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Editorials Discuss Reform, Taxation Of Health Benefits
USA Today: It is "gratifying" that Republicans last week introduced a health care proposal because "the simple fact that it exists might improve chances" for bipartisan negotiations, a USA Today editorial states. According to the editorial, the plan -- which would replace the current tax exemption of employer-provided insurance with a refundable tax credit for all families and individuals, regardless of their employment status -- is "no cure-all," but is a "serious proposal that merits serious consideration." The editorial states, "For all those who say the Republican Party is out of ideas, on the issue of health coverage, at least, its proposal is bolder than what the Democrats have offered." However, the editorial notes that both Republicans and Democrats "have identified more groundbreaking ideas, and they are not entirely incompatible." The editorial concludes, "[L]et the debate begin. The only unacceptable approach is the status quo" (USA Today, 5/29).
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Caffeine Equal To 5 Cups Of Coffee A Day Reversed Alzheimer's Signs In Mice
New research from the US and Japan showed that giving the caffeine equivalent of five cups of coffee a day to aged mice with symptoms of
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Study Links Drop In Teen Contraception Use To Abstinence-Only Policies, NYT Editorial States
A recent study from Columbia University"s Mailman School of Public Health shows that since 2003, there has been a 10% decrease in contraception use among teenagers, while their level of sexual activity has not changed, a New York Times editorial states. From 1991 to 2003, increased use of contraceptives among teens was a significant factor in declining rates of teenage pregnancy, the editorial says. According to the study"s authors, the decrease in contraception use since 2003 is consistent with recent increases in teen birth rates. According to the editorial, the study"s authors suggest a "link between the shift in use of contraception and one of former President George W. Bush"s great social-policy follies: highly restrictive abstinence-only sex education programs that deny young people information about sexually transmitted diseases, contraceptives and pregnancy." The editorial adds, "To the extent that these programs even mention condoms, typically it is to disparage their effectiveness." In response to "mounting evidence of the program"s danger as a public health strategy," many states have forgone federal abstinence-only funds, the editorial says. As part of his budget proposal, President Obama has called for redirecting some abstinence-only funds and additional money to a new teen pregnancy prevention initiative that stresses comprehensive sex education. The editorial concludes that this "science-based effort to protect the health of young people" and reduce the number of unintended pregnancies "should win support from lawmakers on both sides of the aisle -- and both sides of the abortion divide" (New York Times, 6/18).
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First Novel H1N1 Influenza Cases Confirmed In Baldwin, Colbert And Dale Counties

The Alabama Department of Public Health has confirmed its first novel H1N1 influenza cases in Baldwin, Colbert and Dale counties. As of May 29, there are 85 confirmed and 9 probable cases of novel H1N1 influenza in the state. No deaths have been associated with the virus in Alabama. Counties and numbers of confirmed novel H1N1 cases which have been reported in their residents are as follows: Madison, 35; Montgomery, 8; Etowah, 7; Coffee, 6; Jefferson, 5; Shelby, 4; Lee, 4; Limestone, 2; Mobile, 2; Pike, 2; Baldwin, 2; Blount, 1; Colbert, 1; Dale, 1; and county to be determined, 5. The onset of the patients" symptoms occurred between April 20 and May 25. The ages of those affected range from 7 weeks to 45 years. Fifty-four of the state"s 85 confirmed cases are in children under 13 years of age. The median age of cases has increased to 10.5 years. Thanks to new laboratory equipment and a decline in the number of novel H1N1 influenza samples submitted, a backlog has been cleared. The symptoms of novel H1N1 influenza are similar to the symptoms of traditional influenza and include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. Some people have reported diarrhea and vomiting associated with novel H1N1 influenza. Close associates are advised to limit their contact with others for a period of seven days from the time they were exposed. The incubation period from the moment of exposure to novel H1N1 influenza until symptoms develop is two to seven days. Individuals are infectious to others one day before until seven days after symptoms develop. Persons who develop symptoms of respiratory illness should contact their medical provider. The department Web site at http://adph.org/H1N1Flu/ provides regular updates of case counts of novel H1N1 influenza within the state. Alabama Department of Public Health


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