An international study showed testosterone, when used with no other hormone therapy, is an effective treatment for low libido in postmenopausal women. More than 800 women from 65 centers in the United States, Canada, Australia, the United Kingdom and Sweden participated in the study, the first to show that testosterone administered by a skin patch can boost sex drive in postmenopausal women.
Previous studies have shown testosterone treatment for low libido is beneficial for women undergoing estrogen therapy. However, this study shows testosterone by itself could be a good alternative for women who do not want to take estrogen.
WHO:
Glenn Braunstein, M.D., chairman of the Department of Medicine at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, is a primary investigator of the study and a co-author of an article in the New England Journal of Medicine. He is an expert in endocrinology, diabetes and metabolism, with a major research focus on androgen physiology in women and androgen treatment of women.
WHEN:
The study will be published in the Nov. 6 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine.
DISCLOSURE:
The study was supported by funding from Proctor & Gamble Pharmaceuticals USA. Dr. Braunstein has previously served as a paid consultant for Proctor & Gamble and he reviewed this study data on behalf of the company.
Cedars Sinai Medical Center
вторник, 5 июня 2012 г.
вторник, 29 мая 2012 г.
Bone Fractures In Many Postmenopausal Women May Be Prevented By Alendronate
Giving 10mg per day of the bisphosphate drug alendronate to women after their menopause can help prevent loss of bone mass, reducing their risk of fractures, a Cochrane Review has found. This finding applies to women who have started to lose their bone mass but have no fractures (primary prevention), as well as those who have lost significant bone mass and/or have had fractures (secondary prevention).
Healthy bones constantly break down and rebuild their structure. The process is sensitive to hormones and once women have passed through the menopause the balance is disturbed; their bones tend to break down slightly more than they build. Over time this leads to a noticeable loss of bone mass, and weakening of the bones. Once the bones become too weak they are prone to fracture.
A team of Cochrane Researchers set out to evaluate the evidence behind the use of alendronate for primary and secondary prevention of bone fractures in these women. Alendronate works by inhibiting the bone break down process.
By studying the outcomes of eleven trials that involved a total of 12,068 women the researchers found significant evidence of both primary and secondary prevention against breaking bones in the back (vertebrae). In secondary prevention, there was also a statistically significant protection against fractures of other bones including those in the hip and wrist.
"This work revealed no increase in side effects in the women who were using the drugs, despite the fact that some studies outside clinical trials raise the possibility of stomach and jaw complaints," says lead author Dr George Wells, who works in the Department of Epidemiology and Community Medicine at the University of Ottawa.
"As a woman gets older, her risk of having on-going health problems or dying is significantly greater if she has reduced bone density and then breaks a bone such as a hip, so it is important to find effective preventative therapies with low or no side-effects," says Wells.
The latest findings from The Cochrane Library
Source: Jennifer Beal
Wiley-Blackwell
Wiley-Blackwell
Healthy bones constantly break down and rebuild their structure. The process is sensitive to hormones and once women have passed through the menopause the balance is disturbed; their bones tend to break down slightly more than they build. Over time this leads to a noticeable loss of bone mass, and weakening of the bones. Once the bones become too weak they are prone to fracture.
A team of Cochrane Researchers set out to evaluate the evidence behind the use of alendronate for primary and secondary prevention of bone fractures in these women. Alendronate works by inhibiting the bone break down process.
By studying the outcomes of eleven trials that involved a total of 12,068 women the researchers found significant evidence of both primary and secondary prevention against breaking bones in the back (vertebrae). In secondary prevention, there was also a statistically significant protection against fractures of other bones including those in the hip and wrist.
"This work revealed no increase in side effects in the women who were using the drugs, despite the fact that some studies outside clinical trials raise the possibility of stomach and jaw complaints," says lead author Dr George Wells, who works in the Department of Epidemiology and Community Medicine at the University of Ottawa.
"As a woman gets older, her risk of having on-going health problems or dying is significantly greater if she has reduced bone density and then breaks a bone such as a hip, so it is important to find effective preventative therapies with low or no side-effects," says Wells.
The latest findings from The Cochrane Library
Source: Jennifer Beal
Wiley-Blackwell
Wiley-Blackwell
вторник, 22 мая 2012 г.
Lower Rates for Breast & Cervical Cancer Screening Among Latina Immigrants, USA
Comparing cancer screening rates for 3,340 foreign-born Latinas, U.S.-born Latinas and non-Latina white women,
researchers found that foreign-born Latinas had the highest rates of never receiving mammography (21 percent), clinical
breast examinations (24 percent), and Pap smears (9 percent).
After controlling for socioeconomic factors, however, foreign-born Latinas were more likely to report mammography use in the
previous two years and a Pap smear in the previous three years than non-Latina whites.
The researchers found that lack of health insurance coverage was the strongest predictor of cancer screening
underutilization. They suggest that if access to care for foreign-born Latinas was improved, they would use cancer screening
services appropriately.
Breast and Cervical Cancer Screening: Impact of health Insurance Status, Ethnicity, and Nativity of Latinas
By Michael A. Rodriguez, M.D., et al
Annals of Family Medicine is a peer-reviewed research journal that provides a cross-disciplinary forum for new,
evidence-based information affecting the primary care discipline. Launched in May 2003, the journal is sponsored by six
family medical organizations, including the American Academy of Family Physicians, the American Board of Family Medicine, the
Society of Teachers of Family Medicine, the Association of Departments of Family Medicine, the Association of Family Medicine
Residency Directors and the North American Primary Care Research Group. Annals is published six times each year and contains
original research from the clinical, biomedical, social and health services areas, as well as contributions on methodology
and theory, selected reviews, essays and editorials. A board of directors with representatives from each of the sponsoring
organizations oversees Annals. Complete editorial content and interactive discussion groups for each published article can be
accessed free of charge on the journal's Web site, annfammed.
Contact: Angela Lower
alowerhotmail
913-906-6253
American Academy of Family Physicians
aafp
researchers found that foreign-born Latinas had the highest rates of never receiving mammography (21 percent), clinical
breast examinations (24 percent), and Pap smears (9 percent).
After controlling for socioeconomic factors, however, foreign-born Latinas were more likely to report mammography use in the
previous two years and a Pap smear in the previous three years than non-Latina whites.
The researchers found that lack of health insurance coverage was the strongest predictor of cancer screening
underutilization. They suggest that if access to care for foreign-born Latinas was improved, they would use cancer screening
services appropriately.
Breast and Cervical Cancer Screening: Impact of health Insurance Status, Ethnicity, and Nativity of Latinas
By Michael A. Rodriguez, M.D., et al
Annals of Family Medicine is a peer-reviewed research journal that provides a cross-disciplinary forum for new,
evidence-based information affecting the primary care discipline. Launched in May 2003, the journal is sponsored by six
family medical organizations, including the American Academy of Family Physicians, the American Board of Family Medicine, the
Society of Teachers of Family Medicine, the Association of Departments of Family Medicine, the Association of Family Medicine
Residency Directors and the North American Primary Care Research Group. Annals is published six times each year and contains
original research from the clinical, biomedical, social and health services areas, as well as contributions on methodology
and theory, selected reviews, essays and editorials. A board of directors with representatives from each of the sponsoring
organizations oversees Annals. Complete editorial content and interactive discussion groups for each published article can be
accessed free of charge on the journal's Web site, annfammed.
Contact: Angela Lower
alowerhotmail
913-906-6253
American Academy of Family Physicians
aafp
вторник, 15 мая 2012 г.
New Survey Reveals Mums Blame Back Pain On Children And Buggies
Children are a pain in the back!
New survey reveals that 83% of Mums suffer back pain directly related to caring for young children
A new survey* conducted by Maclaren Buggys and BackCare, 'The Charity for Healthier Backs', has revealed that 83% of Mums suffering from back pain believe it has been caused or exacerbated by their children. Mums cite pregnancy as well as the day-to-day lifting and carrying of their children as the main reasons but the survey highlighted a significant proportion of these mums (73%) also link back pain to pushing, folding or lifting pushchairs. Sash Newman, Chief Executive for BackCare comments "A pushchair is one of the most important pieces of baby equipment a parent buys - they will be using it constantly for years, not just months. If you choose one that has the wrong handle height for you, is too heavy, or is difficult to fold and lift then you could be storing up some real problems for the future."
In response to the survey, Backcare has joined forces with Maclaren to create a 'Top Ten Tips' providing advice on what to look for when choosing the right pushchair plus general tips on how to care for your back when looking after young children. These 'tips' are below and are on the Maclaren website at: maclarenbaby/gb/backcare
The survey reveals just how often women are using their pushchairs:
- 84% of women are using their pushchairs up to 3 times a day
- 91% are folding or unfolding them up to 3 times a day
- 87% are pushing them between three and ten miles a week.
- 47% are frequently lifting them in and out of the car
Adds Sash, "With such high usage all parents should consider the effects of a pushchair on their back and look for features that promote good back health - not just one that looks good or is used by a celebrity and hopefully our 'Top Ten Tips' will help women make the right choice for them." She continues, "When choosing a pushchair women should be looking for good handle height - too short and you'll be bending your back. The frame design should allow you to take a full stride, it should also be light to lift and easy to fold. We have found all these elements in Maclaren Buggys."
Jo Ebdon, Marketing Manager at Maclaren comments, "87% of parents push their buggies between 3-10 miles per week. That's a lot of regular use so it's important for parents to be comfortable. All our buggies have ergonomically optimised handles that keep parents' arms in a good pushing position and therefore their head, neck and back in correct alignment. Our unique angled A-frame design also ensures parents can take nice large steps without the risk of kicking the back of the buggy when walking." She continues, "The survey also highlighted the importance of handle height to Mums. Maclaren buggies have a good range of handle heights at 104 - 114 cm (41-45"). Plus our Techno XT and XLR models also have height adjustable handles, for increased flexibility and comfort."
This care for women is rooted in the Maclaren design. Back in 1965, Owen Maclaren, a former test pilot and aeronautical engineer, saw his daughter struggling with her bulky, cumbersome pram and was inspired to design something more user-friendly. He created a portable, lightweight (just 3kg/6lbs) yet sturdy buggy for her with a unique umbrella-fold mechanism. Thus the first Maclaren buggy was born and went onto revolutionise baby transport and become an iconic design.
The company has continued in this innovative vein and today each buggy is ergonomically optimised to promote comfort and good posture. Jo adds "We make our frames from strong, but lightweight aluminium and we have the lightest buggy on the market - the Volo, weighing in at just 4.0kg. In addition all our buggies have a 5-second one-hand fold for ease of use and what's more we're so confident in the design and quality, every one is now eligible for our unique Sovereign Lifetime WarrantyTM.
Top Ten Tips For Mums On How To Look After Their Backs
1. Look for a buggy with good handle height to keep yours arms in a good pushing position - this will help keep your head, neck and back in the correct alignment.
2. When pushing your buggy you should keep your shoulders down and relaxed and your elbows in.
3. Make sure the buggy you choose has a frame that allows you to swing your legs fully in front when walking.
4. Opt for a lightweight buggy, especially if you are always lifting it in and out of the car.
5. Make sure your buggy is easy to fold/unfold.
6. When lifting your child try not to bend over, instead bend at the knees and squat next to your baby. Hold your baby close to you and straighten up from the knees. 'Bend your knees, not your back' is the key to lifting small children.
7. If you are picking up a toddler, put one foot in front of the other, bend at your knees and encourage them to 'walk' up your front leg.
8. Avoid carrying your child on one hip - instead carry them in front of your body with their legs around your hips.
9. Exercise your back regularly - many exercises and activities can help you keep your back fit and healthy. Yoga, walking and swimming are particularly popular.
10. Use a well-designed backpack, such as the one BackCare has available** that spreads the weight evenly over your shoulders to carry your baby equipment - not a single sling bag.
Please note the aforementioned tips do not constitute medical advice and information displayed on maclarenbaby should not be used to replace medical advice received from qualified (healthcare) professionals, Maclaren is not in a position to recommend any specific treatment, product or therapy.
Sources:
* Conducted on babyexpert, thinkbaby and babyworld in January 2009, among 1206 volunteer women respondents.
** BackCare has designed a range of back packs to help you protect your back and make a difference to your posture and performance. More information on this unique back pack can be found at backcare or by calling 0208 977 5474.
Notes
Maclaren Buggys are eligible for Maclaren Sovereign Lifetime Warranty™, the world's first global lifetime warranty, when parents register online at maclarenbaby within 45 days of purchase.
Maclaren is committed to safeguarding the environment by acting in a socially responsible manner and by adhering to the principles of: reduce, reuse and recycle.
Source
BackCare
New survey reveals that 83% of Mums suffer back pain directly related to caring for young children
A new survey* conducted by Maclaren Buggys and BackCare, 'The Charity for Healthier Backs', has revealed that 83% of Mums suffering from back pain believe it has been caused or exacerbated by their children. Mums cite pregnancy as well as the day-to-day lifting and carrying of their children as the main reasons but the survey highlighted a significant proportion of these mums (73%) also link back pain to pushing, folding or lifting pushchairs. Sash Newman, Chief Executive for BackCare comments "A pushchair is one of the most important pieces of baby equipment a parent buys - they will be using it constantly for years, not just months. If you choose one that has the wrong handle height for you, is too heavy, or is difficult to fold and lift then you could be storing up some real problems for the future."
In response to the survey, Backcare has joined forces with Maclaren to create a 'Top Ten Tips' providing advice on what to look for when choosing the right pushchair plus general tips on how to care for your back when looking after young children. These 'tips' are below and are on the Maclaren website at: maclarenbaby/gb/backcare
The survey reveals just how often women are using their pushchairs:
- 84% of women are using their pushchairs up to 3 times a day
- 91% are folding or unfolding them up to 3 times a day
- 87% are pushing them between three and ten miles a week.
- 47% are frequently lifting them in and out of the car
Adds Sash, "With such high usage all parents should consider the effects of a pushchair on their back and look for features that promote good back health - not just one that looks good or is used by a celebrity and hopefully our 'Top Ten Tips' will help women make the right choice for them." She continues, "When choosing a pushchair women should be looking for good handle height - too short and you'll be bending your back. The frame design should allow you to take a full stride, it should also be light to lift and easy to fold. We have found all these elements in Maclaren Buggys."
Jo Ebdon, Marketing Manager at Maclaren comments, "87% of parents push their buggies between 3-10 miles per week. That's a lot of regular use so it's important for parents to be comfortable. All our buggies have ergonomically optimised handles that keep parents' arms in a good pushing position and therefore their head, neck and back in correct alignment. Our unique angled A-frame design also ensures parents can take nice large steps without the risk of kicking the back of the buggy when walking." She continues, "The survey also highlighted the importance of handle height to Mums. Maclaren buggies have a good range of handle heights at 104 - 114 cm (41-45"). Plus our Techno XT and XLR models also have height adjustable handles, for increased flexibility and comfort."
This care for women is rooted in the Maclaren design. Back in 1965, Owen Maclaren, a former test pilot and aeronautical engineer, saw his daughter struggling with her bulky, cumbersome pram and was inspired to design something more user-friendly. He created a portable, lightweight (just 3kg/6lbs) yet sturdy buggy for her with a unique umbrella-fold mechanism. Thus the first Maclaren buggy was born and went onto revolutionise baby transport and become an iconic design.
The company has continued in this innovative vein and today each buggy is ergonomically optimised to promote comfort and good posture. Jo adds "We make our frames from strong, but lightweight aluminium and we have the lightest buggy on the market - the Volo, weighing in at just 4.0kg. In addition all our buggies have a 5-second one-hand fold for ease of use and what's more we're so confident in the design and quality, every one is now eligible for our unique Sovereign Lifetime WarrantyTM.
Top Ten Tips For Mums On How To Look After Their Backs
1. Look for a buggy with good handle height to keep yours arms in a good pushing position - this will help keep your head, neck and back in the correct alignment.
2. When pushing your buggy you should keep your shoulders down and relaxed and your elbows in.
3. Make sure the buggy you choose has a frame that allows you to swing your legs fully in front when walking.
4. Opt for a lightweight buggy, especially if you are always lifting it in and out of the car.
5. Make sure your buggy is easy to fold/unfold.
6. When lifting your child try not to bend over, instead bend at the knees and squat next to your baby. Hold your baby close to you and straighten up from the knees. 'Bend your knees, not your back' is the key to lifting small children.
7. If you are picking up a toddler, put one foot in front of the other, bend at your knees and encourage them to 'walk' up your front leg.
8. Avoid carrying your child on one hip - instead carry them in front of your body with their legs around your hips.
9. Exercise your back regularly - many exercises and activities can help you keep your back fit and healthy. Yoga, walking and swimming are particularly popular.
10. Use a well-designed backpack, such as the one BackCare has available** that spreads the weight evenly over your shoulders to carry your baby equipment - not a single sling bag.
Please note the aforementioned tips do not constitute medical advice and information displayed on maclarenbaby should not be used to replace medical advice received from qualified (healthcare) professionals, Maclaren is not in a position to recommend any specific treatment, product or therapy.
Sources:
* Conducted on babyexpert, thinkbaby and babyworld in January 2009, among 1206 volunteer women respondents.
** BackCare has designed a range of back packs to help you protect your back and make a difference to your posture and performance. More information on this unique back pack can be found at backcare or by calling 0208 977 5474.
Notes
Maclaren Buggys are eligible for Maclaren Sovereign Lifetime Warranty™, the world's first global lifetime warranty, when parents register online at maclarenbaby within 45 days of purchase.
Maclaren is committed to safeguarding the environment by acting in a socially responsible manner and by adhering to the principles of: reduce, reuse and recycle.
Source
BackCare
вторник, 8 мая 2012 г.
Regular Paracetamol (acetaminophen) Reduces Ovarian Cancer Risk Significantly
The regular use of paracetamol (acetaminophen) can reduce a woman's risk of developing ovarian cancer by 30%, according to researchers from Athens University, Greece, who looked at eight studies covering more than three-quarters of a million women.
However, long-term use of paracetamol also raises the risk of kidney and liver failure. The researchers said more long term studies are needed to look into the effects. They also said that women should not start taking paracetamol because of the findings of this study.
About 1 in every 60 women develops ovarian cancer. For those that do develop it, survival rates are low. Under one third of ovarian cancer patients live longer than five years after diagnosis. The main reason for its high death rate is that diagnosis usually happens when the cancer is well advanced.
You can read about this study in the British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology.
The researchers looked at data from the UK, USA and Denmark, dating from 1996 to 2004. Of the 746,000 women, 4,405 had ovarian cancer. They found a significant link between ovarian cancer protection and 'regular' use of paracetamol. 'Regular', in this study, meant 30 tablets per month or more.
The researchers stressed that they do not know whether the cancer-protecting benefits outweigh the increased risk of liver and kidney failure. As a cancer-protective link has been identified, they said, further research should be carried out.
"Paracetamol use and risk of ovarian cancer: a meta-analysis"
Authors: Stefanos Bonovas, Kalitsa Filioussi & Nikolaos M. Sitaras
British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology
Volume 62 Page 113 - July 2006
doi:10.1111/j.1365-2125.2005.02526.x
Volume 62 Issue 1
Link to Abstract
However, long-term use of paracetamol also raises the risk of kidney and liver failure. The researchers said more long term studies are needed to look into the effects. They also said that women should not start taking paracetamol because of the findings of this study.
About 1 in every 60 women develops ovarian cancer. For those that do develop it, survival rates are low. Under one third of ovarian cancer patients live longer than five years after diagnosis. The main reason for its high death rate is that diagnosis usually happens when the cancer is well advanced.
You can read about this study in the British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology.
The researchers looked at data from the UK, USA and Denmark, dating from 1996 to 2004. Of the 746,000 women, 4,405 had ovarian cancer. They found a significant link between ovarian cancer protection and 'regular' use of paracetamol. 'Regular', in this study, meant 30 tablets per month or more.
The researchers stressed that they do not know whether the cancer-protecting benefits outweigh the increased risk of liver and kidney failure. As a cancer-protective link has been identified, they said, further research should be carried out.
"Paracetamol use and risk of ovarian cancer: a meta-analysis"
Authors: Stefanos Bonovas, Kalitsa Filioussi & Nikolaos M. Sitaras
British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology
Volume 62 Page 113 - July 2006
doi:10.1111/j.1365-2125.2005.02526.x
Volume 62 Issue 1
Link to Abstract
вторник, 1 мая 2012 г.
Older Women With Urinary Dysfunction Tend To Prefer To Live With The Problem Than Undergo Treatment
Pelvic floor dysfunctions (PFD) are common among elderly women, but little is known about how this group views quality of life and PFD care. In the February 2008 issue of Urologic Nursing, Katharine K. O'Dell, Cynthia Jacelon and Abraham N. Morse discuss how frail, elderly women living in residential facilities feel PFD affects their quality of life and outline their preferences for care.
The authors say many frail, elderly women feel the discomfort of being assessed and treated for PFD outweighs the discomfort of living with the symptoms, even if their quality of life is improved with treatment. O'Dell and co-authors suggest caregivers intervene more often and clearly define how interventions would change the patient's quality of life while also valuing the patient's preferences for care. They say future research should explore models of care and patient-centered treatment options for this unique group.
"I'd Rather Just Go On as I Am" - Pelvic Floor Care Preferences of Frail, Elderly Women in Residential Care
Katharine K. O'Dell, PhD, RN, CNM; Cynthia Jacelon, PhD, RN, CRRN-A; Abraham N. Morse, MD
Urologic Nursing; February 2008
suna
The Society of Urologic Nurses and Associates is a national, non-profit professional membership association with over 3,000 members and annual revenues of $1.5 million. SUNA derives its income from membership dues (only $60), conference registration fees, exhibits, advertising, grants, and the sale of educational products.
SUNA publishes a professional, peer-reviewed bi-monthly journal (Urologic Nursing Journal) and a bi-monthly newsletter (Uro-Gram). SUNA establishes the scope and standards of urologic nursing practice and the scope and standards of advanced urologic nursing practice. SUNA provides scholarships, grants and awards to deserving nurses and other health care professionals.
SUNA supports and promotes the certification of urologic nurses and associates by providing educational preparation for the examinations offered which lead to certification in three areas.
SUNA provides a variety of opportunities for participation including local chapters, task forces and Special Interest Groups (SIGS) in five major subspecialty areas.
suna
The authors say many frail, elderly women feel the discomfort of being assessed and treated for PFD outweighs the discomfort of living with the symptoms, even if their quality of life is improved with treatment. O'Dell and co-authors suggest caregivers intervene more often and clearly define how interventions would change the patient's quality of life while also valuing the patient's preferences for care. They say future research should explore models of care and patient-centered treatment options for this unique group.
"I'd Rather Just Go On as I Am" - Pelvic Floor Care Preferences of Frail, Elderly Women in Residential Care
Katharine K. O'Dell, PhD, RN, CNM; Cynthia Jacelon, PhD, RN, CRRN-A; Abraham N. Morse, MD
Urologic Nursing; February 2008
suna
The Society of Urologic Nurses and Associates is a national, non-profit professional membership association with over 3,000 members and annual revenues of $1.5 million. SUNA derives its income from membership dues (only $60), conference registration fees, exhibits, advertising, grants, and the sale of educational products.
SUNA publishes a professional, peer-reviewed bi-monthly journal (Urologic Nursing Journal) and a bi-monthly newsletter (Uro-Gram). SUNA establishes the scope and standards of urologic nursing practice and the scope and standards of advanced urologic nursing practice. SUNA provides scholarships, grants and awards to deserving nurses and other health care professionals.
SUNA supports and promotes the certification of urologic nurses and associates by providing educational preparation for the examinations offered which lead to certification in three areas.
SUNA provides a variety of opportunities for participation including local chapters, task forces and Special Interest Groups (SIGS) in five major subspecialty areas.
suna
вторник, 24 апреля 2012 г.
Statehealthfacts.org Adds Updated Information On Women's Health
New data on women's health, Statehealthfacts: Statehealthfacts recently posted new and updated data on women's health, including family planning under Medicaid, abortion policies, insurance coverage of contraceptives, and cervical and breast cancer deaths (Kaiser Family Foundation release, 9/6).
Reprinted with kind permission from kaisernetwork. You can view the entire Kaiser Daily Health Policy Report, search the archives, or sign up for email delivery at kaisernetwork/dailyreports/healthpolicy. The Kaiser Daily Health Policy Report is published for kaisernetwork, a free service of The Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation© 2005 Advisory Board Company and Kaiser Family Foundation. All rights reserved.
Reprinted with kind permission from kaisernetwork. You can view the entire Kaiser Daily Health Policy Report, search the archives, or sign up for email delivery at kaisernetwork/dailyreports/healthpolicy. The Kaiser Daily Health Policy Report is published for kaisernetwork, a free service of The Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation© 2005 Advisory Board Company and Kaiser Family Foundation. All rights reserved.
вторник, 17 апреля 2012 г.
Blogs Comment On Supreme Court Nominee, Patients' Choice Act, Other Issues
The following summarizes selected women's health-related blog entries.
~ "Obama Supreme Court Pick: Sonia Sotomayor," Lynn Sweet, Chicago Sun-Times' "The Scoop From Washington": "President Obama was looking for someone with empathy and a 'real life' storyline" when making his Supreme Court nomination, and he "probably got both with his historic pick" of federal appellate court Judge Sonia Sotomayor, Sweet writes. She adds, "If confirmed, Sotomayor will be only the third woman justice in the history of the United States" and the first Hispanic to serve on the court. Sweet writes that although the Democrats have 60 votes in the Senate, "that does not mean there will not be a confirmation battle," adding, "Already on Tuesday morning, a videotape of comments Sotomayor made while on a panel discussion -- about how judges make policy -- is being replayed along with the story of her appointment." According to Sweet, the video will "become a rallying cry for groups already organizing to block her confirmation." She notes that Wendy Long, counsel to the conservative Judicial Confirmation Network, said that Sotomayor is a "liberal judicial activist of the first order who thinks her own personal political agenda is more important [than] the law as written. She thinks that judges should dictate policy, and that one's sex, race and ethnicity ought to affect the decisions one renders from the bench" (Sweet, "The Scoop From Washington," Chicago Sun Times, 5/26).
~ "Nelson Open To Filibustering Obama Court Nominee," Sam Stein, Huffington Post blogs: Senate Republicans -- who have "spent weeks working to frame the type of judicial resume that would be acceptable" for a Supreme Court nominee -- "got what could be a bit of a boost" when Sen. Ben Nelson (D-Neb.), a "key moderate Democrat," said he would be open to filibustering Obama's pick to replace retiring Justice David Souter, Stein writes. During an interview on Fox News Sunday, Nelson cautioned Obama against choosing an "activist judge," adding that he "would hope that there wouldn't be any circumstances that would be so extreme with any of the president's nominees that the other side would feel the need to filibuster or that I might feel the need to filibuster in the case of extraordinary circumstances." Earlier in the interview, Nelson said that he "understand[s] that there could be certain circumstances where you might vote against somebody on the filibuster" (Stein, Huffington Post blogs, 5/24).
~ "Patients' Choice Act: Nice Rhetoric, Swiss Cheese Policy," Julia Kaye, Womenstake: It is "heartening to know that members of Congress from both sides of the aisle have come to recognize the severe failures of the current health care system -- nowhere more obvious than in the individual market -- and more importantly, are introducing legislation to reform it," Kaye writes. However, she adds that the Patients' Choice Act of 2009 -- introduced last week by Sens. Tom Coburn (R-Okla.) and Richard Burr (R-N.C.), and Reps. Paul Ryan (R-Wis.) and Devin Nunes (R-Calif.) -- proposes a state-based marketplace for individuals seeking insurance. It also includes "nice" rhetoric but has holes in terms of some policy issues, Kaye writes, adding, "To start with, the summary does not actually state that insurers participating in the exchanges would have to provide coverage on a guaranteed issue basis -- which means that no one can be denied coverage for any reason. It says only: 'Guaranteed access to care.'" In addition, the proposal does not include incentives for insurance companies to join the state exchanges, which puts the idea that state-based exchanges will "provide a regulated environment" on "shaky ground," she writes. Lastly, Kaye writes that although the plan relies on tax credits to help cover the cost of premiums, they are capped tax credits that fail to "account for differences in premiums that unfairly penalize women and older people -- differences that are allowed under the new proposal." She concludes that the "Patients' Choice Act is not the yellow brick road to comprehensive, affordable, quality health care that meets women's needs" (Kaye, Womenstake, 5/22).
Antiabortion-rights blog
~ "Going Public About White House Abortion Meeting," David Brody, The Brody File: Wendy Wright, president of Concerned Women for America, is "going public with details from a private White House meeting about abortion reduction," Brody writes. According to an article recently Wright, White House Director of Domestic Policy Melody Barnes said that the goal of the meeting was to discuss how to "reduce the need for abortions," rather than "reduce the number of abortions." Brody writes that Wright and other antiabortion-rights advocates "are wary and skeptical of the Obama administration in this area," but it is "hard to argue that the Obama administration is not making a good faith effort." He continues, "If this is not a good faith effort, then the answer will lie in the final product because the real question is what will the final abortion reduction initiative look like" (Brody, The Brody File, 5/22).
Reprinted with kind permission from nationalpartnership. You can view the entire Daily Women's Health Policy Report, search the archives, or sign up for email delivery here. The Daily Women's Health Policy Report is a free service of the National Partnership for Women & Families, published by The Advisory Board Company.
© 2009 The Advisory Board Company. All rights reserved.
~ "Obama Supreme Court Pick: Sonia Sotomayor," Lynn Sweet, Chicago Sun-Times' "The Scoop From Washington": "President Obama was looking for someone with empathy and a 'real life' storyline" when making his Supreme Court nomination, and he "probably got both with his historic pick" of federal appellate court Judge Sonia Sotomayor, Sweet writes. She adds, "If confirmed, Sotomayor will be only the third woman justice in the history of the United States" and the first Hispanic to serve on the court. Sweet writes that although the Democrats have 60 votes in the Senate, "that does not mean there will not be a confirmation battle," adding, "Already on Tuesday morning, a videotape of comments Sotomayor made while on a panel discussion -- about how judges make policy -- is being replayed along with the story of her appointment." According to Sweet, the video will "become a rallying cry for groups already organizing to block her confirmation." She notes that Wendy Long, counsel to the conservative Judicial Confirmation Network, said that Sotomayor is a "liberal judicial activist of the first order who thinks her own personal political agenda is more important [than] the law as written. She thinks that judges should dictate policy, and that one's sex, race and ethnicity ought to affect the decisions one renders from the bench" (Sweet, "The Scoop From Washington," Chicago Sun Times, 5/26).
~ "Nelson Open To Filibustering Obama Court Nominee," Sam Stein, Huffington Post blogs: Senate Republicans -- who have "spent weeks working to frame the type of judicial resume that would be acceptable" for a Supreme Court nominee -- "got what could be a bit of a boost" when Sen. Ben Nelson (D-Neb.), a "key moderate Democrat," said he would be open to filibustering Obama's pick to replace retiring Justice David Souter, Stein writes. During an interview on Fox News Sunday, Nelson cautioned Obama against choosing an "activist judge," adding that he "would hope that there wouldn't be any circumstances that would be so extreme with any of the president's nominees that the other side would feel the need to filibuster or that I might feel the need to filibuster in the case of extraordinary circumstances." Earlier in the interview, Nelson said that he "understand[s] that there could be certain circumstances where you might vote against somebody on the filibuster" (Stein, Huffington Post blogs, 5/24).
~ "Patients' Choice Act: Nice Rhetoric, Swiss Cheese Policy," Julia Kaye, Womenstake: It is "heartening to know that members of Congress from both sides of the aisle have come to recognize the severe failures of the current health care system -- nowhere more obvious than in the individual market -- and more importantly, are introducing legislation to reform it," Kaye writes. However, she adds that the Patients' Choice Act of 2009 -- introduced last week by Sens. Tom Coburn (R-Okla.) and Richard Burr (R-N.C.), and Reps. Paul Ryan (R-Wis.) and Devin Nunes (R-Calif.) -- proposes a state-based marketplace for individuals seeking insurance. It also includes "nice" rhetoric but has holes in terms of some policy issues, Kaye writes, adding, "To start with, the summary does not actually state that insurers participating in the exchanges would have to provide coverage on a guaranteed issue basis -- which means that no one can be denied coverage for any reason. It says only: 'Guaranteed access to care.'" In addition, the proposal does not include incentives for insurance companies to join the state exchanges, which puts the idea that state-based exchanges will "provide a regulated environment" on "shaky ground," she writes. Lastly, Kaye writes that although the plan relies on tax credits to help cover the cost of premiums, they are capped tax credits that fail to "account for differences in premiums that unfairly penalize women and older people -- differences that are allowed under the new proposal." She concludes that the "Patients' Choice Act is not the yellow brick road to comprehensive, affordable, quality health care that meets women's needs" (Kaye, Womenstake, 5/22).
Antiabortion-rights blog
~ "Going Public About White House Abortion Meeting," David Brody, The Brody File: Wendy Wright, president of Concerned Women for America, is "going public with details from a private White House meeting about abortion reduction," Brody writes. According to an article recently Wright, White House Director of Domestic Policy Melody Barnes said that the goal of the meeting was to discuss how to "reduce the need for abortions," rather than "reduce the number of abortions." Brody writes that Wright and other antiabortion-rights advocates "are wary and skeptical of the Obama administration in this area," but it is "hard to argue that the Obama administration is not making a good faith effort." He continues, "If this is not a good faith effort, then the answer will lie in the final product because the real question is what will the final abortion reduction initiative look like" (Brody, The Brody File, 5/22).
Reprinted with kind permission from nationalpartnership. You can view the entire Daily Women's Health Policy Report, search the archives, or sign up for email delivery here. The Daily Women's Health Policy Report is a free service of the National Partnership for Women & Families, published by The Advisory Board Company.
© 2009 The Advisory Board Company. All rights reserved.
вторник, 10 апреля 2012 г.
"A Huge Alzheimer Tsunami Is Coming At America's Women"
The burden of Alzheimer's disease on women is huge, with 65% of all patients being female (3 million in America) and 6.7 million women caring for somebody with the disease, says The Shriver Report, a collaboration between California's First Lady Mary Shriver and The Alzheimer's Association. Woman's Nation takes on Alzheimer's reveals how enormous the Alzheimer's toll is on American women, businesses, families and government - all of whom are not adequately prepared. The authors emphasize that people need to learn the facts about AD (Alzheimer's disease).
By the year 2050 approximately 8 million women will have AD in the USA. Co-authors Karen Skelton and Angela Timashenka Geiger write:
A huge Alzheimer tsunami is coming at this nation's women.
Below are some of the highlights of the report:
Over 10 million American females either have AD or look after a patient with the disease
65% of Alzheimer's patients are female
60% of caregivers of Alzheimer's patients are female
40% of caregivers who are female say they have no choice
One third of all female caregivers are caring for somebody with AD around the clock, seven days a week
The impact of AD on business, families and government is estimated to be $300 billion annually
Nearly two-thirds of caregivers who also have a job say they have no choice but to get to work late, clock off early and sometimes take time off to care for somebody with AD.
The Report reveals that as of 2009, women comprised approximately 50% of all workers in the USA; they have emerged as major primary breadwinners. The colossal emotional and physical impacts of being a major breadwinner, bringing up children, driving consumer decisions and caring for an elderly relative are steadily growing.
The current $300 billion impact of AD is set to triple within a few decades, the authors write. 78 million baby boomers are rapidly reaching the age of Alzheimer's onset, Mary Shriver points out; this will soon push up the economic and social costs for America as a whole. In America, 60% of the estimated $56,800 costs related to caring for an Alzheimer's patients are borne by families.
Despite hundreds of clinical trials and millions spent on research, Alzheimer's disease is still incurable. Researchers and experts continue to hope, and say we are making progress. Even so, there is a feeling among most Americans that scientific progress is too slow. When compared to innovative breakthroughs that have occurred in diabetes, stroke, cancer and heart disease, Americans rank Alzheimer's at the bottom of the list.
The Report states that not enough is being done to change the trajectory of AD into a "true national priority", despite current research and media broadcasting.
As the sheer dimensions of the Alzheimer's impending impact become more evident, the Report says we must ask and answer the following questions:
Alzheimer's already has a huge toll, which is growing. Proper levels of public research funding are required. How do we go about making sure this happens?
How can we lower the financial impact of AD on society and families?
There are millions of women torn between having to work and looking after a person with AD. How can they be helped?
72% of Americans say that have not looked into AD care options. How can people prepare for this possible eventuality?
How can the public sector, the private sector, not-for-profits organizations and the media call attention to the threat of AD and implement solutions?
Skelton and Geiger conclude:
"In short, as a society we need to do a much better job of keeping pace with the stark realities of Alzheimer's, especially the reality of the besieged American woman who is raising our next generation while caring for our last."
Source: Alzheimer's Association, The Shriver Report
"The Shriver Report"
A study by Mary Shriver and the Alzheimer's Association
By the year 2050 approximately 8 million women will have AD in the USA. Co-authors Karen Skelton and Angela Timashenka Geiger write:
A huge Alzheimer tsunami is coming at this nation's women.
Below are some of the highlights of the report:
Over 10 million American females either have AD or look after a patient with the disease
65% of Alzheimer's patients are female
60% of caregivers of Alzheimer's patients are female
40% of caregivers who are female say they have no choice
One third of all female caregivers are caring for somebody with AD around the clock, seven days a week
The impact of AD on business, families and government is estimated to be $300 billion annually
Nearly two-thirds of caregivers who also have a job say they have no choice but to get to work late, clock off early and sometimes take time off to care for somebody with AD.
The Report reveals that as of 2009, women comprised approximately 50% of all workers in the USA; they have emerged as major primary breadwinners. The colossal emotional and physical impacts of being a major breadwinner, bringing up children, driving consumer decisions and caring for an elderly relative are steadily growing.
The current $300 billion impact of AD is set to triple within a few decades, the authors write. 78 million baby boomers are rapidly reaching the age of Alzheimer's onset, Mary Shriver points out; this will soon push up the economic and social costs for America as a whole. In America, 60% of the estimated $56,800 costs related to caring for an Alzheimer's patients are borne by families.
Despite hundreds of clinical trials and millions spent on research, Alzheimer's disease is still incurable. Researchers and experts continue to hope, and say we are making progress. Even so, there is a feeling among most Americans that scientific progress is too slow. When compared to innovative breakthroughs that have occurred in diabetes, stroke, cancer and heart disease, Americans rank Alzheimer's at the bottom of the list.
The Report states that not enough is being done to change the trajectory of AD into a "true national priority", despite current research and media broadcasting.
As the sheer dimensions of the Alzheimer's impending impact become more evident, the Report says we must ask and answer the following questions:
Alzheimer's already has a huge toll, which is growing. Proper levels of public research funding are required. How do we go about making sure this happens?
How can we lower the financial impact of AD on society and families?
There are millions of women torn between having to work and looking after a person with AD. How can they be helped?
72% of Americans say that have not looked into AD care options. How can people prepare for this possible eventuality?
How can the public sector, the private sector, not-for-profits organizations and the media call attention to the threat of AD and implement solutions?
Skelton and Geiger conclude:
"In short, as a society we need to do a much better job of keeping pace with the stark realities of Alzheimer's, especially the reality of the besieged American woman who is raising our next generation while caring for our last."
Source: Alzheimer's Association, The Shriver Report
"The Shriver Report"
A study by Mary Shriver and the Alzheimer's Association
вторник, 3 апреля 2012 г.
Forty Percent Of North Carolina Community Pharmacies Not Stocking EC, Survey Says
About 40% of community pharmacies in North Carolina contacted in a recent survey said they do not stock emergency contraception, and 24.2% of pharmacists said EC is the same as mifepristone, according to a report released Monday by NARAL Pro-Choice North Carolina, the Winston-Salem Journal reports. EC, which contains high doses of progestin, can prevent pregnancy if taken within 72 hours of sexual intercourse, while mifepristone is taken in combination with the drug misoprostol to induce a medical abortion (Giovanelli, Winston-Salem Journal, 6/19).
FDA approved Barr Laboratories' application for nonprescription sales of its emergency contraceptive Plan B to women ages 18 and older in August 2006. Major pharmacy chains -- such as CVS, Rite-Aid and Walgreen -- are carrying Plan B in all their stores and have pledged to ensure that customers can buy it at each store even if a certain employee declines to sell the pill because of moral objections (Kaiser Daily Women's Health Policy Report, 3/23). For the survey, researchers contacted 583 community pharmacies -- those not located in hospitals and rehabilitation centers -- statewide and tried to include at least one pharmacy from each ZIP code, NARAL Pro-Choice North Carolina Executive Director Melissa Reed said.
According to the survey, 57% of pharmacies in rural areas stocked EC, compared with 64.3% of pharmacies in urban areas. Eleven percent of pharmacies said they still require clients to have a prescription for Plan B, the survey found (Winston-Salem Journal, 6/19). In addition, researchers found that nearly two-thirds of the pharmacists surveyed said they did not know EC was effective up to 72 hours after intercourse, and quoted pharmacy prices for EC ranged from $20 to $500, the Charlotte Observer reports.
FDA approved Barr Laboratories' application for nonprescription sales of its emergency contraceptive Plan B to women ages 18 and older in August 2006. Major pharmacy chains -- such as CVS, Rite-Aid and Walgreen -- are carrying Plan B in all their stores and have pledged to ensure that customers can buy it at each store even if a certain employee declines to sell the pill because of moral objections (Kaiser Daily Women's Health Policy Report, 3/23). For the survey, researchers contacted 583 community pharmacies -- those not located in hospitals and rehabilitation centers -- statewide and tried to include at least one pharmacy from each ZIP code, NARAL Pro-Choice North Carolina Executive Director Melissa Reed said.
According to the survey, 57% of pharmacies in rural areas stocked EC, compared with 64.3% of pharmacies in urban areas. Eleven percent of pharmacies said they still require clients to have a prescription for Plan B, the survey found (Winston-Salem Journal, 6/19). In addition, researchers found that nearly two-thirds of the pharmacists surveyed said they did not know EC was effective up to 72 hours after intercourse, and quoted pharmacy prices for EC ranged from $20 to $500, the Charlotte Observer reports.
Reaction
"Availability of emergency contraception is critical to reducing unintended pregnancy," Reed said. Amy Woodell, a statewide organizer for NARAL Pro-Choice North Carolina, said, "Our survey found that a lot of the pharmacists had a lot of misinformation," adding, "I think it was surprising." She said the group plans to use the results to inform pharmacists and the general public about EC.
Jay Campbell, executive director of the North Carolina Board of Pharmacy, said the board's policy states that while pharmacists have the right to avoid moral or ethical conflicts, "they do not have a right to obstruct otherwise legitimate prescription dispensing or delivery solely on the basis of conscientious objection." He added that as a "practical matter, I don't know why [pharmacies] would not carry a product that customers need" (Hartsoe, Charlotte Observer, 6/18).
Fred Eckel, executive director of the North Carolina Association of Pharmacists, said, "The owner of the store decides what they are going to stock. There's an inventory investment and a space investment, and I think people should be able to make business choices." Eckel said that the pharmacists' association has held informational sessions about EC at annual meetings, which included a clear distinction between EC and mifepristone. He said that the pharmacists contacted in the survey might have been confused by the questions or might need more information (Winston-Salem Journal, 6/19).
The report is available online.
"Reprinted with permission from kaisernetwork. You can view the entire Kaiser Daily Health Policy Report, search the archives, or sign up for email delivery at kaisernetwork/dailyreports/healthpolicy. The Kaiser Daily Health Policy Report is published for kaisernetwork, a free service of The Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation . © 2005 Advisory Board Company and Kaiser Family Foundation. All rights reserved.
вторник, 27 марта 2012 г.
Poor Heart Health Linked To Mental Impairment In Elderly Women - Aging Heart??™s Inability To Change Rhythm May Be The Cause
Mental impairment and decline in cardiac health are two common complaints of advancing age. A new study, published in Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, suggests that there may be a link between the conditions; specifically, a decline in heart health may lead to cognitive impairment in elderly women.
???According to study author Dae Hyun Kim, a healthy heart naturally varies its rate and rhythm throughout the day in response to physical and mental demands.? "Advancing age and disease can lower the heart's ability to change its rate and rhythm, which can be associated with changes in mental function," says Kim. How this occurs is not clearly known.
???Kim says that further research into the connection between cardiac and mental health is important. ???Mental impairment in the elderly is a major public health issue, and has significant effects on caregivers, the healthcare system and society.??? Identifying contributing risk factors, such as heart health, could help seniors to avoid this debilitating condition.
The primary goal of the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society is to publish articles that are relevant in the broadest terms to the clinical care of older persons. Such articles may span a variety of disciplines and fields and may be of immediate, intermediate, or long-term potential benefit to clinical practice. For more information, please visit blackwellpublishing/jgs.
??????The American Geriatrics Society (AGS) is a nationwide, not-for-profit association of geriatrics health care professionals, research scientists, and other concerned individuals dedicated to improving the health, independence and quality of life of all older people. Please visit americangeriatrics for more information.
?
Blackwell Publishing is the world??™s leading society publisher, partnering with 665 medical, academic, and professional societies. Blackwell publishes over 800 journals and has over 6,000 books in print. The company employs over 1,000 staff members in offices in the US, UK, Australia, China, Singapore, Denmark, Germany, and Japan. Blackwell??™s mission as an expert publisher is to create long-term partnerships with our clients that enhance learning, disseminate research, and improve the quality of professional practice.
For more information on Blackwell Publishing, please visit >blackwellpublishing or >blackwell-synergy.
???According to study author Dae Hyun Kim, a healthy heart naturally varies its rate and rhythm throughout the day in response to physical and mental demands.? "Advancing age and disease can lower the heart's ability to change its rate and rhythm, which can be associated with changes in mental function," says Kim. How this occurs is not clearly known.
???Kim says that further research into the connection between cardiac and mental health is important. ???Mental impairment in the elderly is a major public health issue, and has significant effects on caregivers, the healthcare system and society.??? Identifying contributing risk factors, such as heart health, could help seniors to avoid this debilitating condition.
The primary goal of the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society is to publish articles that are relevant in the broadest terms to the clinical care of older persons. Such articles may span a variety of disciplines and fields and may be of immediate, intermediate, or long-term potential benefit to clinical practice. For more information, please visit blackwellpublishing/jgs.
??????The American Geriatrics Society (AGS) is a nationwide, not-for-profit association of geriatrics health care professionals, research scientists, and other concerned individuals dedicated to improving the health, independence and quality of life of all older people. Please visit americangeriatrics for more information.
?
Blackwell Publishing is the world??™s leading society publisher, partnering with 665 medical, academic, and professional societies. Blackwell publishes over 800 journals and has over 6,000 books in print. The company employs over 1,000 staff members in offices in the US, UK, Australia, China, Singapore, Denmark, Germany, and Japan. Blackwell??™s mission as an expert publisher is to create long-term partnerships with our clients that enhance learning, disseminate research, and improve the quality of professional practice.
For more information on Blackwell Publishing, please visit >blackwellpublishing or >blackwell-synergy.
вторник, 20 марта 2012 г.
Videos Discuss Neb. Antiabortion Laws, Supreme Court Vacancy, Stupak's Retirement
The following summarizes selected women's health-related videos.
Nebraska Laws Spurs Debates: Several media outlets featured reaction to two new Nebraska antiabortion laws that many observers expect to prompt court challenges. On CNN's "American Morning," CNN senior legal analyst Jeffrey Toobin and Politics Daily's Patricia Murphy discussed how the laws differ from existing antiabortion statutes and how related issues could factor into the Supreme Court nomination process (Acosta, "American Morning," CNN, 4/14). Elsewhere on CNN, Julie Schmit-Albin, executive director of Nebraska Right to Life, and Terry O'Neill, president of the National Organization for Women, debated the legitimacy of claims from the laws' supporters that fetuses can feel pain at 20 weeks' gestation (King, CNN, "John King USA," 4/15). On "The Rachel Maddow Show," Tracy Weitz, director of the Bixby Center for Global Reproductive Health, explained scientific studies refuting the notion that fetuses feel pain, and she discussed the legal implications of both laws (Maddow, "The Rachel Maddow Show," MSNBC, 4/14).
This article has moved
This article has been updated and has moved to a new location. Click to continue reading the article here. We apologize for any inconvenience.
Nebraska Laws Spurs Debates: Several media outlets featured reaction to two new Nebraska antiabortion laws that many observers expect to prompt court challenges. On CNN's "American Morning," CNN senior legal analyst Jeffrey Toobin and Politics Daily's Patricia Murphy discussed how the laws differ from existing antiabortion statutes and how related issues could factor into the Supreme Court nomination process (Acosta, "American Morning," CNN, 4/14). Elsewhere on CNN, Julie Schmit-Albin, executive director of Nebraska Right to Life, and Terry O'Neill, president of the National Organization for Women, debated the legitimacy of claims from the laws' supporters that fetuses can feel pain at 20 weeks' gestation (King, CNN, "John King USA," 4/15). On "The Rachel Maddow Show," Tracy Weitz, director of the Bixby Center for Global Reproductive Health, explained scientific studies refuting the notion that fetuses feel pain, and she discussed the legal implications of both laws (Maddow, "The Rachel Maddow Show," MSNBC, 4/14).
This article has moved
This article has been updated and has moved to a new location. Click to continue reading the article here. We apologize for any inconvenience.
вторник, 13 марта 2012 г.
Women With Acute Coronary Syndromes Benefit From Quick Trip To Cath Lab
High-risk women with acute coronary syndrome benefit as much as men from a trip to the cardiac cath lab shortly after being hospitalized, according to a study reported at the Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions (SCAI) 29th Annual Scientific Sessions in Chicago, May 10-13. (Time of presentation: Thursday, May 11, 11:42 a.m. Central Time)
The study adds important new information to an ongoing controversy: whether women with acute coronary syndromes fare better with a combination of drug therapy and watchful waiting or--like men--benefit from early angiography and percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).
"Our findings show that women should not be denied access to the cath lab, particularly high-risk women," said Rachid Elkoustaf, MD, MPH, a senior cardiology fellow at the Henry Low Heart Center at Hartford Hospital in Hartford, CT.
Acute coronary syndromes encompass both unstable angina, or more seriously, a type of heart attack known as non-ST-segment-elevation acute coronary syndrome (NSTE ACS), a name that comes from the shape of the "ST-segment" on the electrocardiogram.
Studies have clearly shown that clinical outcomes are better when high-risk men are quickly taken to the cardiac catheterization laboratory, where an interventional cardiologist threads a catheter into the heart through a nick in an artery in the groin, injects dye to aid in viewing the artery with x-rays, and performs PCI as needed, inflating an angioplasty balloon or placing an expandable stent to open the arterial blockage.
In women, studies have reported conflicting data on whether PCI is the best treatment approach. To answer that question, Dr. Elkoustaf and his colleagues analyzed data from 488 women and 1,036 men who had NSTE ACS and were treated with PCI. Although women had a rockier hospital course than men--they were significantly more likely to need a blood transfusion or repeat PCI, for example--nine-month follow-up revealed similar rates of death and heart attack in the two groups.
Several factors other than gender may explain why women experienced more problems than men while in the hospital, Dr. Elkoustaf said. Women typically were older than men and had more health problems, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and high blood cholesterol. More important, before PCI women were less likely to receive key anti-clotting medications as recommended by treatment guidelines, including glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors.
The study--though limited by its size and the retrospective collection of data--nonetheless has important public health implications and supports a gender-neutral approach to treating patients with ACS, Dr. Elkoustaf said.
Headquartered in Bethesda, Md., the Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions is a 3,400-member professional organization representing invasive and interventional cardiologists. SCAI's mission is to promote excellence in invasive and interventional cardiovascular medicine through physician education and representation, and advancement of quality standards to enhance patient care. SCAI was organized in 1976 under the guidance of Drs. F. Mason Sones and Melvin P. Judkins. The first SCAI Annual Scientific Sessions were held in Chicago in 1978.
Kathy Boyd David
jdavid62juno
Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions
scai
The study adds important new information to an ongoing controversy: whether women with acute coronary syndromes fare better with a combination of drug therapy and watchful waiting or--like men--benefit from early angiography and percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).
"Our findings show that women should not be denied access to the cath lab, particularly high-risk women," said Rachid Elkoustaf, MD, MPH, a senior cardiology fellow at the Henry Low Heart Center at Hartford Hospital in Hartford, CT.
Acute coronary syndromes encompass both unstable angina, or more seriously, a type of heart attack known as non-ST-segment-elevation acute coronary syndrome (NSTE ACS), a name that comes from the shape of the "ST-segment" on the electrocardiogram.
Studies have clearly shown that clinical outcomes are better when high-risk men are quickly taken to the cardiac catheterization laboratory, where an interventional cardiologist threads a catheter into the heart through a nick in an artery in the groin, injects dye to aid in viewing the artery with x-rays, and performs PCI as needed, inflating an angioplasty balloon or placing an expandable stent to open the arterial blockage.
In women, studies have reported conflicting data on whether PCI is the best treatment approach. To answer that question, Dr. Elkoustaf and his colleagues analyzed data from 488 women and 1,036 men who had NSTE ACS and were treated with PCI. Although women had a rockier hospital course than men--they were significantly more likely to need a blood transfusion or repeat PCI, for example--nine-month follow-up revealed similar rates of death and heart attack in the two groups.
Several factors other than gender may explain why women experienced more problems than men while in the hospital, Dr. Elkoustaf said. Women typically were older than men and had more health problems, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and high blood cholesterol. More important, before PCI women were less likely to receive key anti-clotting medications as recommended by treatment guidelines, including glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors.
The study--though limited by its size and the retrospective collection of data--nonetheless has important public health implications and supports a gender-neutral approach to treating patients with ACS, Dr. Elkoustaf said.
Headquartered in Bethesda, Md., the Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions is a 3,400-member professional organization representing invasive and interventional cardiologists. SCAI's mission is to promote excellence in invasive and interventional cardiovascular medicine through physician education and representation, and advancement of quality standards to enhance patient care. SCAI was organized in 1976 under the guidance of Drs. F. Mason Sones and Melvin P. Judkins. The first SCAI Annual Scientific Sessions were held in Chicago in 1978.
Kathy Boyd David
jdavid62juno
Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions
scai
вторник, 6 марта 2012 г.
3rd National Conference On Women's Health, Ireland, 26th May 2007
Date: Saturday, 26th May, 2007
Venue: Tullamore Court Hotel, Tullamore, Co Offaly
Accreditation: 2 CME Sessions & 6 CAS Credits
Registration
Please click here to register for the conference online or download the registration form below.
Programme
8.30am: Registration
9.00am: Opening Address
SESSION 1 - SEXUAL HEALTH
9.10am: Taking a Sexual History, Dr Julian Maitland
9.50am: Accessible Services to Young People Reports from Projects
10.30am: Morning Tea / Exhibitors & Poster Presentations
SESSION 2 - CASE-BASED COMMON PROBLEMS
11.00am: Migraine, Dr Orla Hardiman
11.30am: Lifestyle Management in Diabetes, Dr John O'Riordan
12.00pm: Cardiovascular Risk Assessment in Women, Dr Charles McCreery
12.30pm: Launch of the Cardiovascular Disease in Women Impact Document
12.45pm: Lunch/Exhibitions
SESSION 3 - REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH
1.45pm: Contraception in the Peri-menopause, Ms Gilly Andrews
2.25pm: Care of Women after Abortion, Dr Rita Galimberti/Ms Margaret Dunne
3.05pm: Launch of the Key Contacts Document
3.15pm: Afternoon Tea
SESSION 4 - OFFICE GYNAECOLOGY
3.45pm: Pre-menstrual Syndrome, Dr Claudine Domoney
4.20pm: HPV Vaccine, Prof Walter Prendiville
4.45pm: Closing Remarks
3rd National Women's Health Conference Registration Form & Programme (pdf)
The Irish College of General Practitioners
Venue: Tullamore Court Hotel, Tullamore, Co Offaly
Accreditation: 2 CME Sessions & 6 CAS Credits
Registration
Please click here to register for the conference online or download the registration form below.
Programme
8.30am: Registration
9.00am: Opening Address
SESSION 1 - SEXUAL HEALTH
9.10am: Taking a Sexual History, Dr Julian Maitland
9.50am: Accessible Services to Young People Reports from Projects
10.30am: Morning Tea / Exhibitors & Poster Presentations
SESSION 2 - CASE-BASED COMMON PROBLEMS
11.00am: Migraine, Dr Orla Hardiman
11.30am: Lifestyle Management in Diabetes, Dr John O'Riordan
12.00pm: Cardiovascular Risk Assessment in Women, Dr Charles McCreery
12.30pm: Launch of the Cardiovascular Disease in Women Impact Document
12.45pm: Lunch/Exhibitions
SESSION 3 - REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH
1.45pm: Contraception in the Peri-menopause, Ms Gilly Andrews
2.25pm: Care of Women after Abortion, Dr Rita Galimberti/Ms Margaret Dunne
3.05pm: Launch of the Key Contacts Document
3.15pm: Afternoon Tea
SESSION 4 - OFFICE GYNAECOLOGY
3.45pm: Pre-menstrual Syndrome, Dr Claudine Domoney
4.20pm: HPV Vaccine, Prof Walter Prendiville
4.45pm: Closing Remarks
3rd National Women's Health Conference Registration Form & Programme (pdf)
The Irish College of General Practitioners
вторник, 28 февраля 2012 г.
Women In U.S. Having More 'Unwanted' Pregnancies, Study Says; Reasons For Shift Unknown
Women in the US are having more "unwanted" pregnancies, but it is unknown if the shift indicates a change in views toward abortion, federal researchers said on Monday, the AP/Baltimore Sun reports. The National Center on Health Statistics recently released a 2002 and early 2003 survey that asked 7,643 women ages 15 to 44 questions regarding family planning and reproductive health, including the question, "Right before you became pregnant, did you yourself want to have a baby at any time in the future?" According to Anjani Chandra, lead author of the study, women who responded "no" were categorized as having "unwanted" pregnancies, and women who responded that the pregnancy was sooner than they had wanted were categorized as having "mistimed" pregnancies. According to the survey's parameters, 14% of participants' recent births were defined as "unwanted" at conception. A similar survey in 1995 found that 9% of respondents' recent births were defined as "unwanted" at conception. According to the Alan Guttmacher Institute, the surveys are consistent with of the decreasing abortion rate. In 1995, for every 100 pregnancies that ended in either abortion or a birth, 26 ended in abortion. In 2002, 24 of every 100 pregnancies that ended in either abortion or a birth ended in abortion. "The two statistics together suggest -- but don't confirm -- that a greater percentage of unintended pregnancies resulted in births rather than abortions," Lawrence Finer, associate director for domestic research at the institute, said. Finer also said the data might be associated with the drop in the number of abortion providers in the U.S., which fell from 2,400 in 1992 to 1,800 in 2000. At least one antiabortion group said the shift is associated with a change in views on abortion. Susan Wills, associate director for education for the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops' Secretariat for Pro-Life Activities, said the data "sho[w] a real pro-life shift." The Guttmacher Institute currently is conducting a study on unplanned pregnancies in relation to the number of abortions in the U.S. (Stobbe, AP/Baltimore Sun, 12/20).
"Reprinted with permission from kaisernetwork. You can view the entire Kaiser Daily Health Policy Report, search the archives, or sign up for email delivery at kaisernetwork/dailyreports/healthpolicy. The Kaiser Daily Health Policy Report is published for kaisernetwork, a free service of The Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation . © 2005 Advisory Board Company and Kaiser Family Foundation. All rights reserved.
"Reprinted with permission from kaisernetwork. You can view the entire Kaiser Daily Health Policy Report, search the archives, or sign up for email delivery at kaisernetwork/dailyreports/healthpolicy. The Kaiser Daily Health Policy Report is published for kaisernetwork, a free service of The Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation . © 2005 Advisory Board Company and Kaiser Family Foundation. All rights reserved.
вторник, 21 февраля 2012 г.
Research On The Balance Of Bacteria In Women's Bodies Holds Key To Improving Women's Health
A team of Canadian researchers are examining the delicate balance of bacteria and viruses in women's bodies in order to optimize women's health through their lives.
Dr. Deborah Money at the Women's Health Research Institute in Vancouver is leading the initiative, called the Vaginal Microbiome Project, which will examine the communities of microorganisms (bacteria and viruses) in the vagina in order to determine what a healthy bacterial balance is for women. "We know that a healthy balance is critical to preventing vaginal infections, protecting against sexually transmitted infections and preventing pregnancy loss and preterm birth." says Dr. Money. "To date, we have not been able to study this ecosystem adequately because it is difficult or impossible to grow some of the bacteria in the lab, and we currently have poor methods of assessing the population of microbes."
Genomics is making it possible to crack this mystery. Thanks to the latest tools, Dr. Money's team can rapidly sequence up to hundreds of thousands of the bacteria. "What's important about this approach is that we are not looking at a single bacteria in isolation," says Money. "We are able to look at whole communities and how they interact with each other, which is critical to understanding how a woman keeps healthy, and to identifying when something is going wrong with her reproductive system."
The project is funded by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR), through their Canadian Microbiome Initiative, and Genome BC, each contributing $1,745,341 and $581,781 respectively for a total of $2,327,122 over five years. "This project puts Canadian researchers on the forefront of microbiome research," says Dr. Alan Winter, President and CEO of Genome BC. "The fact that the research team includes people from all over Canada is a testament to how effective collaboration is in addressing key health issues."
One of the major consequences of abnormal bacterial balance in the vagina is preterm birth. Preterm birth rates are increasing for Canadian women, now at rates of almost 8%, and are responsible for 70% of newborn deaths and 50% of long-term adverse health consequences for infants. This project will study the bacterial populations associated with preterm birth and develop diagnostic tests in order to prevent preterm birth. "Studies to prevent preterm birth are of importance not only for Canadian women but for women worldwide where preterm birth has even more serious consequences," says Money.
The project will be lead by Dr. Money at University of British Columbia, based at the Women's Health Research Institute, with her co-leads, Drs. Janet Hill at the University of Saskatchewan, Dr. Sean Hemminsgen at the National Research Council, Dr. Gregor Reid at the University of Western Ontario, and Dr. Alan Bocking at the University of Toronto and many other collaborators across Canada.
Source:
Rhian Walker
Genome BC
Dr. Deborah Money at the Women's Health Research Institute in Vancouver is leading the initiative, called the Vaginal Microbiome Project, which will examine the communities of microorganisms (bacteria and viruses) in the vagina in order to determine what a healthy bacterial balance is for women. "We know that a healthy balance is critical to preventing vaginal infections, protecting against sexually transmitted infections and preventing pregnancy loss and preterm birth." says Dr. Money. "To date, we have not been able to study this ecosystem adequately because it is difficult or impossible to grow some of the bacteria in the lab, and we currently have poor methods of assessing the population of microbes."
Genomics is making it possible to crack this mystery. Thanks to the latest tools, Dr. Money's team can rapidly sequence up to hundreds of thousands of the bacteria. "What's important about this approach is that we are not looking at a single bacteria in isolation," says Money. "We are able to look at whole communities and how they interact with each other, which is critical to understanding how a woman keeps healthy, and to identifying when something is going wrong with her reproductive system."
The project is funded by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR), through their Canadian Microbiome Initiative, and Genome BC, each contributing $1,745,341 and $581,781 respectively for a total of $2,327,122 over five years. "This project puts Canadian researchers on the forefront of microbiome research," says Dr. Alan Winter, President and CEO of Genome BC. "The fact that the research team includes people from all over Canada is a testament to how effective collaboration is in addressing key health issues."
One of the major consequences of abnormal bacterial balance in the vagina is preterm birth. Preterm birth rates are increasing for Canadian women, now at rates of almost 8%, and are responsible for 70% of newborn deaths and 50% of long-term adverse health consequences for infants. This project will study the bacterial populations associated with preterm birth and develop diagnostic tests in order to prevent preterm birth. "Studies to prevent preterm birth are of importance not only for Canadian women but for women worldwide where preterm birth has even more serious consequences," says Money.
The project will be lead by Dr. Money at University of British Columbia, based at the Women's Health Research Institute, with her co-leads, Drs. Janet Hill at the University of Saskatchewan, Dr. Sean Hemminsgen at the National Research Council, Dr. Gregor Reid at the University of Western Ontario, and Dr. Alan Bocking at the University of Toronto and many other collaborators across Canada.
Source:
Rhian Walker
Genome BC
вторник, 14 февраля 2012 г.
Decision-Aid Program Increases Safety For Women Experiencing Abuse
Intimate partner violence results in 2 million injuries among women in the U.S. each year, according to the Department of Health and Human Services. University of Missouri researchers are reducing these numbers with a new Web-based program that helps women experiencing abuse develop individualized safety plans and better assess the severity of their situations.
Unlike current Internet resources, the decision-aid program provides women with personalized assessments of the danger of their situations. The program generates a series of initial questions and follow-up questions for each woman, and then creates individualized safety plans based on their responses. A safety plan may include talking with children about what to do if violence suddenly occurs, establishing a safe place to go at a moment's notice, or hiding money and a change of clothes somewhere in or outside the home. Women also receive information about legal processes and community resources.
"The decision-aid provides anonymity and guidance to women who aren't comfortable talking about their situations," said Tina Bloom, assistant professor in the Sinclair School of Nursing. "It helps women think through their decisions, make more informed decisions and decrease decisional conflict - that sort of feeling like they don't know what to do, what their options are or where to look for help."
In the pilot study of the program, the researchers found that women's decisional conflicts were reduced after one use of the decision-aid. Based on the success, the researchers received a grant from the National Institute of Mental Health to expand the program to four states in the next five years.
The program is designed to help women who don't have access to traditional resources, including shelters and doctors. The decision-aid will be available to women anywhere they have safe access to the Internet. Additionally, kiosks with the program will be located in hospitals, doctor's offices, libraries and mental health care facilities.
"In intimate partner violence situations, there are ongoing patterns of violence - the more exposure that women have to violence, the greater their risk for injuries and negative health consequences, both mental and physical," Bloom said. "The goal of the decision-aid program is to give women more personalized and confidential aid options and prevent extended exposure to violence by changing their safety behaviors. By making help easily accessible, we can improve women's health outcomes."
The second study will be conducted by Bloom and researchers from Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing, Oregon Health and Sciences University School of Medicine, and the University of Arizona School of Social Work.
Source:
Emily Martin
University of Missouri-Columbia
Unlike current Internet resources, the decision-aid program provides women with personalized assessments of the danger of their situations. The program generates a series of initial questions and follow-up questions for each woman, and then creates individualized safety plans based on their responses. A safety plan may include talking with children about what to do if violence suddenly occurs, establishing a safe place to go at a moment's notice, or hiding money and a change of clothes somewhere in or outside the home. Women also receive information about legal processes and community resources.
"The decision-aid provides anonymity and guidance to women who aren't comfortable talking about their situations," said Tina Bloom, assistant professor in the Sinclair School of Nursing. "It helps women think through their decisions, make more informed decisions and decrease decisional conflict - that sort of feeling like they don't know what to do, what their options are or where to look for help."
In the pilot study of the program, the researchers found that women's decisional conflicts were reduced after one use of the decision-aid. Based on the success, the researchers received a grant from the National Institute of Mental Health to expand the program to four states in the next five years.
The program is designed to help women who don't have access to traditional resources, including shelters and doctors. The decision-aid will be available to women anywhere they have safe access to the Internet. Additionally, kiosks with the program will be located in hospitals, doctor's offices, libraries and mental health care facilities.
"In intimate partner violence situations, there are ongoing patterns of violence - the more exposure that women have to violence, the greater their risk for injuries and negative health consequences, both mental and physical," Bloom said. "The goal of the decision-aid program is to give women more personalized and confidential aid options and prevent extended exposure to violence by changing their safety behaviors. By making help easily accessible, we can improve women's health outcomes."
The second study will be conducted by Bloom and researchers from Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing, Oregon Health and Sciences University School of Medicine, and the University of Arizona School of Social Work.
Source:
Emily Martin
University of Missouri-Columbia
вторник, 7 февраля 2012 г.
Health Reform Law Reignites Debate Over Health Worker 'Conscience' Protections
"[L]ittle-noticed provisions" in the health reform law (PL 111-148) have "quietly reignited" a debate over balancing patients' rights to receive care with some health workers' moral and religious objections to certain services and procedures, the Washington Post reports.
Supporters of increased "conscience" protections for health workers argue that the new law "leaves vulnerable" those who oppose abortion, emergency contraception, stem cell research and some end-of-life care. Advocates for patients' rights counter that the legislation favors those who oppose such services and creates new hurdles for women seeking abortions and patients who are dying.
The new law mandates that insurance plans offered through the new state-based insurance exchanges do not "discriminate against any individual health care provider or health care facility because of its unwillingness to provide, pay for, provide coverage of or refer for abortions." The law also prohibits discrimination against individuals opposed to "assisted suicide, euthanasia, or mercy killing." In addition, President Obama signed an executive order affirming that the new law does not negate any previous federal "conscience" protections for health workers.
Renewed Attention on HHS 'Conscience' Rule
The debate has renewed focus on Obama's stated intention to rescind a federal conscience regulation put in place during the George W. Bush administration. The regulation would have increased protections for health workers who refuse to provide care on moral or religious grounds. Shortly after taking office, Obama proposed a new rule that would rescind the regulation, arguing that it could create obstacles to abortion and other reproductive health services.
The health reform debate sidelined a final decision on Obama's proposal, and the outcome is being closely monitored as an example of how the administration will handle related issues stemming from the health reform law, the Post reports.
Jenny Backus, an HHS spokesperson, said, "No matter what decision is made in terms of [the Bush administration's rule], providers will continue to be protected -- as they have been for years -- by the existing conscience-clause statutes that will remain on the books." She added, "Not only are there strong existing protections in current law, but the new health reform law also explicitly demonstrates strong support for the rights of providers and patients."
Jennifer Dalven, director of the American Civil Liberties Union's Reproductive Freedom Project, said, "We are quite concerned about religious liberty, but we think the current law appropriately balances individual religious liberty and patients' need for access to health care." Dalven added, "What some people are seeking are rules that take patients out of the equation."
According to the Post, some abortion-rights advocates are "alarmed" that the bill did not include specific protections for health workers who provide abortion services. As the number of U.S. abortion providers continues to decline -- and violence and protests continue -- some advocates are concerned that the law will lead health plans to exclude physicians willing to perform abortions. They also argue that the law in some ways expands protections for abortion opponents by shielding providers who refuse to refer women to an abortion provider.
Nancy Northup, president of the Center for Reproductive Rights, said that the law contains a "lopsided conscience protection." She added, "In a country where 87% of U.S. counties don't have an abortion provider, where abortion providers are murdered and harassed, you really need protections for those who advocate for both performing and referring for abortions. Not the other way around."
Meanwhile, religious groups argue that the health reform law does not do enough to protect health workers who oppose abortion from discrimination by entities other than health plans, which they claim would permit governments, health facilities and others to compel workers to participate in abortion care.
Some supporters of stronger protections for health workers also argue that the law does not safeguard individuals who object to other aspects of care that the federal government could classify as "essential services," such as contraception, sterilization, genetic testing and in-vitro fertilization.
Matthew Bowman of the Alliance Defense Fund said the law "is thousands of pages of new government power, decision-making and funding." He added, "Any government power over health care can be exercised in a way that discriminates against pro-life health providers, especially when officials already support abortion and opposes enforcement of conscience laws."
Jonathan Imbody, vice president for government relations at the Christian Medical Association, said, "At the end of the day regarding the legislation, a pro-life health care professional is left with a weak and limited conscience provision that doesn't even prohibit discrimination by government and institutions" (Stein, Washington Post, 5/11).
Reprinted with kind permission from nationalpartnership. You can view the entire Daily Women's Health Policy Report, search the archives, or sign up for email delivery here. The Daily Women's Health Policy Report is a free service of the National Partnership for Women & Families, published by The Advisory Board Company.
© 2010 The Advisory Board Company. All rights reserved.
вторник, 31 января 2012 г.
NARAL Endorses Rep. Sestak In Close Primary Against Sen. Specter
NARAL Pro-Choice America on Wednesday endorsed Pennsylvania Rep. Joe Sestak over five-term incumbent Sen. Arlen Specter in the Democratic primary, which is "too close to call" ahead of Tuesday's vote, the AP/Philadelphia Inquirer reports.
Specter, who switched from Republican to Democratic in 2009 after he voted for President Obama's economic stimulus package, touted his support for abortion rights in previous campaigns (Levy, AP/Philadelphia Inquirer, 5/12). However, NARAL officials noted that Specter supported President George W. Bush's two Supreme Court nominees -- Chief Justice John Roberts and Justice Samuel Alito -- while he was a Republican on the Senate Judiciary Committee (Becker, "The Caucus," New York Times, 5/12). Elizabeth Shipp, NARAL's political director, said the "court is more hostile to reproductive rights because of those two, and we have Arlen Specter to thank for it."
Shipp added that Sestak's voting record on abortion-rights issues during his two terms in the House makes clear his support for abortion rights. She said that Specter tends to vote for abortion rights when it is convenient, not because of his convictions (Levy, AP/Philadelphia Inquirer, 5/12).
NARAL President Nancy Keenan said, "Many Pennsylvanians are under the impression that Arlen Specter might be a reliable pro-choice voice, but his record says otherwise." She added that Sestak is "a strong voice for women's freedom and privacy."
According to Politico, NARAL's political action committee will donate $5,000 to Sestak's campaign and mobilize its supporters on his behalf (Taylor, Politico, 5/12). Group officials said they have sent e-mail messages to their 250,000 Pennsylvania members to encourage support for Sestak (AP/Philadelphia Inquirer, 5/12).
In response to the endorsement, Specter's campaign released a statement from longtime Pennsylvania abortion-rights advocate Morgan Plant, who supports Specter. Plant said, "With all the threats to choice which still abound, it seems foolish to me to expend pro-choice resources against Specter." She added that "as a strongly pro-choice woman," she "still trust[s] Sen. Specter to preserve and protect a woman's right to choose" ("The Caucus," New York Times, 5/12).
According to the AP/Inquirer, Sestak received perfect scores from NARAL on his abortion-rights voting record in 2007 and 2009, the only two years he was scored. Specter's received perfect scores in 2007 and 2008, and a score of 90% in 2009. However, he received a 21% in 2003, a zero in 2004 and a 20% in 2005.
Polls Shows Close Race
Meanwhile, a Quinnipiac University poll released Wednesday showed that Sestak has nearly closed the 21-point lead Specter held in an April 8 poll. The new poll -- a telephone survey of 945 likely primary voters -- found that 44% of respondents supported Specter, 42% supported Sestak and 14% were undecided. The survey was conducted May 5 through May 10 and had a sampling error of plus or minus 3.2 percentage points.
The AP/Philadelphia Inquirer reports that Sestak received a boost from "a wave of anti-incumbent sentiment" and a television ad linking Specter with Bush. Specter, meanwhile, has the support of the White House and on Tuesday launched a new TV ad featuring the president (AP/Philadelphia Inquirer, 5/12).
Reprinted with kind permission from nationalpartnership. You can view the entire Daily Women's Health Policy Report, search the archives, or sign up for email delivery here. The Daily Women's Health Policy Report is a free service of the National Partnership for Women & Families, published by The Advisory Board Company.
© 2010 The Advisory Board Company. All rights reserved.
вторник, 24 января 2012 г.
UQ Study Shows Childhood Sexual Abuse Has Lasting Effects
A University of Queensland study has found that women who experience certain types of sexual abuse (penetrative) in their youth are at increased odds of being overweight by the age of 21.
The study, which drew from the responses of 1273 men and 1305 women aged 21 years, found while there was a marked association between severe childhood sexual abuse (CSA) and greater body mass index (BMI) among women, this association did not hold for men.
Lead researcher Dr Abdullah Al Mamun from the University's School of Population Health said the study provided an important insight into possible gender differences in the way men and women deal with trauma and also gave some credence to previous theories about a relationship between CSA and greater BMI.
Dr Mamun said it had previously been posited that "comfort eating" might result as an "adaptive function" after CSA or that individuals may purposefully try to alter their lifestyles to increase weight as a means of protecting themselves from further abuse.
"The gender difference may reflect differences between women and men in the relationship between psychological trauma and body image," he said.
The research was conducted as part of the Mater-University Study of Pregnancy (MUSP), a longitudinal study of over 7000 mothers and their children born at Brisbane's Mater Hospital in 1981-83.
Dr Mamun said the large scale of the study, along with its sampling of both men and women, went a long way to address many of the limitations of previous studies.
"Most of the previous studies that have claimed a possible association between CSA and adult obesity are methodically weak with respect to providing causal inference," Dr Mamun said.
"The majority have been conducted on clinically obese populations in which a higher than expected proportion report CSA; other studies have been men and women only and therefore, cannot provide information on this association in men; and finally, most studies, by epidemiological standards, have been relatively small," he said.
"This study is a community-based prospective birth cohort involving repeated assessments of children before the disclosure of CSA, making it possible to take into account prospectively measured potential confounders of any association of CSA and BMI.
"Further, the study includes both men and women and the large sample size permits assessment of gender differences in the association between CSA and BMI."
Dr Mamun said the study had important implications for clinical professionals and their treatment of patients who have suffered CSA.
"The study's findings highlight the need for clinicians to be aware not only of the long-term mental health sequelae of child sexual abuse but also of the possibility of risk to physical health."
"Large prospective studies are, however, required to confirm our findings and to explore the possible mechanisms for any association."
Looking for an expert? Contact details for more than 1500 UQ academics and researchers who can provide media with expert comment are available online at uq.edu.au/uqexperts.
The University of Queensland, Brisbane Australia
The study, which drew from the responses of 1273 men and 1305 women aged 21 years, found while there was a marked association between severe childhood sexual abuse (CSA) and greater body mass index (BMI) among women, this association did not hold for men.
Lead researcher Dr Abdullah Al Mamun from the University's School of Population Health said the study provided an important insight into possible gender differences in the way men and women deal with trauma and also gave some credence to previous theories about a relationship between CSA and greater BMI.
Dr Mamun said it had previously been posited that "comfort eating" might result as an "adaptive function" after CSA or that individuals may purposefully try to alter their lifestyles to increase weight as a means of protecting themselves from further abuse.
"The gender difference may reflect differences between women and men in the relationship between psychological trauma and body image," he said.
The research was conducted as part of the Mater-University Study of Pregnancy (MUSP), a longitudinal study of over 7000 mothers and their children born at Brisbane's Mater Hospital in 1981-83.
Dr Mamun said the large scale of the study, along with its sampling of both men and women, went a long way to address many of the limitations of previous studies.
"Most of the previous studies that have claimed a possible association between CSA and adult obesity are methodically weak with respect to providing causal inference," Dr Mamun said.
"The majority have been conducted on clinically obese populations in which a higher than expected proportion report CSA; other studies have been men and women only and therefore, cannot provide information on this association in men; and finally, most studies, by epidemiological standards, have been relatively small," he said.
"This study is a community-based prospective birth cohort involving repeated assessments of children before the disclosure of CSA, making it possible to take into account prospectively measured potential confounders of any association of CSA and BMI.
"Further, the study includes both men and women and the large sample size permits assessment of gender differences in the association between CSA and BMI."
Dr Mamun said the study had important implications for clinical professionals and their treatment of patients who have suffered CSA.
"The study's findings highlight the need for clinicians to be aware not only of the long-term mental health sequelae of child sexual abuse but also of the possibility of risk to physical health."
"Large prospective studies are, however, required to confirm our findings and to explore the possible mechanisms for any association."
Looking for an expert? Contact details for more than 1500 UQ academics and researchers who can provide media with expert comment are available online at uq.edu.au/uqexperts.
The University of Queensland, Brisbane Australia
вторник, 17 января 2012 г.
Supermodel Beverly Johnson Speaks Out To End Silence About Uterine Fibroids
Supermodel Beverly Johnson is on a mission to get women to Ask 4 questions and Tell 4 or more others about a health condition faced by up to 75 percent of all women in the U.S. (1): uterine fibroids. Although uterine fibroids are common, many women remain uninformed about this condition, and a majority wait up to a year before finding treatment, often despite pain, heavy bleeding and weight gain. Beverly did, and now she is sharing her story to ensure that other women not only avoid silent suffering, but actively seek suitable treatment options now. Women can read Beverly's personal story and learn more about uterine fibroids and their treatment at ask4tell4.
"It is my personal mission to help ensure that women are informed about uterine fibroids and feel empowered, if they think they have fibroids or are diagnosed with them, to talk with their healthcare providers about their treatment options," said Beverly Johnson. "When I was diagnosed with uterine fibroids, I didn't know a lot about the condition, and as a result I suffered for a long time, both physically and emotionally. My hope is that women will not be embarrassed to talk about uterine fibroids or afraid to discuss treatment options with their doctors."
Lack of information about uterine fibroids and treatment options can have serious consequences for a woman's health and quality of life. According to a national survey*, less than half of the women surveyed could identify non-surgical and uterine sparing options for fibroids. Left untreated, fibroids can cause heavy bleeding, pelvic pain, enlargement of the abdomen, and can lead to reproductive problems.
"Many women silently accept symptoms of uterine fibroids as an unfortunate fact of life, or the result of aging. Others hesitate to discuss their condition because they fear that major surgery is their only treatment option. It is not," said Linda Bradley, M.D., Chair of the OB/GYN Section of the National Medical Association and Vice Chair of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Women's Health Institute at the Cleveland Clinic. "Women who have uterine fibroid tumors should know that many treatments are available that can ease their pain and symptoms. While hysterectomy has been the standard surgical treatment for many years, technology has advanced and a number of clinically-proven, non-surgical and uterine-sparing procedures are widely available."
Beverly's Story
Beverly developed uterine fibroids in her 30s, and for years faced symptoms including heavy bleeding, abdominal pain, fatigue and emotional stress. After attempting to manage her symptoms with diet and acupuncture, she consulted with two doctors; both recommended she get a hysterectomy. Unfortunately, Beverly didn't fully understand what a hysterectomy entailed, and she suffered severe complications from the surgery. It took several years of recovery and hormone replacement therapy for her to get her body and life back in balance.
Beverly hopes her willingness to share her story will encourage women to learn about the variety of uterine fibroid treatment options available today, so they can play a more active role in talking with their doctors to select the treatment that best suits their condition and lifestyle.
Ask4tell4
Beverly's new Web site, Ask4tell4, highlights the four questions she thinks all women should ask themselves and their healthcare provider about uterine fibroids, whether they currently have the condition or not. The site also includes the answers to these questions and information about a variety of treatment options that wll help them have a more informed discussion with their doctor. Additionally, women can join Beverly's cause by sharing the information with four or more of their friends or family members through an instant email message sent from the Web site.
The Ask4Tell4 campaign is sponsored by BioSphere Medical, Inc. BioSphere is a pioneer in commercializing minimally invasive therapeutic applications based on proprietary bioengineered microsphere technology. BioSphere's principal focus is the treatment of symptomatic uterine fibroids using a procedure called uterine fibroid embolization, or UFE.
*Survey cited was also sponsored by BioSphere and conducted by Caravan Research Corporation. The survey was conducted via telephone to 1,000 women during July 2007.
(1) Day Baird D, Dunson DB, Hill MC, Cousins D, Schectman JM. High cumulative incidence of uterine leiomyoma in black and white women: ultrasound evidence. Am J Obstet Gynecol 2003;188:100-7
Ask4tell4
"It is my personal mission to help ensure that women are informed about uterine fibroids and feel empowered, if they think they have fibroids or are diagnosed with them, to talk with their healthcare providers about their treatment options," said Beverly Johnson. "When I was diagnosed with uterine fibroids, I didn't know a lot about the condition, and as a result I suffered for a long time, both physically and emotionally. My hope is that women will not be embarrassed to talk about uterine fibroids or afraid to discuss treatment options with their doctors."
Lack of information about uterine fibroids and treatment options can have serious consequences for a woman's health and quality of life. According to a national survey*, less than half of the women surveyed could identify non-surgical and uterine sparing options for fibroids. Left untreated, fibroids can cause heavy bleeding, pelvic pain, enlargement of the abdomen, and can lead to reproductive problems.
"Many women silently accept symptoms of uterine fibroids as an unfortunate fact of life, or the result of aging. Others hesitate to discuss their condition because they fear that major surgery is their only treatment option. It is not," said Linda Bradley, M.D., Chair of the OB/GYN Section of the National Medical Association and Vice Chair of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Women's Health Institute at the Cleveland Clinic. "Women who have uterine fibroid tumors should know that many treatments are available that can ease their pain and symptoms. While hysterectomy has been the standard surgical treatment for many years, technology has advanced and a number of clinically-proven, non-surgical and uterine-sparing procedures are widely available."
Beverly's Story
Beverly developed uterine fibroids in her 30s, and for years faced symptoms including heavy bleeding, abdominal pain, fatigue and emotional stress. After attempting to manage her symptoms with diet and acupuncture, she consulted with two doctors; both recommended she get a hysterectomy. Unfortunately, Beverly didn't fully understand what a hysterectomy entailed, and she suffered severe complications from the surgery. It took several years of recovery and hormone replacement therapy for her to get her body and life back in balance.
Beverly hopes her willingness to share her story will encourage women to learn about the variety of uterine fibroid treatment options available today, so they can play a more active role in talking with their doctors to select the treatment that best suits their condition and lifestyle.
Ask4tell4
Beverly's new Web site, Ask4tell4, highlights the four questions she thinks all women should ask themselves and their healthcare provider about uterine fibroids, whether they currently have the condition or not. The site also includes the answers to these questions and information about a variety of treatment options that wll help them have a more informed discussion with their doctor. Additionally, women can join Beverly's cause by sharing the information with four or more of their friends or family members through an instant email message sent from the Web site.
The Ask4Tell4 campaign is sponsored by BioSphere Medical, Inc. BioSphere is a pioneer in commercializing minimally invasive therapeutic applications based on proprietary bioengineered microsphere technology. BioSphere's principal focus is the treatment of symptomatic uterine fibroids using a procedure called uterine fibroid embolization, or UFE.
*Survey cited was also sponsored by BioSphere and conducted by Caravan Research Corporation. The survey was conducted via telephone to 1,000 women during July 2007.
(1) Day Baird D, Dunson DB, Hill MC, Cousins D, Schectman JM. High cumulative incidence of uterine leiomyoma in black and white women: ultrasound evidence. Am J Obstet Gynecol 2003;188:100-7
Ask4tell4
вторник, 10 января 2012 г.
Aboriginal And Torres Strait Islander Women's Health - Australia
This paper summarizes the recent 'Indigenous Women's Health' meeting outcomes and gives recommendations on how the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (RANZCOG) can improve the health of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women and infants.
The conference covered a wide range of topics including improving cultural competence among non-indigenous providers, provision of culturally safe health care, recognition of the roles of Aboriginal health workers, effective collaboration and the developmental origins of health and disease in an indigenous context.
By raising many important issues onto the agenda, the meeting allowed these issues to be followed with some real and positive actions.
"Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Women's Health: Acting Now for a Healthy Future"
Boyle J, Rumbold A.R, Clarke M, Hughes C and Kane S.
Click here to view abstract online.
Australian and New Zealand Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology (Volume 48 Issue 6, December 2008)
ranzcog.edu.au/publications/anzjog.shtml
The conference covered a wide range of topics including improving cultural competence among non-indigenous providers, provision of culturally safe health care, recognition of the roles of Aboriginal health workers, effective collaboration and the developmental origins of health and disease in an indigenous context.
By raising many important issues onto the agenda, the meeting allowed these issues to be followed with some real and positive actions.
"Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Women's Health: Acting Now for a Healthy Future"
Boyle J, Rumbold A.R, Clarke M, Hughes C and Kane S.
Click here to view abstract online.
Australian and New Zealand Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology (Volume 48 Issue 6, December 2008)
ranzcog.edu.au/publications/anzjog.shtml
вторник, 3 января 2012 г.
Test Score Reveals Which Breast Cancer Patients Can Avoid Chemo
A new prospective study shows a 21-gene test of a patient's breast cancer tumor may change doctor and patient treatment decisions, including the need for chemotherapy.
Researchers at Loyola University Health System, Maywood, Ill., presented the findings at the American Society of Clinical Oncology annual meeting.
Participating in the study were 89 patients with early-stage, node-negative, estrogen-receptor-positive breast cancer and 17 medical oncologists at four different centers nationally. Each patient had the multi-gene expression test taken from a tissue sample of the tumor, which produces a very specific, molecular fingerprint of the cancer.
The Oncotype DX™ Recurrence Score™ tells the chance of distant recurrence of the cancer over 10 years if only tamoxifen is given and provides the likelihood of benefit from chemotherapy. Treatment decisions are based on whether the score is low, medium or high. Participating physicians and patients were surveyed regarding their treatment decision before the test was sent and again after discussion of the test results.
"This test score changed the treatment decisions of 31.5 percent of medical oncologists and 27 percent of patients," said senior study investigator Dr. Kathy S. Albain, director, breast clinical research program; and co-director, the multidisciplinary breast oncology center at the Cardinal Bernardin Cancer Center, Loyola University Health System, Maywood, Ill.
"It's a new dimension of tailoring treatment to the individual," said Albain, professor, division of hematology/oncology, department of medicine, Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine, Maywood. "The study proves for the first time that the score impacts our decision-making as oncologists.
"Test results reduced the number of women who had to undergo chemotherapy," said Albain. In 22.5 percent of the cases, the doctors said the patient could avoid chemotherapy. In 76 percent of the cases, oncologists indicated they had increased confidence in their treatment decisions after reviewing the test results with their patients.
The majority of patients, 83 percent, reported that this test influenced their treatment decisions. "The test score provides patients with more certainty that they are taking the right steps for their specific cancer," said Albain, also director of Loyola's thoracic oncology program.
Colleen G., 40, was relieved that her test results showed chemotherapy was probably not necessary. Diagnosed with breast cancer at 39, she would ordinarily undergo lumpectomy followed by radiation, chemotherapy and tamoxifen, based on her young age.
"My test results showed that the breast cancer is not as likely to recur, so I felt comfortable opting not to have chemo," said Colleen, a mother of two children. "That gave me peace of mind and confidence in my decision."
Colleen has had two mammograms since her treatment as well as close examinations and follow-up. Today, she remains a cancer-survivor, free of recurrence in the breast or elsewhere in her body.
The majority of the patients studied reported they were glad to have the opportunity to take the test. It must be ordered by a physician.
This investigator-initiated study was funded by an unrestricted grant from Genomic Health, Inc.
Co-authors of the study, with Albain, are lead investigator Dr. Shelly S. Lo, John Norton and Patricia B. Mumby, Ph.d., from Loyola; Dr. Jeffrey Smerage and Dr. Daniel Hayes from University of Michigan, Ann Arbor; Dr. Joseph Kash, Edward Hospital, Naperville, Ill.; Dr. Helen K. Chew, University of California- Davis, Sacramento; and Dr. Andrew Epstein, Mount Sinai Medical Center, New York.
Visit LoyolaMedicine for more information.
More than 29,000 oncology professionals are expected to attend the 43rd annual meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology at McCormick Place, Chicago, which runs through June 5, 2007.
Loyola University Health System, a wholly owned subsidiary of Loyola University Chicago (LUC), includes the private teaching hospital at Loyola University Medical Center (LUMC),14 specialty and primary care centers in the western and southwestern suburbs, the Loyola Ambulatory Surgery Center at Oakbrook and the Loyola Oakbrook Terrace Imaging Center; and serves as co-owner-operator of RML Specialty Hospital, a long-term acute hospital specializing in ventilation weaning and other medically complex patients in suburban Hinsdale, Ill. Loyola is nationally recognized for its specialty care and groundbreaking research in cancer, neurological disorders, neonatology and the treatment of heart disease. The 61-acre medical center campus in Maywood, Ill., includes the 589-licensed bed Loyola University Hospital with a Level I trauma center, the region's largest burn unit, one of the Midwest's most comprehensive organ transplant programs, the Russo Surgical Pavilion and the Ronald McDonald® Children's Hospital of LUMC. Also on campus are Loyola's Center for Heart & Vascular Medicine, the Cardinal Bernardin Cancer Center, Loyola Outpatient Center and LUC Stritch School of Medicine. The medical school includes the Cardiovascular Institute, Oncology Institute, Burn & Shock Trauma Institute, Neuroscience Institute and the Neiswanger Institute for Bioethics and Health Policy.
Loyola University Health System
2160 S. First Ave.
Maywood, IL 60153
United States
luhs
Researchers at Loyola University Health System, Maywood, Ill., presented the findings at the American Society of Clinical Oncology annual meeting.
Participating in the study were 89 patients with early-stage, node-negative, estrogen-receptor-positive breast cancer and 17 medical oncologists at four different centers nationally. Each patient had the multi-gene expression test taken from a tissue sample of the tumor, which produces a very specific, molecular fingerprint of the cancer.
The Oncotype DX™ Recurrence Score™ tells the chance of distant recurrence of the cancer over 10 years if only tamoxifen is given and provides the likelihood of benefit from chemotherapy. Treatment decisions are based on whether the score is low, medium or high. Participating physicians and patients were surveyed regarding their treatment decision before the test was sent and again after discussion of the test results.
"This test score changed the treatment decisions of 31.5 percent of medical oncologists and 27 percent of patients," said senior study investigator Dr. Kathy S. Albain, director, breast clinical research program; and co-director, the multidisciplinary breast oncology center at the Cardinal Bernardin Cancer Center, Loyola University Health System, Maywood, Ill.
"It's a new dimension of tailoring treatment to the individual," said Albain, professor, division of hematology/oncology, department of medicine, Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine, Maywood. "The study proves for the first time that the score impacts our decision-making as oncologists.
"Test results reduced the number of women who had to undergo chemotherapy," said Albain. In 22.5 percent of the cases, the doctors said the patient could avoid chemotherapy. In 76 percent of the cases, oncologists indicated they had increased confidence in their treatment decisions after reviewing the test results with their patients.
The majority of patients, 83 percent, reported that this test influenced their treatment decisions. "The test score provides patients with more certainty that they are taking the right steps for their specific cancer," said Albain, also director of Loyola's thoracic oncology program.
Colleen G., 40, was relieved that her test results showed chemotherapy was probably not necessary. Diagnosed with breast cancer at 39, she would ordinarily undergo lumpectomy followed by radiation, chemotherapy and tamoxifen, based on her young age.
"My test results showed that the breast cancer is not as likely to recur, so I felt comfortable opting not to have chemo," said Colleen, a mother of two children. "That gave me peace of mind and confidence in my decision."
Colleen has had two mammograms since her treatment as well as close examinations and follow-up. Today, she remains a cancer-survivor, free of recurrence in the breast or elsewhere in her body.
The majority of the patients studied reported they were glad to have the opportunity to take the test. It must be ordered by a physician.
This investigator-initiated study was funded by an unrestricted grant from Genomic Health, Inc.
Co-authors of the study, with Albain, are lead investigator Dr. Shelly S. Lo, John Norton and Patricia B. Mumby, Ph.d., from Loyola; Dr. Jeffrey Smerage and Dr. Daniel Hayes from University of Michigan, Ann Arbor; Dr. Joseph Kash, Edward Hospital, Naperville, Ill.; Dr. Helen K. Chew, University of California- Davis, Sacramento; and Dr. Andrew Epstein, Mount Sinai Medical Center, New York.
Visit LoyolaMedicine for more information.
More than 29,000 oncology professionals are expected to attend the 43rd annual meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology at McCormick Place, Chicago, which runs through June 5, 2007.
Loyola University Health System, a wholly owned subsidiary of Loyola University Chicago (LUC), includes the private teaching hospital at Loyola University Medical Center (LUMC),14 specialty and primary care centers in the western and southwestern suburbs, the Loyola Ambulatory Surgery Center at Oakbrook and the Loyola Oakbrook Terrace Imaging Center; and serves as co-owner-operator of RML Specialty Hospital, a long-term acute hospital specializing in ventilation weaning and other medically complex patients in suburban Hinsdale, Ill. Loyola is nationally recognized for its specialty care and groundbreaking research in cancer, neurological disorders, neonatology and the treatment of heart disease. The 61-acre medical center campus in Maywood, Ill., includes the 589-licensed bed Loyola University Hospital with a Level I trauma center, the region's largest burn unit, one of the Midwest's most comprehensive organ transplant programs, the Russo Surgical Pavilion and the Ronald McDonald® Children's Hospital of LUMC. Also on campus are Loyola's Center for Heart & Vascular Medicine, the Cardinal Bernardin Cancer Center, Loyola Outpatient Center and LUC Stritch School of Medicine. The medical school includes the Cardiovascular Institute, Oncology Institute, Burn & Shock Trauma Institute, Neuroscience Institute and the Neiswanger Institute for Bioethics and Health Policy.
Loyola University Health System
2160 S. First Ave.
Maywood, IL 60153
United States
luhs
Подписаться на:
Комментарии (Atom)