Baptist Health, formerly Baptist Healthcare System Inc., acquires Richmond hospital; could become largest health group in Ky.

Pattie A. Clay Regional Medical Center

The nonprofit formerly known as Baptist Healthcare System Inc. is moving closer to becoming the largest health care organization in Kentucky, with last week's acquisition of the Pattie A. Clay Regional Medical Center in Richmond, reports Ed Green of Business First. No money changed hands, notes Green, since Baptist Healthcare assumed ownership of the nonprofit medical center.

The company also announced a system-wide rebranding effort designed to bring all of its facilities under a new brand name: Baptist Health. The goal, said Andy Sears, vice president of planning and system development for the nonprofit organization, is to broaden its reach across the state. System-wide, Baptist Health has more than 1,900 licensed acute-care beds and served 93,892 inpatients and 1.8 million outpatients in 2011.

Pattie A. Clay Regional Medical Center

The nonprofit formerly known as Baptist Healthcare System Inc. is moving closer to becoming the largest health care organization in Kentucky, with last week's acquisition of the Pattie A. Clay Regional Medical Center in Richmond, reports Ed Green of Business First. No money changed hands, notes Green, since Baptist Healthcare assumed ownership of the nonprofit medical center.

The company also announced a system-wide rebranding effort designed to bring all of its facilities under a new brand name: Baptist Health. The goal, said Andy Sears, vice president of planning and system development for the nonprofit organization, is to broaden its reach across the state. System-wide, Baptist Health has more than 1,900 licensed acute-care beds and served 93,892 inpatients and 1.8 million outpatients in 2011.

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More bad news about childhood obesity: Study finds it can change some kids' brains and damage their mental 'flexibility'

It's not news that Kentucky is lagging in child fitness. In fact, the Truth for America's Health "F as in Fat" report found that the state has the third highest childhood obesity rate in the country. This is bad news, alright, and it's about to get worse. Dr. Claire McCarthy writes in The Boston Globe that a new study in the current issue of Pediatrics and shows that obesity can hurt kids' brains.

"Researchers looked at 49 adolescents with metabolic syndrome. Metabolic syndrome, a consequence of obesity, is the triad of insulin resistance (pre-diabetes or diabetes), high blood pressure and high blood lipids," McCarthy writes. "The researchers compared the adolescents with 62 adolescents who had the same socioeconomic background but didn't have metabolic syndrome. The kids with metabolic syndrome had more trouble with arithmetic, spelling, attention and mental 'flexibility' than the ones who didn't have metabolic syndrome. Even more frightening, the researchers saw actual changes in their brains, in the hippocampus (which plays a crucial role in memory) and the white matter (which passes messages through the brain). It was only a small study, and not all kids with obesity have metabolic syndrome. But this study is alarming -- especially since we don't know if losing weight can make the brain go back to normal."

In her column tagged "MD Mama," McCarthy goes on: "Given that brains are still developing in adolescence, it's very possible that the changes could be permanent. What else do we need before we take the problem of childhood obesity really seriously?" (Read more) To read the study in Pedatrics, go here.

It's not news that Kentucky is lagging in child fitness. In fact, the Truth for America's Health "F as in Fat" report found that the state has the third highest childhood obesity rate in the country. This is bad news, alright, and it's about to get worse. Dr. Claire McCarthy writes in The Boston Globe that a new study in the current issue of Pediatrics and shows that obesity can hurt kids' brains.

"Researchers looked at 49 adolescents with metabolic syndrome. Metabolic syndrome, a consequence of obesity, is the triad of insulin resistance (pre-diabetes or diabetes), high blood pressure and high blood lipids," McCarthy writes. "The researchers compared the adolescents with 62 adolescents who had the same socioeconomic background but didn't have metabolic syndrome. The kids with metabolic syndrome had more trouble with arithmetic, spelling, attention and mental 'flexibility' than the ones who didn't have metabolic syndrome. Even more frightening, the researchers saw actual changes in their brains, in the hippocampus (which plays a crucial role in memory) and the white matter (which passes messages through the brain). It was only a small study, and not all kids with obesity have metabolic syndrome. But this study is alarming -- especially since we don't know if losing weight can make the brain go back to normal."

In her column tagged "MD Mama," McCarthy goes on: "Given that brains are still developing in adolescence, it's very possible that the changes could be permanent. What else do we need before we take the problem of childhood obesity really seriously?" (Read more) To read the study in Pedatrics, go here.

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17 percent of Kentuckians lack food security; beef council to help on local level with donations to food banks

More than 750,000 people in Kentucky, 17 percent of those living in the commonwealth, do not always know where they will find their next meal, according to Feeding America’s Map the Meal Gap study. Among Kentucky's children, the number of those experiencing food insecurity is an astonishing 23 percent.

Here's a link to the Map the Meal Gap interactive map. To see Kentucky's hunger index by Congressional district, go here.

The Lane Report notes this has prompted state Agriculture Commissioner James Comer to declare September as Farmers and Food Banks Fighting Hunger Month in Kentucky. “Programs such as Farm to Food Banks are ones that aid Kentucky farmers by furnishing them with another outlet to sell their commodities while at the same time providing food for the hungry," said Comer.

The Farms to Food Banks program allows the Kentucky Association of Food Banks to buy surplus and second-grade produce for distribution free of charge through the food banks' network. In honor of Farmers and Food Banks Fighting Hunger Month, the Kentucky Beef Council announced the launch of  Beef Counts KY, a program that will supply nutrient-rich beef for people facing hunger in Kentucky. Farmers will have the option of donating cash or donating proceeds from the sale of beef animals to the program. Fourteen livestock markets across the state are participating and will forward proceeds from donated beef animals to the program. “Each donated animal or the cash equivalent provides roughly 1,600 servings of high-quality nutrient-rich beef protein. This is a local solution to local hunger," said Chuck Crutcher, chairman of the KBC and Hardin County beef farmer. 

More than 750,000 people in Kentucky, 17 percent of those living in the commonwealth, do not always know where they will find their next meal, according to Feeding America’s Map the Meal Gap study. Among Kentucky's children, the number of those experiencing food insecurity is an astonishing 23 percent.

Here's a link to the Map the Meal Gap interactive map. To see Kentucky's hunger index by Congressional district, go here.

The Lane Report notes this has prompted state Agriculture Commissioner James Comer to declare September as Farmers and Food Banks Fighting Hunger Month in Kentucky. “Programs such as Farm to Food Banks are ones that aid Kentucky farmers by furnishing them with another outlet to sell their commodities while at the same time providing food for the hungry," said Comer.

The Farms to Food Banks program allows the Kentucky Association of Food Banks to buy surplus and second-grade produce for distribution free of charge through the food banks' network. In honor of Farmers and Food Banks Fighting Hunger Month, the Kentucky Beef Council announced the launch of  Beef Counts KY, a program that will supply nutrient-rich beef for people facing hunger in Kentucky. Farmers will have the option of donating cash or donating proceeds from the sale of beef animals to the program. Fourteen livestock markets across the state are participating and will forward proceeds from donated beef animals to the program. “Each donated animal or the cash equivalent provides roughly 1,600 servings of high-quality nutrient-rich beef protein. This is a local solution to local hunger," said Chuck Crutcher, chairman of the KBC and Hardin County beef farmer. 

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Eastern Kentucky native wants to alert Appalachian women about their high rate of cervical cancer and how to prevent it

University of Kentucky physician and Pike County native Baretta Casey, right, has spent most of her career providing health care and education throughout the state, with a focus on Appalachian Kentucky. The health disparities between Eastern Kentucky and the rest of the state, especially high rates of cancer, are of "special concern" to Casey, reports Ann Blackford of UKNow.

Cancer is prevalent in her Casey's own family, and this is why she "has taken on the challenge of helping reduce cancer rates in Kentucky, especially cervical cancer and other Human papillomavirus cancers," Blackford reports. Cervical cancer rates are highest in rural and Appalachian Kentucky. According to the Kentucky Cancer Registry from 2005 to 2009, the cervical cancer rate in the region was 9.85 per 100,000 people. The state rate was 8.6. The average of deaths per year in the region from cervical cancer was 258.

"We have the tools to change these high rates and make a real difference in people's lives," Casey said. "I feel the best thing I can do for the people of Eastern Kentucky is to educate about prevention and screening of cervical cancer." Casey became the director of the Cervical Cancer-free Kentucky Initiative at UK's College of Public Health's Rural Cancer Prevention Center in 2010. Through this position, she makes connections with county health departments, community organizations and health advocacy groups that provide education and funding for cervical cancer prevention projects.

"Casey is passionate about educating people on the importance of vaccinating their children against HPV," Blackford writes. She said she wants people to look past the controversy of vaccinating their children and realize the importance of the vaccine. "The vaccine given for the appropriate reason can save a life," Casey said. (Read more)

University of Kentucky physician and Pike County native Baretta Casey, right, has spent most of her career providing health care and education throughout the state, with a focus on Appalachian Kentucky. The health disparities between Eastern Kentucky and the rest of the state, especially high rates of cancer, are of "special concern" to Casey, reports Ann Blackford of UKNow.

Cancer is prevalent in her Casey's own family, and this is why she "has taken on the challenge of helping reduce cancer rates in Kentucky, especially cervical cancer and other Human papillomavirus cancers," Blackford reports. Cervical cancer rates are highest in rural and Appalachian Kentucky. According to the Kentucky Cancer Registry from 2005 to 2009, the cervical cancer rate in the region was 9.85 per 100,000 people. The state rate was 8.6. The average of deaths per year in the region from cervical cancer was 258.

"We have the tools to change these high rates and make a real difference in people's lives," Casey said. "I feel the best thing I can do for the people of Eastern Kentucky is to educate about prevention and screening of cervical cancer." Casey became the director of the Cervical Cancer-free Kentucky Initiative at UK's College of Public Health's Rural Cancer Prevention Center in 2010. Through this position, she makes connections with county health departments, community organizations and health advocacy groups that provide education and funding for cervical cancer prevention projects.

"Casey is passionate about educating people on the importance of vaccinating their children against HPV," Blackford writes. She said she wants people to look past the controversy of vaccinating their children and realize the importance of the vaccine. "The vaccine given for the appropriate reason can save a life," Casey said. (Read more)

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UK nanotechnology study shows promise for more effective cancer treatment compared to chemotherapy

Dr. Peixuan Guo, one of the three top
nanobiotechnology experts in the world

A new study by University of Kentucky researchers shows promise for developing ultrastable RNA nanoparticles that may help treat cancer and viral infections by regulating cell function and binding to cancers without harming surrounding tissue. The study, published in Nano Today, was carried out in the laboratory of Peixuan Guo, the William S. Farish Endowed Chair in Nanobiotechnology at the UK Markey Cancer Center, in collaboration with Dr. Mark Evers, director of the UK Markey Cancer Center.

 "A major problem with cancer treatments is the ability to more directly and specifically deliver anti-cancer drugs to cancer metastases," Evers said. "Using the nanotechnology approach that Peixuan Guo and his group have devised may allow us to more effectively treat cancer metastasis with fewer side effects compared to current chemotherapy." To read more about the study, read the University of Kentucky press release here. To read study in Nano Today, go here.

Dr. Peixuan Guo, one of the three top
nanobiotechnology experts in the world

A new study by University of Kentucky researchers shows promise for developing ultrastable RNA nanoparticles that may help treat cancer and viral infections by regulating cell function and binding to cancers without harming surrounding tissue. The study, published in Nano Today, was carried out in the laboratory of Peixuan Guo, the William S. Farish Endowed Chair in Nanobiotechnology at the UK Markey Cancer Center, in collaboration with Dr. Mark Evers, director of the UK Markey Cancer Center.

 "A major problem with cancer treatments is the ability to more directly and specifically deliver anti-cancer drugs to cancer metastases," Evers said. "Using the nanotechnology approach that Peixuan Guo and his group have devised may allow us to more effectively treat cancer metastasis with fewer side effects compared to current chemotherapy." To read more about the study, read the University of Kentucky press release here. To read study in Nano Today, go here.

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2012 Excellence in Feline Research Award

Niels Pedersen, DVM, PhD, is the winner of the 2012 Excellence in Feline Research Award from Winn Feline Foundation and the American Veterinary Medical Foundation (AVMF). Dr. Pedersen was recognized due in large part to his work as a pioneer in infectious diseases in cats having produced 220 research publications and authored a number of textbooks on feline husbandry and infectious diseases. As a member of the faculty at the School of Veterinary Medicine at University of California at Davis, Pedersen is currently a distinguished professor and director of both the Center for Companion Animal Health and Veterinary Genetics Laboratory.

Winn President, Vicki Thayer, DVM, DABVP, made the announcement and was at the presentation of the $2,500 award, given along with a crystal cat award at the annual convention of the American Veterinary Medical Association held August 7th in San Diego.

Dr. Thayer commented that “Dr. Pedersen is well known for his support for research into feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) and working with volunteers at SOCK FIP (Save Our Cats and Kittens) which currently focuses on FIP research. The Winn Board of Directors is pleased to honor Dr. Pedersen for a lifetime of achievement and as a long time friend of Winn and supporter of our mission. We were also pleased to have him present information on FIP research at Winn’s Annual Symposium in 2011 to excellent reviews.”

Dr. Pedersen, Winn past president Joan Miller, 1981

According to Dr. Pedersen, his most satisfying achievements have involved the creation of the Center for Comparative Medicine, The Center for Companion Animal Health and the Koret Shelter Medicine Program. His single most rewarding experience has been directing the Veterinary Genetics Laboratory (VGL) at UC-Davis  since 1997 and using the resources of the VGL to develop a broad based and internationally recognized veterinary genetics research program.

Pedersen graduated from UC Davis, School of Veterinary Medicine in 1967 and interned in small animal medicine and surgery at Colorado State University. He was awarded a PhD in Experimental Pathology and Immunology from the John Curtin School of Medical Research, Australian National University in 1972. Dr. Pedersen was active in clinics for 17 years, specializing in infectious and immunologic diseases of dogs and cats. He taught infectious diseases, clinical immunology and feline medicine for 22 years.

He holds honorary doctorates from the Universities of Zurich and Utrecht and has received several awards for his research on feline infectious diseases. Although he has worked on many different diseases of cats and dogs, his lifelong interest has been with feline infectious peritonitis, which continues to both excite and frustrate him with its complexities.

Winn Feline Foundation and the American Veterinary Medical Foundation are pleased to collaborate in this effort to focus attention on the importance of feline health studies and the committed researchers who conduct these lifesaving investigations into the prevention and care of feline disease for “Every Cat, Every Day.”

More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library 
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Niels Pedersen, DVM, PhD, is the winner of the 2012 Excellence in Feline Research Award from Winn Feline Foundation and the American Veterinary Medical Foundation (AVMF). Dr. Pedersen was recognized due in large part to his work as a pioneer in infectious diseases in cats having produced 220 research publications and authored a number of textbooks on feline husbandry and infectious diseases. As a member of the faculty at the School of Veterinary Medicine at University of California at Davis, Pedersen is currently a distinguished professor and director of both the Center for Companion Animal Health and Veterinary Genetics Laboratory.

Winn President, Vicki Thayer, DVM, DABVP, made the announcement and was at the presentation of the $2,500 award, given along with a crystal cat award at the annual convention of the American Veterinary Medical Association held August 7th in San Diego.

Dr. Thayer commented that “Dr. Pedersen is well known for his support for research into feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) and working with volunteers at SOCK FIP (Save Our Cats and Kittens) which currently focuses on FIP research. The Winn Board of Directors is pleased to honor Dr. Pedersen for a lifetime of achievement and as a long time friend of Winn and supporter of our mission. We were also pleased to have him present information on FIP research at Winn’s Annual Symposium in 2011 to excellent reviews.”

Dr. Pedersen, Winn past president Joan Miller, 1981

According to Dr. Pedersen, his most satisfying achievements have involved the creation of the Center for Comparative Medicine, The Center for Companion Animal Health and the Koret Shelter Medicine Program. His single most rewarding experience has been directing the Veterinary Genetics Laboratory (VGL) at UC-Davis  since 1997 and using the resources of the VGL to develop a broad based and internationally recognized veterinary genetics research program.

Pedersen graduated from UC Davis, School of Veterinary Medicine in 1967 and interned in small animal medicine and surgery at Colorado State University. He was awarded a PhD in Experimental Pathology and Immunology from the John Curtin School of Medical Research, Australian National University in 1972. Dr. Pedersen was active in clinics for 17 years, specializing in infectious and immunologic diseases of dogs and cats. He taught infectious diseases, clinical immunology and feline medicine for 22 years.

He holds honorary doctorates from the Universities of Zurich and Utrecht and has received several awards for his research on feline infectious diseases. Although he has worked on many different diseases of cats and dogs, his lifelong interest has been with feline infectious peritonitis, which continues to both excite and frustrate him with its complexities.

Winn Feline Foundation and the American Veterinary Medical Foundation are pleased to collaborate in this effort to focus attention on the importance of feline health studies and the committed researchers who conduct these lifesaving investigations into the prevention and care of feline disease for “Every Cat, Every Day.”

More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library 
Find us on Facebook 
Follow us on Twitter 
Join us on Google+

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St. Joseph hospitals lay off 40 employees in Lexington

KentuckyOne Health announced Wednesday it would be laying off 40 employees at its St. Joseph Hospital and St. Joseph East locations in Lexington, Scott Sloan of the Herald-Leader reports. The move comes less than a year after 36 employees were laid off at the St. Joseph hospital on South Broadway and four at St. Joseph East on Richmond Road.

KentuckyOne Health was formed earlier this year to operate St. Joseph Health Systems and Jewish Hospital and St. Mary's HealthCare. Spokeswoman Barbara Mackovic said the decision was made because of "challenges in the healthcare industry," Sloan reports. "Like most other systems, KentuckyOne Health continually monitors our patient volumes and adjusts staffing to meet those needs," Mackovic said. "When we have growth in certain areas, we increase our staffing needs. "Unfortunately, when we see a decrease in patient demand, we must also adjust our staff accordingly." (Read more)

KentuckyOne Health announced Wednesday it would be laying off 40 employees at its St. Joseph Hospital and St. Joseph East locations in Lexington, Scott Sloan of the Herald-Leader reports. The move comes less than a year after 36 employees were laid off at the St. Joseph hospital on South Broadway and four at St. Joseph East on Richmond Road.

KentuckyOne Health was formed earlier this year to operate St. Joseph Health Systems and Jewish Hospital and St. Mary's HealthCare. Spokeswoman Barbara Mackovic said the decision was made because of "challenges in the healthcare industry," Sloan reports. "Like most other systems, KentuckyOne Health continually monitors our patient volumes and adjusts staffing to meet those needs," Mackovic said. "When we have growth in certain areas, we increase our staffing needs. "Unfortunately, when we see a decrease in patient demand, we must also adjust our staff accordingly." (Read more)

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Groundbreaking Answers For Chronic Health Conditions

Groundbreaking Treatment For Chronic Health Disease
Get the answers on how you may be able to overcome your autoimmune disease, thyroid disease, dizziness, migraine headaches, vertigo, fibromyalgia and much more!

Groundbreaking Treatment For Chronic Health Disease
Get the answers on how you may be able to overcome your autoimmune disease, thyroid disease, dizziness, migraine headaches, vertigo, fibromyalgia and much more!

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State health department says 381 cases of whooping cough puts disease at epidemic levels

The state Department of Public Health says whooping cough is now at epidemic levels. Department officials told Amanda Stephenson of WTVQ-TV in Lexington that 381 cases of the virus have been confirmed so far in 2012.  The Lexington-Fayette County Health Department is reporting 50 cases so far this year. That's double the 26 cases they'd seen in the previous five years. Estill County health officials have seen a quadrupling of cases since July. (Read more)

Mary Meehan of the Lexington Herald-Leader reports that Three Rivers District Health Department in Owenton, which serves Owen, Carroll, Gallatin and Pendleton counties, will offer shots at fall festivals in the district to stave off the spread of the disease. After 86 cases were confirmed in the area, the Northern Kentucky Health Department, which serves Boone, Campbell, Grant and Kenton counties, is offering vaccines for $4.

The Fayette County department isn't planning special clinics at this time, so people who are worried about the illness should contact their family physicians. Some pharmacies, such as Walgreens, are offering the shots in their stores. There is an adequate supply of vaccine for children and adults, said Beth Fisher, a spokesperson for the state Cabinet for Health and Family Services.

For more information on pertussis, and its symptoms, go to the CDC website.

The state Department of Public Health says whooping cough is now at epidemic levels. Department officials told Amanda Stephenson of WTVQ-TV in Lexington that 381 cases of the virus have been confirmed so far in 2012.  The Lexington-Fayette County Health Department is reporting 50 cases so far this year. That's double the 26 cases they'd seen in the previous five years. Estill County health officials have seen a quadrupling of cases since July. (Read more)

Mary Meehan of the Lexington Herald-Leader reports that Three Rivers District Health Department in Owenton, which serves Owen, Carroll, Gallatin and Pendleton counties, will offer shots at fall festivals in the district to stave off the spread of the disease. After 86 cases were confirmed in the area, the Northern Kentucky Health Department, which serves Boone, Campbell, Grant and Kenton counties, is offering vaccines for $4.

The Fayette County department isn't planning special clinics at this time, so people who are worried about the illness should contact their family physicians. Some pharmacies, such as Walgreens, are offering the shots in their stores. There is an adequate supply of vaccine for children and adults, said Beth Fisher, a spokesperson for the state Cabinet for Health and Family Services.

For more information on pertussis, and its symptoms, go to the CDC website.

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'Cigarette 6' smoked by Hopkinsville paper's editorial

First came the Jackson Five, then the Chicago Seven. Now, straight from Hopkinsville's city council, come the Cigarette Six. So dubbed by the editorial board of the Kentucky New Era, the Six were met with by a incredulous headline on an editorial that addressed the group's attempt to circumvent a drive for an anti-smoking ordinance in most indoor public places: " 'Cigarette 6' on council must think we're stupid."

The editorial takes direct aim on the six members' apparent lack of interest in protecting citizens from secondhand smoke and their approach to a smoking ban that isn't one: a do-it-yourself sort of ban "that requires businesses to declare whether they will be a smoking or a smoke-free establishment." As if that is not what businesses are today without such a pronouncement. The New Era called the Six's stance "an embarrassment to the city." Read the complete New Era editorial here.

Because the 6-5 vote came with a smoking-ban proponent absent, and in the council's committee of the whole, where Mayor Dan Kemp, another proponent, cannot break ties, the council could still vote 7-6 in favor of the originally proposed smoking ban. For a report on the last council meeting, click here.

The editorial comes in the wake of a recent report by the statewide Friedell Committee for Health System Transformation that called for county health boards to "assume responsibility for educating their population about improving their health status," be "highly visible and proactive," and play a leading role "in developing healthy community coalitions and partnerships," and the Christian County health director's vow to take his board in that direction. An item on that report is here.

First came the Jackson Five, then the Chicago Seven. Now, straight from Hopkinsville's city council, come the Cigarette Six. So dubbed by the editorial board of the Kentucky New Era, the Six were met with by a incredulous headline on an editorial that addressed the group's attempt to circumvent a drive for an anti-smoking ordinance in most indoor public places: " 'Cigarette 6' on council must think we're stupid."

The editorial takes direct aim on the six members' apparent lack of interest in protecting citizens from secondhand smoke and their approach to a smoking ban that isn't one: a do-it-yourself sort of ban "that requires businesses to declare whether they will be a smoking or a smoke-free establishment." As if that is not what businesses are today without such a pronouncement. The New Era called the Six's stance "an embarrassment to the city." Read the complete New Era editorial here.

Because the 6-5 vote came with a smoking-ban proponent absent, and in the council's committee of the whole, where Mayor Dan Kemp, another proponent, cannot break ties, the council could still vote 7-6 in favor of the originally proposed smoking ban. For a report on the last council meeting, click here.

The editorial comes in the wake of a recent report by the statewide Friedell Committee for Health System Transformation that called for county health boards to "assume responsibility for educating their population about improving their health status," be "highly visible and proactive," and play a leading role "in developing healthy community coalitions and partnerships," and the Christian County health director's vow to take his board in that direction. An item on that report is here.

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Video explains health reform and new insurance coverage

The folks at Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation has done us all a tremendous favor: They've made health reform law kinda easy. And kinda brief. In their new video "Health Reform Hits Main Street," they've wrestled the topic down to a 9-minute short, animated movie that should -- if anyone can -- "explain the problems with the current health care system, the changes that are happening now, and the big changes coming in 2014."

The press that comes with the video promises that you'll learn "more about how the health reform law will affect the health insurance coverage options for individuals, families and businesses with the interactive feature 'Illustrating Health Reform: How Health Insurance Coverage Will Work'."  Whether you actually learn that, we figure, is up to you. But with the help of narrator Cokie Roberts, they have given it a good try. 

Watch the video by clicking on this website, where a link will take you to the video. It's also available in Spanish.

The folks at Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation has done us all a tremendous favor: They've made health reform law kinda easy. And kinda brief. In their new video "Health Reform Hits Main Street," they've wrestled the topic down to a 9-minute short, animated movie that should -- if anyone can -- "explain the problems with the current health care system, the changes that are happening now, and the big changes coming in 2014."

The press that comes with the video promises that you'll learn "more about how the health reform law will affect the health insurance coverage options for individuals, families and businesses with the interactive feature 'Illustrating Health Reform: How Health Insurance Coverage Will Work'."  Whether you actually learn that, we figure, is up to you. But with the help of narrator Cokie Roberts, they have given it a good try. 

Watch the video by clicking on this website, where a link will take you to the video. It's also available in Spanish.

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Improving treatment for feline oral cancer

Final report, Winn grant W10-043
PET-CT of feline oral squamous cell carcinoma
Investigator: Elissa Randall, Colorado State University
 
Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is not only the most common oral tumor in cats, but it accounts for about 10% of all feline tumors. To date, treatments have had limited success and short survival times. This study was designed to evaluate an imaging method used in human medicine for head and neck cancers called positron emission tomography-computed tomography (PET-CT). PET imaging provides functional information about biological activity in the tumor and tissues, while CT imaging provides anatomic information. Twelve cats with OSCC had PET-CT performed: 7 cases prior to stereotactic radiotherapy (SRT) with a second PET-CT after therapy, and 5 cases with imaging performed prior to SRT only.

All the tumors were found to be hypermetabolic on PET scans. Metastasis in local and somewhat distant lymph nodes was detected by PET-CT. Meeting these two objectives indicates that PET-CT is a valid potential tool for tumor staging in cats with OSCC. All the tumors were identified and well-visualized with post-treatment PET-CT. However, residual tumor could not be differentiated from reactive tissue when PET-CTs were performed one month after radiation treatment.

There were no major complications noted in any of the cats during the imaging studies and associated biopsies. PET-CT was found to offer a major benefit in cats with OSCC through better detection and delineation of the primary tumor. This allowed for the development of better treatment plans by radiation oncologists in the study. [VT]

See also: Final report, Winn grant W09-032 (Molecular pathology of feline oral squamous cell carcinoma)

More on cat health:
Winn Feline Foundation Library
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Final report, Winn grant W10-043
PET-CT of feline oral squamous cell carcinoma
Investigator: Elissa Randall, Colorado State University
 
Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is not only the most common oral tumor in cats, but it accounts for about 10% of all feline tumors. To date, treatments have had limited success and short survival times. This study was designed to evaluate an imaging method used in human medicine for head and neck cancers called positron emission tomography-computed tomography (PET-CT). PET imaging provides functional information about biological activity in the tumor and tissues, while CT imaging provides anatomic information. Twelve cats with OSCC had PET-CT performed: 7 cases prior to stereotactic radiotherapy (SRT) with a second PET-CT after therapy, and 5 cases with imaging performed prior to SRT only.

All the tumors were found to be hypermetabolic on PET scans. Metastasis in local and somewhat distant lymph nodes was detected by PET-CT. Meeting these two objectives indicates that PET-CT is a valid potential tool for tumor staging in cats with OSCC. All the tumors were identified and well-visualized with post-treatment PET-CT. However, residual tumor could not be differentiated from reactive tissue when PET-CTs were performed one month after radiation treatment.

There were no major complications noted in any of the cats during the imaging studies and associated biopsies. PET-CT was found to offer a major benefit in cats with OSCC through better detection and delineation of the primary tumor. This allowed for the development of better treatment plans by radiation oncologists in the study. [VT]

See also: Final report, Winn grant W09-032 (Molecular pathology of feline oral squamous cell carcinoma)

More on cat health:
Winn Feline Foundation Library
Find us on Facebook
Follow us on Twitter
Join us on Google+

Read More