Top 5 Joint Commission Non Compliance Issues

The percentage figures are for the level of non compliance. Honestly, if we included some level of IT systems there would be further non compliance. Our sense is that is another place of weakness in many organizations.

1. The hospital provides and maintains systems for extinguishing fires — 86 percent

2. The hospital manages risks associated with its utility systems — 73 percent

3. The hospital provides and maintains building features to protect individuals from the hazards of fire and smoke — 72 percent

4. The hospital reduces the risk of infections associated with medical equipment, devices and supplies — 72 percent

5. The hospital established and maintains a safe, functional environment — 70 percent

For the complete list visit JC.

Two Cheap Tips to Reduce Snoring – Nose Strips and Pillows

There are methods to reduce or eliminate snoring, some that require surgery, some with expensive machines. Nose and throat surgeons routinely do elective surgeries to open airways for people. Also, CPaP machines are popular for those who suffer from sleep apnea.

However, are there methods to try to reduce snoring that can be attempted at the fraction of the price?

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You are what you eat – beating cancer?

If your diet consists of sugars and carbohydrates, are you putting the best fuel in your body? We all know about healthy diets, but what about the things we eat helping to fight off cancers? That’s the power of some of the power foods out there. Check this TED talk out for more.

The Single Most Important Factor for Muscle Recovery – Water

Whether you’re working out at the gym or going on a big hike, the single most important factor for muscle factor is hydration.

Before, during, and after work outs, ensure you are suitably hydrated. Depending on your body size you will lose 1 and up to 5 litres of water during a strenuous workout. Hydration is important to keep your body functioning properly!

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This is why drinking soda pop daily is bad for your health

One of the quickest ways of living a healthy lifestyle is altering your diet to eliminate bad foods. One of the culprits in sugar, and soda contains loads of it.

Someone who drinks two cans a pop per day every day, for a year, will consume hundreds of thousands of calories, all from sugar. That’s 60 POUNDS of sugar from soda alone in a year.

That’s an extreme example, but it doesn’t prove a point, regular consumption of soda affects your health. It leads to weight gain (calories) and increases the chances, among other things, for Type-2 diabetes.

Solution? Eliminate soda and drink water.

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The Love Hate Relationship of Eating Kale – 3 Recipes

Kale is one of the healthiest foods you can get your hands on. Trouble is, many of us remember kale in one form–plate garnish. Putting it in your mouth doesn’t compute with your mind.

But do the health benefits outweigh the aversion to kale? It should, because being a super food means a commitment to kale will translate into numerous body benefits you can’t find in other foods.

One thing to help, find some simple recipes that will help you enjoy eating kale.

3 Quick and Easy Kale Recipes

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Fascinating Data Life Expectancy and Health Expenditure of USA v Developed Countries

And this stunning graph that should raise a few eyebrows. (What are Americans spending their tax revenues on?)

Firstly, all countries in this graph have followed an upward trajectory (life expectancy increased as health expenditure increased), but the U.S. stands out as an exception following a much flatter trajectory; gains in life expectancy from additional health spending in the U.S. were much smaller than in the other high-income countries, particularly since the mid-1980s. And secondly, the gains for all countries (except for the U.S.) were not diminishing, as in the previous graph. This suggests that there are many other factors affecting life expectancy, that are not determined by healthcare spending. Indeed, as we have pointed out before, healthcare is just one of many inputs to produce health.

Source: Esteban Ortiz-Ospina and Max Roser, Financing Healthcare, 2017. Published online at OurWorldInData.org.

Additional insight on this data and more http://www.moneyandbanking.com/commentary/2017/3/12/improving-us-healthcare-and-coverage

And some another article on negative side of upcoming Republican healthcare plan. http://www.thefiscaltimes.com/Columns/2017/03/13/Why-Republican-Health-Care-Plan-Destined-Fail

Part 2 – Identities Revealed – You are what you eat

Which products are the perpetrators on the crowded shelf? The most questionable claims and safety involve weight loss products, products to improve sexual performance, and body building products. Many of these so called natural supplements have been found to contain prescription drugs or steroids. Liver and kidney function, blood pressure can be adversely affected as well as the possibility of heart attack or stroke have been linked to the use of these supplements.

Other dietary supplements have been found to contain contaminants such as pesticides, or heavy metals. FDA rules do not extend to the companies that provide the herbs or other materials that are manufactured in the US. The fine print on bottles of supplements can sometimes come with a disclaimer that the FDA has not verified the manufacturer’s claim.

Protein drinks are a billion dollar product. Claims they advance are weight loss, energy boost, building muscle, and delay of aging.

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Caveat Emptor: To Eat or Not to Eat – dietary supplements

Let’s start this article with a riddle. What do more than 50% of Americans spend billions of dollars on yearly, and is the most popular alternative health therapy in the nation? If you answered dietary supplements instead of Disney World you are correct.

What goes on behind the shelves and shelves of products with 1000 new ones being introduced annually? As you stand there deciding you need to know who and what is involved in the behind the scenes action. Often obscured by cryptic acronyms this article will reveal their true identity and purpose.

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JC New National Patient Safety Goals

The Joint Commission anticipates the new and revised National Patient Safety Goals will improve patient safety and quality of care by reducing morbidity and mortality, as well as health care costs and length of stays associated with CAUTIs. The R3 Report is available here.