Dec 14, 2001

In This Issue:
Caregivers and Well Spouses, The Myth of Positive Thinking, Advance Directives, Painkillers, Unequal Treatments in UK, Patients Ask Docs For More Info

***********************************************

THE LATEST NEWS

Patients Need To Tell Docs Whether They Want CPR

Survival Data Cleared For Inclusion In Herceptin Labeling

Docs Not Insulted When Patients Scour Health News

Britons Face '''Unacceptable Cancer Care''

DEA: Company Marketing Linked To Painkiller Abuse

cancerpage updates the news throughout the day, Monday through Friday, and adds late-breaking stories on holidays and weekends.

***********************************************

THE TYRANNY OF POSITIVE THINKING

Rule number one in coping with cancer is 'Don't believe you brought cancer on yourself,' says Dr. Jimmie Holland. The research does not show that either personality or how you handle stress raises the risk of developing cancer. There is a myth, according to Holland, that "if you don't have a positive attitude, you can make your tumor grow faster. That's what I mean by the tyranny of positive thinking." One of her articles and links to her book are shown on the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society webpage: http://www.leukemia-lymphoma.org/all_page?item_id=7038

***********************************************

PEOPLE CARING FOR ILL FAMILY MEMBERS ARE TAKING ACTION

According to Suzanne Mintz, President and Co-founder of the National Family Caregivers Association says their recent survey of caregivers has significant implications for federal policy and for the caregiver movement. For example, 87% of responding caregivers believe caregivers’ lives will not improve without legislative action, and they are willing to become advocates to bring about the changes. More than four out of five caregivers have already contacted members of Congress. To obtain an electronic copy of the report, send an email -- with the subject "Survey" -- to info@nfcacares.org.

***********************************************

IS THERE A DOCTOR IN THE HOUSE? NO, JUST US CAREGIVERS

When one is sick...two need help, is the motto of the Well Spouse foundation. Well Spouse is a national, not for profit, membership organization which supports wives, husbands, and partners of the chronically ill and/or disabled. The organization offers discussion groups, very active message boards, conferences and lots of weekend respite events, to help spouses living with mates who are ill or disabled.

http://www.wellspouse.org/

***********************************************

COVERING BOTH SIDES OF HEALTH POLICY DILEMMAS

A Blue Cross-Blue Shield website covers all sides of key health issues with reports from industry, academics, advocates, lobbyists, and managed care organizations. This insurance company's website references both advocates for and against proposed solutions regarding topics such as prescription drug prices, COBRA insurance, patients' bill or rights, physicians roles in HMOs, and Medicare reform, for example. http://bcbshealthissues.com/