Health & Wellness – ionHealthcare Pulse

All Viruses Are Not Created Equal

March 15, 2021

Background We are all living in unprecedented and unpredictable times. While there has been a lot of coverage on the importance of wearing masks when indoors or enclosed spaces, many have continued to challenge this health directive and many have compared this virus to the flu. It’s understandable because media coverage has continued to weigh these comparisons as well as governmental leadership when discussing protocols, guessing possible outcomes, and more….

Understanding Important Facts Around the ACA and Potential Replacement or Revisions

February 28, 2017

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The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA), commonly shortened to the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and nicknamed Obamacare, is a United States federal statute enacted by the 111th United States Congress and signed into law by President Barack Obama on March 23, 2010. Why Did We Need the ACA (Obamacare)? In 1980, 25 million Americans were uninsured, and by 2009, it increased to 51 million (Bodenheimer/Grumbach, 2012). While many…

Cultural Competency Series: Transgendered Patients

February 23, 2017

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In light of much media coverage and an obvious lack of knowledge demonstrated on social media sites, our first post for cultural competency is on Transgendered patients. Our hope is to educate others on this important topic so that they can better understand the patients under our care and the laws implicated or suggested in our country. Important Definitions It first is important to understand some important vocabulary differences: Gender Identity:…

HMO, PPO, EPO, Oh My!

December 2, 2016

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Many people, including healthcare professionals, get various insurance coverage types confused. Choosing the right health insurance coverage can be difficult and individual needs vary around cost, options, coverage, deductibles, and convenience of care. HMO = Health Maintenance Organization HMOs usually have lower premiums, but come with a restricted network of doctors and hospitals. Patients choose a PCP (Primary Care Physician) who coordinates, manages, or oversees patient care. These plans usually…

World AIDS Day

December 1, 2016

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WHAT IS WORLD AIDS DAY? World AIDS Day is held on the 1st December each year and is an opportunity for people worldwide to unite in the fight against HIV, show their support for people living with HIV and to commemorate people who have died. World AIDS Day was the first ever global health day, held for the first time in 1988. WHY IS WORLD AIDS DAY IMPORTANT? More than…

World Diabetes Day is November 14th

November 14, 2016

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In observation of World Diabetes Day. -Click to read more about this event! Diabetes Diabetes is a number of diseases that involve problems with the hormone insulin. Normally, the pancreas (an organ behind the stomach) releases insulin to help your body store and use the sugar and fat from the food you eat. Diabetes is a condition where there is too much sugar in the body for long periods of time….

Importance of Flu Vaccination (from the CDC)

September 29, 2016

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Flu Vaccination Why should people get vaccinated against the flu? Influenza is a serious disease that can lead to hospitalization and sometimes even death. Every flu season is different, and influenza infection can affect people differently. Even healthy people can get very sick from the flu and spread it to others. Over a period of 31 seasons between 1976 and 2007, estimates of flu-associated deaths in the United States range from…