Wednesday, November 7, 2018

The Cochrane Library - Staying Informed On Healthcare




How can the Cochrane Library help you make more informed healthcare decisions?

We all have to make decisions about healthcare at times. Should I try this treatment or that one? Is this drug better for my condition, or does it cause unpleasant side effects? What is the evidence that this is the best treatment choice for me? It’s important to review research results, but first you have to find them. Then you have to wade through all the technical language these peer reviewed papers are written in. And of course there are usually several published papers from different researchers on any topic, and they don’t always agree. You will need help to interpret all this information.

The Cochrane Library comes to the rescue! They are an international network of independent volunteers who collect and summarize research evidence, producing reliable evidence-based information related to a specific question. These comprehensive reviews are written in plain language, and published online at the Cochrane Library. (LINK: http://www.cochranelibrary.com/)

Interested in evidence-based answers to questions such as the following?
  • What are the effects of personalized care planning for adults with long-term health conditions?
  • How does virtual reality compare with conventional therapy during stroke rehabilitation?
  • What are the effects of antioxidant multivitamin and mineral supplements in people with age-related macular degeneration?
  • What are the effects of gabapentin in adults with chronic neuropathic pain?
  • In people with fibromyalgia, how do psychological therapies affect outcomes?
Cochrane asks and answers hundreds of questions like the above. Browse their list of Clinical Answers on topics ranging from Allergy & Intolerance to Wound Care and learn more about content that will aid you in making important decisions about your medical care. (LINK: http://cochraneclinicalanswers.com/)



Monday, November 5, 2018

Four Tips for Healthy Eyes


  1. Get an annual eye exam. An eye doctor can detect problems before you notice them, when they may be easier to treat.
  2. Protect you eyes from sunlight. Wear sunglasses that cover your eyes fully and wrap around the sides of your head to provide side protection. Check that the lenses protect against UV-A and UV-B radiation, that can increase your risk of developing cataracts.
  3. Eating more green vegetables and fruits will keep your eyes and the rest of your body healthier.
  4. Stop smoking, or don’t start. Smoking increases your risk of several eye problems, including cataracts, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, Dry Eye Syndrome, and age-related macular degeneration.

Saturday, November 3, 2018

Tip - Caring for Smart Chip Cards




New credit and debit cards have a small metallic microchip embedded on the front, which can be read by special card readers when inserted properly.  This allows for more secure transactions than the older cards.  But the smart chip can be damaged and will then malfunction in the reader.

Be sure to protect the microchip on your credit or debit card from physical damage by scrapes from items with sharp edges, such as coins and keys.  Don’t spill liquids on it.  Protect the card in your wallet or a card holder.  If your card is rejected by one card reader but does not seem to appear damaged, the fault could be in the machine, not the card.  Try it out in another machine before contacting the card-issuing company for a replacement.  The customer service phone number to get a replacement card sent is on the back of your card.  If you manage your card account online, look on the company website for a link to “replace lost or damaged card.”

When you get your new card in the mail, be sure to compare its information (e.g., expiration date) with the old one.  You may need to update stored payment information or automated bill payment settings.  While you are waiting for a replacement for a damaged smart chip credit or debit card, you can still use the card for online purchases.