Briefly...

• By Laurie Watanabe
• Jun 08, 2023

CGS Lists Educational Webinars

On the DME MAC Jurisdiction C calendar of upcoming educational opportunities are these Webinars:

— Mon., June 12: Post Public Health Emergency

— Tues., June 13: Hospital Beds

— Wed., June 14: Mastering Modifiers, part 1

— Thurs., June 15: Redeterminations & Reopenings

— Fri., June 16: Post Public Health Emergency 

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WHO Presents New Wheelchair Provision Guidelines

The World Health Organization (WHO) has released new wheelchair provision guidelines, noting in a June 5 announcement that quality wheelchair provision “is globally uneven, and access to appropriate wheelchairs for many is a significant challenge.”

The new guidelines, WHO said, “aim to support improved access to appropriate wheelchairs, for all those in need, including children, older persons, people with mobility disabilities, and those with chronic health conditions. They are relevant for all countries and apply to all wheelchair users and types of wheelchairs. They emphasize that the best outcomes in wheelchair access occur when wheelchair users have the benefit of wheelchair selection following an individual process of assessment, fitting, training and follow up, provided by appropriately trained personnel.

“It is understood that this requires effective wheelchair provision systems that are integrated within health and other sectors, inclusive of effective referral networks and will likely require task-shifting and other strategies to mobilize the required workforce. Ultimately, the purpose of these guidelines is to ensure that wheelchair users have timely access through wheelchair services that are people-centered and responsive to their needs.”

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Study: Sea Cucumbers Reduce Diabetes Risk

Sea cucumbers (holothurian scabra) have medicinal properties that can reduce the risk of diabetes, say researchers at the University of South Australia.

In a June 7 news announcement, scientists said that processed dried sea cucumber with salt extracts “can inhibit a compound that is associated with increased risk of diabetes, thereby reducing the likelihood of the disease.” The compound in question is called Advanced Glycation End product, and the report said, “To date, there is no commercially available therapeutic agent to inhibit the formation of this compound.”

Fiji National University and the University of the Sunshine Coast (Australia) also participated in the research study.

Sea cucumbers are considered delicacies in Asian cooking.