Why wash your hands? It might not prevent the Swine Flu!!

Great advice often comes from our mothers, but it appears the the adage of the importance of washing hands isn’t all encompassing and will be little to no benefit in preventing the Swine Flu .

Typically passing soap over your hands and scrubbing can be quite effective in the prevention of passing microbes from person to person.

When it comes to the swine flu, contributing factors to the passage of infection such as restroom use, touching a door knob, covering your mouth when coughing, passing money and others can not be compensated by washing hands alone.

Recent Studies point to the passage of Swine flu through breathing and inhaling the microscopic
particles that are already in the air.

When someone sneezes, droplets are released into the air and they become aerosols that are breathed into the lungs by surrounding individuals.

Therefore, it is noted that the influenza virus is not passed from contaminated hands.

The CDC continues to recommend washing of hands for prevention of infection and overall this is a very good piece of advise.

Companies such as Steris Hand Sanitizers have seen jumps in their sales of almost 15 percent and that increase could triple over the next several months if a new increase or outbreak is seen throughout the U.S.

Overall, although the Swine Flu pandemic might not be prevented from washing your hands, there are many other bacterial and viral infections that may be prevented.

The Swine flu pandemic should not change your habit of washing your hands!!!

Post first seen at InterActive Blog

Health Care Spending

Health care is an area of demanding and controversial health care programs, insurance and spending.  

Medicaid and Medicare are government run programs that account for a large portion of health care cost.

Insurance overall is a funny business – there is insurance for almost anything including pets, fire, medical, vehicle, and others. Insurance has become so essential that many either overspend for insurance or work in terrible jobs, just to get insurance.

But then there is the large portion of individuals, for whatever reason, are unable to get insurance at all.

Private insurance is even more difficult to understand. These programs are allowed by employers or private individuals and vary from company to company and policy to policy. It is believed that over the last 7-10 years, employee-sponsored health insurance premiums have increase over 100%. This is almost 5 times the amount of inflation over the same period of time.

This is markedly more difficult for individuals and employers. Less and less companies are able to afford these important programs. And this will continue to get worse and worse.

It is believed that by 2020 or so – it will cost a family of 4 more than $25,000 per year to cover health insurance. Currently it is almost $13,000 per year for health care.

Cost for employers will continue to rise as well. Currently the cost to employers for insurance is just over $300 billion dollars. Within 10 years that number may jump to the mid $800 billion dollar range.

Don’t be fooled either – the coverage will not improve as time continues. Increasing costs, number of sick, and rising average age will continue to worsen the actual coverage by each individual.

Increasing Health Concerns

1.) Health Care Spending

- United States is leading all countries in the percent of GDP that is spent on Health Care.

- United States currently spends 16.2% as of 2007 and was around 15% in 2006

- Switzerland and France follow at around 11%

- Other countries above 10% are: Canada, Belgium, Germany, Portugal and Austria

- most of these values are from 2006

2.) Cost

- as the cost per person rises – the burden increases for employers and individuals to get enough coverage and the correct coverage

- $2.2 trillion dollars were spent in the United States in 2007 on health care costs

- $700 billion in 1990

- $250 billion in 1980

3.) Bankruptcy and Foreclosures

- Over 50% of bankruptcy are linked to lingering health or medical expenses

- 1.3 plus million people loose their homes because they also have medical expenses that can’t be meet

- Many families with the above mentioned health care costs do have insurance – over 75% on average

4.) Aging

- It is believed in the United States that by 2030 the number of individuals over the age 65 will double

- Over 70 million Americans will be over 65 at that point

- This will comprise around 20% of the population

- The cost of an older individual is 5 times greater for someone over 65 than under 65 [on average]

- The overall projected spending is believed to increase by 25%

“The aging of the U.S. population is one of the major public health challenges we face in the 21st century. One of CDC’s highest priorities as the nation’s protection agency is to increase the number of older adults who liver longer, high-quality, productive, and independent lives.” Julie Louise Gerberding, Md, Director, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention – 2007

5.) Smoking, Poor diet, and physical inactivity

- It is believed that these 3 items result in 35-35% of deaths each year

- These are preventable conditions

- Are quite costly to individuals, companies, governments, and tax payers

- Are risk factors for serious medical conditions of: Diabetes, Stroke, Cancers, and Heart Disease among others

6.) The Uninsured

- Some do not qualify for government-provided health insurance

- Some do not qualify for private health insurance

- Not provided insurance by employer

- Some are unable to afford health insurance

- Some choose not to have health insurance

- As of 2007 – 15% of population or 45 million individuals were without health insurance

- 2008 numbers are expected to be statistically similar to 2007 despite the recession, but a rise to 46 million is anticipated

According to the US Census Bureau, in 2007:

Of the 45 million uninsured:

. 37 million between ages 18 and 65
. 27 million worked at least part time
. 38% had household income of greater than $50,000
. 36 million are legal U.S. Citizens
. 10 million are non-citizens (This may or may not include illegal immigrants)
. 20% could afford insurance
. 25% are eligible for public coverage
. 55% need financial assistance to cover health insurance

7.) Fraud

- It occurs daily and helps “almost” no one

- Occurs on many levels and by many individuals

- Health Care is often about profit

- The most visible areas are Medicaid and Medicaid

- However, fraud occurs in all health care areas

- It is believed to occur on 5-10% of all health care expenditures

- Your increased health cost is, at least in part, to health care fraud

8.) Disparities

Defined by the Health Resources and Services Administration as …”population-specific differences in the presence of disease, health outcomes, or access to health care.“

Goldberg, J., Hayes, W., and Huntly, J. “Understanding Health Disparities.” Health Policy Institute of Ohio (Nov 2004) page 3

- Medicare and Medicaid spending is often quite different from state to state

- Sometimes the spending amount is double in one state when compared to another
. Example [Medicare in Miami in 2006 - $16,351 and in San Francisco $8,331]

- Access to health care and insurance is often a cause point, but not always

- The cost for such disparities may directly impact social and economic status

- Race, ethnicity, socioeconomic, sex, age, medical conditions, sexual orientation, and more are all linked to disparity

All is not loss

We are doing several things well – probably not perfectly but well

1.) Improved overall medical quality and treatment allow for a larger number of patients to live longer

2.) Improved Mammogram screening

3.) Improved Cholesterol screening

4.) Overall awareness for preventative care increasing, it still must increase in importance to not only improve care, quality of life, and overall balance health care costs.

5.) Disparities have begun to be looked at more closely and continue monitoring and goal setting to manage specifically targeted areas have been put in place.

Post originally seen at InterActive Health: Health Care Spending

For further information take a look at the following

- http://www.nchc.org/facts/cost.shtml

- http://www.cdc.gov/aging/pdf/saha_exec_summary_2007.pdf

- http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm5813a5.htm

- Goldberg, J., Hayes, W., and Huntly, J. “Understanding Health Disparities.” Health Policy Institute of Ohio (Nov 2004) page 3

- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and The Merck Company Foundation. The State of Aging and Health in America 2007. Whitehouse Station, NJ: The Merck Company Foundation; 2007.

Auditors Warn Utah Medicaid is Wasting Taxpayers Dollars

A legislative audit was released Tuesday Aug 18th showing that Utah is wasting dollars assigned to medicaid by the federal and stated government. The audit was performed on behalf of the legislative committee and the findings are highly unexpected.

The audit points out a lack of organization and management of the funding provided for medicaid. For Utah alone the budget of medicaid is $1.7 billion. The department that makes up for medicaid took much of the brunt of the report.

Several problems were verified within the report. It is assumed that more then $20 million dollars were lost to unnecessary procedures as well as poor financial management.

In Utah almost 190,000 people are on medicaid and 1 out of every 5 dollars spent by the state
goes to cover medicaid.

Several example of specific findings

1.) Approval of 127 complex sleep studies without proper approval ($1200 each)

2.) 106 Non approved or covered surgeries
- Some of these procedures were medically necessary while many others were not
- 65 circumcisions
- 15 face reconstructions
- 3 rhinoplasties

3.) Lost money due to fraudulent practices

4.) Only 1% of hospital claims were reviewed

5.) Breast reconstruction surgery or breast augmentation on a healthy breast

Changes:

David Sundwall, the executive director of the Utah Department of Health stated in a written statement:

“We accept all the recommendations of the audit and have begun the work required to implement them“. He also pointed out that some changes may require additional funding.

Other options are updating a fraudulent protective system that hasn’t been updated since 1987 as well as working with medicaid patients to improve the existing system.

Other states who have had similar audits have found similar findings

Oregon [2004]

Received an audit in 2004 and findings included – 1.4 million pills that were missing, thousand who are dead and are still receiving dollar benefits.

Sex changes procedures, penile implants, breast enlargements, breast reductions and ear piercings were all found during the audit.

New Jersey [2002]

873 people received benefits through the program had a annual gross income of over $85,000. And 3 residents with an income above $700,000 where taking part in the program and 3 other were between $175,000 and $300,000.

4.6 million dollars that could have been collected was never attempted and was classified as “lost“.

2.1 million was spent by medicaid that should have been covered by several nursing facilities

Several other states have had similar findings and the difficult current aspect appears to be the oversight of each state medicaid department. Several changes have been proposed and certainly changes are on the horizon.

*** for more information on medicaid please check out the following link medicaid

This post was originally seen at InterActive Health

Unexpected Sudden Death of an Athlete

It is that time of the year again. Many teens and college athletes have hit the fields again for the fall sports season. Football, soccer, cross country and other sports will again reign the fall season. Practices will begin anew.

Right now there are many student athletes hoping for a chance to make the team and make a difference. Who among them is really concerned about their safety? An increase in parents and medical providers are indeed voicing their concerns.

Every year there are unexpected and tragic deaths as a result of the sport season. On the same sideline is injuries – These are somewhat expected and are often tragic in their own right, but it is the unexpected side of death that concerns the heart of so many.

Nationally, about 7 million students play high school sports. And according to the “National Association of State Boards of Education“. And of those more than 20 high school students per year die from heat, heart conditions and other injuries.

This concern is not limited to high school athletes, as several college students and professional athletes, have recently died as a result of playing sports.

Often many student athletes require a physical examination prior to playing sports, but many argue that the current standards are not adequately testing for potential health risks. As in many cases – cost is the real concern. While others contend that when no symptoms are present how can we truly know who needs further screening?

Dr. Federico Vaca, director of UC Irvine’s Center for Trauma and Injury Prevention Research stated somewhat recently “When they come in their freshman year, their heart is still growing.
How much do you screen them.” He clearly understands the difficulty that presents diagnosis of student athletes

The American Heart Associationrecommends cardiovascular screening for all high school student athletes. However this does not include the more involved heart testing. Some schools in Italy have required EKG’s for all high school athletes and they report a drop in the overall student death rate.

Causes of Sudden Death in Athletes

1.) Cardiac Arrest
2.) Cardiomyopathy – leading to cardiac arrest
3.) Ventricular fibrillation – also leading to cardiac arrest
4.) Abnormal coronary arteries – leads to cardiac arrest
5.) Marfan Syndrome
6.) Aortic rupture
7.) Commotio Cordis – an injury or blow to the chest
8.) Heat stroke
9.) Other injuries
10.) Other

Safety Tips

- Research and know the medical history of family members
- Student must communicate changes in training or workouts
- Watch out for Chest pain
- Watch out for shortness of breath
- EKG can be as low as $50
- Consider options of Heart Ultrasound [echocardiogram] and stress test

Symptoms

- Often no symptoms are seen
- Chest pain
- Shortness of breath
- Fainting (Syncope)
- Racing heart
- Fatigue

What to avoid

- Avoid smoking
- Avoid anabolic steroids
- Avoid other illegal drugs
- Avoid delay if symptoms present

TOPS program

Team of Physicians for Students

Free physical of student athletes is seen in Glendale Arizona

Volunteers make up the majority of those who perform the testing.

A cardiologist fro the Arizona Heart Institute reads the EKG

Almost 2,000 students every year are seen by this program and over 16,000 since inception

Dr. Paul M. Steingard, D.O., founder of the program now known as TOPS, explained: “Traditional thinking cites the high cost of EKGs and Echocardiograms as being prohibitive. The cost of those tests can range up to $1,000, when done by private physicians. When done in mass by volunteers, there is no cost to the athlete. Every student-athlete receives an EKG, which is read by a volunteer cardiologist from the Arizona Heart Institute.”

Last year alone over 2,300 students were seen and 6 had cardiac related issues. Another 95 had high blood pressure and 22 had other health related medical concerns.

*** Overall Sudden deaths of student athletes are rare but occasionally it may be something that could be prevented. Additional screening may be the answer.

Blog was initially posted on InterActive Health

Let Human Testing Begin!!!

August 10th, 2009

Swine flu vaccines are now beginning the trial stages. It is time for volunteers to step into line.

The Swine flu Swine flu also referred to as H1N1 has been classified as a pandemic situation. Several bio-pharmaceutical companies have been creating a vaccine . Emory University’s Hope Clinic appears to be starting human testing today.

Approximately 25 volunteers will be seen and evaluated today. Each will receive an injection of the vaccine. This will continue for the next 5 days. Another 25 volunteers will be seen each of the additional 5 days.

The goal is to test the safety of this vaccine. They will also be concerned regarding the number of doses needed. Full immunity is the goal of this trial.

Many researchers and medical providers are concerned that the Swine flu will return this fall with increased resistance and swiftness of illness. This alarming concern has many willing to be ready to accept the Swine flu vaccine.

Sanofi Pasteur and others

French drug maker Sanofi Pasteur will begin testing on 2,000 individuals this week in the United States. This will make them the third company initiating testing.

Novartis AGwill be starting their testing this week as well in Great Britain, Germany and in the United States. They will be testing around 6,000 volunteers

CSL from Australia stared testing its vaccine last month

Adjuvants will be added to dosing from Sanofi Pasteur and Novartis

Aethlon Medical

Is a medical company that will be initiating testing on a medical device called the Hemopurifer
This device will apparently absorb viruses and toxins from the blood stream. Currently this device has been used capturing a reconstructed Spanish Flu virus and the avian influenza virus (Bird flu)

CDC guidelines

Last week – the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued a warning or
guideline for school closures and cleaning

It appears that the CDC would like to focus on cleaning and prevention of the Swine flu rather then complete school closures. An although this may be an option for some schools it appear that it will not be the standard. But when a child does become sick they should miss school and they should be allowed to return to class as early as 24 hours following the absence of a fever.

August 7th numbers

In the United States – at least 6500 hospitalizations from Swine flu

436 deaths attributed to the Swine flu

Over 1 million Americans have been affected with the disease

The Future

Many believe that a large amount of new cases will be seen starting this fall. The hopes are that a new mutation won’t be seen but it appears to early to tell.

Medical providers and such appear to be in line for the first available approved vaccine.

Originally posted at InterActive Health

Where is the Vitamin D?

An alarming increase of a deficiency of Vitamin D is being seen in children, adolescents and young adults. Recently a study was released showing the low levels of this important vitamin.

Vitamin D has an essential role in the health of many organs. In addition, this vitamin helps with the absorption of other nutrients such as calcium and phosphorus. The immune system is also boosted by the presences of this and other vitamins

Deficiency of this vitamin can lead to serious consequences such as Rickets, Osteomalacia and Osteoporosis.

Rickets is a condition that affects children and is often seen in developing countries. Symptoms of this condition includes bow-legged problems, growth changes, and bone pain.

Osteomalacia is a similar condition to rickets but is seen in the adult population.

Osteoporosis is when the density of the bones decreases substantially. Often seen in women following menopause – but can be seen in men due to age as well as the Vitamin D deficiency.

The Numbers

Almost 8 million children, adolescents and young adults have Vitamin D levels low enough to be considered deficiency

Another 51 million are insufficient in the amount of Vitamin D.

Girls appear affected more commonly than boys. Darker skin also appears to be more commonly affected.

Potential reasons for low Vitamin D levels

1.) More time watching TV by children

2.) Increase amount of sunscreen use

3.) Playing inside rather than outside

4.) Increased amount of “soda consumption”

5.) Less consumption of Milk and other foods fortified by Vitamin D

6.) More sedentary lifestyles

What is so concerning?

In addition to the findings regarding low levels of Vitamin D – other increased risk factors are seen as well.

An association was found between low levels of Vitamin D and increased risk for disease such as Hypertension [High Blood Pressure], High blood sugar, Diabetes, Metabolic syndrome and increased risk for heart disease.

This means that increased number of children and young adults are becoming more at risk for several serious diseases.

Are we overreacting

This may be a possibility – Several additional studies are currently being conducted to further understand these findings as well as some additional guidelines. Daily consumption of Vitamin D still seems to be in debate. Many believe that milk with fortified vitamin D and 20 minutes of sunshine should be adequate. This is being heavily researched

Others believe that we don’t have enough data to adequately determine the risks that low Vitamin D may be associated with further risk factors.

It is certain that several issues and risks are surfacing again and again that points to a worsening nutrition value and overall physical health for those with unhealthy lifestyles that include junk food and sedentary lifestyles.

Additional information:

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/32265598/ns/health-more_health_news/

Original post at health blog