Medikidz, a comic book, explains epilepsy

Medikidz is a new feature on the Epilepsy Foundation’s parent Web site. The online comic book explores the mysteries of epilepsy in humorous yet informative language that engages youth. The animation, which is the first of its kind released in the United States, takes Web visitors on a journey with five superheroes through planet Mediland. The Epilepsy Foundation partnered with Medikidz to launch the online comic book.

Hospital’s TV bedside system keeps young patients connected

The Nemours/Alfred I. duPont Hospital for Children in Wilmington, Del., uses GetWell Town bedside, flat-screen, touch screen units to communicate with patients, educate children and families, and connect them to the Internet so they can be entertained and keep up with friends. Parents also can access their child’s medical records through the GetWell system and email their physicians.

Genetic testing reduces number of babies with inherited diseases

The widespread adoption of prenatal genetic testing has resulted in the decline of infants born with cystic fibrosis and other genetic disorders, according to this Associated Press analysis. Although genetic screening raises moral issues including abortion and embryo destruction, some couples and ethnic groups are using it to prevent diseases from being passed on.

Chronic disease is top reason for Medicare spending growth

Outpatient treatment for chronic disease is driving increases in Medicare spending, according to a report in Health Affairs. Heart disease costs were the major reason for growth from 1987 to 1997; but from 1997 to 2006, chronic conditions, especially diabetes, began to account for a larger share of the increase.

Dental care takes a back seat for many, despite health implications

While the recession may be easing, California and other states across the country continue to face eye-popping budget deficits. As a result, states are cutting deep into public health programs, and dental benefits for Medicaid recipients top the list.

At-home stool test may help boost colorectal cancer screening

Health experts are looking at Kaiser Permanente’s program of mailing stool test kits to patients after the initiative successfully increased the number of people screened for colorectal cancer. “By overselling and overpromising colonoscopies, we’ve put up barriers for people” to get any type of screening, a Kaiser official said. The stool test is considered as effective as a colonoscopy if properly used once a year.

Free toolkit from national council on dementia

The National Council of Certified Dementia Practitioners is offering a tool kit that can help case managers better understand dementia and develop education activities on the topic. The kit is offered for free till March 1, 2010. The Council was formed to promote standards of excellence in dementia education to professionals and other caregivers who provide services to dementia clients. As the number of dementia cases continues to increase nationally and worldwide, there is a great necessity to insure that care givers are well trained to provide appropriate, competent, and sensitive direct care and support for the dementia patient. The goal of the Council is to develop and encourage comprehensive standards of excellence in the profession and delivery of dementia.

Top companies make leadership development a top priority

Companies that are most successful at grooming future leaders share several traits including the corporate ownership of rising stars and the close involvement of top executives in their development, writes Norm Smallwood of The RBL Group, which produces a biennial study on the topic with Hewitt. First-rate companies also seek to hire the best, make leadership development a key focus and grow leaders who demonstrate necessary competencies.

Teamwork must go hand-in-hand with individual accountability

To keep a business productive, managers must be ready to step in and help underachieving employees meet targeted goals, says Walt Turner, Koppers CEO. At the same time, workers need to know that they’ve got to be held accountable and responsible for their performance.

Understanding work’s significance helps hike performance

Employee productivity, morale and performance can receive a great boost when workers get a chance to interact personally with those who are directly impacted by their work. Employees should always be connected in some way to the “end user” even if it’s a manager or colleague so they understand their “task significance.”