When the new healthcare bill came to light, I wondered what the American Medical Association (AMA) thought of this overhaul to our healthcare system. I wanted to know what the doctor population in America thought of the changes coming, since in my opinion, they are in the trenches and see a lot of things everyone else does not see.
What I found was alarming.
Apparently the AMA has a vested interest in the new healthcare bill. The coding system that ALL doctors, hospitals, etc., are required to use is owned by the AMA. Which lead me to wonder, "is the AMA working for the best interest of the medical professionals, or for themselves?".
After doing more research, I came across an organization called Docs4PatientCare (www.docs4patientcare.org), and their main goal is to preserve the doctor-patient relationship. As an American who uses medical care in the United States, I was almost relieved at finding a group of doctors fighting to keep the government out of the doctor patient relationship. These are doctors that are concerned about patient rights! They are concerned about the new bill giving doctors free reign to turn down care for a patient in need.
I hope you take a moment to peruse the Docs4PatientCare website. There is some valuable information from Americans who have taken oath to do the right thing when it comes to medical care and patients.
Friday, March 30, 2012
Wednesday, March 28, 2012
"I Can't Believe This is Happening to Me!"
My Journey As An Ostomate, by Deborah Conaway, Member of United Ostomy Association of Metro Denver, March/April 2012 Ostomy Association of Metro Denver, Inc., Newsletter
The unbelievable had just happened. The words my doctors said, "You will have to undergo surgery to have a colostomy." No! this wasn't happening to me. Just seven months earlier, I had surgery for Rectal Prolapse, and was told it would 'NEVER' reoccur! And now, it had prolapsed again, and I was told 'Colostomy' was the only remedy. I was stunned, to say the least. Colostomy - What does this mean? I was afraid. I was embarrassed. I was ashamed. First I cried, and then I tried to understand and cope with the diagnosis. I didn't have Cancer, I didn't have Crohns or Colitis, no even IBD; I had a non-functional sphincter muscle and nerve, along with chronic IBS that left me fecally incontinent. Here I was - 51 yrs. old - facing diapers, or a bag! WOW! I thought, I wish I had cancer, it would be an easier decision. But it wasn't cancer. After much prayer, and talks with my husband and surgeon, it was decided - the surgery was scheduled. I had no clue what was about to happen, not only to my body, but to my life. It would forever be changed.
The Surgery
I was so numb, when I woke up to see my dear husband of 21 years, next to me, as well as a 'new opening' in my stomach that wasn't there before; attached was a bag, and of course many staples on my abdomen. It seemed like I was there forever, but I was home in five days. I had a visiting nurse (who became my lifeline) for a few weeks, as she began to teach me how to care for this 'thing that stuck out of my body'. I hated it, I just knew that everyone could smell it. I just knew that everyone would be as disgusted by it, I was disgusted by it. My husband, a nurse, my soul mate, surely saw me in a different light - at least I thought he did. He, of all people, understood that I was too ashamed to show it to him. In a very painful way - I was alone, very alone, and felt like I carried a dark secret. A secret that I didn't feel I could share. For the longest time, I hid myself from the world, from my church family, my dearest friends and my family. I couldn't bring myself to let anyone see me, I felt different; and I thought I'd be treated differently.
Learning My New Body
My life routines were all to change very quickly. Things I took for granted were changing - and changing in a big way. No longer could I leave my home without my 'supplies' for those 'just-in-case-of-an-accident' times. I was very aware of my body, and decided to wear extra large clothing to cover what I was sure everyone could see. There were the noises, I heard gas (over which I had no control) and was certain everyone around me could hear these noises too. I clung to my visiting nurse. She could do in five minutes what was taking me 45 minutes. Of course, after time, she had to sign off, and then I really felt alone. I had so many accidents and things happen that I just didn't know how to handle. I cried many tears during this time. However, I really had no choice but to go on, buck up, and learn to care for myself. After a few months, I could change my bag within ten minutes or so, and I have to admit I'm still learning. Still making mistakes, not as many, but they don't have the same effect on me. After all, I hadn't changed, my soul hadn't changed, my spirit hadn't changed - my body changed! It didn't define me, it hadn't changed me. It became a part of me. It 'is' a part of me. In time I will learn to appreciate what it has added to my life.
So much information was available to me! I called the local support group, and talked to Steve Johnson, (the President) who took at least 45 minutes of his precious time to talk and share with me. He, too, had a colostomy. Hearing him talk openly of something I was so ashamed of was very comforting. He encouraged me to attend a meeting, and meet others who have also been there and who are currently there. The support group was invaluable to me! There were others, others who had experienced my same thoughts and feelings. They were willing to share their stories, which, in turn, helped me to share mine, and continue to do so. In hindsight, I wish I would have gone to the group prior to my surgery.
A member of my support group adds the following quote:
"From the first meeting I went to before my surgery I have been so blessed to meet such open, honest and caring people who I can share my worries, concerns & triumphs of my ostomy. I can't imagine going through this journey without all of them. One can't possibly go to a meeting and feel like you don't fit in. Not only does it feel good to go and get advice, but I think it feels even better to go and give to someone just starting out on the journey."
******
For More information on Ostomy Support Groups please visit www.ostomy.org
The unbelievable had just happened. The words my doctors said, "You will have to undergo surgery to have a colostomy." No! this wasn't happening to me. Just seven months earlier, I had surgery for Rectal Prolapse, and was told it would 'NEVER' reoccur! And now, it had prolapsed again, and I was told 'Colostomy' was the only remedy. I was stunned, to say the least. Colostomy - What does this mean? I was afraid. I was embarrassed. I was ashamed. First I cried, and then I tried to understand and cope with the diagnosis. I didn't have Cancer, I didn't have Crohns or Colitis, no even IBD; I had a non-functional sphincter muscle and nerve, along with chronic IBS that left me fecally incontinent. Here I was - 51 yrs. old - facing diapers, or a bag! WOW! I thought, I wish I had cancer, it would be an easier decision. But it wasn't cancer. After much prayer, and talks with my husband and surgeon, it was decided - the surgery was scheduled. I had no clue what was about to happen, not only to my body, but to my life. It would forever be changed.
The Surgery
I was so numb, when I woke up to see my dear husband of 21 years, next to me, as well as a 'new opening' in my stomach that wasn't there before; attached was a bag, and of course many staples on my abdomen. It seemed like I was there forever, but I was home in five days. I had a visiting nurse (who became my lifeline) for a few weeks, as she began to teach me how to care for this 'thing that stuck out of my body'. I hated it, I just knew that everyone could smell it. I just knew that everyone would be as disgusted by it, I was disgusted by it. My husband, a nurse, my soul mate, surely saw me in a different light - at least I thought he did. He, of all people, understood that I was too ashamed to show it to him. In a very painful way - I was alone, very alone, and felt like I carried a dark secret. A secret that I didn't feel I could share. For the longest time, I hid myself from the world, from my church family, my dearest friends and my family. I couldn't bring myself to let anyone see me, I felt different; and I thought I'd be treated differently.
Learning My New Body
My life routines were all to change very quickly. Things I took for granted were changing - and changing in a big way. No longer could I leave my home without my 'supplies' for those 'just-in-case-of-an-accident' times. I was very aware of my body, and decided to wear extra large clothing to cover what I was sure everyone could see. There were the noises, I heard gas (over which I had no control) and was certain everyone around me could hear these noises too. I clung to my visiting nurse. She could do in five minutes what was taking me 45 minutes. Of course, after time, she had to sign off, and then I really felt alone. I had so many accidents and things happen that I just didn't know how to handle. I cried many tears during this time. However, I really had no choice but to go on, buck up, and learn to care for myself. After a few months, I could change my bag within ten minutes or so, and I have to admit I'm still learning. Still making mistakes, not as many, but they don't have the same effect on me. After all, I hadn't changed, my soul hadn't changed, my spirit hadn't changed - my body changed! It didn't define me, it hadn't changed me. It became a part of me. It 'is' a part of me. In time I will learn to appreciate what it has added to my life.
So much information was available to me! I called the local support group, and talked to Steve Johnson, (the President) who took at least 45 minutes of his precious time to talk and share with me. He, too, had a colostomy. Hearing him talk openly of something I was so ashamed of was very comforting. He encouraged me to attend a meeting, and meet others who have also been there and who are currently there. The support group was invaluable to me! There were others, others who had experienced my same thoughts and feelings. They were willing to share their stories, which, in turn, helped me to share mine, and continue to do so. In hindsight, I wish I would have gone to the group prior to my surgery.
A member of my support group adds the following quote:
"From the first meeting I went to before my surgery I have been so blessed to meet such open, honest and caring people who I can share my worries, concerns & triumphs of my ostomy. I can't imagine going through this journey without all of them. One can't possibly go to a meeting and feel like you don't fit in. Not only does it feel good to go and get advice, but I think it feels even better to go and give to someone just starting out on the journey."
******
For More information on Ostomy Support Groups please visit www.ostomy.org
Thursday, March 22, 2012
Nova Turning Knee Cruiser - Purchase or Rent?
“I’m going to have ankle surgery and want an easier way to get around than using crutches.”
GOOD NEWS! We offer the Nova Turning Knee Cruiser!
This handy device takes all of the pressure off of your ankle or foot and you wont get sore underarms from using crutches.
We SELL and RENT!
PURCHASE
NOTKC-8
$375.00
RENT
By the Week - $40/week
By the Month - $85/month
Friday, March 16, 2012
10 ways you know you’re a home health nurse!
Is your car your office? If you’re nodding your head, you just might be a home health nurse! Here are top 10 telltale signs that you’re definitely a home health nurse (wink wink).
Top 10 ways you know you’re a home health nurse…
10. You carry a virtual clinic in your work vehicle and could easily respond solo to a small disaster.
9. You’re greeted by patients’ pets and given the “lick of approval” before entering the residence.
8. Duct tape, bug spray, jumper cables and toilet tissue are as much a part of your supplies as your stethoscope.
7. You know the best little “mom and pop” diners, coffee shops and watering holes that have Wi-Fi out in the “boonies.”
6. You have all the clean restrooms and isolated fields pinned on your GPS for emergency pit stops.
5. You have superior assessment skills and the ability to improvise, adapt and overcome in any situation.
4. You carry your own fold-up stool or chair and always (politely, of course) decline any food or drink that is offered by the patient or family.
3. You do NOT own a pair of white scrub pants and your favorite colors are dark and don’t show dirt.
2. You firmly believe ALL medical residents should spend a few months riding with a home care nurse to understand how their patients live when not in the hospital.
1. You know precisely where your cell phone will lose its signal and time your calls accordingly.
Home health nurses, what would you add to this list?
Source: www.scrubsmag.com
Top 10 ways you know you’re a home health nurse…
10. You carry a virtual clinic in your work vehicle and could easily respond solo to a small disaster.
9. You’re greeted by patients’ pets and given the “lick of approval” before entering the residence.
8. Duct tape, bug spray, jumper cables and toilet tissue are as much a part of your supplies as your stethoscope.
7. You know the best little “mom and pop” diners, coffee shops and watering holes that have Wi-Fi out in the “boonies.”
6. You have all the clean restrooms and isolated fields pinned on your GPS for emergency pit stops.
5. You have superior assessment skills and the ability to improvise, adapt and overcome in any situation.
4. You carry your own fold-up stool or chair and always (politely, of course) decline any food or drink that is offered by the patient or family.
3. You do NOT own a pair of white scrub pants and your favorite colors are dark and don’t show dirt.
2. You firmly believe ALL medical residents should spend a few months riding with a home care nurse to understand how their patients live when not in the hospital.
1. You know precisely where your cell phone will lose its signal and time your calls accordingly.
Home health nurses, what would you add to this list?
Source: www.scrubsmag.com
Thursday, March 15, 2012
Personal Hygiene Made Easy
We often get asked about bathing immobile clients and people are amazed at the array of products available to get a person clean from head to toe. Most of these products also work well for camping or traveling too!
Aloe Vesta Rinse Free Bathing Cloths
SQ3255-21 - $3.28/pkg of 8 cloths
ConvaTec Aloe Vesta bathing cloths are a rinse-free skin cleanser and moisturizer.
Enriched with Aloe Vera.
Simple, convenient bathing that is gentle and soothing to the skin.
The soft thick ph balanced washcloths can be warmed in the microwave.
ReadyBath Shampoo Cap
ML-MSC095230 - $2.99/ea
ReadyBath Rinse-Free Shampoo Cap with Conditioner
Lift your patients' spirits by keeping their hair well-groomed. They'll enjoy the massaging action and scalp stimulation from the microwavable heated disposable cap. Easily cleanses the hair of most foreign matter such as iodine and EEG gel. This one-step system is less time consuming than conventional shampooing methods and requires no clean-up. Reduces cost by eliminating laundry and linen replacement while saving valuable nursing time. Sold by the each.
EZ-SHAMPOO Inflatable Bed Shampoo Tray
HCEZ-SHAMP - $24.90/Tray
Inflatable basin fills the need for an easy, refreshing shampoo for patients confined to bed. Conventional drain hose efficiently removes soap suds & water from the basin. Made of heavy duty vinyl and is 24" wide and 20" long. The 8" deep double tube design prevents splashing & spilling.
Oral Swabs, Sage Toothette Disposable Mint
HB5601 - $4.22/pkg of 20
Sage Toothette disposable oral swabs with dentifrice allow gentle cleansing of teeth, mouth, and gums. Mint flavored swabs are individually wrapped.
Aloe Vesta 3-N-1 Foam Cleanser
SQ3252-08 - $9.59/bottle
This cleansing foam is a shampoo, perineal cleanser and body cleanser all in one. Gentle, rinse-free and easy to use.
8oz bottle.
To shop our full line of Personal Hygiene products, visit our website
Aloe Vesta Rinse Free Bathing Cloths
SQ3255-21 - $3.28/pkg of 8 cloths
ConvaTec Aloe Vesta bathing cloths are a rinse-free skin cleanser and moisturizer.
Enriched with Aloe Vera.
Simple, convenient bathing that is gentle and soothing to the skin.
The soft thick ph balanced washcloths can be warmed in the microwave.
ReadyBath Shampoo Cap
ML-MSC095230 - $2.99/ea
ReadyBath Rinse-Free Shampoo Cap with Conditioner
Lift your patients' spirits by keeping their hair well-groomed. They'll enjoy the massaging action and scalp stimulation from the microwavable heated disposable cap. Easily cleanses the hair of most foreign matter such as iodine and EEG gel. This one-step system is less time consuming than conventional shampooing methods and requires no clean-up. Reduces cost by eliminating laundry and linen replacement while saving valuable nursing time. Sold by the each.
EZ-SHAMPOO Inflatable Bed Shampoo Tray
HCEZ-SHAMP - $24.90/Tray
Inflatable basin fills the need for an easy, refreshing shampoo for patients confined to bed. Conventional drain hose efficiently removes soap suds & water from the basin. Made of heavy duty vinyl and is 24" wide and 20" long. The 8" deep double tube design prevents splashing & spilling.
Oral Swabs, Sage Toothette Disposable Mint
HB5601 - $4.22/pkg of 20
Sage Toothette disposable oral swabs with dentifrice allow gentle cleansing of teeth, mouth, and gums. Mint flavored swabs are individually wrapped.
Aloe Vesta 3-N-1 Foam Cleanser
SQ3252-08 - $9.59/bottle
This cleansing foam is a shampoo, perineal cleanser and body cleanser all in one. Gentle, rinse-free and easy to use.
8oz bottle.
To shop our full line of Personal Hygiene products, visit our website
Monday, March 12, 2012
New Shoe Arrivals from Dansko!
Professional Multi Raindrop
Contoured midsole keeps your foot supported and secure, superior shock absorption, anti-fatigue rocker bottom, roomy toe box and more!
LUDA706-080202- $131.99
Professional Vegan Coated Canvas in Blue Vine
100% Animal free made entirely of vegan materials, yet share the exact same construction and frame as the original Professional.
LUDA996-550202 - $121.99
Professional Blue Dot
Contoured midsole keeps your foot supported and secure, superior shock absorption, anti-fatigue rocker bottom, roomy toe box and more!
LUDA506-390202 - $131.99
Wednesday, March 7, 2012
Reminder: DOT SALE GOIN' ON!
If you havent been by, come check out our in-store DOT SALE! Save 25% on ALL scrub items with an orange dot!
Monday, March 5, 2012
Flu and the Importance of Fever
According to the media, flu season is officially in full swing. Did you get your flu shot? Are you not a fan of flu shots? How do you fight the flu when it hits you?
Inevitably, everyone will get the flu, usually several times throughout their lives. According to WebMD, influenza is an extremely contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza A or B viruses, and it attacks the body by spreading through the upper and/or lower respiratory tract. While similar to a cold, the flu is much worse. Both bring a sore throat, coughing, headache, and chest discomfort, but the flu typically has a high fever, fatigue, weakness and more. Plus the flu can lead to pneumonia.
There are a few antiviral medications available over the counter to treat the flu such as Alka-Seltzer or NyQuil, and of course getting plenty of rest and drinking plenty of fluids is always recommended.
While a fever may be worrisome, it is actually a positive bodily response to the virus that has invaded the body. The elevated temperature is essentially the body activating the immune system. Though it is discomforting, it really is natures way of trying to help.
Because the liver is responsible for processing toxins, it makes sense that it would be much too busy to be bothered with the task of digesting food. Great strain can be taken off of the liver if no food is given. It has been suggested that fasting lowers the temperature, relieves the distress and facilitates elimination. It might lessen the strain on the liver and prevent more serious complications. Basically, fasting allows the liver to handle the task at hand, and that is helping your body to get well.
It is suggested that a fast on distilled water, or at least diluted fruit or vegetable juices, should be continued for twenty-four hours after the temperature has returned to normal. A good rule to remember is that the bowel can be cleared of toxins in twenty-four hours; the blood in three days; the liver in five days, providing only liquid nutrition is provided.
It is also suggested that an adult with a fever of 102F or lower should not suppress a fever with anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as aspirin or ibuprofen. Of course you should always consult your physician.
The old saying “starve a fever, feed a cold” does loosely represent sound medical advice, according to dukehealth.org. When sick with the flu, you probably wont feel like eating anyway since loss of appetite is your body’s natural defense mechanism for fevers, as it helps the immune system focus its energy on fighting pathogens. Adding fluids can only help fight the fever. Feeding a cold is simply a matter of keeping your nutrient levels up while the virus runs its course.
Lastly, since it is flu season, it is important to remember good hygiene when you are sick. Wash your hands often, cover your mouth when you cough, and use instant hand sanitizer for times when soap and water are not readily available. Remember that we don't know who may have ailments that would have disastrous consequences should they contract colds or flu. If you can, stay home from work or away from public places to help reduce the spread of infection.
Source: webmd.com; Gary Krasner, Chicken Pox: Why Do Children Die?, Jan 1999, Well Beings; http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/fever/ID00052; www.dukehealth.org
Inevitably, everyone will get the flu, usually several times throughout their lives. According to WebMD, influenza is an extremely contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza A or B viruses, and it attacks the body by spreading through the upper and/or lower respiratory tract. While similar to a cold, the flu is much worse. Both bring a sore throat, coughing, headache, and chest discomfort, but the flu typically has a high fever, fatigue, weakness and more. Plus the flu can lead to pneumonia.
There are a few antiviral medications available over the counter to treat the flu such as Alka-Seltzer or NyQuil, and of course getting plenty of rest and drinking plenty of fluids is always recommended.
While a fever may be worrisome, it is actually a positive bodily response to the virus that has invaded the body. The elevated temperature is essentially the body activating the immune system. Though it is discomforting, it really is natures way of trying to help.
Because the liver is responsible for processing toxins, it makes sense that it would be much too busy to be bothered with the task of digesting food. Great strain can be taken off of the liver if no food is given. It has been suggested that fasting lowers the temperature, relieves the distress and facilitates elimination. It might lessen the strain on the liver and prevent more serious complications. Basically, fasting allows the liver to handle the task at hand, and that is helping your body to get well.
It is suggested that a fast on distilled water, or at least diluted fruit or vegetable juices, should be continued for twenty-four hours after the temperature has returned to normal. A good rule to remember is that the bowel can be cleared of toxins in twenty-four hours; the blood in three days; the liver in five days, providing only liquid nutrition is provided.
It is also suggested that an adult with a fever of 102F or lower should not suppress a fever with anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as aspirin or ibuprofen. Of course you should always consult your physician.
The old saying “starve a fever, feed a cold” does loosely represent sound medical advice, according to dukehealth.org. When sick with the flu, you probably wont feel like eating anyway since loss of appetite is your body’s natural defense mechanism for fevers, as it helps the immune system focus its energy on fighting pathogens. Adding fluids can only help fight the fever. Feeding a cold is simply a matter of keeping your nutrient levels up while the virus runs its course.
Lastly, since it is flu season, it is important to remember good hygiene when you are sick. Wash your hands often, cover your mouth when you cough, and use instant hand sanitizer for times when soap and water are not readily available. Remember that we don't know who may have ailments that would have disastrous consequences should they contract colds or flu. If you can, stay home from work or away from public places to help reduce the spread of infection.
Source: webmd.com; Gary Krasner, Chicken Pox: Why Do Children Die?, Jan 1999, Well Beings; http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/fever/ID00052; www.dukehealth.org
Thursday, March 1, 2012
DOT SALE Starts Today!
Our in-store Dot Sale starts today, March 1st!! Be sure to come in and take advantage of the 25% OFF savings! Hurry, only while supplies last!
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