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A new age is upon us. Years ago, people were taken by the first black and white tvs As TV proliferated itself into our lives, people were generally content with whatever image was beamed into their world.Picture quality has evolved over the ages for the better. And now, in line with the introduction of other technologies, HDTV has raised our expectations and standards. Gone are the days when you could be happy with washed-out colors and a low resolution. Now you want a clearer picture and sharper colors, and you want it all for an affordable price.

HDTV is the newest advance in television technology.A standard television gives you a clear color picture. HDTV gives you an even sharper picture. Picture it this way, watching a standard TV is like viewing the world through a dirty windowpane. With HDTV, there is no window. The images on the television screen are as close to lifelike as you can get, that is, without actually getting off the couch and watching real-life images. An HDTV can accomplish this feat with its high resolution; a million pixels, often more, combine to create a brilliant picture that will wow any viewer.

But whats the cost? Fortunately, prices are falling every year. Five years ago, most people were priced out of the HDTV market.

However, you need to be aware of a few facts. Owning an HDTV does not guarantee you the whole high-definition experience.First, you will need a high-definition cable or satellite box. This sends the HD channels to your television; without one, you can only watch standard programming. Second, you will need high-def channels. Your cable or satellite provider offers a line-up of HD channels, though the number of available HD channels is nowhere close the number of available standard channels. Third, you will need an HD show or movie. Not all shows broadcast on an HD station are necessarily high-definition; news programs are often broadcast in standard-definition, as are most daytime programs. If you are watching a standard-def show, you may see a black bar on either side of the screen. Also, since you are watching a standard-def show on a high-def screen, the picture will not be nearly as clear or as sharp as with an HD program. Only when you have all three elements – an HD box, channel and show – can you experience television like never before.

Visit Futaratty if you are looking for a HDTV or any other television accessories.

It comes once a year, and it is truly special. A mother’s birthday is not to be ignored, and thankfully there are many products available to help us select a gift. Research shows that books, flowers, toys, jewelry, personalized plaques, jewelry, pens, clocks, wristwatches and gift baskets are favorite gifts to give to mom.

Red Envelope, Ever After, Love is a Rose, Personalization Mall, Things Remembered, Limoges Jewelry, Patagonia Gifts, Generous Gems and JC Penny have beautiful, elegant jewelry. Sterling silver birthstone pendants, rings, engraved pendants in gold, diamond and other precious stones are very popular.

Warm Sentiments, Harry and David, Design-it-Yourself Gift Baskets, Wine Country Gift Baskets, Gourmet Gift Baskets, Adorable Gift Baskets, Nostalgia Basket, Book Baskets, Green Mountain, Vermont, Hershey and Ghirardelli have a unbelievable collection of beautifully designed, delicious-looking gift baskets that include chocolates, coffees, wines, cookies, cheesecakes, pizza, dried fruits, teas, spa products and books. As we all know, the best way to a person’s heart is through their stomach.

Companies like Connection Channel and Bears in Chairs offer personalized toy gifts like teddy bears. Other unique gifts like personalized chess sets made up of white onyx and black marble with mom’s name engraved on the board are uniquely different. Chosen carefully, with lots of love, your gift to mom will certainly bring joy and show how much you love her. Remember: the heartfelt gifts are the ones that will be most appreciated. This means that you should put some thought into the gifts that you buy for Mom. She will appraicate a well thought-out gift.

Gifts For Mom provides detailed information on gifts for mom, birthday gift for mom, christmas gift for mom, unique gift for mom and more. Gifts For Mom is affiliated with Birthday Gifts For Women.

With the recent front-page news about the possible hazards of pain medications, you may be taking a look at your over-the-counter (or OTC) pain medications with a wary eye. While all drugs, including those you don’t need a prescription for, can be dangerous, some basic knowledge can help you avoid the pitfalls for the pain relief you need.

Types of OTC pain medication:

The pain-relief aisle of any drug store can make it seem like there’s an infinite number of pain-relief medications. But there are really only three types. Each type works in a different way and can cause different types of problems.

Aspirin: Aspirin blocks the activity of pain hormones called prostaglandins, which would otherwise send pain information to the brain. In addition, by blocking prostaglandins you reduce the pain and discomfort of inflammation (swelling and heat indicating immune function).

Acetaminophen: Acetaminophen is found in drugs like Tylenol, as well as some generic OTC medications and in prescription pain-relief products. Acetaminophen travels through your bloodstream to the brain, reducing pain-related brain activity and fever. Because it doesn’t work through the hormonal system, it doesn’t do as good a job of reducing swelling and inflammation as the other two types of pain medication.

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatories: These are sometimes called NSAIDs (pronounced N-Saidz). This isn’t a single chemical, like acetaminophen, but a group of chemicals including ibuprofen, naproxen and ketoprofen, all of which block the production of prostaglandins, and thus pain and swelling. A number of NSAIDs are available over-the-counter, including brands like Aleve, Ibuprofen (generic) and Motrin; some newer NSAIDs, like Celebrex and Vioxx , need a prescription.

How To Take Aspirin Safely

In addition to blocking pain signals, aspirin blocks the production of blood clots. Strokes can be caused by blood clots blocking the brain’s blood vessels and aspirin reduces the chance that such clots will form, so physicians will sometimes recommend a low dose of daily aspirin to prevent strokes in high-risk patients.

However, this also means that it’s harder to stop bleeding if you’re taking aspirin. People who are already on blood thinners (like Coumadin) should not take. Similarly, pregnant women have an increased risk of bleeding if they take aspirin, so if you need pain relief while pregnant, speak with your healthcare worker for a better options.

Aspirin can quickly lead to ulcer formation and potentially-dangerous gastric (stomach) bleeding. Enteric coating reduces the likelihood of harm, but even so, aspirin should not be taken for long periods of time without consulting a physician.

Some people are allergic to aspirin, and may experience a variety of symptoms (potentially serious) on taking it. If you’re allergic to aspirin, you shouldn’t take aspirin or NSAIDs without consulting a physician.

Lastly, children and teens with chicken pox, flu, or other viral illness should not be given aspirin (even children’s aspirin) without first consulting a physician, as the combination of certain illnesses and aspirin can lead to a potentially fatal complication called Reye’s syndrome.

How To Take Acetaminophen Safely:

Acetaminophen, taken in high doses or over long periods of time, can cause liver damage and, eventually, liver failure. If you think you may have taken too much, call a healthcare provider or poison control center right away.

Alcohol consumption can magnify the effect of acetaminophen on the liver. If you regularly have three or more alcoholic drinks per day, you should check with your healthcare provider before taking acetaminophen (or any other pain reliever).

Because of the potential for overdose, children should never be given “extra strength” acetaminophen products. Regular strength ones should be given at the stated doses for children or after speaking with a healthcare professional or pharmacist.

How To Take Over The Counter NSAIDs Safely:

NSAIDs slightly increase the risk of bleeding. People on blood thinners, pregnant or nursing women, and people at risk for internal bleeding should not take these products. They can also affect your liver’s function and health and lead to gastrointestinal bleeding.

In order to avoid these effects, you shouldn’t take more than one NSAID at a time or an NSAID with aspirin without first consulting a physician. If you’re taking a multi-drug medication (for example, pills for relief of menstrual symptoms may include several different medications), make sure it doesn’t already contain an NSAID if you’re taking an NSAID separately. Lastly, pregnant and nursing women should speak with their healthcare provider before using an OTC NSAID.

Other Things To Think About:

If you find yourself taking any OTC pain reliever over a long period of time (several weeks), you should see your healthcare provider. The pain may indicate a problem that needs to be dealt with rather than masked, and there may be treatment that will take care of the problem, rather than merely covering the symptoms.

Adkinson: Middleton’s Allergy: Principles and Practice, 6th ed., Ch.93, 2003

“Aspirin,” Mosby’s Drug Consult, Mosby, Inc, 2005

“Acetaminophen,” Mosby’s Drug Consult, Mosby, Inc, 2005

“NSAID,” Mosby’s Drug Consult, Mosby, Inc, 2005

“Ibuprofen,” Mosby’s Drug Consult, Mosby, Inc, 2005

Copyright (C) Shoppe.MD and Ian Mason, 2004-2005

Ian Mason, owner of Shoppe.MD, your source for Online Prescription Medications, drug information and drug forums.

Ian is a fat-to-fit student of health, weight loss, exercise, and several martial arts; maintaining several websites in an effort to help provide up-to-date and helpful information for other who share his interests in health of body and mind.

Having been in the car wash business all my life, I always noticed the biggest bird droppings on white cars. Of course there are more white cars then any other color. I also found yellow vehicles had more bird droppings than normal. I had once or twice tried to put myself in the birds position and thought if I was rolling in for a bomb run in a parking lot or flying over a highway trying to hit an enemy insurgent Honda, which car would be easiest? Most of us would assume a red car or some other color, but in fact the birds seem to like to make their bombing runs on white cars?

A study by a student named Charles West from Bristol University in the United Kingdom did a study with 1760 cars and learned that most often the birds made their decision based on the color of their cars and white being the favored color to dive-bomb. The birds attempted to hit the cars and had a 70% kill ratio of landing the turd on the car they tried for. Some birds did not have the bombing skills of our current net-centric Predator UAVs with smart munitions.

This study debunked on old wives’ tale that seagulls always favored cars, which were blue. In some areas the myth is so pervasive that few people buy blue cars. Fact is a deep, dark or pearl blue colored car is much safer from being a target of our fine feathered friends than the deadly white color. Next time you are shopping for a car you might want to forget the rebates and be careful not to buy a white car or SUV. If you forget, I’ll see you at the car wash as our industry is going to the birds indeed.

“Lance Winslow” – Online Think Tank forum board. If you have innovative thoughts and unique perspectives, come think with Lance; www.WorldThinkTank.net/wttbbs/

Avoiding bankruptcy no longer seems to be on most debtors’ lists of priorities and the number of recorded bankruptcies is soaring. There were around 70,000 bankruptcies recorded in 2005 and about 45,000 of these were voluntary bankruptcies. This statistic clearly demonstrates the worrying fact that a large proportion of debtors see bankruptcy as a debt solution rather than as something to be avoided.

Bankruptcy trends are changing in a way that is concerning economists. In the late 1990s the UK also experienced increasing bankruptcy rates. However, 60% of these bankruptcies were as a result of companies becoming insolvent. The picture is very different today as most bankruptcies are the result of individual insolvencies. In the fourth quarter of 2005 there were 20,461 bankruptcies which resulted from individual insolvencies. This figure represents an increase of 57% against the same period in 2004.

Although many people do not seem concerned about avoiding bankruptcy they really should do so if at all possible.
Avoiding bankruptcy is important because of the penalties, disadvantages and stigmas that it carries.

Going bankrupt often means losing your home and your business and professional status. It also means that it is impossible to hold public office or form, manage or promote a company in the future.

Bankruptcy should also be avoided because it makes it very difficult to obtain credit and your employment prospects can be prejudiced.

Avoiding bankruptcy is both advisable and possible with an IVA. The government introduced IVAs in 1986 to help people to avoid bankruptcy.

An IVA is a binding agreement between a debtor and their creditors. The debtor agrees to repay their debts over a five year period via affordable monthly repayments. These monthly repayments can be as low as £200.

In return, the creditors freeze interest on the debt, agree not to contact the debtor while the IVA is in place and write off a proportion on the debt. It is not uncommon for as much as 85% of a debt to be written off with an IVA.

After five years the debtor is deemed to be debt free. There are no disadvantages or penalties associated with an IVA. Furthermore, because an IVA is a private agreement between a debtor and their creditors there is no stigma attached. As a result, an IVA is an excellent way of avoiding bankruptcy.

Clear Start offers free IVA advice to help you find a legitimate alternative to bankruptcy: Avoid bankruptcy

Clear Start offers free IVA advice to help you find a legitimate alternative to bankruptcy: Alternative to Bankruptcy

The Curve 8320 is a bit boring compared to other products made by BlackBerry. Like other comparable models from BlackBerry the design is quite contemporary and would appeal to a very broad range of users. With this phone BlackBerry have built something which is fairly well featured for the price.

This mobile handset is bluetooth enabled for compatibility with a number of devices. The screen is a 65K colors. The Curve 8320 has support for 2G GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 . The Curve 8320 is fitted with a 2 MP, 1600×1200 pixels, video, flash camera. For mobile Internet users as HTML, browser is included. We found the Curve 8320 very compact. If the colour scheme of your mobile phone is important, you should be aware that this mobile phone is available in, Titanium and Pale Gold. The BlackBerry Curve 8320 weighs in at 111 g The battery that comes with the Curve 8320 is a Standard battery, Li-Ion 1100 mAh,. In terms of the all important battery duration the BlackBerry Curve 8320 has 408 hrs reserve charge and 4:00 talk time. Polyphonic (32 channels), MP3 ring-tones are enabled on the BlackBerry Curve 8320 along with a vibrating tone . The Curve 8320 also features a few extras, for example , Organizer, To-Do list, Built-in handsfree, Java, Voice dial, BlackBerry maps, Media player and Calculator.

In spite of being quite a new model, there are already much more advanced phones available. Because of this it is possible to find a fantastic bargain on the Curve 8320.

You may find it time consuming trying to find the very best deal on a BlackBerry Curve 8320, after all there are numerous vendors and mobile networks to select from. Try out sites that compare mobile phones to find the cheapest mobile phones .

Bear with me as I step back in time to formulate what I believe are three terrific American built performance cars: the Ford Mustang, the Dodge Challenger, and the Chevrolet Camaro. Currently, only the Mustang is in production with the Challenger coming back by 2009. GM hasn’t committed to building the Camaro just yet, but the company is likely to make a decision in favor of the car and its sibling, the Pontiac Firebird, by this summer. So, what is it about American performance cars that set them apart from the rest? In one word: muscle. Read on as I compare and contrast these three vehicles and share with you my feeble attempts to explain the culture behind the cars.

So, you think I forgot the Chevy Corvette and Dodge Viper when talking about performance cars? No, I did not. Both models are performance cars as well as race cars. On the other hand the Mustang, Challenger, and Camaro are mass produced performance cars with muscle. There is a difference in the way a typical race car handles, rides, and performs vs. a muscle car.

Typically, a muscle car was a coupe version of some of the larger cars that were pervasive on U.S. highways in the 1960s and 1970s. The Mustang and Camaro, however, were designed separately [although they both heavily borrowed parts from other models] and these “pony” cars were a category all to themselves. For comparison’s sake, they join the Dodge Challenger, a performance version of Mopar cars of its time. All three were compared by critics of that time and all three will once again be compared in a few years when production has been ramped up.

Ford Mustang — Step back in time with me to April 1964 to an era when America was heavily involved in the space race, Lyndon Johnson was president, and General Motors ruled autodom. Ford, for its part, had been nipping at GM’s heels for years, but the failed Edsels of the late 1950s had cost the company dearly. Still, it was the time of the New York World’s Fair and Ford used the fair and television technology to promote its newest offering, the Mustang. A 2+2 coupe borrowing parts from the Fairlane and Falcon, the 1964 model was the first one sold and is widely credited with being the best introduction of a new vehicle ever. With a V6 engine standard and V8 optional, the all new Mustang quickly broke sales records and has been a hot seller ever since. Indeed, with the introduction of the “retro” look Mustang in 2005, the car once again has spawned interest in the muscle car segment as both DaimlerChrysler and General Motors craft competing models of their own.

Dodge Challenger — After the success of earlier muscle cars including the Dodge Charger and Plymouth ‘Cuda, the Dodge Challenger was launched as a 1970 model. The car borrowed heavily from the ‘Cuda although the sheet metal was somewhat different and the wheelbase was stretched by a couple of inches. Because the muscle car era was in decline at the time of its introduction, the Challenger lasted only five model years before it was cancelled. The concept Challenger currently on display at many auto shows is based on the 1970 design and is the talk of message boards and blogs across the nation. Look for Hemi powered engines as being favored by many owners; the car is likely to share some technology with the current Magnum wagon and Charger sedan.

Chevrolet Camaro — GM was asleep at the wheel when the Mustang came out. It took nearly three years before the company could respond and when it did the Camaro and Pontiac Firebird were the result. Although both cars sold well over the years, neither one could match the Mustang’s sales levels and by the time the last cars were sold in 2002, production dropped to a trickle. Still, the end of the Camaro after 35 years has stirred renewed interest in the name and thanks to the retro Mustang, the entire muscle car category is growing once again. Look for a 2010 Camaro to be the first Camaro since 2002; a ragtop version is also being considered.

So, just who can be expected to purchase a muscle car these days? People just like me: middle aged men who grew up with the original models. In addition, a whole new generation of younger drivers tired of the “me too” look of so many of the compact cars out there. Muscle cars of today are so much different from earlier era cars as they incorporate the look of the originals while harnessing today’s technology. Thus, fuel savings will be decent without sacrificing performance: a true win-win situation.

No, I cannot wait to see a Mustang, Challenger, and Camaro lined up at a traffic light waiting for the light to turn green. A new muscle car era is upon us and for that I am very excited.

Copyright 2006 – Matt Keegan is The Auto Writer covering new cars, the classics, auto parts and accessories, insurance, and more. Are you looking for more power? If so Matt invites you to find terrific AEM Cold Air Intake parts for less by shopping right online.

I’ve heard many non-motorcyclists make stereo-typical and condescending remarks alluding to the mentality of motorcyclists. Comments which classify riders into groups depending on what type or make of motorcycle one rides. What kind of pessimistic person would deem a “Harley” rider a ‘bad-boy, looking for a fight’ or a sport-bike rider an ‘irresponsible punk, trying to go fast’? It seems to me that most people who have never ridden a motorcycle make these types of interpretations out of fear or ignorance. While it is true that there are those motorcycle riders who DO fit the stereo-typical persona, it is also true that there are more absent-minded and oblivious drivers of gas-guzzling SUVs.

I was once told that “after riding motorcycles for a while, you will become a better motorist.” I really did not believe this to be true. However, after a couple of years and several thousands of miles later, I not only understand, but also fully believe its accuracy. Without the protection of a car’s safety features and encasement from the elements, motorcyclists are forced to develop a 6th sense. Our skills are honed to recognize the difference between a driver’s absent minded swaying and one who intends to quickly switch lanes.

While this skill is not inherent, it is very wide spread throughout the motorcycle community. Personally I think this is one of the biggest reasons that passing motorcyclists wave to each other; we all know what its like to be on two wheels and cut off, or worse yet have a driver switch lanes while we are right next to them.

Of course dealing with these issues comes with the territory; offset by one’s personal love for motorcycles. Riding motorcycles have many advantages. Including splitting traffic (where allowed by law), extremely good fuel economy, relaxation as well as many others. I have often wondered how substantial big-city traffic jams would be reduced if 30 – 40% would just ride a motorcycle. I’m sure this would greatly impact the smog pollution as well. Maybe this could also offset the summer gas price increases.

While my thoughts may go unheeded, perhaps they will give non-motorcyclists a different point of view from which they may expound their narrow-mindedness. I am an AMA member and I would recommend all motorcyclists to join, street or dirt. The AMA organization has done a lot to support and further protect us. Representing / supporting this organization can only better all of our experiences.

The original posting can be seen at http://www.hosting4yoursite.com/article/entertain/bikes.htm
Support the AMA: http://www.ama-cycle.org/

In this age of quickie marriage and instantaneous divorce, the ancient tradition of handfasting makes more sense than ever. Handfasting is a binding commitment between two loving persons that requires no bureaucratic licensing to begin and no lawyers to undo. To those that choose to handfast, the commitment is as deep and binding as anything cooked up by City Hall. Indeed, a handfast can last forever, so long as love remains. Even death cannot end a handfasted union; there is no ’til death do us part’ in the ceremony.

Originally a Celtic tradition, handfasting has been adopted into many New Age philosophies and is practiced quietly worldwide. There are two basic types of handfast: the first to signify a betrothal, traditionally for ‘a year and a day’. If all goes well and after the year-and-a-day the two intended lovers are still up for it, a second handfast binds the two forever –heart, mind, body and spirit– for as long as love remains. The only thing that can undo a handfast is a lack of love.

Most often, the handfast ceremony takes place outdoors, in as natural a setting as can be found. One of the loveliest ceremonies this writer ever attended was on a rooftop in San Francisco, above the city and under the stars. There were pots and barrels overflowing with plants and flowers and thousands of tiny, colorful lights entwined throughout. The loving couple just happened to be two men, radiantly in love and rainbow-hued, flowing silk robes. One wonderful thing about handfasting is that the participants are not bound by restrictive, excluding laws. The only requirement to join another by handfast is true and abiding, requited Love.

Usually, the handfasting ceremony is presided over by an elder of whatever spiritual group the betrothed belong. Sometimes the couple chooses to do their own, private ceremony. So long as their intent is correct and love is true, there really is no ‘wrong’ way to handfast. Some basic elements are typical– words and gestures are offered, acknowledging reverence for nature and the elements. Ancient ancestors are invited and kindly spirits invoked. The betrothed gaze lovingly and deeply into one another’s eyes and whisper promises to each other as the elder gently binds their wrists together with a red cord. This is the actual ‘fasting’ — the red cord signifying love and knots indicating the tender bondage of their mutual commitment. Thus the saying, to ‘tie the knot’.

Indeed a handfast is one of the most delightful Pagan celebrations. It is a time of joyous revelry and magical merriment. It’s a perfectly wonderful reason to dress in fanciful, flamboyant garb and wear flowers in one’s hair. Sometimes, after the ceremony, the newly-wedded couple jump over a broom, leaping together into their new life as one. Traditional ‘cakes and ale’ or other delicious treats are shared afterward and guests are encouraged to dance and cavort well into the night. Love is always worth celebrating; handfasting is a time-honored way of making a truly heartfelt commitment to never-ending love.

Sara’s one-hour surgery took three and a half hours. The doctor’s promise of “no pain” was a lie. The promise of “only one incision” was, too. The “four-hour easy recovery” actually involved 24 hours in ICU. We are only home now because we have life support equipment.

Sara’s mad at us, but she’ll get over it. I even expect her to smile again soon. But for now, every time a family member comes to visit her, Sara simply must tell them all about her hospital visit, making full use of her hoarse voice and her cutest pout.

As for the family, we’re hoping that the vagus nerve stimulator (VNS) surgery proves to be the promised cure for seizures. The VNS is like a pacemaker, stimulating a nerve in the neck, and we’ve heard that many patients with intractable seizures have benefited from this device.

The previous week. . .

Like many parents waiting for a doctor to come out after surgery, my husband and I became agitated when the doctor didn’t appear until hours after the estimated time. When he finally came out, he told us that everything was all right, but that nothing had gone the way it had been planned, which didn’t put us in high spirits.

The doctor promised that we could go back and see our daughter in an hour, but after two hours had passed, my fear level had increased, and I grew more hostile. I pestered the young man at the information desk until I finally got to speak to Sara’s nurse on the phone. By the time they let me into the recovery room, I was an emotional tornado, spinning black clouds around everyone who came near me.

Sara was more than mad; she was scared and in extreme pain. The doctors couldn’t remove the intubation tube because Sara wasn’t able to breathe on her own, and she couldn’t have pain medication because her blood pressure wasn’t stable. She was on the verge of hypothermia with a temperature of 88.

“I don’t think she’s getting the best care,” I said to the nurse. That was a mistake. As soon as I blurted this out, I thought: “Careful, they can kick me out of here anytime they want to.”

I guess I should have been a nurse instead of an interior designer.

In Surviving Healthcare: How to Take Charge and Get the Best from Your Doctor, Your Hospital, and Your Health Insurance, Pam Armstrong says, “Remember, you should know about and have a say in everything that happens to your body while you are in a hospital. Your health should always be the focus of your care. Hospital routines should serve your needs, not the staff’s or hospital’s needs. Don’t let yourself be intimidated by hospital staff who seem to feel otherwise. To get the best care, combine assertiveness with a partnering and empathetic approach toward staff, who may have overfull workloads.”

When the patient is a child or is otherwise unable to speak for themselves, a family member must work in partnership with the hospital staff to make sure the patient gets the best care. I learned years ago that hysterical outbursts at nurses and other hospital staff do little for my daughter. I’ve learned to keep my mouth shut, to think first, and then to speak gently. That doesn’t mean that what I say doesn’t count–I’ve just learned a few key phrases that will show the hospital staff that I know what type of care my daughter needs.

After mothering Sara (requesting heated blankets, wiping tears, and straightening her legs), I explained my fears to the nurse. Apologizing for my outburst, I told the nurse how scared we were because the surgery had taken longer and had been more involved than had been planned, and because Sara was in pain. Instead of telling me to leave the recovery room, the nurse agreed to let my husband come in, too.

Acknowledging my fears and keeping my mouth closed helped our daughter receive the best care during her hospital stay. Sara, at twenty-five, still needs total care because of disabilities. Instead of placing Sara in an adult intensive care unit with many patients and limited visiting hours, Sara was moved to Pediatric ICU, where the ratio of patients to nurses is only two to one. There was also newer equipment, but best of all, they allowed me to sleep in her private room.

You too can learn to help care for a loved one when they’re faced with hospitalization. Just remember to partner with the physicians and hospital staff to ensure that your loved one will get the best care.

(c) Copyright 2005 Jeanette J. Fisher

For more information about Surviving Healthcare: How to Take Charge and Get the Best from Your Doctor, Your Hospital, and Your Health Insurance (Chestnut Ridge Books, 2004, ISBN 0-9754560-59, $19.95), see http://www.SurvivingHealthCare.com . After nearly 25 years in health care administration, Pamela Armstrong, MPH, MBA, is on a one-woman mission to ensure consumers that they get the quality care they’re entitled to.

Jeanette Fisher is the author of Design Psychology and real estate books. For more information about VNS surgery for seizure control and “Saving Sara: Love Heals,” visit http://www.savingsara.info .