March is National Nutrition Month, an annual event created by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (formerly the American Dietetic Association) This year’s theme is “Get Your Plate in Shape.” Find practical information to get your plate in shape at choosemyplate.gov where you can: • Personalize recommendations for what and how much to eat. • Track… Continue reading Enteral Nutrition Newsletter March-April 2012

Michele K. in Illinois shared her inspirational story about the beautiful rewards of caring for special needs children… “Sixteen years ago we decided to adopt a special needs child. We already had four biological children. The first child that came into our home was severely drug exposed and premature. It was so rewarding right from the… Continue reading Caregiver Story Spotlight: The Joys of Adopting Special Needs Children

We hope to see you at the 2012 TAPPestry Conference, hosted at Education Service Center, Region 20 in San Antonio, Texas on Saturday, February 25, 2012. TAPPestry is an annual conference hosted in conjunction with several area school districts and parent organizations. TAPPestry is comprised of Parents, Teachers, Administrators, and other Professionals working with children with special… Continue reading Shield HealthCare Texas Events: TAPPestry Conference Hosted by Education Service Center, Region 20

Congratulations to Anita C., Caregiver for her adopted daughter in Midland, TX Anita was one of five caregivers awarded the $250 runner-up prize in Shield HealthCare’s 11th annual “What Makes Caregiving Rewarding?” Story Contest. Anita’s Winning Story: I guess loving Ana just came naturally to my husband and me. As friends and as foster parents, we have… Continue reading Caregiver Story Contest Winner Spotlight: Texas Mom Adopts Miraculous Foster Child

Adequate nutrition is an important part of wound management. When the body undergoes the healing process it requires extra calories, particularly in the form of protein. Any nutrient deficiencies can aggravate the wound condition and contribute to delayed wound healing. People with wounds, or people caring for wound patients, should keep in mind the benefits… Continue reading Short-term Nutrition Therapy for Wound Healing

Since powdered formulas cannot be sterilized, it is important to take extra special care when handling these products. Reduce the risk of infection with proper handling of formula and related supplies. 1) Start with clean hands and equipment. Wash all mixing tools in hot, soapy water, rinse well then allow to air dry. 2) Check the… Continue reading Powdered Formula Feeding Safety Tips

This workshop has already taken place. Are you looking for resources for nurses who work with ostomy patients? Or are you an ostomate looking for ostomy-related information? Shield HealthCare cordially invites Illinois and Colorado nurses to attend an Ostomy Education Workshop with continuing education opportunity for 2 CE units.*  Workshop topic: Caring For The Stoma, sponsored by Hollister… Continue reading Shield HealthCare Sponsors Nurses Education Workshops Ostomy: Caring For The Stoma

Typically, standard nursing practice is to stop tube feedings due to gastric residual volume (GRV) that is twice the flow rate. So, a feeding rate of only 40 mL per hour would be held with a measured GRV of 80 mL. The problem with using GRV to evaluate enteral nutrition (EN) tolerance is that feedings… Continue reading Gastric Residuals: Are They Significant?

The latest on California politics and government, as reported in the The Sacramento Bee: February 6, 2012 Obama administration rejects California’s Medi-Cal copays Federal health officials rejected California’s bid to charge Medi-Cal copayments for everything from drugs to hospital visits, dealing a new blow to the state budget but relief to low-income patients and their… Continue reading In the news: Obama administration rejects Medi-Cal copays

Shield HealthCare featured in The-Signal, Santa Clarita Valley News, 2/5/12 edition Preparation For A Boom By Sara Mitchell, Staff Writer The health care industry is anticipating rapid growth as the baby boomers approach retirement age. The 65-plus population saw the largest increase of any age group between the 2000 and 2010 censuses — it increased by… Continue reading The-Signal News Feature Story: Preparation For A Boom