Category: Nurses Corner

Nurses Corner: September 2018

8/31/2018

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Flu season is just around the corner. Some important facts you should know to prevent contracting the virus:

Annual immunizations are needed because our body’s immune response to the virus decreases over time and might not offer the protection needed from one year to the next; also, flu viruses are constantly changing and the formulation of the immunizations has to be done each year to make it effective against the current viruses.

Flu is a serious disease that can lead to hospitalization, even death.

Even health people can contract the flu and become very sick.

The season can begin as early as October and last until May.

The best way to reduce the risk of contracting the flu is to get vaccinated.

Vaccinations are recommended for those age 6 months and older.

It takes about 2 weeks after receiving the vaccination for the protection to develop.

Most people can get the flu vaccination but factors that can determine suitability for getting the vaccination include: age, health (both current and past), allergies to flu or any of its components. Talk to your physician prior to receiving the vaccination if you have any questions. Places to receive the immunization are at the doctors’ offices, or pharmacies, or free clinics. Check local newspapers for locations.

*This monthly column is courtesy of our parish's Nurse Ministry. To view their Ministry page, click here

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Nurse's Corner: MAY 2018

5/17/2018

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May is National Stroke Awareness Month. You can help ‘Save A Life’ by acting F. A. S. T. When someone is having a stroke, every minute counts. Just as putting out a fire quickly can stop it from spreading, treating a stroke quickly can reduce damage to the brain. If you learn how to recognize the telltale signs of a stroke, you can act quickly & save a life - maybe even your own.

Acting F. A. S. T. can help stroke patients get the treatments they desperately need. The stroke treatments that work best are available only if the stroke is recognized and diagnosed within 3 hours of the first symptoms. Stroke patients may not be eligible for these if they don’t arrive at the hospital in time.

If you think someone may be having a stroke, act F. A. S. T. and do this simple test:

F - FACE: Ask the person to smile. Does one side of the face droop?

A - ARMS: Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward?

S - SPEECH: Ask the person to repeat a simple phrase. Is the speech slurred or strange?

T - TIME: If you see any of these signs call 9-1-1 right away.

*This message is courtesy of our parish's Nurse Ministry. To learn more, visit the Nurse Ministry page of our website here

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Parish Nurses Corner: July 2017

7/18/2017

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Summer is here and we all probably know the importance of skin protection from   the sun. Here are a few basic facts:

· Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the US.
· The incidence has been increasing over the past few decades.
· Usually skin cancers are caused by too much exposure to Ultraviolet Rays. These rays mostly come from the sun but may also come from man-made sources, such as indoor tanning beds, and sun lamps.

The American Cancer Society gives a simple guideline to assist with sun protection.
The catchphrase is:
Slip! Slop! Slap! and Wrap!

·   Slip on a shirt...
·   Slop on sunscreen...
·   Slap on a hat...
·   Wrap on sunglasses to protect eyes and skin around them.

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Nurses Corner: May 2017

5/11/2017

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TIS THE SEASON FOR ALLERGIES AND ASTHMA!

We are now in pollen season! We see this on our cars and feel it in our bodies. Many of us have runny noses, itchy, and watery eyes. For those of us with asthma, though, we may start to have increase in our asthma symptoms; tightness in chest, coughing, wheezing and shortness of breath. Also be aware that some of us may experience rapid onset of asthma symptoms right before a thunderstorm. The pollen and mold spores are kicked up with the wind and there is a drastic rise in our triggers. Pay close attention to your breathing and treat your symptoms as directed by your doctor.

You need to make sure you carry your quick acting inhalers when out and about, so it can be used immediately when symptoms start. Also, for those taking daily controllers, follow the physicians’ instructions. Make sure you know how to use your inhaler properly; most of us have never been taught proper use of the inhalers (check with your physician or pharmacist for proper use). Also, make sure we are taking to take the prescribed allergy medicines so that the allergy symptoms that trigger our asthma symptoms can be controlled. If you are outside and have pollen allergies, make sure you take a shower or bath to remove the pollen. This might decrease the asthma symptoms.

This monthly feature is courtesy of our Parish Nurse Ministry.

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Nurses Corner: September 2018

Nurse's Corner: MAY 2018

Parish Nurses Corner: July 2017

Nurses Corner: May 2017

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