Horizons in Hemophilia December 2011
2011 – A Year of Many Challenges and Successes
By Trish Dominic, CEO
When I look back upon our fiscal year that ended in June 2011, I think of how fast our world is changing--health care reform, social media, government financial woes, our demographics, and with each election, a parade of new government leaders to educate about bleeding disorders. The Hemophilia of Georgia Board, staff and volunteers are committed to meet the challenges these changes bring. Read more.
Research Breakthrough in Gene Therapy for Hemophilia B
Submitted by The National Hemophilia Foundation
Researchers from the United Kingdom (UK) and the U.S. have made a breakthrough in hemophilia gene therapy. In a recently published study, the team reported successfully treating six patients with severe hemophilia B. The lead author of the study was Amit C. Nathwani, MB, ChB, PhD, Department of Hematology, University College London (UCL) Cancer Institute, London. The UCL investigators used adeno-associated viruses (AAVs) as delivery vehicles, or vectors, to carry the genetic codes that trigger the production of the factor IX (FIX) protein. Read more.
The Challenges of Chronic Pain
By Cathy Hulbert, LCSW, Social Worker and Penny Kumpf, RN, VWD Community Outreach Nurse
Chronic pain and the goal of finding new remedies were the focus of a presentation at the National Hemophilia Foundation’s annual meeting last month in Chicago. Those presenting on this topic were HoG social worker Cathy Hulbert, LCSW, HoG nurse Penny Kumpf, RN, and Jessica Hinkle PT, DPT, PCS, a physical therapist with Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. Read more.
Hemophilia of Georgia Holiday Schedule
Happy holidays from Hemophilia of Georgia! The HoG office and pharmacies will be closed on the following dates: Friday December 16, 2011: closing at 11:30 a.m.; Friday December 23, 2011: closing at noon; Monday, December 26, 2011: closed. Read more.
Tips to Beat the Holiday Blues
By Gail Day, LCSW, Social Work Supervisor
Everyone knows that the holidays can be a wonderful and joyous time of the year. We look forward to spending time with friends and family, going to holiday parties and events, or just enjoying all that the season has to offer. Yet sometimes, the anticipation and excitement of the season turns into melancholy, anxiety and dread. This is commonly called “holiday blues.” These feelings are usually short term, typically lasting the length of the holiday season. But there are ways to avoid experiencing the holiday blues. Read more.
Mark Your Calendar for the 2012 Trot to Clot Walk and Run
By Vic McCarty, Director of Development
Hemophilia of Georgia is pleased to announce plans to host the 3rd annual Trot to Clot Walk and Run on Saturday, May 19, 2012 at Stone Mountain Park. Our goal is to have 300 participants in the 2012 Trot to Clot Walk and Run and to raise $40,000 for Camp Wannaklot. Read more.
Paging All Pages
By Michelle Putnam, Associate Director of Research and Advocacy
Some of us may remember the Schoolhouse Rock song, “I’m Just a Bill,” and that about sums up our knowledge of legislatures and how laws are passed. But do we really know what goes on at our state Capitol each year? Aside from Hemophilia Day at the Capitol, many of us do not get the chance to interact with our legislators very often. The page program at the Georgia General Assembly, however, gives young people age 12 and older an opportunity to see government up close and personal. Read more.
Make an End-of-Year Contribution Today
By Vic McCarty, Director of Development
As we enjoy the holiday season, the joy of giving and counting our many blessings, Hemophilia of Georgia would like to encourage you to consider making a year-end tax deductible donation to support the HoG Scholarship Fund. Over the years, many talented individuals have benefitted from the financial assistance of the HoG scholarship fund. Read more.
Avoid Winter Weather Delivery Delays from the Pharmacy
By Karen Daniel, Marketing and Communications Director
Last January winter weather closed the Hemophilia of Georgia office and most other businesses in the Atlanta area for nearly a week. Our pharmacy staff was unable to get to the office and could not fill prescriptions for several days. Luckily, most of our pharmacy customers were well prepared. Read more.
Medicare Basics Part D
By Robert Gillespie, LCSW, Social Worker
Since the beginning of Medicare in the 1960’s the use of prescription drugs has increased significantly. As a result of increased use and cost of prescription drugs, Medicare recipients began mounting pressure on legislators to include a prescription drug option under Medicare. In 2003 Medicare was overhauled by Congress. This overhaul included Medicare Part D, which is also known as the prescription drug benefit. Read more.
New Practice Guidelines for HCV Genotype 1
Submitted by the National Hemophilia Foundation
In October, the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases (AASLD) approved a new practice guideline for the treatment of genotype 1 chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. Approximately 70% of people with HCV have genotype 1. Read more.
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Hemophilia of Georgia is not engaged in the practice of medicine and does not endorse or support any particular factor concentrate or treatment protocol. HoG recommends that you consult with your physician prior to starting any course of therapy. Occasionally HoG disseminates information on new treatments or therapies. HoG shares this for informational purposes only and makes no claim as to its accuracy or effectiveness.