Jefferson Community Health & Life的动态

Behind the Counter: Pharmacists as Champions for Cardiovascular Wellness As a pharmacist, I can attest to the satisfaction that comes from helping patients save money on their prescriptions. It's one of the few times I felt like I provided real value. In fact, socioeconomic factors are a significant contributor to heart failure readmission rates. Patients who can't afford their medication are often forced to make difficult decisions that can negatively impact their health. That's why pharmacists have a critical role to play in helping patients access the medications they need. By seeking prior authorizations and searching for manufacturer coupons or vouchers, pharmacists can make a huge difference in this paradigm. In this article, you'll learn more about the ways that pharmacists can act as champions for cardiovascular wellness. I encourage you to give it a read and share your thoughts. Together, we can work towards a healthier future for all. Article Link: https://lnkd.in/emXQChuB

My new publication about low serum albumin is associated with poor prognosis in older adults both in community and hospital settings. The findings of this review hold crucial clinical implications for healthcare providers working with older adults. The consistent association between low serum albumin levels and increased mortality risk, particularly in the hospital setting, underscores the importance of routine serum albumin assessments as part of comprehensive geriatric evaluations. Identifying older adults with low serum albumin levels upon admission or during hospitalization can serve as an early warning sign, allowing healthcare providers to tailor interventions promptly. These interventions could include targeted nutritional support, multidisciplinary care involving geriatricians and nutritionists, and personalized care plans addressing medical and social determinants. The observed link between low serum albumin and adverse outcomes in community settings necessitates a heightened awareness among primary care providers. Routine monitoring of serum albumin levels during regular check-ups can aid in identifying older adults at risk for mortality, anemia, and limitations in activities of daily living. Health education campaigns can further empower older adults and their families to recognize the significance of serum albumin levels and encourage proactive measures to improve nutritional status. Implementing public health interventions based on the findings of this review can significantly improve outcomes for older adults. One key strategy involves integrating routine serum albumin level assessments into regular health check-ups for older adults, both in hospital and community settings. This proactive approach can aid in early identification of at-risk individuals and prompt intervention. Additionally, community-based nutrition programs tailored for older adults, with a focus on increasing protein intake and addressing specific nutritional deficiencies, can be instrumental. Collaborative efforts between healthcare providers, community organizations, and public health agencies can strengthen these initiatives, ensuring a holistic approach to older adult health. Full article: https://lnkd.in/gYVkPc7e

Sudden Arrhythmic Death Syndrome (SADS) is a critical yet under-recognized health issue that calls for greater awareness, especially in India. Established in 1991, by Dr. Michael Vincent, the The SADS Foundation has been a global leader in saving lives and advancing care for people with heart arrhythmia conditions that could lead to sudden cardiac death. The foundation's work spans conditions like Acquired Long QT Syndrome, Arrhythmia, Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Dysplasia (ARVD), Brugada Syndrome, Cardiomyopathies, and Catacholaminergic Polymorphic Ventricular Tachycardia (CPVT) – conditions that affect the heart's electrical system and increase the risk of fatal outcomes if left unmanaged, amongst others. In recent discussions, the Heart Health India Foundation (HHIF) had the pleasure of connecting with SADSUK to explore collaborative ways to enhance cardiac health awareness and support for SADS patients across India and the UK. Linda Casey at SADS UK, shared impactful insights into their initiatives, including deploying defibrillators in schools and public spaces and creating essential educational resources for cardiac care and patient-centered decision-making. These initiatives have laid a powerful foundation for life-saving measures within communities and among healthcare professionals, serving as a model for potential programs in India. Ram Khandelwal, Achin BN Biyani, and Calvin Vinod from HHIF took part in these discussions, addressing various avenues for collaboration. They explored the potential for joint efforts in health education, podcast series featuring patients and healthcare professionals, and producing patient-focused educational materials. One key area of alignment is master training programs for healthcare providers in India, leveraging SADS UK’s expertise in counseling and patient support to equip Indian practitioners with specialized skills for SADS care. There's potential for sharing SADS UK’s six-week free counselling sessions as a template for providing continuous support to SADS-affected families in India. Each organisation brings unique strengths to the table, with SADS UK’s expertise in community outreach and HHIF’s commitment to strengthening health systems, establishing patient support groups, and raising public awareness. The synergies between HHIF and SADS UK present an invaluable opportunity to develop holistic cardiac support systems, reaching families and communities worldwide. We are incredibly grateful to Linda Casey and the SADS UK team for sharing their experience and insights. HHIF is excited about this potential partnership to promote heart health and provide enduring support for patients and caregivers. #HeartHealth #SADSUK #GlobalCollaboration #DefibrillatorsInSchools #SADSAwareness #PatientSupport #HealthcareTraining #HeartCommunity #SavingLives #CardiacCare

Do you remember what it was like in COVID-19 when family caregivers were locked out of hospitals, clinics, group homes, supportive living, and long-term care? It wasn't good for patients, caregivers, or healthcare teams! One caregiver told us about not being able to accompany her husband with dementia, diabetes, and a wound on his foot, "I am supposed to take care of this, but he doesn't remember what they told him." Today's shout-out is to Alberta Health Services and their Family Presence Policy, in which they recognized family caregivers' essential role. Weren't they one of the earliest health services to do so? Deanna Picklyk, EMBA On February 15, 2024 Alberta Health Services reinforced family caregivers essential role with this story: Designated family support persons improve patient experience and outcomes "Linda Chupka went into the University of Alberta Hospital for a liver transplant, she knew she would need as much support as possible during her recovery. Her husband, Michael, and best friend, Donalda Farwell, stepped into the role of Chupka’s designated family/support persons (DFSP)." Read about Linda, Michael and Donalda's experience thttps://lnkd.in/gW-uQ6sD Yes, Transplant patients are more likely to survive if they have family caregivers! See research report by Yaena Song Stephanie Chen Julia Roseman Eileen Scigliano William H. Redd @Gertraud Stadler "It Takes es a Team to Make It Through: The Role of Social Support for Survival and Self-Care After Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant" https://bit.ly/4bK4iVh

Ascension gains loyalty the old-fashioned way, they earn it. How Ascension Florida's CEO is expanding care for 'most vulnerable patients' Ascension Florida, a nonprofit Catholic system, is ramping up efforts to expand access to high-quality, complex care for North Florida’s most vulnerable populations, with new facilities, advanced technologies, and a focus on keeping patients close to home. Ascension Florida, part of the St. Louis-based Ascension, is committed to building strong relationships with the communities it serves, "with a focus on the most vulnerable". Improving health equity and serving vulnerable populations is baked into everything the health system does, according to Mr. King.? "For example, when deciding where to place physician practices, we ensure those in vulnerable communities have access to care. This includes transportation assistance programs and placing access points in underserved areas, which isn't something every health system does," he said.? Last year, Ascension Florida invested $1.5 million to help more than 8,300 patients with social determinants of health, covering everything from transportation to diabetes management and maternal health.? One initiative is the Dispensary of Hope, which collects unused pharmaceutical samples and redistributes them to those who cannot afford their medication. Clinically, Ascension Florida is focused on patient outcomes, but it also is striving to create a superior experience for patients and the communities it serves. "When people think about quality, they often think about their experience first. Our mission emphasizes special attention to the poor and vulnerable, meaning we don't just treat them; we guide them through the system with special care," Mr. King said. "For example, maternal health outcomes for mothers in poverty are significantly worse than for those with resources. We measure those outcomes and work to ensure access to prenatal care. We've also formed partnerships with organizations like Second Harvest Food Bank to further support vulnerable populations." Ascension Florida has also expanded complex care programs in cardiology and minimally invasive surgeries and is growing its clinical trial infrastructure to provide access to innovative disease prevention and treatment options. At Ascension St. Vincent’s Riverside in Jacksonville, the system recently started utilizing a Da Vinci 5 surgical robot, while Ascension Sacred Heart Emerald Coast in Miramar Beach and Ascension Sacred Heart Bay in Panama City are now offering a new pulsed field ablation treatment for patients with symptomatic atrial fibrillation (AFib). "It is vital that we grow in a way that reflects the needs of those communities, and offer mission-centered healthcare for the most complex medical cases," Mr. King said. "By prioritizing local access to these high-quality programs, we are empowering North Florida residents to receive the care they need close to home."

The Lifelong Cost of Surviving COVID: Scientists Uncover Long-Term Effects Many of the individuals released to long-term acute care facilities suffered from conditions that lasted for over a year. Researchers at?UC San Francisco?studied?COVID-19?patients in the United States who survived some of the longest and most harrowing battles with the?virus. They discovered that approximately two-thirds of these survivors continued to experience a range of physical, psychiatric, and cognitive issues up to a year afterward. The study, which was recently published in the journal?Critical Care Medicine, reveals the life-altering impact of?SARS-CoV-2?on these individuals, the majority of whom had to be placed on mechanical ventilators for an average of one month. Too sick to be discharged to a skilled nursing home or rehabilitation facility, these patients were transferred instead to special hospitals known as long-term acute care hospitals (LTACHs). These hospitals specialize in weaning patients off ventilators and providing rehabilitation care, and they were a crucial part of the pandemic response. Among the 156 study participants, 64% reported having a persistent impairment after one year, including physical (57%), respiratory (49%), psychiatric (24%), and cognitive (15%). Nearly half, or 47%, had more than one type of problem. And 19% continued to need supplemental oxygen. The long-term follow-up helps to outline the extent of the medical problems experienced by those who became seriously ill with COVID early in the pandemic. “We have millions of survivors of the most severe and prolonged COVID illness globally,” said the study’s first author, Anil N. Makam, MD, MAS, an associate professor of medicine at UCSF. “Our study is important to understand their recovery and long-term impairments, and to provide a nuanced understanding of their life-changing experience.” Disabilities from long-term hospital stays ***Click on image below to access entire research paper. Posted by Larry Cole

?? Focus this week on?#diabetes?and?#seniors...in advance of my presentation at?California Assisted Living Association ??? How well can seniors handle technology? ??? Better control is confirmed with continuous glucose monitoring (CGM). *One recent?study?documented those ages 65 and older who used CGM had a significant decrease in their hemoglobin A1C (from 8.9% to 7.5%) maintained over two years. *Furthermore, participants older than age 75 had similar A1C reductions for the same period. These A1C reductions were achieved without any severe hypoglycemia. Do not stigmatize the elderly population and think they cannot handle technology,” said Professor?Bernhard Kulzer. “CGM technology gives elderly people more security and protection against hypoglycemia, which comes with even higher risks compared to younger people with diabetes, and helps them maintain better quality of life. CGM is a very powerful tool for elderly people, especially those on insulin therapy.” #diabetes #geriatrics?#seniorhealth #mobilemedicine?#housecalls Advanced Technologies & Treatments for Diabetes (ATTD)

After a long hiatus, NHS rationing is back in the news. But did it ever really go away? According to a recent investigation by the BMJ, the NHS is restricting access to obesity services across England, with patients in virtually half the country unable to access weight-loss treatments, surgery or specialist support. The restrictions, say experts, amount to NHS rationing. The findings come hot on the heels of a report from the think tank, Future England, which found that obesity patients were caught in ‘postcode lottery of care’. Hmmm. We’ve seen this movie before. The introduction of NICE 25 years ago was meant to consign postcode prescribing to the proverbial scrapheap. In truth, it’s still out there – hiding in plain sight – despite regulations and protocols designed to stop it. It’s why the Crohn’s patient 20 miles away can get the best biologic, but the woman in the next postcode has to make do with a me-too. It’s a familiar story across almost every disease area, and it has to stop. Whatever reforms around the corner, our health service won’t improve until existing regulations to drive fair access to medicines are followed and enforced. If we want a better NHS, we must optimise the use of medicines that are already recommended for use – and recognise that we have systems that need fixing to be able to do that. https://lnkd.in/eQ8yyBFS

?? Transforming Healthcare in NW Arkansas: A New Partnership ?? We are excited to announce a pivotal collaboration between Healthyr and Community Clinic in NW Arkansas! Through Healthyr's cutting-edge digital care delivery platform, Healthyr Horizon, we are empowering clinicians to drive preventative metabolic and maternal care beyond the clinic doors. ?? Our goal is to improve access to care, enhance the experience of care, and optimize care coordination as we confront the rising challenges of metabolic disease and maternal health in Arkansas. Through Healthyr Horizon, Community Clinic providers will gain real-time longitudinal data insights and have the tools to take a multidisciplinary approach to disease management. Expanding the comprehensive clinical services offered at Community Clinic—such as care advocacy supporting local and community resources, access to specialty care, nutritionists, mental and behavioral health support, accessible diagnostic testing, and personalized nutrition through Food is Medicine—Healthyr Horizon meets patients where they are and breaks down barriers to care. We are especially proud to introduce our Maternal Health Program, designed to address the pressing needs of mothers in Arkansas. This program will enable timely prenatal care, personalized wellness plans, and mental health support—ensuring mothers get the care they need, when they need it. By reaching more mothers through digital tools and coordinated care, we aim to turn the curve on maternal health outcomes and create healthier futures for families in Arkansas. At Healthyr, we are committed to making exceptional healthcare accessible to everyone, and this partnership is a significant step toward a brighter, healthier future for NW Arkansas. Stacey Finster, CEO of Healthyr, sums it up beautifully: "Technology should not just be innovative, it should be transformative—breaking down barriers and expanding care to those who need it most. Together with Community Clinic, we are leading the charge for clinicians to expand care delivery beyond clinic doors and providing access to care for all." Judd Semingson, CEO of Community Clinic, shares his vision: “We see the partnership with Healthyr enabling us to extend care far beyond the clinic walls, reaching patients in ways we have never been able to before. Through innovative tools like Healthyr Horizon, we are able to offer comprehensive support, addressing not only diabetes and cardiovascular disease, but also meeting the critical need for maternal health services in our community. This collaboration is transforming how we deliver care, empowering our clinicians to make a deeper, more lasting impact on the health and well-being of people throughout Northwest Arkansas.” HealthyrCommunity Clinic NWAJudd SemingsonPaul MuretRobert Pearl, M.D.Bimal ShahWilliam Fleming, PharmD #HealthyrHorizon #HealthcareInnovation #MaternalHealth #MetabolicCare #HealthEquity #DigitalHealth #PartnershipsInHealthcare

?? **Caring for a Loved One with Multiple Myeloma: A Journey of Compassion and Resilience** ?? Caring for someone with multiple myeloma, a type of blood cancer affecting the plasma cells in the bone marrow, can feel overwhelming, yet it is a journey filled with love, dedication, and moments of profound connection. As caregivers, we play a crucial role in not just managing the physical challenges, but also in nurturing the emotional well-being of our loved ones. Here are some key tips to empower you on this path: 1. **Learn About Multiple Myeloma**: Dive deep into understanding the disease. This knowledge will be your foundation in making informed decisions and communicating effectively with healthcare professionals. 2. **Address Symptoms and Side Effects**: Collaborate with healthcare providers to manage symptoms from treatment, ensuring your loved one's comfort and quality of life. 3. **Promote Nutritional Health**: Work with nutritionists to create a balanced diet that strengthens the immune system and supports overall well-being. 4. **Support Emotional Well-being**: Openly discuss feelings and fears, and explore support groups for both patients and caregivers to navigate the emotional landscape of cancer care. 5. **Create a Healing Environment**: Simple adjustments at home can make a significant difference in promoting relaxation and healing. 6. **Organize Care Details**: Use tools to keep track of appointments, medications, and medical information, easing the stress of care management. 7. **Prioritize Self-care**: Remember, taking care of yourself is essential. Your well-being directly impacts your ability to provide care. 8. **Seek Professional Guidance**: Don't hesitate to consult healthcare professionals for help in managing complex care needs. 9. **Maintain Connections**: Stay in touch with friends, family, and support networks. Sharing experiences and receiving support can be incredibly uplifting. 10. **Celebrate the Wins**: Acknowledge and celebrate every positive step, no matter how small. These moments of joy are beacons of hope. Caring for someone with multiple myeloma is a testament to the strength and depth of human compassion. Remember, you're not navigating this journey alone. Support and resources are available to help you and your loved one every step of the way. #MultipleMyeloma #CaregiverSupport #CancerCare #CompassionateCare #Resilience #HealthAndWellness #CaregiverJourney