Good News: Residents Might Be Safe from Seasonal MRSA Spike

Over the past 10 years, researchers at the Rhode Island Hospital in Providence have analyzed MRSA cases at their facility. They were able to ascertain that MRSA rates tend to spike during summer and autumn months, when the skin moisture that is essential for microbe growth is increased.

The good news is that the researchers didn't see that spike affecting adults in healthcare settings, including hospitals and nursing homes. Instead, they saw an 85 percent jump in infections among children in the summer and autumn.

To learn more, click here.

Could Asthma Drug Fight Alzheimer's?

A study out of Temple University has found that the asthma drug Zileuton (5-lipoxygenase) helps reduce the formation of beta amyloid, a brain peptide linked to the development of Alzheimer's disease.

The researchers found that 5-lipoxygenase controls the part of the brain responsible for the production of beta amyloid. Alzheimer's specialists measure the levels of beta-amyloid plaques in the brain to determine the severity of Alzheimer's disease.

Since Zileuton is already FDA-approved, the researchers are hopeful that clinical trials involving for new applications of the drug could begin quickly.

To learn more, click here.

Dept. of Labor Releases LTC Core Competency Model

The U.S. Department of Labor has released the Long-Term Care, Supports and Services Competency Model. This model includes recommended core competencies that were assembled by a team of experts from the Department of Health and Human Services, American Health Care Association and National Center for Assisted Living, among others.

Core competencies featured in the model include:

• Basic computer skills
• Critical thinking and problem-solving abilities
• A basic knowledge of math and science
• The ability to practice within an ethical framework

The model will continue to evolve as skill sets required in long-term care continue to change. To view the model, click here. To listen to a podcast describing both the new model and core competency issues in general, click here.

Dan Brooks Promoted to ProMed Regional Sales Manager

Team ProMed congratulates Dan Brooks on his promotion to Regional Sales Manager. Dan’s primary objective will be managing his sales team to success. He’ll be responsible for identifying and qualifying leads, tracking the movements of all of the prospects that each of his people have and hunting big customers. He’ll also use the skills he developed as a ProMed territory manager to determine which assets need to be used in order to achieve success.

“This is just the beginning for Dan,” said CEO Matt Barnes. “His hard work is paying off and I see him going to the next level very soon!”

“Dan has worked extremely hard at helping to develop our sales in the south,” added Vice President of Sales Al Wiggs. “He has done a great job of growing his territory and helping to grow the territories of the guys he’s working with. I am proud to have Dan on my team and cannot wait to see what he will do next!”

Dan’s colleagues were effusive in their praise for him:

“I have always been impressed at how smooth and polished Dan is as a speaker and a presenter. Dan is a quick learner, quick-witted and he always has a good answer. With Dan’s determination and dedication, he has grown a lot over the last 12 months and he has never given up, even when the going got tough. I am very happy to see Dan joining the management team and I look forward to great things out of the South Region. Congratulations, Dan. You deserve it!”

- Mike Kellenberger, Director of Financial Performance

“Dan has had this coming for some time now. Talk about a phenomenal person and an even better asset to have in our ProMed family. Dan is always eager to help out when he can and offer any advice or assistance when possible. I think Dan truly cares about the people he works with and for that I am grateful. Congratulations, Dan, you deserve all of the success in the world.”

- Kurt Gerling, Regional Sales Manager

“Dan Brooks has been a leader in the South, playing a key role in the region’s growth. His intellect, drive and focus have been an inspiration to many. Dan’s promotion is well deserved and he has a very bright future ahead of him. I’m proud to have him on the ProMed team and I look forward to working with him more and more as our pursuits align. Congratulations, Dan!”

- Ted Walsh, Regional Sales Manager

CMS Freezes Five-Star Ratings, Adds More Info to Nursing Home Compare Site

CMS has announced that they plan to make major changes to the Nursing Home Compare website over the next few months. Perhaps most notably, the agency will be freezing five-star ratings for six months while they gather quality measure data from the new MDS 3.0. The freeze will go into effect on April 23.

Other changes planned for site include:

• Adjustments to allow consumers to more easily file complaints against nursing homes with state survey agencies (links to state complaint websites will be added and state fax and phone numbers will become more prominent)
• A more visible "consumer rights" section
• The addition of a standardized complaint form for consumers who want to file a complaint by fax

Beginning in July, CMS will display data on the following:

• The number of substantiated complaints received
• The number of enforceable actions that have been imposed (such as civil monetary payments or denials of payment for new admission)

To learn more, click here.

Triad Group Announces Povidone Iodine Prep Pad Recall

H&P Industries (operating as the Triad Group) is recalling all lots of their povidone iodine prep pads over the concern that they could be contaminated with Elizabethkingia meningoseptica. Use of the prep pads could lead to life-threatening infections, especially in at-risk populations such as neonates, surgical patients and people with suppressed immune systems.

Many of these prep pads were private labeled for other distributors. Affected povidone iodine prep pads can be identified by the following labels:
Item #AC-3201 (Amerinet)
Item #04-3201 (Cardinal Health)
Item #06-3201 (Versapro/Medical Specialities)
Item #08-3201 (Novation/VHA)
Item #10-3201 (Triad)
Item #11-PP32 (Triad+)
Item #PL-3533 (Total Resources)
Item #PL-3534 (North Safety)

Please click here to view recall instructions from the FDA.

Today is American Diabetes Association Alert Day!

Today, March 22, marks the American Diabetes Association’s Alert Day, a one-day “wakeup call” for the American public to find out if they are at risk for developing type 2 diabetes.


The ADA is encouraging the public to complete an online Diabetes Risk Test that includes questions about weight, age, family history and other potential risk for prediabetes or type 2 diabetes. The results of the test will indicate whether the test-taker is at low, moderate or high risk for type 2 diabetes. Those who are high risk are encouraged to talk to their healthcare providers.

Take the test and learn more about Alert Day by clicking here.

CMS: Proactive Nursing Homes will See Fines Slashed

Under a new final rule from CMS, nursing homes that self-report compliance violations and quickly address them will see their fines slashed in half.

In order to qualify for the reduced civil monetary penalties, facilities must report the violations before they are identified by CMS or state inspectors. The fine reduction will not apply in cases of immediate jeopardy or when patient harm if possible.

To learn more, click here.

ProMed Goes Orange for National MS Awareness Week

ProMed went orange today in honor of National MS Awareness Week. All this week, we raised money that will be donated to the National MS Society on behalf of our CIO, Bob Sieger, who was diagnosed with MS 12 years ago. We're proud to report that more than $400 was raised! To learn more about how Bob battles the disease every day, please click here.

Jim Antonich Celebrates 10 Years with ProMed

Team ProMed congratulates Jim Antonich on celebrating his 10th anniversary with the company! Jim is a Sales Ambassador with ProMed.


We asked Jim to reflect on some of his favorite experiences from over the years. He told us that his favorite part of being a member of Team ProMed is “working with the nicest people who are always willing to assist you when you need help. I also love that I have easy access to Matt, Al, Mike and Rocky whenever I need assistance. I have always felt that I was a member of the Barnes family business since the day I started 10 years ago.”

Jim has witnessed incredible growth and change at ProMed during his time with the company. “No more small sales meetings with five people sitting around in the back room at Al’s Steak House trying to figure out what direction we are going in,” he noted. “We have come a long way with developing a process for success.”

As the years have gone by, the business of medical supply sales has become more complex, Jim added.

“I believe medical sales have become much more difficult today than 10 years ago,” he said. “Our industry has become somewhat of a commodity business that has challenged us to differentiate ourselves from our competitors with all of the extra programs and opportunities. We must bring to the table solutions to help nursing homes become financially successful. With all of the buyouts and the disappearance of standalone homes, we have to become professional consultants who are capable of landing the whale instead of a basket of bluegills. What has not changed in our industry is the need to form positive relationships with our customers and the ability to be flexible. People buy from people they like.”

While there has been plenty of work over the years, Jim has also found time for fun with his colleagues.

“My best memories are the sales meetings and being around all of my fellow workers,” he said. “We worked hard but also enjoyed our free time with lots of stories and laughs that I cannot go into detail at this time. I have great memories of the Kentucky Derbies I attended plus the opening of our new facility in New Lenox.

“The last 10 years have flown by like the speed of light,” Jim added. “I know one thing for sure – I had a thicker head of hair back then. It seems like yesterday I was interviewing for a job with Mr. Terry Barnes, who was wearing a flannel shirt. When I left and went home, I told my wife, ‘I think this is the kind of guy I could work for.’ I have been treated with nothing but honesty, respect and friendship for 10 years by Matt, his family and Rocky. I think that is about the best gift you can give anybody.”

We also asked Jim’s colleagues to share their favorite memories of working with Jim over the years. Here’s what they told us:

“I worked closely with Jim when I was in Customer Service and he was always one of my favorites. He was thorough, patient and very nice to work with. When I still speak with him from time to time, this has not changed and he still possesses such a great attitude about ProMed. He truly cares about his facilities and the care he helps provide for their residents. Congratulations, Jim!”

- Jodi Dzak, Director of Special Sales/Customer & Vendor Contracts

“Jim and I met for his initial interview at the Cracker Barrel off I-64 and Highway 157 in Caseyville, Illinois back in early 2001. It was evident within a few minutes of meeting him that Jim had developed a talent for making people feel comfortable with him. With his previous experiences and likeability, it was an easy decision to recommend we hire him. Since that time, Jim has enjoyed many successes with us. Jim’s ability to tell a story is legendary among those who know him . . . even when telling the same story (over and over) again, Jim is able to remain true to the basic information, but embellish the details in a fresh and even more entertaining way. He is truly an amazing, master storyteller. Jim, Katie and their (adult) children, Nick and Lori, provide a nice snapshot of the all-American family. A nice blend of Ozzie and Harriet (a sitcom that predates bothJim and me), with the slightest touch of Archie Bunker (All in the Family) mixed in for added spice. Jim is one of ProMed’s finest Ambassadors. Congratulations on ten great years, my friend, and God’s blessings for many more.”

- Rocky Howard

“I have had the pleasure of working with Jim for five years. We have been through a lot together and I have learned a lot from him. Jim always keeps a positive attitude, his customers love him and he is truly a team player. Jim always has a GREAT story and we have had a ton of laughs together. You always know when you are hearing a good story because Jim takes his glasses off and starts rubbing his face. Never a dull moment with Jim! I consider him a true friend.”

- Mike Kellenberger, Director of Financial Performance

“What makes Jim Antonich so successful is his charm, personality and his confidence in what he sells. He says to his customers, ‘Just try this, I guarantee you will enjoy the outcomes’ – and they do! Congratulations, Jim, on your 10th anniversary. It has been a pleasure watching and learning from you. Here’s to 10 more years of success, buddy!”

- Pam West, Vice President of Clinical and Regulatory Compliance

Congratulations, Jim!

U.S. Diabetes Index Launched

The National Minority Quality Forum, Congressional Black Caucus Foundation and CBC Health Braintrust have partnered to create the U.S. Diabetes Index, a compilation of information about people living with diabetes, their care and the trends that are shaping the disease in the U.S.

The index's companion website, www.usdireport.com, offers more than 30,000 maps, charts and graphs depicting diabetes prevalence, costs, uncontrolled and pre-diabetes populations, co-morbid conditions and other indices broken down by geography, age, gender and race/ethnicity.

The site was designed with the hope that the information it contains could be used to help reduce the incidence of diabetes, improve outcomes and encourage more effective management of healthcare resources.

Click here to visit the site and learn more.

Happy National Long Term Care Administrator's Week!

March 14-18 is National Long Term Care Administrator's Week! This celebration has been sponsored by the American College of Health Care Administrators (ACHCA) since 1994 and is designed to honor the role of the administrator in providing leadership for the delivery of quality, resident-centered care and a supportive work environment for staff.

ACHCA posted this message to administrators on their website: "ACHCA commends, salutes and thanks those Administrators in nursing homes and assisted living centers who are committed to providing excellent quality of care and quality of life for the elderly. Congratulations on a job very well done!"

To learn more and view ideas for celebrating at your facility, click here.

ProMed Celebrates National MS Awareness Week

Professional Medical is proud to take part in National Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Week. According to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, there are approximately 400,000 people in the U.S. living with MS – with 200 more diagnosed every week. MS is thought to affect more than 2.1 million people around the world.

Supporting MS research is also personal for ProMed. One of our team members was diagnosed with the disease 12 years ago and is a testament to not letting the disease get the best of him. His name is Bob Sieger, and he’s our CIO. Bob was kind enough to answer a few questions in an effort to help others understand how MS affects people who are diagnosed with the disease.

Q: When were you first diagnosed with MS?

A: I was diagnosed about 12 years ago. I had been having what I thought at the time were strange symptoms. My legs were very weak, my right arm was becoming more and more useless. Finally, by the end of the week, we began to notice that the right side of my face was beginning to sag slightly and my speech was becoming a bit slurred. A quick call to the doctor resulted in a trip to the emergency room, where initially they felt that I had had some type of stroke. Mind you, this was bad enough news, but over the course of the next few days, and through a lot of testing, they ruled out a stroke. MS is not easily diagnosed. Many people will go years without even realizing they are having symptoms. I think I was lucky and caught it early in the disease. To verify the diagnosis, they draw a sample of your spinal fluid, not a pleasant procedure and risky at best – one misstep of the needle and paralysis could be in your future (not just from the MS). There are certain proteins that affect the immune system, and the presence of these proteins in the cerebrospinal fluid will indicate MS nearly 95 percent of the time. Additionally, several MRIs are performed because the presence of two or more lesions on the brain also indicates MS.

Here’s how MS works: In simple terms, your brain and central nervous system are attacked by your own immune system. Your brain has a layer of myelin that protects the brain and the various connections. Think of it as a series of wires that connect various parts of the brain. A red wire that crosses from one part of the brain to the other will work to help you grip a glass, for example. MS attacks this myelin, eroding it away, exposing the ends of these wires and causing them to break. So, in this example, I would lose my grip. The myelin heals, the wire reconnects with the brain and my grip is restored. Over time, the myelin is attacked so much that it can no longer heal and permanent damage occurs.

The symptoms are all over the map. I have six lesions on my brain (last time I was checked) and a couple on my spine. These seem to attack, most notably, my legs and my right arm as well as grip. On my very worst days, I can barely stand and the right side of my face gets a little droopy again. I have intermittent MS, which basically means that my symptoms come and go – which is good and bad. It is good because I could have had a more severe case and be in a wheelchair or, worse, paralyzed. But it is bad because the events I have seem to be increasing, which means the myelin in those areas is not healing as quickly or at all. I am thankful, however, that it does not seem to be spreading. I credit this will a medication that I have been on for the last three years called Avonex. It is a weekly injection, using a BIG needle, that is intended to slow the progress of the disease. It is not a cure, it just slows the progress. It seems to be doing its job so far!

Q: How does it affect your daily life?

A: Well, that really depends. Most days, my right side is generally weak. I have modified the way I will hold a glass so I don't drop it! Some days I may limp a little more than usual, most days I am sore, like I just ran a marathon and worked out all at the same time. That is the part that I hate the most, the constant soreness. I tend to take a lot of Aleve, which is not great for my liver, but it helps get through the day. By the end of the day, I am ready to just sit or lie down. The soreness tends to be worse after a more stressful day. Different things affect the MS symptoms – stress, heat, cold, basically anything that stresses the body will affect me two or three times more because of the MS. It is a bit of a battle to try and keep everything in the middle of the road, but with proper diet (which I TRY to do) and daily exercise (which I do), I am able to lessen the strain throughout the day. But the soreness is a constant. While I am grateful for the Avonex, it does have the side effect of severe soreness the day after the injection. Some weeks it is worse than others. I try to do the shot on Saturday, so I spend Sunday basically resting. It is even worse when I forget to refill my prescription and miss a week!

Q: What do you do to lessen the effects it has on your body?

A: There is really not much I can do other than Aleve or the occasional prescription pain med (usually at bedtime to try and sleep through the night). Exercise helps. It keeps my limbs loose and my muscles strong, which helps to counteract the MS. Eating better helps as well too, to keep my energy up. I am not as good at that, but luckily I am surrounded by family and friends who try and make sure that I eat properly instead of once per day!

Q: What is the typical long-term prognosis for somebody with MS?

A: That really depends. I know of people who were diagnosed one day and within months ended up in a wheelchair. I know of people who have passed away from MS as well. Long term, I really don't think about that. Right now I am focused on not letting it get the best of me, and believe me, there are days that I feel like just giving in! Having a positive attitude and keeping mentally strong is important to having a better life and coping with the disease. I like to stay involved as well. While I don't do any type of fundraising, I do contribute to the MS Society and encourage others to do the same.

Q: Is there anything you would like to tell people who might not be familiar with MS?

A: It is often a very silent disease and by that I mean you might not realize that the person next to you has it. More often than not, most MS sufferers tend to suffer in silence; their symptoms, much like mine, are not as apparent. It is a difficult disease for many people to understand. It is a SLOW degenerative process. Most people will not show really outward symptoms until their own bodies begin to break down, or until the disease overtakes the nervous system. But it is not a disease to be whispered about. For example, I really don't tell people I have it, I would guess that very few people at ProMed even know I have it. The reason I don't tell people is that I don't want to have to deal with the tilt of the head and the whispered “How are you doing?” You know the whisper, it's the same whisper you use when you talk about cancer or some other disease. It's not that I don't appreciate the concern, I do. It's that I don't want it to be a whisper. I want it to be a “so what?” I am alive, walking, strong and happy with my life. That's about all you can ask, and that is what most MS sufferers I know want as well. They don't want to be treated like diseased person, they want to be treated with support and understanding.

****

Throughout the week, ProMed will be collecting donations for the National MS Society. We encourage you to click here to learn more about how you can support the MS research and awareness.

Cheers! Senior Drinkers Less Likely to Develop Alzheimer's, Dementia

Here's some news worth raising a glass for - German researchers have found that seniors who consume about two alcoholic drinks per day are at a significantly lower risk of a developing Alzheimer's disease and dementia.

Subjects in the study who consumed a moderate amount of alcohol were 40 percent less likely to develop Alzheimer's disease and 30 percent less likely to develop dementia when compared to the non-drinking study participants.

To learn more, click here.

Could a Good Laugh Help Heal Leg Ulcers?

Leg ulcers are no laughing matter - but could a hearty chuckle help heal them? Absolutely, according to a new study out of the University of Leeds School of Healthcare.

According to Professor Andrea Nelson, laughter "gets the diaphragm moving and this plays a vital part in moving blood around the body."

The study also recommended using compression bandages and support stockings as well as improving a resident's diet and exercise routine as strategies for treating venous lug ulcers.

To learn more, click here.

Could Alzheimer's Brain Plaques Actually Start in the Liver?

Scientists at Scripps Research Institute have shared some surprising new findings - they believe it's possible that the brain plaques commonly associated with Alzheimer's disease might actually originate in the liver.

The researchers used mouse models for Alzheimer's disease to evaluate the effect of three different genes on the presence of amyloid-beta plaques in the brain. They discovered that lower gene activity in the liver was associated with greater protection in the brain. Of the three genes, one (Presenilin2) is associated with both greater production of amyloid-beta plaques in the liver and early-onset Alzheimer's disease.

To learn more, click here.

OIG: 92% of Nursing Homes Have Hired a Convicted Criminal

A startling new report from the Office of the Inspector General (OIG) reveals that nine out of 10 American nursing homes have at least one convicted criminal on staff.

To obtain the results in its report, the OIG checked the names of roughly 35,000 nursing home employees at 260 facilities nationwide against criminal databases maintained by the FBI. Among the agency's findings:

• 92 percent of the nursing homes sampled had hired at least one convicted criminal
• Roughly 5 percent of all nursing home employees have at least one criminal conviction
• The most common offense (44 percent) committed was a crime against property (such as burglary, shoplifting or writing bad checks)
• Approximately one in eight of the employees who were convicted criminals were convicted of a crime against a person, such as assault
• About 16 percent of the convicted criminals were convicted while employed at a nursing facility

In light of these staggering discoveries, the OIG recommends developing procedures to help implement a nationwide criminal background check program. The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (the so-called "healthcare law") requires that a nationwide criminal background check be established for potential nursing home employees who would have direct patient access.

To learn more, click here.

CDC: Ditch Sanitizer, Choose Soap and Water to Battle Norovirus

Last Friday, the CDC released their "Updated Norovirus Outbreak Management and Disease Prevention Guidelines." In the document, the agency noted that thorough handwashing with soap and water has been proven to be a more effective method of preventing the transmission of the norovirus than alcohol-based and other hand sanitizing methods.

The most common settings for norovirus outbreaks in the US are long-term care facilities, nursing homes and hospitals. When outbreaks occur in these facilities, they tend to last longer and be more severe than outbreaks in otherwise healthy populations.

To view the full norovirus prevention guidelines, click here.

Congratulations, Tracy Kucia!

Team ProMed congratulates Tracy Kucia on being named the February 2011 Employee Spotlight Award winner! Tracy is a Rebate Analytic Specialist and has been with ProMed for five and a half years.

“Tracy is a very conscientious employee. She strives to do the task right the first time and does not like to make mistakes, which is helpful in her position,” said Jodi Dzak, Director of Special Sales/Customer & Vendor Contracts. “Tracy has worked very hard to ensure the manufacturing rebates have been maintained with the utmost accuracy and in doing so aids in the process for other departments. She also has a great understanding of all departments and helps others as needed.”

When we asked Tracy why she enjoys being a member of Team ProMed, she said, “All of the things I have learned since I have been at ProMed and the fact that I learn something new every day.”

As the Employee Spotlight Award winner, Tracy will be able to proudly display the Torch of Excellence trophy at her desk for the month of March. She was also given a $100 cash award.

Congratulations, Tracy!

Have You Checked Out the Embrace Downloads?

Every time we publish a new issue of Embrace magazine, ProMed's exclusive magazine for the long-term care community, we place accompanying content on the magazine's website, embracethemagazine.com. This includes a number of tools that you can download and use in your facility.

Current downloads include:

• Five Tips for Staying Healthy
• Infection Control Terminology
• Accident Prevention Word Search
• Equipment Checklist
• How to Be the Best CNA You Can Be
• Reducing Falls: Helpful Tips for Residents and Staff

To view these resources, visit embracethemagazine.com and click on Featured Articles. There are several downloads from each issue, so be sure to click on Article Archives (located at the bottom of the Featured Articles Page) to view them all.

Is the Glass Half Full or Half Empty? It Could Affect the Way You Experience Pain

Are you a "glass half full" or "glass half empty" kind of person? It could make a difference in the way you react to pain and other medical treatments, according to a sophisticated new study.

The study involved subjecting 22 healthy volunteers to heat pain and then treating them with a fast-metabolizing, morphine-based painkiller while scanning their brains as they described the pain they were feeling.

The researchers were able to affect the volunteers' level of perceived pain by lying to them - for example, telling them that their painkillers were about to wear off and that they would again soon be experienced increased pain when in reality the painkiller hadn't worn off.

The scans of the volunteers' brains revealed increased activity in certain pain- and stress-related areas of the brain while the volunteers were being lied to, suggesting that their outlook had real therapy-negating effects.

The study's findings could have a major impact on the treatment of people with chronic illnesses, many of whom are elderly, who often have a negative mindset regarding their treatments. Researchers are optimistic that overcoming pessimistic patient views could enhance medical therapies.

To learn more, click here.

Great News: HHS Reports a Drop in Pressure Sores

The Department of Health and Human Services has shared some great news - the percentage of long-stay nursing home residents with pressure sores dropped from 13.9 percent in 1000 to 11.7 percent in 2008. The percentage of short-stay residents with pressure sores dropped from 22.6 percent to 18.9 percent during the same time period.

HHS researchers also found a decline in the number of home health patients who were hospitalized for potentially avoidable conditions within 30 days of beginning care.

To learn more, click here.