Stephanie Frederick RN Patient Advocate

02/28/2021

I've had the pleasure of collaborating and working with Judy Clinco for many years. She is a woman of the highest integrity in her interactions with employees and the people she serves. Congratulations!!

Catalina In-Home Services Celebrates 40th Anniversary — Catalina In-Home Services Celebrates 40th Anniversary

02/19/2021

Without a doubt, unpaid family caregiving during the pandemic has taken an enormous toll on the emotional, physical, and financial health of caregivers.

Caring for a loved one with a long-term illness or disability is never easy. During the Covid-19 pandemic, unpaid family caregiving has taken its toll on caregivers. The EMD Serono Global Carer Well-Being Index quantifies the emotional, physical, and financial burdens on caregivers around the world.

11/30/2020

I'm very sensitive to caffeine and have proven to myself I'm good with only 1 cup of coffee in the morning. I've crept back up to 2-3 cups during the day and it's affecting my sleep. So I'll be weaning off again. 😉

If you are not sleeping well these days, you’re not alone.

11/30/2020

Perhaps nutritious food in these pandemic times may help us avoid needing medical care. That's a bonus!

These anti-aging diet moves can help counter common problems, Consumer Reports says.

11/29/2020

Glad to see Joe Biden has added a nurse to the Covid-19 task force. She's in a state with nurses' union representation, but unfortunately only 10 states are in that category. Shifting away from "right to work" states should be top of the agenda. Corporate power has ruled over nurses' protection and how we practice our professional skills.

President-elect Joe Biden announced Saturday he is adding three new members to his transition team's coronavirus task force as the incoming administration focuses on preparation to tackle the coronavirus pandemic.

10/28/2020

I have the tools and I know the drill. Yet, when I feel frustrated and tapped out, it's usually because I've not honored my boundaries.

It’s all about respectfully enforcing our non-negotiables.

10/19/2020

My physical environment affects my mood, creativity, focus and mental health. No doubt about it.

When we’re working from home, the space around us can have a direct effect on our focus and efficiency.

10/19/2020

When you're grieving a loved one, creating a ritual can help you keep their memory alive — and heal.

We can stay connected to them by creating our own special rituals, says psychologist and grief expert Kim Bateman.

10/04/2020

The Trump administration's actions and policies are antithetical to a healthy society—and our code of ethics.

09/11/2020

Bleach,70% isopropyl alcohol and 3% hydrogen peroxide are in my home. When used properly, they do the trick!

No Clorox wipes? No problem. Consumer Reports shows you the common household products that can destroy the novel coronavirus.

08/31/2020

I've been a probate investigator (guardianship/conservatorship) for Pima County Superior Court for the last 5 yrs. Please don't assume you know how ANY family member will respond when healthcare, money, or end of life decisions need to be addressed. I've investigated some pretty outrageous situations, and I've also had private advocacy clients facing similar circumstances.

I spent my summer managing two elderly parents. Here's what I wish I'd known

08/28/2020

"Holding space means being physically, mentally, and emotionally present for someone. It means putting your focus on someone to support them as they feel their feelings. An important aspect of holding space is managing judgment while you are present."

Holding space means being physically, mentally, and emotionally present for someone. It means putting your focus on someone to support them as they feel their feelings. An important aspect of holding space is managing judgment while you are present.

08/17/2020

Your thoughts become your words, which become your actions.

Though you can’t control external circumstances, you can choose your behavior, mindset, and the lens with which you view the world.

08/15/2020

"The Covid-19 fight is a team effort, but nurses have a unique role. In intensive care units, 86% of patient care time comes from nurses, while only 13% comes from physicians... As the pandemic intensifies, treating the human side of this disease with the foundation of nursing science may be the thing we need most."

Nursing is the diagnosis and treatment of the human response to health and disease. The science behind it underscores the vital roles that nurses play.

08/09/2020

Until recently I was unaware of being able to request a free annual medical report. Mistakes in medical report files can lead to higher premiums and out-of-pocket costs as well as give reason for insurers to reject potential coverage and policies. I'll request mine, and recommend you to do the same!

As consumers, we are encouraged to review a copy of our credit report each year.

07/31/2020

Nice 'show and tell' about the changes made to food labeling. Another fun suggestion shared by a nutritionist years ago, 'if any form of sugar is in the first 3 ingredients, put it back'. I've been reading labels and heeding her warning ever since!

The new nutrition label has plenty of features designed to make healthy eating easier. Consumer Reports breaks down all the key changes.

07/18/2020

Hospital chains like Tenet will squeeze every ounce of nurses' blood to turn a profit for themselves. It's certainly not about safe working conditions or quality patient care. This is remarkable, wonderful news for a 'right to work', non-union state like AZ! Congratulations, dear colleagues for standing up for our profession and the diverse individuals we care for!

It's the first union nursing contract in Arizona.

07/14/2020

Emotional balance is critical for our holistic health. Beautiful presentation by Brene Brown, and fun artwork to go along with it.

Start listening with a 30-day Audible trial. Choose 1 audiobook and unlimited monthly Audible Original downloads absolutely free. Visit http://www.audible.co...

07/07/2020

First hand, well written piece from Kaiser Health Network.

Some are grieving the loss of precious time in late life. Others are adjusting their ideas of what is possible and making the best of it.

06/28/2020

I started rebounding almost 4 mths ago and I love it! There are tons of YouTube videos to get you started, and it's an inexpensive investment ($100 or so). I'm experiencing all of the benefits mentioned here (and more!). I've always been active and a regular gym member. Pandemic life is SOOO much better from the rebounder, and I don't miss the gym at all!

The benefits of rebounding include detox, weight loss, cellulite reduction and more. Learn how to practice rebounding for wellness!

06/21/2020

"Elective" in this situation does not mean optional. It means that the surgery can be scheduled in advance. Great discussion points to consider.

To help you make an informed decision about whether to move forward with elective surgery, talk with your doctor and ask these questions to gather more information that will help you gauge potential risks and benefits so you can make an informed decision.

06/18/2020

Have you engaged with your physician via telehealth during the pandemic? What do you think of it?

With millions of people suddenly video chatting their doctors, there's pressure on Washington to make telehealth a permanent option.

06/15/2020

1 minute up-close graphic illustration. As a 20+ yr former ICU/ED nurse I FEEL this pain. What are YOU doing to slow the spread of Covid-19?

The first episode of a new illustrated feature chronicling personal accounts of life and death from the frontlines of the global pandemic.

06/11/2020

I first learned EFT ("tapping" or Emotional Freedom Technique) 15 yrs ago in response to a traumatic event. It was a real life-saver for me. Is anyone else using it during these stressful times? Although techniques may vary a bit, this video is excellent, with an invitation to tap along with the teacher. No prior training needed.
"EFT can help you feel calmer, more optimistic and more in control of an otherwise uncontrollable situation. Ideally, use it in conjunction with other stress relief tools, including exercise, social support and spending time outdoors in nature, to support your emotional well-being in the post-quarantine world."

COVID-19 has taken a toll on mental health, causing feelings of fear, anxiety and loneliness during quarantine; EFT can help you restore calm in your mind.

06/09/2020

Hospital chaplains are providing multipurpose care and they are not focusing on religion. It is not clergy; it is spiritual, emotional support in the midst of the current Covid crisis.

With hospitals still limiting visitations, hospital chaplains have become front-line soldiers in the fight against loneliness, an indispensable lifeline to patients in need of spiritual comfort.

06/05/2020

I've heard many people ask these questions over the last several weeks. This video is the best I've seen to address the fears and concerns patients and their families are expressing. Dr. Adrienne Boissy, Chief Experience Officer at the Cleveland Clinic takes you on a tour, and I feel confident most U.S. hospitals are following similar protocol. Also, do take advantage of virtual visits available with your P*P and specialists.

For the latest COVID-19 news and updates from Cleveland Clinic, please visit https://clevelandclinic.org/coronavirus Your safety continues to be one of our t...

06/03/2020

Four public health experts assess the risk various activities pose to spreading coronavirus.

Which activities are riskiest for spreading COVID-19?

05/31/2020

What to do about burns, cuts, stomach bugs, and more without going to the doctor's office—and when to seek medical help.

What should you do if you hurt yourself or become ill at home? Consumer Reports explains how to handle minor injuries and illnesses during the coronavirus pandemic without going to the doctor's office.

05/24/2020

Discussions around 3 coronavirus facts.

We can’t allow politics or panic to push our nation too far in either direction. These three facts, based on science, should guide the way.

05/21/2020

It's important to have a "grab and go" medical information bag. A key point my colleague mentions is to keep your patient portal updated. Something I frequently see is old medications listed (in the portal), and this could be problematic for any hospital admission. Keeping your medical power of attorney current and discussing your end of life wishes are top of the list, too.

  As restrictions are slowly being lifted around the country, individuals are returning to hospitals, clinics and doctor’s offices for their routine or non-emergency medical appointments and procedures. While re-entering these environments is often necessary, it’s important to be as savvy, safe...

05/09/2020

"As we are allowed to move around our communities more freely and be in contact with more people in more places more regularly, the risks to ourselves and our family are significant. Even if you are gung-ho for reopening and resuming business as usual, do your part and wear a mask to reduce what you release into the environment. It will help everyone, including your own business."
Great illustrations and explanations!

It seems many people are breathing some relief, and I’m not sure why. An epidemic curve has a relatively predictable upslope and once the peak is reached, the back slope is also predictable. Assuming we have just crested in deaths at 70k, that would mean that if we stay locked down, we lose anothe...

05/03/2020

Don't hesitate going to an urgent care center or emergency room if needed. There are other possible options to consider before you go, however. Communicating with your P*P has never been more important!

Many Americans are avoiding the hospital, but that's not always possible. Consumer Reports explains what to expect at the ER during COVID-19.

05/01/2020

I felt hopeful and supported after reading/listening to this NPR Morning Edition poetry segment. Give a listen!

Kwame Alexander, NPR's poet in residence, reads the latest crowdsourced poem, this one focused on how you've been affected by and coping during the global coronavirus pandemic.