Where caring counts. Feel the difference.
August 2008
TM
Vol. 24 No. 4
SCOPE
Hospital Expenditures and Tax Payments Stimulate Local Economies T
he economic contribution of hospitals extends beyond the people they directly employ, the goods and services they purchase, and the taxes they pay. The importance of hospitals to their communities extends far beyond the healthcare they provide. Hospitals also support other businesses through so-called, ‘ripple effects,’ that are generated in three ways: 1. Hospitals purchase goods and services. Those purchases create revenue for local businesses and jobs and
The Impact of Community Hospitals on U.S. Jobs (in millions), 2006 Direct Jobs
5.2
Ripple Effect
8.7
Total Jobs
13.9
Source: Avalere Health, using BEA RIMS II (1997/2005) multipliers applied to 2006 American Association Annual Survey data.
income for their employees. For example, the phase of a wing in Children’s Hospital of Chicago will generate approximately $1.5 billion in economic activity between 2008 and 2012 when the hospital opens. 2. Hospitals provide income for employees. Hospital employees purchase goods and services, such as cars, household appliances and groceries. These purchases generate income and create jobs for other businesses in the community. 3. Wages and salaries paid by hospitals are subject to federal, state, and local taxes (e.g. payroll taxes, sales taxes). A hospital in South Bend, Indiana paid more than $5 million in state and local income taxes, in addition to more than $50 million in federal income taxes. These ripple effects result in jobs and income for other businesses. In 2006, with the ripple effect included, hospitals supported a total of 13.9 million jobs and $1.9 trillion in economic activity. Source: Avalere Health and America Hospital Association, April 2008
40th Anniversary Celebration Sets Date Plans are underway to celebrate the 40th anniversary of Mason General Hospital. The hospital will be the location for the three-day event, which kicks off on Thursday, October 30 with a speaker, and several events. On Friday, October 31, there will be hospital tours available during the day for all ages, displays on the history of the hospital, and medicine over the last 40 years. Saturday there will be a Health Fair with kids’ activities and family events. The October issue of SCOPE will have more details and times of events. For more information or if you have questions, call Marketing at (360) 426-8374.
Folate For Prospective Fathers Too
To protect against birth defects, women are advised to get adequate quantities of folate (vitamin B9) from diet and/or supplements, even before they become pregnant. A recent study indicates that prospective fathers may benefit from the same advice. Men consuming more than 700 micrograms a day of folate were less likely than other males to have chromosome abnormalities in their sperm. Foods high in folate include whole grains, fortified cereals, orange juice, beans and green, leafy vegetables. The recommended daily allowance is 400 micrograms. {SOURCE: “Wellness Made Easy,” UC Berkeley Wellness letter, June, 2008}
Seniors Need Extra B12, D, Calcium Seniors aged 70 and over need ample quantities of vitamin B12, calcium, and vitamin D, and nutritionists emphasize that it’s better that they get these nutrients from food rather than supplements. Foods getting special emphasis in the modified Food Pyramid for Older Adults include whole grains, fruits, vegetables, low- or non-fat dairy products, low-fat meat, beans and fiber-rich foods. About 13 minutes a day of unprotected exposure to sunlight should provide adequate vitamin D, which helps preserve bone density and may protect against prostate or breast cancer. {SOURCE: Alice H. Lichtenstein, et al, The Journal of Nutrition, January, 2008; Daniel J. DeNoon,“Over-70 adults get new food pyramid,” WebMD Medical News, December 20, 2007}
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Flu Immunization Get Back-to-School Shots This Month Quality Care Open Golf Tournament “Living Well With Diabetes” Classes Sección en Español Nuevo Hospital District Purchases Surgery Clinic Business Women’s Day Luncheon Tickets