Author: Carla K. Johnson
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Emergency rooms may become more jammed
CHICAGO — Emergency rooms, the only choice for patients who can’t find care elsewhere, may grow even more crowded with longer wait times under the nation’s new health law. That might come as a surprise to those who thought getting 32 million more people covered by health insurance would ease ER crowding. It would seem…
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Doctors, AARP support new health overhaul bill
CHICAGO — The nation’s largest association of doctors and the AARP senior citizens’ lobby are endorsing President Barack Obama’s revised health overhaul legislation. James Rohack, president of the American Medical Association, said Friday that the pending bill isn’t perfect, but it’s the next step toward real reform of the nation’s health care system. “This is…
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Sheriff: Man sold his wife for sex on Craigslist
CHICAGO — A woman feared she’d never see her young child again unless she complied with her husband’s scheme to sell her sexual services on Craigslist, authorities said Wednesday. After paid sexual encounters in eight states, the woman sought help by calling a national anti-sex trafficking hot line, said Cook County Sheriff Tom Dart, who…
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Health care marketplace thrives on secret prices
CHICAGO — Flower shop owner Bob Hausheer would like to know why he can’t walk into a doctor’s office and see a list of prices. The 45-year-old suburban Chicago man has a $5,000 deductible, meaning he pays for his health care — including a $7,500 back surgery last year — mostly out of his own…
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Emotions are a key strategy in debate on health reform
CHICAGO – When carpenter Greg Douglas rolled his pickup truck, his toolbox hit him and smashed his ribs and collarbone. After a month in the hospital, the medical bills hit him even harder, totaling $165,000. Douglas is among thousands of people now telling their stories on videos, ads and Web sites on both sides of…
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Study gathers evidence on heart-healthy foods
CHICAGO – What we know for sure about diet and what protects the heart is a relatively short list. That’s the conclusion of new research based on an analysis of nearly 200 studies involving millions of people. Vegetables, nuts and the Mediterranean diet made the grocery list of “good” heart foods. On the “bad” list:…
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Study: Lots of red meat increases risk of dying
CHICAGO – The largest study of its kind finds that older Americans who eat large amounts of red meat and processed meats face a greater risk of death from heart disease and cancer. The federal study of more than half a million men and women bolsters prior evidence of the health risks of diets laden…
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Beanie Babies maker sells Sasha, Malia dolls
CHICAGO – The company that makes the popular Beanie Babies is hoping for two more big winners with dolls named “Sweet Sasha” and “Marvelous Malia.”But, no, the names do not refer to President Barack Obama’s daughters, a Ty Inc. spokeswoman says. Honest!Ty released the 12-inch dolls as part of the company’s “TyGirlz Collection.” The Sasha…
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Fan use linked to lower risk of sudden baby death
CHICAGO – Using a fan to circulate air seemed to lower the risk of sudden infant death syndrome in a study of nearly 500 babies, researchers reported Monday.Placing babies on their backs to sleep is the best advice for preventing SIDS, a still mysterious cause of death. Experts also recommend a firm mattress, removing toys…
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Medical group grades insurers
CHICAGO – Some health insurance companies rate doctors on their performance. Now doctors are turning the tables.The American Medical Association issued its first health insurance report card at the group’s annual meeting Monday. The primary focus is on the how quickly and accurately doctors get paid.”Physicians are spending 14 percent of their total revenue to…