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Showing posts with label Health News. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Health News. Show all posts
Friday, January 16, 2009
Meddesktop Is Alive!
After a short hiatus, we are back. Our roles will be a bit different as one of our partners has started to work with health care related company and our focus has shifted a little. We will be developing a Application to solve logistics and management related problem that many health care management companies face, under Meddesktop. Therefor our focus for this blog will be traveling along with our application focus. We will also reporting on active worthwhile health and medical news
Monday, April 07, 2008
Rural Alaska Natives without In-Home Running Water Suffer More Disease
Study Shows Rural Alaska Natives without In-Home Running Water Suffer More Disease
Increased Health Risk Associated with Lack of In-home Running Water
Rural Alaska Natives living without in-home access to running water have disproportionately higher rates of respiratory and skin infections, according to a study conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The study is the first to show an association in the United States between lack of in-home running water and prevalence of these diseases. Experts speculate that the association may be due to lack of access to clean water for hand washing and hygiene. Infants, young children, and the elderly were the most affected groups.
The study, which was published online today in the American Journal of Public Health, examined the correlation between in-home water service and hospitalizations for infectious diarrhea, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), pneumonia or influenza, skin or soft tissue infections and methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) among indigenous Alaskans, also called Alaska Natives.
Infants in villages with the lowest numbers of home with water service had a five times higher rate of hospitalizations for lower respiratory tract infections and RSV, and an 11 times higher rate of hospitalization for pneumonia, compared to the overall U.S. population. In one region of Alaska with the lowest level of in-home service, more than a quarter of all infants are hospitalized each year for influenza or for pneumonia. Infant pneumonia can subsequently lead to lifelong respiratory problems.
“Access to clean water for hand washing and hygiene is extremely important to preventing disease,” said study author Thomas Hennessy, M.D., director of CDC′s Arctic Investigation Programs. “Without better access to in-home water for hand washing and hygiene, Alaska Natives will continue to face higher rates of largely preventable infections.”
Study authors also found people age 65 and older in the lower water service areas were twice as likely to be hospitalized for pneumonia or for influenza. Skin infections were significantly higher for all age groups in areas with lower water service rates (less than 80 percent of homes), and MRSA rates were three times higher for residents in these regions.
Surprisingly, the study found that lack of in-home water service was not linked to an increase in infectious diarrhea. The authors noted that even villages with low rates of in-home water service nearly always had a centralized supply of safe drinking water. A study conducted in 2000 by the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation found that residents or rural villages often have to travel long distances to access safe drinking water and carry it home in five-gallon jugs, making it difficult to obtain adequate amounts of water needed for basic hygiene practices, such as hand washing and bathing.
In 2000, 99.4 percent of American homes had complete sanitation service, which includes a flush toilet, shower or bath and kitchen sink, according to U.S. Census Bureau reports. Alaska ranked last among U.S. states, with 93.7 percent of homes having complete sanitation, and the proportion of homes without such services was much higher in rural Alaskan villages. A concerted effort by federal, state and tribal health organizations has increased the number of rural Alaskan homes with sanitation services from 10 percent in 1950 to about 84 percent in 2006.
The full text of the report can be found at the American Journal of Public Health′s Web site, http://www.ajph.org/. The article was the product of two-year collaboration between the CDC′s Arctic Investigations Program (CDC-AIP), the Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium (ANTHC), and the Indian Health Service. Dr. Tom Hennessy of the CDC-AIP and ANTHC′s Troy Ritter originated the study.
The mission of CDC′s Arctic Investigation Program is the prevention of infectious diseases in peoples of the Arctic and Subarctic with special emphasis on diseases of high incidence and concern among Alaska Natives and American Indians. More information about this program can be found at http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/aip/index.html.
tag: Health News, infectious diarrhea, respiratory syncytial virus, pneumonia, CDC-AIP, Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium, influenza, methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus, MRSA, indigenous Alaskans, Alaska Natives,
Increased Health Risk Associated with Lack of In-home Running Water
Rural Alaska Natives living without in-home access to running water have disproportionately higher rates of respiratory and skin infections, according to a study conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The study is the first to show an association in the United States between lack of in-home running water and prevalence of these diseases. Experts speculate that the association may be due to lack of access to clean water for hand washing and hygiene. Infants, young children, and the elderly were the most affected groups.
The study, which was published online today in the American Journal of Public Health, examined the correlation between in-home water service and hospitalizations for infectious diarrhea, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), pneumonia or influenza, skin or soft tissue infections and methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) among indigenous Alaskans, also called Alaska Natives.
Infants in villages with the lowest numbers of home with water service had a five times higher rate of hospitalizations for lower respiratory tract infections and RSV, and an 11 times higher rate of hospitalization for pneumonia, compared to the overall U.S. population. In one region of Alaska with the lowest level of in-home service, more than a quarter of all infants are hospitalized each year for influenza or for pneumonia. Infant pneumonia can subsequently lead to lifelong respiratory problems.
“Access to clean water for hand washing and hygiene is extremely important to preventing disease,” said study author Thomas Hennessy, M.D., director of CDC′s Arctic Investigation Programs. “Without better access to in-home water for hand washing and hygiene, Alaska Natives will continue to face higher rates of largely preventable infections.”
Study authors also found people age 65 and older in the lower water service areas were twice as likely to be hospitalized for pneumonia or for influenza. Skin infections were significantly higher for all age groups in areas with lower water service rates (less than 80 percent of homes), and MRSA rates were three times higher for residents in these regions.
Surprisingly, the study found that lack of in-home water service was not linked to an increase in infectious diarrhea. The authors noted that even villages with low rates of in-home water service nearly always had a centralized supply of safe drinking water. A study conducted in 2000 by the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation found that residents or rural villages often have to travel long distances to access safe drinking water and carry it home in five-gallon jugs, making it difficult to obtain adequate amounts of water needed for basic hygiene practices, such as hand washing and bathing.
In 2000, 99.4 percent of American homes had complete sanitation service, which includes a flush toilet, shower or bath and kitchen sink, according to U.S. Census Bureau reports. Alaska ranked last among U.S. states, with 93.7 percent of homes having complete sanitation, and the proportion of homes without such services was much higher in rural Alaskan villages. A concerted effort by federal, state and tribal health organizations has increased the number of rural Alaskan homes with sanitation services from 10 percent in 1950 to about 84 percent in 2006.
The full text of the report can be found at the American Journal of Public Health′s Web site, http://www.ajph.org/. The article was the product of two-year collaboration between the CDC′s Arctic Investigations Program (CDC-AIP), the Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium (ANTHC), and the Indian Health Service. Dr. Tom Hennessy of the CDC-AIP and ANTHC′s Troy Ritter originated the study.
The mission of CDC′s Arctic Investigation Program is the prevention of infectious diseases in peoples of the Arctic and Subarctic with special emphasis on diseases of high incidence and concern among Alaska Natives and American Indians. More information about this program can be found at http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/aip/index.html.
tag: Health News, infectious diarrhea, respiratory syncytial virus, pneumonia, CDC-AIP, Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium, influenza, methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus, MRSA, indigenous Alaskans, Alaska Natives,
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
"Beautiful Boy" Author Is Guest Blogger on Drugfree.org
New York, NY, February 26, 2008 – The Partnership for a Drug-Free America is proud to have David Sheff, parent and author of “Beautiful Boy: A Father’s Journey Through His Son’s Addiction,” as a guest blogger on the Partnership’s parent-to-parent blog Decoder (decoder.drugfree.org), which engages the everyday issues of raising healthy, drug-free teens. Sheff’s blog debuts today and he joins a panel of parents who discuss substance abuse, teen culture, current events pertaining to substance abuse and other parenting concerns.
Based on his New York Times Magazine article, “My Addicted Son,” Sheff’s “Beautiful Boy” is an insightful memoir detailing his son Nic’s descent into methamphetamine addiction. Providing a firsthand parent’s perspective on teenage addiction, Sheff’s compelling account has captured the nation’s attention and reveals the overwhelming impact of one family’s struggle to help their son on the road to recovery. Published by Houghton Mifflin, “Beautiful Boy” was selected by Starbucks Entertainment (starbucksentertainment.com/beautifulboy) as the next book to be sold in its more than 7,000 company-operated locations in the U.S. Sheff will embark on a traditional book tour and visit nine local Starbucks across the country to promote his memoir. His first public reading on the tour is February 26 at noon in New York City at the Starbucks at 29th and Park (424 Park Ave South). Starbucks is also helping parent teen communication by promoting tools available on TimeToTalk.org, designed to encourage and support parents and caregivers to have frequent and positive conversations with their teens to keep them healthy.
“I feel grateful for the opportunity to represent a sector of the community whose voice is rarely heard – the parents and families affected by a child’s substance abuse,” said Sheff. “As a parent of a child who struggled with a substance addiction, I went through stages of denial and helplessness and felt like giving up on my son, but I couldn’t. I hope by sharing my experience in ‘Beautiful Boy’ and on the Decoder blog, I’ll have the chance to connect with others who have had or are currently having similar experiences with a loved one’s drug abuse.”
The Partnership for a Drug-Free America is a nonprofit organization uniting communications professionals, renowned scientists and parents. Best known for its national drug-education campaign, the Partnership’s mission is to reduce illicit drug use in America. Now in its 20th year, the Partnership helps parents and caregivers effectively address drug and alcohol abuse with their children. A major new initiative now unfolding integrates the latest science and research with the most effective traditional media and digital communication techniques to give parents the tools, resources and support they need to help their children lead healthy lives. This effort – the first ever for the Partnership – will include a web-based interactive information resource center, parent-to-parent support network, a national toll-free call center and user-friendly online/offline tools. The Partnership depends on donations and support from individuals, corporations, foundations and government. The Partnership thanks SAG/AFTRA for their ongoing generosity.
tag: Health News, My Addicted Son, Beautiful Boy, drugfree.org, Drug-Free America, methamphetamine,
Based on his New York Times Magazine article, “My Addicted Son,” Sheff’s “Beautiful Boy” is an insightful memoir detailing his son Nic’s descent into methamphetamine addiction. Providing a firsthand parent’s perspective on teenage addiction, Sheff’s compelling account has captured the nation’s attention and reveals the overwhelming impact of one family’s struggle to help their son on the road to recovery. Published by Houghton Mifflin, “Beautiful Boy” was selected by Starbucks Entertainment (starbucksentertainment.com/beautifulboy) as the next book to be sold in its more than 7,000 company-operated locations in the U.S. Sheff will embark on a traditional book tour and visit nine local Starbucks across the country to promote his memoir. His first public reading on the tour is February 26 at noon in New York City at the Starbucks at 29th and Park (424 Park Ave South). Starbucks is also helping parent teen communication by promoting tools available on TimeToTalk.org, designed to encourage and support parents and caregivers to have frequent and positive conversations with their teens to keep them healthy.
“I feel grateful for the opportunity to represent a sector of the community whose voice is rarely heard – the parents and families affected by a child’s substance abuse,” said Sheff. “As a parent of a child who struggled with a substance addiction, I went through stages of denial and helplessness and felt like giving up on my son, but I couldn’t. I hope by sharing my experience in ‘Beautiful Boy’ and on the Decoder blog, I’ll have the chance to connect with others who have had or are currently having similar experiences with a loved one’s drug abuse.”
The Partnership for a Drug-Free America is a nonprofit organization uniting communications professionals, renowned scientists and parents. Best known for its national drug-education campaign, the Partnership’s mission is to reduce illicit drug use in America. Now in its 20th year, the Partnership helps parents and caregivers effectively address drug and alcohol abuse with their children. A major new initiative now unfolding integrates the latest science and research with the most effective traditional media and digital communication techniques to give parents the tools, resources and support they need to help their children lead healthy lives. This effort – the first ever for the Partnership – will include a web-based interactive information resource center, parent-to-parent support network, a national toll-free call center and user-friendly online/offline tools. The Partnership depends on donations and support from individuals, corporations, foundations and government. The Partnership thanks SAG/AFTRA for their ongoing generosity.
tag: Health News, My Addicted Son, Beautiful Boy, drugfree.org, Drug-Free America, methamphetamine,
Sunday, November 18, 2007
Celgene will Acquire Pharmion for $2.9 Billion
SUMMIT, N.J. & BOULDER, Colo.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov. 18, 2007--Celgene Corporation (Nasdaq: CELG) and Pharmion Corporation (Nasdaq: PHRM) today jointly announced the signing of a definitive merger agreement pursuant to which Celgene has agreed to acquire Pharmion. Under the terms of the merger agreement, Celgene will acquire all of the outstanding shares of Pharmion common stock for $72.00 per share payable in a combination of cash and shares of Celgene common stock. The transaction is expected to be slightly dilutive to earnings in 2008 and accretive in 2009 and beyond.
The acquisition of Pharmion furthers Celgene's strategy to become a global leader in the hematology/oncology field. The transaction brings together three medically meaningful therapies, Revlimid(R), Thalomid(R) and Vidaza(R), treating different patient populations worldwide. These products are expected to generate multiple global revenue streams for accelerated revenue and earnings growth over the next five years.
"The acquisition of Pharmion is an exceptional strategic fit that will expand our role as a leader in hematology and oncology," said Sol J. Barer, PhD, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Celgene Corporation. "Our combined global infrastructure will leverage the therapeutic and commercial potential of Pharmion's products, particularly Vidaza, which has the potential to become a major global therapy. By bringing together the talents and resources of both companies, we move closer to our vision of becoming a leading hematology and oncology company in the world, expanding our industry leading programs for safety, access and patient support."
Pharmion is a global drug development company that has built a successful and promising oncology franchise. Pharmion has four products on the market and several in development focused on hematological and solid tumor cancers. Vidaza is approved in the U.S. for myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS). Vidaza has demonstrated unprecedented overall survival benefit for higher-risk MDS patients based on a Phase III trial. Pharmion previously reported that its Phase III study demonstrated that Vidaza extended overall survival by 74 percent as compared to conventional care regimens. Patients receiving Vidaza had a two-year survival rate of 50.8 percent versus 26.2 percent for those in the comparator arm. These results translated into a median survival benefit of 9.4 months (24.4 months versus 15.0 months). Pharmion expects to file a Market Authorization Application (MAA) in Europe for Vidaza in higher-risk MDS before the end of the year.
Additionally, thalidomide (licensed to Pharmion by Celgene to develop and commercialize in Europe and other select countries) is under review by the European Medicines Agency (EMEA) as a therapy in newly diagnosed multiple myeloma. An EMEA action is expected in late 2007 to early 2008. Pharmion's clinical development pipeline includes Amrubicin, a third generation synthetic anthracycline, which is in Phase III development for the treatment of small-cell lung cancer (SCLC) under an approved Special Protocol Assessment (SPA). MGCD0103, a selective histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitor is being evaluated in Phase II studies in hematological malignancies as well as in solid tumors.
"The combination of our two product portfolios and organizations represents the opportunity to create a leading global hematology/oncology company," said Patrick J. Mahaffy, President and Chief Executive Officer of Pharmion Corporation. "In particular, I would like to thank the Pharmion employees who have contributed so much to the development of our company and to ensuring that our products are available to improve the lives of cancer patients in the US, Europe, and many international markets. We believe that Celgene is now exceptionally well positioned to take advantage of these efforts, as well as those of its own strong organization, to create a truly unique global biopharmaceutical company."
Terms of the Transaction
The transaction has been unanimously approved by the Boards of Directors of both companies and is subject to customary closing conditions including the approval of the acquisition by stockholders of Pharmion and receipt of antitrust clearances. Celgene and Pharmion expect the transaction to close by the end of the second quarter of 2008. Under the terms of the merger agreement, each share of Pharmion common stock will be exchanged for $25.00 in cash and shares of Celgene common stock in an amount to be determined by an exchange ratio. If the volume weighted average price per share of Celgene common stock for the 15 consecutive trading days ending on (and including) the third trading day immediately prior to the closing date of the merger (the "VWAP Closing Price") is between $56.15 and $72.93, then the exchange ratio will be equal to $47.00 divided by the VWAP Closing Price. If the VWAP Closing Price is less than $56.15, Pharmion stockholders will receive 0.8370 Celgene shares for each share of Pharmion common stock, and if the VWAP Closing Price is greater than $72.93, Pharmion stockholders will receive 0.6445 Celgene shares for each share of Pharmion common stock. The cash portion of the transaction is being funded by Celgene's cash on hand. Upon the closing of the acquisition, Pharmion stockholders will own approximately six percent of Celgene's outstanding common stock.
JPMorgan and Merrill Lynch are acting as co-financial advisors to Celgene on the transaction. Banc of America Securities LLC is acting as the financial advisor to Pharmion Corporation. Legal counsel for Celgene is Proskauer Rose LLP and Arnold & Porter LLP, and Pharmion's legal counsel is Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP.
Webcast
Celgene will host a conference call to discuss the strategic acquisition of Pharmion Corporation on Monday, November 19, 2007 at 9:00 a.m. ET. The conference call will be available by webcast at www.celgene.com. An audio replay of the call will be available from 12 noon ET November 19, 2007 until 12 midnight ET, Friday, November 23, 2007. To access the replay, dial 1-888-203-1112 and enter reservation number 8078427.
CONTACT: Celgene Corporation
David Gryska, 908-673-9059
Sr. Vice President and
Chief Financial Officer
or
Celgene Corporation
Brian P. Gill, 908-673-9530
Vice President,
Corporate Communications
or
Pharmion Corporation
Breanna Burkart/Anna Sussman, 720-564-9150
Directors, Investor Relations and Corporate Communication
SOURCE: Celgene Corporation and Pharmion Corporation
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