Patients legally using medical marijuana (cannabis) at home may be stunned if they are admitted to a hospital because many hospitals may prohibit them from using it.
In the United States, medical marijuana is legal in 31 states, and research shows that medical marijuana can effectively treat pain — but patients beware. The issue of medical marijuana is a complicated one, and patients may be precluded from …
The thorny side of medical marijuana
Let’s face it, “wellness” isn’t going to go away despite some of the backlash.
In my opinion, wellness is at the intersection of science, medicine, and health.
Simply, wellness means health and happiness. No matter where you are on your health journey, you can achieve your wellness goals which can help you live a healthier life. Wellness rituals that focus on prevention and self-care can do the body, mind, and …
Is wellness getting a bad rap?
I wish Dr. Nancy Snyderman the best of health. I’m happy that she remains free from the deadly Ebola virus, and hopefully it will stay that way.
It must have been extremely difficult for her to be under quarantine, especially since she was feeling healthy. It’s simple: When you feel good, you want to be active. In Dr. Snyderman’s case, she …
Nancy Snyderman shows indifference for her role as a medical communicator
While Hurricane Sandy’s fury wreaked havoc on the Northeast and caused massive destruction, one thing is for sure: Sandy’s wrath is no match for nurses’ strength.
Nurses’ role in the media is often overlooked because it often focuses on the heroic activities of the doctors. Health care isn’t a competition between nurses and doctors. Doctors and nurses are colleagues. Health …
Sandy’s wrath is no match for nurses’ strength
Do you feel connected with your doctor or other health care providers? Do you partner with your providers? How important is patient engagement to you? What words do you use to define patient engagement? Do you consider yourself an empowered patient or health care consumer?
What is patient engagement?
Here is how I define patient engagement.
Patient engagement is a connection between patient, caregiver and health care provider. An empathetic and trusted relationship …
How I define patient engagement
How do companies curb health care costs?
Do healthier employees lead to increased productivity? Several progressive companies believe so and have committed to providing employees with programs to help engage them in a healthier lifestyle.
As part of the incentives to lead a healthier lifestyle some employers have instituted a penalty and reward system tied to the companies’ benefits. For example, smokers may incur a significant surcharge to the cost of their …
How companies try to curb health care costs
In a recent Harvard Business Review Blog, David Armano writes about the six pillars of influence that leads to measurably favorable outcomes.
To achieve measurably better health, the pillars Armano explains can certainly be adopted.
He notes how the “social web can amplify signals, influence behavior and lead to action.”
Social networking has changed the landscape in health care. Technology has paved the way for instant communication and feedback.
While some …
Social networking has changed the landscape in health care
The conundrum continued behind conference doors at the American Telemedicine Association (ATA) conference in Tampa about the efficacy of mobile phone usage to improve patient health.
Lively discussions followed about the ROI for chronic disease management through mobile health and outcomes for remote patient monitoring focusing on whether telemedicine is excluded from meaningful use and reasons why telehealth should be a key component in Accountable Care Organizations (ACO).
As the debate …
Chronic disease management through mobile health
American Heart Month may be officially over, but don’t let the lack of media attention fool you into thinking heart disease isn’t a critical issue.
We still need to be mindful of the fact that heart disease is the number one killer of women.
There are simple lifestyle choices you can make to help prevent you from heart disease.
I hope after reading this post you don’t just move on, but I hope …
Tips to prevent heart disease in women
Doctors and nurses are leaders in health care. Being a great leader means having a clear vision, mission or goal. It means being committed, and knowing how to listen and communicate, but it involves much more. It’s about having heart, empathy, and an uplifting spirit.
I value and respect a well written post by Thomas Goetz, author of The Decision Tree: Taking Control of Your Health in the New Era of …
Deeply connect and engage your patients with empathy
A patient apologized to me for asking so many questions. There is no need to apologize, I said to the patient; it’s wonderful that you have so many questions concerning your health care. I mentioned to her that she is an “empowered and engaged patient,” and that is a good thing.
It’s no secret that health consumers are turning to the internet for health information.
In a recent article from MediaPost News, …
Social media starts the patient dialogue with doctors and nurses
Get free updates delivered free to your inbox.
