The Dangers of Hospitilization

Just spent a week at Jackson Memorial Hospital, a part of the University of Miami Hospital system.  The experience was less than ideal.  With more than a month of preperation time I was never contacted by a rep or doctor to explain exactly what the expectations were.   I had supplied the Dr. with the requested documents and films prior to the hospitalization only to find that they were not shared with the team that actually followed me during my stay.  Medications are an ongoing problem when entering a hospital, and this was no different.  Many errors were made. 
This only reinforces the need to be aware of your own health indicators or have someone that is acting on your behalf as a health advocate.  Hospitalizations are difficult enough on their own with all the potential landmines that it presents to enter without someone who is watching your back.

Before entering a hospital, be sure to record your medications and bring them with you.  Know what to expect, particularly what and who will they be treating you for.  Have someone that is willing to act on your behalf as an advocate.

Need For Better Heart Failure Treatment

Nearly 70,000 Americans die each year because they do not receive optimal treatment for heart failure called for in guidelines promoted by national health authorities.  Physicians have been slow to implement necessary procedures called for in the guidelines. Many of these are affected by timely response and proper hospital care.

Why the Need For a Patient Avocate: Spent a couple days in the hospital

Why the Need For a Patient Avocate: Spent a couple days in the hospital: "Had to spend a couple of days getting a tune up in the local hospital. While there I was saddened by the number of people that were there w..."

Spent a couple days in the hospital

Had to spend a couple of days getting a tune up in the local hospital.  While there I was saddened by the number of people that were there without the support of any family or friends.  I was so amazed that I inquired of the admissions how many people actually check themselves in  and was amazed that the numbers are in the 50% range.  Healthcare reform seems to need to begin in the family.  No patient should face hospitiliztion without the support of someone.

Be Prepared

Always confusing, What happened?  What hurts?  On a scale of 1 to 10, one being the least and 10 being the worst pain you have ever had...  When did it start?  When did it end?  How did it start?  Who are your Doctors?      What medications do you take?  Did you bring a list?  Do you have medical insurance?

So much to deal with when all you want is some help, and it does not matter who from.  If the janitor could help that would be fine.  Prepare yourself, it will happen to you or someone you love.  Document as much as you can that will help in the event of an emergency.

"People die from real things"  Dr. Will Mayo

Centenarians Grow and Thrive

As the nation celebrates May as older Americans month, there are more than 72,000 centenarians in the U.S. Americans over 100 make up the second fastest growing segment of the population, second only to those in the segment at least 110 years of age. Many in this age category often time outlive their friends and much of their family, leaving them with little or no support system. They still have much to give, especially the history that they carry. They have lived through two World Wars, come from all 4 corners of the world, and seen it all. Take some time to visit and learn while they still are able to share. You will gain more than you give.

What is ia Health Avocate

the need for a health advocate.

These are the reasons that most find the use of a health advocate as beneficial.

Lack of support system or no family nearby.

Life threatening or serious illlnesses that leave patients unable to make decisions for themselves.

Important decisions must be made in short term, but the patient finds themselves unable to act because of either physical or mental trauma.

You lose the mental capacity to make decisions on your own.

The patient needs help regardless of their condition to ensure that they receive the treatment that they are entitled to.