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.

October 4, 2019 by Karen Pischke BSN, RN

Breast Cancer Awareness Month: Special Discounts and Stories of Survivors

Prevention, Early Detection and Treatment Saves Lives!

Talk to your doctor about screening for breast cancer and for other medical advice.

Stories from Survivors and More Information on Breast Cancer:

Breast Cancer Affects Men and Women. Beyonce’s father Mathew Knowles opens up about his breast cancer diagnosis on Good Morning America.

Continue reading →

October 30, 2018 by Karen Pischke BSN, RN

Breast Cancer Awareness Month: Special Discounts and Stories of Survivors

Prevention, Early Detection and Treatment Saves Lives!

Here are Stories from Survivors and More Information on Breast Cancer –

Talk to your doctor about screening for breast cancer.

Discounted Sessions (hypnosis, meditation, reiki) Offered During the Month of October and November, for anyone in treatment for Breast Cancer. Take part in this special savings through tomorrow!

Discounted Sessions Offered during the Month of November, for any Veteran or Member of the Armed Services in treatment for any cancer diagnosis.

Gift Certificates can also be purchased at discounted prices.

Contact Us for Information and to Register – info@dreamtimewellness.com. 978-283-4258

Promoting Optimal Wellness for Mind, Body and Spirit

Karen Pischke BSN, RN, Alumnus CCRN, Author, Speaker, Nurse Researcher, Photographer. Certified 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 and provide evidence-based services and self-care tools that are safe as well as effective at improving health, happiness and wellbeing. www.DreamtimeWellness.com. Find us on Instagram and Facebook.

January 24, 2018 by Karen Pischke BSN, RN

Preventing the Flu

Promoting Optimal Wellness for Mind, Body and Spirit

How to Prevent the Flu – Important information from the Centers of Disease Control (CDC ) on flu prevention:

1. Avoid close contact.

Avoid close contact with people who are sick. When you are sick, keep your distance from others to protect them from getting sick too.

2. Stay home when you are sick.

If possible, stay home from work, school, and errands when you are sick. This will help prevent spreading your illness to others.

3. Cover your mouth and nose.

Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. It may prevent those around you from getting sick.

4. Clean your hands.

Washing your hands often will help protect you from germs. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub.

5. Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.

Germs are often spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with germs and then touches his or her eyes, nose, or mouth.

6. Practice other good health habits.

Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces at home, work or school, especially when someone is ill. *Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids, and eat a balanced meal plan of healthy, nutritious food.

Talk to Your Doctor! Ask for their recommendations regarding flu vaccinations, prevention and treatment.

The Flu Shot and more information about the flu vaccine from Mayo Clinic.

Myths and Misconceptions about the Flu Vaccine – “the vaccine does not cause the flu.”

Continue reading →

October 3, 2017 by Karen Pischke BSN, RN

Cancer: Awareness, Prevention, Early Detection and Treatment Saves Lives

October is Breast and Liver Cancer Awareness Month.

Reminder to Schedule a Mammogram!

How many people face a diagnosis of cancer?

Statistics from 2017– Here you will also find information about ways to prevent and treat cancer, and good news about prevention and survival rates.

The Good News, According to the American Cancer Society –

A substantial proportion of cancers could be prevented
All cancers caused by tobacco use and heavy alcohol consumption could be prevented.
Many of the more than 3 million skin cancer cases that are diagnosed annually could be prevented by protecting skin from excessive sun exposure and avoiding indoor tanning.
Screening can prevent colorectal and cervical cancers through early detection and removal of precancerous lesions.
Screening is known to reduce (death rates) for cancers of the breast, colon, rectum, cervix, and lung (with long-term and/or heavy smokers)
Healthy Lifestyles (healthy weight, healthy nutrition, exercise, no smoking, minimal alcohol) can help prevent cancer
Improvement in survival rates over the past 30 years reflects both the earlier diagnosis of certain cancers and improvements in treatment.

Prevention and Early Detection Saves Lives – Ask your doctor about ways to prevent, screen for, and treat cancer.

Mammogram Fact Sheet –

What to Expect From a Mammogram –

Emotional Impacts of Cancer – A diagnosis of cancer and having to undergo treatment may cause anxiety and depression and effects families as well as patients.

Sources:

Ask your doctor or nurse about ways to cope and deal with the stress of cancer diagnosis and treatment.

Private and Group Relaxation Therapies are Available Through Dreamtime Wellness™

While more research is indicated, reiki may be helpful for decreasing stress and anxiety in patients receiving treatment for cancer. This study indicates a significant decrease in anxiety after a reiki session, and potential for improved comfort.

Read further for SPECIAL OFFERINGS at Dreamtime Wellness™ During the Month of October –

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March 29, 2017 by Karen Pischke BSN, RN

Colorectal Cancer on the Rise in Young Adults

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

March is Colon-Rectal Cancer Awareness Month –

According to the American Cancer Society, “Thanks in part to improvements in screening, the rates of new colon and rectal cancer diagnoses have been falling in the United States for people ages 50 and older. But for people under 50, for whom routine screening is not recommended, rates seem to be increasing significantly,” especially among Generation Xers.

Prevention, Screening, Early Detection and Treatment of Colon-Rectal Cancer SAVES LIVES!

Talk to Your Doctor About Screening.

Signs of Colorectal Cancer can include changes in bowel movements and blood in the stool. But cancer of the colon and/or rectum (colorectal cancer) can begin without symptoms, which is why early screening is important. Pre-cancerous and benign polyps can be removed before they become cancer. While routine screening often begins at 50, screening for those at higher risk may begin as early as 30’s. If you or your family have a history of colorectal cancer, benign colorectal polyps, or inflammatory bowel disease (ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease,) you may need to begin screenings earlier than age 50.

Continue reading →

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 →

October 7, 2016 by Karen Pischke BSN, RN

Breast Cancer: Be Aware and Lower Your Risks

Promoting Optimal Wellness for Body, Mind and Spirit

October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Breast Cancer Statistics – According to most recent statistics (2013) from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC):

Breast cancer occurs in both men and women.
230,815 women and 2,109 men in the United States were diagnosed with breast cancer.
40,860 women and 464 men in the United States died from breast cancer.

Early Detection Saves Lives – Research shows that early detection and treatment saves lives. Ask your doctor about prevention and routine screening for breast and other cancers.

“When breast cancer is detected early, and is in the localized stage, the 5-year relative survival rate is 100%. Early detection includes doing monthly breast self-exams, and scheduling regular clinical breast exams and mammograms.” (National Breast Cancer Foundation.)

Lowering Your Risks of Breast Cancer. There are preventative measure for breast (and other) cancers. Tips from the Mayo Clinic for prevention –

Limit alcohol. Less than 1 drink per day is recommended.
Avoid smoking.
Maintain a healthy weight.
Engage in Physical activity. The Department of Health and Human Services recommends at least 150 minutes a week of moderate aerobic activity or 75 minutes of vigorous aerobic activity weekly, plus strength training at least twice a week. Check with your doctor before exercising for guidelines and recommendations.
Breast-feeding might play a role in prevention.
Limit dose and duration of hormone therapy. Ask your doctor about recommendations and other non-pharmaceutical options.
Avoid exposure to radiation and environmental pollution. Medical-imaging methods, such as computerized tomography, use high doses of radiation. Limit exposure.

Ask Your Doctor. Talk to your doctor about recommendations for prevention and screening to see is best for you. Check with your insurance company to see what type of screening they cover. If you think you might be pregnant, let your doctor know before having a mammogram.

Information for Those Undergoing Treatment for Breast Cancer –

Integrative Medicine (IM) Therapies – Studies show that some IM therapies may help with symptom management, including anxiety, pain, fatigue, sleep and mood.
In one study, Cognitive Behavioral Stress Management was shown to demonstrate increased survival in one study.
Hypnosis may reduce hot flashes in breast cancer survivors.

Ask your Oncologist about Integrative Therapies for adjunctive (supportive) treatment. Talk to your healthcare providers about any integrative, complementary or alternative therapies you are using. Let your healthcare providers know about any over-the-counter, herbal or vitamin supplements you are taking. Note: some may be contraindicated for your care. Discuss with your doctor/oncologist before pursuing.

Wishing you the 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

Sources and More Information –

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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