Author: Dominick Flarey

The American Institute of Health Care Professionals and Coronavirus Safety

Posted on by Dominick Flarey

Please note this article was written in 2020, the information is most likely out of date. The relevant link has been redirected to the CDC’s homepage on Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19).

Thank you.

AIHCP staff.

 

There seem to be multiple over-reactions and under-reactions to the Coronavirus, known as COVID-19.   On one side, we have individuals referring to it as a hoax and not lethal.  They site the common flu kills more people.  While this is true, it diminishes the reality of how dangerous the Coranavirus is.   Secondly, we have individuals from the other extreme, preparing for a zombie apocalypse buying out toilet paper, water and basic needs.

The Coronavirus is far more deadly than the average flu but it affects primarily the elderly at a 2.5 to 3 percent death rate. Please also review our Healthcare Certification programs

 

The reality while not as bleak as the Black Death of the Dark Ages is still one that should not be underestimated.  The Coronavirus unlike the common flu has a far more deadly death rate, ranging from 2% to 3.5%.   Furthermore, it has a more deadly affect on the elderly.  Those over 60 are at a far higher risk of serious illness and possible death.  Anyone over 70 to 90 faces a even more daunting illness.  While the common flu has killed more people, its death rate is .01% and has infected far more people.  If  the Coronavirus was able to run free and infect as many people, millions would die.

In retrospect, the 1920’s Spanish flu had a very similar death rate as Coronavirus and it infected over 500 million people, leaving millions dead.   It was also a respiratory disease but unlike Coronavirus killed people also in their prime.  The Spanish flu due to the time and medical advances as well as a killer of those in their prime was a far more terrifying flu than the present situation, yet if Coronavirus was allowed to spread like the Spanish flu, it would have a very similar death rate.  This is something that we cannot permit as a society.

In response, we see travel restrictions.  We see the suspensions of parades,  sport venues and concerts.  We see individuals practicing more caution with hand washing and masks.  This may have negative effects on the economy but life is more important than dollars.    Younger people need to realize that while the virus may effect them moderately,  barely or maybe not all, there are still potential health risks as with any illness and cases of severity differ among young adults.  They must also realize that spreading this virus to the elderly could be a death sentence to a parent or grand parent.

Unlike other flu, the Coronavirus has the ability to exist longer on flat surfaces for days instead of hours.  It hence is very contagious and can be spread very easily.  This is why it is so important for infected individuals to self quarantine and stop the spread of this illness.  It is also important for individuals to wash their hands for over 20 seconds with the appropriate disinfectant soaps that have over 60 percent concentration of alcohol.   Individuals need to wipe down counters, door knobs and steering wheels, as well as spray down certain areas of the home.  When out in public, they need to wipe down grocery carts and wash their hands immediately upon returning home.   Individuals must also keep unclean hands away from the face.

The article, “Steps to Prevent Illness on Coronavirus COVID-19” from the CDC gives clear and precise instructions on how to protect oneself and others from this virus.  It states,

“There is currently no vaccine to prevent coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).  The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus. The virus is thought to spread mainly from person-to-person.  Between people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet). Through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes. These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs.”

The article lists a variety of ways to protect oneself with informative charts and ways to prevent its spread.  To review the article, please click here

In regards to symptoms, be on the look out for cough, runny nose, fever, sore throat and difficulty breathing.   The symptoms can vary in severity from age group or be dependent upon preexisting conditions.  Some may have a slight episode while others may require hospitalization.  With such a broad range of severity, one may wish to dismiss it but this would be a very dangerous attitude to employ considering the danger it can pose to others within the population.  Furthermore, equally frustrating is the fact symptoms do not appear for up to nine days but the person can still be contagious.

To stop this pandemic, it is important to not to over react or under react.  Appropriate response is necessary to avoid panic but also to stop its spread.  By applying the standards set by the CDC and not the opinions of arm chair disease control experts, this situation can eventually become resolved but it will involve temporary life style changes and self sacrifice.  This involves showing basic cold and flu courtesies while in public.  Coughing into a tissue or one’s elbow, keeping hands clean and avoiding close proximity with individuals is critical in addition to the further preventative measures of wiping things down and avoiding public settings.

Basic cold and flu courtesies may not be enough to stem the tide of this contagious virus. Some may have to pursue more diligent measures, such as masks.

 

Please also review the many certifications offered by the American Institute of Health Care Professionals for healthcare professionals and behavioral health professionals. AIHCP has a variety of Healthcare Certification Programs that are useful to expand upon nursing and behavioral health fields.  The programs are online and self paced independent study.  They are open enrollment and the courses that lead to certification offer to some CE earning potential.  If you meet the pre-requisites for the programs, then please review and see which ones can help enhance your career and academic and professional goals.

In the meantime, be safe and follow the proper procedures to protect thousands of others and yourself from the Coronavirus.

 

EFT Certification Program Article on EFT and Stress

Posted on by Dominick Flarey

Many situations can arise in life that can cause stress or trauma.  Fortunately there are many holistic and natural ways one can calm oneself.  From hynotherapy to various therapies, professionals can help individuals find peace.  The Emotional Freedom Technique or EFT is also an important therapy that can be utilized to help others overcome stress and trauma.   EFT has the ability to help open energy routes within the body and help negative energy move out of the body.

EFT can help with a multitude of different stress and trauma related issues. Please also review AIHCP’s EFT Certification Program

 

The article, “I Tried EFT Tapping When Stress Ramped Up After Baby” by Phoebe Avison looks at how EFT helped reduce stress after the birth of her baby.  She states,

“Somewhere in the blur of no sleep and no self-care, I felt the anxiety creeping back in. That’s how it starts: a check here, an intrusive thought there. Later down the line, you realize that the OCD beast has clawed its way back into your life and taken root again. It felt like all my hard work had gone down the drain. I felt frustrated, but not defeated.”

To read the entire article, please click here

EFT was able to help her find the peace and calm she needed after the birth of her child.  Please also review AIHCP’s EFT Certification Program and see if it meets your academic and professional goals.

Pet Loss Grief Counseling Training Article on Pet Loss

Posted on by Dominick Flarey

Grieving the loss of a pet is often considered non essential and can be disenfranchised.  This leaves many grievers without recourse.  They are left questioning their grief without any true support.  The reality is the loss of a pet is a serious loss and needs to be validated and understood.  Support for the loss of a pet is essential to anyone.  Pets are family.

It is natural and normal to grieve the loss of a pet. Please also review our Pet Loss Grief Counseling Training and see if it meets your professional goals

 

The article, “Grieving the Death of a Pet” by Chris Haws looks deeper at the nature of pet grief.  He states,

“Like any grief counseling session, the participants are encouraged to talk openly about their feelings and express whatever emotion overwhelms them. Pet loss support groups are resolutely safe places … places where nobody is allowed to feel disenfranchised.”

To read the entire article, please click here

It is important to accept pet loss grief as a normal grief equal to the loss of human companions.  Pets for many are family.  To dismiss the life of a pet or animal based on species is naive.  It is wrong to assume that a connection between human and animal cannot exist.  The bond is real and the love is equally real.

Pet Loss Grief Counseling Training can help prepare professionals to better aid individuals with the passing of a pet.  Please review the program and see if it meets your academic and professional goals.

 

Stress Management Consulting Program Article on Stress and Heart Health

Posted on by Dominick Flarey

Stress is not merely an emotional reaction to life but it also manifests within the body.  It can lead to a multitude of physical ailments that can become serious health concerns over time.  Among one of the more dangerous ailments is heart disease.  Heart disease is a big killer among Americans and stress can play a big role with it.

Stress can be directly correlated with heart disease. Please also review our Stress Management Consulting Program

 

The article, “How Are Stress and Heart Disease Related?” from HealthEssentials of Cleveland Clinic looks more at the nature of stress and its relationship with heart disease.   The article states,

“When stress becomes a constant companion it can cause some serious negative consequences on our health. Stress increases the plaque rate and it can accumulate in the arteries. It makes platelets sticky and prone to forming clots that can block these arteries. Stress can also cause arteries to constrict, starving the heart of nourishing blood and triggering chest pain or a heart attack.”

To read the entire article, please click here

Good stress management strategies are essential in coping with stress and everyday issues.  Stress can be a deadly killer if it is left unchecked throughout life.  Please also review our Stress Management Consulting Program and see if it matches your academic and professional goals.

 

Pet Loss Grief Counseling Program Article on Losing a Dog

Posted on by Dominick Flarey

Saying goodbye to a dog or for that matter any pet can be one of the most painful moments.  Pets, especially dogs, cats and horses are more than mere objects we own, or things to watch but are actual family.  They interact, share and enjoy life with us.  Hence it is especially painful to lose one of our pets.  Many would disenfranchise this loss as not important but this is farther from the truth.

Losing a dog can be very painful and as devastating as losing a family member. Please also review our Pet Loss Grief Counseling Program

 

A dog, cat or horse is family.  They are far beyond a mere animal but someone we care about.  There should never be any embarrassment or shame in grieving the loss of a pet that is our family.  Those who do not understand the pain of losing a dog, cat or horse, are the ones who truly need to better understand life.

When the time comes to say goodbye, it will be painful, but one must be prepared for everyone eventually dies.  This is part of the human condition.

The article, “Why Saying Goodbye to a Dog Is So Unbelievably Hard” by Jillian Blume looks at the particular loss of a dog and the intense pain that comes with losing a dog.  She states,

“Humans can form intense emotional bonds with their dogs. In many ways, these bonds may be stronger and more enduring than our connection to most other human beings. And that’s why the idea of losing a beloved dog is something that pet parents try not to think about.”

To read the entire article, please click here

Losing a dog is truly like losing family.  The bond and love is as strong as family and always should be respected.  If you would like to learn more about grief and pet loss then please review AIHCP’s Pet Loss Grief Counseling Program and see if it matches your academic and professional goals.

 

 

ADHD Consulting Program Article on ADHD Triggers

Posted on by Dominick Flarey

ADHD like any issue can be triggered by multiple things.   ADHD usually manifests with mundane tasks.  Standing in line, or having to wait can all be unbearable for those with ADHD.  Likewise sitting for long periods or having to listen and focus on a speaker can be difficult.  One other element is hypersensativity.

Many things can trigger ADHD in adults. Please also review our ADHD Consulting Program and see if it meets your academic and professional goals

 

Judith Gorsuch discusses the issue of hypersensitivity and her own triggers in the article, “Please Don’t Hug Me! Seriously. And More Weird Things That Trigger My Hypersensitive ADHD”.  She states,

“When you’re diagnosed with ADHD as an adult as I was, you have the benefit of looking back several decades, cataloging your challenges, and finally realizing that not everyone lives this way. I keep a running list of random things I thought everyone struggled with, but it turns out that isn’t the case.”

To read the entire article, please click here

Please also review our ADHD Consulting Program and see if it meets your academic and professional goals.

Stress Management Consulting Article on ER Nurses and Stress

Posted on by Dominick Flarey

One of the most stressful jobs is ER nursing.  Lives hang in the balance and quick decisions need to be made.  The pressure of an ER nurse cannot be denied.  The stress that results from this type of high pressure nursing can be over bearing at times.  Sometimes a patient dies, or a nurse is stretched from one patient to another.  This type of environment is not for the weak of heart.  The ER nurse needs to be able to control emotion and stress.

ER nurses deal with immense amounts of stress. Stress Management is key. Please also review our Stress Management Consulting Program

 

The article, “Stress Management For The Emergency Room Nurse” by Rosa Elizabeth Vargas looks closer at how ER nurses can better cope with stress.  She states,

“As an ER nurse, you know how taxing emergency nursing can be. If you don’t know, allow me to share that many of my ER nursing clients say it is complete turmoil—but they love what they do. You can ask a new ER nurse or a veteran ER nurse, and they will tell you that the Emergency Department (ED) is one of the most challenging patient care units…”

To read the entire article, please click here

ER nurses love their job and they love saving lives but being able to stay calm and cool at work and at home can be a challenge.  Stress Management is a key ingredient for nurses.  Please also review our Stress Management Consulting Program and see if it meets your professional goals.

 

 

Substance Abuse Counseling Article on Addiction and Career

Posted on by Dominick Flarey

A big issue is the lost work hours due to addiction.  Many individuals miss work or lose their job due to addiction and drugs.  Those who do make it to work end up lagging or lowering productivity.   Some may even harm themselves because of the increase of accident.

Addiction and substance abuse can creep into every aspect of one’s life, career included. Please also review our Substance Abuse Counseling training program

 

These issues can create a dangerous or less productive work environment.  Employers deal with employees who miss work or arrive late on a consistent basis nationwide.  This leads to financial damage to both parties.   It is imperative to prevent addiction from harming one’s job or career.  Some employers offer addiction counseling services.  Others have to seek help on their own.

Others may function with addiction.  This in no way means that the addiction is not destroying the qualify of life.  High functioning addicts are damaging themselves long term even if the short term damage is not as present.

The article, “The Relationship Between Addiction and Job Problems”from Addiction Center states,

“A person suffering from a substance use disorder is not only affecting their own lives, they are impacting their family, friends, co-workers, and managers. If your drug or alcohol use is affecting your job negatively in any way and you continue to use, you may be suffering from a serious addiction”

To read the entire article, please click here

Addiction is a serious issue not only to job and career, but also to family, social life and health.  If addiction is destroying one’s career and job, it is critical to re-assess one’s life and find the help one needs.  Substance Abuse Counselors may be licensed professional counselors or merely trained in the area of substance abuse.  They can offer guidance and help.  If one is interested in becoming certified in Substance Abuse Counseling, then please review the program and see if it matches one’s professional and academic goals.

Healthcare Case Management Program Article on Model Patient Data Plan

Posted on by Dominick Flarey

Better patient outcomes and overall health is key in healthcare.  Primary caregivers want the best for their patients.  Hospitals want to see patients follow procedure and recover properly.  The cost of monitoring better outcomes is far less than millions spent on later complications.

Various apps and other devices allow patients to become more active in their health. It allows them to have access to important data regarding their health.  With such ready available data, they can better work with their physician to achieve superior health outcomes.

A good model patient data plan can improve health outcomes and better recovery. Please also review our Healthcare Case Management Program

 

The article, “Why patients and providers need a model patient data use agreement” by Bill Siwicki looks at agreements that go with these apps and digital plans.  He states,

“A model patient data use agreement with terms that empower individuals can provide people with the opportunity to truly manage and control their aggregated health data. Personal agency over data may also increase patient engagement and activation, improve self-management and outcomes, and improve the breadth and depth of data available for shared decision-making, care management and research”

To read the entire article, please click here

Good digital plans and agreements with patients can enhance overall health.  It is important to have a more active patient in one’s health and a good model patient data plan can play a big role.  It leads to better outcomes and recovery.  Please also review our Healthcare Case Management Program and see if it matches your academic and professional goals.

Legal Nurse Consulting Certification Article on What to do in a Malpractice Notice

Posted on by Dominick Flarey

Malpractice cases occur everyday.  Whether the physician is in the wrong or right, cases and lawsuites range in the thousands.   As a physician or healthcare provider, it is not uncommon to eventually face a malpractice charge.  Whether warranted or not, healthcare providers need to be aware of the many things one should and should not do.

While this may be a stressful time it is critical to remain level minded and react in the proper emotional, professional and legal ways.  A healthcare provider needs to understand how to react legally and professionally to the notice.

A malpractice notice can be a stressful time for a healthcare provider. Please also review our Legal Nurse Consulting Certification and see if it meets your academic and professional goals

 

The article, “What to do if you are sued for malpractice” by James Sweeney offers some basic advice if sued.  He states,

“How physicians behave after learning that they’re being sued for medical malpractice can determine the outcome of the case, regardless of its legal and medical merits.  That’s why it’s important for physicians to know how to act upon being served notice of a lawsuit. Medical Economics spoke to malpractice defense attorneys and insurers to determine the do’s and don’ts to follow.”

To read the entire article, please click here

Healthcare providers will need the aid of a malpractice attorney specialist who will be better equipped to mount a proper defense.  Legal Nurse Consultants also play a pivotal role on a malpractice team.  They are able to serve as expert witnesses and also define the industry standard in medical procedure and determine if one acted within the standards.  To learn more about Legal Nurse Consulting please review the American College of Legal Nursing’s Legal Nurse Consultant Certification and see if it matches your academic and professional goals.