Thursday, December 10, 2009
AOL's Walletpop.com
Working as a standardized patient for the University of Manitoba is something I very much like to do. If you've ever seen the Seinfeld episode where Kramer plays a patient with gonorrhea - you'll know what I'm talking about. Essentially you receive a script and your job is to play the part the same for each student - hence standardized. I've had the joy of working with pharmacy, occupational and physio therapy students and medical students as well.
Check out Walletpop.com - AOL's finance page for a brief story about my work and how it helps pay the bills.
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Homemakers Magazine Part 2
Here it is and isn't it a beautiful sight!
The Personal Healthcare Journal article in the December/January issue of Homemakers Magazine. While I haven't found it on the Homemakers website yet - I do know you'll find it in the paper copy of the magazine on page 45.
Pick up your copy today - or better yet - you can give the gift of subscription for only 9.95 for 9 issues. You'll save 63% off the newsstand price. Click here for more information.
Monday, November 16, 2009
Homemakers Magazine
Quite a while ago Homemakers Magazine was looking for inventors and their inventions to answer the call of My Healthy Invention. I submitted information about the Personal Healthcare Journal and voila was chosen to appear in the December/January issue.
It's been incredibly exciting as this is my first national appearance. In the first few days the Personal Healthcare Journal has already journeyed to parts of Ontario and Quebec.
A BIG thank you to those of you who have already purchased a book. I'd love to hear in a few months time how it's working for you or the person you gifted it to.
Please don't be shy and drop me a line at betsy@mycarenecessities.com
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
Flashionista
Sign up for their weekly newsletter and you'll receive valuable information on a variety of topics.
The Personal Healthcare Journal was recently featured in the Flashionista Report. You can check it out by clicking here.
Enjoy!
Friday, August 14, 2009
GOOGLE AND ADVANCED DIRECTIVES - DOES THIS REALLY MAKE SENSE
August 14, 2009
It was recently announced that Google Health, a popular personal health record, will allow patients to store their advance directives.
The Central Line a website dedicated to sharing the ideas, opinions and experiences of emergency physicians calls the initiative an “epic fail,” and illustrates some real-life problems of the idea.
While it is generally thought that making one’s health information available electronically to medical personnel is a reasonable idea, doing so with advance directives may not be. Especially in the emergency department where patients often are unable to give a cogent history.
The Central Line notes that, “Our critically ill patients are usually so critically ill they’re not able to be speak, or they’re altered, or too somnolent to be thinking correctly, let alone be able to type and remember their login to Google Health.”
Even if the doctor was Internet-savvy and able to look up a patient’s medical information electronically, “Is the physician going to spend their precious time trying to login to a website to find out if the patient is DNR/DNI?”
I hardly doubt it.
So... while it may seem like a great idea to store your health information online - a book like the Personal Healthcare Journal provides vital health information for you and your family members when it's needed.
Sunday, August 9, 2009
HOW BADLY DO I WANT WHAT'S ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THIS BRICK WALL I JUST HIT?
Words to Chill By
So stressed you could scream?
As the only Canadian among 9 women, this quote was chosen to be highlighted in their goodadvice section - you can find it on page 129 in the August 2009 edition.
"When I've tried and tried to reach what appears to be an unattainable goal, I ask myself what's preventing me from achieving it. What's my brick wall and how can I get over, under or around it? What do I need to do that fits within my moral and ethical framework that can help me achieve the desired outcome." Betsy Hiebert, Good Housekeeping magazine.
Pick up your copy today!
REGAL - PAGE 15 - RIGHT NEXT TO THE SLIPPER SOCKS
Here it is! The Personal Healthcare Journal in the fall edition of the Regal Catalogue!
If you're looking for a great gift - check out page 15 and you'll find the Personal Healthcare Journal. New to Regal - this easy to use book helps you track appointments, tests, medication and much more.
Pass this on to your friends, family and co-workers.
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
REGAL CATALOGUE
Since 1929 Regal has been helping Canadians from all backgrounds and education levels make money from home running their own family business!
Simply place an order through your local Regal Representative and your book arrives in about 7-10 business days. The price is the same - $24.95 - but your shipping and handling charges may be lower.
So... the next time you have the opportunity to browse through a Regal catalogue - look for the Personal Healthcare Journal. Order one for a family member, friend, relative or even for yourself. Look for it in the fall catalogue.
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
icarewear -It Takes a Village
A few years ago we sponsored Thobelile - a young girl from a carepoint in Swaziland.
One in two people in Swaziland have aids. Swaziland is dying because it's people are dying. What if I could make a difference beyond just sponsoring our little girl?
What if we could create a line of shirts that people could buy and 50% of the profits would go to help kids in Swaziland have clean water, clothes, food - you know the necessities of life - the stuff we take for granted.
Check it out - We've opened a little on-line store at cafepress.com
It takes a village to raise a child - what if you don't have a village?
What if we created a village one person at a time?
What if each person that purchased a shirt helped create that village?
This is our hope. Together we can make a difference!
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
OCD - Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
Up until a few years ago OCD was something I had heard about but hadn't really experienced. The last two weeks I spent with my sister in Hawaii. Her son Ben has OCD. Ben is 14 years old and in grade 8.
Ben is incredibly smart. He is a whiz at all things computer and game related. It's scary how much that boy knows. If you're not careful - he will snatch your computer and do amazing things with it that you never knew it could do.
Aside from his amazing brilliance - he battles everyday with not wanting to touch the door knob, jumping over sections in the house, using his knuckles on the computer keyboard (instead of his fingertips), and just plain avoiding touching things he decides are untouchable.
It's hard to understand and it's even harder I am sure to watch on a day to day basis. School is just about out and he can hardly wait. At the end of July he'll be starting a new school - Waimea Canyon - this could trigger some unwanted behaviors - we'll just have to wait and see.
If you think about it - pray for Ben - for the transition and coping mechanisms - for his parents who want the best for their son and as they battle OCD with him. Much patience, courage and consistency is needed for everyone to stay happy and healthy.
Visit www.bullersinkauai.blogspot.com
Monday, April 27, 2009
Friday, April 24, 2009
FUN and INEXPENSIVE ACTIVITES
Great activities that are not only fun but are inexpensive, and help us stay mobile and feel 16 again:
- walking
- cycling
- running
- tennis
- swimming
- golfing
- yoga
- pilates
- gardening
- fishing
- aerobics
- hiking
- walking
Friday, April 17, 2009
MOTHER'S DAY
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
7 BENEFITS OF REGULAR EXERCISE
Signs of new life are showing all around. Tulips and daffodils are emerging, robins are hopping looking for worms, buds are forming on the trees and the grass is starting to turn green.
Whether you spend time walking the dog, going for a jog, or gardening you are going to feel better, combat chronic disease and help you manage your weight.
According to the Mayo Clinic there are 7 benefits of regular exercise. They include:
- Improves your mood
- Combats chronic disease
- Helps you manage your weight
- Strengthens your heart and lungs
- Promotes better sleep
- Can put the spark back in your sex life
- Can be - gasp - fun!
Thursday, April 9, 2009
CRAVING A BETTER SLEEP?
As a kid growing up I remember my dad eating a bowl of Rice Krispies before he went to bed. Having a bowl of cereal is quick, easy and quite satisfying. On lazy days when we don't feel like making supper I have to confess we've been known to bring out the cereal boxes.
I'm not a snacker so cutting out snacks after supper isn't hard for me. Did you know that if you've already consumed your daily calorie intake you're not doing yourself any favors. In fact eating before bed can be disruptive to your sleep schedule. Thida Ith, a registered dietitian and corporate communications and promotions manager for Dietitians of Canada states that "it's a bit difficult to digest before you go to sleep." When your body is busy digesting - it's not resting.
Think back to when your mom wanted you to eat your breakfast, not trade your lunch at school and eat a good supper. Three square meals a day is still where it's at. Eating just till you are full helps you feel satisfied. When you feel satisfied you tend not to snack or overeat. A settled tummy just might be the ticket to a better sleep.
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
SAVE MONEY - REDUCE EMERGENCY ROOM VISITS
So if patients want to reduce the number of hospital and emergency room visits and save money - they need to be in charge of their health!
How do you take charge of your health? Document or chart your health. Write it down! Keep a record of your questions, symptoms, tests and more. This record will help remind you and your family members of the details when they're needed most.
You can save money! You can reduce the number of hospital and emergency room visits.
Thursday, April 2, 2009
CONCIERGE SERVICES
Lately I've noticed a there are more and more concierge services popping up to help people and more specifically our parents do odd jobs, organize their homes, downsize, get groceries, etc.
What a great idea!
We're all busy running from here to there, getting this or that and often we don't have time to take Mom or Dad shopping when they want to go. Or if we live in another city - we aren't able to zip to the store for them or help them get this or that.
Check out Extra You.net - they've got this covered in the Virginia area. A little closer to home - that being Winnipeg we've got Concierge One a flourishing business owned and operated by Heather Hlady and Moray Merchant. While they may not specialize in seniors - they do offer services that they can definitely take advantage of like: snow clearing, cleaning and organizing, shopping and much more. If you have a minute - check them out - you'll be glad you did.
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
CHRONIC BABE
Created by 25 year old Jenni Prokopy, here's an excerpt from her site:
"I created ChronicBabe.com in 2005 to provide an online community for younger women with chronic health issues who want to be their best. A ChronicBabe myself, I was diagnosed in 1997, at the age of 25, with fibromyalgia. Soon after came diagnoses of asthma, anxiety, Raynaud's phenomenon and GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease). For years I struggled, taking test after test and trying a wide assortment of medications, diets and health regimens in an effort to control my symptoms." To read more click here
Friday, March 27, 2009
OUR PHARMACISTS HAVE A TOUGH JOB!
A couple of weeks ago I had the opportunity to work with first year University of Manitoba pharmacy students. It was really interesting.
My job was to role play 6 different characters - one per student. One of the roles was an elderly woman who brings her prescription to the pharmacist - the pharmacist has to discover on his/her own that she has only been taking 1/2 a pill instead of a whole pill. Her dr. has prescribed a stronger dose thinking that she's not getting enough. Thank goodness for our pharmacists.
A second character was one who continually is shorted on her meds. She comes storming back to her pharmacy to pick up the 5 pills she was supposed to get but didn't.
Here's a timely article by CTV Med News
New Study Pinpoints Prescription Error Problems
CTV.ca News Staff
Every day, pharmacists find errors on physician prescriptions; most are corrected and quickly forgotten. Now a new study is counting those errors -- and the results are surprising.
Under a unique program, pharmacists in Nova Scotia are now tracking and reporting what they call "near hits" - those mistakes that patients never hear about but ones that -- had they not been caught -- could have sent the wrong medication or the wrong dose to a patient.
The ongoing study recruited 13 pharmacies across Nova Scotia, asking workers there to keep track of the errors and near-errors they encounter. They were then asked to report the errors anonymously using an online reporting tool.
In just eight months, the pharmacists at the 13 drug stores have reported 813 potential medication errors.
Thursday, March 26, 2009
YOU CAN BE THE HERO WITH CUSTOM PUBLISHING
Available for custom publishing - the Personal Healthcare Journal can help you become the hero of your clients.
This simple, easy-to-use tool helps patients and family members track: medications, appointments, tests and more.
For under $10 your client's brand appears on the front cover; creating multiple unique impressions as patients visit with a variety of healthcare professionals.
Need more info? Contact Betsy at betsy@mycarenecessities.com.
Helping You Be The Hero!
Take care
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Healthy Women.org
Something for everyone.
There's a section on Midlife Matters - which is exactly where I find myself. I'll be checking that one periodically.
Health topics - A-Z - where you can look up a whole host of medical illnesses, diseases and cancers.
Pregnancy and Parenting, Sexual health, Breast health, Heart health, well you get the picture - if you're curious - they likely cover it. There's even an ask the expert section where you can look at all kinds of Q&A's that are packed with great stuff.
Anyway - if you have a few minutes - check it out! Go to www.healthywomen.org
Monday, March 2, 2009
BLOGTALK RADIO - INTERVIEW
On March 13, 2009 at 10:00 am CST I will have my very first appearance on blogtalk radio. Several minutes ago - I didn't even know this kind of medium existed. In fact when I download podcasts and tweet on twitter I'm feeling pretty hip - apparently there is much more to learn.
None the less - I will be interviewed by HerStartup a company aimed at helping women launch, grow and give back. In March their focus is on International business women. Women trying to make a difference and all the things they experience when launching a business outside of their home country.
We'll be discussing exporting, currency exchange, duty, customs, and a whole bunch more.
Tune in to blogtalk radio on Friday, March 13 at 10:00 am CST to hear my interview.
Thanks for listening!
ALBERTA GIFT SHOW
New stores now carrying the Personal Healthcare Journal:
- Amaranth Whole Foods - Calgary, Alberta
- Dunvegan Gardens - B.C.
- Glenrose Rehabilitation Hospital - Edmonton, AB
- Health Street - Olds, AB
- University Hospital Gift Shops - Alberta
- Pharmasave - Dryden, ON
- Pharmasave - Fort Frances, ON
- Shopper's Drug Mart - NWT
- Tellier Value Drug Mart - Bonnyville, AB
Thursday, February 5, 2009
HSC ER TAPES SPARK INQUEST
"I didn't feel the need to review the videotape myself... My information is that he did not formally present himself to the triage desk. If that's later found to be incorrect, then we'll learn that from the inquest. What is not in dispute, I don't believe, was Mr. Sinclair was not triaged." Dr. Brock Wright, WRHA chief medical officer and senior vice-president of clinical services - Feb 4, 2009
Oh my goodness, Mr. Sinclair dies on September 21, 2008 while waiting in the HSC waiting room to receive care. He is a 45 year old double amputee, who has a blocked catheter. All he needed was for someone to fix his catheter and he would be on his merry way. However, after 34 hours of waiting he had not been seen by a doctor or nurse. He was not triaged - yet videotape shows that the spoke with an employee at the triage desk. A horrified person in the waiting room discovers Mr. Sinclair has passed away unnoticed and had been dead for about 3 hours.
Mr. Sinclair dies of a bladder infection caused by his blocked catheter - a treatable condition.
What I haven't told you is that Mr. Sinclair is considered a street person who is aboriginal. He apparently was well known to staff and had visited several times. Somehow he fell through the cracks.
Thank goodness we have Dr. Balachandra, Chief Medical Examiner who shoots straight from the hip and tells it like it is. He has called an offical inquest into Sinclair's death.
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
I AM SOOO BLESSED
This is a challenge taken up by the people in the church I attend. Riverwood Church Community has taken on the challenge of eating like half the world's population. You see Riverwood sponsors two care points in Swaziland. Attenders of Riverwood raise money for resources like:
- a well for clean drinking water
- a fence around the care point to establish property lines
- a garden will soon be built to feed 50+ children who gather at the care point
- two young women who are dedicated to teach, laugh and play with the children and act as role models
As a family we have sponsored a little 6 year old girl named Thobelile - I hope that one day we will get to meet her face to face.
Our hope and prayer for Thobelile is that she will have the opportunity to grow to be a healthy young woman who's story will be one of courage, faith and hope in a world that seems to be crumbling around her.
I think it's important to take a step back from our every day lives and realize how blessed we are. In North America we get so caught up in must haves and need to haves that we forget that we've already got more than half the world.
I am sooo blessed.
Saturday, January 31, 2009
DISNEY CHILDREN'S 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?
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
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
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
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
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
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
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 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.