Use of Antipsychotics in Children Is Criticized Nov 19, 2008
The data show there is a substantial amount of prescribing for attention deficit disorder, and I wonder if we have given enough weight to the adverse-event profile of the drug in light of this, Dr. Daniel Notterman, a senior health policy analyst at Princeton University and a panel member, said when speaking about Risperdal. Drug agency officials responded that they had already placed strongly worded warnings on the drugs labels. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Health)
Unknown fever deaths now a matter of concern Nov 17, 2008
A senior health department official said: Though the cause of death of the so called unknown fever cases get diagnosed in majority of the cases, we should not take any chances especially when vector-borne diseases have already claimed a number of lives. The KMChas been asked to conduct thorough inquiry if any unknownfever death is reported. (The Statesman)
Caring For The Caregiver: Redefining The Definition Of Patient Nov 16, 2008
The Healthy Aging Brain Center is part of the IU Center for Senior Health at Wishard Health Services. Dr. Schubert is the medical director of the IU Center for Senior Health at Wishard and Acute Care for Elders at Indiana University Hospital. (Science Daily)
• Open enrollment for Medicare begins Nov 15, 2008
" even if they are happy with them.Open enrollment for Medicare prescription drugs programs, known as Medicare Part D, starts today and runs through Dec. 31.The federal plan is subsidized with tax dollars, but administered by private insurance companies with various plans that seniors 65 and older can choose.Seniors may see changes in 2009 to the plans that have served them well in 2008, so they should still look at their options for next year, officials said."It's very important that they check... (Burley South Idaho Press, ID)
Enrollment nears for Medicare prescription plans Nov 14, 2008
Resources* N.C. Senior Health Insurance Information ProgramPHONE: 800-443-9354ONLINE: * Durham Senior PHARM- Assist. PHONE: 688-4772ONLINE. (News & Observer)
Skyrocketing premiums looming for many with Medicare Part D Nov 14, 2008
Shopping around between the 48 different Medicare prescription drug plans that are available in South Dakota for 2009 makes sense, and at Canyon Lake Senior Center in Rapid City, the Senior Health Information and Insurance Education program, commonly referred to as SHIINE, make it easy to do that, Sartorius said. "The SHIINE volunteer here will get on the computer for me and compare a list of the medications I take with all the different plans," she said. (Rapid City Journal, SD)
Pennsylvania Insurance Department Approves Launch of Senior Health Care Oversight Trust Nov 13, 2008
Effective Today, Independent Trust Now Operating Former Conseco Senior Health Insurance Company Long-Term Care Insurance Business for the Sole Benefit of Policyholders HARRISBURG, Pa. Nov. 12 /PRNewswire/ -- The Pennsylvania Insurance Department (the "Department") announced today that it has approved the separation, effective today, of Senior Health Insurance Company of Pennsylvania (formerly Conseco Senior Health Insurance Company) ("SHIP") from Conseco, Inc. As a result of the transaction, the... (PR Newswire)
Conseco Completes Transfer of Senior Health Insurance Company of Pennsylvania to Independent Trust Nov 13, 2008
Nov. 12 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Conseco, Inc. (NYSE: CNO) announced today that it completed the previously announced transfer of Senior Health Insurance Company of Pennsylvania, formerly known as Conseco Senior Health Insurance Company ("Senior Health"), to Senior Health Care Oversight Trust, an independent trust (the "Trust"). In connection with the completion of the transfer, Conseco contributed $175 million to the capital of Senior Health and the Trust, as follows: -- A 6% Senior Note due... (PR Newswire)
Prescription drug plan enrollment starts soon Nov 13, 2008
"Forty-two out of the 48 plans offered increased their premiums for next year, and we re seeing changes in the drugs covered," said Kris Gross, with Iowa s Senior Health Insurance Information Program ... "Last fall approximately 80 percent of people who compared plans with the help of Iowa s Senior Health Insurance Information Program saved money by changing plans for the next year," Gross said ... Senior Health Insurance Information Program at RSVP, (319) 272-2250. (Waterloo-Cedar Falls Courier)
Government doctors strike to affect services Nov 12, 2008
Government doctors strike to affect services. Wednesday, November 12, 2008 2:04 PM IST. (Express Buzz)
Presidio gets grant to help restore gate at Lombard Nov 12, 2008
"It's moving beyond nagging people. We've been doing that for years," said Christina Goette, senior health program planner for the Department of Public Health. "You should eat five fruits and vegetables a day! You should get 30 minutes of exercise a day! You realize it really isn't that easy for everyone.". (San Francisco Chronicle)
Seniors decry Cambridge Health Alliance senior clinic closing Nov 11, 2008
Ave. senior health clinic, even though health network officials have already announced plans to close it. I really hate to lose it, said Joan Hill, a patient and advocate for the Oliver Farnum Senior Health Center above the senior center on Mass ... Closing the Oliver Farnum Senior Health Center and relocating its 230 patients by the end of December is just one piece of the puzzle, said CHA spokesman David Cecere. (Cambridge Chronicle, MA)
A reminder about Medicare Nov 8, 2008
Another helpful source is The Senior Health Insurance Program (SHIP). SHIP is specially suited to help answer questions that many citizens may have about Medicare and Medicare Part D. A representative can be reached at 1-800-548-9034. (DeKalb Daily Chronicle, IL)
BETTER LIFE: More on senior health issues Nov 8, 2008
Senior health care - Better Life - USATODAY.com. Raising funds for Parkinson's. (USA Today -- Money)
Winter weather strikes across N.D. Nov 7, 2008
St. Alexius Medical Center announced that its Senior Health Fair, scheduled for today, has been cancelled. A release from the hospital said a future date will be announced later. (Bismarck Tribune, ND)
Mozambique Cholera Death Toll Rises To 60 Nov 7, 2008
"The deaths are on the rise, we have 60 people dead now, 20 of them in just two days," Evelina Malora, a senior health department doctor in Manica province, told Reuters in an interview. A government team investigating the last week's outbreak said it was caused by people drinking untreated water taken directly from the Zambezi and Luenha rivers, and from a nearby lake. (Planet Ark, United States)
Drug Boosts Natural Growth Hormone in Seniors Nov 7, 2008
Friday, November 7, 2008. MK-677 brought muscle mass, but long-term effects on vitality unclear, scientists say. (U.S. News & World Report)
Seniors invited to annual Senior Health Fair Nov 7, 2008
Newton County Community Services (NCCS) is just sending out a reminder to everyone about our fifth Annual Senior Health Fair which will be held on Friday, Nov. 7, from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Beaver Township Community Center at 409 Polk St. in Morocco. The fair will consist of many vendor booths, speakers, refreshment, and door prizes. (Kentland Newton County Enterprise, IN)
2008 Senior Resource Fair Nov 6, 2008
Marshall County Journal. Thursday 6 November, 2008. (Marshall County Journal, SD)
Medicare Part D, Alzheimer's volunteer honored Nov 4, 2008
That's when she became aware of the Senior Health Insurance Information Program, with which she has volunteered for more than eight years. She has helped people reverse denial of payment by Medicare and other health insurance companies. (Waterloo-Cedar Falls Courier)
Elderly 'suffer' over dental care Oct 30, 2008
Charlotte Potter, a senior health policy officer at Help the Aged, said: "It is a particularly acute problem for people in care homes. Services are just not flexible enough and it means that elderly people often go without treatment. "And now more and more are keeping their own teeth into old age it is becoming a major problem. "Teeth decay and pain can affect your eating habits and nutrition. It is something the NHS and those caring for old people need to be aware of.". (BBC News -- UK)
• Around the valley Oct 30, 2008
Employees with the Senior Health Insurance Benefit Advisors program, part of the Idaho Department of Insurance, are available to help evaluate prescription drug plans during Medicare's open enrollment period next month. Three years after the drug program was created, 85 percent of Idahoans now have prescription drug coverage through Medicare, according to numbers supplied by SHIBA. In 2009, 51 plans will be offered in Idaho, with premiums starting at 18. (Burley South Idaho Press, ID)
Medicare plans may change during annual enrollment period Oct 30, 2008
They may also call Oregon's Senior Health Insurance Benefits Assistance (SHIBA) program for free and unbiased counseling and enrollment assistance ... The Senior Health Insurance Benefits Assistance (SHIBA) program is part of the Oregon Department of Consumer and Business Services. (Lebanon Express, OR)
Dengue claims 7th life Oct 29, 2008
According to a senior health official, the worst may be yet to come. "The untimely rains will definitely lead to a spurt in malaria and dengue cases," he said. (Times of India)
NL premier apologizes to victims of botched cancer tests Oct 29, 2008
"A no action required statement is exactly that. Stand down, no action required."That's not for one minute to downplay the seriousness and importance of improper testing on patients and its effects on their lives," Williams added.In the past Williams has complained about the tone of questioning by commission lawyer Bern Coffey and even called the inquiry a witch hunt. But Williams, known more for his aggressive style and bombast, showed a different side on Tuesday, answering questions directly... (National Post)
Healthcare network says it may lay off hundreds Oct 25, 2008
Earlier in the week, the Alliance announced that over the next three months it would close its Oliver Farnum Senior Health Center in Cambridge, where patient volume was down 25 percent this year. "The intent is to not to reduce our level of service at all, but to combine access points," Bailey said. (Boston Globe)
Hoeven has plan to enhance senior care Oct 25, 2008
Hoeven's fourth proposal to improve senior health care involved increasing the income level at which an individual or two-person household can be at to still qualify for home-based care under Medicaid. The amount of income eligible individuals could keep for basic needs would increase from 500 to 720 for a one-person household and from 516 to 969 for a two-person household. (Wahpeton Daily News, ND)
could be eliminated. Oct 24, 2008
Earlier this week, CHA announced that it would cut medical services at the Oliver Farnum Senior Health Center in Cambridge by December. On Monday, a roundtable discussion will be held between city councilors and City Hall administrators to discuss CHA s strategic plan. (Allston Brighton TAB, MA)
Campaign Health Advisors Square Off Oct 24, 2008
The presidential candidates senior health advisors fielded questions on insurance, subsidies, and contraceptives in a debate titled Womens Health: McCain and Obama last night ... The discussion then turned to the current presidential race, and senior health advisors from both campaigns provided an overview of their candidates plans ... David Blumenthal, Obamas senior health advisor, invoked the Democratic candidates assertion during the third presidential debate that... (Harvard Crimson)
Official: Hepatitis C cases in Vegas total 114 Oct 24, 2008
Senior health district epidemiologist Brian Labus says he's beginning to prepare a final report on the hepatitis C investigation that has become the largest public health notification operation in U.S. history. (Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. (KRNV.com, NV)
Don't Miss This Chance to Pick a Better Health Oct 23, 2008
"While some employers are holding down cost growth with innovative methods of improving health-care quality and efficiency, more typically, employers struggling with increases they can't handle resort to the tried and true method of shifting cost to employees," said Blaine Bos, a senior health and benefits consultant for Mercer. More than half of employers will cut their costs by offering heath plans that increase deductibles and co-payments. (Washington Post)
Rodgers promoted to director of town's human services department Oct 23, 2008
She was first hired by the town in 2005 as a social services nurse who oversaw the day-to-day management of the Senior Health Monitor Program and the development and implementation of health promotion and wellness programs for older adults. Loading commenting interface. (Lexington Minuteman, MA)
Medicare plan drops 1,300 area patients (4) Oct 23, 2008
Chere Kifer, the coordinator for RSVP-SHIBA, Retired Seniors & Volunteer Program s senior health information benefits analyst, said ATRIO members have to be really careful about their next step ... Retired Seniors teer Program: RSVP senior health information benefits analyst, 888-7332. (Coos Bay-North Bend The World, OR)
Women in labour turned away Oct 23, 2008
A senior health official admitted yesterday that in hindsight it may have been the wrong decision. The hospital has not confirmed whether any patients were sent away for emergency surgery during a 24-hour period when it did not have an available anaesthetist. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Australia)
Cambridge Health Alliance to shutter senior health center in December Oct 21, 2008
By Jillian Fennimore/Chronicle staff. Mon Oct 20, 2008, 05:41 PM EDT. (Cambridge Chronicle, MA)
Letters to the Editor (Oct. 21) (36) Oct 21, 2008
The senior health insurance counseling program in which I participate (SHIBA) has seen demand for its services double during the past couple of years, and we are experiencing a huge jump again as boomers hit Medicare age. Many of the other services (foot care, tax aide, support groups, Dial-A-Bus, Bridge Club) also are seeing this growth. (Corvallis Gazette Times, OR)
Health ministry to allow iconic figures smoke on-screen Oct 20, 2008
"Characters like Churchill and Sherlock Holmes can smoke on screen. People know about them and their on-screen smoking won't influence the audience behaviour much," a senior health ministry official said. "This will be made public next month," the official added. (India Times, India -- Community News)
Shopping for health care Oct 17, 2008
We haven t been in a mindset where the price of that care has been something that a lot of people were worried about on the front end, says Jamie Stockton, senior health care. technology analyst for investment firm. (Nashville Business Journal, TN)
Debate puts 'Joe the Plumber' in world spotlight Oct 16, 2008
" But he said Mr. Obama's health-care plan scares him. "It's just one step closer to socialism," he said. He said he hopes both candidates will talk about family and family values before the November election because problems like education and senior health care should come back to families taking care of each other. "Sense of family has to be brought back," Mr. Wurzelbacher said. He added: "I believe there was too much emphasis put on me. The debate was more important. (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, PA)
Millions get Christmas gift Oct 15, 2008
Pensioners, holders of the Commonwealth Senior Health Card, veterans, war widows and people receiving the carers' payment will get $1400 each and couples will receive $2100. People receiving the carers' allowance will receive $1000 for each eligible person in their care. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Australia)
Rudd's $10b splash with cash Oct 14, 2008
Payments will also be made to self-funded retirees who are eligible for a Commonwealth Senior Health Care Card as well as others who hold a Commonwealth Seniors Health Card or Veterans Gold Card holders eligible for Seniors Concession Allowance. The families package is worth $3. (Sydney Morning Herald)
Northeast Ohio Health and Medical Consumer News Oct 10, 2008
A guest column on senior health issues by the physicians at MetroHealth Medical Center. FITNESS. (The Plain Dealer - cleveland.com)
KENYA: Government launches anti-malaria campaign Oct 10, 2008
8 million bed nets with long-lasting insecticide to control the spread of malaria as the rainy season sets in, a senior health official said. "The nets will be retreated in all the eight provinces in the country," Shahnaz Sharif, the senior deputy director of medical services in Kenya's health ministry said. (AlertNet)
Doctors Know Little About Consumer-Directed Health Plans Oct 10, 2008
"I don't think it's at all clear in insurers' minds what role they want doctors to play, and I don't think physicians themselves are clear on what they're comfortable with," said Dr. Hoangmai H. Pham, a senior health researcher at the Center for Studying Health System Change in Washington, D.C.. Nor do patients know what role they want their doctors to play, she added. (MEDLINEplus)
Surgical wait times drop in BC, Ont. Oct 8, 2008
Despite the improvements in some provinces, a national average wait of about 17 weeks is nothing to celebrate, says Nadeem Esmail, the Fraser Institute's senior health policy analyst. "The waiting times are a symptom of a much greater problem, and that problem is a health care system that has proven itself over time to be simply incapable of delivering timely access to health care services," said Esmail on Tuesday. (CBC.ca)
WellPath fies under the radar Oct 8, 2008
"They (WellPath) can probably make some money in it," says Steve Graybill, a senior health care consultant with in Charlotte. "The real issue is, will they be able to underwrite it and grow their volume?". (Raleigh Triangle Business Journal, NC)
National panelists debate health care Oct 8, 2008
Democrat Chris Jennings, former senior health care advisor to Clinton, was the optimist of the group. We are going to have an American health care system, Jennings said. (Nashville Business Journal, TN)
Senior Health Oct 8, 2008
Alzheimer's/Dementia. Visit the Statue of Liberty for $79 one-way; Plus, New Orleans, Indianapolis and more. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Health)
UnitedHealth shareholders override CalPERS on board vote Oct 6, 2008
Ann Schulte, a senior health care analyst with Minneapolis-based FAF Advisors Inc., commended McGuire and his management team for improving shareholder results and making "substantial contributions" from his personal finances to philanthropic organizations. McGuire was not available for media comment after the meeting, but spokesman Mark Lindsay said the shareholders' votes showed strong support for the board members and for the mission of the company to improve health care. (Sacramento Business Journal, CA)
School vending machines dole out excess calories, fat Oct 6, 2008
"Contrary to common belief, fruit juice is not a healthy snack, if drunk in excess. It should be limited to about 6 ounces per day, but it's common to see more than one serving in a bottle," said Amy Virus, RD, LDN, senior health services coordinator for the HEALTHY Study from the Center for Obesity Research and Education at Temple University. "Changes made to the vending machines in schools will help reduce excess calories taken in by school kids," she said. (EurekAlert!)
CPMC speeds to build St. Lukes Oct 3, 2008
CPMC s board agreed to build a community hospital on the St. Luke s site, integrate the medical staffs of its CPMC and St. Luke s campuses, and maintain critical services at St. Luke s, including an ER, ob/gyn services, an intensive care unit, urgent care, medical/surgical services and a new senior health center. Brotman had long opposed a compromise at St. Luke s, insisting that it should be converted into an outpatient hub for California Pacific to serve the Mission District and South of... (San Francisco Business Times, CA)
Indonesia's human bird flu death toll rises to 37 Oct 3, 2008
JAKARTA, May 30 (Xinhua) -- The death toll of human bird flu in Indonesia increased to 37 Monday after the World Health Organization confirmed that a boy had got H5N1 virus, a senior health ministry official said. Tests for the 18-year-old boy, who died May 23 at a hospital in Bandung, capital of west Java province, showed positive from a WHO-sanctioned laboratory in Hong Kong, local press Tuesday quoted I Nyoman Kandun, director general of disease control and environmental health of the... (Xinhuanet, China -- Business)
GE Gets Home Health Booster Sep 25, 2008
"We see enormous potential in senior health care monitoring," said Omar Ishrak, president of GE Healthcare's Clinical Systems unit. "Demographic changes such as the growing aging population present enormous health care challenges in the care of seniors and the management of chronic disease.". (Forbes -- Markets)
With the Economy and Large Financial Giants Failing, What Happens to Conseco's 144,000 Long-term Care Policyholders? Sep 23, 2008
Sept. 22 /PRNewswire/ -- The Conseco (NYSE: ) Senior Health Insurance Trust that affects current long-term care policyholders and shareholders will be discussed by Frank N. Darras, on Tom Woodruff's hour long radio show Tuesday at 1 PM Eastern (10 AM PST). He will also take questions from callers. (PR Newswire)
Legendary Georgia radio announcer Munson retires Sep 23, 2008
A woman who answered the phone at Munson's home and identified herself as a senior health care worker said he was not available for further comment. Scott Howard, who has been in the booth with Munson for 15 years and took over the play-by-play duty for road games last season, will take the lead role in a home game for the first time on Saturday. (USA Today -- Sports)
Voice of UGA football retires Sep 23, 2008
A woman who answered the phone at Munson's home and identified herself as a senior health care worker said he was not available for further comment. "Larry made the decision over the weekend after consultation with his family, doctor and close friends," Munson's son Michael said in a statement. (The Augusta Chronicle)
Adventist HealthCare Sep 23, 2008
Based on ongoing dialogue, other elements of the site could include senior health services, clinical trial beds and space for nonprofit community organizations. Reader Comments. (Washington Business Journal, DC)
Health in brief Sep 21, 2008
North Shore Arc and Northeast Senior Health, a division of Northeast Health System, have partnered to offer a comprehensive training for family caregivers of people with Alzheimer s disease or other memory-related disorders. The Essential Caregiver: A Real World Toolkit for Family Caregivers is endorsed by the Massachusetts Alzheimer s Association and offers practical guidance and resources to support caregivers in their roles. (Georgetown Record, MA)
Take Control of Your Future Health Sep 19, 2008
com has special sections with information about baby's health, children's health, men's health, women's health, teen's health and senior health. Each section is filled with information to help guide you and your family toward the best individual health possible. (Pekin Times, IL)
Cambridge Health Alliance prepares for cuts Sep 19, 2008
Concerns have been swirling about the future of the city s current medical services and health clinics, such as Cambridge s Oliver Farnum Senior Health Center, and whether or not they will be reduced or cut completely to save money. Some Cambridge city councilors threatened to block funding to the organization last year after the agency cut women s health services at a clinic in Area 4 Cambridge s poorest neighborhood without notice, while building a new family medicine complex in Malden. (Malden Observer, MA)
YMCA officials clam up on sale of Modesto center Sep 19, 2008
The prospect of closing "is a disgrace," said Betty Weatherington, 76, who attended a senior health program before a recent medical setback. "They have to get to the bottom of why it all happened.". (Modesto Bee, CA)
Meeting details Florida's health care plan Sep 19, 2008
It is not, as some have called it, "a government-run system," said Irwin Redlener, senior health adviser to the campaign ... Michael Burgess of Texas, senior health adviser to the McCain campaign, called "nonsense." "This is $5,000 for a family's health care they didn't have before," he said. (Florida Times-Union)
Blue Clover blossoming anew Sep 18, 2008
WMMI, which owns/manages 27 medical clinics in San Antonio and Florida, is undergoing rapid expansion, focusing on senior health care delivery, offering Medicare Advantage health care plans. Blue Clover s strength is their people, says Jeff White, vice president of sales and marketing for PHC. The fact that Blue Clover is a multi-cultural agency was (also) one of the key reasons for the choice, as PHC has a strong representation in the Hispanic community. (San Antonio Business Journal, TX)
Estrogen Cream No Match for Sun-Damaged Skin Sep 18, 2008
Thursday, September 18, 2008. Study of seniors finds it only boosts collagen in skin that has never been exposed. (U.S. News & World Report)
Somerville Hospital parent: There will be cuts, no question, and closings Sep 18, 2008
Concerns have been swirling about the future of current medical services and health clinics, such as Cambridge s Oliver Farnum Senior Health Center, and whether or not they will be reduced or cut completely to save money. Bailey called the upcoming changes a consolidation of services. (Somerville Journal, MA)
