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Panel: Tech, Tools, and Best Practices for Enhanced Virtual Care
Becky Zook was invited to speak at optimizing virtual care in 2024 by Text Expander
When breast cancer metastasizes to the liver
Becky Zook – 5/28/2024
Breast cancer can spread (metastasize) months or even years after you stop cancer treatments. It’s estimated that 1 in 3 women with breast cancer eventually develops metastatic breast cancer. The condition also affects men with breast cancer. Metastatic breast cancer is also known as stage 4 or advanced breast cancer.
When breast cancer spreads to the bone
Becky Zook – 5/28/2024
Bone is a common site of spread in cancer patients. Breast cancer is one type of cancer that most frequently spreads or metastasizes to the bone. According to a study from the University of Michigan, 50% to 70% of metastatic breast cancer (MBC) patients with advanced disease experience cancerous bone lesions. Depending on the type and stage of MBC, bone lesions may be present at the initial diagnosis in up to 50% of cases.
Medications to treat PNH
Becky Zook – 5/28/2024
Paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH) is a rare acquired genetic condition where mutations in the genetic material of a fetus occur in utero. While a family history of PNH increases the likelihood of having children born with the condition, the link between the genetic mutations and a diagnosis of PNH remains difficult to identify.
What is the difference between PCH and PNH?
Becky Zook – 5/28/2024
Paroxysmal cold hemoglobinuria (PCH) and paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria(PNH) are rare diseases that affect the immune system and cause the body to destroy blood cells. Because of blood cell destruction, both PCH and PNH result in anemia, making it easy to confuse the two diagnoses. However, these two rare diseases have very different etiologies.
Primary biliary cholangitis diagnosis and testing
Becky Zook – 4/24/2024
Primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) is a rare autoimmune liver condition with nondescript symptoms and a prolonged diagnostic journey. Ninety percent of people diagnosed with PBC are women, and the average diagnostic period lasts one year. Because PBC is a progressive, autoimmune liver disease, early diagnosis is paramount in managing symptoms and preventing liver damage and failure. Understanding the diagnostic process allows you to partner with your provider and take control of your health.
How fast does HER2 negative breast cancer spread
Becky Zook – 4/19/2024
Breast cancer that spreads to another part of the body is known as metastatic breast cancer (MBC) and occurs in 30% of women with a breast cancer diagnosis. The rate of metastasis is dependent on several factors, such as the type of breast cancer and the size, location, and grade of the tumor. HER2 negative (HER2neg) or triple-negative breast cancer has the highest rate of metastasis due to the lack of specific hormone or protein links, making treatment more complex.
Primary biliary cholangitis medication and treatment
Becky Zook – 4/16/2024
Metastatic breast cancer (MBC) occurs when tumor cells from the primary site move through the body and seed or implant in another location in your body. According to recent studies, 6% of breast cancer patients may have metastatic lesions and not even know it. Of women diagnosed with primary breast cancer, between 12% to 30% will develop metastasis in their lifetime.
Primary biliary cholangitis medication and treatment
Becky Zook – 4/11/2024
Primary biliary cholangitis, or PBC, is an autoimmune condition that affects primarily women between the ages of 30 and 65. Incidence ranges vary depending on heritage and are most prevalent in Northern European, African, or Latin familial origins. PBC can be an acquired or inherited autoimmune condition, meaning your chance of developing the disease is dependent on a mix of family history, lifestyle choices, and environmental conditions.
Nursing Note Templates and Examples
Becky Zook – 3/19/2024
As nurses, we understand the importance of documentation. Not only does it protect our patients from harm, but documentation also protects our most treasured asset: our nursing licenses! Most Electronic Health Records (EHRs) have templated solutions to fit your workflows; however, these templates do not help nurses develop simplified, streamlined ways to record narrative and communication notes.
What Is a Progress Note?
Becky Zook – 3/18/2024
A progress note is an essential tool used in healthcare to document patient information, medical history, treatment plans, and progress throughout a patient’s care. It’s a crucial communication tool among healthcare professionals, ensuring continuity of care and facilitating collaboration.
How is paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH) treated?
Becky Zook – 11/15/23
Paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria, or PNH, is a genetic disease caused by gene mutations that prevent the production of normal blood cells in the bone marrow. Characterized as a failure of the bone marrow, comorbid conditions such as aplastic anemia, myelodysplastic anemia or syndrome, leukemia, generalized anemia, kidney, liver, and other vital organ failure, with a predisposition blood clotting or thrombosis can accompany a PNH diagnosis.
Dermaka Tinted Sunscreen, the Ultimate Multitasker: Sunscreen, Healer, and Foundation in One!
Becky Zook – 11/01/23
The topic of sunscreen, chemicals, and skin health are ubiquitous in the health and beauty world. Our last article about sunscreens highlighted the dangers of using chemical sunscreens with Benzene or Benzene-related products. If you haven’t read this article titled, “Does the Brand of Sunscreen I Use Really Matter? YES – And Here is Why!”
Understanding the relationship between kidney cancer and anemia
Becky Zook – 10/30/23
Anemia, a condition affecting the red blood cells and hemoglobin, affects over 3 million Americans. Hemoglobin is an essential iron-rich blood protein that carries oxygen via red blood cells to your body’s tissues. When the hemoglobin saturation of the red blood cells is low, all of the body’s organs are affected by the lowered levels of oxygen.
Lynch syndrome and prostate cancer: A genetic link
Becky Zook – 10/30/23
Cancer research identified links between genetics and cancer risk, type, and treatments over 30 years ago. However, the knowledge about genetics and relationships to cancer has grown exponentially in the last 10 years. Lynch syndrome is an inherited genetic mutation originally associated with colorectal cancer and is now known to be the primary genetic marker for multiple types of cancer, including prostate cancer.
An Ounce of Prevention: How Applying Dermaka Skin Cream Pre-Surgery Can Make a Big Difference
Becky Zook – 8/30/23
Recommendations for post-surgical skin care are ubiquitous. To illustrate, a simple “post-operative skin care” web search yielded 7.8 million search results. However, a search for “preoperative skin care” resulted in 2.2 million search results focused on skin cleanliness, removal of hair, and infection prevention recommendations. While some articles present skin creams, most are focused on anti-aging and avoiding sunburns to prevent dryness and slow wound healing (Web Search, 27 Aug 2023).
Dermaka Tinted Sunscreen, the Ultimate Multitasker: Sunscreen, Healer, and Foundation in One!
Becky Zook – 07/30/23
The topic of sunscreen, chemicals, and skin health are ubiquitous in the health and beauty world. Our last article about sunscreens highlighted the dangers of using chemical sunscreens with Benzene or Benzene-related products. If you haven’t read this article titled, “Does the Brand of Sunscreen I Use Really Matter? YES – And Here is Why!”
Does the Brand of Sunscreen I use Really Matter? YES - And Here is Why!
Becky Zook – 06/30/23
Ever since the great “Sunscreen Recall” of 2021, more sunscreen manufacturers have both voluntarily and involuntarily pulled sunscreen formulations off the shelves of your local stores. The Federal Drug Administration (FDA) identifies and recalls sunscreens containing cancer causing ingredients from brands like Neutrogena, Aveeno, and even Coppertone.
Forgiveness and Reconciliation: Powerful Tools for Successful Nursing Relationships
Becky Zook – 5/6/23
Forgiveness and reconciliation in nursing can improve professional relationships, patient outcomes, and job satisfaction. Nurses need strong communication skills and training in conflict resolution and emotional intelligence to promote a culture of forgiveness.
Talking to Children About Ovarian Cancer: A Guide for Parents and Caregivers
Becky Zook – 5/04/23
Discussing an ovarian cancer diagnosis with others can be daunting. Who do you tell? What do you say? Are you even ready to discuss your diagnosis with others? These questions and more may arise in your mind as you plan to tell others.
Sun-Weathered Skin - It Can Be More Harmful Than You Realize: A Case Study in the Use of Dermaka
Becky Zook – 5/04/23
We all have a relative, friend, or acquaintance with sun-weathered skin. These folks spent many hours in the sun during their lifetime, leaving them with thick, leathery, discolored, rough, itchy skin. Perhaps they worked outside or on the water or simply loved the sun and spent time bathing in the glorious warm glow. No matter the cause of their sun-weathered skin, the symptoms they experience, the increased risks of skin cancer, and the frequent associated conditions can be challenging to treat.
Breaking the News: How to Tell Others About Your Ovarian Cancer
Becky Zook – 4/20/23
Receiving a diagnosis of ovarian cancer is a life-changing event that affects everyone in your life. From friends to family, to co-workers, and more, disclosing a diagnosis of ovarian cancer may feel like a daunting task. Not only are you trying to cope with the diagnosis, but you also need a robust, informed support system.
Managing Multi-Generational Teams/Challenges for the Modern Manager: Systematic Literature Review
Becky Zook – 4/7/23
Multigenerational teams pose a significant leadership challenge in 21st-century business, with different preferences and work styles. Traditional leadership theory may not be effective, and there is a lack of leadership support and training.
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