Detox Your Body

Detoxing the body is one of the primary steps towards a healthier being. If you don’t set time for detoxing then you are allowing for the build up of toxins in the body, which in turn can play havoc on your health and well being. Some of you can probably already recall some of the following symptoms – fatigue, minor aches and pains and a constant feeling of low energy and power.

It is unfortunate, but even the healthiest amongst us can not avoid the intake of toxins found in abundance in foods and the air in which we breathe. Studies are beginning to show the extent of toxin build-up in the body and many medical professionals and scientists claim a link to serious diseases such as cancers and heart disease. Don’t let things get this far and begin your detoxifying journey before things cannot be reversed. It doesn’t have to be a huge effort and after the first few times it will just be a part of your normal routine. Besides, that little extra thought and care for your health can go along way in improving your life.

Some of the foods and drinks that are high in toxins and should be eradicated or consumed moderately are coffee, alcohol, sugar and saturated fats. Then there is smoking – quit that dirty habit! Vegetables and fruits on the other hand are (surprisingly) also laden with pesticides and toxins unless they are grown organically. One of the worst things for toxins though is the air that we breathe – something we cannot always avoid. Have a moment to think about which toxins might be existing in your current lifestyle and try to eliminate them the best you can.

To All The Nurses: Words Of Inspiration

A Nurse's Prayer

Give to my heart, Lord...
compassion and understanding.
Give to my hands,
skill and tenderness.
Give to my ears
the ability to listen.
Give to my lips
words of comfort.
Give to me, Lord...
strength for this selfless service
and enable me to give hope
to those I am called to serve.
Author unknown



Nurse's Prayer


Be me in the world.
Be my voice to the deaf.
Be my faith where there is doubt.
Be my hope where there is despair.
Be my light where there is darkness.
Be my joy where there is sadness.
Be me in the world.

Be my eyes to the blind.
Be my consolation to those who need to be consoled.
Be my understanding to those who need to be understood.
Be my healing to those who need to healed.
Be my love to those who need love.
Be my forgiveness to those who need to be forgiven.
Be my death to those who need me.
Be me in the world.
- author unknown -

Well I am finally on vacation this week, thank God. It has been a very long time for me since my last vacation. I definitely needed one. I work in long term care at a nursing home. I love my residents, they are family to me. And for the most part the staff is great also. I missed the state survey this year because of my days off, can't say that it hurt my feelings too much. I take care of 25 residents that all require different levels of care. I have been a dedicated nurse since December 2007. I know to all of you experienced nurses out there I am still wet behind the ears. I love my job this is definitely my nitch in life. There is so much I learn everyday, and somethings I can't believe that happens in one shift. Well if anyone is having a bad day hopefully the poems will put a smile on your face. That's all for now, I feel like I am rambling, drop me a line or a shout out if you want. GOD BLESS..........

What Is Macular Dystrophy?

Age related macular degeneration is a medical condition which usually affects older adults that results in a loss of vision in the center of the visual field (the macula) because of damage to the retina. It occurs in “dry” and “wet” forms. It is a major cause of visual impairment in older adults (>50 years).Macular degeneration can make it difficult or impossible to read or recognize faces, although enough peripheral vision remains to allow other activities of daily life.

Macular degeneration by itself will not lead to total blindness. For that matter, only a very small number of people with visual impairment are totally blind. In almost all cases, some vision remains.

The loss of central vision profoundly affects visual functioning. It is not possible, for example, to read without central vision. Pictures that attempt to depict the central visual loss of macular degeneration with a black spot do not really do justice to the devastating nature of the visual loss. This can be demonstrated by printing letters 6 inches high on a piece of paper and attempting to identify them while looking straight ahead and holding the paper slightly to the side. Most people find this difficult to do.

Macular degeneration is caused when part of the retina deteriorates. The retina is the interior layer of the eye consisting of the receptors and nerves that collect and transmit light signals from the eye into the optic nerve, then to the brain for interpretation as our sense of vision.

There are two types of degeneration wet and dry:
_Dry form_:

This type results from the gradual breakdown of cells in the macula, resulting in a gradual blurring of central vision.

_Wet form_:

In the wet form of macular degeneration, newly created abnormal blood vessels grow under the center of the retina. These blood vessels leak, bleed, and scar the retina, distorting or destroying central vision.
HOPE THIS INFO WAS HELPFUL.......

Breast Cancer Awareness

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with breast cancer, it's important to understand some basics: What is breast cancer and how does it happen?

In this section, you can learn about how breast cancer develops, how many people get breast cancer, and what factors can increase risk for getting breast cancer. You also can learn more about signs and symptoms to watch for and how to manage any fears you may have about breast cancer.

Breast cancer is an uncontrolled growth of breast cells. To better understand breast cancer, it helps to understand how any cancer can develop.

Cancer occurs as a result of mutations, or abnormal changes, in the genes responsible for regulating the growth of cells and keeping them healthy. The genes are in each cell’s nucleus, which acts as the “control room” of each cell. Normally, the cells in our bodies replace themselves through an orderly process of cell growth: healthy new cells take over as old ones die out. But over time, mutations can “turn on” certain genes and “turn off” others in a cell. That changed cell gains the ability to keep dividing without control or order, producing more cells just like it and forming a tumor.

A tumor can be benign (not dangerous to health) or malignant (has the potential to be dangerous). Benign tumors are not considered cancerous: their cells are close to normal in appearance, they grow slowly, and they do not invade nearby tissues or spread to other parts of the body. Malignant tumors are cancerous. Left unchecked, malignant cells eventually can spread beyond the original tumor to other parts of the body.

The term “breast cancer” refers to a malignant tumor that has developed from cells in the breast. Usually breast cancer either begins in the cells of the lobules, which are the milk-producing glands, or the ducts, the passages that drain milk from the lobules to the nipple. Less commonly, breast cancer can begin in the stromal tissues, which include the fatty and fibrous connective tissues of the breast.Over time, cancer cells can invade nearby healthy breast tissue and make their way into the underarm lymph nodes, small organs that filter out foreign substances in the body. If cancer cells get into the lymph nodes, they then have a pathway into other parts of the body. The breast cancer’s stage refers to how far the cancer cells have spread beyond the original tumor.

Breast cancer is always caused by a genetic abnormality (a “mistake” in the genetic material). However, only 5-10% of cancers are due to an abnormality inherited from your mother or father. About 90% of breast cancers are due to genetic abnormalities that happen as a result of the aging process and the “wear and tear” of life in general.

While there are steps every person can take to help the body stay as healthy as possible (such as eating a balanced diet, not smoking, limiting alcohol, and exercising regularly), breast cancer is never anyone's fault. Feeling guilty, or telling yourself that breast cancer happened because of something you or anyone else did, is not productive.

Initially, breast cancer may not cause any symptoms. A lump may be too small for you to feel or to cause any unusual changes you can notice on your own. Often, an abnormal area turns up on a screening mammogram (x-ray of the breast), which leads to further testing.

In some cases, however, the first sign of breast cancer is a new lump or mass in the breast that you or your doctor can feel. A lump that is painless, hard, and has uneven edges is more likely to be cancer. But sometimes cancers can be tender, soft, and rounded. So it's important to have anything unusual checked by your doctor.

According to the American Cancer Society, any of the following unusual changes in the breast can be a symptom of breast cancer:

* swelling of all or part of the breast
* skin irritation or dimpling
* breast pain
* nipple pain or the nipple turning inward
* redness, scaliness, or thickening of the nipple or breast skin
* a nipple discharge other than breast milk
* a lump in the underarm area

These changes also can be signs of less serious conditions that are not cancerous, such as an infection or a cyst. It’s important to get any breast changes checked out promptly by a doctor.

So many women you know may have had breast cancer — friends and neighbors, coworkers, relatives. It seems as if every time you turn around, breast cancer is being talked about in the newspaper or on TV. You may be fearful of developing breast cancer for the first time or of receiving a diagnosis after a mammogram or other testing. If you’ve had breast cancer, you may be fearful of a possible recurrence or even of the possibility that breast cancer could take your life.

Even though you may have some of these fears, you are not necessarily going to get breast cancer. If you have had breast cancer before, it doesn’t mean that the cancer will recur. Still, it's normal to have concerns about a disease that you hear about and see around you relatively often — and that you may have experienced yourself or through a loved one. Don't let the discussion of fear in this section feed into your own fears.

Just remember knowledge is power!

Reference:breastcancer.org research news

GOD BLESS!!!!!!!!!!!!!



T8MSW9QF949V

Signs Of Arthritis

Have you ever wondered if you really have arthritis, or is it just pain because of over doing it in the yard or the gym.Well here are some signs and symptoms to help you better understand arthritis.
Arthritis is a joint disorder featuring inflammation. A joint is an area of the body where two bones meet. A joint functions to allow movement of the body parts it connects. Arthritis literally means inflammation of one or more joints. Arthritis is frequently accompanied by joint pain.Arthritis can affect any joint. Certain types of arthritis are associated with a specific pattern of joint disease. For example, rheumatoid arthritis is usually symmetric -- affecting the same joint on both sides of the body. Other types of arthritis typically affect a single joint. It's important to tell the doctor about all of your symptoms and every joint that hurts.Doctors play an essential role in the diagnosis and treatment of arthritis. Good communication between a doctor and patient is essential. It's important to know what to expect from your doctor and what your doctor expects from you. It's your doctor's job to assess your symptoms, gain more information from your medical history and a current physical examination, order diagnostic tests, and put together a treatment plan. It's your job to provide your doctor with as much pertinent information as possible. The goal is mutual - to improve your health.
The most common form of arthritis is osteoarthritis, sometimes referred to as wear-and-tear arthritis or degenerative joint disease. Osteoarthritis affects more than 20 million people in the United States. The primary form of osteoarthritis is usually related to aging, but osteoarthritis can also result from injury (athletes) or obesity.
Unfortunately there is no cure for arthritis. There are various treatment options that can help with managing pain and reducing deformity and disability. Early diagnosis and an aggressive treatment plan are recognized as two very important factors in getting arthritis under control.

Learn Human Anatomy And Physiology In 3 Days!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

THAT'S THE TRUTH, LEARN ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY IN 3 DAYS.............WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR...........FOLLOW THE LINK..........

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Heart Attack Warning Signs

Each year over a million people in the U.S. have a heart attack. About half of them die. Many people have permanent heart damage or die because they don't get help immediately. It's important to know the symptoms of a heart attack and call 9-1-1 if someone is having them. Those symptoms include

Chest discomfort - pressure, squeezing, or pain
Shortness of breath
Discomfort in the upper body - arms, shoulder, neck, back
Nausea, vomiting, dizziness, lightheadedness, sweating

These symptoms can sometimes be different in women.

What exactly is a heart attack?
Most heart attacks happen when a clot in the coronary artery blocks the supply of blood and oxygen to the heart. Often this leads to an irregular heartbeat – called an arrhythmia - that causes a severe decrease in the pumping function of the heart. A blockage that is not treated within a few hours causes the affected heart muscle to die.

Some heart attacks are sudden and intense — the "movie heart attack," where no one doubts what's happening. But most heart attacks start slowly, with mild pain or discomfort. Often people affected aren't sure what's wrong and wait too long before getting help. Here are signs that can mean a heart attack is happening:

Chest discomfort. Most heart attacks involve discomfort in the center of the chest that lasts more than a few minutes, or that goes away and comes back. It can feel like uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness or pain.
Discomfort in other areas of the upper body. Symptoms can include pain or discomfort in one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw or stomach.
Shortness of breath with or without chest discomfort.
Other signs may include breaking out in a cold sweat, nausea or lightheadedness.
As with men, women's most common heart attack symptom is chest pain or discomfort. But women are somewhat more likely than men to experience some of the other common symptoms, particularly shortness of breath, nausea/vomiting, and back or jaw pain.

Learn the signs, but remember this: Even if you're not sure it's a heart attack, have it checked out (tell a doctor about your symptoms). Minutes matter! Fast action can save lives — maybe your own. Don't wait more than five minutes to call 9-1-1 or your emergency response number.

Calling 9-1-1 is almost always the fastest way to get lifesaving treatment. Emergency medical services (EMS) staff can begin treatment when they arrive — up to an hour sooner than if someone gets to the hospital by car. EMS staff are also trained to revive someone whose heart has stopped. Patients with chest pain who arrive by ambulance usually receive faster treatment at the hospital, too. It is best to call EMS for rapid transport to the emergency room.




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Nursing Jewelry Great Gifts

Here's a link to getting some cool nursing gifts for that special someone in your life. Click on the highlighted nursing gifts, for pictures and cost..........

Nursing Gifts

Cervical Cancer

Signs and Symptoms:


Cervical cancers start as an abnormality of cells on the surface of the cervix. These abnormalities are not cancerous. They include dysplasia, squamous intraepithelial lesions (SIL) and carcinoma in situ. If undetected or untreated, these pre-invasive abnormalities eventually may invade normal cells of the cervix. As a result, cancer may develop, invading surrounding tissues or lymph nodes and possibly spreading to other parts of the body.

If these lesions have not invaded normal cells of the cervix, treatments may be relatively simple and straightforward.

Pre-cancerous changes of the cervix usually don't cause pain. In fact, they generally don't cause symptoms and aren't detected unless a woman has a pelvic exam and a Pap test.

Symptoms usually don't appear until abnormal cervical cells become cancerous and invade nearby tissue. When this happens, the most common symptom is abnormal bleeding, which may start and stop between regular menstrual periods or may occur after sexual intercourse, douching or a pelvic exam. Menstrual bleeding may last longer and be heavier than usual.

Bleeding after menopause also may be a symptom of cervical cancer. Increased vaginal discharge is another symptom of cervical cancer.


Diagnosis:


Cervical cancer is diagnosed by having a pelvic exam and a Pap test.

A pelvic exam is done to check a woman's vagina, uterus, bladder and rectum. The doctor feels these organs for any lumps or changes in their shape or size. To see the upper part of the vagina and the cervix, the doctor inserts an instrument called a speculum into the vagina.

A Pap test is when the doctor collects cells from the cervix and upper vagina. A medical laboratory checks for abnormal cells.


Treatment:


There are a number of ways to treat cervical cancer.

Loop Electrosurgical Excision Procedure (LEEP) -- This simple procedure can be performed in the doctor's office under local anesthetic. An electrically charged wire loop is used to remove the outer portion of the cervix containing the abnormal tissue, which then can be examined under a microscope to confirm that no cancer remains. In the great majority of cases, women are cured after one LEEP procedure and are able to return to full activity shortly thereafter.

Cryosurgery -- This is a procedure that freezes and kills the abnormal cells on the cervix. In this procedure, which is performed in the doctor's office and usually does not require an anesthetic, a silver probe that has been cooled with liquid nitrogen is placed against the cervix. This freezing kills the outer layer of cells that are abnormal on the cervix.

Cryosurgery Hysterectomy -- The removal of the uterus through the abdomen or vagina is a major surgical procedure requiring at least an overnight stay in the hospital. There are very few reasons to perform a hysterectomy for pre-invasive lesions. It is sometimes used for women who have had more than one relapse and no longer have enough tissue to perform another LEEP.

Treatment of Invasive Cancer:

The treatment of invasive cancer depends upon the extent of tumor growth. In cases where the tumor is small and confined to the cervix, a woman may be treated with either a radical hysterectomy or with radiation therapy. When tumors are large or extend to adjacent tissues or lymph nodes more intensive therapy is required, such as radiation therapy, sometimes with the addition of chemotherapy drugs.

Radical Hysterectomy -- This is the surgical removal of the uterus, the upper portion of the vagina, and the ligaments and connective tissues that hold the uterus in place. During a radical hysterectomy, it also is common to remove the lymph nodes in the pelvic area, for microscopic cancer cells can spread to those lymph nodes and into the ligaments that hold the uterus in place.

It is not necessary to remove the ovaries in a radical hysterectomy and the preservation of ovarian function is one of the benefits of this approach. This is important for younger women. Following a radical hysterectomy, a woman will no longer have menstrual periods and will not be able to bear children. However, she will continue to have the female hormone estrogen in her body. When patients are properly selected for this procedure, the cure rate of cervical cancer is between 85 percent and 95 percent.

Radiation Therapy -- This treatment uses high-energy rays to damage cancer cells and stop them from growing. It is a localized treatment, which means that it works to attack cancer cells in one area. The radiation may come from a large machine, called external radiation, or from radioactive materials placed directly into the cervix, called implant radiation. Some patients receive both types of radiation therapy.

Chemotherapy -- The use of drugs to kill cancer cells is most often used when cervical cancer has spread to other parts of the body. A patient may receive just one drug or a combination of drugs in cycles. Chemotherapy may be given by injection into a vein or by mouth. It is a systematic treatment, meaning that the drugs flow through the body in the bloodstream.

Biological Therapy -- This treatment uses substances to strengthen a woman's immune system to better fight her cancer. It may be used to treat cancer that has spread from the cervix to other parts of the body. Interferon is the most common form of biological therapy for cervical cancer and may be used in combination with chemotherapy. Most patients who receive interferon do so on an outpatient basis.

Hay Fever / Allergic Rhinitis

Allergic rhinitis is a collection of symptoms, mostly in the nose and eyes, which occur when you breathe in something you are allergic to, such as dust, dander, or pollen.

This article focuses on allergic rhinitis due to outdoor triggers, such as plant pollen. This type of allergic rhinitis is commonly called hay fever.

Causes

An allergen is something that triggers an allergy. When a person with allergic rhinitis breathes in an allergen such as pollen or dust, the body releases chemicals, including histamine. This causes allergy symptoms such as itching, swelling, and mucus production.
Hay fever involves an allergic reaction to pollen. (A similar reaction occurs with allergy to mold, animal dander, dust, and similar inhaled allergens.)
The pollens that cause hay fever vary from person to person and from region to region. Large, visible pollens are seldom responsible for hay fever. Tiny, hard to see pollens more often cause hay fever. Examples of plants commonly responsible for hay fever include:

• Trees (deciduous and evergreen)
• Grasses
• Ragweed

The amount of pollen in the air can play a role in whether hay fever symptoms develop. Hot, dry, windy days are more likely to have increased amounts of pollen in the air than cool, damp, rainy days when most pollen is washed to the ground.
Some disorders may be associated with allergies. These include eczema and asthma.
Allergies are common. Your genes and environment may make you more prone to allergies.
Whether or not you are likely to develop allergies is often passed down through families. If both your parents have allergies, you are likely to have allergies. The chance is greater if your mother has allergies.

Symptoms

Symptoms that occur shortly after you come into contact with the substance you are allergic to may include:

• Itchy nose, mouth, eyes, throat, skin, or any area
• Problems with smell
• Runny nose
• Sneezing
• Tearing eyes

Symptoms that may develop later include:

• Stuffy nose (nasal congestion)
• Coughing
• Clogged ears and decreased sense of smell
• Sore throat
• Dark circles under the eyes
• Puffiness under the eyes
• Fatigue and irritability
• Headache
• Memory problems and slowed thinking

Exams and Tests

The health care provider will perform a physical exam and ask you questions about your symptoms. Your history of symptoms is important in diagnosing allergic rhinitis, including whether the symptoms vary according to time of day or the season, exposure to pets or other allergens, and diet changes.
Allergy testing may reveal the specific substances that trigger your symptoms. Skin testing is the most common method of allergy testing. See the article on allergy testing for detailed information.
If your doctor determines you cannot undergo skin testing, special blood tests may help with the diagnosis. These tests can measure the levels of specific allergy-related substances, especially one called immunoglobulin E (IgE).
A complete blood count (CBC), specifically the eosinophil white blood cell count, may also help reveal allergies.

Treatment

The best treatment is to avoid what causes your allergic symptoms in the first place. It may be impossible to completely avoid all your triggers, but you can often take steps to reduce exposure.
There are many different medications available to treat allergic rhinitis. Which one your doctor prescribes depends on the type and severity of your symptoms, your age, and whether you have other medical conditions (such as asthma).
For mild allergic rhinitis, a nasal wash can be helpful for removing mucus from the nose. You can purchase a saline solution at a drug store or make one at home using one cup of warm water, half a teaspoon of salt, and pinch of baking soda.
Treatments for allergic rhinitis include:
ANTIHISTAMINES
Antihistamines work well for treating allergy symptoms, especially when symptoms do not happen very often or do not last very long.

• Antihistamines taken by mouth can relieve mild to moderate symptoms, but can cause sleepiness. Many may be bought without a prescription. Talk to your doctor before giving these medicines to a child, as they may affect learning.
• Newer antihistamines cause little or no sleepiness. Some are available over the counter. They usually do not interfere with learning. These medications include fexofenadine (Allegra), and cetirizine (Zyrtec).
• Azelastine (Astelin) is a antihistamine nasal spray that is used to treat allergic rhinitis.

CORTICOSTEROIDS

• Nasal corticosteroid sprays are the most effective treatment for allergic rhinitis.
• They work best when used nonstop, but they can also be helpful when used for shorter periods of time.
• Many brands are available. They are safe for children and adults.

DECONGESTANTS

• Decongestants may also be helpful in reducing symptoms such as nasal congestion.
• Nasal spray decongestants should not be used for more than 3 days.
• Be careful when using over-the-counter saline nasal sprays that contain benzalkonium chloride. These may actually worsen symptoms and cause infection.

OTHER TREATMENTS

• The leukotriene inhibitor Singulair is a prescription medicine approved to help control asthma and to help relieve the symptoms of seasonal allergies.

Specific illnesses that are caused by allergies (such as asthma and eczema) may require other treatments.
ALLERGY SHOTS
Allergy shots (immunotherapy) are occasionally recommended if the allergen cannot be avoided and if symptoms are hard to control. This includes regular injections of the allergen, given in increasing doses (each dose is slightly larger than the previous dose) that may help the body adjust to the antigen.

References

Updated by: A.D.A.M. Editorial Team: David Zieve, MD, MHA, Greg Juhn, MTPW, David R. Eltz. Previously reviewed by Stuart I. Henochowicz, MD, FACP, Associate Clinical Professor of Medicine, Division of Allergy, Immunology, and Rheumatology, Georgetown University Medical School (5/25/2009).

References

Wallace DV, Dykewicz MS, Bernstein DI, Blessing-Moore J, Cox L, Khan DA, et al. The diagnosis and management of rhinitis: an updated practice parameter. J Allergy Clin Immunol. 2008 Aug:122(2).

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Traveling Nurses

Short-term positions across the country. As a licensed nurse in time with a big nursing shortage you are in demand. Hospitals and clinics are willing to pay top dollar for nurses to fill in for short periods.


These nursing positions usually span 3 months to a year. Depending on the duration and distance from your home, the employer will often supply housing, or alternatively, a housing subsidy. 

Some travel nursing jobs are meant to span just a short period where a full-time nurse has left and a replacement has not yet been found. However, a lot of hospitals will try to recruit a traveling nurse into a full-time position if they are happy with performance.
This puts the traveling nurse in the driver's seat - you get a guaranteed short term position, with a good likelyhood that you can turn it into a long-term position if you are happy with the position.

Nursing salaries, like physician salaries vary by experience, location and specialty. Travel nursing usually pays $24-$35 per hour, with an additional housing subsidy. Pay is higher in regions of the country with the highest cost-of-living: New York, San Francisco, Chicago, and other major metropolitan areas. California Nursing Jobs are in high demand because of the location, and it turns out that there are many open travel nursing positions in the sate.

Large medical facilities advertise directly for nurses. However, the easiest way of finding a position is to sign up with a nursing recruiter. The big benefit is that you can get several, well-targeted options and a guaranteed minimum quality of living conditions. The recruiter takes a good-sized fee, so your compensation might be lower than it otherwise would be, but it is usually worth it to get the best nursing job opportunities with very little searching.

CPR Basics

CPR is typically administered in cases of cardiac arrest. Signs of cardiac arrest include an absence of heartbeats, blood flow and pulse. When blood stops flowing to the brain, the person becomes unconscious and stops regular breathing.
The ABCs of CPR are Airway, Breathing, and Circulation. This acronym is used to help you remember the steps to take when performing CPR.
Airway

• If a person has collapsed, determine if the person is unconscious. Gently prod the victim and shout, “Are you okay?” If there is no response, shout for help. Call 911 or your local emergency number.
• If the person is not lying flat on his or her back, roll him or her over, moving the entire body at one time.
• Open the person’s airway. Lift up the chin gently with one hand while pushing down on the forehead with the other to tilt the head back. (Do not try to open the airway using a jaw thrust for injured victims. Be sure to employ this head tilt-chin lift for all victims, even if the person is injured.)
• If the person may have suffered a neck injury, in a diving or automobile accident, for example, open the airway using the chin-lift without tilting the head back. If the airway remains blocked, tilt the head slowly and gently until the airway is open.
• Once the airway is open, check to see if the person is breathing.
• Take five to 10 seconds (no more than 10 seconds) to verify normal breathing in an unconscious adult, or for the existence or absence of breathing in an infant or child who is not responding.
• If opening the airway does not cause the person to begin to breathe, it is advised that you begin providing rescue breathing (or, minimally, begin providing chest compressions).

Breathing (Rescue Breathing)
Pinch the person’s nose shut using your thumb and forefinger. Keep the heel of your hand on the person’s forehead to maintain the head tilt. Your other hand should remain under the person’s chin, lifting up.

• Inhale normally (not deeply) before giving a rescue breath to a victim.
• Immediately give two full breaths while maintaining an air-tight seal with your mouth on the person’s mouth. Each breath should be one second in duration and should make the victim’s chest rise. (If the chest does not rise after the first breath is delivered, perform the head tilt-chin lift a second time before administering the second breath.) Avoid giving too many breaths or breaths that are too large or forceful.

Circulation (Chest Compressions)
After giving two full breaths, immediately begin chest compressions (and cycles of compressions and rescue breaths). Do not take the time to locate the person’s pulse to check for signs of blood circulation.

• Kneel at the person’s side, near his or her chest.
• With the middle and forefingers of the hand nearest the legs, locate the notch where the bottom rims of the rib cage meet in the middle of the chest.
• Place the heel of the hand on the breastbone (sternum) next to the notch, which is located in the center of the chest, between the nipples. Place your other hand on top of the one that is in position. Be sure to keep your fingers up off the chest wall. You may find it easier to do this if you interlock your fingers.
• Bring your shoulders directly over the person’s sternum. Press downward, keeping your arms straight. Push hard and fast. For an adult, depress the sternum about a third to a half the depth of the chest. Then, relax pressure on the sternum completely. Do not remove your hands from the person’s sternum, but do allow the chest to return to its normal position between compressions. Relaxation and compression should be of equal duration. Avoid interruptions in chest compressions (to prevent stoppage of blood flow).
• Use 30 chest compressions to every two breaths (or about five cycles of 30:2 compressions and ventilations every two minutes) for all victims (excluding newborns). You must compress at the rate of about 100 times per minute.
• Continue CPR until advanced life support is available.

Heat Stroke And Heat Exhaustion Signs And Symptoms

Introduction to heat exhaustion

Heat exhaustion is a milder form of heat-related illness that can develop after several days of exposure to high temperatures and inadequate or unbalanced replacement of fluids. Those most prone to heat exhaustion are elderly people, people with high blood pressure, and people working or exercising in a hot environment.

Heat exhaustion symptoms

Warning signs of heat exhaustion include:

• heavy sweating
  
  
• paleness
  
  
• muscle cramps
  
  
• tiredness
  
  
• weakness
  
  
• dizziness
  
  
• headache
  
  
• nausea and vomiting
  
  
• fainting

The skin may be cool and moist. The victim's pulse rate will be fast and weak, and breathing will be fast and shallow. If heat exhaustion is untreated, it may progress to heat stroke, which is a medical emergency. Seek medical attention and call 911 immediately if:

• symptoms are severe, or
  
  
• the victim has heart problems or high blood pressure.

Otherwise, help the victim to cool off, and seek medical attention if symptoms worsen or last longer than 1 hour.

Heat exhaustion treatment

Cooling measures that may be effective include:

• cool, non-alcoholic beverages, as directed by your physician
  
  
• rest
  
  
• cool shower, bath, or sponge bath
  
  
• an air-conditioned environment
  
  
• Lightweight clothing

Heat stroke occurs when heat exhaustion is left untreated and the victim's core body temperature continues to rise. Heat stroke is a severe emergency that can lead to coma, irreversible brain damage and death. Learn to recognize heat stroke and treat the victim aggressively to prevent further injury. Signs and symptoms of heat stroke:

• coma or confusion
• hot, flushed, dry skin
• deep, rapid breathing
• possibly seizures

Difficulty: Easy

Time Required: Less than a minute

Here's How:

1. Stay safe! If the environment is hot enough for the victim to get overheated, then it's hot enough for the rescuers. Follow universal precautions and wear personal protective equipment if you have it. There are also several other causes of coma that may affect the victim.
2. Call 911 immediately!
3. Assure that the victim has an airway and is breathing. Follow the ABC's {airway,breathing,and circulation}.
4. Move the victim to a cooler environment immediately. Shade is better than sun, air conditioning is better than outside, etc. The cooler the better.
5. Remove the victim's clothing to encourage heat loss.
6. Put ice on the armpits, groin, and neck area. Cool the victim as aggressively as possible.

Tips:

1. Strip the victim completely to facilitate cooling.
2. Cover the victim with a sheet soaked with water to cool the victim's body.
3. Use ice at the victim's armpits, neck, and groin.
4. DO NOT give the victim of heat stroke anything to drink.
5. A victim conscious enough to follow commands may be suffering heat exhaustion.

Stroke: Know The Warning Signs

Watch for these signs and symptoms if you think you or someone else may be having a stroke. Note when signs and symptoms begin, because the length of time they have been present may guide treatment decisions.

• Trouble with walking. You may stumble or experience sudden dizziness, loss of balance or loss of coordination.
• Trouble with speaking and understanding. You may experience confusion. You may slur your words or be unable to find the right words to explain what is happening to you (aphasia). Try to repeat a simple sentence. If you can't, you may be having a stroke.
• Paralysis or numbness on one side of your body or face. You may develop sudden numbness, weakness or paralysis on one side of your body. Try to raise both your arms over your head at the same time. If one arm begins to fall, you may be having a stroke. Similarly, one side of your mouth may droop when you try to smile.
• Trouble with seeing in one or both eyes. You may suddenly have blurred or blackened vision, or you may see double.
• Headache. A sudden, severe "bolt out of the blue" headache, which may be accompanied by vomiting, dizziness or altered consciousness, may indicate you're having a stroke.

When to see a doctorSeek immediate medical attention if you notice any signs or symptoms of a stroke, even if they seem to fluctuate or disappear. Call 911 or your local emergency number right away. Every minute counts. Don't wait to see if symptoms go away. The longer a stroke goes untreated, the greater the potential for brain damage and disability. To maximize the effectiveness of evaluation and treatment, it's best that you get to the emergency room within 60 minutes of your first symptoms.
If you're with someone you suspect is having a stroke, watch the person carefully while waiting for emergency assistance. You may need to:

• Begin mouth-to-mouth resuscitation if the person stops breathing
• Turn the person's head to the side if vomiting occurs, which can prevent choking
• Keep the person from eating or drinking

If you have symptoms of a stroke, seek emergency medical care. Symptoms may include:

• Sudden numbness, tingling, weakness, or paralysis in your face, arm, or leg, especially on only one side of your body.
• Sudden vision changes.
• Sudden trouble speaking.
• Sudden confusion or trouble understanding simple statements.
• Sudden problems with walking or balance.
• A sudden, severe headache that is different from past headaches.

A stroke usually happens suddenly but may occur over hours. For example, you may have mild weakness at first. Over time, you may not be able to move the arm and leg on one side of your body.

Ischemic stroke

Symptoms of an ischemic stroke (caused by a blood clot) vary from one person to another. But symptoms usually occur in the side of the body opposite from the side of the brain where the clot occurred. For example, a stroke in the right side of the brain affects the left side of the body.
Symptoms of a stroke may be so minor that they are ignored or go unnoticed. Some people have symptoms that go away after a short time. This could be caused by a transient ischemic attack , or TIA. A TIA is a warning sign that a stroke may soon follow.

Hemorrhagic stroke

The symptoms of a hemorrhagic stroke (caused by bleeding in the brain) are usually the same as those from a blood clot. But you also may have other symptoms, such as:

• Severe headache, sometimes in a specific area.
• Nausea and vomiting.
• Neck stiffness.
• Dizziness, seizures, or changes in mental state, such as irritability, confusion, and possibly unconsciousness.

Hemorrhagic strokes usually occur during the daytime and during physical activity. Symptoms of a hemorrhagic stroke usually begin very suddenly (within seconds) and get worse over several hours.

Summer Brings Risk Of Tick Bites

If you live out in the boonies like me, then you need to be aware of ticks. I always do a body check when i come in from the garden or from hiking in the woods, and especially after fishing. Here are somethings to keep in mind..

Some ticks transmit bacteria that cause illnesses such as Lyme disease or Rocky Mountain spotted fever. Your risk of contracting one of these diseases depends on what part of the United States you live in, how much time you spend in wooded areas and how well you protect yourself.
If you've received a tick bite:

• Remove the tick promptly and carefully. Use tweezers to grasp the tick near its head or mouth and pull gently to remove the whole tick without crushing it.
• If possible, seal the tick in a jar. Your doctor may want to see the tick if you develop signs or symptoms of illness after a tick bite.
• Use soap and water to wash your hands and the area around the tick bite after handling the tick.
• Call your doctor if you aren't able to completely remove the tick.

See your doctor if you develop:

• A rash
• A fever
• A stiff neck
• Muscle aches
• Joint pain and inflammation
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Flu-like symptoms

If possible, bring the tick with you to your doctor's appointment.
Call 911 or your local emergency number if you develop:

• A severe headache
• Difficulty breathing
• Paralysis
• Chest pain or heart palpitations 

Reviewing The Basics Of Nursing

5 Rights of medication administration
 *Right patient
 *Right dose
 *Right time
 *Right route
 *Right drug

Drug dose calculation:

desired dose
____________         x         Quantity

on-hand strength



Patient care is part of a nurse's role. Nurses use the nursing process to assess, plan, implement and evaluate patient care. Patient care is founded in critical thinking and caring in a holistic framework. Nursing care is increasingly framed in best practice, which is the application of evidence-based concepts to patient problems in a particular setting. Florence Nightingale is recognized as the first nurse researcher.

1 Infection control 2 Records 3 Vital signs 4 Medication 5 Diet 6 Safe patient handling

 Infection control

Nurses must observe the principles of asepsis at all times to prevent the spread of infection. They wash their hands thoroughly with soap and warm water before and after caring for patients, after handling any waste, before and after eating and drinking, after smoking, coughing, touching clothes, and after wearing gloves. Alcohol gel has come into common use to sanitize the hands in place of washing hands that are not visibly soiled. Infection control regulations state that hand washing must be done after the third instance of using hand sanitizer. Gloves are generally worn when patient care is given, especially when exposure to patient bodily fluids is likely.
Nurses also observe aseptic technique. This specialty is used for procedures such as wound cleaning and any insertion or removal of appliances into or out of the patient's body. Examples are insertion of an intravenous or urinary catheter, or feeding (nasogastric) tube.
Surgical scrub techniques are also taught to nurses. This specialty is used for operating room technique, where nurses are an important part of any procedure.

 Records

Nurses keep accurate records of all care and observations for many purposes. The patient's record is how the different members of the health care team communicate with each other. The chart is a legal document that serves as evidence of care provided. Since the maintenance of records is a legal responsibility, the charts have to meet certain standards, e.g. records must be permanent, accurate, complete, and kept for years after the care was given.

 Vital signs

Nurses may take a person's vital signs several times a day. Vital signs include taking and recording a patient's temperature, blood pressure, respiration, pulse, and pain level. Other things recorded in vital signs may be weight (especially for renal patients), bowel movements, and blood pressure measurements which are taking in different positions (in heart patients, for example, it is common to do a lying then standing measurement to assess the cardiovascular system's ability to compensate).
Vital signs are usually done with an electronic machine (commonly called a Dynamap) in modern first world countries, however nurses are usually trained to also use manual equipment. These include a sphygmomanometer for blood pressure and a thermometer for temperature. Nurses are also trained in use of a stethoscope to hear heart, lung and bowel sounds on patients of all ages group.

 Medication

Medications are typically dispensed during nursing care. In some countries a nurse is only responsible to administer medication as prescribed by a doctor. In other countries nurses are legally responsible to ensure that the medication is appropriate for the patient and have the authority to interpret the order. Administration of medication by nurses generally requires the nurse to apply advanced knowledge and critical thinking to determine the safety of the administered medication. Advanced practice nurses (Nurse Practitioners, Nurse Midwives, Clinical Nurse Specialists and Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists) prescribe medications as regulated by the state boards of nursing. Advanced practice nursing requires additional education, generally at the master's level. Advanced practice nurses, depending on specialty and state regulations may assess, order and interpret diagnostic tests, diagnose and treat medical conditions and evaluate the results. Advance practice varies in the different states from supervised (by a physician) to completely independent practice. Multiple research studies indicate patients treated by advanced practice nurses have the same outcomes as patients treated by physicians. Patient satisfaction has been equal to treatment by physicians. Advanced practice nurses may be part of the solution to an overburdened and costly health care system. Advanced practice nurses retain the holistic and preventative framework of nursing, and are ideally suited to wellness care.

 Diet

Diet is important for people to stay healthy. A dietitian, or physician may place the patient on a regular, light, soft, or liquid diet. A person on a regular diet can eat any type of food; on a light diet the patient may have such foods as ground meat, chicken, fish, potatoes, rice, strained vegetables, custards, and puddings. Raw fruit and vegetables, rich, spicy or fried foods are not allowed on this diet. A soft diet includes such foods as bread, cereal, eggs, potatoes, custards, and ice cream. A liquid diet may consist only of clear liquids, such as soup, tea, and juices. People with certain illnesses may have other diet restrictions for example people with diabetes or on dialysis.

 Safe patient handling

Injury is a major factor of the shortage of nurses today. With an overweight society, moving patients is often difficult. Not only is this risky for the patient, especially if the nurse is older, it is also risky for the nurse. Many nurses quit work every year just because they were injured while working.
American Nursing Association (ANA) works to implement systems to avoid these injuries. If nurses know best practices and have proper supplies and equipment, it is safer for both the patient and nurse. ANA promotes nurses using best practices to increase safe patient care and comfort, as well as keeping the medical professionals safe from injury and physical stress.

Charting....Just The Facts!!!!!!!!!!

"The best offense is a good defense: ' In the world of nursing and malpractice, the best way to avoid having to defend yourself in court is to chart factually and defensively. This involves knowing:
*how to chart
* what to chart
* when to chart
* who should chart.

HOW to chart:

A skilled nurse charts with a jury in mind and knows that how she charts is just as important as what she charts.
Rule #1: Stick to the facts.
Record only what you see, hear, smell, feel, measure, and count not what you infer or assume. For example, if a patient pulled out his LV. line, but you didn't witness him doing so, write: Found pt., arm-board, and bed linens covered with blood. 1. V. line and venipuncture device were untaped and hanging free. If the patient says he pulled out his LV. line, record that.

Don't chart your opinions. If the chart is used as evidence in court, the plaintiff's lawyer might attack your credibility and the medical record's reliability. Chart subjective information only when it's supported by documented facts.

Rule #2: Avoid labeling. Objectively describe the patient's behavior instead of subjectively labeling it. Expressions such as exhibiting bizarre behavior or using obscenities mean different things to different people. Could you define these terms in court?

Rule #3: Be specific. Your charting goal is to present the facts clearly and concisely. Use only approved abbreviations and express your observations in quantifiable terms. For example, writing output adequate isn't as helpful as writing output 1,200 ml. And Pt. appears to be in pain is vague compared with Pt. requested pain medication after complaining of severe lower back pain radiating to his right leg. Also avoid catchall phrases, such as Pt. comfortable. Instead, describe how you know this. For instance, is the patient resting, reading, or sleeping?

Rule #4: Use neutral language. Using inappropriate comments or language is unprofessional and can cause legal problems. In one case, an elderly patient developed pressure ulcers, and his family complained that he wasn't getting adequate care. The patient later died, probably of natural causes. Because his relatives were dissatisfied with the patient's care, they sued. The insurance company questioned the abbreviation PBBB, which the physician had written in the chart under prognosis. After learning that this stood for "pine box by bedside," the jury awarded the family a significant sum.

Rule #5: Eliminate bias. Don't use language that suggests a negative attitude toward the patient, such as obstinate, drunk, obnoxious, bizarre, or abusive. The same goes for what you say out loud and then document. Disparaging remarks, accusations, arguments, or namecalling could lead to a defamation of character or libel suit. In court, the plaintiff's lawyer might say, "This nurse called my client `rude, difficult, and uncooperative.' It's right here in her own handwriting! No wonder she didn't take good care of him." Remember, the patient has a legal right to see his chart. If he spots a derogatory reference, he'll be angry and more likely to sue.
If a patient is difficult or uncooperative, document the behavior objectively and let the jurors draw their own conclusions.

Rule #6: Keep the record intact. Discarding pages, even for innocent reasons, raises doubt in a lawyer's mind.
Let's say that you spill coffee on a page, blurring several entries. Don't discard the original. Rewrite it and put both pages in the chart. Then cross-reference them by writing Recopied from page on the copy and Recopied on page on the original.

WHAT to chart:

Caring for patients seems more important than documenting every detail, doesn't it? But legally speaking, an incomplete chart reflects incomplete nursing care. Leaving out details is such a serious and common charting error that malpractice lawyers have coined the expression, "Not charted, not done." This doesn't mean that you have to document everything. Some information, such as staffing shortages and staff conflicts, is definitely off-limits.

Becoming A Successful Nurse

A career in nursing can be a very satisfying choice of profession. Nursing offers many benefits to those who choose it, including flexible hours, excellent hourly compensation and the chance to help people recover their health and well-being. When starting a nursing career you should ideally take several steps. These include completing your education as well as finding a job and making sure that you are prepared for the mental and physical labor nursing entails.

Are you interested in a nursing career? Many nurses start their careers as a licensed practical nurse (LPN), also called Licensed Vocational Nurses in some states. This entry-level nursing position provides the fastest route to a career in nursing and is a perfect way to gain some real-world experience while earning a living before deciding whether you want to continue your education to become an RN. Here's a brief overview of what you can expect after becoming an LPN.

As an LPN, you'll provide basic bedside care. Your specific duties will range from taking vital signs and watching catheters to treating bedsores and administering injections or enemas. You'll assist patients to get in and out of bed, feed them when necessary, help them to take a shower or use the toilet, participate in care planning, and notify your supervisors of any changes.
At this point in your career, you'll be considered a generalist. You'll do a little bit of everything, unlike nurses with more advanced degrees who can specialize in areas such as pediatrics, oncology, critical care, case management, or forensic nursing. Keep your eyes open and learn everything you possibly can. You will probably love some parts of your job and dislike others. Think of your likes and dislikes as useful data that will help you make important decisions about your career path in the future.

LPNs are able to find work in a variety of health care settings. You might take a job at a hospital, an outpatient facility, a long term care facility, a private clinic or even in a patient's home. At the moment, the number of LPN positions in hospitals is on the decline, but this trend is accompanied by an increase in outpatient services offered by long term care facilities.
Most LPNs work 40 hours a week. LPNs are needed for day and night shifts as well as holidays and weekends. Although you are expected to put in a lot of work, along with the challenges come rewards. You will get an idea of what health care settings you prefer to work in, and what types of patients stimulate your professional interest.

Nursing is a highly regulated profession, due to the nature of the work. Not only must you complete a state approved practical nursing program, you must also successfully pass a licensing examination before being allowed to work as an LPN.
Fortunately, it doesn't take long to acquire the necessary qualifications. You can complete an LPN program in as little as a year. During your academic education, you'll take classes in a variety of subjects, including physiology, anatomy, nutrition, sciences, obstetrics, pediatrics and first aid. You'll also complete a number of hours of supervised clinical training. After graduating, you'll take the National Council Licensure examination for Practical Nurses, NCLEX-PN, and be able to practice as a Licensed Practical Nurse after passing.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of LPNs is projected to grow 14 percent between 2006 and 2016. This growth is faster than the average for all occupations, and is due to the long-term care needs of an increasing elderly population and the general increase in demand for health care services. Becoming an LPN will put you in a good position to continue to grow your nursing career and enjoy diverse employment options within the expanding field of nursing.

I started as a cna. I did this job for 10 years and loved it. I was told several times by my charge nurses that i should go to nursing school. I'm glad I took their advise. I have been a nurse since 2007, and it was worth all the hard work in school. You learn so much from your peers once you start working. If you are a caring person and believe nursing would be right for you, then start looking today for a school near you.