Health reform has been a topic of great importance here in Washington for the past few months since discussions and debates have intensified in June, 2009. Health reform, however, has primarily focused on one aspect of health – health care. In the broader sense, though, health encompasses a wider reach. For example, health professionals are...
Category: Public Policy
The Business Case for an Office of Men’s Health
Below is an excerpt from a forthcoming study that I authored, which investigates the federal costs associated with excess disease burden in men in an attempt to substantiate the need for a federal Office of Men’s Health. Despite the increased risk of disease and injury, the health of men is oft an overlooked subject. Men...Continue reading
HPV Not Your Problem? Think Of Yourself As A Disease Reservoir
We, as a species, seem to spend a great deal of time blaming others for our problems and nowhere is this truer than when referring to health. Whether it is patients blaming doctors, doctors blaming government, government blaming insurance companies, the finger is always pointed at someone else. This is something that needs to change. ...Continue reading
The House Bill in a Nutshell
We’ve had a few requests here at TAMH to give a brief overview of the recently passed House health reform bill, and I thought that the APHA Conference would be a good backdrop to also talk about some of the public health provisions in the language. From insurance coverage to market innovation and chronic disease...Continue reading
Prostate Cancer Awareness, Part II
Football games are a time for indulgences like burgers, brats, and beer but even then we can still find ways to promote a cause for a health condition that effects one in six American men. This past Sunday, the Men’s Health Network collaborated with the Washington Redskins at their season home opener in support of...Continue reading
Health Reform: What’s in it for Men?
With health reform sound bytes swirling across the media as ferociously as a September hurricane, I thought it would be helpful to assess some of the real proposals on the table. Most elements of the reform effort will surely benefit men’s health outcomes. Health insurance subsidies and ending harmful insurance market practices will allow men...Continue reading
Men’s Health in Public Policy by Adam Dougherty, MPH
As you may or may not be aware, health reform is THE topic of the summer in Washington, DC and men’s health has a lot to gain (and lose) in the talks. There are two bills making their way through Congress that deal specifically with men. First the good news! The resolution H. Con. Res....Continue reading
More progress towards reducing tobacco use
An article by USA today (click here for article) reported that retail chains are making progress towards reducing tobacco use in the US. More specifically, New Hampshire, Illinois, and Tennessee all have Bills pending to bar pharmacies with walk in clinics from selling tobacco products. New York has a Bill that would ban all pharmacies,...Continue reading
Restaruants banning smoking helps reduce youth smoking
The Los Angeles Times reports that restaurants that ban smoking also help reduce the number of youths who light up. (click here for article). When young adults are not given an environment where they can openly partake in an unhealthy habit, they are less likely to continue the behavior. This article is a good example...Continue reading