Mugabe Declares, "There Is No Cholera" Dec 12, 2008
"We have a cholera challenge and it's of a massive magnitude in Zimbabwe," said Thami Mseleku, a senior health official in neighboring South Africa. "There have been challenges of cholera in Zimbabwe, like every other country, and they have been able to manage them. This one is of a magnitude that is unprecedented.". (CBS News)
Crisis makes Daschle's roles challenging Dec 12, 2008
The legacy of 1994's defeat "hangs over this whole effort," said John McDonough, senior health adviser to Sen. Edward Kennedy, D-Mass. (USA Today -- News)
Obama Picks Daschle for Health & Human Services Dec 12, 2008
Daschle's joint appointment "ensures that there is one primary voice speaking on behalf of the president when it comes to health care reform," said Chris Jennings, who was President Bill Clinton's senior health care adviser. "Both in the Bush and in the Clinton administrations, there was a question about who was talking for the president and what level of authority they have. This resolves it from day one.". (New York Post)
Senior Health Fair Dec 11, 2008
Representatives from Linn Benton RSVP programs, including SHIBA (Senior Health Insurance Benefits Assistance), Senior Peer Counseling, and Tax Aide will be available, as will representatives of Senior Services from Cascades West, Living Well with Chronic Conditions, and SALT (Seniors and Law Together). Lebanon Express Reader Comments. (Lebanon Express, OR)
Health Buzz: Half Dose of Flu Shot and Other Health News Dec 10, 2008
Earlier this month, insurer Conseco shifted more than 140,000 long-term-care policies to Senior Health Insurance of Pennsylvania, a not-for-profit trust that is supervised by the state. means that the policies are now self-funding and can no longer look to Conseco to provide financial support. (U.S. News & World Report)
Alarm bells ring after Bird Flu hits Assam Dec 9, 2008
A senior health department official told The Statesman: On 1 December, the Centre notified us of a Bird Flu outbreak in our neighbouring state, Assam. On that day itself, we have put all our districts on high alert. (The Statesman)
Covering the Bases: Medicare card explained Dec 8, 2008
Susan Knight is a senior health insurance consultant. If you have questions about the information in this column, contact the county's Senior Health Insurance Program at the Department of Aging and Disabilities at 410-222-4464 or. (Annapolis Capital)
SHIBA can help Dec 7, 2008
I have recently been training as a volunteer for the Senior Health Insurance Benefits Assistance (SHIBA) program and I have been amazed at how complex the rules for Medicare and Medicaid are. I want to remind all people on Medicare that help is available. (Longview Daily News, WA)
YOUR COMMUNITY in brief (Dec. 6) Dec 6, 2008
Senior health fair will feature many agencies. The Lebanon Century Fields Retirement and Assisted Living Community is hosting a health fair from 2 to 4 p.m Friday at Century Fields, 181 S. Fifth St.. (Albany Democrat-Herald, OR)
Britain weighs the cost of prolonging life Dec 3, 2008
"All the middle-income countries in Eastern Europe, Central and South America, the Middle East and all over Asia are aware of NICE and are thinking about setting up something similar," said Dr. Andreas Seiter, a senior health specialist at the World Bank. Even in the United States, rising costs have led some in Congress to propose an institute that compares the effectiveness of new medical technologies, although the proposals so far do not allow for price considerations. (International Herald Tribune)
Burundi: Government, Health Officials Seek to Resolve Strike Dec 3, 2008
Bujumbura The government and senior health officials have started discussions to end a strike by staff that has crippled health services across the country, sources said ... The senior health officials who met the minister decried the impact of the week-long strike. (allAfrica.com)
HIV incidence among gays increase fast in China Nov 29, 2008
4 percent in 2005, said a senior health official here Friday. "Sex becomes the major way of AIDS transmission in China and its spread among men having sex with men was worsening notably. I think whether we can well control the AIDS transmission among gays will greatly affect the future of the whole country's battle against the epidemic," said Hao Yang, deputy director of the disease control department under the Ministry of Health. (Xinhuanet, China)
Health chief fends off criticism on missed targets Nov 29, 2008
"But Dr Woods said that "the general direction" of the figures showed they were on track to meet the target and insisted that health boards "are working very hard" to tackle hospital acquired infections. The full article contains 302 words and appears in The Scotsman newspaper. Page 1 of 1 Last Updated: 28 November 2008 10:51 PM Source: The Scotsman Location: Edinburgh Bookmark: TheTerminator, 29/11/2008 01:28:41 They kept quiet about this report as... (Scotsman)
Community Family celebrates early Thanksgiving Nov 27, 2008
At the Coholan Center, or the Senior Health Club, as some of the clients fondly call it, seniors with memory loss always have a place to spend the day. Open 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Saturday, the staff provide a number of services including physical therapy, hair cuts, podiatry and occupational therapy. (Medford Transcript, MA)
Baylor Places 16 On Academic All-Big Teams Nov 27, 2008
2008 High School Playoffs. High School Football Scores. (KWTX.com, TX)
18,000 Hawaii kids lack insurance Nov 27, 2008
Jennifer Sullivan, senior health analyst for Families USA, said that if Congress reauthorizes the program and provides more Medicaid reimbursement, Hawai'i might be able to come up with enough money to reinstate the Keiki Care Plan. When the state dropped it, officials said the program might be helping some children whose parents dropped private coverage to get them into the program. (Honolulu Advertiser)
Key to drug savings: shop around Nov 26, 2008
Rounds said South Dakotans can get help reviewing their needs and the available plans through the Senior Health Information and Insurance Education (SHINE) program. He urged seniors to take advantage of the SHINE program, which is available weekdays by calling 800-536-8197. (Sioux Falls Argus Leader)
Hawai`i ranks 5th-best among states in providing children's health coverage Nov 26, 2008
Jennifer Sullivan, senior health analyst for Families USA, said that if Congress reauthorizes the program and provides more Medicaid reimbursement, Hawai'i might be able to come up with enough money to reinstate the Keiki Care Plan. When the state pulled out of the program, officials said the program might be helping some children whose parents dropped private coverage to get them into the program. (Honolulu Advertiser)
Football Places 16 on Academic All-Big 12 Teams Nov 26, 2008
Baylor University Bears - Official Athletic Site. Bears place 11 student-athletes on first team, five on second team. (Baylorbears.com)
Need help with Medicare supplement and prescription drug plan decisions? Nov 25, 2008
Rensselaer Republican. County Need help with Medicare supplement and prescription drug plan decisions. (Rensselaer Republican, IN)
Joan Pistone fills a need at Westerly Senior Center Nov 22, 2008
Placed in a position with the Senior Health Insurance Program (SHIP), Pistone counseled older adults and those with disabilities about health care options, health insurance and medical issues. The Rhode Island Department of Elderly Affairs originally funded the position but about two years ago, the Department lost most of its funding. (Westerly Sun, RI)
Medicare meeting is Tuesday in Madison Nov 22, 2008
A brief information update on 2009 changes will be presented at 2 p.m. Senior Health Information and Insurance Education (SHIINE) volunteers will then be available to assist anyone wishing to compare plans for 2009. If desired, you can also enroll in a new plan for 2009 at that time. (Madison Daily Leader, SD)
NCCS Senior Health Fair well attended Nov 22, 2008
MOROCCO The Newton County Community Services (NCCS) sponsored a senior health fair on Nov. 7, at the Beaver Township Community Center located in Morocco. They served refreshments and had door prizes. (Kentland Newton County Enterprise, IN)
Student drinking survey sparks call for higher alcohol tax Nov 22, 2008
A senior health professional is calling for the Government to raise the tax on alcohol, following a survey indicating a third of students questioned had blacked out after drinking in the previous month. The Injury Prevention Research Unit released the results of an internet-based survey on students' drinking habits, which canvassed more 2,500 students from five of the country's eight universities. (Radio New Zealand)
Unkindest cuts in healthcare Nov 21, 2008
Even before the latest cuts, the Cambridge alliance was operating at a deficit and had begun to close a senior health center in Cambridge. More consolidation is in order. (Boston Globe)
Security draws Iraqi doctors home Nov 21, 2008
Improved security in Iraq has led to 800 doctors returning to the country since the start of the year, a senior health ministry official has said. The director-general of public health, Ihsan Jaafar, told Reuters news agency that violence had prompted thousands of doctors to flee in the past five years. (BBC News)
Insurers make pitch for health coverage mandate Nov 20, 2008
Chris Jennings, senior health care adviser in the White House during the Clinton years, said it remains to be seen whether the industry will support other key components of health care reform. Nevertheless, he called it an important contribution to the coming debate. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution)
Feds say S.F. has more pot clubs than Starbucks, but it might not add up Nov 19, 2008
"I don't know how they got that," Senior Health Inspector Larry Kessler said. The city agency lists 24 pot clubs in the city. (San Francisco Chronicle)
Africa: Who is to Blame for Health Crisis? Nov 19, 2008
World Bank senior health advisor Ok Pannenborg also demanded "more aggressive support" for health systems, especially in developing countries. He criticised the fact that only marginal attention has been paid to developing well-functioning and equitable health systems and making existing health services more effective. (allAfrica.com)
Use of Antipsychotics in Children Is Criticized Nov 19, 2008
The data show there is a substantial amount of prescribing for attention deficit disorder, and I wonder if we have given enough weight to the adverse-event profile of the drug in light of this, Dr. Daniel Notterman, a senior health policy analyst at Princeton University and a panel member, said when speaking about Risperdal. Drug agency officials responded that they had already placed strongly worded warnings on the drugs labels. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Health)
Unknown fever deaths now a matter of concern Nov 17, 2008
A senior health department official said: Though the cause of death of the so called unknown fever cases get diagnosed in majority of the cases, we should not take any chances especially when vector-borne diseases have already claimed a number of lives. The KMChas been asked to conduct thorough inquiry if any unknownfever death is reported. (The Statesman)
Caring For The Caregiver: Redefining The Definition Of Patient Nov 16, 2008
The Healthy Aging Brain Center is part of the IU Center for Senior Health at Wishard Health Services. Dr. Schubert is the medical director of the IU Center for Senior Health at Wishard and Acute Care for Elders at Indiana University Hospital. (Science Daily)
• Open enrollment for Medicare begins Nov 15, 2008
" even if they are happy with them.Open enrollment for Medicare prescription drugs programs, known as Medicare Part D, starts today and runs through Dec. 31.The federal plan is subsidized with tax dollars, but administered by private insurance companies with various plans that seniors 65 and older can choose.Seniors may see changes in 2009 to the plans that have served them well in 2008, so they should still look at their options for next year, officials said."It's very important that they check... (Burley South Idaho Press, ID)
Enrollment nears for Medicare prescription plans Nov 14, 2008
Resources* N.C. Senior Health Insurance Information ProgramPHONE: 800-443-9354ONLINE: * Durham Senior PHARM- Assist. PHONE: 688-4772ONLINE. (News & Observer)
Skyrocketing premiums looming for many with Medicare Part D Nov 14, 2008
Shopping around between the 48 different Medicare prescription drug plans that are available in South Dakota for 2009 makes sense, and at Canyon Lake Senior Center in Rapid City, the Senior Health Information and Insurance Education program, commonly referred to as SHIINE, make it easy to do that, Sartorius said. "The SHIINE volunteer here will get on the computer for me and compare a list of the medications I take with all the different plans," she said. (Rapid City Journal, SD)
Pennsylvania Insurance Department Approves Launch of Senior Health Care Oversight Trust Nov 13, 2008
Effective Today, Independent Trust Now Operating Former Conseco Senior Health Insurance Company Long-Term Care Insurance Business for the Sole Benefit of Policyholders HARRISBURG, Pa. Nov. 12 /PRNewswire/ -- The Pennsylvania Insurance Department (the "Department") announced today that it has approved the separation, effective today, of Senior Health Insurance Company of Pennsylvania (formerly Conseco Senior Health Insurance Company) ("SHIP") from Conseco, Inc. As a result of the transaction, the... (PR Newswire)
Conseco Completes Transfer of Senior Health Insurance Company of Pennsylvania to Independent Trust Nov 13, 2008
Nov. 12 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Conseco, Inc. (NYSE: CNO) announced today that it completed the previously announced transfer of Senior Health Insurance Company of Pennsylvania, formerly known as Conseco Senior Health Insurance Company ("Senior Health"), to Senior Health Care Oversight Trust, an independent trust (the "Trust"). In connection with the completion of the transfer, Conseco contributed $175 million to the capital of Senior Health and the Trust, as follows: -- A 6% Senior Note due... (PR Newswire)
Prescription drug plan enrollment starts soon Nov 13, 2008
"Forty-two out of the 48 plans offered increased their premiums for next year, and we re seeing changes in the drugs covered," said Kris Gross, with Iowa s Senior Health Insurance Information Program ... "Last fall approximately 80 percent of people who compared plans with the help of Iowa s Senior Health Insurance Information Program saved money by changing plans for the next year," Gross said ... Senior Health Insurance Information Program at RSVP, (319) 272-2250. (Waterloo-Cedar Falls Courier)
Government doctors strike to affect services Nov 12, 2008
Government doctors strike to affect services. Wednesday, November 12, 2008 2:04 PM IST. (Express Buzz)
Presidio gets grant to help restore gate at Lombard Nov 12, 2008
"It's moving beyond nagging people. We've been doing that for years," said Christina Goette, senior health program planner for the Department of Public Health. "You should eat five fruits and vegetables a day! You should get 30 minutes of exercise a day! You realize it really isn't that easy for everyone.". (San Francisco Chronicle)
Seniors decry Cambridge Health Alliance senior clinic closing Nov 11, 2008
Ave. senior health clinic, even though health network officials have already announced plans to close it. I really hate to lose it, said Joan Hill, a patient and advocate for the Oliver Farnum Senior Health Center above the senior center on Mass ... Closing the Oliver Farnum Senior Health Center and relocating its 230 patients by the end of December is just one piece of the puzzle, said CHA spokesman David Cecere. (Cambridge Chronicle, MA)
A reminder about Medicare Nov 8, 2008
Another helpful source is The Senior Health Insurance Program (SHIP). SHIP is specially suited to help answer questions that many citizens may have about Medicare and Medicare Part D. A representative can be reached at 1-800-548-9034. (DeKalb Daily Chronicle, IL)
BETTER LIFE: More on senior health issues Nov 8, 2008
Senior health care - Better Life - USATODAY.com. Raising funds for Parkinson's. (USA Today -- Money)
Mozambique Cholera Death Toll Rises To 60 Nov 7, 2008
"The deaths are on the rise, we have 60 people dead now, 20 of them in just two days," Evelina Malora, a senior health department doctor in Manica province, told Reuters in an interview. A government team investigating the last week's outbreak said it was caused by people drinking untreated water taken directly from the Zambezi and Luenha rivers, and from a nearby lake. (Planet Ark, United States)
Winter weather strikes across N.D. Nov 7, 2008
St. Alexius Medical Center announced that its Senior Health Fair, scheduled for today, has been cancelled. A release from the hospital said a future date will be announced later. (Bismarck Tribune, ND)
Drug Boosts Natural Growth Hormone in Seniors Nov 7, 2008
Friday, November 7, 2008. MK-677 brought muscle mass, but long-term effects on vitality unclear, scientists say. (U.S. News & World Report)
Seniors invited to annual Senior Health Fair Nov 7, 2008
Newton County Community Services (NCCS) is just sending out a reminder to everyone about our fifth Annual Senior Health Fair which will be held on Friday, Nov. 7, from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Beaver Township Community Center at 409 Polk St. in Morocco. The fair will consist of many vendor booths, speakers, refreshment, and door prizes. (Kentland Newton County Enterprise, IN)
2008 Senior Resource Fair Nov 6, 2008
Marshall County Journal. Thursday 6 November, 2008. (Marshall County Journal, SD)
Medicare Part D, Alzheimer's volunteer honored Nov 4, 2008
That's when she became aware of the Senior Health Insurance Information Program, with which she has volunteered for more than eight years. She has helped people reverse denial of payment by Medicare and other health insurance companies. (Waterloo-Cedar Falls Courier)
Elderly 'suffer' over dental care Oct 30, 2008
Charlotte Potter, a senior health policy officer at Help the Aged, said: "It is a particularly acute problem for people in care homes. Services are just not flexible enough and it means that elderly people often go without treatment. "And now more and more are keeping their own teeth into old age it is becoming a major problem. "Teeth decay and pain can affect your eating habits and nutrition. It is something the NHS and those caring for old people need to be aware of.". (BBC News -- UK)
Medicare plans may change during annual enrollment period Oct 30, 2008
They may also call Oregon's Senior Health Insurance Benefits Assistance (SHIBA) program for free and unbiased counseling and enrollment assistance ... The Senior Health Insurance Benefits Assistance (SHIBA) program is part of the Oregon Department of Consumer and Business Services. (Lebanon Express, OR)
• Around the valley Oct 30, 2008
Employees with the Senior Health Insurance Benefit Advisors program, part of the Idaho Department of Insurance, are available to help evaluate prescription drug plans during Medicare's open enrollment period next month. Three years after the drug program was created, 85 percent of Idahoans now have prescription drug coverage through Medicare, according to numbers supplied by SHIBA. In 2009, 51 plans will be offered in Idaho, with premiums starting at 18. (Burley South Idaho Press, ID)
Dengue claims 7th life Oct 29, 2008
According to a senior health official, the worst may be yet to come. "The untimely rains will definitely lead to a spurt in malaria and dengue cases," he said. (Times of India)
NL premier apologizes to victims of botched cancer tests Oct 29, 2008
"A no action required statement is exactly that. Stand down, no action required."That's not for one minute to downplay the seriousness and importance of improper testing on patients and its effects on their lives," Williams added.In the past Williams has complained about the tone of questioning by commission lawyer Bern Coffey and even called the inquiry a witch hunt. But Williams, known more for his aggressive style and bombast, showed a different side on Tuesday, answering questions directly... (National Post)
Healthcare network says it may lay off hundreds Oct 25, 2008
Earlier in the week, the Alliance announced that over the next three months it would close its Oliver Farnum Senior Health Center in Cambridge, where patient volume was down 25 percent this year. "The intent is to not to reduce our level of service at all, but to combine access points," Bailey said. (Boston Globe)
Hoeven has plan to enhance senior care Oct 25, 2008
Hoeven's fourth proposal to improve senior health care involved increasing the income level at which an individual or two-person household can be at to still qualify for home-based care under Medicaid. The amount of income eligible individuals could keep for basic needs would increase from 500 to 720 for a one-person household and from 516 to 969 for a two-person household. (Wahpeton Daily News, ND)
could be eliminated. Oct 24, 2008
Earlier this week, CHA announced that it would cut medical services at the Oliver Farnum Senior Health Center in Cambridge by December. On Monday, a roundtable discussion will be held between city councilors and City Hall administrators to discuss CHA s strategic plan. (Allston Brighton TAB, MA)
Campaign Health Advisors Square Off Oct 24, 2008
The presidential candidates senior health advisors fielded questions on insurance, subsidies, and contraceptives in a debate titled Womens Health: McCain and Obama last night ... The discussion then turned to the current presidential race, and senior health advisors from both campaigns provided an overview of their candidates plans ... David Blumenthal, Obamas senior health advisor, invoked the Democratic candidates assertion during the third presidential debate that... (Harvard Crimson)
Official: Hepatitis C cases in Vegas total 114 Oct 24, 2008
Senior health district epidemiologist Brian Labus says he's beginning to prepare a final report on the hepatitis C investigation that has become the largest public health notification operation in U.S. history. (Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. (KRNV.com, NV)
Rodgers promoted to director of town's human services department Oct 23, 2008
She was first hired by the town in 2005 as a social services nurse who oversaw the day-to-day management of the Senior Health Monitor Program and the development and implementation of health promotion and wellness programs for older adults. Loading commenting interface. (Lexington Minuteman, MA)
Don't Miss This Chance to Pick a Better Health Oct 23, 2008
"While some employers are holding down cost growth with innovative methods of improving health-care quality and efficiency, more typically, employers struggling with increases they can't handle resort to the tried and true method of shifting cost to employees," said Blaine Bos, a senior health and benefits consultant for Mercer. More than half of employers will cut their costs by offering heath plans that increase deductibles and co-payments. (Washington Post)
Women in labour turned away Oct 23, 2008
A senior health official admitted yesterday that in hindsight it may have been the wrong decision. The hospital has not confirmed whether any patients were sent away for emergency surgery during a 24-hour period when it did not have an available anaesthetist. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Australia)
Medicare plan drops 1,300 area patients (4) Oct 23, 2008
Chere Kifer, the coordinator for RSVP-SHIBA, Retired Seniors & Volunteer Program s senior health information benefits analyst, said ATRIO members have to be really careful about their next step ... Retired Seniors teer Program: RSVP senior health information benefits analyst, 888-7332. (Coos Bay-North Bend The World, OR)
Cambridge Health Alliance to shutter senior health center in December Oct 21, 2008
By Jillian Fennimore/Chronicle staff. Mon Oct 20, 2008, 05:41 PM EDT. (Cambridge Chronicle, MA)
Letters to the Editor (Oct. 21) (36) Oct 21, 2008
The senior health insurance counseling program in which I participate (SHIBA) has seen demand for its services double during the past couple of years, and we are experiencing a huge jump again as boomers hit Medicare age. Many of the other services (foot care, tax aide, support groups, Dial-A-Bus, Bridge Club) also are seeing this growth. (Corvallis Gazette Times, OR)
