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Atrium Health: Transforming Healthcare for a Healthier Tomorrow

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Welcome to the world of Atrium Health, where healthcare is not just a profession but a passion that drives innovation and transformation. In this fast-paced era, where advancements in technology are reshaping every aspect of our lives, Health stands at the forefront of revolutionizing healthcare for a healthier tomorrow. With its rich history, innovative approach to patient care, and unwavering commitment to community impact, Health is redefining what it means to be a leading healthcare provider. Join us as we delve into the captivating journey of Health and discover how they are shaping the future of healthcare.

The History and Evolution of Atrium Health

Atrium Health, formerly known as Carolinas Healthcare System, has a rich history that spans over 80 years. It all began in 1940 when Charlotte Memorial Hospital was established as a community hospital serving the people of Charlotte, North Carolina. Over the years, the hospital grew and expanded its services to meet the growing healthcare needs of the region.

In 1997, Carolinas Healthcare System was formed through a merger between Charlotte Memorial Hospital and NorthEast Medical Center in Concord. This merger marked a significant milestone in the organization’s journey towards becoming one of the nation’s leading healthcare providers.

As Carolinas Healthcare System continued to evolve, it rebranded itself as Atrium Health in 2018 to reflect its commitment to providing comprehensive care across multiple locations throughout the Southeast.

Today, Atrium Health is not just a hospital system but an integrated network comprising hospitals, physician practices, rehabilitation centers, and more. The organization employs thousands of dedicated professionals who are passionate about transforming healthcare for a healthier tomorrow.

Throughout its history and evolution, Health has been at the forefront of innovation in healthcare delivery. The organization has embraced new technologies and treatment modalities to improve patient outcomes and enhance overall quality of care.

In recent years, Atrium Health has also focused on expanding access to care for underserved communities through various initiatives such as mobile health clinics and telehealth services. By leveraging technology and strategic partnerships with community organizations, Health strives to ensure that everyone has access to high-quality healthcare regardless of their socio-economic status or geographic location.

Innovative Approach to Healthcare: Atrium Health’s Model

Atrium Health is revolutionizing the healthcare industry with its innovative approach to delivering high-quality care. With a strong focus on patient-centered care, Health has developed a unique model that puts the needs and preferences of patients at the forefront.

One key aspect of Health’s model is its emphasis on collaboration and integration among healthcare providers. By bringing together physicians, nurses, specialists, and other healthcare professionals under one system, Health ensures seamless coordination of care across different specialties and settings.

Another important element of Atrium Health’s model is its commitment to leveraging technology for improved patient outcomes. From telemedicine services to electronic medical records systems, Health utilizes cutting-edge technology to enhance communication between patients and providers, streamline processes, and improve overall efficiency.

Furthermore, Health recognizes the importance of addressing social determinants of health in order to provide comprehensive care. The organization partners with community organizations and stakeholders to address factors such as access to healthy food, safe housing conditions, transportation options, and more.

Advancements in Patient Care and Technology at Atrium Health

Atrium Health is at the forefront of revolutionizing patient care through innovative technologies. The organization constantly pushes boundaries to enhance the overall healthcare experience for its patients.

One significant advancement is the implementation of electronic health records (EHR). This digital system allows for seamless communication and collaboration among healthcare providers, ensuring that every member of a patient’s care team has access to their medical history, test results, and treatment plans. With EHRs, physicians can make more informed decisions about patient care, leading to improved outcomes.

Another area where Health excels is telehealth services. Through virtual consultations and remote monitoring capabilities, patients can receive quality healthcare from the comfort of their own homes. Telehealth not only increases accessibility but also reduces unnecessary hospital visits and wait times.

In addition to these technological advancements, Atrium Health also prioritizes personalized medicine. By leveraging genetic testing and precision medicine techniques, doctors are able to tailor treatments specifically to each patient’s unique genetic makeup. This targeted approach leads to better outcomes with fewer side effects.

Furthermore, Health incorporates artificial intelligence (AI) into various aspects of patient care. AI-powered algorithms help analyze complex data sets quickly and accurately, enabling early detection of diseases or potential complications. This proactive approach saves lives by identifying issues before they become critical.

To ensure patients have continuous support even after leaving the hospital or clinic setting, Health offers mobile apps that provide resources for managing chronic conditions or tracking progress post-surgery. These apps empower individuals in taking control of their health journey while staying connected with their healthcare providers when needed.

Community Impact and Partnerships with Atrium Health

Atrium Health is not just focused on providing excellent healthcare services to its patients, but also on making a positive impact in the communities it serves. Through various partnerships and initiatives, Health works towards improving community health outcomes and addressing key social determinants of health.

One such initiative is the Community Investment Program, where Health invests significant resources in supporting local organizations and programs that promote health equity. These investments help to strengthen community infrastructure, increase access to care for underserved populations, and address specific health needs within each community.

In addition to financial support, Atrium Health actively collaborates with community partners to develop innovative solutions for complex healthcare challenges. By working together with local nonprofits, government agencies, educational institutions, and other stakeholders, Health can leverage collective expertise and resources to create sustainable changes that benefit the entire community.

Future Plans and Goals for Atrium Health

Atrium Health has always been at the forefront of innovation in healthcare, constantly striving to improve patient care and outcomes. Looking ahead, the organization has some exciting plans and ambitious goals that will help shape the future of healthcare.

One of their primary objectives is to expand access to high-quality care across communities. This means reaching underserved populations, both rural and urban, with innovative programs and initiatives. By leveraging technology and telehealth services, Health aims to bridge the gap between patients and providers, ensuring everyone has equal access to top-notch medical expertise.

In addition to expanding access, Atrium Health is committed to advancing research and clinical trials. They understand that breakthroughs in medicine often come through extensive research efforts. By investing in cutting-edge research facilities and partnerships with leading academic institutions, they strive to accelerate discoveries that can revolutionize treatment options for patients.

Another key focus area for Atrium Health is enhancing personalized medicine through precision health initiatives. This approach involves tailoring treatments based on an individual’s unique genetic makeup or lifestyle factors. By leveraging advancements in genomic sequencing and data analytics, Health aims to deliver more targeted therapies with better outcomes.

Furthermore, Atrium Health recognizes the importance of a holistic approach to healthcare that addresses not just physical well-being but also mental health needs. They are dedicated to integrating behavioral health services into their care delivery model so that patients receive comprehensive support for their overall well-being.

Sustainability is a core value for Health as they work towards reducing their environmental impact while promoting healthy communities. From adopting eco-friendly practices within their facilities to supporting community wellness programs focused on nutrition and exercise, they aim to create a healthier tomorrow for all.

Conclusion:

Atrium Health has proven itself to be a transformative force in the healthcare industry, leading the way in innovation and patient-centered care. With its rich history and commitment to advancing medical technology, Health is poised to shape a healthier tomorrow for communities across the globe.

Through strategic partnerships and community engagement initiatives, Atrium Health is making a significant impact on the lives of individuals and families. By focusing on preventive care, early intervention, and personalized treatment plans, Health is working towards improving health outcomes and reducing healthcare disparities.

The future holds great promise for Atrium Health as it continues to expand its reach and influence. With ongoing advancements in medical research, technology, and collaboration with other healthcare providers, Health aims to deliver cutting-edge treatments that will revolutionize patient care.


FAQ’s

1. What is Atrium Health?

Atrium Health is a leading healthcare system based in North Carolina, serving millions of patients across the region. With a strong focus on delivering high-quality and innovative care, Health is transforming healthcare for a healthier tomorrow.

2. How has Atrium Health evolved over time?

Atrium Health has a rich history that dates back to 1940 when it was founded as Charlotte Memorial Hospital. Over the years, it has grown and expanded its services, merging with other healthcare systems to become the robust organization it is today.

3. What makes Atrium Health’s approach to healthcare innovative?

Atrium Health takes an innovative approach by combining cutting-edge technology with personalized patient care. It embraces advancements like telehealth and remote monitoring to improve access to care while ensuring patients receive tailored treatment plans.

4. What advancements in patient care can be seen at Atrium Health?

At Atrium Health, there have been significant advancements in patient care. The introduction of precision medicine allows for personalized treatments based on individual genetics and medical history. Additionally, robotic-assisted surgeries enhance surgical precision and reduce recovery times.

HEALTH

Top 5 Reasons You Should Leave Pressure Cleaning to Experts

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Pressure cleaning and renovation increases property value, aesthetics, and space cleanliness. But pressure cleaning is a difficult task. If homeowners start DIY pressure cleaning, the task can be overwhelming. They may need hours to finish it. Also, they will need the right pressure washing equipment. Most people might not follow the pressure washer safety guidelines, too. Instead, they can hire Brisbane pressure cleaning experts to avoid all these problems.

Pressure cleaning experts will assess the property. They will protect valuable outdoor furniture and maintain safety guidelines. Plus, they have cost-effective cleaning solutions.

Top 5 Reasons For You To Leave Pressure Cleaning Works to Experts

Professional pressure cleaning ensures fast, safe and easy cleaning of any space. From residential pressure washing to surface damage prevention, professionals offer unique benefits.

Surface damage prevention

DIY pressure cleaning risks damaging the floor and wall surfaces. Studies show that the repair cost of buildings for defects and damages can be $5839 in Australia. It can be even more for commercial spaces. So, it’s better to hire a power cleaning expert to prevent damage.

Pressure cleaning uses high-pressure water flow. Uncontrolled use can hurt the floor, patio, wall, and other items in your space. High-pressure water can also damage walls and incur costs for repairs. You can avoid such incidents with professional high-pressure cleaning services.

Cost-effective cleaning solutions

When you DIY power clean your home, you need to buy pressure washing equipment. It includes a pressure washer, nozzles, safety tools, etc. It can be expensive to purchase all these tools for pressure washing your home.

Instead, hiring professionals can be a better solution. It will cost you a fraction of buying tower cleaning items, and buying and maintaining pressure washing equipment can be a headache. So, hire the right cleaning team and enjoy the benefits of hiring professionals.

Increases healthiness and aesthetics

Professionals’ expert cleaning techniques maintain consistency. They won’t leave any space dirty. So, there will be no scope for bacterial and virus attacks on the residents. Plus, commercial pressure washing can remove residue, stains, and grime quickly.

It improves the health and aesthetic value of commercial space. A cleaner home is healthier. It ensures emotional, mental and physical well-being. Plus, cleaner commercial space attracts more visitors, helps restaurants, shops, offices, etc.

Avoid Environmental Impacts

Homeowners, residential space owners, etc., must pay attention to the environmental impact of pressure washing. Pressure cleaning may cause asbestos and cement contamination. It might be responsible for temporary respiratory problems.

Plus, DIY power washing activities cause environmental nuisances, as EPA guidelines mentioned. It is avoidable with professional high-pressure cleaning services. As an environment protector, it’s the duty of all Australian people. Thus, it’s always better to hire a professional for power cleaning.

Ensure safety and save time

Pressure cleaning is a difficult and time-consuming task. You must protect your valuable and vulnerable assets. Also, you have to reach each corner of the residential and commercial space.

It can be tough without appropriate training and equipment for a regular person. On top of it, maintaining pressure washer safety guidelines can be overwhelming. High-pressure water jetting is risky without the right safety tools and precautions.

So, it’s better to find high-pressure cleaning services to ensure maximum safety and property protection. They will ensure all safety measures and provide a warranty for the work. So, in case of any mishaps happen, you remain on the safe side.

Cost of Professional Pressure Cleaning in Australia

In Australia, pressure cleaning is relatively affordable compared to its benefits. Usually, pressure cleaning agencies charge $1.5 to $2.50 per square meter for jet cleaning. The cost depends on the complexity and requirements of the cleaning project. Also, pressure cleaning costs depend on the type of surface and the size of the property.

Expect to pay $500 to $750 for a basic power cleaning of a home to end the lease agreement. This service is primarily for Australian medium homes. The cost is worth it to end the lease agreement peacefully.

Tips for Hiring the Right Pressure Cleaning Expert

Pressure cleaning is a technical task. So, always hire professionals with enough experience for power cleaning. You can consider credentials, market reputation, and pricing when choosing the right professional pressure cleaning team. Also, evaluate their safety guidelines for maximum protection.

  • Check Credentials: The company should be listed and have an appropriate licence for pressure cleaning. Verify the licence and insurance of the cleaning company.
  • Experience and Reputation: Always hire a cleaning professional with a good experience level. They should have looked for proven records for managing large-scale jet-cleaning projects. You can ask for authentic reviews from past clients.
  • Ask About Equipment: Consider the company’s equipment type and safety guidelines. Do they follow Australian cleaning standards? Are they capable of handling the environmental impacts of jet cleaning?
  • Get a Written Estimate: You should get a detailed estimate for the power cleaning project. It should include project details, size, complexity, cost, guarantees and provisions for insurance.
  • Compare Quotes: Once you get quotes from multiple power cleaning companies, compare them.

You should choose the one that fits your power cleaning budget, safety requirements and time.

Final Words

Pressure cleaning maintains the aesthetics and value of any residential, commercial, or industrial space. But it’s not easy. You must follow proper safety and environmental guidelines for power washing, so it can be tough for businesses and homeowners.

You can, instead, hire Eco Cleaning Brisbane for an affordable pressure cleaning job. The pressure cleaning experts will remove stains from the patio and concrete. Also, power cleaning the wall is an idea for graffiti. Contact for a quick estimation of your pressure cleaning task.

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Calories Goals and Diet Behaviour after Bariatric Surgery

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Bariatric surgery is a life-changing event that helps you lose weight, reduce comorbidities, and improve your quality of life. The success rate of bariatric surgery in India is high. Regardless of the type of surgery you undergo, its success rate is also defined by how much you focus on your lifestyle after the surgery, including your dietary habits.

After the surgery, the doctor will give you an elaborate diet plan with instructions about the foods to eat and avoid. You must take their recommendations seriously to maintain a healthy weight in the long run.

Here’s everything about calorie goals and diet behaviour after bariatric surgery.

How Many Calories Should I Consume After Bariatric Surgery?

Bariatric surgery reduces the size of your stomach, up to that of an egg. The opening that allows the food to pass out of your stomach is also very small. Thus, it is vital to check what you eat and follow the recommendation of your doctor.

After your surgery, you will be given a clear liquid diet throughout your stay in the hospital. Over time, the doctor will suggest you add thicker liquids. After two weeks of surgery, you may start adding low-calorie food up to 200 kcal. It may be done in the form of blended or pureed food. The doctor will also suggest you consume over 20 grams of protein through liquid drinks or powder to meet your requirements.

Do not overeat or eat too quickly, as you may experience nausea or severe pain. The doctor will also advise you not to consume creamy liquids like sauces, ice creams, and more while on a liquid diet.

What Should Be My Diet Behaviour After Bariatric Surgery?

Diet in the Hospital

The hospital will give you clear liquids, such as juices, soups, and broth after surgery. The amount will be small initially but will increase gradually as per your capacity.

Diet for the First Two Weeks After Surgery

After two weeks, the doctor will advise you to add thicker liquids to your diet. They will suggest the consumption of liquids that are high in protein but less in fat and sugar. The goal is to consume small portions that can empty easily from your pouch. You can start with one tablespoon and gradually increase it up to two. For liquids, start with ¼ cup and increase it to ½ cup. Your daily calorie intake should be 400 kcal.

Some food items you can include in your diet for the first two weeks of your surgery are non-fat milk, sugar-free pudding, sugar-free yoghourt, low-fat cottage cheese, broth-based soup, low-fat soup, refined cereals low in fibre like rice, cream of wheat, etc. Ensure to drink enough water, up to 1.5 litres to maintain hydration levels.

Diet for Two Weeks After Surgery

After two weeks, the doctor will suggest you change your diet after bariatric surgery. Here’s when you can add small portions of soft and pureed foods as per your tolerance. We advise you to take small bites and chew everything properly.

Some food items that you can consume in pureed form are hot cereals, mashed potatoes, applesauce, cottage cheese, pureed vegetables, noodles, yoghourt, lean fish, tofu, scrambled eggs or their substitutes, lean ground meats, etc. Avoid bread and meats, and make sure to keep yourself hydrated by consuming lots of water.

Diet After 4-8 Weeks of the Surgery

After 4-8 weeks of your surgery, the doctor will recommend a calorie intake of not more than 500 kcal a day. You can divide these calories into six to eight small meals, depending on your preference and tolerance. The portion size of solids should be ¼ cup, and that of liquids should be ½ cup.

It is strictly recommended not to consume caffeine in any form during this period as it may intervene in the healing of the stomach.

Long-Term Dietary Guidelines

Over time, you can increase the variety and consistency of your diet. However, your doctor will still recommend you to do mindful eating to manage your weight for years after the surgery. Do not consume poorly tolerated foods very frequently. These include chicken, bread, red meats, and high-fibre fruits and vegetables.

Pay attention to eating low-fat, low-sugar, and low-calorie food items that keep you full for a long time. At this point, your daily calorie intake shouldn’t be more than 900-1,000 kcal. To stay well-hydrated, drink at least 2 litres of water.

Other Dietary Tips to Maintain Weight After Surgery

  • The doctor will recommend not to eat everything at once and plan small meals.
  • Choose a protein diet first over other nutrients.
  • You must eat slowly and chew your food properly. Every meal should last 20-30 minutes.
  • Do not introduce all items into your diet at once. Always add one new food at a time to understand your tolerance.
  • Ensure you avoid certain items like sugar and soda and quit smoking.
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Custom Antibodies vs. Standard Antibodies: Key Differences

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Custom Antibodies vs. Standard Antibodies: Key Differences

When it comes to scientific research and diagnostics, antibodies are crucial tools. They help us detect and study various molecules, making them essential in fields like immunology, biochemistry, and molecular biology. But not all antibodies are created equal. Today, we’re going to dive into the differences between custom antibodies and standard antibodies, exploring how antibody engineering can provide tailored solutions for specific needs.

Today, we’ll explain what sets these two types of antibodies apart, their unique benefits, and when you might choose one over the other. Whether you’re a seasoned scientist or just curious about the topic, this guide will give you a clear understanding of the key differences between custom and standard antibodies.

What Are Standard Antibodies?

What Are Standard Antibodies?

What Are Standard Antibodies?

Standard antibodies are commonly available antibodies used in various research and diagnostic applications. They are typically produced in large quantities and designed to recognize and bind to a specific antigen. They are effective for many general uses but are not tailored for unique or specialized needs.

Production Process

The production of standard antibodies involves several key steps:

  1. Antigen Preparation:

The process begins with the preparation of the antigen, which is the specific substance that the antibody will target. This could be a protein, peptide, or other molecule.

  1. Immunization:

The prepared antigen is injected into an animal, commonly a mouse or rabbit. This step is crucial as it stimulates the animal’s immune system to produce antibodies against the antigen.

  1. Immune Response:

Following immunization, the animal’s immune system recognizes the antigen as a foreign substance and begins to produce antibodies. These antibodies are generated by B cells in response to the antigen.

  1. Antibody Harvesting:

After a sufficient immune response has been achieved, blood is collected from the animal. The antibodies are present in the serum, which is the liquid portion of the blood.

  1. Purification:

The harvested serum is processed to purify the antibodies. This typically involves several steps to remove other proteins and contaminants, resulting in a preparation that contains primarily the target antibodies.

  1. Quality Control:

The final step involves rigorous testing to ensure that the antibodies have the desired specificity and are free from contaminants. This step is essential to confirm that the antibodies will perform effectively in research and diagnostic applications.

Characteristics of Standard Antibodies

Standard antibodies are in no way “inferior” to custom antibodies – they just have different uses and characteristics! Here are some of them:

  • Cost-Effective:

The production process for standard antibodies is relatively inexpensive, making them accessible for a wide range of applications.

  • Quick Production Time:

Standard antibodies can be produced relatively quickly, typically within a few months, depending on the specific protocols used.

  • Broad Availability:

These antibodies are available off-the-shelf, meaning they can be purchased from suppliers without the need for custom development. This makes them convenient for many common research and diagnostic needs.

  • General Use:

Standard antibodies are suitable for a variety of applications, including ELISA, Western blotting, immunohistochemistry, and more. They are ideal for experiments that do not require highly specific or customized antibodies.

Applications of Standard Antibodies

Even though they are applied in various ways, these are two main groups we can put these into:

  • Research:

In research laboratories, standard antibodies are used to study protein expression, localize proteins within cells and tissues, and investigate various biological processes.

  • Diagnostics:

In clinical diagnostics, these antibodies help detect the presence of pathogens, measure hormone levels, and identify biomarkers associated with diseases.

Understanding the production process and characteristics of standard antibodies helps researchers and clinicians select the appropriate tools for their work, ensuring reliable and efficient outcomes in their experiments and tests.

What Are Custom Antibodies?

What Are Custom Antibodies?

What Are Custom Antibodies?

Custom antibodies are specialized antibodies designed and produced to meet specific research or diagnostic needs. Unlike standard antibodies, which are broadly available and not tailored for unique applications, custom antibodies are engineered to target specific epitopes with high precision.

Production Process

The creation of custom antibodies involves a more intricate and tailored process, including the following steps:

  1. Antigen Selection and Design:

The process begins with selecting or designing the antigen that the antibody will target. This antigen can be a protein, peptide, or other molecule that is relevant to the research or diagnostic goal.

  1. Immunization:

The chosen antigen is injected into an animal, such as a mouse, rabbit, or goat. The animal’s immune system is stimulated to produce antibodies against the specific antigen. This step may involve multiple rounds of immunization to enhance the immune response.

  1. Hybridoma Generation (for Monoclonal Antibodies):

For monoclonal antibodies, B cells from the immunized animal are harvested and fused with myeloma cells to create hybridoma cells. These hybridoma cells can be cultured indefinitely and produce identical antibodies specific to the antigen.

  1. Screening and Selection:

The antibodies produced are screened to identify those with the highest specificity and affinity for the antigen. This involves various assays to test the binding characteristics of the antibodies.

Positive clones (in the case of monoclonal antibodies) are selected based on their performance in these assays.

  1. Antibody Purification:

The selected antibodies are then purified from the culture medium (for monoclonal antibodies) or the animal’s serum (for polyclonal antibodies). This involves several purification steps to remove contaminants and isolate the desired antibodies.

  1. Characterization and Validation:

The purified antibodies are extensively characterized to confirm their specificity, affinity, and overall performance. This may involve binding assays, functional assays, and other validation tests to ensure the antibodies meet the required standards.

Characteristics of Custom Antibodies

Let’s jump over some of the main characteristics of custom antibodies:

  • High Specificity and Sensitivity:

Custom antibodies are engineered to bind to specific epitopes with high affinity, making them highly specific and sensitive. This precision is crucial for detecting low-abundance targets or distinguishing between closely related molecules.

  • Tailored Solutions:

These antibodies are designed to meet the unique requirements of specific research or diagnostic applications. This customization allows for the development of highly specialized tools that can address particular scientific questions or clinical needs.

  • Versatility:

Custom antibodies can be produced in various formats, including monoclonal, polyclonal, recombinant, and humanized antibodies. This versatility enables their use in a wide range of applications, from basic research to therapeutic development.

Applications of Custom Antibodies

Custom antibodies have a variety of applications, but here are the three main “groups” we can put these applications into:

  • Research:

In research settings, custom antibodies are used for detailed studies of protein function, localization, and interactions. They are essential for investigating complex biological pathways and mechanisms.

  • Diagnostics:

Custom antibodies are used in diagnostic tests to detect specific biomarkers associated with diseases. Their high specificity and sensitivity make them ideal for early disease detection and monitoring.

  • Therapeutics:

Custom antibodies are also used in the development of targeted therapies. These include monoclonal antibodies that can specifically target cancer cells or other diseased cells, minimizing damage to healthy tissues.

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