Parkinson's News & Time to Pass the WHPA
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Kittens are calming.
Good News: Parkinson’s
Background
Parkinson’s disease is a neurodegenerative condition, characterized by depletion of the neurotransmitter dopamine in the brain. The condition can be diagnosed only once symptoms such as shaking, stiffness and problems with balance and coordination start, by which time the nervous system has been damaged.
Parkinson’s disease affects at least 1 million people in the United States and 10 million worldwide. It is the second most common neurodegenerative disease after Alzheimer’s disease, and often leads to another form of dementia, dementia with Lewy bodies.
The News
New research suggests that changes in the heart precede the symptomatic stage of the disease. Using PET scans, researchers found that low levels of dopamine in the heart were strong predictors of later development of Parkinson’s disease or dementia with Lewy bodies. It was a small study but of the 9 participants who showed low dopamine via cardiac PET scans 8 developed the disease.
The study, by researchers at the National Institutes of Health (NIH), is published in The Journal of Clinical Investigation. The findings may lead to ways of diagnosing the conditions before damage has begun.
Link to the full news story
Algorithm Healthcare Denials
Recall that yesterday we reported a story about United Healthcare pressuring employees to deny care to policyholders if their software algorithm indicated no more medical care was needed. Today, we learn that a class action lawsuit has been filed against UnitedHealth. The lawsuit, filed in a federal court in Minnesota on behalf of the families of two UnitedHealth private Medicare plan enrollees who died, accuses the company, which is based in Minnesota, of using an algorithm to “systematically deny” coverage of elderly patients’ rehabilitation care. The lawsuit alleges UnitedHealth used nH Predict to deny claims for Medicare Advantage seniors, despite the algorithm’s determinations being overturned in more than 90% of appeals.
When they stand between you and treatment - you lose.
Blood Pressure & Low Salt
People who followed a low-salt diet for just a week experienced a reduction in systolic blood pressure (top number) of about 6 mm Hg, in a new study.
The CARDIA-SSBP trial involved 213 individuals aged 50-75 years, including those with and those without hypertension, and showed that the decline in blood pressure brought about by a low-salt diet was independent of hypertension status and antihypertensive medication use. It was also generally consistent across subgroups and did not result in excess adverse events. Link to the full story. Put down the potato chips.
Reproductive Health Update (Senate)
US Senate Panel Moves Toward Ending Abortion-Related Military Promotions Blockade.
A Democratic-led U.S. Senate committee advanced legislation on Tuesday that would clear the way for the quick confirmation of hundreds of military promotions that one Republican senator has been delaying for months to protest Defense Department abortion time off policy.
The Rules Committee voted 9-7 - along party lines - to send the resolution for a vote in the full Senate. Although Democrats control a 51-seat majority in the 100-member chamber, it was not certain the rule would go into effect because it must receive 60 votes in the chamber to move ahead.
Keep in mind that Sen. Tuberville is halting military promotions because the DoD allows time off and minor expenses to travel out of state for reproductive care when it is not available in the state in which they are assigned. NOT PAYING FOR THE CARE.
ACTION
Let’s let our Senators know it is time to represent us on Reproductive Health. You can find their phone/email in the Resources section below.
Let them know you want them to change the rules to override the Tuberville blockade of military promotions and that they should pass the Women’s Health Protection Act Codifying a woman’s right to bodily autonomy IN EVERY STATE.
You can send the email below with RESISTBOT by texting SIGN PHVDVH to 50409.
I am your constituent and I am fed up with Sen. Tuberville’s blockade of military promotions because the military allows women to travel out of their assigned state to get an abortion and receive time off. I want you to support bringing a rule change to a vote on the floor of the Senate to end the blockade.
Second, Let’s note Senator Tuberville’s lack of a uterus and so to make sure that this kind of womb slavery comes to an end I want you to cosponsor and actively support the Women’s Health Protection Act to codify a woman’s right to bodily autonomy everywhere in our country. Thank you.
RESOURCES
Healthcare Advocacy (Us)
Website
Our Newsletter resources including reproductive healthcare
Healthcare Advocacy Reading List
Find My Elected Officials
Contact the White House https://www.whitehouse.gov/contact/
Contact State and Federal Representatives
By phone: (202) 224-3121
By email: democracy.io
Important Healthcare Resources
League of Women Voters Healthcare Reform Toolkit
Organizations to Contact
National Nurses United Medicare4All
Physicians for a National Health Program
One Payer States
Healthcare Now
Reproductive Health
NARAL - Pro Choice America
Charley. chatbot abortion resource - make sure to use a secure incognito browser if you live in a state that has banned abortion
Planned Parenthood
Miscarriage and Abortion Hotline has references about where to procure abortion medications. They also assist women in the process of self managed abortion or miscarriage by phone or text and will respond in an hour. Details and hours of operation at their website.
United State of Women Reproductive health page (bottom of the page) has important resources such as medical support, access to Telehealth, prescriptions by mail, and legal support references.
Practice careful communications - The Digital Defense Fund has a number of tips to keep texts, calls, and internet use private. Here is their site.
If you need financial help with an abortion try abortionfunds.org
Claims Denials and Appeals & What to Do
Appeal a Healthcare Decision
Appeal/Negotiate a Hospital Bill
Disinformation Management
Cybersecurity Infrastructure Security Agency
Save Democracy
Chop Wood, Carry Water by Jessica Cravens
RESISTBOT
Link to the RESISTBOT site to learn more
Link to Chop Wood, Carry Water RESISTBOT write up
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