Optimal Healthcare Solutions

Living with Autism

2012-01-14T20:40:00.000-08:00

Autism affects 1 out of 150 children in the United States. 1 out of every 90 boys are likely to be autistic or on the spectrum. Why? Nobody knows, just a lot of speculations. Autism usually affect the first born son.
Some readers know that my son is autistic. When he was 2 years old I suspected he was autistic before we received the official diagnosis from the neuropsychologist. After getting over the confirmed diagnosis of autism, George and I decided we would do whatever we needed to do to allow our son to live a full life. Not our life, but his life however it would be.
Things changed in our home right away. We decided no medication, no vitamins, no chiropractors, nothing that claims to “reverse” autism. How can you reverse something if you don’t know the cause? My son is no guinea pig, or lab rat. Nobody’s hocus-pocus snake oil is getting in my son just for somebody else’s financial gains.
What we did do was to read every book and article on autism. We educated ourselves on autism. We studied and researched day and night for weeks, days, and months. There was no blaming of anyone. No looking for instant cures. No listening to lies published on the internet or in the news. If it wasn’t in the information we researched. We didn’t believe it. My husband and I are college educated people. We knew we had the common sense and knowledge to not be persuaded my media frenzy and other lies circulating about the cause of autism and the so-call cure. Instead, God gave us the wisdom and knowledge we needed to establish our own program.
First we never allowed family or friends tell us how to raise our son. We are so tired of people telling us what new tricks and claims were out there to cure autism. We accepted our son’s diagnosis and learned to live with autism. Autism is not only a disorder it has become a way of life. Next we found out what bothered our son. What colors or sounds triggered bad behaviors, and then we eliminated those things from our life. We play smooth jazz in our home in which our son loves. But most of all we allow our son to learn and progress at his own pace. We don’t push him and we don’t try to make him play sports or fit into social groups just to make him seem “normal.”
George and I noticed than when we allow our son to learn at his own pace. He creates Miracles! Our son will do things we thought he would never do or say things that amaze us. We are so proud of our son and his accomplishments. George quitted in job 6 years ago to home school our son. We are sooo glad we made that choice. It is a minor sacrifice. We live within our means on one pay check. But we are so happy to have him home and safe. No children bullying our son!
Having an autistic child is not having a child with a disorder. It’s a way of life. Having a child with autism has made us better parents and better spouses.

When to Hire a Geriatric Care Manager

2012-01-04T19:32:00.000-08:00

Each year millions of Americans are stressed trying to care for their elderly parents and their own household. In 1985 the percentage of seniors over 75 living in long term care facilities was 9.6% nations wide. In 2004 the numbers dropped to 6.4%. Because of the shift from long term care facilities, adult children struggle to maneuver through the different aspect of the healthcare system. Sometimes the pressures of juggling finances, safety concerns, and other needs to keep loved ones at home independently and safe can be very difficult. What’s the solution?
Having a private Geriatric Care Manager can be your best option. A Geriatric Care Manager is a RN who works with adult children and their parents to plan and coordinate the care and services your elderly or disabled parents may need. A Geriatric Care Manager can improve the quality of life for most clients while helping them maintain their independence at home or in an Assisted Living Facility.
How can a Geriatric Care Manager help you? A Geriatric Care Manager will assist you in finding the right resources you need to keep elderly loved ones at home safely. We will evaluate the senior client to determine what types of services are needed according to their financial resources. We may investigate alternatives that will allow a person to maintain their independence, and provide peace of mind by acting as a liaison for family members who live out of town.
With more Medicare restrictions and seniors wanting to stay home until they die, it will be vital for families to hire private Geriatric Care Managers. Optimal Healthcare Solutions offer our services to families to keep their loved ones in their homes for longer periods of time. OPTIMAL Healthcare Solutions can be the Advocate for you. With Sharron’s 24 years of nursing (home healthcare/rehabilitation/case management) and her training as a Certified Dementia Practitioner, she will put her wisdom, skills, and knowledge to work for you. For more information on the services we offer, visit us at http://optimalhealthcaresolutions.com or call us at (303)289-8706 M-F from 9am-6pm.

Accident update

2011-10-23T12:43:00.000-07:00

OK, so I don't have a closed head injury again. Thank goodness! I just have a couple of herniated cervical discs. I have been on Aleve, and steroids to reduce the swelling of the discs. I am scheduled to see the MD this Wednesday. I have also started wearing a soft neck collar that has helped some. This is all repairable. I'm just glad it's not another CHI, I would have really been upset if it was that.
Later on this week I will be presenting some more quality topics on dementia care, autism, and mild brain injury. Please be patient with me as I work through my acquired injuries as well. This upcoming week will be my first time back to work. I'll see how that goes before determining if I will be working in the office all day or half the day.

Closed Head Injury

2011-10-16T14:50:00.000-07:00

Well, I had planned to post on the topic of autism this weekend, but that all has changed. This past Friday as I was coming home from work, I was rear ended by a big truck. Initially I felt OK, no problems. Things changed overnight. My head started hurting through out the night, then all day Saturday and today I have to walk with my head straight forward to avoid headaches, and dizziness.
After the impact on Friday, I did not get the driver's driver's license or insurance info. I did get the name of the company, and license number. So, I think I'll keep you up today with the events of my recovery through this blog for now.

Announcing our Website!

2011-10-09T21:08:00.001-07:00

Just a quick note to let you know about our new website. Of course it's
Optimal Healthcare Care Solutions. http://optimalhealthcaresolutions.com
Everything you wanted to know about us is posted on this website.

Thank you for visiting oursite. Please tell others about us.

Mild Brain Injuries Grow

2011-09-28T21:17:00.001-07:00

There is an increase in the number of mild brain injuries reported. The rise in cases reported are due to various factors – among the most common are increased awareness, educational programs, and lifestyle choices. Mild brain injury can result from a blow or jolt to the head, leading to bruising or trauma to the brain surface. It is estimated approximately 1.4 million people are diagnosed with mild brain injury each year. Amazingly, 85% of those receiving treatment will make a full recovery. Despite the fact that more closed head injuries are being reported, there are still misconceptions about mild brain injuries.When an individual initially experiences mild brain injury, losing consciousness may or may not occur. In fact, it is not unusual for a person to “feel fine” immediately following a hit to the head area. However, over a period of time, symptoms such as memory loss, dizziness, vomiting, blurred speech or vision, and headaches may manifest. In many situations people are not aware of a mild brain injury until symptoms appear weeks, or even months later. Regrettably, going undiagnosed happens frequently among children who may have encountered head trauma from sports, abuse from adults, or bullying. Common causes of mild brain injury are falls, car accidents, sports, war, skiing, and boating accidents.In light of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, mild brain injury is a reality for many of our returning troops. Many of these young men and women will find it extremely difficult adapting to civilian life once they return because of head injuries sustained during combat. If brain injury victims do not receive timely therapeutic intervention, the recovery process can be prolonged. In addition, delayed treatment may lead to complications as temporary symptoms may become permanent. Most tragic is the fact that mild brain injuries may be fatal if undetected over an extended period of time.

What's New?

2011-09-26T18:26:00.000-07:00

I'm so excited!!! We have been very busy here at Optimal Healthcare Solutions. I'm preparing to put on 2 Dementia Care Training classes this week and next week. I just finished a Dementia Care handout to give to families when I counsel them. I also completed the Mild Brain Injury training course, created for coaches and parents. So forgive me for not posting a long message today. I need to practice for my presentations.

Updated Statistics on Dementia

2011-09-12T19:12:00.000-07:00

As the Director of Clinical Services for a home health care agency. I have seen an increase in the number of dementia cases coming into our agency. Why? I'll tell you why!
By the end of this year the number of Americans diagnosed with Alzheimer's or other forms of dementia are expected to be 111,560. Some experts predict 67,680 new cases will be women and 43,880 will be men. Why the difference? Are women more susceptible to getting dementia than men? No, of course not. The facts are increased for women because in general they out live men. It is projected that seniors 75 and older will increase by 70% by 2025.
Right now the American Alzheimer's Association say that America has 5.4 million seniors with Alzheimer's so far, and the numbers will increase as the baby boomers grow older. This figure is expected to increase 350% by 2050. By the end of this year, 10,000 people will be turning 65. 85% of them will need some sort of home health care. Sadly, there are also approximately 200,000 individuals in the US under the age of 65 who have been diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease.
Fact: So far America has spent 183 Billion, not Million, but Billion of dollars per year to care for people with dementia. 80% of these patients have at least one chronic health care issue, and 50% have at least two medical conditions such as: Arthritis, Diabetes, Hypertension, COPD, or a cardiac condition. As patients with dementia start to enter into the 3rd and 4th stages of dementia, their health may start to deteriorate due to non-compliance of care by the patient with dementia.
2 years ago government statistics stated that there were 8.9 million unpaid caregivers. The numbers have grown. This year it is estimated that 14.9 million people care for their loved ones who are over the age of 50.
2 years ago American businesses estimated they lost $34 Billion dollar due to employees needing time off to care for their parents, spouse or other relative.

Grand Re-Opening of Optimal Healthcare Solutions!

2011-09-12T18:59:00.000-07:00

Hello, my name is Sharron Williams. I am one of the owners of Optimal Healthcare Solutions.
I want to take this time to thank each of our followers and readers for visiting and supporting our blog. Our company and blog is devoted to provider our readers with information you need on Autism, Dementia, and Mild Brain Injuries.
As I mentioned this past August. I took a break from the company and blogging to focus on a new job opportunity that I could not resist. After working for awhile, I truly missed what I enjoyed the most, and that is providing people with information on the previously mentioned disorders.
Therefore, after spending some of planning the direction I want Optimal to grow. I must say, We are excited and ready to get the ball rolling.

I lied, and I'm sorry!

2011-08-19T11:45:00.000-07:00

In my last blog I mentioned how dedicated I would be to blogging again. well, as you can tell, I haven't kept up with the blog for some really good reasons. SInce my last post. I have been busy researching on autism, Mild Brain Injuries, and Dementia.
Since then I have been asked to create several programs for home healthcare agencies to help them deal with these types of patients. Things are looking better, and are more organzied. I do plan to be back at blogging at the end of the month. I would love to share information I have researched, and attended conferences on the said topics.
So, please bookmark this blog. I do not want you to miss out on valuable information.

When Junior High is Over

2011-06-05T15:57:00.000-07:00

It's June and most of the schools here in the US have closed for summer vacation. As a birthday gift to our son,my husband and I closed down our son's home schooling program the day before his birthday. Our son was thrilled to be out of junior high, and headed to senior high school.
As we were preparing a our home ceremony to promote our son to high school. We realized 9th grade would be the beginning of the end of homeschooling for all of us. With this in mind, George and I discussed how important it will be in the next 4 years to get our acts together and build a successful business that will allow Nathan to work for us, and flourish in his own special way.
Nathan has no plans to go to college online or offline. Right now he is just content to be home, watch his cartoons, and other shows of interest to him. His only worries at this time are: What's for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and if he has enough juices to drink.
As parents it is our job to be sure Nathan's future is taken care of. George and I are in our 50's at times we worry about Nathan's future. Who will care for him, if something should happen to George and I. My prayer has been and will constantly be for God to allow me to see Nathan grow up and at least be in his 50's or 60's before I go.
In order for me to assure Nathan's future as an adult, I have 4 years to get my business, whatever it may be, to the level of success/prosperity that will enable Nathan to work in the business, since he does not want to go to college. Nathan's attention span is good for only 3 hours. After 3 hours he is unable to focus on the task he started on. Therefore, I want my business to be functioning at the level of prosperity that keeps Nathan involved in the business, and all 3 of us can be at home enjoying each other. In my mind there are no other options!

2011-05-02T19:25:00.000-07:00

When my son was an infant my husband and I knew something wasn't right. My son had problems sleeping by himself from day one. In order for us to sleep, we let our baby sleep with us. I was very nervous, and cautious.
My husband laid on his side away from our son. I slept in the center, our son on the edge of the bed. We placed a roll of towels on the edge of the bed so he would not roll out. By the time our son was one and a half. I believed he was autistic. I told the doctor, and of course he said my son was not autistic. Our son had good eye to eye contact. So in my doctor's mind, our son was not autistic.

Unfortunately, one year later, our son was finally diagnosed with autism. As parents we were persistent in getting to the root of our son's problem. We didn't really understand autism, and we really did not understand our son's behavior.
My family was telling me to discipline him, and telling my husband and I we had poor parenting skills. I started to feel like a failure. Then one day my husband had enough. We got on the Internet, asked questions. Set appointments with specialist, and we received the truth, the answer we were looking for- Autism.

As health care providers, we need to educate ourselves more on the signs and symptoms of autism and other PDD, then we need to educate parents, daycare providers and teachers, on how to recognize a child with higher forms of autism.
I hate to think of all the children out there being mis-diagnosed, or being those little angels not begin diagnosed with a PPD. As health care providers, we need to do more to start early diagnosis to babies and toddlers.

Mild Brain Injuries Grow

2010-12-22T09:41:00.000-08:00

There is an increase in the number of mild brain injuries reported. The rise in cases reported are due to various factors – among the most common are increased awareness, educational programs, and lifestyle choices. Mild brain injury can result from a blow or jolt to the head, leading to bruising or trauma to the brain surface. It is estimated approximately 1.4 million people are diagnosed with mild brain injury each year. Amazingly, 85% of those receiving treatment will make a full recovery. Despite the fact that more closed head injuries are being reported, there are still misconceptions about mild brain injuries.

When an individual initially experiences mild brain injury, losing consciousness may or may not occur. In fact, it is not unusual for a person to “feel fine” immediately following a hit to the head area. However, over a period of time, symptoms such as memory loss, dizziness, vomiting, blurred speech or vision, and headaches may manifest. In many situations people are not aware of a mild brain injury until symptoms appear weeks, or even months later. Regrettably, going undiagnosed happens frequently among children who may have encountered head trauma from sports, abuse from adults, or bullying. Common causes of mild brain injury are falls, car accidents, sports, war, skiing, and boating accidents.

In light of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, mild brain injury is a reality for many of our returning troops. Many of these young men and women will find it extremely difficult adapting to civilian life once they return because of head injuries sustained during combat. If brain injury victims do not receive timely therapeutic intervention, the recovery process can be prolonged. In addition, delayed treatment may lead to complications as temporary symptoms may become permanent. Most tragic is the fact that mild brain injuries may be fatal if undetected over an extended period of time.

Frozen Body Brings Flurry Of Fines And Lawsuit

2010-12-10T13:20:00.000-08:00

On a freezing cold Winter day in 2005, an elderly man wandered away from a nursing home in which he was a resident. Four days later, following an intensive search by the local sheriff’s department, his body was found frozen in a nearby field. The gentleman had attempted to elope from the facility on two previous occasions. The facility in question was not equipped to provide dementia patients with the added levels of security required by the state. As dementia patients are considered “high risk” for elopement, it is essential to have the necessary safeguards in place to ensure safety. The facility was ultimately fined $12,000 by the state and placed on probation. In addition, the family of the deceased has retained the services of an attorney who has filed a negligence lawsuit.

Elopement issues are ranked in the top 10 on the Joint Commission’s list of Sentinel Events. The prevalence of elopement issues in care facilities in the United States is so pervasive that approximately 10% of all litigation cases have related concerns. Many of these long term care facilities and assisted living houses are being fined and literally being regulated out of business. For example, in Delaware a jury awarded a family $13 million in compensatory damages against a long term care facility. The average out of court settlement for 2009 was $393,650.

"Whats Love have to do with it?"

2010-06-25T13:31:00.000-07:00

How many times have you gone shopping or been out in your yard and heard your neighbors talking to their kids? Do parents ever think about the things they say to their kids? The other day I went to take the trash outside and I heard the neighbor to the south of us just cussing out their son. I tell you, it took my husband to hold me back from going over and bashing the man's mouth in. Then I went into the grocery store and some lady was just threating to slap her son. Kids will be kids! Infact, I couldn't see the kid do anything wrong. Nothing that warranted that type of talking to. Then my husband was outside oneday and the neighboor to the west of us was in his house screaming and cursing at his son. The worse thing about this is the neigh has a so-called non-profit geared to help children. Yeah, right! it's not the first time we have heard this guy scream, cursing and even spanking his kids. His wife is just as bad.
So, what's up with this type of communication?
Do we need to establish a program on mandatory parenting before people can have children?
Do people understand that kids will be children only for 18 years, then they will be adults for the rest of their lives. How you treat your kids will affect society when they get older. How you treat your kids now will determine how they will treat you when you get older and need them.
Do you love your kids? If so show them that you dearly love them. Tell daily that you love them.Listen to them when they are talking to you. Do ignore them, especially when they are little tots!
Spend time reading to your kids, play games with them. Don't ever let them feel like a burden.
I know some parent that feel they are above playing with their kids. But don't you know that's the best type of bonding you can do with your child. They will cherish the moments you spend with them the rest of their lives. I can remember when my dad use to get on the floor and play with my brother and I. I remember all the laughs and fun. I also remember asking my mom to play with us and she never would, she didn't have time. Well, now she's 75 years old, all alone, because nobody has time for her!
Remember, there's more to just saying I love you. You need to put action behind those powerful words.
Love your kids now and they'll love you even more later!

Living with Autism and enjoying it!

2010-06-22T16:58:00.000-07:00

Having a child with any form of PDD (Pervasive Developmental Disorder) such as Fragile X, Autism, or Asperger’s Syndrome can be devastating for parents. However, is it any worse than having a child diagnosed with Juvenile Diabetes, Leukemia, Cancer, ADHD, and ect…?

As a RN, and mother of a 13 year old, autistic child, I do count my blessings! I have accepted my son’s diagnosis from the very beginning when my husband and I suspected our son was autistic, then the confirmation from the doctor at Children’s Hospital here in Denver.

Sure, we were sad; we cried a little and actually were upset that our son would not be able to go to West Point. Then I realized this wasn’t about me, it was about my son and his future. What did we as parents need to do to help our son live a wonderful life? When the doctor told me that our son would never talk and say things like “I love you”. My heart broke. Well the doctor was wrong.

So what did my husband and I do?

My husband and I went home and created a plan (My husband has a Masters in Rehabilitation Counseling). We decided no matter how severe or high functioning our son would be, he was our son and our true love for him would never change. We accepted his diagnosis! Second, we figured that in order for our son to live in our world the way society says we have to live. We had to get into his world. We needed to learn everything about autism and about our son. We needed to know what he smelled, what touch felt like to him, what did he see or experience that we were not aware of, and what did he hear?

We spent hours every day saying “I love you” not because we wanted him to repeat the words. No, we said it because we wanted him to know we loved him and we showed him what LOVE was. We would give him body massages each day. Hold him each day without saying a word to him. Rock him back in forth on his bouncy ball. Then one day, after I said “I Love you”, he said, “ I Love You too”.

Ok, I won’t cry. So where was I? Next, we adjusted our lives around our son! Autism isn’t a disorder, for a family it is a whole new way of living. If noise disturbed our son, we would tone things down. Sorry, no noise allowed. We still keep our noise level to a minimum. We play smooth jazz every day. Our son loves smooth jazz and knows almost every artist. We allowed him to play in the bathroom sink. The water kept him calm when he got overloaded. There are no angles, or pets or anything that upsets our son. Some would say this type of living is a form of being held hostage to autism. For my husband and I, we don’t care if we had to sacrifice our social lifestyle, we will do whatever we have to do to make him happy and safe.

Our son eats whatever he wants. No special meals. We have never had a Casein-free diet. Never had a Gluten-free diet, and he’s never had Chelation detox done. We don’t believe in putting our son through such stuff.

It’s been 13 years now living with autism. It is a different lifestyle. But we’re all happy. My husband and I have been home schooling our son which has helped most of the symptoms of autism subside. Schools over stimulate the average child. I just couldn’t allow my son to be subjected to the issues school was causing. Once we started homeschooling, soooo many symptoms went away. It was like night and day. I’ll write about how schools affect our children on another day.

Resident Rights in Long Term Care Facilities

2010-06-21T19:55:00.000-07:00

If you have someone living in a Long Term Care facility (nursing home), do you know their Rights? If not here is list of some of their rights that he or she has. Families have rights also. Just because the DON or ED ( Nursing Home Adminsitrator) calls to tell you your loved one has to move to another room so they can get admission doesn't mean you have to agree.

• The Resident has the right to be free of unnecessary physical or chemical restraints. Vests, hand mitts, seat belts and other physical restraints, and antipsychotic drugs, sedatives, and other chemical restraints are impermissible, except when authorized by a physician, in writing, for a specified period of time.

• Resident has the right to contact the physician responsible for the resident's care. Residents' rights provide the resident the right to participate in care planning meetings

• Resident has the right to know when there is a change in the resident's treatment, the facility must inform the resident and the resident's physician, legal representative or interested family member.

• The Resident has the right to gain access to all his or her records within one business day, and a right to copies of those records at a cost that is reasonable in that community. The facility must explain how to examine these records, or how to transfer the authority to obtain records to another person.

• The Resident has the right to receive a written description of his or her legal rights, explaining state laws regarding living wills, durable powers of attorney for healthcare and other advance directives, along with the facility's policy on carrying out these directives.

• The Resident at the time of admission and during the stay must be fully informed of the services available in the facility and of all related charges. Nursing homes may charge for services and items in addition to the basic daily rate, but only if they already have disclosed which services and items will incur an additional charge, and how much that charge will be.

• The Resident has a right to privacy. Which is a right that extends to all aspects of care, including care for personal needs, visits with family and friends, and communication with others through telephone and mail? Residents thus must have areas for receiving private calls or visitors so that no one may intrude and to preserve the privacy of their roommates.

• Residents have the right to share a room with a spouse, gather with other residents without staff present, and meet state and local nursing home ombudsperson or any other agency representatives. They may leave the nursing home, or belong to any church or social group. Within the home, residents have the right to manage their own financial affairs, free of any requirement that they deposit personal funds with the facility.

• Residents have the right to get up and go to bed when they choose, eat a variety of snacks outside meal times, decide what to wear, choose activities, and decide how to spend their time. The nursing home must offer a choice at main meals, because individual tastes and needs vary. Residents, not staff, determine their hours of sleep and visits to the bathroom. Residents may self-administer medication if they are deemed competent to do so.

• The Resident may bring personal possessions to the nursing home such as clothing, furnishings and jewelry. Residents may expect staff to take responsibility for assisting in the protection of items or locating lost items, and should inquire about facility policies for replacing missing items. Residents should expect kind, courteous, and professional behavior from staff. Staff should treat residents like adults.

• The Resident has the right to refuse being moved to a different room, a different nursing home, a hospital, back home or anywhere else without advance notice, an opportunity for appeal and a showing that such a move is in the best interest of the resident or necessary for the health of other nursing home residents.

• The Resident has the right to be free of interference, coercion, discrimination, and reprisal in exercising his or her rights. Being assertive and identifying problems usually brings good results, and nursing homes have a responsibility not only to assist residents in raising individual concerns, but also to respond promptly to those concerns.

The Normal Aging Process

2010-06-14T12:29:00.000-07:00

Everyone ages differently depending on our lifestyle, genetic makeup, careers, race, and environment. Some ethnic groups age faster than others. Men and women age differently too. So what is "normal" for some people, country or group of people, may not be "normal" for others. Let's talk about the aging process for Middle Aged Americans.
When you are in between the ages of 35-65 some people may notice a slow physical decline. You notice you can't play sports like you did when you were in your 20's. You start to see, and feel the effects of the lifestyle choices you made when you were a teenager and young adult. Yikes! You begin to have a "Mid-Life Crisis". For some life is great! Your career is moving alone as planned. Your family is healthy, and happy. The perfect family in your eyes. For others, you're wondering what to do with your life. Your job/career sucks, and your stress is at an all time high.

About this time in Life having good nutrition and regular exercise are both essential for all adults, no matter how old you are, or think you are. As your body start to decline, you start to notice a decline in your mental powers as well. So you'll start a new exercise program and eat foods lower in calories to care for your physical needs and concerns. But wait! What about your mind ? What will you do to keep your mind healthy?
Many health enthusiasts will do a lot of things to keep their bodies looking good and feeling good, but they forget to do the same for their minds. People will work on improving their "Spiritual" walk, but forget to work on improving their cognitive functions. As we get older, we start to make poor decisions every now and then. This is "normal". We may forget to pay a bill once in a while. Forget the time, date or day, but will remember later. Some of us may forget words or how to spell certain words. And how many of you have forgotten where you placed your glasses, sunglasses, keys, wallet, comb, or even the remote. All of these are signs of a normal aging process, so you don't need to panic. These are not signs of any form of dementia.

What you should do to decrease dementia is to exercise your mind and feed your brain. Exercise your mind every day by being social. Do cross word puzzles, word problem games, and play Wheel of Fortune and or Jeopardy. Feed your mind with nutritious foods and snacks on a regular basis. Take vitamins and foods high in vitamins B & E. Watch your blood pressure, and do things to keep you feeling young and vibrant.
I encourage any one to add a comment and link to their blog or website to further educate people on having a healthy lifestyle.

CNN Reports on 200 Potentially hazardous Chemicals Babies are Exposed to while in the Womb

2010-06-07T14:09:00.000-07:00

Every since our 13 year old was diagnosed with Autism with Developmental Delays, my husband and I said, the problem is in the air or in our food/water supply. I am a RN, my husband has a Master's Degree as a Rehabilitation Counselor. We both kept a clean fit life. We both are Christians,so neither one of us smoked or dranked any form of alcholic beverages nor did drugs. So we were shocked when we started noticing symptoms of an autistic baby.
We knew something wasn't quite right with our son. But we played down our suspicions, and focused on being great parents. As our son was growing we noticed he was not following the Developmental Chart for his age. Our son never could figure out how to crawl. He never cried when he was wet or hungry. He had to sleep with us from the time he was born till age 10.
As a toddler he always walked on his toes, fall backwards and bash his sweet little head in. When he was 3 years old doctors finally agreed with us that he was autistic.
Wow! we knew the news of autism was going to come, but it did not make it easy to accept. Why? how could this happen to us? We did everything possible to be healthy and do right so that we would have the perfect little boy! To add salt to our wounded emotions and ego. My sister who was an alcoholic/drug addict had her baby 1 month before me. Her son was perfect! He has had one issue with his heart which resolved it self. How could this happen? She did everything wrong and has a wonderful healthy son. We did everything right and our son who is healthy otherwise, has autism with developemental delays.
My husband and I have always said autism may be the results of the parents having altered genes. My brother he has 2 kids with Fragil X. My sister did not grow up in the same household as my brother and I.So, what was in our Denver, CO, middle income neighborhood that was different from my sister's Memphis Tenn. middle income environment?
CNN may have be able to support my husband's and my suspicions. CNN did a show called "Toxic Chemicals Finding their way into the Womb" Toxic America. In this show CNN reported that doctors/scientist found that babies were exposed to 200 potentially hazardous chemicals while in the womb.
These chemicals are: Bisphenol A, Perfluorochemicals,PBDEs,PCBs,Dioxinx, and Methylmercury. CNN reports that "232 chemicals were found in the cord blood of 10 babies last year."
This is alarming people! We need to wake up smell the wilthering roses and take action here! We need companies and the govenrment to investigate what is going on! Go to http://cnn.com/2010/health for more on this article and the show.

Elder Neglect

2010-06-07T12:15:00.000-07:00

When it comes to determining what is abuse and what is neglect, it could be hard to distinguish between the two, Most of the time neglect of an elderly person will lead to abuse.

What is Elder Neglect?
Elder neglect is when a caregiver fails to fulfill an obligation of providing proper/adequate care. This act can be intentional or unintentional.
What are signs of Elder Neglect?
Bedsore on a bedridden person
Weight loss or malnutrition sanitary or unsafe living conditions

What should you do if you suspect someone over 65 years of age being abused?
If you suspect anyone over the age of 65 being abused, contact your local Police, Ombudsman, Social Services-Adult Protective Services or the person's Physician. Watch for sign of abuse and neglect. Document and photograph any bruises, the condition the person may be in, or any injuries. If you suspect a person is mal-nourished, look in their cabinets and refrigerator. Photograph or video what you see so there is evidence. Note is there are any pattern of abuse by a specific person. If the person is in a nursing home. Contact the Director of Nurses, the Nursing Home Administrator, and Ombudsman regarding any questions or concerns you may have regarding a loved one's care.

If you are still dissatisfied with the answers or results to your questions or concerns, then contact your State Department of Health (SDH). In most states the SDH regulates/monitor long term care facilities, assisted living facilities, hospitals and home health care agencies.

Elder Abuse and Neglect

2010-06-04T10:43:00.000-07:00

As Baby Boomers begin to age, there will be increased reports of elderly abuse and neglect. Thousands of seniors are abused verbally, sexually, or physically each day. Some people may not even know they are being abused, and the abuser may not know they are abusive. Things that were acceptable years ago are now considered abuse. So, what is elder abuse and neglect, and how do we prevent abuse and neglect from occuring?
Abuse can be physical, sexual, or emtional. Physical abuse is when a person strikes or touches a person causing pain, injury, or impairment. Examples would be pushing, grabbing, forcing a person to eat, drink, or take their medication. Drawing blood, or starting an IV against their wishes can be a form of abuse in hospitals.
Emotional abuse is talking in a way that degrades an individual, or making them feel fearful. Verbal/emotional abuse is yelling, making threats, humiliating or blaming a person. Verbally terrorizing a person, isolating a person from friends and family, and ignoring a person are other forms of emotional abuse.
Who are the abusers?
Whenever you read about elder abuse, it usually is in regards to a CNA or nurse at a nursing home or assisted living facility. What people don't read about is that more abuse happens in homes where the elderly person lives. There have been increased reports to Social Services and Adult Protection regarding abuse by family members. Adult children, grandchildren,nieces, nephews, in-home paid care-givers, or spouses are often the abuser.

Please follow this post or blog. Next posting will be on neglect and what you should do if you suspect an elderlyu person being abused or neglected.

Elopement and Wandering Away

2010-05-25T10:31:00.000-07:00

Recently, here in Denver a male resident with a diagnosis of dementia had wandered away form a facility he was living in. This is called elopement. Elopement is when a dependent resident of a Long term care facility, hospital, or assisted living facility leaves the facility without the staff or family being aware of the departure.
Back in January of this year, also in Denver. A grandmother with Alzheimer's Disease was left along with a 2 year old for her to care for. She took off with the toddler around 2 pm. She was found with the toddler later that day around 7 pm in a field near the family's home.
Last month, 2 kids with autism wandered away from home. The child in Florida made national news. The lost child in Boston, did not. Wandering and elopement both can be prevented! What is the difference between the two?
Wandering away is when a dependent person is not in a licensed care facility and leaves the residence without family knowing their where abouts. Elopement is a serious problem that each state has standards and guidelines for facilities to follow to prevent elopement. Facilities will be fined a hefty amount if the elopement leads to serious injuries or death.
So how do you prevent wandering away or elopement? At home- if you have a child with a disorder that would cause him or her to get lost or wander away from home. Always keep some form of identification on the child. ADT has a prevention program as well. Last, never leave your special needs child alone in the home. We make it a rule at our home that someone will always be home with our son.
Adult children and spouses of loved ones with some form of dementia do the same. Never leave your parent or spouse alone while you are at work, go shopping or for any reason. Hire some one to sit with your mom, dad, or spouse. Ask a friend or reliable relative to help. As your church if someone from the youth group or mission circle can volunteer to sit for a short period. Is there an adult day care center near by? Taking effective actions to prevent wandering will prevent problems in the future.
What if your loved one is in a facility? Ask administration what is their policy/procedure for elopment issues? Many nursing home administrators think they don't need one. More than 10% of all law suits involving ltc/alf deal with elopment issues.

Dementia Care- Not all forms of Dementia are Permanent

2010-05-13T10:48:00.000-07:00

When the doctor tell you that your mom, dad, or spouse has dementia, what is your first response? Grief, sadness, loss, then comes the questions of why, how could this happen, How long has this been going on, was I in denial, or when did this begin? I have heard all those questions from relatives or friends of people newly diagnosed with Dementia. A series of questions and reactions tend to be the general responses to the diagnosis of Dementia.
When I have my encounters with families of a patient with dementia, I usually ask, What type of dementia does your mom, or dad have? The answer may be Alzheimer, or "I don't know". Then the conversation may continue like this, "Well, why don't you know?", "because I never asked". A lot of time people never ask the doctor for further clarification regarding a diagnosis of Dementia.
Dementia is a broad name to classify a series of disorders that affect the brain causing a person to have cognitive problems. So when a doctor says someone has dementia, you need to ask for specifics, such as-What type of dementia, and depending on the type of dementia this will determine if the disease process is reversible or not.
Yes, there are a few forms of dementia that are reversible. They are but not limited to: Dementia caused by anesthesia, dementia caused by poor nutrition, depression, dehydration,infections, or circulatory disorders. And the list goes on. The non-reversible dementia's are usually Alzheimer's disease, Vascular dementia, Picks disease, Lewy Body disease, Huntington disease, or Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease.
So, if a doctor tells you that your family member or friend has dementia. Ask him or her what type, and is it reversible or not. Ask if specific tests will be conducted to determine the type. If the dementia is reversible ask what steps the doctor and family need to take to ensure a great recovery, and how long would it take to see some progress towards the recovery. Usually post-operatively it may take a person 30-60 days to fully recover cognitively from anesthesia.

Patients with Cognitive Disorders diagnosed with dementia

2010-04-22T18:25:00.000-07:00

For the past few months I have noticed articles popping up about patients who were mis-diagnosed with dementia. For instance, there have been deaf patients diagnosed with dementia due to language barriers. A lot of words we speak are hard to translate into sign language, therefore the true meaning of certain words are different. So if a doctor uses a Sign Language Interperter who is not familiar with Medical Terminology, there will be problems with getting correct questions and answers.

Years ago not too many people with Down's Syndrome or retardation lived into their 60's or older. This is now changing with improvements in healthcare.Some people who were diagnosed with Down's Syndrome or a form of retardation were being misdiagnosed with dementia. Doctors were focusing on looking for symptoms of dementia rather instead of realizing the primary disorder was causing increased communication and cognitive issues.

Autism- Some children seek to please

2010-04-22T18:05:00.000-07:00

My son always wants to please my husband and I. We never get mad with our son. We get upset with him at times like other good parents but we never get mad. When our son thinks we are mad at him he acts out. Fo instance. When we get up in the morning I ask him to open his curtains so the sun can shine through. His room is so dark. One day I asked our son whom I will call "N". to open his curtains. Then I said in a slightly loud tone "Why do I have to tell you every morning to open your curtains?" I walked away thinking nothing else of it. N was upset, because he thought I was mad at him. He was jumping and humming in his angry hum. Then he asked, " Are you mad at me?" I had to spend 15 minutes reasurring him that I was not mad at him. He just kept humming, jumping, and asking was I mad at him. Finally I had to hold him, rock him, and talk to him in a softer tone to get him to calm down.
So, does your child seek to please you? Have you ever noticed what sets him or her off? What do you do to calm your child? Some Autistic children seek to please their parents. Need to feel perfect, and that they are always loved.

Is it Dementia or a TIA?

2010-04-13T09:55:00.000-07:00

Many families find changes in their mother, father or spouse’s behavior as the first clue something may be wrong. After much observation and no longer able to tolerate challenging behaviors, you have him or her seen at the doctor’s office and receive a diagnosis of TIA or Vascular Dementia. The doctor won’t know more until further testing is completed. So what is the difference between the 2 disorders?

Vascular dementia is a term for dementia associated with problems in the circulation of blood to the brain. It is the second most common cause of dementia, but has been overshadowed by Alzheimer's disease, vascular dementia is slightly more common in men than in women. What are the common causes of Vascular Dementia? If blood vessels in the brain burst, you can have cerebral hemorrhage, if arteries are blocked by plaque formation or clots this is thrombosis or embolism, or if there is insufficient blood flow to parts of the brain the area of the brain will die- this is ischemia. All of these vascular issues will lead to a Stroke. You can bet that about a fifth of people who have strokes will develop problems with their mental abilities including dementia.

Now we will discuss what a TIA is. By definition, a TIA (transient ischemic attack), goes away within 24 hours. Some symptoms may go away within a few minutes. A TIA is a warning sign of a possible stroke. The risk of a future stroke increases dramatically in days or weeks after a TIA, and can lead to a full blown stroke. During the TIA or multiple TIAs a person will become confused, forgetful, agitated, and have short term or long term memory issues. The good news is, vascular dementia is reversible to a certain degree. Depends on the cause. Most TIAs are preventable and the worry of a stroke can be prevented. So if someone you know has been diagnosed with vascular dementia or TIA, know there is hope.

Dementia and Retirement Planning

2010-03-28T12:24:00.000-07:00

Retirement planning is a major piece of life's puzzle. The need to plan meticulously has never been more urgent than today in light of the long recession and questions surrounding health care. Researchers predict a surge in the number of dementia cases starting next year in 2011. There are a number of reasons for the increase including an aging population, strokes and paralysis, medical accidents, and adult early onset Alzheimer's. We all hope for an active lifestyle after retiring, however dementia is something very few plan for. When meeting with a financial planner, it would be wise to discuss the possibility of diminished mental capability and its impact on finances. The journey towards retirement is a long and winding road that involves a great deal of homework. While none of us can predict what the future may hold, we all can take cautionary measures to make the most out of life.

Clumsy or Something More Serious

2010-03-15T21:48:00.000-07:00

Ever hear the expression, "Born with two left feet?" We are not all born with grace and exceptional balance. As we age, we need to be careful to not confuse clumsiness with the early symptoms of Alzheimer's disease. Balance and coordination issues are not the areas we tend to associate with Alzheimer's, however falling, stumbling, and walking into objects may all be indicators of more serious problems. The cerebellum or part of the brain that controls coordination and motor function (balance) may be the portion of the brain impacted. Contact your doctor immediately to have a full evaluation conducted before assuming the problem is just something simple like being a little uncoordinated.

Technology and Alzheimer's

2010-03-02T18:46:00.000-08:00

Living in a world surrounded by technology makes us all wonder how we ever lived without the things we rely on every day. The advances made within the past decade alone are simply amazing. There are some practical applications in using technology when living with a family member who has dementia. First, we'll start with a simple low tech tip that could possibly make a big difference. Law enforcement agencies recommend making a copy of the sole of the shoes a person with Alzheimer's is likely to wear on a daily basis. This should be updated each time a new pair of shoes is purchased, and especially during the Winter months and rainy season. If the family member with dementia wanders and gets lost, there is a good chance they can be located with the use of trained dogs and experts skilled in tracking.

If you have a family member who lives some distance from you, as in another city, using a webcam is a great way of keeping in touch without actually being there. Having a webcam can also serve as a visual reminder to a loved one that you are still involved in their lives, even though you can't be there physically. Just having the peace of mind that comes with a daily conversation or sharing time over coffee is simply priceless.

Do It For Their Sake

2010-02-21T21:27:00.000-08:00

Just a few weeks ago, I wrote about dementia within families and how things can get violent sometimes. As a follow up to that blog, today I decided to visit that subject again. However, this time our focus is on "why" it is necessary to place loved ones in a facility or institutional environment. It comes down to loving someone enough to make the tough decisions. During the late stages of Alzheimer's, the person with the disease is no longer the person family members once knew. Although the choice is never easy, the time comes when it is necessary. We all want our loved ones with Alzheimer's to live out their remaining days with dignity and an acceptable quality of life. It is the right thing to do and ultimately the only choice we have.

Dad! Time to hand over the car keys

2010-02-15T10:36:00.000-08:00

There was a time when seniors and horror stories related to driving were limited to the state of Florida. Things have changed over the past few decades as more and more people continue to drive well into their 80's, 90's, and even 100 and beyond. Just how safe are these older drivers behind the wheel? Like so many things in life, that probably depends on who you ask. Seniors are adamantly opposed to giving up driving as many associate the privilege to drive with independence. Frankly, I see no reason to require someone to stop driving if they have no medical reasons which preclude operating a motor vehicle. In general the drivers who are cautious and conscientious as young adults tend to maintain those same habits as they get older.

There is, however, a faction of the senior population that should stop driving immediately. I'm referring to those who have been told by their doctor to stop driving because of a medical condition or diagnosis that endangers the lives of others and the patient. Medical problems such as diminished eyesight, dementia, some heart conditions, complications from diabetes, and others often result in driving restrictions by a physician. The problems arise when the patient ignores the doctor and continues driving. The situation is only magnified when family members refuse to take action that will keep an unsafe driver off the road. If it is impossible to take the car keys away, some other options are hiding the keys, disconnecting the battery cable, taking the car to a mechanic to have it "fixed", or even contacting law enforcement. The bottom line is we all would prefer having our loved ones safe and secure rather than putting themselves and others in danger.

Eye On Finances

2010-02-03T20:49:00.000-08:00

One of the early indicators of dementia is a lack of details in handling finances. For example, an elderly living alone may neglect to pay bills in a timely manner or forget to call in prescription medications. Family members also report a lack of accountability for certain expenses, such as "mystery" withdrawals from checking or savings accounts. Another sign of money mismanagement is confusing dollar amounts. This may occur when an individual with dementia writes a check in the amount of $256; when the actual payment was $20.56. If you have an elderly family member who is showing signs of mismanaging money, it is crucial to address the issue as quickly as possible.

Do you feel squeezed?

2010-01-27T18:06:00.000-08:00

Like a growing number of baby boomers, perhaps you are feeling pinched on all sides. In addition to job demands, you have the additional responsibilities of getting your kid(s) through college; plus caring for aging parents. Now imagine one or both your parents develops Alzheimer's disease or Parkinsons, both very common forms of dementia. This scenario decribes life for more and more people caught in the "sandwich generation." The pressure is intense and there are limited resources available to help families in this situation. The time it takes to visit colleges and search for financial aid is immense. Add to that, the emotional toll of deciding if mom or dad needs to move in with an adult child or maybe even locating a care facility. When things get to the point of simply being too much, explore community resources for help and seek the advice of others who have traveled a similar path.

Depression in Alzheimer's and Dementia Patients

2010-01-21T20:59:00.000-08:00

Depression is common among elderly patients suffering from dementia and Alzheimer's. During the early stages of Alzheimer's disease, depression may set in as the patient realizes matters will only get worse over time. Doctors may recommend anti-depressants to treat these patients, but additional measures may be necessary. Other treatment options include support groups and adult day care programs specializing in dementia patients. As a caregiver, watch for changes in behavior,apathy, or a sudden change in weight (gain or loss) as possible indicators of depression.

Does Mom have Alzheimer's?

2010-01-19T09:35:00.000-08:00

Maybe. If you're a member of the baby boom generation, chances are you may have asked yourself that very question. Watching our parents age is sometimes difficult as frailty and forgetfulness creep in. First, let's clarify a huge misconception. Forgetting some things as we get older is a normal part of the aging process and does not in and of itself indicate Alzheimer's disease. The early stages of Alzheimer's usually involves signs that exceed simply forgetting where you placed the keys or not picking up milk at the grocery store. Some symptoms to look for include:

1. Balance or coordination problems. This would include falling and "clumsy"
behavior.

2. Easily irritated by common activities. Anger and emotional outburst for no
apparent reason are frequent during this stage of the disease.

3. Not recognizing family members and long time friends. This may manifest as
referring to a spouse as a brother or childhood friend.

4. Inappropriate sexual behavior. Includes inappropriate touching and a lack
of self restraint in public areas.

5. Aggressive behaviors such as kicking, biting, hitting, and slapping may
all be indicators of some form of dementia.

If you suspect a loved one may have cognitive issues, consult a doctor immediately.
Don't delay taking action, as the problem will only worsen over time. For the well being and safety of a loved one, as well as your own inner peace, follow your hunches and get professional help.

Get Real!

2010-01-15T21:02:00.000-08:00

Studies have shown the average age of an Alzheimer's patient is 80 years old. However, the degree of denial within families is incredible and ranges from this can't be happening to we'll take care of this at home. In reality, it is extremely difficult,if not impossible, for an 82 year old spouse to take care of an 85 year old partner. Yet this is exactly what is happening everyday. Researchers predict there will be a major surge in the number of people diagnosed with Alzheimer's starting in 2011. The question is, what are you doing today to prepare for the possibility of being afflicted with Alzheimer's over the next few decades? The threat of dementia impacting a family member is real. Education and advance planning are key elements in staying one step ahead of this dreadful disease.

The Cost of Alzheimer's to Employers

2010-01-13T20:04:00.000-08:00

Every year employers are confronted with the difficult choice of granting employees time off to care for family members. According to a recent study by MetLife Insurance, the figure involving time off from work to care for loved ones with Alzheimer's is staggering. In the United States alone, the cost is 34 billion dollars annually in lost productivity. The study indicates employees missed time from work to care for family members 50 years old and above. The number of people diagnosed with Alzheimer's is expected to rise over the next decade as baby boomers retire and life expectancies continue to expand.

When Alzheimer's Turns Abusive

2010-01-12T19:48:00.000-08:00

Imagine being married for 50 years and suddenly one day your spouse doesn't recognize you anymore. That is the sad reality for some elderly couples as one partner develops Alzheimer's disease. Additionally, the partner diagnosed can often lose cognitive function at a rapid pace deteriorate to the point of becoming violent. Aggressive behavior is a common symptom of Alzheimer's and many spouses suffer in silence as the abuse may continue for years.

Research indicates not all people with Alzheimer's display aggressive behavior. In fact, in many cases the Alzheimer's patient may be the recipient of the abuse. When one partner is diagnosed, the other may become abusive out of frustration, anger, or guilt. This is an issue that only intensifies the very difficult family matter of dealing with Alzheimer's.

Facts ABout Dementia

2010-01-10T21:20:00.000-08:00

Dementia is quietly impacting the lives of millions of people with very little attention drawn to this issue. Alzheimer's is the most common form of dementia as the disease currently effects over 4 million people in the United States alone.

Increase in number of Alzheimers cases

2009-12-08T13:09:00.000-08:00

The number of people diagnosed with Alzheimers disease is expected to increase dramatically starting in the year 2011. This should be widespread as the world's populations age over the coming decades. To learn more, visit my website:

http://rncoach.blogspot.com

Have a sale!

2009-11-16T12:54:00.000-08:00

The holidays are just around the corner. With that being said, sales and office visit will be hit and miss. This is the perfect time to offer a sale on equipment and services to get through the slow period of the year. Maybe a 50% sale on overstocked merchandise or a buy one get one free service. Great way to fill your appointment book and keep the $$ flowing.

Finish Strong!

2009-11-04T14:30:00.000-08:00

With the year winding down and the holidays approaching, it is natural to let up a bit in our daily business activities. Now is the time to re-focus and complete the year on a positive note. This will bring the goals outlined at the beginning of the year into clearer focus and establish momemtum for the new year. Remember, finish strong!

Part 3 - "Adding Value To Your Customer Service"

2009-11-02T19:09:00.000-08:00

"Adding Value To Your Customer Service"

Part 3

Offer your customers a long term relationship, then do everything possible to build and maintain it. _Brian Tracy

Establishing and maintaining relationships is the very cornerstone of business success. Having valuable customers begins with trust and the ability to cultivate positive relationships. Customers will come back to do business with you time and time again when they know your pricing is fair, the service is exemplary, and you care about them in a genuine manner. This is either practiced (or not) and the results will follow accordingly. Have you ever gone out of your way to buy a pizza or traveled extra miles to buy a car? Obviously, there are pizza shops closer to home or auto dealerships within a 25 mile radius. We travel the extra miles because we know we will have a great customer service experience. The staff is always friendly and calls you by your first name and the owner of the business treats you like a friend. Therein lies the key to great customer service. Successful businesses make it a point to make their customers feel special. That is the goal we should all strive for.

2009-10-29T15:04:00.000-07:00

Adding Value To Your Customer Service

Part 2

Welcome to the second part of our series on how do we really make customer service a more valuable experience. Today we are covering an area that is critical to the ongoing success of your business and has the potential to generate an unlimited number of referrals. If you want to become the "go to" business in your area of expertise, this is something you must do. What is that one essential skill you must master to propel your business forward? The answer is simply position yourself as an expert in your business and any related areas. This doesn't mean you have to know everything or have all the answers. However, it does mean you should be a knowledgable resource for your customers whenever questions about your product or service arises. We live in a world that is starving for information on just about every topic imaginable. The irony is a lot of people are still uninformed or misinformed in spite of the internet and 24 hour news coverage. You can fill that void as a part of your value added customer service.

One of the most effective ways of doing this is to offer a resource library to your customers. This does not have to cost you a significant investment, but begin with the magazines, books, and CD's you already own. If you don't have these tools available, provide the contact information for your customers to answer their questions and concerns sufficiently. Perhaps the relevant department at a local community college provides access to an online resource library or you could find that information at a local bookstore. The important point to remember is having answers to your customers questions saves them time and makes you more credible, trustworthy, and respected. People are inclined to continue doing business with you and tell their friends and family members about the wonderful service they received.

Next time, we'll conclude with part 3 of our series. See you then.

2009-10-28T12:51:00.000-07:00

Adding Value To Your Customer Service

Part 1

This is the first of a three part series on enhancing the customer service experience. We all know having a long term faithful customer is the foundation of a profitable business. Like all of us, our customers have deadlines and demands on their schedules that makes time a premium. Think of additional ways to save your customer time and make their time spent doing business with you a true asset, instead of just another thing to do on their list. Place yourself in the customer's shoes and think of the next sequence in a series of steps that follows what you are currently offerring. For example, as a florist your customer may order a dozen of long stem red roses for a birthday or anniversary. Providing the option of a small stuffed animal or dark rich chocolates to accompany the flowers saves time and offers convenience. Thinking ahead to the next step of the sequence is applicable to any business or industry because there is always a next in the customer's busy schedules. This simple process of taking matters one step further will be greatly appreciated by your customers and help your business to shine!

Return for part 2 of our series tomorrow. See you then.

Never Too Young To Start

2009-10-26T14:00:00.000-07:00

In light of all the health related challenges facing society today, a good place to start is with prevention. This is especially true where children are concerned. Teaching young children sound preventive measures will reap a lifetime of healthy benefits. The question often arises, "What is a good age to start teaching children healthy habits regarding nutrition and lifstyle?" Beginning as early as age 3-4 years old is an ideal starting point as children are curious and question events that make up their environment. Moreover, explaining nutritional facts before meals answers their ongoing "why" and provides a solid foundation for healthy eating choices later in life. Although children may not comprehend all the information given at the moment, don't hesitate to talk about nutrition, exercise, and making good decisions about healthy living.

Members of the medical community feel the lack of vitamin D has reached a pandemic level. We all know the importance of essential vitamins and minerals in keeping our bodies functioning properly and avoiding illness. The need is greatly magnified with young children as their bodies and minds are still developing. Maximizing cognitive development in children is directly linked to a healthy diet, lots of physical activity, proper amount of sleep, and being in an environment that stimulates the mind as well as the body.

Having a Marketing Mix

2009-03-14T09:58:00.000-07:00

Healthcare/Wellness business owners should never be dependent on one or two forms of marketing. The key to getting more clients is to develop a marketing mix that works. What is a marketing mix? A marketing mix is a mixture of marketing techniques used to promote a service or product. It is your Marketing Plan.
Anyone in a healthcare or wellness business should have a plan, and your marketing plan should be a combination of the following: Internet, Direct Mail, Advertising, Referrals, Cross-Selling, Special Events, and PR just to start.

Your marketing plan should focus on several goals:

1. To give your patients what they want in the care they need.

2. To be able to differentiate your practice so it stands out from your competitors.

3. To target your messages to make a high-impact on your patients and potential patients that will lead them to take some form of action.

4. To provide services and products that is convenient for your targeted audience.

5. To develop a support system so your patients are comfortable using your services or product.

You should never create a solid marketing mix in a mad overnight dash. Instead, take your time to evaluate your goals and the focus of your business. Start slow with just a few strategies and evaluate their effectiveness. Next, remove a strategy or tactic that not working and replace it with another creative strategy. Commit to adding at least one new strategy or tactic to your marketing mix each month. If you do this, you will see a huge steady increase in clients within a year or so.