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#5Thoughts Friday

The



Gabriela Mistral



Edition

11/15/2024

5) James Noonan Obituary

James F. Noonan, 91, of Columbia, Maryland, died peacefully under the care of hospice on October 26, 2024. Jim is survived by a son, Eric J. (Alva) and 3 grandchildren, James, Erica, and Gillian of Spring, Texas; sister, Carol Eberhard (Stephen) of Elmira, NY; and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his wife of 61 years, Dawn C. Noonan and daughter, Allison; parents, Helen McMahon Noonan and Frank Noonan of Canton, Ohio and stepmother, Grace Flickinger Noonan. He was also predeceased by two brothers, J. Thomas Noonan and Robert Noonan.

Jim was a graduate of Ohio University and served in the Korean War. In retirement, he served on the board of/or was an active volunteer for some of his favorite charities including The Brain Injury Association of Maryland, ARC of Howard County, Habitat for Humanity, and Meals on Wheels. He also was one of the founding and devoted members of The Columbia Athletic Club. He will be remembered for his love of family, expert story-telling, sociability, quick smile and wit and kindness toward others.

Jim's family would like to give special thanks to his assistant and advocate, Mary Hughes, as well as a number of special friends and several caretakers at Harmony Hall Assisted Living who provided comfort and support over the last few years.

CLICK HERE for link to online condolences.

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4) “Not Medically Necessary”: Inside the Company Helping America’s Biggest Health Insurers Deny Coverage for Care

Every day, patients across America crack open envelopes with bad news. Yet another health insurer has decided not to pay for a treatment that their doctor has recommended. Sometimes it’s a no for an MRI for a high school wrestler with a strained back. Sometimes for a cancer procedure that will help a grandmother with a throat tumor. Sometimes for a heart scan for a truck driver feeling short of breath.

But the insurance companies don’t always make these decisions. Instead, they often outsource medical reviews to a largely hidden industry that makes money by turning down doctors’ requests for payments, known as prior authorizations. Call it the denials for dollars business.

The biggest player is a company called EviCore by Evernorth, which is hired by major American insurance companies and provides coverage to 100 million consumers — about 1 in 3 insured people. It is owned by the insurance giant Cigna.

A ProPublica and Capitol Forum investigation found that EviCore uses an algorithm backed by artificial intelligence, which some insiders call “the dial,” that it can adjust to lead to higher denials. Some contracts ensure the company makes more money the more it cuts health spending. And it issues medical guidelines that doctors have said delay and deny care for patients.



CLICK HERE for full story.

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3) Researchers Create Cell-Level Wearable Devices to Restore Neuron Function

Summary: Researchers have developed tiny, wireless devices capable of wrapping around individual neurons, potentially aiding in the treatment of neurological disorders like multiple sclerosis.

These devices, made from a soft polymer, roll up snugly around cell structures when exposed to light, allowing precise measurement and modulation of cellular activity. As they’re battery-free and actuated noninvasively by light, thousands of them could be deployed in the body simultaneously.

This groundbreaking approach could restore neuron function by acting as synthetic myelin for damaged axons. Future applications may include integrating circuits for neuron monitoring and treatments. The research points toward a novel direction in creating minimally invasive neural interfaces.

CLICK HERE for the full article.

Webinar – Guardianship: What Is It, When Is it Appropriate, and What Are Some Alternatives?

November 20 @ 10:00 am - 11:15 am

ABLE Accounts: A Financial Tool to Promote Health, Independence, and Financial Stability

December 4 @ 10:00 am - 11:30 am

2) Books We are READING This Week

55 Questions to ask yourself, Across 8 Dimensions For A New You!

By

Manoj Chenthamarakshan

Are you ready to unlock your hidden potential and transform your life?

By diving into 55 Questions to Ask Yourself, you'll embark on a journey of self-discovery and personal growth. This book is designed to help you ask the tough questions, provoke deep thought, and align your actions with your goals.

Outcomes of reading this book:

• Gain profound insights into your true self
• Clarify your life goals and aspirations
• Develop actionable plans for personal and professional growth
• Foster a habit of continuous self-improvement
• Enhance your ability to hold yourself accountable

CLICK HERE to see more.

Looking for Something fun to do in Maryland this weekend? Click the picture below and discover a world of possibilities for things to do this weekend!

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HAVE A WONDERFUL WEEKEND !

STAY CONNECTED