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Over 50 Pharmacists Trained Up For NPA's Seasonal Flu Vaccination Service
Over 50 pharmacists have been trained to provide seasonal flu vaccinations under a private Patient Group Direction that the NPA is facilitating. Training days were conducted in London and Birmingham with further training days scheduled at the start of September 2009 in Newport, Durham, St Albans and Haydock.

Kaiser Daily Health Policy Report Feature Highlights Recent Blog Entries
"Blog Watch" offers readers a roundup of health policy-related blog posts.The blogosphere is buzzing about the GOP "alternative" health reform proposal from Sens. Richard Burr (N.C.), Lamar Alexander (Tenn.) and Tom Coburn (Okla.), and Reps. Devin Nunes (Calif.) and Paul Ryan (Wis.). Known as the Patients" Choice Act (.pdf), it would create state-based private health insurance exchanges and provide U.S. residents tax credits to subsidize coverage premiums. Yuval Levin of conservative stalwart The Corner calls the plan "the best comprehensive health care proposal Republicans have produced to date, and shows that at least some in the party understand the need to engage the issue with a grasp of the differences between underlying problems (like cost control) and symptoms of those problems (like access to coverage), and with an actual appreciation for economic incentives and pressures." Marguerite Higgins of the Heritage Foundation"s The Foundry says the plan "features several important conservative principles for health care reform that would allow free-market solutions to take root in the broken U.S. health care system, and give patients more decision-making power with their health care dollars."But Michael Cannon of the libertarian Cato@Liberty blog says he is "troubled" by aspects of the plan that are "self-contradictory." He writes, "On the one hand, it lists "No Tax Increases" as a core concept. Do its authors not know that imposing price controls on health insurance premiums imposes a tax on healthier-than-average consumers? And where do they think the money for "risk-adjustment" payments will come from? Heaven?" The New Republic"s Jonathan Cohn seems to agree, saying, "The details are pretty unappealing, except where there are none; and the whole thing is presented as the antithesis of big government when, in fact, it too would require at least some government intervention." Overall Cohn thinks the plan indicates good news for Democrats, concluding, "Passage of a bill seems ever more likely, to the point where potential opponents feel they must offer alternatives that embrace some of the same concepts."The Washington Post"s Ezra Klein examines the structure of the plan, calling it "the bastard child of the Massachusetts health reforms and the McCain campaign proposal." He also seems to think it"s positive news for reformers, adding, "But it"s still a step forward for the Republican Party. It"s an admission that individuals can"t go it alone. That the state has a large and important regulatory role to play. The business model of insurers is not simply broken but actively cruel. A Republican Party that accepts the principles of this plan is a Republican Party that is much likelier to accept the principles of Obama"s eventual plan." He notes that GOP leadership was not involved in the proposal.Interesting elsewhere:
News of the day
Researchers Identify New Function For Protein Missing In Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy
Researchers at the University of Minnesota and National Institutes of Health have identified a new function for the protein missing in people with the most common and ultimately lethal form of childhood muscular dystrophy.
Nutrition

Cyclist Tackles Amazing Feat To Raise Money For The American Lung Association

It"s not every day one wakes up and decides to ride their bike from San Francisco to Washington, D.C., but if you are Shawne Camp, anything is possible. Camp suffers from an extremely painful and rare lung disease called spontaneous pneumothorax, which can cause a sudden collapse of the lung. After enduring chest tubes, surgery to essentially glue his right lung to his chest wall and countless hours of pulmonary rehabilitation, Shawne has since made a full recovery. With his reclaimed health, Camp is cycling cross country to raise money and awareness to benefit the American Lung Association"s fight for clean air and healthy lungs. Camp will cover more than 3,900 miles and cross through nine states during his nearly 50 day journey. He will have a total elevation gain of over 96,000 feet, which is the equivalent of climbing Mt. Everest 3.4 times if you start at sea level. "I am doing this solo and trying to do this in the most cost effective and green way I can, so I will be camping most of the time," said Camp. "I will be self-sufficient carrying a tent, small stove, small pot, sleeping bag, camera, phone, journal, a change of clothes, food, water and some spare bike parts." Camp departed San Francisco on May 2, 2009 and is expected to arrive at the American Lung Association in Washington, DC located at 530 7th Street, SE on Wednesday, June 17, 2009. Shawne"s arrival time is still being confirmed, but he is expected to arrive early in the afternoon. A special friend, four-year old Alexander Eller will ride the last 100 meters with Camp on his brand new two-wheel bike. Both cyclists will be greeted by a crowd of well-wishers who will gather for a celebration ceremony following his arrival. "Shawne"s journey is truly an inspiration and a testament to the perseverance of the human spirit," said Rolando A. Andrewn, American Lung Association in Washington, DC President and CEO. "We are truly honored by his dedication to take on such a massive challenge to support the work of the Lung Association." Washington area residents wanting to show their support for the American Lung Association but aren"t up for the challenge of a cross country bike trip are encouraged to participate in the Breathe DC Metro Walk on Saturday, June 27, 2009. This 5K walk commencing on the National Mall at 8:30 AM will raise money to fight lung disease and provide vital programs to those living and working in our nation"s capitol. For more information or to register for the Breathe DC Metro walk, please visit: http://www.breathedcmetrowalk.org. American Lung Association


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