How exciting! Here's MotionApps Blog announcement!
OnTimeRx is pleased to be partnering with MotionApps to bring thousands of excellent Palm OS applications to a new high-tech phone - the Palm Pre. We have been very impressed with the technical concept of including the Classic emulator on Palm's WebOS phone. We were thrilled to be one of their launch partners, and you can read their entire blog post here.
MotionApps teamed up with AmeliaPlex, the developer of OnTimeRx, to include this very useful medical application within the Classic bundle.
Their decision to include OnTimeRx was based on users’ feedback and the awareness that this application serves as a very important medical tool to many. Now any user with Classic can install OnTimeRx and use the trial for 30 days before purchasing. OnTimeRx can be installed in Classic together with other preloaded apps with a single tap on Install Free Apps option from Classic menu.
Susan Torrico, President/CEO of AmeliaPlex is proud to say: “The Palm version of OnTimeRx software is the BEST medication reminder program available anywhere. It's a mature, feature-rich application that has been thoroughly tested and enhanced based on suggestions from actual users."
Mr. Voja Lalich, CEO of MotionApps states: “AmeliaPlex is one of the companies we’ve been working since the beginning of Classic Certification Program, they were our Launch Partners, and I know that MotionApps team really enjoyed working with them. We also received confirmations from our users that being able to use OnTimeRx on their Pre phone is of critical importance to them so we decided to make it available to Classic users right away.”
We get feedback like this from OnTimeRx users nearly every day:
“I'm still using a Palm TX and a Win Netbook combo for as long as I can :-) But if and when the TX finally dies, it looks like the Palm Pre may be in my future, because I sure can’t do without OnTimeRx. I look forward to many more years of using OnTimeRx on my Palm or Pre...”
This note influenced their decision to include OnTimeRx with Classic.
Read more about other great Palm applications that work on Palm Pre phones - thanks to MotionApps Classic emulator.
Here's some excellent advice from my favorite organization... APhA.
Travel Smart: Tips From Your Pharmacist to Know Before You Go
APhA Urges Consumers to Practice Safe Medication Use when Traveling
WASHINGTON, DC – Traveling, whether for business or pleasure, alters our daily routine and disrupts our schedule including our health care habits like taking medication. As the height of the holiday travel season approaches, the American Pharmacists Association (APhA) urges consumers to practice safe medication use when traveling. Here are some tips you should know before you go:
Carry your personal medication record with you, which should include both prescription and over-the-counter medications. This is a list of your medications, how you take them, and why—a good resource to have on hand when you visit any healthcare provider, to see your pharmacist and when you travel. If you are unexpectedly admitted into a hospital, or must see a healthcare provider while traveling, the list can help them understand your current treatments. If you are unsure why you are taking a medication, consult your healthcare provider and pharmacist for clarification. To download a personal medication list www.pharmacist.com/pmr.
NOTE: You can also print your Medications List from OnTimeRx desktop software.
Have a plan for adjusting your medication regimen. Travel may require you to adjust your medication regimen, or when you take your medication, for time and routine changes. If you are traveling across the country and would normally take a medication twice a day, for example, you may need to adjust that schedule to take your medications approximately twelve hours apart—which may be earlier or later than your first bedtime or morning on another coast. Ask your pharmacist about how to alter your schedule to fit your health-care needs.
Keep your medications in your carry-on bag. While many items can be replaced easily, replacing medications can be challenging. Keeping your medications with you ensures immediate access in case of an unexpected event like lost or stolen luggage. Check with your airline or TSA for the forms of medications you can take: liquids in certain quantities may be prohibited on airplanes. Remember, you can always ask your pharmacist about pouring liquid medication into smaller bottles for your travel.
Store your medications in their original labeled containers and bring more than you expect to use during your travels. Extended stays can upset your medication regimen. Being prepared helps ensure safe and effective medication use.
Ask your pharmacist if there are any foods or beverages that conflict with your medicines. You may be more inclined to eat unfamiliar foods when traveling to foreign countries or new cities.
Be careful or avoid drinking alcohol, especially when flying or visiting cities in higher altitudes. Alcohol can interact with many prescription and over-the-counter medicines.
Talk to your pharmacist. He or she can help you understand how to manage your drug therapy whether at home or away.
Practice good hygiene, get rest and eat well. Frequent hand-washing/cleansing and coughing /sneezing within your sleeve or a tissue will protect you and others. In addition, try not to overdo it and not get run down, eat right, and drink plenty of water (and depending upon the location you may need to use bottled water) are good practices that can reduce your risk of getting sick.
Pack the Basics
Wise travelers assemble a few basics before heading out the door. Pain and fever reducing medication, antihistamine tablets, band aids, triple antibiotic ointment, hand sanitizer, cough syrup, lozenges, a thermometer, sunscreen, upset stomach and anti-diarrhea medicine are the basics, but depending on your destination, you may want to pack additional items. Talk to your pharmacist to see what other products may be best for you to take along.
Remember, you may take a holiday, but your illnesses do not. They travel with you. Managing your health starts with you, but your pharmacist is an important member of the health-care team. Pharmacists are the medication experts and can help patients with questions about their prescription and over the counter medications Ask questions about your medications—get answers.
About the American Pharmacists Association (APhA)
The American Pharmacists Association, founded in 1852 as the American Pharmaceutical Association, represents more than 62,000 practicing pharmacists, pharmaceutical scientists, student pharmacists, pharmacy technicians, and others interested in advancing the profession. APhA, dedicated to helping all pharmacists improve medication use and advance patient care, is the first-established and largest association of pharmacists in the United States. APhA members provide care in all practice settings, including community pharmacies, health systems, long-term care facilities, managed care organizations, hospice settings, and the uniformed services.
In September, I heard from Carla, a long-time OnTimeRx user who had just lost a dear friend - her old Palm PDA. She gave me permission to reprint her email in hopes that it might help others in a similar situation. Here it is:
"I used to use your program, OnTimeRx, on my Palm and loved it. It meant that I could have periods of the day when I did not have to focus on my illness plus it allowed me to know when I took my last dose. My medication affects my memory and before your software, I was never sure when or even whether I had last taken a scheduled dose. When my Palm PDA died, my husband bought me a Nokia E71 phone. It is a great gadget, but I very much miss my OnTimeRx. Are you planning to create a version for the Symbian S60 System? I was very disappointed that there is next to nothing out there other than OnTimeRx."
As an independent software developer, you can never receive too many of those kinds of complimentary comments. But it was very painful to have to tell her... there is no Symbian version of OnTimeRx. I made some suggestions for alternative solutions, like: switching phones, using automated reminder service, etc., and she responded further: "Prior to my "health challenges" I was a Systems Analyst, so I also understand the difficulties of trying to be all things to all people (or to all systems). Wouldn't it be grand to have just one programming language/platform for all our needs and desires? As with all things in our universe, such a Heaven would have to be paid for with many jobs and all the worlds created by them. Sigh." It is true, " ... you can't please all of the people all of the time." But we've sure tried for the past 9 years!
Unfortunately, there are just too many different devices with too many variables now. It's even getting difficult for the largest software developers to keep up. As great as it would be to have a single programming language, no one seriously sees that as "the answer". The web-based "SaaS" approach (Software as a Service) may be the closest thing in the future.
Almost daily there are press releases about how various entities are now using text and voice messages in health care. This is really not new! We've been doing it for 5 years already; and we agree, this seems to be the most promising and viable approach to reach the largest market and do the most good.
There are millions upon millions of potential users, who need some kind of reminder help to manage their medications or those of a family member. We strongly believe in the OnTimeRx reminder concept and are currently upgrading our automated OnTimeRx service, so it will work even better for the billions of people who use ordinary cell phones and land lines.
Fortunately, pharmacies are beginning to use reminders for refills now. Hopefully, some day soon, an integral part of the doctor's prescription will include a simple check box to order daily medication reminders. That could significantly reduce the $200+ billion that's being wasted in the US annually due to noncompliance. Everyone stands to benefit from improved medication adherence/compliance.
In the meantime, OnTimeRx software and services will continue to provide the best possible reminder programs, along with excellent support for all of the platforms we have already developed.
Thanks again for your emails, Carla. I hope we'll always be able to help you take your meds on time...
A new software customer asked about a User Manual for OnTimeRx-BlackBerry, the latest addition to our suite of OnTimeRx software programs.
TIPS are scattered throughout the BB software to explain how to use all the features on each screen; however, posting the TIPS and Help copy on this blog might help others.
OnTimeRx-BlackBerry v1.1
Help Button:
General Instructions
When an Alarm goes off:
• Read the screen.
• Do what the screen says.
• Click on the Details button, if displayed, to view more details.
• Click YES to record the dose or event on the Log.
• Click Wait 15 or Wait 30 to silence snooze alarms.
• Click NO - if dose was intentionally not taken.
• Repeat above steps for all drugs or events scheduled at this time.
• Check the Days Supply on each drug alarm screen.to avoid running out.
• When more than one drug is scheduled at the same alarm time, each Drug Name will display in a different color on the alarm screens.
Descriptions of Features and Buttons:
Tips on Menu button – Home screen (Settings/Tips/Registration)
Preference Settings
Alarm Sounds – Select any alarm sound you prefer Check or uncheck Vibrate mode
Set a Start of Day Time – your usual first dose of the day.
Set an End of Day Time – your last dose of the day This information will be preset on New Drug records.
Change the Color Option if a 'theme' makes the OnTimeRx buttons difficult to read.
Security PIN feature protects your data and prevents it from being viewed by others.Select a PIN number you can remember.It must be entered to view details on each alarm screen.
Alarm Mute - Home screen
This feature is used to temporarily silence all audible OTRx alerts for a movie, play, or meeting.Alarm Mute is like the Mute function on a VCR Remote.
When Mute is OFF (default), you will hear audible alarm sounds.
When Mute is ON or enabled, the sounds are muted. Your alarm screens will display with a single vibrate alert. • Tap the Main screen Alarm Mute dropdown and select 1 hr, 2hr, or 3 hr.
• The alarms will automatically restart at the end of that time period.
• Alarm Mute - ON will silence all OTRx alarms indefinitely and must be restarted manually.(not normally recommended).
• Select Alarm Mute - OFF to manually restart the alarm sequence.
• Tap the Menu button to display TIPS or Information on any screen.
MyMeds button -.TIPS
My Meds Drug List -
MyMeds is a list of all Rx and OTC drug records in OnTimeRx.
Routine Drug Names are in Bold font and have alarms set.
Drug Names in regular font are PRN and do not have alarms set.These are taken “as needed” (pain meds) or are no longer needed (antibiotics).
Drug names are arranged in alphabetical order. The cursor can be moved to any drug name instantly by typing the first letter of the drug name on the keypad. The list will auto-scroll to the first drug name that starts with that letter.
HINT –To help prevent future adverse reactions, keep the drug records that are no longer in use, but add ZZZ- to any Drug Name that has been discontinued. (ZZZ-Antimycin) These will move to the bottom of MyMeds list.It is good to add a Note with the date and the reason why it was stopped. (allergic reaction-rash).
Tips: (On Menu button from MyMeds or PillTime)
New Drug Entry Screen
This information can be found on your Rx labels & patient info leaflets for Rx (prescription) & OTC (over-the-counter) products.
1. Enter full Drug Name & Strength
2. Enter the Quantity per dose. The default quantity is “1”. NOTE:
For fractional doses (½ or ¼ tablet), 2 separate quantity options are used.
• Click the first quantity dropdown and select 0 for less than 1
• Scroll to the second dropdown and select ½ or ¼
• For 1-1/2 teaspoonful – scroll past the 1 and select ½ to display 1-1/2
3. Select a Frequency
The default is once/day (default) Enter a number to set up to 6x/day
4. Set Dose Time/s
• Move cursor to Time box. 'Not Set' (default)
• Click Enter key or a number to access the Set Dose Time screen.
5. Set a Repeat
• Click Repeat button to set or change dosing schedule.
• Default is “Daily” Repeat with 'No End Date’ – for ongoing doses.
• Select Weekly, Monthly, or Yearly repeats when appropriate
• Select None - for one-time doses or events
• Start Date is today’s date (default).
• Click Enter on date field to change Start date.
• For a specific End Date, move to 'No End Date’ - click Enter key
• Set End Date and click Done.
6. Click Back button to SaveData on MyMeds list
To Include Additional Information (optional):
• Add descriptive terms for In: - With: - and For: data fields.
• Enter a letter to select from a dropdown list of terms or edit the list.
You can customize any Dropdown list:
• Scroll to a field and enter a letter to display a item(m = mouth).
• Click trackball to display full list
• Click the appropriate term to select.
• Click “Edit” to access Edit Window
• Click Menu button to add New or Rename items on lists.
• Select Rx (default) or OTC box to specify the category of medication.
• Select Routine (default) or PRN (as needed) to specify the type of dose.
• Click the Back button to Save - when finished.
To add Pill Count or More Detailed Information (optional):
• Click 'Supply' button to enter current Pill Count. Your Remaining Days supply will display on each Alarm screen.
• Click 'More' to enter other details on each drug.
• If Directions field has text, a Details button displays on Alarm Screens.
• Click 'Details' button to access the Details before taking a dose.
• Tap 'Notes' button to add other information - such as: color, shape and markings on generic med, reason for discontinuing a drug, etc.
• Click Back button to SaveData on MyMeds list
To Edit Drug information
• Select a Drug from MyMeds list or PillTime -click Menu button –Edit.
To Take a Dose Early
• Use Take Now feature to log doses up to 1 hour early.
• Highlight a Drug Name in PillTime – click Menu button – ‘Take Now’.
• Highlight the Drug Name – click Menu – Edit to view drug record
• Click 'Take Now' button to take a Routine dose up to 1 hour early.
• Click 'Take Now' button to take PRN or As Needed meds.
To Delete a Drug from MyMeds List
• Select Drug Name to be Deleted
• Click Menu button and select 'Delete'. Click Yes to Verify. It’s GONE!
For Best Results: Enter complete information for each new drug when adding it to MyMeds list.Additional information can always be added later, if preferred.
PillTime Button:
Bold Items on the PillTime schedule are the next doses to be taken.
More than one drug may be scheduled at the same time.
The Drug Names will display on different color bars on alarm screens to differentiate each drug as it is logged.
If it is not convenient to log the doses when the alarm sounds, scroll to the Wait 15 or Wait 30 buttons to delay the alarms for 15 or 30 min.
Snooze alarms will sound every 10 minutes for 30 minutes if the doses are ignored or not logged.
Standard dosing rules consider a dose is “on time” if taken 1 hour before or 1 hour after the scheduled dose time.Dosing schedules can always be changed to meet the user’s needs.
ToDo Button:
ToDo List –
ToDo List is a complete list of your OnTimeRx scheduled ToDo events.These ToDo events may or may not be health-related.You can Log these events if you choose to.
Items in Bold have alarms set for one time or recurring event reminders.
Items in regular font display [DateTime Not set] or [DateTime Exp].These have no alarms currently set or the event has expired.
Highlight any item and click Menu button to Edit or Delete it.
Scroll to any field and click Enter key to access and change the data.
You can reactivate an expired or not set ToDo.Simply highlight the ToDo and click Menu to Edit.Be sure to update both the start/end dates and time. Save your changes.
• To enter a New ToDo event - Click Menu – New
• Enter a Brief description of ToDo event.
• Scroll to 'Not Set' (time box) – Click Enter key or a number to enter date/time.
• Set alarm time
• Scroll up to change Start Date if other than today.
• Tap Repeat - to select interval for recurring event
• Select end date, if needed. [OK] then [Done].
• Add Notes for more details (e.g. Insulin sliding scale, etc.) [Done].
• The 'Do Now' button allows the event to be logged up to 1 hour early.
NOTE: To Delete a ToDo Entry:
• Highlight the ToDo to be deleted. Click Menu - Delete
• Confirm 'Delete ToDo' - it's GONE!
911 Info Button:
IN CASE of EMERGENCY: Include “See OnTimeRx 911 Data” in your I.C.E. (In Case of Emergency) Contact Record.Your 911 information can save precious time in case you cannot speak or think clearly to answer questions.
• Contact Support@ontimerx.com for a work-around to enter your 911 data as blocks of text.
• Click the 911 Info button and scroll to review or display your personal medical data
• Click Menu – Edit 911 to enter or change any of your data.
• List only the most important data, such as: Allergies, Next of Kin, Doctors names and phone numbers, etc.
• Keep this 911 data current with dates of previous hospital stays, procedures and other health-related activities.
• Sensitive information may be kept from view by checking the Private box. • Protected data can be accessed at the owner's discretion through the Edit 911 function.
.
Log Button:
The Log displays a Y, N, M, or C for each event.
Y = Yes - drug taken or task completed.
N = No - event cancelled or purposely not done.
M = Missed - no response to the alarm.
C = Changed – to correct a 'missed' or a No response.
Making Log Corrections: If a dose or event was not logged properly, limited changes can be made to correct the Log.The Compliance rate and Days Supply are automatically adjusted.
Select the incorrect Log entry and click Menu button to edit the Log Detail.Missed Log events displaying 'M' can be changed to 'C'.If doses or events were logged as 'No' in error but were taken or done, the 'N' can be changed to 'C'.Do NOT change the 'M' or 'N', if a dose or event was actually missed.
Transfer button:
BlackBerry Data Transfer function is not currently available.
The following “copy and paste” work-around will facilitate loading extensive 911 Information into OnTimeRx on your Blackberry device. For additional assistance, contact: Support@OnTimeRx.com
A 30-day free trial version of OnTimeRx-Windows software is available for download from: www.OnTimeRx.com All of the suggested 911 categories are listed in the OnTimeRx-Windows desktop program. Data can be entered on a Windows XP or Vista computer utilizing this program. Copy the data into an email message and send it to yourself. Open the email on your BlackBerry device. Simply copy each section from the email message and select 911 Info – click the Menu button - Edit 911 to paste the compiled data into your OnTimeRx 911 Info.
To utilize the OTRx-Win desktop program for data entry beyond the 30-day trial period, a registration must be purchased separately from the Developer. See purchase details on the developer website or call or email support@OnTimeRx.com for further assistance.
About Us button:
Welcome to OnTimeRx®, your reminder system for all health-related activities. OnTimeRx® was designed by a pharmacist to remind each user to take all medications as prescribed - on time - every time. Medications will only work properly if they are taken properly. This reminder system can be invaluable, if it is used routinely. For best results, it is recommended that users respond to all reminders promptly.
DISCLAIMER: AmeliaPlex, Inc. assumes no responsibility for the accuracy or appropriateness of information entered in OnTimeRx reminder software by the end user. Since the information is owned and maintained by the User or his/her agent or health care professional, OnTimeRx software is not subject to HIPAA rules. No claims are made that the information and/or reminders entered by the user will be 100% accurate, reliable, or effective. No guarantee is made that the user’s data will not be lost due to unforeseen conditions that may disable the device or devices on which the software is being utilized. Every effort has been made to assure that OnTimeRx software will perform properly, but software is always sold “as is” and may not work on all devices or on any device that is damaged or has batteries that are not charged properly.
BASIC USER INSTRUCTIONS:
When an Alarm sounds and the Alarm screen displays:
• Read the screen.
• Do what the screen says.
• Tap YES to record the dose or event on the Log.
• Tap NO - if dose was not taken.
• Repeat above steps for all drugs or events scheduled at this time.
• Always check the Days Supply to avoid running out of pills.
As we get older, certain changes are inevitable; but if you're like a lot of people, change doesn't come easily.
How many people do you know who "proudly or defiantly" announce that they: 1. don't use a computer! -(How sad. They are missing out on sooo much!) 2. never learned how to set up a VCR or TV remote -(OK, Hubby controls the controls.) 3. haven't changed their hairstyle in over 20 years -(my hair does it's own thing!) 4. haven't moved or bought any new furniture in 10 years -(make that 30+ years!) 5. are still driving the same car that they got back in the '80s -(why not? ... if it still runs.) 6. still watch TV reruns from the '80s -(it IS like visiting with "old friends".)
There's really nothing wrong with resisting some change, I guess - but I'm always impressed with people who are at least willing to try new things. It is pretty amazing how many older people are actually using Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, GrowingBolder and other social networking sites. But even those who are not afraid of new technology, may not want to leave their "comfort zone"! As a self-proclaimed "Techno-Geezer", I love new gadgets up to a point, but even I have my limits.
I was really happy with my Treo 650 smart phone, until the folks at Sprint stopped supporting it, and I was more or less forced to switch phones AND carriers!
Wish I could have asked my doctor " which phone is right for me... ?"
Why must we have so many different models to choose from? Why do they all have an overwhelming number of bells and whistles I'll never use? Why are new ones being launched every millisecond - or so it seems? If the old phone still works, why change it?
In a recent piece on networkworld.com, Carolyn Duffy Marsan listed 12 terms that should never be used in the workplace. This inspired over 300 comments, and I agree with Toni Bowers that they can be used in the right situation, as long as it doesn’t mean your learning stopped with these terms:
Intranet
Extranet
Web surfing
Push technology
Application Service Provider (ASP)
Personal Digital Assistant (PDA)
Internet Telephony
Weblog
Thin Client
Regional Bell Operating Companies (RBOCs)
Long-Distance Call
World Wide Web
Hmm... "If it ain't broke..." I still use my trusty Palm PDA along with my BlackBerry, which uses "push technology". I make VOIP calls and surf the Web daily, and I run a web-based ASP business. Obviously I like to "Weblog"... so it looks like I'm still very comfortable with this list of terms. What's wrong with that?
... I'm still willing to learn about new things. How about you?
The Orlando Sentinel has a "Ticked Off" feature that lets readers gripe about anything that... has them ticked off. And they also include some good news items on the other side for balance. Both points of view make for some quick and interesting reading.
Older Americans are always advised to "read the fine print" before signing anything. Easier said than done! One reader recently wrote in to publicly send a "Thank You" to a pharmacy for printing her prescription labels in a large font. She said she could actually read the directions for a change.
That was an interesting and scary twist, because she's right - it's nearly impossible to read most Rx labels these days. However, it's especially important to be able to read prescription labels, to avoid problems like taking the wrong drug at the wrong time or in the wrong dose.
I have "low vision", also commonly known as ARMD (age-related macular degeneration); and I've never been offered such a service or even knew it was available. Since I consider myself to be "up on all the latest technology", and I hadn't thought to ask for help, you have to wonder if many other patients ever think to request a larger font? Even more disturbing is the thought that pharmacies have this capability but don't routinely offer the service or option to older patients.
This font-size issue brings to mind several other challenges we all face as we age. Phone books have gotten so large in many cities that they are nearly impossible to lift and even harder to read. After 40, most people can't see as well as they used to, and my ophthalmologist assured me that it's not just my vision that is to blame. The phone books really are printed in smaller fonts.
There's always 411-information, but that "comes at a price" and it's hard to justify any extra expenses when a person who must count every penny still comes up short at the end of the month.
It's fairly easy to Google something to find phone numbers online, but not all seniors have access to a computer. For those who do, there's an exciting, ispiring online social network called "GrowingBolder.com".
I'm a GB member and I'd like to say Thanks to the lady for the "GrowingBOLDer" Rx labels idea. I'm phoning my pharmacy right now to make a BOLD move of my own... ! I hope her comment and this blog will inspire others to do the same.
On June 27th, I blogged about the senior-focused Jitterbug cell phone and described how it could be used very effectively with automated OnTimeRx reminders to improve medication adherence.Turns out, there is another simple senior-focused system that works very well with OnTimeRx.
The Presto system is nothing more than a printer that is connected to an ordinary phone line.It receives email and prints it out at pre-selected times - up to five times daily.
Here’s how one OnTimeRx subscriber/caregiver utilizes this combination for her mother:
Mom lives alone and has never used a computer, nor does she want one. However, she is happy to get twice daily medication reminder calls on her regular home phone. The automated phone reminders were set up and managed by her daughter, who is very determined to help her mom stay independent.
She will do whatever it takes to get the job done, and that's why she bought the Presto machine and service. She utilizes it to provide automated OnTimeRx email reminders as an additional “hard copy backup" for the automated phone calls. (A little extra insurance is always a good idea.)
We all know that interruptions can occur, and if Mom doesn’t take her pills as soon as she hangs up the phone, it’s easy to forget to do it later.The daughter has the Presto machine scheduled to print out emails twice daily about 30 minutes after the phone reminders.
This two-pronged system serves two purposes.
1) The email print out provides an additional reminder – sort of like a snooze for the phone calls.
2) The printout can serve to document that Mom actually took her pills, because she jots down the time when she's done.
This documentation also reassures the daughter that her mother is, in fact, doing what she’s supposed to, when she’s supposed to.
Everyone is less stressed and the desired objective is met – to enable Mom to continue living on her own.
Dr. Lundberg posted a provocative video about obesity on Medscape Today in 2004. http://bit.ly/27L3YG He invited viewers to respond. So I wrote a letter that was chosen and published online as "More Serious Letters About Obesity".
I took exception to his comment: “nobody seems to care.[1]” As a healthcare provider myself (a pharmacist), I care very much. The main points in my letter still ring true 5 years later.
1. It's really sad when people in the United States are literally eating themselves to death. And their resulting poor health will surely bankrupt our already sick healthcare system.
2. The movie, Super Size Me, should be required viewing in every school everywhere. It was scarier than any movie that I've seen in years! I've preached “moderation” to my patients for years, but headlines about moderation and common sense are just not sexy enough to create a media frenzy. Nobody makes money selling common sense.
3. Maybe the powers that be will finally take on “Big Foods” like they did with "Big Tobacco".
(Who ever thought that that could really happen, but who knows? Maybe lightning can strike twice!) I'd love to see the Feds require food processors to cut the Salt content in half on every prepared food product - not just "Killer Snacks"! That alone would be a great start toward a healthier population.
Unfortunately, in most cases, obesity is the obvious "side-effect" of over-eating, which is the cause of Diabetes and many other self-imposed disease states .
In an effort to help people manage their growing array of medications successfully, OnTimeRx will remind these same diabetic, cardiac, and cholesterol-loaded patients to take their pills on time, even while they're supersizing themselves at McDonalds!
Wouldn't it be great if we could give everyone a "virtual headslap" to simply make them eat less?
Through a chance meeting at a Borders bookstore, I was invited to attend a Family Services of Metro Orlando Community Connection Tour meeting. This was a get acquainted networking meeting for an assortment of attendees from the community. We learned about the various services the agency provides and their needs for assistance to make their efforts reach further.
This is a non-profit agency of dedicated social workers, who are working with kids and families in crisis. They provide the whole gamut - everything from finding foster homes and adoptive parents to enlisting the skills of a lady who enjoys scrapbooking to help them tell their story. Those who attend these monthly meetings are asked to help Family Services spread the word about the agency and possibly find others who can also contribute time, talent, and resources. This was an excellent example of the value of "viral marketing".
We also learned that FSMO exists because every year in Florida:
* more than 58,000 children are abused or neglected. * nearly 30,000 children receive out-of-home care. * more than 23,000 teenage girls give birth. * nearly 40 percent of children live in households headed by single parents. * child abuse rates exceed national averages and federal standards.
There are so many ways to get involved and you can help in very small ways as well. Even a little bit of involvement can make a major difference. You may not be able to bring peace to the world or solve the problems in health care, but everyone has what it takes to make a difference in a child's life - and who knows what a difference that could make...??!!
I DARE YOU TO CONTACT this group! You willbe impressed, and you will want to do what you can to make positive things happen. Guaranteed!
If you don't tell "the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth" about your symptoms or your condition, it's extremely difficult for your doctor to treat you properly.
I'm sure we have all slanted our answers to medical questions from time to time, but the consequences of doing that can be quite serious in some cases. So why would any sane person do it?
I knew one 60-yr old female cardiac patient who was otherwise very honest and trustworthy, but she nearly died because she was not being truthful with her doctors. She had very high blood pressure, which was seemingly uncontrollable. Because she only weighed about 90 lbs soaking wet, she ALWAYS took half the dose of any new prescription, but she never told anyone what she was doing. (For some reason, she thought she knew more about proper dosing than her doctors!)
This practice caught up with her one day! Her pressure was dangerously high, so the doctor DOUBLED her dose... thinking the previous dose wasn't high enough to be effective. In fact she had only been taking a half-dose. She felt a little guilty about her deception and became concerned about a possible stroke; so for once, she took the dose just as he prescribed. Well, I'll help you do the math. From 1/2 a dose to a double dose was really about 4 times what she had been taking. Needless to say, her B/P dropped dramatically and she passed out. Luckily, she was a receptionist in a nursing home and her co-workers were right there to save her from herself. If this had happened at home, the lady would probably not have survived.
Here's an interesting blog piece about patients who lie to their doctors. These are mainly bipolar patients, but this misinformation problem can affect nearly everyone.
Most patients will swear that they are taking their medications exactly as the doctor prescribed, but they know better. Have you ever done that? It is a known fact that we are only about 50% compliant. Sometimes it's because we think we're more adherent than we really are, or sometimes it's because we just don't want the doctor to know we've been "naughty"! In either instance, it's not good for the doctor or the patient to work with the wrong information. It can have disastrous results.
But who or what are we trying to protect? Our self esteem? Not likely when we know we're being dishonest! Or is this some parent/child need to avoid punishment - such as a stop-smoking treatment plan that we don't want to follow, or a diet or exercise regimen, or whatever...???
In any case, honesty is the best policy when your health is concerned. Even if you have to come clean and admit to the doctor you have no intentions of doing what he just ordered. You've always had trouble cutting down on salt, have never been able to diet, and can't afford the time or money to go to a gym. At least he'll know what he's up against, and there may be other options, which you can both agree on... honestly!.
Plus you won't have the added guilt of knowing you're lying on top of everything, which could possibly do yourself more harm.
I'm a health care professional, and I can "honestly" say that I have not been totally honest at times. There - I've admitted it and I feel much better now. ; D
Jitterbug has done an excellent job with their simple "senior-focused" cell phone. OnTimeRx employs this concept in the design of our automated medication reminder service. These two senior products are meant for each other!!
Life will be much simpler for the caregivers and family members when a senior is using these simple tools. It provides peace of mind and is a stress-reliever to boot!
According to a lot of chatter on Twitter and on a nursing listserv I follow, the Palm Pre is looking like the obvious choice over iPhone or Android. There's a Comparison Chart that's getting a lot of looks on Twitter and other places, and if those numbers are correct, the Pre will save nurses and other health care providers a lot more money in the long run.
The yearly service costs are less for the Pre, but an even bigger savings will be possible for medical/clinical users. Since the Palm Pre can run the MotionApps Classic emulator, it won't be necessary to buy all new software to get the specific funcionality that's needed in health care settings. Most of the trusty old Palm OS programs will still be useful and useable on this nifty new phone.
Many health care providers have invested hundreds of dollars in very specific programs for their particular areas of expertise. These targeted applications include drug databases for various geriatric, pediatric, and diabetic specialties; and there are dosage calculators, patient assessment tools, and yes, even my patient-focused medication reminder program, OnTimeRx.
The new Palm Pre phone (webOS) is in the final countdown for launch tomorrow - Saturday, June 6th, 2009.
This is also a very big day for OnTimeRx!
Not only will OnTimeRx run on the Palm Pre phone (with Classic emulator), it will run 2x as fast! The best part is, this will allow a whole new generation to experience the joys of using OnTimeRx software for medication management.
We didn't have to do a thing to our old reliable Palm OS program, which thousands of Palm PDA and smart phone users have been depending on for years. Now they can upgrade to the new Palm webOS operating system, and never miss a beat - or a pill.
OnTimeRx has been Certified Compatible with the Classic emulator, and we could not be more delighted.
Thank you, MotionApps, for this BRILLIANT Solution!
Palm OS - R.I.P. (Or... Reincarnation In Progress?)
As a Palm software developer, I've been greatly distressed by the demise of Palm OS. This is the trusted and reliable platform that made so many hand held devices do such marvelous things for nearly a decade.
Well, my friends, there is hope. I have just been informed that OnTimeRx software has been Certified for Compatibility by MotionApps and it will be able to run on the new Palm Pre (a webOS smartphone - launch date- June 6, 2009).
From the FAQ on MotionApps site:
Q: How can I install Palm OS app in Classic (on Pre)?
A: The installation of Palm OS apps is as straight forward as this:
Connect your Pre device with your PC using USB cable
Mount Pre device as USB drive
Navigate to ClassicApps folder
Copy .prc/.pdb file in the folder
Unmount Pre and start Classic
The application will be installed and ready for running
That sounds simple enough and is very good news indeed!!!
I am one of those passionate Palm-users who has bought and used many helpful and entertaining software programs over the years; and now it looks like I'll be able to continue to use them on this new operating system. I sure hope this Classic application/Palm OS emulator lives up to the hype, because it will really be one step backward and many, many steps forward into the future of hand help computing.
The Obama White House is using technology to gather public opinion on what's needed for changing Health Care for all Americans. I posted my opinion and my solution online yesterday.
Medication noncompliance is costing the US over $200 billion annually. It is also one of the primary reasons that thousands of Americans wind up in hospitals, emergency rooms, and ultimately in nursing homes.
After serving as Director of Pharmacy Services for 18 years in a 400+bed skilled care nursing facility, I left active pharmacy practice in 1996 to develop simple, affordable technology-based tools to help patients manage medications effectively and reduce some of this unnecessary expense. My company is 100% self-funded and totally dedicated to helping Americans maintain their independence and achieve a much higher level of medication adherence than the current 50%.
Interestingly, there is no need to wait until a totally integrated health care and information system is in place. Our simple stand-alone solution can save millions of health care dollars right now. Provide patients the tools and technology to better manage their own care and everyone will save money in the process.
My suggestion is that inexpensive existing technology solutions should be considered when looking for affordable ways to reform health care. OnTimeRx is a mature, feature-rich medication reminder software program that works on multiple devices: Palm, PocketPC, and Windows Mobile hand-held computers and smartphones, Windows XP and Vista, and now on the BlackBerry smartphone. This reminder solution was launched on the Internet in 2000, and at that time, it was "ahead of its time". Even so, there are thousands of users worldwide who are now able to manage the most complex medication regimens easily.
This reminder software is patient-focused, extremely intuitive, and users of all ages are quite capable of utilizing it on their own. VA Caseworkers have purchased OnTimeRx software, and the necessary hardware, for several VA patients over the years. This is an especially helpful tool for VA patients with traumatic brain injuries, ADHD, and other memory problems. For only a small one-time purchase ($22.95 or $34.95/patient) a practical investment in patient-centric healthcare reform could provide a measurable ROI. This same helpful medication manager works for patients of all types and ages, many of whom are struggling daily to follow their doctor's orders. By empowering hundreds of thousands more patients with the tools to successfully manage their own medications, many of them could avoid going to nursing homes - a far more expensive alternative to home health care and aging in place.
As I continue to age, I am using more health care services; but I can personally attest to the value of using technology to manage and maintain my own health. I invite the White House Forum on Health Reform to take a close look at this very affordable option.
One final thought: The single-payer system is getting a lot of attention lately, and it is definitely needed to facilitate the economical delivery of medications. This would allow pharmacists to get back to being pharmacists instead of insurance claims processors. By adequately reimbursing pharmacists to deliver Medication Therapy Management services and patient counseling, health reform can elevate the practice of pharmacy to expand its role in providing better preventive care, which results in major savings in the long term. When pharmacists can concentrate on helping patients achieve medication compliance and better therapeutic outcomes, instead of chasing after insurance reimbursement, the entire health care system will be healthier.
Reminders can be a major stress-reliever. This blog explains when, why, and how to use reminders successfully with OnTimeRx software and automated reminder services. If you're like most people , you know it is NOT easy to take medications routinely and stay on a regular schedule!
WELCOME! This blog is for you... I will share practical suggestions and effective tools, based on my years of experience as a pharmacist.
OnTimeRx is pleased to be partnering with MotionApps to bring thousands of excellent Palm OS applications to a new high-tech phone - the Palm Pre. We have been very impressed with the technical concept of including the Classic emulator on Palm's WebOS phone. We were thrilled to be one of their launch partners, and you can read their entire blog post here.
