February 1, 2017 by Karen Pischke BSN, RN

Go Red

Your Bridge to Health; Promoting Optimal Wellness for Mind, Body and Spirit

Valentine’s Day is Just Around the Corner – Good reminder to take good care of yourself so you can enjoy more quality time with those you love.

Lecture – ‘Loving Others Begins With Loving Yourself. Self-Love Begins With Self-Care.’ Thursday. February 16th. 6:30 – 7:30 pm. Hearty healthy snacks and beverages will be available. Cost: ‘By Donation.’ Contact us for details and to register. Advance Registration Required.

Contact us for other wellness and self-care workshops available through Dreamtime Wellness™ (Ask in advance if you wish to receive continuing education contact hours/ceu’s for nurses, social workers, body workers and case managers for some workshops.)

February is a Big Month for ‘Heart Health’ Awareness –

Women’s Heart Week – First week of February.
‘Wear Red’ Day – February 3rd. #GoRedWearRed
National Heart Month – the entire month of February

‘Get Your Red On’ and Help Spread the Word.

Having worked in cardiac medical/surgical intensive care units, I know all too well the dire effects of heart disease. There has been progress made in prevention, diagnosis and treatment of heart disease. Thankfully, people are living longer, healthier lives.

But the Fact Remains, Heart Disease is the #1 Cause of Death for Men and Women. (Deaths from cancer, a close second.)

Education for prevention, symptom awareness, early intervention and treatment of heart disease helps save lives. Healthy lifestyle management and decreased cardiac risk factors lead to healthier hearts and lives for All.

Some Cardiac Risk Factors Cannot Be Controlled: Age, gender, race, and family history.

The Good News – You can take steps for healthy lifestyles that prevent heart disease! Everything you do to prevent heart disease also helps prevent stroke. Ask Your Doctor.

Continue Reading for ‘Steps to a Healthier Heart’ – Continue reading →

February 6, 2016 by Karen Pischke BSN, RN

Are You Seeing Red?

Promoting Optimal Wellness for Body, Mind and Spirit

With yesterday’s snow storm you may not have gotten out much, but if you had you may have noticed a lot of women wearing red for National Red Dress Day.

Heart disease remains the #1 Killer of men and women world-wide. Heart (cardiovascular) disease includes high blood pressure, heart attack (myocardial infarction,) abnormal heart rhythm (arrhythmia,) congestive heart failure (CHF,) stroke (cerebrovascular disease) and more.

February is ‘National Heart Month.’ Wear red this month to help bring awareness to heart disease, risk factors, and prevention. ‘Get your red on’ all month-long.

Recognize Warning Signs of a Heart Attack. Symptoms of a heart attack can be different in men and women (more subtle at times) and may include –

Chest pain or discomfort
Pain in the upper body such as the neck, jaw, upper back, or arms
A squeezing feeling or tightness in the chest
Difficulty breathing
Sweating
Nausea or vomiting
Dizziness or light-headedness

If you are experiencing symptoms of a heart attack, call 9-1-1 immediately. Don’t delay. Don’t drive yourself to the hospital. As they say – “Time is heart.” “Time is brain.” This means that the faster you act, the better you heart and brain function can be preserved.

The Good News – Heart disease is largely preventable and controlled. Ask your doctor about your risk factors, prevention and treatment. In the meantime, take steps for a healthier you!

Stop smoking.
Manage blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes and stress.
Exercise regularly.
Maintain a healthy weight.
Eat healthily.
Avoid or moderate use of alcohol.

Mention this post for FREE Blood Pressure Screening and FREE Smoking Cessation Consultation during the month of February at Dreamtime Wellness™ for FOB. Call 978-283-4258 to make an appointment.

~ Live Each Day With a Grateful Heart. ~

Continue reading →

November 18, 2015 by Karen Pischke BSN, RN

GREAT AMERICAN SMOKE-OUT is November 19th

Promoting Optimal Wellness for Body, Mind and Spirit

Thursday. November 19th. Great American Smoke-Out. STOP NOW!I know, you have heard it all before… But for those of you still smoking, maybe this time it will sink in! You Deserve to be Healthy!

And if you want to Stop Smoking, Help is Available to Make It Easier.

STOP SMOKING TODAY

Know the Risks of Tobacco Use and Smoking –

A set of lungs before, and after a lifetime of smoking

Cigarette smoking harms nearly every organ of the body
Smoking Causes Coronary Artery Disease and Stroke
Lung Cancer is the most preventable cause of cancer death.
80% of lung cancer deaths are related to smoking
Besides lung cancer, tobacco use also increases the risk for other cancers; the mouth, lips, nose and sinuses, larynx (voice box), pharynx (throat), esophagus (swallowing tube), stomach, pancreas, kidney, bladder, uterus, cervix, colon/rectum, ovary (mucinous), and acute myeloid leukemia. (Source: Cancer Facts & Figures 2014)
In the United States, tobacco use is responsible for nearly 1 in 5 deaths; this equals about 480,000 early deaths each year. (Source: Cancer Facts & Figures 2014; and US Surgeon General Report 2014)
Tobacco use accounts for at least 30% of all cancer deaths, causing 87% of lung cancer deaths in men, and 70% of lung cancer deaths in women. (Source: Cancer Facts & Figures 2014)
Smoking causes 8 out 0f 10 cases of COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease.) * 1 in 4 people with COPD never smoked.
Smoking is a major risk factor for coronary heart disease and stroke
Smokeless/Chewing Tobacco can cause heart disease, high blood pressure, and cancer of the mouth, tongue, cheek, gum, and pancreas.
Second-hand smoke can harm others and increases your risk of lung cancer, heart disease and stroke.

Second-Hand Smoke Harms Others

THE GOOD NEWS – STOP SMOKING and –

Decrease your risk of heart disease; benefits begin immediately after stopping!
2-5 yeas after smoking, your risk for stroke is decreased.
5 years after you stop, your risks for cancers of the mouth, throat, esophagus, and bladder drop by half
10 years after you stop smoking, your risk for lung cancer decreases by half

Sources, More Information and Help to Stop Smoking –

Continue reading →

February 28, 2015 by Karen Pischke BSN, RN

Importance of Controlling High Blood Pressure

More Information on ‘Cardiac Risk Factors’ in Honor of February ‘Heart Month.’

#1- STOP Smoking if you smoke. There are resources to help! (Contact us privately for confidential information on how to stop.)

This winter as people were out in the cold shoveling, I have overheard a number of them say as they were huffing and puffing, – “I wish I had never smoked!” Stopping smoking at any age can help improve your overall health! (www.lung.org)

#2- Control Blood Pressure

High Blood Pressure (HBP) has sometimes been called “the silent killer.” People typically do not have symptoms when they have HBP and may not be aware that it is damaging arteries, heart and other organs.

Have your physician check your blood pressure. Follow their advice for treatment. If they prescribe medication to treat HBP, take as directed. Do not stop taking your medication unless you discuss with your physician first. If you experience symptoms of lightheadedness or dizziness while on the medication, have your blood pressure re-checked and any medication adjustments under the guidance of your physician.

High blood pressure if left untreated can result in:

Heart Attack
Heart Failure
Aortic Dissection and Atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries)
Stroke
Peripheral Artery Disease
Vision Loss
Erectile Dysfunction
Angina
Kidney Damage

Contact Your Physician if you have further questions about high blood pressure, other cardiac risk factors and how to stop smoking. (For more information about cardiac risk factors – www.aha.org)

Take Good Care of Your Heart All Year Round! ~ Karen Pischke B.S.N., R.N.

At Dreamtime Wellness™, we offer education and tools for self-care, relaxation and stress management that are helpful for ‘heart health.’ Contact us with any questions – info@dreamtimewellness.com. or www.dreamtimewellness.com.

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.

February 16, 2015 by Karen Pischke BSN, RN

Safe Snow Shoveling and Snow Blowing Tips

The birds are singing a joyful song today! Gloucester and Cape Ann are buried under a blanket of snow, but also lucky!

Neptune has blown through and with less snow and wind than originally predicted, the snow is light, and today we have sunshine and blue sky.

As many people begin to venture outside and begin to unbury homes and cars, be careful out there! With high snow banks and limited side walks, visibility is limited. If you have to get out, drive slow! Walk safe and wear bright colors. Hopefully, it will be ‘business as usual’ soon. In the meantime, stay safe and warm!

Extra precautions are needed during extreme temperatures.With subzero temperatures and severe wind chill, there is added risk for frost bite and heart attack.

People with heart, lung and other illnesses should ask their physician for advice and recommendations before shoveling or snow blowing.

Avoid Heart Attack and Injury

Here are some tips from the American Heart Association and the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons:

http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/Affiliate/Shoveling-Snow-Health-Hazards_UCM_426562_Article.jsp

http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=a00060

People at Increased Risk

Have had prior heart attack
Have heart or lung disease
Have cardiac risk factors such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and tobacco use
Haven’t been exercising

Ask for Help if You Are at Increased Risk

Whenever possible, seek the help of family, friends, neighbors or professional snow removal companies! Check on elderly and ill neighbors to be sure they are safe.

If you do venture outside –

Dress appropriately; cover skin
Limit your time outdoors
Avoid smoking and alcohol
Drink appropriate amounts of water to stay hydrated
Wait at least 90 minutes after eating before exerting yourself

Be Safe! When shoveling/snow blowing or exerting yourself outdoors follow the advice of your physician, physical therapist or chiropractor and check out safety tips (above links) from the American Heart Association and American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons.

Remember – Patience, Kindness, and Neighborhood Support Go a Long Way in Times Like These. We’re All in This Together. ~ Karen Pischke BSN, RN

February 14, 2015 by Karen Pischke BSN, RN

Celebrating Valentines’s Day and Heart Month

Happy Valentine’s Day!

“Loving Others Begins With Loving Your Self. Self-Love Begins with Self-Care.”

February is ‘Heart Month’ and Valentine’s Day is a great time to remind everyone to take good care of themselves. This month Dreamtime Wellness™ is focused on ‘Heart Health’ because heart disease is the leading cause of death in the U.S. (http://www.cdc.gov)

YOU CAN Control Some of the Risk Factors, Such as –

High Blood Pressure; when uncontrolled is the #1 Cause for Heart Disease
- THE GOOD NEWS- You can better control blood pressure through diet, exercise, healthy weight, relaxation and when needed, medication as prescribed by your doctor.

Tobacco Use; Smokers are at 2-4 x the Risk for Developing Heart Disease (www.aha.org)
- THE GOOD NEWS – Within minutes of stopping smoking you experience health benefits! Contact us with advice on how to stop.

High Cholesterol – levels are affected by affected by age, gender, heredity and diet. Recent news reports remind us that a diet high in saturated and trans fats that raises the unhealthy LDL cholesterol. (Good News for our local fishermen and lobstermen!)
- THE GOOD NEWS – You can help control your cholesterol levels through exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, and avoiding saturated and trans fats.

Obesity – People with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher are considered obese. (www.aha.org)
- THE GOOD NEWS – By losing even 10% from your current weight, you can lower your risk of heart disease.

Inactivity – Studies show that 2 hours and 30 minutes of moderate physical activity every week will reduce your risk of heart disease by about 30%.(www.world-heart-federation.org)
- THE GOOD NEWS – Regular, moderate physical activity helps prevent heart and blood vessel disease.

Diabetes increases the risk of heart disease and stroke, If you have diabetes, it’s especially important to work with your healthcare provider to manage it and control any other risk factors you can.
- THE GOOD NEWS – The risks are lessened through healthy diet, healthy weight, exercise, relaxation and when needed, medication as prescribe by your doctor.

Notice, ALL of these risk factors helped through EXERCISE! On Cape Ann there are plenty of places to enjoy indoor and outdoor activity. We’ll be sharing more health tips on GMG in the coming days, weeks, and months. And local CSA’s help provide ‘farm to table’ fresh food. The Farmer’s Markets and http://www.farmfresh.org/food/farm are great resources for local healthy food.