Daylight Savings Time and Home Safety

Daylight Savings Time occurs this Sunday, November 1. After you change the time on your clocks, you should also check the batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.

The CDC recommends that you check or replace carbon monoxide batteries twice a year when you change the time on your clocks each spring and fall. Replace smoke alarm alkaline batteries at least once a year. Test alarms every month to ensure they work properly.

Other Stories of Interest:
Remember Fire Safety When Touring Health Care Facilities
Tips to Prevent Carbon Monoxide Exposure

Tips for Preventing Carbon Monoxide Exposure

Stay safe this winter. Follow these tips provided by the CDC for preventing Carbon Monoxide Exposure:

• Do have your heating system, water heater and any other gas, oil, or coal burning appliances serviced by a qualified technician every year.


• Do install a battery-operated CO detector in your home and check or replace the battery when you change the time on your clocks each spring and fall. If the detector sounds leave your home immediately and call 911.


• Do seek prompt medical attention if you suspect CO poisoning and are feeling dizzy, light-headed, or nauseous.


• Don't use a generator, charcoal grill, camp stove, or other gasoline or charcoal-burning device inside your home, basement, or garage or near a window.


• Don't run a car or truck inside a garage attached to your house, even if you leave the door open.


• Don't burn anything in a stove or fireplace that isn't vented.


• Don't heat your house with a gas oven.
  

Halloween Safety Tips

WhereToFindCare.com wishes everyone a Happy Halloween!

To keep you safe, please keep these tips in mind when picking out Halloween costumes and when trick-or-treating (Source: CDC):

Swords, knives, and similar costume accessories should be short, soft, and flexible.
Avoid trick-or-treating alone. Walk in groups or with a trusted adult.
Fasten reflective tape to costumes and bags to help drivers see you.
Examine all treats for choking hazards and tampering before eating them. Limit the amount of treats you eat.


Hold a flashlight while trick-or-treating to help you see and others see you.
Always test make-up in a small area first. Remove it before bedtime to prevent skin and eye irritation.
Look both ways before crossing the street. Use established crosswalks wherever possible.
Lower your risk for serious eye injury by not wearing decorative contact lenses.
Only walk on sidewalks or on the far edge of the road facing traffic to stay safe.
Wear well-fitting masks, costumes, and shoes to avoid blocked vision, trips, and falls.
Eat only factory-wrapped treats. Avoid eating homemade treats unless you know the cook well.
Enter homes only if you're with a trusted adult. Otherwise, stay outside.
Never walk near lit candles or luminaries. Be sure to wear flame-resistant costumes.

Why Can't I Sleep?

Why can't I sleep?

Almost everyone has problems sleeping from time to time. But if you have trouble sleeping on a regular basis, you should let your doctor know, or contact a sleep center. You may have a sleep disorder.

A sleep center would be able to identity and treat the cause of your sleep problems, so you can get back to a good night's sleep.

Lack of sleep is a serious condition that shouldn't be taken lightly. It has been linked to several long-term health conditions and can raise the risk of being involved in an accident.

To improve sleep, try these suggestions from the CDC:

Adults

1. Go to bed at the same time each night and rise at the same time each morning.
2. Make sure your bedroom is a quiet, dark, and relaxing environment, which is neither too hot or too cold.
3. Make sure your bed is comfortable and use it only for sleeping and not for other activities, such as reading, watching TV, or listening to music. Remove all TVs, computers, and other 'gadgets' from the bedroom.
4. Physical activity may help promote sleep, but not within a few hours of bedtime.
5. Avoid large meals before bedtime.

Adolescents/Young Adults

1. Avoid caffeinated drinks after lunch.
2. Avoid bright light in the evening.
3. Avoid arousing activities around bedtime (e.g., heavy study, text messaging, getting into prolonged conversations).
4. Expose yourself to bright light upon awakening in the morning.
5. While sleeping in on weekends is permissible, it should not be more than 2-3 hours past your usual wake time, to avoid disrupting your circadian rhythm governing sleepiness and wakefulness.
6. Avoid pulling an "all-nighter" to study.

Veterans: Beware of New Phone Scam

The VA is warning veterans to beware of a new phone scam.

Don't give your credit card information over the phone to callers who claim to be updating VA prescription information.

VA does not call veterans asking to disclose personal financial information over the phone, and VA has not changed its processes for dispensing prescription medicines.

"I have received many reports that veterans are being contacted by 'Patient Care Group' representing that they are helping administer VA prescriptions and stating that the pharmacy billing procedures have changed and they are therefore requesting veteran credit card numbers for prescription payments in advance of filling their prescriptions," states Kevin Secor, a Veterans Service Organizations liaison with the Office of the Secretary of Veterans Affairs. "This is false."

Anyone who receives a call from someone who claims to work for the Patient Care Group and asks for a credit card number should simply hang up.

Source: AirForceTimes

Helpful Tools:
Find a VA Hospital
Find a VA Outpatient Clinic

Other Stories of Interest:
Website Connects Soldiers to Their Families
40% of Returning Veterans need Mental Health Care
Relaxation of income requirements will yield coverage for more veterans

Hospitals May Limit Visits to Newborns Due to H1N1

Are you pregnant? You should consider asking your birthing center how H1N1 may change visitation rules.

According to a ABC News story, fear of a potential swine flu outbreak has many hospitals considering changes to their visitation policies to protect newborn babies and their mothers.

The news story states one hospital has a ban of children from areas of the hospital where newborns and their mothers reside. Only immediate family over the age the 18 are able to visit. Other hospitals may consider a similar ban over time.

Another approach mentioned in the article is to monitor visitors to see if any appear to have symptoms, and if they do either test the visitor before allowing them to visit the mother and newborn or send them home and ask them to come back in 24 hours for re-screening.

What do you think? Should hospitals change visitation rules due to H1N1? What type of ban should be in place? Should there be a total ban of children?

Other Stories that May Interest You:
How to Protect Yourself From the Swine Flu (H1N1)

Is Internet Addiction a Mental Health Disorder?

It's easy to lose a few hours a day to Facebook, MySpace, Twitter, or World of Warcraft. But do you think it's possible for a person become addicted to the internet?

Signs seem to suggest it's possible. Recently, a residential treatment center for internet addiction opened in the Seattle area. The center says its the first in the US. And several countries-like China, South Korea and Taiwan, take internet addiction very seriously and already have these types of centers available.

However, the American Psychiatric Association (APA) does not currently consider internet addiction as a separate mental health disorder. And there is a debate on whether internet addiction should be listed as a separate illness in it's next edition of the "Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders", due out in 2012.

Why is this important? Because, this manual plays a part in determining which mental illnesses get covered by insurance. Since internet addiction is not currently listed as a separate illness in the manual, treatment for internet addiction is generally not covered by insurance. The fee for the new treatment center is $14,000--a fee a lot of people may not be able to afford, even if they need the help.

Some experts say internet addiction is just a symptom of other mental illness, like depression and anxiety disorders.

What do you think? Does internet addiction exist? Should it be classified as a separate mental health illness? Share your thoughts.

Other Stories You Might Enjoy:
Should you use a Sick Day for Lack of Sleep?
How Many Work Days Have You Missed Due to Illness or Injury?

Interactive Tools to Track Your Child's Development

When asked to measure a child's growth, weight and height instantly come to mind. But there are other areas where your child's growth should be monitored-how they play, learn, speak, and interact. A delay in any of these areas could be a sign of a developmental problem, even autism. The earlier the delay is recognized, the more you can do to help your child reach his or her full potential.

The CDC has two free interactive tools to help you watch for and record your child's developmental milestones.

The first is a Interactive Milestones Chart. It shows developmental milestones for ages 3 months to 5 years in these 7 categories:

• Social and emotional
• Movement
• Hand and finger skills
• Cognitive
• Hearing and speech
• Vision
• Language

The second tool is an Interactive Milestones Checklist. It is a checklist you can print off and record your child's development. You can easily share this checklist with your child's physician, daycare worker, or relatives who care for the child.

If you suspect your child may have a developmental problem, speak with your child's physician.

Source: CDC

Lose the Training Wheels Helping Children With Disabilities Nationwide

With the help of Lose the Training Wheels, many kids with disabilities across the nation learned how ride a 2-wheel bike this summer.

Lose the Training Wheels is a camp designed to teach individuals with disabilities to ride a two wheel bicycle and become lifelong independent riders. The training camps usually last 5 days and are hosted all over the nation.

"We take a huge 'I can't' and turn it into a huge 'I can,'" said Tom Hamilton, executive director of Lose the Training Wheels. "Most parents discover that the success their children find here infuses them with confidence."

Hamilton said they have tremendous success with children on the autism spectrum, children with Down syndrome, cystic fibrosis, and mental retardation. The group boasts an 85 percent success rate in teaching young people with disabilities how to ride a bike.

To learn more about the group, or to see their camp schedule, visit Lose the Training Wheels

Source: Boston.com

Warning Signs the Economy is Taking a Toll on Your Health

The bad economy may be taking a toll on your emotional and physical health

According the United States Department of Health and Human Services, here are some warning signs that your financial problems may be adversely affecting your emotional or mental well being:

• Persistent Sadness/Crying
• Excessive Anxiety
• Lack of Sleep/Constant Fatigue
• Excessive Irritability/Anger
• Increased drinking
• Illicit drug use, including misuse of medications
• Difficulty paying attention or staying focused
• Apathy - not caring about things that are usually important to you
• Not being able to function as well at work, school or home

They also offer some coping techniques for you to try to get through stressful periods.

And if you need additional help, don't be afraid to seek it. Talk to your physician, a mental health provider, community mental health center, spiritual leader, school counselor, etc. These people can help you get through the rough times.

If you are in need of immediate help, seek your nearest emergency room or contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255).

Source: SAMHSA


*Information on WhereToFindCare.com is for informational purposes only. Always seek medical advice from your physician. In cases of emergency, seek care from an emergency health care provider.

Coping Techniques For Hard Economic Times

Many people are finding it difficult to cope during these hard economic times.

The United States Department of Health and Human Services suggests using these coping techniques:

• Trying to keep things in perspective - recognize the good aspects of life and retain hope for the future.
• Strengthening connections with family and friends who can provide important emotional support.
• Engaging in activities such as physical exercise, sports or hobbies that can relieve stress and anxiety.
• Developing new employment skills that can provide a practical and highly effective means of coping and directly address financial difficulties.

And if you need additional help, don't be afraid to seek it. Talk to your physician, a mental health provider, community mental health center, spiritual leader, school counselor, etc. These people can help you get through the rough times.

If you are in need of immediate help, seek your nearest emergency room or contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255).

Source: SAMHSA


*Information on WhereToFindCare.com is for informational purposes only. Always seek medical advice from your physician. In cases of emergency, seek care from an emergency health care provider.

Foreclosures and Your Mental Health

More news on how the bad economy is hurting your health.

Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine questioned 250 homeowners going through foreclosure in Philadelphia and found that 47 percent showed symptoms of depression, with 37 percent exhibiting signs of major depression.

More health facts from the study:
Borrowers facing foreclosure were more likely to forgo filling prescriptions and nearly 60 percent reported that they had skipped or delayed meals.

And unfortunately, these numbers may get worse. Nearly 2 million homeowners are expected to lose their homes to foreclosure this year, according to some economists.

Other links of interest
Free/Low Cost Clinics
Community Mental Health Centers
Mental Health Providers

Source: Miami Herald

How to Prevent Falls in Older Adults

The American Chiropractic Association(ACA) recommends these tips in preventing falls in older adults:

1. Perform a Home Safety Check: Many falls occur at home. Most commonly, people trip over objects on the floor. To make your home safer, check out these tips.
2. Exercise: Exercise reduces your risk of falls by improving your strength, balance, coordination and flexibility. Talk to your physician about an exercise program.
3. Review Your Medications: Many medications have side effects that can affect your brain function and lead to dizziness or lightheadedness. Ask your prescribing physician to review your medications and reduce your chances of falling by using the lowest effective dosage. Also, discuss the need for walking aids or supports while taking medications that can affect balance.
4. Get Your Eyes Check Regularly: Reduced vision increases risk of falls. Age-related vision diseases, including cataracts and glaucoma, can alter your depth perception, visual acuity and susceptibility to glare. Have your vision checked regularly. Also, regularly clean your glasses to improve visibility.
5. Prevent Osteoporosis: Osteoporosis makes bones less resistant to stress and more likely to fracture. Caused by hormonal changes, calcium and vitamin D deficiencies, and a decrease in physical activity, osteoporosis is a chief cause of fractures in older adults, especially women. Talk to your doctor about things you can do to prevent osteoporosis.
   

Source:ACA

Looking Your Best May Not Be the Best Thing For You

Being fashionable isn't always a good thing.

The latest fashion may look good, but popular looks and accessories are frequently impractical and could create leg, back, and spine or neck problems.

Some offenders: high-heel shoes, large bags, and tight clothing.

It's important to find clothes and accessories that not only fit your style, but are also comfortable. The American Chiropractic Association(ACA) gives these tips:

• Choose comfortable shoes. If you must wear high heels, bring a pair of flat shoes along with you to change into should you become uncomfortable. If you walk to work, wear flat shoes and change into your more fashionable shoes when you arrive to alleviate any pain or discomfort.
• If the shoe is uncomfortable while standing, chances are it will not be any more comfortable while walking. The wrong shoe can affect the body's center of gravity.
• Choose supportive shoes. Designer spikes or non-supportive loafers may look nice but do not allow for easy, symmetrical walking.
• While sitting, whether or not you are wearing heels, it is important to take frequent stretch breaks to alleviate atrophy of the hamstring muscles.
• Avoid excessive wear of tight pants or clothing. If you prefer tighter clothes, choose styles that allow you to perform daily tasks with ease.
• Select a briefcase or purse with a wide adjustable strap. Ideally, the strap should be long enough to place over the head. This evenly distributes the bulk of the weight across the body.
• When carrying a bag, or briefcase, switch sides frequently to avoid placing the burden of the weight on one side of your body.
• Take the time to empty unnecessary items from your bag.
• Place all necessary items-such as wallets and cellular phones-in the front pockets of the bag. Stretching around to reach for your wallet can result in a pulled neck or back.
• If you are driving or sitting for long periods of time, remove your wallet or card holder from the back pocket of your pants.
• Think about your daily tasks. If your clothes affect your movements, consider outfits that fit your lifestyle.

Source: ACA

Tips to Prevent Back Pain

The majority of lower back pain is preventable (exceptions being accidents, tumors, etc.). The American Chiropractic Association (ACA) gives these tips on how to prevent back pain:

• Maintain a healthy diet and weight.
• Remain active.
• Avoid prolonged inactivity or bed rest.
• Warm up or stretch before exercising or other physical activities.
• Maintain proper posture.
• Wear comfortable, low-heeled shoes.
• Sleep on a mattress of medium firmness to minimize any curve in your spine.
• Lift with your knees, keep the object close to your body, and do not twist when lifting.
• Quit smoking. Smoking impairs blood flow, resulting in oxygen and nutrient deprivation to spinal tissues.
• Work with your doctor of chiropractic to ensure that your workstation is ergonomically correct.

Source: ACA

Interested in seeing a chiropractor? Locate one near you using our Chiropractic Center Directory.

*Information on WhereToFindCare.com is for informational purposes only. Always seek medical advice from your physician. In cases of emergency, seek care from an emergency health care provider.

Benefits of Needless Acupuncture

Have you heard of needless acupuncture? For those with a phobia of needles, it's a great alternative to regular acupuncture.

Needless acupuncture can help to relieve chronic problems like sinus headaches, asthma, and allergies. It is also a lot quicker than regular acupuncture, taking 2 to 3 minutes, compared to 20-30 minutes.

To see needless acupuncture performed, watch this youtube video:


The downside is that needless acupuncture is 80-85% effective when compared to regular acupuncture.

Interested in needless acupuncture or a seeing a chiropractor? Locate one near you using our Chiropractic Center Directory.

*Information on WhereToFindCare.com is for informational purposes only. Always seek medical advice from your physician. In cases of emergency, seek care from an emergency health care provider.

Remember Fire Safety When Touring Health Care Facilities

Fire officials credit an alarm and sprinkler system for preventing what could have been potentially tragic fire at an assisted living facility in Georgia. (Source: Firehouse.com)

Firefighters arrived on the scene approximately 4 minutes after receiving the fire alarm. By the time they arrived, the sprinkler system had contained much of the blaze.

"If the sprinkler system wasn't there, people wouldn't have gotten out of there. No way," said Brunswick Fire Marshal Jose Juarbe.

Fire safety is an important factor to keep in mind when looking for health care facilities like assisted livings, nursing homes, retirement communities, and intermediate care facilities for the mentally retarded. When you tour the facility, don't forget to ask about smoke alarms, sprinklers, fire drills, and what happens in the event of an actual fire.

Surgery No Longer Needed to Diagnose Endometriosis

Endometriosis, a condition of the uterus linked to infertility and painful periods, up to now has been diagnosed in patients by conducting a surgery called laparoscopy. Laparoscopy is a procedure where a telescope lens is inserted into the body cavity through a small incision.

According to a new study, surgery is no longer needed to diagnose the condition. A new quick test has been developed that works just as well as the surgery. The new test involves taking a small tissue sample from the uterine lining.

This is positive news. The new test is not only less evasive, but it will shorten the length of time in diagnosing the condition.

To read the full story, visit: AFP

Doctor Performs the First Simulated Brain Surgery

On Monday, a Canadian neurosurgeon made history when he performed the first simulated brain surgery using a virtual reality simulator. Less than 24 hours later, he conducted the real operation and successfully removed a brain tumor.

The simulator uses pictures of a patient's brain (taken using an MRI) to create a virtual environment. According to the doctor who performed the surgery, the virtual environment looks like the real thing, feels like the real thing, and you use the same instruments as the real surgery.

The simulated surgery gives surgeons a practice run at the surgery, allowing them to mapped out their surgical approach and enabling them to anticipate and fix potential problems before they occur.

The technology is also expected to change the way medical training is conducted. Most training is currently conducted in the operating room. The simulator will allow training to occur outside the operating room, in a secure educational environment, allowing students to make mistakes and learn from them. This tool will better prepared them before they step into an operating room.

Source: Canada.com

How Many Work Days Have You Missed Due to Illness or Injury?

In the past 12 months, how many days did you miss work at a job or business because of illness or injury?

According to a National Health Interview Survey conducted in the US in 2007, US workers on average miss 4 days of work a year due to injury or illness.

The chart below gives a breakdown on a missed work days by age group and the sexes.



Source: CDC

Health Care Reform Won't Impact VA or TRICARE

For those receiving medical care through TRICARE or the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), Obama wants you to know: Your benefits are safe.

Eligibility for health care under VA or TRICARE "will not be affected by our efforts at broader health-care reform" Obama told military reporters at the White House on August 4.

"I want to make sure that message gets out to our veterans," the president said. "I think it's very important to get the message out: If you are in the VA system and are happy with your care, great. We have no intention of changing your eligibility."

To learn if you are a eligible for veteran's benefits or TRICARE: please visit the VA website: Health Care Eligibility and Enrollment for Veterans.

Use WhereToFindCare.com to find a Veterans Hospital or Veteran Outpatient Clinic near you.

Source: US Department of Defense Military Health System

Website Connects Soldiers to Their Families

In efforts to support military families with young children and help them stay connected, the Defense Centers of Excellence for Psychological Health and Traumatic Brain Injury (DCoE) and Sesame Street Workshop recently teamed up to launch a new website called Sesame Street Family Connections.

The website is a bilingual(English/Spanish) child centered online space where both children and adults can interact and stay connected. It is a private online place to keep military families connected across the globe.

With the help of their favorite Sesame Street friends, family members can compose encouraging messages to each other, share artwork and videos, and upload photos.

The website also provides helpful resources for military families with young children experiencing the effects of deployments, when a parent returns home changed due to a combat related injury and helping children cope with the death of a loved one.

Source: The Military Health System Blog

Many Childless Adults Worry About Elder Care

More Americans are not having children, and many worry about elder care.

"More and more baby boomers are childless, and so they are facing old age without really a family to care for them," says John Rother, policy director for AARP.

Experts say the key is to plan ahead. They advise you to:

• Stay healthy
• Financial planning
• Research community resources before you need them
  

Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy

Check out senior service providers in your area:
Senior Service Providers
Nursing Homes
Assisted Livings
Retirement Communities
Geriatric Care Managers
Private Duty Non-Medical Home-Based Care Provider

Source: MSNBC

Tips to Achieve Healthy Living with Diabetes

Having a healthy lifestyle, like eating right and exercise plays a big role in the treatment of diabetes. However, if you are newly diagnosed, you may feel overwhelmed. Where do you start and what changes should you make?

The American Diabetes Association warns against making a lot of changes all at once. They offer these suggestions:

1. Take small steps over a significant amount of time. This will make accomplishing your goals easier.
2. Face your bad habits. And don't be afraid to ask for help and support from your family, friends, or health care provider.
3. Locate your motivation-An example-wanting to be around for your grandchildren to grow up
4. Prioritize your changes. Complete goals that you're comfortable with initially, and save others for later.
5. Look at how much impact these changes will make, and start with those that pack the biggest punch, such as getting more active.
6. Setting goals should include what you'll do, how quickly you can accomplish it, and how to incorporate the task in your daily life.

If you need support in setting goals, there are Diabetes Education Centers who can help you. Diabetes Education Services are medical centers that provide people with information and self-care skills so they can manage their diabetes effectively. A specialist at the Diabetes Education Center can help you set up goals, and develop a plan to achieve your goals. To locate a Diabetes Education near you, use the WhereToFindCare.com Diabetes Education Center directory.

To view the full story, visit Yahoo News

*Information on WhereToFindCare.com is for informational purposes only. Always seek medical advice from your physician. In cases of emergency, seek care from an emergency health care provider.

Tips to Reduce Stress for Those with Diabetes

Stress can have a negative impact on your life, especially if you have diabetes.
The American Diabetes Association gives these tips for coping with diabetes and reducing your stress:

• Tell my family and friends about ways in which they can help me.
• Be patient with myself.
• Shift my perspective.
• Take a different route to work or home.
• Go for a 10-minute walk.
• Avoid negative people.
• Read for pleasure.
• Take things in stride.
• Celebrate life.
• Find humor every day.
• Pick my battles.
• Keep writing in my journal.
• Do something different.
• Look forward rather than backward.
• Know my limits.
• Get enough rest and sleep regularly.
• Daydream.

They also emphasis that you should not focus on things you cannot change--like that long stop light, the long wait at the doctor's office, or accidents. Focus on things you can change--like your diet, your exercise routine, how you react to people, and how you spend your day.

Do you need any help with your diabetes and managing stress? Diabetes Education Centers may be able to help you . To locate a Diabetes Education Center, use the Diabetes Education Services directory.

These tips come from a new book the American Diabetes Association plans on publishing this fall. It's called "Your First Year with Diabetes: What to Do Month by Month.". To learn more about it, see the American Diabetes Association website.

New Cookbook has Diabetes & Heart Healthy Meals

If you have diabetes, it can be difficult to come up with new recipes that fit your recommended diet plan.

The American Diabetes Association(ADA) and the American Heart Association(AHA) recently joined forces to tackle this issue, and created a cookbook called: Diabetes & Heart Healthy Meals For Two: Over 150 Delicious Recipes that Help You (Both) Eat Well and Eat Right.

The book contains simple recipes, specially designed for two that take on average ten minutes to prepare(not including cooking time) All recipes fall within the guidelines of a healthy eating plan set forth by both the ADA and AHA. All the recipes include information on calories, fat, cholesterol, sodium, carbohydrates, and protein, as well as diabetic exchanges or choices.

Why did the ADA and AHA join forces? Because heart disease strikes people with diabetes twice as often as the rest of the population. Diabetics need meals that are both diabetes & heart healthy.

To learn more about the cookbook, or to see sample recipes, visit: American Diabetes Association

Diabetes Education Centers can also help you develop a meal plan. To locate a center need you, use the Diabetes Education Services Directory.

Scientists are Closer to a Cure for Type 1 Diabetes

A team of European and US scientists say they are getting closer to a cure for Type 1 diabetes.

Their current research is focused on altering pancreatic cells to produce insulin. Altering cells to produce insulin would help diabetics metabolize sugar and reduce or eliminate the need for daily insulin injections, the Los Angeles Times reported Saturday.

Future trials will focus on how to activate the cells and then turn them off so too much insulin isn't produced.

To read the full story, visit UPI.com

Recession to Blame in Decrease of Birth Rate

Americans are having fewer babies, and many experts are blaming the poor ecomony.

In 2007, the number of births in the United States broke a 50-year-old record high, set during the baby boom. But last year, births began to decline nationwide, by nearly 2 percent, according to provisional figures released last week by the National Center for Health Statistics.


"It's the recession," said Andrew Hacker, a sociologist at Queens College of the City University of New York. "Children are the most expensive item in every family's budget, especially given all the gear kids expect today. So it's a good place to cut back when you're uncertain about the future."

Historically, birth rates have fluctuated with the economy. Record lows were recorded during two economic crises: the Great Depression in the 1930s and the Oil Embargo in the 1970s.

To read the full story, visit The New York Times

Human Milk Donor Depot Now Open in Portland, Oregon

Adventist Medical Center opened a human milk donor depot this week. Its a 1st in Portland Oregon, and it's only the second of its kind in the northwest.

The depot collects human milk donations for medically fragile infants and children. Human milk is widely acknowledged in the medical community as the optimal source of nutrition. It is recognized for aiding in growth, immunity, protection against infection and the healing of damaged tissue. Breast milk donations are used in the treatment of a wide variety of medical conditions, including premature birth, allergies, formula intolerance, cancer, organ transplant recovery and infectious disease.

"A mother's own milk is almost always the best source of nourishment for her baby, yet there are some situations where it is either not possible for a mother to breastfeed or to produce enough milk for her child," explained Peggy Andrews, registered nurse and lactation consultant at Adventist Medical Center, as well as vice chair for Northwest Mothers Milk Bank(NWMMB). In the case of premature and sick children, human milk is particularly critical to improving health outcomes.


The donor depot is open Monday through Friday by appointment from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Women interested in becoming milk donors are encouraged to contact Adventist Medical Center's donor depot at 503-251-MAMA, or to visit NWMMB's Web site .

To read the full story, visit Fox12Oregon, or visit: Adventist Health.

What You Need to Know about Designer Ultrasound Boutiques

Have you heard of designer ultrasound boutiques? I hadn't until I saw a recent news story on them. Designer ultrasound boutiques are places primarily set up to use non medical, pre-natal ultrasounds to show pictures of a woman's baby without a request from the mother's physician. These boutiques are usually set up in malls or office centers and they offer 3-D and 4-D ultrasounds for parents.

Why would someone elect to get a designer ultrasound?
It's natural for people to want to see their baby grow and develop. These ultrasounds can provide clear pictures and video that the parents can share with family and friends.

How safe are designer ultrasound boutiques?
Dr. Phillip H. Stratemeier, who specializes in radiology at St. Anthony Hospital in Oklahoma City, answered some questions on the subject of non medical, pre-natal ultrasounds in a recent NewsOK story. He stated that by law these facilities must be operated by a licensed physician, yet there is rarely one on site to supervise. He stressed that ultrasounds should always been done by a licensed ultrasonographer under the direction of an experienced physician. "In the hands of experienced physicians or their trained sonographers, it is a relatively safe procedure. But the long-term effects of ultrasound on a developing baby may not be fully known; thus, the procedure is regulated by the state."

Some other concerns about designer ultrasound boutiques

1. Designer ultrasounds may give parents a false sense of security that your baby is healthy. These ultrasounds are not done with the care a medical ultrasound is done. Medical ultrasounds follow strict guidelines looking at each part of the anatomy and measuring structures for correct development. Parents may see a cute, healthy baby in the designer ultrasounds, but without the diagnostic exam associated with the medical ultrasound, they will not know if their baby has an abnormality.
2. A terrible scenario to think about--What if your designer ultrasound detects a problem with the baby? Without an experienced physician on staff, you wouldn't be able to get the answers you need. This would be an absolutely heart breaking experience, to be in a setting where you couldn't get your questions answered.

Some things to consider if you are going to a designer ultrasound boutiques:

1. Talk to your doctor first. Get his medical opinion.
2. Get your diagnostic ultrasound done first at your medical center or doctor's office, that way if there are any complications, you can discuss them with your doctor. The trend with many pregnant women is to have a second ultrasound usually at 27 weeks to get the clearest possible photos and DVD to share with friends and family.
3. Research the designer ultrasound boutiques in your area before you select one. Look for ones with licensed ultrasonographers and a physician on staff at the clinic. Also ask if the physician is in the office at all times.

To read the full story, see NewsOK . Are you curious on what a 4-D ultrasound looks like? Be sure to click on the video on the news story.

*Information on WhereToFindCare.com is for informational purposes only. Always seek medical advice from your physician. In cases of emergency, seek care from an emergency health care provider.

Exercise can Boost your Mood for 12 Hours

Exercise is good for the body and for the mind. According to a new study, that feel-good effect obtained from exercise lasts longer than previously assumed.

"Moderate intensity aerobic exercise improves mood immediately and those improvements can last up to 12 hours," concluded study lead researcher Dr. Jeremy Sibold, assistant professor of rehabilitation and movement science at the University of Vermont, Burlington.

Experts believe that exercise's mood-boosting effects are partly due to a rise in levels of mood-enhancing neurotransmitters, such as endorphins, in the brain. While many have known for awhile that exercise boosts your spirits, it wasn't previously known how long that feel-good effect lasts.

The findings point yet again to exercise as a cheap, easily accessible tool against blue moods and even depression, Sibold said. "I think that's really important for the general public to know -- depression is so widespread."


2008 Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans recommends that adults get at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity each week. Individuals should discuss an exercise program with their physicians.

(Source: MedlinePlus)

40% of Returning Veterans need Mental Health Care

A new study shows that more than 40% of US soldiers from the Iraq and Afghanistan wars seen by VA hospitals are suffering from mental health disorders or psychosocial behavioral problems.

Data was collected on 289,328 Iraq and Afghanistan veterans who sought health care at VA medical centers from 2002 to 2008.

106,726 of the returning veterans received mental health care. That's approximately 37 percent. 62,929 vets were diagnosed with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder(PTSD) and 50,432 were diagnosed with depression.

"When the definition is expanded to include diagnoses of mental health disorders or psychosocial behavioral problems such as homelessness, or both, 43 percent of these veterans received these diagnoses" said lead researcher Dr. Karen Seal.

Findings from the study
1. 22% of veterans were diagnosed with PTSD
2. 17% of veterans were diagnosed with depression
3. 7% of veterans were diagnosed with alcohol use disorder
4. 3% of veterans were diagnosed with drug use disorder
5. 29% of veterans with mental health problems were diagnosed with 2 of the above disorders
6. 33% of veterans with mental health problems were diagnosed with 3 of the above disorders
7. Most mental health diagnoses were not made in the first year that a veteran entered the VA health-care system, but several years after.


Mark Kaplan, a professor of community health at the School of Community Health at Portland State University in Oregon, noted that the study only covers vets who have received care at the VA, but there are many more with serious mental health problems that are either seeking care privately or not at all, he said.



(Source: MedlinePlus)

Build Your Emotional Health by Reflecting on Positive Moments

Take time to enjoy the positive things that happen in your daily life. According to a new study, doing this will build your overall satisfaction and help you cope with the tough times.

Many times people get wrap up in work, daily problems, thinking of the past or the future, that they forget to appreciate the present. Take time to appreciate the small positive moments, whether it be planting new flowers, watching a movie with your children, or watching the sunset.

If you focus on the small positive moments, those moments let positive emotion blossom. Doing this builds resources that help us rebound from adversity, stress, and ward off depression.

(Source: Medline Plus)

Obama's Press Conference on Health Care Reform

President Obama addressed the nation tonight to clear up some questions about health reform. Obama states "We spend more on health care than any other nation in the world, but we are not any healthier for it." He also stressed the importance of health care reform in the overall plan to rebuild our economy.

How does health care reform affect you? Here are key items from his address:

For individuals who currently have insurance coverage, the reform will bring security and stability. It gives you the option to keep your insurance if you are happy with it. It gives you the security of knowing you'll still have coverage if you lose your job, move, or change jobs. It will prevent insurance companies from dropping your coverage when you get too sick. It limits the amount of money your insurance company can force you to pay for medical costs out of your pocket. It will also cover preventive care, like checkups and mammograms.

If you don't have health insurance, health care reform gives you the ability to choose a quality and affordable health plan through a health insurance exchange (a place that promotes choice and competition). No insurance company will be able to deny you coverage because of a pre-exisiting health condition.


President Obama vows health care reform will lower costs, promote choice, and provide coverage every American can count on, and reform will come by the end of this year

H1N1 July 20 Update

The CDC is reporting that as of July 17 2009 there have been 40, 617 H1N1 human cases with 263 deaths. The Obama administration has disbursed over $360 million dollars to state health departments as mentioned in an earlier post by Where To Find Care.com.

As a reminder, please remember the following to avoid contracting and spreading this virus as recommended by the CDC:

1. Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you sneeze and cough. Promptly throw your tissue in the trash after use.

2. Wash your hands often (especially after sneezing or coughing), using soap and water. Alcohol based hand cleaners are also effective.

3. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth. Germs spread this way.

4. Avoid contact with sick people.

5. If you are sick, stay home and avoid contact with others to keep from spreading the illness.


Related material:

H1N1 Preparations for State Health
Phase 6 of Swine Flu Declared
How to protect against the Swine Flu

Water Safety Tips

Being from Michigan, summer is all about water activities. From swimming in pools and lakes to water skiing and boating with friends and family, its one of the best features of Michigan. However, you need to be mindful of the risks. Have fun but stay safe! Here is list of water safety tips to keep you safe this summer:

1. Designate a responsible adult to watch all children in or around the water. Make sure your full attention is on the children at all times. An accident can happen in the few seconds you go to answer the phone.


2. Always swim with a buddy.


3. Swim at places with lifeguards when possible.


4. Avoid alcohol while swimming, boating, water skiing, or supervising children around water.


5. Learn to swim. Have all persons in your household take swimming lessons.


6. Learn CPR. CPR performed by bystanders has been shown to improve outcomes in drowning victims.


7. Do not use air-filled or foam toys in place of a life jacket. Water wings and noodles are toys and are not designed for safety.
   

Do you own a pool? If you do, you should:

1. Install a four-sided, isolation pool fence that completely separates your living space from your pool area.


2. Make sure the fence is at least 4 feet high


3. Use self-closing and self-latching gates that open outward with latches that are out of reach of children.


4. Consider installing an alarm on the fence that way you know when someone has entered the pool area.


5. Remove toys in and around the pool area when they are not in use. Toys can be tempting to kids and cause them to accidentally fall in the water when trying to retrieve them.
   

Are you going to a natural body of water, like a lake?

1. Know the weather forecast. Avoid swimming and boating during bad weather conditions.


2. Use U.S. Coast Guard approved life jackets when boating.


3. Know the meaning of and obey warnings represented by colored beach flags.


4. Watch for dangerous waves and signs of rip currents (e.g. water that is discolored and choppy, foamy, or filled with debris and moving in a channel away from shore). If you are caught in a rip current, swim parallel to shore; once free of the current, swim toward shore.
   
   

For more information, see the CDC website.

Firework Safety Tips

WhereToFindCare.com wishes everyone a Happy 4th of July!

We want you to have a happy, but safe holiday. Are you going to have your own fireworks show this holiday weekend? Here are some safety tips you should consider:




1. Obey local laws. If fireworks are illegal in your area, please don't use them.
2. Never let children handle fireworks.
3. Never handle firework while under the influence of alcohol or prescription drugs that will impair your judgment.
4. Purchase fireworks from a licensed supplier. This will ensure your fireworks meet standards set by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.
5. Store fireworks in a cool, dry place.
6. Only use fireworks outdoor, never indoors.
7. Use fireworks in a clear open area.
8. Don't use fireworks in windy condition.
9. Your fireworks should be set up hard and level ground.
10. Never try to fix or relight a faulty firework.
11. Have a bucket of water or a fire extinguisher nearby, just in case.
12. Light fireworks one at a time.
13. Have fun but keep everyone involved safe. Have your friends/family stand a safe distance away from the fireworks. Read all the instructions on each firework and use them as directed. Protect yourself from injury, by wearing protection, like safety glasses.

Beware of Fake Health Plans

With the number of uninsured on the rise, some have taken to the Internet in search of discounted health care programs. But beware, some of the discount health care programs are scams.

The Federal Trade Commission and at least eight states have taken action against more than two dozen health cards for offering discounts services that don't exist.

Consumer advocates say you should suspect a scam if:
1.You learn of the discount card from a blast fax or Internet pop up ad.
2. They promise a certain percentage savings.
3. They use the term "guaranteed coverage."
4. They won't give you a list of providers until you sign up.
5. It sounds too good to be true.

(Source: CNN)

Did you know some health care providers offer their services for free or low cost? Check out the free/low cost clinic finder to see if you qualify and find a clinic near you. You should also check out federally qualified health centers. They provide free/low cost care to those who qualify.

Looking for other ways to cut your medical expenses? Many pharmacies offer discount generic drug programs. Also check out this article on tips to control your health care costs.

Medical Related Bankruptcies are on the Rise

According to a new study, medical bills account for more than 60% of bankruptcies. This is an increase, in 2001, 46% of bankruptcies were medical-related.

The study surveyed a random sample of 2,374 people who filed for bankruptcy in early 2007, examined court records, and interviewed 1,000 of them.

A surprising fact from the study: 75% of the people who filed medical-related bankruptcy had health insurance.

78% of patients from the study said there were gaps in their coverage, like co-payments, deductibles, and uncovered services. Other people had private insurance, but got so sick that they lost their job and insurance.

"Unless you're a Warren Buffett or Bill Gates, you're one illness away from financial ruin in this country," says lead author Steffie Woolhandler, M.D., of the Harvard Medical School, in Cambridge, Mass. "If an illness is long enough and expensive enough, private insurance offers very little protection against medical bankruptcy, and that's the major finding in our study."

(Source: CNN)

Other links of interest:
No Health Insurance? A Tip to Control Health Care Costs
Free/Low Cost Clinic Finder
Discounted care courtesy of the Federal Government
Discounted Prescription Programs

Swine Flu (H1N1) and Travel Warnings

Currently the CDC has not issued an official travel advisory. However, you should continually monitor the CDC Travel website for updates.

**Updated 6:50pm 4/27/2009: At this time, CDC recommends that U.S. travelers avoid all nonessential travel to Mexico. Check CDC Travel website for more updates.

Also listed on the CDC website are recommendations that will help you to reduce your risk of infection and stay healthy if you are planning travel to areas with a swine flu (H1N1) outbreak. They cover everything from monitoring the situation, how to prepare for your trip before you leave, what to do while on your trip, and what to do when you return. Very good reading so check it out.

One of the recommendations to help you prepare for your trip is to identity health care resources before you leave. Just in case problems arise, you'll know where to go for care. Be sure to use our health care provider locator on WhereToFindCare.com. Our website contains addresses, phone numbers, quality information, user ratings, driving directions, and more much for U.S. health care providers, such as hospitals, urgent care walk-in clinics, and free clinics, and federally qualified health clinics. So if you are traveling to a location in the US with an outbreak, visit us before your trip.

Other Links of Interest:
Update on Swine Flu Outbreak Locations (US)
How to Protect Yourself From the Swine Flu (Pig Flu)
Swine Flu Signs and Symptoms


*Information on WhereToFindCare.com is for informational purposes only. Always seek medical advice from your physician. In cases of emergency, seek care from an emergency health care provider.

Update on Swine Flu (H1N1) Outbreak Locations in the US

Want to know where there is an influenza outbreak near you? Check out this weekly US Map of Influenza Activity (Source: CDC)

Influenza Activity


Be sure to check back for weekly updates.

Need to get a H1N1 flu vaccination? Locate a flu shot clinic now!

Other links of interest:
How to Protect Yourself From the Swine Flu (Pig Flu)
Signs and Symptoms of the Swine Flu



*Information on WhereToFindCare.com is for informational purposes only. Always seek medical advice from your physician. In cases of emergency, seek care from an emergency health care provider.

Raw Alfalfa Sprouts Linked to Salmonella Contamination

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) today recommended that consumers not eat raw alfalfa sprouts, including sprout blends containing alfalfa sprouts, until further notice because the product has been linked to Salmonella serotype Saintpaul contamination. Other types of sprouts have not been implicated at this time.

The investigation indicates that the problem may be linked to contamination of seeds for alfalfa sprouts.

The FDA will work with the alfalfa sprout industry to help identify which seeds and alfalfa sprouts are not connected with this contamination, so that this advisory can be changed as quickly as possible.

CDC, FDA and six State and local authorities have associated this outbreak with eating raw alfalfa sprouts. Michigan, Minnesota, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Utah, and West Virginia have reported 31 cases of illness with the outbreak strain of Salmonella Saintpaul to CDC. Most of those who became ill reported eating raw alfalfa sprouts. Some reported eating raw sprouts at restaurants; others reported purchasing the raw sprouts at the retail level. No deaths have been reported.

Salmonella can cause fever, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain. The CDC and FDA recommend at all times persons at high risk for developing complications, such as the elderly, young children, and those with compromised immune systems,not eat raw sprouts.

*Information on WheretoFindCare.com is for informational purposes only. Always seek medical advice from your physician. In cases of emergency, seek care from an emergency health care provider.

No Job? No Health Insurance? Don't be Afraid to Ask for Help

While searching today for free medical care, I came across an inspiring story I wanted to share.

In February, Dr Richard Klein, an internist from New York, ran an ad in a local paper advertising free medical care for existing patients who had lost their job and had no insurance. It's a service he has been offering for awhile. He started it after learning one of his long-time patients didn't make an appointment to see him because he had no health insurance. The patient fell very ill and had to be seen by the emergency room. "I always tell patients, I don't want you to wind up like the guy who nearly died," says Klein.

"There's a lot of depression going on around town because people lost jobs or are about to," he explains. "If everyone reaches out to people who lost a job or have fallen upon bad times, it would be so uplifting for the community."

I read about Dr Klein's story in an article written by Russell Turk, MD, called "The Doctor is In: Out of Work? Ask your physician for a discount"

In his article, Turk hopes other health care providers will starting asking themselves what they can do to help their patients hit by the recession.

He writes "They could start by being more proactive in asking about their patients' financial situation."

Dr Klein took a great step offering and then advertising his free medical care program. Another avenue to consider: volunteering. With more and more Americans losing their jobs and their health care insurance, free health care clinics are seeing more patients than ever. These clinics often operate on donations and volunteers.

As for patients, Turk encourages them to call their physician's office, explain their situation, and ask if any assistance can be provided.

Don't be embarrassed or afraid to ask. Your doctor may offer aid, but if you don't ask, you'll never know.

Other Links of Interest:
Free Clinic Locator
Federally Qualified Health Center Locator
Discounted care courtesy of the Federal Government
Discounted Prescription Programs
Women gain access to vital screening

*Information on WheretoFindCare.com is for informational purposes only. Always seek medical advice from your physician for any medical conditions you may have.

Are You are Recently Laid-Off Ford Worker (Dearborn MI)?

The Medical Staff at Oakwood Hospital & Medical Center (OHMC) in Dearborn MI will soon offer medical care to recently laid-off Ford Motor Company workers at no cost. Doctors plan to operate a clinic at least two half days per week in the Charlotte Woody Cancer Center located on the first floor of OHMC.

The motivation for starting this program stems from the longstanding relationship between Oakwood Healthcare and Ford Motor Company in the Dearborn community. Oakwood physicians have provided a significant amount of care to Ford employees over the years, and this is one way they could lend a helping hand during these challenging economic times.

Doctors will volunteer time to staff the clinic, while Oakwood will contribute the clinic space and necessary personnel. Former Ford workers eligible for the care must have documents to verify their previous work status.

Details on the specifics of the program and a start date are still forthcoming, but in the interim, laid-off workers interested in submitting their information can call 313.593.7817.

**Update on 7/14/2009: Here is a link that contains all the information on the clinic: Oakwood Medical Staff Clinic

The Take Care Recovery Plan

Hoping to give their patients peace of mind during hard economic times, Walgreens, Take Care Health Systems and Take Care Clinics are proud to announce the Take Care Recovery Plan.

The Take Care Recovery Plan offers free health care visits for past, present, and future Take Care Clinic patients , and their families, who lose their jobs and are uninsured.

The offer only applies to Take Care Clinic patients that lose their jobs on or after March 31 and have no health insurance. Any other individual that visits a Take Care Clinic as a patient after March 31, and then loses his or her job and is uninsured, may qualify for the offer for the remainder of 2009.

Prescriptions are not covered under this offer, but Take Care Health Practitioners will work with patients to assist them in learning about their prescription options, including low cost programs or generic medications. Also check out our blog story on pharmacies offering reduced rates on generic prescription drugs: Discounted Prescription Programs


There are restrictions. To see if you qualify and view the plan details, please visit www.takecarerecoveryplan.com or call 1-866-Take-Care (1-866-825-3227).




**Information on WheretoFindCare.com is for informational purposes only. Always seek medical advice from your physician.

How to Protect Yourself From the Swine Flu (Pig Flu)

According to the Center of Disease Control and Prevention, there is currently no vaccine to protect against the swine flu (pig flu).

However, they do recommend everyday actions that can help prevent the spread of germs that cause respiratory illnesses like influenza.

Take these everyday steps:
1. Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you sneeze and cough. Promptly throw your tissue in the trash after use.
2. Wash your hands often (especially after sneezing or coughing), using soap and water. Alcohol based hand cleaners are also effective.
3. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth. Germs spread this way.
4. Avoid contact with sick people.
5. If you are sick, stay home and avoid contact with others to keep from spreading the illness.

This information comes from the Center of Disease Control and Prevention Website. They also offer a Question and Answer fact sheet and postcast which address common questions about the swine flu like:
1. What is the Swine Flu
2. Signs and Symptoms
3. How its Transmitted
3. Treatments
4. What to do if you feel you are sick
5. How to protect yourself from getting sick

and much more, so check it out!

Need help locating a health care provider? Use our free health care provider locator tool. Our site contains quality data, user ratings, and much more.

*Information on WheretoFindCare.com is for informational purposes only. Always seek medical advice from your physician. In cases of emergency, seek care from an emergency health care provider.

Swine Flu Signs and Symptoms

If you are experiencing swine flu symptoms below, especially if you've travelled to Mexico in the last 7 days, see your doctor. Find an urgent care center or hospital emergency room near you.

According to the CDC, the symptoms of the swine flu (pig flu) are similar to that of the regular human flu:
1. Fever
2. Cough
3. Sore Throat
4. Body Aches
5. Chills
6. Fatigue
In some cases vomiting and diarrhea have been reported. Like seasonal flu, swine flu may cause a worsening of underlying chronic medical conditions.

What should you do if you think are you sick:
1. Contact your health care provider. They can will determine whether influenza testing or treatment is needed.
2. Stay home and avoid contact with others to avoid spreading the virus to others.

If you become ill and experience any of the following warning signs, you should seek emergency medical care.

For children, the warning signs that need urgent medical care:
1. Fast breathing or trouble breathing
2. Bluish skin color
3. Not drinking enough fluids
4. Not waking up or not interacting
5. Being so irritable that the child does not want to be held
6. Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough
7. Fever with a rash

For adults, the warning signs that need urgent medical care:
1. Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
2. Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
3. Sudden dizziness
4. Confusion
5. Severe or persistent vomiting

This information comes from the Center of Disease Control and Prevention Website. They also offer a Question and Answer fact sheet and postcast which address common questions about the swine flu like:
1. What is the Swine Flu
2. Signs and Symptoms
3. How its Transmitted
3. Treatments
4. What to do if you feel you are sick
5. How to protect yourself from getting sick

and much more, so check it out!

Need help locating a health care provider? Use our free health care provider locator tool. Our site contains quality data, user ratings, and much more.

*Information on WheretoFindCare.com is for informational purposes only. Always seek medical advice from your physician. In cases of emergency, seek care from an emergency health care provider.

Fallen Over Your Dog or Cat Lately?

Seeing your pet first thing in the morning or right as you're coming in the door from work is one of the best parts of pet ownership. They run up, greet you excitedly. I look forward to it everyday. But in the excitement, have you ever fallen due to your pet? If so, you're not alone.

According to a report by the CDC, 240 people are seen in emergency department everyday for dog or cat related falls.

The study which examined 5 years of emergency room data revealed :

1. 88 percent of fall injuries involved dogs than cats.
2. Among injuries related to dogs:

• 31 percent of persons fell or tripped over dogs.
• 21 percent fell after being pushed or pulled by dogs.

3. For injuries related to cats, 66 percent fell or tripped over cats.

To reduce your risks for pet related falls, the American Veterinary Medical Association recommends obedience training for dogs to reduce behaviors such as pushing and pulling that can cause falls.

Pet related items like toys and food dishes are also a fall hazard. These items should not be placed in walking paths and should be picked up when not in use.

Have you recently visited emergency room or urgent care center (as a patient or a visitor)? If so, please rate your rate health care experience now! The reviews take a few short minutes, but provide others in the community invaluable information when making their health care decision.

Tips and Resources for Quitting Smoking

The single largest cigarette tax hike in US history went into effect last Wednesday (Source: FoxNews). Are you thinking of quitting due to the new tax? Here are some tips and things to consider:

1. Speak with your doctor
Cold turkey is not the only option. There are many smoking cessation treatments available. Your doctor should be able to go through all the options, give advice on which would provide the most success rate, and help you develop a plan.

2. Investigate State programs
Check out this site: 1-800-QuitNow. Click on the link for Find Services in your area. There you can select and then explore services in your state. Here are a few of the state programs:

• Michigan: Offers free smoking cessation counseling and free nicotine patches and gum to the uninsured. Also offers free literature on negative effects of smoking.
• California: Offers a free hotline that offers services such as self help material, referral list to other programs, and one-on-one counseling.
• Washington: All Washington residents are eligible for free coaching and a supply of nicotine patches or gum from the Washington State Tobacco Quit Line .

Programs vary by state, are subject to change, and restrictions apply so be sure to examine the information for your state.

3. Investigate Insurance and Employer programs.
Many insurance companies offer smoking cessation programs for free to their members. Either call or visit your insurance company website for more details. And recently, many companies started offering smoking cessation programs as an employee benefit. Check with your human resources department to see if your employer has a program to help you quit.

4. Get others around you to quit
Does someone else in your household, a friend, or family member smoke? Try to get them to quit smoking at the same time. If they won't, ask them to smoke away from you and outside of your home.

5. Avoid social settings that tempt you to smoke
You should avoid bars, bowling alleys, and other places that are likely to tempt you to smoke.

6. Develop new habits
People smoke for different reasons. Boredom, out of habit, stress, etc. You'll need to develop different habits. So if you're used taking a smoke break at work, try going for a walk. If you're used to smoking after dinner, try calling a friend, exercising, playing a game, etc.

7. Plan for cravings
Cravings can be bad. They last for a couple minutes but they can feel like so much longer than that. Before you quit, develop a plan to address craving. Some activities to consider: exercise, walk, journal, call a friend, listen to music, chew on gum, hard candy, carrot sticks, or celery sticks. Some people develop a list of reasons why they want to quit then review it when cravings come on.

8. Tell others you plan to quit
Develop a support system to help you quit by telling family, friends, co-workers, etc you plan to quit. Irritability and cravings are common complaints for the first couple of days. Having a support system will help you get through it.

9. Celebrate your achievements
Quitting is difficult, so be sure to celebrate your achievements. Put the money you were spending on cigarettes aside. On milestone days, like 1 day, 1 week, 1 month, use the money to buy yourself a reward for your efforts.

10. Never stop trying
As the saying goes, if you fall, pick yourself up and keep going. The same applies here. If you smoke a cigarette when trying to quit, don't stop trying. Make it a lesson learned and continue your efforts.

*Information on WheretoFindCare.com is for informational purposes only. Always seek medical advice from your physican.

New Studies Link More Health Problems with Insomnia

A lack of sleep has been associated with many health issues, such as diabetes, obesity, heart disease, poor immune system function, and impaired judgment. Two recent studies suggest adding two more items to the list. The first study links insomnia with an increased risk of high blood pressure. The second study links insomnia with an increased risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors . (Source: CNN)

Lack of sleep is a serious issue and should be discussed with a doctor. He may suggest a sleep study in order to diagnose and treat a sleep condition.

Need help locating a sleep clinic? Use our sleep clinic locator to find a sleep clinic near you. We also provide some helpful tips on selecting a sleep center.

Have you had an experience with a sleep clinic? Please share your experience. Rate your sleep clinic today. Your feedback will help others with their sleep clinic decision.

Check out other articles about sleep related issues:
Should You Use a Sick Day for Lack of Sleep
What to Expect During a Sleep Study
Helpful Resources for Sleep Disorders

*Information on WheretoFindCare.com is for informational purposes only. Always seek medical advice from your physican if you think you have a sleep disorder.

Obama's Address: Health Care Reform cannot wait

In his address to Congress tonight, Obama said: "Health care reform cannot wait, it must not wait, and it will not wait another year." It was met with standing applause.

59 billion dollars of the recovery act has been set aside for health care (Source: Recovery.gov). From his speech, Obama said the recovery plan would cover the following health care items:

1. Electronic health records
2. Cure for cancer
3. Preventive Care

He called this a down payment on the principle that we must have quality, affordable health care for every American. Check in with recovery.gov periodically to track progress and track how the money is spent.

Obama has also set up a conference next week, bringing together businesses, workers, doctors, health care providers, democrats and republicans to tackle health care reform.


What is your opinion on healthcare reform?





Need help finding a health care provider? Use our free health care provider directory. We have quality information, reviews, ratings, and much more!

Obama's Address: Expanded Health Care for Veterans

In Obama's address to Congress tonight, he spoke of raising pay, and expanding health care and benefits to our veterans.

Watch the video:

Patient Leaves Operating Room After Overhearing a Doctor's Conversation

I just read an article about a patient (who was awaiting eye surgery) leaving the operating room after a doctor answered his cell phone and started discussing a previous operation. The patient of the previous operation had developed complications (no fault of the doctor). Upon hearing the conversation, the patient (who was still conscious) became very upset with the doctor's bedside matter, telling him that he "would rather go blind", leaving the operating room and then the facility. (Source: Fox News)

If I were in his shoes, I may have done the same thing. Its a scary, nerve-wrecking experience to go through any type of surgery. And it certainly doesn't help to hear that type of conversation prior to surgery, even if it wasn't the doctor's fault for the complications. Bedside matter is so important to your health care experience. Just think if that doctor had taken the call to another room, the outcome would have been very different.

This is why word of mouth recommendations should be considered when you're researching your health care choices. It's very important to research the location, services provided, and quality information. But you should also ask family, friends, and other acquaintances if they have had experience with the health care provider. These word of mouth recommendations will give you a better idea of the provider's bedside matter.

If your family or friends haven't used the provider, or perhaps you just moved and you don't know anyone who can give you recommendations, check out the health care provider reviews on WhereToFindCare.com. We ask users to rate their health care provider by writing a short review. Its free to use and all we ask in return is for you to rate your experiences with health care providers. The reviews only take a few short minutes to complete and your feedback is invaluable to others making their health care decisions.

*Information on WheretoFindCare.com is for informational purposes only. Always seek medical advice from your physican for any medical conditions you may have.

Useful Links for Radiology

I've found these links to helpful in learning more about radiology and the exams:

1. Mayo Clinic: Video of an MRI examination.

2. Mayo Clinic: A slideshow of a fetal ultrasound. Shows how to spot various features, like the heart or eyes, during an ultrasound.

3. American Society of Radiologic: They provide patient education pages on many types of radiologic exams. The education pages are written in English, but they are also many pages offered in Spanish as well.

4. National Cancer Institude, Cancer Imaging Program: This site has great information and has example images from X-rays, CT Scans, Nuclear Imaging, MRI, Ultrasounds, and much more.

Do you need help locating a Radiology Services facility? Use the Radiology Services finder on WhereToFindCare.

If you visited a radiology services facility recently? Please write a review for the radiology services provider. Your feedback will help others in your community make their healthcare decisions.


*Information on WheretoFindCare.com is for informational purposes only. Always seek medical advice from your physican for any medical conditions you may have.