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Ten Medical Tests You Need

2007-02-03T20:24:00.000+03:00

Getting a diagnostic test that may help detect or monitor a disease is like getting car insurance--but better. Car insurance helps you only after something goes wrong, but the right test can prevent something from going wrong before it happens.

Most of us dislike the idea of tests. We are frightened of bad news. However, burying your head in the sand won't make cancer or high blood pressure go away. Not only can the right diagnostics save you considerable money by catching problems earlier, when they are often more treatable, but they can also help you live better and longer.

That doesn't mean you should rush out and demand a battery of tests from your doctor at the first sign of a sniffle. (If you do, don't be taken aback if your doc scribbles one word in your file: "hypochondriac." And then you'll be off to the shrink instead of the labs).

But there are a few tests that you'd be smart to push for.

Getting a stress test, which is designed to determine if there is adequate blood flow to your heart during increased levels of activity, is not a bad idea for men and women who are middle-aged, since heart disease is the leading cause of death in the U.S. Another diagnostic test recommended by experts to help prevent heart disease is a simple blood test that measures C-reactive protein, a marker of the level of inflammation in the blood. That's key because too much inflammation can cause an arterial plaque to suddenly rupture, triggering a massive clot and possibly even a heart attack.

According to the American Diabetes Association, there are 18.2 million Americans with diabetes, and nearly one third of them (or about 6 million people) don't even know they have it. As a major risk factor for heart disease and other disabling conditions, diabetes is a disease that requires vigilant attention and monitoring--which is why not knowing that you have it or are prone to getting it is a particularly bad thing.

Fortunately, there are two simple tests your doctor can use to determine whether you have prediabetes: the fasting plasma glucose test and oral glucose tolerance test. Both tests tell physicians how your body metabolizes glucose--and you are not necessarily doomed if the results come back with bad news. The American Diabetes Association's Diabetes Prevention Program study conclusively showed that people with prediabetes can prevent the development of type II diabetes by making changes in their diet and increasing their level of physical activity. Just 30 minutes a day of moderate exercise, coupled with a 5% to 10% reduction in body weight, produced a 58% reduction in diabetes.

Diagnostics tests not only save you money, but they can save your company money too. A survey of over 3,000 employers by New York-based Mercer Human Resource Consulting, a subsidiary of insurance broker Marsh & McLennan Companies (nyse: MMC - news - people ), found that total health benefit cost per employee has been slowing in recent years, with only a 7.5% increase in 2004, compared to a 10.1% increase in 2003 and a 14.7% increase in 2002. In addition to shifting health benefit costs to employees, more and more companies are curbing health care costs by encouraging their employees to take advantage of preventive medicine. Sometimes it's more efficient to dish out cash to decrease the chances of getting sick than it is to pay for expensive procedures to fix health problems that have become full-blown.

Despite all their benefits, diagnostic tests that enable early detection of diseases are not always perfect. Prostate-specific antigen screening--a simple blood test used to detect prostate tumors--has a high rate of false-negative and false-positive results. The risks as well as the costs of further tests like biopsies present a serious clinical dilemma because not everyone who is in a high-risk category based on PSA screening actually has a high chance of developing a fast-growing, life-threatening tumor.

Dr. Leo Cheng, an assistant professor of radiology and pathology at Harvard Medical School, notes that patients whose tumors appear to be slow-growing might be better off with no treatment. That's because treating prostate cancer can cause complications, such as the inability to have an erection or control urination--not to mention the risks involved with any surgical procedure.

Understanding the limitations of certain diagnostic tests often provides the impetus for researchers to improve existing methods and technologies. Cheng and his colleagues at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston, Mass., have developed a new way of evaluating prostate cancers that may help physicians differentiate between patients who really need treatment and those who might be better off without it. Their research, which appeared in the April 15 issue of Cancer Research, uses "magnetic resonance spectroscopy" to determine which tumors are likely to spread and which are not, based on chemical profiles of the tissue.

Although there are no plans to try to turn these findings into a new screening test anytime soon, Cheng notes that as technology improves, it is entirely possible that examining the cells of prostate tissue to determine cancer risk could one day become routine.

Most of the tests on our list are covered by PPO insurance plans. If you have an HMO, and you want, say, a stress test, you generally have to get a referral from your designated primary care physician to see a cardiologist, who would then be able to order the test.

Health Insurance: Understanding What It Covers

2007-01-06T09:17:00.000+03:00

What are "covered services"?

Your health insurance policy is an agreement between you and your insurance company. The policy lists a package of medical benefits such as tests, drugs and treatment services. The insurance company agrees to cover the cost of certain benefits listed in your policy. These are called "covered services."

Your policy also lists the kinds of services that are not covered by your insurance company. You have to pay for any uncovered medical care that you receive.
What is a medical necessity? Is that different from a covered service?

Keep in mind that a medical necessity is not the same as a medical benefit. A medical necessity is something that your doctor has decided is necessary. A medical benefit is something that your insurance plan has agreed to cover. In some cases, your doctor might decide that you need medical care that is not covered by your insurance policy.

Insurance companies determine what tests, drugs and services they will cover. These choices are based on their understanding of the kinds of medical care that most patients need. Your insurance company's choices may mean that the test, drug or service you need isn't covered by your policy.
What should I do?

Your doctor will try to be familiar with your insurance coverage so he or she can provide you with covered care. However, there are so many different insurance plans that it's not possible for your doctor to know the specific details of each plan. By understanding your insurance coverage, you can help your doctor recommend medical care that is covered in your plan.

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Take the time to read your insurance policy. It's better to know what your insurance company will pay for before you receive a service, get tested or fill a prescription. Some kinds of care may have to be approved by your insurance company before your doctor can provide them.
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If you still have questions about your coverage, call your insurance company and ask a representative to explain it.
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Remember that your insurance company, not your doctor, makes decisions about what will be paid for and what will not.

What happens if my doctor recommends care that isn't covered by my insurance?

Most of the things your doctor recommends will be covered by your plan, but some may not. When you have a test or treatment that isn't covered, or you get a prescription filled for a drug that isn't covered, your insurance company won't pay the bill. This is often called "denying the claim." You can still obtain the treatment your doctor recommended, but you will have to pay for it yourself.

If your insurance company denies your claim, you have the right to appeal (challenge) the decision. Before you decide to appeal, know your insurance company's appeal process. This should be discussed in your plan handbook. Also, ask your doctor for his or her opinion. If your doctor thinks it's right to make an appeal, he or she may be able to help you through the process.

$100 laptop project launches 2007

2007-01-04T21:07:00.000+03:00

$100 laptop project launches 2007

The laptop could one day cost as little as $100

The first batch of computers built for the One Laptop Per Child project could reach users by July this year.

The scheme is hoping to put low-cost computers into the hands of people in developing countries.

Ultimately the project's backers hope the machines could sell for as little as $100 (£55).

The first countries to sign up to buying the machine include Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay, Nigeria, Libya, Pakistan and Thailand.

The so-called XO machine is being pioneered by Nicholas Negroponte, who launched the project at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology's Media Lab in 2004.

Test machines are expected to reach children in February as the project builds towards a more formal launch.

Wireless networking

Mr Negroponte told the Associated Press news agency that three more African countries might sign on in the next two weeks.

The laptop is powered by a 366-megahertz processor from Advanced Micro Devices and has built-in wireless networking.

It has no hard disk drive and instead uses 512 MB of flash memory, and has two USB ports to which more storage could be attached.

"I have to laugh when people refer to XO as a weak or crippled machine and how kids should get a "real' one"," Mr Negroponte told AP.

"Trust me, I will give up my real one very soon and use only XO. It will be far better, in many new and important ways."

The computer runs on a cut-down version of the open source Linux operating system and has been designed to work differently to a Microsoft Windows or Apple machine from a usability perspective.

Instead of information being stored along the organising principle of folders and a desktop, users of the XO machine are encouraged to work on an electronic journal, a log of everything the user has done on the laptop.

The machine comes with a web browser, word processor and RSS reader, for accessing the web feeds that so many sites now offer.

"In fact, one of the saddest but most common conditions in elementary school computer labs (when they exist in the developing world), is the children are being trained to use Word, Excel and PowerPoint," Mr Negroponte said.

"I consider that criminal, because children should be making things, communicating, exploring, sharing, not running office automation tools."

The new user interface, known as Sugar, has been praised by some of the observers of the One Laptop Per Child project.

It doesn't feel like Linux. It doesn't feel like Windows. It doesn't feel like Apple," said Wayan Vota, who launched the OLPCNews.com blog and is also director of Geekcorps, an organisation that facilitates technology volunteers in developing countries.

"I'm just impressed they built a new (user interface) that is different and hopefully better than anything we have today," he said.

But he added: "Granted, I'm not a child. I don't know if it's going to be intuitive to children."

Trial versions of the operating system in development can be downloaded to be tested out by technically-minded computer users around the world.

Asthma Tips

2006-12-31T00:27:00.000+03:00

Asthma Information Asthma is characterized by coughing, chest tightness, shortness of breath and wheezing. Asthma symptoms can be triggered by several factors, including: allergens or irritants; viral or sinus infections; exercise; reflux disease (stomach acid flowing back up the esophagus); medications or foods; and emotional anxiety.

Caffeine and Asthma
If you feel an asthma attack coming on and don't have your inhaler handy, try a couple cups of coffee, tea, hot chocolate, or chocolate bars. The caffeine will help open your airways.

Controlling Your Asthma
If you find yourself using your quick-relief inhaler to stop an asthma attack more than twice a week, it may be time for a different medication. In fact, if you have to refill your inhaler more than two times a year or are awakened by asthma symptoms two nights or more per week, you also probably need a change.

Correct Inhaler Use
If you use an inhaler to treat your asthma, remember that it's not a breath freshener. You must deeply inhale the medication into your lungs and hold it for three to five seconds before exhaling slowly.

NSAIDs, Aspirin and Asthma
Asthma sufferers should use the non-aspirin pain reliever acetaminophen (Tylenol) because the use of aspirin and NSAIDs (Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs), such as Advil/Motrin (ibuprofen) and Aleve (naproxen sodium), have the tendency to worsen asthma.

Playstation 3: Inside and Out

2006-12-28T21:52:00.000+03:00

The PlayStation 3 system will be available with two different hard-drive options in Japan and the United States in November 2006, and in Europe and Australasia in March 2007. The later date for the European and Australasian launches (as well as those planned for Russia, the Middle East, and Africa) has been blamed on delays in blue-laser diode production. The console will hit Japan first on November 11. The 20GB model will sell for 49,980 yen (about $429), roughly $85 lower than the 59,800 yen price Sony originally announced for the console at the Electronic Entertainment Expo 2006. Sony will let Japanese retailers name their own price for the 60GB version. The PlayStation 3 will launch in the United States on November 17. In the US, the 20GB version will retail for $499, and the 60GB version will retail for $599. In Europe, the 20GB version will retail for 499 euros, and the 60GB version will retail for 599 euros. In Australia, the 20GB version will retail for AU$829.95, and the 60GB version will retail for AU$999.95.

The new PlayStation 3 console has an elegant design featuring clean lines and pleasing curves. In contrast to the Xbox 360's puckered "inhale" shape, the PS3 sides expand outward, barely containing the hardware inside. Designers had to build the case around the advanced cooling system built to handle heat output from the Cell processor, the Nvidia GPU, and the system power supply. PC or even Xbox 360 owners would expect a system with as much power as the PS3 to sound like a small aircraft on power up, but the system is actually remarkably quiet. "When it starts to notice a heat issue, it can ramp up the fan RPMs, but in general, it's as quiet as the PlayStation 2 was," according to Sony's Richard Marks.

The 60GB PlayStation 3 will have chrome trim.

Early prototypes showed consoles in white, black, and silver--but initial models will only be black. Sony used material choice to add extra sophistication to the console design. The console exterior appeared to be a glossy, opaque black in official preview images, but the system casing is actually a very dark, semi-transparent black similar in style to the PSP's exterior. The curved top of the console suggests that the PS3 will need to sit at the very top of your equipment stack if placed horizontally. The console will weigh in at a solid 11 pounds. In comparison, the Xbox weighs 8.5 pounds and the Xbox 360 weighs 7.7 pounds. The PS3 measures 12.8"(W) x 3.8"(H) x 10.8"(L), which is in line with the other consoles.

Like the Xbox 360 and the Nintendo Wii, the PlayStation 3 will be able to stand vertically or sit horizontally on an AV rack. PS3 owners will be able to reposition the console while the system is running without worrying about accidentally damaging a game or movie disc. "We've been doing that for six years now, I think, so we're confident that we'll have no issue with that," said

2006-12-27T19:30:00.000+03:00

Government Urged to Restore the Name of Ba'asyir

Friday, 22 December, 2006

TEMPO Interactive, Solo: The government is urged to restore the name of Cleric Abu Bakar Ba'asyir after the Supreme Court approved a judicial review by stating that Al-Mukmin Islamic Boarding School visitor was not involved in several cases of terrorism. Indonesian Police Headquarters must also respect the verdict. �Do not make a statement that accuses Cleric Abu,� said Ba'asyir's legal adviser Achmad Michdan at Al-Mukmin Islamic Boarding School, Friday (12/22).

According to Michdan, the Supreme Court's verdict must be followed by a restoration of his name although the verdict did not mention it. The restoring of one's good name, given to one that is proved not guilty, is a valid right. �Administratively, we are yet to receive copies of the judicial review�s verdict from Supreme Court. However, everyone must honor and restore his good name,� he said.

Earlier, Supreme Court freed Ba'asyir of an allegation to having been involved in a terrorism case. In its verdict, the Supreme Court did not find evidence that he was involved in the J.W.Marriot bombing in Jakarta, and the Bali Bombing I.

Ba'asyir has not yet reacted to the Supreme Court's verdict as regards the judicial review approval. Friday (12/22), Ba'asyir's greater community will discuss with the Moslem Defender�s Team as to how to react, including suing the government.

International airline to allow cell phone chatter on planes

2006-12-25T22:22:00.000+03:00

NEW YORK (CNN) -- From cell phone use to high-speed Internet access, the connected life is spreading to the skies.

In January, Emirates airline plans to launch mobile phone usage in its planes, making it the first airline to allow passengers to make cell phone calls on its flights.

And Australian carrier Qantas plans to start evaluating technology that lets fliers use their cell phones and PDAs during flight early next year.

Fliers have long been able to keep in touch with those on the ground by using phones built into the backs of airplane seats. But the costs of those seatback phones can be upwards of $10 a minute, plus a connection fee.

In contrast, the cost of calls made in-flight on Emirates will be in line with international roaming rates, the airline said. Those rates vary by mobile carrier and by location but can be as low as $1 to $2 a minute.

But while some upscale, long-haul airlines are installing equipment onboard that will allow for cell phone use, it may be a while before the service makes its way to the U.S.

U.S. carriers don't allow in-flight cell phone calls, although the FAA is reviewing the safety concerns associated with mobile calls made in the air.

The regulatory agency has asked a committee to conduct a study looking at whether portable electronic devices like cell phones interfere with aircraft navigation systems. Findings of the study are due at the end of December.

Furthermore, airlines in the troubled U.S. industry are struggling to survive and new in-flight services may not attract new customers, analysts say.

"There's no economic incentive for them to do it. Domestically they're not going to bring anyone extra on to their airplane with that service," said airline industry consultant Michael Boyd.

A majority of business travelers (61 percent) oppose the idea of being able to use their phones in the sky, according to a global survey conducted by travel management company Carlson Wagonlit Travel early this year.

But if the technology is there, the service will eventually make its way to the skies, said Chris McGinnis, editor of Expedia Travel Trendwatch.

"Whether people like it or not, in-flight cell phone use is going to become a reality," he said.

Airlines are also exploring less intrusive ways to keep in-step with the increasingly connected lifestyle of their passengers.

According to the annual Airline IT Trends Survey conducted by industry group SITA and Airline Business magazine, 59 percent of airlines plan to offer in-flight Internet access by the end of 2008.

One company helping U.S. carriers make that leap is Louisville, Colorado-based AirCell, which won a license earlier this year to provide exclusive broadband connectivity to U.S. airlines starting in 2008.

Companies have attempted to tap the market for in-flight Internet access before -- the most notable being Boeing, which launched its Connexion high-speed broadband business in 2000.

Several international airlines installed Boeing's system, which cost travelers from $10 to $30 a flight. But in August, Boeing said it was closing Connexion because the market for it hadn't materialized as expected.

AirCell CEO Jack Blumenstein said Connexion's fate doesn't spell doom for the future of onboard Internet access.

For one, Boeing's system was expensive -- it cost about $1 million to outfit a single plane. In contrast, airlines can equip a plane with AirCell's technology for about one-tenth of that cost, Blumenstein said.

Expedia's McGinnis thinks people will take advantage of onboard Internet access as long as it is cheap enough.

"If you can sit there and stream movies and read your email or do research -- it's absolutely something people would use," he said.

Blumenstein said the price of in-flight Internet access offered by AirCell should be comparable to or slightly higher than what users pay to access "hot spots" on the ground.

Accessing a Wi-Fi hot spot at a cafe can run anywhere from $8 for a single day of access to around $30 a month for unlimited access, depending on the service operator.

Best of the best cars

2006-12-25T22:01:00.000+03:00

Best fuel economy

Toyota Prius

Source: EPA

According to EPA estimates, the Toyota Prius is the most fuel-efficient vehicle sold in the U.S. The Prius also happens to be a comfortable and practical family car.

You probably won't get the EPA-rated mileage of 60 in the city and 51 on the highway, but you probably wouldn't get the EPA-rated mileage in any other vehicle, either. (And, no, those EPA mileage ratings are not backwards.)

With production finally starting to keep up with demand, the Prius is now available without a long waiting list. Don't expect to get one for less than sticker, though.

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