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Chiropractor Who Attempted Insurance Claim Fraud Sentenced to Prison

With any system, there are people trying to game it. This was the case for Philadelphia chiropractor Lawrence S. Herman, who has been sentenced to five months in prison because of a falsely submitted personal insurance claim.

While fraud only comprises a small percentage of submitted insurance claims, they can be costly, and unfairly burden everyone else who relies on their insurance to cover them when something bad happens. Every year, scam insurance claims for auto injuries add up to about $5 billion.

Herman was in an accident back in 2012, and submitted a claim for injuries. As evidence, Herman showed that he had received chiropractic treatment for injuries to his neck and back. His insurance company, the U.S. Automobile Association, originally denied his claim. Herman then hired a lawyer and sued the company for $60,000.

Prosecutors, though, weren’t buying his story. They pointed out that the accident which supposedly caused the ongoing injuries was a “minor, fender-bender type accident” and that Herman was running multiple marathons at the same time he was supposedly recovering from, and receiving treatment for back injuries.

Herman finally admitted during his guilty plea hearing that he had fabricated his injury, and that he had never received treatment. Instead, he had, allegedly, told an employee of his practice to create the medical records and then submit them using fake company letterhead.

The prosecutors were also not impressed that Herman continually tried to shift the blame for his crime, first accusing his personal injury lawyers who drafted the insurance settlement demand, and then the employee who he had asked to falsify the records.

“Personal stresses, provided by work pressures and economic circumstances resulting from the divorce, weakened Mr. Herman’s judgment and contributed to precipitating the infraction,” said Michael McCarrie, Herman’s lawyer, in a memorandum for the court.

Why Every Investor Should Be Selling Their Junk Bonds

In today’s investment market, there’s no real reason to keep junk bonds in your portfolio.

Or so says one June 26 USA Today article.

“There really are very few happy outcomes from junk bond funds right now,” the article advises.

Currently, investors across America have a collective $326 billion in junk bonds, otherwise known as high-yield bonds.

But why are junk bonds so dangerous right now?

A junk bond is essentially a long-term loan that an investor gives to a company with a bad credit rating. And because companies with bad credit have to pay higher interest rates for loans, a junk bond can, in many cases, be a financially sound investment to add to one’s portfolio.

However, USA Today reports, prices for high-yield bonds are at an all-time high right now, which means yields for these bonds are at all-time lows. In late June, the Barclays Capital High-Yield Index yielded a mere 4.83% — the lowest yield recorded for junk bonds in history.

Yields could technically rise again — but it’s not worth the risk to keep junk bonds in one’s portfolio. USA Today reports that yields this low, in a worst-case scenario, could cause another financial meltdown like the one of 2007-2008.

So, to protect your finances from going under if junk bonds continue to produce record-low yields, it’s best to sell them while you can. This is especially true for male investors, as studies have shown that 61% of men who wait too long to sell off a bad investment will repeat their mistake, compared to 48% of women.

And if you had been thinking of investing in a junk bond for the first time, it may be a good idea to wait a while.

Magistrate Grants Landlord Additional Time to Move Tenants from Severely Neglected Apartment Building

A Pittsburgh city magistrate recently granted a landlord an additional 30 days to help his tenants find replacement housing after their building was found to have numerous health code violations. These violations necessitate the removal of 10 families, including several Bhutanese refugees, to new housing due to the serious risk to their house. As a result, many are confused by the magistrate’s ruling, given how the landlord so seriously neglected the building in the past.Davin Gartley, the landlord in question, has been cited multiple times by the Allegheny County Health Department and the Pittsburgh city codes enforcement office. The violations discovered at his apartment building include a faulty foundation, bad electrical wiring and rodent infestation, as well as problems with sewage, water, and trash collection. Additionally, the Health Department has reported that two lead paint violations endangered a 1-year-old resident, who tested positive for elevated levels of lead toxicity.

“Ignoring maintenance problems does not make them go away,” says Joseph Ord, President of AMOSO Properties. “It is better to spend a little money now rather than a lot of money later.”

Gartley was reportedly first notified of the health code violations in October of 2013. Yet, in spite of this, Health Department employees report that they saw no improvements in the poor quality of the building, and were surprised that the magistrate had granted the landlord additional time. When the tenants finally do leave their apartments, the Health Department plans to condemn it.

Ground-Penetrating Radar leads to Breakthrough in Wildlife Preservation

Northern pine snakes in New Jersey are getting by with a little help from their friends: a collaborative team of Air Force Officials and researchers at Temple and Drexel University equipped with ground-penetrating radar. For 10 years, the officials at the Warren Grove Gunnery Range and researchers at the two universities have been working together to preserve the habitat of the northern pine snake. The International Union for conservation of nature listed the snake as a threatened species, and the population has to be closely monitored and nurtured to keep from dying out.The collaboration allows the Air Force to sustain ecosystems and biodiversity while carrying on their training and testing activities. Military ranges are common refuges for wildlife, and the endangerment of a species on military land can result in restrictions for the base. Their preservation work with the researchers has allowed them to continue their own work with very few land restrictions.

It also allows university students a chance for hands-on research and interdisciplinary training. The interdisciplinary research actually benefits the universities as well, making the departments more competitive when applying for funding.

In 2013, researchers had the bright idea to begin using ground-penetrating radar technology to map the snake population’s winter hibernation habitats.

“Ground Penetrating Radar can be used for a-lot of different applications and allows you to see alot of different anomalies such as voids, tree roots, as well as underground utilities.” States Stan Wood Jr of Woods Inspection Services. GPR uses electromagnetic waves to create high-resolution imagery of the landscape several feet below the Earth’s surface. While GPR is traditionally used in prospecting, mining and archeology, the researchers protecting the snakes saw the technology as a huge opportunity.Before the use of GPR, researchers had to physically surround hibernation habitats and keep track of the individual snakes in each area to help them manage the population. The efforts were costly and time intensive. In addition, disturbing the snakes in their hibernation areas forces them to hibernate elsewhere in later years, adding extra work for the snakes and their monitors.

Ground-penetrating radar allowed the researchers to quantify snakes within their hibernation zones without disturbing them, allowing the species to thrive and saving the researchers time and money. The electromagnetic waves travel at roughly the same speed as radio waves and have no negative affects on the hibernating northern pine snakes.

Hopefully, the use of ground-penetrating radar and the continued efforts of the Air Force and research team, the northern pine snake will live comfortably on the military range for years to come.

California Business Catches Flak for Flying the American Flag Upside Down

A California business is in hot water after one of its employees flew the American flag at equal height with the Mexican flag — upside down. The Calexico Price Center, located in Calexico, California, has issued an apology through its manager, Jose Tirado. In an interview with The Washington Times, Tirado expressed that the whole situation was just an unfortunate mistake. “We have been flying flags here for more than 20 years, and this has never happened,” Tirado said. The company’s Facebook followers and customers, not to mention Calexico locals, are less than impressed with that explanation, with many pointing out that the stunt seemed like a purposeful political statement meant to demean the Land of the Free while promoting Mexico.

A Clear Violation of United States Flag Codes
When the Stars and Stripes is flown at the top of the flagpole, it’s meant to be flown proudly. There’s no doubting that the actions by Calexico Price Center, accidental or otherwise, completely disrespected the symbol of the nation. Of course, the act is not only disrespectful, it’s also in direct violation of the United States Flag Code, as outlined by the U.S. Senate. The code reads, “The flag should never be displayed with union down, except as a signal of dire distress in instances of extreme danger to life or property.” The code does, however, allow for other nations’ flags to be flown at even level with Old Glory, so long as none are positioned to the right of our flag.

Not the First Case of Disrespect to the Flag
Unfortunately, this is neither the first nor the last case of someone disrespecting the flag, and thereby, the United States. Joshua Brubaker, a local of Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, is facing charges of desecration and insults to the American flag, after area police saw a flag hung upside down with the word “AIM” spray-painted across its face in white paint. So far, those involved in the similar incident in Calexico, California are yet to face any charges.

What do you think about the actions of the Calexico Price Center? Should those responsible face the same charges as PA’s Joshua Brubaker? Let us know your opinion in the comment section below.

Little Falls Township Passes Resolution to Require Fire Sprinklers in Residential Homes

The Township Council of Little Falls, New Jersey has passed a resolution that supports a new code that would require all single-family homes, duplexes and townhouses to have fire sprinklers.

The landmark decision came after two main incidents brought to light the impact a fire sprinkler can have in an emergency situation. In April, eight people lost their home, and one firefighter was seriously injured, during a fire that ended up destroying an entire duplex located on Newark Pompton Turnpike. A Montclair State University dormitory experienced a fire during the same month; by contrast, a fire sprinkler was able to both contain the fire and extinguish it before authorities got to the scene.

“Fire sprinklers … would be a tremendous benefit to homeowners,” said Rich Silvia, president of the Fire Protection Association. “They’re protecting the most valued piece of property they would own in their lifetime.” Silvia, who is also a fire marshal, said that sprinkler installation is easy to do using either a separate or domestic water line.

He notes that ultimately, this move could help save homeowners money, not only by preventing costly fire damage, but through home insurance as well — homeowner’s insurance, he says, is usually reduced by about 10% for homes that have sprinklers.

The council’s resolution notes that 3,000 people nationwide are killed each year in fires, and cited the New Jersey Building Official Association’s, and the New Jersey Fire Protection Association’s support of the requirement.

The resolution has not, however, passed with full support, and Assemblyman Scott Rumana, who represents Little Falls, voted against the bill. “To make it mandatory that everyone has to have it means that you’re going to increase the cost to the consumer,” Rumana said. “It shouldn’t be mandated by the government that you must have this system in your home.” Rumana also notes that if the pipes are incorrectly installed, water damage can be very costly.

Edward Schumacher, a Little Falls developer, sees both sides of the debate but points out that getting a sprinkler is about more than just seeing the initial price-tag. “It’s an added expense, but sometimes people don’t know the value of it until they need it,” said Schumacher.

Dental Device Offers Sleep Apnea Solution

Going to the dentist is probably one of the most dreaded things that we have to do, but now your dentist can offer you more than root canals and routine cleanings; she might be able to help you sleep better. According to King5 HealthLink, a new treatment for sleep apnea is a device worn in the mouth that adjusts the jaw to ease breathing while the wearer sleeps. The typical treatment for sleep apnea — the most efficient treatment — is to be hooked up to a Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) machine, but the new device only requires that it be worn while you sleep. The new dental device is not for everyone though, just those with less severe sleep apnea.

Sleep apnea refers to a condition that causes a person to stop and start breathing repeatedly while asleep, which can cause a lack of oxygen to the brain and body. Many people don’t even know that they have sleep apnea. According to dentist and sleep expert Dr. Gretchen Zody, some signs of sleep apnea include indentations of the teeth on the tongue, teeth clenching and grinding, snoring, and acid reflux. Undiagnosed sleep apnea can be very dangerous, and it is a much more prevalent disorder than you might think. According to The Huffington Post, the National Sleep Foundation estimates there are 18 million people suffering from it. That’s more than the number of people living with things like depression, HIV, OCD, and alcohol dependence.

Undiagnosed sleep apnea can be dangerous. According to ABC News, it can be one of the causes of public transportation tragedies. When public transportation drivers fall asleep because they aren’t sleeping well at night due to untreated sleep apnea, the results can be deadly. Mark Rosekind, National Transportation Safety Board member says that sleep apnea is a national problem for operators and drivers. An investigation found that the cause of the December 2013 train crash that resulted in four deaths and 63 injuries was the conductor’s undiagnosed sleep apnea. As of now, there are no national rules that require drivers of public transportation to undergo sleep apnea testing, but some companies have taken to screening their own drivers for the disorder. This type of preventative measure may be the key to keeping these catastrophes from happening in the future.

If you suspect that you suffer from sleep apnea, getting screened for the disorder is an important for your health and safety. If you do find that you suffer from sleep apnea, a trip to the dentist may be all you need.

New VA Secretary Nominee Comes as a Surprise to Many

What is a onetime Army Ranger and a former CEO of a Fortune 500 company going to do in a Veterans Affairs Department? It has yet to be seen, but Robert McDonald faces a daunting task of righting the wrong in the scandal-riddled department.

Nominated by President Barack Obama, McDonald may lead the VA group, but veterans are skeptical about his qualifications. They state that he may have trouble adjusting to the nitty gritty political details and bureaucracy of the 300,000 employees that make up the department.

The VA Department is comprised of hundreds of hospital directors and other executives that are sitting quite comfortable at the top of the group’s food chain, far away from the agency’s Washington headquarters and therefore are not monitored as much as they should be.

To understand the fraud underlying the group, from 2003 to 2012, the VA healthcare funding increased by 106%, while the number of patients increased by only 30%. Where did all the funding money go? Other scandals include putting patients on secret waiting lists while others are pushed to the top. At the Phoenix Veterans Affairs Health Care System, at least 40 U.S. veterans died waiting for their appointments.

A year after McDonald was forced to step down from his CEO position at Procter & Gamble, he was tapped by Obama to deal with a health care agency dealing with the reveal of falsified records and the admition of month-long waits for appointments.

“Procter & Gamble is going to feel like a Ferrari compared to the VA,” said Paul Rieckhoff, CEO of Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America.

Obama is clearly concerned with the way the U.S. veterans are being treated in the health care department, with the White House releasing a statement accusing the VA of lacking resources and being ill-prepared to deal with the influx of new and older veterans. With a budget of $154 billion (one of the largest in the federal government), Obama was hoping that more would be done for this group of citizens.

The only glaring issue: McDonald has no direct health care experience, so it will be difficult for him to relate to the vast majority of veterans suffering disabilities and not being offered adequate care. How he got the job remains unknown, but White House officials say the President was looking for someone who has had experience leading a large organization and familiar with military culture.

After the scathing report given to the VA by the White House, the chief medical inspector for the department has retired on accusations that his office avoided complaints outlining serious problems at VA medical facilities across the nation.

As a result, Obama was urged by both parties to fill the spot quickly and, as of now, McDonald appears headed for an easy Senate confirmation.

What Can the U.S. Do About the Surge of Unaccompanied Alien Children?

A couple weeks ago, a public forum was held in the Brunswick High School’s auditorium to ascertain the public’s opinion on a proposed plan to have Saint Paul’s College used as a housing facility for unaccompanied alien children — kids who have illegally immigrated to the U.S. without their parents. When Essey Workie, the Regional Administrator for the Administration for Children and Families, announced that the plan was put on hold, the crowd erupted in applause.

However, the issue is far from resolved and several questions still linger in the wake of the controversy. How long have unaccompanied children been entering the United States? What’s currently being done about the issue? Are there any long term solutions?

The surge of child migration began back in 2011, but has only just hit a crisis point this year. So far in fiscal year 2014, an approximate 70,500 kids are expected to be apprehended at the border, including 52,000 children from Central America. According to the U.S. Customs and Border Protection, apprehensions of unaccompanied alien children are up by a staggering 92% from this time in 2013.

When Mexican children are caught at the border, an agent will quickly interview them. If the child can persuade the Border Patrol agent that he or she is scared of being trafficked or prosecuted, the child is then put into custody. If he or she doesn’t pass, the child is immediately returned to Mexico. Central American children, though, are immediately put into custody and given full court proceedings. Since more Central American have been coming to the U.S. this year, the government has been forced to find much more housing.

At the end of last month, President Barack Obama asked Congress to modify the law that deals with migrant children. The proposal asks to treat kids coming from Central America the same children from Mexico are — to screen them to determine whether or not they could stay in the country.

Though the proposal is expected to help staunch the flow of migrant children, it would also send the kids back to their home countries that are persecuting them.

“We’re extremely concerned that the administration is continuing to refuse to see this as a refugee issue and that they are really taking drastic steps to roll back a long tradition of child welfare-friendly policies in this country,” said the Director of the Migrant Rights and Justice program of the Women’s Refugee Commission, Michelle Brane.

If sent back, children face a myriad of dangers, including: violence (Honduras had the highest murder rate in the entire world in 2011), gang violence (El Salvador has one of the lowest school attendance rates in the world because gangs target the children there), and human and drug trafficking (the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees reported that organized criminal groups coerce children into prostitution and to work as drug mules, often using gang rape as a means of forcing compliance and because these children escape the threat of death in their home countries alone, they have no choice but to comply).

The proposals would also put more strain on Border Patrol. In truth, no branch of the federal government is really equipped to hand the influx of migrant children, but the brunt of the overload falls on the Border Patrol since they’re the first ones to come in contact with them. By having to screen 52,000 more children, Border Patrol agents would naturally have more work to do, making them incapable of being able to catch the criminals sneaking into the country, which is their intended role.

“I don’t think the flow will stop until a message of deterrence is sent back to Central America,” said House Homeland Security Committee Chairman Mike McCaul. “I know the president came out with a strong statement today. I applaud that. But I think, you know, we have to be humanitarian at the same time, let them know that if they do come, they cannot stay here; otherwise, we’ll never stop the flow.”

Though the surge of unaccompanied alien children is a much more pressing issue than previously thought, what else can be done about the crisis besides providing them with a place to stay until a solution is figured out?

Promising New Study Explores the Use of the Human Immune System to Treat Cancer

These days they say that it isn’t a matter of if you get cancer, it’s where and when, but recent scientific breakthroughs seem to indicate that the treatment for cancer may be as simple as using the cells in our own blood.

According to Forbes.com, a new study from the National Cancer Institute suggests that using white blood cells — which are already part of our immune system — can not only remove cancer cells in the blood in patients whose blood cancer was otherwise untreatable, but may work on tumors as well. The study sought to treat cervical cancer caused by human papilloma virus. They found suitable white blood cells in women’s blood, modified them, and used them to treat the cancer with promising results. Though the treatment is still in its infancy, it seems to be a promising alternative to other types of cancer treatment.

Another new treatment for cancer is coming from drug companies. This treatment isn’t found in our own blood; the drugs simply work against the proteins that allow cancer cells to protect themselves inside the body. Though there are breakthroughs in cancer treatments, we want to avoid actually having cancer in the first place. One of the ways you can prevent cancer is just by walking. According to the American Cancer Society, walking 10,000 steps can lead to a 30% to 70% decrease in rates of cancer.
Walking is a really simple way to prevent cancer, but you have to be careful when choosing your footwear. According to Independent Online, popular sandals that are designed for fitness might actually cause or increase back pain. Something like 31 million Americans are having back pain at any specific time, and it’s estimated that 80% of people will have back pain in their lifetime. According to Yahoo, chances are this might stem from the fact that many of us sit and work on computers.

If you cannot get out and go walking because of your job, there is still something you can do for your wellness. Having a quality office chair with proper lower back support (which the National Institute of Health suggests that you can achieve by using a small cushion) can alleviate and prevent back pain.