Dreamtime Wellness

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Celebrating International Nurse’s Day: Nominate your Favorite Cape Ann Nurses

Today is International Nurses Day, the 200th anniversary of the birth of Florence Nightingale.

Healing Through Cleanliness: Infection Prevention and Control is an essential part of today’s healthcare. Florence Nightingale can be credited for this important practice. Her philosophy of cleanliness and sanitation in order to prevent infection in hospitalized patients began during the Crimean War and has had a lasting and major impact on infection control in hospitals to this day. Nightingale’s approach to health care was holistic, and she also emphasized nutrition as a way of improving or preventing infection. She is credited as the founder of holistic nursing, and she also stressed ‘evidence-based’ practice. 

Infection Prevention and Control. Many of today’s procedures for preventing hospital acquired infections (HAI’s) include standard, contact, droplet, airborne and universal precautions. Each precaution has specific guidelines, policy and protocols. Florence Nightingale spoke of these as the means for preventing infection control in the 1850’s –

  • Clean hands,
  • Clean environment,
  • Sanitizing bedrails and doorknobs,
  • Sterilizing hospital equipment before and after patient care.

Florence Nightingale on infection control – “Every nurse ought to be careful to wash her hands very frequently during the day. If her face too, so much the better.” (1)

Many healthcare specialists today cite hand washing as the single most important method for preventing the transmission of disease. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) stresses the importance of  hand washing to aid in the prevention of disease, especially at this time of the coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic. (Hand washing/in Spanish). Teaching children to wash hands properly (with soap and water for 20 minutes) can lead to a life-long practice of good hand hygiene. Clean Hand Campaign offers teaching materials. 

 

Key Times to Wash Hands from the CDC:

You can help yourself and your loved ones stay healthy by washing your hands often, especially during these key times when you are likely to get and spread germs:

  • Before, during, and after preparing food
  • Before eating food
  • Before and after caring for someone at home who is sick with vomiting or diarrhea
  • Before and after treating a cut or wound
  • After using the toilet
  • After changing diapers or cleaning up a child who has used the toilet
  • After blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing
  • After touching an animal, animal feed, or animal waste
  • After handling pet food or pet treats
  • After touching garbage

Stay safe. Stay healthy. Be happy.

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A Poem for Mothers Day 2020

Photo by Katherine Knowlton. Shared by the Knowlton Family. Gloucester MA

 

 

A Mother’s Love is a Haven

A mother’s love is like an island
In life’s ocean, vast and wide,
A peaceful, quiet shelter
From the wind, the rain, the tide.

‘Tis bound on the north by Hope,
By Patience on the West,
By tender Counsel on the South
And on the East by Rest.

Above it like a beacon light
Shine Faith, and Truth, and Prayer;
And thro’ the changing scenes of life
I find a haven there.

— Anonymous

(author unknown, but greatly appreciated)

 

 

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Celebrating Nurses Week: Supporting Nurses with Sessions for Relaxation and Stress Relief

Your expertise, care, compassion, courage and dedication are much appreciated!

Be sure to make time for self-care, in the process!

We are offering FREE 20-minute Consultation Sessions and Webinar Meditations for Nurses and Other Front-line Healthcare Workers; Breathing Relaxation and Guided Imagery. (Offered throughout the MA ‘stay at home’ directive. One per person) Contact Us to Schedule: Email: dreamtimewellness@gmail.com.

 

Karen Pischke BSN, RN, Alumnus CCRN, Nurse Researcher, Integrative Nurse Consultant, Author, Speaker, Photographer. Certified Clinical Hypnotherapist, Tobacco Treatment Specialist, Usui Reiki Teacher/Komyo Shihan. Owner/Founder of Dreamtime Wellness LLC. Your Bridge to Health: Promoting Optimal Wellness for Mind, Body and Spirit. Karen is a registered nurse with a background in critical care nursing, cardiac rehabilitation, cardiac risk factor reduction, wellness and integrative healthcare. Incorporating a collaborative, integrative approach, Karen strives to educate, advocate for, and empower you in your healthcare goals. Providing evidence-based integrative healthcare services and self-care tools that are safe as well as effective at improving overall health, happiness and wellbeing. www.DreamtimeWellness.com. 978.283.4258. Email: dreamtimewellness@gmail.com. Find us on Instagram and Facebook

Celebrate Earth Day 2020 with a ‘Virtual’ Walk in the Woods
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Celebrate Earth Day 2020 with a ‘Virtual’ Walk in the Woods

Today is the 50th Anniversary of ‘Earth Day.’  Be sure to spend some time in nature today, in gratitude, as you celebrate this wondrous planet where we all live. We are the earth’s caregivers and protectors, and that was never more evident and important than now. As Astronaut Carl Sagan’s photo demonstrated and spoke of, the earth is but a tiny speck of dust in the Universe. “Everyone you love, everyone you know, everyone you ever heard of, every human being who ever was, lived out their lives,” Sagan later wrote. “On a mote of dust suspended in a sunbeam.”Candy Hansen, a planetary scientist at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory who worked on the Voyager imaging team noted, “It also made me think about how vulnerable our tiny planet is.”

‘Shinrin yoku’ – Japanese ‘Forest Bathing.’ Shinrin in Japanese means “forest,” and yokumeans “bath.” Shinrin-yoku means ‘bathing in’ or ‘taking in’ the forest atmosphere through all of your senses.
We all know how being in nature can make us feel good. The practice of ‘Shinrin yoku’ means ‘being in’ and ‘connecting with’ nature through your all of your senses – sight, hearing, taste, smell and touch. Enjoying the sounds of the forest, birds singing, insects and animals moving through the woods, the wind rustling through the leaves, the scent of the earth, leaves, flowers and trees, the sunlight filtering through the leaves, the clean fresh air. Enjoying flora and fauna in nature, while escaping the sounds and routines of everyday life. These experiences in nature, and the time you take away fromthe ‘hustle and bustle,’ provides a sense of peace, comfort and calm. Being in nature can reenergize, refresh and rejuvenate you, improving your overall health and sense of wellbeing.

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Preventing the Spread of Disease and Boosting Your Immune System

To stay ‘healthy and safe’ during this national/global health crisis, it is important to be aware of and follow the advice of local, state, national and international government and public health departments guidelines.

Depending on where you live in the world, those recommendations vary as well as can change daily. Sources to find up-to-date, accurate, evidence-based information include: the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), National Institutes of Health (NIH), World Health Organziation (WHO), and the United Nations (UN), as well as state and local Public Health Departments.

Take care of yourself and doing everything you can to stay healthy and boost your immunity:

  • Rigorous hand washing,
  • Keep a healthy environment,
  • Eat healthy balanced, nutritious meals,
  • Avoid drugs, smoking, excess drinking,
  • Spend time in nature,
  • Minimize stress,
  • Get adequate sleep.

Follow the Department of Public Health (DPH) Guidelines for ‘Social Distancing,’ ‘Stay at Home’ and ‘Face Covering‘ Guidelines from the CDC, Gloucester DPH and MA DPH.

‘Preparation and Prevention’ Information from the CDC:

Foods that support a healthy immune system, from Mayo Clinic

Boosting Immunity from Harvard Health

Managing Stress and Anxiety in the Midst for a Crisis from the CDC –

Things you can do to support yourself during a crisis –

  • Take breaks from watching, reading, or listening to news stories, including social media. Hearing about the pandemic repeatedly can be upsetting.
  • Take care of your body. Take deep breaths, stretch, or meditate. Eat healthy, well-balanced meals. Exercise regularly. Get plenty of sleep. Avoid alcohol and drugs.
  • Spend time in nature (while wearing face covering and maintaining 6 foot distance).
  • Make time to unwind. Do some activities or hobbies you enjoy.
  • Music is healing: listening to or playing. (Try Live streaming, you-tube and facebook house parties).
  • Connect with others. Talk with people you trust about your concerns and how you are feeling.
  • Connect with other ‘virtually’ via phone, on-line webinars, FaceTime.

If stress gets in the way of your daily activities for several days in a row, call your healthcare provider.

At Dreamtime Wellness we are offering Free 20-minute Phone Consultations (one per person) for those in need of support, stress relief, pain management and smoking cessation. During this health crisis, all our services and products for relaxation, stress management and smoking cessation are offered ‘virtually’ at discounted prices, ‘sliding scale,’ ‘by donation’ or some for free (one per person), depending on your individual circumstances and needs. Contact us for details and to schedule a consultation or session.

Our hours for ‘virtual’ sessions are Monday through Thursday. 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Some evening and weekend sessions will be available for ‘essential workers’ who work during the day and, any front-line workers.

~ We are all in this together, and together we will all get through this. ~ 

 

Karen Pischke BSN, RN, Alumnus CCRN, Nurse Researcher, Integrative Nurse Consultant, Author, Speaker, Photographer. Certified Clinical Hypnotherapist, Tobacco Treatment Specialist, Usui Reiki Teacher/Komyo Shihan. Owner/Founder of Dreamtime Wellness LLC. Your Bridge to Health: Promoting Optimal Wellness for Mind, Body and Spirit. Karen is a registered nurse with a background in critical care nursing, cardiac rehabilitation, cardiac risk factor reduction, wellness and integrative healthcare. Incorporating a collaborative, integrative approach, Karen strives to educate, advocate for, and empower you in your healthcare goals. Providing evidence-based integrative healthcare services and self-care tools that are safe as well as effective at improving overall health, happiness and wellbeing. www.DreamtimeWellness.com. 978.283.4258. Email: dreamtimewellness@gmail.com. Find us on Instagram and Facebook

Disclaimer: This blog pro­vides gen­eral infor­ma­tion and dis­cus­sion about health and related sub­jects. The words and other con­tent pro­vided in this blog, and in any linked mate­ri­als, are not intended and should not be con­strued as med­ical advice. If the reader or any other per­son has a med­ical con­cern, he or she should con­sult with an appropriately licensed physi­cian or other health care worker. Never dis­re­gard pro­fes­sional med­ical advice or delay in seek­ing it because of some­thing you have read on this blog or in any linked materials. If you think you may have a med­ical emer­gency, call your doc­tor or 911 immediately. The views expressed on this blog and web­site have no rela­tion to those of any academic, hospital, practice or other insti­tu­tion with which the authors are affiliated.

 

 

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Dreamtime Wellness is Offering ‘Virtual’ Sessions: #StayHomeStaySafeSaveLives

During the International Pandemic Emergency, We REMAIN OPEN, offering emotional support, products and ‘virtual’ sessions for Healthy Coping, Relaxation, Stress Relief and Pain Management.

In consideration for your and everyone’s safety, we are following the MA Department of Public Health’s Directive to ‘Stay Home’

Though we are temporarily unable to offer ‘in-person,’ office, home, hospice or hospital sessions, we continue to support you and your good health and promote optimal well being, in the best and safest way possible – ‘Virtual’ Sessions and Products Offered at *Discounted Prices.

Including but not limited to: Instruction in and sessions of breathing relaxation (variety of techniques), guided imagery, visualization, hypnotherapy/self-hypnosis, meditation (variety of techniques), reiki (variety of techniques), tobacco treatment/smoking cessation, and more.

*Offering ‘Virtual’ Sessions: ‘Discounted’, ‘sliding scale,’ ‘by donation,’ and in some cases, ‘free.’ (Per person limits) Cost varies by type of session/product, and individual needs. Contact us for details and/or to set up your ‘virtual’ session. Email: dreamtimewellness@gmail.com.

FREE 20-minute Phone Consultations/Sessions for ‘Breathing Relaxation and Support. (one per person). Email to schedule.

 ~ We are all in this together …, and together, we will all get through this, especially when we all follow the guidelines and recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the MA Department of Public Health. ~ 

 #StayHomeStaySafeSaveLives   #LoveYourNeighborFromADistance

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Consultations, Education and ‘Virtual’ Sessions Offered for Relief of Anxiety and Stress

Feelings of ‘Stress and Anxiety’ often arise during anyhealth crisis, let alone a globalhealth and financial crisis. The best we can do for our ‘health and safety’ is follow recommended Centers for Disease and Prevention (CDC) guidelines, while remaining calm, in mind and body.
‘Breathing Techniques’ are some of the most readily available, effective tools for relaxation and stress relief. Meditation, guided imagery, hypnosis, and reiki are others that can be easily learned to use on your own, in the comfort and safety of your own residence.
Contact Us for FREE CONSULTATIONS, support and instructions on these, and other stress management techniques. Call 978.283.4258 or email to set up your ‘virtual’ appointment. Offered via phone, email, Skype, Webinar (Webex/Zoom) or FaceTime. (‘In-person’ sessions currently ‘on hold’ while ‘social distancing’ guidelines are in place).
FREE 20- Minute Sessions offered during this current Health Crisis.
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During This National Emergency, Dreamtime Wellness LLC Goes ‘Virtual’

“Caution, without panic,” is the directive of our national, state and local officials as well as our healthcare agencies, during this national emergency.
As we learn new information daily regarding the unfolding COVID-19 pandemic my utmost priority continues to be the health and safety of my patients and the greater community. While many of my clients are healthy, others fall into the ‘high risk’ category, as designated by the Centers of Disease and Prevention (CDC). After careful deliberation I decided to avoid seeing patients/clients/students in-person, in order to abide by the current ‘social distancing’ directive. This went into effect on March 16th, though I have not seen clients since 2.20.2020 due to travel, and then recovering at home since, from an injury sustained while ‘on retreat.’ I arrived home March 7th, to a different world.
Dreamtime Wellness™ offers education and services for relaxation, stress and pain management, so while this seems a prime reason for providing these services during this time of increased stress, providing them in-person, is not prudent at this time.
The health and safety of ‘all ‘ is of the utmost importance to me. This temporary closure of my physical office and in-person sessions/ classes is with your health, my health, and the health of all our families and communities in mind, especially the elderly, who are at highest risk of complications from this virus. The authorities have thus far indicated that “most people who contract the virus will have mild to moderate symptoms.” But, because of its contagious nature and no current vaccine, extreme measures are in order.
When it is deemed appropriate to do so, we will be back in the office offering sessions and classes, as well as offering home, hospice and hospital visits. In the meantime, I am making myself available as a resource to you and the community to assist with ‘relaxation and stress management’. I am offering ‘virtual’ services for support, while satisfying the ‘social distancing’ recommendation currently in place, in order to help keep you and everyone else healthy and safe.

Good Harbor Beach. Gloucester MA.

We are all in this together. And together, we will all get through this!
Be Calm. Be Kind. Be Cautious. Be Safe. Be Healthy.
(Read Below for Available Support Services). 

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Social Distancing: Caution without panic, to prevent the spread of disease

Local, State and Federal Governments Recommend ‘Social Distancing’ to decrease the spread of Coronavirus (COVID-19). According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Massachusetts currently has the 4th highest # of confirmed COVID-19 cases in the United States. As of March 14th, there were five (confirmed or presumptive) cases in Essex County. The vast majority of those contracting the virus will have mild to moderate cold or flu-like symptoms.Some will have more serious illness. Minimizing spread of the virus and maintaining hand hygiene, other recommendations and healthy lifestyles are important. If you develop symptoms, call your primary care physician. 

‘Social distancing’ means “remaining out of congregate settings, avoiding mass gatherings, and maintaining distance (approximately 6 feet or 2 meters) from others when possible.” “Mass gatherings” is defined differently by different states. In the state of Massachusetts, gatherings of 250 or more are currently not recommended. In many instances. Many schools have closed and some businesses are having employees work from home whenever possible. Click on this link for more information on the importance of social distancing. 

Choose your news from reliable sources, stop the rumors and avoid panic.

Below is More Information from the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention:

Preventive Measures:

As a means of preventing transmission of any respiratory infection, please practice the following activities:

  • Wash hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds; Hand washing etiquette
  • Frequently clean common touchpoint surfaces, including but not limited to electronics, door knobs, and countertops;
  • Avoid sharing food utensils, containers, and other personal items;
  • Distance yourself from someone who appears sick;
  • Stay home from work if you are sick; and,
  • Etiquette for Coughing and Sneezing

“Older people, especially those with underlying health issues and compromised immune systems are more at risk. Early data suggest older people are twice as likely to have serious COVID-19 illness. In addition, people of all ages, with or without disabilities, seem to be at higher risk for getting very sick from COVID-19 if they have serious chronic medical conditions like heart, lung or kidney disease.”

Reducing exposure is especially important for people at higher risk of complications!

If you are at higher risk, CDC recommends that you:

  • Stay at home as much as possible if COVID-19 is spreading in your community.
  • Make sure you have access to several weeks of medications and supplies in case you need to stay home for prolonged periods of time. CDC has great resources to help you plan.
Recommendations for Businesses from the Public Health Department and OSHA

Key Facts of the Coronavirus (CORVID-19) from the CDC

More information from the CDC. Information is changing rapidly, even daily and in some instances even more frequently; Stay up-to-date and informed through reliable sources like the ones mentioned here and through your local town, city and state public officials.

Remember, kindness and patience go a long ways during times of crisis! Take good care of yourself, and one-another.

Photo © Karen Pischke. Good Harbor Beach. Gloucester, MA

 

Social distancing?
if you are healthy, you can still get out and take a walk at the beach to relieve stress. Just follow the recommended (6 feet) social distance. Enjoy exercise, healthy fresh air, sunshine, and the sound of the sea at the beach. Or spend some time in your yard and garden, take a walk on the boulevard or in the woods, and enjoy all the benefits from being out in nature. 

#socialdistancingatthebeach  #lovecapeann  #lovegloucester  #publichealthinitiative

 

 

During this time of uncertainty, there can be increased anxiety and worry. Click here for information on Managing Stress and Coping

Sources:

  • Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
  • World Heath Organization (WHO)
  • United Nations

Dreamtime Wellness is offering support for relaxation, stress management and improved coping at discounted prices, sliding scale and even ‘free’ through ‘virtual’ sources during this health crisis during the week of March 17th. (See below)

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Tis the Season … Flu Season, that is.

Flu Activity. Accessed 1.31.2020

Seasonal Flu activity remains high. The new coronavirus is a hot topic in the news, but fact of the matter is, you are much more likely to get seasonal flu (influenza). There are still several months of flu season ahead. Talk to your doctor

Talk to your doctor about your risks of flu, and means of prevention (1) such as vaccinations.

Flu vaccinations Do NOT Cause the flu. Vaccinations are considered preventative care, and may be covered by your insurance. Free vaccinations are available through CVS and Walgreens.  Gloucester’s Health Department also offers flu vaccinations; call Public Health Nurse Kelly Hiland at 978-325-5266.

 

 

The current risk level for flu in Gloucester MA is high. Infants, people over 50, and people with chronic health issues (lung, heart kidney or liver disease, and neurologic, blood, or metabolic disorders (including diabetes mellitus), are more at risk for complications from the flu.

Vaccine Information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (2) According to the CDC, the flu vaccine has been found to reduce the risk of seeking a doctors appointment for the flu by 40% to 60% during seasons when the vaccine viruses are similar to the circulating viruses. While It is true that the vaccine does not cover all strains, generally, if someone has had the vaccination, when one gets the flu, it may be a milder case with fewer complications. (3) The CDC recommends “everyone ages 6 months and older* get a flu shot every flu season,” but the CDC also says there are some people who should not get a flu shot. Again, talk to your doctor.

If you do have symptoms of the flu, (4) stay home and contact your doctor. Sometimes cold symptoms mimic those of the flu. When in doubt, check it out; consult your doctor or healthcare provider.

Sources and More Information on the Flu from the Centers of Disease and Prevention.

(1) Preventing Flu (in English) and Spanish)

(2) Flu Vaccine Information Sheet

(3) Effectiveness of Flu Vaccines

(4) Symptoms of Flu

Frequent hand washing is one of the best ways to prevent the spread of infectious diseases. Cover Your Cough. When Sick – stay home, drink plenty of fluids (unless otherwise advised by your physician), and get plenty of rest. Take good care of yourself!

Enjoy a Healthy Lifestyle; avoid smoking, minimize or avoid alcohol altoghether. Engage in healthy eating, regular exercise, and daily relaxation in order to stay healthy and well, whatever the season.

Best in health, Karen

Karen Pischke BSN, RN, Alumnus CCRN, Nurse Researcher, Integrative Nurse Consultant, Author, Speaker, Photographer. Certified Clinical Hypnotherapist, Tobacco Treatment Specialist, Usui Reiki Teacher/Komyo Shihan. Owner/Founder of Dreamtime Wellness LLC. Your Bridge to Health: Promoting Optimal Wellness for Mind, Body and Spirit. Karen is a registered nurse with a background in critical care nursing, cardiac rehabilitation, cardiac risk factor reduction, wellness and integrative healthcare. Incorporating a collaborative, integrative approach, Karen strives to educate, advocate for, and empower you in your healthcare goals. Providing evidence-based integrative healthcare services and self-care tools that are safe as well as effective at improving overall health, happiness and wellbeing. www.DreamtimeWellness.com. 978.283.4258. Email: dreamtimewellness@gmail.com. Find us on Instagram and Facebook

Disclaimer: This blog pro­vides gen­eral infor­ma­tion and dis­cus­sion about health and related sub­jects. The words and other con­tent pro­vided in this blog, and in any linked mate­ri­als, are not intended and should not be con­strued as med­ical advice. If the reader or any other per­son has a med­ical con­cern, he or she should con­sult with an appropriately licensed physi­cian or other health care worker. Never dis­re­gard pro­fes­sional med­ical advice or delay in seek­ing it because of some­thing you have read on this blog or in any linked materials. If you think you may have a med­ical emer­gency, call your doc­tor or 911 immediately. The views expressed on this blog and web­site have no rela­tion to those of any academic, hospital, practice or other insti­tu­tion with which the authors are affiliated.