A hostel for people recovering from mental illness who have nowhere to live has been opened in Jerusalem's Givat Shaul quarter by, and near, Herzog Memorial Hospital. Men and women residents live on separate floors in comfortable surroundings, with supervision and assistance from a professional team on duty 24 hours a day. They include a social worker, an occupational therapist, and a counselor. The residents go out to work in sheltered workshops or in various jobs ranging from gardening to computers. Hostel director Avi Goldstein, a social worker, said the facility prevents the problem common in other countries in which psychiatric patients remain in closed institutions without the chance of rehabilitation.
Maintenance is funded by government sources, with participation by the residents themselves.
However, the drug has not been included in the basket of health services for prevention, so menopausal women at high risk of osteoporosis whose doctors think they need it will have to dig into their own pockets. Ministry approval of Fosalan as a preventive drug followed similar approval by the US Food and Drug Administration. The ministry also approved the drug for osteoporosis in women and men over 18 caused by long-term use of steroid drugs. Taking steroids over time, even in low doses, can cause calcium to leach out of the bones. For women who want to be in the know Click here to return to page.