HEALTHCARE ADVOCATES WILL BE THE GREATEST SERVICE IN HEALTHCARE SAY'S A VANCOUVER SUN ARTICLE

Hey, it's your girl JA Nursing here,  On the search for more information to share with you I came across an article from the Vancouver Sun, Well, of course, I knew that we have been behind the times on advocacy. This article confirms this. As your Health Care advocate my goal has been to continue to give readers the information needed to make informed decisions about there health.  My  first in counter with the why's of our health care system occurred in 2002 when I lost my Sister to Cancer, she was only 36 with 6 children,  In 2002 I graduated and started my career as a Nurse.  Her death evoked so many questions in my mind that I continued my career on a serious search for answers. Now here we are in  2016, I  am the founder of an organization that focuses on Health Care Advocacy.  My continuous concerns for the health care  outcomes of individuals has increased especially  for individuals that have what we would call Social determinants of health. This concern  caused  me to be the founder JA Nursing We Care Inc.  a NonProfit organization with the mission to help increase the health literacy of individuals especially if they can not pay for my services offered by my Business JA Smith Consulting And Nursing Services.   I have always felt that if individuals had Health Care Advocates not only as a addition to helping out when sick but to work with them prior it would definitely be a asset to our congested health care system. But who am I kidding, That means that individuals would have to realize that  they are at risk for health challenges despite their active efforts to hire a fitness trainer or start a new diet routine. Well it, looks like our friends over in Vancouver have gotten the picture regarding the benefits of having a Patient Navigator. Let me clear up some terminology,  The names for this work may vary (patient advocate, navigator, health care advocate or consultant, medical advocate) but the basic idea is the same. We work with patients and families to help them at many points along the health care continuum: disease research, insurance problems, finding doctors, understanding treatment and care options, accompanying them to visits, serving as coach and quarterback of their health care team, working with family members and caregivers, mobilizing resources, managing medical paperwork and almost anything else you can think of.  My one world of advice, is to follow theses 5 questions when you are seeking to hire a Health Advocate such as myself.  5 QUESTIONS TO ASK BEFORE YOU HIRE A ADVOCATE  
 







Patient Navigators: the greatest service in health care you've never heard of – until now  read a article  from the Vancouver Sun. The concept of private patient advocacy has taken on a life of its own. More people are learning that they can hire an advocate or navigator to help them with their medical problems, to overcome obstacles in the healthcare system or to find resources in the same way that people now seek out personal trainers, life coaches, financial advisors or other “guides” whose expertise can help them solve problems and avoid pitfalls."I sized it up as the greatest innovation nobody has heard of" said 

Pamela FayermanVerified account

@MedicineMatters

Canadian journalist cover

Pamela

 Fayerman, Vancouver Sun
for the past couple years my focus has been keeping up with our western counterparts, who have already figured  out the solution to our health care system equally known as The Maze.

In an article written by Pamela Ravermon  it stated that We constantly hear — and witness — a lot about what's WRONG with our health care system. But there ARE people working in health care who are forging ahead with changes like patient navigation that are making a difference to the patient experience. READ MORE ABOUT THIS SERIES


Benefits of Patient Navigation

What the Evidence Shows:

For patients

Better understanding of their disease and treatment plans.

Improved emotional and practical support.

Better able to cope (emotionally, psychologically, physically) with disease.

Improved diagnostic, surgical and other treatment waiting times.

Increased compliance with treatment plan.

Better preparation for medical appointments.

Increased satisfaction with care.

Potential improvement in treatment results.

For navigators and health care providers:

Rewarding work.

Improved collaboration and communication with others on the health care team.

Seeing health care from the perspective of patients.

Spotting problems and gaps in the health care system and then fixing them.

For health care system:

More coordination between health providers, hospitals and clinics.

Less duplication of tests.

Lower hospitalization rates.

Potential cost savings through improved patient care and results.

Retention of health care professionals because of job satisfaction.

Higher levels of patient satisfaction.

 The Vancouver Sun

Thank You, to our friends over at the  Vancouver Sun for looking into this topic. Health care advocacy should be more in the forefront
The benefits to patients, health care providers and the health care system



Imagine struggling with an  aging parent’s changing needs?  Could you use a navigator to help you find caregiver solutions?  One of the primary issues facing our community today. I believe that my coordination services are designed to help individuals and families manage care and communication needs. Working with a navigator will help you master the learning curve, find solutions and become your own best advocate.  
Our friends In Vancouver have gotten the memo 




http://blogs.vancouversun.com/2011/02/24/patient-navigators-the-greatest-service-in-health-care-youve-never-heard-of-until-now/


Are you Ready to get started? Contact us for a complimentary, 10-minute consultation.

This has been watching out for your health with  Michelle Smith your Health and Social Advocate.

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KICK YOUR BLUES TO THE CURB WITH THESE 5 STEPS YOUR MENTAL WELLNESS MATTERS

Winter may be almost over  but these house rules for your mind and body should be all year round. Rules should include routine visits with your physician, consulting with a health advocate, eating right and staying active especially as the season changes. Did you know that between 60% and 90% of people with SAD are women? It’s true. If you are a female between fifteen and fifty five, you are more likely to develop S.A.D.

It’s been noted that during the winter months we all tend to get comfortable, let’s remember that those yummy comfort foods help to add those extra winter pounds.  It also  has been noted that during the winter  higher incidences of S.A.D and depression have been found but before you start self diagnosing   your self let's go over S.A.D 

What is S.A.D – Seasonal Affective Disorder? Many people experience seasonal changes in feelings of well-being and in energy, sleep patterns and eating patterns, to a greater or lesser degree generally called the “Winter Blues”.  But some people experience powerful changes to the degree that it becomes a form of clinical depression, called Seasonal Affective Disorder (S.A.D).

It has been cited that about 2% to 6% of Canadians will experience S.A.D. in their lifetime. Another 15% will experience a milder form of S.A.D.

Who is at risk of developing Seasonal Affective Disorder? Women are up to eight times as likely as men to report having S.A.D.

People in northern countries are more likely to experience S.A.D. than those who live closer to the equator because the days get shorter the further north you go.

S.A.D. tends to run in families – most individuals with S.A.D. have at least one close relative with a history of depression.

What are the risk factors/triggers for Seasonal Affective Disorder? A variety of psychological, social and biological factors may contribute to S.A.D. Some known factors are:

• Inherent vulnerability
• Light deprivation
• Stress
• Biological factors unique to the individual, as well as hormonal changes due to physical conditions
• Early childhood trauma

What are the symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder?

• Oversleeping – sometimes an increase of two to four or more hours per day
• Lethargy (low energy)
• Intense craving for carbohydrates
• Weight gain
• Withdrawal from social contacts
• Depressed mood occurring over at least two consecutive winters, alternating with non-depressed periods in the spring and summer

What do I need to tell my doctor?

• Write down any symptoms you’ve had
• Write down key personal information
• Make a list of all medications you are taking
• Write down questions to ask your doctor
• Take a family member or friend along

Discuss all of your symptoms with your doctor and describe how they are affecting your life (e.g. sleeping several extra hours per day and missing work/school/appointments). Your doctor can suggest or provide appropriate therapy. Make sure to discuss all of the available treatments and medications and their benefits and side effects before making any decisions.

 Other treatment options such as massage therapy, music therapy, meditation, shiatsu, therapeutic touch, aromatherapy or tai chi, Pilates and yoga can also help to improve wellness.

Your Mental Wellness Check list for kicking the Winter blues 

• Stick to your treatment plan. Don’t skip psychotherapy sessions. Even if you’re
• feeling well, continue to take medication as prescribed.
• Learn about S.A.D. Empower yourself by learning about your condition.
• Pay attention to the warning signs. Find out what triggers your S.A.D. Make a plan so that you know what to do if your symptoms get worse. Contact your doctor, therapist or health advocate if you notice any changes. Ask friends or family to watch out for warning signs.
• Get exercise. Physical activity may help reduce the symptoms of S.A.D. Consider walking, jogging, swimming, gardening, or any other physical activity.
• Avoid alcohol and illicit drugs. It may seem like they lessen your problems, but in the long run, they generally worsen symptoms and make S.A.D. harder to treat.
• Get adequate sleep. This is especially important. If you’re having trouble sleeping, talk to your doctor about what you can do.

Maintain an adequate diet. The Canada Food Guide is a useful reference in helping you choose to eat well. Choose more protein and Omega 3. Eat fewer simple carbohydrates, substituting more complex carbohydrates, such as whole grains.

Remember you are the most important part of your health care team. For more information and Support Michelle Smith your Health care advocate is available for your next health care check

 Find me on twitter https://twitter.com/JaNursing Lets create awareness together




Thanks for sharing




























Resources









http://psychcentral.com/lib/10-things-you-dont-know-about-seasonal-affective-disorder/2/






https://www.mooddisorders.ca/faq/seasonal-affective-disorder-sad





Mayo Clinic, "Seasonal Affective Disorder," www.mayoclinic.com, accessed on July 15, 2013.








http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/seasonal-affective-disorder/basics/definition/con-20021047










http://www.camh.ca/en/hospital/about_camh/newsroom/news_releases_media_advisories_and_backgrounders/current_year/Pages/Seasonal-depression,-winter-blues-and-seasonal-affective-disorder--CAMH-expert-available-for-interview-.aspx

TODAY IS BELL LETS TALK JANUARY 25 2017 GET INFORMED

#BellLetsTalk

 Before  I start this blog I would like  to dedicate this Blog  to the family of 

Taneesha Brown  you are sadly missed.

My deepest and most heartfelt sympathies to her family at this time. Her brother told CBC News that Brown had been taking medication for bipolar disorder and paranoid schizophrenia, but had recently gone off her medication because she believed she could heal herself through faith. My prayers for your family and all families learning to find ways to cope with Mental Illness. Just as with physical health, no one goes through life without some mental wellness challenges. This is just  as true in childhood as it is in adulthood. Many challenges  are a normal part of life. For the most part, we learn and grow from them.

The message to end the STIGMA has started and we can all

join the conversation.this year, for every text message sent, wireless call and long distance call made by Bell and Bell Aliant customers, and every time someone joined our campaign on Facebook or Twitter, Bell contributed 5¢ more to programs dedicated to mental health.

Dr. Heather Stuart, the first Bell Mental Health and Anti-Stigma Research Chair at Queen's University, offers these 5 simple ways to communicate about mental illness without fear or stigma:  Language matters: pay attention to the words you use about mental illness  Educate yourself: learn, know and talk more, understand the signs  Be kind: small acts of kindness speak a lot  Listen and ask: sometimes it's best to just listen  Talk about it: start a dialogue, break the silence

How will This Work? 

JOIN Us ON  #JANUARY 25 2017 on twitter 

USE the HASHTAG #BellLetsTalk  follow whats trending and RT  

Follow https://twitter.com/JaNursing

FOLLOW https://twitter.com/Bell_LetsTalk

For people experiencing a mental illness, a good work/life balance is critical. The relationship between stress and mental illness has supporting factors, but certainly stress can increase  mental illness for some people.
In fact, according to Statistics Canada, employees who considered most of their days to be quite a bit or extremely stressful were over 3 times more likely to suffer a major depressive episode, compared with those who reported low levels of general stress.

Some people worry about asking for help because there can be stigma around mental health problems. They may believe that asking for help means admitting that something is wrong. Some people worry about how others might see them. Asking for help means that you want to make changes or take steps towards your new health goals. We should celebrate the courage it takes to speak up and make changes. Getting help is part of recovery.



lets Talk  Anger for a Moment

Anger is an emotion that tells us when something may be wrong. For example, we may feel angry when something is beyond our control or feels unfair, when we can’t reach a goal, or when someone is hurt or threatened. We can also feel angry when we are under too much stress. Anger can involve a wide range of feelings. We may be a little annoyed over a minor incident, like being stuck in traffic or missing our bus. More serious problems, like getting hurt or seeing someone else get hurt, may cause strong feelings like rage. Sometimes, we just feel angry for no reason.

Anger may be a problem for you when it’s:

• Much stronger than you’d expect based on the situation
• Very frequent, to the point that you can’t enjoy things anymore
• Caused by something that happened a long time ago
•  Making you act violently towards yourself, someone else, or someone’s property
• Interfering with your ability to do your job
• Hurting your relationships with loved ones
• Affecting your physical health

What can You Do
Remember Anger is a normal reaction to some situations. Anger can also be helpful when it matches the situation and motivates people to take action or work towards a goal. However, anger that’s dealt with in unhealthy ways can create problems and affect your well-being. Fortunately, there are some things you can do to deal with your anger.

Here Are Some Immediate Strategies
Strategies are not problem solvers, but they can help you steer your focus into handling the issue in a more Productive way. I'm generally not the greatest in handling Anger...... SURPRISE... SURPRISE. I'm always transitioning into a state of acceptance, and truly striving to find Coping mechanisms... Me Time is one of my most favorite activities. Its a great starting point if you find yourself saying or doing things in anger that you often regret later.


 Here Are More Tips 

• Leave the situation that’s making you angry, if possible.
• Count to 10.
• Repeat calming phrases such as, “Take it easy” or, “Will this matter in six months?”
• Breathe deeply. Many people, especially adults, breathe from their chest, which doesn’t give the benefits of a deep breath. Try to breathe deep into your stomach. You’re on the right track if your stomach goes out first. It may seem simple, but taking deep breaths can help calm your mind, slow your heart, and even lower blood pressure.
• Try to shift your attention to something more pleasant or relaxing. This can be very helpful for minor annoyances that you can’t control. #METIME

This has been watching out for your Health with Michelle Smith  

The voice Of the Community Your Health and Social Advocate

Contact us at janursingservices@gmail.com  We are  strong advocates for using a  culturally diverse  approach to managing Your Health. We believe that all organizations should invest in their employees Through our Corporate Wellness Programs

http://www.janursingservices.com/community-division.html

http://janursing.blogspot.ca/2016/01/say-goodbye-to-stress-by-finding-me.html

http://janursing.blogspot.ca/2015/10/kick-fall-blues-find-out-more-about.html

http://www.cmha.ca

http://letstalk.bell.ca/en/end-the-stigma/facts/


Past pictures

JOIN THE ME-TIME CHALLENGE SAY GOODBYE TO STRESS

Hello,  it's your Girl JA Nursing here, Shake what your mama gave you it's a new day. Especially with all the disturbing news over the past couple of days,  I wanted to  check in with you.  I just came back from vacation but I came back to a lot of new changes in my life and a shortfall in my passion. So I thought to get back at it again with this blog.  Forgive me for my selfishness, but me time has to be started asap. I find that I spend so much time on others that I literally forget  about myself, even my vacation was focused on others and then I got sick while in Jamaica.  I don't know about you but by  Wednesday  my body screams  for me time. It's time to rediscover  alone time without feeling guilty; not only does alone time help you get in touch with your mental wellness but it is a true way of rebuilding on your thoughts.

 Without me time, you are setting yourself up for a prescription called stress. We all know that stress  can  take a toll on your  mind, body, and soul; to further highlight this fact, here are some rules to me time that if not followed you may experience these physical and mental signs, that  will let you know that it's  time for   ME TIME. 

Me time=  time spent relaxing on one's own as opposed to working or doing things for others, seen as an opportunity to reduce stress or restore energy.

Here are some #metime rules to follow: I know it may seem  hard especially with the kids being home from school.  but start with even 15 minutes a day, inform your children that "Mommy is going to take me time now. Just like any other relationship, it is important to set boundaries. Your children need to know that even though Mommy looks like "SuperWomen" she is not. 

I used to tell my kids with that stern Jamaican accent "It's My time Now"  and eventually they understood that it was better for Mommy to take a break then be flustered all day long. Remember children develop intuition very early, Both of my children always knew when something was wrong and would just come to me, and look  into my eyes.  So don't feel bad about explaining to your children that Mommy needs time alone.  You may think that this may be interpreted as rejection,  But the truth of the matter is, that we need to establish communicating about our feelings with our children sooner rather than later. This also aids in helping children to  grow up  with the understanding that everyone has feelings. It really is the start to good relationship building and communication with your child.   If you have more than one child eventually,  your older child will start  advocating for  you  by saying "leave Mommy alone she's taking me time now. LOL

Finding time for yourself is an essential  for creating healthy habits. By Taking charge of your health and happiness, you will lower your stress, become more productive, and have more energy.
Do things that feed you mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. You’ll become a better parent, spouse, and a more effective team player at work. Remember Don't use your me time to start folding laundry, cleaning up the house or picking up the toys left on the floor. It may seem uncomfortable like your missing out on something that needs to be done, It may even seem more stressful at first to leave things undone, but you'll have more energy if you take a little time off. Giving yourself permission to slow down and relax for a few moments a day, or a few hours each week, will help you gain a fresh outlook and a renewed sense of perspective. So try  these 10 Ideas for Mom’s Daily “Me” Time.

1. Go to the movies/ Catch up on a favorite show

2. Write something. Poetry, a letter, a short story, a journal, or blog entry.-- writing blogs calms me down

3. Dance  I do this every day at 1200 if I'm off work to my favorite station g98.7fm

4. Take a bubble bath with soft music, candles, and a glass of ice-cold sparkling cider in your best crystal flute.

5. Take a walk  Now my favorite thing to do 

6. Window shop 

7. Treat yourself to lunch. My favorite to do 

8. Take a nap. A real nap…flopping down on the couch doesn’t count! Get in bed, under the covers.

9. Buy some pretty underwear…the kind that doesn’t come in a 3-pack.

10. Catch up on your reading

Your body is your temple and if you are  are experiencing these signs your body is screaming for #metime  or a visit to the Dr's never ignore  the signs or  symptoms that your body is telling you

• Headaches
• Dizziness
• Sore neck or muscles
• Chest pain
• Physical or mental fatigue
• Irritability
• Feeling overwhelmed
• Trouble falling asleep or staying asleep
• Waking up too early
• A change in appetite, either eating too much or too little
• Difficulty concentrating
• Difficulty problem-solving
• Finding it hard to think clearly

Also, remember that the following health conditions can also  worsen if you do not choose to take control of your  health  with proper  stress management 

• obesity
• heart disease
• Alzheimer's disease
• diabetes
•  depression
• gastrointestinal problems
• asthma

I look forward to hearing from you regarding ways in which you have decided to take charge of your Me time. 

This has been watching out for your health with Michelle Smith your Health And Social Advocate stay connected  If you are concerned about your health then take advantage of our ASK THE EXPERT  platform. Your opportunity to get professional advice regarding what you can do to be at your best health 

Find out what other entrepreneurs  are saying about how they find ME TIME at an event called  Entrepreneurs On the rise.   Your Homework is to figure out which day you will take for Your #MeTime even if it's for 15 minutes. 

This week tag your photo to my social media and let me see how you are spending your me time.

https://www.facebook.com/ja.nursing

https://twitter.com/JaNursing

THIS BLOG  IS SPONSORED BY OUR FRIENDS OVER AT  SUNRISE TRAVEL

ENJOY YOUR #METIME  THROUGH VACATION SAY JA NURSING SENT YOU

http://mysunrisetravel.com/gpew/

     Tel: (647) 271 8265            Georgia Pew