Drug Store Directory Blog
Friday, March 30, 2007
  More Iron Range Miners Dying of Mesothelioma Cancer
More Iron Range Miners Dying of Cancer
 
By Star Tribune Staff, Star Tribune
 
March 28, 2007 - Reviving a 35-year-old controversy on Minnesota's Iron Range, the state Health Department said on Wednesday that a rare asbestos-related cancer is killing miners in significantly greater numbers than previously reported.
 
A new analysis found that 35 miners died of mesothelioma from 1997 through 2005 -- double the number reported killed by the disease in the previous nine-year period. In all, 52 Iron Range mine workers died of the disease since 1988, all of them men.
 
In northeast Minnesota, where dusty iron- ore mines have operated for more than a century, mesothelioma strikes men at more than twice the rate in the rest of the state, the department said. Women there have lower rates of the disease, suggesting that the higher rate among men is job-related.
 
But the Health Department hasn't linked the deaths to mine dust. Nor did health officials repudiate their controversial 2003 study, which said commercial asbestos used in boilers and other equipment, rather than mine dust, is the most likely cause of miners' mesothelioma.
 
That study has been criticized by mine workers and others, including former U.S. District Judge Miles Lord, who have said it didn't dig deep enough into the problem.
 
Now, the department said Wednesday, it plans to launch a three-year study that examines whether past mine-dust exposure is linked to cancer, along with other research to assess the health risks of breathing asbestos-like fragments produced during mining and iron-ore processing. The latter study aims to set state exposure limits for those fibers, officials said.
 
Bitter confirmation
 
For Joe Scholar, 84, of Virginia, Minn. a retired mine supervisor who suffers from lung disease, the growing death toll is a bitter confirmation of his 20-year effort to convince health officials that ore mining caused cancer.
 
"It is undeniable," said Scholar, who served on an advisory committee for a 2003 state study. "I am hoping I live long enough to see this exposed."
 
Health officials warned that asbestos exposure also puts workers at risk for other asbestos-related illnesses like lung cancer and lung-scarring asbestosis. Those diseases potentially affect many more people than mesothelioma would. Yet officials offered only generic health advice to current miners.
 
"We still don't know any more than we did in 2003," said Mary Manning, director of the Health Department division overseeing the effort. "What people should do is continue to get regular health care, not smoke, watch their weight, eat a good diet. There is no screening for mesothelioma. Taking positive actions for their health is the only thing we can recommend right now."
 
Mesothelioma attacks the lining of the lung, but takes decades to strike. Needle-like asbestos fibers first lodge deep in the lungs, causing inflammation and plaque that restricts breathing. In some cases, the condition progresses to the deadly cancer. In Minnesota, it strikes less than 3 in 100,000 people. Two months later, he died
 
The cancer snuck up on Alver Uncini of Chisholm, Minn. For 10 months, he suffered intense pain from his chest area to his back, but doctors and a chiropractor did not immediately discover the problem, said his son, Robert.
 
Then he was diagnosed with mesothelioma. Two months later, on Nov. 15, 2004, he died. He was 80.
 
Uncini, who had worked in the mines for 34 years, had retired from the Minntac plant in Mountain Iron, Minn., in the mid-1980s.
 
"The trouble with mesothelioma is that it is hard to detect and by the time they find it, it is usually too late to do anything anyway," Robert Uncini said. "I hate to see anyone suffer from that."I'm glad to see that [new studies are being conducted]," Uncini said, "because I worked in the mines for 30 years myself." He said he had just retired from Hibbing Taconite, and recalled that in the early years at the plant, none of the workers wore respirators.
 
Databases were cross-checked
 
The Health Department identified the 52 mesothelioma victims by comparing names in a statewide cancer registry with a database of 72,000 people who worked in Minnesota's iron-mining industry between the 1930s and 1982. That means miners who died of mesothelioma after moving to other states are not counted.
 
Officials said the new studies will cost up to $1.2 million. In the planned exposure study, officials will use data on how much workers in various jobs were exposed to the dust, and then compare whether workers in dusty jobs had higher rates of mesothelioma.
 
The department has applied for federal research grants, but Manning said the projects will go ahead regardless of whether that money comes through.
 
Data found a year ago
 
Manning said officials spent a year reviewing data and planning the response after researchers discovered the higher mesothelioma toll in March 2006.
 
Officials from the United Union of Steelworkers and the mining industry endorsed the studies. But Robert Bratu- lich, director of the District 11 Steelworkers union, said a larger study should have been done long ago "and as I recall, the Health Department refused to do that."
 
If you would like to comment on this report, send an email to investigations@startribune.com.
 
Thursday, March 22, 2007
  Cancer Doctors More Important with Decrease in Oncologists
 
Finding the Best Cancer Doctors Even More Important with Projected Decrease in Oncologists

The nation may face a shortage of oncologists in the years ahead, but right now consumers can use America's Top Doctors for Cancer, a handy reference guide.

New York, NY (PRWeb) March 22, 2007 -- By the year 2020 a startling number of cancer patients will have difficulty finding an oncologist. The shortage of oncologists is expected to be anywhere from 2,550 to 4,080, according to a study released by the Journal of Oncology Practice.

Why is this happening?

The diagnosis and treatment of cancer is projected to likely increase due to the aging of the baby boomer population. The so-called "downside" of living longer is that we live long enough to develop certain cancers.

The age-related growth in cancer and cancer survivors - a reflection of detection advances and cancer treatments - demands more oncologists. But a growing number of oncologists are heading into retirement without enough new oncologists to fill the need.

"These predictions are alarming and worrisome," said healthcare expert, Dr. John J. Connolly, President and CEO of Castle Connolly Medical Ltd., and the former president of New York Medical College.

"It is important for those diagnosed with cancer to find an oncologist as quickly as possible. Our America's Top Doctors for Cancer guide is the type of resource people should be using. The quicker a person can find an outstanding doctor who is most appropriate to address their particular type of cancer the sooner they will be able to get the treatment they need," explained Dr. Connolly.

The guide is available here:
http://www.castleconnolly.com/books/book.cfm?bookID=ATDC2-dr

Castle Connolly Medical Ltd. is a healthcare information and research company noted for its print and online resources to help consumers identify top doctors across the U.S. Castle Connolly publishes America's Top Doctors for Cancer annually. Currently in its second edition, the book profiles more than 2,100 of the top cancer doctors who are among the leading clinicians for the diagnosis, treatment and management of cancer in adults and children across the United States. The guide gives descriptions of many of the nations leading cancer centers and also gives guidance on how to identify a "top doctor" for cancer.

The book can be found at all major book sellers including Amazon and Barnes & Noble, as well as online at Castle Connolly's website www.castleconnolly.com or via its toll-free #, 1-800-399-D*O*C*S (3627).

"Our guide directs people to the top doctors in America, all focused on, and expert in, cancer. Castle Connolly does all of the ground work so a person can simply pick up the book and find a top doctor in their area," said Dr. Connolly.

Under the direction of its physician-led research team, Castle Connolly surveys tens of thousands of physicians and hospital executives to identify, screen and select those physicians regarded by their peers as leaders. These top doctors are among the very best in their specialties and for specific diseases and techniques.    

Castle Connolly Medical Ltd. is America's trusted source for identifying top doctors. Founded in 1991 by John K. Castle (Chairman) and John J. Connolly, Ed.D. (President and CEO), who served as board chairman and president, respectively, of New York Medical College, its mission is to help consumers find the best healthcare. They achieve that mission through their consumer books such as America's Top Doctors ®, America's Top Doctors for Cancer and Top Doctors: New York Metro Area and their web site www.CastleConnolly.com and various consumer and business-oriented print and online partnerships.

###

Press Contact: Terese L. Cecilia
Company Name: Castle Connolly
Email: email protected from spam bots
Phone: 212-367-8400-35
Website:
http://www.castleconnolly.com

 
Friday, March 16, 2007
  Web Marketing Association Best Pharmaceutical Website Trends
 
Best Pharmaceutical Website Trends Detailed in New Report from the Web Marketing Association

New Web Marketing Association Internet Standards Assessment Report includes historical data derived from a decade of hosting premier Internet award competition, WebAwards, provides best practices for pharmaceutical Web design

West Simsbury, CT (PRWeb) March 16, 2007 -- www.07webaward.org -- The Web Marketing Association, host of leading website awards competition WebAwards, recently released the Internet Standards Assessment Report (ISAR), which includes specific benchmarking data to help the pharmaceutical industry create more award-winning websites.

"As the standard of excellence for websites continues to increase, web visitors are increasingly picky about what they consider to be an effective website," said William Rice, president of the Web Marketing Association. "Pharmaceutical is one industry that has continuously kept in step with the overall ISAR index. Now that drug companies can market directly to the consumers, we are looking at the websites on a whole new level this year."

The WebAwards competition evaluates pharmaceutical websites on seven criteria that combined create effective websites:
•    Design
•    Innovation
•    Content
•    Technology
•    Interactivity
•    Copywriting
•    Ease of use

The latest ISAR Index indicates that pharmaceutical web sites have generally been in line with the overall ISAR Index

Pharmaceutical Websites are above average in terms of design, content, copywriting, and ease of use. Content and copywriting continue to be the strong points for pharmaceutical websites.

With the changes in marketing strategy directly to the public by many drug companies, it appears that their Web efforts have kept up with overall Web development, but not exceeded it. Perhaps this is due in part to the amount of regulation within the industry.

The 2006 WebAward for Best Pharmaceutical Web site went to Studiocom for CVS Medicare Expert

Other past winners include:
- 2005 SimStar for BotoxCosmetic.com
- 2004 Abdi Ibrahim Pharma - MagiClick Digital Solutions for Healthcare Portal - Morning After Pill
- 2003 Insight Interactive Group for CrohnsResource.com Website
- 2002 ivpcare, inc
- 2001 Ion Global China for Loreal Paris China Web Site
- 2000 Digitas LLC for Baush and Lomb Website
- 2000 AGENCY.COM for Alluna Sleep Web Site
- 1999 SmithKline Beecham for Avandia
- 1998 Nicholson NY for Zyrtec
- 1997 for SmithKline Beecham for Café Herpe

Companies and organizations wishing to have their pharmaceutical Web site evaluated against the ISAR Index and be considered for a WebAward, which can help boost a Website's credibility and marketing efforts, can learn more at www.07webaward.org

To request your copy of the 2007 WebAward ISAR report, please visit: http://www.webaward.org/isar_report.asp

The Internet Standards Assessment report and the 2007 WebAwards are sponsored by the following leading organiztions: Burst Media, PRWeb, Misukanis & Odden, Small Army, SimpleFeed, ExactTarget, ad:tech conferences, NewsUSA, eComXpo, MediaPost's OMMA conference, TopRank Online Marketing, Creative Chocolate Printing Company, OTOlabs, Internet World UK, Search Engine Strategies, Webmaster Radio, Rovion's InPerson and eMarketer.

2007 WebAward Call for Entries
The Web Marketing Association will soon be accepting entries into its 11th annual international WebAward Competition. The WebAwards is the standards-defining competition that sets industry benchmarks that the Internet Standards Assessment report is based upon. The pharmaceutical industry represents an important category in the WebAward competition, and the Web Marketing Association will again be honoring the Best Pharmaceutical Web site of 2007. Participants will receive valuable feedback and the opportunity to earn peer recognition. The deadline for entry is May 31, 2007 and the WebAward Web site is located at www.07webaward.org.

About the WebAwards
Now in its 11th year, the annual international WebAwards competition sets the standard of excellence in 96 industry categories by evaluating Web sites and defining benchmarks based on the seven essential criteria of successful Web site development. The goal of the Web Marketing Association, sponsor of the WebAwards, is to provide a forum to recognize the people and organizations responsible for developing some of the most effective Web sites on the Internet today. Entrants benefit from a Web site assessment by a professional judging panel and the marketing opportunities presented to an award-winning Web site. For more information, visit www.07webaward.org.

# # #

Press Contact: WILLIAM RICE
Company Name: Web Marketing Association
Email: email protected from spam bots
Phone: 860-558-5423
Website:
www.07webaward.org

 
Thursday, March 15, 2007
  Unfilled Prescriptions Contribute to Health System Woes
 
YourRxCard.com: Unfilled Prescriptions Contribute to Health System Woes

YourRxCard.com offers a free discount coupon card that can reduce drug costs by as much as seventy-five percent.

Baton Rouge, LA (PRWeb) March 15, 2007 -- High prescription drug costs for the uninsured and underinsured lead to countless unfilled prescriptions. Those unfilled prescriptions cost the nation billions of dollars, damage the quality of life for hundreds of thousands of Americans and, as a cruel irony, drive up prices even more.

A Kaiser Foundation study notes that nearly fifteen percent of those with medical insurance have left prescriptions unfilled because of costs concerns. The same study found that nearly one-third of senior citizens have left prescriptions unfilled due to an inability to pay. These findings are consistent with a statement from Dispensing Solutions that notes, "The pharmacy industry currently reports that about 30% of prescriptions written by physicians are never filled by the patient."

Those numbers don't surprise Rex Bowden, Jr., the Chief Risk Officer for YourRxCard.com. "Those in the prescription drug gap are forced to make very difficult decisions. In many cases, they are simply unable to meet the costs of their drugs. Unfortunately, they leave prescriptions unfilled."

Bowden argues that these unfilled prescriptions are one of the "hidden problems" in the current system. "People don't think about the unfilled prescription problem, but it's a very real issue. It damages health, increases societal costs and contributes to growing prescription drug costs."

Bowden isn't alone in his assessment. Erica Siguer of Harvard Medical School has noted that, "The health implications of missed doses and unfilled prescriptions, especially given the chronic nature of many ailments among the elderly, is cause for concern." Sam Ervin, the Chief Executive Officer of SCAN, a non-profit social HMO has explained, "Failure to take medications as prescribed is ultimately a cost to taxpayers. One study estimated that unfilled prescriptions cost our country as much as $25 billion in 1996, not including the indirect costs of decreased functioning and reduced quality of life."

"The failure to have those important prescriptions put to use is an unmitigated disaster," argues Bowden. "The patients' health is at risk and the resultant deterioration in their conditions leads to even more costly treatment requirements. At the same time, pharmacies are forced to bear restocking expenses and deal with other problems that drive up prescription costs for everyone."

Lower prescription costs should serve to decrease the number of unfilled prescriptions. Bowden's company, YourRxCard.com, is working toward that goal by offering a free discount coupon card that can reduce drug costs by as much as seventy-five percent.

"The reasoning is simple," he states. "We've found a way to reduce the cost of those medications, we'll see fewer unfilled prescriptions. That works to everyone's benefits. It reduces overall healthcare costs, improves overall health, and removes one of the factors contributing to high-cost prescriptions."

Cardholders can use YourRxCard at over 55,000 pharmacies nationwide, including many of the largest and most-recognized chains. "A discount card won't solve all of the health systems problems," observes Bowden, "but it can assist in solving the unfilled prescription problem."

Contact:
Rex Bowden Jr.
YourRxCard
11608 Darryl Drive
Baton Rouge, LA 70815
Phone: 225-266-7941
Web: www.YourRxCard.com

# # #

Press Contact: Rex Bowden Jr.
Company Name: YourRxCard.com
Email: email protected from spam bots
Phone: 225-266-7941
Website:
www.YourRxCard.com


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Sunday, March 11, 2007
  Pharmacy Cure for Book Search Anxiety
 
BibliOZ Pharmacy Cure for Book Search Anxiety

BibliOZ.com launches its specialist booksearch service for the pharmaceutical-related professions. Book researchers receive discounts, personalized customer service and other benefits by entering a special registration access code.

Sydney, Australia (PRWeb) 11 March, 2007 -- A service offered by BibliOZ The Book Search Wizard for finding out-of-print, collectible and hard-to-find books has been launched specifically for professionals in the pharmaceutical industry.

Developed by BiblioQuest International, the portal page gives pharmacy professionals, researchers and support staff privileged access to the online search engine, BibliOZ The Book Search Wizard featuring more than 40 million books from thousands of technical, antiquarian and specialist bookdealers worldwide.

Each year BiblioQuest International receives millions of online queries through its booksearch engine and thousands of telephone inquiries through its customer service centre.

BiblioQuest Director, Paul McShane says that the growth in pharmaceutical research in everything from the obesity epidemic to herbal and alternative medicines has fueled the need for a professional-level booksearch service in that sector.

"Ironically, the output from pharmaceutical and related academic research has even made an impact on the general bestseller lists here in Australia, where one of the biggest titles in recent years was the CSIRO Total Wellbeing Diet" he said.

"Who would have thought a book published from research out of the government-funded Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) would be able to knock Harry Potter and The Da Vinci Code off the top of the bestseller lists?"

"As a BibliOZ.com Preferred Professional Client within the pharmaceutical industry, the customer is automatically given discounts of at least 10 percent on all purchases."

"Preferred Professional Clients can also access a vast topic menu and also gains selective access to a general library of bibliographies of out-of-print, collectible and technical books, monographs, periodicals and charts," he said.

"Aside from this special access to the BibliOZ.com online service, Preferred Professional Clients can instead opt to use BiblioQuest's telephone customer service centre," concluded McShane.

The portal page at BibliOZ Pharmacy Book Search has an access code to register as a Preferred Professional Client as well as more information on the benefits of using the BibliOZ.com service and sample searches related to the pharmaceutical sector.

Preferred Professional Clients can also make use of the BibliOZ.com website to find books other than technical and professional texts, and it is a great resource for any reader, hobbyist, sporting fan or the like. BibliOZ.com also offers search capabilities in other professional areas related to pharmacy practice such as management, human resources and finance.

BibliOZ features tens of thousands of items that have a keyword reference to pharmaceutical topics, ranging from books valued at thousands of dollars -- such as the Universal Herbal an early 19th century botanical, medical and agricultural dictionary -- to introductory pharmacy textbooks like the The Latin Grammar of Pharmacy often costing less than $10.

About BiblioQuest
Established in 1994, BiblioQuest is headquartered in Australia and has a customer base that numbers in the tens of thousands.

The BibliOZ,com Book Search Wizard website was launched in early 2001 and provides the online out-of-print service for major book chains and dozens of independent bookstores.

The portal page to enable pharmacy professionals to register as BibliOZ.com Preferred Clients can be found at BibliOZ Pharmacy Book Search
Other portal pages for professionals can be found at BibliOZ Book Search for Dentists BibliOZ Book Search for Engineers and BibliOZ Book Search for Doctors BibliOZ Book Search for the Mining Sector

###

Press Contact: Paul McShane
Company Name: BiblioQuest International
Email: email protected from spam bots
Phone: +612408659896
Website:
http://www.biblioz.com

 
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