restorARTively

Just in case you didn't hear yet - there is no such thing as the United Nations International Health Organization. I received an email forward from a dear friend who really means well. Unfortunately, there are many hoaxes and scare tactics being used to influence good hearted people that might just be too busy taking care of everyone else. This email is one of them. And there is no such article ever printed or considered for print by the Investor's Business Daily. Google it and you will find several references to this BOGUS article. The email forwards subject line is usually something to the effect: "Your Christmas Present from the Govt that you Never Asked for." The only people getting a Christmas present from the Senate & House bills are the insurance companies. Here are some current and interesting pieces on the health care issue: Statistically speaking this IS accurate: A Global Health care Snapshot from WSJ http://www.marketwatch.com/health-care/reform/snapsh...

There has been a lot of direction from health care providers to patients in the past ten years since the release of the infamous Institute of Medicine report. I thought perhaps the providers and physicians could use some simple suggestions and requests from the patients to encourage safe care. What do you suggest for changes, deletions and additions? #1. Speak up! The most well-known and respected health care safety organizations ( AHRQ , IHI , TJC , NPSF , NQF , CAPS, WHO Alliance for Patient Safety) all agree that communication is the key element in successful outcomes. As a health care provider you are a key participant in the treatment team. If you see or hear that care being provided to a patient falls below the current standards, is at risk, risky, or questionable your willingness to speak up may have a direct impact on the outcome of care. #2. Maintain Accurate Medication & Treatment Records! As a health care provider, you must take responsibility for drafting and maintainin...

A recently documentary being aired on PBS stations called "As We Forgive" highlights the struggles of the people who survived that country's genocide. Beyond the idea that forgiveness can be present in a land where so much unnecessary death and evil occurred , Rwanda is unique for putting the people that committed genocide living within the communities of the victims' families. The concept of forgiveness in this scenario is not as intriguing as much as the space allowed for people to speak, listen, and try to understand someone else. Instead of isolation people in conflict are finding space within their hearts for the possibility of a peaceful mutual survival. The best endings are the ones least expected and hard won. This is probably why I keep trying to create space for providers and patients to discuss, listen, learn, understand the other's perception and experience. In an age where legislators are finally starting to "get it" and demanding through l...

My Wall written by Grace M. (6th grade) Little brothers, I have two of these, But only one is here with me. Seven years have passed without him, He died around October eleventh. That has been my biggest wall since then, Feeling sad and confused was the newest trend. No one knew how to handle this, We don’t really know him but he is missed. The wall that his doctors had built for us, Is now slowly but surely turning to dust. We’re conquering the challenge, seizing the day, The wall that was built is not here to stay. ~ Thanks Grace. Your courage to share this poem is appreciated as the first guest blogger on RHC blog. It is not always the powerful in health care that can leave the most impact - it is often the most unempowered that are most impacted and leave the most beneficial impact as well.