New high-tech caregiving devices aim to help Canadians care for aging family
Jun. 17, 2007
Provided by: Canadian PressWritten by: NOOR JAVED
TORONTO (CP) - They aren't being regarded as a replacement for human caregivers yet, but researchers hope a number of high-tech devices with the ability to speak, instruct, and even tell a joke will become an invaluable tool in helping Canadian caregivers look after their aging family members.
"There is a real need for technology that can assist in caring for others," said William D'Souza, the Ontario-based creator of Mon Ami, an assisted living device which can operate anything electronic in a home. It can also be programmed to give reminders about medication and appointments, read books and play music.
"We looked everywhere and could find nothing that was comprehensively able to assist people in their day to day tasks, " said D'Souza, who was displaying the multilingual device at a caregiving, disability, aging and technology conference in Toronto.
D'Souza said he came up with the idea for Mon Ami after he was faced with challenges in his own caregiving experience with his elderly father-in-law.
"He wanted to live independently, so we got a housekeeper for him. But even that didn't do, because she would only come in the morning and he was alone for the rest of the day," he said.
Mon Ami, however, allows caregivers to monitor the activities of their loved one remotely - through a log report online or a video camera - and "takes some of the burden or anxiety off of caregivers when they have to be away from their family," D'Souza said.
An estimated three million people in Canada are caregivers and provide care and assistance for friends or family who may be elderly, or face physical, cognitive or mental health conditions, the Canadian Caregivers Coalition says.
But the number of elderly people living independently is expected to increase significantly in the next five years, as the population of baby boomers reaches 65.
"People are living much longer, and are living much longer with greater degrees of disabilities," said the Baroness Pitkeathley, who has been an advocate for caregivers in the U.K for the last 20 years.
"And almost all developed countries are moving towards care at home, rather than care at a residential facility," said Pitkeathley, a keynote speaker at the conference.
She said she believes that while the role of technology is important, it lacks an obvious human element that many elderly people prefer.
"I think clearly there are huge potential for assistance to the caregivers or the cared for person through technology, but I don't think that's ever going to be able to substitute for some of the personal interventions that many people want and need," she said.
Palmier Stevenson-Young, the president of the Canadian Caregivers Coalition, is also skeptical of how effectively the technology will be adopted into caregiving strategies.
"I am sure the technologies are useful to people who know how to use it," she said.
"But there are many people who are being cared for who wouldn't be able to learn new technology."
Another problem, she notes, is that the infrastructure is still not developed enough in many parts of Canada to support such emerging technology.
"Where I live, which is only 41 kilometres north of (Highway 401), near Kingston, we don't have high-speed Internet, and our cellphones don't work," she said. "So I think there are a lot of limits to access to technology."
She says from her experience in working with caregivers, it's the tried and true strategies for taking care of the elderly that seem to work best.
"We need to create caregiving networks, and mobilize volunteers and train them to assist people in their homes, so those people can stay in their homes," said Stevenson-Young.
"If those groups were solid and stable, and had core funding to contin
Monday, June 18, 2007
Sunday, June 10, 2007
The assisted living option
Steps to Finding the Best Assisted-Living Facility by Karen Love
Consumer Consortium on Assisted Living ssisted-living facilities are a bridge between independent home living and residence in a nursing home. Instead of the hospital-like environment of many nursing homes, seniors live in private apartments and share communal dining and recreational facilities. In some cases, it's a bit like living in a hotel, but with the addition of around-the-clock help from staff members. Residents get help, if they need it, with medications, personal care (bathing, eating, dressing, etc.), laundry and other services.
Traps: Assisted-living facilities get varying degrees of oversight from state agencies... the quality of care varies widely... and the fee-for-service plans are often confusing, loaded with fine print and full of hidden costs.
About one million Americans live in assisted-living facilities, a number that's expected to grow as the population ages. Seniors and their families considering an assisted-living facility need to consider such factors as cost, location, services provided, current and future health concerns and the quality of supervision and care. To make the right choice...
List the Main Possibilities
Because seniors who require an assisted-living facility may be physically or cognitively impaired, the decision about which to choose is often made by family members. Start by making a list of facilities that might be appropriate. If you aren't sure where to begin, talk with your doctor or a geriatric care manager. Then visit each of the facilities to see which ones come closest to meeting your (or your loved one's) needs. Looking at many allows you to compare the features of a wide range of facilities. Key factors to consider...
Location. Some people prefer cities, others want a rural environment. Proximity to family members should be a priority.
Range of services. Seniors in reasonably good health might require little more than meals, laundry services, transportation and a range of social activities. Those with serious cognitive or physical impairments might require help with taking medications, bathing, using the toilet, etc. You may have to pay for extra services. Don't get more than you need -- or want to pay for.
Cost. Monthly fees at assisted-living facilities range from about $1,800 to $6,000, with the average charge about $2,500. About 85% of assisted-living residents pay out of pocket. The rest are covered by Medicaid waivers and long-term-care insurance.
Flexibility of care. Consider whether the facility can provide the range of care your loved one might need in the future. Some facilities require residents to move out when health needs change -- for example, if a resident becomes incontinent. Check the contract. This type of contingency should be explained in detail, along with any added costs.
Consult a Care Manager
Experts certified by the National Association of Professional Geriatric Care Managers, Inc. (520-881-8008, www.caremanager.org) can provide information about the facilities you've selected -- and how well they meet personal/medical needs. It's difficult for families to sort through the enormous range of services and prices offered at most facilities. It's also hard for nonmedical professionals to determine what level of care is required. Working with a professional makes it easier.
A care manager can help you decide which facilities provide the best value. He/she can also help you navigate the often-complex contract arrangements.
Example: If a loved one is in good physical health but has been showing signs of dementia, a geriatric care manager will help you choose a facility that provides high-quality dementia support.
Cost: About $300 for an initial consultation, then $100 to $150 per hour for additional visits. One or two hours is usually sufficient.
the Top Picks
Narrow your selection to your top two or three choices. After reviewing brochures and other written materials, visit each facility at least one more time.
Trap: The "chandelier effect." Expensive furnishings and perfectly appointed rooms don't always mean quality care. Residents can be better off in a bare-bones facility with a lively social scene and attentive staff than in a country club-like atmosphere where their needs aren't met. Important...
Visit the facility at a "low-staff" time -- say, between 5:30 pm and 7 pm. Are residents getting attention and help from staff... or do they seem to be on their own?
Does the environment seem chaotic, with phones ringing constantly and staff members running around? This might mean the facility is understaffed.
Get a sense of whether the residents seem relaxed, engaged and happy -- or if they're sitting around with nothing to do. An assisted-living facility doesn't have to be a beehive of activity, but with a few visits, you'll be able to tell whether people seem content or bored.
Arrive unannounced. You can see how the facility normally runs. Talk to residents or visiting family members and get their impressions. You might not be allowed the run of the place if you show up without an appointment, but it's worth trying because you may see what the place is really like.
Check for cleanliness and senior-friendly furnishings -- armchairs that look sturdy, grab rails in bathrooms, no-slip flooring in baths, etc.
Get Staffing Details
Ask the administrator how many staff members are in the building day and night... the level of staff training... and the average length of employment. A revolving door of staff often indicates problems with administration and working conditions.
Try to get a sense of how much time staff members spend with residents. Do they engage the residents... laugh with them... give them personal attention? Or do the interactions seem perfunctory?
Ask About Medications
Errors in medication are among the main causes of poor outcomes at assisted-living facilities. Ask the administrator to explain the medication policy -- who can give medications... what kind of training is required... if a nurse oversees the staff (which my organization recommends).
Ask to see the procedure guide for medication administration. If they won't show it or there isn't such a guide, that's a problem.
Check Complaint History
Every state has a long-term-care ombudsman who tracks complaints and is required to disclose problems with facilities. The Eldercare Locator (800-677-1116, www.eldercare.gov) will direct you to the ombudsman in your area.
Also helpful: Call state licensing agencies for inspection reports, a history of problems, etc. The Web site of my organization, Consumer Consortium on Assisted Living (www.ccal.org), provides contact information for the licensing agencies in each state and helpful consumer resources.
Closely Review the Contract
A 2003 study by the federal Government Accountability Office uncovered frequent incidents of deceptive marketing at assisted-living facilities. Marketing teams often promise more than the facility actually delivers at a certain price.
Example: Families might be told later that a resident's health-care needs are greater than anticipated, requiring extra charges.
A contract should itemize every service (or package of services) and the corresponding fees -- and what conditions (such as changes in health status) could result in higher-than-stated fees. Don't take anything for granted. Some facilities, for example, require residents to use one particular pharmacy -- which might not accept your existing drug insurance. This could add up to hundreds or even thousands of dollars a month.
Important: Ask an elder law attorney to review the contract. It's well worth the cost, generally from $150 to $200. You can find a directory of attorneys at the Web site of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys, www.naela.org.
Consumer Consortium on Assisted Living ssisted-living facilities are a bridge between independent home living and residence in a nursing home. Instead of the hospital-like environment of many nursing homes, seniors live in private apartments and share communal dining and recreational facilities. In some cases, it's a bit like living in a hotel, but with the addition of around-the-clock help from staff members. Residents get help, if they need it, with medications, personal care (bathing, eating, dressing, etc.), laundry and other services.
Traps: Assisted-living facilities get varying degrees of oversight from state agencies... the quality of care varies widely... and the fee-for-service plans are often confusing, loaded with fine print and full of hidden costs.
About one million Americans live in assisted-living facilities, a number that's expected to grow as the population ages. Seniors and their families considering an assisted-living facility need to consider such factors as cost, location, services provided, current and future health concerns and the quality of supervision and care. To make the right choice...
List the Main Possibilities
Because seniors who require an assisted-living facility may be physically or cognitively impaired, the decision about which to choose is often made by family members. Start by making a list of facilities that might be appropriate. If you aren't sure where to begin, talk with your doctor or a geriatric care manager. Then visit each of the facilities to see which ones come closest to meeting your (or your loved one's) needs. Looking at many allows you to compare the features of a wide range of facilities. Key factors to consider...
Location. Some people prefer cities, others want a rural environment. Proximity to family members should be a priority.
Range of services. Seniors in reasonably good health might require little more than meals, laundry services, transportation and a range of social activities. Those with serious cognitive or physical impairments might require help with taking medications, bathing, using the toilet, etc. You may have to pay for extra services. Don't get more than you need -- or want to pay for.
Cost. Monthly fees at assisted-living facilities range from about $1,800 to $6,000, with the average charge about $2,500. About 85% of assisted-living residents pay out of pocket. The rest are covered by Medicaid waivers and long-term-care insurance.
Flexibility of care. Consider whether the facility can provide the range of care your loved one might need in the future. Some facilities require residents to move out when health needs change -- for example, if a resident becomes incontinent. Check the contract. This type of contingency should be explained in detail, along with any added costs.
Consult a Care Manager
Experts certified by the National Association of Professional Geriatric Care Managers, Inc. (520-881-8008, www.caremanager.org) can provide information about the facilities you've selected -- and how well they meet personal/medical needs. It's difficult for families to sort through the enormous range of services and prices offered at most facilities. It's also hard for nonmedical professionals to determine what level of care is required. Working with a professional makes it easier.
A care manager can help you decide which facilities provide the best value. He/she can also help you navigate the often-complex contract arrangements.
Example: If a loved one is in good physical health but has been showing signs of dementia, a geriatric care manager will help you choose a facility that provides high-quality dementia support.
Cost: About $300 for an initial consultation, then $100 to $150 per hour for additional visits. One or two hours is usually sufficient.
the Top Picks
Narrow your selection to your top two or three choices. After reviewing brochures and other written materials, visit each facility at least one more time.
Trap: The "chandelier effect." Expensive furnishings and perfectly appointed rooms don't always mean quality care. Residents can be better off in a bare-bones facility with a lively social scene and attentive staff than in a country club-like atmosphere where their needs aren't met. Important...
Visit the facility at a "low-staff" time -- say, between 5:30 pm and 7 pm. Are residents getting attention and help from staff... or do they seem to be on their own?
Does the environment seem chaotic, with phones ringing constantly and staff members running around? This might mean the facility is understaffed.
Get a sense of whether the residents seem relaxed, engaged and happy -- or if they're sitting around with nothing to do. An assisted-living facility doesn't have to be a beehive of activity, but with a few visits, you'll be able to tell whether people seem content or bored.
Arrive unannounced. You can see how the facility normally runs. Talk to residents or visiting family members and get their impressions. You might not be allowed the run of the place if you show up without an appointment, but it's worth trying because you may see what the place is really like.
Check for cleanliness and senior-friendly furnishings -- armchairs that look sturdy, grab rails in bathrooms, no-slip flooring in baths, etc.
Get Staffing Details
Ask the administrator how many staff members are in the building day and night... the level of staff training... and the average length of employment. A revolving door of staff often indicates problems with administration and working conditions.
Try to get a sense of how much time staff members spend with residents. Do they engage the residents... laugh with them... give them personal attention? Or do the interactions seem perfunctory?
Ask About Medications
Errors in medication are among the main causes of poor outcomes at assisted-living facilities. Ask the administrator to explain the medication policy -- who can give medications... what kind of training is required... if a nurse oversees the staff (which my organization recommends).
Ask to see the procedure guide for medication administration. If they won't show it or there isn't such a guide, that's a problem.
Check Complaint History
Every state has a long-term-care ombudsman who tracks complaints and is required to disclose problems with facilities. The Eldercare Locator (800-677-1116, www.eldercare.gov) will direct you to the ombudsman in your area.
Also helpful: Call state licensing agencies for inspection reports, a history of problems, etc. The Web site of my organization, Consumer Consortium on Assisted Living (www.ccal.org), provides contact information for the licensing agencies in each state and helpful consumer resources.
Closely Review the Contract
A 2003 study by the federal Government Accountability Office uncovered frequent incidents of deceptive marketing at assisted-living facilities. Marketing teams often promise more than the facility actually delivers at a certain price.
Example: Families might be told later that a resident's health-care needs are greater than anticipated, requiring extra charges.
A contract should itemize every service (or package of services) and the corresponding fees -- and what conditions (such as changes in health status) could result in higher-than-stated fees. Don't take anything for granted. Some facilities, for example, require residents to use one particular pharmacy -- which might not accept your existing drug insurance. This could add up to hundreds or even thousands of dollars a month.
Important: Ask an elder law attorney to review the contract. It's well worth the cost, generally from $150 to $200. You can find a directory of attorneys at the Web site of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys, www.naela.org.
Monday, June 04, 2007
Food safety Margins
What Food 'Sell-By' Dates Really Mean
Suzanne Havala Hobbs, DrPH, RD
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill any states require food manufacturers to mark perishable foods with a date so that customers can gauge product freshness -- but since there are no federal regulations requiring products to be dated, there isn't a uniform system. Here is a guide to the most common terms and what they really mean...
"Sell-by" dates let stores know how long products can remain on the shelves. They also are used as guides for rotating stock. The sell-by date takes into consideration the length of time a product typically sits on the shelf at home after purchase. Perishable foods remain good for a period of time after the sell-by dates, assuming that they have been stored properly. Use your eyes and nose to judge product freshness. For example, milk, cheese and yogurt that smell sour or have turned color should be thrown out.
General guidelines for shelf life beyond sell-by dates...
Eggs usually are good for three to five weeks past the sell-by date.
Milk typically is good for up to seven days past the sell-by date.
Fresh chicken and turkey should be cooked or frozen within two days after the date.
Fresh beef, pork and lamb should be cooked or frozen within three to five days after the date.
Ground meats should be cooked or frozen within two days of the date.
Unopened processed meats, such as bacon, hot dogs and luncheon meats, should be used within two weeks after the sell-by date.
Unopened canned meats, such as tuna and sardines, will keep for about two years beyond the sell-by date.
"Best if used by" and "use by" dates refer to the point after which peak quality -- flavor or texture -- begins to decline. These are not safety or purchase dates.
Caution: Shelf life depends upon handling and storage conditions. Fresh perishable foods should be kept at 38°F to 40°F for maximum safety and quality.
Suzanne Havala Hobbs, DrPH, RD
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill any states require food manufacturers to mark perishable foods with a date so that customers can gauge product freshness -- but since there are no federal regulations requiring products to be dated, there isn't a uniform system. Here is a guide to the most common terms and what they really mean...
"Sell-by" dates let stores know how long products can remain on the shelves. They also are used as guides for rotating stock. The sell-by date takes into consideration the length of time a product typically sits on the shelf at home after purchase. Perishable foods remain good for a period of time after the sell-by dates, assuming that they have been stored properly. Use your eyes and nose to judge product freshness. For example, milk, cheese and yogurt that smell sour or have turned color should be thrown out.
General guidelines for shelf life beyond sell-by dates...
Eggs usually are good for three to five weeks past the sell-by date.
Milk typically is good for up to seven days past the sell-by date.
Fresh chicken and turkey should be cooked or frozen within two days after the date.
Fresh beef, pork and lamb should be cooked or frozen within three to five days after the date.
Ground meats should be cooked or frozen within two days of the date.
Unopened processed meats, such as bacon, hot dogs and luncheon meats, should be used within two weeks after the sell-by date.
Unopened canned meats, such as tuna and sardines, will keep for about two years beyond the sell-by date.
"Best if used by" and "use by" dates refer to the point after which peak quality -- flavor or texture -- begins to decline. These are not safety or purchase dates.
Caution: Shelf life depends upon handling and storage conditions. Fresh perishable foods should be kept at 38°F to 40°F for maximum safety and quality.
Thursday, May 17, 2007
an ounce of prevention
Health care has grown into a colossal tapeworm in the bowels of the Ontario government, devouring cash as quickly as it gets shoveled down the taxman’s maw.
They have thrown significant cash at health care’s many woes. However, the need is for the creation of an integrated health care system where electronic records safeguard against prescription errors, where patients are proactively tested for disease and where doctors and nurses counsel patients throughout their life to guide them to better health. We are nowhere near that and progress to restructure health care to prepare for imminent need has focused on political priorities and acute care needs. One day, and soon, we’ll all pay a price for that. James Wallace is the Queen’s Park bureau chief for Osprey News Network.
Contact the writer at www.ospreymedia.ca.
They have thrown significant cash at health care’s many woes. However, the need is for the creation of an integrated health care system where electronic records safeguard against prescription errors, where patients are proactively tested for disease and where doctors and nurses counsel patients throughout their life to guide them to better health. We are nowhere near that and progress to restructure health care to prepare for imminent need has focused on political priorities and acute care needs. One day, and soon, we’ll all pay a price for that. James Wallace is the Queen’s Park bureau chief for Osprey News Network.
Contact the writer at www.ospreymedia.ca.
Tips to Avoid falls for the elders
No More Dangerous Falls
Sometimes a fall is just a minor annoyance, resulting in minor abrasions -- but not always. Falls break bones and tear tendons. Even more worrisome, statistics show that falls are the leading cause of injury-related death among people age 65 and over. This unhappy statistic is partly because older people often have changes in muscle strength, reflexes and coordination. In addition, those with chronic conditions are more susceptible to falling because those conditions may affect balance and certain medications for those conditions can affect balance. But plenty of healthy folks fall as well, including a very good friend of mine who is very active and athletic. If she could fall, anyone can. So, how can you "fall-proof" yourself?
RECENT RESEARCH
In my research, I came across a recent study from the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor about a program called Combined Balance and Step Training (CBST). For this study researchers gathered results from 162 people age 65 and older who were divided into two groups. One group was in a tai chi program, the ancient Chinese mind-body practice... and the other group took CBST. Both groups practiced their particular method three times a week in one-hour sessions over a period of 10 weeks. Interestingly, in spite of tai chi's well established reputation for helping practitioners avoid falls, the CBST group performed slightly better in tests that measured specific abilities that promote fall avoidance. The senior author of the study was Neil B. Alexander, MD, director of the Mobility Research Center at the University of Michigan Geriatrics Center. I called him to find out more about CBST and how it helps people develop fall resistance.
Dr. Alexander first explained that falls generally occur because of a confluence of factors, both internal and external. To explain: You are talking on your cell phone having a heated debate about something and you cross a busy street. You are watching the traffic, but fail to notice the cracked cement on the other side of the street and over you go. A young healthy person might be able to right himself before falling, but that ability decreases with age and not just because of slowed reflexes, says Dr. Alexander. Falling often has to do with not just what you see, but also how you process what you see.
Cognitive decline -- even if mild -- can interfere with visual processing, but so can everyday stress and fatigue whatever your age. The reason: When stressed, your brain may fail to process visual cues, such as something in your peripheral vision that ordinarily you would take note of. Adding to the problem, 9% of people over age 65 have a balance problem that makes them more apt to tip. Dr. Alexander says this is often because of medicine side effects or conditions such as peripheral nerve problems or silent strokes that cause no immediate noticeable symptoms but affect the nervous system over time.
WALK RIGHT
The way people walk -- their gait -- has a great deal to do with how stable they are in motion too. With age, many people start to take shorter and slower steps. (This is also true of people affected by certain disorders such as Parkinson's or osteoarthritis.) But slower steps that are not long enough can make people more vulnerable to falling, says Dr. Alexander. Furthermore, one of the best ways to overcome an imminent fall is to make a rapid step of sufficient length in the direction of the fall, an ability many people lose. Consequently, CBST focuses on teaching participants to take longer steps at a faster speed, exactly the opposite of the shuffle walk associated with some older adults. It's also worth noting that long, fast steps require lifting the feet slightly higher, which provides better toe clearance, which in turn helps prevent a trip over small near-to-the-ground bumps and curbs.
BALANCE RESPONSES
Fall prevention also includes having good balance responses, which means being able to right yourself quickly when you are thrown off balance. To develop these responses, the CBST study group practiced a series of exercises to train them in what Dr. Alexander calls dynamic balance. The following are some examples... a.. Responding to a balance challenge while standing -- for instance, moving the upper body while bouncing and catching a ball. b.. Changing direction while walking, such as walking backward or laterally. c.. Moving from a symmetrical (side by side) to asymmetrical (one foot in front of the other) stance. d.. Maintaining balance while walking on a reduced base of support, such as on a narrowing plank. e.. Braiding/grapevine stepping -- foot in front, foot in back while going sideways. f.. Stepping over small hurdles the height of an average step (about six inches).The group also did modest exercises to increase ankle, knee and hip strength.
PRACTICING AT HOME
Although a CBST program is relatively simple, Dr. Alexander recommends starting such training following a screening by a professional, such as a physical therapist. (These professionals are trained to recognize weak spots and help people achieve their physical goals without causing themselves any injury in the process. He adds that everyone can and should integrate some balance training into an exercise regimen. These need to be more challenging than simply standing on one foot. He advises practicing doing two things at once (catching a ball as you move, for example), walking on something with decreasing support and teaching yourself to take longer, faster steps. Caution: Do not practice any of this without holding on to something stable for support. The idea is learning to prevent falls, not to promote them. Remember, too, that when you are tired, stressed or distracted, your ability to move properly may be hindered -- be especially careful at those times wherever you are. Even better: Be sure you get plenty of rest so your mind and bodily responses are fresh.
THE RIGHT SHOES
One last contributing factor -- what you wear on your feet plays a huge role in whether or not you are vulnerable to falls, says Dr. Alexander. Some soles, such as on sneakers, unfortunately, tend to grip, especially when you change surfaces, say from carpeting to linoleum, or when the surface rises slightly. Wearing sneakers, then, calls for extra awareness. Watch out for the lip (the tip of the shoe where the shoe front meets the sole) of the shoe, and how far it extends in front of your foot. An extended lip easily catches on steps or small hurdles along the way. The worst offenders in the shoe lip problem are sandals and some of the thick-soled shoes that are popular now. As for high heels, well, Dr. Alexander says, one error and you topple. The shoes to look for, then, are those without much lip but with a good fit to provide good support to the foot and ankle (making slippers a no-no). Soles should not be so thick it decreases the sensory input to your foot. If shoes have a slippery sole, scratch them up with a metal brush or the like before you wear them. Shoes without laces (fixation) or slip-ons without a back can also increase risk. Finding the right shoes takes some sleuthing, but fortunately there are many that fit the bill and are even fashionable enough to have you looking good while keeping you safe.
Sometimes a fall is just a minor annoyance, resulting in minor abrasions -- but not always. Falls break bones and tear tendons. Even more worrisome, statistics show that falls are the leading cause of injury-related death among people age 65 and over. This unhappy statistic is partly because older people often have changes in muscle strength, reflexes and coordination. In addition, those with chronic conditions are more susceptible to falling because those conditions may affect balance and certain medications for those conditions can affect balance. But plenty of healthy folks fall as well, including a very good friend of mine who is very active and athletic. If she could fall, anyone can. So, how can you "fall-proof" yourself?
RECENT RESEARCH
In my research, I came across a recent study from the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor about a program called Combined Balance and Step Training (CBST). For this study researchers gathered results from 162 people age 65 and older who were divided into two groups. One group was in a tai chi program, the ancient Chinese mind-body practice... and the other group took CBST. Both groups practiced their particular method three times a week in one-hour sessions over a period of 10 weeks. Interestingly, in spite of tai chi's well established reputation for helping practitioners avoid falls, the CBST group performed slightly better in tests that measured specific abilities that promote fall avoidance. The senior author of the study was Neil B. Alexander, MD, director of the Mobility Research Center at the University of Michigan Geriatrics Center. I called him to find out more about CBST and how it helps people develop fall resistance.
Dr. Alexander first explained that falls generally occur because of a confluence of factors, both internal and external. To explain: You are talking on your cell phone having a heated debate about something and you cross a busy street. You are watching the traffic, but fail to notice the cracked cement on the other side of the street and over you go. A young healthy person might be able to right himself before falling, but that ability decreases with age and not just because of slowed reflexes, says Dr. Alexander. Falling often has to do with not just what you see, but also how you process what you see.
Cognitive decline -- even if mild -- can interfere with visual processing, but so can everyday stress and fatigue whatever your age. The reason: When stressed, your brain may fail to process visual cues, such as something in your peripheral vision that ordinarily you would take note of. Adding to the problem, 9% of people over age 65 have a balance problem that makes them more apt to tip. Dr. Alexander says this is often because of medicine side effects or conditions such as peripheral nerve problems or silent strokes that cause no immediate noticeable symptoms but affect the nervous system over time.
WALK RIGHT
The way people walk -- their gait -- has a great deal to do with how stable they are in motion too. With age, many people start to take shorter and slower steps. (This is also true of people affected by certain disorders such as Parkinson's or osteoarthritis.) But slower steps that are not long enough can make people more vulnerable to falling, says Dr. Alexander. Furthermore, one of the best ways to overcome an imminent fall is to make a rapid step of sufficient length in the direction of the fall, an ability many people lose. Consequently, CBST focuses on teaching participants to take longer steps at a faster speed, exactly the opposite of the shuffle walk associated with some older adults. It's also worth noting that long, fast steps require lifting the feet slightly higher, which provides better toe clearance, which in turn helps prevent a trip over small near-to-the-ground bumps and curbs.
BALANCE RESPONSES
Fall prevention also includes having good balance responses, which means being able to right yourself quickly when you are thrown off balance. To develop these responses, the CBST study group practiced a series of exercises to train them in what Dr. Alexander calls dynamic balance. The following are some examples... a.. Responding to a balance challenge while standing -- for instance, moving the upper body while bouncing and catching a ball. b.. Changing direction while walking, such as walking backward or laterally. c.. Moving from a symmetrical (side by side) to asymmetrical (one foot in front of the other) stance. d.. Maintaining balance while walking on a reduced base of support, such as on a narrowing plank. e.. Braiding/grapevine stepping -- foot in front, foot in back while going sideways. f.. Stepping over small hurdles the height of an average step (about six inches).The group also did modest exercises to increase ankle, knee and hip strength.
PRACTICING AT HOME
Although a CBST program is relatively simple, Dr. Alexander recommends starting such training following a screening by a professional, such as a physical therapist. (These professionals are trained to recognize weak spots and help people achieve their physical goals without causing themselves any injury in the process. He adds that everyone can and should integrate some balance training into an exercise regimen. These need to be more challenging than simply standing on one foot. He advises practicing doing two things at once (catching a ball as you move, for example), walking on something with decreasing support and teaching yourself to take longer, faster steps. Caution: Do not practice any of this without holding on to something stable for support. The idea is learning to prevent falls, not to promote them. Remember, too, that when you are tired, stressed or distracted, your ability to move properly may be hindered -- be especially careful at those times wherever you are. Even better: Be sure you get plenty of rest so your mind and bodily responses are fresh.
THE RIGHT SHOES
One last contributing factor -- what you wear on your feet plays a huge role in whether or not you are vulnerable to falls, says Dr. Alexander. Some soles, such as on sneakers, unfortunately, tend to grip, especially when you change surfaces, say from carpeting to linoleum, or when the surface rises slightly. Wearing sneakers, then, calls for extra awareness. Watch out for the lip (the tip of the shoe where the shoe front meets the sole) of the shoe, and how far it extends in front of your foot. An extended lip easily catches on steps or small hurdles along the way. The worst offenders in the shoe lip problem are sandals and some of the thick-soled shoes that are popular now. As for high heels, well, Dr. Alexander says, one error and you topple. The shoes to look for, then, are those without much lip but with a good fit to provide good support to the foot and ankle (making slippers a no-no). Soles should not be so thick it decreases the sensory input to your foot. If shoes have a slippery sole, scratch them up with a metal brush or the like before you wear them. Shoes without laces (fixation) or slip-ons without a back can also increase risk. Finding the right shoes takes some sleuthing, but fortunately there are many that fit the bill and are even fashionable enough to have you looking good while keeping you safe.
Wednesday, May 16, 2007
New Horizons for Seniors
Any worthhile seniors or challenge projects out there? qj
New Horizons for Seniors: "New Horizons for Seniors
Call for Applications
New Horizons for Seniors is now accepting applications for funding. View the Call for Applications for your province or territory.
This program provides funding for community-based projects across Canada. Projects encourage seniors to continue to play an important role in their community by:
helping those in need;
providing leadership; and
sharing their knowledge and skills with others.
Calls for Applications are issued once or twice a year. Application deadlines may vary for each province and territory."
New Horizons for Seniors: "New Horizons for Seniors
Call for Applications
New Horizons for Seniors is now accepting applications for funding. View the Call for Applications for your province or territory.
This program provides funding for community-based projects across Canada. Projects encourage seniors to continue to play an important role in their community by:
helping those in need;
providing leadership; and
sharing their knowledge and skills with others.
Calls for Applications are issued once or twice a year. Application deadlines may vary for each province and territory."
Monday, May 14, 2007
Health Telemointoring
Innovations with technology
2. Study: Telemonitoring seems promising
Home-based telemonitoring of patients with chronic diseases has a great deal of potential, according to a new study published this month in a high-profile health IT journal. To conduct the research, which appeared in the Journal of the American Medical Informatics Association, Canadian researchers reviewed more than 65 studies published in the U.S. and Europe. The studies looked at home-based management of chronic pulmonary conditions, cardiac diseases, diabetes and hypertension using remote monitoring technology. While it wasn't clear how large the effect was, home telemonitoring did seem to cut ED visits, hospital admissions and average length of hospital stays, authors said. Telemonitoring seemed to have more impact on pulmonary and cardiac cases than diabetes and hypertension.To get more information on the study:- read this Healthcare IT News articleRelated Articles:USDA offers $128M for rural telemedicine. ReportPartners Healthcare tests remote blood pressure monitoring. ReportFirm offers mobile disease management platform. ReportVendor trials mobile phone-based diabetes monitoring. Report
2. Study: Telemonitoring seems promising
Home-based telemonitoring of patients with chronic diseases has a great deal of potential, according to a new study published this month in a high-profile health IT journal. To conduct the research, which appeared in the Journal of the American Medical Informatics Association, Canadian researchers reviewed more than 65 studies published in the U.S. and Europe. The studies looked at home-based management of chronic pulmonary conditions, cardiac diseases, diabetes and hypertension using remote monitoring technology. While it wasn't clear how large the effect was, home telemonitoring did seem to cut ED visits, hospital admissions and average length of hospital stays, authors said. Telemonitoring seemed to have more impact on pulmonary and cardiac cases than diabetes and hypertension.To get more information on the study:- read this Healthcare IT News articleRelated Articles:USDA offers $128M for rural telemedicine. ReportPartners Healthcare tests remote blood pressure monitoring. ReportFirm offers mobile disease management platform. ReportVendor trials mobile phone-based diabetes monitoring. Report
Saturday, May 12, 2007
More help from the the government needed?
Beware the artificial government crisis at hand -QJ
For the past decade, the province has increasingly moved residents out of provincial institutions and into community facilities. Just 500 adult residents remain in three institutions – in Orillia, Smiths Falls and Chatham – and those are being closed by March 2009. More than 40,000 adults with developmental disabilities are now in some form of community care, ranging from help to live on their own or with roommates to group homes and long-term care homes. Approximately 7,000 unionized workers are employed in those community facilities and half, at some 70 locations, are working under contracts that expired March 31.
Labor woes trouble homes for developmentally disabled James Wallace Queens Park - Wednesday, May 09, 2007 By James Wallace Osprey News Network A looming, province-wide labour dispute at agencies that serve developmentally disabled adults could see care jeopardized for thousands of Ontario’s most vulnerable adults, union officials in the sector say. Meanwhile, the $200 million government bailout intended to stave off strikes or lock-outs at group homes, agencies and other community facilities that provide care for adults with developmental disabilities may be fatally flawed, said Sid Ryan, president of CUPE Ontario. Workers in the sector have been frustrated for years over chronically low wages, Ryan said. And despite the recent funding announcement, both CUPE and Ontario Public Service Employees Union locals representing some 3,500 workers report recent strike votes of 95 per cent and higher. “We’re trying to head off labour unrest,” Ryan said. “These are of course, we all know, the most vulnerable of people; people with mental disabilities other disabilities that need a lot of help.” People who work with the developmentally handicapped may typically earn $35,000 or less annually and 25 per cent less than workers doing similar jobs in hospitals, the union maintains. Meanwhile, there is a $10-an-hour gap between the wages for not-for-profit and government staff that do the same work. Ryan said unions and the agencies that provide care urged the government during pre-budget discussions to find the $200 million needed to address wage disparities in the sector.
For the past decade, the province has increasingly moved residents out of provincial institutions and into community facilities. Just 500 adult residents remain in three institutions – in Orillia, Smiths Falls and Chatham – and those are being closed by March 2009. More than 40,000 adults with developmental disabilities are now in some form of community care, ranging from help to live on their own or with roommates to group homes and long-term care homes. Approximately 7,000 unionized workers are employed in those community facilities and half, at some 70 locations, are working under contracts that expired March 31.
Labor woes trouble homes for developmentally disabled James Wallace Queens Park - Wednesday, May 09, 2007 By James Wallace Osprey News Network A looming, province-wide labour dispute at agencies that serve developmentally disabled adults could see care jeopardized for thousands of Ontario’s most vulnerable adults, union officials in the sector say. Meanwhile, the $200 million government bailout intended to stave off strikes or lock-outs at group homes, agencies and other community facilities that provide care for adults with developmental disabilities may be fatally flawed, said Sid Ryan, president of CUPE Ontario. Workers in the sector have been frustrated for years over chronically low wages, Ryan said. And despite the recent funding announcement, both CUPE and Ontario Public Service Employees Union locals representing some 3,500 workers report recent strike votes of 95 per cent and higher. “We’re trying to head off labour unrest,” Ryan said. “These are of course, we all know, the most vulnerable of people; people with mental disabilities other disabilities that need a lot of help.” People who work with the developmentally handicapped may typically earn $35,000 or less annually and 25 per cent less than workers doing similar jobs in hospitals, the union maintains. Meanwhile, there is a $10-an-hour gap between the wages for not-for-profit and government staff that do the same work. Ryan said unions and the agencies that provide care urged the government during pre-budget discussions to find the $200 million needed to address wage disparities in the sector.
Friday, May 04, 2007
Monday, April 30, 2007
Discover The Healing Power of Flowers at Home and Garden News
Discover The Healing Power of Flowers at Home and Garden News: "Discover The Healing Power of Flowers
Colors have strong psychological and physiological effects on people, including the power to stimulate, depress and even help heal. Careful color selection can help make gifts of flowers more than just ornamentation. Read on for more about Chromotherapy and the Healing Power of Colors and"
Colors have strong psychological and physiological effects on people, including the power to stimulate, depress and even help heal. Careful color selection can help make gifts of flowers more than just ornamentation. Read on for more about Chromotherapy and the Healing Power of Colors and"
Sunday, April 15, 2007
Reduce your stress
"How to Stress-Proof Your Personality Redford Williams, MD
Duke University Behavioral Medicine Research Center
Nobody escapes stress, but some fortunate people seem to be able to negotiate the shallows of life with apparent ease. They take setbacks in stride and don't waste their time or inflame their arteries by flaring up unnecessarily. They enjoy loving relationships and supportive friendships.
While their talent for living may seem mysterious, it's actually a matter of skill. Like the musician who knows how to draw lovely music from a violin, they know how to bring happiness and harmony to themselves and others.
These people have skills that put them in control of their emotions and relationships. Fortunately, these skills can be learned -- at any age.
THE ADVANTAGE of being in control
Research conducted over the past three decades has shown that psychological stress increases the risk for heart disease and other major illnesses, such as depression and anxiety. Higher mortality rates are particularly linked to hostility, which can manifest as a cynical mistrust of others, a low threshold for anger and/or a high level of aggression.
New finding: A study recently published in the American Heart Journal found that coronary-bypass patients who underwent a training program to increase control of their emotions showed significantly less depression, anger and stress, along with more social support and satisfaction, compared with healthy people
How to Stress-Proof Your Personality (Full article )
Nobody escapes stress, but some fortunate people seem to be able to negotiate the shallows of life with apparent ease. They take setbacks in stride and don't waste their time or inflame their arteries by flaring up unnecessarily. They enjoy loving relationships and supportive friendships.
While their talent for living may seem mysterious, it's actually a matter of skill. Like the musician who knows how to draw lovely music from a violin, they know how to bring happiness and harmony to themselves and others.
These people have skills that put them in control of their emotions and relationships. Fortunately, these skills can be learned -- at any age.
THE ADVANTAGE of being
in control
Research conducted over the past three decades has shown that psychological stress increases the risk for heart disease and other major illnesses, such as depression and anxiety. Higher mortality rates are particularly linked to hostility, which can manifest as a cynical mistrust of others, a low threshold for anger and/or a high level of aggression.
New finding: A study recently published in the American Heart Journal found that coronary-bypass patients who underwent a training program to increase control of their emotions showed significantly less depression, anger and stress, along with more social support and satisfaction, compared with healthy people who received no training.
The trained participants' pulses slowed, and their blood pressure reacted less to stress after the training -- clear signs that they were taking strain off their hearts. These factors remained unchanged or worsened in the other group.
SHORT CIRCUIT STRESS
You can't deal with stress properly unless you recognize it.
How to cope when a negative situation arises...
Step 1: Ask yourself, how important is it? The goal is to know how to separate trivial situations that are outside your control from those that are worth getting worked up over.
Helpful: Step back and decide whether you should allow yourself to react to a setback, annoyance or obstacle. Is there anything you actually can do about it? Is it important enough to go to the mat over?
Step 2: Change your reaction. If your evaluation of the stressful situation tells you that it's not that important, practice turning off the negative thoughts and calming the bad feelings.
Helpful: When you're alone and feel irritated, tell yourself to STOP! in a sharp voice. Repeat the command silently when stressful situations arise in public.
During a calm time, write a list of topics that make you feel good when you think about them -- a beloved relative... a pleasant vacation spot. When you're stressed or upset, close your eyes and picture items from your list.
Step 3: Take action. If your analysis leads you to conclude that the stressful situation is worth acting on, take positive steps.
Helpful: Problem-solve in a systematic way. Define the problem... list possible solutions... make a decision... and implement it.
Example: Max was not comfortable driving at night. When he found out he had a book club meeting scheduled for 8 pm in a neighboring town, he at first became anxious. After considering his options (having a friend pick him up and drive him home... not going at all), he settled on calling a taxi.
IMPROVE RELATIONSHIPS
Intimate relationships, friendships and pleasant encounters with coworkers and acquaintances provide social support -- a buffer against life's difficulties.
You can improve your relationships by being considerate, treating others with respect, offering help when needed, etc. One of the best strategies is to become a good listener. People appreciate you and like you when they feel heard and understood.
To improve your relationships, practice these skills...
Keep quiet while others are talking. Suppress your desire to add information, ask questions, give advice or steer the conversation to yourself. Limit your input to the occasional nod or "Uh-huh." If your mind wanders, refocus on the other person's words. Your turn will come... wait for it.
Use appropriate body language. To show interest, maintain a relaxed but attentive facial expression. Relax your shoulders, uncross your arms and lean slightly forward.
Repeat what the other person says. Before you comment, summarize what you think you heard, focusing on facts or feelings.
Example: "It sounds like you had a great time with your grandkids last weekend."
Be open. This doesn't mean you must change your mind, only that you're receptive to the possibility. When your mental attitude is open rather than rigid, it shows. You may even learn something useful.
ACCENTUATE THE POSITIVE
Several years ago, a University of Washington study found that marriages last longer when positive communications (compliments, affectionate touching, smiling, sharing enthusiasm) outnumbered negative ones (criticism, nasty looks, withdrawal) by a ratio of five to one.
Use the same principle in all your relationships -- make a conscious effort to distribute five times as many compliments as criticisms.
Most important, apply the five-to-one ratio to yourself. Overwhelm negative self-talk ("I'm unprepared... my nose is too big... their house is nicer than mine") with positive messages.
Helpful: List your five best traits and count five of your blessings. Also, become aware of your five biggest self-criticisms and pledge to stop them.
"
Duke University Behavioral Medicine Research Center
Nobody escapes stress, but some fortunate people seem to be able to negotiate the shallows of life with apparent ease. They take setbacks in stride and don't waste their time or inflame their arteries by flaring up unnecessarily. They enjoy loving relationships and supportive friendships.
While their talent for living may seem mysterious, it's actually a matter of skill. Like the musician who knows how to draw lovely music from a violin, they know how to bring happiness and harmony to themselves and others.
These people have skills that put them in control of their emotions and relationships. Fortunately, these skills can be learned -- at any age.
THE ADVANTAGE of being in control
Research conducted over the past three decades has shown that psychological stress increases the risk for heart disease and other major illnesses, such as depression and anxiety. Higher mortality rates are particularly linked to hostility, which can manifest as a cynical mistrust of others, a low threshold for anger and/or a high level of aggression.
New finding: A study recently published in the American Heart Journal found that coronary-bypass patients who underwent a training program to increase control of their emotions showed significantly less depression, anger and stress, along with more social support and satisfaction, compared with healthy people
How to Stress-Proof Your Personality (Full article )
Nobody escapes stress, but some fortunate people seem to be able to negotiate the shallows of life with apparent ease. They take setbacks in stride and don't waste their time or inflame their arteries by flaring up unnecessarily. They enjoy loving relationships and supportive friendships.
While their talent for living may seem mysterious, it's actually a matter of skill. Like the musician who knows how to draw lovely music from a violin, they know how to bring happiness and harmony to themselves and others.
These people have skills that put them in control of their emotions and relationships. Fortunately, these skills can be learned -- at any age.
THE ADVANTAGE of being
in control
Research conducted over the past three decades has shown that psychological stress increases the risk for heart disease and other major illnesses, such as depression and anxiety. Higher mortality rates are particularly linked to hostility, which can manifest as a cynical mistrust of others, a low threshold for anger and/or a high level of aggression.
New finding: A study recently published in the American Heart Journal found that coronary-bypass patients who underwent a training program to increase control of their emotions showed significantly less depression, anger and stress, along with more social support and satisfaction, compared with healthy people who received no training.
The trained participants' pulses slowed, and their blood pressure reacted less to stress after the training -- clear signs that they were taking strain off their hearts. These factors remained unchanged or worsened in the other group.
SHORT CIRCUIT STRESS
You can't deal with stress properly unless you recognize it.
How to cope when a negative situation arises...
Step 1: Ask yourself, how important is it? The goal is to know how to separate trivial situations that are outside your control from those that are worth getting worked up over.
Helpful: Step back and decide whether you should allow yourself to react to a setback, annoyance or obstacle. Is there anything you actually can do about it? Is it important enough to go to the mat over?
Step 2: Change your reaction. If your evaluation of the stressful situation tells you that it's not that important, practice turning off the negative thoughts and calming the bad feelings.
Helpful: When you're alone and feel irritated, tell yourself to STOP! in a sharp voice. Repeat the command silently when stressful situations arise in public.
During a calm time, write a list of topics that make you feel good when you think about them -- a beloved relative... a pleasant vacation spot. When you're stressed or upset, close your eyes and picture items from your list.
Step 3: Take action. If your analysis leads you to conclude that the stressful situation is worth acting on, take positive steps.
Helpful: Problem-solve in a systematic way. Define the problem... list possible solutions... make a decision... and implement it.
Example: Max was not comfortable driving at night. When he found out he had a book club meeting scheduled for 8 pm in a neighboring town, he at first became anxious. After considering his options (having a friend pick him up and drive him home... not going at all), he settled on calling a taxi.
IMPROVE RELATIONSHIPS
Intimate relationships, friendships and pleasant encounters with coworkers and acquaintances provide social support -- a buffer against life's difficulties.
You can improve your relationships by being considerate, treating others with respect, offering help when needed, etc. One of the best strategies is to become a good listener. People appreciate you and like you when they feel heard and understood.
To improve your relationships, practice these skills...
Keep quiet while others are talking. Suppress your desire to add information, ask questions, give advice or steer the conversation to yourself. Limit your input to the occasional nod or "Uh-huh." If your mind wanders, refocus on the other person's words. Your turn will come... wait for it.
Use appropriate body language. To show interest, maintain a relaxed but attentive facial expression. Relax your shoulders, uncross your arms and lean slightly forward.
Repeat what the other person says. Before you comment, summarize what you think you heard, focusing on facts or feelings.
Example: "It sounds like you had a great time with your grandkids last weekend."
Be open. This doesn't mean you must change your mind, only that you're receptive to the possibility. When your mental attitude is open rather than rigid, it shows. You may even learn something useful.
ACCENTUATE THE POSITIVE
Several years ago, a University of Washington study found that marriages last longer when positive communications (compliments, affectionate touching, smiling, sharing enthusiasm) outnumbered negative ones (criticism, nasty looks, withdrawal) by a ratio of five to one.
Use the same principle in all your relationships -- make a conscious effort to distribute five times as many compliments as criticisms.
Most important, apply the five-to-one ratio to yourself. Overwhelm negative self-talk ("I'm unprepared... my nose is too big... their house is nicer than mine") with positive messages.
Helpful: List your five best traits and count five of your blessings. Also, become aware of your five biggest self-criticisms and pledge to stop them.
"
Friday, March 30, 2007
Osprey Media. - Brantford Expositor
Good that there are people ho still try to make the differrence QJ
Osprey Media. - Brantford Expositor: "Brant Out of the Cold cllent: 'They don't judge people'
Expositor Staff
By Michell Ruby
Local News - Friday, March 30, 2007 Updated @ 11:20:17 PM
Eyes brimming with tears and wearing an outfit he said he wasn't ashamed to say he picked from a donation bin, Brad Giletchuk talked about being homeless.
Among the audience Thursday were many faces familiar to him: those from local agencies he may have contacted over his years of addiction and loss.
“People didn’t want me around when I was using,” said the soft-spoken 36-year-old. “Now people are listening intently to me and looking at me with respect.”
Giletchuk credits the Brant Out of the Cold program, which offered him a warm place to sleep over the winter, with helping change his life. His words put a face to the sometimes elusive problem of local homelessness.
Peggy Weston, who presented a report on the Out of the Cold program to representatives of local agencies, said there’s no way to determine just how many homeless there are in the city. But she says the number is growing and there’s a need for a shelter, open to anyone without restriction, all year long"
Osprey Media. - Brantford Expositor: "Brant Out of the Cold cllent: 'They don't judge people'
Expositor Staff
By Michell Ruby
Local News - Friday, March 30, 2007 Updated @ 11:20:17 PM
Eyes brimming with tears and wearing an outfit he said he wasn't ashamed to say he picked from a donation bin, Brad Giletchuk talked about being homeless.
Among the audience Thursday were many faces familiar to him: those from local agencies he may have contacted over his years of addiction and loss.
“People didn’t want me around when I was using,” said the soft-spoken 36-year-old. “Now people are listening intently to me and looking at me with respect.”
Giletchuk credits the Brant Out of the Cold program, which offered him a warm place to sleep over the winter, with helping change his life. His words put a face to the sometimes elusive problem of local homelessness.
Peggy Weston, who presented a report on the Out of the Cold program to representatives of local agencies, said there’s no way to determine just how many homeless there are in the city. But she says the number is growing and there’s a need for a shelter, open to anyone without restriction, all year long"
Thursday, March 29, 2007
Canadian physicians keen to deploy IT
Canadian physicians keen to deploy IT: "Canadian physicians keen to deploy IT, but...
By: Lisa Williams, senior writer, InterGovWorld
(2007-03-07)
Email the Editor | Email a Friend
Muttitt adds that Infoway is building the new kidney disease care portal on the success of Grand River's portal for patients managing cancer.
'The portals allow patients to be more engaged in their care management. They're able to monitor their processes and keep a journal of their side effects,' says Muttitt.
'This helps to facilitate better communication with their health team and improves intervention. It also prevents some of the progression of the disease, and that's really what's pivotal here.'
The urgency for physicians to move to an online care environment is growing internationally, according to Dare. 'What I often see as I work across Commonwealth countries and the U.S. is that physicians, especially GPs, are feeling a huge pressure to implement a full electronic medical record in their practice,' she says.
Dare concurs with Chris that implementation is expensive, however. It's also a massive undertaking in terms of the technology involved, she adds, as it also changes physician workflows.
'I think the more we in the IT industry and the rest of health care can help physicians find some good first steps, that aren't quite so enormous, it starts us down that path in a very tangible way.'
Key findings of the survey:
- 45 per cent of Americans said they would like to be able to directly e-mail their doctor
'It will develop (in Canada) because it's efficient for patients and for doctors. But it's only efficient if you get paid for it,' says Chris. 'That's something we're a bit behind on: developing remuneration systems consistently with moder"
By: Lisa Williams, senior writer, InterGovWorld
(2007-03-07)
Email the Editor | Email a Friend
Muttitt adds that Infoway is building the new kidney disease care portal on the success of Grand River's portal for patients managing cancer.
'The portals allow patients to be more engaged in their care management. They're able to monitor their processes and keep a journal of their side effects,' says Muttitt.
'This helps to facilitate better communication with their health team and improves intervention. It also prevents some of the progression of the disease, and that's really what's pivotal here.'
The urgency for physicians to move to an online care environment is growing internationally, according to Dare. 'What I often see as I work across Commonwealth countries and the U.S. is that physicians, especially GPs, are feeling a huge pressure to implement a full electronic medical record in their practice,' she says.
Dare concurs with Chris that implementation is expensive, however. It's also a massive undertaking in terms of the technology involved, she adds, as it also changes physician workflows.
'I think the more we in the IT industry and the rest of health care can help physicians find some good first steps, that aren't quite so enormous, it starts us down that path in a very tangible way.'
Key findings of the survey:
- 45 per cent of Americans said they would like to be able to directly e-mail their doctor
'It will develop (in Canada) because it's efficient for patients and for doctors. But it's only efficient if you get paid for it,' says Chris. 'That's something we're a bit behind on: developing remuneration systems consistently with moder"
Saturday, March 24, 2007
mark up on drugs
Food for thought And the alternative is to use natural products
The markup
--------------------------------------------
A couple of years ago, the Life Extension Foundation listed the cost of the key ingredients of several best selling prescription drugs. Here's a quick breakdown of just a few:
Prilosec consumer price: $360.97 for 100 20mg tabs. The active ingredient costs a little more than 50 cents per tab. The markup: more than 69,000 percent.
Norvasc consumer price: $188.29 for 100 10mg tabs. The active ingredient costs 14 cents per tab. The markup: more than 134,000 percent.
Prozac consumer price: $247.47 for 100 20mg tabs. The active ingredient costs 11 cents per tab. The markup: nearly 225,000 percent
Of course, there's quite a bit more to drug production than just active ingredients. But even after you consider the cost of research and development, manufacturing, marketing, packaging, legal fees, etc., you're left with an easy-to-understand equation: Consumers pay through the nose while major drug companies make billions in profits each year. "
The markup
--------------------------------------------
A couple of years ago, the Life Extension Foundation listed the cost of the key ingredients of several best selling prescription drugs. Here's a quick breakdown of just a few:
Prilosec consumer price: $360.97 for 100 20mg tabs. The active ingredient costs a little more than 50 cents per tab. The markup: more than 69,000 percent.
Norvasc consumer price: $188.29 for 100 10mg tabs. The active ingredient costs 14 cents per tab. The markup: more than 134,000 percent.
Prozac consumer price: $247.47 for 100 20mg tabs. The active ingredient costs 11 cents per tab. The markup: nearly 225,000 percent
Of course, there's quite a bit more to drug production than just active ingredients. But even after you consider the cost of research and development, manufacturing, marketing, packaging, legal fees, etc., you're left with an easy-to-understand equation: Consumers pay through the nose while major drug companies make billions in profits each year. "
Sunday, March 18, 2007
Healing power of pets
Amazing Healing Power of Pets Bernie S. Siegel, MD
Pets -- cats, dogs, rabbits, horses, birds, etc. -- are good for our health. Pet owners make fewer doctor visits, have shorter hospital stays and take less medication than people who don't own pets. Pets even help prevent and relieve the following medical conditions...
Cardiovascular disease. A researcher at Brooklyn College in New York studied 369 people who had suffered heart attacks. Dog owners were eight times more likely to survive for one year after a heart attack than those who didn't have dogs -- and it wasn't because they were walking their dogs and exercising more. Increased survival rates were based on owning a dog, not on any other physical, psychological or social factors.
High blood pressure. In another study, half of a group of stockbrokers with high blood pressure were instructed to get a cat or dog. Six months later, both groups pretended to have a brief discussion with an angry client who had lost a lot of money in the stock market. On average, those with pets experienced only half the rise in blood pressure as those without pets.
Arthritis. At the Missouri Arthritis Rehabilitation Research and Training Center at University of MissouriColumbia, pets such as dogs are recommended to help patients increase their daily movement -- one of the best ways to manage the disease and minimize disability.
Cancer. At the Mayo Clinic, an oncologist tells many of his new patients to acquire a pet to reduce the devastating emotional impact of a cancer diagnosis.
In one study, Alzheimer's patients at a resident facility ate more and gained weight after aquariums were installed. In another study, patients at a facility had fewer behavioral problems one month after a dog became a resident.
Mind/body connection Petting an animal is soothing to mind, body and spirit. You become focused on loving and being loved. This increases levels of the mood-improving brain chemical serotonin. Interacting with a pet even increases oxytocin, a hormone generated in high levels during pregnancy and lactation. Dozens of animal studies link higher levels of oxytocin with lower blood pressure, lower cortisol (a hormone associated with stress), positive social interaction, increased pain tolerance and faster wound healing.
Pets can even lengthen life. In a study of nursing homes, when pets were part of the program, mortality rates were 25% lower than at facilities that didn't include pets. Dogs also encourage us to exercise. If there's one thing on which every doctor agrees, it's that exercise is good for you. And because pets are such great icebreakers, you're more likely to meet and talk with other people. That extra sociability is beneficial, too.
Pets -- cats, dogs, rabbits, horses, birds, etc. -- are good for our health. Pet owners make fewer doctor visits, have shorter hospital stays and take less medication than people who don't own pets. Pets even help prevent and relieve the following medical conditions...
Cardiovascular disease. A researcher at Brooklyn College in New York studied 369 people who had suffered heart attacks. Dog owners were eight times more likely to survive for one year after a heart attack than those who didn't have dogs -- and it wasn't because they were walking their dogs and exercising more. Increased survival rates were based on owning a dog, not on any other physical, psychological or social factors.
High blood pressure. In another study, half of a group of stockbrokers with high blood pressure were instructed to get a cat or dog. Six months later, both groups pretended to have a brief discussion with an angry client who had lost a lot of money in the stock market. On average, those with pets experienced only half the rise in blood pressure as those without pets.
Arthritis. At the Missouri Arthritis Rehabilitation Research and Training Center at University of MissouriColumbia, pets such as dogs are recommended to help patients increase their daily movement -- one of the best ways to manage the disease and minimize disability.
Cancer. At the Mayo Clinic, an oncologist tells many of his new patients to acquire a pet to reduce the devastating emotional impact of a cancer diagnosis.
In one study, Alzheimer's patients at a resident facility ate more and gained weight after aquariums were installed. In another study, patients at a facility had fewer behavioral problems one month after a dog became a resident.
Mind/body connection Petting an animal is soothing to mind, body and spirit. You become focused on loving and being loved. This increases levels of the mood-improving brain chemical serotonin. Interacting with a pet even increases oxytocin, a hormone generated in high levels during pregnancy and lactation. Dozens of animal studies link higher levels of oxytocin with lower blood pressure, lower cortisol (a hormone associated with stress), positive social interaction, increased pain tolerance and faster wound healing.
Pets can even lengthen life. In a study of nursing homes, when pets were part of the program, mortality rates were 25% lower than at facilities that didn't include pets. Dogs also encourage us to exercise. If there's one thing on which every doctor agrees, it's that exercise is good for you. And because pets are such great icebreakers, you're more likely to meet and talk with other people. That extra sociability is beneficial, too.
Saturday, March 17, 2007
Frugal living – online - 50Plus.com
Interesting back to basics links QJ
Frugal living – online - 50Plus.com: "Money
Frugal living – online
Article By: Jennifer Gruden
If you've decided to live more simply or frugally, connect with others taking the lesser-travelled path.
If you've chosen – or been forced by circumstance – to live on a tight budget, it can seem like you're swimming against the currents of our consumer-based society. Shopping trips, meals out, and gifts all add up if you're expected to tag along and chip in. And others' tales of their latest vacation or expensive 'toys' can make you feel deprived, even if you truly feel you lack for nothing – or very little.
But take heart. You can find other like-minded individuals. Here are some great sites you can visit for tips, information, and discussion with others taking the same lesser-travelled path. And of course, they're all free (other than the price of connecting to the Internet, of course!)
About.com's frugal living site (http://frugalliving.about.com/), although lacking a guide at the moment, remains a fantastic source of ideas, links, and articles. I particularly like the inspiration section, and the monthly shopping guides are very helpful, cataloguing what's likely to be on sale – and what's likely to be expensive. There is an active forum available at the site, but visitors may find it to be a little difficult to use. Quote from the site keep savers on track: “Having a clear goal in mind is half the battle, no matter what it is. You can't get 'there' without knowing where 'there' is.”
The Simple Living Network (http://www.simpleliving.net/) has been an online resource for 11 years, and it shows. Based largely on the philosophies outlined "
Frugal living – online - 50Plus.com: "Money
Frugal living – online
Article By: Jennifer Gruden
If you've decided to live more simply or frugally, connect with others taking the lesser-travelled path.
If you've chosen – or been forced by circumstance – to live on a tight budget, it can seem like you're swimming against the currents of our consumer-based society. Shopping trips, meals out, and gifts all add up if you're expected to tag along and chip in. And others' tales of their latest vacation or expensive 'toys' can make you feel deprived, even if you truly feel you lack for nothing – or very little.
But take heart. You can find other like-minded individuals. Here are some great sites you can visit for tips, information, and discussion with others taking the same lesser-travelled path. And of course, they're all free (other than the price of connecting to the Internet, of course!)
About.com's frugal living site (http://frugalliving.about.com/), although lacking a guide at the moment, remains a fantastic source of ideas, links, and articles. I particularly like the inspiration section, and the monthly shopping guides are very helpful, cataloguing what's likely to be on sale – and what's likely to be expensive. There is an active forum available at the site, but visitors may find it to be a little difficult to use. Quote from the site keep savers on track: “Having a clear goal in mind is half the battle, no matter what it is. You can't get 'there' without knowing where 'there' is.”
The Simple Living Network (http://www.simpleliving.net/) has been an online resource for 11 years, and it shows. Based largely on the philosophies outlined "
Friday, March 16, 2007
Elder-care Planning
Elder-care Planning: "Elder-care Planning
Steps to Take Now Before a Health Crisis
Susan Beerman, MSW
Barrister Advisory Services
Judith Rappaport-Musson, CSA
Preferred Client Services, Inc.
Special from Bottom Line/Retirement
lthough much of life is unpredictable, most of us work hard to prepare for what might happen. We install smoke alarms, click seat belts and stock up on cough syrup... because you never know.
The same sense of cautious anticipation characterizes the ablest caregivers. Applying common sense and foresight, those who look out for the elderly can plan for some of the crises that are common in old age.
As experienced geriatric care managers, we are frequently called in as alarm bells are ringing. Time and again, we wish clients caring for the aged had recognized the likelihood of certain events and prepared for them to the best of their ability. Even making on-the-spot decisions, we’ve found, is less stressful when the way is paved with research.
The secret to successful caregiving comes down to organization and planning. To prevent some emergencies and reduce the shock of others, imagine what might happen -- and be ready. All-too-common scenarios... Elder-care Planning
Steps to Take Now Before a Health Crisis
Steps to Take Now Before a Health Crisis
Susan Beerman, MSW
Barrister Advisory Services
Judith Rappaport-Musson, CSA
Preferred Client Services, Inc.
Special from Bottom Line/Retirement
lthough much of life is unpredictable, most of us work hard to prepare for what might happen. We install smoke alarms, click seat belts and stock up on cough syrup... because you never know.
The same sense of cautious anticipation characterizes the ablest caregivers. Applying common sense and foresight, those who look out for the elderly can plan for some of the crises that are common in old age.
As experienced geriatric care managers, we are frequently called in as alarm bells are ringing. Time and again, we wish clients caring for the aged had recognized the likelihood of certain events and prepared for them to the best of their ability. Even making on-the-spot decisions, we’ve found, is less stressful when the way is paved with research.
The secret to successful caregiving comes down to organization and planning. To prevent some emergencies and reduce the shock of others, imagine what might happen -- and be ready. All-too-common scenarios... Elder-care Planning
Steps to Take Now Before a Health Crisis
Thursday, March 08, 2007
Bloodless Surgery
Medical innovations that work!
When my brother had major surgery a number of years ago, a significant decision prior to the surgery was whether or not to donate some of his own blood for fear of needing a transfusion. But what if that extra blood wasn't a necessary part of the equation? What if new surgical techniques, new equipment and a better understanding of the body's reliance on hemoglobin meant that many surgeries -- especially elective surgeries -- no longer required transfusions of donated blood? Sound unrealistic? Guess again. The truth is, bloodless surgery is a reality that's gaining popularity among surgeons and patients alike. And its definitely something you need to know about.
HOW IT WORKS
Technology has paved the way for bloodless surgery -- it simply wouldn't be an option without some of the cutting-edge instruments and surgical techniques currently available. This includes minimally invasive surgeries such as extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy, which uses high-energy sound waves to break up kidney stones. Bloodless surgery also may involve groundbreaking new scalpels like the harmonic scalpel (using ultrasound waves) and microwave-coagulating scalpel, which seal bleeding blood vessels as they cut... cryosurgery, which freezes (and thus destroys) the tissue that would normally be cut out... the gamma knife, which uses precision radiation to destroy tumors or abnormal vessels... and relatively new "cell saver" machines that collect the small amount of blood lost during these surgeries or after, clean it and return it to the patient.These technologies are so efficient that, according to Patricia A. Ford, MD, medical director of The Center for Bloodless Medicine and Surgery at Pennsylvania Hospital in Philadelphia, even complex surgeries can now be done without transfused blood. "More complex surgeries can be performed, such as open heart surgeries, liver transplants, even orthopedic procedures, which are normally quite bloody," she explains. "We've not yet encountered any particular type of elective surgery that cannot use these technologies." (Note the word "elective," however. Even Dr. Ford says that, in acute trauma situations, blood transfusions may be the only life-saving options available.)
BACKERS OF BLOODLESS
Bloodless surgery isn't exactly new, as the techniques and related technologies have been used and developed for more than a decade, partly for the benefit of Jehovah's Witnesses, whose religious beliefs prevent them from accepting blood transfusions. But there are other groups who support the development of bloodless surgery, as well. "There are individuals who will decline transfusions for various reasons," explains Dr. Ford. "including the fear of infection and other complications. But doctors also request bloodless surgery for their patients, because they recognize there's still a risk associated with transfusions and they want to be able to offer their patients alternatives."Another reason bloodless surgery is vital is the shortage of donated blood. The American Red Cross, for example, faces an increasing number of blood-supply shortages each year as the whole population lives longer and more elective and necessary surgeries are performed. "They suspect that, within the next 10 or so years, we're not going to be able to meet the needs of our population for elective procedures," says Dr. Ford. "These blood products are becoming increasingly unavailable." And bloodless surgery provides a solution to the shortage so that necessary surgeries that may call for donated blood can still be done, with minimal impact on overall blood supply
FEW RISKS -- AND BIG SAVINGS"
Personally, I think there are very few risks with bloodless surgery," says Dr. Ford. The biggest risk, obviously, is blood loss. But healthy adults can usually lose up to 20% of their normal blood volume without suffering permanent damage to vital organs, and the technology mentioned above minimizes the risk of massive bleeds. Still, the risk of excessive bleeding is something to consider and talk to a surgeon about -- Are you willing to receive a transfusion if the need arises? Fortunately, such complications are rare. When Dr. Ford compared bloodless surgery patients to those who received traditional surgery, she found that the bloodless surgery patients not only didn't have an increased mortality risk, but they actually had shorter stays in the hospital. The bloodless procedures even reduced the overall costs associated with surgery, which isn't hard to understand as the per-unit cost of blood often hovers between $200 and $500. While there is a cost to the equipment, and likely to training, you don't need a special surgeon -- any surgeon can use the equipment -- so the costs are not ongoing. So, overall, and especially over time, there is a savings due to the shorter hospital stays and less blood use. "Hospital administrators are increasingly interested in this," says Dr. Ford. "Many hospitals have a $2 million or $3 million budget for blood... even a 10% reduction in blood use can really have a significant impact."
WORK TO BE DONE
Solid research -- including significant large-scale clinical trials -- into each of the various forms of bloodless surgery has yet to be conducted or evaluated, says Dr. Ford. She admits that it's the next step proponents of bloodless surgery need to take, if they hope to further promote their blood-saving methodologies. "There are over 120 bloodless surgery centers across the country that have been operating independently," she explains. "We need to pool our data and information and publish the results if we want to change the standard of care." That work is underway -- and the face of surgery is changing.
If you're interested in bloodless surgery and want to find a hospital near you, visit the Society for the Advancement of Blood Management Web site at www.sabm.org... and, talk to your doctor about your surgery options.
When my brother had major surgery a number of years ago, a significant decision prior to the surgery was whether or not to donate some of his own blood for fear of needing a transfusion. But what if that extra blood wasn't a necessary part of the equation? What if new surgical techniques, new equipment and a better understanding of the body's reliance on hemoglobin meant that many surgeries -- especially elective surgeries -- no longer required transfusions of donated blood? Sound unrealistic? Guess again. The truth is, bloodless surgery is a reality that's gaining popularity among surgeons and patients alike. And its definitely something you need to know about.
HOW IT WORKS
Technology has paved the way for bloodless surgery -- it simply wouldn't be an option without some of the cutting-edge instruments and surgical techniques currently available. This includes minimally invasive surgeries such as extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy, which uses high-energy sound waves to break up kidney stones. Bloodless surgery also may involve groundbreaking new scalpels like the harmonic scalpel (using ultrasound waves) and microwave-coagulating scalpel, which seal bleeding blood vessels as they cut... cryosurgery, which freezes (and thus destroys) the tissue that would normally be cut out... the gamma knife, which uses precision radiation to destroy tumors or abnormal vessels... and relatively new "cell saver" machines that collect the small amount of blood lost during these surgeries or after, clean it and return it to the patient.These technologies are so efficient that, according to Patricia A. Ford, MD, medical director of The Center for Bloodless Medicine and Surgery at Pennsylvania Hospital in Philadelphia, even complex surgeries can now be done without transfused blood. "More complex surgeries can be performed, such as open heart surgeries, liver transplants, even orthopedic procedures, which are normally quite bloody," she explains. "We've not yet encountered any particular type of elective surgery that cannot use these technologies." (Note the word "elective," however. Even Dr. Ford says that, in acute trauma situations, blood transfusions may be the only life-saving options available.)
BACKERS OF BLOODLESS
Bloodless surgery isn't exactly new, as the techniques and related technologies have been used and developed for more than a decade, partly for the benefit of Jehovah's Witnesses, whose religious beliefs prevent them from accepting blood transfusions. But there are other groups who support the development of bloodless surgery, as well. "There are individuals who will decline transfusions for various reasons," explains Dr. Ford. "including the fear of infection and other complications. But doctors also request bloodless surgery for their patients, because they recognize there's still a risk associated with transfusions and they want to be able to offer their patients alternatives."Another reason bloodless surgery is vital is the shortage of donated blood. The American Red Cross, for example, faces an increasing number of blood-supply shortages each year as the whole population lives longer and more elective and necessary surgeries are performed. "They suspect that, within the next 10 or so years, we're not going to be able to meet the needs of our population for elective procedures," says Dr. Ford. "These blood products are becoming increasingly unavailable." And bloodless surgery provides a solution to the shortage so that necessary surgeries that may call for donated blood can still be done, with minimal impact on overall blood supply
FEW RISKS -- AND BIG SAVINGS"
Personally, I think there are very few risks with bloodless surgery," says Dr. Ford. The biggest risk, obviously, is blood loss. But healthy adults can usually lose up to 20% of their normal blood volume without suffering permanent damage to vital organs, and the technology mentioned above minimizes the risk of massive bleeds. Still, the risk of excessive bleeding is something to consider and talk to a surgeon about -- Are you willing to receive a transfusion if the need arises? Fortunately, such complications are rare. When Dr. Ford compared bloodless surgery patients to those who received traditional surgery, she found that the bloodless surgery patients not only didn't have an increased mortality risk, but they actually had shorter stays in the hospital. The bloodless procedures even reduced the overall costs associated with surgery, which isn't hard to understand as the per-unit cost of blood often hovers between $200 and $500. While there is a cost to the equipment, and likely to training, you don't need a special surgeon -- any surgeon can use the equipment -- so the costs are not ongoing. So, overall, and especially over time, there is a savings due to the shorter hospital stays and less blood use. "Hospital administrators are increasingly interested in this," says Dr. Ford. "Many hospitals have a $2 million or $3 million budget for blood... even a 10% reduction in blood use can really have a significant impact."
WORK TO BE DONE
Solid research -- including significant large-scale clinical trials -- into each of the various forms of bloodless surgery has yet to be conducted or evaluated, says Dr. Ford. She admits that it's the next step proponents of bloodless surgery need to take, if they hope to further promote their blood-saving methodologies. "There are over 120 bloodless surgery centers across the country that have been operating independently," she explains. "We need to pool our data and information and publish the results if we want to change the standard of care." That work is underway -- and the face of surgery is changing.
If you're interested in bloodless surgery and want to find a hospital near you, visit the Society for the Advancement of Blood Management Web site at www.sabm.org... and, talk to your doctor about your surgery options.
Tuesday, March 06, 2007
Rising Health costs
"What's Behind the Rise in Health Care Costs?
Americans are more than aware of the critical flaws in the system. Canadians should be as well. How informed are you? Indifferent-You will only become aware when you need it and then it will be too late. Pre-emptive health is a solid alternative QJ
What's Behind the Rise in
Health Care Costs?
A recent article in The Wall Street Journal caught my eye: "Health-Care Premiums Rise 7.7%, Outpacing Wages and Inflation" -- that's more than double the rate of inflation. And, frighteningly, the rise in health care costs is actually low compared with the fact that insurance costs have been averaging double or triple inflation for several years. I know the debate over rising health care has been a hot topic in Washington, DC, for years, but thought Charles B. Inlander, founder of the People's Medical Society, could further shed some light on the problem.
How did we get to this point and what can we do about it? Inlander offered an explanation and -- even though this is a complicated situation with no easy solutions -- a few coping tips that we can use as individuals to rein in our own runaway costs.
A HEALTH CARE SYSTEM IN DISARRAY
The numbers are grim. The US spends twice as much money per capita on medical care as any other industrialized country, yet we tend to have worse results with infant mortality, disease-free life expectancy, cancer rates, hospital infections, drug errors and many other health care measurements. We spend more, and we get less. This is because of rampant waste and inefficiency in our health care system, says Inlander.
According to a survey conducted by the The Commonwealth Fund (www.cmwf.org), a private foundation that supports independent research on health care issues, Americans are more than aware of the critical flaws in the system. Three out of four adults said that the health care system "needs either fundamental change or complete rebuilding." More than one third of respondents reported that they had received poorly coordinated, inefficient or unsafe care at some time during the past two years. This included unnecessary treatments, duplicate tests, drug or lab test errors and failure to provide test results or other important medical information.
NUMBER OF UNINSURED AMERICANS AT AN ALL-TIME HIGH
Sad to say, the problem is getting worse, not better. Employers are reacting to rocketing health care costs by reducing or dropping health care benefits for workers, adding to the growing ranks of the uninsured. The percentage of moderate-income Americans who lack health insurance for at least part of one year rose from 28% in 2001 to 41% in 2005... more than half of Americans with incomes of less than $20,000 a year have reported being uninsured for some or all of 2005. Many of the uninsured are children, with their numbers rising from 7.9 million in 2004 to 8.3 million in 2005. People without insurance are less likely to have a regular doctor or get important screening tests such as mammograms. According to the Institute of Medicine, approximately 18,000 Americans die prematurely each year because they have no health insurance.
This is why Inlander feels we're eventually going to end up with national health insurance. But is national health insurance the solution? Would offloading the expense of medical care to the government address the inefficiencies in the system? Or would this just guarantee payment for them? Whatever the future holds, here's what you can do now.
WHAT YOU CAN DO
While the politicians bicker about how to fix the rising health care costs, there are steps that we can take as individuals to keep a lid on our own medical expenses. Inlander recommends the following...
Use generic prescription drugs, which have been on the market longer. Not only are these less expensive, they are equally effective as brand name drugs and have a longer track record for safety.
Negotiate fees. Don't assume you have to pay the posted fees. Many physicians will be flexible depending on your circumstances, and may waive fees for repeat visits. For example, if your physician tells you to come back in for a blood pressure check or to examine your child's ears after an infection, say you're not coming back if you get charged again.
Shop around for the most economical health care plan that fits the needs of your family. You can learn more about how to choose a health plan at Web sites such as www.ahrq.gov/consumer/hlthpln1.htm and www.covertheuninsured.org.
Daily Health News contributing editor Andrew L. Rubman, ND, recommends that his patients focus on another important aspect of "beating health care costs" -- stay healthy through a focus on creating wellness in their lives. Whereas the mainstream medical community is geared toward symptom suppression through pharmacy, naturopathic practitioners work with patients to maximize their body's function and help it avoid disease... and in turn this reduces unnecessary health care costs. Whether or not your insurance company covers these visits, you may well find a better return on your investment with an ND. (natural doctor)
Americans are more than aware of the critical flaws in the system. Canadians should be as well. How informed are you? Indifferent-You will only become aware when you need it and then it will be too late. Pre-emptive health is a solid alternative QJ
What's Behind the Rise in
Health Care Costs?
A recent article in The Wall Street Journal caught my eye: "Health-Care Premiums Rise 7.7%, Outpacing Wages and Inflation" -- that's more than double the rate of inflation. And, frighteningly, the rise in health care costs is actually low compared with the fact that insurance costs have been averaging double or triple inflation for several years. I know the debate over rising health care has been a hot topic in Washington, DC, for years, but thought Charles B. Inlander, founder of the People's Medical Society, could further shed some light on the problem.
How did we get to this point and what can we do about it? Inlander offered an explanation and -- even though this is a complicated situation with no easy solutions -- a few coping tips that we can use as individuals to rein in our own runaway costs.
A HEALTH CARE SYSTEM IN DISARRAY
The numbers are grim. The US spends twice as much money per capita on medical care as any other industrialized country, yet we tend to have worse results with infant mortality, disease-free life expectancy, cancer rates, hospital infections, drug errors and many other health care measurements. We spend more, and we get less. This is because of rampant waste and inefficiency in our health care system, says Inlander.
According to a survey conducted by the The Commonwealth Fund (www.cmwf.org), a private foundation that supports independent research on health care issues, Americans are more than aware of the critical flaws in the system. Three out of four adults said that the health care system "needs either fundamental change or complete rebuilding." More than one third of respondents reported that they had received poorly coordinated, inefficient or unsafe care at some time during the past two years. This included unnecessary treatments, duplicate tests, drug or lab test errors and failure to provide test results or other important medical information.
NUMBER OF UNINSURED AMERICANS AT AN ALL-TIME HIGH
Sad to say, the problem is getting worse, not better. Employers are reacting to rocketing health care costs by reducing or dropping health care benefits for workers, adding to the growing ranks of the uninsured. The percentage of moderate-income Americans who lack health insurance for at least part of one year rose from 28% in 2001 to 41% in 2005... more than half of Americans with incomes of less than $20,000 a year have reported being uninsured for some or all of 2005. Many of the uninsured are children, with their numbers rising from 7.9 million in 2004 to 8.3 million in 2005. People without insurance are less likely to have a regular doctor or get important screening tests such as mammograms. According to the Institute of Medicine, approximately 18,000 Americans die prematurely each year because they have no health insurance.
This is why Inlander feels we're eventually going to end up with national health insurance. But is national health insurance the solution? Would offloading the expense of medical care to the government address the inefficiencies in the system? Or would this just guarantee payment for them? Whatever the future holds, here's what you can do now.
WHAT YOU CAN DO
While the politicians bicker about how to fix the rising health care costs, there are steps that we can take as individuals to keep a lid on our own medical expenses. Inlander recommends the following...
Use generic prescription drugs, which have been on the market longer. Not only are these less expensive, they are equally effective as brand name drugs and have a longer track record for safety.
Negotiate fees. Don't assume you have to pay the posted fees. Many physicians will be flexible depending on your circumstances, and may waive fees for repeat visits. For example, if your physician tells you to come back in for a blood pressure check or to examine your child's ears after an infection, say you're not coming back if you get charged again.
Shop around for the most economical health care plan that fits the needs of your family. You can learn more about how to choose a health plan at Web sites such as www.ahrq.gov/consumer/hlthpln1.htm and www.covertheuninsured.org.
Daily Health News contributing editor Andrew L. Rubman, ND, recommends that his patients focus on another important aspect of "beating health care costs" -- stay healthy through a focus on creating wellness in their lives. Whereas the mainstream medical community is geared toward symptom suppression through pharmacy, naturopathic practitioners work with patients to maximize their body's function and help it avoid disease... and in turn this reduces unnecessary health care costs. Whether or not your insurance company covers these visits, you may well find a better return on your investment with an ND. (natural doctor)
Saturday, March 03, 2007
For the love of dogs - 50Plus.com
For the love of dogs - 50Plus.com: "For the love of dogs
Article By: Cynthia Ross Cravit
A new UK study shows what many dog lovers already know: owning a dog is good for you.
The joy of companionship is only one benefit of dog ownership.
Yet another study has shown that dog owners are generally healthier than non-pet owners. Having a dog in the family can lower your blood pressure and cholesterol. It can also prevent you from becoming ill and help you recover more quickly when you do.
And dogs can even warn of cancer, heart attack, epileptic seizures and hypoglycemia, says Dr. Deborah Wells a senior lecturer from the Canine Behaviour Centre of Queens University in Northern Ireland.
Dr. Wells, whose study was published in the British Journal of Health Psychology, reviewed research papers that explore the link between dog ownership and human well-being. She also reviewed research on a dog's effect on a person's psychological health, including the therapeutic role of dogs in helping the disabled and people in hospitals, prisons and residential homes.
An Israeli study reported it was likely that animal companions helped people with schizophrenia feel motivated and calmer. And another UK study suggested that canine companionship aided children with chronic illnesses endure painful treatments.
A study conducted back in 1985 found that dog owners had a higher one year survival rate after a heart attack compared to people who did not have a dog.
A buffer for stress
What is it about dog ownership that makes us healthier? Dr. Wells says it's because the human-dog bond helps to reduce stress – a well-known cause of illness – and promotes general well-being. Owning a dog leads to increased physical activity and can facilitate increased social contact, both of which"
Article By: Cynthia Ross Cravit
A new UK study shows what many dog lovers already know: owning a dog is good for you.
The joy of companionship is only one benefit of dog ownership.
Yet another study has shown that dog owners are generally healthier than non-pet owners. Having a dog in the family can lower your blood pressure and cholesterol. It can also prevent you from becoming ill and help you recover more quickly when you do.
And dogs can even warn of cancer, heart attack, epileptic seizures and hypoglycemia, says Dr. Deborah Wells a senior lecturer from the Canine Behaviour Centre of Queens University in Northern Ireland.
Dr. Wells, whose study was published in the British Journal of Health Psychology, reviewed research papers that explore the link between dog ownership and human well-being. She also reviewed research on a dog's effect on a person's psychological health, including the therapeutic role of dogs in helping the disabled and people in hospitals, prisons and residential homes.
An Israeli study reported it was likely that animal companions helped people with schizophrenia feel motivated and calmer. And another UK study suggested that canine companionship aided children with chronic illnesses endure painful treatments.
A study conducted back in 1985 found that dog owners had a higher one year survival rate after a heart attack compared to people who did not have a dog.
A buffer for stress
What is it about dog ownership that makes us healthier? Dr. Wells says it's because the human-dog bond helps to reduce stress – a well-known cause of illness – and promotes general well-being. Owning a dog leads to increased physical activity and can facilitate increased social contact, both of which"
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