4 minute read

HUDDLE

Good Morning, Readers!

ICYMI: January is Human Trafficking Awareness Month. Be sure to check out Francine Bono-Neri’s amazing article in Today in the Chart below ⬇️ to learn more about what you can do as a healthcare provider to help this vulnerable population.

Today's Top Beats

🔥 California Wildfires
✈️ Traveling Abroad

❤️‍🩹 Human Trafficking

HANDOFF

New Contract for Maui Health Nurses

Back in October 2024, hundreds of nurses and health care workers with Maui Health on the islands of Maui and Lanaʻi held a 3-day strike, as we’ve previously shared. Months later, the United Nurses and Health Care Employees of Hawaii have now approved a new 4-year contract with Maui Health, covering 950 staff. The deal includes a 21% pay increase, a ratification bonus, wage adjustments, and enforceable staffing ratios.

How California Wildfires Impacted Hospitals

Wildfires in Southern California forced multiple healthcare facilities to close clinics and postpone non-urgent procedures. Kaiser Permanente, UCLA Health, Cedars-Sinai, Providence, Adventist Health, and AltaMed have all shut down some locations. An assisted living facility in Altadena evacuated residents before it was consumed by flames. Health systems are focused on critical care as conditions remain unpredictable.

Healthcare Tips for Traveling Abroad

Traveling abroad can be stressful, ever more so if you run into health issues along the way. To prepare for an international trip, make sure to pack necessary medications and check US Embassy guidelines for restrictions (Adderall, for example, is not permitted in Japan). US insurance often doesn’t cover medical expenses overseas, so consider travel insurance with emergency coverage. Use local resources like hotels, pharmacies, and embassy websites to find doctors. And enroll in the US Smart Traveler Enrollment Program for emergency assistance overseas.

TODAY'S TOP VITAL

17,000

More than 17,000 doctors have signed a letter to the US Senate opposing President-elect Donald Trump's pick to lead the Department of Health and Human Services, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Click here to learn why so many doctors are against Kennedy’s appointment.

PRN

MYSTERY Dx MINUTE WITH NURSE KEL

Mystery Diagnosis Minute

Welcome back for another round of the Mystery Diagnosis Minute! We’re going to keep rolling on with diseases and disorders of the thyroid gland for Thyroid Awareness Month in January. Let’s get into it!

🦋 This disorder of the thyroid is autoimmune related, and the patient’s own body creates antibodies that attack the thyroid.  

🦋 It’s common in middle aged women who have a familial disposition for the disease and is usually present in patients who already have another autoimmune disease. 

🦋 Many patients who have this disease have an underactive thyroid and require thyroid replacement hormones for the rest of their lives.

Think you know the answer? Click here to see if you’re right!

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TODAY IN THE CHART

SUPPLY ROOM

So Bubbly 

If you're obsessed with sparkling water, check out this cool seltzer-making bottle! Now you can make your own at work or on-the-go.

BREAK ROOM

California Dreamin’

Are you looking for new places to travel to in 2025? Check out these amazing destination spots in California to add to your travel book this year!

DISCHARGE INSTRUCTIONS

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