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Columns Discuss Health Reform Efforts
Summaries of three opinion pieces related to health reform appear below.
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Behavioral And Neural Effects Of Bihemispheric Brain Stimulation On Stroke Recovery
Researchers in the Neuroimaging and Stroke Recovery Laboratory at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center / Harvard Medical School are using a novel treatment for chronic stroke patients. The non-invasive technique of dual-hemisphere transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) uses electrical stimulation to modulate brain activity while simultaneous engaging the paretic arm/hand in sensorimotor activities. They studied chronic stroke patients who had movement problems after a stroke in a randomized clinical trial. The patients were divided into groups receiving either the electrical stimulation or placebo stimulation while receiving occupational therapy (OT) at the same time. After only 5 treatment sessions, patients receiving real stimulation and OT significantly improved in their motor functions, while control patients (receiving placebo stimulation and OT) showed no significant improvement. Functional magnetic resonance imaging showed increased brain activity in areas that control limb movement on the affected side for patients who received the real tDCS. It is important to notice that these changes were found in patients whose strokes had occurred on average about 3 years prior to the study, when patients are typically considered to be stable and unlikely to experience further improvement. This new treatment offers hope for patients debilitated by strokes.
News of the day
Statement From American Association Of Kidney Patients Kidney Failure Is No Laughing Matter
The American Association of Kidney Patients (AAKP) is very disappointed with Wanda Sykes" comedic comments regarding kidney failure and Rush Limbaugh at the White House Correspondent Dinner over the weekend. While Ms. Sykes" comments were most likely made in a light-hearted manner, hundreds of thousands of kidney disease patients and their loved ones do not see kidney failure as a laughing matter. Nearly 400,000 Americans are receiving dialysis as a life saving treatment for kidney failure and 26 million Americans have been diagnosed with chronic kidney disease (CKD), which means they are at risk for losing their kidney function. In addition, 20 million Americans are at risk for CKD and do not even know it.
Sexual Health

Heatwave Plan Updated With Advice For Those With Respiratory Problems, England

The Heatwave Plan has been updated to advise those suffering breathing problems that although ozone levels increase in hot weather, they drop in the evening. People with respiratory problems should stay inside during the hottest part of the day and windows should be kept shaded and closed when the temperature is hotter outside than inside. The benefits of insulating against both heat and cold are outlined, with information on grants that are available from government. Providing cavity insulation in houses helps keep the heat out during summer, as well as keeping homes warm and reducing fuel costs and carbon emissions during colder weather. More information on the Health Housing and Safety Rating System is also provided in the Plan. This encourages primary care trusts and local authorities to work more closely to target, assess and reduce the risk of vulnerable people living in the community who are living in homes that are too hot for their health. Yvonne Doyle, Regional Director of Public Health (South East Coast) said: "The heatwave plan urges carers to identify those most at risk before the hot weather begins. Once level 2, "Alert and Readiness" has been triggered, those running care homes are urged to take extra care. They should monitor indoor temperatures four times a day, prepare cool areas, ensure there are enough staff to keep residents cool, identify those at greatest risk and make sure everyone has access to cold water and ice." Wayne Elliott, head of health forecasting at the Met Office said: "The Department of Health"s Heatwave Plan is a vital part of the country"s preparation for coping with extreme temperatures. The prolonged spells of hot weather that can happen each summer, particularly in our towns and cities, are a very real concern for vulnerable groups." The alert levels are now described from Level 1-4, but are also given colours that mirror the traffic light system. Link to the Heatwave Plan Department of Health, UK


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