Health Care Provider Content Marketing Portfolio
With 10 years experience in a corporate healthcare environment as well as experience the medical office setting, we understand the healthcare industry, its people, its research and its technologies. Please see short samples below of larger pieces.
Dental Surgery/ Advancements in Anesthesia
The No Pain Root Canal
Few areas of dental treatment have seen greater advancement than the subject of local anesthesia, which plays such an integral role in dental procedures, particularly the root canal Houston area residents may need to restore their quality of life. Without local anesthetic, root canal pain would be unbearable. And for so many the root canal has become the butt of jokes, the object of similes and somehow synonymous with pain itself, leaving endodontist patients shaking in their chairs -- or worse -- avoiding seeking professional help altogether.
But times have changed. Out of evidence based research has sprung proven techniques that allow patients to achieve deep and full "numbing" down to the very core of the tooth, known as profound pulpal anesthesia. Endodonists are considered the industry experts when is comes to achieving this level of profound local anesthesia because, unlike those in general dentistry, as an endodondist they deal with pain management as a routine part of their professional careers. But before we explain further, let's quickly discuss a bit of anatomy that will help you better understand this piece.
The anatomy of a tooth?
The tooth contains many layers : a crown, a gumline, a root, enamel, dentin and pulp. Since we are talking about root canals, we will focus on the pulp, a soft tissue on the inside of the tooth, where the blood vessels and nerves reside. Sometime this pulp can become inflamed. If it does, once the tooth is fully developed, the pulp is not as important as it once was. It can be removed, the inside disinfected and filled . This removing of the pulp and filling of the "canal" that remains is called a root canal.
Antibiotic- Resistent Bacteria
The existence of antibiotics to treat infections is a relatively new discovery. Fewer than 100 years ago, when someone contracted a bacterial infection, the options for treatment were very limited. Doctors would often recommend amputation of an affected limb to prevent the bacteria from spreading to the brain or other vital organs. When this was not an option, infections that we would consider harmless today could kill quickly and spread to others rapidly.
In 1928, the discovery of Penicillin, which is derived from a fungus that "kills" bacteria by weakening its cell walls, revolutionized healthcare. Soon it was followed in 1934 by Sulfa, which prevents to ability of bacteria to use the essential nutrient folate. These could be considered the greatest medical advancement in history. They helped turn the tides on our fight against bacteria.
According to data gathered by the CDC ( Centers for Disease Control ) the expected lifespan of those born in 1900 was 47 while those born in 2015 have a projected life expectancy of nearly 79. This dramatic increase in life expectancy is can be largely attributed to the discovery, availability and use of antibiotics.
Emergence of Antibiotic Resistant Bacteria
With the great benefits of the systematic antibiotic usage around the world, saving life and limb, also came the development, adaptation and spread of bacteria that were resistant to our methods of fighting bacteria.
How Did These Bacteria Develop?
After the discovery of this medical "miracle", the medical community's response was to prevent and treat bacteria where ever it might be found. This overuse, often times when harmful bacteria were not even a real concern, led to the rapid development of mutations. Some bacteria were only exposed to small amounts of antibiotics. Or they were exposed for a short period of time. Through this, the bacteria were able to survive. This is similar to the way that vaccines include small amounts of the virus from which they protect us, so that our own bodies can learn to fight the virus in a harmless and controlled environment.
The Bacteria Life Cycle
In the case of the bacteria, the minute exposure led to their better understanding how to fight back against antibiotics. Bacteria, much like humans, contain DNA, which they pass down to their "offspring". Similarly to a human mother to child, passing on immune intelligence, so do these bacteria spread this knowledge during bacterial cell division, basically, a bacterium's method of giving birth.
The Strain
Staphylococcus aureus (Staph), a very common bacteria, which is present (and typically harmless) on the human skin, hair, noses and throats, demonstrates a resistance to important antibacterials, such as vancomycin ( common IV antibiotic ). And it has become the most frequent medical facility acquired pathogen. The term "pathogen" is a catch all for bacteria, virus and other microorganisms that cause illness.
Despite the similarities, between humans and bacteria, the bacteria life cycle is very different from the human life cycle. The resistant bacteria are able to reproduce quickly and many times in a short period of time, which allows them to adapt very, very quickly. This has led to a striking increase in death and serious illness from pathogens that are contracted after -- and not before -- a person is admitted into a medical facility, such as a hospital.
Plastic Surgery
An estimated 15% or 15 million men suffer from Gynecomastia, a condition which affects the shape and size of the male chest area. The extent of the condition can range from very mild to severe, in which case surgery may be required. According to data, nearly half of all breast reduction/ reconstruction surgeries are performed on men. So, if you are considering this procedure, you are not alone. As with any surgery, you want to know the facts before "going under the knife".
What is Gynecomastia?
Gynecomastia is an increase in the volume of the mammary gland, which is located on the chest of both men and women. In men, larger breasts are normally not a desirable trait, so many men choose to have this condition corrected with surgery. For someone suffering from this condition, diet and exercise may reduce the size, but may not restore the shape, leaving the male with an undesirable excess of skin and tissue.
Vet Clinic
Phonophobia is a very real condition that involves fear of strange sounds. Dogs can hear sounds around 4 times further away than a human could hear them. They hear much higher pitches and a wider range of frequencies. Ultimately, that's a lot of noise to deal with and process. And this can make dogs very nervous or even frightened by strange and frequent noises like those on Halloween. This can lead to excessive barking, problems with digestion and breathing or apparent anxiety. Making what should be a happy occasion unpleasant for both you and your dog.
Why is Halloween any different?
On Halloween, many neighborhoods are alive with commotion. People are knocking on doors throughout the neighborhood again and again. Children and adults are walking around, often through people's yards, rattling leaves. People are making strange noises with devices and their mouths to sound like ghouls, witches, superheroes and robots. Since these are not normal everyday sounds they can be very confusing to a dog who considers her job to be protecting you and your home.
What will help keep my dog calm and unafraid?
1. Enjoy the great outdoors - If you are passing out candy and there are multiple people in your home, take turns sitting on the porch and filling bags from outside. The helps avoid the constant knocking or doorbell.
2. Watch a movie with your dog - The noise from an action or scary movie can help put the noise in a new context, so it doesn't seem so strange. Your dog probably doesn't mind the TV at normal volume and the outside noise will just blend into something that is familiar to your dog.
3. Play a happy tune - Play your dog's favorite CD or the radio. Just like the TV, this will bring noise into the home, so that she is less aware of the noise outside.
Behavioral Health
What is Borderline Personality Disorder?
Borderline Personality Disorder is a condition that impacts moods and emotions. Those with the condition experience great difficulty developing or retaining interpersonal relationships due to overwhelming feelings of worthlessness. these are accompanied by sudden, and otherwise unexplainable, bouts of anger, anxiety, impulsiveness and depression that may last for hours or a day, after which things return to a relative normal. Sadly, those with this condition often hurt those who love them, and they love, the most, so that over time they may become very isolated and alone.
People with BPD are likely to also suffer from simultaneous mental disorders such as mood, anxiety, eating, along with high rates of substance abuse, self harm, suicidal thoughts/actions. These co-conditions only exacerbate the BPD as the individual already has a very negative self image and the believe that he or she is “broken” and hopelessly flawed to the point of not deserving happiness or love despite any attempts of loved ones to try to dispel this thinking. Borderline Personality Disorder is a serious mental health disorder that too often the people affected do not recognize for what it is or seek treatment. But with treatment you can overcome BPD and live a joyous and fulfilling life.
If you think that you may have BPD, first, know that you do deserve to be happy. And, second, there is hope. At our clinic in Sandy, Nevada we understand how BPD is impacting your life and stealing your joy. We know how to help you get your life back on track. Through customized treatment we have helped many individuals take their life back from BPD and return to what they were meant to do -- live and love and work at their highest possible function.
Health Tech
Excerpt from Blog for a Medical Translator App for Hospitals/Offices
The language barrier creates a tangible gap in quality within our healthcare system. A great divide lies between those who are English proficient and those who fluently speak another language, but have a limited ability to speak and/or understand English. This leads to severe misunderstandings on both the part of the medical professionals and the patients. The results of misdiagnosis, ineffective treatments and inability to follow a plan of care are sure to follow.
Prevalence of Limited English Proficiency in the U.S.
According to the most recent U.S. Census, over 60 million Americans speak another language in their homes. These individuals speak one of over 200 non-English languages common in the U.S, including ASL (American Sign Language). The vast majority of these individuals are fully able to function in a largely English-speaking society on a daily basis. But because their lives revolve around another language, approximately half of these Americans could not answer that they speak English "very well". And in a critical medical situation, the difference between speaking "well" and "very well" can be a chasm. ...
Fitness & Nutrition
Focusing on fitness and nutrition industries comes from a passion for everything health. It's part of our culture. We stay current on trends, recommendations and research while helping our health industry clients promote their products and services. Excerpts from blogs, books and white papers below
Dental Health
School Snack Ideas Your Kid and Dentist Will Love
When your child is at school, brushing isn't always an option. So it's important that we are including items that kids love and will eat, but that are also tooth-friendly. Here are 5 snack and lunch ideas that are both.
Apples - Apples do contain sugar, but they are also slightly abrasive. This means that they can help clean the teeth after a meal. If your child must have something sweet, this is your best option.
Carrots- Especially the baby ones. They're so cute. Carrots have a subtle sweetness that most kids love.
Pumpkin Seeds - Pumpkins seeds, also known as "pepitas", are an irresistible snack. They are crunchy with a little salt and definitely friendly to your teeth, although at times a toothpick may be required.
Almonds - Almonds are a great. And just a handful is very filling. Any kinds of nuts or seeds are a good choice. But remember not to send peanuts, since other kids in the school might be allergic.
Cheese sticks/cubes - A great source of calcium for stronger teeth, they are also low in sugar and the perfect way to round out a nutritious meal.
When you're looking for healthy snacks for school lunch, remember to check the sugar content. Try to keep it under 5 grams in a serving. That's about 2 regular carrots or half of a small apple. According to the American Heart Association, a child should have no more about 25-37 grams total a day. If it's not good for the heart, it's not good for the teeth either. Help your child learn healthy eating habits now that he/she will carry into adulthood for a healthy, happy smile.
Vet/ Pet Obesity
Around 56% of cats and dogs are overweight or obese in the United States. A new study from the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention says, "The majority of the nation’s dogs and cats continue to be overweight, and most pet owners aren’t aware of the problem." Close to 100% of owners, or pet parents, if you prefer, incorrectly identified their overweight dogs as being normal weight. Ask your vet for a picture of a normal weight pet and you may be surprised at your own faulty perceptions.
What conditions can pet obesity cause?
This misunderstanding about what a normal weight pet looks like leads to terrible health challenges for the pet.
Among them:
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Type II Diabetes
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High Blood Pressure
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Certain cancers
These conditions are unheard of in nature. And they can cut the pet's life expectancy dramatically. And just like their human counterparts, the extra weight can cause a reduction in the quality of that shorter life due to joint pain, fatigue, illness, blood clots, digestion issues, respiratory issues, and even depression.
Matcha Green Tea (from book) (UK CLIENT)
DIFFERENT GRADES OF MATCHA GREEN TEA
Different grades of Matcha provide are intended for various purposes. There are several Ceremonial and Culinary Matcha green tea grades with varying distinctions among them.
Ceremonial Grade
Ceremony Grade, as some call it, has extraordinary quality. The top quality Matcha green tea is very expensive and is made from top leaves of the tea plant because those are the youngest and freshest leaves. “Baby leaves” have all the nutrients and are so special because the whole plant is sending minerals, vitamins and other nourishment to these newest arrivals so that they can grow. You can say these leaves are like real babies: they need extra care and extra food, in order to grow into a healthy toddler. This is why this Ceremony grade Matcha is so expensive, and it has an incredible taste. There are more different classes, which could be roughly divided into four sections, depending on the part of the plant from which leaves were picked.
The ceremonial grade is exclusively for whisking with hot water and drinking on its own. It is the finest quality, so traditionally it should be consumed straight and it would be considered a travesty if one thought to add sweeteners or any other ingredients that would hide the natural taste of the premium Matcha, which is inherently sweet and flavourful.
Ceremonial grade smells fresh and slightly grassy; it has a vibrant green colour that is just bursting with energy, and it should never feel gritty or coarse.
3 Essential Oils Science Says Can Help You Lose Weight
There are many gimmicks out there. So when science says that certain things can help us lose weight and keep it off, it is worth taking notice. Let's look at 3 essential oils that can help you achieve your weight loss goals. And if you want to learn more, you can click on the links to read the studies for yourself.
Mint is well respected by the scientific community for its medicinal purposes. Menthol, the major component of peppermint, is added to several over-the-counter treatments to help relieve muscle pain, relax airways to improve breathing and to improve digestion. But it is also very helpful when you are trying to lose weight. It has been shown to increase energy and alertness, which can improve calorie burn during a workout. It lifts the mood, which gives us a more positive and "can do" attitude, making it easier to meet our goals. When digestion is improved, you also have more energy because you are better absorbing nutrients.
Cinnamon oil has been demonstrated to help improve the way our bodies process sugar. Particularly, when we are overweight, over time our insulin, the hormone responsible for processing sugar, can become less effective. Cinnamon supports the insulin, so that it can better do its job. When sugar is not processed well, we may experience sugar spikes and drops. When your sugar drops suddenly, it makes you incredibly hungry even if you don't really need nourishment. This is bad if you are trying to lose weight.
Fitness Trends 2017
It's here. The annual forecast of the top fitness trends for 2017. Fitness experts and industry leaders are surveyed worldwide to identify what's new, what's emerging and what's here to stay in 2017. It's just around the corner. And I know you're ready to launch into the new year with a bang. So let's take a look at how we'll be staying fit in 2017.
Wearables, Wearables, Everywhere
This should come as no surprise. But if you are working out without a wearable fitness tracker of some kind in 2017, you may get some funny looks. Steps, Calories, Heart rate, Very Active Minutes, Stairs Climbed, Sleep patterns -- you'll want to track it all and see your progress to stay motivated to make 2017 the healthiest year yet. Find your target heart rate and get the most out of your workouts. Get your Fitbit charged up and get out there.
Group-think
The "Me Generation" is anything but... And exercise is getting very social across the generations. Exercise classes are nothing new. But people are looking for new and creative ways to work out together instead of alone on ellipticals, bikes and weight machines. Research shows that people who regularly engage in social activities are healthier and live longer. So this is a great trend to see.
Legal Content
Medical Malpractice
Cerebral Palsy is a debilitating disease that is often the result of injury to the brain during the birthing process. No family should have to endure the heartache of learning that their beautiful newborn has this condition and will face a lifetime of complications and hardship from it. It is preventable and, quite unfortunately, can be the result of negligence on the part of hospital and the doctors, nurses and staff employed there.
As an individual with cerebral palsy grows into childhood, they will find their abilities to perform activities of daily life a challenge. Most often, various muscles throughout their bodies do not respond as they should to the signals from the brain. And this can result in instability, an inability to perform common motor functions, difficulty speaking and even an inability to walk without device or caregiver assistance. These individuals often require a lifetime of assistive care from those who love them. And as these children reach adulthood the strain on the parents and siblings of these individuals can become overwhelming, costing incalculable hours of time and money that the affected families most often do not have.
This is why it is so important that you know your rights and understand that regardless of how you feel about you doctors and hospital, they must be held accountable if there has been wrongdoing. Your ability to give the support that your child needs now and assure that that your child gets the future that he or she deserves depends on the decision you make when you learn that your baby may have been the victim of medical malpractice.
DUI
Refusing to take a BAC (Blood Alcohol Content) Test in Ohio
In the state of Ohio, under law, you are required to submit to a blood, breath or urine test if you are arrested for OVI (Operating Vehicle Impaired). In these instance, something called "implied consent" comes into play. Under complied consent, if an officer had a "good reason" (probable cause) to suspect that you were impaired, you have given your consent to testing to determine your blood alcohol level (BAC). Ohio law requires that this be taken within 2 hours. And the officer, not you, decides which test you take.
Some people, especially those who may be under the influence of a substance, think that they can just refuse to take the test, choose which test to take based upon which they think may provide them with the best outcome, or delay the test. But in the state of Ohio, refusing to take the test will incur serious penalties in the form of losing your right to drive and a $475 charge at the end of your suspension. The officer is not required to inform you of this. Prior OVI convictions can lead to even harsher penalties than those listed below. And a 2nd offense between 6 months and 3 years, could also increase the penalty.
Refusing to take the test, has harsh penalties:
Special Needs
Pros of working with a Special Education Advocate
They know the laws/rights involved - Advocates specialize in the laws surrounding special needs education. They know the laws and they understand your rights as a parent. This is beneficial when negotiating with the school, as you will have someone on your side who knows if your child is being treated appropriately under the law.
They know when it's time to take it to the next level - Because of the advocate's expertise, they can advise you when the school is not cooperating as required by law. And they can advise you that it is time to take legal action.
They provide moral support - Knowing that you are working with someone who has helped many people navigate an often complex system provides reassurance that you can be successful in obtaining what your child needs.
They are less expensive than legal representation - Advocates are not lawyers, so they will cost less if you need help navigating the system. But there are some reasons for that.
Cons of working with a Special Education Advocate
They can make schools defensive - Hiring an advocate can be viewed as a statement that the school is not doing what it should for your child. Or you do not expect them to. It is important to be aware of the dynamic that an advocate can bring to the room, so that you are prepared.
They may not be formally trained - Many advocates are parents who have navigated the system before. They want to help others. While they may be very informed, they are most often self-educated. And that may put you at a disadvantage.
They may be bringing their own "baggage" to the the table - Because advocates have been through this before on a very personal level, they could be bringing their own experiences into the mix rather than focusing on your child's unique needs. This phenomenon is certainly unintentional, but can affect negotiations.
They may not be enough - If your advocate is unable to resolve the issues that you are facing, then you will need to hire real legal representation anyway.
Personal/ Vehicular Injury
Driverless Cars
As driverless cars enter the scene, the Transportation Department works to reduce conflicting local rules by actively welcoming the adoption of more driverless highways -- and the anticipated reduction in traffic deaths that should follow.
The Obama Administration's position is that the companies who are now, and in the near future, developing this technology should have clear guidelines laid out by the federal government to certify that the vehicles are prepared to enter the U.S. roadways, but that due to the emerging nature of the technology that an element of flexibility is required.
The Recommendation
The Transportation Department encourages these automakers to submit a 15 point "safety assessment", which would outline their testing processes and how cars are programmed to obey current traffic laws. The plan is also expected to include a detailed plan to prevent vehicle hacking, which is a major concern.
This approach by the administration is that of a suggestion rather than firm regulations, having no true legal force behind until made law through the appropriate checks and balances of our 3 branches. The concern over traditional legislation is that as fast as the technology is evolving, by the time government-mandated guidelines are in place the technology has already advanced ahead. This way the safety assessments can keep pace with the technology.
U.S. Officials are hopeful that this will encourage the sharing of crash data and systems development to further traffic safety for all. The existing regulations focus on the needs of human drivers like brakes, seatbelts, etc.. But because the technology is so new and diverse, what to share and where to share is unclear.
But while there are still some unknowns, such steps taken by the Administration show a clear endorsement of autonomous cars as a way to make our roads safer.
