As we enter the homestretch for the month of July, we begin to realize that the dog days of summer aren't too far off and before we know it we'll be packing up our Labor Day BBQ gear and saying goodbye to the Summer of 2010. As this realization begins to set in, people will be scrambling to enjoy as much outdoor time as they possibly can during the second half of the summer. Some will gather poolside, while others will make pilgrimages to both nearby and far off beach settings. There will be cookouts, hiking excursions, gardening endeavors, camping trips, and 5K runs to take part in. All fun stuff, and most of us will try to cram in as much of it as our busy schedules will possibly allow for during the next seven weeks. One thing however is very important to remember when venturing outdoors to enjoy what has been one of the hottest summer seasons on record. While most people seem to remember to drink water and stay hydrated while taking in the summer heat, there are still far too many individuals who neglect to wear the necessary sunscreen to protect themselves from the sun's dangerous rays.
Most of us can remember back to a time when people coated themselves in baby oil or slick tanning grease before baking themselves beside a pool or on a sandy beach, but today most people realize the potential danger of skin cancer and other ailments that can result from over exposure to the sun's radiation. Still, while most people aren't foolish enough to oil-up before prolonged exposure to the sun, there are plenty of people who neglect to wear SPF sunscreen that offers the appropriate protection they need. It is of the utmost importance that you not only wear sunscreen but that you wear sunscreen with the appropriate SPF protection and that you apply it properly in all situations.
While there are thousands of products that claim to offer SPF protection, they are not all created equally and it is important to know the facts when choosing a sunscreen to guard against the potentially hazardous effects of overexposure to sun rays. First, it is of the highest importance that you choose a sunscreen product with a minimum SPF of '15'. Any less than that can present a number of issues, including a need to reapply lotion more often than is convenient or even realistically feasible. Second, some SPF sunscreens protect only against UVB sunlight; preventing a visible sunburn but failing to protect against the deeper core skin damage caused by UVA radiation. It is very important to choose an SPF product with both UVA and UVB protection. Be careful of products designated with an SPF beyond '50+', as these often offer very little protection against harmful UVA. Third, you should choose a product that is waterproof if you plan on going for a dip in the pool, lake, or ocean (or even if you perspire a good deal) because there are many products that will wash off easily and fail to protect you under such circumstances. It is significant to protect yourself when swimming because sunlight is drawn to water by its reflective properties and you can be unwittingly overexposed to sunlight radiation while lounging around in the cool water and you'd never know it until it was too late. Along these same lines, it is important to reapply sunscreen upon exiting the water, even if it's designated as "waterproof". Finally, while it is important to apply sunscreen that covers all exposed areas of your body's flesh, you should not over-apply the SPF product too liberally. Many sunscreens contain potentially harmful hormone disruptors such as oxybenzone or other chemicals that some medical professionals warn may cause skin conditions or diseases of their own if applied in a gratuitous manner. It is better to reapply later, than it is to slather yourself excessively in sunscreen. Still, it is certainly important to achieve full coverage. One way in which this can sometimes be done without over-applying is by using a spray-on SPF sunscreen which helps to obtain complete coverage without over-saturation.
These are just a few tips to insure that you remain safe when out in the sun over the next few weeks. Whether you're at the beach, lounging in the park, cultivating your green thumb, or taking part in a mid-day run -- be sure to practice proper sun exposure safety. Apply sunscreen to keep you and your family safe so that you can go on enjoying many more summers for years to come!
July 20, 2010
May 19, 2010
Healthcare Sector Defies Media Hysteria
Every time we pick up a newspaper or flick on CNN to peruse the news it seems that we're flooded with warnings about the economic woes that lurk around each and every corner. The media loves to feed the beast and there is no beast more voracious at the current moment than the economic status of the good ol' USA. Well ladies and gentleman, let me be the first to let you in on a little secret . . . the reports of our nation's economic demise have been over-exaggerated greatly.
Sure, the political minds that have led our nation for the past two decades and continue to fearlessly usher in the future, have created quite a mess and incurred one heck of a tab for future generations, but we've faced tough economic times in the past. Time and time again throughout the years our country has encountered seemingly intimidating economic challenges and we've always emerged stronger and more stable in the end. Already we've begun to see significant recent growth across certain sectors such as healthcare and pharmacy. These wellness employers add new jobs to the national inventory every day and there has been a recent increase in demand for nurse practitioners, physician assistants, pharmacists, and other skilled medical professionals.
The news media loves to exacerbate a situation and strives to work the public into a tizzy. Why? Because it sells newspapers and gets folks to tune in to their otherwise dull 24-hour, round-the-clock gabfests. Don't believe the hype. We're all going to be fine in the end and those trained as healthcare professionals are going to be amongst the most prepared for the future.
If you're already trained and educated as a healthcare professional, you have a leg up on the competition. To give yourself even more of an edge, here are three suggestions: 1) Make certain that you keep all of your credentials current and immerse yourself in any and all continuing medical education courses that you feel will enhance your standing and add to your expertise in your discipline. 2) When you decide it's time to take the next step in your career and seek out a new opportunity, be open to relo opportunities and don't just settle for something right in your backyard when there might be better career options in another city or state. 3) Maintain your healthcare practitioner licenses in more than one state to give yourself more options and make you more appealing to recruiting firms and potential employers.
The future is often unpredictable and often storm clouds in the sky today are actually an indicator of sunny skies just around the bend. Healthcare professionals know that in their line of work things have only begun to reach their full employment potential. In fact, if you're not a healthcare professional but believe that you have what it takes to return to school and do the coursework, there may never be a better time to do so than right now. I bet even the gloom n' doom pessimists at CNN would agree with that!
Sure, the political minds that have led our nation for the past two decades and continue to fearlessly usher in the future, have created quite a mess and incurred one heck of a tab for future generations, but we've faced tough economic times in the past. Time and time again throughout the years our country has encountered seemingly intimidating economic challenges and we've always emerged stronger and more stable in the end. Already we've begun to see significant recent growth across certain sectors such as healthcare and pharmacy. These wellness employers add new jobs to the national inventory every day and there has been a recent increase in demand for nurse practitioners, physician assistants, pharmacists, and other skilled medical professionals.
The news media loves to exacerbate a situation and strives to work the public into a tizzy. Why? Because it sells newspapers and gets folks to tune in to their otherwise dull 24-hour, round-the-clock gabfests. Don't believe the hype. We're all going to be fine in the end and those trained as healthcare professionals are going to be amongst the most prepared for the future.
If you're already trained and educated as a healthcare professional, you have a leg up on the competition. To give yourself even more of an edge, here are three suggestions: 1) Make certain that you keep all of your credentials current and immerse yourself in any and all continuing medical education courses that you feel will enhance your standing and add to your expertise in your discipline. 2) When you decide it's time to take the next step in your career and seek out a new opportunity, be open to relo opportunities and don't just settle for something right in your backyard when there might be better career options in another city or state. 3) Maintain your healthcare practitioner licenses in more than one state to give yourself more options and make you more appealing to recruiting firms and potential employers.
The future is often unpredictable and often storm clouds in the sky today are actually an indicator of sunny skies just around the bend. Healthcare professionals know that in their line of work things have only begun to reach their full employment potential. In fact, if you're not a healthcare professional but believe that you have what it takes to return to school and do the coursework, there may never be a better time to do so than right now. I bet even the gloom n' doom pessimists at CNN would agree with that!
April 9, 2010
Pharmacists on the Front Lines
It isn't very often that the average citizen stops to consider the risks taken by our nation's pharmacists on a daily basis. If most people were polled with regard to the most dangerous professions a person could choose, they would in all likelihood point to career choices such as military personnel, police officer, or fire fighter. These are the types of jobs that most envision as towing the fine line between occupational hazard and dangerous peril. We regard the brave souls willing to embrace these careers with a certain sense of respect, if not awe. Many view these individuals as selfless and use words like "hero" and "role model" to describe their standing amongst the public. This is fair, certainly both handles would seem fitting when describing professionals who defend our freedom and safeguard our lives both overseas and right here at home but what about the pharmacists?
These are the brave healthcare professionals who provide us with the pharmaceuticals we need to sustain ourselves in the face of illnesses that run the gamut from a common cold to medical circumstances far more dire. They too deserve accolades for the selfless efforts they carry out on behalf of the nation's citizens, sometimes in the face of very difficult circumstances. Some of you may be wondering -- What risks? What dangers? Just the other day while updating the news portion of our website, I saw newspaper and news wire reports about a half-dozen different pharmacists who were robbed by gun-toting lunatics seeking a quick fix of Oxycontin or some other prescription narcotic. Additionally, many pharmacists labor for long hours in a variety of settings and sometimes under adverse conditions, working to ensure that life sustaining drugs are properly prepared and delivered to patients in a timely manner. Some of the pharmacists even come into contact with pharmaceutical products that pose a potential health hazard to themselves if not handled and prepared ever so precisely.
The life of a pharmacist involves hours that are often irregular, very long workdays, demanding challenges, great responsibility, and in many instances -- potential danger. When we think of our "heroes" they are probably not often the first professionals who come to mind but perhaps they should be. The men & women toiling behind the counter of your local community pharmacy, preparing your pharmaceuticals & collaborating to plan your treatment protocol during a hospital stay, or preparing medications & IV's for a patient recuperating at home or in a longterm care facility do more for our well being than they're often given the credit for. They are on the front lines of the healthcare system and they're protecting us under often difficult circumstances. So next time you have cause to interact with a pharmacist, regardless of the setting, stop and take a moment to say "thanks".
These are the brave healthcare professionals who provide us with the pharmaceuticals we need to sustain ourselves in the face of illnesses that run the gamut from a common cold to medical circumstances far more dire. They too deserve accolades for the selfless efforts they carry out on behalf of the nation's citizens, sometimes in the face of very difficult circumstances. Some of you may be wondering -- What risks? What dangers? Just the other day while updating the news portion of our website, I saw newspaper and news wire reports about a half-dozen different pharmacists who were robbed by gun-toting lunatics seeking a quick fix of Oxycontin or some other prescription narcotic. Additionally, many pharmacists labor for long hours in a variety of settings and sometimes under adverse conditions, working to ensure that life sustaining drugs are properly prepared and delivered to patients in a timely manner. Some of the pharmacists even come into contact with pharmaceutical products that pose a potential health hazard to themselves if not handled and prepared ever so precisely.
The life of a pharmacist involves hours that are often irregular, very long workdays, demanding challenges, great responsibility, and in many instances -- potential danger. When we think of our "heroes" they are probably not often the first professionals who come to mind but perhaps they should be. The men & women toiling behind the counter of your local community pharmacy, preparing your pharmaceuticals & collaborating to plan your treatment protocol during a hospital stay, or preparing medications & IV's for a patient recuperating at home or in a longterm care facility do more for our well being than they're often given the credit for. They are on the front lines of the healthcare system and they're protecting us under often difficult circumstances. So next time you have cause to interact with a pharmacist, regardless of the setting, stop and take a moment to say "thanks".
March 29, 2010
Healthcare Reform
Everyday our recruiting agents speak with countless pharmacists, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and other healthcare providers who live throughout the United States. We're constantly checking the temperature of quality skilled medical & wellness providers to see if they might be interested in exploring great new career opportunities. Some of the individuals we speak with are interested in becoming candidates for new employment, while others are fulfilled or at least content with their current career situation. In the past, the conversation would often end there. Either a pharmacist was looking for a new career opportunity or they weren't. A quality nurse practitioner wanted to be informed about new cardio jobs that became available or they didn't. A skilled physician assistant living in one area was interested in relocating to a new city for a job or they were not. Sometimes even if the wellness professional we were talking with was not looking to make a change, we could network with the uninterested party to learn about other candidates in the healthcare industry who they knew might be interested in learning more about a job opportunity. Almost never did the conversation go much further than that. The busy healthcare workers we contacted were either interested in new healthcare jobs or they weren't. If they weren't interested for themselves, maybe they knew of someone else that was "looking" but that was pretty much it. They didn't stay on the phone to trade casserole recipes, discuss the Dallas Cowboys, or swap gossip about a hot new reality show. The conversations were almost always brief and to the point and that is what best served both their interests as in-demand healthcare professionals and our interests as a healthcare recruiting agency.
Lately however the conversation has gone a bit further. Many of the individuals we've been speaking with have had questions about President Obama's new healthcare reform bill and how it will affect their future in healthcare. The most common question has been -- How will it effect their future employment opportunities? While it's a conversation that we're willing to have, as we're always interested in helping medical professionals in any way that we can, the immediate answer to the question is not a simple one. It will probably take years to fully understand the impact of the forthcoming policies and how they will ultimately shape the healthcare landscape. That being said, it does seem clear that pharmacists, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants stand to benefit greatly from these changes. As the number of health-insured individuals in the United States increases by the millions over the next few years, there will be an increased demand placed upon an already fatigued healthcare system. Likewise, the need for prescription pharmaceuticals will also increase, as will the workload placed upon pharmacy professionals. The healthcare infrastructure in its current form simply will not be able to handle the increased load. The result will be increased demand for clinical pharmacists, specialized pharmacists, and mid-level medical providers such as NPs and PAs.
Regardless of where you may or may not stand on the healthcare reform debate, if you are a pharmacist, nurse practitioner, or physician assistant you stand at the precipice of great change. Your professional services, which are already in great demand, are only going to become even more sought after in the years ahead. The mass influx of citizens (who previously went without medical coverage) into the healthcare marketplace will cause an even greater need for your services. Your employment options will be more bountiful and in all likelihood your salaries will be on the rise. As the need for increased pharmaceutical care overloads the system, the overflow will not be manageable for pharm-techs alone. There will be a necessity to employ skilled pharmacists and compensate them appropriately. Along those same lines, already overtaxed physicians will not be able to handle the massive influx of patients seeking care and inevitably it will be necessary to employ and properly compensate more and more nurse practitioners and physician assistants.
Up on Capitol Hill the Democrats are pounding their chests while the Republicans scream bloody murder. Meanwhile, the rest of us are left standing around and wondering what it all means. No matter how much we do to try to understand the 2,000 page reform bill, the ultimate ramifications are impossible to wrap our heads around. Will it be better for America? Maybe . . . maybe not. Really only time will tell. The only way to truly understand the future is to go forth and live it. The one thing that does seem certain however is that for pharmacists, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants; the future they live in should be one of increased healthcare jobs and opportunities.
Lately however the conversation has gone a bit further. Many of the individuals we've been speaking with have had questions about President Obama's new healthcare reform bill and how it will affect their future in healthcare. The most common question has been -- How will it effect their future employment opportunities? While it's a conversation that we're willing to have, as we're always interested in helping medical professionals in any way that we can, the immediate answer to the question is not a simple one. It will probably take years to fully understand the impact of the forthcoming policies and how they will ultimately shape the healthcare landscape. That being said, it does seem clear that pharmacists, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants stand to benefit greatly from these changes. As the number of health-insured individuals in the United States increases by the millions over the next few years, there will be an increased demand placed upon an already fatigued healthcare system. Likewise, the need for prescription pharmaceuticals will also increase, as will the workload placed upon pharmacy professionals. The healthcare infrastructure in its current form simply will not be able to handle the increased load. The result will be increased demand for clinical pharmacists, specialized pharmacists, and mid-level medical providers such as NPs and PAs.
Regardless of where you may or may not stand on the healthcare reform debate, if you are a pharmacist, nurse practitioner, or physician assistant you stand at the precipice of great change. Your professional services, which are already in great demand, are only going to become even more sought after in the years ahead. The mass influx of citizens (who previously went without medical coverage) into the healthcare marketplace will cause an even greater need for your services. Your employment options will be more bountiful and in all likelihood your salaries will be on the rise. As the need for increased pharmaceutical care overloads the system, the overflow will not be manageable for pharm-techs alone. There will be a necessity to employ skilled pharmacists and compensate them appropriately. Along those same lines, already overtaxed physicians will not be able to handle the massive influx of patients seeking care and inevitably it will be necessary to employ and properly compensate more and more nurse practitioners and physician assistants.
Up on Capitol Hill the Democrats are pounding their chests while the Republicans scream bloody murder. Meanwhile, the rest of us are left standing around and wondering what it all means. No matter how much we do to try to understand the 2,000 page reform bill, the ultimate ramifications are impossible to wrap our heads around. Will it be better for America? Maybe . . . maybe not. Really only time will tell. The only way to truly understand the future is to go forth and live it. The one thing that does seem certain however is that for pharmacists, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants; the future they live in should be one of increased healthcare jobs and opportunities.
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