Those complaints are finally being taken seriously, as poor communication is increasingly understood to be at the root of many of health cares failures a€”and a leading culprit in rising costs. Research shows that when doctors don’€™t listen to patients, they miss important health cues and misdiagnose illness. Meanwhile, patients who dona€™t understand what their doctors say fail to follow their regimens, leading to preventable hospitalizations, complications and poor outcomes.There are more challenges than ever in today’s healthcare environment. Limited appointment time, the ability of patients to do their own research which then needs to be discussed with practitioners, and the numbers of patients who are undiagnosed or misdiagnosed; these challenges and others make effective communications between patients and their practitioners more important than ever.

It’s very easy to be intimidated by physicians. They know a lot more about medicine than we do. Many people have the impression that physicians are too busy and don’t seem to have enough time to talk with patients. And there are usually more people waiting to see the doctor. However, communication with your doctor should not be a task. Rather, it should come naturally. After all, you are trusting this person with your health, and there are several steps you can take to help this problem. “Try to be a good consumer of heath care,” You’re paying for the service, and the physician should really have the mind-set that you are a customer. When your doctor asks you how you feel, be specific and let him or her know what is wrong. Don’t just tell your doctor you have a stomachache. Say you have a sharp pain on the right side of your lower abdomen after you eat a large meal. The more specific you are, the better your doctor can understand your problem and begin treatment. Include your personal medical history as well as your family’s medical history.

If you’re not satisfied with your doctor visit, tell your doctor. If you are unhappy about how you are treated by any member of the staff, say so. If you’re unhappy with your doctor, find a different doctor. Your doctor doesn’t have to be your friend, but he or she should be someone who will listen to you and answer your questions. Of course, understanding your best medical options depends on getting complete and accurate information from your health-care provider, being referred when necessary to the right specialist, and seamless communication all-around. That’s where some of the other principles come in. The more that people and their health-care providers work together on these principles, the better care everyone will get. If consumers continue to be dismissed and/or intimidated by the medical profession, and clinicians are so busy that they cannot take the time to listen or don’t know how to, then all sense of communication and connection needed will be impossible. This is sure to result in misdiagnosis, self-diagnosis, needless worsening of medical conditions, avoidance of health care altogether and other serious consequences.

Healthcare workers typically work off-shifts and long hours to provide vital services to society around the clock. These demanding schedules can lead to difficulties with sleep because of the need to sleep at irregular times and at times that are out of phase with normal rhythms. This misalignment of sleep with circadian rhythms leads to trouble with falling asleep, more arousals during sleep, and early awakenings leading to poorer sleep quality and shorter sleep duration. Furthermore, sleep duration may be shortened by insufficient time between work shifts and the competing demands of work and personal life. Economic pressures could force healthcare workers to seek second jobs, extra shifts, or longer hours, leaving even less time for them to sleep.

The Joint Commission also suggests that health care organizations encourage teamwork as a strategy to support staff who work extended work shifts or hours. For example, use a system of independent second checks for critical tasks or complex patients. Also, organizations should consider fatigue as a potentially contributing factor when reviewing all adverse events, and educate employees on the importance of good sleep habits, including ensuring their rest environment is conducive to sleepingrevious alerts have addressed diagnostic imaging risks, violence in health care facilities, health care technology, anticoagulants, and medication mix-ups. The complete list and text of past issues of Sentinel Event Alert can be found at www.jointcommission.org.

The Joint Commission suggested examining processes related to hand-offs, which are high-risk and may not be carried out as well by fatigued staff, and creating teamwork strategies to double-check each other on critical tasks or complex patients. The accrediting body also recommended creating a fatigue-management plan, providing uninterrupted coverage of responsibilities and educating staff members about good sleep habits and the effects of fatigue on patient safety.The sleep environment should be dark and quiet, so the resting nurse can fall and stay asleep, without interruptions, And nurses who have difficulty sleeping should consult a sleep specialist. A hospital’s fatigue-management plan, according to The Joint Commission, may include strategies for fighting fatigue, such as engaging in conversation, physical activity, strategic caffeine consumption and short naps.

Although this is an alert directed at individuals working excessively long hours, it is a reminder, and maybe a warning, to take care of ourselves and get proper rest. But be warned that quick fixes will not solve the problem. Clinicians must go back to the basics and ensure they get a good night’s sleep. Lavender may help combat insomnia as can some herbs or melatonin.People need to make time for sleep by cutting out the things in life they least enjoy, “Make the time to give the body what it needs.”

MORE RESOURCES

A heart attack happens when the blood that flows to a section of heart muscle gets blocked. That section of heart muscle begins to die without a quick restoration of blood flow, according to the National Institutes of Health.
Heart attacks are often the result of coronary artery disease, which occurs when a waxy substance called plaque builds up in the coronary artery. The location in the artery involved plays a role. If there’s a huge clot producing such extensive damage that the heart stops beating, it could only take a matter of minutes to be fatal.

Being overweight leads to Type II diabetes and increases in blood pressure and bad cholesterol. Heavy smoking is also a strong risk factor for heart attacks. Refraining from smoking and not becoming obese are key for avoiding heart attacks. If you are obese, make sure your cholesterol and blood pressure are under control. When a person who’s especially young dies of heart problems, such as in their thirties or younger, something other than blockage to the heart may be at work. The heart could be enlarged or thickened, or there may be a congenital abnormality that would cause the person to die suddenly.

Know Your Genetics

High cholesterol, mitral valve prolapse and some cardiac arrhythmias can be inherited. These issues can be diagnosed on routine physical examinations, so if these conditions run in your family, you might want to make sure these tests are included in any testing you get at your next doctor visit.

Lower Your Cholesterol

Know your cholesterol numbers and keep them at a healthy level. High cholesterol is a primary cause of heart disease, so try to keep yours under 200mg/dl. Also exercise regular to keep your metabolism working efficiently and burning fat. This will lessen the workload on your heart.

Watch Your Diet

Eating fried food and too many fast food meals will raise your cholesterol and, in turn, clog your coronary arteries. Aim to consume a healthier daily diet by eating home-cooked meals more often and broiling or grilling food rather than frying it. And, save those fast-food meals for rare occasions.

Heart Attack Symptoms to Look For

• Chest Pain
• Back Pain
• Nausea, indigestion
• Shortness of Breath
• Dizziness, lightheadedness
• Sweating
• Fatigue

Someone suffering a heart attack will typically experience more than one of these symptoms simultaneously. Should you experience any combination of these symptoms, seek medical attention immediately. Keep in mind that these symptoms may lead to a mistaken diagnosis of an anxiety attack or other problem. If you suspect a heart attack, ask to be tested for one. Be smart, speak up, take care of yourself, and remember that you are not invincible, regardless of your age.

Paying for prescription drugs is no longer a problem just for poor people. As the economy continues to struggle, health insurance is shrinking. Employers are requiring workers to pay more of the costs themselves, and many businesses are dropping health benefits altogether. Since prescription drug costs are rising so fast, payers are particularly eager to get out from under them by shifting costs to individuals. The result is that more people have to pay a greater fraction of their drug bills out of pocket. And that packs a wallop. Many of them simply can’t do it. Others, too embarrassed to admit that they can’t afford to pay for drugs, leave their doctors’ offices with prescriptions in hand but don’t have them filled.

Prescription drug companies aren’t putting a lot of resources toward new, groundbreaking medication, according to a recent report in BMJ, a medical journal based in London. Instead, it’s more profitable for them to simply to create a bunch of products that are only slightly different from drugs already on the market, the reports authors said. Sales from these drugs generate steady profits throughout the ups and downs of blockbusters coming off patents.The authors go on to say that for every dollar pharmaceutical companies spend on “basic research,” $19 goes toward promotion and marketing. And what is the most profitable area of drug sales? Psychotropic drugs. Mood altering and behavior modifying drugs aimed at brain chemistry. Worldwide sales of antidepressants, stimulants, antianxiety and antipsychotic drugs exceed $82 billion a year as of 2003.

The people hurting most are the elderly. When Medicare was enacted in 1965, people took far fewer prescription drugs and they were cheap. For that reason, no one thought it necessary to include an outpatient prescription drug benefit in the program. In those days, senior citizens could generally afford to buy whatever drugs they needed out of pocket. Approximately half to two thirds of the elderly have supplementary insurance that partly covers prescription drugs, but that percentage is dropping as employers and insurers decide it is a losing proposition for them. At the end of 2003, Congress passed a Medicare reform bill that included a prescription drug benefit scheduled to begin in 2006, its benefits are inadequate to begin with and will quickly be overtaken by rising prices and administrative costs.

These are just one of many reforms I advocate in The Truth About the Drug Companies. Some of the others have to do with breaking the dependence of the medical profession on the industry and with the inappropriate control drug companies have over the evaluation of their own products. The sort of changes required will take government action, which in turn will require strong public pressure. It will be tough. Drug companies have the largest lobby in Washington, and they give abundantly to political campaigns. Legislators are now so thankful to the pharmaceutical industry that it will be exceedingly difficult to break its lock on them.

According to WHO (World Health Organization) acupuncture is effective for treating 28 conditions, while evidence indicates it may have an effective therapeutic value for many more. People with tension headaches and/or migraines may find acupuncture to be very effective in alleviating their symptoms, according to a study carried out at the Technical University of Munich, Germany. Another study at The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center found that twice weekly acupuncture treatments relieve debilitating symptoms of xerostomia – severe dry mouth – among patients treated with radiation for head and neck cancer.

Although millions of Americans use acupuncture each year, often for chronic pain, there has been considerable controversy surrounding its value as a therapy and whether it is anything more than placebo. Research exploring a number of possible mechanisms for acupuncture’s pain-relieving effects is ongoing.Scientists have long explored the cause behind efficacy of acupuncture. Some researchers suggest that pain relief from acupuncture occurs when acupuncture needles stimulate nerves. In addition acupuncture may also release pain-relieving chemicals, such as endorphins and serotonin to ease symptoms. Acupuncture may also decrease pain-causing inflammation by stimulating the pituitary gland to release cortisol.

Acupuncture is a family of procedures involving stimulation of anatomical locations on or in the skin by a variety of techniques. The most thoroughly studied mechanism of stimulation of acupuncture points employs penetration of the skin by thin, solid, metallic needles, which are manipulated manually or by electrical stimulation. Upon insertion, the client may feel a slight sting or prick. Once the needle is inserted, there should be no pain. You should feel comfortable during the treatment. If you experience pain, numbness, or discomfort, notify the acupuncturist immediately.

What are the possible side effects of Acupuncture?

The most common serious injury reported from the needles of acupuncture has been accidental puncture of the lung. This results in a partial collapse of the lung called pneumothorax. The most common infection reported from acupuncture treatments is viral hepatitis, a potentially serious infection of the liver. Other side effects include bacterial infections locally at the site of needle insertion in the skin and elsewhere in the body. Generally, side effects seem to relate to poor hygiene and training of the acupuncturist.

Although much needs to be accomplished, the emergence of plausible mechanisms for the therapeutic effects of acupuncture is encouraging. The introduction of acupuncture into the choice of treatment modalities that are readily available to the public is in its early stages. It must be said once again that acupuncture is unproven by modern science. However, modern science isn’t the be all and end all of everything. Acupuncture has been around for a long time and most people who have undergone procedures categorically state that there are many acupuncture benefits. Because there are little or no dangerous side effects, most physicians agree that acupuncture treatments are good and safe alternative to chemical medications and certainly worth a try from conditions ranging from sickness and diarrhea to fertility problems and even cancer.

In our day to day life we often come across terminally ill patients that are bedridden and are totally dependent on others. It actually hurts their sentiments. Looking at them we would say that death will be a better option for them rather than living such a painful life; which is painful physically as well as psychologically. But if on the other hand we look at the Netherlands where euthanasia is made legal, we will see that how it is abused there. But the question that lies before us is which will be a better option. Some basic points regarding euthanasia are discussed and then it is totally on the reader to decide which will be better: legalizing or not legalizing euthanasia. Although the Supreme Court has already given its decision on this point but still some doubts arise in our point which we need to analyze carefully and reach at a conclusion.

EUTHANASIA

Euthanasia literally means “good death”. It is basically to bring about the death of a terminally ill patient or a disabled. It is resorted to so that the last days of a patient who has been suffering from such an illness which is terminal in nature or which has disabled him can peacefully end up his life and which can also prove to be less painful for him. Thus the basic intention behind euthanasia is to ensure a less painful death to a person who is in any case going to die after a long period of suffering. Euthanasia is also popularly known as ‘mercy death’ as it is given to lessen the pain of the patient. Euthanasia is practiced so that a person can live as well as die with dignity.

The right to one’s life is declared to be the fundamental natural right, on which every other right depends for its existence and its validity.When an attempt is made to justify euthanasia by using claims about human rights, it will be seen how problematical these claims become when they focus only on a single right, and when that one is of doubtful validity. Wide disparity between doubtful and genuine rights is not, however, commonly taken to be the prompt for some necessary exploration of the gap; rather the gap is simply ignored. The common reasons to want legalized euthanasia can be categorized as: seeking the compassionate relief of pain and suffering, providing protection for doctors who behave compassionately, showing respect for human rights and assisting in the containment of health costs.

There is a common presumption that there is a “right to die”, in the sense of an autonomous right to choose the time and manner of one’s death, and that an appeal to this right will be sufficient ground for legalising euthanasia. There is an ethical right to die, in the sense of a right to be allowed to die, when one is dying and it is in one’s interest to die, by discontinuing or not commencing unwanted, burdensome and/or futile medical treatment, and by providing all necessary comfort. But this is not what is meant in the context of euthanasia. Otherwise his life will be no better in that situation. Thus, considering the financial and medical facilities also, the question still lies open that what will be better-allowing euthanasia or not allowing euthanasia.

Mayo Clinic doctors continue to review studies about mammogram guidelines to understand what the studies mean for women’s health. Changes to mammogram guidelines might or might not be necessary in the future, as researchers continue studying this topic. Mayo Clinic supports screening beginning at age 40 because screening mammograms can detect breast abnormalities early in women in their 40s. Findings from a large study in Sweden of women in their 40s who underwent screening mammograms showed a decrease in breast cancer deaths by 29 percent.

The risk of breast cancer increases with age. That is why it is very important for all menopausal women to get regular mammograms.Mammography is your best defense against breast cancer because it can detect the disease in its early stages, before it can be felt during a breast exam. Research has shown that mammography can increase breast cancer survival. Whether you need a mammogram is a personal decision between you and your doctor. If you’re over 40, talk to your doctor about when you should begin mammogram screening. Some doctors recommend starting earlier than age 40. This decision depends on your individual risk factors.

“It’s clear that the more mammograms you give, the more able you are to locate disease that a person didn’t know about”. But testing with increasing frequency has diminishing returns, while boosting the odds of “false positives” that can be traumatic to women and lead to unneeded biopsies that drive up health costs. With screening guidelines and financial coverage varying among health systems and insurers also provides estimates of the relative costs incurred by screening populations of women at greater or lesser intervals – an important issue for health policymakers.

But mammogram screening isn’t perfect. Another study concluded that despite more women being diagnosed with early breast cancer due to mammogram screening, the number of women diagnosed with advanced breast cancer hasn’t decreased. The study suggested that some women with early breast cancer were diagnosed with cancer that may never have affected their health. Unfortunately doctors can’t distinguish dangerous breast cancers from those that are non-life-threatening, so annual mammograms remain the best option for detecting cancer early and reducing the risk of death from breast cancer.

Mammograms should be part of every woman’s preventative healthcare. No if’s, and’s, or but’s about it. A mammogram can be used either for screening or for diagnostic purposes. How often you should have a mammogram depends on your age and your risk of breast cancer.

Your health is very important to you. In fact, next to your mind, it is the only thing you actually really own, or have a solid claim on. Money and power can disappear, but your health will stay with you. So, if you have good health, good for you. If you fail to take care of your health, there are bound to be problems in the future. There is an Arabian saying, “He who has health has hope, and he who has hope has everything.”

You spend a large part of your life working so make sure you are doing something you love. If you hate your job, go find something you enjoy doing. Life is too short to waste doing work you do not love. Even if you love your job, you still need to take vacations. Enjoy your holidays and make a clean break. Do not bring your work on hoilday. A total break will refresh you and you will perform better when you return.

Sleep is one of the most important factors for our health and well-being. We all need at least eight hours of sleep every night. It is vital to your health. If you are not getting enough sleep, your moods will suffer, your concentration will lapse and your health will eventually deteriorate. Drinking eight glasses of water daily is also a good health tip.

Get in touch with nature. Go out for a walk along the beach,or in a park, anywhere you can get in touch with the earth. It is a great mind and body refresher. Enjoy the sunshine and the fresh air. Take some time each day to relax. We all need to take a timeout to relax. Do not feel guilty about your favorite method just enjoy the moment.

If you follow the above tips, you will be on your way to a more serene life. Once you get started, it will snowball. You should enjoy every moment, whether you are working, relaxing or spending time with friends. Do not get caught up with multi-tasking or rushing through every moment. Take the time to do each task properly and really get involved. Live every moment to the full. Keep a gratitude journal. When you feel good write down all the things you have to feel good about and when you feel down read over all the wonderful things tht brighten your life. Learn to look for the good.

Doctor Mom always said to “take one thing at a time.” This philosophy can do wonders for people under stress. Sometimes even everyday, ordinary work can seem out of control. If this occurs, focus on one task at a time, not the whole basket. The bottom line is this: please don’t let anxiety ruin your day. For further information on strategies to reduce stress and improve your personal stress management techniques, please speak with your healthcare professional.

Geriatricians

Geriatricians are fully trained physicians, M.D.s or D.O.s, who specialize in treating the health problems of elderly patients. To become a geriatrician, a doctor must first complete a three-year residency and become board-certified in either internal medicine or family medicine. Next, the doctor goes on to a one- or two-year fellowship in an approved program of geriatrics, learning the specialized requirements of elderly patients under the supervision of an experienced practitioner. After fulfilling the fellowship requirement, the doctor must write another set of board examinations to become certified as a geriatrician.

Gerontologists

Gerontology is the scientific study of aging, as well as its effect on individuals and cultures. It’s a multi-disciplinary field, including aspects of medicine, biology, psychology and sociology and other sciences. Some gerontologists are researchers, helping to interpret new findings in microbiology and biochemistry that might unlock the physiological secrets of the aging process. Others are caregivers, working directly with elders and their families. Still others are administrators and policy-makers at the community or government level. Improving quality of life for seniors, individually or collectively, is the common goal of gerontologists. Senior roles in gerontology require a graduate or doctoral degree, though some schools offer baccalaureate programs for entry-level gerontological work.

Similarities and Differences

The primary difference between the two professions is that geriatricians are fully-trained physicians, and provide direct treatment for age-related disorders. Gerontologists play a more supportive and educational role, though applied gerontologists might build long-term relationships with their clients that include coordinating diet, exercise and cognitive therapies. Geriatricians, registered nurses, social workers, psychologists and other caregivers can earn credentials in gerontology through coursework and continuing education, broadening and deepening their skills in caring for the elderly. Gerontologists and geriatricians might work side-by-side in research or elder-care facilities, each bringing specialized knowledge and skills to the plan of care.

Outlook

As the Baby Boom generation ages, services for the elderly will become an increasingly important part both of health care and society as a whole. The Bureau of Labor Statistics cites the aging population as a factor in many employment forecasts, including a projected 24 percent increase in the number of physicians between 2010 and 2020. Gerontologists are harder to quantify because they’re spread across many academic and health care disciplines, but the Mississippi Health Careers Center cites a 36 percent increase in demand for them over the short term.

The field of study, techniques and methodologies involved and the career prospects all differ for both Gerontology and Geriatrics. The former helps to predict the life expectancy of a society whereas the latter helps to improve and increase the life expectancy of older people by promoting their health conditions by providing them various treatments and care.

The field of study, techniques and methodologies involved and the career prospects all differ for both Gerontology and Geriatrics. The former helps to predict the life expectancy of a society whereas the latter helps to improve and increase the life expectancy of older people by promoting their health conditions by providing them various treatments and care.

Being ready for an interview when the opportunity presents itself, might be one of the most vital and crucial moments of your professional life. But you will need to do some homework in order to accomplish those interview goals. The first step is to review your experience, education and training to see which elements might be most important to a recruiter. And since the interviewer will have already seen your resume, you should be prepared to expand on the key points.

Let’s start with the basics “tell us about yourself” this is one of the simplest and greatest opportunities for you to break the ice and show what you are all about. Usually this question is given to you. This is the question where we want to know what makes you suited for the job. It’s crucial to start off this dialogue with your professional career, while mentoring your desire for future pursuits and goals you wish to reach.

To be prepared for an interview you must have the knowledge,look, and desire to get the job. The first impression will stick in their minds and be the thing that they first think of when seeing you. Dressing appropriately gives a great effect, and shows that you have made a sincere effort and want to make an impact.

Hospitals are particularly notorious for long, grueling interview processes, due to the often bureaucratic structure of hospitals, and the many levels of management which must all agree on hiring decisions. When getting ready for an interview, it is important to read the job description and find out what this position, and facility are all about. The option of having an informal visit might be beneficial as well.

Be prepared to answer any potential tough questions: Why did you leave your last job? Who was your worst supervisor? Please explain what you did while you were unemployed? Considering your responses in advance is the best way to avoid becoming flustered and to couch your answers in a positive way. Also, be prepared for any technical questions related to the open position. A laboratory technician might be asked the differences between two different blood tests, for example.

Finally, you should go online and research the organization you are considering joining. Is it locally owned, part of a national company or global in scope? What can you learn about the company’s finances or its culture? You might want to write down one or two “nuggets” of information that you can drop into the interview. That’s also a good way to show the recruiter that you’re serious about wanting the position. Based on our firm’s more than 20 years of experience in placing healthcare candidates, being prepared is the key to a successful job interview.

Most importantly, be enthusiastic and upbeat. By having a smile on your face, along with positive body language, you will be truly unstoppable. Employers want a truly passionate healthcare worker working for them, so GIVE THEM ALL YOU GOT!!