Friday, 28 June 2013
Thursday, 27 June 2013
Princess Health andSome recent missed results (June, 2013).Princessiccia
With so much racing going on by the team, we missed some important recent results!
Jordan had an awesome race at the Tim Horton's Peach Bud 5K: He ran a PB of 17:48, breaking 18:00 for the first time, and placed 4th overall, 1st in his AG.
Mike Piazza is officially back! He broke 40 minutes for the 10K for the first time since highschool, running 39:40, placing 9th overall and 2nd in his AG
Val had a good result at the Spartan Race, placing in the top 20 of all females
Great work team!
Mike Piazza is officially back! He broke 40 minutes for the 10K for the first time since highschool, running 39:40, placing 9th overall and 2nd in his AG
Val had a good result at the Spartan Race, placing in the top 20 of all females
Great work team!
Princess Health andH+P TT: The All-Time Top 10.Princessiccia
With the summer TT about one month away, it is a great time to look back and reflect on not only the overall records, but some of the other fast performances by our athletes.
To start, here is a summary of the top 10 fastest times ever recorded at the H+P TT. Later we will look at some of the fastest female performances, and some of the fastest masters athletes ever.
 |
| Coach Dyce holds the record for the most appearances in our top 10 - he's there 5 separate times! |
- 1) Lucas Wojciechowski : 6:49 (July 30th, 2012)
- 2) Sean Delanghe: 6:59 (November 19th, 2012)
- 3) Erik Vicujnik: 7:00 (July 30th, 2012)
- 4) Sean Delanghe: 7:01 (May 28th, 2012)
- 5) Greg Dyce: 7:03 (July 30th, 2012)
- 6) Greg: 7:04 (November 19th, 2012)
- 7) Sean Delanghe: 7:05 (April 2nd, 2012)
- 8) Greg Dyce: 706 (Sept 10th, 2012)
- 9) Greg Dyce: 7:09 (April 2nd, 2012)
- 10) Greg Dyce 7:10 (Mary 28th, 20212)
Monday, 24 June 2013
Princess Health andH+P Racing: June 15th-23rd.Princessiccia
We are now in the heart of the racing season, and H+P athletes are competing all over the place. Here are some of the team highlights over the past few weekends:
CLICK HERE to see our team results from the Waterloo Classic.
Muskoka 5150 Triathlon
CLICK HERE to see our team results from the Waterloo Classic.
Guelph Lake Olympic Duathlon
- Vance Lai came in 4th overall and won his AG despite racing the day before!
Guelph Lake Sprint Duathlon
- Vance Lai just missed the top of the podium finishing 2nd overall!
Guelph Lake Olympic Triathlon
- Ed Cyr had an awesome performance, coming in second overall, finishing in 2:01:58
- Florian Ong come in 13th overall despite this being his first triathlong EVER
- Adam Dixon: 2:25:44 - 51st overall, 2nd in AG
- Keving came in about 5 minutes behind Adam- a new rivalry is born (*note- Keving races all 3 races in Guelph this weekend)
Tour de Waterloo 40km
- Dawn Frier: 1:33:13 - 18th overall, 6th overall female, 4th in AG
Tour de Waterloo 70km
- Bill Frier: 2:14:00 - 24th overall, 15th in AG
Muskoka 5150 Triathlon
- Kevin Grotheer: 2:28:14 - 3rd in AG, 49th overall
- Adam Dixon: 2:32:32 - 5th in AG, 58th overall
- The season series is now 2-1 for Adam- we will monitor this battle all summer!
Muskoka 5150 Duathlon
- Vance Lai had an amazing performance, once agian just missing the top of the podium, finishing in under 2 hours and placing 2nd overall
Welland Triathlon
- Kristen Marchant: 1:30:20 - 1st in AG, 1st overall female, and an amazing 6th overall including the male athletes
Ironman Syracuse 70.3
- Luke Eghoetz had an awesome showing, coming in 10 minutesunder 5 hours, placing 4th in his AG and 46th overall.
Ironman Mont-Tremblant 70.3
- Ed Cyr destroyed this course, placing SECOND out of non-pro athletes!
Princess Health andHealth and Performance at the 2013 Waterloo Classic.Princessiccia
It was yet another great team showing by H+P at the Waterloo Classic. Thanks to everybody from the team who showed up, competed and represented Health and Performance with pride!
We were lucky enough to win the 10K and 5K corporate categories once again (the 10K by an average of almost 20 minutes, the 5K by a mere 39 seconds!)
Here are the full team results and some of our favourite pictures from the event!
Waterloo Classic 5km
We were lucky enough to win the 10K and 5K corporate categories once again (the 10K by an average of almost 20 minutes, the 5K by a mere 39 seconds!)
Here are the full team results and some of our favourite pictures from the event!
Waterloo Classic 5km
- Aaron Mailman: 19:14 - 14th overall, 2nd in AG
- Gillian Willard: 20:40 - 30th overall, 4th overall woman, 2nd in AG
- Eric Lucko: 22:08 - 5th in AG
- Warren Davey: 24:27 - 10th in AG
- Nicole Shrigley: 25:09 - 4th in AG
- Ed Shrigley: 25:09 - 7th in AG
- Mike Hewitson: 25:12 - 2nd in category
- Candice Shrigley: 25:40 - 5th in AG
- Laura Richards: 27:10 - 2nd in category
- Nolan Tracey: 30:56 - 12th in AG
- H+P Team: 1st place, avg. time 20:00
Waterloo Classic 10km
- Brenden Hancock: 35:03 - 4th overall, 3rd in AG
- Luke Ehgoetz: 38:07 - 12th overall, 3rd in AG
- Dave Rutherford: 38:31 - 13th overall and 1st in AG
- Erik Vicujnik: 38:45 - 15th overall and 2nd in AG
- Linda Farczadi: 47:02 - 10th overall women, 3rd in AG
- Payton Thiel: 47:09 - 12th overall women, 1st in AG
- Dragan Zubac: 47:46 - 85th overall, 11th in AG
- Heidi Cica: 1:06:44
- Jeremy Tracey: 47:12 - 76th overall, 1st in category
- H+P Team: 1st place, avg. time 38:31
Princess Health and The Genetics of Obesity, Part I. Princessiccia
genetics overweightChoosing the Right Parents: the Best Way to Stay Lean?
In 1990, Dr. Claude Bouchard and colleagues published a simple but fascinating study demonstrating the importance of genetics in body fatness (1). They took advantage of one of the most useful tools in human genetics: identical twins. This is what happens when a single fertilized egg generates two embryos in utero and two genetically identical humans are born from the same womb. By comparing identical twins to other people who are not genetically identical (e.g., non-identical twins), we can quantify the impact of genes vs. environment on individual characteristics (2).
Read more �
In 1990, Dr. Claude Bouchard and colleagues published a simple but fascinating study demonstrating the importance of genetics in body fatness (1). They took advantage of one of the most useful tools in human genetics: identical twins. This is what happens when a single fertilized egg generates two embryos in utero and two genetically identical humans are born from the same womb. By comparing identical twins to other people who are not genetically identical (e.g., non-identical twins), we can quantify the impact of genes vs. environment on individual characteristics (2).
Read more �
Friday, 21 June 2013
Princess Health and Food Reward Friday. Princessiccia
Food reward FridaysThis week's lucky "winner"... low-carb gluten-free bacon chocolate mocha ice cream cake!!
Read more �
Read more �
Friday, 14 June 2013
Wednesday, 12 June 2013
Princess Health and UK Board of Trustees OKs $31 million plan to outfit another floor of new hospital with eye toward federal certification for heart work.Princessiccia
cardiac care cardiovascular disease health care access health care industry health care reform Medicaid Medicare University of KentuckyThe University of Kentucky Board of Trustees has given UK HealthCare the green light for its $31 million plan to outfit the eighth floor of Pavilion A at UK Chandler Hospital over the next few months to make room for a growing cardiovascular program and to clear the way for a federal "Center of Excellence" certification.
After the project is complete, the floor will hold 64 beds, including 24 intensive-care beds for the cardiovascular program that offers heart transplantation, artificial hearts and ventricular devices, reflecting UK's focus on receiving the federal certification.
In the near future, such a designation will be necessary to get enough referrals from doctors and smaller hospitals to maintain important services, including cardiovascular services, and to guarantee that Kentuckians can get the care they need inside the state, Dr. Michael Karpf, executive vice president for health affairs, said in an interview with Kentucky Health News this spring.
Karpf and other UK HealthCare officials are also recommending a $30 million cost-reduction program for their system because Medicare and Medicaid reimbursements are expected to decline as competition stiffens over the next few years, reports Linda Blackford of the Lexington Herald-Leader.
In response to these forces, UK has a goal to secure half the available business from out-of-state competitive areas over the next 10 years to remain viable in a highly competitive market. And, focusing on complex care should drive revenue for the hospital because UK makes money on the complex stuff, Karpf told KHN.
The $592 million, 12-floor patient tower has remained half-empty since 2010, and when the estimated $530 million project to fully occupy the tower is added to the initial cost of constructing Pavilion A, the total price tag will top $1 billion over 20 years, reports Blackford.
The overall construction and expansion is expected to support patient care for the next 100 years, says a recent UK press release. Once it's fully occupied, the the 1.2 million-square-foot facility will include 512 private patient rooms.
After the project is complete, the floor will hold 64 beds, including 24 intensive-care beds for the cardiovascular program that offers heart transplantation, artificial hearts and ventricular devices, reflecting UK's focus on receiving the federal certification.
In the near future, such a designation will be necessary to get enough referrals from doctors and smaller hospitals to maintain important services, including cardiovascular services, and to guarantee that Kentuckians can get the care they need inside the state, Dr. Michael Karpf, executive vice president for health affairs, said in an interview with Kentucky Health News this spring.
Karpf and other UK HealthCare officials are also recommending a $30 million cost-reduction program for their system because Medicare and Medicaid reimbursements are expected to decline as competition stiffens over the next few years, reports Linda Blackford of the Lexington Herald-Leader.
In response to these forces, UK has a goal to secure half the available business from out-of-state competitive areas over the next 10 years to remain viable in a highly competitive market. And, focusing on complex care should drive revenue for the hospital because UK makes money on the complex stuff, Karpf told KHN.
The $592 million, 12-floor patient tower has remained half-empty since 2010, and when the estimated $530 million project to fully occupy the tower is added to the initial cost of constructing Pavilion A, the total price tag will top $1 billion over 20 years, reports Blackford.
The overall construction and expansion is expected to support patient care for the next 100 years, says a recent UK press release. Once it's fully occupied, the the 1.2 million-square-foot facility will include 512 private patient rooms.
Monday, 10 June 2013
Princess Health and Floyd County newspaper editor calls on readers to make lifestyle changes to address area's diabetes health crisis.Princessiccia
diabetes exercise health journalism heart disease nutrition obesity rural health rural journalism rural-urban disparitiesThe editor of an Eastern Kentucky newspaper has joined an advocacy group's call for residents in his county to make simple, healthy lifestyle changes, serving as an example of how local newspapers and community members can engage the public to confront poor health status of the area, which is often put on the back-burner despite alarming warning signs.
Recently, the Tri-County Diabetes Partnership declared the rate of diabetes in Floyd, Johnson and Magoffin counties (map) "a crisis of epidemic proportions." The rate in 2002-10, the latest available, was 14 percent.
If the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention "saw a similar increase in any other illness, they would probably declare a national emergency,� said J.D. Miller, vice president of medical affairs for Appalachian Regional Healthcare, who chaired the meeting.
The group's statement was an appropriate response to direct public's attention to the imperative of addressing the area's skyrocketing rate of the disease, Ralph Davis of The Floyd County Times wrote in an editorial.
Diabetes will remain a crisis unless we do something about it, said Davis, and "if you have been waiting for a crisis before making healthy lifestyle changes, we�ve got one for you. In fact, we have several," Davis said.
The Central Appalachian region suffers from disproportionate rates of diabetes, cancer and heart disease, and Floyd, Magoffin and Johnson counties have much higher rates of obesity than state and national averages, Davis notes. Floyd County ranks last among the state�s 120 counties in overall health measures, and Johnson and Magoffin counties are ranked 108th and 104th, respectively.
To do something about this problem, Davis calls for concentrated attention by health care providers and government officials, but the problem won't be solved without action from the community and individuals, he says. Simple, healthy lifestyle changes are needed.
"It�s going to require the conscious decision by everyone in the region to do what they can to improve their diet and exercise habits, and to encourage their friends and family to do the same," said Davis.
Calls like Davis's are needed even more in most of the counties that surround the three counties, based on data from the CDC's Behavioral Risk Surveillance System. The counties in dark blue had rates above 14 percent; the highest was Greenup, at 17 percent.
If the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention "saw a similar increase in any other illness, they would probably declare a national emergency,� said J.D. Miller, vice president of medical affairs for Appalachian Regional Healthcare, who chaired the meeting.
The group's statement was an appropriate response to direct public's attention to the imperative of addressing the area's skyrocketing rate of the disease, Ralph Davis of The Floyd County Times wrote in an editorial.
Diabetes will remain a crisis unless we do something about it, said Davis, and "if you have been waiting for a crisis before making healthy lifestyle changes, we�ve got one for you. In fact, we have several," Davis said.
The Central Appalachian region suffers from disproportionate rates of diabetes, cancer and heart disease, and Floyd, Magoffin and Johnson counties have much higher rates of obesity than state and national averages, Davis notes. Floyd County ranks last among the state�s 120 counties in overall health measures, and Johnson and Magoffin counties are ranked 108th and 104th, respectively.
To do something about this problem, Davis calls for concentrated attention by health care providers and government officials, but the problem won't be solved without action from the community and individuals, he says. Simple, healthy lifestyle changes are needed.
"It�s going to require the conscious decision by everyone in the region to do what they can to improve their diet and exercise habits, and to encourage their friends and family to do the same," said Davis.
Calls like Davis's are needed even more in most of the counties that surround the three counties, based on data from the CDC's Behavioral Risk Surveillance System. The counties in dark blue had rates above 14 percent; the highest was Greenup, at 17 percent.
Sunday, 9 June 2013
Princess Health and Veteran journalist offers advice on covering mental health issues: Be careful, creative, and balanced, not discriminatory.Princessiccia
health journalism mental healthThe term 'mental health' has been tossed around a lot lately in stories about Kentucky's mental health funding and mental health coverage through Medicaid expansion. It's important to use precise language when writing about the topic, because a fourth of Americans are affected by mental-health issues each year, and many don't seek treatment due to its stigma.
"Fair, accurate and balanced portrayals of mental health in the news media are so important," says Melissa McCoy of the California Newspaper Publishers Association. She notes that studies show coverage of mental health is mostly reactive, responding to a school shooting or n act of violence, which could skew public perceptions about mental illness. She says journalists should "provide accurate coverage of mental health without adding to its stigma" or to the discrimination faced by those with mental illness.
Journalists can seek balance by asking themselves about the relevance of mental health to the story and making sure to use the right type of language, says McCoy; be creative about mental health coverage by integrating it into stories about general health, veterans returning from war, substance abuse recovery, unemployment or even stress among students.
"Fair, accurate and balanced portrayals of mental health in the news media are so important," says Melissa McCoy of the California Newspaper Publishers Association. She notes that studies show coverage of mental health is mostly reactive, responding to a school shooting or n act of violence, which could skew public perceptions about mental illness. She says journalists should "provide accurate coverage of mental health without adding to its stigma" or to the discrimination faced by those with mental illness.
Journalists can seek balance by asking themselves about the relevance of mental health to the story and making sure to use the right type of language, says McCoy; be creative about mental health coverage by integrating it into stories about general health, veterans returning from war, substance abuse recovery, unemployment or even stress among students.
Saturday, 8 June 2013
Princess Health and Pike County settles its part of Oxycontin lawsuit against Purdue Pharma for $4 million; state remains a plaintiff.Princessiccia
Officials of Pike County, Kentucky, announced this week that Purdue Pharma, the maker of OxyContin, will pay $4 million to settle the county's part of a lawsuit the county and state filed in 2007 seeking damages for the addiction OxyContin caused "after the company aggressively marketed it to doctors as a safe option for pain relief," Russ Cassady reports for the Appalachian News-Express in Pikeville.
The state remains a plaintiff in the suit, which is largely based on admissions of guilt made by the company and several top-ranking company officials in a May 2007 Virginia federal court settlement. Purdue Pharma, its president, chief legal counsel and former medical director pleaded guilty to misleading doctors, regulators and patients about OxyContin during that case.
The nation's prescription-drug epidemic apparently began in Central Appalachia, largely because of the introduction and high rate of prescription of OxyContin. The lawsuit sought reimbursement for drug-abuse programs, law-enforcement actions and prescription payments through Medicaid and the Kentucky Pharmaceutical Alliance Program. The local officials indicated the settlement could increase the size of a planned rehabilitation facility for people convicted of drug charges.
The state remains a plaintiff in the suit, which is largely based on admissions of guilt made by the company and several top-ranking company officials in a May 2007 Virginia federal court settlement. Purdue Pharma, its president, chief legal counsel and former medical director pleaded guilty to misleading doctors, regulators and patients about OxyContin during that case.
The nation's prescription-drug epidemic apparently began in Central Appalachia, largely because of the introduction and high rate of prescription of OxyContin. The lawsuit sought reimbursement for drug-abuse programs, law-enforcement actions and prescription payments through Medicaid and the Kentucky Pharmaceutical Alliance Program. The local officials indicated the settlement could increase the size of a planned rehabilitation facility for people convicted of drug charges.
Friday, 7 June 2013
Princess Health and Food Reward Friday. Princessiccia
Food reward FridaysThis week's "winner" will certainly be the most controversial yet... bacon!!
Bacon is a fatty cut of pork (typically side or back) that has been thinly sliced, cured, then cooked until crispy. This results in a fatty, salty, savory flavor that almost everyone loves. Bacon's extremely high calorie density, saltiness, and savory flavor give it a reward value that competes with chocolate and ice cream. Sometimes it's even used to flavor chocolate and ice cream!
Read more �
Read more �
Thursday, 6 June 2013
Princess Health and Update. Princessiccia
I haven't been putting much effort into blogging these past few weeks. Frankly, a little break has been nice while I take care of other things in my life. But I haven't been twiddling my thumbs. Obesity research hasn't slowed down and there are many topics that I'd love to write about here if I had the time. I'll be starting a new series soon on the genetics of obesity-- a fascinating subject. I also plan to cover some of my recent publications on obesity and blood glucose control by the brain. Last but not least, we will soon roll out a substantially upgraded version of the Ideal Weight Program. Those who have already purchased the program will continue to have access to the new version.
Princess Health and Rural cancer survivors are less healthy than urban counterparts; 25 percent of rural cancer survivors smoke.Princessiccia
cancer rural health rural-urban disparities smoking tobacco tobacco prevention |
| A quarter of rural cancer survivors smoke. |
The study found that 25 percent of rural cancer survivors smoked, compared to 16 percent from urban areas. It didn't have state-by-state figures, but Kentucky has high rates of both cancer and smoking.
Fifty-one percent of rural survivors didn't participate in any physical activities at all, compared to 39 percent for urban survivors, and 66 percent of rural survivors were obese, while 63 percent of urban ones were. Fewer rural survivors drank alcohol, a difference of 46 percent to 59 percent, and 18 percent of them were more likely to be unemployed because of health reasons, compared to 11 percent for urban survivors.
"Rural cancer survivors may not be receiving messages from their health-care providers about how important quitting smoking and being physical active are after cancer," said Kathryn E. Weaver, assistant professor of social sciences and health policy at Wake Forest Baptist. "It is concerning that we found higher rates of health-compromising behaviors among rural survivors, when we know cancer survivors who smoke, are overweight, or are inactive are at higher risk for poor outcomes, including cancer recurrence and second cancers." (Read more)
Wednesday, 5 June 2013
Princess Health and Fewer families report having trouble paying medical bills; near-poor struggle more than poor families.Princessiccia
health care costs health insurance poll povertyFewer American families are having problems paying medical bills, but 20 percent of them, particularly those without insurance and those that are "near poor" but not :poor," still struggle with health costs, says a study released Tuesday by the National Center for Health Statistics.
The report says 54.2 million people, or 20.3 percent of families headed by someone under the age of 65, had difficulty covering medical expenses in the first half of 2012. During the first half of 2011, 21.7 percent of families, or 57.8 million people, found it difficult to pay medical bills.
Hispanics (25.2 percent) and blacks (27.9 percent) were more likely than whites (20.1 percent) or Asians (10.3 percent) to report trouble paying their medical bills, says the report. It says families with incomes from 100 to 199 percent of the poverty line were most likely to have difficulty paying medical bills, probably because those below the poverty line qualify for Medicaid. State income limits vary; in Kentucky, income-based Medicaid is available to those with incomes less than 70 percent of the poverty line.
Among families with insurance, 14 percent of those with private insurance and 25.6 percent with Medicaid or other public insurance had similar problems paying bills in the first half of 2012, which represents a 1.7 percent and 2.5 percent decrease from 2011, respectively. For a report on the study, click here.
The report says 54.2 million people, or 20.3 percent of families headed by someone under the age of 65, had difficulty covering medical expenses in the first half of 2012. During the first half of 2011, 21.7 percent of families, or 57.8 million people, found it difficult to pay medical bills.
Hispanics (25.2 percent) and blacks (27.9 percent) were more likely than whites (20.1 percent) or Asians (10.3 percent) to report trouble paying their medical bills, says the report. It says families with incomes from 100 to 199 percent of the poverty line were most likely to have difficulty paying medical bills, probably because those below the poverty line qualify for Medicaid. State income limits vary; in Kentucky, income-based Medicaid is available to those with incomes less than 70 percent of the poverty line.
 |
| 'Poor' are below the poverty line. 'Near poor' had incomes of 100 to 199 percent of the poverty line. |
Princess Health and Study finds that daily use of sunscreen prevents aging of skin.Princessiccia
research skin cancer skin care sunscreenSunscreen doesn't just prevent sun burns and skin cancer; using it daily can slow down your skin's aging too, says a study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine.
Australian researchers found that when adults regularly used broad-spectrum sunscreen, they were less likely to show increased wrinkling over a four-and-a-half-year period compared to adults who used sunscreen every once and a while, reports Barbara Mantel of NBC News.
This is the first study showing that sunscreen prevents skin aging, and the results show year-round use of sunscreen significantly slows the aging of skin caused by the sun's ultraviolet rays, Dr. Adele Green of Royal Brisbane Hospital in Queensland told the Gupta Guide.
"Previous research has shown that skin aging is associated with an increased risk of actinic keratoses and melanoma, and now we have the first randomized trial to show that sunscreen retards skin aging," Green said.
The sunscreen used in the study had a SPF of 15, which blocks about 94 percent of ultraviolet B rays. Stronger preparations have only a small additional effect; one with an SPF of 40 filters about 97.5 percent, Green told Mantel.
"The more important issue is applying the sunscreen well and reapplying it often," and you should make sure that sunscreen is broad spectrum, he said. The study also found that daily beta-carotene supplementation had no effect on skin aging.
The study shows that just 15 minutes of sun on any part of your body can age the skin, and it is never too late to start using sunscreen, said Dr. Nancy Snyderman of NBC News. Even in middle age, if you start using sunscreen, you can role back the aging of your skin, she said. Here's NBC's video clip:
Australian researchers found that when adults regularly used broad-spectrum sunscreen, they were less likely to show increased wrinkling over a four-and-a-half-year period compared to adults who used sunscreen every once and a while, reports Barbara Mantel of NBC News.
This is the first study showing that sunscreen prevents skin aging, and the results show year-round use of sunscreen significantly slows the aging of skin caused by the sun's ultraviolet rays, Dr. Adele Green of Royal Brisbane Hospital in Queensland told the Gupta Guide.
"Previous research has shown that skin aging is associated with an increased risk of actinic keratoses and melanoma, and now we have the first randomized trial to show that sunscreen retards skin aging," Green said.
The sunscreen used in the study had a SPF of 15, which blocks about 94 percent of ultraviolet B rays. Stronger preparations have only a small additional effect; one with an SPF of 40 filters about 97.5 percent, Green told Mantel.
"The more important issue is applying the sunscreen well and reapplying it often," and you should make sure that sunscreen is broad spectrum, he said. The study also found that daily beta-carotene supplementation had no effect on skin aging.
The study shows that just 15 minutes of sun on any part of your body can age the skin, and it is never too late to start using sunscreen, said Dr. Nancy Snyderman of NBC News. Even in middle age, if you start using sunscreen, you can role back the aging of your skin, she said. Here's NBC's video clip:
Princess Health and UK joins Eastern Ky. Healthcare Coalition, giving it five hospitals .Princessiccia
Appalachia hospitals
The University of Kentucky and St. Mary�s Medical Center in Huntington, W.Va., are joining the Eastern Kentucky Healthcare Coalition, originally comprising Highlands Regional Medical Center of Prestonsburg, Our Lady of Bellefonte Hospital of Ashland and St. Claire Regional Medical Center of Morhead.�UK HealthCare and St. Mary�s will make excellent additions to the coalition�s efforts to develop a clinically integrated network of providers to enhance the health status of our communities,� coalition Executive Director Jim Fuzy said in a UK press release.
Although each medical center remains autonomous, the coalition promotes integration Dr. Michael Karpfto help coordinate for collective efficiencies, adapt to health reform, deal with vendor contracts and have combined health events, while increasing patient access to quality care, said the release.
"As Kentucky�s largest academic medical center, focused on providing advanced sub-specialty patient care, we at UK HealthCare are committed to improving the health of the people of Eastern Kentucky and through our collaboration with other members of the Eastern Kentucky Healthcare Coalition, we will be able to impact and improve the access and quality of care for Kentuckians,� said Dr. Michael Karpf, UK's executive vice president for health affairs.
Monday, 3 June 2013
Princess Health and State officials tell health-care providers to meet with managed-care companies to get paid, say new system is improving health.Princessiccia
health care access health insurance legislature managed care Medicaid state government; General AssemblyBy Molly Burchett and Al Cross
Kentucky Health News
At the latest in a series of forums on Medicaid managed care, state officials said the new system has improved the quality of care, but you could cut the tension with a scalpel in the packed auditorium at the University of Kentucky as they fielded complaints and questions and urged the providers to work out the problems with managed-care companies themselves.
Gov. Steve Beshear and the Cabinet for Health and Family Services say the forums are designed to improve relations between providers and the managed-care organizations, but reactions from capacity crowd of health care providers and staff -- reactions that included a roomful of laughter about the MCOs' low count of transferred phone calls from providers -- suggested that the state�s solutions to providers' problems with the companies aren�t quite the solutions sought by providers.
Kentucky's transition to Medicaid managed care
In 2011, Kentucky was faced by spiraling Medicaid costs that gave the state two options: cut reimbursement rates to providers by a third or moving from a fee-for-service model to a managed- care system, in which MCOs get a specified fee for each patient they manage and use the money to pay providers, said Lawrence Kissner, commissioner of the Department for Medicaid Services.
The change is driving improvements in health for Medicaid clients while saving the state money, said Kissner: It has increased well-child visits for children aged 3-6 from 2 percent to 53 percent, has increased diabetes testing from 6 percent to 59 percent, and has improved adult access to preventative and ambulatory health services.
MCOs also have numerous quality initiatives underway, said Kissner, including one in improving anti-depressant medication management and compliance. One company, Wellcare, has worked to improve oral health through a campaign that offered $10 gift cards for dental visits, but no one hears about this, he said.
What we've heard are complaints from physicians, hospitals, pharmacies and other health-care providers who aren�t getting some claims paid in a timely manner, or at all. Providers say manage care's complicated pre-approval process, designed to limit costs, delays critical treatment for patients and adds unsustainable administrative burdens.
State officials' response: meet with the MCOs
Kissner said the new system denies 6 percent of providers' requests for pre-authorization, compared to the fee-for-service model that only denied 1 percent of such requests, but he says that's about the same as other states that use managed care.
About 20 percent of providers' claims have either been denied or suspended. In the first 14 months of managed care, 22 million of the 28.3 million claims, or 78 percent, were paid within 30 days. Kissner said 4.9 million (17 percent) were denied in 30 days and 1.2 million (4 percent) were suspended; he did not mention the monetary amount of the denied or suspended claims.
When an audience member questioned the lack of payment for hospice services, Cabinet Secretary Audrey Haynes replied, �There are some providers around the state that have been quite vocal about how much we owe them, but when there�s been an attempt to sit down and work it out with them, they will not make an appointment.� She said it is a provider�s responsibility to reach out to MCOs about the payments they are owed.
�It is about you going to each one of them and setting an appointment for them to work out with them you�re accounts receivable," Haynes said. �If you really want to get paid and if you are really owed, and I believe most of you are, then let�s get an appointment set� with the MCO.
�We want this worked out,� said Haynes. �The time has come and gone for us to still be having problem getting payment if your contract says you deserve payment. These folks know they are on the hook. Let's all work together to get it fixed.�
Meetings with MCOs are part of the plan Beshear outlined after vetoing House Bill 5, which the last session of the General Assembly passed to help providers receive prompt payments from MCOs. The plan also requires the state Department of Insurance to investigate payment complaints and to conduct audits of this process. The department began this work in April and says it does not yet have statistics about 'clean claim' approval rates.
However, audits by the state's managed-care branch have shown Kentucky Spirit and Coventry Cares to be deficient in their financial management, and the state has implemented "corrective action plans" to address those deficiencies, said Kissner.
Providers' response to dispute-resolution plan
It may be an unwelcome change for providers as they now may have to set up consultations with MCOs to receive the money owed to them. They may ask: How many other business-to-business contracts require the service provider to meet face-to-face with the payor in order for the provider to be paid for contracted services that have already been provided? They argue that delayed payments and fee cuts could stretch medical practices and hospitals so thin that those needing care might be at more risk.
One provider in the audience addressed this concern, asking how general dentists are supposed to continue giving high-quality care to all patients if their fees are getting cut, but our expenses are going up? None of the officials on the panel answered the question.
Another audience member asked about provider fee cuts, and after the microphone was passed around to Kissner, he said the reductions are a part of the transition process to managed care, which was initiated to avoid a 35 percent Medicaid rate cut.
"When managed care enters into a a fee-for service environment, there's savings in a variety of pockets," Kissner said. "How do they control costs and try to make a profit in the system?"
The forum wrapped up with question from another skeptical audience member: Will this really make a difference?
"Well, you tell me, said Haynes. "And I'm sorry for those of you that feel like it will not make a difference because everyone in this room would have seen a 35 percent cuts in your rate, in all rates, had we not gone to managed care. Not only that, our folks were not getting healthier, and we have proof of that." In her opening remarks, she said the state has spent billions of dollars on health care for the poor without seeing an improvement in the state's health status, so a different approach was needed.
Future forums
Kissner said the forums between the MCOs and providers are expected to resolve disputes by January, the deadline given to the cabinet by Rep. Bob Damron, D-Nicholasville, during a meeting of the joint Administrative Regulations Review Subcommittee. Damron and other legislators have "vowed to lead a legislative revolt" if the administration doesn't fix these late payment issues between providers and MCOs by then, reports Ronnie Ellis of CNHI News Service.
All the managed-care forums follow the same agenda, which can be found along with additional information at the Medicaid website. The dates and locations of the remaining forums are:
Kentucky Health News
At the latest in a series of forums on Medicaid managed care, state officials said the new system has improved the quality of care, but you could cut the tension with a scalpel in the packed auditorium at the University of Kentucky as they fielded complaints and questions and urged the providers to work out the problems with managed-care companies themselves.
Gov. Steve Beshear and the Cabinet for Health and Family Services say the forums are designed to improve relations between providers and the managed-care organizations, but reactions from capacity crowd of health care providers and staff -- reactions that included a roomful of laughter about the MCOs' low count of transferred phone calls from providers -- suggested that the state�s solutions to providers' problems with the companies aren�t quite the solutions sought by providers.
Kentucky's transition to Medicaid managed care
In 2011, Kentucky was faced by spiraling Medicaid costs that gave the state two options: cut reimbursement rates to providers by a third or moving from a fee-for-service model to a managed- care system, in which MCOs get a specified fee for each patient they manage and use the money to pay providers, said Lawrence Kissner, commissioner of the Department for Medicaid Services.
The change is driving improvements in health for Medicaid clients while saving the state money, said Kissner: It has increased well-child visits for children aged 3-6 from 2 percent to 53 percent, has increased diabetes testing from 6 percent to 59 percent, and has improved adult access to preventative and ambulatory health services.
MCOs also have numerous quality initiatives underway, said Kissner, including one in improving anti-depressant medication management and compliance. One company, Wellcare, has worked to improve oral health through a campaign that offered $10 gift cards for dental visits, but no one hears about this, he said.
What we've heard are complaints from physicians, hospitals, pharmacies and other health-care providers who aren�t getting some claims paid in a timely manner, or at all. Providers say manage care's complicated pre-approval process, designed to limit costs, delays critical treatment for patients and adds unsustainable administrative burdens.
State officials' response: meet with the MCOs
Kissner said the new system denies 6 percent of providers' requests for pre-authorization, compared to the fee-for-service model that only denied 1 percent of such requests, but he says that's about the same as other states that use managed care.
About 20 percent of providers' claims have either been denied or suspended. In the first 14 months of managed care, 22 million of the 28.3 million claims, or 78 percent, were paid within 30 days. Kissner said 4.9 million (17 percent) were denied in 30 days and 1.2 million (4 percent) were suspended; he did not mention the monetary amount of the denied or suspended claims.
 |
| Kissner speaks to crowd at UK; Cabinet Secretary Audrey Haynes looks on from first front-row seat. |
�It is about you going to each one of them and setting an appointment for them to work out with them you�re accounts receivable," Haynes said. �If you really want to get paid and if you are really owed, and I believe most of you are, then let�s get an appointment set� with the MCO.
�We want this worked out,� said Haynes. �The time has come and gone for us to still be having problem getting payment if your contract says you deserve payment. These folks know they are on the hook. Let's all work together to get it fixed.�
However, audits by the state's managed-care branch have shown Kentucky Spirit and Coventry Cares to be deficient in their financial management, and the state has implemented "corrective action plans" to address those deficiencies, said Kissner.
Providers' response to dispute-resolution plan
It may be an unwelcome change for providers as they now may have to set up consultations with MCOs to receive the money owed to them. They may ask: How many other business-to-business contracts require the service provider to meet face-to-face with the payor in order for the provider to be paid for contracted services that have already been provided? They argue that delayed payments and fee cuts could stretch medical practices and hospitals so thin that those needing care might be at more risk.
One provider in the audience addressed this concern, asking how general dentists are supposed to continue giving high-quality care to all patients if their fees are getting cut, but our expenses are going up? None of the officials on the panel answered the question.
Another audience member asked about provider fee cuts, and after the microphone was passed around to Kissner, he said the reductions are a part of the transition process to managed care, which was initiated to avoid a 35 percent Medicaid rate cut.
"When managed care enters into a a fee-for service environment, there's savings in a variety of pockets," Kissner said. "How do they control costs and try to make a profit in the system?"
The forum wrapped up with question from another skeptical audience member: Will this really make a difference?
"Well, you tell me, said Haynes. "And I'm sorry for those of you that feel like it will not make a difference because everyone in this room would have seen a 35 percent cuts in your rate, in all rates, had we not gone to managed care. Not only that, our folks were not getting healthier, and we have proof of that." In her opening remarks, she said the state has spent billions of dollars on health care for the poor without seeing an improvement in the state's health status, so a different approach was needed.
Future forums
Kissner said the forums between the MCOs and providers are expected to resolve disputes by January, the deadline given to the cabinet by Rep. Bob Damron, D-Nicholasville, during a meeting of the joint Administrative Regulations Review Subcommittee. Damron and other legislators have "vowed to lead a legislative revolt" if the administration doesn't fix these late payment issues between providers and MCOs by then, reports Ronnie Ellis of CNHI News Service.
All the managed-care forums follow the same agenda, which can be found along with additional information at the Medicaid website. The dates and locations of the remaining forums are:
- Region 2, June 20: Main Lodge, Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park (20781 Pennyrile Lodge Road., Dawson Springs)
- Region 3, June 24: Kent School of Social Work, University of Louisville Shelby Campus (312 N. Whittington Pkwy., Louisville)
- Region 4, June 26: VP Henry Auditorium, Lindsey Wilson College (210 Lindsey Wilson St., Columbia)
- Region 6, June 27: Student Union Building, Northern Kentucky University (20 Kenton Drive, Highland Heights)
- Region 1, July 15: Curris Center, Murray State University (102 Curris Center, Murray)
Princess Health and Kentucky Spirit can't terminate its Medicaid contract with the state a year early without facing fines, judge rules.Princessiccia
courts managed care Medicaid state governmentBy Molly Burchett
Kentucky Health News
A Frankfort circuit judge ruled Friday that Kentucky Spirit, one of three companies hired by the state in November 2011 to manage health care for more than 540,000 Medicaid recipients, cannot pull out of its contract with the state a year early with no financial penalty.
Kentucky Spirit, a subsidiary of St. Louis-based Centene Corp., announced in October 2012 that it was pulling out of Kentucky's managed-care system because it was losing money, but the company could face fines if it terminates its three-year contract before expiration in July 2014, Franklin Circuit Judge Thomas Wingate said in his ruling.
Kentucky Spirit argued in its lawsuit that the state rushed to privatize Medicaid in 2011 and provided incorrect cost information to the bidders, causing the firm to lose about $120 million. It made the lowest bid, and on average, gets about $100 less per month for each patient than the other two MCOs, Coventry Cares and WellCare.
The Cabinet for Health and Family Services replied that Kentucky Spirit had breached its contract with the state. Wingate said it had not, because it gave notice of early termination, but it will be subject to fines if it pulls out of the state before July 2014, reports Beth Musgrave of the Lexington Herald-Leader.
Kentucky Spirit had argued that its contract allows it to to be terminated with six months notice. The six-month provision could only be interpreted to mean six months prior to the end of the three-year contract, said Wingate, because there has to be enough time for the state to move hundreds of thousands of Medicaid patients from Kentucky Spirit to another managed-care provider.
Jill Midkiff, a spokeswoman for the cabinet, told Musgrave that state officials were thrilled with Wingate's decision. "The cabinet's priorities are the members who receive health care through Medicaid and the taxpayers who pay for the program," she told Musgrave. "This is the right decision for both."
Friday's decision came three days after another Franklin Circuit Court judge ruled that Kentucky Spirit must reimburse health departments for services provided by school nurses to Medicaid-eligible children, which is estimated include about $8 million in back payments.
Centene officials say they are considering options for both cases, which include appeals.
Kentucky Spirit's legal battles are part of ongoing tensions between health-care providers and managed-care companies, and providers have repeatedly complained that the companies are delaying payments for services. The cabinet is hosting a series of forums across the state designed to help providers resolve such issues with the managed care companies.
Kentucky Health News
A Frankfort circuit judge ruled Friday that Kentucky Spirit, one of three companies hired by the state in November 2011 to manage health care for more than 540,000 Medicaid recipients, cannot pull out of its contract with the state a year early with no financial penalty.
Kentucky Spirit, a subsidiary of St. Louis-based Centene Corp., announced in October 2012 that it was pulling out of Kentucky's managed-care system because it was losing money, but the company could face fines if it terminates its three-year contract before expiration in July 2014, Franklin Circuit Judge Thomas Wingate said in his ruling.
Kentucky Spirit argued in its lawsuit that the state rushed to privatize Medicaid in 2011 and provided incorrect cost information to the bidders, causing the firm to lose about $120 million. It made the lowest bid, and on average, gets about $100 less per month for each patient than the other two MCOs, Coventry Cares and WellCare.
The Cabinet for Health and Family Services replied that Kentucky Spirit had breached its contract with the state. Wingate said it had not, because it gave notice of early termination, but it will be subject to fines if it pulls out of the state before July 2014, reports Beth Musgrave of the Lexington Herald-Leader.
Kentucky Spirit had argued that its contract allows it to to be terminated with six months notice. The six-month provision could only be interpreted to mean six months prior to the end of the three-year contract, said Wingate, because there has to be enough time for the state to move hundreds of thousands of Medicaid patients from Kentucky Spirit to another managed-care provider.
Jill Midkiff, a spokeswoman for the cabinet, told Musgrave that state officials were thrilled with Wingate's decision. "The cabinet's priorities are the members who receive health care through Medicaid and the taxpayers who pay for the program," she told Musgrave. "This is the right decision for both."
Friday's decision came three days after another Franklin Circuit Court judge ruled that Kentucky Spirit must reimburse health departments for services provided by school nurses to Medicaid-eligible children, which is estimated include about $8 million in back payments.
Centene officials say they are considering options for both cases, which include appeals.
Kentucky Spirit's legal battles are part of ongoing tensions between health-care providers and managed-care companies, and providers have repeatedly complained that the companies are delaying payments for services. The cabinet is hosting a series of forums across the state designed to help providers resolve such issues with the managed care companies.
Princess Health andHealth and Performance: June 1st- 2nd, 2013.Princessiccia
Another weekend, another collection of awesome race results. Here they are!
Phlox 25K
Phlox 25K
Dave somehow recovered from the ridiculous amount of racing he has been doing to place 4th overall and 1st in his AG (via a sprint finish, no less) RESULTS
12 Mile Creek 1/2 Marathon
Linda destroyed 12-Mile Creek Half marathon: She finished in well under 2 hours (despite grueling conditions), won her AG, and achieving a personal best for the course!
Milton Race Weekend
Milton Sprint Triathlon
- Ed Cyr had an awesome race in the sprint tri, finishing 3rd overall (1st AG athlete, was only beaten by two pros!)
- Erik pulled off an impressive 7th place in his AG, despite being right in the middle of high volume Ironman training
- Kevin Grotheer raced his way to 11th place in his AG
- Adam Dixon finished 8th place in his AG, about 3 minutes ahead of Kevin (is a new rivalry born?)
Milton Sprint Duathlon
-Coach Dyce had an amazing debut in the world of duathlons, placing 3rd overall
- Vance Lai showed his fitness is coming along quickly, placing 7th overall, 4th in his AG
- Alex Ni, despite not training (at all), had a great race in the duathlon!
Milton Try-a-Tri
-Mike and Megan Hamilton both had awesome races- both achieving personal bests by quite a margin!
Princess Health and Energize Yourself and Get Fit. Princessiccia
Do you want to look good and have lots of energy?
Then you are in the right place!
3 ZUMBA classes Now ONLY 19�!
New customers - Special offer!
Why ZUMBA Fitness?
-It is fun and never boring
-Helps you loose weight
-Helps you tone up your body
-14 million people already doing it in 151 countries
"I am not a fan of going to the gym and have tried a number of different ways of 'getting fit' in the past. But this is the first one I have really enjoyed and stuck with.
A lot of this is down to Lily as a teacher, she is warm and motivating and encouraging. The classes are good fun and a perfect way to de-stress."-Emma
3 classes NOW only 19�!
Why Lily's ZUMBA classes?
"Best Zumba class I've tried! Lily's positive energy and cool moves make it all the better experience. Lily's Zumba class is certainly the most intense I've had, as after 45 minutes I'm absolutely exhausted and drenched in sweat, but you always leave with a big happy smile :)"-Irina
"Lily the instructor is one of the main reasons I keep going back, her passion and enthusiasm keeps me going. She makes the class feel lively and fun. I feel great when I leave. You're working out and having fun at the same time, you can't get better than that! I highly recommend giving it a try!"-Sarah
Need to say more?
3 classes now ONLY 19�!
3 classes now ONLY 19�!
Try it out!
Check out our video:
Buy three hours of happiness
for your body and your soul!
NOW at an incredible price!
ONLY 19� for 3 classes!
ONLY 19� for 3 classes!
Terms and conditions:
-Offer valid only for new customers.
-Special offer valid at all our four locations:
1. Carmelite Community Centre, 56 Aungier Street, D2 - Monday 7pm, Tuesday 6pm
2. St Kevin's Community Hall, Bloomfield Avenue, D8 - Wednesday 6:15pm
3. Gloucester Street Sports Centre, 29-30 Gloucester Street South, D2 - Thursday 6pm
4. Swan Leisure, Rathmines, D6 - Thursday 11am, Saturday 11am
CLICK HERE to see maps for each of the locations.
-Special offer valid until 31st December 2013. (You only need to pay before this time, classes can be attended then any time, with no time limit)
 |
Sunday, 2 June 2013
Princess Health and New report ranks Kentucky 45th in overall senior health.Princessiccia
health rankings seniorsBy Molly Burchett
Kentucky Health News
Everyone dreams about retirement being a happy, healthy time to finally settle down, take time for yourself, travel and count your blessings, but a recent reports suggests that if you want to retire right now in a healthy environment, don't stay in Kentucky.
Kentucky ranks 45th in overall health rankings for seniors and last in two measures: total health outcomes for seniors and preventable hospitalizations, says United Health Foundation's America�s Health Rankings Senior Report. Kentucky was next to last in cognition and education of seniors and prevalence of dental visits, and likewise second worst in premature death rate for seniors.
The report shows Minnesota at the top of the list, with Vermont and New Hampshire following closely and Mississippi as the least healthy state for older adults.
This report aims to point out the health challenges affecting today�s seniors and encourage action that improves communities' overall health. In Kentucky, the reports shows community support is low, with total community expenditures at $358 per person aged 65 and older living in poverty, much lower than Minnesota's $542 per capita.
Not all of the report's findings about Kentucky were bad; the state is strong in three areas: underweight seniors, activity-limiting arthritis pain and low-care nursing home residents. And, on another positive note, Kentucky ranks 15th in the number of seniors receiving flu vaccines and 10th in pain management for seniors. Click here for details.
Determinants that were considered in the state's ranking include behaviors like smoking and dental visits; micro and macro community and environment measures like poverty and social support; policy measures like the state's geriatrician shortfall; and measures of clinical care like home health or hospital care and diabetes management.
The health of our state's seniors is critical, especially as baby boomers age. The number of Americans age 65 and older is expected to more than double by 2050, from 40.3 million to 88.5 million, according to the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. About 13.5 percent of Kentuckians are 65 or older, which is higher than the national average. Considering this, the report generates a provoking question. If our state's seniors are unhealthy, can Kentucky be healthy?
Kentucky Health News
Everyone dreams about retirement being a happy, healthy time to finally settle down, take time for yourself, travel and count your blessings, but a recent reports suggests that if you want to retire right now in a healthy environment, don't stay in Kentucky.
Kentucky ranks 45th in overall health rankings for seniors and last in two measures: total health outcomes for seniors and preventable hospitalizations, says United Health Foundation's America�s Health Rankings Senior Report. Kentucky was next to last in cognition and education of seniors and prevalence of dental visits, and likewise second worst in premature death rate for seniors.
The report shows Minnesota at the top of the list, with Vermont and New Hampshire following closely and Mississippi as the least healthy state for older adults.
This report aims to point out the health challenges affecting today�s seniors and encourage action that improves communities' overall health. In Kentucky, the reports shows community support is low, with total community expenditures at $358 per person aged 65 and older living in poverty, much lower than Minnesota's $542 per capita.
Not all of the report's findings about Kentucky were bad; the state is strong in three areas: underweight seniors, activity-limiting arthritis pain and low-care nursing home residents. And, on another positive note, Kentucky ranks 15th in the number of seniors receiving flu vaccines and 10th in pain management for seniors. Click here for details.
Determinants that were considered in the state's ranking include behaviors like smoking and dental visits; micro and macro community and environment measures like poverty and social support; policy measures like the state's geriatrician shortfall; and measures of clinical care like home health or hospital care and diabetes management.
The health of our state's seniors is critical, especially as baby boomers age. The number of Americans age 65 and older is expected to more than double by 2050, from 40.3 million to 88.5 million, according to the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. About 13.5 percent of Kentuckians are 65 or older, which is higher than the national average. Considering this, the report generates a provoking question. If our state's seniors are unhealthy, can Kentucky be healthy?
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Artikel Terpilih
-
Image from Lauren Osborne, WYMT-TV Mountain News By Melissa Patrick Kentucky Health News CORBIN, Ky. � After a day of learning and talkin... -
Associated Press By Danielle Ray Kentucky Health News Nutrition labels on food products will undergo a facelift over the next two years. The... -
Prescription painkillers containing hydrocodone should be placed in a more restrictive federal category, a Food and Drug Administration ad...
-
Healthy Sleep Habits, Happy Child: A Step-By-Step Program For a Good Night's Sleep If You search healthy sleep habits happy child then H...
-
My Zumba Year � How to start and keep loving your Zumba routine! It's just over a year ago since I started Zumba classes with Lily. I wa... -
Umpteenth verse, same as the first... As just reported by Bloomberg , Novartis AG said it agreed to pay $25 million to settle a U.S. Securi...
-
The crackdown on prescription-pill abuse has some patients worried they won't be able to get the medicine they need because doct...
-
I was searching for an enjoyable way to get fit and I thought zumba sounded fun. It was possible to go class-by-class with no immediate comm... -
So for we have introduced our 2014 H+P Women's team and H+P Men's A1 team . TODAY- the H+P Men's A2 team. This team is fil... -
When someone comes to me for help, they are seeking guidance for how to rid the horrific side-effects of dieting. These effects are describe...
Widget
