BHM Newsletter
Volume 9      Number #7

July 22, 2007
 

INSIDE BHM

Blog News

David Lee

Dave's blog is going strong, but the big news this month is the addtion of alternative building expert David Lee's blog.

Lee writes with humor and wit and is quickly building a following. Readers may also ask him questions which he will address in his blog.

We expect the debut of John Silveira's new blog sometime in the coming week or so. John will write about politics, current events, and poker. Watch for his link to appear on the BHM Home page and in the BHM Blogs section of the navigation menu on the left side of each of our website pages.

SELF-RELIANCE TIPS

20 Tips to Help Prevent Medical Errors

Medical errors are one of the Nation's leading causes of death and injury. A recent report by the Institute of Medicine estimates that as many as 44,000 to 98,000 people die in U.S. hospitals each year as the result of medical errors. This means that more people die from medical errors than from motor vehicle accidents, breast cancer, or AIDS.

What are Medical Errors?

Medical errors happen when something that was planned as a part of medical care doesn't work out, or when the wrong plan was used in the first place. Medical errors can occur anywhere in the health care system:

• Hospitals.
• Clinics.
• Outpatient Surgery Centers.
• Doctors' Offices.
• Nursing Homes.
• Pharmacies.
• Patients' Homes.

Errors can involve:

• Medicines.
• Surgery.
• Diagnosis.
• Equipment.
• Lab reports.

They can happen during even the most routine tasks, such as when a hospital patient on a salt-free diet is given a high-salt meal.

Most errors result from problems created by today's complex health care system. But errors also happen when doctors and their patients have problems communicating. For example, a recent study supported by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) found that doctors often do not do enough to help their patients make informed decisions. Uninvolved and uninformed patients are less likely to accept the doctor's choice of treatment and less likely to do what they need to do to make the treatment work.

What Can You Do? Be Involved in Your Health Care

That means taking part in every decision about your health care. Research shows that patients who are more involved with their care tend to get better results. Some specific tips, based on the latest scientific evidence about what works best, follow.

Medicines

At least once a year, bring all of your medicines and supplements with you to your doctor. "Brown bagging" your medicines can help you and your doctor talk about them and find out if there are any problems. It can also help your doctor keep your records up to date, which can help you get better quality care.

This can help you avoid getting a medicine that can harm you.

If you can't read your doctor's handwriting, your pharmacist might not be able to either.

• What is the medicine for?
• How am I supposed to take it, and for how long?
• What side effects are likely? What do I do if they occur?
• Is this medicine safe to take with other medicines or dietary supplements I am taking?
• What food, drink, or activities should I avoid while taking this medicine?

A study by the Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Allied Health Sciences found that 88 percent of medicine errors involved the wrong drug or the wrong dose.

Medicine labels can be hard to understand. For example, ask if "four doses daily" means taking a dose every 6 hours around the clock or just during regular waking hours.

Research shows that many people do not understand the right way to measure liquid medicines. For example, many use household teaspoons, which often do not hold a true teaspoon of liquid. Special devices, like marked syringes, help people to measure the right dose. Being told how to use the devices helps even more.

If you know what might happen, you will be better prepared if it does—or, if something unexpected happens instead. That way, you can report the problem right away and get help before it gets worse. A study found that written information about medicines can help patients recognize problem side effects and then give that information to their doctor or pharmacist.

Hospital Stays

Research shows that patients tend to have better results when they are treated in hospitals that have a great deal of experience with their condition.

Handwashing is an important way to prevent the spread of infections in hospitals. Yet, it is not done regularly or thoroughly enough. A recent study found that when patients checked whether health care workers washed their hands, the workers washed their hands more often and used more soap.

This includes learning about your medicines and finding out when you can get back to your regular activities. Research shows that at discharge time, doctors think their patients understand more than they really do about what they should or should not do when they return home.

Surgery

Doing surgery at the wrong site (for example, operating on the left knee instead of the right) is rare. But even once is too often. The good news is that wrong-site surgery is 100 percent preventable. The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons urges its members to sign their initials directly on the site to be operated on before the surgery.

Other Steps You Can Take

You have a right to question anyone who is involved with your care.

This is especially important if you have many health problems or are in a hospital.

Do not assume that everyone knows everything they need to.

Even if you think you don't need help now, you might need it later.

It is a good idea to find out why a test or treatment is needed and how it can help you. You could be better off without it.

Ask about the results.

For example, treatment recommendations based on the latest scientific evidence are available from the National Guidelines Clearinghouse™ at http://www.guideline.gov. Ask your doctor if your treatment is based on the latest evidence.

More Information

A Federal Report to the President on Medical Errors can be accessed online.

COMMENTARY

Do you live in the country, enjoy movies, and dread facing the long winter evenings? Then Netflix, the online DVD service, is the greatest thing since sliced bread.

But like bread, it can get a little moldy sometimes. If you're thinking of signing up, here are a few pros and cons from a longtime subscriber.

The basics: To use Netflix, you take out a monthly subscription. Then you search for DVDs online at www.netflix.com. Select as many movies as you want -- dozens, hundreds -- and put them in your queue. As the movies rise to the top, Netflix sends your next choice. Mail that one back, and Netflix sends the next. Better yet, they pay the postage both ways.

The pros:

• You can get anything. Currently they have more than 80,000 titles; feature films, documentaries, cartoons, TV series, music videos, even games.
• There are plans to suit every need. Currently you can choose anything from a modest $4.99/month plan that lets you have one DVD at a time (and a limit of two rentals per month) to a $47.99/month behemoth that lets you have eight DVDs in your possession at one time (and an unlimited number of rentals every month).
• Service is awesome -- even to people who live in the boonies. Netflix has shipping centers all over the country and they usually send your next DVD the day they receive your previous one. Report a problem and it will be solved in a flash.
• The Netflix website is so efficient that even if you have only limited Internet access, you can happily use the service. Rapidly add, delete, and change the order of DVDs in your queue. Manage every aspect of your account online. Change plans any time you like with no hassle.
• You can rate and review films and read other members' reviews. As you build up your own ratings, the ratings and recommendations you see on the Netflix site become more tailored to your preferences.

The cons:

• About every tenth DVD needs cleaning when it arrives. Perhaps 1 in 75 arrives so damaged it's unplayable. (But the moment you report it, they ship a replacement.)
• Most Netflix plans allow an "unlimited" number of rentals each month. This isn't quiiiite true. If you turn films around so fast you're actually costing the company money, Netflix will put a "choke" on your account. Instead of sending new films the day they receive your old one, they'll wait a day. Or they'll deliberately mail a few DVDs from a service center on the other side of the country. Members have quit, or even sued, Netflix over "chokes." But my one experience was no big deal. They didn't place my "choke" until I was churning movies so fast I was paying only $1 per film -- including postage. They ended the delays after a few months.
• Currently you must have a credit card or debit card to join. They have experimented with allowing payment by check or money order, but don't currently offer that option. Check the current terms for yourself before signing up.

Editor's Note: Other businesses offering similar movies-by-mail service with different plans and options include Blockbuster, GameznFlix, and Intelliflix.

RECIPES

Recipes from Brazil

Bolinhos de Bacalhau (Codfish Balls)

Cris says these are great with a glass of cold beer!

1 pound Dried codfish
1 tablespoon Butter
2 teaspoons Chives, chopped
2 teaspoons Parsley, chopped
1/2 cup Onion, diced fine
1 cup Milk
2 cups Potatoes, cooked and mashed
3 tablespoons Flour
1/2 teaspoon Paprika
3 large Eggs, slightly beaten

Oil for deep frying

Soak the codfish overnight. Drain, then place in a pot, cover with fresh water, and simmer for 25 to 30 minutes. Remove all the bones and skin and then chop fine.

Heat the butter in a saute pan. Add the chives, parsley, onion, and fish. When the onion is translucent remove from the heat and add all the remaining ingredients. Mix well. Adjust seasonings to taste. Let the mixture cool and firm up for about 10 minutes.

Shape into small balls or cakes. Drop into hot oil, frying until golden. Drain on absorbent paper and serve warm.

Sopa de Palmito (Cream of Palm Heart Soup)

1 white onion, finely chopped
4 stalks of celery, finely chopped
1 pound of hearts of palm, thinly sliced
3 tablespoons of butter
salt and white pepper
1-1/2 quarts of light vegetable stock
1-1/2 cups of heavy cream
2 avocados
2 lemons

Saute the onion and celery in the butter, with a little salt and pepper, over low heat until the onion is translucent. Add the hearts of palm and the vegetable stock. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, cover, and simmer for half an hour until all the vegetables are tender.

Using a hand blender, or a regular blender, puree part of the soup, leaving it a little bit “chunky”. You can prepare it to this point in advance and keep warm or chill until ready to use.

When preparing to serve, peel the avocados and dice them quarter-inch or smaller cubes. Juice the two lemons and soak the avocado dice in the juice for at least an hour at room temperature.

Bring back to a simmer, remove from the heat and add the cream, mixing well.

To serve, mound the avocado in the center of the bowl and ladle the soup around it. Garnish with a little freshly chopped parsley or other favorite herbs.

Moqueca de Camaräo (Shrimp Stew, Bahian style)

30 Shrimp, 21-25 count headless
3 tablespoons Fresh lime juice
1/2 teaspoon Salt
3/4 cup Coconut milk
1/3 cup Olive oil
2 large Onions, halved and thin sliced
1 large Garlic clove, crushed and minced
1 medium Green pepper, seeded and sliced
3 medium Tomatoes, seeded and sliced
2 tablespoon Tomato paste
3 stalks Green onion, sliced thin up to the green
1-1/2 teaspoons fresh Parsley, minced
1/3 cup Dendé oil (Palm oil)

Peel and devein the shrimp. Place in a small bowl and sprinkle with lime juice and salt. Marinate while preparing the other ingredients.

Heat olive oil in a saute pan. Add onion, garlic and peppers. Saute until the onions are almost translucent then add tomatoes, tomato paste, scallions, and parsley. Cook until soft then add the shrimp and lime juice. Continue cooking until the shrimp are done (2 to 3 minutes).

Add the coconut milk and dendé oil. Return to almost a boil for a minute. Adjust seasonings. Serve over white rice or rice cooked in coconut milk.

Bife à Parmigiana (Beef Steak Parmigiana)

6 pieces Round steak or sirloin, 1/4" thick slices
Salt & pepper, to taste
1 small Onion, cut in thin slices
2 large Eggs
Flour
Olive oil
6 slices Mozzarella cheese
6 slices Boiled ham
1-1/2 cups Crushed tomato
1/2 cup Beef stock
Fresh oregano, to taste

Flatten the steaks slightly, season with salt, pepper and onion. Set aside to allow seasonings to penetrate a little. Beat the eggs, add a little salt. Dip the beef in flour then egg then again in flour.

Heat about an inch of oil to 365 degrees in a large saute pan. Fry steaks until evenly browned and crisp on both sides. Remove from the pan and arrange in an oven proof serving dish. Top each steak with a slice of ham then cheese.

In a small saucepan bring the tomato to a boil, add beef stock and oregano then simmer for a few minutes. Pour over steaks, place the pan in the oven and heat for about 8 minutes, until hot and the cheese is melted.

Garnish with a tomato wedge and thin red cabbage strings on a red lettuce leaf. Serve with manioc fries.

Aipim frita (Yuca or manioc fries)

1 pound Fresh manioc (aipim, mandioca doce, or macaxeira)
Salt, to taste

Slice fresh manioc into 3-inch pieces. Peel and place in a saucepan. Cover with water, bring to a boil and simmer until tender (20 to 30 minutes). Drain well, cool and cut into 3/4-inch wedges. Discard the woody center core.

Heat oil in a deep fat fryer to 360 degrees. Fry the wedges until golden brown. Drain on absorbent paper and salt to taste.

Garnish with a favorite herb, if desired.

Creme de Abacate (Avocado Cream)

2 medium Avocados
2 tablespoons Lime juice
4 tablespoons Sugar
4 Lime rounds
1/4 cup ice water or white wine

Peel and slice the avocado, discarding the seed. Place fruit, lime juice and sugar in a food processor or blender.

Puree at high speed until completely smooth. Add a little water or wine if the puree is very stiff. It should be absolutely smooth and creamy. If lumpy, force through a wire strainer.

Spoon into four clear glass bowls or stemware. Garnish with lime rounds.

Biscoitos de Maizena (Cornstarch cookies)

2 cups Cornstarch
1/4 teaspoon Salt
1 cup Granulated sugar
1 large Egg
1/4 teaspoon Vanilla
3/4 cup Butter

Combine the cornstarch, salt and sugar. Add egg and vanilla. Blend completely. Add the butter and mix well.

Let rest 15 minutes then form into 1-inch balls. Place on a greased or paper lined baking sheet. Bake at 375 degrees for 5 to 7 minutes.

Makes about 3 dozen

HUMOR

Are the lines curved or straight? Hold the edge of a sheet of paper up to your monitor to find out for sure.

True Confessions.....

"Bless me Father, for I have sinned. I have not been to confession for 6 months. On top of that, I've been with a loose woman."

The priest sighs. "Is that you, little Tommy O'Shaughnessy?"

"Yes, father, 'tis I."

"And who might be the woman you were with?"

"I shan't be tellin' you, Father. It would ruin her reputation."

"Well, Tommy, I'm bound to find out sooner or later, so you may as well tell me now. Was it Brenda O'Malley?"

Tommy: "I cannot say."

"Was it Patricia Fitzgerald?"

Tommy: "I'll never tell."

"Was it Lisa O'Shanter?"

Tommy: "I'm sorry, but I'll not name her."

"Was it Cathy O'Dell?"

Tommy: "My lips are sealed."

"Was it Fiona Mallory, then?"

Tommy: "Please Father, I cannot tell you."

The priest sighs in frustration. "You're a steadfast lad, Tommy O'Shaughnessy, and I admire that. But, you've sinned and you must atone. Be off with you now."

Tommy walks back to his pew. His friend Sean slides over and whispers, "What'd you get?"

"Five more good leads!" says Tommy

Sir, do you know why I pulled you over?

The Gift

A man asked his wife, "If you could have anything in the world for one day, what would you want?"

"I'd love to be six again," she replied.

On the morning of her birthday, he got her up bright and early and off they went to a local theme park.

What a day! He put her on every ride in the park, the Death Slide, the Screaming Loop, the Wall of Fear, everything there was! Wow!

Five hours later she staggered out of the theme park, her head reeling and her stomach upside down.

Off to McDonald's they went, where her husband ordered her a Big Mac along with extra fries and a refreshing chocolate shake. Then it was off to a movie: the latest Hollywood blockbuster, hot dogs, popcorn, Pepsi Cola and M & M's. What a fabulous adventure!

Finally she wobbled home with her husband and collapsed into bed.

He leaned over and lovingly asked, "Well dear, what was it like being six again?"

One eye fluttered opened as she groaned, "I meant my dress size, you idiot."

The Truth About Moving to New England

Dear Diary:

AUG. 1
Moved to our new home in Massachusetts. It is so beautiful here. The city is so picturesque. Can hardly wait to see it covered with snow. I LOVE IT HERE

OCT. 14
New England is the most beautiful place on earth. The leaves are turning all different colors. I love the shades of red and orange. Went for a ride through the hills and saw some deer. They are so graceful. Certainly they are the most peaceful animals on earth. This must be paradise. I LOVE IT HERE.

NOV. 11
Deer season will open soon. I can't imagine anyone wanting to kill such an elegant creature. The very symbol of peace and tranquillity. Hope it will snow soon. I LOVE IT HERE.

DEC. 2
It snowed last night. Woke up to find everything blanketed in white. It looked like a postcard. Went outside and cleaned snow off the steps and shoveled the driveway. We had a snowball fight today (I won). When the snowplow came by we had to shovel the driveway again. What a beautiful place. Mother Nature in perfect harmony. I LOVE IT HERE.

DEC. 12
More snow last night. I love it. The snowplow did his trick again that rascal. A winter wonderland. I LOVE IT HERE.

DEC. 19
Snowed again last night. Couldn't get out of the driveway to get to work this time. I'm exhausted from shoveling. Freaking Snowplow!

DEC. 22
More of that white crap fell last night. I've got blisters on my hands from shoveling. I think the snowplow hides around the corner and waits until I'm done shoveling. I'm starting to hate that guy.

DEC. 25
"White Christmas" my busted butt. More freaking snow. If I ever get my hands on that moron who drives that snowplow, I swear I will castrate the dumb jerk. Don't know why they don't use more salt on this freaking ice.

DEC. 28
More of the same crap last night. Been inside since Christmas day except for when "Snowplow Harry" comes by. Can't go anywhere. The car is buried in a mountain of white crap. The weatherman says expect another 10 inches tonight. Do you know how many shovels-full of snow 10 inches is?

JAN. 1
Happy freaking New Year. The weatherman was wrong (AGAIN). We got 34 freaking inches of snow this time. At this rate it won't melt until the 4th of July. The snowplow got stuck down the road and the jerk had the nerve to come to the door and ask to borrow my shovel. I told him I broke 6 shovels already, shoveling out all the crap he plowed into my driveway. I broke the 7th shovel over his head.

JAN. 4
Finally got out of the house today. Went to the store to get food and on the way back a deer ran out in front of the car and I hit the damn thing. Did about $3,000.00 damage to the car. Wish the hunters would have killed them all last November.

MAY 3
Took the car to the garage in town today. Would you believe the body is rotting away from all the salt they keep dumping all over the roads. It really looks like a piece of crap.

MAY 10
Moved to Florida today. I can't imagine why anyone in their right mind would want to live in the God forsaken State of Massachusetts.

OTHER STUFF

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Contact Info:

Editor/Letters - Dave Duffy, editor@backwoodshome.com
Web Site - Oliver Del Signore, webmaster@backwoodshome.com