Saturday, January 31, 2009
DISNEY CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL
Ever wish you were a kid again? Well you might. Check out the Disney Children's Hospital in Florida. It totally looks like the coolest place on earth to have your tonsils out or that broken arm fixed.
In Toronto, Canada we have the Hospital for Sick Kids - been there for a visit - it's incredible. People from all over the world bring their kids there for all kinds of surgeries, treatments and diagnosis. If I had a really sick kid in Canada and needed some specialty care - that's the first place I'd head.
It's hard to compete with the Disney hospital - but kudo's to Disney - and I'm sure it's really all about making money in the end - but who wouldn't want to be a sick kid at this magic kingdom of a hospital.
In Toronto, Canada we have the Hospital for Sick Kids - been there for a visit - it's incredible. People from all over the world bring their kids there for all kinds of surgeries, treatments and diagnosis. If I had a really sick kid in Canada and needed some specialty care - that's the first place I'd head.
It's hard to compete with the Disney hospital - but kudo's to Disney - and I'm sure it's really all about making money in the end - but who wouldn't want to be a sick kid at this magic kingdom of a hospital.
Thursday, January 29, 2009
IS HEALTHCARE RECESSION PROOF?
Whether you live in Canada or the States - you or likely someone you know is or has been affected by the current recession. Several people we know lost their jobs just before Christmas due to company closure or reduced workforce.
Healthcare in the U.S. is big business, and seeing that I am trying to market a product that is in the field of healthcare I began to ask myself - is healthcare recession proof? As a new business owner - do I need to worry about getting my product to market in the U.S.?
It's interesting when I googled the words 'is healthcare recession proof' only American sites and blogs popped up.
According to Catherine Arnst of businessweek.com (a U.S. publication) healthcare is not recession proof. "When it comes to choosing between a mortgage payment and an insurance payment, most people choose their homes. Even people who keep their jobs and coverage will postpone medical procedures during a recession, fearful they may be cut if they take time off, says Skolnick." (Sheryl Skolnick, an analyst with CRT Capital Holdings.)
So... do Canadian families worry about their healthcare during a recession?
My answer would be NO. We don't even think twice about who pays for the bed, nurses, anethesia, dressings, doctor fees - it's all taken care of by us through the taxes we pay. Even if we've been laid off - can't find work and are unemployed for a year - we still don't worry about who is going to pay the hospital bill. The only thing we have to worry about is getting better. Granted if we've lost our jobs and we no longer have a medication plan - things might be a little tight there - but by in large - we don't worry about our healthcare coverage.
I have to admit that there are times when I think we should have a two tiered healthcare system. Let the people who can afford to pay for MRI's, scopes and surgeries pay if they want it done quicker. Heaven knows it's already happening. People who don't want to wait and can afford it are traveling to the States or other countries to have procedures done. Why not keep their money here?
Complaining and views aside; during times like these, I believe everyone should have access to healthcare - socialized medicine you are still a welcomed friend.
Healthcare in the U.S. is big business, and seeing that I am trying to market a product that is in the field of healthcare I began to ask myself - is healthcare recession proof? As a new business owner - do I need to worry about getting my product to market in the U.S.?
It's interesting when I googled the words 'is healthcare recession proof' only American sites and blogs popped up.
According to Catherine Arnst of businessweek.com (a U.S. publication) healthcare is not recession proof. "When it comes to choosing between a mortgage payment and an insurance payment, most people choose their homes. Even people who keep their jobs and coverage will postpone medical procedures during a recession, fearful they may be cut if they take time off, says Skolnick." (Sheryl Skolnick, an analyst with CRT Capital Holdings.)
So... do Canadian families worry about their healthcare during a recession?
My answer would be NO. We don't even think twice about who pays for the bed, nurses, anethesia, dressings, doctor fees - it's all taken care of by us through the taxes we pay. Even if we've been laid off - can't find work and are unemployed for a year - we still don't worry about who is going to pay the hospital bill. The only thing we have to worry about is getting better. Granted if we've lost our jobs and we no longer have a medication plan - things might be a little tight there - but by in large - we don't worry about our healthcare coverage.
I have to admit that there are times when I think we should have a two tiered healthcare system. Let the people who can afford to pay for MRI's, scopes and surgeries pay if they want it done quicker. Heaven knows it's already happening. People who don't want to wait and can afford it are traveling to the States or other countries to have procedures done. Why not keep their money here?
Complaining and views aside; during times like these, I believe everyone should have access to healthcare - socialized medicine you are still a welcomed friend.
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
C - COMMUNICATE YOUR CONCERNS
When my dad goes to the doctor he says he's fine. Yet... when I talk to him over the phone or at home he tells me he's been puking 3-4 times in the last day. These words (somewhat paraphrased) were shared with me when I met a friend for coffee.
Why is it that when our parents visit the doctor they hide the truth, de-value their symptoms, pretend it's not that bad, and so on. Yet when we ask our parents - we get the full on report - they tell us how bad the pain is, where it hurts, how long it's been hurting and that they can hardly walk.
I JUST DON'T GET IT!
Communicating our concerns - telling it like it is - giving the straight goods - is so incredibly important if we want the doctor or nurse practitioner to help us get better. You will find that there isn't anything our doctors and nurses haven't seen or heard.
My own mother is a classic example. She calls me to tell me she can't walk - but needs to see the doctor. Unfortunately she doesn't have a family doc right now which only further complicates things. She has had an MRI to determine why she is having difficulty walking. Her friends have told her she probably has sciatica - but I remind her that her friends are not doctors and are not capable of providing an accurate diagnosis. She needs to tell her doctor what her symptoms are - all of them. She also needs to be assertive and present them with a sense of urgency. Unless we are adamant about our symptoms - they often get pushed aside.
Also remember that our doctor's see many patients. They can't possibly remember all your symptoms and what you've been there for. We need to help remind them - and we can do that by using a Personal Healthcare Journal or another method of recording healthcare information.
So... the next time you're feeling a little embarrassed or unsure of what you're going to tell the doctor - gather up your moxy and just spit it out. You and your family will be better off for it.
Why is it that when our parents visit the doctor they hide the truth, de-value their symptoms, pretend it's not that bad, and so on. Yet when we ask our parents - we get the full on report - they tell us how bad the pain is, where it hurts, how long it's been hurting and that they can hardly walk.
I JUST DON'T GET IT!
Communicating our concerns - telling it like it is - giving the straight goods - is so incredibly important if we want the doctor or nurse practitioner to help us get better. You will find that there isn't anything our doctors and nurses haven't seen or heard.
My own mother is a classic example. She calls me to tell me she can't walk - but needs to see the doctor. Unfortunately she doesn't have a family doc right now which only further complicates things. She has had an MRI to determine why she is having difficulty walking. Her friends have told her she probably has sciatica - but I remind her that her friends are not doctors and are not capable of providing an accurate diagnosis. She needs to tell her doctor what her symptoms are - all of them. She also needs to be assertive and present them with a sense of urgency. Unless we are adamant about our symptoms - they often get pushed aside.
Also remember that our doctor's see many patients. They can't possibly remember all your symptoms and what you've been there for. We need to help remind them - and we can do that by using a Personal Healthcare Journal or another method of recording healthcare information.
So... the next time you're feeling a little embarrassed or unsure of what you're going to tell the doctor - gather up your moxy and just spit it out. You and your family will be better off for it.
Friday, January 23, 2009
B - BE PREPARED
Be Prepared. Well that sounds pretty simple. What exactly should you be prepared for?
Well... I've learned that if know exactly what I want to talk to the doctor about and get that information out quickly and clearly - we have lots of time to discuss options, ideas and treatments.
Having that information written down in a book or at the very least on a slip of paper, helps me remember what I want to talk to my doctor about.
You know how they always ask -
Give it a try - you might be surprised at how simple and effective your visit becomes when you go prepared.
Well... I've learned that if know exactly what I want to talk to the doctor about and get that information out quickly and clearly - we have lots of time to discuss options, ideas and treatments.
Having that information written down in a book or at the very least on a slip of paper, helps me remember what I want to talk to my doctor about.
You know how they always ask -
- when did it start
- what does it feel like
- where does it hurt
- does it hurt when I do this
- did you fall or do you know how this happened
- Keeping a record of the details and bringing them with me,
- remembering what I want to talk about,
- and being ready to share this information when the doctor enters the room helps me be prepared for my visit
Give it a try - you might be surprised at how simple and effective your visit becomes when you go prepared.
Thursday, January 22, 2009
ABC'S of Talking with Your Doctor
A - Ask Questions
I notice when I take my parents to the doctor they are nervous about asking questions. Perhaps they're not sure what to ask, or maybe it's because they were brought up in a generation when it was considered rude to ask questions or question the doctor's advice.
I find the more questions I ask - the better I understand what is happening and why it's happening. I love medicine, I love learning and one of the best ways to learn is by asking.
So don't be afraid to ask - even if you think it's a stupid question. Remember there is no such thing as a stupid question. :)
That's it for now - I'll post later about B and C.
I notice when I take my parents to the doctor they are nervous about asking questions. Perhaps they're not sure what to ask, or maybe it's because they were brought up in a generation when it was considered rude to ask questions or question the doctor's advice.
I find the more questions I ask - the better I understand what is happening and why it's happening. I love medicine, I love learning and one of the best ways to learn is by asking.
So don't be afraid to ask - even if you think it's a stupid question. Remember there is no such thing as a stupid question. :)
That's it for now - I'll post later about B and C.
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
OBAMA INAUGERATION
A New Day - A New Hope for Americans, Canadians and the world!
As history unfolds today - January 20, 2009, people of all race and colour will celebrate a new chapter in democracy.
Canada, particularly Winnipeg is a melting pot of people from all over the world. My own background finds its roots in Germany and Russia. My grandparents arrived as new immigrants during the 2nd World War.
Our extended family has grown and includes members who are Jamaican, Metis, Inuit, and French. My grandmother once told me that you are very rich when you know more than one language. As an immigrant who came knowing and understanding only German - she understood how important it was to embrace language and culture. She passed her wisdom on to me in some of our most casual conversations.
With such great anticipation for change we'll have to be reminded frequently these words spoken by Barack Obama "I won't pretend that meeting any one of these challenges will be easy. It will take more than a month or a year, and it will likely take many,".
I am excited for this day and look forward with great anticipation to watch as history unfolds.
As history unfolds today - January 20, 2009, people of all race and colour will celebrate a new chapter in democracy.
Canada, particularly Winnipeg is a melting pot of people from all over the world. My own background finds its roots in Germany and Russia. My grandparents arrived as new immigrants during the 2nd World War.
Our extended family has grown and includes members who are Jamaican, Metis, Inuit, and French. My grandmother once told me that you are very rich when you know more than one language. As an immigrant who came knowing and understanding only German - she understood how important it was to embrace language and culture. She passed her wisdom on to me in some of our most casual conversations.
With such great anticipation for change we'll have to be reminded frequently these words spoken by Barack Obama "I won't pretend that meeting any one of these challenges will be easy. It will take more than a month or a year, and it will likely take many,".
I am excited for this day and look forward with great anticipation to watch as history unfolds.
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
MEDICAL TRAVEL
Looking for a unique way to show patients you care when they’re far from home?
Consider placing your logo, or contact information on the front cover of the Personal Healthcare Journal. A little touch of home can help to relieve uncertainties and fears associated with treatment in another country.
The Personal Healthcare Journal gives patients a way to record their health information as it happens. Inside they'll record:
Consider partnering with My Care Necessities and offering your patients a copy of the Personal Healthcare Journal.
For more information, contact Betsy at betsy@mycarenecessities.com
Consider placing your logo, or contact information on the front cover of the Personal Healthcare Journal. A little touch of home can help to relieve uncertainties and fears associated with treatment in another country.
The Personal Healthcare Journal gives patients a way to record their health information as it happens. Inside they'll record:
- medications and vaccinations
- allergies
- tests
- treatments
- symptoms
- questions for the doctor
- answers received
- and much more
Consider partnering with My Care Necessities and offering your patients a copy of the Personal Healthcare Journal.
For more information, contact Betsy at betsy@mycarenecessities.com
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
SIMPLY HEALTH - January 2009 Edition
It's hard to believe that it's almost the middle of January.
The Simply Health - January 2009 edition newsletter was sent out this morning. Highlights include:
The Simply Health - January 2009 edition newsletter was sent out this morning. Highlights include:
- A request for the PHJ in California
- New online stores carrying the PHJ
- Private Label/Co-branding soft cover
- Testimonials
Thursday, January 8, 2009
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
I hope you all had a great Christmas and holiday season. Mine was jam packed with friends and family - mostly family.
I don't often use this blog to share personal family stuff - but it's been a very exciting
past few weeks for me. You see, my husband and I became grandparents on Christmas morning at 2:02 am. Let me tell you it doesn't get better than that! Holding our precious new born grandson at 3:00 am at the hospital when the rest of the world is sleeping is incredible.
Aaron Bruce weighed in at 8 lbs 8 oz and was 20" long. He is healthy, beautiful and has a head full of hair.
We look forward to many wonderful years of fishing, hanging out at the cottage, playing on the beach, and just spending time with Aaron.
We'll see what 2009 has in store for us - but my wish for all of you is that you have a year packed full of wonderful memories with your family and friends. And of course much success in your work.
I don't often use this blog to share personal family stuff - but it's been a very exciting
past few weeks for me. You see, my husband and I became grandparents on Christmas morning at 2:02 am. Let me tell you it doesn't get better than that! Holding our precious new born grandson at 3:00 am at the hospital when the rest of the world is sleeping is incredible.Aaron Bruce weighed in at 8 lbs 8 oz and was 20" long. He is healthy, beautiful and has a head full of hair.
We look forward to many wonderful years of fishing, hanging out at the cottage, playing on the beach, and just spending time with Aaron.
We'll see what 2009 has in store for us - but my wish for all of you is that you have a year packed full of wonderful memories with your family and friends. And of course much success in your work.
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