Cataract Awareness

I can see clearly now the rain is gone

I can see all obstacles in my way

Gone are the dark clouds that had me blind

It's gonna be a bright, bright sunshinin' day

By Nurse Diane

Do you think when Johnny Nash wrote the words to this song that he, or someone in his life had cataracts?  A friend of mine recently had his eyes examined, and there was a mention of cataract surgery in his future.  I let him know that the sooner he has it done, the faster he will heal and have a complete recovery.

A cataract is a film that develops slowly over time behind the lens of the eye.  It clouds your vision much like dirty windows cloud images.  They can occur at any time, from childhood to adulthood.  They even occur in animals.   It is not sure what causes cataracts; some culprits include exposure to radiation and ultraviolet lights.  Other factors include a side effect from other diseases such as diabetes, hypertension or iodine deficiency.  Old age, trauma and side effects from medication also account for causes of cataracts.

There is no known prevention for Cataracts.  It has been suggested that regular intake of antioxidants (such as vitamins A, C and E) is helpful, but taking them as a supplement has not been shown to have a benefit.

The treatment for cataracts is a simple surgery done under a local anesthetic and the patient is allowed to return home the same day.  While in nursing school I was allowed to observe cataract surgery.  Fluid is injected into the eye making it soft and squishy.  The lens of the eye is then removed, and the film is lifted out.  The lens is replaced, and the eye covered until healed.  Eye drops are sent home to help to promote healing.

June is Cataract Awareness Month.  If you are over the age of 40, and haven't had your eyes checked recently, now would be a good time to make an appointment to get checked out to make sure you don’t have any problems brewing.

(Photos from Google) 

Hernia Awareness

By Nurse Diane

Not long after my son was born he developed an umbilical hernia.  This occurred nearly 25 years after my brother developed the same thing.  When my brother had his hernia, the treatment was to tape a quarter over the area until it healed itself.  By the time my son was born, the treatment was different.  In fact there was no treatment at all.   The hernia developed due to a split in the intestinal wall, which allowed his intestines to poke through.  It protruded more when he was crying, than when he was calm.  The doctor suggested that I keep him from crying as much as possible, and in a few years it would heal on its own.  I followed his advice and sure enough it healed all by itself and no surgery was necessary.

According to customblogging.com some hernias are different, they require surgery to repair, or major complications, even death can occur.   A hernia occurs when parts of an organ (usually the intestines) protrudes through a weak point or tear in the thin muscular wall that holds the abdominal organs in place. People at risk of developing a hernia are typically those performing chronic lifting or activities that require straining, which increases intra-abdominal pressure. However, the various types and causes of hernias may occur in both males and females of literally any age. In infants and children, hernias occur when the lining around the abdominal organs does not close properly before birth.

Often there is no obvious cause as to why someone develops a hernia, but awareness of the common symptoms can help in diagnosing their occurrence. Identifying hernias in a timely manner is crucial. Left unchecked, hernias can possibly lead to a strangulated intestine, gangrene, and even death. Common hernia symptoms include:

Groin discomfort aggravated by bending

A tender groin lump

A non-tender bulge or lump in children

June is Hernia Awareness Month.  If you or someone you know has a hernia, please seek medical attention as soon as possible to prevent any major complications, and avoid making matters worse by using proper techniques when doing any heavy lifting.

(Images from Google) 

Trauma Awareness

By Nurse Diane

A few days ago near Fort Worth, Texas in a small town called Granbury, an E4 tornado ripped through the community leaving six people dead, seven missing and injuring an undetermined number of people.  Trauma happens when you least expect it.  You could be in a vehicle accident, sporting accident, natural disaster, or even doing things around your home.

During these events, it is comforting to know there is a team of people who are knowledgeable to help you in any situation.  That is why May is National Trauma Awareness Month. Established by President Ronald Reagan in 1988, National Trauma Awareness Month is a time for all of us to appeal to our state and federal lawmakers to support funding for trauma research and provide resources to local trauma centers. It’s also a good time to provide injury prevention messages to the public and to publicize the locations of trauma centers.

National Trauma Institute.org lists several ways that you can help with trauma awareness.  Below are some of the suggestions they have:

• Write to Congressional Appropriations Committee members to ask for their support of federal spending for trauma research.
• Send thank you notes to legislators for their past support of funding for trauma research and ask for their continued support.
• Include recent trauma statistics in patient newsletters and flyers
• Publish safety reminders in local papers
• Publicize Trauma Center locations and facts

For more information and ideas on how to help, visit this site:  http://www.nationaltraumainstitute.org/home/national_trauma_awarness_month.html

Anxiety and Depression Awareness

By Nurse Diane

The other day we told you that it was Mental Health Awareness Month.  This week the focus is on Anxiety and Depression, two of many Mental Health disorders.  These subjects really hit home with me.  Since the death of my husband my life has been filled with anxiety and depression:  Anxiety over the legal issues and depression over my loss of him.  With all the turmoil surrounding his death, I have not even had a chance to stop and grieve.  I recently went to an after hours clinic for a sore on my leg that wouldn't heal.  Feeling I was in need of an antibiotic, I went to be examined.  During the course of my examination I discovered that my blood pressure was unusually high, 225/110.  This discovery really frightened me and I followed up with a complete physical exam with my doctor.  He prescribed some blood pressure medication along with some antidepressant.   I immediately began taking the blood pressure meds and I also purchased some garlic pills and fish oil pills to help lower it.  I was wary about the anti depressant, I have some court cases that I have to attend, and I wanted to be on top of my game.  However, one of the symptoms of anxiety and depression is elevated blood pressure.

Some other symptoms include:

Low or irritable mood most of the time

A loss of pleasure in usual activities

Trouble sleeping or sleeping too much

A big change in appetite, often with weight gain or loss

Tiredness and lack of energy

Feelings of worthlessness, self-hate, and guilt

Difficulty concentrating

Slow or fast movements

Lack of activity and avoiding usual activities

Feeling hopeless or helpless

Repeated thoughts of death or suicide

Symptoms of stress and anxiety include:

A faster heart rate

Skipped heartbeats

Rapid breathing

Sweating

Trembling

Dizziness

Other symptoms include:

Loose stools

Frequent need to pee

Dry mouth

Problems swallowing

Many things can cause you to have these disorders, some include:

Alcohol or drug abuse

Medical conditions and treatments, such as:

Certain types of cancer

Long-term pain

Sleeping problems

Steroid medications

Underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism)

Stressful life events, such as:

Abuse or neglect

Breaking up with a boyfriend or girlfriend

Certain types of cancer

Death of a relative or friend

Divorce, including a parent's divorce

Failing a class

Illness in the family

Job loss

Long-term pain

Social isolation (common cause of depression in the elderly)

Ways to treat depression include first visiting your doctor, letting him/her know your symptoms and things that have been going on in your life. Things you can do at home include:

Get enough sleep.

Follow a healthy, nutritious diet.

Exercise regularly.

Avoid alcohol, marijuana, and other recreational drugs.

Get involved in activities that make you happy.

Spend time with family and friends.

If you are a religious or spiritual person, talk to a clergy member or spiritual advisor.

Consider meditation, tai chi, or other relaxation methods.

Add omega-3 fatty acids to your diet. You can get them from over-the-counter supplements or by eating fish such as tuna, salmon, or mackerel

During National Anxiety and Depression Awareness week, take some time to examine your own life.  If you notice any of these symptoms, or feel you need some help, call your doctor, family or friend, talk things over and see what they advise.  Take time for yourself, drink some wine or eat chocolate, and find ways to relax and distress.  For more information check this site http://www.lifebridgeblogs.org/

(All images from google) 

Accepting Mental Health as an Illness

By Nurse Diane 

I was just reading a story about Amanda Bynes, a young actress in Hollywood.  She played in a few movies that I have seen, What a Girl Wants, and the remake of Hairspray.  In the past few days she has shaved her head, posted topless pictures of herself on social media sites, and wondering around with the appearance of being intoxicated or on drugs.  There was a report on Twitter asking for the police to come and help her, from herself.  However, she has not committed any crimes or performed illegal acts, she is clearly in need of some professional help.

Her actions mimic another celebrity melt down of Brittany Spears.  She was in definite need of psychiatric help when she began making headlines weekly with her absurd behavior.  The media did not help her, instead published story after story gaining wealth and fame over her actions.  Many young and older stars can be seen having public meltdowns.

Society views about Mental Health issues have changed in the past 100 years.   If a family member noticed acting peculiar, they would be shipped off to an asylum and locked away in the dungeon.  Many were locked away in their homes, chained to beds or posts.

While I was in nursing school, we had a semester of Psychiatric Nursing.  This course was offered during the summer, and required staying at a mental health facility for four weeks.  The hospital, one of the oldest in the state, was opened in 1848 and many of the first patients were being treated for tuberculosis.  There was a separate facility that housed the criminally insane, and that area was still being used at the time I was there.  The conditions were terrible, and it was hard to imagine anyone being treated for mental disorders in a place like that.

Views about Mental health have changed considerably since those days.  Society has become aware of various mental disorders and the availability of treatment.   May is Mental Health Awareness Month.  There are many organizations that provide free service and help at low cost.  If you or someone you know has a mental health problem, please seek help and encourage others to get the assistance they need to be able to live life better.  For more information about mental health, or where to get help, visit this site: http://www.mentalhealthamerica.net/

National Children's Mental Health Awareness Week May 5 – 11, 2013

Theme - Out of the Shadows: Exposing Stigma

With the spotlight shining on the critical need for mental health care reform in our country, we must also educate the nation about children's mental health and promote comprehensive, grass-root efforts to eradicate scrutiny, discrimination and repercussions that deter our children, youth and families in need of care from seeking consistent help. (Source: National Federation of Families For Children’s Mental Health)

Pet’s First Aid

By Terry Orr

Keep your family pet safe and healthy.

So how many of our wonderful readers have ever heard of Pet First Aid Awareness Month? It is news to me – as a pet owner for decades – wonder how I missed the boat?  One of my wife’s friends is over; she’s a Professional Dog Walker. One requirement of a professional dog walker is to be Pet First Aid certified. Learn something new every day!

The American Red Cross provides a wealth of good information regarding Pet First Aid and I highly recommend visiting and learning what they are providing. After all, most pets are like having children in our homes – please take the time to learn how to help then in need.  Thank you!

References and Links:

http://www.redcross.org/news/article/April-Is-Pet-First-Aid-Awareness-Month

(All images from Google)