The Leslie Munzer Neurological Institute of Long Island Presents its Spring Neurological Summit
May 20, 2008
(Rockville Centre) The Leslie Munzer Neurological Institute of Long Island (LMNI) will present its Spring Neurological Summit on Saturday, June 7, 2008 from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 Noon at the Melville Marriott Hotel- Grand Ballroom.
The summit, featuring a distinguished panel of neurosurgeons, neuro-oncologists, neurologists and pain management specialists, offers informative sessions on a variety of topics relating to diseases of the brain and spine including Brain Aneurysms, AVMs, Brain Tumors, Cancers, Strokes, Spine Care, Pain Management, Trigeminal Neuralgia and Face Pain.
“The seminar is intended for individuals already diagnosed and in treatment for neurological disorders and diseases, those who feel they may be exhibiting symptoms or know someone they feel is exhibiting symptoms, as well as individuals wishing to know more about diseases related to the nervous system,” said LMNI board member, neurosurgeon and speaker Dr. Michael H. Brisman. Physicians, patients, family members and friends, caregivers and health care professionals are invited to attend.
LMNI is presenting the Neurological Summit free to all attendees as a service to the community, however, seating is limited. Reservations are suggested.
The Melville Marriott is located on Long Island at 1350 Old Walt Whitman Road in Melville. Registration and breakfast begins promptly at 8:00 a.m. For more information, visit LMNI’s website at www.lmni.org. To make a reservation, please contact Lynda Distler at 516-442-3527.
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The Leslie Munzer Neurological Institute of Long Island, LMNI, a 501 (c) 3 foundation founded in 2006, was created by Long Islanders to address the needs of Long Islanders who suffer from diseases related to the nervous system, their caregivers and family members; improve the quality of life of those affected by the diseases; advance the understanding and knowledge of the nervous system and related neurological disorders; provide education and outreach to patients, physicians and community at large; fund research in the neurosciences, and work with Long Island hospitals to help purchase the equipment necessary to ensure that quality health care, advanced diagnostic techniques and treatment are available on Long Island. To that end, LMNI supports the talented physicians practicing here on Long Island, many of whom are renowned in their fields and provide Long islanders with health care rivaling that which is available anywhere today.
New York Benefit to Celebrate Recent Medical Marijuana Successes
May 5, 2008
(Long Island, N.Y.) On Wednesday, May 14, 2008 the Marijuana Policy Project (www.MPP.org) will host a spring soiree, a night of comedy and music to benefit MPP’s efforts to protect seriously ill New Yorkers from arrest and jail if they use medical marijuana with their doctor’s recommendation. Patient advocate Joel Peacock will be honored and Sony/BMG recording artist Nicole Atkins & The Sea and other special guests will perform.
MPP is leading the fight to gain medical marijuana access for seriously ill New Yorkers who have the approval of their physicians. All funds raised will be used to pass a bill to make New York the 13th medical marijuana state in the country. An entertaining, energizing, and provocative evening is guaranteed. Your support will be part of the tipping point that brings about this momentous change!
The Host Committee for the event and those attending include: Joshua Baer, John Perry Barlow, Paul Bennett, Lewis Black, State Senator Joseph Bruno ‘s Director of Public Affairs in New York City Lisa Black, Richard Brookhiser, Tucker Carlson, Jason Flom, Savion Glover, Leslie Lansman, David C. Leven, Peter Lewis, Kurt Loder, Fred Newton, Medeski Martin and Wood, Michelle Phillips, ABC’s John Stossel, Ben Taylor, Montel Williams and Robert W. Wilson.
Last year - - for the first time ever - - the New York Assembly passed MPP’s medical marijuana bill - by a 95-52 vote, sending the bill over to the Senate. This was the result of a four-year lobbying effort that we commenced in 2003.
During that time, our lobbyist in Albany built an impressive coalition of institutional support, including the state physicians association, state nurses association, state public health association, and the city councils of Albany, Buffalo, and New York.
Before his resignation, Gov. Eliot Spitzer (D) expressed his openness to signing medical marijuana legislation, and the new Gov. Paterson seems likely to be a supporter as well, so all eyes are now focused on the Republican-controlled Senate, where Senate Majority Leader Joseph Bruno is supportive of allowing medical marijuana, but has not brought the issue to a vote.
With the Republicans facing a tough election this November, when they could very well lose control of the Senate, we’re hoping they’ll pay attention to the public opinion polling that indicates 76% of New York voters -and even 55% of Conservative Party voters in the state –support legal protection for medical marijuana patients.
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The MPP benefit will take place at the Highline Ballroom, 431 W 16th Street between 9th and 10th Aves. (212) 414-5994. Tickets for $250 in advance- $300 at the door (most of your contribution is tax-deductible) are available at (202) 462-5747 Ext. 104 or www.mpp.org/highline
For NYC Event - Gail Parenteau/ Parenteau Guidance 212-532-3934, gail@parenteauguidance.com
For MPP – Bruce Mirken/ Director of Communications 415-668-6403, bruce@mpp.org
A Night of Music & Comedy to Help Push Campaign to Victory
May 14th – Highline Ballroom
Spring Soiree to Benefit Effort to Protect Seriously Ill New York Patients Who Use Medical Marijuana
U.S. Nursing Shortage Approaches Record Levels
May 1, 2008
(Belleville, Ill) The American Nurses Association is celebrating the heroic and crucial care that nurses provide during this year’s National Nurses Week on May 6 through May 12. The 2008 theme is “Nurses: Making a Difference Every Day.” Organizations, including Allsup, which represents people nationwide for Social Security Disability Insurance benefits, are helping to observe this special occasion and to recognize the important role of nurses.
More than 3 million RNs will be employed in 2016, an increase of 20 percent from more than 2.5 million in 2006, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. A combination of job growth, nurses retiring and leaving the profession, and fewer new nurses is expected to yield a shortage of more than 1 million RNs by the end of this decade.
But there’s no need to look to the future for a shortage. The American Hospital Association reported in mid-2007 that more than 5,000 community hospitals nationwide already have a need for 116,000 RNs to fill current job openings. More information can be found online.
Nurses work in an expansive variety of positions and workplaces to improve healthcare in the United States. “Today’s nurses make the ultimate sacrifice on a daily basis to provide expert care during times of disaster and crisis,” said ANA President Rebecca M. Patton, MSN, RN, CNOR. “We want to honor the men and women who not only chose this challenging and rewarding career, but make a difference in the lives of their patients and in the nursing community.”
Nurses provide a particularly important role for individuals who become disabled through injury, illness or chronic disease. Along with supporting patients through times of trauma and crisis, nurses comfort patients’ families and are an indispensable resource for multidisciplinary medical teams working in hospitals, clinics and other care environments.
During National Nurses Week, the ANA and other organizations recognize the valuable service nurses provide to the community through their courage, heroic acts and commitment to quality care despite the increasing challenges facing healthcare.
Allsup is observing National Nurses Week with free posters available to hospitals, clinics and other community groups by calling Karen Hercules-Doerr at (800) 854-1418, ext. 5770.
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Media contact:
American Nurses Association
Mary McNamara
(301) 628-5198
www.nursingworld.org
Law Enforcement Objections to Medical Marijuana Bill at Odds With Reality, Advocates Say
April 29, 2008
(Minneapolis, MN) In a press conference held today at the statehouse, advocates offered a point-by-point refutation of misleading-to-outright false statements made by some law enforcement officials during testimony before the legislature and in the media regarding the medical marijuana bill pending on the House floor.
Proponents of S.F. 345, the bill to protect from arrest seriously ill Minnesotans who use medical marijuana with a doctor’s recommendation, said certain aspects of the law enforcement community were relying on misstatements and untruths to derail the bill.
“Some legislators, as well as the governor, have indicated they may not be willing to support this sensible and compassionate legislation, based on the words of certain aspects of the law enforcement community,” said Neal Levine, director of state campaigns for the Marijuana Policy Project. “Therefore, we feel it’s important to look at those words.”
For example, Dakota County Attorney James C. Backstrom stated in legislative testimony that “there is no proven medicinal value in using marijuana to treat illnesses or disease.” In fact, the 124,000-member American College of Physicians has noted “marijuana’s proven efficacy at treating certain symptoms and its relatively low toxicity.”
For a detailed list of false and misleading statements made by Minnesota law enforcement officials, along with sourced refutations of each one, visit: http://www.minnesotacares.org/media/law_enforcement.pdf.
Also during the press conference, Levine announced the latest in a series of TV ads airing statewide, featuring Minnesota medical marijuana patients urging Gov. Tim Pawlenty not to veto the medical marijuana bill as he has threatened to do if the House passes it.
The new ad features K.K. Forss of Ely, who suffers constant debilitating pain caused by a ruptured disk in his neck and nerve damage from subsequent surgeries. The ad is available online here: http://minnesotacares.org/Ads_video.html.
“This doesn’t have anything to do with culture wars,” Forss says in the ad, noting that he is a registered Republican and a born-again Christian. “We have people suffering in horrible pain, and we talk politics – it doesn’t have to be that way.”
With more than 23,000 members and 180,000 e-mail subscribers nationwide, the Marijuana Policy Project is the largest marijuana policy reform organization in the United States. For more information, please visit www.MarijuanaPolicy.org.
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Senate Democrats Move to Ban Tier 4 Prescription Drug Pricing Plan
April 23, 2008
(Long Island, N.Y.) State Senate Democratic Leader Malcolm A. Smith (St-Albans) and members of the Senate Democratic Conference today announced they will introduce legislation preventing health insurers from implementing a prescription drug pricing system in New York that has dramatically increased consumer co-payments in other states.
“Health insurance companies are proposing new pricing methods for high-priced prescription drugs, asking patients to shell out hundreds and even thousands of dollars of their earnings for medications they need to survive,” said Smith, the St. Albans Democrat. “This new structure means the obligation of health care and prescription costs will be shifted from health insurers and thrown onto the backs of struggling low-and middle-income families that may need specialty medications in order to survive. The whole point of health insurance is to share the costs of paying to keep people healthy and well.”
In New York State, most Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs) and Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs) currently operate under a standard three-tier system ($5 generic, $10 or more for preferred-brand, and $25 or more for non-preferred brand) common to most people who use private insurance.
But, increasingly families and individuals in other states struggling with diagnoses of anemia, cancer, multiple sclerosis and hepatitis C, who depend on cutting-edge medications for functioning or daily survival have been hit hard by pricing increases that can amount to 33 percent of the total costs of each prescription. Instead of the standard co-pay, patients are seeing fees dramatically increase to hundreds or even thousands of dollars per prescription.
One New York City woman suffering from multiple sclerosis said that the proposed Tier 4 pricing system would make her medication completely unaffordable by dramatically increasing her $25 monthly co-payment to as high as $735.
Another MS sufferer in Orange County said that if Tier 4 where implemented his $35 monthly co-payments could reach $805.
“Tier 4 drug pricing is a terrible concept,” said Senator Neil D. Breslin (D-Albany), ranking Democrat on the Standing Committee on Insurance. “Insurance is designed to spread risk among a group of people. Singling out our sickest and most vulnerable to pay more money for their health care is unforgivable in any context, let alone in a climate where HMOs are recording excessive profits and a HMO like HIP is allowed to double the compensation of its top ten executives.”
Senator John L. Sampson, the ranking Democrat on the Health Committee said that an extensive review needs to be conducted of “this unfair proposal.”
“We must block the possibility that New Yorkers will be subject to this unnecessary and unfair burden of unaffordable price increases for their medication,” said Senator Sampson (D-Brooklyn). “Not only will the negative effects be felt by the patient, but in these times of hardship, families will be left choosing between essential health care and life’s basic necessities like food and shelter.”
According to the New York State Insurance Department (DOI), premiums and rate changes are reviewed by the Superintendent of Insurance. Health insurance companies are required to submit a formal application which DOI may modify, approve, or reject. DOI has not approved any Tier 4 proposals for New York residents, and no Tier 4 plans are currently in effect here.
Senate Democrats will introduce legislation barring the pricing system in New York State.
Smith and his Senate colleagues joined health advocacy groups in urging New York State Superintendent Eric R. Dinallo to continue to reject all Tier 4 applications that may be submitted before the proposed legislation is signed into law.
”We applaud Senator Smith for taking action on a critical issue that affects thousands of people living with Multiple Sclerosis,” said Pamela J. Wiener on behalf of the New York City Chapter of the Multiple Sclerosis Society. “The medications used to treat MS are among the first to be assigned to specialty tiers. Accordingly, the Senator’s legislation will protect many people living with MS who would otherwise pay $630 co-pay each month for a medication to treat the disease. At these costs, many people would be forced to forgo taking these essential medications that are used to slow down the progress of the disease and reduce future disability.”
Some health insurers have argued that the new pricing structure is necessary to reduce employer medical insurance premiums. But Senate Democrats maintain that the proposed implementation of the Tier 4 pricing would unfairly shift the burden to consumers.
Senator Efrain Gonzalez, Jr. (who has a medically-disabled son who requires special medications already on the Tier 4 list in other states) said that “If this Tier Four structure is permitted in New York State, all families will be living on the brink of a medical state of emergency.”
”If they are confronted with new sky-high co-payments under Tier 4, working families in my district will clearly be at risk of losing their health, homes, quality of life and their dignity,” said Sen. Gonzalez, Jr., a Bronx Democrat. “We need immediate action to prevent these proposals and protect our most vulnerable families and individuals.”
Smith added: “Hard-working families and individuals living with medical conditions are depending on us to help provide affordable health insurance and prescription drugs. We will do all we can to make sure that health care remains accessible and affordable.”
Photo: BANNING TIER 4- Senate Democratic Leader Malcolm A. Smith (D-St.Albans) along with Senate colleagues and health care advocates stood on the steps of New York City Hall announcing legislation to prevent health insurers from implementing the controversial Tier 4 prescription drug pricing system in New York. The pricing-plan dramatically increased co-payments in other states. (L-R) Democratic Senator’s Liz Krueger (D-Manhattan), John Sabini (D-Queens), Efrain Gonzalez, Jr. (D-Bronx), John Sampson (D-Brooklyn), Malcolm A. Smith (D-St. Albans), Bill Perkins (D-Manhattan), Ruben Diaz (D-Bronx).
Study Confirms Medical Marijuana Pain Relief
April 17, 2008
(Long Island, N.Y.) A clinical trial conducted at the University of California at Davis and just published online by the Journal of Pain has demonstrated significant relief of neuropathic pain (pain caused by damage to nerves) stemming from a variety of causes. This is the second study in just over a year to show that marijuana relieves neuropathic pain, which is notoriously resistant to treatment with conventional pain drugs, including opioid narcotics. A UC San Francisco study published last year showed relief of HIV/AIDS-related neuropathy.
In the new study, 38 patients experiencing neuropathic pain from diabetes, spinal injury, multiple sclerosis and other causes were given marijuana cigarettes of three different strengths: Zero percent THC (placebo), 3.5 percent THC or 7 percent THC. In each session, patients took the same number of puffs, following a standardized procedure to ensure uniformity of the dose received at each strength.
Both doses of marijuana reduced pain significantly, producing marked declines in pain intensity that lasted over five hours. Researchers Barth Wilsey and colleagues wrote that side effects “were relatively inconsequential,” and “psychoactive effects were minimal and well-tolerated.” Although the scientists did express caution about the neurocognitive effects of the higher dose — reflected in lower scores on some tests of memory and problem solving, the study was not designed to examine the potential for marijuana to allow reduced doses of narcotic painkillers that also cause cognitive impairment, a benefit widely reported by patients.
For a copy of the complete study, contact MPP director of communications Bruce Mirken at 202-215-4205.
“This is yet more proof that the American College of Physicians was right that U.S. government policy on medical marijuana is totally divorced from scientific reality,” said Rob Kampia, executive director of the Marijuana Policy Project in Washington, D.C. “Congress needs to act to end the federal war on medical marijuana, but in the meantime states should act on their own to protect medical marijuana patients from arrest, as several states are considering right now.”
States where legislators are presently considering medical marijuana legislation include Illinois, New York and Minnesota. A medical marijuana initiative has qualified for Michigan’s November ballot.
With more than 23,000 members and 180,000 e-mail subscribers nationwide, the Marijuana Policy Project is the largest marijuana policy reform organization in the United States. MPP believes that the best way to minimize the harm associated with marijuana is to regulate marijuana in a manner similar to alcohol. For more information, please visit http://MarijuanaPolicy.org.
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Informative Health and Wellness Fair Held at Dowling College
April 15, 2008
(Oakdale, N.Y.) Dowling College Continuing Education recently held a Health and Wellness Fair at the Rudolph Campus in Oakdale that was free and open to the public. This informative event hosted various informational booths featuring chiropractors, massage therapists, nutritionists, acupuncturists and herbalists.
Good Samaritan Hospital representatives were also present at the event, including the departments of Breast Health, Radiology, Nutrition and Rehabilitation. They handed out helpful literature and brochures to all participants.
To learn more about other upcoming Continuing Education events, please visit www.dowling.edu.
About Dowling College
Dowling College is an independent, coeducational college that serves more than 6,500 students at its historic Rudolph Campus on the banks of the Connetquot River in Oakdale, NY, and the 105-acre Brookhaven Campus in eastern Long Island and a business center located near the Nassau-Suffolk border in Melville. Dowling offers Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctoral degrees in several disciplines through its four schools: Arts and Sciences, Aviation, Business, and Education.
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Kelly Kazemier
Director of Communications
631-244-3318
Organ Transplant Waiting List Reaches High in U.S.
April 11, 2008
(Belleville, Ill) Donate Life America and the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) are using the month of April to educate Americans about the number of lives that could be saved and improved through organ, eye and tissue transplants. Organizations, including Allsup, which represents people nationwide for Social Security Disability Insurance benefits, are helping raise awareness about the growing need.
The number of patients on the U.S. waiting list for organ transplants has grown at a steady rate, reaching 97,670 as of Dec. 31, 2007. In comparison, five years ago, there were 80,790 patients on the waiting list as of Dec. 31, 2002. And 10 years ago, there were 53,167 patients on the waiting list as of Dec. 31, 1997. The result is an increase of nearly 84 percent in 10 years.
In 2007, nearly 6,000 people died while on the waiting list, and more than 26,000 people received organ transplants. According to UNOS, the longest organ-specific waiting list is for kidney donations, with more than 75,000 people currently waiting for an organ transplant.
One method for meeting this need is encouraging donation sign-up at the state level. Many states provide simple methods for designating organ donation on drivers’ licenses or state identification cards. Donate Life America offers a directory with details by state online at www.donatelife.net.
“State donor registries play an essential role in the donation process by enabling an individual to make a decision that gives procurement agencies full authority to procure their organs and/or tissues upon their death,” said Sara Pace Jones, Donate Life America chairman. “These legally binding donation decisions are critical for the nearly 100,000 people who are on the National Waiting List for organ transplants and the many more awaiting cornea and tissue transplants to restore their lives and health.”
One misconception about organ transplants is that most recipients survive only a few years. According to Donate Life America, long-term survival is becoming more common. For example, a number of kidney recipients are living 30 years or longer after transplant. Recipients of other organs have survived more than 20 years after transplant.
Each day in the U.S., there are about 79 organ transplants taking place and an average of 132 people being added to the nation’s organ transplant waiting list.
Allsup is observing Donate Life Month with free posters available to hospitals, clinics and other community groups by calling Karen Hercules-Doerr at (800) 854-1418, ext. 5770.
Media contact:
Donate Life America
Aisha Huertas
(804) 782-4966
www.donatelife.net
Allstate Grant Enables VIBS Program
April 9, 2008
(Long Island, N.Y.) The Allstate Foundation recently provided VIBS Family Violence & Rape Crisis Center with a $5,000 grant for its “Every Penny Matters” financial education program. Recognizing that survivors of domestic abuse often lack the economic skills and resources to sustain themselves and prepare for futures of economic independence, the Allstate funding will further enhance VIBS services to its clients. Allstate recognizes that women who have economic skills are more likely to be able to leave abusive situations and sustain themselves and their families on a long-term basis.
VIBS currently offers a three week education program for victims of abuse that includes safety planning and self-care. The issue of financial self-care will now be introduced and 150 clients will learn how to assess their financial status, become financially literate and take steps to protect their assets. The “Every Penny Matters” program will help domestic violence survivors repair damaged credit, learn to budget and develop personal financial management skills. The user-friendly program is geared towards people who may be assuming financial responsibility for the first time.
By incorporating the “Every Penny Matters” curriculum into existing, successful VIBS programs, clients will develop an additional sense of hope, independence and empowerment in order to realize their own futures free of violence.
Additional information about this program can be obtained by calling VIBS at 631-360-3730.
ABOUT VIBS Family Violence and Rape Crisis Center - For over thirty years VIBS has worked towards creating communities of safe, loving homes and healthy, abuse-free relationships. This vision has inspired innovative programs for victims of domestic violence and sexual assault. Through counseling and advocacy, VIBS works to help survivors realize the power they have over their own lives. Through outreach, education and community awareness, VIBS works to create a social climate that discourages abuse and restores dignity to survivors. www.vibs.org
State Highway Engineer Battles Lou Gehrig’s Disease with Help from Support Group
April 8, 2008
(Rochester, N.Y.) Even though he has lost the use of his hands, Jeff Dunlap still uses a computer in his job as resident engineer at the New York State Department of Transportation. That’s because his employers have provided him with a computer-generated speech recognition program, a hands-free optical mouse, and handicapped-accessible furniture to allow him to continue to work.
Dunlap has had ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis) since 2005. Commonly referred to as Lou Gehrig’s Disease, ALS is a progressive, neurodegenerative muscular disease that usually has a survival rate of two to five years from the time of diagnosis.
Although he depends on a wheelchair for mobility, Dunlap likes to remain busy in battling Lou Gehrig’s Disease. The 54 year-old Rochester resident actively participates in The ALS Association’s Upstate New York Chapter’s patient support group with his wife and caregiver Pam, 53.
“The Dunlaps wholeheartedly espouse our chapter’s support group meetings,” said Christine Zippi, executive director of the chapter. “They enthusiastically provide assistance to other patients living with ALS.”
The chapter has proclaimed the Dunlaps the family that best exemplifies the spirit of “ALS Across America” for the chapter during ALS Awareness Month in May. The “ALS Across America” national campaign recognizes courageous individuals with ALS and their caregivers who are role models to people with Lou Gehrig’s Disease. These special individuals reflect the spirit of the organization as they make a positive difference in their community by expanding awareness of ALS and embodying the spirit of living life to the fullest.
“A positive outlook is the best therapy for coping with this disease,” said Dunlap, father of four grown children. He also believes knowledge about ALS and his physical state empowers his wife and children in his having Lou Gehrig’s Disease. “It is important to me to keep my family abreast of all that I am dealing with physically, and I feel that information helps them deal with the disease.”
Throughout May, The Association and its nationwide network of 41 chapters will reach out to communities across the country to educate the public about Lou Gehrig’s disease and urge people to join The Association in the fight to make ALS a disease of the past.
The Association’s National ALS Advocacy Day and Public Policy Conference, which has grown to be the single largest gathering of the ALS community, and is part of ALS Awareness Month, will be held this year on May 11-13 in Washington, D.C.
The Dunlaps believe putting a face on the disease is one of the ways to get the recognition and awareness needed to support legislation to track and provide research to combat ALS. They have attended Advocacy Days in Albany, N.Y., and have visited local legislators in the Rochester area. They have also attended prior Advocacy Days in Washington, D.C., to tell their story along with other people with ALS and their caregivers from the upstate area. The more people that tell their stories, the more recognition and awareness is generated. “It is important for me to show them the progression of this disease each year,” Dunlap said.
The Association is the pre-eminent leader in the fight against Lou Gehrig’s Disease. The mission of the organization is to lead the fight to cure and treat ALS through global, cutting-edge research, and to empower people with Lou Gehrig’s Disease and their families to live fuller lives by providing them with compassionate care and support.
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