| WASHINGTON (UPI) -- The Obama administration says its mammogram policy is unchanged despite a U.S. panel's finding that routine tests aren't necessary for women in their 40s.
U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius Wednesday distanced the administration from a report issued by the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, a 16-member panel assembled by the agency, which recommended that women under 50 forgo routine breast cancer tests and instead get mammograms individually in consultation with their doctors, The Washington Post reported.
The panel said frequent mammograms for younger women cause more problems than they catch because of the anxiety caused by false positive results, the newspaper said.
But Sebelius said the task force's conclusions have "caused a great deal of confusion and worry among women and their families across this country" and noted that "they do not set federal policy and they don't determine what services are covered by the federal government.
"Keep doing what you have been doing for years -- talk to your doctor about your individual history, ask questions, and make the decision that is right for you," Sebelius said.
Copyright 2009 by United Press International
|
| Kathy Mitchell and Marcy Sugar Dear Readers: Happy Thanksgiving to one and all. We hope you are fortunate enough to be spending the holiday with loving family and friends. We also hope you have remembered those who are alone today and would love to be part of your family on this occasion. If you weren't able to accommodate extra guests this year, please mark a reminder on your calendar for next year to share your bounty with those who will appreciate it. For those readers who are spending the day volunteering at shelters and soup kitchens, bless you for your kind hearts and generosity of spirit.
Please take a moment to think of something you are thankful for, no matter how small. If you need some suggestions, read on:
Dear Readers: Here's one more, on the lighter side. We wish we knew the author so we could give proper credit:
Dear Annie: For years, I drank too much. One drink led to another and then to another until I became a different person -- not very likeable. It created a lot of arguments, and I said many things that were unkind to say the least.
Finally, I got tired of me and decided to quit. I went to two AA meetings and have not had a drink for almost 16 months. The love and understanding from the AA members was like a magic potion. I never thought I could do it. I envisioned myself dying an old drunk.
Life is so much better now. I can watch TV, read books and stay up late if I want, rather than passing out.
I would like to say to my ex-wives, friends and others that I am sorry for the way I was. For any readers who can acknowledge that they have a drinking problem, know that you can quit, too, and believe me, you will like your new life. Now, if I could just quit smoking� -- Homosassa, Fla.
Dear Homosassa: We have every confidence that you can do whatever you set your mind to doing. Congratulations on your newfound sobriety. You have a lot to be grateful for today.
Annie's Mailbox is written by Kathy Mitchell and Marcy Sugar, longtime editors of the Ann Landers column. Please e-mail your questions to anniesmailbox@comcast.net, or write to: Annie's Mailbox, P.O. Box 118190, Chicago, IL 60611. To find out more about Annie's Mailbox, and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate Web page at www.creators.com.
----
Copyright 2009 Creators Syndicate Inc.
|
| The ArcaMax.com family wants to wish your family a very happy Thanksgiving, and a safe and fun start to the holiday season.
Be sure to keep visiting the site for free holiday recipes, decorating and gift buying tips, and more as the season goes on.
-- From the ArcaMax editors |
No comments:
Post a Comment