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Policymakers Search For Ways To Anchor Ballooning Health Costs
In 1993, when President Clinton attempted to overhaul the health care system, America"s total health spending amounted to $912 billion and left 40 million uninsured, Bloomberg reports. President Obama faces a worsening situation: national health spending has more than doubled to $2.5 trillion, and the number of uninsured people has increased to around 50 million. Critics say the reforms Obama and congressional Democrats are pushing - which carry a $1 trillion price tag - would make the system cost even more. But, "[t]he experience of the 15 years since Bill Clinton failed to win passage of legislation suggests that the price of inaction may be even higher than the cost of Obama"s plan" (Benjamin and Faler, 7/28).
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Alzheimer's Society Comment On New Data Observing The Cost Effectiveness Of Aricept (donepezil)
New research presented at the annual meeting of ISPOR suggests that prescribing Aricept on diagnosis of either mild or moderate Alzheimer"s disease would save the NHS money.
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Study Examines Cost, Benefits Of Extending Medicare Drug Use
"A new large-scale study of medical records found that the extra cost of extending prescription coverage to Medicare enrollees was substantially offset by lower spending on other medical care for people who previously had limited or no prescription-drug coverage," The Wall Street Journal reports.
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Physical Therapists Say Proper Fit And Use Of Walkers And Canes Can Prevent Fall-Related Injuries In Elderly

The American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) is urging elderly adults who use canes and walkers as walking aids to be properly assessed and fitted by a physical therapist to avoid fall-related injuries. This advice comes in response to a study published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society (June 2009), which found that 47,000 senior citizens end up in emergency rooms each year due to falls from improper use and fit of walkers and canes. The study, conducted by government researchers, examined six years of emergency room records and found that the walker was associated seven times more with injury-related falls than was the cane. Physical therapists advise that these results indicate a strong need for proper fit and assessment. According to physical therapist and APTA member Cathy Ciolek, PT, DPT, GCS, many patients often borrow walking aids from friends and family, which can result in injuries. "We see many patients use borrowed canes, walkers, and crutches without adjusting the fit and height appropriately, which can cause discomfort and result in further injury," she said. In addition to providing a proper fit, your physical therapist can assess your individual needs to ensure you are using the proper walking aid and that it is in proper working condition. "In some instances a cane may not be the safest option, and it would be best to use a walker. Your physical therapist can help make that decision," says Ciolek. She provides some general tips for those using a cane or walker as a walking aid: - The walker or cane should be about the height of your wrists when your arms are at your sides. - When using a walker, your arms should be slightly bent when holding on, but you shouldn"t have to bend forward at the waist to reach it. - Periodically check the rubber tips at the bottom of the cane or walker. Be sure to replace them if they are uneven or worn through. As experts in restoring motion and mobility in people"s lives, physical therapists work collaboratively with physicians to ensure safe recoveries from illness or injury. Ciolek recommends seeing a physical therapist for an assessment and proper fit or asking for a referral to a physical therapist from your physician. Visit http://www.moveforwardpt.com to find a physical therapist near you. Physical therapists are highly-educated, licensed health care professionals who can help patients reduce pain and improve or restore mobility - in many cases without expensive surgery or the side effects of prescription medications. APTA represents more than 72,000 physical therapists, physical therapist assistants, and students of physical therapy nationwide. Its purpose is to improve the health and quality of life of individuals through the advancement of physical therapist practice, education, and research.In most states, patients can make an appointment directly with a physical therapist, without a physician referral. Learn more about conditions physical therapists can treat and find a physical therapist in your area at http://www.moveforwardpt.com. American Physical Therapy Association


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