Sigh. If only this didn't actually happen!

Getting ready for the holidays!

Join Hahn and Nelson Family Medicine for our open house on December 15. Take a few moments to relax, have a friendly chat and some light refreshments with us. We'd like to take this opportunity to express our appreciation of our patients.

Oxbow EMR named a Coolest Product of 2010 by Health Management Technology

Hahn and Nelson Family Medicine is a proud user of the innovative Oxbow Electronic Medical Record  (EMR) software. Our mission of "A new way to practice old-fashioned care" is made possible at least partly by this cutting-edge software that allows your doctor to do everything from get your telephoned messages, to sending your prescriptions directly from your electronic chart to the pharmacy. Your doctor and nurse also get automatic reminders when you're due for an appointment, or when you should be scheduled for a test such as a mammogram. When you come to our office for an appointment and see your doctor peering at the computer, they are not checking out their Facebook! They're reviewing the easy-to-read screen to see if perhaps you need any refills, and updating your medical record with new information. Gone is the roomful of easily misplaced paper charts with stuck-on Post it notes reminding your doctor to return your call. 

I suppose a disclaimer is in order here. Years ago, Dr. Hahn and his friend Dr. Shawn Moyer realized that soon most medical offices would need an EMR in order to carry out sophisticated reporting, as well as the every day medical record management that every doctor needs. As they reviewed the available EMRs, they realized most were poorly written, hard to learn, and had inadequate reporting capabilities. So what did they do? They decided to build a better mousetrap. And now the rest of the world is taking notice. In this month's online edition of Health Management Technology, Oxbow was selected as one of 2010's Coolest Products. So now you can rest assured that not only are your doctors the coolest in town, but they are using one of the year's coolest products to keep you healthy! Oxbow's motto is "Patients, not paperwork" and we like that too. We will continue to explore ways, using technology as well as low-tech solutions, to bring you the best in healthcare. 

Royally healthy!

If you've been following our blog, you might be disappointed that we haven't been updating it as much as we usually do. We've been focusing on the Health Olympics since it started in October. Please check out our Health Olympics blog for healthy tips, and news on local fitness events. In the meantime, check out pictures of our award-winning float from the Hancock Halloween Parade!

We'll be updating the blog with news of our new Patient Portal that will allow you to book your own appointments. Stay tuned!

Front Desk Reflections

So Lindy has been on vacation all week and I'm doing my best to fill in for her. This is a daunting task. It seems as though every third or fourth phone call I answer has one question. "Is this Lindy?" And then the disappointed momentary silence when I answer, "No, it's Bibi. Lindy is on vacation." Similarly, then,  other phone callers ask "Is this Robin?" And I have to answer "No, it's Bibi. Robin is with a patient."
I offer my help, but very often, it's often Robin or Lindy who hold the answer. When some people walk into our office, they may only perceive two women answering our very busy phones, and doing things on the computers in front of them. What they will learn as they visit us, or call us, is that these two care very deeply about our patients. They also have very specialized knowledge about how to wend their way through the byzantine labyrinth of insurance referrals, what to tell a mom who is worried about the proper dosage of ibuprofen for their child, and how to say just the right thing to a woman newly diagnosed with cancer. This is amazing to me, as I sit trying to figure out how to book an appointment while 2 other calls are holding, and a patient is standing in front of me at the check-in desk. I smile at the phone, and ask the patient in front of me if he would mind being placed on hold... I realize it takes a very special kind of person to manage this job day in and day out.

Most of the time I'm in the back office, saying bad words about Carefirst and trying to get a patient's claim paid for. Having the chance to see our patients out front, greeting them by name and getting to know them, is a real treat, despite the stress. I love seeing the kids come in and look at the photographs taken by local artists and recognize a scene from the C&O Canal, or read one of the books I've left in the waiting room. My heart melts when a daughter brings in her ailing elderly mother, and I see how they care for each other. I realize we have our own little community right here in this office and I am so happy to be a part of it.

Before I forget, here's a link to a nice story that mentions the Walk Across Maryland and our upcoming Baby Talk! Thanks, Anne Weatherholt.

Health Olympics sign-ups going strong!

2010 Health Olympics sign-ups are under way, and continue for another 2 weeks, through Friday, October 8. At the time of this writing, close to 90 participants have registered, and picked up their free tee shirts. Sign-up locations for the 2010 Health Olympics include, in Hancock, the offices of Hahn and Nelson Family Medicine; and in Morgan County, Rankins Fitness Center.


Participation in the 2010 Health Olympics is easy. Participants make a simple plan that includes: one food to avoid; one unhealthy eating habit to avoid; and a daily exercise goal. They are then asked to maintain a daily calendar to track and record when they achieve their daily goals. Participants are weighed at the beginning and end of the program.

Free tee shirts will be available for the first 200 participants who register for the 2010 Health Olympics. This year's shirts are kelly green, and are provided by Washington County Hospital.

Exercising daily is a key component of the Health Olympics approach to weight control and healthy living. Many Health Olympics participants get their exercise by walking or using home exercise equipment. Rankins Fitness has also become a popular spot for Health Olympians. Not only is Rankins a sign-up location for the 2010 Health Olympics, but Rankins has regularly promoted the Health Olympics by providing discounted memberships to Health Olympics participants, as well as free memberships to the top Health Olympics weight losers each year.

For more information regarding the 2010 Health Olympics, please contact Hahn and Nelson Family Medicine at 301-678-7007, or email through the hahnandnelson.com website.
 
And keep watching our blog for exercise ideas, inspiration for healthy meals, and ongoing information about the Health Olympics.

Thanks to our the walkers!

 Thank you everyone who walked on Saturday! The Walk was a huge success. People often ask "What's the cause?" since so many walks and runs are to benefit organizations (and that *is* wonderful!). We are just as proud to say, "The cause is YOU." It's to remind ourselves that our area is rich in fitness resources. Not only do we have the C+O Canal and the Rail Trail right here in Hancock, and beautiful hiking trails available within a short drive, we have talented fitness instructors such as Rene Kesecker teaching Zumba, Angela Petry teaching her Bellysima, and Boomtown Hoops offering workshops in hula-hooping. As the Health Olympics begins, we'll be reminding you to get off the couch and partake of any/all of this, and letting you know of other exercise opportunities available in our area. Please let us know of any of your favorites so we can share with all.
Thanks to John Harper for these beautiful images! There are more pictures on our Facebook page. I cannot get the captioning to work well here, so here goes, clockwise from top right: Dr. Matt Hahn gets the walkers round up for the start of the Walk; and they're off!; the walkers enjoy some hoops; Angela Petry in her Bellysima splendor; and finally, the end brought about in style by Brice Williams, Walker Williams, Aiden McDaniel, and Mike Cligerman
What a day!














Childrens cold medicine... really?

Did you know that there are new FDA guidelines for kids' cold medicines? Bottom line: Never give cold medicine to children under 4. And, this little nugget:

"The good news about colds? Children get over colds and coughs as quickly without cold medicines as with them."

Read more and decide for yourself. Spend money on medicine that probably does nothing, or maybe just a spoonful of honey!? Remember to consult your medical professional if you have any questions!

Walk Across Maryland on Morgan County USA

Check out the video on Morgan County USA!
And for your reading pleasure, our latest press release:
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Matthew Hahn
voice: 301-678-7007
fax: 301-678-7009
mhahn@oxbowemr.com



2010 Walk Across Maryland This Weekend; Sign-Ups for Health Olympics Begin

Maryland's skinniest town, Hancock, will play host to the 4th annual Walk Across Maryland, this Saturday, September 18, starting at 9 AM (participants should arrive at 8:30 AM), at the Maryland-Pennsylvania border on Pennsylvania Avenue.

Participants will walk across the entire state of Maryland (1.7 miles), along the length of Pennsylvania Avenue, from the MD-PA border to the C & O Canal. Local police will serve as escorts. Parking will be available at the Hancock Assembly of God, which is a short distance from the starting line.

The first 200 participants to arrive will receive free 2010 Walk Across Maryland tee shirts, provided by Washington County Hospital.

One of the event organizers, Dr. Marilyn Nelson, commented, “Everyone is welcome. Walking is a form of exercise available to almost all people. Regular exercise is a necessary part of a prescription for good health. We hope people will use the Walk Across Maryland to jumpstart their fall exercise programs.”

There will be entertainment throughout the Walk Across Maryland. There will be musicians, cheerleaders, hoola hoopers, skaters, bellydancing, and a Zumba demonstration. Local media and politicians have been invited to participate as well.

The Walk Across Maryland will also serve as the first official sign-up day for the 2010 Health Olympics. A sign-up table will be located outside Hahn and Nelson Family Medicine offices, along the Walk Across Maryland route, at 131 N. Pennsylvania Ave.

For more information, call Hahn and Nelson Family Medicine at 301-678-7007 or email mhahn@oxbowemr.com.

Ready, Set, GO!

For Immediate Release

Contact: Dr. Matthew Hahn, Hahn and Nelson Family Medicine

2010 Walk Across Maryland – An Entertaining Affair

What has 400 legs, 200 free tee shirts, cheerleaders, marching bands, belly dancers, country music, and amazing feats of endurance?  Is the circus coming to town?  No!  It's the 2010 Walk Across Maryland. 

The 2010 Walk Across Maryland will be held on Saturday, September 18, at 9 AM, in Hancock.  All are welcome to participate.  Participants are challenged to walk across the entire state of Maryland, along the length of Pennsylvania Avenue, from the MD-PA border to the C & O Canal (1.7 miles).  Local police will escort the walkers.

This year's event will feature more entertainment than ever before.  “People had so much fun last year with the entertainers, that we decided to bring even more this year,” commented one of the event organizers, Dr. Marilyn Nelson.  “It's great to make exercise fun, and this year's event may seem as much a parade as a hike.”

The Walk Across Maryland will also kick off registration for the 2010 Health Olympics.  The Health Olympics, the Tri-State area's popular annual community health program, will take place this year, October through November.  Sign-ups for the Health Olympics continue through Friday, October 8.  Participants can register at Hahn and Nelson Family Medicine in Hancock, and also in Berkeley Springs, at Rankin Fitness Center. (Note that you can also use this link to download the forms you need to get started!)

For more information regarding the 2010 Walk Across Maryland or the 2010 Health Olympics, contact Hahn and Nelson Family Medicine, at info@hahnandnelson.com or call 301-678-7007.

*!*!*!*!*!*!*!*!*!*!*!*!*!*!*!**!*!*!*!*!*!*!*!*!*!*!*!*!*!*!*!*!*!*!*!*!*!*!*!*!*!*!*!*!*!*!*!*!*!*!*!*!*!*!*!*!*

JUST ANNOUNCED! Boomtown Hoops will be demonstrating this fun way to exercise. Also, look for the Zumba class, taking place outside of the Community Center. Information about both will be available at Hahn and Nelson Family Medicine's office.

Great News for Hancock!!!!

If you love to dance and and you're looking for a new workout, you just have to come to the new Zumba class that's starting on September 11th! Come to the Hancock Community Center at 9:00 a.m. that Saturday morning and get ready to boogie. Led by the vivacious Rene Garcia, this Latin-infused class will slim you down while you're having fun. The hour will pass before you know it! All exercise levels are welcome, because there's something here for everyone. You can find out more about Zumba in general at the Zumba website, and you can get in touch with Rene about her class specifically at her email address (rgnjk694 at aol.com). Wear some good aerobic shoes and comfortable clothes. Come find out why Zumba is the hottest new exercise! (Hint: it's fun!)
And by the way, Rene's ongoing classes on Monday and Wednesday nights at 6:00 at the Ice House are more caliente than ever! Come on down!

Check out the Health Olympics on the radio

Tuesday August 24th Dr. Matt Hahn will be on the Health Matters radio show, broadcasting on WJEJ 1240 AM in Hagerstown and on WCHA 800 AM in Chambersburg at 9:30. He'll discuss this year's Health Olympics which will feature an emphasis on getting more Omega 3 foods in your diet. If you miss the broadcast, go to the Washington County Health System's website and listen online. And as always, watch this page for updates on this and other exciting updates from Hahn and Nelson Family Medicine!

Now here's some news you can use! Stay tuned for more.

Chocolate may cut heart failure risk
More good news: The Walk Across Maryland is officially scheduled for September 18! Join us while we all WALK ACROSS THE STATE OF MARYLAND in just 20 minutes! Fun for all.

Welcome to our 2000th patient!

We registered our 2000th patient today! Jeremy Reese thought he was just going to come see us, fill out some paper work, and go on his way. Instead, he was greeted by the staff with a big bouquet of balloons and plenty of smiles.

Whether you're our first patient, or our 3,000th one: we want to give you the best care possible. We schedule all of our appointments for 30 minutes, and almost always have same-day appointments available, even if you're new to us.

A new way to practice old-fashioned care!
Pictured: Robin Waseleski, Dr. Marilyn Nelson, Jeremy Reese, Dr. Matt Hahn, Bibi Hahn, and Lindy Morris

Lyme Disease on the Upswing

Morgan Messenger Article
We've been seeing an alarming number of Lyme Disease cases this summer. Ticks are evil little creatures and should be taken seriously! If you have been outside for even a moment, and are experiencing any of the symptoms -- even if you don't have a rash -- it's time for a trip to your healthcare provider.

Image from http://www.schohariecounty-ny.gov/CountyWebSite/Health/lymedisease.html

Good deeds done dirt cheap

I apologize for the quality of the reproduction of this newspaper article: The Hancock News does not publish an online version, and Blogger doesn't allow me to insert PDFs. But it demonstrates how just a little bit of thoughtful behavior can translate into a bigger meaning. Thank you Dr. Nelson!

Nice MSNBC health plan and a little local color

This Be Well Be Healthy plan is simple and fun to use! Its simplicity reminds me that the Health Olympics will begin again in September. Why not get started now so you'll be in great shape for the Walk Across Maryland, which kicks off the Health Olympics.

I just want to share a little story that illustrates just one more reason why I love living in this area so much. It's the contrast of the high-tech and the low-tech that impressed me (much like our motto "a new way to practice old-fashioned care" - implementing computers and other high-tech strategies so we can deliver high quality care to our patients the old fashioned way: spending lots of time with them and listening). I had two UPS packages in my car that needed to be dropped off. But I didn't know where any drop-off boxes were located. So I used a high-tech strategy, my amazing smartphone, to locate a drop-off box and was pleased to find that Roy's Service Center has a box. I drove to Roy's, and saw Virgil pumping gas out front where he usually is. I opened my window and asked him where the box was. Before I could park my car, he had opened my trunk, retrieved the two boxes, and dropped them in the box (the low-tech, "quality" care). That's not going to happen at the Sheetz across the street from Roy's, and it's not going to happen at the UPS store. I think I'm hereby going to designate Roy's Service Center the "official service station of Hahn and Nelson Family Medicine" because they exemplify the same kind of service that we strive for.

Vitamin D Deficiency in Adults

By Marilyn Nelson, MD

Most of us are aware of the association of Vitamin D with bone health.  Supplements of Calcium and Vitamin D help maintain normal bone density.  Unfortunately, this is often not addressed until there is already significant loss of bone density, and increased risk of fractures.  Vitamin D deficiency is also associated with muscle weakness, muscle aches and increased risk of falls.  It may cause low back pain, or bone pain.  These symptoms are often vague, nonspecific, and may be misdiagnosed as fibromyalgia, CFS (chronic fatigue syndrome), arthritis, or side effects from other medications such as statins (cholesterol lowering medications).  Vitamin D deficiency may also play a role in increased risk of Heart Disease, Colon Cancer and Depression, but more research is needed.

Vitamin D deficiency is becoming more common. There are estimates that 50% of adults age 65 and older in North America, and 66% of persons internationally have failed to maintain healthy bone density and tooth attachment due to inadequate Vitamin D levels.

Risk factors for Vitamin D deficiency

1. Increasing age

2. Decreased sun exposure -

            Increased use of sunscreen (does decrease risk of skin cancer)

            Shift work - 2nd and 3rd shift workers tend to sleep during the day

            Religious or other beliefs that require covering all skin when outside

            Living more than 40 degrees latitude from the equator

                        north of NYC, or south of Wellington New Zealand

3. Being overweight - more Vit D is bound by body fat, and less available for use

            as needed by the body

4. Dark skin - produces less Vit D than light skin

5. Fat malabsorption syndromes - cystic fibrosis, many forms of liver disease,

            Gastric bypass surgery, inflammatory bowel disease

6. Some Medications - many anticonvulsants (seizure medications),

glucocorticoids, or rifampin (medication to treat Tuberculosis)

General recommendations are for 200 IU Vit D3 for adults under 51yo, 400 IU for those 51 to 70yo, and 600 IU for adults over 70.  However, the best indicator of vitamin D status is a blood test, 25-hydroxyvitamin D.  This should be checked in anyone with unexplained symptoms, or increased risk factors, such as those listed above.  Recommendations can then be based on your Vitamin D level.  It is possible to get too much Vit D, and this may cause nausea, vomiting, headache, kidney stones, pancreatitis, or vascular calcifications.  People with uncorrected hyperparathyroidism, metastatic bone disease, sarcoidosis, or Williams Syndrome should not take Vitamin D supplements.

More information about Vitamin D from WebMD, a trusted source of health and medical information:

Dangers of Low Vitamin D Levels

Low Vitamin D Levels in Americans

Kids and Vitamin D

Stay tuned to Hahn and Nelson Family Medicine for more health and fitness news!

Making that hour count

So the latest news is that women need to work out at least an hour a day EVERY DAY to keep from gaining weight in their middle-age years, according to a study recently published in the Journal of the American Medical Association. And that's for women who are already at an optimal weight, just to keep from gaining the average 5.7 lbs over 13 years. Women who need to lose weight should exercise even more.

So when do we find the time to do this? I was feeling a bit ... jiggly ... two weeks ago and reflected on what had devolved into a very unstructured, haphazard exercise routine. Usually, I would go to work in the morning, planning on leaving at an early enough time to work out in the afternoon. (I'm fortunate that I can work a flexible schedule.) But what was really happening -- I'd end up sitting at my desk trying to solve that one last problem, make that one last phone call, and the next thing I knew, it was evening, time to pick up my daughter, make dinner, and by then, too tired to work out. I'd try to do an exercise video, or go to a class, but if the least little thing came up, I opted out. So I decided to re-schedule myself. Now, I exercise in the morning, and then go to work. If there's an exercise class after work that I'd like to go to, and I make it, it's a bonus workout. I realize not everyone has the flexible schedule that I do. But even when my life was at its most complicated - living in the city with a baby and a teenager, working a full-time job -- I was able to get my workouts in. I really believe morning is the best time to workout. But whether morning or evening is your time, and that time is not happening, it's time to look at your schedule and make *it* work for *you*.

I also realized that my exercise routine was not really a routine. It was a jumble of exercise DVDs, some classes, and some free-weight lifting, all done at home. I thought about going back to the gym, but I really do enjoy working out at home, so I decided to do the P90X thing again. P90X may not be your cup of tea, but whatever plan you follow, be sure it includes cardio, strength, and flexibility training.  Check out fitness magazines such as Shape, most of which also have a web component. I remember when I first wanted to start lifting weights, I didn't know how to get started. I found an awesome workout routine in a Shape magazine, and stuck to it for about 3 months until I knew what I was doing. The web versions of the magazines usually even have video clips to show you how an exercise should be done.

So I think two important elements in getting your exercise to work, is to fit it realistically within your schedule, and have a plan. Good luck!

#1500!

Pictured above: Lindy Morris, Arlene, and Dr. Marilyn Nelson/Arlene and Dr. Matthew Hahn
Arlene Lemmert registered as our 1,500th patient this afternoon! We thought that was worth celebrating. Although she may be our 1,500th, our patients should know that they are all  important and precious to us. We'd like to thank everyone for helping to make this opening year an exciting and fulfilling venture. We look forward to celebrating our first anniversary on July 6, and then many more to come! THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!

Getting Active - Politically

I hesitate to post this next entry because I know not everyone will be happy to read it. You can either ignore it, or let me know how you feel. But to me, there is no middle ground to be found. As long as people are falling into the fissure that this middle ground has become, there is none.

We see mostly insured people in our practice. They either have Medicare, some form of medical assistance, or commercial insurance. Part of my job is to check each patient's eligibility before their upcoming appointment. Most of the time, everything is fine. I don't even have to bother checking Medicare eligibility, since everyone over 65 is eligible. Once I find a patient, usually using an insurance company's online website, I check them off my list and go on to the next patient. But sometimes there's more to the story.

What if a patient "has" insurance, but has a huge deductible? What if a patient "has" insurance, but no mental health coverage? What if the patient is responsible for supporting a family? And what happens when that patient becomes depressed, through no fault of his/her own? They fall into a crack...

A patient "has" insurance but just barely. What happens when this patient who is trying desperately to get over a drug dependency loses employment? The patient has successfully kicked the habit; the job was lost through company downsizing. The health insurance can be continued through COBRA, but the premiums are becoming too much for the meager unemployment to pay for. The patient doesn't know how much longer they can continue paying. Maybe another job will come through, but it's a toss-up whether the new company's insurance will cover the patient, given the "pre-existing condition."

Those patients "have" insurance. What  happens when a man is found on the street and brought into our practice, found to have a horribly debilitating chronic condition, but has no health insurance at all? What happens when he is taken care of initially, sets out to get the medical assistance that he surely qualifies for, applies for it, but then finds out that it's going to take 4 months to get the card? (Hint: he died. Another hint: Poor people have pride too. They don't want to come if they can't take care of their bill).

These are three typical scenarios that play over and over again in some form at our little family practice office every week. Today our government will try to come to some resolution over the healthcare reform bill. I don't have a lot of confidence that the bill they come up with is going to help our patients. It will require that more people buy insurance. If "having" insurance can yield the results we see, it doesn't seem like such a bargain. 


Think of yourself. You may be covered by a great plan by your employer. Next time you get your paystub, look at how much your employer is paying for your coverage, and add in what you contribute. Try to imagine paying that whole thing yourself, especially if you were to lose your job (God forbid).  What is your biggest health problem? What if you found out your insurance company wouldn't pay for it?


Until we are willing to stand in each other's shoes, and agree that we are here to take care of each other, nothing meaningful is going to happen with healthcare reform. I like to compare the right to healthcare to education. As a nation, we have agreed, more or less, that every single child in our country should be educated through the 12th grade. We test our kids to make sure they're learning at least the minimum required. This is good for the whole country, and we are mostly happy to pay the taxes that make it possible. Imagine if families had to pay tuition? I think we'd be a pretty sorry country. And I think, as far as healthcare is concerned, we are currently a pretty sorry country. Having healthy citizens is good for the whole country, and I personally would be happy to pay the taxes to make sure we were all healthy. Of course, this would be in lieu of the $600 a month I'm currently paying for my family's  health insurance, so I would probably not even notice it. 


Something has got to give.

They're Your Kids Too

We almost all have young people in our lives; whether they are our children, people who wait on us in restaurants, kids sitting in the same movie theater as we are, or working out in the gym with us. They are all around us, and each one of them is precious in their own way whether they know it or not. You may moan as you observe them with their odd piercings, or yell at them when they skateboard on the street. Or you may feel a beam of pride when you pick up the sports section of the paper and see that the team has scored another victory, even though you don't know a single player. They are all our kids. Our kids. We are all responsible for them.

That's why I'm writing today. Some of our kids are getting into things they shouldn't. Back in my day, it was marijuana and LSD. I don't remember anybody dying from either one; I know some lives were messed up, but I can still look on Facebook and see those kids grown up into functional adults. This is something much more dangerous, and from what I'm hearing, all to easy to obtain: I'm talking about prescription painkillers.

The rate of death from prescription painkillers has grown from 11,000 in 1999 to 20,000 in 2004. Researchers believe that the increasing misuse of prescription drugs among those 15-24 years of age accounts for the majority of the statistic. This problem is rooted in rural areas rather than the inner cities: West Virginia has the highest death rate from drug overdoses than any other state and it is now the number one cause of accidental deaths for our young people in West Virginia. 

Why are kids taking these dangerous drugs? Like some of their illegal counterparts, painkillers can create a feeling of euphoria and calm. And if one can make you feel calm, I suppose a young person might think that two or three will make you feel even better. They might not even realize they're doing anything wrong: look at all the commercials and ads for drugs. Most of them feature happy butterflies, sunny skies, smiling people. Nobody ever reads the small print on those ads, or listens to the whispered disclaimer. Maybe their parents take the prescriptions legitimately; maybe they've even seen their parents share their prescription with a friend themselves.  (There are reasons that you should never take someone else's prescription. You might have an adverse reaction to it.)  Unfortunately, some kids are not only taking pills that aren't prescribed for them, they're taking them in combination with others, or intentionally overdosing on them.

I have a very good friend who commited suicide by taking an overdose of prescription drugs. That was sad enough. But when I think about all the young people who will die this year accidentally from a drug, it's beyond sad. I think of their mothers and fathers, sisters and brothers, who will forever have that hole in their lives, always asking whether they could've done something different. There must be so many questions.

What can we do? I have two kids, one of whom is a teenager. We have had all the discussions about drugs that parents should have with their kids, and more. I like to use "teaching moments" so when something comes up, we use it (Heath Ledger, ie.) to drive home a point. We try to set a good example by not over-using pain medication: actually we never take anything stronger than Tylenol.  We take care of ourselves, and we take care of each other.

Kids need to know how important they are. I myself plan on making sure the young people in my life know how precious they are to me. I'll be sure to smile when I see them, and ask them how their day is going. If they look sad, I'll ask them if everything is OK. Sure, they probably won't tell me, but maybe they'll feel better knowing someone cared enough to ask.

What else can we do?

• Set good examples. Don't share your prescription drugs with others if you take them. Don't suggest that pills are the only answer to your problems -- if you have pain, are you also seeking out physical therapy and other solutions? How do you handle your own depression? Do you drink more, or do you try to talk about your problems, or seek professional help when needed? 
• Get involved in your community, especially where there are young people involved. Teenagers are full of ideas and energy! They will keep you young. The schools in Morgan County always need PASS volunteers to mentor young people. 
• If you're a business owner, give those young people a chance. Maybe you could offer one or two the chance to "shadow" your employees for a few weeks in the summer, as an opportunity to discover whether your industry might be a choice for them someday. Sometimes they can earn community service points doing this type of work, if it's required by their school district.
• Know your kids' friends. My daughter has grown up and had the same friends for 10 years. Now she's going to a different school in a city an hour away, so it's hard to get to know who she's hanging out with. But it's important. Always insist upon talking to the adult in charge of group activities, whether it's at their home, or in a public place.
• If it turns out a friend of your child's is having a problem, what do you do? I've had to confront this myself. I'm interested in hearing how other parents have handled it. In my case, I let the parent know that there might be a problem. And in another case, another parent let me know that my child might be having difficulty handling something, and I was very grateful. This can be very touchy, especially living in a small town.

Let me know your thoughts. How can we help our kids avoid making a dangerous mistake with prescription drugs?