Kathy Quan 's Blog
Posted by Kathy Quan
Remember that Open Enrollment for Medicare Part D prescription drug plan ends December 31. After that, no changes can be made until next November when Open Enrollment begins again.
Copays, premiums and drug formularies have changed for many plans, so be sure to double check your sepcific coverage before the deadline. Compare plans at the Medicare web site.
Changes to Part A, B,or C can be made until March 31. These are the medical and hospital coverage plans. After March 31, enrollees must stay put in their selected plan until Open Enrollment begins next November 15.
Posted by Kathy Quan
However, if you need to make changes you will need to do so by December 31. After that you can not make changes to Part D Prescription plans until Open Enrollment for 2007 begins next November.
You do have until March 3,2007, 1 to make changes to your Part A, B, or C (Managed Care) plans which cover your medical costs of such items as office visits, outpatient services and hospital care.
For more information as well as links to Medicare sites and publications read Medicare Open Enrollment Begins.
Be sure to read about all of the changes for 2007.
Posted by Kathy Quan
Flu season is just getting started and the single-most effective ways to help stop the spread of germs and disease is to practice good handwashing. It seems like plain old common sense, yet so many don't even wash their hands after using the bathroom! And a public restroom at that!
Hand sanitizers work well as a substitute for soap and water if you don't have access to them. However, the most effective ones have a high alcohol content and can be flamable, so care must be taken to prevent injury.
Dr. Ignaz Semmelweis first demonstrated the effectiveness of handwashing in preventing the spread of disease in the 19th century. Read more about his discovery at the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) website.
Posted by Kathy Quan
In general 120/60 is a good blood pressure and anything below that or above 140 or 80 should be evaluated by your health care provider. However, health status, age, and other circumstances can affect whether your BP reading is good for you or not.
You can learn to take your own blood pressure, or to take it for someone else, and make a log of readings at different times of the day and during different circumstances to hep your health care provider determine a course of action.
Posted by Kathy Quan
There are 6 milliion Americans with Type II Diabetes who don't know it. A heavy meal could be a deadly curse. If you are over 40, obese, lead a sedentary life style, or have a family history of diabetes, you could be at increased risk. See your physician and ask to be checked for diabetes.
Enjoy your Thanksgiving meal in moderation with portion control. If you have many items on your menu and several different desserts to choose from, have some of each, but in smalll portions. Consider eating less at earlier meals to keep your total calorie intake for the day under control, but don't skip a meal.
If you're the cook... consider using lower fat and sugar alternatives to your recipes, and ask your helpers to do likewise.
Consider a walk after dinner instead of plopping down in front of the TV immediately.
Over the next few weeks of the holiday season, do your best to not pack on the pounds. Enjoy in small portions.
Posted by Kathy Quan
If you have a chronic illness such as heart disease, diabetes, emphysema/COPD, or are immunocomprised in any way from diseases such as HIV, cancer, or have had an organ transplant you must speak to your health care practitioner about having a pnuemonia vaccine.
For those who have already had a dose of the vaccine, you may be set for your lifetime. In some instances, after five years you might need a booster dose. Your health care practitioner will advise you in this matter.
Anyone from age 2 and up can take the PPV (pneumococcal po;ysaccharide vaccine) which also protects most people from any of the 23 varieties of pneumococcal disease which can include meningitis and bacteremia as well as pneumonia. It can be given with other vaccines. However, the safety of the vaccine for pregnant women has not yet been determined.
Protect yourself and your loved ones from these diseases with a simple solution. For further information read What is a Pneumonia Shot?
Posted by Kathy Quan
It is recommended that if you will be in need of prescription medications in early January 2007, that any changes be made by December 8.
Open Enrollment is the time to make changes to your Plan D Prescription Drug plan as well as to your hospital/medical coverage if needed. All changes take effect January 1 and Part D plans cannot be changed again until next year's Open Enrollment. Changes to Part A/B or C become locked in as of March 31 and cannot be changed again until Open Enrollment.
You can research your choices at Medicare's website. Remember that each spouse can enroll in a different plan if necessary to maximize your coverage. This can be especially true of the Plan D Prescription Drug coverage.
Read more... for more information and important links
Remember increases in premiums and cuts in reimbursement for 2007 may affect your choices and coverage.
Posted by Kathy Quan
Stress in the workplace is a common thread for many healthcare workers worldwide, and especially for nurses. Stress is one of the leading causes of illness and loss of work time. Many nurses report that they love being nurses, but hate their jobs.
Stressful work conditions including shortages of staff contribute heavily to the fact that nurses hate their jobs, and all too often leads to many nurses leaving the field. Improving work conditions is an essential element in increasing retention of nursing staff and coping with the nursing shortage.
Bullying in the workplace contributes to the stress levels for nurses, according to the Royal College of Nursing in the UK.
On November 7, workers in the UK will observe Ban Bullying at Work Day and take a moment to reflect on how their own behavior may affect others. The hope is to raise awareness of practices of bullying and to put an end to these practices.
Posted by Kathy Quan
Not sure what you're coming down with but you know it's not going to be fun for the next few days? Here's a breakdown of signs and symptoms that can help you tell your health care practitioner and get diagnosed quickly.
Antibiotics won't help flu, colds and allergies, but there are medications that will help reduce your symptoms and possibly shorten the duration of your suffering. Talk to your health care practitioner to see what's best for your particular signs and symptoms.
Wash your hands frequently, get plenty of rest and drink lots of liquids...feel better!!!!
Posted by Kathy Quan
A growing and aging population that demands the best in healthcare is one of the major reasons for the boom in health care jobs worldwide.
As the U.S. Census Bureau reports today, the population of the U.S. will have reached 300 million. It is not known, however, whether the person representing this milestone will be a newborn or a new citizen crossing a U.S. border.
Based on the bureau's math that assumes a new person every 11 seconds, that milestone is estimated to be reached at 7:46 AM EDT today.
Posted by Kathy Quan
What is a nurse? Nurses use the highly technical skills and scientific knowledge they attain through their education and experience in combination with a fine art of caring to care for the sick and infirm.
- Nurses educate patients and their caregivers and families in the processes needed to improve their health status and acheive or maintain a state of wellness.
- Nurses have to have the ability to understand math and science, as well as to communicate in the language of the area in which they work. This includes oral as well as written language.
- Nurses are professionals who work side by side with doctors and other health care professionals to provide care and assistance. Nurses are not the hand maidens of doctors.
Posted by Kathy Quan
If you have had your annual mammogram that's terrific. If not, please take the time right now to schedule one. Don't put it off..do it now. Do it for your family, if not just for yourself.
Do you know how to perform breast self-examination and do you practice it? If you don't know how to...learn about it NOW. If you have questions, ask your gynecologist. Don't be embarrassed to ask for help!
Finding a lump early and seeking treatment is vital to survival. Get the facts. And have a mammogram!
Remind your mother, your sisters, your daughters, and your friends.
Posted by Kathy Quan
Peter Pan in Scarlet, by Geraldine McCaughrean was published today by Oxford University Press. It will become available in 30 countries and in 34 languages simultaneously.
The Special Trustees of the Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children in London sponsored a search for someone to write theonly official sequel to Peter Pan. Ms. McCaughrean was awarded the opportunity and the entire project has been a closely guarded secret until today.
In April 1929, James M. Barrie donated the copyright and all subsequent royaltees of Peter Pan to the now 156 year old facility to help pay for research and treatment for children. The hospital was the first inpatient facility in the U.K. to treat only children. The amount of money raised through this effort is a secret per Mr. Barrie's will.
Today, it is the largest center for research into childhood illneses outside of the U.S. Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children (GOSH) not only treats children from all over the world, it also trains children's specialists.
J.M. Barrie's legacy will continue now for years to come through the proceeds of this exciting sequel, Peter Pan in Scarlet . Set in 1926, twenty years after Wendy, John and Michael originally visited Neverland with Peter Pan, the Lost Boys, Tinker Bell and Captain Hook and his crew, the adventure continues...
For Further Reading...
For more information about GOSH and the Peter Pan Project, visit their website.
You migt also be interested in reading about Maude Adams, the actress for whom JM Barrie wrote the role in his play Peter Pan. Diana Tierney poses the question Have we forgotten how to fly? in her discussion of Peter Pan at Suite101.com' s Folk Tales & Myths.
Posted by Kathy Quan
A stroke is a medical emergency and should not be taken lightly or the symptoms ignored. If you experience these symptoms, please seek medical attention immediately. Rapid diagnosis and treatment is essential to obtain the best outcomes.
The FAST test is similar to the STR Test.
- F=FACE: Ask the person to smile. Does one side of the mouth or face droop?
- A=ARMS: Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward or can't be raised?
- S=Speech: Ask the person to repeat a sentence. Can they repeat it correctly? Do they slur the words?
- T=TIME: If the person exhibits any problems with these it's time to call for emergency help.
If you suffer any of these symptoms, or the ones listed below,get immediate medical attention!
- A sudden severe headache without apparent reason
- Sudden numbness or weakness in the face, arms, legs, or one whole side of the body
- Sudden loss or dimness of vision especially if it's only in one eye
- Sudden loss of balance, unsteady gait, unexplained dizziness
- Sudden confusion, slurred speech, or difficulty swallowing
- Sudden loss of consciousnes
Posted by Kathy Quan
I remember as a child the doctor came to the house at night when I developed an ear infection. He came quite often whenever one of my family was ill, but that was many years ago.
Today, house calls by physicians are being revisited by Medicare in a three-year demonstration program. Select Medicare beneficiaries in California, Texas, and Florida are participating in this program to explore the possible cost savings as well as health benefits.
In its first year, the program has already proven to reduce costs by 40%. The 3-5% of the total population of Medicare beneficiaries with debilitating chronic illness accounts for 50% of the expenditures. This reduction can provide significant savings to Medicare.
In October 2005, approximately 15,000 people to paticipate. Recently 13,600 more were added to the program which is being expanded to Arizona and New Jersey.
Participants in the program must meet qualifying criteria. Mobility issues and difficulty getting to a physician's office without the use of non-emergency medical transportation is a primary criteria. Chronic illness is another.
The program is being run by Care Level Management under contract to Medicare. For more information visit their website. Or read the recent article in The Modesto Bee.
Posted by Kathy Quan
Over 600,000 Americans experience stokes each year. World wide, stroke is the third leading cause of death. High blood pressure is a silent disease meaning it has no real symptoms, and it is a major cause of strokes.
Some of the early symptoms of a stroke may cause a person to be embarased such as an unsteady gait including tripping or falling. Slurring words or having difficulty finding words can also be an early symptom. Hiding these can have devastating and even fatal effects.
Early diagnosis and treatment is essential to saving a life and/or minimizing the lasting effects of a sroke...read more...
Posted by Kathy Quan
Effective handwashing saves lives, but Americans are not doing such a good job according to the results from SDA's 2006 National Cleaning Survey.
Of those surveyed, 68% don't get their hands clean of dirt nor germs; 36% don't usually wash after sneezing or coughing; 31% don't wash their hands before they eat lunch.
Do you know how to wash your hands effectively?
Posted by Kathy Quan
The cases of E. coli are spread across the country and are caused by the same strain of E. coli. The specific brand of packaged raw spinach has not yet been identified. Health officials with the CDC and FDA feel it necessary to alert the public.
The recommendation is to not eat any packaged raw spinich. Should you choose to ignore the warning, washing the spinach in warm water and cooking is highly recommended by public health officials.
E. coli lives in the intestines of animals. It grows on produce from contaminated soil. At this time other produce does not appear to be involved.
E. coli causes diarrhea and is frequently accompanied by bloody stools. Most healthy adults recover from a bout of E. coli in about a week, but the very young and the elderly are much more vulnerable to complications such as kidney failure which can lead to death.
See your health care practitioner if you suspect exposure.
Posted by Kathy Quan
Quite simply...remember always, never forget.
Posted by Kathy Quan
Elevating the level of professionalism for nurses would encourage more young men and women to enter the nursing profession. Currently there is a major nursing shortage throughout most of the world which is expected to become a critical shortage by the year 2020 in the U.S.
The Office of the National Nurse would establish a National Nurse Corps. Educating patients and encouraging preventative health care and wellness would be a primary goal for this office.
Recruiting and managing a team of volunteer nurses to meet the demands in a state of emergency or disaster such as Hurricane Katrina would be another function of the National Nurse. Read more...
Posted by Kathy Quan
A sign is a physical manifestation of illness, injury or disease. A rapid pulse, a high temperature, a low blood pressure, an open wound, bruising, etc. are all signs. A symptom is subjective. A symptom is what the patient experiences about the illness, injury or disease. Symptoms include chills, shaking, shivering, nausea, and vertigo. Symptoms can be characterized by the patient to help the physician diagnose the problem. To find out more about signs and symptoms read this article.
Posted by Kathy Quan
New Orleans is still in a horrible state of disrepair. There were many costly mistakes that will leave the area scarred forever. What have we learned from Katrina?
One lesson that was loud and clear was the lack of disaster planning especially planning for medical needs. For instance, a diabetic patient needs to have their insulin or oral medications readily available. A glucometer is an essential tool. Adequate food and water is absolutely necessary as well. How many signs did we see on roofs about the resident is diabetic and needs food, and insulin?
There was warning that this disaster was coming. That doesn't always happen. We all need to learn to plan for our own survival in a disaster. Are you prepared? Read about The Lessons From Katrina.
Posted by Kathy Quan
Medicare has many faces depending on where in the world you are.
For instance, in the U.S., Medicare is the government sponsored healthcare system for those 65 and over, the disabled and those with end-stage renal disease (after meeting qualifying critera).
In Australia, the Medicare healthcare system is also government sponsored, but it is for all citizens, not just the elderly or diasbled.
In Canada, the Medicare healthcare system is also government sponsored and run by the individual provinces and territories. Like the American counterpart, it is also for those 65 and over.
Where else is there a Medicare healthcare system?
Posted by Kathy Quan
The Toronto Registered Nurse's Assciation denounced the election on Wednesday of Vancouver orthopedic surgeon, Brian Day, as an attack on the Canadian health care system
Dr. Day says his views have been misrepresented in the media. He does not favor privatizing medicine in the country. He does however state that he feels the Canadian Health Act is outdated and needs to be reworked to include such things as quality of care.
You can read more about this controversy in the Toroto Star.
Posted by Kathy Quan
Once educated in Europe, the MDs will return to practice in the U.S. Dr. Kaushal's plan is to help educate more doctors to solve the looming shortage of physicians in the U.S.
As Baby Boomers age and the demands for more medical care increases, the shortage of physicians will become a crisis if nothing is done to help avert the problem now.
Competition for admission as well as the tremendously high costs of medical school keep many students out of these programs. Dr. Kaushal was educated in Hungary. He hopes to place 100 students in school in Bulgaria by 2007. The tuition room and board costs there are only $10,000 per year.
For more information see the article in the Chicago Tribune. What's your opinion?????
Posted by Kathy Quan
On January 1, 2007, the proposed cuts in reimbursement to U.S. physicians for Medicare and TRICARE (military) patients will cause many physicians to make changes in their practice.
According to the AMA, nearly half of the physicians who responded to a recent survey indicated they would stop taking new Medicare and TRICARE patients.
Many indicated they might be forced to end services to Medicare and TRICARE patients already on their service as well.
In many areas seniors, diabled, and military families and retirees are already having difficulty finding physicians. These changes could only add to the problem. Read on...
Posted by Kathy Quan
Nurses and doctors are in great demand in many countries. The wealthier nations such as the U.S., Canada, Austrailia, and U.K. have been recruiting from African and Asian countries for many years.
This has severely depleted health care workers in these countries, and has not solved the shortages for the wealthier nations.
Health care workers are aging and the upcoming generations are smaller in numbers compared to the current population of workers.
The demands for more and better health care have dramatically increased and are expected to continue to do so.
Technology advances have created more jobs as well as improved the health status and reduced mortality rates.
All of these factors combine to spell out a need (even critical shotages) for health care workers world wide. Contact your national health care agency for more information about shortages and career opportunity specifics.
Source: World Health Organization
Posted by Kathy Quan
The CNA has completed the Nursing Assistant training and has successfully passed the Certification exam. The HHA or CHHA (certified home health aide) has completed additional training in how to care for patients in their homes.
While a CNA can work in the home setting through a private duty agency or privately hired by the client, only a HHA/CHHA can work for home health agencies on cases reimbursed by Medicare. In some instances, Medicaid and private insurance companies also require HHAs for any such services they reimburse for.
Read more for more information on How to Become a HHA
Posted by Kathy Quan
This office would then form a National Nurse Corps to help educate the American people about health care and wellness issues.
One of the goals of this group is to encourage others to become nurses and help divert a crisis from the shortage of nurses. They hope to do this by promoting nurses as health care experts and raising the level of professionalism for nurses.
You can sign the Office of the National Nurse petition here.
Posted by Kathy Quan
Be sure to protect yourself by using mosquito repellent, repairing holes in screens, and by eliminating any standing water around your home.
Make an inspection frequently. I was unpleasantly surprised this week to find that my air conditioner overflow was pooling water against the house. This is most likely due to the extreme heat in July when the air conditioning ran 24/7 and I didn't venture outside to look for pools of water. I thought the heat would have dried them up. Who knew?
If you have to be outside a small white plate of water with a couple of drops of lemon dish soap will attract and kill the mosquitos. Use this if you don't have citronella candles and set it a few feet away from you.
For more information about how to protect yourself, see the CDC site. For more information about West Nile Virus read on...
Posted by Kathy Quan
This new site is filled with news, factual general information, and resources on the possible flu pandemic. There are links to other sites such as the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).
Useful information about vaccines, and travel precautions can be found here are well as information about planning for a pandemic. There is a comprehensive question and answer section as well. To find out more about the possible Avian flu pandemic see PandemicFlu.gov
Posted by Kathy Quan
One of the best ways to make the most of an appointment with your physician is to write down your questions, your symptoms, concerns, etc. Then be sure you put this list in your purse, pocket or wallet! For more tips, read on...
Posted by Kathy Quan
Please be sure to observe safe practices with your food. Anything that can spoil easily such as mayonaise, salad dressings, egg salads, potato salads, etc. should be kept cold and discarded if they become too warm.
Use plenty of sunscreen and reapply it as directed. If it says it's not for use on your face, don't use it on your face. It can melt and run into your eyes and burn or cause damage. Use a facial sunscreen.
Drink plenty of liquids. Water is the best source. Sodas, alcoholic beverages, coffe and teas can be dehydrating.
Stay cool and don't over heat. Try to stay in a shady spot or bring an umbrella.
Finally, leave the fireworks to the professionals. Enjoy the aerial fireworks displays.
Happy summer holidays!
Posted by Kathy Quan
While the U.S. Congress debates the isues involved in making electronic medical records and health care information available, one company has taken the bull by the horns.
Their product allows the patient to create their own health care records and to save them on a USB device known as a flash drive.
This USB device can be carried on a key ring or lanyard around your neck. It can be plugged into any PC and the information easily retrieved.
Most emergency medical responders such as paramedics have access to laptops onboard their rigs. Almost all ambualtory medical facilities such as MD offices, clinics, urgent cares and hospitals have PCs available as well.
The information can be updated by the patient or caregiver just by plugging the USB device into the computer and typing the information into the forms provided on the software.
The forms include space for information such as demographic information, emergency contacts, a list of physicians and other health care providers, a list of allergies, medical conditions and medications the patient is taking including the dose and prescription numbers.
There is a form to list all previous surgeries and significant illnesses. For more information about this device see MedicTag.com
Posted by Kathy Quan
That dreaded phone call came suddenly. You had been expecting it, but hoping it would never happen. You're somewhat prepared you think, and then you find out you're not at all ready for this role!
As the Baby Boom generation ages, more and more are finding that they are now taking on a new role. That of caregiver for their parents. And many times this is from a distance which can add a whole new set of challenges to the mix. Finding out that Medicare doesn't cover the costs for caregivers and custodial care is a big shock. This is going to be an out-of-pocket expense!
The Family Caregiver Aliance (http://Caregiver.org) has a downloadable pamphlet to assist you in preparing for and implementing care for your elderly loved ones.
Posted by Kathy Quan
The 10 projected fastest growing occupations from 2004-2014 include seven health care occupations.
These are:
- Home health aides
- Medical Assistants
- Physician Assistants
- Physical therapy assistants
- Dental hygienists
- Dental assistants
- Personal and home care aides
Health care occupations which are expected to experience the largest employment growth from 2004-2014 include Registered Nurses, home health aides, nurses aides, orderlies and attendants.
The health care field is booming. The population is aging and more health care is in demand. Have you considered a career in health care?
For more information about accredited education programs for these and other allied health field occupations contact the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs. Their web site is: http://www.caahep.org
Posted by Kathy Quan
Wishing all Moms a very heppy mother's day. Take a moment to say thanks to your mom for all that she did and does for you.
Posted by Kathy Quan
Members of Congress have tried and will continue to try to set back this deadline, but they may or may not be successful. The deadline is set for May 15, and costly fines may apply for those who don't sign up before then.
Please review your medications and options and make the necessary arrangements to meet this deadline. If it is successfully delayed you may have other options in the future, but don't get yourself into a bind.
You can find out more about your specific medication costs and plans which will give you the best options by comparing plans at the Medicare site.
Posted by Kathy Quan
There is no treatment for mumps and it does not respond to antibiotics. It can however, lead to more serious illness such as meningitis. It can also cause deafness and orchitis (swelling of the testicles) which can lead to infertility.
Posted by Kathy Quan
April is National Donate Life Month. In 2003, President Bush proclaimed the entire month of April to be recognized as a time to raise the public's awareness of the critical shortages of not only organ donors, but tissues, blodd and marrow donors as well. Previously April 22-29 was set aside as organ and tissue donation awareness, but that week often conflicted with other national awarenesses and many times overlapped Holy Week or Passover.
Over 87,000 Americans are awaiting an organ or tissue transplant. Seventy percent are in need of kidneys.
Make your wishes known by filling out and carrying an organ donor card and carrying it in your wallet. Download one here.
Other things you can do is sign up for the donor registry in your state, make your wishes known in your Advance Directives or Will, and discuss the issue with family members as well as your physician.
Posted by Kathy Quan
No it's not April Fools, but Daylight Savings time does begin again this weekend. You need to "Spring Forward" and set your clock ahead one hour at 2 AM Sunday April 2.
Posted by Kathy Quan
The results startled health officials. While the level of care for the rich, poor, black, white, male, female, insured and uninsured is roughly equivalent, it was also shown to be mediocre at best. In general, patients only received 55% of the top-quality recommended levels of care. Only slight variations in levels of care existed between age, race and socioeconomic groups.
While health officials may be encouraged at the apparent lack of discrimination in the health care delivery, they were discouraged that there is such a huge gap between what care patients deserve and what they actually get.
The types of care included tests, drugs, procedures and other types of treatment and follow-up.
For more information read the report at The New England Journal of Medicine site.
Posted by Kathy Quan
One of the most effective means of infection control and managing the spread of germs and disease is through effective handwashing. If you want to avoid colds and flu, washing your hands frequently (as needed) will be one of your best defenses. It takes less than one minute!!
http://healthfieldmedicare.suite101.com/article.cfm/washyourhands