The potato war

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Potatoes are not a grain, according to a bipartisan group of 14 senators who want the US Department of Agriculture and Health (“USDA”) and Human Services departments to continue classifying the starchy spud root as a vegetable. The USDA is considering treating starchy vegetables like grains. But the senators demand potatoes are good for you and should stay as vegetables. The senators care because it would affect food rules and programs. They feel the change will confuse people and cause problems. The senators did not quite say which people would be scratching their heads over this specific problem. Get your SAVE THE POTATO signs ready.

In today’s email:

• Knitting away Depression, Anxiety, and Stress

• A Man's Health Guide to "Me" Time

• Addressing Vaccine Disparities in Pregnancy

• Medicaid vs Private Insurance: The Physician-Patient Dynamics

• Deep learning model detects COVID-19 infection using lung imaging:

  Johns Hopkins researchers have developed a deep learning-based model to detect COVID-19 infection using lung ultrasound images.

• AI eye exams:

  Christian Espinoza, director of a Southern California drug-treatment provider, recently began employing a powerful new assistant: an artificial intelligence algorithm that can perform eye exams with pictures taken by a retinal camera. It makes quick diagnoses, without a doctor present.

• 65% of Healthcare Organizations Have Seen a Positive Return on Health Equity Efforts

  A new report from Ernst & Young revealed that healthcare organizations are seeing financial benefits and improved outcomes from their health equity strategies.

• Fox News Poll

  59% of surveyed Americans think abortion should be legal.

  Supreme Court argued over whether abortion pills should be outlawed, and GOP politicians consider support for a national abortion ban.

   

  Knitting Your Way to Mental Well-Being: Therapeutic Benefits

  

  Therapeutic Knitting

In recent years, there has been growing interest and research into the therapeutic benefits of knitting for mental health. This age-old craft, often associated with creating warm clothing or beautiful accessories, is now being recognized for its potential to alleviate symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress.

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Knitting, a form of repetitive and rhythmic handwork, has been found to have calming effects on the mind and body. Many individuals report feeling a sense of relaxation and focus while engaged in knitting, similar to the effects of meditation or mindfulness practices. This calming effect is attributed to the repetitive motions involved in knitting, which can help reduce anxiety and promote a sense of well-being.

Studies have shown that engaging in knitting can lead to decreased levels of cortisol, the stress hormone, in the body. This reduction in stress hormones can contribute to improved mood and overall mental health. Additionally, the act of creating something tangible through knitting can boost self-esteem and feelings of accomplishment, which are important factors in combating depression and anxiety.

One study published in the Journal of British Psychological Society found that participants who engaged in knitting reported lower levels of anxiety and depression compared to those who did not knit. The rhythmic and soothing nature of knitting was found to have a positive impact on participants' emotional well-being, providing a sense of control and relaxation during stressful times.

Knitting is also known to stimulate the brain and improve cognitive function. The complex patterns and concentration required in knitting can enhance cognitive abilities such as memory, attention, and problem-solving skills. This cognitive stimulation can be particularly beneficial for individuals experiencing cognitive decline or neurodegenerative disorders.

The therapeutic benefits of knitting for mental health are becoming increasingly recognized and studied. From reducing stress and anxiety to improving mood and cognitive function, knitting offers a holistic approach to supporting mental well-being. Whether as a solo activity or part of a group, picking up the needles and yarn may just be a soothing and empowering way to cope with life's challenges.

The Importance of "Me" Time: A Guide for Men

In the hustle and bustle of daily life, it's easy for men to overlook the importance of taking time for themselves. Between work, family responsibilities, and social obligations, carving out dedicated "me" time might seem like a luxury. However, prioritizing self-care and personal time is crucial for mental, emotional, and physical well-being. Here's a guide to help men navigate the benefits and strategies of incorporating "me" time into their lives.

Understanding the Need for "Me" Time

"Me" time refers to intentional periods of solitude or activities that bring joy, relaxation, and fulfillment to an individual. It's not selfish; rather, it's a fundamental aspect of self-care that allows men to recharge, de-stress, and reconnect with themselves.

Benefits of "Me" Time for Men

Stress Reduction: Taking time for oneself can significantly reduce stress levels. Engaging in activities like meditation, reading, or hobbies can help men unwind and relax, leading to better overall health.

Improved Mental Health: "Me" time provides an opportunity for self-reflection and introspection, leading to better mental clarity, emotional resilience, and a more positive outlook on life.

Enhanced Productivity: Contrary to the belief that constant work leads to productivity, regular breaks and "me" time can actually boost productivity by preventing burnout and increasing focus and creativity.

Better Relationships: When men prioritize self-care and well-being, they are better equipped to nurture healthy relationships with loved ones, as they are more emotionally balanced and present.

Strategies for Incorporating "Me" Time

Schedule It: Treat "me" time as a non-negotiable appointment in your calendar. Set aside specific blocks of time each week dedicated solely to activities that bring you joy and relaxation.

Find Your Passion: Explore hobbies or activities that genuinely interest you, whether it's reading, hiking, painting, playing music, or practicing a sport. Investing time in activities you love can be incredibly fulfilling.

Unplug: Disconnect from digital devices and screens during "me" time to fully immerse yourself in the present moment and reduce distractions.

Practice Self-Care: Prioritize self-care activities such as exercise, healthy eating, adequate sleep, and mindfulness practices like meditation or yoga.

Set Boundaries: Learn to say no to unnecessary commitments or tasks that drain your energy and communicate your need for "me" time with your loved ones.

"Me" time is not a luxury but a necessity for men's overall well-being. By valuing and prioritizing self-care, men can lead more balanced, fulfilling lives, fostering resilience, creativity, and stronger relationships. Incorporating regular "me" time into your routine is an investment in yourself that pays dividends in every aspect of life.

Addressing Vaccine Disparities in Pregnancy: A Call for Equitable Access

Public health officials are concerned about a "tripledemic" involving RSV, influenza, and COVID-19, urging pregnant women to protect themselves and their infants. Despite rising RSV cases, a new vaccine can reduce hospitalizations by 60% if given in the third trimester. Yet only 1 in 4 pregnant women got recommended vaccines in the 2022 flu season.

Disparities exist, with 74% higher vaccination rates among privately insured pregnant women compared to Medicaid/CHIP-covered ones, impacting health equity. Improving Medicaid vaccination rates is crucial, given their coverage of 40% of births and 70% of marginalized groups' births. Enhancing vaccine access during prenatal visits or at pharmacies is key.

Medicaid's lower reimbursement rates and administrative hurdles contribute to physician frustrations, with Medicaid denial rates much higher than Medicare or private insurance. These challenges have significant economic and access-to-care implications, emphasizing the need for solutions to reduce administrative burdens in healthcare.

Medicaid vs Private Insurance: The Physician-Patient Dynamics

One contributing factor to the challenges faced by Medicaid is the lower reimbursement rates compared to Medicare or private insurance. However, another critical yet often overlooked issue is the administrative burden placed on physicians when dealing with Medicaid reimbursements. A recent study by Dunn et al. (2024), titled "A Denial a Day Keeps the Doctor Away," sheds light on the significantly higher rate of reimbursement denials by Medicaid compared to other payers like Medicare or commercial insurance.

The repercussions of these administrative hurdles in healthcare are significant. Using data from extensive interactions between a large group of U.S. physicians and various insurers, we uncover the complexities of healthcare billing and estimate its economic toll on doctors as well as its impact on patients. By examining the back-and-forth processes of claim denials and resubmissions for past medical visits, we can gauge the costs incurred by physicians in navigating these billing challenges to receive payments. Combining these costs with the revenue lost due to unpaid claims, our analysis reveals that physicians experience an 18% loss of revenue from Medicaid due to billing issues, compared to 4.7% for Medicare and 2.4% for commercial insurers.

Our research also highlights how these administrative burdens influence physicians' decisions. We observe that physicians, especially those with practices spanning across state lines, are inclined to reject Medicaid patients in states with more rigorous billing procedures. Surprisingly, these billing hurdles are equally significant as payment rates in determining physicians' willingness to accept Medicaid patients. This finding underscores the profound impact of administrative frictions on doctors, patients, and the equitable access to healthcare services.

The economic costs associated with administrative challenges in healthcare are substantial, affecting both doctors and patients. We quantify the potential benefits of reducing these frictions, such as reduced public spending or enhanced access to healthcare providers and find them to be significant. Addressing these administrative barriers could lead to tangible improvements in healthcare delivery and access for all.

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