Category Archives: Health

What is new in the field of Health. Trending topics, and cutting edge research in the are of Health. Press Releases that give us updates on Health.

FairCode Announces COVID-19 Emergency Revenue Response Program


FairCode Associates, LLC, the leading company in hospital DRG revenue capture, announces the formation of a specialized cash flow response team. The team brings years of operational experience to advise hospitals on profitability during the COVID-19 crisis. FairCode shared its COVID-19 response and implemented plan with its 91 hospital clients and is now expanding its program to hospitals at large. FairCode’s CEO, Lisa Boyce stated, “With the current environment of cancelled elective procedures and empty beds in anticipation of acutely ill patients, hospitals are facing reduced inpatient revenue.” She went on to emphasize, “The demand for increased cash flow and revenue is greater than ever and FairCode is here to help.”

The Federal government has made available state COVID-19 bed demand run rate models that hospitals can use to project critical peak cash demand periods. In general, COVID-19 cases reflect longer lengths of stay and coding conundrums because of the clinical differences in patients receiving care at this time will impact discharge data. According to Boyce, “Hospital beds that have been used for surgical cases in the past are now occupied with patients reflecting lower DRG reimbursements.” Boyce continued, “This presents a particular challenge to protect case mix index with implications for next year.”

Implementing a FairCode COVID-19 emergency revenue response team allows hospitals to react with time critical support and proven expertise resulting in revenue results. The program implementation is quick as the hospital can add revenue within 3-4 weeks and achieve positive program cash flow immediately. FairCode utilizes 100% specially trained physician reviewers, on a STAT basis, to staff the revenue response team to ensure accuracy in DRG assignments that affect financial performance.

ABOUT FAIRCODE – FairCode combines the domain expertise of experienced physicians with modern data science and analytics technologies to increase hospital revenue. FairCode bridges the gap between a hospital’s attending physicians and hospital coders. The result? Patient acuity and Case Mix Index are more accurately captured with the correct DRG, and hospital reimbursements adjust accordingly. DRG Validation and physician conducted medical chart reviews happen in real time, significantly impacting hospital quality rankings, case mix index (CMI) and bottom-line results. From clinical validation and chart reviews to payor denial defense, FairCode’s physicians and data scientists are part of a hospital’s coding team. Outcomes are measurable and significant. FairCode averages greater than 4:1 Gross Return on Investment. http://www.faircode.com/

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Suntuity Presents Free Jordan Belfort Live Virtual Training Series About Earning Income from Home


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I’m thrilled to partner with Suntuity on these [trainings] to equip you with the tools and strategies to master the art of distance selling … increase your sales initiatives with proven solutions, and ensure you not only survive but also thrive in any economic situation. -Jordan Belfort

Jordan Belfort (https://jordanbelfort.com), celebrity author and motivational speaker that inspired the Oscar-nominated film The Wolf of Wall Street, is scheduled to conduct a multi-episode virtual training series with a focus on teaching effective remote work strategies that can help inspire and guide individuals towards maximizing their income from the comfort of their own homes.

The free Virtual Training Series, hosted by Suntuity Solar (https://suntuitysolar.com), was brought to fruition following a decision to cancel the previously-scheduled live seminar in Atlantic City, New Jersey due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The purpose of this series is to enable any individual to generate a home-based income by leveraging clean solar power as a mainstream energy source and utilizing competitive business practices remotely.

“Great leaders see difficult times as an opportunity,” said Belfort. “I’m thrilled to partner with Suntuity on these massive Virtual Training Events to equip you with the tools and strategies to master the art of distance selling during this pandemic, increase your sales initiatives with proven solutions, and ensure you not only survive but also thrive in any economic situation.”

The initial series will commence starting April 20th, 2020 through April 24th, 2020, and will include a live Q&A/Mastermind session from Jordan. There are also other notable guest speakers that will join the series with updates announced on https://jbevent.suntuity.com/straightline. Additional plans for a second and third virtual training series are slated for May and June respectively, with dates to be determined.

“We are thrilled to offer the series to anyone that has the drive and the need to make a difference in their lives given the current situation. The series are free and the lessons learned are invaluable. You have nothing to lose other than a few hours of your time, so give it a shot,” said Dan Javan, CEO of the Suntuity Group of companies.

All participants will have access to a daily training session with Jordan Belfort which include the following topics: “All Success Begins with Your Mindset”, “Straight Line Sales – Everything in Life is Selling”, “Straight Line Marketing & Social Media”, “Straight Line Persuasion & Negotiation”, ending with the live Q&A.

All interested individuals can review the dates, itinerary details and register at: https://jbevent.suntuity.com/straightline.

About Suntuity Solar

Suntuity Solar (https://suntuitysolar.com) is the residential solar division of the Suntuity Group of companies, a conglomerate of renewable energy, finance, technology and UAV services that has developed, built and managed hundreds of megawatts of energy projects across the globe. Suntuity Solar brings clean, affordable residential solar power to thousands of homeowners across the US with operations in multiple US states.

About Jordan Belfort

Jordan Belfort (https://jordanbelfort.com), aka “The Wolf of Wall Street” is a New York Times best-selling author, renowned motivational speaker on a global level, and the world’s #1 sales trainer. He has created more million-dollar producers, aka more millionaires, than any other sales coach in history. His book, The Wolf of Wall Street, was adapted into a blockbuster feature film directed by Martin Scorsese and starring Leonardo DiCaprio. And his revolutionary, one-of-a-kind Straight Line Sales System has been widely accepted as the most powerful and effective sales training system ever conceived.

This press release was published by Suntuity Solar, a Suntuity company.

Disclaimer:

The information in this release has been included in good faith and is for general purposes only. It should not be relied upon for any specific purpose and no representation or warranty is given as regards to its accuracy or completeness. No information in this press release shall constitute an invitation to invest in neither Suntuity Solar nor any of its affiliates. Neither Suntuity, nor Suntuity Solar nor their affiliates’ officers, employees or agents shall be liable for any loss, damage or expense arising out of any action taken on the basis of this press release, including, without limitation, any loss of profit, indirect, incidental or consequential loss. All Trademarks are the property of their individual owners.

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Vantagepoint AI Reaffirms Commitment to Children In Need


“Now, more than ever, we need to help.” — Lane Mendelsohn, President of Vantagepoint AI, LLC

Vantagepoint AI President, Lane Mendelsohn, reaffirms that Vantagepoint’s commitment to helping children and their families during their challenging times will continue uninterrupted.

In times of uncertainty, one of the first places people tend to scale back is in their philanthropic giving. Vantagepoint refuses to scale back in this time of need and recently reaffirmed its commitment to nonprofit partners. The award-winning financial tech company will continue to donate a portion of its monthly revenue without change.

“We regularly donate to The Children’s Cancer Center and Shriners Hospitals for Children and we will continue to do so,” said Mendelsohn. “Now, more than ever, we need to help.”

Click here to meet Zavi, one of the many children from Shriners Hospitals for Children, who was born missing one of his legs. He is a direct beneficiary of Vantagepoint’s charitable giving and has attended many of the company’s events in person. Zavi now has special prosthetics that let him play ball.

Vantagepoint is dedicated to supporting independent traders and investors too, empowering them with cutting-edge software and leveling the playing field so they can compete in the financial markets. VantagePoint software puts the power of artificial intelligence – predictive forecasts, and global Intermarket analysis – at the fingertips of traders using their home computers.

“I’m glad we have a product that helps people, and I’m proud our company values the work non-profits are doing and can continue to support them,” said Mendelsohn.

Traders interested in seeing how artificial intelligence can help them trade confidently no matter what the market does next are invited to attend a free online class.

About Vantagepoint AI, LLC.

Vantagepoint AI, creator of VantagePoint Software, is a leader in trading software research and development forecasting Stocks, Options, Futures, Forex, and ETFs with accuracy up to 87.4%. Vantagepoint’s patented Neural Network processes predict changes in market trend direction up to three days in advance, empowering traders to trade at optimal times with confidence. Vantagepoint has donated more than $680,000 to date to local charities, Shriners Hospitals for Children and the Children’s Cancer Center.

Contact: Lisa Moretti, lisam@vantagepointsoftware.com

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OSU Physicians, Inc., Supports HIPAA-Compliant Patient Care with Updox Telehealth Solution


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“With physicians working across different locations throughout central Ohio, it’s imperative we find a way to safely and effectively deliver care to our patients,” says L. Arick Forrest, MD, MBA, Vice Dean of Clinical Affairs, OSU College of Medicine, and President of OSU Physicians, Inc.

Updox announced today a partnership with The Ohio State University Physicians, Inc., a multi-specialty physician group, to provide a video telehealth solution to OSU Physicians’ physicians and advanced practice providers. Telehealth services are in demand across the nation due to the COVID-19 pandemic to ensure safe, HIPAA-compliant care delivery for patients, physicians and staff.

OSU Physicians is using Updox’s Video Chat to keep patients healthy and ensure safe care. Patients can connect with their physicians and healthcare providers through HIPAA-compliant Video Chat for face-to-face consultations without the need to download an app or special equipment. Updox Video Chat also works without the need for an existing MyChart portal account.

“With physicians working across different locations throughout central Ohio, it’s imperative we find a way to safely and effectively deliver care to our patients,” says L. Arick Forrest, MD, MBA, Vice Dean of Clinical Affairs, OSU College of Medicine, and President of OSU Physicians, Inc. “During the COVID-19 pandemic, we are encouraging staying home but healthcare must continue. We evaluated other third-party telehealth solutions but Updox allowed us to start immediately.”

Updox telehealth solutions give healthcare providers HIPAA-compliant channels to reach patients who are too ill to get to the office, homebound, quarantined, immobile or in rural environments. As healthcare providers navigate the COVID-19 pandemic, Updox supports safe, effective screening and treatment, while minimizing exposure risk to protect both staff and patients.

“During this time of crisis, quickly implementing comprehensive and secure telehealth services can ensure care continues in a way that is safe, secure and personal,” says Michael Morgan, chief executive officer, Updox. “We’re pleased to offer OSU Physicians a solution to safely treat their patients, protect staff and lower overall risks to help lessen the spread of COVID-19. These stressful times demand next-generation telehealth solutions that practices can use immediately with no special apps or downloads, and are as easy to use as making a phone call.”

While cities across the United States are under quarantine or stay at home orders, with at-risk patients advised to stay away from more populated areas and businesses, the need for healthcare doesn’t stop. Telehealth offers a way to offer regular healthcare services while also triaging and treating patients impacted by COVID-19.

For more information about how to immediately implement Updox Telehealth solutions, visit https://info.updox.com/covid-19-resources

About Updox:

Changing the way healthcare connects, Updox’s telehealth solutions are part of an all-in-one collaboration platform for out-of-hospital healthcare providers. Named for the past five years to the Inc. 5000 list of America’s fastest-growing private companies, Updox is integrated with more than 100 electronic health records (EHR) and pharmacy management systems and serves more than 470,000 users and 170 million patients. Updox offers a broad set of capabilities for patient engagement, provider communications and internal productivity that work together in a secure, easy-to-use collaboration platform. Updox was created specifically for the out-of-hospital market and gives customers access to a growing platform that focuses on solutions and services to make everyone delivering healthcare happy. Learn more at http://www.updox.com or follow the company on Twitter, LinkedIn and Facebook.

About OSU Physicians, Inc.

The Ohio State University Physicians, Inc. (OSUP) provides outpatient care throughout Central Ohio and the surrounding areas, as the approved not-for-profit practice plan for The Ohio State University College of Medicine designated by the University Board of Trustees. Located throughout Central Ohio, OSU Physicians, Inc. has clinics that foster an environment built on diversity, employee development and quality patient care. To learn more, visit https://www.osuphysicians.com/

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Wag Hotels to Offer Neighborhood Safe Playdates During California Shelter-in-Place Order


We are finding that dog parks are closed, we want to provide a fun, safe and supervised environment for pups to play

Wag Hotels, a premier destination for pets, is offering complimentary neighborhood playdates for dogs amid the statewide California shelter-in-place order. During the month of April, every Tuesday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., your dog can get out of the house, join a small socialization group at Wag Hotels, and burn off some energy with some other pups.

“We are finding that dog parks are closed, we want to provide a fun, safe and supervised environment for pups to play,” said Kristen Rau, Director of Client Services.

Due to the COVID-19 outbreak, our staff will provide convenient and safe curbside pick-up for your dog. Once you arrive with your pup, call the number listed on the front of our facility, and one of our team members will escort your dog into the play session.

To attend a neighborhood playdate, your dog must be fully vaccinated for dhlpp, Bordetella, and rabies. Call 888-WAG-LINE to make your reservation. Advance reservations are required.

To find a California Wag Hotels location near you, visit https://www.waghotels.com.

About Wag Hotels

Wag Hotels is the ultimate stay and play resort for dogs and cats. Founded in 2005, Wag Hotels has redefined the pet care business by offering a variety of innovative services, including hotel-style boarding, all day play/doggie daycare, training, and grooming services. Wag Hotels offers climate-controlled environments, personalized Wag cams and provides care 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Learn more about Wag Hotels at: http://www.waghotels.com.

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Unruly Studios Announces Nationwide STEM Grant for Educators in Response to COVID-19


Many teachers, like all of us, are also thinking ahead for when the world returns to normal. They are planning for when schools reopen and kids can play together again, and having physical Splats at home helps make that happen

Boston-based EdTech startup Unruly Studios announced they are launching a pair of initiatives to support educators coping with the ongoing coronavirus crisis. The first initiative is a grant program that provides $250,000 worth of Unruly Studios’ active STEM learning product, Splats, to 500 educators. This Unruly COVID19 Educator Grant is open to any elementary and middle school educators in the US and Canada. The second initiative is they are opening their online learning platform for free to all educators.

Unruly Splats are programmable floor buttons that students code using an iPad or Chromebook to create their own active, recess-style games. Students code the rules that tell Splats when to light up and make sounds when they are stomped on to create games like whack-a-mole, relay races, and Splat tag. Splats are currently used in hundreds of schools in 47 states.

Selected applicants for the grant will receive two free Unruly Splats plus the content and online support and training they need to create activities for coding and playing at home. These resources will allow educators to introduce STEM in their virtual classrooms now, and start planning for using them in their physical classrooms when schools reopen.

In addition to the Unruly COVID19 Educator Grant, Unruly Studios opened their entire online learning platform available at no cost to educators around the globe. By using the app on an iPad or Chrome browser, educators and students can code their own games and music with virtual Splats.The company is also providing a rich resource kit of training videos and virtual coding activities for teachers to send directly to students.

Bryanne Leeming, CEO and Founder of Unruly Studios, said, “While it is one thing to offer our online and virtual content for free, we wanted to go further. Many teachers, like all of us, are also thinking ahead for when the world returns to normal. They are planning for when schools reopen and kids can play together again, and having physical Splats at home helps make that happen.”

Unruly Studios wants to extend their grant to reach 5000 educators. Since Unruly is a growing startup, they have made the decision to sponsor 500 themselves, and are looking to partner with corporate sponsors to achieve this goal. Leeming added, “Educators are working incredibly hard to continue to teach our children and we want to be part of the solution. If you are part of an organization that is interested in partnering with us for this initiative, please email sponsors@unruly-studios.com.”

Unruly Studios: Unruly Studios is a Boston-based edtech company that combines physical, recess-style play with hands-on STEM learning for elementary and middle schools. Their first product, Unruly Splats are programmable devices that light up, make noise and sense when they are stomped on. Students code Splats with the Unruly block coding app on a tablet or Chromebook to create active games, and then play them with classmates.

PR Contact:

Lauren Watkins

(617) 710-4364

lauren@unruly-studios.com

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HealthAlerts.io Launched to Map COVID-19 Testing Locations and Combat the Coronavirus


HealthAlerts.io Combats COVID-19 Virus

Hot Tomali Communications and AmericanEHR have launched a website to help users find COVID-19 testing sites across the US and Canada. Complete with searchable maps and filters, the website is powered with a set of verified COVID-19 testing locations that have been identified by a growing team of volunteers. Testing location managers can add and/or claim their profile in order to update users on availability, hours, and criteria for COVID-19 testing. The website can be found at HealthAlerts.io.

Health Alerts COVID-19 Testing allows users to submit new testing locations and real time updates through reviews and pictures as a means to crowdsource rapidly changing test site information.

Further, HealthAlerts.io connects users to self-assessment tools based on their geographic location. Self-assessments are generally the first step in determining a person’s eligibility for testing. For example some test sites require patients to make an appointment, have a physician referral, or be a member of a particular health organization in order to qualify for a COVID-19 test.

Ensuring users have access to the most trusted COVID-19 information is critically important. To achieve this HealthAlerts.io also provides real-time health alert bulletins from CDC, HHS, FDA, WHO, Health Canada, HealthLinkBC, and ECDC.

No personal data is required for users to access the Health Alerts COVID-19 Testing tool. To submit reviews or to claim and manage COVID-19 test locations, users have the option to create an account.

Accompanying apps for iOS and Android will be available for download in the Apple App Store and on Google Play shortly.

“In light of the COVID-19 pandemic we made the call three weeks ago to build a tool to help fight this virus (our self-imposed version of the Defence Production Act)” says Thomas Stringham, Founder & CEO of Hot Tomali and AmericanEHR. “We leveraged technology from previous projects (Pooch.pet and AmericanEHR Health Alerts) which allowed us to develop a solution really rapidly. This tool can help reduce the burden on frontline healthcare workers. This is how we flatten the curve”

Testing broadly is highly critical to be able to identify and isolate people with the COVID-19 Coronavirus. Serological tests have been developed to identify COVID-19 antibodies—this can allow people displaying immunity to return to work or reduce the social and economic lockdown restrictions that are hampering the global economy.

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Winner of Ad Age’s International Small Agency of the Year award, Hot Tomali Communications is an integrated digital agency that specializes in building digital tools and campaigns for healthcare, education and consumer brands. To learn more about these services and to view Hot Tomali’s online portfolio, visit http://www.hottomali.com.

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AmericanEHR is a free resource designed to aid the medical community with the selection, implementation, and effective use of health information technology. AmericanEHR is supported by 24 professional societies and content partners, including the American Medical Association (AMA) and the American Academy of Family Physician (AAFP), and Health Information and Management Systems Society (HIMSS). For more information on AmericanEHR visit: http://www.americanehr.com

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Noted Psychotherapist’s Prescription For Dealing With Coronavirus (COVID-19) Anxiety and Stress


Dr. Gerald Fishkin, A 50+ year practicing psychotherapist in Long Beach, CA, shares his advice for how you can stay safe and sane during this pandemic. His hopes are that this information will bring us all together and help one another during troubling times.

Stop catastrophizing, awfulizing, panicking, dreading and anticipating the future in an irrational or negative way. Get present and stay present in your thinking.

2. Every day have a task, have a plan, and stop watching the media. Having a plan and looking forward to something on a daily basis gives us a sense of hope, especially when we’re not dwelling on the present that we have no control over any way. Because in reality, the only thing we have control over is our attitude. If our attitude is rational, then our feelings about our situation will be healthy, rational and hopeful as well.

3. It’s been said that humor is the universal solvent against the abrasive elements of life. This does not mean being Pollyanna to what’s going on around us, but we have to maintain a sense of rationality. This crisis will end, and when it does, I hope each of us has learned something about this gift that we call life.

4. Having current information is important, but don’t compulsively watch the news. You’re going to find that your anxiety and blood pressure will rise.

5. Prayer and having the spiritual connection is really important and especially now when our sense of hope is threatened. Prayer, like meditation, gives us connection to a higher power. Because of social distancing, people are even praying at home through the Internet. Brilliant.

6. Exercise is very important and especially when we are homebound or in self mandated quarantine. No one wants to feel helpless or be quarantined – we were raised in freedom and we expect it, so watch your anger and frustration levels. The emotions of fear and hope cannot exist at the same time, so which one do you choose? Quarantine does not have to mean that you are homebound. Get out, take a walk. Walk your dog, offered to walk your neighbor’s dog, or walk your imaginary dog. It doesn’t matter, just get out of your living space so you can get some fresh air and clear your

head.

7. Consider taking an Internet class or program, or visit cultural websites such as museums, galleries or travel websites, which can be very engaging. You might visualize and plan your next vacation– the net effect is to get you out of your current and fearful thinking and into something fun. It doesn’t cost any more. Check out the classes offered on The Great Courses website.

8. Cell phone digital addiction is okay when you can live your regular life. In self-isolation or enforced quarantine, you don’t know what to do with yourself. This outcome was inevitable and your reactions to it show how out of balance your life is. Use this time to learn or experience something new.

9. For the many of you that are forced to work at home and whose daily life and routine have been upended, you’ll need to learn how to deal with working in isolation, which if not dealt with effectively can lead to boredom, fear, restlessness, and frustration. Mental health is a growing issue in the United States, and it’s one that can be made worse by isolation. A recent report from Cigna Health Company found that 75% of younger workers—those in the millennial or Gen Z groups — feel isolated at work. And that’s when they are in the office. Not surprisingly, the potential for loneliness, anxiety, and depression is even more significant for those who work alone at home. There’s a sense of loneliness that can be exaggerated.

That may mean someone who is usually anxious may find themselves paralyzed with fear when away from the office. Or a lonely person may dip into depression. In either case, their output could slow to a crawl.

Self-isolation can be scary if you don’t have the support network to help. So begin to develop a support network now. Also, the best functional approach for working at home is to spend 45 minutes on a task and taking a 15 minute break.

10. The social behaviors of some, fortunately not all individuals in our culture have been very disappointing and amazing at the same time. On the one hand, there are hoarders who believe they have to get as much as they can now, while depriving others of daily necessities.

Everybody needs to take a deep breath and understand there’s nothing wrong with our delivery supply chains and warehouses which are all full. Stores are being restocked daily. Remember one thing, hoarding leads to rationing, and we don’t want that at any cost.

On the other hand, I have seen strangers offering to help strangers. I have lived in my community for 39 years and I am now getting flyers on my doorstep from our young neighbors offering assistance such as food shopping, walking a dog, getting medication if necessary. I’ve never seen anything like it before and I’m so grateful for what these young neighbors are doing. By the way, I have a no-cost, low-cost solution for hand sanitation. Here it is, a spray bottle with rubbing alcohol.

© Gerald Loren Fishkin, Ph.D. All Rights Reserved.

You can contact Dr. Gerald Fishkin on his website: drgeraldfishkin.com

Press release distributed by SocialtyPro

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Being Rx Ready During COVID-19


While managing a prescription regimen can feel daunting even in the best of times, it’s important to ensure medications continue to be filled and taken as recommended to remain strong and healthy in the midst of a pandemic. Having the most up-to-date information and a thoughtful plan in place to manage prescription and over-the-counter drugs safely can help alleviate stress and reduce potential hazards. With supplements, treatments and advice flooding the internet, it’s critical to rely on trusted sources, like pharmacists, for the most accurate information about medication management.

“The current pandemic has left many families and older adults feeling overwhelmed and underprepared,” said Lakelyn Hogan, gerontologist and caregiver advocate at Home Instead Senior Care. “With so much misinformation and ambiguity surrounding COVID-19, medications are top of mind for many.”

Medication mismanagement is among the most serious health threats facing seniors. So, Home Instead reached out to Dr. Kyle Decker, PharmD, chief operating officer of Simple Meds, for guidance.

“In the middle of so much uncertainty, we’ve seen people turning to their community pharmacy for answers, or even just a calm and trusted voice,” Dr. Decker said. “Pharmacists are on the front line, working diligently to ensure patients get the medications and treatment they need.”

Dr. Decker shares answers to some of the most common questions pharmacists are receiving right now:


  • Q: I need to pick up medication. Can I make a quick trip to my community pharmacy?


A: Older adults and others who are at high risk should follow the advice of the CDC, which includes staying home. A physical visit to the pharmacy isn’t required to pick up the medication you need. Consider home deliveries before your supplies run short. Direct-mail pharmacy services like Simple Meds can automatically organize and sort your medications, packaging each dose into clearly labeled packets that are mailed to you every month. With so many other things to focus on, knowing your medication will be delivered safely to your door can be a source of relief during these difficult times. Many states are also temporarily permitting pharmacists to dispense emergency refills when a doctor visit isn’t possible.

  • Q: I need to see my doctor, but my appointment was canceled. What do I do now?


A: You’re not out of luck! Many doctor’s offices and insurance carriers offer remote or telehealth options to obtain medical advice in the comfort of your own home. Through a virtual health service, you can receive real-time care from a healthcare professional via video chat. If you begin to experience new or unidentified symptoms, reach out to your healthcare provider to determine the next best step. A video chat or phone call with a healthcare professional is a simple and convenient way to get what you need when you can’t physically visit the office.

  • Q: Do I need to stock up on medication? What medications should I have on hand?


A: Continue filling as you have always filled, rather than buying more than you need. Stockpiling months of medication only leads to a tighter supply of popular medications. However, if you’re running short on the basics like acetaminophen, consider purchasing an extra bottle to have on hand. Acetaminophen is among the best home treatments for many mild illnesses.

  • Q: I don’t have hand sanitizer at home. Is it safe to make my own?


A: Regularly cleaning hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds is the most important step in prevention of spreading illness. Hand sanitizer is the next best thing if soap is not readily available, such as while you run essential errands. However, the FDA recommends that consumers do not attempt to make their own hand sanitizer. When made incorrectly, hand sanitizer can be ineffective, and users can suffer from skin burns.

  • Q: I’ve seen a lot of conflicting information about COVID-19 online. How do I know what is true?


A: There’s an abundance of articles and research studies available regarding COVID-19. Some are reputable, and some are not. Now more than ever, it’s important to think critically about the sources you’re using to get information and avoid information overload. Choose a reputable source like the CDC, WHO or your local health authority and commit to checking it once in the morning and afternoon, rather than grazing throughout the day. While it is important to stay current, too much information can contribute to high stress levels. If you have any concerns or questions regarding something you’ve read on the internet, contact your pharmacist or healthcare provider.

There’s no time like the present to establish a safe system or regimen to manage your medications, and your local pharmacy or a medication service like Simple Meds can help. To learn more, connect with a Simple Meds representative at 615-645-6337. For more resources on medication management, reach out to your local Home Instead Senior Care office or visit http://www.LetsTalkAboutRx.com.

ABOUT HOME INSTEAD SENIOR CARE

Founded in 1994 in Omaha, Nebraska, the Home Instead Senior Care® franchise network provides personalized care, support and education to enhance the lives of aging adults and their families. Today, the network is the world’s leading provider of in-home care services for seniors, with more than 1,200 independently owned and operated franchises that provide more than 80 million hours of care annually throughout the United States and 12 other countries. Local Home Instead Senior Care offices employ approximately 90,000 CAREGivers℠ worldwide who provide basic support services that enable seniors to live safely and comfortably in their own homes for as long as possible. Home Instead Senior Care franchise owners partner with clients and their family members to help meet varied individual needs. Services span the care continuum – from providing personal care to specialized Alzheimer’s care and hospice support. Also available are family caregiver education and support resources.

Visit HomeInstead.com. Connect with us on Facebook and Twitter.

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Mother honors son’s memory by comforting COVID-19 patients, families & medical staff


The Comfort Cub is a weighted teddy bear, proven by both doctors and therapists to ease anxiety and bring a sense of peace to people during times of tragedy.

While the initial intent of The Comfort Cub was for child loss, evidence shows it provides profound relief for any traumatic event.

Originally created to comfort mothers after the loss of a child, The Comfort Cub is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to comforting everyone. Holding a weighted therapeutic Comfort Cub triggers the brain to release key neurotransmitters including oxytocin causing the body to relax and feel comforted. Doctors, nurses and patients alike agree The Comfort Cub can be used to ease anxiety stemming from many issues, including COVID-19.

Pediatric Palliative Care and Bereavement Social Worker at UCLA Mattel Children’s Hospital Gina Kornfeind expressed the urgent need for cubs. “Now more than ever we hope to bring comfort to those in need, not only to our patients and families, but to the brave hospital staff on the front lines as well. The Comfort Cub is the perfect thing to give them,” she said.

This is an important time to make sure hospitals have access to Comfort Cubs as COVID-19 causes many people to feel anxious as the number of confirmed cases increases.

The Comfort Cub is a weighted teddy bear, proven by both doctors and therapists to ease anxiety and bring a sense of peace to people during times of tragedy.

In their continuous mission to help families cope with stress and heal from tragedy, The Comfort Cub team plans to give away 1,000 comfort cubs throughout the next several months. Their mission will begin in Los Angeles at UCLA Health and continue from coast to coast with deliveries to both hospitals and individuals in need. Johnson and her team of volunteers had decided on the massive giveaway long before the COVID-19 outbreak. April 11, 2020, would have been her son’s 20th birthday. Johnson wanted to honor her son’s short, yet meaningful life by comforting others. While the intention was originally to focus on parents mourning the loss of a child, Johnson saw the great need to comfort families who are losing loved ones to COVID-19 complications or those simply feeling isolated and depressed while a loved one recovers in the hospital.

The Comfort Cub is the world’s very first weighted therapeutic teddy bear. It was invented by founder Marcella Johnson in 1999 after the loss of her infant son, George, due to a congenital disease. The Cub was developed to help other mothers who suffered from the loss of their infant. The Comfort Cub is specially weighted and is intended to simulate the weighted comfort of cradling a newborn.

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While the initial intent of The Comfort Cub was for child loss, evidence shows it provides profound relief for any traumatic event. This includes having to leave the hospital while your baby is still in the NICU, the loss of a spouse, parent, loved one or beloved pet. It has also been effective for occupational & autism therapy, adoptions and those experiencing divorce or traumatic loss.

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Due to deep touch pressure, holding The Comfort Cub triggers the brain to release key neurotransmitters and “the cuddle hormone”, which causes the body to relax and feel comforted. The Comfort Cub has been scientifically proven to decrease heaviness in the chest & aching in the arms, as well as other physical manifestations of a distressing loss. Comfort cubs may be ordered online by visiting https://www.thecomfortcub.org. Website visitors may also choose to purchase a cub and donate to a family in need of a cub.

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