Better Living Through Well Being
Earth's 2016 surface temperatures were the warmest since modern record keeping began in 1880, according to independent analyses by NASA and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Globally-averaged temperatures in 2016 were 1.78 degrees Fahrenheit warmer than the mid-20th century mean, and 2016 was also the third year in a row to set a new record for global average surface temperatures.
A report just released by the Natural Resources Defense Council carries a warning of dire consequences that can come from reneging on our nation's climate commitments to rein in carbon pollution. The report, "Killer Summer Heat, Paris Agreement Compliance Could Avert Hundreds of Needless Deaths in America's Cities," warns that abandoning the U.S. climate commitment in the Paris pact could cause a spike in excess deaths on dangerous summer days by the 2090s, but that enormous human misery could still be avoided by adhering to, not undoing, a former action plan to reduce carbon pollution from the nation’s largest sources: power plants and vehicles.
City dwellers are especially vulnerable to climate impacts because of the heat island effect. Urban areas are hotter than suburban and rural areas because of their concentration of buildings, pavement and roofing, which intensify the heat. The elderly, the young, the poor, and people of color are most vulnerable to summer heat in the cities.
To reach their conclusions, the report authors relied on analysis using a weather classification system called Spatial Synoptic Classification, which researchers have used since at least 1996 to study relationships between dangerous weather and human health.
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Elisabeth Rosenthal is currently editor-in-chief of Kaiser Health News and before that she was a reporter covering health care for the New York Times, but before that she worked as a physician at New York Presbyterian Hospital.
In her book, Rosenthal breaks out the economic rules of the dysfunctional American medical market in which, for example, more competition does not mean better prices for the consumer. In fact, it can and does drive prices up. Unlike any other economic market, the standard in our healthcare is "usual and customary," which does not allow the open market to work as it should. Insurance companies say they will pay whatever is usual and customary in your area, even if that happens to be five times as much as the original drug or service cost. This has become an inflationary concept over time. When a medical procedure or drug has become known to have been sold at a higher than usual price in a certain area, it will quickly rise to that same price in other areas. In this way, it becomes whatever the market will bear, up to its highest limit, quite unlike in other countries where regulations have set reasonable caps to prices for medical drugs and services. As a result of this inflationary practice, we are not getting what we should in a really competitive market where consumers make the choices that set prices.
This contradicts the premise of a competitive market, that by our shopping for the hospital or procedure with the cheapest cost the price will eventually be brought down. We are told that we should be "good consumers" of health care, but in order to do that we need to know what things cost. When we try to get that information, we are told "it depends on your insurance" or "we don’t know." Also, most of the time when dealing with non-elective health issues we don't have a lot of choice. We may be told we need a certain procedure or are given a requisition for a particular lab test. We need to be in the habit of always checking to make sure such things are included in our insurance network coverage in order to avoid being hit with out of pocket costs. We are not always informed of this, however.
Another economic rule of our dysfunctional medical market is a lifetime of treatment is preferable to a cure. There are always two sides involved in setting a price, what is right for health care and what is right for business. We can't expect a for-profit healthcare business to be run like a charity. A pill that would cure diabetes would kill a multi-billion-dollar business market. It is much better to have effective treatments that need to continue to be given over a person's lifetime than to give them something to make the disease go away overnight.
Consolidation of hospitals was a good idea in the beginning to provide more efficient specialization of services, but it has grown to the point where now you have mini-monopolies with an enormous sway over price. Cities with the most healthcare consolidation tend to have the highest prices for health care.
Unique also to the American healthcare system is the application of codes to medical billing. Our codes originally evolved from an international system for classifying and tracking disease epidemiologically, and it got perverted into something more toxic. Over time, people have learned to manipulate the financial function to itemize for costs of various special interest parties involved. We are not always informed but patients have a right to ask for a fully itemized bill that should be examined carefully. Often we can identify things that need to be questioned and corrected.
There are many questions patients need to ask in advance of hospital and doctor visits in order to avoid unnecessary or high costs. Use of patient advocates have become necessary in our system. We are all vulnerable to surprise medical bills. You have to watch your own back. Ask who is involved in your medial care that you may not have been told about. Failure to ask simple questions like "who are you?", "who called you?" and "will I be charged?" makes us complicit in allowing the dysfunctional American medical market to continue.
Rosenthal's book explains the workings of a medical system lacking transparency. It is about what we can do both to navigate the maze that is American healthcare and to demand far-reaching reform. "An American Sickness" is the frontline defense against a healthcare system that no longer has our own well-being at heart.
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Other articles of interest in this Summer 2017 TMIS eNewsletter:
* American Cities Initiative invests in American cities to help city leaders respond to emerging issues, generate innovation, and advance policy that moves the nation forward.
* New paper reviews growing evidence that obesity, type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome are inflammatory conditions worsened by vaccinations.
* Company presents science behind mechanism of action of cannabidiol (CBD) and its treatment of chemotherapy-induced neuropathic pain.
* New scientific survey of U.S. moms and grandmothers shows concern that not enough is being done about air pollution and climate change.
* Topical cannabinoid-based skin cream to provide relief for millions for psoriasis sufferers will soon be available.
* Osteopathic physicians find poor posture while using electronic devices is a main contributor to chronic neck and back pain.
* “An Inconvenient Sequel: "Truth to Power" to be released in movie theaters July 28th.
* New book, "Grapes and Health," offers a review of current science linking eating grapes to better health.
* Veterinarians use MLS Laser Therapy on animals with effective results where time is a critical factor.
I am grateful to be in a collaborative business with many talented and skilled professionals. Additional feedback and recommendations for our products and services at TM Information Services are always welcome.
- Mary Michele McLaughlin
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"Killer Summer Heat" Report: 14,000 Americans Could Die Annually by Mid-Century Without Paris Climate Pact Protections
Washington DC
President Trump's plan to withdraw the U.S. from the Paris climate agreement could seriously harm public health for decades, worsening summer heatwaves that could kill 13,860 Americans each year by mid-century, and as many as 29,850 a year by the end of the century, a recent released shows. That translates to about 150 Americans dying daily in the 2040s and about 325 dying each climate-fueled hot summer day in the 2090s in 45 of the nation's largest cities. This all could unfold if the United States doesn't move, and soon, to slash the key driver of climate change, carbon pollution from power plants and vehicles, according to the report "Killer Summer Heat, Paris Agreement Compliance Could Avert Hundreds of Thousands of Needless Deaths in America's Cities," released by the Natural Resources Defense Council.
The top 15 cities in order of potential annual deaths by the 2090s are: New York City (7,370); Philadelphia (5,040); Chicago (2,440); Boston (1,340); Baltimore (1,010); Detroit (870); Providence, RI (670); St. Louis (640); Buffalo (620); Rochester, NY (600); Cincinnati (580); Cleveland (570); Washington, DC (560); Los Angeles (540); Louisville (530).
"This report carries a dire warning: Reneging on our climate commitments could cause tens of thousands of Americans to die," said Juanita Constible, special projects director in NRDC's Climate & Clean Air program. "If carbon pollution isn't reined in, climate change will continue superheating summer with terrible consequences for public health in some of our biggest cities.
"Congress and President Trump should act, and soon, to protect Americans from these needless summer deaths. That's starting with supporting—not gutting— the Environmental Protection Agency and re-instating our international commitments to fight climate change."
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Featured Book - "An American Sickness: How Healthcare Became Big Business and How You Can Take It Back"
New York, New York
In "An American Sickness How Healthcare Became Big Business & How You Can Take It Back" an award-winning New York Times reporter Dr. Elisabeth Rosenthal reveals the dangerous, expensive, and dysfunctional American healthcare system, and tells us exactly what we can do to solve its myriad of problems. It is well documented that our healthcare system has grave problems, but how, in only a matter of decades, did things get this bad? Dr. Elisabeth Rosenthal doesn't just explain the symptoms; she diagnoses and treats the disease itself. Rosenthal spells out in clear and practical terms exactly how to decode medical doublespeak, avoid the pitfalls of the pharmaceuticals racket, and get the care you and your family deserve. She takes you inside the doctor-patient relationship, explaining step by step the workings of a profession sorely lacking transparency. This is about what we can do, as individual patients, both to navigate a byzantine system and also to demand far-reaching reform.
Breaking down the monolithic business into its individual industries, the hospitals, doctors, insurance companies, drug manufacturers, that together constitute our healthcare system, Rosenthal tells the story of the history of American medicine as never before. The situation is far worse than we think, and it has become like that much more recently than we realize. Hospitals, which are managed by business executives, behave like predatory lenders, hounding patients and seizing their homes. Research charities are in bed with big pharmaceutical companies, which surreptitiously profit from the donations made by working people. Americans are dying from routine medical conditions when affordable and straightforward solutions exist. Dr. Rosenthal explains for the first time how various social and financial incentives have encouraged a disastrous and immoral system to spring up organically in a shockingly short span of time. The system is in tatters, but we can fight back. An American Sickness is the frontline defense against a healthcare system that no longer has our well-being at heart.
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Michael R. Bloomberg Announces $200 Million American Cities Initiative To Help U.S. Cities Innovate, Solve Problems, And Work Together In New Ways
Miami, Florida
In an address at the U.S. Conference of Mayors' Annual Meeting in Miami, Michael R. Bloomberg today announced the American Cities Initiative, a suite of new and expanded investments that will empower cities to generate innovation and advance policy that moves the nation forward. In an era of unprecedented challenges, from rapid technological change to Washington D.C.'s deepening disengagement on urban issues to the climate crisis, cities need new tools that will allow mayors to do what they do best: innovate, solve problems, and work together to move the needle on the issues that matter to citizens and America's future.
As the first investment as part of the American Cities Initiative, Michael R. Bloomberg invited mayors to participate in a new U.S. edition of the Mayors Challenge, which will help hundreds of mayors develop, test, and implement innovative solutions to the emerging challenges they face. Bloomberg also announced a new grant to the U.S. Conference of Mayors today that will help position mayors and local governments at the forefront of the country's most pressing debates.
The American Cities Initiative builds on Bloomberg Philanthropies' extensive existing efforts to strengthen cities through its arts and culture, education, environment, government innovation, and public health programs, as well as world-class consulting services through Bloomberg Associates.
The American Cities Initiative focuses on three core areas:
* Promoting bold leadership and effective problem-solving in city halls;
* Advancing critical policies and legislation in areas ranging from education to climate change to opioid abuse; and
* Empowering citizens - including artists, volunteers, and entrepreneurs - to solve problems and strengthen social cohesion.
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Vaccines, not Diet, are Causing Epidemic of Obesity and Type 2 Diabetes According to New Paper from Classen Immunotherapies
Manchester, Maryland
A newly published paper in June's Journal of Endocrinology, Diabetes & Obesity, 5(3): 1107, by immunologist J. Bart Classen, MD of Classen Immunotherapies provides further proof of the dangers of vaccines. The paper reviews the growing evidence that many cases of obesity, type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome are inflammatory conditions and that vaccine induced inflammation is the cause of the epidemic of these diseases. Upon receiving a vaccine some individuals' immune system becomes hyper active leading to autoimmune destruction of insulin secreting cells and the development of type 1 diabetes. Many other individuals produce increased cortisol and other immune suppressing molecules, to suppress the vaccine induced inflammation. This increased production leads to type 2 diabetes, obesity and metabolic syndrome. The new paper reviews evidence supporting vaccines, not diet, as a cause of the epidemics of obesity, type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome. "
The new paper reviews proof that vaccines are much more dangerous than the public is lead to believe. Adequate testing has never been performed to indicate that there is an overall improvement in health from immunization. One major problem with vaccines is the one dose fits all approach. In order to induce protection to infection in the 1% of the population with the weakest immune system, vaccines are over stimulating the immune system of the remaining 99% of the population and this is leading to epidemics of inflammatory diseases," states Dr. J. Bart Classen.
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Kannalife Sciences Participates in 27th Annual International Cannabinoid Research Society (ICRS) Symposium
New York, New York
Kannalife Sciences, Inc. ("Kannalife"), a bio-pharmaceutical and phyto-medical company, presented its findings at the 27th Annual ICRS Symposium on the Cannabinoids held in Montreal, Canada from June 22-27, 2017. The Company presented one of its published bodies of science titled the "Effect of KLS-13019 and Cannabidiol On Neuroprotection from Oxidative Stress in Hippocampal Cultures: Mechanism of Action" and two posters at the Symposium.
The publication and two posters Kannalife presented at the Symposium, titled "Neuroprotective and Anti-Inflammatory Effects of KLS-13109 and Cannabidiol in IN VITRO and IN VIVO Models of Chemotherapy-Induced Neuropathic Pain" and "Discovery of Side-Chain Modified Cannabidiol-Derived Neuroprotective Agents with Improved "Drug Likeness," highlighted the Company's recent research of CBD and CBD-derived molecule target drug candidates to treat neurodegenerative diseases.
"When we set out to design a better molecule and keep much of the pharmacological properties of CBD such as neuroprotection and reducing oxidative stress, we hoped to come up with an answer to the limitations of CBD," said CEO of Kannalife, Dean Petkanas. "We believe we've answered that problem with KLS-13019. Accordingly, we were honored and grateful to be given the opportunity by the ICRS to present our Company's most recent research and progress in the field of cannabinoid-based therapeutics. The ICRS is dedicated to promoting the exchange of scientific information and perspectives about the use of cannabis, cannabinoid therapeutics, in the regulation of receptors, neurotransmitters and homeostasis of the endocannabinoid system. Their involvement in sponsoring an annual event that pushes forth the field of scientific discovery in cannabinoid therapeutics is unparalleled."
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Poll: More Than 3 Out Of 4 U.S. Moms And Grandmothers Concerned About Climate And Air Pollution Harming Children
Washington, DC
As "Energy Week" and talk of "energy dominance" wound down in Washington, a unique new scientific survey of U.S. moms and grandmothers showed that women are concerned that not enough is being done about air pollution and climate change in terms of "the world your children or grandchildren will inherit."
Available online at http://momscleanairforce.org/moms-poll, the unprecedented poll of 804 U.S. moms and grandmothers conducted by Public Policy Polling (PPP) on behalf of Moms Clean Air Force includes the following key findings:
•Three of five moms/grandmothers (59%) are "very concerned" and another 19% are somewhat concerned about "air pollution and climate change" in terms of "the world your children or grandchildren will inherit". (This reflects 78% overall concern.) Well over half (59%) of conservative moms and grandmothers are concerned, as are 96% of liberals and 84% of independents. While concerns among white respondents was at 75%, it jumped to 84% of Hispanics/Latinas and 85% for African Americans.
•About three out of four moms/grandmothers (74%) agree with the statement "we are not doing enough as a nation to protect clean air and clean water for your children and grandchildren in the coming years and decades". This was true of 58% of conservatives, 93% of liberals and 79% of independents. Agreement among white respondents was at 71% and rose to 87% of Hispanics/Latinas and 84% for African Americans.
•A bit more than a third of respondents (34%) said they have children or grandchildren with a respiratory illness such as asthma.
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OWC Pharmaceutical Research Corp. Announces Market Readiness of its Cannabinoid-based Topical Cream for Skin Conditions Starting With Psoriasis
Petach Tikva, Israel
OWC Pharmaceutical Research Corp. has announced that its wholly-owned, Israel-based subsidiary, One World Cannabis Ltd. (OWC), has filed a patent application with the United States Patent and Trademark Office for its active cannabinoid-based topical cream. This new patent application follows the previously filed 'provisional' patent application. The added protection that this patent application provides for OWC's intellectual property will enable the Company to accelerate its ongoing discussions and negotiations regarding scientific, medical and commercial collaboration.
Commenting on the filing of the patent application, Mr. Mordechai Bignitz, Chairman and CEO of OWC Pharmaceutical Research, stated, "After we announced the highlights of our pre-clinical efficacy study for our active, cannabinoid-based topical cream, starting with psoriasis, we received numerous inquiries from firms and organizations worldwide interested in purchasing the cream or initiating commercial or scientific collaboration with OWCP. The need to fully protect our intellectual property limited our ability to provide these potential customers and partners with our proprietary data. This proprietary data now includes specifics regarding the formulation of the cream, which consists of cannabinoids and other compounds that facilitate the efficient delivery of the product to infected areas. The filing of this patent application also enables us to discuss with potential customers and partners, the requirements for manufacturing the cream in accordance with the highest global standards that comply with international protocols, and includes specifics regarding required equipment and systems. We look forward to announcing a more specific plan of product launch details in due course."
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Too Much Screen Time? Sit Up Straight to Avoid Painful Tech Neck
Chicago, Illinois
A modern affliction has osteopathic physicians prescribing the selfie stance to patients checking their devices: keep your head up and hold the phone straight out. Tilting the head forward 60 degrees can put up to 60 pounds of pressure on the neck, according to Stacey Pierce-Talsma, DO, chair of osteopathic manipulative medicine at Touro University California. Tech neck, a disorder that changes the curvature of the spine, can cause severe muscle strain and mobility loss.
The painful condition results primarily from the use of cell phones, tablets and other small screen technology, which users tend to hold below eye level. It's a progressive issue, which may lead to disc degeneration and nerve complications, according to Dr. Pierce-Talsma, who's seen a rise in the number of patients reporting neck stiffness, shoulder tightness or a general ache in the upper body.
"Improper posture adds tension and compression to structures that weren't meant to bear that weight," she explained. "These stresses and strains build up over time and wear down bones, joints and ligaments, even changing the way muscles fire."
Posture, a reflection of how the musculoskeletal system is functioning as a whole, influences the biomechanical efficiency of the body. Good posture places the least amount of strain on our muscles, bones and ligaments as we move, walk and lie down, says Dr. Pierce-Talsma. Poor posture leads to fatigue and pain.
An osteopathic physician and a registered yoga instructor, Dr. Pierce-Talsma looks at patients holistically to understand what postural, muscular and neurological issues may be contributing to their health concerns. Treatment for tech neck starts with simple lifestyle modifications.
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Release of Original Song Written For Film "An Inconvenient Sequel: Truth To Power"
Santa Monica, California
Multi-platinum, Grammy-nominated quintet OneRepublic released "Truth To Power" on June 30th, on Mosley Music/Interscope Records. "Truth To Power" was written and produced by Ryan Tedder and T Bone Burnett and will be featured in the Paramount Pictures and Participant Media's Film "An Inconvenient Sequel: Truth To Power," which will be in theaters July 28th. "Truth To Power" is available for streaming and digital download via all participating digital retailers. Watch the lyric video for "Truth To Power" HERE.
"Ten years later we are still talking about climate change," says OneRepublic lead singer/songwriter Ryan Tedder. "Former Vice President Al Gore has again made a film that inspires one to get involved and do something for our planet. It was an honor to create a song with the legendary T Bone Burnett that speaks to the theme of this movie that the 'truth' leads to 'power' when it comes to standing up and helping to create change."
"Music can often move us in ways that words alone cannot," said former Vice President Al Gore, adding, "Ryan Tedder and T Bone Burnett have written and produced a beautiful and powerfully inspiring song for An Inconvenient Sequel: Truth to Power about how the truth about manmade climate change is itself turning into the power humanity needs to solve the crisis our world is facing -- with courage, conviction, and faith in one another. I am so grateful that these two great artists were able to capture what Mahatma Ghandi called 'truth-force' in their incredible and moving song, 'Truth to Power.' It's an instant classic and, for me, has been an earworm since I first heard Ryan sing it."
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Grapes Linked to Better Health Says New Grapes and Health Monograph Detailing Science Linking Grapes and Health
New York, New York
A newly released book titled Grapes and Health: A Monograph offers a thorough review of the current science linking the consumption of grapes to better health. Designed for health and science professionals, this 235-page authoritative reference is a compilation and synthesis of peer-reviewed, grape-specific research which demonstrates the significant scope of the health impact of grape consumption.
The book begins by establishing the basics of grape biology, such as the presence of thousands of natural compounds – including polyphenols – in grapes of all colors, and the fact that grapes are technically a berry. This foundational information is followed by individual chapters written by subject experts who examine the state of the research in the following key areas: heart health, inflammation, cancer, brain health, gastrointestinal health, joint health, bladder function and eye health. In human studies with California grapes, eating the equivalent of 1-1/2 to 3 servings of fresh grapes a day has shown beneficial effects.
The evidence that grapes play a role in supporting heart health is well-established. Specifically, grape polyphenols beneficially impact metabolic activities that counter oxidative stress, inflammation and platelet aggregation all of which contribute to atherosclerosis. Grape consumption helps promote healthy, flexible blood vessels through nitric oxide production, which helps support healthy blood flow and pressure.
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Laser Therapy: Amazing Results in Veterinary Medicine
Vicenza, Italy
Fast application and results, safety, non-toxicity, and high tolerability, the laser-focused therapeutic solution proves to be fully effective in treating even common pathologies in the pet world.
An impact with a stone during a hunting trip is the reason why Tom had to be operated on the deep wound generated. The 4-year-old Italian Pointer, due to the wound position and poor post-surgery care of the owners, had to also deal with its subsequent reopening from the painful, non-secondary repercussions. Stumbling on a hooked piece of iron in the ground as he walked with his owners, Niki, a 9-year-old German shepherd, got a contused and lacerated wound that, though promptly sutured, created problems afterwards that eventually led to a surgical curettage and the removal of an already necrotic skin flap.
How to help the closure of the two wounds in a short time, without pain and contraindications? Laser therapy applied in the veterinary field turns out to be providential. Thanks to its anti-inflammatory, antiedemigenous, analgesic, and biostimulating effects, it results in a rapid healing and edema resolution, an immediate improvement in local blood circulation, a fast recovery of the structural integrity of damaged tissues, and a significant reduction of pain in the short term. The speed of application of the treatment also has positive effects on its tolerability even for the more restless or sensitive animals. The confirmation of the value of this therapeutic solution comes from the experience of some veterinary medicine specialists who have chosen it to treat frequent pathologies in everyday outpatient practice.
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