Sleep and Health Journal

by Marlowe Hood
The brain neurons of liberals and conservatives fire differently when confronted with tough choices, suggesting that some political divides may be hard-wired, according to a study released Sunday.
Aristotle may have been more on the mark than he realized when he said that man is by nature a political animal.
Dozens of previous studies have established a strong link between political persuasion and certain personality traits.
Conservatives tend to crave order and structure in their lives, and are more consistent in the way they make decisions. Liberals, by contrast, show a higher tolerance for ambiguity and complexity, and adapt more easily to unexpected circumstances.

WHEN YOUR BABY HAS A FEVER, YOU TAKE HIM TO THE DOCTOR

HOWARD D. KURLAND, M.D.

Former Vice-President Al Gore appeared before a congressional committee on March 21, presenting his views on a matter he considered an imminent threat to the health of the planet. He explained that it was indisputable common sense to provide a baby with a fever rapid access to medical care.

By Alexander Golbin, MD

Medicare is about to re-evaluate the possibility and feasibility of home sleep studies for diagnosis of sleep apnea. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) announced on March 14, 2007 that it is reviewing the possibility of the National Coverage Determination (NCD) for Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA - a potentially life-threatening sleep disorder with episodes of stop breathing). So far CMS requires a full night multi-channel sleep study (polysomnography) in a sleep laboratory to credibly identify OSA patients who need the CPAP therapy. Recently CMS intends to reconsider use of portable multi-channel home testing and the need for any sleep testing for certain patients.

BACK TO THE FUTURE: HILLARY-CARE RETURNS

By Howard Kurland, MD

Proposals to “fix” the U.S. health care system will re-appear on the floor of Congress this session. Hillary-Care proposals would give total control of medical care to the federal government. The 1994 version of Hillary-Care proposed to make it a felony, punished by imprisonment, for patients to request care outside the system and for physicians who render that care.

Presidential hopefuls, Clinton, Obama and Edwards are asking for the entitlement of “universal” healthcare. An entitlement is political jargon. It authorizes Congress to raise income taxes to pay for the purchase of services in a more costly, less efficient manner, than would be available if such services were left to free market competition. This concept is intended to replace the request by our current President to offer tax credits (i.e. lower taxes) to provide additional funds for citizens to purchase their personal choice of health care coverage.