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    In Remembrance of September 11, 2001

    Today is a day of remembrance for all of the victims, families, friends and loved ones impacted by the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001.  My brother’s best friend, Joshua Rosenthal, died in the World Trade Center while assisting other people in his office get out of the building.  Josh was a wonderful friend, son and brother.  Josh was just one of the many wonderful people we lost that day.

    I would like to thank all of the firefighters, police officers, and volunteers that helped the victims and their families.

    My heart goes out to the victims and their families on this 14th anniversary of the attacks.

    We will never forget.

    Since my work is demystifying healthcare, if you are an individual or a personal representative of a deceased individual who suffered physical harm or was killed as a result of the 9/11/2001 attacks, check out The September 11th Victim Compensation Fund at vcf.gov.  The act was expanded in 2011 to include individuals who experienced injuries from the attacks or from subsequent debris removal.

    Stay healthy, and once again, take some time to remember all that we lost on September 11, 2001.

    MyHealthSpin helps you Spin Your Healthcare Your Way!

     

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    How to Avoid a Barbecue Accident?

    Summer Backyard Bbq Grill Party SceneAre you enjoying your Labor Day weekend? Perhaps barbecuing with your friends and family? This is the last long weekend of summer. I hope that you are having fun.

    Did you know that each year hundreds of people end up in the emergency room from barbecuing accidents? Burns and carbon monoxide poisoning are some of the common injuries. Take precautions to avoid these common injuries.

    Here are some tips for avoiding barbecuing injuries:

    1. Never use a charcoal grill inside your home, your vehicle, tents or campers even if you have ventilation.
    2. Never use gasoline to start your grill – it can explode.
    3. Immediately after using starter fluid, put the cap on it and store it far away from the grill.
    4. If you dump your coal while it’s still hot, make sure everyone, including children, stays far away from the hot coals.
    5. Most accidents with gas grills happen close to the time when the gas tank has just been refilled.  Make sure the gas tank is properly connected and there are no leaks.
    6. Never start a gas grill when the lid is closed
    7. Never keep a filled gas tank in a hot car or a trunk.
    8. Don’t use regular forks and knifes to cook on the grill. Make sure you are using long handled utensils to avoid burns.

    Remember grilling can be fun but it’s also dangerous. Make sure only adults are doing the grilling.

    Have you ever had a barbecuing accident? What tips do you have? I’d love to hear from you!

    To learn more about your healthcare, please subscribe to MyHealthSpin.com and receive a FREE copy of my ebook Easy Healthcare: Your Hospital Stay. CLICK HERE FOR FREE DOWNLOAD

    With MyHealthspin, You Spin Your Healthcare Your Way!

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    What does Do Not Resuscitate Mean?

    Dnr Bracelet And Hospital Form

    Today, we are going to learn about a Do Not Resuscitate or DNR order. This document is important in making sure your wishes are followed when you are in the hospital, assisted living facility or nursing home.

    This month we have been focusing on the health legal documents you need before you go to the hospital. If you missed any of the previous posts in the series, catch up with the links at the end of this post. 

    Depending on the status of your health, the hospital may ask you or your family what your wishes are if you lose consciousness while you are in a health facility. You might have a heart attack, a stroke or stop breathing. The question the hospital is asking you is whether you want the hospital to do everything possible to keep you alive.  They are asking if you want the healthcare providers to attempt to get you breathing and conscious again. Some people, like my parents, make the decision that they have lived a full life and if they stop breathing, they want to be left to die.

    You may hear other terms for this. For example, some hospitals might call this a “No Code” which means they won’t call for help to revive you if you stop breathing or are unconscious. The hospital may also refer to “allowing a natural death,” which means the same thing.

    The person who you have selected to be your Patient Advocate will be the person who will decide whether you want a DNR order in your medical chart. This is another reason why you want to have a Patient Advocate form completed so everyone knows what to do if you lose consciousness. (See the previous post links below for more information on the Patient Advocate Form.) 

    If you haven’t discussed this with your healthcare provider,  speak with your doctor, hospital or healthcare facility.

    Have you ever had problems getting the hospital to allow you or your loved one to follow your wishes? If so, I’d love to hear from you!

    Previous posts in this series:

    To learn more about your stay in a hospital, subscribe to MyHealthSpin.com and receive a FREE copy of my ebook Easy Healthcare: Your Hospital Stay. CLICK HERE FOR FREE DOWNLOAD

    With MyHealthspin, You Spin Your Healthcare Your Way!