We all put things off until a later date or time, but when it comes to your health and safety you better think twice about procrastinating. Procrastination may be the culprit in preventing success in one’s life. Procrastinators can even end up sabotaging themselves by putting obstacles in their own paths. They choose the paths that could actually hurt their performance so they do not succeed.
You might ask yourself, why an individual would do that to themselves. Amazingly twenty percent of the population recognizes that they are chronic procrastinators. Procrastination can become one’s routine and it has a dramatic affect on their life. The procrastinator doesn’t prepare properly for uncertainties and puts off health concerns. Even their financial obligations are set aside such as filing income tax returns late or not paying bills on time. The list goes on but as a society we do not view this as a serious problem.
Procrastination is not a problem of time management or of planning. Procrastination is developed; you are not born with it. Procrastination is an indirect learned behavior. It is one type of response to an authoritarian parenting style. A parent that is controlling keeps the child from developing the ability to regulate themselves, from internalizing their own intentions and then learning to act on them. This leads to the procrastinator to seek their friends for support rather than their parents, because they are more tolerant of their excuses. This unfortunately manifests into additional reinforcement of the procrastination.
Signs of a procrastinator can be found in their verbiage. Such as, "I feel like doing it tomorrow" but in fact they feel the same the following day. Or "I work best under pressure", but pressure does not make the difference. To extenuate the procrastination and protect their actions they will say "this isn't that important to me." The procrastinator actively looks for distractions. These distractions typically don't take a lot of commitment on their part. These distractions are ways to control their fear of failure.
There are different types of procrastinators and they procrastinate for different reasons. Adrenalin rush type or thrill-seekers will wait for the last minute for the exhilarated rush. Then there is the circumventor who has the fear in two areas, the fear of failure or the fear of success. Furthermore in either case these individuals would rather have you believe they lack effort, than ability. Then there is the procrastinator who cannot make a decision. They will abstain from making a decision to absolve themselves from the responsibility of the outcome.
There are big health costs that are associated with procrastination. Results of one study showed evidence of compromised immune systems that led to more colds, flu, gastrointestinal problems and also insomnia. Others will feel the consequences of the procrastinator. By shifting the burden of responsibility form the procrastinator onto others, the recipient will feel in addition stress and become resentful. Procrastination also destroys teamwork in the workplace and private relationships. If one recognizes themselves as being a procrastinator they can change their behavior. This does take time and is a step by step process.
For safety reason one should not procrastinate on setting up a Med File Now® (MedFN®) account. Just go to www.medfn.com to get started. You don’t need a health condition to use MedFN.com just a desire to be safe.
Sunday, August 31, 2008
Monday, July 21, 2008
Destination of Fun and Safety
You have waited all year to break loose and enjoy all the benefits of summer but are you really prepared? Summer is a time for families and individuals to venture off to new and different locations. Where you are going could mean everything. Whether you are visiting; major cities, theme parks, the great outdoors, traveling abroad or on a cruise, make sure to incorporate safety into all your plans.
Know your Destination
We all plan on having a great time on our vacation but typically no one plans on the unexpected. If you are traveling to a major city one would assume that there would be appropriate emergency facilities available. By doing some preplanning you can find out where some of these facilities are if the need arises. Also if you do have a medical condition that is being treated by a Physician you can consult with them before leaving to see if they might know a colleague in that area.
Theme parks and cruise lines put their best foot forward for the safety of their guest but a simple call, ahead of time, can help you prepare for the unexpected. Plus, you may discover that there is more available than you would have expected. When on a cruise, consult your Cruise Director before leaving the ship for any on shore excursions. Be prepared for that emergency.
The great outdoors is one way to get away from everything. From camping in a tent, arriving in a RV or staying in a cabin, all of them put you right in the middle with nature. At the same time you can be very isolated from the rest of civilization. Knowledge of near by medical facilities could be vital when vacationing in desolate areas.
Traveling abroad will require more preplanning and research. Remember there is always diversity in foreign countries culture and customs in regard to healthcare. Also you will want to check with your insurance carrier about your coverage or if you need additional coverage.
Keeping it Safe
Current and expedient information is the first step in planning ahead and keeping it safe. Losing airline tickets or your passport could lead to travel interruption. An accident could spoil the whole trip. Family members getting separated could lead to panic. Keeping a backup of information could become critical. This can all be accomplished via the Internet. Members of Med File Now® (MedFN®) know that the benefits of having electronic medical information available, in an instant. It is crucial but it is not always just about medical issues. Travelers and their children need to protect themselves with electronic information also. MedFN.com has a unique tri level security system which you can choose who can view this information. If you have a child and they get separated from you, the MedFN.com card would give access to information that you would want to make available. Such information as their name, list of emergency contacts, and insurance card information will ensure they are going to get the best care available in an emergency. Also, you have the ability to enter the location and dates of where you are staying while on vacation. Med File Now® (MedFN®) makes it convenient to store information in different areas on the site, such as ticketing and passport information that can be kept private for your eyes only. You don’t need a health condition to use MedFN.com just a desire to be safe.
Know your Destination
We all plan on having a great time on our vacation but typically no one plans on the unexpected. If you are traveling to a major city one would assume that there would be appropriate emergency facilities available. By doing some preplanning you can find out where some of these facilities are if the need arises. Also if you do have a medical condition that is being treated by a Physician you can consult with them before leaving to see if they might know a colleague in that area.
Theme parks and cruise lines put their best foot forward for the safety of their guest but a simple call, ahead of time, can help you prepare for the unexpected. Plus, you may discover that there is more available than you would have expected. When on a cruise, consult your Cruise Director before leaving the ship for any on shore excursions. Be prepared for that emergency.
The great outdoors is one way to get away from everything. From camping in a tent, arriving in a RV or staying in a cabin, all of them put you right in the middle with nature. At the same time you can be very isolated from the rest of civilization. Knowledge of near by medical facilities could be vital when vacationing in desolate areas.
Traveling abroad will require more preplanning and research. Remember there is always diversity in foreign countries culture and customs in regard to healthcare. Also you will want to check with your insurance carrier about your coverage or if you need additional coverage.
Keeping it Safe
Current and expedient information is the first step in planning ahead and keeping it safe. Losing airline tickets or your passport could lead to travel interruption. An accident could spoil the whole trip. Family members getting separated could lead to panic. Keeping a backup of information could become critical. This can all be accomplished via the Internet. Members of Med File Now® (MedFN®) know that the benefits of having electronic medical information available, in an instant. It is crucial but it is not always just about medical issues. Travelers and their children need to protect themselves with electronic information also. MedFN.com has a unique tri level security system which you can choose who can view this information. If you have a child and they get separated from you, the MedFN.com card would give access to information that you would want to make available. Such information as their name, list of emergency contacts, and insurance card information will ensure they are going to get the best care available in an emergency. Also, you have the ability to enter the location and dates of where you are staying while on vacation. Med File Now® (MedFN®) makes it convenient to store information in different areas on the site, such as ticketing and passport information that can be kept private for your eyes only. You don’t need a health condition to use MedFN.com just a desire to be safe.
Monday, June 16, 2008
Disaster Preparedness
Are you prepared for a national disaster? Many people don’t think about it until it is too late. The ability to react during and after these tragedies could be a matter of life or death. Don’t become a statistic.
A disaster such as an earthquake gives a person little to no warning and can demolish a city in seconds. The devastating tornados in the plain states are a constant reminder that you might only have a minutes warning before your life is turned upside down or even taken. Recent forest fires that ravished the West and what is being called the 500 year flood in the Mid-west gave people just hours to evacuate before having to evacuate their homes. June 1st begins hurricane season. For people living in these regions there is an advance warning to evacuate the area because these large hurricanes can bring unimaginable, wide-spread, massive destruction to the infrastructure.
Being in one of these disasters could be life threatening but what about during the extended aftermath? This was evident when hurricane Katrina plowing through New Orleans. Basic needs such as food, water and shelter where were made available over time but one of the biggest challenges was medication. Not because it was not available but because the individuals could not recall the medications they were taking or their specific health history. This can be brought on by stress, a weakening memory or caused because someone receives their personal healthcare from someone else who was not available.
In any type of disaster, beside the toll it takes on the psyche, there is the devastation that it takes on the infrastructure. Some areas will become inaccessible or even leveled beyond any recognition. If this location is the only place that holds your medical records, they could become unavailable or even worse, destroyed. That is why it is so important to have as part of your emergency disaster plan a backup of your personal health records.
It is vital to have your crucial and non-crucial information, available in one place, with you at all times. By having your MedFN® ID card on you, emergency personal or you can simply go to the website www.medfn.com and access your alphanumeric code to retrieve this vital information. If you are serious about your health then take the next step and protect yourself with a Med File Now® (MedFN®) account. Med File Now® is doing its part in bringing security to you and your loved ones during a disaster.
A disaster such as an earthquake gives a person little to no warning and can demolish a city in seconds. The devastating tornados in the plain states are a constant reminder that you might only have a minutes warning before your life is turned upside down or even taken. Recent forest fires that ravished the West and what is being called the 500 year flood in the Mid-west gave people just hours to evacuate before having to evacuate their homes. June 1st begins hurricane season. For people living in these regions there is an advance warning to evacuate the area because these large hurricanes can bring unimaginable, wide-spread, massive destruction to the infrastructure.
Being in one of these disasters could be life threatening but what about during the extended aftermath? This was evident when hurricane Katrina plowing through New Orleans. Basic needs such as food, water and shelter where were made available over time but one of the biggest challenges was medication. Not because it was not available but because the individuals could not recall the medications they were taking or their specific health history. This can be brought on by stress, a weakening memory or caused because someone receives their personal healthcare from someone else who was not available.
In any type of disaster, beside the toll it takes on the psyche, there is the devastation that it takes on the infrastructure. Some areas will become inaccessible or even leveled beyond any recognition. If this location is the only place that holds your medical records, they could become unavailable or even worse, destroyed. That is why it is so important to have as part of your emergency disaster plan a backup of your personal health records.
It is vital to have your crucial and non-crucial information, available in one place, with you at all times. By having your MedFN® ID card on you, emergency personal or you can simply go to the website www.medfn.com and access your alphanumeric code to retrieve this vital information. If you are serious about your health then take the next step and protect yourself with a Med File Now® (MedFN®) account. Med File Now® is doing its part in bringing security to you and your loved ones during a disaster.
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
National Physical Fitness and Sports Month
May is National Physical Fitness and Sports Month. This year, Med File Now® joins the President’s Council on Physical Fitness and Sports to challenge Americans to better health by getting active and fit during this month. Med File Now® (MedFN®) echoes the words of President George W. Bush, "Better health is an individual responsibility and an important national goal."
According to Melissa Johnson, executive director of the President’s Council on Physical Fitness and Sports affirmed "For health benefits, adults need 30 minutes a day of moderate physical activity on 5 or more days a week; youth aged 6 to 17 need 60 minutes. If there were a medication that conferred all of the health benefits of regular moderate physical activity, every doctor would prescribe it. Physical activity is the ultimate magic pill. Small steps add up to big results. Taking stairs instead of the elevator, going for a walk instead of a coffee break, parking the car further away from the office or shopping mall, sweeping the floor instead of vacuuming: all of these activities add up to better health."
Twenty minutes of vigorous physical activity, three times a week, such as sports, aerobics, working out in the gym, and running, has added health benefits. Johnson says, “But it’s important to understand that you don’t need to sweat in a gym or run a marathon to reap the health benefits of daily physical activity. Even 30 minutes a day, broken up into shorter increments of ten or fifteen minutes, can greatly improve your health.”
If you are one of those who have already made the decision to increase your health with sports, aerobics, working out in the gym, biking and running have you made the decision to protect yourself too? Most individuals that participate in these actives do not like to carry extra items with them such as a wallet that holds a lot of personal information. But if something happened would this crucial information be available, such as identification, insurance cards, emergency contacts or even more life threatening allergies, alerts and medications?
It is vital to have your crucial information, available in one place, with you at all times. By having your MedFN® ID card on you, emergency personal can simply go to the website www.medfn.com and access your alphanumeric code to retrieve this vital information. If you are serious about your health then take the next step and protect yourself with a Med File Now® (MedFN®) account. Med File Now® is doing its part for National Physical Fitness and Sports Month to bring safety to you and your loved ones.
According to Melissa Johnson, executive director of the President’s Council on Physical Fitness and Sports affirmed "For health benefits, adults need 30 minutes a day of moderate physical activity on 5 or more days a week; youth aged 6 to 17 need 60 minutes. If there were a medication that conferred all of the health benefits of regular moderate physical activity, every doctor would prescribe it. Physical activity is the ultimate magic pill. Small steps add up to big results. Taking stairs instead of the elevator, going for a walk instead of a coffee break, parking the car further away from the office or shopping mall, sweeping the floor instead of vacuuming: all of these activities add up to better health."
Twenty minutes of vigorous physical activity, three times a week, such as sports, aerobics, working out in the gym, and running, has added health benefits. Johnson says, “But it’s important to understand that you don’t need to sweat in a gym or run a marathon to reap the health benefits of daily physical activity. Even 30 minutes a day, broken up into shorter increments of ten or fifteen minutes, can greatly improve your health.”
If you are one of those who have already made the decision to increase your health with sports, aerobics, working out in the gym, biking and running have you made the decision to protect yourself too? Most individuals that participate in these actives do not like to carry extra items with them such as a wallet that holds a lot of personal information. But if something happened would this crucial information be available, such as identification, insurance cards, emergency contacts or even more life threatening allergies, alerts and medications?
It is vital to have your crucial information, available in one place, with you at all times. By having your MedFN® ID card on you, emergency personal can simply go to the website www.medfn.com and access your alphanumeric code to retrieve this vital information. If you are serious about your health then take the next step and protect yourself with a Med File Now® (MedFN®) account. Med File Now® is doing its part for National Physical Fitness and Sports Month to bring safety to you and your loved ones.
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
Hands-Only CPR
A major change to CPR for adults, and renewed guidelines were announced by the American Heart Association in April 2008. The new method involves using a “Hands-Only” method for CPR. The adult victim should receive 100 rapid deep presses per minute on the center of their chest. It is still crucial to call 911 first if you are alone or if there is someone else available, for them to call immediately. The CPR should be continuous until help arrives or the victim becomes conscious.
Studies have shown that the new method of CPR, hands-only, works just as well as the standard CPR, which is compressions and mouth-to-mouth together, for sudden cardiac arrest in adults. This is good news, due to the fact, that under the traditional standards bystanders would not get involved in helping a victim. If you are not formally trained with the new CPR, don’t worry, you cannot make the situation worse. If you see an adult fall unconscious and they are not responsive, call 911 and then take action. Remember inaction kills.
This new method of CPR is only if you witness the collapse of an adult. Still use the standard method of CPR when it involves infants, children, adults that had near-drowning, drug overdose, or carbon monoxide poisoning. In these cases using the standard method of CPR introduces the needed air into the victim’s lungs and bloodstream.
Even though this new method of CPR is just now being brought to the forefront, surprisingly it has been used longer than you may think. About one year ago I was shown the 100 compressions per minute CPR by Dr. Robert Tober who is the Medical Director of the Collier County EMS in Southwest Florida. This method of CPR was part of the Collier County’s EMS training since April of 2005. He explained that when a person first collapses there is still oxygen in the lungs and blood throughout the body. The priority is to keep the residual oxygen rich blood flowing to the brain.
Also, in speaking with Dr. Tober I learned that throughout his career he has always been on the leading edge of medicine. He was one of the first pioneers in ideas and methods of rapid responses of personal health records. He said the availability of past information is crucial. The problem is not that the people do not understanding this, but just do not follow through and protect themselves with their medical information.
It is vital to have your crucial medical information available at all times. Are you and your loved ones prepared with their personal health records? It is as simple as having a MedFN® account. Having their www.medfn.com alphanumeric access code on you at all times will give you that security. Med File Now® is doing its part to bring safety to you and your loved ones.
Studies have shown that the new method of CPR, hands-only, works just as well as the standard CPR, which is compressions and mouth-to-mouth together, for sudden cardiac arrest in adults. This is good news, due to the fact, that under the traditional standards bystanders would not get involved in helping a victim. If you are not formally trained with the new CPR, don’t worry, you cannot make the situation worse. If you see an adult fall unconscious and they are not responsive, call 911 and then take action. Remember inaction kills.
This new method of CPR is only if you witness the collapse of an adult. Still use the standard method of CPR when it involves infants, children, adults that had near-drowning, drug overdose, or carbon monoxide poisoning. In these cases using the standard method of CPR introduces the needed air into the victim’s lungs and bloodstream.
Even though this new method of CPR is just now being brought to the forefront, surprisingly it has been used longer than you may think. About one year ago I was shown the 100 compressions per minute CPR by Dr. Robert Tober who is the Medical Director of the Collier County EMS in Southwest Florida. This method of CPR was part of the Collier County’s EMS training since April of 2005. He explained that when a person first collapses there is still oxygen in the lungs and blood throughout the body. The priority is to keep the residual oxygen rich blood flowing to the brain.
Also, in speaking with Dr. Tober I learned that throughout his career he has always been on the leading edge of medicine. He was one of the first pioneers in ideas and methods of rapid responses of personal health records. He said the availability of past information is crucial. The problem is not that the people do not understanding this, but just do not follow through and protect themselves with their medical information.
It is vital to have your crucial medical information available at all times. Are you and your loved ones prepared with their personal health records? It is as simple as having a MedFN® account. Having their www.medfn.com alphanumeric access code on you at all times will give you that security. Med File Now® is doing its part to bring safety to you and your loved ones.
Saturday, March 29, 2008
Is it Shyness or Selective Mutism?
A parent might wonder why their child is socially shy, but there could be something more serious that should be looked into. In my search for different and interesting topics to write, I came across selective mutism. In researching selective mutism I discovered that parents who were not aware of this disorder could become completely frustrated toward their child.
Selective mutism is described as a psychological disorder in children. Children with this disorder are fluent and have an understanding of the language but fail to speak in certain social situations. Parents often believe their child is refusing to speak due to shyness, but with selective mutism the child is truly unable to speak. It can appear as there is nothing wrong since the child’s functions are normal in other areas of behavior and learning. During these periods the child becomes severely withdrawn in such things as group activities which are due to their extreme anxiety. These group activities typically occur in school or social settings.
Children acting withdrawn from selective mutism unfortunately sometimes may be confused with an autism spectrum disorder which can lead to incorrect treatment. The main difference between selective mutism and autism is that the child with selective mutism can communicate normally when in a situation where they feel comfortable. These are some of the characteristics of selective mutism:
Selective mutism is described as a psychological disorder in children. Children with this disorder are fluent and have an understanding of the language but fail to speak in certain social situations. Parents often believe their child is refusing to speak due to shyness, but with selective mutism the child is truly unable to speak. It can appear as there is nothing wrong since the child’s functions are normal in other areas of behavior and learning. During these periods the child becomes severely withdrawn in such things as group activities which are due to their extreme anxiety. These group activities typically occur in school or social settings.
Children acting withdrawn from selective mutism unfortunately sometimes may be confused with an autism spectrum disorder which can lead to incorrect treatment. The main difference between selective mutism and autism is that the child with selective mutism can communicate normally when in a situation where they feel comfortable. These are some of the characteristics of selective mutism:
- Will not speak in specific social situations but will at home
- Temper tantrums
- A difficulty in maintaining eye contact
- A reluctance to smile
- Displays blank facial expressions
- Awkward body movements
- Anxious saying hello, goodbye, thank you, etc
- Worry about things more than other people
- Sensitivity to noise
- Sensitivity in crowds or crowded situations
- Difficulty with non-verbal expression
- Fear of using public restrooms
- Compulsive traits
- Clinging behavior
- Extremely shy
- Fearful of people
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
Something about the Heart
February is the shortest month of the year, but it is never too short to reflect about one’s heart, spiritually and literally. Studies show that healthy relationships can significantly extend one’s life expectancy, but when was the last time you checked your resting Pulse or Blood Pressure? Even more critical, when was the last time you had a doctor listen to your heart or had an EKG?
Every February since 1963 - 2008 has been declared American Heart Month by the sitting President. Americans need to be aware of our nation’s number one killer which is cardiovascular disease. It is also one of the leaders in disabilities. Estimates show that 1.2 million Americans will have a myocardial infarction this year. This works out to be about one every 26 seconds and on average one person will die every minute.
You need to be aware of the increase risk factors that can lead to heart disease such as; high cholesterol, high blood pressure, obesity, diabetes, tobacco, physical inactivity and/or unhealthy diet. One can reduce these risks by having a healthy diet and exercise regime. Always seek a doctor’s advice before inducing a new diet and/or exercise program.
February 2008 is also Safety Awareness Month. What should this mean to you? Let’s define each word. Safety: Freedom from harm or danger. Awareness: The state or level of consciousness. The word Safety infers to at that times and the word Awareness infers to being in a state of consciousness. So what would that mean if you were unconscious? You are no longer safe! This could be a reality where no one would ever want to find themselves. To truly be safe you need a voice to be there when you can not speak for yourself. That is why it is crucial to have a MedFN® account and have your www.medfn.com alphanumeric access code on you at all time. Med File Now® is doing its part to bring safety awareness to you this month.
Every February since 1963 - 2008 has been declared American Heart Month by the sitting President. Americans need to be aware of our nation’s number one killer which is cardiovascular disease. It is also one of the leaders in disabilities. Estimates show that 1.2 million Americans will have a myocardial infarction this year. This works out to be about one every 26 seconds and on average one person will die every minute.
You need to be aware of the increase risk factors that can lead to heart disease such as; high cholesterol, high blood pressure, obesity, diabetes, tobacco, physical inactivity and/or unhealthy diet. One can reduce these risks by having a healthy diet and exercise regime. Always seek a doctor’s advice before inducing a new diet and/or exercise program.
February 2008 is also Safety Awareness Month. What should this mean to you? Let’s define each word. Safety: Freedom from harm or danger. Awareness: The state or level of consciousness. The word Safety infers to at that times and the word Awareness infers to being in a state of consciousness. So what would that mean if you were unconscious? You are no longer safe! This could be a reality where no one would ever want to find themselves. To truly be safe you need a voice to be there when you can not speak for yourself. That is why it is crucial to have a MedFN® account and have your www.medfn.com alphanumeric access code on you at all time. Med File Now® is doing its part to bring safety awareness to you this month.
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