General Health Topics - Selecting A Nursing Home

Hello Everyone,

At some point in time almost everyone may be faced with a decision to place a loved one in a nursing home. It is a very difficult decision both for the person being admitted into the home as well as the family.

There are many nursing homes in your area. While I feel that most of the caregivers in the homes do care and try to do the right things, there are some homes that perform those duties better than others.

There is a website www.medicare.gov that lists 50 nursing homes that consistently fail to meet quality of care and safety standards. When you go to this website, click on "Compare Nursing Homes in your Area".

While it doesn't list the best homes in your area, it can alert you to the homes you need to avoid. And, according to Kerry Weems, acting administrator for the Center for Medicare and Medicaid services, in the May 15th edition of "Bottom Line", if your loved one is in one of the homes listed, consider moving to a better nursing home.

Hopefully this information can help in making this very difficult decision.

Until then,

Dr. Paul

General Health Topic - Time for your Annual Flu Shot!

Hello Everyone,

Flu season is here. Now is the time to get your annual flu shot.

The following folks are the ones who really need to get vaccinated:

• Over age 50
• Any age if you have chronic medical conditions such as high blood pressure, irregular heartbeat, history of stroke or heart attack, diabetes, compromised immune system, anemia, asthma or other breathing problems
• If you live in a nursing home
• If you live in a house with people listed above
• Health care workers

Check with your local pharmacy, Dr's offices, County Health Departments etc. concerning locations to get your flu shots. Many locations give the shots at low or reduced cost. Many locations will bill Medicare on your behalf if you are a qualified recipient.

If you are employed, ask your employer if they will be sponsoring a flu vaccine clinic. Or, organize a health fair at your office and make arrangements to have flu shots given at that time. Contact me if you need more information on how to set up a health fair. Many employers will provide flu shots at no cost because it may result in fewer sick days taken by the employees.

I have included some links for more information.

http://www.cdc.gov/flu/protect/keyfacts.htm

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/spanish/tutorials/influenzaspanish/htm/index.htm

http://www.walgreens.com/storelocator/find.jsp?check=true

Remember - THINGS TO DO THIS WEEK

1. Read Dr. Paul's notes

2. Go Grocery Shopping

3. GET FLU SHOT

4. Pay Bills

Please let me know if you are finding this information helpful. If you have any suggestions for future topics, let me know.

Thanks for your time,

Dr. Paul