Tag Archives: chronic illness

“Moving On (before and after cancer)” by Sue McCollum

The short book of poetry details the author's experience with breast cancer

“Moving On (before and after cancer)” is author Sue McCollum’s personal journal about her experience with breast cancer. However, it’s unique because it is written entirely in rhyme poetry. The book is divided chronologically into four sections detailing McCollum’s cancer … Continue reading

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New Interventions and Preventive Care Could Lower Costs and Reduce Hospitalization for Medicare Patients

Experts release a list of ideas for the future care of Medicare beneficiaries

The Bipartisan Policy Center recently found that an estimated 3.65 million Medicare beneficiaries might need more preventive care than they’re currently receiving. These Medicare patients fit into one or more of the following categories: Patients who aren’t dually eligible for Medicaid … Continue reading

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People With Good Heart Health in Middle Age Live Longer

Good cardiovascular health in middle age also equates to fewer years with chronic health issues

People with better heart health in middle age live longer and have fewer instances of all kinds of chronic illness, according to a new study reported by the American Heart Association. The 40-year study is the first to examine the … Continue reading

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Addiction: The Terminal Illness No One Talks About

Addiction and its aftermath kill millions of Americans every year

Turn on the radio or TV news today and you will probably hear something about America’s epidemic of drug abuse. Opioids (a class of drugs that includes prescription medicines like oxycodone and fentanyl as well as the illegal drug heroin), … Continue reading

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Mortality Risk Assessment: A Tool for Planning End-of-Life Care

Nurse practitioners make inroads in advanced care planning

A recent study from the American Association of Nurse Practitioners shows that sharing realistic information with patients about their medical prognosis helps facilitate discussions about end-of-life care. The study, published in the Journal of the American Association of Nurse Practitioners … Continue reading

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Important Changes to California’s POLST Law

Nurse practitioners and physician assistants can now sign end-of-life orders

As of Jan. 1, 2016, nurse practitioners and physician assistants acting under the supervision of a physician are authorized under California’s newly enacted Assembly Bill 637 to sign Physician’s Orders for Life Sustaining Treatment forms. Also known as POLST, the … Continue reading

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