Masters in Health Care

Future Perks in Earning a Masters of Health Administration

Site Administrator — Mon, 02 Aug 2010 19:03:40 +0000

With an ever growing and ageing population, health care is becoming more and more central to the American economy. The Bureau of Labor Statistics expects the job prospects for Health Administrators to grow faster than average compared to other industries. The next generation of health administrators in this country will be required to have a broad set of interdisciplinary skills including management, policy, finance, and social service delivery. Because of the wide variety of skills needed to effectively manage such complex organizations, hospitals and other health service organizations generally require a Master of Health Administration for most of their management positions.

The health care industry has generally been on an uphill track despite the grim outlook the economy has left most industries with. The BLS has indicated that the employment of “medical and health services managers is expected to grow 16 percent from 2008 to 2018”, which is an incredible leap, especially considering the high rate of unemployment that is currently plaguing our economy. These predictions are based on the fact that managers and health care administrators will be needed to improve the quality and efficiency of healthcare due to the fast-pace of new technological advances in health care. Managers will need to be able to effectively oversee any changes in the administration, as well as improving the health of their own community.

Many health care administrator positions will remain concentrated within hospitals, although these prospective statistics indicate that the amount of clinics will increase in the next years because of their current use, and will therefore require even more administrators than hospitals by 2018. Policies and services that are currently confined only to hospitals will undoubtedly shift more toward clinics as technology improves so that health administrators will be able to more effectively treat their patients as if they were currently in a hospital setting.

Currently, the salaries remain highest for health care administrators within general hospitals, but clinics and outpatient care centers are not far behind. With a Masters in Health Administration and experience within the next few years, it is undeniable that salaries will rise within the smaller clinics. This will be the part of health care administration to watch in the coming years – the technological advances within health care are immeasurable and have yet to be fully implemented. However, the one thing that will not change is the importance of having a stable administration in any medical setting. Medical and health service managers are the people who tie the hospital or clinic together to ensure that each patient, each surgery, and each doctor/nurse are all taken care of; this is a hard responsibility for any person, but with a Masters in Health Administration, you will be better prepared to join this rising career field.

Will Healthcare Management Salaries Increase After the Health Care Bill?

Site Administrator — Fri, 30 Jul 2010 21:46:35 +0000

Healthcare management play an important role in the health care system, a role which is not recognized as often as it should be by most people outside of the medical community. Their salaries therefore typically do not reflect the immense responsibility they are given, although earning a degree in healthcare management will increase your salary, depending on your position within the medical industry. Most students of healthcare management are typically nurses or doctors who want to become more involved with their clinic or hospital administration and earn a higher salary at the same time. Will the healthcare bill have any impact on this type of salary increase?

Thus far, the healthcare bill has yet to be implemented into the medical community, although we are slowly starting to see the effects trickle down through the medical field. Due to the rising costs in healthcare, it is unlikely that healthcare management salaries will increase as a result of the passage of the bill, although with more insurance companies contributing to the medical community, it is unclear what results will occur. Regardless of whether healthcare management salaries will increase or decrease, it is important to keep in mind that earning this type of degree will guarantee that your salary will increase from its current rate because of the extra degree. The healthcare bill has meant a major shift with health care around the country, and while it will undoubtedly affect every sector of the medical community, the administration will be left alone.

It is difficult to monitor an entire hospital or clinic, which is why there are specific management officers for each branch of medicine. Nurses have their own form of management, while doctors and surgeons have their separate form. Nurses typically do not respond to the management in charge of doctors, but instead take orders from their own team of managers. Each branch is separate so that there are not conflicting orders and so that each management team already hold an extensive background in each area of medicine. While people in the medical community will continue to earn their healthcare management degrees regardless of the difference in salary (many people just like to be administrators), it will be an incentive for most people to earn this additional degree if they see a type of salary increase as a result of the healthcare bill.

A Turbulent Time for Healthcare Administration

Site Administrator — Tue, 22 Jun 2010 21:17:09 +0000

With the recent healthcare reform bill, the health care industry in general has come under fire for many of its industry practices over the years. While the main opponents in the health care debate are insurance companies, there are still many realms of healthcare administration that are involved in this legislation, making it increasingly difficult to achieve any notable changes.

Most healthcare administrators work closely with insurance companies, a fact which has made their jobs understandably more difficult in recent months. No one knows for sure how the health care reform will turn out, and as a result, many patients and insurance subscribers are panicking over whether their coverage is still in effect and whether their premiums will go up like so many legislators have insisted they will. Insurance rates seem set to increase, and this has many people worried, and has led them to consult many healthcare administrators at clinics, hospitals, and offices for free advice. However, healthcare administrators do not have all the answers, and few people (even insurance companies) have any answers at all regarding the changes.

We are all aware that the health care reform bill was meant to increase coverage for citizens and lower the burden for adult children who have not found jobs yet or are still in school, but many questions regarding deductibles and premiums remain unanswered. During this rough economic time, many people are worried that their rates will go up, making it difficult to pay for the coverage they currently have, especially when companies begin charging per child. It is difficult to find the good in this bill when so many people have had to find new coverage because their rates have gone up so high. However, healthcare administrators understand patients’ frustration and have helped many patients in clinics understand their new coverage policies.

Questions regarding Medicare, Medicaid, child coverage, and others remain complex and not easily answerable, but healthcare administration is working around the clock to reaffirm patients that they will continue to receive the healthcare they require, especially if they are on government-sponsored programs. While many have found it hard to find the good in the bill, it remains a huge step for our nation, despite the drastic changes that seem set to occur within the health care industry. Rome was not built in a day, and with the help of a dependable healthcare administration, we will reach our end goal in just a few years!

Masters in Health Administration and Dangers in the Workplace

Site Administrator — Mon, 26 Apr 2010 20:30:26 +0000

Health Administration has become a subject that has had the spotlight shone on it over the past few years, as more disasters have occurred that have threatened the health of Americans and new studies have indicated how unhealthy our culture as a whole has become. While the health care industry as a whole remains vital to the future of our society, health administration has taken a new turn as it is an industry that is involved with determining what technological advances are detrimental to our health or what occupations may cause us harm. Injuries in the workplace have become a major aspect that the Occupational Safety and Health Administration tackle, although the organization has a long way to go in order to prevent injuries from occurring, mainly having to deal with the lack of reporting that goes into these injuries.

Workplace injuries are one of the most common complaints that go through the data of health administration, creating the database of Occupational Safety and Health Administration which oversees the many instances of work related injuries. However, these injuries largely go underreported, skewing the effects of any type of statistical analysis that could be made. Earning a Masters in Health Administration allows you to participate in this newly developed sector of occupational behavior as well as better understand the underreporting of occupational injuries. Many workers do not report work-related injuries because of the fear of being fired or the fear of losing any rewards that may be offered to companies who pride themselves on a safety-conscious environment. This in turn leads to further complications down the road, as health administrators have discovered and contributes to the unhealthy aspects of American society.

Studies have indicated the contrary in the workplace, providing evidence that injuries have increased dramatically over the past decade. However, they do not take into account the high margin of error that goes with the underreporting of injuries. As a result, there could statistically be a higher amount of workplace injuries without the necessary reporting that should go along with that. Many employers additionally do not report serious injuries to these agencies and opt instead to render simply first aid, rather than record an instance of a workplace injury (a factor which could decrease investment in a company or result in some loss of funding). It is amazing that many employees and employers would rather cope with an injurious work environment than lose the investment of benefits or stocks, which could be lost anyway through a highly publicized lawsuit as the result of injury.

Health administration is a rising career choice for students interested in the health care industry without wanting to get too involved with the medical side of it all. Statistical analysis is a major part of this career choice, as well as examining any workplace hazards which could be alleviated through proper precautions.

Global Issues that Public Health MHA Must Tackle

Site Administrator — Mon, 12 Apr 2010 19:54:32 +0000

Water is nature’s most viable asset toward continuing life on our planet, although so many people around the world are without sanitary drinking water. Many African nations have such poor water treatment facilities, or none at all, that diseases run rampant in stagnant water, threatening entire populations. Other villages are a day’s walk away from any water source, making living conditions unbearable for weeks at a time. Even in the Western world, water issues are becoming some of the most widely debated topics because of the many contaminants which are found in our water, despite extensive filtration techniques. In addition to this poor filtration system, crumbling pipes are also forcing many states to rely on out-of-state water to get by. Public Health MHA students study these types of global issues in an effort to produce graduates that can tackle these problems and hopefully develop cost-efficient solutions to in the near future.

As the water crisis moves closer to home for many of us, public health MHA students have compiled significant data indicating that many of us are drinking contaminated water. While this is no way near to the type of contaminated water that African villages are forced to endure, it is a surprising fact for the epitome of “Western nation”. Our water supply has previously received global praise because of the vast technological advances in our filtration systems, praise which apparently came too soon. While national laws require tap water to be safely tested before delivered to residents, scientific research has indicated that 40 million U.S. residents are drinking contaminated water that goes far above the chemical regulations, even containing sewage bacteria. Further studies have indicated that much of this poor filtration has led to increased amounts of diseases prevalent in communities which lack access to pure drinking water. It almost seems like our water system is harder to control than the lack of ater systems in Africa. Implementing change across our 54,700 water systems is no small task.

Public health administrators are burdened with this huge task of developing a better way to filter out the chemicals that are ever-present in our drinking water as well as ensure that sewage water does not find its way into our drinking glasses. While these problems seem incredibly small compared to Zimbabwe’s ever-present cholera epidemic as a result of inadequate drinking water, without the proper filtration centers to fix our own problems, we cannot implement change in other nations. Public health students learn how to implement global change on a small scale until we are able to reach international proportions. Water is the most vital necessity of life, and without it, we will not be able to help other nations grow stronger.

Benefits of Earning a Masters of Health Administration

Site Administrator — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 21:43:55 +0000

More and more employees in health care are looking to alternate degree programs to boost their standing within their clinic or hospital. Health administration programs have begun to be a viable option for many nurses and doctors who want to advance within their own administrative units. While the circles are different for doctors and nurses, both units contain a different way to advance within the field, including earning a masters in health administration.

Health administration may seem to be a part of health care that requires a lot of patience and work, but it is not without its benefits. The amount of responsibility which you earn with an additional masters leads to an increase in salary, making the degree program a valuable investment for your future. Hospitals may appear to be a self-running institution, but in fact require the time and investment of many individuals in order to keep functioning every day. Health administrators take care of everything from marketing to management and are in charge of coming up with financial implementation plans for the future. In effect, health administrators basically run hospitals and clinics, proving to be a valuable career choice for many individuals in the health care industry.

The many schools that offer this degree program offer their students the flexibility to remain at their current jobs through online classes and additionally offer programs that cater to students who are already familiar with the health care industry. What better way to learn the process than to be a part of it first hand? These degree programs are very similar to MBA programs around the country, and teach students how to be efficient within the business of health care, and how to handle a staff of a few hundred. Hospitals are complex organisms that require many different levels of health care administrators, therefore creating a greater need for degree programs in schools across the country. Ensuring that everything runs smoothly in a hospital is similar to a CEO who has to keep the business in check by monitoring every aspect of the business.

While earning a masters of health administration may lead to a position with much more work, it is not without its benefits. Knowing that you can handle such a high position is rewarding in itself, but allowing yourself the opportunity to grow within your industry is a more valuable use of your time than anything else.

Why Choose an MHA Program?

Site Administrator — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 19:39:46 +0000

Graduate school is a difficult part of higher education: you have to perform well on the entrance exam, compose a personal statement, complete the application, and then hope that your undergraduate GPA was up to par with the school’s criteria. However, once you are past this primary part of the process, you are left to decide not only where you want to get your further degree, but what type of degree you want to pursue. While most students have decided this before taking the GRE or GMAT, there are still some students who are struggling between two or three graduate level degrees, especially if they are in the same industry. A Masters in Healthcare Administration is closely related to many health industry degrees, which can sometimes make it difficult to decide which one is best suited for your needs.

Many MHA students are fascinated with the underpinnings of the medical community but do not wish to be a surgeon, general practitioner, or even a nurse. Therefore, there has recently been a shift within the medical community to allow for degrees in the areas that are closely related, such as public health and healthcare administration. An MHA program caters mainly to students who are already working within the health care industry and want to move up in their career. Many of these students are the managers or administrators running various medical centers and want to advance up to an executive level of management. While these are the typical MHA students, there are also doctors who wish to become certified within the organizational structure of their center, or recent college graduates who want to enter the healthcare field as managers. Therefore, MHA programs feature a wide variety of students seeking to pursue a different variety of work with their degrees.

Healthcare has quickly become the largest non-government sector of the United States economy, providing recent graduates with one of the only career options in this type of economy. As a result, more students are opting to delve into the medical field, many who cannot stand the sight of blood! Many MHA programs instill on their students the knowledge they need to enter into the health industry without taking someone’s life into their hands. With documents and records becoming stored in electronic databases, most medical centers have required older managers and administrators to enroll in similar programs in order to gain a more technical background regarding medical records. MHA programs are also offered within many online universities, making the process much easier for those employees who are simply wishing to move up within the managerial chain of command. Many MHA programs allow students to attain a degree within 2 years for full-time and 4 years part-time. Depending on your schedule within your career, you can earn a new degree simply by logging onto your computer, which will lead to a new career path in no time!

A Masters in Public Health in the 21st Century

Site Administrator — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 19:32:48 +0000

Earning a Masters in Public Health degree is the first step toward entering the health industry and can enlighten many students of the ups and downs of the medical community. This degree focuses on public health practice, rather than simply research and teaching. As a Masters degree, it offers many students the chance to opt out of the ordinary teaching careers which many graduate degrees go towards. Additionally, the years of research has usually taken its toll on students in the health industry, which is why public health instead focuses on the more preventative side of modern public health.

The sciences do not have to confine students into a small box of career choices, but can become equally as broad as a Masters in Public Health. This degree exposes students to six core areas of public health, including biostatistics, epidemiology, health services administration, health education, behavioral science, and environmental science. These six categories present students with a wide array of topics to choose from, rather than forcing them to decide between medicine, teaching, or research. Furthermore, the United States just recently began offering a certification exam through the National Board of Public Health examiners. This exam was based on many of the core competencies of the degree, thereby allowing degree recipients to become certified in their field, much like medical and law students.

Many students receiving a Masters in Public Health will be facing modern day pandemics, including the recent H1N1 virus, as well as more substantial and ongoing issues such as HIV/AIDS and even Tuberculosis. Public health degrees are concerned with the preventative steps modern medicine can take in order to better prepare citizens from the elements of fatal diseases. While this Masters degree does not focus solely on the research involved within the formation of vaccines, it does relate to the effort of these students to get information out to people who are ignorant of the effects of many of these modern diseases. Public health care students have been responsible over the past centuries for cleaning up the water supplies around the world and contributing to the many new vaccines that are available. Only 100 years ago, citizens around the world were dying of simple illnesses such as small pox and tuberculosis. While many of these diseases still remain highly problematic within third-world countries, most of the world has since administered vaccines to their citizens.

However, the 20th and 21st centuries have introduced a slew of new problems for the health industry to tackle as a result of increased life spans. Therefore, a Masters in Public Health serves a vital purpose in tackling the problems of the modern day health industry, such as improved family planning, infectious diseases, effects of smoking, and a range of other modern-day problems. Without stepping too far into the medical field of doctors and nurses, this degree allows students to perform a vital part of the health industry in saving lives through their work within public health care.

100 Useful Sites, Networks, and Resources for Parents of Autistic Children

Site Administrator — Thu, 21 May 2009 15:09:48 +0000

By Meredith Walker

It is difficult to read the news or watch TV today without hearing about autism. What many believe has become an epidemic has brought autism to the forefront of society as scientists scramble to understand it and parents reach out for ways to help their children. The following resources include organizations, social networks, informational sites, helpful articles, blogs from parents and science-based writers, and even ways to help with the financial burden that autism can place on a family.

Organizations and Groups

The following organizations and groups all promote education, research, and support for families touched by autism and all have plenty to offer.

Autism Society of America. Find out about research and programs, get tips, learn about living with autism, autism news, resources, and even sensory-friendly film showings.
Autism Speaks. This organization is promoting public education as well as research for a cure. They include information on early signs as well as other information, autism in the news, sponsor walk events, and offer family support through social networks and outreach.
TalkAutism. With a database of professionals, a place for those seeking help to reach out with their requests, and online presentations offering information on a variety of topics this group offers support for parents and caregivers.
Organization for Autism Research. This group was organized by parents and grandparents with autistic children and focuses on educating parents, teachers, and caregivers about autism through applied science.
Unlocking Autism. Working to speak for those with autism by getting information to the public as well as providing parents with information about legislation, biomedical research, and more, this group is a great resource to stay on top of what’s going on behind the scenes.
National Autism Association. Educating and empowering families while funding research for autism are the goals of this organization. Learn about research projects, find help for families, and more.
Autism Research Institute. This organization is the home to the Defeat Autism Now! approach that believes autism can be cured through biomedical intervention that moves the focus of treatment away from psychotropic drugs as a primary means of treatment. This site offers tons of information on autism.
Easter Seals: Help, hope and answers. The resources here include results from the Easter Seals’ Living with Autism Study, state-by-state profiles and services, and their autism blog.
The Arc of the United States. This national group offers information and support for families and adults living with intellectual and developmental disabilities with local chapters that can offer services such as advocates to attend ARD meetings at your child’s school, case management services, and respite care.
Autism Network International. This organization is run by adults with autism with the goals of self-help and advocacy for those with autism.
Families for Early Autism Treatment (FEAT). This specific group is based out of Northern California, but they have chapters in many other cities across the US and focus on scientifically-based intervention and treatments for children with ASDs.
The National Autistic Society. This organization from the UK offers support, information, news, events, and more.

Support and Social Networks

These groups are specifically created for support and networking opportunities for parents, educators, and caregivers working with those with autism.

Autism and PDD Support Network. Find forums and message boards, links to resources, and their new community–Moms Fighting Autism.
Parent to Parent USA. This nationwide organization has local chapters that link parents with other parents who have children with similar medical or behavioral issues. They have a section specifically for autism spectrum disorders.
Moms Fighting Autism. Create your own profile to meet others or just browse through the posts on this social network of moms fighting autism.
Autism Speaks Social Network. This social network sprung from the larger organization by the same name and offers groups, forums, blogs, profile pages, and more for members.
Autism Support Network. Find a group, connect with other members, or read what others have to share about their experiences with autism and Asperger’s.
Model Me Kids Social Network. The members here include parents, caregivers, educators, and people with autism and Asperger’s.
WeAreAutism.org. This social network is for those living with ASDs and allows opportunities for social connection and sharing.
Autism Parents. This site is specifically for single parents who have a child or children on the spectrum and offers a place for support and social connection.
The A-N Social Network. Create a customized profile page, post photos and videos, or talk with others on the forums at this social network designed to connect those dealing with autism.
Grandparent Autism Network. This organization serves a dual purpose with articles and videos to help inform and support grandparents of grandchildren dealing with autism and also providing face-to-face support for grandparents and their families in southern California.

Understanding Autism

From recognizing early signs of autism to understanding communication and autism, the following resources will help you learn more about autism.

Learn the Signs. Act Early. Get plenty of information about child development from the information here that is designed to help parents, educators, and caregivers recognize developmental disorders in children from birth to 5 years.
American Academy of Pediatrics Developmental Stages. You can rely on this information to provide you with developmental stages of typically-developing children. Use this as a general guideline to recognize if your child is developing according to this schedule.
First Signs. This resource offers information on recognizing autism, screening and referrals, treatment options, and more.
Autism A.L.A.R.M.. This fact sheet is specifically designed for physicians, but provides helpful information on recognizing the potential of ASDs.
What are the Autism Spectrum Disorders?. This article offers a good overview of the various autism spectrum disorders and their similarities and differences.
Your Child: Autism, Autistic Spectrum Disorders (ASD) and Pervasive Developmental Disorders (PDD). From the University of Michigan Health System, this resource provides basic information about the various types of autism spectrum disorders.
CDC Autism Information Center. Find early warning signs, learn about screenings and diagnosis, learn about treatment and therapy options, and read research about the suspected relationship between vaccinations and autism.
Autism Research at the NICHD. Learn about the autism research going on at the National Institute of Child Health and Development.
NIMH – Autism Spectrum Disorders. This resource offers a close look at ASDs, including diagnosis, treatments, and research.
Autism and Communication. Learn about autism and communication with the information here from the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders.
MedlinePlus: Autism. This resource offers links to many articles and publications offering information on everything from the basics about autism to diagnosis and treatment to coping to clinical trials.
AutismWeb: A Parent’s Guide to Autism and PDD. This site provides several links to everything from warning signs to treatment options to finding support.

Treatments and Therapies

Learn about various treatments and therapies used with children on the spectrum with these resources.

Lovaas Institute. Dr. O Ivar Lovaas is a pioneer in the treatment of autism and began using his method of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) over 40 years ago. Learn more about this treatment therapy and find help in your area here.
ABA Resources for Recovery from Autism/PDD/Hyperlexia. This page is run by a father with a child with autism and provides information about ABA therapy.
The Interdisciplinary Council on Developmental and Learning Disorders Floortime Overview. Founded by Stanley Greenspan, MD, and Serena Wieder, PhD, this project helps parents, educators, and caregivers connect with children on the spectrum by focusing on social, emotional, and intellectual abilities.
The PLAY Project. The focus of this project is to provide opportunities for parents, caregivers, and educators to learn interventions appropriate for young children with ASDs based on the work done by Dr. Stanley Greenspan.
Autism Treatment Center of America. This organization is the home of the Son-Rise program, which approaches treatment through embracing what the autistic behaviors communicate about children with ASDs and working to discover and incorporate what motivates them into the treatment plan.
Sensory Fun. This website offers a quick glimpse at Sensory Integration Dysfunction as well as provides ideas for activities and tools to help your child.
Social Skills. With plenty of links and examples for teaching social skills, this is a good place to start if you are working on teaching social skills to an autistic child.
ANDI – Autism Network for Dietary Intervention. Learn about dietary intervention and find support and resources too at this site.
The GFCF Diet. This site will help you learn about implementing and maintaining a gluten and casein-free diet to help treat autism.

Articles Discussing Autism Issues

From tips for traveling with an autistic child to helping a fussy eater to understanding new genetic discoveries, these articles offer information you may want to know.

Researchers Find First Signs of Autism Even in Infancy. Learn how researchers are discovering what signs to look for in young infants to recognize the potential for autism.
Six Tips for Traveling with an Autistic Child. If you decide to take a family vacation or need to go out of town for any reason, read this article for great suggestions to minimize the disruption that may be difficult for your child to manage.
Interview with Dr. Temple Grandin. Read what Dr. Grandin has to say about her experiences living with autism and her views on the current issues surrounding autism.
Finding and Fighting Autism Early. With the importance of early detection and intervention, this article looks at how practitioners are working to improve detection so that children with ASDs don’t get overlooked.
Guide to a Low Cost Intervention Program. Learn how you can start early intervention at home without investing in expensive therapies.
Is the Autism Epidemic a Myth?. This article explores the possibility that the rate of autism hasn’t risen, just society’s awareness and recognition of it.
Fussy Eaters and Autism. Discover why many autistic children are such fussy eaters and learn strategies to get your child to eat a wider variety of foods.
New research brings autism screening closer to reality. Learn about the controversial issue of screening during pregnancy for autistic traits.
Step Forward in Autism Genetics. This article explores a discovery scientists have made bringing them closer to understanding a genetic predisposition to autism.
New Theory of Autism Suggests Symptoms or Disorder May Be Reversible. Science Daily reports how scientists are working with a new theory that says autistic brains may be disregulated and may possibly be regulated to reverse symptoms.

Blogs

Read about current news and trends in autism research or follow along as parents write about their experiences living and loving a child on the spectrum.

Child Psychology Research Blog. This blog brings research-based news with a heavy emphasis on autism and ASDs.
Autism Vox. Posts here are written by both the mother and father of a child with autism and include insight to their lives as well as some of the latest news and suggestions for others.
Autism Blog. Written by a mother of a child with autism, this blog offers tips and support to those working with or living with people affected by autism.
Social Skills for Kids. Specifically for parents of children with autism, Asperger’s, or ADHD, this blog includes great posts touching on important social skill issues such as providing down time, helping kids understand subtle emotions, and tips for school success.
Autism Watch: 2007. Parenting her autistic son since his birth in 2000, this mom writes about news, research, her experience, and opinions on the current trends.
What We Need. This mom shares her experience rearing a son with high-functioning autism.
Interverbal: Reviews of Autism Statements and Research. This blog written by a special education grad student takes a critical look at the world of autism.
Asperger-blog.com. Find links to books, resources, and news or get first-hand reports of what it’s like having a son with Asperger’s with this blog.
Hoping, Not Coping. Spreading the word about autism and sharing their family’s journey, this blog strives to educate others about autism.
Action for Autism. From the UK, this father of a son with Asperger’s is also an educator and writes books and speaks about autism.
Vaccine Blog. This blog takes a scientific approach to the pro-vaccine stance.
Vaccine Awakening. Striving to support parent rights to vaccine choices, this woman blogs about legislature and news surrounding parents’ rights.
VaccineEthics.org Blog. This bioethics research organization focuses on ethical practice of medicine. Their blog reports the latest news on the vaccine and bioethics front.

Regional Resources

These resources are aimed at helping those in specific geographic locations, but also often provide helpful information on their websites no matter where you live.

Families Together. Families in Washington, Idaho, and Maryland can benefit from the workshops designed for parents and typically-developing siblings of those with disabilities as well as Family Enrichment Weekends.
Families Together, Inc.. This organization offers support for families in Kansas who have a child with special needs, including autism.
Southwest Autism Research & Resource Center. Families in the Arizona area will benefit from the services offered through this organization. There is also a Spanish version of this website.
Thoughtful House. Located in Austin, TX, this center focuses on recovering those with autism spectrum disorders through a combination of diet, therapies, and medical care.
The Help Group. Founded in 1975, The Help Group has seven campuses in the Los Angeles area offering specialized day schools to children on the spectrum from Kindergarten through high school.
Fay J. Linder Center for Autism. This center provides services for children and adults with autism in the Long Island area.
Douglass Developmental Disabilities Center. Families in the New Jersey area can take advantage of the ABA services provided by Rutgers.
McCarton Foundation. This foundation in New York offers a school that incorporates ABA, peer interaction, and speech and language therapy as well as research done in conjunction with Rutgers and a training facility for parents, educators, and caregivers.
TEACCH Autism Program. Located in Chapel Hill, NC, this program offers clinical services, training, and current research to help those on the autism spectrum.
Koegel Autism Center. A part of the University of California, Santa Barbara, this center focuses on research and treatment of ASDs with a specific interest in Pivotal Response Treatments (PRT).
Autism Center – University of Washington. Not only can those located near this university participate in research studies, this site offers lots of links to information about autism spectrum disorders.

Financial Assistance Resources

Having a child with autism is expensive. Many couples discover that one partner must stay home with their child as child care is not available and the treatments and interventions are often expensive and frequently not covered by insurance. Use these resources to help lessen the financial burden autism may create for your family.

Helping Hand. This grant is funded through National Autism Association and provides a one-time opportunity for those families in serious financial need.
Family First. Another grant from NAA, this one is a one-time grant for couples seeking marriage counseling to help prevent the alarming rate of divorce among couples with a child on the spectrum.
Aid for Autistic Children Foundation. This organization provides financial assistance to families who are burdened with the expenses associated with caring for someone with autism. They typically provide assistance for therapies or services already paid by the family.
Direct and Indirect Financial Support for Families. This resource offers suggestions for finding financial help grouped by the country in which you live.
Mesa Angels. This organization provides financial assistance to those experiencing catastrophic experiences, including medical issues.
Financial and Medical Assistance for Families with Autistic Children. Learn how to apply for Social Security assistance with medical expenses related to autism treatment.
ModestNeeds.org. This organization works to help those who are employed and trying to stay afloat financially an opportunity to connect with donors in order to fund their modest needs. Several of those seeking funds are doing so for ASD-related issues.
Autism Assistance Resources and Information. Started by a mom with two children on the spectrum, this blog offers places that families coping with autism can turn to for financial assistance.
Grants for Families Living with Autism. This About.com article offers resources for families to find financial aid when dealing with autism.

Shopping Resources

The following resources offer online shopping for items specifically geared toward making life easier or treating autism.

Autismshop.com. Parents and educators can find books, software, sensory chewables, time timers, visuals, music, and games and toys all specifically designed for those with autism.
ABA Educational Resources Ltd.. Find flashcards, videos, books, and other tools to help you with your ABA therapy at home.
Natural Learning Concepts. This store offers educational materials, therapy tools, and sensory toys for children with special needs, especially autism.
DreamCatcher Weighted Blankets. Shop the selection of weighted blankets available at this store run by parents of a son with classic autism who designed the blankets around their son’s needs.
Giving Greetings. Parents and educators can find visual support material to help promote communication.
OZMO. Find fun toys, books, puzzles, and more specially designed for those with autism.

Pervasive Developmental Disorders (PDD), Asperger’s Syndrome, and Nonverbal Learning Disorder

Typically considered higher functioning types of autism, these resources offer information on PDD, Asperger’s, and NVLD.

Childbrain.com – PPD/Autism. Find out what PDD is and how it relates to autism, how it’s diagnosed, and more from this site.
The Eli & Edythe L. Broad Asperger Center. Read publications, find out about current research projects, and discover presentations occurring on the topic of Asperger’s from this center out of UCSB.
Weird Not Stupid. This website is run by a sibling with an older sister and a younger brother who both have Asperger’s Syndrome. You can find plenty of helpful information about Asperger’s and NVLD here.
O.A.S.I.S.. This site has a wealth of information for those learning about Asperger’s and related disorders or seeking support.
MAAP Services for Autism and Asperger Syndrome. This group offers regional resources as well as information and news for families dealing with ASDs–especially those higher functioning individuals.
Asperger Syndrome. From Family Village, this page offers tons of resources for those seeking information on Asperger’s and related disorders.
Asperger’s Syndrome. The Yale Child Study Center provides this overview of Asperger’s as well as two PDFs that provide guidelines for assessment and diagnosis as well as treatment and intervention.
Nonverbal Learning Disorders. While the debate continues whether NVLD is a milder form of autism, a part of Asperger’s, or a completely different disability altogether, this article offers a close look at what NVLD is and how it can be handled in school.

How to Prepare for a Pandemic: 100 Tips, Tools, and Resources

Site Administrator — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 05:47:15 +0000

By Meredith Walker

A pandemic, or the spread of an infectious disease worldwide or over a large geographical area, can be frightening to anticipate. Not knowing where the disease will spread next or if you will be able to protect yourself may leave you feeling vulnerable. Whether you are a parent or medical professional, it is important to taken certain precautions. Especially in light of the recent developments of the swine flu that began in Mexico and has begun to spread around the world, find out how to protect yourself and your family for a pandemic with these tips, tools, and resources.

General Information and Preparedness

Learn the basics to ensure you are prepared in the event of a pandemic with these resources.

Preparing For Pandemic Influenza — What You Can Do. This resource offers the basics on what communities, businesses, and individuals can do to prepare for a pandemic.
Pandemic Influenza: What You Can Do to Be Ready. Learn what to expect and how you can protect yourself and your loved ones in case of a flu pandemic.
Pandemic Influenza Preparedness and Response. Published by the World Health Organization, this handbook is put together by experts in the field and provides an in depth look at pandemic influenza along with recommendations for government, communities, and families.
Pandemic Influenza Planning: A Guide for Individuals and Families. Learn the differences between seasonal flu and pandemic flu, learn how your life may be disrupted during a pandemic, learn what you can do to keep yourself healthy, and more in this guide.
Swine influenza frequently asked questions. Another publication from the WHO, this one is briefer, but offers detailed information about swine flu, how to prevent it, and what to do if you think you have it.
Pandemic Influenza: Behavioral Health Tips on How to Prepare. From basic tips to preparing for pandemic influenza to preparing yourself mentally to helping children cope, this guide offers many helpful suggestions to handle the stress of pandemic influenza.
Flu Checklist. From the Red Cross, this guide helps you learn the difference between seasonal flu, epidemics, and pandemics, as well as know what to do if you get sick.
Questions about Swine Flu. Learn how swine flu is transmitted and how to protect yourself from it by watching this video from the New York Times.
How to Prepare for a Swine Flu Epidemic. This eHow article offers basic steps to help avoid exposure to swine flu.
Swine Flu FAQ. From WebMD, this list of questions and answers addresses concerns such as how the virus is spread, how it’s treated, and how dangerous it is.
Answers to Swine Flu Questions. CNN has compiled it’s own list of questions and answers, some overlap with WebMD and some are unique.
Top 20 Ways to Prepare for a Pandemic. Published by British Columbia Ministry of Health Services, this list provides advice to help prepare yourself in case of a pandemic.

Preparing the Family

If you have the additional concerns of making sure your family is protected during a pandemic, then take a look at these resources to find out how to create family emergency plans, how to talk with children, and much more.

Family Emergency Plan. This print-out provides a place for you to keep all of your family’s important information in one place in case of an emergency or disaster.
You Can Ask. From Sesame Street, this guide helps parents understand the child’s perspective during a time of stress and also helps parents know how to talk with both preschool and school aged children about emergencies, disasters, and health stressors.
Make a Plan. This page offers a few suggestions for family emergency preparedness as well as links to forms you can complete.
Pandemic Flu…What to do, what to do!. This site for children offers an overview of what a pandemic is and how families can prepare for one.
Preparing for Pandemic Flu: A Family Checklist Video. This Real Time video tells four things parents can do in case of a pandemic and defines different versions of pandemics.
Talk it Out. With a focus on emergency planning in general, this site offers tips for children to prepare in case of any emergency.
How to Swine Flu Proof You and Your Family. Emphasizing ways to prevent the spread of swine flu, this article offers some basics to protect your family.
How to Avoid the Swine Flu in Your Family. This article stresses other options to keep your family safe such as limiting travel and avoiding petting zoos during the emergency.
The swine flu: How to keep your family healthy. Looking at ways to boost overall health, this article provides sound advice for keeping your family healthy in order to fend off any illness that may come your way.
Talking with Children about a Flu Pandemic. This guide offers practical tips on what you can say to your children to prepare them in case of a flu pandemic.
Pandemic Flu Preparation: Hold Family Meetings. Learn how and why you should hold family meetings to prepare your family for pandemic flu.

Tips

Follow these tips to help prepare and deal with any situation that may arise during a pandemic.

Don’t panic. Overreacting can be as dangerous as underreacting to a potential situation. Stay on top of what is happening and follow the advice of experts to ensure the safety of yourself and your loved ones.
Watch local broadcast stations. Watching local stations will ensure not only that you are staying up to date on the latest information, but that you know exactly how the pandemic is impacting your region.
Wash hands. Wash hands frequently and properly using warm water and soap to help prevent the spread of germs from others to yourself. Carry alcohol-based hand sanitizer for those times you will not have access to soap and water.
Avoid contact with sick people. Stay away from those you know are sick or who have recently been sick.
Understand the incubation period of illness. Be aware that often the flu can be spread prior to the onset of symptoms and up to 10 days after someone has become ill.
Ask about telecommuting. Many employers already allow telecommuting for their employees, but in the face of a pandemic, it may become even easier for you to work from home to ensure your health as well as help keep the workplace running smoothly.
Wear a medical facemask. If there are confirmed cases in your geographic region, wearing a protective facemask approved by the FDA can help keep germs from entering through your nose or mouth.
Create an emergency stockpile. Make sure you have extra food, water, and anything else you may need if you must stay at home for any length of time.
Get to know your neighbors. Coming together as a community means you can look out for each other and pool your resources in case of a health emergency.
Create an emergency plan. Compile family member contact information, plan for a meet-up spot in case your immediate family becomes separated, and gather emergency numbers you may need.
Put together a first-aid kit. Think about over-the-counter and prescription medications you may need in the event of illness as well as materials for injury. If medical communities are busy with a pandemic flu, they may not have the resources available for typical care.
Have a way to stay connected. In case of an emergency, you will need to have access to news and updates. Have a plan in case your usual sources are unavailable or in case communication systems go down temporarily.

Pandemic Tools

From maps to keeping important emergency information to computer widgets, these tools will help you prepare and monitor a pandemic.

QuickShare My Emergency Information. Create email text with basic emergency information you can share with friends and family using this simple tool.
Google.org Flu Trends. This tool is based on Google search trends, and in the past this tool has shown to predict flu outbreaks in specific geographic areas faster than traditional methods.
HHS Widgets. Find widgets here to post on your website or blog that will help readers know where they can go for important health emergency information.
Where You Live. Select your state from this map to learn how your state has planned for a pandemic, important contact information, and more.
H1N1 Swine Flu – Google Maps. This map marks suspected and confirmed cases of Swine Flu, as well as deaths.
Global Map of Pandemic Risk. These four maps show risk of emergence, spread, and capacity to contain a pandemic.
Twitter. Do a search using keywords such as "#swineflu" to find out what people are Tweeting about the situation.
CDC Emergency on Twitter. Follow the CDC Tweets that update with information as a pandemic unfolds.
2009 swine flu outbreak. This Wikipedia page is updated frequently and may serve as an important news source. Be aware that due to the nature of Wikipedia, some information may not be accurate and may later be changed.
HealthMap Global Disease Alert Map. This world map not only tracks global diseases, but also includes updated news links for each location.
Google Alerts. Set up Google Alerts with whatever key words you want to include (i.e.: "swine flu") to get breaking news sent directly to your email or RSS reader.

Public Health and Government Resources

Considered some of the main sources for vital information during a public health emergency, these resources provide the latest word during a pandemic.

PandemicFlu.gov. Get updated information on a pandemic as it unfolds, including tips to protect yourself, press releases, and breaking news.
CDC – Swine Influenza (Flu). From the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, this page provides updated counts of confirmed swine flu cases in the US as well as general information, suggestions for staying healthy, and other resources.
US Department of Health and Human Services. In case of any public health emergencies, the HHS website will have news and updates posted here.
World Health Organization – Swine influenza. WHO coordinates a global response to pandemics and provides news and information from around the world.
Ready America. This site offers tools, resources, and information on preparedness in case of any major emergency.
American Red Cross. Get preparedness information, tips on dealing with any health emergency currently occurring, and find local chapters that can help you with issues pertaining specifically to your geographic location.
The White House. Look for updates or do a search by keyword to find press releases and any other breaking information out of the White House concerning public health emergencies.
Office of Medical Services Pandemic Influenza Plan. Learn what the Department of State’s plan is for dealing with pandemic influenza here.
United Nations Pandemic Influenza Contingency (PIC) Guidance and Resources. Get news and resources from this branch of the UN–updated frequently in times of pandemic emergency.
European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control. This agency is similar to the CDC in America, and you can find updates specific to Europe on this site during a pandemic.
Public Health Agency of Canada. Canada’s organization to protect public health offers updates on emergencies, travel statements, and more.

Resources for Educators

Because schools are often considered one of the biggest sources of disease sharing, it is especially important for educators and school nurses to be prepared for all aspects of a pandemic, from school closing to communicating information effectively to parents.

Pan Flu Guidance. This guide is intended to supply information to educators at the elementary and secondary levels who may have to deal with prolonged school closures during a pandemic.
Emergency Planning. This list from the Department of Education provides several links to emergency preparedness and planning resources that can help schools facing any emergency–including a pandemic.
Pandemic Flu: A Planning Guide for Educators. The three documents here will help educators prepare for anything from season flu outbreaks to more severe pandemic outbreaks.
Pandemic Planning: Examples of State and Local Plans and Planning Efforts. The examples here are taken from real school districts and include such information as planning frameworks and communications to parents and families.
Seasonal Flu Information for Schools & Childcare Providers. While the focus of this page is specifically seasonal flu, there are some posters and materials that are handy for any school wanting to head off potential problems, no matter the severity of the outbreak.
Pandemic Flu: A Planning Guide for Educators. This guide is easy to read and understand and offers a breakdown of what to do in each of three levels of pandemic severity.
School Planning. This resource gives educators several links to help reduce the spread of a pandemic. Be sure to sign up for the email notification when the page is updated.
West Virginia Pandemic Influenza Tool Kit. Find letters, documents, parent communications, resources, and more to help your school (whether in West Virginia or not) respond quickly and effectively during a pandemic.
Child Care and Preschool Pandemic Influenza Planning Checklist. This checklist will help early childhood providers prepare their staff and the children for a pandemic and also includes important links for more information.
School Guidance During an Influenza Pandemic. From the Illinois Department of Public Health, this site has plenty of resources ranging from school action steps to what parents should have on hand during an extended stay at home.
School Crisis Guide. This guide offers preparation in anticipation of a crisis, hour-by-hour directives during a crisis, and help for dealing with the aftermath of a crisis.

Community Resources

From physicians to non-medical public health officials to community leaders, these resources will help those in the community understand how to prepare and how to proceed during a pandemic.

It’s Not Flu as Usual: What Businesses Need to Know about Pandemic Flu Planning. This guide provides information on what a pandemic can mean for business, how to handle an outbreak, steps your business can take, and ways to protect employees.
Community Strategy for Pandemic Influenza Mitigation. This publication offers non-pharmaceutical approaches to lessen the impact of a pandemic influenza prior to the development of effective vaccinations.
Preparing for the Next Pandemic. From the New England Journal of Medicine, this article focuses on what public health can do to lessen the impact of the next pandemic.
Preparing for a Pandemic Influenza: A Primer for Governors and Senior State Officials. This brochure is full of information about pandemic influenza and also offers suggestions on how government officials can work most efficiently and in the best interest of the people in the face of a pandemic.
Global Surveillance during an Influenza Pandemic. This publication from WHO give specific details and suggestions for a community approach to monitoring and reacting to a pandemic.
Mental Health and Behavioral Guidelines for Response to a Pandemic Flu Outbreak. Community leaders can study this guide to help prepare for the mental stress of a pandemic.
Pandemic Planning: Tools. From the Canadian government, this set of guides helps business owners plan for and understand what to expect during a health emergency, offers tips to help employees, and information employees should know.
Instructions to Estimate the Potential Impact of the Next Influenza Pandemic Upon Locale Y. This resource gives instructions and links for using FluAid 2.0 and FluSerge 2.0, two software programs communities can use to calculate the impact of a pandemic on any given location.
Tabletop Exercises for Pandemic Influenza Preparedness in Local Public Health Agencies. State and local health agencies can use this publication, which is customizable, to help prepare for pandemic influenza.
Community-Based Mass Prophylaxis: A Planning Guide for Public Health Preparedness. Officials at any level can download this guide to help communities meet federal guidelines in case of a public health emergency.
Mass Medical Care with Scarce Resources: A Community Planning Guide. Download this guide, which includes a pandemic flu case study, to prepare your community for ways to deal with a mass casualty event.

Travel Resources and Tips

Travel is frequently disrupted and discouraged during a pandemic. Check with these resources to learn what you need to know about travel during a pandemic and follow the tips if you do travel.

CDC – Travelers’ Health. The CDC keeps current information for travelers at this site including health risks by geographic location, news and announcements, and resources for special populations.
U.S. Department of State International Travel. If you plan to travel outside the US, check with this website to learn all you need to know about traveling to your destination safely.
U.S. Department of State Current Travel Warnings. Cut to the chase and find out anyplace not recommended for travel by US citizens with this listing.
World Health Organization: International travel and health. Find interactive maps, search by specific disease, and get updates for travelers here.
Bird and Pandemic Flu Information from Other Nations and Non-governmental Organizations (NGOs). Find out what these countries have planned in case of a pandemic to understand how safe you may be during travel there.
Monitor CDC and WHO websites. If you are traveling abroad, stay updated with these websites to learn developments of any health issues which may affect your travels or return home.
Understand that borders may close. If you choose to travel during an outbreak, you may not be able to return home if the country you are visiting or your home country closes its borders. Have enough supplies to stay longer than you may anticipate.
Recognize the symptoms. If a pandemic is underway, recognize the symptoms you may develop and do not hesitate to report them to officials while traveling. Refusing to do so only helps spread the disease.
Monitor your health. Even after returning from an area where there was potential for a pandemic, monitor your health for ten days to insure you are not sick.

History of Past Pandemics

Understand what you may be able to expect and how to avoid mistakes from the past by learning about the history of past pandemics from these resources.

Assessing the Danger of New Flu. While this article does focus on the emergence of the latest swine flu pandemic, it also shows the amazing response Hong Kong has to the pandemic as a result of their experience with SARS in 2003.
1918 Influenza: the Mother of All Pandemics. This article offers an in depth look at the 1918 pandemic, including how it started, the three waves of it, why it was so dangerous, and more.
1918 flu pandemic. Wikipedia offers an easy-to-understand article outlining the 1918 pandemic and plenty of links to learn more.
1976: Fear of a great plague. Read how a pandemic was closely avoided in 1976 and some of the turmoil surrounding it.
Pandemics and Pandemic Threats Since 1900. Learn about the actual and threatened pandemics up to the avian flu threat in 1997.
5 Deadliest Pandemics in History. From the Peloponnesian War Pestilence to the Spanish Flu in 1918, find out why these were so deadly.
The Influenza Pandemic of 1918. Stanford presents this article about the history of the pandemic as well as links to letters, memoirs, and more from that time.
The History of Pandemics. Find out about four historical pandemics, then click on the other links to discover more about the nature of pandemics.
Pandemics: The history of influenza pandemics in the last century and lessons we can learn from them. (Part 1). Learn about four 20th century pandemics, find out why there is concern over pandemics, and find links to articles and videos to help you learn more.
History’s lesson: Prepare now for pandemic. Get a glimpse into why being prepared is important, based on a story from the 1918 pandemic.
Pandemic history offers lessons. Learn how the past lessons have helped prepare society for a likely better outcome in the event of a pandemic.
Pandemic influenza: Studying the lessons of history. Learn why society is better off today than in 1918 and how better prepared the community is for dealing with a pandemic.