Current News and Personal Opinion is produced
by
John Hardman RPA-C as a volunteer service for Minnesota PA's.
(May 17, 2000) Soon, many of the PA's from Minnesota will be able to attend the upcoming AAPA conference in Chicago, May 27 - June1. Unfortunately, I will not be able to attend, however, I am confident that those that do attend will be able to gain considerable knowledge and experience to share with all their colleagues back home. You may wish to check the above conference web site, on the AAPA page to keep abreast of the happenings. Also, you may wish to contact your HOD Delegates to let them know of any last minute concerns you may have regarding the resolutions or other convention activities. Your delegates are: Wanda Andrews , Clover Shultz , and Cindy Lundgren .
More About Worms.
Last article, I wrote about the "Love Bug Worm." Now, as if you do not have enough to worry about, a new worm (somehow worm sounds even worse than virus, and actually it is) the "NewLove Worm" is out to get you. The following is a link, for an article from ZDNet written by Courtney Attwood. Read how she describes your latest nightmare and what you can do about it. Be Smart, Not Smug About the NewLove Worm.
I can't emphasize enough the importance of running Antivirus software and keeping it current with the latest updates if you want to have smooth sailing on the internet and on your computer.
Minnesota Bus Driver Physicals.
Stay tuned for the latest on Minnesota Bus Driver Physicals. Recent legislation has enabled PA's to be able to sign the form, without the need for physician cosignature. Of course, supervision by the physician is unchanged, and the delegation of the task to the PA is unchanged. However, it is suggested that you consider a letter or statement in your internal protocol file from your supervising physician, stating that you are delegated this task, and that you are qualified. This would be similar to the statement required for DOT Exams.
Many PA's have performed Bus Driver Physicals and MNDOT Exams for many years, with satisfied drivers, and employers. All the while, providing for the safety of Minnesota's traveling public. We do appreciate the ability to sign forms, and to know that our signature is valid, and that we are performing a service for our Supervising Physicians.
Summer is Almost Here.
Many consider the Memorial Day Weekend as the start of summer. However as my son Ross, is quick to point out to his brother Evan, summer does not officially start until June 21. If you want to be a real nerd about it, it happens when the sun reaches the northern edge of the tropic zone, or Summer Solstice, and then begins it's retreat back towards the equator, thus giving us the longest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere. Regardless, this bit of trivia gives me the chance to remind you to be safe, and to remind your patients, to wear your helmets, your seat belts, tuck your pants into your socks when walking in the woods, wear sunscreen of at least SPF 30, wear sunglasses, wash your fresh fruits and vegetables, never swim alone, wear your lifejacket, don't drink and drive, schedule your school and sports physical early, and above all ... HAVE FUN!