How could a little-known Republican possibly have won a competitive U.S. Senate race in Massachusetts, the bluest of blue states? A new study by a team of Hoover researchers indicates that the culprit is the unpopularity of health care reform, and it likely means that Democrats will face even greater challenges later this year in less liberal states than Massachusetts.

“While the majority party historically loses seats in midterm elections, the stunning Democratic loss of Ted Kennedy’s Senate seat in Massachusetts signals a midterm Republican rebound of striking proportions,” says Hoover deputy director David W. Brady.

The recent study polled voters in the eleven states most likely to have competitive Senate races in November on their opinions about health care reform and how they might vote in November. The interviews were conducted from January 6 to 11 with 500 registered voters in Arkansas, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Louisiana, Missouri, Nevada, North Dakota, Ohio, and Pennsylvania. The respondents were selected from a nonpartisan YouGov PollingPoint panel to be representative of the registered voters in each state.

Health care reform is significantly more popular in some of these states than in others, the study shows; where it is unpopular—which includes most states—the Democratic Senate candidates will face uphill battles. Calculated by the relationship between voters’ support for health care reform and the spread between the Democrat and Republican candidates’ vote share, the state-by-state findings indicate that support for health reform varies from a low of 33 percent in North Dakota to a high of 48 percent in Nevada. Democrats trail Republicans in six of the states; three are toss-ups; in two, Democrats have a solid lead.

How is it possible to conclude that the health reform bill itself is to blame and not just that these are more conservative states? First, the study asked voters if they knew how their incumbent senators had voted on the bill passed on Christmas Eve; about two-thirds answered correctly. Even now, long before the Senate campaigns have intensified, voters know where the candidates stand on health care. Second, voters were asked about their preference for Democrat versus Republican candidates in a generic House race. The results indicated that the higher the level of opposition to health reform, the greater the likelihood that the state’s voters supported Republicans.

In the healthcare industry, a proper diet and can help prevent a number of life threatening diseases, however many diets are difficult to stay on due to: taste, cost, etc.  The secret, may be to ‘swap’.

Start off the New Year right – with a focus on simple ways to improve the foods you already enjoy. Adding spices and herbs is an easy way to power up your plate, boosting flavor and natural antioxidants of your favorite foods, while making it easier to replace salt, sugar and fats. Try an easy 30 day challenge to help make “super swaps” a healthful habit this year.

“Making simple swaps in your daily routine can make a big difference,” says registered dietitian Wendy Bazilian, DrPH, MA, RD, author of The SuperFoodsRx Diet. “For example, sprinkling 1/4 teaspoon Oregano Leaves into your dishes instead of a 1/4 teaspoon of salt will save you 575 mg of sodium and add as many antioxidants as 1 1/2 cups fresh spinach,” says Dr. Bazilian. “Or, swapping 1 tablespoon brown sugar for 1/4 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon in your oatmeal can save 12 grams of sugar, 45 calories and add antioxidants comparable to 1/4 cup raspberries.”

Here are a few more super swaps to get started:

• In place of salt, wake up your taste buds with Herbed Scrambled Eggs. Beat 1/8 teaspoon thyme into 2 eggs before scrambling.
• Give your grilled cheese sandwich a super swap makeover. Instead of pan frying with 1 tablespoon butter, save 100 calories and 11 grams of fat by broiling it open-face, topped with sliced tomato and 1/4 teaspoon oregano for added flavor and antioxidants.
• Skip the mayo, and try mixing 1/2 teaspoon of curry powder into 8 ounces of plain yogurt to use as great spread on a turkey and vegetable pita sandwich.
• Instead of drizzling oil onto baked chicken breasts or roasted vegetables, shake on some herbs – thyme, rosemary and oregano are all great matches – and a squeeze of lemon juice. For every tablespoon of olive oil, you’ll save 120 calories and 14 grams of fat.

Applying the super swap approach is also cost-effective. With each pinch, dash and spoonful, spices and herbs can help boost the antioxidant power of practically everything on the plate for only pennies. In fact, a 1/4 teaspoon of Ground Cinnamon costs only $0.03 and a 1/4 teaspoon of Oregano Leaves adds up to just $0.06.

So you or your patient needs to lose weight, however it seems like working out and dieting do nothing to improve their health.  Maybe the problem could be medical.

The American Society of Bariatric Physicians (ASBP) works with physicians so they’re better prepared to deal with society’s obesity epidemic. Even though people focus on weight loss more in January than any other month, successful weight loss is a year-round long-term initiative that goes far beyond just diet and exercise. The ASBP has highlighted five questions everyone who needs to lose weight should ask their physician.

1. Do I have other conditions that may be keeping me from losing weight?

It is important when you begin any weight loss program that you visit with a bariatric physician who can identify any weight-related conditions that can slow or stop successful weight loss. A bariatric physician will do a complete medical work-up to assess your overall health and metabolic state.

2. Do I have hypothyroidism?

Hypothyroidism is a condition in which the body lacks sufficient thyroid hormone. Since the main purpose of thyroid hormone is to “run the body’s metabolism,” it is understandable that people with this condition usually have a slow metabolism and thus, difficulty losing weight. A bariatric physician can identify a thyroid problem and provide a treatment plan that addresses hormonal and metabolic problems.

3. How are my Vitamin D levels?

Vitamin D levels are almost always low in patients who are overweight. Low Vitamin D levels can cause fatigue, muscle pain, bone pain and an overall feeling of lethargy, making it hard to lose weight.

4. Am I insulin resistant?

Insulin resistance turns off fullness signals to the brain. Typically, the heavier a person is, the more insulin resistant they may be, making them feel less full, causing them to continue to overeat. It is a complex condition that can be treated with the use of medications, exercise and dietary changes. Once it is treated, patients can feel more satiated, leading to more effective weight loss.

5. Am I ready for exercise?

This question may seem obvious, but exercise can be dangerous cardiovascularly in patients who are severely overweight. The heavier a person is, the more prone they are to injury. Often, it makes more sense medically for a patient to lose weight first and implement an exercise program when it is safe to do so, using exercise to maintain weight.

According to Dr. Wendy Scinta, a board certified family physician, a board certified Diplomate of the American Board of Bariatric Medicine (ABBM) and a member of the Board of Trustees of the ASBP, there is a skill set to managing obesity.

“If it were as simple as just eating less, we wouldn’t have an obesity epidemic in this country,” said Dr. Scinta. “Obesity is a medical condition, and it should be treated as such.”

Physician supervision is necessary to detect and treat weight-related medical conditions. A program supervised by a physician who is a member of the ASBP and who has completed specialized training in bariatric medicine, offers a comprehensive and effective approach to maximizing overall health and reversing co-morbidities.

To find a bariatric medical practice near you, visit www.asbp.org and click on the “Find a Physician” link.

How important are wellness programs to companies?  Well, 45% of Americans working at small to medium-sized companies said that they would stay at their jobs longer because of employer-sponsored wellness programs, according to the latest Principal Financial Well-Being Index.

The survey also found that as a result of workplace wellness programs, 40 percent of workers say they are encouraged to work harder and perform better and 26 percent miss fewer days of work by participating in such programs. As in previous years, 51 percent of workers believe wellness programs are very or somewhat successful in reducing health care costs.

The index, which surveys American workers at growing businesses with 10-1,000 employees, is released by the Principal Financial Group and conducted by Harris Interactive. These findings focusing specifically on wellness attitudes and behaviors among American workers were taken from the fourth quarter 2009 Index.

“Wellness programs are clearly a win-win, especially at a time when employers and their employees are more budget conscious,” said Lee Dukes, president of Principal Wellness Company, a subsidiary of the Principal Financial Group. “Employers benefit by retaining top talent, energizing their employees and reducing the number of sick days. Employees benefit from improved physical health, reduced stress in the workplace and the financial benefits of a healthy lifestyle.”

While not all employers offer wellness programs, the survey found nearly half (47 percent) of workers surveyed would participate or do participate in wellness programs to achieve better overall physical health. Other top reasons for participation include:

• Reduced personal health care costs (30 percent)
• Greater chance of living longer and healthier lives (30 percent)
• Receiving employer incentives for participation (28 percent)
• Reduced stress (28 percent).

Fitness Tops Workers’ Wish List as Worries about Changing Health Plans Mount

The survey found most workers are interested in wellness programs that improve their physical fitness, with 27 percent saying they would like in-office fitness facilities, 23 percent citing fitness center discounts and 19 percent expressing interest in weight management programs. For some, these wishes came true last year, as significantly more workers (15 percent) have access to fitness facilities in fourth quarter 2009 compared to 11 percent in fourth quarter 2008.

As workers seek ways to improve their health, they are concerned about potential changes in their health insurance. Significantly more workers, 34 percent, expect their medical plan options to change in 2010 compared with only 23 percent in 2009, the survey found.

“While uncertainty over the future health care system mounts, more Americans are taking charge of their own health by focusing on preventive care and living a healthy lifestyle now to lead a longer, more quality life,” said Dukes.

So what are some of the practical things that the government is doing to help Haiti?  The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has activated the National Disaster Medical System and the U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps. More than 250 personnel are in the process of deploying to Haiti and over 12,000 personnel could possibly assist in the coming days.

“HHS medical personnel from across the country are traveling to Haiti to provide emergency medical care,” said HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius. “These experts will provide medical care to the injured and will support the public health response on the ground. Additional medical personnel will be deploying to Haiti to help address the critical health issues in the aftermath of the earthquake. Our thoughts and prayers continue to be with those who are suffering from this terrible disaster.”

The medical teams include doctors, nurses, paramedics, emergency medical technicians, emergency medical and surgical physicians, and other medical personnel from Georgia, California, New Jersey, Massachusetts, and Florida. An International Medical Surgical Response Team will provide care for severely injured patients and five Disaster Medical Assistance Teams will provide basic medical care. These personnel will be accompanied by 22,000 pounds of medical equipment and supplies.

In addition, experts from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention will assist with checking the water and food supply.

In odd events early this week, local news aggregator LocalSpur reported that a Doctor’s Without Borders cargo plane that was attempting to give aid to Haiti had to be re-directed to the Dominican Republic and was delayed in landing in Haiti.

Once allowed to land, an inflatible surgical hospital, with an intensive care unit and 100 beds, can be assembled almost immediately from all the supplies contained on the plane. Currently only two fully functional medical theaters are operating in the city, making the situation extremely difficult to help all who need it.

In better news for the fund raising efforts in Haiti, MobileCrunch reported that the Red Cross has raised over $10 million dollars in relief aid from the AT&T text messaging campaign.  These funds will go to help pay for the medical expenses, food and shelter for the tens of thousands put out on the streets by the earthquake last week.

The H1N1 data continues to improve across the nation. The numbers for last month are in and it appears that the country is right in the middle of a dramatic shift in the battle against the flu.

Only 14 states reported geographically widespread influenza activity as opposed to 25 states just one week earlier, according to U.S. health officials. The weekly report released Friday, done by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention during flu season, said for the week of Nov. 29 to Dec. 5, seven states, the District of Columbia, as well as the U.S. Virgin Islands and Guam reported either local or sporadic influenza activity. The number of outpatient visits for influenza-like illness was nearly 3 percent, which is just above the national average of 2.3 percent, the report said. Six out of 10 U.S. regions reported influenza-like sickness at or above their respective baselines. Four reported below.

For more research data and information on H1N1, please click here.

A new study released Jan. 6 examined consumer behavior before and after calorie counts were posted, and determined that when restaurants post calories on menu boards, there is a reduction in calories per transaction. Based on transaction data provided by Starbucks, researchers from the Stanford Graduate School of Business found that calorie posting in New York City in 2008 led to a 6% reduction in calories per transaction. According to the study, beverage choices at Starbucks are unaffected by calorie posting. However, calorie posting leads consumers to buy fewer food items, and to switch to lower-calorie food items.

To facilitate the analysis, Starbucks gave the researchers access to transaction data from Starbucks locations in three major cities — New York, Boston, and Philadelphia — from January 2008 to February 2009. Starbucks began posting calorie information in its New York City stores in April 2008, so the study looks at changes in consumer behavior before and after calorie posting. To control for seasonal changes in purchasing behavior, the authors compare the New York changes to observed behavior in Boston and Philadelphia (where there was no calorie posting) over the same time period.

The results of the study are described in the working paper “Calorie Posting in Chain Restaurants,” which can be downloaded at www.gsb.stanford.edu/news/StarbucksCaloriePostingStudy.pdf. The study’s main findings can be summarized as follows:

• Calorie posting at Starbucks led to a 6% reduction in calories per transaction, from 247 to 232 average calories per transaction.
• Almost all of the effect is related to food purchases. Average beverage calories per transaction did not change substantially, while average calories from food per transaction fell by 14%, of which 10% is due to people buying fewer items and 4% is due to people buying lower-calorie food items.
• For those consumers who averaged more than 250 calories per transaction, calories per transaction fell by 26%.
• The calorie reduction persisted for at least 10 months after calorie counts were first posted.
• Overall, Starbucks revenues were not affected by the calorie-posting requirement. However, for Starbucks stores located within 50 meters of a competitor, calorie postings led to an increase in Starbucks revenue.

Opponents of calorie-posting laws have argued that nutritional information is already available (for example, on restaurants’ websites, or on placemats or brochures in the store) and that most consumers don’t make decisions based on calorie counts. However, the researchers — Bryan Bollinger, a doctoral student, and Phillip Leslie and Alan Sorensen, both associate professors of economics and strategic management at the Stanford Graduate School of Business — find that posting calorie counts on menu boards does affect consumer behavior.

The research team does acknowledge that a 6% reduction in calories is too small to have a major effect on the nation’s waistline. However, even a small benefit from calorie posting would exceed the low cost of posting, making it a worthwhile policy. The long-run effects may also be more dramatic, especially if it encourages restaurants to offer more low-calorie items. The study also presents preliminary evidence that this is, indeed, happening in New York City.

Obesity rates in the United States are the highest in the world and have been steadily increasing over the past 15 years. One approach to dealing with the problem has been to enact laws requiring restaurants to post calorie content of their offerings, such as the 2008 New York City law requiring all restaurants with 15 or more outlets to post calorie information as prominently as prices on their menus and menu boards. The requirement is also included as part of the health care legislation currently being debated in Congress.

As millions of Americans with diabetes are making New Year’s resolutions to eat better and exercise, there is one organization focused on an often ignored area of treatment: the emotional and psychological issues surrounding both type 1 and type 2 diabetes.

The Behavioral Diabetes Institute (BDI) is the world’s first organization dedicated to tackling the unmet psychological needs of people with diabetes. The BDI offers an array of evidence-based clinical programs, all designed to help people overcome the emotional and behavioral obstacles to living well with diabetes. Based in San Diego, the Behavioral Diabetes Institute is committed to helping people master the unique challenges of diabetes, conducting behavioral research in diabetes, and providing health care providers with the specialty behavioral training necessary for managing diabetes effectively.

The Behavioral Diabetes Institute was founded five years ago by William Polonsky, PhD, CDE, an internationally known, Yale-trained clinical psychologist, certified diabetes educator, associate clinical professor at the University of California, San Diego (UCSD), and author of Diabetes Burnout: What To Do When You Can’t Take It Anymore. Formerly the senior psychologist at the famed Joslin Diabetes Center in Boston, Dr. Polonsky is an active researcher in behavioral diabetes and travels throughout the world speaking to patients and health care professionals about how to understand and address the emotional stresses of living with diabetes.

Diabetes is a tough disease that can be difficult for many people to handle. Managing one’s own diabetes takes time, knowledge, and effort. People often become overwhelmed or “burned out” by the unending, often burdensome self-care demands. Many report feeling angry, frightened, or unmotivated. Relationships with loved ones can become strained, creating further feelings of isolation. Addressing these real-life aspects of diabetes is critical for long-term success. Unfortunately, they are often given little attention in common medical practice.

Dr. Polonsky and his colleagues provide useful tools online at their website, www.behavioraldiabetes.org. They also offer small group workshops and programs for adults and adolescents with diabetes throughout the year, all at little or no cost. These include their core program, Getting on Track; the multi-week depression series, Feeling Good Again: Breaking the Depression/Diabetes Connection; and — new for 2010 — programs for eating disorders in diabetes.

The US Family Health Plan, a Department of Defense-sponsored healthcare plan serving military family members in six areas across America, has been honored with the Dr. Lowell G. Daun Award for its contributions to the mission of the National Military Family Association. The award recognizes organizations that have significantly helped facilitate the Association’s initiatives to provide education, information, advocacy and programs for military families.

“In addition to its long history of delivering military healthcare benefits to service member families, the US Family Health Plan has joined forces with the National Military Family Association over the years to support our outreach on behalf of families,” said Joyce Raezer, executive director of the Association. “We are excited to honor US Family Health Plan with this award and celebrate the positive impact of this partnership on military families.”

Mary Cooke, chair of the US Family Health Plan Alliance, said, “We are honored by the National Military Family Association’s decision to recognize our efforts. We share a deep commitment to those who selflessly serve our great country.”

The US Family Health Plan’s joint initiatives with the National Military Family Association have included creation of an Emmy Award-winning series of television public service announcements encouraging viewers to “support, befriend, remember, and appreciate” America’s military family members. The public service announcements have been seen by more than 7.3 million people.

The US Family Health Plan is distinguished by its thousands of network doctors and hospitals, low cost, lack of deductibles, free preventative pediatric care, free annual physicals and in most locations, after-hours telephone access to healthcare providers. Most notably, the US Family Health Plan has member satisfaction ratings that are 40 percent higher than the national average for health plans, and ranks in the 99^th percentile in overall member satisfaction when compared to the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) in its Quality Compass 2009 Public Report. Enrollment in the Plan is offered through the following not-for-profit health care organizations:

• Johns Hopkins Medicine (1-800-801-9322) – serving Maryland, Washington D.C., and parts of Pennsylvania, Virginia and West Virginia
• Martin’s Point Health Care (1-888-241-4556) – serving Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire and northern New York
• Brighton Marine Health Center (1-800-818-8589) – serving Massachusetts, including Cape Cod, plus Rhode Island and northern Connecticut
• St. Vincent Catholic Medical Centers (1-800-241-4848) – serving parts of New York, all of New Jersey, eastern Pennsylvania and southern Connecticut
• CHRISTUS Health (1-800-678-7347) – serving southeast Texas and southwest Louisiana
• Pacific Medical Centers (1-888-958-7347) – serving the Puget Sound area of Washington State