When most Americans think about poverty and hunger, visions of underfed children with swollen bellies in an arid, desolate landscape immediately come to mind. But one need not travel across continents to sub-Saharan Africa, for example, to confront hunger head on. In 2006, the Food Research and Action Center (FRAC), a non-profit research organization, reported that nationwide 38.2 million people live in households where there is inadequate food; that is, people are either hungry or food insecure.1» Full Article
As was discussed in the previous issue, injured U.S. servicemen returning from the War in Iraq have sustained and survived far greater numbers of wounds than observed in previous wars, with survivorship close to 90%, largely due to improvements in protective body armor, rapid evacuation, and advances in combat medicine.1» Full Article
A 5-month long investigation conducted by the Associated Press (AP) evaluating whether any pharmaceuticals had been detected at any concentration in drinking water supplies at 62 different locations in the United States obtained key results that have led to heightened alarm among the U.S. population, scientists, and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). According to Stephen Estes-Smargiassi, Director of Planning at Massachusetts Water Resources Authority (MWRA) in Boston, “The science of detection is usually years ahead of the science of understanding. Although pharmaceutical substances have been found in some drinking water supplies, no one knows what the effects of long-term exposure might be. Thus, we should be thoughtful about this issue, but definitely not panicky. Public drinking water is still safe, and the alternative, not drinking water, is at this point the more dangerous alternative.
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It has been 2 years since Massachusetts passed health reform legislation. Many residents are reminded of its impact with the filing of their 2007 Massachusetts tax returns as residents must demonstrate that they are covered or face a penalty. Governor Romney designed the health care reform legislation so that the 400,000 to 650,000 Massachusetts residents who were not covered by any health insurance would be covered, in part to launch his presidential campaign. » Full Article
The men and women who have served this country may be entitled to more than what they are getting. It is the unfortunate reality that until recently, very few people knew about the existence of the Veterans Pension Program and the programs for Aid and Attendance or Housebound benefits, which are in place to help the people who have served in the armed forces of the United States. » Full Article
One of the most pressing issues for parents of a disabled child is worrying about what will happen to their child when they become incapacitated or die. This issue is so difficult that parents often procrastinate to the extent that nothing gets done until very late in life.» Full Article
Skin Cancer Practicum , Advances in Stereotactic Radiosurgery, and Cancer Medicine and Hematology. » Full Article
View health care related press releases from Western and Central Massachusetts, and Connecticut. » Full Article
