Did you know…

October 30th, 2009

…that statin use may lower the risk of death from the flu?

Inquirer: Seniors on front line of healthcare battle

October 30th, 2009

They’re especially concerned, of course, with a Medicare, Medicare Advantage, and a public option.

House health bill gets a rollout

October 30th, 2009

Philadelphia Inq reports
The White House cheered, and Democrats hoped for a vote next week, but fresh questions were raised.
By David Espo
Associated Press

WASHINGTON – Cheered by President Obama, House Democrats rolled out landmark legislation yesterday to extend health care to tens of millions who lack coverage, impose sweeping new restrictions on the insurance industry, and create [...]

Pennsylvanians lose their employment-based health coverage faster than any other state

October 30th, 2009

A major cause of the decline in employer coverage is the skyrocketing cost of health care, which has made employers less likely to offer insurance coverage to their workers.

Westmoreland County is changing its treatment services for the mentally ill

October 30th, 2009

The county aims to treat people within the community rather than in hospitals.

Antitrust lawsuit against UPMC/Highmark has been dismissed by a judge

October 30th, 2009

Reports the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette:
 
West Penn Allegheny Health System’s ambitious antitrust suit against the two biggest players in Pittsburgh health care, rival University of Pittsburgh Medical Center and insurer Highmark Inc., was dismissed yesterday.
U.S. District Judge Arthur J. Schwab wrote that West Penn’s federal suit — which alleged a conspiracy between Highmark and UPMC to reduce [...]

Hospitals round-up for 10/30

October 30th, 2009

The latest on Pottstown Memorial Medical Center, Hershey Medical Center, PinnacleHealth, Uniontown Hospital, St. Luke’s Hospital, and Williamsport Regional Medical Center.

DC station airs demo of bare breast self-exams

October 30th, 2009

Philadelphia Inq reports
SARAH KARUSH
The Associated Press

WASHINGTON – The ABC affiliate here is airing a two-part series that takes a close , and unobscured , look at breast self-exams. The series is airing during the fall “sweeps” period critical for a TV station’s ad revenue, prompting concern by a parental watchdog group. But WJLA insists it’s [...]

WHO experts: Single dose swine flu vaccine enough

October 30th, 2009

Philadelphia Inquirer reports:
FRANK JORDANS
The Associated Press

GENEVA – A single dose of swine flu vaccine is enough to immunize adults and children over 10 against the pandemic strain, the World Health Organization said Friday.
The global body’s expert group , known as SAGE , said that while more data on children between 6 months and 10 years [...]

PA health officials will provide H1N1 vaccine update today

October 29th, 2009

The briefing will take place at 11:00 a.m. in the state Capitol media center.