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Washington Post Examines Lobbying Efforts Of Health Information Technology Industry
The Washington Post on Saturday examined the role of the Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society in lobbying for the national adoption of health information technology as part of health reform efforts. According to the Post, HIMSS has collaborated with various allies, including technology vendors and research groups, "in a sophisticated, decade-long campaign to shape public opinion and win over Washington"s political machinery."HIMSS in the early part of this decade forged a "strategic alliance" with the Center for Information Technology Leadership, a not-for-profit health IT research group in Massachusetts, to develop and distribute data reports on the cost efficiency and benefits of health IT, the Post reports. CITL also had sponsorship ties with several health and technology companies, including Google, Microsoft, Kaiser Permanente and Siemens Medical Solutions. In 2004, CITL issued a report that concluded in part that a national health IT system could reduce spending by as much as $77.8 billion by limiting drug prescribing errors and notifying providers of more cost-effective drug alternatives.According to the Post, the findings of the report were used by the Obama administration in developing the $787 billion federal economic stimulus package, which included billions in new spending for the creation and adoption of health IT systems. Although a Congressional Budget Office report found that the assumptions of CITL report were "overly optimistic" -- a follow-up CBO analysis projected that electronic health records would reduce health care spending by $17 billion over 10 years -- the health IT measures in the stimulus package "represented a triumph" for HIMSS, "whose members now stand to gain billions in taxpayer dollars," the Post reports. The Post notes that HIMSS" "sudden success shows how the economic crisis created a remarkable opening for a political and financial windfall: the enactment of a sweeping new policy with no bureaucratic delays and virtually no public debate about an initiative aimed at transforming a sector that accounts for more than a sixth of the American economy" (O"Harrow, Washington Post, 5/16).Please note: The Kaiser Family Foundation is not associated with Kaiser Permanente or Kaiser Industries.
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RCN Responds To Publication Of Lord Darzi's Progress Report
Responding to the publication of Lord Darzi"s report, High Quality Care for All: Our Journey So Far, Dr Peter Carter, Chief Executive & General Secretary of the Royal College of Nursing (RCN), said:
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Ductal Adenocarcinoma Of The Prostate: Clinical Features And Implications After Local Therapy
UroToday.com - On occasion, urologists will encounter subtypes of prostate cancer (CaP) other than adenocarcinoma. One such subtype is ductal (or endometrioid) CaP. Ductal CaP is characterized by the presence of tall, pseudostratified columnar cells with abundant cytoplasm arranged in a papillary pattern. It can be diagnosed with high Gleason score and advanced stage, but its clinical course has been relatively undefined. In the online version of Cancer, Dr. Shi-Ming Tu and colleagues report a series of 108 patients with ductal CaP.
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Physical Therapists Say Appropriate Exercises Can Help Keep Weekend Warriors On The Ice

The excitement of the 2009 Stanley Cup Playoffs will inspire young players and weekend warriors to hit the ice. But, traveling up to 30 miles an hour on a quarter inch blade of steel and stopping instantly will put anyone at risk for injury. According to American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) spokesperson Mark Mortland, PT, ATC, team physical therapist of the Pittsburgh Penguins, there are special precautions one can take to help avoid the multiple injuries that can occur in this high-speed, high-impact sport. Whether due to impact or overuse, the range of ice hockey-related injuries varies greatly, almost more so than any other sport. "At the professional level, we do not see "common injuries" because the whole body is susceptible to injury due to the nature of the game," said Mortland "However, because these are pro athletes, they have access to higher levels of care than the ordinary, casual player. That said, there are steps young players and weekend warriors can take to help avoid getting hurt." APTA and Mortland recommend an exercise regimen that includes a dynamic warm-up, cool down, and overall core strengthening to help prevent injuries that keep you off the ice: - Dynamic warm-up: Warming up should include a combination of dry floor and ice exercises. On the dry floor, running in place, lunges, high knee exercises (high, fast marching movements), and static stretching (stretching while standing in place) can be used to prepare for the game. On the ice, players should combine warm-up laps and sprints. - Post-game / post-practice cool down: It is important to stretch the muscles while they are still warm. Focus on static stretches (stretching while standing in place) of large muscle groups such as the hamstrings, quadriceps, gluteus, and hips. - Overall core strength: Developing strong abdominal muscles (crunches, sit-ups, and other core exercises) can help to avoid low back pain, a common injury often a result of the crouched positions of the players. Core strength also helps players better handle the crushing impacts one can endure during an enthusiastic game of hockey. "The important thing to remember is that a proper exercise regimen can help prevent a variety of injuries that can result from any activity, aside from high-impact sports like ice hockey," concluded Mortland. Physical therapists work with individuals to design specific exercise and treatment programs to cater to their specific needs. See your physical therapist for an individualized program or visit http://www.moveforwardpt.com to find a physical therapist near you. Physical therapists are highly-educated, licensed health care professionals who can help patients reduce pain and improve or restore mobility - in many cases without expensive surgery or the side effects of prescription medications. APTA represents more than 72,000 physical therapists, physical therapist assistants, and students of physical therapy nationwide. Its purpose is to improve the health and quality of life of individuals through the advancement of physical therapist practice, education, and research. In most states, patients can make an appointment directly with a physical therapist, without a physician referral. Learn more about conditions physical therapists can treat and find a physical therapist in your area at http://www.moveforwardpt.com. American Physical Therapy Association


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