The 4 Greatest Security Risks for Healthcare Providers

Hospitals and health care facilities pose unique security risks due to the specialized nature of the services they provide. Any time an industry or organization does specialized work, it is likely to also require security defences that are suited to that kind of work.

That’s why it’s so important for those managing hospital security to understand the specific risks involved, in order to be able to assess the best security tools to put in place. For each of the risks listed here, it can also be shown that a security ID card printing system provides an excellent solution.

1) Theft

Whether it concerns supplies, equipment or personal data, all health care institutions must remain vigilant against stealing of any kind. One of the top targets of theft in hospitals are medications which patients often desperately require. Since hospital staff are already overtaxed with an enormous amount of work, they don’t have the extra time to be watchful for thieves. For this reason, hospitals can make easy targets.

Hospitals contain many areas that are off-limits to the public, but those places can be easy to access when staff are occupied elsewhere. That’s why a security ID security system is such a vital tool in a hospital. You can click here to learn more about this security solution, as well as accessories like badge holders and lanyards, contactless card readers and other technology designed to make passing through checkpoints quick and easy for anyone with the proper authorization.

2) Assault Upon Medical Staff

While it’s true that most of the violence inflicted upon staff in medical care facilities is caused by patients, this type of security rick can also be mitigated with the assistance of a security ID system. This threat increases greatly in the case of patients with psychological disorders, so psychiatric aides face the greatest dangers.

Security ID cards used in hospitals employ a digital technology in each card to make it easier for medical staff to access patient information securely. Using this type of system makes it easier for all medical employees to become aware of the risks involved with each patient, also with warning triggers, such as information about medications and side effects, as well as information about a patient’s psychological disposition and diet.

3) Child Abductions

Sadly, there is a history of infants being abducted directly from pediatric and maternity units, often with violence inflicted upon the mother. The best defence against this type of security rick is to prevent access to the areas.

4) Hospital Shootings

As in the case of public schools, active assailants in hospitals has become an increasingly escalating problem. Many of these incidents occur in operating rooms and emergency wards, which individuals with weapons should never be able to access under any circumstances.

Hospitals and health care institutions should operate with a proper security ID card system in place in order to ensure that hospital personnel are under surveillance and that no intruders of any kind are ever able to gain admittance. Contact a security ID printing solutions provider, to find out more about how to equip your facility with the best ID technology available, to ensure that it remains safe for patients and staff alike.

This is a guest blog entry.

Does CBD Work? What Science Says About Cannabis?

It’s pretty much common practice for the American media to sensationalize and aggrandize basically anything that becomes of interest to the American population. It’s no different with CBD, which has become something like nature’s limitless drug, according to Americans. A lot gets lost in translation when the media exerts its influence over a topic, and articles are popping up all over the internet that sensationalizes CBD’s ability to cure cancer or instead, demonize it for being a complete “scam”.

Well, CBD is neither of these things; neither a wonder drug to cure all diseases, nor a marketing ploy to get Americans to empty their wallets. CBD is a real, viable cannabis derivative that is being seriously scrutinized for its application in a whole variety of different diseases. When used correctly and in the right context, it has the potential to target an array of symptoms that commonly afflict the American public.

The unfortunate reality with American economics is that as soon as investors see a financial opportunity, they jump on it, even if that thing is about the wellbeing of the country and its residents. Now, basically, everybody is a CBD product manufacturer trying to get a slice of the proverbial cannabis pie. This kind of attitude towards cannabis and its derivatives (CBD, THC, CBG, CBN, terpenes, and others) somewhat defames and devalues what these cannabinoids are all about. In any case, CBD is worth a proper mention and proper analysis rather than the hype that the media has been playing out recently.

What is CBD and What Does it Do?

CBD is a phytocannabinoid produced naturally by the cannabis plant. Unlike its cousin, THC, CBD is non-psychoactive and therefore doesn’t contribute to the euphoric (or for some, not so much) effects of cannabis. It is most commonly extracted from the hemp plant as hemp is naturally high in CBD levels, but from time to time, it is also extracted from marijuana.

In the context of medicine, CBD most often used as an isolated compound. Most CBD products are the result of some form of extraction technique. Essentially, these forms of extraction have led us to purer forms of CBD and, effectively, a more viable and acceptable form of medicine. In fact, the discovery and application of CBD in medicine has validated cannabis as a medicinal plant for the first time in over 100 years.

CBD and the Endocannabinoid System

The endocannabinoid system is something that permeates the bodies of every mammal on earth, including the human body. It a non-localized physiological system made up of endogenous cannabinoids (yes, we have our very own naturally produced cannabinoids) and cannabinoid receptors. It is, in its simplest form, a signaling system that modulates energy, metabolism, the endocrine system, mood, immune response, and the central nervous system.

Perhaps the most interesting aspect of the endocannabinoid system is that it is a signaling system that works in retrograde. This is unlike usual neurotransmitters, for example, which pass messages from the presynaptic neuron, through the synapse and over to the postsynaptic neuron. The endocannabinoid system affects the postsynaptic neuron, sending messages through the synapse to the presynaptic neuron. It acts as something like a dimmer switch, turning off electrical impulses or neuronal transmissions that have gone unregulated.

This is essentially why CBD is used as an anti-inflammatory, anti-epileptic, anti-nausea, anti-cancer and anti-anxiety drug. All of these symptoms are the product of neuronal excitement or overactivation of the immune system. CBD targets the system responsible for modulating these kinds of overexcitation.

CBD does not strongly interact with cannabinoid receptors, unlike THC. Its behavior within the endocannabinoid system is more peripheral, having more subtle effects. For example, CBD inhibits the behavior of a certain enzyme (FAAH) which is responsible for breaking down our own endogenous cannabinoid, anandamide. Elevated anandamide levels are connected with better mood, better sleep, and better appetite, and this is one hypothesized mechanism of action for the antidepressant effects of CBD.

CBD and Modern Science

 
What we are currently witnessing is an unprecedented amount of scientific research into virtually all cannabinoids, including CBD. In fact, CBD, along with THC, is the most studied and most well understood of the hundreds of compounds present in the cannabis plant. It would literally take forever to go through all of the scientific research about what this cannabinoid can and cannot treat, so we will exemplify a few.

CBD’s role in certain cases of epilepsy is perhaps the most pertinent of all cannabinoid research. It has been so thoroughly researched, in fact, that some physicians and medical professionals call it settled; there’s hard evidence at last.

There was the case of Charlotte and the strain, Charlotte’s Web, which was cultivated specifically for epilepsy treatment. And it worked. Charlotte subsequently experienced a drastic improvement in the number of seizures. Then there is the GW Pharmaceuticals study which explored the effect of Epidiolex, a pharmaceutical cannabinoid product, on those with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome. It is a rare and extremely severe form of childhood onset epilepsy. The results were overwhelmingly positive in the CBD group compared to the control group.

The next most important therapeutic aspect of CBD to investigate is its analgesic qualities. More and more Americans are switching to CBD as an alternative to opioids for the management of chronic pain. It has shown a lot of promise in the treatment of neuropathic pain, cancer pain and inflammatory pain. Researchers are still trying to understand the mechanism of action by which it exhibits analgesic properties, but there may be a number of things at play including immune response and desensitization of nociceptors.

Finally, there are countless studies which point towards CBD’s efficacy as an anti-inflammatory, antidepressant and anti-anxiety agent. It is even hypothesized that at the root of many treatment-resistant conditions, there is a clinical endocannabinoid deficiency that can be treated with both CBD and THC.

We Still Need More Research

So some of the media sensationalism around CBD is grounded but awfully presented. It is not a wonder drug any more than Aspirin is a wonder drug; it has a medical application that is targeted and effective if it is used in the right context. And still, science is still trying to understand exactly how cannabinoids work to have such a diverse range of effects.

Needless to say, we have spent the last 100 years prohibiting research on cannabis and we are now trying to catch up. We do need more research to better understand the best ways to use CBD and who benefits the most from this cannabis-derived compounds.

This is a guest blog entry.

How to Rock Knee-High Socks in Every Season

Thanks to pop culture, knee-length socks have become a fashion statement to reckon with. They are perfect and trendy and will work with most outfits, including shorts and skirts. They are perfect for a cozy, warm outfit and also a romantic one when you are going on a date.

Derived from the schoolgirl outfit fetish, this is a trend that you want to take part in. It is absolutely easy and it’s possible to pull off this look, feel classy, and be admired on the streets. Here are some tips that will help you rock knee-length socks.

Choose a neutral, stylish and balanced pair of knee-high socks

When buying knee high socks, you should choose neutral colors like brown, black, and navy. These are great because they will work with every other color without drawing too much attention to your legs. If you’re a fan of color blocking, these will act as a great way to neutralize the look and make it more elegant.

You do not have to limit your outfit to bold colors. Neutral socks will also look great with neutral tops and shorts.

Once in a while, go bold

While the neutral colors are much better because they go with multiple outfits, you also need to go bold when it is cold. Winter needs a little color, and that is why you should opt for the bold colors that add life to an otherwise gloomy season. However, if you choose to go with bold knee socks, remember to pair them with a neutral outfit so that your look does not become too busy or lively.

For instance, you can choose to pair those funky socks with dark denim shorts and a white t-shirt. You can also go for a tie-dye polka dot sock or ones with prints for that unique look.

For a detailed look, choose textured socks

If you’re looking for that unique look that immediately leaves a statement, opt for a textured pair.
Sock with fishnet or sheer will immediately add details to your outfit that you could not imagine.

These socks draw attention to your outfit and make it easy for people to tell your personality. These are also easier to style because they go well with dressy pieces. For instance, you can wear sheer ones with a cocktail dress. You can also choose to wear them with a dress shirt for more impact.

Choose a pair that has stripes at the top for a sporty look

Are you going to hang out with your boyfriend and his friends? Are you going to watch a match and need a sporty outfit? Well, go for socks that have stripes at the top for an athletic or tomboy look.

This sporty edge is often all you need to look casual and active. You can easily pair them with a tank top and gym shorts. You can also wear them with a jersey t-shirt dress. Put on a pair of cleats, and your cute outfit just changed to soccer practice-ready.

Pair them with shorts and tee for that springtime look

Who says knee high socks are just good for the cold weather? You can still rock them in the warmer weather by pairing them with denim shorts for that stylish cute outfit. You can also wear them with a flirty tunic or a form-fitting top. Remember that this look is perfect with a pair of neutral colored ankle boots or flats.

Wear them in the autumn with a trendy jacket

If you want to wear knee-high socks and maintain a flirty and tasteful look, you can. For this one, choose dark colored socks, and throw in a knit sweater and a solid-colored skirt. Avoid a mini skirt because it can make this outfit skimpy. The skirt should come as close as possible to your knee. This look is perfect for any autumn and it will make you look and feel elegant.

Conclusion

You can never go wrong with these socks. They allow you to have a casual, active, laid back look, or make a dramatic statement. They are great because they can be worn with any shoes and clothes and still look great. You can always scrunch the socks down for a cute touch.

If you are curious about other things, check out our site for more.

This is a guest blog entry.

Vitamins Are Good For All

An apple a day may keep the doctor away but daily vitamins are pretty necessary too. Today we are going to talk about the top five ingredients you need every day in order to stay healthy. And while the pill form can be alright, we will be looking at the alternatives, such as SmartyPants Vitamins. They come in an easy-to-take gummy form. You can take these vitamins wherever you are.

This may come to you as a surprise, but vitamins actually come from plants. So we will discuss how to get your daily vitamins through food as well as drinks. Taking your vitamins as a child may have just seemed like an extra snack. But really, mom and dad were trying to keep their little pumpkin on the fast track to great health. As you get older, it may seem unnecessary to continue taking daily vitamins. But once you make your way out of your late twenties, your body may make you feel like mom and dad were on to something. It's so weird when parents know more than you sometimes, right?

The very first ingredient we will talk about is calcium. As we all know calcium helps create very strong bones. But did you know that calcium also is very necessary for your muscles, nerves and your heart? Calcium along with vitamin D can help protect you from getting cancer, diabetes, and even high blood pressure. People between the ages of 19-50 need 2500 mg of calcium per day. People over the age of 50 only need 2000 mg of calcium per day. As a child, receiving too little calcium per day could stunt their growth. As an adult, not getting enough calcium could make you more prone to break your bones or even have osteoporosis in the future. Besides going down the vitamin aisle, you can get calcium from broccoli or kale. If those aren't your favorite vegetables, then you can either eat yogurt or cheese. And if dairy isn't your dietary style, you could always get some canned fish like sardines or salmon. In order to absorb calcium, you need vitamin D. Vitamin D can be found in egg yolks and even through sunbathing.

Iron is the next most important ingredient in our top five. Iron can eliminate fatigue, treat anemia, and help the immune system function correctly. Iron can also help you fall asleep at night and improve concentration. Not to mention iron can reduce bruising and improve muscle strength. The average adult should take about 8 mg to 27 mg of iron a day. Those who are pregnant or have an iron deficiency should reinforce the higher dose of daily iron. Iron supplements should also be taken with a meal. Spinach, tofu, dark chocolate, and lentils are just a few of the foods that are very high in iron.

Vitamin A is next on our list of the top five daily vitamins. The recommended amount of daily vitamin A is between 900 and 700 mcg for adults and 300 to 600 mcg for small children and adolescents. Vitamin A is great for the skin as it helps lower the risk of acne. Vitamin A also supports the reproductive system as well as bone health. Some foods that have vitamin A are kale, sweet potatoes, carrots, eggs, and berries.

Vitamin B is an energy vitamin. Vitamin B is what gives us a high level of energy if we are taking enough vitamin B. Along with energy, vitamin B gives us great brain function and cell metabolism. Vitamin B is incredibly essential to the body. The lack of this vitamin could cause you to be more prone to infections. Brown rice, eggs, beans, and seeds are just a few sources of foods with vitamin B. Because there are so many different kinds of vitamin B, there are just as many different amounts of vitamin B to take on a daily basis.

Last, but definitely not least, we have zinc. Think of zinc as the repair vitamin. This supplement is vital for the immune system, promotes healthy growth during childhood and heals wounds. Zinc can affect our learning and memory. Zinc can be found in beans, nuts, animal meats, and seafood.

What's great about today is that science and technology have allowed us to be able to take vitamins whenever and wherever we want. These kinds of vitamins are not refrigerated but they are mobile. I'm talking about chewable daily gummy vitamins. Nowadays, you can go online or go to any store and find your favorite flavor or your favorite animal shape with all of your daily vitamins gummed up into one tasty treat.

This is a guest blog entry.

Do You Need a Medical Malpractice Attorney?

You deserve the best possible medical treatment. If your healthcare providers fail to live up to that standard, you may have to take legal action. It’s a good idea to consult an attorney if you’ve been injured or otherwise mistreated while under medical care.

There’s a difference between negligence and incompetence. However, it can be hard to distinguish between the two if you’re not experienced with medicine or the law. That’s why it’s such a good idea to speak with an expert.

According to Ronald J. Resmini, a medical malpractice attorney in Rhode Island: “Medical malpractice can be extraordinarily complicated and expensive. Many different parties are likely involved, and finding out who is liable in a medical malpractice case can become difficult due to the complicated laws surrounding malpractice.”

A lawyer will be able to navigate the tricky parts of the law.

What Does an Attorney Do? 

When you’re going up against a hospital or doctor, you need someone fighting on your side. You can try to negotiate a settlement on your own, but you likely won’t get as much as you could have gotten. Big institutions are used to bullying the little guy.

Having an attorney gives you a bit of firepower. You may be able to skip going to court. People are often more inclined to settle when there’s an attorney involved.

You don’t need to have a lot of money. Many medical malpractice attorneys will agree to only accept payment if they win your case. Then you’ll pay them with a percentage of your settlement or court deal.

You should take the time to find a respectable, well-regarded attorney. Or, if you decide to go with someone who’s just starting out, at least make sure that they have a good grasp on your case. A bad lawyer is worse than not having one at all.

Medical Malpractice 

Medical malpractice involves mistakes and negligence on your healthcare provider’s part. Unfortunately, an undesirable result sometimes happens in medicine. You or someone you love may suffer from catastrophic injuries or an incurable disease. Or you might try an experimental medication and it doesn’t work out.

It’s not medical malpractice just because the patient never regains or health or passes away. However, if the doctor failed to explain the risks of the treatment, that could count as malpractice.

There has to be considerable damage. Simply desiring that your doctor had a better manner or was a better is not enough. That’s because physicians need to have the freedom act without worrying about being sued at every step. Some medical treatments only have a small chance of working.

A 2009 review found that: “The injured patient must show that the physician acted negligently in rendering care, and that such negligence resulted in injury. To do so, four legal elements must be proven: (1) a professional duty owed to the patient; (2) breach of such duty; (3) injury caused by the breach; and (4) resulting damages. This includes doing nothing when they should have done something. This may be considered an act of omission or a negligence.”

During your consultation, you can discuss all of your potential options. Keep track of everything. Medical records, doctor’s notes, etc. Your case will be easier to prove if you have documentation. The hospital has to give you your records even if you’re planning on suing.

Protect Yourself

Your health is the most important things in your life. Medical providers have a very important role in society. That’s why they need to be held accountable. If they a doctor behaves negligently, someone might die.

When you decide to file a lawsuit, your ultimate goal is to protect yourself. The damage may already be done. But you deserve compensation.

It’s a tough battle. Court cases can drag on for years. However, that’s the benefit of hiring a lawyer. It’s their job to do the hard work. As long as you have a side to fight for, your attorney will be right beside you.

Your best option is to speak with one or two attorneys. Try to get a feel for their work ethic and if you’re comfortable with them. Your attorney is someone who you’re going to have work closely with, potentially for a very long time.

A medical disaster can change the course of your life. But it doesn’t have to ruin it. You CAN move forward, even if it seems impossible. You just need to take the steps to do so.

This is a guest blog entry.

Cyberbullying and Addiction: What Parents are Missing Out

Technology has penetrated in our lives to an extent where smartphones, the internet, and social media have become a way of life. Though it might seem all fun and play, it isn’t! The twinkling online world has a dark side which has the power to crumble our lives – and it is doing it in many ways.

One of the rising issues of today’s technology-driven world is cyberbullying. It means harassing, abusing, and slandering someone in the online world through the internet. Now bullies are not only found fuming on playgrounds, backstreets or classrooms. They have entered our house through the internet, and the worst thing is that we mostly don’t know who are they and where they live.

This situation is alarming!

What Parents are Missing Out:

According to a report by TeenSafe, 42% of adolescents reported being the victim of cyberbullying, and this report was published back in 2016. Since then, the menace of cyberbullying has only increased.

Parents might think that their child is living a happy life, but in reality, he might be in trauma due to online threats, false rumors, mean comments, and humiliating pictures. Many cases of teenagers’ committing suicide have been registered over the world over due to cyberbullying. Some teenagers who manage to refrain from suicide end up becoming depressed and addicted to drugs. Besides family history, personal problems, and peer pressure, cyberbullying has also become a trigger of drug addiction in the young generation.

Though you can take your child to drug rehab for addiction rehabilitation and drug detoxification, isn’t it better to stop it from happening in the first place? Many parents are becoming aware of its threats, but many are still not aware of the existence of the cyberbullying and its repercussions on their children’s life and mental well-being.

What Parents Can Do:

Though “rotten eggs” have always been part of the society and parents of all generations had to struggle to save their child from them. But things are way more difficult to handle now. Parents don’t know who the bully is, where the bully is, whom to complain and report the bully to stop him or her from ruining their child’s life.

But it doesn’t mean that parents should just sit back and watch their child’s life getting ruined. 

Parents need to become smart, and they should devise an effective strategy to save their children from becoming a victim of a malicious internet world. If you are also one of the struggling parents, then here are some tips for you:

Improve Communication:

Never let the communication gap come between you and your child. The communication gap between parents and children is one of the biggest causes of distress in teenagers’ lives. When they don’t have anybody to discuss their problem with, they mostly end up taking wrong decisions and relying on the wrong means for comfort. Improve communication with your children so they can talk to you whenever they are facing any issue.

Monitor Online Use:

If you are not tech-savvy, then become so for your child’s betterment. Learn to use the latest communication gadgets and digital media platforms to monitor the online activities of your child. Set some rules and keep a check on which websites and social media platforms are appropriate and which are not.

Give Proper Guidance:

Sometimes children themselves are not aware that the thing which is causing unrest in their life is actually cyberbullying. Parents should guide their children to which behavior they allow and which should not be tolerated. Moreover, also guide them on how to handle such situations without feeling stressed or intimidated.

Conclusion:

Today's parents need to learn new parenting techniques to cope with the challenges technology is tossing their way. Parents should be aware of the challenges of the new world. Only then they can devise appropriate strategies to save their children from its dangers – which is very much needed.

This is a guest blog entry.

4 Reasons Why People Fail Rehab

Rehab does help people to get better. But success is not always the result.  There are several reasons why several candidates fail at rehab. There are several factors you need to look out for! In the following sections, we are going to explain a few of the factors that lead to failure.

1. Expecting Quick Results

Consuming drugs and alcohol contributes to a deteriorating condition. Addiction is a disease which involves seeking quick gratification. People want to use the drug or substance as it makes them feel better.

You need to focus on getting results; the goal should be to improve yourself. It takes some time, especially if you want to recover from the addiction. You will need to invest your time and energy. This is a commitment that you need to the own day to day.  Recovery is generally everything you can hope for; it takes hard work and commitment. It is not automatic.

2. Compare Yourself to Others

It is easy to compare our worst attributes to the best attributes of others. You may see someone who has it all, someone who is physically fit, someone who has more money, or someone who looks better. However, there is more than meets the eye.

All you can see is the surface; this is what people choose to represent to the world, instead of focusing on other people.

There are new developments that help Drug Rehab Centers make a productive schedule.

3. Obsessing About the Future

“Yesterday is History; Tomorrow Is A Mystery. Today Is A Gift, that’s why they call it The Present!”

The thing what you can right at this moment to continue the journey to recovery. What are you able to do right now to make your tomorrow a bit better?! Whatever you do will make you go to bed with a sense of accomplishment. Your life is happening, so you should make it count.

4. Over-Commitment 

Once you take your health into your hands, you can get free from drugs. Your physical health improves along with the mental side.

Just because you heal, it doesn’t mean you should put yourself against the impossible. Every recovery gives you time to adjust for improvement. It’s time to discover what is essential in your life and stick to these commitments. Doing so will help you alleviate pressure and feeling overloaded. If you feel this way, then you will want to escape, and it will ruin everything.

Recovery is not a race; it is a thing you have to do it every day. Don’t worry, give yourself time to adjust and time to learn about yourself.

Don’t think you can do it alone; you will fail sometime down the road. So, you will need a friend who will help you keep on track. Better, get a support group. It always helps!

This is a guest blog entry.