beauty and health

Actovegin belongs to a group of drugs called metabolism stimulators. The drug activates tissue metabolism, promotes regenerative processes and trophism. The Actovegin is a hemoderivative, which is obtained after dialysis and filtration of calf blood. The drug increases utilization and consumption of oxygen increases energetic metabolism and glucose consumption. As a result the energetic resources of the cell are increased. Increase of oxygen consumption under the influence of Actovegin leads to stabilization of plasmatic membranes in ischemia and decreases the formation of lactates. Actovegin not only increases intracellular concentration of glucose, but also improves oxidative metabolism, satisfying the cells energy needs.

The Actovegin is prescribed in patients with cerebral blood flow impairment as well as impairment of cellular metabolism function in the cerebrum, for example in cases of dementia. The effects of the drug can be monitored within 10 to 30 minutes after administration and reach their maximum in 3 hours.

The drug is prescribed in the following conditions:

• As supportive therapy in metabolic or vascular disorders
• Peripheral vascular disease
• Radiation injuries

The adverse effects of the drug are mainly expressed in possible allergic reactions, such as hives, hyperhydrosis, increased body temperature, itching and etc.

The drug should be avoided during pregnancy as no clinical trial s on the drugs use during the period have been performed. In cases of allergic reactions the use of the drug should be stopped.

EasyToInsureME Individual Health Insurance Reform Weekly

Week of November 9, 2023

Given that the Senate is expected to require much more time than the House to vote on a health care bill (see below), it is likely there is not enough legislative time left in 2009 to wrap up a bill for Christmas delivery to the White House. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid fueled concerns about the schedule last week when he refused to commit publicly to passing an overhaul bill this year. This makes a “conference” between the House and Senate MORE likely in January 2010 THAN IN 2009, and that could require some time since the current House and Senate versions are vastly different on several key provisions. If the Conference pathway proves too contentious, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Reid could play legislative “ping-pong,” whereby each Chamber makes a modest change and ships if off to the other, back and forth, until they both approve the same language.

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Federal

Late Saturday night the House of Representatives approved its version of health care reform by the slim margin of 220 to 215 (218 was the minimum needed). The core of the approved House bill remained unchanged from the version the Speaker introduced a few weeks ago and includes: an employer mandate to provide and pay for coverage; a fairly strong individual coverage requirement; a public plan option set up by government that would pay “negotiated” rates to providers; and insurance reforms, including guaranteed issue and modified community rating. It does not include the “Cadillac” plan tax or the insurer tax provisions currently in the Senate bill. The House bill would be paid for in part with cuts to Medicare Advantage and a surcharge on the “wealthy.”

On the Senate side, Majority Leader Reid is waiting for the revenue score from CBO on several different Senate Bill scenarios, given that several Senators have publicly stated opposition to going forward without a hard and fast number on both cost and impact on bending the spending curve. He also needs this time to win over the 60 votes needed to even proceed with consideration of the bill, let alone the 60 needed to cut off debate once the debate begins; he may not have either right now. The earliest the Senate could start debate would be the week of November 16, but a date in December seems more likely. Approval of the House bill will surely put increased pressure on the Senate to move forward but to do so cautiously, given the slim voting margin in the House, as the issue moves closer to the finish line.

Bills to extend and expand COBRA have been introduced in both the House and Senate and could well be part of the final push on health care reform. Both versions extend the Special COBRA subsidy program from end of 2009 to June 30, 2024 and maintain the government’s 65 percent subsidy. The Senate version increases this subsidy to 75 percent, and the House extends basic COBRA eligibility from 18 to 24 months. Given the unemployment numbers, it seems likely that, whether as part of health reform or on its own, a COBRA extension (including the subsidy) will be enacted in 2009.

States

ARIZONA: Governor Jan Brewer and legislative leaders have reached a tentative agreement to reconvene to address the projected 2010 budget shortfall, which ballooned from billion in early September to billion by the end of October. Although the governor favors a temporary tax increase to boost revenue, she is unlikely to float that idea this time around to help limit the length of the session. Governor Brewer is expected to announce her candidacy for re-election. Although the former lieutenant governor is now the incumbent and has never lost an election, she is viewed as vulnerable by some Republicans because of budget concerns and her continued focus on obtaining additional revenue through taxation.

CALIFORNIA: California’s state budget deficit could reach billion for the current fiscal year in part because of recent court decisions blocking state funding cuts. For example, a federal judge recently blocked the state’s plans to cut million from its budget for In-Home Supportive Services, and Insurance Commissioner Steve Poizner has filed a suit to block the sale of part of the State Compensation Insurance Fund, which was projected to generate billion. Some analysts project that the state’s budget deficit will range from billion to billion in the upcoming fiscal year. In other developments, Lt. Governor John Garamendi won a special election to fill the Congressional seat vacated by U.S. Representative Ellen Tauscher (D). Garamendi was elected lieutenant governor in 2006 after 16 years in the legislature and two terms as insurance commissioner.

COLORADO: Senator Betty Boyd, President Pro Tem and Chair of the Health and Human Services Committee, met with insurer representatives to highlight the issues likely to get attention in the upcoming session. A proposal to prohibit the use of gender in rating individual policies has a high likelihood of passing, she said. Senator Boyd also advised that efforts will be made to ensure that the Cover Colorado program remains solvent, as it has potential to be used as the state’s public plan option. Speculation has it that Colorado could become one of the first states to act on federal health care reform if it is enacted. Finally, she expressed a strong interest in authorizing the DOI to establish standardized policy forms.

DELAWARE: Department of Health and Social Services Secretary Rita M. Landgraf has issued an update to existing statutes adding virtual colonoscopy as an approved colorectal screening modality. Delaware law requires coverage for colorectal screening modalities and empowers the Secretary to add modalities as recommended by the Delaware Cancer Consortium. Accordingly, all contracts for health insurance issued, delivered or renewed after December 1, 2023 must include coverage for virtual colonoscopy for colorectal cancer screening.

DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA: Newly passed legislation requires individual and group health plans to provide coverage for orally administered chemotherapy medication in a manner no more restrictive than intravenously administered treatment or injected cancer medications. In other business, the Council of the District of Columbia confirmed Acting Commissioner Gennet Purcell as Commissioner for the District of Columbia Department of Insurance, Securities and Banking (DISB). Commissioner Purcell, who served as DISB’s Deputy Commissioner since 2008, is an attorney and member of both the State of Maryland Bar and the Commonwealth of Virginia Bar. As deputy, her primary responsibilities included oversight of the agency’s core functional areas, including the divisions of Insurance, Securities, Banking, Fraud Enforcement and Investigation, and Risk Finance.

GEORGIA: A meeting was held last week between health insurance representatives and the Chairman of the Senate Insurance Committee to discuss legislation for 2010 that would restrict rental networks. The Medical Association of Georgia also was represented. Aetna has committed to work with all interested parties on the legislation.

ILLINOIS: A fall veto session concluded at the end of October, and three health insurance bills of import passed both chambers. The first bill creates external review requirements for all commercial insurance products, rather than just HMOs, effective July 1, 2010. The bill also establishes committees to create a uniform small-employer group health status questionnaire and an individual health statement for use on January 1, 2011. The legislation also requires insurers to semi-annually prepare and provide the Department of Insurance a statement on aggregate administrative expenses and other information. It is a good compromise versus what was originally proposed. In addition, both chambers passed an orthotics and prosthetics mandate on health carriers and HMOs for policies amended, delivered, issued, or renewed six months after the effective date of the amendatory act. The third bill changed the requirements to obtain a producer license. The Illinois General Assembly is not expected to reconvene until January 2010.

MISSOURI: The Secretary of the State recently approved a ballot initiative proposal for the November 2010 ballot that would essentially eliminate network-based health care delivery in Missouri. The move follows unsuccessful efforts to enact an any-willing-provider bill in past legislative sessions.The petition effort behind the ballot initiative appears to have been spearheaded by a local surgical practice that has been excluded from the medical staffs of local hospitals. Any willing provider is only one portion of the proposal. It would apply to health carriers and health benefit plans, including Medicare and Medicaid, and facilities. It would, for example, prohibit carriers from: Imposing on a beneficiary any co-payment, fee, or condition that is not equally imposed on all other beneficiaries in the same benefit category, co-payment level, or class; prohibiting or limiting a provider from the opportunity to participate in the network if that provider is willing to accept the carrier’s operating terms and conditions, fee schedule, covered expenses, utilization and quality standards. The State Auditor is preparing an assessment of the fiscal impact of the proposed measure as well as a brief summary of the fiscal impact for the petition. Legal challenges to the ballot initiative are permitted. A group of stakeholders, including Aetna, are discussing strategy.

NEW JERSEY: Health insurance issues were front and center in a bitter battle for the governor’s office, which ended last week when Republican candidate Chris Christie defeated Democratic Governor Jon Corzine. The governor-elect has publicly supported greater flexibility for carriers to make health coverage more affordable via mandate-free plan designs and interstate sales of health policies. The Democrats remain in firm control of the legislature, which will make the governor-elect’s agenda an uphill battle. Also, the Department of Banking and Insurance (DOBI) adopted a regulation standardizing the information and format on health identification cards. Additionally, DOBI initiated a meeting with the state’s major health plans seeking guidance as to how the state might proceed in limiting plans,’ and members,’ exposure to exorbitant out-of-network provider charges. This is one in a series of meetings aimed at developing consensus on an appropriate fee schedule or other mechanism for non-par provider charges. Lastly, the NJ Department of Health & Senior Services (DHSS) has launched a six-month Hospital Newborn Pilot Program. Nine hospitals throughout the state are participating in a pilot to ensure no newborn leaves the hospital without health insurance. The participating hospitals are expected to submit data to the DHSS.

NEW YORK: Governor David Paterson is calling for a special session to address the current state budget deficit. The Governor’s two-year, .2 billion Deficit Reduction Package would have a current-year impact of .2 billion in 2009-10 and a recurring impact of billion in 2010-11. The components include across-the-board spending reductions and a tax penalty forgiveness program. The Governor indicated that his agenda will include a bill that would completely prohibit all subrogation (collateral source) recoveries on any insured or self-insured plans. The existing collateral source rule eliminates the potential windfall of double recoveries to plaintiffs who receive benefits and make recoveries from both their insurance coverage and defendant payments, while still ensuring that uncompensated losses are fully compensated. This subrogation legislation passed the Senate earlier this year, but it has not passed the Assembly. In other business, State Sen. Eric Schneiderman, chairman of the Codes Committee, and Sen. Neil Breslin, chairman of the Insurance Committee, introduced a bill known as “Ian’s Law,” which is named after a patient with muscular dystrophy. The proposed legislation would prohibit non-renewal of group policies and would require heath plans to get state Department of Insurance approval before discontinuing a class of insurance. The bill also would require plans to continue covering a totally disabled policyholder for 18 months, even if the plan gets state permission to cancel an entire class of policies.

Employer based Health Insurance

When looking for health insurance, the first question you should ask is, “Does my employer offer a health insurance plan?” Most companies provide health insurance as a benefit, and larger firms are required to provide health insurance. If your employer has a health insurance plan you should take the time to look into the costs and benefits. Very often employer-based health insurance is less expensive than comparable individual coverage.

Employer-based health insurance is cheaper for a number of reasons. Number one is your employer bears some of the cost for your health insurance. Another key reason employer-based health insurance can be less expensive than individual health insurance is rates and qualification requirements are typically lower. You can also save additional money with employer-based health insurance. One way is to have your employer pay the premium on a pre-tax basis to lower your overall taxable gross pay. Another way to reduce your taxable income is to participate in your employer’s flexible spending plan to save money for out-of-pocket health insurance expenses such as co-pays, some medications and certain medical devices.

COBRA benefits

A concern you might have about employer-based health insurance is what happens to your health insurance when you change jobs, are released by your employer or otherwise become unemployed? A government program called the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA) gives you the right to carry your employer-based group health insurance coverage with you for up to 18 months. While COBRA will allow you to remain insured, you will have to pay the entire premium for your group health insurance. Previously both you and your employer contributed to the cost of your health insurance. If you find yourself requiring COBRA benefits make sure to fill out the appropriate forms available from your previous employer’s benefits department within 60 days of leaving the job. Otherwise you could be denied COBRA health insurance coverage.

No employer-based health insurance? No problem!

What if your employer doesn’t offer health insurance? Not a problem, you can always buy an individual health insurance policy. And it’s possible, if you are member of an organization or group that offers group health insurance, to retain the benefit of employer-based health insurance in terms of lower rates and qualification requirements.

Whether your employer offers health insurance or you are just looking for an individual health insurance policy, be sure to take your time and compare health insurance quotes to find a policy that best fits your family’s health insurance needs and saves you money. It pays to shop around for your health insurance policy.

Lawsuit Funding for Medical Malpractice Cases

Lawsuit loans are routinely offered for medical malpractice cases by legal funding companies. The underwriting of these cases however, is often much more complicated than the standard negligence case. This post will attempt to identify some things to remember when attempting to secure a lawsuit loan on a medical malpractice case.

Malpractice Basics

The American legal system places a duty of care upon doctors as they interact with their patients. Medical Malpractice actions are based upon a breach of this duty. The breach must be of the standard of care for similar professionals in that specialty and in the geographic area in which the treatment occurred.

In order to sustain a cause of action for malpractice against a medical professional, the negligence must be causally related to the damages alleged. In other words, the malpractice must have cause an injury or other damages to the plaintiff. Plaintiffs routinely allege different types of damages. Most often, plaintiffs allege physical damage to their bodies. In other instances, lost wages or other economic damages are sought. In still others, emotional or mental damages are available to plaintiffs.

Malpractice Cases are Often Complicated.

People can easily imagine a medical malpractice case where the doctor amputates the wrong leg. Clearly, the doctor should have known which leg to amputate and the resulting damages would be irreparable and not hard to quantify. Such a case would most likely be settled in short order.

But the vast majority of medical malpractice lawsuits are not so cut and dry.

When health care professionals (including doctors, nurses, and other practitioners) treat their patients, most are doing their very best to help. When something goes wrong, victims sometimes blame the health care worker for unexpected complications. However, just because a patient’s condition worsens does not necessarily mean the medical provider deviated from standard practice. After all, the patient is usually ill before he seeks medical attention.

Once a breach of the standard of care is proven, plaintiffs and their attorneys must then prove malpractice caused the plaintiffs damages. In other words, it is not enough to show the patient eventually suffered. The negligence must cause the suffering. In many lawsuits, this is not so easy to show.

For example, a physician may misdiagnose a patient’s Stage 4 pancreatic cancer. And the attorneys, through their skill and expertise can prove that the doctor’s diagnosis deviated from the acceptable standard of care. However, due to the terminal nature of this type of condition, damages would be very difficult to prove. The patient would most likely be facing a terminal diagnosis regardless of its timeliness. In this instance, any damages would certainly be minimized by defense attorneys.

Medical Malpractice and Lawsuit Funding

When funding a malpractice case, lawsuit loan companies attempt to analyze the probability of success based upon much more complex factual and economic scenarios than a typical case loan involving negligence.

For example, malpractice cases usually involve multiple parties. A lawsuit involving a surgery would require the examination of every individual in the Operation Room during the procedure. This normally includes the serving and answering of interrogatories, depositions, and other discovery requests. These steps are taken AFTER the following:

Drafting and filing of the Complaint, service of the Complaint, answering of the Complaint by defense counsel, motions to dismiss, designation of trial counsel, scheduling, logistical issues, document compilation, document production, etc. This must be done for each and every defendant. For these reasons it is not difficult to see why these cases take years to litigate.

Litigation delays are compounded by the fact that many lawsuits involve very serious medical conditions which prevent plaintiffs from earning a wage. This combination frequently results in increased economic difficulty for plaintiffs. Creditors do not usually care whether plaintiffs can work, they only care about getting paid. That is their business.

Lawsuit loans are one way to mitigate against these economic hardships. Essentially, the plaintiff assigns a portion of the proceeds of the case to the lawsuit funding company. If the case settles, the “loan” is paid back according to the terms outlined in the funding agreement. The use of the lawsuit loan is totally at the discretion of the plaintiff. The money can be used for anything at all. Which is great news for plaintiffs who find themselves behind on their expenses.

The bad news is that medical malpractice cases are very difficult to fund. The reason is because they are so difficult to win. Keep in mind, all of the discovery mentioned above costs money in the form of time, expert fees, court fees, stenographers, support staff, etc. A lawsuit based on medical negligence is a commitment of time, money and energy.

Further, in many jurisdictions, plaintiffs only win 1 out of 3 lawsuits filed. Plaintiff attorneys make money because the cases which are won, are very large. But for purposes of lawsuit loans, where any loss is a total loss, 33.33% is just not the ideal scenario.

Despite these obvious pitfalls, lawsuit funding companies offer pre-settlement loans on malpractice cases every single day. They are not the easiest cases to get approved, but the plaintiff’s need still exists. The legal funding business is there to help plaintiffs lessen their financial burdens while they wait for a favorable recovery on their case.

Thank you for your interest in the lawsuit cash advance industry.

pmc

Security Solutions - Identifying issues in the organization

In the modern computing, businesses have started working within business networks where they interact with external partners such as customers, vendors. In such a chaotic environment, it is critical that security takes the highest precedence.

Security within perimeters mindset needs to go away, and replaced by a more robust and end to end approach. Developing comprehensive security architecture requires methodical and deliberate analysis. In order to devise optimized security solution, one must evaluate existing security issues within the organization.

How do you identify security issues in your organization?

Security Access Provisioning Process: One of the most common issues in any organization is about security access provisioning. Most if the time, this is done in ad hoc manner. Somebody wants access to a system (e.g. CRM application) and sends a request to the administrator. Administrator provisions the access. Later when that somebody has moved to other department or left the company, that access is still there. Developing a comprehensive access provisioning to all IT systems is very important for any organization.

Data in Transit Issues: Data in transit (when data moves from one system to another system) is another critical aspect of data security. How do you make sure that data flowing on network bus is not being compromised? Passwords, employees’ sensitive HR information flow on network without sufficient protection can lead to severe results. It is important to realize that most of the security issues come from within the firewalls. Employees getting unauthorized access to systems and data can result into significant legal issues.

Data exchanged with External Partners: Data exchanged with external business partners poses another challenge. How do you make sure that the data is viewed only by its intended recipient? How do you make sure that the data integrity was not compromised on the way? On the other hand, how do you make sure that the data coming from external partner was sent by the expected sender? You should realize that enabling a secure operating environment with your partners is a big boost to the business itself.

Intrusion Prevention: When so many systems are put in place to communicate with external partners, how do you make sure that no unwanted intruder is trying to get access to your valuable information? How do you make sure that the incoming data is secure enough so that it can be processed by your systems (e.g. emails, documents, messages)?

Security Analysis and Audit: Do you enforce regular security audits? Do you capture required level of system and access logs in a consistent manner so that a detailed security analysis can be done as and when required? One can identify patterns in log data about upcoming security threats.

Your Must Know Guide to Wheelchair Lifts

What are wheelchair lifts?

Vertical wheelchair lifts, wheelchair lifts for short, are automatic or manual machines that aid the mobility of those in wheelchairs or with difficulty walking. In addition to being motorized, lifts come in exterior or interior varieties for transportation. There are also a number of choices for home stairway lifts. Lets take a look at the choices.

Automatic or Manual

Though many like the electric wheelchair lifts, they are significantly more expensive than the manual lifts. However, the manual lift is heavy and unless it is an interior vehicle model, the caretaker will need to be able to pick up the heavy item. When the lifts are outside and able to fold, it makes it easier on the caretaker but they have a bit of weight as well. Through their shortcomings manual wheel chair lifts are able to easily fit into budgets.

Automatic or power wheel chair lifts are easily operated and some have manual options built in for backup support. They are powered by hydraulics and come in a wide range for the home and automobile. The batteries for the wheelchair lifts are either on board the wheelchair itself or connected to your car battery. The onboard batteries can fit in any home outlet and can be taken off and recharged as needed. The models that are connected to your car battery will require professional installation, which can be expensive, but you won’t have to keep recharging the battery.

Which one is right for you?

Picking your wheelchair will depend on your individual needs. Each type has their advantages and disadvantages. Take into account your budget and the ability of the caretaker(s) and health professional. Don’t be afraid to ask questions to better understand your option. Also remember that research is key in finding the best wheelchair lift for you.

If you owned a Hoveround Power Chair where would you go next?

Physical Therapy for the Lower Back: How to Prevent and Treat Lower Back Pain

Lower back pain is one of the most common causes of job-related disability and why some people miss work. It is also the second most common neurological ailment in the United States, second only to headache. In fact, approximately 80% of adults in Western countries have, at some point, experienced lower back pain.

For some fortunate people, pain in the lower back may be resolved by itself or with the aid of medication within two to four weeks. However, there are some cases of lower back pain that may last for more than a few weeks, during which case the condition is termed as “chronic” and “progressive,” meaning it can only grow worse over time.

Moreover, 60-80% of those patients who suffer their first episode of lower back pain may experience recurring pain within one year.

According to current research, there are certain muscles in the back that work to stabilize the spine. When the spine or the back suffers an injury, these muscles are reflexively inhibited or shutdown. Worse still, these muscles do not spontaneously recover, and this is true even if patients do not feel pain and are able to return to normal activity levels.
As a result of the inhibition of these muscles, called lumbar multifidi and the transversus abdominus, lower back pain occurs. However, there are steps you can take to prevent the same thing from happening to you.

Lower Back Pain and Physical Therapy

One way to prevent the inhibition of the lumbar multifidi and transversus abdominus is through a series of physical therapy exercises.
Designed to strengthen the muscles of the lower back and keep the spine healthy, these physical therapy exercises may range from back stabilization exercises to muscle strength development and several wide variety of techniques.

In addition, a physical therapist may also recommend such methods as heat therapy, ultrasound, massage, mobilization, and education about posture and body mechanics in order to prevent lower back pain from recurring.

Some of these methods will be discussed later on. You will also find some practical self-help tips provided by experts to help you avoid lower back pain or prevent the condition from worsening.

However, before we head on to learning how lower back pain is treated through physical therapy, it is important that we first understand what causes lower back pain.

Lower Back Pain: CAUSES

There are actually many types of back pain, but the most common is pain in the lower back. Why? You might ask. The reason is simple: you carry most of your weight in the lower back. Thus, it is highly likely that a person would suffer pain in that area.

There is no definitive cause of lower back pain. Sometimes, the causes of the condition are so complex that it is difficult to pinpoint just a single one.

However, physical therapists and other healthcare professionals have observed that lower back pain is often a result of strained back muscles and ligaments due to any of the following activities:

Improper posture

Heavy lifting

Sudden awkward movement

Muscle spasm

Stress
We could all be guilty of the above activities. We may not suffer any back pains now, but it is likely that as we get older and the degree of inhibition of the back muscles as a result of these activities increases, back pain becomes a very distinct possibility.

In addition to these common activities, lower back pain may also result from specific conditions, such as:

Herniated disk (when the disk material presses on a nerve)

Sciatica (when a herniated disk presses on the sciatic nerve. The condition causes sharp, shooting pain through the buttocks and the back of the leg.)

Spinal stenosis (when the space around the spinal cord and nerve roots becomes narrow. This is caused by arthritis and bone overgrowth, the pain resulting from when a nerve gets pinched in the narrow space.)

Spondylosis (a type of arthritis affecting the spine due to degenerative changes brought on by aging)

Spondylolisthesis (when one vertebra in the spinal column slips forward over another)

Lower Back Pain: TREATMENT
The treatment of lower back pain depends on several factors, including the specific type of lower back pain (whether it is chronic or acute) and the purported cause.

For instance, acute lower back pain is commonly treated with pain relieving drugs, such as analgesics, or some forms of exercises that can help relax the muscles.

On the other hand, chronic back pain or one that lasts for more than two weeks and is progressive may be caused by some underlying condition, during which case the treatment plan may consist of resolving the underlying condition to treat the back pain.

Lower Back Pain and Physical Therapy Exercise
Physical therapy exercise is one of the most common methods of treating lower back pain. In fact, many home remedies for lower back pain consist of exercise, because the general theory is that if you remain active, you remain healthy. This is true in most cases.

However, for purposes of this article, the exercises featured here will be those that are practiced by physical therapists to treat patients with lower back pain.
Generally, in physical therapy exercises, the exercise program for back pain should encompass a set of stretching exercises, strengthening exercises, and low impact aerobics. Read below for more on these exercises:

-Stretching

The back of a person is composed of the spinal column and contiguous muscles, ligaments and tendons. All these are designed to move in consonance with each other so that any limitation in the range of motion in any of these components of the back result in back pain.
Stretching for lower back pain specifically targets soft tissues, such as muscles, ligaments and tendons, found in the back and around the spine. By stretching, the spine and soft tissues are mobilized, increasing motion and thus, relieving pain.

There are many kinds of stretching exercises employed by physical therapists. One is the Hamstring Stretching Exercise which works to relax tight hamstrings, a common symptom of lower back pain. This exercise is said to help decrease the intensity of lower back pain among sufferers.

-Strengthening

Physical therapists generally use two forms of strengthening and back pain relief exercises, usually depending on the specific condition of the patient. These are the McKenzie exercises and dynamic lumbar stabilization exercises. However, the two forms of strengthening exercises may also be combined should the therapist find it appropriate to do so.

-McKenzie Exercises

Named after a physical therapist in New Zealand, McKenzie exercises are primarily extension exercises that could help reduce pain generated from the disc space and also may help reduce the symptoms of herniated disc by reducing pressure on a nerve root.
For acute pain, the McKenzie exercises should be done frequently, at least once every two hours. In addition, patients are advised to avoid flexing their spine when exercising.

-Dynamic Lumbar Stabilization Exercises

Using this back exercise technique, the first thing that a physical therapist does is to look for the patient’s “neutral” spine. This refers to the position that allows the patient to feel the most comfortable.

Afterwards, when the patient is in that position, the back muscles are then exercised in order to “teach” the spine how to stay in this position.
Performing these exercises on a regular basis can help strengthen the back muscles and keep the spine well-positioned.

Low Impact Aerobic Exercises
The purpose of low impact aerobic exercise is to recondition the back. Patients who undergo reconditioning of the back through low impact aerobic exercise will have fewer episodes of lower back pain.

In addition, whenever an episode of lower back pain does occur, the pain is less intense and lasts only for a short period.
Another benefit of low impact aerobic exercise is that patients tend to stay functional that is, they can continue with their regular work and carry on with recreational activities. In contrast, patients who do not undergo low impact aerobic exercises typically experience the gradual loss of their functional abilities.

For low impact aerobic exercises to achieve their desired results, they should be continuous. This will increase the heart rate and keep it elevated as well as increase the production of endorphins, which are pain fighting hormones released by the body.
Here are some examples of low impact aerobic exercises that you may want to try in order to lessen or reduce lower back pain:

-Walking
One of the simplest forms of aerobic exercises, walking is generally considered as very gentle on the back. To get the maximum benefit from walking as a form of low impact aerobic exercise, walk two to three miles three times per week.

-Stationary Bicycling
This form of aerobic exercise is less painful on the back since there is lower impact produced. This is beneficial for patients with lower back pain who may find walking too painful.

-Water Therapy
Sometimes referred to as aquatherapy, water therapy is simply doing exercise in the water. The buoyancy works to provide effective conditioning at the same time stress on the back is reduced.

Health care

Health care or healthcare is an industry associated with the the prevention, treatment, and management of illness along with the promotion of mental, physical and spiritual well-being through the services offered by the medical and allied health professions.

It is one of the world’s largest and fastest-growing industries, consuming over 10 percent of gross domestic product of most developed nations.

The industry includes the delivery of health services by specialist providers, such as midwives, doctors, nurses, therapists, home health aides, vaccination technicians and physician’s assistants. It includes preventive care, vaccination, screening, diagnosis, prescribing and administration of medicine, surgery, observation, and attendance at childbirth. Usually such services receive payment from the patient or from the patient’s insurance company, although they may be government-financed (such as the National Health Service in the UK) or delivered by charities or volunteers, particularly in poorer countries.

Health care can form an enormous part of a country’s economy. In 2000, health care costs paid to hospitals, doctors, diagnostic laboratories, pharmacies, medical device manufacturers and other components of the health care system, consumed an estimated 14 percent of the GNP of the United States, the largest of any country in the world. For the G7 countries the average is about nine percent.

Prior to the popularisation of the holistic neologism healthcare, English-speakers referred to medicine or to the health sector and spoke of the treatment and prevention of illness and disease.

Medical and social model of healthcare

The more generally accepted view of healthcare is that improvements result from advancements in medical science. The medical model focusses on the eradication of illness through diagnosis and effective treatment. In contrast the social model of healthcare places emphasis on changes that can be made in society and in people’s own lifestyles to make the population healthier. It defines illness from the point of view of the individual’s functioning within their society rather than by monitoring for changes in biological or physiological signs.

Mark Davis Show Perry raises possibility of states’ rights showdown with White House over healthcare BY DAVE MONTGOMERY AUSTIN — Gov. Rick Perry, raising the specter of a showdown with the Obama administration, suggested Thursday that he would consider invoking states rights protections under the 10th Amendment to resist the presidents healthcare plan, which he said would be “disastrous” for Texas. Interviewed by conservative talk show host Mark Davis of Dallas WBAP/820 AM, Perry said his first hope is that Congress will defeat the plan, which both Perry and Davis described as “Obama Care.” But should it pass, Perry predicted that Texas and a “number” of states might resist the federal health mandate. “I think youll hear states and governors standing up and saying ‘no to this type of encroachment on the states with their healthcare,” Perry said. “So my hope is that we never have to have that stand-up. But Im certainly willing and ready for the fight if this administration continues to try to force their very expansive government philosophy down our collective throats.” Perry, the states longest-serving governor, has made defiance of Washington a hallmark of his state administration as well as his emerging re-election campaign against US Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison in the 2010 Republican primary. Earlier this year, Perry refused 5 million in federal unemployment stimulus money, saying it would subject Texas to long-term costs after the federal dollars ended.

Automationmedia.com Looks At Cost Reductions In Healthcare

In a recent article by Thomas R. Cutler, Jeff Pyden, Managing Director for OmniVue was interviewed extensively about the role of cost reductions in healthcare. The number one imperative of Healthcare providers is finding ways to reduce costs. Using solid and stable technology to improve business operations is the number one priority of Healthcare Software Vendors.

Pyden discussed his firm’s unique proprietary and branded proposition, known as its Business Agility Audit or Business Agiletics Assessment. Done as a dynamic interactive conversation, OmniVue’s Agility Audit is a structured, analytical assessment that highlights its clients’ core ability to respond organically to shifting market and business dynamics. According to Pyden, “The objective is to reveal where constraints weaken proactive decision management; to enable synchronous decision-making nearest the points of required action – all augmented by operationally aligned, customized, and transformative software. For operational leaders who recognize that changing core business processes can transform their company’s potential, the purpose of this program is to accelerate growth comfortably and profitably by configuring software as capabilities, particularly as it relates to effective automation within the healthcare arena.”

Mountain Neurosurgical & Spine Center in Asheville, N.C. treats disorders of the spine, brain and peripheral nerves. The specialty medical practice was experiencing significant pain in the backbone of its own business — its financial and accounting systems. “The system we were using wasn’t able to keep up with the growth and expansion of the organization as a whole,” noted Kevin Fleming, director of finance and administrative services for Mountain Neurosurgical. “We wanted a solution that would transform our older system of financial analysis into a true tool that benefits the functions of the practice.”

Pyden noted that, “Growing organizations like Mountain Neurosurgical need business management solutions built to adapt to their needs, today and down the road.” In approximately six weeks, the hosting accounting system was implemented and running. “This system in its first weeks has had a profound impact,” urged Fleming. “Our accounts payable person has been able to take on a tremendous amount of additional work with no additional time added to her week. We are experiencing an amazing increase in efficiency.”

Helping healthcare providers achieve collaborative health processes is a simple issue of effectively automating and utilizing a fully integrated and highly extensible financial and business management solution. Healthcare organizations often neglect automating these systems.

Founded in 2003, OmniVue is based in Metro Atlanta and has been the recipient of numerous awards including the 2009 Microsoft Dynamics Partner of the Year for the East Region as well as 2009 Inner Circle for Microsoft Dynamics which honors a small number of elite partners across the globe whose commitment to customers is reflected in their business performance and high level of sales achievement.

OmniVue has a uniquely proprietary and branded proposition, known as its Business Agility Audit or its Business Agiletics Assessment. Done as a dynamic interactive conversation, OmniVue’s Agility Audit is a structured, analytical assessment that highlights its clients’ core ability to respond organically to shifting market and business dynamics. Objective: To reveal where constraints weaken proactive decision management; to enable synchronous decision-making nearest the points of required action – all augmented by operationally aligned, customized, and transformative software.

For operational leaders who recognize that changing core business processes can transform their company’s potential, OmniVue’s purpose is to accelerate clients’ growth comfortably and profitably by configuring software as capabilities.

Perceptive Software Customers discuss how ImageNow for Health Information Management (HIM).

RFID TRACKING SOLUTION FOR SCHOOL STUDENTS

OVERVIEW

For Student Tracking

Enablitz was designed specifically for pupil transportation to monitor student ridership in a safe and non-intrusive way. Knowing if and when a student got on or off the bus accounts for a significant portion of calls parents make to schools and is information that schools need to know. Enablitz provides accurate and immediate answers.

Just What Schools Have Been Asking For

Agnicient has succeeded where others have not by using Radio Frequency Identification Device (RFID) technology to solve the problem. Students carry a small card that contains passive RFID technology that logs each student’s entry or exit automatically when the student pass the scanner located on the bus. Enablitz is accurate, easy and affordable.

Load and Unload Process Stays the Same

Customers say it works because Enablitz requires no action on the part of drivers or students, other than to carry the card. Enablitz delivers the required performance without impeding the normal loading and unloading process. It’s a true win/win/win/win for school officials, drivers, students and parents.

HOW IT WORKS?

Simple, Safe and Secure

Each student is issued a unique RFID card to carry. Everything else is automatic. As the student passes the Enablitz reader upon entering or leaving the bus, the time, date and location is logged and transmitted to a secure database.

Real-Time Answers

The data is accessed via a web-browser with Agnicient system application. For the first time, accurate information is available to answer parent and administrators’ questions accurately and cost-effectively.

Web-Based Reporting - Makes it fast and easy to access accurate information.

Student Report - Stamps time and date for all loading and unloading activities by student.

Bus Report - Provides all students ridership data by bus.

Improves Safety and Efficiency

School officials can quickly and easily track students entering and leaving buses and be in the best position to answer parents’ questions. Enablitz has made student tracking easy, secure and affordable.

WHO BENEFITS

School Officials, Parents and Students All Gain

Transporting students responsibly is something school officials and parents take very seriously. A student’s boarding or departure status has always been largely reliant on speculation. Enablitz provides the capabilities commensurate to the responsibility.

STUDENTS - Provide valuable information when getting on and off the bus.

PARENTS - Take the appropriate action because they have precise answers to boarding status and times.

SCHOOL PRINCIPALS - Meet obligations to parents and district to do all they can to ensure student safety.

TRANSPORTATION MANAGERS - Equip buses with powerful track and report capabilities cost-effectively.

DRIVERS - Provide valuable and accurate information without having to do anything different.

SERVICE REPRESENTATVES - Answer parents’ and school officials’ questions instantly and accurately.

RISK MANAGERS - Protect the districts from liability by removing uncertainty about boarding status.

IT MANAGERS - Save valuable resources, with no demands on existing IT infrastructure or personnel.

Now student ridership can be monitored in a safe and non-intrusive way. Parents and school officials can have answers easily, immediately and cost-effectively.

New ways to save

It is Finally Knowable

School officials and parents have been waiting a long time for a solution to the vexing problem of knowing if, when and where a student has boarded or departed a school bus. There is finally an accurate, easy and affordable answer and that answer is Enablitz.

Accurate - RFID card-based systems ensures precise data collection. It is the only one of its kind.

Easy - Enablitz works without requiring anyone to change behavior.

Affordable - Agnicient innovative approach delivers performance at a price that is remarkably affordable.

You Can’t Afford to Go Without

The risk is just too great, now that there is an effective alternative. Think about the time already being spent to answer these calls from parents. It is considerable because the same questions are asked every day, by different parents, about different students. That’s why the effective automation Enablitz offers gives you a daily payback.

Think About What Is Already Being Spent

Think about how you spend your valuable time. Are you chasing down details and still getting incomplete information so you are unable to satisfy parents’ and administrators’ questions? It is time to let Enablitz help you “know” for sure once and for all.