Kathy Quan 's Blog
Posted by Kathy Quan
Losing weight, exercising more and resolving to quit smoking are some of the most common promises we make to ourselves as we resolve to be healthier in the new year.
These are all noble goals, but be sure you plan carefully and set realistic milestones and goals. If you set totally unrealistic goals and time frames for yourself, you're setting yourself up to fail.
Losing weight takes time so don't expect to lose more than one to two pounds each month. As long as you're moving in a positive direction, enjoy your successes and continue your efforts.
Smoking cessation is a challenge that takes many diverse paths. It may take several different tries to accomplish this goal. Again, if progress is made celebrate your success.
Jumping in to an exercise plan may present problems if it isn't well thought out. Be sure to discuss your plans with your primary care practitioner especially if you have any underlying illnesses. There may be certain types of exercise you should or should not attempt.
Almost everyone can benefit from changes that make their lifestyle healthier. A fresh start at the new year is a good time to begin. Be sure to accept that you can't change things overnight, and too many changes can be too stressful. Work on one area at a time, and reward your progress frequently to keep your motivation strong.
Be realistic. Be well, be healthy and most of all be successful in your efforts. Happy New Year!
Posted by Kathy Quan
Stop, breathe, slow down and take a moment to enjoy the holiday season. Turn on some holiday music and sing along loudly! Force the air in and out of your lungs. Breathing is one of the most important exercises you can do for your body. It will also help to reduce some of your stress.
Make a list and prioritize the items. Which ones do you absolutely have to get done? Which ones can you delegate to someone else or at least get someone to help you with? Now be honest... which ones are simply not going to happen? Cross them off your list. Maybe next year, if you start in January.
Now repeat after me...there is no such thing as perfection at the holidays!
The holidays are about being with your loved ones, sharing time together and making memories. Stop and enjoy the smells, the crisp clean air, the beautiful lights.
It can be a challenge not to end up sick from all the stress. Stay well! Drink plenty of (healthy) liquids, eat sensibly and get some rest. Wash your hands frequently and avoid those who are sick. Don't over eat or over indulge in all of the goodies. Just take a taste, not a whole piece of everything. Eat slowly and savor the taste.
Have a great holiday season. Peace on Earth! Happy New Year!
Posted by Kathy Quan
Hospital charges in the U.S. increased by approximately 90% in the last decade according to a report from the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, entitled "The National Hospital Bill:Growth Trends and 2005 Update on the Most Expensive Conditions by Payer." The average yearly growth was 4.5%.
The report covers the time period between 1997 and 2005 and was been adjusted for inflation. In 1997, hospital bills totaled $462 billion and by 2005, that total had reached $873 billion.
This data includes physician fees and fees for those treated in emergency rooms who were not admitted. It was derived from hospitals throughout the U.S. which were responsible for 90% of the discharges. It includes insured patients, uninsured patients and those covered by workers' compensation.
Medicare, the primary payer, spent $411 billion during this frame for 39 million hospital stays. Private insurance paid out $272 billion and Medicaid $124 billion. Uninsured patients cost hospitals $38 billion.
The most costly conditions which accounted for one-fifth of all hospital charges were:
- coronary-artery disease
- pregnancy and delivery
- newborn-infant care
- heart attacks
- congestive heart failure
The cost of care for strokes increased by 51% while the cost for coronary heart disease increased by 44%. By these figures, the study estimates that hospital costs for these two conditions alone could cost over $1 trillion in 2008.
Resources:
Bloomberg/Orlando Sentinel, 12/13/2007
Posted by Kathy Quan
Medication errors account for a large number of hospital errors. These are usually the result of carelessness that come from being under staffed and over extended. There are Five Rights of Medication Safety for nurses and healthcare professionals to observe in order to help prevent medication errors.
Many pharmacies only accept prescriptions from physicians that are printed from a computer, or if handwritten, the physicians prints in block letters. Some states have begun to incorporate this into legislation. Physicians are notorious for handwriting that is impossible to read. This too contributes to medication errors.
Patients can help to prevent their own medication errors by observing the Five Rights of Medication Safety as well.
Posted by Kathy Quan
You've seen the commercials on television advertising the different plans for Medicare and prescription drug coverage. Now is the time to explore your options for 2008.
Some prescription plans have changed their formulary, meaning they have added some drugs to the plan and taken some away. Be sure to check with your pharmacy about the specific medications you take. Will your present plan provide the same coverage as last year? Don't assume it will.
You can get answers from Medicare.gov. A comprehensive manual is available to download and print. You can also compare plans by entering your own specific information in the form and seeing what each plan will offer you.
Remember you and your spouse can have different plans all together if you have different health coverage needs. So be sure to make comparisons for each of you.
Open Enrollment continues through December 31. All policies take effect January 1, 2008 and cannot be changed. Each year Open Enrollment begins on November 15 and continues through December 31. After December 31, no changes can be made for the following year. So make sure you do your homework!
