Updates for government notices, Things to do, Artists, General things

Busy week in Iowa! Today, I'd like to highlight another upcoming "Cup of Joe on the Issues" event - I'll speak on agriculture and food at Cherry Glen Learning Farm, 3989 NW 94th Ave, Polk City, Iowa 50226, on Thursday, August 29th, at 5pm CDT. You can RSVP here.

All events for the coming week are below, and also here.

Tuesday, August 27th:

• Thompson, Iowa: I will be speaking to Winnebago County Democrats on Tuesday, August 27th, at 6pm at The Branding Iron (135 Jackson St, Thompson, IA 50478).  
• Mason, Iowa: I will be speaking to the Cerro Gordo County Democrats on Tuesday, August 27th, at 7pm (meeting starts at 6.30pm) at the Hy-Vee East (551 S Illinois Avenue, Mason City, IA 50401).  

Wednesday, August 28th:

• Muscatine, Iowa: Hear me speak on education and training for a lifetime at the Strawberry Farm Bed & Breakfast in Muscatine, Iowa, on August 28th at 5pm CDT. RSVP here: https://www.facebook.com/events/375630720016698/

Thursday, August 29th:

• Polk City, Iowa: Hear my groundbreaking agriculture and food policy at our Cup of Joe on the Issues event at Cherry Glen Learning Farm (3989 NW 94th Ave, Polk City, Iowa 50226) on August 29th at 5pm. RSVP here: https://www.facebook.com/events/499950000756791/
• Ames, Iowa: Hear me speak to Story County Democrats at 7.45pm (meeting starts at 7pm) on Thursday, August 29th, at the Ames Public Library (515 Douglas Ave, Ames, IA 50010).  

Friday, August 30th:

• Riceville, Iowa: Howard County Democrats are hosting me for a Cup of Joe on the Issues event on healthcare on August 30th at 5pm (3091 75th St, Riceville, IA 50466-7139, United States). RSVP here: https://www.facebook.com/events/359989654877396/

Saturday, August 31st:

• Blairstown, Iowa: I will be marching with the Benton County Democrats at the Blairstown Sauerkraut Days Parade at 10am (lineup at 9.30am) on Saturday, August 31st in Blairstown, Iowa.

For more information, visit my site (here) to read more about who I am and where my campaign is going next, or contact my press team on press@joesestak.com.

Respectfully,
Joe Sestak

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Hello Jim​

Please feel free to publish the following article as is. If you would like a comment or an interview, please let me know and I will coordinate.

Best,

Terry

How Technology Can Make Health Care Cheaper and More Efficient

As the rising costs of health care remain a major concern for consumers, industry experts say new technology could help reduce costs and increase efficiency — a potential win-win for patients and providers.

The way advancements in technology could work for both involves the accumulation and distribution of patient data, says Alex Zlatin, CEO of Maxim Software Systems (alexzlatin.com).

“Whether it’s related to doctors’ offices, specialists, hospitals or oral care, data is the foundation to curb costs,” says Zlatin, the author of Responsible Dental Ownership. “Data is the key to delivering accountable, affordable and informed care. 

“While many have struggled to use data effectively, the time is ripe for the industry to become data-driven and, with that, align costs, procedures, and outcomes. Researchers and innovators are bringing medical care and the dental industry into a new era of trying to improve effectiveness and curb the cost of care. But it’s the responsibility of providers and their offices to stay current with data management practices to help make this all work.”

Zlatin offers the following points about technology’s impact on data accessibility, and the associated benefits, in health care:

• Telehealth and consumer technology. These are playing larger roles in supporting new health care delivery models, with companies like Apple and Uber getting involved. Apple has developed mobile apps and Uber is launching a medical-transit program. “Both examples speak to another shift pushing the industry toward value-based care: consumerization,” Zlatin says. “Patients are bearing a larger portion of costs, and with more options for where to get care, they are becoming more discerning and demanding.”
• Exchange of patient data. This is one technology evolution that’s already helping health care reduce costs and increase efficiency. “It allows doctors to better understand the context of a patient’s overall health,” Zlatin says. “Improving the integration of the electronic health record means labs, care plans, and medical histories from different sources are available quickly. Thus the provider can make a clear diagnosis and develop the most effective care plan in less time.”
• Full digital office management systems. Having a digital system streamlines record-keeping. In dental offices, digital processes keep the provider and patient informed regarding hygiene appointments, future treatments and account balances.”Having a scheduling system, billing and personal information, charts and integrated X-rays all by digital means makes for a more efficient practice and enhances the patient experience,” Zlatin says.
• Wearable devices and patient lifestyle. Information from wearable health devices incorporate valuable data about patient health behaviors, including heart rate, sleep patterns, physical activity and calorie burn. “Those different factors will integrate into decision-making for your health,” Zlatin says. “Expanded access to data also can help manage patients’ costs. Providers will have access to information such as current benefits offered by insurance providers, based on a patient’s health profile.”
• More importance on data protection. Patient privacy must remain a priority for technologists and providers. “Advancements in technology and data integration heighten the importance of patient record protection,” Zlatin says. “Large volumes of data bring ethical concerns about proper use of patient information. There needs to be a regulatory component to ensure tools are used properly and to protect the patients. And choosing the right partner to manage data will become even more critical.”

“The future of health care includes technology that could seamlessly combine data on a patient’s medical history, real-time health, insurance coverage, and financial information,” Zlatin says. “All of that can support provider decision-making, improve patient health, and reduce costs.”

About Alex Zlatin

Alex Zlatin, author of the book Responsible Dental Ownership (alexzlatin.com), had more than 10 years of management experience before he accepted the position of CEO of dental practice management company Maxim Software Systems. He earned his MBA at Edinburgh Business School and a B.Sc. in Technology Management at HIT in Israel.

His company helps struggling dental professionals take control of their practices and reach the next level of success with responsible leadership strategies. 

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Comment period open through Sept. 25

Public comment sought for newly established regional water conservation goals

(Salt Lake City, August 27, 2019) – The State of Utah is seeking public input on newly established regional goals for municipal and industrial (M&I) water conservation. M&I includes residential, commercial, institutional (for example, schools and parks), and industrial water use, and excludes agriculture, mining and power generation.

This is the first time Utah’s water conservation goals have been established on a regional level, an approach which was recommended by the 2015 Legislative Audit, 2017 Follow-up Audit, Third-Party Review and 2017 Recommended State Water Strategy. 

“A regional approach allows the goals to be tailored for nine different regions around the state and takes into account climate, elevation, and each region’s characteristics and needs,”  Division of Water Resources Deputy Director Todd Adams said. “Given Utah’s diverse geography, establishing region-specific goals makes sense.”

Utah's previous statewide conservation goal was reducing per-capita use 25% by 2025.

“We’ve made significant progress thanks to the waterwise efforts of many Utahns and water managers,” Division of Water Resources Assistant Director Candice Hasenyager said. “There is still more to be done, and these new regional goals are the next step. Accomplishing these goals will require everyone’s participation, including water managers, elected officials, state and local leaders, and the public.”

To formulate the new water conservation goals, the Division of Water Resources first gathered public input. Last fall, over 1,650 people participated in a water conservation survey, and eight open houses across the state were held. After public input was tallied, a team consisting of water providers, members from the Governor’s Office of Management and Budget, and Water Resources staff worked with a third-party consultant to provide input on the region-specific goals. 

“These goals will help guide the state’s water managers in planning future infrastructure, policies and programs consistent with Utah’s semiarid climate and growing demand for water,” said Adams. “We invite the public to take a look and share their thoughts.”

View the water conservation goals and submit online comment now through Sept. 25 at Water.Utah.Gov/regional-conservation-goals.