Health care website
The Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation in March launched a redesigned version of its website at http://innovations.cms.gov. The new site includes information about the center as well as a forum to gather new ideas to improve the health care system, focusing on Medicare, Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program.
Long-term care information
NIHSeniorHealth in April added long-term care as a new topic on its website, bringing to 50 the number of topics covered on the site at www.nihseniorhealth.gov/longtermcare/toc. The new information covers the types and cost of long-term care and frequently asked questions.
Infection control video
The Joint Commission in April released its second animated “Speak Up: Infection Control,” which encourages patients to speak up and become active participants in their health care. For more information, visit www.jointcommission.org/speakup.aspx.
Water quality trends
The Environmental Protection agency in March released a data and mapping tool that compares water quality trends. The tool includes information divided by state, as well as information on inspections, violations and enforcement actions. The tool indicates facilities that are violating the Clean Water Act and can be accessed at http://www.epa-echo.gov/echo/ancr/us.
Emergency toolkit
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services in March released a toolkit to help culturally diverse communities plan for and respond to emergencies. The toolkit includes information, resources and strategies for emergency planning and action and draws on recommendations from the National Consensus Panel on Emergency Preparedness and Cultural Diversity. The toolkit is available online at www.diversitypreparedness.org.
FDA website
To keep abreast of the provisions of the new Food Safety Modernization Act, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in April launched a redesigned website at www.fda.gov/fsma. New features include access to a search engine for recalled foods, explanations of food safety legislation, videos, graphs describing implementation of the law and information about public meetings.
Addiction program
The National Institute on Drug Abuse in April launched the Addiction Performance Project. Online at www.drugabuse.ov/nidamed/app, the program helps primary care providers foster dialogue and understanding for patients living with an addiction disease and includes performances, readings and panel discussions.
NIH newsletter
The National Institutes of Health in April released a monthly newsletter on “The World Around You: Use What You Have to Stay Healthy and Fit.” The publication provides practical advice on nutrition, exercise and health with a focus on preventing or delaying health problems such as diabetes. The newsletter is available online at www.win.niddk.nih.gov/publications/way.htm.
Hazardous chemicals guidelines
The National Research Council in March released “Prudent Practices in the Laboratory: Handling and Disposal of Chemicals,” an updated reference on the safe use of hazardous chemicals at laboratories and agencies. The report updates procedures for handling, storing, and disposing of hazardous chemicals. Also covered is emergency planning, laboratory security and “green” chemistry. To order a copy, visit www.nap.edu.
Physician app
The American Medical Association in March launched “CPT evaluation and management quick reference app,” a portable, electronic reference guide for physicians and those who work with current procedural terminology codes. The app is available free at iTunes and it is compatible with Apple iPhone, iPad, and iTouch. For more information, visit www.ama-assn.org.
Stress disorders reference
Omnigraphics’ Health Reference Series in April published a third edition of “Stress-Related Disorders Sourcebook.” The resource covers origins and types of stress as well as related addictions and disorders. Treatments, management tips and a directory of resources are also included. To order, visit www.omigraphics.com.
Teen sexual health reference
Omnigraphics’ Teen Health Series in April released a third edition of “Sexual Health Information for Teens.” The new reference helps teens navigate through information about sexual issues. The sourcebook includes sections on expectations, protecting sexual health, pregnancy prevention, sexually transmitted diseases, girls’ and boys’ health and a directory of references. To order, visit www.omnigraphics.com.
Diabetes resource
DiabetesCare.net, an online diabetes resource, in April launched a section for health care providers who care for people with diabetes. The new section covers the latest developments in treatments, research news, profiles of leaders in the field and diabetes management tools, including a nutrition tracker, blood glucose tracker and exercise tracker. The resource is online at www.diabetescare.net.
- Copyright The Nation’s Health, American Public Health Association
