Antoinette's Page

Vol. 4, No. 7, Monday, May 13th 2013

TITLE: “POST PARTUM DEPRESSION: Symptoms,  treatment, screening, scale, guidelines, support, onset – I need to speak out!*”

INTRODUCTION

Since we just celebrated Mother’s Day and motherhood is on my mind, I thought that I would consider the important subject of Post Partum Depression.  Therefore, my book of the week is “Beyond the Blues: A Guide to Understanding and Treating Prenatal and Post Partum Depression” [Paperback] by Shoshana S., Ph.D. Bennett (Author), Pec Indman (Author) (Editor’s Note: This is another post in a continuing series on women’s issues.)

ANTOINETTE’S LIFE & TIMES*

My View: After giving birth, a mother’s body has gone through a traumatic experience. This is a time when a mother should be excited about a new born baby. But this period is very hard on her. Unfortunately, there is little time to enjoy this experience – she’s busy breast feeding around the clock and she gets limited hours of sleep. Post Partum Depression just adds to the stress. A feeling of being out of control and isolation takes over.

This is one of the common forms of depression for women In certain situations, it  can affect the mother and child bonding. Post Partum Depression should be addressed quickly. In many instances, it gets cured on its own.

My Mother: My Mom gave birth to my brother eleven months after giving birth to me.  Although she spoke about this when the subject came up, she never complained how difficult it must have been.

Motherhood: My first pregnancy was a very difficult experience as I was having fraternal twins.  Unfortunately the second twin had complications and died.  Not only did I have Post Partum Depression, but I was also grieving the death of my second twin. It took me over a year before I started to feel myself again.

Real life story: I remember hearing a story about a gentleman. After the birth of their son, his wife began suffering from Post Partum Depression. One day, he got an urgent call informing him that his wife had jumped off the balcony to her death.  It was so sad!

Next generation mothers: After my daughter gave birth to her children, she was exhausted in the first few months, but stuck to a schedule and this seemed to help her.

THE AUTHOR: Shoshana S., Ph.D. Bennett (Author), Pec Indman (Author) 

Shoshana Bennett, Ph.D. (“Dr. Shosh”) from the popular DrShosh.com Radio Show has  earned three teaching credentials, two masters degrees, a Ph.D. and is licensed as a clinical psychologist. She is a pioneer in the field. Surviving two life-threatening, undiagnosed Post Partum Depressions, she founded Post Partum Assistance for Mothers in 1987. She is a former president of Post Partum Support International.

She has helped over 19,000 women worldwide through individual consultations, support groups and wellness seminars. As a noted guest lecturer and keynote speaker, Dr. Shosh travels throughout the US and abroad, training medical and mental health professionals to assess and treat Post Partum Depression and related mood and anxiety disorder.

She is the author of Pregnant on Prozac, Postpartum Depression For Dummies, and co-author of Beyond the Blues: Understanding and Treating Prenatal and Postpartum Depression & Anxiety. National TV shows including “20/20” and “The Doctors” feature Dr. Shosh as the postpartum expert and news stations consult her.

Dr. Shosh has been featured in the San Francisco Chronicle and the San Jose Mercury News. She is interviewed regularly on national radio and has been quoted in dozens of newspapers and magazines such as The Wall Street Journal, WebMD, Boston Globe, Fit Pregnancy, Glamour, Parenting, Psychology Today, New York Post, Self, Cosmopolitan, and the Chicago Tribune.

SERIES/COLLECTION

Books/Articles:

Several are:

Beyond the Blues: A Guide to Understanding and Treating Prenatal and Postpartum Depression by Shoshana S., Ph.D. Bennett and Pec Indman (Jul 2003)

Beyond the Blues: Prenatal and Postpartum Depression, a Treatment Manual by Shoshana S., Ph.D. Bennett (Feb 2002)

THE BOOK: Beyond the Blues: A Guide to Understanding and Treating Prenatal and Postpartum Depression [Paperback] by Shoshana S., Ph.D. Bennett (Author), Pec Indman (Author) 

Beyond the Blues contains the most up-to-date information about risk factors, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of mood disorders in pregnancy and postpartum. Straightforward yet compassionate, it is required reading for all who work with pregnant and post partum women, as well as for those suffering before or after the baby is born.

CONCLUSION

Post Partum Depression is a very serious issue. Both the mother and her child are at risk. Please listen up!

Personal Comments

I say:

• That Post Partum Depression occurs more often than usually thought;
• That with time, this condition usually will pass;
• That greater understanding of this condition will bring comfort to all mothers;
• That while women are generally more aware of Post Partum Depression , there are those still in the dark about this condition;
• That after giving birth, a mother needs to be healthy mentally and physically, since caring for a baby can be very demanding on her;
• That there now is medical assistance and medication available for Post Partum Depression; and
• That having a supportive husband does make a difference!

The Point

Women everywhere, young and old, need to become informed and get up to date information about Post Partum Depression and care … before it’s too late!

ANTOINETTE’S TIP SHEET*

1. Be aware that Post Partum Depression could happen after a pregnancy
2. Recognize the signs of Post Partum Depression – several are:

• Loss of appetite
• Extreme fatigue
• No joy
• Sadness
• Anger
• Mood swings
• Thoughts of harming your baby or yourself
• Keeping to yourself and keeping away from everyone

3.     Be proactive and

• Set aside time for yourself each day, even if it’s only 30 minutes
• Pamper yourself for a few hours – get a pedicure, a manicure, a facial, etc.
• Accept help, if offered, by a family member
• Do physical activities such as aerobic exercises, yoga, pilates or a stretching regimen every day
• Have a schedule for the bab
• Make sure you’re bonding with the baby

4.  Explain how you’re feeling to your husband and ask for his help- it’s important for him to know what you’re feeling – that’s the first step to his becoming supportive.

5.  Talk about your symptoms with family and friends

6.  Seek assistance, if feeling overwhelmed, especially if the symptoms persists.

Let’s talk…about Post Partum Depression! This post is my contribution to the conversation. I would appreciate hearing what you think and have to say!

And that’s my thought of the week on books, what’s yours?*
Take it out for a spin and tell me if you agree.
ALP
“Books are life; and they make life better!*”

PREVIEW: (tentatively scheduled for May 20th 2013): Post Partum Depression Volume II. I’m not all talked out. I have even more great information. Come by and become even more informed. (Editor’s Note: This is another post in a continuing series on women’s issues.)

P.S. Big News: There are even more changes coming to my blog – Please stay tuned.

P.P.S. #1 I have a TWITTER page. Consider becoming a follower? Visit www.twitter.com –   saveandread
P.P.S. #2 I also have a FACEBOOK page. Consider becoming a friend? Visit: www.facebook.com – Alp Save Andread – please check it out.
P.P.S. #3 I am on Linkedin. Consider becoming a connection? Visit  www.linkedin.com – Antoinette La Posta

CREDITS

-Web Tech:  richmediasound.com

The above is a new media production of Valente under its “United Author*” program.
*TM/© 2013 Practitioners’ Press Inc. – All Rights Reserved.
===============================================================

PAGE 2

NEED SOMETHING FURTHER? TRY SAVE AND READ* (S&R*) .

ONE – “I SHOULD HAVE SAID THAT!*” – QUOTES

S & R* QUOTE #1: Antoinette La Posta

” It’s important to make mothers and expectant mothers aware of the problem of Post Partum Depression.”

TWO – “IT WORDS FOR ME!*”
For today, my word/phrase(s) are: “postpartum Depression”;

“Postpartum Depression (PPD), also called postnatal Depression, is a type of clinical Depression which can affect women, and less frequently men, typically after childbirth.”(Source: Wikipedia the free encyclopedia) –http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Postpartum_Depression

THREE– STUDY/STATISTICS:

“Age at first birth and the educational attainment of new mothers have changed over time. Data from the National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS) show that the mean (average) age at first birth increased 3.6 years from 1970 to 2007, from 21.4 to 25.0 years.7 The percentage of first births that were to women aged 35 and over increased nearly eight times between 1970 and 2006, from 1 percent to 8 percent. At the same time, the percentage of first births that were to women under 20 years of age dropped from 36 percent to 21 percent. Although not available by birth order, educational attainment among all mothers has also increased since 1970. In 2007, 24 percent of mothers had completed a bachelor’s degree or more, compared with 9 percent in 1970.”

(Source:  http://www.census.gov/prod/2011pubs/p70-128.pdf)

“Symptoms of PPD can occur anytime in the first year postpartum.^[6] These include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Sadness^[6]
• Hopelessness^[6]
• Low self-esteem^[6]
• Feeling less loved by partner
• Guilt^[6]
• A feeling of being overwhelmed
• Sleep and eating disturbances^[6]
• Inability to be comforted^[6]
• Exhaustion^[6]
• Emptiness^[6]
• Anhedonia^[6]
• Social withdrawal^[6]
• Low or no energy^[6]
• Becoming easily frustrated^[6]
• Feeling inadequate in taking care of the baby^[6]
• Impaired speech and writing
• Spells of anger towards others
• Increased anxiety or panic attacks
• Decreased sex drive – see Sex after pregnancy“

Attachment study

“A study by Edhborg on mother-child attachment looked at 45 randomly selected mother-child pairs. These pairs were chosen using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale^[27] (EPDS) form, measuring postpartum Depression in the community. 326 women returned the form and of the 326, 24 scoring above twelve were recruited and 21 women scoring less than nine were recruited. A score above twelve is considered “potentially depressed” and a score of less than nine is considered to have no form of Depression. The 45 mother-child pairs were videotaped, in their homes, for five minutes in three different situations. Mother and child were first put in a room with a standard set of toys, to represent a control play. In the second situation, mother and child were allowed to play freely in an average toy room. In the third situation, the mother was asked to leave the room as if she had to check on something, like she would regularly do in their home environment, and then return.” (Source: Wikipedia the free encyclopedia)   http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Postpartum_Depression)

FOUR – BONUS ARTICLES

S & R*NEWS ALERT*#1: Talking saves lives for those with eating disorders

“Public announcements regarding the numbers of people suffering from debilitating Depression, anxiety, phobias and so on seem to be on the increase. According to the Canadian Mental Health Association (www.cmha.ca), one in five Canadians will experience a mental illness, with one in 12 experiencing an anxiety disorder. One might begin to question the research on which these astonishing numbers are based.

The explanation is simple, suggests Suzanne Phillips, program co-ordinator of the National Eating Disorder Information Centre (www.nedic.ca). NEDIC oversees the national hotline that is often the first port of call for those concerned about having an eating disorder the mental disorder cited by experts as having the highest mortality rate at 18 – 20%.

The stigma of mental health challenges is finally being addressed, she says. There is greater awareness among educators, health practitioners and parents. Individuals are more likely to self-identify their condition. Better screening, identification and treatment options have led to help for more individuals with these troubles.

Talking saves lives, says Jenni Morrow, unconsciously mimicking the slogan on a NEDIC poster that encourages individuals to break the silence around their eating problems. After a suicide attempt (which is common among individuals with eating disorders) Morrow’s 33-year-old daughter, Kaelie, admitted her mental anguish and her struggles to cope through focusing on controlling her food and weight to her mom. Now in treatment, Kaelie confirms that reaching out for help takes courage.

It’s still not easy to step up and say that you have a problem, especially an eating disorder, Morrow points out. Research shows that a high percentage of both the general public and health practitioners still see this as a self-inflicted problem that the individual can ‘just get over’.

But it’s worth it, she concludes, as not getting the treatment that one needs can lead to serious physical and emotional problems, all of which impact school, work and relationships.” www.newscanada.com

S & R*NEWS ALERT*#2: What you need to know about Alzheimer’s disease and dementia

“Who hasn’t joked about misplaced keys or a forgotten word being the onset of Alzheimer’s disease? Don’t kid yourself. Alzheimer’s disease is a serious condition that will affect 1.4 million Canadians within the next 20 years, more than double today’s figure.

Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia. The term dementia generally refers to a group of brain disorders that are progressive and degenerative – and eventually fatal. It interferes with a person’s ability to remember, think and process information.

The disease progresses differently in each person but will gradually make it increasingly difficult for a person to care for themselves and perform tasks or activities previously taken for granted.

Dementia is not a normal part of aging. It can affect people as young as 40, but the risk doubles every five years after age 65.

Some forms of dementia can be treated, even reversed. These forms result from medical conditions such as an infection or the side-effects of medication. But most types, including Alzheimer’s disease, are still incurable.

A diagnosis doesn’t mean a person has to change their daily routine or stop working immediately. But diagnosis is essential for getting the right treatment and support which will help people live more fully longer and will allow families to plan for future needs.

More information is available online at www.alzheimer.ca

SIDEBAR

Top 10 signs of dementia

According to a 2011 Alzheimer Society poll, 50 per cent of Canadian baby boomers identified memory loss as the only sign of Alzheimer’s disease, while a quarter couldn’t name any sign. Do you know the symptoms? Changes in behaviour and personality can also indicate the beginnings of the disease. Recognizing these signs is important for getting a diagnosis and to make the most of the available support and treatments:

·        Memory loss – forgetting recent events or difficulty retaining new information

·        Difficulty performing familiar tasks – preparing a meal or shopping

·        Language problems – finding the right words or using inappropriate words

·        Disorientation – getting lost on the way to work or being confused about the time of day

·        Poor or decreased judgment – neglecting personal hygiene or safety

·        Problems with abstract thinking – difficulty balancing a cheque book or not understanding what the numbers mean

·        Misplacing things – putting things in odd places like storing an iron in the fridge

·        Behavioural changes – sharp mood swings, from calm to tears to Depression that are hard to explain

·        Personality changes – becoming unusually withdrawn, suspicious or anxious

·        Loss of initiative – withdrawing from friends and family and losing interest in activities

If you’re concerned about dementia for yourself or someone you care about, there are many people who can help you, including your family and friends and community resources. Your local Alzheimer Society offers free counseling and many other services to help you live well with dementia now and throughout its progression. More information is available online at www.alzheimer.ca “www.newscanada.com

*TM/© 2013 Practitioners’ Press Inc. – All Rights Reserved.

Vol. 3, No.19, Monday, August 20, 2012

TITLE: “HEALTH (MEDICAL) CARE & INSURANCE: I want you and I to make it better!*”

INTRODUCTION

In my home province, Quebec, Canada, we are currently having a general election. Health (medical) care & insurance is a major topic. In the United States, Medicare is a key issue in the U.S. presidential election now in full swing. I am not sure whether it’s what the doctor ordered, but I have SOMETHING to say on the subject. Here it is

Politicians have a lot to say about health (medical) care & insurance … with good reason – it plays such a crucial part in our lives.  And everyone is concerned about it. If we have a system, people ask if it will collapse in the next years when Baby Boomers are really going to need it especially in their declining years. In Quebec, while our system has many good points, we have complaints.  In the U.S., some of the buzz words are: “controlling spending” and “providing a safety net.” There are commercials shouting the differences between the main parties. When it comes to health care, Romney and Ryan want to cut from the system, 700 billion – yes, that’s right … with a “B” … that’s a lot of money … I think that it’s more than many many million times what I spend weekly at the grocery store.  If I understood correctly,Republicans want to take it and keep it in Medicare to fund it longer and differently. On the other hand, Obama and Bidon also want to cut 700 billion, but shift it to ‘ObamaCare’.

I therefore can’t help, but think about health care.  Hence, my subject is the health insurance system. My book of the week is “Making Medicare: New Perspectives on the History of Medicare in Canada” [Paperback] by Gregory Marchildon (Author).  (Editor’s Note: This is a part of a continuing series on health.)

 ANTOINETTE’S LIFE & TIMES*

My Health: In Quebec, Canada, we have a universal public health insurance system. It’s good, but it could be better…, a lot better. There are many issues. Wait times is a huge problem. Also, while I have a General Practitioner (GP) – it’s not easy to find a family doctor as many exceed their cap and therefore will not take anymore patients.  In addition, it’s difficult to get many tests without cost. A friend had to pay $1000+- for an MRI.   Finally, funding for health care is a biggie! People are concerned that it won’t last as we Baby Boomers age.   

My Mother’s health: My experience with my mother was a real eye-opener!

Hospital: Last January 2010, my mother became very ill and she spent most of the year in a hospital.  The medical and nursing care that she received was excellent … all professional and dedicated.   Not only was she given every test possible to determine her health issues, but she was kept in the hospital until it was safe to discharge her. This is the positive part!

Home care: Our local community health service centre followed up, visiting weekly. (This was at NO cost except for some home care medical equipment.) This service was to check into mother’s medical condition, ensuring that she was properly cared for and looking for signs of abuse.  One day, I received a call from the nurse who had my mother’s case.  He asked questions about the bruises she had on her arms and chest.  Needless to say, I was there instantly to verify how my mother was doing and if she was being properly looked after.  At first, I imagined the worse, but soon it came to mind that she had fallen during the weekend.  I also remembered that I got a call about it when it happened. So much for the good news. 

Emergency: When my mother needed to go to the hospital, we did not want to call 9-1-1 and ask for an ambulance. Instead, we first drove her in our own car. Big mistake!!!! Since at triage, it was determined that she wasn’t going to die in the next ten minutes, we waited and waited. One time, we waited about SEVEN hours and finally gave up, leaving without care being administered. The long hours in an emergency at a hospital for my mother were very irritating.  It seemed that the only way to get around this was to call an ambulance.  Then once at the hospital, she would be brought from the back directly to the care station area and then reasonably quick into the patient care cubicles, this without having to pass the waiting room lounge!

Family Doctor:  I was unhappy with the GP that my Mom had. I thought that his treatment was weak and in part, her poor condition was his fault. Finding a new GP for my mother was very difficult.  I called every clinic that I could find within ½ hour drive, but to no avail.  Finally, I found a doctor who was taking new patients.  It was winter and I waited in line for one hour outside the clinic in freezing cold temperatures – my mother waited in the car.  When we were admitted, there was at least 3-4 hours wait before we were seen by the doctor.  By the way, there was a staircase to the basement, which was so hard for Mom to use. I have always said that doctors should make house-calls for seniors who are housebound. 

Prescriptions: Almost all seniors in Canada have some form of public or private sector drug coverage plans.  The cost of prescriptions is covered. There is an amount allowed per month.  Although this helps but due to the high cost, some seniors, needing on-going medication, do without. How sad is that?  

THE AUTHOR:  Gregory Marchildon  

 Gregory P. Marchildon thinks about health systems – he sees them in continuous change. He is a professor in the Johnson-Shoyama School of Public Policy at the University of Regina. He is also Canada Research Chair in Public Policy and Economic History

He was recognized with major awards and honors: (a) Institute of Public Administration of Canada Lieutenant Governor’s Gold Medal, 2006; (b) Distinguished Alumni Award (Professional/Business), University of Regina, 2003; (c) Saskatchewan Book Award for Scholarly Writing, 2002.  Indeed, he wrote the book: Health Systems in Transition. When this guy speaks … we should listen.

SERIES/COLLECTION

Books/Articles:

Several are:

• 2009 – Immigration Settlement 1870-1939 [History of the Prairie West Series] (Hardcover)
• 2008 – The Early Northwest [History of the Prairie West Series] (Hardcover)
• 2006 – Health Care Systems in Transition Canada [European Observatory on Health Systems and Policies] (Paperback)
• 1996 – Profits and Politics Beaverbrook and the Gilded Aage of Canadian Finance (Hardcover)
• 1992 – Canadian Multinationals and International Finance [Business History] (Hardcover)

 THE BOOK:  Making Medicare: New Perspectives on the History of Medicare in Canada [Paperback] by Gregory Marchildon (Author)

Medicare in Canada was a very hard fight. It was and is a huge accomplishment. It still is a big deal! Tommy Douglas, Premier of Saskatchewan initiated the Canadian health care system – he thought that it was the right thing to do. The federal government decided to implement the Saskatchewan health care model, from Newfoundland through to British Columbia.  In this book, there are  numerous essays by key individuals who implemented Medicare and the Royal commission on Health Services.

CONCLUSION

HEALTH (MEDICAL) CARE & INSURANCE (we call it Medicare) is still our most popular program … it’s an essential need for every citizen in our country. Health care is VERY important!

Personal Comments

I say:

1.      That I’ve always considered myself fortunate to live in a country where everyone is covered by a medical insurance program.  No matter what the income, employment status, age or state of health, if you meet residency requirements, you have access to health care. I believe that no Canadian resident has been turned away from our hospital doors due to lack of money.

2.      That while it may seem to many that our health care is free, they’re wrong…VERY WRONG. It costs a lot. We pay taxes …. I think the taxes in Quebec are the highest in North America. There are also many services that are non-insured – therefore, these are out-of-pocket payments.

3.      That although I complain about our health care system and there has been a lot of talk about its flaws and needing improvement, I do realize that overall, we have a good one.

4.      That the emergency room is a big problem as patients must wait and wait. And when they are treated, and as there is insuffient patient cubicles, patients on gurneys are in the hall ways and even the waiting room. Now how sick is that?  I cannot stomach when a senior person in pain is left unattended in a hospital for long periods of time – we must fix this!

5.      That Canada’s Medicare is transportable. If we are travelling anywhere in Canada, we are also covered for necessary medical care.

6.      That in the future, I foresee:

6.1  That there will be more and more out-of-pocket payment for treatments that will no longer be covered by the government health insurance. 

6.2  That people, who can’t afford to have the treatments, will probably do without. 

6.3  That seniors will be affected the most. 

7.  That every citizen in need should have access to medical assistance. 

8.  That doctors and nurses should not be overworked. 

The Point

When it comes to heath care, we must do much better and fast! It is true that more information is required on the development and implementation of Medicare. However, we all must tell the politicians to cut ot the ‘blah blah’ and make REAL improvements NOW!

ANTOINETTE’S TIP SHEET*

Here are my pros and cons to the Quebec version of HEALTH (MEDICAL) CARE & INSURANCE:

Pros: 

• No hospital bills or doctor bills
• Everyone has access to Medicare
• Doctors do not recommend unnecessary surgeries
• Free home nurses for the elderly and chronically ill
• Free mammograms, colonoscopy, etc.
• Free ambulance transportation for the elderly

Cons:

• Long waiting periods for elective procedure
• Must get a referral from a family doctor to see a specialist
• Basic hospital rooms
• Shortage of doctors and nurses
• Doctors are allowed to opt out of Medicare
• VERY HIGH TAXES

I don’t know whether this post is what the doctor ordered, but I hope that it will make the medicine go down easier! Oh by the way … before I leave, since I gave you an appointment to come today and you came, now I can assure you there won’t be a charge … You thought that I was just kidding … well you’ll never know!

And that’s my thought of the week on books, what’s yours?*
Take it out for a spin and tell me if you agree.
ALP
“Books are life; and they make life better!*”

PREVIEW (now, tentatively Monday, August 27th 2012): With Labour Day next week, I thought that it would be interesting to look into the history of this holiday- it is celebrated in many parts of the world. Of course, I will share some of my feelings about this day, more or less,  as a season changer and a time to getting down to work. I would like you to come by. Don’t worry…it will not be too serious and dry. We’ll relax and get into the easy-going mood for Labour Day.  (Editor’s Note: This is another post in a continuing series on holidays and special dates.)

PREVIEW (now, tentatively Monday, September 17th 2012): I will return to the romance theme. I am hearing a lot about Fifty Shades of Grey by T.L. James. I say: “Now, that’s a VERY spicy  meat ball!” I want to add my two cents to the discussion. (Editor’s Note: This is another post in a continuing series on dating, relationships and marriage.)

P.S. WOWEE the first big changes have FINALLY come to www.saveandread.com and thus to my blog. Check them out on the home page. I am told that there is much more coming: images, videos, book links and even an on-line  store selling products under my very own brand. I can’t wait! Please stay tuned.

P.P.S. #1 I have a TWITTER page. Consider becoming a follower? Visit www.twitter.com –   saveandread
P.P.S. #2 I also have a FACEBOOK page. Consider becoming a friend? Visit: www.facebook.com – Alp Save Andread – please check it out.
P.P.S. #3 I am on Linkedin. Consider becoming a connection? Visit  www.linkedin.com – Antoinette La Posta

CREDITS

-Web Tech:  richmediasound.com

The above is a new media production of Valente under its “United Author*” program.
*TM/© 2012 Practitioners’ Press Inc. – All Rights Reserved.
===============================================================

PAGE 2

NEED SOMETHING FURTHER? TRY SAVE AND READ* (S&R*) BACKGROUNDER: ANTOINETTE’S 1, 2, 3, 4 & 5

ONE – “I SHOULD HAVE SAID THAT!*” – QUOTES
S & R* QUOTE #1: Albert Einstein

“It’s not that I’m so smart, it’s just that I stay with problems longer.” (Source: Wisdom Quotes) –  http://www.wisdomquotes.com/topics/wisdom/)

S & R* QUOTE #2: Benjamin Franklin

“Early to bed and early to rise, makes a man healthy, wealthy and wise.” (Source: Wisdom Quotes) – http://www.wisdomquotes.com/topics/wisdom/)

S & R* QUOTE #3: Theodore Roosevelt:

“Nine-tenths of wisdom consists in being wise in time.”

(Source: Wisdom Quotes) – http://www.wisdomquotes.com/topics/wisdom/index3.html)

TWO – “IT WORDS FOR ME!*”
For today, my word/phrase(s) are: “health diet”; “health care”; Medicare; etc.

Healthy Diet

“A healthy diet is one that helps maintain or improve general health. It is important for lowering many chronic health risks, such as obesity, heart disease, diabetes, hypertension and cancer.^[1] A healthy diet involves consuming appropriate amounts of all essential nutrients and an adequate amount of water. Nutrients can be obtained from many different foods, so there are numerous diets that may be considered healthy.”

Health Care

“Health care (or healthcare) is the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disease, illness, injury, and other physical and mental impairments in humans. Health care is delivered by practitioners in medicine, chiropractic, dentistry, nursing, pharmacy, allied health, and other care providers. It refers to the work done in providing primary care, secondary care and tertiary care, as well as in public health.”

Medicare

“Medicare (French: assurance-maladie) is the unofficial name for Canada‘s publicly funded universal health insurance system.^[1] The formal terminology for the insurance system is provided by the Canada Health Act and the health insurance legislation of the individual provinces and territories.” (Source: Wikipedia the free encyclopedia) – http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medicare_(Canada))

THREE – STUDY/STATISTICS:

Under the terms of the Canada Health Act, all “insured persons” (basically, legal residents of Canada, including permanent residents) are entitled to receive “insured services” without copayment. Such services are defined as medically necessary services if provided in hospital, or by ‘practitioners’ (usually physicians).^[2] Approximately 70% of Canadian health expenditures come from public sources, with the rest paid privately (both through private insurance, and through out-of-pocket payments). The extent of public financing varies considerably across services. For example, approximately 99% of physician services, and 90% of hospital care, are paid by publicly funded sources, whereas almost all dental care is paid for privately.^[3] Most doctors are self-employed private entities.

The first implementation of public hospital care in Canada came at the provincial level in Saskatchewan in 1946 and in Alberta in 1950, under provincial governments led by the Co-operative Commonwealth Federation and the Social credit party respectively ^[4]. The first implementation of nationalized public health care -at the federal level- came about with the Hospital Insurance and Diagnostic Services act (HIDS), which was passed by the Liberal majority government of Louis St. Laurent in 1957 ^[5], and was adopted by all provinces by 1961. Lester B. Pearson‘s government subsequently expanded this policy to universal health care with the Medical Care Act in 1966.^[6] Some have argued^{[citation needed]} that these developments towards public national health care came as a result of the Saskatchewan government’s health plan in 1961-1962 by Douglas and Woodrow Stanley Lloyd, who became premier of the province when Douglas resigned to become the leader of the new federal New Democratic Party, though the medicare legislation itself was actually drafted (and first proposed to parliament) by Allan MacEachen, a Liberal MP from Cape Breton ^[7]. (Source: Wikipedia the free encyclopedia) – http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medicare_(Canada))

Medicare is a national social insurance program, administered by the U.S. federal government since 1965, that guarantees access to health insurance for Americans ages 65 and older and younger people with disabilities as well as people with end stage renal disease.

In 1965, Congress created Medicare under Title XVIII of the Social Security Act to provide health insurance to people age 65 and older, regardless of income or medical history.

In 1972, Congress expanded Medicare eligibility to younger people who have permanent disabilities and receive Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) payments and those who have end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Congress further expanded Medicare in 2001 to cover younger people with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS, or Lou Gehrig’s disease). Initially Medicare consisted exclusively of Part A, which covers hospital and other inpatient services, and Part B, which covers outpatient care, physician visits, and other “medically necessary services.” Congress then added Medicare Part C (originally called Medicare+Choice, then later changed to Medicare Advantage), which allows enrollees to receive their Medicare benefits through a private plan, under the Balanced Budget Act of 1997, while Medicare Part D was created under the Medicare Modernization Act of 2003. (Source: Wikipedia the free encyclopedia) –http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medicare_(United_States))

FIVE – BONUS ARTICLES

S & R*NEWS ALERT*#1: Cuts to neurologists’ fees could mean longer wait times

“If you are the 1 in approximately 100 Ontarians with epilepsy, you may find yourself waiting longer than ever for essential medical tests thanks to recent cuts to the OHIP fees payable to the province’s neurologists.

In addition to a 10 per cent decrease in technical fees, the government is proposing a 50 per cent reduction in fees for tests it deems self-referrals, which in reality are just tests being done by doctors in their own practices.

The chair of the Ontario Medical Association (OMA) Section of Neurology says that while the Liberal government talks about a commitment to improving the quality of care in Ontario, the new changes being implemented unilaterally suggest the opposite.

If the only timely way to provide care is for a doctor to do the test himself, I don’t see how cutting the fees for a test done in a doctor’s office rather than somewhere else is going to improve care, says Dr. Edwin Klimek.

While the wait time to see a neurologist in Ontario varies, six months is not unheard of. Quite often, doing the test in the specialist’s office speeds things up, and also saves the patient from having to travel to a different clinic, to a hospital, or in smaller communities not getting the test at all.

Neurologists care for patients with a range of illnesses such as Alzheimer’s disease, stroke, headache, Parkinson’s disease, Lou Gehrig’s disease and of course, epilepsy. To diagnose and treat a patient with epilepsy, a neurologist must conduct a 20-minute test called electroencephalography, or EEG, which can identify seizure-prone areas of the brain.

The technical fee reduction claws back the fees for EEGs to the same rate payable in 1992. Dr. Klimek calls this a real bone of contention for his members, who say technical fees have been inadequately funded for years, with many neurologists paying out-of-pocket to purchase the necessary equipment and subsidize lab expenses so their patients get the care they need. He says it’s possible some neurologists simply won’t be able to afford the tests anymore.

A neurologist is already going to break even or lose money on a test, and now they are going to be subject to a further 10 per cent reduction, says Dr. Klimek. Why would they choose to keep providing that test, aside from loyalty to their patients and their technician? Can you really keep providing a service at a loss? At some point you have to say ‘uncle’.

Neurologists are calling for the Premier to rescind the fee cuts to physician services and to resume negotiations with the OMA. They say they are willing to work with the government to find savings in the health system, but never at the expense of patients.

I’m professionally accountable every time I talk to a person. They should expect the best care possible, every time I see them, says Dr. Klimek. Poor outcomes cannot be justified by inadequate infrastructure.”www.newscanada.com

S & R*NEWS ALERT*#2:Surgical assistants says cuts could jeopardize patient safety, access to care

“The doctors who help make surgery safer in this province by acting as an extra pair of hands and eyes for lead surgeons, are deeply concerned recent cuts to OHIP fees unilaterally imposed by the government will jeopardize patient safety and access to care.

Our surgical assistants are alarmed about the impact these changes could have on patients and the care that is provided to them, says Dr. David Esser, Chair of the Section of Surgical Assistants at the Ontario Medical Association (OMA). When a mother is in trouble at 2 a.m. because her baby is in distress, the surgeon needs to have qualified assistants on hand to provide the care that will save both their lives.

The government’s decision to eliminate funding for neural monitoring during surgery on or near the spinal cord is one area surgical assistants believe will seriously impact patient safety and quality of care. This monitoring of critical nerve pathways is done to identify early, any damaging operative technique that the surgeon cannot detect, helping prevent paralysis and other irreversible damage.

Another key issue is the cut in the premiums payable to those who work in the evening and overnight hours: a 20 per cent reduction for the 5 p.m. to midnight shift, and 13.5 per cent for midnight to 7 a.m.

Dr. Esser and his colleagues say the reduction means fewer doctors may sign up to be on call, when patients often need them the most. This could lead to gaps in schedules and a push to do in the daytime, emergencies from the night before, resulting in longer waits for patients needing either emergency or elective surgery.

There is currently a shortage of surgical assistants in the province. A recent survey of 340 Ontario surgeons by the OMA Section of Surgical Assistants showed a high percentage of these surgeons having to either postpone or cancel surgeries after hours, or use unqualified staff to perform emergency surgeries, a situation some of them describe as dangerous.

I believe the majority of surgical assistants will continue to work in spite of the cuts because they care about patients, says Dr. Esser. But the impact of a few who may reduce or stop doing evening and weekend on call may be irreparable.

Dr. Esser says surgical assistants want the government to rescind the cuts and get back to negotiations with the OMA before the changes impact patient access and erode the quality of care in Ontario.” www.newscanada.com

*TM/© 2012 Practitioners’ Press Inc. – All Rights Reserved.

Vol. 2,  No. 34, Sunday, January 15th, 2012
TITLE:   “CHILD OBESITY: It’s on the rise and I have some facts, causes, statistics and also opinions – I want to fix this!*”
INTRODUCTION
 
This week, l will write about obesity in children. It’s a challenge of one family at a time. It’s also a problem, in many countries, of society at large. As a mother and grandmother and someone with lots of cooking experience, I have some opinions. This subject is serious and urgent – I will try to ruffle your feathers and dislodge you from your do-nothing perch. My book of the week is: “Defeating the Child Obesity Epidemic” [Paperback] by Dr. Carolyn Ashworth. (Author). (Editor’s Note: This is part of a continuing series on child rearing and education.)

PREVIEW:   Valentine’s Day is coming  …Valentine’s Day is coming. There are many people looking for love. Next week, l will write about dating sites. For many, they are part of the solution.  (Editor’s Note: This is part of a continuing series on dating and relationships.)

MY LIFE & TIMES*
 
Growing up, I witnessed my mother struggling with her weight.  She tried many diets.  It was a seesaw  …  she lost some weight, then she gained it back.  For her, weight has always been a difficult puzzle. At one point in her life, she gave up trying to lose weight and accepted the fact that she would never be a thin person.  

CONCLUSION

Personal Comments
 

Here are my ABCs of child obesity.

My generation had its problems. The current generation in infancy and childhood has another.  It is a fact that obesity among children is on the rise – it is a veritable epidemic. Going through life with obesity, a child suffers tremendously.  Their self-esteem is low; they have health issues.  Most of them feel they don’t fit in with the rest of the children.  

besity is a tragedy that does NOT have to happen. You can change the future. Are you up to the challenge? I hope so…not only for you, but also for your kids. Please…pay attention…get with the program…    
 
ANTOINETTE’S TIP SHEET*

 

Vol. 2,  No. 33, January 8th, 2012
TITLE: “PHYSICAL WORKOUT: I have a plan, program and schedule – I love the happy endorphins!*”
INTRODUCTION

It’s that time of the year when most people are thinking about getting fit and losing a pound or two. This follows the never-ending eating fest over the holidays. This week, my subject is physical exercise. I will speak about a do-it-yourself project of the gym kind. Thank you for joining us. My book of the week is: “101 Ways to Work Out with Weights: Effective Exercises to Sculpt Your Body and Burn Fat!” [Paperback] by Cindy Whitmarsh (Author), Kerri Walsh (Foreword) . Let’s do it! (Editor’s Note: This is part of a continuing series on health and fitness.) 
 
PREVIEW:   Next week, l will write about obesity in children. It’s a challenge of one family at a time. It’s also a problem, in many countries, of society at large. As a mother and grandmother and someone with lots of cooking experience, I have some opinions. You can access this table talk, starting late next Sunday night. (Editor’s Note: This is part of a continuing series on child rearing and education.)
 
MY LIFE & TIMES*
 
My physical fitness routine has changed through the years.
 
Early phase: As a youth, I was energetic. Physical activity was a big part of my life. As a young woman, I started exercising at home. I bought a stair climber, a weight machine and some free weights.  I aimed for four to five sessions a week, each of ½ hour. 
 
Middle-age: Once I turned 40 years old, I knew that it would be harder to maintain my youthful physique. In order to do so, weight training would become my focus along with cardio. I joined a gym and trained after work. This was very difficult since the gym, in the evenings, is crowded at its full capacity. Further, my energy level was down.  I needed a new routine. 
 
Workplace phase: Luckily, exercise classes were being offered by my employer at lunch time and in the evening. I joined circuit-training and pilates and I chose the noon sessions. The circuit training class was great. A qualified-trainer set up posts. Each person trains 30 seconds at each post and then moves onto the next until the cycle is complete.  We repeated the cycle until out of time. I also had female co-workers with whom I worked out. I loved it. I also felt energized.  
 
Retirement phase:  After I retired, I didn’t exercise for four months. I felt tired, sluggish and generally miserable.  Although I didn’t gain weight, I felt heavy and out of shape.  I started looking around for a good gym.  My better half and I found one close to home and we now train four times a week for a maximum of 1 1/2 hours each time. Our program is:  (a) 30 minutes of running/walking machines: Cross trainer, Treadmill, Elliptical,Stepper, stationary bike, etc.; (b) 30 minutes of machines: 1st day – Arms & shoulders(Biceps, triceps, etc.); 2nd day – Legs and thighs; 3rd day – Front & back; and 4th day: Mix of this; (c) 10 minutes of free weights (dumbells);  (d) 5 minutes of barbells; and (e) 10 minutes of mat exercises (abdominals) and stretches.

SERIES/COLLECTION
Books/Articles:
Some are:
 
“Ultrafit Cooking”

• “UltraFit”
• “101 Ways to Work Out on the Ball”
• “101 Ways to Work Out with Weights Effective Exercises to Sculpt Your Body and Burn Fat”
• “Ultrafit Challenging Workouts — Amazing ResultsDVD Video”
• “Ultrafit Fat Burning Workout”
• “�10 Minute Solution&#65533″  (a target toning DVD)

 THE BOOK:”101 Ways to Work Out with Weights: Effective Exercises to Sculpt Your Body and Burn Fat!” [Paperback] by Cindy Whitmarsh (Author), Kerri Walsh (Foreword)
 
This book is written more for women; but men are still welcome to pick it up. It is perfect for someone wanting to start or improve a weight-lifting routine. It is about dumbbells …not those with nothing between the ears, but that old reliable piece of workout equipment. They are a common part of a home gym, because they are low tech and inexpensive. But more often than not, due to lack of knowledge, they`re not used correctly or not at all. With her direction, they could be just what you needed to  get you to the fitness promised land. I agree. The words of this lady are so powerful, they could firm you up and slim you down. It’s win win!  
 
CONCLUSION

Getting and staying fit is a very good thing.
 
Personal Comments