It’s 4:30 pm MST. It’s game time and I’m dressed in my Packers regalia. These cheese heads aren’t the most comfortable things to wear. I can’t complain too much. I’m snuggled in my blanket with Wheat Thins and a glass of Cabernet while Farve is facing 0° in Green Bay with a wind chill factor of -31°. They actually practiced passing with frozen footballs. I wonder… at what temperature does saliva freeze? Aren’t we lucky to practice in warm dental offices? Hopefully, we will be heading to the Super Bowl.
Welcome to my life,
Lisa
Friday, January 25, 2008
Reading Prescription Labels
Dear Friends,
It is a cold, blustery day in Pocatello. I actually slept in until 9:30 am. After such a hectic week with my daughter’s health, I must have needed the rest. With my Kona blend coffee at my side, I sat down to organize my thoughts and read my e-mail messages.
Shelby’s upper GI scope did reveal some answers for us: She has significant erosion of her stomach lining. In the past eight months, she’s had to endure a softball to the face, female surgery and a knee injury, and as an athlete, Motrin had become a good friend to her muscles. I was aware that non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDS) can be hard on the stomach, but I guess I didn’t take it to heart. Many times I have patients that are taking numerous prescription medications. Unfortunately, they don’t always know what they are and what side affects they may have. As a licensed health care professional, it is our obligation to review the health history of every patient. Not all NSAIDS are prescription medications—Ibuprofen, Aleve and aspirin are a few that can be problematic. Read the labels and dosage instructions. I will certainly be more aware of what I, my daughter, and my patients use for pain control.
Welcome to my life,
Lisa
It is a cold, blustery day in Pocatello. I actually slept in until 9:30 am. After such a hectic week with my daughter’s health, I must have needed the rest. With my Kona blend coffee at my side, I sat down to organize my thoughts and read my e-mail messages.
Shelby’s upper GI scope did reveal some answers for us: She has significant erosion of her stomach lining. In the past eight months, she’s had to endure a softball to the face, female surgery and a knee injury, and as an athlete, Motrin had become a good friend to her muscles. I was aware that non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDS) can be hard on the stomach, but I guess I didn’t take it to heart. Many times I have patients that are taking numerous prescription medications. Unfortunately, they don’t always know what they are and what side affects they may have. As a licensed health care professional, it is our obligation to review the health history of every patient. Not all NSAIDS are prescription medications—Ibuprofen, Aleve and aspirin are a few that can be problematic. Read the labels and dosage instructions. I will certainly be more aware of what I, my daughter, and my patients use for pain control.
Welcome to my life,
Lisa
Thursday, January 17, 2008
Weird science
January 17, 2008
Healthcare is certainly a “hit or miss” science. It makes me thankful that I am in dentistry. I have spent the majority of the last three days in the emergency room with my 16-year-old daughter, Shelby. Abdominal pain is much more difficult to figure out than a sensitive tooth. Without going into too much detail, Shelby may have gallbladder problems. We have put her through a barrage of tests and scans to no avail. We finally were referred to the only local gastroenterologist in Pocatello and will be following up with an upper GI scope on Wednesday. It is very frustrating to not have answers and see my daughter in pain. I wish I could have given her some Sensodyne or MI paste to heal her—too bad it isn’t that easy. Now I know how my patients feel when they come to me with a toothache or a sensitive area. Like I said, it’s hit or miss.
Welcome to my life,
Lisa
Healthcare is certainly a “hit or miss” science. It makes me thankful that I am in dentistry. I have spent the majority of the last three days in the emergency room with my 16-year-old daughter, Shelby. Abdominal pain is much more difficult to figure out than a sensitive tooth. Without going into too much detail, Shelby may have gallbladder problems. We have put her through a barrage of tests and scans to no avail. We finally were referred to the only local gastroenterologist in Pocatello and will be following up with an upper GI scope on Wednesday. It is very frustrating to not have answers and see my daughter in pain. I wish I could have given her some Sensodyne or MI paste to heal her—too bad it isn’t that easy. Now I know how my patients feel when they come to me with a toothache or a sensitive area. Like I said, it’s hit or miss.
Welcome to my life,
Lisa
Welcome to my life!
Dear Friends,
I am very excited to put my thoughts online! Some of us already know one another from attendance at the ADHA meetings, but for those who don’t know me, let me provide a little background information.
I am a 1985 graduate from Idaho State University with my bachelor’s degree in Dental Hygiene, and have worked in private practice ever since. Pocatello, Idaho, is where I call home, but I am a Wisconsin native—the Green Bay Packers rule and I love cheese.
Dental hygiene is my passion, second only to my family and friends. Serving on the Idaho Dental Hygienists Association executive board is one way I give back to the profession that has been so good to me. I was recently elected for a position on the ADHA Ethics Committee, representing Region D. In the past, I have served as Delegate and Alternate Delegate in the House of Delegates for the ADHA, representing Idaho.
In October 2006, I was chosen as the BreathRx Hygienist of the Year. This was an amazing experience which has opened many doors for me. I didn’t go into the dental hygiene field thinking I would be a spokes person for hygienists’ nationwide, but am thankful that Discus Dental and Modern Hygienist believed in me and gave me the opportunity. I have a new found confidence in myself and a deeper passion for dental hygiene.
Being a hygienist is about so much more than just “cleaning teeth.” We make a difference everyday! My patients are very loyal and have followed me to different offices. With their support, I have yet to wish I had a different career. It may seem like I am sounding my own horn, but I hope each and every one of you does the same. Be proud of what you do, knowing you have made a difference in others’ lives.
My goal with this blog is to enlighten, entertain and challenge you.
Welcome to my life!
Lisa Higbee, RDH, BS
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