Get Gorgeous for a Great Cause!

MedCare is proud to be a sponsor of MedCare Milestone's 2nd Annual Spring Bling Event happening Saturday, March 24th from 4-10pm!  What is Spring Bling, you ask?  Well, it's a great opportunity you and some of your favorite ladies to get together and do what ladies like to do-pamper themselves!  Spring Bling features some of our favorite things-beauty indulgences, food and drinks and shopping experiences all under one roof, and 100% of the proceeds from the event will go to helping needy children locally and abroad!  Tickets are just $60 per person and include food and tickets to enjoy 2 of the beauty indulgences of your choice.  Tickets for drinks and additional beauty indulgences can be purchased for a small fee. 


Some of the beauty indulgences that will be available include manicures, pedicures, facials, eyebrow threading, massage, makeup consultations by Laura Mercier and Mary Kay, to name a few.  If you'd rather pamper yourself with a little retail therapy, items will be available from vendors such as Twenty-Two Fifty Interiors and Gifts (http://twentytwofiftyinteriors.com/), Stella and Dot (http://www.stelladot.com/), and Thirty One (http://www.thirtyonegifts.com/).  We're adding more vendors and indulges each day so make sure you check back often for an updated list!


For more information or to purchase tickets, please visit MedCare Milestone's website at  http://www.medcaremilestones.org/donations.html or you can call and speak to Macanda Hinchey-Block at 713-773-5123.  This is one event you don't want to miss!

 

MedCare Sponsors Trees for Tots 2011

It is that time of year again. MedCare Pediatric Group sponsored MedCare Milestones’ 6th annual Trees for Tots event this past Saturday, December 3rd. With the generous donations and contributions from other sponsors and fundraisers, there were over 250 Christmas trees and ornaments that were available to be given out to the families of children with special needs. Families enjoyed holiday treats and hot cocoa, as well as having their pictures made with Santa and his elves. We are honored to be a part of this heartfelt gesture to all of the families. Their gratitude and expressed appreciation each year keeps us wanting to do more. If you or your company would like to join MedCare Pediatric Group with this rewarding event in 2012, you can contact Macanda Hinchey-Block at 713-773-5123. Sponsorships include publicity on their website, logo/name on event shirts and banners, as well as on printed materials. For more information on MedCare Milestones and other events and charity contributions they support, please visit their website at www.medcaremilestones.org.

Proposed Budget Cuts of Up To 70% Threatens Pediatric Therapy Services Provided

     This is to notify you of proposed healthcare budget cuts to the reimbursement rates of the pediatric therapy services that are provided through Medicaid’s CCP Program. While we were successful in receiving no budget cuts at the state level a couple of months ago, Texas’ Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) has now proposed their budget which negatively affects these services and the therapists that provide them. HHSC has proposed to cut the reimbursement rates for these services by an average of 35-45% with some rates being cut as much as 70%. This much of a decrease in funds will cause the shutdown of many Pediatric Therapy agencies. These agencies would not be able to survive by continuing to pay the therapists what they deserve if the State’s reimbursement to the agencies does do not cover their rates. Your help is requested in voicing your opposition to these cuts in order for these much needed services to continue.

     We will be attending a rate hearing in Austin on November 21^st, to voice our concerns with this proposed budget cut to the HHSC. This is a public hearing and there will be other Pediatric Therapy Agencies from around the State as well as the Board of Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy. We urge you to let HHSC know how you feel and how this would affect not only the children, but also the ripple effect that this would cause on therapists. You can do this by:

1. going to Austin and letting them know you do not agree with them.
2. writing a letter, giving a history about your child, and include details how therapy services has helped your child and without these services, how your child’s life would be effected. Give the letter to us by November 18^th, and we will bring it to Austin for you. Or fax to us at 713-779-0204.
3. Contacting HHSC by email, esther.brown@hhsc.state.tx.us,
4. writing a letter and faxing it directly to HHSC, ATTN: Rate Analysis to 1-512-491-1998, or mail it to:

               US Mail

               Attention: Rate Analysis

               HHSC Rate Analysis, Mail Code H-400

               PO Box 85200

               Austin, Texas 78708-5200

We are hoping to be able to testify against these proposals and advocate for the medically fragile children of Texas for whom therapy services are a necessity, not a privilege. Even though there are many Pediatric Therapy Agencies in Texas, this is the time that we are all united and need to stand for “one cause”…the patients and their families. MedCare has continued to fight against these proposals, contacting local representatives and continuously staying informed of proposed changes and voicing concerns when we disagree with them. You have a voice and can make a difference. Please act quickly, whether it is via email, writing a letter, or by signing the attached petition because the proposed budget cuts are supposed to go into effect on January 1, 2012. The individuals that are proposing this budget cut do not fully realize the “trickle down effect” that will occur if the proposed 35% - 45%, and some up to 70%, cut goes into effect. It is up to all of us, parents, therapists, the public, and Pediatric Agencies—all advocates for medically fragile children—to make them realize how their decisions affect these special kids and EVERYONE who cares for them. We need to protect and care for our children by doing “Whatever it Takes”.

            Sincerely,

                                                                                                      

             Paige Kinkade, CEO/Owner

             MedCare Pediatric Group, LP

 



Holiday Toy Drive - Win a $100 Gift Card

The holidays season is officially upon us and MedCare would like to take this time to give to those who are less fortunate then us.  We are hosting a toy drive from Monday, November 7^th through Friday, December 5^th.  All of the toys that we collect will be donated to Child Advocates, a non-profit organization here in Houston that helps children who have been abused.  For every new, unwrapped toy that you donate, you will have the opportunity to be entered into a drawing to win a $100 Visa gift card!

Donations will be accepted at any of our clinic locations, at our Home Health staff meetings on the 9^th, 10^th, and 14^th of November, and at our MedCare Beach Palooza event in Galveston on November 19^th!! 

Patients and their families, as well as employees, are encouraged to participate!  When you donate your toy(s), please make sure you put your full name and phone number on the tickets since we will open this up to everyone, not just employees!

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me, Sommer LaShomb at 713-773-5100.

Thank you in advance for your donations!! 

BULLYING

The school year has started and as a parent you have questions and concerns regarding your child.  “Do they like their classes?”  “Are they behaving in class?”  “Are they making friends?”  You do not want to ask the question, but it may be in the back of your mind, “Is my child being bullied?”  There are different forms of bullying such as verbal, physical and non-verbal.  You may be familiar with verbal bullying which is seen in the school as name-calling or making fun of someone.  You may even remember from your time at school about physical bullying which may be seen as pushing someone in the hallway.  You may not be aware of non-verbal bullying but it tends to have same effects as the others; this may include being ignored by others or excluding someone from a group activity.

As a parent, you may begin to see signs that your child is being bullied at school.  Your child may show a loss of interest or be afraid to go to school.  Your child may appear sad, moody, or depressed when coming home from school.  The teacher may tell you that your child appears to be withdrawn or does not want to participate in class.  Your child may complain of headaches, stomachaches, or other physical ailments.  In other words, you child may be faking an illness to get out going to school, or these physical symptoms may be manifested due to stress.  Parents are often unaware of bullying problems, and students feel that adult intervention is infrequent and fear that telling an adult will only bring more harassment from bullies.

If your child shows some of these signs, it does not necessarily mean that they are being bullied; but it is something worth exploring with your child.  Talk with your child and talk with staff at school to learn more.  Let your child know that you are concerned and you would like to help.  You can get a discussion started using subtle questions.  “Do you have any special friends at school this year?  Who are they?  Who do you hang out with?”  “Are there any kids at school who really don’t like you?  Why don’t you like them?  Do they ever pick on your or leave you out of things?”  You can also get a discussion started using more direct questions.  “Are there any kids at school who pick on you or tease you in a mean way?”  “Are there any kids at school who leave you out or exclude you on purpose?”  If your child does not feel like talking about it, do not push the issue.  Your child may be embarrassed and feel as though it is their fault for what is going on at school.  As a parent, be supportive of your child; allow them to feel safe and protected with you.

It is important to also speak with your child’s teacher.  Share your observations and concerns regarding your child and ask questions.  “How does my child get along with other students in class?”  With whom does my child spend free time?”  “Have you noticed or suspect that my child is being bullied by other students?”  Ask the teacher to talk with other adults who interact with your child at school; this may include the PE teacher, bus driver or music teacher.  If the teacher is hard to contact or you are not satisfied with the conversation, make an appointment with the school counselor to discuss your concerns.

If you believe your child is being bullied, take quick action!  Bullying can have serious effects on your child.

Douglas Plaeger MA, LPC

MedCare Pediatric Rehab Center

Cordially Invites You to Our

Northshore Clinic Groundbreaking Ceremony

September 28, 2011

12:45 p.m.

4818 E. Sam Houston Parkway North #250

Houston, TX 77015

Reception to follow at

5624 E. Sam Houston Parkway North

Houston, TX 77015

Please R.S.V.P. by September 26th to
Denise Stahmer at
d.stahmer@mpglp.com or

 Call 713-995-9292 ext 119

BUILDING A BRIGHTER FUTURE

It's FLU Season!

The 2011-2012 Flu Season is quickly approaching. Each year, the severity of the virus is unpredictable. The timing, severity, and length of the epidemic depends on many factors, including what influenza viruses are spreading and whether they match the viruses in the vaccine. There are many ways to prevent contracting the virus. The best way to prevent getting any type of infection or virus is good hand washing techniques. Below are some of the most common FAQ and their answers regarding the flu virus…

1.    Will new strains of flu circulate this season?

Flu viruses are constantly changing so it's not unusual for new flu virus strains to appear each year.

2.   When will flu activity begin and when will it peak?

The timing of flu is very unpredictable and can vary from season to season. Flu activity most commonly peaks in the U.S. in January or February. However, seasonal flu activity can begin as early as October and continue to occur as late as May.

3.   What should I do to prepare for this flu season?

CDC recommends a yearly flu vaccine for everyone 6 months of age and older as the first and most important step in protecting against this serious disease. While there are many different flu viruses, the flu vaccine is designed to protect against the three main flu strains that research indicates will cause the most illness during the flu season.

4.   How effective is the flu vaccine?

Inactivated influenza vaccine effectiveness (VE) can vary from year to year and among different age and risk groups.

5.    What other actions can I take to protect myself and my family against the flu this season on a daily basis?

In addition to the vaccine, you can take everyday preventive steps like staying away from sick people and washing your hands to reduce the spread of germs. If you are sick with flu, stay home from work or school to prevent spreading influenza to others.

6.   Is there treatment for the flu?

Yes. If you get sick, there are drugs that can treat flu illness. They are called antiviral drugs and they can make your illness milder and make you feel better faster. They also can prevent serious flu–related complications, like pneumonia.

-Karyn Jolly, RN