Water. It is such a simple thing. But something that is so important. With warmer weather approaching, I thought I would send out a reminder to all, including myself….drink that water!!!! I have a refillable bottle that I take with me and make sure I fill several times a day.
So bottoms up everyone!
April 28, 2009
Water, water, and MORE water!!
Swine flu…
I am sure you are like most of us and are concerned about the recent confirmed cases of swine flu. So I thought I would devote this blog to some basic information about this condition.
What IS Swine Flu?
Swine flu is a condition that usually happens in pigs. It is able to be transferred or passed from pigs to humans, which is what is happening in this case.
This flu is similar to the “traditional” flu that many of us are aware of today—including the symptoms of this condition along with the ways to transmit the condition.
Symptoms of this include:
Fever
Cough
Body aches
Fatigue
Headaches
Chills
According to the CDC, Center for Disease Control, here are some basic steps we can take for prevention, which is always an important key.
What You Can Do to Stay Healthy
* Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
* Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hands cleaners are also effective.
* Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread that way.
* Influenza is thought to spread mainly person-to-person through coughing or sneezing of infected people.
* If you get sick, CDC recommends that you stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.
There are everyday actions people can take to stay healthy.
* Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
* Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hands cleaners are also effective.
* Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread that way.
Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
* Influenza is thought to spread mainly person-to-person through coughing or sneezing of infected people.
* If you get sick, CDC recommends that you stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.
So remember…the number one way to prevent this—hand washing! It is amazing what taking a few minutes can do to help your health! So lather up and wash, wash, wash!
April 22, 2009
Sleep
As I sit here, typing this post, I am reminded of how tired I am. Now…why is that? I know I am a busy woman on the go, with active children, a career, a home to help run….but why do I feel so tired?
Maybe I am not getting enough sleep. According to many articles I have read, most of us aren’t turning in early enough and therefore we are sleep deprived.
According to the National Sleep Foundation, we adults need seven to eight hours of sleep each night. Are you meeting that requirement? Are you finding that you tell yourself that you will do ONE more thing before turning in for the night?
I know we all know this but it is worth repeating—we need to make sure we are allowing our bodies to rest and that we take care of ourselves.
Here are a few tips to help you get a good night’s sleep.
Avoid caffeine starting in the late afternoon.
Avoid nicotine before bed—again this is a stimulant and can keep you awake.
Keep your room dark, cool, and quiet.
Try to relax before you turn in for the evening.
Good night everyone!
April 18, 2009
Sun and Soccer
We are a soccer family. All three of my children play and my husband and I both coach. It keeps us busy and it’s great exercise, all rolled up in one.
We spend many weekends outside as a family with several games a weekend. Add the cook outs, parties, swimming, and park trips and it ends up being a lot of time in the great outdoors.
I wanted to post a reminder to everyone to wear sunblock.
- Apply the sunscreen at least thirty, 30, minutes before you will be out in the sun.
- Reapply after strenuous exercise or swimming.
- Make sure you apply enough–at least an ounce.
- Be sure to apply it everywhere…arms, legs, face, neck, ears…everywhere. I have forgotten to apply it at times to the tops of my feet and ended up with my shoe design for a bit.
- Wear a higher SPF. I personally wear a 50 SPF when out in the sun and I also wear a 30 SPF daily-year round.
- Remember to protect your mouth with a sunscreen as well. There is nothing worse than sunburned lips…ouch!
Enjoy your weekend!
April 17, 2009
Allergies…
Allergies. Spring. It’s that time of year when we are sniffling, congested, and have a tissue in our hand or pocket at all times. And of course I can’t forget the watery and itchy eyes, the coughing, and fatigue that seems to go along with it!
Symptoms of seasonal allergies include:
- Itchy and watery eyes
- Nasal congestion
- Sinus congestion
- Coughing
- Fatigue
- Itchy throat
Treatment for allergies may include:
- Avoid the allergen. I know—this is easier said than done.
- Saline rinse for the nose and sinus cavities. You can use a neti pot if you’d like.
- Over the counter anti-histamines.
- Prescription medications.
- Nose sprays.
A reminder—always read and follow the directions on all medications—prescription AND over the counter.
Happy Spring!!
April 16, 2009
Stress…
Stress. If you are like me, you deal with this battle every day. I know as a mom, wife, nurse, soccer coach, educator, small business owner and woman I have many things going on all at once. For me, this can cause stress in my life—trying to juggle each one.
Stress can have an affect on the human body. Some conditions seem to feed on stress. Here are just a few.
- High blood pressure.
- Irritable bowel syndrome.
- Headaches, from tension headaches to migraine headaches.
- Insomnia
- Depression
Here are some ways to combat stress.
- Exercise–such as walking, aerobics.
- Learning to say no when we over extend ourselves.
- Relaxation exercises, such as yoga.
- Healthy well-balanced diet.
April 13, 2009
Welcome to the blog for understanding medical terminology! Learning medical terminology is similar to learning a new language. It is important to relax and be patient with yourself.
Medical terminology can be used for many ways. Here are just a few uses.
- You or a loved one has a medical condition and you would like to be able to understand what you are hearing and reading about the condition/diagnosis.
- You are considering a career in the medical field. This is a great way to explore this option.
- You enjoy reading about medical topics.
- You are in the medical or health care field now and feel having a better understanding of medical terminology would help your position.
I’m an RN with over 18 years experience. I have worked in many different settings, including home care, hospice, case management, and education. I have taught various classes such as first aid, CPR, communicable disease, and of course medical terminology.
If you have any questions, please feel free to let me know. I look forward to “chatting” with you soon!