September 19, 2019 by Karen Pischke BSN, RN

Make Smoking and Vaping History

September 15th marked the Great American Smoke-Out.

I recently experienced a surge in requests for assistance with ‘smoking cessation.’ Besides this being the time for the annual Great American Smoke-Out, I believe some of this upswing in consultations is due to the reports in the media of the dangers of vaping with the ‘risks of a serious lung disease.’ This year there have been 7 deaths reported in the United States related to serious lung diseases linked with vaping. This has led to calls in the media to ban flavored e-cigarettes, seemingly targeted at teenagers. The irony of this is how quickly politicians and agencies have talked about banning these products, and yet the Tobacco Industry is allowed to continue to sell knowingly lethal products, that are attributed to almost half a million deaths annually in the United States.

Some Important Facts:

E-cigarettes usually contain nicotine. Nicotine is what makes tobacco products addictive. Some e-cigarettes that claim to be nicotine-free have been found to contain nicotine.
E-cigarettes are harmful for youth, young adults, and pregnant women.
E-cigarettes may contain other harmful substances (Eg. heavy metals, flavorings linked to lung disease, small particles that can be inhaled deep into the lungs, and cancer-causing chemicals).
Being near someone using an e-cigarette can expose you to the aerosol and chemicals in it, similar to secondhand smoke from burning cigarettes.
4.7 million middle and high school students use at least one tobacco product, including e-cigarettes.
More than 43 million people in the United States smoke cigarettes (about 1 in 5 adults).480,000 deaths each year from smoking-related illness
Nearly 40 million U.S. adults still smoke cigarettes
Smoking is the #1 preventable cause of morbidity and mortality in the United States

The Bottom Line – there is NO ‘safe’ nicotine or tobacco product. Stopping smoking and use of vaping nicotine products saves lives. Stop Now …, and you will be glad you did!

Contact us with questions and for assistance with smoking cessation: dreamtimewellness@gmail.com. 978-283-4258. Additional assistance can be found by calling 1-800-QUIT-NOW, or at https://smokefree.gov.

Wishing you the best in health,

Karen

Sources and For More Information:

CDC.gov
Smokefree.gov.
Cancer.net

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.

February 8, 2019 by Karen Pischke BSN, RN

Celebrate American Heart Month – Say No to Cigarettes

American Heart Month – Smoking is a Major Risk Factor for Heart Disease. Besides causing breathing problems and lung cancer, smoking is also a major cause of cardiovascular (heart and blood vessel) disease.

Here Are the Facts:

Cigarette smoking accounts for about one-fifth of all deaths from heart disease in the United States.
Smokers have a two to four fold increase in coronary artery disease and about a 70 percent higher death rate from coronary artery disease than do nonsmoker.
Smoking is a major risk factor for heart disease.

Smoking is the No. 1 cause of preventable disease and death.

Continue reading →

January 31, 2018 by Karen Pischke BSN, RN

Go Red: February is National Heart Month

Promoting Optimal Wellness for Mind, Body and Spirit

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

Women’s Heart Week – First week of February.
‘Wear Red’ Day – Friday. February 2nd. #GoRedWearRed
National Heart Month – the entire month of February

‘Get Your Red On’ and Help Spread the Word – Heart Disease is the #1 Cause of Death for Men and Women. (Deaths from cancer, a close second.)

Prevention, symptom awareness, early intervention and treatment of heart disease helps save lives.

Dreamtime Wellness™ is offering FREE Blood Pressure Screening and Simple Relaxation Technique during the month of February. Contact us to set up an appointment. Healthy lifestyle management and decreased cardiac risk factors lead to healthier hearts and lives.

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

November 27, 2017 by Karen Pischke BSN, RN

“Big Tobacco Finally Tells the Truth”

Promoting Optimal Wellness for Mind, Body and Spirit

NBC News Report Today –

Smoking kills 1200 people a day.
Tobacco companies worked to make cigarettes as addictive as possible.
No there no such thing as a safer cigarette.

Big Tobacco “fought for 11 years to delay the truth.” (nbc news.)

Smoking and Nicotine Addiction – Nicotine Addiction is a serious addiction that often requires a combination of treatments (cognitive behavioral therapy, tobacco treatment counseling and medication) to successfully stop smoking and decrease the risks of the harmful effects caused by smoking.

Get Help. Talk to Your Doctor.

Motivation to Stop Smoking: ‘Top 10 Reasons’ to Stop Smoking – (heard from my clients.)

My health
Health of a loved one
More quality time with family/ children/ grandchildren
Have more energy
Better able to exercise
Save money
Feel better
Breathe easier
Sex life will improve
Help prevent cancer
Help prevent heart disease
Easier to walk up stairs
Get rid of that nagging cough
Get rid of the social stigma
Hair, skin and breath will smell better
Food will taste better
Car will smell better
Traveling on planes will be easier
I can attend events without have to leave
Regain control over your life
Enjoy a sense of pride …

What Are Your ‘Reasons to Stop?’ One of these listed above? Or something else? Share your ‘reasons to stop’ with Good Morning Gloucester Friends of Blog (FOB) and help motivate others!

Already stopped?? Congratulations!!!

Let Good Morning Gloucester Followers Know – What Was ‘Most Helpful’ for Your Success?

Continue reading →

November 5, 2016 by Karen Pischke BSN, RN

Breathe Easier – November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month

Promoting Optimal Wellness for Body, Mind and Spirit

November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month. Here are some statistics –

Lung cancer is the #1 cause of cancer death in men and women
The lung cancer death rate in women has more than doubled over the past 38 years.
More people die of lung cancer than breast, colon and prostate cancers combined
Average 5-year survival rate for lung cancer overall is 17%
Average 5-year survival rate with early detection (at STAGE 1) is more than 90%
Exposure to radon and other chemicals in the environment can also cause lung cancer.

The American Lung Association has been infused with new energy thanks to the LUNGFORCE campaign. Their goals – Raise Awareness. Educate. Empower. Raise Funds. Reverse the Course of Lung Cancer.

LungForce Boston Expo – I recently attended the LUNGFORCE Boston Expo to hear medical providers give information about statistics, prevention, screening and treatment. Patients shared their stories about what it is lung to have lung cancer and go through treatment. There, I met people living beyond their prognosis; living and thriving.

Ways You Can Get Involved and Help Support Lung Health –

Fight-for-Life Climb. February 4, 2017 Boston.
LungForce Runs/Walks. May 11, 2017 Boston. June 10 Providence, Rhode Island.
Join the Force!

Lahey Healthcare offers FREE screeningg for those at risk of lung cancer. Contact them to see if you qualify for free screening. Other hospitals also have lung cancer CT screening programs. Ask your doctor about screening if you think you may be at risk for lung cancer.

Risks for lung cancer (from Mayo Clinic) –

Smoking. (Your risk of lung cancer increases with the number of cigarettes you smoke each day and the number of years you have smoked.)
Exposure to secondhand smoke.
Exposure to radon gas.
Exposure to asbestos and other carcinogens.
Family history of lung cancer.

The Centers for Disease Control has more information on lung cancer screening, who should be screened and pros/cons.

Continue reading →

January 2, 2016 by Karen Pischke BSN, RN

Resolve to Achieve Your Healthy Goals for 2016!

Promoting Optimal Wellness for Body, Mind and Spirit

New Year’s Resolutions – The tradition of New Year’s resolutions can include the promise of self-improvement or doing more to help others.

According to the Statistic Brain Research Institute, listed among the top 10 Resolutions in 2015 were –

#1 – Lose Weight. #5 – Stay Fit and Healthy. #7 – Stop Smoking

All 3 Can be Helped Through Reiki, Meditation and Hypnosis! The 2015 Holiday Season has come to a close and now it’s time to get back on track with healthy eating, exercise, and other positive, healthy goals.For the full list of ‘Top 10 Resolutions in 2015’ – Statistic Brain Research Institute

A Google Consumer Survey found the top 2 Resolutions for 2016 were –

#1 – Enjoy Life to the Fullest #2 – Enjoy a Healthier Lifestyle.

Ralph Waldo Emerson said – “The 1st Wealth is Health.” Enjoying greater levels of health and well-being allows you to more easily Enjoy Life to the Fullest. And, resolving to make positive changes towards a healthier lifestyle allows you to be Healthier and Enjoy Life to the Fullest for a Lifetime!

If YOU Want to Make Positive, Healthy Changes in 2016, Consider Reiki, Meditation and Hypnosis to Help You Successfully Achieve This Year’s ‘New Year’s Resolutions.’ Reiki, Meditation and Hypnosis are natural ways to reduce stress, relax the mind and body, and improve focus. These techniques added to other comprehensive, evidence-based programs for healthy eating, weight reduction, exercise, and strength training provide a more collaborative approach to improving your success rate.

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 →

November 11, 2015 by Karen Pischke BSN, RN

NON-Smokers Get Lung Cancer Too – Know the Risks

Promoting Optimal Wellness for Body, Mind and Spirit

Lung Cancer Affects Non-Smokers as Well as Smokers

According to the American Cancer Society, approximately 80% of the cases of lung cancer deaths are linked to smoking cigarettes; that leaves 20% not linked to smoking.

Cigarette Smoking Remains the # 1 Cause of Lung Cancer.

Smoking is the #1 Cause of PREVENTABLE Death.

STOP SMOKING

There are different types of lung cancer. Smoking remains the main cause of small cell and non-small cell lung cancer. http://www.lung.org/lung-health-and-diseases/lung-disease-lookup/lung-cancer/learn-about-lung-cancer/lung-cancer-fact-sheet.html

Risks by Gender – While the risk of lung cancer deaths are higher in men that smoke (85%) than woman that smoke (70%), the risks for Lung Cancers in NON-Smokers is higher for women (20%) than men (8%.)

According to a report by the American Cancer Society (written by Stacey Simon,October 30th 2015,) “as many as 20% of the people who die from lung cancer in the United States every year do not smoke or use any other form of tobacco.”

Some Risk Factors for Lung Cancer in NON-Smokers –

Radon gas. According to the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) the leading cause of lung cancer in non-smokers is radon gas. Like carbon monoxide, radon gas is odorless and colorless, and can’t be seen or smelled. You can easily test your home for radon.
Secondhand smoke.
Cancer-causing agents at work. (Eg. asbestos, chromium, diesel exhaust, and more.)
Air pollution.

Gene mutation –

According to the American Cancer Society –

“Gene changes related to lung cancer are usually acquired during life rather than inherited.”
A particular kind of gene mutation is much more common in lung cancer in non-smokers than smokers.
“Acquired changes in certain genes, such as the TP53 or p16 tumor suppressor genes and the K-RAS or ALKoncogenes, are thought to be important in the development of non-small cell lung cancer.(http://www.cancer.org/cancer/lungcancer-non-smallcell/detailedguide/non-small-cell-lung-cancer-what-causes and http://www.cancer.org/cancer/cancercauses/geneticsandcancer/genesandcancer/genes-and-cancer-gene-changes)
Gene changes related to lung cancer are usually acquired during life rather than inherited.
Acquired mutations in lung cells often result from exposure to factors in the environment, such as cancer-causing chemicals in tobacco smoke.
Some gene changes may just be random events.

Talk to your doctor about risks of lung cancer, prevention, early diagnosis and treatment.

Sources and For More Information –

http://www.cancer.org/cancer/news/features/why-lung-cancer-strikes-nonsmokers

http://www.dana-farber.org/Adult-Care/Treatment-and-Support/Treatment-Centers-and-Clinical-Services/Thoracic-Cancer-Treatment-Center/Understanding-lung-cancer-risk-in-patients-with-inherited-EGFR-T790M-mutations.aspx

http://journals.lww.com/jto/Abstract/2014/04000/Hereditary_Lung_Cancer_Syndrome_Targets_Never.9.aspx

http://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/data_statistics/fact_sheets/fast_facts/

Lung Cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths in men and women.

Prevention and Early Diagnosis and Treatment Saves Lives. Talk to your doctor about your risks, prevention, diagnosis and treatment for lung cancer. If you are ‘at risk’ for lung cancer, ask your doctor about available screening tests.

If you smoke, Stop Now. Ask your doctor about smoking cessation. Feel free to contact me for information. Stay tuned for more information on lung cancer and smoking cessation to be posted in the coming days.

Awareness is power. For better health, take an active role in your healthcare. ~ Karen

Karen Pischke B.S.N., R.N., C.C.R.N. Alumnus. Owner/Founder of Dreamtime Wellness™ Promoting Optimal Wellness for Body, Mind & Spirit www.DreamtimeWellness.com. Find us on Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/pages/Dreamtime-Wellness-/348619611849199

November 6, 2015 by Karen Pischke BSN, RN

November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month – Are You at Risk?

Promoting Optimal Wellness for Body, Mind and Spirit

November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month – Here are Some Facts:

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death
Lung cancer is the second most commonly diagnosed cancer in both men and women
More people die each year from lung cancer than breast, colon and prostate cancer combined
Smoking is the # 1 Risk for Lung Cancer (80%–90% of lung cancers are attributed to cigarette smoking!)
Non-smokers can get lung cancer too!

Risk Factors for Lung Cancer –

Smoking Cigarettes
Second Hand-Smoke
Radon (2nd leading cause of lung cancer.)
Other Chemicals (asbestos, arsenic, diesel, exhaust, nickel, tar, soot, some forms of silica and chromium.)
Personal or Family History of Lung Cancer
HIV infection
Radiation Therapy to the Chest
Beta-carotene supplements.
Arsenic in drinking water (primarily from private wells) can increase the risk of lung cancer. For more information, visit the EPA’s Arsenic in Drinking Water.

How to Prevent Lung Cancer – For information visit Lung Cancer Prevention.

Prevention, Early Detection and Treatment Saves Lives!

Here is a Cancer Survivor’s Story – http://www.lungcancer.org/find_support/stories/23

Free Lung Cancer CT Screening – At Lahey Burlington and Peabody. Call 855.CT.CHEST to find out if you qualify or log onto = http://www.lahey.org/lungscreening/

Sources of Information and to Find Out More –

American Cancer Society – http://www.cancer.org/cancer/news/specialcoverage/how-acs-fights-lung-cancer
American Lung Association – http://www.lung.org/lung-health-and-diseases/lung-disease-lookup/lung-cancer/
Center for Disease Control – http://www.cdc.gov/cancer/lung/basic_info/risk_factors.htm
NIH National Cancer Institute – http://www.cancer.gov/types/lung/patient/lung-prevention-pdq#link/_AboutThis_13_toc

Do You Smoke Cigarettes …? NOW is the Time to STOP!!

Talk to you doctor about risks of lung cancer, prevention, diagnosis and treatment.

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.