Daily News to host swine flu online chat Friday

Dr. Ronald Hershow, an infectious disease expert from the University of Illinois at Chicago, will be joining us virtually tomorrow at the Chi-Town Daily News. He'll answer your questions about swine flu.

Please join the conversation at noon, Friday. We look forward to hearing your questions and Dr. Hershow's answers.

Chicago swine flu round up

The Illinois Department of Public Health announced 17 probably cases of swine flu in the state today. There are eight in Cook County, and at least five in Chicago.

The media has been doing a pretty good job of covering this story. The LA Times even created a map of swine flu cases around the world.

With the city's first case announced yesterday, it's been a whirlwind. To recap the Daily News' coverage:

A bill that would require Chicago students to wash their hands before lunch may be gaining steam because of the swine flu threat.

Yesterday, officials announced nine cases in the state, following the closure of a Rogers Park Elementary School. Loyola University said one of its students was a probable case last night.

The local response has been cautious and measured, and experts say that is the right approach. Still, more targeted communication is necessary.

The state is tapping into a massive stockpile of medicine.

And Chicago, with a large, mobile population may be particularly vulnerable to swine flu, especially in public transit.

Still, we must be clear, echoing the city's message: Do not panic. Practice healthy living. Wash your hands, cover your cough and sneeze, and encourage others to do so, as well.

The Illinois Department of Public Health has a great swine flu resource center.

Remember Bush's hand sanitizer mini-scandal? Who's laughing now?

After President Obama's book, "The Audacity of Hope," was released in 2006, a brief Internet flare up erupted in November over this passage, as described by The New York Times:

[Obama] recalls a meet-and-greet encounter at the White House with George W. Bush, who warmly shook his hand, then “turned to an aide nearby, who squirted a big dollop of hand sanitizer in the president’s hand.” (“Good stuff,” he quotes the president as saying, as he offered his guest some. “Keeps you from getting colds.”)

Bloggers lit up deriding both Bush and Obama. Bush, for using hand sanitizer after shaking Obama's hand, and Obama for revealing it in his book.

Who's laughing now? The onset of swine flu has health officials recommending the use of hand sanitizer, and Rep. Mary Flowers (D-Chicago) hopes all Chicago students will be required to carry a portable bottle of the stuff.

It makes sense for someone who shakes as many hands as a president to use hand sanitizer. Now, it might make sense for everyone to make it a regular practice.

In fact, I raided Dominick's today for some supplies.

First case of swine flu shows wisdom behind hand-washing bill, legislator says

A bill requiring Chicago schoolchildren to wash their hands before lunch is more relevant than ever, says its chief sponsor.

"It does reinforce the wisdom. It’s the wisdom behind washing our hands," says state Rep. Mary Flowers (D-Chicago), who believes requiring students to wash their hands will prevent the spread of germs and disease.

Flowers' comments come as Chicago's first probable case of swine flu was confirmed this morning.

A Rogers Park elementary school has been closed for at least two days as a student has fallen ill with a probable case of swine flu.

A 12-year-old student at Kilmer Elementary Schools, 6700 N. Greenview, was recovering at home, according to news reports.

Alderman Joe Moore (D-49) said in a newsletter today the school was experiencing slightly higher-than-average absentee rate.

The Chicago Department of Public Health advised Chicago Public Schools head Ron Huberman to close the school for at least 48 hours while investigators determine if the case is isolated or widespread.

Visit the Chi-Town Daily News for the full story.

County health exec tied to company vying for $500M contract

The Cook County Health and Hospital System's chief procurement officer was formerly a high-ranking executive at a company that's under consideration for a $500 million contract with the system, the Daily News has learned.

The procurement officer, Lesie Duffy, was formerly director of client development at VHA, Inc.

The health system is currently weighing whether to shift most of its dollars to so-called group purchasing organizations. VHA subsidiary Novation, Inc., operates a group purchasing organization that is one of three competing for a three-year contract.

Duffy did not respond to requests for comment.

Hospital system interim CEO David Small says Duffy's ties to VHA don't represent a conflict of interest.

Proposals from group purchasing organizations were evaluated by a committee of about a dozen people, he says.

“She is in no way a decision authority. She did not have a vote," Small says. "So there's no conflict."

Cook County Commissioner Peter Silvestri is considering an inquiry into the group purchasing plan, including questions raised about Duffy's connection to VHA.

Silvestri says the proposal needs to be vetted to ensure it is in the best interests of the county.

Visit the Chi-Town Daily News for the full story.

BREAKING: Swine flu case possible at N. Side school

We're working to report this. In the meantime, here's a Trib story and a letter from Ald. Joe Moore:

Kilmer School Closed Temporarily Due to Swine Flu Precautions

Dear Neighbor,

The Chicago Department of Public Health reports that a student at Kilmer Elementary School, 6700 N. Greenview, has been diagnosed with a case of swine influenza. Attendance records also indicate a slightly higher than average absentee rate at the school in the last few days.

As a precaution, the Health Department advised the Chicago Board of Education to close the school for at least 48 hours while health officials survey parents and guardians to determine if the swine flu diagnosis is simply an isolated case or whether it is more widespread. Schools officials and my office are working closely with the Health Department. Once health officials determine it appropriate to re-open the school, parents and guardians will be notified. I will also notify you via e-mail.

It is important to note that the building itself is perfectly safe. The school is closed only as a precaution against the potential spead of the virus among children and staff.

Spread of swine flu occurs primarily through contact with a person with swine flu and is thought to occur in the same way as seasonal flu. Influenza is spread mainly person-to-person through coughing or sneezing of infected people.

If you suspect your child may have the flu, please contact a health care provider. A list of health care providers may be obtained by calling 311.

The symptoms of swine flu are similar to the symptoms of regular human flu and may include the following:

• Fever
• Sore throat
• Headache
• Cough
• Body aches
• Chills and fatigue

No vaccines are available right now to protect against swine flu, but you can take everyday actions that will help prevent the spread of germs that cause respiratory illnesses like influenza. Take these everyday steps to protect your health:

• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
  
• Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.
  
• Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
  
• If you get sick with influenza, stay home and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them. Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.

If you have any further questions or concerns please contact Kilmer School at 773-534-2115 or the Board of Education's Office of Specialized Services at 773-553-1800.

For more information on swine flu, including answers to frequently asked questions, CLICK HERE.

For a national perspective on swine flu, visit the web site of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention at www.cdc.gov/swineflu.

I will continue to keep you advised as I receive more information.

Sincerely,

Joe Moore

Visit the website of the 49th Ward

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Swine flu hyesteria sweeps the nation

There's been no bigger story in the last week than the outbreak of swine flu, originating in Mexico and spreading across the world. More than 70 cases have been confirmed in the U.S., and the LA coroner is investigating two deaths that may be linked. In New Zealand and Nova Scotia, spring break trips to Mexico are being blamed on outbreaks there.

Here is a round up of the most interesting swine flu news out there. And I'm interested in your thoughts. Is the media blowing this out of proportion? Are you worried? What more do you want to know?

- The Daily Herald gives a swine flu Q&A. So does Resurrection Health Care.

- Hitting close to home: Swine flu affects Notre Dame student from N. Indiana. (Chicago Breaking News)

- Swine flu made national headlines in 1976, and President Ford ordered everyone to get vaccinated. That led to the deadly Guillain-Barré syndrome, and made people wary of vaccinations. (Wired)

- The swine flu threat is depressing the markets, and could hurt soybean sales, here and abroad. (WSJ/Marketwatch)

- Mexican consulate says "don't panic," all is well. More than 150 dead in Mexico. (Daily News)

- Finally, a Health & Human Services secretary is confirmed. Former Kansas Gov. Kathleen Sebelius takes over, and will experience a trial by fire. Homeland Security chief Janet Napolitano has been coordinating the national effort until now. (VOA/LJWorld)

- Swine flu conspiracy theories are swirling. (LAT)

- CDPH "flooded" with calls about swine flu. (News-Gazette)

- IDPH says it's ready if swine flu comes to Illinois (which Chicago officials say will happen). (Trib)

-

Donate for Life Illinois video promotes organ donation

We blogged about how Americans are skittish when it comes to organ donation, and the folks at Donate for Life Illinois sent us a link to a video they produced. Have a look-see.

As swine flu fears grow, Mexican consulate says don't panic

The Mexican Consulate in Chicago is urging people not to panic as fears of a swine flu epidemic are sweeping the world and institutions across the city are taking precautionary, preventive measures.

Consulate press officer Lino Santacruz Moctezuma says he believes the virus is under control and asked people to exercise caution, but not terror.

“This swine flu is not a mortal disease anymore,” he said. He said the Mexican government had treated nearly 70 percent of known cases in that country.

But more than 150 people are dead in Mexico.

For the full story, check out the Chi-Town Daily News.

Worthy events promoting good causes

Men, get on your heels.

As part of National Sexual Assault Awareness Month, men are encouraged to join in the Walk a Mile in Her Shoes tomorrow, wearing pumps, heels and whatever female foot fashions suits their fancy. The event starts at 9 a.m. tomorrow, Saturday, April 25, at Nicholas Senn High School, 5900 N. Glenwood, Chicago. It's hosted by the Quetzal Center of the Community Counseling Centers of Chicago.

Access Community Health Network is hosting a Mother's Day event to raise awareness of breast cancer. The third annual Pin-A-Sister Sunday happens May 10, and takes place at hundreds of churches across Illinois.

The flagship event takes place at Malcolm X College and features a number of good speakers and attendees, including Dr. Damon Arnold, head of the Illinois Department of Public Health, Bishop Arthur Brazier, Pastor Emeritus, Apostolic Church of God in Chicago; Rev. Edward Whitehead, Greater New Exodus Church; Rev. Dr. Mildred Harris, Founder, President and CEO of God First Ministries; Program Emcee Darlene Hill, FOX TV News Reporter and Anchor Fill-in; and Father Claudio Diaz, Director of the Office for Hispanic Catholics. The audience was inspired by the musical talent of Kim Stratton, Stellar, Dove and Grammy Nominee; Isaac Mendoza, recording artist, and Citlalli, Mexican Folklore artist.

Prominent attendees at the event included Aldermen Michelle Harris (8th Ward), Virginia Rugai (19th Ward), Toni Foulkes (15th Ward) along with her mother, Edna Foulkes, a breast cancer survivor.

Registration ends May 1.

The straight dope on the Illinois cannabis conundrum

Medical marijuana back in the General Assembly's pipe for legislators to potentially smoke (awful puns end here).

The so-called "Compassionate Cannabis" bill moved through committee to the Senate floor in late March (the House has a similar bill under consideration). Cannabis advocates were excited to see it move forward, taking some of the most significant steps in recent years.

When it got to the Senate, shortly before it went on hiatus, several senators demanded amendments to the bill. Initially, it dictated only two ounces of prescribed marijuana could be possessed by a patient.

The amendments include, "(limiting) limit pot-smoking patients from driving and includes a small list of diseases that could warrant marijuana," writes MyStateline.com.

Chicagoan Julie Falco, who suffers from multiple sclerosis, says medicinal cannabis - as advocates are calling it - helps her live a more fulfilling life, as opposed to drugs that made her suicidal.

“I don’t get high from this. I get pain relief,” she says.

What are your thoughts on compassionate cannabis? Should pot be legalized in Illinois for medicianal purposes? Or should it be legal, just like alcohol and cigarettes?

Related: NPR had a very interesting report the other day, creating a fictional report, as if pot was made legal in the U.S.

Cleaning house: The best of recent Daily News coverage

I've been remiss in posting content from the Daily News on Chicago Health Matters. For that, I sincerely apologize.

It's been an interesting week, once again, in the public health sector. Following Mayor Daley's announcement that four mental health centers scheudled to close would stay open, the battle for mental health as a priority continues. (The mental health centers, by the way, opened Monday)

Today, the Coalition to Save Our Mental Health Centers went to City Hall today to demand tax data that could determine how much money the group gets to expand free mental health care on the North Side. They got the information, and can now move forward with drawing up a plan.

Across town, small business owners are railing against the independent board that runs the Cook County Health & Hospital System, decrying its proposal to work with a Group Purchasing Organization (GPO), from which it would buy all of its medical supplies. A GPO, business owners say, would shut out local business. The business owners are considering a class-action lawsuit against the county. This is a story we'll be following in the coming days and weeks.

What's the word in your corner of the city? Is there anything we should be covering that we're not? Drop me a line at alex (at) chitowndailynews (dot) org.

Morning round up: Health care growth in Chicago

- Two old friends open their own medical clinic on the Near North Side. It serves 400 people.

It’s a volunteer operation, funded entirely by private donations and staffed by 10 physicians, 10 nurses, 16 people who contribute clerical services and a part-time paid nurse manager. If a patient needs specialty care, Martinez turns to rheumatologists, orthopedic surgeons, endocrinologists, dermatologists, cardiologists, podiatrists and gynecologists who have agreed to donate services.

- More on Quinton Young's withdrawal from the leadership of the Illinois Health Facilities Planning Board.

- The city won't tear down the Michael Reese Hospital building to construct an Olympic Village site.

- Twenty clinics and hospitals are considering collaborating to provide better health care access to South Siders.

- The Quinn administration might charge state employees more for health care.

Gov. Pat Quinn’s administration is seeking a health insurance policy that would charge state employees more in monthly premiums if they chose more flexible plans, as opposed to a managed care policy. For example, employees enrolled in the most flexible plans currently pay about $90 a month. Under the administration’s proposal, that premium would increase to nearly $310.

- The Illinois Women's Health Registry is seeking hundreds of thousands of young women, who could join the program, which "database that helps researchers find women for clinical studies focused on conditions such as impaired fertility and osteoarthritis.

Quinn's pick to lead state hospital board withdraws

Quinton Young, the Chicago physician picked by Gov. Pat Quinn to lead the Illinois Health Facilities Planning Board, has withdrawn his nomination.

Young, a longtime presence on the Chicago medical scene, withdrew when "he discovered the former medical practice he retains an ownership stake in was leasing land to Advocate Health Care, the Quinn administration said," according to the Tribune.

Morning round up: Thin people are better for the environment

- Another reason to shed those extra pounds? UK scientists say larger people contribute to global warming.

- While residents of Crestwood are angry about their government's subterfuge in providing toxic-tainted water, Gov. Pat Quinn is ordering an inquiry into why the EPA didn't stop the city from providing the water.

- Mental health advocates in Illinois are worried the state's budget will mean fewer services for the mentally ill.

Morning round up: Poison water in Crestwood

- The Tribune had an unbelievable story yesterday: City officials in Crestwood knowingly allowed drinking water contaminated with toxic chemicals to be circulated for nearly 20 years.

- The ever-increasing costs of cigarettes are pushing more people to quit, or at least cut back.

"They've priced me out of the market," complains one smoker in a Northwest Herald story.

- Despite the down economy, health care thrives.

- Health care reform should be decided by the people says U.S. Rep. Judy Biggert (R-IL).

A children's treasurey of weekend health events!

This weekend features a boatload of health-related events, screening opportunities and more.

- Sunday is the Lead Awareness Fun Festival in Englewood. Organizers offer free lead screenings for children 6 and under, and will have music, games and more to celebrate lead awareness. It lasts from 2 - 5 p.m. at the Peace Community Center, 6455 S. Peoria.

- Provident Hospital, 500 E. 51st St., is hosting a men's health fair tomorrow from 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. There will be free screenings for diabetes, cholesterol levels, kidney disease and prostate cancer. There will also be rapid HIV testing. Speakers will discuss men's health issues, including impotence.

Speakers include Dr. Terry Mason, commissioner of the Chicago Department of Public Health (2 p.m.) and medical professionals. Cook County Board President Todd Stroger, a prostate cancer survivor, will be there around 11 a.m. to promote early prostate screening and testing, which helped him overcome the illness.

- And if you have food allergies, you might want to check out the Thrive Allergy Expo at McCormick Place, which has activities and speakers for folks with allergies and celiac disease.

Chicagoist has more details (word is a Portuguese Water Dog will be there, for all you Bo Obama fans.)

The Thrive Allergy Expo, April 18-19, 9:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., $10 for one-day pass, $15 for a two-day pass, McCormick Place, 2301 S. Lake Shore Drive. Kids under 12 admitted for free. You can purchase tickets by called (866) 617-EXPO or by going to the Thrive Allergy Expo website. (Info borrowed from Chicagoist)

Morning round up: Quinton Young appointed to task force

Outspoken local physician and Obama doctor Quinton Young has been named to head the Illinois Health Facilities Planning Board, by his former client, Gov. Pat Quinn. He'll be tasked with cleaning up the board, which was once rigged by the disgraced Tony Rezko, according to prosecutors. The board oversees the expansion and construction of hospitals. Young will not be paid for his position.

The Southtown Star lashes out at health insurance in Illinois, and the state's insurance board. Columnist Phil Kadner recently wrote about a woman who was denied health insurance because she was in grief counseling.

These bloggers are not pleased that Michelle Obama earned almost $63,000 from the University of Chicago Medical Center last year. She was unpaid leave from the hospital while she campaigned with her husband. Her position at U of C was eliminated early this year.

Uneasy organ donors

A study conducted by Donate Life America finds that only 38 percent of licensed drivers are organ donors.

It says drivers are reluctant to check the box on their driver's licenses because:

• 23 percent of people fear they are not healthy enough or are too old to donate their organs.
• 50 percent of respondents are concerned that doctors will not try as hard to save them if they are known to be an organ donor.
• 44 percent believe there is a black market in which people can buy or sell organs or tissue.
• 57 percent question whether or not a person can recover from brain death.

Are you a donor? Why or why not?

It took me several years to get up the courage to check the box on my now-ragged Missouri driver's license.

It seemed morbid, especially when I was 16 and felt invincible. Since then I've lost several friends in car accidents and I realized that I really won't have much use of my organs when I die, whenever and however that will happen.

It seems like the right thing to do. If my organs can save someone else's life, then I can help that person. I've never thought doctors would be less likely to save me if they saw I'm a donor, and I've never been too concerned about the organ black market.

Donate Life America has set up a Facebook page to make the donor process easier.

Morning round up: MRSA outbreak in Boston hospital

TB tests on hundreds of staffers who came into contact with an infected medical resident have come up negative, WBEZ reports. But only a handful of the almost 300 patients have been tested.
RELATED: MRSA outbreak in Boston hospital

Single-payer health care isn't socialism, writes a Newsday columnist. In a related story, the Chicago Single Payer Action Network is rallying in support of HB 676 this Saturday on the North Side. Details HERE.

A Joliet teacher who fought to wear a respiratory mask in the classroom wins her battle. She says the mask will help her deal with severe allergies.

University of Chicago must pass inspection or risk losing Medicare funding

The University of Chicago Medical Center could lose its Medicare funding in June if it does not pass a state inspection, following an elderly man's death in February that violated federal law, officials say.

Last month, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services found the hospital violated federal law by not attending to an elderly man in its waiting room. The man died four hours after his arrival on Feb. 3, apparently going unnoticed by nurses.

The university was required to submit a correction plan following the man's death. CMS accepted the measures U of C says it put in place last month, including re-educating staff about patient procedure, monitoring the emergency waiting room and punishing those responsible for the man's lapsed care.

See the full story at the Chi-Town Daily News.

More mental health billing problems, this time across the state

It's been a year since Frank Anselmo was introduced to the state's new mental health billing system, and to say it's been a headache would be an understatement.

From botching billing transactions to spitting back data, the system is costing providers what could amount to millions, he says.

"It's a mess,'' says Anselmo, CEO of the Springfield-based Community Behavioral Healthcare Association. He says his association's 80 or so members were "guinea pigs" in the push to introduce a new billing system for the state's mental health providers.

Anselmo and other providers who attended a joint meeting of the state House and Senate Human Services committees last week say that the new system, introduced in July, is handcuffing mental health providers.

Anselmo told the Daily News that billing data entered by clinical staff is returned by the state's system, which indicates reports are inaccurate or missing data.

For the full story, go to the Chi-Town Daily News.

Stroger hospital Medicaid funds at risk

Stroger Hospital could lose federal funding and recognition of its laboratories if it doesn't fix problems identified by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.

CMS inspectors found Stroger labs to be non-compliant with federal standards in December, citing issues in bacteriology and high-complexity testing. It also cited problems with the laboratory director and with the labs' technical supervisor.

A March re-inspection determined some of those problems had not been fixed, and found new issues with the hospital's analytic systems and its post-analytical procedures. The hopsital was notified of the latest infractions April 1.

See the full story at Chi-Town Daily News.

Morning round up: Mental health centers to open Monday; and state hospitals feel the pinch

More on the TB scare from ABC News. So far, nobody has tested positive, but tests are ongoing.

A local task force to help rape victims is being set up. Reports the Trib:

A local task force has proposed a new plan for emergency responders that calls for nurses trained to do forensic exams, advocacy services by rape crisis centers and a "victim sensitive" approach from investigators and prosecutors. The task force was set up by the Illinois Coalition Against Sexual Assaults and the Cook County Survivor Response Improvement Group. While it has no funding authority, the task force plans to take its findings to law enforcement and hospital administrators in Chicago and Cook County.

The recession is pinching state hospitals, which are seeing more unisunred patients than in the past, says the downstate News-Gazette:

Three-quarters of the state's hospitals are treating increasing numbers of uninsured patients, and just more than half are seeing decreases in admissions, particularly for elective procedures people can delay, according to the Illinois State Hospital Association.

Four mental health centers in Chicago that were due to close last week - but saved by stimulus dollars - are scheduled to open Monday. But Medill Reports notes confusion remains for patients.

More from Medill: Stimulus money to help lead abatement in Chicago.

The AARP is working to make health care cheaper and more accessible in Illinois.

A new holistic approach to medicine is taking center stage in Geneva.

Morning round up: Men's health discussion

Provident Hospital of Cook County and 100 Black Men of Chicago host a men's health fair this weekend at the hospital, 500 E. 51st St. The event, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. this Saturday, includes free screenings for diabetes, cholesterol, kidney disease, HIV and more. Terry Mason, director of the Chicago Department of Public Health is a guest speaker.

People continue to get tested for TB following revelations that a doctor who had TB worked at three area hospitals. CNN reports no positive tests have come back.

Dr. Eric Whitaker, an executive vice president of the University of Chicago Medical Center, is one of Barack Obama's best friends. That makes him a celebrity, says the Trib.

Obama forms health care reform office

I didn't see any coverage of this last week (but evidently there was plenty), so I thought I'd include it here. President Obama announced last week the formation of the Office of Health Reform. According a verbose presidential proclamation, the office "will provide leadership to the executive branch in establishing policies, priorities, and objectives for the Federal Government's comprehensive effort to improve access to health care, the quality of such care, and the sustainability of the health care system."

You can read the entire proclamation HERE.

Your thoughts: Good thing? Bad thing?

Report: 1 in 5 Americans don't have a doctor

That's the conclusion of a Scripps Howard report.

And those of us who do have a family doctor "are often shut out of care, translating to higher rates of illness and death, and higher costs.

A Scripps Howard News Service review found that access to primary care is deteriorating, driving millions of people outside traditional family practices, or leaving them without care. Millions of people -- even with insurance --often find it impossible to see a doctor except in an emergency room or walk-in clinic."

It's worse in rural areas:

In some places, the absence of care is stark -- like the 148 mostly rural counties with no doctor at all, according to government records analyzed by Scripps Howard.

Scripps has a database of doctors that you can access HERE.

Do you or someone you know not have access to a doctor?

Personally, I don't have a go-to doctor. I go to Northwestern when I need a check up, but I've lived in four different states in the last six years. That doesn't allow a lot of time to build relationships, or the trust one likes to have with a doctor. And despite several unhealthy habits, I think/hope/pray I'm a relatively healthy 20-something.

And since I'm fully immersed in the world of bachelorhood, I don't have to worry about dependents needing medical care. That's good news for me, but a lot of people have it much harder.

Tuberculosis scare hits Chicago

Just weeks after the city trumpeted the lowest TB rates ever in Chicago, TB is back, and a doctor may have exposed hundreds of infants and co-workers to the disease.

It's a scary thing to think that a health care worker might have exposed you or your child to something like TB. It's a pretty good bet that there was no intended malice on this doctor's part. Nevertheless, investigations are ongoing to see who may have been affected.

If you think you or your child might be infected with TB, here are the symptoms, according to the Mayo Clinic:

• Unexplained weight loss
• Fatigue
• Fever
• Night sweats
• Chills
• Loss of appetite

Tuberculosis usually attacks your lungs. Signs and symptoms of TB of the lungs include:

• Coughing that lasts three or more weeks
• Coughing up blood
• Chest pain, or pain with breathing or coughing

If you need to be tested or treated, the City of Chicago has four specialty clinics that deal with TB. There's also a wealth of resources on the city's Web site.

Chicago's TB clinics:

• Englewood Neighborhood Health Center
  641 W. 63^rd St.
  Chicago, IL 60621
  Phone: (312) 747-2443
  Fax: (312) 745-0282
  
  
• Uptown Neighborhood Health Center
  845 W. Wilson
  Chicago, IL 60644
  Phone: (312) 744-1295
  Fax: (312) 742-1814
  
  
• West Town Neighborhood Health Center
  2418 W. Division
  Chicago, IL 60622
  Phone: (312) 742-2418
  Fax: (312) 742-1629
  
  
• Lawndale Christian Health Center (subcontract site)
  3860 W. Ogden Ave.
  Chicago, IL 60623
  Phone: (773) 843-3002
  Fax: (773) 521-5017

Morning round up: New laws for health insurance benefit adult kids

Your adult children can keep on benefiting from your insurance, thanks to a new state law. Thanks, Mom and Dad!

Health care jobs, which have been sheltered from the economy, are now being hit, says the Wall Street Journal.

The Shriners are closing some hospitals thanks to sagging revenue/endowment, but none are in the Chicago area.

A report cited in the Tribune last week says non-profit hospitals get more charity (in the form of tax breaks) than they give. The Illinois Hospital Association and Metropolitan Chicago Healthcare Council respond.

Only one hospital outside Chicago has interpreters?

It looks like milk may be falling off some school menus.

The push for electronic medical records threatens privacy, even as it has the potential to save lives, says the Daily Herald.

AIDS is hitting the South hard, in part because people don't understand the disease, the Trib reports:

It is an attitude that health-care professionals have battled for almost a decade while HIV/AIDS skyrocketed in rural Southern communities, particularly among African-Americans. With too few doctors, staggering poverty and a history of inadequate AIDS education programs, the South is now home to half of the 1.1 million people living with HIV/AIDS in the United States, according to the Southern AIDS Coalition, which is composed of health professionals.

Last week was National Public Health Week, apparently. Sometimes it seems there's an overload of these specials days/weeks/months. April is apparently National Kite Month, Irritable Bowel Syndrome Month, Prevention of Animal Cruelty Month. There are about 50 other themes this month, too.

This week alone, evidently, celebrates: National Environmental Week, National Library Week, National Personal Training Week, Pan American Week, Egg Salad Week, National Crime Victims' Rights Week and National Occupational Health Nursing Week. Who knew? And with so many themes, how can we possibly give the attention each cause deserves?

Morning round up: Shady hospital practices?

A blistering article by the Chicago Tribune today shows how some hospitals may be neglecting poor patients, causing them to turn to Stroger Hospital.

Indigent and under-insured patients are turning to Cook County's Stroger Hospital after not getting fully treated at non-profit hospitals, swamping the cash-strapped public facility while fueling the county's sky-high sales tax, a Tribune investigation found.

Some of these patients arrive at Stroger's emergency room bearing discharge slips, prescriptions, even Yahoo and Google maps from non-profit hospitals, according to documents obtained by the Tribune.

A swamped ER is what the blogger behind Ill and Uninsured in Illinois found.

The Trib follows up with a look at how hospitals try to get tax subsidies.

The Trib had a story a few weeks ago questioning the need for observational stays. One woman interviewed in the story thought she was required to stay for observation, and her insurance wouldn't cover the cost.

An L.A. hospital settles over allegations it dumped homeless patient.

No surprise here: Blacks and Hispanics in Illinois suffer health care treatment disparities.

An all-time low in Illinois TB cases. The Daily News covered Chicago's all-time low a few weeks ago.

The Illinois Hospital Association did a study that found the state's hospitals are being affected by the economy:

• The economic crisis is affecting their ability to meet day-to-day operations:
  • 32% of Illinois hospitals and health systems reported a moderate effect on day-to-day operations;
  • 17% reported a significant effect. (see first attached chart)
• Illinois hospitals and health systems are having problems gaining access to capital:
  • 26% report significant problems;
  • 24% report moderate problems;
  • 64% report increased costs for credit and bonds. (see second chart)
• Illinois hospitals and health systems are postponing or deferring capital spending for general maintenance, renovations and upgrades of facilities and technology:
  • 73% are deferring current plans for capital investments;
  • 79% are deferring plans for new capital investments. (see third chart)
  Patients in Illinois are being affected by the economic crisis:
• 75% of hospitals and health systems report an increase in the number of uninsured patients;
• 47% report increases in emergency department visits;
• 55% report decreases in admissions, particularly elective procedures.

Illinois hospitals are waiting longer to receive reimbursement from all payers:

• 78% report longer delays in Medicaid payments; the average Medicaid accounts receivable is 160 days, with some hospitals as high as 350 days;
• 20% report longer delays in Medicare payments;
• 30% report longer delays in commercial insurance payments. (see fourth chart)

Is there lead in your dishes?!?!?!

Medill takes a look at how the uncertainty of the mental health clinics in Chicago is messing with patients.

IDPH is worried about the rise in STDs in Illinois.

Anything we're not covering? Send us a note: alex (at) chitowndailynews (dot) org

Mental health centers will stay open

It's been a crazy week in Chicago's mental health community, as four centers were supposed to close Tuesday. But the mayor said they would stay open. Yet, yesterday, equipment was being moved from the South Side Centers and staffers said they were closing. But, Thursday afternoon news came from City Hall that stimulus money (a possibility the Daily News reported on in mid-March) would keep the centers open as city officials seek more funding.

That's good news for mental health advocates, who worried the closures would hurt patients. But, as funding is being acquired from the state, the centers are closed.

The bottom line is that they're staying open, and health advocates are happy about that.

See the full story at the Chi-Town Daily News.

BREAKING: Mental health centers appear to be closing

Despite a mayoral repreive Tuesday, it appears four of Chicago's city-run mental health centers are closing. Furniture and computers were being removed from at least two of the facilities, and others said they were no longer taking patients.

More info coming at the Chi-Town Daily News.

Nuclear Regulatory Commission finds April Fool's Day joke unfunny

Last week, we reported on the some shenanigans that occurred while reporting on a story about chemical emissions in Chicago.

I tried to find out more details from one company listed in an EPA report. The company, Temtco, a North Side steel manufacturer, is listed as one of the top 100 chemical emitters in the country. I called the company's Chicago office, and a man identifying himself as CFO Ron Carey said the company had radioactive materials.

To make a long story short, they don't, and Ron Carey doesn't exist.

The head of Temtco's Chicago office called a few days later and said he takes the false statement very seriously.

In the meantime, I had asked the Nuclear Regulatory Commission in Temtco had radioactive materials. Their response follows:

The NRC takes any claim about the misuse of nuclear materials very seriously.

NRC staffers looked into the details you provided us and determined Temtco does not have a license for nuclear materials. Illinois is an agreement state, which means they are responsible for administering the licenses, we checked with them and they too do not have Temtco as a license holder.

Chicago's mental health battle rages on

It's been a whirlwind week for Chicago's mental health centers, four of which were due to shut their doors yesterday. But following a Daily News report detailing billing glitches that directly led to the decision to close the South Side centers, Mayor Daley said the plans were in limbo.

At a press conference yesterday, we asked Mayor Daley to comment on the billing fiasco, and he said the plan to shutter the centers was on hold. That was a day after a coalition of mental health advocates staged a brief sit-in at the mayor's office, demanding a meeting with Daley or his chief of staff, Paul Volpe.

Volpe sat down with them, and offered to meet with them again last night, this time with Terry Mason, the head of the Chicago Department of Public Health. Advocates were enthusiastic to meet with city officials, giving them a five-point plan of demands and solutions, but left disappointed, as no concrete decision was made.

So we're back to Square One. Nobody seems to know what's going to happen. Most health department employees are at a department-wide meeting today. Health department spokesman could not say whether the centers would remain open.

Advocates say they aren't giving up the fight.

“These are the people who can make it happen. If the want to make it happen, it will happen. If they don’t make it happen, these people will die,” said Darryl Gumm, chairman of the Community Mental Health Board.

So more questions remain for the health department and the mayor. Are these centers closing or not? Patients at the Woodlawn clinic told me yesterday morning they were saddened by the closures, but relieved the saga was over. That's not the case anymore, apparently.

The Tribune reported today that the city has billed only $32,000 for fiscal year 2009. That's out of about $5 million they could have earned. The reason the clinics closed is because of a lack of billing, which in turn equals money. What consequences could the mental health system incur?

The follow-up: Daley puts closures on hold

In a surprise announcement, Mayor Richard M. Daley said at a press conference this morning that a plan to close four of Chicago’s city-run mental health clinics is on hold.

Daley's comments came on the day the South Side centers were scheduled to close, and following a report in the Daily News that billing problems and computer glitches caused the Chicago Department of Public Health to lose more than $1 million in state funds. The ensuing funding crisis led to the plans to close the four clinics.

Read more at the Chi-Town Daily News.

Exclusive: Billing glitch led to mental health closures

The Chicago Department of Public Health lost more than $1 million in state funding by failing to fix computer problems with its billing system, public records show, sparking a funding crisis and the scheduled closure of four South Side mental health centers today.

City officials have previously blamed the closures in large part on state budget cutbacks.

But a trail of official paperwork, obtained by the Daily News through the Freedom of Information Act, shows that the department’s new computerized billing system was so flawed that patient bills weren’t submitted to the state for six months in 2008.

Billing the state was crucial to getting funds, because of the way the state allocates dollars for mental health services.

The city's current-year state payments are based on monthly reimbursements for service. When the state received no bills from the city for the last four months of the previous fiscal year, it amended the contract it had with the city to reflect the city's apparent lesser need for funds.

Read the full story at the Chi-Town Daily News.

Morning round up: Health care debates ramp up

• Children suffering from serious illnesses are getting a morale boost, thanks to local photographers who are turning Comer Children's Hospital into a fierce fashion studio. A program called Flashes of Hope is taking portraits of the kids.

• The Illinois Department of Public Health is working to address health care disparities in the state, especially when it comes to minorities. It's part of Minority Health Month and STD Awareness Month:

“Although we have made advances in reducing health disparities among minorities, we need to continue to work to eliminate these disparities. Statistics show minorities are heavily impacted by STDs, which is one of the reason numerous Minority Health Month events are focusing on education and awareness of STD/HIV/AIDS. By changing risky behaviors we can turn around this alarming trend, stop the suffering and save lives,” said state public health director, Dr. Damon T. Arnold.

This is a topic the Daily News has covered several times, as of late.

• A nasty story from the Trib says Riverridge Hospital in Forest Park failed to protect young patients from sexual assault at the hospital.

State officials commissioned the UIC report after a Tribune investigation in July showed that Riveredge left sexual predators unguarded despite allegations that mentally disabled children were assaulted.

In light of the UIC report, the state Department of Children and Family Services said it would continue its current "intake hold" barring new admissions of juvenile state wards to the Forest Park facility.

• The Illinois House approved legislation called the Health Insurance Consumer Protection act, which would help people acquire health insurance in a state that, according to some, coddles the insurance industry.

The bill requires insurance companies to spend at least 75 percent of premium dollars on medical care, rather than executive salaries, marketing and profits; established an Office of Consumer Health Insurance to independently review denied claims and rate increases; and simplifies the insurance application process. The bill was sponsored by Greg Harris (D-Chicago).

• What are you doing at noon? There's a rally at Federal Building Plaza (Adams and Dearborn) to support single-payer health care. It's being organized by Physicians for a National Health Care Program.

• Here's a neat story from WLS about CPS students who are already preparing for a career in health care. The story says "The Department of College and Career Preparation affiliated with the Chicago public school system is the driving force behind the Medical and Health Careers Academy at Roger Sullivan High School in the Rogers Park community. The academy prepares high school students for careers in the health field."

• Mercy Hospital is one of the top .05 percent of hospitals in the country for its use of electronic systems. But, says the New York Times, it's an anomoly among hospitals, which are slowly moving forward in the tech age. Actor Dennis Quaid hopes more hopsitals use electronic records; he was in Chicago this weekend for a health care conference, and discussed the fight his young daughters had after they were given near-fatal doses of a drug.

• The University of Chicago and Holy Cross are joining forces to treat older patients: "On April 6, some older patients will be transferred from U of C hospital to Holy Cross, where they will continue to be treated by U of C doctors, the two hospitals announced Friday."

The program is similar to one UC has enacted, where it refers non-critical patients to community health centers.

• Another eulogy for "ER," this time from the New York Times.

• Crain's takes a close look at the health care debate, and shows that health care contributions in Chicago are down 20 percent.

Chicago Health Matters featured on BeatBlogging.org

We apologize for the lack of a morning round up today. It's been a busy day in the Daily News newsroom.

We did find time to talk to Pat Thornton, editor of BeatBlogging.org, who asked us about why we started Chicago Health Matters, what the future holds and how we hope you, the audience, can interact with the blog and contribute to important reporting.

Check out the article HERE.

Morning round up: Twittering surgery

• In case you wanted to see blood and guts this morning, you can click here (caution: gross). The pictures are part of an experiment to live-tweet a surgery at Sherman Hospital. You can follow the surgery on Twitter.

• More bad news for Chicago hospitals. This story recalls a boy who died at Ravenswood Hospital last year; EMTALA may have been broken.

• File under: Really? Nine patients in Austin, Texas, accounted for nearly 3,000 hospital visits from 2003 to 2008. Mind-blowing.


• It's a tough time to be a small, innovative medical supply company, says the New York Times.

"...Wall Street analysts and venture capitalists agree that small health care companies are crucial sources of innovation for the industry’s larger players and one of the nation’s most likely sources of new employment as the economy recovers — if they survive the recession, that is."

• Medicare patients often return to hospitals after they have been treated. According to the Trib:

One in five Medicare patients are readmitted to the hospital within 30 days of being discharged – and one in three are back within 90 days – in large part because they lacked a primary care provider, according to a new national study released Wednesday....

..."A lot of these patients come into the hospital extremely sick, sometimes near death, and when they recuperate and leave the hospital they don't want to return," said Dr. Mark Williams, chief of hospital medicine at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine. "It's very frustrating and scary, especially for elderly patients with multiple medical problems. Every hospitalization takes its toll."

• Illinois might ban BPA in children's bottles and sippy cups. The Chicago City Council is considering a similar measure.


• What is it with taxes? Kansas Gov. Kathleen Sebelius, President Obama's HHS nominee, admits she goofed on her taxes. She paid back the $8,000 she owed.

Medical marijuana vote delayed

It looks like a bill to legalize medicinal cannabis is on hold after state senators asked for several amendments to the bill. It was voted out of the rules committee last week, and was expected to be approved this week.

Aides at chief sponsor Sen. William Haine's office say the bill will be revisited after the Senate's hiatus. They take a break after this week, and return April 21.

Morning round up: University of Chicago can't catch a break

• What more bad news could befall the University of Chicago Medical Center? On Saturday, a patient in the waiting room reported to Chicago police that a clock hanging on the wall fell on her head. It's unknown if her injuries were serious.

• A University of Illinois study shows that drinking water might not be as safe as we think: "The chemicals used to purify the water we drink and use in swimming pools react with organic material in the water yielding toxic consequences."

• Smokers lament as the feds impose a $.62 tax today. That might just be the beginning, as the General Assembly is considering an additional $1 tax.

• Thompson Reuters did a hospital study, and finds that facilities on Chicago's North Shore are some of the best around. The study commended NorthShore University HealthSystem, which includes Evanston Hospital, Glenbrook Hospital, Highland Park Hospital and Skokie Hospital.

• Wisconsin is considering the "medical homes" theory, where patients find a community clinic to go to for all their non-emergency needs. It's the same concept U of C is promoting in its Urban Health Initiative and South Side Health Collaborative.

• A physician in downstate Benton pleaded guilty to medical fraud, after instructing his staff to bill Medicaid for non-Medicaid services.

Quinn signs law reducing breast cancer treatment disparity in Illinois

The often confusing and scary world that accompanies a breast cancer diagnosis is about to get a little easier.

Gov. Pat Quinn approved a law aimed at reducing the disparity experienced by poor, immigrant and minority women as they seek treatment and payment options.

The law increases Medicaid reimbursements for mammograms and screenings and gives Medicaid providers bonus payments for using best practice screening and treatments. It also pushes for more awareness and education for at-risk women.

In addition, it requires insurers to cover pain medication for women receiving treatment and gives women easier access to screenings.

See the full story at the Chi-Town Daily News.