Pokémon Go

Pokémon Go is a new augmented reality video game for smartphones that gets players out and about.  In the game, based on the Japanese cartoon franchise that was popular in the 1990s, players track down and capture Pokémon characters using the cameras and location tracking on their smartphones.  Different Pokémon live in different places, so players have to walk around to find them.  Once caught, Pokémon can then be trained and used to battle other Pokémon.  Because it sends players trekking through their neighborhoods and cities, it can be a fun way to increase physical activity.

Plain language and health literacy

Plain language is so important in health situations, it's the law!*
*for federal agencies; usage by health care providers may vary

What is Plain Language?

Plain language (also called Plain English) is communication someone can understand the first time they read or hear it.  Language that is plain to some people may not be plain to others. Written material is in plain language if those who read it can:

• Find what they need;
• Understand what they find; and
• Use what they find to meet their needs.

No one technique defines plain language. Rather, plain language is defined by results—it is easy to read, understand, and use.

In the area of health care, providers should encourage patients to ask questions and understand the answers.  Questions like:

• What is my main problem?
• What do I need to do?
• Why is it important for me to do this?

The Health Literacy section of plainlanguage.gov has helpful tools to translate doctor-speak into plain language, the Saint Louis Public Library has helpful books and databases to look up information, and your friendly librarians are here to help you find drug and disease information that makes sense to you.

On medical billing

Ever had a moment of frustration with medical insurance?  Here's an article from a health care provider's perspective.

Happy 4th of July!

Happy 4th of July, readers!

For a healthy, fun time outside today, remember to:

• apply sunscreen
• drink plenty of water
• wear bug repellent

Put your additional suggestions in the comments!

Fun video on animal -> human disease

Diseases Jumping from Animals to Humans: Recording

At the 2016 Joseph Leiter Memorial Lecture, guest speaker Jonna Mazet, DVM, MPVM, PhD, talked about her specialty -- diseases that jump from animals to humans. "Most of the infectious diseases that we see today like Ebola, MERS, even Zika originated from an animal host," she told the audience. "How can we stop them or stop them from expanding their range?" The recording of Dr. Mazet's lecture is available from the NIH Videocast site. 

One takeaway: each pandemic costs as much as it would take to research prevention

Coro Fellow Report: Behavioral health system in St. Louis

In January 2016, the RHC and Behavioral Health Network of Greater St. Louis (BHN) collaborated to sponsor four fellows from Coro Leadership - St. Louis (a program of FOCUS St. Louis). During the month-long assignment, the Fellows interviewed nearly 50 key stakeholders of the Behavioral Health system in St. Louis, MO. Interviews were completed to receive impressions and feedback regarding key findings from the RHC's Access to Care 2015 Report to the Community.
According to the Coro Fellows report, the "stakeholders interviewed had a unanimous message: the St. Louis region's behavioral health system is not keeping up with demand. Stakeholders cited at-capacity behavioral health entry points and cuts in funding as key factors in explaining the stress experienced by the St. Louis region's behavioral health system and its patients."

Report Key Findings:
1. Patients' Needs Are Outpacing the Region's Behavioral Health System
2. Congestion Rises as Emergency Department Encounters Increase
3. Community Mental Health Centers At Capacity
4. Community Health Centers Expand Services to Meet System Demands
5. Funding: An Underlying Cause That Limits Capacity

Click here to review the Coro Fellow report and feedback from the RHC advisory boards.

Cancer Moonshot

Cancer Support Community of Greater St. Louis and American Cancer Society High Plains Division are partnering together to take action against cancer as part of the Vice President’s Cancer Moonshot.

On June 29th, the Vice President is convening a Cancer Moonshot Summit, including conversations in communities across the United States. These Summits will be the first time that individuals and organizations representing the entire cancer community and beyond – researchers, oncologists, care providers, philanthropists, data and tech experts, advocates, patients and survivors – will all convene under the national charge to double the rate of progress toward a cure.

The St. Louis Moonshot Summit will be an opportunity to share updates and discuss efforts to accelerate progress in cancer prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and care while keeping the patient experience at the front of the conversation.  As a participant in the Summit, you will be able to hear the Vice President’s comments about the Cancer Moonshot and the implications of the Cancer Moonshot from researchers and patients affected by cancer.

• WHERE: American Cancer Society, 4207 Lindell Blvd, St. Louis, Mo 63108
• WHEN: Wednesday, June 29 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM
• Lunch will be provided

Now is a great time to meet up with other supporters in your community to share stories, generate new individual and organization commitments, and get ready for the work ahead.

More information about the Moonshot can be found here:
https://www.whitehouse.gov/cancermoonshot

Invitation to the local event is here.
RSVP by calling 314-238-2000 or by emailing Kelly at koneal AT cancersupportstl DOT org.