Jan/120
The Future of the Nursing Profession
What is the future of nursing careers? Predictions are that in 10 or 20 years, it will look nothing like it does today! With new technologies and drugs, changes in insurance and health care policies, and the shortage in nurses, the profession will have to reinvest itself. Many nursing functions will be automated. For example, documentation and updating patient records, smart beds to monitor vital signs, bar codes, and automatic medicine carts could reduce the time and errors in dispensing medications, and voice-activated technology would eliminate the need to constantly write things down. Other nursing task such as serving meals will be taken over by aides. This would give nurses more time to provide a human touch to their patients.
As a result of nursing shortages, healthcare facilities will be forced to use their nurses judiciously. Nurses will spend more time at the bedside as educators and care coordinators to refocus on the patient. With the lengths of patient stays shortening, nurses will have to make the best use of a shrinking amount of time hospital stays. Nurses will also spend more time in administration and supervision positions. They will need to know how to access knowledge and transfer it to the patient and their loved ones.
The changes in technology will possibly attract more men and minorities into the profession. Greater emphasis must be placed on supporting teaching careers and recruiting educators from diverse cultural backgrounds to relieve the serious shortage of nursing school faculty. Therefore, more loans and scholarships for master’s and PhDs would also have to be in place, and the colleges would have to pay the instructors more money.
If the nursing shortage continues, hospitals may have to be reserved only for the very sickest. That means that the number of outpatient care will increase, as will the need for home health care nurses. They will also serve more prominent roles in clinics, consulting firms, insurance companies, and software and technology companies. Nurses in the future would probably do much more population-based or community health care. They will identify risks and establish priorities for specific populations and groups. They will provide community education and work with employers and insurance payers to develop programs that save money as well as promote health.
Nurse practitioners have a bright future especially in geriatrics and gerontology. With the baby boomer generation reaching retirement, those nurses who are themselves baby boomers but are not yet ready to retire may find themselves in the role of consultants. They would be the geriatric providers of choice because they would have a better understanding of aging.
As technology and research progresses, in linking chronic illnesses to behaviors, nurses would focus more on preventing the illnesses rather than treatment. Also, drugs designed for healthcare that targets diseases before they start, and identifying risks for those diseases will enhance preventive care. This means that people are going to have to learn to take care of themselves more. The nursing shortage and rising health care costs will also put pressure on the health care system to change from an illness model to a wellness and prevention model.
Therefore, no matter what the future holds, nurses will have be prepared to keep learning, growing, and expanding and changing alongside he transformative role of the healthcare profession. That obviously comes easier when one is passionate about the career.
Jan/120
The Best Time to See a Physical Therapist
Body pain can be experienced by all types of people, whether they are hard working individuals or couch potatoes who stay home all day and watch television. Luckily, Physical Therapist (PT) are present to help manage these problems. There are a wide variety of Physical Therapists that specialize in different fields like cardiopulmonary, geriatrics, orthopedic, and other classes of care. As a patient looking for care, it would be easy to find which type of physical therapist to seek help from because of these specializations. However, a common question usually asked by those who are in search of therapy is: what would be the best time to see a physical therapist?
This question is similar to that of when the best time to get a check-up is, and the answer is as early as possible. An important theory of medicine is that preventive care is better than curative care, meaning preventing a disease is better than curing one. This same theory can be used with physical therapy as well. It is important to see a physical therapist once acute body pain begins to try to prevent it from becoming a chronic problem. Once a problem becomes normally chronic, it would obviously be harder to get rid of it. It can also save a lot of money to seek early treatment, since treating a minor problem would call for less therapy time and therefore fewer expenses.
For some problems, physical therapy can prevent the need for corrective surgery. This is a huge advantage in seeking physical therapy as early as possible. The main advantage is the amount of money being saved when choosing to take therapeutic exercise. If physical therapy is used, extra expenses would not have to be spent on medication or possible surgery. Another advantage is avoiding the risk involved with going under the knife. Although the surgery may be a minor one, there is always a chance of something going wrong during the procedure and having a bigger problem afterwards can indeed be inevitable.
Lastly, and probably the most fulfilling benefit, is the satisfaction of recovering from an injury or problem on one’s own accord. By learning exercises to cure the current problem, one can also use those same exercises to prevent future recurrences. It is also interesting to note that physical therapy has been proven to not only heal, but also strengthen muscles and bones. This is one reason that athletes commonly resort to physical therapy after surgery to revitalize their strength.
The phrase “The early bird gets the worm” perfectly describes seeking physical therapy. Simply put, the best time to see a physical therapist is as early as possible. Numerous problems can be avoided by looking for preventive care rather than having to search for curative care in the future. Not only would problems be prevented, but plenty of money can be saved by treating them before they turn serious. It is also safe to say future problems can be avoided by continuing the therapeutic exercises learned from treatment.
Jan/120
What Are Some of the Largest and Best Hospitals in the World?
Over the last few years, the healthcare industry has boomed at the phenomenal pace. Many new professions in relation to healthcare industry have risen. Healthcare costs has climbed upward at an alarmingly rate and the cost of premiums for medical insurance has also increased. Today many kinds of surgeries and other medical procedures are no longer covered by the insurance companies, which in turn have forced many people to seek out different options for their medical treatments.
The picture of healthcare industry has in fact changed drastically in almost every part of the world. Today there are many hospitals in the world that pulling the attentions of many people. In fact, many people are traveling to foreign countries at best hospitals for treatment; where the cost of treatment is comparatively low in comparison to their own country. Here is the list of some of the world’s best and top hospitals that are worth to know-
USC Medical Center – USC Medical Center is one of the world’s largest hospitals that serve and offer a full range of inpatient, emergency and outpatient services in California. This is one of its own kinds of hospital that is globally known for providing gynecological, obstetrical, pediatric and specialized neonatal intensive care services to women and children.
Cedars Sinai – It is another large hospital in California that features 1,004 beds, employs 2000 plus physicians and 9000 employees. It is one of the few hospitals in world that has been awarded as the best in categories of endocrinology, geriatrics, digestive disorders and many others by U.S. News & World Report Ranking.
Beijing Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine – Situated in the capital city of China, this hospital is admired all across the world for its cost-competitive yet effective healthcare and world class services. Adding to this, it is also famous for its traditional Chinese remedies and subordinates Beijing Research Institute of TCM, Zhaobingnan Medical treatment center of Dermatosis. This hospital employs almost 1300 staff along with 150 high -rank medical specialists, 21 national and 2 municipal famous TCM doctors.
Piyavate Hospital -Located in Bangkok, Thailand, the Piyavate Hospital is yet another world’s largest and best hospitals. Its medical staff generally comprises of Thai Board Certified and American Board Physicians. The key features that makes this hospital as the most renowned and one of the largest in the world is its capacity to provide medical services to patient by using modern technology and contemporary equipment. It offers almost every type of physical exam including diabetes test, DNA test, stress test and any other type of physical examination.
Hospital Clinica Biblica- Established in the year 1929 and located in Costa Rica, Clinica Biblica is another largest private hospital. The hospital actually features a 50 million dollar infrastructure and globally known for providing one of the world’s best service offered by its orthopedic and bariatric surgeries. It employs almost 200 skilled physicians and English speaking staff.
Hospital Almater- Located in Mexico, hospital Almater incepted its operation in the year 1987. It is the next world’s top and largest hospital that makes the best use of modern technology. Adding to this, it is one of few hospitals in this region that offer services such as Hematology Center- the sole Blood Bank operating in a private hospital along with a Cardiac Catheterism Lab that is a X-ray department and features the most advanced digital technology equipment.
These are some of the topmost and world’s largest hospitals that are targeted by patients from all across the world for seeking medical treatment outside their homeland. In the last few years, almost all these hospitals have amazing success records in various fields of medical science. Patients availing medical service from any one of these hospitals can be sure to get best healthcare at reasonable price.
Dec/110
Achieving Wellness Through Physical Therapy
In recent years, physical therapy has become a popular method of treatment for those suffering from a physical condition that limits their ability to function normally in their daily lives. Because more people are living longer and the fact that there have been many advancements in the field of medicine that have helped people survive such conditions as head trauma, strokes, neuromuscular or musculoskeletal dysfunctions, heart attacks, and many other physical injuries, physical therapy has become a key part of achieving optimum health and wellness.
A physical therapist is a licensed and trained therapist who assists patients with recovering from traumatic physical conditions causing debilitating physical limitations. This form of therapy involves a variety of physical rehabilitation techniques and the use of therapeutic medical devices. When a patient undergoes physical therapy, they will be involved in therapy techniques that will help strengthen and improve their range of motion, improve motor function, manage and reduce pain resulting from incapacitating conditions such as arthritis and osteoarthritis, improve muscle strength, use therapeutic devices to help with mobility or balance issues, and the development of in-clinic and at-home therapy programs.
Massage therapy devices in a clinic or at home can include using ultrasonic machines, EMS machines, weights, whirlpool baths, tread mills, TENS machine, and many other therapeutic exercise equipment. As well, physical therapists help patients correctly use such medical aids as braces, wheelchairs, artificial limbs, crutches, walking canes…etc. The objective of physical therapy treatments is to help a patient live comfortably and independently. A treatment plan is designed around the needs of the individual patient and the progress of the patient’s recovery is constantly monitored, recorded, and adjusted so that he or she is able to recover safely and much quicker than if they had not participated in the therapy.
One can find massage therapy programs in a variety of areas such as orthopedics, professional sports facilities, geriatrics, cardiology, pediatrics, neurology, military hospitals, fitness centers, the school system, hospices, heath and wellness centers, the work place, and much more. People who suffer from a sports or exercise injuries will often use physical therapy as a means of recovery. As well, people who suffer from a slip and fall where they receive serious physical injury such as a broken bone, spinal cord injury, herniated discs, head injury, back injury, neck pain, torn ligaments, soft tissue injury, and muscle sprains, will often engage in physical therapy treatment. A patient may also need muscle strengthening before or after a surgical procedure. As well, carpal tunnel syndrome, tendonitis, osteoporosis, and spinal stenosis, are conditions that typically require physical therapy.
Because there has been an increase in the numbers of the aging population which is expected to continue, and more people are now becoming involved in gyms and fitness centers, as well as participating in extreme sports activities, physical therapy is now an indispensable part of the medical community. More people are now taking advantage of the benefits physical therapy provides as well as the safe and effective techniques used to help them improve their health and well being. If you are one of the millions of people suffering from a physical limitation, you may want to consider physical therapy as a method of achieving wellness.
Dec/110
Shingles Natural Treatment
In the past ten years recent studies and research with alternative treatments for shingles has shown it is possible to recover in less than one week and to reduce outbreaks of lesions and pain in three days.
Shingles is a serious health condition and it is important to follow your doctor’s recommendations. Traditionally, most doctors prescribe painkillers for the temporary symptomatic relief of the pain and an antiviral drug to suppress the virus. This form of treatment with drugs reduces the severity and frequency of outbreaks but does not eliminate it from the body. This course of treatment can take six weeks or more and does very little for the patient. The pain associated with shingles can continue long after the initial outbreak.
Some doctors prescribe steroids or itch-relieving creams that contain steroids. Recent studies question the effectiveness of steroids in relieving shingles and suggest avoiding any treatment with steroids. Monitoring by your doctor is recommended, if steroids have been prescribed. It is best to find alternative treatments with your doctor and to seek out natural remedies.
The virus herpes zoster causes shingles and is the same virus that causes chicken pox. Shingles is an infection of the central nervous system and may affect the elderly, those with a compromised immune system, anyone under severe stress or those who have been exposed to the chickenpox virus again. Symptoms may include burning, itching, or pain in one part of the body. A few days later, blisters and a rash appear. The infection may run along a nerve path and look like a branch of a tree. Shingles usually appear on the trunk area and the chest but can also be found on the face. Shingles can cause blindness if it affects the eyes. If an outbreak occurs on the face the patient should get immediate medical care.
Natural Remedies For Shingles
A good starting point for treating shingles is a diet full of fresh fruits and vegetables. A good diet and reducing daily stress will help boost your immune system
A simple remedy for lesions is to apply a cool or cold wet washcloth or towel to the affected area. A wet towel can be put into the freezer for a while after wetting it to make it colder.
Eliminate sugar from your diet and add these important nutrients to your daily diet – vitamin E, vitamin B12 and vitamin C.
* Vitamin C is suggested with an initial diagnosis of shingles. You may start with 1,000 mg. (+)
* Vitamin E taken daily before meals may reduce the pain of shingles (Study published in the Archives of Dermatology) (+)
* Vitamin B12 injections may reduce the pain of shingles (Study published in the Journal Geriatrics) (+)
(+) It is recommended that you consult with your doctor before starting any vitamin program.
* E capsules can be squeezed directly onto lesions.
* Avoid heat as well as tight clothes and itchy fabrics like wool.
* Calamine lotion may relieve the pain and help dry the lesions.
Shingles is a serious illness and before starting any treatment program you should consult with your doctor. Shingles is the same virus as chicken pox. You cannot catch shingles from someone else unless you’ve never had chicken pox. If you have shingles you should use caution being around pregnant women who have not had chicken pox – you could infect both the woman and her unborn baby.
Copyright 2005 Wayne McDonald
Dec/110
Physical Therapy Websites
Physical therapy websites are developed with the key intention to serve the physical therapy community and keep consumers and healthcare professionals connected to the physical therapy community. These sites are designed to provide useful and practical information for the awareness and advancements in this field. Overall, these websites provide useful links, general information, promotional information and exercises.
A number of informative articles are available on physical therapy websites, covering a wide range of related topics such as pediatrics, acute rehab, neurology, cardiopulmonary, sports and orthopedics, geriatrics, inpatient care, and hydrotherapy. Mostly, these article sites are the best resources for research information and practice.
Most of the websites offer physical therapy services and a catalog of physical therapy equipment used. The information specified on these sites help you to find the best service and equipment providers. As marketing is the key role of such sites, the well-written content in these sites
o Increase target traffic
o Increase sales and leads
Certain interactive websites are available on the Internet that teach and advise patients/professionals about the common musculoskeletal disorders and corresponding treatments. These physical therapy web sites contain information regarding psychological, emotional, physical and social well being, which is useful for people who experience a great deal of pain after surgery. There are general wellness websites with updated information for both new and current patients to develop, restore and maintain maximum movement and functional ability.
Accredited and non-accredited learning programs are cited in various physical therapy sites. These sites are useful for students interested in this field. Browsing through the website, you can obtain information regarding the various physical and therapeutic modalities. Besides this, there are numerous job websites with career information and job postings, which help jobseekers and employers get the best professional solutions.
Having effective and unique physical therapy websites will help therapists to establish their unique online identity and gain massive exposure as experts in their field. The general information provided on a standard site is useful for dancers, athletes, patients, lecturers and more.