Monday, November 1, 2010

Breath Alcohol Analyzer AlcoHAWK® Slim Breathalyzers

Breath Alcohol Analyzer AlcoHAWK® Slim BreathalyzersBreath Alcohol Analyzer AlcoHAWK® Slim is the newest addition to the AlcoHAWK® Breathalyzer series line. This Alcohol Breathalyzer features a sleek personal design roughly the size of a cell phone made of impact resistant abs material. The personal alcohol breath tester screens for the presence of alcohol quickly and is an ideal solution for a discreet easy-to-use unit. The AlcoHAWK® Slim Breathalyzer is equipped with a clear Ruby Red L.E.D. display. The unit comes pre-calibrated ready for use. The AlcoHAWK® Slim Breathalyzer has also been upgraded to use a folding mouthpiece design for maximum portability yet also has the ability to attach disposable mouthpiece covers ( 3 included) for sanitary use by multiple users! The new 2007 Breath Alcohol Analyzer AlcoHAWK® Slim has been upgraded over the older models with Sensor Recognition Software to warn the user if certain type of damages occur to the sensor Electric Pressure Sensor: The AlcoHAWK® Slim Alcohol Screening device contains an electronic airflow sensor to ensure a deep lung sample is obtained. This is a vital new function because only samples of air from the deep lung are proportionate to blood alcohol content. This new innovative sensor ensures the user exhales through the mouthpiece with the required force over the 5 second exhale. This is an important feature for professional alcohol screening to prevent an intentional short exhale which could affect accuracy. Sample Concentration Sensor: The Breath Alcohol Analyzer AlcoHAWK® Slim contains a software upgrade to allow the unit to track if an even alcohol concentration is detected in the sample. This cutting edge technology serves as another check of sample integrity. Sleek Design: The AlcoHAWK® Slim Breathalyzer was created with portability and handheld use in mind. Therefore, it was designed with a folding mouthpiece for easy storage in a purse or pocket.

Price:


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Sunday, October 31, 2010

Munchkin Fun Ice Soothing Ring Teether, Colors May Vary

Munchkin Fun Ice Soothing Ring Teether, Colors May Vary0+ Months
Ice Cold Gel Sooths baby's gums
A teether that's chewy

Price: $3.99


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Crazy and Zany Band Aids-BACON

Crazy and Zany Band Aids-BACONBacon bandages come in the shape of bacon strips in excellent detail.

Price: $6.99


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Saturday, October 30, 2010

EatSmart Precision Premium Digital Bathroom Scale with 3.5" LCD and "Step-On" Technology

EatSmart Precision Premium Digital Bathroom Scale with 3.5The EatSmart Precision Premium Bathroom Scale is the ideal way to track your weight loss quickly and easily. EatSmart's proprietary "step on" technology allows you to simply step onto the scale and in seconds you'll have an accurate readout to the nearest .2 lbs on the EatSmart's oversized 3.5" LCD display. No more "waking up" your scale by tapping or pressing buttons! The LCD display also contains a cool-blue backlight, allowing for easy viewing even in the most low light areas of the bathroom or home.


The EatSmart Precision Premium is also not only easy to use but also extremely accurate, engineered to the highest precision standards. The four high-gauge EatSmart precision G sensors ensure that you will get an accurate measurement every time. Additionally the slim, aluminum design fits perfectly into any surroundings and large non-slip platform safely allows weights to 400 lbs.


Along with your EatSmart digital scale you also receive our easy instruction guide and 4 AAA batteries.


Stop guessing your weight and get serious about your weight loss and fitness goals. Get yours today!

Price: $64.95


Click here to buy from Amazon

Friday, October 29, 2010

Yoga for the Rest of Us - Back Care Basics

Yoga for the Rest of Us - Back Care BasicsStudio: Wgbh Wholesale Release Date: 10/30/2007 Run time: 123 minutes

Price: $19.95


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Self-Healing with Guided Imagery

Self-Healing with Guided ImageryThe verdict is in: guided imagery works. Study after medical study during the past three decades has found that the power of the mind can influence almost every major system of the body- from breathing and heart rate to digestion and immune response. On Self-Healing with Guided Imagery, Dr. Martin L. Rossman, widely considered the No. 1 expert in the therapeutic use of guided imagery, joins trusted physician and bestselling author Dr. Andrew Weil for the first time on audio to offer a concentrated course that will help you immediately experience the benefits of this effective and easy-tolearn practice. The perfect introduction to this "critical component to all healing" from two of America's most trusted doctors. Includes three complete exercises led by Dr. Rossman.

Price: $19.95


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Thursday, October 28, 2010

5 Pack (2 Black + 1 each Color) for Brother LC61 DCP 165C MFC 250C 255CW 290C 295CN 385CW 490CW 585CW 790CW 5490CW 5890CW 6490CW

5 Pack (2 Black + 1 each Color) for Brother LC61 DCP 165C MFC 250C 255CW 290C 295CN 385CW 490CW 585CW 790CW 5490CW 5890CW 6490CWComes with: 2 x Black, 1 x Cyan, 1 x Magenta, 1 x Yellow Compatible with: DCP-165C MFC-250C / MFC-255CW / MFC-290C / MFC-295CN / MFC-385CW / MFC-490CW / MFC-585CW / MFC-790CW / MFC-5490CN / MFC-5890CN / MFC-6490CW

Price:


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Duracell myGrid Cell Phone Starter Kit

Duracell myGrid removes the daily hassle of charging your mobile devices. No more finding the right cord. No more clutter of multiple cords . It's Charging Made Simple.

Features

Charge up to four devices at once
Charge up to four devices at once

You can charge up to four myGrid-enabled devices (BlackBerry's, Motorola Phones, Apple iPhone, etc.) on the myGrid charging pad at once. Make sure that the devices are sitting flat, facing up, and making firm contact with the charging pad.

Eliminate the mess of multiple cords
Eliminate the mess of multiple cords

Instead of using multiple cords and outlets to charge your devices, the myGrid can charge up to four devices using a single cord and outlet - eliminating the mess of multiple cords. Also, the myGrid is as fast as standard chargers*, so using less cords is the most efficient way to charge multiple devices.

*Based on USB 2.0

Ultra-slim profile
Ultra-slim profile

The myGrid doesn’t take up a lot of space, making it ideal for counter tops, nightstands or just about any flat surface near an electrical outlet. The pad measures 6.75” x 8.5”, enough room for up to four devices, and the actual charging surface is less than 1/8” thick.

Installing and using the Power Clipâ?¢
Installing and using the Power Clipâ?¢

myGrid is easy to use:
Step 1. Insert the proper tip into the device’s charging port. Press the tip into the charging port and ensure a proper fit.

Step 2. Place the Power Clip on the tip and make sure the two are seated together properly, then swivel the Power Clip over the center of the phone and press firmly into place (the adhesive backing on the Power Clip should be removed prior to installation).

Step 3. Ready to charge, place the device on to the myGrid charging pad making sure that it rests fully on the pad. The blue indicator light will appear on the myGrid charging pad when the device is being charged properly.

Installing and using a Power Sleeveâ?¢
Installing and using a Power Sleeveâ?¢

myGrid is easy to use:
Step 1. Carefully insert your device into the Power Sleeve.

Step 2. Use your fingers to stretch the Power Sleeve over the top of the device.

Step 3. Ready to charge, place the device on to the myGrid charging pad making sure that it rests fully on the pad. The blue indicator light will appear on the myGrid charging pad when the device is being charged properly.

Safe to touch
Safe to touch

If the system is functioning properly and there is no fault detected (i.e. keys, metal object or a hand placed on the charging pad) then the indicator light will turn off in 3-5 seconds. You are now ready to charge your myGrid-enabled devices. Simply place them on the myGrid charging pad with the contacts facing down. The blue indicator light will light up to show you that your devices are receiving power.

If a fault is detected, the indicator light will (1) not appear upon initial power up or (2) turn off during operation.

When not in use, the myGrid charging pad will be in Sleep Mode. In this mode, the charging surface and the indicator light both turn off.


Price: $89.99


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Wednesday, October 27, 2010

Crane 2.3 Gallon COOL Mist humidifier

Crane 2.3 Gallon COOL Mist humidifierCrane Cool Mist Drop Shape HumidifierThis Crane Cool Mist Humidifier provides additional comfort to cold symptoms, dry itchy skin, and chapped lips. The whisper quiet humidifier won't disturb sleep and operates on a low power consumption providing min. of 11 hours of moisture from a removable 0.9 gallon water tank. It includes an automatic shut off safety feature when water tank is empty.

Price: $49.99


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Sicko (Special Edition)

Sicko (Special Edition)SiCKO is more like a controlled howl of protest than a documentary. Toning down the rhetoric of past efforts--no CEOs, congressmen, or celebrities were accosted in the making of this film--Michael Moore's latest provocation is just as heartfelt, if not more heartbreaking. As he clarifies from the outset, his subject isn't the 45 million Americans without insurance, but those whose coverage has failed to meet their needs. He starts by speaking with patients who've been denied life-saving procedures, like chemotherapy, for the most spurious of reasons. Then he travels to Canada, England, and France to see if socialized medicine is as inefficient as U.S. politicians like to claim--especially those who receive funding from pharmaceutical companies. Moore finds quality care available to all, regardless as to income. He concludes with a stunt that made headlines when he assembles a group of 9/11 rescue workers suffering from a variety of afflictions. When Moore is informed that detainees at Guantánamo Bay--technically American soil--qualify for universal coverage, he and his companions travel to Cuba to get in on that action. It's a typically grandstanding move on Moore's part. And it proves remarkably effective when these altruistic individuals, who've either been denied treatment or forced to pay outrageous costs for their medication, experience a dramatically different system. Nine years in the making, SiCKO makes a persuasive case that it's time for America to catch up with the rest of the world. --Kathleen C. Fennessy

Price: $14.93


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Tuesday, October 26, 2010

Having Your Baby! A Complete Lamaze Prepared Childbirth Class, English language version [VHS]

Having Your Baby! A Complete Lamaze Prepared Childbirth Class, English language version [VHS]Parents-to-be who are interested in the Lamaze method but can't attend a class will be happy to know they can learn it from this two-hour video. Taught by two certified instructors who are OB nurses, this is the only video course that teaches the complete method. Lamaze seeks to reduce pain through relaxation achieved by massage, focus, and a series of breathing techniques. The instructors share an easy rapport, demonstrating the exercises on each other before a roomful of couples and thoroughly explaining the purpose of labor, how to know when it begins, and its three stages. They describe medications and birth complications and include footage of both a natural Lamaze childbirth and a Caesarian delivery. While this tape was clearly shot in the 1980s (the hair styles and fashions are amusingly outdated), it does have new computer-generated diagrams, and the medical information seems up to date. The Lamaze technique itself has not altered, of course, and this tape remains the gold standard in that department. --Kimberly Heinrichs

Price: $49.95


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Back Booster 1001 Inflatable Lumbar Support Cushion

Back Booster 1001 Inflatable Lumbar Support CushionNeed a little extra lumbar support while traveling or working? Turn to the Back Booster inflatable lumbar cushion, which is ideal for airline seats, train travel, car seats, desk chars, beach chairs, and just about anywhere else. The Back Booster is made of high-quality, waterproof PVC, with an adjustable nylon strap and plastic clips for added stability. It also features no metal parts whatsoever, so you needn't worry about security delays at the airport. And thanks to the patent-pending design, the cushion inflates in just a few breaths and then deflates to pocket size. Accommodating of people of all sizes, the Back Booster pillow measures 13.5 by 14 by 3.1 inches (W x H x D) when fully inflated and comes with a convenient nylon travel bag. It's also backed by an unconditional 30-day money back guarantee.

Price: $29.99


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Monday, October 25, 2010

Eva-dry EDV-E-500 Renewable Wireless Mini Dehumidifer

Eva-dry EDV-E-500 Renewable Wireless Mini DehumidiferAbsorbs 8 - 10 oz. of Moisture
No Messy Spills - Completely Safe - Won't Damage Valuables

Price: $44.95


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EatSmart™ Precision Digital Bathroom Scale w/ Extra Large Backlit 3.5" Display and "Step-On" Technology

EatSmart™ Precision Digital Bathroom Scale w/ Extra Large Backlit 3.5NEW FEATURES (as of March 2010) - EatSmart "Step-On" technology allows you to simply step on the scale and get your weights. No more tapping to activate the scale! Increased capacity to 400 pounds with the same precision and repeatability that makes our products great!



The EatSmart Bathroom Scale is the ideal way to track your weight loss quickly and easily. Simply step on, and in seconds you'll have an accurate readout to the nearest .2 lbs on the EatSmart's oversized 3.5" LCD display. With EatSmart's proprietary new "step-on" technology there is no more tapping to turn the scale on!!! The LCD display also contains a cool-blue backlight, allowing for easy viewing even in the most low light areas of the bathroom or home.


The EatSmart Digital Bathroom Scale is also not only easy to use but also extremely accurate, engineered to the highest precision standards. The four high-gauge EatSmart precision sensors ensure that you will get an accurate measurement every time (just read our reviews!). Additionally the slim, tempered glass design fits perfectly into any surroundings and large non-slip platform safely allows weights to 400 lbs.


Along with your EatSmart digital scale you also receive our easy instruction guide and 4 AAA batteries.


Stop guessing your weight and get serious about your weight loss and fitness goals. Get yours today!


100% EatSmart Guaranteed Product Satisfaction. Customer satisfaction is our highest priority. Contact us via phone or email anytime for support with our products.

Price: $49.99


Click here to buy from Amazon

Sunday, October 24, 2010

"Cancer Doesn't Scare Me Anymore!"

As a physician who developed cancer herself, Dr. Lorraine Day was well aware that physicians are more afraid of cancer than patients are, because doctors KNOW that chemotherapy, radiation and surgery are NOT the answer to cancer.

She will help you understand why you don't need to fear cancer. She explains to you in terms you can understand all the confusing medical jargon you will hear from doctors. By following the orderly system of evaluation that she presents, you can then make calm, intelligent decisions about the best treatment methods for you.
In this astonishing and informative video/DVD, Dr. Day reveals:

What YOU need to know to make the important decisions for your treatment

Why doctors don't know, and are never taught, how to get you well from cancer

The dangers of chemotherapy and radiation and why cancer is BIG BUSINESS!

Who controls the Cancer Industry, the FDA and the American Cancer Society

Who controls what the media tells you about cancer treatment

The CAUSES of cancer and how YOU can reverse them -- and GET WELL!

Specific information on Breast Cancer and Prostrate Cancer

Price:


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Vicks Personal Steam Inhaler

Vicks Personal Steam InhalerControlled Vapor Therapy.
Recommended by Doctors.
Helps Rel

Price: $33.89


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Saturday, October 23, 2010

Self-Healing with Sound and Music

Self-Healing with Sound and MusicSound therapy has been found effective in treating a surprising range of health challenges including heart disease, arthritis, stress, emphysema, and more. On Self-Healing with Sound and Music, bestselling author and physician Dr. Andrew Weil teams up with sound therapist Kimba Arem to offer listeners a powerful new tool for healing on two CDs.

On CD 1, Dr. Weil discusses the latest in medical research that demonstrates how music heals the body and mind. CD 2 gives listeners a complete "sound journey" into expanded states of consciousness optimized for healing. Through an integration of binaural beats, natural sounds, indigenous and classical instruments ? and a state-of-the-art recording process called "holophonic technology" that creates a three-dimensional healing space ? listeners experience "prescription strength music" with the power to influence every system of the body.

Price: $19.95


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Disguise Ariel Wig

Disguise Ariel WigContains: One child wig

Price:


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Friday, October 22, 2010

Rayovac PS3D Universal Battery Charger for AA, AAA, 9V, C and D Rechargeable Batteries

Rayovac PS3D Universal Battery Charger for AA, AAA, 9V, C and D Rechargeable BatteriesRayovac's new 1-hour NiMH charger answers consumer demand for speed and convenience! The Rayovac battery charger is the only on the market that charges today's high-capacity, longer-lasting Nickel Metal Hydride (NiMH) batteries in just 1 hour. It charges a combination of up to eight AA or AAA NiMH batteries and four C or D type batteries. The accessory kit with DC adaptor allows "on-the-go" charging. It is ideal for taking along on family vacations or for those mobile professionals that use battery-operated, high-drain devices such as digital cameras in their jobs. "Smart charger" technology individually charges each to the maximum capacity, so partially drained batteries take less than 1 hour. It also charges Nickel Cadmium (NiCd) batteries.

Price: $29.97


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Thursday, October 21, 2010

JanSport Classic SuperBreak Backpack

JanSport Classic SuperBreak BackpackBoasting a sturdy 600-denier polyester construction and a stylish exterior, the JanSport SuperBreak backpack easily and comfortably carries your gear for years to come. The utilitarian pack offers a single main compartment and a front pocket with an organizer, giving it enough space to store two to three textbooks, a large binder, two to three spiral notebooks, several paperbacks, a calculator, pens and pencils, a bag lunch, a cell phone, and an MP3 player--all without breaking a sweat. In addition, the SuperBreak is comfortable enough for a full day of striding from class to class, with straight-cut, padded shoulder straps and a 2/3-padded back panel for cushioning comfort. Also outfitted with a web haul loop along the top, the SuperBreak carries a lifetime warranty.

Specifications:

  • Capacity: 1,551.2 cubic inches / 25.42 liters
  • Dimensions: 13 by 16.7 by 8.5 inches (W x H x D)
  • Weight: 12 ounces
About JanSport
For more than 30 years, JanSport has created products to help you carry the stuff you need, where you need it, in the most functional and fashionable way possible. JanSport's success extends around the globe and into walks of life that are as varied as the company's product offering. JanSport's goal is to design, engineer, manufacture, and market products that can help you get from point A to point B, wherever that may be. And the company wants to help you get there in the most functional way possible. Realizing that the pack that carries your books to school might be the same backpack that carries your gear on a Saturday day hike, JanSport incorporates flexibility into each and every design. The company is headquartered in Appleton, Wisconsin, with offices in the U.S. and Europe.

Price: $40.00


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Gerber 5-Pack Onesies Brand One Piece Underwear

Gerber 5-Pack Onesies Brand One Piece UnderwearGerber Childrenswear 5pk Onesies® - WhiteDesigned for easy dressing and diaper changes, Onesies® brand one piece underwear is an essential item in every baby's wardrobe.

Price:


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Wednesday, October 20, 2010

Sleep Solutions (The Calming Collection)

Sleep Solutions (The Calming Collection)The first of this wonderfully helpful series is : SLEEP SOLUTIONS. Several techniques are provided, including meditation and hypnosis, which have been found to be highly effective with sleep problems and sleep management. The Calming Collection provides simple, direct solutions for dramatically reducing anxiety through the use of mindful meditation and hypnosis to more rapidly produce deep healing relaxation, profound relief of stress and anxiety and more rapid, lasting achievement of one's goals. These programs use the concept of hypno-meditation and were designed by Roberta Shapiro, M.Ed., a leading specialist in the field of anxiety management. They were formulated as a more rapid and helpful way to manage anxiety and other personal issues. Roberta Shapiro is a renowned psychotherapist in private practice in Florida, as well as a member of the American Society of Clinical Hypnosis, The National Board of Certified Clinical Hypnotherapists, the American Psychotherapy and Medical Hypnosis Association and the 2003 Marquis Edition of Who's Who in American Women. She is the author of Birth Pains.

Price: $11.99


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Himalayan Institute Original Neti Pot

Himalayan Institute Original Neti PotThe Himalayan Institute Neti Pot naturally cleanses, refreshes, and protects the nasal passages, one of our body's first lines of defense against illness. Recommended by doctors and pharmacists worldwide, the Neti Pot has been used for thousands of years in Ayurvedic medicine to alleviate sinus and allergy problems. Recent clinical studies have shown that nasal irrigation is effective in improving symptoms of patients with frequent sinusitis. The Himalayan Institute introduced the Neti Pot in 1972. Our bestselling Neti Pot makes nasal irrigation easy and comfortable. The trademarked lotus design and distinctive shape dispenses the perfect rate of flow to optimally cleanse the sinus passages. Ceramic Neti Pot is made with lead-free ceramic and glaze. Illustrated instructions include link to free online demonstration video. Proceeds benefit the world-wide humanitarian, environmental, and educational projects supported by the Himalayan Institute.

Price:


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Saturday, October 16, 2010

Health Care Reform's Effects on Children - AOL Health

small text medium text large text By Parenting.com Oct 1st 2010 6:00PM

Categories: Children's Health

Six months ago, President Obama signed the Affordable Care Act, a.k.a. the Health Care Bill, and some of those reforms recently became law. Here are some benefits that could affect you and your kids:

Starting immediately:
Your kids can't be denied coverage due to preexisting conditions
like hay fever, asthma or previous sports injuries. If you buy an individual health policy in October for you and your child who has been treated for asthma in the past, and she has an asthma attack a month later, the insurer can't deny payment for the hospitalization based on your daughter's preexisting asthma condition.


Your kids can stay on your health plan until they're 26.
Young adults can stay on their parents' coverage whether they're married, living with their parents, in school, financially dependent on their parents, eligible to enroll in their employer's plan or none of the above.

Insurers can no longer take coverage away from your kids when they get sick. In the past, health insurers could rescind or retroactively cancel your coverage if you or your employer made an honest mistake on your application, like forgetting to mention a psychologist visit or even making a typo. Now, as long as you don't intentionally misrepresent significant information, your coverage cannot be taken away.

In the future:
Insurers can no longer put a limit on the amount of coverage you can receive. Many health plans used to set an annual or lifetime limit -- a dollar limit on how much money they would spend on you -- and you were required to pay the rest, a big problem if you end up with a serious or chronic illness. Under the new law, lifetime limits on most benefits are prohibited in any health plan or insurance policy issued or renewed after today.

Your insurance company must pay for preventive care. This means you could gain easier access to vaccines for diseases like measles or meningitis; flu and pneumonia shots; counseling, screening and vaccines for healthy pregnancies; and regular well-baby and well-child visits from birth to age 21.

You have the right to appeal decisions, including claims denials and rescissions made by your health plan.

You can choose your doctor.

You no longer need a referral from a primary care provider before you can seek coverage for ob-gyn care from a participating ob-gyn specialist.

You can use the nearest emergency room without paying extra or having to get prior approval.

More from Parenting.com:

The Scoop on Pregnancy Health Coverage
The Racial Health Care Divide
Your Health Care Questions Answered


View the original article here

New health care facility dedicated in honor of astronaut Lovell - Chicago Daily Herald

James A. Lovell, middle, reacts after seeing his likeliness in a bronze statue during the dedication ceremony of the Capt. James A. Lovell Federal Health Care Center in North Chicago Friday. Also pictured are Rich Bowman VFW 7708, Barrington, left, and Artist Maria Friedman.

  Steve Lundy | Staff Photographer

People browse the new Capt. James A. Lovell Federal Health Care Center in North Chicago after a dedication Friday.

  Steve Lundy | Staff Photographer

The Capt. James A. Lovell Federal Health Care Center in North Chicago was dedicated Friday.

  Steve Lundy | Staff Photographer

In a first-of-its-kind venture by the U.S. government, a North Chicago medical facility teaming the Navy and Department of Veterans Affairs was formally dedicated Friday.

Various dignitaries were present for the event marking the start of the Capt. James A. Lovell Federal Health Care Center. Lovell, a Lake Forest resident, is a retired naval officer and astronaut who commanded the Apollo 13 mission.

Lovell told the crowd it's been a long time coming for the facility that'll serve active Navy personnel and their families, veterans and military retirees.

"I am deeply humbled to have my name associated with this institution," said Lovell, 82. "I have always felt that the welfare of our veterans and active-duty personnel was an essential ingredient in providing a strong military and to take care of those who have served in the past."

Despite the proximity, the North Chicago VA Medical Center and Naval Health Clinic Great Lakes had been separate operations. Now, the Great Lakes Naval Station personnel and VA clients have access to the same medical care.

As part of the combining of operations to create the Lovell Federal Health Care Center, a 209,945-square-foot ambulatory care facility was built on the VA's 107-acre North Chicago campus at Green Bay Road and Route 137. Lovell gave an approving look at a bronze statue of his likeness that'll be at the ambulatory center entrance.

In addition, 40,716 square feet of existing space at the VA such as the surgery and emergency departments was renovated for new center. The facility also boasts community-based outpatient clinics in Evanston, McHenry and Kenosha, Wis., as well as an east campus on Great Lakes.

The total cost was about $143 million for the VA facility upgrades and new construction for what's now called the west campus. Aspects of the operation have been phased in since 2006.

VA spokesman Jonathan Friedman said combining operations is projected to save $20 million annually, along with eliminating the need for a new $80 million medical facility at Great Lakes.

Officials said the Lovell Federal Health Center will serve as a model for other VA-military medical facility combinations in the United States. The venture joining the North Chicago VA and the Navy has about 2,900 employees who are projected to serve 100,000 sailors and their families, veterans and retirees per year.

Veterans Affairs Dr. Jeffrey Murawsky said the partnership with the Navy at the state-of-the-art facility will allow for cutting-edge research, education and assurance for high-quality care.

Center Director Patrick Sullivan said Friday's ceremony culminated work that began in 1999, when a VA report recommended eliminating critical-care services and other operations at the North Chicago hospital.

"Today, we are no longer proud staff and volunteers of the North Chicago VA or Naval Health Clinic Great Lakes," Sullivan said. "We are proud staff and volunteers of the Capt. James A. Lovell Federal Health Care Center. We are part of a much bigger mission."

If the VA's 1999 recommendations had proceeded, vets who typically received medical help in Lake County would have been forced to visit facilities in Milwaukee, Maywood or Chicago.

Three politicians who helped push through the Lovell Federal Health Care Center Democratic U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin, Republican U.S. Rep. Mark Kirk and Democratic U.S. Rep. Melissa Bean attended Friday's event.


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Friday, October 15, 2010

Mercury News editorial: Governor may leave a lasting health care legacy, after all - San Jose Mercury News

Print   Email   Font ResizeMercury News Editorial

Posted: 10/01/2010 06:18:07 PM PDTUpdated: 10/01/2010 06:18:07 PM PDT
Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger's heroic attempt to bring health care reform to California died an ugly death on the floor of the Legislature in January 2007.

But the governor's actions last week give him a second chance at leaving a lasting health care legacy for the state. Schwarzenegger signed historic legislation making California the first state in the nation to set up a health insurance exchange. The laws puts the state on track to be a model for implementing national health insurance reforms and also positions it to take advantage of billions of dollars of federal funding to improve the lives of millions of Californians.

Two bills by San Jose Sen. Elaine Alquist and Assembly Speaker John Perez -- SB 900 and AB 1602 -- provide the framework for the insurance exchange. They set up what is being touted as a one-stop shop for individuals and small businesses to buy health insurance, making it simple for 4 million Californians to determine which products suit their needs at the most affordable price.

Counties should take the state's lead and look for additional opportunities to rake in federal dollars to maximize the potential benefits of the health care reforms. Wouldn't it be great if Santa Clara County and Valley Medical Center could use this rare opportunity to lower medical costs while also establishing the most effective and efficient health care system in the nation?

The governor also signed separate legislation that

would bar insurers from refusing coverage to children with pre-existing conditions, a law designed to work in concert with federal reforms.

Schwarzenegger blew an opportunity to leave an even greater health care legacy when he vetoed San Jose Assemblyman Jim Beall's mental health parity legislation. Beall's bill would have required California insurers to cover mental illness just as they do any other medical problem. The notion was to make sure people get treatment early, before they become a significant burden to society.

It's a shame the governor rejected legislation that would have cost a pittance but improved the lives of thousands of the state's most needy residents.

Schwarzenegger did give foster children a much-needed hand in signing Beall's AB 12, which advocates are calling the most significant policy change in the foster care world in years. The bill extends benefits for foster children until they turn 21.

Think about it: Most parents provide help to their children during their college years, and Californians, in effect, serve as parents to foster children. At present, only 2 percent of foster children graduate from college. This bill gives them a much better chance of transcending their troubled circumstances, graduating from college and becoming productive members of society.

Given the state's economy and the political challenges of getting anything through the Legislature that isn't backed by corporate lobbyists, the governor last week took some big steps toward improving the lives of the state's most vulnerable residents.

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