Health literacy is the sure way to help you and your health care team make the best medical decisions for you. Making healthy lifestyles permanent is one of the keys to good health. The following books are recommended primarily because they teach you things you can do for yourself that you can incorporate in your lifestyle to make it healthier.
The Healing Power Of Prayer: The Surprising Connection Betweeen Prayer & Your Health
by Chester L. Tolson, Ph.D. and Harold G. Koenig, M.D.
Food as Medicine: How to Use Diet, Vitamins, Juices and Herbs for a Healthier, Happier and Longer Life
by Dharma Singh Khalsa, M.D.
Prescription for Herbal Healing
by Phyllis A. Balch, CNC
Spontaneous Healing
by Andrew Weil, M.D.
The Doctor and the Word
by Reginald Cherry, M.D.
Healing Words: The Power of Prayer & the Practice of Medicine
by Larry Dossey, M.D.
20 Minute Yoga Workouts
by America Yoga Foundation & Alice Christensen (founder)
Home Health Massage
by Wendy Kavanagh
Take Charge of Your Hospital Stay: A Start Smart Guide for Patients & Caregivers
by Karen Keating McCann
Power Healing: The Four Keys To Energizing Your Body, Mind, & Spirit
by Dr. Zhi Gang Sha
Patient Handbook to Medical Care: Your Personal Health Guide
by J. L. Richardson, M.D.
Best health!
Mostrando entradas con la etiqueta Healthy People 2010. Mostrar todas las entradas
Mostrando entradas con la etiqueta Healthy People 2010. Mostrar todas las entradas
sábado, 30 de octubre de 2010
jueves, 2 de septiembre de 2010
Prevention Checkups: Is It Time for You?
Staying healthy and disease-free is what prevention is about. The complete physical is the beginning of prevention. The breast exam checks for cancer, as do the Pap smear and rectal examination. Depending on your age and sex, there are guidelines for when to have certain tests. These guidelines are recommended by health organizations such as the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, American College of Physicians, American Cancer Society, and American Heart Association. These guidelines are by no means laws, but they serve as useful suggestions for you and your doctor to use in your prevention and treatment program.
So how often should you have a complete physical? When is it time for your next tetanus shot? I have reviewed guidelines from the various health organizations mentioned above and compiled a summary of adult preventive care standards. These are also based on my own clinical experiences and on the number of lives saved by doing tests, regardless of whether the time frame of the guidelines was observed.
ADULT PREVENTIVE STANDARDS
AGE:------------18–25----26–40 ----41–60----60+
Physical Exam 1–3 years 1–3 years 1–2 years yearly
Height/Weight 1–3 years 1–3 years 1–2 years biannual
Blood Pressure 1–3 years 1–3 years every year biannual
Eyes and Ears 1–3 years 1–3 years 1–2 years every year
Mouth 1–3 years 1–3 years 1–2 years every year
Breast Exam every year every year every year every year
Pap Smear* 1–2 years every year every year 1–3 years
Prostate Exam if needed if needed every year every year
Scrotal Exam every year every year every year every year
Rectal Exam if needed if needed every year every year
Stool Blood if needed if needed every year every year
COMPLETE BLOOD PANEL
AGE:---------18–25----26–40 ----41–60----60+
Lipid Panel 5 years 5 years every year every year
Liver Panel 5 years 5 years every year every year
Hepatitis 5 years 5 years every year every year
Kidney 5 years 5 years every year every year
Blood Count 5 years 5 years every year every year
Thyroid 5 years 5 years every year every year
Urine 5 years 5 years every year every year
Electrolytes 5 years 5 years every year every year
Glucose 5 years 5 years every year every year
Prostate (PSA) if needed if needed every year every year
HIV — test if any risk factors or exposure —
IMMUNIZATIONS**
AGE:----------------18–25----26–40 ----41–60----60+
Tetanusdiphtheria 10 years 10 years 10 years 10 years
Pneumococcal — as needed for persons at risk — once after 65
Influenza (flu) — as needed for persons at risk — every year
Hepatitis — — — — as needed for persons at risk — — — —
Measles-Mumps-Rubella — — if no antibodies, get 2nd dose — —
TESTS / PROCEDURES
AGE:---------18–25----26–40 ----41–60--------60+
Mammogram if needed 2–3 years every year every year
Chest X-ray baseline if needed if needed if needed
Electrocardiogram — — baseline — — every year every year
Colonoscopy if needed if needed 3–5 years 1–3 years
Body Scan baseline 1–3 years 1–3 years 1–3 years
DENTAL — — — — — — every year — — — — — —
MENTAL — — — — — — as needed — — — — — —
For any abnormalities, repeat screening and follow-up should be done sooner or more frequently depending on the individual person. For example, if your cholesterol is found to be increased when you are 18 years old or younger, you would want to have that checked at least every year instead of every five years. For people with a family history of breast cancer, yearly mammograms may start as early as the twenties.
Persons with a history of chronic illness (diabetes, hypertension, cancer, etc.) should have a yearly physical regardless of age. Frequent routine visits during the year are also in order for those with any chronic illness. In addition to preventive health screening tests, preventive health counseling is also very important. In addition to the doctor’s verbal counseling, ask for patient education references. Reading and knowing as much as you can about staying healthy also helps improve your quality of life and can make you feel better!
*Some sources recommend that after two normal PAP smears, repeat every 1–3 years.
**For further details, refer to the “Recommended Adult Immunization Schedule” published by The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
So how often should you have a complete physical? When is it time for your next tetanus shot? I have reviewed guidelines from the various health organizations mentioned above and compiled a summary of adult preventive care standards. These are also based on my own clinical experiences and on the number of lives saved by doing tests, regardless of whether the time frame of the guidelines was observed.
ADULT PREVENTIVE STANDARDS
AGE:------------18–25----26–40 ----41–60----60+
Physical Exam 1–3 years 1–3 years 1–2 years yearly
Height/Weight 1–3 years 1–3 years 1–2 years biannual
Blood Pressure 1–3 years 1–3 years every year biannual
Eyes and Ears 1–3 years 1–3 years 1–2 years every year
Mouth 1–3 years 1–3 years 1–2 years every year
Breast Exam every year every year every year every year
Pap Smear* 1–2 years every year every year 1–3 years
Prostate Exam if needed if needed every year every year
Scrotal Exam every year every year every year every year
Rectal Exam if needed if needed every year every year
Stool Blood if needed if needed every year every year
COMPLETE BLOOD PANEL
AGE:---------18–25----26–40 ----41–60----60+
Lipid Panel 5 years 5 years every year every year
Liver Panel 5 years 5 years every year every year
Hepatitis 5 years 5 years every year every year
Kidney 5 years 5 years every year every year
Blood Count 5 years 5 years every year every year
Thyroid 5 years 5 years every year every year
Urine 5 years 5 years every year every year
Electrolytes 5 years 5 years every year every year
Glucose 5 years 5 years every year every year
Prostate (PSA) if needed if needed every year every year
HIV — test if any risk factors or exposure —
IMMUNIZATIONS**
AGE:----------------18–25----26–40 ----41–60----60+
Tetanusdiphtheria 10 years 10 years 10 years 10 years
Pneumococcal — as needed for persons at risk — once after 65
Influenza (flu) — as needed for persons at risk — every year
Hepatitis — — — — as needed for persons at risk — — — —
Measles-Mumps-Rubella — — if no antibodies, get 2nd dose — —
TESTS / PROCEDURES
AGE:---------18–25----26–40 ----41–60--------60+
Mammogram if needed 2–3 years every year every year
Chest X-ray baseline if needed if needed if needed
Electrocardiogram — — baseline — — every year every year
Colonoscopy if needed if needed 3–5 years 1–3 years
Body Scan baseline 1–3 years 1–3 years 1–3 years
DENTAL — — — — — — every year — — — — — —
MENTAL — — — — — — as needed — — — — — —
For any abnormalities, repeat screening and follow-up should be done sooner or more frequently depending on the individual person. For example, if your cholesterol is found to be increased when you are 18 years old or younger, you would want to have that checked at least every year instead of every five years. For people with a family history of breast cancer, yearly mammograms may start as early as the twenties.
Persons with a history of chronic illness (diabetes, hypertension, cancer, etc.) should have a yearly physical regardless of age. Frequent routine visits during the year are also in order for those with any chronic illness. In addition to preventive health screening tests, preventive health counseling is also very important. In addition to the doctor’s verbal counseling, ask for patient education references. Reading and knowing as much as you can about staying healthy also helps improve your quality of life and can make you feel better!
*Some sources recommend that after two normal PAP smears, repeat every 1–3 years.
**For further details, refer to the “Recommended Adult Immunization Schedule” published by The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
viernes, 2 de julio de 2010
Your Health & Medical History
One of the first things your doctors and healthcare providers want to know is why you made your appointment. Once you answer this question (hopefully before interruption) there will be questions about your general health and wellness, as well as more information about your reason for the visit. For specific concerns you may be asked:
- How long has this been going on?
- What have you done for it?
- Have you had it before?
- Where does it bother you?
- How often does it occur?
- What makes it better or worse?
- Are there any other symptoms?
You will be asked about how the other parts of the body are working, such as your eyes, ears, heart, breathing, and so on. This is called the “review of systems” (ROS). If there are any problems not related to your main problem, now is the time to let the doctor know.
This will be followed by your past medical history (PMH), which includes:
- Diseases you have (high blood pressure, sugar diabetes, arthritis, cancer, depression,
etc.), or have had that are better or gone (including childhood diseases such as
measles, mumps, and inherited disease) - Operations and times you were in the hospital (including accidents)
- Medication, including prescription, over-the counter (don’t forget about vitamins),
natural (garlic, aloe), and herbal - Allergies and reactions to anything and what it did to you (for example: breaking out in a
rash, swelling, itching, upset stomach, etc.) - Smoking, alcohol, drug use (how much,
how often) - Shots (childhood, flu, last tetanus, etc.)
- Sexual (active, using protection, number of partners, diseases)—in females this will also
include menstrual period, pregnancy, last mammogram, and Pap test - Family history (conditions that run in family
such as cancer, high blood pressure, etc.) - Social history—your job or jobs; family; marital status; living arrangement (house,
apartment, alone, etc.); transportation (drive self, public transport, walk); ambulation
(use walker, wheelchair); disability (deaf, blind, amputee, etc.) Religion, ethnic customs, and traditions
If there is anything left out or that you feel the doctor should know, now is the time to speak up. It is sometimes hard to get someone’s full attention, so take advantage of it while you have it. Some doctors’ offices will have you fill out forms asking the above questions or will ask you the questions and fill out the form for you. This is not a substitute for the doctor’s personalinterview and questions.
Writing or typing this information is a sure way to keep all of your PMH. Make a copy for your doctor. While talking you both can refer to this vital source of health information. This is part of your medical record.
Best health!
Use this handy form to get you started http://bit.ly/bEvHk6
martes, 1 de junio de 2010
Medicare & You: Will It Be There When You Need It
If you are in your near retirement years, I am sure you are getting ready for Medicare to take over your health care. Will it be there? By 2030 there will be about 100 million persons receiving Medicare. This is twice as many as 2008. This comes at a time when the growing demand for doctors is at a critical point. Their numbers are dwindling, especially those that accept Medicare payments for services.
Medicare is a health program that is publicly funded by the government to care for persons over 65 who have been legal residents for five years.It is a single payor program. Medicare eligibility starts at 65 years of age. If you are a person with disability, end stage kidney disease (i.e. requiring dialysis or kidney transplant), or Lou Gehrig's disease you will get benefits before age 65.
For the past few years Medicare payments to doctors have been cut by as much as 21% in 2010, while Medicare premium payments by patients have risen (along with the cost of health care!)an average of 10% per year. In addition, Medicare taxes are being prepaid through every working persons' paycheck - 2.9% of your wages to be exact (more if you make over $200,000). It would make sense that doctors and health care providers would receive increases instead of sharp cuts (pun intended). Instead doctors are quitting and looking for second careers unrelated to clinical medicine. Hospitals are closing (the small reserves for hospitals may exhausted by 2017). Clinics are downsizing and closing.
Predictions abound that Medicare will be bankrupt by 2020 to 2030, . "The latest report on the solvency of the Social Security and Medicare trust funds reveals that these entitlement programs will likely run out of money sooner than expected." (reference: Brookings Institute, 2009) Medicare alone was 13% of the federal budget (almost $400 billion) in 2009. It is projected to be near the same in 2010 with a higher cost near $500 billion! The amount spent on Medicare is likely to exceed the payroll taxes collected from your hard earned wages. Astounding data! In spite of the fact that doctors must now accept what Medicare pays them versus what they charge (traditional from 1960 to 1980), this program will be in the red.
Health care rationing may become part of the plan to cut costs and be sure all get health care. Those over 60 and those with multiple chronic conditions many of which occur just because you get old like arthritis, high blood pressure, decreased vision with cataracts, decreased hearing will be put in the long line near the end. As we live longer more health care is needed especially if we inherited the family genes for certain things like diabetes, cancer, and heart disease. Add this to the "old age" diseases and you have the equation of a Medicare patient. Of course old age is much kinder to some than others, but it happens to everyone.
Where will you go for health and medical needs when you reach 65? Medicare was supposed to be there. You worked and paid for it. So you must look after it. First and foremost, you must realize that your health is everything. Loss of function of an arm or leg, your speech or vision almost renders you dependent until you "overcome" it, if you do.
Health maintenance and wellness are vital. You must be your best health advocate by taking the time to prevent as much as possible. Routine checkups by you and your healthcare providers are very important. Early detection will prove a lifesaver if some illness is discovered. This will help you get through the Medicare years. You will be able to see your premium payments and hard work pay off, just with less Medicare and more of your money out of your pocket.
Bottom line: cut Medicare benefits or increase payroll taxes? This is truly a "beast and burden" that needs taming.
by J. L. Richardson, M.D.
Dr. Richardson is a family medicine physician, independent medical record reviewer, and author of Patient Handbook to Medical Care: Your Personal Health Guide. This book provides 112 pages (large print) of health information that will tell you what your doctor should be asking you, telling you, and doing for you - as taught in medical school and used since Hippocrates.
Medicare is a health program that is publicly funded by the government to care for persons over 65 who have been legal residents for five years.It is a single payor program. Medicare eligibility starts at 65 years of age. If you are a person with disability, end stage kidney disease (i.e. requiring dialysis or kidney transplant), or Lou Gehrig's disease you will get benefits before age 65.
For the past few years Medicare payments to doctors have been cut by as much as 21% in 2010, while Medicare premium payments by patients have risen (along with the cost of health care!)an average of 10% per year. In addition, Medicare taxes are being prepaid through every working persons' paycheck - 2.9% of your wages to be exact (more if you make over $200,000). It would make sense that doctors and health care providers would receive increases instead of sharp cuts (pun intended). Instead doctors are quitting and looking for second careers unrelated to clinical medicine. Hospitals are closing (the small reserves for hospitals may exhausted by 2017). Clinics are downsizing and closing.
Predictions abound that Medicare will be bankrupt by 2020 to 2030, . "The latest report on the solvency of the Social Security and Medicare trust funds reveals that these entitlement programs will likely run out of money sooner than expected." (reference: Brookings Institute, 2009) Medicare alone was 13% of the federal budget (almost $400 billion) in 2009. It is projected to be near the same in 2010 with a higher cost near $500 billion! The amount spent on Medicare is likely to exceed the payroll taxes collected from your hard earned wages. Astounding data! In spite of the fact that doctors must now accept what Medicare pays them versus what they charge (traditional from 1960 to 1980), this program will be in the red.
Health care rationing may become part of the plan to cut costs and be sure all get health care. Those over 60 and those with multiple chronic conditions many of which occur just because you get old like arthritis, high blood pressure, decreased vision with cataracts, decreased hearing will be put in the long line near the end. As we live longer more health care is needed especially if we inherited the family genes for certain things like diabetes, cancer, and heart disease. Add this to the "old age" diseases and you have the equation of a Medicare patient. Of course old age is much kinder to some than others, but it happens to everyone.
Where will you go for health and medical needs when you reach 65? Medicare was supposed to be there. You worked and paid for it. So you must look after it. First and foremost, you must realize that your health is everything. Loss of function of an arm or leg, your speech or vision almost renders you dependent until you "overcome" it, if you do.
Health maintenance and wellness are vital. You must be your best health advocate by taking the time to prevent as much as possible. Routine checkups by you and your healthcare providers are very important. Early detection will prove a lifesaver if some illness is discovered. This will help you get through the Medicare years. You will be able to see your premium payments and hard work pay off, just with less Medicare and more of your money out of your pocket.
Bottom line: cut Medicare benefits or increase payroll taxes? This is truly a "beast and burden" that needs taming.
by J. L. Richardson, M.D.
Dr. Richardson is a family medicine physician, independent medical record reviewer, and author of Patient Handbook to Medical Care: Your Personal Health Guide. This book provides 112 pages (large print) of health information that will tell you what your doctor should be asking you, telling you, and doing for you - as taught in medical school and used since Hippocrates.
miércoles, 24 de febrero de 2010
Medical TV: Where is the Health News Channel?
This was written three years ago, but is still relevant.
Medical information on TV is limited and stagnating. Sixty seconds on the news. Two minutes on the talk show after commercials on prescription medication. Outdated show on this channel, and outdated repeat on that channel in between the new show. Watch some on this channel then click and click to different channels to connect your medical news for today.
Remember the crawler at the bottom of the screen. Oh, you missed that there was a bird flu outbreak in Pakistan today, and that HPV vaccines will be required for teen women and men. These are the ways we learn about some of the most important news we should know. It concerns our health and public safety.
If only we had a dedicated medical TV CNN (instead of just Dr. Sanjay Gupta’s excellent show on early weekend mornings, or his occasional special). You know, like the sports channels by sport, the cartoon channels by age (and now one for the boomers!), the movie channels, government channels, and on and on. Where is the “MTV” of medical channels? Discovery Health has been carrying the TV health media for years. There should be more!
The TV box is probably the most used medium by which folks get their news and information. It is certainly a way to get information to people. The most used information source is one of the least used by the cutting edge medical field. This was noted in my research paper, “Building an American Health System”, in 2002. This is 2007, and it’s pretty much the same, maybe even less.
A medical TV channel (actually several would be optimal) would be great! A daily health news show would be a great start towards 24-7 medical TV. Envision yourself clicking to the heart channel, or to programs with content about specific diseases. You could learn more about that high blood pressure you are trying to control, and how you can monitor it at home. Topics on maintaining good health, and prevention of disease would be a click away. And if you missed a show, it would be shown again and again.
Health and medical coverage on TV is surely lacking in this consumer driven health conscious society. We can watch as much sports, cartoons, movies, news as we want, but we still have to piece together our medical news and supplement it with the written word, or health care providers’ spoken word. And radio.
Great health is true wealth. Medical TV would make us even richer.
by J.L. Richardson, MD, family medicine physician, patient advocate and caregiver, and author of Patient Handbook to Medical Care: Your Personal Health Guide,
http://www.mypatienthandbook.com/
www.twitter.com/MD4U
Medical information on TV is limited and stagnating. Sixty seconds on the news. Two minutes on the talk show after commercials on prescription medication. Outdated show on this channel, and outdated repeat on that channel in between the new show. Watch some on this channel then click and click to different channels to connect your medical news for today.
Remember the crawler at the bottom of the screen. Oh, you missed that there was a bird flu outbreak in Pakistan today, and that HPV vaccines will be required for teen women and men. These are the ways we learn about some of the most important news we should know. It concerns our health and public safety.
If only we had a dedicated medical TV CNN (instead of just Dr. Sanjay Gupta’s excellent show on early weekend mornings, or his occasional special). You know, like the sports channels by sport, the cartoon channels by age (and now one for the boomers!), the movie channels, government channels, and on and on. Where is the “MTV” of medical channels? Discovery Health has been carrying the TV health media for years. There should be more!
The TV box is probably the most used medium by which folks get their news and information. It is certainly a way to get information to people. The most used information source is one of the least used by the cutting edge medical field. This was noted in my research paper, “Building an American Health System”, in 2002. This is 2007, and it’s pretty much the same, maybe even less.
A medical TV channel (actually several would be optimal) would be great! A daily health news show would be a great start towards 24-7 medical TV. Envision yourself clicking to the heart channel, or to programs with content about specific diseases. You could learn more about that high blood pressure you are trying to control, and how you can monitor it at home. Topics on maintaining good health, and prevention of disease would be a click away. And if you missed a show, it would be shown again and again.
Health and medical coverage on TV is surely lacking in this consumer driven health conscious society. We can watch as much sports, cartoons, movies, news as we want, but we still have to piece together our medical news and supplement it with the written word, or health care providers’ spoken word. And radio.
Great health is true wealth. Medical TV would make us even richer.
by J.L. Richardson, MD, family medicine physician, patient advocate and caregiver, and author of Patient Handbook to Medical Care: Your Personal Health Guide,
http://www.mypatienthandbook.com/
www.twitter.com/MD4U
martes, 10 de noviembre de 2009
Routine Checkups Work, Ask Kareem
After disclosing his diagnosis with myeloid cancer, Kareem Abdul Jabbar, told journalists how routine checkups (for him every two years) help find his cancer early. His confidence in telling his medical story was utterly genuine. What a smart patient! He revealed that his symptoms were clues that something was awry with his health. His complete blood count (CBC) helped his doctor find the cancer. He further expressed his savvy by discussing his family history and that cancer was present. This is valuable knowledge for every patient.
Prevention and early detection in addition to education are key for great health. You must help your health care team with your health plan. Information like family history, your present medical and past medical history are the basic building blocks for your individual health maintenance plan. Take the time to put this down on paper and share with your present doctor and each new doctor you see. As you go along research your findings from medical records you have, and be sure they are accurate, correct and yours.
Routine checkups work. Ask Kareem.
by J.L. Richardson, MD, family medicine doctor and patient advocate, author of Patient Handbook to Medical Care: Your Personal Health Guide, recipient of Writer's Digest International Self Publishers award in reference books.
http://www.mypatienthandbook.com/
www.twitter.com/MD4U
www.blogtalkradio.com/drjfpmd - readings by author
http://short.to/vb5e - excerpts & bookstores on Google Books
Prevention and early detection in addition to education are key for great health. You must help your health care team with your health plan. Information like family history, your present medical and past medical history are the basic building blocks for your individual health maintenance plan. Take the time to put this down on paper and share with your present doctor and each new doctor you see. As you go along research your findings from medical records you have, and be sure they are accurate, correct and yours.
Routine checkups work. Ask Kareem.
by J.L. Richardson, MD, family medicine doctor and patient advocate, author of Patient Handbook to Medical Care: Your Personal Health Guide, recipient of Writer's Digest International Self Publishers award in reference books.
http://www.mypatienthandbook.com/
www.twitter.com/MD4U
www.blogtalkradio.com/drjfpmd - readings by author
http://short.to/vb5e - excerpts & bookstores on Google Books
miércoles, 5 de agosto de 2009
Save Your Life
"Save your life!" is the title for this blog on Patient Handbook to Medical Care: Your Personal Health Guide. It was written by Sue Leonard of Cornerstone Fulfillment Service on her blog All Things Fulfilling.
It is so nice to know that this book is helping to save lives. Health maintenance, wellness, prevention, and early detection/treatment are the keys to unlocking your best health.
http://allthingsfulfilling.wordpress.com/2009/08/03/save-your-life/
Thank you Sue for this powerful message that is one of all things fulfilling!
It is so nice to know that this book is helping to save lives. Health maintenance, wellness, prevention, and early detection/treatment are the keys to unlocking your best health.
http://allthingsfulfilling.wordpress.com/2009/08/03/save-your-life/
Thank you Sue for this powerful message that is one of all things fulfilling!
miércoles, 10 de junio de 2009
ABC's of Healthcare Reform
The link below on the ABC's of healthcare reform is from my friend, Kathleen O'Connor. Her organization, CodeBlueNow! (http://www.codebluenow.org/ ), is dedicated to health care reform. Her effort is one of the best around. Ms. O'Connor started this after challenging the American public in a contest to write about their thoughts on how America's health care system could be fixed. Out of the 2003 entrants CodeBlueNow! was born.
Thank you Ms. O'Connor for the opportunity to submit my action plan, Building An American Health System. I was one of the ten finalists.
As we look forward to the President's national health care plan being passed soon, let us all speak up for the best health care we deserve. It is time for successful CPR.
http://www.codebluenow.org/ABCs%20of%20Reform--The%20Alphabet%20of%20Health%20Care.final.4-27.1doc.pdf
by J.L. Richardson, MD, family physician, patient advocate, and author of Patient Handbook to Medical Care: Your Personal Health Guide.
http://www.mypatienthandbook.com/
Thank you Ms. O'Connor for the opportunity to submit my action plan, Building An American Health System. I was one of the ten finalists.
As we look forward to the President's national health care plan being passed soon, let us all speak up for the best health care we deserve. It is time for successful CPR.
http://www.codebluenow.org/ABCs%20of%20Reform--The%20Alphabet%20of%20Health%20Care.final.4-27.1doc.pdf
by J.L. Richardson, MD, family physician, patient advocate, and author of Patient Handbook to Medical Care: Your Personal Health Guide.
http://www.mypatienthandbook.com/
martes, 9 de junio de 2009
Building An American Health System
These are the notes from my Power Point presentation of my 2003 research paper, Building an American Health System. The medical budget and financing was based on a federal deficit. This was about $400 billion dollars which was greater than the HHS budget alone. In 6 years the only thing that has changed is the exorbitant price we all pay.
Slide 1 Building an American Health System = the best health care for everyone by bringing
best of all medical systems together.
FOCUS of my paper is to bring best of all medical systems together = government, private, international – much of infrastructure in place especially with government = agencies, IT, monies
Slide 2 Information technology = CIA = Communication Information Automation
Communication = medical record creation, maintenance, transmission
Information = education + wellness, prevention, diagnosis, treatment
Automation = Internet wired wireless medicine
One of the first things to get the BEST is to maximize IT, info tech
uses CIA…which connects patient to doctor to health providers – thus creating uniformity w/ easy accessibility
Communication based on most important document, the medical record = it’s creation, maintenance and transmission
Information primary for health education
Automation brings it all together seamlessly and efficiently
Slide 3 System Update = uniform with continutiy of care; timely and easy acces to health care;
eduation on wellness, prevention. and treatment based on prevalence of disease and
proven preventive measures; provide more information to patient; serve everyone
In view of the rise in elder and chronic medical illness a uniform system allows access anywhere, anytime i.e healthcare obtained from every state, doctors licensed in every state – this allows timely, quality care – the best –
USPTF and Healthy People 2010 exists for prevention – HHS has many programs from community to federal level and its systems which have shown to have the best care - more efficient care and lower cost than the private sector
Slide 4 To DO List - use government + private "bests" = merger; extend IT infrastructure,
data base
This will create uniform and easily accessible system for everyone from patient to doctor and in between
there is a ways to go when look at federal deficit at an all time high! As is health spending at over $1 trillion!
suggestions for financing are outlined in my paper as are resources already in place
Slide 5 GOALS - Uniform continuous qualitymedical care to everyone regardless of cost of
of pre-existing condition; educate and inform; practice wellness and prevention to
have a Healthy America.
the goals are ...
As the cartoon in depicts the doctor telling the patient “your HMO won’t cover any illness contracted in the 20th century” = that was in 2000 – if American health system continues the way it is this is a dilemma we all potentially face and are beginning to experience.
Slide 1 Building an American Health System = the best health care for everyone by bringing
best of all medical systems together.
FOCUS of my paper is to bring best of all medical systems together = government, private, international – much of infrastructure in place especially with government = agencies, IT, monies
Slide 2 Information technology = CIA = Communication Information Automation
Communication = medical record creation, maintenance, transmission
Information = education + wellness, prevention, diagnosis, treatment
Automation = Internet wired wireless medicine
One of the first things to get the BEST is to maximize IT, info tech
uses CIA…which connects patient to doctor to health providers – thus creating uniformity w/ easy accessibility
Communication based on most important document, the medical record = it’s creation, maintenance and transmission
Information primary for health education
Automation brings it all together seamlessly and efficiently
Slide 3 System Update = uniform with continutiy of care; timely and easy acces to health care;
eduation on wellness, prevention. and treatment based on prevalence of disease and
proven preventive measures; provide more information to patient; serve everyone
In view of the rise in elder and chronic medical illness a uniform system allows access anywhere, anytime i.e healthcare obtained from every state, doctors licensed in every state – this allows timely, quality care – the best –
USPTF and Healthy People 2010 exists for prevention – HHS has many programs from community to federal level and its systems which have shown to have the best care - more efficient care and lower cost than the private sector
Slide 4 To DO List - use government + private "bests" = merger; extend IT infrastructure,
data base
This will create uniform and easily accessible system for everyone from patient to doctor and in between
there is a ways to go when look at federal deficit at an all time high! As is health spending at over $1 trillion!
suggestions for financing are outlined in my paper as are resources already in place
Slide 5 GOALS - Uniform continuous qualitymedical care to everyone regardless of cost of
of pre-existing condition; educate and inform; practice wellness and prevention to
have a Healthy America.
the goals are ...
As the cartoon in depicts the doctor telling the patient “your HMO won’t cover any illness contracted in the 20th century” = that was in 2000 – if American health system continues the way it is this is a dilemma we all potentially face and are beginning to experience.
jueves, 26 de marzo de 2009
In US 80% Happy with Health Care
Poll on healthy health care. Are you satisfied with yours?
http://www.healthcarebs.com/2009/03/24/80-happy-with-their-health-care/
http://www.healthcarebs.com/2009/03/24/80-happy-with-their-health-care/
miércoles, 25 de marzo de 2009
Self Check You
We the people of this mighty fine country vow to take the absolute best care of our most important asset - US. A nation is as great as its assets. We have so many. As long as us Americans stay healthy, we will stay wealthy.
True wealth is great health. It is time for you to take responsibility for your health. It is time for you to know what your health numbers are. It is time for you to know your medical conditions, risk factors, and family medical history.
Give yourself a medical checkup. Start by writing or typing or recording your medical history - medical conditions, surgery, treatments, family history. Add your medication. Save it. Update it. Add to it. Correct it. Keep it current. Keep a copy in a secure place.
Examine as much of yourself as you can. Look at your skin, hair, nails, eyes, teeth, and every part of your body that is visible to you. Make note of any abnormalities. Make note of any symptoms you have - new, old and ongoing. Go through each body system. Add this information to your medical history. Add to this your doctors' and health care providers' names, phone number, land address, and email address.
Call your doctor for an appointment for a comprehensive CPE (complete physical exam). Take your information and notes with you on your appointment. Review everything with your doctor. Take notes.
Sign a medical record release to obtain a copy of your medical record from each doctor you see at the time of the visit.
Be sure to schedule a follow-up appointment within a month or less to go over everything with your doctor. Get copies of your information including blood tests, and any other tests as well as medical notes.
Take charge. Be the healthiest you can be - as a person, as a nation.
Great health is true wealth!
J. L. Richardson, M.D., family physician patient advocate, is author of Patient Handbook to Medical Care: Your Personal Health Guide.
True wealth is great health. It is time for you to take responsibility for your health. It is time for you to know what your health numbers are. It is time for you to know your medical conditions, risk factors, and family medical history.
Give yourself a medical checkup. Start by writing or typing or recording your medical history - medical conditions, surgery, treatments, family history. Add your medication. Save it. Update it. Add to it. Correct it. Keep it current. Keep a copy in a secure place.
Examine as much of yourself as you can. Look at your skin, hair, nails, eyes, teeth, and every part of your body that is visible to you. Make note of any abnormalities. Make note of any symptoms you have - new, old and ongoing. Go through each body system. Add this information to your medical history. Add to this your doctors' and health care providers' names, phone number, land address, and email address.
Call your doctor for an appointment for a comprehensive CPE (complete physical exam). Take your information and notes with you on your appointment. Review everything with your doctor. Take notes.
Sign a medical record release to obtain a copy of your medical record from each doctor you see at the time of the visit.
Be sure to schedule a follow-up appointment within a month or less to go over everything with your doctor. Get copies of your information including blood tests, and any other tests as well as medical notes.
Take charge. Be the healthiest you can be - as a person, as a nation.
Great health is true wealth!
J. L. Richardson, M.D., family physician patient advocate, is author of Patient Handbook to Medical Care: Your Personal Health Guide.
lunes, 9 de marzo de 2009
Ideal Health System
This is the summary from Building An American Health System, a 2003 award-winning proposal by J.L. Richardson, M.D. Now in 2009 few things have changed.
For the ideal American health system, the goal must be provision of health care to everyone. This is a national priority. This system must be uniform and easily accessible for everyone. National (e.g. Medicare, Medicaid) and international (e.g. Britain's National Health Service) government programs in combination with the commercial sector of health service leaders are appropriate models. Using the systems and components that are successful in these entities will be the foundation.
The system will be managed through the government and insurance companies. The government seems most experienced and prepared for the task as an infrastructure already exists through the Social Security Administration and other government agencies. In addition, the information technology infrastructure is already in place. This provides the most extensive database of the nation's health care recipients that would be accessible to physicians and hospitals. This should ensure that all have access to the best comprehensive quality health care.
In order to attain the above, the employer-based model would be phased out. Purchasing health insurance from the government will subsequently be available to everyone. Each person will pay directly for services at prices comparable to Medicare and Medicaid fees. Through the Public Health Service all preventive screening will be done without charge. This will lead to a healthier people and a health system that takes care of everyone.
Prevention and intervention in a timely manner to all must be the ultimate goal in rebuilding the American health system as "...one nation under God...".
Great health is true wealth!
Thanks to Kathleen O'Connor, founder and CEO of Code Blue Now, the American public was invited to share their ideas on building a decent health care system in America by sponsoring a contest in 2003. Out of this health care reform effort, Code Blue Now was born. For details, visit http://codebluenow.org.
For the ideal American health system, the goal must be provision of health care to everyone. This is a national priority. This system must be uniform and easily accessible for everyone. National (e.g. Medicare, Medicaid) and international (e.g. Britain's National Health Service) government programs in combination with the commercial sector of health service leaders are appropriate models. Using the systems and components that are successful in these entities will be the foundation.
The system will be managed through the government and insurance companies. The government seems most experienced and prepared for the task as an infrastructure already exists through the Social Security Administration and other government agencies. In addition, the information technology infrastructure is already in place. This provides the most extensive database of the nation's health care recipients that would be accessible to physicians and hospitals. This should ensure that all have access to the best comprehensive quality health care.
In order to attain the above, the employer-based model would be phased out. Purchasing health insurance from the government will subsequently be available to everyone. Each person will pay directly for services at prices comparable to Medicare and Medicaid fees. Through the Public Health Service all preventive screening will be done without charge. This will lead to a healthier people and a health system that takes care of everyone.
Prevention and intervention in a timely manner to all must be the ultimate goal in rebuilding the American health system as "...one nation under God...".
Great health is true wealth!
Thanks to Kathleen O'Connor, founder and CEO of Code Blue Now, the American public was invited to share their ideas on building a decent health care system in America by sponsoring a contest in 2003. Out of this health care reform effort, Code Blue Now was born. For details, visit http://codebluenow.org.
martes, 3 de marzo de 2009
Health Care Recovery
This week President Obama will have a health summit to address our nation's health care recovery. Finally, health care reform is getting the attention it deserves even if it seems to overshadow the economic free fall. I fail to understand why money continues to be given to these losing companies that repeatedly spend it without accountability, and the put their hand out for more...and get it.
I want to see more handouts to the people. Today' Citibank announced an unemployment assistance program to help those without jobs get mortgage assistance to stay in their homes. More efforts like this are needed across the board. Many poor and middle class will benefit from these type programs.
It was great to hear that about $155 billion of Recovery Act funds will go to community health centers. This will provide health care for almost 1 million, and jobs for another 5,000. Funding for each state has already been calculated. At www.hhs.gov/recovery all efforts for health care are made transparent.
I want to see more handouts to the people. Today' Citibank announced an unemployment assistance program to help those without jobs get mortgage assistance to stay in their homes. More efforts like this are needed across the board. Many poor and middle class will benefit from these type programs.
It was great to hear that about $155 billion of Recovery Act funds will go to community health centers. This will provide health care for almost 1 million, and jobs for another 5,000. Funding for each state has already been calculated. At www.hhs.gov/recovery all efforts for health care are made transparent.
jueves, 20 de noviembre de 2008
Healthy, Wealthy and Wise
Prevention and wellness.
Transform America to a wellness society.
Wellness and prevention are missing...make them a centerpiece of healthcare reform.
Promote wellness and prevent disease.
Transition from sick care to a true health care system.
Preventing illness and staying well are as important as curing illness.
These are key words and phrases from Senator Tom Harkin's speech in Congress today. We are on the right path to the Healthy People 2010, the nation's health promotion and disease prevention program.
Wellness, health maintenance, prevention and early detection will make you healthier, wealthier, and wiser!
Transform America to a wellness society.
Wellness and prevention are missing...make them a centerpiece of healthcare reform.
Promote wellness and prevent disease.
Transition from sick care to a true health care system.
Preventing illness and staying well are as important as curing illness.
These are key words and phrases from Senator Tom Harkin's speech in Congress today. We are on the right path to the Healthy People 2010, the nation's health promotion and disease prevention program.
Wellness, health maintenance, prevention and early detection will make you healthier, wealthier, and wiser!
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