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Consumer Alert: Minimally Invasive Cosmetic Procedures Should Not Be Taken Lightly
Today, there are more ways than ever before to "get a little work done." From skin fillers to fat-reduction procedures, the options are endless for those looking to improve their appearance and boost their self-esteem. But with so many physicians and options from which to choose, consumers can be confused about where to start and who to trust to perform a cosmetic procedure.
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'Complacency,' 'Stigma' Hindering Efforts To Reduce HIV/AIDS In Black Communities, Opinion Piece Says
"Nearly 30 years after the discovery of HIV and AIDS, the epidemic is still ravaging black neighborhoods in Baltimore and across the nation," Kevin Fenton -- director of CDC"s National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD and TB Prevention -- writes in a Baltimore Sun opinion piece. Fenton writes that "complacency about HIV and the continued stigma associated with the disease are hindering progress by preventing too many African-Americans from seeking either HIV testing and treatment or support from their friends and family," adding that "this is a challenge that can be overcome."According to Fenton, the Obama administration last month "took an important step in confronting the United States" HIV epidemic" when CDC and White House officials announced a five-year campaign called Act Against AIDS, which is "designed to refocus the nation"s attention on the HIV crisis here at home." Fenton notes that 14 black civic organizations -- including the NAACP, the National Urban League, the Southern Christian Leadership Conference and the National Council of Negro Women -- are "joining the CDC to increase knowledge, awareness and action within black communities across the country." He adds that the campaign "will harness the strength and reach of these organizations by enhancing their ability to make HIV prevention a core component of their daily activities." "By raising the visibility of HIV and AIDS, the new campaign also aims to confront and overcome the fear and stigma that help keep HIV alive in black communities," Fenton says. He adds that he has "been encouraged in recent years to see black leaders, including black faith leaders, speak out more openly across the nation about the need to confront HIV and the stigma that persists surrounding this disease." Fenton writes that "[e]nding this epidemic will require not only frank and difficult discussions about HIV but also a shared sense of responsibility and commitment," concluding, "All of us can and must be part of the solution" (Fenton, Baltimore Sun, 5/27).
News of the day
Small Business: The Hunt For Affordable Health Insurance
"For entrepreneurs trying to start or run a business, the obstacles are huge. But few loom as large as one: health care," the Wall Street Journal reports. "At some businesses, in fact, health care is the highest expense after salaries - with devastating consequences. Owners must skimp on vital investments like marketing and research. Some can"t hire the people they want because top candidates demand premium coverage. Or they end up understaffed because of the high cost of insurance - and lose potential clients as a result. At the same time, to keep costs in check, countless companies are slashing coverage or dropping it entirely. Some are turning to freelancers or offshore workers instead of hiring full-timers and locals. And some would-be entrepreneurs find insurance so onerous that they"re not even starting a business in the first place."
Medical Devices

APhA Submits Recommendations For The Term "Meaningful Use" In TheDevelopment Of Policy Related To Electronic Health Records

The American Pharmacists Association (APhA) submitted comments to the Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology"s (ONC) request for feedback on determining criteria for the term "meaningful use" of electronic records (EHRs), prepared by ONC"s HIT Policy Committee. In developing and implementing an EHR for the health care system that will transform health care delivery and ensure the outcomes desired, EHR system development, implementation, and access must occur by all health care providers from whom patients are receiving care. APhA contends that inclusion of a pharmacy EHR into the HIT infrastructure will make significant contributions to meeting the health outcomes policy priorities, care goals, and short and long term objectives for "meaningful use." - APhA"s comments focused on the important role that pharmacists can play in enhancing the meaningful use of EHR and in achieving the goals envisioned across the continuum of health care, including: - Recognition of the incidence and significance of medication-related problems in the U.S. and the important role that pharmacists providing medication therapy management can provide to achieve the desired goals of eliminating medication errors and addressing medication-related problems. - Recognition of the need for EHR system development, implementation and access by all health care providers, including pharmacists, from whom patients are receiving care to create the most comprehensive EHR and provide all health care providers the highest level of "meaningful use "of these records. - Support for the adoption, integration and use of EHR systems in all health care sectors by all health care providers, including pharmacists, that includes incentives for the implementation of these systems. - Acknowledgement that current electronic systems rarely connect the silos of medical records and pharmacy and that the interconnectivity of all systems with appropriate access by all healthcare providers, patients and their caregivers is essential to "meaningful use". - Recognition of the significant contribution that pharmacists can provide to the EHR to achieve "meaningful use" and desired benefits of HIT within the health care system. View APhA"s complete comments and recommendations . American Pharmacists Association (APhA)


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