There is No Nursing Shortage

An interesting conversation took place recently between a 45 year nursing veteran and her family. The topic of the day was the nursing shortage and the veteran nurse surprised all by announcing, “There is no nursing shortage, there is a hospital nursing shortage.”

She went on to explain that in the home health and non-institutional nursing fields, there is an adequate supply of nurses willing to work for employers who respect and value their services. According to this nurse who had worked in hospitals for much of her career, the problem today is that hospitals and other institutions see nurses and other professionals as replaceable rather than precious.

“No nurse my age is going to work for some young supervisor who believes that you manage people by threatening them or their license. There are too many jobs out there to deal with that nonsense.”

This veteran nurse struck on the key factor in any employee shortage, the relationship between employer and employee. Two contrasting examples of the value of the employer/employee relationship demonstrate the promise and peril facing healthcare in the future.

Steeley Corporation:

One of the two largest employers in a north Florida community, Steeley Corporation had once been one of the two most reliable employers in the region. Steeley Corporation was the unrivaled market leader in their niche and pay at Steeley Corporation was second only to pay at the paper mill. Steeley Corporation management was exclusively hand picked individuals who had proven their willingness to follow any order given by the company president. Steeley Corporation management believed in an authoritarian management model and the lack of other good paying jobs ensured that employees remained despite the poor employer/employee relationships.

As the economy of the area shifted from manufacturing to tourism, Steeley Corporation began to suffer financial difficulties. Convinced that the company could be profitable again if the employees would stand with the organization, mandatory overtime and shortened breaks were instituted to “save jobs.” Employees unwilling or unable to work past the end of shift were terminated and management further retaliated by giving poor references. As the company spiraled downward, payroll checks began to bounce and managers began threatening licensed employees with “reports to the state.” Employee resignations skyrocketed and families began leaving the community. Finally, the company collapsed and disappeared overnight. In the aftermath, hundreds of employees were owed millions of dollars.

Intuit

The early days of the “dot-com” craze were characterized by a many great ideas that would flounder for years until rediscovered by a bigger company. Small software houses would create a fantastic product, but without the funds to run a start-up business, these products would either disappear or be purchased by larger companies. Microsoft was the biggest buyer of such innovative technology. It was into this environment that a small company with an electronic checkbook was born. Intuit began in a garage and grew quickly on money borrowed by the founders.

The brightest days for Intuit were quickly followed by sudden financial darkness. As larger software developers entered the “personal finance” market, Intuit found itself in financial trouble. The company founders made the employees an extraordinary offer based on the value they placed on the employees and the relationship with each as a person. The employees were offered an opportunity to work for partial ownership of the company. Those who chose this option would become shareholders with the potential of making millions if the company survived to be a publicly traded company. Employees who could not afford to forego being paid received a guarantee that their job would be available if they chose to return when the company was again solvent.

Intuit management had cultivated caring relationships based on mutual respect with each employee. There was no “management by intimidation” at Intuit and the company was rewarded when financial disaster loomed large on their horizon. Most key company employees opted to stay, unpaid, in exchange for ownership. A small group of employees were unable to forego an income. Intuit management guaranteed their jobs and honored these guarantees when these employees returned. Over time, Intuit became the dominate personal and business finance software manufactured, even staving off a take over attempt by Microsoft.

Healthcare has become a split marketplace with institutional care (hospitals and nursing homes) separated from non-institutional care. Nurses are gravitating to non-institutional care despite lower pay because of the factors that Intuit and others have come to appreciate. Employees care more about the relationships than the money. Veteran nurses remember being respected and appreciated for long hours and selfless dedication. It was not expected or required, it was given freely and accepted graciously. Even in a “materialistic society” people want to be loved and cared for, respected and valued.

There is no nursing shortage, there is a relationship shortage.

Dr. Maurice A. Ramirez is co-founder of Disaster Life Support of North America, Inc., a national provider of Disaster Preparation, Planning, Response and Recovery education. Through his consulting firm High Alert, LLC., he serves on expert panels for pandemic preparedness and healthcare surge planning with Congressional and Cabinet Members. Board certified in multiple medical specialties, Dr. Ramirez is Founding Chairperson of the American Board of Disaster Medicine and a Senior Physician-Federal Medical Officer for the Department of Homeland Security. Cited in 24 textbooks with numerous published articles, he is co-creator of C5RITICAL and author of Mastery Against Adversity. Dr. Ramirez invites comments at: http://www.disaster-blog.com

Swine Flu Tip - Don't Be Your Own Petri Dish

There are a number of things you can do to reduce your chances of getting the flu. At the top of this list is maintaining a healthy digestive tract. While the flu is a respiratory infection, it always incubates in your digestive tract before moving to your lungs. A healthy GI tract can reduce the likelihood of viral replication as well as getting your immune system into gear to deal with the problem.

The whole flu process gets going by breathing it in and then swallowing, or coming into contact and then touching your face and eventually swallowing the virus. From there it goes to your digestive tract - where your first line of defense is death by hydrochloric acid. This is not a good time to be on any acid-suppressing medication - which is clearly known to double your chances of getting whatever flu comes around.

A great deal of immune system activity is constantly going on in and around your digestive tract. Half of your lymph system is located around your digestive tract to deal with "foreigner issues." You actually have more foreign cells in your digestive tract than cells that make up your body. Your relationship with these non-self entities plays a large role in your immune competence.

For example, if you have too much Candida albicans and too much of a hostile bacteria, these issues have already strained immune function within your gut. In many cases these foreign gangs of thugs are communicating to your front line troops and telling them not to work properly. This makes it more likely that some other type of problem, such as the new Swine flu, can get a toehold in your digestive tract and begin multiplying.

During a potential pandemic you should avoid all junk food, snacking on sugar, excess alcohol, or anything else that interferes with your digestive processes. It is a top priority to maintain your digestive tract in excellent working condition.

Byron J. Richards, Founder/Director of Wellness Resources, Inc, is a Board-Certified Clinical Nutritionist and a world renowned natural health expert. Richards is the first to explain the relevance of leptin and its link to solving obesity.

For a fully referenced article: Click Here.

Getting in Shape After 50 - Easier Than You May Think

You're over 50. No sense talking to you about what happens when you get older. You're there. You've been around the block; been there, done that.

Now you're thinking you'll get in shape but when you come home after a long day you're too tired. Excuses have become your specialty. Sure, once you were in shape but that was when you had no troubles, or fewer troubles. Maybe you were never in shape. You'd like to be but you don't know where to start.

There is some good news but you have to turn off the TV. That insidious box is stealing your life away. Before you know it, you'll be dead and all you'll be sorry. Turn the life sucking, brain vaporizing thing off. You may need a week or two to decide. That's OK but make the decision. Does it mean you'll never turn the silly thing on again? No, of course not. But it does mean it gets last priority. LAST priority. We'll pretend you made the decision to pull the plug and move onto the next decision. It's about your attitude. It sucks. I know, you're 50 years old or maybe even worse, 60. Could it be you're 70? Egads.

Who cares? Nobody but you. If you were looking and feeling like Jack Lalanne you'd be proud of your old age. It all starts with a great attitude; not a good attitude, a great attitude. Some of you take solace in being like Garfield and his dark depressed humor. I think he's funny too. But, when it comes to getting into shape, I'll kick his little cat ass every time.

So we'll make believe again. You turned off the TV and you made the decision to get fit. Your attitude is not great yet but you're willing to work on it. It will get better. Who feels great when their body is falling apart?

What are your goals? Is your goal to lose 50 lbs.? Maybe your goal is too get off insulin or blood pressure medicine. Whatever your goal is, write it down. Write it down. When do you want to reach your goal? Remember you didn't put the weight on in a week, so don't expect to take it off in a week. Figure losing about a pound a week if you're doing it right. Doing it right means losing the fat but keeping the muscle. Kabish? Since muscle weighs three times more than fat, it ain't going to be that easy to lose 50 lbs, right? That's all right. If your blood sugar is down and your pressure along with it, and you're fitting into those 36 to 38s, then you're doing all right. Nonetheless, we all like the scale to lighten up a little, y'know.

Ok, so if we're going to lose 50 lbs. and it takes a week a pound your goal statement should look something like this: "I am losing 50 pounds by April 30, 2010."

Now you can rest. Yeah, right. Now you can get to work to make this happen. Forget about every "try this, try that" solution out there. Here's your plan. Exercise more and eat less. Exercise more and eat less.

The details should flush out something like this. Eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince, dinner like a pauper. Drink 8 glasses of water throughout the day. Eat your fruits in the morning and veggies in the afternoon. Walk 1 hour at least 4 times a week. Now, here's the tough part. Get a partner. I walk with my daughter. With 16 year old girls being what they are today, I don't expect you'll have much success. I started years ago so she's brainwashed by now. How about your spouse? You can talk....or not. After a few months you'll need a partner. Get one.

There's lots more but those are the basics.

Here's the wrap up: I live in health care whether I like it or not. I have been in the healthcare industry for 20 years first as a personal trainer who owned a fitness center and then as an owner of ten multi-disciplinary clinics. Now I market for home health companies, run an elder care foundation, own a PT company and run a training association for health care trainers. My head hurts. Let me tell you that your health care coverage is going to get worse, a lot worse. Your health care plan is going to start encouraging you a lot more aggressively to get into shape because health care costs are going through the roof. You better get in shape. Yeah, I know, it's funny how youre allergic to exercise and all that but it ain't too funny when your doctor tells you that you have diabetes or you better not get too upset because your blood pressure is so high that you'll risk a heart attack.

Get into shape. You'll love it and once you're half way there your family will love it to. Get off the couch, turn off the TV and start moving. One more thing, eat less , will you? Can't you control yourself?

You may have noticed that I repeated myself a lot during this article. I also give talks on Alzheimer's and if you're over 50 you're getting it. Get into shape and you'll grow more brain cells. You can thank me later.

God bless!
Bill Ranieri
321-626-9031

Bill Ranieri is the renaissance man of health and fitness. He has done just about everything from own multidisciplinary clinics to start personal training certification courses. He is a man of attitude, pure positive attitude. He believes that anything can be achieved with an unrelenting positive attitude. He currently owns a PT company, talks on Alzheimer's and other senior issues, runs a training association for health care trainers, writes articles and is an expert in health care marketing. Above all he loves fitness and thanks God everyday for his talents. If you want him to help you personally or professionally you may contact him at 321-626-9031 or e-mail him at waranieri@aol.com. First he will determine with you if he can help you. Then you'll talk price. If you're motivated, it's affordable!

Steroids - Help Or Harmful?

Steroids are fast catching up with antibiotics as the most abused class of drugs in your doctor's black bag. There is no doubt that the discovery of steroids over 50 years ago was a major advance in medicine, but a lifesaver?

The problem is, like antibiotics steroids appear to be a miracle 'cure'. Patients with crippling arthritis or asthma seem to be instantly better on steroids. The wheezing, the swelling, the pain goes away. Understandably the doctors turn to them fast, often first line of attack.

Antibiotics were once reserved for extreme emergency are now being used on the most trivial of conditions. Steroids are now handed out as readily as antibiotics even to babies, at the first sign of inflammation of any sort.

Steroids make up many over-the-counter skin drugs, and are considered the drug of choice for asthma, arthritis, and back problems, bowel problems and for all inflammations or allergic reactions.

Far from being a wonder drug 'cure all', steroids cannot cure one single condition. All they do is suppress your body's ability to express a normal response. In a few instances, this type of suppression will give the body a chance to heal itself. But more often, the effect is immediate, devastating and permanently damaging. Doctors are more commonly realizing how quickly damaging side effects can occur even after a short period of taking the drug.

Unlike antibiotics, steroids are all broad-spectrum, they don't simply affect the area of the body you wish to treat, but scatter their effects through every cell. This is turn may cause numerous side effects. For 30 years we have known that steroids can routinely cause over activity of adrenal hormones, which produces Cushing's disease, characterized by a fat abdomen and face. They can also cause muscle wasting, hyperglycaemia, water retention, insomnia, mood changes, osteoporosis, diabetes to list a few. Do you still want to use them?

Steroids in Children

For 30 years we've known that prolonged use of steroids for asthma and eczema retards growth in children and delays puberty. Studies have shown children even suffering from chronic arthritis, stunted growth and adrenal suppression.

Steroids may also affect a child's cognitive performance. Cataracts and glaucoma has been associated with oral steroids.

Bone density has been found to be lower with children the longer they stay on steroids. Even inhaled drugs for such as asthma are found to have adverse effects on bone metabolism and adrenal function. Steroids can cause the break down of bone joints, resulting with joint replacements.

Despite these dramatic effects on such crippling conditions, new research shows that some of these anti-inflammatory effects appear to wear off in time, leaving suffers worse off than before.

Highlighting a few effects steroids can cause, can possibly give readers an opportunity to think before they make the quick decision to pop to the doctors for a quick fix cure, as it can sometimes be more harmful than a cure?

Lucy Bridges Level 2 Coach at Dax Moy Personal Training Studios

Simple and Perfect Solutions For Excessive Head Sweating

Excessive head sweating is a very common disorder seen especially in children. One can often notice that some children wake up from sleep dripping with sweat from their head. This symptom is often overlooked and considered normal unless it starts giving problems. But keep in mind excessive sweating of any part is not common and it is indicative of some unknown ailment that triggers the some glands leading to its hyperactivity, which is expressed as sweating.

Why is excessive head sweating caused? Have you ever thought about it? If not, then it is high time that you divert your attention towards this matter. An unbalanced hormonal level in your body is the main cause of excessive head sweating. When the endocrine glands are affected, hormone regulation gets altered in the body which often leads hyperactivity of the glands. As a result, the some glands are triggered and excessive sweat is produced in the body. It is often a warning for you to consult a doctor and start the necessary treatment.

It is also caused when the person does not maintain proper hygienic conditions. Keep your hair clean and free of dirt by taking bath every day, will help you to decrease this problem. Thyroid is another gland that is responsible for controlling sweat production in the body. This is a diagnostic symptom of hypothyroidism caused due to altered levels of thyroid hormones.

Herbal remedies are also effective in the management of this ailment. They are completely natural and risk free and very effective. Surgeries are recommended nowadays by many professionals for excessive head sweating, but it a risk that is unnecessarily taken as it has no guarantee and often the nerves in the body are tampered. Relaxation techniques are useful in those persons who are under tremendous stress and strain and in some cases this is seen effective.

Excessive head sweating should not be overlooked and if you are a target of this illness get yourself checked up as soon as possible.

There are many methods to cure your overactive sweat glands. Excessive head sweating is totally curable, You just need to Use some Natural Methods to get rid of the problem. Take a look at Prevent Sweating and get relief from this problem forever. Take care of your health and live life longer.

How to Shop For a Luggage Set

If your luggage falls apart during your vacation, you will find yourself doing some unexpected shopping instead of lounging by the pool, or seeing the sites. It can be pretty inconvenient to shop for luggage in a location where there aren't any luggage stores. Your luggage will need to be able to withstand a baggage handler's bad day. Here's what to look for.

Step 1

Consider where you're going and what you're packing before you shop for new luggage. This will determine the quantity and size of luggage you'll need. Choose a luggage set, or single piece of luggage that's appropriate for the length of your trip. Keep in mind the possibility of needing to accommodate unexpected items or expand for a longer trip.

Step 2

Determine your budget before you shop. You can do a lot of research on brands and quality online. This will help steer you in the direction of quality luggage brands you can afford. A reputable luggage store that specializes in all types of luggage will give you advice based on your budget and travel needs, or if you feel that you have enough information to make your own choice, you can definitely get some great luggage sets online.

Step 3

Decide whether you want soft or hard-case luggage. Heavier, hard-sided suitcases offer far better protection for fragile items (if packed properly). Soft luggage is lighter. The lighter weight is a real plus because nowadays most airlines will charge you extra if your luggage weighs more than 50 pounds.

Step 4

Decide whether you want roller luggage, or you are going to carry your suitcase around yourself. This may not matter as much for the luggage you check, but your carry on luggage will get really heavy between airport gates if it doesn't roll. Look for heavy-duty wheels (some have durable in-line skate wheels) and a sturdy base. and handle. Is the handle strong enough to lift the bag when it's fully packed?

Step 5

When buying soft luggage, check the denier of a fabric. Denier is a measurement of the fineness of the yarn. The higher the denier, the more durable the fabric.

Step 6

Look for a quality zipper that's heavy-duty enough to support the weight the bag was designed to hold. (Top of the line zippers are YKKs.) Look for dual zippered pockets. Another feature you'll be glad you have is an extra zipper that allows the top of the suitcase to expand.

Look for bar tacking at all stress points. Critical seams and attachment points for webbing should be bar-tacked. Bar tacking is a specialized sewing stitch designed to provide immense tensile strength to the garment or equipment it is used on. Bar tacking is commonly used on backpacks, tents, tactical gear, and other heavy wear sewn items where normally sewn stitches might give way at a crucial moment. In general, bar tacking is a sign of good quality.

Step 7

Look for a luggage set that nests. A luggage set that nests is really convenient when you get home and store it.

Step 8

Make sure the bags fit airlines' approved carry-on luggage size. Most bags within the 22" x 13" x 10" (56cm + 33cm + 25cm) size restriction are considered legal on all planes. A good rule of thumb is that the length + width + height = 45 inches, but each airline is slightly different.

Garrett Rohde
Former Airline Pilot and Travel Expert
Luggage-Pilot.com

Are You Travelling For the First Time?

Many times when people plan to take a trip over the holidays, they will end up doing some of the travelling in a car first! However, it will be worth it once they finally get where they want to be.

If you are a beginner at taking a cruise, there are many tips that might help you out a little more! Because most of the cruise ships are large and complex, you can get lost easily; however, it is easy to find your way back!

One thing that you can do for the first day or so until you know you way around is by bringing a map with you. You may want to visit the dining area, some of the local shops, as well as the restrooms. Otherwise, you may also go to the internet café is you wanted to go online. There is always an information office or booth that will be more than happy to help you with everything.

If you should end up in an area or have no idea where you are, don't worry as you are the not first to have that happen to you; nor will you be the last! One thing that may help you is read the ship newsletter. In there you will find all the latest news, gossip, and events going on. Also, you will want to know what is cheap and what is not!

If you have plenty of time, you may want to check out some of the places that provide evening events! You never know what it'll be until it starts! One thing that many people do not like, but have to do is the mandatory lifeboat drill. It is incase the ship should sink; odds are close to zero! However, it can also be fun practicing it! Also, you will feel better knowing that everything is working and how to use the life vests!

Because you have had a little introduction as to what you can do on the ship, go out and have fun! Also, don't look back until you have too! Going on a cruise ship for the first time should be marvelous!!

Fabio Itonga usually edits detailed reports on subjects similar to cheap florence hotels. You can have a look at his contributions on good hostel at http://www.florence-italy-guide.com and different sources for good hostel to stay in florence news.