Long waits a violation of mental health services consent decree, court master says

Staff file photo by Joe Phelan Daniel Wathen Maine Today Photo Store The long wait is in apparent violation of a long-standing consent decree that settled a lawsuit brought two decades ago by mental health advocates that holds the state mental health system to agreed-upon standards of care. One part of the consent decree, according to former Chief Justice Daniel Wathen, who oversees the decree and files regular reports on its implementation, requires the state Department of Health and Human Services to assign a caseworker to people with severe and persistent mental illness to assist them in accessing services in the community within seven days of a request for a caseworker. Wathen, in his court master’s report for the period of January to June 30, wrote, “The most persistent and glaring example of non-compliance with the consent decree is the department’s failure to promptly provide timely community integration services for those with severe and persistent mental illness.” Wathen said six months ago that there were 387 people on a waiting list for assignment of a caseworker with an average wait of more than 40 days and some waiting up to 300 days. “Today, the situation is worse,” Wathen’s most recent report, released Thursday, notes.”543 people, both class members (the term for former Augusta Mental Health Institute patients covered by the terms of the consent decree) and non-class members including those who are MaineCare eligible and those who are not, are now on the wait list, and they are waiting an average of 58 days, with some waiting more than 350 days. Clearly the trend is in the wrong direction, although it may be influenced to some extent by the funding uncertainty that accompanies the budget process and the end of the fiscal year.” Guy Cousins, director of the state Office of Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services, said a lack of adequate funding is part of the problem and seconded Wathen’s suggestion that it is exacerbated by some service providers who are hesitant to take new clients into programs with uncertain funding.
For the original version including any supplementary images or video, visit http://www.onlinesentinel.com/news/maine/Long-waits-a-violation-of-mental-health-services-consent-decree-court-master-says.html

Maine lawmakers OK prison mental health unit bill

Thursday, Aug. 29, 2013 | Posted: 5:33 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 29, 2013 Maine lawmakers OK prison mental health unit bill Sponsored Links The Associated Press AUGUSTA, Maine Maine is poised to create a mental health unit at Maine State Prison to help bail out a troubled psychiatric center. The Democratic-controlled House overwhelmingly approved a measure authorizing the unit on Thursday, followed by the Senate.
For the original version including any supplementary images or video, visit http://www.ajc.com/news/ap/legislative/maine-committee-oks-prison-mental-health-unit-bill/nZgYw/

Child mental-health commission launches six-month study

Starting next month, Miami-Dade County will train school personnel to spot warning signs of disturbed students. The “Typical or Troubled?” program, designed by the American Psychiatric Foundation, helps adults distinguish normal teen angst and rebellion from indications of deeper psychological problems. Underwood and others said warning signs include withdrawing socially, persistent sadness, agitation, substance abuse or sudden changes in appetite or sleeping patterns. The National Alliance on Mental Illness Greater Orlando also offers a program called “Ending the Silence” to teach high school students the signs and symptoms of mental-health problems and what they should do about them. Donna Helsel, the group’s director of education, said a pilot program in May at Edgewater and Evans high schools showed promise.
For the original version including any supplementary images or video, visit http://articles.orlandosentinel.com/2013-08-26/health/os-child-mental-health-commission-20130826_1_mental-illness-national-alliance-warning-signs

Dr. Braxton Cosby shares the basics of good nutrition

Nutrition Policy Rethink – The Body Controls Salt Intake, Restrictions Aren’t Needed

Braxton Cosby continues his uncles influential legacy by changing lives through his own career in Physical Therapy and Sports Nutrition. I asked him to tell me about the importance of good nutrition and all that the topic implies. In this three part series, he shares how to find good nutrition using common sense practices. Tamar Hela: So, what is good nutrition? Dr. Braxton Cosby: As a personal trainer and sports nutritionist, I am always asked this question.
For the original version including any supplementary images or video, visit http://www.examiner.com/article/dr-braxton-cosby-shares-the-basics-of-good-nutrition

This new scientific review, however, found that people have a very predictable and narrow range of daily sodium intake (approximately 2,600 mg to 4,800 mg per day) that has remained quite constant during more than 50 years and across at least 45 countries. Our data clearly demonstrate that humans sodium (salt) intake is regulated within a relatively narrow ‘normal’ range that is defined by the bodys physiology and biological need rather than by the food supply, said the studys lead author David McCarron, a physician and adjunct professor in the UC Davis Department of Nutrition. The nations future health policies and guidelines should be developed based on that biologically determined range. He noted that these findings were recently presented to an Institute of Medicine committee, which prepared the report Sodium Intake in Populations Assessment of Evidence. In releasing that report, the Institute of Medicine acknowledged for administrative reasons that it remained silent on what constituted the normal range of sodium intake for humans and specifically what defined excessive intake, McCarron said. He noted that the institutes report was explicit in stating that the current U.S. sodium guidelines for healthy individuals (no more than 2,300 mg per day) and for those at risk of heart disease (no more than 1,500 mg per day) were unsupported by data in the medical literature. However, our research teams new study, combined with our 2009 publication, now defines what for humans is the normal range of sodium or salt intake and suggests what would constitute both an excessive and deficient sodium intake in terms of promoting optimal health, McCarron said.
For the original version including any supplementary images or video, visit http://www.science20.com/news_articles/nutrition_policy_rethink_body_controls_salt_intake_restrictions_arent_needed-118984

Nutrition Labels Aimed to Dupe Consumers—And How to Tell What You’re Really Eating

Calories A calorie is a calorie is a calorie. Calories in minus calories out equals weight gain or weight loss. Right? So whats the difference between an equal amount of calories worth of fresh fruit, and, say, Doritos? Or for a more equivalent comparison, between a whole food like oatmeal and a processed food with similar ingredients like Cheerios?
For the original version including any supplementary images or video, visit http://www.alternet.org/food/nutrition-labels-dupe-consumers

Taylor Swift, Cate Blanchett And More In This Week’s Best And Worst Beauty (PHOTOS)

Best products for natural beauty

WORST: Emeli Sande Sande’s “Our Version of Events” album is one of the most-played records on our iPods, but the Scottish singer hit all the wrong notes with the wrong concealer shade for her caramel skin tone. BEST: Tina Fey Funny girl Tina Fey took our breath away with her ombre hairstyle and coral lip gloss. The colors warm up her milky complexion and brighten up her monochromatic outfit. WORST: AnnaLynne McCord The “90210” actress suffered from a heavy hand when it came down to her makeup. The gold eyeshadow and bronzer make her look really orange, and her bubblegum pink lipstick only magnifies her mishap. BEST: Ciara CiCi is looking super hot these days! The “Body Party” singer added a bit of length to her lob haircut for an effortlessly sexy style.
For the original version including any supplementary images or video, visit http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/08/25/taylor-swift-hair-best-worst-beauty_n_3791641.html

Make it mineral When choosing natural makeup its best to choose mineral based products that will let your skin breathe. Avoid fragrances, preservatives and additives. This is especially important around sensitive areas like the eyes. Vegan friendly A lot of natural beauty products are vegan friendly, but not all of them.
For the original version including any supplementary images or video, visit http://www.news.com.au/lifestyle/health-fitness/best-products-for-natural-beauty/story-fneuz9ev-1226703845962

Beauty tutorials: making your tan last

I was happy to sit beside Guang Anurat during the sumptuous sit-down dinner prepared by Solaire Resorts and Casino. JP Tanchanco, Miss World Philippines Judge from Thailand Guang Anurat “I think Filipinas are distinct because they have a really nice personality…they are down to earth. Their beauty shows diverse racial mixes and everyone speaks English well,” said Anurat. Among the candidates who took the catwalk, 4 winners were given special awards.
For the original version including any supplementary images or video, visit http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/lifestyle/08/24/13/night-beauty-and-giving-ms-world-ph-gala-charity

A night of beauty and giving at Miss World PH gala charity

Before – Exfoliate http://youtu.be/85xYj5dgQGo Oops, this might already be too late, but if you haven’t already headed off for the sun, exfoliating your skin is a key step in order to create a healthy base tan. Tracy O’Connor recommends exfoliating skin in the shower, as the heat and moisture help to open up the skin and remove dead cells. In the video she also advises using an exfoliator with microbeads, which are gentle and non-abrasive. According to O’Connor, exfoliants with crushed nuts and seeds can cause small abrasions and damage to skin. During – Moisturize http://youtu.be/QI1MDk-IQto Keeping skin as moisturized as possible while you’re tanning will pay off with a longer lasting tan. In this video beauty blogger Tanya Burr runs you through some of her favorite moisturizing products.
For the original version including any supplementary images or video, visit http://news.yahoo.com/beauty-tutorials-making-tan-last-101252176.html

Exercise STALWART GUARDIAN 2013 Wraps Up – 1,500 Regular and Reserve Force Troops Involved

The Effects of exercise on the Heart – HealthCentral.com

Exercise STALWART GUARDIAN 2013 has confirmed our ability to deploy in response to a domestic situation while providing an opportunity for soldiers of 4thCanadian Division to continue to build on their skills learned during their trades training, said Brig.-Gen. Omer Lavoie, Commander 4thCanadian Division. We are grateful for the suppo rt we received from the community, which was vital in our exercise success, he added. Each year, the men and women of 4thCanadian Division, conduct individual training courses to enhance their personal military skill sets. These courses are followed by a major field training exercise designed to test their collective abilities at the Territorial Battalion Group.
For the original version including any supplementary images or video, visit http://blogs.ottawacitizen.com/2013/08/25/exercise-stalwart-guardian-2013-wraps-up-1500-regular-and-reserve-force-troops-involved/

Like all muscles, the heart becomes stronger as a result of exercise, so it can pump more blood through the body with every beat and continue working at maximum level, if needed, with less strain. The resting heart rate of those who exercise is also slower because less effort is needed to pump blood. A person who exercises often and vigorously has the lowest risk for heart disease, but any amount of exercise is beneficial. Studies consistently find that light-to-moderate exercise is even beneficial in people with existing heart disease. Note, however, that anyone with heart disease or cardiac risk factors should seek medical advice before beginning a workout program. The heart is a large muscular organ that pumps blood throughout the body. Valves inside the heart open and close.
For the original version including any supplementary images or video, visit http://www.healthcentral.com/diet-exercise/exercise-000029_3-145.html

Athletics and Asthma: Keeping Exercise-Induced Asthma at bay

The airway becomes narrow, bringing on asthmatic symptoms. Dr. Young says there are signs and symptoms to look out for when someone is experiencing an episode of exercise-induced asthma (officially called bronchoconstriction). This includes shortness of breath, feeling tightness in chest, coughing and wheezing. These symptoms generally occur 10-15 minutes after a brief period of physical exertion, or about 15 minutes into prolonged exercise and can be more severe when someone is in the cold air. With rest, symptoms tend to resolve after 30-60 minutes. There are, however, some preventive actions you can take for exercise-induced asthma (bronchoconstriction). This includes: When possible, exercise indoors on days when the outside air is particularly cold When exercising outside in cold air, breathe through a loose fitting scarf or mask Make sure coaches and/or exercise partners know about your asthma and how they can help if you develop symptoms Develop an Asthma Emergency Care Plan with your doctor and share this with your coaches and/or exercise partners Talk to your doctor about medications to prevent symptoms Its important to note that asthma and exercise-induced bronchoconstriction should not be a reason to avoid exercise, Dr.
For the original version including any supplementary images or video, visit http://blog.cleveland.com/community-public-blog/2013/08/athletics_and_asthma_keeping_e.html

For ‘Biggest Loser’ trainer, diet trumps exercise in weight loss

But Dr. Mark Kelly, an exercise physiologist at the American Council on Exercise, said that even with supervision, Crossfit can be risky if the fitness groundwork isn’t in place. “Crossfit has very ballistic training. You’re asking people to move fast through a large range of motion. Even with coaching, the foundation of stability, mobility and psychomotor skill has to be laid (first),” he said.
For the original version including any supplementary images or video, visit http://www.foxnews.com/health/2013/08/19/for-biggest-loser-trainer-diet-trumps-exercise-in-weight-loss/

Prostate Cancer ADT: Kidneys and Hips At Risk

Findings are available in the Scandinavian Journal of Urology, July 18, http://informahealthcare.com/doi/abs/10.3109/21681805.2013.813066?prevSearch=allfield%253A%2528hip%2Bfracture%2Band%2Badt%2529&searchHistoryKey . Separately, the UK study focused on the more common application of ADT: advanced, though non-metastatic prostate cancer. In reviewing a total of 10,250 newly diagnosed prostate cancer patients, researchers found a significant association with increased risk of acute kidney injury (AKI). Findings were published in The Journal of the American Medical Association, July 17, http://jama.jamanetwork.com/article.aspx?articleid=1713592 . “I’m troubled by the volume of newly diagnosed ADT patients in each of these studies,” said Dr. Samadi. “The potential for renal function damage and bone loss should be alarming to patients considering ADT, particularly as a first line of defense against prostate cancer.
For the original version including any supplementary images or video, visit http://finance.yahoo.com/news/prostate-cancer-adt-kidneys-hips-184511518.html

Hormone Therapy Linked to Higher Breast Cancer Death Risk

Twenty-five women who took hormone therapy died from breast cancer during the study, compared to 12 women in the placebo group. null “It is early in the follow-up and the number of breast cancer deaths will certainly substantially increase as we move forward,” said Dr. Rowan Chlebowski, professor of medicine at the David Geffen School of Medicine at the University of California, Los Angeles, and lead author of the study. Women in the study who used estrogen and progestin for five-and-a-half years — which is considered long-term use of the therapy — were at higher risk of getting breast cancer, said Chlebowksi. Earlier results of this trial indicated a connection between synthetic hormone therapy — commonly marketed as as the drug Prempro — and less aggressive forms of breast cancer . But results now suggest that women who took hormones may be at risk of any, including more aggressive and late-stage, forms of breast cancer. null “For women currently on HRT, I think it warrants a significant talk with their physician as to whether they warrant the therapy,” said Dr.
For the original version including any supplementary images or video, visit http://abcnews.go.com/Health/OnCallPlusBreastCancerNews/combination-hormone-therapy-linked-breast-cancer-death/story?id=11920352

Pregnancy Loves Raspberry Leaf

Ask Dr. K: Weigh risks of SSRIs during pregnancy

High in iron and calcium, both in easy to assimilate forms, red raspberry leaf is best when ingested regularly so it can build up in the system and provide strength to the growing baby and mother. Red raspberry leaf helps prepare the uterus for labor and delivery with the nutrientfragrine, an alkaloid which help tone the muscles of the pelvic region including the uterus.Raspberry balances hormones and can be the most important food a pregnant mother consumes during these crucial body-building months. Other vitamins in red raspberry include: Vitamin A, Vitamin C, B Vitamins, phosphorus, potassium, manganese and magnesium, Vitamin E and many other minerals. Quite a few studies have been conducted to test the affects of pregnant women who used red raspberry leaf during pregnancy. It was found, by researchers in Australia, that women who ingested red raspberry leaf regularly were less likely to have Cesarean births and use of forceps dropped by 35%. Another study showed women who took raspberry leaf experienced shortened stage-two labor significantly as well as an improved third stage.
For the original version including any supplementary images or video, visit http://guardianlv.com/2013/08/pregnancy-loves-raspberry-leaf/

Medication is one option. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are the most common drugs prescribed for depression. SSRIs include fluoxetine (Prozac), sertraline (Zoloft), citalopram (Celexa) and escitalopram (Lexapro). Another option is “talk therapy.” This can be traditional one-on-one sessions with a therapist. It also can mean family therapy, involving you, your spouse and possibly other family members.
For the original version including any supplementary images or video, visit http://www.montereyherald.com/living/ci_23897992/ask-dr-k-weigh-risks-ssris-during-pregnancy

hi there

welcome to my online journey