Why – Stop smoking?

By now, even the tobacco companies agree: smoking is bad for your health — very bad, in fact. Cigarettes are the most hazardous, but cigars, pipes, and smokeless tobacco also contribute to tobacco’s terrible toll. And secondhand smoke is an important cause of death and disability in people who never light up.

We are making progress. Over 45 million Americans have quit, and many communities prohibit smoking in public places. But more than 20% of adults still smoke, and the habit remains more prevalent in men than women. Tragically, thousands of teenagers take up smoking every day.

We can do better. Fortunately, there are more ways to kick the habit than ever before.

The hazards of smoking

Tobacco is responsible for one of every five deaths in the U. S. That adds up to over 435,000 lives lost each year, and over 8.5 million Americans suffer from chronic illnesses caused by smoking. All in all, the average nonsmoker lives about 14 years longer than the average smoker. And the worldwide burden is truly staggering. According to the American Cancer Society, smoking will kill about 650 million of the world’s 1.3 billion smokers alive today.

Smoking is a major cause of cardiovascular disease, including heart attacks, strokes, and peripheral artery disease. About 20% of all cardiac deaths are caused by smoking.

Between 80% and 90% of all patients with emphysema owe their lung disease to smoking. Chronic bronchitis and pneumonia are among the other lung diseases that are increased in smokers.

And there’s more. Smoking contributes to many other health problems, ranging from cataracts, sinusitis, and dental disorders to aging skin, heartburn, diabetes, osteoporosis, and two issues of special concern to men, bladder cancer and erectile dysfunction.

The more you smoke, the higher your risks — but even a few cigarettes a day will harm your health. “Light” and “low-tar” cigarettes are no safer than high-test brands. The only truly safe dose of tobacco is zero.

Secondhand smoke and community controlsMore than 126 million nonsmoking Americans are exposed to secondhand smoke. Each year, about 3,000 of them die from lung cancer and about 35,000 to 60,000 die from heart disease caused by exposure to the more than 4,000 chemicals in secondhand smoke. And secondhand smoke also causes 150,000 to 300,000 respiratory infections in infants and young children each year.Many communities now ban smoking in public places. That clears the air — but does it also improve health? Two examples show that it does. In Scotland, smoke-free legislation produced a rapid improvement in respiratory symptoms and lung function in bar workers. In Pueblo, Colorado, restrictions on smoking in public places were followed by a 27% reduction in hospitalizations for heart attacks; no reduction was observed in the surrounding county.

The benefits of quitting

Quitting helps, even if you’ve smoked for years. Within days, your blood vessels will regain much of the normal function that is damaged by smoking. Within weeks, you’ll be able to taste food better, and your sense of smell will recover from tobacco’s assault. Within months, symptoms of chronic bronchitis ease up, and lung function improves within a year. Quitting reduces the risk of heart attack and stroke within two to five years. And the risk of lung cancer begins to drop substantially within five to nine years of quitting.

People who kick the habit, regardless of age, live longer than those who continue to smoke. And since each pack of cigarettes costs our society $7.18, quitting will help America’s budget as well as yours.

Top priority

Smoking is Public Health Enemy Number One — so if you smoke, quitting should be your top priority. It will take willpower and hard work, but lots of help is available. You may gain a few pounds, you may go through a rough spell as your body adjusts to life without tobacco, and you may have to try several times before you finally kick the habit. Don’t be discouraged. Over 45 million Americans have quit smoking, and you can, too. Do whatever it takes; it’s the manly thing to do.

http://www.bing.com/health/article/harvard-1000244363/Smoking-cessation-New-ways-to-quit?q=smoking+cessation

Yes this is my goal for 2011! This is not about me, this is not about you, but it is about us and where we are headed as a society. Let’s get healthy this year. Join in my story as a smoker for over 20 plus years.

Banish dry skin!

I bring to you this information again from one of my favorite sites. I find so many interesting tidbits when it comes to health and wellness.

Fresh from the Harvard Medical Center – news you can use!

Banish dry skin…

Dry skin occurs when skin doesn’t retain sufficient moisture. This can happen as a result of frequent bathing, use of harsh soaps, aging, or certain medical conditions. And for those in colder climates, it can stem from cold, dry winter air.

At this time of year, those in the Northern Hemisphere may suffer from red, rough, raw, and itchy skin. This is because cold winter air means low humidity, both outdoors and indoors. The water content of the epidermis (the outermost layer of skin) tends to reflect the level of humidity around it. Fortunately, there are many simple and inexpensive things you can do to relieve winter dry skin, also known as winter itch or winter xerosis.

Even if you live in a part of the world where cold winter air is not currently — or ever — a concern, most people will need to manage dry skin at some point. These tips for keeping skin soft and healthy can help all who battle dry skin, from chilly New England to balmy Hawaii and beyond.

Keeping moisture in the skin

Skin moisturizers, which rehydrate the top layer of skin cells and seal in the moisture, are the first step in combating dry skin. They contain three main types of ingredients. Humectants, which help attract moisture, include ceramides (pronounced ser-A-mids), glycerin, sorbitol, hyaluronic acid, and lecithin. Another set of ingredients — for example, petrolatum (petroleum jelly), silicone, lanolin, and mineral oil — helps seal that moisture within the skin. Emollients, such as linoleic, linolenic, and lauric acids, smooth skin by filling in the spaces between skin cells.

In general, the thicker and greasier a moisturizer, the more effective it will be. Some of the most effective (and least expensive) are petroleum jelly and moisturizing oils (such as mineral oil). Because they contain no water, they’re best used while the skin is still damp from bathing, to seal in the moisture. Other moisturizers contain water as well as oil, in varying proportions. These are less greasy and may be more cosmetically appealing than petroleum jelly or oils.

What can you do?

Here are some ways to combat dry skin that are effective if practiced consistently:

1. Use a humidifier in the winter. Set it to around 60%, a level that should be sufficient to replenish the top layer of the skin.
2. Limit yourself to one 5- to 10-minute bath or shower daily. If you bathe more than that, you may strip away much of the skin’s oily layer and cause it to lose moisture. Use lukewarm rather than hot water, which can wash away natural oils.
3. Minimize your use of soaps; if necessary, choose moisturizing preparations such as Dove, Olay, and Basis, or consider soap-free cleansers like Cetaphil, Oilatum-AD, and Aquanil. Steer clear of deodorant soaps, perfumed soaps, and alcohol products, which can strip away natural oils.
4. To avoid damaging the skin, stay away from bath sponges, scrub brushes, and washcloths. If you don’t want to give them up altogether, be sure to use a light touch. For the same reason, pat or blot (don’t rub) the skin when toweling dry.
5. Apply moisturizer immediately after bathing or washing your hands. This helps plug the spaces between your skin cells and seal in moisture while your skin is still damp.
6. To reduce the greasy feel of petroleum jelly and thick creams, rub a small amount into your hands and then rub it over the affected areas until neither your hands nor the affected areas feel greasy.
7. Never, ever scratch. Most of the time, a moisturizer can control the itch. You can also use a cold pack or compress to relieve itchy spots.
8. Use fragrance-free laundry detergents and avoid fabric softeners.
9. Avoid wearing wool and other fabrics that can irritate the skin.

Dry skin is usually not a serious health problem, but it can produce serious complications, such as chronic eczema (red patches) or bleeding from fissures that have become deep enough to disrupt capillaries in the dermis. Another possible complication is secondary bacterial infection (redness, swelling, and pus), which may require antibiotics. (Rarely, dry skin is associated with allergy.)

Consult your clinician if you notice any of these symptoms or if measures you take at home provide no relief. For severe dry skin, your clinician may prescribe a cream containing lactic acid, urea, or corticosteroids. She or he may also want to rule out medical conditions that can cause dry skin, including hypothyroidism, diabetes, lymphoma, kidney disease, liver disease, psoriasis, and atopic dermatitis. Always use sunscreen — even in the winter — to protect your skin.

Here are the links to the above information and so much more – just click them.

I hope you enjoy as Harvard Medical School offers special reports on over 50 health topics. Visit the Web site at http://www.health.harvard.edu to find reports of interest to you and your family.

Get regular emails with “HEALTHbeat” it is distributed to individuals who have subscribed via the Harvard Health Publications Web site

I shall stop smoking!

This is the main focus of my healthy living changes for 2011 and for the rest of my life! I previously posted the story of why I have come to this decision. I am now going to share with you some of my plan. I am officially on day 4 of my plan.

I believe a plan to stop smoking starts at the moment you think about quitting. I have heard many jokes/statements about it, like “I can quit smoking, do it all the time, until I light up the next…” or the famous “If you want to quit, just stop buying them”! I have smoked so long that I forget as to why I started, I only wish I hadn’t! I dislike it when individuals chalk stopping smoking up to an easy task. I do not know the research exactly, but I believe the habit of smoking cigarettes has got to be one of the hardest addiction to break (I will have to look this up).  I know that health care industry offers many aides to help with the task and I am thankful, because “cold turkey” is just not an option for me! I could continue to ramble on about the whole thought and process of getting to where I am at, but that may take years as it took years to get to where I am at!

What’s the plan?

I first had to stumble a few times with trying to quit! Now is the moment I make a vow within myself and truly have a desire to fight for being “smoke free”. I also have enlisted the assistance of my children and a promise to my son. I do not know if others feel as I do, but I shall never break my son’s heart now that I have the desire! I made an appointment with my doctor and researched what was available and what I have tried before. This is a part that will be different for all people. I have chosen some treatments and assistance that may not work for others and vice versa. After much discussion and planning with my doctor, I have decided to take a smoking cessation medication and enroll in hypnoses sessions/maybe acupuncture. I am on day four of my medication and have my seven day set out day (Monday 24th) to be smoke free, although, I have been informed by my doctor that I may need two weeks to break away from my cigarettes. I am focused on my task and dedicated so I shoot for Monday.

My Plan, My Medication, My life changes, My journey…

I know this is a question in the minds of many as to what I chose or will choose? First I will share with you any information I can in regards to what is out there to assist you and then I will put my progress in as well. Stopping is something you should never do alone as it is always nice to share your experiences in any transition in life, espeacially when it can be beneficial to all.

If you’re like many smokers and tobacco users, you know you should quit — you just aren’t sure how to do it.

Smoking cessation — creating a quit-smoking plan.

Creating a quit-smoking plan improves your chances of stopping for good. Having a quit-smoking plan helps you cope with the physical and emotional issues that often arise when you stop smoking, such as nicotine withdrawal and strong urges to smoke.

The longest and hardest part of the cessation is the first step…

FIRST – Deciding to quit smoking

Sure, you may be able to list plenty of reasons to stop smoking. You may be worried about the health problems related to smoking, the social stigma, the expense or the pressure from loved ones. But only you can decide when you’re ready to stop smoking. You may spend a lot of time thinking about quitting smoking before you’re ready to actually do it. If you’re thinking about quitting, go ahead and pick a specific day to quit — your quit day — and then plan for it.

Picking a quit day

Pick a specific day within the next month to quit smoking. Don’t set your quit day too far in the future, or you may find it hard to follow through. But don’t do it before you have a quit-smoking plan in place, either. Pick a random day as your quit day or pick a day that holds special meaning for you.

Preparing for quit day

There’s no easy way to quit smoking. But planning for it can help you overcome the hurdles you’re likely to face. Here are steps you can take as you prepare for your quit day:

• Mark the day. Make a big notation of your quit day on your calendar. It’s an important day in your life, so treat it like one.
• Talk to your health care provider. If you haven’t talked to your doctor or health care provider yet about quitting smoking, do so now. Ask about stop-smoking counseling and medications. Using either counseling or medication improves your odds of success. And combining them is even more effective. If you’ll be using the prescription medication bupropion (Zyban) or varenicline (Chantix), you must start the medication a week before your quit day to give it time to begin working.
• Tell people. Let family, friends and co-workers know about your quit day. Make them your allies. They can provide a lot of moral support. Tell them how they can be most supportive of your effort to quit smoking.
• Clean house. Rid your home, car, office and other places of your smoking and tobacco products. Don’t keep any cigarettes on hand “just in case” — you might not be able to resist the temptation. Also, consider getting your teeth professionally cleaned as motivation to stay quit.
• Stock up. Have on hand items that can substitute for the cigarette you’re used to having in your mouth, such as sugarless gum, hard candy, cinnamon sticks and crunchy vegetables.
• Join up. The more support you have, the more likely you are to stop smoking successfully. Find local quit-smoking support groups. Many hospitals and clinics offer classes or groups. You can join online quit-smoking groups or programs. You can even text message smoking cessation counselors through Smokefree.gov.
• Reflect. If you’ve tried to quit smoking before but took it up again, think about what challenges you faced and why you started again. What worked and what didn’t? Think about what you can do differently this time. For example, make a list of your triggers and how you will deal with them.

Action guide to dealing with triggers (PDF file requiring Adobe Reader)

Handling quit day

Getting through your quit day can be emotionally and physically challenging, especially if strong tobacco cravings strike. Try these tips to help manage your quit day:

• Don’t smoke, not even “just one.”
• Begin using nicotine replacement therapy if you’ve chosen that method.
• Remind yourself of your reasons to stop smoking.
• Drink plenty of water or juice.
• Keep physically active.
• Avoid situations and people that trigger your urge to smoke.
• Attend a support group, counseling session or stop-smoking class.
• Practice stress-management and relaxation techniques.
• Keep your hands busy by typing, writing, squeezing a ball or knitting.

Staying quit

With a quit-smoking plan to guide you, line up your resources now so that you can lean on them when you quit smoking. The more resources you have in place — support groups, nicotine replacement, medications, counseling — the more likely you are to quit and stay quit.

http://www.bing.com/health/article/mayo-127486/Smoking-cessation-Creating-a-quitsmoking-plan?q=smoking+cessation

May I just say that thus far I am not doing so well, but I know this is ok. I set my quit date and have faltered already. This journey is going to be so hard! Keep following as my journey continues and I will inform you of so much more information related to quitting.

The SIMS have been named!

Congratulations to Jackie Lakin, winner of last week’s “Name the Sims” contest! Lakin, an instructor, often uses the Sims in her courses and has become familiar with the entire Sim family. Lakin submitted the following winning names for the members of the Sim family:

• SimMan (the “mom”) – Gyneco (Gynny) Sim
• SimMan 3G (the “dad”) – Manuel (Manny) Sim
• SimMan Mobile – Travis (Trav) Sim
• SimBaby – Neona (Neo) Sim

Lakin’s creative names are based in the health sciences; for example, “gyneco” is used in the formation of compound words relating to “woman” or “female,” such as gynecology. “Gynny” is the winning nickname. Also, “neona” is a creative invention relating to “neonatal” or “neo,” meaning “new.” For her winning contribution, Lakin takes home a PTC sweatshirt. Staff members in PTC’s Healthcare Alliance department narrowed down the results to the “Top 4” nominees, which included submissions from Lakin, nursing student Katie Cooper, business administration student James Hinrichs, and nursing student Katie Holmstrom.

The new, high-tech SimMen (simulation manikins) are being used for students enrolled in healthcare programs that allow students to experience realistic patient scenarios in the classroom. The Sims talk, have heartbeats, bleed, and more! During the contest, the Sims were on display, and students, staff and faculty members were encouraged to stop by the display, meet the Sims, and submit names for each.

May I just say Congrats to PTC Nursing department on the official births of your SIMS and may you truly learn bunches from them! They truly have great names!

Way to go PTC student nurses!

I am proud to announce that we officially have a “Nursing Club” on our campus! I am so excited and look forward to all that the nursing club and its members will do or bring forth for the betterment of our students. If you want to get involved, Join then February 3, 2011 at 12:15pm – look around campus for flyers with details!

We all have a voice in our future…

In the realm of health care reform, nursing takes center stage. Since the beginning of time nursing has been on the fore front of patient/client care. We stand for the advocacy of the ones we care for in matters of individualized holistic efforts put forth towards management, coordination, promotion, and environmental standards in our quality of care given unto them. Nursing has an effortless potential towards impacting the future of integrative medicine/health care. The expansion of health care is dependent on nursing as the numbers in need of care will continue to grow and these rising numbers shall fall upon nurses. We have the ability to view our patients as unique individuals made up of biology, culture, genetics, and psychosocial factors. Nurses see the person and not just the disease! Yet there are studies out there correlating a shortage of nurses to be estimated around one million by the year 2020! What is to be done?

            In the reform presently in our country, education is the key to success of our health care system. The education opportunity has been put before nurses to advance in their studies. Nurse Practitioners (NPs), Nursing Educators, Public Health, Midwives are just a few career paths being mentioned as directions of education advancement. The government has stepped up to ensure funding be available for our nations nurses (i.e. H. R. 4872 “The Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act of 2010”).

The next step has been handling to the best of lawmakers ability thus far to bring about affordability for one in need of care (patients/clients). Nurses were/are vital in the advocacy of the individuals within the care of our nation’s health care system. Bringing to lawmakers and others within their health care partnerships the need and concerns of what patients ask for and what they deserve; ultimately a reform to promote healthier lifestyles. This past year 2010 the President Obama signed into law the first of many Acts of US Congress to reform the system and assist HCP in nurturing the needs of their clients (i.e. H. R. 3590, “The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act”).

The most important factor in all of health care reform is the nurses’ ability to shed away fears and speak out for the injustice brought forth by this failing system. Leadership within the realm of nursing is vital. Referred to as “opinion leaders” in a recent study by GALLUP, nurses are professionals with a definite future role in the delivery health care. Nursing strives for a quality of health care in which, no other area puts forth the determination of these focused providers. Developing these leadership skills wraps back around to the key of educating the nurses in the system or to be entering.

Nurses understand health promotion and we are poised for the great responsibility of stepping up to the plate. Nurses can, shall, and will stand upon the foundations of a caring, humanitarian relationship, providing hope for the reform to be responsive and efficient in providing the opportunity for nurses as well as the quality of care we want to provide.  

 References:

“Congress passes, president signs 2010 health care reform bill.” (2010). Kansas Nurse,

85(3), 13-14.

 Hackman, D. (2010). CEO corner. “The nurse’s influence on health system reform.”

Georgia Nursing, 70(2), 3.

Mittelman, M (2010). “Our nation’s health depends on expanding the nursing profession.”

Alternative Therapies in Health & Medicine, 16(1), 12-14.

The above information got me to thinking about where I want to go in my future and what can I do to make a difference? There are many options out there in nursing and right now at PTC and ARCC-CC we are fortunate to have the Health Care Alliance personal available to us. They have an abundance amount of information on careers in health care and ways to fund your advanced education! Take a moment or two to stop in their office! I challange anyone reading this to step up and map your future. If you have no idea where to start, understand there are options out there for your to succeed in whatever direction you might want to venture!

I’ll chat later. Keep smiling!

A to B to C U!

This being the final semester for my LPN educational journey has me reflecting on what I have learned thus far. The title of this particular blog, “A to B to C U” is a thought that came to mind as we reviewed our clinical rotation schedule. Calls can be made to schedule an appointment or emergency situations may a rise, regardless of the course, when a patient/client enters the door of your facility they are initiating the need to be seen. This is the “A” of my statement.  From this point cares are performed and as a nursing student it is vital that we follow the cares received. The “B” of my statement. The last portion of this statement is reflective to the build up to this point. Resolving the reason our patient/client sought care or at least alleviating the symptoms of long-term cares, and educating our patient/client on the outcome brings us to the “C U”. yes, it is when our patient/client is comfortable and healthy enough to leave our care for the moment or reason of their initial need.

I just thought I would share this acronym with you as in nursing we love to link our knowledge with silly sayings and acronyms. So the next time your in the process of caring for one who walks through your door, take a moment to remember A to B to C U, and you will be suprised at how thoughtful and caring the one you follow through will reflect on your ability to care for them.

I’ll chat later. Keep smiling!

You are the Nurse!

Semester two of the second year for PTC PNers is well on its way! The instructors continuously say “you are the nurse now…!”

 I am the nurse… am I scared, am I ready, what do I do, or how about where do I go?  The enormous amount of thoughts racing through my mind are fascinating to say the least! I am so excited for this semester to roll by. I hope I conquer all that comes before me, so that I may by semester’s end know the answers, or at least have an idea, as to the answers of my racing thoughts!

The road ahead is so clearly paved with good intention and moments to fill my mind with an abundance of knowledge. I will get experience in various settings and roles; like a hospital, a clinic, and even the opportunity to be a team leader in the care of more than just one client/patient!  I cannot wait to share my experience with you!

I also realized today how fortunate I am to have access to a wonderful program like Healthcare Alliance! Some of the questions that circle around in my mind can be put to ease by meeting and corresponding with HCA. Please take a moment to utilize their knowledge, as it is truly beneficial! They now have their staff blog up and running, check it out!

This is also a time of year when one starts to think of their own health and wellbeing… I am for sure. If you have been following my blog, you understand how difficult this past fall was on me and the unhealthy turmoil my physical and psychological process my mind, body, and soul went through! I ask myself numerous times how I can educate someone on the healthy aspects of life when I do not practice even close to what I preach! Most commonly weight loss seems to be on everyone’s “new year” list (mine included) but, I share with you now a promise made to myself and to my children – a “new year” that I have not really planned on sticking with until now (as this idea has been on my “new year” many times).  

I have been a smoker since I was a very young adolescent! Some in health care would say I am well past my 20 pack year! My son turned 10 years old on January 2 and for his birthday he asked that I stop smoking. My children in the past have made comments as they have learned the “bad” about cigarette smoking in school, but for some reason my son’s request seemed different – maybe it is because deep down, I have not wanted to smoke for a long time now. It is a moment in time that I shall hold close to my heart forever! I cannot fully explain it, but I have started the process and vowed to be smoke free by the end of the month to myself and to my son!

Stopping the nicotine habit cold turkey will not work for me, but I have learned there are other options. I have decided to put into use a smoking cessation drug and to follow it up with a hypnosis session or two. I have decided to share this experience with you and any information I come across, I shall share. Pay attention and look for specific blogs in relation to this. I need sometime to get it all organized, but with my blog as my witness this “bad” habit of mine shall soon cease and we shall see what works for me!

I’ll chat later. Keep smiling!

Welcome Back!

Yes, I made it through last semester! It was wonderful to take a break from the college world this past holiday season and rejuvenate my being. I had planned on coming in and blogging over the break, but due to my stress level and missed time with my children… as you may have noticed, I did not blog. I am now considered to be on the last leg of my journey through this section of my educational travels. I am excited and fearful all at the same time. This spring semester shall be the finality of my success! I want to send out wishes of knowledge increase with ease for all students this semester and may you feel refreshed as I. Remember do your best to stay focused, work as hard as you can, and take time for your peace of mind. Have a nice semester and I’ll chat later! Keep smiling!

Warmest Holiday Wishes!

 

I wanted to take this moment to thank you for taking time to share in my journey! This holiday season may your hearts be filled with warmth and love. This seems to be the most caring time of the year in our society. This winter break I decided I am giving back for all of the love and support that has been giving to me this year. I was thumbing through the local paper and stumbled upon an advisement… Every December there are a couple radio stations here in MN that switches their music over to nothing but “Holiday Tunes”. I just love this idea as it brings about a jolly and peaceful feeling! The station I listen to speaks often of the Salvation Army and their bell ringers; in fact they have been introducing bell ringers of the day. I think this bell ringing done by these volunteers is the most wonderful thing a person could do especially in these cold temps… thumbing thru the paper I came upon an advisement for “Bell Ringers”! Yes, I did and I am going to be a bell ringer during the next week and a half before Christmas.  I want to extend an invitation or challenge to all who read this – if by chance you see the lil’ red kettle or hear the bells, if you got an extra nickel or two, please drop it in! You see folks – the Salvation Army assists many individuals and families ALL year round and with the big snow storm this past weekend they lost a day of collections as for the first time ever they shut down the bells in honor of the safety of the volunteers! If you’d like come out and fill my kettle plus some, I’ll give you a candy cane – look for the kettle outside Wal-Mart in Cambridge, Thursday, Friday and Saturday! Give the gift that keeps on giving – smile with wishes of holiday cheer is divine to the ones who stand in this cold!

Warmest Holiday Wishes to All and to All A Happy New Year!!