Keeping Pace with Wanda

$2 Million Dollars in Traffic Fines?

2008-10-06T01:59:00Z

Whoa!...apparently a gentleman in Brazil reportedly had police finally catch up with him as he owes the equivalent of nearly two million dollars in unpaid traffic fines. The police stopped the 36 year old man and discovered he had been ticketed nearly 1,000 times, the year he bought his current car. He accumulated fines for speeding and running red lights.

Poor guy says he never received the fines because he was always too busy to register the car in his proper name...ahhhh, let's give him a break...NOT! Too busy, how could he be too busy? Well, I suppose he was, speeding and running all those stoplights I'm sure consumes alot of time!

That new car of his, worth about $7,000.00 american dollars, is going up on the auction block unless he comes up with the fine money...mmmm...I guess he'll have to resort to running the stoplights on a bicycle.

In healthcare, we're subject to many rules and regulations by numerous agencies and sometimes we unintentionally miss the mark and receive a "fine". Or, as individual employees, each one of us is subject to an infraction if we're not careful, and that may result in something as simple as a reminder to avoid repeating the offense or all the way to serious consequences. Know the "rules", become familiar with the standards and expectations of the organization you work for and avoid "speeding and running red lights"...I'd hate to see you auctioned off to pay the fine! :)

It Really Doesn't Matter, Does It?

2008-09-28T21:32:00Z

There are some things that persist to consume me and anxieties I hang on to...when it comes down to it, do they really matter?

Sometimes I get so upset when my hair doesn't cooperate, that there's a runner in my hose, that the dogs chewed up an item I left out erroneously, that there is an accident that slows me down for work, that the bread I had popped in the toaster came out burnt, that when I was rushing to get to my car, the fuel tank was nearly empty and I was already running late, and when the football team you're cheering for loses...

...then I attended a faith-based service today and they showed a video about needy children and families locally and internationally, I got news that my mom needs some major surgery, and reflected on the precious people in my life that have been told they have cancer (and some who have succumbed). I also thought about an accident that caused a traffic jam, and my response of fury...then as I drove nearer that actual location of the event, I saw many injured drivers and guilt consumed me that just moments earlier I was so upset about my inconvenience...what really matters?

Folks, our lives in healthcare can certainly be stressful, we can witness some things that make us very indignant and angry, and we wonder why everyone can't just "be like me"...well, take time out to reflect about what really matters and strive to not have too many regrets about how priorities are made, where your energies are placed, and how you spend your time...focus on the things that DO matter...relationships, a giving heart, unconditional love, doing your best...oh, and enjoying the Fresno State Bulldogs win over UCLA! :)

Ahhhhh...the Simple Life...

2008-09-25T00:38:00Z

I just returned from a trip to the Northern Indiana area where my husband's family have a cottage on one of the numerous lakes in the region. In the late 1930s, his grandparents purchased a lot for $700.00 (and at the time, they just didn't know if they could afford it). It was quite rustic at that time, but over the years, the area has been developed into a beautiful resort-like atmosphere with a golf course nearby. When we walk out the front door (the front doors there face the lake, and the back doors face the road), we walk about 30 feet to the water's edge. There is a screen house perched higher than the cottage and overlooking the lake...we have spent untold hours sitting up there doing much of nothing, totally relieved of life's chaos. It's a wonderful respite and we love going there.

The estate requires some upkeep and so our routine is to visit there in the Fall to close up the place for the winter...take out the pier, put the boat in storage, drain the pipes and fill them with anitfreeze, and numerous other chores. We have the year-round neighbors keep an eye out for us and then return in the spring to undo all the closure events. During the summer, we try to make it back to just relax and enjoy the place.

There are some natives to the area...the Amish, that live very simply. Whenever we drive into town, we will inevitably see them in their horse and buggys, clip-clopping to their destinations. When we drive by the rural farms, there they are, out cultivating the soil (with harness and horse), hanging clean clothes on the line, playing with the children...the boys have their buttonless duds, bowl haircuts, and suspenders and the girls are wearing their plain dresses and bonnets...there are smiles, laughter, and happiness. On Tuesdays, the women bake bread, pies, cakes and cookies to sell at the local fair.

Strangely enough, I sometimes long for their simple life, they seem to have the right priorities: they are family-oriented, are faith-based, work hard for their living, and are kind and thoughtful. Seems like a fairy-tale. Ahhhhh...the Simple Life...

Then I snap out of it, and know that for me, I do thrive on chaos, love the challenges of healthcare leadership and know that I'm doing good things too and making a difference. I hate to cook, don't sew, and even though I love hats, bonnets are not for me. Oh well, I will regularly look forward to our Indiana trips, enjoy the more simple things when I'm there, and then recharge for my hair-on-fire life back home!

23,000 Big Macs

2008-09-15T16:43:00Z

Apparently a man in Wisconsin has eaten 23,000 Big Macs over 36 years (he's 54). He hit the milestone last month, continuing the "Big Mac attack" that he took up in 1972, he proclaims he has obsessive-compulsive disorder (I think he has alot more than that!).

Oh, and by the way, he's reported to have kept every receipt from all the thousands of purchases. He claims to be fascinated with numbers-he was motivated by McDonald's tracking the number of customers and so he wanted to know his own consumption. He attests to keeping in good shape even though he consumes 2 of the burgers per day...you know, he did stop ordering the fries a few years back...instead, he has a parfait.

Out of respect for his deceased mother, he did stop eating the Big Macs for 8 straight days. (He had made a promise to her in that regard...he also promised her that he wouldn't cut his hair over 20 years ago, and has indeed let it grow). There were a couple of other occassions where he missed a day here and there because of work commitments...oh, and then there was the time he was traveling and couldn't find a McDonald's (whoa, must have been in the Twilight zone, never heard of anyone not being able to find a McDonald's). When the "inability to access" issues developed, he resorted to buying up extra and freezing them. Mmmm, I guess he takes a regular inventory.

I can remember having the stereotypical cravings when I was pregnant, but other than that, I do enjoy a variety of foods. Oh well. Do try to focus on eating right, exercising, and keeping a good balance. Join C-fit, it's not only good for your physical health, but you get to meet alot of nice folks and do some fun things. A Big Mac here and there is no problem, but 2 a day for the rest of your life? Just so ya know, one Big Mac: 576 calories, 32.5 grams of fat (12 of that saturated), and 103 milligrams of cholesterol....ooh, I don't feel so good....

Go Dogs!

2008-09-12T16:25:00Z

When gathering with friends, family, and/or colleagues, there are certain subjects we tend to avoid...you know, the usual: religion, politics, and...SPORTS allegiances. Some folks are down-right passionate about certain athletes, teams, and events. Today is Friday, September 12th, the day before the noteworthy Fresno State Bulldogs and Madison Wisconsin Badgers game.

Many will possibly be fixated on the Ohio/USC game, but hey, a #10 ranked playing a #21 does deserve alot of attention! A BCS powerhouse playing a non-BCS program....this is actually a risky trip for Wisconsin. A win could be impressive (barring Buckeyes over the Trojans). A loss however...at least coach Bielema is respectful of this game tomorrow, he's quoted as saying: "Fresno moved up to 21 in the country. They're a lot higher on my poll than that".

Fresno State's victory against Rutgers last week was the 13th in a BCS-conference show-down...a great start and an opportunity for a victory tomorrow. The game is sold-out (I'm a season ticket holder-yippie!) and we "faithfuls" believe something special is going to happen for tomorrow, and for the season.

There are actually quite a few Badger Fans that live in Fresno! And are stirring it up today at work! What a controversy!...all in good fun of course.

A topic like a good football match-up is one thing and certainly has strong sentiment, but usually results in light-hearted bantering. Sometimes in the workplace though, there are serious differences, opinions, discussions, and occassionally (well, I hope, rarely, actually), some severe disagreements and arguments. Let's aspire to respect one another, appreciate different points of view and collegial debates and when deliberating about the best decisions, keep lofty goals in mind: doing the right thing for quality, service, and outcomes.

"Who let the Dogs out! ooh, ooh, ooh ooh, ooh!" :)

The Benefits of Drafting

2008-09-07T19:38:00Z

My husband is a seasoned and accomplished cyclist. He gets out on his bike several times a week for training. At least one time each week, he and I go out together. I am a newer rider, and struggle to maintain 20 or so miles per hour for any sustained period of time when I try to take the lead or do not stay close to him...however, when I tuck myself tightly in behind him and find just the right spot, I could go for miles...the benefits of drafting.

Drafting is a technique that is used to reduce the overall effect of "drag" resistance. It is amazing how it drastically reduces energy expenditure and wind resistance. In cycling, drafting is very common...the largest group tightly packs themselves together to form a "peloton". Even when there are competitors in the group, drafting is usually cooperative as many of the members of the pack take turns in the lead position...the front cyclist requires the most effort and consumes the most energy while the trailing members benefit...when that lead person tires, they fall back and let another take the lead. A peloton will "reel" in a break away cyclist because together, they can create the ultimate draft and sometimes at double the speed of a solo cyclist.

I think the principle of "drafting" can be applied to teamwork...there are many accomplished members of the healthcare team that have a variety of skill levels and abilities. Often, the more seasoned members will naturally take the lead on projects, in crisis situations, and provide strength for the newer members. However, there are times when everyone on the team needs an opportunity to take the lead position. To prohibit this opportunity may prevent the individual from becoming more confident in gaining strength, and benefiting from challenging experiences. Of course, the key is to have the veterans stay close by, ready to jump forward and provide a "slipstream" when the newer member might falter.

I hope those of us who have been around for awhile consider it a privilege to welcome new members to our teams and never tire of taking the lead when a respite is needed, but knowing when to back away to allow that newer member to advance.

Oh, and thought you'd like to now, I was able to get up to 25 miles an hour yesterday, by perfecting the draft technique and hanging on when my thighs were burning like the dickens!

First and Goal...

2008-09-01T21:16:00Z

...but you still need to get the football in the end zone for it to count. Marching the ball down the field 99 yards is truly commendable, but ultimately will not win the game. There's been many game stats reported of extraordinary passing and rushing yards and it seems like the teams with those more favorable numbers should always win the game, right? Well, it doesn't happen that way...you still need to score.

This is a great time of year and what a fun weekend full of college football...as I'm sitting here typing this blog, I'm watching the Rutgers vs Fresno State game...Go Dogs! (they are scoreless at halftime, need to calm down and convert in the red zone).

I was listening to the pregame interview with some of the coaches. One of them stated "we don't run plays, we run players". Mmmm, I thought that was very profound...their philosophy is to choose the right fit and mix of talent for each execution and that each team member can contribute in some way in some designated play or set of plays.

That philosophy can be adopted in the healthcare setting as well, there is not a single individual that is soley talented, knowlegeable, and skilled in every single aspect of care or running the services, but there are numerous individuals that have a variety of abilities and when combined with other team members, can be a recipe for effective and successful outcomes. Let's strive to "execute" the plays and identify and utilize the most appropriate colleagues to not only "march it down the field", but take it "ALL THE WAY!"

A Built-In Compass

2008-08-29T18:03:00Z

Cows seem to have it...researchers say it's no bull! Cattle seem to know how to find north and south. A team of researchers studied satellite photos of thousands of cows around the world. Their report says most cattle that were grazing or resting tended to align their bodies in a north-south direction, and the finding held true no matter what continent they were on. The scientists concluded that the magnetic field of the Earth has to be a factor. But the challenge is, why do these critters align to the magnetic field?

They've also questioned if human beings have this same spontaneous behaviour? and what consequences does it have?

The researcher surmize that the cows want to stay "comfortable" and do not like to get hot (their body temperature is already a normal of 102 F), in essence have a leather coat on, and likely standing north-south could keep them cooler! On cold days, they naturally seek out the sun. Well this whole magnetic theory has apparently been observed in deer, honeybees and termites...you know, some sort of special sensory organ or something like that! Researchers are apparently going to study rats, sheep, goats, horses, and wild boar. (I better not find out that they are using government-funded grants for this instead of healthcare!).

Seriously though, I think we do have a "built-in compass" about decisions we make everyday in the healthcare setting, that "gut feeling" about a clinical assessment and intervention, a "call" we make about what direction we will take and strategy we will implement, and the good Lord has given us a conscience and insight to do the right things...just need to choose to do them! I hope that we work in an environment that fosters collegial discussions, friendly debate, and promotes quality and safety. Oh well, we can pontificate "'til the cows come home" and I hope we recognize good sense decisions on a regular basis.