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Health Corner For Our Area Check each month for updated information By:Lori Cobb, RN, FCN PO Box 1354 Libery, NC. 27298 Phone: 622 - 4682 E-Mail: cobbgoduke@aol.com | Health Corner September 5 A Day
Your body needs a balance of nutrients. Food provides what your body needs to build and repair tissues so that your body can continue to function properly each day. Just about everyone needs to eat more fruits and vegetables. They are very important to promote good health and protect against chronic disease (stroke, cardiovascular and certain cancers), because they have the essential vitamins, minerals and fiber. Another way to get these nutrients is to eat or drink foods that are fortified with these vitamins and minerals.
Fruits and vegetables also help you lose weight and/or maintain a healthy weight. Eating a diet balanced with whole grains, lean meat, nuts, beans and more fruits and vegetables will allow you to be healthier and have a proper weight. The following is how to increase fruit and vegetables or substitute them in your diet: Breakfast: 1. Substitute veggies (spinach, onion or mushrooms) for 1 egg or half the cheese on an omelet. 2. Cut back on cereal and add fruit to fill the bowl Lunch: 1. Substitute veggies (lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers or onion) for 2 ounces cheese and 2 ounces of meat 2. Add 1 cup of chopped veggies like broccoli, carrots, beans or red peppers instead of 2 ounces of meat or 1 cup of noodles in broth based soup. Dinner: 1. Add 1 cup chopped veggies broccoli, tomatoes, squash, onion or peppers instead of 1 cup of rice or pasta.
Your plate should look like ¼ lean meat, poultry or fish, ¼ wholes grains (potatoes, rice or noodles) and ½ vegetables. Cooking technique is important it is best to steam with herbs and spices for flavor. You should eat your fruit raw instead of drinking juices to get more nutrients and lower calories. Snacks could be fruit, raw veggies with low fat dip, low fat yogurt with fruit or baked tortilla chips with black bean and corn salsa.
When trying to get your children to eat different fruits and vegetables go slowly and introduce one new one at a time. Have them try it three times before you accept “no, I do not like it” for an answer. Also you adults may want to try those fruits and vegetables you did not like as a child for your taste buds change as you mature. You may be surprised to learn that you like them now.
Lori Ann Cobb RN, FCN
Health Corner
July
Happy Feet
Are your feet happy feet? To have your feet happy you need to make sure to take care of them. After years of walking, diseases, poor circulation, improperly trimmed nails and improperly fitting shoes, your feet will show the wear and tear. Diseases like diabetes, arthritis, nerve damage and circulation problems will injure your feet if you do not properly care for them.
To prevent problems with your feet, monitor them frequently; and, if you are unable to see your own feet, use a mirror or have a family member check them. When sitting do not cross your legs, as this cuts the circulation off. Also, if you are sitting for a long time, stretch your legs or take a walk and, whenever possible, elevate your feet. You also need to check for pressure points from your shoes. Other common foot problems are as follows:
• Fungus or bacterial-athlete’s foot is one which can be caused by wearing shoes too much which allows for warmth and humidity to build up, just what a fungus needs to grow, or by not drying your feet well
• Dry skin-use small amount of soap to prevent dryness
• Corn and calluses- friction and pressure from shoes on the boney parts of the foot cause these conditions.
• Warts- growth caused by a virus. Sometimes painful and may need doctors care by either being burned off or surgically removed.
• Bunions-The joints of the big toe do not fit together and become red and swollen. This does run in families and you will need to wear wider shoes.
• Ingrown toenails- by properly cutting your nails you can prevent this.
• Hammertoe-tendons that control the toe’s movement are shortened and may affect your balance.
• Spur-calcium growth on the bones of the feet caused by muscle strain, standing on your feet for hours, wearing improperly fitting shoes, or by being overweight. They can be either painful or pain free. The treatments are foot supports, heel pads, heel cups or even surgery.
Diabetics: This condition requires special daily foot care. If you suffer from diabetes, you will need to check daily for the following conditions.
• Sores, red spots or blisters
• Ingrown toenails
• Numbness
• Cold to touch or change in temperature
• Clean feet, dry well especially between the toes, do not soak for it will increase dryness
• Lightly moisturize, but do powder to keep it dry
• Wear socks and shoes always to protect them from injury. Wear cotton or wool socks without seams and professionally fit shoes.
Lori Ann Cobb RN, FCN
June’s Health Corner
Scleroderma
Scleroderma is an autoimmune disease that attacks the connective tissues. Scler is a Greek word for hard and derma means skin, therefore scleroderma means hardening of the skin. This is not contagious or infectious and it is not a cancer. However it can be a life threatening condition, depending on what part of the body is affected. Mild cases of this disease can turn serious without proper treatment. There are two types of this disease; Systemic, which affects the internal organs as well as skin and localized. There are three types of localized scleroderma; morphea, which are patches of thickened skin; linear, which is a line of thickened skin down the extremities and en coup de sabre which is a thickened line of skin on forehead or other places on the face. About 300,000 people in United States have this disease with one third having the systemic form.
The cause of this condition is unknown except for the fact that there is an over production of collagen (scar tissue) in the involved areas. In systemic scleroderma the blood vessel narrows which leads to Raynaud’s phenomenon (painful ulcers on the fingers) and this damage also occurs in the internal organs.
Scleroderma is diagnosed by a blood test, and other specialized tests, depending on the organs involved and consultation with arthritis specialist and/or dermatologist. It is very hard to diagnose and can even be misdiagnosed or undiagnosed. Children commonly suffer from the localized form while adults usually have the systemic form. Females suffer in greater numbers from this disease than males and they average in their forties; however any age can develop this condition from infant to elderly.
Treatment: There is no cure at the present time, but there are treatments for the symptoms. Treatment will vary because of the individualized affects the disease has on everyone.
May
Health Corner
Melanoma/Skin Cancer Detection and Prevention
Melanoma is the cause of more than 75% of all skin cancer deaths, making it the most serious form of skin cancer. Melanoma cancer can spread to other organs. Every hour an American is dying from melanoma. Detecting the cancer before it reaches the lymph nodes gives the sufferer a 99% chance of having a five year survival rate.
The thought is that there will be 116,500 new cases of melanoma diagnosed in the United States in 2008. Also, more men than women will be diagnosed as well as die from it. 8,420 people will die in 2008 from this cancer.
The cause of melanoma is exposure to the ultraviolet radiation of the sun. Genetic and immune system deficiencies can be a cause too.
Other Risk Factors:
• Increase risk if Caucasian, fair skin, but higher if you have olive skin
• Blood relative has had melanoma
• Increase risk if you have many moles, large moles or unusual moles
• If you are red headed or blond, or if you have blue or green eyes
• If you have been previously diagnosed with a melanoma, basal cell carcinoma or squamous cell carcinoma (other forms of skin cancer)
The simple ABCD to check moles for signs of melanoma (if you wish to have a card showing how to check stop by the Faith Community Nurse’s office at the First United Methodist Church)
• A-Asymmetry that both halves of the moles is equal
• B- Border of mole is it ragged, notched or blurred
• C-Color see if there is different shades –tan, brown, black and dashes of red, white and blue
• D-Diameter of the mole usually greater than 6mm, but if any mole or growth itches or bleeds even if less than 6mm have it checked by your doctor.
Prevention:
1. Sunscreen of at least 15 SPF, for UVA and UVB apply 15 to 20 minutes before going outside and reapply every 2 hours or after swimming and sweating.
2. Wear protective clothing: long sleeves for arms, hat for head and sunglasses for eyes
3. Seek shade especially between 10am-4pm
4. Protect your children the same with sunscreen and clothing
5. Use extra caution near water, snow and sand for they reflect the damaging rays and increase the chances of burning
6. Avoid tanning beds for they have the same damaging rays as the sun.
7. Check your birthday suit on your birthday by checking your body from head to toe for changes in moles or new growth; you just may detect cancer early.
8. Sun protection: Besides helping to prevent cancer it also helps prevent premature aging, suppressed immune system, cataracts and macular degeneration of eye.
The Health Corner for April
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common disorder of the intestine and the most challenging GI disorder. It is identified by abdominal pain and discomfort with altering bowel function (chronic or recurrent diarrhea, constipation or both, mixed or alternating). Between 25 and 45 million people in the U. S. are affected. 60-65% of the people with IBS are females and it can affect any age group. Other names used over the years for this are: spastic colon, spastic bowel, colitis, mucous colitis, and functional bowel disease, but none are truly accurate.
There is no known cause for IBS. There is agreement among the medical community that there is a disturbance between the stomach, brain and the nervous system, that regulates motor and sensory of bowel function. IBS attacks can range from mild to severe and can become debilitating. IBS affects the personal, social, emotional and professional life of anyone who has it. The attacks are unpredictable and account for 20-40% of the visits to a gastroenterologist. There can be triggers to the attacks like, emotional issues, stress or food.
Symptoms:
1. Cramps or pain in lower abdomen
2. Frequent bowel movements
3. Loose, watery stools
4. Bloated feeling
5. Excess gas
6. Constipation
7. Heart burn
8. Feeling of urgency to have a bowel movement
9. Feeling like not fully completed bowel movement
10. Lower back pain
11. Headache
IBS can go hand in hand with other conditions like, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome or interstitial cystitis. Though the following symptoms are not those of IBS, if you have them you need to see your doctor: anemia, bleeding (other than from hemorrhoids), unexplained weight loss and fever.
Diagnosis is not done by test, but rather by symptoms, excluding other medical conditions, detailed medical history and physical exam. One criteria used is the Rome III Diagnostic Criteria, which looks at the function of the GI disorders based on symptoms. It looks at how many days a month as well as how many months in a row the symptoms have been occurring. IBS is diagnosed if you have exhibited the criteria for 3 months and have had symptoms for at least 6 months.
Treatment of IBS is to educate yourself on this condition and to learn what your triggers are. Even though you know what your triggers are today they may not be the same tomorrow. You need to be aware of your body. You may want to keep a diary of what your day was like and what you ate to decide what food trigger you ate that day. You can try stress management, relaxation and possibly medications. Foods that can stimulate stomach cramps and diarrhea are:
• Fried foods
• Coffee
• Caffeine
• Alcohol
• Too much of some types of sugar; sorbitol-sweetner in diet foods or fructose; sweetner that is naturally found in honey as well as some fruits.
Gas producing foods:
• Beans
• Cabbage
• Legume (peas, peanuts and soybeans)
• Cauliflower and broccoli
• Lentils
• Brussel sprouts
• Raisins
• Onions
• Bagels
Fiber can be a problem for sufferers with IBS. Cereals and whole grains will cause more of a problem. If you eat soluble fiber that is found in fruits and vegetables the less problem you may have. When adding fiber to your diet do it slowly over a period of weeks to avoid discomfort and reduce gas.
Lori Ann Cobb RN, FCN
March
Health Corner
Kidney Disease
The kidneys are about the size of a fist and are located on each side of your back bone (spine), in the lower rib cage. The function of the kidneys is to filter with glomeruli (tiny blood vessels) the toxins and waste from the blood stream. The waste is then disposed of by the body through urine. The kidneys keep the useful proteins and nutrients. Our kidneys regulate many body functions like:
• Removing waste products
• Removing drugs from the body
• Balances body’s fluids-regulates body’s sodium, potassium, phosphorus and calcium
• Releases hormones that regulates blood pressure and making of red blood cells
• Produces an active form of Vitamin D for strong bones
26 million Americans have Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) and another 20 million are at risk. A person has CKD when there are conditions that damage your kidneys and this does not allow them to function properly in maintaining your health. The two main causes of CKD are diabetes and high blood pressure. A few other kidney conditions are as follows:
1. Glomerulonephritis, the third most common of kidney disease caused by inflammation and damage to the filtering units of the kidneys.
2. Inherited disease, like cysts on the kidneys and damaged tissue (polycystic).
3. Malformation of the kidneys, like narrowing that doesn’t allow for the normal flow of urine and infections occur that may damage the kidneys.
4. Lupus and other diseases that affect the immune system.
5. Obstructions caused from kidney stones, tumors or an enlarged prostate in men.
6. Repeated urinary infections.
The symptoms of Chronic Kidney Disease are as follows:
Increased tiredness, less energy
Trouble concentrating
Poor appetite
Trouble sleeping
Muscle cramps at night
Swollen feet and ankles and weight gain
Puffiness around the eyes, especially in the morning
Dry and itchy skin
Need to urinate more often, especially at night
Increased blood pressure
Remember that the kidneys function at 10 times what is needed to be healthy, so when symptoms are noticed you have already lost 90% of their function.
Early detection is the best defense against CKD. This will allow you to maintain enough kidney function so that you may be able to avoid needing to have dialysis (artificial method of removing toxins from the body) or even a kidney transplant. To detect CKD early keep a watch on your blood pressure and have your urine tested for protein. If too much protein is in the urine it could mean filtering damage with the kidney. Also have your blood creatinine tested which tells the doctor how your kidneys are functioning.
Health Corner for October
Cold and Flu
As we enter the fall and winter season we also enter the cold and flu season (September to May). Here are a few facts and prevention tips for the upcoming season. A cold is caused by a virus which antibiotics will not help unless a secondary bacterial infection occurs. Some of the secondary infections could be a sinus infection, ear infection, or bronchitis.
A cold will last an average of about one week, but with the very young and the elderly it could be longer. Colds account for the most doctor visits each year. An adult can have between two and four colds a year, while children can have six to eight a year.
The symptoms of a cold are as follows:
• runny nose,
• congestion,
• sneezing,
• weakened senses of taste and smell,
• scratchy throat and cough
• (children are the ones who usually have a fever).
The cold virus is transferred through touch or inhaling droplets.
To prevent getting a cold you should:
• avoid contact with those who have a cold,
• wash your hands frequently,
• keep hands/fingers out of your eyes and mouth,
• use a separate hand towel for those who are sick
• watch the humidity in your house so not to dry out your sinuses.
See your doctor if the symptoms become severe, such as high fever, or if think you are starting with a sinus, or lung problem.
The flu is an infection of the respiratory system but it is caused by the influenza virus. There are three types of influenza A, B, and C. The most severe are A and B, while C is milder. The A and B strains are the ones you get flu shots to prevent. The C strain may not even have any symptoms.
The flu symptoms are more severe than cold symptoms and are as follow:
• comes on suddenly
• includes high fevers (adults 101 and children between 103 and 105),
• cough, sore throat, chills, tiredness,
• just feeling bad, body aches and muscle aches (they say it hits you like a freight train or Mack truck).
• Treatment is an antiviral medication than can cut the duration of the flu if you see your doctor and are diagnosed within two days of its onset. Otherwise your only option is to treat the symptoms with the over-the-counter medication.
Prevention is getting a flu shot and it is a myth that you will get the flu from the shot. Those who should get the flu shot are:
• adults over 50 years old,
• children 6 months old to 5 years old,
• those 2 year old to 64 with chronic medical condition like asthma, or other lung diseases or heart disease,
• all women who will be pregnant during flu season,
• those living in nursing homes or other health care facilities,
• health care workers with direct patient contact,
• day care,
• households with children under the age of 6 month
• and anyone who wishes to receive a flu shot.
The best advice is to ask your doctor if you should get the flu shot. If you have an allergy to eggs, have a history of Guillian-Barre Syndrome, or have an acute illness you should not get a flu shot.
Remember, the best way to prevent the spread of either the common cold or the flu, is to watch who you come in contact with and wash your hands!
Lori Ann Cobb RN, FCN
September Health Corner—Prostate Cancer
This month is prostate cancer prevention month. Cancer of the prostate will affect 1 out of 6 men at some point in their life. The expectation for 2007 is that over 218,890 men will have prostate cancer, more than there will be women with breast cancer. Ten things that every man needs to know about prostate cancer: (these items are from National Prostate Cancer Coalition)
1 in every 6 men will have prostate cancer.
If you have a close relative (father, brother) with this cancer your chance of getting it is 1 in 3 (83% chance with two close relatives and 97% with three close relatives)
African American men are at a higher risk with 1 in 4 men developing prostate cancer (2.5 times more likely to die from the disease).
Prostate cancer is the second leading cause of male cancer death, but we are down 1% from 2006.
Early stages have no noticeable symptoms-need for screening is very important.
Men 50 years or older need to have yearly screening. African American men should start at age 40.
With screening 9 out of 10 cases are found early as opposed to 1 in 4 cases being found early without screening.
Nearly 100% of men diagnosed while in the early stages are still living 5 years later, while a later diagnosis only results in 33.4% still living after 5 years.
Screening is a blood test and physical exam that takes 10 minutes.
Obesity contributes to the severity of the disease. Men with a body mass index of 32.5% have a 1/3 greater risk of dying from prostate cancer and high cholesterol is strongly linked with advance prostate cancer.
Risk Factors: (these came from the National Cancer Institute, What You Need to Know about Prostate Cancer —Age: older than 65 unless African American then younger, Family history: father, brother diagnosed with it., Race: More common in African American men than white or Hispanic, Certain Prostate changes: Men with cells called high grade prostatic intraepithelial neoplasic (PIN) can lead to increase risk for prostate cancer.
Diet: diet high in animal fat or meat increases risk, but diet high in fruits and vegetables lowers the risk, especially tomatoes with Lycopene, an antioxidant that helps prevent prostate cancer.
Symptoms:Urinary problems: not able to urinate, hard time starting or stopping urine flow, urinate often especially at night, pain or burning and weak flow
Blood in urine, Frequent pain in lower back, hips or upper thighs
Lori Ann Cobb RN, FCN
August Health Corner—Children’s Eye Safety
“The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eyes are good, your whole body will be full of light.” Matthew 6:22
Every year children five years old or younger have thousands of eye accidents or injuries. Some of these injuries can damage sight and even cause blindness. There are a few simple things to remember to help prevent these injuries: know the dangers, find and remove hazards, and watch the child closely. Some of the most common causes of eye injuries can be caused by: misuse of toys, falls from bed onto furniture, misuse of tools (gardening tools, pens, pencils, knives, forks, scissors, etc.), car accidents, or by getting harmful detergents, paints or glues in the eye. Some easy safety tips for the home are: using gates at the top and bottom of stairs, making sure that stairways are well lighted, padding corners, placing all sharp objects out of the reach of children, and locking up all dangerous chemicals.
In areas where children play adults need to make sure that all sharp edges and points are out of reach or covered properly. Only purchase age appropriate toys, show children how to safely use them, and always make sure an adult is monitoring children at play. Look for the letters “ASTM” on toys, this stands for American Society for Testing of Materials, and this means that the product meets national safety standards. If you have any broken toys either fix them or throw them away. The following list will give you ways to tell if your child has an eye injury and needs to be seen by a doctor.
Obvious pain or trouble seeing
Cut or torn eyelid
One eye does not move as easily as the other
One eye sticks out more
An eye has an unusual pupil size or shape
Blood in the clear part of the eye
Has something in the eye or under the eyelid that can not be removed easily
If you suspect that your child has a vision problem please contact the eye doctor to schedule an exam.
Lori Ann Cobb RN, FCN
The Health Corner for June
Home Safety By: Lori Ann Cobb, RN, FCN
If a man pays back evil for good, evil will never leave his house Proverbs 17: 13
Did you know that each year over 21 million visits for medical attention are due to injuries sustained at home? Home safety month came about to help educate people to be safer, both in the home and in business. Since it is summer time, I will cover home safety and summer time safety.
Smoke alarms are one of the most important home safety items. Smoke inhalation causes about 75% of fire deaths so you need an alarm on every floor of your house and in or near bedrooms. You should test your alarms each month to make sure the batteries still work and you need to replace the batteries twice each year. You should never put used batteries in a smoke alarm and a good time to change them is when the clocks are adjusted for daylight savings and standard time. Every seven to ten years you will need to replace the alarms with new ones. If you have young children or older adults in your home, you should have anti-scald devices on the faucets to prevent burns. It is also a good idea to have covers in the electrical outlets to prevent young children from being shocked.
Fire safety in the home starts with you. Unsafe cooking is the leading cause of home fires and burn injuries. Make sure your cooking surfaces are clean and that all curtains, potholders and dishtowels are at least three feet from the stove. Extension cords can also be a hazard. Avoid running them under rugs to avoid pinching the wires. If you have a chimney, please get it inspected once each year and also inspect space heaters for wear and tear. You need to have a family fire escape plan and practice this twice a year. Begin by mapping out escape routes and making sure everyone is familiar with them. Practicing this plan will insure that everyone will know what to do should the need arise.
5.1 million injuries occur due to falls, especially for those over the age of 60. A few simple ways to prevent falls are as follows: all stairs and steps should have a banister or hand rail. Porches, stairwells and hallways should be well lit. Remove all electrical cords and phone lines from walk ways. Place non-slip or adhesive strips in the tub or shower along with grab bars, and have window guards so that small children can not fall out of them.
Summertime safety: when grilling make the area near the grill a “no play” area for children and pets. It is also very important that the grill is three feet from the house or bushes. If you are using a charcoal grill, make sure that you use starter fluid that is made for it, and if you use a gas grill, check for leaks, but NOT with a match. Never bring a grill indoors due to the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. Approximately 1,500 people die each year from this poison and another 10,000 are seen for medical treatment. Carbon monoxide poisoning is a silent killer because it is invisible and has no odor or taste. Other common sources of this gas are non-electric fuel furnaces, gas water heaters, stoves, dryers, gas powered generators, fireplaces, lawnmowers, leafblowers and vehicle exhaust. You should have a carbon monoxide alarm in your home for early warning. Also, please remember water safety this summer. Children should never swim alone or unsupervised and adults shouldn’t either. Have a safe, happy summer. Lori Ann Cobb RN, FCN
Health Corner for May
Osteoporosis
Honor your father and mother Mark 10:19
Osteoporosis is loss of bone mass that can lead to fractures and breaks. It is known as the “silent disease” because you may have it, and not realize it, until you fall and break a bone. Early detection is a must to stop the loss of bone density and keep the bone strong. You may have heard the term “osteopenia” that is when bone is starting to loose its density and strength (low bone mass). This bone loss usually starts in the wrist, spine or hip. Hip fracture is the one that requires hospitalization and major surgery. This can lead to problems walking and even cause prolonged or permanent disability or even death. Fractures of the spine (vertebra) cause loss of height, severe back pain and deformity. Some statistics: 44 million Americans are affected by this health threat, 55 percent are 50 years old or older. Of the 44 million, 10 million have osteoporosis and 34 million have low bone density (osteopenia). 80 percent of these people are women; yes, 2 million men have this too. There are 1.5 million fractures a year related to osteoporosis. The break-down goes as follow: 3,000,000 hip fractures, 700,000 spine problems, 250,000 wrist problems and 300,000 issues at other sites.
Risk factors are as follows according to the National Osteoporosis Foundation:
Personal history of fractures after age 50
Current low bone mass
History of fractures in a 1 degree relative
Being female
Being thin and/or having a small frame
Advanced age
A Family history of osteoporosis
Estrogen deficiency as a result of menopause
Abnormal absence of menstrual periods
Anorexia nervosa
Low lifetime calcium intake
Vitamin D deficiency
Certain medication: corticosteroids, chemotherapy, anticonvulsants & others
Presence of certain chronic medical conditions
Low testosterone levels in men
An active lifestyle
Current cigarette smoking & Excessive use of Alcohol
Detection is the best way to prevent fractures so please, ask your doctor about having a bone mineral density (BMD) test and how to prevent osteoporosis. By the age of 20 a women has acquired 98% of her bone mass. The best defense is during childhood and adolescence to build strong and healthy bones.
By: Lori Ann Cobb RN, FCN
| Nurse’s Notes September September 4th 6:30 - 8pm “Caring for the Caregiver” at Wesley Long Hospital classroom 1. Speaker Terry Moore-Painter, Chaplain with the Moses Cone Health System with tips on coping and caring for oneself while facing the challenges of being a caregiver. Free registration required call 832 – 8000. September 16th 6:30 - 8pm “Sex in Menopause City” at Women’s Hospital classroom 5 & 6. Speakers Suzanne Miller, MD., gynecologist with Greensboro Women’s Health Care PA and Jane Rosen-Rrandon Ph.D., marriage and family therapist. Learning about physical and psychological aspects of sexuality and intimacy during menopause. Free registration is required call 832 – 8000. September 24th 6:30 - 8:30pm “Matters of the Heart” Speakers Charles Wilson MD, (director of Moses Cone Health System Heart & Vascular Center) “Heart Attack Symptoms and the Importance of Early Intervention” and Anneita Minor RN, CareLink Critical Care Transport Moses Cone Health System “You have had a Heart Attack … what Now?” Free registration required call 832 – 8000. November 8th from 9am to 3pm Health Fair at the First United Methodist Church there will be screenings and information available for those from 1 to 101 years of age. All the screenings will be free except the flu shots ($30) and pneumonia shot ($45) and there will be no up-front charge for those if you have Medicare part B coverage. Certain insurances will also be accepted. More information to come soon with all that will be at the health fair. There will be two door prizes one for a child and one for an adult. The Faith Community Nurse will be on vacation from September 12th through September 21st and will be back in the office September 23.
Nurse’s Corner
July
July 15th- 6:30-8pm “Where did I put it? My Memory at Menopause.” Speaker Carmen Dohmeier, MD, neurologist with Guilford Neurologic Associates. Free registration is required 832-8000 at Women’s Hospital Greensboro, classrooms 5 & 6.
July 17th -6:45-8:15pm Caregivers Education/Support Group. “Do You Understand “Health Literacy”? at East Side Baptist Church, 1616 E. Dixie Drive, Asheboro. Scholarships for In-Home Aide/Respite Care are available, call Helen Milleson (366) 629-8896 ext. 5284 or 1-800-428-8896
July 24th 6:30-8pm New treatment options for stroke and aneurysms. Speaker Sanjeev Deveshwar, MD, a neurointerventional radiologist with Moses Cone Health System. Free, registration is required 832-8000 at Moses Cone Hospital rooms 0029-0031.
Mark your calendar November 8, from 9am to 3pm will be a health fair. It is called from 1 to 101 years. We will have both children and adult screenings and booths with information. More detail to follow. When we get closer to this date I will ask for names of people that wish to have a flu shot. By letting me know we can schedule a time for you and this will help cut down on long waiting periods.
Nutritional information for this month is the milk group. This group helps build strong bones and teeth and helps your heart and muscles work properly. The milk group provides your body with protein, carbohydrates, calcium, vitamin D, vitamin A, potassium, and magnesium. You do not need whole milk products after 1 or 2 years of age, check with your doctor. Compare whole milk to skim milk
Whole milk Skim milk
Calories 150 86
Fats 8.2 0.4
Cholesterol 33 4
You need to choose low-fat or fat-free milk products, and if you are lactose intolerant, choose lactose free products. In addition to lactose free products, choose calcium fortified products like orange juice. You should have between 2 to 3 serving a day (1 cup of milk or yogurt or 1 ½ oz. of natural cheese is 1 serving).
Lori Ann Cobb RN, FCN
Nurses’ Notes
June
June 2: Thyroid cancer seminar at Wesley Long Community Hospital, classroom 1 from 6pm-8pm.
June 3: Women and incontinence at Women’s Hospital of Greensboro, classrooms 5 & 6 from 6:30pm to 8pm.
June 9-15: This is Men’s Health Week. This week is set aside for men to become aware of preventable health problems and to encourage them to get preventative tests. Men should have physical exams every 3 years from age 20-39, every 2 years from ages 40-49 and every year 50 years or older. Men age 50 or older should have a yearly prostate blood test (PSA blood test), and colorectal exam. African American men, and those who have a family history of prostate disease, need to start having yearly exams starting at age 40 or earlier. Tips for a being a healthy man:
Eat healthy
Maintain a healthy weight
Get moving (exercise)
Stop smoking
Get your routine physical and screening
This month’s Nutrition: The importance of water to the body. Our body is made up of 60-70% water. The minimum requirement of water is 8 glasses a day. Water quenches thirst better than sport drinks, soda and juices. Water also has no calories and can help with weight loss and maintaining body functions. Children need to drink water too, instead of all the fruit juice and soda, as those drinks fill their stomachs and leave little room for proper food.
Randolph County Prescription discount Card: This is a county program and there are no eligibility requirements except to live in Randolph County. There are no income requirements as well as no age requirement. You can use this even if you have insurance. Check with your local drug store, senior adult center or health department. There are no fees or claim forms to fill out.
Nurse’s Notes
May
Dates to remember for May:
May 6 National Nurse’s Day with national nurse’s week running through May 12 to celebrate Florence Nightingale’s birthday, the founder of modern day nursing. The nurse’s pledge was composed in 1893 by Lystra Gretter in honor of Florence Nightingale.
Florence Nightingale Pledge
I solemnly pledge myself before God and in the presence of this assembly, to pass my life in purity and to practice my profession faithfully. I will abstain from whatever is deleterious and mischievous, and will not take or knowingly administer any harmful drug. I will do all in my power to maintain and elevate the standard of my profession, and will hold in confidence all persona; matters committed to my keeping and all family affairs coming to my knowledge in the practice of my calling. With loyalty will I endeavor to aid the physician in his work, and devote myself to the welfare of those committed to my care.
May 11 (Mother’s Day) to May 17th : is women’s health week. This is the time to make sure you have had, or have scheduled to have, your yearly screens and physicals.
Nutrition: This month is about fruits. They give us energy, healthy skin, heal cuts and bruises and they are sources of carbohydrates, fiber, vit C, vit A, folic acid, potassium and phytochemicals (protects against disease). You should eat a variety of fruits and have 5 servings of fruits and vegetables a day.
Nurse’s Notes
April
This month’s nutritional tip is about eating your vegetables. Everyone hears that they should eat 5 servings a day of fruit and vegetables, but do we do it? Did you know that they are a good source of carbohydrates, potassium, fiber, folic acid, vitamin A, vitamin E, vitamin C and phytochemicals (antioxidants)? That means that vegetables help us have a healthy immune system, healthy skin and heal from cuts and bruises faster. To get the benefit of different nutrients remember to eat a rainbow of colors.
This is a reminder that, according to the IRS, even if some of our senior citizens do not normally file income taxes, this year they need to. That is the only way they will get the tax rebate of $300 for individuals or $600 for couples. The requirements for these rebates are that you have earned at least $3,000 in 2007. There is a new simplified version of the Form 1040A with instructions and, if you do not want to wait for the new version to be available, you can use a paper version of the 1040A. A few important notes: you will not be taxed for the rebate on your 2008 tax return and the rebate will not affect your eligibility for federal benefits or reduce any benefits you are currently receiving. If you need help free assistance is available from AARP and their toll free number 1-888-227-7669 or you can call the IRS’s toll free number of 1-800-829-1040.
March 31 – April 6 is sleep awareness week
We live in a date and time where we are running at a steady pace and sleep can become an afterthought. People do not realize that not getting enough sleep can lead to health problems. Adults should get 7-8 hours of sleep each night and teens should get between 8.50-9.25 hours. Lack of sleep has been connected to health issues such as obesity, hypertension and cardiovascular problems. Ask your doctor if your sleep pattern is affecting your health.
Lori Ann Cobb RN, FCN
Nurse’s Notes for March
This month’s nutrition information is on grains and what they do for you. Grains provide energy, help with growth, digestion (fiber) and healthy nerves. They give us a source of carbohydrates, fiber, vitamins B, iron, magnesium and selenium. At least half of our daily serving of grains needs to be whole grain. Examples of whole grains are: brown rice, whole wheat tortillas, whole wheat bread, whole wheat pasta and oatmeal. Watch your serving sizes for too much whole grain can lead to weight gain and diabetes. If you are not accustomed to whole wheat in your diet add it a little at a time so your body can adjust to the increase in fiber. The biggest thing that gets people into trouble with grains and carbohydrates is the amount or serving size. Serving sizes are as follows: 1 slice of bread, ½ cup of rice or pasta, and ½ of a hamburger bun. For more information on grains and serving sizes and the right amount for you and your family go to www.mypyramid.gov. If you would like to have a pyramid you can come to my office and pick one up. I also have food replicas and can show you examples of serving sizes if you wish. Remember, starting your day without breakfast is like starting your car without gas. You should choose whole grain cereals as the fiber will let you feel full longer.
With Easter there are also Easter eggs. If you use hardboiled eggs to dye and decorate be careful to follow a few safety guidelines: (ADA’S Public Relations)
• Open cartons of eggs before you buy them. Don’t purchase cartons with cracked eggs.
• Like other high-protein foods, eggs should not be left out of the refrigerator for more than two hours. This goes for both raw and cooked eggs.
• To minimize health risks, cook two sets of eggs - one for the Easter egg hunt, or centerpiece display, and the other for eating. That way, the eggs you eat can stay properly refrigerated.
• Use all leftover eggs within one week to prevent food borne illness.
March 28th is Diabetes Alert Day.
Nurse’s Notes—November
Starting the 15th of this month Medicare Part D will be open season until December 31, 2007. This means that it is time to look over and see if the plan you have will cover you the same in 2008. The two year contract is up between the insurance carriers and the government. This means that some of the plans are no longer going to offer low income discount, discount on premiums or cover some of the medications. IF you are going to need a new plan it is best to do it before the middle of December, so you can get your new insurance card by the first of the new year. If anyone is in need of help using the Medicare website to check and see if they need to change plan, please call 622-4682 and set up an appointment with the faith community nurse.
November 9-11, is National Donor Sabbath Weekend-As of August 9 of this year 96,480 patients were waiting for an organ transplant and out of those 2,923 were from North Carolina. The two most needed organs are kidney and liver. Please remember that every day 16 people die waiting for a transplant and every 12 minutes another person is added to the transplant list. Governor Easley took a stand on September 6, 2007 to sign a law effective October 1, 2007, making the heart logo on your driver’s license your legal consent for being an organ donor. Up to that point the heart logo only represented your wish to be a donor, if your loved ones didn’t approve you would not be allowed to donate. Only 18 other states have this law, which means if you travel, and do not have a driver’s license, you need to have a legal donor card. These are available from the faith community nurse, Lori Cobb; just call her at 622-4682. You only need to be 18 years old or older and have the card witnessed and signed by two people who are not related to you and carry it in your wallet.
Internet Safety for children, we live in a day and time where everyone, especially our children, are using modern technology (computers with e-mail, instant messaging, websites and cell phones). Our children are at risk of being exploited. Even here in North Carolina our teens and young people are being affected. The children and teens think they are talking to others their own age. They may be home alone or at a place no one will know they are chatting. Parents need to know about the technologies and terms (websites, blogs, photo-sharing and MySpace). The most up to date information is available for parents at the website www.ncdoj.gov. Parents must talk with their children about the dangers of talking to unknown people, listen to them, so they will communicate with you about problems they are encountering while on the internet, and know what your child is doing on line. This information came from the office of the North Carolina Attorney General Roy Cooper.
Time to get ready for the winter weather and here is a list of what should be in your emergency kit: Water – 1 gallon per person per day (remember water for your pets too) a week supply for all, Non-perishable foods, canned goods, granola bars, dried fruit and cereal, Non-electric can opener, First aid kit, Baby supplies, Food, water, leash and carrier for pets, Flashlight and extra batteries, Portable radio or portable TV and extra batteries, Cash and change, Essential medication, Extra pair of eyeglasses, Extra house and car keys, Seasonal change of clothes, shoes and personal hygiene articles (toothbrush & toothpaste, etc ), Blanket or sleeping bag, Anti-bacterial hand wipes, Fire extinguisher-ABC-type Story By Lori Ann Cobb RN, FCN
Faith Community Nurse’s Notes
October
Food Safety another program by Susan Garkalns of Randolph Co-op extension on October 18th from 6pm to 8pm
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Fire prevention week is from 7th-13th. It is the time when we change the clocks back and it is the time to change the batteries in your smoke alarms. If they do not work than they will not be able save yours or your loved one’s life. You also need to go over your escape routes and meeting place. You need to practice the escape routes also, so that everyone will be able to escape if a fire does happen.
A few facts:
• only 23% of families have or practice an escape plan,
• smoke alarms are needed in every sleeping room, outside the sleeping areas and on every level of the home.
• Test them monthly and replace them every 10 years.
• Cooking fires are the number one cause of fires,
• in a fire, you may have as little as two minutes to escape.
• Most fires happen between 11pm and 7am.
Pastoral Care week from October 21st -27th.This designed for organizations and institutions of all kinds and types to recognize the spiritual caregivers in their lives and the ministry that they provide. The theme this year is Listening Presence. So give thanks to the person who encourages you, inspires you, and shows you the love of Jesus.
Age-Related Macular Degeneration In the September issue of the journal Archives of Ophthalmology a study of those individuals that have a diet high in yellow and dark leafy vegetables (lutein and zeaxanthin) had a reduced risk of getting age-related macular degeneration (AMD). This disease can lead to blindness and is the number one cause of blindness in the elderly. Another research confirmed that lutein and zeaxanthin received from supplements in your vitimins can also reduce your chances of AMD.
Lori Ann Cobb RN, FCN
September Nurse’s Notes
Just a reminder that Wednesday September 19 from 8am to 11am at the First United Methodist Church (UMC) we will have the mobile unit from Randolph Hospital doing free blood pressure checks and a free fasting glucose (blood sugar) test. They are unable to do cholesterol testing this time. We will also have the ankle scan for bone density done for $10. Please call me at 622-4682 on Tuesday’s or Thursday’s to schedule a time. This is to help us have an idea how many are coming. Also in September we will host a retirement planning seminar with J.B. Griffith III. This is going to be a general information seminar from which we will develop more detailed programs later. The two times are Sunday September 23rd at 3pm or Monday September 24th at 7pm. These will also be at First UMC. A couple of FYI’s. The first is did you know that research has been done that has found that soda can be associated with bone density loss, cardiac risk and diabetes? Diet or not, soda eats away bone density leading to osteoporosis, increases calories and adds weight which can lead to the heart and diabetes problems. The other is for those who have a loved one suffering from Alzheimer’s. You need to act before they wander off and can not find their way home. You can enroll them in the Alzheimer’s Association Safe Return, a nationwide identification program. They will send a personalized bracelet, necklace, wallet card and clothing labels. A confidential national computer data base will store contact information and a photo. The program is open 24/7 and has a toll free number on the identification items. When a person is reported missing, information and a photo is faxed to the local police department. Alzheimer’s Associations local chapter will be there to support the family and help with the rescue of your loved one. For more information about Safe Return call 1-888-572-8566 or visit the website at www.alz.org/SafeReturn
Nurse’s Notes for August
I hope everyone has been enjoying a very fun and safe summer. Please keep in mind the following dates:
September 19th: There will be a health screening at First U. M. C. from 8:00 am to 11:00 am. Blood pressure and fasting glucose checks will be free. The fasting cholesterol check will not be available any more, and a bone density ankle scan will be available for $10. Call me in August at 622-4682 to set up an appointment for the ankle scan. The tests will start at 8:15 and the bone density tests can be done every 15 minutes.
September 23rd & 24th: J. B. Griffith of Liberty Advisors will be presenting programs on retirement planning. The program will be presented at 3:00 pm on the 23rd and again at 7:00 pm on the 24th. This schedule should provide everyone with the opportunity to come to the program.
I also want to take the time to remind everyone about the upcoming “open season” for Medicare part D prescription coverage. During this time you will be able to sign up for this coverage or change your existing insurance provider. The open season runs from November 15th through December 31st. It is recommended that you make any changes before December 8th so that it will go into effect on 1/1/2008. There could be significant changes in the prescription plans this year because the contracts between the Federal Government and the insurance carriers are being renegotiated. It is possible that co-pays could increase and you should check to make sure that all of your medications are still being covered by your insurance carrier. To check on the status of your coverage you will need to go to the Medicare website or you can contact me for help with this search. I recommend that all those affected by this start evaluating their current plans in October.
Lori Ann Cobb, RN, FCN
June Nurse Notes By : Lori Ann Cobb RN, FCN
June 11-17 is National Men’s Health Week. There is a silent health crisis in this country and it is that men live sicker and die younger than women. Men just do not see the doctor as soon as women do nor are they as likely to have annual physicals. “Who is the Weaker Sex?” according to Men’s Health Network: “a male fetus is more likely to miscarriage or be stillborn, 25% more newborn males die than females, 3/5 of sudden infant death are boys, testosterone is linked to elevated LDL (bad cholesterol) and a decline in HDL (good cholesterol), men have fewer infection fighting T-cells and are thought to have a weaker immune system, and by age 100, women outnumber men eight to one. Please see your doctor regularly and get screenings done when you should. I have men’s health checklists available. If anyone would like to have one of these please see me or call me at my office (622-4682).
A date to remember is September 19. From 8 to 11 here at First United Methodist Church, Randolph Hospital will be doing the annual screening. Fasting glucose and blood pressure checks will be free and fasting cholesterol checks can be done for only $15. Also that morning the Randolph Hospital will be doing ankle scans for $10. Any woman who has not had a whole body scan for osteoporosis should have this done. The risk factors for osteoporosis are: menopause before 45, postmenopausal fractures, family history, being thin with small bones, a history of anorexia or bulimia, smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and some medications such as steroids for asthma, which interfere with bone density.
I have been reviewing the results of the Health Ministry surveys and want to keep all of you informed. I received back a total of 49 surveys and the majority of them were from females. The common health concerns among male and female respondents are high cholesterol, high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes and weight management. Under the prevention category females wanted CPR classes, first aide classes, health fair, weight management, and stress management. Males tended to favor these programs as well, but their choices were pretty evenly spread across all options. When it came to family issues, the female’s top issue was caring for elderly parents, then they were interested in retirement planning, health insurance and living wills. The men’s top issue was retirement planning with living wills being the second choice. Concerns with health and illness were the same for both males and females. In order of concern the choices are high blood pressure, cholesterol, Alzheimer’s disease, heart disease, coping with cancer, and diabetes. I will be working on getting some educational and health fairs together to cover these issues for the community next year. I wish to thank all of you who took the time to reply to this survey. It really helps my ability to plan worthwhile programs for our churches and our community.
I also would like to let everyone know that from June 29 until July 15 I will be out of town helping my mother-in-law recover from double hip replacements. If you need anything from me please contact before this time. If something arises during this time, you may leave a message with the church office (622-4682), and they can contact me.
May’s Nurses Notes
And Adam called his wife’s name Eve; because she was the mother of all living things. Gen 3:20
My son, keep thy father’s commandment, and forsake not the law of thy mother. Pro 6:20
May is the month to honor our mothers’, but is also the start of sunnier days. I just wanted to remind everyone to wear sunscreen and protect yourself from the harmful sun rays (even tanning beds). Skin cancer is a very wide spread form of cancer. It is thought to be that more than one million people develop it each year in the United States. Risk Factors according to the Cancer Prevention and Control of the CDC:
Lighter than normal skin color
Family history of skin cancer
Personal history of skin cancer
Exposure to the sun through work or play
A history of sunburns early in life
Skin that burns, freckles, reddens easily or becomes painful in the sun
Blue or green eyes
Blond or red hair
Certain types of moles
It is advised to stay out of the sun between the hours of 10:00 am and 4:00 pm. If you must be out in the sun wear light color clothes with long sleeves, pants, wide brimmed hats and sunglasses. Use a sunscreen of at least SPF 15 and reapply every two hours, even on cloudy days. Early detection is the best. It is recommended that you check your body for any changes in moles or freckles. You need to check front and back and, if you are unable to see a spot, have a loved one check for you. Check for ABCD: A; being Asymmetry, B; being Border, C; being Color and D; being Diameter. Note; please see a dermatologist if the growth becomes sore or discolored, if the change is occurring suddenly, or if a change is beginning to at all. If you’re one of the high risk people you may want to have a yearly exam by a dermatologist. If you would like more information on this topic please stop by my office. There are two important dates for May. The first is Mothers’ Day which is May 13th. This will start the week of women’s health week, which encourages women to take the time and steps to become healthier. This week is being advertised as “It’s Your Time: Pamper Your Mind, Body and Spirit.” We all need to celebrate and be glad for the medical progress that has happened to improve the health of the women around the world. You are asked to take this time to check and see if you have scheduled your check-up for 2007. You are also asked to help educate those who do not know how to live healthier lifestyles, and to stress the importance of seeing a Doctor if you have health risks. I have sheets by ages (18-39, 40-49, 50-64 and 65 and older) in my office and pledge sheets that you will see your doctor and do as they direct. Stop by and we can go over these check-off sheets and go over questions you may have for your doctor. The second date is May 26-27, which is being promoted as Smoke free Sabbath by the North Carolina Council of Churches. The goal is to educate the public of the dangers of second hand smoke. Just a few related illnesses are sudden infant death syndrome, lung problems for children (asthma), and ear infections. Adults in prolonged contact with second hand smoke are at risk for heart disease and lung cancer. These are facts according to the North Carolina Alliance for Health. For more information please stop by my office.
Lori Ann Cobb RN, FCN
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