Epidemic of Violence against Health-Care Workers Plagues Hospitals

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Hospital administrations and judicial system do little to prevent assaults against nurses and other caregivers by patients

Emergency room and psychiatric nurses and workers involved in elder and in-home care are at an especially high risk. Credit: COD Newsroom via flickr

In a harrowing video that surfaced last month, a 68-year-old hospital patient attacks a group of nurses with a pipe pulled from his bed. They flee through a nearby door in a streak of rainbow scrubs, but the patient pursues and lands several more blows on one fallen nurse in the hallway.

This assault is far from an isolated incident. Health-care workers are hit, kicked, scratched, bitten, spat on, threatened and harassed by patients with surprising regularity. In a 2014 survey, almost 80 percent of nurses reported being attacked on the job within the past year. Health-care workers experience the most nonfatal workplace violence compared to other professions by a wide margin, with attacks on them accounting for almost 70 percent of all nonfatal workplace assaults causing days away from work in the U.S., according to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

And attacks show no sign of slowing down.

There is little movement toward stopping the assaults. There is a top-to-bottom cultural assumption that violence is part of the job for ER nurses and health-care workers, says Lisa Wolf, a registered nurse and research director for the Emergency Nurses Association. It goes from the bedside up to the judicial system.

But organizations such as the ENA and the American Nurses Association as well as government agencies involved in occupational safety say this doesnt have to be the case.

After the episode in Minnesota, the hospital initiated a training program to teach workers how to recognize and de-escalate potentially violent situations. Many hospitals lack this basic safety measure, howeveran oversight that leaves caregivers vulnerable. Better violence-prevention plansincluding training and incident reportingcan lessen the risk, but their adoption is stymied by indifference from police, prosecutors, judges and hospital administrations. The general disregard discourages health-care workers from reporting assaults, thus compounding the problem.

As you get more and more distance from the epicenter of the problem in the ER, people really feel like their administrations are way less engaged in mitigating violence, Wolf says. It makes people less invested in the work that they do because they feel less supported.

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Epidemic of Violence against Health-Care Workers Plagues Hospitals

Florida's health care system for needy and disabled children violates federal laws, judge rules

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A federal judge Wednesday declared Florida's health care system for needy and disabled children to be in violation of several federal laws, handing a stunning victory to doctors and children's advocates who have fought for almost a decade to force the state to pay pediatricians enough money to ensure impoverished children can receive adequate care.

In his 153-page ruling, U.S. Judge Adalberto Jordan said lawmakers had for years set the state's Medicaid budget at an artificially low level, causing pediatricians and other specialists for children to opt out of the insurance program for the needy. In some areas of the state, parents had to travel long distances to see specialists.

The low spending plans, which forced Medicaid providers for needy children to be paid far below what private insurers would spend and well below what doctors were paid in the Medicare program for a more powerful group, elders amounted to rationing of care, the order said.

"This is a great day for the children in this state," said Dr. Louis B. St. Petery, a Tallahassee pediatrician who is executive vice president of the Florida Pediatric Society and who helped spearhead the suit. "This action was taken because we found that children weren't being treated properly if they were on Medicaid. Our position as pediatricians," he added, "is that children do not choose their parents. They don't have a choice to be born into a rich family or a poor family.

"We feel all children are of equal value."

The three state agencies named in the suit authored a short statement Wednesday afternoon: "The Judge's outdated observations pertain to a Medicaid program that no longer exists. Florida's new Statewide Medicaid Managed Care (SMMC) program is cost-effective and a working success." The statement was issued by the Agency for Health Care Administration, or AHCA.

The low billing rates, Jordan wrote, exacerbate a long-standing problem: There is a shortage of pediatricians overall. "The shortage gives pediatricians the ability to treat higher paying patients and either not treat, or limit, the number of Medicaid patients they do treat," Jordan wrote. "The shortage of pediatricians in rural areas is especially acute."

Enrollment in the Medicaid program increased from 1.2 million in 2005 to 1.7 million in 2011 though the number of primary care doctors for children apparently has not risen at all, he said.

Among Jordan's findings:

Almost 80 percent of children enrolled in the Medicaid program "are getting no dental services at all."

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Florida's health care system for needy and disabled children violates federal laws, judge rules

Health Care Sector Update for 12/31/2014: ONVO,NRX,RDHL,ACHI

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Top Health Care Stocks

JNJ -0.17%

PZE -0.35%

MRK -0.84%

ABT -1.11%

AMGN -0.47%

Health care stocks were lower in late afternoon trade with the NYSE Health Care Sector Index sliding 0.4% and shares of health care companies in the S&P 500 down by more than 0.5% as a group.

In company news, Organovo Holdings ( ONVO ) shares were falling shortly before the closing bell after the biotech company working to develop "artificial" organs using human tissues late yesterday disclosed a controlled equity offering agreement with Cantor Fitzgerald for up to $33 million of ONVO shares.

The company will pay Cantor a 3% commission on the gross proceeds from the upcoming stock sales. It plans to use net proceeds for general corporate purposes, including reseach, development and commercialization of its products and general administrative expenses as well as potential license and technology acquisitions.

At Tuesday's closing price of $7.66 a share, ONVO would issue nearly 4.31 million new shares, diluting existing shareholders by around 5.3%.

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Health Care Sector Update for 12/31/2014: ONVO,NRX,RDHL,ACHI

'NO COST CONTROLS' Gruber admits ObamaCare might not be affordable

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By Patrick Howley

Obamacare consultant Jonathan Gruber (R) listens to Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Administrator Marilyn Tavenner during testimony before a U.S. House Oversight and Government Reform hearing on "Examining Obama Transparency Failures" in Washington December 9, 2014. Gruber apologized on Tuesday for his recent remarks about "the stupidity of the American voter," telling a congressional committee he did not think President Barack Obama's signature healthcare law was passed in a deceptive manner. REUTERS/Gary Cameron (UNITED STATES - Tags: POLITICS HEALTH) - RTR4HBJA

President Obamas health care adviser Jonathan Gruber admitted that the Affordable Care Act might not be affordable while he was writing the bill with the White House.

As Gruber continues to withhold documents while he awaits a call-back for more testimony before the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee in the new year, more information is coming to light detailing what went into the writing of the health-care law. (RELATED: Daily Caller Publishes First Video Of Gruber Calling The American People Stupid).

Gruber said that ObamaCare had no cost controls in it and might not be affordable in an October 2009 policy brief, presented here exclusively by TheDC. At the time, Gruber had already personally counseled Obama in the Oval Office and served on Obamas presidential transition team. Obama, meanwhile, told the American people that their premiums would go down dramatically.

The problem is it starts to go hand in hand with the mandate; youcant mandate insurance thats not affordable. This is going tobe a major issue, Gruber admitted in an October 2, 2009 lecture, the transcript of which made up the policy brief.

So whats different this time? Why are we closer than weve everbeen before? Because there are no cost controls in these proposals.Because this bills about coverage. Which is good! Why should wehold 48 million uninsured people hostage to the fact that we dontyet know how to control costs in a politically acceptable way?Lets get the people covered and then lets do cost control.

Gruber also said that the only way to control costs is to effectively deny treatment.

The real substance of cost control is all about a single thing: tellingpatients they cant have something they want.Its about telling patients, That surgery doesnt do any good,so if you want it you have to pay the full cost.

Theres no reason the American health care system cant be, Youcan have whatever you want, you just have to pay for it. Thatswhat we do in other walks of life. We dont say everyone has tohave a large screen TV. If you want a large screen TV, you have topay for it. Basically the notion would be to move to a level whereeveryone has a solid basic insurance level of coverage. Above thatpeople pay on their own, without tax-subsidized dollars, to buy ahigher level of coverage.

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'NO COST CONTROLS' Gruber admits ObamaCare might not be affordable

Alternative and Integrative Medicine Center

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photo courtesy of dr. Radu Kramer

Gabi Popa, Jackie Conti, Santa Crisall, Dr. Radu Kramer, Jossy Breton and Yazmin Rodriguez of Alternative and Integrative Medicine Center in Paramus.

Providing quality care to patients

"The integrative medical approach is probably the most comprehensive way to diagnose and treat a patient," said Dr. Radu Kramer of the Alternative and Integrative Medicine Center in Paramus.

Alternative and integrative medicine relies on performing a thorough evaluation of the patient.

"The medical history, physical examination and the emotional assessment is corroborated with the genetic predispositions and environmental influences," Kramer said. "The diagnostic workup includes up-to-date conventional medicine modalities."

Kramer received his training in nephrology at Mount Sinai Medical Center in New York.

"I spent five years at Keller Army Hospital in West Point, N.Y., prior to starting my private practice," he said. "During that time, I also worked with Dr. Revici, my great uncle and a true pioneer of alternative thinking in medicine, at his Institute of Applied Biology in Manhattan."

A strong belief in alternative and integrative medicine led Kramer to open his own practice.

"I was convinced then, just as I am today, that there's a growing need for a comprehensive approach for patients in general and in particular for those suffering from more complex diseases," he said.

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Alternative and Integrative Medicine Center

Time to Fit Into Your Genes: Scientifically Proven Genetic Tests for Weight Loss

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Stanford University studies show that those who follow a DNA-based diet lose 2.5 times more weight than those who do not-- BalanceDiet offers a proprietary genetic test for weight management based on clients DNA, then provides a personal lifestyle plan designed using each individuals test results.

Melisa Jakubiec, a BalanceDiet Club Director, tells FOX News, Tampa Bay: By looking at four genes, we can determine if they [BalanceDiet clients] are sensitive to fat or carbohydrates, or a little of both. Then, the diet can be further personalized to facilitate their weight loss. Similar genetic testing programs can be thousands of dollars, what I love about the BalanceDiet program is its simplicity and how affordable it is. For under $200 a client can have insight into their body and a lifetime of wisdom on food and eating strategies tailored to them

Christopher Gardner, Associate Professor of Medicine at Stanford University published a study in April 2013 that looked at 141 women who were following four diets that focus on varying portions of carbohydrates and fats according to national standards. Each woman provided a DNA test sample. After one year, women on average who followed a diet that matched their specific genetic makeup lost 2.5x more weight than those women who did not follow the diet according to their genetic makeup. To put these results in perspective, they lost approximately 13 pounds versus 4 pounds, respectively.

Based on this Stanford University Study as well as multiple other studies, the BalanceDiet genetic weight loss test is designed to determine a persons ideal dietary food identity with a simple cotton swab test.

Rena Anne Apple, client at BalanceDiet, who after losing 70lbs, still attends the center to maintain her weight: I started gaining weight in middle school and I just kept gaining weight up until I went to college, and even after college I topped out at 275lbs...Now that Im on maintenance, I dont have to eliminate all carbs from my diet. I can say Okay, Ill have this potato, but Im going to eliminate bread...I look like a completely different person from when I was [275lbs]... Im a totally different person, and I love it! One of the things that has helped me stick to the plan is how easy it is to follow.

BalanceDiet provides private coaching from highly trained lifestyle experts who customize personal nutrition and wellness plans as a followup to support a clients genetic test results.

Existing and new clients may register for the weight management genetic test at any BalanceDiet Centers nationwide. To learn more, visit: http://www.gobalancediet.com/about/genetic-testing/

About BalanceDiet:

For over 20 years, BalanceDiet has been helping clients meet and exceed their weight loss goals with its proven diet programs, award-winning product lines, and innovative client options such as their proprietary genetic test for weight loss. Known for personalized consulting and highly effective weight loss plans, the company reflects a balanced approach to food, eating, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. BalanceDiet is a fast-growing wellness brand with more than 30 locations throughout the United States, in addition to the BalanceDiet At Home service offered directly to consumers. The company is expanding internationally and expects to have 40 ground-based operations by year-end, with additional franchise opportunities available. For more information on BalanceDiet, please visit http://www.goBalanceDiet.com.

1. Miles, Kathleen. Fat Genes Determine Obesity, UCLA Study Says, In Addition To Diet And Exercise. Huffingtonpost.com. N.p., 10 Jan. 2013. Web. 10 Jan. 2014. huffingtonpost.com/2013/01/10/fat-genes-obesity-ucla-study-diet-exercise_n_2450108.html.

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Time to Fit Into Your Genes: Scientifically Proven Genetic Tests for Weight Loss

GTA 5 Stunt Montage "Fortitude" | Cryptic Stunting | By Futurist – Video

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GTA 5 Stunt Montage "Fortitude" | Cryptic Stunting | By Futurist
Hi guys , this is are latest and best GTA V Teamtage named "Fortitude" by CrypticStunting hope you enjoy if you did please drop a like and subscribe. Check out the stunters and the editor links...

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GTA 5 Stunt Montage "Fortitude" | Cryptic Stunting | By Futurist - Video

Futurist Thomas Frey on Technological Unemployment & our need for Micro Colleges – Video

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Futurist Thomas Frey on Technological Unemployment our need for Micro Colleges
Business owners today are actively deciding whether their next hire should be a person or a machine. After all, machines can work in the dark and don #39;t come with decades of HR case law requiring...

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Futurist Thomas Frey on Technological Unemployment & our need for Micro Colleges - Video

Here Are the Breakthrough Trends That Will Continue in 2015 and Beyond

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NEW YORK (TheStreet) -- Change ishappening faster and faster these days and consumers are more willing to embrace that change, according toFord Motor's (F) futurist, Sheryl Connelly.

Connelly said one of therapid changes coming to consumers in 2015 is a big shift in mobile payments.Thanks to Apple's (AAPL) Apple Pay, consumers can now carry their credit card information on their iPhone and use the phone to pay for goods and services rather than breaking out their wallets. There's also Google's (GOOGL) Google Wallet option.

Another trend gaining steam:wearable devices ranging from Google's Glassto FitBitand even Nike's (NKE) Fuel Band.

She said wearable devicesallowconsumers tohave less in their hands and pockets. That appears to be the goal, she said, pointing to Ford as an example. Instead of needing to keep your keys in your pocket or purse, consumers can simply lock them in the car.

-- Written by Bret Kenwell

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Here Are the Breakthrough Trends That Will Continue in 2015 and Beyond

2014 Remembrances: Honoring Some Exceptional Lives

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As we begin the new year, Code Switch takes a moment to look back at some of the extraordinary, influential and interesting people whom we lost in 2014.

Sam Greenlee during the 2004 Los Angeles Film Festival. John Heller/WireImage via Getty hide caption

Sam Greenlee during the 2004 Los Angeles Film Festival.

Sam Greenlee

A native Chicagoan, Greenlee drew on his own experiences as one of the first black Foreign Service officers to write The Spook Who Sat by the Door. Published in 1969, the novel centers on a government conspiracy to eradicate black America and the well-trained Army that the country's first black CIA agent or "spook," in agency lingo assembles to foil the plan.

The idea was intriguing enough that the novel was made into a 1973 movie that has gained a cult following. (The fact that the movie opened and then disappearedall the copies of the film had been hijackedinspired a documentary, Infiltrating Hollywood: The Rise and Fall of the Spook Who Sat By The Door.

Greenlee lived quietly for several decades, but he was a constant presence in Chicago's black communities, writing and supporting his hometown's cultural life. A few years before he died, he told a Chicago radio journalist he couldn't have written the novel today. "The idea that street gangs that are now dope-dealing thugs would start a revolution is a historical absurdity," he snorted. "Now, when I wrote [The Spook Who Sat by the Door], the gangs had political consciousness." Greenlee kept his till the end. He died in Chicago on May 19.

Fred Ho

Ho was an avant garde jazz musician who didn't like to describe his work that way. He believed the term "jazz" was initially used to denigrate black musicians. Ho liked to refer to his genre as "Afro-Asian Futurism."

You couldn't miss him in a crowd: Ho always dressed colorfully, in brightly-patterned clothes he often designed himself. The colors were often riotous, but the form Mandarin-collared jackets that closed with silk frogs were a direct reference to his Chinese heritage.

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2014 Remembrances: Honoring Some Exceptional Lives

Monster Hunter Freedom Unite – Online Quests — Part 79: Garuga Blaze – Video

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Monster Hunter Freedom Unite - Online Quests -- Part 79: Garuga Blaze
Please leave a Like - your support is appreciated! *** Monster Hunter Freedom Unite - Online Quests (via Ad-hoc Party), with commentary Part 79: Garuga Blaze Recorded on Dec. 29, 2014: G2*...

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Monster Hunter Freedom Unite - Online Quests -- Part 79: Garuga Blaze - Video

Beacon Hill, The Freedom Trail & Candle Haul – Boston Day 2 || PartTimeWanderlust – Video

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Beacon Hill, The Freedom Trail Candle Haul - Boston Day 2 || PartTimeWanderlust
Our first full day in Boston after having a huuuuge breakfast at The Paramount we had a walk around beautiful festive Beacon Hill. We then took to the freedom trail to explore all sights...

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Beacon Hill, The Freedom Trail & Candle Haul - Boston Day 2 || PartTimeWanderlust - Video