06 Jul 2010

A New Addition for an Established Healthcare Provider

By Erin McConaughey

Hammond-Henry Hospital set to break ground on the "Designed to be Patient Kind" Addition

Geneseo, IL - A milestone event will take place next Wednesday for Hammond-Henry Hospital in Geneseo, IL. At 5:00 p.m. on July 7, 2010 a groundbreaking ceremony will be held to commemorate the beginning of construction on the 73,000 s.f. addition project located at 600 N. College Avenue in Geneseo, IL. Press is invited to attend.

The project will include a new 38-bed long term care addition, a new kitchen/dining addition, and a two-story building that has a physical and occupational therapy suite on the upper level and support services on the lower level. It will also include a state-of-the-art hybrid operating room with all the functions of a standard operating room, as well as, a peripheral vascular lab. In total, this project will consist of three different additions to the existing hospital, as well as, the demolition of a 1901 building in the middle of the present hospital and a 1954 building along the east side.

"This project has been two years in the making. It is our goal to tie the facility together into a modern, user-friendly building which will meet the needs of our patients, visitors, and staff well into the future," stated Brad Solberg, CEO of Hammond-Henry Hospital.

Hammond-Henry Hospital was established in 1901, utilizing approximately 82 acute and long-term beds and serves nearly 20,000 residents in the Geneseo, IL area. For more information on Hammond-Henry Hospital, please visit their website at www.hammondhenry.com.

Russell Construction, located in Davenport, IA, is serving as the Design/Builder and General Contractor on this new addition project. Shive-Hattery, located in Moline, IL will serve as the Architect. The Patient Kind Addition is the third project that Russell Construction has completed for Hammond-Henry Hospital since 2004. Previously, Russell constructed a 34,000 s.f. addition and renovation to their existing hospital in Geneseo, IL and a 3,500 s.f. medical office building in Colona, IL. For more information on Russell Construction, please visit their website at www.russellco.com.

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06 Jul 2010

Wounded Warriors Face New Tax This Independence Day

By John Kartch

Senator Tom Harkin to Tax Prosthetic Limbs and Other Vital Medical Devices, Refuses to Exempt Veterans

WASHINGTON, D.C. – As the nation prepares to celebrate Independence Day with parades and barbecues, America's veterans face a new tax on prosthetic limbs and other vital medical devices.

The health care overhaul passed by Congress and signed into law by President Obama earlier this year contains a new tax on medical devices such as prosthetic limbs, pacemakers, and wheelchairs.  This tax, which its proponents claim will raise $20 billion over the next ten years, contains no exemption for the nation's 22 million veterans.  In fact, Senate Democrats specifically refused to exempt veterans from the tax.

On March 24 2010, Senate Democrats rejected an amendment offered by Senator Orrin Hatch (R-Utah) to the healthcare bill.  This amendment (SA 3644) would have prevented the medical device tax from hitting veterans covered by the Veterans Healthcare Program or TRICARE for Life.  This amendment was rejected by a vote of 44-54.   Sen. Tom Harkin voted in favor of retaining the tax for veterans.

The medical device tax was one of over twenty new or higher taxes in President Barack Obama's healthcare overhaul.  This permanent new tax is being collected now.

"On March 24, Senator Harkin had the opportunity to exempt our veterans from Obamacare's new tax on medical devices such as prosthetic limbs.  But he voted against the measure.  Harkin chose to side with the tax-and-spend crowd in Washington over our wounded warriors," said Grover Norquist, president of Americans for Tax Reform.  "This is one of the many reasons Harry Reid and the Democrats did not want Americans to read the 2,500 page health care bill before it was passed."

In addition to those who served in Afghanistan and Iraq, the Department of Veterans Affairs reports the following number of veterans from America's wars:

World War II:                         2,079,000

Korean War:                           2,507,000

Vietnam War:                        7,569,000

Desert Shield/Storm:           2,254,000

Americans for Tax Reform is a non-partisan coalition of taxpayers and taxpayer groups who oppose all tax increases.  For more information or to arrange an interview please contact John Kartch at (202) 785-0266 or by email at jkartch@atr.org.

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06 Jul 2010

Spending time outdoors is good for you

By Raquel Schott

Spending time outdoors is good for you, from the Harvard Health Letter

BOSTON?Summer is here. The outdoors beckons. Heed that call and you'll reap physical and mental health benefits, reports the July 2010 issue of the Harvard Health Letter. Here are five good reasons to get outdoors:

Your vitamin D levels rise. Sunlight hitting the skin begins a process that leads to the creation and activation of vitamin D. Studies suggest that this vitamin helps fight certain conditions, from osteoporosis and cancer to depression and heart attacks. Limited sun exposure (don't overdo it), supplemented with vitamin D pills if necessary, is a good regimen.

You'll get more exercise. If you make getting outside a goal, that should mean less time in front of the television and computer and more time walking and doing other things that put the body in motion.

You'll be happier. Light tends to elevate people's mood, and there's usually more light available outside than in. Physical activity has been shown to help people relax and cheer up, so if being outside replaces inactive pursuits with active ones, it might also mean more smiles.

Your concentration will improve. Children with ADHD seem to focus better after being outdoors. It might be a stretch to say that applies to adults, but if you have trouble concentrating, outdoor activity may help.

You may heal faster. In one study, people recovering from spinal surgery experienced less pain and stress and took fewer pain medications when they were exposed to natural light. An older study showed that the view out the window (trees vs. a brick wall) helped recovery in the hospital.

Read the full-length article: "A prescription for better health?go alfresco"

Also in this issue:

  • Aspirin and cancer prevention

  • Peripheral neuropathy treatment

  • Niacin for boosting "good" HDL cholesterol

  • Safety of using ibuprofen p.m. as a sleep aid

  • Omega 3s and nutrition

The Harvard Health Letter is available from Harvard Health Publications (www.health.harvard.edu), the publishing division of Harvard Medical School, for $29 per year. Subscribe at www.health.harvard.edu/health or by calling 877-649-9457 (toll-free).

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22 Jun 2010

Rock Island Hy-Vee dietitian earns dietitian of the year award

By Torey Robinson
ROCK ISLAND, Ill. - A Rock Island Hy-Vee dietitian was one of six Illinois dietitians to earn Recognized Young Dietitian of the Year by the Illinois Dietetic Association.

Chrissy Mitzel, of Davenport, Iowa, was nominated by the Mississippi Valley Dietetic Association, the local Quad Cities area dietetic group, because of her active dedication and participation in the group since she moved to the area, said Vicky Bean, MVDA nominating committee chairwoman.

"Chrissy has helped present education programs to MVDA areas and willingly serves on committees," Bean said.

The award is given to select Illinois Dietetic Association members who are younger than 35 years old. Members who participate in specific dietetic groups, demonstrate concern for the promotion of health and nutrition and demonstrate leadership in careers or association activities are eligible for the award.

Mitzel said she was extremely honored for winning the award. "I'm so young and it's such a big recognition," she said. "I was excited."

Mitzel credited her two-year career at Rock Island Hy-Vee for winning the award. "My job is very exciting and I have many opportunities," she said. "I have a lot of variety and it gives me to opportunity to touch so many people in the community."

Her position at Hy-Vee is Mitzel's first job since she graduated from school and became a registered dietitian.

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21 Jun 2010

Governor Quinn Highlights the Importance of a Healthy Lifestyle Among Men on Father's Day

By Andrew Mason
Men throughout Illinois encouraged to get a prostate cancer screening during Men's Health Week: June 14-20, 2010

CHICAGO - June, 20, 2010, Governor Pat Quinn today joined Dr. Damon T. Arnold, Illinois Department of Public Health Director and a prostate cancer survivor, and Access Community Health Network to encourage men throughout the state to recognize the importance living a healthy lifestyle, which includes preventative health screenings, such as prostate exams.

"Father's Day is the perfect time to urge the men in your life to take their health seriously," said Governor Quinn. "Men often ignore health problems until it's too late. With regular medical check-ups and screenings, many preventable health problems can be detected early and treated."

At an event held at Access Grand Boulevard Health and Specialty Center in Chicago, Governor Quinn urged men to get screened for prostate cancer. Medical professionals were onsite to administer prostate cancer screenings to men in attendance.

Prostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in American men, behind only lung cancer. Prostate cancer accounts for about 11 percent of cancer-related deaths in men. Prostate cancer is the most common cancer, other than skin cancers, in American men. One in six men will develop prostate cancer over their lifetime.

"As a prostate cancer survivor myself, I know the importance of early detection through routine screening.  I'm healthy and cancer free today because of prostate cancer screenings," said Dr. Arnold. "I urge every man to overcome their fears of prostate cancer exams and go get screened."

The Illinois State Cancer Registry estimates approximately 9,030 new cases of prostate cancer will be diagnosed in Illinois during 2010 and an estimated 1,330 Illinois men will die from it. Across the United States, approximately 218,000 new cases of prostate cancer are expected this year.

Access Community Health Network (ACCESS) is the largest private primary health care provider serving the underserved in the Chicagoland area. ACCESS operates more than 50 community health center locations in underserved, low-income neighborhoods throughout Chicago and Chicago's suburbs.

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21 Jun 2010

Governor Quinn Signs Law to Improve Access to Free Health Care

By Andrew Mason

New Law Allows Illinois' Free Medical Clinics to Employ Health Care Workers Licensed Out-of-State

LA GRANGE - June 19, 2010. Governor Pat Quinn today signed a bill into law to allow health care workers authorized to practice in other states to work at free medical clinics in Illinois. The new law will improve access to health care for low-income families by increasing the number of licensed workers allowed to work at Illinois' free medical clinics.

"I am happy to sign this new law that will make it easier for Illinois families to receive much-needed medical care," said Governor Quinn. "As long as the health care worker is licensed and in good standing in another state, we welcome them to Illinois to help working families in need of health care."

House Bill 5744 ensures that health care professionals who work at free medical clinics in Illinois will be allowed to practice as long as they are licensed and in good standing elsewhere in the United States. The new law requires workers to provide the clinic with a copy of their out-of-state license, and ensures that they do not provide services beyond those their license allows. Additionally, the free medical clinic must meet the standards set in Illinois' Good Samaritan Act.

Studies done by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity found that the number of potential caregivers in Illinois - including nurses - is projected to decrease 4.2 percent between 2000 and 2020; while the number of those who need care is projected to increase by 31 percent. The studies show that Illinois could be facing a shortage of over 21,000 nurses by 2020.

Additionally, according to the Center for Workforce Studies of the Association of American Medical Colleges, retirements in the health care field over the next 10 to 15 years will greatly weaken the health care workforce. House Bill 5744 will clarify who can work at free medical clinics and help to increase the number of health care workers available to staff those clinics.

The new law passed the Illinois General Assembly unanimously and was sponsored by Rep. Angelo Saviano (R-Elmwood Park) and Sen. Randy Hultgren (R-Wheaton). It takes effect immediately.

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21 Jun 2010

Harkin Applauds Senate Passage of Bill to Ensure Iowa Seniors Get Necessary Medical Care

By Sen. Tom Harkin
WASHINGTON, D.C. - June 18, 2010 - Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA), Chairman of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee, today applauded Senate passage of legislation to ensure seniors and veterans can continue to receive medical care from the doctors they depend on.  The legislation, which provides a six month extension of the Medicare payment fix for doctors, is fully paid for and was passed by unanimous consent.  The bill now heads to the House for its consideration.

"I am encouraged that the Senate passed an extension of the Medicare payment fix for doctors.  Iowa's seniors deserve to continue to receive the highest quality medical service and stops doctors from taking a 21 percent pay cut," said Harkin.  "I am disappointed, however, that the Medicare fix was separated from an extension of unemployment insurance, a benefit that helps families pay the rent, put food on the table and keep their kids in school as they search for work.  I will continue to fight for this extension and hope that the Senate takes it up expeditiously."

The 21 percent payment cut, which is a result of flaws in Medicare's physician payment formula, the Sustainable Growth Rate (SGR) formula, took effect June 1.  The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services placed a temporary hold on the processing of Medicare reimbursement claims to delay implementing the reduced doctor payments.  Unfortunately, the agency was forced to begin processing Medicare claims with the 21 percent payment cut today in order to reimburse doctors' offices for their services.
15 Jun 2010

Free Screening of Medical Marijuana Documentary to be Held in Muscatine June 19

By Mike Meno

Panel Discussion about Medical Marijuana to Follow Screening of Award-winning 'Waiting to Inhale`

MUSCATINE, IOWA – A free screening of the award-winning medical marijuana documentary "Waiting to Inhale" will be held at the Musser Public Library, 304 Iowa Ave., on June 19, at 2:00 p.m.

The screening will be immediately followed by a speech by medical marijuana advocate and MPP grantee Jimmy Morrison and a panel discussion with patients Lisa Jackson, who suffers from fibromyalgia, and Jacob Orr, who has chronic pain due to a car accident. House Assistant Minority Leader Jeff Kaufmann (R-Wilson) is expected to attend as well.

WHAT: "Waiting to Inhale" screening, followed by a panel discussion

WHEN: Saturday, June 19, at 2:00 p.m.

WHERE: Musser Public Library, 304 Iowa Ave., Muscatine, IA

Produced and directed by Jed Riffe, "Waiting to Inhale" examines the medical marijuana debate up close by taking viewers inside the lives of patients, doctors, and activists, while seeking to understand why opponents support the continued criminalization of sick and dying patients who could benefit from medical marijuana.

"Waiting to Inhale" was the winner of the 2005 CINE Golden Eagle Award, the Gold Special Jury Remi Award at the 38th Annual WorldFest-Houston and the 2005 Best Documentary Film/Video at the New Jersey International Film Festival.

With more than 124,000 members and supporters nationwide, the Marijuana Policy Project is the largest marijuana policy reform organization in the United States. For more information, please visit www.mpp.org.

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15 Jun 2010

"Grandfathering" rules for health care law

By Grassley Press

June 14, 2010

Today the Obama Administration issued new rules that govern whether individual and employer-sponsored health insurance plans can remain exempt - or "grandfathered" -- from the new health care requirements passed by Congress and signed into law by the President in March.  The New York Times wrote, "... in some respects, the rules appear to fall short of the sweeping commitments President Obama made while trying to reassure the public in the fight over health legislation."  Sen. Chuck Grassley, ranking member of the Committee on Finance, made the following comment on the new rules.

"My goal in health care reform always is to fix the parts of our health care system that are broken, but still allow people to keep the things they like.  Today's new rules from the federal government on 'grandfathering,' which were crafted without any opportunity for public input, are just more proof that despite all of the promises made by the President and other supporters, you actually can't keep what you like under the new partisan health reform law.  Change is coming for a lot of people, whether they want it or not."

14 Jun 2010

Harkin: First Round of $250 "Donut Hole" Checks in the Mail to Iowa Seniors

By Rick Martin

Washington, D.C. - Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA) announced today that the first round of checks have been mailed to Iowa seniors impacted by the "donut hole," or the Medicare Part D coverage gap.  The tax-free, $250 rebate checks were mailed to seniors who have already hit the donut hole and do not receive Medicare Extra Help.  Checks will be mailed each month to seniors as they encounter the gap in their prescription drug coverage to help cover their costs. 

Last year, approximately 43,106 Medicare beneficiaries in Iowa hit the donut hole and did not qualify for Medicare Extra Help to defray the cost of their prescription drugs.

"Iowa seniors should have access to quality, affordable health care, and soon, they will see some of those immediate benefits of the new health reform law," Senator Harkin said. "These checks will help plug the gap in coverage and make much-needed medication easier to obtain.  It is important for Iowa seniors to know they do not have to do anything to receive this rebate check -- it will be automatically mailed to them when they reach the donut hole, if they don't already receive Medicare Extra Help."

In addition to the monthly checks, starting in 2011 Iowa Medicare beneficiaries who do not receive Medicare Extra Help will receive a 50 percent discount on brand-name drugs and biologics they purchase when they are in the coverage gap.  The coverage in the gap will increase on top of the discount until 2020, when the donut hole will be completely filled in.   

Senator Harkin also urged seniors to be on the alert for potential scams as checks begin to hit mailboxes. 

"Please be vigilant with your personal information, especially your social security number," Senator Harkin said. "Identity theft and fraud are very real threats.  If you receive a phone call or request for sensitive information, do not respond, and please call 1-800-MEDICARE to report a suspected scam."

The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act also works to protect Iowa seniors from fraud and identity theft scams, and Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius and Attorney General Eric Holder have invited Attorney General Tom Miller to join them in educating seniors and other Medicare beneficiaries on preventing scams and fraud.  The Departments will convene a series of regional fraud prevention summits and invite top federal and Iowa officials to help ensure fraud is being reduced across the country. 

The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act also provides free annual wellness visits for Iowa seniors and eliminates deductibles, copayments, and other cost-sharing for preventive care.  The law includes incentives for care coordination to improve health care quality and to better spend the more than 90 percent of Medicare dollars spent on treating chronic conditions.

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