ProMed New Year's Closing Notice

Professional Medical will be closed on Friday, December 30 and Monday, January 2 in honor of the New Year holiday. Orders that were placed after noon on Thursday, December 22 will be delivered on or after Tuesday, January 3. If you have any questions at all, please contact our Customer Care team at 800.648.5190.

Team ProMed wishes you a safe and happy New Year's celebration!

New Test Can Help ER Doctors Determine Heart Attack Odds

Emergency room doctors can now utilize a highly sensitive test to determine whether patients who come in with chest pains are likely to have heart attacks.

The test can detect troponin, a protein in muscle tissue. The higher the levels of troponin, the more likely it is that the person will have a heart attack. If troponin isn't present, the odds are much lower.

Researchers are reporting that the new test could also help physicians monitor patients who present with chest pains but no heart attack symptoms in the hours after being admitted to a hospital.

To learn more, click here.

CDC: Use New Latent TB Treatment

The CDC is recommending a new treatment for latent tuberculosis that is as effective as existing treatment procedures and much easier to carry out. It is estimated that roughly 11.2 Americans have latent tuberculosis infections.

The current standard treatment for latent tuberculosis, an asymptomatic version of the respiratory infection, involves nine months of daily doses of isoniazid, an antibiotic. Only 60 percent of patients complete the regimen. The new treatment would include 12 weekly doses of isoniazid paired with rifapentine, another antibiotic. This treatment has been shown to be equally effective under the supervision of a healthcare worker.

The CDC is targeting their TB prevention efforts toward high-risk populations, including the elderly, healthcare workers and people with diabetes.

ProMed Holiday Closure Reminder

Professional Medical will be closed on Friday, December 23 and Monday, December 26 in honor of the Christmas holiday. Product orders that were placed after noon on Friday, December 16 will be delivered on or after Tuesday, December 27. We wish you and yours a very merry Christmas!

A Salute to Christmas Firsts

Have you ever wondered when Christmas traditions made their way into popular culture? Perhaps the list below will give you the answers you seek!

1823: Clement C. Moore writes A Visit From St. Nicholas, which becomes known by its first line, "'Twas the night before Christmas." This poem is largely responsible for the modern image of Santa Claus in his red coat and pants trimmed with white as well as identifying the sleigh as his mode of transportation.

1841: The first "department store Santa" made his appearance at a Philadelphia dry goods store.

1843: A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens is published.

1856: Franklin Pierce becomes the first President of the United States to display a Christmas tree at the White House.

1857: "Jingle Bells" is copyrighted.

1870: Christmas is declared a federal holiday.

1875: Louis Prang introduces the Christmas card to Americans.

1890: Christmas tree lights begin to be mass produced.

1931: The first Rockefeller Center Christmas tree makes its debut. The famous Coca-Cola Santa Claus also begins appearing in magazine ads.

1955: The Campbell's Soup Company introduces green bean casserole, that love-it-or-hate-it staple of holiday dining.

1958: "The Chipmunk Song (Don't Be Late)" by David Seville and the Chipmunks becomes the first and only Christmas song (so far) to his the #1 spot on the Billboard Hot 100 Pop Singles chart.

1965: A Charlie Brown Christmas is broadcast for the first time.

Nurses Ranked Tops in Gallup Trustworthiness Poll

A new Gallup poll reinforces what many of us already think - that nurses are highly trustworthy.

For 12 of the past 13 years, nursing has been voted the most trustworthy profession by survey respondents. Eight-four percent of those polled this year ranked nurses' trustworthiness as "very high" or "high."

Physicians and pharmacists also fared well in the poll. On the opposite end of the spectrum? Car salespeople, lobbyists and members of Congress.

To learn more, click here.

Using a Neti Pot? Make Sure Your Water is Sterile

The Louisiana Department of Health is warning residents to make sure they use only distilled, sterile or previously boiled water in their neti pots and to rinse and dry them after each use. The warning comes on the heels of two Louisianans exposing their brains to a deadly amoeba while performing nasal irrigation.

The amoeba, Naegleria fowleri, can be found in contaminated lukewarm tap water as well as lakes and ponds. If it becomes lodged in a person's nose, it can end up in the brain and cause an infection that is lethal in 95 percent of cases.

To learn more, click here.

CMS.gov Gets a Facelift!

If you haven't been on CMS.gov in a while, you're in for a pleasant surprise the next time you visit. The site has been updated to make it easier on the eyes, offer more in-depth information and include real-time updates. The search engine's functionality has also been greatly improved.

To learn more about the update, click here.

FDA Releases Drug Safety Labeling Changes

The FDA has released a list of 48 new drug safety labeling changes. This can include changes to boxed warnings, contraindications, warnings, precautions, adverse reactions or the patient package insert/medication guide.

To view the changes, click here.

Help Your Diabetic Residents Navigate Holiday Meals

With the holidays quickly approaching, many of your residents are likely making plans to spend time at home with their families. For residents with diabetes, this will bring the added challenge of navigating meals served at festivities. Family members who are unaccustomed to preparing food for diabetic loved ones might also be unsure of their specific nutritional needs.

Luckily, there are resources available to help ease worry over holiday meals. You might want to share the following strategies (courtesy of the CDC) for sticking to a healthy diabetic meal plan with your residents and their families:

• Eat a healthy snack before a party to avoid overeating.
• Choose smaller portions.
• Ask beforehand what food will be served so that you can see how it fits into your meal plan.
• Choose low-calorie drinks such as sparkling water, unsweetened tea and diet beverages.
• Alcohol should only be consumed with a meal and should be limited to one drink a day for women and two for men.
• Choose fresh fruit instead of pies, cakes and other fat- and sugar-laden desserts.
• Watch out for sauces such as gravy and sugar glazes that can add calories to otherwise healthy foods.

To learn more, click here.

Depression, Stress Common in Low-Wage-Earning Nursing Home Workers

A new study out of Harvard University found that depression is common among nursing home workers earning lower wages. This group also experiences higher levels of stress than other workers.

The researchers surveyed 452 workers, most of whom were women, to determine whether there was a link between depression and stress at home and work. The participants were specifically asked about stressors such as financial strain, lack of food and whether they found themselves worrying about work issues when they were at home. The researchers determined that these stressors were double the rate in nursing home workers than other professions.

Cassandra Okechukwu, a member of the research team, noted that these findings have implications for both the workers and their families as well as the quality of care that is delivered to nursing home residents.

To learn more about the study, click here.

In Memory of Harry Morgan, AKA Col. Potter

We were greatly saddened to learn of the death of Harry Morgan, perhaps best known for his role as Col. Potter on the smash hit TV show MASH. Many of us here enjoyed welcoming him into our homes each week (on the TV, at least) and have continued to relish his performance in reruns.

In honor of Morgan, please click here to enjoy MSNBC's compilation of seven great Col. Potter moments.

Congratulations to Nazareth Home, KAHCF Facility of the Year!

Team ProMed congratulates Nazareth Home of Louisville, Kentucky on being named the 2011-'12 Facility of the Year by the Kentucky Association of Health Care Facilities (KAHCF)! The facility was honored at KAHCF's annual meeting, which was held November 15-17 in Louisville. Nazareth Home's administrator, Mary Haynes, and her staff accepted the award.

Wanda Meade, KAHCF's Chairman of the Board, noted that "Nazareth Home is an excellent facility with a strong tradition and commitment to providing quality care for its residents and a leader in the community when it comes to addressing aging issues. Our long term care profession salutes Mary and the staff for their professionalism and dedication to delivering quality care."

Congratulations, Nazareth Home! We're proud to be your partner!

Nursing Homes Not Alone in C. diff Battle

Nursing homes aren't the only facilities battling C. diff, according to a new study out of Canada. The infection also lengthens hospital stays by an average of six days.

The researchers also noticed that the patients who contracted C. diff, which can cause severe diarrhea and other complications, were more likely to have other serious illnesses.

To learn more, click here.

Is There Flu Near You? Find Out!

Curious if the flu has infiltrated your neck of the woods? Now you can find out with just a few simple mouse clicks.

Flu Near You is a website that encourages people to register and report on a weekly basis whether they're experiencing any flu symptoms. The goal is to speed up flu monitoring and make it easier to predict when and where the flu will strike next.

Site users can enter their ZIP code, city state or province and see how prominent the flu is in their area. The site also provides a list of local pharmacies and other businesses where the flu shot is available.

To learn more, click here.

Feeling Forgetful? Blame Your Brain.

We've all done it - walked into a room and completely forgotten why we were there. Well, it turns out that you're not having a "senior moment." You have your brain to blame!

According to a study out of the University of Notre Dame, when you move from room to room, your brain identifies each room as a new event and sets a new "memory trace" to capture the new event. As far as your brain is concerned, the doorways between rooms are like chapter markers - ending older memories and beginning new ones. It's harder to remember what you were just doing in a different room because your brain has already filed that memory away!

To learn more, click here.

Are You Too Drowsy to Drive?

We've all heard about the dangers of driving drunk - but what about driving drowsy? According to the CDC, it's pretty darn dangerous as well. Driving drowsy was implicated in about 16 percent of fatal crashes and 13 percent of crashes that resulted in hospitalization. Additionally, 28 percent of respondents in one survey reported falling asleep behind the wheel in the past year.

The CDC recommends making it a priority to get the recommended amount of sleep (for adults, that's seven to nine hours) to avoid getting behind the wheel while drowsy.

To learn more, click here.

More Americans Living to 90 Than Ever Before

Hoping to live to a ripe old age? Your odds are getting better. According to new census figures, the 90-plus population has nearly tripled in size since 1980. By the middle of the century, it's estimated that this age group will reach 9 million, or 2 percent of the U.S. population.

A century ago, fewer than 100,000 people reached the age of 90.

To learn more, click here.

Lipitor Now Available as Generic

As of Wednesday, the world's biggest-selling drug, Lipitor, manufactured by Pfizer, is now available as a generic. At its peak, Lipitor generated sales of $13 billion a year.

Watson Pharmaceuticals will begin offering an "authorized" generic form of Lipitor that is also made by Pfizer. Indian drugmaker Ranbaxy Laboratories is also ready to sell its generic version of the drug.

Pfizer has reportedly secured deals with some health insurers and pharmacy benefit managers that will allow branded Lipitor to be offered at similar or even lower co-payments than the generic Lipitor. This also means that insurers working with Pfizer will pay no more for branded Lipitor than they do for the generics.

To learn more, click here.

CMS Expands Senior Medicare Patrol

Since 1997, CMS has been training seniors, caregivers and beneficiary family members to review Medicare notices and Medicaid claims for any signs of fraudulent activity as well as telling them what to do if they identify suspicious activity. Now they're offering an additional $9 million in grants to organizations in order to expand the program.

To view the list of awarded grants, click here. The largest grants were given to the states with the highest levels of fraud activity - New York, Texas, Florida and California.

To learn more about the Senior Medicare Patrol, click here.

ProMed Christmas and New Year's Closure Notice

Professional Medical will be closed on Friday, December 23 and Monday, December 26 in honor of Christmas. Orders placed by noon on Friday, December 16 will be delivered by Thursday, December 22.

Orders placed after noon on Friday, December 16 will be delivered on or after Tuesday, December 27.

We will also be closed on Friday, December 30 and Monday, January 2 in honor of the new year. Orders placed by noon on Thursday, December 22 will be delivered by Thursday, December 29. Orders placed after noon on Thursday, December 22 will be delivered on or after Tuesday, January 3.

If you have any questions at all, please contact our Customer Care team at 800.648.5190.

Berwick Out as CMS Chief

The beleaguered leader of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, Dr. Donald Berwick, has resigned from his position after it became apparent that he would not be confirmed.

Berwick was appointed to his position by President Obama during a congressional recess in 2010 in an effort to avoid confirmation hearings and Republican opposition. The appointment was only allowed to last until the end of 2011 without confirmation from the Senate. Forty-two Republican senators have said they would not vote to confirm him.

Berwick will be replaced by Marilyn Tavenner, his principal deputy.

Before his appointment at CMS, Berwick was a pediatrician and Harvard professor. Tavenner is the former Virginia Secretary of Health and Human Resources and a past president of the Virgina Hospital Association.

To learn more, click here.

Happy Thanksgiving from ProMed

Professional Medical will be closed tomorrow, Thursday, November 24, and Friday, November 25, in honor of Thanksgiving.

If you placed an order with us after noon on November 18, it will be delivered to your facility during the week of November 28. We invite you to contact our Customer Care team at 800-648-5190 with any questions or concerns.

From our team to yours, have a safe and happy Thanksgiving!

The Worldly Flavors of Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving might be a distinctly American holiday, but many cultures have infused their own unique flavors into the celebration. If you have residents who immigrated from other countries or who are first-generation Americans, now is a great time to ask them about their own special Thanksgiving traditions. Below, we've listed just a few ways that international flavors are incorporated into Thanksgiving celebrations.

• Africa: The turkey is typically heavily spiced and couscous might take the place of mashed potatoes. Collard greens with bacon is a popular side dish.
• China: Many Chinese families celebrate Thanksgiving by going out for dim sum and choose bao, soft dough-filled buns, over the traditional pumpkin pie. Roast duck is also a common dish on Chinese Thanksgiving tables.
• France: Roasted guinea hens are a nod to the traditional cuisine of rural France.
• Hawaii: Thanksgiving turkey is frequently cooked in an imu, an in-ground oven, or marinated in the Chinese Char Siu style with red beans, honey and soy sauce.
• Italy: The turkey stays front and center on many Italian tables, but it might be seasoned with a more traditional seasoning blend, such as juniper berries, rosemary and sage. Sausage stuffing is also popular.
• Mexico: On many tables, a suckling pig replaces the traditional turkey.
• Poland: In addition to turkey, many Polish families serve kielbasa, meatballs in mushroom gravy, pierogi and other favorites.

No matter how you choose to celebrate, we at ProMed wish you a safe and happy Thanksgiving!

New Wisconsin Law Protects Facilities from "Double Jeopardy"

Under a new law, Wisconsin nursing homes will have more time to pay penalties for citations and will be protected from receiving multiple citations on the same violation. Currently, homes can be cited twice - once by the state and once by federal authorities - for the same infraction.

The new law also gives Wisconsin greater authority to revoke nursing home licenses and sue facilities for violating federal laws.

To learn more, click here.

FDA Revokes Avastin for Advanced Breast Cancer Treatment

Avastin, a popular drug among women with advanced breast cancer, has been revoked by the FDA because there is no proof that it extends the lives of patients who take it and it presents dangerous side effects, including severe high blood pressure, massive bleeding, heart attack or failure and organ perforation.

Avastin is the world's best-selling cancer drug and is also used to treat forms of colon, lung, kidney and brain cancers. The FDA has not revoked it for treatment of those forms of cancer, just breast cancer.

CMS announced that Medicare will continue to cover the drug, but will also monitor the issue and evaluate coverage options as a result of the FDA's actions.

Avastin's manufacturer, Roche, plans to pursue a new Phase III study of Avastin in combination with the chemotherapy drug paclitaxel in previously untreated metastatic breast cancer.

To learn more, click here.

Is It a Cold or a Sinus Infection?

By this time of year, most of us have already suffered through our first colds of the season, or we're surrounded by people who are in the midst of them. But how do you know whether it's a cold or a sinus infection? Health.com lists the following as 10 signs that you might be suffering from something more than a cold:

1. You have pain and pressure in your face (the sinus cavities are located behind the forehead, nasal bones, cheeks and eyes).
2. You feel facial pain and pressure when you lean forward or move your head.
3. Your head aches.
4. Your mucus is green or yellow (this is a sign that your immune system is already fighting an infection).
5. You have a stuffy nose that lasts longer than it usually does with a cold.
6. You have bad breath (this is a byproduct of the green or yellow mucus that collects in your sinus and nose and drips down the back of your throat).
7. You cough up phlegm and your cough is usually worse at night and in the morning, a result of the sinuses draining down the back of your throat while you're lying down.
8. You're running a fever.
9. Your teeth hurt because of all the pressure building up in your head.
10. Your sense of smell or taste is off.

Sinus infections typically go away with time, but more persistent cases might require antibiotics from your doctor.
To learn more, click here.

CMS Emphasizes Need for Supervision of Smoking Residents

CMS has released a memo to all state survey agency directors that re-emphasizes the need to adequately supervise residents who smoke. The memo, titled "Alert: Smoking Safety in Long Term Care Facilities," reminds facilities of the following obligations:

Facilities must include assessment of smoking areas and provision of emergency equipment in the designated smoking areas. Facilities should also document the means by which individual residents are assessed as safe to smoke without supervision.

The memo was drafted in the wake of the agency being alerted to an incident in which a resident died after accidentally setting her clothing on fire while smoking.

To learn more, click here.

Professional Teeth Cleaning Tied to Lower Risk of Heart Attack, Stroke

People who make it a point to get in the dentist's chair at least once a year will be rewarded with more than just pearly whites, according to a new study. Researchers in Taiwan found that those who have their teeth professionally scraped and cleaned have a 24 percent lower risk of heart attack and 13 percent lower risk of stroke compared to those who never had a dental cleaning.

The reason? Professional cleanings reduce inflammation-causing bacterial growth that can lead to heart disease.

To learn more, click here.

ProMed Thanksgiving Closure Notice

Could Teardrops Replace Blood for Glucose Testing?

Does the thought of pricking your finger to test your blood sugar bring a tear to your eye? If so, you might soon be able to use that tear to get your test results.

Scientists have discovered that the levels of glucose in tears track the amounts of glucose in blood. This finding could make it possible for developers to create a hand-held meter that offers a pain-free way for the more than 350 million diabetics in the world to check their glucose levels.

To learn more, click here.

Are iPads the Future of Voting for the Elderly and Disabled?

Could this idea catch on by the 2012 presidential election? Nursing home residents in five Oregon counties voted via iPad in the state's Congressional special primary election on Tuesday.

Election officials took iPads and portable printers into nursing homes as well as community and senior centers in an effort to enable more of the state's elderly and disabled population to vote. The iPad allows users with impaired vision to increase a ballot's font size and adjust the screen color to enhance readability. The device could also read each candidate's name aloud to the voter. Voters with mobility issues could use a "sip and puff" device to control the iPad's touch screen.

Election workers were then able to print out the ballots and mail them or put them in official ballot boxes.

The program was made possible through Apple donating five iPads to the Oregon program. The state of Oregon also contributed $75,000 to develop the software.

Being at Risk for Stroke Linked to Mental Decline

Just in case being at increased risk for a stroke isn't frightening enough, new research out of the Indiana University School of Medicine is showing that people who are risk for a stroke are also more likely to suffer from mental decline. Both of the conditions are tied to high blood pressure.

The researchers found that other risk factors for developing cognitive impairment include diabetes, cigarette smoking and prior heart disease. Each decade of age also doubled the risk of cognitive impairment, similar to a stroke.

To learn more, click here.

Study: Increased Transparency Would Make it Easier for Nurses to Disclose Nursing Home Errors

A study out of the New York University College of Nursing found that nursing homes need to improve communications processes and policies in order to make it easier for nurses to disclose errors.

The researchers found that nurses' personal experience and level of education influence whether they disclose errors more than other factors, such as insitutional culture. One-third of respondents said they were less likely to report errors if they thought they might be sued or reprimanded, even with the increased attention that has recently been given to the reporting of harmful errors.

To learn more, click here.

Dementia Patients Less Likely to Return Home Post-Stroke

Researchers at the University of Toronto have discovered that dementia patients who have a stroke are less likely to return to their homes post-hospitalization.

The researchers followed 9,304 people who had strokes over the course of a five-year period. Of those, 702 had been diagnosed with dementia when they experienced the strokes. Only 24 percent of that group were discharged to the home they lived in prior to their strokes.

To learn more, click here.

Toyota Building Caregiving Robots for Elderly Population

Toyota is already a trusted name when it comes to cars, and now the automotive giant is turning an eye to long-term care.

The Japanese company has introduced two nursing "robots." The Walk Assist Robot attaches to the legs of individuals who have suffered paralysis and helps them walk. It has a position sensor on the thigh area, a pressure sensor on the sole and a knee actuator that moves the brace based on data from the sensors. The second product, the Care Assists Robot, has a power-assist dolly that helps caregivers move transfer patients.

The devices aren't expected to debut until 2013 at the earliest. To learn more, click here.

Study: Obesity Makes Flu Vaccine Less Effective

Obese individuals who get the flu shot still might not be protected against the flu, according to a new study.

Researchers studied antibody response in 74 people who received the flu vaccine during 2009-10. They first measured antibody response a month after the individuals received the vaccine, and then a year later. The obese subjects in the group saw a 40 percent or greater reduction in antibodies, compared to the 25 percent reduction in subjects at a normal weight.

To learn more, click here.

Study: Elderly Hospital Patients Who Walk More Are Not More Likely to Fall

According to a new study out of the University of Texas at Galveston, elderly hospital patients who fell while hospitalized did not walk around any more than patients who did not fall. This reinforces what many geriatricians warn - that keeping seniors immobile in the hopes of keeping them from falling can backfire.

The researchers equipped 35 elderly hospital patients with small electronic devices that counted the number of steps they took. While there was no statistical difference in the amount of walking between the groups, they did see that falls were associated with delirium and/or poor cognitive function. All of the recorded falls took place at night, with six out of 10 of them related to trips to the bathroom.  

To learn more, click here.

Happy Halloween from Team ProMed!

Team ProMed wishes you and yours a safe and happy Halloween!

Happy Halloween from Ramona!

ProMed had an adorable trick-or-treater stop by today! Amy Gollan's daughter, Ramona, was the prettiest little Rapunzel we've ever seen.

Team ProMed has some great Halloween fun planned for Monday. A special lunch, a costume contest, pumpkin carving...we can't wait!

ProMed Thanksgiving Closing Notice

We wanted to let you know that Professional Medical will be closed on Thursday, November 24 and Friday, November 25 in honor of Thanksgiving.

Orders placed by noon on Friday, November 18 will be delivered by Wednesday, November 23. Orders placed after noon on Friday, November 18 will be delivered the week of November 28. If you have any questions or concerns at all, please contact our customer care department at 800.648.5190.

All of Team ProMed wishes you and yours a delicious, happy Thanksgiving holiday!

Cataract Surgery: One Operation, Many Benefits?

Researchers at Tenon Hospital in Paris found that people with mild forms of Alzheimer's disease saw an improvement in sleep patterns, cognitive functioning and mood after undergoing vision-correcting cataract surgery.

Of the 38 patients who were studied, 25 percent improved in cognitive status, the ability to perceive, understand and respond appropriately to one's surroundings. Several of the patients also became less depressed.

The researchers aren't sure what led to the positive effects, but hope to find answers through future studies.

To learn more, click here.

AANAC: Job Satisfaction Down, Time Spent on MDS 3.0 Up

A survey of members of the American Association of Nurse Assessment Coordination (AANAC) revealed that more than 80 percent of respondents felt that the MDS 3.0 comprehensive assessment takes more time to complete than the MDS 2.0. Additionally, overall job satisfaction dropped, specifically in the areas of compensation and work/life balance.
The following were identified as the top four challenges for respondents in nurse management positions in long-term care:

• Training and continuing education for staff to keep up with regulatory changes in the field
• Maintaining readiness for state survey visits and follow-up issues in nursing facilities
• Ensuring compliance with other policy issues
• Dealing with the burnout and stress of everyday work

To learn more, click here.

Residents More Prone to Illness, Injury, Death Following Natural Disasters

Investigators at the University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing have found that long-term care residents who are displaced from their facilities following natural disasters are more likely to experience illness, injury and even death.
The researchers tracked 17 LTC residents who were evacuated following a severe storm. They tested all of the residents on orientation, language, attention and recall on the day of the storm, and then three times a week for two weeks until the residents returned to their original facility. They found that more than half of the residents performed poorly on the tests during the two weeks following evacuation. More than half the residents experienced delirium and two required hospitalization.

To learn more, click here.

Social Security Recipients Slated for 3.6% Raise

For the first time since 2009, Social Security recipients will be seeing an increase - of 3.6% - in their benefits. The increase will go into effect in January.

In addition, about eight million people who receive Supplemental Security Income will also receive the 3.6% increase. In total, the increase will impact about one in five U.S. residents.

A monthly Social Security payment averages out to $1,082, or about $13,000 a year. The increase will raise payments up $39 per month, and $467 per year.

To learn more, click here.

CMS: State Survey Agencies Need to Have an IDR Plan by January 1

CMS has announced that state survey agencies need to have a process in place for handling Independent Informal Dispute Resolutions (IDRs) by January 1. This process must then be offered to nursing homes that receive deficiencies involving civil money penalties (CMPs) and to whom notice has been provided that the CMP will be collected and placed in escrow.

By November 30, states must submit a process for Independent IDRs to the appropriate CMS Regional Office for approval.

To learn more, click here.

ANA: Nurses Shouldn't Avoid Social Media, Just Use It Wisely

The American Nurses Association recommends that nurses not shy away from using social media out of fear of violating patient privacy. Instead, they should follow a set of professional standards.

The ANA suggests that nurses:

• Avoid transmitting individually identifiable patient information
• Take advantage of privacy settings and seek to separate personal and professional information online
• Alert the proper authorities of possible privacy breaches
• Work with their own organization to develop institutional policies related to social media

To learn more, click here.

CMS, FDA Pair Up for Parallel Reviews

CMS and the FDA are hoping that by pairing up, they can encourage the development of innovative new products and shorten the amount of time it takes to bring those products to consumers.

The two agencies will be performing parallel reviews (FDA premarket review submissions for medical devices and CMS national coverage determinations). During the pilot phase, they'll review up to five innovative devices per year. To be eligible, medical devices need to meet one of the following criteria:

1. New technologies for which the sponsor/requester has a pre-investigational device exemption (IDE) or an approved IDE application designation.
2. New technologies that would require an original or supplemental application for premarket approval (PMA) or a petition for de novo review.
3. New technologies that fall within the scope of a Part A or Part B Medicare benefit category and are not subject to a national coverage decision (NCD).

To learn more, click here.

Press Your Finger to Your Smartphone and Say "Ahh"

Researchers at the Worcester Polytechnic Institute have developed a smartphone app that is capable of measuring heart rate, heart rhythm, respiration rate and blood oxygen saturation using the phone's built-in video camera. The app delivers vital signs that are as accurate as standard medical monitors now in clinical use.

The app works by analyzing video clips that are recorded while an individual's fingertip is pressed against the lens of the phone's camera. When the camera's light penetrates the skin, it reflects off of pulsing blood in the finger. The app is then able to correlate subtle shifts in the color of the reflected light with changes in the individual's vital signs.

To learn more, click here.

Chicago Marathon Boasts 341 Runners Age 65 or Older

A lot of headlines came out of the Chicago Marathon this past weekend, including a story about a nine-months-pregnant woman who completed the marathon and then delivered her baby hours later. One story that didn't get as much press was how many older people ran the marathon.

According to the Chicago Marathon's Media Info & Fast Facts, the average age of the 45,000 marathon runners was 37.1. However, there were also 232 runners between the ages of 65 and 69, 84 between 70 and 74, 20 age 75 to 79 and five age 80 or older!

We salute these impressive individuals and congratulate everyone who ran in this year's Chicago Marathon!

In Praise of Prunes

Prunes have quite the reputation of being a superfruit when it comes to digestive irregularity - but did you know they can also help prevent osteoporosis and fractures?

A study out of Florida State University found that prunes have a positive impact on bone health. The researchers followed two groups of postmenopausal women. Both groups took calcium and vitamin D supplements, but only one group also ate 10 prunes per day. At the end of the study, the group that ate prunes had significantly more bone mineral density in their forearm bones and spine. The researchers believe that the prunes decreased bone breakdown.

To learn more, click here.

Black Residents Less Likely to Get Flu Shots

According to researchers at Brown University, black nursing home residents are less likely than white residents to receive or be offered flu vaccines and they're more likely to live in facilities with lower vaccination rates.

The researchers also found that black residents are more likely to refuse flu shots than their white counterparts. These results led the investigators to be concerned that blacks are disproportionately vulnerable to flu outbreaks. They suggest long-term care facilities do more to educate residents on the benefits of the flu vaccine ane work to build trust among healthcare staff.

To learn more, click here.

CMS Releases Guidance on Civil Money Penalty Funds

On September 30, CMS released a memo to state survey agency directors titled "Use of Civil Money Penalty (CMP) Funds by States." Here is the Memorandum Summary:

"Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Approval: States must obtain CMS approval for the use of any CMP funds through either:

• Categorical Approval: The use has been identified by CMS via written policy as an acceptable use that does not require prior approval. See Section D for the initial list of categorically approved used, or;
• Prior Approval: States must receive prior approval from CMS for any CMP use that is not currently on the list of pre-approved categorical uses.

State Options to Enlist Many Entities: States may direct collected CMP funds to a variety of capable organizations so long as funds are used in accordance with statutory intent and the use is approved by the CMS."

To read the complete memo, click here.

Hospitalized Medicare Patients at High Risk of Needing Nursing Home Care

A study out of the University of Texas Medical Branch found that 75 percent of a sampled group of Medicare enrollees was admitted to a long-term care facility within six months of being hospitalized for acute-care treatment, such as a stroke or hip fracture.

The researchers noted that hospitalization is often the "tipping point" in older patients not being able to be as independent as they were before.

To learn more, click here.

Congratulations, Carly Carlton!

Team ProMed congratulates our Director of Innovation and Technology, Carly Carlton, on the birth of her daughter! Olivia was born on Friday, September 30 and weighed in and 8 pounds, 15 oz.

CLASS Act Pushed Back to 2013

A much-debated component of the new healthcare law, the Community Living Assistance Services and Supports Act, or CLASS Act, has been pushed back a year, to 2013.

The CLASS Act is the first federally backed long-term care insurance option for elderly and disabled individuals. It has been championed by provider groups such as LeadingAge, but it has also become a target during deficit reduction negotiations.

The program was originally slated to begin collecting premiums in 2012. That date has now been pushed back to 2013 based on the pace of implementation actions taken so far.

To learn more, click here.

Congratulations to the Walters Family!

Team ProMed congratulates Jereme Walters and his wife, Natalie, on the birth of their twin son and daughter on September 29 (and we also congratulate Barb Walters on her new great-grandchildren!). Conner weighed in at four pounds, seven ounces and his sister, Callie, was four pounds, six ounces. Congratulations to the Walters family!

Women Face Higher Short-Term Mortality Following Hip Fractures

New information out of the Kaiser Permanente Center for Health Research reveals that women in their seventies face a doubled risk of dying within a year of breaking a hip.

The researchers also found that short-term mortality (dying within a year) for women in their eighties tripled for otherwise healthy women who suffered hip fractures, but overall mortality for this group remained the same.

To learn more, click here.

Study: Rising Healthcare Costs Linked to "Too Much Care"

A nationwide survey published in the Archives of Internal Medicine revealed that 42 percent of primary care physicians make more referrals to specials and order more tests than they would prefer to do. The reason? For 76 percent of that group, it was fear of malpractice lawsuits.

According to a researcher at the University of Chicago, this fear also exists in LTC facilities and frequently spurs skilled nursing facilities to transfer patients to hospitals too frequently.

To learn more, click here.

Congratulations, Lindsey Rolando and Chris Baron!

Team ProMed congratulates Lindsey Rolando and Chris Baron on their September 24 nuptials! Lindsey and Chris met here at ProMed, where she is a pricing analyst and he is a picker in our  warehouse. Best wishes, you two!

An Apple a Day Keeps a Stroke Away?

It appears there might actually be something to that old adage "An apple a day keeps the doctor away." Dutch researchers have found that eating fruits and vegetables with white flesh, such as apples and pears, can help protect against a stroke.

To learn more, click here.

PDI Issues Wipe Recall

Professional Disposables International Inc. (PDI) has issued a voluntary recall of non-sterile alcohol prep pads because of potential bacterial contamination.  
The recall was announced after the FDA visited the company's manufacturing plant and tests showed the presence of bacillus cereus on the pads. Bacillus cereus is the same bacteria that triggered prep pad recalls, a plant shutdown and lawsuits against the Triad Group and H&P Industries. However, PDI stressed that the levels of bacteria that were detected were low enough that the products remained within allowed specifications and that the recall was being done out of an abundance of caution.

To learn more about the voluntary recall and view the affected lot numbers, click here.

Medicare Confusing to More Than Half of Seniors

Confused by Medicare reform? You're not alone. According to a new report, only 46 percent of seniors and baby boomers have a strong understanding of how Medicare works, and 50 percent of people over the age of 60 have a poor understanding of Medicare reform. This could lead seniors, especially low-income seniors, to make uninformed choices about their health care.

Other report findings include:

• 39 percent of all seniors rate their ability to navigate Medicare options as fair to poor
• Only 47 percent of limited-income seniors are familiar with Medicare's Extra Help program (and only 13 percent have applied for help through it)
• Less than 31 percent have heard of the Medicare Savings Program

To learn more, click here.

Banish Bacteria During Bathing

When you think of water, you picture something clean and pure, right? Unfortunately, bacteria can thrive in water, potentially leading to infections.

An Infection Control Today article took a look at water that enters healthcare facilities through water distribution systems and found that it can contain bacteria ranging from Legionellae (which cause Legionnaires’ disease), opportunistic molds and Chryseobaterium meningosepticum, which can cause meningitis.1

In light of these findings, a number of experts have encouraged facilities to eliminate using water wherever possible. When water cannot be eliminated, it should be monitored closely and disinfected either chemically or through heating.1

Reducing water use during bathing
The staff and residents at your facility can come in contact with the bacteria in water in any number of ways, including ice machines, showerheads, bathtubs, toilets and taps. One opportunity for cutting down on water use is with bathing and perineal care. Many rinse-free cleansers – available in foam, cream and gel formulas – can be applied and removed with soft, dry cloths, eliminating the need for water.

Pre-moistened washcloths are another good option for both perineal and full-body cleansing. These cloths often contain skin-soothing ingredients, such as aloe. More advanced formulations cleanse, moisturize, freshen and soothe the skin, reducing the need for multiple products. Manufacturers of these products have also taken other steps to reduce the risk of cross contamination, such as adding single-washcloth dispensers to their packaging.

Additional information
The CDC maintains a Healthy Water page on its website that can be found at www.cdc.gov/healthywater. The page offers guidance on using water safely in areas ranging from the medical field to private drinking water systems.

Reference
1 Burns S. Water: Is it a Breeding Ground for Bacteria in Your Facility? Infection Control Today. Available at: http://www.infectioncontroltoday.com/articles/2002/10/water-is-it-a-breeding-ground-for-bacteria-in-you.aspx. Accessed September 14, 2011.

Nurses Optimistic about Job Security, Less So about Retirement

An online survey of nurses revealed that although the majority are satisified with their job security and finances, their view of their ability to retire is far less rosy.

Among the findings:

• 79 percent of respondents feel secure in their jobs but are anticipating changes due to healthcare reform and rising increases
• More than half expect more demanding hours, less qualified workers and more nurses to leave the profession
• About 79 percent plan to work past retirement age to keep up with basic living expenses
• 42 percent believe they they will never be able to fully retire

To learn more, click here.

Proposed Legislation Would Speed Pain Relief, Ease Regulations

Senator Herb Kohl, the chairman of the Senate's Special Committee on Aging, has proposed legislation that would allow nursing home staff acting on a physician's verbal instructions to order and administer controlled medications to residents in urgent need of pain relief.

The legislation, known as the Nursing Home Resident Pain Relief Act of 2011, would allow nurses and other licensed personnel to act as "facility designees" when ordering and administering controlled painkillers. Currently, physicians must submit prescriptions for controlled painkillers in writing before the medications can be dispensed, which means that residents can go for long periods of time without adequate pain relief.

To learn more, click here.

Want Job Satisfaction? Work in a Nonprofit Nursing Home

A study out of the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality found that employees at nonprofit nursing homes have greater levels of satisfaction with their facilities than their counterparts at for-profit homes.

The respondents on the survey were evenly split between workers at for-profit and non-profit facilities. A solid 80 percent of nonprofit employees said they would recommend their facility to a friend, compared with 72 percent of for-profit workers. Similarly, 66 percent of nonprofit workers ranked their facility as "excellent" or "very good" in terms of overall safety, compared to 57 percent of for-profit employees.

To learn more, click here.

Finally, Some Good Employment News!

The news on employment has been pretty gloomy lately, so it's always nice to see something positive! The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) has announced that 3,900 assisted living jobs were added in August.

Health care continues to be a bright spot for job seekers. Over the past year, 305,900 jobs were added.

To learn more, click here.

More Caregiver Vaccinations = Fewer Flu Outbreaks

A new study has found that nursing homes with a higher rate of vaccinated caregivers have a much lower number of flu outbreaks. The study, conducted at the University of Oklahoma, found that when between 51 and 75 percent of caregivers are vaccinated, the odds of a flu outbreak at a given facility decrease by 87 percent.

However, the researchers also found an unexpected link between higher rates of vaccinated residents and a greater probability of flu outbreaks. The researchers suspect this might be from facilities overvaluing the protection afforded by vaccinating the residents and undervaluing vaccinating employees.

To learn more, click here.

Eating to Combat Overactive Bladder

For people with overactive bladder (OAB), what they eat can be directly tied to how many trips to the bathroom they make.

The following foods and drinks can irritate the bladder, contributing to urine leaks (please note that not all people will be sensitive to all items):

• Alcoholic beverages
• Carbonated beverages
• Caffeinated drinks (such as soda and hot cocoa)
• Drinks containing artificial sweeteners
• Coffee (both regular and decaffeinated)
• Tomatoes and tomato-containing products (such as marinara sauce)
• Citrus fruits and juices
• Highly spiced foods
• Corn syrup
• Honey
• Chocolate

Other tips for managing the symptoms of OAB:

• Maintaining a healthy body weight
• Including fiber, such as fruits, veggies and whole grains (this helps prevent constipation, which can worsen OAB)
• Drinking just the right amount of fluids - not too much, and not too little (around six glasses a day) - water is ideal, but cranberry, grape, cherry and apple juices are also gentle on the bladder

To learn more, click here.

Happy National Assisted Living Week!

National Assisted Living Week (NALW) kicks off this Sunday, September 11 and runs through September 17! The theme of this year's celebration, sponsored by the National Center for Assisted Living (NCAL), is "Forever Proud."

Since 1995, NALW has been a way for residents, staff, family members and communities to celebrate all that assisted living has to offer.

"Forever Proud" was selected as this year's theme because the celebration kicks off on the tenth anniversary of 9/11. According to the NCAL, "it was important for the theme to reflect the pride we feel as citizens and active members of the community. The events of 9/11 were tragic, but they also brought our country together. Countrymen helping countrymen and a spirit of rebuilding helped to foster a renewed sense of national pride for many."

To learn more and download planning materials, click here.

AHCA, Alliance for Quality Nursing Home Care Urge HCWs to Voice Concern Over Cuts

The American Health Care Association (AHCA) and Alliance for Quality Nursing Home Care are encouraging healthcare workers to contact their legislators and encourage them to "preserve, protect and defend quality skilled nursing and rehabilitative care for seniors and people with disabilities."

The organizations are concerned that planned cuts to Medicare and Medicaid will threaten the senior population's access to quality care and maintain that nursing homes, SNFs and assisted living facilities can both create local jobs and help defend against rising healthcare costs.

To learn more and contact your legislator, click here.

CMS Proposes Covering Obesity Therapy

CMS is proposing coverage of intensive behavioral therapy for obese individuals who are enrolled in Medicare Part A or Part B. This would include screening for obesity, a dietary assessment and intensive behavioral counseling and therapy designed to promote weight loss via diet and exercise.

To qualify, individuals need to be competent and alert and meet with a qualified primary care physician or care provider. Even though skilled nursing facilities would not be eligible for reimbursement, this program could spell good news for facilities struggling to keep up with the costs and modifications associated with bariatric residents.

The public is encouraged to click on the plan. Click here to view the memo and then click the orange "Comment" button to leave feedback.

Achoo! Fall Allergies are Here Again

The bad news? Pollen levels are on the rise, pollen seasons are longer and more and more people are developing allergies. The good news? There are ways to fight back.

Fall allergies, chiefly triggered by pollen from the ragweed plant, mold and dust mites, will likely last up to 27 days longer than usual in the northernmost spots of North America. Why is this happening? According to scientists, we're using more carbon-based fuels, which generate greenhouse gases (such as carbon dioxide) that trap heat from the sun in the atmosphere. As a result, plants and trees flower earlier each spring and frost over later in the fall, extending allergy season. Carbon dioxide also boosts the amount of pollen each plant generates, increasing pollen levels.

Does it seem like more and more people around you have allergies? You're not imagining things. The number of Americans who have allergies is two to five times higher than it was five years ago. Why is that? Experts point to several theories:

• We're too clean - that is, our immune systems are quicker to overreact to otherwise harmless substances such as pollen. This is due to our bodies being exposed to less dirt and bacteria.
• On the flip side, our environmemt is too dirty. Pollution (including exhaust fumes) can trigger allergic flare-ups.
• Our diet isn't helping. Processed, preserved foods throw up the bacteria balance in the gut, setting us up for allergic sensitivity.

So what's the good news? Well, there are more treatment options on the market than ever before, including non-sedating antihistamines, steroid sprays and eye drops. Experts also suggest eating whole, fresh foods in an effort to normalize gut bacteria.

Click here to learn more.

Labor Day Closure Reminder

Professional Medical will be closed on Monday, September 5 in honor of Labor Day. All Monday product deliveries will be made on Tuesday, September 6. If you have any questions at all, please contact our Customer Care department at (800) 648-5190.

Team ProMed wishes you and yours a safe and enjoyable Labor Day!

Check Out Our New Embrace Article on Hand Hygiene!

We've just added a new online-exclusive Embrace article to embracethemagazine.com! With fall just around the corner and kids heading back to school, we thought this was the perfect time to talk about hand hygiene. We know kids bring germs home from school - could they be bringing them to your facility when they come to visit residents?

Of course, kids aren't the only ones with germs on their hands. That's why residents, staff and guests all need to work together and do their part! Click here to read the article and view hand hygiene tips for everyone in your facility.

More Than Half of Healthcare Workers' Uniforms Could Be Hosting Bacteria

Here's some icky news - even though they might look clean, more than 60 percent of healthcare workers' uniforms examined in a recent study tested positive for pathogens, including those that cause MRSA, bloodstream infections and pneumonia. The germs were collected from the sleeves, waists and pockets of uniforms.

The findings led researchers to the conclusion that scrubs and uniforms could possibly transmit germs to patients. They also believe that the germs on uniforms could reflect poor handwashing practices.

In light of their findings, the researchers recommend that healthcare workers change into clean uniforms daily, improve their hand hygiene practices and don plastic aprons for messy jobs that could involve splashing or contact with body fluids.

To learn more, click here.

Evacuations Kept Residents Safe from Hurricane Irene

LeadingAge is reporting that mandatory evacuations in the New York City area and New Jersey helped nursing home residents and staff avoid tragedy during Hurricane Irene. Those who were evacuated are being transferred back to facilities in New York, New Jersey and Connecticut this week.

Though the evacuations went much more smoothly than those during Hurricane Katrina, some problems were reported, including delayed medications, tests and other procedures.

To learn more, click here.

Sweet News: Chocolate May Be Good for Your Heart

The good news - chocolate might be good for your heart! The bad news - you're probably going to have a hard time convincing your cardiologist that you should indulge.

According to a new study, chocolate consumption might be linked to a one-third reduction in the risk of developing heart disease. The reason for this is unclear, but the flavonols in dark chocolate are thought to be good for the blood system.

However, researchers are quick to point out that any health benefits that chocolate has might be outweighed by its high sugar and fat content. Still, we can dream, right?

Study: Long-Term Antibiotic Use Can Calm COPD Flare-Ups

A new study has found that long-term daily doses of azithromycin, an antibiotic, can help prevent life-threatening chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) flare-ups. COPD is a lung disease that includes both emphysema and chronic bronchitis.

According to the study, those who took the antibiotic daily were 27 percent less likely to experience a flare-up in their symptoms than participants who took a placebo pill. Flare-ups can be caused by bacterial and viral infections.

The study's investigators hypothesized that azithromycin has anti-inflammatory properties that calm COPD. However, they caution that it has also been linked to irregular heartbeats and hearing loss in  people with hearing impairments and should be prescribed with caution.

To learn more, click here.

Join Us Today for the Barnes Foundation's Sizzlin' Summer Raffle!

The Barnes Foundation's Sizzlin' Summer Raffle is finally here! If you're in the New Lenox area, we hope you'll join us at the ProMed headquarters (1917 Garnet Court) from 3:30 to 5 p.m. for the drawing, a complimentary barbeque, children's games, a bake sale and exclusive day-of-event drawings.

There are some great prizes up for grabs, including:

• $2,500 grand prize
• $1,500 monetary prize
• Trump Tower Chicago Hotel and premier restaurant packages (2 winners)
• Electric grill and steak package
• Golf foursome package
• $100 cash prize (4 winners)

Raffle tickets are $10 each and you don't need to be present to win. Tickets will be sold here until 3:30 p.m. CST today. Good luck!

FDA Approves Botox for Bladder Control

The FDA has approved Botox for use in treating overactive bladder caused by damage to the nervous system, such as that which can occur with multiple sclerosis or spinal cord injuries.

Overactive bladder is caused by uncontrollable bladder contractions. It leads to frequent urination, the urgent need to urinate and the inability to control urination.

According to the FDA, a single injection of Botox into the bladder can relax the bladder and increase its storage capacity. This effect lasts for about nine months.

According to Botox's manufacturer, Allergan, about 60 to 80 percent of people with multiple sclerosis or spinal cord injuries experience some form of bladder trouble.

To learn more, click here.

IA Redirects Funds Intended for Nursing Home Inspectors

Back in February, Iowa Governor Terry Branstad cut 10 of the state's 38 nursing home inspectors. That decision rankled the Iowa Department of Inspections and Appeals and the agency pushed for money to re-hire those inspectors.

State lawmakers allocated funding to the agency, but didn't specify that the money had to be used for the inspectors' salaries. Instead, the agency has determined that two-thirds of the $650,000 will be used for the general operation of the department's Health Facilities division and the remaining one-third will be dedicated to increasing oversight of the state's 188 residential care facilities for disabled Iowa residents.

Nursing home resident advocates are criticizing the decision, but the agency defended its decision, saying investigations have shown that there is actually not a need to restore the 10 inspector positions.

To learn more, click here.

CMS: Despite Reimbursement Cuts, Care Shouldn't Decline

Even with reimbursement cuts looming, CMS is confident that care will not decline at long-term care facilities.

In an interview with the Wall Street Journal, a CMS official said that the agency has plans in place to monitor changes in utilization and staff patterns to make sure that residents continue to receive high-quality care once reimbursement cuts are in place. The official added that they don't believe facilities will respond to payment changes by decreasing the quality of care they offer.

To learn more, click here.

Congratulations, Pam West!

Team ProMed congratulates Pam West on the birth of her first grandchild. Kerrigan Reese Simpson was born on August 13 and weighed in at 7 pounds, 4 ounces. Her proud parents are John Simpson and Courtney West.

The Good News and Bad News about the CNA Shortage

Anyone going into the healthcare field has certainly heard that the demand for direct-care workers is expected to skyrocket over the next seven years. That's both good news and bad news for CNAs and home health aides, according to a new joint report from Kaiser Health News and The Washington Post.

Even with all of the anticipated job openings, home health aides and CNAs will likely face myriad challenges. Personal health aides make an average of just $12,300 annually, while nursing, psychiatric and home health aides make an average of $19,000. Additionally, almost one-third of all direct-care workers are uninsured. Close to half of them count on public assistance of some type, such as food stamps or Medicaid.

To learn more, click here.

GAO: Private Nursing Homes Have More Deficiencies Than Public

A new report out of the Government Accountability Office (GAO) shows that private nursing homes rack up more deficiencies than their public counterparts.

The study took a a look at deficiencies cited on state surveys as well as nurse staffing levels and financial performance. In addition to have more deficiencies, private nursing homes were also more likely to have lower staffing ratios, though they did also have a larger ratio of RNs than public homes.

To learn more, click here.

ProMed Labor Day Closure Notice

Professional Medical will be closed Monday, September 5, 2011 in honor of Labor Day. All Monday deliveries will be made on Tuesday, September 6, 2011.

Customers who typically order on Monday for Tuesday delivery will need to place their orders by Friday, September 2, 2011. Please call our Customer Care department at 800.648.5190 if you have questions or concerns.

Thank you!

Elderly Women with Sleep Apnea 85% More Likely to Develop Dementia, Cognitive Impairments

Research out of Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston has linked elderly women who have sleep apnea with having an 85 percent higher risk of developing mild cognitive impairment or dementia.

The researchers found that 45 percent of the study participants who had sleep apnea developed cognitive impairments, compared to 31 percent of the participants who did not have sleep apnea. The average age of the women in the study was 82.

Sleep apnea deprives the brain of oxygen, potentially causing damage. Up to 60 percent of elderly people suffer from sleep apnea or another sleep impairment.

To learn more, click here.

Last Call for Barnes Foundation Sizzlin' Summer Raffle Tickets!

Time is running out to purchase your tickets for the Barnes Foundation Sizzlin' Summer Raffle! The drawing will be held on Thursday, August 25. For just $10, you could be the winner of one of the many high-end prizes available, including:

• $2,500 grand prize
• $1,500 monetary prize
• Trump Tower Chicago Hotel and premier restaurant packages (2 winners)
• Electric grill and steak package
• Golf foursome package
• $100 cash prize (4 winners)

To purchase your tickets now, click here. While you don't need to be present to win, we hope you'll join us at ProMed's headquarters (1917 Garnet Court, New Lenox, IL 60451) between 3:30 and 5 p.m. for a complimentary barbeque, children's games, a bake sale and a special day-of-event auction.

Note: The Barnes Foundation was established by Professional Medical Founder and President Terry Barnes.

Disaster Preparedness? The Federal Gov't. Wants an App for That

In the wake of recent natural disasters, the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response is challenging developers to craft a Facebook app aimed at helping healthcare facilities - including nursing homes - improve their disaster preparedness, response and recovery.

Entrants in the "Lifeline Facebook App Challenge" are tasked with creating an app that helps users establish three "lifelines," or friends who could be sources of support in the event of a natural disaster. According to the contest details, entrants are "encouraged to creatively leverage Facebook's existing networking and geo-locating capabilities to enhance the app's ability to increase personal preparedness, locate potential disaster victims and streamline information among social networks during disasters."

Sound right up your alley? Then click here and scroll to the bottom of the page for more details. There's big money to be won - cash prizes range from $1,000 to $10,000.

Federal Lawmakers Zero in on Injectables Shortages

Our friends over at Repertoire have posted an interesting entry on their blog devoted to the widespread shortage of injectables. Apparently, the issue has become serious enough to gain attention from federal lawmakers, who have proposed legislation that would give the market a heads-up about anticipated shortages.

From the numbers we've seen, it looks like the legislators have a good reason to be worried. A July-December 2010 study of 228 hospitals and other healthcare sites revealed that:

• 98 percent experienced shortages that resulted in increased costs
• 89 percent experienced shortages that maybe have caused a medication safety issue or error in patient care
• 80 percent saw shortages that resulted in a delay or cancellation of a patient care intervention

There are far more details on Repertoire's blog and it's really compelling reading. To read the complete entry, click here.

Compliance Continuing Education: A Winning Blend of Convenience and Value

Is one of your biggest challenges educating your staff on an ongoing basis? Why not let ProMed eliminate the guesswork and hassle? Our Compliance Continuing Education (CCE) Program covers more than 20 wide-ranging categories and the courses are appropriate for the majority of your nursing staff, including nurses, CNAs and licensed nursing home administrators.
The CCE Program's current offerings include:

• 52 courses geared toward nurses with 62 available CEUs
• 30 courses for CNAs, including eight streaming video courses on the topic of nurse aide skills
• 13 advanced CNA courses
• 11 courses for licensed nursing home administrators with 12 available CEUs

The courses can be completed anywhere your staff members have Internet access. Contact your ProMed territory manager or call our Customer Care team at (800) 648-5190 to learn more - and be sure to ask about our money-saving payment options!

Study: Vascular Disease Risk Factors Could Lead to Cognitive Decline

A new study has found that the risk factors that frequently lead to vascular disease - including diabetes, smoking, being overweight and having high blood pressure - can lead to cognitive decline later on in life.

Specific details included:

• People who had diabetes in mid-life lost brain volume faster in the hippocampus (the part of the brain responsible for forming, storing and processing memories)
• Subjects who smoked in mid-life lost overall brain volume faster than non-smokers
• Obese participants and those who had high blood pressure were more likely to perform poorly on tests involving executive functioning or planning

The study's authors hope that their findings will be useful in screening people for at-risk dementia and encouraging individuals with risk factors to make modifications to their lifestyles.

To learn more, click here.

Skypeing the Miles Away

The Hope Institute for Children and Families, a ProMed customer, recently shared on their Facebook page that the children who call Hope home will now be able to Skype (video chat) with their families! The staff at Hope will set up times for the students and parents to connect.

Have you considered using Skype at your facility, or are you already using it? How is it working out for you? We think this would be a great way for residents and family members to stay connected across the miles that separate them.

No Medicare Drug Premium Increases in 2012

CMS has announced that Medicare average prescription drug premiums (currently around $30) will not be increasing in 2012. Additionally, data is showing that more people are receiving free preventive services and many Medicare beneficiaries who hit the prescription drug "donut hole" are enjoying a 50 percent discount on their prescription drugs.

Details released by CMS include:

• Between January and July of 2011, 51.5 percent of people with Original Medicare received one or more free preventive services.
• During the same time period, more than one million Americans with Original Medicare took advantage of the Medicare's new Annual Wellness Visit (last year, the figure was just under 800,000)
• Almost 900,000 Americans with Medicare have benefited from the 50 percent discount on covered brand name drugs in the Medicare Part D donut hole in 2011 so far
• $461 million was saved on out-of-pocket drug costs for Medicare beneficiaries through June 2011

Kathleen Sebelius, Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services, hailed these findings as proof that the Affordable Care Act (AKA the "healthcare law") is delivering on its promise of providing better health care for people on Medicare.

To learn more, click here.

Report: Clean Living Not the Only Key to a Long Life

Here's some good news for people looking to live a good, long life without giving up all of their vices. A major study found that many very old people (those 95 and older) are the picture of bad health behaviors, indulging in smoking, drinking and eating a poor diet while shunning exercise and maintaining an obese body weight.

The bad news is that the researchers concluded that the reason these people are able to live as long as they do has more to do with their genes than their lifestyle. And since genetics are a game of chance, just because a relative lived to be 105, that doesn't mean that other family members will as well.

According to the most recent census data, about 1 in 4,400 Americans lives to be 100 or older.

To learn more, click here.

Nursing Home Compare Website Changes Complete

The much-touted overhaul of CMS's Nursing Home Compare website is complete! Consumers who visit the site will now be able to file complaints directly with state survey agencies and view the complaints that states receive about specific facilities.

Other new additions include more quality of care information and data about the number of civil money penalties and other actions taken against nursing homes in the last three years.

To visit the site, click here.

CMS Planning 11.1% Medicare Payment Cut, Effective Oct. 1

Amid reports that providers have been overpaid to the tune of $2 billion above federal projections since late last year, CMS has announced that it plans to trim Medicare payments by 11.1 percent starting October 1.

CMS Administrator Donald Berwick was quoted as saying the adjustment is necessary in order for the agency to pay skilled care operators properly in the coming fiscal year. However, industry groups, including LeadingAge and the American Health Care Association, are accusing the agency of making cuts beyond what is necessary for budget neutrality.

To learn more, click here.

Congratulations, Ted Walsh!

Team ProMed congratulates Ted Walsh on his recent marriage! Ted and Christy were married on July 2.

Good News: LTC Facility Occupancy Rates are Stable

New data from the National Investment Center for the Seniors Housing & Care Industry reveals that occupancy rates in the senior housing sector have remained stable at 88 percent over the past year.

Even though the rates have not risen, the researchers were encouraged by the fact that they seem to have moved on from their recent cyclical lows.

To learn more, click here.

Could Gov't. Subsidies Reduce CNA Turnover?

Research out of the University of Illinois suggests that government subsidies might encourage low-wage workers, including CNAs, to remain at their nursing home jobs.

The researcher originally tested her theory on workers at group homes, where she found that government subsidies reduced turnover rates by a third. She theorized that incentivizing CNAs to remain at their nursing home jobs would produce similar results.

To learn more, click here.

FDA Making Plans to Oversee Mobile Medical Apps

In a day and age when smart phones have become so omnipresent that they might as well be extensions of our hands, the FDA is making plans to oversee some of the mobile medical apps that have hit the market.

The agency announced that they plan to oversee apps that:

• Are used as an accessory to an FDA-regulated medical device (such as apps that allow healthcare professionals to view medical images and use them to make a diagnosis)
• Transform a medical platform into a regulated medical device (for example, an app that turns a smart phone into an ECG machine to detect abnormal heart rhythms)

The FDA is hoping to receive as much feedback from consumers, advocacy groups, healthcare professionals, software creators and distributors as possible before they finalize their proposed guidelines. To submit feedback, click here. To learn more, click here.

Familial Alzheimer's Could Be Detected 20 Years Before Symptoms Appear

Researchers at the Dominantly Inherited Alzheimers Network have concluded that it might be possible to predict the age at which Alzheimer's disease will appear based on when a person's parent first began exhibiting symptoms of the disease.

Certain types of Alzheimer's disease, known as "familial" strains, are inheritable. In these cases, individuals have gene mutations that make them more likely to develop Alzheimer's disease in middle age.

The researchers hope that this information will allow them to study Alzheimer's progression before symptoms are even visible in the hopes of delaying or preventing future dementia symptoms. By the time dementia symptoms appear, there has already been too much damage to the brain to reverse or prevent additional cognitive dysfunction.

To learn more, click here.

Keeping Residents Safe and Cool in a Heat Wave

The heat this week has really been something, hasn't it? The storms today here in Chicagoland have cooled things down a bit, but the forecasters have warned us that the heat wave isn't over. That said, we wanted to share a few tips that appeared on our exclusive survey preparation site, Compliance Solutions: For the Perfect Survey Every Day (http://www.theperfectsurvey.com/).

Preventing Heat-Related Illnesses
By taking early preventive measures, facilities can avoid heat-related emergencies later.

Make sure your building is summer-ready

• Make sure that the temperature in your facility is safe and comfortable.
• Keep residents indoors in the air conditioning during heat waves.
• Close blinds or curtains to keep direct sunlight from entering rooms.
• Turn off unneeded lights (they emit heat).
• Use extra circulating fans to keep to keep air moving within your facility. Avoid using fans directed at individuals when the ambient temperature exceeds 100° F.

Be ready for anything

• Many states issue Hot Weather Bulletins. Monitor the television or radio for important local heat-related announcements and be sure to follow your state's protocols during warm weather.
• Review your facility's emergency disaster plan. It should include:
• Up-to-date emergency telephone numbers
• Contingency plans in case the facility's air-conditioning system goes out
• An evacuation plan in case residents need to be moved to a "cooling center
• Be aware of the outdoor heat index (a measurement of what the hot weather "feels like") and take appropriate precautions.
• Remember that exposure to full sunshine can increase the heat index by up to 15 degrees.

Keep residents hydrated

• Consider establishing a hydration station in the facility, where water and other fluids are always available to residents and staff.
• Encourage residents to drink plenty of fluids. Water and fruit or vegetable juices are best.
• Offer residents extra fluids at regular intervals.
• Popsicles or freeze-pops are another alternative to fluids.
• If the resident has a fluid restriction, ask the physician for specific orders during hot weather.
• Avoid caffeine or sodas because these cause a person to lose more body fluid.

If you would like to learn more about the information available at http://www.theperfectsurvey.com/, contact your ProMed territory manager or give us a call at (800) 648-5190. Stay cool out there!

Residents More Likely to Fall after Certain Antidepressant Changes

A new study has found that nursing home residents are five times more likely to fall in the two days immediately following a change in their prescribed dosage of non-SSRI antidepressants. This class of antidepressants includes drugs such as bupropion (Wellbutrin), trazodone (Desyrel) and venlafaxine (Effexor).

The researchers theorized that this increase in falls could be caused by acute cognitive or motor effects that are tied to the medications. Certain non-SSRI antidepressants can also cause a dramatic decrease in blood pressure when a person goes from sitting to standing, which could also be a factor.

The study was conducted by researchers from the Institute for Aging Research of Hebrew SeniorLife.

To learn more, click here.

Little-Known Tax Break Available to Seniors at Some LTC Facilities

Many seniors might not be aware that they qualify for hefty tax breaks if they move into a retirement community that offers assisted living and skilled nursing support, according to an article in U.S. News & World Report.

The tax breaks are classified as lifetime-care benefits and children or other family members who provide major financial support for entrance fees and monthly expenses might also be eligible to receive them.

To be eligible for the tax break, seniors must reside at facilities that have non-refundable entrance fees and include access to healthcare services in monthly fees (regardless of whether the resident utilizes those services). In these situations, the IRS views the fees as pre-payment expenses for healthcare services.

For more detailed information, including the amounts than can be deducted based on taxable income, click here.