Monday, October 31, 2011

Best Websites for Healthcare Information

The following are some of the top sites used by healthcare professionals for up-to-date information on protecting your health: 
1) www.nih.gov
2) www.cdc.gov
3) www.who.int


Many people are often looking for the best resource for information on the latest and greatest for the treatment/protection of their own health. The above sites are used by clinicians around the country and world to find information that is helpful in caring for their patients. I hope you will find those sites helpful. The first one is the National Institute of Health, which is responsible for much of the research on medical conditions done today. Their reports and input can be found on the site. The CDC has the most uptodate information on diseases and their occurrence- it's easily helpful if you're travelling. Finally, the World Health Organization site, http://www.who.int/ is the site that gives the uptodate information for topics related to world health.. Hope you find these sites helpful!
As we inch our way into Winter here, I just want to remind everyone of the importance of antibacterial sanitizers for your hands, and handwashing in general.. This time of year many people spend more of their days inside.. We are often in public settings such as airports, movie theaters, malls.. and these are the places where we 'share' viruses.. So, remember when you can to protect yourself and your family by keeping your hands as germ free as possible!

Wednesday, October 26, 2011

Yet another sinus infection!

Health Tip:

Nasal saline ( good ole salt water spray/rinse) has been shown to be an effective means to help clear sinus infections. Saline also helps prevents sinus infections if used daily.

Whenever the weather changes it seems like what I do all day is treat sinus infections. Every other person that comes to the clinic comes due to headaches, sinus pressure and drainage. Sinus infections are known for causing pressure in your ears, drainage in your throat, and just a plain 'yuckiness'. They rarely cause fevers..

Although I have never had a sinus infection, listening to people describe them all day I realize they must be pretty distressing. As a pointer to those of you that wonder whether you need an antibiotic for your infection, be aware that the only way to know if antibiotics are really needed is a CAT scan. Obviously this is not possible most of the time, so, the next way for us to know someone needs antibiotics is when the symptoms have gone on for more than a week. Viruses usually run about 3-5 days. When symptoms linger past a week we start to think bacterial and anbiotics are needed.  The one thing that holds true for everyone with symptoms of sinus infection is that nasal saline is very helpful to clear up the discomfort. If that doesn't work, its even more likely you'll need antibiotics.

This week has been a difficult week for me personally. My dear Great Grandmother died, and my mother in law has been suffering with a liver condition. Sometimes in the light of the day to day stresses, I find myself exhausted; as yet another person starts describing a sinus infection, no matter how miserable they may seem. But, as I faced the difficult news and pain of this week, I was reminded  that no matter what our journey may be. God has called us to compassion. Jesus was compassionate to the point of death. Whether the day's journey  simply (or not so simply)consists of a bad sinus infection; or whether it consists of a day of bad news : we can take courage that we have a God that has experienced the struggles we have. He is compassionate and knows our struggles ( hebrews 4:15).

 This envigorates me in weeks like this week, when I have difficulty maintaining the stamina I need to care for the people that come way.  It is my prayer that as I endure in His compassion my patients may persevere in pressing ahead with joy- one day at a time.

Sunday, October 23, 2011

Are immunizations good for my child?

Health Tip:


Immunizations, such as the flu shot, in general protect the lives of our families and community. Immunizations have been shown to be the single best thing we can do to protect our health.

I have heard repeatedly that getting vaccines/immunizations is a growing controversy. For many people, there is a thinking that getting an immunization is exposing them to toxins that will make them dangerously ill.  For example, the flu shot that is currently being given nationwide in the US is avoided by some because of fears which are often unfounded. Many people refuse to get it because they say it makes them sick.

While I realize that we all have our choice to make, I wanted to write a blog from the perspective of a healthcare clinician. When I worked in the jungles of Brazil, I saw children dying of diseases we haven't had to think about for years ; because mass immunization has eradicated the disease.

It is true that immunizations can make a person sick. Usually, the risk is that you may become mildly ill from a shot. Compared to the risk of death of the disease ( pertussis, influenza, etc), it seems like an acceptable risk to get a bit sick from an immunization.  I think that it's easy to take for granted the incredible benefit that immunizations have broughto to our families', our communities and our culture as a whole. As we enter the flu season, I wish that people could see what I see every day: how deathly ill people become with the flu ( 102-104 fevers, chills, aches, etc). The flu makes people as sick as malaria. The difference is that there is an immunization for the flu. The people that become the biggest advocate for the flu shots are people who have had the flu. I have seen that time and again.

I write this blog today for all of us to take a step back and see the value of immunizations, and to do the best we can to protect our health. While it is true that immunizations can make a person sick ( maybe one in twenty), it is usually protecting us from a life threatening illness. While I realize that some may correlate shots with conditions like autism too, this is unsubstantiated. Researchers have investigated this in randomized studies for decades and have validated that this fear is unfounded.

I end with the story of a child I took care of in the jungles of Brazil. Paul was only 18 months old when I was asked to see him for his cough. I soon realized Paul had pertussis. I did what I could for Paul, but, he did not survive his battle with pertussis. I remember his mother pleading with me to obtain the immunization to protect Paul's siblings. With time the indian government agency came and immunized Paul's community.

I will never forget watching Paul's battle with a disease that can be prevented through immunizations, and his mothers plea to help her protect his siblings. As I consider the value of these immunizations, I think about my responsibility to educate people on this. More importantly, I think about how Jesus said " to whom much is given, much is required" Luke 12:48.  To me, this is applied by recognizing that I have great access to not only healthcare, but also an understanding that what I do with my understanding is a responsibility and privilege God gives me.

As far as I am concerned, what we do in healthcare is 'information therapy'. Clinicians pass on the information and best practices advice, and what we all do with that input is up to each of us and our families.

Monday, October 17, 2011

Tips for Sleeping Better

Sleep Tip:

  • Fix a bedtime and an awakening time, Avoid napping during the day.
  • Avoid alcohol 4-6 hours before bedtime, Avoid caffeine 4-6 hours before bedtime.,avoid heavy, spicy, or sugary foods 4-6 hours before bedtime,Exercise regularly, but not right before bed.
On this Monday morning, I wanted to write this blog for those of you that have difficult sleeping. In this fast paced society, insomnia has become a chronic condition. The problem is that many don't realize that there are simple tips that can be followed to help your mind ease into sleep.

The tips above have been shown to be effective to help with sleep, and oftentimes more effectively than medication. So, as you can set the 'mood' for sleep, your mind is better able to fall into the restful sleep.

Sleep is the one nonnegotiable in our lives, that we must really protect in order to be healthy emotionally and physically. I hope that you find these tips helpful.

One thing we can all be sure of is that we have a God who cares about every concern we have , and as we cast our cares on Him, we can pursue that peace that passes understanding!

Here's to good rest for everyone!

Thursday, October 13, 2011

Stages Of Grief/Loss

Tip:

In times of loss, we often go through stages as we face the pain. Studies have shown that most of us go through about five to seven stages as we face emotional loss: shock/denial, pain/guilt, anger/bargaining, depression, upward turn, and reconstruction followed by acceptance/hope.

Working in healthcare, I never cease to be amazed at the suffering around me. Yesterday in the clinic I saw a woman whose grandson had just been killed in a car accident, a father who had just donated his kidney so that his son could live, and a high school junior whose mother had died suddenly of aggresive cancer.

Faced with such constant grief, it is difficult at times to point people towards hope. But, today, I wanted to write this blog for all those of you who are also facing pain/loss at this time. Although pain is a natural part of life, being patient with ourselves and others is the key to facing pain. Also, it is pivotal to understand that facing pain is a process, which often starts with shock and denial.

As a Christian nurse practitioner, I want to point people to the hope that can be found in Christ in the midst of suffering. While we know there is no way to avoid the pain that accompanies this life, there is a way to find hope in the middle of it. It is a mystery that I have seen lived out in the lives of many patients, but, suffering produces hope in a way that is not possible otherwise. I see the truth of Scripture lived out in the lives of the people I care for everyday ( 1James 1:2).

I hope that in some way you may be encouraged to know that no matter what you may be facing today you can be certain that God's never left you. I hope that you will take comfort in the fact that facing grief is a process that we all must walk through, at our own pace. Hopefully, this will help us all be more patient with one another as we face the day to day challenges and joys of this life!

Ps.- If you have a certain health issue you would like to see addressed in this blog, please email me on facebook or kcd0693@gmail.com

Tuesday, October 11, 2011

What do I do for pain?

Health Tip: Basically, there are two types of pain: long term (such as low back pain) and brief ( burns, sprains, fractures, injuries, etc). For acute/brief pain, ibuprofen and prescriptions medications are needed. Ibuprofen is an effective over the counter pain relief for mild to moderate acute pain. For chronic pain, evidence continues to rise for the efficacy of massage, physical therapy, and other alternative therapies.

In the US, complaints of pain are one of the main reasons people go to doctors. In fact, it ranks in the top five reasons. And yet, unless the pain is related to an injury or a disease process, oftentimes we are left with no answers after all the tests are done. Low back pain is a perfect example of this problem. Back pain is an ongoing problem for many people.

As clinicians, whenever we see someone for back pain, we try to be prepared for the possibility that we will end up with no answers. The stastics for back pain are astounding, something like 50-70% are musculoskeletal. Often that means there's a sprain and nothing else. That is why pain clinics are popping up in so many hospitals/clinics in the US. An important point is that prescriptions that are often given to people to relieve their pain often causes dependency. Ibuprofen is a great pain reliever, and works fast to bring down fever, but, even that in the long term  can tax your kidneys.

So, once the verdict is out, and pain is going to be a long term problem, seeking out options beyond prescriptions are often best. For example, massages have been shown to help relieve pain and are a great option for that person in long term pain...

It saddens me to see how many have to learn to live with pain as a part of their daily life. God designed our bodies to feel pain to protect us from danger, but, when that system goes faulty, it is difficult to find reprieve from this. And yet, I have met so many people over the years who have endeavored relentlessly to find relief, and eventually find pain relief through something that works for them. What works for some, doesn't work for others, but, the truth is that more and more options are arising to help people with chronic pain.

In concluding, I think of the pain I felt when I was hit by a car in March, 2005. When I awoke in a daze on the side of the road, the pain in my leg jolted me to reality. Once I realized what happend, I wondered if was dying on the side of the road. In those moments I could almost hear Paul's words in Romans 8:18 " I do not consider our present suffering worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us" . Once again, the pain Jesus faced on the cross gave me renewed hope in my own journey.

When I think of the pain that we all must face in some manner or another in this life, I take comfort in the fact that Jesus willingly subjected himself to pain for me. While we know that we will have pain in this life, the promise that Jesus' pain set us free to live eternally with Him truly puts perspective in the pain- whatever our story may be.

Monday, October 10, 2011

Cranberry juice magic

Health Tip:

Cranberry juice has been shown both to prevent and help treat infections of the urinary system. A glass a day keeps the doctor away;-)!

We often hear of wives tales that advocate for one herb or another, and yet, its hard to know what is or isn't scientifically proven ( or, as we say in healthcare 'evidence based'). Anyway, I have been continually surprised at the evidence that mounts up to show the wonders of cranberry juice. So, whether you like it or not, it may be a good idea to drink it periodically;-)

Speaking of natural cures, one of the challenges of modern medicine is learning how to integrate alternative medicine in our day to day practices. Many medical schools are actually starting to include rotations in alternative medicine. The reason that such controversy exists is because evidence based medicine is based on what works in studies, or large sample groups. And, we all know that what may work for you, might not work for me.. Thus, the emergence of alternative medicine. But, how do we validate what does and doesn't work, in order to advise people accordingly? The truth is that we can't. As clinicians we can tell you what works for large groups of people according to controlled studies, but, not whether it will or won't work for you. And so, I always tell people that if they find solutions in alternative therapies, that's great.. and who knows, maybe one day some of these therapies will be validated in large group studies- like good ole cranberry juice. I mean, come on, didn't everyone's Grandma tell them of the wonders of this juice?

 I think about how often the Bible gives practical insights into our physical health. Much of what is recorded as health hygiene principals in the Old Testament, is now considered modern day medicine. In fact, hand washing is considered the single best thing we can do to prevent disease. Such preventive measures are taught all throughout the Bible.

One of my favorite things to ask elderly patients is what they think the secret is to living a long healthy life. Inevitably, the answer I get is " Live out the choices you know to be right- everyday"

So, here's to protecting your health today- one choice at a time!

Friday, October 7, 2011

Exercise and Endorphins and Endurance

Health Tip:

When you exercise your body naturally releases endorphins, which give a feeling of well being. This is where the term 'runners high' originates. Antidepressants contain synthetic forms of the endorphins naturally released in exercise.


http://www.webmd.com/depression/guide/exercise-depression

I am constantly amazed on the value of exercise for our overall health. When I first started running I remember enjoying the feeling I would get of complete relaxation after the run. In nursing school I learned that this was related to endorphins my body was releasing. The more I learned about it, the more I was fascinated to discover that God has hard wired our bodies to have a natural stress relief in exercise.

In caring for people who are limited in how they can exercise due to health conditions, I work with them to find an exercise that does work for them. Water exercise is usually a cure all for many people. Although it is difficult to get started with exercise, in about 2-3 weeks we can develop a habit that 'sticks'.

I often think that the apostle Paul, who wrote most of the New Testament, must have been a runner. There are so many references to running, and my favorite is the challenge to run with perseverance the race God has set before us.. ! What a challenge.

In closing this blog, I think about the spiritual endurance required in this life to persevere in our faith above all else. Like exercise, our faith is a discipline that we must pursue. For me, I have found great inspiration in the testimony of my grandfather's faith. He dedicated his life to take the gospel to a remote village in the Amazon. God used Grandpas life and there are many churches in that village now. Not only that, but, they have schools and clinics thanks to my grandparents perseverance. They faced hepatitis, malaria, and threats to their safety in order to endure in what God called them to do.

Today marks a year that my Grandfather died. I want to continue in the example he set, to persevere in all that God calls me to, making my faith the most important aspect of my life.

Wednesday, October 5, 2011

Is it healthy to count calories or carbohydrates?

Health Tip:

  • For the best weight results, watching calorie intact is important as well as monitoring how much of the calories are carbohydrates. The average American diet is about 80% carbohydrates! The average  breakdown should be:
  • Fat: 20 - 35% of total calories (average 30%)
  • Protein: 10 – 35% (average 15%)
  • Carbohydrates: 45 – 65% (average 55%)
One of the most important aspects of looking at our diet is recognizing the balance in what we eat. In the American fast paced society, most of what we grab to eat is carbohydrates. Cookies, crackers, chips, sandwiches, etc, are the essence of the diet on the run. That’s why there’s been such a focus on high protein diets recently, mostly because we are all eating too much ‘quick sugars’. Actually, that’s another reason diabetes is on the rise, because excessive carbohydrates actually make our pancreas have to work harder.
So much of life is about balance and moderation. The truth is that if you are on a diet that is focused on excess in one area, than it’s probably not a healthy long term solution. Eating a well balanced diet is the best answer for our overall health. Sometimes keeping a mental tally, or a food journal helps us know what we are consuming each day ( you may be surprised) and can be a great tool for healthier eating.
No matter where we live or what our culture determines about our diet, being informed about our own habits is the best way to protect our own nutrition. Recognizing that God provides the perfect balance of foods that we need in the world around us is truly an affirmation of His care.  I think about the indigenous groups of Brazil, and how their diets consist of fish, wild game, berries, and manioc (a potato like root). These diets are impeccable in their nutritional value. God’s provision for us is all around us, and being informed is the best way to jump start our bodies towards health!

Tuesday, October 4, 2011

What Should I Weigh?

Health Tip:

Body Mass Index ( BMI), is the quickest and easiest way to determine what your weight should be. It is a range used by healthcare providers to determine what we should weigh based on our height. The formula is used by the American Diabetes Association, and can be found at: http://www.eatright.org/Public/content.aspx?id=6844


It seems that everyone has a different ideal or idea of what their weight should be. Is anyone ever really happy with their weight? Clinically, I have found that people are often set on a certain number, often a random ideal that they have set up for themselves. As we consider what an epidemic obesity is in the US, I have found it very helpful to use the BMI chart to give people an idea of the range their weight should be. For example, 20-25 is the ideal, and over 30 is considered obese. This is a range that has been shown by research to be the healthiest for a person based on their height. It is a formula that works well to protect our overall health. In fact, the BMI is often used like a vital sign to determine a person's overall health in many clinics. Most people find it a lot less intimidating than the random weight number they've dreamed up in their mind.

I think the most important point when considering our weight is to realize that this is an area we can have an active part in protecting. Most chronic diseases today are correlated with excessive weight. Did you know that simply walking 20 minutes a day can have immense effects on your heart health? In fact, weight aside, research by the American Heart Association (AHA) that there is a 'fat fit' person, who although their weight may be in the overweight  section, their daily exercise compensates for that- even if the weight doesn't come down quick or enough.

I am so inspired by my patients to stay in shape to the best of my ability. In concluding, I want to tell you the story of Martha. When Martha was diagnosed with cancer, she didn't let that stop her from getting outside everyday for her walk. She always told me that not only the exercise, but, the daily fresh air kept her going, even through the chemotherapy treatment. Martha lived for year after she was diagnosed with cancer. She walked up to the last month of her life, and her zeal had inspired many in her life to start walking too. In her frequent visits to the office she reminded me that she knew her purpose in this life. While she lived her life to the fullest, she also knew how to keep her eyes anchored in the unseen world of HOPE.   Martha's life lived out the truth of 2 Cor 4 " we fix our eyes on what is unseen, for what is seen is temporary, but, what is unseen is eternal."

As we consider the many struggles that come our way everyday to keep healthy emotionally, physically, and spiritually , I pray you may be encouraged by Martha's story and others like her- to forge ahead in the daily discipline of life, with hope in Christ as our guide!

Sunday, October 2, 2011

Vitamin D fights depression!

Health Tip:

Vitamin D has many helpful uses for your health, and has recently been found to help combat and prevent the symptoms of depression.

 Deficiencies in Vitamin D can especially be seen in the Winter months, and many people struggle with Seasonal Affective Disorder ( SAD), a ‘nice’ word for depression. It makes sense then that supplementing your diet with Vitamin D can help combat the depression that often comes in the Winter.
Depression is one of the most common problems we see in primary care. Many people don’t realize that their ongoing tiredness is often a result of depression. And yet, its one of those conditions that is often so difficult to understand and treat.

I have noticed though that for many people taking Vitamin D makes a difference in their day to day energy level. Not only that, but, it helps protect against osteoporosis and other conditions. The need for Vitamin D supplementation to our diets is agreed upon most fields of medicine.. So, if you are walking down the grocery aisle this week and can pick up some supplements, Go for it!

Recognizing that being depressed is not a sign of failure is difficult for many people. I think dealing with depression at one time or another is just part of life!. Knowing what triggers our moods and energy level is important for each of us to stay mentally energized.

As I think about depression, I think about the power of prayer in our day to day lives. Research continues to validate the power of prayer to help people combat symptoms of depression, and other medical conditions.  When I think about this, I often have the mental image of my little niece, Abby. She loves to pray outloud, and her sheer joy for prayer spreads to anyone that will join her. Its as if at the age of four she already knows that giving her troubles over to God sets her free from her worries! In fact, if you ask Abby why God made her she will shout “ FOR HIS GLORY!” What a great way to face the day to day joys and struggles, knowing that our days have an eternal purpose.. Like Abby, this will give us the courage to shout this truth no matter what our days may hold!