This AARP article has a good explanation of where the waste is in our healthcare system.
Healthy Care System Wastes Billions Each Year - AARP:
It would seem that our Congress should plan an attack on each of these forms of waste, maybe by using carrot and sticks.
Tuesday, November 20, 2012
Thursday, August 23, 2012
Bill would bring measure of relief to pain patients | UTSanDiego.com
I had never heard of "step therapy" or "fail first" procedures for pain reduction for patients.
Bill would bring measure of relief to pain patients | UTSanDiego.com:
Yes I am in favor of finding ways to reduce the cost of medical care, and yes, I do understand that the best pain relief might be the more expensive medicines. However we need to be reasonable when providing pain relief. I believe this bill AB369 is the right step to balance cost control with reduction of debilitating pain in patients. It is a shame that our medical "system" of insurance needs legislation in order to force them to do the right thing for their patients.
Bill would bring measure of relief to pain patients | UTSanDiego.com:
Yes I am in favor of finding ways to reduce the cost of medical care, and yes, I do understand that the best pain relief might be the more expensive medicines. However we need to be reasonable when providing pain relief. I believe this bill AB369 is the right step to balance cost control with reduction of debilitating pain in patients. It is a shame that our medical "system" of insurance needs legislation in order to force them to do the right thing for their patients.
Saturday, August 18, 2012
Treatment and Side Effect Info from Patients Like You
I just watched a 2010 TED talk by Jamie Heywood: (TEDTalks : Jamie Heywood: The big idea my brother inspired - Jamie Heywood (2009) 16:55 2/2/2010)
His brother was diagnosed with ALS, and he and his brother started this web site:
Treatment and Side Effect Info from Patients Like You: It is a wonderful idea!
The site helps people with diseases share with other patients with similar problems and symptoms. It also allows them to compare drug and treatments and it provides analysts with a data base that can be very helpful in trying to determine relative effectiveness of treatments.
I've thought for a long time that NIH should have such a site, and that all patients and their care providers should maintain that data base. However, I can see why drug companies would not like having their medicines compared "head-to-head" with their competition. It is amazing that Jamie Heywood was able to figure out a way that patients would voluntarily maintain such detailed records.
I hope the web site continues to grow, prosper and yield more exciting analytical insights
His brother was diagnosed with ALS, and he and his brother started this web site:
Treatment and Side Effect Info from Patients Like You: It is a wonderful idea!
The site helps people with diseases share with other patients with similar problems and symptoms. It also allows them to compare drug and treatments and it provides analysts with a data base that can be very helpful in trying to determine relative effectiveness of treatments.
I've thought for a long time that NIH should have such a site, and that all patients and their care providers should maintain that data base. However, I can see why drug companies would not like having their medicines compared "head-to-head" with their competition. It is amazing that Jamie Heywood was able to figure out a way that patients would voluntarily maintain such detailed records.
I hope the web site continues to grow, prosper and yield more exciting analytical insights
Monday, July 9, 2012
The real desecration --Flag Burning amendment
I'm against the flag burning amendment. For once in my life, I agree with the editors of the San Diego Union Tribune. If we ban flag burning, we will betray the US values.
The real desecration | The San Diego Union-Tribune:
We don't currently have a serious problem with flag burning as a symbolic protest. If we did pass a ban, then we would probably start having a problem!
I didn't like it being done when the anti-Vietnam protesters (Hippies) burned the flag as a way to get publicity for their cause. I supported our Government, and had enlisted in the Air Force to show my support. Yes, I didn't understand why we were fighting in Vietnam. After studying military strategy and tactics in Officer's training school, I understood even less why the US was waging the war as it was at that time. The strategy we seemed to be using appeared to be using just enough force to make sure the war would be extended as long as possible.
However I had a lot of trust in our Government, and thought that probably the Government knew a lot of other information about the political situation and that it was probably classified, so the rest of the public wouldn't know.
After Robert McNamara admitted in his book that we really didn't have a good strategy, and there really was no good reason for us being there, it sort of destroyed my confidence and trust in our Government's decisions. Apparently the "hippies" who were burning flags were actually "correct" at the time.
The real desecration | The San Diego Union-Tribune:
We don't currently have a serious problem with flag burning as a symbolic protest. If we did pass a ban, then we would probably start having a problem!
I didn't like it being done when the anti-Vietnam protesters (Hippies) burned the flag as a way to get publicity for their cause. I supported our Government, and had enlisted in the Air Force to show my support. Yes, I didn't understand why we were fighting in Vietnam. After studying military strategy and tactics in Officer's training school, I understood even less why the US was waging the war as it was at that time. The strategy we seemed to be using appeared to be using just enough force to make sure the war would be extended as long as possible.
However I had a lot of trust in our Government, and thought that probably the Government knew a lot of other information about the political situation and that it was probably classified, so the rest of the public wouldn't know.
After Robert McNamara admitted in his book that we really didn't have a good strategy, and there really was no good reason for us being there, it sort of destroyed my confidence and trust in our Government's decisions. Apparently the "hippies" who were burning flags were actually "correct" at the time.
Diet soda tied to stroke risk
It appears that recent studies have shown a correlation between people who drink a lot of diet soda, and strokes. See this article: http://www.cleveland.com/metro/index.ssf/2012/04/cleveland_clinic_study_finds_t.html
The study seems to be well done and believable. However this other blog:
Diet soda tied to heart attack, stroke risks: study | The Raw Story: explains the complexity of separating the fact that people who drink diet soda are often trying to lose weight, so may be in a situation of increased risk in the first place.
The study seems to be well done and believable. However this other blog:
Diet soda tied to heart attack, stroke risks: study | The Raw Story: explains the complexity of separating the fact that people who drink diet soda are often trying to lose weight, so may be in a situation of increased risk in the first place.
The FDA: In need of an innovation overhaul | UTSanDiego.com
I think we need a new approach to approving new drugs. Here's a good editorial:
The FDA: In need of an innovation overhaul | UTSanDiego.com:
It seems to me that the FDA should be involved in protecting the safety of drugs -- but not the effectiveness of them. The FDA could provide a "clearing house" for effectiveness of drugs, but allowing drug companies to submit their studies and tests to prove effectiveness. Of course Government medical providers, such as Medicare will only look for those that are proven effective. Likely that insurance will also. However proving effectiveness is much more difficult than proving safety.
The FDA: In need of an innovation overhaul | UTSanDiego.com:
It seems to me that the FDA should be involved in protecting the safety of drugs -- but not the effectiveness of them. The FDA could provide a "clearing house" for effectiveness of drugs, but allowing drug companies to submit their studies and tests to prove effectiveness. Of course Government medical providers, such as Medicare will only look for those that are proven effective. Likely that insurance will also. However proving effectiveness is much more difficult than proving safety.
Quick sprints can cut abdominal fat in men - Health Report - ABC Radio National (Australian Broadcasting Corporation)
This recent, very interesting study seems to explain why some types of exercise works better than others for weight loss:
Quick sprints can cut abdominal fat in men - Health Report - ABC Radio National (Australian Broadcasting Corporation):
The study seems to be well designed, and appears to me to be somewhat of a breakthrough. I think we still have a lot more to learn about what actually happens in the body for these "quick sprints" to cause the type of weight loss.
Quick sprints can cut abdominal fat in men - Health Report - ABC Radio National (Australian Broadcasting Corporation):
The study seems to be well designed, and appears to me to be somewhat of a breakthrough. I think we still have a lot more to learn about what actually happens in the body for these "quick sprints" to cause the type of weight loss.
Sunday, June 3, 2012
Fasting may help cancer treatment, says new study
There is some recent studies that have correlated periodic fasting with preventing cancer. Now there are new findings that fasting along with chemotherapy can help cure some types of cancer. Here's a recent podcast and transcript that explains the latest findings. It appears that the American Cancer Society doesn't think much of fasting though: http://www.cancer.org/Treatment/TreatmentsandSideEffects/ComplementaryandAlternativeMedicine/DietandNutrition/fasting
No, I'm not looking forward to fasting -- but I am considering it. Many studies over the past decade have shown that low calorie intake can dramatically extend all forms of animal lifespans. (See this in Wikipedia). Was the longer lifespan due to not getting cancer? Fasting may help cancer treatment, says new study | TheRandomFact.com:
Over the past 30 years, nobody has seemed to figure out why cancer of all types seems to be increasing in the developed world. They've attributed it to chemicals in the environment, radiation, lack of exercise, eating the wrong foods, inadequate vitamins, and not enough prayer? Maybe it is because we always have 3 square meals? While the poorer sections of the world, sometimes have to go for days between receiving adequate nutrition?
Anthropologists now suggest that fasting may have been "natures way" of cleaning out the body of cancers. Many different religions around the world have featured periodic fasting --did they know something?
Tuesday, May 29, 2012
Andrew Sullivan: Christianity in Crisis - The Daily Beast
I'm beginning to think that Thomas Jefferson had it right.
Andrew Sullivan: Christianity in Crisis - The Daily Beast:
Andrew Sullivan: Christianity in Crisis - The Daily Beast:
Monday, May 28, 2012
MIT develops new jet injection system for drug delivery - SlashGear
This new device from MIT sounds a lot like Bioject's device. It isn't clear to me what the difference is, or if MIT is using some of Bioject's patents.
MIT develops new jet injection system for drug delivery - SlashGear:
MIT develops new jet injection system for drug delivery - SlashGear:
Sunday, May 27, 2012
Aspirin and cancer - Health Report - ABC Radio National (Australian Broadcasting Corporation)
This seems like an important study, and I think everyone should be made aware of it.
It seems like 20 years ago, aspirin was touted as a way of preventing cancer and heart disease. Elaine and I started taking a little piece of aspirin every day. I was interested because we do have cancer in the family. Then about 10 years ago, studies showed that aspirin didn't do much for cancer, but was still good for heart disease. Our doctors have been prescribing it for us for the past 12 or 14 years. Now it appears from this fairly important study that taking daily aspirin is now back as being a good cancer prevention medication. I suggest you listen to this report and decide for yourself.
Aspirin and cancer - Health Report - ABC Radio National (Australian Broadcasting Corporation):
It seems like 20 years ago, aspirin was touted as a way of preventing cancer and heart disease. Elaine and I started taking a little piece of aspirin every day. I was interested because we do have cancer in the family. Then about 10 years ago, studies showed that aspirin didn't do much for cancer, but was still good for heart disease. Our doctors have been prescribing it for us for the past 12 or 14 years. Now it appears from this fairly important study that taking daily aspirin is now back as being a good cancer prevention medication. I suggest you listen to this report and decide for yourself.
Aspirin and cancer - Health Report - ABC Radio National (Australian Broadcasting Corporation):
Friday, May 18, 2012
Preventing obesity may simply be a matter of time (of eating): Salk study : North County Times - Californian
This is interesting:
Preventing obesity may simply be a matter of time (of eating): Salk study : North County Times - Californian:
But it would be tough to get "three square meals in within an 8 hour period...
Preventing obesity may simply be a matter of time (of eating): Salk study : North County Times - Californian:
But it would be tough to get "three square meals in within an 8 hour period...
Friday, May 4, 2012
A Machine That Sniffs Out Cancer
Wow!
I've heard several times over the past decade about dog's ability to "sniff out cancer" --and I do remember hearing that people were trying to make a machine to do it too. It sounds like we're getting close!
A Machine That Sniffs Out Cancer - Businessweek:
This machine, if it can be developed and approved by FDA, will be a wonderful improvement over the many different other types of screening, and hopefully will allow for earlier detection and treatment of cancers.
I've heard several times over the past decade about dog's ability to "sniff out cancer" --and I do remember hearing that people were trying to make a machine to do it too. It sounds like we're getting close!
A Machine That Sniffs Out Cancer - Businessweek:
This machine, if it can be developed and approved by FDA, will be a wonderful improvement over the many different other types of screening, and hopefully will allow for earlier detection and treatment of cancers.
Sunday, April 29, 2012
What Do I Know?: Homophobic? Maybe You’re Gay
The New York Times had an article that seemed to resonate with thoughts I've had over many years. I have noticed that some of my friends and acquaintances when I was growing up who seemed to be the most against gays, seemed to also have some sort of a gay persona, or later they "came out" as gay. I often wondered if the anti-gay slurs and act was simply a facade. This article is a blog concerning the article, but it does have quotes from it.
What Do I Know?: Homophobic? Maybe You’re Gay:
'
What Do I Know?: Homophobic? Maybe You’re Gay:
'
Stand Up for Fitness - NYTimes.com
This article seems to say it all about the need for exercise. I've read the research in tidbits over the past few years -- but this seems to put it all together.
Stand Up for Fitness - NYTimes.com:
Gretchen Reynolds, who wrote the article also wrote a book: " The first 20 minutes" which identifies good forms of exercise.
Stand Up for Fitness - NYTimes.com:
Gretchen Reynolds, who wrote the article also wrote a book: " The first 20 minutes" which identifies good forms of exercise.
Saturday, April 28, 2012
Onychomycosis --Fungal nail infection
I've had this "Onychomycosis problem" for many years. Fungal nail infection - PubMed Health: I have not been concerned enough to see a doctor to get the drug:
because of the concerns about liver damage. Doesn't seem worth risking medical problems to resolve a cosmetic problem. I did use Penlac painted on my toe, and it resolved the problem on my right toe -- but then years later I got it on my left toe. I've tried the various drugstore versions of antibacterial/anti-fungal treatments mixed with anti-freeze ingredient ethylene glycol. It doesn't seem to solve the problem. Therefore, I was very interested in the new "laser treatment" It sounds very expensive! There doesn't seem to be any "hard science" behind the treatment either, nor solid successful results. I did notice that Groupon has offers of "deep discounts" already for the service and other companies are trying to get FDA approval to sell their devices. I thought maybe it could be a good investment opportunity, but it sounds like competition from other companies could drive the profit margin down sharply. It also sounds like a device that a company could "lease" to people with the problem, so they could do it at home on a daily basis for a few weeks and solve their problem. That would sure make the treatment more practical for busy patients.
because of the concerns about liver damage. Doesn't seem worth risking medical problems to resolve a cosmetic problem. I did use Penlac painted on my toe, and it resolved the problem on my right toe -- but then years later I got it on my left toe. I've tried the various drugstore versions of antibacterial/anti-fungal treatments mixed with anti-freeze ingredient ethylene glycol. It doesn't seem to solve the problem. Therefore, I was very interested in the new "laser treatment" It sounds very expensive! There doesn't seem to be any "hard science" behind the treatment either, nor solid successful results. I did notice that Groupon has offers of "deep discounts" already for the service and other companies are trying to get FDA approval to sell their devices. I thought maybe it could be a good investment opportunity, but it sounds like competition from other companies could drive the profit margin down sharply. It also sounds like a device that a company could "lease" to people with the problem, so they could do it at home on a daily basis for a few weeks and solve their problem. That would sure make the treatment more practical for busy patients.
Tuesday, March 13, 2012
Salk Scientists Discover Chemotherapy Pathway | KPBS.org
This could be a big breakthrough -- Helen Hawes pointed it out to Marea, and she forwarded it to me.
Salk Scientists Discover Chemotherapy Pathway | KPBS.org:
Salk Scientists Discover Chemotherapy Pathway | KPBS.org:
Thursday, February 9, 2012
Sixteen Concerned Scientists: No Need to Panic About Global Warming - WSJ.com
These sixteen "scientists" signed this article in the WSJ which implies that global warming is not a problem.
It is hard to believe that the WSJ could honestly consider publishing such an article -- such a blatant distortion of the truth. This article debunks it a bit: http://www.treehugger.com/climate-change/scientist-authors-no-need-panic-about-global-warming-op-ed-have-oil-industry-ties.html
This guy is also upset about it: http://rightwingnews.com/uncategorized/no-need-to-panic-about-global-warming/
Lenore Skenazy: The Importance of Child's Play - WSJ.com
This was a good article about how the changes in our culture have made kids much more sedentary. They are also going to be more "risk averse" due to not getting a chance to experiment
They didn't mention playing with fire, fireworks, or mercury...all thing I did as a child.
Untangling the benefits, and hype, surrounding yoga - USATODAY.com
According to this USA Today article, Yoga isn't all that bad, but it isn't all that helpful either. There are probably other things we could do with out time to get a better, more helpful form of exercise.
Saturday, January 7, 2012
Keeping Cold and Flu Germs Out - WSJ.com
Here are some products that could possibly protect people from colds and flu--but I'm skeptical that any of them could be commercially viable
Wednesday, January 4, 2012
Prevnar 13 Approved for pneumonia immunization
This could be a big breakthrough! Pneumonia is what kills most people who have been weakened by other medical problems.
Monday, January 2, 2012
Obesity-Induced Brain Changes May Be Reason Weight Control Is So Hard
This finding appears to explain why it is so difficult to keep weight off after losing it. I believe that if we can figure out exactly what happens, we may be able to develop an effective drug to help keep weight off.
Obesity-Induced Brain Changes May Be Reason Weight Control Is So Hard:
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