Health/Fitness

HEALTH AND SCIENCE HIGHLIGHTS

 

East County News Service

March 15, 2017 (San Diego’s East County) -- Our Health and Science Highlights provide cutting-edge news that could impact your health and our future.

HEALTH

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

For excerpts and links to full stories, click “read more” and scroll down.


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REPUBLICAN HEALTHCARE PLAN WILL COST POOR SENIORS 750% MORE – AND CAUSE 24 MILLION PEOPLE TO LOSE HEALTH INSURANCE, CONGRESSIONAL BUDGET OFFICE REPORTS

 

By Miriam Raftery

Text of bill:  https://www.congress.gov/bill/115th-congress/house-bill/1275/text

Congressional Budget analysis:  https://www.cbo.gov/publication/52486

 

March 14, 2017 (Washington D.C.) – Older and poorer Americans could be paying over half their income to buy health insurance under the House Republicans’ healthcare plan, the nonpartisan Congressional Budget office (CBO) has calculated.  A 64-year-old earning $26,500 would be expected to pay a whopping $14,600 a year for healthcare – far more than the $1700 a year premiums under Obamacare.

The bill would reduce the federal deficit by $337 billion by 2026, the CBO also found.  But that savings would come largely on the backs of those who can least afford to pay more.


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SPRING VALLEY RETIREMENT COMMUNITY TO CELEBRATE 50TH ANNIVERSARY WITH GRAND OPENING OF 33,082 SQUARE-FOOT LIFE CENTER MARCH 31

 

Source:  Mount Miguel Covenant Village

Photo, left:  an artist’s rendering of the entry way at Mount Miguel Covenant Village’s new Life Center.

March 13, 2017 (Spring Valley) – On the heels of a year-long 50th anniversary celebration, Mount Miguel Covenant Village, a faith-based, not-for-profit continuing care retirement community will celebrate the grand opening of its $19.1 million Life Center that will serve as the hub of community life.

On March 31, 2017, at 4 p.m., the public is invited to an Open House, which will include a screening of a brief film about Mount Miguel Covenant Village in the new 24-seat movie theater, followed by hors d’oeuvres and a tour of the Life Center. Reservations are required for the Open House by calling 877-226-7350 or visiting www.mountmiguelcovenantvillage.org.


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DISSECTING THE REPUBLICAN HEALTHCARE BILL: AARP AND AMA WARN MEASURE HURTS PATIENTS AND SENIORS

 

By Miriam Raftery

AARP warns that seniors age 50-64 will pay $8,500 a year more for health insurance premiums each year, on average, under the GOP plan. Read the bill here

March 10, 2017 (San Diego’s East County) –Major organizations representing patients, doctors, nurses and senior citizens have come out against the “American Health Care Act” ( AHCA or “Trumpcare”), Congressional Republicans’ plan for replacing the Affordable Care Act (ACA Obamacare) that’s being fast-tracked through Congress. 

The American Medical Association (AMA),  the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) and others warn that the plan will weaken benefits and make healthcare much more expensive than many people are paying now, whether you’re on an ACA plan, private health insurance or Medicare/Medicare.   

“As drafted, the AHCA would result in millions of Americans losing coverage and benefits,”  Dr. Andrew Gurman, prseident of the AMA, the nation's largest organization of doctors, said Wednesday. "By replacing income-based premium subsidies with age-based tax credits,  AHCA will also make coverage more expensive—if not out of reach—for poor and sick Americans. For these reasons, the AMA cannot support the AHCA as it is currently written.”


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CONGRESSIONAL BILL WOULD DESTROY CALIFORNIA'S ELDER ABUSE PROTECTIONS, PATIENTS' ADVOCACY GROUP WARNS

 

 

East County News Service

March 9, 2017 (Washington D.C.) – Congress is considering a bill that will effectively end California’s 20-plus year civil protection system for victims of elder abuse or neglect perpetrated by health care providers.



“H.R. 1215 is a corporate wish list of anti-justice measures to immunize health care providers from accountability for terrible care by limiting justice for victims of health care malpractice,” warns California Advocates for Nursing Home Reform, a nonprofit that advocates for improving care for patients needing long-term care. “The bill is misleadingly named the `Protecting Access to Care Act of 2017.’  A more apt name for H.R. 2115 would be `Obstruction of Justice for the Injured.’”


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HEALTH AND SCIENCE HIGHLIGHTS


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SUPERVISORS TO WEIGH BANNING ALL MARIJUANA FACILITIES IN UNINCORPORATED AREAS AT MARCH 15 MEETING

 

By Miriam Raftery

March 9, 2017 (San Diego) — On Wednesday, March 15,  San Diego County Supervisors will consider amending zoning regulations to outlaw all marijuana facilities,  medical and recreational.  At a recent meeting, Supervisors instructed staff to draw up language to ban all facilities including shutting down existing lawfully operating dispensaries. However staff is recommending that existing medical marijuana facilities be allowed to stay open.  County staff also recommended that  Supervisors consider possible zoning ordinance amendments to address regulations permitting cannabis farming in agricultural zones, though thus far Supervisors have voiced opposition to requests from farmers seeking to grow cannabis.


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CONTAMINATED DRINKING WATER IN EAST COUNTY

 

 

East County News Service

March 8, 2017 (San Diego’s East County) -- The state of California has established a new website called the Human Right to Water Portal, in compliance with a 2012 law that makes California the first state in the U.S. to recognize a right to safe, clean, affordable and accessible water for all state residents.  But a review of the new website shows that many East County communities, schools and public water systems are in violation of safe, clean drinking water standards.


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INNOVATIONS ABOUND AT NEW U.C.S.D. JACOBS MEDICAL CENTER

 

By Rebecca Jefferis Williamson

March 7, 2017 (La Jolla) - Apps for walking art tours, iPads for patients, an “awake” brain surgery room, and more. These are just a few of the offerings to patients of the new U.C.S.D. Jacobs Medical Center in La Jolla opened in November.


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SOCIAL SECURITY UNDER ATTACK

 

By nadinabbott on March 6, 2017

Reprinted with permission from https://reportingsandiego.com

March 7, 2017 (San Diego) - The replacement of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) was released this afternoon. First off, this is not an alternative to the ACA. It marks up the bill. Second off, it also has a back door weakening of the Social Security Act of 1937.


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HEALTH CARE LIBRARY IN LA MESA WILL HOST FREE "ASK THE PHARMACIST" MEETING

 

East County News Service

March 7, 2017 (La Mesa) – The Grossmont Healthcare District’s Dr. William C. Herrick Community Health Care Library, 9001 Wakarusa St. in La Mesa, will host a free program on “Ask the Pharmacist” from 10 to 11 a.m., Wednesday, March 22. The program is part of the library’s “Wellness Wednesday” series, normally held on the fourth Wednesday of the month. Admission is free. Light refreshments will be served. Advance RSVP is not necessary. Handouts will be available.


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6 TIPS TO KEEP TICKS OFF

 

By Gig Conaughton, County of San Diego Communications Office

March 6, 2017 (San Diego) -- Finally! The sun is back and you’ve been itching to get outside for a hike.

Just remember, it’s tick season in San Diego County and you should protect yourself and your pets if you’re planning to roam into any brushy, grassy, or chaparral-covered areas.


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BOIL WATER ORDER ISSUED FOR WARNER SPRINGS RANCH RESORT

 

East County News Service

March 2, 2017 (Warner Springs) – Storm damage caused a complete loss of pressure to a portion of Warner Springs Ranch Resort’s drinking water system.  So, the County’s Department of Environmental Health has issued a boil water order for the Warner Springs Ranch Resort’s water system, which provides drinking water to the Warner Springs Ranch Golf Grill, Warner Springs Airport, staff housing, St. Francis of Assisi Chapel, and Warner Springs Ranch Resort, which is currently under renovation and not yet open to the public.


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MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES COULD DISAPPEAR WITH ACA REPEAL

 

By Mary Kuhlman, Public News Service

Photo:  Millions of Americans struggling with mental health concerns gained access to services because of provisions in the Affordable Care Act. (Pixabay)

March 1. 2017 (Washington D.C.) – Plans to revamp the Affordable Care Act were among President Trump's talking points during last night's address before a joint session of Congress. And one sector of the population stands to be significantly impacted by changes to the healthcare law.


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HAVE YOU MOSQUITO-PROOFED YOUR RAIN BARREL?

 

Image Credit: CDC--mosquito larvae

By Gig Conaughton, County of San Diego Communications Office

February 26, 2017 (San Diego) -- If you’ve got a rain barrel, this winter’s rains have been great! Your barrel is full. You’re conserving water. You’re watering your garden naturally. You’re growing mosquitoes …


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HEALTH AND SCIENCE HIGHLIGHTS


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ANESTHESIOLOGIST SUES SHARP GROSSMONT HOSPITAL

 

Update February 23, 2017 -  Hear our interview with Dr. Patrick Sullivan, originally aired on KNSJ 89.1 FM radio, by clicking the audio link.

Dr. Patrick Sullivan alleges he was harassed into resigning after blowing the whistle on secret videotaping of female patients and other concerns; hospital denies wrongdoing

East County News Service

February 5, 2017 (La Mesa) – Dr. Patrick Sullivan, an anesthesiologist with 25 years’ experience locally, has filed a lawsuit in Superior Court against Sharp Grossmont Hospital and retained a high-powered trial lawyer.

Audio: 


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ISSA INTRODUCES REPLACEMENT PLAN FOR OBAMACARE: BUT IS IT A FIX, OR JUST A BANDAID APPROACH?

 

By Miriam Raftery

February 22, 2017 (San Diego) — San Diego Republican Congressman Darrell Issa on Tuesday announced that he has released a “discussion draft” of his bill to repeal Obamacare and replace it with a new plan.  Issa’s “The Access to Insurance for All Americans Act” would give all Americans access to buy in to same insurance plans provided to federal employees and their families—but not at the heavily discounted rates provided to federal workers.


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ATKINS COAUTHORS UNIVERSAL HEALTHCARE BILL IN CALIFORNIA

 

By Miriam Raftery

February 22, 2017 (San Diego) – California could become the first state in the nation to have universal healthcare coverage for all residents, if a bill introduced by State Senators Toni Atkins from San Diego and Ricardo Lara of Bell Gardens becomes law.


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SDSU RESARCHERS MAKE BIG IMPROVEMENTS TO BRAIN-COMPUTER INTERFACE

 

By Michael Price, San Diego State News Center

Photo: Sam Kassegne, deputy director for the CSNE at SDSU, and colleagues developed electrodes made out of glassy carbon. (Credit: Sam Kassegne) 

February 20, 2017 (San Diego) - When people suffer spinal cord injuries and lose mobility in their limbs, it’s a neural signal processing problem. The brain can still send clear electrical impulses and the limbs can still receive them, but the signal gets lost in the damaged spinal cord.


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GROSSMONT HEALTHCARE DISTRICT SEEKING NOMINATIONS FOR HEALTHCARE HERO VOLUNTEERS, DEADLINE IS MARCH 10TH

 

East County News Service

February 20, 2017 (San Diego's East County) – The Grossmont Healthcare District (GHD) is seeking nominees for its 2017 Healthcare Heroes Awards. Now in its 11th year, the Healthcare Heroes is GHD’s annual awards program honoring volunteers who help advance the delivery of quality health services in the East County region.


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HEALTH CARE LIBRARY IN LA MESA WILL HOST FREE MEETING ON COLORING FOR STRESS RELIEF FEB. 22

 

East County News Service

 

February 17, 2017 (La Mesa) – The Grossmont Healthcare District’s Dr. William C. Herrick Community Health Care Library, 9001 Wakarusa St. in La Mesa, will host a free program on “Coloring for Stress Relief” from 10 to 11 a.m., Wednesday, Feb. 22. The program is part of the library’s “Wellness Wednesday” series, normally held on the fourth Wednesday of the month. Admission is free. Light refreshments will be served. Advance RSVP is not necessary. Handouts will be available.


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GROSSMONT HEALTHCARE DISTRICT AWARDS FINAL CONTRACT FOR PROPOSITION “G,” VOTER-APPROVED, BOND-FINANCED GROSSMONT HOSPITAL CONSTRUCTION

 

 

East County News Service

February 14, 2017 (La Mesa) – More than a decade after East County voters approved Proposition G, a $247 million bond measure that provided taxpayer funds for improvements at Sharp Grossmont Hospital, the final construction contract was awarded to San Diego-based Swinerton Builders by Grossmont Healthcare District.


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SPRING INTO HEALTHY LIVING MARCH 15 AT THE YMCA

 

East County News Service

February 15, 2017 (Spring Valley) - You’re invited to Spring Into Healthy Living on March 15th from 9 a.m. to 12 noon at the McGrath Family YMCA (12006 Campo Road) in Spring Valley. The (free) health and wellness fair for seniors will include free health screenings, speakers and information on how to avoid scams, driver safety and fire safety, and more.


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GROSSMONT HEALTHCARE DISTRICT SUPPORTING NEW CAMPO HEALTH CLINIC

 

 

East County News Service

February 14, 2017 (Campo) A new backcountry healthcare clinic currently under construction in Campo will have $1 million for new medical equipment thanks to the Grossmont Healthcare District (GHD), an East County regional public agency that supports various health-related community programs and services in San Diego’s East County region.


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FIGHT THE BITE: LEARN ABOUT MOSQUITOES FEB. 25 IN LAKESIDE

 

East County News Service

February 13, 2017 (Lakeside) - With Zika and West Nile Virus in the news, now is a perfect time to get educated.  San Diego County Vector Control's Michelle Christina will lend her expertise on these fascinating insects and how to live with them at a free program hosted by the Lakeside River Park Conservancy (12108 Industry Rd., Lakeside) on Saturday, Feb. 25th at 10 a.m.


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LOVE YOUR HEART "SAVED MY LIFE"

 

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February 13, 2017 (San Diego) - He thought he was healthy.

Gabe Gutierrez was in his mid-20s and exercised almost daily. He was a vegetarian.

But a blood pressure screening at a Love Your Heart event six years ago showed otherwise. His blood pressure was extremely high.


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"LOVE YOUR HEART DAY" OFFERS FREE BLOOD PRESSURE CHECK-UPS ON VALENTINE’S DAY

 

East County News Service

February 13, 2017 (San Diego) – The County of San Diego will present “Love Your Heart Day,” a crucial first step towards preventing heart disease, on Valentine’s Day, Tuesday, Feb. 14. 


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COURT BLOCKS ANTHEM –CIGNA MERGER, DRAWING PRAISE FROM DOCTORS AND REGULATORS

 

By Miriam Raftery

February 11, 2017 (Washington D.C.) — Just two weeks after a court blocked merger of insurance giants Aetna and Humana, the U.S. District Court in Washington D.C. has blocked another major insurance merger. This time, the court halted Anthem’s proposed merger with Cigna, the Wall Street Journal reports.  The court sided with California and 11 other states, as well as the Obama Justice Department, which had argued that the merger would reduce price competition and lower the quality of healthcare.


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HOLLYWOOD CASINO – JAMUL TO HOST BLOOD DRIVE FEB. 17

 

East County News Service

February 11, 2017 (Jamul) - The San Diego Blood Bank will accept blood donations at Hollywood Casino ‑ Jamul on Friday, February 17, 2017 from  1:30 pm ‑  7 pm.  The drive will be held at  14145 Campo Road, Jamul, in Training Rooms 1 & 2


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