Kathy Quan 's Blog

Posted by Kathy Quan

Are you a high school or college student trying to figure out what you want to be when you grow up? The Bureau of Labor Statistics has produced a guidebook speciically to help students make informed decisions about their future.

The trend for growth in service industries as opposed to gods and manufacturing, will continue well into the next decade. With the growing and aging population, health care will continue to expand and provide job security.

Registered nurses will see the largest growth in employment during this time frame. Other health care jobs in the top 20 include home health aides, personal care aides and nursing assistants. Social workers, and teachers also rank high in the growing needs in the service industries.

Health care also provides opportunities for computer technology, IT, engineering and support positions such as food services, and hosekeeping. Management and executive positions will continue to grow as well. Degrees in science, math, and business can open opportunities in the health industry.

As advances in automation and technology continue, many jobs such as cashiers will dissapppear. On the other hand, technology continues to create jobs in health care as new diagnostics and treatment options become available. Students today have many more opportunities to consider.

Posted by Kathy Quan

This past weekend my neighborhood experienced yet another Internet and cable TV outage as our server worked on the unreliable lines. We all missed watching Michael Phelps earn his seventh gold medal in the 100 meter butterfly.

Locked out of our access to the world, I was reminded that although electronic records can be an excellent choice, having access can be challenging at times. There are numerous options available for developing and storing your own electronic health records online.

This helps to assure that in the event of a disaster like Hurricane Katrina of 2005, displaced persons could access medical records easily and not suffer the consequences of having to be re-diagnosed and possibly be without vital medications for days.

Being able to access these records can be a challenge in the event of power outages and server downtime. In a true emergency, power backup systems would be available and alternative server options may be as well.

It’s also a good idea to have your own back up copy and to keep it up to date. Paper copy may not be practical or secure, but a copy on your own hard drive as well as on a CD with passwords would be recommended. A portable generator may be handy as well if your computer is a desktop variety. Access to a laptop powered by battery would be a preferred option.

This can be especially important in the event you are in charge of the care for an elderly or ill relative and need to access the information frequently for hired caregivers. Don’t rely completely on technology. It is after all, controlled by fallible human beings.

Posted by Kathy Quan

The Olympics begin in a few days which will likely keep more people indoors for a few days, but in the meantime, be sure take care if you are outdoors. If you’re attending the games, be sure to protect yourself from the elements.

Heat exhaustion and sunburn are common issues when enjoying summer activities and events. If you’re attending an event, take care to ensure you remain safe from the elements. Sunscreen is an essential item. Be sure you have several containers of it. Keep it cool. Some refrigerate it so it provides a cooling sensation when applied.

If you keep an extra sunscreen in the car, protect it from getting too hot. It can actually cause a burn if you apply sunscreen that has been sitting in a hot car for a long time. Be sure the lid is on tight and the outside of the container is clean. Stick it in a cooler when you travel to the beach or other outdoor activity. You might want to put it in a plastic bag to separate it from your food and drinks.

Be sure you drink plenty of liquids, especially water. Try to remain in the shade as much as possible. If you’re attending a ball game for instance, and your seats are in the direct sun, get up and go for a walk under the cover at least a couple of times.

A trip to the bathroom can provide you an opportunity to splash yourself with cool water or wipe your face, neck and arms with a wet paper towel. You might take a wet towel with you back to your seat to place on the back of your neck or to wipe down your arms again. Enjoy and be safe.

Posted by Kathy Quan

On May 26, 2008, the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) told the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) that evidence pointed to tainted tomatoes in the recent outbreak of Salmonella saintpaul. This was based on the fact that over 84% of the infected individuals reported having eaten tomatoes.

And so the tomato was removed from restaurant menus and shunned in grocery stores for weeks while the FDA searched for infected samples until a tainted jalapeno pepper was found at a Texas plant on July 21. This week, the FDA has added the fact that jalapeno and Serrano peppers from a specific Mexican farm are now the most likely culprit.

Controversy surrounds this investigation and many fingers are being pointed at different agencies. Tomatoes grown in Florida became a prime suspect even though the infection outbreak occurred in the Southwest where the tomatoes are imported from Mexico.

Outbreaks in several areas of the country were traced to the peppers by state public health agencies such as Minnesota in about half the time spent trying to track down the tomato link.

Mexican authorities are now upset because the FDA was possibly citing the wrong Mexican farm and causing unnecessary concerns for growers and consumers.

Tomatoes have ben cleared and the investigation continues.

Posted by Kathy Quan

The news in the housing industry continues to be depressing. Foreclosures and short sales are on the rise. Lenders are in trouble and it’s all very scary.

Several of my friends have lost their jobs in the last few months and others have young adult children who recently graduated from college and aren’t able to find jobs. Times are very tough.

My advice to my friends has been to look for new jobs in the health care industry. Jobs in health care continue to boom despite the economic downturns. For the most part, these will be jobs with specialized training such as nurses, doctors, dental assistants, physical therapists, home health aides, etc.

However, as the health care industry grows and expands, the need for ancillary services grows. Office managers, data entry and financial support such as billers and accounts receivable and accounts payable personnel are just a few of the obvious needs.

The right person with some varied experience and a willingness to learn can easily fit into a medical office, clinic or hospital setting. Someone who is able to easily multi-task can be a great asset. For instance, someone who can handle phones, schedule appointments and in between times provide data entry or bookkeeping skills could be a rare find.

Don’t be intimidated by the “must have medical office experience” if you are a strong self-starter, a quick learner and have several skill sets to offer. That line often is just to deter the high school student or recent grad who wants pocket cash, but wants to play on the Internet or talk on the cell phone while “working.”

In your cover letter introduce yourself and explain how your skills and experience can help you to adapt to this position. Express a willingness to learn new things and an ability to grasp them quickly.

Posted by Kathy Quan

It is not at all unusual today for people to have two and even three careers. We're all living longer and retiring much later in life. Since the events of Sept. 11, 2001, even more people have switched careers because they want to do something more meaningful with their lives.

Many people once considered a career in nursing and for one reason or another did not pursue their dreams. Now, older and wiser, they are looking for a new career path and find themselves once again considering nursing.

There is a tremendous shortage of nurses, and the profession is welcoming more and more second career nurses. They bring to the table a wide variety of previous work experinces and maturity. Second career nurses are more likely to stay in the nursing program and then remain in the field.

For those who already posess a degree, there are accelerated nursing programs which can be completed in 12 to 18 months. Find out more about this opportunity.

Posted by Kathy Quan

Here are a few medical myths which should be dispelled:

You can swallow your tongue during a seizure. The truth is the tongue in anyone experiencing a seizure or even someone who is actively dying may fall backwards in the mouth especially if the person is lying on his/her back. But the frenulum linguae will prevent the person from actually swallowing the tongue.

Putting butter on a burn will ease the pain and help it heal. In reality, the butter or any greasy substance will just hold the heat in and make the burn worse. It can also introduce bacteria and cause infection. A non-chemical burn should be treated by running cool water over the burned area. Don’t use ice or ice water. Chemical burns and burns that blister or cover large areas of the body need immediate professional care.

Feed a cold, starve a fever. Many people who experience symptoms of a cold or fever may have no appetite or desire to eat or drink.. In both instances however, fluids are important to prevent dehydration. Warm soup such as chicken soup can help to open nasal passages and let the person breathe easier. This will help the patient to rest, which along with fluids, is very important to recuperating from a cold or fever. Feed them both and drink plenty of fluids.

Posted by Kathy Quan

In his book, Please Don't Label My Child, Scott M. Shannon, MD, discusses the issue of a doctor-diagnosis-drug cycle and alternatives for parents to explore before labeling their children with mental and emotional health problems and diseases.

There can be environmental, nutritional and other factors causing many of the symptoms of emotional and mental health and behavioral issues. Are parents, doctors, and educators too quick to jump to prescription drugs to control these problems and not explore the causes and prevention?

Is a diet high in sugar and fat causing spikes in blood sugar that is causing severe mood swings or is the child really exhibiting symptoms of bipolar disease?

Are we expecting our children to sit still and listen, read or solve math problems without teaching them how to get through a day without the constant companionship and stimulation of some electronic device?

Are teachers too quick to label children’s disruptive behavior as an attention deficit problem instead of exploring the possibility that there are way too many children in a classroom and they are bored with the teaching techniques that don’t provide them with instant answers and gratification?

Dr. Shannon offers some common sense causes and alternative solutions to mental and emotional distress symptoms before jumping feet first into the diagnosis-drug cycle.

Posted by Kathy Quan

The Healthy Kids EXPO in Toronto, Ontario Canada will be a three-day event October 24-26, 2008 at the Direct Energy Centre. Dr. Mehmet Oz will be a celebrity headline speaker on Friday, October 24.

Dr. Oz is the host of “Second Opinion with Dr. Oz” and a regular contributor to the Oprah Winfrey Show. Tickets to this event are on sale now online. There is a special Summer Seat Sale taking place until July 15, 2008.

The three day event will feature speakers and exhibits to educate children, teens and parents about health issues, wellness and prevention for children and adolescents. Participants include health conscious celebrities, educators, practitioners, politicians and exhibitors.

For more information about this Toronto event or to find out about an event coming to your area, visit www.HealthyKidsExpo.org.

Posted by Kathy Quan

New technology and advances in care are helping people to live longer and healthier lives.

In 1908, just 100 years ago, the life expectancy was 47 years. Today, the fastest growing segment of the population is over 80. The advances in health care have helped people live much longer and this trend is expected to continue.

One of the ways that health care is helping people to live longer is by promoting wellness and preventing complications from chronic diseases such as diabetes and heart disease.

Using a team approach has proven to help prevent complications in chronic diseases. This involves using a primary care practitioner along with specialists, nurse practitioners or nurse educators, dietitians, social workers, and exercise trainers. The team works together with the patient to design a plan of care specifically for his needs.

Treating the whole person instead of the disease has proven to help diminish and prevent catastrophic complications.

This means many more health care professionals will be needed by patients. The demand for more and better health care creates a need for more health care workers. If you want to invest in an education for a career with job security, consider a health care profession.

Posted by Kathy Quan

It is to be hoped that you have been doing this for awhile and have some ideas. If you want to pursue a career in the health field, you should be taking math and science courses. You will need subjects such as algebra, chemistry, and biology.

You should be looking at colleges and making some decisions. Are you considering someplace close to home or do you plan to go away to school? Is there a waiting list for the major you want at those schools?

If you’re considering a career in nursing for instance, there are waiting lists at most community and four year colleges. Yes, there is a tremendous shortage of nurses and this means there is also a shortage of nurse educators so space is limited in many nursing programs. There are some that don’t have a waiting list, but they may not be in your hometown. Consider these possibilities and how they might fit in with your plans.

Do you have to take special admission or entrance exams in addition to the SAT or ACT exams? Will you have to write an essay as part of the admission packet? Do you need some experience in the health field as a volunteer or employee? Some schools especially those with waiting lists have a point system and give extra credit to students who have some experience in the health field.

These are things to find out now. Applications to colleges are typically due in the early fall which can be a hectic time. If you start writing your entrance essays now, you’ll have plenty of time to review them and polish them long before they are due. If you need to get some experience, that should be your focus for the summer.

Read more...

Posted by Kathy Quan

Congratulations to all of the new graduates of health care programs. And to all of you who have recently been accepted into programs for the Summer and Fall terms. This is an exciting time in your lives as you embark on new paths. Welcome to the world of health care. You will find this to be a rewarding career.

There is a shortage of health care professionals throughout the world and the health field is growing and expanding continuously in response to demands and new technology.

Burnout has been an issue in the past for health care professionals such as nurses, but with so many new options availble, this should not be a problem. If you're not happy in a job, there's no reason to stay. New opportunities are open almost anywhere. You may have to leave your comfort zone, but you can find a niche that fits you.

New grads will be taking board and licensing exams shortly. It's natural to panic, but be confident and give yourself credit. You graduated after all; therefore you have the knowledge and skills to pass your boards. You just need to bolster your confidence. Find a group to study with.

Posted by Kathy Quan

Job opportunities in the health field will continue to grow as the population grows and ages. The older the population, the more health care it needs. Baby boomers are growing older and the population over 80 is the fastest growing segment of the current population.

Advances in technology in all aspects of our lives has spoiled us. We demand excellence in our health care and will continue to expect new treatements and cures.

All of this add ups to job security for those in the health care industry and new opportunities for those who seek to explore health care careers. Many require specific and technical education, but some require a high school diploma and a desire to help others.

Find out more about opportunities in the health field.

Posted by Kathy Quan

The main reason for this is that the tumors usually wrap around or intertwine with the healthy neurons which deliver impulses to and from the brain for bodily functions as well as higher brain activities such as speech and language skills, mathematical calculations and spacial relationships.

The healthy tissue is often so intertwined that to remove the cancerous tissue, the brain can be badly damaged. This can then dramaticaly affect the quality of life. The ability to speak can be lost. Vision can be severely impaired. Hearing can be lost. Other sensations can be afected such as smell, touch and taste. Multiple functions can be controlled in the same small area of the brain and so many fucntions can be affected.

Surgery is not a cure for brain tumors. Sadly there is no cure, and surgery usually buys little extra time for the patient so it is often not an option.

This differs from having a malignant tumor in an organ such as a lung or in the colon where part or all of the affected area or organ can be removed and the body can adapt and the quality of life is not as affected. The chance for cure is also much higher when any radical surgery is recommended.

Posted by Kathy Quan

Nurses Week begins tomorrow, May 6 (Nurses Day) in the U.S. and on May 12 (Nurses Day) in Canada. In Australia, it begins today with International Midwives Day and continues through May 12 which is International Nurses Day. Join in the celebration of nurses everywhere!

There is a tremendous shortage of nurses throughout the world and it is only going to worsen as the population grows and ages and demands more and better health care.

It is hoped that by bringing attention to the nursing profession during Nurses day and Nurses Week celebrations that more young people will consider nursing careers, and others will consider a second or third career opportunity in nursing.

Issues of pay and working conditions have long been problems for nurses and affected retention of staff. Improvements have come a long way in recent years, but there is still more to be done.

Improving patient safety and reducing medical errors has long been a goal of the entire health care industry. Nurses fight the battle of safe staffing ratios everyday. The U.S. Congress has taken up the issue of safe staffing with the Registered Nurse Safe Staffing Act of 2007 (S. 73/H.R. 4138).

The American Nurses Association urges all U.S. nurses to honor themselves and their colleagues this week by contacting their legislators and asking them to co-sign these bills. Private citizens can honor nurses by doing the same. Email, call or FAX your legislators today! Thank you!!!

Nurses worldwide should also be encouraged to contact their government officials and ask them to honor nurses by working to improve working conditions and patient safety by implementing safe staffing laws.

More about Nurses Week....

Posted by Kathy Quan

Plastic water bottles are just one example of this. Baby bottles being recalled is one of the most frightening issues involved with this.

Being healthier and drinking more water lead to the onslaught of the polycarbonate water bottles which are now being recalled for their carcinogen properties. The plastics used in disposable water bottles are also under scrutiny.

Some plastics are safe and others are not. They aren't always Green because of the oil used in the production. We have to weigh the pros and cons. Plastic products are used everyday in the health care industry and make for a safer patient experience. Again we have to use common sense and be mindful of overuse and waste.

IV tubing and infusion sets, syringes, feeding tubes, as well as patient supplies such as water pitchers, drinking cups, and bathing basins are just a few examples of the plastics used. They save on the costs of sterilization of reusable products and eliminate the possibility os contamination in the process. But will this issue be reconsidered in the future? Quite possibly. Again, we need to weigh safety when it comes to being Green.

Posted by Kathy Quan

Everyday there's something new in the news about a cancer causing agent such as coffee, cell phones, deodorants, lipstick, and shampoos. Seemingly the next thing you know some of these substances are thought to be cures for cancer or something else that ails us.

Coffee for instance has been beaten to death and yet, massive numbers of people aren't dying from coffee and Starbucks is still thriving.

If all the time and money spent on the small stuff was poured into research to find actual cures for cancer, we wouldn't have to worry about whether we can use our cell phone and have a cup or two of coffee tomorrow and make it to dinner without developing cancer.

Anything done to excess is not good for you. That includes eating sleeping and exercise. Drinking too much water in a short period of time can kill you. Moderation is the key we hear all the time. Moderation and common sense are what we need to remember especially when perusing the tabloids or listening to the sensational news casts. Before you throw out your coffee maker or shampoo, do a little research of your own. How large was the study, how long, and what were the actual results?

The major funded studies aren't finding that shampoo causes cancer or that deodorants or antiperspirants cause breast cancer, so until they do give it some thought before you decide to not wash your hair or expose your co-workers to you without deodorant.

Posted by Kathy Quan

To no one's surprise the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) announced today that this has been the worst year for flu in at least four years. The problem is that the flu shot was ineffective against two of the three strains which caused the majority of flu cases this year.

The CDC does report that the flu vaccine did offer a 44% protection overall for those who received it and cautions that faith should not be lost. Although it is somewhat of a guessing game each year, most of the time the flu vaccine is effective against flu viruses. In fact the effectiveness is usually in a range between 70 and 90 percent effective.

Recent research has begun to show that over time a specific strain of flu begins in Asia, moves into Europe and then into North America, and finally into South America where it seems to disappear forever. With this new data, it should be easier for scientists to predict which strains to include in the vaccine for the following year.

It is also important to remember that the flu is a respiratory illness and not a gastrointestinal illness. Flu symptoms come on quickly and begin with a scratchy throat, hacking cough and fever. A headache and sore throat can develop as well as muscle aches and pains. Fatigue is also a symptom of flu.

Many people experience a "stomach flu" in the same time frame an blame it on an ineffective flu shot. The flu vaccine does not offer any protection from a gastrointestinal virus. Vomiting and diarrhea are not symptoms of the flu.

Effective handwashing and avoiding crowds will help you to avoid catching or spreading the flu as well as other germs and viruses.

Posted by Kathy Quan

I am very pleased to see that the American Heart Association has introduced new guidelines for a Hands-Only CPR. For the would be rescuer who hesitates because they might have to do mouth-to-mouth breathing, this new option opens opportunities for lives to be saved.

The research shows that in many instances the hands only approach is just as effective in the field as using chest compressions with mouth-to-mouth breathing. For those who are also unable to perform rescue breathing, this option may also prove to be a life saving event.

The use of AED defibrillators in the home setting has not shown to be an effective process where as having them available in public places like airports and shopping malls has.

This new CPR is not for use with children as most life saving events for children involve breathing issues and not cardiac arrests.

Homeowners who have backyard pools should always learn CPR for adults as well as infants and children, and be prepared to provide mouth-to-mouth rescue breathing. Drowning is an issue involving the loss of oxygen issue and not a cardiac arrest. Each year, over 250 children drown in backyard pools, and over 2500 are treated for near-drowning episodes.

Drowning is a silent event. It isn't usually accompanied by lots of splashing and screaming as most parents expect it would be. Be safe. Be aware and know CPR. Here are a few tips from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.

Posted by Kathy Quan

If you live in a smaller or rural community, your job opportunities may be limited as well. There may only be a need for a few doctors, dentists, veterinarians, nurses, and maybe only one or two X-ray technicians.

If you have your heart set on becoming an ultra sound technician, you may need to move to a larger community where there are job openings and opportunities, otherwise you may have to sit and wait for the sole proprietor of that job in your community to retire or move on.

In 2006, the health care industry in the U.S. provided 14 million jobs. Of those, 13.6 million were wage and salary occupations and 438,000 were self employed workers or unpaid family workers such as caregivers for parents or children requiring health care assistance.

The largest communities and states have the most need for health care professionals and workers at all levels. California, New York, Pennsylvania, Florida and Texas provide the best opportunities for health care occupations.

Health care jobs include many ancillary positions such as office support personnel, business managers and administrators, medical records personnel, medical coders and billers and transcriptionists. There are also jobs for medical librarians, medical writers, illustrators and photographers.

There are roles for patient representatives and health advocates in clinics, hospitals and with insurance companies. Biomedical engineers help to design equipment, and devices to help practitioners diagnose and treat patients as well as to assist patients to have an improved quality of life.

The health field offers many career opportunities. Many jobs require little education beyond a high school diploma and some on-the-job training, while on the other end of the spectrum, physicians and other health care practitioners are some of the most educated professionals. Health care jobs are growing and will continue to do so at least well into the next decade.

Posted by Kathy Quan

Are some of baseball's scarred legends going to get a break now? In a report released by the Annals of Internal Medicine on Monday March 17, 2008, HGH (Human Growth Hormone) may have no athletic performance enhancing effects.

In fact, HGH may actually worsen athletic abilities, according to Dr. Hau Liu, lead author of the review. Dr. Liu and colleagues from Stanford University studied the results of published reports on 27 studies involving 440 participants. They concluded that there is no evidence that muscle strength or exercise stamina was enhanced by the use of the drug.

Of course none of the studies included any of the athletes recently accused of doping in the Mitchell Report. None of the participants were given HGH at the dosage and frequency alluded to in this report, and it's not likely any studies will subject participants to this level of HGH use. The long term effects are also unknown at this point as well.

For some athletes such as Andy Petite who admits to using HGH only once or twice after an injury, this study may help to show that it is unlikely he had any physical enhancement from the drug.

Human growth hormone is naturally produced in the body by the pituitary gland. Its function is to promote growth. Synthetic versions of this hormone have been available since the 1980's but are restricted for use in treating specific conditions in children and adults. Some of those conditions include wasting from AIDS, growth hormone deficiencies and short stature.

Posted by Kathy Quan

Despite the economic downturn, in the U.S. health care jobs continue to grow. According to figures released on March 7, 208, by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, jobs in health care grew by 36,000 in February, 2008.

The health care jobs counted are in areas of ambulatory health care services such as physician offices, clinics, outpatient centers and home health care; hospitals, nursing homes, residential care facilities and day care.

At the same time, jobs in manufacturing declined by 52,000 jobs, construction declined by 39,000 jobs, and the retail industry lost 34,000 jobs. Unemployment was at 4.8% for February, 2008.

Health care jobs are projected to continue to grow well into the next decade independent of any recession or other economic changes. The population is aging and will continue to grow. The BLS has projected that the population in the U.S. will have increased by 23.9 million from 2004 to 2014. By 2014, the largest segment of the population known as the Baby Boomers will range in age from 50 to 68 and will be demanding more and better health care.

The current workforce is aging as well and for example, the average age of nurses by 2010 will be over 45. The average age of graduate RNs today is 31. As this workforce continues to age and retire the need for replacements will continue to grow.

Posted by Kathy Quan

Tomorrow, March 5, 2008, the U.S. House of Representatives is expected to take up the issue of H.R. 1424 also known as the Paul Wellstone Mental Health and Addiction Equity Act.

In September 2007, the U.S. Senate historically passed this Mental Health Parity Act (S. 558) by unanimous consent. Now it is the House of Representatives turn to pass their version.

Mental illness affects us all. For example, you don't have to look far to find the homeless. The fact is that not all, but a significant number, of the homeless suffer from mental illness and have lost their jobs, homes and families because they could not get treatment.

Mental illness encompasses a broad range of disorders from addictions to post partum depression to eating, panic, and anxiety disorders. It includes depression, bipolar disease and schizophrenia. These and all of the many aspects of mental illness are treatable and sufferers can lead full and productive lives, but without treatment, many of these illnesses take control of the life and destroy it.

It is time to encourage legislators to heal this crisis. You can call, FAX or Email your Representative today. If you're not sure who your legislator is, go to Congress.org and enter your zip code. This will bring up a list of your local and national legislators. Click on your Congressman/woman and select the tab "contact". This will provide you with their address, phone number, FAX and website. You can Email them from their website.

You can also call Toll Free 1-866-727-4894 and ask the operator to connect you with the office of your member of Congress.

Encourage your Representative to vote FOR H.R. 1424, the Paul Wellstone Mental Health & Addiction Equity Act.

March 6 UPDATE: This measure PASSED!!!

Posted by Kathy Quan

Each year the International Council of Nurses designates a theme for International Nurses Day which is May 12 in honor of the birth date of Florence Nightingale an iconic pioneer of the nursing profession.

Did you know that as she collected statistacal data to support her theory about sanitarty conditions contributing to the death of wounded soldiers during the Crimean War in Turkey that Florence Nightingale also developed the PIE chart?

She used this new format to help prove that the decline in deaths of wounded soldiers under her care was due to the fact that she had taught the 38 nurses she brought with her to Sculari to use improved sanitary methods in caring for the wounded soldiers.

Infection control is just one area of specialty in the nursing profession today. Nurses Day and Week celebrations are to honor nurses for all that they do in their jobs and in service to their communities as well as to encourage young people to become nurses.

The general public can help to honor nurses by establishing and participating in Nurses Day and Week activities throughout their communities.

Honor local nurses by raising awareness of the nursing profession. Here are a few suggestions:

• Take a group of nurses to lunch and learn about what they do in their particluar jobs
• Establish and promote local scholarship campaigns to help new nurses become nurses, and active nurses continue their education

Read more about Nurses Week and the nursing profession...

Posted by Kathy Quan

If you start to experience symproms of the flu contact your health care provider to see about taking anti-flu medications. Anti-virals such as Tamiflu may help if you start the medication within 48 hours. This requires a prescription from your health care practitioner. Some strains of flu will be unaffected by these medications. Antibiotics are not indicated unless an infection develops such as bronchitis or a sinus infection.

A codeine cough medication can be helpful if your cough is severe or keeps you from sleeping. This also requires a prescription. Over the counter cough medications may work well. Be sure to take them as directed and don't take one brand on top of another.

Sleeping with your head and shoulders elevated on two or three pillows can also help. Warm liquids such as clear broth or soup will be soothing to a sore throat or dry throat. A humidifier can also help to calm a cough.

The cough may actually linger for several weeks, but if it worsens contact your health care practitioner as you may be developing bronchitis or even pneumonia.

You will feel like all of your energy has been sapped for several days. This can last for a week or two, but you should gradually feel stronger. Again, if you feel worse instead of getting better, contact your health care practitioner.

Drink fluids, eat in small frequent amounts. Rest and sleep as much as possible. Cover your mouth if you cough and dispose of your tissues. Stay home if you are sick and try to avoid others in your household so as not to expose them.

Posted by Kathy Quan

The flu shot is only part of the plan to avoid catching this yearly dreaded illness. And this year's shot may not be effective against the strains in your area.

Wash your hands, and then wash them some more! Keep surfaces clean in your home and at work. Think about the places you touch thousands of times each day. Clean them off frequently with an appropriate cleaner.

For example, don't spray your computer or keyboard, but wipe them with a cloth (better yet, paper toweling) dampened with an antibacterial cleaner before you leave for the day, and before you begin work each day.

Telephones especially those you use and may share at work. Who coughed into that receiver last? Again use a cloth dampened with the cleaner, don't spray the phone! Door knobs and handles are great place to find germs as are hand rails.

Wash your hands after you're done cleaning all those surfaces! Keep a small hand sanitizer in your purse, desk drawer or glove box in your car for times when you don't have access to soap and water.

Drink plenty of liquids, get adequate sleep, avoid crowds, and above all, if you are sick, stay home!

The flu can start by seeming to be a scratchy throat or dry cough. Maybe you've inhaled some second hand smoke, or perfume, or it's an allergy? In a few hours you have chills, fever, a headache, cough and feel like someone ran you over with a truck!

Posted by Kathy Quan

The health care system in the U.S. is in disarray with more than 47 million American uninsured. Of that number, more than 8.7 million children are without health insurance.

President Bush and Congress continue to make cuts to health care and reimbursement for Medicare and Medicaid.

In addition to issues of health care insurance, there is a growing shortage of health care workers which must be addressed if any health care reform is going to be effective.

The shortage of nurses is already affecting patient care as ratios of nurses to patients are affecting how quickly a patient can be seen. In some hospitals patients sit in waiting rooms, or wait in overflow areas of emergency rooms for admission to the hospital.

This shortage of nurses is expected to continue to grow over the next decade. This makes nursing one of the most in-demand careers. Nursing will offer professionals job security and the ability to make demands for salary and work conditions for years to come.

The median salary for RNs in 2006 was $57,280 and for LPN/LVNs the median salary was $36,550. The median is a statistical term indicating half of the nurses made more and half made less than this number. The lowest 10 percent of LPN/LVNs earned $26,380 and the highest 10 percent of RNs earned more than $83,440.

So what is the difference between an RN and a LP/VN? Read more...

Posted by Kathy Quan

February 1, 2008 is National Wear Red Day. Americans wear red to symbolize and show support for the national awareness campaign for women about heart disease. Heart disease is the number one killer of women in America. One in four women will die from heart disease. Many more will experience disabilities and a diminished quality of life sure to heart disease.

In 2007, only 57% of women in the U.S. reported an awareness of their risk for heart disease. This is an increase from 34% in 200 and 46% in 2003, but it's not enough! The goal is to reach all women and have them recognize their own personal risk.

The Heart Truth is that risk factors begin to rise for women between the ages of 40 and 60, but women of all ages need to be aware of the risks. Many risk factors such as high cholesterol and high blood pressure begin at a much younger age. Diet, exercise and medications are all important in preventing as well as controlling the factors that lead to increased risks of heart disease in women. It's never too late to take action to lower those risks.

Health care professionals can earn FREE continuing education units from a collaborative effort of the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) and the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI).

Posted by Kathy Quan

Do you use the Internet to research health care information? Are you sure it's accurate and up-to-date?

Health care consumers in the U.S. typically use the Internet to "research" and "locate" according to data from the National Research Corporation. These two word have become the top two verbs in E-health.

Consumers typically research prescription drugs, treatment options, medical procedures and diseases/wellness. They use the Internet to locate hospitals, clinics, medical labs etc. or to find a physician. or other practitioner.

Refilling prescriptions, completing online health risk assessments, asking advice of clinicians, and using online support groups are the most common online self-help activities for consumers. Consumers are less likely to participate in such activities as completing online medical records or emailing practitioners.

However, the most desired uses for the Internet in the future involve being able to refill prescriptions, finding lab test results, emailing practitioner's, scheduling appointments, and pre-registering for health care.

Some of the conditions which attract the most online health care researchers include cancer, headaches, insomnia, eating disorders and attention deficit hyperactivity disorders.

If you're researching health care issues you need to be smart about it. There's a lot of very valuable information available. You have to do your homework. SImilar to writing a research paper, you need to develop a bibliography. You need to discover the sources of the information and sponsors of the websites who may influence the information. And you need to know how timely it is.

I wrote an article about a recall of a children's medication on another website in 2005. To this date, people write me asking what to do about their current supply. I clearly dated the article and edited it to include the date in the first paragraph, but consumers don't always evaluate the information carefully.

Find out how you can be an effective health care consumer/researcher.

Posted by Kathy Quan

Last week I had the opportunity to attend the International CES, (Consumer Electronics Show) in Las Vegas. It was thrilling to see many more health care products available.

In years past, the primary health related products seemed limited to (some amazing) massage chairs, pedometers, weight scales, TENS units and devices to measure body mass index.

This year there were some great products showcased. These included some of the winners of the 2008 Best of CES such as a home monitoring product. This application allows family or other caregivers (from a remote location) to visually monitor their elderly parents in several key locations throughout their home. This can help them to continue to live independently at far less cost than assisted living.

At least two new products in the category of medication compliance monitoring were represented. These devices remind patients when to take their medications, how to take them, and report to a variety of options such as doctor's home health nurses, and/or family members whether or not the medications have been taken.

There were also some new innovative devices to assist with hearing disorders and low vision devices for patients with Retinitis Pigmentosa or Macular Degeneration.

Another device which was invented by a nurse and her engineer husband is a USB drive in a waterproof, shockproof metal capsule that can be worn on a chain around your neck. It contains as much vital information as you want to provide including identification, medical records, etc. It can be used for adults, children and even pets. The software is contained on the USB drive and the templates provided can be customized. This would be excellent for emergencies and for anyone with a tendency to wander such as Alzheimer's patients.

Posted by Kathy Quan

Hand sanitizers have gained popularity in hospitals, practitioner's offices, and clinics. They are also widely used in public places such as classrooms, restaurants, and shopping centers.

The CDC, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, has even said that on hands that aren't heavily soiled the sanitizers can work better than soap and water.

However, the sanitizer needs to consist of at least 60% alcohol; 90% is even better. This unfortunately makes the sanitizers flammable and precautions need to be taken to prevent injury. Because of the high alcohol content, they should not be used on the face, and especially not near the eyes.

Open cuts or sores will sting or burn when they come into contact with the sanitizer. Although the sanitizer will kill any germs in the cut or sore, it may also irritate and interfere with normal healing.

In unscientific observations presented in the media, the wide use of these hand sanitizers has shown to reduce the number of cold-like illnesses in classrooms, work settings and practitioner's offices. Research has also proven the effectiveness of these sanitizers in reducing the spread of colds as well as gastrointestinal viruses.

According to a recent article by ABC News, the product name "Purell" has become a verb much like Xerox and Windex have over the years.