OrCam Read - For theVisually Impaired

This is a well-designed device that converts text to speech.  It has been designed for all visually impaired people.  The video explains the OrCam Read.  It is expensive.  While there are other devices for the 'low vision' community, they are inadequate in many circumstances.

Many of these patients are in the senior group, covered by Medicare.  However Low Vision devices, magnifiers, or optical lenses are NOT covered by CMS.  In 2017 H.R. 2050 was proposed by Rep. Carolyn Maloney (D N.Y.). However, it was not passed.  CMS reimburses for other aids, such as wheelchairs, crutches, and other ambulatory aids.  Vision is certainly necessary to ambulate safely.

This a glaring discrimination again low vision patients.   It is expensive however it can be purchased over time at a reasonable rate.  CMS often leases expensive wheelchairs or another prosthesis.  Why not the Orcam.  I urge you to call your representative today to lobby for the legislation to be reintroduced and ask them to sign on to the bill.

Please consider signing the petition. You will find it at change.org.

OrCam Reader

Some Covid-19 Vaccines Are Effective After One Dose, Can Be Stored in Normal Freezers, Data Show - WSJ

In a win for global vaccination goals, the BioNTech-Pfizer (Moderna)vaccine is shown to generate a strong response with one dose and to maintain potency in standard freezers for two weeks.

The daily story of the covid19 vaccine is a story of poor logistics and outright lies.  The plan for distribution was not well thought out.  Perhaps it was written down in a "playbook" and it was not implemented as written.  Although the vaccine was developed in record time, the amounts to be produced were exaggerated to fit political ambitions during a year of a Presidential election.  It was delayed by political rhetoric, and the covid pandemic itself requiring distancing, masking, and sanitizing requirements.   It is an ongoing learning experience.

The Israel's seem to have a leg up with their process. This is no surprise, it is a small country of about 8-10 million, with a universal health care system. There is a centralized health information system

https://www.wsj.com/21e48f86-5968-47d4-b508-a418d0056e5f










Some Covid-19 Vaccines Are Effective After One Dose, Can Be Stored in Normal Freezers, Data Show - WSJ: In a win for global vaccination goals, the BioNTech-Pfizer vaccine is shown to generate a strong response with one dose and to maintain potency in standard freezers for two weeks.

Build a Revolutionary Healthcare Model

I hear many organizations bandying terms like Exponential Medicine, The Future of Medicine , Singularity, Precision Medicine, Personalized Medicine, and many others. Health care delivery has changed radically during the past ten years.  2020 presented a crisis that stimulated the use of already existing technology that had been under-utilized.

One of the most comprehensive patient-centered models of health care is that of "Forward" Forward is a revolutionary startup with offices in San Diego, San Francisco, Newport Beach, Glendale, and San Diego California.

It is funded by 24 private investors, initiated in 2015, with its headquarters in San Francisco.. Funding off 

Forward came inin January 2016 by former executives and engineering leaders from Google and Uber and led by serial entrepreneur Adrian Aoun. Forward was funded by some of the world's best

investors and entrepreneurs including First Round Capital, Eric Schmidt (Google/Alphabet chairman), Marc Benioff (Salesforce founder), Joe Lonsdale (Palantir founder), Joshua Kushner (Oscar co-founder), and Garrett Camp (Uber co-founder)

Forward Medical Lead, Dr. Nate Favini provides an in-depth tour of one of Forward's clinics, highlighting our biometric monitoring technology, rapid blood testing, genetic analysis, and more. Learn about how Forward's top-rated doctors leverage advanced technology to take a preventive approach to healthcare.

The video details the appearance of the clinic, it's examination rooms and the innovative means of gathering critical vital signs, as well as laboratory work, including genetic analysis.

Forward's stated goals are  Preventive primary care, powered by technology. On a mission to bring healthcare to the people who need it most.  Forward is a new approach to primary care that combines world-class doctors and leading-edge technology. Control the future of your health.

Forward Careers - Help Build a Revolutionary Healthcare Model

The methamphetamine crisis silently burns in the background. – Scientific Inquirer

Public attention has been drawn to the 'Opioid Addiction" drugs which are legally prescribed for pain management.  The misuse of these useful medications was fueled by overzealous prescribing by physicians and marketing by unscrupulous pharmaceutical companies. 

Several large previously reputable pharmaceutical companies (privately owned) were brought down by the opioid scandal (Purdue), and a rich philanthropic family's wealth destroyed by multiple large judgments (states) who sued for damages for medical treatments and therapy for addicted patients.  This will serve as a warning to those in the future who plan to profit from marketing dangerous and/or addicting drugs.

There are also many other non-opioid compounds that are used by patients who seek highs or other body experience, ranging from nitrous oxide to sniffing glue or other volatile compounds.  Many have serious effects on other body systems such as the heart, liver, and kidneys.

Methamphetamine, the chief ingredient for 'crack' is easily manufactured from some legal prescriptions including many over-the-counter cold remedies.  It became so well known that retail pharmacists no longer place them on open shelves, and although unregulated by the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) keeping them under lock and key elsewhere. The key ingredient, Sudafed is a main ingredient for nasal decongestants and is nonaddictive. Its main danger is the combination of readily available supply and dangerous side effects when concentrated into 'crack" 

 

Desoxyn Methamphetamine

Blu Crystal Meth

The methamphetamine crisis silently burns in the background. – Scientific Inquirer