Webhealth
Webhealth has been specifically developed to provide access for people to
connect with Health and Social Services. This web-based approach builds on
the strengths of people and families to determine their support needs. Within the Webhealth website is Linkage. Linkage is a
partnership between an NGO, Pathways; primary health care, Pinnacle; and a
secondary provider/hospital, Health Waikato. It offers early intervention
services with a “one stop shop” in central Hamilton and New Plymouth.
Tuesday, March 09, 2004
The Potential of 'Brain Pacemakers'
Washington Post story reprinted at PsycPORT - " A handful of scientists around the world have begun cautiously experimenting with devices implanted in patients' bodies to deliver precisely targeted electrical stimulation to the brain in hopes of treating otherwise hopeless behavioral, neurological and psychiatric disorders. While stressing that the ethically sensitive research with 'brain pacemakers' has just begun, the scientists say the results so far have been so promising that it could mark the beginning of a new era in treating often intractable cases. The approach builds on rapid recent advances in understanding how the brain works, on high-tech imaging technologies that allow surgeons to pinpoint targets with unprecedented precision, and on the miniaturization of computerized electronic devices that can safely be inserted under the skin."
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Washington Post story reprinted at PsycPORT - " A handful of scientists around the world have begun cautiously experimenting with devices implanted in patients' bodies to deliver precisely targeted electrical stimulation to the brain in hopes of treating otherwise hopeless behavioral, neurological and psychiatric disorders. While stressing that the ethically sensitive research with 'brain pacemakers' has just begun, the scientists say the results so far have been so promising that it could mark the beginning of a new era in treating often intractable cases. The approach builds on rapid recent advances in understanding how the brain works, on high-tech imaging technologies that allow surgeons to pinpoint targets with unprecedented precision, and on the miniaturization of computerized electronic devices that can safely be inserted under the skin."
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Twin study finds possible connection between depression, heart disease
Emory University press release at EurekAlert - "Depression is a recognized risk factor for coronary heart disease (CHD) and, by studying pairs of twins, researchers from Emory and Yale believe they have found a mechanism that explains this link. In research announced today at the American College of Cardiology's 53rd Scientific Sessions in New Orleans, the scientists say they found a decrease in heart rate variability (HRV) in those twins who were depressed as compared to their non-depressed siblings."
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Emory University press release at EurekAlert - "Depression is a recognized risk factor for coronary heart disease (CHD) and, by studying pairs of twins, researchers from Emory and Yale believe they have found a mechanism that explains this link. In research announced today at the American College of Cardiology's 53rd Scientific Sessions in New Orleans, the scientists say they found a decrease in heart rate variability (HRV) in those twins who were depressed as compared to their non-depressed siblings."
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Administration Sets Forth a Limited View on Privacy
March 5 New York Times story - "In a sharp departure from its past insistence on the sanctity of medical records, the Bush administration has set forth a new, more limited view of privacy rights as it tries to force hospitals and clinics to turn over records of hundreds and perhaps thousands of abortions. Federal law 'does not recognize a physician-patient privilege,' the Justice Department said last month in court papers that sought abortion records from Planned Parenthood clinics in California, Kansas, Missouri, Pennsylvania, New York City and Washington. Moreover, the department said in another abortion case, patients 'no longer possess a reasonable expectation that their histories will remain completely confidential.' Health lawyers and privacy experts said that position reflected a significant shift after six years in which Bush and Clinton administration officials had promised to strengthen the confidentiality of medical records." [Viewing New York Times resources requires registration, which is free].
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March 5 New York Times story - "In a sharp departure from its past insistence on the sanctity of medical records, the Bush administration has set forth a new, more limited view of privacy rights as it tries to force hospitals and clinics to turn over records of hundreds and perhaps thousands of abortions. Federal law 'does not recognize a physician-patient privilege,' the Justice Department said last month in court papers that sought abortion records from Planned Parenthood clinics in California, Kansas, Missouri, Pennsylvania, New York City and Washington. Moreover, the department said in another abortion case, patients 'no longer possess a reasonable expectation that their histories will remain completely confidential.' Health lawyers and privacy experts said that position reflected a significant shift after six years in which Bush and Clinton administration officials had promised to strengthen the confidentiality of medical records." [Viewing New York Times resources requires registration, which is free].
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More Mentally Ill Incarcerated
A Pacific News Service commentary piece - "In the 19th century, many mentally ill patients were locked up in their homes by families embarrassed by their conduct and ignorant about the illness. But with more medical knowledge about the nature of mental illness, this was seen as barbaric and mental hospitals were created to care for these patients. As problems surfaced with these mental hospitals in the latter half of the 20th century, many were closed with the understanding that community treatment facilities would be put in place for their former patients. But these community-based services were never adequately funded so today instead of locking our mentally ill up in our homes, it seems we have opted to lock them in prisons and jails. "
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A Pacific News Service commentary piece - "In the 19th century, many mentally ill patients were locked up in their homes by families embarrassed by their conduct and ignorant about the illness. But with more medical knowledge about the nature of mental illness, this was seen as barbaric and mental hospitals were created to care for these patients. As problems surfaced with these mental hospitals in the latter half of the 20th century, many were closed with the understanding that community treatment facilities would be put in place for their former patients. But these community-based services were never adequately funded so today instead of locking our mentally ill up in our homes, it seems we have opted to lock them in prisons and jails. "
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Mental health association asserts that mandatory insurance actually saves (New York)
Albany Business Review story - "Passing 'Timothy's Law' - which mandates full insurance coverage for all mental health and chemical dependency treatment - would save New York taxpayers $218 million annually, according to the Mental Health Association of New York State Inc. The tax savings, said Mental Health Association President Joseph Glazer, would offset any increases in insurance premiums that employers would see if the new mandate were added."
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Albany Business Review story - "Passing 'Timothy's Law' - which mandates full insurance coverage for all mental health and chemical dependency treatment - would save New York taxpayers $218 million annually, according to the Mental Health Association of New York State Inc. The tax savings, said Mental Health Association President Joseph Glazer, would offset any increases in insurance premiums that employers would see if the new mandate were added."
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Copyright 2003 © Bill Davis.
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