Rebuilding Seaside Heights--Jersey Strong

Today (March 30, 2013), Fred and I took a ride to Seaside to see what my home town looked like. We didn’t go sooner because it was just too sad to see. I don’t understand how the boardwalk will be ready this Memorial Day to greet the season’s visitors; there is so much work to be completed. I hoping my doubt will be proven wrong.

There were a lot of people walking around the town today. Many folks were taking pictures of the destruction and the rebuilding. There were crews working on areas of the boardwalk. A lot of pilings have been placed in the sand and portions of the boardwalk are still in tack toward the Seaside Park end. The Sawmill restaurant was opened and a few other eateries nearby. The arcade adjacent to the Sawmill was closed. Fun Town Pier is practically demolished. If you remember the large T-Rex in the center of the amusements you will be happy to know he is still standing! Below are pictures from the area. If you click on the picture you will get a larger view.

 

End of the Funtown area; the arcade was partially opened
but you can see the candy shoppe was closed





End of  boardwalk entering Seaside Park's beach

 

We left the Fun Town area and drove up to Webster Avenue, the street that I lived on for many years. I wanted to see if the house was still there. I am glad to say it is. Below are pictures of the Webster Avenue boardwalk area. The parking lot on the corner was operational charging $5 per car. Meter parking was free until April 15.

The house looks great. Maybe there was water damage in the
lower apartments but the roof and exterior look like their are intact.



Midway Steak stand is still standing at Webster Aveune
There was a State Trooper guarding the area (every where you look you spot a trooper).
Fred started a conversation with the officer and learned he was from the metro crime squad in Newark.
He was having a pleasant day enjoying the sun and overtime. 



Webster Avenue beach--no boardwalk, no fence,
no ticket stand--just sand and ocean without boundries



Webster Avenue with Casino Pier in the distance

Our next stop was Casino Pier. On the way we saw some concessioners were operating from the street area. Very ingenious!



Arcade was closed



So much is gone from Casino Pier.
Notice the Kohr's stand isn't in the picture.
On the other side of the street were some salvaged
amusements and large statues from the pier.

This is where the church's car raffles use to be sold.



To the right you can see the ferris wheel is
still standing on the Fun Town Pier



View of the infamous rollercoaster sitting in the water.
The entire rear of the pier is gone. It is so erie.
It looks like someone just picked it up and dropped it upright!
It reminded me of the scene in Planet of the Apes when they approach the Statue of Liberty.
I always remember that rollercoaster because my little sister and I use to ride it.
The first time we rode it she broke her glasses.
I wonder what happened to the other amusements at the end of the pier.



We can only hope that Seaside will come back better than ever

for future generations to enjoy.

Friday's Digital Health Finds...

Here are some latest social and mobile headlines, infographics, and insights relevant to the Best Buy Drugs work we do at Consumer Reports. As you know, there's A LOT out there, so we pared the latest down to 5 - 10 headlines and links. Hope the information is useful to you.

Another note: Consumer Reports launched BBD Twitter and Facebook pages this week! Take a look, and please follow, like, and share! Thanks.


Doctors and their online reputation [NY Times Well]

http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/03/21/doctors-and-their-online-reputation

When a doctor I know recently signed up for a Twitter account, his colleagues began teasing him. “Are you going to tweet what you eat?” one joked. Their questions, though, soon turned serious. How often was he going to tweet? What would he do if patients asked for medical advice on Twitter? Did he make up a name or use his real one? “Doesn’t it make you nervous to put yourself ‘out there’?” asked one doctor...



Mobile App Helps Alzheimer’s Caregivers [Voice of America]
http://www.voanews.com/content/phone-app-developed-to-assis-alzheimer-caregivers/1629535.html


Increasingly, family members are being called upon to assist in the care of loved ones with Alzheimer's, a complex and difficult task that many people find themselves unprepared for. That is why the Hebrew Home, a privately-run geriatric care organization in Riverdale, New York, developed a new iPhone and iPad application called Balance. The $4 App, which can be purchased online, offers caregivers helpful information about Alzheimer’s, including tips on getting a reliable diagnosis of the condition, recognizing its symptoms, and managing routine daily care of the Alzheimer’s patient, such as feeding, bathing and hygiene.



Mobile and Smartphones in Healthcare: A Growing Trend [Tufts Medical Center via PInterest]
http://pinterest.com/pin/137078382380361599/


There are more than 40,000 mobile health apps

One in three cell phone owners have used it for health information, compared to 17% just two years ago.

One in five smartphone owners have at least one health app on their phone. Exercise, diet, and weight apps are the most popular.

In the iTunes App Store, there are: 250+ blood pressure apps; 475+ heart health apps, 1,500+ weight loss apps; 125+ medicine apps

A smart bracelet to help reduce hospital-acquired infections [Atelier]
http://www.atelier.net/en/trends/articles/smart-bracelet-help-reduce-hospital-acquired-infections


The bracelet tracks the healthcare workers’ hand motions as they wash their hands, and assesses whether the guidelines laid down for washing procedures are being followed. The bracelet vibrates to inform the healthcare worker when the hand hygiene procedure has been properly executed or alert him/her that the washing procedure was inadequate. All the data for each bracelet wearer are recorded.



CVS launches a “virtual pharmacy” iPad app [mobihealthnews]
http://mobihealthnews.com/21239/cvs-launches-a-virtual-pharmacy-ipad-app/

The CVS iPad app presents the user with a 3D virtual pharmacy, where each section of the store corresponds to a functionality for the app, many of which were already present on CVS’s iPhone app. In the Pharmacy, users can scan barcodes to refill prescriptions and manage their family’s prescriptions. In the MinuteClinic, users can search for nearby clinics, check whether their insurance is accepted, and see a list of services offered.



Infographic: 41 percent of patients say social media affects hospital choice [Ragan’s Health Care Communication News]
http://www.healthcarecommunication.com/Main/Articles/10204.aspx


26% of all hospitals in the U.S. participate in social media

How are they participating? 46% - YouTube; 84% - Facebook; 64% - Twitter; 12% - Blog

60% of doctors say social media improves the quality of care delivered to patients



A Healthcare Guide to Hashtags and Tweet-Ups [HealthWorks Collective]
http://healthworkscollective.com/stuart-wainstock/91651/healthcare-guide-hashtags-and-tweet-ups


We’ve packed in all the details on hashtags, as well as details on the most popular tweet chats. So, grab a cup of coffee, your Twitter tools, and dive in to the healthcare guide to Twitter.


And... the tweet of the week:

RT @alliance_health: "The biggest risk of social media in health care is not using it at all"- @kevinmd http://ow.ly/ji16Y #hcsm

HAPPY EASTER

All I need to know I learned from the Easter Bunny!

Don't put all your eggs in one basket.

Everyone needs a friend who is all ears.

There's no such thing as too much candy.

All work and no play can make you a basket case.

A cute tail attracts a lot of attention.

Everyone is entitled to a bad hare day.

Let happy thoughts multiply like rabbits.

Some body parts should be floppy.

Keep your paws off of other people's jelly beans.

Good things come in small, sugar coated packages.

The grass is always greener in someone else's basket.

To show your true colors, you have to come out of the shell.

The best things in life are still sweet and gooey.

May the joy of the season fill your heart.

Delivering your baby: Why scheduling early is not a good idea

Sometimes there are medical reasons for a woman to deliver her baby before naturally
going into labor. For example, if a week or more passes after the due date and the baby does not come, doctors may need to start, or induce, labor. Or if the woman or her baby is at risk, doctors may need to deliver the baby by Cesarean delivery, or C-section.

These types of deliveries can save lives. But tohurry a baby’s birth—just to make it convenient for you or your doctor—can increase the risk of serious problems for both you and your baby.

In plain terms: Don't schedule a birth for convenience. Here's why:

http://bit.ly/16g8lBV

Feel free to join me...

I ordered B and my tickets today.

Bruiser--We miss you!

Dr. John Santa (Consumer Reports) on CBS This Morning

I wanted to share with you a truly superb interview this morning with Dr. John Santa on CBS This Morning on the topic of hospital safety.

Best hospitals for safety: Consumer Reports issues safety score for hospitals



http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-505269_162-57575510/best-hospitals-for-safety-consumer-reports-issues-safety-score-for-hospitals/

Bruiser was carried out of the garage this morning

Bruiser's grand dad came to pick him up early this morning. The little guy refused to leave the garage so Tim had to pick him up and carry him to the car.

You are already missed Bruiser :(

Bruiser is going home tomorrow

 See post below: Last segment of the Bruiser Chronicle...

Recall of all sterile drug products by Med Prep Consulting in NJ

FDA alerts health care providers of recall of all sterile drug products by Med Prep Consulting in New Jersey


The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is alerting health care providers and patients of a voluntary nationwide recall of all lots of all products produced by Med Prep Consulting Inc. of Tinton Falls, N.J, a specialty pharmacy licensed by the state of New Jersey. The recall was announced after health care providers at a hospital in Connecticut observed floating particles, later identified to be a fungus, in five bags of magnesium sulfate intravenous solution.

The magnesium sulfate products may have been distributed to additional facilities in Connecticut, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Delaware. Until further notice, health care providers should stop using all products made by Med Prep Consulting Inc. and return them to the company.

“Giving a patient a contaminated injectable drug could result in a life-threatening infection,” said Janet Woodcock, M.D., director of the FDA’s Center for Drug Evaluation and Research. “We do not have reports of patient infections. However, due to a lack of sterility assurance at the facility and out of an abundance of caution, this recall is necessary to protect patients.”

This investigation is ongoing. The FDA is working with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and state officials in New Jersey and Connecticut to determine the scope of the contamination. The level of recall is to the user level, this includes regional hospital pharmacies and related departments, and physician’s office practices. This recall includes all products distributed through March 15, 2013.

In addition to the recall, on March 15, 2013, the New Jersey State Board of Pharmacy entered into an Interim Voluntary Consent Order with Med Prep Consulting Inc. Under the Order, the firm has temporarily halted all production operations, including the processing and shipping of medications.

Med Prep Consulting Inc. prepares a number of sterile products for intravenous administration for a number of medical conditions. The firm’s products include antibiotics, general and local anesthetics, cardiac, labor and delivery and pain management medications.

To date, the FDA is not aware of any reports of injury or illness associated with the recalled magnesium sulfate intravenous solution. The FDA asks health care professionals and consumers to report any adverse reactions to the FDA’s MedWatch program:

Complete and submit the report online at www.fda.gov/medwatch/report.htm

Last segment of the Bruiser Chronicle...

...that is until the next time he visits.

Good morning, Bruiser. He finally understands he shouldn't wake me up so early and then we have Fred throwing us out of bed. Yikes, I forgot I have to go to South Jersey to attend Uncle Sonny's funeral. Uncle Sonny (aka as the family's Santa Claus) is now in heaven with Aunt Theresa (she passed in October).



I am not rising until I
have my belly rubbed. 
After all, there are some perks
to being a house guest.



No problem, I will take a nap while you are gone.



It is about time you get home.
I am ready to play!



I will promise anything if you
don't drag me out in the snow!



Buiser and I are doing a happy dance! We get to spend one more night together. Grandpa is coming in the morning to pick him up to take him home to his Mommy and Daddy. I know they can't wait to snuggle with their little love bug.

Mom, Claudia was typing away
so I had to get her attention.
Oh boy, did I get her to notice me.
She was a good sport, she got on the
floor and played too.

One less stuffy for May's garage sale.
Laura, I am sure you are laughing at us
(sorry about your...I think it was a dog)!

All kidding aside, thanks Renee & Rich for letting me share a week with Bruiser. He gave me lots of material to blog about. He is a delight and he is always welcome to stay with us. He will be missed around here. 

Sunday with His Cuteness

We just came back from a walk and a sprint in the dog run. Sorry to say there were no dogs to play with Bruiser. He impressed Fred by leading the way to the doggie play area. He is not only cute and loveable, he is very smart too. Once there he showed us how fast he can run. He is a speed demon with very little stamina!

I am sure you are wandering if Bruiser respected my wishes about rising before the sun. Yes, he did! He didn't annouce the wake-up call until 7:55. It may not have had anything to do with our conversation yesterday. More than likely, it has something to do with him staying up late wih me last night. I am not going to to divulge his bedtime, after all, it was Saturday night.

No, no, not another walk.
Where is Fred when you need him?
Hey Fred isnt it nap time?

Bruiser has become a pro at the steps now. He still won't cross the bridge over the pond in the the development; no big deal, we just walk around the pond.

I sewed the stuffed cat that Bruiser beheaded. I decided not to attach the head this way there are two toys that he can carry around. Yesterday he must have grabbed a pair of my socks out of the clothes basket because I was surpried when I saw him walking around with them. So now he has another object to carry. I wonder if he thinks he is a retriever.

Why did she have to go and sew this?
Now I will just have to show her once again
what I think of cats!

1 cat body, 1 cat head, 1pair of socks--
all will be waiting for Bruiser the next time he visits us.

R & R, don't you have somewhere to go in April?

Happy ST Patrick's Day

to our friends

and Bruiser's family!

Saturday with Bruiser

It is the third day of Bruiser’s stay with us. We started off with an hour’s walk this morning and met up with Coco and both pups became fast friends. Afterward, Bruiser had some fun in the dog run. I figured I would treat him to some off-leash time before I had a serious talk with him.

Dog run all to Bruiser

He decided it was time to go

When we arrived home we enjoyed our breakfast together. We both had our usual. Bruiser didn’t want any coffee. After breakfast I told him I had to have a conversation with him. So he patiently sat and listened to me. “Bruiser, you are the very best dog (Jackson & Louie, you are still top dogs)…but you must understand this woman does not like getting out of bed before the sun is up, especially on the weekend. So maybe tomorrow you can wait until the sun is completely in the sky before you are ready for your first walk of the day."

He is listening but I don't know
what is going on in his head.

I  will try but I can't promise.
A dog has to go when a dog has to go.

Good place for a nap on a snowy day.
Comfy in here with the fireplace warming up the house.
I think I will just catch a few winks
before Claudia looks to take me out again.

Let me sit up here with Claudia, she may need
some inspiration playing Words. Oh, wait, how
can I bark out the letters if I have a stuffy in my mouth?
Oh well, I am not dropping the stuffy,
she will just have to come up with her own words.

  

Taking advantage of Fred watching a movie.

He is a talented guy--he can do two things at once.

A little scratch to the right, please.

Oh, I am totally shameless.

NEWS ALERT:
Bruiser finally went up the steps by himself!
GO BRUISER