The recent announcement of the planned 2008 increase in Medicare premiums underscores the urgent need for congressional action on Medicare, says the American Medical Association (AMA). In CMS’ analysis of the premium increase, it is clear that growth in Medicare Advantage plans is solely responsible for the increase in the 2008 Medicare Part B premium. [click link for full article]

The British Society of Endovascular Therapy (BSET), announces the society’s first Endovascular Fellowships for vascular surgeons and radiologists. The training offered to the successful candidates will bring together the two disciplines of radiology and vascular surgery, providing trainees with an understanding of the very latest vascular technology so they can provide best practice endovascular therapy. [click link for full article]

A large percentage of people with chronic urticaria, or hives, have an underlying autoimmune process as the cause of their symptoms. In the past, a small percentage of people with…

The nation’s RQ (Readiness Quotient) - a barometer of the public’s preparedness for a weather emergency, natural disaster or terrorist attack-inched up nearly a point from 15 months ago, according to a report released by the American Red Cross and the Council for Excellence in Government. The nation’s collective level of preparedness has increased to 4.14 out of a possible 10, compared to 3.31 in June 2006. [click link for full article]

Women are much less likely to receive an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator for the prevention of sudden cardiac death than men, according to an article published in The Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), October 3rd issue. Although the risk of sudden cardiac death is higher in men than in women, the sex difference closes rapidly in later years - by the age of 85 onwards the risk is the same for both sexes. [click link for full article]

Specific scores and patterns based on prostate cancer biopsy are linked to raised risk of PSA-failure, indicating that the reading might help predict prostate cancer recurrence risk, says an article in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), October 3rd issue.The Gleason scoring system is used to facilitate diagnosis and treatment of prostate cancers. It grades malignant tumors (adenocarcinomas) of the prostate based on the patterns of prostatic glands. [click link for full article]

100 Black Men of America, Inc. and the American Red Cross are forming a partnership that will work to increase local outreach to diverse communities throughout the United States. The two organizations will combine efforts to enhance delivery of services to diverse communities during times of disaster as well as promote community preparedness. [click link for full article]

Researchers have uncovered a new way in which a cell protein protects cancer cells from a wide range of chemotherapeutic drugs, identifying a possible target for improving treatment outcomes for patients. [click link for full article]

The Irish government on Thursday launched a program to provide life insurance, mortgage protection and travel insurance to people who contracted HIV or hepatitis C through contaminated blood products, Ireland’s Evening Echo reports (Evening Echo, 9/27). [click link for full article]

“While a 3.1 percent Part B premium hike may not sound like much, for seniors already facing higher co-payments, out of pocket costs, rising prescription drug fees and doughnut holes this premium news is just one small part of the story. Privatized Medicare and Part D drug coverage continue to leave seniors with healthcare costs which far outpace their cost of living adjustments.”…Barbara B. [click link for full article]