Going to work today brought a mix of dread and boredom to have to attend an all morning meeting. However, my eyes were opened on one of the topics of the day. The one topic that gripped me was on HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountablility Act) and the privacy rule protection of individuals health information and their rights.
While working in the health industry for years you become accustom to maintaining a patients privacy and being careful on what you say and document. However, there is a whole other sinister world out there ready to illegally grab that information in any devious way they can, which makes it all the more imperative to remain vigilant in our privacy rules and proceedures and to become more proactive to prevent this.
Yep....IDENTITY THEFT. We all know it exists. We read about it every day. Many of us have experienced it. But how much do we really know the degree and lengths a criminal will go to, to get that precious information. They sit in medical offices listening for any private information from staff and other patients so they can gather their personal data. How many times have you or someone you know, gone into an office and sat there "visiting" with another patient, telling them all about your health problems, your insurance coverage from where you work, where you live, how many kids you have, who they are. Have you exchanged phone numbers, email addresses and home address and even your birthdate if you just happened to have one with someone you know? Then the clinical staff comes out and calls you by name. HMMMMMMMM.....
The "criminal" now has a boat load of info on you and is prepared to use it!
There are people who sit in offices to hear the nurses call pts. Yes, Mrs Jones, this is Kathy withs Dr. So and So's office and we have your XYZ prescription (vicodin, OXY whatever) called into ABC pharmacy and it should be there for you. Let me just verify your date of birth, address and phone number and insurance. Joe the crook then goes to ABC pharmacy after waiting the appropriate time, states Mrs Jones is in the car and not feeling well after her surgery...but I'll go see if I can get her to come in if it's a problem and yep you guessed it...he is given the RX. A half hour later the REAL Mrs. Jones goes into get her RX and it's not there. This is a reality folks and is only going to get worse.
My advice is to really watch where you are, know who you are talking to and be careful of what info you share openly when others are within listening distance.
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Long Overdue Update
It has been a long time since I have updated this blog. Shame on me. The cycle of life is ever changing and as such so has our lives. The weather is warming and the yard work is well on the way to being complete. Yeah right.....that is a job that is forever on going.
I tell myself every spring that I won't get into any big project with the gardening stuff and end up knee deep in dirt, mulch and flowers. How and WHY do I continue to ask for trouble. The "little extension" of our flower bed 5 years ago has turned into an on going, never ending project.
It has turned out pretty well in the long run. Mostly sun in the back so alot of the plants are more tropical and drought resistant. The deer and other animals have made keeping things blooming a challenge. I think after a couple of years of assisting the deer and rabbits with dinner via my plants, I have finally become wiser and out smarted them. I hope.....
I use a filament line and stretch it all across the edge of the beds to keep the deer away. So far this is the best thing. I use fishing line and make sure it is just high enough off the ground to hit them at the lower chest area. They can't see it and are detoured from entering. All the sprays with the foul smells were a nuisance for me. The one bottle cracked and we had an awful coyote urine odor in our garage for weeks! I enjoy being a wannabe green thumb gardener, it's just the initial start up with all the mulch that is rough. 10 yards - What were we thinking!!! I hurt for 2 days after.
Our mailbox that was wiped out in Jan. by a teenager going too fast in bad weather has finally been replaced. This is the 4th time in 18 years we have had this problem. Dear hubby tho has always reset the next one in mucho amounts of concrete and then with this latest wipe out, it became a big problem because now he had to dig out 3 feet of a concrete block. The parents of the driver promised they would handle the replacment repeateldly when the weather got better. After many calls and no answer we finally got tired of the wait. Thank goodness for our son in law that he could help get the job done. Of course when the mailbox was done, that led to us using his muscles to move other large items in the house. With the promise of a home cooked meal it was a snap. I have the feeling we may not see him again in a LONG while. Poor guy.
I tell myself every spring that I won't get into any big project with the gardening stuff and end up knee deep in dirt, mulch and flowers. How and WHY do I continue to ask for trouble. The "little extension" of our flower bed 5 years ago has turned into an on going, never ending project.
It has turned out pretty well in the long run. Mostly sun in the back so alot of the plants are more tropical and drought resistant. The deer and other animals have made keeping things blooming a challenge. I think after a couple of years of assisting the deer and rabbits with dinner via my plants, I have finally become wiser and out smarted them. I hope.....
I use a filament line and stretch it all across the edge of the beds to keep the deer away. So far this is the best thing. I use fishing line and make sure it is just high enough off the ground to hit them at the lower chest area. They can't see it and are detoured from entering. All the sprays with the foul smells were a nuisance for me. The one bottle cracked and we had an awful coyote urine odor in our garage for weeks! I enjoy being a wannabe green thumb gardener, it's just the initial start up with all the mulch that is rough. 10 yards - What were we thinking!!! I hurt for 2 days after.
Our mailbox that was wiped out in Jan. by a teenager going too fast in bad weather has finally been replaced. This is the 4th time in 18 years we have had this problem. Dear hubby tho has always reset the next one in mucho amounts of concrete and then with this latest wipe out, it became a big problem because now he had to dig out 3 feet of a concrete block. The parents of the driver promised they would handle the replacment repeateldly when the weather got better. After many calls and no answer we finally got tired of the wait. Thank goodness for our son in law that he could help get the job done. Of course when the mailbox was done, that led to us using his muscles to move other large items in the house. With the promise of a home cooked meal it was a snap. I have the feeling we may not see him again in a LONG while. Poor guy.
Saturday, January 10, 2009
Funny for the day....
I'm sorry this was just too darn funny not to share! We gals can all relate to this one. Of course MY hubby would NEVER do this...LOL! Thanks Trish for sharing.
A husband and wife are shopping in their local Wal-Mart.
The husband picks up a case of Budweiser and puts it in their cart.
'What do you think you're doing?' asks the wife.
'They're on sale, only $10 for 24 cans,' he replies.
'Put them back, we can't afford them,' demands the wife, and so they carry on shopping.
A few aisles further on along the woman picks up a $20 jar of face cream and puts it in the basket.
'What do you think you're doing?' asks the husband.
'It's my face cream. It makes me look beautiful,' replies the wife.
Her husband retorts: 'So does 24 cans of Budweiser and it's half the price.'
On the PA system: 'Cleanup needed on aisle 25, we have a husband down.'
Nuff said.
A husband and wife are shopping in their local Wal-Mart.
The husband picks up a case of Budweiser and puts it in their cart.
'What do you think you're doing?' asks the wife.
'They're on sale, only $10 for 24 cans,' he replies.
'Put them back, we can't afford them,' demands the wife, and so they carry on shopping.
A few aisles further on along the woman picks up a $20 jar of face cream and puts it in the basket.
'What do you think you're doing?' asks the husband.
'It's my face cream. It makes me look beautiful,' replies the wife.
Her husband retorts: 'So does 24 cans of Budweiser and it's half the price.'
On the PA system: 'Cleanup needed on aisle 25, we have a husband down.'
Nuff said.
Thursday, January 8, 2009
I Love you Mom
January is a rough month for me. Losing mom 2 years ago today is still so raw on my heart. She was my best friend, my mentor, kindred spirit and now my angel. She will forever be here close in all I do, say and am. Her name is Mercedes, and we have as yet to figure out why but it fit so perfectly. The unusual name for a "maverick lady". She had a winning smile, the funniest giggle and a stubborn streak.
Her faith was her foundation, her family her strength and pride. In those 2 things, she would not bend in her belief in them both. Even tho, some of us tried our best to test her. We sure were a handful and the stories are many. She devoted much of her life helping others through church, bible study clubs, and extended family and friends needs. Her life was hard and money so tight but with 8 kids they managed to keep it all together. Her health was always a concern for her from her 60's on, but she managed to test the odd's until she was 82. She survived 3 triple bypasses, carotid surgeries, diabetes, high blood pressure, amputation, kidney failure and numerous other surgeries throughout. She fell and broke her hip and passed away 6 weeks later. Her outlook on it all was with dignity and never a complaint. Mom was always dressed with her makeup and jewelry on as if she was going somewhere. Many times she told me it was in case someone came to take her somewhere and she would be ready. She often asked why she ended up with so many health problems. I would tell her that a lesser person would crumble and she was the inspiration to us all that you can have many obstacles and can overcome them even if it wasn't perfect.
I guess the lesson I've learned from her is to live fully, love completely, laugh often and do the things NOW in life that make you happy. You make each day what it is and you have the power to make someone else's day just as good whether it's a smile, a touch, kind word or helping hand. I just hope I can instill those same value's into my own family.
I think I have, they're pretty awesome and they are after all, a part of MOM.
Her faith was her foundation, her family her strength and pride. In those 2 things, she would not bend in her belief in them both. Even tho, some of us tried our best to test her. We sure were a handful and the stories are many. She devoted much of her life helping others through church, bible study clubs, and extended family and friends needs. Her life was hard and money so tight but with 8 kids they managed to keep it all together. Her health was always a concern for her from her 60's on, but she managed to test the odd's until she was 82. She survived 3 triple bypasses, carotid surgeries, diabetes, high blood pressure, amputation, kidney failure and numerous other surgeries throughout. She fell and broke her hip and passed away 6 weeks later. Her outlook on it all was with dignity and never a complaint. Mom was always dressed with her makeup and jewelry on as if she was going somewhere. Many times she told me it was in case someone came to take her somewhere and she would be ready. She often asked why she ended up with so many health problems. I would tell her that a lesser person would crumble and she was the inspiration to us all that you can have many obstacles and can overcome them even if it wasn't perfect.
I guess the lesson I've learned from her is to live fully, love completely, laugh often and do the things NOW in life that make you happy. You make each day what it is and you have the power to make someone else's day just as good whether it's a smile, a touch, kind word or helping hand. I just hope I can instill those same value's into my own family.
I think I have, they're pretty awesome and they are after all, a part of MOM.
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
Well I never!
I never dreamed that after raising 3 children of my own would I ever have to utter these 4 simple words again. "GET OFF THE PHONE!" However the next generation has arrived and sadly to say, I found myself having a flash back to the past when I had to once again repeat it. This time it was not my kids, but those of others. The story goes....
After a rainy afternoon that turned to freezing rain, unfortunately there was a 2 car accident (once again) in front of our house and blocking 1/2 of the street. No one appeared hurt, it looked like a fender bender type and the 2 drivers were walking briskly back and forth. After repeatedly asking if the 2 young lady teenagers were ok, they put their phone(s) down and said, "Oh yeah." When asked if they could turn their flashers on, they again had the phones glued to their ears and didn't move - traffic was still coming and in the dark they could not see the cars well. It was very evident they were talking to friends and discussing their "crash" as they called it and in their conversations they berated the other traffic who were trapped on the icy hill and could not drive back up it. Some cars slid down the hill slowly which was totally out of their control and the girls again started yelling at them. I asked if they called the police and again while talking on the phone I was ignored. The rain poured, we were all soaked and I succumbed to that old parental phrase.."Get Off the Phone!" I called the police myself, told the girls they needed to call their parents and after 5 minutes more, the "2nd team" arrived to take care of it. The parents never said thank you, the girls just walked away and left it to someone else to clean up the mess.
I'm not sure about anyone else but something is wrong with this picture. Where is the sense of responsibility to take care of things and the common sense to get it done. It amazed me from the action of the parental unit that the apple apparently doesn't fall far from the tree.
Sad but true.
After a rainy afternoon that turned to freezing rain, unfortunately there was a 2 car accident (once again) in front of our house and blocking 1/2 of the street. No one appeared hurt, it looked like a fender bender type and the 2 drivers were walking briskly back and forth. After repeatedly asking if the 2 young lady teenagers were ok, they put their phone(s) down and said, "Oh yeah." When asked if they could turn their flashers on, they again had the phones glued to their ears and didn't move - traffic was still coming and in the dark they could not see the cars well. It was very evident they were talking to friends and discussing their "crash" as they called it and in their conversations they berated the other traffic who were trapped on the icy hill and could not drive back up it. Some cars slid down the hill slowly which was totally out of their control and the girls again started yelling at them. I asked if they called the police and again while talking on the phone I was ignored. The rain poured, we were all soaked and I succumbed to that old parental phrase.."Get Off the Phone!" I called the police myself, told the girls they needed to call their parents and after 5 minutes more, the "2nd team" arrived to take care of it. The parents never said thank you, the girls just walked away and left it to someone else to clean up the mess.
I'm not sure about anyone else but something is wrong with this picture. Where is the sense of responsibility to take care of things and the common sense to get it done. It amazed me from the action of the parental unit that the apple apparently doesn't fall far from the tree.
Sad but true.
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
Look Out World
Houston we have another blogger! My children and hubby will be so proud....and SHOCKED. May have to even pick a couple of them off of the flour! This was one of my New Years Resolutions to do and at the top of the list too. Hey, I'm a Capricorn and even our lists have lists.
I am the proud mother of three beautiful, funny and talented children...ahem...adults. Two girls, and a son. Not to mention "mom in law" of two very handsome men. I am also the luckiest woman married to her best friend for 35 years! We have 3 gorgeous grandchildren who are the joy of our lives 14 mos, 5 yr and 7 yr old. Plus, an "almost done" miracle in waiting - 1 more month! We have been blessed with having the little ones close and being able to share in their growing up years.
My interests are varied and change with the wind. While traveling is at the top of the list, I love to read, walk, bake, organize events, do arts and crafts and spend time with family and friends. My one special volunteer activity is with Hospice. It fills a void in my life with losing my mother and it gives me an incredible sense of peace, appreciation of life, spirituality and compassion to be able to help those traveling on that same journey. I volunteer as I can and where I can.
I am a sibling of 6 brothers and 1 sister. A HUGH family and what a raucous we put up when together. Hubby just has 1 brother and my mother and father in law are a blessing in themselves. What a wonderful couple they are to each other and us. Truly best friends BUT they are a "real trip." Our kids just say, "My grandparents aren't normal" to all their friends and when they meet, they find out soon how true it is. Gma 78 and Gpa 84 still do all their own housework, shopping and errands and have the funniest sense of humor. Everything turns into a laugh-fest when we get together. They just enjoy life, are the sweetest young old people we know and it is amazing how much the kids love being around them. Our 2 girls still call them several times a week.
Our adventures will continue as the weeks roll on. Stay tuned for more "Chatter".
I am the proud mother of three beautiful, funny and talented children...ahem...adults. Two girls, and a son. Not to mention "mom in law" of two very handsome men. I am also the luckiest woman married to her best friend for 35 years! We have 3 gorgeous grandchildren who are the joy of our lives 14 mos, 5 yr and 7 yr old. Plus, an "almost done" miracle in waiting - 1 more month! We have been blessed with having the little ones close and being able to share in their growing up years.
My interests are varied and change with the wind. While traveling is at the top of the list, I love to read, walk, bake, organize events, do arts and crafts and spend time with family and friends. My one special volunteer activity is with Hospice. It fills a void in my life with losing my mother and it gives me an incredible sense of peace, appreciation of life, spirituality and compassion to be able to help those traveling on that same journey. I volunteer as I can and where I can.
I am a sibling of 6 brothers and 1 sister. A HUGH family and what a raucous we put up when together. Hubby just has 1 brother and my mother and father in law are a blessing in themselves. What a wonderful couple they are to each other and us. Truly best friends BUT they are a "real trip." Our kids just say, "My grandparents aren't normal" to all their friends and when they meet, they find out soon how true it is. Gma 78 and Gpa 84 still do all their own housework, shopping and errands and have the funniest sense of humor. Everything turns into a laugh-fest when we get together. They just enjoy life, are the sweetest young old people we know and it is amazing how much the kids love being around them. Our 2 girls still call them several times a week.
Our adventures will continue as the weeks roll on. Stay tuned for more "Chatter".
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