MINNEAPOLIS, November 20, 2008—Ginkgo biloba, an herbal extract thought by many to sharpen mental faculties, was found to be ineffective in preventing or delaying dementia or Alzheimer’s disease, in a major independent clinical trial.

MINNEAPOLIS, November 20, 2008—The two trade groups, America’s Health Insurance Plans and the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association, separately announced support Wednesday for guaranteed coverage for people with pre-existing medical conditions—if an enforceable mandate for individual coverage is in effect.

MINNEAPOLIS, November 20—The Minnesota Department of Agriculture is expanding its warning about cookies containing the industrial chemical melamine.

MINNEAPOLIS, November 20, 2008—The Minnesota Department of Health is seeking public input on what types of health plan activities should be considered “of community benefit” for the purpose of determining their nonprofit status.

MINNEAPOLIS, October 16, 2008—Once again the MMA is partnering with the Wisconsin Medical Society to bring you the 2009 CPT updates.

MINNEAPOLIS, November 19, 2008—On December 8, the Tobacco Law institute will host a discussion of public health issues in the upcoming 2009 legislative session.

MINNEAPOLIS, November 19, 2008—A joint report released today by the American Lung Association and the Minnesota COPD Coalition shows that chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is sending more Minnesotans to the hospital, and may be contributing to rising health care costs across in the state.

MINNEAPOLIS, November 18, 2008—An Associated Press story says that diabetes costs are climbing rapidly, as the disease becomes the world's #1 health threat. The overall cost of treatment is $218 billion a year just in the U.S.

MINNEAPOLIS, November 18, 2008—The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has a report on the national effort to reduce smoking to no more than 12 percent of the population by 2010.  Although progress is occurring, it's not happening swiftly enough to meet the 2010 goal.

MINNEAPOLIS, November 18, 2008—Senate Finance Committee Chair Sen . Max Baucus, D-Montana, last week submitted the outlines of a health care reform plan in what is expected to be a busy season.

MINNEAPOLIS, November 17, 2008—Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota Foundation has developed a 30-minute program and DVD about community building by nonprofits in the Twin Cities and around the state.

MINNEAPOLIS, November 17, 2008—The Minnesota Chapter of HIMSS (Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society) will present "Demystifying E-Prescribing," on December 2. 

MINNEAPOLIS, November 14, 2008—Millions of elderly and disabled Americans face significant premium increases next year for prescription drug coverage, despite worsening times economically.

MINNEAPOLIS, November 14, 2008—A new study confirms the idea that increasing alcohol taxes saves people's lives.

MINNEAPOLIS, November 14, 2008—The eHealth Initiative is sponsoring a web seminar, "Clinicians: Bringing Electronic Prescribing into the Practice," to be held November 19, from 4:30 p.m. to 7 pm.