National Healthcare Decisions Day exists to inspire, educate and empower the public and providers about the importance of advance care planning. It is an initiative to encourage patients to express their wishes regarding healthcare and for providers and facilities to respect those wishes, whatever they may be. (Source: https://theconversationproject.org/nhdd/)
Leslie D McDowell, DNP, ANP-BC, RN
Recent Posts
April 16: National Healthcare Decisions Day
Mar 26, 2024 4:00:00 PM / by Leslie D McDowell, DNP, ANP-BC, RN posted in Primary Care, medicare, advance care planning, conversation
In NC, 9 Babies Died of Congenital Syphilis in 2023
Feb 7, 2024 1:28:00 PM / by Leslie D McDowell, DNP, ANP-BC, RN posted in Primary Care, Pregnancy, OB/GYN, family medicine, STIs, prenatal
With only a single case in our state about a decade ago, congenital syphilis has been on the rise ever since.
In 2023, (according to preliminary data), North Carolina lost nine people from this completely preventable cause; with another 63 babies suffering from congenital syphilis infection.
According to Victoria Mobley, HIV/STI medical director for the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services' Division of Public Health, more than half of the mothers of the babies born with syphilis had no documented prenatal care at the time they delivered. Equally of concern, of the women who did have prenatal care, only 41% received appropriate screening tests, despite state law requirements for syphilis testing for anyone who is pregnant (at first pre-natal visit, again between 28-30 weeks gestation and at time of delivery).
Sadly, this is a national epidemic, and more action must be taken to begin to address it.
Improve Your Day With These Easy Desk Stretches!
Jan 31, 2024 8:00:00 AM / by Leslie D McDowell, DNP, ANP-BC, RN posted in Primary Care, exercise, practice management
You've been sitting there longer than you meant to, right?
You have
- Three reports that need to get done
- Five more to do's on your list
- 17 emails to respond to (and 33 more land in your inbox while you're on number 3)
Now,- The phone rings
- Your supervisor is standing at your door looking frustrated
Sound familiar? Just another (insert day of week here)!
No doubt you are feeling the tension building in your neck, shoulders, and arms....
Try these 3 Easy Desk Stretches!
NWAHEC Awarded NC Medicaid Grant to Support 5 Online Learning Activities
Jan 17, 2024 10:08:00 AM / by Leslie D McDowell, DNP, ANP-BC, RN posted in NCAHEC, behavioral health, social work, psychology, social justice, online learning, integrated care, intervention
The Northwest AHEC Practice Support Team was awarded a grant from NC Medicaid supporting five different online self-paced learning activities.
Unlocking the Signs: Mental Health Awareness for You and Your Loved Ones
Dec 27, 2023 12:46:00 PM / by Leslie D McDowell, DNP, ANP-BC, RN posted in mental health, behavioral health
Not sure if you or someone you know is living with mental health problems?
Mental illnesses can affect a person's thinking, mood, or behavior. There are early warning signs and symptoms that can help determine if you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health condition.
Write a Prescription for PLAY!
Dec 20, 2023 7:30:00 AM / by Leslie D McDowell, DNP, ANP-BC, RN posted in Well-Child Care, family medicine, Pediatrics
There is a lot to cover during those Well Child Checks!
9 Simple Stress Busters to Sleigh Holiday Hassles and Jingle Away the Pressure!
Dec 14, 2023 8:15:00 AM / by Leslie D McDowell, DNP, ANP-BC, RN posted in mental health, stress, mindfulness
Stress can really disrupt our lives and steal our joy.
There are both healthy and unhealthy ways to cope with stress.
How to improve balance and strength? Dance like no one is watching!
Oct 26, 2023 7:25:04 AM / by Leslie D McDowell, DNP, ANP-BC, RN posted in falls, Adult health
The NC Falls Prevention Coalition is sharing a free, virtual weekly program. The Dance for Parkinson's (DFP) program is a welcoming, open opportunity for people of all abilities to find joy in movement. Many participants without Parkinson's enjoy the time spent simply moving with others.
Large proportion of North Carolina population are at high risk for serious illness from COVID-19: What you need to know about therapeutics
Sep 13, 2023 8:45:00 AM / by Leslie D McDowell, DNP, ANP-BC, RN posted in COVID-19, Primary Care, Pediatrics
COVID-19 trends are on the rise in North Carolina.
Staying up to date with vaccines, and timely access to treatment are the best ways to reduce hospitalization and death due to the illness.
Join Us in Recognizing Falls Prevention Awareness Week 2023
Sep 7, 2023 7:30:00 AM / by Leslie D McDowell, DNP, ANP-BC, RN posted in Geriatric, Enduring, care planning, falls
Falls Prevention Awareness Week is a national health campaign observed on the first day of fall to increase awareness around falls health and injury prevention. Join us September 18-22, 2023 for Falls Prevention Week, a nationwide effort to raise awareness that falls are preventable. Read more on our blog and check out our online Falls Prevention activity!