Family caregivers are the unsung heroes of the healthcare system. Studies show that about 44 million Americans provide 37 billion hours of unpaid, “informal” care each year for adult family members and friends with chronic illnesses or conditions that...
This week I had a good experience while visiting a hematologist with a patient. Here is the story. Mary is a 94-year-old female who was in excellent health until she expeiened a Myocardial Infarction a few months ago. Recently, she has been having trouble maintaining...
One of the most important things I learned to do as a nurse, case manager, and a patient advocate leader was to understand the importance of networking. I think networking came naturally to me as I am a curious person by nature. I recall as a little girl talking to...
Recently, I went to a doctor’s appointment with a friend. She was seeing a pulmonologist for a lesion on her right lung. She had already had a mass removed from her right lung 2 years ago, so when this new lesion came up, she was scared and wanted someone with...
A few weeks ago, I recorded a vlog titled: Becoming Your Best Advocate. The recording gave tips that people could use to navigate the complex world of healthcare. In this post, I wanted to share another tip that can help improve communication, allow you to understand...
Today we hear a lot of talk in the news on the need for transparency in healthcare. Hospitals, physicians, and other providers are being required to post hat their prices for the services they provide. The US healthcare system is the only provider of services where...
Over the past few weeks, I have been helping a few friends navigate the healthcare system as they have had challenges that left them confused, frustrated and worried. As I look back on each situation, I realize the missing link in each situation was effective...
There are a few events that people live through and remember where they were and what they were doing years after an event. September 11th is one of those events. It seems unbelievable that on September 11, 2019, we will mark 18 years since that terrible day when the...
Vacations are special times as we get to break away from our usual routine and take time to relax, enjoy family, friends, and if we are lucky, visit some unique places. That is what I did over the past two weeks on my Summer Break. In my last post, I asked readers...
I am taking a short break from social media for the next two weeks! See you in September. I always like this summer oldie. Do you remember it? check it out on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iu-7DXBiVsA. What is your favorite Summer Song! Share in the comment...
A mentor once told me if you have a complaint share it but come to the table with a recommendation on how you would solve the problem. If you go to a restaurant and don’t have a good experience, most people ask to talk to a manger to share their frustration and...
Recently, I spoke at an Amputee Support Group meeting, where I shared tips on How to Be Your Own Best Advocate. I have given this talk several times, and each time the audience expresses surprise that they have such an essential role in their health and healthcare....
August 1st marks the start of the August recess for the House of Representatives and the U.S.Senate. It is YOUR chance to visit YOUR Member of Congress when they are in their home offices. Many will do town hall meetings and other events to take YOUR temperature and...
Volunteerism is a way we can all give back to our communities. Last week, a group I belong to, Quota International of Plantation FL, participated in two service projects in our community. Doing hands-on projects is a goal of our organization sets as it allows us to...
With temperatures in the triple digits across most of the country, staying cool and hydrated is a priority. So to help you stay relaxed during this heatwave, I wanted to share my 2019 Summer Reading List in this weeks post so you can choose a book and just relax. The...
On Sunday, the priest who said the mass I attended reminded us to be kind. He quoted the song; “We are the World” that was written by Michael Jackson and Lionel Richie and sung by 37 artists in 1985 to raise money for the famine in Africa. Take a minute to...
Believe it or not, we are halfway through 2019. I thought I would use this post to take time to see where we are in achieving the goals we set on January 1st. Have you worked to meet your goals? Have you abandoned them? Do you think about them, but don’t take...
My Summer Reading List is an annual post that I put together through the contributions of family, friends, and colleagues. I started doing my Summer Reading List in 2016 and have continued it to the present as so many people look forward to it. Feel free to click on...
