Popular Articles

Survey Reveals Public's Concerns About Prescription Medication Overdose Risks Following Death Of Michael Jackson
Survey results released by The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP) revealed the effects of publicity around Michael Jackson"s alleged prescription drug misuse. More than 200 pharmacists who work in home, ambulatory, and chronic care practices responded to the survey conducted on July 1, 2009.

Work Status Changes More Common Among Women Receiving Chemotherapy For Breast Cancer, Study Says
Women with breast cancer who receive chemotherapy appear more likely than those treated with radiation therapy to experience a major change in work status, according to a study published in the journal Cancer, Reuters reports. For the study, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute researcher Michael Hassett and colleagues used a large health insurance claims database to identify 3,233 women who were first diagnosed with breast cancer between 1998 and 2002. All of the women were younger than age 64, insured, and working full time or part time as of diagnosis. About 54% of the women received chemotherapy, and 58% received radiation therapy.Hassett said that most of the women did "not experience a significant change in their employment after cancer diagnosis and treatment." However, of the 6.6% who experienced such a change, those who received chemotherapy had a 1.8-fold greater risk of leaving work, retiring or going on long-term disability leave in the subsequent year. Sixty-seven percent of women who experienced a change went from full-time employment to early retirement, while the rest went from full-time employment to long-term disability or retirement, or their status was unknown. Although the study looked at many factors, only chemotherapy and older age were associated with an increased likelihood of a change in employment. Hassett said that most of the participants in the study worked for large employers that offered health insurance. He added that further research is needed to evaluate the effect of cancer diagnosis and treatment on work status for women who are self-employed or work for smaller companies (Hendry, Reuters, 6/30).
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Nearly 9 In 10 Seniors Satisfied With Medigap
Medigap policyholders are overwhelmingly satisfied with their coverage and say it provides good value for their money, according to a new survey released today by the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association (BCBSA) and America"s Health Insurance Plans (AHIP).
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Tackling Dental Access Problem About More Than Numbers, Says BDA

Research published by consumer organisation Which? highlights the well-publicised problems some patients face accessing NHS dental care, according to the British Dental Association (BDA). The consumer organisation"s research indicates that, while nine out of ten people who tried to see an NHS dentist in the last two years were successful, three million people could not get an appointment. John Milne, Chair of the BDA"s General Dental Practice Committee, said: "Many patients still face problems attempting to access NHS dental care and this research highlights inequalities in access, a problem that must be tackled imaginatively. That means thinking beyond numerical measures of access to consider the kind of care patients receive. "The independent review of dentistry being led by Professor Steele presents an opportunity to consider how best to address this issue. We look forward to the report"s publication." Notes 1. Details of the inquiry into dental services, being led by Professor Jimmy Steele, are available here. 2. The BDA is The British Dental Association (BDA) is the professional association for dentists in the UK. It represents over 23,000 dentists working in general practice, in community and hospital settings, in academia and research, and in the armed forces. The British Dental Association


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