Will health care reform require new population health management strategies?

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PUBLIC RELEASE DATE:

17-Mar-2014

Contact: Kathryn Ruehle kruehle@liebertpub.com 914-740-2100 Mary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News

New Rochelle, NY, March 17, 2014In response to the 2010 Affordable Care Act, employers may no long offer traditional employee health care benefits as they protect themselves from rising health care costs and seek to minimize their risk. How the shifting landscape of health care coverage will impact population health management providers, employers, and employees is the focus of a commentary in Population Health Management, a peer-reviewed journal from Mary Ann Liebert, Inc., publishers. The article is available free on the Population Health Management website at http://www.liebertpub.com/pop.

Bruce Sherman, MD, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine (Cleveland, OH), and Chris Behling, AXA (New York, NY), explore many potential scenarios and conclude that employees and their families may be most impacted by these changes. In the article "Beyond Incentives: The Impact of Health Care Reform on Employer Population Health Management Strategies", they propose the need for new models of population health management services delivery.

"Sherman and Behling have done a great job outlining the challenges faced by every employer in our nation under health reform," says Editor-in-Chief David B. Nash, MD, MBA, Dean and Dr. Raymond C. and Doris N. Grandon Professor, Jefferson School of Population Health, Philadelphia, PA. "The success of Obamacare rests, in no small part, on following their advice!"

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About the Journal

Population Health Management is an authoritative peer-reviewed journal published bimonthly in print and online that reflects the expanding scope of health care management and quality. The Journal delivers a comprehensive, integrated approach to the field of population health and provides information designed to improve the systems and policies that affect health care quality, access, and outcomes. Comprised of peer-reviewed original research papers, clinical research, and case studies, the content encompasses a broad range of chronic diseases (such as cardiovascular disease, cancer, chronic pain, diabetes, depression, and obesity) in addition to focusing on various aspects of prevention and wellness. Tables of content and a sample issue may be viewed on the Population Health Management website at http://www.liebertpub.com/pop. Population Health Management is the official journal of the Population Health Alliance.

About the Publisher

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Will health care reform require new population health management strategies?

What factors contribute to sexual assault in the military and what can be done to prevent it?

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PUBLIC RELEASE DATE:

18-Mar-2014

Contact: Kathryn Ruehle kruehle@liebertpub.com 914-740-2100 Mary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News

New Rochelle, NY, March 18, 2014Recent high-profile cases have drawn attention to the problem of sexual assault in the U.S. military, the effects on survivors, and the actions and response of military leadership. Issues such as why there is more sexual assault in the military than in the general population, why it is under-reported, and what preventive approaches should the military adopt are explored in a provocative Roundtable Discussion published in the preview issue of Violence and Gender, a new peer-reviewed journal from Mary Ann Liebert, Inc., publishers. The article is available free on the Violence and Gender website at http://www.liebertpub.com/vio.

Roundtable participants Mary Ellen O'Toole, PhD, Editor-in-Chief of Violence and Gender and Senior FBI Profiler/Criminal Investigator Analyst (ret.), Christopher Kilmartin, United States Air Force Academy (Colorado Springs), and Colonel Jeffery Peterson, Center for Naval Analyses (Alexandria, VA), discuss specific factors that likely contribute to the sexual assault problem, including the acceptance of bullying in American culture, and an overall greater risk for sexual assault among people who join the military due to more previous experience with sexual assault than the general population, both as offenders and as survivors.

"From the battlefield to Congress, sexual assault in the military is viewed as one of the most concerning criminal problems we face today," says Dr. O'Toole. "Sexual offenders in the military wear the same uniform but victimize innocent men and women who work alongside them to serve their country. As a society we should be outraged at this behavior and want answers. I think we give you some of those answers in this Roundtable Discussion."

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About the Journal

Violence and Gender is the only peer-reviewed journal focusing on the understanding, prediction, and prevention of acts of violence. Through research papers, roundtable discussions, case studies, and other original content, the Journal critically examines biological, genetic, behavioral, psychological, racial, ethnic, and cultural factors as they relate to the gender of perpetrators of violence. Led by Editor-in-Chief Mary Ellen O'Toole, PhD, Forensic Behavioral Consultant and Senior FBI Profiler/Criminal Investigative Analyst (ret.), Violence and Gender explores the difficult issues that are vital to threat assessment and prevention of the epidemic of violence. Violence and Gender is published quarterly online with Open Access options and in print, and is the official journal of The Avielle Foundation.

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What factors contribute to sexual assault in the military and what can be done to prevent it?

Inaugural CRDF Global Henrietta H. Fore Women in Science Fellowship to Advance Science Collaboration

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Released: 3/18/2014 12:00 PM EDT Source Newsroom: CRDF Global Contact Information

Available for logged-in reporters only

Newswise ARLINGTON, VACRDF Global, an independent, nonprofit that promotes international scientific and technical collaboration, announced today that it will select the first ever Henrietta H. Fore Women in Science Fellow in May. The first fellow will focus on expanding opportunities for women scientists around the world to collaborate in science and engineering. She will research opportunities and impediments to international collaboration involving women scientists, advise CRDF Global on ways to strengthen existing program opportunities and make recommendations for possible new programs.

The inaugural Fellowship will be awarded to a competitively selected female scientist for an eight to twelve week duration at CRDF Global headquarters in Arlington, VA. Candidates must be women with or pursuing a Ph.D. in the natural sciences, mathematics, engineering, or biomedical and behavioral sciences. Candidates must demonstrate experience or expertise in international collaboration and be a U.S. citizen or have U.S. work authorization. The deadline for application is April 25, 2014. The fellow will be selected by May 9, 2014. Apply at http://tinyurl.com/womenfellowship.

The Fellowship is named after Henrietta H. Fore, former Administrator of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and Director of U.S. Foreign Assistance. She was the first woman to hold these positions. She was also a recipient of CRDF Globals 2013 George Brown Award for International Scientific Cooperation. Currently she is Chairman and CEO of Holsman International, an investment and management company.

A cornerstone of our mission is promoting the collaboration of scientists with peers around the globe, said CRDF Global President and CEO, Cathy Campbell. The worldwide underrepresentation of women in science and engineering is well understood. To achieve peace and prosperity through science collaboration, it is critical to encourage more women to pursue careers in these domains. We believe that the Henrietta H. Fore Women in Science Fellowship is an important step toward fostering collaboration among female scientists around the world, said Campbell.

The world needs more scientists who seek to collaborate in programs and research, said Henrietta H. Fore. We also need more women scientists and CRDF Global is the perfect leader for these endeavors, she said.

About CRDF Global CRDF Global is an independent, nonprofit organization established in 1995 to promote international scientific and technical collaboration through grants, technical resources and training. CRDF Global has nearly 20 years of experience managing international research funding programs and supporting emerging science and technology infrastructure in more than 40 countries in Eurasia, the Middle East, North Africa and South Asia.

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Inaugural CRDF Global Henrietta H. Fore Women in Science Fellowship to Advance Science Collaboration

Anxiety Reduced With Smartphone App

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March 18, 2014

Association for Psychological Science

Playing a science-based mobile gaming app for 25 minutes can reduce anxiety in stressed individuals, according to research published in Clinical Psychological Science, a journal of the Association for Psychological Science.

The study suggests that gamifying a scientifically-supported intervention could offer measurable mental health and behavioral benefits for people with relatively high levels of anxiety.

Millions of people suffering from psychological distress fail to seek or receive mental health services. A key factor here is that many evidence-based treatments are burdensome time consuming, expensive, difficult to access, and perceived as stigmatizing, says lead researcher Tracy Dennis of Hunter College.

Given this concerning disparity between need and accessibility of services, it is crucial for psychological researchers to develop alternative treatment delivery systems that are more affordable, accessible, and engaging.

Thats where the mobile app comes in.

The game is based on an emerging cognitive treatment for anxiety called attention-bias modification training (ABMT). Essentially, this treatment involves training patients to ignore a threatening stimulus (such as an angry face) and to focus instead on a non-threatening stimulus (such as a neutral or happy face). This type of training has been shown to reduce anxiety and stress among people suffering from high anxiety.

In the study, about 75 participants who all scored relatively high on an anxiety survey were required to follow two characters around on the screen, tracing their paths as quickly and accurately as possible.

After playing the game for either 25 or 45 minutes, the participants were asked to give a short speech to the researchers while being recorded on video an especially stressful situation for these participants.

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Anxiety Reduced With Smartphone App

New App Can Ease Anxiety By Gaming

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By Rick Nauert PhD Senior News Editor Reviewed by John M. Grohol, Psy.D. on March 19, 2014

New research suggests playing a science-based mobile gaming app for 25 minutes can reduce anxiety in stressed individuals.

Investigators believe the study shows that gamifying is a scientifically supported intervention that could offer measurable mental health and behavioral benefits for people with relatively high levels of anxiety.

The study is published in Clinical Psychological Science, a journal of the Association for Psychological Science.

Millions of people suffering from psychological distress fail to seek or receive mental health services. A key factor here is that many evidence-based treatments are burdensome time consuming, expensive, difficult to access, and perceived as stigmatizing, said lead researcher Tracy Dennis, Ph.D., of Hunter College in New York.

Given this concerning disparity between need and accessibility of services, it is crucial for psychological researchers to develop alternative treatment delivery systems that are more affordable, accessible, and engaging.

Thats where the mobile app comes in.

The game is based on an emerging cognitive treatment for anxiety called attention-bias modification training (ABMT). Essentially, this treatment involves training patients to ignore a threatening stimulus (such as an angry face) and to focus instead on a non-threatening stimulus (such as a neutral or happy face).

This type of training has been shown to reduce anxiety and stress among people suffering from high anxiety.

In the study, about 75 participants who all scored relatively high on an anxiety survey were required to follow two characters around on the screen, tracing their paths as quickly and accurately as possible.

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New App Can Ease Anxiety By Gaming

Reducing anxiety with a smartphone app

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PUBLIC RELEASE DATE:

18-Mar-2014

Contact: Anna Mikulak amikulak@psychologicalscience.org 202-293-9300 Association for Psychological Science

Playing a science-based mobile gaming app for 25 minutes can reduce anxiety in stressed individuals, according to research published in Clinical Psychological Science, a journal of the Association for Psychological Science.

The study suggests that "gamifying" a scientifically-supported intervention could offer measurable mental health and behavioral benefits for people with relatively high levels of anxiety.

"Millions of people suffering from psychological distress fail to seek or receive mental health services. A key factor here is that many evidence-based treatments are burdensome time consuming, expensive, difficult to access, and perceived as stigmatizing," says lead researcher Tracy Dennis of Hunter College. "Given this concerning disparity between need and accessibility of services, it is crucial for psychological researchers to develop alternative treatment delivery systems that are more affordable, accessible, and engaging."

That's where the mobile app comes in.

The game is based on an emerging cognitive treatment for anxiety called attention-bias modification training (ABMT). Essentially, this treatment involves training patients to ignore a threatening stimulus (such as an angry face) and to focus instead on a non-threatening stimulus (such as a neutral or happy face). This type of training has been shown to reduce anxiety and stress among people suffering from high anxiety.

In the study, about 75 participants who all scored relatively high on an anxiety survey were required to follow two characters around on the screen, tracing their paths as quickly and accurately as possible.

After playing the game for either 25 or 45 minutes, the participants were asked to give a short speech to the researchers while being recorded on video an especially stressful situation for these participants.

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Reducing anxiety with a smartphone app

Cosmetic Surgery News: Copper, the Latest, Greatest Ingredient Craze

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Los Angeles, CA (PRWEB) March 19, 2014

On March 13, 2014, Harpers Bazaar reported in Copper: The New Skin Saver that copper is experiencing a resurgence as an ingredient in skin and hair products. Throughout history mankind has sought ways to reverse the aging process. In ancient Egypt, copper was believed to give magical powers to people who wore it. Copper may not possess magical powers, but it may be the next big thing for prolonging a youthful appearance. (see: http://goo.gl/cqfW3k)

I havent yet had a patient approach me with questions about the anti-aging properties of copper, says Dr. Simon Ourian, Medical Director of Epione Medical Corporation, but its only a matter of time. Reports like this tend to generate a lot of buzz. I read an article last year touting the miracle properties of gold dust and the fantastically expensive spa treatments and creams that incorporated it and havent heard another word about gold dust since.

According to Harpers, even doctors that are typically skeptical are singing the praises of copper's ability to reverse the clock. Copper supposedly helps to develop collagen and elastin, both of which maintain skin strength, and it promotes the production of hyaluronic acid, which plumps up the skin. Copper also has antibacterial and anti-fungal properties, both of which assist in the prevention of infections. Since the 1960's, copper has been used in skin wound care, and it is now showing promise for the treatment of acne.

The article goes on to report that a Virginia-based copper technology developer has marketed a pillowcase embedded with tiny copper particles. According to the manufacturer, microscopic particles are actually absorbed by the skin while one sleeps leading to a reduction in fine lines and wrinkles. Other companies are adding copper peptides to hair care products to improve texture, shine, and volume.

I practice evidence-based medicine, continues Dr. Ourian, and there simply isnt enough rigorous scientific data to back up all these claims. Until that work is done and there is real evidence to back up the hype, I will refrain from recommending copper as an anti-aging ingredient in creams or pillowcases to my patients.

Dr. Ourian has been a pioneer in laser technology and non-invasive aesthetic procedures including Restylane, Juvderm, Radiesse and Sculptra. These treatments are used for the correction or reversal of a variety of conditions such as acne, acne scars, skin discoloration, wrinkles, stretch marks, varicose veins, cellulite, and others. More information about plastic surgery can be found on Epiones website.

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Cosmetic Surgery News: Copper, the Latest, Greatest Ingredient Craze

Greenie Multi Angle Drum Video Performing ‘Isles’ with Little Comets (Live 2014) – Video

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Greenie Multi Angle Drum Video Performing #39;Isles #39; with Little Comets (Live 2014)
A multi angle drum video and live audio of Greenie Playing #39;Isles #39; with Little Comets on tour in the UK and Ireland, February 2014. To buy the track click he...

By: Greenie Drums

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Greenie Multi Angle Drum Video Performing 'Isles' with Little Comets (Live 2014) - Video

Comets State Elite Eight

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March 18, 2014 Comets State Elite Eight

Anonymous Shelbyville Daily Union The Shelbyville Daily Union Tue Mar 18, 2014, 06:14 AM CDT

Stew-Stras 7th grade volleyball parlayed a Sacred Heart Regional Championship, a Stew-Stras Sectional Championship, and 17-5 record into an IESA 7-A State Volleyball appearance. However, in the 1st round, the Comets lost to Cissna Park (21-1-0) in straight games, 25-19, 25-20.

According to the IESA, both teams started a little tentative in the first set. Trading side-out points, before either team got into a rhythm.

The Comets made the first move. Mackenzi Tabbert served 5 straight points with three aces to give the Comets the lead. The Comets looked to set Mackenzi all over the court with her power. However, the Wildcats made a quick comeback on play up the middle by Sloan Boyce.

Boyce had a kill up the middle for a side-out and then a big block to put Cissna Park up, 23-17. The Wildcats Erica Walder put the last point up with her winning serving to take the first set. The second set Cissna Park took the early lead on the Stewardson-Strasburg, but the Comets fought back to make it a 3-point game, trailing 20-23.

Boyces net play was too much in crunch time and she served out the match.

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Comets State Elite Eight

Ice World with the DreamWorks Gang Opens at The Venetian Macao

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Travel and Lifestyle Press Releases Tuesday March 18, 2014 15:23

Bangkok--18 Mar--Jigsaw Communication

Family-friendly exhibition to run from November until March

Ice World, a fun-filled and frosty exhibition all carved in ice by talented craftsmen from Harbin, makes its home at The Venetian Macao for the third year in a row beginning Nov. 21. Supported by the Macau Government Tourist Office, Ice World with the DreamWorks Gang features much-loved characters from DreamWorks Animation, Macao landmarks, and winning entries from a local community drawing competition.Ice World is one of the many exciting activities available during the spectacular Winter at Cotai Strip, which turns Cotai Strip Resorts Macao into a delightful wintry wonderland, with charming stringed lights; a giant lit Christmas tree, a real ice rink, Christmas markets, non-stop entertainment and an eye-popping 3-D light and sound show.

Wednesday afternoon saw the Ice Worldopening ceremony at The Venetian Macaos Cotai Expo Hall F, where it will be open to the public 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.daily from Nov. 21, 2013 to Mar. 16, 2014, with tickets priced at MOP/HKD 100 per person.

The ceremony was officiated by Maria Helena de SennaFernandes, Director of the Macau Government Tourist Office; Huang Hang Qian, Director-General of Department of General Affairs of Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China in Macao; Edward Tracy, President and Chief Executive Officer of Sands China Ltd.; Mark McWhinnie, Senior Vice President of Operations of The Venetian Macao-Resort-Hotel and SandsCotai Central andBai Wei, General Manager of Heilongjiang Provincial Ice and Snow Art Development Co. Ltd. The five officiating guests each helped pour a glass of prehistoric potion into an ice sculpture on stage,brought in byBelt from the movie The Croods, symbolising the official opening of this years Ice World exhibition.

Ice World is becoming an annual tradition and signature event at The Venetian Macao, said Mr. Tracy. Our last two exhibitions were immensely popular, with more visitors than we had even anticipated.Adding the magic of the DreamWorks Experience at Cotai Strip Resorts to this years event brings in a fun new element for our visitors to enjoy.

Asias biggest indoor ice event, with over 1,600 square metres of space, returns to The Venetian Macao following the incredible success of the last two years exhibitions. Crafted once again by famous Harbin craftsmen from the world-renowned Heilongjiang Provincial Ice and Snow Art Development Co. Ltd., this years exhibition will be themed after the unique DreamWorks Experience, with visitors able to view some of the animation worlds most famous characters sculpted from ice.

Visitors to the exhibition will have a chance to experience a magical winter land journey through seven different zones featuring famous Macao landmarks and favourite DreamWorks characters such as Shrek, Princess Fiona, Alex and the gang from Madagascar, and Po from Kung Fu Panda, just to name a few. Families are sure to love the ice slide as they whizz down at breathtaking speeds.

Ice World with the DreamWorks Gang also features the debut of the two newest characters to join the DreamWorks Experience at Cotai Strip Resorts: Tigress from Kung Fu Panda and Belt from The Croods.Each will be carved into ice, and visitors can also see and interact with them at Sands Cotai Central. Tigress will be joining her DreamWorks pals at Shrekfast starting Nov. 21, entertaining breakfast-goers and providing memorable photo opportunities;and keen-eyed visitors might just run into the cute and cuddly Belt and his hug-worthy long armsatthe Holiday Inn Macao Cotai Central main lobby.

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Ice World with the DreamWorks Gang Opens at The Venetian Macao

PH tourism investment share expected to rise

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MANILA, Philippines A boost in the share of travel and tourism industry in the countrys total annual investments is expected this year due to higher demand from international tourists, according to the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC).

WTTC said the share of travel and tourism in the countrys yearly investments take may jump to 3.8 percent this year from 3.6 percent last year.

WTTC, composed of international travel and tourism companies executives, said travel and tourism cornered an estimated P81.3 billion in investments in 2013.

The industry also contributed P1.29 trillion, or about 11.3 percent, to the countrys economy.

WTTC also estimated that direct and indirect jobs supported by the sector contributed 4.3 million jobs, or 11.3 percent of the countrys total workforce.

WTTC president and chief executive officer David Scowsill said the global travel and tourism sector contributed $7 trillion to the global economy, generating about 266 million jobs, or 8.9 percent of total employment. Travel and tourisms contribution to the world economy grew for the fourth consecutive year in 2013, helped especially by strong demand from international travelers, Scowsill said.

Visitor exports, the measure of money spent by these international tourists, rose by 3.9 percent at a global level year on year, to $1.3 trillion, and by over 10 percent within South East Asia, he added.

Scowsill said that while growth in travel and tourism demand is expected to continue, governments will have to do their part.

The outlook for travel and tourism for the next 10 years looks extremely favorable, with growth forecast of more than 4 percent annually. This will require governments to implement more open visa regimes and to adopt intelligent rather than punitive taxation policies, he said.

Scowsill added that it is key for public and private partnerships to ensure that long term infrastructure and human resource needs are planned responsibly and sustainably to absorb the inevitable growth that we are forecasting.

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PH tourism investment share expected to rise