and make sure all my necessities are in my carry-on bag for easy access. Just as I like to travel light, I like to eat light as well. Instead of sitting down to a heavy breakfast or other meal, I try to eat smaller meals or snacks throughout the day. I feel much more energized. Weight Watchers Banana Nut Muffins and other snack cakes are perfect to drop in my bag and be on the go.

- On the road or at a hotel, it might be easy to just get something out of the vending machine or stop by a quick fast food place. Pack bites to eat beforehand and anticipate times when hunger might strike. Be ready with fruits, vegetables and other quick fixes to prevent giving in to poor food choices.

- The last thing I want on a car trip is a snack that leaves my hands sticky or greasy, especially if I am traveling with my kids. I make sure the items I pack can be zipped or completely sealed. Weight Watchers individually wrapped foods, like their Light String Cheese, are perfect for carrying along on an outing and I don't have to worry about things rolling around or getting messy in the car.

Inexpensive Magnesium Proves Impressive at Protecting the Brain

2009-05-20T16:46:00.000+09:00

Magnesium is a powerhouse. It is inexpensive and is used to treat a vast array of medical problems, often better than any drug or medical procedure available. The latest feather in magnesium's cap is its newly discovered ability to protect the brain and improve the neurologic outcomes of infants and adults who have had oxygen deprivation to their brains. Pretty impressive for a cheap mineral present in practically every multivitamin supplement on the market.

Magnesium is a simple element, abbreviated Mg, and is number 12 on the Table of the Elements. It is only present in small amounts in the body, yet it is imperative for many bodily processes and is essential for several lifesaving emergency treatments in the hospital in cases where there are simply no other procedures or drugs that exist to help.

One of the common lifesaving uses in the hospital is literally the ONLY treatment. In the movies, when someone's heart stops beating and the doctors or paramedics rush on scene with CPR and a defibrillator to "shock" the patient's heart back into a normal rhythm, they often portray the heart rhythm as a 'flatline' with no electrical activity. But in reality, if it is very soon after a person's heart stops, s/he often has a heart rhythm called 'Ventricular Fibrillation'- which is treated by 'shocking' it back to a normal rhythm. This is something that you cannot do with a 'flatline'.

But occasionally, if this rhythm remains despite the best efforts to get the heart started it may be that the rhythm is a specific subtype of Ventricular Fibrillation called torsade de pointes. This rhythm is hard to distinguish from 'simple' ventricular fibrillation, but the importance of recognizing it quickly can't be understated because the ONLY effective treatment is the immediate infusion of intravenous magnesium. Without emergency magnesium, the patient will die.

Additionally, intravenous magnesium is the only effective treatment for the prevention of seizures in women with late stage pregnancy, where blood pressure is extremely high. This is a very dangerous condition called eclampsia that requires immediate delivery of the baby in order to resolve(3). Magnesium also shines as helpful additional treatment for many other problems such as heart rhythm disturbances(2), migraine headaches, depression, diabetes and constipation among only a few of its many achievements.

But some of the latest and most exciting new research is showing its protective effects on the brain. Strokes, often called 'Brain Attacks', are one of the most devastating neurologic events. With few treatment options after the first few hours after the onset of symptoms, most of the time the family is relegated to just 'watch and wait' to see if the patient gets better. Often they don't get better and are faced with a lifetime of disability.

Some studies have shown that a higher daily magnesium intake can help to prevent strokes. But even more remarkably, a recent study found that intravenous magnesium, when used with other treatments, has "synergistic neuroprotective effects and reduces brain injury"(1) in strokes caused from lack of blood flow to the brain.

While that study is impressive in its own right, another new study shows that magnesium also protects the brains of infants during childbirth when complications cause the baby to have a lack of oxygen to the brain. This devastating event called perinatal asphyxia often leads to permanent brain damage and disability. When magnesium was given to infants after these highly stressful births, researchers concluded that it "improves neurologic outcomes". An impressive feat since giving oxygen and having hope is the current standard treatment for these infants.

So, while doctors still don't even recommend that the general population take magnesium regularly despite its impressive list of accomplishments and its incredible record of safety, magnesium continues to rack up successes in treating and preventing some of the most difficult to treat medical problems that exist today.

(1)http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19372444?ordinalpos=5&itool;=EntrezSystem2.PEntrez.Pubmed.Pubmed_ResultsPanel.Pubmed_DefaultReportPanel.Pubmed_RVDocSumitool=EntrezSystem2.PEntrez.Pubmed.Pubmed_ResultsPanel.Pubmed_DefaultReportPanel.Pubmed_RVDocSum(2)http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12663588?ordinalpos=1&itool;=EntrezSystem2.PEntrez.Pubmed.Pubmed_ResultsPanel.Pubmed_DiscoveryPanel.Pubmed_Discovery_RA&linkpos;=2&log;$=relatedarticles&logdbfrom;=pubmed(3)http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18803445?ordinalpos=2&itool;=EntrezSystem2.PEntrez.Pubmed.Pubmed_ResultsPanel.Pubmed_DefaultReportPanel.Pubmed_RVDocSum

About the author

Kerri Knox, RN is a Registered Nurse and Functional Medicine Practitioner. With over 14 years of experience in health care, she has the unique perspective of being solidly grounded in Conventional Medicine and being well versed in Alternative Medicine. She uses a scientifically based 'What Works Best' approach in order to help people actually OVERCOME chronic health problems that have not been helped by any other means. She has a private practice in the San Francisco Bay Area, but works primarily by telephone consultation so that she can help you wherever you happen to live in the US. She can be reached through her website at http://www.easy-immune-health.com"Stop managing your illness and start getting well..."

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Hypnosis Improves Academic Performance and Reduces Test-Anxiety for College Students

2009-05-18T15:50:00.000+09:00

A lot is expected of today's college students. They are under an enormous amount of pressure to succeed in academics. The pressure comes from themselves, parents, professors, and friends. This causes a lot of stress for students. Success in college is a stepping stone to being successful in a career after graduation, so students feel the need to perform at their full potential. It is important for struggling college students to seek help in reducing their stress with natural treatments such as hypnotherapy.

For some students, the stress and anxiety of school and academics can become overwhelming. Stress affects students in many different ways. For some students, their grades start to suffer, which can affect their GPA in the long-run. Other students become so overwhelmed by stress that they drop out of college. According to the 2000 census, 50% of the population in the United States over the age of 25 attended college. However, only 60% of those who attended college earned an associate, bachelor, or graduate degree. This means that 40% did not finish college for various reasons.

Sapp (1990) studied the role hypnosis plays on treating test-anxiety in college students. The participants in the study were randomly divided into two groups. One group served as the control group and received no form of treatment. The other group received cognitive-behavioral hypnosis. The researcher evaluated the effects of hypnosis in improving academic performance and decreasing test anxiety.

Both groups were enrolled in a demanding psychology course. All students were evaluated based on their midterm grade and anxiety levels. The hypnosis group reported a significant reduction in test anxiety and improvement in academic achievement. Both groups were evaluated 6 weeks after the end of the course and the hypnosis group was found to have maintained their hypnosis treatment gains in achievement and reduction in anxiety. Cognitive behavioral hypnosis is a highly effective form of treatment that helps students improve performance and reduce anxiety.

Carrese (1998) outlines the benefits of teaching self-hypnosis to college freshman. The researcher describes the steps taught to students, including relaxation techniques and the usage of imagery. Self-hypnosis was able to help the college freshman cope with stress and the pressures of college.

Whether cognitive-behavioral hypnosis is used or self-hypnosis is used, hypnotherapy is a very effective form of treating stress and anxiety in college students. Having the ability to better manage stress not only improves their academic performance in college, but will continue to help them cope with stress in other situations throughout their lives.

Sources

2000 Census. Census Scope. Retrieved on May 15, 2009: http://www.censusscope.org/us/chart_education.html

Resveratrol Found to Treat Fatty Liver Disease

2009-05-17T14:17:00.000+09:00

The naturally occurring plant chemical resveratrol -- made famous for its role in the health benefits of red wine -- may not only prevent but even reverse the dangerous buildup of fat in the liver caused by alcohol abuse.

"Our study suggests that resveratrol may serve as a promising agent for preventing or treating human alcoholic fatty liver disease," the researchers from the University of South Florida Health Sciences Center in Tampa wrote in the American Journal of Physiology -- Gastrointestinal and Live Physiology.

Scientists have known for some time that part of the way that alcohol damages the liver is by inhibiting the action of two proteins, known as AMPK and SIRT1. These proteins play a critical role in helping break down fats to remove them from the liver; when their activity is disrupted, it leads to the fatty buildup associated with liver diseases such as cirrhosis and fibrosis. Left untreated, this fat buildup can eventually cause total liver failure.

In the current study, researchers looked directly at resveratrol's effects on AMPK and SIRT1. They fed mice a low-fat diet, supplemented with either resveratrol, alcohol or a combination of the two. They then observed that mice that had been given both resveratrol and alcohol had higher levels of SIRT1 and higher activity of AMPK than mice that were given alcohol alone.

The higher levels and activity of the two key proteins led to a decrease in other proteins, specifically those involved in the buildup of liver fat. They also led to an increase in levels of the hormone adiponectin, which metabolizes fat.

When the researchers looked at the mice's livers, they found that the livers of resveratrol-treated mice produced less fat than mice that were given alcohol alone, and that this fat was also broken down more quickly.

Previous research has linked resveratrol to a decreased risk of cancer and heart disease, as well as to longer life and reduced age-related decline. Recent research, published in the Nutrition Review, found that it successfully reduced cholesterol and insulin sensitivity, and protected the nervous system.

Resveratrol is widely believed to contribute to the health-protective effects of wine, which are partially responsible for the so-called "French paradox."

"Despite eating a diet equally high in saturated fat as the typical American diet, the French were shown to have about one-third the level of cardiovascular disease," said Debra Miller, director of nutrition at candy company Hershey. "Continued research indicates that moderate consumption of red wine, along with fruits, vegetables, nuts and lower amounts of red meat, may contribute to this lower risk of heart of disease."

The FDA has approved statements that drinking a glass or two of red wine per day can lower cholesterol and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and cancer.

Resveratrol is found in high quantities in grape skins, peanuts and products made with them, such as red wine and peanut butter. A new study conducted by Hershey in partnership with Planta Analytica has also detected high levels in cocoa products for the first time.

"This study shows that the levels of resveratrol found in cocoa and chocolate products is second to red wine among known sources of resveratrol and forms yet another important link between the antioxidants found in cocoa and dark chocolate to other foods," said David Stuart, Hershey director of natural product science.

Among the cocoa products tested, the highest resveratrol levels were found in cocoa powder, followed by baking chocolate, dark chocolate, semisweet chocolate chips, milk chocolate and chocolate syrup. The top three chocolate products all contained significantly more resveratrol per serving than peanuts or peanut butter, but less resveratrol per serving than California red wine.

The Hershey study was published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry.

Sources for this story include: www.reuters.com; mangalorean.com.

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What people are saying about Rally

2009-05-16T10:19:00.000+09:00

"It's very easy to introduce the Rally Program to your school. For us it began with a school assembly and a short video. Everyone was very excited about the program and eager to get started. Our St. Jude representative was very helpful throughout the process. She carefully explained instructions and was present every step of the way." -Jason, student, Georgetown Preparatory School

"To date, this is the largest task our student council has ever taken upon themselves, and it was a success. It was a blessing to see so many high school students came together with one purpose, helping the children of St. Jude. In a day and age in which educators are all too often focusing on test scores and performance, we were able to witness what truly matters most-giving and caring for others." -Chris Kerrick, Student Council Sponsor, Marshall County High School, Benton, KY

"I really loved the Rally Against Childhood Cancer event. I really never want to leave the St. Jude family. I had the best time and my St. Jude representative was so fun and helpful. Wherever I go next year, Rally is coming with me. I'm addicted." -Pat Lambert, senior, Portsmouth High School, Portsmouth, RI

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The D.C lead-poisoning episode,To learn

2009-05-15T12:29:00.000+09:00

Washington, D.C. -- In a major exposé, Salon magazine has alleged that from 2004 to 2007 the Centers for Disease Control in Atlanta ignored -- whether inadvertently or not -- a major episode of lead poisoning in the District of Columbia that involved hundreds, perhaps thousands, of infants and children. The poisoning occurred from 2001 to 2004, when the level of lead in the tap water of some D.C. homes soared because of a switch from chlorination to chloramination.

In 2004, the CDC concluded that these elevated levels of lead did not constitute a public-health problem, but its analysis was based on incomplete data -- the test results for many affected children were not included. Based on that report, the CDC also told other water suppliers not to worry about elevated lead concentrations in drinking water like those that occurred in the District of Columbia.

The agency claims that it released its falsely reassuring report in 2004 because the missing lab reports -- almost half the total -- were all for children with blood-lead levels of less than 10 micrograms per deciliter (mg/dl).

But the CDC knew in 2004 that the peer-reviewed literature showed substantial harmful effects for lead concentrations below 10 mg/dl and that some of the most prominent independent scientists in the field, like Dr. Herbert Needleman and Dr. Philip Landrigan, were arguing for a much lower level. California, for example, had already set a much more stringent level.

Worse, when the CDC discovered that its findings had been incorrect, and that blood poisoning in the district had increased, it quietly released a new study to that effect in 2007. But until Salon blew the whistle, the agency made little effort to correct the record by publicizing the new data.

Unfortunately, the lead-poisoning episode isn't the only recent example of the CDC engaging in behavior that looks suspiciously like a cover-up. The agency was heavily implicated in the effort to avoid public exposure of the potentially lethal concentrations of formaldehyde in FEMA's toxic trailer scandal. The CDC also suppressed a study it had prepared showing toxic hot spots threatening citizens of the Great Lakes region -- and fired the scientist who prepared the report.

Congress is already investigating the D.C. lead-poisoning episode. It ought to dig deeper and find out what was really going on at the Centers for Disease Control during the past eight years. After three strikes, a watchdog agency like the CDC ought to be called out.

HOW WILL YOUR FORUM LOOK?

2009-05-14T14:38:00.002+09:00

The way that your forum looks will have a large influence on
the way that people feel about using it.

There are essentially two styles of web based forum. The first
is called "THREADED". A threaded forum shows all the various
discussions on one long scrollable screen. Older messages will
sometimes be archived on further pages.

Take a look at the way that my own THREADED "How To" Marketer
Forum looks at http://www.talkmydisease.com/

Feel free to have a read and make a couple of posts for
yourself to get a feel as to how it operates.

The other main web based forum style is called "LINEAR". This
kind of forum only shows the subject titles for each discussion
and you then "drill down" into the discussion itself by
clicking on the headline.

I had note this on my new google notebook~
Here:Kathy's health notebook

What to Do When You Are Waiting to See The Doctor

2009-05-13T11:19:00.000+09:00

My "Waiting Bag"- Since I unfortunately spend alot of time in doctors' waiting rooms, I quickly learned to make the most of this seemingly wasted time.

I learned this skill from my over achiever mother, who used every moment as a chance to get something done. Since I became sick at a young age, she was the person who drove me to the doctor and had to wait with me, or for me, in the office waiting room.

She would bring with her a book to read or school work to do, or sometimes magazines to enjoy or Christmas cards to write out. It became a routine for both of us to bring small jobs with us, to keep busy, feel productive and keep our minds off of the dreaded doctor's visit. When I was younger- this was the time for my homework or studying. The time would quickly fly, and it did not feel wasted.

My mother always thought ahead and brought snacks, or fun stuff like little portable games when I was younger. Many times I remember children crying to their parents that they were hungry or bored, and
watched as they stared with yearning for whatever treat my mother brought for me.

Now that I am older, I still have the same amount of doctor's appointments, but I do not have the luxury of my mother coming with me. I find that I still use the productive skills she gave me. I started my own "waiting bag." I have a tote bag that I leave by the door and fill with little tasks or activities that are not time sensitive, so they can wait for the moments when I am waiting. It started with a few things in the bag- and now it has grown to have things I need, or look forward to.

My Waiting Bag consists of a few essentials.

Reading-

I no longer have homework for school that I need to do, but I find that there are always little things I want to read or work on. For example, occasionally I will cut out an article that looks interesting that I have been meaning to read, but did not have the time for at the moment. I also leave a book or magazine that I am reading in the bag.

Writing-

I always mean to send thank you notes or even notes to keep in touch etc., so I added a small pack of pretty blank notes. I can use these blank notes for thank you's, keeping in touch, get well soon, even
birthdays. I keep pens, my Palm Pilot (or your address book) and a few extra stamps in the bag.

Many times this has helped me catch up on notes or cards I have been meaning to send. The Palm Pilot has been great because it not only has the addresses of anyone I want to keep in touch with, but it also has a calendar to remind me of dates that are coming up to be celebrated. With all of our email communication, I still find that people love to receive a card or note in the mail- I know I do.

I also carry with me a little notepad. Not only is this good to carry into the actual doctor's visit to write down important information, but I find that whenever an idea floats into my head- it is good to write it down right away. Sometimes when you are in a waiting room in silence, you think about the oddest things. I have remembered people to call, dinners to make, or even ideas for my personal writing.

Comfort-

I always keep a few things in my waiting bag to help keep me more comfortable and happy. I bring a small bottle of water, a snack like a granola bar or nuts, a small size lotion, chapstick and mints or candy. These are the things that I have found make me happy, I am sure you will find your own. And don't forget to replenish them as you use them.

Medical-

As I am reading the newspaper or listening to the news, I have had questions I want to ask my doctor about. I used to forget the exact details or forget to ask the doctor the question at all. Now I remember to cut out the article or write down the question and bring it with me. I also have found that many times as I drive away from the doctor, I think to myself "oh, I wish I had asked the doctor that". Now I quickly write it down, and leave it in my bag for next time if it is not urgent.

In addition, I bring with me my medication bottles, or a list of anything I take (including over the counter drugs, vitamins etc.) so when I am asked, I can refer to the list and not have to struggle to remember.

The items listed above are what are in my "waiting bag", but you might find that you will add your own special items. I know a woman that brings her crocheting along with her, or mothers who clip grocery store coupons. I recently purchased a few of the travel size tissues and antibacterial lotions, and have added them to my bag. Just add whatever will make you happy, or whatever will keep you busy.

I think my waiting bag is a good idea for anyone who finds themselves in similar situations, waiting in doctors' offices. But I have heard from friends that they have started their own "waiting bags", for
times when they are waiting at the DMV, on errands, waiting for their kids, or even at their children's athletic games.

Many people wonder how I keep up with everything on a "limited supply of spoons", but I have found that it is just that I have learned to spend my spoons wisely!

Order your own "waiting bag" from our online store!

written by Christine Miserandino © 2004

Top 12 Reasons to see a Naturopathic Doctor

2009-05-11T10:00:00.000+09:00

1. You want your treatment plans to be the best for YOU as a person, not a disease.
2. You prefer to use natural healing methods & substances rather than invasive medical procedures and pharmaceuticals.
3. You want to make informed decisions about your health (i.e. round out the information you have received from allopathic doctors).
4. You want to identify and remove health problems, not treat the symptoms or mask the problem.
5. Conventional medical practices are failing you, or falling short.
6. You want a health practitioner that gets to know you and takes time to understand your case.
7. The availability of multiple treatment options is preferred rather than standard medical advice.
8. You want support in improving your lifestyle, stress levels and diet.
9. You want to prevent disease and/or maintain optimal health.
10. You are concerned about long term effects of prescription or OTC drugs, and/or unpleasant side effects.
11. You may have a complicated health picture that has been treated by separate doctors for each ailment but you wish to have a holistic analysis
12. You want help to navigate through the health supplementation industry and to clarify the claims of marketed health products.

Obama Administration Makes Clear Its Support for Public Health Insurance Plan

2009-05-10T11:07:00.001+09:00

President Obama’s new Health and Human Services Secretary, Kathleen Sebelius, testified before Congress at a May 6, 2009 hearing on health reform held by the House Ways and Means Committee. Her testimony made clear that the Obama administration does not believe needed health reform can be achieved strictly through the private health insurance market and wants to give people the choice of a public health insurance plan. So don’t let Congress rip the heart out of President Obama’s health care plan. Support a public health insurance option.

Public health expert D.A. Henderson to comment on Swine Flu

2009-05-07T10:37:00.000+09:00

Public Health Expert Available For Media Comment on Swine Flu Alert and How to Respond to Pandemic Strains of Influenza

Amherst, NY-- As the World Health Organization Raises Swine Flu Alert Level, public health expert and former W.H.O. official D.A. Henderson (Pittsburgh, PA) is available to comment on the potentially imminent pandemic. His Newsweek op-ed on the related bioterrorism concerns of this crisis will be published shortly.

D.A. Henderson was in charge of the domestic preparedness program for the U.S. when in April 2004, we learned of the “avian flu” cases in Vietnam. At that time, the program launched a greatly intensified $100 million effort to vastly augment our capacity to produce influenza vaccine and to undertake research products on alternative methods of production, different vaccine uses, and planning as to how the country should plan and respond if a pandemic strain came along.

Since then, Henderson has continued in an advisory capacity to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and has served on a number of CDC and HHS committees dealing with influenza.

Henderson’s specific infectious disease expertise has been smallpox, polio, influenza, and anthrax. More generally, his time has been spent on surveillance, public health education, and international public health policies and development.

Henderson is the author of Smallpox—The Death of a Disease (Prometheus, June 2009) which details the inside story of eradicating a deadly, worldwide disease.

Labour and the NHS

2009-05-07T10:35:00.000+09:00

60 years ago, Labour created the NHS. It was born in a society where healthcare was exclusive, expensive and unavailable for many ordinary people. To most citizens, illness meant desperation, suffering and even destitution. Thousands died from diseases such as pneumonia, meningitis, tuberculosis, diphtheria and polio because they could not afford treatment. Britain needed a system that provided healthcare to everyone, free at the point of delivery, based on need and not the ability to pay.

It was the Beveridge Report that demonstrated the need for universal healthcare and it was the Labour Government that made it a reality. Despite opposition from the Tories, who voted against its creation, the NHS was launched in 1948. Through its early years, times were tough but the NHS helped the British people cope with post-war society. For the first time ever hospital services, family practitioner services (doctors, pharmacists, opticians and dentists) and community-based services were available to the public for free under one organisation.

Since then, the NHS has proved itself vital to the British people. It has been a source of confidence as families know that they will receive the best possible treatment, whatever their financial circumstances. The NHS became a symbol of freedom from fear and of a government on your side.

But... the Tories wrecked it

When Labour inherited it from the Tories in 1997, the NHS was on its knees. Years of neglect were reflected in crumbling hospitals, a severe lack of doctors, nurses and equipment and long and growing waiting lists.

Labour’s investment and modernisation saved the NHS.

Now the Tories say they’ve changed, but behind the slick salesmanship their plans would take the NHS back to the 1980s.

The Tories say they would scrap Labour’s extended GP opening hours.

The Tories want to scrap national waiting time targets – meaning waiting times would be allowed to grow and grow and new postcode lotteries would spring up.
The Tories want to bring back longer working hours for doctors and nurses, putting patient safety at risk.

The Tories are opposing Labour’s plans for 152 new GP-led health centres across the country, open 8am-8pm seven days a week.
The Tories have admitted that they would allow local hospitals to go bust.

Labour saved it

Saving the NHS took massive investment and modernisation, as well as the commitment and support of NHS staff. But together, we did it.

Labour, the party of the NHS, has delivered a health service that is saving more lives, treating more patients and is faster than ever before. And now we’re making the NHS more personal, so that it meets your needs and the needs of your family, and prevents ill-health as well as curing it.

Swine flu useful links!

2009-05-03T22:17:00.001+09:00

Hi folks - as promised on air, here are some links about swine flu:
http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/
http://www.hhs.gov/
http://www.who.int/en/

If you speak Spanish:
http://www.mex.ops-oms.org/
http://portal.salud.gob.mx/

Also, there are Facebook groups and Twitter pages and Twitter sites...
Know other good links? Post here. Thanks!

Adding more:
(check out the simple map and the helpful explainer here)
http://www.cnn.com/2009/HEALTH/04/26/swine.flu/index.html#cnnSTCOther2
and
Swine flu most Talked,symptoms swine flu knowledge and prevention

Mashable wrote up a how-to about following swine flu online:
http://mashable.com/2009/04/25/track-swine-flu/

swine flu symptoms people talking

2009-05-01T21:28:00.002+09:00

Coming up more info on the H1N1 Flu, They dont want you to call it the swine flu.
One of our Dr. friends was exposed to swine flu and might have it. Now I'm worried about Joe on his pediatrics rotation...

VP BIDEN SWINE FLU GAFFE: Can common sense be used for a change & perhaps we stop jumping at every little gaffe? Symptoms no secret.

instruction in order to keep a healthy - symptoms swine flu
news on - suprise suprise......more swine flu!

The Swine Flu Pandemic http://tinyurl.com/ctydjt

http://twitpic.com/4bwey - Really,this is who im sitting next too commuting.Perhaps the mask isnt for swine flu,but so she cannot smell ...

If I emailed *parents* about Swine Flu (w/ links to Web pages that will be updated w/ new info) why do I have to email them the new info?

Thunderstorm Phobia in Dogs

2009-04-30T18:34:00.001+09:00

Ah, it's springtime in New Mexico. My Poppies, Blackfoot Daisies, Penstemons and Chocolate Flowers are up and in their glory. The slurry bombers have arrived at the Grant County Airport and my friend Phil, the Forest Service fire lookout, is hoping for a decent fire season. Springtime is dry, hot and windy in New Mexico and unlike most parts of the country we won't get any significant rain until July.
you can post your pet story here:8pets.com

It is thunderstorm season in the Midwest and back east though. That means that there will be an average of over 100,000 thunderstorms in those regions over the next few months and if you have a thunderstorm phobic dog you know what that can mean. The fear and anxiety produced by events like thunderstorms and fireworks can be a real problem for some dogs. Dogs will pant, pace, hide, tremble and generally go nuts if they suffer from this condition. They may even become destructive as a result of the anxiety. This obviously causes anxiety on the part of the owner too. What do you do in these situations?

Well, if you've been through it before, you hopefully sought help last year and discussed the problem with your veterinarian. Veterinary behaviorists can help with a systematic approach to desensitizing your dog to the stimuli that cause the anxiety. This can be the noise, or the flash of lightning in storm phobic dogs. Some dogs actually begin reacting before the storm hits. They may sense a drop in barometric pressure or they may hear the far off thunder we can't hear. Desensitization involves gradual exposure to increasing levels of the offending stimulus over time coupled with the proper reaction on the part of the owner. The second part is very important and this is where the advice of the behaviorist really comes in handy. The wrong reaction by the owner to the dogs behavior can make things worse over time. The last thing you want to do is punish the dog and paradoxically coddling and comforting the phobic dog has almost the same impact as punishment. Both reactions tend to reinforce the phobic behavior and actually will make things worse. Sedatives can help but in the opinion of many experts they should not be the first line of treatment. You may need them and they may work in concert with behavior modification but the combination of the two is best. Another option that can offer good results in combination with behavior modification is the use of DAP or Dog Appeasing Pheromone. We've discussed pheromones before with cats and their use in the introduction of new cats into a multi cat household. Pheromones are chemicals that animals produce in response to certain situations. Other animals can smell the pheromones and the result is often a change in behavior. Dog appeasing pheromone is produced by the lactating bitch and has a calming effect on the puppies she is nursing. The sense of comfort engendered by DAP can have a positive effect on thunderstorm and generally noise phobic dogs. DAP should be used prior to the onset of scary events.

Now would be a good time to get started. DAP comes in a plug in diffuser that lasts about a month so you may need a few to get through thunderstorm season. The added benefit to DAP is that it does not produce the drugged response you may see with sedatives. It is best used in combination with appropriate behavior modification. If you have this problem it is best to consult with a veterinary behavior specialist. They can help with the nuances of desensitizing. To be effective that has to be done correctly. I'm going to go give my flowers a drink. Good thing I have a 2500 gallon water tank filled with last summer's monsoon rain. My garden is the envy of the neighborhood.

Share the Wellness Fundraiser and Sponsor a Patient Gift Certificate Program

2009-04-29T22:53:00.000+09:00

The Stevie JoEllie’s Cancer Care Fund has launched a “Share the Wellness” Fundraiser in conjunction with Wellness Possibilities, a network of health and wellness professionals.

Anyone can participate by visiting the registration website http://www.wellnesspossibilities... and purchasing a gift certificate, becoming a wellness club member, or becoming a provider in the Wellness Possibilities Network.

The fundraiser’s initial phase ran all through the month of December and will be ongoing through 2009 as part of our access to integrative care sponsor a patient program.

Wellness Possibilities Gift Certificates are available in numerous denominations starting at $25 to any amount you choose. You can use them for yourself, as a gift for someone you know or as a donation to an SJCCF member.

A portion of all purchases at the site using the promotional code SJCCF will be donated to the Stevie JoEllie’s Cancer Care Fund to benefit our access to care initiative for uninsured and/or under insured thyroid cancer patients.

According to Wilma Ariza, Founder and SJCCF Development Director, a thyroid cancer awareness, community health education and peer support network services nonprofit based in Clifton NJ,

“This fundraiser will provide an easy and healthful way for people to encourage and support healthier lifestyles changes for their loved ones, friends or employees while also helping our organization deliver opportunities for free or low cost integrative therapies for thyroid cancer patients, survivors or caregivers as part of our long term wellness health education and access program initiative.

The Wellness Possibilities Gift Certificates can be used as Holiday Gifts, for special occasions (such as mother's day) and throughout the year for any reason ! As a cancer survivor, mother, caregiver and integrative therapies advocate I think it’s great to be able to give people an alternative gift option to the traditional, but maybe not so good for us, box of chocolates.”

The Wellness Possibilities “Share the Wellness” Fundraiser will give people the choice of giving a gift of wellness for any gift-giving occasion. “We are thrilled to be teaming up with the Stevie JoEllie’s Cancer Care Fund," said Dawn Noble, a wellness consultant from Middletown and founding partner at Wellness Possibilities.

“These days it is so easy for men and women to ignore their own well-being while they are busy taking care of their children, spouse, partner, career, and/or parents. A gift of wellness can make a huge difference in people’s lives.”

The Wellness Possibilities Network includes professionals who provide wellness services either in person or on the phone, depending on the service. At www.wellnesspossibilities.

com , those interested in purchasing gift certificates can search by provider, area, or type of service.

There is a dramatic variety of wellness services from which to choose, such as massage therapy, professional organizing, errand running, personal chef, life coaching, meditation, yoga classes, Reiki, and nutrition counseling, to name just a few.

For more information about the SJCCF’s “Share the Wellness” fundraiser, contact Wilma Ariza at 973-830-7557 .

For questions about Wellness Possibilities -and how your organization can participate, contact Kathy Miller at 908-647-1856 or Kathy@wellnesspossibilities.com .

Editorial contact: Donna Thompson,
-973-476-2719 (cell) or thompsond@drtenterprises.com

Ohio Swine Flu Posts collection

2009-04-27T09:30:00.000+09:00

swine flu in ohio, swine flu, lorain county ohio, swine flu arizona, swine flu symptoms
Ohio Swine Flu Case Confirmed - Democratic Underground

Apr 25, 2009

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- State health officials confirmed that the swine flu has made it to Ohio. Agents with the Ohio Department of Health announced that a 9-year-old boy from Lorain County has been diagnosed with the disease. ...

http://www.democraticunderground.com/

Swine flu case in Ohio confirmed - The CNN Wire - CNN.com Blogs

6 hours ago

Swine flu case in Ohio confirmed. Posted: 02:24 PM ET. (CNN) –Health authorities in Ohio on Sunday confirmed a case of swine flu in a 9-year-old boy. The Ohio Department of Health said the boy has a mild case of the illness and was ...

http://cnnwire.blogs.cnn.com/

Swine Flu Spreads Panic Over The Web

4 hours ago

Google Trends reports that “Swine Flu Ohio” is the 27th most popular search keyword currently, with searches for the “CDC” and “Swine Flu Symptoms” also making the top 100 keyword searches on Google. Google Maps have also been created ...

http://www.techcrunch.com/

Celebrate a Party For the Planet!

2009-04-27T09:27:00.000+09:00

Come to Lincoln Park Zoo tomorrow to celebrate a Party for the Planet! Our Earth Day activities include a Science Celebration at Café Brauer, animal enrichment in the form of life-sized, goodie-stuffed piñatas and hands-on educational activities promoting green living throughout the day. Come by to join in the fun!

Animal Enrichment—Earth Day Piñatas
For the past two months, volunteers have been creating life-sized colorful piñatas stuffed with goodies to help our animals celebrate Earth Day. Come at the times listed to see the animals interact with their enrichment!

All Day
Farm-in-the-Zoo Presented by John Deere
Watch goats, chickens and ponies play with round green piñatas.

9:30 a.m.
Pritzker Family Children’s Zoo
See the black bears explore naturalistic piñata “logs”

Noon
Regenstein Birds of Prey Exhibit
A “stuffed” piñata snowy owl will share space with our resident bird

12:30 p.m.
Regenstein Center for African Apes
Watch the chimpanzees interact with piñatas in the shape of natural prey items

1 p.m.
Antelope & Zebra Area
The resident red kangaroos will get to interact with a piñata “log feeder”

1:30 p.m.
Pritzker Family Children’s Zoo
The snakes will slither around a piñata “log” stuffed with goodies.

2 p.m.
Regenstein Center for African Apes
A piñata “Planet Earth” in the gorilla habitat will highlight the holiday

2:30–3 p.m.
Kovler Lion House
A piñata “giraffe” will serve as prey for the Amur tigers

3–3:15 p.m.
Kovler Lion House
The puma will be provided a piñata “deer” to stalk

3 p.m.
Antelope & Zebra Area
In a role reversal, the Sichuan takin will take down a “tiger” piñata

3:30 p.m.
Regenstein Birds of Prey Exhibit
The cinereous vultures will scavenge fresh fare with their “log” piñata

4 p.m.
Helen Brach Primate House
The Geoffrey’s marmosets will explore a “research station” piñata

Fifth Annual Science Celebration
Café Brauer
10 a.m.–noon

See more than 200 Chicago-area students showcase their scientific explorations! This celebration of learning, hosted by the Women’s Board of Lincoln Park Zoo and sponsored by Takeda Pharmaceuticals North America Inc. and University of Phoenix, also offers hands-on bio tables and bird-watching activities.

Find more information at http://www.lpzoo.org/events/sciencefair09.html

Amphibian Activities
Regenstein Small Mammal-Reptile House
10 a.m.–noon
Experience hands-on activities highlighting the environmental challenges facing amphibians and the characteristics that make them susceptible to toxins in the first place

Green Scene Cart
Polar Bear Plaza
10 a.m.–noon
See firsthand how each of us can have a big impact on the environment. By suggesting simple solutions for some of today’s most complex environmental issues, this cart connects the dots between our everyday actions and our environmental impact.

Celebrate Earth
Lincoln Park Zoo is partnering with Disneynature’s eco-documentary, Earth, which promotes worldwide wildlife conservation. Earth opens nationwide on Earth Day. For the first five days in release, a tree will be planted in honor of every moviegoer who sees the film.

See a trailer at http://disney.go.com/disneynature/earth/

from:
Lincoln Park Zoo

NEWS:Taiwan Surpasses U.S. on Key Achievements: Health Care, High Speed Rail and Fiscal Responsibility

2009-04-27T09:25:00.000+09:00

After living in Ecuador for some time, I recently traveled to Taiwan, where Truth Publishing is headquartered. Returning to the United States after spending time in Taiwan has allowed me the perspective to make some observations about the differences between the USA and Taiwan.

The bottom line on these observations? The USA is falling behind the world in many important areas, and unless we reprioritize our spending, with each passing year we are looking less and less like a world leader and more and more like an agricultural exporter "developing" nation.

For example, Taiwan now boasts a stunningly-efficient high-speed rail transportation system that zips passengers from one city to another in mere minutes. Last week, as I was zooming along the Taiwan countryside at 300 kilometers per hour, experiencing the remarkable comfort and ease of travel (no silly security checks, no long lines, just automated ticketing machines and on-time departures), I asked myself the obvious question: "Where is America's high-speed rail?"

The answer, of course, is that it's still on the drawing board. America virtually abandoned rail travel in the 1960's, allowing a once-great network of rail lines to become largely defunct. So today, America lacks the kind of efficient transportation infrastructure that Europeans, Japanese and even Taiwanese citizens enjoy every day. And this means Americans burn more oil and waste more time driving from one place to another.

The lack of high-speed rail harms America's efficiencies and international competitiveness because it raises the prices of virtually everything that has a transportation component (food, oil, concrete, raw materials, people, mail, etc.). Trucking all these goods around costs roughly ten times what it costs to move them via rail. It does sell more oil, though, which is probably one of the reasons why rail was abandoned in America in the first place (to appease the powerful oil companies).

Smoking bans and national health care
Taiwan has also passed and enforced a nationwide ban on smoking indoors. No smoking is allowed in restaurants, hotels, train stations, airports or anywhere other than private homes. The fine for violating this smoking ban? About 1/3rd of an average citizen's monthly wage.

This progressive, health-oriented initiative could never happen in America due to the highly influential (and destructive) tobacco lobby. In states like North Carolina, where tobacco is still big industry, anti-smoking laws get virtually no traction. The result is that North Carolina feels like a third world country, whereas Taiwan feels like a progressive world leader. Seriously, the last time I visited North Carolina (in 2008), I thought I had been teleported to a third-world nation full of race cars (NASCAR), tobacco and religious evangelists.

Speaking of health-related issues, Taiwan also has an extremely efficient, affordable health care system that covers everyone for just a few dollars a month. Using high-tech hospital equipment and U.S.-trained doctors, the Taiwan health care system still manages to cover virtually all medical needs (pregnancy, dental and vision included) for about $30 / month through your employer -- which includes coverage of your entire family, including children. Your employer pays about $25 / month in addition to what you pay, so it's roughly $50 / month for full coverage of you and your entire family. Not bad, huh? Why can't America do this?

For those citizens who don't have employment, they can purchase full coverage for about $20 / month. Yep, that's twenty bucks a month for full health care, even if you don't have a job.

This isn't for shoddy, low-tech health services, by the way. This is for state-of-the-art specialist coverage, including cardiology, reproductive health, internal medicine, urgent care, pediatrics, cancer treatments, surgery and just about every area of medicine you can think of. That an Asian nation can provide these high-tech services at such an affordable cost is astonishing to most Americans who are used to paying the highest prices in the world for not-so-great health care services.

Providing affordable, state-of-the-art (westernized) health care is something that seemingly can never be accomplished in the U.S. due to all the powerful, profitable corporations making money off disease. The health insurance companies, pharmaceutical companies and health service providers are all making too much money off sickness and disease to give up those profits for the common good. In America, health care is a for-profit industry, not a benefit to its citizens. And legislators in Washington repeatedly favor the profits of corporations over the health care needs of Americans. (This stance, as I've explained before, will spell the doom of America. You cannot have a strong nation if your people are all diseased and medicated...)

Banning plastic bags and cleaning up the cities
On the issue of pollution and the environment, Taiwan has made huge strides in the last ten years, demonstrating progressive, mindful solutions that help protect the environment. For example, a few years ago they banned the giving away of plastic bags by all retailers (especially grocery stores). Customers can still buy plastic bags for a few cents each, but they can no longer be given away.

The result? Overnight, the country's plastic bag pollution problem virtually disappeared. Suddenly, customers were bringing their own cloth bags or packing up groceries in recyclable cardboard boxes. Suddenly the streets were cleaner and landfill use was drastically reduced. In the United States, only progressive cities like San Francisco have managed to pull off something like this, but Taiwan did it nation-wide.

Speaking of pollution, Taiwan's parks and cities are super clean. You'll rarely see trash just thrown around, and cleaning crews are regularly sweeping up the city parks and roadways.

Getting back to the infrastructure, Taiwan's system of roads and bridges is hugely impressive. With ongoing government investment, the roadways, railways, bridges keep getting better every year. Today, Taiwan's transportation infrastructure rivals that of any first-world nation, leaving the U.S. and its crumbling roadways in the dust. Remember: The United States is sitting on an aging transportation infrastructure where bridges literally fall apart when people are driving over them. Road maintenance is disastrous in places like L.A., Chicago and New York, and the nation's railways, as previously discussed, have been virtually abandoned.

In terms of transportation, the U.S. truly feels more and more like a third-world country with each passing year. It's not as bad as Peru or Ecuador -- yet! -- but it's getting there. After visiting Taiwan, returning to the United States feels a lot like visiting some developing nation where the travel infrastructure isn't really done being built yet. Plus, the increasing number of "immigration checkpoints" in the highways makes you feel like you're visiting Eastern Europe or the former Soviet Union. Welcome to the U.S.S.A.

All this and zero debt, too?
What's most remarkable about all this is that Taiwan has no national debt whatsoever. In fact, Taiwan is sitting on some of the largest financial reserves of any nation in the world. It's been socking away savings even while managing to build impressive transportation infrastructure and health care solutions for its citizens.

How can this be? How can Taiwan accomplish so much and still have no national debt like the U.S.? And why is the U.S. so hopelessly mired in debt, even as its national infrastructure is in many ways falling apart?

The answers, I believe, are cultural. There are some rather noticeable differences between Taiwan (Chinese) culture and American culture. Notably:

• Taiwanese are thrifty - They tend to save money. Lots of it. Sure, they like to buy stuff from time to time, but they always SAVE money before spending it. Americans, on the other hand, tend to spend more than they have, resulting in negative savings rates.

• Taiwanese are industrious - They tend to work diligently, with discipline, and they're not afraid of long hours. As a result, this island nation that lacks virtually all natural resources has become a manufacturing leader in the world, amassing huge revenues and savings by buying raw materials from other countries and transforming them into value-added products through advanced manufacturing processes. Americans, in comparison, tend to whine at the prospect of working more than 8 hours a day, and they tend to spend time at work surfing the 'net (if they can get away with it) rather than actually getting any work done. By any honest assessment, the American workforce isn't hard working. On the entrepreneurial side, of course, there are many exceptions to this (business owners tend to work very hard for themselves), but as far as the general labor force goes, only the immigrants seem willing to actually work hard. As I've discovered from living in Arizona (and virtually everybody in California already knows), if you have a job that requires a lot of work, hire a Mexican!

• They have better national spending priorities: While America's spending priorities have focused on imperialism and military conquest, Taiwan's spending priorities have been more in the realm of national infrastructure, education and national savings. Even so, Taiwan has been able to spend billions on national defense to help protect it from mainland China, which continues to insist that Taiwan is its "territory."

It's not Paradise, though
Despite all these remarkable accomplishments, Taiwan isn't quite a paradise yet. It suffers from several problems that need additional work:

• Noise pollution - This seems common among both Asian and South American nations. Noise remains a big issue, as there is really no legal recognition of the right to "peace and quiet."

• Population density - Taiwan has a very high population density, translating into extreme crowding of its cities (well, not as bad as Tokyo, but still crowded). A few days in a typical Taiwan city makes foreigners like me feel downright claustrophobic.

• Abusive academics - Taiwan's emphasis on academics is so strong that many children spend literally 16 hours a day in public school and private "cram schools." They grow up into adults with amazing academic skills, but utterly lacking social skills or the kind of adventurous experiences that are supposed to define childhood. (No sleepovers, no Little League baseball, no parties or field trips... just study, study, study.)

• Air quality - Due to the widespread use of gasoline-powered motor scooters, Taiwan's cities have miserable air quality (not as bad as Mexico City, but still bad). Notably, China recently solved this problem virtually overnight in several areas by simply banning gasoline motor scooters and requiring citizens to ride e-bikes! The future of Taiwan will likely see a similar shift to electric motor scooters or e-bikes, too. The days of gasoline-powered scooters are numbered, and that's a good thing for Taiwan's air quality.

• Dependence on exports - Taiwan's economy depends largely on exports: About 40% to Europe, 40% to the USA and 20% elsewhere (Middle East, Australia, etc.). With the world economy in a depression, Taiwan's exports have suffered tremendously, and the nation is right now in a serious economic slump that's causing high rates of unemployment. Notably, instead of just firing people, most employers are opting for "mandatory non-paid vacation days" where workers keep their jobs but are asked to work fewer days each month.

All this adds up to a remarkable story of a hugely successful island nation that has managed to accomplish many things that still elude the world's largest military superpower (the USA). While the U.S. may be great at building (and dropping) bombs, Taiwan has affordable national healthcare for all its citizens. While the U.S. may have a military presence in 133 countries (or so), Taiwan has high-speed rail that saves its citizens countless hours in travel between cities. While the U.S. may boast the world's largest collection of fast food chains anywhere in the world, Taiwan is good at actually making things like computers, furniture and electronics.

In many ways, in fact, Taiwan is what the U.S. used to be -- nimble, productive and smart. Twenty years ago, when I first lived in Taiwan, I never could have imagined writing this article: The U.S. was superior in almost every way, and Taiwan was a dingy, small-scale developing nation. One generation later, however, Taiwan has surpassed the U.S. in numerous ways, proving that a nation that finds the courage to make smart, progressive decisions can accomplish amazing things, even if it hasn't been gifted with abundant natural resources.

There's a lot to love about America, of course, and America will always be my home. But there's little question that the days of the American Empire are waning. America's position as the leader of the world is history. The one thing that America is really, really good at -- killing enemy combatants -- isn't much to brag about. America doesn't manufacture much of anything, it's way behind the rest of the world on transportation and education, and it can't even offer its citizens basic health care services. It's a high-tax, low-service, police state country with $12 trillion in suffocating debt.

How much debt is that, exactly? Consider this: The world population is roughly 5 billion people. $12 trillion in debt is more than $2,000 for every person living in the world today. That's how much the U.S. owes -- over $2,000 for every man, woman and child living in every nation in the world, including China and India, by the way.

With that much debt, America has secured its position in the history of the world: It is a bankrupt empire whose days are numbered. Its People have become complacent and lazy, its manufacturing base has been gutted, its economy has become stagnant and its finances are beyond recovery.

Perhaps out of the ashes of America, a smart, nimble nation can arise and follow in Taiwan's footsteps to make smarter decisions about spending priorities. The formula isn't that difficult to figure out: Spend less than what you earn, invest in your People and your infrastructure rather than fighting wars. Promote entrepreneurism, thriftiness and hard work. In a few generations, you too can create a hugely successful nation that takes its place among the leaders of the world.

New:Vitamin C Prevents Gout

2009-04-27T09:21:00.000+09:00

A high daily intake of vitamin C may reduce the risk of gout in men, according to a study conducted by researchers from the Boston University School of Medicine and published in the Archives of Internal Medicine.

In a 20-year study on 47,000 male health care professionals, researchers found that men who took a daily vitamin C supplement of 1,000 to 1,499 milligrams had a 34 percent lower risk of gout than men who did not take a vitamin supplement. Men who took a supplement of 1,500 milligrams or more per day had a 45 percent lower risk of the disease than men who did not take anything.

Gout is a form of arthritis caused by the deposition of uric acid or monosodium urate crystals in the joints. The disease, which can be intensely painful and debilitating, was much more common during the Victorian era, but rates have been increasing again over the past 30 years. Known risk factors are male sex, obesity, high alcohol consumption and unhealthy diet, particularly high meat consumption.

In the current study, the gout-preventing effect of vitamin C remained strong even after adjusting for these known risk factors.

"Given the general safety profile associated with vitamin C intake, particularly in the generally consumed ranges as in the present study, vitamin C intake may provide a useful option in the prevention of gout," lead researcher Hyon Choi said.

The study could not determine precisely how vitamin C might affect gout risk, but the researchers speculated that a role might be played by the vitamin's ability to reduce blood levels of uric acid, and its anti-inflammatory properties.

Experts warned, however, that a healthy lifestyle is still most important in preventing gout.

"It would be unwise for people to think they can compensate for eating and drinking too much by taking vitamin C with their pint of beer," said Michael Snaith of the U.K. Gout Society.

Sources for this story include: news.bbc.co.uk.

Shawnee Mission Medical Center

2009-04-26T16:33:00.000+09:00

Sometimes you just know a hospital is different. The friendly smiles, that spiritual touch and the technology and environment that reassure you that you've made the right choice. In Kansas City, that hospital is Shawnee Mission Medical Center (SMMC). With a philosophy of health care dating back to the mid-1800s, SMMC focuses on whole body care to get you well and keep you well.

In 1866 in Battle Creek, Mich., Dr. John Harvey Kellogg opened the first health care facility founded on the values of the Seventh-day Adventist (SDA) church. Since that time, SDA health care has flourished. A member of the Adventist Health System, the nation's largest protestant health care system, SMMC has brought this exceptional philosophy of care to our community for more than 45 years. Our mission is at the core of everything we do: Improving Health Through Christian Service.

Located at I-35 and 75th Street, SMMC is Close, when it matters most. And with nearly 700 physicians on our medical staff, finding the right doctor for any health care need is easy.

But we don't want to see you just when you're sick. We offer one of the most comprehensive schedules of community wellness classes in the area. From parent education and CPR to pre- and post-natal yoga and Zumba for seniors, we want you to focus on your health. Our annual Speaking of Women's Health program brings together 3,500 women to be strong, be healthy and be in-charge of their health, well-being and personal safety.

Our contribution to the health of the community extends far beyond our walls. SMMC supports many area not-for-profit organizations that share our mission of improving health. We aren't just the best hospital in Kansas City, we're the best hospital for Kansas City.
Come see us soon. Whether you're working to get well, stay well, visiting loved ones or if you just want to learn why SMMC is different, we're here for you.

For more information, call the ASK-A-NURSE Resource Center at 913-676-7777.

SMMC Facts:

* 383-bed hospital
*54-acre campus also includes a free-standing outpatient surgery center, a community health
education building, five physician office buildings and an associate child care center
*Largest medical staff in Kansas City
*Nearly 2,800 associates
*Serve 20,000 inpatients and 180,000 outpatients annually
*Busiest Emergency Department in Johnson County
*The area's First accredited Chest Pain Center
*Deliver the most babies in Kansas City.

'Lymelife': When did Kieran Culkin become a man?

2009-04-25T20:33:00.000+09:00

LATIMES.COM
January 19, 2009
'Lymelife': When did Kieran Culkin become a man?
Rebecca Snavely

"Welcome to our wonderful little family in our perfect suburban life" -- Jimmy (Kieran Culkin)

Real-life brothers Rory and Kieran Culkin star as brothers in "Lymelife," the coming-of-age story set in 1970s Long Island. They add a "dynamic that's hard to create, an instant chemistry on film," says "Lymelife" director Derick Martini. Co-writing and working with his own brother Steven behind the scenes was a different story. Based on their childhood experiences growing up in the 'burbs, the brothers worked in tandem on the 22-day shoot. While Derek was shooting, Steven was editing, and, unbeknownst to Derek, composing a score at the same time. The source music completes the experience of the '70s.

With "Star Wars" paraphernalia, a bully, a beautiful girl next door (Adrianna, played by Emma Roberts), a reference to Holden Caulfield and a long-haired high-school hunk, the film is a classic coming-of-age story. The kids' families are full of all that creates suburban dysfunction: lies, secrets, affairs and psychosis-inducing Lyme disease. Alec Baldwin, Jill Hennessy, Timothy Hutton and Cynthia Nixon play the parents, and the entire cast delivers, giving great performances that are at times laugh-out-loud funny, heartbreaking and wincingly relatable. And speaking of coming-of-age, when did Kieran Culkin become a man? The kid I remember from "Father of the Bride" plays Jimmy, home on leave from basic training in the Army. Jimmy is all beefed up and ready to fight to protect younger brother Scott.

Talking to audience members after the screening, their unanimous favorite aspect of the film was the interaction between the brothers. Much of that was ad-lib, said director Derick. "I would leave the camera rolling, and working with such great actors all you have to say is half a sentence: '... with him,' and all those magical moments that I was looking for? They gave me."

Not everyone agreed it was quite so magical. Ron and Millie Burkman from Massachusetts thought the ending was predictable, it seemed pretty clear cut.

Half_sf16_300 Jill, one of a group I'll call the "San Francisco 16," disagrees. She and 15 other women, mostly moms, have been trekking to Sundance for the last 5 years under the leadership of Gretchen, who puts together a spreadsheet of movies for the women to research online. Jill didn't want the ending that we were given, she said. She knew something was going to happen, but it was not predictable.

Sue and John Gleason, who live in Park City and have been attending the festival for six years, thought the film flowed well, and that the ending had to happen, but felt it was left open to interpretation, and that the film was close to real life. Perhaps a little too close.

"Lymelife" opens April 8 in New York City and Los Angeles, and rolls out to the rest of the country over the next month.

http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/sundance/2009/01/draft-do-not-pu.html

25 Random Things about Trinity Mother Frances

2009-04-25T20:31:00.000+09:00

1. Mother Frances Hospital was named after Mother Frances Siedliska of the Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth, a polish nun dedicated to supporting the family.
2. Mother Frances Hospital opened its doors a day earlier than planned in 1937 to care for the victims of the New London school explosion. Both the Bryant Clinic (predecessor of Trinity Clinic) and Mother Frances Hospital responded to help the victims of the New London school explosion
3. The first baby was born at Mother Frances Hospital just two days after opening on March 20, 1937.
4. In 1947, a new four-story wing was dedicated, more than doubling the size of Mother Frances Hospital from 60 to 150 beds.
5. The Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth purchased Mother Frances Hospital from the City of Tyler in 1948.
6. In 1948, Mother Frances Hospital received a grant from the Ford Foundation to add many new services including new delivery rooms and air conditioning.
7. In 1949, Mother Frances Hospital was designated a regional polio treatment center. A special isolation ward was established with iron lung therapy
8. The cafeteria was added to Mother Frances Hospital in 1965.
9. In 1965, Mother Frances Hospital dedicated a new 140,000 square-foot wing added on the north side of the hospital including the addition of 240 hospital beds
10. Mother Frances Hospital had the first ICU in east Texas which was one of the first in the U.S. at the time.
11. In 1968, Dr. Patrick R. Thomas performed the first permanent pacemaker implantation at Mother Frances Hospital.
12. The first open heart surgery in Tyler was performed at Mother Frances Hospital in 1983.
13. In 1948, the Bryant Clinic changed its name to the Medical & Surgical Clinic (currently Trinity Clinic) and became the largest multi-specialty physician group in the area.
14. In 1986, Flight for Life emergency air transport services brought the first emergency helicopter service to east Texas.
15. Trinity Mother Frances employs over 4,000.
16. There are 32 Trinity Clinic locations.
17. Over 3,000 babies are delivered each year at Mother Frances Hospital.
18. The Ornelas Tower has 793,000 bricks, 208.3 miles of wire and 220 bathrooms.
19. The Heart Institute encompasses 57,535 square feet, the size of a football field.
20. The three leaves in the Trinity Mother Frances cross represent our commitment to serving the whole person, body, mind and spirit.
21. The first Neonatal Intensive Care Unit in Tyler was opened in 2008 at Mother Frances Hospital.
22. There are over 65,000 visits per year to the Emergency Care Center at Mother Frances Hospital
23. A completely endoscopic pituitary tumor removal was performed in 2007 at the Trinity Mother Frances Neuroscience Institute.
24. Above Mother Frances Hospital’s original entrance on Beckham Ave. appeared the hospital’s name etched in stone. During one of the renovations, those stones were relocated to the wall that now faces Beckham Ave.
25. In 2004, Mother Frances Hospital was the area’s exclusive provider of the Intuitive Surgical daVinci surgical robotic system used for multispecialty surgical procedures.

an 8 year survivor of Ewing Sarcoma

2009-04-13T15:29:00.000+09:00

I am an 8 year survivor of Ewing's. I have been completely cancer free since the partial removal of my femur in 2000, which was done midway through my treatment regiment. Treatment is aggressive, and for me included all three approaches, chemo, surgery and radiation, but survival rates seem to increase for this disease as treatments are honed from experience.

Do not obsess with the different survival rates you may find, which can range anywhere from 80 percent 5 year survival to much less. I had many factors going against me. Presenting as an adult is usually considered negative. I was over 30. Size of the tumor is a factor, mine was large enough to consider me at a higher risk. Diagnosis did not come until I broke my femur clean in two, definitely not a good sign. The only major factor I had in my favor was there was no metastasis (spreading to parts of the body other than the initial tumor site).

As my oncologist said to me, no one knows what Paul Clare's survival rate will be, so remain positive. Well my 5 year survival was 100 percent, and it is for many more people.

The best I can say is remain positive and support your friend in any way possible. My thoughts are with you and your friend. If you would like to talk more, feel free to contact me directly.

Paul Clare

Moments in Sarcoma

2009-04-13T15:28:00.001+09:00

If you have been touched by sarcoma, you have a moment to share with the world.

If you were to share just one moment on your journey with sarcoma, what would it be? Imagine a collection of moments from people around the world who have dealt with all kinds of sarcomas. What insights would surface? What would we learn?

"Moments in Sarcoma" is a new project that will publish moments from the lives of patients and their families, doctors, researchers, and friends. Submissions are invited during the month of February. Then one submission will be published daily on the Team Sarcoma Website starting in May or June, continuing through the International Sarcoma Awareness Week in July, and ending when all chosen moments have been published.

As a part of this very special project, one patient or survivor who submits a moment by March 1 will be awarded a sponsorship of at least $2,000 (there may also be the possibility of some travel assistance) to participate in the 2009 Team Sarcoma "Core Team" Bike Tour.

Everyone who has been touched by sarcoma is invited. Learn more, and share a moment today at http://moments.team-sarcoma.net

Mary Sorens

~Pet Poison Alert: Lay Off the Lilies~

2009-04-12T15:07:00.000+09:00

Spring is here, people! Whether you’re celebrating Easter, Passover or the arrival of daffodils, it’s time to show our fur kids some love by keeping them safe from one of the season’s most popular—and poisonous—plants, the Easter lily.

In the past year, the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center fielded 442 cases of pets who ingested some variety of the lovely lily. The vast majority of those cases occurred during the spring and summer months, and 83% involved our feline friends. Some examples of common lily varieties that are dangerous for cats include Easter lily, tiger lily, rubrum lily, Japanese show lily and certain species of daylily.

“All lilies belonging to the plant genus Lilium are highly toxic to cats,” explains Dr. Steven Hansen, Senior Vice President, ASPCA Animal Health Services. “Consuming even small amounts can cause a life-threatening situation.” Certain species of the genus Hemerocallis are also known to produce similar toxic effects. Lilies may cause a cat to vomit, become lethargic or develop a lack of appetite. Without immediate and proper care, a cat may develop life-threatening kidney failure within 36 to 72 hours of ingestion.

“Time is really of the essence for treatment,” says Dr. Louise Murray, Director of Medicine at the ASPCA’s Bergh Memorial Animal Hospital. “If an owner suspects her cat may have eaten any part of a lily, she should seek immediate medical care.”

The ASPCA recommends leaving lilies out of Easter baskets or Mother’s Day bouquets destined for homes with cats, or using safer flower varieties as substitutes. Some pretty alternatives include Easter orchids, cacti and daisies, as well as roses and violets.

For more information about household flowers that can hurt cats and dogs, check out our online guide to toxic plants. As always, if you suspect your pet has ingested something poisonous, please call your veterinarian or the ASPCA’s 24-hour hotline at (888) 426-4435.

Childrens Liver Disease needs more publicity to create awareness

2009-04-05T10:59:00.001+09:00

My son Luke lived his whole life with liver disease. He was a wonderful boy ,who was adored and loved by everyone who had the pleasure of knowing him. Luke had Cirrhosis of the liver and was diagnosed at a young age, Lukes Cirrhosis was deemed genetic as in many cases of childrens liver disease the cause is often unknown. Sadly Luke lost his life aged 12 years due to developing Hepatopulmanary syndrome because of his liver disease. More awareness needs to be raised as many people dont even know children can get liver disease, Lukes whole life i had to explain that i never touched alcohol throughout my pregnancy as people associate Cirrhosis with alcoholics, not that it means scarring of the liver. Many people are aware of other childhood diseases like cancer, yet more children are diagnosed with liver disease every year. So all parents,granparents,friend

s even doctors should tell as many people as they know to create awareness of CLD , public awareness, charity donations are all things which could help with research and also help children and families suffering the effects of CLD.

i really think GP's should know more about liver disease

2009-04-05T10:54:00.000+09:00

my son was not born with jaundice but developed it after my GPs said hes jaundice but it'll clear he was diagnosed at 8 weeks old purely becuse i took him to hospital for vomiting, im appauled tht in so many cases it isnt picked up earlier if it had been much later he wouldve needed liver transplant then he has biliary artresia but im told at some point will need a transplant.

I totally agree with what you have said and I am trying my hardest to spread the word. Ellie was diagnosed at 3 months as the doctor said it was prolonged jaundice due to brest feeding-he had never come across a case like Ellie before. Ellie was so serverly ill that she was put on the top of the priority list for a transplant. She was given a couple of days to live when we were lucky enough to get a donor. If GP's knew more and gave jaundiced babies a routine blood test at 14 days old if not clearing - or it had started to develop, alot of children would live, or at least be given the treatment needed asap.

If you contact the CLDF they run courses/study days for GP's and any health professional. Please see link on group page and you can take in the information to your local surgery.

Good Luck and best wishes
Emma

primary cancer care givers

2009-03-27T14:28:00.001+09:00

a last year JMC got the cancer. no warnings, one pea size knot in the arm pit.
in 3 weeks it was baseball size and diagnosed as secondary limphnode cncer.
in a month the spread was unbeliveable! now stage iv lung cancer and no hope of recover. JMC, gave all she could every day to every one She met. now at only 55 yrs young, her life is almost over. She worked as inhome health care provider, cook and deliver dirver for meals on wheels, and lastly as diatery aid at a nursing home! these days its up to me as Her primary Care Giver. This past year has been too long and too brutal! I sit night after night with her and watch as She slowly and much painfully diappeares before my very eyes. I no longer go to the office in the mornings, could not possible do a fare day for a fare wage! I am drained in most every way a person can be drained. May even lose or home, but i can not leave her side for long at a time. Seldom leave the house. Something happens ever time i've left in the past 6 weeks and have to rush back to calm her fears.

i welcome communications from the out side, particularly from those who know what it is to sit alone and wait, wonder and watch as someone they love slips away. After months with this disease friends and family drift away, seldom call, even less seldom drop by to talk and prop up the one who gives every thing just to ease the pain that racks a body seemingly non-stop. I never expected the world to stop living on through this time in our lives...but certainly never dreamed how quickly everone disappears for what ever reason they may have to do so!
its all about the pt. but the caregiver is only human, has feelings, needs and desires too...with out help they waste away in side the mind as the pt does in the body.

cancer survivor!

2009-03-27T14:25:00.000+09:00

Hi! I just wanted to introduce myself! My name is Brittany and Im 19 years old! I was diagnosed with kidney cancer in August of '08. I had surgery in September and had 2/3 of my kidney removed! It was a scare of a lifetime and Im glad Im still alive!

Im just looking to meet some new people and make new friends! Not everyone understands what its like to have cancer and to go thru what we do! If anyone wants to chat, please feel free to contact me!

Thanks and I hope everyone is having a great day! :)

Health or Wealth ?

2009-03-27T14:24:00.000+09:00

Which one is better for you ? is it going to be Health or Wealth ?
HEALTH all the way for ME!!! No ifs, ands or buts about it. As long as I am blessed with great health, nothing else really matters all that much anymore, at least that's how I've come to view things these days. May God opens His arms and reaches out to those seeking Him. I am.

wealth is nothing without health. health is the indicator of the wealth.
u can have lots of money but if u're not halthy u can do nothing with it.

Health and wealth are both great to have but if I had to choose I would go with health any day.

Health Conferece Call! Join the Fight Against Cancer!

2009-03-27T14:10:00.000+09:00

Time: 6pm to 6:30pm PST/ 8pm CST or 9pm EST

"Stay where you are, pick up your phone, and listen for 30 minutes to Life Changing Vital Information that you are not being told!"

This 30 minute discussion will give vital information that effects everyone living, information that is readily available in the U.S. but you are not being informed about it because it is saving lives!

Discussion:
You will be informed about how this European Doctor has found the key that unlocks the secrets we need to know!

Research and documented facts about what isn't being told to you, because their is nothing that compares to it!

The number is 512-879-2040 (758026# access code).

Time: 6pm to 6:30pm PST/8pm CST or 9pm EST

Date: This Monday night March 23,2009

Call: 512-879-2040 (758026# access code)

Your opinion counts! Let me know what you think!