Depression and other mental health problems prompted 156 million visits to doctors' offices, clinics, and hospital outpatient departments in 2005, according to the latest News and Numbers from the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality.
Problems with mental health were one of the top three reasons for Americans to seek treatment. Also, the number of mental health visits has increased 30 percent since 1996.
AHRQ's analysis also ranked the other top reasons for getting non emergency ambulatory care in 2005:
-- Back problems prompted 139 million visits and cost $17.6 billion.
-- Trauma- related disorders, such as fractures, prompted 133 million visits that cost $27 billion.
-- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and asthma, grouped together, resulted in 93 million visits that cost $12 billion.
-- High blood pressure resulted in 79 million visits and cost $10 billion.
AHRQ, which is part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, works to enhance the quality, safety, efficiency, and effectiveness of health care in the United States. The data in this AHRQ News and Numbers summary are taken from the Medical Expenditure Panel Survey (MEPS), a detailed source of information on the health services used by Americans, the frequency with which they are used, the cost of those services, and how they are paid.
Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ)
540 Gaither Rd.
Rockville, MD 20850
United States
ahrq
четверг, 29 сентября 2011 г.
четверг, 22 сентября 2011 г.
Resolving Confusion About The Recent FDA Press Release On Bioidentical Hormones, Women To Women Responds With Clarifying Stance On BHRT
"I'm concerned that the recent FDA press release on bioidentical hormones is misleading women," says Marcelle Pick, founder of the renowned Women to Women clinic in Yarmouth, Maine. "The press coverage implies that the FDA is saying bioidentical compounded hormones are unsafe. But they're quite safe, provided they are prescribed by an experienced healthcare professional and are made by a reputable compounding pharmacy. We've prescribed them for over 15 years for thousands of women."
On January 9, 2008, the FDA issued a press release entitled "FDA Takes Action Against Compounded Menopause Hormone Therapy Drugs." At the same time, they issued a number of warning letters to compounding pharmacies taking issue with the use of the word "bio-identical" as a marketing term implying a benefit, where they state "there is no medical or scientific basis."
"First," says Pick, "it is important that women understand the message: the FDA has not outlawed the use of bio-identical HRT."
"Second, it's the job of a reputable compounding lab to prepare a product that has the same molecular structure as the hormones your body produces naturally --- the word 'bio-identical' in this sense means 'identical to life.' If a woman is lacking the hormones she needs to feel balanced, bHRT, as compared to synthetics, allows the body to metabolize the hormones in much the same way as it was designed to do naturally. This is the key to minimizing side effects."
Dixie Mills, MD, renowned breast care specialist and partner in Women to Women's Personal Program, says, "It comes as no surprise to me that a big pharmaceutical company like Wyeth was a part of this press release. Pharmaceutical companies also sell bioidentical hormone products, but with unique delivery methods for bHRT that are patentable, such as special skin patches or vaginal rings."
Pick explains, "Because the hormones created by compounding pharmacies are chemically identical to those found naturally, they cannot be patented --- drug companies can't patent things that occur naturally in the human body."
She continues to say, "At Women to Women, we have found that about 85% of women can find relief through an approach that combines medical-grade nutritional supplements, gentle phytotherapy to normalize the endocrine system, and dietary and lifestyle changes. If prescription-strength relief is necessary due to advanced symptoms of menopause, we always recommend that women consider beginning with bHRT. It is our clinical experience that with the right protocol (including diagnostic blood tests, controlled dosage and duration, and regularly scheduled follow-up blood tests), bHRT can help to alleviate the symptoms of menopause without the negative side effects that may be experienced from the body not being able to process synthetic HRT as well."
"I urge women to consider all their choices," concludes Mills, "and to discuss bHRT with their healthcare practitioners before narrowing their choices based on the titles of FDA press releases."
About Women to Women
Women to Women is America's leading medical practice devoted to health care for women, by women. Founded over 21 years ago, it has always advocated an approach to women's health that combines the best of alternative and conventional medicine. Through its practice, website, and publications, Women to Women supports over a million women a year in their efforts to create health and well-being in their lives.
Women to Women
On January 9, 2008, the FDA issued a press release entitled "FDA Takes Action Against Compounded Menopause Hormone Therapy Drugs." At the same time, they issued a number of warning letters to compounding pharmacies taking issue with the use of the word "bio-identical" as a marketing term implying a benefit, where they state "there is no medical or scientific basis."
"First," says Pick, "it is important that women understand the message: the FDA has not outlawed the use of bio-identical HRT."
"Second, it's the job of a reputable compounding lab to prepare a product that has the same molecular structure as the hormones your body produces naturally --- the word 'bio-identical' in this sense means 'identical to life.' If a woman is lacking the hormones she needs to feel balanced, bHRT, as compared to synthetics, allows the body to metabolize the hormones in much the same way as it was designed to do naturally. This is the key to minimizing side effects."
Dixie Mills, MD, renowned breast care specialist and partner in Women to Women's Personal Program, says, "It comes as no surprise to me that a big pharmaceutical company like Wyeth was a part of this press release. Pharmaceutical companies also sell bioidentical hormone products, but with unique delivery methods for bHRT that are patentable, such as special skin patches or vaginal rings."
Pick explains, "Because the hormones created by compounding pharmacies are chemically identical to those found naturally, they cannot be patented --- drug companies can't patent things that occur naturally in the human body."
She continues to say, "At Women to Women, we have found that about 85% of women can find relief through an approach that combines medical-grade nutritional supplements, gentle phytotherapy to normalize the endocrine system, and dietary and lifestyle changes. If prescription-strength relief is necessary due to advanced symptoms of menopause, we always recommend that women consider beginning with bHRT. It is our clinical experience that with the right protocol (including diagnostic blood tests, controlled dosage and duration, and regularly scheduled follow-up blood tests), bHRT can help to alleviate the symptoms of menopause without the negative side effects that may be experienced from the body not being able to process synthetic HRT as well."
"I urge women to consider all their choices," concludes Mills, "and to discuss bHRT with their healthcare practitioners before narrowing their choices based on the titles of FDA press releases."
About Women to Women
Women to Women is America's leading medical practice devoted to health care for women, by women. Founded over 21 years ago, it has always advocated an approach to women's health that combines the best of alternative and conventional medicine. Through its practice, website, and publications, Women to Women supports over a million women a year in their efforts to create health and well-being in their lives.
Women to Women
четверг, 15 сентября 2011 г.
Fewer Women Entering Heroin Addiction Treatment - More Successfully Completing Treatment, England
Far fewer women are entering treatment for heroin addiction and more women are successfully completing treatment for drug dependency than ever before. A detailed study of statistics about women in treatment in England shows a 19 per cent fall in the number of adult females under 30 entering heroin programmes over the last five years - 1,000 fewer female addicts than in 2005.
The fall is even sharper - 26 per cent - for the 18-25 age-group, providing further evidence that the heroin epidemic of previous decades may have peaked.
Although part of the trend was offset by rising numbers of cocaine and crack addicts seeking treatment over the same period, the numbers of women entering treatment in the under 30 age group fell by nearly nine per cent in four years.
The study also showed that at the same time the numbers of women problem drug users successfully leaving treatment having overcome their addiction almost doubled. In addition, the number of women dropping out of treatment has fallen by well over a third in four years.
The study by the National Treatment Agency for Substance Misuse (NTA) also highlights:
- While women start using drugs at a younger age than men, they are more adept at seeking help for themselves and tend to come into treatment earlier
- Cocaine is the fastest growing treatment need among women drug users, accounting for a 55 per cent increase in new entrants since 2005
- The number of women entering treatment for crack dependency has increased by 14 per cent since 2005
- Almost two-thirds of women entering treatment are mothers, nearly half of whom have a child living with them. The data indicates that treatment outcomes for mothers are stronger than those who were not parents.
"These findings demonstrate how thousands of women have successfully obtained drug treatment and recovered through it," said Rosanna O'Connor, NTA director of delivery. "Treatment is the first step on the road to recovery, so it is encouraging that women tend to seek help of their own volition, enter treatment earlier before their drug misuse has become entrenched and frequently achieve better outcomes sooner. Treatment provides the opportunity for individuals to get better, for families to stabilise, and for children to be looked-after at home."
The bulletin Women in drug treatment: what the latest figures reveal is available to download from nta.nhs
Around 57,000 women were recorded in drug treatment in England in 2008/09, compared to around 153,000 men; a gender breakdown of 1:3.
The NTA was set up by Government in 2001 to improve the availability, capacity and effectiveness of treatment for drug misuse in England.
Source
National Treatment Agency for Substance Misuse
The fall is even sharper - 26 per cent - for the 18-25 age-group, providing further evidence that the heroin epidemic of previous decades may have peaked.
Although part of the trend was offset by rising numbers of cocaine and crack addicts seeking treatment over the same period, the numbers of women entering treatment in the under 30 age group fell by nearly nine per cent in four years.
The study also showed that at the same time the numbers of women problem drug users successfully leaving treatment having overcome their addiction almost doubled. In addition, the number of women dropping out of treatment has fallen by well over a third in four years.
The study by the National Treatment Agency for Substance Misuse (NTA) also highlights:
- While women start using drugs at a younger age than men, they are more adept at seeking help for themselves and tend to come into treatment earlier
- Cocaine is the fastest growing treatment need among women drug users, accounting for a 55 per cent increase in new entrants since 2005
- The number of women entering treatment for crack dependency has increased by 14 per cent since 2005
- Almost two-thirds of women entering treatment are mothers, nearly half of whom have a child living with them. The data indicates that treatment outcomes for mothers are stronger than those who were not parents.
"These findings demonstrate how thousands of women have successfully obtained drug treatment and recovered through it," said Rosanna O'Connor, NTA director of delivery. "Treatment is the first step on the road to recovery, so it is encouraging that women tend to seek help of their own volition, enter treatment earlier before their drug misuse has become entrenched and frequently achieve better outcomes sooner. Treatment provides the opportunity for individuals to get better, for families to stabilise, and for children to be looked-after at home."
The bulletin Women in drug treatment: what the latest figures reveal is available to download from nta.nhs
Around 57,000 women were recorded in drug treatment in England in 2008/09, compared to around 153,000 men; a gender breakdown of 1:3.
The NTA was set up by Government in 2001 to improve the availability, capacity and effectiveness of treatment for drug misuse in England.
Source
National Treatment Agency for Substance Misuse
четверг, 8 сентября 2011 г.
Men, Women Should Share Responsibility For HIV/AIDS Prevention, Treatment, Malaysian Official Says
Men and women should share equal responsibility for preventing HIV/AIDS and providing treatment to people living with the diseases, Ng Yen Yen -- Malaysian minister for women, family and community development -- said last week at the 53rd Session of the U.N. Commission on the Status of Women, Bernama Daily Malaysian News reports. According to Ng, the percentage of new HIV/AIDS cases in Malaysia that occur among women has increased from 1.2% in 1990 to 16.4% in 2007. In addition, most HIV-positive women in the country contract the virus from their husbands, Ng said.
According to Ng, it is "important that both men and women take equal responsibility in preventing the spread of HIV among women." She added that "it is crucial that in the intersection of care-giving and HIV/AIDS, women are given the utmost support" because the "role of care-giving in many societies often falls upon women." Ng said that it is important to increase HIV/AIDS awareness among men in Malaysia so that they can become "involved in shouldering their responsibility in care-giving" for people living with HIV (Bernama Daily Malaysian News, 3/5). In addition, men and women should share equal responsibility for promoting safer sex, she said.
According to Ng, gender stereotypes pose significant challenges to equal responsibility and the advancement of women. She added that policymakers often encounter difficulty discussing stereotypes and implementing initiatives to address the issue. Ng said that "chipping away long-held biases and ways of thinking require strenuous efforts. But the outcome is worthwhile and the international community should not shirk from this" (Malaysia National News/Bernama, 3/4). Ng added that gender equality also can contribute to Malaysia's development at both the family level and the wider community and political levels. According to Ng, the Malaysian government "places the utmost importance on gender equality and Malaysian women have made significant progress in various fields, such as in the education, health and economic sectors" (Bernama Daily Malaysian News, 3/5).
Reprinted with kind permission from kaisernetwork. You can view the entire Kaiser Daily Health Policy Report, search the archives, or sign up for email delivery at kaisernetwork/dailyreports/healthpolicy. The Kaiser Daily Health Policy Report is published for kaisernetwork, a free service of The Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation.
© 2009 Advisory Board Company and Kaiser Family Foundation. All rights reserved.
According to Ng, it is "important that both men and women take equal responsibility in preventing the spread of HIV among women." She added that "it is crucial that in the intersection of care-giving and HIV/AIDS, women are given the utmost support" because the "role of care-giving in many societies often falls upon women." Ng said that it is important to increase HIV/AIDS awareness among men in Malaysia so that they can become "involved in shouldering their responsibility in care-giving" for people living with HIV (Bernama Daily Malaysian News, 3/5). In addition, men and women should share equal responsibility for promoting safer sex, she said.
According to Ng, gender stereotypes pose significant challenges to equal responsibility and the advancement of women. She added that policymakers often encounter difficulty discussing stereotypes and implementing initiatives to address the issue. Ng said that "chipping away long-held biases and ways of thinking require strenuous efforts. But the outcome is worthwhile and the international community should not shirk from this" (Malaysia National News/Bernama, 3/4). Ng added that gender equality also can contribute to Malaysia's development at both the family level and the wider community and political levels. According to Ng, the Malaysian government "places the utmost importance on gender equality and Malaysian women have made significant progress in various fields, such as in the education, health and economic sectors" (Bernama Daily Malaysian News, 3/5).
Reprinted with kind permission from kaisernetwork. You can view the entire Kaiser Daily Health Policy Report, search the archives, or sign up for email delivery at kaisernetwork/dailyreports/healthpolicy. The Kaiser Daily Health Policy Report is published for kaisernetwork, a free service of The Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation.
© 2009 Advisory Board Company and Kaiser Family Foundation. All rights reserved.
четверг, 1 сентября 2011 г.
Issues Like Abortion Rights Highlight Ongoing Debates Over Judicial Activism, Restraint, Opinion Piece Says
Although it is necessary to give some thought to what should be decided by judges and what should be determined by legislators, the "current fashion of framing substantive issues," such as abortion rights, "in terms of activism or restraint can only take you so far," Ann Althouse, law professor at the University of Wisconsin, writes in a Wall Street Journal opinion piece. According to Althouse, there was a time when people "openly praised the activist judge," but now "we all seem to love to wrap ourselves in the mantle of the new fashion" that "comes at the price of candor." Although the Supreme Court at one time "wrongly" believed that "enshrining abortion rights in the Constitution would spare us a torturous political fight," the court's decision in Roe v. Wade -- the 1973 Supreme Court decision that effectively outlawed state abortion bans -- "laid the groundwork for decades of controversial cases and contentious confirmation battles," according to Althouse. However, it also is a "delusion to think that matters would improve if the court rescinded" its decision in Roe because "[n]ew political fights would spring up and produce a new set of cases that would plunge the courts into even more troublesome legal disputes," Althouse writes. Although this situation "easily translates into the conclusion" that Roe "should not be overturned," such a conclusion is an "oblique argument that avoids speaking directly about the importance or reality of the rights in question," according to Althouse. The argument against overturning Roe "appeals to our preferences and aversions about judicial behavior," Althouse writes, adding that it also "assumes that these days we like our judges restrained. With this assumption, we're reconfiguring arguments into plans for, or limitations about, minimizing judicial activism" (Althouse, Wall Street Journal, 10/21).
"Reprinted with permission from kaisernetwork. You can view the entire Kaiser Daily Health Policy Report, search the archives, or sign up for email delivery at kaisernetwork/dailyreports/healthpolicy. The Kaiser Daily Health Policy Report is published for kaisernetwork, a free service of The Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation . © 2005 Advisory Board Company and Kaiser Family Foundation. All rights reserved.
"Reprinted with permission from kaisernetwork. You can view the entire Kaiser Daily Health Policy Report, search the archives, or sign up for email delivery at kaisernetwork/dailyreports/healthpolicy. The Kaiser Daily Health Policy Report is published for kaisernetwork, a free service of The Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation . © 2005 Advisory Board Company and Kaiser Family Foundation. All rights reserved.
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