Nurse's Notes
Leaving a whole watermelon on your kitchen counter for 5 days increases its lycopene and beta-carotene content by as much as 20%. Cut fruit should be refrigerated.
08/24 TL Bulletin
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Signs or Red Flags of Health Fraud:
- Statements that the product is a quick, effective cure-all or a diagnostic tool for a variety of ailments.
- Suggestions that the product can treat or cure serious or un-curable diseases.
- Claims such as "scientific breakthrough", "miracle cure", "secret ingredient", or "ancient remedy".
- Impressive sounding words like "hunger stimulation point" and "thermogenesis" for weight loss products.
- Claims that the product is safe because it is "natural".
- Undocumented case histories or personal stories by people who have tried it or by doctors claiming amazing results.
- Promises of no-risk, money-back guarantees.
- Easy "fixes" for problems such as excess weight, hair loss, etc.
08/17 TL Bulletin
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People with diabetes need to pay close attention to the condition of their feet, due to poor nerve sensation and blood flow. Here are a few "do's" of diabetes foot care:
- Inspect your feet every day; look for any cuts or scrapes -- if you have trouble seeing the bottoms, use a hand mirror.
- When you go to your doctor, take off your shoes -- he/she should be checking your feet at each visit.
- Wash your feet daily, but not in hot water. Use location [that your doctor has approved] on dry areas, however do not apply it between toes.
- Your diabetes doctor should screen you for any nerve damage.
- Wear soft breathable socks -- the kind that wick moisture away from skin (not 100% cotton).
- Trim nails straight across without damaging skin. If this is difficult, see a foot doctor regularly.
- Don't walk barefoot.
- Don't smoke! (it decreases circulation)
- Don't cut corns or calluses yourself, or use chemical irritants meant to remove them.
- Don't wear open toed shoes, particularly sandals or flip-flops with thongs between toes!
08/10 TL Bulletin
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Office yoga? Sure! Begin by sitting on the edge of your chair with your feet placed squarely on the floor about hip distance apart. Place your palms flat on your thighs and become aware of the length of your spine -- head balanced over heart, heart balanced over hips. Inhale and exhale evenly for five counts each. Repeat as many times as you would like.
08/03 TL Bulletin
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Know the signs of heat exhaustion! Heat exhaustion results from fluid loss or sodium loss in the heat. Symptoms include loss of coordination; dizziness or fainting; profuse sweating or pale skin; headache, nausea, vomiting or diarrhea; stomach/intestinal cramps or persistent muscle cramps. The person suffering should be moved immediately to a cool, shaded area, with legs elevated. Begin fluid replacement as soon as possible with Gatorade or other clear non-caffeine bearing liquids. If their condition get worse (call 911), or does not improve within a few minutes, they should be seen by a physician in the ER.
07/27 TL Bulletin
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The price of everything is rising! Even the tooth fairy is feeling the pinch! A poll by Securian Dental indicates that the tooth fairy pays an average of $2.09 per baby tooth, and increase from $1.71 in 2007! A spokeperson for the dental plan is quoted as saying, "The NASDAQ and Dow Jones Industrial Average indices have decreased 7.4% and 3.6% over this same period respectively. Either the tooth fairy is an expert investor or we may be seeing something analogous to the 'lipstick effect', where during economic downturn or recession, the tendency is for consumers to purchase small, comforting items rather than large luxury items." http://webmd.com/parenting/news2008222.
07/20 TL Bulletin
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Here's a quick way to determine if the fruit or vegetables in your grocery are organic -- look at the little sticker -- a 4-digit number means the food is regularly grown -- a 5-digit number beginning with 9 means it is organic.
06/29 TL Bulletin
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Here is a dessert that tastes sinful, but actually has less than 300 calories: Grilled Banana Split -- Slice an unpeeled banana in half lengthwise, leaving the bottom peel in place. Stuff the middle with 2 Tbs. dark chocolate chips and 1 Tbs. crushed pineapple. Wrap banana in foil and grill for 3-4 min. skin-side down. Remove foil and slice through. Top with 1/4 cup sorbet and 10 mini-marshmallows. 277 calories.
06/22 TL Bulletin
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If you plan to travel this summer, and have health related problems, you may want to consider purchasing a Portable Travel Profile necklace. It is a password protected "thumb drive" that holds an electronic version of your medical history, prescriptions, emergency contact information, and more. The attending doctor can plug it into any computer if you are hospitalized. Cost is $30, it is available at www.portabletravelprofile.com.
06/15 TL Bulletin
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Mosquitoes can breed in even the tiniest amount of water. That is why it is so important to do regular (at least once a week) check for buckets, plastic toys or covers, birdbaths - any standing water source, and rid it of water to keep these pests away!
06/08 TL Bulletin
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As the weather gets warmer, you may find yourself needing to turn on your car's air conditioner, and if doing so causes fits of sneezing, the culprits are probably mold and fungi growing deep within the system. To minimize the problem, keep the car windows open part way for 10 minutes after you turn on the A/C. Keep the vents pointed away from your face. Set the A/C to use "outside" vs. "re-circulated air". If that doesn't work, have your car treated with an EPA approved disinfectant, available at your car dealership, some services, and auto A/C shops.
05/25 TL Bulletin
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Again....from the folks at Prevention Magazine (May 2008) the worst stall to pick in a public restroom is the center one. They typically contain more bacteria than those on either end. Toilet handles are the worst, so be sure to thoroughly wash your hands!
05/18 TL Bulletin
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According to Prevention Magazine (May 2008) the worst place for your toothbrush is...on the bathroom sink! In many small bathrooms, the sink is in close proximity to the toilet. Flushing forces some particles into the air, as far as 6 feet from the toilet! They suggest you consider keeping your toothbrush "behind closed doors", as in the medicine cabinet or a nearby cupboard/closet!
05/11 TL Bulletin
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It's time for fresh asparagus! Did you know that with just 25 calories in eight medium spears, you get 25% of your daily Vitamin A and 15% Vitamin C, and loads of essential folic acid?
05/04 TL Bulletin
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Flower Power - Texas A&M reported on a study examining the mood boosting ability of plants. Women who worked in a room decorated with two potted plants and a bouquet of flowers reported 13% more ideas than women working in a room containing abstract sculptures. A good mood increases the level of dopamine, which helps in information flow of the brain.
04/26 TL Bulletin
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Need more reasons to quit smoking.....
8 hrs. after quitting, the carbon monoxide in your blood drops to normal.
24 hrs. after, your chances of having a heart attack decrease.
2 weeks to 3 months after, you have better circulation and your lung function can increase up to 30%.
1 yr. after, you reduce your risk of heart disease by 50%.
When you stop smoking, your pets will be happier -- did you know that secondhand smoke increases the risk of lung cancer in dogs?
04/20 TL Bulletin Click here for more information.
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Many migraine headaches may be triggered by foods we eat. If you suffer from migraines, you may want to eliminate the following foods from you diet, or begin keeping a food diary to determine precise triggers: caffeine; chocolate; cheese; MSG (found in many Chinese dishes, and food seasonings); yogurt or sour cream; nuts (especially peanuts); processed meats (aged, canned, marinated, or containing nitrates - hotdogs, sausage, bacon, salami, bologna); alcohol and vinegar (white vinegar is okay); citrus fruits and juices; certain fruits - bananas, raisins, red plums, avocados); certain vegetables (lima, Favra, and navy beans, pea pods, sauerkraut, onions); certain breads (fresh baked/yeast risen from a bakery, donut shop or home); aspartame (NutraSweet).
04/13 TL Bulletin
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Still tempted by Easter candy...those jelly beans in the bottom of the basket? One small jelly bean contains 4 calories - 100% carbohydrate (just over 2 grams). You will need to walk for one minute to burn off the calories consumed in one bean. At that rate, you may want to eat them "on the run"!
03/30 TL Bulletin
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Have you switched to using those funny-looking corkscrew shaped compact fluorescent bulbs yet? They use up to 75% less energy than traditional bulbs, and appear to last longer as well. What you may not know is that the bulbs contain an average of 5 milligrams of mercury (about the size of a ballpoint pen tip). Mercury is a hazardous substance, so use caution when discarding used or broken bulbs. Check with your closest municipal landfill regarding disposal, or the EPA.
03/16 TL Bulletin
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Video games are not all bad...the video game, Dance Dance Revolution allows you to burn up to 270 calories in a half-hour session -- equivalent to a fast walk or jog. Getting to the highest level could allow you to burn 400 calories in 45 minutes as you match your footwork to the on-screen prompts.
03/02 TL Bulletin
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In case you are choking on food and no one is around, know how to self-administer the Heimlich maneuver. Make a fist and place the thumb side against your abdomen, slightly above the navel. With the other hand, grasp the fist and press it in and upward with quick, sharp thrusts. Another method: press your abdomen (just below the ribs) forcefully against the back of a chair, table, sink or railing. Repeat until the food is expelled.
02/24 TL Bulletin
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If you have trouble falling asleep, look at the ingredients in any pain relievers you're taking -- several brands of aspirin and acetaminophen contain caffeine. Two of these tablets typically contain 150 mg. of caffeine -- as much as a cup of coffee.
02/17 TL Bulletin
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Dr. Bernie Siegel, Yale physician and author of a bestselling book titled, "Love, Medicine and Miracles", has written "Unconditional love is the most powerful stimulant of the immune system. The truth is: love heals."
02/10 TL Bulletin
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Make your own low-fat, lower-calorie tortilla chips by baking fresh tortillas at 400 degrees for 8-10 minutes, or until crisp. You can cut them into triangles before baking, or break them into chips afterward.
02/03 TL Bulletin
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Did you know it is illegal for anyone to come to your home uninvited to sell Medicare insurance? Don't believe anyone who just "shows up" on your doorstep to be from Medicare!
01/27 TL Bulletin
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If it sounds too good to be true....it probably is. The FDA and the National Council Against Health Fraud recommend avoiding products or practices that make the following 'claims'.
1. Ads using the words "breakthrough", "magical", or "new discovery".
2. Promotional material/ads that use what sounds like medical terms - "detoxify", "purify", "energize", as these claims are difficult to define or measure.
3. Claims that the product can treat a wide range of symptoms, cure, or prevent a number of diseases.
4. The product says it is backed by scientific studies, but not references are provided, are very limited, or are out of date (more than 5 years).
5. The product ads mention only benefits with no mention of side-affects.
6. The manufacturer claims the government or medical profession is suppressing important information about the products benefits.
01/20 TL Bulletin
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If you are having oral surgery that involves the use of self-dissolving stitches, you may want to avoid using toothpastes that contain peroxide (usually "whitening" and baking soda formulas) or with baking soda until your incision is completely healed. Doctors at the University of Texas discovered that sutures exposed to peroxide dissolved after only a few days -- not enough time for total healing.
01/06 TL Bulletin
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Have you been setting aside the daily 10 minutes in silence with God? Good! Add 5 more minutes each week for the next two weeks. Watch your stress level lower as you continue to listen...in silence to where God is leading you in 2008! You will know you have the deep breathing correct by simply placing your hand on your belly - as you breathe deeply, allow your hand to rise and fall on your stomach. Joyous New Year!
12/30 TL Bulletin
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Cranberries contain more health promoting antioxidants than coffee, blueberries and red wine! The greatest amount is found in the whole fruit, and lesser amounts in juice, sauce or jelly!
12/16 TL Bulletin
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Excess Baggage: Consider the weight of a typical women's purse - key chain - 3 oz.; PDA - 6 oz.; cell phone - 3.5 oz.; compact - 3 oz.; lipstick - 1 oz.; mascara - 1 oz.; hairbrush - 5 oz.; hand sanitizer - 2 oz.; ipod/MP3 player - 6 oz.; small pen/pad - 9 oz.; digital camera - 7 oz.; paperback book - 8 oz.; magazine - 1 lb. 11 oz.; apple - 7 oz. The larger the bag the more that is in it, some women tote: fold-up umbrella - 9.5 oz.; pair of athletic shoes - 1 lb. 5 oz.; and a lap-top computer - with a potential of 13 lbs. 5 oz. Lighten your load, and regularly switch sides on which you carry your purse to avoid muscle strain and posture problems!
11/25 TL Bulletin
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Five warning signs of health issues in aging parents:
- Weight loss - causes may range from illness to difficulty grasping cooking tools or in reading labels or recipes.
- Home safety problems - lights not working, heat off, dishes gathering in the sink.
- Self care is deteriorating - bathing, tooth brushing, grooming become a problem.
- Drastic mood changes; loss of interest in favorite activities.
- Having physical difficulty with walking or standing.
Talk about your concerns, and help them come up with solutions to the problems. Speak to his/her doctor and close friends to compare concerns. Your local agency on aging can serve as a vital source in offering support services.
11/18 TL Bulleting
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Thanksgiving is coming soon, offering a wonderful opportunity to gather a more complete family health history! Check out http://www.hhs.gov/familyhistory/ for forms and suggested discussion questions.
11/11 TL Bulletin
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Microorganisms may be present in the droppings of birds, so consider wearing disposable gloves when cleaning or replenishing your bird feeder.
11/4 TL Bulletin
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Never assume that because a medication is over-the-counter it is completely safe to use. For instance, taken heavily or incorrectly, several common medications containing ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), naproxen (Naprosyn, Aleve) or acetaminophen (Tylenol) may increase or worsen high blood pressure. If you use these medications on a regular basis, share that information with your doctor, and have your blood pressure checked on a regular basis.
10/14 TL Bulletin
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October is Clergy Appreciation Month. Take some time to thank your Pastor for the work he does in the name of Christ. Gifts that promote health and wellness of our leaders might include: membership to a gym, an extra vacation day during the remainder of the year, gift certificate for walking shoes, etc. -- all are welcome, however cards are also greatly appreciated....cards keep on giving because they can be re-read throughout the months ahead!
10/7 TL Bulletin
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Did you know that your shoe size changes as you get older? As we age, our feet typically lose some of the padding along the sole of the foot, causing the foot to become slightly longer and wider, so you may want to consider having them measured every year or two.
9/30 TL Bulletin
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10 Great Health Foods
1. Apples - loaded with soluble fiber that helps lower cholesterol, and a great source of Vitamin C.
2. Almonds - packed with nutrients, fiber, iron and calcium and protein.
3. Blueberries - rich source of phytonutrients to help prevent urinary tract infections; also thought to improve memory.
4. Broccoli - good source of calcium, potassium, folate (iron) and fiber.
5. Red Beans - good source or
iron; low-fat and low calorie protein and fiber source.
6. Salmon - heart healthy source of Omega-3 fatty acids; good source of protein.
7. Spinach - high in Vitamins A & C, as well as iron, calcium and iron.
8. Sweet Potatoes - high in beta carotene; may slow the aging process and reduce the risk for certain types of cancer; low in calories- one small = 54 calories.
9. Vegetable Juice - great source of lycopene, which may reduce risk of heart attack and prostate cancer.
10. Wheat Germ - Highly concentrated source of niacin, thiamine, riboflavin, Vitamin E and several minerals.
9/23 TL Bulletin
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A common side affect to some psychiatric medications is dry mouth. Listed are a few simple remedies:
- Take frequent sips of water throughout the day.
- Avoid coffee, tea, sodas, alcohol - all increase frequency of urination and cause further dehydration.
- Keep water by your bed to sip during the night.
- Drink water with meals.
- Use sugar-free candy or chewing gum to increase moisture.
- Consider using a humidifier at night when heat is on in your home.
If symptoms continue, tell your doctor. Dry mouth can increase your risk of cavities, so pay attention to good oral hygiene.
9/16/2007 TL Bulletin
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