Giveaway Redraws

Okay! I sent out all the winning notifications for my giveaways and received about 10 responses out of 20+ winners, so I'll be redrawing probably Wednesday evening.

If you haven't responded to your e-mail, just delete it. Those who responded, I have your information and will get your prizes to you. I apologize for the delay but, as you can see, it was due to the lack of response.

I really appreciate all of you and hope that you had a wonderful Christmas! I hope that your New Year is the best ever!

Love you all!
Lagean
"Gena"

Secret Santa Program to Benefit Toys For Tots

This holiday season, 1-800-FLOWERS has created a Secret Santa program on Facebook as part of a fundraiser for Toys for Tots. Through the Secret Santa application, you send out a "warm and fuzzy" message to someone. In your message, you can say anything that you like but don't let your recipient know who you are. It will be revealed to them on December 21st as an overall Secret Santa Surprise. In addition to that, both you and your recipient will receive a 15% off discount code, you for sending and them for opening their gift.

I tried it out. It's a fun and easy take on a Secret Santa that we did in my church youth group many years ago when I was a teen.

By participating in the Secret Santa program, you will be helping 1-800-FLOWERS to reach their goal of 10,000 Secret Santa warm and fuzzy messages being sent. When this happens, they will donate $5,000 to Toys for Tots! Isn't that exciting? 

So, what are you waiting for? Join me in sending out your Warm and Fuzzy Secret Santa Message and by helping myself, Global Influence and 1-800-FLOWERS, in trying to get the word out about this fabulous program. 

There are many deserving children out there, just waiting for someone to say "YES"!  

Buzzed Driving Is Drunk Driving - Important Public Service Message!

Having spent so many years in law enforcement, as well as, working as an Emergency Medical Technician and a volunteer Firefighter, I could sit here for days and tell you story after story of how Buzzed and Drunk Driving has led to such useless tragedy. Not a day goes by that I don't think of the lives I saved and those that I couldn't. It's time we make ourselves aware. Talk to our children, friends, family.... anyone who will listen. It doesn't take you being falling down drunk to be impaired. It takes a drink or even less if you are using liquor.  Be smart, be safe and Stay Alive.


The Campaign


It's holiday party season - time to celebrate all of the exciting
winter holidays with our friends and loved ones.  Our mailboxes are
flooded with invitations to parties and dinners and other holiday
get-togethers.  With these parties come food, fellowship, gifts, and
in many cases, festive alcoholic drinks.

In 2008, nearly 12,000 people in the U.S. were killed in
alcohol-impaired driving crashes - and during the periods around
Christmas and New Year's, this number was particularly high, with 316
people killed in alchol-impaired driving crashes.  In 2007, 162,493
women were arrested for a DUI, an increase of almost 29% since 1998.
You can't help but wonder if lives could have been saved if people
thought twice before getting behind the wheel.  With the holidays
approaching, it's important that drivers be reminded about the dangers
of buzzed driving.  Who knows...it could save a life.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHSTA) and the Ad
Council are asking everyone to drive smart this holiday season and to
pledge not to drive buzzed.  Won't you help me spread this message during the
holiday season by posting about the dangers of buzzed driving? May you can share
a story or experience you might have had with buzzed driving and
encourage your readers to follow Buzzed Driving on Twitter
(@buzzeddriving) and Facebook
(http://www.facebook.com/buzzeddrivingisdrunkdriving) to get the
latest updates and news.  You can also visit the Buzzed Driving
website (http://buzzeddriving.adcouncil.org/) where you can sign a
pledge to not drive buzzed, play an interactive game which
demonstrates the difference between buzzed and drunk, and hear
personal stories from people who have driven buzzed.

While at holiday events, it's easy to lose track of a drink here or
there - but this can be fatal.  This holiday season, keep you and
your family safe by spreading this message.

Have a safe and happy holiday and remember that buzzed driving IS
drunk driving.

How you can help on Facebook:

Become a fan of the Buzzed Driving campaign on Facebook
http://www.facebook.com/buzzeddrivingisdrunkdriving

How you can help on Twitter:

Follow @buzzeddriving, and join us this coming Tuesday for information and discussion on this topic:
http://resourcefulmommy.blogspot.com/2009/12/buzzed-driving-is-drunk-driving-twitter.html

Join me and Take The Pledge to not DRIVE BUZZED here: http://buzzeddriving.adcouncil.org
 

You Can Make This Giveaway

With the holidays just around the corner, we thought it would be fun to showcase some quick and easy gift ideas you can give to friends, neighbors, co-workers, and oh yes…even your family! You can enter to win eBooks from  www.YouCanMakeThis.com and learn some fun new techniques, tips, and ideas not only for the people on your list, but also creative ways to decorate your home!

You Can Make This has created a free download for some fun gift tags. Each of them coordinate with ideas found as part of the DIY Gift Giving Series videos that can be found at www.youcanmakethis.com/blog , as well as designs and patterns found at www.SWAKembroidery.com and www.YouCanMakeThis.com.

You can also enter to win hundreds of dollars in gift certificates just for watching the videos that are part of the DIY Gift Giving Series and answering a question on the You Can Make This blog!

YouCanMakeThis is going to allow 2 of my readers to receive a giveaway bundle that would include instructions for making the Kimberbell Kids 24” Doll and “Gift-Giver” Patterns. These are the perfect toys to make every little ones eyes light up on Christmas morning.

I will run the giveaway until December 20th at noon CST.

Main Entry

Tell me who you would like to make gifts for if you win these downloads.

Extra Entries

(1) Follow my blog.

(2) Follow me on twitter: @SereneMoments

(3) Tweet the following and take 2 additional entries. You can do this as often as you like:

"Christmas Bash Giveaways Galore at Yummy! Yummy! Yummy! - http://lageansgoodies.blogspot.com - Every post with Christmas Bash icon"

My Secret Circle Giveaway - Girls 8 - 12

Giveaway has been extended to Dec. 18th at 1:00 CST!

If you haven't seen this little gem, you are in for a treat! Back in September, I received the Best Friend pack of the My Secret Circle and had two of my boyfriend's granddaughters help me test them. They just loved them.

My Secret Circle is a secure, online, social networking "world" designed specifically for girls aged 8 to 12 years old. Once the girls "plug in" their "key" and they are taken to a "private spot" where they can hang out with other My Secret Circle friends. Each friend must have a My Secret Circle "key" and must be given a private code by the friend in order to communicate in her community. Once the codes are shared, they can chat, share some photos, play games or just write in their journals. You can read my complete review HERE.

Want to win one for your child? Contest will run until Dec. 17th at noon CST. You must complete the main entry to qualify for additional entries.

Main Entry

Tell me who you would like to give this to when you win.

Extra Entries

(1) Follow my blog.

(2) Follow me on twitter: @SereneMoments

(3)Tweet the following about my Christmas Bash and take 2 extra entries. Do this as often as you like. No limit!

"Christmas Bash Giveaways Galore at Yummy! Yummy! Yummy! - http://lageansgoodies.blogspot.com - Every post with Christmas Bash icon"

WAT-AAH Stocking Stuffer - Giveaway

Giveaway has been extended to Dec. 18th at 1:00 CST!

Kids are loving the look and taste of WAT-AAH so why not take advantage? Drop one of these in their stockings and they'll be asking for more.

What is WAT-AAH?


WAT-AAH! is the first 100% sugar-free, functional beverage brand designed especially for kids. WAT-AAH! was launched in June 2008 in New York . It is currently distributed in more than 250 stores including Whole Foods Market. The brand was recently named by Trend Hunter magazine as one of the Best Products for Kids in 2009. WAT-AAH! contains no sugar, artificial flavors, colors or unnatural additives. WAT-AAH! is ultra pure water containing the right amount of essential ingredients such as magnesium, electrolytes and oxygen to help maintain children's health. WAT-AAH!'s mission is to reverse the established behavior and dependency on sweetened drinks among America's children, and ultimately help fight the battle against childhood obesity and to teach kids that healthy bodies can be obtained through healthy hydration, http://www.wat-aah.com/.  

Oh and let me tell you a little secret that even works on my 19 year old:  Keep those cool looking bottles and refill them with regular water. The kids will keep reaching for them because of the super cool label.

If you would like to win a case of WAT-AAH in assorted flavors plus some really cool stickers and tattoos, just leave me a comment below. I will draw a winner on Dec. 15th at noon CST.

Read my complete review here.

Mumoocie Co Sleeping Pillow - 25% Off and Free Shipping

Order you Mumoocie Co Sleeping Body Pillow today and receive FREE SHIPPING. Use coupon code "babyluxe" and receive 25% off your snuggable, huggable pillow!

Charlotte, NC woman partners with two Orlando, FL women and invent a luxury Talking Pillow.  Determined to keep the work here in the USA, discovers an Orlando, FL manufacturer who also provides superior quality work for Disney.

The idea came about because of her child, who could not sleep alone because she was afraid of monsters under the bed. Sleep anxiety and sleep deprivation are at epidemic proportions, as Americans are losing sleep for many reasons.

Mumoocie is the solution for co sleeping and adults who love spooning. This unique, one of a kind, spooning pillow, covered with a designer fabric that retains heat and scent, simulates lying down next to someone in front of you or behind you, while allowing comfort and security when sleeping alone.  

Some of the biggest Mumoocie fans are spouses who travel, those in nursing homes, patients in hospitals, military families...Mumoocie is for everyone, including pets with separation anxiety.  For added comfort, there is an optional voice recorder so that a personal and loving message, can be heard and played.

Where in The World Personalized Books - Christmas Discount for You

If you have never seen the Where in the World personalized books, you are in for a treat. I have seen other companies that personalize but never anything like these books. What I like the best is how they not only add the child's name in the wording, but they put it in every photo as well. It is so neat! I had won one of these earlier this year and was absolutely floored when I saw it. The detail was remarkable.

 

They even offer books for Spanish speaking children:

 A Photo Notebook:

 

And other items.

As party of the Christmas Bash, Jan at Where in the World books is offering my readers 10% off their order  just by entering "tails" as the promo code.

Jan will also donate $3 of the remainder to my charity choice:  

Arkansas Children's Hospital in Little Rock, Arkansas

Jan Krystkowiak
www.whereintheworldbooks.com
Personalized children's books
WINNER 2006 ADDY award for creative concepts

Fisher Price Grow With Me Trike Giveaway - Boy or Girl

Giveaway has been extended to Dec. 18th at 1:00 CST!

That's right! CSN Stores if offering one lucky commenter their choice of either a Boys or Girls model in the Fisher Price Grow With Me Trike. How exciting!

As most of you know, CSN stores carries a large variety of items to suit everyone's needs. Whether it's for your home, yard or if you're looking for that perfect gift.

I personally cannot wait to start buying for our new addition. What? Yes, in case you haven't heard, I am going to be a Grandma! I am very excited, as is my son, Cody. Right now, they are due June 22nd. I already have my eye on a few things such as the crib bedding . I'm not really sure how I will decide since they have 865 sets to choose from:

I could go on and on about their beautiful crib bedding sets but........ on to the Giveaway!

Again, it will be for your choice of a boy or girl Fisher Price Grow With Me Trike:

Aren't those adorable?

This trike features contemporary, fresh designer styling at an attractive price-point with an adjustable seat as a grow with me feature. It is made for 2 year olds and up. It will hold a 55 pound child.

Also, if you don't win, CSN has these marked down from $29.99 (when I picked it a few weeks ago) to $23.26, which is a great deal for a ride-on toy that they can use for several years.

Giveaway

Make sure you participate in the Main Entry or all other entries will be removed. Please leave a comment for every entry. This contest will end on December 14th at 11:59 pm CST. Good luck to you all!

Main Entry


Go to the CSN.com and tell me one thing you would love to get for Christmas and one thing that, if money were no object, you would buy for someone else.


Extra Entries


(1) Follow my blog


(2) Follow me on twitter: @SereneMoments


(3) Grab one of my buttons - 2 entries for each


(4) Enter my other giveaways and take 2 extra entries here.

Disney Mickey Mouse Club Vintage Collectible Watch Giveaway

Giveaway has been extended to Dec. 18th at 1:00 CST!

Don't you just love this? I am a huge fan of the Mickey Watches and I simply adore the vintage look of this one.

Brought to you by Precision Time, this is one of many fabulous watches they carry. They have styles for everyone, young and old. They are offering this fabulous watch which comes with its own, Mickey Mouse ears tin, to one of my readers, as well as many other prizes that I'll be posting for you soon.

If Mickey isn't what you're looking for, head over to Precision Time and look at their other selections and I am sure you will find just what you're looking for and at a fabulous price. Better yet, sign up for their newsletter and get the rest of their 25 days of Christmas Sales delivered to your inbox. Each day, they have a $25 deal. I got in on their Disney deal and ordered the watch shown, as well as 4 other Disney watches, each valued at $25 and I got all 5 for $25! I am a happy camper with that deal I guarantee.

Giveaway

Make sure you do the main entry to ensure you qualify for the extra entries. Please leave a comment for each entry. This giveaway will end on Dec. 15th at 11:59 PM

Main Entry

Go to Precision Time and tell me which watch is your favorite choice and who it's for.

Extra Entries

(1) Follow @PrecisionTime on twitter

(2) Follow @SereneMoments on twitter and tweet about the giveaway. Can do once daily.

(3) Follow my blog.

(4) Subscribe to my blog e-mails

(5) Grab my Christmas Bash button - 2 entries

(6) Grab my Yummy! Yummy! Yummy! button - 2 entries

(7) Tell me the closest Precision Time store to you.

Hot Deal on Wood toyboxes and Other Furniture!

Who doesn't want all those fabulous, fun items to decorate their child's room?  My friends over at Woodtoybox.com want to help you do just that! They are offering all of you 15% off your purchase of a toybox. Simply enter the code "toybox4u" to receive your discount.

Make sure and place your order between now and December 15th to ensure delivery by Christmas.

Let me give you a peek into their shop. Note all the many styles and finishes but, most especially, those "extra" touches that they make available to make your piece one of a kind. They also carry bookshelves, tables and chairs to complete the room.

Giveaways Coming!

Sometimes it seems I'll never catch up. I apologize for not keeping my word but I have had some definite issues to deal with. I promise you, I will get all the giveaways out and about one way or another, all for CHRISTMAS!

Bare with me and .......... on with the show!

Glade Fragrance Collection Giveaway - 25 Winners!

Thanks so much for all your entries. This contest is now closed. Good luck!

It's true! Glade has come through for all of you again and is offering to give 25 of my readers a (2) multi-wick candle set in their latest Holidays scents, Fresh Pine & Cedar and Pomegranate & Cranberry.

Fresh Pine and Cedar

Rekindle fond memories of family, friends and loved ones with the clean, woodsy scent of Fresh Pine and Cedar. Majestic holiday pine mingles with a touch of cedarwood, vanilla and warm amber to form a fragranceat lifts the mood and brightens the spirits.

Pomegranate and Cranberry

A fruity and festive fragrance that blends the sweetness of traditionally-harvested cranberries with the distinctive tartness of frosted pomegranates. Cheerful, modern and deliciously different.

These wonderful new scents are available for the Holidays only, so grab them while you can. I will help by giving 25 of you, one of each scent, or, if it's like the last contest, even more. We had 8 people win 2 sets, so keep tweeting daily!



Giveaway



As I said, I'll be choosing 25 winners to get one of each scent. Make sure that you complete the main entry or all other entries will be null and void. This contest will end on Dec. 13th at 10:00 PM CST. 


Main Entry

Visit Glade and tell me the daily indulgence for your entry day.



Extra Entries

(1) Follow @SereneMoments on twitter


(2) Grab my Christmas Bash button for 2 extra entries


(3) Follow @indulgealittle and Tweet about the giveaway. May be done once daily.


(4) Follow my blog.

(5) Enter any contest within my Christmas Bash and take 2 extra entries for each.



(6) Blog about this giveaway and take 5 extra entries.

Level 26: Dark Origins by Anthony Zuiker - Giveaway

Giveaway is Closed! Thanks for your entries!

What's all this buzz about? 

Many of you who are on twitter are aware that there have been a couple of giveaways sponsored by Anthony Zuiker and Level26.com. I was introduced to the online world of Mr. Zuiker when he ran a twitter contest to give away 7 Custom Flip Cams to promote his digi-novel, Level 26 . Twitter "exploded" with entries. Zuiker returned a few weeks back to bring us a chance to win an iPod touch with the Level 26 app or one of ten apps for iPhone or PC (apps found on iTunes).

Who is Anthony Zuiker?

Anthony Zuiker is the executive producer and creator of CSI: Las Vegas, CSI: Miami and CSI: New York. He is also the author of Level 26: Dark Origins. Yes, this wonderfully creative man is also the author of this book. I had no idea that he had written a book until I saw the tweets about the Level 26 Custom Flip Cam Giveaway! I am a huge fan of Anthony's CSI shows. I have watched them, including the reruns, since day one. My favorite being CSI: Las Vegas. So, once I heard about Level 26, I rushed straight out to Barnes and Noble and bought a copy. I also went to the Level 26 website and became a member. I spend, possibly, too much time on the website talking with others about the book or, just chatting in general. It's such a fun, laid back site. Currently, Anthony has just over 18,000 members.

For those who are not familiar with Zuiker's book. here is the trailer. It is a little scary so, if you scare easily, I'd skip down to more conversation.



Level 26: Dark Origins

Hey, I warned you, right? Now, stick with me here. As you heard in the trailer and for those who didn't dare watch it, Level 26 is about a serial killer named Sqweegel. He is nothing like any other serial killer ever known. He is so evil that he does not fit within the FBI's levels of severity for serial killers, which are 1 thru 25. They had to label Sqweegel a Level 26.

What is also unique about Sqweegel, is his manner of "getting away with" his killings. Sqweegel wears a latex, full body condom that is forensic proof. Scary, huh? Now, that's all I'm going to tell you. Let your imagination take over there.

What is a Digi-Novel?

When you have such a creative genius working on shows and books, you must expect an "over-the-top" manner in which it is brought to you. Zuiker's book is no exception. Not only did he create a serial killer is worse than any ever known but he also created the first "digi-novel" which is basically a mini movie within a book. WHAT?! Yes, Zuiker has written the book in a manner in which, after about 20 pages, you get a special code. You take the code, log on to Level26.com and enter the code into the "cyberbridge" box and are taken to an 8 mm movie clip that links the chapter you read to the next chapter. Isn't that amazing? Sometimes it may be a reinactment of a scene, a phone call from the killer or any other bone-chilling experience.


Level26.com


I know I keep speaking of Level26.com. As I said, I spend a lot of time there but, honestly, it is such a treat to "hang out", particularly as a fan of Zuiker himself. Anthony loves to interact with his fans and comes to the chat to speak with whomever is there and he interacts with our comments about his posts.

Anthony is very active at Level26.com. He does posts there, generally Monday thru Friday but what's really neat, is how he runs the site. He decided to run contests and "challenges" on the site for all his members. Not too long ago, Anthony decided to appoint 26 "Deputies" to help run the site. To make it even more fun, he decided to do a Deputy Team challenge. Is deputy had to put together a team and the teams compete in contests weekly. The teams are awarded points for winning 1 of 7 positions in each contest. At the end of this 10 week challenge, the winning deputy gets to chose 1 team member to go with them on an all expense paid trip to California to meet Anthony and take part in the filming of a cyber bridge for his 2nd book in the Level 26 series. Isn't that cool? We get to interact with this creative genius and get a chance to meet him.

The Giveaway

All this leads me to this giveaway. As part of the team that I am on, (DARK WANDERERS), we are showing our love of the site, Anthony, his book and works, by offering one of my readers their choice of either the Level 26 hardback book or the app for iPhone or PC.

This giveaway is the first in my Christmas Bash and the winner will be chosen on Black Friday, November 27th at 9 PM CST. Make sure you have an e-mail address or some other way for me to contact you when you win, otherwise a new winner will be chosen. Leave seperate comments for each entry.

Good luck!

Main Entry

The main entry must be completed in order to be entered into the giveaway. Without it, all other entries will be null and void.

To enter, go to Level26.com and tell me something about a post that is on the home page. Who it is? What are they talking about? Who's commenting?

Extra Entries

(1) Follow @Zuiker on twitter

(2) Follow @Level_26 on twitter

(3) Follow @SereneMoments on twitter

(4) Tweet about the giveaway, leaving the link here so I can find it. You can do this 3x daily, please space out by 2 hours.

(5) Grab my Christmas Bash button and post on your site, let me know where you place it, please (2 entries)

(6) Blog about the giveaway (5 entries)

(7) Become a member of Level 26,  tell me your sign in name for verification (5 entries)


Good luck to you all!

Please note, there will be another, larger Level 26 giveaway before Christmas.

My "Yummy! Yummy! Yummy"! Christmas Bash is HERE!

That's right! My very own Christmas Bash has arrived so pay real close attention. The first giveaway post will go up today. I will start drawing my first winner(s) on Black Friday, then Every Day thru December 15th!

How exciting is that?

Kmart Bluelight Special Holiday Sweepstakes

Blue Light Specials are back, and to celebrate in style Kmart will be giving shoppers on Twitter a chance to win a $50 gift card everyday!  In addition to the chance to win daily, everyone following @KmartDealsnNews on Twitter will be automatically entered for a chance to win a $500 Kmart shopping spree – how cool is that?!

The sweepstakes runs from November 12^th until December 23rd.

Winning couldn’t get easier - all you have to do is follow @KmartDealsnNews on Twitter from your personal Twitter account and issue a Tweet everyday using our hashtag: #KmartBLS.  Each day is a new opportunity to win, so the more often you tweet - the better your chances are to win a Daily prize! 

 

For more info on sweepstakes details, check out: http://tr.im/kmartBLS, and for Official Rules: http://tr.im/kmartBLSrules. 

Of course, this is all in celebration of the return of Bluelight Specials at Kmart!  There are over 40 great Bluelight Specials throughout the weekend in-store, and other great offers online at Kmart.com, too, only on Saturdays and Sundays.  A little preview for this weekend’s (11/15 – 11/16) Specials:

·         Essential Home Complete Bed set $29.99 (reg. $49.99)

·         All Trim-A-Home lights 50% off (reg $8.99-$29.99)

·         9 Piece Luggage Set $49.99 (reg $99.99)

·         Juniors Leggings 50% off

Flippin' For Change: Go Digital, Get Digital Blogging Contest

About the Contest

Ready to talk “change”? Good. Because I Am Enabled is holding its first-ever “Go Digital Get Digital” Blogging Contest. It’s exciting. It’s easy. And it’s a great way to express your feelings about digital healthcare—and possibly win a Pure Digital Flip Camera for your efforts!

Here’s how the contest works: simply create a unique and engaging blog post that answers the following questions.

* How have digital health records changed—or could change—how you manage your family’s (or even extended family’s) health?

* How would you use a Flip Cam to tell your story?

Then, post it to your blog or website and get your friends and family to comment on your story. Once you’ve received 3 comments (they must be from 3 different people), you’re ready to come back to the iamenabled.com site and submit your URL in the comments section of this blog post. Five blog posts will be selected to win a Pure Digital 120-Minute Flip Video Ultra Camcorder.

So what will make your blog a winner? First, originality. Second, its ability to appeal to a broad spectrum of I Am Enabled readers. And, finally, how well it would play out on video.

That’s it.

So, warm up those blogging fingers and get ready to “Go Digital Get Digital.” Contest begins August 27 and has been extended through October 21, 2009.

Keep in mind that the “Go Digital Get Digital” Contest is only open to legal residents of the United States and District of Columbia. You must be 18 years of age or older. The “Go Digital Get Digital” Contest has been extended until October 21, 2009. For complete contest rules, click here.

Health Terms: A Closer Look

We've been hearing a lot of talk lately about Healthcare and changes to the current system. I think everyone agrees that we need changes but it seems no one can agree on what the changes are that we need. Lets take a look at a process that I think is a much needed change that will benefit everyone: Digital Health Records (DHR) or EMRs, EHRs and PHRs.

EMRs or Electronic Medical Records are digital health records created by a physician, hospital, or facility. Officially, the National Alliance for Health Information Technology (NAHIT) defines an EMR as: An electronic record of health-related information of an individual that is created, gathered, managed, and consulted by licensed clinicians and staff from a single organization who are involved in an individual’s health and care. What that means is that an EMR is an electronic medical record generated at a facility or doctor’s office.

With the EMRs, you have a digital health record with each medical facility you visit that has implemented the program: family doctor, gynecologist, urgent care... However, the record is only available and accessible at that facility. It is not "shared" with your other places of treatment.


EHRs or Electronic Health Records Officially, the NAHIT defines an EHR as: An aggregate electronic record of health-related information of an individual that is created and gathered cumulatively across more than one healthcare organization and is managed and consulted by licensed clinicians and staff involved in the individual’s health and care.

EHRS are a more comprehensive health record because it is a compilation of several EMRs. Because it can be shared (the industry term is “interoperable”) across many networks and with different facilities and practitioners, instead of having a variety of siloed individual electronic medical records, your electronic health record is a compilation of numerous visits/diagnoses/treatments from multiple providers.

This record is very important for people who have chronic conditions and those who see multiple physicians.


Take, for instance, my situation. I have a work injury from February of 2008 and, since then I have seen:
Family Physician
Physical Therapists
Orthopaedic Specialist
Orthopaedic Specialist - second opinion
Orthopaedic Specialist - 1 out of about 20 in US who specialize is my injury and the surgery I needed
Orthopaedic Specialist - second opinion after surgery
Neurologist
Pain Management
Then, you add in all the tests, prescriptions, etc..., as well as all the other records from 39 years of my life. You can begin to see how important and essential this could be.


PHRs or Personal Health Records According to NAHIT, a PHR is an electronic, cumulative record of health-related information on an individual, drawn from multiple sources that is created, gathered, and managed by an individual. The integrity of the data in the PHR and who you let see that information is up to the individual.


In other words, a PHR is a living document that you create and “populate” with your important personal health information, such as immunization records, dates of surgeries, dates of doctor visits, lists of allergies and allergic reactions, and lab test results. Some PHRs, like Microsoft® HealthVault™, also accept information from applications and devices that you can use to measure important information at home such as lung capacity (through a peak/flow meter), blood pressure readings, and blood sugar levels. This information can then be shared with your health practitioners if desired.

One thing to keep in mind: Patients (i.e., you) can take information from an EMR (if you are granted access) or an EHR and add it to your PHR. However, most EHRs as well as PHRs do not accept patient-generated changes. Meaning, if you want to add information, or correct information, you must go through your practitioner’s office to do so. (Which, by the way, is not a bad idea. You can read up on ePatientDave, who discovered a plethora of mistakes in his electronic medical record.)

So what’s in the future? Ideally, the use of a truly interoperable file that contains physician data as well as patient-supplied data. When patients can provide information to physicians and document it in one locale, physicians will be armed with more real-time data than ever before and be able to evaluate conditions in ways that can make a profound difference in patient outcomes.

Initialisms aside, EHRs, EMRs, and PHRs spell serious change in how you perceive and approach your family’s health.

My Perspective

Personally, I think the compilation of records is an absolute necessity and should have been implemented years ago. It's a win-win situation and very vital to healthcare. How many times have you seen people have drug interactions because Doctor 1 gives you "this" and Doctor 2 gives you "this" and the two just don't agree? Or, Doctor 1 runs a test and Doctor 2 runs the same test because he doesn't have the test results or doesn't know if the test included all aspects that he needed to see?

There are so many scenarios that we could discuss. Bottom line, with the EHRs so much time, money and lives could be saved, in my opinion.

Now, to answer the contest questions:



* How have digital health records changed—or could change—how you manage your family’s (or even extended family’s) health?



Not only is it time saving, but it can be life saving. When my father had his stroke, there were so many questions about what medications he was on, what health issues he had, drug allergies......... We are a close family, but some of that stuff, I didn't know. I guess we should have, but "Hey, Dad, are you allergic to anything?", just never came up in conversation. He was 55 years old and, although that is a prime age group for health issues to begin, it was still totally unexpected.


Think about this, you are in a major car accident, far from home and the only information with you is a driver's license and the contents of your purse or wallet. As a former police officer and Emergency Medical Technician, I can tell you, we aren't searching everything in your vehicle to find medications or phone numbers. Eventually, they will call the police department from your home town or maybe check your cell phone and purse/wallet, but you need medical attention Right Now! They are going to start treatment immediately. Are you a bleeder? Are you allergic to medications? Maybe you are one of those people who can't be anesthesized. Any  number of things could happen and there's just no way of knowing your history.
 

Wouldn't the DHR come in handy?



* How would you use a Flip Cam to tell your story? 

I think it is key to get information out to people and educate them about what is available, what changes have come and are coming, give them facts from every side of the spectrum:  AWARENESS.

With a Flip Cam, I would have the opportunity to put together information for family, friends and anyone who wants to listen. I would then be able to add it to my blogs, YouTube and send it out in e-mails. The old saying: "Knowledge is Power", says it all.

For YOU

Take an interest in Healthcare and make yourself aware of the changes that are here, that are being discussed and that are being implemented. Familiarize yourself with them and have a say, when you can. Do your own research, maybe even enter this contest for yourself.

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This contest was offered to me as part of my membership to TwitterMoms. I did not receive products, money or promises of any kind. I was given the opportunity in exchange for my honest review of this program, therefore, the ideas and opinions stated are my own and are the product of my own thoughts and feelings on the subject. For a full disclaimer, please scroll to the bottom of this page.