According to USMedicine.com, Veterans are three times more likely to develop COPD than the general population. Actually, it is the fifth most prevalent disease in the veteran population, affecting approximately 15 percent of U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) healthcare users. Below we will take a closer look at why veterans are more likely to be affected by this incurable disease and its effects on the healthcare system. Causes of COPD Emphysema, chronic bronchitis, irreversible asthma and many forms of bronchiectasis are all possible ailments a patient diagnosed with COPD can face. Cigarette smoke is the leading cause of COPD. In fact, 75 percent ofRead More →

Consider the following tips to ensure fire safety at home when using medical oxygen. Never Smoke or allow anyone else to smoke in your home. Post “No Smoking” signs in every room where oxygen is used. Keep oxygen cylinders at least 5 to 10 feet away from heat sources. Do not use lotions, creams or other greasy products that contain petroleum. Store oxygen cylinders in an upright position or securely in an oxygen storage cart. Turn your oxygen supply valve to the off position when oxygen is not in use. Avoid anything can create sparks including electric heaters, electric blankets, electric razors, hair dryers andRead More →

What are some of the most important tips regarding patient safety? Accredited home care agencies follow the national patient safety goals set by the Joint Commission. This means that they need to think about the patients comprehensively. Home safety evaluations are a must to determine risks. In a home, everything from adequate lighting, plumbing, furniture and home design must be accounted for to minimize risk. Patients that use medical oxygen are at risk for potential fire outbreaks, so it is important to educate patients and their families about oxygen safety in the home. Oxygen enriched areas will make materials burn more quickly. It is importantRead More →

  Pulmonary Rehabilitation Week, initiated by the American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation (AACVPR), aims to educate the community about the role of pulmonary rehabilitation in enhancing the quality of life of individuals with chronic lung disease. This year’s theme, “Improving Life, One Breath at a Time,” honors individuals who struggle to overcome shortness of breath and the pulmonary professionals who work every day to alleviate that struggle and improve patients’ everyday life. MIJA Inc. wants to do our part in raising awareness about pulmonary rehabilitation and the difficulties that come with chronic diseases that affect your lungs. Although Pulmonary Rehabilitation can’t cure yourRead More →

National Patient Safety Awareness Week is an annual education and awareness building campaign for healthcare safety. This year’s we will focus on safety culture and patient engagement. There has been great progress in patient safety over the years but studies show that medical error and preventable harm are still a major source of injury or death among patients. “A recent national survey conducted by the IHI/NPSF Lucian Leape Institute and NORC at the University of Chicago found that 1 in 5 people reportedly experienced a medical error in their own care, and one-third reported an error in the care of a close relative or friend.Read More →

A recent article in Executive Healthcare Management noted that there are approximately 1.8 million long-term oxygen therapy (LTOT) patients in the United States at any given time. Oxygen therapy patients rely on oxygen for its life sustaining abilities, and it vital that they know when oxygen levels are low. Most oxygen tanks do not have an alarm and you must look closely at the gauge to confirm oxygen levels, causing patients a lot of anxiety due to the constant fear that oxygen will run out without realizing. Critical Alert can help ease that anxiety and take the worry away! Our reliable and easy to use oxygen monitorRead More →

The National Health Service (NHS) recently issued a patient safety alert that warns healthcare staff to re-educate themselves on proper oxygen cylinder use. Due to a recent design change, many staff members may believe oxygen is flowing when it is not, or they are unable to turn on oxygen flow in an emergency. Cylinders with integral valves are now in common use and require several steps (typically removing a plastic cap, turning a valve and adjusting a dial) before oxygen starts to flow. To reduce the risk of fire, valves must be closed when cylinders are not in use, and cylinders carried in special holdersRead More →