news
22 Mar 2010 - 10:23: Global Alert - December
GLOBAL
Optum Health and PPC Worldwide Join Forces
PPC Worldwide has been acquired by OptumHealth Inc, part of the UnitedHealth Group, one of the world's largest and most respected health and wellbeing organisations. This further enhances the range and scope of services PPC can offer in over 140 countries across the globe, and will mean we can provide an even better, more complete service to our clients. Click here for the full story.
Global EAP Training in New York and Washington - Jan 2010
PPC will be running two days of Global EAP training on Jan 12 and 14 in New York and Washington DC respectively. Hear experts in the global EAP field, view case studies and understand the cultural drivers behind EAP in different territories. For further information, please contact michael.tisone@ppcworldwide.com
EUROPE
UK - Think Tank Believes State Should Focus on Psychological Wellbeing
In its report, Sinking and swimming: understanding Britain's unmet needs, the Young Foundation said current welfare policy had significantly boosted the nation's material wealth. However, it was failing to deal with increasing psycho-social needs such as stress, depression and loneliness. Mental health problems and prescriptions for antidepressant drugs are soaring, while half a million pensioners are set to spend Christmas alone, it said. It warned that many families lacked the support to help teenagers move successfully into adulthood. Foundation director Geoff Mulgan said the report showed a 'brittle' society that was 'materially prosperous' but lacked systems for emotional support. For the full article click here
France - H1N1 Reaches Peak
The H1N1 virus has 'reached its peak' in France according to Le Monde. France had been the only country in Western Europe where the number of cases was still growing, but it now looks that the worst is over, culminating in 5.3 million cases since August. Click here for the full story (in French).
Spain - 75% of Women Workers Claim Maternity Leave 'Causes them Problems at Work'
75% of women workers, who have taken maternity leave, have claimed that this has 'caused them problems at work'. This had led to more Spanish women having children at a later age, and has also meant that Spain (along with Italy) has the lowest birth rate in the European Union. For the full story (in Spanish), click here.
Poland - Polish Children Have Worst Teeth in OECD Countries
Polish children have the highest levels of tooth decay in OECD countries, on average a 12 year old has nearly four teeth that are missing, decayed or have a filling. For the full story, click here.
Italy- Poverty on the Rise
The Italian National Bank and La Stampa newspaper report that purchasing power amongst Italian families has fallen by 1.9%. Click here for the full story (in Italian).
Ireland - Alliance to Seek Mental Healthcare for Children
For further information, click here.
Russia - Health Picture 'Bleak'
For further information, click here.
REST OF THE WORLD
Argentina - Social Inequality Reaches 2001 Levels
For further information, click here.
South Africa - Health Minister Dies
For further information, click here.
Kuwait - Diplomat's Spouses to be Given Full Salaries
For further information, click here.
Israel - Intel Row Over Saturday Working
For further information, click here.
NORTH AMERICA
US - HEALTHCARE REFORM LASTEST: Obama 'Cautiously Optimistic'
President Obama, acknowledging that he will have to accept serious compromises in the passage of a healthcare overhaul, insisted today that he would not let the public down on an issue that he had made the centerpiece of his first-year domestic agenda. Click here for full story.
Canada - Mental Health: Hug, Hug, Wherever You May Be!
A new Canadian study has found that people who get hugs regularly are more likely to report better mental health. For the full article, click here.
US - Medicare Fraud Crackdown in Three States
For further information, click here.
US - Antidepressants Change Personality Study Claims
For further information, click here.
ASIA-PACIFIC
China - Rise in 'Binge-Drinking' Deaths
Binge drinking, typically considered a social problem linked with English speaking countries, is on the rise in China. The recent death of a policeman in the southern city of Shenzhen highlights a 'culture of obligatory drinking amongst state officials'. So serious has the problem become that some local leaders are said to hire assistants partly on the basis of their drinking ability, so they can share the burden. Click here for the full story.
Japan - Life Expectancy Longest in Japan
Japan is the country with the world's longest life expectancy. Women can expect to live to 88.6 years on average, and men up to 83.6 years or age. Across the OECD countries, life expectancy has increased by an average of five years since the 1970s. This is largely due to healthier lifestyles and better state and private health-care. For further information, click here.
India - West Bengal Passes Controversial Health Bill
The Bill introduces a 3-year diploma course on medical science and the apparent objective is to deploy these diploma holders in various parts of rural Bengal to meet the acute shortage there in terms of qualified medical practitioners. Click here for the full article.
Philippines - Guide to HealthCare
For further information, click here.