Life-Style Articles Archive

• Tamiflu
  Tamiflu
• Flu Watch: June 2009 JUNE 2009
  Much of the nation's focus is on the H1N1 virus - widespread seasonal flu is appearing in the same 7 states
• Flu Watch: May 2009 MAY 2009
  May shows the flu lingering in many states and making a comeback.
• Flu Watch: April 2009 APRIL 2009
  Widespread flu reporting remained common for nearly half of the United States.
• Flu Watch: March 2009 MAR 2009
  After a slow start, widespread level of flu reporting covers nearly half the United States.
  
• Flu Watch: February 2009 FEB 2009
  Virginia is the first state to report widespread flu. Flu symptoms and medications can change INR test results.
• Medication Use & Drug Interactions On The Rise JAN 2009
  As medication use increases - drug interactions follow for patients on warfarin
• The Vitamin K Diary JAN 2009
  The vitamin K diary helps patients understand the role of diet on their INR.
• Flu Watch: January 2009 JAN 2009
  Two states report the first regional-level incidence of this year's strain of flu. 38% of states reporting sporadic activity.
• Flu Watch: December 2008 DEC 2008
  This year's strain of influenza is beginning to grip the country with 38% of the country reporting sporadic-level flu.
• Flu Watch: October 2008 OCT 2008
  Patients taking warfarin in New York , California and Florida should be aware the first reports of the flu have been reported.
• Book Review: eatTHISdiet for Coumadin Users AUG 2008
  The eatTHISdiet book for Coumadin Users should be on your shopping list
• Patient Education for Warfarin Patients JUNE 2008
  QAS offers 24 months of patient education for warfarin patients
• Flu Watch: May 2008 MAY 2008
  A grueling flu season has finally released its grip across the United States
• Great News for Patients with DVT or PE APRIL 2008
  Medicare will now provide coverage for home INR monitoring for patients with DVT or PE
• Flu Watch: April 2008 APRIL 2008
  The flu has released its grip on the U.S. Cold and flu symptoms can still place patients on warfarin at risk.
• Great News for Patients with Atrial Fibrillation APRIL 2008
  Medicare’s coverage for home INR monitoring will benefit millions of patients with atrial fibrillation.
• Situational Safety: Vitamin K APRIL 2008
  Vitamin K plays a role in maintaining stable INR test results.
• Flu Watch: March 2008 MAR 2008
  98% of the nation is firmly in the grip of widespread flu.
• Patient Errors and Adverse Events MAR 2008
  Patient errors compromise patient safety and can result in serious injury
• Flu Watch: February 2008 FEB 2008
  Three quarters of the country is experiencing either regional or widespread outbreak of influenza.
• Discovery Health: Effectively Managing Anticoagulation JAN 2008
  Experts offer their opinion on how to improve the safety and efficacy of warfarin therapy
• A Remodeled Cafe PTINR DEC 2007
  We remodeled your Cafe PTINR with culinary support from Dr. Gourmet's Dr. Tim Harlan.
• Mistakes Costly; Often Avoidable DEC 2007
  Human error accounts for many medication-related adverse events and hospitalizations
• Top 10 Variables: Brand or Generic Warfarin DEC 2007
  Patients who experience warfarin INR instability may want to see whether they're getting what they ask for from their pharmacist
• Mechanical Heart Valves Prove Durable & Reliable NOV 2007
  A 25-year study demonstrated the mechanical valves provide patients with dependable technology and peace of mind
• Top 10 Variables: Testing Frequency NOV 2007
  After 50 years of commercial availability, shortening the testing interval presents the drug’s most promising new safety angle
• Situational Safety: First Aid OCT 2007
  Injuries for patients taking warfarin require more urgent care. Controlling internal and external bleeding is the top priority.
• Evaluation of Home INR Monitoring OCT 2007
  Home testing demonstrated an improvement in quality of life for young children and their families
• Situational Safety: The Flu & Warfarin SEP 2007
  October begins the official start of the flu season. Now is the time to bone up on signs and symptoms
• Flu Watch: September is 'Preparation Month' SEP 2007
  With the official start of the 2007-2008 flu season a month off, now is the time to schedule your flu shot.
• Top 10 Variables: Prescription Drugs SEP 2007
  Prescription drugs top the list of challenges when trying to maintain a stable INR. See how to manage multiple medications and keep within range
• Situational Safety: Nosebleeds AUG 2007
  Nosebleeds for patients taking warfarin (Coumadin) can be frightening. Reduce your risk and learn first aid measures.
• Top 10 Variables: OTC Medications AUG 2007
  Often patients think non-prescription medications are safer, some find out the hard way.
• Situational Safety: Table Corner Bruising Risk JULY 2007
  The most basic end table holds the potential for a deep bruise – reduce your risk of a painful and dangerous hazard
• Goji & Warfarin JULY 2007
  Look younger and ward off cancer are claims made for goji products, add to it additional Coumadin INR testing as interactions are likely
• Top 10 Variables: Dietary Vitamin K JULY 2007
  Diet remains the most common topic questioned by patients taking Coumadin - how responsible is diet for fluctuating INR?
• Cranberry cleared again JULY 2007
  Additional evidence has been presented showing the safe use of cranberry products for patients on Coumadin
• Situational Safety: Medical Alert Life Pendants JUNE 2007
  One in three patients over 65 years old will fall in a year’s time. Many rely on medical alert pendants.
• Compliance and Its Impact on INR Control JUNE 2007
  A missed warfarin dose and other compliance errors are unforgiving.
• Flu Watch: May 2007 MAY 2007
  Stroke awareness month finds the flu winding down but hanging on with widespread outbreaks in four states.
• Situational Safety: Identifying Medications by Color MAY 2007
  A patient arrives in the emergency room and, when asked what medications she is on, the patient replies "2 white ones and a blue one…"
• Rapid Coumadin Reversal Possible? MAY 2007
  One of PTINR.com's visitors asked whether there was a way for patients to quickly lower their INR if they find themselves with a dangerously high INR. This month we answer that question.
• Flu Watch: April 2007 APRIL 2007
  Spring finds 36 states (72%) experiencing widespread or regional outbreaks of influenza.
• The 2007 Migration APRIL 2007
  Patient are beginning their migration back from winter retreats. Will INR’s remain stable during and after the trip?
• Situational Safety: Creams & Ointments APRIL 2007
  Discover how pain relief creams and ointments can cause increases in INR test results
• Stress & Warfarin: A Follow-up APRIL 2007
  A follow up to a January article highlighting the impact of stress has a happy ending and proves the power of stress
• Vitamin K Supplementation May Improve INR Control APRIL 2007
  Once taboo – today vitamin K supplements are widely studied to support INR stability
• Flu Watch: March 2007 MAR 2007
  Widespread flu grew from just 3 states in February’s update to 24 this month! See if your state is infected.
• Hormone Replacement & Natural Medicines MAR 2007
  As more look to natural medicines in place of prescription medicines they do so at the risk of drug interactions
• Dark Chocolate & Warfarin MAR 2007
  Chocolate has become a lifestyle for many. The benefits of dark chocolate just might improve its position in the food pyramid.
• Trans-fat-free means new oils MAR 2007
  All eyes are on the fast food icons in anticipation of eliminating trans-fat oils... will the new oils interact with warfarin?
• Flu Watch: February 2007 FEB 2007
  Widespread flu has migrated out of the deep south and scattered in 3 states. If you have the flu monitor your INR more closely.
• Oatmeal & Warfarin FEB 2007
  Oatmeal has become a lifestyle choice for many. Is there an oatmeal/warfarin interaction?
• Airborne & Warfarin FEB 2007
  Boasts of boosting immune systems leave patients wondering if a warfarin drug interactions are also part of the story
• Stress & Warfarin JAN 2007
  Stress and its effect on INR test results... a true story.
• Emergency Room Visits JAN 2007
  Increasing the testing interval remains a proven tactic to improve INR control and reduce hospital visits
• Federal marshals seize dietary supplements DEC 2006
  Loosely regulated herbal and dietary supplements continue to question safety and efficacy of non-prescription products
• Situational Safety: Alcohol & Warfarin DEC 2006
  With the holidays come celebrations. See how alcohol and warfarin don’t mix.
• Does Coumadin® make you chilly? NOV 2006
  Some patients complain they feel colder when taking warfarin – is there a connection or is this an urban legend?
• Fractures NOV 2006
  Increases in fractures seen in patients taking warfarin over a year.
• Bridging NOV 2006
  Home testing has saved thousands of dollars in preventing rescheduling for surgical procedures – fine tuning INRs is accomplished through home testing
• Falling Prices NOV 2006
  Wal-Mart’s generic drug price reduction will help many patients enjoy the quality of life they deserve. Is warfarin one of them?
• The silver lining of the INR blood test OCT 2006
  Many complain about Coumadin® blood tests. The silver lining of testing is a guarantee of patient compliance
• Warfarin Use Associated with Increased Fracture Risk SEP 2006
  Depleting vitamin K levels increase risk of bone fracture. See what can be done to minimize your risk.
• Situational Safety: Synopsis SEP 2006
  20 archived articles on improving safety wait for patients new to PTINR.com
• Situational Safety: Twigs and Falling AUG 2006
  While few see the dangers in a twig – a patient nearly fell when he rolled on a twig nearly causing a life-threatening situation.
• Situational Safety: Sharp Foods JULY 2006
  Cheddar is not the only sharp food, see why shrimp is sharper than cheddar
• Patient education leads JUNE 2006
  Education is an on-going process. A summer quiz helps patients sharpen their skills in understanding warfarin
• Drug Price Study JUNE 2006
  Drug costs rise - warfarin prices hold steady and remains affordable
• Situational Safety: Dishwasher Dangers JUNE 2006
  Hidden dangers lurk in every dishwasher
• Situational Safety: Gardening MAY 2006
  Pick up a few tips on how to reduce your risk of a blood clot while gardening
• The Emotional Side of Warfarin Update MAY 2006
  Patients who self test are far more comfortable, confident and perceive to be in range more often
• National Perspective on Stroke in America MAY 2006
  Stroke Awareness Month update
• Reducing bleeding risks - new evidence APRIL 2006
  Concerns over bleeding? This is a must-read article.
• Self-testing results are in APRIL 2006
  Evidence just published will help you sell to your doctor that weekly self-testing is a safer approach to managing warfarin
• Situational Safety: Color Blindness MAR 2006
  Color blindness has an incidence of only 10% but 10% of 4 million patients on warfarin places 400,000 patients at risk for mis-dosing themselves.
• Warfarin, children and bone density MAR 2006
  Increased use of warfarin in children brings a closer look at long-term safety issues for healthy bone density and development
• Atrial fibrillation treatment MAR 2006
  While not practical, interesting none-the-less for the millions with atrial fibrillation
• Situational Safety: Lighting for tablet identification FEB 2006
  Poor lighting almost cost a patient her life
• Situational Safety: Orthostatic Hypotension JAN 2006
  You get up quickly from the couch to answer the phone and a wave of dizziness hits you... see why this can be dangerous for patients on warfarin.
• Situational Safety: Stubbing Toes JAN 2006
  Stubbing ones toe not only hurts - it represents an internal bleeding risk for patients on warfarin.
• The best reason to home test DEC 2005
  Patient's golden years are for enjoying grandchildren. See how home testing provides increased safety to your warfarin therapy.
  
• Situational Safety: Cutting Edges DEC 2005
  Few patients think of the hazards of a simple box of plastic wrap - the cutting edge of that box could land a patient in the emergency room
• Factor V Leiden Website Review NOV 2005
  Patients with an acquired blood disorder will find valuable information and services as patient and web designer Deborah Okner Smith's website.
  
• Situational Safety: Oxygen Use at Home OCT 2005
  Why are patients on oxygen
  more likely to fall? The answer may surprise you.
• DVT - A Possible Indicator of Cancer? OCT 2005
  There are many causes of DVT - one not often thought of is cancer.
• Preparing for winter OCT 2005
  Just as animals prepare for winter, so too must patients on warfarin.
• Economy Class Syndrome... not just for air travelers SEPT 2005
  Prolonged periods of inactivity proven to be hazardous to your circulatory health
• Winter Retreat Travel Checklist SEP 2005
  Getting from point A to point B is easier said than done. We offer you an important warfarin checklist.
• NIH Sponsored Research AUG 2005
  Little in the way of regulations make dietary supplements a potential hazard for warfarin patients.
• Dosing Changes in Stable Patients AUG 2005
  A stable INR doesn't mean dosage changes aren't down the road.
• Situational Safety: Cooking oils and vitamin K JULY 2005
  They aren't leafy and they aren't green but they could be loaded with vitamin K, see how oils vary in vitamin K content.
• Summer's heat can impact your INR JULY 2005
  Prolonged heat can be as important as vitamin K or medications on your INR
• AGS Panel on Falls Prevention JUNE 2005
  The American Geriatric Society lists the most common reasons for falls. See how you can prevent dangerous falls in this month's feature article.
• Pass the DHA MAY 2005
  Warfarin patient management professionals will need to stay alert to newly marketed additives.
• Situational Safety: Wet Floors APRIL 2005
  April showers bring May flowers and unfortunately wet floors. April's Situational Safety shows you how to safely enjoy the month with dry floors.
• Situational Safety: Medication Cabinet MAR 2005
  Drowning in a sea of orange bottles with white caps? This month let us help you organize your prescription medication.
• We All Fall Down FEB 2005
  Reducing the risks of falling can save thousands of lives annually and keep our seniors safer.
• Wet Leaves Everywhere DEC 2004
  Now that Fall has come, wet leaves present a daily hazard for wet feet and slippery footing
• Flu Shots & Your INR NOV 2004
  The impact of the flu vaccine on a patient INR is becoming better understood
• St. John's Wort & Warfarin NOV 2004
  St. John's Wort is taken by tens of millions of patients world wide. INR values are influenced.
• Lessons Learned NOV 2004
  Hurricane wary residence of Florida don't let 4 hurricanes prevent patients from testing as needed
• Situational Safety: Getting In and Out of Cars NOV 2004
  Car doors present one of the greatest risks for patients on warfarin on any given day.