Monday, April 29, 2013
Friday, April 26, 2013
Friday's Best Buy Drugs Digital Health Finds from Ginger
10 reasons value-based healthcare orgs need a social strategy [HL7 Standards]As part of a collaboration strategy, a large part of the program seemed to be encouraging office visits, follow-up care and sharing information. In other words, ongoing communication and behavior change can have potent benefits. But why a social strategy?
In tweets we trust: Determining the credibility of health-related tweets [Health Care Social Media Monitor]
A 2012 paper by researchers from Microsoft and Carnegie Mellon University, “Tweeting is Believing? Understanding Microblog Credibility Perceptions,” analyzing how users assess a tweet’s credibility has implications for healthcare researchers, physicians, practitioners and patient advocates on Twitter.
How valuable is an online diabetes community? [Quality in Care Programme]
There are many different areas in which an online community can assist those in a similar situation, some of which may be fairly obvious and others perhaps a little less so. We will now take a look at what the online community really has to offer and what it actually means to people with diabetes.
5 reasons why mobile health apps fail [KevinMD.com]
There are an estimated 15,000 medical apps presently on the market and is expected to grow 25% per year, according to one study. There are issues which are common in the development of these apps and other categories of apps. However, some technical and non-technical issues are unique to the sector. As someone who does not design apps, I will offer a perspective which covers topics raised by different stakeholders concerning medical app development which might be of interest.
Younger adults and minorities lead the way with mobile health information search [Pew Internet]
Some 85% of US adults own a cell phone, and of those, 31% say they have used their phone to look for health or medical information online. Some groups are more likely than others to look for health information on their phones: Latinos, African Americans, those between the ages of 18 and 49, and those who have attended at least some college education.
The latest tool for tracking obesity? Facebook Likes [TIME]
In a way that’s never been possible before, people can record their interests, habits and daily activities that at first blush might seem to have only trivial meaning. But such data can be accessed by almost anyone (depending on privacy settings, of course), and that includes researchers. Scientists are turning to Facebook as a way to track how obesity trends, for example, correlate with geographically-specific trends in diet and exercise, and hope that such information can lead to more targeted ways of reversing the obesity epidemic.
Apps and online tools make tough life a bit easier for Alzheimer’s, autism caregivers [The Washington Post]
As her mother and father edged toward dementia, Nancy D’Auria kept a piece of paper in her wallet listing their medications. It had the dosages, the time of day each should be taken and a check mark when her folks, who live 10 miles away, assured her the pills had been swallowed. “I work full time so it was very challenging,” said D’Auria, 63, of West Nyack. Now she has an app for that. With a tap or two on her iPhone, D’Auria can access a “pillbox” program that keeps it all organized for her and other relatives who share in the caregiving and subscribe to the app.
3 excuses doctors make to avoid social media [Ragan’s Healthcare Communication News]
Hospital communicators, I feel your pain. I went to the orthopedic doctor to discuss my recent knee injury, and he asked me what I do for a living. I explained that I’m an editor for a website that focuses on how doctors and hospitals use social media to connect to their patients. He looked confused. Then he immediately told me why he thought that was a bad idea. He had a pretty good list.
The anatomy of the perfect tweet[Ragan’s PR Daily] (not health-related, but good to know)
Imagine if you discovered the formula for the perfect tweet—as message so perfect that Twitter users can’t help follow your account and retweet your post. Well, hold onto your Twitter handles, because the perfect tweet has been discovered, in theory.
An event worth attending:
Patient-Centered Outcomes the Focus of ISPOR's 18th Annual International Meeting in New Orleans
http://www.sacbee.com/2013/04/23/5364179/patient-centered-outcomes-the.html
The International Society for Pharmacoeconomics and Outcomes Research (ISPOR), meeting May 18-22 in New Orleans, is bringing in speakers and perspectives from all over the world to discuss effectiveness research and drug development.
In tweets we trust: Determining the credibility of health-related tweets [Health Care Social Media Monitor]
A 2012 paper by researchers from Microsoft and Carnegie Mellon University, “Tweeting is Believing? Understanding Microblog Credibility Perceptions,” analyzing how users assess a tweet’s credibility has implications for healthcare researchers, physicians, practitioners and patient advocates on Twitter.
How valuable is an online diabetes community? [Quality in Care Programme]
There are many different areas in which an online community can assist those in a similar situation, some of which may be fairly obvious and others perhaps a little less so. We will now take a look at what the online community really has to offer and what it actually means to people with diabetes.
5 reasons why mobile health apps fail [KevinMD.com]
There are an estimated 15,000 medical apps presently on the market and is expected to grow 25% per year, according to one study. There are issues which are common in the development of these apps and other categories of apps. However, some technical and non-technical issues are unique to the sector. As someone who does not design apps, I will offer a perspective which covers topics raised by different stakeholders concerning medical app development which might be of interest.
Younger adults and minorities lead the way with mobile health information search [Pew Internet]
Some 85% of US adults own a cell phone, and of those, 31% say they have used their phone to look for health or medical information online. Some groups are more likely than others to look for health information on their phones: Latinos, African Americans, those between the ages of 18 and 49, and those who have attended at least some college education.
The latest tool for tracking obesity? Facebook Likes [TIME]
In a way that’s never been possible before, people can record their interests, habits and daily activities that at first blush might seem to have only trivial meaning. But such data can be accessed by almost anyone (depending on privacy settings, of course), and that includes researchers. Scientists are turning to Facebook as a way to track how obesity trends, for example, correlate with geographically-specific trends in diet and exercise, and hope that such information can lead to more targeted ways of reversing the obesity epidemic.
Apps and online tools make tough life a bit easier for Alzheimer’s, autism caregivers [The Washington Post]
As her mother and father edged toward dementia, Nancy D’Auria kept a piece of paper in her wallet listing their medications. It had the dosages, the time of day each should be taken and a check mark when her folks, who live 10 miles away, assured her the pills had been swallowed. “I work full time so it was very challenging,” said D’Auria, 63, of West Nyack. Now she has an app for that. With a tap or two on her iPhone, D’Auria can access a “pillbox” program that keeps it all organized for her and other relatives who share in the caregiving and subscribe to the app.
3 excuses doctors make to avoid social media [Ragan’s Healthcare Communication News]
Hospital communicators, I feel your pain. I went to the orthopedic doctor to discuss my recent knee injury, and he asked me what I do for a living. I explained that I’m an editor for a website that focuses on how doctors and hospitals use social media to connect to their patients. He looked confused. Then he immediately told me why he thought that was a bad idea. He had a pretty good list.
The anatomy of the perfect tweet[Ragan’s PR Daily] (not health-related, but good to know)
Imagine if you discovered the formula for the perfect tweet—as message so perfect that Twitter users can’t help follow your account and retweet your post. Well, hold onto your Twitter handles, because the perfect tweet has been discovered, in theory.
An event worth attending:
Patient-Centered Outcomes the Focus of ISPOR's 18th Annual International Meeting in New Orleans
http://www.sacbee.com/2013/04/23/5364179/patient-centered-outcomes-the.html
The International Society for Pharmacoeconomics and Outcomes Research (ISPOR), meeting May 18-22 in New Orleans, is bringing in speakers and perspectives from all over the world to discuss effectiveness research and drug development.
Spring leads to Memorial Day...my favorite season is approaching...
Finally spring arrived and that means summer is on the way. Welcome to a new season. I am re-posting the house rules and hope no one objects to them. We are looking forward to seeing friends & family down the shore this season.
Welcome to “Almost Paradise”
H: Happy? Love dogs? If not, please stop, don’t put your suitcase down, turn around, and go home! Yes, I know Sierra is no longer here but there will be a dog soon!
O: Our house is yours to enjoy. Leave your shoes in the garage, drop your suitcase in the guest room (by the way, it is your room until you are ready to leave) and make yourself comfortable.
Please remember there are NO housekeepers, cooks, or waitresses employed at “Almost Paradise.” So please get acquainted with the kitchen and make yourself at home. Ignore all cobwebs and dust unless you have the urge to clean; only the basic domestic work will be done between Memorial Day and Labor Day.
U: Utilize your eyes, ears, and nose to experience nature’s gifts. Binoculars are available for bird watching, butterfly spotting, and the like. Please don’t spy on our neighbors, we plan on coming back.
S Simplicity is a way of life at “Almost Paradise.” We don’t care if you wear the same clothes twice, or if you or your clothes are wrinkled. We don’t care if your hair is frizzy or uncombed, or if your nails are manicured. We DO care about your willingness to lay back and chill; sit on the beach and soak up the sun; eat, sleep, and relax.
Remember: Stress is not welcome here; please lock it in your car.
E Enjoy yourself, experience contentment, and indulge your spirit.
R: Respectfulness, relaxation, and rubbing the pup’s belly are the only enforceable activities at the Citarellas’ shore house.
U: Unwind, drink some wine, chill, and shake away your troubles. Unleash yourself and don’t forget to laugh a lot.
L: Let go of your worries. You can always collect them on the way home.
E: Every day is a new present from God. Appreciate it, live in the moment, and let nothing but positive thoughts enter your mind.
S: Smile and stay as long as you like (or until we politely ask you to leave).
WARNING: Management has the right to alter these rules without notification to guests. Hopefully, your stay will not create any changes and you will not be notified!
Life at the shore is meant to be stress free
H: Happy? Love dogs? If not, please stop, don’t put your suitcase down, turn around, and go home! Yes, I know Sierra is no longer here but there will be a dog soon!
O: Our house is yours to enjoy. Leave your shoes in the garage, drop your suitcase in the guest room (by the way, it is your room until you are ready to leave) and make yourself comfortable.
Please remember there are NO housekeepers, cooks, or waitresses employed at “Almost Paradise.” So please get acquainted with the kitchen and make yourself at home. Ignore all cobwebs and dust unless you have the urge to clean; only the basic domestic work will be done between Memorial Day and Labor Day.
U: Utilize your eyes, ears, and nose to experience nature’s gifts. Binoculars are available for bird watching, butterfly spotting, and the like. Please don’t spy on our neighbors, we plan on coming back.
S Simplicity is a way of life at “Almost Paradise.” We don’t care if you wear the same clothes twice, or if you or your clothes are wrinkled. We don’t care if your hair is frizzy or uncombed, or if your nails are manicured. We DO care about your willingness to lay back and chill; sit on the beach and soak up the sun; eat, sleep, and relax.
Remember: Stress is not welcome here; please lock it in your car.
E Enjoy yourself, experience contentment, and indulge your spirit.
R: Respectfulness, relaxation, and rubbing the pup’s belly are the only enforceable activities at the Citarellas’ shore house.
U: Unwind, drink some wine, chill, and shake away your troubles. Unleash yourself and don’t forget to laugh a lot.
L: Let go of your worries. You can always collect them on the way home.
E: Every day is a new present from God. Appreciate it, live in the moment, and let nothing but positive thoughts enter your mind.
S: Smile and stay as long as you like (or until we politely ask you to leave).
WARNING: Management has the right to alter these rules without notification to guests. Hopefully, your stay will not create any changes and you will not be notified!
Thursday, April 25, 2013
A little humor is good...
From my friend, Paulette:
Subject: The Physical
A 90 year old man goes in for his yearly physical. All of his tests come back with normal results. The doctor says to Henry, " Henry, everything looks great. How are you doing mentally and emotionally? Are you at peace with God?
Henry replies, "God and I are tight. He knows I have poor eyesight, so He's fixed it so when I get up in the middle of the night to go to the bathroom, poof! The light goes on. When I'm done, poof! The light goes off."
"Wow, that's incredible," the doctor says.
A little later in the day, the doctor calls Henry's wife. "Ethel," he says, "Henry is doing fine! But I had to call you because I'm in awe of his relationship with God. Is it true that he gets up during the night, and poof! ... the light goes on in the bathroom, and when he's done, poof! ... the light goes off?"
"Oh sweet Jesus" exclaims Ethel. "He's peeing in the refrigerator again!"
Subject: The Physical
A 90 year old man goes in for his yearly physical. All of his tests come back with normal results. The doctor says to Henry, " Henry, everything looks great. How are you doing mentally and emotionally? Are you at peace with God?
Henry replies, "God and I are tight. He knows I have poor eyesight, so He's fixed it so when I get up in the middle of the night to go to the bathroom, poof! The light goes on. When I'm done, poof! The light goes off."
"Wow, that's incredible," the doctor says.
A little later in the day, the doctor calls Henry's wife. "Ethel," he says, "Henry is doing fine! But I had to call you because I'm in awe of his relationship with God. Is it true that he gets up during the night, and poof! ... the light goes on in the bathroom, and when he's done, poof! ... the light goes off?"
"Oh sweet Jesus" exclaims Ethel. "He's peeing in the refrigerator again!"
Fred's mom, grandmother, & aunts
Aunt Jean, Aunt Rose, Grandmother, Mom (Mary), Aunt Angie
All are in Heaven
Thanks Craig for posting on FB
Monday, April 22, 2013
Best Buy Drugs Digital Health Finds for April 19 2013
How quickly the U.S. got fat (1985 - 2010 animated map)
[The Atlantic]
By now everyone knows obesity is a serious issue, but it always helps me to see things moving and in color, and makes the "epidemic" terminology make sense. Meanwhile, through 2012, no state has met the CDC's nationwide goal to reduce obesity to 15 percent. According to a Gallup poll out this morning, here are the least and most obese metropolitan areas:
[KevinMd.com]
With patients becoming increasingly social media-savvy, it is safe to say that this phenomenon is here to stay. As a public policy initiative, the use of smart social media may in fact be a useful intervention to encourage patients to pursue healthy lifestyles while relieving pressures on health budgets. For this to happen, more research and analysis is required to better connect patients with their healthcare providers and to provide them with evidence-based, accurate information.
[CNET]
Postpartum depression afflicts between 10 percent and 15 percent of new moms. But with some never seeking help, those numbers may be even higher. And in a new study out of Case Western Reserve, researchers found that many women don't seek counseling because of the stigma attached to depression and because they feel they simply don't have the time -- but they would go online for help if professionals were available and they could remain anonymous.
[Healthcare Global]
Physicians think the apps are of real value. eClnicalWorks performed a survey that revealed nine in ten physicians are in favor of mobile health apps, particularly when integrated with electronic health records (EHR’s). Recently we reported that the use of EHR systems were on the rise in the US and are already in wide use in other countries. It only makes sense that mobile health app integration is next to appear in the health care industry.
[TIME/Healthland]
At least 95% of parents in both groups indicated that they had consulted their “people network” for insight into making vaccination decisions. Parents reported they paid the most attention to their spouse or partner’s opinion. Pediatricians were next in line, followed by friends and relatives. (Interestingly, 10% of parents who followed CDC guidelines — the “conformers” — and 12% of parents who didn’t — the “nonconformers” — failed to list doctors among the top five people in their network.) Here’s why that’s important:
Events worth attending:
#39Weeks Twitter Chat: On Tuesday, April 23, please join @WSMADocTalk and @CR_health in promoting why carrying a baby to at least 39 weeks is healthier for moms and babies. Follow and participate using hashtag #39 weeks. Participants include Dr. Dale Reisner, Maternal and Fetal Medicine, Swedish Medical Center, Seattle Washington, and Dr. Wendy Sue Swanson (@SeattleMamaDoc) is a pediatrician with The Everett Clinic and author of the popular Seattle Mama Doc blog at Seattle Children’s Hospital. She is also the mother of two young boys and shares her insights for raising healthy children as a pediatrician and a mom.
@USNewsHealth Twitter Chat: Diabetes in Kids: On Thursday, April 25, 2 - 3 p.m. EST, please join U.S. News (@USNewsHealth), Mayo Clinic (@MayoClinic) and the American Diabetes Association (@AmDiabetesAssn) for a Twitter chat. We will cover such critical topics as the growing number of young people who develop diabetes, the challenge of managing the disease and reducing its risks, and ways that parents can help their children cope with medical issues and lifestyle changes. Follow and participate using hashtag #KidsDiabetes
[The Atlantic]
By now everyone knows obesity is a serious issue, but it always helps me to see things moving and in color, and makes the "epidemic" terminology make sense. Meanwhile, through 2012, no state has met the CDC's nationwide goal to reduce obesity to 15 percent. According to a Gallup poll out this morning, here are the least and most obese metropolitan areas:
[KevinMd.com]
With patients becoming increasingly social media-savvy, it is safe to say that this phenomenon is here to stay. As a public policy initiative, the use of smart social media may in fact be a useful intervention to encourage patients to pursue healthy lifestyles while relieving pressures on health budgets. For this to happen, more research and analysis is required to better connect patients with their healthcare providers and to provide them with evidence-based, accurate information.
[CNET]
Postpartum depression afflicts between 10 percent and 15 percent of new moms. But with some never seeking help, those numbers may be even higher. And in a new study out of Case Western Reserve, researchers found that many women don't seek counseling because of the stigma attached to depression and because they feel they simply don't have the time -- but they would go online for help if professionals were available and they could remain anonymous.
[Healthcare Global]
Physicians think the apps are of real value. eClnicalWorks performed a survey that revealed nine in ten physicians are in favor of mobile health apps, particularly when integrated with electronic health records (EHR’s). Recently we reported that the use of EHR systems were on the rise in the US and are already in wide use in other countries. It only makes sense that mobile health app integration is next to appear in the health care industry.
[TIME/Healthland]
At least 95% of parents in both groups indicated that they had consulted their “people network” for insight into making vaccination decisions. Parents reported they paid the most attention to their spouse or partner’s opinion. Pediatricians were next in line, followed by friends and relatives. (Interestingly, 10% of parents who followed CDC guidelines — the “conformers” — and 12% of parents who didn’t — the “nonconformers” — failed to list doctors among the top five people in their network.) Here’s why that’s important:
Events worth attending:
#39Weeks Twitter Chat: On Tuesday, April 23, please join @WSMADocTalk and @CR_health in promoting why carrying a baby to at least 39 weeks is healthier for moms and babies. Follow and participate using hashtag #39 weeks. Participants include Dr. Dale Reisner, Maternal and Fetal Medicine, Swedish Medical Center, Seattle Washington, and Dr. Wendy Sue Swanson (@SeattleMamaDoc) is a pediatrician with The Everett Clinic and author of the popular Seattle Mama Doc blog at Seattle Children’s Hospital. She is also the mother of two young boys and shares her insights for raising healthy children as a pediatrician and a mom.
@USNewsHealth Twitter Chat: Diabetes in Kids: On Thursday, April 25, 2 - 3 p.m. EST, please join U.S. News (@USNewsHealth), Mayo Clinic (@MayoClinic) and the American Diabetes Association (@AmDiabetesAssn) for a Twitter chat. We will cover such critical topics as the growing number of young people who develop diabetes, the challenge of managing the disease and reducing its risks, and ways that parents can help their children cope with medical issues and lifestyle changes. Follow and participate using hashtag #KidsDiabetes
Friday, April 19, 2013
Seaside Height's rollercoaster is still in the water!
The Record newspaper had an article that the rollercoaster was removed from the ocean. The article was wrong. I saw with my own eyes on Saturday, April 20, 2013 that it is still standing with the American flag waving in the breeze in the ocean. Just as it is shown in the picture.
WRONG INFORMATION: Seaside Height's rollercoaster is no longer sitting in the ocean; it was removed yesterday
Thursday, April 18, 2013
Awesome group of women
I have had the pleasure of working with this group for the last 6 years.
We work well together--always willing to help and listen to each other.
We all bring knowledge, ideas, humor, and kindness to the "Friday breakfast table."
I hope our tradtion continues on Friday mornings, but it will NEVER be the same.
I have learned a lot from these awesome ladies and gained treasured friendships.
By May 31 there will be a few women leaving the company
and believe me they will be greatly missed by many.
To my dear friends: Debra, Anne, Lorraine, Paulette, and Paula
Congratulations and best wishes for success and happiness
in your next adventure in your journey of life.
Never forget how amazing you are!
Saturday, April 13, 2013
Cindy Campo - Once in Awhile
... for anyone that has lost someone they love
The other night we were in Dave's kitchen, just the three of us, and I felt the lack of Laura's presence so intensely. In my mind, I kept telling myself she should be here; life is so unfair. On the way home, it dawned on me: it wasn't the lack of her I was feeling-- it was her. I haven't felt her near me in a while but there was no denying she was there with Fred, Dave, and myself.
I love you Laura!
http://m.youtube.com/#/watch?v=Of_Ckw4muvs&desktop_uri=%2Fwatch%3Fv%3DOf_Ckw4muvs
The other night we were in Dave's kitchen, just the three of us, and I felt the lack of Laura's presence so intensely. In my mind, I kept telling myself she should be here; life is so unfair. On the way home, it dawned on me: it wasn't the lack of her I was feeling-- it was her. I haven't felt her near me in a while but there was no denying she was there with Fred, Dave, and myself.
I love you Laura!
http://m.youtube.com/#/watch?v=Of_Ckw4muvs&desktop_uri=%2Fwatch%3Fv%3DOf_Ckw4muvs
Friday, April 12, 2013
Best Buy Drugs Digital Health Finds
Doctors urged to pause before they post, text, or e-mail [USA Today]
Doctors should not "friend" patients on Facebook, should text them with "extreme caution" and should use e-mail only with patients who understand the risks of lost privacy, says the latest set of guidelines to help doctors navigate the online world. The potential benefits of online contact between patients and providers are real… But the risks also are real and often underestimated...
Google searches help provide insight into season trends in mental illness [Science World Report]
Using all of Google's search data from 2006 to 2010, they studied searchers for terms including "schizophrenia" "attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)," "bulimia" and "bipolar" in both the United States and Australia. Both countries searchers for eating disorders, including anorexia and bulimia, and separately, schizophrenia, surged during the winter months; those in the U.S. were 37 percent more likely and Australians were 42 percent more likely to seek information about these disorders during colder weather than during the summer.
How the e-patient community helped save my life: an essay by Dave deBronkart [BMJ]
… and as soon as my diagnosis was confirmed, my primary physician (Danny Sands) said, “You’re an online kind of guy, Dave—you might like to join this group.” Within two hours of posting my first message, I got facts and practical advice that to this day don’t exist in any journal article or establishment website. As a responsible engaged patient, I constantly check with my clinicians. Dr McDermott has verified that the information is accurate.
If symptoms persist, text your doctor [The Atlantic]
The average American writes a novel worth of email every year. They also read a novel's worth of trend stories about how all we do is text – how 15 million texts sent every minute are destroying the art of conversation, rotting our souls. Still, only about one in ten Americans has ever emailed or texted with their doctor…Confidentiality is one concern, and not every patient wants to text -- but a lot more than ten percent do.
Image sharing seeks to reduce repeat scans [WSJ]
When 5-year-old Piper Gibson was hospitalized in Oklahoma City last summer with frightening stroke-like symptoms, her father, Chris, got a same-day second opinion on her brain scan from another neurologist—in Boston. Mr. Gibson was able to get the second opinion with unusual efficiency by taking advantage of a secure electronic network that can transfer medical images in minutes. It is one of a growing number of image-exchange services that eliminate many of the hassles patients encounter in transferring CT-scans, MRIs, X-rays and ultrasounds whenever they seek a second opinion, consult a specialist or start seeing a new doctor.
NeedyMeds Alert: Medication management to simplify your life [NeedyMeds]
Spending too much money on your medications? Worried about missing a dose or forgetting to pick up your refills on time at your pharmacy? Download the NeedyMeds Alert app and be in complete control of your medications. Available in both iPhone and Android.
The tweet of the week:
BettrLife: 80% of time spent on mobile phones is spent in an app. #mhealth #mhealthzone
Doctors should not "friend" patients on Facebook, should text them with "extreme caution" and should use e-mail only with patients who understand the risks of lost privacy, says the latest set of guidelines to help doctors navigate the online world. The potential benefits of online contact between patients and providers are real… But the risks also are real and often underestimated...
Google searches help provide insight into season trends in mental illness [Science World Report]
Using all of Google's search data from 2006 to 2010, they studied searchers for terms including "schizophrenia" "attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)," "bulimia" and "bipolar" in both the United States and Australia. Both countries searchers for eating disorders, including anorexia and bulimia, and separately, schizophrenia, surged during the winter months; those in the U.S. were 37 percent more likely and Australians were 42 percent more likely to seek information about these disorders during colder weather than during the summer.
How the e-patient community helped save my life: an essay by Dave deBronkart [BMJ]
… and as soon as my diagnosis was confirmed, my primary physician (Danny Sands) said, “You’re an online kind of guy, Dave—you might like to join this group.” Within two hours of posting my first message, I got facts and practical advice that to this day don’t exist in any journal article or establishment website. As a responsible engaged patient, I constantly check with my clinicians. Dr McDermott has verified that the information is accurate.
If symptoms persist, text your doctor [The Atlantic]
The average American writes a novel worth of email every year. They also read a novel's worth of trend stories about how all we do is text – how 15 million texts sent every minute are destroying the art of conversation, rotting our souls. Still, only about one in ten Americans has ever emailed or texted with their doctor…Confidentiality is one concern, and not every patient wants to text -- but a lot more than ten percent do.
Image sharing seeks to reduce repeat scans [WSJ]
When 5-year-old Piper Gibson was hospitalized in Oklahoma City last summer with frightening stroke-like symptoms, her father, Chris, got a same-day second opinion on her brain scan from another neurologist—in Boston. Mr. Gibson was able to get the second opinion with unusual efficiency by taking advantage of a secure electronic network that can transfer medical images in minutes. It is one of a growing number of image-exchange services that eliminate many of the hassles patients encounter in transferring CT-scans, MRIs, X-rays and ultrasounds whenever they seek a second opinion, consult a specialist or start seeing a new doctor.
NeedyMeds Alert: Medication management to simplify your life [NeedyMeds]
Spending too much money on your medications? Worried about missing a dose or forgetting to pick up your refills on time at your pharmacy? Download the NeedyMeds Alert app and be in complete control of your medications. Available in both iPhone and Android.
The tweet of the week:
BettrLife: 80% of time spent on mobile phones is spent in an app. #mhealth #mhealthzone
Wednesday, April 10, 2013
Spring--pull out summer shoes
Finally a couple of warm days! Now I won't look silly wearing sandles. I started wearing my flip flops on the 3rd even though it wasn't warm but it was officially spring.
Tomorrow is the day for START II Tricky Tray event
Please come out to support this shelter.
Our 3 wonderful dogs were adopted from them--
Sierra, Jackson, & Louie.
If you can't attend and join in the fun, please think about sending a donation to help the animals.
Sunday, April 7, 2013
Louie, cousin Debra's pup
Meet Louie, he is a very friendly little guy once
he warms up to you. He thinks he is a "Big Bad Dog"
and has to act like one when he first meets you.
he warms up to you. He thinks he is a "Big Bad Dog"
and has to act like one when he first meets you.
Afterward, he is a mush, who loves attention.
We were lucky to spend Easter at his house once again.
Friday, April 5, 2013
Best Buy Drugs Digital Health Finds
Consumer Reports Best Buy Drugs is now on Twitter and Facebook. PLEASE follow, like, and share!
INFOGRAPHIC: How are hospitals using social media? [Mediabistro]
One survey has found that 90 percent of hospitals in the Ohio area of the U.S. are using social media sites such as Twitter and Facebook. And they’re investing in these channels, too. Almost half (49 percent) are devoting more staff and time to social media, and more than one-third (36 percent) are spending more money on these tools. Community relationships, sharing news and building reputation are the top priorities for hospitals on social media, and 80 percent have initiated social media campaigns to raise general health awareness.
Balance app: Alzheimer’s care goes digital [Science 2.0]
He says the goal was simple enough, he wanted to create a way to help multiple caregivers communicate and coordinate with each other in real-time and also include family in the information chain. And it certainly does; the entire process can quickly be integrated with everyone in the Alzheimer's patient network. Since debuting a few weeks ago, they say it has been downloaded all over the world, showing that Alzheimer's care solutions are a global need.
Is the era of patient centered care decidedly anti-physician? [KevinMD]
We’ve entered into the era of patient-centered care—an era that champions patient safety, provider communication, avoidance of “medical mistakes.” But this era is also decidedly anti-physician and assumes that we as providers are somehow purposefully unsafe. Look no further than Obamacare’s soon to be established registry of medical mistakes, which asks patients the loaded question: Did a medical mistake happen because a doctor, nurse or other health care provider did not communicate well with the patient or the patient’s family?
Social media use isn’t healthy enough, study finds [Wall Street Journal]
That’s the finding of a new paper based on telephone surveys of 1,745 adults who go online for health information. Nearly a third of those used social networking sites for health-related information, but only 15% posted a comment, question or information to a social networking site (a category that, in the study, included blogs and online discussion forums).
INFOGRAPHIC: Patients are self-diagnosing online [InsuranceQuotes.org]
A few highlights:
59% of internet users say they’ve looked up health information online in the past year
A full 38% decided they could take care of the problem on their own, without consulting a doctor after researching on the Internet.
18% of those who did go to the doctor were told their self-diagnosis was incorrect. This means some of those who didn’t visit a doctor were also probably incorrect.
Women are more likely than men to go online to figure out a possible diagnosis.
Online diagnosers are going mobile, too. 1 in 3 cell phone owners have used their cell phone to look up health information.
Doctors prescribing phone apps to manage health problems [The Columbus Dispatch]
Doctors are beginning to prescribe smart-phone applications and medical devices they work with to help patients manage chronic illnesses, including heart disease, diabetes and asthma. Simple apps that help people with their fitness or remind them to take their pill prescriptions already are widely popular. But new device applications are taking mobile health — or mHealth as practitioners are calling it — to a new level.
WebMD introduces allergy app [Smart Phone Healthcare]
The app features:
Allergy Forecast: Allergy levels specific for your location that are regularly updated. You can also look up the “allergy forecast” for places you are visiting.
Personalized Forecasts and Tips: After indicating which allergies you and/or your family suffer from, the app will give you tips on how to manage those allergies.
Allergies 101: This includes WebMD’s library of allergy related resources — articles, photos, and videos. It focuses on seven categories: Outdoor, indoor, skin, drug, food, insect bites and stinks, and latex.
Timely Alerts: This helps you plan your days, and know if certain triggers will be worse, according to the allergy forecast.
The tweet of the week:
@MOMeo: Failure is simply the opportunity to begin again, this time more intelligently - Henry Ford
INFOGRAPHIC: How are hospitals using social media? [Mediabistro]
One survey has found that 90 percent of hospitals in the Ohio area of the U.S. are using social media sites such as Twitter and Facebook. And they’re investing in these channels, too. Almost half (49 percent) are devoting more staff and time to social media, and more than one-third (36 percent) are spending more money on these tools. Community relationships, sharing news and building reputation are the top priorities for hospitals on social media, and 80 percent have initiated social media campaigns to raise general health awareness.
Balance app: Alzheimer’s care goes digital [Science 2.0]
He says the goal was simple enough, he wanted to create a way to help multiple caregivers communicate and coordinate with each other in real-time and also include family in the information chain. And it certainly does; the entire process can quickly be integrated with everyone in the Alzheimer's patient network. Since debuting a few weeks ago, they say it has been downloaded all over the world, showing that Alzheimer's care solutions are a global need.
Is the era of patient centered care decidedly anti-physician? [KevinMD]
We’ve entered into the era of patient-centered care—an era that champions patient safety, provider communication, avoidance of “medical mistakes.” But this era is also decidedly anti-physician and assumes that we as providers are somehow purposefully unsafe. Look no further than Obamacare’s soon to be established registry of medical mistakes, which asks patients the loaded question: Did a medical mistake happen because a doctor, nurse or other health care provider did not communicate well with the patient or the patient’s family?
Social media use isn’t healthy enough, study finds [Wall Street Journal]
That’s the finding of a new paper based on telephone surveys of 1,745 adults who go online for health information. Nearly a third of those used social networking sites for health-related information, but only 15% posted a comment, question or information to a social networking site (a category that, in the study, included blogs and online discussion forums).
INFOGRAPHIC: Patients are self-diagnosing online [InsuranceQuotes.org]
A few highlights:
59% of internet users say they’ve looked up health information online in the past year
A full 38% decided they could take care of the problem on their own, without consulting a doctor after researching on the Internet.
18% of those who did go to the doctor were told their self-diagnosis was incorrect. This means some of those who didn’t visit a doctor were also probably incorrect.
Women are more likely than men to go online to figure out a possible diagnosis.
Online diagnosers are going mobile, too. 1 in 3 cell phone owners have used their cell phone to look up health information.
Doctors prescribing phone apps to manage health problems [The Columbus Dispatch]
Doctors are beginning to prescribe smart-phone applications and medical devices they work with to help patients manage chronic illnesses, including heart disease, diabetes and asthma. Simple apps that help people with their fitness or remind them to take their pill prescriptions already are widely popular. But new device applications are taking mobile health — or mHealth as practitioners are calling it — to a new level.
WebMD introduces allergy app [Smart Phone Healthcare]
The app features:
Allergy Forecast: Allergy levels specific for your location that are regularly updated. You can also look up the “allergy forecast” for places you are visiting.
Personalized Forecasts and Tips: After indicating which allergies you and/or your family suffer from, the app will give you tips on how to manage those allergies.
Allergies 101: This includes WebMD’s library of allergy related resources — articles, photos, and videos. It focuses on seven categories: Outdoor, indoor, skin, drug, food, insect bites and stinks, and latex.
Timely Alerts: This helps you plan your days, and know if certain triggers will be worse, according to the allergy forecast.
The tweet of the week:
@MOMeo: Failure is simply the opportunity to begin again, this time more intelligently - Henry Ford
START II Animal Shelter Fundraiser in Rockleigh, NJ
Please help out the animals and have some fun while doing so.
Tuesday, April 2, 2013
Prescription Drug Savings
Shopping Around Brings Steep Prescription Drug Savings, Report Finds
THURSDAY, March 28 (HealthDay News) — Prescription drug prices at U.S. pharmacies can vary widely, and failing to shop around could result in people overpaying by as much as $100 or more a month on average, depending on the drug, a new study finds.
Researchers at Consumer Reports called more than 200 pharmacies across the United States to get retail prices (out-of-pocket costs) for a one-month supply of five popular medicines that have recently gone generic.
The medicines were: the diabetes drug Actos (pioglitazone); the antidepressant Lexapro (escitalopram); the cholesterol-lowering drug Lipitor (atorvastatin); the blood thinner Plavix (clopidogrel); and the asthma drug Singulair (montelukast).
For a one-month supply of these drugs, there was a $749 difference between the highest- and lowest-priced stores — a more than four-fold difference, according to the study in the May issue of Consumer Reports magazine.
Overall, Costco outlets had the lowest retail prices and CVS had the highest, the report found. Among the specific findings:
A month’s supply of generic Lipitor cost $17 at Costco, compared with $150 at CVS. Prices at Rite Aid and Target were also high.
A month’s supply of generic Lexapro cost $7 at Costco and $126 at CVS. On average, Rite Aid, Walgreens and grocery store pharmacies also charged higher prices.
A month’s supply of generic Plavix cost $12 at HealthWarehouse.com and $15 at Costco, compared with $180 at CVS.
Different business approaches are one reason for the wide price variations, according to Lisa Gill, prescription drugs editor at Consumer Reports.
“It really comes down to a store’s business model. For example, big box stores tend to use their pharmacies as a way to get consumers through the door with the expectation that they’ll buy other things,” she explained in a Consumer Reports news release.
If you want to get the best deals, shop around and always request the lowest price, Gill advised.
“A consumer can’t assume that the price of their prescription medications is set in stone,” she said. “One of the big takeaways is that you have to ask for the best price and see if your pharmacist will work with you. Especially for the independent pharmacies, if they want to retain your business and loyalty, they will help you get the best price,” she said.
Other ways to save money include:
Using generic drugs, which contain the same active ingredients as brand name drugs.
Getting refills for 90 days, not 30 days. Most pharmacies offer price reductions on a three-month supply of a medicine.
Look for other discounts. All chain and big-box pharmacies offer discount generic drug programs, with some selling hundreds of generic drugs for $4 a month or $10 for a three-month supply.
Try shopping in rural areas. The study found that some grocery store pharmacies and independent drug stores had higher prices in cities than in rural locations. For example, a 30-day supply of generic Actos cost $203 at a pharmacy in Raleigh, N.C., compared with $37 at a pharmacy in a rural area of the state.
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