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2019: The year of patient health record breaches
Scott E. Rupp Healthcare AdministrationPatient health record breaches are on a big rise this year, doubling last year's figures. About 32 million patient records have already been breached during the first half of 2019, twice as many as the total for all of 2018, according to the 2019 Mid-Year Breach Barometer Report from IT security firm Protenus. Current numbers for the first half of the year also point to the fact that there were 285 total breaches reported between January and June. Surprisingly and shockingly, since 2016, not a day has gone by without a breach.
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Doctors working in pediatric emergency medicine at risk for burnout, compassion…
Lynn Hetzler Healthcare AdministrationPhysicians who work in pediatric emergency medicine (PEM) are at risk for developing burnout, compassion fatigue, and low compassion satisfaction, according to the results of a new study. PEM physicians provide medical care for acutely ill children and work closely with families during a time of heightened stress. Providers may be able to improve the management of the unique challenges and emotional stressors facing pediatric emergency department (ED) physicians and help PEM physicians achieve higher satisfaction levels.
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Yoga isn’t for everyone — here’s why
Victoria Fann Sports & FitnessYoga is more popular than ever. According to a 2017 National Health Interview Survey from the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, the percentage of adults doing yoga in the U.S. jumped from 9.5% in 2012 to 14.3% in 2017. The Yoga Alliance reports that Americans spend $16 billion on yoga classes, clothing, equipment and accessories each year. As with any type of fitness program, injuries are possible. In fact, some people should avoid yoga altogether, or at the very least, be careful about which postures they do.
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Dealing with negativity on social media — and in life
Mashaal Ryan Mental HealthcareNo one truly wants to deal with negativity. But that doesn't change the fact that negativity is everywhere, especially with social media connecting people more than ever before. When you see a negative comment, review, post, text message, email or any other type of communication, science tells us that it actually does damage our brain. The toxic energy that comes from others can create an adverse reaction in our consciousness. So, what do we do?
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VA disability compensation claims: Avoiding the pitfalls
Roy Phillips Civil & GovernmentIf you're considering filing a claim with the VA, you should know that there are good three reasons why you should do it. The first is that, if you were injured while in the military, you should have your medical problems determined to be "Service Connected." The second reason to file a claim is that guaranteed income greatly increases your credit worthiness. It could make the difference between getting a home loan or not. The third reason is that increased numbers of claims lead to an increased budget for the VA, which translates to better care for vets. Before you file, please consider the following.
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Providing students opportunities to self-regulate
Savanna Flakes EducationOur students have a lot going on inside and outside of school. Our students might be undergoing trauma, stress, and anxiety. To support the social and emotional well-being of our students, we must teach and provide space for students to learn how to self-regulate. The Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning (CASEL) defines self-regulation as, "the ability to successfully regulate one's emotions, thoughts, and behaviors in different situations — effectively managing stress, controlling impulses, and motivating oneself." Our goal is to normalize stress, anxiety, frustration, and the overall idea that, "It is OK to not be OK."
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Simple solutions to 3 awkward problems
Catherine Iste Healthcare AdministrationWorking in healthcare means we are used to many scenarios and have many tools to handle bizarre, uncomfortable or intimately private situations. For the most part, we have honed these skills around patient-centered issues. Conversely, many of us lack the experience to address tricky situations with each other. To help translate those patient-centered skills to compassion for a colleague, here are simple solutions to three awkward problems.
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Study: For teens and depression, not all screens are created equal
Sheilamary Koch Mental HealthcareDepression is a serious concern for adolescents and those who live and interact with them. A Canadian study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) Pediatrics on July 15 reveals sound evidence that adolescents who spend more time engaged in certain screen activities suffer increased depression. The study adds clarifying evidence to prior research linking increasing teenage depression with technology use. It was also unique in that it distinguished between four types of screen use.
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5 easy ways to protect your patients from superbugs
Lisa Mulcahy Healthcare AdministrationAntibiotic-resistant infections create massive challenges for hospitals. There’s no doubt you strive to practice scrupulous infection control procedures at your facility — but did you know that sometimes the easiest fixes may be among the most effective ways to protect your patients? Research backs this up — implement these tips immediately to potentially cut your hospital's infection numbers.
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Improvise, adapt, overcome: Change is inevitable
Lisa Cole Mental Healthcare"Improvise! Adapt! Overcome!" I feel like I’m doing this a lot lately. I first heard this phrase when my son was in high school — it’s what his AP chemistry teacher barked at his students when they complained. Considered an informal U.S. Marines slogan, it sure can help direct us when we’re faced with change — be it desired or not. Most of us are content operating within our regularities, routines and rituals. We like the stability and safety of the status quo. When things get shaken up, often we get frustrated, impatient, and mad.
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