by Keri McDermott | Sep 18, 2017 | Archived
The number of drug overdose deaths has never been higher in the United States (US) and over half of drug overdose deaths involve opioids. The CDC has released prescribing guidelines to help healthcare providers know when opioid use is appropriate, but what can...
by Keri McDermott | Sep 18, 2017 | Archived
Studies have shown that lack of sleep leads to a dramatic decline in a person’s ability to perform even simple tasks. Individuals who are sleep-deprived may experience drowsiness, irritability, lack of concentration and impaired performance. Furthermore, sleep...
by Keri McDermott | Sep 18, 2017 | Archived
On September 13, Reuters reported that exercising, eating healthy foods and not smoking also helps protect the brain from cognitive decline and dementia, according to the American Heart Association (AHA) and the American Stroke Association. In a recent issue of the...
by Keri McDermott | Sep 12, 2017 | Archived
Now is the time to plan to ensure that 100 percent of your staff have received the flu vaccine before flu seasons starts. The CDC recommends vaccinations by the end of October 2017. Click here for more information on 2017 recommendations. Resources for Long-Term Care...
by Keri McDermott | Sep 12, 2017 | Archived
WebEx: The Million Hearts® Toolbox for Hypertension Control September 21, 2017 | 1:00 – 2:00 pm (CT) Because it is uncontrolled among almost 50 percent of hypertensive patients, high blood pressure continues to be a national issue. What is your...
by Keri McDermott | Sep 9, 2017 | Archived
This month, CDC Vital Signs focuses on stroke and a troubling new trend: After decades of decline, progress has slowed in preventing stroke deaths. Almost 800,000 people in the United States have a stroke each year and more than 140,000 die as a result. Although we,...
by Keri McDermott | Sep 5, 2017 | Archived
Originally printed in the South Dakota Medicine Journal, August 2017. Stephan Schroeder, MD, CMQ, CMD Medical Director, South Dakota Foundation for Medical Care The decision-making process for adult immunization can be complex in how it affects both providers and...
by Keri McDermott | Sep 5, 2017 | Archived
Families share most everything, from the leftovers in the refrigerator to their very DNA. Understanding family health history can prevent colorectal cancer and save a life. Risk factors, screening options and family health history all impact decisions related to the...
by Keri McDermott | Sep 1, 2017 | Archived
Medication reconciliation has always been a problematic process for a variety of reasons. Patients visit multiple providers and pharmacies and they may take over the counter and herbal medications unbeknownst to their providers. An accurate medication history requires...
by Keri McDermott | Aug 28, 2017 | Archived
A recent JAMA (Journal of American Medicine) article suggests that hospitals that treat patients for a non-fatal opioid overdose are not using this opportunity to determine if opioid over-prescribing is occurring or if the patient needs medication-assisted treatment....
