Author: ANHUSA

Are Federal “Expert Panels” Essential to Overhauling the Nation’s Healthcare System?

We have previously written here about the ramifications of the economic stimulus bills that became law in February 2009. Putting aside the economic and security consequences of adding to the nation’s debt, let’s focus on the $1.1 billion for a Comparative Effectiveness Research (CER) program, designed to determine which healthcare treatment options are most effective… Continue reading Are Federal “Expert Panels” Essential to Overhauling the Nation’s Healthcare System?

Hospital-Acquired Infections Linked to Nearly 100,000 Deaths Annually

Those following the debate over healthcare reform often hear that eliminating waste from the current healthcare system would, in large measure, fund reform. Given the number of dollars wasted, the lives lost and the suffering associated with sloppy healthcare, why do we drag our feet in improving our current system and reducing waste?

FDA to Standardize Labeling of Food

Various labeling systems are currently being used by U.S. retailers and food makers to make nutritional claims. Barbara Schneeman, Ph.D., director of the FDA’s Office of Nutrition, Labeling and Dietary Supplements, recently sent an open letter to the food industry stating the agency’s intent to develop a new regulation to define “the nutritional criteria that… Continue reading FDA to Standardize Labeling of Food

Risks vs. Benefits

The public consciousness of risk vs. benefit was raised considerably with the media’s discussion of the benefits of taking a Cox II inhibitor (Celebrex and Vioxx) vs. the potential risks (Cox II inhibitors are linked to the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding as well to an increased risk of heart attack).

47 Members of Congress Support Consumers’ Right to Choose Their Health Practitioners

The legislators have sent House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., a letter proposing a ban on discrimination against integrative MDs, DOs, chiropractors and other well-trained and credentialed healthcare providers who have not previously been discriminated against under federal law. If discrimination is not forbidden, conventional licensed practitioners will try to use federal law, as they have… Continue reading 47 Members of Congress Support Consumers’ Right to Choose Their Health Practitioners

Does the Safeway Amendment Address Workplace Wellness in a Financially Responsible Manner?

As the debate for healthcare reform continues inside the beltway, on the airwaves, and around many a dinner table and water cooler, how can we — a nation known for ingenuity and entrepreneurship — deliver quality care for a reasonable price? Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich, in his book Saving Lives, Saving Money, is but… Continue reading Does the Safeway Amendment Address Workplace Wellness in a Financially Responsible Manner?

Do Mandatory Vaccinations Achieve Higher Rates of Immunization?

Tami Wahl, ANH-USA’s legislative director, attended the 4th International Public Conference on Vaccination, held in Reston, Va., October 2-4, 2009. The conference was hosted by the National Vaccine Information Center, a nonprofit educational organization founded in 1982. The oldest and largest consumer organization advocating for the institution of vaccine safety and the protection of informed… Continue reading Do Mandatory Vaccinations Achieve Higher Rates of Immunization?

Plaintiffs Win Suit to Keep Their Social Security Benefits Even if They Reject Medicare

Constitutional attorney Kent Masterson Brown has won an important legal victory on behalf of three plaintiffs — former Congressman Dick Armey, Brian Hall and John Kraus — who sued to keep their Social Security benefits after they withdrew from Medicare Part A, preferring to keep their private healthcare coverage. The Department of Health and Human… Continue reading Plaintiffs Win Suit to Keep Their Social Security Benefits Even if They Reject Medicare