A Painful Pill to Swallow: U.S. vs. International Prescription Drug Prices

"Americans pay on average nearly four times more for drugs than other countries – in some cases, 67 times more for the same drug.

The United States (U.S.) spent $457 billion in 2016 on combined retail (dispensed at the pharmacy) and non-retail (dispensed in physician offices) drugs.1 Medicare alone spent nearly $130 billion on prescription drugs that year, $99.5 billion of which was for Part D pharmacy drugs and $29.1 billion of which was for Part B physician-administered drugs.2 In the five years between 2011 and 2016, drug spending nationwide grew by 27 percent – more than 2.5 times the rate of growth in inflation.3 According to a 2018 Kaiser Family Foundation poll, 79 percent of Americans believe the costs of prescription drugs are unreasonable – and 26 percent are worried they cannot afford the prescription drugs they need.

Given the rise in prescription drug costs and the associated out-of-pocket burden on consumers, U.S. policymakers and experts are considering models that successfully lower costs. This report examines patterns of drug pricing in the U.S. relative to other international comparator countries through a six-part analysis examining price differentials among 79 drugs sold in 11 countries and the U.S. in 2017 and 2018. The non-U.S. comparators in our analysis were: the United Kingdom (UK), Japan, Ontario, Australia, Portugal, France, the Netherlands, Germany, Denmark, Sweden, and Switzerland..."
Prescription drugs

United In Science: High-level synthesis report of latest climate science information convened by the Science Advisory Group of the UN Climate Action Summit 2019

[via United Nations}
"The UN Climate Action Summit 2019 Science Advisory Group called for this High Level Synthesis Report, to assemble the key scientific findings of recent work undertaken by major partner organizations in the domain of global climate change research, including the World Meteorological Organization, UN Environment, Global Carbon Project, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, Future Earth, Earth League and the Global Framework for Climate Services. The Report provides a unified assessment of the state of our Earth system under the increasing influence of anthropogenic climate change, of humanity’s response thus far and of the far-reaching changes that science projects for our global climate in the future. The scientific data and findings presented in the report represent the very latest authoritative information on these topics. It is provided as a scientific contribution to the UN Climate Action Summit 2019, and highlights the urgent need for the development of concrete actions that halt the worst effects of climate change.

The Synthesis Report is an example of the international scientific community’s commitment to strategic collaboration in order to advance the use of scientific evidence in global policy, discourse and action. The Science Advisory Group will remain committed to providing its expertise to support the global community in tackling climate change on the road to COP 25 in Santiago and beyond..."
U.N. Climate change report

U.S. Role in the World: Background and Issues for Congress

"The U.S. role in the world refers to the overall character, purpose, or direction of U.S. participation in international affairs and the country’s overall relationship to the rest of the world. The U.S. role in the world can be viewed as establishing the overall context or framework for U.S. policymakers for developing, implementing, and measuring the success of U.S. policies and actions on specific international issues, and for foreign countries or other observers for interpreting and understanding U.S. actions on the world stage.

While descriptions of the U.S. role in the world since the end of World War II vary in their specifics, it can be described in general terms as consisting of four key elements: global leadership; defense and promotion of the liberal international order; defense and promotion of freedom, democracy, and human rights; and prevention of the emergence of regional hegemons in Eurasia.

The issue for Congress is whether the U.S. role in the world is changing, and if so, what implications this might have for the United States and the world. A change in the U.S. role could have significant and even profound effects on U.S. security, freedom, and prosperity. It could significantly affect U.S. policy in areas such as relations with allies and other countries, defense plans and programs, trade and international finance, foreign assistance, and human rights..."
U.S. role in the world

Keep on Your Feet—Preventing Older Adult Falls

"Falls are common and costly, especially among Americans age 65 and older. But falls are preventable and do not have to be an inevitable part of aging.

Every second of every day, an older adult (age 65+) suffers a fall in the U.S.—making falls the leading cause of injury and injury death in this age group. One out of four older adults will fall each year in the United States, making falls a public health concern, particularly among the aging population.

Facts About Older Adult Falls

• Thirty million older adults fall each year—resulting in about 30,000 deaths.
• Each year, 3 million older adultsexternal icon are treated for a fall injury.
• One out of every five fallsexternal icon causes a serious injury, such as broken bones or a head injury.
• Each year at least 300,000 older people are hospitalized for hip fractures.
• More than 95% of hip fracturesexternal icon are caused by falling—usually by falling sideways.
• Women fall more often than men and account for three-quarters of all hip fractures..."
  Older Adult falls

Federal Judiciary Act

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Engrossed Judiciary Act, September 24, 1789; First Congress; Enrolled Acts and Resolutions; General Records of the United States Government; Record Group 11; National Archives.

One of the first acts of the new Congress was to establish a Federal court system through the Judiciary Act signed by President Washington on September 24, 1789. The founders of the new nation believed that the establishment of a national judiciary was one of their most important tasks. Yet Article III of the Constitution of the United States, the provision that deals with the judiciary branch of government, is markedly smaller than Articles I and II, which created the legislative and executive branches. The generality of Article III of the Constitution raised questions that Congress had to address in the Judiciary Act of 1789. With minor adjustments, it is the same system we have today..."
Federal Judiciary

The Bill of Rights

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Bill of Rights

Engrossed Bill of Rights, September 25, 1789; General Records of the United States Government; Record Group 11; National Archives.

Criticized for the lack of protections against tyranny in the Constitution, the First Congress of the United States proposed 12 amendments to address those arguments on September 25, 1789. Articles 3 to 12, ratified December 15, 1791, by three-fourths of the state legislatures, constitute the first 10 amendments of the Constitution, known as the Bill of Rights..."
Read more at the Charters of Freedom...

Bill of Rights

Engage Parents to Promote Healthy Schools

"Parents have a powerful role in supporting children’s health and learning. Use CDC’s resources to get them involved in creating a healthier school!

Schools, parents, and students benefit from parents being involved in their children’s school. Research shows that parent engagement in schools is linked to better student behavior, higher academic achievement, and enhanced social skills. As students start a new school year, parents will be looking for ways to get involved. You can engage them in school health by using the strategies and ideas in the Parents for Healthy Schools resources.

What Is Parents for Healthy Schools?

Parents for Healthy Schools is a set of resources that school groups such as the Parent Teacher Association (PTA), the Parent Teacher Organization (PTO), and school wellness committees can use to get parents involved in promoting healthy schools. These resources can also be used by others interested in working with parents and getting them involved in the school, such as school nutrition directors, school administrators, school nurses, teachers, parents, and community members or organizations...
Parents and Schools

Adults: Protect Yourself with Pneumococcal Vaccines

"Many adults may be at increased risk for pneumococcal disease and not know it. Two vaccines provide protection against this serious and sometimes deadly disease. Talk to your clinician to make sure you are up to date on these and other recommended vaccines.

Each year in the United States, pneumococcal disease kills thousands of adults. Thousands more end up in the hospital because of pneumococcal disease. It can cause severe infections of the lungs (pneumonia), bloodstream (bacteremia), and lining of the brain and spinal cord (meningitis). Vaccines are the best way to prevent pneumococcal disease.

Two vaccines help prevent pneumococcal disease:

• PCV13 (pneumococcal conjugate vaccine)
• PPSV23 (pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine)

PCV13 protects against 13 strains of pneumococcal bacteria and PPSV23 protects against 23 strains of pneumococcal bacteria. Both vaccines provide protection against illnesses like meningitis and bacteremia. PCV13 also provides protection against pneumonia..."
Pneumococal vaccines

NOAA Climate Change Web Portal

"How climate changes in response to increases in man-made greenhouse gases is one of the foremost questions for the scientific community, policy makers and the general public.

A key approach for examining climate, especially how it will change in the future, uses complex computer models of the climate system that include atmosphere, ocean, sea ice and land components. Some models also include additional aspects of the earth system, including chemistry and biology.

The Climate Change Portal is a web interface developed by the NOAA ESRL Physical Sciences Division to access and display the immense volumes of climate and earth system model output that informed the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Fifth Assessment Report (AR5) (http://www.ipcc.ch/report/ar5/#.Uw0-KfRdUUA). Users can access two components of the portal that focus on:
 [Land and Water] [Oceans and Marine Ecosystems] [NW Atlantic Dynamical Downscaling].."
Climate change portal

Four Steps (Clean, Separate, Cook, Chill) to Food Safety

"Following four simple stepsexternal icon at home — Clean, Separate, Cook, and Chill — can help protect you and your loved ones from food poisoning.

Clean: Wash your hands and surfaces often.external icon

• Germs that cause food poisoning can survive in many places and spread around your kitchen.
• Wash hands for 20 seconds with soap and water before, during, and after preparing food and before eating.
• Wash your utensils, cutting boards, and countertops with hot, soapy water.
• Rinse fresh fruits and vegetables under running water.

Separate: Don't cross-contaminate.external icon

• Raw meat, poultry, seafood, and eggs can spread germs to ready-to-eat foods—unless you keep them separate.
  • Use separate cutting boards and plates for raw meat, poultry, and seafood.
  • When grocery shopping, keep raw meat, poultry, seafood, and their juices away from other foods.
  • Keep raw meat, poultry, seafood, and eggs separate from all other foods in the fridge..."Keep food safe

Constitution Annotated

"Read about the Constitution in Plain English.
The Constitution Annotated provides a comprehensive overview of how the Constitution has been interpreted over time and is now available on this new site with upgraded search capabilities. The online Constitution Annotated includes discussions of the Supreme Court's latest opinions. In the coming months, we will be making broader changes to further modernize the Constitution Annotated.
Browse the Constituion Annotated >..."
Constitution Annotated

Child Passenger Safety

"National Child Passenger Safety Week 2019 is September 15-21. Make sure you properly buckle children on every trip.

Reduce Their Risk

In the United States, motor vehicle crashes are a leading cause of death among children. In 2017, 675 children 12 years old and younger died in motor vehicle crashes, and nearly 116,000 were injured. Of the children 12 years old and younger who died in a crash in 2017 (for which restraint use was known), 35% were not buckled up. Parents and caregivers can make a lifesaving difference.

Whenever you’re on the road, make sure children—aged 12 and under—are buckled in age- and size-appropriate car seats, booster seats, or seat belts, and always in the back seat.

Data shows that:

• In 2017, restraint use saved the lives of 325 children ages 4 years and younger.
• Car seat use reduces the risk for injury in crashes by 71–82% for children, when compared with seat belt use alone.
• Booster seat use reduces the risk for serious injury by 45% for children aged 4-8, when compared with seat belt use alone..."
  Child passengers

Caregivers and Sickle Cell Disease

"Caregivers are responsible for the physical care and emotional support of those unable to care for themselves due to illness, injury, or disability (a condition that affects major life activities).

The challenges of caring for a loved one with a chronic disease, like sickle cell disease (SCD), can be isolating and overwhelming. Life as you know it ends, and you begin to spend all of your time and energy caring for your loved one. For many, however, caregiving is also a rewarding experience, bringing family members closer together.

Learn the Effect Sickle Cell Disease Has on Family Members & Caregivers

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a blood disorder present at birth. People with SCD have “sickle” shaped red blood cells that stick together and block blood and oxygen from reaching all parts of the body, leading to health problems such as pain, anemia, injections, and stroke. Approximately 100,000 Americans are affected by SCD. CDC is committed to studying SCD to improve the health and care of people with this condition.

Below we share short vignettes (or snippets) from real life stories of two caregivers of young adults with SCD, as well as the perspective of a young adult with SCD and the effect his condition had on his caregivers. Their experiences help shine a light on the:

• Role of caregivers;
• Effect SCD has on a caregiver’s life;
• Struggles and challenges faced by caregivers; and
• Ways caregivers have overcome challenges in order to keep their family safe and healthy..."
  Caregivers and Sickle Cell

Hispanic/Latino Americans and Type 2 Diabetes

"People of certain racial and ethnic groups are more likely to develop prediabetes and type 2 diabetes, including African Americans, Hispanic/Latino Americans, and Asian Americans. Learn why Hispanic/Latino risk is higher, and some ways to prevent type 2 diabetes or manage diabetes if you already have it.

Hispanic/Latino Americans make up a diverse group that includes people of Cuban, Mexican, Puerto Rican, South and Central American, and other Spanish cultures, and all races. Each has its own history and traditions, but all are more likely to have type 2 diabetes (17%) than non-Hispanic whites (8%).

But that 17% is just an average for Hispanic/Latino American groups. The chance of having type 2 diabetes is closely tied to background. For example, if your heritage is Puerto Rican, you’re about twice as likely to have type 2 diabetes as someone whose background is South American.

Diabetes Affects Hispanics/Latinos More

Over their lifetime, US adults overall have a 40% chance of developing type 2 diabetes. But if you’re a Hispanic/Latino American adult, your chance is more than 50%, and you’re likely to develop it at a younger age. Diabetes complications also hit harder: Hispanics/Latinos have higher rates of kidney failureexternal icon caused by diabetes as well as diabetes-related vision loss pdf icon[PDF – 327 KB] and blindness..."
Hispanics and type 2 diabetes

#BeThere to Help Prevent Suicide

"Suicide is a serious public health problem that can have lasting harmful effects on individuals, families, and communities.  Suicide is more than a mental health concern.

A recent CDC study showed that a range of factors contribute to suicide among those with and without known mental health conditions. Everyone can help prevent suicide by knowing the warning signs and where to get help.

The Facts About Suicide

Suicide is a public health problem because of its far-reaching effects:

• Suicide is the 10th leading cause of death in the United States.
• One person dies by suicide every 11 minutes.
• In 2017, 10.6 million American adults seriously thought about suicide, 3.2 million made a plan, and 1.4 million attempted suicide.
• People who have experienced violence, including child abuse, bullying, or sexual violence are at higher risk for suicide.

Suicide prevention is everyone’s business. You can #BeThereexternal icon and #BeThe1Toexternal icon help a friend, loved one, or coworker. Everyone can learn the warning signs and how to get help..."
Suicide

Keeping Children Safe

"Protecting Your Child Is as Easy as A-B-C

Ask how you would be reunited with your child in an emergency or evacuation

• If students had to evacuate, where should you go to pick them up?
• How would the school notify you in the event of emergency?

Follow these three steps to help protect your child during emergencies in the school day. View larger version and text description.

Bring extra medication, special foods, or supplies your child would need if you were separated overnight

• What essential supplies would your child need if separated from you overnight? (Medications? Inhaler? Milk? Diapers? Battery pack for special equipment?)
• Does the school have an emergency stockpile of these items or could you bring extras to be kept at school?
• What is the school policy for how and when medicine can be administered to your child?

Complete a backpack contact information card pdf icon[PDF – 171 KB] and tuck one in your child’s backpack and your wallet

• Emergencies are chaotic! Make sure your child or their school knows how to reach you, and who should be called if your phone isn’t working.
• Download and complete your own backpack card..."
  Keeping children safe

Census Bureau Launches 2020 Census Website

"The U.S. Census Bureau recently unveiled a new version of the 2020 Census website. The site differs from previous iterations in that it includes new Statistics in Schools materials, information about the count of young children, revised facts about the 2020 Census, job application information, and other answers to frequently asked questions.

Another important feature is the “Fighting 2020 Census Rumors” page, which is intended to combat misinformation regarding the next decennial census. Further, the page promotes a new email, rumors@census.gov, where the public can report false information about the 2020 Census..."

Census 2020 website

FTC Takes Action against Operators of Student Loan Debt Relief Schemes and the Financing Company that Assisted Them

"...How to Avoid Student Loan Debt Relief Scams

To help consumers avoid falling victim to such fraud, the FTC has consumer education related to student loan debt relief scams at ftc.gov/StudentLoans.

Only scammers promise fast loan forgiveness, and they often pretend to be affiliated with the government. Consumers should never pay an upfront fee for help, and should not share their FSA ID with anyone.

Consumers can apply for loan deferments, forbearance, repayment, and forgiveness or discharge programs directly through the U.S. Department of Education or their loan servicer at no cost. These programs do not require the assistance of a third-party company or payment of application fees. For federal student loan repayment options, visit StudentAid.gov/repay. For private student loans, contact the loan servicer directly.

.."
Student loan debt relief scams

Visa Requirements for Bahamas Citizens Traveling to the United States

"The U.S. Embassy in Nassau is open for emergency visa appointments and U.S. Customs and Border Protection Ports of Entry are prepared, should Bahamians request to temporarily relocate to the United States.

All travelers applying for admission to the United States via air or sea must meet the following document requirements for admission to ensure a lawful and orderly arrival to the United States.

• Bahamians must be in possession of a valid, unexpired passport or a Bahamian Travel Document listing nationality as Bahamian. All other travelers arriving from the Bahamas (U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents, and individuals of other nationalities) must possess a valid, unexpired government–issued passport.
• Bahamians arriving to the United States by vessel must be in possession of a valid passport AND valid travel visa.
• Detailed information on all visa application requirements and processes, as well as a step-by-step guide to visa applications for Bahamians, can be found at https://bs.usembassy.gov/visas/nonimmigrant-visas.
• Bahamian citizens may apply for admission to the United States without a visa at one of the CBP Preclearance facilities located in Nassau or Freeport International Airports, IF they meet the following requirements:
  • Be traveling on a flight that CBP completes immigration and customs inspections in Nassau or Freeport. (*Note - Bahamians traveling on to another country and expecting to transit the United States on their return will need a visa);
  • Be in possession of a valid, unexpired passport or a Bahamian Travel Document listing nationality as Bahamian;
  • Have no criminal record nor any legal ineligibility or inadmissibility as defined by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (click here);
  • Be traveling for business or pleasure (tourism, visiting relatives, shopping, etc.) purposes for a short duration;
  • All persons 14 years of age and older must be in possession of a police certificate issued within the past six months;
  • Bahamians traveling through the United States to a third country must possess a valid visa for return travel through the U.S.

The bottom line is that all travelers must possess government-issued identity documents, such as passports. All travelers who arrive directly to a U.S. Port of Entry by air or sea must possess a U.S. visitor’s visa. Travelers who would otherwise qualify for the Visa Waiver Program and who travel by air from a CBP Preclearance facility in Freeport or Nassau may not need a U.S. visitor’s visa..."

Visa of Bahamians

Online Trainings on Alcohol-Free Pregnancy

"Fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASDs) are physical, behavioral, and intellectual disabilities that last a lifetime. FASDs are preventable if a developing baby is not exposed to alcohol. Educating healthcare professionals about FASDs can offer knowledge and skills to improve the delivery of care related to FASDs and their prevention.

Providers: Take free online trainings to learn about alcohol-free pregnancy!

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Collaborative for Alcohol-Free Pregnancy announce the availability of free online courses for healthcare professionals on the prevention, identification, and management of FASDs.

Training Courses

• FASD Primer for Healthcare Professionals*
• Preventing Alcohol-Exposed Pregnancies*
• Diagnostic Overview of FASDs: Recognition and Referral*
• Implementing Alcohol Screening and Brief Intervention in Clinical Practice*
• Interprofessional Collaborative Practice as a Model for Prevention of Alcohol-Exposed Pregnancies*

Brief Supplemental Learnings

• How to Begin a Conversation about Alcohol Use
• Making a Referral for an FASD Assessment: How to Talk with Families.."
  Alcohol-free pregnancy

Pet Safety in Emergencies

"Emergencies come in many forms: fires, hurricanes, earthquakes, tornadoes, floods, violent storms and even terrorism. In the event of extreme weather or a disaster, would you know what to do to protect your pet? Leaving pets out of evacuation plans can put pets, pet owners, and first responders in danger. Even if you try to create a safe place for them, pets left behind during a disaster are likely to be injured, lost, or worse.  Be prepared: make a plan and prepare a disaster kit for your pet.

Before an Emergency

To get started, familiarize yourself with the types of disasters that could affect your area and consider your options for providing care for your pet(s).

Disasters can happen without warning, so be prepared:

• Make sure your pet(s) wear collars and tags with up-to-date contact information and other identification.
• Microchip your pet(s) – this is one of the best ways to ensure that you and your pet are reunited if you are separated. Always be sure to register the microchip with the manufacturer and keep your contact information up to date with the microchip company.
• Keep a leash and/or carrier near the exit.
• Make sure you have proper equipment for pets to ride in the car (carriers, harnesses, pet seatbelts).
• Prepare a Pet Disaster Kitso evacuation will go smoothly for your entire family. Ask your veterinarian for help in putting together your pet’s veterinary records..."
  Pet safety