
Travel Safety
Posted August 27th, 2019
Christina Bach, MSW, LCSW, OSW-C
Taking a break when being treated for an illness like cancer can be restorative, relaxing, adventurous and fun. It reminds us that life is about more than visits to our healthcare providers, and tests and treatments. Vacations can promote family closeness and give you an escape from the stress of daily life. Finally, taking a […]

Safe Internet Usage
Posted August 19th, 2019
Christina Bach, MSW, LCSW, OSW-C
Hardly a day goes by when I’m not looking something up on the internet—a recipe, an actor on the IMDB, photos, knitting patterns, or that awesome deal at a favorite shopping haunt. Over the past 25 years—spending time on the computer/phone/tablet has become a normal function of my daily life. But it doesn’t come without […]

Patient Safety Through Education: For the Patient
Posted August 16th, 2019
Carolyn Vachani, MSN, RN, AOCN
There was a time when patients were expected to do what the doctor told them without asking many questions – or even understanding their illness. Fortunately, this is not the norm anymore. Healthcare providers have learned that patients who understand their illness and treatment are more likely to stick with their treatments, understand when to […]

Patient Safety Through Education: For the Provider
Posted August 12th, 2019
Carolyn Vachani, MSN, RN, AOCN
There was a time when patients were expected to do what the doctor told them without asking many questions – or even understanding their illness. Fortunately, this is not the norm anymore. As healthcare providers, we have learned that patients who understand their illness and treatment are more likely to stick with their treatments, understand […]

Caregiver Safety
Posted August 8th, 2019
Christina Bach, MSW, LCSW, OSW-C
Taking care of another person who is faced with a medical crisis can be simultaneously rewarding and challenging. With newer treatments, people are living longer while having medical and physical needs that require extra attention and TLC. Caregivers do incredible, demanding work day-after-day. Caregivers must be aware of caring for themselves to be able to […]

Vaccines Keeping Us Safe
Posted August 5th, 2019
Carolyn Vachani, MSN, RN, AOCN
A vaccine teaches your body’s immune system to recognize and protect you against certain germs. Vaccines contain a small amount of a virus or bacteria that is known to cause a serious or deadly illness. The virus or bacteria has been weakened or killed so that it cannot make you sick. Your immune system learns […]

Falls
Posted August 1st, 2019
Marisa Healy, BSN RN
One of the most common safety issues for cancer patients, both in the hospital and at home, is falls. While receiving treatment, side effects from medications can cause lightheadedness, dizziness, and weakness. Some of these effects, such as peripheral neuropathy (numbness/tingling in your hands/feet), fatigue, and deconditioning, can be a concern long after treatment has […]

Hospital Safety
Posted July 29th, 2019
Marisa Healy, BSN RN
Whether it is a planned or unexpected admission, being in the hospital can be a scary situation. There are a few things you can do before and during your stay that will help keep you safe, while giving you some much needed peace of mind. While you will have nurses, aides, physicians, pharmacists, and many […]

Safety and Exercise
Posted July 25th, 2019
OncoLink Team
Research has shown that physical activity may have beneficial effects for patients with cancer and cancer survivors. Physical activity can improve cardiovascular endurance, fatigue, symptoms, mental health, and quality of life. In addition, there has been research suggesting that physical activity may also improve prognosis as well as reduce cancer recurrence or progression. Because of […]

Safety and Low Blood Counts
Posted July 22nd, 2019
Karen Arnold-Korzeniowski, BSN, RN
Your blood is made up of many components including red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets. These cells help your body function normally. Cancer and its treatments can affect the components of your blood and can cause potentially unsafe changes to the different cells in your blood. In this blog we will talk about […]