NOT! (Nursing Open Thread) is a community forum hosted by Nurse Kelley to provide folks with a regularly-scheduled interactive place to discuss their health problems, share remedies that have worked for them, seek suggestions, or raise bloody hell about their situation. Everyone is welcome to participate and lively discussion is encouraged. Nurse Kelley's only rule is this: Be kind.♥
How much research did you do before buying your last car? How about that flat-screen TV you're lusting after, or your next computer? If you're like me, you might have started with Consumer Reports or another good ratings magazine, then moved on to peruse several sites on the Internet. We test drive cars before buying them and we usually go to a store and examine electronics and appliances we're interested in, even if we ultimately buy them online. We talk to experts, too. What does your trusted mechanic think about that car you want? Does your computer guy have a good opinion of the new Dell laptop?
Are you that meticulous when finding a doctor or surgeon or hospital? Do you know how to research docs and hospitals? Or do you, like most people, assume the nearest medical facility is "probably okay" and ask your friends to recommend a good dermatologist?
I received a nice birthday present last week, a book entitled Never Go to the Hospital Alone by Steve Harden. Wow! This guy has not only written the must useful consumer healthcare resouce manual I've ever read, he's written a book that's easy and fun to read. Check out the Table of Contents to get an idea of the wealth of information covered. The author's website for the book is still partly "under construction", but the home page does a good job explaining why Nurse Kelley wants you to have this book.
If you get this book, my friends, you may never need the information contained in Chapter 15, The Truth About Malpractice Lawsuits. (Just sayin'.)
Okay ~ end of lecture! What's on your minds this fine Monday? Talk to Nurse Kelley.♥