20 Tips to Help Prevent Medical Errors

Patient Fact Sheet

Source:  By Norbert Kaiser (Self-photographed) [CC-BY-SA-2.5 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.5)], via Wikimedia Commons

Medical errors can occur anywhere in the health care system: In hospitals, clinics, surgery centers, doctors' offices, nursing homes, pharmacies, and patients' homes. Errors can involve medicines, surgery, diagnosis, equipment, or lab reports. These tips tell what you can do to get safer care.

One in seven Medicare patients in hospitals experience a medical error. But medical errors can occur anywhere in the health care system: In hospitals, clinics, surgery centers, doctors' offices, nursing homes, pharmacies, and patients' homes. Errors can involve medicines, surgery, diagnosis, equipment, or lab reports. They can happen during even the most routine tasks, such as when a hospital patient on a salt-free diet is given a high-salt meal.

Most errors result from problems created by today's complex health care system. But errors also happen when doctors* and patients have problems communicating. These tips tell what you can do to get safer care.

What You Can Do to Stay Safe

The best way you can help to prevent errors is to be an active member of your health care team. That means taking part in every decision about your health care. Research shows that patients who are more involved with their care tend to get better results.

Medicines

1. Make sure that all of your doctors know about every medicine you are taking.
   This includes prescription and over-the-counter medicines and dietary supplements, such as vitamins and herbs.
    
2. Bring all of your medicines and supplements to your doctor visits.
   "Brown bagging" your medicines can help you and your doctor talk about them and find out if there are any problems. It can also help your doctor keep your records up to date and help you get better quality care.
    
3. Make sure your doctor knows about any allergies and adverse reactions you have had to medicines.
   This can help you to avoid getting a medicine that could harm you.
4. When your doctor writes a prescription for you, make sure you can read it.
   If you cannot read your doctor's handwriting, your pharmacist might not be able to either.
5. Ask for information about your medicines in terms you can understand—both when your medicines are prescribed and when you get them:
• What is the medicine for?
• How am I supposed to take it and for how long?
• What side effects are likely? What do I do if they occur?
• Is this medicine safe to take with other medicines or dietary supplements I am taking?
• What food, drink, or activities should I avoid while taking this medicine?
6. When you pick up your medicine from the pharmacy, ask: Is this the medicine that my doctor prescribed?
7. If you have any questions about the directions on your medicine labels, ask.
   Medicine labels can be hard to understand. For example, ask if "four times daily" means taking a dose every 6 hours around the clock or just during regular waking hours.
8. Ask your pharmacist for the best device to measure your liquid medicine.
   For example, many people use household teaspoons, which often do not hold a true teaspoon of liquid. Special devices, like marked syringes, help people measure the right dose.
9. Ask for written information about the side effects your medicine could cause.
   If you know what might happen, you will be better prepared if it does or if something unexpected happens.

Hospital Stays

10. If you are in a hospital, consider asking all health care workers who will touch you whether they have washed their hands.
    Handwashing can prevent the spread of infections in hospitals.
11. When you are being discharged from the hospital, ask your doctor to explain the treatment plan you will follow at home.
    This includes learning about your new medicines, making sure you know when to schedule follow-up appointments, and finding out when you can get back to your regular activities.

It is important to know whether or not you should keep taking the medicines you were taking before your hospital stay. Getting clear instructions may help prevent an unexpected return trip to the hospital.

Surgery

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11. If you are having surgery, make sure that you, your doctor, and your surgeon all agree on exactly what will be done.
    Having surgery at the wrong site (for example, operating on the left knee instead of the right) is rare. But even once is too often. The good news is that wrong-site surgery is 100 percent preventable. Surgeons are expected to sign their initials directly on the site to be operated on before the surgery.
12. If you have a choice, choose a hospital where many patients have had the procedure or surgery you need.
    Research shows that patients tend to have better results when they are treated in hospitals that have a great deal of experience with their condition.

Other Steps

14. Speak up if you have questions or concerns.
    You have a right to question anyone who is involved with your care.
15. Make sure that someone, such as your primary care doctor, coordinates your care.
    This is especially important if you have many health problems or are in the hospital.
16. Make sure that all your doctors have your important health information.
    Do not assume that everyone has all the information they need.
17. Ask a family member or friend to go to appointments with you.
    Even if you do not need help now, you might need it later.
18. Know that "more" is not always better.
    It is a good idea to find out why a test or treatment is needed and how it can help you. You could be better off without it.
19. If you have a test, do not assume that no news is good news.
    Ask how and when you will get the results.
20. Learn about your condition and treatments by asking your doctor and nurse and by using other reliable sources.
    For example, treatment options based on the latest scientific evidence are available from the Effective Health Care Web site. Ask your doctor if your treatment is based on the latest evidence.

*The term "doctor" is used in this flier to refer to the person who helps you manage your health care.

Internet Citation: 20 Tips to Help Prevent Medical Errors: Patient Fact Sheet. September 2011. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, Rockville, MD. http://www.ahrq.gov/patients-consumers/care-planning/errors/20tips/index.html

WHO seeks to phase out mercury fever thermometers and sphygmomanometer

                        Clinical Thermometer
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 or CC-BY-SA-3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/)],
via Wikimedia Commons

World Health Organisation (WHO) and Health Care without Harm have teamed up to launch a new global initiative to get mercury removed from all medical measuring devices by 2020.

This will be achieve by ending the manufacture, import and export of these devices and by supporting the deployment of accurate, affordable, and safer non-mercury alternatives.

Mercury and its various compounds cause brain and neurological damage especially among the young, kidney damage and damage to the digestive system among other things.

Four numbers you need to know for good health

(BPT) - When it comes to health by the numbers, you probably already know to keep an eye on your cholesterol level, body mass index (BMI) and blood pressure. But are you aware of another medical marker that directly impacts these others? Advanced Glycation End-products (AGEs) are markers for the aging of our internal organs, tissues and body systems. Research shows that AGEs are linked to nearly every chronic disease we face today, such as obesity, kidney, heart and eye disease, and dementia.

"While cholesterol, body mass index and blood pressure are familiar and relevant health indicators, AGEs are the critical fourth medical marker that everyone should know," says Pat Baird, registered dietitian and A.G.E. Foundation board member. "AGEs impact how long and how well you live as they age your body from the inside out."

AGEs develop naturally in our body and can be ingested through certain foods, including browned, sugary and processed foods. When people consume too many of these foods, higher than normal levels of AGEs build up in the body's tissues and accelerate the aging process internally.

You can lower AGEs in your diet by avoiding charred and blackened foods, extending cooking time and incorporating more water (e.g., steaming, poaching, boiling) and acidic marinades (e.g., lemon or lime-based) into your food preparation, according to the A.G.E. Foundation. Choosing colorful foods that include healthy iridoids, like noni, blueberries, olives and cranberries as well as consuming the supplemental beverage TruAge Max, can effectively lower AGEs. Additionally, receiving a full eight hours of sleep allows the body to fight AGE accumulation and managing physical and emotional stress curbs the production of AGEs.

"Being aware of these four critical medical markers - cholesterol, body mass index, blood pressure and AGEs - can be the first step to a better and healthier life," says Baird. "Simple lifestyle changes like exercising for 30 minutes a day, eating a healthy diet rich in whole grains, fruits and vegetables, quitting smoking and regularly monitoring your health can help to lower or maintain the level of AGEs in your body and reduce your risk for chronic diseases."

For more information, visit www.AGEFoundation.com.

How You Can Cure Bad Breath From Stomach Problems

Author: Kelvin Ho
Many people are actually surprised to learn that bad breath doesn\'t always stem from the mouth itself but is caused by digestive disorders and other such issues. Conditions such as acid reflux disease, an obstructed bowel, diverticulitis, and just plain indigestion can cause chronic halitosis. But how are these conditions connected, and better yet, how can you cure bad breath from stomach problems?

Most stomach and digestive conditions that cause bad breath do so because of bacteria and harmful enzymes that get absorbed into the system and then released through the breath. In the case of acid reflux disease, those stomach acids can work their way all the back up into the throat and then are expelled in the breath.

In order to cure bad breath from stomach problems you need to understand what condition you have that\'s causing the problem and then address is appropriately. For instance, if it\'s acid reflux you need to make adjustments to your diet or get some medication to calm those stomach acids. You can\'t cure bad breath from stomach problems by just covering it up with gum or mints; once that smell from these products wear off, the bad breath is still present. If you have chronic indigestion you may want to see your doctor to get diagnosed correctly.

Sometimes just understanding the problem doesn\'t necessarily mean that you can correct it that easily, especially if it\'s a condition that you\'re trying to treat and still have not quite fixed. In order to cure bad breath from stomach problems without being able to fix those problems, you need to make sure that you\'re following a good program of proper oral hygiene. Never neglect brushing and flossing, and of course rinsing afterwards.

You might not be able to cure bad breath from stomach problems by doing this, but you can make sure that it\'s not any worse. Keep yourself adequately hydrated at all times so that you can neutralize stomach acids and help your mouth keep itself clean. Saliva is a great cleanser for the mouth and when your mouth is dry, your breath is going to be worse.

There is no shame in asking your doctor for help in being able to cure bad breath from stomach problems. He or she may have seen this type of problem brought on by your condition before and may be able to recommend a permanent solution.
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/wellness-articles/how-you-can-cure-bad-breath-from-stomach-problems-384886.html
About the Author
Do you know that your tongue cause bad breath too? Do you suffer from sore throat bad breath? Before you get any bad breath products, make sure you check out our excellent free resources on how to get rid of bad breath.

See the world better with healthy eyes

Author: jaketyler056
Imagine your life without eyes! Must be extremely terrible to imagine even, but if you could feel the circumstance, you would definitely realize its importance. Being the most efficient part of our body, they also falls in the category of the most delicate organs. The word delicate or sensitive specifies the extra care that one should give. So, Being delicate in nature, you must take good care of your eyes in order to keep them healthy. Most of the people use many eye drops to clean them, some of them use shades to protect them from harmful rays and dust ,whereas some wear spectacles to improve or maintain the level of their eyesight. These are the prevention a person takes to cure any sort of eye issue but people usually think of how to improve vision in short time. This is really possible if you fullfill the deficient vitamins that your eyes needs.
The way or body need proteins to grow, the same way our eyes require vitamins to remain healthy. There are many supplements arising out in the market which helps in fighting deficiency of vitamins and keep your eyesight sharp and healthy. These supplements also helps in curing diseases such as macular degeneration and many other. These antioxidant and mineral supplements such as the Lipotraid and many other provide you original eye vitamins. Usage of these supplements consistently can show you better results in very short time.
These supplements contains elements such as vitamins A , vitamin B , vitamin C , zinc , copper and many other useful ingredients that will recover your damaged eye tissues and help your retina perform better. The best part about such products is that they are not at all costly and ensure better eyesight in very short time span. These products are made of sustained release formula that your body will absorb with ease. This helps in giving you results very soon and also saves your money from getting into surgical operations, usage of lenses and using other ineffective therapies. Before using such effective supplements you must consult your doctor and dietitian.
No matter what the issue is, if you really want to see things better in no time, then do use these strong supplements that would how to improve eye vision with giving any side effects. They are easily available on Internet and are not at all expensive. So, go on and make good use of these naturally extracted vitamins based supplements and the see the world much better.
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/nutrition-articles/see-the-world-better-with-healthy-eyes-6791638.html
About the Author

Outside the pill bottle: 5 simple, drug-free ways to reduce lower back pain

(BPT) - Pain is the single leading cause of disability worldwide and one of the main reasons Americans miss work. For example, 31 million Americans experience low-back pain at any given time, according to the American Chiropractic Association, with experts estimating that as many as 80 percent of Americans will experience a back problem at some point in their lives. Meaning it is quite possible you may have symptoms right now.

Dealing with chronic pain in your back, arms or legs can be frustrating and costly. The aches and tenderness can cause you to stop doing the things you love most like playing with your children and participating in your favorite activities, like gardening or golfing, or even doing regular exercise.

"Some people accept lower back pain as a way of life, but it doesn't have to be that way," says Brian Elsemore, who has practiced as a registered physical therapist for a decade in Florida and New England. "There are simple things that everyone can do to treat their pain without resorting to drugs or surgery."

Here are five drug-free steps Elsemore recommends to reduce the pain:

Exercise daily

A body in motion tends to stay in motion, according to Isaac Newton's laws of motion. This notion applies to the human body and back health as well, so fight the urge to sit or lay for lengthy periods. Exercises that maintain the natural spinal curve and help strengthen the core (abdominals, back and pelvic area) to support the spine are key to eliminating back pain naturally. Even if your back is hurting, increasing blood flow and stretching can help provide relief.

Block the pain signals

Technology called Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) has been used for decades by health professionals to safely block nerve pain in patients. Now, this clinically proven, drug-free technology is available without a prescription in an affordable, portable device called Rapid Relief Electronic Pain Relief Pad from HoMedics. Simply apply where it hurts and the discreet pad that easily fits under clothing emits a controlled micro-electronic current through the skin to block the nerves from transmitting pain signals to the body's pain center. The result is fast, effective relief for aches and pains without drugs, creams or messy applications. The device, available in versions calibrated for the lower back as well as the arms/legs, offers 15 levels of adjustable intensity and includes one standard lithium battery, one set of self-adhesive, replaceable gels and a travel storage case. At $29.99, Rapid Relief is one of the lowest cost-per-use topical pain relief options sold without a prescription at CVS, Walgreens, Walmart and Amazon.com. Learn more at RapidReliefPad.com.

Stand, sit and lift smart

Being aware of how you use your back throughout the day is important to reducing lower back pain. When standing, particularly for long periods of time, maintain a neutral pelvic position. Be aware of your posture, keeping the back straight when standing and sitting. Stand up or walk around at least once an hour if you're job requires long periods of sitting. Hunching and poor posture eventually cause soreness. When lifting - whether a load at work or your child at home - let your legs do the work, according to MayoClinic.com. Additional lifting recommendations include bending only at the knees, holding the load close to your body and avoiding lifting and twisting simultaneously.

Evaluate shoes

It's common knowledge that fashionable high heels are terrible for back health, but it's not only stylish shoes that can cause extreme pain. Ill-fitting shoes without proper support can shift a person's center of gravity, causing him or her to walk out of alignment and put undue pressure on the back. To relieve back pain, only wear supportive shoes that fit well. Keep in mind, shoes should never require a "breaking in" period; if they fit correctly, they should be comfortable right away according to the American Podiatric Medical Association.

Sleep well

Sleep is important for overall well-being, allowing the body to recover from daily activities. Inadequate sleep and back pain go hand-in-hand, quickly creating a vicious cycle. To get a good night's sleep and encourage pain relief, it's wise to take a few steps before lights out. Start by placing a pillow under your knees if you sleep on your back or between your knees if you're a side sleeper - this helps reduce stress on the spine. For a firmer, more supportive mattress, place wood supports between the mattress and base, or place the mattress directly on the ground. If back pain still persists, it may be time to go shopping for a new mattress.

"Lower back pain is so prevalent in our society, but drug-free relief is an option for many people," notes Elsemore. "From proper exercise and sleep to relieving pain using innovations like Rapid Relief, a few simple steps can dramatically improve quality of life."
Source:Brand Content

Five Questions to ask Your Doctor about Depression

(BPT) - Have you been feeling sad? Have you lost interest or pleasure in daily activities? Have you been feeling this way for two weeks or more? These feelings/symptoms may be signs of depression and your healthcare provider can help. In this article, you'll find answers to common questions about depression from Dr. Larry Culpepper, a primary care physician and professor in the Department of Family Medicine at Boston University. Take the first step toward regaining control and start a conversation with your doctor about your symptoms. There is no need to suffer alone.
1.---- What is major depressive disorder (MDD)?
Major depressive disorder, also known as depression, is a serious medical condition that can significantly impact your life and the lives of those close to you. Depression is a mood disorder in which feelings of sadness, along with other symptoms, are persistent and interfere with one's normal day-to-day activities for a long period of time (nearly every day for at least two weeks). Nearly half of people with MDD are not receiving any treatment and the consequences can be devastating.Some believe they should just "snap out of it" on their own. Others do not discuss depression with a doctor because it doesn't seem like a health concern. It's important to understand that depression is a real medical illness that can be treated.
2.---- What are the symptoms of MDD?
Those suffering from depression may experience different symptoms that go beyond a feeling of sadness. Along with a depressed mood and/or loss of interest or pleasure in daily activities, a person must experience at least four of the following symptoms:Increased irritabilityFeelings of worthlessness or guiltAgitation or restlessnessFatigue and loss of energyTrouble thinking, making decisions, or concentratingDisturbed sleep, such as insomniaChanges in appetite or weightThoughts of death or suicide, suicide attempts
3.---- I may be suffering from MDD. What should I do?
The first thing you should do is schedule an appointment with your doctor to discuss how you're feeling and determine the appropriate next steps. It's important to remember that depression is a common but serious illness.In fact, each year, depression affects 5-8 percent of adults in the United States, accounting for about 25 million Americans.
4.---- Why can't I just snap out of it?
It is widely believed that major depressive disorder is the result of an imbalance of neurotransmitters in the brain, which may influence a person's mood.Due to this believed imbalance, depression, like other medical conditions, often requires treatment. Many people with a depressive illness never seek treatment, but many people with depression can get better with treatment.
5.---- What types of medications are available?
There are a number of different antidepressant options available that can help reduce symptoms of depression. The antidepressant most recently approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of depression in adults is VIIBRYD® (vilazodone HCl), which became available in 2011. While the exact way VIIBRYD—or any other medication for depression—works is unknown, it is thought to affect the activity of serotonin in the brain. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter known to play a key role in regulating mood. -Talk to your doctor to determine the best treatment option for you.
-Important Risk Information
VIIBRYD® (vilazodone HCl) is indicated for the treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD) in adults.
Important Risk Information
What is the most important information I should know about VIIBRYD?
VIIBRYD and other antidepressant medicines may cause serious side effects. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the symptoms described below, or call 911 if there is an emergency.
Suicidality and Antidepressant Drugs Antidepressants increased the risk compared to placebo of suicidal thinking and behavior (suicidality) in children, teens, and young adults. Depression and certain other psychiatric disorders are themselves associated with increases in the risk of suicide. Patients of all ages who are started on antidepressant therapy should be monitored appropriately and observed closely for clinical worsening, suicidality, or unusual changes in behavior. VIIBRYD is not approved for use in patients under 18. For more information on this risk, please read the VIIBRYD Medication Guide in the accompanying full Prescribing Information. Serotonin Syndrome: Agitation, hallucinations, coma or other changes in mental status; coordination problems or muscle twitching; fast heartbeat, high or low blood pressure; sweating or fever; nausea, vomiting or diarrhea; muscle stiffness or tightness. Abnormal bleeding: VIIBRYD and other antidepressant medicines may increase your risk of bleeding or bruising, especially if you take the blood thinner warfarin (Coumadin®, Jantoven®), a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), or aspirin. Seizures or convulsions. Manic episodes: Greatly increased energy; severe trouble sleeping; racing thoughts; reckless behavior; unusually grand ideas; excessive happiness or irritability; talking more or faster than usual. Low salt (sodium) levels in the blood: Elderly people may be at greater risk for this. Symptoms may include headache; weakness or feeling unsteady; confusion, problems concentrating or thinking or memory problems.
Who should not take VIIBRYD?
Do not take any drugs known as MAOIs within 14 days of stopping VIIBRYDDo not start VIIBRYD if you stopped taking an MAOI in the last 14 daysDo not start VIIBRYD if you are taking linezolid (a specific antibiotic) or are receiving intravenous methylene blue
People who take VIIBRYD close in time to taking an MAOI may have serious or even life-threatening side effects.
What should I tell my healthcare provider before starting VIIBRYD?
Tell your healthcare provider about all prescription, over-the-counter medications, vitamins and herbal supplements you are taking or plan to take, including: — Triptans used to treat migraine headaches; medicines used to treat mood, anxiety, psychotic or thought disorders, including tricyclics, lithium, SSRIs, SNRIs, buspirone, or antipsychotics; tramadol, mephenytoin (Mesantoin) or over-the-counter supplements such as tryptophan or St. John's Wort; this is necessary to avoid a potentially life-threatening condition — Aspirin, NSAID pain relievers, or blood thinners (warfarin, Coumadin, or Jantoven) because they may increase the risk of bleedingSpeak with your doctor if you: --------- Have kidney or liver problems --------- Have or had mania, bipolar disorder (manic depression), seizures or convulsions --------- Have or had bleeding problems. VIIBRYD may increase your risk of bleeding or bruising --------- Have low salt (sodium) levels in your blood or are taking diuretics (water pills) --------- Are nursing, pregnant, or are planning to become pregnant or to breastfeed
Do not stop VIIBRYD without first talking to your healthcare provider.
Stopping VIIBRYD suddenly may cause serious symptoms including: anxiety, irritability, high or low mood, feeling restless or sleepy; headache, sweating, nausea, dizziness; electric shock-like sensations, tremor, and confusion.
What should I avoid when taking VIIBRYD?
Until you know how VIIBRYD affects you, you should not drive, operate heavy machinery, or engage in other dangerous activities. Avoid drinking alcohol while taking VIIBRYD.
What are the most common side effects of VIIBRYD?
The most common side effects in people taking VIIBRYD include diarrhea, nausea or vomiting, and trouble sleeping.Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effect that bothers you or that does not go away.---------------------------------------------------------
These are not all the possible side effects of VIIBRYD. For more information, ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist.-
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.
Please also see Medication Guide within the full Prescribing Information.
Please visit www.viibryd.com for more information and to view the full Prescribing Information, including Medication Guide, or contact Forest Laboratories, Inc. at 1-800-678-1605. You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
VIIBRYD® is a registered trademark of Forest Laboratories, Inc.
All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
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