ChemoBrain/Cognitive Dysfunction

In today's Wall Street Journal's Health Journal, Tara Parker-Pope discuss one of my continual issues, ChemoBrain.

Research from UCLA indicates marked differences in the brains of breast-cancer patients who had undergone chemotherapy. As noted in the article, studies of "breast-cancer patients show that nearly two-thirds of women treated with chemo develop some level of cognitive problems, though most recover on their own in weeks or months after treatment stops."

The problems relate to "focus, fast thinking, organization skills and an inability to multitask," indicated Eric Winer of Dana-Faber Cancer Institute.

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Shared Care Plan Idea

This is a very exciting program. "Shared Care Plan" is clearly a major step forward in improving the communication between everyone involved in a chronic care situation.

The "Patient Powered" program in Whatcom County, Washington seems to be on the "cutting-edge" of empowerment for both patient, caregivers, family members and healthcare professionals.

Too often, we think empowerment is patient-oriented, I think this misses the point. The entire healthcare team needs to be empowered. Healthcare professionals need to be empowered to share more information and not to be threatened by patients who believe in assisting in managing their disease.

By Return Post

"Handwritten notes do more than inspire the reader who reads it, it inspires the writer who writes it." Margaret Shepherd

By Return Post is an experiment in the art of the handwritten note. Putting ink to paper is not dying, in fact, its more important today than ever.

Ask for your handwritten letter at By Return Post!

Moleskinerie

Moleskinerie is a great site for those who love the Moleskine journal -- check it out.

Tools of the Trade ...

Chemo Chronicles Article

As I looked over my notes, I came across a comment to update "technology for the chronically ill and cancer patients." In a previous cancer website <http://cancer.stonecottage.com/originalv1.html>, I had discussed some of the computer tools I use for keeping track of critical health information, which lead to an article in Health Data Management . It seems time to update this article for changes in technology and how I'm keeping critical health information.

I currently use a Palm Tungsten T2 <http://www.palmone.com/us/products/handhelds/tungsten-t2/> for hand-held computing needs. When at home, I use Apple G4 PowerBooks, a 12-inch <http://www.apple.com/powerbook/index12.html> and a 15-inch <http://www.apple.com/powerbook/index15.html>. On the Palm, I have installed two critical applications, PatientKeeper <http://www.patientkeeper.com/products_personal.html> and Documents-to-Go <http://www.dataviz.com/> (see reviews below) which are at the heart of the essential tracking of health information.

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State by State Health Facts ...

The Kaiser Family Foundation has an excellent state-by-state fact sheet. A resource worth bookmarking for future reference.

RX Tools ...

On Chemo Chronicles...

WSJ: New Consumer Access to Quality Data

The Kaiser Network has a good summary of Laura Landro's Latest Informed Patient article on new web tools for improving consumer access to quality data about health plans. The actual WSJ site requires a password, but this article is worth reading.

LA Times - "Democrats Can't Shake the Pack on Health Care

A very good article in today's LA Times on the Democrats health care issue positions. Worth a read.

Bloggers and Davos ...

Bloggers inside, Davos secrets are out -- an excellent article in the International Herald Tribune.

Health Care on Voter's Minds

In today's Washington Post, an interesting article about the voter's mind. For the New Hampshire voters, healthcare is the most important issue. In a national wide poll mentioned, the economy and healthcare top the list for most voters. The war on Iraq continuing to drop in the importance of many voters.

Candidates on Healthcare ...

The Portsmouth Herald has a good summary of the candidates healthcare ideas.

Daily News Observed - Healthcare & Legal News

Summary of news about healthcare and legal issues from a variety of sources.

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HealthLeaders Daily News --
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STUDY FINDS THAT TAXES PAY FOR MOST OBESITY COSTS
AP/Washington Post
http://www.healthleaders.com/news/newspage1.php?contentid=51860

KERRY CALLS FOR CHEAPER DRUG PRICES
AP/Washington Post
http://www.healthleaders.com/news/newspage1.php?contentid=51866

OBSTACLES REMAIN DESPITE ENDORSEMENT FROM BUSH ON DIGITAL MEDICAL RECORDS
Wall Street Journal (subscription required)
http://www.healthleaders.com/news/newspage1.php?contentid=51900

ASSOCIATION HEALTH PLANS WOULD HURT CONSUMERS
USA Today
http://www.healthleaders.com/news/newspage1.php?contentid=51908

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