National STD Month

By Nurse Diane

When I was in nursing school, I worked at the school's health clinic.  It was just starting up, so the clinic was a mobile nursing unit.  It was a big RV that had been converted to a traveling clinic complete with a classroom, exam room and waiting room. The nurse practitioner, myself, an office staff member, and driver would travel to different schools in a 100 mile radius once a week to perform various tasks such as checking blood pressure, doing simple blood tests the occasional physical exam, but mostly education.  The number one subject the kids wanted to learn about was sex related topics.  Not only did we instruct about disease and pregnancy, we also provided condoms, and instructions for using them.

According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), there are 20 million new cases of STD are a year with a cost of 19 billion dollars to treat them.  I also learned that one out of every two sexually active people will contract a sexually transmitted disease by the age of 25, and some may not even be aware that they have a disease.

The good news is that most STDs are treatable, and many are curable – early detection through testing is key. Yet, stigma, inconsistent or incorrect condom use, access to health care, and a combination of other factors contribute to high rates of STDs among teens and young adults.

Research has shown that most adolescents feel more comfortable discussing this problem with their primary care physician, an with the person who initiates the discussion, and is knowledgeable about the diseases, causes cures and prevention.

Sexually transmitted diseases are a real problem; if you have any young teens in your family, don't be afraid to bring up this discussion with them.  Don't judge them or show disproval, just provide them with answers, and the tools to prevent sexually transmitted disease.  If you or other parent doesn’t feel comfortable having this discussion, talk with their primary care physician about bringing up this matter to them.

Since I routinely had these discussions in the course of my job, I was comfortable having it with my son.  You want to make sure that you have the discussion in a non-threatening place.  I decided to take my son to the Dairy Queen and have banana splits.  The talk went well, until a catholic nun walked up to our table, and had been listening to our discussion.  This proved a little embarrassing, and put an end to our conversation, but makes for a funny story now.

The most important thing is to bring up the subject, don’t be afraid to answer any questions, and if you don't know the answer, you can find out together. Show your support to your kids, and help stop the spread of Sexually Transmitted Diseases!

November Cancer Awareness Overview

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By Terry Orr

What Is Cancer?

Cancer is the general name for a group of more than 100 diseases. Although there are many kinds of cancer, all cancers start because abnormal cells grow out of control. Untreated cancers can cause serious illness and death.

How common is cancer?

Half of all men and one-third of all women in the US will develop cancer during their lifetimes.

Today, millions of people are living with cancer or have had cancer. The risk of developing many types of cancer can be reduced by changes in a person’s lifestyle, for example, by staying away from tobacco, limiting time in the sun, being physically active and healthy eating.

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Each month, we try to identify key health-related topics to share with you.  Cancer is one of those health-related topics too large to be adequately covered under just one heading. So, throughout the year – nearly every month has more than one cancer-related topic of the month.  November has five such – and they are:

• Lung Cancer Awareness Month;
• Carcinoid Cancer Awareness Month;
• National Family Caregivers Month;
• Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month; and
• Stomach Cancer Awareness Month

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Each of these will be topics will have separate articles posted during the month.  The Big “C” has probably touched all of our lives – I know it sure has mine as my Grandmother and Dad both died as a result of cervical and renal cell respectively.  In addition, several family members and friends have had one form or another of Cancer.

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Educating ourselves and family members about Cancer, symptoms, treatments, care, giving our love and support are critical items in helping others.  There are several support groups available to assist you and your love ones in dealing with these terrible diereses and strong recommend seeking their help.

To learn more about Cancer, I recommend the National Cancer Institute (www.cancer.gov) – they have a list of all types of Cancer that includes the following types of information:

• Definition of the type of cancer;
• Estimated new cases and deaths;
• Online booklet information;
• Treatment, Prevention, Genetics, Causes,
• Screening and Testing;
• Clinical Trails;
• Literature;
• Research and Related Information; and
• Statics (including fact sheets).

From the good folks over at the National Library of Medicine – The most common cause of cancer-related death is lung cancer.

The three most common cancers in men in the United States are:

1. Prostate cancer
2. Lung cancer
3. Colon cancer

In women in the United States, the three most common cancers are:

1. Breast cancer
2. Colon cancer
3. Lung cancer

Please take a couple minutes to review some of these links – bookmark as appropriate.  Thank you!

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References and Links:

• http://www.cancer.org/?gclid=CLKjxKuYqrMCFQqe4AodzScAqA
• http://www.choosehope.com/cms-category/calendar-of-cancer-awareness-months
• http://www.cancer.org/cancer/cancerbasics/index
• http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/wyntk/cancer
• http://www.cancer.net/all-about-cancer
• http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/cancer.html
• http://www.macmillan.org.uk/Cancerinformation/Aboutcancer/AboutcancerHome.aspx#.UJE6ScWHKSo
• http://www.cancerquest.org/
• http://www.cancer.org/acs/groups/content/@epidemiologysurveilance/documents/document/acspc-031941.pdf
• http://cancercontrolplanet.cancer.gov/
• http://cancerres.aacrjournals.org/
• http://www.nfcr.org/
• http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/types/alphalist
• http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0002267/

Family Sexuality Education Month

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Nurse Diane

I recently took a poll of some of my friends to see what their thought were on have "the talk" with their children.  The ones that I ask had never had the talk or even had the talk with their parents.

I had a job with a mobile nursing unit when I was in nursing school.  It was a large motor home that traveled around to area schools to teach and perform simple health exams such as checking blood pressure and blood sugar and cholesterol.  My job was to hold sex education classes and I also provided condoms to those who completed the class.  Because of this training, I had no fear about having the talk with my son.  I took him to the local dairy queen, got some banana splits, and started in on my discussion.  Halfway through, I noticed someone standing behind me, as I looked around, I saw a Nun standing there, listening to my speech.  I was horrified, but I was able to give some valuable information to my son, and correct some misinformation that he had received from classmates.

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Most of the ones I interviewed said they would prefer this information be taught in school; however, there are some parents that argue that it should be taught in the home.  This is a real disservice to those who don’t get "the talk" at home. I think the best solution is to find out when this subject will be taught in the classroom, and hold your discussion at home beforehand.  The information you teach, along with the classroom information will only help to improve knowledge, and should any questions arise, then you can be there to answer them to the best of your ability.  The tragedy comes when neither school nor family teaches the child, and the information they get comes from classmates and friends.  This reminds me of a joke:

On the way back home from school, my grandson asked my son THE question. "Dad, where do babies come from?" he said. "I know they come from mommies' tummies, but how they get in there in the first place?" I tried to stifle a laugh as my son stuttered and tried to find an explanation suitable for my grandchild. Finally my grandson shouted in disgust, "it’s okay, Dad! You don't have to make up the answer if you don't know! "Ha ha ha:)

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This month is family sexuality education month.  If you have young ones in your family, take some time to talk with them, find out what they know, and how much is correct, and make sure to answer any questions they have. This way, you know the information they receive is correct, and their knowledge can prevent any sexually transmitted diseases or unwanted pregnancies.

Leukemia, Lymphoma and Myeloma Awareness Month

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By Nurse Diane

I will never forget the summer of 1976.  That was the year my family moved to a different city.  We were frequently moving since my father's job kept promoting him and with each promotion came a new location. I was always excited to move to a new place meet new people and start a new school, but this summer was different.  Shortly after we moved, my mother got a phone call.  My grandfather was in the hospital, he had been diagnosed with Leukemia.  My mother left to be by his side, and to help my grandmother.  We, my brother, father and I were left at home to fend for ourselves.  I was a young girl at the time, and didn't really understand what was going on.  My grandfather was a very strong man.  He had served in 2 wars, and was a full time employee of the National Guard.  He was a very strict military man, and nothing could bring him down.  But my grandfather had never met cancer before.  Luckily, he did not suffer long with his illness. His death was fast and unexpected.  He outlived his mother, but passed away before seeing his youngest daughter get married.  He had a full military funeral, with a flag over his casket, bugles playing, and a 21 gun salute.  This was the first time I had experienced a death in my family, and it was all confusing. I wish I had more time to spend with him, to learn of his military career, and how he won the box full of medals that my father placed in a frame.

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September is Leukemia, Lymphoma and Myeloma Awareness Month.  The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) was founded in 1949. Blood cancers affect more than 912,000 people with 140,000 new diagnoses each year.  Each year around 53,000 die from blood cancers.  The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society has been dedicated to finding a cure for these diseases through voluntary contributions. The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) is the world's largest voluntary health agency dedicated to blood cancer. The LLS mission: Cure leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin's disease and myeloma, and improve the quality of life of patients and their families. LLS funds lifesaving blood cancer research around the world and provides free information and support services.  Remarkable progress has been made in treating patients with blood cancers, with survival rates for many having doubled or tripled, and in some cases quadrupled.

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If you know someone who is suffering from these blood cancers, and would like to help in finding a cure, please visit this website for more information about ways you can help. http://www.lls.org/#/waystohelp/donate/

National Sarcodosis Awareness Day

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By Nurse Diane

In 1991 President George Bush issued a Proclamation declaring today as National Sarcodosis Day, here is an excerpt from that proclamation:

Sarcodosis, a disease that affects many of our fellow citizens and people around the world, remains shrouded in mystery. Skin-related symptoms of this chronic, multi-system disease were first recognized more than 100 years ago; however, the effects of Sarcodosis on other bodily organs were not observed until the first quarter of this century. Today researchers are still trying to learn more about the cause and the nature of this affliction. Sarcodosis can strike people of all races and of all ages, but, according to the United States Department of Health and Human Services, it is most common among black Americans who are between the ages of 20 and 40. While no cause has yet been identified, it is thought that heredity predisposes some individuals to the disease. Intensive research during the past decade has not only supported this belief but also enabled physicians to diagnose and to manage Sarcodosis more effectively.

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Today researchers at both the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases and the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute are leading studies on the etiology, diagnosis, and treatment of Sarcodosis. On this occasion, we recognize their work and that of other concerned physicians and scientists throughout the United States. We also salute the victims of Sarcodosis who demonstrate great courage and determination in their efforts to cope with the disease; and we pay tribute to their family members and to other concerned Americans who are engaged in grass-roots efforts to promote awareness of Sarcodosis, as well as improved treatment and support for its victims.

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Sarcodosis is a disease in which inflammation occurs in the lymph nodes, lungs, liver, eyes, skin, or other tissues.  Some causes include:

• Extreme immune response to infection;
• High sensitivity to environmental factors;
• Genetic factors;
• age, usually between the ages of 20 to 40 years old;
• Affects women more than men; and or
• Can occur if you have a close relative who suffers from Sarcodosis

Symptoms include chest pains, dry cough, shortness of breath, loss of appetite, general feeling of malaise, fever, hair loss, rash, and headaches or seizures.

Sarcodosis can be diagnoses through a physical exam, chest x-rays and blood work.  Many with Sarcodosis are not seriously ill, and will get better without treatment on their own in about 3 years.  For more serious conditions, they may be treated with immunosuppressant drugs.

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Today is National Sarcodosis Awareness Day.  To learn more about it or how you can help, click on this site. http://www.inspire.com/groups/stop-sarcoidosis/discussion/national-sarcoidosis-awareness-day-august-29-2009/

Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) Awareness Month

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By Nurse Diane

Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) is a group of inherited diseases that cause muscle damage and weakness, which get worse over time and eventually lead to death.  This disease is mainly present at birth, but type II can be noticed anywhere from 6 months to 2 years of age.  Type III SMA can also be seen during adolescence, but types II and III are a milder form of the disease.

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Infants born with SMA have very little muscle tone. Often is first felt in the shoulder and leg muscles. Weakness gets worse over time and eventually becomes severe.

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Symptoms in an infant include:

• Breathing difficulty, leading to a lack of oxygen
• Feeding difficulty (food may go into the windpipe instead of the stomach)
• Floppy infant (poor muscle tone)
• Lack of head control
• Little movement
• Weakness that gets worse
• Symptoms in a child:
• Frequent, increasingly severe respiratory infections
• Nasal speech
• Posture that gets worse

There is no treatment yet for this disease.  Prognosis is usually about 2 or 3 years.  Death can occur from pneumonia or heart failure.

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This month is Spinal Muscular Atrophy Awareness Month.  To learn what you can do to promote this disease and show support, click on this site:  http://www.fsma.org/Fundraising/AwarenessMonth/

World Cancer Day

By Diane Forrest, RN

According the National Cancer Institute there are over 100 different types of cancer, and more are being diagnosed every year.  For a complete list of the different types, click on this site: http://www.cancer.gov/.   Each year globally, 12.7 million people learn they have cancer, and 7.6 million people die from the disease. Cancer is the second leading cause of death in the United States, exceeded only by heart disease; it kills more than half a million Americans every year.  Everyone knows someone who has been diagnosed with cancer, or has lost someone because of cancer.

Research is being done all around the world to find a cure, however today is a day for the world to come together and spread the word about cancer, ways to prevent it, and how to be aware of early signs to initiate treatment before all hope is lost.  Today is World Cancer Day.  A person's cancer risk can be reduced by avoiding tobacco, limiting alcohol use, avoiding excessive exposure to ultraviolet rays from the sun and tanning beds, eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, maintaining a healthy weight, and being physically active.

Vaccines also help reduce cancer risk. The human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine helps prevent most cervical cancers and some vaginal and vulvar cancers, and the hepatitis B vaccine can help reduce liver cancer risk.   Research shows that screening for cervical and colorectal (colon) cancers as recommended helps prevent these diseases by finding precancerous lesions so they can be treated before they become cancerous. Screening for cervical, colorectal, and breast cancers also helps find these diseases at an early, often highly treatable stage.

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You can also reduce your children's risk of getting many types of cancer later in life. Start by helping them adopt a healthy lifestyle with good eating habits and plenty of exercise to keep a healthy weight.

Ways to help promote World Cancer day include:

People, businesses, governments and non-profit organizations work together on World Cancer Day to help the general public learn more about the different types of cancer, how to watch for it, treatments and preventative measures.

Various activities and events include: Television; radio; online and newspaper advertisements and articles that focus on the fight against cancer.

Nationwide campaigns targeted at parents to help them minimize the risk of cancer within their families.

Breakfasts, luncheons or dinners aimed at raising funds for cancer research or projects that help to fight cancer. Many of these events feature keynote speakers or video presentations.

Public information booths featuring information kits, fact sheets, booklets, posters and other items that promote the cancer awareness, prevention, risk reduction, and treatment.

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For more information visit this site:  http://www.cdc.gov/Features/WorldCancerDay/

October is Celiac Disease Awareness Month

By Diane Forrest, RN

How many of you have walked down the aisle of your grocery store and seen packages that are marked Gluten Free? Raise your hands if you don't know what they are talking about. ( raising my hand)  I have heard of being a glutton for punishment, but had no clue to what gluten was.  So....I looked it up.  Gluten is  a protein composite found in foods processed from wheat and related species, including barley and rye. It gives elasticity to dough, helping it to rise and to keep its shape, and often giving the final product a chewy texture.  Why am I talking about this?  Well because October is Celiac Disease awareness month, and Celiac disease is a condition that damages the lining of the small intestine and prevents it from absorbing parts of food that are important for staying healthy. The damage is due to a reaction to eating gluten, which is found in wheat, barley, rye, and possibly oats.

The exact cause of celiac disease is unknown. The lining of the intestines contains areas called villi, which help absorb nutrients. When people with celiac disease eat foods or use products that contain gluten, their immune system reacts by damaging these villi.

This damage affects the ability to absorb nutrients properly. A person becomes malnourished, no matter how much food he or she eats.

The disease can develop at any point in life, from infancy to late adulthood. People who have a family member with celiac disease are at greater risk for developing the disease. The disorder is most common in Caucasians and persons of European ancestry. Women are affected more often than men.

Some symptoms of Celiac disease include:

• Abdominal pain, bloating
• Constipation
• decreased appetite
• Diarrhea
• foul smelling stools, that float
• unexplained weigh loss

Children with celiac disease may have:

• Defects in the tooth enamel and changes in tooth color
• Delayed puberty
• Diarrhea, constipation, fatty or foul-smelling stools, nausea, or vomiting
• Irritable and fussy behavior
• Poor weight gain
• Slowed growth and shorter than normal height for their age

Celiac disease is diagnosed through blood tests.  Celiac disease cannot be cured. However, your symptoms will go away and the villi in the lining of the intestines will heal if you follow a lifelong gluten-free diet. Do not eat foods, beverages, and medications that contain wheat, barley, rye, and possibly oats.

You must read food and medication labels carefully to look for hidden sources of these grains and ingredients related to them. Because wheat and barley grains are common in the American diet, sticking with this diet is challenging. With education and planning, you will heal.

For more information go to this site:  http://www.celiaccentral.org/

Reyes Syndrome Awareness month

By Diane Forrest, RN

What Is Reye's syndrome?

Reye's syndrome is a disease which affects all organs of the body, but most lethally the liver and the brain. Reye's syndrome is a two-phase illness because it is almost always associated with a previous viral infection, such as influenza, cold, or chicken pox. Scientists do know that Reye's syndrome is not contagious and the cause is unknown. Reye's syndrome is often misdiagnosed as encephalitis, meningitis, diabetes, drug overdose, poisoning, Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, or psychiatric illness.

Reye's syndrome tends to appear with greatest frequency during January, February, and March when influenza is most common. Cases are reported in every month of the year. An epidemic of flu or chicken pox is commonly followed by an increase in the number of cases of Reye's syndrome.

When Reye's syndrome develops, it typically occurs when a person is beginning to recover from a viral illness. Abnormal accumulations of fat begin to develop in the liver and other organs of the body, along with a severe increase of pressure in the brain. Unless diagnosed and treated successfully, death is common, often within a few days. A person's life depends upon early diagnosis. Statistics indicate an excellent chance of recovery when Reye's syndrome is diagnosed and treated in its earliest stages. The later the diagnosis and treatment, the more severely reduced are chances for successful recovery and survival.

Stages of Reye's syndrome:

Stage I:

• Persistent or continuous vomiting
• Signs of brain dysfunction:
• Listlessness
• Loss of pep and energy
• Drowsiness

Stage II:

• Personality changes:
• Irritability
• Aggressive behavior
• Disorientation:
• Confusion
• Irrational behavior
• Combative
• Delirium, convulsions, coma

Reye's syndrome should be suspected in a person if this pattern of symptoms appear during, or most commonly, after a viral illness. Not all of the symptoms have to occur, nor do they have to be displayed in this order. Fever is not usually present. Many diseases have symptoms in common. Physicians and medical staff in emergency rooms who have not had experience in treating Reye's syndrome may misdiagnose the disease. The symptoms of Reye's syndrome in infants do not follow a typical pattern. For example, vomiting may be replaced with diarrhea, and they may display irregular breathing.

The treatment of Reye's syndrome varies. Reye's syndrome is an acute, rapidly progressive disease. It should be treated as a medical emergency, and time is of the utmost importance. The chance of recovery is greatly increased when it is treated in its earliest stages. To date there is no cure for the disease. Successful management of the disease depends on early diagnosis. Therapy is primarily directed to protect the brain against irreversible damage by reducing the brain swelling.

For more information go to this site: http://www.reyessyndrome.org/