Whenever I talk with long-term care professionals, I like to ask why they have chosen to do this work. Let's face it, this is not a field for sissies.

July is normally a busy time in Washington. Lawmakers routinely work late into the night debating how to shape the dozen spending bills that largely dictate federal spending for the coming fiscal year.

It's a rare week in Washington when there isn't a conference of experts tackling one or more of our most troubling policy matters.

A new type of dressing made of silica gel fibers is showing early wound care potential. Developed by scientists in Germany, this novel dressing has many advantages: it is shape-stable, pH-neutral and 100% bioresorbable.

Is sustained Medicaid funding an effective way to ensure the delivery of needed healthcare services to the poor, or a harmful drain on the U.S. Treasury?

It's hardly a secret that eldercare services in this nation are in a state of flux. The average age of nursing homes in most metro markets has surpassed 30 years.

The House Energy and Commerce Committee has voted 46-0 to delay imminent Medicaid-rule changes that would cut payments and services in the long-term care sector. Most notably, the pending reductions would curtail a major source of indirect funding for facilities: provider taxes.

In boardrooms and across kitchen tables, much hand wringing is taking place. At issue is whether the nation may be on the cusp of a recession, or maybe worse.

As this issue goes to press, Roger Clemens and his former trainer are taking turns on Capitol Hill calling each other a liar. My guess is that they are both right, but that's beside the point.

My deficiencies involving most things mechanical have provided family and friends with countless hours of entertainment.