The MedicMinder

Marietta, Georgia (PR) September 3, 2008 – The Republican National Convention (http://www.gopconvention.com/) in Minneapolis-Saint Paul got a rocky start this week. Hurricane Gustav took the limelight and forced the GOP to suspend Monday’s activities.

Like the Democratic National Convention this marks the formal end of the primary election period and the start of the general election season.

While both the Democratic and Republican parties’ gear up for the general election it is important that we the American people look at all of the candidates health care beliefs and plans for all Americans.

McCain’s “Call to Action” can be downloaded at www.johnmccain.com/healthcare/.

McCain’s web site tells us, “John McCain believes the key to health care reform is to restore control to the patients themselves. We want a system of health care in which everyone can afford and acquire the treatment and preventative care they need. Health care should be available to all and not limited by where you work or how much you make. Families should be in charge of their health care dollars and have more control over care.”

Republican vice-presidential candidate Alaska Governor Sarah Palin has very little on her health care policy resume from her short time in office.

Why should health care be a big issue during the election? According to U.S. Census Bureau, a substantial increase in the number of seniors will occur during the 2010 to 2030 as the nation’s baby boomers age. By the year 2020, 12 million older Americans will require long-term care services. By 2030, 72 million Americans will be over the age of 65 or one out of every five Americans.

As the U.S. population continues to age about 80 percent of seniors have at least one chronic health condition and 50 percent have at least two. Arthritis, diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, and respiratory disorders are some of the leading health struggles they will face.

The baby boomers are also living longer than any generation before them. Studies show that as our population ages, the more services they rely on from the health care industry. The baby boomers; especial the tail end boomers could live to see 100 plus years; health care demands will dramatically increase and put pressure on health care services. So the health care beliefs and plans of the candidates, our next President, are very important.

While the cost of health care is out of the ordinary American’s hands we can take control of our own personal medical history. Knowing, tracking and recording your personal medical history is a critical must.

Did you know that most states only require your doctors to keep patient records for an average of 5 to 7 years? So what happens to your records when you really need them? What if your doctor retires, changes practices or moves to another state? Do you really want to fight to recreate your medical and drug history in an emergency? Wouldn’t it be more sensible to prepare now and keep a running record of your medical and drug history, contact numbers for doctors, family and ICE, pharmacies, insurance companies, personal inventory, directives and much more.

The MedicMinder provides peace of mind for users – the knowledge that all pertinent medical and drug history is documented in one comprehensive, easy to use system. No second-guessing in an emergency – having this vital information in immediate reach reduces guesswork and stress so often felt during times of medical crisis.

About The MedicMinder
Simply stated, the MedicMinder is “Trusted by Caring Families.”

About The Sam101.com
Sales. Advertising. Marketing. Tips, advice and design help in one stop.

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Diane Carter, PR Contact, http://www.themedicminder.com, Post Office Box 333, Marietta, Georgia 30061, 770-499-0127

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Marietta, Georgia (PR) August 26, 2008 – Barack Obama has introduced Senator Joe Biden to the nation as his running mate, telling supporters that he is “a leader who is ready to step in and be president.”

While both the Democratic and Republican campaigns gear up for the general election season it is important that we look at all of the candidates health care beliefs, policies and plans for America.

A quick visit to Biden’s web site (http://www.biden.senate.gov/) and you’ll find, “The Biden Plan: A Prescription For A Healthier America.” His plan indicates that he is committed to reducing the number of uninsured American’s and improving American’s access to essential health care services. He also talks about giving uninsured Americans 55 and older the chance to buy into early coverage under Medicare.

Interesting idea considering that the cost of health care in the U.S. is expected to continue to outpace inflation and gobble up more of the nation’s gross domestic product (GDP), according to an analyst by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. Spending in 2006 surpassed $2.1 trillion for the first time, can you image where it is headed?

Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) economist Sean Keehan, one of the authors of the government’s annual health care projection report said, “Health care is expected to consume an expanding share of the U.S. economy over the next decade, meaning policymakers, insurers, and the public collectively face some difficult decisions about the way health care is delivered and paid for.”

Medicaid spending in 2008 is projected to grow 6.8 percent and reach $361.2 billion. For the next decade, it is expected to grow at an average of 7.9 percent per year, reaching $717.3 billion, or 16.8 percent of national health spending, by 2017.

By 2015, spending on the elderly will consume nearly half the federal budget, through Medicare and Medicaid, pensions for federal workers and military retirees, veterans’ health care and pensions, coal miners’ benefits, Supplemental Security Income, food stamps, heating and housing assistance, and other programs for the elderly, according to the Brookings Institution.

Why should health care be a big issue during the elections? Because according to U.S. Census Bureau, a substantial increase in the number of seniors will occur during the 2010 to 2030 as the nation’s baby boomers age. By the year 2020, 12 million older Americans will require long-term care services. By 2030, 72 million Americans will be over the age of 65 or one out of every five Americans.

As the U.S. population continues to age about 80 percent of seniors have at least one chronic health condition and 50 percent have at least two. Arthritis, diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, and respiratory disorders are some of the leading health struggles they will face.

Someone recently said that baby boomers; especial the tail end boomers could live to see 100 plus years; health care demands will continue to dramatically increase and put pressure on our health care services. So the health care beliefs policies and plans of the candidates are very important.

While the cost of health care is out of the ordinary American’s hands we can take control of our own personal medical history assuring us better medical care especially in an emergency. Knowing, tracking and recording your personal medical history is a critical must and truly becoming more your responsibility.

Did you know most states only require your doctors to keep patient records for an average of 5 to 7 years? What happens to your records when you really need them? What if your doctor retires, changes practices or moves to another state? Do you really want to fight to rebuild your medical and drug history in an emergency? Wouldn’t it be more sensible to prepare now and keep a running record of your medical and drug history, contact numbers for doctors, family and ICE, pharmacies, insurance companies, personal inventory, directives and much more.

The MedicMinder believes all America’s should that’s why we provide peace of mind for users – the knowledge that all pertinent medical and drug history is documented in one comprehensive, easy to use system. No second-guessing in an emergency – having this vital information in immediate reach reduces guesswork and stress so often felt during times of medical crisis.

About The MedicMinder
Simply stated, the MedicMinder is “Trusted by Caring Families.”

About The Sam101.com
Sales. Advertising. Marketing. Tips, advice and design help in one stop.

##

Diane Carter, PR Contact, media@themedicminder.com, http://www.themedicminder.com, Post Office Box 333, Marietta, Georgia 30061, 770-499-0127

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Marietta, Georgia (PR) August 25, 2008 – The Democratic National Convention (www.demconvention.com) week officially kicks off today in Denver, Colorado and concludes on August 28, 2008.

Delegates from all fifty U.S. states and from American dependencies and territories such as Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands attend the convention and cast their votes to choose the Party’s presidential candidate.

Like the Republican National Convention, the Democratic National Convention marks the formal end of the primary election period and the start of the general election season.

While both campaigns and the parties’ gear up for the general election season it is important that we look at all of the candidates health care beliefs and plans for all Americans.

Barack Obama’s “Plan for a Healthy American” can be downloaded at www.barackobama.com.

Obama’s web site reports that “The U.S. spends $2 trillion on health care every year, and offers the best medical technology and scientific research in the world. Yet, the benefits of the American health care system come at a price that an increasing number of individuals and families, employers and employees, and public and private providers cannot afford.”

It goes on to say that, “Barack Obama believes that protecting and promoting health and wellness in this nation is a shared responsibility among individuals and families, school systems, employers, the medical and public health workforce, and federal, state, and local governments.“

Obama breaks his health care reform plan down into three parts saying that it builds “upon the strengths of the U.S. health care system.”

The three parts are:
1. Quality, Affordable & Portable Health Coverage For All
2. Modernizing The U.S. Health Care System To Lower Costs & Improve Quality
3. Promoting Prevention & Strengthening Public Health

Will Obama be able to cut health care costs? For that answer we’ll have to wait and see.

Why should health care be a big issue during the elections? Because according to U.S. Census Bureau, a substantial increase in the number of seniors will occur during the 2010 to 2030 as the nation’s baby boomer’s age. By the year 2020, 12 million older Americans will require long-term care services. By 2030, 72 million Americans will be over the age of 65 or one out of every five Americans.

As the U.S. population continues to age about 80 percent of seniors have at least one chronic health condition and 50 percent have at least two. Arthritis, diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, and respiratory disorders are some of the leading health struggles they will face.

The baby boomer’s are also living longer than any generation before them. Studies show that as our population ages, the more services they rely on from the health care industry. The baby boomer’s; especial the tail end boomer’s could live to see 100 plus years; health care demands will dramatically increase and put pressure on health care services. So the health care beliefs and plans of the candidates, our next President, are very important.

While the cost of health care is out of the ordinary American’s hands we can take control of our own personal medical history. Knowing, tracking and recording your personal medical history is a critical must.

Did you know that most states only require your doctors to keep patient records for an average of 5 to 7 years? So what happens to your records when you really need them? What f your doctor retires, changes practices or moves to another state? Do you really want to fit to rebuild your medical and drug history in an emergency? Wouldn’t it be more sensible to prepare now and keep a running record of your medical and drug history, contact numbers for doctors, family and ICE, pharmacies, insurance companies, personal inventory, directives and much more.

The MedicMinder provides peace of mind for users – the knowledge that all pertinent medical and drug history is documented in one comprehensive, easy to use system. No second-guessing in an emergency – having this vital information in immediate reach reduces guesswork and stress so often felt during times of medical crisis.

About The MedicMinder
Simply stated, the MedicMinder is “Trusted by Caring Families.”

###

Diane Carter, PR Contact, media@themedicminder.com, www.themedicminder.com, Post Office Box 333, Marietta, Georgia 30061, 770-499-0127

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Marietta, Georgia (PR) August 11, 2008 – An article posted on the NIH Senior Health site reports that people age 65 and older take more prescription and over-the-counter medicines than any other age group. It is common for these individuals to take multiple drugs daily because they have more long-term, chronic illnesses such as arthritis, diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease.

It is also common for one in five people over the age of 65 experiences moderate to severe memory impairment. Making the MedicMinder a perfect companion for tracking their medications. From why they take the medication, in what form they take it (pill, liquid, shot…), the color and shape, the dosage, any special instructions regarding the medication given to them by the subscribing physician and what time a day (am, pm) they take it.

To reduce potential risks and side effects medications must be taken as directed. Organizing medications can be difficult and a struggle for the older population, especially if they take numerous medications each day, at different times, and with different instructions.

The MedicMinder system makes medication management easier and helps to guarantee they are taking medication as directed. The MedicMinder should be kept in a place where it is easy to refer to. Family and caregivers should be made aware that the MedicMinder system is being used and where it is located at all times.

A list of medications is an ideal record to have regardless of whether you need medication reminders or not. The information is important when physicians prescribe new medicine or in any emergency. The MedicMinder is a comprehensive health record-keeping system available at www.themedicminder.com. There is a special tabbed section that assists with medication tracking.

Tracking medication is only one part of this dynamic record-keeping system. It is as important to keep track of all health conditions, medications, allergies, past surgeries, financial information, and other items related to health and personal care. The MedicMInder has a tabbed section for all of this and more.

The MedicMinder provides peace of mind – the knowledge that all pertinent medical and drug history is documented in one comprehensive, easy to use system. No second-guessing in an emergency – reach for the MedicMinder and be assured that vital and accurate information is in reach, including contact numbers for doctors, pharmacies, insurance companies, and more.

The MedicMinder is a dynamic way to keep track of personal health records. For further information about the MedicMinder, contact us.

About The MedicMinder
Simply stated, the MedicMinder is “Trusted by Caring Families.”

Diane Carter, PR Contact, http://www.themedicminder.com, Post Office Box 333, Marietta, Georgia 30061, 770-499-0127

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To reduce your risk of heart disease and stroke, work with your healthcare professionals to monitor and maintain healthy cholesterol levels. Even if your cholesterol levels are good now, it’s not too early to develop healthy habits that can help keep your numbers in check.

Learn Your Levels

Have your blood cholesterol checked regularly. Learn your levels and what the numbers mean.

Make A Plan

Work with your healthcare professionals to develop a treatment and prevention plan.

Prevent And Treat

Use these tips and tools for maintaining healthy cholesterol levels through lifestyle and medication, as your doctor may recommend.

Stay Informed

This site can help you and your doctor understand and address your unique cholesterol issues. Learn more about cholesterol and how it can affect your health.

To read more please visit the

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Studies Show a Lower-Salt Diet Lowers Risk of Heart Disease and Stroke

By Salynn Boyles, WebMD Medical News
Reviewed By Louise Chang, MD

Even modest reductions in salt intake can dramatically lower heart disease risk, new research shows.

In an extended follow-up of two rigorously designed trials, people who reduced their dietary sodium while participating in the studies saw 25% reductions in heart disease and stroke risk 10 to 15 years later, compared with people who ate their usual diets.

Most people in the intervention arm of the studies — where participants reduced the sodium in their diet — lowered their sodium intake by 25% to 30%, researcher Nancy Cook, ScD, of Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, tells WebMD.

“This was not salt restriction, it was salt reduction,” she says. “These people ate normal diets, but we taught them how to look out for hidden salt and avoid it.”

Hidden Salt

The findings are the strongest evidence yet linking dietary salt intake to heart disease, Cook says. It is the first intervention trial to assess cardiovascular risk long term.

Participants were between the ages of 30 and 54 when recruited for the two salt-reduction studies, which were conducted between 1987 and 1995. All also had slightly elevated blood pressures, but none had heart disease at recruitment.

During the initial trials, roughly half of participants were taught to identify, select, and prepare low-salt foods and asked to reduce the salt in their diets. The rest were not asked to lower the salt in their diets. One study lasted for 18 months and the other study lasted for 36-48 months.

Ten to 15 years after the end of the original trials, participants in the intervention arms of the two studies were found to have lower cardiovascular risk and a slightly lower risk of death from all causes than participants who ate their usual diets.

“Americans consume much more sodium than is necessary, and it comes mostly from processed foods and the foods we eat in restaurants,” Cook says, adding that initiatives aimed at lowering dietary sodium will have a bigger impact if they target the food industry and not individuals.

Calling for Change

Last summer, the American Medical Association (AMA) called for a minimum 50% reduction in sodium in processed foods, fast foods, and non-fast-food restaurant meals within a decade. The group also called on the FDA to work harder to educate consumers about the health risks associated with a high-sodium diet.

Texas cardiologist J. James Rohack, MD, who was on the AMA board that issued the directives, says 150,000 lives could be saved in the U.S. annually if everyone cut their sodium consumption in half.

Most people eat much more salt than they realize, he says, because restaurant meals and processed foods have replaced home cooking in the American diet. The American Heart Association recommends that healthy adults should not exceed 2,300 milligrams of sodium a day. This is equal to about 1 teaspoon of table salt, but sodium is found in many processed and pre-packaged foods.

“The average American is eating three times as much salt as is healthy every day — the equivalent of 2 to 3 teaspoons instead of no more than 1,” he says. “The assumption tends to be, ‘If I don’t use my salt shaker much, I’m probably OK,’ but that just isn’t true.”

SOURCES: Cook, N.R. British Medical Journal online, April 19, 2007. Nancy R. Cook, ScD, associate professor, department of medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston. J. James Rohack, MD, FACC, FACP, board member, American Medical Association; director, Center for Healthcare Policy, Scott and White Health Plan. “Reducing the Population Burden of Cardiovascular Disease by Reducing Sodium Intake,” AMA publication, June 2006. American Heart Association web site.

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