Why a Medical Alert Button? Consider These Senior Safety Facts

The two biggest threats to the independence of Senior Citizens:

1. Falls
2. Failure to take medications as prescribed

Falls: Statistics show that:

* 25% of people between 65 and 74 years of age fall each year.
* 43% of people aged 75 and older fall each year.
* 2/3 of people who suffer a fall will fall again within 6 months.
* Of those who fall, 20% to 30% suffer moderate to severe injuries.
* More than 20% of the time, fall victims lay incapacitated for more than 12 hours.
* There is a 1 in 7 chance of a fall within 30 days of discharge from a healthcare facility and a 1 in 8 chance of readmission due to a fall within the first 30 days after the initial discharge.
* People found within one hour of a fall are 5 times more likely to survive than those who remain helpless for over 12 hours.
* "For elderly people who live alone, becoming incapacitated and unable to get help is a common event, which usually marks the end of their ability to live independently."

Medication non-compliance:

* Over 60% of prescribed medication in the U.S. is not taken as directed.
* 25% of all hospital and nursing home admissions by persons 60 and older is due to their failure to take prescription medications as directed. (average cost for assisted living facility - $2,000/mo, average nursing home cost - $6,000/mo)

How effective Medical Alert Systems?

A study by the New England Journal of Medicine concludes that subscribers of P.E.R.S. (personal emergency response systems) have far fewer hospital admissions and shorter stays after they subscribe, thereby allowing them to live independently longer.

Another recent survey found people utilizing P.E.R.S. stay independent in their own homes nearly 20% longer than non-users.

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Medical Alert System For Senior

A medical alert system is a personal emergency response system providing fast response to patients who face life threatening events. It is a small, lightweight, water-proof device activated simply by pressing a button. This portable device is usually worn around the neck or on a wristband.

A medical alert system is a simple health monitoring device ideal for seniors who live alone, or are suffering from heart-related ailments and chronic diseases such as arthritis, diabetes, and osteoporosis. It utilizes the latest information technology and provides care in assisted living facilities. Some of the features of a medical alert system are automatic voice to voice communication, remote call answering, adjustable volume controls, and monthly test call reminders.

A typical alert device includes an amplified speaker, extra sensitive microphone, a large button, and wristband. It is designed to work from anywhere in or around the subscriber's home. The powerful speaker system and sensitive microphone work simultaneously for the subscriber to communicate with the monitoring center. When the alert button is pushed, it sends signals over the telephone line to the 24-hour medical alert monitoring center. Then, it opens a voice to voice channel between the subscriber and a highly trained person, ready to provide quick assistance. The centre dispatches local medical personnel, ambulance, police, fire or other services as needed.

A fall sensor, available with any medical alert machine, is specially designed to recognize falling or other similar accidents. Whenever a fall occurs, it automatically informs the alert machine and the monitoring center. The alert machine is also equipped with a power back-up facility, and automatically notifies the medical center if the battery needs replacement. A built-in rechargeable battery operates up to 24 hours during power failure. Medical alert devices are available for use outdoors and while traveling.

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Urinary Incontinence and Senior Falls

Most people know that falls in the elderly can lead to hip fractures and severe debilitation. What you may not be aware of is the connection between urinary incontinence and fall risk. Seniors who have urinary incontinence have been shown to have 3 times the risk of falls as compared to seniors without urinary incontinence. By treating your bladder problems, you may reduce the risk of a major, life-altering fall.

The number of emergency room visits in the U.S. each year due to falls in those 65 and older is 1.9 million. Unfortunately, 491,500 of these people become hospitalized and more than 15,000 die from injuries related to the fall. The total costs associated with falls in the U.S.is a staggering $80.9 billion including $19 billion in direct medical costs. (Statistics according to the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention 2007). The good news is bladder problems and balance can be improved through targeted exercise.

What is the connection between urinary incontinence and senior falls? There are two possible answers. The first is that in their haste to get to the bathroom seniors trip and fall over things in their living environment. The second is linked to weakening of the muscles we use for bladder control, which are the same muscles we use to control our balance. Both of these issues can be addressed with proper intervention.

To prevent falls from tripping, keep the floors in your home environment clear of piles, furniture, throw rugs and toys. Pay attention to where your pets might be lying. Wear shoes or slippers that fit properly so they do not become a hazard. Move furniture that is in the way. Use rubber mats and well secured grab bars for bathtubs and showers. Install hand railings along stairways. Check your home environment for potential hazards and take action before an accident occurs.

How is weakness of our muscles affecting both our balance and our bladder control? The muscles involved in both balance and continence are:

1) the pelvic floor muscles,

2) the muscles that rotate our hips,
3) the deep abdominal muscles that wrap around us like a corset
4)) the multifidus, which supports our low back, and
5) the diaphragm.

These muscles are collectively called the pelvic core muscles. The pelvic core functions to support our bladder and allows us to make adjustments during walking and movement in order to maintain our balance. Research has shown that women with urinary incontinence score lower on balance testing than continent women. It has been found that women with incontinence use the pelvic core muscles in a different way. They over use the abdominal muscles, which may hinder balance response by making the body rigid.

They under use other muscles that then become weak from lack of activation. Weakness in the pelvic core has been shown to contribute to bladder leaking. It is essential to maintain the pelvic core muscles for bladder control and balance. Many studies have shown that our muscles can be retrained and strengthened at ANY age. We may not get the same bulk or quick response we did when we were younger but change is achievable!

We are able to reverse muscle weakness through exercise and proper retraining. Strengthening our pelvic core muscles will alleviating our symptoms of urinary incontinence and keep our balance at its peak. Do not allow yourself to become a victim of a major fall. You can accomplish pelvic core strengthening through self-help programs such as The Bladder Cure or by asking your doctor for a referral to a physical therapist who specializes in pelvic retraining.

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Hospital Lighting - A Bright Idea

In medieval times, rudimentary surgery was performed by candle light. Cuts were messy, sutures sloppy, mistakes were made, and patients died. Then Thomas Edison made things a lot safer for all of us! No more dentists poking around blindly, no more messy stitches.

Like any other piece of medical or surgical equipment, having the right lighting is integral. To see into a mouth or an ear, to deliver a healthy baby, to remove a tumor - these are all areas where top-notch lighting makes a difference. Second best is not an option - you need to know that a light isn't going to stop working in the middle of a procedure.

Dermatologists and dentists both use lighted magnifiers. A rash on your skin may look like one thing in natural light, but can be diagnosed as something completely different when viewed under a professional lamp. A dental surgeon can see deep into the opening of a root canal to be certain that all decay is removed.

Lighting is incredibly important in an operating room. Halogen lighting provides clean, crisp lighting inside exam rooms and operating theaters, whether ceiling mounted or on adjustable arms. Lights cannot give off glare or shadow surgeons may make mistakes. In addition to the overhead lights, surgeons use head mounted halogen spotlights to better see inside their patients.

Hospitals, clinics and dental offices of all types need adequate - above adequate - hospital lighting to ensure that patients receive accurate diagnoses and the best possible care.

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Why Having a Nurse on Your Team Can Save Your Life

Nurses have forever been the unsung heroes of the medical world. They work tirelessly to provide consistent and compassionate care during our time of need. Unless you spend time in a hospital your contact with a nurse may be minimal, but having a nurse in your corner can make a huge difference on your journey to wellness.

What we know from experience and research is that doctors and nurses speak differently to patients. Doctor's have been trained to ask questions, give results and prepare treatment plans. Nurses have been trained to be health educators. They are exceptional at translating the medical information into language that you, the patient, can understand. When you understand the information you are more inclined to feel included as a participant in your healthcare and more likely to be compliant with treatment.

Managed care has changed how we interact with doctors. The days of long appointments are over. Doctors are often mandated to see a certain number of patients per day leaving each of us with about eight minutes of their time, a bit longer for specialists. However, the nurse, although very busy, has more time to answer questions and is a true ally. The role of the nurse is constantly transforming and they are becoming much more proactive in their interactions with patients instilling confidence that you, the patient, can get through the health challenge.

One of the roles most nurses have assumed is that of educator. The nurse will provide information on medications, correct usage of medical treatments such as self-injection or use of blood sugar meters. Their goal is to make sure that you understand not only the operational aspects of your treatments, but the implications for adhering to the treatment protocol. The nurse will emphasize in a nonjudgmental, supportive manner, the importance of treatment compliance. They will share with you the complications that can happen when you don't adhere to the treatment regimen. Their goal isn't to scare you, but to emphasize that continuity of care is crucial to your level of wellness.

One of the other important roles of the nurse as your ally is their access to the doctor. As with any relationship, when you're a known entity the nurse can direct your questions and concerns to the best possible provider. They have the doctor's ear and that's worth a lot. It provides another safety net in your treatment plan. Their goal is to serve as a catalyst for care. Their triage skills impact your care, that's why it's important that they know you. Don't be anonymous at the doctor's office or in the hospital.

Creating relationships with nurses can be beneficial to your wellness. They are plugged in to all aspects of your care and can access the resources you need to adhere to treatment plans or to signal an alert to the medical provider if there is a crisis. Often the skills or the role the nurse plays is understated or misunderstood and yet they are the bridge to all your medical care. It's the nurse who can expedite orders, interact with durable medical equipment companies or provide a reassuring voice on the phone when you have concerns. The next time you go to the doctor, make it a point to introduce yourself to the nurse and follow it up with a note. You want to always be in their consciousness, that's how relationships develop.

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Different Approaches to Prevent Identity Theft

One of the common issues that already happened to a great number of people across the globe is identity theft. This problem has caused individuals to lose a large amount of money and property. They have lost everything that they value even their own identity was taken away from them by some scam artists. Of course, you would not allow this to happen to you. You would not let anyone take away the property and money which you have worked hard for.

To prevent yourself from physical harm, you would need a shock gun or learn the methods of different self defense arts. It goes the same for protecting yourself from personal and financial harm. You must act and be responsible in protecting yourself from any great loss. You need to be vigilant from bad persons who will really squeeze out every detail that they can get from you just to satisfy their criminal minds. Here are effective tips on how to block identity theft and fraud.

One of the things that you consider the personal keeper of your information is your computer. It has provided you with a lot of convenience since you can easily keep track of your transactions and at the same time store and retrieve important data. However, it has also become a good medium where you can be a victim of identity theft and fraud. That is why when it comes to your files and documents, you must secure them properly with passwords.

Installing antivirus programs and strengthening the protection of your computer from different intruders and problems in the internet is also an effective method to block identity theft. They will serve as your alarm systems that will detect and inform you of any malicious files that can harm your computer. They will also block anyone who tries to get through your files.

Make sure that as you shop, you do it wisely. For instance, if you are looking for stun guns that you can purchase online, make sure that when you pay through your own account or credit card, you will not have to dispense a lot of information and the website is secured. For credit card information, they will only need a few numbers and information. Doubt the website which tries to ask a lot of information from you.

Moreover, when it comes to your very important documents like your land titles and birth certificates, place them in a secured place like a vault with some number combinations to keep it safe. When it comes to your mail outside your home, check them daily and empty your mailbox as soon as possible. Then if you have certain files that you do not need anymore but it contains your personal information like that of your bank account, make sure that you shred them into pieces.

Lastly, do not withhold very important information and even your personal information over the phone or with a stranger. If possible, make all your important transactions personally. If it is unavoidable then talk it over on the phone or through the internet with an official worker of the bank or using their official website.

You can protect yourself from being a victim of identity theft. Be alert of any scam artists. Be vigilant in protecting your personal information.

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Patients Receive Better Care With Vendor Credentialing

Hospitals are not your average, ordinary environment. They are places where the utmost care needs to be taken that people are in the right places and have a reason to be there. Being specialized areas for the care of people with health conditions, they are a far cry from a post office or a train station. For the most part, the people at hospitals are either doctors, nurses, and other health care staff, patients, family members of patients. Then there are other employees of the hospital such as cooks, office staff, and cleaning and maintenance personnel. In addition to this however, there are people coming to the hospital for vending or service purposes. They may be there to fill up soda machines, deliver food to cafeterias, stock medical supplies, or perform a service such as maintenance of vending or health care equipment.

The status of vendors is somewhat different than others present at a hospital because they often come and go quickly, are not known on a day to day basis by hospital staff, and are there for commercial purposes. This all being the case, vendors need a system by which they can be verified by the hospital. If they aren't, anyone could simply enter dressed as a vendor, whether or not they were, and sell whatever they wanted to hospital staff and even patients.

For this reason what is known as vendor credentialing has evolved. In the past, this simply meant that a vendor would have to check in with the purchasing department, sign in, and be given a floor pass to visit the area of the hospital they needed to visit. However, this has proven to be a fairly haphazard and unreliable method. For one thing, the purchasing department is often on a lower floor or some out of the way place, meaning that they have no way to monitor who comes in out, since hospitals have many entrances.

In addition, someone simply walking along with a floor pass may or may not even be checked by staff at a busy hospital. Often virtually everyone in a hospital is on the way somewhere, and they don't have much time to verify whether a certain vendor is supposed to be in the building. This has up until now made it very easy for a vendor to just walk into a hospital without ever talking to the purchasing department or anyone else for that matter. This situation can turn into a hit or miss affair as far as credentialing is concerned.

As a solution to all this, automated vendor credentialing systems have been created. These are systems that keep the names and other information concerning vendor companies and sales and service representatives that visit hospitals in an integrated database. When the vendor rep enters the hospital, he or she checks in with the front desk and the name is run through the software. The system checks not only that the company and representative name is correct, but that the representative's immunizations, liability insurance, training, and so on are all up to date and in compliance with requirements.

If the requirements are met, the vendor is often issued a badge. Any vendor not wearing a badge can be easily recognized by any hospital staff as not being cleared for being in the hospital. This virtually eliminates the risk of not only unauthorized vendors or service people entering, but also ones who have issues such as expired insurance, out of date immunizations, or other problems that violate the compliance codes of the hospital.

Vendor credentialing systems protect all concerned. They protect patients because the latter are not at risk of unscrupulous persons dealing with them or being in the vicinity, or people that could pose a health risk. They protect the vendors as well, making sure they go where they are needed in the hospital, are not exposed to unnecessary health risks or ones for which they are not immunized, and can do their jobs free of concern.

In light of all this, vendor credentialing systems are fast becoming the norm in hospitals. Using these systems, patient care, one of the chief concerns of a hospital, is enhanced, and the safety and welfare of non patients is safeguarded as well. They bring the level of professionalism up and insure a safe and quality health care experience for all concerned.

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Medical Alert Wristwatches

Medical alerts are devices that have been responsible for saving quite a few lives. They are available in various types. Some of them are in the form of wristwatches that can be worn by the patient. Wristwatches are a convenient form of medical alert, as any person can easily sport them without getting conscious about it. It is seen that generally people are conscious of wearing such alerts, as it draws attention to their medical problem.

It is very important for patients having diseases such as diabetes, hearing impairment, Alzheimer?s, and other problems to wear such medical alerts on person, as it is a lifesaver in case of an emergency. The medical personnel attending on the victim, in case of emergencies first looks for such a device, as it helps them to properly diagnose the case.

Initially, steel ID tags were the only option, but nowadays there is a wide array of bracelets, and wristwatches that they can select from. There are stylish wristwatches being manufactured as medical alerts. They can also be made in solid gold or sterling silver, which makes them very attractive. They can be embossed with the medical details of the patients who would be wearing them. Hence with these watches, a person can look good and at the same time be safe.

Medical alert wristwatches are found in many attractive shapes and frames, so as to attract customers. Medical alert wristwatches are embossed with the medical history of the patient or could have an identification number, to locate medical information. Important information on the medical condition as also various allergies to drugs and foods, are all imprinted on the exterior of the medical alert wristwatches.

There are various companies selling these systems. A buyer could buy it off a shelf in a retail shop. If the person has an access to the Internet, the buyer is provided with lot of choices. There are also innumerable sites offering the different medical alert systems online. It is advisable that the customers see all the options that are available to them, and then make the perfect choice.

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How to Choose an Electronic Health Record System

If you're a healthcare professional in the UK, then you're probably aware that electronic health records are being introduced as part of the NHS Connecting For Health programme. If you're looking for the right Electronic Health Record system, then here's what you need to consider.

1. The electronic health record software needs to easy to use, so that your staff feel comfortable using it, and that staff are able to update patient records, or find out information from it. A system that is hard to use won't be well liked.

2. It's important that the electronic medical record software doesn't require lot of additional training in order for staff to be able to use it. You'll want your staff to be able to carry on with their duties without needing to factor in time for training. In addition, patients won't be pleased if their care is disrupted, they are delayed unnecessarily, or their health is put at risk due to training issues.

3. The system you choose should be easy to manage so that it doesn't need lots of additional support. You won't want to have to have technical support staff on site, or be on the phone to the customer care department all the time.

4. The electronic patient record system needs to be reliable as it holds the details of all of your patients. A system that often crashes, or brings up the wrong information won't be well liked, and will give patients the impressions that their data is not secure, and that the service you are offering isn't very good.

5. It's essential that the system is secure so that patients can feel confident that their personal information is kept away from prying eyes. With different levels of access, and certain information only available to those people who really need it, you need to be assured that the software you are using is right.

6. Even thought the system might store thousands, or even millions of records, it still needs to be quick. Patients won't be happy, if they are made to wait whilst the electronic health record software brings up their details. Medical staff won't be happy if their job takes a lot longer because they can't get the information they need in a timely manner.

7. When investing in an electronic patient record system, it's essential that it meets current and future needs. A system that barely meets current needs is hardly likely to still be capable in a few years time. You might also have additional specific requirements for your system.

8. The reporting ability of your chosen electronic health record system is important, so that you can find out the information you need quickly and easily. You might need to be able to report on several sites, or by department, or by any other pre defined, or custom reports. This needs to be easy to manage and set up so that you have the facts and figures you need when you need them.

9. It's important that you choose a cost effective electronic health record system. There's no point in choosing the cheapest if it doesn't meet your needs, and no point in choosing the most expensive if it offers features that you'll never use.

10. Most importantly, the electronic health record system needs to meet patient requirements. Your patients won't care about the cost saving, or scalability or processing power, if their details can't be changed, or appointments are always running late due to software issues.

Now you know what sort of things to be aware of, you're sure to be able to find the right electronic health record system.

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Why Use A Medical Alert System

A medical alert system can really be a godsend for many people, giving them back lost independence, and providing them with a sense of security when living alone. Many seniors, or individuals with specific health concerns, find it unnerving to live on their own, and risk having no one available to help if they should need assistance. This is a primary reason why alert systems have become so popular in recent years.

The technology involved in the systems had developed immensely over the years. The newest systems take advantage of progressing Internet and wireless technology, in order to keep the individual safe in and around their home.

But for many people, the biggest advantage of medical alert systems is that they instill a sense of confidence in the individual, and allow them to avoid any type of assisted living situation. Remaining independent and confident is important because our physical health is also directly related to our state of mind, and anything that improves our sense of personal empowerment to live as we choose also benefits our physical health.

Technically, an alert system is normally comprised of a wrist band transmitter -- resembling a wrist watch -- or a necklace-type transmitter that is worn at all times. If the individual should have a medical problem or accident, they can simply press a button on the worn transmitter to communicate with the medical alert monitoring center.

Besides the worn transmitter, there is also a household "base unit" that will usually be stationed somewhere near the center of your home. The worn transmitter will send a signal to this base unit when the button is pressed, and the base unit will in turn contact the monitoring center.

Both the transmitter and base unit will also have battery backup power to ensure that the individual is protected, even if there should be a power failure. The transmitter is also waterproof, so there is no danger of being "unconnected" while taking a bath or shower.

The base units connect to a standard phone jack inside your home, and are designed to facilitate immediate communication with the monitoring center, which can often be located many miles away. Upon pressing the help button, you will immediately be in verbal communication with a monitoring center specialist, and your medical records and specific circumstances will be available to the specialist on a computer screen automatically whenever you contact them.

This helps the monitoring center specialist to better advise you in case of a medical emergency, and they may also send emergency medical help if required. Optionally, the monitoring center can be instructed to also contact one or more of your relatives whenever the help button is pressed.

When first signing up with the medical alert center, you will be required to submit complete information about all medications you are taking, any physical conditions and disabilities, and your preferences in regard to notifying relatives, doctors or other health-care specialists if you should have an emergency.

Many medical alert centers will also offer a premium service, where a health care provider can be dispatched to your home whenever the help button is activated. This offers the individual personalized attention at a moments notice.

The price of a medical alert system can vary according to the level of service you require, but in general they are a very reasonably-priced alternative to assisted living centers.

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How to Discover the Best Diet For You

What qualifies as "the best diet" for someone? As a nutritionist I would argue that the best diet for you is the way of eating that fills you with energy and a sense of well being; a balance of foods that supports the systems of your body and mind, encouraging long term good health and vitality. And if we get that balance right then we should find that our body weight sorts itself out quite naturally, without us even thinking about weight loss. So how can you work out what the best diet for you looks like?

I may appear to be digressing, but for a moment I'd like to talk about an eminent scientist, Dr Roger Williams. He died in 1988 at the age of 94 - an age most of us would aspire to reach, and not many of us actually attain! More than that, he had retired just two years previously, maintaining his sharp mind and academic vigor to the very end. Indeed, two days before his death, he was still asking his colleagues to bring some of his scientific papers to him because he had had some ideas on how to improve them.*

So why do I mention him here? Because he's a shining example of someone who "walked the talk". He was one of the first scientists to really push the idea of biochemical individuality in relation to nutrition. In other words, he believed that we are all biochemically unique and that as a result our nutritional requirements are also unique, as are our reactions to different foods. If we can find out what our individual needs are, we should be able to service those needs precisely and remain in excellent health well into our 80's and 90's. Other than some vision problems which had been with him from childhood, a brief look at the life of Williams indicates that he had done a pretty good job of working out what the best diet was for him!

So, what bearing does this have on you? Well for one thing it might inspire you to think that perhaps he did know what he was talking about, and to look into the idea of identifying what your own personal needs are! It might make you consider trying to work out what the best diet for you would be by considering your own unique body make-up and what it might need in the form of nutrition.

There are a variety of books available on Biochemical Individuality and Metabolic Typing (don't forget, it costs you nothing to borrow what you need from your local library). These books usually include tools and simple tests to help you identify your own individual "Type" and descriptions of what the best diet is for you depending on whether you're a Protein Type, a Carbohydrate Type or a Mixed Type. To take it even further you could visit a qualified health practitioner trained in Metabolic Typing, who would be able to take you through some tests to give you a very precise picture of your body's specific needs.

If we all followed Dr Williams' principles of Biochemical Individuality, I'd bet there would be a lot more bright, alert and active 94 year olds around to prove the point. In the meantime, why not try to find what's the best diet for you so you've got a great chance of ending up as one of them!

*See In Memoriam p248 of Biochemical individuality by Roger J Williams, PhD

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Sorting Medical Billing Issues

Are you sulking because your medical claim was denied by your insurance company? Well - you are not the only one who is going through the malady of discontent if a medical claim is denied.

After putting in efforts, first to sort the bills out and then sending them to the insurance companies and realizing that the claim is denied can unnerve everyone, but don't despair, because the privilege of appeals is still available. The complexity of the healthcare system is such that for an average person to be able to follow the procedures a thorough knowledge of ICD codes is essential.

In any case, hiring a professional billing service company ensures that claims will not be denied because of inaccuracies in the medical insurance documentations, quite likely however the claims may be denied because of other issues such ineligibility factors or insufficient coverage.

But a professional billing company through their negotiation skills and persistent follow-up does make a big difference in ensuring quick reimbursements, and through representations a billing company can aggressively confront insurance companies on wrong interpretations of policy clauses that would have resulted in denials.

Appealing on behalf of consumers

The consumers can also approach billing companies for filing complaints with insurance companies, if a payment has been unjustifiably denied. Under the circumstances when a claim is denied by the insurance company the collections department is notified about it, the billing company files an appeal for the denial before it is sent to the collection department.

The billing companies, most which are web-based use billing software's and have access to electronic coding and billing, this facilitates better and speedier communications with insurance companies or clearing houses. The consumer's interest is better served, if they are represented by medical billing companies.

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Suggestions For a Safe Home

There is quite a lot you can do to increase your safety, even in your own home. We have locks on our doors and windows and they should be utilized, especially the deadbolt. If you need to hide a key outside, make sure it is not in an obvious place. You can also participate in a neighborhood watch program. You keep an eye out for them and their homes, and they will do the same for you. When someone comes to your door, use the peephole first to check who they are. If you need to have a repairman come to your home, ensure that they are a reputable company, and use extreme caution and judgment when an unsolicited serviceman stops by. And while talking on the phone, never give information about when you are home alone and when you are gone.

For Seniors, living in a location without big stair cases is helpful. The less chance you give yourself to fall, the less likely you will. Another way to prevent falls is by installing hand rails in the shower and bath and can be worth their weight in gold. Keep you medical alert on you at all times, so that if there is an accident, help can be there quick.

There are certainly many more things we could discuss, but the main thing to keep in mind is to maintain vigilance in your safety. If everything you do is with a thought about safety, you can naturally avoid a lot of problems.

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Protecting Your Loved Ones With Medical Alert Dialers

If you have elderly people living with you but are often left alone in the house, or elderly loved ones who wants to be independent and live alone, the best security that you can give them would be medical alert dialers. At a push of an emergency button, distress calls will be made to numbers that are already programmed into the base unit or auto dialer. These units also have speakerphone capabilities that can serve as a two-way communication system between the recipient of the emergency calls and the user so an assessment of the situation can be immediately made.

On top of that, these devices can be used as a stand-alone unit to replace an existing telephone, or can be incorporated in between the telephone and the phone lines. With such set-up there will be no need for a monthly service fee that is typical in most medical alert systems operated by healthcare companies. Having such alert systems can give both the user and their loved ones the peace of mind that ordinary phones could not give and is second only to a paid personal medical monitoring system.

The Elderly and Medical Alert Dialers

As people get older, they are more susceptible to falls and other similar accidents even while inside the comforts of the home. On some occasions, these accidents occur while the elderly is left alone in the house and has no one to call out to for help. They could struggle to get to the phone but in most cases, even getting up from a fall may be too difficult and even dangerous and would not be able to make any calls.

With medical alert dialers, they can still send out emergency calls even while lying down on the floor by pushing the panic button on their medical alert transmitter. The button will then activate the base station and the auto dialer to start making calls using a pre-recorded message to numbers listed in the phone.

Advances in Medical Alert Dialers

Several years back, the elderly and people with certain medical conditions make use of medical alert tags and pendants that contain information regarding the holder's medical conditions. These include information on diseases, allergies and special medical requirements that the user may not be able to convey to an emergency response unit when emergencies of accidents occur. However, advances in technology have improved this several steps further by making use of wireless systems and USB flash memories.

Now, these alert systems not only carry medical information in both written or electronic means, but it can also make wireless calls to pre-programmed numbers during emergency cases. Such items include the wireless one-touch dialers which can directly call any phones or trigger a base unit to make pre-programmed calls. These alert systems also have GPS capabilities that will help locate users particularly if they are outside of their houses.

If you have loved ones who are susceptible to similar situations and may need some level of security for emergency situations, then it would be best to provide them with medical alert dialers that would suit their situation and lifestyle.

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Elderly Driving Guide - Simple Tips to Help Your Elderly Parents Drive Safely

When teenagers start driving there are always a stressed parent around for a while. A good couple of years down the line that teenager becomes the stressed one, when his or her aging parents refuse to stop driving around.

Elderly people might feel they will loose their independence if they can't drive their own cars anymore. All older people aren't the same and some of them can comfortably continue driving well into their seventies and even beyond that. People who are healthy, off sound mind and with good vision and hearing (with or without aids) should not be prevented from driving if they are not dangerous to themselves or other road users.

On the other hand, when you suspect they are not as safe as they should be behind the wheel, you will need to intervene. There are things that can be done that will allow them to still drive under certain circumstances which will make it less traumatic than to completely give up driving. Most elderly people realize it themselves and make the necessary changes.

- Convince them not to drive long distances anymore. It might be fine to drive around the neighborhood and visit the shop, the doctor or attend an activity or event at a community centre or library. All these places are usually relatively close to home and require only a short drive.
- They should avoid peak traffic times. In most cases, there is no reason for older to people to be on the road in peak traffic. They normally can visit the shop or make the doctor's appointment during times when the rest of neighborhood is at work or school. Older people can find heavy traffic stressful, which can lead to unnecessary accidents.
- Convince them not to drive at night. Night vision can become a problem with age and if it is not absolutely necessary, night driving should rather be avoided.
- Older people's reactions become slower and during bad weather it can become dangerous. As older people can make their trips when it suits them, there is not really a reason for them to try and drive in bad weather.

On the other hand when the driving parent is really becoming a danger on the road you will have no choice but to force him or her in which ever way you can. Hopefully the parent will see your side and voluntarily agree to stop driving.

Unfortunately there is a good chance that this won't happen. If you or our parent can afford a driver it might be easier to convince him or her to make use of a driver, which will still allow them their independence.

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The Six Functions of Electronic Medical Records

Electronic Medical Records are going to be needed in the future. It is important to learn the functions of EMR and how it fits into an office work flow.

1. Patient Charting

Patient visit information is put into templates or forms; to contain information such as vitals, complaints, medical histories, review of systems, physical exams, etc. Most EMR systems have pick lists, drop-down boxes, handwriting recognition, or voice recognition to accomplish patient charting.

2. Order Communication Systems

This is often referred to as a Computerized Physician Order Entry (CPOE). This allows the Electronic Medical Records system to communicate information with external systems such as laboratories, imaging centers, hospitals, and pharmacies via Health Level 7 Interfaces. This allows providers to send out lab requests, imaging requests, prescriptions, submit visit charges, and diagnosis codes to the office/billing system.

3. Clinical Decision-Making Support Systems

Alerts, reminders, and recommendations are built into the system allowing automatic clinical decision making with information in the database. It also helps doctors with coding and diagnosis. Many EMR systems provide physicians with a recommended CPT code based off of Evaluation and Management (EM) rules. This allows physicians to bill payers at the highest possible rate for the services performed.

4. Document/ Image Management

It is important for offices to manage the enormous flow of paper entering their office. Offices are constantly flooded with patient intake forms, referring physician letters, lab reports, and faxes. EMRs allow doctors to access these documents on a intuitive user interface. EMRs provide physicians a way to manage images such as x-rays, MRIs, and ultrasounds.

5. Patient Portal

Personal health records allow patients to access their health record from any computer with a secure internet connection. These programs include features such as appointment scheduling, refill requests, electronic intake forms, record access, outcome assessments and patient education. The patient can also grant other providers access to this information which allows provider-to-provider communication.

6. Statistics and Reporting

Providers can create reports from databases for statistical purposes. This becomes especially useful in the case of drug recalls, health maintenance reminders and disease management.

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Discount Medical Alert Systems

Medical alert systems are necessary in case of elderly people staying alone or in case of patients with problems such as heart disease, Alzheimers or asthma. When the thought of buying a medical alert system comes up, a person can look for bargains and discounts available.

If a person waits for the right time, then it is possible to get a good discount on any item he needs. Local stores offer discounts on a regular basis. A person can find these discounts by keeping a lookout for advertisements in the local newspaper or circulated pamphlets. On the net, there are ample opportunities for to avail of discounted medical alert systems. It is easily accessible by surfing the net. There are umpteen sites on the net, which give information on the various discounts. The medical alert system purchased from such sites is affordable and inexpensive.

A person needs to be careful of cheats, while shopping on the net, as anyone can open a very attractive site with hardly any investment. It is advisable to check the reputation of the site and the online store before buying from them. As medical alert systems are generally a one-time buy, the customer should ensure that all the parts of the system are in pristine condition at the time of delivery. Some of the companies offer monthly servicing of the system at the customer?s residence, for a nominal fee. There is sometimes a discount available for this, as well.

It is worthwhile to find out about the shipping charges of the item. Most companies include it in the initial cost or offer free shipping or at least offer a sizable discount on the product. Discounts are always attractive, but one should be aware that a good system is expensive but gives the user his money?s worth.

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How Does Medical Debt Settlement Works

No one can be blamed on having medical debts because it happens suddenly without prior knowledge. But people should be well prepared to solve these issues when it happens. A newer way to deal your debt problems is debt settlement. It is a method to reduce your medical debts through negotiation. Debt settlement is a great solution for consumers feeling overwhelmed with credit card debt that find themselves either falling behind on their payments or just able to afford the minimums.

Debt settlement is the faster way to eliminate all your debts. Most creditors will definitely accept for even 50% discount because they will lose their entire money if you are bankrupted. As it is an unsecured loan, it is a matter of the creditor receiving something rather than nothing. Most of the creditors will accept this type of settlement offers.

Medical debt settlement involves negotiations with the creditors so that both the parties get a fair settlement. Make it clear to your creditors that since you cannot afford to pay their medical bills, if they do not approve of your offer, you will have to file bankruptcy. Filing bankruptcy means that your creditors will not get anything, so it would be in their best interest to accept your proposal. Since it is a negotiation, be prepared for offers and counter-offers.

You can also negotiate with the hospitals for discounts because they may not be interested in carrying this debt for a prolonged period. So, they will also be definitely interested in giving discounts. You can contact the billing section for their help. If they refuse, you can seek help from the doctors itself. Also you should negotiate to reduce the pay off amounts rather than reducing interest rates.

It also has some potential downsides which includes an adverse impact on your credit. But in any case do not go for credit card settlement because they have steeper interest rates. You should be persistent in your efforts and never be afraid to negotiate. In case, if you find hard and you are not comfortable you can contact medical debt negotiators for help. Do not agree for any oral settlements. Ensure that if you end up in mutual agreement, everything should be documented properly in front of higher authorities.

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Solutions For Alleviating Stress For Caregivers During Holidays

Alzheimer's is a disease of the brain that causes a steady decline in our memory. It is also the leading cause of dementia. When a loved one is diagnosed with this disease, families are faced with the responsibility of care for their loved one as well as continue their own life and job and care for their own children. Caring for a loved one with Alzheimer's or Dementia is both physically and emotionally exhausting. Family members may feel sadness or anger about changes in a loved one's daily behavior. Families become frustrated as their loved one loses the ability to do things on their own. They often feel helpless. Some family members stay in denial and think these changes are only because of the aging process.

The most important thing a family can do is to educate themselves about the disease. Obtain a support system as soon as possible. Support is just as important for family members as it is for the individual diagnosed with Alzheimer's or dementia. All family members should be involved in this process. Contact your local Alzheimer's Association, Social Service Organization and talk to your doctor. They can put you in touch with support groups and resources.

As the disease progresses, your loved one starts to depend on you for all of their needs. This can be an enormous undertaking for any individual. It quickly becomes overwhelming for families. Day to day management of your own life can become hard. Families can prevent caregiver stress by offering respite care and watching for signs of anxiety, anger, depression and insomnia. During the holidays this can become extra stressfull and depressing for the caregiver. No one is truly prepared for the role of caregiver. That is why it is so important to take care of yourself. Stick to a routine. Eat healthy meals. Try not to become angry. Call a friend or family member just to talk. Address all of your issues. Get assistance whenever possible. Don't ever feel guilty about taking time for you. Take care of your own needs. Make sure that you are important to yourself. Always take the opportunity to get extra rest. Diminish your anxiety by taking a walk. Read a book to get your mind off of the situation. You may think that no one understands, but they do. That is why a support group is one of the most important groups you should join. Support groups are located in every town. You need to reach out for help. You need to know you are not alone.

As if holidays aren't stressful enough for any individual, the holiday season may place added stress for a caregiver. So, participate socially especially during the holidays. While all the attention and care is always concentrated on the person diagnosed with Alzheimer's Disease, no one is focused on the person providing the care. Caregivers need to enjoy and maintain a better quality of life. This holiday season and throughout the year, if you know of someone that cares for a individual that has Alzheimer's Disease, reach out to them. If it is only to let them know you are there just to talk or listen. Don't let them think that they are isolated and alone. Pay them a visit. Bring them cookies. Lend a helping hand. You don't have to do much. You may be surprised what a small gesture can do to help a person that feels so alone. You never know when you may be in a position to be a caregiver in your lifetime. So reach out to your neighbor, friend or family member. They may be just too proud to ask for help. Make a difference in someone's life.

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Mobility Aids Make Life Easier For Those That Need Them

Walking, running, and even standing still are things so many of us take for granted but not all of us have the luxury of walking and getting around comfortably of our own accord.

For those of us that are inflected with ailments that make movement difficult mobility aids may provide all the necessary help.

Mobility aids are devices intended to assist those with mobility problems in getting around more easily. These devices are intended to make life easier for those with physical conditions that make it difficult to get around.

There are physical conditions such as bad backs, injuries to our legs and permanent physical conditions that make movement difficult for some of us. Nobody desires to have these conditions however; it's a fact of life that many of us have to live with physical ailments that affect our mobility.

When inflicted with a temporary or permanent condition that affects our mobility it is good to know that there are devices that have been created that make things a little less troublesome.

Mobility aids include such devices as crutches, canes, walkers and wheelchairs. While these are theses most common mobility aids there are other devices many of us never think of until we need them ourselves or someone close to us needs them.

These mobility aids include such devices as prosthetic legs, artificial knees, and artificial hips. This group of mobility aids has seen some great advancement in recent times, and is now a regular part of the medical scene.

Thanks to these devices and the miracle of modern science and medicine people who have lost a limb now have a way of getting around. Prosthetic devices have greatly affected the lives of individuals afflicted with ailments or those that have lost a limb due to an accident and have provided them with the ability to walk.

In many cases these aids have given people who have lost hope a little hope that things will be as close to okay as possible.

Prosthetic devices are just one type of mobility aid. There are several other classes of aids that are designed to assist individuals who are afflicted with mobility limitations of one degree or another. One such group of mobility aids is fixed non-wheeled walking aids.

These devices are designed to provide assistance in balancing or moving by providing additional support.

Non-wheeled walking aids include canes and crutches and even walking sticks. The purpose of these devices at this is to provide a higher level of stability. This is accomplished by supporting the area that needs the assistance.

Our bodies have a natural center of gravity. When we are working with certain conditions the ability to control our balance is sometimes affected.

Crutches and canes move the center of gravity and allow the users of these devices to get around when they may not have been able to otherwise. Thanks to the invention of these mobility aids many people who could not get around now can.

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There Are Many Weight Loss Plans For Teens to Make Them Lean and Fit

When you are overweight or obese, you tend to have low morale. Your peers and friends start teasing you just because of your excessive size and weight. This could affect the confidence levels, especially when you are in your teens. Therefore, boost your self-image by making sure that you have that healthily lean and perfect body shape. Even if you are heavier than medically required, you can shed those excessive pounds by learning more about the weight loss plans that are there which specifically cater to the unique physical requirements of the teenagers.

• Never skip breakfast: Breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Nowadays teens happily skip breakfast giving an excuse of not having enough time after the morning chores. Just as bathing and brushing keep you fresh, morning food is essential to energize the systems. Remember that you have not had any food for the last 8 to 10 hours during your sleep. When the system is ready for the day, it needs its fuel. Never deny that.

• Eat more fruits and vegetables: Whether you like it or not, adding more fruits and vegetables will keep your physical systems healthy and more alert. This is because of almost all the nutrients available in these golden dishes.

• Eat slowly: Make sure to eat slowly. It takes about 20 to 30 minutes for the brain to receive the satiating signals to stop feeding. The slower you eat, the lesser is consumed, which will again help you in losing weight. Do not watch television or indulge in video game while eating. Make sure you chew the morsels well before swallowing. This encourages proper digestion process and releases more energies.

• Cut down soda and junk foods: It is fashionable to drink lots of soda and gulp junk foods especially while get-togethers and parties. Try to avoid these to stay in perfect shape.

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Emergency Medical Alert Systems

Emergency medical alert systems are designed to provide medical help in emergency situations. These are medical alert systems extremely helpful in situations that arise from injuries or illnesses, where immediate medical care is required.

The whole system comprises a transmitter, medical alarm console, and medical monitoring center. Once the button in the transmitter is pressed, the console receives the signal which in turn transmits it to the monitoring center. The center assists the persons for ambulance services, to reach hospital or any other urgent help.

Most emergency medical alert systems are simple to operate. Many systems allow phone numbers to be programmed into the unit so that connection can be established at the push of a button. These numbers are stored according to the preference of the user. In some cases, a neighbor is first on the list instead of a family member.

Some systems are designed in such a way that it informs the monitoring personnel if the wireless transmitter is in a horizontal position, an indicator that the person has fallen down.

The emergency medical systems are beneficial to persons who are recovering after a surgery or persons with known diseases. It also aids elderly persons who are prone to fall very often. Injuries varying from small to severe fractures in hand, ankle, vertebrae, hip, pelvis, and head occur by falling. It is stated that more than a million senior citizens in the nation undergo treatment for injuries every year. Hence, these emergency systems are of great utility value to elderly persons.

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Medical Records Tracking Software a Boon to Healthcare Professionals

If you keep medical records in your office, you are aware of the many challenges that you face. A good database and appropriate tracking software can help you overcome those challenges.

Your office may be modern and up to date in many ways. You may be using computer programs for scheduling patients and alerting the staff when follow-ups are needed. You probably have a system for electronic billing and, surely, all of the codes for billing Medicare or Medicaid can be found with a simple mouse click or a touch of a button.

You might have even cut down on the amount of paper used in your office by using the latest electronic medical records. But, if you have been in practice for a while, you likely have filing cabinets full of paperwork from years past. These files may contain everything from exam notes to X-rays.

Your patients have rights concerning these files. You must be able to access and provide their information quickly. Sometimes, there is no time to manually look through these files. That is when tracking software becomes particularly helpful.

RFID (radio frequency identification) tags can easily be attached to all of your current and out of date files. You can use the tags in your office to keep up with your patients during their stay, find out what medications they are taking quickly and track any lab work going out or coming in.

RFID tracking software is being used to reduce the risk of lost files and locate them easily. Doctors and other healthcare professionals are using the systems to track and report inventories. They find that the systems enhance staff compliance and boost productivity.

By reducing the amount of time that office staff spends searching for medical records there is a net gain of billable hours. It is possible to see more patients per day when everything runs smoothly and efficiently.

The advantage to your patients or clients is obvious. They experience less waiting, which to your staff means fewer complaints.

These systems can easily be worked into your existing database, assuming that it is up-to-date. The staff can easily learn how to use the systems. As time has gone by, the usability of the programs has improved greatly.

If you decide to implement the use of RFID tags, you will find that the tags are small, inexpensive and easy to attach to your files. Database and tracking software design teams provide support for you and your staff to ensure that everything continues to operate as it should and you can find your medical records when you need them.

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Senior Adults Discover the Joys of Computer Literacy

It seems every day lately, seniors using computers are making their presence known. CNN.com published an editorial in mid-November about the rising number of senior citizen bloggers. These seniors, ranging from early 70 to 93 years old are writing regularly on a wide range of topics, from politics, to local events, to gardening and nature. Keeping a blog (short for web log - an online diary) has kept their minds active, enabled them to befriend people from around the globe, and given them a renewed interest in life.

At an anniversary party recently, I noticed an older gentleman sitting at a table typing on a tiny laptop. I went over to check it out and tried to start up a conversation. The man didn't answer, but continued to type, so I looked at the screen. He was explaining that he had throat surgery two years before and was no longer able to talk. Then he went on to type about how much he was enjoying the party. At that point, someone else came over and tried to speak to him. Rather than type his explanation all over again, the man had saved all of his past comments and showed them on the screen whenever specific questions were asked.

Then there was the lady from Huntsville, Alabama who felt so motivated by becoming computer literate that she decided to return to work as a full time, 40 hour a week, volunteer. She admitted to being tired, but looked forward to what she could accomplish using a computer. Did I mention that this lady is 78 years old?

Our own seniors computer club in Toronto is getting more enjoyable every week. Since we get together regularly, the members seem very comfortable with one another and everyone talks about our computer triumphs and problems. We laugh and learn together and there are sometimes a dozen seniors eagerly waiting when I arrive at the community center. The majority are females, but we have some brave men ready to learn. The members willingly try new things (not always successfully), send me update emails, and some adults that had never touched a computer before now have a machine of their own.

I see the positive effects that computer skills have on the lives of senior adults every day. My 81-year-old mother wanders around our house looking for a sunny spot to settle down with her laptop. Then she works on creating her newest ebook, or signs up as an affiliate for a product she wants to promote on her elstatbiz.ca website. The digital camera is always close by to take pictures of anything mom thinks might sell on ebay. Nightly chats with a grandaughter in Florida or one in Tennessee round out her day and if she can fit it in, we spend some time together.

I wonder if a study should be done to see if computer-using seniors live longer? They seem to need extra years to finish all of the things they want to do!

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Medical Alert Cards

Almost everyone suffers from one form of malady or another. Besides, the strain of cutthroat work environments may make you vulnerable to nervous and even physical breakdowns. You may faint, collapse or suffer some other unexpected medical emergency. Even if you are perfectly healthy, you may have an accident on your way to your office. You may be surrounded by well-meaning strangers trying to identify you or finding your telephone number to call your family, but unfortunately you don't have any basic identification information on your person.

Or, you may be surrounded by sympathetic friends who at once transport you to the hospital, but the doctor must diagnose your problem and precious critical time is wasted. Or still worse, you are already suffering from some serious medical problem and land in an emergency medical situation where you faint and cannot speak for yourself. This is where the Medical Alert Card comes to your help.

A Medical Alert Card contains your personal identification, including your name, age, weight, your telephone number and the numbers of your friends, family and physician, along with a brief but crucial description of your problem and what medication you are already on. This ID card may be placed in your purse, wallet or key chain for quick and easy reference. It would be more helpful to attach this ID card to a pendant filled with two-way electronic Medical Alert devices to explain the patient's condition to the doctor or his family and friends, so that he can receive prompt medical attention. Carrying such a card makes the patient more secure and confident.

This ID card should be made of heavy-duty, durable plastic material with ample space to write personal information with a pen or marker. It should preferably be laminated and heat-sealed. Such ID cards are more useful if they are provided to young children bearing their personal details including their names and telephone numbers and addresses of their parents. It becomes easy to locate their parents if they get lost.

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How to Tell Your Aging Parent May Be in Need of Home Care Services

Many seniors seldom want to admit that they simply cannot take care of themselves the way they used to even just a few years ago. It is up to children of senior citizens to look out for their parents and watch for signs that their loved ones may need some extra help that they simply don't want to ask for. The situation may not require drastic action such as moving to an assisted living facility: perhaps some home care services are all your folks need. Here are some ways to tell.

--Unexplained weight loss and overall health decline: Sudden changes in weight may indicate that your aging parent is no longer bothering to cook anymore. If you live nearby, make a discreet check of the fridge and cupboards and see what the food situation is like in the home. A home care provider can take care of meal preparation as well as grocery shopping, if needed. A provider can also help supervise and manage medications to help improve health and overall well-being.

--Poor personal hygiene: If your parent who used to be fastidious about her appearance wears dirty clothes, smells bad, or no longer bothers to style her hair, she simply may not be able to take care of herself properly. A large percentage of seniors who use home care providers do so because it is difficult to get in and out of the tub, or their fine motor skills have deteriorated so much that grooming is too hard to bother: a trained professional can make sure that all of the senior's hygiene needs are being met.

--Dirty house: A filthy, cluttered environment is unhealthy. Your parent may not be able to clean anymore, or he may be suffering from depression. Light housework is part of home care services, and so is providing much-needed companionship to stave off loneliness.

These are just a few of the many signs that home care may be needed: the best way to ensure proper care of aging parents is for children to watch for troublesome signs, then act on their concerns quickly.

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Patient Transfer - Safely Moving Patients

Patient transfer is an important component when it comes to medical care. Easy room to room patient transporting is essential in hospitals and other medical facilities, especially during emergency situations. Transfer devices must be available for bariatric patients, paralyzed patients, and patients with other handicapping conditions that need special patient moving equipment. These individuals with loss of mobility would otherwise have difficulty being transferred to check-ups and procedures. Additionally, general patient transfer equipment is a hospital requirement for patients whether they are on their way to surgery or are just changing to another hospital room.

In order to safely move recovering or injured patients on a stable surface, a wide variety of transfer boards are offered by patient transfer products suppliers. Some specialty patient moving equipment that is specialized for bariatric and pediatric use is available for medical uses. Some special features offered in the design of the patient transporting boards are convenient sliding, unique shapes, lightweight boards, and static-treated carbon material. Most transfer devices have a specific manner of transfer: either in a seated, supine, or prone position.

For obese, immobilized, and injured patients, a wide range of wheelchairs are available that boast sturdy aluminum frames, smooth-rolling performance, durable upholstery, and versatile widths. Specialty medical lifts are also engineered for bariatric patient transporting. This obese patient moving equipment allows overweight individuals to move with ease and saves them the embarrassment of needing extra medical personnel assistance.

Personnel safety should be one of the main focuses when it comes to patient transfer. When researching patient transfer equipment the main focus aside from patient safety one should consider staff safety. Find ergonomically designed devices so that personnel will not get injured while they are moving patients.

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Transitional Assessment - Periods of Reactivity For a Newborn

The newborn exhibits behavioral and physiologic characteristics that can at first appear to be signs of stress. However, during the initial 24 hours changes in heart rate, respiration, motor activity, color, mucous production, and bowel activity occur in an orderly, predictable sequence, which is normal and indicative of lack of stress. Distressed infants also progress through these stages but at a slower rate.

First period
For 6 to 8 hours after birth the newborn is in the first period of reactivity. During the first 30 minutes the infant is very alert, cries vigorously, may suck his fist greedily, and appears very interested in his environment. At this time his eyes are usually open, suggesting that this is an excellent opportunity for mother, father, and child to see each other. For the reason he has a vigorous suck reflex, an opportune time to begin breast-feeding. The mother. This is particularly important for doctors to remember, since it is not unlikely that after this initially highly active states the infant may be quite sleepy and uninterested in sucking. Physiologically the respiratory rate can be high as 80 breaths/minute, rales may be heard, heart rate may reach 180beats/minute, bowel sounds are active, mucous secretions are increased and temperature may decrease.

After this initial stage of alertness and activity the infant's responsiveness diminishes. Heart and respiratory rates decrease, temperature continues to fall, mucous production decreases, and urine or stool is usually not passed. The infant is in a state of sleep and relative calm. Any attempt to stimulate him usually elicits a minimal response. This second stage of the first reactive period generally lasts 2 to 4 hours. Due to the continued decrease in body temperature, it is best to avoid undressing of bathing the infant during this time.

Second period
The second period of reactivity begins when the infant awakes from the deep sleep following the first period. The infant is again alert and responsive, heart and respiratory rates increase, the gag reflex is active, gastric and respiratory secretions are increased, and passage of meconium commonly occurs. This second period of reactivity lasts about 2 to 5 hours and provides another excellent opportunity for child and parents to interact, This period is usually over when the amount of respiratory mucus has decreased. Following this stage is a period of stabilization of physiologic systems and a vacillating pattern of sleep and activity.

After a discussion of the seemingly erratic patterns of behaviors in the newborn, it is apparent that, in order to identify abnormalities or signs of distress in the respiratory, cardiovascular, or neurological system, the doctor must thoroughly understand normal characteristics. Observation, not machines, is the doctor's greatest tool for assessment, and the nursing goal is anticipation and prevention of neonatal stress. The timing of nursing care is based on observation of the neonate's physiologic status. For example, the infant should be dried immediately after delivery to minimize heat loss from evaporation; the initial bath should be postponed until after body temperature has stabilized; eye drops should be instilled after parents and child have established visual contact; and breast-feeding or bottle-feeding should be initiated during one of the two periods of reactivity.

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Medical Alert Services

Certain companies provide Medical Alert Services not only to senior citizens, but also to persons of all ages who suffer from critical medical conditions which may deteriorate suddenly and necessitate an SOS for immediate help. It may also be noted that such medical emergencies not only occur in case of sick persons, but may also overtake the perfectly healthy. Suppose you are in peak health, driving on the road and then someone driving under the influence of liquor crashes into your car, leaving you in need of urgent medical help. Or you may be sitting alone in your home and you feel suffocated, seized with a panic and in need of immediate medical help.

This is where the Medical Alert Service agencies step in to help you. The services supply very easy-to-use buttons or electronic transmission devices that can be activated just by pressing a button fitted in a necklace or bracelet. It may be stitched on your pillow or on your bed close to your arm or waist.

The moment you press the transmission button or the command module, it sends a panic alarm through radio frequencies to the base station of the Medical Alert Service, which monitors your call. It has your personal and medical details in its database, and instantly alerts your family members or doctor, as the case may be. These devices are also fitted with consoles, which immediately contact your family members or doctors, who can respond to your call immediately. They also try to talk directly to you, if you can respond. This also helps monitor your condition.

Some of these Medical Alert Services perform all the monitoring tasks themselves, while others contract out the job to other agencies. Some of these services may be excellent, while other may be just lousy. The best course to decide about the quality of their services, their devices and their credentials is to contact the state certifying department. Any negligence in this area of enquiry may cost you dearly.

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Have You Prepared to Face Nursing Home Costs Yet?

You might think there is still a lot of time to start thinking seriously about your nursing home costs, but certain figures that are going around lately are enough to make any person stop in their tracks and sit down and think. Costs of nursing are simply going up and up. They are already too high currently and they are about to rise steadily over the coming years. Even if you are far from your old age right now, you will most likely have to bear these costs at one time or the other, and then the costs are going to be inflated out of all reasonable proportion.

Consider this-more than half of all Americans will need nursing care for at least a year. Almost a quarter of all Americans will require long term nursing care when they are old. 'Long term' here refers to any period that is more than a year. On an average, the American Association of Retired Persons states that, Americans who stay in nursing care homes spend about two and a half years.

These numbers may not seem so scary to you right now. Maybe you are still thinking about the long time that has to pass before you need any kind of nursing home care. Or, as most people think, you may also be thinking about the uncertainty of life and must be wondering whether you really need to invest in that long a future or not. But how long is that future?

Most Americans start needing nursing home care once they have crossed the age of 65 years. You may be far from this age right now, but consider this-the most ideal time to start planning about life after 65 is as soon as you have crossed 40 years. Now, why is that? It is because when you are 40 and if you seek any long term care insurance, you get to pay very low premiums. The premiums go on becoming higher as your age progresses and, God forbid, if you get any ailment on the way, the premiums are going to go drastically higher. In fact, the American healthcare experts say that the best time to make your old age care financially sound is as soon as you step into your forties.

So, what are the nursing home costs actually? Here are the figures that will intimidate you. The average costs of Americans needing nursing home care fall anywhere between $25,000 and $50,000 a year. That's an amazing amount... it comes to $70 to $140 a day, which is enormous. And if you haven't taken any insurance protection when you are younger, you will need to spend all this amount from whatever savings you have after you are retired.

The figures start becoming scarier now. Imagine that you have to stay in your nursing home for three years. You might be spending like $75,000 to $150,000. To most people that's a life worth of savings. Are you saving money today only so that you can spend it all on your nursing home care after you are older? Certainly not!

There are services like Medicare and Medicaid (which is especially for the financially weak people) that can provide you insurance for any nursing home costs that you might incur when you are older. Don't ignore this essential need. Secure your future and you will be happier.

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