By Rod Boshart, Gazette Des Moines Bureau DES MOINES A small army of never-say-die parents and children many in wheelchairs impacted by epilepsy flooded the Capitol rotunda Friday to watch Gov. Terry Branstad sign a law giving them access to relief-providing cannabis oil that they didnt think was possible several months ago. Branstad said he approved the measure to take effect July 1 after consulting with other governors in conservative states who signed similar measures. He said Senate File 236 strikes an appropriate balance of oversight, regulation and empathy in providing narrowly targeted immunity in Iowa for the possession of cannabis oil as a treatment for chronic epilepsy. I am elated and so incredibly happy to see the governor put his name down on that piece of paper for this bill. This is truly an amazing day, said April Stumpf of Riverside, whose daughter of nearly two years suffers from epilepsy. When youre the parent of a special-needs child, you never give up, added Sally Gaer, a West Des Moines woman whose daughter suffers from intractable epilepsy. The measure Branstad signed would give prosecutorial immunity to people who possess cannabidiol, a non-smokable oil extract of marijuana with a low THC … Continue reading →

DES MOINES | A small army of never-say-die parents and children many in wheelchairs impacted by epilepsy flooded the Capitol rotunda Friday to watch Gov. Terry Branstad sign a law giving them access to relief-providing cannabis oil that they didn't think was possible several months ago. Branstad said he approved the measure to take effect July 1 after consulting with other governors in conservative states who signed similar measures. He said Senate File 236 strikes an appropriate balance of oversight, regulation and empathy in providing narrowly targeted immunity in Iowa for the possession of cannabis oil as a treatment for chronic epilepsy. "I am elated and so incredibly happy to see the governor put his name down on that piece of paper for this bill. This is truly an amazing day," said April Stumpf of Riverside, whose daughter of nearly two years suffers from epilepsy. "When you're the parent of a special-needs child, you never give up," added Sally Gaer, a West Des Moines woman whose daughter suffers from intractable epilepsy. The measure Branstad signed would give prosecutorial immunity to people who possess cannabidiol, a non-smokable oil extract of marijuana with a low THC level to treat seizures. It would … Continue reading →

RALEIGH, N.C. The families of North Carolina public employees and retirees next year will be eligible for a leading autism treatment. The State Health Plan Board of Trustees voted Friday to offer applied behavioral analysis to address the behavior problems that can come with autism spectrum disorder. This coverage is the right thing to do, State Treasurer Janet Cowell, chairwoman of the board, said in a statement. It offers the opportunity to change the lives of children, young adults and families living with autism spectrum disorder. The benefit fulfills the mission of the State Health Plan to be a leader on health issues in the state. Coverage for the treatment will be provided for health plan members younger than 26 who are diagnosed by a licensed physician or clinical psychologist when it's determined to be medically necessary. Treatment will be limited to $36,000 per benefit year and will be only available in-network. The advocacy group Autism Speaks says 37 other states recognize the benefits of the autism treatment. The health plan covers more than 670,000 teachers, state employees, retirees, legislators, university and community college workers, state hospital staff and their dependents. Excerpt from: NC's employee health plan covers autism treatment … Continue reading →

Follow us on Facebook and Twitter The Associated Press May 30, 2014 RALEIGH, N.C. The families of North Carolina public employees and retirees next year will be eligible for a leading autism treatment. The State Health Plan Board of Trustees voted Friday to offer applied behavioral analysis to address the behavior problems that can come with autism spectrum disorder. Coverage for the treatment will be provided for health plan members younger than 26 who are diagnosed by a licensed physician or clinical psychologist when its determined to be medically necessary. Treatment will be limited to $36,000 per benefit year and will be only available in-network. The advocacy group Autism Speaks says 37 other states recognize the benefits of the autism treatment. The health plan covers more than 670,000 teachers, state employees, retirees, legislators, university and community college workers, state hospital staff and their dependents. More articles from: News See original here: N.C. employee health plan covers autism treatment … Continue reading →

Strokes are more common in children than most people think, says a neurologist concerned that treatment is often delayed because adults are not alert to the symptoms. Parents and healthcare professionals need to be aware that children can have strokes and should be prepared to respond quickly, Dr Mark Mackay says. His team at the Murdoch Childrens Research Institute in Melbourne has done research that shows many parents of stroke victims do not immediately dial triple zero, even though they think the symptoms are serious. Although no accurate statistics are kept, there are 150 to 600 childhood strokes in Australia a year. Dr Mackay's team interviewed 28 parents, finding only half called triple zero, most did not consider the possibility of a stroke and a third decided to "wait and see" or called a relative before taking emergency action. The median time from symptom onset to arrival at the emergency department was 1.2 hours, and some took as long as 24 hours. But victims must receive treatment within four-and-a-half hours, he says. The warning signs of strokes in children are the same as for adults. There can be sudden weakness or numbness of the face, arm or leg, sudden difficulty … Continue reading →