HCA to give Acting CMS Administrator $160K a year for life; Hospitals targeting former patients for donations;

> HCA will give Acting CMS Administrator Marilyn Tavenner more than $160,000 a year in retirement pay for the rest of her life, reported The Washington Times. Article

> Recommending protein-free diets before surgery may help hospitals improve surgical outcomes, according to The Washington Post. Article

> Pauls Valley General Hospital in Oklahoma is laying off workers and implementing a hiring freeze to increase efficiency and save funds, reported the Pauls Valley Daily Democrat. Article

> With a new privacy law, three hospitals in Saskatoon, Canada, will start targeting former patients for donations, according to The StarPhoenix. Article

‎> Despite a $2.7 million net loss for 2011, MetroHealth leaders remain positive with patient volumes growing and expenses falling, reported The Plain Dealer. Article

And Finally... Think positively for better heart health. Article