NEVER FORGET

A moment of silence for those victims of the 9-11 attacks on the USA in 2001. May we never forget the price we pay for our freedom. Our hearts and prayers go out to the families.

Take a moment today to remember those who have died in the service of our country in the War on Terror.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Safely use blood thinners

15 million Americans are harmed each year in our hospitals. Half of these events are related to medication safety. Many people are harmed because they accidentally take their blood thinner medicine incorrectly. Warfarin is an oral anticoagulant medicine, or blood thinner, that is used to treat patients with blood clots or to prevent blood clots from forming in patients with heart arrhythmias such as atrial fibrillation. Warfarin may also be used after orthopedic surgery to prevent blood clots or in patients with artificial heart valves. Many patients on warfarin may also be taking aspirin or other anti-platelet medications. In a retrospective cohort study published recently in Chest, Johnson, et . al found that 38% of warfarin users were also taking an antiplatelet medicine resulting in a 2.1x greater risk of major hemorrhage [adjusted odds ratio 95% CI 1.01-4.4]. There was no benefit noted in the combination users. [ Johnson, SG, et.al. Outcomes Associated with Combined Antipl...
Read more

Antibiotics and You...Perfect Together?

Today's entry is adapted from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention... Many people are prescribed antibiotics without good reason. This may lead to resistance of bacteria, overgrowth of harmful bacteria in the gut, and possibly even death. Taking medications unnecessarily exposes one to the harmful side effects and drug-drug interactions of these medications without the benefit. The CDC is trying to prevent these problems by educating patients and physicians regarding the proper use of antibiotics. Next time your doctor prescribes an antibiotic ask questions like: What disease/infection are treating me for? Is there a clinical guideline you are following? Is my infection actually bacterial? What can I do to prevent antibiotic associated diarrhea? How do I take this medicine safely? Will it interact with my current medications? What are the side effects I can expect? From CDC: "Upper respiratory infections account for three quarters of all antibiotics prescribed by off...
Read more

Bad outcomes: Bad Doctors? Bad Nurses? Or bad systems?

How many have suffered with a loved one over a poor healthcare outcome? The last time you were admitted to the hospital was the care what you expected? Were you satisfied? Are you the pilot of your own health? Or the passenger in a sinking ship? Those who have studied patient safety understand that humans will make mistakes. The secret to success involves protecting patients from those mistakes and preventing harm. Do good nurses make good hospitals? ...or is it the other way around? Please post your responses and open our dialogue...Thank you.
Read more