NEWS BREAK:
Ok...I'm finally going to break my silence on this topic.

I truly feel most over the counter (OTC) supplements (e.g., iron. potassium) should be removed from the shelves and instead prescribed by your primary care provider (PCP).

Taking too many mg of these, and others, can damage organ systems, even skew lab results...

Please, speak with your PCP (ideal place to start) to determine what supplements you can take at home vs. the need for prescriptions vs. what may be contraindicated with specific supplements.

Many people don't even realize that the money you spend on certain supplements are not being absorbed, if you're not eating the correct diet that helps to digest them...

I STRONGLY encourage you to help me educate others and yourselves about what you are spending your money on, and what may be impacting your bodies causing either nothing but peeing money away...or causing stress on your body's organs that is already producing what it needs according to your age or health condition, and/or diet.

I will be MORE than happy to offer a private or community education session on this...but, you can also save money on reading some already available journals to support various OTC supplements and learn from your PCP or pharmacists by getting baseline blood lab tests to determine what’s best for you.

**Did you know that eating something as simple as bananas, yes, we all know, is a great source of Vitamin K (Potassium)? However, did you realize there is a recommended dose we're "allowed" to give patients in the ED vs. the ICU? It is also best absorbed with fat and affects heart rate/rhythm. Speak with your PCP and a dietitian about what you can do so you don't end up with high cholesterol.

Did you know that Vitamin C and high citrus drinks help iron absorb best in the body? Know the details of when and what should be avoided when taking this supplement? And why you feel crappy after taking this.

Ironically, high citrus foods should also NOT be taken with certain medications. Learn about these various medications and supplements you must take, according to your PCP.

Don't just pick any over the counter supplement and pop it in your mouth and assume it's doing its magic. Please learn the pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics of any OTC medications.

...yes. Supplements are considered medications.

 

All Species Nurse

 

I have heard so many patients that self-diagnose using WebMD, TV commercials, or even to each other.

Each person ages differently. We can compare notes with our friends, and find similarities all we want with family.

But the reality is, that one's body's health is different than what another's body's health is and feels like.

This is a link that will help assist you in what and where to find the correct, up-to-date information that many people should know, but aren't informed about:

https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/online-health-information-it-reliable

Also, look into the NIH blogsites for additional information:

https://www.nia.nih.gov/research/blog/2022/08/nia-career-development-and-fellowship-awards-does-my-priority-score-mean-i

All Species Nurse

 

Get your Medical Billing and Coding Classes Online!!!

Visit:https://info2.ultimatemedical.edu/cpl/healthcare-training-programs-da/?vendorleadid=4957_augstand20fc

For more information

All Species Nurse

 

By Mille Jones

Save Money by Becoming a Healthier and Happier You

Most of us are constantly looking for ways to save some money, and living a healthy lifestyle may not always be seen as being cost-effective, but it doesn’t have to be. There are many ways you can save money while enjoying a healthy lifestyle. 

Fewer Doctor Visits

Getting healthy means you save on health care costs because you're more likely to have fewer doctor's visits and fewer medicines. It also lowers the risk of developing other chronic diseases like cancer, stroke, Alzheimer's, and heart disease, which can not only be devastating physically but cost well above what you would spend on think like organic foods and gym memberships.

Lowering the Cost of Health Insurance

The United States spends more money on healthcare than any other country. There is a growing trend of employers and insurance companies to reward better health with lower premiums.

This system works by rewarding employees for healthier habits, such as quitting smoking, eating right, and getting exercise. The company or employer provides these rewards in the form of premium reductions, cash incentives, and other benefits such as gym memberships, or reduced deductibles.

When employers provide these types of rewards in various ways, it can have a direct correlation with the health of their employee population.

Lowering Food Costs by Eating at Home

Cooking at home has many advantages. For one thing, eating out may lead to consuming too much sodium and fat due to restaurant food being high in these ingredients.

Furthermore, the food that's cooked at home is usually made with natural seasonings and flavors - not with artificial additives like MSG. That's why it can taste better than restaurant food while also making you feel better after you eat it.

Cooking at home is also cheaper than eating out because the ingredients are already in the house.

If you want to minimize your grocery bill, consider purchasing inexpensive meats instead of higher-quality cuts. The difference in price is typically astronomical, especially when comparing ground beef and steak fillets. Try buying chicken wings as they are much cheaper than chicken breasts.

Visit your local farmers’ markets for healthier and frequently cheaper produce, herbs, and many other cooking essentials. 

Walking, the Cheapest Form of Exercise

According to Discover, walking is more than just transportation — it also happens to be really good for us. Countless scientific studies have found that this simple act of moving our feet can provide a number of health benefits and help people live longer. In fact, a walking routine — if done properly — might be the only aerobic exercise people need. The only investment you may need is in a good pair of walking shoes, the rest is all you. 

Working From Home

Not only is working from home cheaper, since you’re not paying for commuting, an expensive wardrobe, or lunches out, but you’ll also be lowering your stress levels. Working from home allows you to more easily balance work and family life. If that means starting your own healthy lifestyle business then good news! This happens to be a great time for start-up entrepreneurs. 

Write a business plan first so you’ll have a roadmap for how to proceed. Your business plan should describe your company, detail how you'll sell your services, describe how your business will be structured, and include what funding you'll need and financial projections. Read this ZenBusiness - Start a Business Guide to help you navigate how to go forward with your business goal.

Save on Medical Costs

Staying healthy while lowering costs can mean saving on medical care and prescriptions. It's easy to get prescriptions filled and refilled when you visit an online doctor who can determine if you qualify for a prescription and what medication treatment options to consider. Prescription orders are electronically sent to a pharmacy of your choice to be filled, and you may be able to save on prescriptions as well. 

When You and Your Pet Need Care

All Species Nurse promotes support for both the hospitalized human patient and their pets until the owner can return home. (Pets are proven to help patients heal quicker). Follow their blog here for all the information you need with websites that are broad in containing both Human and Animal information for the public and professionals.

Getting healthy should be reason enough to adopt a healthier lifestyle, but when that’s coupled with saving money, there’s no reason not to start today!

How to Help Both Parents When Only One Needs a Skilled Nursing Facility

 

Image via Pexels

How to Help Both Parents When Only One Needs a Skilled Nursing Facility

 

If only one parent needs to move to a skilled nursing facility, it can be difficult for both of them. Having to live apart after being together so long can bring up a lot of different emotions. However, there are a few ways you can help both parents in this challenging situation. All Species Nurse, LLC presents some tips provided by other writers for independent or researched columns and articles below.

Find the Perfect Skilled Nursing Facility 

Ideally, you'll want a facility within a reasonable driving distance from you and your remaining parent. This makes visiting easier and ensures someone is nearby in an emergency. Check ratings and reviews to get an idea of the highest-rated options in your area. Take your time to choose the perfect place and always go with your gut instinct during tours. If something feels off, it's best to choose a different option. 

Get Help From Professional Movers 

Hiring professionals to move your parent's things into their new community is an excellent idea. Not only does this reduce the physical workload, but it also lets you focus on more important tasks. Before hiring a company, read reviews online. Search online for local movers and find companies with generally positive reviews and only the highest ratings. 

Consider Selling Your Parents' Home 

Selling your parents' home could help free up money to pay for skilled nursing care costs. The average national price of a semiprivate room in these facilities is $7,756 a month. Of course, this average may be lower or higher based on your location. 

Speak with both parents about this decision, so long as both are capable of decision-making. Only late-stage dementia or Alzheimer's disease would generally preclude one parent from this discussion. Ensure your asset calculations are done accurately. To figure out home equity, you'll need to deduct the amount owed on the mortgage from your home's current market value. 

Make Plans for Your Other Parent 

If your other parent chooses to downsize, help them figure out their options. They may like the idea of an independent living community because it would offer them plenty of socialization opportunities. If the room is available and your parent agrees, it may also make sense for them to move in with you or another sibling. Another option is to find them a local apartment close to your chosen skilled nursing facility.  

Be Compassionate 

Being compassionate and available during this challenging time is the best thing you can do for both of your parents. Be understanding if either parent is stressed, frustrated, or depressed. Regularly visit the skilled nursing facility so your loved one doesn't feel alone. Make regular phone calls and frequent plans with your other parent because they'll need your support now more than ever.

Help Both Parents in This Difficult Situation

The information can assist you in helping both parents in this challenging situation. Now may also be a good time for advanced end-of-life planning. 

Information collected and written by Millie Jones

 SOLUTION to workplace patient load to reduce the stress of medical staff:

If telehealth doesn't work or isn't available for

every medical office, the patient, and/or primary care provider (PCP). the lobby is crammed with patients, and the staff is stressed and unable to catch up.

Plan B. (if telehealth is not available).

Call All Species Nurse (ASN), for instance, as your

designated mobile, skilled nurse specialist to reach out to visually assess and apply follow-up medical care needs to the patient's homes (e.g., bandaging of a diabetic patient, rechecks of other medical applications, and educating the patient).

Process:

1. The PCP, or specialist, for instance, is

overloaded with patients in the lobby. It's time-consuming for the doctor to tend to all patients on that same day. The PCP is hurried to reach regularly seen patients for follow-ups or consistent care (e.g., diabetic foot care, bandaging, etc.).

2. The PCP writes an order and has ASN contracted

(yet doesn't work in the office, but is familiar with the policies and

procedures, and Standards of Practice according to the scope of practice).

3. The PCP or specialist tends to a patient on their

first appointment or higher acuity medical needs. Subsequent visits are determined if ASN will do the additional follow-ups for a period until the PCP wants the patient's next appointment to be in the office.

4. The patient at home pays just as they would in the

office, in advance, prior to medical services provided. This would be done over the phone to the PCP's office to the staff member that handles co-pays. ASN does not handle the finances.

5. The PCP's office will be called by ASN to confirm the visit and if the patient has paid, according to their insurance.

5. ASN addresses the medical needs of the patient(s),

evaluates, charts, and assesses patient response to treatment and care, then contacts the PCP, gives SBAR report and receives orders for additional plans (should there be a change in the medical condition of the patient).

6. The charted notes are returned to the PCP/specialist, and verbal and full, written reports are provided to the PCP and filed.

Win/Win/Win/Win solutions.

1). The PCP can address all patients without a long

waiting time for the patient.

2). Less patient concerns about traveling to their

PCP's/specialists appointment(s) timely.

3). The PCP/specialist's income will double, due to the

ability to have two (+) patients seen at the same time for their unique medical

care needs.

4). Less stress on the medical care staff, allowing

time to organize areas of workstations and having fewer angry patients to deal

with.

Would anyone agree, want to add, or revise the ideas

above?

For questions or dialogues, you may respond to this

post, or contact me at:

ask@allspeciesnurse.com

allspeciesnurse@yahoo.com

Call or text 602-312-7352

https://allspeciesnurse.com/

 MTHFR

Information on the MTHFR test (Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase) and its variants. 

What it is, symptoms, and how it is treated:

https://www.healthline.com/health/mthfr-gene