Life has come a long way since yesterday I say

Yesterday, when I took my Dad to the VA Clinic, the oddest thing....There was a huge Dragonfly inside the clinic.  It was so amazing, I took a picture.  (Well, I pretty much take a picture of everything.)  When ever I notice something unusual in nature, I look at it as it were a sign.  I asked my friend L, who is a native Inuit if she would interpret the sign of the dragonfly as significant.  Here is what she said.  "Yes, its very possible.  Dragonflies remind us that God has given us the means of transforming our metaphorical selves into dragonflies capable of winging off contentedly into a new world. (cont)"

And it not the same old thing over again I say
"Dragonfly's appearance softly suggests change and is often symbolic of what it means to be light, reflective, and full of joy – in all senses of the words. Dragonfly medicine tends to be very emotional, and passionate, often accompanying a great revelation or discovery of self."

Just do what you feel and don't you fool yourself
The way I interpret what my friend so eloquently suggested is that this sign could indicate that we may be turning a corner with Dad.  Dad may be transforming from the Caterpillar to the butterfly soon.  (a nice way to put it.)  Lately Dad is in a delusional state a good amount of time.  Today while I sat with him in the hospital, while he was completely asleep he sang two (2) songs very loudly.  The first song was "Dixie" and the second song was "Glory, Glory, Alleluia!".   

Cause I can't make you happy unless I am I say I...
We used to all belong to a prayer group a long while ago.  That's where he learned the second song.  The most amazing part of Dad singing the songs was he knew all the verses.  Dad is always talking about conversations he had with his mother (who died 30 years ago).  I don't really consider this delusional, I simply think there are times when he has one foot in this world and the other foot in the next (world). 

 Many Thanks to Ziggy Marley for the use of the lyrics, from the Album:  Dragonfly

Se liga, o endereço do blog mudou! Para ler a matéria acesse o novo Blog do Will.

London Elektricity is back with their 4th studio album. This time around they bring their production up a notch by creating some conceptual album that will find place both in a club and at your home.

London Elektricity myspace

Music:
London Elektricy - All Hell is Breaking Loose [Zshare]

Uh oh. Perhaps you are in need of getting your name out in the public.

Fact Of Nature

Humans are complex creatures, but there are instances in which they are entirely predictable. Advertising is an example. Radio and TV ads will bombard the viewers/listeners with the same ad over and over. There is a reason for that, and it is because it takes many exposures to a business before it becomes ingrained in their mind. So they hit the potential customer over the head with their pitch.

Take Advantage Of That Fact

You, as a Health Care Professional, can take advantage of that human trait and put your business information in the mind of thousands of potential patients by using direct mail. It has been used for decades with great success, and it is remarkably affordable. In the past, direct mail was a paper postcard that went to entire neighborhoods or cities. Everyone got one, and some people responded to it. A recent improvement has taken the direct mail product for the Health Care industry one step farther, though.

The New Product

That new product is a magnetic direct mailer. Like the original product, it is an attractive postcard…but his one has a quality refrigerator magnet attached, which is easily peeled off. They key to its success is the magnet. A good number of the old paper products got tossed in the trash just seconds after they were received. With the Magna-Peel ™ style direct mail product, the recipient is intrigued by the magnet and removes it from the mailer. Instead of dropping it into the trash, they fling it onto the fridge at home or their computer case at work.

The magnet will be seen many times a day now. Just like the TV or radio ad that is aired over and over, people viewing the magnet will think of your office or facility the next time they need the services that you offer. It's just human nature.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Robert is currently working for ESP Health Care Promotions, a supplier of top quality magnetic promotional products for the Health Care Industry and Business. He lives in eastern Kansas. A retired police dispatcher, he now resides in the country with his wife and 2 of his 3 sons

I Told You That So I Could Tell You This

But that's not what I want to talk about here. Instead, I want to extol the virtues of the simple give-away refrigerator magnet. You know, the ones that you see being given away at fairs and business open houses, at check out desks in clinics, and as 'leave-behinds' in waiting rooms. Like the direct mail magnets, they find their way to refrigerators, computer cases, metal cabinets at work, on cash registers at fast food restaurants, and on lockers at school and work. Again, like the direct mail product, each magnet becomes a mini-billboard that is seen by dozens of people on a regular basis.

People Are Wired This Way

The reason you want the constant viewings is due to human nature. People rarely pay close attention to advertising the first time they are exposed to it. But, after repeated exposures it starts to get etched into their minds. Why do you think you see/hear the same TV or radio ad over and over and over? It's because they know that eventually the message will be burned into the brain of the people. Those people will then go to that business when they need it's products or services.

The same thing applies to the Health Care field. When someone needs a prescription filled, or their aching back straightened out, or their child has a cold and a fever that won't go away, they will remember your information on that simple magnet stuck to their fridge and choose you instead of your competition.

Refrigerator magnets come in many styles and price ranges. Check out a reputable provider and get those magnets into the hands of all those potential customers.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Robert is currently working for ESP Health Care Promotions, a supplier of top quality magnetic promotional products for the Health Care Industry and Business. He lives in eastern Kansas. A retired police dispatcher, he now resides in the country with his wife and 2 of his 3 sons

Like That Will Ever Happen

Sorry folks…that just isn't going to happen. People generally like to have at least a vague idea where they would like to go before their need becomes urgent. Obviously, if they are being hauled off by the paramedics due to a life-threatening situation they aren't going to be picky about where they go. Their only recommendation then might be anyplace that is 'close.' But in a matter where they have the option to elect their destination, they are going pick an office they are familiar with.

This is when direct mail promotional products take center stage. Advertising a health care facility is commonplace nowadays, but the methods vary, as does its effectiveness. One of the best-known methods of wisely spending your advertising dollar is through direct mail. It reaches thousands of homes and businesses for very little expense compared to electronic and print media. With newspaper and magazine subscriptions plummeting, why spend your money with them as their readership drops? Television and radio ads are prohibitively expense. Direct mail simply works.

The New Stuff

One advance for the old, standard paper direct mail promotional product is the new magnetic mailer. It consists of an attractive postcard with an equally nice looking refrigerator magnet attached. Unlike the paper mailers that are often tossed into the trash seconds after they are received, people are curious about the magnet and peel if from the postcard. The magnet has an intrinsic value to it, and the recipient feels a bit guilty about throwing it away, so they stick it on their fridge. Once there, it is like a radio or TV ad that plays over and over. How many times does the average household member go to the refrigerator a day? I don't know, but it is a lot. Each time they go to get something from it, they'll see your advertising magnet Human nature takes over and they become familiar with your business information after seeing it so many times. Eventually they are going to need a doctor, a chiropractor, or a pharmacist. Instead of calling their friend or looking though the phone book, they will recall your direct mail magnet and wander to the fridge for the phone number.

You just gained another patient or customer.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Robert is currently working for ESP Health Care Promotions, a supplier of top quality magnetic promotional products for the Health Care Industry and Business. He lives in eastern Kansas. A retired police dispatcher, he now resides in the country with his wife and 2 of his 3 sons

Chama atenção a preocupação sobre as expectativas e a cobrança da sociedade sobre a assistência médica em nosso país e a constatação que ela não superou problemas básicos, como o do financiamento. Essa preocupação é constatada em pesquisas de opinião e no debate eleitoral entre os postulantes a cargos públicos em 2008.

O financiamento da Saúde poderia se equacionado pela Emenda Constitucional 29, a EC-29 ou Emenda da Saúde. Aprovada no Senado, ela foi desfigurada na Câmara. Os deputados reduziram as fontes de recursos destinados à Saúde e ainda associaram o financiamento da saúde a um aumento do agravo tributário (já muito pesado) contra o bolso dos brasileiros.

O autor faz um retrato interessante do apagão da Saúde no Brasil. Não coloca, entretanto, seu dedo na ferida mais aberta e dolorida de todas. A da carência de uma política responsável, justa e digna de recursos humanos para o SUS. O artigo, apesar dessa indiferença a um assunto tão grave, merece ser lido por inteligente e realista. Escrito por quem vivencia, no dia a dia, os problemas concretos dos serviços públicos de saúde.

Notícias - Na Mídia

Agonia da saúde

(06/10/2008 - 10:04)

Vivemos um momento de grande expectativa e cobrança da sociedade sobre a atividade médica em nosso país, que ainda não superou alguns problemas estruturais básicos.

Fomos capazes de criar, gerir e manter um país continental de uma riqueza e potenciais invejáveis, mas não fomos ainda capazes de integrá-lo em uma cidadania plena para todos os seus cidadãos.

No entanto, criamos um sistema público único de saúde de concepção modelar e não fomos capazes de dotá-lo e atualizá-lo, ao longo do tempo, de um plano de financiamento que garantisse a sua prestação de serviços a 145 milhões de brasileiros usuários.

Desenvolvemos centros de excelência médica comparáveis aos melhores do mundo em algumas metrópoles brasileiras, mas não fomos capazes de assegurar um atendimento mínimo de dignidade e de respeito à cidadania da grande maioria dos pacientes usuários de mais de 6.000 hospitais brasileiros.

Formamos mais de 10.000 médicos por ano e somos incapazes de distribuí-los pela maioria de nosso território continental, por não termos desenvolvido uma política salarial pública adequada.

Algumas escolas médicas são exemplares, mas não fomos capazes de conter a proliferação desenfreada de escolas médicas - o maior número do mundo - que lançam no mercado grande contingente de médicos despreparados técnica e, sobretudo, eticamente para o desempenho dessa atividade abençoada que é ser médico, criando sérios problemas para as nossas entidades médicas, entre as quais nos incluímos com a Associação Médica Brasileira (AMB) e o Conselho Federal de Medicina (CFM).

Fomos capazes de criar praticamente todas as sociedades cirúrgicas, de todas as especialidades, mas não fomos capazes de unir nossa imensa força política de persuasão que poderia mudar a face do atendimento público de saúde no Brasil, porque ainda privilegiamos a querela, a disputa de pequenas vantagens, irrisórias e insignificantes, em detrimento de uma identificação de objetivos comuns que resultaria em atendimento melhor de nossa população.

Ultrapassamos um PIB de cerca de 1 trilhão de dólares, mas não fomos capazes de atingir uma aplicação mínima de recursos por habitante (menos de 300 dólares por habitante, quando a Organização Mundial de Saúde considera adequado cerca de 500 dólares por habitante).

Os hospitais públicos estão superlotados e, entretanto, em regime falimentar e de grande sucateamento, sendo fácil imaginar que essa deterioração irá exigir um grande esforço e aporte de recursos para ser recuperada. Um grande exemplo desta afirmativa é o que vem presentemente ocorrendo no Hospital Universitário Clementino Fraga Filho, hospital voltado para o atendimento de alta complexidade no Rio de Janeiro e que perdeu a sua capacidade financeira com repercussão imediata no atendimento dos pacientes e nos programas de treinamento de cirurgia avançada.

Contudo, a constatação dessa realidade não constitui uma afirmativa pessimista. A mudança depende de cada um de nós.

O Globo

Technorati : FENAM, Hospital, Ministério da Saúde, governo federal, médicos, recursos humanos, saúde, saúde pública, sindicato
Flickr : FENAM, Hospital, Ministério da Saúde, governo federal, médicos, recursos humanos, saúde, saúde pública, sindicato

       A los pocos minutos empezaron a sonar sirenas, mi casa estaba rodeada de policías y bomberos, bajé corriendo con la agenda en la mano.No me acuerdo de nada más, me encuentro en el hospital

       Borja había sido miembro de un grupo de radicales y quería salir, pero no se lo permitieron, por eso lo del coche y la bomba del ordenador.Aún estoy en estado de shock no me lo puedo creer, no me puedo mover de la cama, me quiero ir con Borja, necesito estar con él.

What has given rise to the alert is a recent study in America.  This concluded that once bacteria survive contact with disinfectants – and they are more likely to survive if the disinfectant is diluted – they can evolve new defences.   In effect, they learn to pump the antibiotic out of their system.

My interest in hospital patients stems from the fact that we run A Friend in Need, a website sending gifts to people in hospital on behalf of friends and family who can’t visit the patient in person.

Let us hope that hospital follow the new guidelines and that, just as they have reduced the number of MRSA cases, they will successfully tackle the rise of antibiotic resistance.

As a member of the Guild I was keen to get involved. My cousin died if leukemia when we were both 14 years old. I wish Starship had existed then for Dean and his family. So, I have made six 4x4 Christmas canvas - each one is unique, but all are similar (production line art for speed). I hope the money they raise helps this valuable cause.

Our visit to Portland was a short two day there-and-back adventure mainly to follow-up with Dr. Nick Eshraghi.

We left Bend just before 8am and arrived at the hospital with a little time to spare before our scheduled 11:30 appointment. Pulling up to the Burn Center brought back some memories, but it was good to be back in a strange sort of way. I suppose knowing that we were just passing through made it easier than before. I parked the car in the space right across from the window where had been stationed with Max, we all got out of the car and proceeded into the Burn Center for our appointment - Max covered in sunscreen and wearing a cool looking wide brimmed hat with a long flap on the backside. He looked ready for safari.

As we entered the building we pointed out to Ana where Max’s room was, she smiled. It was a chilling moment - of course the slight drizzle (which never stopped the whole time we were there) added to the effect, but I noticed that all of the windows had their curtains drawn. Not but two weeks earlier it was us in one of those rooms, curtains drawn as well.

Into the Burn Center, through the tunnel and up to the fifth floor to our appointment we went. Once inside we filled out some paperwork and waited. We saw the little girl who had been admitted just days after Max was, she was there for a follow up as well. Her hand and arm were completely wrapped up, but she was smiling. She couldn’t have been any older than three.

It was our turn. It was good to see the doctor again. He came in looked at Max and gave his diagnosis. I had been thinking of this moment for sometime, not knowing for sure if he was going to need more time to heal or need intervention of some sort - surgery. I had the best and worst case scenario worked out. Best case, the doctor would say everything was looking good and Max just needed some more time to heal and he would be fine. Worst case, Max would need surgery involving harvesting skin from one area of his body for another. I hadn’t really thought of anything in-between, which is what the doctor (surgeon) had prescribed.

Max’s burns on his face, chest and lower arm were healing up just fine. There would be some slight discoloration at first, but over time he would look fine. There may be small areas that leave marks, but overall, with regular application of lotion and SPF, he should be good - with the exception of one area on his upper arm. This area looked the worst from the first day. It looked deeper and rawer than all of his other burns and it just didn’t heal like the rest of them. To no fault of Max - his little body did excellent work repairing what it could - this burn was just too deep.

Dr. Eshraghi gave us a couple of options: Wait a week and see how things progress. Within that time his body could still try to heal. If nothing changes and his wound still appears the same we could wait longer - OR - Remove the burn surgically, like you would remove a really large mole - cut out the area and pull his skin together. Time will tell, but we are preparing for the surgical option.

Max’s other burn marks should blend away in about twelve months or so.

Max has prepared himself for either outcome - it was evident in the doctors office, he wasn’t happy with the diagnosis, but understood the options. I (we) Laurie and I, we were just relieved that for the most part, Max was healing just fine.

After seeing the doctor we had lunch in the hospital’s cafeteria, it was good - but there was an undertone of frustration building up in Max. What we thought was good news, just meant the likely possibility of more things being stuck in him - once again.

We left for our next appointment at the Burn Center. It was good to see some familiar faces - faces of people who had taken care of Max not but a week ago. We gave them a sort of progress report on Max and they were glad to see him doing so well. One of the nurses told Max that he was one of their best patients and that his progress was due in part to his listening and cooperation. I’m so proud of him.

We finally left the hospital and decided to visit the OMSI. What a cool place! We had never been before and it was the perfect time to go, it was raining, we had the kids, and some time to kill before check-in. We engaged in some of their exhibits but the best part was taking a tour of the USS Blueback submarine - that was super cool. Max and Ana really got a kick out of it. Max especially, he’s fascinated with anything related to military machinery, aircraft carriers, planes, tanks, and being inside an actual submarine - he was in heaven, although he was somewhat bummed that this particular sub didn’t see any heavy combat, or launch any torpedos at the bad guys, but regardless, he was in awe.

We got to our hotel (The Inn at the Northrop Station) a cool swanky place with super fast access to the hospital, some restaurants, and a very cool street car (which we rode the next day). We checked in unpacked our stuff and realized we were starving. We walked through the pouring rain three blocks west and four blocks north to a Pastini. The funny thing was, the rain didn’t even phase us - we were all having a good time being together, knowing everything was going to be allright and a bowl full of pasta was around the corner (um - and a cold microbrew for mom and dad).

Dinner was great. There’s nothing like having the family together especially for dinner. It would have been even better if there were more of us, but just the four of was great. It’s funny the first Pastini we’ve ever been to was in Bend (they just opened a couple of month’s ago) but over the past couple of weeks, we’ve eaten mostly at their original Portland locations. There was one on NE Broadway close to the hospital (where my sister got us take-out) and the one on NW 23rd close to the hotel. So now in addition to pizza, Max has added Pastini to his favorites. Sure it’s not a food group, but it’s close enough. I suppose it’s a bit of comfort to him/us knowing there’s a little bit of home away from home. Max even requested we stay at the same hotel this Friday because Pastini’s was so close. How can we say no?

We walked back home stopping at a few shops on the way. The rain was still coming down but it didn’t matter. We got to the hotel got ready for bed and whatever the next day had in store for us.

We decided at the breakfast table to skip Ana’s soccer game and leave a little later in the morning so we could ride the Portland Streetcar which stopped right in front of the hotel. It was a fun ride - a bit long (1.5 hours) but fun. We rode the whole loop, from NW Portland to SW Portland and back. We saw all sorts of people, it was cool. It kind of made me miss the city and all its offerings, diversity. If we were to ever move back to a city though, I’m not sure Portland would be it but who knows what the future holds, NYC would be a contender for sure.

After the ride we packed it up and headed back south to Bendo. Laurie mentioned stopping off at Timberline Lodge - the thought was immediately appealing as none of us had ever been. The six mile diversion was set and we were on our way.

Wow. Timberline Lodge was incredible. We totally lucked out too - as we walked in (through the pouring rain) we entered the main lobby area downstairs and were greated by a Forest Ranger, she told us she really wasn’t supposed to be there this late in the season, but happened to be there and was getting ready to give a tour, we jumped at the opportunity. We walked around gazing at the craftsmanship, artistry and just the overall magnificence of the lodge. So cool. So cool that people could get together in such a time to make something so wonderful. We stayed for lunch. The food was pretty good too, especially the meatloaf sandwich, yum. A good diversion for sure.

We wound our way back home, passing the rain and clouds and into clearer skies. As we approached home the past two days had caught up with us and exhaustion was setting in. The kids were just as exhausted as we were as our road trip came to a close. Our fun family time was over and reality hit as we entered Bend - Max was bummed. Bummed that we were back and bummed that his ordeal was far from over. He lashed out at everyone in the car and pushed us to our limits. We had to go back into parental mode. It had been three weeks since Max had even seen any remote side of discipline, but his frustration turned to anger and we had to stop it - off to his room he went, along with his sister - both relegated to clean-up duty and solitary confinement for a short period. We all needed a break.

A couple of hours past and we were greeted by my sister. Two gifts were delivered from our well wishing friends: A home made loaf of bread w/ a special topping from our friend Maeve, and a beautiful gift basket from Gale. Thank you both.

The night melted away. An easy Saturday night. Sunday arrived and it was a mellow day. The highlight was dinner at mom and dad’s. Mom made my favorite - Beef Stroganoff with egg noodles, tasty. Max and Ana liked it too. It was a great dinner - all seven of us once again together, no worries. We shared our stories about our time in Portland and Max’s next steps in regards to his burns. We wathced part of Iron Man, and left early so the kids would get a good nights rest for school - which Max was kind-of excited for.

Today was Max’s first day back at school since the incident. We accompanied him into his class and were greeted by his classmates. There was a big banner in the corner ‘Welcome back Max’, below was a table full of breakfast treats assembled by parents, kids and his teacher Miss Sterling, and assistant. It was great. we could tell Max was feeling good - he was a bit nervous on the way over, but once he walked through that door it was all good. He sat down in front of his classmates and fielded everyones questions. ‘Was it scary?’, ‘Did it hurt?’, ‘What was the best part? The Worst?’ - He answered the questions perfectly all on his own. He was ready and he wasn’t nervous at all. Both Laurie and I stood behind him and smiled - and answered a couple of questions as well. His classmates were great. They were curious, concerned, but most of all understanding.

Laurie and I are so glad to be in such a wonderful community here in Bend and beyond - from Max’s school, classmates, and teachers, to our emergency services network in Bend and in Portland. To our family and friends who have supported us throughout the past several weeks. We are truly thankful for all of you.

For once I am starting to feel like we’ve made it over a huge hurdle and that things are slowly but surely starting to fall in place as they once were. But things have changed. Seeing our son go through something like this was tough and not a day goes by that I don’t think of that day, but what happened has drawn us together, especially as father and son, so I’m thankful that he’s doing good. And look forward to many many more days of building legos and just hanging out.

thoughts making u-turns on
synaptic freeways to find a lucid lane
onramps and offramps, unaware
of visiting hours

People in hospital beds
make the best wishes
and promises to fate

"hey pancakes, I wanted to let you know that I think I'm going to go to the ER again sometime in the night.  The tonsils have sunk so far down in my throat now that the area in front of it has become so enflamed I can barely see the tonsils now.  It hurts even more to swallow and I think that since i have to sleep with my mouth open, it's going to dry out even moreso and their already cleaved together again, smooshing the dangly thingy.  wtf!  You would've thought the asshole doctors would have given me something better than cough syrup.  I'm not going to any of my classes tomorrow, but in case I don't go to the ER, I'm going to check up with the doctors at the school anyway cause I'm supposed to. "

Let me digress to yesterday's events. Ashley walked into my room around 1 PM looking to see if I was up so I could meet her aunt who is visiting her and performing shows at local tea rooms and restaraunts. I do not know if her aunt is playing in the area as reason to visit Ashley, or if she is just visting because she is playing. Anyway, I did not get out of bed because I did not have a shirt on, was groggy and was not thinking right, and assumed I would see the aunt later. I think Ashley spent the day seeing local sights with her aunt, as she said they were going to. I eventually got up and at lunch in the Dining Hall, actually, the food selection for Sunday's at that time is referred to as Lite Lunch. I had a bagel with peanut butter and jelly, as is a custom of mine. The bagel's come fresh from a local bakery every morning. I went back to my room, then, and filled my bookbag with various materials I would need to complete some of my homework. I madfe the short journey to the library, the weather was in fact quite perfect. I completed taking notes for a few chapters in Astronomy, and did one assignment that was due on Friday for PreCalculus. I finsihed rather quickly, in about an hour, and headed back to my room. After doing various multitudes of nothing, I went over to the Dining Hall to eat supper. I had Stir-Fried Tofu with Garlic Sauce, and it was so fucking good, it was unbelievable. I did not over eat, I made a point not to at least, as I have been doing on many days in the past week. I finished, and put my tray on the conveyor belt which leads into the dishroom. This conveyor belt smells horribly of fungus, I think.

Back at the room, I went to reading Lolita, a trangressive classic by Nabokov. I find the book mostly disgusting, but after investing so much time into reading its contents, I will not put it down until I finish. Well, I did not finish yet, because I fell asleep while reading it. I then woke up and logged onto the Internet, and found the above mentioned note waiting for me on AIM. I then become somewhat distraught, and sat around for a while, did not do anything, and tried to go to sleep, but could not. I think I went to her room, but no one was there, I am not sure.

I fell asleep around 3 AM, I imagine, and woke up around 9:30 AM. I contemplated visting Ashley before breakfast (she would not have been there) but decided against this action, as I would probably wake her up. At breakfast, I had two packets of oatmeal, and a bagel covered with the usual toppings. I then shuffled to thr Computer Lab to right an email to Ashley, detailing my stratgey to visit her in her choked up third floor room, the bulk of the letter here:

"I was going to come visit you this morning to see how you were doing, and to see if you had gone to the ER again last night or not. Around 9 or 9.5 last night, I came to see you, knocked softly, and no one ansered. I assumed you were asleep. I thought the same for this morning, that you were asleep and nary did I wish to bother you. I am hoping you get better sooner. I have Astronomy in a few minutes. But, I will be done with classes for the morning around 12:30PM, whence, I eat lunch for a time, and do homework for the best of ten minutes until 2 PM when I have some afternoon classes until 4:20. SO if you need anything around 1 PM I will be in my room. Also, I will make sure to come in see you after all of my classes are over, of course."

I then sat in on the latest Astronomy lecture, which detailed slingshot gravity assists, the most boring lecture yet, but it does not have competition, since the lectures are usually not boring. But this one was. so be it. Dr. Erickson then talked about the next problem set, which would be about designing one's own planet, using the different planetary equations. Mine is going to be made out of heavy metal, and be an utterly bleak, a cliche hellhole. Class dissolved soon enough, and off to Chemistry lecture I went.  In Chemistry, the topic was Oxidation-Reduction reactions again, but with a slightly different twist. At the end of the class, we got back our Exam 1 with the grade. I faired well, having studied for three days straight. The grade and test, in its entirety, will be uploaded at a later date, so one can see exactly what I got wrong, and I can not skew the results, making my grade out as better than I actualy got. Oh, by the way, I also got my Astronomy problem set back, and will upload that as well.

After Chemistry, I made it back to my room why thinking about my grade on Exam 1, chemistry, and wished to visit Ashley. I put my bookbag in my room and went up staits. The door to the room was open, but I just noticed her roomate in there, and not wishing to talk to her, left without her noticing. I went over to eat lunch. I came back and did PreCalculus homework, which was my next class of the day. The homework was somewhat frustrating, because I forgot the week past's lecture. It does not matter if one does the homework, though, as it is not collected, but I want a good grade in the class, so I at least glaze over all the problems, and do most of them. The class was boring, Reed a hardly eccentric teacher, and I went to philosophy, and heard the drab arguments of Griffith, trying to shine in his final hour, the religious apolegetic of the century if you ask me. He commented on the movie of last week, which starred many of Intelligent Designs finest, including Michal Behe, and Jonathan Wells. I left class, frustrated, and wanting a nap. Instead, I went to Ashley's room, where I knocked on the door to no response. I then sat in my room for a while, surfing the internet, and went over to the Dining Hall for supper at around 5:30 PM. Supper was good, albeit spicy, Tofu pad Thai style. I went back to my room, grabbed The Blind Watchmaker, and went to the library to read for a while. When I got back, I opened up an article I had been meaning to read, about the Betty and Barney Hill incident, and which I had borrowed from Ashley, and delved into that until a knock came upon the door. Two persons, one of which I did not know, the other who I barely recognized, was Amy, Ashley's roomate. They were there to inform me of Ashley's recent deliverance to the local hospital due to her ongoing condition. She said Ashley had called her, Amy, in order for Amy to deliver me Ashley's hospital phone number. She also gave me such details as follow: Ashlety is currently breathing through an oxygen mask (I do not know if this is a bad thing, or a really bad thing, but I think it does not necessarily mean horrible things), also Ashley is slated to be in the hospital for at least one more day, namely tomorrow, and more likely a bunch more. This actually made me somewhat sad, as I miss seeing her. I swear the last time I saw her, Sunday morning, she actually looked in very good health. I guess the things she did with her aunt wore he down after making her feel better. I plan on visiting Ashley tomorrow, after my math lab, or whenever visiting hours start. I was informed that other third floor girls were going to the hospital to see her, but I do not wish to go with them since I do not know them, would find it ackward visiting with them, and would rather see Ashley by myself. I will also get some sort of a card.

Ramses cough is getting worse, so he has an appointment tomorrow with his doctor. What sucks is that the only time they had available was at 12:45, and I cant take time off of my 2nd day at work. Plus, Will said he cant take time off because he wouldnt be able to make it up and he needs the money. I wanted to call my mom to do it, but shes been sick. Looks like I am the one who will have to sacrifice once again... if I lose this job I am absolutely screwed, but I have no other choice it seems. It sucks because I FINALLY got my foot in the door with Hillsborough County School District. Its not an easy thing to come by, especially with this hiring freeze. But, hey, Rams needs to see the dr. I have to do a follow-up with my OB later in he week, too, just to make sure everything is still ok after the accident. And figure out a way to make up the 5 hours of class time missed today.... argh. Oh, and call my primary to see if they can call in some antibiotics for my URI. I swear this is just getting worse and worse!

Alright Im going to go lay down now. I need some sleep- I almost fell asleep at work today coz Rams had me up most of the night last night.

Harrison had his two month old checkup in the morning today and Ashley called me later on and told me that the doctor wants to send him for an x-ray scan at Wuestoff Hospital to see if he had a hernia.  Evidently, his right testicle looked like it hadn’t dropped and as a precautionary method, she wanted to have it checked out.

When Ashley told me, I immediately thought, “Hernia?  How can babies get hernias?  He doesn’t lift anything!  I have to hold his bottle, pacifier, and anything he uses.  How can he get a hernia?”

Naturally, I was worried already.  On the phone, Ashley sounded composed, but I knew she was probably crying.  She also said that the wheezing we hear from him when he sleeps might be a flap over the trachea and so Ashley made an appointment for the Ear, Nose and Throat specialist for tomorrow.

Since I have 7th period planning, I began searching the internet for any information.  Ignoring websites that seemed like someone’s personal website and focusing on websites that had MD in it, I found out that hernias in babies are very common.  I spoke to eight of my fellow teachers and every one of them said either they or their child had hernias as a baby.  Sometimes, they had to do surgery (very common and nothing to worry about) and sometimes, the doctor said it would go away by itself and it did.  Don said his boy had a double hernia surgery because his testicles didn’t drop.

After doing the research, I feel more concerned about the windpipe wheezing than the hernia issue.

We went to the hospital this evening and had a sonogram done.  The technician said it didn’t look like a hernia, but there appeared to be fluid in the scrotum instead.  I have no idea what that means, but the doctor won’t get the results for two days, so we’ll have to wait and see.  She didn’t appear concerned, which is a good thing.

Also, today Harrison had three immunization shots in the same hip which caused him to cry all day (except to eat) and there was nothing Ashley or Annelle could do to ease his pain.  We gave him his first medicine, Children’s Tylenol, (grape flavored!  My favorite!) and he promptly fell asleep after taking it.  Everyone is now exhausted. 

On a side note, the desk clerk in Registration was extremely rude and didn’t want to help at all.  The Registration area was packed and Lee and Annelle got the last two seats.  We were more concerned about Harrison catching the flu from some of the patients in the room (and there were some shady characters in there — I felt like they were casting another Halloween movie) and we were merely looking for an infants room or somewhere where he wouldn’t catch anything that requires penicillin.

She rudely remarked that there wasn’t anyplace, no place like that exists and no, Ashley couldn’t see a supervisor because there wasn’t one.  This lady appeared to hate her job and take it out on everyone.

Ashley stormed out of the waiting area and proceeded to go to the front desk and report the incident to Administration.  A representative came down and was very apologetic, especially after said Holmes Hospital was tons better, much more friendly and we could go anywhere we wanted but chose Wuestoff because it was around the corner from our house.

He apologized and we felt better.

There I was watching Desperate Housewives when I started feeling a pain in my stomach. And I thought 'hmmm, maybe my bra is too tight' so I took it off.

But that didn't really help.

And then the pain kept getting worse. And i was thinking, 'umm, is an invisible man pressing down on me with some knives?' because that's what it felt like.

And I dealt with this for about three hours until mid-night, when I finally called my mom crying because it just kept getting worse.

And she was like 'HOLY CRAP?! I don't know WHAT you should do." and I really, really, really didn't want to to go the doctor because i HATE doctors.

And then ANOTHER hour later, i was like, 'well, I'm probably going to die today so I might as well drive myself to the hospital.'

And I got there and everyone was really nice. and they gave me an IV, and i didn't even care about the needle because I was in SO MUCH pain. And then the doctor figured out was wrong with me -- gastritis -- and gave me miracle drugs.

seriously. MIR.A.CLE. drugs.

when I went into that emergency room I was actually going over my day because I was thinking it would be my last one on this amazing earth. yes. I was in THAT MUCH PAIN.

but then. in a matter of a half an hour, modern medicine save me.

(one point for modern medicine).

Apparently something is messed up with lining of my stomach, which the doctor said could be caused by 1. excessive ibuprofen use (check), 2. excessive stress (check), 3. if ulcers run it the family it could be hereditary (check) and 4. excessive caffeine use (check).

Basically my life has been the perfect storm leading up to this awful pain.

so now I'm scared to eat anything but bread, because the doctor said I should avoid foods that hurt my stomach. as far as I can tell ANYTHING could hurt my stomach. (for the record, my dinner Sunday night was SOY CHEESE quesadillas. it wasn't even REAL cheese people. Im not like a crazy unhealthy person here).

anyway, I'm planning to follow up with my non-yet-exsistant regular doctor, so I'll let you guys know how things to turn out.

Não são os médicos por lá funcionários públicos enquadrados da mesma forma que os magistrados e os policiais, por exemplo. São uma espécie de servidores públicos de segunda categoria. Ou seja, exercem uma função pública mas não estão enquadrados conforme critérios que determinem a fixação do profissional ao seu emprego. Há também precarização sob a forma de terceirização. Empresas, pessoas jurídicas, são contratadas para ocupar espaços em hospitais públicos. Esses modelos fracassados são por lá ainda usados e repetidos, sem que os sindicatos médicos de além-mar e o governo consigam se entender sobre a situação de cargos, carreiras e remuneração para os médicos do serviço público.

A categoria profissional dos médicos parece não estar esclarecida e organizada para repelir propostas indecentes, como essa publicada pela imprensa portuguesa sobre abonos por produção. Isso provoca, bem o sabemos: 1- Assédio moral contra os médicos; 2-perda da qualidade da atuação profissional, com aumento da probabilidade de eventos adversos, incluindo má-prática médica; 3-estresse ocupacional fácil e rápido, com repercussões sérias sobre a saúde física e mental dos profissionais (que deveriam, ao que se supõe, entender bem disso). Em troca desses inconvenientes e tantos outros, recebem algum dinheiro a mais que não se incorpora aos seus salários para fins de aposentadoria, pensão, auxílio-doença ou férias remuneradas. A proposta chega a ser atentatória à inteligência dos facultativos lusitanos.

A isso chamam os administradores desse serviço de modernização. Vocábulo de gosto dos neoliberais na América Latina, para significar, em casos como esse, exploração exagerada de mão de obra qualificada. E, medidas como essa, anunciadas como solução, são uma panacéia para os políticos que chamaram a si a responsabilidade da gestão da saúde. Eles ganham tempo. Alguns meses ou alguns anos, até que os desacertos dessas políticas irresponsáveis de recursos humanos sejam notados e gerem uma crise muito grande. Aí vêm alguém e propõe outra solução mágica e moderna para enganar os doutores e a opinião pública. E tudo fica sem solução. Quem quer doutor baratinho, vai ter uma saúde baratinha também.

Quem quiser ver a notícia sobre mais essa trapalhada para a Saúde pública portuguesa poderá consultar a página: http://diarioeconomico.sapo.pt/edicion/diarioeconomico/edicion_impresa/politica/pt/desarrollo/1172492.html

Saúde 2008-10-06 00:05

Médicos vão ter novo regime salarial

Secretário de estado da Saúde prepara a implementação do modelo nos hospitais. Projectos-piloto arrancam no próximo ano.

Mário Baptista

O Ministério da Saúde vai, já no próximo ano, começar a pagar aos médicos em função da sua produtividade nos hospitais. A medida, que já tinha sido prometida por Correia de Campos, ex-ministro da Saúde, quando chegou ao Governo em 2005, está agora pronta para avançar, depois do teste feito nas Unidades de Saúde Familiares.

A garantia foi deixada pelo secretário de Estado da Saúde que, no Observatório do Diário Económico e da PT Prime sobre a "Modernização do Serviço Nacional de Saúde", disse já estar em curso "um trabalho de consultoria sobre a implementação deste modelo nos hospitais". Manuel Pizarro admitiu que, "para avançar ainda nesta legislatura, o tempo já é apertado", enfatizando que é preciso estudar o modelo antes de avançar. As preocupações do secretário de Estado têm aderência na difícil realidade do SNS: alterar o modelo de remuneração dos médicos é um assunto sensível, e pode ter efeitos indesejados, a começar pelo aumento da despesa do Estado e a terminar no eventual descontentamento dos profissionais.

Ainda assim, "a expectativa é que seja possível, em 2009, lançar alguns projectos-piloto de implementação [deste sistema de remuneração] nos hospitais". Depois das eleições do próximo ano, será possível "haver uma continuidade de políticas que permita que se passe da experiência-piloto de 2009 para a generalização do modelo, com regras adequadas, nos anos seguintes", acredita o secretário de Estado.

A polémica em torno de um modelo que pague de forma diferente aos médicos foi sentida logo durante a conferência organizada pelo Diário Económico e pela PT Prime. O presidente da Administração Regional de Saúde do Algarve, Rui Lourenço, duvidou da ideia, salientando que "o problema de adequar o desempenho dos médicos ao vencimento é saber se o país pode suportar esse pagamento, e perceber se ele é socialmente justo".

Já para o presidente da Unidade de Missão que coordena a reforma dos cuidados de saúde primários (os centros de saúde), a medida é benvinda porque o diagnóstico está feito: "Pagar por ordenado fixo tem uma consequência conhecida, que é os médicos irem fazendo cada vez menos consultas". Luís Pisco recorre a um exemplo internacional: "Na Alemanha, como os médicos são pagos por cada procedimento clínico que fazem, os doentes têm muito mais consultas por ano e qualquer consultório tem mais tecnologia disponível que a grande maioria dos centros de saúde em Portugal". Claro que isto, admitiu Luís Pisco, tem um risco: "A probabilidade de um doente sair de um consultório alemão com um tubo enfiado num sítio qualquer é altíssima". Isso, concluiu este médico de família, "não é qualidade, porque não é por se fazer mais exames complementares que se é mais bem tratado".

Modernização não é só tecnologia

Uma das principais conclusões que saiu da reunião (que juntou na mesma mesa os presidentes das ARS de Lisboa, Rui Portugal, do Algarve, Rui Lourenço, e zona Centro, João Pimentel, o presidente da Unidade de Missão para a reforma dos centros de saúde, Luís Pisco, o presidente dos Hospitais da Universidade de Coimbra, Fernando Regateiro, e dois responsáveis da PT Prime, Carlos Duarte e Nuno Dias) foi a ideia de que a modernização do SNS não passa só pela aplicação de mais tecnologia na Saúde.

O secretário de Estado da Saúde elencou a reforma dos cuidados primários e continuados (centros de saúde e lares para idosos), a implementação do novo modelo de remuneração e o alargamento do SNS "a novas áreas que anteriormente não eram cobertas", como as principais áreas de modernização da Saúde. Os responsáveis da PT Prime assinaram por baixo: "A tecnologia é um meio para permitir que a modernização do SNS se faça".

Technorati : Hospital, Portugal, função pública, médicos, política, saúde, serviço público, sindicato
Flickr : Hospital, Portugal, função pública, médicos, política, saúde, serviço público, sindicato

Click here to print or download...