Medical Card @ AIA Excel Care Plus

Medical cards and medical insurances are necessary because all services cannot be offered by a government hospital. Government hospitals can offer emergency and essential medical care but usually there is a long waiting list. Possession of a medical card will be able to give you more choices.

A medical card can help you prepare for these costly expenses and ensures comprehensive coverage in medical, surgical and hospital costs, ambulance fees and other related medical charges.

Things to Look Out For When Buying Medical Cards

Exclusions Many medical cards do not pay for many chronic diseases in the first year and many cards do not pay for pre-existing medical conditions. Most cards only provide in-patient services and exclude outpatient services.

Guaranteed Renewal Some medical cards are yearly renewable, while others normally offer guaranteed renewal up to a lifetime limit.

Co-Insurance Some medical cards also practise co-insurance, meaning that you'll have to pay a certain amount of the medical fees, normally at 10% - 20% of the total medical fees incurred, while the balance will be paid by the insurance company.

Cashless There are also some medical cards which are cashless medical cards. As a policyholder of this kind of cashless medical cards, just present the card at any participating hospital to facilitate your hospital admission. You do not need to worry about preparing and submitting claims as all expenses under the medical card will be paid directly to the hospitals. However, this kind of medical cards are becoming less available due to misuse and very high claim rate.

Participating Hospitals Depending on the insurance companies, the number of participating hospitals varies. Choosing a medical card with more participating hospitals benefits you better, as you will have more choices in time of emergency.

/yk

Make government hospitals comply with private standards

Daryl Goon, the Present of the Medico-Legal Society of Malaysia says Make government hospitals comply with private standards

THE Medico-Legal Society of Malaysia views with concern the report by the Auditor-General of shoddy repairs and upgrading work carried out in government clinics. Some of the shortcomings described include shoddy work that would render the facilities available physically unsafe for patients. There are also examples of defects that would clearly undermine patients’ privacy and dignity. It is perhaps time for the Government to take steps to extend the provisions of the Private Healthcare Facilities & Services Act 1998 (ACT 586), and its regulations, to government clinics and hospitals. This legislation and its regulations set out statutorily what are essentially the minimum acceptable standards to be expected from private healthcare facilities, which include hospitals, medical clinics and dental clinics. One simply cannot countenance double standards in healthcare – patients are patients. All patients (whether in government or private hospitals) are entitled to expect those minimum standards that have been thought fit to be imposed on private healthcare facilities. There may be practical problems to overcome, so it need not happen overnight.

/medi

Hospital swasta hanya kaut untung 10 peratus

KUALA LUMPUR: Hospital swasta hanya memperoleh keuntungan 10 peratus daripada kos yang dikenakan kepada setiap pesakit berdasarkan jenis rawatan, manakala selebihnya digunakan untuk membiayai kos ubat-ubatan, peralatan, tenaga pakar dan penyelenggaraan kemudahan. Seorang pegawai kanan sebuah pusat pakar perubatan yang enggan namanya disiarkan memberitahu, caj tinggi yang dikenakan hospital swasta dianggap berbaloi kerana mutu perkhidmatan dan kemudahan rawatan disediakan adalah terbaik, bersesuaian dengan kos perlu dibayar pesakit. Selain itu, hospital swasta juga tidak mendapat bantuan kerajaan sebaliknya beroperasi melalui hasil pelaburan dan pinjaman daripada bank bagi mengimbangi keperluan perubatan rakyat.

“Bidang perubatan kini menjadi satu cabang perniagaan. Bagi mendapatkan rawatan terbaik dengan kemudahan selesa dan dirawat menggunakan peralatan perubatan berteknologi tinggi, pesakit perlu bayar lebih. “Keadaan ini menyebabkan rakyat beranggapan hospital swasta mengaut keuntungan lebih tetapi ia sebenarnya tidak kerana pihak hospital juga perlu membayar lebih untuk kos penyelenggaraan peralatan rawatan, pinjaman bank dan kos tenaga kerja yang semakin meningkat setiap tahun,” katanya kepada Berita Harian. Beliau berkata, caj rawatan setiap hospital swasta berbeza mengikut jenis rawatan, kepakaran dan kemudahan yang tawarkan selain menepati garis panduan Majlis Perubatan Malaysia (MMC). “Wujud perbezaan dari segi caj rawatan hospital swasta kerana tidak semua menggunakan peralatan, kemudahan, tenaga pakar dan premis sama. Walaupun caj tinggi, pesakit masih mempunyai hak untuk mendapatkan penjelasan pengurusan hospital, ”katanya. Katanya, banyak hospital swasta akan gulung tikar ekoran terpaksa menanggung beban pembiayaan kewangan tinggi sekiranya kerajaan melaksanakan cadangan mengkaji kos rawatan yang dikenakan ke atas pesakit yang jauh lebih rendah berbanding kos semasa. “Kita tidak boleh bandingkan perkhidmatan atau kos yang perlu dibayar pelanggan di hospital kerajaan dengan swasta tetapi kita boleh samakan konsepnya dengan harga secawan kopi di warung dengan restoran terkemuka,” katanya. /bharian

Hampir pengsan bil hospital RM23,000

Kakitangan swasta kecewa tak dimaklum caj melebihi jumlah maksimum ditanggung insurans KUALA LUMPUR: Seorang kakitangan swasta dari Kluang, Johor, hampir pengsan apabila melihat bil perubatannya mencecah RM23,000 selepas 12 hari dimasukkan ke sebuah pusat perubatan swasta di Batu Pahat kerana batuk selama dua minggu. Roslan Husin, 46, mendakwa pakar di hospital swasta itu bagaimanapun gagal mengesan punca penyakitnya sejak dia ditahan di wad hospital itu 4 Febuari tahun lalu, selain mendakwa caj ubat dikenakan berjumlah RM9,852 mahal dan melampau.

Lebih menyedihkan, dia mendakwa kakitangan pusat perubatan swasta itu hanya memberitahu kos perubatannya melebihi jumlah maksimum perlindungan insuransnya iaitu RM15,000 selepas 11 hari ditahan di wad. “Saya terkejut, marah dan hampir pengsan apabila diberitahu bil perubatan saya melebihi RM15,000 yang ditanggung syarikat insurans. Saya persoalkan kenapa hanya diberitahu selepas ia lebih daripada jumlah itu, kenapa tak beritahu awal,” katanya ketika dihubungi Berita Minggu. Roslan berkata, dia pergi ke hospital swasta setelah dinasihatkan oleh doktor klinik panel syarikatnya kerana mereka gagal mengesan punca batuk dialaminya. “Mereka periksa saya macam biasa, tidak buat apa-apa kecuali membuat imbasan x-ray dan masukkan wayar dalam hidung. Pakar di situ kata saya menghidap asma tetapi saya tak percaya, saya cuma batuk-batuk. Kemudian mereka datang dan beritahu bil perubatan saya mencecah RM23,000 menyebabkan saya terkejut,” katanya. Dia tidak berpuas hati dengan caj yang dikenakan namun, pihak hospital yang gagal mengesan punca penyakit tetap memintanya tinggal di wad selama dua hari lagi. “Saya tolak permintaan mereka menyebabkan doktor pusat perubatan pakar itu menulis surat untuk merujuk saya ke Hospital Kluang, tetapi doktor hospital kerajaan beritahu pada saya, kalau pakar pun tidak dapat kesan apa punca penyakit saya, tak guna untuk saya dimasukkan ke hospital kerajaan,” katanya. Katanya, selepas keluar dari hospital swasta itu dia mencuba kaedah perubatan tradisional dan penyakitnya kini sembuh. Isnin lalu, Berita Harian melaporkan 26 peratus daripada individu yang gagal membayar balik pinjaman bank dan kad kredit kerana menanggung beban hutang membiayai kos perubatan tinggi di hospital swasta.

/bharian

Healthcare financing scheme long overdue

IMPLEMENTING the National Healthcare Financing Scheme (NHFS) would be one way of ensuring the public gets affordable healthcare without having to incur huge debts, said Federation of Malaysian Consumers Associations (Fomca) secretary-general Muhammad Sha'ani Abdullah.

"We have always maintained that healthcare is the government's responsibility. "The implementation of the scheme is long overdue and we urge the government to act on it with urgency as our aging population is increasing and people are going bankrupt because of rising healthcare costs."

Fomca has been receiving an average of 50 complaints a month about exorbitant fees imposed by private hospitals.

"Many patients complained that they had to fork out between RM5,000 and RM12,000 in medical fees for simple ailments and procedures at these hospitals. "When we complained to the Ministry of Health, we were told that these are the rates approved by the Malaysian Medical Council.

"They said consumers are free to choose but sometimes, people don't have a choice during an emergency and are forced to go to the nearest private hospital for treatment." Implementing the NHFS will allow the public to seek treatment at public or private hospitals without worrying about the cost factor, he said. "The NHFS would also help regulate the fees charged by private hospitals as they would have to comply with the approved rates."

The proposed NHFS has yet to see the light of day since it was first mooted 26 years ago under the Fourth Malaysia Plan (1981-1985). This was despite the Health Ministry conducting various feasibility studies on the proposal over the years. In March this year, Health Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai was quoted as saying that it would take another year before the scheme could be implemented. He attributed the delay to various quarters that would be affected once the scheme came into force. Sha'ani says all medication dispensed from clinics and hospitals should be itemised to prevent profiteering. "Under the Consumer Protection Act 1999, all transactions require a receipt to be issued if the customer asks for it. "However, the legacy practice of stating only the lump-sum charge for treatments has denied consumers information on the price of each medicine prescribed." He said if hospitals and clinics were compelled to provide an itemised bill, it would curb profiteering. Sha'ani added that many consumers who bought medical insurance were also left in the lurch when they discovered that their policies had limited medical coverage. "People pay high premiums believing that it will cover them during emergencies. But when they get admitted for a more serious condition like a heart attack, they are shocked to learn that their medical insurance does not cover the hospital costs." He said health insurance companies should educate their policyholders on what is covered and how much the coverage is worth, to avoid putting them in a quandary.

Read more: http://www.nst.com.my/nst/articles/28credit2/Article#ixzz16bDxk4NI

Waist-deep in medical debt

WHEN his 65-year-old mother was diagnosed with cancer last year, 32-year-old executive Ray* (not his real name) had to rely on his credit cards to settle the bill at a private hospital.

The hospital admissions and chemotherapy sessions alone cost him a whopping RM250,000. Having settled part of the payment with his savings, Ray used his credit cards to pay the rest of the bill.

He is aware that he could have taken his mother to a government hospital for treatment and paid only a fraction of the cost. But he was not willing to put her through the long waiting period at public hospitals.

"I wanted my mum to have the best medical care she could get, so, I took her to a well-known oncologist at an established private hospital even though I knew their fees were beyond my means." Ray has no regrets taking his mother to the private hospital as her condition has improved and she is now in remission.

"Though I am finding it a struggle to settle my credit card bills for the treatment, somehow I have to manage. I have been working overtime and trying to run a small business on the side to make ends meet," says the father of two, who admits that almost one-third of his salary goes to settling the credit card debt. Reeling from a couple of "bad experiences at government hospitals", Sharen* (not her real name) took her father out of one and admitted him into a private medical centre when he was diagnosed with a serious lung disease. The medical bills escalated as Sharen's father had to be frequently admitted over the next three years as his health deteriorated because of complications.

"It was tough as the bills were quite high because my father had an uncommon ailment and medication was expensive. "And there were always new procedures that the doctors needed to do to stop the disease from progressing so fast." The total bill came up to almost RM70,000. As her EPF savings was not enough to cover the cost of the treatments, Sharen turned to her credit cards to settle the balance. "I was paying almost RM2,000 a month to settle the amount with the credit card companies. I had some difficulty repaying the amount recently, so I took out a personal loan from a bank to settle part of the amount. Now, I am servicing two loans," she said. "It's true when they say that everything you touch in a private hospital costs money. You even pay for the tissues and cardboard spittoons." Ray and Sharen are among a growing number of Malaysians who have found themselves waist-deep in debt because of the increasing cost of private healthcare. According to the Credit Counselling and Debt Management Agency (AKPK), the high cost of private healthcare contributed to the bulk of credit card debts and non-performing loans (NPL) as of last October. In an interview early this week, AKPK chief executive officer Mohamed Akwal Sultan said of the RM4.8 billion debts and NPL it was currently handling, 26 per cent was because of bills incurred for medical treatment at private hospitals. He said most of those who had been referred to the agency for debt management claimed that although it was beyond their means, they preferred to seek treatment at private hospitals because of the better quality of care and treatment. In light of claims that private hospitals are charging exorbitant fees and forcing patients to undergo "unnecessary" procedures, Health Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai has instructed Director-General of Health Tan Sri Dr Ismail Merican to meet with private hospital owners to discuss ways to curb the rising cost of private healthcare. Liow was reported to have said that the government would review the professional fees for doctors by year-end and later review private hospital charges. He said the ministry would also look at the kind of medication being dispensed by private hospitals and consumables such as tissues. The Association of Private Hospitals Malaysia declined to comment pending the meeting with Health Ministry officials.

Read more: http://www.nst.com.my/nst/articles/28credit/Article#ixzz16bCbDMeL

Bosses, staff may choose to pay premium.

MALACCA: The premium for the health insurance for foreign workers may be borne by either the employers or their workers, except for workers in certain sectors.

Human Resources Minister Datuk Dr S. Subramaniam said the government would leave the decision to the employers and their employees. However, for workers in some sectors, including domestic helpers and those employed in agriculture-related work, the employers would have to pick up the tab.

Dr Subramaniam said the Health Ministry made the decision to impose health insurance on foreign workers because of the high cost incurred by the government when they failed to settle their medical bills at public hospitals.

He was speaking after launching the Azam 1Malaysia special work placement programme at the Menara Persekutuan in Ayer Keroh here yesterday. The two-day programme, which was also being conducted in nine other states, was aimed at helping unemployed locals find jobs.

Dr Subramaniam said more than 700 companies were taking part in the programme and they had more than 35,000 job vacancies. "I have been informed that more than 2,800 participants have found employment."

Read more: http://www.nst.com.my/nst/articles/18fess/Article#ixzz16bB6Peq5

RM1 Billion Insurance

Tuntutan biayai kos perubatan meningkat setiap tahun KUALA LUMPUR: Syarikat insurans di negara ini membayar lebih RM1 bilion setahun kepada pemegang polisi bagi membiayai kos rawatan perubatan mereka yang meningkat setiap tahun. Statistik Bank Negara dalam Jadual Petunjuk Utama Insurans menunjukkan jumlah tuntutan insurans hayat dibayar untuk perbelanjaan perubatan mencatat peningkatan sejak empat tahun lalu daripada RM877.6 juta pada 2006 kepada RM1.05 bilion (2007), RM1.27 bilion (2008) dan RM1.45 bilion (2009). Trend peningkatan itu membuktikan kos rawatan perubatan antara aspek kritikal di kalangan masyarakat di negara ini. Menteri Kesihatan, Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai ketika diminta mengulas perkara itu, berkata statistik itu menunjukkan tahap kesedaran rakyat terhadap perlindungan kesihatan diri dan keluarga semakin meningkat. Trend peningkatan itu membuktikan kos rawatan perubatan antara aspek kritikal di kalangan masyarakat di negara ini. Menteri Kesihatan, Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai ketika diminta mengulas perkara itu, berkata statistik itu menunjukkan tahap kesedaran rakyat terhadap perlindungan kesihatan diri dan keluarga semakin meningkat. Katanya, kerajaan menyedari peningkatan kos perubatan terutama ubat yang meningkat sekitar 12 peratus tahun lalu sekali gus menyebabkan caj perubatan di hospital termasuk hospital swasta meningkat. Namun, katanya, itu tidak bermakna operator pusat perubatan swasta boleh mengambil kesempatan atas kenaikan itu dengan mengenakan caj terlalu tinggi untuk mengaut keuntungan singkat sehingga membebankan rakyat. “Saya sudah mengarahkan Ketua Pengarah Kesihatan, Tan Sri Dr Ismail Merican supaya berbincang dengan semua pemilik hospital swasta di negara ini berhubung kos perubatan supaya kenaikan itu rasional,” katanya. Sementara itu, sumber industri berkata, tuntutan insurans bagi menanggung kos rawatan dan perubatan diramal terus meningkat sejajar dengan peningkatan jumlah penduduk dan perubahan gaya hidup masyarakat. “Peratusan peningkatan tahunan bukan kecil, tetapi meningkat dengan mendadak,” katanya. Katanya, orang ramai mengambil polisi insurans kerana mahu mendapatkan perlindungan kewangan ketika ditimpa musibah seperti sakit atau kemalangan. Isnin lalu, Berita Harian melaporkan sehingga Oktober lalu, 26 peratus kegagalan pembayaran balik pinjaman bank atau kad kredit berlaku berikutan pembiayaan kos rawatan tinggi di hospital swasta yang mendorong individu berhutang di luar kemampuan. Sebelum ini, banyak pihak termasuk seorang doktor dengan 25 tahun pengalaman, tampil mengadu caj dikenakan pusat perubatan swasta adalah terlalu mahal dan mahu pihak berwajib mengambil tindakan sewajarnya mengatasi masalah itu. Presiden Persatuan Perubatan Malaysia (MMA), Dr David KL Quek ketika dihubungi berkata, hanya bayaran kepada doktor berkhidmat di hospital swasta dikawal kerajaan menerusi Akta Perubatan namun caj lain tidak dikawal dan bergantung kepada institusi perubatan swasta terbabit. Katanya, ini menyebabkan caj rawatan, perubatan, makmal dan perkhidmatan lain berbeza antara sesebuah pusat perubatan swasta selain bergantung kepada faktor seperti lokasinya.

Insurans RM1 billion

Tuntutan biayai kos perubatan meningkat setiap tahun KUALA LUMPUR: Syarikat insurans di negara ini membayar lebih RM1 bilion setahun kepada pemegang polisi bagi membiayai kos rawatan perubatan mereka yang meningkat setiap tahun. Statistik Bank Negara dalam Jadual Petunjuk Utama Insurans menunjukkan jumlah tuntutan insurans hayat dibayar untuk perbelanjaan perubatan mencatat peningkatan sejak empat tahun lalu daripada RM877.6 juta pada 2006 kepada RM1.05 bilion (2007), RM1.27 bilion (2008) dan RM1.45 bilion (2009). Trend peningkatan itu membuktikan kos rawatan perubatan antara aspek kritikal di kalangan masyarakat di negara ini.

Menteri Kesihatan, Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai ketika diminta mengulas perkara itu, berkata statistik itu menunjukkan tahap kesedaran rakyat terhadap perlindungan kesihatan diri dan keluarga semakin meningkat. Trend peningkatan itu membuktikan kos rawatan perubatan antara aspek kritikal di kalangan masyarakat di negara ini. Menteri Kesihatan, Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai ketika diminta mengulas perkara itu, berkata statistik itu menunjukkan tahap kesedaran rakyat terhadap perlindungan kesihatan diri dan keluarga semakin meningkat. Katanya, kerajaan menyedari peningkatan kos perubatan terutama ubat yang meningkat sekitar 12 peratus tahun lalu sekali gus menyebabkan caj perubatan di hospital termasuk hospital swasta meningkat. Namun, katanya, itu tidak bermakna operator pusat perubatan swasta boleh mengambil kesempatan atas kenaikan itu dengan mengenakan caj terlalu tinggi untuk mengaut keuntungan singkat sehingga membebankan rakyat. “Saya sudah mengarahkan Ketua Pengarah Kesihatan, Tan Sri Dr Ismail Merican supaya berbincang dengan semua pemilik hospital swasta di negara ini berhubung kos perubatan supaya kenaikan itu rasional,” katanya. Sementara itu, sumber industri berkata, tuntutan insurans bagi menanggung kos rawatan dan perubatan diramal terus meningkat sejajar dengan peningkatan jumlah penduduk dan perubahan gaya hidup masyarakat. “Peratusan peningkatan tahunan bukan kecil, tetapi meningkat dengan mendadak,” katanya. Katanya, orang ramai mengambil polisi insurans kerana mahu mendapatkan perlindungan kewangan ketika ditimpa musibah seperti sakit atau kemalangan. Isnin lalu, Berita Harian melaporkan sehingga Oktober lalu, 26 peratus kegagalan pembayaran balik pinjaman bank atau kad kredit berlaku berikutan pembiayaan kos rawatan tinggi di hospital swasta yang mendorong individu berhutang di luar kemampuan. Sebelum ini, banyak pihak termasuk seorang doktor dengan 25 tahun pengalaman, tampil mengadu caj dikenakan pusat perubatan swasta adalah terlalu mahal dan mahu pihak berwajib mengambil tindakan sewajarnya mengatasi masalah itu. Presiden Persatuan Perubatan Malaysia (MMA), Dr David KL Quek ketika dihubungi berkata, hanya bayaran kepada doktor berkhidmat di hospital swasta dikawal kerajaan menerusi Akta Perubatan namun caj lain tidak dikawal dan bergantung kepada institusi perubatan swasta terbabit. Katanya, ini menyebabkan caj rawatan, perubatan, makmal dan perkhidmatan lain berbeza antara sesebuah pusat perubatan swasta selain bergantung kepada faktor seperti lokasinya.

Even if you are a president, U can still claim. ;)

Update at 5:30 p.m. -- The man who (accidentally) elbowed President Obama in the face during a pick-up basketball game today -- requiring a dozen stitches to the presidential upper lip -- has come forward.

Rey Decerega, who is the director of programs for the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute, issued this statement:

"I learned today the president is both a tough competitor and a good sport. I enjoyed playing basketball with him this morning. I'm sure he'll be back out on the court again soon," Decerega said.

Update at 4:40 p.m. ET: Our colleague David Jackson reports that the White House has released more information:

The elbow to Obama's lip "happened in the fifth of five games they played."

The offending player, who remains nameless, "turned into POTUS, who was playing defense, to take a shot when the elbow hit the President in the mouth."

Some of the players in today's 5 v. 5 game--"none of whom were responsible for the elbow" to the president's face--included Obama's nephew Avery Robinson, Obama's assistant Reggie Love and Education Secretary Arne Duncan.

Update at 2:45 p.m. ET: White House spokesman Robert Gibbs says the president got 12 stitches in his lip in the basketball game this morning with Reggie Love and members of his family.

Gibbs' statement said:

After being inadvertently hit with an opposing player's elbow in the lip while playing basketball with friends and family, the President received 12 stitches today administered by the White House Medical Unit.

Medical personnel used a smaller filament to close the wound than is typically used, the press office said.

That increases the number of stitches but makes a tighter stitch and results in a smaller scar. The president received a local anesthetic during the treatment.

Earlier post: Fresh from a big Thanksgiving dinner with family, friends and staff, President Obama awoke today and did what the rest of us should be doing: He got some exercise.

Given the wet weather in Washington, the choice this morning was an easy one. Rather than setting off for the golf links, Obama chose indoor basketball.

The president left the White House at 9:30 and is playing five-on-five at nearby Craig Robinson with personal assistant and ex-Duke University hoops star Reggie Love, as well as family members in town for the holiday. No word on whether that includes Oregon State University head coach Craig Robinson, the brother of first lady Michelle Obama.

(Posted by Richard Wolf)

http://content.usatoday.com/communities/theoval/post/2010/11/obama-works-off-thanksgiving-turkey-ham-with-hoops/1

Thumbs up to insurance scheme

KUALA LUMPUR: Foreign workers and employers support the new ruling on medical insurance coverage for foreign workers effective next year, but they want the government to give more details on the scheme.

They also said it was a good move for the workers to be insured. Restaurant owner Amutha Mayandie agreed that it was the employers' responsibility to pay for their workers' medical expenses.

"The mandatory coverage is a good idea, because some of the workers now do not have insurance," said Amutha, who has 24 workers from India, Indonesia and Nepal working in her restaurant in Bangsar here.

But she wants the Health Ministry to give more information on the insurance as she contributes RM75 for each worker per year under the foreign workmen's compensation scheme, paid out upon a worker's death. "I do not mind paying more for medical insurance for my workers. In fact, it could ease my burden as I do not have to worry about their medical expenses," she said.

A construction manager here said some of his workers were covered under the workmen's compensation scheme. He said the company only compensated those who were badly injured during work hours and needed emergency treatment. "We will abide with the new ruling although we have to fork out more. We will contact the ministry for details," he said.

Food chain restaurant manager Danny T.C. said the medical insurance was a good idea. "As for now, the company pays the compensation schemes for all our foreign workers. "If the medical insurance provides better coverage than this scheme, of course, we will not mind paying a little bit more," he said. Foreign worker Lorena Donayre, 40, has been working in Malaysia for the past 15 years, said her previous employers did not pay for her medical expenses. "The Malaysian government's decision to make medical insurance compulsory for all employers will definitely benefit us," said the Filipino currently working in a boutique here. She added that the medical insurance would also allow foreign workers to save more for their families back home. Health Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai had said on Thursday that there were more than three million foreign workers in the country employed mainly in the construction, plantation, manufacturing and services sector. Less than half were covered by the workmen's compensation scheme. He had said under the new ruling, all foreign workers must have a medical coverage with an annual premium of RM120.

Read more: http://www.nst.com.my/nst/articles/10fwra/Article#ixzz16Vzl3Qpa

Eight H1N1 cases in past week

KUALA LUMPUR: Deputy Health Minister Datuk Rosnah Abdul Rashid Shirlin yesterday confirmed that eight cases of Influenza A(H1N1) were reported in the country between Nov 14 and 20, and urged the public to take preventive measures.

H1N1 was now categorised as endemic, she said, meaning the infection was maintained in the population without the need for external inputs. "No deaths were reported during that period, but the public should take preventive measures," she said after opening a trade exhibition in conjunction with the 9th Asian Congress on Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, here.

Apart from preventive measures, the public should get the trivalent influenza vaccine at any private hospital, she advised.

Government hospitals only provided the vaccine to those in the high-risk groups, she added. -- Bernama

Read more: http://www.nst.com.my/nst/articles/11aka/Article#ixzz16VyqNwpa

'Drugs raise sex drive, HIV cases'

SHARING of needles among addicts is the main cause of HIV infection in this country.

However, what is least known is addicts who take amphetamine-type stimulants (ATS) such as syabu, ice and ecstasy pills are also indirectly exposing themselves to the deadly virus which causes AIDS (Acquired Immuno Deficiency Syndrome). State Women, Family, Community Development and Health Committee chairman Dr Robia Kosai told the assembly yesterday that ATS drugs not only stimulated addicts, but also boosted their sex drive.

"This leads to casual sex and increases the risk of HIV infection."

Dr Robia, who was replying to Chia Song Cheng (BN-Pengkalan Rinting), said there was a declining trend of HIV-infected addicts compared with those who got infected via sexual intercourse. In 2000, 77 per cent of those infected with HIV were drug-related, 19.7 per cent were through heterosexual intercourse and 0.7 per cent through homosexual activities.

Last year, drug related HIV cases dropped to 56 per cent, but HIV-heterosexual and homosexual activities rose to 24 per cent and 3.4 per cent respectively. Dr Robia added the chances of HIV infection because of sexual activities were also high among those who suffered from sexually transmitted diseases such as syphilis, genital herpes, chlamydia and gonorrhoea. A total of 87,710 HIV infection cases were recorded since the virus was first detected in the country in 1986.

Johor recorded its first case in 1989 and thus far, had recorded 14,753 cases of infection; 2,038 cases of deterioration to AIDS and 1,407 deaths. Earlier, several heated exchanges took place when Rasman Ithnain (BN-Sedili) reproached state opposition leader Dr Boo Cheng Hau (DAP-Skudai) for not getting his facts right when he criticised the performance of civil servants.

Read more: http://www.nst.com.my/nst/articles/22joh/Article#ixzz16VxZMnov

10 Ways to Avoid a Heart Attack

by Paul W Wilson

A heart attack is known as a myocardial infarction. This occurs when the heart muscle is damaged or does not receive enough oxygen. Many cardiac related problems occur due to blockages in arteries that carry purified blood away from the heart to different parts of the body. Another cause is the formation of blood clots.

Very often, it is quite difficult to differentiate between a heart attack and heartburn. The common signs of a heart attack are a tightness, pain, or discomfort in the chest. Sweating, nausea, and vomiting that are accompanied by intense pressure in the chest. A radiating and intense pain in the chest that extends from the chest to the left arm. A shortness of breath for more than a few minutes. If you have any of the above you must consult the doctor or go to the emergency rooms.

If you even think you are having a heart attack you must call for a cardiac care ambulance, and put under your tongue a sorbitrate or chew an aspirin. If you are allergic to aspirin don’t take one. At the hospital care will include rapid thrombolysis, cardiac catheterization, and angioplasty. They will also administer intravenously clot busting medications.

The risk factors for a heart attack include: smoking, diabetes, high levels of cholesterol, hypertension, family history of heart diseases, atherosclerosis, lack of exercise, obesity, and fast foods.

Reduce the risks of a heart attack by:

1. Quitting smoking.

2. Eating healthy. Avoid fatty foods, excess salt, and red meats.

3. Controlling high blood pressure and diabetes.

4. Ensuring regular exercise at least 30 minutes a day. Walking is most beneficial.

5. Preventing obesity. Doing all you can to maintain weight.

6. Choosing to live a healthy lifestyle.

7. Practicing meditation.

8. Doing regular relaxation and breathing exercises.

9. Undergoing periodic cardiac evaluations.

10. Including foods that are rich in anti-oxidants in your diet.

A killer disease, according to the American Heart Association approximately 58.8 million people in the US suffer from heart diseases. And, about 950,000 Americans die of heart ailments each year. Heart diseases and death from it can be prevented by maintaining your health. Find a balance in life between work and other activities, abandon the couch for the outdoors, don’t watch sports on television play sports instead and you can hope to live a long and fulfilled life.

Be a well informed and caring citizen, read all about heart diseases and preventive care at: University of Maryland Heart Center for Preventive Cardiology -

http://www.umm.edu/heart/preventive.html;

or the American Heart Association -

http://www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=1200000;

or the National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion - http://www.cdc.gov/doc.do/id/0900f3ec802720b8/.

The norm prevention is better than cure could lead a whole nation towards good health and well being.

Paul Wilson is a freelance writer for http://www.1888Discuss.com/health/, the premier REVENUE SHARING discussion forum for Health Forum including topics on health care, Children's Health Issues, addiction, Cancer, fitness equipment, Burns & Injuries and more. He also freelances for the premier Web Portal site http://www.Fafoo.com

Facts About Breast Cancer

Real breast cancer statistics

Breast cancer is the number one cause of cancer deaths among women ages 40 - 55. With mammograms being such a crucial tool in diagnosing breast cancer, the breast cancer site is providing a huge service to women and will potentially be saving hundreds if not thousands of lives. 211,000 women are diagnosed with breast cancer every year. With that kind of number, it would not be surprising if everyone either knew a women with breast cancer or were diagnosed themselves with the disease at some point in their lifetime. With 13 million women over the age of 40 that have never had a mammogram, the disease is sure to become more widespread. This is why it is so important for us to support The Breast Cancer Site and its "click to donate" program.

How to Deal with Stress and Anxiety

Life can be challenging at times and everyone experiences stress and anxiety at some point in their life. Small doses of stress are expected and even healthy when it triggers motivation and problem solving. However, prolonged stress can lead to a multitude of health problems, including increased blood pressure, heart problems, body aches, sleep disorders, depression, anxiety, and poor mental health. Stress can be triggered by any number of events and there are different levels of intensity. Stress can affect a person mentally, physically, and spiritually. Stress can not be avoided. What is important is that you deal with it and find ways to reduce the stress and anxiety.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• STRESS BUSTER - Exercise for STRESS RELIEF

This is probably the best way to reduce stress and alleviate anxiety in your life. There is no question as to the health benefits of exercise. Here are a couple reasons it helps alleviate stress.

Exercise releases negative energy and transfers it into something productive. Chemically, exercise releases endorphins (good feelings)and decreases cortisol (stress hormones) in your body. Lastly, exercise, especially intense, acts as a distraction by keeping your mind off of whatever may be causing the stress and anxiety.

• TALK TO A SUPPORTIVE FRIEND.

If you feel stressed out, it may help to just talk about it and get another perspective. If you have a friend or family member that has the ability to make you feel better by being supportive, give that person a call. Sometimes, just talking through things out loud can relief some of the stress.

• SET PRIORITIES AND REALISTIC GOALS.

Handle one thing at a time! Many times stress is caused by having too many things on your metaphorical plate. Remove some of these ideas or tasks by either completing them or discarding them for a later time or altogether. This will help you focus on the priorities. - If it helps, make a list of things to get done in order of priority. - Set realistic goals and activities that are within your reach.

• Relax!

MEDITATE OR OTHER RELAXATION TECHNIQUES. Meditation is a great way to relieve stress and anxiety. If you have racing thoughts, it may be difficult to get into the right frame of mind to meditate. Try this step if you are calm and motivated to ease your mind of all the worries in your life. Meditation will take practice. But, if you find a way to practice meditation, it could prevent future episodes of stress and anxiety.

If meditation does not work for you, try other relaxation techniques. Get a massage or take a yoga class. Even just taking a few minutes and focus on slowing down your breathing or taking some deep breaths can reduce stress.

• Music Relieves Stress - LISTEN TO MUSIC.

Sometimes, music can ease your mind. Different types of music can be helpful for different type of people. For some, loud metal relieves stress and for others calming music works. The point is to find music that puts you in a better mood and reduces stress.

Put on a MP3 player and go for a jog. If you combine this step with exercise, you will feel the stress start to melt away.

• GO FOR A WALK.

If you can not do an intense workout, go for a walk. A walk can be helpful to get the blood flowing. It also gives you time to literally walk away from the source of stress and regroup your thoughts.

• WRITE IN A JOURNAL.

As a writer, I know this is a very helpful way of reducing stress in my life. Journal writing is a great release no matter what your writing skills are. It allows you to blurt out all your feelings and thoughts and get them off your mind. Keep a private journal that is only for you to read so you can be completely honest and free with your thoughts.

Read more: How to Deal with Stress and Anxiety

10 Lessons Cancer Taught Me

by Donna Davis

When I was 39 I scheduled a doctor’s appointment to have a lump in my left breast checked. After a mammogram, the doctor said that there appeared to be a problem on my right side. Well, being the expert in all things at that time in my life, I told them there must be a mistake. I came in for the LEFT side. They assured me that everything looked fine on the left side but there were some suspicious looking calcifications on the right. After further tests, I was diagnosed with in situ carcinoma (cancer in the breast ducts). It was very, very early and I went through six weeks of radiation.

During that time, I started reading a lot of books including Dr. Bernie Siegel’s “Love, Medicine and Miracles.” One book that really hit home was Dr. Carl Simonton’s “Getting Well Again.” There were sections in that book where I sobbed because it was like someone had been following me for 15 years and knew everything I had done and said. I learned so much. I changed dramatically and so did my life.

Several years later I was suffering from severe fatigue and terrible bruising. I was diagnosed with hairy cell leukemia. This time, chemotherapy was needed and so I went through that process. I’m proud to say that I’ve now been breast cancer free for 12 years and leukemia free for four years.

I learned many lessons in this journey. I share them with you so hopefully, if any of this fits, you can begin making changes in your life to avoid getting hit with the same two by four that smacked me!

1. There is no someday.

There’s only now. There’s a story called “Precious Present” which talks about a mysterious man telling of an elusive present. The point of the story is that being “present” by enjoying the moments in your life is the best gift of all. It’s good to plan for the future, but remember to LIVE TODAY. Don’t put off playing with the kids, using your best china, doing all those things you want to do “someday.” We truly do not know what tomorrow brings. Be aware of what’s happening, really listen to others and trust your instincts. Your life can be so much richer by learning to be present even for just a few minutes each day.

2. Own and express your true feelings.

For most of my life, I would do things I didn’t want to do. I always worried about saying no to others. When I got the leukemia I knew

that the fatigue wasn’t just from the disease. It was also from 20 years of pent-up resentment for doing things and going places because I felt I “had” to. I’ve learned to express my feelings. Now I say no to things that I don’t want to do. But I also tell people I love them more often. I tell my kids “I’m sorry” when I’ve made mistakes (and I make plenty!) I talk to others about my fears, my depression (which plagued me for years) and my failures as well as my successes. Being honest has lifted a huge weight off my shoulders. Interestingly, in the process of becoming more direct, I’ve become kinder. There’s no resentment when you speak from the heart.

3. I’m not a victim.

I choose how I react to situations. Sometimes people ask “Why me?” Except for a brief moment, I didn’t travel down that road. I knew there were lessons I needed to learn. Yes, some days just plain sucked with nausea and fatigue, but I also knew that many others have symptoms 1000 times worse than mine. When you’re open to the lessons, you can move through your situation so much easier and faster.

4. Take care of myself first.

When traveling on airplanes we always hear that in case of emergencies to put on our oxygen mask first, THEN take care of others. That’s a major life lesson. If we don’t take care of ourselves first, then we have nothing to give others. I had excellent doctors, but I’ve learned that I need to know my body and what it needs. All aspects of our life are our responsibility. Get to know you. If you feel better after eating protein, eat it. If you need 8 hours of sleep a night, find a way to get it. You’ll function much better because that’s what YOU need…not what a book recommends. It’s the same with emotions (see #2). Speak from your heart. And spiritually, find the path that’s right for you. It all comes together to make a wonderful YOU, and then you can be there for others.

5. Ask for help.

Sell the SuperWoman cape on ebay! Asking for help gives others a chance to share their gifts and love. Plus, you’ll weigh less because the “I have to do everything” cape is really heavy.

6. Watch your words and especially your thoughts.

I believe that our “thoughts create.” With my cancer, I KNEW I was going to be cancer-free. But earlier in my life I was very critical, judgmental and negative. Watch your words and thoughts for an hour. Did you say or think thoughts like “I’m always tired,” “We can’t afford that,” “I could never do that”? If you keep thinking or saying those things, guess what shows up in your life? Yep…You are tired, you can’t afford that item and you’ll never do that. I challenge you to eliminate the negatives. Guard your words. They are powerful.

7. There is a reason for all things.

Many times things happen in our lives and we don’t understand. We are a small cog in a much bigger picture. Just trust and stay positive. As you get older, you’ll smile at how you’ve weaved this beautiful tapestry called “My Life.”

8. Get rid of stress.

Stress is toxic and it can lead to serious health problems – physically and emotionally. If you are in a stressful situation, GET OUT of it -- whether it’s an abusive relationship, a terrible job, or living in a place or city you don’t like. Stress eventually wins by wearing you out. So read #9.

9. If you don’t like your life, change it!

This and #8 are easier said than done, but if you want a happier and healthier life, start making some changes. If you are thinking defeating thoughts, work on creating more positive affirmations. If you’ve always wanted to learn how to play the piano, start taking lessons. If you’ve always wanted your own home business, find something that sounds fun and start it! As the saying goes, “Life is like a buffet table. You can have whatever you want, but you’ve got to get up and go get it.” And go back and read #5 and ask for help from people you trust.

10. Laugh often. Don’t take life so seriously.

All of us have challenges. Don’t get upset and angry. Laugh more and know that “This too shall pass.”

11. (Bonus Lesson) Reread these often.

Life has a way of intruding and making us forget what we’ve learned. Print this off and re-read it often.

You deserve happiness, love, peace and joy. Don’t let anyone or anything steal that. Blessings…

Donna Davis lives in Tucson, AZ with her husband Bill, their two sons and two dogs. Donna has owned several successful businesses and loves coaching others. To learn more about Donna, her current business and how she helps others achieve their dreams visit http://www.myfuncandlebiz.com

10 Beauty and Health Resolutions Every Woman Can Keep!

by Victoria Winston

So you can't lose those extra 20 pounds in 30 days - or hit the gym three days a week like you wish you could. But that doesn't mean you can't face the New Year with some resolve to be a better, healthier, even prettier you in 2006.

In fact, Yale professor Dr. David Katz says we should lighten up on strict resolutions and approach the New Year with reasonable expectations. Doing so will not only help you stick to your resolve, but the small changes you make can lead to bigger changes down the road - and an ambitious desire to improve your life in many more ways.

"If you let the small things add up they will add up to meaningful changes in the overall pattern of your life, " says Katz, director of Yale University's Prevention Research Center, and co-author of "Stealth Health: How to sneak age-defying, disease-fighting habits into your life without really trying!"

To help get you started on those small but meaningful changes, here are 10 fast and easy health and beauty resolutions - little things you can do to positively change the way you feel -and the way you look - in 2006! Try one - or all ten - and I promise you'll see the difference way before spring!

1. Never go to bed wearing make-up.

No matter how tired you are, no matter how late it is, take just 2 minutes to slather on and tissue off a facial cleanser and your skin will thank you. Not only will it help remove surface bacteria that could encourage breakouts, most make up is drying to the skin so removing it will help reduce wrinkling while you sleep. If you can squeeze in 30 more seconds for a quick application of moisturizer, you'll see a definite difference in your face in 7 days or less!

2. Never leave the house without sunscreen on your face.

I know . . .you've heard it all before. But I promise you that taking this two minute step will not only yield enormous health benefits (like reducing your risk of skin cancer) it's also the single most important anti aging skin care step you can take. It's true - the sun IS the number one cause of wrinkles and aging skin. And sunscreen - well it's the biggest gun in your wrinkle defense arsenal! To make using it easy and automatic, look for either a moisturizer or a foundation with an SPF 15.

3. Protect your lips - and look younger and sexier!

Want those juicy, sexy, full Angelina lips? You can have them without a lot of muss and fuss IF you protect your pucker with a lip gloss or balm containing sunscreen. When lips are hydrated and protected they will automatically look fuller - and you'll look younger! You can capitalize on the protection if you swap out a matte lipstick for a high wattage gloss in a medium warm pink tone.

4. Whiten your teeth.

If you haven't done it yet, this is the one resolution you MUST try! Not only is it the quickest, most inexpensive way to take years off your appearance, it can boost your confidence and give you that polished, well groomed look rich girl - for just pennies a day.

5. Clean out your make-up bag/ bathroom drawer/ vanity -

and toss any products you've had more than a year. Not only can this help prevent potentially serious eye or skin infections, it will force you to re-evaluate your make up needs - and every woman needs to do that at least once a year! When you head out to the stores to buy items, step out of the box to try a new color or a new make up product. If you always wore lipstick, try gloss, if you only use neutral shadows try a deeper shade for a smokier look. Mix it up - and have fun finding a new look!

6. Keep up with your hair coloring.

The 2 inches of "roots" look popularized on "Sex and the City" is going, going, gone! In it's place is more natural, highlighted color . If you're wearing a shade you just can't bear to change, make sure you touch up those roots every 4 weeks. If the time - or the expense - doesn't permit that kind of attention, then think about having your hair professionally highlighted and low lighted - a mixture of many shades and tones of basic colors like honey blonde, or chestnut brown. The look lasts for up to six months without a touch up.

7. Trade in your shower gel for a moisturizing bar of soap.

Did you ever wonder why the ingredient label on your shower gel is 2 inches long and filled with chemical terms you can't pronounce - while the ingredients on an average bar of beauty soap is just one sentence? Most gels contain chemicals, dyes, foaming agents, and lots of drying alcohol - all things your skin doesn't need. Try a daily shower with a moisturizing soap

instead - and see your entire body complexion come alive in just 14 days or less. And - you'll save a ton of money too!

8. Wear a bronzer all year long.

Most gals think of a powder bronzer as a summertime treat. But it's also the Hollywood secret that keeps many an aging starlet from looking her age - or letting on how little sleep she really gets! Just a quick pouf of powder on the bridge of your nose, the tops of your cheers, and round the outer rim of your forehead will give you a glow that will leave everyone wondering . . .is she in love . . . again ?

9. Take a calcium/vitamin D supplement every day.

While many women believe calcium is only important if you're pregnant - or post menopausal - the truth is gals of all ages need this vital mineral to maintain a strong and healthy skeleton - and protect against broken bones. What you may not realize: Studies show women in their 20's need this protection as much as women in their 50's! But that's not all! The latest research shows getting adequate calcium may also help keep skin looking younger longer! And since we're all staying out the sun, the vitamin D is essential to make sure the calcium you take is absorbed. Try it for a month - you'll see a difference!

10. Wear fragrance every day!

Even if you're just spending the day doing laundry or cleaning the bathroom, studies show that wearing your favorite fragrance is a great way to lift your mood and keep energy levels high. Starting your day with a dousing of fragrance will also make you feel special - and that can affect how you act and react during the entire day. If you can't afford to use your favorite pricey designer fragrance every day, look for scented body lotions or anoint your pulse points with a fragrant bath oil. For an inexpensive scented body powder purchase any corn-starch based baby powder, pour into an air tight plastic container and spritz the contents several times with your favorite fragrance. Close the lid, shake it - and voila - when you open it you'll have a whole container of perfumed talc for pennies!

Victoria Winston is a former runway model and now the style director of http://www.CountryDutchess.com - a fabulous fashion jewelry and beauty outlet.

Your Medical Checkups Checklist

See when and how often you should be visiting the doctor's office

Everyone puts off doctor’s visits, but seeing the experts for big-picture status reports regularly is crucial to catching diseases in their earliest, most treatable stages. Here’s what to stay on top of:

General checkup

• Ideally, every year.

Blood pressure

• Every year at your annual checkup.

Blood sugar

• Every 3 years starting at age 45; earlier if you have diabetes risk factors such as a family history, being overweight, high cholesterol or high blood pressure.

Cholesterol test

• Every 5 years starting at age 20. Start earlier or have it checked more often if you have a family history of heart disease or other risk factors for heart disease (like hypertension or diabetes).

Vaccinations

• Get a tetanus-diphtheria (Td) booster every 10 years. All adults need a one-time dose of Tdap (a combo of whooping cough, tetanus and diphtheria vaccines). In addition, get an annual flu shot, especially if you’re over 50 or have any chronic conditions.

Breast exam/mammogram

• Do a monthly self-exam and have a yearly doctor’s clinical breast exam. Once you’re 40, have a mammogram every year, maybe starting at a younger age if you’re at an increased risk for breast cancer.

Pelvic exam/pap smear

• If you’re under 30, get these annually. If you’re over 30 and have gone for 3 years with normal results, you may be able to get a Pap every 2 to 3 years.

Eye exam

• Twice in your 30s; every 1 to 2 years starting at age 40.

Teeth cleaning and exam

• Annually or more often, depending on what your dentist recommends.

Colonoscopy

• Unless you have a family history of colon cancer or symptoms, you can wait until age 50. Talk to your doctor about how often you should get them.

Bone density test

• Get screened at least once starting at age 65, but if you have risk factors for osteoporosis (a family history, or you’re taking meds that can affect bone density), your doctor may suggest that you be tested earlier and more often.

10 Ways to Cut Your Health Care Costs

By: AllBusiness.com

The cost of health care continues to rise for most Americans. Therefore, it is to your benefit to do as much as possible to keep your health care costs down. Below are ten suggestions.

1. Maintain a healthy diet: For so many people, unhealthy diets, along with unhealthy habits, result in unnecessary illnesses and increase health costs. It is imperative that you watch your diet and it is advisable to add appropriate vitamins to supplement your nutritional needs.

2. Check ups and screenings: Have regularly scheduled physical examinations by your doctor, dentist, eye doctor and so on. In addition, if your company offers free medical screenings, flu shots or other benefits, take advantage of them.

3. Choose the best health plan: If you have a plan through your employer, chances are that's your means of coverage. However, if your spouse also has a plan, you might want to compare the two to determine which will save you money. Be careful because there?s more to selecting a good health plan than just saving money. If you are shopping for a health plan, compare the premiums along with what is and is not covered by the various plans.

4. Stay within the network: When you have a health care plan, look for doctors and health care providers that are within the insurance company?s network. This can save you a lot of money. However, if you need a specialist and you cannot find one in the network, put your health needs first.

5. Save money on prescription drugs: Prescription drug plans, online pharmacies, discount pharmacies, Medicare drug cards and even ordering by mail through traditional pharmacies can save you money on medications. There are several ways to obtain the prescribed medication you need, so shop around and compare prices.

6. Use your flex spending account: If your company offers such an account, you can save money by enrolling. The money is deducted from your paycheck before taxes, so you get a tax benefit.

7. Review bills and charges: Review medical bills carefully. Billing errors can cost you hundreds or even thousands of dollars. Contact the billing office if there is a billing error or you do not understand what is on your bill. Be proactive. You can also often negotiate fees and bills that you feel are too high.

8. Exercise: Join a gym, buy home exercise equipment or run a mile or more daily. Staying in good physical shape will benefit you and your health care costs.

9. Think safety: Much of the increase in health care costs for families is the result of accidents, often incurred by children. Make sure children wear bicycle helmets and learn to take safety precautions. Also make safety a priority around your home and in your car.

10. Keep good records: Keep track of your doctor visits and payments for all medical expenses from aspirin to eyeglasses. You can claim deductions on your tax return once your medical bills (beyond your coverage) exceed 7.5 percent of your AGI. http://hsudarren.files.wordpress.com/2007/10/exercise-cartoon.jpg

http://baltimore.citybizlist.com/article/articleDetail.aspx?ID=8

U.S. Health Care -- Spending More and Living Less

Ronald Bailey | October 7, 2010

A new study by Columbia University researchers Peter Muennig and Sherry Glied in the journal Health Affairs, according to the study's press release, disturbingly found:

While the U.S. has achieved gains in 15-year survival rates decade by decade between 1975 and 2005, the researchers discovered that other countries have experienced even greater gains, leading the U.S. to slip in country ranking, even as per capita health care spending in the U.S. increased at more than twice the rate of the comparison countries. Fifteen-year survival rates for men and women ages 45 and 65 in the US have fallen relative to the other 12 countries over the past 30 years. Forty-five year old U.S. white women fared the worst -- by 2005 their 15-year survival rates were lower than that of all the other countries. Moreover, the survival rates of this group in 2005 had not even surpassed the 1975 15-year survival rates for Swiss, Swedish, Dutch or Japanese women. The U.S. ranking for 15-year life expectancy for 45-year-old men also declined, falling from 3rd in 1975 to 12th in 2005,

The study controls for possibly confounding factors such as differentials in smoking, obesity, accident and homicide rates, and ethnicity. So how bad is it? The study authors don't provide the raw data, but eyeballing their graphs in the article and appendix provides a rough idea of the magnitude of changes in survival rates that occurred between 1975 and 2005.

For example, in 1975, the 15 year survival rate for U.S. women at age 45 was about 91.5 percent. It was then the lowest of the 13 industrialized countries included in the study. By 2005, that had increased by 2.5 percent to about 94 percent. In 1975, the average for the 12 comparison countries appears to have been about 93.3 percent, rising by 2.9 percent to a bit over 96 percent. It remains the lowest 15 year survival rate.

For men, in 1975, 84.7 percent of U.S. 45-year old males survived 15 years, rising by 5.7 percent to just over 90 percent by 2005. In 1975, the comparison country average appears to have been 87 percent, rising by 6.3 percent to around 93 percent in 2005.

With regard to 65 year old American women, about 63 percent survived 15 years in 1975, rising 7.7 percent to around 71 percent in 2005. In 1975, the comparison country average was about 60 percent, rising a remarkable 17.4 percent to average 77 percent in 2005.

And for 65 year old American men, about 43 percent survived 15 years in 1975, rising by 17.6 percent to just over 60 percent in 2005. In 1975, the comparison country average was about 40 percent, rising by 21.6 years to around 62 percent.

In the meantime, the study shows that U.S. per capita health spending increased at nearly twice the rate in other wealthy countries. Consequently, the U.S. now spends well over twice the median amount of industrialized nations on health care, and far more than any other country as a percentage of its gross domestic product. So why are we doing so much worse relatively speaking? Muennig and Glied opine:

We speculate that the nature of our health care system—specifically, its reliance on unregulated fee-for-service and specialty care—may explain both the increased spending and the relative deterioration in survival that we observed. If so, meaningful reform may not only save money over the long term, it may also save lives.

Muennig and Glied are clearly supporters of some sort of universal government-run health care scheme, so they do not explore how our fragmented system evolved into the inefficient, dysfunctional mess that we all enjoy today. For future research, I suggest that they might profitably investigate the inefficiencies produced by third party payments, a health insurance market fragmented into 50 fiefdoms, the practice of defensive medicine, regulations designed to prevent competition, the the lack of incentives for patients to comparison shop, and so forth. That might result in truly "meaningful reform."

Hat tip to Mark Sletten.

http://reason.com/blog/2010/10/07/us-health-care-spending-more-and-living-less

Living longer but are sick for more years.

Singaporeans are living longer but are sick for more years than people in several other countries, with heart disease, stroke, cancer, diabetes and mental illness the main culprits, a study said on Monday. Many deaths come from diseases that could be prevented, said the Ministry of Health study. While the average woman in the city-state should live to 81.8, she will likely spend eight of those years ill or disabled, said the prognosis published in The Straits Times. Men are also expected to spend eight of their 78 years in poor health. The findings will help authorities prioritize in spending health resources.

Source: antara.co.id

Bus slams into six cars at traffic junction

KUALA TERENGGANU: Some 20 passengers of a stage bus escaped injuries but were left shaken after the bus suffered a brake failure and slammed into cars at a traffic light junction in front of a petrol station in Batu Buruk.

The bus came to a halt after smashing into six cars. A woman driver of one of the cars, in her 20s, was injured in the 3.15pm incident and was admitted to the Sultanah Nur Zahirah Hospital.

Bus passenger Nur Shamini Mat Lazim, 21, said she was asleep at the time when she was woken up by a loud bang and the situation became chaotic.

"When I looked out, I saw cars smashed up in front of the bus," said Nur Shamini, a college student in Setiu. Fearing the worst, passengers began to rush out, she added.

Another passenger, Nur Azleen Rozelan, 18, said she bumped her head against the front seat and sustained minor injuries. -- Bernama.

Read more: http://www.nst.com.my/nst/articles/10brakeout/Article#ixzz162NewYhv

Dengue lets down Liow's KPI

KUALA LUMPUR: Health Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai yesterday admitted that he has not achieved his key performance indicator (KPI) in reducing the incidence of dengue in the country.

Asked if he was anywhere near the target, he said there was an increase of nearly 60 per cent in dengue deaths compared with the previous year. "My KPI is to reduce the number of cases in the country by 10 per cent every year," he said, adding that the number was not going down although the ministry was "fighting hard".

Liow was launching the Malaysian Medical Association-Ministry of Health (MMA-MOH) Infectious Diseases Conference at the Sheraton Imperial Hotel here.

As of yesterday, the dengue death toll had risen to 125 from 123 on Saturday, compared with 77 deaths in the same period last year. But Liow was quick to point out that the number of deaths last year was greatly reduced from 120 in 2008.

"The number fluctuates year to year. In the Asean meeting for Health Ministers, other countries from the tropics also reported high cases of dengue," he said, adding that dengue was not just a disease but also an environmental issue. The number of deaths was also attributed to the fact that only 40 per cent of cases were referred to hospitals due to late detection of the disease. Liow hoped more doctors would upgrade their knowledge of early dengue detection by getting a copy of the revised clinical practice guidelines on the management of dengue infection in adults, available for download on the ministry's website.

"Early detection is critical so that patients can be treated. "If doctors are not aware, patients will only be sent to the hospitals later and this raises the death rate as now, patients can die from dengue in four days compared with one week previously," he said. MMA president Dr David Quek said patients must also cooperate with doctors to get the correct diagnosis. "Dengue infections in the first few days are misleading because they have symptoms similar to the flu. "When doctors ask patients to come back after a few days if the situation persists, they must go back to the same doctor and not jump from clinic to clinic until it is too late," he said. "There are also patients who are not easy to persuade to go to the hospital," he said. On the Influenza A (H5N1) infection that was reported in Hong Kong on Nov 18, Liow said thermal scanners, which were installed in airports during the Influenza A (H1N1) outbreak, can help detect tourists infected with the virus. On Nov 18, a 59-year-old woman in Hong Kong tested positive for the H5N1 virus, a variant that causes bird flu. Officials were reported saying the woman had just returned from a trip to mainland China but it was too early to say where she contracted the disease.

Read more: http://www.nst.com.my/nst/articles/05deng/Article#ixzz162NOkGJ2

Teen dies in bid to save friend

BESUT: Ahmad Mustapha's selfless act at the Lata Tembakah waterfalls on Saturday sadly turned out to be his last.

The 18-year-old drowned while attempting to save a close friend, Salehuddin Ismail, 19, who got into difficulty at the waterfall in Hulu Besut. Ahmad and Salehuddin were among 15 people who went to the recreation park.

District police chief Superintendent Kamaruddin Mohd Zakaria said the group of teenagers were from Kampung Kulim Hilir, Pasir Putih in Kelantan and had travelled to the park on motorcyles.

About 11.30am, three of them went up the second cascade and jumped into the water. While taking a breather, Sallehuddin was said to have slipped on a rock, fell into the deep end of the pool and got into difficulties.

Seeing his friend in trouble, Ahmad dived in and managed to drag Salehuddin to the side before another friend pulled him out. As Salehuddin was being tended to, the friend suddenly realised that Ahmad was missing. Rescuers found Ahmad's body later in the day.

A grieving Zaharah Zakaria, 60, had yet to come to terms with her son's death. "He never told us about his waterfall trip. He had been unusually cheerful in the past three days," she said at Besut Hospital.

Read more: http://www.nst.com.my/nst/articles/15wew/Article#ixzz162N7hf15

Tangguh pertunangan

KUALA LUMPUR: Menyedihkan apabila pelajar kolej kejururawatan, Nurzilawati Hussin, 20, yang melecur teruk akibat kejadian bas RapidKL terbakar Khamis lalu, terpaksa melupakan hasrat untuk melangsungkan pertunangannya Januari depan.

Mangsa yang sepatutnya menamatkan pengajian tidak lama lagi dikatakan merancang mengikat tali pertunangan dengan kekasihnya, Ridzuan Jusoh, 23, selepas lebih dua tahun berkenalan.

Kekasih mangsa yang ditemui di luar wad kebakaran Hospital Kuala Lumpur (HKL) berkata, dia hanya mengetahui tragedi mengerikan yang menimpa kekasihnya selepas dihubungi rakan mangsa.

Dia yang bekerja di Terengganu mendakwa segera bergegas datang ke HKL untuk melihat keadaan kekasihnya yang didapati melecur teruk dari bahagian pinggang hingga ke jari kaki.

“Keadaannya menyayat hati. Kedua-dua belah kakinya berbalut sehingga ke bahagian punggung. Doktor memberitahu, kesan melecur terbabit sungguh serius dan memerlukan masa sehingga dua bulan untuk sembuh sepenuhnya.

“Namun, dia mungkin memerlukan masa lebih lama untuk penuh sepenuhnya, apatah lagi kesan melecur terbabit turut akan menyebabkan kesan parut kekal,” katanya sedih.

Menurutnya, rancangan melangsungkan majlis pertunangan berkenaan terpaksa ditangguhkan kerana Nurzilawati cedera teruk.

“Dia hanya mampu terbaring dan menahan sakit. Paling merunsingkan apabila dia tidak dapat menduduki peperiksaan semester dua minggu lagi,” katanya.

Nurzilawati yang ditemui di HKL berkata, dia terpaksa menjalani pembedahan dan mungkin mengalami beberapa kecacatan kekal pada bahagian bawah kaki.

“Tindakan undang-undang mungkin diambil bukan sebagai ganti rugi kesakitan yang saya alami kerana rawatan yang dilakukan juga menyakitkan.

“Malah, saya juga berharap ia menjadi pengajaran dan supaya pihak lain juga bertanggungjawab terhadap perkhidmatan yang mereka sediakan,” katanya.

Dua lagi mangsa ialah Nadia Husna Arshad, 20, dan Nur Aisyah Abd Samad, 20.

“Kecederaan dialami Nurzilawati dan Nadia sungguh menyedihkan. Bayaran kos perubatan dan pampasan saja tidak memadai,” kata Aisyah yang ditemui di Pusat Perubatan Universiti Malaya (PPUM) ketika mengunjungi Nadia, semalam.

Bagaimanapun, Nadia yang masih mendapat rawatan di PPUM berharap pihak syarikat bas mengotakan janji untuk menanggung segala kos perubatan.

Menurutnya, kos perubatan terlalu tinggi untuk merawat kecederaan melecur dialaminya sehingga mencecah RM300 sehari, iaitu kos membeli sejenis ubat berbentuk krim.

“Sepatutnya, semalam (kelmarin) saya menggunakan ubat berkenaan, namun difahamkan bekalan ubat terbabit belum diperoleh.

“Jika saya mula menggunakan krim itu untuk rawatan selanjutnya, saya sudah boleh keluar wad dan balik ke rumah. Masalahnya, penggunaan krim perlu dilakukan secara konsisten dan kos pula terlalu tinggi (RM300 sehari) buat saya dan keluarga,” katanya.

Semalam, Nadia yang ditemani Aisyah di Wad Surgeri PPUM dikunjungi keluarga dan sanak saudara terutamanya ibu Nadia, Siti Asar Talib, 59, abangnya, Roslan, 40, dan Rosnizam, 30.

Rosnizam berkata, dia dan ahli keluarga lain berharap adiknya cepat pulih dan mahukan pihak RapidKL mengotakan janji mereka.

“Bagi kami, adik cepat pulih dan dapat meneruskan pengajiannya seperti biasa,” katanya.

Semalam Harian Metro melaporkan tiga pelajar kolej kejururawatan cedera, dua daripadanya melecur teruk, selepas enjin bas dinaiki tiba-tiba meletup, menyebabkan mereka terjatuh ke bahagian enjin yang terbakar.

http://www.hmetro.com.my/myMetro/articles/Tangguhpertunangan/Article/index_html

Ibrahim perlu bantuan

BEKAS jurulatih Melaka era 1980-an, Ibrahim Sotin kini menderita kerana penyakit kencing manis kronik hingga memaksanya memohon bantuan bagi menampung kos perubatan dan keperluan hariannya.

Rakan seperjuangan yang juga bekas pembimbing skuad Melaka, Sanusi Baba berkata, sukar digambarkan kehidupan dan penderitaan Ibrahim dan kini merancang meringankan beban rakannya itu.

“Saya ada berkunjung ke rumah Ibrahim baru-baru ini dan terkejut dengan kesihatan dan penderitaan yang dialami bekas jurulatih yang pernah menyumbang kudrat dan tenaga buat pasukan Hang Tuah,” katanya.

Oleh itu katanya, bagi meringankan beban beliau, pertemuan dengan bekas jurulatih Melaka dan anak didik beliau diadakan untuk merancang mengumpul dana.

Selepas mengadakan perbincangan, Pengarah Kejurulatihan Melaka, Richard Sinappa merancang mengadakan perlawanan amal dalam tempoh terdekat untuk mengumpul dana buat Ibrahim selain memohon bantuan daripada sumber lain.

Satu perlawanan amal membabitkan bekas pemain Melaka diketuai Datuk Soh Chin Aun selain Hashim Marman, Sapian Wahid, Mohd Noor Derus, Norizam Ali Hassan, Zainal Rabin, Ramli Junit, Mahathir Taha, Mazlan Wahid, Samsurin Abdul Rahman, Wong Kou Fou, Rahim Abdullah, Azmi Hasan dan G Torairaju sedang diusahakan.

Katanya, semua bekas pemain Melaka dijemput menyertai perlawanan itu untuk mengumpul dana Ibrahim yang kini agak kritikal.

“Kami harap perlawanan ini kesempatan terbaik menghimpun bekas pemain untuk menghargai pengorbanannya selama ini dalam usaha menobatkan kejayaan Melaka di Liga Malaysia.

“Saya yakin bekas pemain Melaka akan menyertai perlawanan ini dan mereka yang berminat boleh menghubungi saya di talian 016-3120894 atau Hamzah Ahmad 013-6313389 untuk maklumat lanjut,” kata Sanusi.

http://www.hmetro.com.my/myMetro/articles/Ibrahimperlubantuan/Article/index_html