(NAPSI)-One of the most frustrating experiences people have when they visit the doctor or are hospitalized is being asked to repeat their medical history over and over again every time a new person examines them. It’s a common experience but not life threatening. But what if your name was similar to another patient’s name and your charts got mixed up? What if someone simply couldn’t read your doctor’s notes?

Electronic health records (EHRs) are a promising solution for reducing medical errors and costs and improving patient safety, say health care experts.

For example, a health center called Urban Health Plan (UHP), Inc. provides much-needed health care to the underserved South Bronx neighborhood it has called home for 36 years. The clinic serves more than 37,000 patients who depend on the quality and consistency of care provided at this federally qualified health center.

“The implementation of our EHR system helped transform how we treat patients and track their outcomes,” said Paloma Hernandez, president and CEO of Urban Health Plan, Inc. “EHRs help us work toward improving the health of the communities we serve and will go a long way in aiding the elimination of health care disparities.”

Looking Into the Future

Hernandez explains that the health center has 105 patients with similar surnames. Using state-of-the-art iris recognition technology helps avoid confusion. UHP patients simply look into a lens and the correct health record is pulled up on a screen.

Financial Savings

UHP saved money by:

• Eliminating the search for misplaced paper records that could take up to 75 hours of staff time each month;

• Converting storage space for paper records to a Health and Wellness Center for use by patients and staff;

• Reducing expenses for supplies, staff and storage and related items; and

• Expanding time spent with patients and seeing 35 percent more patients.

UHP’s adoption of electronic health records in its network of clinics earned it the prestigious HIMSS Nicholas E. Davies Award of Excellence, in the community health organization category, for leadership in the implementation of electronic health record systems.

“The HIMSS Davies Award honors health care organizations that are leading the way in and improving patient care with the use of the electronic health record,” said David Collins, HIMSS Director, Healthcare Information Systems.

For more information on the HIMSS Davies Awards of Excellence, go to www.himss.org/davies or call (804) 310-0615.

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GARNER, N.C. –
Garner police have arrested two men in connection to a string of home break-ins.

Irvin Louis Spraggins, 26, of 219 Kentucky Dr., and Ronald Keith Miller, 19, of 323 Kentucky Dr., have been charged with nine counts of felony breaking, entering and larceny.

They’re accused of being involved in nine home break-ins which occurred in the central area of Garner near Kentucky Drive since late July.

Police say the break-ins were committed during the day when residents weren’t home.

The police have recovered more than $1,500 in stolen property including jewelry, cash, and small electronics.

Source:MYNC.com

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Surprising facts about staying hydrated in summer’s heat

(ARA) – Record temperatures bring disturbing news reports of heat related deaths and the familiar calls to seek shade, limit outside work and drink large quantities of water. But experts caution water alone may not be sufficient and could actually increase your risk of severe heat related injuries.

According to Dr. David McCarron, adjunct professor at University of California Davis, “You must also replace the sodium and potassium along with the water. This is why athletes drink sports drinks like Gatorade, rather than just water. Replacing water without sufficient sodium can quickly produce hyponatremia, a potentially fatal condition,” says McCarron.

When the body loses electrolytes, typically from perspiration, over-rehydration with only water will produce hyponatremia which is a true medical emergency. Hyponatremia symptoms are similar to those of heat exhaustion and heat stroke and can often be overlooked. Symptoms range from mild to severe and can include nausea, muscle cramps, disorientation, confusion, seizures, coma and death.

To avoid this condition, medical authorities advise marathon runners to consume extra salt and this advice should also be considered by those exposed to excessive heat. Salt is critical in maintaining hydration.

The proper balance of electrolytes in the human body is essential for normal function of the cells and organs. Electrolytes help to regulate cardiovascular and neurological functions, fluid balance and oxygen delivery.

In 2007, a 28-year-old mother of three died from hyponatremia hours after competing in a Sacramento radio station contest to see which contestant could drink the most water without urinating.

A few years ago, a 21-year-old student died of water intoxication during a hazing incident. He had been forced to drink from a five-gallon jug of water that was repeatedly refilled. He soon collapsed and had a seizure. Fraternity members didn’t initially call an ambulance. By the time they did, it was too late. He was pronounced dead a few hours later.

Water intoxication is more commonly seen among athletes, usually extreme athletes, but older individuals are also at high risk for several reasons. Their kidneys are less efficient at conserving salt when the body is stressed and common medications such as diuretics greatly increase that risk. That is why during severe high temperatures, news accounts most often refer to elderly victims of the heat.

Although most hyponatremia victims may not have obvious symptoms, severe hyponatremia is a medical emergency that calls for immediate treatment. The low sodium level is restored to a normal level by gradually and steadily giving sodium and water intravenously. Milder cases can be handled by administering of salt and fluid replacers by mouth.

The next time the local meteorologist recommends cranking up the air conditioner and drinking a lot of water to beat the heat, remember that doctors recommend also cranking up your intake of electrolytes, particularly sodium and potassium.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

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The Environmental Management Commission, or EMC, has scheduled two hearings to gather public input on proposed rules to reduce nutrient pollution in the Falls Lake Reservoir.

The public comment period is open until Aug. 16.

Falls Lake Reservoir, the primary drinking water source for Raleigh and several nearby communities, is impaired for excessive amounts of chlorophyll a, an indicator of high levels of nutrients. Nutrients, specifically nitrogen and phosphorus, can be carried by stormwater runoff into Falls Lake and the watershed streams that feed it. While nutrients are beneficial to aquatic plant and animal life in the proper quantities, excessive levels can cause algae blooms that impair aquatic habitat and may lead to fishkills, increase the cost of treatment for drinking water and affect recreational activities. In 2005, the N.C. General Assembly passed legislation which requires the EMC to adopt a nutrient strategy for Falls Lake.

In 2008, stakeholders from local governments, agriculture, environmental groups and other concerns began work with the N.C. Division of Water Quality to formulate a nutrient management strategy. The stakeholders used three years of lake watershed data and subsequent modeling to help form the nutrient management strategy. The draft rules were approved for public comment by the EMC in March 2010.

Read More:Mync.com

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Ahead of the Fourth of July weekend, AAA Carolinas will begin to broadcast a graphic anti-texting video on cable television.

In a press release sent out by AAA, the video will begin airing June 30 in hopes of educating Carolinians the possible consequences of texting while driving.

“This video may shock some viewers and that is the intent: to create a lasting impression that texting while driving is deadly,” said Thomas Crosby, president of the AAA Carolinas Foundation for Traffic Safety.

Read More:MYNC.COM

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A five-step plan for keeping your pet safe from fleas and ticks

(ARA) – Protecting your pet from harmful fleas and ticks is a vital part of pet care. And since this summer is projected to be unusually rainy and warm, extra caution is needed. Fleas and ticks not only irritate your pet, but are capable of transmitting serious diseases like Lyme disease and flea allergy dermatitis.

There are about 20,000 reported cases of Lyme disease annually in the U.S. Furthermore, the likelihood of being exposed to ticks, and subsequently to diseases transmitted by ticks, is about 10 to 20 times greater than it was 10 years ago, according to the Companion Animal Parasite Council.

Dr. Melinda Fernyhough, veterinarian and manager of scientific affairs at Hartz, offers tips on how to help your pet avoid the dangers of fleas and ticks, and considerations when purchasing and applying flea and tick treatments to ensure best results.

“Health and safety is the number-one priority for pet parents, and there are several reliable products available at your veterinarian, local retail or pet specialty store that can help keep pets free from fleas and ticks all year round,” says Fernyhough.

* Choose the appropriate flea and tick treatment. Several types of products exist that can help prevent fleas and ticks – shampoos, collars, and the most popular form of protection: topicals, or spot-ons. These monthly applications go on the back of your pet’s neck or are striped down the back, depending on the manufacturer, and keep your pet pest-free for 30 days. A great example is Hartz UltraGuard Pro Flea & Tick Drops, designed to kill fleas and ticks on your pet and prevent new fleas from developing. All EPA-registered flea and tick products, whether sold in vets’ offices or through retail channels, are held to the same safety and efficacy testing standards.

* Carefully follow label directions when applying topical flea and tick treatments.
Make sure to follow the manufacturer’s weight recommendation – you don’t want to put too much product (or too little) on your dog by misjudging the weight. Use the entire tube on one animal – don’t split one dose between several animals. Never use a dog product on a cat, and if you have both animals, you need to keep them separated for 48 hours after applying treatments. Read the label carefully and don’t be afraid to call the manufacturer if you have questions.  

* Regularly check your pet for ticks to prevent permanent damage. If ticks are found on a pet, remove them with tweezers while avoiding squeezing them since that could cause disease carrying bacteria to enter your pet.

* Avoid hot and humid areas for your pets. The ideal climate for fleas and ticks is approximately 55-89 degrees Fahrenheit and 50-92 percent humidity. Keep your pet away from hot, damp and wooded areas. Fleas like to hide in shady areas of the yard, so treat these areas with a product designed to kill them outdoors.

* Consider a year-round flea and tick treatment for your home and pet. The best way to solve a flea and tick problem is to prevent it in the first place. Use topical drops or collars on your pet year round, regularly treat your yard, and vacuum to remove any potential flea eggs in your carpeting. Also, consider products such as Hartz Ultra-Guard Carpet Powder and Hartz Ultra-Guard Plus Flea & Tick Home Spray, formulated to kill fleas around your home and prevent new ones from developing.

To learn more, visit www.hartzultraguard.com. Through August, you can download a coupon for Hartz Ultra-Guard Pro Flea & Tick Drops on this site.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

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NewsUSA) – Buying a new computer’s always a thrill — but sooner or later, your fast new machine will start to act like a clunker. Or will it?

With a few simple tips, you can keep your computer running smoothly. Sammsoft (www.sammsoft.com), a company that develops and publishes quality software products designed to secure, protect, maintain and enhance computer users’ experience, provides the following tips:

1. Clean out your computer registry. Every Windows Operating System uses a registry, or a central database that contains all of the settings for low-level operating system components, as well as any applications running on the platform. Every time you save something, run a new application or install or uninstall a program, new information is organized into your registry. But occasionally, the registry records something incorrectly. Over time, registry errors pile up and can start slowing down your computer. But running a registry cleaner, such as Advanced Registry Optimizer 2010 by Sammsoft, will fix registry errors and remove faulty files, helping your computer run quickly and smoothly.

2. Keep viruses under wraps. Run a virus checker regularly. If you have a high-speed wireless connection, don’t use the Internet without a firewall. No antivirus strategy is perfect, so stay away from suspicious-looking Web sites and don’t click on strange links in e-mails.

3. Get rid of unnecessary files. If you haven’t used a program in months or years, delete it to reclaim valuable memory. But always back-up applications in case you want to reinstall them later, and don’t delete applications that you don’t recognize, as Windows might need them to run. Never remove WINDOWS or HOT FIX applications. Also delete cookies and clear your Internet cache before you sign-off your computer.

4. Never turn off your computer before Windows has shut down. Doing so so could harm the hard drive or result in lost data or Windows files.

5. Back up Your Computer. Hardware problems occur more that you might think, and you don’t want to deal with the frustration of losing valuable data. Back up photos, Excel spreadsheets, Word documents — anything that you do not want to lose — on external hard drives or CDs.

For more information, visit www.sammsoft.com.

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RALEIGH, N.C. – With suspicious fires, chemical spills and plant explosions a more frequent part of our local landscape, Wake Technical Community College is launching a new program to ensure that our area has the most highly-qualified responders. Wake Tech’s associate’s degree program in Fire Protection Technology offers the latest in response technologies and techniques, providing firefighters, arson investigators and hazmat specialists with the skills and credentials to address critical and risky situations. The program, which starts this fall, is offered to high school graduates who want to enter the field and to professionals who want to improve their career advancement opportunities by earning their degree.

The two-year program, to be held at Wake Tech’s Public Safety Education Campus in Raleigh, includes coursework in hazardous materials, firefighting strategies, and fire investigations, as well as supervision and leadership. Wake Tech’s “flip-flop” schedule will give students the option of attending classes on alternating days each week to accommodate work schedules.

“Employers are looking for a degree now, in fire safety as in other first-responder fields, as a basic job qualification,” says Janie Slaughter, department head for Fire Protection Technology at Wake Tech. “They’re also basing promotions on education and credentials, making them much more competitive. This is the trend.”

Graduates will find opportunities for employment in insurance organizations and industry as well as municipal fire departments. The degree will also provide a foundation for continued education at a four-year college or university. Wake Tech already provides in-service continuing education training for more than 4,000 area firefighters each year

Read More:CarolinaNewsWire

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Avoid ‘lost’ signs by tagging your cat

(ARA) – You’ve seen the posters decorating mailboxes, telephone poles and trees in your neighborhood. The picture of a cat – usually curled up in the sun or giving a curious look to the camera – with “LOST” in bold, capital letters and a contact number underneath. Sadly, less than 5 percent of lost cats make it home.

Many of these lost cats end up in animal shelters, some are adopted by new families and others unfortunately, aren’t so lucky. An estimated 70 percent of all animals euthanized each year are cats who enter shelters without identification tags, according to the North Shore Animal League America (NSALA), the world’s largest no-kill animal rescue and adoption organization. Many shelters are full, and can only hold cats for a few days or less, giving grieving owners limited time to locate their lost pet.

Cat owner and author of “Oh My Dog,” Beth Ostrosky Stern is passionate about saving the lives of animals and providing them to loving families. “Through my work with North Shore Animal League America, I have seen firsthand how many cats enter the shelters. I’m a firm supporter of cat tagging to help ensure a safe return home. I would be completely devastated if my cat, Apple, were lost. Having her wear an identification tag is a simple step, but gives me peace of mind that if she were to be lost she can be identified and returned home.”

Whether your cat stays inside or roams the outdoors, tagging is the best way to keep him safe. Even indoor cats may sometimes slip through an open door or window for some fresh air so it’s important to remember they need identification tags as well. Special cat collars are available also, so that your cat won’t get caught on any objects when he’s playing inside the home or exploring the great outdoors.

Many cat owners may not know how simple it is to get a tag for their cat. The maker of ARM & HAMMER Super Scoop and Multi-Cat litter products is even offering cat owners the opportunity to receive customized identification tags via mail with the purchase of two ARM & HAMMER cat litters. Visit www.pettagoffer.com for more information.

Tagging cats is just one safety tip. Other tips from NSALA to keep cats healthy, especially during the summer months include:

* Never leave a cat in a car – cats can quickly overheat and die from heatstroke.

* Keep cats inside during a thunderstorm – cats are easily frightened by loud noises and are more at risk of being struck by lightning.

* Check cats daily for fleas and ticks, and talk with a veterinarian about prevention products to keep cats safe.

* Change litter regularly to maintain a fresh and healthy litter box for cats.

* Watch for signs of heat stress, including glazed eyes, a rapid heartbeat, excessive thirst, restlessness, lack of coordination, unconsciousness, deep red or purple tongue and vomiting.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Make a resolution to cut automotive costs in the new year

(ARA) – An annual tradition, Americans have their minds on resolutions for the New Year. While most hope to loosen their pants, others try to tighten their belt. Whether it is through eating out less, shopping less or traveling less, most try to cut costs in their life, timed to the change in the calendar.

Your vehicle can be a great “vehicle” to save money in 2010. By implementing some simple tips, you can save some serious cash in the New Year by paying attention to your vehicle’s health.

After their homes, most Americans’ second-largest financial investment is their vehicle, so helping it stay in good working order for as long as possible should be a top priority. But, since money is often tight in the given economy, you may be reluctant to spend on services or maintenance that you think can be put off at least for the short term. Such decisions, however, could potentially shorten the life of a vehicle, decrease its fuel efficiency or even put you and your family at risk.

To be prepared for the winter months ahead, here’s a simple checklist of tips you should perform to help keep your vehicle running longer, safer and more cost-effectively:

* Check that tread: The economy has forced many to postpone tire purchases, but with the current winter conditions and unpredictable wet spring weather ahead, now is not the time to have low tread on your tires. The lower the tread depth, the less traction you will have on wet roads, and the greater the distance you will need to stop. Advances in tire technology are helping deliver a new generation of moderately priced tires that offer the all-season traction and long tread wear consumers have come to expect, but with enhanced rolling resistance to help save money on gas. For example, the proprietary tread compound used in Goodyear’s new Assurance Fuel Max tires helps save 2,600 miles worth of gas over the life of a set of tires.

* Watch for inflation: As temperatures change, so can tire pressure. Proper tire inflation is essential for increased automotive safety, optimum driving performance and significant cost savings, including better fuel mileage. Tires should be inflated to the vehicle manufacturer recommendations printed on the vehicle door placard or in the glove box and should be checked monthly. Over-inflation can lead to premature or irregular tire wear and under-inflation reduces a vehicle’s fuel efficiency by an average of 3.3 percent.

* Breathe free: Replacing a dirty air filter can increase a vehicle’s life expectancy and fuel efficiency by reducing the strain on the engine, especially during warmer months. Over the winter months, salt, sand and other impurities may build up in a vehicle’s air filtration system and could be robbing it of as much as 10 percent in fuel efficiency.

* Keep it clean: Consumers’ cars, trucks or SUVs are likely weathering the harsh conditions and corrosive elements associated with winter, including freezing rain, snow, ice, sand and salt. Keeping vehicles clean will help protect them from the chemicals and dirt that may attack the car’s finish and undercarriage. Be sure to use quality cleaners and waxes specifically designed for handling a car’s finish as regular dish soap will actually break down your wax and could harm the underlying paint.

* Keep it flowing: Oil is the lifeblood of the engine, helping to keep it running efficiently and effectively. Not sure what oil to use? Defer to a professional or use the grade of motor oil recommended by the vehicle manufacturer to achieve optimum engine protection and fuel efficiency.

For more helpful car care advice or information on tires for cars, light trucks, SUVs and more, visit your local Goodyear retailer or go online to www.goodyeartires.com.

Courtesy of ARAcontent