Children’s allergy rates rise globally
The prevalence of allergies among children is growing around the world, and in many developing countries, conditions including asthma, eczema and hay fever are becoming big health problems, according to a new study. Researchers looked at nearly 500,000 children in diverse countries around the world, and found that increases were highest for eczema in younger children, and that hay fever rates were rising in all age groups. Yahoo! / Reuters
Niche hospital trend set to grow
With federal funding for doctor-owned hospitals soon to be available once more, the number of such hospitals is expected to rise. Some feel these specialty hospitals take away the most profitable patients from an already-overburdened health care system and may result in provider-owners putting their financial interests above their patients. Supporters say they are helping to streamline health care. Reuters
Insurer launches workers comp pharmacy network
Aetna has rolled out Workers Comp Access, a new nationwide workers’ compensation pharmacy network designed to reduce fraud, improve patient safety and offer pricing information. Through the network, Aetna’s employer-customers can link workers’ comp pharmacies and medical pharmacies to help prevent errors, as well as abuse or fraud. United Press International
Florida seniors rank health above finances
A telephone poll of Tampa-area seniors has found that nearly seven out of 10 seniors over 65 are more concerned about health and well-being than finances. The seniors ranked personal finances as their second most-important concern, followed by spirituality, mental health and the ability to care for themselves. American City Business Journals / Tampa
Study: HIV drug could attack HPV as well
U.K. researchers say they have found in early lab tests that the antiviral HIV drug lopinavir (trade name Kaletra) also helps fight HPV, the virus that causes cervical cancer. Scientists plan to carry out clinical tests on women in the hope the oral drug could be made into a cream or pessary for application to the cervix. BBC
BMI not adequate for measuring obesity
Obesity tests that measure body mass index (BMI) are badly flawed and better methods are needed to gauge problems with being overweight, according to a new study. Researchers say alternative methods are needed to better differentiate people who have true excess body fat from those who simply have a raised BMI due to preserved muscle mass. Yahoo! / Reuters
CDC to recommend HIV testing for all
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are due next month to recommend that HIV testing become routine for everyone between the ages of 13 and 64. Currently, only pregnant women and high-risk groups are advised to get the testing, but officials say a greater public understanding of HIV should allow for the acceptance of a more general recommendation. The Sacramento Bee (Calif.)
McClellan reports Medicare Part D successes
In an interview with The Boston Globe, Mark McClellan, head of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, stated that costs for the Medicare Part D drug program have been much lower than expected, and that beneficiaries’ satisfaction is high. McClellan said that, despite concerns to the contrary, drug plans are aggressively negotiating prices for Medicare. The Boston Globe
Health plans prepare for “paradigm shift” of avian flu
Health plans are taking extra measures to prepare for some of the worst-case scenarios envisioned for avian flu. A Blue Cross Blue Shield of Minnesota administrator said avian flu is being regarded as “part of a new class of threats.” Managed Care magazine
Pittsburgh VA system launches MRSA-prevention initiative
The VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System is launching an effort to share its expertise in preventing methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infections with 17 other VA hospitals in Pennsylvania and other states. The other hospitals are expected to be trained in techniques such as using nasal swabs to test patients for the bacteria. Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
