Care homes with gay and lesbian residents should ensure that they do not use Christian workers who do not agree with gay rights, the Commission for Social Care Inspection says.

Dame Denise Platt, CSCI Chair, said: “Lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people should feel safe, valued and have contact with their friends and communities. All of this is important for identity and self-esteem." Press release.  read more »

Some of you may have noticed I've been on a blogging binge the likes of which I haven't done since I kicked this project off two months ago. Why? Well, it's overcast and drizzly. Additionally, tomorrow is colonoscopy day.

That makes today prep day. The gray beards among you probably know what that entails. You youngsters will be initiated soon enough, if your doctor is any good, and you're lucky enough to have insurance.

It's been easy so far. I've eaten a little Jello and have had a little juice. In just a few minutes the fun starts. I'll get to drink about a gallon of this shit they tell me is awful and will make me shit. This is not a dignified process.

Anyway, I like blogging, but not enough to do it from commode. I'll let you know how it comes out.

From NoQuarter we have:

Los Angeles Times, March 31, 2008

[Elizabeth] Edwards said she favored Hillary Rodham Clinton’s healthcare plan over Barack Obama’s.

Read the whole post by SusanUnPC here..........

And Barry?

I wouldn't be holding my breathe on that Edwards endorsement. At least one Edwards has got your number...and she don't like it.

She is stiffing caterers, lighting companies, and all kinds of companies.  Are the health insurance bills for all her campaign workers being paid?  Inquiring minds what to know.  Especially since she is threatening to throw people in jail if they don't buy health insurance from HER.

Of course, her health care is paid for by taxpayers.  If anything were to happen Walter Reed would open its loving arms and give her anything she wanted.  I wonder if her campaign staff would be forced to go to emergency rooms to wait?  read more »

West Nile virus and the mosquitoes that carry and transmit it to humans never go away completely, but most of us aren't thinking about West Nile in March. Fortunately, the Mississippi State Department of Health is.

Today, MSDH confirmed the first human case of West Nile for 2008. Here are details from the agency's news release:

(Jackson, MS) Today, the Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH) confirmed the state’s first human case of West Nile virus (WNV) for the year in Lincoln County. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, it is the second reported human case in the United States for 2008.

The state’s total number of human cases for 2007 was 136 with four resulting in death. Although these numbers are lower than the previous year, it is no indicator for the coming year. The MSDH reports both confirmed and probable cases to the public.  read more »

Is fee discounting by health care providers legal?  Would fee discounting be considered a fair shake to patients or would it be considered patient baiting?

In terms of hospital care, it seems the market is finding fee discounts a very acceptable method of doing business.  Here's a link to a number of recent article related to fee discounts in medical care.  read more »

Some people just don't get it:

ARLINGTON, VA. -- Elizabeth Edwards, the wife of former Democratic presidential contender John Edwards, said she and John McCain have one thing in common: "Neither one of us would be covered by his health policy."

...

Under McCain's plan, insurance companies "wouldn't have to cover preexisting conditions like melanoma and breast cancer," she said.

...

McCain's plan focuses on offering new tax breaks for individuals who buy their own health insurance. But critics say the Arizona senator's proposal avoids giving insurers requirements on whom they must cover and how much they may charge.

His plan would make it difficult for people with preexisting conditions, but who aren't covered by a government- or job-sponsored plan, to buy individual coverage, Edwards said.  read more »

Dandelion Salad

by Stephen Lendman
Global Research, March 31, 2008

The Association for Civil Rights in Israel (ACRI) publishes annual reports on the state of human rights in Israel and occupied Palestine. This article is based on its latest year end 2007 one.  read more »

Say what you will about Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger's failed health care reform plan, it's goal was noble. If it had worked as planed (which is highly unlikely) it would have not only brought millions of Californians into the health care coverage system, but would have strengthened the state's medical safety net. Instead, the health care plan failed, the California budget is in tatters and that safety net is in grave danger.  read more »