Health

Aetna Student Health Underpaids Patients for 10+ Years

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Today I received a letter from the State of New York Attorney General Andrew M. Cuoma. The letter stated that I may be eligible to receive money from Aetna Student Health under a nationwide settlement. The settlement effects around 73,000 students at over 200 colleges across the U.S. and dates back to patients who saw out of network doctors as far back as 1998. This is because Aetna used outdated Medical Data Research even when current data was available when determining the current market rates for reimbursements. If you are interested in learning more, you can read the 32 page investigation report over at http://www.oag.state.ny.us/bureaus/health_care/HIT2/pdfs/Aetna%20Student%20Health%20AOD.pdf If you believe you may be affected it is advised that you keep your eyes peeled for any mail you may receive from Aetna. You can also contact Aetna Student Health customer service at 866 … Read more

Imaging of the Paranasal Sinuses, the Diagnosis of Sinusitis, and the Role of 3-D CT Guided Sinus Surgery in Treating Chronic Sinusitis

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I wrote a research paper over a year ago for an undergraduate course I took in medical imaging. It is about imaging of the paranasal sinuses. Further topics include the diagnosis of sinusitis and chronic infection along with techniques in using 3-D CT to aid in image guided surgery. It is worth checking out if these topics interest you and/or you have problems with your sinuses. The document has been uploaded to docstoc and is below for your enjoyment. Imaging of the Paranasal Sinuses, the Diagnosis of Sinusitis, and the Role of 3-D CT Guided Sinus Surgery in Treating Chronic Sinusitis

Body Clock Regulates Energy

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It has been found from UC Irvine researchers that our own body clock helps regulate energy levels in cells. The findings have far-reaching implications that can be helpful in treating many diseases and conditions. Paolo Sassone-Corsi, Distinguished Professor and Chair of Pharmacology and his research team has found that the proteins involved with circadian rhythms and metabolism are intrinsically linked and dependent upon each other. “Our circadian rhythms and metabolism are closely partnered to ensure that cells function properly and remain healthy,” Sassone-Corsi said. “This discovery opens a new window for us to understand how these two fundamental processes work together, and it can have a great impact on new treatments for diseases caused by cell energy deficiencies.” Circadian rhythms  govern fundamental physiological functions. The circadian clocks are the essential time-tracking systems in our bodies that anticipate environmental changes and … Read more

Healthy Teeth and Gums with Green Tea

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Origins of green tea consumption believe that it could cure disease and heal wounds. With recent scientific studies showing that there are health benefits of drinking green tea, especially in weight loss, heart health, and cancer prevention. A study recently published in the Journal of Periodontology, states that routine intake of green tea may also help promote healthy teeth and gums. The study  found that those who regularly drank green tea had superior periodontal health than subjects that consumed less green tea. Male participants aged 49 through 59 were examined on three indicators of periodontal disease: periodontal pocket depth (PD), clinical attachment loss (CAL) of gum tissue, and bleeding on probing (BOP) of the gum tissue. Researchers observed that for every one cup of green tea consumed per day, there was a decrease in all three indicators. Green tea’s ability … Read more

Real Time Swine Flu Map

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With all the hype of the swine flu lately it is important to stay in the know… Google is currently tracking the swine flu on a up to date Google Map which shows suspected and confirmed cases across the world. It is worth a look if you are concerned… http://ow.ly/47bL Apparently though, some government officials are not taking the swine flu very seriously as a recent FML post indicates Today, I was pulled over by a police officer for speeding. After writing the ticket, he asked me why I was wearing a surgical mask. I told him that swine flu was found in our area and I was scared. He thought that I was insulting him and wrote me another ticket. *UPDATE visit http://swinemap.org/ for up to date swine flu information.