WhereToFindCare.com Blog

Where To Find Care's Tips for conducting a nursing home tour

2012-05-22T13:30:00.000-04:00

Ready to personally tour your narrow list of nursing homes? Nothing can substitute for an "in-person" experience. You can use all of your senses to gather more information firsthand helping you make the right decision for your family member. Contact the nursing home and set up an appointment. Now it's time to gather your questions. To get you started, use the list below:

1.How accessible is the nursing home? Does it have plenty of parking for visitors? What are the visiting hours? Is there a common phone for the residents to use? Or do residents need their own personal phone?

2.Examine the nursing home with all your senses. How do the residents appear, what condition is the furniture in, what types of safety equipment do they have, how noisy is the nursing home, are there any odors?

3.Inquire about dietary. What types of meals are served? Snacks? Specialty diets?

4.Inquire about fees they charge. What are the basic fees? Are there any special fees? What insurances do they accepted?

5.Inquire about the activities program. Ask to see the activity schedule for the past 6 months. Do they support outings?

6.Ask to see the latest inspection report. If any corrections needed to be made, ask if they have been made and what was done to correct them.

7.Interview patients, family, and staff. Ask how satisfied they are with the nursing home. Inquire about staffing. How many doctors, nurses, certified nursing assistants (CNAs) are on staff? Does staffing change on weekends? After hours? Holidays?

8.Inquire about languages. Communication with a patient is important. Ask what the primary spoken language is and if any other languages can be accommodated, for example sign language.

9. Inquire about religious support. Do area churches visit the nursing home?

10.Ask questions. If you see something unusual, don’t be afraid to ask questions. It may help to explain nursing home policies

11.If you have any questions after the tour is done, contact the nursing home.

12.Don’t be afraid to ask to tour the nursing home again. This is a very important decision. It’s always good to go back on another day or during a different time to see if anything has changed.

13.Inquire about the services they offer. Do they specialize in any illness? If yes, what makes their program different from other nursing homes?

If you have a good question to add to this list be sure to tell us.You can print this list and take you as well. We left plenty of room so you can write your notes. Remember, all questions are good questions so be sure to ask them.

Medicare also offer a nursing home checklist. You can check it out here.

Looking for a Nursing Home: Quality Measures help you find quality nursing home care

2012-05-21T20:40:00.000-04:00

Think you have a lot of time to choose a nursing home for your parent? Think again. Typically an admission to a skilled nursing home occurs after a stay of at least three days in the hospital had an stroke, injurious event, surgery, or even an illness. You are usually given a short amount of time to select where your loved one will go and admissions tours will only give you the very positive about their facility.

That's why WhereToFindCare.com provides valuable quality information on most skilled nursing homes. It allows you to review area nursing homes based on their adherence to Medicare Quality Measures such as bed sore and uti rates, very important to know especially in the elderly population.

The measures are:

Patients who have pressure sores
Patients who are more depressed or anxious
Patients with an urinary tract infection
Patients who had a catheter inserted and left in their bladder
Low risk patients who lose control of their bowels or bladder
Patients who lost too much weight--more than 5% of body weight in a month
Patients who spend most of their time in a bed or chair
Patients who were physically restrained
Patients whose ability to move around the room got worse
Patients whose need help with daily activities has increased--daily activities include feeding oneself, moving from one chair to another, changing positions while in bed and going to the bathroom alone
Patients who had moderate to severe pain
Patient with Delirium
Influenza and Pneumococcal vaccination rates

Over the next several weeks we will be reviewing each indicator to give you an understanding of why it's important to know.

Get to know your area nursing homes. Start your search here now. Click here and enter your zip. Select a specific nursing home by clicking on their name and review their quality tab.

Mom dies after neglect from hospitals

2012-03-30T20:20:00.002-04:00

This story is SURREAL A woman, Anna Brown, went to several emergency rooms in the Saint Louis area complaining of leg pain seeking treatment for what she thought was a sprained ankle. At the third hospital she sought treatment at, police officers arrested her because she refused to leave. A doctor did state she was "fit for confinement" So the police transported her to jail.

The 29 year old Anna has Medicaid. (Minnesota Medicaid does cover Emergency Visits- see this link). She died 15 minutes after physically being carried by officers into her jail cell and placed on the floor. If you watch the video, it actually looks like her right leg was bent. She died in agony.

The spokesperson at St. Mary's said that “Unfortunately, even with appropriate testing using sophisticated technology, blood clots can still be undetected in a small number of cases.” I am interested in knowing what tests they did to rule out DVT or Deep Vein Thrombosis which did lead to the pulmonary embolism (blood clot in the lung) that caused her death.

According to information found on Medline, health care providers typically perform a physical exam. The exam may show a red, swollen, or tender leg. Tests such as a Doppler ultrasound exam of the legs, Plethysmography (measurement of blood flow) of the legs or X-rays to show veins in the affected area(venography)may be done. Blood tests may be done to check if there is increased chance of blood clotting (hypercoagulability).

According to information found on clotconnect.org,symptoms may be in the foot, ankle and calf, or involve the whole leg. They occur not just for a few seconds or minutes, but for hours or days. The classic symptoms of an acute DVT are:
•Pain
•Swelling
•Discoloration (bluish, slightly purplish or reddish)

That may the reason she felt that her ankle was sprained.

The hospital spokesperson also said "The sad reality is that emergency departments across the country are often a place of last resort for many people in our society who suffer from complex social problems that become medical issues when they are not addressed. It is unfortunate that it takes a tragic event like this to call attention to a crisis in our midst.”

She had ultrasounds in both legs that were negative. But how can that be?

Here is the video from the ER lobby, the arrest, and her death.

A comment from one police man to the other at the end said that the hospital thought she was drug seeking and that she didn't have any problems.

The family has hired a lawyer, although not filed a lawsuit as of today.

A Michigan attorney experienced in malpractice, Stephen Fosmire, says Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services "must have seen there was enough … medical testing to satisfy the federal law," Fosmire said. Federal law does not require accurate treatment, he noted.

Looking for a Care Star? We make it easy!

2012-03-26T22:00:00.006-04:00

Looking for the health care providers who have been recognized for exceeding the expectations of patients and/or their families? The name we gave them: Care Star.

A Care Star is an exceptional healthcare worker who exceeded the expectations of the people they served.

With over 1,000 Care Stars to read about, it can bring a tear to your eye just knowing that so many good people are out there providing exceptional care.

Check out this easy to use search for Care Stars. You can search by state or provider type too!
Take me to the Stars now!

And if you have met a Care Star during your health care experiences, be sure to complete a survey and tell us all about them. We love sharing the good news!

I want to tell you about my Care Star encounter. Take me to the survey.

What is physical therapy?

2012-03-23T05:00:00.003-04:00

Physical therapy is a series of treatments ordered by your physician to restore health to patients who have lost mobility due to illness or injury. Treatment provides specific targeted therapy that will include exercises to reduce the patient’s functional limitation and to improve endurance, strength and flexibility. Physical therapists use passive motion machines (which lift the extremity for you), active exercise machines, massage therapy, electrical stimulation and more. Many physical therapy centers also provide occupational and speech therapy.

Patients who have had open heart surgery, hip or knee replacement or a stroke typically benefit from physical therapy. Sports medicine, a growing segment of physical therapy providers, focuses on treatments to prevent or alleviate injuries occurring from exercise or sports.

Patients can receive physical therapy in many settings from clinics to the comfort of their home. A physician will recommend an appropriate setting depending on a patient’s needs and condition.

Looking for a physical therapist near you? Choose your state and press Go:

Looking for a Care Star? Take me to the Stars Now

What are some common sleeping disorders?

2012-03-22T05:00:00.005-04:00

Some common sleeping disorders are listed below:

Insomnia: A condition where a person has trouble falling sleep or staying asleep.
Sleep apnea: A condition where a person has trouble breathing while they are sleeping, leading to multiple awakenings throughout the night.
Narcolepsy: A condition where a person feels the uncontrollable need to fall asleep throughout the day.
Sleepwalking: A condition where a person walks while they are sleeping. More common in children than adults, those who suffer from this condition are known to perform normal daily routines, like dressing or cleaning, while sleeping.
Restless leg syndrome: A condition where a person fells a tingling sensation in their legs prompting them to want to move their legs in their sleep.

To find a sleep center - choose your state and press Go:

What is a sleep clinic?

2012-03-21T05:00:00.010-04:00

Sleep centers are facilities that specialize in diagnosing sleep disorders. A sleep disorder is a condition that prevents a person from having normal restful sleep.

Many sleep disorders have similar symptoms so it’s important to see a sleep specialist to determine the root cause. To find the root cause, sleep centers perform a sleep study. A sleep study is where a sleep specialist watches while you sleep, performing tests, and documenting results. Once the root cause is determined, the sleep specialist can recommend a treatment to help you achieve better sleep.

Begin your search by choosing your state and pressing Go:

Look for a Care Star? Take me to the Stars now

What is a Geriatric Care Manager?

2012-03-20T06:00:00.003-04:00

Geriatric Care Management is defined as services provided to senior citizens to help them deal with everyday problems and crisis intervention.

These services are provided by a geriatric care manager, (GCM), who is generally a social worker, nurse, or another healthcare specialist, who has specialized training in the field of geriatrics. Some GCMs have certification through the National Association of Professional Geriatric Care Managers.

The GCM can provide assessments and services for senior citizens that will allow them to resolve everyday problems and remain in their homes. It is not always possible for the senior citizen to live alone in their home due to safety concerns; the geriatric care manager can assist them in moving, where they can receive adequate services in a comfortable and secure environment.

Choose your state and press Go:

Look for a Care Star? Take me to the Stars now.

How To Write A Birth Plan

2012-03-19T11:00:00.003-04:00

Having a baby is very special Just like all the planning that went into other big days in your life, you need to write a birth plan. A birth plan is a document that lists your preferences for the birth of your baby. You should write your birth plan early in your pregnancy. You'll need time to discuss it with your doctor. You’ll also need time to tour birthing centers and hospitals around you.

Here are some questions you will want to consider when writing your birth plan:

Who do you want in the labor room?
The delivery room?
Do you want pain medicine?
If so, what kind? Is there any medication you want to avoid?
Are there any activities you would like for pain relief? Some examples: shower, whirlpool, massage, breathing exercises, relaxation music
Do you want a water birth?Do you want to be mobile during labor?
Do you want to be able to walk around?
Did you want to stay in bed?
Are there certain positions you want for the birth?
Do you want to record the birth on video?Do you want a guest to stay overnight with you, if needed?
Do you want your baby continuous monitored?
What activities do you want to occur after the birth?
Did you want to breast feed?
Do you want the baby to stay with you?

Looking for a birthing center?

Choose your state and press Go:

Are you satisfied with health care?

2012-03-13T11:40:00.004-04:00

Have you found a health care provider that you just absolutely adore and would like to share it with the world? The good news is you can do it-on WhereToFindCare.com. Whether it's a chiropractor, diabetes education class, or the visit you made to see your neighbor's newest baby, you can share your experience on WhereToFindCare.com.

Share with your neighbors the excellent health care providers in your community. Share them on WhereToFindCare.com.

About WhereToFindCare.com: WhereToFindCare.com supports transparency by providing consumers a no-membership venue to share their experience with others. Providers can also participate in the conversation by responding to comments, again, at no cost. We don’t believe anyone should profit from health care consumers and health care providers talking about improving health care. Visit http://www.wheretofindcare.com/ for more information.

Top 10 U.S. Hospitals for Quality

2012-03-01T20:56:00.018-05:00

WhereToFindCare.com congratulates the following 10 U.S. Hospitals for having ALL of their reported Medicare quality measures (at least 29) meet or exceed national average.

They are:

Delray Medical Center in Delray Beach,FL with 41 measures

Gaston Memorial Hospital in Gastonia,NC with 40 measures

North Florida Regional Medical Center in Gainesville,FL with 40 measures

Fort Sanders Regional Medical Center in Knoxville,TN with 39 measures

Portsmouth Regional Hospital in Portsmouth,NH with 39 measures

Baptist Hospital Of Miami in Miami,FL with 38 measures

Shasta Regional Medical Center in Redding,CA with 38 measures

St Clare's Hospital Of Weston in Weston,WI with 37 measures

McKenzie-Willamette Medical Center in Springfield,OR with 37 measures

To check out quality scores for a hospital near you, click here.

Would you like a comparison done for your area? Let us know and we will create one specially for you.

Recognize the warning signs of substance abuse

2012-02-29T06:00:00.002-05:00

Suspect someone close to you may be abusing drugs, inhalants, or another substance?

According to Narconon, an international group aimed at helping those with substance abuse problems, there are several signs and symptoms of drug use:

•Sudden change in behavior
•Mood swings; irritable and grumpy and then suddenly happy and bright
•Withdrawal from family members
•Careless about personal grooming
•Loss of interest in hobbies, sports, and other favorite activities
•Changed sleeping pattern; up at night and sleeps during the day
•Red or glassy eyes
•Sniffly or runny nose

Get help by talking to a professional. There are thousands of health care providers to choose from who can help. Where To Find Care.com has a comprehensive list of providers- click here to begin a search by zip.

Tips for touring a hospital birthing center

2012-02-28T13:49:00.019-05:00

Are you expecting a baby? Congratulations.

Considering where you would like to have your baby is an important decision, one that you don't want to regret, afterall it is the first time you will meet your baby, and you want everything to be perfect. You should tour a hospital birthing center as early in your pregnacy as possible.

Some tips to keep in mind when conducting a hospital birthing center tour:

1. What type of insurance is accepted?

2. Can the ward handle emergencies? Is it equipped?

3. What level nursery is available? (Nurseries have ratings of I, II, or III. A level III nursery, neonatal intensive care unit, is equipped and able to handle any neonatal emergency. If the hospital only has a level I or level II nursery, and an emergency happens, it may require a transfer to a center who has a level III nursery.)

4. What types of monitors will they be using? Internal and external.

5. What is the nurse-to-patient ratio?

6. How often will the nurses change shifts?

7. Is there an obstetrician at the hospital 24 hours a day?

8. What support do they offer for those seeking natural childbirth?

Need more tips? Check out the complete list on Where To Find Care.com.

Choose your state and press Go:

Ignorance is no excuse, find better nursing home care

2012-02-07T06:00:00.006-05:00

Are you faced with placing your loved one in a nursing home and rushed for time? Usually admissions to skilled nursing homes are from a hospital after your loved one has had an event, surgery, or an illness. You are usually given a short amount of time to select where your loved one will go and admissions tours will only give you the very positive about their facility.

That's why WhereToFindCare.com provides valuable quality information on most skilled nursing homes. It allows you to compare area nursing homes based on their adherance to Medicare Quality Measures such as bed sore and uti rates, very important to know especially in the elderly population.

Get to know your area nursing homes.Start your search here. Choose your state and press Go:

Why should you tell us about Care Stars you meet?

2012-02-06T11:00:00.009-05:00

Why should you tell us about a Care Star? Why not? Nurses, physicians, assistants, chiropractors, therapists, volunteers, administrators take excellent care of us each and every single day. They dedicate their lives to improving the quality and experience of our health care encounters. Feedback from the people like you, who use health care, is critical to making our experiences even better. WhereToFindCare.com can help you share that positive feedback on persons who provide excellent care to their patients through our Care Stars program.

Everyone deserves recognition and praise for going above and beyond expectations. WhereToFindCare.com makes it simple and easy to get that word about. By sharing who exceeded your expectations you can help others choose better health care. Interested patients may also seek out those Care Stars for their own care. It happens everyday across other industries, from the hair salon to the auto mechanic, and now it's happening in health care.

Did you have a Care Star story to share? Tell us more here.
http://www.wheretofindcare.com/rate-A-Provider.aspx

Related articles:
What is a Care Star?

Good news for your day

Patients Rave about their Chiropractors

Patients love their health care providers

What is a Care Star?

2012-01-28T10:00:00.016-05:00

By definition, a Care Star is an exceptional healthcare worker who exceeded the expectations of the people they served. It is a registered trademark of WhereToFindCare.com LLC.

How do you know a Care Star when you see one? They are the people that give extra to make sure you have all your needs met during your health care encounters. This includes meeting the needs family and visitors as well.

Can you provide some examples of Care Stars? Absolutely.

Dr. Levine's staff nurse - Becky was acknowledged as a Care Star by a patient. "She was so caring. I am afraid of needles and she made everything so much easier" I suspect this was very important to this patient considering Dr. Levine is an allergist and she most likely needed some testing.

Dr Vanessa Taylor, a podiatrist, was acknowledged as a Care Star for helping her patient "feel comfortable like one would at home. It was like I was sitting on my couch at home getting walked through the procedure. She also put up a cover so i couldnt see my foot, gah I'm afraid to see blood."

And Amanda, an OB nurse at Fort Sander Regional Medical Center, was praised by her patient that remarked ".. She was just an awesome nurse! Not only did I notice the above ordinary care she gave me but also my husband and family just loved her. She made the whole situation and delivery so much more comfortable!! Every nurse should be trained by her and have her degree of caring. ... Thank you Amanda for your help with our Baby girl!"

Does this sound familiar to you? Did you experience a Care Star when you went to the doctors last time, pharmacy, hospital, or used any health care services?

Get started telling us about your Care Star. Click here to find your provider and share your Care Star.

Do you have an RSS feed for Care Stars so I can stay current? Absolutely. Here is it. Please add it to your feeds and tell your friends. Everyone should see the good news.

http://www.wheretofindcare.com/CareStar.xml

Do you have a twitter feed for Care Stars? Yes, come follow them at Twitter.com/CareStars

Do you have any questions we can answer about Care Stars?

Check out more Care Stars today: Take me to the Stars Now

Baby products do not prevent SIDS according to FDA

2011-11-08T06:20:00.001-05:00

Parents will do anything to help their infants sleep safely through the night. This includes purchasing infant positioners marketed on the premise that it keeps your baby safe while sleeping. According to the FDA, there are no products that you should buy including the infant positioners. The new NICHD Back to Sleep Campaign website offers even more information about SIDS and what action you can take.

Take a look at the following Safe Sleep Top 10. Are you following all of them to keep your baby safe?

Always place your baby on his or her back to sleep, for naps and at night. The back sleep position is the safest, and every sleep time counts.
Place your baby on a firm sleep surface, such as on a safety-approved* crib mattress, covered by a fitted sheet. Never place your baby to sleep on pillows, quilts, sheepskins, or other soft surfaces.
Keep soft objects, toys, and loose bedding out of your baby's sleep area. Don't use pillows, blankets, quilts, sheepskins, and pillow-like crib bumpers in your baby's sleep area, and keep any other items away from your baby's face.
Do not allow smoking around your baby. Don't smoke before or after the birth of your baby, and don't let others smoke around your baby.
Keep your baby's sleep area close to, but separate from, where you and others sleep. Your baby should not sleep in a bed or on a couch or armchair with adults or other children, but he or she can sleep in the same room as you. If you bring the baby into bed with you to breastfeed, put him or her back in a separate sleep area, such as a bassinet, crib, cradle, or a bedside cosleeper (infant bed that attaches to an adult bed) when finished.
Think about using a clean, dry pacifier when placing the infant down to sleep,but don't force the baby to take it. (If you are breastfeeding your baby, wait until your child is 1 month old or is used to breastfeeding before using a pacifier.)
Do not let your baby overheat during sleep. Dress your baby in light sleep clothing, and keep the room at a temperature that is comfortable for an adult.
Avoid products that claim to reduce the risk of SIDS because most have not been tested for effectiveness or safety.
Do not use home monitors to reduce the risk of SIDS. If you have questions about using monitors for other conditions talk to your health care provider.
Reduce the chance that flat spots will develop on your baby's head:provide "Tummy Time" when your baby is awake and someone is watching; change the direction that your baby lies in the crib from one week to the next; and avoid too much time in car seats, carriers, and bouncers.

For more information on the topics - check out these resources:

American Academy of Pediatrics:The Changing Concept of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome: Diagnostic Coding Shifts, Controversies Regarding the Sleeping Environment, and

New Variables to Consider in Reducing Risk

National Institutes of Child Health and Development-Safe Sleep for Your Baby: Reduce the Risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).

200,000 kids injured in playground injuries

2011-11-06T18:13:00.013-05:00

According to the CDC, emergency departments treat more than 200,000 children ages 14 and younger for playground-related injuries costing on average $1.2 billion each year.

Where They Happen:

About 45% of playground-related injuries are severe–fractures, internal injuries, concussions, dislocations, and amputations (Tinsworth 2001).
About 75% of nonfatal injuries related to playground equipment occur on public playgrounds (Tinsworth 2001). Most occur at schools and daycare centers (Phelan 2001).
Between 1990 and 2000, 147 children ages 14 and younger died from playground-related injuries. Of them, 82 (56%) died from strangulation and 31 (20%) died from falls to the playground surface. Most of these deaths (70%) occurred on home playgrounds (Tinsworth 2001).

My own experience tells me it probably happens more than the numbers show. Many children get home based care with ice and over the counter medicines. In my own family, we have had cut feet (glass in the park), cut cheek (stitched in ER), scooter hit in back of head (stitched in head), golf club to the head (ice at home), fall off monkey bars (ice and motrin), and on and on. Sometimes the circumstances produce a decision to go immediately for care, and sometimes it's a wait and see.

Here are following are tips that can be used to prevent children from sustaining injuries on playgrounds:

Play safely. Check to make sure playground equipment your child uses is properly designed and maintained and there’s a safe, soft landing surface below.

Supervision is key. Supervise young children at all times around fall hazards, such as stairs and playground equipment, whether you’re at home or out to play.

Do you have any experience with playground injuries? Do you think the 200,000 annually represents injuries on U.S. playgrounds?

15,000 people die from prescription pain overdoses each year

2011-11-02T13:17:00.017-04:00

Yesterday, the CDC concluded that "One in 20 people in the United States, ages 12 and older, used prescription painkillers nonmedically (without a prescription or just for the "high" they cause) in 2010." And they also warn that the misuse of painkillers is at epidemic proportions.

Did you know that ...

Prescription painkiller overdoses killed nearly 15,000 people in the US in 2008. This is more than 3 times the 4,000 people killed by these drugs in 1999.

Nearly half a million emergency department visits in 2009 were due to people misusing or abusing prescription painkillers.

Nonmedical use of prescription painkillers costs health insurers up to $72.5 billion annually in direct health care costs.

Here are some recommendations the CDC offers to consumers

Use prescription painkillers only as directed by a health care provider.
Make sure they are the only one to use their prescription painkillers. Not selling or sharing them with others helps prevent misuse and abuse.
Store prescription painkillers in a secure place and dispose of them properly.

Need help for yourself or a loved one? Don't wait.

Contact a health care provider who can help you.

Alcohol and Substance Abuse Providers now in Where To Find Care.com

2011-10-31T17:00:00.002-04:00

Know someone looking for help from health care providers specializing in Alcohol and Substance Abuse? WhereToFindCare.com can help.
We have just added thousands of providers from across the country for patients and families to consider when seeking professional help for alcohol and substance abuse diagnosis.

WhereToFindCare.com offers comprehensive information on these providers including outpatient versus inpatient, whether they provide care for criminal justice clients, the type of client they server- substance abuse and or mental illness, and the types of insurance plans if taken.

You can check it out here: wheretofindcare.com and enter your zip.

Let us know if these newest providers are helpful to you.

Reminder-A little flu prevention goes a long way

2011-10-20T09:00:00.003-04:00

Flu Season is here, unfortunately. The last thing you want is the flu. As a reminder, here are a few helpful tips for you and your family to avoid spreading the flu:

1. Place bottles of anti-bacterial hand gel around the house - especially by the heavily used areas:
a. Right in front of the family room computer keyboard
b. Kitchen table/island (next to the fruit bowl)
c. Next to the box of tissues (when they grab a tissue - they will see the gel)
d. Next to the TV remote control
e. By the land-line (phone) and/or answering machine

2. Restock your favorite anti-bacterial hand soap (many scents and moisturizers at Bath and Body Works). Place at all sinks in your house.

3. Keep repeating "wash your hands", "cover your mouth" - not only is it a great reminder of forming good habits, but years later tell their own kids the same thing and thank you for caring.

4. Use Disinfectant sprays- According to Lysol: Laboratory tests have shown that many LYSOL® products, when used according to label instructions, are effective against similar strains of Influenza virus H1N1.

5. Clean all common places with disinfectant wipes including:
Handles: Doors (Inside and Outside), Closet, Mailbox, Cabinents
Appliances: refrigerator, freezer, washer, dryer, dishwasher, microwave
Handrails: Stair, porch, bath/shower area

6. Buy an upright toothbrush holder to help keep toothbrushes away from each other. Remember to have them rinse the toothbrush with hot water. See CDC for more toothbrush care tips.

7. Open your windows - weather permitting.

8. Don't share cups or straws. Sharing of utencils is also a no-no.

9. Refrain from kissing - Alternatives can be: Hugging (Bear Hugs are great), Blow a kiss, and a peace sign.

Wayne County (MI) Offer Flu Shots for $15

2011-10-19T13:29:00.010-04:00

Thinking about getting your flu shot. Wayne County Health Department is ready to help. They are offering residents flu shots for only $15. Some centers are taking appointments but many offer the shot on a walk in basis. To learn more - click on the inks below.

Wayne County Health Department -

Van Born Road

Appointment Schedule

Walk-in Schedule

Taylor Health Center

Eureka Road

Appointment Schedule

Walk-in Schedule

Redford Area Health Office

Telegraph Road

Appointments Only

Is Michigan's Governor Snyder Taking the Wrong Approach Towards "Curing" Obesity ?

2011-10-14T10:30:00.029-04:00

Recently, Michigan's Governor Rick Snyder announced his special message on Health and Wellness. Snyder reiterated his two objectives on health : Obesity and Infant Mortality. Both can be found on the Governor's dashboard, giving indicators on how well/not well the state is meeting suggested targets relative to these issues. To gather interested lawmakers and key stakeholders, there have been 2 summits to address each of the aforementioned issues. The Obesity Summit took place in September, and the Infant Mortality Summit will take place October 17th. Each of these Summits has been charged with "develop[ing] practical, implementable policy recommendations that will improve Michigan’s health" (Snyder, 2011). Has that happened in the case of Obesity?

The Obesity Summit started as a day full of promise but quickly turned into examining the same strategies we've known for decades. Snyder has announced he will be promoting the use of the state's website to monitor BMI for not only himself and MDCH Director, Olga Dazzo, but will start monitoring Michigan Children's BMI through the MICR. Once the state's immunization registry, the MICR system is now being used as a data warehouse to hold a plethora of information regarding the health of children and adults, who have been included in the data since MICR's inception. MICR information is not only available to Pediatricians, but to daycare providers, school officials, Public Health Workers, Hospitals, and Health Plans as well as others. This means we're assigning yet another number to children, an inaccurate measure on many counts.

Furthermore, suggestions arising from this Summit focused on a sin tax on "unhealthy foods", a regressive tax which will disproportionately affect the poor (an increasing segment of our population in Michigan) while not addressing the root of the problem. Rather than focusing on what we currently are and telling us what to buy (or not buy), why don't we give children and adults the opportunity to lead healthier lives? Use the carrot rather than the stick to induce healthier behaviors and lifestyles. How about instead of stigmatizing the overweight and obese by making our BMI public, we work towards achieving HEALTH AT EVERY SIZE? We don't need to be shamed into submitting, but only give us the tools and we will decrease our health risks.

Possible alternatives to a fat tax:

Promote 2 15-minute breaks each day in partnership with public and private enterprise to provide the opportunity to walk/exercise and enjoy the fresh air
Subsidize and fund ONLY healthier nutrition options in schools to children
Endorse Farm-to-School and School Garden Initiatives
Encourage families to engage in outdoor activities
Incentivize growth of youth farm stand projects and healthy corner stores in places with limited food resources
Provide low-cost equipment to schools for physical activity (i.e. jump ropes, balls, etc)
Set an example by having healthy foods at office celebrations
Advocate walking groups at workplaces, schools, churches, etc.
Reinvest in our schools' physical education through mandating gym class EVERY DAY
Push for healthier foods for all institutionalized populations (i.e. hospitals, mental facilities, prisons)
Champion Safe Routes to Schools, Walking School Buses, Complete Streets, and Bike/Walking Paths

These are just a few options of which there are many to promote health without causing stigma and shame for those who are overweight and obese. By looking at the problem on such a superficial level as only weight and BMI, we feed a preoccupation with being thin rather than healthy.

Please feel free to share your suggestions as progress towards leading Healthier lifestyles!

Extra Help With Medicare Prescription Drug Plan Costs

2011-10-06T12:02:00.005-04:00

Are you aware that there is a program to help people with Medicare get extra help to pay for the monthly premiums, annual deductibles, and co-payments related to the Medicare Prescription Drug program?

The program is through the Social Security Administration Office. You can apply online or call(1-800-772-1213) for help in completing the application. You must be enrolled in a Medicare Drug Plan, live in one of the 50 state or District of Columbia and meet income guidelines.

Your combined savings, investments, and real estate are not worth more than $25,260, if you are married and living with your spouse, or $12,640 if you are not currently married or not living with your spouse. (DO NOT include the home you live in, vehicles, personal possessions, burial plots, irrevocable burial contracts or back payments from Social Security or SSI.)

If you have more than those amounts, you may not qualify for the extra help. However, you can still enroll in an approved Medicare prescription drug plan for coverage.

EXCEPTION: Even if you meet these conditions, DO NOT complete this application if you have Medicare and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Medicare and Medicaid because you automatically will get the extra help.

Here is the link to get more information and get started.
https://secure.ssa.gov/i1020/start

FDA offers 7 Tips for Cleaning Fruits, Vegetables

2011-09-14T15:40:00.007-04:00

Are you one of the more than 48 million people that are sickened by contaminated food this year?

Use these helpful tips to avoid sickness, suffering, and health care costs.

1. Wash your hands for 20 seconds with warm water and soap before and after preparing fresh produce.

2. Cut away any damaged or bruised areas before preparing or eating.

3. Gently rub produce while holding under plain running water. There’s no need to use soap or a produce wash.

4. Wash produce BEFORE you peel it, so dirt and bacteria aren't transferred from the knife onto the fruit or vegetable.

5. Use a clean vegetable brush to scrub firm produce, such as melons and cucumbers.

6.Dry produce with a clean cloth or paper towel to further reduce bacteria that may be present.

7.Throw away the outermost leaves of a head of lettuce or cabbage.

You can view the entire article using this link.