Vancouver Home Health Care Agency

  • 8885 SW Canyon Rd. Suite 220 Portland, OR 97225-3455
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June 2016

What is HIPAA

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What is HIPAA HIPAA stands for the Health Information Portability and Accountability Act, and was introduced in 1996 in response to many healthcare facilities switching to computerized record keeping. It is regulated by the Department of Health and Human Services, or HHS. The main goal of HIPAA is to improve both the efficiency and effectiveness of the health care system in relation to electronic healthcare transactions. This means that any information recorded or submitted electronically is protected by HIPAA. The HIPAA mandate led the HHS to publish a regulation referred to as the Privacy Rule in 2000, which set national standards for health information protection. Three main types of entities were covered: health plans, healthcare clearinghouses, and health care providers who conduct transactions electronically. All healthcare covered entities had to implement standards to protect against the misuse of electronically submitted information. Any entity which failed to do so was fined. The reason behind HIPAA is the fast paced direction health care took toward electronic record keeping, and the result of HIPAA was a more protected level of care. Any information transmitted from electronic record keeping is confidential; as more professional health care workers have more access to more patients, it was important to tighten electronic security levels. A patient’s record can be viewed electronically by a growing number of professionals; even hospitals or doctors who do not see the patient might have access to the records. HIPAA ensures that the patient records remains confidential. In the past, a patient or a doctor had to physically hold a file to get information. Now, electronic record keeping allows a growing number of people to have more convenient access to a patient’s chart. The type of protection provided by HIPAA is necessary in this faster paced environment. The Vancouver Home Health Care Agency is happy to help you and your family understand HIPAA Laws and Regulations. At Vancouver Home Health Care Agency, Caring and Compassion is our business.

Avoiding Multiple Vitamin Overdosing

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Avoiding Multiple Vitamin Overdosing Multiple vitamin overdose is a serious issue for older patients, especially those who can’t remember if they have taken their multivitamin for the day. An overdose happens when a person intentionally or accidentally consumes more than the recommended amount of supplements. It is a serious issue that happens too often with older Americans. The poisonous ingredient in a multivitamin is any ingredient. While iron and calcium are the most dangerous supplements, any of the ingredients are toxic in larger amounts. Symptoms of Overdose: Cloudy Urine Increased and Frequent Urine Dry or Cracked Lips Increased Sensitivity to Light and Eye Irritation Irregular or Rapid Heartbeat Joint or Bone Pain Muscle Pain or Weakness Confusion or Seizures Fatigue Fainting Mental or Mood Changes Headache Flushing of the Skin Cracked Skin Burning Skin or Rash Yellow Areas on Skin Hair Loss and Sun Sensitivity Constipation Loss of Appetite Nausea, Vomiting, Diarrhea Weight Loss Care at Home It is important to avoid making an overdosing person throw up. DO NOT make him or her vomit unless a Poison Control Center has instructed you to do so. Call emergency care with the following information: Person’s age, weight and exact condition Name of product (grab the bottle for specific questions from the medical professional) Time and amount swallowed The National Poison Control Center can help. They are available anytime, anywhere, at 1-800-222-1222. This hotline will connect you to experts in poisoning. There are ways to ensure no one overdoses on multivitamins. Contact a professional at Vancouver Home Health Care Agency to go over these methods of avoidance, or to ask questions regarding the use of a multivitamin. At Vancouver Home Health Care Agency, Caring and Compassion is our business.

Binge Eating Disorder

Leave a Comment / Obesity / By

Binge Eating Disorder: An Overview Binge-eating disorder is a very serious disorder where the person frequently consumes high amounts of food. The person is unable to stop eating, in fact, he or she feels that stopping is not an option. This is not simple overeating; this is eating to a point that is out of control. It is a daily activity, not restricted to the big holiday meals. Many people are embarrassed by the amount of food consumed in the face of this disorder, and want to stop. However, many people cannot stop without help. The emotional and behavioral signs and symptoms include: Feeling that eating is out of control Eating after being full Eating a large amount of food in a short amount of time Eating rapidly and binging Hiding food intake and eating alone Harboring negative feelings regarding eating so much Dieting frequently with no results. Seeking Help Any symptoms of binge-eating disorder should be taken to a doctor. This disorder does not get better by itself, despite the best efforts of its sufferers to try to reverse it. It is more likely to get worse without treatment. Talk to your doctor and a mental health provider about the issue to get the full range of care and help. If professional help is not possible, talk to someone who can help you talk through the issue, such as friends, family, clergy, teachers, or a trusted confidante. What if My Loved One is Suffering? If you notice a loved one is showing symptoms, get ready for secrets. A binge eater is an expert at hiding food and habits so others cannot discover his or her secret. Approach the loved one and have an open, honest conversation about how you feel. Provide encouragement and offer support. Offer to listen and help find a doctor to handle the situation. Remember that the causes are unknown, but psychological issues, family history, and long-term dieting are possible reasons for the disorder. Discover the risk factors and try to help anyone with these factors: Family History Psychological Issues Consistent Dieting over a Long Period of Time Age – younger people are more susceptible Eating disorders are often the most difficult to discover, so there could be permanent physical damage. However, finding the source of the disorder and helping to remove that source is the first step toward a healthier person. At Vancouver Home Health Care Agency, Caring and Compassion is our business.

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