Physicians likely to prescribe when friendly with reps; Healthcare costs projected to rise;

> According to the results of a new study by PeopleMetrics Rx, "soft" factors like friendship with reps, rather than medical evidence, are the best indicators of how strongly a physician is engaged with a company (and in all probability, how likely he or she is to prescribe their products). FiercePharma

> If you needed any more evidence that U.S. healthcare companies are going international, here's some. Nashville-area healthcare executives are planning a healthcare trade mission to Germany and Sweden designed to sell their city and build relationships. Article

> Healthcare costs are projected to rise more than 10 percent going into 2009, according to a new survey of insurers by Aon Consulting Worldwide. Though substantial enough in its own right, it's the smallest Aon has seen in six years. Article

> A new study has concluded that despite their size, some obese people--notably those who don't suffer from insulin resistance--are in good health and aren't predisposed to heart disease. Article

And Finally... Well, I guess money's money, even if you have you have to haul it around in six coffee cans. Article