Health Literacy Month: Read Health

Read what you need. Learn about what you need to maintain good health and well-being.  Health literacy is an important part of your self-care health care.  It helps promote better health and quality of life. During this Health Literacy Month make your health healthier with more medical information.

Medical science progresses so rapidly!  It is impossible for health care providers to keep up with all these new developments. Be aware of treatments your doctors and healthcare team have yet to hear about or are unlikely to ever find out about.  The overwhelming amount of new health information that comes out is far too much for many to stay current on every disease and treatment.  This should not stop you the patient from finding out all you can.  The same goes for wellness.  Participating in your health care is mandatory to maintain good health, achieve wellness, and overcome illness.

There are so many different treatments and modalities that compliment traditional medicine.  As many lack training in these areas they are unable to tell the patient.  Asking your doctor is a good starting place as is telling your doctor about the things you have read about or tried that helped.  In turn this may evoke a response by your physician to find out more, and even share with other patients and colleagues who may in turn share their “new” information which your doctor can share with you.

Reading and learning are vital to good health. Health literacy helps you make healthier, informed choices based on facts that have proven to yield better health outcomes.  Be health literate year round.  Best health!

Know Your 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:

1. 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)
2. Operations and times you were in the hospital (including accidents)
3. Medication, including prescription, over-the counter (don’t forget about vitamins),
   natural (garlic, aloe), and herbal
4. Allergies and reactions to anything and what it did to you (for example: breaking out in a
   rash, swelling, itching, upset stomach, etc.)
5. Smoking, alcohol, drug use (how much, how often)
6. Shots (childhood, flu, last tetanus, etc.)
7. Sexual (active, using protection, number of partners, diseases)—in females this will also
   include menstrual period, pregnancy, last mammogram, and Pap test
8. Family history (conditions that run in family
   such as cancer, high blood pressure, etc.)
9. 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 personal interview and questions.
Writing or typing this information is a sure way to keep all of your PMH http://bit.ly/f8FZ55 . Make a copy for your doctor. While talking you both can refer to this vital source of health information.

Healthy life line: Know your medical history. Best health!

Maximize Great Mental Health

Good health includes mental health.  You can be healthier without anxiety and depression that diminishes good mental health.  This is so important in the formative years.  It is during this time of infancy and childhood that mental health starts developing.  During this time, it is important that good healthy things are happening.  Children need love and care all the time, but in these years much more is medically necessary.  This is important for healthy mental development.

Today's anxiety provoking atmosphere promote poor mental health especially in schools.  School attendance should be a pleasant, safe experience fit for learning. The mind needs this to learn and develop.  Today schools are "forced" to counter arm with physical enforcement measures to prevent unhealthy armed attacks.  This is far from the ideal learning environment for teachers and students as is thinking about this all day at school.  Good healthy thoughts and actions are indicated to prevent school dropout, substance abuse, suicide and more.

Mental health for adults and children must be healthy.  More school mental health programs would be healthier than any type of violence or tools thereof.  Today's youth are diagnosed with mental health (anxiety, depression, ADHD primary) issues at average age of 14 or younger. The stress associated with going to school and learning is plenty without any distractions, or unhealthy behaviors. 

Healthy suggestions include healthy behavior in the home.  The family is vital to maximizing mental health.  Seeking professional health for each family member as well as the family can help.  Absence of unhealthy, harmful behavior is necessary.  Decrease watching any programs on any platform with violence (even cartoons, video games) and persistently negative behavior.

Healthy thoughts and actions are indicated versus negative, unhealthy unrewarding behavior.  Maximize mental health with goodness for less anxiety, depression and unhealthy feelings. "Don't worry about a thing.  Every little thing is going to be alright." Best health!

Your Health Plan: Take Good Care of Yourself

 Start your day out in good health.  Make self-improvement and healthcare maintenance your first priority.  When you do this, you will find that good health is worth it.  Each person has a different level of good health and should do their best to stay as healthy as they can be.  When you take care of yourself with proper nutrition, rest, and other good health habits, it is less likely illness will occur.

Poor health costs more than feeling poorly.  The extreme high money cost can add to that.  In addition, limits on certain coverages like three pints of blood, and $50,000 lifetime maximum on some health services especially for those with chronic diseases and pre-existing conditions, are likely to slow progress of getting better if illness occurs while you wait a year or save more money.  It is important to focus on preventive medical services as well as positive healthy lifestyle for early disease detection and diagnosis can lead to prompt treatment.  This is why self-care health helps pay for good health and more financial stability.

Your health is your responsibility.  Be dedicated to good health.  Make healthy self-care a daily habit.  Best health!

Covid Caution Healthy Life Lines

Wash your hands often.

In high-risk areas if unvaccinated or vaccinated, wear a mask.

Keep safe distance to task.

Give it all you got, get a shot!

Boost immunity with healthy food.

Be kind to yourself and others.

Thank you.

Medical Preparation for Stormy Weather

 Be organized and keep it simple.  When preparing for any weather emergency, this is important to do especially when it comes to your health.  Anxiety and uncertainty in this flight or stay adrenaline pumping situation can decrease your awareness of what you really should be doing to stay healthy and safe.  Taking care of yourself is primary to sustain weather hazards. 

These tips will help you prepare.

• stay well rested 
• avoid unnecessary distractions
• know the facts, be present and up to date on storms and emergency preparation by reading and listening to lectures 
  
• prepare and check medical provider list to include your primary care doctors including specialists, nearest urgent care community health centers and hospital
• contact electric company to help with medical provisions like home oxygen should power failure occur
• contact community emergency services for listing if medical condition requires extra attention
• prepare food and water stock for two weeks or more
• freeze water for ice enough to fill two or more coolers
• keep prescription medication current with adequate supply for two months
• stay informed with neighbors and community resources
• get batteries for lights, radio, fans, medical devices like glucometer, blood pressure monitor
• charge all sources of power for telephones, limit use and keep turned off if not in use

Prepare yourself first, and plan before the storm arrives. Check and update your plan monthly. Stay healthy and safe.  Best health!

Home Health Helps Heal

Did you know that most Medicare expenses are utilized in the last year of life?  This fact has become more recognized as patients find themselves financially unable to afford proper services to maintain an independent quality of life.  In addition, many over 60 years of age have multiple chronic conditions.  Aging plus chronic conditions that may have become disabling can make health diagnosis and treatment less effective yet more challenging to all healthcare providers.  This also includes family and non-family caregivers who must give up their time, job, etc. to help with care that is unaffordable on a fixed income.

Home based health care is on the rise as the population ages.  More patients than ever before are transitioning to healthcare in their homes including primary care provider visits, tests, and treatment. Studies have found that home health care keeps people healthier and out of the hospital.  It is only natural that the best place to heal and recover is home.


Hospital discharge planning has prepared you for your return home. Most of your care and treatment can be at your home. The old-fashioned housecall remains an important part of medical care.  Most of all it provides continuous continuity at a time when you are unable to physically go to your healthcare providers office.  This is further enhanced with modern technology such as telemedicine.  The convenience and quality time spent with patients in home care lets the doctor, nurse practitioner, physician assistant, nurse, and other ancillary providers see you in your natural environment of everyday living.


Home health care includes personal care, too.  Often this service is necessary for help with bathing, dressing and activities of daily living.  Cooking and light housekeeping are just a few of the other services that may be offered.  Patients are able to recover comfortably and quicker when this type of home assistance is included.  Though rarely covered by regular insurance, it is an important part of any home care plan.  Saving money over the years for home personal care should be included in your financial plan especially long term.


Many primary care providers do well care in the home, too.  Minor medical maladies and routine medical care are easily rendered during a house   call. Timely appointments can be made to fit your schedule. As this method of direct primary continues patients are seeing better health outcomes especially after hospitalization.  Readmissions within thirty days are less likely.  Best of all the patient feels better and recovers more quickly.  Home based health care provides greater continuity of care and active, current communication for the patient and all those involved. Get better, stay better at your house.  Best health!

Fever and Malaise: Flu or New Disease

Fever. Chills.  Malaise. Myalgia. Loss of appetite.  Cough.  These symptoms are consistent with the flu syndromes such as influenza.  They may also be signs of new inflammatory disease like infection in the body. Cancer and rheumatological disorders that include connective tissue diseases and arthritis may also present in similar fashion. Flu symptoms usually resovle in about ten days to two weeks.  Complications from the flu like pneumonia are likely to cause worsening of symptoms accompanied by new symptoms.

Flu precautions include:

• frequent hand washing especially after contact with others
• avoid those who have flu-like symptoms
• cover your mouth when you cough
• eat nutritious foods especially those that are specific for immunity and healing
• stay well hydrated
• get flu shot before flu season starts
  

These preventive measures are important for staying well and healing.  If your symptoms persist or worsen in any way follow-up with your healthcare provider that initially diagnosed you. Telemedicine health visits help contact avoidance while getting appropriate medical care for you.  Healthy self care, prevention, and avoidance are primary. Best health!

Your Health Plan: Self Care Good Health Daily

Start your day out in good health.  Make self improvement and healthcare maintenance your first priority.  When you do this, you will find that good health is worth it.  Each person has a different level of good health, but should do their best to stay as healthy as they can be.  When you take care of yourself with proper nutrition, rest, and other good health habits, it is less likely illness will occur.

Poor health costs more than feeling poorly.  The extreme high money cost can add to that.  In addition, limits on certain coverages like three pints of blood, and $50,000 lifetime maximum on some health services especially for those with chronic diseases and pre-existing conditions, are likely to slow progress of getting better if illness occurs while you wait a year or save more money.  It is important to focus on preventive medical services as well as positive healthy lifestyle for early disease detection and diagnosis can lead to prompt treatment.  This is where self care health pays for good health and more financial stability.

Your health is your responsibility.  Be dedicated to good health.  Make healthy self care a daily habit.  Best health!

Doctor Availability Less Available?

As a potential primary care physician shortage may be approaching, it has become more difficult to get timely appointments.  If you have insurance, they must be in network to avoid extra cost beyond your insurance coverage.  Many physicians also have limited visiting hours unlike days of old when they made themselves more available to patients.  

Be aware of reasons doctors may be selective about their patient choices.  This may include:

• too many patients per doctor
• cash only
• limited to certain insurance or Medicare, Medicaid only
• gender preference
• age limits like over fifty
• too many chronic conditions

You must seek out doctors you feel are best for you.  Even if it means seeing several in the same specialty before you get the right one.  Doctor shopping is becoming more popular as the healthcare landscape keeps changing.  The Internet makes it easier to do, but the telephone can make it more personable.  Talking to someone can give you more information to add to your research.  Word of mouth is still a good way to find doctors.  Seek out the best doctors and you will find great available healthcare personalized for you. Best health!

Sustain the Hurricane Health Tips

Be organized and keep it simple.  When preparing for a hurricane or any weather emergency, this is important to do especially when it comes to your health.  Anxiety and uncertainty in this flight or stay adrenaline pumping situation can decrease your awareness of what you really should be doing to stay healthy and safe.  Taking care of yourself is primary to sustain the hurricane. 

These tips will help you prepare.

• stay well rested 
• avoid unnecessary distractions
• know the facts, be present and up to date on hurricanes and emergency preparation by reading and listening to lectures 
  
• prepare and check medical provider list to include your primary care doctors including specialists, nearest urgent care community health centers and hospital
• contact electric company to help with medical provisions like home oxygen should power failure occur
• contact community emergency services for listing if medical condition requires extra attention
• prepare food and water stock for two weeks or more
• freeze water for ice enough to fill two or more coolers
• keep prescription medication current with adequate supply for two months
• stay informed with neighbors and community resources
• get batteries for lights, radio, fans, medical devices like glucometer, blood pressure monitor
• charge all sources of power for telephones, limit use and keep turned off if not in use

Prepare yourself first, and plan before the storm arrives. Check and update your plan monthly. Stay healthy and safe.  Best health!

Home Health Care Heals Healthier

Did you know most Medicare expenses are utilized in the last year of life?  This fact has become more recognized as patients find themselves financially unable to afford proper services to maintain an independent quality of life.  In addition, many over 60 years of age have multiple chronic conditions.  Aging plus chronic conditions that may have become disabling can make health diagnosis and treatment less effective yet more challenging to all healthcare providers.  This also includes family and non-family caregivers who must give up their time, job, etc. to help with care that is unaffordable on a fixed income.


Home based health care is on the rise as the population ages.  More patients than ever before are transitioning to healthcare in their homes including primary care provider visits, tests, and treatment. Studies have found that home health care keeps people healthier and out of the hospital.  It is only natural that the best place to heal and recover is home.


Hospital discharge planning has prepared you for your return home. Most of your care and treatment can be at your home. The old-fashioned housecall remains an important part of medical care.  Most of all it provides continuous continuity at a time when you are unable to physically go to your healthcare providers office.  This is further enhanced with modern technology such as telemedicine.  The convenience and quality time spent with patients in home care lets the doctor, nurse practitioner, physician assistant, nurse, and other ancillary providers see you in your natural environment of everyday living.


Home health care includes personal care, too.  Often this service is necessary for help with bathing, dressing and activities of daily living.  Cooking and light housekeeping are just a few of the other services that may be offered.  Patients are able to recover comfortably and quicker when this type of home assistance is included.  Though rarely covered by regular insurance, it is an important part of any home care plan.  Saving money over the years for home personal care should be included in your financial plan especially long term.


Many primary care providers do well care in the home, too.  Minor medical maladies and routine medical care are easily rendered during a house   call. Timely appointments can be made to fit your schedule. As this method of direct primary continues patients are seeing better health outcomes especially after hospitalization.  Readmissions within thirty days are less likely.  Best of all the patient feels better and recovers more quickly.  Home based health care provides greater continuity of care and active, current communication for the patient and all those involved. Get better, stay better at your house.  Best health!

Healthy Life Lines: Simple Tips to Improve Your Health

Live healthy.  Live Simply.  “Healthy Life Lines: Simple Tips to Improve Your Health” is a new book that helps you attain good health and keep it stable. http://amzn.to/2nLf1u0  This short book consists of one line health tips that promote wellness and good health.  These tips will encourage you to live a lifestyle of good health.  “Healthy Life Lines: Simple Tips to Improve Your Health” is only available on Kindle.

Healthy life lines include;

·       Be literate in health.

·       Focus on prevention to avoid intervention.

·       Constantly do things to improve your health

·       Embrace healthy routines.

·       Limit and avoid multitasking.

·       Find funny and laugh daily.

·       Keep a health diary.

·       Know your family medical history.

Best health!

Minding Your P & Q: Peace and Quiet Help Heal

Patient privacy is a right of every person.  When you get acutely ill, it is very important to have your privacy and quietness.  Healing is a delicate, critical process that needs the body's full attention without extra stress.  Your mind must be clearly focused on the healing process.  Research shows that a private, quiet surroundings promote healing and allow the body to repair and recover.  Unnecessary outside distractions should be curtailed to your comfort level. Aside from key healthcare providers contact should be limited to family and friends. Since most healing occurs during quiet, private times, it is important to maintain a quiet, private environment with scheduled visitation like that seen in hospitals. As Florence Nightingale says in Notes on Nursing, "Unnecessary noise is the most cruel abuse of care which can be inflicted on either the sick or the well." Privacy is your right to a quiet, uneventful healing.  Best health!

Free Health Advice - Would You Dare?

In these days of rising costs on everything, health care may be seen as "optional" unless free or discounted. Many healthcare providers are often asked (especially at parties!) for free advice on and off the Internet. 


Would you use free health advice from a doctor, nurse, or other medical provider? http://twtpoll.com/r/s16vcz

What Internet Does For You & Your Health

Prior to any medical diagnosis you or doctor visit, you are able to check things out for yourself. Textbooks in your personal home library and the public library along with information your health care providers may have given you is initial information most patients are exposed to initially. The Internet is now the primary source for health information for patients and health care providers all over the world. This is the only place you can find valid, up-to-date medical information from all over the world. In a few hours you know as much if not more than any new medical school graduate about your health conditions.

A survey done by the CDC (Center for Disease Control) reports that over 50% of Americans look up health information on line in 2009. Women were more likely than men to research health information on the Internet. Direct patient-doctor interactions like email, prescription refills, and appointments were used infrequently (5%). Disease specific information is the most searched health information followed by medication. nutrition and fitness.* Most of the patients discussed their findings with their doctors. Key word search using the search engine, Google, was the primary way information was located. Specific websites were second. Over 98% reported the material was reliable and easy to understand.

Information like this helps you and your medical care team help you get the best care possible. Wellness, prevention, early detection and treatment are a few hours and a few clicks away - free. The Internet is a valuable resource that does the following:

• provide you with information that will keep you healthy and well
• help you find the latest research, clinical trials, treatments, doctors for any illness
• allow you to communicate with your health care providers directly (email, telemedicine)
• find and share research thereby promoting your health literacy i.e learning and teaching for every one involved
• help you find virtual and real communities that provide support for your conditions and diseases as well as social interaction
• search and shop for insurance and other medical aid, supplies, etc.

Use the Internet to help you stay in touch with your health and keep it in your hands. Best health!
by J.L. Richardson, M.D., family medicine physician and author of Patient Handbook to Medical Care: Your Personal Health Guide.


*study from Dept. of Family Medicine, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Journal of American Board of Family Medicine, 2006

Praying for Health - No Insurance Required

Pray for me. This often forgotten yet basic request is often deferred until times of severe health duress. How effective is prayer in helping heal your illnesses or that of someone else? Combining this with other forms of treatment has proven effective in managing illness, especially chronic disease.

Prayer is considered an alternative health treatment; however, faith healing is the only way to many. Man made medical treatments like drugs and surgery combined with modern technology have overshadowed prayer. Prayer, like many other alternative "natural" treatments, is usually left off the intern and resident training in medical school. Research has shown that many patients pray for their health regardless of religious background, and that is does indeed have healing health benefits.

Praying for oneself as well as being prayed for are effective in staying healthy as well as in healing. The beautiful thing is that you can do it anywhere, anytime without paying any money. No health insurance is required.

Best health!

by J.L, Richardson, M.D., family medicine doctor 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. http://amzn.to/13m51UU

Doctor-Patient Communication Suboptimal

This email reply is in regards to my poll question on preferred way patients wish to be contacted by their doctors for their test results (http://twtpoll.com/mn9yin), if they are contacted at all.

Of course, "if you don't hear anything that means all is okay" is definitely not the answer. Many patients have been wrongly diagnosed, diagnosed too late, or died with this mantra. Lack of followup by patients and doctors is one of the top reasons for adverse outcomes and wrong diagnosis that lead to malpractice suits, delay in diagnosis, etc.

Make it your decision to contact your doctor if you don't hear about your test results in a timely manner. How you wish to contact your doctor is up to you. Make sure you followup if your doctor fails to do so.


Much thanks to Rachel Rosenfeld for allowing me to share this insightful information.

Dear Dr. Richardson,

Thanks for the DM regarding how to contact patients about test results.

In various roles as patient, family member, friend, caretaker and advocate, and in being in late 50s and having seen medicine (when did it become healthcare) change over a half century, here's my take:

40 years ago, medicine was less rushed, docs had time to pore over test results and a call from the nurse "everything came back ok" was the norm . Why did patients need specifics, they knew their doctor-god would watch over them.

Fast forward to the present with informed, educated patients as consumers, overworked physicians providing assembly-line medicine and yes, occasionally forgetting Mrs. Cardwell's first name. We know our numbers these days, or we know about our chronic conditions, we know when our hypothyroidism is not quite under control for example and "normal" won't cut it when that number is outside our personal normal limits. My cholesterol is "a little high but ok" - but what's the
change since last year? My lymphocytes are high but total count is normal - and you didn't bother to call me and I have sarcoidosis and almost died from that untreated infection that lingered for six months....

We patients watch our numbers, or our conditions ... in my case, let's watch my CA and my BUN and creatinine and the white blood cells, I'm not too worried about anything else. For my brother, it would be trends in glucose and cholesterol ...

And we know where to find the results from last month, last year, we know how we feel compared to those lab results and we know how to adjust behaviors for something trending negatively (e.g. cholesterol), or how to get hold of our specialist for something outside normal limits (e.g., elevated CA or lymphocytes as in my sarcoidosis).

But we have to be told, whether it's by direct access (hospitals in Northwest FL have been doing this for years), email, fax or phone.

"Everything's normal" is no longer the accepted norm.

Shalom
Rachel Rosenfeld

Patient Advocate Vital Signs

The “Vital Signs” of patient advocacy are important. We look for these in all our health care providers.

• TRUST
• CARING
• COMMUNICATION
• COMPASSION
• EDUCATION
• INFORMATION
• KNOWLEDGE

A patient advocate is someone who cares for and helps monitor patient's medical care. You should be your own patient advocate as well as an advocate for loved ones, friends. Doctors should act as their patients’ advocates. This seals the patient-doctor bond and assures them that they will get everything they need in a timely manner.

My health care providers are trusting communicators with caring compassion that provide education, information, and knowledge.

J.L. Richardson, MD is a family practice doctor, patient, patient advocate and the author of Patient Handbook to Medical Care: Your Personal Health Guide.

http://mypatienthandbook.com