In the 33 years since Lyme disease was first described in the medical literature, this deer tick–borne illness has been on the rise in Massachusetts and Connecticut. According to William J. Swiggard, MD, an infectious disease specialist at Cooley Dickinson Hospital (CDH) and Holyoke Health Center, “Lyme disease is the most common vector-borne illness (i.e., resulting from an infection transmitted to humans and other animals by bloodfeeding arthropods, such as mosquitoes, ticks, and fleas) in the United States. » Full Article
Type 1 diabetes (T1D), formerly called insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM), is an autoimmune disease that results in the permanent destruction of beta cells in the pancreas, which produce insulin. The subsequent insulin deficiency is severe and life-threatening, requiring life-long exogenous insulin given by injections or continuous infusion, using an insulin pump.» Full Article
Americans have a giant sweet tooth as compared to other countries around the world. The media relentlessly reports on the obesity epidemic, the new organic food industry, and the obsession with exercise and diets. Food, especially sweets, is part of the U.S. culture. » Full Article
While many people today believe that long-term care is at the beginning of a “sea of change,” change has really been incremental since the passage of Medicare and Medicaid 40 years ago. What is happening now may better be characterized as a “moment of truth.”.» Full Article
This month, the Massachusetts legislature has the opportunity to take an important stand to protect patients. The state House of Representatives recently passed the Patient Safety Act (House Bill 4783) by a resounding 119–35 margin; a Senate vote is expected soon. The bill will require the Department of Public Health to set safe registered nurse (RN) staffing limits based on medical research. » Full Article
Health care for citizens in the Commonwealth is being threatened by a special interest group that has spent close to $18 million to ensure that our elected officials pass a government-mandated nurse staffing ratio bill (House Bill 4783). » Full Article
The beneficiaries and back-up beneficiaries named on retirement plans and life insurance policies must be carefully considered and properly designated. A single person without children, for example, may want siblings, nieces, and nephews to be the beneficiaries and not parents.» Full Article
The role of state agencies is ubiquitous. Cars need to be registered, licenses need to be renewed (Registry of Motor Vehicles), tolls are paid when traveling (Mass. Turnpike Authority), and taxes are paid quarterly or annually (Mass. Department of Revenue).» Full Article
Until Elisabeth Kübler-Ross published her groundbreaking work, On Death and Dying,the needs of the terminally ill and their families went largely ignored within health care institutions.» Full Article
