Horizons in Hemophilia October 2011
Fall is for Flu Shots
By Jeff Cornett, RN, MSN, Director of Training, Research, and Advocacy
It's time to get a flu shot (the vaccination against influenza). Getting the shot now allows your body time to build up resistance to the flu viruses before the yearly flu season begins. If you wait until you hear of people getting sick, it may be too late. The vaccine may not have enough time to strengthen your body's defenses. The following information is based on recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The CDC recommends a yearly flu shot for everyone 6 months of age and older as the first and most important step in protecting against this serious disease. Read more.
Leaders In Training Ask: How Often Do You Wear Your MedicAlert®?
By Deniece Chevannes, Health Educator and the 2011 Leaders In Training
How often do you wear your MedicAlert®? That was the first question HoG's Leaders in Training asked when they conducted focus groups at Camp Wannaklot. Continuing on the work they started at Georgia Teen Institute this summer, HoG's Leaders in Training worked diligently to discover ways to encourage teens to wear emergency medical identification. Read more.
Extended Room Temperature Storage for Kogenate FS
By Leigh Carpenter, RPh, Director of Pharmacy
Bayer has announced that Kogenate FS can now be stored at room temperature (up to 77 degrees Fahrenheit) for up to one year. Previously, Kogenate FS could be stored at room temperature for only three months. Read more.
Telling Your Story
By Jeff Cornett, RN, MSN, Director of Training, Research, & Advocacy
"Hemophilia? That's something with the blood?" You've heard the question a million times. You may have even come to dread having to explain it over and over. But there is no escaping the question when your family has a rare disorder that few people know much about. What's even worse? What they think they know is usually wrong: "Just a small cut is life-threatening, right? You can quickly bleed to death?" At this year's HoG Spring and Fall Family Camps, families strategized ways to educate others about bleeding disorders. Read more.
Family Camp Fall 2011
By Kim Wilson, Camp and Activities Coordinator
It was a perfect September weekend for the 180 family members, staff, and volunteers who enjoyed Family Camp at Camp Twin Lakes. Read more.
Talking Together about Sexuality During National Let's Talk Month
By Deniece Chevannes, Health Educator
Every October many organizations throughout the United States celebrate Let's Talk Month to motivate and encourage conversations about sexuality between parents and their children. Young people have lots of questions about sex, love and relationships. Studies have shown that young people's decisions about sex are most influenced by their parents. The goal of Let's Talk Month is to encograge parents and caregivers to talk with their children to help guide them in making healthy, responsible decisions about sex. Read more.
Medicare Open Enrollment is a Good Time to Review Medicare Basics
By Robert H. Gillespie, LMSW, Social Worker
Medicare open enrollment starts early this year. Beginning October 15, Medicare participants may elect a supplemental provider, if desired. Open enrollment closes December 7. If you have questions about your Medicare benefit, please contact your HoG Social Worker. As a social worker I am often asked questions about Medicare and Medicaid. It is not uncommon for people, even those who work in the medical field, to confuse the two programs. Read more.
They Told Me I Have a Latex Allergy. Now What?
By Penny Kumpf, RN, VWD Community Outreach Nurse
What is a Latex Allergy? Latex is derived from a natural rubber tree primarily found in Africa and Southeast Asia. In a person who has a latex allergy, just like with any other allergy, the body produces antibodies to attack a substance that it finds irritating. This reaction may be mild or it can be very severe, even life-threatening. Read more.
Open Enrollment for Medical Insurance
By Michelle Fitzwater, Managed Care Contract Specialist
Open enrollment is the time period when you may enroll in or transfer insurance plans offered by your employer. It happens once a year, typically in the fall, and is the best time to review your health care needs. This is a really important decision and you may have to put in a lot of work to get a good result. After all, once you choose a plan it will be your insurance for the next year. Read more.
29th Hit ′Em for Hemophilia Golf Tournament
By Victor McCarty, Director of Development
In partnership with the Atlanta Braves, Hemophilia of Georgia will host the annual Hit ′Em for Hemophilia Golf Tournament on Tuesday, November 1, 2011 at Chateau Élan Winery and Resort in Braselton, Georgia to raise money for bleeding disorders research. More than 240 participants are expected, including current and former Atlanta Braves coaches, players and executives and representatives from more than thirty corporate sponsors. Read more.
Client Dinner Photos
View photos from recent Hemophilia of Georgia client dinners.
Clinic Schedules
View the clinic schedules for the Georgia Hemophilia Treatment Centers.
Read HoG's Blog
Have you read HoG's Blog yet?
Hemophilia of Georgia is not engaged in the practice of medicine and does not endorse or support any particular factor concentrate or treatment protocol. HoG recommends that you consult with your physician prior to starting any course of therapy. Occasionally HoG disseminates information on new treatments or therapies. HoG shares this for informational purposes only and makes no claim as to its accuracy or effectiveness.