Because she rocks!

May 29th marks the day of an International-World-renowned Holiday, representing the day a special star arose. ~Now, for a moment of silence~

 

Eyelash Extension & Infection

There are some women in the world with THE most amazing eyelashes.  Mine aren't all that amazing, but I'm rather pleased with them, myself.  For those who choose to wear false eyelashes or eyelash extensions should know and understand why they're at risk of eye irritation and infection.  Dangerous chemicals, such as formaldehyde found in the glue used to attach eyelash extensions, have been identified as culprits.  Channel 9 News tells more. Click HERE!

ABORTION Pill & 15 year-olds

The ABORTION pill, otherwise known as PLAN B, has been deemed accessible to anyone who is at least 15 years old, including YOUR child.  Yes, ladies and gentlemen, your kid can get a hold of PLAN B without a prescription and without your knowledge.   The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) lowered the age limit for Plan B One-Step emergency contraception from 17 years-old, making it available without a prescription to girls as young as 15 years-old.

Instead of PLAN B being stored behind the pharmacy counter, your little girl can get it off of the shelf, herself, and purchase it; as long as she can produce a government-issued identification to verify her age, she can purchase it, and go on about her business.

My question is, which 15 year-olds have a copy of their birth certificate or government-issued identification to show at the cash register?  I'm interested to see how this unfolds... My guess is it's... Time to talk about sex! Click here to learn more!!!

As usual, thanks for stopping by!

GET YOUR CREDIT!

DON'T FORGET!!!!

Chat with me and receive 1 CEU via Teleconference on HIPAA = tomorrow, April 16, 2013 at noon.  You will need the "Dial-in Number" and "Access Code."

Here's how to register: 1) Message me, or
                                 2) Choose the HIPAA option from the menu ====>

 

Keep it on the low!

The bottom line is we are all constantly trying to keep current with our Continuing Education Units (CEU's).  So, in the process of discussing Patient Confidentiality in a Pharmacy Setting, you can learn and earn.  Click here to book me!

 

Lose to Win!

Certain songs provoke your thought process.  And since LOVE & disappointment come in so many different forms, remember this... Sometimes you have to lose to win again!  Tootles!

Click here & jam to a reminder!!!

Pharmacy Pitstop

A couple of my students joined me on a visit to Empire Specialty Pharmacy, in Cocoa, Florida. Ask for "Rao," the pharmacist/owner. You can take a sneak peak at the services by CLICKING HERE!!!

Who's filling YOUR prescriptions, Part 2

Oppose HB 671, Kill HB 671 or Stop HB 671

This isn't basket weaving that we're talking about, here!  People's lives are dependent upon our skill.  If every prescription that a pharmacy technician fills has to be (legally) checked by a pharmacist, then why on Earth would it be safe to force one pharmacist to supervise six technicians?  If we don't convince the legislators by March 22, 2013, this could be our new reality, here in Florida.

 Sure, its cheaper for pharmacies to compensate more technicians than pharmacists.  However, medication errors that are likely to occur will more than likely cost pharmacies far more than compensating at least two pharmacists to supervise six technicians.

Having worked for a pharmacy chain as a pharmacy technician, the rush to fill as many prescriptions as quickly as possible is far too familiar.  My question is, WHAT ABOUT PATIENT SAFETY?  CAN FLORIDA RESIDENTS COUNT ON THEIR LEGISLATORS TO MAKE A RESPONSIBLE DECISION BY SQUASHING House Bill 671? Considering the public health threat, we certainly hope so!
 
Therefore, House Bill 671 is not a healthy policy and should be defeated.   Still not convinced, well click ====>Who's filling YOUR prescriptions to find out more.

Thanks for stopping by!

---

 

Schedule pills & vibrations: There's an app for that!

What do you mean, you didn't know?!  Of course, there's an app for that!  Nowadays, the average person for sure owns or has access to a mobile phone, even if they don't have a computer at home or know how to use any of the word processing programs commonly offered by Microsoft and Apple.  Yet and still, folk are able to Tweet, post to Facebook, and bank online.  So, why not schedule pills and vibrations on your mobile phone, too?!  One way to find out more is by clicking ==> OF COURSE, THERE'S AN APP FOR THAT! 

As an instructor, responsible for teaching pharmacy topics to individuals from all walks of life, I can attest to the fact that the “less educated” may be more technology advanced and connected than they get credit for, especially when it comes to mobile telephones and software.

For example, my average student does not own and/or is not proficient in word processing, spreadsheets, and presentations.  However, they can download software, and check their Facebook statuses on their mobile telephones faster than you can say, “Is there an app for that?”  This ground-breaking discovery can make all the difference!

Therefore, I am still compelled to continue my pursuit of increasing awareness about pharmaceutical products, outcomes, and the policy that govern.  I do so because I truly believe that education and awareness are key in improving health outcomes.  Likewise, I believe that favorable outcomes can help drive down the cost of healthcare and yield more productivity from society; by that I mean sick people cannot reach their optimal capacity like they could when/if they are healthy.

To me, it is important to equip each patient with at least enough knowledge to make healthy choices about the way they take their medications and preserve their own health.  As a result, I propose that we all use any appropriate outlet to inform patients and other healthcare providers about resources, such as Epill.com, Delicious.com, and Patientslikeme.com, which are geared toward connecting patients with resources empower them with the ability to get/stay current with healthcare and technology trends, which can in turn help them (and their family members) and monitor their own progress in the sustainment of life.

 
Once communication between patients and healthcare providers improves, and patients are connected to better resources, perhaps a less tense platform for communication will come about, as a result.  This can become a reality, as patients start to feel comfortable communicating with healthcare providers; access to the latest mobile telephone software related to medications is a big step in the right direction.   
 Thanks for stopping by!

Easy2Read Medical Articles

The Month of MARCH is reserved for the acknowledgement and celebration of National Brain Injury Awareness Month. Though I haven't published anything on this particular topic, there are other medical-related articles of mine that you can peruse by clicking ===> Domanique's Articles

Thanks for stopping by :) Cheers!

Work it!

Your body is your temple. 

Pay attention to how you treat it.  

A personal trainer can help, or you can 

just have a field day at the gym, minus a crowd of spectators ;-)  

Think about it!

www.shapeshiftersfit.com

Email the Owner

Cruise Away Stress

Recently, I have had little time to post as much as I would have liked.  However, I have been doing a better job (at least in my mind) at balancing my the stress that comes along with my personal and professional responsibilities.  Meanwhile, a friend of mine, at Gadabout Travel, has been busy sharing wonderful travel packages and entertaining us with their catchy music video, performed by their sales team and based on a catchy chorus!  Remember, whatever it takes to keep your stress in check, do it!  Also,  WATCH THE VIDEO BELOW, and and call your agent ;-)

Thanks for stopping by, Tootles!

Mental Illness: Is It a Crime?

The million dollar question is, “WHAT IS WRONG WITH THOSE PEOPLE?”  The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) continues to stack cases against itself, and it seems that not even the Department of Justice can force the LAPD to bring its abusive shenanigans to a halt.  According to the Assistant Attorney General for the Department of Justice, patterns of excessive force by the LAPD were identified as early as May 2000.  Meanwhile, those patterns of excessive force continue to be perpetuated by the LAPD, as recently demonstrated in the July 22, 2012 killing of Ms. Alesia Thomas. 

Police and fire departments have been considered a “safe haven” for innocent babies for years, now.  Certainly, there was nothing criminal about a mother leaving her children at a local police department, especially when she was suffering from a mental illness and felt incapable of caring for them herself.  Why not receive the children and place them in a loving home?  Why hunt down the children's mother and beat her to death?  Is this how motherly pleas for help are rewarded in Los Angeles, California?  Well, according to the LAPD Chief of Police, who takes the tone of a good 'ole “Mr. Charlie,” the Department is not required by California statutes to disclose any evidence associated with the death of Ms. Thomas.  The Chief's tone in expressing such statement is clearly evasive and uncooperative, and lacks regard for circumstances surrounding Ms. Thomas' demise.  In fact, the Chief fails to demonstrate any compassion at all, as he refers to Ms. Thomas' death as “The July 22, 2012 incident” claiming that the investigation is still on-going.  Perhaps, future police training at LAPD should include a workshop on tact and decorum.  However, the likelihood of that happening is probably close to nil. 

Meanwhile, Ms. Thomas’ family has been unable to realize any level of peace, since there is no hope of closure, more than six months after her death.  Two children are now motherless because of the abuse and neglect of men and women who call themselves “officers of law enforcement.”  This and other cases like it are nauseating, mainly due to the blatant lack of accountability.  Someone needs to grow a pair, and rebuild the LAPD with law-abiding, disciplined, ethical police officers and leaders.  And they might want to get it down soon, before the public gets too riled up.  But then again, it may take another Rodney King-Riot, to get “those people” to get a clue about implementing justice.

Until then, the overzealous civil rights Attorney Benjamin Crump is on the job, making countless inquiries of the justice system to intercede.  Attorney Crump has managed to obtain more than 10,000 signatures for his online petition within the first day, in addition to support of the New York Times, and a LAPD officer, who witnessed the attack against Ms. Thomas and the moments following her death.  All he is asking is for the LAPD to provide a simple explanation of facts, delineating exactly what happened to Ms. Alesia Thomas on July 22, 2012, while she was in the custody of LAPD's officers.  Such a question is rather simple, even to the lay person.  Ms. Thomas' family has a right to know.  So, why does it take such a renowned attorney, known for winning lawsuits across the United States to initiate simple justice?  If each member of the LAPD is doing their job, as esteemed, competent employees and officers of law enforcement, then adequate documentation of such a serious event would be readily accessible, an assessment could be expeditiously completed, and a solution would implemented.  So again, WHAT IS WRONG WITH THOSE PEOPLE and why is it taking so long to disclose all that happened to Ms. Alesia Thomas on the night of July 22, 2012?

Obama Part II: Blacks, Latinos, gays, & military

It is quite the honor and pleasure to observe this weekend and today as a celebration of freedom for my people.  How apropos it is that our 44th President, the intelligent, skillful, debonair, distinguished, and Black President Barack H. Obama is delivering his inaugural speech at 12:11 p.m. today.  On the day that we nationally celebrate the birthday of our great civil rights leader, the late Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.


In the past, medical injustices, such as the Tuskeegee Experiment, plagued the African-American community.  As a result, the American Medical Association was able to develop diagnostic and treatment protocols for the bacterial disease called, "Syphilis," courtesy of, but unconsentually through my people. 

So, you bet I am motivated to research and write about patient rights, health disparities and the impact of pharmacogenomics on health care choices, especially patient choices on medication use.  As a United States Navy Veteran, woman of color, with an overwhelming passion for writing and studying pharmaceutical outcomes, policy, & research, I have finally concluded that it is my duty to heighten awareness of such injustices, while introducing helpful information to the public that can aid in making more intelligent decisions about health and options to healthcare.  Besides, there was a time when I would have been prohibited from learning to read and write.  Now, I openly, legally, and zealously write every chance I get, and without reprimand.  Some love it, and the others do not matter much ;-)


As our President pointed out today, our journey is not complete until equality is actually reached.  To me this includes access to healthcare, health information, and education as well as military enlistment, discharge, and treatment of military veterans.  Meanwhile, I am standing by, readily available to document injustices and
overcome them with the sword of literacy.  Won't you join me?


Find out how to receive notifications and copies of my posts by sending me a simple email message.  Please type DOMZ WORK in the subject line and EMAIL ME by clicking HERE!

Now, let's CELEBRATE our 44th President and our freedom =)  Thanks again for stopping by!!!! 

Rest or Arrest

Rest now or your body will force you to later.  Start by choosing to do the things that make your heart smile, instead of depending on someone else to make your heart smile for you.  Think of things that bring you enjoyment (such as reading my articles ) and start doing those things.  If you're already doing things that make you happy, keep up the good work!  

Take a look at this link ====> TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF  for more step-by-step guidance on controlling your thoughts for the sake of your own health.

Thanks again for stopping by!  Salud!!!

Unprivate Fantasy

Fantasies are usually kept private, selectively shared with special individuals we trust.  For example, whenever your medical and pharmacy records, IRS, paystubs and banking statements, insurance and mortgage documents, or birth/death/marriage certificates are copied, you tend to have expectations, right?  My assumption, similar to my own expectation, is that you expect your copies to be accessible to a select few and particularly authorized individuals.  Well, honey... I'm sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but it appears that everyone who shares our expectation is living in a fantasy land of oblivion.

It's sad, infuriating, and unfair, but I'm afraid it's true.  Here's a video from CBS News explaining how ====> UNPRIVATE our personal business really is =( 

As usual, thanks for stopping by!  See ya soon ;-)

Why are you STILL single?!@#$%^&*()

You're so beautiful and smart, and ... Why aren't you married?  Well, I'll tell you why I'm not married.  I'm not married because I break off relationships at the hint of betrayal, especially in the form of infidelity and physical/emotional abuse; my sweet kindness is often mistaken for a weakness.  But like I told my godfather (God Bless his soul; R.I.P.), when I left my ex-husband... "I will not tolerate maltreatment."  By this, I mean I MUST be the main priority or we can NOT be together, period.  For example, unlimited access is a two-way street; courtship must precede marriage; pampering is a must; my pretty-face-intelliegence-multi-skill combo package will not be dismissed or overlooked, we will not shack up together and/or make babies prior to marriage; in-laws will not have more influence over our relationship than I; and I like my diamonds in princess cut ;-)

Loosen up, Domanique!  You're too uptight!!!  My response: "OH, WELL!"  Why should I put my needs and desires on the back burner, only to let a man have his way?    Meanwhile, I'm still in my prime and it's full-steam ahead with my career and educational goals, personal improvement, and emotional stability.  All of whom are not or can not actively contribute to my career and educational goals, personal improvement, and emotional stability (Translation: MY OVERALL WELL-BEING & HAPPINESS) are hereby disqualified from all activity pertaining to Domanique Culpepper.  No apologies.  My uncle used to say, "I laugh and joke, but I don't play!" 

Ultimately,we must respect and accept one another, to include honesty, submission, and trust; as you can see, I take these things seriously.  When these traits are absent from relationships, the balance is thrown off, and we move closer to an unhealthy relationship; at this moment, I am re-living the writing of my third book, entitled TELL-TALE SIGNS OF A TRAIN WRECK...and I am now, VERY pleased to have come to the epiphany of it all, put it on paper, and published it!

At the end of the day, it's about creating and maintaining healthy relationships.  The same goes for all of my relationships actually, whether friendships, familial relationships, workplace dynamics, or social/professional networking.  So, in the words of my wonderful Grandma Lottie, I must say, "Pee or get off the pot!"

Again, thanks for stopping by!  Toodles!!!

Why I Write?

I enjoy writing very much; whether it's a medical topic or a community involvement.  It's therapy for me, and allows me to express myself in ways that I have been unable through other ways.  It's also a quiet process, so there's no chaos to irritate or startle me... It's peaceful and brings me great comfort.  Teaching gives me the social interaction I crave, but writing provides a sense of safety that I require.

So, please know that I am working on Book #4.  It's just taking a little longer than expected.  However, Christmas Break is a good time for me to wrap it up ;-)  Meanwhile, BLOOD ON THE OTHER SIDE, A PEPPER UNPICKED, and TELL-TALE SIGNS OF A TRAINWRECK are still available for your special attention.  If you have read all three, and ready for Book #4, it would be my pleasure to discuss any parts of any of my three published books.  All you have to do is post a comment here or send me an email message by clicking here!

As usual, thanks for stopping by!

HIV Status at Home

Approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on July 3, 2012, OraQuick is now on the market!  It is the first at-home-HIV Test to hit the market.  Walgreens, CVS, Walmart, Rite Aid, Kroger, and Navarro Discount Pharmacy currently carry OraQuick.  For $40.00 each, the public now has access and control over their own HIV testing and results.  However, testing should not be performed prior to 3 months after exposure.  Know your status ;-)

Thanks for stopping by!!!

Young children killed

Special Prayers for the families of the 18 children found shot to death at a Connecticut elementary school ♥  Click here for CBS News Report