It seems everyone I meet lately is on a diet or is talking about the need to lose weight. Oddly enough these conversations usually occur while we are eating! A few evenings ago I listened to a nutritionist refer to the old cliché that “birds of a feather, flock together.” In other words, full-figured people are friends with other full-figured people. Maybe we should start an FFP Society. The only requirement to join would be that you bring a southern casserole or your grandmother’s favorite cake!

While I believe we should aspire to be a healthier nation, I am often amused by the numerous gimmicks and fad-diets. It really is quite simple! If you do not want to be a member of the FFP Society, Watch what you put in your mouth and get up off of the sofa. While I know personally that this is easier said than done, I also know that fad diets do not work and are often unhealthy.

For years physicians have placed diabetics on calorie counting regimens and have encouraged cardio strengthening. Reducing your caloric intake to 1,500 calories per day and participating in an exercise that increases your heart-rate above 100 bpm for 45 minutes four times per week will surly get you kicked out of the FFP Society.

I really love the FFP Society and have many friends and a partner that join me there often. But if I continue eating as I do, I will be forced to buy new clothes. So ladies and gentlemen starting today I am reducing my intake and stepping high on the streets in the neighborhood. Fellow society members I welcome you to join me. I will keep you posted on my progress.

Calories are the building blocks of weight control — burn 3,500 more calories than you take in, and you'll lose 1 pound. Get the scoop on all things caloric, and learn how to choose the right foods for your weight loss goals here.

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I was in a classroom a few days ago where a discussion regarding the distribution of health information to perceived family members or close friends was occurring. I was intrigued by the assumption of the participants.

It seems that most of the participants believe that if their family member or close friend is involved in a health crises requiring critical care hospitalization, the family member or close friend simply needs to inform the nursing staff that they are available to visit the patient and help with any medical decisions that need to be made. Most of the participants where aware of confidentiality policies but thought that in the event of an emergency they would be allowed to participate.

While some organizations are stricter than others, most will enforce and follow the rules and regulations defined by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act or risk severe consequences. Those that do not comply are subject to audits and fines. While the instructor informed the class of the laws protecting health information one should know that there are also other agencies that provide protection against the distribution of personal information.

Proper disposal of important personal information must follow certain requirements or possible security breaches like the theft of intellectual property can occur. In addition, there is a growing list of regulations that address information security, privacy and document retention that must be understood by businesses. Non-compliance can result in serious legal problems from violations of:

• FACTA [Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions Act]
  New law requiring anyone retaining consumer information for business purposes to destroy the personal information before discarding it.
• GLBA [The Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act]
  Requires banking and financial institutions across the United States to describe how they will protect the confidentiality and security of consumer information.
• HIPAA [Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act]
  Requires healthcare providers and hospitals to protect patients' privacy and to ensure the security of patient/client health data.

These laws affect virtually all businesses. A business is held responsible for protecting information if:

• One or more people are employed
• A business keeps personal information on file for customers or employees
• A business accepts credit cards for payment
• A business buys or sells products on the Internet
• A business performs a credit check on an employee or potential customer

As a consumer you should be aware of these agencies that provide protection not only of your medical information but also your financial information.

Let me know what you think.

Welcome to the Rasmussen College Health Science Blog where the intent is to bring meaningful and thoughtful discussion as it relates to health in a contemporary fashion. I am calling it “Healthy Communication.”

When thinking of various means by which we communicate, I am reminded of Helen Keller who was both deaf and blind and thus was challenged by the lack of being able to communicate in a traditional manner. In her early years of life, she often became exasperated and reacted violently due to her inability to communicate effectively.  Her health and wellbeing were jeopardized by the lack of “healthy communication.” Ann Sullivan was able to discover a means by which to communicate with Helen thus changing her health and life.

I often hear of situations where an individual is harmed or a life is terminated because of the inability to communicate rationally while driving in congested conditions thus succumbing to “road rage.”  Non-verbal communication is often more powerful than the spoken word.

A simple pat on the arm of an anxious patient preparing for a surgical procedure can bring calmness and reassurance. The crying baby will often subside when held closely by a parent proving that the communication through touch is a powerful tool.

My hope is that by facilitating this venue of communication readers and contributors will discover an additional tool for presenting ideas and discussions shared by individuals with a mission to advance the health of all. So join me in sharing thoughts and ideas that provide “Healthy Communication.”

Let me know what you think.