March 18, 2020 by Karen Pischke BSN, RN

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).

Continue reading →

January 31, 2019 by Karen Pischke BSN, RN

Winter Safety Tips

This morning’s bright sunshine on the dusting of snow while beautiful, is deceiving. The temperature at 9 a.m. in Gloucester MA was only 4º! Todays weather forecast predicts a high of 18º.

‘Polar Vortex.’ The National Weather service describes this as “a large area of low pressure and cold air surrounding both of the Earth’s poles. It ALWAYS exists near the poles, but weakens in summer and strengthens in winter.”

The Bright Side. I actually feel lucky, considering what parts of the midwest are enduring – dangerously cold temperatures of subzero, up to 40º below with the wind chill factor in some areas. Many businesses and schools are closed. At 40º, exposed skin can suffer frost bite within 5 minutes of exposure.

Check on Elderly Family and Neighbors. Being outside or even in a cold house can lead to hypothermia, a body temperature of 95°F or lower. Hypothermia can cause many health problems, such as a heart attack, kidney problems, liver disease or even death. Cold weather extremes are especially detrimental for children, the elderly and anyone with cardiac and pulmonary disease. If you have underlying health issues, talk to your doctor about winter safety. Here are steps to lower your chance of getting hypothermia from the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

“If you don’t like the weather in New England now, just wait a few minutes.” — Mark Twain

My Weather Prediction – More snow to come. 🙂 Fortunately, last night’s squall only brought a dusting of snow on Cape Ann, but winter is not over yet. Here are some safety tips for shoveling and safe snow blowing for the next snow storm. Call a snow plowing company now to schedule their service. By the time a snow storm arrives, they might be fully booked!

Do you have a favorite snow plow company? Let GMG know.

Safety Tips from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to help keep you safe in these extreme weather conditions.

Traveling in Winter. Today is a good day to stay indoors, relax and enjoy a cup of hot tea, but If you do have to get out in the cold or travel, here are some Tips for Traveling in Cold Weather.

During Extreme Weather. If possible stay indoors and enjoy a cup of tea, otherwise follow the safety guidelines from the CDC, NIH and your physician.

The Good News – Spring is only 48 days away!

~ Karen Pischke

Sources and More Information:

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
National Institutes of Health (NIH)
National Safety Council
National Weather Service
Weather Underground

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, 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. 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.

June 13, 2015 by Karen Pischke BSN, RN

Keep Cape Ann Safe and Clean – Dispose of Medications and Sharps Safely

Promoting Optimal Wellness for Body, Mind & Spirit

Posted on GMG -Addison Gilbert Hospital’s Medication Disposal Day –

Saturday. June 20th.

Great that AGH is offering this! This is a great opportunity to Safely Get Rid Of any unused, expired and leftover medications!

Leftover medications should NOT be tossed down a sink or toilet, where it can potentially pollute the water supply and injure humans or wildlife.
Never put unused medications, vitamins/supplements or needles into the trash either, where they could accidentally injure someone or get into the hands of children.

SAFE DISPOSAL OF MEDICATIONS AND NEEDLES IS NECESSARY

The Gloucester police station has a ‘year-round’ drop box in their lobby to drop off medications. Danvers, Ipswich and Peabody police stations also have medication drop-off programs. Peabody police station has two drop boxes in the lobby of the police station where residents could deposit old medication bottles, as well as used syringes and needles. Other communities participate in National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day or have semi-regular prescription drug disposal days. Some programs may be for ‘Residents Only.’ Check with your city!

http://www.gloucester-ma.gov/index.aspx?NID=228

Safe Disposal of SHARPS (Eg. needles, syringes, lancets, infusion sets) –

Not just for drug abuse! Anyone with Type I (insulin-dependent diabetes) or using home infusions and injections (chemotherapy/antibiotics/anticoagulants, etc.) need to dispose of these items properly and safely. This goes for pets and veterinary supplies too!

http://www.fda.gov/MedicalDevices/ProductsandMedicalProcedures/HomeHealthandConsumer/ConsumerProducts/Sharps/default.htm#whataresharps

http://www.fda.gov/downloads/MedicalDevices/ProductsandMedicalProcedures/HomeHealthandConsumer/ConsumerProducts/Sharps/UCM278775.pdf

Not only a public health issue, improper disposal of drugs can also have a negative impact on the environment. According to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the improper disposal of unused medications by flushing them or pouring them down the toilet or sink may be harmful to fish, wildlife, plants and habitats. This can also occur from improper disposal of detergents, paints, fragrances, fire retardants, disinfectants, plastics, resins, pesticides, and insect repellents. Studies have shown that the endocrine systems of certain fish and wildlife have been affected by exposure to endocrine disrupting compounds.

Frog Pollution pharma2

Sources and More Information for Safe Disposal Can Be Found Here –

http://www.awarerx.org/get-informed/find-disposal-information#Local

http://www.fda.gov/ForConsumers/ConsumerUp dates/ucm101653.htm

http://www.health.harvard.edu/newsletter_article/drugs-in-the-water

http://www.awarerx.org/get-informed/find-disposal-information#Local

http://www.niehs.nih.gov/health/topics/agents/endocrine/

http://www.innerbody.com/image/endoov.html

http://cfpub.epa.gov/ncer_abstracts/index.cfm/fuseaction/display.highlight/abstract/6116/report/F

http://www.phrma.org/safe-use-disposal

Help the Gloucester Fishermen – Don’t Pollute!

Male Fish Bearing Eggs. Pollutants such as Endocrine Disruptors have been shown to affect fish reproduction, growth and development.

http://www.peer.org/campaigns/public-health/pharma-pollution/

http://www.greenfacts.org/en/endocrine-disruptors/endocrine-disruptors.htm

http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1095643314000890

http://www.peer.org/campaigns/public-health/pharma-pollution/

When in doubt, don’t just throw it out or down the drain where it can pollute the water supply of humans and wildlife. Check with your local government before disposing medications and chemicals.

And Enjoy a Safe, Healthy and Beautiful Cape Ann. ~ Karen

Andrew’s Point

~ Karen Pischke B.S.N., R.N., Certified Clinical Hypnotherapist, Reiki Teacher/Shihan, Tobacco Treatment Specialist. In addition to a private wellness business, Karen has been employed as the RN/Reiki Provider and Hypnotherapist at NSMC, RN/Reiki Provider at Mass General Cancer Center (Danvers and Boston,) and currently is the RN/Reiki Provider at Lahey Danvers Outpatient Center/for the Pain Management Integrative Healthcare. Owner/Founder of Dreamtime Wellness™ Since 2000. Promoting Optimal Wellness for Body, Mind & Spirit. More information can be found at –www.DreamtimeWellness.com. Follow on Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/pages/Dreamtime-Wellness-/348619611849199

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