Christina's Considerations

The ROI of DICOM: A Candy Striper's Story

I'm teaching this week - health informatics to nurses, public health and health administration students. Last week we discussed standards and interoperability; and it reminded me of a story. The memory was triggered by student discussions. One said it must... Read more →

Woodworking as Art Therapy: Getting Started

Did you know that Wood was the first drawing material? Wood, in the form of charcoal, was the first artistic medium. An example of cave art, using charred wood, at Rouffignac in France dates back 13,000 years. Kiln produced charcoal... Read more →

2020 Holiday Gift Guide

I've tested some new products and share a few in my latest holiday gift guide; especially for those with chronic illness and/or challenged by the aging process. The first on the list is influenced by our current pandemic and the... Read more →

Effective Communication for Patient Safety

Medical errors, delays in care, bias and misunderstandings are most often the result in communication failures. In fact, most lawsuits filed by patients and/or their families are the result of communication issues that sometimes lead to poor outcomes. This is... Read more →

Is there actually CBD in the product(s) you purchase?

Cannabinoid products (CBD) are appearing everywhere and in different forms. We can find salves, chews, gummies, bath bombs, oils, concentrates and beverages on store shelves and online. While high quality CBD can be effective in addressing some of our health... Read more →

Tips for Traveling in COVID19 Times with a Compromised Immune System

In late May, as talk of opening up the economy began, I started to think of my mother and her primary caregiver; my father. They both need my support and assistance as they face the challenges of a serious chronic... Read more →

The Mystique of Surgery: Three

Dr. David Gelber is a general surgeon and author. Over my career I've seen many surgery schedules, participated in clinical chart review activities and listened to doctors explain cases to me. A great deal was learned, but there is so... Read more →

Believing in Tomorrow

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Hand Sanitizer: Non-Alcohol Options

These days there is a great deal of buzz about hand sanitizer. There are options to the traditional alcohol based products, or those you can make from home. One intriguing option is Clean Well, because my skin is really dry.... Read more →

Empowering Advocates: #ChronicTogether

I was recently asked how did I learn to advocate for myself as a patient. This made me reflect on my career in health administration, where I recognized the importance of patients advocating for themselves early in my journey. In... Read more →

Exercises for Parkinson's Disease & More

Improving mobility, strength and balance as we age or in response to chronic illnesses is important to our overall health status. Exercise helps us reduce our functional limitations; allowing us to stay more active and independent. More importantly, it can... Read more →

Panic Buying Toilet Paper - Unintended Consequences

I've been quietly watching as panic buying of toilet paper (TP) and water has unfolded. What I've seen reinforces my preparedness belief, because if you aren't already prepared you may not have TP to use in your potty when it... Read more →

Danger to Self, Others or Gravely Disabled

Tensions often exist between individual rights and liberties and those of a family, neighborhood or community. No where does this delicate balance seem to get tested more than in the areas of mental health and cognitive impairment. The latter of... Read more →

Opioids: Law and Addiction

Most of my prior book review posts involve the writings of doctors and a couple of other health professionals. I'm starting 2020 off with a little something different. An attorney who wrote Law and Addiction. It is a fictional thriller... Read more →

During the holidays, free yourself and let go of what you can't control!

The holidays can be a stressful, sad and/or lonely time for some. This may be especially true for family caregivers who are trying to navigate through family gatherings with a loved one who exhibits challenging behaviors. My holiday wish is... Read more →