Hi all!
Congratulations on completing our first round of courses in med school =)
When I had originally signed up for the ethnic minorities presentation group, the particular group of interest I had in mind was Native Americans. I know there are many reservations in this area and I do not feel that I have a good grasp on the disparities they face. Before our group decided to focus on the Latino population, I began research on Native Americans and wanted to share with you one of the most informative resources I came across. It is extremely long, but I felt it would be a good resource for all of us because this is a population of patients we WILL be treating in San Diego. (Plus it has a handy table of contents).
The document also provides a history of health policies and decisions involving the Native Americans--attempts at solutions which have ultimately not been accomplished yet. It is incredible what a role the federal government has played in the health care of Native Americans and ultimately how their relationship has lead to health disparities experienced by this population.
I hope you all find this educational and interesting.
And have a wonderful Thanksgiving!
Cassidy
http://www.usccr.gov/pubs/nahealth/nabroken.pdf
Friday, November 21, 2008
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Hepatitis B Virus-Induced Liver Cancer in Asian Americans: A Preventable Disease
Hello!
I recently attended a Hepatitis B conference sponsored by APAMSA and was surprised to learn that about 1 out of 10 Asian Americans have chronic hepatitis B infections, compared to only 1 out of 1,000 white Americans! I think the statistic speaks for itself. Hepatitis B is a serious liver disease that disproportionately affects Asian Americans today.
Why so common among Asian Americans? First of all, 90% of Hepatitis B infections were acquired from other countries, and not in the U.S. Thus, Asian immigrants and their descent often carry the disease. Sadly most are unaware of it. People with chronic HBV often show no symptoms. Blood test is the only way of detecting the infection. Chronic Hepatitis B infection can lead to liver cancer.
Because Hepatitis B is a sexually transmitted disease, talking about Hepatitis B is a social taboo in Asian culture. However, sex is not the only method of transmission. People living in developing countries often acquire the disease from their mother at birth.
One of the main speakers at the conference has Hepatitis B. She acquired Hepatitis B from her mother at birth. She was in her mid-40s when she found out. Consequently, she unknowingly passed Hepatitis B to her husband and her three children - all of whom are now at risk of liver cancer....However there is hope!
Treatment for Hepatitis B is now available! Although it is not a complete cure, studies have shown that the new treatment can reduce a patient's risk of developing liver cancer significantly. Unfortunately, most old Asian healthcare providers are unaware of the new treatment and still follow the old rule: “If your liver looks fine, you are fine.” People who have Hepatitis B need to be tested and treated.
I encourage you to check the following article that was published this year! A lot of Hepatitis B awareness (Jade Ribbon Campaign) in the U.S. just started a couple of years ago and is happening now! http://liver.stanford.edu/
Please join the movement by staying informed!
Hepatitis B Virus-Induced Liver Cancer in Asian Americans: A Preventable Disease
JNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute 2008 100(8):528-529
http://jnci.oxfordjournals.org/cgi/content/full/100/8/528
I recently attended a Hepatitis B conference sponsored by APAMSA and was surprised to learn that about 1 out of 10 Asian Americans have chronic hepatitis B infections, compared to only 1 out of 1,000 white Americans! I think the statistic speaks for itself. Hepatitis B is a serious liver disease that disproportionately affects Asian Americans today.
Why so common among Asian Americans? First of all, 90% of Hepatitis B infections were acquired from other countries, and not in the U.S. Thus, Asian immigrants and their descent often carry the disease. Sadly most are unaware of it. People with chronic HBV often show no symptoms. Blood test is the only way of detecting the infection. Chronic Hepatitis B infection can lead to liver cancer.
Because Hepatitis B is a sexually transmitted disease, talking about Hepatitis B is a social taboo in Asian culture. However, sex is not the only method of transmission. People living in developing countries often acquire the disease from their mother at birth.
One of the main speakers at the conference has Hepatitis B. She acquired Hepatitis B from her mother at birth. She was in her mid-40s when she found out. Consequently, she unknowingly passed Hepatitis B to her husband and her three children - all of whom are now at risk of liver cancer....However there is hope!
Treatment for Hepatitis B is now available! Although it is not a complete cure, studies have shown that the new treatment can reduce a patient's risk of developing liver cancer significantly. Unfortunately, most old Asian healthcare providers are unaware of the new treatment and still follow the old rule: “If your liver looks fine, you are fine.” People who have Hepatitis B need to be tested and treated.
I encourage you to check the following article that was published this year! A lot of Hepatitis B awareness (Jade Ribbon Campaign) in the U.S. just started a couple of years ago and is happening now! http://liver.stanford.edu/
Please join the movement by staying informed!
Hepatitis B Virus-Induced Liver Cancer in Asian Americans: A Preventable Disease
JNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute 2008 100(8):528-529
http://jnci.oxfordjournals.org/cgi/content/full/100/8/528
Thursday, November 13, 2008
UCSD SOM Kiva Loan Community
I have created a community on Kiva.org for the UCSD SOM. Its an open community and anybody can join. It would be awesome if some of you would like to join it and loan as little as $25! To join the community you simply go to kiva.org Then click on Communities. If you search for UCSD it should come up with the UCSD SOM community. Just click to join. You'll first have to create an account on Kiva and then you can join the community. As a member of the team you still actually do the loans individually. So that means you can choose anyone on kiva to loan to yourself. However if you don't want to take the time just let me know and I'll make a couple of suggestions.
The more people that join the bigger impact we can make so please join up! Its only $25 and like 98% you'll get your money back! I'll keep people updated with emails on how its going after you join as well. Some of the people receiving money send out little updates and things. Thanks!!
The more people that join the bigger impact we can make so please join up! Its only $25 and like 98% you'll get your money back! I'll keep people updated with emails on how its going after you join as well. Some of the people receiving money send out little updates and things. Thanks!!
Culture and Health Literacy
Hey guys,
I came across this interesting article while doing research for my project. It discusses the role of culture in health literacy and provides some guidance into breaking the cultural divides. I know we have talked a lot about this, but it never hurts to see what is actually being published about the subject. Enjoy!
http://springerlink.metapress.com/content/x03720m20857mm86/fulltext.pdf
-Daniel
DENTAL DISPARITY in Minority Children
Hey everyone - Today we will talking about a few child disparities but there was ONE that was very shocking to our group that we don't have time to talk about today.
The article is linked below but the main point is that minority children have extremely high cavity rates compared to white children. Apparently cavities can be almost completely eliminated if water is fluoridated:
"Water fluoridation is the most effective measure in preventing caries, but only 62% of water supplies are fluoridated, and lack of fluoridation may disproportionately affect poor and minority children."
It was shocking to our group that 62% of water supplies are NOT fluoridated - that is a simple and relatively cheap solution to the problem. This is a solution that even us as medical students could help initiate and could save millions of dollars of dental care later.
Full Article:
http://jama.ama-assn.org/cgi/content/full/284/20/2625
Brush your teeth!!
The article is linked below but the main point is that minority children have extremely high cavity rates compared to white children. Apparently cavities can be almost completely eliminated if water is fluoridated:
"Water fluoridation is the most effective measure in preventing caries, but only 62% of water supplies are fluoridated, and lack of fluoridation may disproportionately affect poor and minority children."
It was shocking to our group that 62% of water supplies are NOT fluoridated - that is a simple and relatively cheap solution to the problem. This is a solution that even us as medical students could help initiate and could save millions of dollars of dental care later.
Full Article:
http://jama.ama-assn.org/cgi/content/full/284/20/2625
Brush your teeth!!
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
The Current State of Primary Care
This is an extremely relevant video that is a must watch for us PRIME kids, especially because we're all "going to be in Primary Care, right?" (David Ding)
Anyway, the video is a roundtable discussion of a bunch of doctors and one M.D.,M.P.H. Their collective intellect is nice to be around.
They first spend some time citing the problems and their roots,
Then they go into new ways of viewing Primary Care and delivering it,
After which they discuss the importance of using different sectors of medicine in building a "Primary Care Team",
And finally, the group tries to tackle the age-old dragon: Payment Reform.
Enjoy with a ice-cold beverage and bare feet. It's a fun one.
http://www.nejm.org/perspective/primary-care-video/
Anyway, the video is a roundtable discussion of a bunch of doctors and one M.D.,M.P.H. Their collective intellect is nice to be around.
They first spend some time citing the problems and their roots,
Then they go into new ways of viewing Primary Care and delivering it,
After which they discuss the importance of using different sectors of medicine in building a "Primary Care Team",
And finally, the group tries to tackle the age-old dragon: Payment Reform.
Enjoy with a ice-cold beverage and bare feet. It's a fun one.
http://www.nejm.org/perspective/primary-care-video/
articles related to "greening" our cities
Hey guys,
I was just browsing through bbc news and came across an article that relates to Dr. Sidelinger's talk on how urban planning and green spaces affect health.
This first article talks about a study done by a couple of scottish scientists on how greener neighborhoods relate to reducing the "health gap" between rich and poor. They studied the relation between the death of 36600 people between 2001 and 2005 and how "green" their local neighborhoods were. I don't believe all of the evidence but its interesting.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/7714950.stm
The next one done by researchers at Colombia University is an older one discussing the links between green neighborhoods and a reduction in asthma. They even go so far as to say that "asthma rates among children aged four and five fell by 25% for every extra 343 trees per square kilometre." It also discusses some of the stuff we learned about during the asthma clinical correlate about how exposure to more microbes as a child reduces the risk of asthma. They, however, link greener neighborhoods with playing outside more often. This therefore leads to more exposure to microbes thus lowers asthma risk. I'd like to see some more convincing evidence, but its a start.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/7374078.stm
-Daniel
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Hey everybody,
This is an article that I've always thought was interesting. The reported findings are alarming, yet very relevant to what we're trying to train ourselves to do. I've written a quick snippet just to whet your appetites, so that you may go on to the link to read it for yourself: http://jama.ama-assn.org/cgi/content/full/294/9/1058?maxtoshow=&HITS=10&hits=10&RESULTFORMAT=&fulltext=residents%27+preparedness&searchid=1&FIRSTINDEX=0&resourcetype=HWCIT
Chao!
hubert
This is an article that I've always thought was interesting. The reported findings are alarming, yet very relevant to what we're trying to train ourselves to do. I've written a quick snippet just to whet your appetites, so that you may go on to the link to read it for yourself: http://jama.ama-assn.org/cgi/content/full/294/9/1058?maxtoshow=&HITS=10&hits=10&RESULTFORMAT=&fulltext=residents%27+preparedness&searchid=1&FIRSTINDEX=0&resourcetype=HWCIT
Without a question, current residents are required to face difficulties arising from cross-cultural differences. JAMA reports in a survey taken of residents that 96% do acknowledge that it was very important to address cultural components when giving care, while only 8% answered that they were not prepared to care for diverse cultures. Interestingly, when asked about addressing specific aspects of cross-cultural care, the following results arose: 25% reported that they were not ready to care for someone who firmly believed in something other than Western Medicine, 25% reported that they were not ready to care for new immigrants, and 20% were not ready to care for patients with strong religious beliefs. The discrepancy between these two sets of numbers (8% and 25%) points towards the simple fact that some residents are not even able to pinpoint exactly what entails “cross-cultural care”. This gap in the type of knowledge required in these specific settings may arise from a plethora of situations, ranging from a lack of focused cultural component in the medical school curriculum, to a lack of a mentor who possesses a strong understanding of such issues, to even the failure of the school or hospital administration to believe in the importance of said issues.
Chao!
hubert
The State of SB 840
As many of you know, SB 840 is the senate bill that aims to create a single-payer universal health care system here in California. It is a bill that relies on the fundamental idea that health care is a universal human right, an idea, that even amongst health care professionals, is not universally accepted.
Here are some of the benefits of SB 840 (copied directly from the website:http://www.onecarenow.org/sb840.htm which represents supporter of SB 840)
1) Security - All California residents are covered for life.
2) Choice - Everyone has the freedom to choose their doctor or integrated health system such as Kaiser. Delivery of care will continue as now to be private and public.
3) Comprehensive Benefits - Coverage includes all care prescribed by a patient's health care provider that meets accepted standards of care and practice. Coverage includes hospital, medical, surgical, mental health; dental and vision care; prescription drugs and medical equipments, diagnostic testing, hospice care and more.
4) High Quality - The bill utilizes proven financial incentives that support the delivery of high quality care, including bonuses for providers working in rural or under-served areas. The plan invests in needed health care infrastructure such as electronic claims and reimbursement systems and statewide medical databases that improve health care quality.
5) Efficient Administration - Consolidating the hundreds of insurance plans, both private and public, into one comprehensive insurance plan saves the state, patients and providers billions of dollars each year.
6) Shared Responsibility - Payment of an affordable premium by employers, employees and individuals supports the health care system we all need at some time.
7) Fair Reimbursement - Providers receive fair and full compensation for all their services.
8) Cost Controls - Health care costs are controlled by efficient administration, bulk purchase of drugs and durable medical equipment, global health care budgets, coordination of capital expenditures, and linkage to growth of the State Gross Domestic Product.
If you went to the event that Anne helped organize a couple weeks ago, you also know that this bill has passed both houses of the CA legislature twice, only to be vetoed by the governor.
The governor has created an alternative proposal which was not approved by the legislature, this link compares and contrasts his proposal to SB 840
http://www.onecarenow.org/healthcarereformplancompare.htm
Please recognize this is from a group lobbying for SB 840, so of course there are some inherent biases, that being said, I still think its worth looking over.
For a definition of single-payer health care - here is a handy wikipedia link:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Single-payer_health_care
SB 840 will probably be reintroduced in the CA legislature in Feb 2009, where if it passes again (as it likely will), the governor will have another chance to approve it. If you are in support of Universal health care coverage in CA, you may want to consider signing a petition online: http://salsa.democracyinaction.org/o/1308/signUp.jsp?key=1142&t=DefaultTemplate.dwt, or sending a letter to the governor. There is also a lobby day in Sacramento slated for the 11-12 of January (I think).
If you support Universal Health Care nationally, it will likely need to be proven at the state-wide level before it goes national. And what better place than California to break this important ground?!
Here are some of the benefits of SB 840 (copied directly from the website:http://www.onecarenow.org/sb840.htm which represents supporter of SB 840)
1) Security - All California residents are covered for life.
2) Choice - Everyone has the freedom to choose their doctor or integrated health system such as Kaiser. Delivery of care will continue as now to be private and public.
3) Comprehensive Benefits - Coverage includes all care prescribed by a patient's health care provider that meets accepted standards of care and practice. Coverage includes hospital, medical, surgical, mental health; dental and vision care; prescription drugs and medical equipments, diagnostic testing, hospice care and more.
4) High Quality - The bill utilizes proven financial incentives that support the delivery of high quality care, including bonuses for providers working in rural or under-served areas. The plan invests in needed health care infrastructure such as electronic claims and reimbursement systems and statewide medical databases that improve health care quality.
5) Efficient Administration - Consolidating the hundreds of insurance plans, both private and public, into one comprehensive insurance plan saves the state, patients and providers billions of dollars each year.
6) Shared Responsibility - Payment of an affordable premium by employers, employees and individuals supports the health care system we all need at some time.
7) Fair Reimbursement - Providers receive fair and full compensation for all their services.
8) Cost Controls - Health care costs are controlled by efficient administration, bulk purchase of drugs and durable medical equipment, global health care budgets, coordination of capital expenditures, and linkage to growth of the State Gross Domestic Product.
If you went to the event that Anne helped organize a couple weeks ago, you also know that this bill has passed both houses of the CA legislature twice, only to be vetoed by the governor.
The governor has created an alternative proposal which was not approved by the legislature, this link compares and contrasts his proposal to SB 840
http://www.onecarenow.org/healthcarereformplancompare.htm
Please recognize this is from a group lobbying for SB 840, so of course there are some inherent biases, that being said, I still think its worth looking over.
For a definition of single-payer health care - here is a handy wikipedia link:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Single-payer_health_care
SB 840 will probably be reintroduced in the CA legislature in Feb 2009, where if it passes again (as it likely will), the governor will have another chance to approve it. If you are in support of Universal health care coverage in CA, you may want to consider signing a petition online: http://salsa.democracyinaction.org/o/1308/signUp.jsp?key=1142&t=DefaultTemplate.dwt, or sending a letter to the governor. There is also a lobby day in Sacramento slated for the 11-12 of January (I think).
If you support Universal Health Care nationally, it will likely need to be proven at the state-wide level before it goes national. And what better place than California to break this important ground?!
School-Based Health Centers
Hi guys, this is my first time posting on the PRIME blog, and so I wanted to shift gears and post a little bit about a topic that is near and dear to my heart... (Its a long one - read it when you have time :)
As many of you know, I spent the last five years teaching in the Oakland Public Schools. When I first came to Oakland High School, there were no health services on campus to speak of, and if a child so much as needed a band-aid, they were going to get sent home (unless the teacher had bought some on her own). In the five years I was there, I had the privilege of seeing a transformation in the role of the school as health care provider and educator for under-served youth - we brought on a full time health-educator, and even a first-aid nurse. In the last few years I was in Oakland, I became very involved in a committee whose goal was to implement a school based-health center on campus.
The model of a school-based health center has been around for over 20 years, and in many ways it is part of a greater vision for the 'School as Village', a concept proposed by many, including Hillary Clinton during her time as First Lady. The idea is that schools should be transformed into full-service community centers that provide not only traditional education, but also mental and physical health services, career and college support, leadership development, and training for parents in a variety of areas ranging from healthy eating, and computer skills to education on navigating college applications and FAFSAs with their children. Many of these services currently receives some level of government support, or are delivered by non-profit organizations that rely at least in part on grants from their state, county, and local government. Therefore, the 'School as Community Center' model centralizes the provision a many related government services to high-need populations.
In California, there are currently more than 150 School-based health centers, many of which are at the elementary school level. Their mission is to provide standard primary care, and often times mental health services to children at the school (who opt to use the clinic). At the high school level, reproductive health services are also a major facet of the health clinics. These health clinics are a safety net to some of our most vulnerable patients, low-income children.
In 2006, Governor Schwarzenegger set a goal of expanding the number of school-based health centers to 500. Unfortunately, California is one of only nine states that do not provide direct state funding for school-based health centers. Instead, school based health centers must rely on a hodge-podge of different funding sources including 'government grants, private donations, in-kind support, and third-party reimbursement from public programs such as Medi-Cal, Healthy Families, Family PACT, and Expanded Access to Primary Care to provide services.' This may not always be the case, as in September of this year; the Governor signed Senator Ridley-Thomas’ SB 564, the School Health Centers Expansion Act. This act creates a state-grant program for school-based health centers, and once implemented will be the first-time direct state assistance will be provided to school health centers. Such funding is absolutely imperative, if the Governor is serious about expanding the number of school based health clinics to 500 or more. SB 564 is a follow-up to AB 2560 of 2006, which established a Public School Health Center Support Program to collect data and provide technical assistance to support new and existing school health centers. Unfortunately, the significance of the new bill may remain symbolic for the time being as the Governor himself as admitted that the budget is tight, and there is no money to start awarding these grants at the present time, however, he wanted to create a mechanism and framework for providing school based clinics with assistance when monies became available.
At Oakland High, the vision for our wellness center was born from many other models that already existed in the Bay area, one particularly exemplary model being at nearby Berkeley High, where a single trailer had grown into a full service health center in a permanent structure with a full-time medical staff. Of course, Berkeley had the privilege of a more ample support from their City's own Health and Human Services Department. Our own clinic was to be funded by a more modest grant from the county Department of Public Health. So, while our funds we more limited, our goals were no less lofty. We were inspired by what other schools in similar communities were able to offer, and strove to provide quality primary care that could be accessed by all 2000 of our students.
As of the 2007-2008 school year, a preliminary health center had been opened in a large classroom that had served as an auto shop many years ago. We were offering a significant (though limited) amount of counseling and psychological health services, as well as sex education and reproductive health services. The school nurse and two school psychologists are at the center of this developing institution and the other services are contracted out to local non-profits and clinics who send staff to provide their services on site. In 2008, we also received additional funding to create a new structure for the health clinic, an approved blue prints that included space for a lab, and several exam rooms. The new center, when it finally opens, will integrate health services with a wide range of academic support, college preparation, employment opportunities, and leadership development. Gardening and cooking classes also aim to improve eating habits amongst teenagers. The idea is that by providing kids with productive ways to engage in their community, we will decrease violence, drug and alcohol use, and unsafe sex, which are all major contributors to diminishing health amongst youth. It is an ambitious project, and one that is still in its infancy, but I hope to visit Oakland High and see their progress this spring.
In the meanwhile, here are some of the important questions and concerns that both proponents and opponents of school based health centers have raised:
How do we determine which schools are best suited for a school-based health center?
How do we optimize the size and nature of the clinic?
(A large full service clinic in some schools, as opposed to a small one-stop shop with more limited services in another)
How do we engage the support and guidance of the community in developing such clinics?
In the case of elementary and junior high students (and to a lesser degree high school students), how do we reconcile issues of patient confidenitality with the right of the parent to be involved in their minor's health care decision-making?
For more info on school-based health clinic in Cali and around the country:
http://www.chcf.org/topics/view.cfm?itemid=133488
(the linked pdf on this page is an excellent, though extensive report)
gov.ca.gov/images/page/health/SchoolBasedHealthCenters.pdf
http://www.schoolbasedhealthcare.org
http://www.schoolhealthcenters.org/
Happy Studying!
Arthi
As many of you know, I spent the last five years teaching in the Oakland Public Schools. When I first came to Oakland High School, there were no health services on campus to speak of, and if a child so much as needed a band-aid, they were going to get sent home (unless the teacher had bought some on her own). In the five years I was there, I had the privilege of seeing a transformation in the role of the school as health care provider and educator for under-served youth - we brought on a full time health-educator, and even a first-aid nurse. In the last few years I was in Oakland, I became very involved in a committee whose goal was to implement a school based-health center on campus.
The model of a school-based health center has been around for over 20 years, and in many ways it is part of a greater vision for the 'School as Village', a concept proposed by many, including Hillary Clinton during her time as First Lady. The idea is that schools should be transformed into full-service community centers that provide not only traditional education, but also mental and physical health services, career and college support, leadership development, and training for parents in a variety of areas ranging from healthy eating, and computer skills to education on navigating college applications and FAFSAs with their children. Many of these services currently receives some level of government support, or are delivered by non-profit organizations that rely at least in part on grants from their state, county, and local government. Therefore, the 'School as Community Center' model centralizes the provision a many related government services to high-need populations.
In California, there are currently more than 150 School-based health centers, many of which are at the elementary school level. Their mission is to provide standard primary care, and often times mental health services to children at the school (who opt to use the clinic). At the high school level, reproductive health services are also a major facet of the health clinics. These health clinics are a safety net to some of our most vulnerable patients, low-income children.
In 2006, Governor Schwarzenegger set a goal of expanding the number of school-based health centers to 500. Unfortunately, California is one of only nine states that do not provide direct state funding for school-based health centers. Instead, school based health centers must rely on a hodge-podge of different funding sources including 'government grants, private donations, in-kind support, and third-party reimbursement from public programs such as Medi-Cal, Healthy Families, Family PACT, and Expanded Access to Primary Care to provide services.' This may not always be the case, as in September of this year; the Governor signed Senator Ridley-Thomas’ SB 564, the School Health Centers Expansion Act. This act creates a state-grant program for school-based health centers, and once implemented will be the first-time direct state assistance will be provided to school health centers. Such funding is absolutely imperative, if the Governor is serious about expanding the number of school based health clinics to 500 or more. SB 564 is a follow-up to AB 2560 of 2006, which established a Public School Health Center Support Program to collect data and provide technical assistance to support new and existing school health centers. Unfortunately, the significance of the new bill may remain symbolic for the time being as the Governor himself as admitted that the budget is tight, and there is no money to start awarding these grants at the present time, however, he wanted to create a mechanism and framework for providing school based clinics with assistance when monies became available.
At Oakland High, the vision for our wellness center was born from many other models that already existed in the Bay area, one particularly exemplary model being at nearby Berkeley High, where a single trailer had grown into a full service health center in a permanent structure with a full-time medical staff. Of course, Berkeley had the privilege of a more ample support from their City's own Health and Human Services Department. Our own clinic was to be funded by a more modest grant from the county Department of Public Health. So, while our funds we more limited, our goals were no less lofty. We were inspired by what other schools in similar communities were able to offer, and strove to provide quality primary care that could be accessed by all 2000 of our students.
As of the 2007-2008 school year, a preliminary health center had been opened in a large classroom that had served as an auto shop many years ago. We were offering a significant (though limited) amount of counseling and psychological health services, as well as sex education and reproductive health services. The school nurse and two school psychologists are at the center of this developing institution and the other services are contracted out to local non-profits and clinics who send staff to provide their services on site. In 2008, we also received additional funding to create a new structure for the health clinic, an approved blue prints that included space for a lab, and several exam rooms. The new center, when it finally opens, will integrate health services with a wide range of academic support, college preparation, employment opportunities, and leadership development. Gardening and cooking classes also aim to improve eating habits amongst teenagers. The idea is that by providing kids with productive ways to engage in their community, we will decrease violence, drug and alcohol use, and unsafe sex, which are all major contributors to diminishing health amongst youth. It is an ambitious project, and one that is still in its infancy, but I hope to visit Oakland High and see their progress this spring.
In the meanwhile, here are some of the important questions and concerns that both proponents and opponents of school based health centers have raised:
How do we determine which schools are best suited for a school-based health center?
How do we optimize the size and nature of the clinic?
(A large full service clinic in some schools, as opposed to a small one-stop shop with more limited services in another)
How do we engage the support and guidance of the community in developing such clinics?
In the case of elementary and junior high students (and to a lesser degree high school students), how do we reconcile issues of patient confidenitality with the right of the parent to be involved in their minor's health care decision-making?
For more info on school-based health clinic in Cali and around the country:
http://www.chcf.org/topics/view.cfm?itemid=133488
(the linked pdf on this page is an excellent, though extensive report)
gov.ca.gov/images/page/health/SchoolBasedHealthCenters.pdf
http://www.schoolbasedhealthcare.org
http://www.schoolhealthcenters.org/
Happy Studying!
Arthi
Monday, November 10, 2008
A Model to Eliminate Health Disparities
Hey guys,
Since I am working on the presentation this coming Thursday, I may as well post these two essays from PLoS Medicine as my share for the blog. Up to this point we have (I hope) acknowledged the fact that there are health inequity and/or disparities in our society. In fact those data, movie clips, and statistic presented by Dr. Daley, Dr. Broyles, and Dr. Sidelinger really opened my eyes as I have learn a lot from this class. However as a thought process, when we think about what goes wrong, we should also think how to fix it and prevent future problems. That is what addressed in these two essays which, I think, is really helpful to read. A solution for health inequity is not simple, but what can we do beside hoping for a better & fairer health policy system?
The first essay (2006) is the suggestion from a former Assistant Secretary for Health of the United State.
http://medicine.plosjournals.org/perlserv/?request=get-document&doi=10.1371/journal.pmed.0030405
The second one, which is newer (2008), talks about the possibly of a reformation for our health care system.
http://medicine.plosjournals.org/perlserv/?request=get-document&doi=10.1371%2Fjournal.pmed.0050208&ct=1
Chuong
Since I am working on the presentation this coming Thursday, I may as well post these two essays from PLoS Medicine as my share for the blog. Up to this point we have (I hope) acknowledged the fact that there are health inequity and/or disparities in our society. In fact those data, movie clips, and statistic presented by Dr. Daley, Dr. Broyles, and Dr. Sidelinger really opened my eyes as I have learn a lot from this class. However as a thought process, when we think about what goes wrong, we should also think how to fix it and prevent future problems. That is what addressed in these two essays which, I think, is really helpful to read. A solution for health inequity is not simple, but what can we do beside hoping for a better & fairer health policy system?
The first essay (2006) is the suggestion from a former Assistant Secretary for Health of the United State.
http://medicine.plosjournals.org/perlserv/?request=get-document&doi=10.1371/journal.pmed.0030405
The second one, which is newer (2008), talks about the possibly of a reformation for our health care system.
http://medicine.plosjournals.org/perlserv/?request=get-document&doi=10.1371%2Fjournal.pmed.0050208&ct=1
Chuong
Sunday, November 9, 2008
Biotech: Health Equity vs. Economy
Hey PRIME-mates,
This is an article from the San Francisco Chronicle about potential changes in the pharmaceutical market now that Obama has been elected. Obama's proposed changes to the industry include more widespread use of generic drugs, import of lower cost drugs from other countries, and a pharmaceutical price break negotiated for Medicare.
The Biotech Industry Organization is analyzing the financial impact of these types of changes. They've already started to cite our country's economic troubles as a legitimate reason to keep drug prices high. Is revitalizing the economy really more important than treating the sick people who these drugs were developed for (often with publicly funded money from the NIH)?? Check it out:
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2008/11/08/BU9H13UVDA.DTL&type=politics
Ok, back to biochem....
-Nicole
This is an article from the San Francisco Chronicle about potential changes in the pharmaceutical market now that Obama has been elected. Obama's proposed changes to the industry include more widespread use of generic drugs, import of lower cost drugs from other countries, and a pharmaceutical price break negotiated for Medicare.
The Biotech Industry Organization is analyzing the financial impact of these types of changes. They've already started to cite our country's economic troubles as a legitimate reason to keep drug prices high. Is revitalizing the economy really more important than treating the sick people who these drugs were developed for (often with publicly funded money from the NIH)?? Check it out:
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2008/11/08/BU9H13UVDA.DTL&type=politics
Ok, back to biochem....
-Nicole
Saturday, November 8, 2008
Intersting NYT article on the treatment of Legal and Illegal Immigrants in Hospitals Across the Country
Hey PRIMErs,
I found this article on the New York Times homepage today (11/8/08) and thought it would be a great read for those (I should say all) of you that are following the blog. Good luck studying! :-).
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/11/09/us/09deport.html?hp
- Hershey
P.S. The article is long, but each anecdotal example is less than a page, so it would be worth it to take a glance at at least a few of the patient examples.
I found this article on the New York Times homepage today (11/8/08) and thought it would be a great read for those (I should say all) of you that are following the blog. Good luck studying! :-).
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/11/09/us/09deport.html?hp
- Hershey
P.S. The article is long, but each anecdotal example is less than a page, so it would be worth it to take a glance at at least a few of the patient examples.
Friday, November 7, 2008
Hi guys,
I found an article on education concerning obesity in African American children. I feel this is extremely important since this is the population that is most effected yet gets the least amount of support. I think educating both the family and children will be great, but I feel availability of healthy foods in these communities still needs to be addressed, without access it makes it very difficult to implement.
http://www.nih.gov/news/health/oct2008/nichd-31.htm
I found an article on education concerning obesity in African American children. I feel this is extremely important since this is the population that is most effected yet gets the least amount of support. I think educating both the family and children will be great, but I feel availability of healthy foods in these communities still needs to be addressed, without access it makes it very difficult to implement.
http://www.nih.gov/news/health/oct2008/nichd-31.htm
Hospitals See Drop in Paying Patients
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/11/07/business/07hospital.html
Here's an article about the current economy's effect (unemployment at a 14 year high!) on hospitals, procedures, and patient enrollment. It's true there's a "bottom-line" that needs to be met, but I still thought it was interesting that the way they present procedures and patients in the article is by dollar signs-- the money-making procedures vs. uninsured or Medicare/Medicaid patients. Anyway, this article also makes it seem apparent to me that the current system isn't working well-- how does hospitals elimating jobs and/or procedures affect patient care? It'll be interesting to see how healthcare reform might play out in our current economy.
Here's an article about the current economy's effect (unemployment at a 14 year high!) on hospitals, procedures, and patient enrollment. It's true there's a "bottom-line" that needs to be met, but I still thought it was interesting that the way they present procedures and patients in the article is by dollar signs-- the money-making procedures vs. uninsured or Medicare/Medicaid patients. Anyway, this article also makes it seem apparent to me that the current system isn't working well-- how does hospitals elimating jobs and/or procedures affect patient care? It'll be interesting to see how healthcare reform might play out in our current economy.
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
Kiva Loan Program
I know this program has gotten a little publicity recently, so perhaps many of you have heard about it already. In case you haven't, I would really recommend checking out kiva.org Its a really cool company that links people around the world to provide personal loans to people in developing countries. The loans are usually for seeds, or supplies for a general store, or other things along those lines. They go directly to the entrepreneur and are repaid relatively quickly usually. I know we are all poor college students, but you can literally give as little as $25 AND you get paid back so you can loan out that money again. And lets be honest, we can probably all spare $25. Its a really cool site and you can look around for regions, and business you are personally passionate about helping. I know this isn't directly linked to health care, but I thought it might be something people in PRIME would be interested in as well. Anyways, check it out!
www.kiva.org
www.kiva.org
Link to previous post
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/11/04/washington/04medicare.html?_r=1&em&oref=slogin
here is the link to the article...I am not very good at this BLOG thing. Sorry =)
here is the link to the article...I am not very good at this BLOG thing. Sorry =)
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
Court Blocks White House Push on Medicare Expenses
Hi everyone,
I thought you might be interested to see this article that popped up on my homepage yesterday regarding another reason most of us are happy to see the Bush Administration leave =). I feel that it is important to be knowledgeable about healthcare policies (such as Medicare), especially in the line of work most of us want to be involved in. I was thankful to see that in this particular case the federal court opposed the administrations effort to have Medicare only pay for the least expensive treatments for particular conditions. As the last paragraph states, this would limit low-income and minority patient's access to more expensive treatments that may be more necessary for proper care. I am interested in learning more about current healthcare policy (because I feel my knowledge is limited) so please post any other articles or relevant findings.
Hope studying is going well for everyone!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
