Accepting

I have been concerned about this blog and how I am going to have more topics to discuss.  I don't not want to disclose issues from my current employer simply because I want to keep my job.  Bad-mouthing an employer could not only cost a person their job.  In addition, I could be violating HIPAA.  I don't think there hasn't been a person in the United States who has not heard of HIPAA.  But just in case, let me explain what it is. 

The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) of 1996 (P.L.104-191) [HIPAA] was enacted by the U.S. Congress in 1996.  Title I of HIPAA protects health insurance coverage for workers and their families when they change or lose their jobs. Title II of HIPAA, known as the Administrative Simplification (AS) provisions, requires the establishment of national standards for electronic health care transactions and national identifiers for providers, health insurance plans, and employers.

OK, enough of all of that mumbo-jumbo...moving on....

I have a couple of Facebook pages I maintain about food and nutrition.  I posted something today about USDA regulations regarding meat regulations. 

I was surprised by a comment from someone today.  This someone is representing an organization.  That pretty much tells me either this organization is bogus or this person is closed mind, feeling it is appropriate to comment for the entire organization.  The comment clearly indicated that this person is a vegetarian and has aversion to any animal product.

I could not believe it.  How narrow minded can a person be?  And everyone should learn at least one culture other than their own. As a dietitian I have to have a fairly decent working knowledge about other nutritional culture.  What I like to eat is undoubtedly different to what another may eat.  But I do not try to be judgemental in something I do not care for in eating.  I have little or no tolerance for others who are judgemental.   

Everybody's an expert

With the increasing admissions of patients who are obese, there can be trying times in healthcare.  I recently overheard a conversation between two occupational therapists.  They were reading the admission history of a resident. 

Body Mass Index (BMI) is a relationship between WT  & HT associated with body fat & health risk. Health risks associated with a wide range of BMIs (both high and low values). Acceptable range for BMI standards: 18.5 to 24.9.  This particular patient had a BMI that was more than twice the higher number of the acceptable range for BMI standards (24.9 x 2 - 49.8). 

The two occupational therapists were lamenting about the size of this patient.  One said to the other:  "The BMI listed isn't correct.  When the hospital lists they don't use the calipers."  I stopped and politely interjected, asking:  "I am sorry, but calibers?"  The reply was "you know one of those things to pinch the fat in your arm.  That is true way to determine a BMI."   

I paused for a minute....then I replied:  "Could I help you understand BMI better?" 

They replied yes.  I explained that the calibers they were referred to skin calipers.  I further explained that skin fold calipers take skinfold measurements  which is a common method for determining body fat composition. Accurate measurement technique is important.  A standard technique that is used.  That measurement is not the BMI.

I further went on to explain the BMI equation.

Needless to say, they seemed surprised they were incorrect.