Understanding Health Care Licensing and Certifications

You’ve probably used the same doctor for years and would happily recommend them to your family and friends. In fact, recent research suggests that this can actually reduce your risk of death!

While this is potentially great news, have you ever stopped to consider whether your doctor is licensed, certified, or both? You may assume they are licensed, and they certainly should be. But, assuming something is not the same as checking it.

Licensing Vs. Certification

To become a physician you need to spend years studying to earn a degree in medicine and your specific field of interest. You’ll also need to get the relevant experience and you must have a health care license.

This is obligatory and issued by the state, not by a medical board such as AMA.

Licenses are issued for a set period of time, although renewal can require very little effort.
In contrast, certification is voluntary. This simply confirms your skillset and will improve the credibility of any doctor. In fact, having a certificate will confirm to your consumers that you take your profession seriously and are good at what you do.

The Issue

The problem is that you can study and get a license, but this doesn’t make you a good doctor or that you really know what you’re doing in a practical situation.

The licensing board doesn’t have the time or enough people to check the practices of every doctor. In reality, they will only react to incidents, which is when they’ll want to check licenses and may even terminate a doctor’s license to practice.

This leads to the problem that a doctor can keep practicing even though they are not that good at what they do.

In addition, unless you are involved with a malpractice case, or it is high profile, then you’re unlikely to know what is happening to a specific doctor. It is relatively easy for them to move and continuing practicing without many of their patients knowing.

The Solution

Fortunately, hospitals are keen to monitor the doctors in their care and can find a life sciences aggregate spend solution that is acceptable to their budget and time available. This monitors all the relevant information regarding any physician and their practices/medical experiences so far.

The great news is that it’s not just medical professionals that can access this information. Any doctor or consumer can also take a look.

For a patient, this means the ability to verify that the doctor is properly licensed and qualified. The doctor can also use the service to ensure that their record is accurate and reflects their commitment, level of service, and care.

Data has become extremely easy to store and access, which means that it can be used to improve the services offered and verify licensing or certification.

Of course, as this area grows there will be more onus on you to verify the level of treatment you’re going to get.

Don’t forget, any doctor found running an unlicensed practice can face criminal charges. By using data and verifying the competency of your chosen doctor you’ll actually help to reduce the number of unlicensed doctors able to practice.

This is a guest blog entry.

Oral Care: How to Improve Your Oral Hygiene

Many of us dream about having a pearly white smile. Not only is it a good reflection of great oral health, but it is also a huge contributor toward your overall well-being. Looking after your teeth and gums is incredibly important, so here are a few ways on how to improve your oral hygiene.

Royalty Free Photo

Finding the Right Toothbrush

If you struggle with reaching the back corners of your mouth when brushing, you should consider purchasing a new toothbrush. You may not realize it, but the toothbrush you use could be doing more harm than good to your oral health. It’s important to use a brush that has soft bristles, otherwise, you could cause inflammation in your gums. You may also want to consider purchasing an electric toothbrush, which can give your teeth and gums a thorough clean.

Use a Fluoride Toothpaste

Keeping your teeth healthy and strong is crucial, so you should be using a toothpaste that contains fluoride, helping to strengthen your teeth and slow down and reverse tooth decay. It’s important that you get the most out of each tooth when brushing, so make sure to look out for toothpaste that is ADA accepted. This means that the toothpaste has been evaluated by the ADA (American Dental Association).

Brush Twice a Day

We all know how important it is to brush our teeth twice a day. If you don’t brush regularly, your teeth will accumulate food particles and plaque which can result in bad breath, tooth decay, and gum disease. It’s best to brush your teeth after a meal but try and refrain from brushing straight after eating acidic foods or drinks like fruit juice or coffee. Getting yourself into a routine is important, so why not set an alarm on your phone to remind you to brush?

Lifestyle Changes

Making small but subtle changes to your lifestyle can make a big impact on your oral health. If you are a smoker, you are probably aware of the damage you are doing to your teeth and gums. The types of foods you eat can also cause tooth decay. Although it won’t be easy, stopping smoking will bring a wide range of benefits, as well as improving your oral health. You should also try and stick to a balanced diet and incorporate plenty of fruits and vegetables into your meals.

See a Dentist

Finding the right dentist is incredibly important. Whether you’ve had a bad experience in the past or have a fear of the dentist’s chair, you may want to consider joining Elite Dentistry of Simi Valley. Based in California, the dentist offers a full-service state-of-the-art technology approach to oral health care.

Whether it be using the right toothbrush, brushing your teeth twice a day, making lifestyle changes such as stopping smoking or seeing your dentist every six months, these are just a few things that you can do to improve your oral hygiene. Also, make sure to floss your teeth once a day and if you experience any pain or discomfort, don’t hesitate to make an appointment with your dentist.

This is a guest blog entry.

3 Mistakes to Avoid When Preparing for Long-Term Care

To many people, arranging for the care that they will need when they are old and weak isn't something that bothers them. The need seems far away and irrelevant. However, research suggests that most older people need long-term care at some point. According to the US Department of Health and Human Services, if you're 65 or over, there is a three-quarters chance that you will need long-term care. Long-term care is a term that is used to refer to the assistance that older adults need with basic activities such as cooking, visiting the toilet, mobility, or bathing. Usually, long-term care is provided in the recipient's own home, or at an assisted living facility. Wherever it is provided, care can be costly. Some studies indicate that it can cost as much as $4,000 a month and around $3,500 within San Antonio Texas.

Many seniors do not plan for as much expense. For this reason, often, they need to cut back on the amount of care that they receive and get by with only a little care. If you're over 40, you need to think about how you will take care of yourself when you're old and weak. It can especially help to determine to avoid the top three mistakes that people make regarding long-term care.

The first mistake: Avoiding the subject of long-term care. 

It isn't pleasant to discuss long-term care with your spouse or children. It can be hard to think about moving yourself to an assisted living facility. It’s important to remember, however, that your family is an important part of your long-term care plan. In the early stages of an age-related disability, family members are the ones who help.

Usually, care by family members starts with help with activities such as shopping, cooking, and cleaning. Over time, seniors can begin to need intimate care with visits to the toilet, the shower, or for following doctor's advice for treatment. In some cases, people are forced to depend on their family members for help with these activities. Many seniors discover that their loved ones are unable to offer as much care as they would like. It's important to talk about how much time they may have and to work out alternatives.

The second mistake: Depending on Medicare or Medicaid for your long-term care

Medicare provides valuable healthcare for the elderly. It can offer health coverage for everything from visits to the doctor to prescription drugs and even hospitalization. Many people believe that Medicare offers coverage for long-term care, but it doesn't. The reason people believe it does is that Medicare often pays for nursing care for a few days after hospitalization. They take this to mean that nursing care is always covered.

When care by nursing staff or other caregivers is needed for frail health, rather than for recovery from an illness, Medicare doesn’t usually help. Medicaid may be able to pay for long-term care, but it doesn't apply to care provided in the home, and recipients need to have nearly no income and no assets to qualify.

For the above reasons, it is wise to choose a residential care home (still known as an assisted living facility in most places) rather than a big commercial nursing home. This reduces the cost to a resident as well as giving them more personalized care. Medicaid will pay for all their medication needs and even trips to the doctors or hospital. Heartwood Seniors (a San Antonio Assisted Living senior care home) claims most of their resident are on Medicaid and that the residents enjoy it.

This is a blog entry by Michelle Gheliuc.

Why Sleeping Sideways Is Good For Mothers

In nine months of carrying a baby, expectant mothers experience a wide range of emotions that can make it hard to rest and relax - from excitement and fear to stress and exhaustion. The last thing they need is to be tossing and turning all night because they can’t get comfortable, but that’s a common complaint. For new moms-to-be, sleeping sideways can be the best way to attain deep, renewing rest. If they aren’t already accustomed to a sideways sleeping position, expecting a baby is a perfect time to get into this habit.

Experts suggest sideways sleeping as the recommended position for expectant mothers. Luckily, it’s a position that nearly 75% of the world already sleeps in and it’s the most natural way to rest. But sideways sleeping has some incredible health benefits for baby and mom.

Of course, sleeping any way you can get comfortable is important when you're pregnant. If sideways sleeping works for you or you can adjust your bed and pillows to make it work, here are some great benefits your health and your baby’s development.

What Sleeping on Your Side Does for You When You’re Expecting

Typically, the way you once comfortably slept no longer works when you’re further along in your pregnancy. There are so many body changes you have to adjust for, including the increasing size of your belly, the onset of back pain, and the pressure on your organs as your baby grows - your sleep position will likely be one of the changes you make while expecting.

Sleeping on your side, specifically on the left, can help you with many common pregnancy symptoms, such as:

• Heartburn. When you are lying flat on your front or your back, your esophagus and stomach are at the same level, allowing acids to flow back and forth easily. To avoid heartburn, keep your head and shoulders elevated in a natural curve. It won’t always relieve all of the symptoms since there are many other factors at play, but it should greatly reduce them.

• Back pain.  Almost every expecting woman will experience back pain at some point during her pregnancy. There are many reasons for this. You are gaining weight necessary for a healthy pregnancy, typically somewhere between 25 and 35 pounds, which adds pressure that your spine hasn’t had time to adjust to. This new strain on your back and pelvis nerves contributes to new aches and pains.

This same weight gain, and the back pain that accompanies it, can cause you to unconsciously shift your posture. It’s a cycle that causes more back pain.

Another reason for back pain among expectant mothers is the production of relaxin, a hormone that prepares your ligaments and joints for childbirth. It’s necessary, but as the ligaments loosen, you may experience backaches.

With the multitude of reasons for a pregnant woman's back pain, there has been much research on the subject of alleviating it. Sleeping on your side with a supportive mattress is one of the best ways to help reduce the strain of the extra weight and the bodily changes that occur during pregnancy.

• Poor circulation. Somewhere around month five of pregnancy, you’ll start noticing symptoms of poor circulation, although this can happen at any time. Swelling, shortness of breath, and other signs are hinting that your circulatory system is undergoing extra stress.

Swelling can be caused by your diet, especially if you drink caffeine, have significant sodium in your meals, or if you are physically inactive and spend too much time in the heat. Shortness of breath is natural when the baby starts growing and adds pressure to your lungs.

If you’re noticing poor circulation in your body, sleeping on your side may help. Sleeping on the left-hand side improves blood flow to the heart, letting it freely circulate throughout your body. If shortness of breath is a problem, sleep on your left side in a natural fetal position, hunching your torso and bending your knees. This position avoids adding the pressure of your uterus to your liver and lungs. Placing a pillow between your knees can help make this a little more comfortable on your back and hips.

Your baby will benefit from sleeping sideways on the left, too. Since your circulation is improved because of your position, so is the baby’s. Your little one will get more nutrients through the placenta, improving development and health.

Get Comfortable, Mama

Your comfort is important. When you are stressed, your baby is feeling it. Stress can cause back pain, insomnia, and swelling, and make a long nine and a half months feel a lot longer. But what was once comfortable before your pregnancy may not be anymore.

Learning how to sleep on your side, particularly your left side, is going to help you and your baby get that much-needed rest to prepare you for being a new mom.

This is a guest blog entry.

Important Things to Know Before Buying An E-Bike

Are you planning to purchase an electric bike? There are several things to consider while opting for an e-bike. The type of battery, whether it is an e-bike for men or women, kind of motor used in it and many other factors should be taken into consideration.

 The Services You Need

Before buying an electric bike, it is better to start by considering the level of service that you need from your e-bike. Think about whether you need to get a flat tire or a replaceable part. If you get a flat tire on the trail you can put a patch on it, whenever required.

Besides, you must visit the local bike shop to make sure that they deal with the servicing of electric bikes so that you can go there if any problem arises. Additionally, you need to confirm the warranty period of the bike before purchasing it.

Upgrading Option

The planning of purchasing a bike requires you to think long-term. You should think and be sure about upgrading it later or replacing the parts. Check whether the parts are available online or not. Parts of the brands like Bafang and Tektro are easily available online.

The Right Amount of Power
 
Power is an important factor when it comes to an electric bikes. There are several options like 250 watts, 500 watts, 750 watts and many other combinations between these numbers. 250-300 is the power ideal for professional cyclists. 500 watts is easy to climb hills. 750 watts come with high speed.

Type of Motor

E-bikes are available with three major types of motor. The geared hub is a motor that ensures reliability and improves the capability for riding. Direct-drive hub motors are also reliable, but those are heavier and ensure more powerful applications. Mid-drive is the most popular kind of motor that causes more wear and tear on the chain.

Pedal-Assist and Throttle

Pedal-assist and throttle are the features that you need to know about. Pedal-assist is a must-have feature for all e-bikes, whereas throttle comes with some of the bikes. You should opt for one that includes both of these features.

Kind of Sensor:

Rotation sensor and torque sensors -- these two are employed for the pedal assist. Although both of these serve the same basic function, you should understand which one is better for you. Rotation sensors know whether you are pedaling or not and how quickly you are pedaling. The torque sensor is a bit smarter than rotation sensors and it is employed in the high-end bikes.

Quality of Battery

The battery is the most significant element in the e-bikes. So, you need to make sure that the bike you are purchasing has high-quality cells inside. LG, Panasonic and Samsung, these brands integrate high-quality battery in the bikes.

The Capacity of The Battery

You can compare the battery capacity by getting informed about amp-hours and watt-hours. You can use the formula v*ah = watt-hours, which means the voltage-time amp hours is equal to the watt-hours.

Range of Cycling:
 
Some brands claim that their bikes cover 20-40 miles of range and some others claim covering 80-100 miles of range. However, it does not matter. When you compare the battery capacity by using the formula, you can get the same results for both.

By employing these tips, you can make a realistic decision while buying an electric bike.  

This is a guest blog entry.

Life as a Medical Student: 5 Things You Have to Know

The life of medical students isn’t simple and we all know it. Medical school is considered one of the hardest educational institutions a student can enroll into. However, it is rewarding both financially and mentally. Becoming a doctor is a life-changing endeavor that only the bravest and kindest people choose to undertake.

Since it is hard, most students give up even before testing the medical waters. There are so many myths about the life of a medical student that are simply off-putting. However, studying medicine can be the greatest and most fulfilling thing you’ll ever go through in life. If you know the five things below, you are definitely ready for the challenge.

1.    Yes, You Really Need All That Information

Everything you’ll learn as a medical student will serve you in your future career. Studying medicine isn’t like studying math equations that most people don’t ever use in life. When it comes to medicine, you need to know so much information.

https://www.pexels.com/photo/three-person-looking-at-x-ray-result-1170979/

So, when you study dozens of difficult subjects during your medical students life, don’t just try to memorize them just to pass your exams. As a doctor, you’ll have an obligation and unique power over people’s lives. Your goal, job and promise will be to do your best to save and help people. For this, you’ll need that knowledge to last.

Studying anatomy, biochemistry, physiology, pathology, and pharmacology is important. There’s no subject that’s more important than the next one since you might need any of these when making an important diagnosis or treating a patient. So, starting with basic things like what home blood pressure machine to use to how to treat a life-threatening disease – you should try to keep your professional knowledge fresh and truly wide.

2.    It Won’t Be Easy

I’m not saying this to scare you off. In fact, a career in medicine is the best decision I’ve ever made in my life. But, be prepared for a hard, yet worthy journey. Medical students have more to study, more classes to attend, and many practicals that will take up a great deal of time. Out of all students, medical students have the least free time.

Be mentally ready for an exhausting period. If you are, you’ll find a way to juggle everything much faster and easier. With the right schedule, you can make everything happen.

If you can’t do it on your own, learn to delegate. Ask for help or get tutoring to be able to focus on the things that are more important in the moment. It won’t be easy, but once you’re certified and start working, it will be the greatest decision you’ve made in your life.

3.    It Isn’t All About the Medicine

Most students think that when they enroll into a medical school, it will all be about studying anatomy, biology, and basically – medicine. But, it isn’t that way. The scope of medicine is much bigger than this. In addition to studying the body of patients, you’ll also have to learn their behavioral patterns, boost your communication skills, and learn how to work under pressure and in complex situations.

Medicine requires a great deal of skills, so don’t be afraid to get yourself out there. Mingle with people, start relationships with people in the field, explore different opinions and points of view.  This is all vital to being a doctor and more importantly, it allows you to have a life outside of medicine, too. When you have to study real hard, you definitely need a break from all of it.

4.    Medicine Isn’t All about Pictures and Books

Subjects like anatomy can’t be learned just by watching pictures or others performing their tasks. If you want to be a success, you’ll need practice. You can’t know it all just from reading books. Unless you get involved with scalpels, even if it is on a dummy, you won’t be able to treat patients properly.

While at school, you must try to get as much hands-on experience as you possibly can. Practice makes perfect, especially in medicine.

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 5.    You’ll Never Stop Learning

Medicine changes every single minute. This means that, even if you get certified, you won’t stop learning. And you shouldn’t. There are amazing medical discoveries that change the world for the better. Be prepared to study for life. The more practice you have, the better doctor you’ll become. The more interested you are in learning about medicine, the more fulfilled will your life be.

Conclusion

Are you ready to hop on the medical train? It’s the most satisfactory job in the world, and not just in the financial sense! So, roll up your sleeves and start working on the greatest career you can ever pursue.

Author’s Bio:

Connie Elser is a career consultant for students who finished or are just about to graduate from college. She believes that people should pursue their passion instead of financial prospects. According to Elser, if the job does not make you happy, you’ll never do it well.

5 Foods To Include In Your Diet For Healthy Skin And 5 Delicious Recipes To Help You Get Started

Healthy skin is achieved both from within your body as well as outside it.

The modern gentleman is not afraid to get a facial at a men’s salon. Some may even opt for a lactic peel facial such as those offered by Face of Man (this treatment uses a range of lactic acids that helps rehydrate skin). Even cosmetic clinics that traditionally targeted women such as Victorian Cosmetic Institute now offer specialized services for men.

In addition to grooming services, diet can play a huge role in the appearance of your skin. This is because the right dietary choices help ensure that your skin is getting the vitamins and minerals that it needs to stay fresh, young and glowing.

Most of you already know that a well-rounded selection of foods from each food group has health benefits. But did you know there are certain foods that offer additional skin benefits? Keep reading to find out what to add to your grocery list today.

1. Avocados

Avocados have more going for them than their creamy texture and delicious taste. They are packed with healthy fats that your skin needs to stay supple, no matter your age. At the same time, research has found that avocados contain compounds that may play a role in protecting your skin from skin damage now and in the future.

Your daily avocado is a great source of vitamin E, an antioxidant that counteracts free radical damage for youthful-looking skin. Finally, you'll also get some vitamin C, another antioxidant that helps produce the collagen needed for healthy skin.

Recipe Suggestion: Black bean and avocado salsa

Ingredients:

• 2 jalapenos
• 1 clove garlic
• ½ red onion
• Kosher salt (to taste)
• black pepper
• 2 scallions (spring onions)
• 1 can of black beans (rinsed and drained)
• 2 tbsp fresh lime juice
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 (ripe) avocado, cubed
• bunch of roughly chopped fresh coriander (cilantro)

Directions:

1. In a large bowl, combine jalapenos, garlic, onion, salt and pepper.
2. Add the beans, lime juice, scallions, and olive oil and toss to combine.
3. Fold in the avocado and coriander.

2. Sweet Potatoes

You can tell by their orange colour that sweet potatoes are a rich source of beta-carotene, a nutrient that is converted to vitamin A inside your body. Vitamin A is important because it works as a natural sunblock, protecting you from the damaging effects of the sun's rays, including sunburn and wrinkles. That beta-carotene also works to give your complexion and healthy and youthful-looking glow.

Click here for a delicious buffalo chicken stuffed sweet potato recipe.



3. Red Capsicum

Red capsicum, also known as red bell peppers, is another ideal source of beta-carotene, which as you'll remember converts to vitamin A, offering antioxidant benefits. But the perks don't stop there.
Red capsicum is also a prime way to boost your vitamin C intake, with one cup offering up over 300% of the daily intake recommendations. This double dose of skin benefits helps keep your skin from ageing by fighting sagging and wrinkles and boosting your collagen stores for healthier skin all over your body.

If you have an oven, this roasted capsicum and walnut dip is going to rock your world!

Ingredients

• 2 red capsicums
• 250 gram cream cheese
• ½ cup finely chopped roasted walnuts

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 220°C.
2. Quarter the capsiucms and discard the seeds and membranes.
3. Roast capsicums in oven, skin-side up, until skin blisters and blackens.
4. Cover capsicums with cling wrap for 5 minutes then peel away the skin.
5. Once peeled, chop capsicums coarsely.
6. In a food processor (or blender), blit the capsoium and cream cheese until smooth.
7. Fold in chopped walnuts.

4. Salmon

Considered one of the healthiest varieties of fatty fish, salmon contains a wealth of omega-3 fatty acids, which are necessary for keeping your skin supple and hydrated. At the same time, those omega-3 fatty acids help battle inflammation, which is wonderful for people who suffer from acne and redness and many kinds of autoimmune conditions that affect the skin.

Salmon also contains vitamin E, which is necessary for protecting your skin from free radical damage. You'll also get a healthy dose of protein, which maintains the skin's integrity and keeps it strong. You can reap these rewards by eating salmon baked or grilled, but smoked salmon is another easy way to get the most out of it.

This recipe for Crispy Skinned Salmon With Bean Puree from Woolworths is an easy one that any bloke can whip up in under 25 minutes.

5. Cucumbers

One of the best things about cucumbers is that they are 96 per cent water, which means they're ultra-hydrating for your skin. They're also a great source of potassium, magnesium, and vitamin C, all of which play an important role in skin health.

Unlike with some other skin-healthy foods, you can actually place cucumber directly on the skin, especially under the eyes, to fight puffiness and dark circles, as well as treating sunburn and alleviating the pain and discomfort that goes with it.

Cucumber can also be used as a facial mask to battle redness, irritation and acne by infusing it with antioxidants and other important vitamins and minerals.

Recipe Suggestion: Cucumber Rolls Stuffed With Feta

Ingredients:

• 2 Lebanese cucumbers
• 180g full cream fetta, strained, oil reserved
• 1 ½ tbsp toasted pine nuts
• 1 tbsp dill (or mint) roughly chopped
• 6 pitted kalamata olives, roughly chopped
• 1 ½ tbsp Greek-style yoghurt
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 long red chilli, deseeded, finely chopped
• mixed salad leaves

Directions:

1. Thinly slice cucumbers lengthwise into 2mm slices (a vegetable peeler or mandoline makes life easier). 
2. Place cucumber strips on a paper-towel-lined plate then set aside (one of the reasons why cucumbers get a bad rep is because they become soggy - this process removes extra water from the cucumbers). 
3. In a bowl, mash the feta using a fork. Add pine nuts, olives, dill, yogurt, and lemon juice. Mash with a fork to combine. 
4. Spoon 1-2 teaspoons of the mixture at one end of each strip of cucumber and roll it up. 
5. To serve, scatter chopped chili and drizzle with the reserved oil from the feta.

These terrific foods are a great boost to healthy skin, working from the inside out to give you a beautiful, glowing, youthful complexion.


About The Author
Hi there! I'm Katie - a freelance writer and topic researcher based in Australia. Outside of work, I like to Netflix binge and eat gelato. Plus, my fur baby keeps me busy.