Is your Community Healthy?

The passage of the Affordable Care Act created a renewed emphasis on community prevention and population health. With the Prevention and Public Health Fund and the Community Transformation Grants, resources are now available to improve the health of communities around the country. But how do you know how healthy your community is?

On Wednesday, the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (http://www.rwjf.org/) and the University of Wisconsin Population Health Institute (http://uwphi.pophealth.wisc.edu/) released the 2011 County Health Rankings (http://www.countyhealthrankings.org/). The County Health Rankings are a key component of the Mobilizing Action Toward Community Health (MATCH) project—a nationwide call to action for improving community health—first released last year. The rankings generate 50 state reports, ranking each county within the 50 states according to its health outcomes and the multiple health factors that determine a county’s health. The four different types of health factors are health behaviors, clinical care, social and economic factors, and the physical environment. Specific county-level data (as well as state benchmarks) are also available. The Rankings are built on America’s Health Rankings, an annual comprehensive assessment of the nation’s health on a state-by-state analysis, which is published jointly by United Health Foundation, the American Public Health Association and Partnership for Prevention.

Many counties around the country have used the Rankings to implement strategies and initiate interventions to positively influence health factors and improve their health outcomes. One specific example is Wyandotte County, Kansas, where Mayor Joe Reardon worked with other local stakeholders to create a Healthy Communities initiative after seeing his state’s low rank in last year’s County Health Rankings report.

A new development with this year’s Rankings is the launch of an innovative tool, the County Health Calculator (http://chc.humanneeds.vcu.edu/). The calculator is a new interactive online application that simulates the affect of higher levels of education and income on health in a county. It was developed by Center of Human Needs at Virginia Commonwealth University (http://humanneeds.vcu.edu/) with funding by Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.

Read more on Partnership’s community prevention efforts here.

Healthy People 2020 Goal

in the three decades the US Department of Health and Human services has set goals to guide individuals in making informed health choices.  On December 2, 2010 they launched the most recent agenda to improve our nation's health, Healthy People 2020. Compared to the ambitious 2010 goals, the 2020 goals are more realistic.

In addition to identifying priorities for improving the nation's wellness, Healthy People 2020 strives to increase public awareness about factors impacting health. They also hope to improve policies and practices affecting health and wellness. They envision a society where all people live long, healthy lives.
Though Healthy People 2020 addresses many health areas, it has four primary goals:
1)     Attain high-quality, longer lives free of preventable disease, disability, injury, and premature death.
2)     Achieve health equity, eliminate disparities, and improve the health of all groups.
3)     Create social and physical environments that promote good health for all.
4)     Promote quality of life, healthy development, and healthy behaviors across all life stages.
In addition to addressing common health issues like diabetes, physical activity, and tobacco use, the 2020 goals include new topics such as:
Adolescent Health
Blood Disorders and Blood Safety
Dementias, including Alzheimer's Disease
Early and Middle Childhood Health
Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Health
Older Adults
Sleep Health
Social Determinants of Health
Health Related Quality of Life and Well-Being
To see the complete list of topics and to find related health resources visit www.HealthyPeople.gov In addition to general consumer resources, the website lists agencies and organizations committed to achieving the 2020 goals.

from:http://www.articlesbase.com

Simple Cook Shrimp Recipes

When anybody appeared to question myself specifically what my personal favorite type of food around the planet has been, I'd answer with no need of so much hesitation - seafood! Being low in fat content, and high on health benefits, seafood often is the particular most suitable option when leading an even healthier way of
living, without having needing junk food as well as additive ridden meals. Shrimp in particular, is however a source of high cholesterol, and those that have high numbers of bad HCL will have to go easy for these. No person really asserted that in case you suffered with something, which you could not bask in it just somewhat. You'll need to be vigilant to not overload should you be going to bump into cholesterol some problems. For many who can certainly eat shrimp to their heart's satisfaction, could also take benefit of these kind of basic shrimp salad menu preparations. You can easily come up with, filled up with nutrients and oozing with delicious flavors.
Together with other seafood dishes, shrimp is pretty high in protein & calcium but low in food energy. Health professionals declare that shrimp is a great option for those and also families as it's less calories and total fat. Dried shrimp is quite utilized being a flavoring and as a soup base in Asian meals though fried shrimp may happen in North America. Shrimp recipes are generally simple to cook by using many ingredients that you've got in your own home. They might be prepared with a normal duration of only 15 minutes roughly. Various excellent recipes just take about 10 minutes to cook therefore it's desirable as yet tasteful dish that you might whip up immediately at all. Help to make a dish for the huge game just as one appetizer and even allow it to be as a whole meal for your family. No matter just what your desire is, there is simply a shrimp recipe that might be there which you could effortlessly formulate. Delicious and sweet, wild-caught shrimp is accessible fresh year-round and is also rich in high-quality protein. Certainly lower in fat, carbohydrates and calories, it is an ideal choice for a low-carbohydrate diet and healthy chosen lifestyle. It is also a source of omega-3 fatty acid, which in turn medical research confirms may well reduce the risk of heart related illnesses.
Shrimp is about the most famous seafood in the states, making it good for be familiar with that it's a naturally renewable and sustainable useful resource. The majority of shrimp spawn offshore in deep water from early spring through early fall. They can increase speedily with a single female shrimp releasing thousands of eggs that hatch within a day. Young shrimp are generally carried just by currents down into coastal estuaries to rise. Whenever water temperatures are warm, shrimp build very fast. While the shrimp grow, they move steadily seaward going back to the ocean to spawn. The standard life cycle of a shrimp within the wild is definitely thirteen months or less. Various reports demonstrate several were living longer however those would be the exclusion. They recreate fast, which is a positive thing given that ever increasing numbers of persons like to eat it. Female shrimp lay over a large number of eggs that happens to be mounted on her swimming legs. They generally should shed their own old covers to build new ones so the fit is much better.

from:http://www.articlesbase.com

Brain Function

Probably the greatest fear about growing old is the possibility of serious mental decline: forgetting things, being
confused in public, and much worse. The extent to which this really happens, and especially the time of onset of the decline, is a subject of debate. Whatever the details may be, however, and judging again by animal data, the decline can be slowed, even largely prevented, by the Anti-Aging Plan with caloric limitation.

Mental function in laboratory animals can be estimated by their ability to navigate a complicated maze or
labyrinth. How many trials does it take to learn when to choose this turn, that turn, and not end in blind alleys; and finally to arrive at the reward at the end of the maze? On such a test, a 32-month-old calorie-restricted mouse does as well as a 12-month-old ad lib mouse. This is roughly equivalent to a 75 year-old human showing the same speed of learning and same memory retention as a 25-year-old. And in rats the age-related slowdown in rate of learning and in memory utilization are largely eliminated by nutrient-rich caloric limitation.

Biosphere Experience

The actual diet eaten by the Biospherians during the two years sealed inside was high in quality (we can refer to
this as nutrient rich, which means each calorie is packed with nutrition) and low in calories, but quite limited in
variety. It's not very satisfying to have sweet potatoes as part of every mealbreakfast, lunch, and dinnerfor two to
three straight months, just because they are growing well during that season. (We became very ingenious at
preparing sweet potatoes in different waysas custards mixed with bananas, as roasted slices, baked whole, and so
on). Another of our seasons might be extra heavy on beetseven harder to prepare in different ways.

All Biospherians cooked. Every eighth day you had to prepare breakfast, lunch, and dinner for the whole crew.
Almost every breakfast included a porridge made from whole-wheat flour and bananas. The wheat had to be
grown, harvested, threshed, and ground, all by us. And that's just a small task when you're running a whole miniworld.

shows what and how much was eaten by each Biospherian on eight representative days. Crops in
Biosphere 2 were planned so that a complete nutritional complement was always available (the nutrient-rich
calorie), despite changing crop cycles. There were six varieties of fruit (banana, fig, guava, lemon, papaya,
kumquat), five cereal grains (oats, rice, sorghum, wheat, corn), split

REPRESENTATIVE DAILY INTAKES OVER TWO YEARS
IN BIOSPHERE 2 ((GIVEN AS TWO RANDOM DAYS FROM EACH
OF THE FOUR SIX MONTH PERIODS)) *
FOODS AMOUNT (IN GRAMS)
banana 375 197 281 260 254 225 263 319
fig 66 40
guava 13 8 5
lemon 12 6 10 5 12 10
papaya 169 152 35 131 186
kumquat 16
peanuts 25 18 15 18 18 18 18 68
rice 57 102 57 57 57
sorghum 40 70 70
wheat 75 76 198 73 73 153 153 96
corn, 17
beans,
dried 36
lablad 36 28 28 57
pinto 9 50 57
soy 9 29 57
string 26 15 37
peas, split 18
beets 225 281 153 90 118
beet greens 84 40
bok choi 90
cabbage 125 108
carrots 48 86 20 150
chard 188 86 125 33 46 67
eggplant 56 14 37 60 80
cucumber 63 60
herbs 2 15
lettuce 63 46 8 64 40 37 23
malanga 143 280 115
onions 99 66 10 17 18 12
parsley 5 2 4
pepper, green 4 84 73 82 24 50
pepper, red 2 20
potato, swt 300 519 468 552 630 411
potato, wht 236 239
raddish 48
squash 241 394 238 42 71 78 25
tomato 58 321 30 60 84 28
turnip grns 60
eggs 30
goat milk 100 50 70 150 100 165 235 150
pork 43
pork 43
total cal 1825 1863 1910 2201 1935 2190 2140 2274
fat, gms 27 19 22 39 36 37 30 51
protein 62 60 68 69 56 78 70 73
carb 370 360 395 434 327 432 440 425
fiber, gms 48 61 55 52 44 61 55 48
* Additional foods available at various times, but not used on these 8
random days, included oats, millet, kidney beans, lima beans, kale fresh
peas, sweet potatoe greens, purslane, turnips, raddishes, chicken, fish
(talapia), goat meat, and yogurt.

Sperm Masks Acne Medication Can Be?

High nutrient content in semen and sperm to make its benefits is always interesting to study, one for beauty, such as treating acne and make young women. True?


The results Johnson and Everitt in his book Essential Reproduction (2000) revealed that semen contains a high nutrient content.

In a typical ejaculation (about one teaspoon) of semen already contains 150 mg of protein, 11 mg carbohydrates, 6 mg of fat, 3 mg cholesterol, 7 percent of U.S. RDA potassium, copper and zinc.

In addition, semen also contains sugars, proteins and amino acids, minerals, vitamins, hormones, lactic acid, urea, uric acid and nitrogen.

The high nutrient content makes a lot of semen and sperm used to treat various diseases, such as diabetes and depression. The use of sperm has also been applied to treat acne, although no studies that prove its effectiveness.

Sperm mask method even known to have used since the time of Ancient Egypt (5000 BC), as reported by healthmedicals, Tuesday (22/03/2011).

In theory, the use of masks is considered quite reasonable sperm because sperm contain several nutrients that are beneficial for skin care. As reported by Netdoctor, semen and sperm contains ascorbic acid (vitamin C) and vitamin B12, which can help one look younger and beautiful.

Vitamin C encourages the growth of protein chains in collagen, which is the main ingredient in all fibrous tissue. Vitamin C is also an antioxidant that can detoxify or get rid of toxins and impurities that exist on the surface of the skin.

The presence of vitamin C in semen is to ensure that the sperm are protected from free radicals and increases the lifespan of sperm cells.

In addition, the antioxidant content also ensures that the sperm free of free radicals causes dull skin and wrinkles. The content of the same could be found in acne products and anti aging treatments on the market early.

Pants Overcome Power Battery for Prostate Disease

Hot pant or shorts are widely used by women. But now hot pant has been created that can be battery powered removing the heat and into new ways to overcome the symptoms of prostate disease. 

Shorts are made of fabric is designed to be worn under pants, has a small element that can remove heat.

These pants are in clinical trials to treat urinary retention, which is a condition that affects people of all ages which makes it difficult to urinate. 

Urinary retention particularly common in men with prostate gland enlargement due to obstructed exit to the bladder, causing symptoms such as difficulty urinating, frequent need to go to the toilet, and difficulty emptying the bladder completely. 

Symptoms of this disease can range from mild to severe, in some cases can cause inability to urinate. This condition is usually treated with drugs or surgery. 

Hot new pant developed by U.S. companies and tested in Mobley Clinical Research Centre, Houston, Texas, is designed to produce low-level heat to overcome the symptoms of prostate disease in men. 

The idea to make this battery-powered shorts based on anecdotal evidence and case reports indicating that some problems in the urinary tract can be effectively reduced by heating the skin of the external or often known as Jacuzzi effect. 

"This sounds like a non-invasive technique that makes sense to try and the results can be interesting in the early phase, especially for those who can not tolerate or do not want to take medication," said Raj Persad, consultant urological surgeon and senior lecturer in clinical University of Bristol, as reported by Dailymail, Tuesday (03/22/2011). 

The theory is given by a pair of warmth to relax muscle cells in the bladder neck, urinary sphincter and pelvic floor. 

Doctors also believe that the warmth generated these pants can reduce the impulse of the body's communication network called the autonomic nervous system. 

These networks are largely independent of the control and regulate various basic functions such as contraction of the bladder. 

For some reason, this system also contributed to the problems caused by enlargement of the prostate by preventing the bladder emptying. 

It is estimated that 60 percent of men aged 60 years or older have some degree of prostate enlargement, also known as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). 

The exact cause is unknown, but research shows hormones may play an important role. Some studies indicate a hormone called dihydrotestosterone (DHT), whose levels increase with age, can stimulate prostate growth.

Exercise to Eliminate Varicose veins during pregnancy

Nearly all pregnant women haunted by the problem of varicose veins in the legs. This makes the blood vessels bulge itchy, legs feel heavy and sore, the skin around the varicose veins was throbbing or even taste like burning. Some exercise can reduce varicose veins during pregnancy. Anything? 

Varicose veins is a swelling or bulge in the blood vessels near the skin surface. This condition is usually colored blue or purple most of which appear in the legs, although it can sometimes also in other places. 

Varicose veins during pregnancy usually occurs when the uterus put pressure on the large veins (inferior vena cava) that carries blood from the legs back to the heart. 

Apart from pressure from the uterus, varicose veins can also appear due to hormonal changes. During pregnancy an increase in the hormone progesterone that cause physical and psychological changes. However, this condition is generally not harmful to the pregnancy. 

Here are some sports that can reduce the bulge of these blood vessels during pregnancy, as reported by the LIVESTRONG, Tuesday (21/03/2011), namely: 

1. Bicycle 

Strenuous activity is not recommended during pregnancy, but mild exercise such as cycling can help reduce varicose veins during pregnancy. 

During pregnancy, the uterus will increase pressure on the vena cava inferior and so blood does not circulate well on the lower body. This resulted in increased pressure causing the formation of the veins of the legs. 

By bicycle for 30 minutes a day, you can increase blood circulation to the bottom of the feet, strengthen muscles and tendons that support the blood vessels in the legs and help prevent varicose veins. 

2. Walking Lunge 

Walking Lunge is a little exercise that can strengthen the muscles and blood vessels in the legs and can help prevent varicose veins. Walking Lunge to build muscle, burn calories, increase blood circulation and prevent blood accumulation in the lower body. 

To do this, you need two small barbells. Start by putting one foot backwards and forwards with each hand holding a barbell. Bend your knees and feet behind the front legs forming an angle of 45 degrees. Hold this for 5 seconds and repeat for several times. 

3. Walking 

Walking for 30 minutes a day will increase blood circulation, prevent excessive weight gain, strengthen muscles and blood vessels in the legs and prevent varicose veins during pregnancy. 

4. Swim 

Swimming is another aerobic exercise you can do during pregnancy to help prevent or treat varicose veins. Any form of aerobic exercise that increases circulation and strengthens the leg muscles can be done by pregnant women to prevent and treat varicose veins. 

While sport is an excellent way to prevent varicose veins during pregnancy, a healthy lifestyle is also necessary to prevent varicose veins. Weight gain and long standing or sitting to contribute to the risk factors of varicose veins during pregnancy. 

A healthy diet with emphasis on fruits and vegetables, lean protein and fiber can manage your weight during pregnancy. Fruit is high in vitamin C also helps prevent varicose veins because vitamin C can help strengthen blood vessels. 

Avoid wearing tight clothing because it will restrict blood flow and can contribute to form varicose veins. Avoid standing or sitting a long time and if you are sitting, keep the feet remain high.

Women’s Health Care and the Affordable Care Act

Only one year after the landmark legislation was signed, the Affordable Care Act (ACA) is already improving women’s access to high quality, affordable health care. When the law is fully implemented in 2014, it will signify the greatest leap forward for American women’s health in decades.

New protections for women under the ACA include:

• Improved Access to Affordable Coverage: Under the ACA, adolescents and young adults up to age 26 may now remain on their families’ plans. Due to substantial new tax credits, more small businesses are now offering health care coverage to their employees. And beginning in 2014, expanded Medicaid eligibility means improved access to healthcare coverage for lower income women and families.
• Free Preventive Care: Under the ACA, women receive recommended preventive services without copayments or deductibles. This includes U.S. Preventive Services Task Force A- and B-rated services such as mammograms, screenings for cervical cancer and chlamydia, prenatal care and more.
• The End of Gender-Based Discrimination: Before the ACA, women could be charged higher premiums than men for the same insurance policy. Beginning in 2014, it will be illegal for insurance companies to charge women higher premiums on the basis of gender.
• Being a Woman is No Longer a Pre-Existing Condition: Before the ACA became law, insurers could deny women coverage for “pre-existing conditions” such as pregnancy, Cesarean sections, and breast cancer. Beginning in 2014, insurers cannot deny coverage to anyone based on pre-existing conditions. Already under the ACA, children cannot be denied coverage because of pre-existing conditions.
• The End of Lifetime Limits: Under the ACA, insurance companies cannot place a lifetime limit on the amount of coverage an individual receives. Beginning in 2014, annual limits are banned as well.

For more information about the important rights and benefits the ACA provides for women and their families, see healthcare.gov’s new page on Women and the Affordable Care Act.

Why is Baby Crying Without Tears?

Crying is the only way babies communicate. In the newborn, although his face flushed and her crying would not stop, not a speck of anything he shed tears. Why is that?

Jennifer Shu, a team of authors of books the American Academy of Pediatric's, Heading Home With Your Newborn, explaining, at birth, infant tear glands produce tears only in small amounts to lubricate and protect the eye. Hence, there is no excess tears that came out when he cries.

"Tears of newly produced when infants aged one to three months. With tears gland development, production also increased," said Shu.

In the meantime, if you tear the baby out even though he was not crying, her tears could be a channel clogged. "Usually these disorders would normally own, but if the cornea of ​​the eye appear red or swollen baby may have an infection. Immediately contact your doctor," he advised.

from:kompas

Drink Less Including Nutrition Problems

Water actually included in the equally important nutritional elements such as carbohydrates, proteins, fats and vitamins. However, this is often overlooked. Lack of water intake can cause physical disorders in the form of decreased stamina, loss of concentration and mood, headaches and even fainting. 

Several studies have shown, people still consume drinking water in quantities less than their needs. Research in Hong Kong in adults showed that 50 percent of subjects drank less than 8 glasses of water per day. In Singapore, a group of teenagers and young adults is that many groups experiencing water shortages. Most women only drink 5-6 glasses of water per day, and men drinking 6-8 glasses per day. 

In Indonesia the figure is not much different. The results hydration The Indonesian Regional Study (Thirst) in 2008, led by Prof. Hardinsyah from Bogor Agricultural University found 46.1 percent of studied subjects experienced less water or mild hypovolemia. The number was higher in adolescents (49.5 percent) than adults (42.5 percent). 

Why are they not drinking? According Hardinsyah, the majority is the factor of ignorance about the function of the body of water. Another of the biggest reasons is the difficulty in obtaining access to drinking water. 

Water problems are also found in hospitals, either in patients or health workers. Supriatmo research in 2006 on child diarrhea patients in hospitals showed 82.4 percent had less water. Meanwhile, research in the United States, from 170 subjects, as much as 5 percent and 7 percent had less water levels of moderate and mild.

from:kompas

Beverage fortification Not Necessarily Helpful

With a better claim than ordinary water, are now various types of bottled drinking water invaded the market. There are water fortified with vitamins, isotonic drinks, energy drinks, to drink beverages oxygenated or hexagonal.

People who consume these drinks also claim to feel more fit, not easily tired and more concentrated.

Responding to these trends berfortifikasi drinks, dr.Parlindungan Siregar, Sp.PD-KGH, Division of Renal Hypertension FKUI / RSCM assess the actual water that we consume daily is enough to replace the fluid that comes out with dried and urine.

"The benefits of drinking water is added it actually has not been proven scientifically. It may not sound even harmful if consumed in vain," said dr.Parlin.

Oxygenated water for example, according to oxygen can not be absorbed in the intestine. "Humans get oxygen through the lungs, not through gills like fish, so that oxygenated drinks will not affect oxygen levels in human blood," he said.

Basically, all drinking water contains dissolved oxygen, but the size depends on water temperature, total solids and water resources. Water that comes from the cold mountains contain more oxygen, so it felt more fresh when drunk.

A study of one brand of oxygenated drinking water also showed, after it is opened for 3 days, the original oxygen content of 120 ppm down to 80 ppm. That means the water oxygenated or hexagonal water was finally turned into a regular drinking water.

"The stability of oxygen levels in water temperature is very rendan and holds an important factor. The higher the temperature, it is probable that the oxygen in water decreases," said dr.Samuel Oetoro Sp.GK, as quoted tabloid edition of the Healthy Lifestyles 603 in 2011.

Meanwhile, isotonic drinks really should not be taken arbitrarily because basically isotonic saline. If excessive levels of salt in the body will cause high blood pressure or hypertension.

Beverages in containers are also mostly high in calories so it can cause obesity. Because it is more advisable to consume water when we're thirsty.

"So thirsty should immediately drink because thirst is a signal from the body if we have started to mild dehydration. If ignored it can interfere with cognitive abilities so that we can lose concentration or sleepy," said dr.Saptawati Bardosono, Sp.GK.

source:kompas.com

FDA Advisory Committee Recommends Removal of Menthol Cigarettes

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration Tobacco Products Scientific Advisory Committee (TPSAC) recently concluded that the “removal of menthol cigarettes from the marketplace would benefit public health in the United States.”  This recommendation to the FDA is based on prevailing science surrounding menthol cigarettes.  Although menthol cigarettes do not contain more toxins, they increase the number of young people who try cigarettes and the number of children who become regular smokers, increasing overall youth smoking.  Menthol cigarettes have also been found to be more appealing to African-Americans and therefore contribute to higher smoking rates and decreased cessation among this population.

The TPSAC final report is set to go through a systematic review by experts from the FDA Center for Tobacco Products.  They are to take into account menthol cigarettes’ risks and benefits to the population, effects on overall smoking initiation and cessation rates, achievability, and consequential effects that may arise, such as demand for contraband.  The FDA intends to provide its first progress report on the review in about 90 days.

Partnership for Prevention supports the TPSAC’s recommendations and urges the FDA to take action to ban menthol to curb the uptake of smoking by youth and promote cessation among other high-risk groups.  The tobacco industry’s incessant marketing of menthol cigarettes to youth, African Americans and other communities are threats to the public’s health.  We are hopeful that the FDA will recognize the harmful impact of menthol cigarettes on the health of the nation and employ the committee’s advice.

Harmeet Singh
Tobacco Control Team

Happy Anniversary to the Affordable Care Act

The Affordable Care Act (ACA) will celebrate its one year anniversary March 23, 2011. Signed into law last year, the ACA puts into place comprehensive health insurance reforms designed to lower health care costs by enhancing the quality of health for all Americans.

The ACA’s small business provisions focus on finding ways for business owners to reduce their heath care costs by ensuring their employees have access to quality, affordable health insurance.

Small business provisions include:

• Small Businesses with fewer than 25 full time employees may qualify for the business tax credit.
• Employer-based health plans that provide health insurance to retirees aged 55-65 can get financial help through the Early Retiree Reinsurance Program.
• Insurance companies will no longer be able to deny individuals with a pre-existing condition, who may now be eligible to join the Pre-Existing Condition Insurance Plan.
• Employees can receive recommended preventive services like mammograms and flu shots without any additional cost to the employee.
• Insurance companies are prohibited from capping the dollar amount of care an employee can receive in a lifetime, or dropping coverage due to a mistake on your application when you get sick.
• Insurance companies must spend at least 80% of premium dollars on healthcare.

Currently four million small business owners have been able to claim a tax credit up to 35% of their health insurance costs. But tax credits are not the only benefit for small business owners. By 2014, small businesses will be able to increase their buying power through state-based health insurance marketplaces. Employers will be able to identify health insurance plans that better meet their needs. The ACA has allowed small business employers to provide health benefits to their employees.

Throughout this week the Small Business Majority will host a series of roundtables and webinars designed to better understand what the ACA has meant to small businesses. Today, the Secretary of the U.S. Dept of Health and Human Services, Kathleen Sebelius will kick off the series in Ohio. The Secretary will join The Consortium of African American Organizations and the National Policy Director of the Small Business Majority. 

IOM Report Offers to Help Focus Healthy People 2020 Efforts to Improve Americans' Health

Healthy People 2020, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' master plan for improving the health of the American population over the next decade, covers 42 topics and nearly 600 objectives.  A new report from the Institute of Medicine singles out 12 indicators as immediate, major health concerns that should be monitored and 24 objectives that warrant priority attention in the plan's implementation. 

The report updates and expands on the 10 leading health indicators that served as priorities for Healthy People 2010.  The recommendations on what should be the priorities for the latest version of this decadal health plan reflect the consensus of a committee comprising population health experts, epidemiologists, health statisticians, and others.  Indicators provide yardsticks that health experts and policymakers can use to measure progress, and objectives set out clear, concrete goals for improvements. 

The 12 recommended indicators include measures of access to care and quality of health care services, healthy behaviors, injury, physical and social environments, chronic disease, mental health, responsible sexual behavior, substance abuse, tobacco use, and healthy births.

The 24 objectives that the committee identified are:

•      Increase educational achievement of adolescents and young adults.
•      Increase the proportion of people with health insurance.
•      Increase the proportion of people with a usual primary care provider.
•      Increase the proportion of people who receive appropriate evidence-based clinical preventive services.
•      Reduce the overall cancer death rate.
•      Reduce the number of days the Air Quality Index exceeds 100.
•      Increase the proportion of children who are ready for school in all five domains of healthy development: physical development, social-emotional development, language, cognitive development, and approaches to learning.
•      Reduce pregnancy rates among adolescents.
•      Reduce central-line-associated bloodstream infections.
•      Improve the health literacy of the population.
•      Reduce coronary heart disease deaths.
•      Reduce the proportion of people with hypertension.
•      Increase the proportion of sexually active people who use condoms.
•      Reduce fatal and nonfatal injuries.
•      Reduce the proportion of people who experience major depressive episodes.
•      Reduce low birth weight and very low birth weight.
•      Reduce the proportion of obese children and adolescents.
•      Reduce consumption of calories from solid fats and added sugars by people age 2 and older.
•      Increase the proportion of adults who meet current federal guidelines for aerobic physical activity and for muscle-strengthening activity.
•      Reduce the proportion of people engaging in binge drinking of alcoholic beverages.
•      Reduce past-month use of illicit substances.
•      Increase the proportion of adults who get sufficient sleep.
•      Reduce tobacco use by adults.
•      Reduce the initiation of tobacco use among children, adolescents, and young adults.

Affordable Care Act Prevention Benefits Increasing Access, Lowering Costs for People with Medicare

Partnership for Prevention is pleased to learn that in only two months over 150,000 Medicare beneficiaries have received the annual wellness visit authorized in the Affordable Care Act (ACA). This good news comes on the heels of an HHS report earlier this week indicating that those over 65 are not getting the preventive services they need.  Click here for HHS news release.

The ACA requires a health risk assessment (HRA) for Medicare beneficiaries to assist in developing personalized prevention plans. Partnership has been working with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Centers for Medicaid and Medicare Services (CMS) to develop guidance for implementing this important tool. Specifically, Partnership organized and helped lead a Public Forum meeting in response to a Federal Register Notice for public comments and submitted, with Thomson Reuters, a report that CDC will use to inform CMS on the development of guidance for the HRA.

For additional information about Partnership’s work on the annual wellness visit and HRA, please click here or contact Jason M.M. Spangler, MD, MPH, FACPM, Chief Medical Officer, Partnership for Prevention, jspangler@prevent.org.

Older Adults Lack Preventive Care

Adults over the age of 65 are not getting the preventive services that they need, according to a report released by the Department of Health and Human Services on Monday. The report found that preventive services, including vaccinations, tobacco cessation, and screening for cancer, diabetes, lipid disorders, and osteoporosis are underutilized. The report emphasizes that adults over 65 should be taking advantage of preventive services on a regular basis, and notes that many beneficiaries don’t know what services are covered by Medicare.

As a provision of the Affordable Care Act, certain USPSTF A and B recommended preventive services are covered without cost sharing by Medicare patients. In order to promote uptake of preventive services, including those services that are currently underutilized, Medicare has instituted an annual wellness visit. The wellness visit will allow Medicare beneficiaries access to preventive services on a regular and continued basis. It will be based on a detailed Health Risk Assessment (HRA), which allows patients and providers to create a personalized prevention plan. Partnership for Prevention, along with the CDC, has assisted the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) in the effort to design and implement the HRA by interviewing and convening a group of HRA experts.

Medicare coverage, along with outreach and education for the annual wellness visit, will help to bring awareness to the need for and use of preventive services for those over the age of 65.


Rebecca Doigan, MPH
Research Fellow and Program Associate

Aloe Vera Helps Overcome Diabetes

In addition to nourish hair, aloe vera is also known efficacious for treating some diseases. Among diabetes mellitus and heart attacks. 

Aloe vera or Aloevera is one of the potent medicinal plants to cure various diseases. This plant has been used the Samaritans around 1875 BC. The ancient Egyptians already know the benefits of aloe vera as a medicine about 1500 BC. Thanks to his usefulness, the ancient Egyptians called it a plant of immortality. 

A traditional medicine peracik Greek named Dioscordes, said that aloe vera can treat various diseases. For example, ulcers, skin bruising, cracking, blisters, hair loss, hemorrhoids, and sore throat.

In his report, Fujio L. Panggabean, a researcher and observer of medicinal plants, says that the efficacy of aloe vera no other because these plants have sufficient nutrition for the human body.Results of other studies on Aloe vera showed that carbohydrate is the largest component after water, which donated a number of calories as a source of energy. 

Health food 

According to one observer of health food (supplement), Dr. Freddy Wilmana MFPM SpFK, from about 200 species of aloe vera plant, which is suitable for treatment is a type Aloevera barbadensis miller. Aloe vera contains 72 types of substances needed by the body. 

Among the 72 substances the body needs it there are 18 kinds of amino acids, carbohydrates, fats, water, vitamins, minerals, enzymes, hormones, and the substance class of drugs, including antibiotics, antiseptic, antibacterial, anticancer, antiviral, antifungal, anti-infective , anti-inflammatory, antipembengkakan, antiparkinson, antiaterosklerosis, and antiviral resistant to antibiotics. 

Given the complete content of it, according to Dr. aloe vera.Freddy was not just useful to maintain health, but also overcome many diseases. For example, aloe vera can reduce blood sugar in non insulin-dependent diabetes. 

Containing Antioxidants 

According to Drs. Freddy, some mineral elements contained in aloe vera is also serving as forming a natural antioxidant. For example, vitamin C, vitamin E, and zinc. 

Even the results of research by scientists from the United States said that in Aloevera barbadensis miller there are some substances that can function as an antioxidant. Antioxidants are useful to prevent premature aging, heart attacks, and some degenerative diseases. 

Aloe vera stimulates the growth of new cells in the skin. Mucus contained in aloe vera lignin substances that can penetrate and soak into the skin. This will keep mucus fluid loss from the skin surface. As a result, the skin does not dry quickly and look younger.

In addition to hemorrhoids, aloe vera can be overcome swelling in the knee joints, cough, and wounds. Aloe vera also helps cope with constipation or difficult bowel movements because the mucus is bitter and contain laktasit, so it is a good laxative. 

So far, according to Dr. Freddy, studies have not found adverse effects the use of aloe vera. If there is a problem, it is only in the form of allergy in those who have never consume aloe vera. 

To remember, according to Dr. Freddy, the nature of the aloe vera plant is almost similar to the apples when discharged directly bitten by brown. It can be a sign of Aloe vera has been oxidized, so that some substances that contain damaged. 

Herb Aloe vera 

Laryngitis 

How Concocting: 1 Aloe vera leaves are washed and peeled. It contained chopped or blended. Add 1 tablespoon of pure honey.Drink 3 times daily. Hemorrhoid 

How Concocting: Half (1 / 2) stem prickly aloe vera leaves removed, washed, and shredded. Give half (1 / 2) cup of hot water, then wring it out. Add 2 tablespoons of honey. In warmer conditions, drink 3 times a day. Constipation 

How Concocting: Half (1 / 2) stems from aloe vera leaves are washed and peeled. The content is cut into small pieces. Brewed with half (1 / 2) cup of water. Give 1 tablespoon honey. Warm food 2 times a day. 

Diabetes mellitus 

How Concocting: 2 sticks of aloe vera leaves, washed, discarded needles, cut into pieces. Boil 3 cups water, then strain. Drink 3 times daily after meals, each with half a glass. 

Lowering blood sugar levels 

How Concocting: 1 stem of aloe vera large size (about the size of your palm) is cleaned by peeling the skin and thorns. Soak about 30 minutes in salt water. Squeeze a while and then rinse under running water (tap water). Boil 3 cups water to boil. Chill. Drink as much as 1 / 2 cups, 2 to 3 times daily. 

Hair fertilizer 

How Concocting: 2 midrib aloe vera are washed and peeled. The contents rubbed on the scalp that had been washed in the afternoon. Wrap with cloth. The next day the hair is rinsed. Do it every day for 3 months. 

Cough (stubborn) 

How Concocting: 20 g aloe vera leaves are washed, peeled, cut into pieces. Give 2 tablespoons of pure honey. Drink 2 times a day. Repeat for 10 days.

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Secret Life Up to 100 Years

Age man is predestined by God. But according to new research from Denmark, those born after 2000 have a chance to live to 100 years! To you who were born before the year 2000 do not despair because in fact we can also add a long life expectancy. 

Genetic and luck does play a major role in the short length of one's age. But two factors could not control. "In fact, there are many other factors we can control, the key is to make healthy life," said Walter Bortz II, from Stanford University. For example, reducing the stress will increase to 6 years of age or mangsup familiar vegetables and fruits will increase the age of 5 years and many more. Increasing age can not be avoided, but instead of declining health can not be avoided. Embodied the ideals of healthy living to old age with a few tips: 1. Periodic holidays One way to look younger than actual age is to make themselves available to take a vacation. This activity will make your body and mind more relaxed so that the ill effects of stress do not occur.Leaving the prolonged tension is tantamount to putting your finger on the button "advanced" on the remote control your biological. 2. Did You Know Enough Sleep, sleep deprivation will cause the body cells a chance to repair itself decreases. Arrange 6-7 hours of sleep each night. This custom is said will add to your age of two years longer. 3. Regular sex pleasurable sexual activity on both sides will help the body remove anti-stress hormone, oxytocin. Sexual activity also will burn 200 calories. 4. Fruits and vegetables fresh Research conducted at several places where the population live long and in good health, such as in Okinawa Japan or Hunza region, Pakistan, found they regularly eat fresh fruits and vegetables. They also limit the consumption of fat, sugar and salt. 5. Sports This advice is a cliche, but it must be recognized sport proved to make the body more fit and healthy. Those who are accustomed to exercise since the young will live to advanced age with the energy and incredible passion. 6. Have a hobby Sharpen your brain by doing fun activities. Several types of games also proved to sharpen the brain, such as playing chess or playing video games, Tetris. Research conducted in Mexico found playing Tetris for 30 minutes every day will delay the damage to the brain. 7. Doing good Do good must not delay. A study showed those who had a habit of doing good to others mostly can reach more than 80 years of age.Other studies mention the social activities will balance the physical and mental health.

Public Health Groups Call on Major League Baseball to Ban Tobacco…You Can Too

As one of the most popular sports in the United States, baseball is a highly integral and influential part of American culture today. Unfortunately, tobacco companies thrive on Major League Baseball players, who are the most prominent spokesmen for smokeless tobacco. The very heroes that many people, especially young kids, look up to are conveying a dangerous message that promotes a behavior that leads to mouth diseases, cancers, and heart attacks.

Despite the sufferings of Babe Ruth and Tony Gwynn with cancer, MLB players, coaches, and managers continue to chew tobacco all season long. It doesn’t seem like a coincidence that smokeless tobacco use among high school boys has increased by 36% in the past seven years.

In a January article in the Washington Post, Washington Nationals superstar pitcher Stephen Strasberg recalls how he began using smokeless tobacco as a teenager to better emulate the ballplayers he idolized. Strasberg is attempting to quit tobacco and his goal was to be tobacco free by spring training. Not only is Strasberg quitting because of the many health risks associated with tobacco use, but he also doesn't want kids who want to be like him to see him chewing.

The Campaign for Tobacco Free Kids and nine supporting organizations are calling upon MLB and the Players Association to ban all tobacco use on the field and in the dugout in their upcoming contract negotiations. The contract to be signed will be in place for five seasons, so taking action now is crucial.

Tobacco use has already been banned in the minors, the NCAA and the National Hockey League. It is time that MLB does the same.

Join the Campaign’s efforts to Knock Tobacco Out of the Park by sending a message to Major League Baseball denouncing smokeless tobacco.


Harmeet Singh
Tobacco Control Team

Treatment of small cell lung cancer

The treatment of small cell lung cancer (SCLC) has been the subject of several reviews,

ranging from guidelines developed by the American College of Chest Physicians to a full

supplement on the treatment of SCLC, and in addition the progress in the treatment of

SCLC during the last three decades has been highlighted in a historical overview.

With regard to the overall management of SCLC, in Lung Cancer Therapy Annual 3,

we described, on the basis of an abstract presentation, the results of a study from North

America analyzing survival trends in patients with limited-stage SCLC from randomized

clinical trials performed by cooperative groups in North America, initiated between 1972

and 1982 and completed by 1996. These data have now been published in full,

demonstrating meaningful improvements in survival, with doubling of the 5-year survival

rate of patients with limited-stage SCLC listed in the US Surveillance, Epidemiology, and

End Results Program (SEER) database.

Similar results have been obtained from a French region in a study analyzing data in

the period 1981–83 including 787 patients. The median survival time increased for the

overall population from 6.6 months in 1981–83 to 11.3 months in 1993–94 (p=10−5), for

patients with limited disease from 9.2 months to 14.0 months (p=0.002), and for those

with extensive disease from 3.5 months to 9.6 months (p=10−5).

Long-term treatment results are also available from the Saskatchewan Cancer Centre

in Canada. Between 1981 and 1998, 1447 new cases of SCLC were diagnosed, 244 of

which were limited-stage and were treated with curative intent. They were followed to

the end of February 2002. A parametric log-normal statistical model was retrospectively

validated to determine whether long-term survival rates could be estimated several years

earlier than is possible using the standard life-table actuarial method. The results showed

that the survival time of the uncured group followed a log-normal distribution. The

estimated 10-year cause-specific survival rate was 13% according to the log-normal

model, while a Kaplan-Meier calculation gave 15% ± 3%. The data also showed that

absence of mediastinal lymphadenopathy and higher chest radiotherapy dose were

significant prognostic factors on multivariate analysis (p<0.05). Among the 163 patients

given prophylactic cranial irradiation (PCI), a higher biologically effective dose to the

brain did not improve survival or decrease the incidence of brain metastases.

In Japan, a pattern-of-care study (PCS) was conducted as a nationwide survey of

radiotherapy for patients with SCLC between September 1988 and March 2001. It was

shown that age stratification had no impact on the variables of radiotherapy such as total

dose and field size. Overall, only 37% of patients received chemotherapy and thoracic

radiotherapy concurrently, with the proportion of patients being 44%, 27%, and 25% of

the younger, intermediate, and elderly groups, respectively. The overall survival rate at 3

years was 26% for the entire group, 30% in the younger group, 28% in the intermediate

group, and 9% in the elderly group.

At the Christie Hospital in Manchester, UK, a retrospective review was performed in

patients who received cyclophosphamide-doxorubicin-etoposide chemotherapy in the

period 1994–98. The investigation compared patients treated on and off trial with the

same standard-arm treatment regimen. Sixty patients were treated in one of the two

randomized trials and 46 patients were treated off trial. Analysis of the data demonstrated

that survival was no different for patients participating in a randomized trial compared

with a group of patients similarly treated who were not eligible for trial or who declined

randomization

Doctors Urge Indoor Tanning Ban for Minors, Smoking Linked to Infant Heart Defects named “Best/Worst News for Prevention"

"Best and Worst News for Prevention” is based on a purposive sample consisting of expert staff members who each week choose to share their opinions on the best and worst news for prevention.

BEST

Doctors Urge Indoor Tanning Ban for Minors

U.S. tanning salons should close their doors to minors to protect them from skin cancer, a group of 60,000 pediatricians said Monday in a new policy statement. With the move, the American Academy of Pediatrics joins the World Health Organization (WHO), the American Academy of Dermatology and other groups that are already pushing for a ban. Since 2009, the International Agency for Research on Cancer, a part of the WHO, has classified tanning beds as cancer-causing. Research shows people who start going to tanning salons before age 35 have a 75-percent increase in their chances of developing melanoma, the deadliest type of skin cancer.

WORST

Smoking Linked to Infant Heart Defects

A pregnant woman who smokes in her first trimester is much more likely to have an infant with a congenital heart defect, U.S. health officials say.  A study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta found tobacco exposure is associated with a 20 percent to 70 percent increased risk of certain types of defects such as those that obstruct the flow of blood from the right side of the heart into the lungs and openings between the upper chambers of the heart.


The “Best and Worst” awards are announced each week in “Prevention Matters,” the blog of Partnership for Prevention. "Best and Worst News for Prevention” is based on a purposive sample of expert staff members who each week choose to share their opinions on the best and worst news for prevention. More information is available at http://www.prevent.org/.