Has the whole world gone crazy, or is it just me? Since the news of Michael Jackson’s death hit the airwaves it seems to be all people can talk about. A lottery to get tickets to his memorial service, people gathering outside his childhood home and, last but not least being compared to Princess Diana? But what did Michael Jackson really give us? “Billie Jean”, “Say Say Say”, “Beat it” or the “Man in the Mirror”? There is no question that music, regardless of the artist, can change our moods from sad to uplifting in a matter of a few beats. Music can take us back in time as pictures flash like mini movies in our minds of friendships past, a wedding or a joyride with a high school sweetheart.
I am sure we all can remember where we were and what we were doing when we first heard the news that Jackson, Elvis, and Princess Diana were dead. But, can anyone tell me where you were when any of these people died: Paul Lauterbur, Maurice Hilleman, Gertrude Elion or Frederick Banting? Probably not, and I would venture to say that the majority of people do not even know who these people are or their contributions to your everyday life.
Frederick Banting was one of the co-discoverers of insulin, and his discovery has been estimated to have saved over 16 million lives worldwide. In addition to lives saved, insulin has brought a better quality of life to diabetics around the world.
Gertrude B. Elion was responsible for the first treatment for leukemia and the first immune-suppressive agent used for organ transplants. Elion’s contributions, however, don’t stop there. She also invented commonly used drugs for gout, malaria, meningitis, septicaemia, bacterial infections of both urinary and respiratory tracts, and Zovirax for viral herpes. Elion died February 21st, 1999. Does anyone remember hearing about it?
Maurice Hilleman, an American microbiologist specializing in vaccinology, developed over 36 vaccines- more than any other scientist. Hilleman’s vaccines include Hepatitis A and B, chickenpox, meningitis, pneumonia, haemophilus influenza and the mumps and measles. Hilleman was credited for doing more for the benefit of human health than anyone else. He died April 11th, 2005.
And, what a contribution to modern medicine Paul Lauterbur made. Lauterbur co-developed magnetic resonance imaging or the MRI. The MRI helps save millions of lives around the world by allowing doctors to look into the body and brain without exploratory surgery or exposure to radiation. Dr. Lauterbur died on March 27th, 2007.
As I watched all the fanfare going on surrounding Michael Jackson’s death it made me question what kind of society we live in where a pop star is held in regard higher than those who have saved countless lives and improved quality of life around the world. How many people know all the words to a Michael Jackson song? How many know all the words to the National Anthem? How many people know what record label Michael Jackson signed with? How many know where their doctor got their medical degree? Or, better yet, how many even know their doctor’s first name?
Like it or not, I think healthcare needs celebrities in the world to help put a face on illnesses and bring awareness to certain health issues. But we need to keep things in perspective. Without the scientist there is not much need for the celebrity.
Howard Baker, RN BSN
For questions, comments, or suggestions on topics you want to read about please email me at: howard@howardsbaker.com
Monday, June 29, 2009
Monday, June 22, 2009
Swimming Toward Summer Safety
With summer getting into full swing and we start to enjoy all the fun swimming and water sports have to offer, it’s a good time to heighten our awareness of water safety to prevent drowning. Swimming pools and lakes can be hypnotic as the water sparkles, ripples and splashes tempting young and old alike to the water’s edge. No one is risk free when it comes to water-related accidents. If you are near the water you are at risk.
It seems all too often the sounds of playful splashes and laughter are shadowed by the news of another child drowning. Child safety takes on a whole new meaning when they are near or playing in water. Even children who are good swimmers can have water-related accidents.
To help keep your children safe in and near the water here are a few simple safety tips:
• Teach your child to swim. It is important to stress swimming lessons will not drown-proof your child. Even good swimmers can drown.
• Never leave children unsupervised near water.
• Be a “Designated Watcher” during social gatherings it is a good idea for adults to take turns being the “designated watcher” who is free from distractions such as telephones, televisions, books or conversations that could distract you even for a second.
• Remove toys from the water. Children can fall into the water trying to retrieve them.
• Beware of drains. Do not allow children to play near or sit on pool drains. Body parts and hair may become entrapped by strong suction.
• Install alarms. If your home serves as part of your pool’s enclosure, protect doors leading into the pool area with an alarm.
These simple safety tips are not fail proof and even under the most diligent adult supervision accidents can and do happen.
Natural bodies of water such as lakes and rivers offer unique and unpredictable conditions. Again, it is important to never let your child swim alone or without adult supervision. Children should always wear life jackets or approved personal flotation devices when boating or fishing. Always descend into water feet first and before jumping into water always check the waters depth.
Swimming pools, lakes, and rivers are great places to build childhood memories and family bonding. Follow these steps and keep your family safe. In community pools keep your eyes and ears open to what’s going on and don’t let a child out of your sight. Drowning is the leading cause of injury death of young children ages 1 to 4, and three children die every day as a result of drowning (CDC). Be prepared for the unthinkable learn cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR); this skill and quick action can help a child stay alive.
We cannot live in plastic bubbles or in fear that something might happen. But, we can live with our eyes and ears open, learn the risk, eliminate risk when possible and be prepared with basic life support / saving skills such as CPR. Live your life building great summer memories-be safe!
Howard Baker, RN BSN
For questions, comments, or suggestions on topics you want to read about please email me at: howard@howardsbaker.com
It seems all too often the sounds of playful splashes and laughter are shadowed by the news of another child drowning. Child safety takes on a whole new meaning when they are near or playing in water. Even children who are good swimmers can have water-related accidents.
To help keep your children safe in and near the water here are a few simple safety tips:
• Teach your child to swim. It is important to stress swimming lessons will not drown-proof your child. Even good swimmers can drown.
• Never leave children unsupervised near water.
• Be a “Designated Watcher” during social gatherings it is a good idea for adults to take turns being the “designated watcher” who is free from distractions such as telephones, televisions, books or conversations that could distract you even for a second.
• Remove toys from the water. Children can fall into the water trying to retrieve them.
• Beware of drains. Do not allow children to play near or sit on pool drains. Body parts and hair may become entrapped by strong suction.
• Install alarms. If your home serves as part of your pool’s enclosure, protect doors leading into the pool area with an alarm.
These simple safety tips are not fail proof and even under the most diligent adult supervision accidents can and do happen.
Natural bodies of water such as lakes and rivers offer unique and unpredictable conditions. Again, it is important to never let your child swim alone or without adult supervision. Children should always wear life jackets or approved personal flotation devices when boating or fishing. Always descend into water feet first and before jumping into water always check the waters depth.
Swimming pools, lakes, and rivers are great places to build childhood memories and family bonding. Follow these steps and keep your family safe. In community pools keep your eyes and ears open to what’s going on and don’t let a child out of your sight. Drowning is the leading cause of injury death of young children ages 1 to 4, and three children die every day as a result of drowning (CDC). Be prepared for the unthinkable learn cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR); this skill and quick action can help a child stay alive.
We cannot live in plastic bubbles or in fear that something might happen. But, we can live with our eyes and ears open, learn the risk, eliminate risk when possible and be prepared with basic life support / saving skills such as CPR. Live your life building great summer memories-be safe!
Howard Baker, RN BSN
For questions, comments, or suggestions on topics you want to read about please email me at: howard@howardsbaker.com
Monday, June 15, 2009
Responsibility or Right?
I have several speeches I like to give when appropriate, “The bed is not your friend” speech I use to encourage patients to get out of bed after surgery. My all time favorite speech is “Life’s about choices” which my niece and nephews seem to dislike immensely. But honestly, these speeches or tales have a lot of truth in them regardless or our ability or willingness to accept their wisdom. Sometimes it is hard to embrace a concept that lying in bed after a major surgery is in some way not good for us. When your body is telling you how much better you feel being horizontal sometimes it is hard to argue your way to being vertical.
For me time is seemingly passing faster and faster than ever before. I find myself at light speed in graduate school realizing I have less time for myself and the things I enjoy doing. I am sure many of you can relate with these feelings of not enough time to do what is important in your everyday life. I spend hours upon hours reading and writing, and the only way I am able to keep up with world events is to have continuous news scrolling across my computer screen. I keep reading about how change in healthcare is needed, and yes to some degree I think change is needed in our healthcare system. We need to be mindful that change for the sake of change is not always the best change. I have read repeatedly some think that healthcare is a right, I disagree- Healthcare is a responsibility.
For me my life is very stressful. I never seem to have enough time for the things that are important to me. I have not eaten the way I would normally because of time constraints and the ease of making poor choices. I make lifestyle choices based on convenience not by desire or knowledge. This week I spent a lot of time discussing health promotion when I realized I have not done a good job with my own healthy choices. I say this because we all have to make choices between cooking vs. fast food which often equates to healthy vs. unhealthy. I challenge you to make one small change in your daily life; it can be as simple as cutting out sugary drinks or taking a 20 minute walk. My challenge is to get an hour more rest per night than I have been getting.
Take control of one thing that affects your health and make that change. Change doesn’t require an act of Congress or a Presidential Seal. Change takes a desire and a willingness to accept personal responsibility for its success or failure. Join me this week and make one small change in your life and lets change together.
Your health is not a right, it is your responsibility.
Howard Baker, RN BSN
For questions, comments, or suggestions on topics you want to read about please email me at: howard@howardsbaker.com
For me time is seemingly passing faster and faster than ever before. I find myself at light speed in graduate school realizing I have less time for myself and the things I enjoy doing. I am sure many of you can relate with these feelings of not enough time to do what is important in your everyday life. I spend hours upon hours reading and writing, and the only way I am able to keep up with world events is to have continuous news scrolling across my computer screen. I keep reading about how change in healthcare is needed, and yes to some degree I think change is needed in our healthcare system. We need to be mindful that change for the sake of change is not always the best change. I have read repeatedly some think that healthcare is a right, I disagree- Healthcare is a responsibility.
For me my life is very stressful. I never seem to have enough time for the things that are important to me. I have not eaten the way I would normally because of time constraints and the ease of making poor choices. I make lifestyle choices based on convenience not by desire or knowledge. This week I spent a lot of time discussing health promotion when I realized I have not done a good job with my own healthy choices. I say this because we all have to make choices between cooking vs. fast food which often equates to healthy vs. unhealthy. I challenge you to make one small change in your daily life; it can be as simple as cutting out sugary drinks or taking a 20 minute walk. My challenge is to get an hour more rest per night than I have been getting.
Take control of one thing that affects your health and make that change. Change doesn’t require an act of Congress or a Presidential Seal. Change takes a desire and a willingness to accept personal responsibility for its success or failure. Join me this week and make one small change in your life and lets change together.
Your health is not a right, it is your responsibility.
Howard Baker, RN BSN
For questions, comments, or suggestions on topics you want to read about please email me at: howard@howardsbaker.com
Monday, June 8, 2009
Cancer Myths
Several years ago through no independent decision of my own I found myself in what I thought would be the worst assignment of my nursing career-oncology. I remember thinking to myself, caring for cancer patients would be very depressing and difficult. However, what I found were some of the most rewarding and uplifting years of my career. Throughout my nursing career I have cared for patients in all areas of the hospital, each with their own positive rewards. I soon discovered caring for cancer patients was not filled with the doom and gloom as I once thought. I found myself laughing and smiling more with my patients than ever before. I found myself going to educational meetings, becoming active in professional organizations and writing newsletters to help spread my new found knowledge. As fate would have it, a cancer patient helped me focus on higher education and encouraged me to start my current journey.
I want to discuss a few of the common cancer myths related to the disease and its treatments. In a recent American Cancer Society study, 85% of Americans considered themselves “somewhat knowledgeable about cancer…” However, about 75% of the respondents who participated in the survey either believed or were uncertain about at least one of these INCORRECT statements:
• “Pain medications are not effective in reducing the amount of pain people have for cancer.”
• “All you need to beat cancer is a positive attitude, not treatment.”
• “Cancer is something that cannot be effectively treated.”
• “Treating cancer with surgery can cause it to spread throughout the body.”
In most cases cancer pain can be treated effectively. It is sad to think people maybe suffering needlessly because of this myth. From my own experience working with cancer patients it is evident that patients with a positive attitude do better than patients with a negative outlook. A positive attitude alone will not cure cancer; however those with a positive attitude seem to do better. The power of a smile and laughter should never be under estimated in any aspect of our lives.
The most commonly-believed myth is that surgery could cause cancer to spread. The reality is that surgery is a very effective treatment for cancer. I believe this myth started in the days before modern cancer screening test like the MRI and CT scanners were widely used and exploratory surgery was used more often. Unfortunately, exploratory surgery in those days would usually reveal cancer in their advanced stages too late to be removed by surgery.
As always I advocate early screenings for cancer, regular check-ups with your healthcare provider and most importantly listening to your body. You have nothing to fear but fear itself. Be proactive; take personal responsibility by eating right, good exercise, proper sun protection and being proactive and up-to-date on early cancer screenings. If you do these things you will live healthier longer.
Howard Baker, RN BSN
For questions, comments, or suggestions on topics you want to read about please email me at: howard@howardsbaker.com
I want to discuss a few of the common cancer myths related to the disease and its treatments. In a recent American Cancer Society study, 85% of Americans considered themselves “somewhat knowledgeable about cancer…” However, about 75% of the respondents who participated in the survey either believed or were uncertain about at least one of these INCORRECT statements:
• “Pain medications are not effective in reducing the amount of pain people have for cancer.”
• “All you need to beat cancer is a positive attitude, not treatment.”
• “Cancer is something that cannot be effectively treated.”
• “Treating cancer with surgery can cause it to spread throughout the body.”
In most cases cancer pain can be treated effectively. It is sad to think people maybe suffering needlessly because of this myth. From my own experience working with cancer patients it is evident that patients with a positive attitude do better than patients with a negative outlook. A positive attitude alone will not cure cancer; however those with a positive attitude seem to do better. The power of a smile and laughter should never be under estimated in any aspect of our lives.
The most commonly-believed myth is that surgery could cause cancer to spread. The reality is that surgery is a very effective treatment for cancer. I believe this myth started in the days before modern cancer screening test like the MRI and CT scanners were widely used and exploratory surgery was used more often. Unfortunately, exploratory surgery in those days would usually reveal cancer in their advanced stages too late to be removed by surgery.
As always I advocate early screenings for cancer, regular check-ups with your healthcare provider and most importantly listening to your body. You have nothing to fear but fear itself. Be proactive; take personal responsibility by eating right, good exercise, proper sun protection and being proactive and up-to-date on early cancer screenings. If you do these things you will live healthier longer.
Howard Baker, RN BSN
For questions, comments, or suggestions on topics you want to read about please email me at: howard@howardsbaker.com
Monday, June 1, 2009
My Mom's a Guinea Pig
Do we ever stop learning from our mothers? When I was small my mother taught me that if I bring a pony inside the house she will scream, the pony will get scared, and things will get broken. She also taught me the importance of telling the truth and being honest. My mom used to tell me, “Always be nice to everyone. You never know who you may have to ask for a drink of water.” My mom will tell you that I would never eat anything or try anything new unless she tried it first. I outgrew some of my insecurities. Recently, in the name of science I decided to turn my mom into a guinea pig in hopes of having a healthier and stronger mom to continue learning from in the years to come.
For several months, I have been researching vitamin D in order to bring some clarity on the subject to you. According to multiple studies, it is clear that the FDA’s recommended dosage of 400 IU’s of vitamin D per day is nowhere near enough to promote good health. A Harvard School of Public Health study showed that men who where deficient in vitamin D were twice as likely to have a heart attack as men with adequate levels. Vitamin D also helps regulate cellular function which could affect the body’s immune system by helping prevent some cancers, diabetes, osteoporosis and multiple sclerosis. This is in no way anywhere near a complete list of the research being done and the benefits of vitamin D.
This semester in school I have been studying with a doctor who educates every single one of his patients regarding the benefits of vitamin D and flax seed. The more I observed him the more I thought of my own mom who has been complaining of being tired but who is otherwise in good health. I decided to take her to her primary healthcare provider to get a baseline vitamin D blood level drawn and to get his blessings on the experiment. I strongly recommend that before starting any over the counter medication or supplement you discuss it with your healthcare provider or pharmacist.
At the same time we wisely protect ourselves from the ill effects of the sun, we must also realize that we are robbing ourselves of much needed vitamin D. The flu, the common cold and other illnesses are more prevalent in months when the days are shorter. This leads me to think that adequate levels of vitamin D might protect us from many illnesses. In the months to come, I will revisit the vitamin D topic and report the results of our experiment.
I started my guinea pig mother on 2,000 IU’s of vitamin D3 every day and will recheck the blood levels in a few months to see how they have changed and discuss how she is feeling. My mom told her doctor that from now on whenever she is asked how she is feeling she will always smile and say, “I feel great!” She fears any other answer will result in me dragging her to the doctor’s office for more lab work. I guess I am living proof and bring new meaning to the saying “once a man, twice a child.” I am a firm believer that no matter what our age we should never stop learning from our parents.
Howard Baker, RN BSN
For questions, comments, or suggestions on topics you want to read about please email me at: howard@howardsbaker.com
For several months, I have been researching vitamin D in order to bring some clarity on the subject to you. According to multiple studies, it is clear that the FDA’s recommended dosage of 400 IU’s of vitamin D per day is nowhere near enough to promote good health. A Harvard School of Public Health study showed that men who where deficient in vitamin D were twice as likely to have a heart attack as men with adequate levels. Vitamin D also helps regulate cellular function which could affect the body’s immune system by helping prevent some cancers, diabetes, osteoporosis and multiple sclerosis. This is in no way anywhere near a complete list of the research being done and the benefits of vitamin D.
This semester in school I have been studying with a doctor who educates every single one of his patients regarding the benefits of vitamin D and flax seed. The more I observed him the more I thought of my own mom who has been complaining of being tired but who is otherwise in good health. I decided to take her to her primary healthcare provider to get a baseline vitamin D blood level drawn and to get his blessings on the experiment. I strongly recommend that before starting any over the counter medication or supplement you discuss it with your healthcare provider or pharmacist.
At the same time we wisely protect ourselves from the ill effects of the sun, we must also realize that we are robbing ourselves of much needed vitamin D. The flu, the common cold and other illnesses are more prevalent in months when the days are shorter. This leads me to think that adequate levels of vitamin D might protect us from many illnesses. In the months to come, I will revisit the vitamin D topic and report the results of our experiment.
I started my guinea pig mother on 2,000 IU’s of vitamin D3 every day and will recheck the blood levels in a few months to see how they have changed and discuss how she is feeling. My mom told her doctor that from now on whenever she is asked how she is feeling she will always smile and say, “I feel great!” She fears any other answer will result in me dragging her to the doctor’s office for more lab work. I guess I am living proof and bring new meaning to the saying “once a man, twice a child.” I am a firm believer that no matter what our age we should never stop learning from our parents.
Howard Baker, RN BSN
For questions, comments, or suggestions on topics you want to read about please email me at: howard@howardsbaker.com
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
