May 12, 2020 by Karen Pischke BSN, RN

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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January 31, 2020 by Karen Pischke BSN, RN

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.

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 →

May 26, 2016 by Karen Pischke BSN, RN

Lecture – Hypnosis; an Adjunct for Healthier Eating Behaviors and Weight Reduction

Join me for this Lecture on ‘Hypnosis; an Adjunct for Healthier Eating Behaviors and Weight Management ‘

Tuesday. May 31st. 6:00 – 7:30 pm. At Dube Nutrition. 2 First Avenue. Suite 112. (Centennial Crossing) Peabody MA.

Cost – $25.00. Advance Registration Required. RSVP – Diane Dube R.D. Email: diane@dubenutrition.com Phone – (617) 240-6383
dubenutrition.com

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) 2015 survey reported in the U.S. (1) –

37.9% of adults age 20 years and over are obese (2013-2014)
70.7% adults age 20 years and over with overweight, including obesity (2013-2014)

Weight loss and weight management can be complex. A collaborative approach may offer best outcomes. Talk to your physician about healthy ways to reduce and manage weight. If you have trouble getting started or staying focused and motivated on healthy eating and exercise behaviors, hypnosis may be a helpful adjunct.

The American Psychology Association Defines Hypnosis as – “A state of consciousness involving focused attention and reduced peripheral awareness characterized by an enhanced capacity for response to suggestion.” (2)

Hypnosis as Adjunctive Therapy for Healthy Weight – Combined with conventional nutritional counseling and/or cognitive behavioral therapy, hypnosis may make it easer for you to attain and maintain a healthy weight. (3)

Complementary Therapies for Obesity – “Although many complementary therapies are promoted for the treatment of obesity, few are truly therapeutic. Evidence suggests acupuncture, and hypnosis are the only evidence-based complementary therapies for the treatment of obesity, and, at best, these should be used as adjuncts to the more conventional therapies of calorie restriction and exercise.” (4)

Join Me for this Interactive Lecture and Learn About Pro-Active Self-Care Tools to Reduce Stress, Eat Healthier, Reduce Weight, and Improve Your Health and Happiness.

Best in Health, Karen

Karen Pischke B.S.N., R.N., C.C.R.N. Alumnus. Certified Hypnotherapist, Tobacco Treatment Specialist, Usui Reiki Teacher/Komyo Shihan. Owner/Founder of Dreamtime Wellness LLC. Promoting Optimal Wellness for Body, Mind and Spirit www.DreamtimeWellness.com. Find us on Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/pages/Dreamtime-Wellness-/348619611849199

Resources and More Information:

(1) Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Statistics.

(1) Elkins, G. Barabasz, A F., Council, J. and Spiegel, D (2015) Advancing Research and Practice: The Revised APA Division 30 Definition of Hypnosis, International Journal of Clinical and Experimental Hypnosis, 63:1, 1-9, DOI: 10.1080/00207144.2014.961870

(2) Entwistle, P. A., Webb, R. J., Abayomi, J. C., Johnson, B., Sparkes A. C., & Davies, I. G. (2014) Unconscious Agendas in the Etiology of Refractory Obesity and the Role of Hypnosis in Their Identification and Resolution: A New Paradigm for Weight-Management Programs or a Paradigm Revisited? International Journal of Clinical and Experimental Hypnosis, 62:3, 330-359.

(3) Steyer, TE, Ables A. Complementary and alternative therapies for weight loss. (2009) Prim Care. 2009 Jun;36(2):395-406. doi: 10.1016/j.pop.2009.01.011.

May 14, 2016 by Karen Pischke BSN, RN

A Case of the Measles Reported in Rockport

Promoting Optimal Wellness for Body, Mind and Spirit

Did you know? A case of the measles was reported in Rockport – According to the Public Health Department, a visitor in Rockport turned out to have a case of the measles. They were said to have visited various places in Boston and Cambridge May 1st and on May 3rd, they visited The Pewter Shop and Sea Star Gift Shop, and Brothers’ Brew Coffee Shop. The Boston Globe reported, “On May 4, the tourist was back in Boston, at the Star Market in Copley Square and shopping along Newbury Street. By May 5 through Sunday, the visitor was at Massachusetts General Hospital. Health officials said patients and visitors at the hospital who may have been exposed will be notified by hospital administrators. Nespresso’s cafe on Newbury Street was closed yesterday by the public health department, scheduled to reopen today.”

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC,) the symptoms of measles generally occur 7 – 14 days after exposure. Measles is an acute viral respiratory illness. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC,) in 2000, measles was declared eliminated from the U.S., “the annual number of cases has ranged from a low of 37 in 2004 to a high of 667 in 2014. The majority of cases have been among people who are not vaccinated against measles. Measles cases in the United States occur as a result of importations by people who were infected while in other countries and from transmission that may occur from those importations. Measles is more likely to spread and cause outbreaks in U.S. communities where groups of people are unvaccinated.”

See the ‘Fact sheet’ on Measles from the MA Public Health.

Symptoms of Measles – Symptoms generally appear 7 – 14 days after exposure.

High fever
Cough
Runny Nose
Watery Eyes

Two or three days after symptoms begin, tiny white spots (Koplik spots) may appear inside the mouth as an early sign of measles infection.

Koplik spots

Three to five days after symptoms begin, a rash breaks out.

Measles Rash

Question? Call your primary care physician. Talk to your primary care physician about measles, and about vaccinations to help prevent the measles. If you think you may have been exposed, call your doctor.

Sources and More Information –

GMG’s Kim Smith did a report on measles last year, including a survey asking people their opinion about vaccinating for measles prevention. Here are the results – Out of 158 votes, 149 people (94.3%) chose this response – “All children should be vaccinated against the measles, regardless of their parent’s religious or political viewpoint (the only allowable exemptions are for health reasons).”

~ Wishing You the Best in Health, Karen

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. ~

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November 17, 2015 by Karen Pischke BSN, RN

Help Stop Lung Cancer – ‘Lung Force Giving Day’

Promoting Optimal Wellness for Body, Mind and Spirit

November 17th. Today is ‘Lung Force Giving Day’ at the American Lung Association. Join me in this effort to stop lung cancer! Donate or become a social ambassador and spread the word!

The Goal – Raise $$$ for innovations in research and personalized treatments against the #1 cancer killer – Lung Cancer.

Innovative Targeted Therapies for Lung Cancer have improved the outcome of lung cancer. Innovative research and personalized treatmentt are the goals for this fund-raiser.

The Facts –

Lung cancer is the #1 cancer killer of men and women.
Every five minutes, a woman in the U.S. is told she has lung cancer.
The lung cancer death rate in women increase in the last 37 years, while falling 24% among men.
More American women die from lung cancer than breast cancer, ovarian cancer, cervical cancer combined.
More American men die from lung cancer than colon cancer and prostate cancer combined.
People that smoke are at increased risk for lung cancer (And other cancers, heart disease, stroke, COPD.)
Anyone can get lung cancer; Non-smokers too.
Exposure to radon gas is the 2nd leading cause of lung cancer. Like carbon monoxide, you cannot see or smell radon; it is colorless, odorless gas. To find out more about radon and how to order a test kit – http://www2.epa.gov/radon/find-radon-test-kit-or-measurement-and-mitigation-professional

Indoor Levels of Radon in Essex Are Higher Than the National Average Due to the Granite. – http://county-radon.info/MA/Essex.html

You don’t have to smoke to get lung cancer. Check out this video – http://www.lungforce.org/vision-video

Talk to your doctor about risks, prevention and early detection. Regardless of the cause of lung cancer – smoking, radon, asbestos, pollution – prevention and early detection can save lives.

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