As we all know, most elderly Americans are actively taking multiple prescriptions, with the average being around 5 per patient. This practice, called polypharmacy, can become very dangerous, especially when most elderly are routinely taking non-prescription (OTC) medications as well. OTC medications like; laxatives, sedatives, antihistamines and cold/flu medicines can cause serious side effects when taken with other prescription medications. Common prescription medications for elderly are focused around blood thinning, hypertension, heart disease, diabetes and arthritis just to name a few, with each medicine having very specific pharmacokinetics (how it works). It is extremely important that our elderly are counseled and educated more on the potential dangers of taking multiple medications.
Being able to fully understand and grasp the complex workings of medicine in general, or the "Ins" and "Outs", takes years of schooling and just as much practice. Your average elderly American is not trained in the dangers of engaging in polypharmacy, and too often they are not properly counseled by their primary care physician. In the United States, roughly 15% of elderly hospitalization cases involve complications due to adverse side effects from engaging in polypharmacy. This number is way to high, and it should raise the eyebrows of our patient healthcare team as a whole. If the primary care physician accidentally drops the ball, it is crucial that either a nurse, pharmacist or health care specialist be there to provide a check and balance to the situation. If all of these members were to be more proactive regarding this issue, I think we would see a dramatic decrease in the number of hospitalization cases involving adverse side effects.
Along with being proactive, it is critical that elderly patients are more aware about what they are putting in their body. I understand that fore many it is difficult to understand the entire complexity of their drugs, but some means of education has to be required. Whether it be from a pharmacist/physician counseling a patient one on one with their medications or the patient reading/researching on their own...education is needed. Obviously the most safe and preferred method would be counseling from an educated health care professional, but self-educating can be helpful as well. All in all, I feel that more awareness is needed when it comes the common practice of polypharmacy. Too many elderly are engaging in dangerous acts of taking multiple medication for multiple issues all the while not fully understanding the full dangers of their actions.
References:
http://www.naturalnews.com/024538_elderly_drugs_medications.html
www.ucop.edu/agrp/docs/sf_drugs.ppt
Monday, July 13, 2009
Monday, June 29, 2009
Healthcare, Elderly, and the future in general...
What will the future health care system look like in say 10, 20 and even 50 years? If it is anything like our current situation, then the outlook is pretty bleek. Given our current baby boomer population, within the next 20 years our elderly population will outnumber our portion of society who are under 18. This is an extremely serious issue that we are facing. It's no secret that our elderly have more health care needs than any other age group; adding to increased costs, stress, burdens and demand.
I think most people would agree that health care reform is needed, in some shape or form. Where the pedal meets the metal is where people begin to disagree. Recently, our President has introduced sweeping health care reform ideals, whether or not your a fan of Obama...at least it's a start. Getting dialogue and debate "gears in motion" is a huge step in the right decision. Ironing out the details of reform, how to fund it and the implementation of it is a whole other agenda. We need to start somewhere considering we have an impending baby boomer crisis on the horizon.
Focusing on the elderly, reform is critical for them in many ways. Having access to affordable and reliable prescription drugs, medical insurance, and long-term care are just a few of the top priorities. Currently, we have a very complex and bloated system of health care in United States. As Obama is proposing; cutting and trimming the waste, fraud and abuse in Medicare, Medicaid and within Insurance Companies will help re-organize the entire system. From these actions we will potentially derive billions of dollars in which can be turned around to help support health care reform. Among the reform is an idea for a government-sponsored health care system accessible to all americans. To many this raises questions, concerns and fears. One should always be critical when government expands it's scope and power. But done correctly; with honesty, fairness and oversight, this proposed system could help set the stage for the much needed reform. It could potentially allow for our aging population to recieve the proper care and attention the need as we head into the climax of the baby boomer generation. Providing them with affordable health care and access would be tremendous.
As of right now Obama's health care plan is not fully disclosed, and much of the details are yet to be ironed out. The important thing is that we, as a society, begin to openely and honestly engage in health care reform debates. In order to achieve the system that ultimately works for us, we need to make sure our elected leaders know what actually works for us.
http://www.cnn.com/2009/HEALTH/06/18/ep.health.reform.basics/
I think most people would agree that health care reform is needed, in some shape or form. Where the pedal meets the metal is where people begin to disagree. Recently, our President has introduced sweeping health care reform ideals, whether or not your a fan of Obama...at least it's a start. Getting dialogue and debate "gears in motion" is a huge step in the right decision. Ironing out the details of reform, how to fund it and the implementation of it is a whole other agenda. We need to start somewhere considering we have an impending baby boomer crisis on the horizon.
Focusing on the elderly, reform is critical for them in many ways. Having access to affordable and reliable prescription drugs, medical insurance, and long-term care are just a few of the top priorities. Currently, we have a very complex and bloated system of health care in United States. As Obama is proposing; cutting and trimming the waste, fraud and abuse in Medicare, Medicaid and within Insurance Companies will help re-organize the entire system. From these actions we will potentially derive billions of dollars in which can be turned around to help support health care reform. Among the reform is an idea for a government-sponsored health care system accessible to all americans. To many this raises questions, concerns and fears. One should always be critical when government expands it's scope and power. But done correctly; with honesty, fairness and oversight, this proposed system could help set the stage for the much needed reform. It could potentially allow for our aging population to recieve the proper care and attention the need as we head into the climax of the baby boomer generation. Providing them with affordable health care and access would be tremendous.
As of right now Obama's health care plan is not fully disclosed, and much of the details are yet to be ironed out. The important thing is that we, as a society, begin to openely and honestly engage in health care reform debates. In order to achieve the system that ultimately works for us, we need to make sure our elected leaders know what actually works for us.
http://www.cnn.com/2009/HEALTH/06/18/ep.health.reform.basics/
Monday, June 15, 2009
Elderly drivers and Florida Law...?
Motor vehicles are the leading cause of accidental death among elders aged 65 to 74 and the second leading cause for those over 75 years. Should Florida adopt mandatory testing of drivers over the age of 65?
Whether or not our elderly should be subjected to mandatory testing when it comes to driving, can be a controversial issue. Many of us have heard the familiar jokes about "old people" driving, but their is also a lot of weight behind those jokes. It's no secret that the older you get the more you become less and less able to do what you used to do. Your eyesight gets worse, your reaction time slows, your bones become fragile and you become more susceptible to cognitive disorders. All of these carry a lot of significance when it comes to a task like driving. But, like most of us, many elderly people depend on their cars for means of transportation and doing daily tasks. Whether it be driving to the store for food, going to the doctor or visiting family, elderly people do depend on driving on a daily basis. This creates an issue on whether or not mandatory testing for elderly drivers will affect their ability in essence to "survive." Furthermore, the argument of whether or not driving is a right or a privilege is also at hand. I for one look at driving as a privilege, and something that is earned not guaranteed.
Driving a car takes good hand-eye coordination, quick decision making skills, good memory and fast reaction skills. All of which are things that begin to deteriorate the older you become. This poses a serious issue, since driving a car can potentially become a lethal weapon due to it's sheer size, weight and potential speed. The data shows that accidental deaths among elderly is very high, most likely due to the deterioration of their fundamental motor skills and cognitive abilities.
I for one am for mandatory testing, both for the safety of the elderly drivers and the safety of all the other drivers on the road. Given that Florida has a very high elderly population, it only makes sense for a mandatory driving test here. I understand that many elderly people depend highly on their cars, but the line has to be drawn in the sand somewhere...and it's not an easy decision. If you do the right things: maintain a healthy lifestyle, proper dieting, adequate exercise and so forth, I feel that you will greatly increase your chances of living a healthy elderly life. A life free of most diseases, motor skill deficiencies and cognitive issues. So, any reasonable mandatory driving test would not be of that great of a challenge for those who age gracefully. It will simply solidify their ability to maintain the privilege of driving.
I understand that their will always be the occasions were someone will get a chronic disease regardless of their apparent healthy lifestyle, it's unfortunate and it could potentially keep them from passing a driving test. Unfortunately, that is something that statistically Florida would have to deal with.
Whether or not our elderly should be subjected to mandatory testing when it comes to driving, can be a controversial issue. Many of us have heard the familiar jokes about "old people" driving, but their is also a lot of weight behind those jokes. It's no secret that the older you get the more you become less and less able to do what you used to do. Your eyesight gets worse, your reaction time slows, your bones become fragile and you become more susceptible to cognitive disorders. All of these carry a lot of significance when it comes to a task like driving. But, like most of us, many elderly people depend on their cars for means of transportation and doing daily tasks. Whether it be driving to the store for food, going to the doctor or visiting family, elderly people do depend on driving on a daily basis. This creates an issue on whether or not mandatory testing for elderly drivers will affect their ability in essence to "survive." Furthermore, the argument of whether or not driving is a right or a privilege is also at hand. I for one look at driving as a privilege, and something that is earned not guaranteed.
Driving a car takes good hand-eye coordination, quick decision making skills, good memory and fast reaction skills. All of which are things that begin to deteriorate the older you become. This poses a serious issue, since driving a car can potentially become a lethal weapon due to it's sheer size, weight and potential speed. The data shows that accidental deaths among elderly is very high, most likely due to the deterioration of their fundamental motor skills and cognitive abilities.
I for one am for mandatory testing, both for the safety of the elderly drivers and the safety of all the other drivers on the road. Given that Florida has a very high elderly population, it only makes sense for a mandatory driving test here. I understand that many elderly people depend highly on their cars, but the line has to be drawn in the sand somewhere...and it's not an easy decision. If you do the right things: maintain a healthy lifestyle, proper dieting, adequate exercise and so forth, I feel that you will greatly increase your chances of living a healthy elderly life. A life free of most diseases, motor skill deficiencies and cognitive issues. So, any reasonable mandatory driving test would not be of that great of a challenge for those who age gracefully. It will simply solidify their ability to maintain the privilege of driving.
I understand that their will always be the occasions were someone will get a chronic disease regardless of their apparent healthy lifestyle, it's unfortunate and it could potentially keep them from passing a driving test. Unfortunately, that is something that statistically Florida would have to deal with.
Friday, April 10, 2009
Long Term Care for Retirees
According to the "Center for Retirement Research at Boston College", the current high costs of long-term health care will drag down the quality of life for nearly two-thirds of today’s retirees. The center released a new report with some chilling data It can cost as much as $77,000 a year for a nursing home room and $20,000 for in-home care. These are costs that are becoming more and more difficult for the average person to absorb. Recent analysis shows that when the cost of health care and long-term care is included, 64 percent of retirees will not be able to uphold their current standards of living.
Current events, like the sharp decline in the Stock Market since 2007, have proven to show just how ill-prepared people are for their retirement expenses. "The cost of health care will create such an unexpected hardship on unprepared retiring baby boomers that it’s imperative to sound the warning now", says Alicia Munnell, director of the Center for Retirement Research. It's unfortunate, but it is the reality of the situation nowadays.
Munnell, like many other people, has been concerned for years about the impending retirement crisis caused by a combination of problems. These problems include inadequate personal savings, a Social Security system that will likely fail to provide current levels of support and rapidly rising health care costs. These are all very serious issues by themselves, coupled together they create a perfect storm of health care crisis.
The harsh reality is; people spend too much, borrow excessively and save too little. This has left a generation unprepared for retirement and shell-shocked by the current economic downturn. Over the past 20 years their has been very aggressive consumption rates and high levels of indebtedness. We are going to have to face a period of some serious behavioral changes and social/economic sacrifices. Restraints on consumption and a push on higher savings will be needed in order to begin to relieve some of the pressure on retirees and those in need of long term care. Along with higher savings and less debt, the health care industry in general needs solutions that can drive down costs all the while maintaining the level of care that is appropriate.
This overall dilemma shows that their is much blame to go around, and no clear or easy solution. Changes, sacrifices, and ideas are needed on all fronts and will have to be executed appropriately. People need to manage their own finances better, and the health care industry along with the government and private companies need to find ways to drive down costs.
Reference Article:
http://www.ajc.com/services/content/printedition/2009/04/05/pfcare0405ze.html
Current events, like the sharp decline in the Stock Market since 2007, have proven to show just how ill-prepared people are for their retirement expenses. "The cost of health care will create such an unexpected hardship on unprepared retiring baby boomers that it’s imperative to sound the warning now", says Alicia Munnell, director of the Center for Retirement Research. It's unfortunate, but it is the reality of the situation nowadays.
Munnell, like many other people, has been concerned for years about the impending retirement crisis caused by a combination of problems. These problems include inadequate personal savings, a Social Security system that will likely fail to provide current levels of support and rapidly rising health care costs. These are all very serious issues by themselves, coupled together they create a perfect storm of health care crisis.
The harsh reality is; people spend too much, borrow excessively and save too little. This has left a generation unprepared for retirement and shell-shocked by the current economic downturn. Over the past 20 years their has been very aggressive consumption rates and high levels of indebtedness. We are going to have to face a period of some serious behavioral changes and social/economic sacrifices. Restraints on consumption and a push on higher savings will be needed in order to begin to relieve some of the pressure on retirees and those in need of long term care. Along with higher savings and less debt, the health care industry in general needs solutions that can drive down costs all the while maintaining the level of care that is appropriate.
This overall dilemma shows that their is much blame to go around, and no clear or easy solution. Changes, sacrifices, and ideas are needed on all fronts and will have to be executed appropriately. People need to manage their own finances better, and the health care industry along with the government and private companies need to find ways to drive down costs.
Reference Article:
http://www.ajc.com/services/content/printedition/2009/04/05/pfcare0405ze.html
Thursday, March 26, 2009
The Employee Free Choice Act
Many industries in America are opposing the "Employee Free Choice Act", including those in the health care sector like Nursing Homes and Long Term Care Facilities. The "Employee Free Choice Act" recently introduced in Congress will essentially re-write the Labor Laws regarding secret ballot provisions for such things as joining unions.
Currently, employees are entitled to a private-ballot election when deciding whether they want union representation in their workplace. Elections are overseen by the National Labor Relations Board, which has numerous procedures in place to ensure fair, fraud-free elections. Because of NLRB safeguards, employees can cast their vote confidentially, without peer pressure or coercion from unions or employers. If Congress passes the Employee Free Choice Act, employees effectively lose their right to private-ballot elections. The bill would establish a so-called "card-check" union organizing system, in which a majority of employees simply sign a card in favor of union representation.
Many sector's of the Health Care Industry are opposed to this legislation and the potential harm it may bring. Nursing Homes are one of the many facilities and sectors of business that is actively opposing this Act. Retail companies and restaurants are also public about their opposition to the Act.
One of the key voter's in this legislation, Sen. Arlen Specter (R-PA), said Tuesday he would vote against the Employee Free Choice Act, also known as the card-check bill. Regarding the number of votes needed for the legislation to pass, Specter holds a key vote that could swing the legislation to either pass or fail. According to McKnight's - Long Term Care and Assisted Living News website; "Nursing homes likely are cheering after Sen. Arlen Specter (R-PA) said Tuesday he would vote against the Employee Free Choice Act."
As of right now this issue is purely a partisan issue, with Democrats in favor of the legislation and Republicans fighting it. Republicans have also banned together to draft their own counter-legislation that would restore the secret-ballot process if this bill were to pass. Reps. John Kline (R-MN) and Tom Price (R-GA), the top Republicans on the Health, Employment, Labor and Pensions Subcommittee and the Workforce Protections Subcommittee, are behind the counter-legislation. It was introduced on February 25, and is called the "Secret Ballot Protection Act."
The final vote on the "Employee Free Choice Act" has not yet been decided. It's not 100% clear as of right now what will happen, but it is clear that it will be quite a showdown. I'm sure their is some good and bad in both sides of the argument, but let's just hope whatever the outcome is it does more good than harm for those in the Long Term Care industry.
Sources:
http://www.mcknights.com/Specter-plans-vote-against-card-check-legislation-threatening-bills-passage/article/129463/
http://www.restaurant.org/government/Issues/Issue.cfm?Issue=cardcheck
http://capwiz.com/hida/issues/alert/?alertid=12786646
Currently, employees are entitled to a private-ballot election when deciding whether they want union representation in their workplace. Elections are overseen by the National Labor Relations Board, which has numerous procedures in place to ensure fair, fraud-free elections. Because of NLRB safeguards, employees can cast their vote confidentially, without peer pressure or coercion from unions or employers. If Congress passes the Employee Free Choice Act, employees effectively lose their right to private-ballot elections. The bill would establish a so-called "card-check" union organizing system, in which a majority of employees simply sign a card in favor of union representation.
Many sector's of the Health Care Industry are opposed to this legislation and the potential harm it may bring. Nursing Homes are one of the many facilities and sectors of business that is actively opposing this Act. Retail companies and restaurants are also public about their opposition to the Act.
One of the key voter's in this legislation, Sen. Arlen Specter (R-PA), said Tuesday he would vote against the Employee Free Choice Act, also known as the card-check bill. Regarding the number of votes needed for the legislation to pass, Specter holds a key vote that could swing the legislation to either pass or fail. According to McKnight's - Long Term Care and Assisted Living News website; "Nursing homes likely are cheering after Sen. Arlen Specter (R-PA) said Tuesday he would vote against the Employee Free Choice Act."
As of right now this issue is purely a partisan issue, with Democrats in favor of the legislation and Republicans fighting it. Republicans have also banned together to draft their own counter-legislation that would restore the secret-ballot process if this bill were to pass. Reps. John Kline (R-MN) and Tom Price (R-GA), the top Republicans on the Health, Employment, Labor and Pensions Subcommittee and the Workforce Protections Subcommittee, are behind the counter-legislation. It was introduced on February 25, and is called the "Secret Ballot Protection Act."
The final vote on the "Employee Free Choice Act" has not yet been decided. It's not 100% clear as of right now what will happen, but it is clear that it will be quite a showdown. I'm sure their is some good and bad in both sides of the argument, but let's just hope whatever the outcome is it does more good than harm for those in the Long Term Care industry.
Sources:
http://www.mcknights.com/Specter-plans-vote-against-card-check-legislation-threatening-bills-passage/article/129463/
http://www.restaurant.org/government/Issues/Issue.cfm?Issue=cardcheck
http://capwiz.com/hida/issues/alert/?alertid=12786646
Thursday, January 29, 2009
15 seconds to better health....
Given the huge rise worldwide in heart disease and type 2 diabetes, any form of exercise deemed helpful to combat these issues is critical. In today's fast paced working world, very few people have the luxury and/or time to to engage in long workouts multiple times a week. It's not practical or feasible for the average working mom or dad anymore. But, this may not be the only answer to a healthier life, free of heart disease and type 2 diabetes.
According to new research published in the journal BMC Endocrine Disorders, brief, intense workouts can dramatically lower your risk for heart disease and type 2 diabetes. Scientists from Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh, Scotland, conducted experiments with 16 young adults and tested insulin sensitivity and metabolism rates.
The 16 young adults(in fair health) used exercise bikes to perform quick, rigorous sprints for 30 seconds totaling 15 minutes over a two-week period. None of the test subjects were previously involved in a structured exercise program, and claimed to be moderate exercisers.
During this two week time period, the young adults insulin sensitivity and metabolism rates improved significantly.
James Timmons, a professor in the school of engineering and physical sciences at the University, carried out the expirement along with his colleagues. They claim that the data collected shows that low-volume, high-intensity workouts can have a dramatic affect on an individulals blood sugar levels, metabolism rate and risk for heart disease.
So, even if you only have a few minutes of free time...engage in a quick, high intensity workout. Do this multiple times a week, or even a day, and you will be on your way to a healthier and happier life.
According to new research published in the journal BMC Endocrine Disorders, brief, intense workouts can dramatically lower your risk for heart disease and type 2 diabetes. Scientists from Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh, Scotland, conducted experiments with 16 young adults and tested insulin sensitivity and metabolism rates.
The 16 young adults(in fair health) used exercise bikes to perform quick, rigorous sprints for 30 seconds totaling 15 minutes over a two-week period. None of the test subjects were previously involved in a structured exercise program, and claimed to be moderate exercisers.
During this two week time period, the young adults insulin sensitivity and metabolism rates improved significantly.
James Timmons, a professor in the school of engineering and physical sciences at the University, carried out the expirement along with his colleagues. They claim that the data collected shows that low-volume, high-intensity workouts can have a dramatic affect on an individulals blood sugar levels, metabolism rate and risk for heart disease.
So, even if you only have a few minutes of free time...engage in a quick, high intensity workout. Do this multiple times a week, or even a day, and you will be on your way to a healthier and happier life.
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Long Term Care (LTC)...
Prior to taking this course (HSA 3222), I didn't fully understand the size and scope of Long Term Care. Since this course has started, I have begun to wrap my head around exactly what Long Term Care is, and how it is a vital component in the overall Health Care Spectrum of care.
I always assumed that Long Term Care simply meant the care for elderly, but come to find out...it reaches beyond that. Long Term Care Care provides personal and medical care to all people who are unable to assist themselves in daily routine activities. This includes and is not limited to; elderly, disabled, chronically ill and retarded.
The size and scope of care delivered to these patients can be done through in-patient or out-patient care. Types of facilities for in-patient care can include; rehabilitation facilities, nursing homes and mental homes. Out-patient care is typically done on a at home basis.
This just scratches the surface of LTC, and gives you an idea of what LTC is. As this course progresses, I will be revisiting this subject and diving further into it's complexity.
I always assumed that Long Term Care simply meant the care for elderly, but come to find out...it reaches beyond that. Long Term Care Care provides personal and medical care to all people who are unable to assist themselves in daily routine activities. This includes and is not limited to; elderly, disabled, chronically ill and retarded.
The size and scope of care delivered to these patients can be done through in-patient or out-patient care. Types of facilities for in-patient care can include; rehabilitation facilities, nursing homes and mental homes. Out-patient care is typically done on a at home basis.
This just scratches the surface of LTC, and gives you an idea of what LTC is. As this course progresses, I will be revisiting this subject and diving further into it's complexity.
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