News & Insights
All I Want for Christmas is the Vaccine
Well, in a year that we'd all soon like to forget, finally we have some very good news. This past Friday, the FDA gave an Emergency Use Approval (EUA) of the BioNTech-Pfizer COVID vaccine. No doubt as you read this, vaccines are being shipped to hospitals, physician...
Listening in the Year of COVID
Amidst last week's anxiety about the election results and dire news about increasing COVID infections, hospitalizations and deaths, we were interviewing a candidate and asked her, "In your opinion, what is the most important skill a nurse advocate can have?" Her...
Medicare 101 — Understanding the Basics
Not even a pandemic can stop the Medicare Open Enrollment Period! As many of our friends, neighbors and colleagues prepare to enter their "golden years," their dreams of retirement are likely interrupted by nightmares of turning 65 and having to sign up for Medicare....
Yes, You DO Need a Flu Shot
No one will argue with you if you say this has been quite a year. And it's very likely that we will all breathe a huge collective sigh of relief when 2020 comes to an end. But, before it gets too late this fall, it's time to think about getting your flu shot. And this...
Silver Linings Amidst the Pandemic
I don't know about you, but the last five months have been---shall we say, a bit challenging for me. Like you, I am getting through it. I can hardly believe it's almost September! And how many of us will be very happy to see 2020 end?? The impact of COVID19 hasn't...
Do You See What I See
Right now in 2020, all across the U.S., even BEFORE the coronavirus pandemic arrived, data showed that people of color---Black, Hispanic, Native American, Alaskan Native, Asian American, and others---suffer disproportionately from some of the most devastating health...
Busting More COVID-19 Myths
What if I just run my hands under an air dryer? Won't the heat kill the virus? No. You still need to wash your hands with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand rub. Once your hands are clean, you should dry them thoroughly by using paper towels or a warm air...
Caring for Someone with COVID19 in Your Home
Two things to put at the top of your list: Know where your nearest hospital emergency room is, write down the name and phone number and post it on your fridge. Look for emergency warning signs in the patient. These include difficulty breathing or shortness of...
Celebrating the Year of the Nurse and Midwife
In January of 2019, the World Health Organization (WHO) made the official proposal to declare 2020 the year of the nurse and the midwife. And voila! It is now 2020! The World Health Organization is a global institution that services the countries of the United...
Coronavirus 101
About the Coronavirus The 2019-nCoV is spreading from person to person in China and limited spread among close contacts has been detected in some countries outside China, including the United States. At this time, however, this virus is NOT currently spreading in...
New Year; New Coast
At the end of each year, I like to reflect back on the memorable and occasionally, not-so-memorable moments and say a quiet prayer of thanks. This year, like many others before it, was a combination of heartache and joy. Professionally, this year was a whirlwind of...
Be Thankful.
Thanksgiving is right around the corner and that means that there are millions of Americans planning and shopping for their annual holiday dinner. But though the food is part of the event, the holiday is also about saying 'thanks' and for (hopefully) appreciating the...