What if McDonald’s billed for services like hospitals?

Frugal Nurse Posted on by

One big problem in our healthcare system is its lack of price transparency.

Different insurance companies negotiate different rates with different networks. Middlemen called pharmacy benefits managers (PBM) similarly control drug prices. Cash pricing is something else altogether.

So it made me laugh to listen to two physicians—who I think are stars in the conversation about REAL healthcare reform—banter about trying to order a meal at McDonald’s…

… read on

Flu resources from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC)

Frugal Nurse Posted on by

The CDC reached out and asked that I join other health professionals in sharing this Flu Prevention Resource Sheet. It’s full of flu facts, tips, and helpful links. Sláinte, FN

The Flu Prevention Resource Sheet

for Healthcare Workers, Teachers and Concerned Parents

The U.S. flu season is just beginning, and can last until May (with peak infections hitting between December and February). While it’s far too early to predict … read on

The health benefits of soy (soy milk, tofu and edamame)

Frugal Nurse Posted on by

health benefits of soySoy products used to confuse me.

As a nurse, I worked with breast cancer patients. At the time there was confusion about whether women with breast cancer, or at a high risk of getting breast cancer, could safely eat soy.

That’s because soy contains an abundance of isoflavones. Isoflavones are phytoestrogens or plant compounds that mimic estrogen and bind to estrogen receptors in our bodies.

Because most breast cancers … read on

A health insurance primer for open enrollment

Frugal Nurse Posted on by

health insurance primerNovember 1 marked the beginning of the six-week open enrollment season.

From November 1 to December 15, those of us in the individual health insurance market can browse plans through healthcare.gov, a state-run health insurance marketplace, or any health insurance provider that sells individual plans.

As you shop for health insurance, it’s good to know a few of the basics.

Exchange plans are categorized or “metalized” into three … read on

Halloween safety tips: Beware cars and toxic makeup

Frugal Nurse Posted on by

halloween safety tipsLook both ways!

What is the biggest risk to kids on Halloween night? It’s not an overdose of sugar, or the possibility of tainted treats. It’s the traffic.

The Mother’s Complete Guide to Halloween Safety says child pedestrian accidents increase 400% on Halloween, compared to an average day.

The greatest number of accidents occur between the hours of 5 pm and 9 pm.

The guide gives the following tips for … read on

Why screening mammograms aren’t as great as you may think

Frugal Nurse Posted on by

I’m all about high-value, evidence-based healthcare.

And because October is Breast Cancer Awareness month (Think Pink? Think Twice!), I want to share this video by Andrew Lazris, MD, and Erik Rifkin, PhD. They use the visual of 1000 women sitting in a theater to illustrate why screening mammograms probably won’t save your life.

A picture (or video) is worth a thousand words, isn’t … read on

Get your flu shot (because the 2019-20 flu season may be bad)

Frugal Nurse Posted on by

get your flu shotYesterday I got my flu shot.

Here’s what I’d like you to know about the flu shot.

The flu shot takes about 2 weeks to reach it’s max protectiveness, so I like to get it around mid-October.

Flu seasons vary from year to year. Some years the flu comes early in November or December; other years, like last year, it peaks late in April or May.

Experts are warning … read on

Hand washing 101: The most effective way to beat germs

Frugal Nurse Posted on by

Germs are everywhere

Today is Global Handwashing Day!

One of the best ways to prevent nasty seasonal colds and flu (not to mention nasty intestinal ailments) is to wash your hands.

It doesn’t take much imagination to envision the gazillions of germs that are lurking on handles and door knobs and other surfaces that we—and others—touch multiple times a day.

Wash your hands often

Soap and water are the gold … read on

Healthcare books I’m reading

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healthcare books 2019We must be a nation of book lovers because there are at least three nationally-recognized book lovers’ days or months.

National Book Month is October (the others are in January and August), so I thought I would share a few of the healthcare books that I am currently reading or about to read.

If you’ve read my blog for long you know I’m an avid reader. I devour books about … read on

Watch a sneeze in slow motion: This is why colds spread so easily!

Frugal Nurse Posted on by

There isn’t a vaccine or cure for the common cold.

The best way to prevent catching a cold is to wash your hands, because anything you touch may be covered in cold germs.

Watch a sneeze in slow motion and you’ll understand why it’s so important to cover your nose and mouth when you sneeze!

The physics of a sneeze

The above video … read on