The other day as I walked into a store I heard the Salvation Army bell ringing in a constant rhythm marking for me the beginning of giving in the spirit of Christmas. For most, this constant ringing stands out only for a moment, as it fades into the chaos of the Christmas rush. Although the bell was far away its ringing became clearer to me as images of those less fortunate, those who suffer, and those who live in the fringes of our communities flashed through my mind.
The holidays, at best, are stressful occasions in our lives and this holiday season is no exception. For most of us, the holiday season brings to mind images of friends and families enjoying conversation and cheer around an elaborately decorated dinner table overflowing with food and drinks. Advertisers embrace this season by presenting pictures of cars, diamonds, and other expensive gifts.
The reality of the holidays is usually different than those commercial images. Many of us struggle to meet the challenges of a season that should fill us with Joy, but instead can overwhelm us with unrealistic expectations. In our current economic downturn, this may be the year to find and relish the true meaning and feeling of Christmas. Here are a few ideas you may find helpful in surviving a Hard Candy Christmas:
• Gifts: For years within my family, I have advocated an elimination of gift giving during the holidays. To me, time filled with good food, stimulating conversation, and laughter is far more important and rewarding. Trinkets, toys, and expensive gifts will soon be set aside, but memories of laughter and listening to one another will warm our hearts for years to come.
• Time: Give the gift of your time. Spending time with a child baking cookies or a family recipe will build memories that will last a lifetime. I wish my Aunt Vicky would have taken the time to teach me the secrets of her apple stack cake rather than the gifts I no longer have or remember. Take the family and volunteer a few hours at a local shelter or food kitchen serving those less fortunate.
• Cheer: Set aside time to call on friends, family, or an elderly neighbor who may be feeling isolated or lonely during the holidays. Spreading cheer doesn’t have to cost anything, a conversation and a laugh, while reminiscing of times past may bring more joy and peace than an expensive gift sent by mail or dropped off in a rush. Nothing will bring more cheer and memories than family and friends caroling and enjoying hot coffee or chocolate as they lift their voices in holiday song.
There are many deserving charities to donate time or a few dollars to help others while realizing the true meaning of Christmas. For me, the meaning of Christmas is about a smile, a chuckle in one’s heart, the warmth of family, and being healthy. Take the time this holiday season to be kind to one another, to smile, to laugh, and to exchange good tidings. A Hard Candy Christmas may have more meaning and bring more joy if we take the time to give of ourselves.
Believe in the wonder, delight in the magic. Merry Christmas!
Howard Baker, RN BSN
For questions, comments, or suggestions on topics you want to read about please email me at: howard@howardsbaker.com
Monday, December 6, 2010
Thursday, November 4, 2010
A Healthy Eating Day
Ten weeks ago I started a journey toward healthy eating after a reality check with my weight gain and the excuses I used for not following a healthy Diet. In the past ten weeks I have eaten great food, felt better, and saved money all while having more energy throughout my day. My goal was to lose two pounds per week with five steps to healthy eating, and I am proud to have surpassed my goal. I am now able to wear clothing I had outgrown. The only problem with my weight loss and lifestyle change is some of my clothing is now too big— trust me it is not a bad trade, but a great feeling. I tell you this not to impress you – but to impress upon you that you too can have dramatic results with a healthier lifestyle.
Last week The American Heart Association celebrated "Start Eating Healthy Day" a campaign to encourage people to make better food choices. I applaud The American Heart Association and their effort to bring awareness to the benefits of a healthy lifestyle to all aspects of our lives. I encourage you to have your own “Eating Healthy Day” and visit The American Heart Association’s webpage at www.heart.org and click on the “getting healthy” tab; it is packed with ideas for both diet and exercise and ideas on how to make your favorite recipe healthier.
With Thanksgiving quickly approaching, the American Dietetic Association estimates we consume about 4,000 calories during our Thanksgiving meal. In contrast, it has been estimated that the early Pilgrims and Indians consumed about 550 calories during their first Thanksgiving celebration. With a little preplanning now, you can make your Thanksgiving meals festive and healthier without sacrificing taste. Be realistic, the holidays is not the best time to start a weight loss program; you may be setting yourself up for failure. A better goal may be to maintain your weight throughout the holidays. Eating smaller, lower calorie meals during the day will allow for a little indulgence at festivities later in the evening without overloading your total daily caloric intake.
I encourage you to start a “healthy eating day”, and here is one of my favorite recipes to help get you started on a healthier better you!
Make sure to discuss any changes in your daily exercise or diet with your healthcare provider. Have a great holiday season!
Chicken Veggie Stir Fry
1 Tbsp. low sodium soy sauce
1 Tsp. hoisin sauce
1 Cup warm water
1 Tbsp. cornstarch
1 Tsp. olive oil
1 clove garlic minced
1 Tsp. chili peppers crushed (optional, to taste)
1 Tsp. ginger minced
1 Tsp. Thai hot sauce
2 Cups broccoli slaw
1 Cup carrots, shredded
1 red pepper
1 Yellow pepper (or substitute roasted peppers)
2 Cups Portabella mushrooms, sliced
1 Can water chestnuts sliced (optional)
1 Can bean sprouts (optional)
2 Cups chicken breast, cooked & cubed
Directions:
Combine soy & hoisin sauce, water, with cornstarch in a small bowl. Stir to combine and set aside. In a wok or flat bottomed pan set to high heat, add oil, garlic, ginger, chili pepper, and Thai hot sauce. Stir fry for one minute. Add vegetables and chicken. Stir fry, moving ingredients in the pan quickly for 3 – 4 minutes. Add prepared sauce and continue to cook until liquid thickens. Serve with brown rice or rice noodles.
Makes four two cup servings. Nutritional Information: Fat: 2.3g, Carbohydrates: 12.7, Calories: 150, Protein: 19g
Howard Baker, RN BSN
For questions, comments, or suggestions on topics you want to read about please email me at: howard@howardsbaker.com
Last week The American Heart Association celebrated "Start Eating Healthy Day" a campaign to encourage people to make better food choices. I applaud The American Heart Association and their effort to bring awareness to the benefits of a healthy lifestyle to all aspects of our lives. I encourage you to have your own “Eating Healthy Day” and visit The American Heart Association’s webpage at www.heart.org and click on the “getting healthy” tab; it is packed with ideas for both diet and exercise and ideas on how to make your favorite recipe healthier.
With Thanksgiving quickly approaching, the American Dietetic Association estimates we consume about 4,000 calories during our Thanksgiving meal. In contrast, it has been estimated that the early Pilgrims and Indians consumed about 550 calories during their first Thanksgiving celebration. With a little preplanning now, you can make your Thanksgiving meals festive and healthier without sacrificing taste. Be realistic, the holidays is not the best time to start a weight loss program; you may be setting yourself up for failure. A better goal may be to maintain your weight throughout the holidays. Eating smaller, lower calorie meals during the day will allow for a little indulgence at festivities later in the evening without overloading your total daily caloric intake.
I encourage you to start a “healthy eating day”, and here is one of my favorite recipes to help get you started on a healthier better you!
Make sure to discuss any changes in your daily exercise or diet with your healthcare provider. Have a great holiday season!
Chicken Veggie Stir Fry
1 Tbsp. low sodium soy sauce
1 Tsp. hoisin sauce
1 Cup warm water
1 Tbsp. cornstarch
1 Tsp. olive oil
1 clove garlic minced
1 Tsp. chili peppers crushed (optional, to taste)
1 Tsp. ginger minced
1 Tsp. Thai hot sauce
2 Cups broccoli slaw
1 Cup carrots, shredded
1 red pepper
1 Yellow pepper (or substitute roasted peppers)
2 Cups Portabella mushrooms, sliced
1 Can water chestnuts sliced (optional)
1 Can bean sprouts (optional)
2 Cups chicken breast, cooked & cubed
Directions:
Combine soy & hoisin sauce, water, with cornstarch in a small bowl. Stir to combine and set aside. In a wok or flat bottomed pan set to high heat, add oil, garlic, ginger, chili pepper, and Thai hot sauce. Stir fry for one minute. Add vegetables and chicken. Stir fry, moving ingredients in the pan quickly for 3 – 4 minutes. Add prepared sauce and continue to cook until liquid thickens. Serve with brown rice or rice noodles.
Makes four two cup servings. Nutritional Information: Fat: 2.3g, Carbohydrates: 12.7, Calories: 150, Protein: 19g
Howard Baker, RN BSN
For questions, comments, or suggestions on topics you want to read about please email me at: howard@howardsbaker.com
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
Halloween's Lucky 13 to Safety
The thought of Halloween fills my head with mysterious haint tales and russet leaves blowing across a path, with the eerie sights of carved pumpkins glowing in a mist of flickering light. Halloween is filled with ghosts and goblins running amuck in search of tricks and treats. The fall air fills with sounds of mischievous giggles and laughter as they mix with the smell of scorching pumpkins on a cool, crisp night. Ooh, the magic of Halloween! Suddenly, giggles and laughter cease when a child lies motionless on the cold, dark pavement—the result of an accident caused by a Halloween distraction. Had I only changed one thing—giggles and laughter would still fill the night.
Halloween safety is a must and we all play an important role in keeping ghosts and goblins safe. Use the Halloween Lucky 13 steps to a safer and happier Halloween:
1). Swords, knives, and similar costume accessories should be short, soft, blunt, and flexible to prevent injury.
2). Costumes should be well fitted to avoid trips and falls. Masks should not block vision or impair hearing. Consider a cosmetic mask instead of a loose-fitting mask that could restrict breathing or vision. Always test make-up in a small area first for sensitivity and irritation. Remove all make-up before bedtime to prevent skin and eye irritations.
3). Make sure costumes are made of flame-resistant material and stay clear of lit candles and bulbs. Review the “Stop-Drop-Roll” technique in case clothes catch on fire.
4). Fasten reflective tape to costumes and bags to help drivers see trick-or-treaters.
5). Carry a flashlight to aid your vision; the light will also help others to see you.
6). Avoid trick-or-treating alone. Walk in small groups or with a trusted adult.
7). Walk on sidewalks or the far edge of the road, facing traffic.
8). Use designated crosswalks and look both ways before crossing. Avoid running out from between parked cars and driveways.
9). WALK—don’t run—from house to house; avoid running across lawns where ornaments or furniture may present unforeseen dangers.
10). Choose safe houses for trick-or-treating; children should not enter any home or apartment unless they are accompanied by a trusted adult.
11). Eat only factory-wrapped treats. Avoid eating homemade treats unless you know the cook well.
12). Warn children not to eat treats before an adult has carefully examined them for evidence of tampering and/or choking hazards. Limit the amount of treats that are eaten.
13). When possible, wear brightly colored costumes to increase visibility.
The 13 steps to a safer Halloween aren’t just for children. Adults face the same visibility hazards as children; therefore, as you head out to Halloween parties to enjoy the festivities, be sure to apply the same rules. Drivers, please slow down and look out for ghosts and goblins of all ages. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report that children, ages 5 to 14, are four times more likely to sustain pedestrian injuries on Halloween between the hours of 4 p.m. and 10 p.m. than on any other night of the year.
Keep your eyes on the path ahead and your ears tuned to the giggles and laughter as you watch and listen to the traditions of Halloween. Enjoy the sights and smells of carved pumpkins while ghosts and goblins trick-or-treat. As quickly as a candle flickers in the night, Halloween’s distractions could end a life.
Because of the importance of this topic and an overwhelming positive response, this column is being repeated.
Howard Baker, RN BSN
For questions, comments, or suggestions on topics you want to read about please email me at: howard@howardsbaker.com
Halloween safety is a must and we all play an important role in keeping ghosts and goblins safe. Use the Halloween Lucky 13 steps to a safer and happier Halloween:
1). Swords, knives, and similar costume accessories should be short, soft, blunt, and flexible to prevent injury.
2). Costumes should be well fitted to avoid trips and falls. Masks should not block vision or impair hearing. Consider a cosmetic mask instead of a loose-fitting mask that could restrict breathing or vision. Always test make-up in a small area first for sensitivity and irritation. Remove all make-up before bedtime to prevent skin and eye irritations.
3). Make sure costumes are made of flame-resistant material and stay clear of lit candles and bulbs. Review the “Stop-Drop-Roll” technique in case clothes catch on fire.
4). Fasten reflective tape to costumes and bags to help drivers see trick-or-treaters.
5). Carry a flashlight to aid your vision; the light will also help others to see you.
6). Avoid trick-or-treating alone. Walk in small groups or with a trusted adult.
7). Walk on sidewalks or the far edge of the road, facing traffic.
8). Use designated crosswalks and look both ways before crossing. Avoid running out from between parked cars and driveways.
9). WALK—don’t run—from house to house; avoid running across lawns where ornaments or furniture may present unforeseen dangers.
10). Choose safe houses for trick-or-treating; children should not enter any home or apartment unless they are accompanied by a trusted adult.
11). Eat only factory-wrapped treats. Avoid eating homemade treats unless you know the cook well.
12). Warn children not to eat treats before an adult has carefully examined them for evidence of tampering and/or choking hazards. Limit the amount of treats that are eaten.
13). When possible, wear brightly colored costumes to increase visibility.
The 13 steps to a safer Halloween aren’t just for children. Adults face the same visibility hazards as children; therefore, as you head out to Halloween parties to enjoy the festivities, be sure to apply the same rules. Drivers, please slow down and look out for ghosts and goblins of all ages. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report that children, ages 5 to 14, are four times more likely to sustain pedestrian injuries on Halloween between the hours of 4 p.m. and 10 p.m. than on any other night of the year.
Keep your eyes on the path ahead and your ears tuned to the giggles and laughter as you watch and listen to the traditions of Halloween. Enjoy the sights and smells of carved pumpkins while ghosts and goblins trick-or-treat. As quickly as a candle flickers in the night, Halloween’s distractions could end a life.
Because of the importance of this topic and an overwhelming positive response, this column is being repeated.
Howard Baker, RN BSN
For questions, comments, or suggestions on topics you want to read about please email me at: howard@howardsbaker.com
Monday, September 6, 2010
Nits and Myths
For most the beginning of a new school year marks the end of summer and the anticipation of cool nights, vibrant colors and the sounds and smells of the pending fall season. Fall of the year is one of my favorite seasons as the smell of chrysanthemums, fodder shocks, and pumpkins meld in the air. The sounds of marching bands, cheerleaders and football fans fill stadiums in the crisp cool nights in communities everywhere. Ah—fall is in the air.
Back-to-school is not always filled with pleasant experiences and lighthearted camaraderie. For some students and parents alike a new school year can be filled with fear and anxiety of anything from a school bully, new teachers and test taking to head lice. Myths often create more fear and anxiety about misconceptions than the truth. Sometimes, myths cause unnecessary emotional and physical pain for the community and unharmed, as well as those directly affected.
Because head lice (Pediculus humanus) have been around for 5.6 million years and found in every region around the world, I have little faith man will persevere in eradicating head lice in the future. A common misconception about head lice is they affect lower classes; however, infestations occur equally among socioeconomic classes. Risk factors include day-care centers, schools, and long hair, with a decreased risk in African-American populations related to differences in hair shafts, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The most common mode of transmission is direct head-to-head contact.
Myth: Lice have wings and can fly or jump
Fact: Lice do not have wings and are transmitted only by direct contact
Myth: Lice infestation are accompanied with itching
Fact: Itching may take 4 to 6 weeks to appear because of delayed sensitivity
Myth: If a family member has head lice, the entire family should be treated
Fact: The infected person should be treated; other family members should be screened and treated only if lice are found.
Myth: Lice can live in carpets, beds and clothing
Fact: Lice can live only for 1 to 2 days once removed from the scalp
Myth: Pets can have head lice
Fact: Lice cannot live on the skin of animals because of differences between hair and fur
Myth: Lice affect only people who are unclean
Fact: Cleanliness will not prevent head lice infestation
Treatment options are pharmacologic therapies or home remedies. It is important to stress, some home remedies may cause more harm than good. Occlusion therapy has not proven to be an effective treatment because lice have spiracles they can use to breathe when suffocation is attempted. I have heard of home remedies such as petroleum jelly, kerosene, vinegar, isopropyl alcohol, olive oil, mayonnaise, and melted butter. I want to stress avoidance of putting anything on a child’s head or hair that is flammable, also wrapping hair in plastic can cause scalp irritation or suffocation.
Two pharmacologic therapy options for head lice are; pyrethrin (RID), but should be avoided if you are allergic to ragweed or chrysanthemums. Permethrin (Nix), again, perform a test dose if you are allergic to ragweed or chrysanthemums. Prescription strength alternatives may be prescribed by a healthcare provider. When in doubt, check it out with your healthcare provider.
Alternative therapies I found interesting in the literature were; tea tree oil, lavender, coconut and peppermint that have shown an overall avoidance of the treated areas by lice. However, none of these therapies showed superior control or efficacy in controlled studies. Nix® PF is available as a pesticide-free spray containing anise and coconut oil, isopropyl alcohol and ylang ylang (a flower oil). However, because this product may be flammable if exposed to direct heat or flame, extreme caution should be used.
Head lice cannot live for more than twenty-four to forty-eight hours after being removed from the body. Therefore, I do not recommend spraying chemicals on bedding or clothing. Wash bed linens or any personal items touched by the affected persons head in hot water or dry them at temperatures >130°F. Vacuuming will suffice for furniture, car upholstery and carpeting.
Head lice can affect anybody, and is not a sign of lack of cleanliness. Please, do not punish children by making them feel less about themselves or they are to blame. Seek immediate treatment and return to normal routines as quickly as possible.
Resources
www.headlice.org
www.cdc.gov/lice/head/factsheet.html
Howard Baker, RN BSN
For questions, comments, or suggestions on topics you want to read about please e-mail me at: howard@howardsbaker.com
Back-to-school is not always filled with pleasant experiences and lighthearted camaraderie. For some students and parents alike a new school year can be filled with fear and anxiety of anything from a school bully, new teachers and test taking to head lice. Myths often create more fear and anxiety about misconceptions than the truth. Sometimes, myths cause unnecessary emotional and physical pain for the community and unharmed, as well as those directly affected.
Because head lice (Pediculus humanus) have been around for 5.6 million years and found in every region around the world, I have little faith man will persevere in eradicating head lice in the future. A common misconception about head lice is they affect lower classes; however, infestations occur equally among socioeconomic classes. Risk factors include day-care centers, schools, and long hair, with a decreased risk in African-American populations related to differences in hair shafts, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The most common mode of transmission is direct head-to-head contact.
Myth: Lice have wings and can fly or jump
Fact: Lice do not have wings and are transmitted only by direct contact
Myth: Lice infestation are accompanied with itching
Fact: Itching may take 4 to 6 weeks to appear because of delayed sensitivity
Myth: If a family member has head lice, the entire family should be treated
Fact: The infected person should be treated; other family members should be screened and treated only if lice are found.
Myth: Lice can live in carpets, beds and clothing
Fact: Lice can live only for 1 to 2 days once removed from the scalp
Myth: Pets can have head lice
Fact: Lice cannot live on the skin of animals because of differences between hair and fur
Myth: Lice affect only people who are unclean
Fact: Cleanliness will not prevent head lice infestation
Treatment options are pharmacologic therapies or home remedies. It is important to stress, some home remedies may cause more harm than good. Occlusion therapy has not proven to be an effective treatment because lice have spiracles they can use to breathe when suffocation is attempted. I have heard of home remedies such as petroleum jelly, kerosene, vinegar, isopropyl alcohol, olive oil, mayonnaise, and melted butter. I want to stress avoidance of putting anything on a child’s head or hair that is flammable, also wrapping hair in plastic can cause scalp irritation or suffocation.
Two pharmacologic therapy options for head lice are; pyrethrin (RID), but should be avoided if you are allergic to ragweed or chrysanthemums. Permethrin (Nix), again, perform a test dose if you are allergic to ragweed or chrysanthemums. Prescription strength alternatives may be prescribed by a healthcare provider. When in doubt, check it out with your healthcare provider.
Alternative therapies I found interesting in the literature were; tea tree oil, lavender, coconut and peppermint that have shown an overall avoidance of the treated areas by lice. However, none of these therapies showed superior control or efficacy in controlled studies. Nix® PF is available as a pesticide-free spray containing anise and coconut oil, isopropyl alcohol and ylang ylang (a flower oil). However, because this product may be flammable if exposed to direct heat or flame, extreme caution should be used.
Head lice cannot live for more than twenty-four to forty-eight hours after being removed from the body. Therefore, I do not recommend spraying chemicals on bedding or clothing. Wash bed linens or any personal items touched by the affected persons head in hot water or dry them at temperatures >130°F. Vacuuming will suffice for furniture, car upholstery and carpeting.
Head lice can affect anybody, and is not a sign of lack of cleanliness. Please, do not punish children by making them feel less about themselves or they are to blame. Seek immediate treatment and return to normal routines as quickly as possible.
Resources
www.headlice.org
www.cdc.gov/lice/head/factsheet.html
Howard Baker, RN BSN
For questions, comments, or suggestions on topics you want to read about please e-mail me at: howard@howardsbaker.com
Sunday, August 8, 2010
The Five P's to Healthy Eating
One of my favorite pastimes is jumping in a car and taking out for a two or three-day spontaneous excursion without a destination in mind. Several years ago I set out on a winter adventure that ended in Canada during a blizzard. Being stranded in a foreign country during a winter snowstorm has given me many memories, stories, laughs, and conversations that will fuel my spontaneous nature for years to come. Usually, I find myself enjoying time filled with unique sights, experiences, and friendships found along the way. However, these spontaneous and poorly planned adventures are not always enjoyable but, equally memorable. Like the time I found myself on the streets of Memphis, surrounded by crowds of people waiting in endless lines for a taste of that famous Memphis style barbecue. I left Memphis that day feeling tired and frustrated with the bad taste of barbecue lingering in my head.
Bathing suits have a way of bringing reality to one’s body image and weight gain. While trying to squeeze into last year’s swimming trunks, I came to the painful realization that I had packed on more than just a few pounds. After analyzing my weight gain, I listed several problems hindering my ability to make the right food choices; school, work, family, or just about anything I could think of to focus the blame away from my own choices.
After doing a little soul searching, I set a goal to lose two pounds per week over the next twelve weeks. I want to share with you my goal and five steps to healthy eating. I hope you will find these steps helpful in your challenge to better eating, better health, and a better lifestyle.
1.) Plan ahead. When traveling or working away from home take along a few snacks to help curb hunger and temptations for convenience foods that are not always the best choices. A few of my favorite travel snacks are: raw almonds, carrot sticks, and apples. Use your imagination, fruits and vegetables are nature’s fast foods. Remember portion control, measure or weigh your snacks.
2.) Pack your lunch. Packing a lunch saves time, money, and stress. Lunchtime is one of the busiest times of day. A packed lunch helps eliminate the temptation or need for drive-thru meals, snack machines, or other conveniences taunting poor nutritional choices.
3.) Do your research. One of the fastest ways to derail healthy eating is having to think fast in a drive-thru. Take a few minutes to visit your favorite restaurants websites and review their nutritional information for healthier choices.
4.) Bring a bottle. Taking along bottled water will help keep you hydrated and cool during the summer. I advocate using reusable water bottles to save money, time, and the environment. Drink at least eight glasses of water per day, do not guess—measure.
5.) Quick recipes. Home cooked meals can be healthier for us, but who has time or desire to slave over a stove? Having a few quick recipes on hand can help keep you on track and are faster than sitting in a drive-thru. Quick can be healthy and delicious with a little planning. To help kick-start your quick-n-healthy lifestyle, I have included one of my favorite slow cooker recipes to help get you started. This recipe reheats and travels well.
I came to realize years later, what I had missed on my disastrous trip to Memphis in May; when I met a man named “Billy Bob Billy” of the Holy Smokers Too (www.holysmokerstoo.com). After some coaxing to try his secret award-winning recipe—I was hooked on Memphis style barbecue. I feared, had he put one of his barbecued ribs on my forehead, my tongue would have slapped my brains out trying to get to it—it was that good! It just goes to show you how important the five P’s are, Prior Preparation Prevents Poor Performance. The five P’s can help put you on the road to a healthier—better you.
Howard Baker, RN BSN
For questions, comments, or suggestions on topics you want to read about please email me at: howard@howardsbaker.com
Butt, Greens and Beans
4 lbs. pork shoulder, remove visible fat
1 tbs Black Pepper
1 tbs Paprika
½ tbs Chile Powder (I prefer Ancho)
½ tsp Red Pepper (more or less to taste)
1 tbs Garlic Powder
1.5 tsp Celery Seed
5/8 tsp Dry Mustard
1 tbs Sugar to taste
½ tsp Kosher Salt
3 Cloves Garlic, halved
1 Cup Chicken Stock, Low Sodium
1 to 2 Cup(s) Salsa
2 Cups Escarole or Kale
3 Cups Cannellini Beans, Drained & Rinsed
Directions
Prepare rub by combining spices in a bowl mixing well. Rub onto all surfaces of the pork shoulder one hour before cooking (or overnight). Refrigerate meat until ready to cook. Place pork shoulder in a slow cooker with garlic. Pour stock over the meat. Set on low and cook for five to six hours. Remove lid and break meat apart. Add salsa, beans and escarole to slow cooker with greens placed on top to steam. Cook one hour.
Number of Servings: 8 one cup servings
Spice Rub Compliments of “Billy Bob Billy” and the Holy Smokers Too
Nutritional Information: Fat: 15.6, Carbs: 10.7, Calories: 284, Protein: 26
Bathing suits have a way of bringing reality to one’s body image and weight gain. While trying to squeeze into last year’s swimming trunks, I came to the painful realization that I had packed on more than just a few pounds. After analyzing my weight gain, I listed several problems hindering my ability to make the right food choices; school, work, family, or just about anything I could think of to focus the blame away from my own choices.
After doing a little soul searching, I set a goal to lose two pounds per week over the next twelve weeks. I want to share with you my goal and five steps to healthy eating. I hope you will find these steps helpful in your challenge to better eating, better health, and a better lifestyle.
1.) Plan ahead. When traveling or working away from home take along a few snacks to help curb hunger and temptations for convenience foods that are not always the best choices. A few of my favorite travel snacks are: raw almonds, carrot sticks, and apples. Use your imagination, fruits and vegetables are nature’s fast foods. Remember portion control, measure or weigh your snacks.
2.) Pack your lunch. Packing a lunch saves time, money, and stress. Lunchtime is one of the busiest times of day. A packed lunch helps eliminate the temptation or need for drive-thru meals, snack machines, or other conveniences taunting poor nutritional choices.
3.) Do your research. One of the fastest ways to derail healthy eating is having to think fast in a drive-thru. Take a few minutes to visit your favorite restaurants websites and review their nutritional information for healthier choices.
4.) Bring a bottle. Taking along bottled water will help keep you hydrated and cool during the summer. I advocate using reusable water bottles to save money, time, and the environment. Drink at least eight glasses of water per day, do not guess—measure.
5.) Quick recipes. Home cooked meals can be healthier for us, but who has time or desire to slave over a stove? Having a few quick recipes on hand can help keep you on track and are faster than sitting in a drive-thru. Quick can be healthy and delicious with a little planning. To help kick-start your quick-n-healthy lifestyle, I have included one of my favorite slow cooker recipes to help get you started. This recipe reheats and travels well.
I came to realize years later, what I had missed on my disastrous trip to Memphis in May; when I met a man named “Billy Bob Billy” of the Holy Smokers Too (www.holysmokerstoo.com). After some coaxing to try his secret award-winning recipe—I was hooked on Memphis style barbecue. I feared, had he put one of his barbecued ribs on my forehead, my tongue would have slapped my brains out trying to get to it—it was that good! It just goes to show you how important the five P’s are, Prior Preparation Prevents Poor Performance. The five P’s can help put you on the road to a healthier—better you.
Howard Baker, RN BSN
For questions, comments, or suggestions on topics you want to read about please email me at: howard@howardsbaker.com
Butt, Greens and Beans
4 lbs. pork shoulder, remove visible fat
1 tbs Black Pepper
1 tbs Paprika
½ tbs Chile Powder (I prefer Ancho)
½ tsp Red Pepper (more or less to taste)
1 tbs Garlic Powder
1.5 tsp Celery Seed
5/8 tsp Dry Mustard
1 tbs Sugar to taste
½ tsp Kosher Salt
3 Cloves Garlic, halved
1 Cup Chicken Stock, Low Sodium
1 to 2 Cup(s) Salsa
2 Cups Escarole or Kale
3 Cups Cannellini Beans, Drained & Rinsed
Directions
Prepare rub by combining spices in a bowl mixing well. Rub onto all surfaces of the pork shoulder one hour before cooking (or overnight). Refrigerate meat until ready to cook. Place pork shoulder in a slow cooker with garlic. Pour stock over the meat. Set on low and cook for five to six hours. Remove lid and break meat apart. Add salsa, beans and escarole to slow cooker with greens placed on top to steam. Cook one hour.
Number of Servings: 8 one cup servings
Spice Rub Compliments of “Billy Bob Billy” and the Holy Smokers Too
Nutritional Information: Fat: 15.6, Carbs: 10.7, Calories: 284, Protein: 26
Friday, July 16, 2010
Healthy Pets, Healthy Family
Growing up with a menagerie of animals from turtles, birds and lizards to dogs, cats, and horses I have had my share of licks, bites, and scratches from the animal kingdom. My cat Jasper awakens every morning with one thing on his mind – playing. The problem, Jasper’s eyes peel open between five and six in the morning searching for anything to fetch, throw, or chase. Before the fog in my head could clear a few mornings ago, Jasper returned with his toy of choice. As I rearranged myself beneath the covers, Jasper leaped into action as his imagination ran wild seeing my covered feet more interesting for interactive play. As quick as a blink, Jasper sprung high into the air as he pounced on my feet with all his might. On examination of my foot, I found a small cut; it did not cause much pain or concern so on with my day I went.
There are few relationships in life that are as strong and unconditional as the bond with our pets. Our pets accept us unconditionally even if we are fat, skinny, sick, healthy, moody, and are there to bring us joy through thick and thin in the best and worst of times. Because of our pet’s strong unconditional bond, they become a significant extension of our family and our health.
The devoted unconditional companionship we build with our pets is only the beginning of the benefits we reap from a human animal bond. According to Mayo Clinic cancer specialist, Dr. Edward Creagan, “seniors with pets have twenty one percent fewer physician visits, lower blood pressure and better coping skills.” The U S Department of Health concluded pets increased survival rates of heart attack victims by 28% vs. only 6%for non-pet owners. Other health benefits of pet ownership include: decreases in blood pressure, cholesterol and triglyceride levels and the feelings of loneliness while increasing opportunities for exercise, socialization and outdoor activities.
Obviously, there are many benefits to pet ownership. However, there are also risks our pets may transmit infections to their human families. The good news is, this does not happen often. Most pet-to-people diseases can be avoided if we follow a few common-sense rules.
• Follow your veterinarian’s recommendations on pet vaccinations and deworming
• Control flea and tick populations both in the home and on the pet
• Do not feed raw meat to your pet
• Do not allow your cat or dog to hunt or eat wild animals
• Keep your pet away from stray animals that may not be properly vaccinated
• Try not to touch urine or stool or objects soiled with urine or stool with your bare hands. Always wash your hands carefully including under the fingernails after contact with pet waste.
• Avoid oral contact with your pet, especially sharing food or kissing your pet on the mouth
• Do not allow small children to play in uncovered sandboxes that might be used by cats as a litter box
It is important to minimize the risk of transferring germs from our pets to their human families. The cut on my foot I received from Jasper while playing, bought me a visit with my healthcare provider to get a tetanus booster and some antibiotics. It is important even with a small cut or bite to wash the wound with soap and water at least once or twice a day. Keep the wound clean and covered with a bandage. Watch for signs of infections such as redness, pain, red streaks, hot to the touch or drainage from the site; and seek medical attention immediately.
For a particular concern about your health and pet ownership contact a veterinarian. Please, be a responsible pet owner by properly vaccinating, deworming, and neutering your pet. Remember, your health and the health of your pet relies on using a little common sense.
Resources: The American veterinary Medical Association www.avma.org
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention www.cdc.gov
Howard Baker, RN BSN
For questions, comments, or suggestions on topics you want to read about please email me at: howard@howardsbaker.com
There are few relationships in life that are as strong and unconditional as the bond with our pets. Our pets accept us unconditionally even if we are fat, skinny, sick, healthy, moody, and are there to bring us joy through thick and thin in the best and worst of times. Because of our pet’s strong unconditional bond, they become a significant extension of our family and our health.
The devoted unconditional companionship we build with our pets is only the beginning of the benefits we reap from a human animal bond. According to Mayo Clinic cancer specialist, Dr. Edward Creagan, “seniors with pets have twenty one percent fewer physician visits, lower blood pressure and better coping skills.” The U S Department of Health concluded pets increased survival rates of heart attack victims by 28% vs. only 6%for non-pet owners. Other health benefits of pet ownership include: decreases in blood pressure, cholesterol and triglyceride levels and the feelings of loneliness while increasing opportunities for exercise, socialization and outdoor activities.
Obviously, there are many benefits to pet ownership. However, there are also risks our pets may transmit infections to their human families. The good news is, this does not happen often. Most pet-to-people diseases can be avoided if we follow a few common-sense rules.
• Follow your veterinarian’s recommendations on pet vaccinations and deworming
• Control flea and tick populations both in the home and on the pet
• Do not feed raw meat to your pet
• Do not allow your cat or dog to hunt or eat wild animals
• Keep your pet away from stray animals that may not be properly vaccinated
• Try not to touch urine or stool or objects soiled with urine or stool with your bare hands. Always wash your hands carefully including under the fingernails after contact with pet waste.
• Avoid oral contact with your pet, especially sharing food or kissing your pet on the mouth
• Do not allow small children to play in uncovered sandboxes that might be used by cats as a litter box
It is important to minimize the risk of transferring germs from our pets to their human families. The cut on my foot I received from Jasper while playing, bought me a visit with my healthcare provider to get a tetanus booster and some antibiotics. It is important even with a small cut or bite to wash the wound with soap and water at least once or twice a day. Keep the wound clean and covered with a bandage. Watch for signs of infections such as redness, pain, red streaks, hot to the touch or drainage from the site; and seek medical attention immediately.
For a particular concern about your health and pet ownership contact a veterinarian. Please, be a responsible pet owner by properly vaccinating, deworming, and neutering your pet. Remember, your health and the health of your pet relies on using a little common sense.
Resources: The American veterinary Medical Association www.avma.org
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention www.cdc.gov
Howard Baker, RN BSN
For questions, comments, or suggestions on topics you want to read about please email me at: howard@howardsbaker.com
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
Simplifying Life
As summer gets underway, I reminisce of summers past and fishing with my dog Goofy in Doc Day’s pond. I remember the days seemed to never pass as if the hours of summer stood still as the dragon flies danced about the pond and frogs frolicked at the water’s edge. I forget the number of fish I caught or how big they were, but what I do remember was how relaxed I was – where my biggest worry of the day was getting home in time for dinner. What happens as we age causing us to take on more and more task as we turn our worlds in to chaos driven by stress that robs us of a balanced life?
Calming the chaos is not as simple as you might think. Our lives are complicated in the modern complexities of our environment, politics, economy, families, communities and careers. A few months ago, I set out to eliminate the things in my life that were not essential to completing school, work, and family. I resigned from committees; I started saying “NO” to anything that might disrupt the balance in my life. At first I felt good about the adjustments I had made with great expectations of the benefits a simpler less complicated schedule would reap. However, changes are never as simple as we first think. I realize in order for us to be complete, satisfied, and balanced we must first have moderation. It did not take long for me to realize that simply saying no was not the answer.
Goals are an important part of living life to the fullest. Moderation can be key to maintaining a healthy balance of career, family, and community. Learning to say yes and no in the right measure will help keep our goals in perspective and enjoying the things truly important to us. We all have complained at one time or another there is not enough hours in the day. It is not the number of hours in the day that is the problem; it is the number of things we try to pack into those hours. Only say yes to activities you really care about. Learn to say no to activities you dread. Our health, success, and happiness may depend on how well we master the art of saying yes.
My most important goal is completing graduate school. Writing this column is the most rewarding opportunity I enjoy each week. I have come face to face with the number of hours in a day and the complexities of completing what is important. I have advocated getting more sleep and exercise, eating a balanced diet, saying no to holiday activities, and enjoying things in moderation. The question to me was, how do I devote my energy to the things most important to me this summer – my answer was moderation. I have said no to the things I dreaded and felt I was not making a difference in, and saying yes to school, family, work, and you. The balance for me this summer will be writing the column once a month, focusing on school and relaxing just a little as I reminisce of dragon flies and Doc Day’s pond.
Howard Baker, RN BSN
For questions, comments, or suggestions on topics you want to read about please email me at: howard@howardsbaker.com
Calming the chaos is not as simple as you might think. Our lives are complicated in the modern complexities of our environment, politics, economy, families, communities and careers. A few months ago, I set out to eliminate the things in my life that were not essential to completing school, work, and family. I resigned from committees; I started saying “NO” to anything that might disrupt the balance in my life. At first I felt good about the adjustments I had made with great expectations of the benefits a simpler less complicated schedule would reap. However, changes are never as simple as we first think. I realize in order for us to be complete, satisfied, and balanced we must first have moderation. It did not take long for me to realize that simply saying no was not the answer.
Goals are an important part of living life to the fullest. Moderation can be key to maintaining a healthy balance of career, family, and community. Learning to say yes and no in the right measure will help keep our goals in perspective and enjoying the things truly important to us. We all have complained at one time or another there is not enough hours in the day. It is not the number of hours in the day that is the problem; it is the number of things we try to pack into those hours. Only say yes to activities you really care about. Learn to say no to activities you dread. Our health, success, and happiness may depend on how well we master the art of saying yes.
My most important goal is completing graduate school. Writing this column is the most rewarding opportunity I enjoy each week. I have come face to face with the number of hours in a day and the complexities of completing what is important. I have advocated getting more sleep and exercise, eating a balanced diet, saying no to holiday activities, and enjoying things in moderation. The question to me was, how do I devote my energy to the things most important to me this summer – my answer was moderation. I have said no to the things I dreaded and felt I was not making a difference in, and saying yes to school, family, work, and you. The balance for me this summer will be writing the column once a month, focusing on school and relaxing just a little as I reminisce of dragon flies and Doc Day’s pond.
Howard Baker, RN BSN
For questions, comments, or suggestions on topics you want to read about please email me at: howard@howardsbaker.com
Friday, May 21, 2010
Even Good Dogs Can Bite
I consider myself lucky to have grown up with a menagerie of pets ranging from gerbils to horses. I have many memories and scars of those happy pet challenges of bites and kicks in fleeting moments when my life became one with nature. Anything with a mind of its own and mouth full of teeth has the potential to inflict a little pain and suffering. As a young boy I found a neighbor’s cat with a death grip on a mouse. In a moment as fast as a blink I jumped to the aid of the helpless mouse and saved it from a certain death in the jaws of the cat. What I didn’t anticipate was the mouse biting me. I am not sure what happened next. All I can remember are screams of confusion as my mother sprung into action. With my eyes big as saucers, sounds of a broom cut through the air and whipped about my head. Within seconds my mother had beaten the little mouse to death and scooped its limp body into a brown paper bag with one hand while she yanked me away with the other as if I were a rag doll. What I learned from this cat and mouse story was this: Never interfere with nature, and never, never under estimate the powers of a mother where her babies are concerned.
The benefits of pet ownership are well documented, and I believe our health interrelates with the animal kingdom on many levels. As we begin the summer season and start spending more time outdoors, we increase our opportunities to come in contact with nature. Since most dog bites occur during the summer, and since May 16-22nd is National Dog Bite Prevention Week, it’s a perfect time to review ways to protect ourselves and our children from injury and possible death.
Thirty nine percent of households in America own at least one dog, and an estimated 75 million dogs living among us. Obviously, the mere numbers increase the likelihood we will interact with dogs. Many of us would never reach down to pet a snake slithering across the lawn but wouldn’t hesitate to reach out and pet a cute, cuddly dog loping down the sidewalk. Yet snakebites fatalities average less than four deaths per year in the United States compared to the 23 fatal dog attacks in 2008. The number of dog bite injuries is much higher in children than in adults. When I worked as an Emergency Room nurse, I witnessed tragedy a quick snip from the family dog can bring to a child.
The Humane Society suggests several ways to avoid being bitten by a dog. 1) Never approach an unfamiliar dog-especially one tied or confined behind a fence or in a car. 2) Do not pet a dog-including your own-without letting him see and sniff you first. 3) Never turn your back to a dog and run away. A dog’s natural instinct will be to chase and catch you. 4) Don’t disturb a dog that is sleeping, eating, chewing on a toy, or caring for puppies. 5) Be cautions around strange dogs, and always assume that a dog who doesn’t know you may see you as an intruder or as a threat.
If you are approached by a dog you are concerned might attack you, follow these steps:
Resist the impulse to run away or scream
Stand very still “like a tree”
Avoid making direct eye contact with the dog
If you are knocked down or fall act “like a log” by putting your face down and placing your hands behind your neck
Owner negligent is cited as one of the leading causes of dog bites. Take personal responsibility for your pets by getting them spayed or neutered, and keep your dogs immunizations up to date. If considering adding a dog to your family, take time to research dog breeds and talk with a veterinarian about which breeds are right for you. Use a little common sense, and NEVER leave an infant or small child alone with a dog. Take time to talk with your family about dog safety and ways to protect themselves so that dogs will truly be their best friend.
Because of the importance of this topic I am repeating this column.
Howard Baker, RN BSN
For questions, comments, or suggestions on topics you want to read about please email me at: howard@howardsbaker.com
The benefits of pet ownership are well documented, and I believe our health interrelates with the animal kingdom on many levels. As we begin the summer season and start spending more time outdoors, we increase our opportunities to come in contact with nature. Since most dog bites occur during the summer, and since May 16-22nd is National Dog Bite Prevention Week, it’s a perfect time to review ways to protect ourselves and our children from injury and possible death.
Thirty nine percent of households in America own at least one dog, and an estimated 75 million dogs living among us. Obviously, the mere numbers increase the likelihood we will interact with dogs. Many of us would never reach down to pet a snake slithering across the lawn but wouldn’t hesitate to reach out and pet a cute, cuddly dog loping down the sidewalk. Yet snakebites fatalities average less than four deaths per year in the United States compared to the 23 fatal dog attacks in 2008. The number of dog bite injuries is much higher in children than in adults. When I worked as an Emergency Room nurse, I witnessed tragedy a quick snip from the family dog can bring to a child.
The Humane Society suggests several ways to avoid being bitten by a dog. 1) Never approach an unfamiliar dog-especially one tied or confined behind a fence or in a car. 2) Do not pet a dog-including your own-without letting him see and sniff you first. 3) Never turn your back to a dog and run away. A dog’s natural instinct will be to chase and catch you. 4) Don’t disturb a dog that is sleeping, eating, chewing on a toy, or caring for puppies. 5) Be cautions around strange dogs, and always assume that a dog who doesn’t know you may see you as an intruder or as a threat.
If you are approached by a dog you are concerned might attack you, follow these steps:
Resist the impulse to run away or scream
Stand very still “like a tree”
Avoid making direct eye contact with the dog
If you are knocked down or fall act “like a log” by putting your face down and placing your hands behind your neck
Owner negligent is cited as one of the leading causes of dog bites. Take personal responsibility for your pets by getting them spayed or neutered, and keep your dogs immunizations up to date. If considering adding a dog to your family, take time to research dog breeds and talk with a veterinarian about which breeds are right for you. Use a little common sense, and NEVER leave an infant or small child alone with a dog. Take time to talk with your family about dog safety and ways to protect themselves so that dogs will truly be their best friend.
Because of the importance of this topic I am repeating this column.
Howard Baker, RN BSN
For questions, comments, or suggestions on topics you want to read about please email me at: howard@howardsbaker.com
Let's Grow Together
I have reminisced this week about seasons past as we get into the full swing of spring. Spring is a time when our planet renews itself as trees are greening and their leaves frolic in the breeze. Spring is a time of renewal as our lives and planet renew and spring to life. I took a few minutes to thumb through an old family photo album this week. I noticed something about the pictures taken during the spring of the year-we were in the garden. One of my favorite pictures of myself is one of me dragging a hoe in one hand with my cat under my arm traipsing into the garden. Obviously, gardening was a family affair as most of these pictures included at least three generations and a family pet.
April 22nd was Earth Day and it is estimated that more than a billion people across 190 countries came together to help bring awareness that in order to be a healthier, safer people we must have a healthy environment. Many people planted trees, started gardens, and pushed for more recycling. It is important not to lose the energy and enthusiasm of Earth Day and keep it alive every day. This is the time to plan a back yard or community garden. These gardens will grow more than food; they will grow memories and relationships, not only with friends and family but with Mother Earth.
Regardless of your gardening experience whether you are a beginner or expert there are a lot of resources out there to draw from: Local greenhouses can make recommendations on plants that do well in your local area and offer expert gardening tips. Home improvement stores often have printed materials, books, and staff willing to help. The local farm supply stores offer everything from seeds and plants to tools and knowledge. Your Local Library is also an excellent source for information and I always encourage you to take advantage of this great community resource.
Now that we have had Earth Day I think we need a Health Day. Our bodies are our own personal planet so to speak. The same attention we place on energy conservation for our planet we need to make sure we give ourselves enough time for our own personal energy conservation for sleep. The emphasis we place on toxic chemicals and their impact on our ecosystem, we need to be mindful of what we put into our bodies. We are only given one life, one body so as we take measures to protect and renew our planet let’s look at ways to protect ourselves.
The Centers for Disease Control and Preventions recommends these six gardeners’ safety tips:
• Dress to protect. Prevent exposure to chemicals, insects, and the sun by wearing the proper clothing, safety equipment, and using an insect repellant and sunscreen.
• Put safety first. Limit distractions and follow the labels when using chemicals and equipment. Be aware of possible hazards to lower your risk for injury
• Watch out for heat-related illness. Even being out for short periods of time in high temperatures can cause serious health problems. Monitor your activities and time in the sun to lower your risk for heat-related illness.
• Know your limits. Talk to your health care provider if you have concerns about your ability to work in the garden safely.
• Get vaccinated. Vaccinations can prevent many diseases and save lives. Remember that tetanus lives in soil and all adults should get a tetanus vaccination every 10 years.
• Go green. Conserve water, reuse containers, recycle, and share your bounty.
Gardening is a connection to family, friends, and nature. It is a continuous learning-an adventure of sensory and aesthetic stimulation-that keeps us young, gives us challenges, goals and a sense of accomplishment. A garden is life, and is a great way to get physical activity, while fighting obesity, high blood pressure, diabetes, osteoporosis, stroke and heart disease.
Come, let’s grow together!
Howard Baker, RN BSN
For questions, comments, or suggestions on topics you want to read about please email me at: howard@howardsbaker.com
April 22nd was Earth Day and it is estimated that more than a billion people across 190 countries came together to help bring awareness that in order to be a healthier, safer people we must have a healthy environment. Many people planted trees, started gardens, and pushed for more recycling. It is important not to lose the energy and enthusiasm of Earth Day and keep it alive every day. This is the time to plan a back yard or community garden. These gardens will grow more than food; they will grow memories and relationships, not only with friends and family but with Mother Earth.
Regardless of your gardening experience whether you are a beginner or expert there are a lot of resources out there to draw from: Local greenhouses can make recommendations on plants that do well in your local area and offer expert gardening tips. Home improvement stores often have printed materials, books, and staff willing to help. The local farm supply stores offer everything from seeds and plants to tools and knowledge. Your Local Library is also an excellent source for information and I always encourage you to take advantage of this great community resource.
Now that we have had Earth Day I think we need a Health Day. Our bodies are our own personal planet so to speak. The same attention we place on energy conservation for our planet we need to make sure we give ourselves enough time for our own personal energy conservation for sleep. The emphasis we place on toxic chemicals and their impact on our ecosystem, we need to be mindful of what we put into our bodies. We are only given one life, one body so as we take measures to protect and renew our planet let’s look at ways to protect ourselves.
The Centers for Disease Control and Preventions recommends these six gardeners’ safety tips:
• Dress to protect. Prevent exposure to chemicals, insects, and the sun by wearing the proper clothing, safety equipment, and using an insect repellant and sunscreen.
• Put safety first. Limit distractions and follow the labels when using chemicals and equipment. Be aware of possible hazards to lower your risk for injury
• Watch out for heat-related illness. Even being out for short periods of time in high temperatures can cause serious health problems. Monitor your activities and time in the sun to lower your risk for heat-related illness.
• Know your limits. Talk to your health care provider if you have concerns about your ability to work in the garden safely.
• Get vaccinated. Vaccinations can prevent many diseases and save lives. Remember that tetanus lives in soil and all adults should get a tetanus vaccination every 10 years.
• Go green. Conserve water, reuse containers, recycle, and share your bounty.
Gardening is a connection to family, friends, and nature. It is a continuous learning-an adventure of sensory and aesthetic stimulation-that keeps us young, gives us challenges, goals and a sense of accomplishment. A garden is life, and is a great way to get physical activity, while fighting obesity, high blood pressure, diabetes, osteoporosis, stroke and heart disease.
Come, let’s grow together!
Howard Baker, RN BSN
For questions, comments, or suggestions on topics you want to read about please email me at: howard@howardsbaker.com
Getting a Head Start on Summer Reading
With summer right around the corner, it’s a good time to get a head start on reading ideas. In 2009, unemployment reached a 16 year high, causing economic uncertainty and the loss of health benefits for many Americans. Every year Library Journal (LJ) publishes a list of the best consumer health books. Highlights from the 2009 list are as follows:
Carstensen, Laura L. A Long Bright Future: An Action Plan for a Lifetime of Happiness, Health, and Financial Security. Her research shows that older adults are, in fact, more mentally stable, optimistic, and happier than younger people. Working longer helps the Social Security system and provides retirement income.
Germer, Christopher K. The Mindful Path to Self-Compassion: Freeing Yourself from Destructive Thoughts and Emotions. Clinical psychologist Germer (Harvard Medical School) uses mindfulness meditation to bring about the acceptance of one's feelings and thoughts. This therapy helps people achieve harmony in their lives and improve relations with others. Also included are valuable self-help techniques.
Sanders, Lisa, M.D. Every Patient Tells a Story: Medical Mysteries and the Art of Diagnosis. Former journalist Sanders writes the “Diagnosis” column for the New York Times Magazine and serves as the technical advisor to the House, M.D. TV series. Her profiles here of patients who have complex medical problems shed light on the diagnostic process and the doctor–patient relationship. She also gives readers tools that will help them navigate the medical system.
Scioli, Anthony & Henry B. Biller. Hope in the Age of Anxiety. Clinical psychologists Scioli and Biller take an interdisciplinary approach to hope, addressing its cultural, spiritual, social, and psychological components. Also presented are meditation exercises and self-assessment tools that allow readers to take control of their spiritual well being. Much more than a self-help book.
Gibbons, Leeza & others. Take Your Oxygen First: Protecting Your Health and Happiness While Caring for a Loved One with Memory Loss. TV personality Gibbons shares her experience of caring for her mother who has Alzheimer's disease. With psychologist James Huysman and physician Rosemary Laird, she provides valuable advice to caregivers about exercise, nutrition, and family involvement. In addition to information about the causes and treatment of Alzheimer's, the authors explore the spiritual aspects of caregiving.
Anderson, John W. Stand by Her: A Breast Cancer Guide for Men. Anderson filled a gap in the breast cancer (BC) literature with this guide for men who have women in their lives with the disease. (The author's wife, sister, mother, and mother's best friend all had BC.) Provided here is good advice about supporting a loved one during diagnosis and treatment, dealing with emotional issues, celebrating remission, and preparing for the end of life.
Additional recommended titles include: The Everything® Health Guide to Living with Breast Cancer: An Accessible and Comprehensive Resource for Women, by Carvalho, Laura Giuggio, R.N. & James A. Stewart, M.D.; Normal at Any Cost: Tall Girls, Short Boys, and the Medical Industry's Quest To Manipulate Height, by Cohen, Susan & Christine Cosgrove; Routine Miracles: Personal Journeys of Patients and Doctors Discovering the Powers of Modern Medicine, by Fischer, Conrad, M.D.; It Takes a Genome: How the Clash Between Our Genes and Modern Life Is Making Us Sick, by Gibson, Greg; Blood and Guts: A History of Surgery, by Hollingham, Richard; Lymphedema Caregiver's Guide: Arranging and Providing Home Care, by Kearse, Mary Kathleen & others; No Family History: The Environmental Links to Breast Cancer, by McCormick, Sabrina; Getting to 50/50: And Why It's Great for Your Marriage, Your Career, Your Kids…and You, by Meers, Sharon & Joanna Strober; The Sky Begins at Your Feet: A Memoir on Cancer, Community, and Coming Home to the Body, by Mirriam-Goldberg, Caryn; The Healing of America: A Global Quest for Better, Cheaper, and Fairer Health Care, by Reid, T.R.; Why Our Health Matters: A Vision of Medicine That Can Transform Our Future, by Weil, Andrew, M.D.; The First Year: Autism Spectrum Disorders: An Essential Guide for the Newly Diagnosed Child, by Wiseman, Nancy.
Support your local library!
Howard Baker, RN BSN
For questions, comments, or suggestions on topics you want to read about please e-mail me at: howard@howardsbaker.com
Carstensen, Laura L. A Long Bright Future: An Action Plan for a Lifetime of Happiness, Health, and Financial Security. Her research shows that older adults are, in fact, more mentally stable, optimistic, and happier than younger people. Working longer helps the Social Security system and provides retirement income.
Germer, Christopher K. The Mindful Path to Self-Compassion: Freeing Yourself from Destructive Thoughts and Emotions. Clinical psychologist Germer (Harvard Medical School) uses mindfulness meditation to bring about the acceptance of one's feelings and thoughts. This therapy helps people achieve harmony in their lives and improve relations with others. Also included are valuable self-help techniques.
Sanders, Lisa, M.D. Every Patient Tells a Story: Medical Mysteries and the Art of Diagnosis. Former journalist Sanders writes the “Diagnosis” column for the New York Times Magazine and serves as the technical advisor to the House, M.D. TV series. Her profiles here of patients who have complex medical problems shed light on the diagnostic process and the doctor–patient relationship. She also gives readers tools that will help them navigate the medical system.
Scioli, Anthony & Henry B. Biller. Hope in the Age of Anxiety. Clinical psychologists Scioli and Biller take an interdisciplinary approach to hope, addressing its cultural, spiritual, social, and psychological components. Also presented are meditation exercises and self-assessment tools that allow readers to take control of their spiritual well being. Much more than a self-help book.
Gibbons, Leeza & others. Take Your Oxygen First: Protecting Your Health and Happiness While Caring for a Loved One with Memory Loss. TV personality Gibbons shares her experience of caring for her mother who has Alzheimer's disease. With psychologist James Huysman and physician Rosemary Laird, she provides valuable advice to caregivers about exercise, nutrition, and family involvement. In addition to information about the causes and treatment of Alzheimer's, the authors explore the spiritual aspects of caregiving.
Anderson, John W. Stand by Her: A Breast Cancer Guide for Men. Anderson filled a gap in the breast cancer (BC) literature with this guide for men who have women in their lives with the disease. (The author's wife, sister, mother, and mother's best friend all had BC.) Provided here is good advice about supporting a loved one during diagnosis and treatment, dealing with emotional issues, celebrating remission, and preparing for the end of life.
Additional recommended titles include: The Everything® Health Guide to Living with Breast Cancer: An Accessible and Comprehensive Resource for Women, by Carvalho, Laura Giuggio, R.N. & James A. Stewart, M.D.; Normal at Any Cost: Tall Girls, Short Boys, and the Medical Industry's Quest To Manipulate Height, by Cohen, Susan & Christine Cosgrove; Routine Miracles: Personal Journeys of Patients and Doctors Discovering the Powers of Modern Medicine, by Fischer, Conrad, M.D.; It Takes a Genome: How the Clash Between Our Genes and Modern Life Is Making Us Sick, by Gibson, Greg; Blood and Guts: A History of Surgery, by Hollingham, Richard; Lymphedema Caregiver's Guide: Arranging and Providing Home Care, by Kearse, Mary Kathleen & others; No Family History: The Environmental Links to Breast Cancer, by McCormick, Sabrina; Getting to 50/50: And Why It's Great for Your Marriage, Your Career, Your Kids…and You, by Meers, Sharon & Joanna Strober; The Sky Begins at Your Feet: A Memoir on Cancer, Community, and Coming Home to the Body, by Mirriam-Goldberg, Caryn; The Healing of America: A Global Quest for Better, Cheaper, and Fairer Health Care, by Reid, T.R.; Why Our Health Matters: A Vision of Medicine That Can Transform Our Future, by Weil, Andrew, M.D.; The First Year: Autism Spectrum Disorders: An Essential Guide for the Newly Diagnosed Child, by Wiseman, Nancy.
Support your local library!
Howard Baker, RN BSN
For questions, comments, or suggestions on topics you want to read about please e-mail me at: howard@howardsbaker.com
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Saving The Skin You're In!
Our recent weather has gotten me out in the lawn to cut grass, pick flowers, and plan for spring. For me, my lawn is a labor of love, repaying me in dividends of pride and a sense of accomplishment that is contagious in the neighborhood. Last week, I took a few extra minutes to sit out on the deck and admire the fruits of my labor while enjoying the feel of the summer sun warming my skin. The birds were singing as they frolicked in the yard—with the dogwoods budding, the grass a greening, and the wind a blowing—ahhhhhh, spring is in the air.
Spring’s arrival also brings baseball, swimming, fishing, boating, and gardening—to name a few activities we all enjoy. With these fun times in our lives come hot summer days, bathing suits, and lots of sun. As with anything, too much of a good thing can be bad for us, and the sun is no exception. But, there are positive aspects to sun exposure. Because of its warming effects and visible light, the sun has a positive effect on our mental health and feelings of well being. The sun’s UVA rays stimulate the skin’s production of vitamin D, which is necessary for normal composition, growth, and regeneration of bone tissue. One study I read suggests 15 minutes of sun exposure for fair-skinned people and about three times as long for darker skin tones. However, I believe there are risks and benefits, so discuss your individual sun exposure and lifestyle with your healthcare provider.
According to The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the most common form of cancer in the United States is skin cancer. Melanoma is the third most common skin cancer and the most dangerous. Sixty-five to ninety percent of melanomas are caused by ultraviolet (UV) light or sunlight. In 2006, 53,919 people in the United States were diagnosed with melanomas of the skin—30,560 of them were men and 23,359 of them were women. In that same year, 8,441 people in the United States died of melanomas of the skin—5,477 were men and 2,964 were women. One American dies every hour from melanoma.
Slip on a shirt, slop on the sunscreen, slap on a hat, and wrap on sunglasses to protect the eyes and sensitive skin around them from ultraviolet light (American Cancer Society). When out in the sun, it is important to realize that a typical light T-shirt has less protection from the sun’s harmful rays than sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 15 or higher. Slop on the sunscreen; remember sunscreens do not give you total protection. If you correctly apply a sunscreen with an SPF of 15, you still get the equivalent of 1 minute of UVB rays for each 15 minutes spent in the sun. Make sure to check the expiration date on your sunscreen, follow the label directions, and apply generously to dry skin at least 20 minutes before going outside to maximize absorption and protection. Apply about 1 ounce of sunscreen (about a palm full) to cover legs, arms, neck, and face for the average adult. Sunscreen should be reapplied at least every 2 hours and even more often if swimming or sweating. Slap on the hat (brim 2 to 3 inches) to protect your neck, ears, eyes, forehead, nose, and scalp. Wrap on UV-blocking sunglasses to help protect your eyes.
So, before you dive into the activities of your life this spring and summer, “Slip, Slop, Slap, and Wrap.” Seek shade, especially when the UV rays are the strongest: 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Do these things and you will look better and live longer in the skin you’re in.
Howard Baker, RN BSN
For questions, comments, or suggestions on topics you want to read about please e-mail me at: howard@howardsbaker.com
Spring’s arrival also brings baseball, swimming, fishing, boating, and gardening—to name a few activities we all enjoy. With these fun times in our lives come hot summer days, bathing suits, and lots of sun. As with anything, too much of a good thing can be bad for us, and the sun is no exception. But, there are positive aspects to sun exposure. Because of its warming effects and visible light, the sun has a positive effect on our mental health and feelings of well being. The sun’s UVA rays stimulate the skin’s production of vitamin D, which is necessary for normal composition, growth, and regeneration of bone tissue. One study I read suggests 15 minutes of sun exposure for fair-skinned people and about three times as long for darker skin tones. However, I believe there are risks and benefits, so discuss your individual sun exposure and lifestyle with your healthcare provider.
According to The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the most common form of cancer in the United States is skin cancer. Melanoma is the third most common skin cancer and the most dangerous. Sixty-five to ninety percent of melanomas are caused by ultraviolet (UV) light or sunlight. In 2006, 53,919 people in the United States were diagnosed with melanomas of the skin—30,560 of them were men and 23,359 of them were women. In that same year, 8,441 people in the United States died of melanomas of the skin—5,477 were men and 2,964 were women. One American dies every hour from melanoma.
Slip on a shirt, slop on the sunscreen, slap on a hat, and wrap on sunglasses to protect the eyes and sensitive skin around them from ultraviolet light (American Cancer Society). When out in the sun, it is important to realize that a typical light T-shirt has less protection from the sun’s harmful rays than sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 15 or higher. Slop on the sunscreen; remember sunscreens do not give you total protection. If you correctly apply a sunscreen with an SPF of 15, you still get the equivalent of 1 minute of UVB rays for each 15 minutes spent in the sun. Make sure to check the expiration date on your sunscreen, follow the label directions, and apply generously to dry skin at least 20 minutes before going outside to maximize absorption and protection. Apply about 1 ounce of sunscreen (about a palm full) to cover legs, arms, neck, and face for the average adult. Sunscreen should be reapplied at least every 2 hours and even more often if swimming or sweating. Slap on the hat (brim 2 to 3 inches) to protect your neck, ears, eyes, forehead, nose, and scalp. Wrap on UV-blocking sunglasses to help protect your eyes.
So, before you dive into the activities of your life this spring and summer, “Slip, Slop, Slap, and Wrap.” Seek shade, especially when the UV rays are the strongest: 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Do these things and you will look better and live longer in the skin you’re in.
Howard Baker, RN BSN
For questions, comments, or suggestions on topics you want to read about please e-mail me at: howard@howardsbaker.com
The Golden Years or Years to Fear?
I often reflect back on my childhood memories as my mind plays vivid picture shows—the images tease my senses and take me back to a simpler time and place—like waking up on a cool summer morning on my Aunt Vicky’s farm to the smell of the morning dew rising off the fields and fresh eggs frying under a crackling fire in the old Home Comfort® cooking stove. I remember her laughter and smiles as she told stories of yesteryears and taught me to cook on an open flame. What did I miss later on when those she trusted betrayed her and money was lost? Did I miss something she tried to say or was she silenced by her fear of losing a trust, friendships, and her all important independence?
Daily, it seems I hear news reports depicting outrageous stories of child abuse, battered women, and animal cruelty taking place in every neighborhood and town across our country. Have the elderly faded into the fringes of our communities, or do we simply reassure ourselves that elder abuse cannot happen to us or those we love? The reality of elder abuse paints a grim picture as it is often life altering to the abused and devastating to what should be the golden years of life.
How big is the problem of elder abuse? The National Center on Elder Abuse estimates between one and two million Americans ages 65 and older have been injured, exploited, or otherwise mistreated by someone they depend on for care or protection. Experts estimate that less than one in six seniors who have been abused actually report the abuse and get the help they need.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention define six types of elder maltreatment:
• Physical – Abuse occurs when an elder is injured as a result of hitting, kicking, pushing, slapping, burning, or other show of force.
• Sexual – Abuse involves forcing an elder to take part in a sexual act when the elder does not or cannot consent.
• Emotional – Abuse refers to behaviors that harm an elder’s self-worth or emotional well being. Examples include name calling, scaring, embarrassing, destroying property, or not letting the elder see friends and family.
• Neglect – Failure to meet an elder’s basic needs. These needs include food, housing, clothing, and medical care.
• Abandonment – Happens when a caregiver leaves an elder alone and no longer provides care for him or her.
• Financial – Illegally misusing an elder’s money, property, or assets.
Often, simply recognizing the warning signs can help prevent abuse and break the cycle of this tragedy. The National Center on Elder Abuse lists the following warning signs:
• Physical Abuse – Slap marks, unexplained bruises, most pressure marks, and certain types of burns or blisters, such as cigarette burns
• Neglect – Pressure ulcers, filth, malnutrition, dehydration, or lack of medical care
• Emotional Abuse – Withdrawal from normal activities, unexplained changes in alertness, or other unusual behavioral changes
• Sexual Abuse – Bruises around the breasts or genital area and unexplained sexually transmitted diseases
• Financial Abuse/Exploitation – Sudden change in finances and accounts, altered wills and trusts, unusual bank withdrawals, checks written as “loans” or “gifts,” and loss of property
Financial exploitation of the 80+ elderly population is of growing concern for the U.S. Administration on Aging (AOA) as baby boomers in this age group will reach an estimated nine and a half million in 2030. Financial exploitation affects people of all socioeconomic backgrounds—no one is excluded. I believe financial abuse to be especially heinous because it can deprive otherwise financially secure persons of their ability to continue living their lives independently.
I often wonder what happened to Aunt Vicky’s laughter in her final days. Was it her loss of independence or a depression suffered in silence, knowing she had been robbed of her ability to choose by one she trusted? Talk openly to those you love about abuse, recognize the signs, get informed, and advocate for those you love—their happiness and well being may depend on it.
For more information I recommend these resources:
U.S. Administration on Aging National Center on Elder Abuse
Telephone: (202) 619-0724 Web Address: www.ncea.aoa.gov
E-Mail: aoainfo@aoa.hhs.gov
The Preston Medical Library
Telephone: (865) 305-9525
E-mail: library@utmck.edu
Howard Baker, RN BSN
For questions, comments, or suggestions on topics you want to read about please e-mail me at: howard@howardsbaker.com
Daily, it seems I hear news reports depicting outrageous stories of child abuse, battered women, and animal cruelty taking place in every neighborhood and town across our country. Have the elderly faded into the fringes of our communities, or do we simply reassure ourselves that elder abuse cannot happen to us or those we love? The reality of elder abuse paints a grim picture as it is often life altering to the abused and devastating to what should be the golden years of life.
How big is the problem of elder abuse? The National Center on Elder Abuse estimates between one and two million Americans ages 65 and older have been injured, exploited, or otherwise mistreated by someone they depend on for care or protection. Experts estimate that less than one in six seniors who have been abused actually report the abuse and get the help they need.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention define six types of elder maltreatment:
• Physical – Abuse occurs when an elder is injured as a result of hitting, kicking, pushing, slapping, burning, or other show of force.
• Sexual – Abuse involves forcing an elder to take part in a sexual act when the elder does not or cannot consent.
• Emotional – Abuse refers to behaviors that harm an elder’s self-worth or emotional well being. Examples include name calling, scaring, embarrassing, destroying property, or not letting the elder see friends and family.
• Neglect – Failure to meet an elder’s basic needs. These needs include food, housing, clothing, and medical care.
• Abandonment – Happens when a caregiver leaves an elder alone and no longer provides care for him or her.
• Financial – Illegally misusing an elder’s money, property, or assets.
Often, simply recognizing the warning signs can help prevent abuse and break the cycle of this tragedy. The National Center on Elder Abuse lists the following warning signs:
• Physical Abuse – Slap marks, unexplained bruises, most pressure marks, and certain types of burns or blisters, such as cigarette burns
• Neglect – Pressure ulcers, filth, malnutrition, dehydration, or lack of medical care
• Emotional Abuse – Withdrawal from normal activities, unexplained changes in alertness, or other unusual behavioral changes
• Sexual Abuse – Bruises around the breasts or genital area and unexplained sexually transmitted diseases
• Financial Abuse/Exploitation – Sudden change in finances and accounts, altered wills and trusts, unusual bank withdrawals, checks written as “loans” or “gifts,” and loss of property
Financial exploitation of the 80+ elderly population is of growing concern for the U.S. Administration on Aging (AOA) as baby boomers in this age group will reach an estimated nine and a half million in 2030. Financial exploitation affects people of all socioeconomic backgrounds—no one is excluded. I believe financial abuse to be especially heinous because it can deprive otherwise financially secure persons of their ability to continue living their lives independently.
I often wonder what happened to Aunt Vicky’s laughter in her final days. Was it her loss of independence or a depression suffered in silence, knowing she had been robbed of her ability to choose by one she trusted? Talk openly to those you love about abuse, recognize the signs, get informed, and advocate for those you love—their happiness and well being may depend on it.
For more information I recommend these resources:
U.S. Administration on Aging National Center on Elder Abuse
Telephone: (202) 619-0724 Web Address: www.ncea.aoa.gov
E-Mail: aoainfo@aoa.hhs.gov
The Preston Medical Library
Telephone: (865) 305-9525
E-mail: library@utmck.edu
Howard Baker, RN BSN
For questions, comments, or suggestions on topics you want to read about please e-mail me at: howard@howardsbaker.com
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Manners, Etiquette, and Culture
A rental car attendant, a doctor, a nurse, and a patient—what do they have in common? From my perspective, I don’t think the answer is as obvious as I first thought. Last week I had a personal exchange with all of the people listed above, and there were noticeable differences in how I was addressed and treated by each one. I will also concede that my doctor may have addressed and treated me differently because of our relationship and past history.
When I approached a busy rental car counter last week, the clerk greeted me with a smile as he addressed me, “Mr. Baker, how are you today….” During the 10 minutes of exchanging information and signing the rental agreement, he made pleasant conversation as well as informed me of things I needed to know, such as replenishing the fuel, contact numbers for assistance if needed, and so on. When the paper work was all done, he said with a huge smile and handshake, “Here are your keys Mr. Baker—have a great day.”
My doctor always greets me as a friend I haven’t seen in a while; he gives me a big smile, a nice firm handshake, and a pat on the shoulder. We exchange pleasantries and, before getting down to business, he inquires, “How’s the family?” After the office visit I hurried off to get some blood work drawn at a lab where I did not have the good fortune of knowing the nurse or the phlebotomist. Suddenly, I was addressed as “Sweet Pea” and found myself with an internal struggle of how does one respond to “Sweet Pea?” Now, I might be a lot of things—but a “Sweet Pea” I am not.
In these moments of awkwardness when members of the healthcare community refer to us as something other than our names, how are we supposed to respond, or do we? Obviously, I found myself at a disadvantage because the one calling me “Sweet Pea” would soon be in control of a rather long needle used to pierce through my delicate skin and into my arm to draw my blood. With my clothes returned, specimens collected, and the final “Follow me Sweet Pea”—I had to ask—“Why do you call me ‘Sweet Pea’?” She responded, “Because you’re special.”
I have to wonder where our manners have gone, or did we ever have them? In my career I have heard nurses call patients many things: pumpkin, honey, sweetie, baby doll, and sweet pea. To me, it’s like running fingernails down a chalk board, so I can only imagine how some may suffer in silence, feeling helpless to object. Are these terms of endearment part of a culture that, perhaps, I am out of step with? I do believe that hospitals and doctors’ offices have a unique culture all their own, but should we as consumers of healthcare services accept less than the common courtesies that we expect from other service providers?
The New England Journal of Medicine ran an article on Etiquette-Based Medicine, which included a checklist for the first meeting with a hospitalized patient. The list is as follows:
1. Ask permission to enter the room; wait for an answer.
2. Introduce yourself, showing ID badge.
3. Shake hands (wear glove if needed).
4. Sit down. Smile if appropriate.
5. Briefly explain your role on the team.
6. Ask the patient how he or she is feeling about being in the hospital.
I have always used these six steps to some degree when meeting and addressing patients; it’s just good manners. Remember, there is nothing wrong with reminding our healthcare providers that we are more than patients—we are people with feelings, and we expect good manners.
Howard Baker, RN BSN
For questions, comments, or suggestions on topics you want to read about please e-mail me at: howard@howardsbaker.com
When I approached a busy rental car counter last week, the clerk greeted me with a smile as he addressed me, “Mr. Baker, how are you today….” During the 10 minutes of exchanging information and signing the rental agreement, he made pleasant conversation as well as informed me of things I needed to know, such as replenishing the fuel, contact numbers for assistance if needed, and so on. When the paper work was all done, he said with a huge smile and handshake, “Here are your keys Mr. Baker—have a great day.”
My doctor always greets me as a friend I haven’t seen in a while; he gives me a big smile, a nice firm handshake, and a pat on the shoulder. We exchange pleasantries and, before getting down to business, he inquires, “How’s the family?” After the office visit I hurried off to get some blood work drawn at a lab where I did not have the good fortune of knowing the nurse or the phlebotomist. Suddenly, I was addressed as “Sweet Pea” and found myself with an internal struggle of how does one respond to “Sweet Pea?” Now, I might be a lot of things—but a “Sweet Pea” I am not.
In these moments of awkwardness when members of the healthcare community refer to us as something other than our names, how are we supposed to respond, or do we? Obviously, I found myself at a disadvantage because the one calling me “Sweet Pea” would soon be in control of a rather long needle used to pierce through my delicate skin and into my arm to draw my blood. With my clothes returned, specimens collected, and the final “Follow me Sweet Pea”—I had to ask—“Why do you call me ‘Sweet Pea’?” She responded, “Because you’re special.”
I have to wonder where our manners have gone, or did we ever have them? In my career I have heard nurses call patients many things: pumpkin, honey, sweetie, baby doll, and sweet pea. To me, it’s like running fingernails down a chalk board, so I can only imagine how some may suffer in silence, feeling helpless to object. Are these terms of endearment part of a culture that, perhaps, I am out of step with? I do believe that hospitals and doctors’ offices have a unique culture all their own, but should we as consumers of healthcare services accept less than the common courtesies that we expect from other service providers?
The New England Journal of Medicine ran an article on Etiquette-Based Medicine, which included a checklist for the first meeting with a hospitalized patient. The list is as follows:
1. Ask permission to enter the room; wait for an answer.
2. Introduce yourself, showing ID badge.
3. Shake hands (wear glove if needed).
4. Sit down. Smile if appropriate.
5. Briefly explain your role on the team.
6. Ask the patient how he or she is feeling about being in the hospital.
I have always used these six steps to some degree when meeting and addressing patients; it’s just good manners. Remember, there is nothing wrong with reminding our healthcare providers that we are more than patients—we are people with feelings, and we expect good manners.
Howard Baker, RN BSN
For questions, comments, or suggestions on topics you want to read about please e-mail me at: howard@howardsbaker.com
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Am I Losing My Hair?
Several years ago I attended the VIP opening of Planet Hollywood Nashville with my best friend, Christian Dickens. I was approached by a beautiful, tall, slender woman dressed all in white, topped with a large brim hat trimmed in red fringe. I vividly recall the most striking physical attribute of this woman was her closely shaved head. As this woman extended her hand to me, all I could think about was how beautiful she was—not that she had no hair or even why she had no hair. Then this lovely creature said to me, “Has anyone told you—you are the best dressed man here this evening. And by the way, who are you?” I knew I was in trouble when I heard Mr. Dickens sigh in embarrassment as I introduced myself and quipped, “And who are you?”
It doesn’t seem to matter if you are a guy or a gal—hair loss can be a touchy subject for anyone who notices that his or her hair is thinning or receding. I guess the importance we place on hair has biblical roots, most notably, Samson and Delilah. Do we view hair as representing our strength, sexiness, or popularity? When I noticed my hair thinning, a friend suggested I use Rogaine®; this suggestion caused me to question my insecurities about hair loss. Ironically, my hair loss seems to bother my friends more than it does me. Maybe I am secure enough to know that hair loss will not make me any less of a person
The average scalp has about 100,000 hairs, and on average sheds between 50 and 100 hairs per day. Gradual thinning of the hair is a normal part of the aging process. Our hair goes through cycles of growth and rest, and of course, these cycles vary and are individualized. The typical growth phase of scalp hair lasts between two and three years; hair grows approximately ½ inch per month. The typical resting phase lasts about three or four months. At the end of the resting phase, the hair strand falls out and the cycle repeats itself.
It is important to discuss hair loss early with your healthcare provider, because early treatment usually has the best results. Proper nutrition is important in maintaining healthy hair; inadequate amounts of protein and iron can cause hair loss, so use caution if considering fad diets. Certain medications used to treat arthritis, depression, gout, birth control, and other medical conditions may contribute to hair loss. Hormonal changes and imbalances may also cause temporary hair loss; sometimes this can be associated with pregnancy, the discontinuation of oral contraceptives, menopause, or having an overactive or underactive thyroid gland. Hair loss may be a sign of an underlying medical condition such as diabetes or lupus. Nothing will replace regular check-ups; therefore, it is imperative not to change or discontinue any medications or treatments without consulting your healthcare provider.
Other things besides health problems and medicine can damage hair and lead to hair loss: over-styling, the use of excessive heat, and the incorrect application of chemicals used to tint, dye, bleach, or perm hair.
Who was the woman with the shaved head and the white hat trimmed in red fringe? Well, it proves that hair doesn’t make the woman or the man—it’s the beauty inside that makes us sexy and appealing. Demi Moore was filming GI Jane at the time and sported her new “do” for the world to see. The beauty of self confidence will add more to your appearance than comb-overs, wigs, or toupees. So take yourself seriously by being confident.
Howard Baker, RN BSN
For questions, comments, or suggestions on topics you want to read about please e-mail me at: howard@howardsbaker.com
It doesn’t seem to matter if you are a guy or a gal—hair loss can be a touchy subject for anyone who notices that his or her hair is thinning or receding. I guess the importance we place on hair has biblical roots, most notably, Samson and Delilah. Do we view hair as representing our strength, sexiness, or popularity? When I noticed my hair thinning, a friend suggested I use Rogaine®; this suggestion caused me to question my insecurities about hair loss. Ironically, my hair loss seems to bother my friends more than it does me. Maybe I am secure enough to know that hair loss will not make me any less of a person
The average scalp has about 100,000 hairs, and on average sheds between 50 and 100 hairs per day. Gradual thinning of the hair is a normal part of the aging process. Our hair goes through cycles of growth and rest, and of course, these cycles vary and are individualized. The typical growth phase of scalp hair lasts between two and three years; hair grows approximately ½ inch per month. The typical resting phase lasts about three or four months. At the end of the resting phase, the hair strand falls out and the cycle repeats itself.
It is important to discuss hair loss early with your healthcare provider, because early treatment usually has the best results. Proper nutrition is important in maintaining healthy hair; inadequate amounts of protein and iron can cause hair loss, so use caution if considering fad diets. Certain medications used to treat arthritis, depression, gout, birth control, and other medical conditions may contribute to hair loss. Hormonal changes and imbalances may also cause temporary hair loss; sometimes this can be associated with pregnancy, the discontinuation of oral contraceptives, menopause, or having an overactive or underactive thyroid gland. Hair loss may be a sign of an underlying medical condition such as diabetes or lupus. Nothing will replace regular check-ups; therefore, it is imperative not to change or discontinue any medications or treatments without consulting your healthcare provider.
Other things besides health problems and medicine can damage hair and lead to hair loss: over-styling, the use of excessive heat, and the incorrect application of chemicals used to tint, dye, bleach, or perm hair.
Who was the woman with the shaved head and the white hat trimmed in red fringe? Well, it proves that hair doesn’t make the woman or the man—it’s the beauty inside that makes us sexy and appealing. Demi Moore was filming GI Jane at the time and sported her new “do” for the world to see. The beauty of self confidence will add more to your appearance than comb-overs, wigs, or toupees. So take yourself seriously by being confident.
Howard Baker, RN BSN
For questions, comments, or suggestions on topics you want to read about please e-mail me at: howard@howardsbaker.com
Thursday, March 25, 2010
Throw Rugs and Rodeos
When I was a boy I had a dream of being a professional rodeo cowboy sitting in the saddle on a bucking bronco whose only mission was to toss me as high into the air as he possibly could and then stomp, bite, and kick me once I was down. Thank God for a mother who knew best; thankfully, she was able to talk me out of that wild-haired idea and dreams of the rodeo. Through the twists and turns of life I became a nurse, and I have days when the adrenalin rush equals that of riding a bucking bronco; I have the same body aches and pains as a rodeo cowboy.
This reminds me of my pony named Dolly, who was always trying to figure out a way to get back to the barn without me on her back. One day as I was riding Dolly, she was able to make a sudden change in direction and the saddle (with me in it) did a 180 degree turn so that I was under the pony instead of on her. Dolly dragged me a bit more than a mile on a gravel road all the way back to the barn. I had not much more than a scratch or two, but a whole bunch of hurt pride. I can remember countless times I was thrown and stomped by a horse, with little more than the breath knocked out of me and some bruising of my pride.
Why is it when we are younger, falling seems to do little more than bruise our egos? So, I asked one of the smartest people I know, Dr. Roman Wesołowski, who is a physicist; he compared our bodies to steel bridges. “A new bridge with a fresh build and brand new parts is much stronger and can withstand harder shocks, whereas older bridges' materials wear off, get corroded, and therefore, their strength is compromised.”
The other day in conversation I heard someone say that falls did not have as significant an impact on society as breast cancer. I believe awareness of all illnesses and safety issues are important. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in 2005 (the most recent year numbers are available), 186,467 women were diagnosed with breast cancer. When comparing that number to the number of falls in 2005, there were 1.8 million Americans ages 65 and older who were treated in emergency departments for nonfatal falls, with nearly 450,000 people requiring hospitalization, which cost over $19 billion. That total is expected to reach $55 billion by 2020 and does not include the $200 million cost of fatal falls.
One in three adults, 65 and older, fall each year (CDC); of those who fall, 20% to 30% suffer moderate to severe injuries, making it harder for them to get around or live independently and increasing their chances of an early death. Within this age group, falls are the leading cause of injury related deaths. Older adults are hospitalized for fall related injuries 5 times more often than they are for injuries from other causes.
So, how can we protect ourselves and those closest to us from falling? Studies have shown that simple balancing exercises, such as Tai Chi, may reduce falls by as much as 60%. Look around the home and remove any physical hazards that could cause a fall, such as unsecured throw rugs, books, newspapers, and other clutter in walkways. It is important to have proper lighting, particularly on pathways and routes to the bathroom at night. Installing handrails on stairways and grab bars in bathrooms can also be helpful in preventing falls.
Don’t let trip rugs and clutter become the bucking bronco in a day at the rodeo. Nothing is worse than realizing you have injured more than your ego, because of something you could have prevented.
Howard Baker, RN BSN
For questions, comments, or suggestions on topics you want to read about please e-mail me at: howard@howardsbaker.com
This reminds me of my pony named Dolly, who was always trying to figure out a way to get back to the barn without me on her back. One day as I was riding Dolly, she was able to make a sudden change in direction and the saddle (with me in it) did a 180 degree turn so that I was under the pony instead of on her. Dolly dragged me a bit more than a mile on a gravel road all the way back to the barn. I had not much more than a scratch or two, but a whole bunch of hurt pride. I can remember countless times I was thrown and stomped by a horse, with little more than the breath knocked out of me and some bruising of my pride.
Why is it when we are younger, falling seems to do little more than bruise our egos? So, I asked one of the smartest people I know, Dr. Roman Wesołowski, who is a physicist; he compared our bodies to steel bridges. “A new bridge with a fresh build and brand new parts is much stronger and can withstand harder shocks, whereas older bridges' materials wear off, get corroded, and therefore, their strength is compromised.”
The other day in conversation I heard someone say that falls did not have as significant an impact on society as breast cancer. I believe awareness of all illnesses and safety issues are important. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in 2005 (the most recent year numbers are available), 186,467 women were diagnosed with breast cancer. When comparing that number to the number of falls in 2005, there were 1.8 million Americans ages 65 and older who were treated in emergency departments for nonfatal falls, with nearly 450,000 people requiring hospitalization, which cost over $19 billion. That total is expected to reach $55 billion by 2020 and does not include the $200 million cost of fatal falls.
One in three adults, 65 and older, fall each year (CDC); of those who fall, 20% to 30% suffer moderate to severe injuries, making it harder for them to get around or live independently and increasing their chances of an early death. Within this age group, falls are the leading cause of injury related deaths. Older adults are hospitalized for fall related injuries 5 times more often than they are for injuries from other causes.
So, how can we protect ourselves and those closest to us from falling? Studies have shown that simple balancing exercises, such as Tai Chi, may reduce falls by as much as 60%. Look around the home and remove any physical hazards that could cause a fall, such as unsecured throw rugs, books, newspapers, and other clutter in walkways. It is important to have proper lighting, particularly on pathways and routes to the bathroom at night. Installing handrails on stairways and grab bars in bathrooms can also be helpful in preventing falls.
Don’t let trip rugs and clutter become the bucking bronco in a day at the rodeo. Nothing is worse than realizing you have injured more than your ego, because of something you could have prevented.
Howard Baker, RN BSN
For questions, comments, or suggestions on topics you want to read about please e-mail me at: howard@howardsbaker.com
Monday, March 15, 2010
Would You Wrestle An Alligator?
Would you jump in a pen and wrestle a half crazed alligator? Probably not! Well, March is National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, and according to the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer related deaths in the United States. The sad thing is that in 60% of the cases, colorectal cancer is preventable with routine screenings.
So, who is at risk for colorectal cancer? You are considered to be at average risk if you are 50 years old or older with no other risk factors. Men have an average lifetime risk of colorectal cancer of about one in seventeen; whereas, women’s risk is about one in nineteen. People at higher risk are those with a close family member such as a parent, sibling, or child who has had the disease, or those who have had colorectal cancer or precancerous polyps. Race also plays a significant role. Blacks are more likely than any other racial group to develop colorectal cancer and have lower survival rates. Most healthcare providers agree that if you’re black, screening should start at age 45 instead of 50.
It is thought that a high fat, low fiber diet can increase your likelihood of colorectal cancer. Obesity, diabetes, and heavy alcohol intake can also increase your risk. A sedentary lifestyle can also put you at higher risk, as well as the good health nemesis—smoking! It has also been shown that people of Ashkenazi ancestry (Jews of Eastern European descent) are more likely to develop colorectal cancer. In 2006 in Poland, it was found that men were more likely to have larger polyps at a younger age; the study’s authors recommended that screening begin at age 40 for men.
Signs and symptoms of colorectal cancer usually do not appear until the disease has progressed to the advanced stages, which also reduces your chance of a cure. When polyps and early stage cancers are found and removed before symptoms are noticed, you increase your five year survival rate by 90%. The following are symptoms: a change in bowel habits, including diarrhea or constipation; narrow, pencil-thin stools; rectal bleeding or blood in your stools; persistent abdominal pain, gas, cramps, or discomfort; the feeling that your bowel doesn’t empty completely; or unexplained weight loss. These symptoms could have many different meanings to your health, so you should seek the advice of your healthcare provider if you experience any of the above symptoms.
You might have a chance of taking that half crazed alligator by the tail and smacking him on the nose a time or two and escaping with a few minor scratches, but why take the risk? You could also never get tested for colorectal cancer and never contract the disease. However, I personally wouldn’t take my chances with either. Getting bitten in either case could mean a lot of pain and suffering that could have been prevented by using a little common sense. Be proactive, know your risks, don’t play the odds, and get tested—it may save your life.
Because of the importance of this topic and an overwhelming positive response, this column is being repeated.
Howard Baker, RN BSN
For questions, comments, or suggestions on topics you want to read about please e-mail me at: howard@howardsbaker.com
So, who is at risk for colorectal cancer? You are considered to be at average risk if you are 50 years old or older with no other risk factors. Men have an average lifetime risk of colorectal cancer of about one in seventeen; whereas, women’s risk is about one in nineteen. People at higher risk are those with a close family member such as a parent, sibling, or child who has had the disease, or those who have had colorectal cancer or precancerous polyps. Race also plays a significant role. Blacks are more likely than any other racial group to develop colorectal cancer and have lower survival rates. Most healthcare providers agree that if you’re black, screening should start at age 45 instead of 50.
It is thought that a high fat, low fiber diet can increase your likelihood of colorectal cancer. Obesity, diabetes, and heavy alcohol intake can also increase your risk. A sedentary lifestyle can also put you at higher risk, as well as the good health nemesis—smoking! It has also been shown that people of Ashkenazi ancestry (Jews of Eastern European descent) are more likely to develop colorectal cancer. In 2006 in Poland, it was found that men were more likely to have larger polyps at a younger age; the study’s authors recommended that screening begin at age 40 for men.
Signs and symptoms of colorectal cancer usually do not appear until the disease has progressed to the advanced stages, which also reduces your chance of a cure. When polyps and early stage cancers are found and removed before symptoms are noticed, you increase your five year survival rate by 90%. The following are symptoms: a change in bowel habits, including diarrhea or constipation; narrow, pencil-thin stools; rectal bleeding or blood in your stools; persistent abdominal pain, gas, cramps, or discomfort; the feeling that your bowel doesn’t empty completely; or unexplained weight loss. These symptoms could have many different meanings to your health, so you should seek the advice of your healthcare provider if you experience any of the above symptoms.
You might have a chance of taking that half crazed alligator by the tail and smacking him on the nose a time or two and escaping with a few minor scratches, but why take the risk? You could also never get tested for colorectal cancer and never contract the disease. However, I personally wouldn’t take my chances with either. Getting bitten in either case could mean a lot of pain and suffering that could have been prevented by using a little common sense. Be proactive, know your risks, don’t play the odds, and get tested—it may save your life.
Because of the importance of this topic and an overwhelming positive response, this column is being repeated.
Howard Baker, RN BSN
For questions, comments, or suggestions on topics you want to read about please e-mail me at: howard@howardsbaker.com
Sunday, March 7, 2010
It's All Natural
It seems that every time I turn on the radio or television, I hear the claim “It’s all natural” as if all natural is always good for us. The other day I went into one of those bath and body stores to purchase shaving cream, when the sales clerk approached me with the hope of selling a new and improved shaving cream and aftershave combo pack. I explained that I was happy with my current brand of shaving cream and had used it for years with great success, without breakouts to my sensitive skin, when she exclaimed, “Sir, it’s all natural.” I quipped, “Well, poison ivy is all natural—but I won’t be rubbing it on my face.”
Radio and television ads seem to be obsessed with “all natural” from skin care products to alternatives for Viagra® and Prozac®. Our obsession with natural is fueled by the appeal to be “wholesome,” “green,” “organic,” and yes, “all natural.” Is it possible that our fixation on natural has led us to falsely believe that “all natural” is better for us, without questioning whether or not it’s safe? Belladonna (Solanum) sap, mercury, and arsenic are a few examples of “all natural,” or should I say—naturally deadly.
With all the hype surrounding the legalization of marijuana (for medicinal purposes), some proponents say it is “harmless and good for you” because it’s an “all natural” herb that can have health benefits. I heard a report of a woman who claimed it was safe to breastfeed while smoking marijuana, because it’s “natural.” Another person argued that marijuana is safe because there are no known cases of anyone overdosing on it. Maybe those opinions are proof that marijuana is bad for you, because those people seem to have smoked from the same wacky pipe. I question beliefs such as the following: hot smoke in your lungs is okay, and something that can cause anxiety, depression, and psychosis without killing you cannot be bad as long as it’s all natural.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued dietary supplement alerts and information about many all natural ingredients, including these common products: aristolochic acid, silver (colloidal silver), ephedrine, kava, red yeast rice, and St. John’s wort. As reported by the FDA, St. John’s wort may interfere with prescription medications used to treat medical conditions such as heart disease, depression, seizures, certain cancers, and oral contraceptives. Red yeast rice may cause permanent kidney impairment, especially when used with antibiotics, medications for high cholesterol, and drugs used to treat fungal and HIV infections. These are only two examples of all natural products that may cause harm.
If you are considering using any dietary supplement or all natural products, first gather information from reliable sources such as the FDA (www.fda.gov), National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (www.nccam.nih.gov), and my favorite consumer health source, the Preston Medical Library at library@utmck.edu or call 865-305-9525. These are free community resources available to you no matter where you live. I encourage you to take advantage of them whenever possible.
Don’t get me wrong—I am a strong proponent of natural alternatives such as acupuncture, massage, and herbs. However, just because something is natural and organic doesn’t mean that it is safe to use in every situation. Please discuss any herbs, dietary supplements, or alternative medicine with your healthcare provider. Never underestimate the power of Mother Nature
Howard Baker, RN BSN
For questions, comments, or suggestions on topics you want to read about please e-mail me at: howard@howardsbaker.com
Radio and television ads seem to be obsessed with “all natural” from skin care products to alternatives for Viagra® and Prozac®. Our obsession with natural is fueled by the appeal to be “wholesome,” “green,” “organic,” and yes, “all natural.” Is it possible that our fixation on natural has led us to falsely believe that “all natural” is better for us, without questioning whether or not it’s safe? Belladonna (Solanum) sap, mercury, and arsenic are a few examples of “all natural,” or should I say—naturally deadly.
With all the hype surrounding the legalization of marijuana (for medicinal purposes), some proponents say it is “harmless and good for you” because it’s an “all natural” herb that can have health benefits. I heard a report of a woman who claimed it was safe to breastfeed while smoking marijuana, because it’s “natural.” Another person argued that marijuana is safe because there are no known cases of anyone overdosing on it. Maybe those opinions are proof that marijuana is bad for you, because those people seem to have smoked from the same wacky pipe. I question beliefs such as the following: hot smoke in your lungs is okay, and something that can cause anxiety, depression, and psychosis without killing you cannot be bad as long as it’s all natural.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued dietary supplement alerts and information about many all natural ingredients, including these common products: aristolochic acid, silver (colloidal silver), ephedrine, kava, red yeast rice, and St. John’s wort. As reported by the FDA, St. John’s wort may interfere with prescription medications used to treat medical conditions such as heart disease, depression, seizures, certain cancers, and oral contraceptives. Red yeast rice may cause permanent kidney impairment, especially when used with antibiotics, medications for high cholesterol, and drugs used to treat fungal and HIV infections. These are only two examples of all natural products that may cause harm.
If you are considering using any dietary supplement or all natural products, first gather information from reliable sources such as the FDA (www.fda.gov), National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (www.nccam.nih.gov), and my favorite consumer health source, the Preston Medical Library at library@utmck.edu or call 865-305-9525. These are free community resources available to you no matter where you live. I encourage you to take advantage of them whenever possible.
Don’t get me wrong—I am a strong proponent of natural alternatives such as acupuncture, massage, and herbs. However, just because something is natural and organic doesn’t mean that it is safe to use in every situation. Please discuss any herbs, dietary supplements, or alternative medicine with your healthcare provider. Never underestimate the power of Mother Nature
Howard Baker, RN BSN
For questions, comments, or suggestions on topics you want to read about please e-mail me at: howard@howardsbaker.com
Monday, February 22, 2010
Just Relax
What a week of stress! I have always thought of myself as being able to handle a lot of stress and have thrived with a little stress in my life. Wrestling with my expectations and setting deadlines while keeping life at a high pace often creates and magnifies my stress. My career goals, educational endeavors, family obligations, community volunteering, committees, friends, and the continuous news coverage of every pothole, celebrity burp, and political view have become more stressful than I have been able to simply shrug off. What has happened over the past few months? Have I gotten older and less able to adapt? Is it the political climate and our economy, or are the stressors in my life creating all the chaos?
The phenomenon of chaos has become something I enjoy studying and exploring. I think it is important to realize that each of us reacts or responds to chaos and stress in different ways. What is stressful or chaotic for one person might be a walk in the park for someone else. Also, it’s important to be sensitive to those around us who are experiencing stress. Give support to those closest to you when they are experiencing high levels of stress. Sometimes all it takes to bring calm to the chaos is caring enough to give a different perspective and share experiences.
We have all heard the proverb: “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” During times of stress, there are no truer words. Learning to identify the triggers of stress and avoid them is the first line of defense against becoming overloaded, overextended, and frustrated. Sometimes learning to say “no” to one more committee, church project, extra shift at work, or family obligation and taking the time to relax would be enough to keep stress at bay. However, sometimes even with the best intentions of avoiding stress, we still find ourselves stressed and out of control.
Few things in life are free, but relaxation is free and full of benefits to those who master the techniques. Relaxation techniques are kind of like fire prevention—it’s too late to prevent the fire once the house is ablaze; you may also find the techniques frustrating and difficult to master if you wait until you are in a crisis to learn them. Practice makes perfect, so set aside 30 minutes to an hour of your day to experiment with different techniques to find the one that works best for you.
Progressive muscle relaxation: In this technique, you focus on slowly tensing and then relaxing each muscle group. This helps you to focus on the difference between muscle tension and relaxation. You become more aware of physical sensations. One method is to start by tensing and relaxing the muscles in your toes and progressively working your way up to your neck and head. Tense your muscles for at least five seconds and then relax for 30 seconds, then repeat.
Guided meditation: In this technique, you form mental images to take a visual journey to a peaceful, calming place or situation. During visualization, try to use as many senses as you can, including smell, sight, sound, and touch. If you imagine relaxing at the ocean, think about the smell of salt water, the sound of crashing waves, and the warmth of the sun on your body.
I have only mentioned two examples of relaxation techniques but there are many techniques available, including but not limited to yoga, laughter, music, exercise, and Tai Chi. There are several resources on the Internet: the Mayo Clinic at www.mayoclinic.com; The Anxiety Community at www.anxietyhelp.org; and the Preston Medical Library at library@utmck.edu or call 865-305-9525. These are free community resources available to you no matter where you live. I encourage you to take advantage of them whenever possible.
Don’t let stress get the best of you; laugh a little more and relax. Stress can affect your health in many ways— if you find that stress is overwhelming you, talk with your healthcare provider; don’t go it alone!
Howard Baker, RN BSN
For questions, comments, or suggestions on topics you want to read about please e-mail me at: howard@howardsbaker.com
The phenomenon of chaos has become something I enjoy studying and exploring. I think it is important to realize that each of us reacts or responds to chaos and stress in different ways. What is stressful or chaotic for one person might be a walk in the park for someone else. Also, it’s important to be sensitive to those around us who are experiencing stress. Give support to those closest to you when they are experiencing high levels of stress. Sometimes all it takes to bring calm to the chaos is caring enough to give a different perspective and share experiences.
We have all heard the proverb: “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” During times of stress, there are no truer words. Learning to identify the triggers of stress and avoid them is the first line of defense against becoming overloaded, overextended, and frustrated. Sometimes learning to say “no” to one more committee, church project, extra shift at work, or family obligation and taking the time to relax would be enough to keep stress at bay. However, sometimes even with the best intentions of avoiding stress, we still find ourselves stressed and out of control.
Few things in life are free, but relaxation is free and full of benefits to those who master the techniques. Relaxation techniques are kind of like fire prevention—it’s too late to prevent the fire once the house is ablaze; you may also find the techniques frustrating and difficult to master if you wait until you are in a crisis to learn them. Practice makes perfect, so set aside 30 minutes to an hour of your day to experiment with different techniques to find the one that works best for you.
Progressive muscle relaxation: In this technique, you focus on slowly tensing and then relaxing each muscle group. This helps you to focus on the difference between muscle tension and relaxation. You become more aware of physical sensations. One method is to start by tensing and relaxing the muscles in your toes and progressively working your way up to your neck and head. Tense your muscles for at least five seconds and then relax for 30 seconds, then repeat.
Guided meditation: In this technique, you form mental images to take a visual journey to a peaceful, calming place or situation. During visualization, try to use as many senses as you can, including smell, sight, sound, and touch. If you imagine relaxing at the ocean, think about the smell of salt water, the sound of crashing waves, and the warmth of the sun on your body.
I have only mentioned two examples of relaxation techniques but there are many techniques available, including but not limited to yoga, laughter, music, exercise, and Tai Chi. There are several resources on the Internet: the Mayo Clinic at www.mayoclinic.com; The Anxiety Community at www.anxietyhelp.org; and the Preston Medical Library at library@utmck.edu or call 865-305-9525. These are free community resources available to you no matter where you live. I encourage you to take advantage of them whenever possible.
Don’t let stress get the best of you; laugh a little more and relax. Stress can affect your health in many ways— if you find that stress is overwhelming you, talk with your healthcare provider; don’t go it alone!
Howard Baker, RN BSN
For questions, comments, or suggestions on topics you want to read about please e-mail me at: howard@howardsbaker.com
Monday, February 15, 2010
The Power of Storytelling
Storytelling has been an intricate part of my personality for as long as I can remember. As a nurse I often interweave stories and patient education in an effort to bring awareness to a topic in a different and refreshing way. Last February I wrote a column promoting pacemaker donations from humans to dogs. Recently, the power of those words reached far beyond my expectations when I received two donated pacemakers for animal use.
As a nurse I am a strong proponent of organ donation, and I am an organ donor myself. When you see organ recipients and their families, you are able to conceptualize the magnitude that organ donation has for both the donor and the recipient. From a donor’s viewpoint, you know that someday you will make someone else’s life better, and that you have offered the ultimate humanitarian gift—life. Often, the recipient is given new freedom and is better able to enjoy things that most of us take for granted.
If we stop and think about our health and the health of our pets, we realize that the two are interrelated. Our pets become part of our family. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, pets can help decrease blood pressure, cholesterol and triglyceride levels, and feelings of loneliness. Dogs, cats, and horses can suffer cardiac abnormalities similar to those in humans, and they exhibit identical symptoms, such as fainting episodes and exercise intolerance.
When the idea of pacemaker donations from humans to dogs was first discussed with me, my mind reeled with ethical and moral questions on a professional and a personal level. As an animal lover, I have a lot of difficulty thinking about animals suffering needlessly or at the hands of neglect. Because I am a proponent of organ donation, it didn’t take long to wrap my head around the concept. I started thinking about all the people I knew and the patients I have cared for who have pacemakers. Because you cannot donate pacemakers from human to human, the benefits of donation from human to animal became clear. So why not keep the beat going in a beloved pet? It became easy to see that a lot of pacemakers out there could benefit another life and keep joy in the hearts of many.
It has been estimated that pacemakers can prolong a dog’s life for five years. Pacemakers cost around $6,000, making them cost prohibitive for most pet owners. Also, it has been estimated that 90% of dogs needing pacemakers do not get them. Manufacturers will donate pacemakers when their expiration dates are near; however, these devices are too few to serve all the needs.
Think about all of the ways that animals enrich our lives; they put smiles on faces, old and young alike. Why not will your pacemaker or donate a loved one’s pacemaker to extend the life of a beloved pet or service animal? Donating or willing a pacemaker is simple; ask the funeral home staff to remove the pacemaker and give it to you or a loved one. If a body is being cremated, the pacemaker has to be removed anyway; therefore, funeral homes have staff members who are experienced in the removal.
One of my most humbling experiences was holding a donated pacemaker from someone I never knew who gave unselfishly of himself to benefit an animal’s life. In those moments I realized that the human–animal bond is a gift, serving as a smaller part of a bigger love. I understood the power of a story to move someone to help another.
Donated pacemakers can benefit horses, cats, dogs, and those who love them. People can make a difference in animals’ lives and in the lives they touch.
Howard Baker, RN BSN
For questions, comments, or suggestions on topics you want to read about please email me at: howard@howardsbaker.com
As a nurse I am a strong proponent of organ donation, and I am an organ donor myself. When you see organ recipients and their families, you are able to conceptualize the magnitude that organ donation has for both the donor and the recipient. From a donor’s viewpoint, you know that someday you will make someone else’s life better, and that you have offered the ultimate humanitarian gift—life. Often, the recipient is given new freedom and is better able to enjoy things that most of us take for granted.
If we stop and think about our health and the health of our pets, we realize that the two are interrelated. Our pets become part of our family. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, pets can help decrease blood pressure, cholesterol and triglyceride levels, and feelings of loneliness. Dogs, cats, and horses can suffer cardiac abnormalities similar to those in humans, and they exhibit identical symptoms, such as fainting episodes and exercise intolerance.
When the idea of pacemaker donations from humans to dogs was first discussed with me, my mind reeled with ethical and moral questions on a professional and a personal level. As an animal lover, I have a lot of difficulty thinking about animals suffering needlessly or at the hands of neglect. Because I am a proponent of organ donation, it didn’t take long to wrap my head around the concept. I started thinking about all the people I knew and the patients I have cared for who have pacemakers. Because you cannot donate pacemakers from human to human, the benefits of donation from human to animal became clear. So why not keep the beat going in a beloved pet? It became easy to see that a lot of pacemakers out there could benefit another life and keep joy in the hearts of many.
It has been estimated that pacemakers can prolong a dog’s life for five years. Pacemakers cost around $6,000, making them cost prohibitive for most pet owners. Also, it has been estimated that 90% of dogs needing pacemakers do not get them. Manufacturers will donate pacemakers when their expiration dates are near; however, these devices are too few to serve all the needs.
Think about all of the ways that animals enrich our lives; they put smiles on faces, old and young alike. Why not will your pacemaker or donate a loved one’s pacemaker to extend the life of a beloved pet or service animal? Donating or willing a pacemaker is simple; ask the funeral home staff to remove the pacemaker and give it to you or a loved one. If a body is being cremated, the pacemaker has to be removed anyway; therefore, funeral homes have staff members who are experienced in the removal.
One of my most humbling experiences was holding a donated pacemaker from someone I never knew who gave unselfishly of himself to benefit an animal’s life. In those moments I realized that the human–animal bond is a gift, serving as a smaller part of a bigger love. I understood the power of a story to move someone to help another.
Donated pacemakers can benefit horses, cats, dogs, and those who love them. People can make a difference in animals’ lives and in the lives they touch.
Howard Baker, RN BSN
For questions, comments, or suggestions on topics you want to read about please email me at: howard@howardsbaker.com
Saturday, February 6, 2010
Wisdom of a Wannabe "Town Girl"
Some of my richest childhood memories are of my grandmother. Our relationship continued to grow stronger throughout the years of our lives. She was always lighthearted with a smile and a joke for anyone who would sit and listen to her spin a tale full of humor and chuckles. My grandmother never met a stranger and with the blink of her eye and the crack of her smile, the room would erupt in laughter, and a friendship was born. The circus that seemed to always be in my grandmother’s midst was colorful, filled with smiles, and lots of laughter. Growing up, I thought she was the ringmaster, cracking her wit at every turn. Later in life I realized the many valuable lessons I learned from my grandmother during our laughter and lighthearted conversations.
One of my favorite pictures of my grandmother is of her in her twenties in a bathing suit at the water’s edge. I always thought she was so beautiful in that picture, and although I never saw my grandmother smoke a cigarette, it was known that she was a smoker during that era of her life. I never knew my grandmother without emphysema, caused by cigarette smoking in her younger years. Even though never spoken, the most important health lesson that my grandmother taught me was this one: Do not smoke. I knew that smoking robbed us of many walks, swims, and our ability to enjoy life on a whim. My grandmother always said that if she wasn’t sick, she would be a real “town girl.”
During my nursing career I have witnessed countless patients trying to mentally and emotionally work through a serious medical diagnosis. However, few things in medicine bring about more anxiety for patients than difficulty with breathing. Is it any wonder that people who suffer from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) also have a high incidence of anxiety and depression? Those who suffer from COPD are faced with loss of function, social isolation, and constant worry of being able to bring moments of breathlessness under control.
According to one study, about 80% of people with COPD suffer from depression, anxiety, or both. Studies also indicate that women are at a higher risk of suffering from the emotional effects of COPD. I think it is important for caregivers and loved ones to be on the lookout for the signs and symptoms of anxiety and depression, and if needed, seek medical treatment from a healthcare provider. The good news is that these conditions are treatable, and early medical intervention may improve results and save the whole family a lot of stress and anxiety.
It is important to understand that many medications used to treat COPD can also lead to depression and emotional anxiety. Adding anxiety and depression to an episode of shortness of breath only compounds the problem, making symptoms worse while decreasing the ability to participate in daily living. Recognizing and understanding the benefits of early treatment for the emotional aspects of COPD will improve overall quality of life.
The unspoken words from a wannabe “town girl” if you smoke: Stop! There is nothing sexy or glamorous about not being able to breathe or oxygen tubing. I often look back on my childhood experiences and reflect on how they have affected me in adulthood. I am sure that my grandmother missed out on things with me that she would have liked to have experienced. As for me, I know I missed out on a whole circus of experiences, smiles, and laughter that I will never know.
Howard Baker, RN BSN
For questions, comments, or suggestions on topics you want to read about please email me at: howard@howardsbaker.com
One of my favorite pictures of my grandmother is of her in her twenties in a bathing suit at the water’s edge. I always thought she was so beautiful in that picture, and although I never saw my grandmother smoke a cigarette, it was known that she was a smoker during that era of her life. I never knew my grandmother without emphysema, caused by cigarette smoking in her younger years. Even though never spoken, the most important health lesson that my grandmother taught me was this one: Do not smoke. I knew that smoking robbed us of many walks, swims, and our ability to enjoy life on a whim. My grandmother always said that if she wasn’t sick, she would be a real “town girl.”
During my nursing career I have witnessed countless patients trying to mentally and emotionally work through a serious medical diagnosis. However, few things in medicine bring about more anxiety for patients than difficulty with breathing. Is it any wonder that people who suffer from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) also have a high incidence of anxiety and depression? Those who suffer from COPD are faced with loss of function, social isolation, and constant worry of being able to bring moments of breathlessness under control.
According to one study, about 80% of people with COPD suffer from depression, anxiety, or both. Studies also indicate that women are at a higher risk of suffering from the emotional effects of COPD. I think it is important for caregivers and loved ones to be on the lookout for the signs and symptoms of anxiety and depression, and if needed, seek medical treatment from a healthcare provider. The good news is that these conditions are treatable, and early medical intervention may improve results and save the whole family a lot of stress and anxiety.
It is important to understand that many medications used to treat COPD can also lead to depression and emotional anxiety. Adding anxiety and depression to an episode of shortness of breath only compounds the problem, making symptoms worse while decreasing the ability to participate in daily living. Recognizing and understanding the benefits of early treatment for the emotional aspects of COPD will improve overall quality of life.
The unspoken words from a wannabe “town girl” if you smoke: Stop! There is nothing sexy or glamorous about not being able to breathe or oxygen tubing. I often look back on my childhood experiences and reflect on how they have affected me in adulthood. I am sure that my grandmother missed out on things with me that she would have liked to have experienced. As for me, I know I missed out on a whole circus of experiences, smiles, and laughter that I will never know.
Howard Baker, RN BSN
For questions, comments, or suggestions on topics you want to read about please email me at: howard@howardsbaker.com
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
An Old Man's Elixir
This past week just about everyone I know was suffering with some kind of head and chest congestion accompanied with fits of coughing and sneezing, leaving the strongest person feeling tired and defeated. I was not immune to this wicked cold, finding myself reaching for over-the-counter medications and homemade remedies such as grandpa’s secret cough syrup. I can remember growing up and faking a cough in hopes of getting a good swig of my grandpa’s secret concoction of peppermint candy and moonshine mixed with just the right amount of honey and an unknown ingredient. One thing was for sure, if you had a cough, by the time one good swig of grandpa’s magic anti-coughing elixir hit your stomach, you didn’t have enough air left in your lungs to cough, speak, breathe, or do anything else for that matter. I was never sure if his concoction fixed the cough, or if we simply passed out from the lack of oxygen. My grandpa was a welder/electrician who made his living in the coal mines of southeastern Kentucky. He was a simple, hard-working man with a love for God, country, and family. He made his anti-coughing elixir for medicinal purposes only.
This past week as I coughed and coughed, I found myself searching for anything that would calm my coughing, which seemed to incorporate every muscle and cell of my being as I tried to expel whatever demon had taken over my body. I stood in my local drugstore searching for the magic pill, liquid, or combination that would calm the storm within and allow me to sleep. I realized that I was not alone in my search, and as I listened to those around me talk about what they had tried or what had worked for them or a family member, that’s when it hit me. YIKES! What other drugs and combinations of drugs are they taking and do they understand the risks of taking over-the-counter medications?
It is important, especially when we are not feeling our best, that we use a little common sense as we reach for an over-the-counter medication. The Consumer Healthcare Products Association (CHPA) Educational Foundation suggests these tips to ensure safe use of over-the-counter medicines:
Tip 1: Always read and follow the Drug Facts label.
Tip 2: Never take more than one medicine with the same active ingredient unless specifically told to do so by your healthcare provider.
Tip 3: Choose products that treat only the symptoms you have, so you take only the active ingredients you need.
Tip 4: Talk to your doctor if taking an over-the-counter medicine becomes more than a temporary practice or if your symptoms do not go away.
Tip 5: Create a list of all the medicines you take and share it with your healthcare professional(s).
Tip 6: Tell your healthcare professional(s) about your full medical history and eating habits.
Tip 7: Bring any questions you have to a healthcare professional, such as a doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.
We have come a long way since the days of grandpa’s anti-coughing elixir as we have moved toward more modern conveniences. But none will ever take the place of the love and knowledge of an old man’s elixir. In these tough economic times, many of us are faced with loss of jobs and health insurance. At the very least, make it a point to discuss any over-the-counter medications or home remedies with your pharmacist. Follow the instructions completely and remember—just because a medicine is over-the-counter, doesn’t mean it is safe. Visit www.OTCsafety.org for other educational tips on keeping you and your family safe when you self medicate.
Howard Baker, RN BSN
For questions, comments, or suggestions on topics you want to read about please email me at: howard@howardsbaker.com
This past week as I coughed and coughed, I found myself searching for anything that would calm my coughing, which seemed to incorporate every muscle and cell of my being as I tried to expel whatever demon had taken over my body. I stood in my local drugstore searching for the magic pill, liquid, or combination that would calm the storm within and allow me to sleep. I realized that I was not alone in my search, and as I listened to those around me talk about what they had tried or what had worked for them or a family member, that’s when it hit me. YIKES! What other drugs and combinations of drugs are they taking and do they understand the risks of taking over-the-counter medications?
It is important, especially when we are not feeling our best, that we use a little common sense as we reach for an over-the-counter medication. The Consumer Healthcare Products Association (CHPA) Educational Foundation suggests these tips to ensure safe use of over-the-counter medicines:
Tip 1: Always read and follow the Drug Facts label.
Tip 2: Never take more than one medicine with the same active ingredient unless specifically told to do so by your healthcare provider.
Tip 3: Choose products that treat only the symptoms you have, so you take only the active ingredients you need.
Tip 4: Talk to your doctor if taking an over-the-counter medicine becomes more than a temporary practice or if your symptoms do not go away.
Tip 5: Create a list of all the medicines you take and share it with your healthcare professional(s).
Tip 6: Tell your healthcare professional(s) about your full medical history and eating habits.
Tip 7: Bring any questions you have to a healthcare professional, such as a doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.
We have come a long way since the days of grandpa’s anti-coughing elixir as we have moved toward more modern conveniences. But none will ever take the place of the love and knowledge of an old man’s elixir. In these tough economic times, many of us are faced with loss of jobs and health insurance. At the very least, make it a point to discuss any over-the-counter medications or home remedies with your pharmacist. Follow the instructions completely and remember—just because a medicine is over-the-counter, doesn’t mean it is safe. Visit www.OTCsafety.org for other educational tips on keeping you and your family safe when you self medicate.
Howard Baker, RN BSN
For questions, comments, or suggestions on topics you want to read about please email me at: howard@howardsbaker.com
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Honey Buns-Brain Food?
Often I recall these resonating words recited to me by Coach Whaley, one of my high school history teachers: “Baker, you need to eat more Honey Buns—they’re brain food.” I chuckle about these words because, even to this day before I take a test, I hear his voice saying, “Baker, you need to eat more Honey Buns—they’re brain food.” I wonder if Coach Whaley understood that our brains are glucose “hogs” and eating a lot of sugar increases glucose levels in the blood stream, which will increase brain stimulation. Years later in nursing school, Coach Whaley’s theory that eating Honey Buns would increase test scores was validated for me. I cannot remember ever taking a test without having some sort of high sugar content candy, such as Skittles or Hot Tamales.
Because of early life experiences, it becomes easy to see the role that mood and food play in our capacity to lose weight. Stress and emotional eating can sabotage our health and weight loss goals, especially when we turn to our favorite comfort foods that are often sugary, fatty, and high in calories. Emotional eating as defined by the Mayo Clinic is “eating as a way to suppress or sooth negative emotions, such as stress, anger, fear, boredom, sadness, and loneliness.” Stress comes in many different shapes and sizes; the way each of us deals with life’s challenges is individualized. An inconvenience to you or me may be a complete life altering event for someone else—either way, life’s challenges may lead to emotional eating.
Today’s ever changing environment of unemployment, stressful working conditions, health problems, bad weather, world disasters, and politics are often compounded by financial challenges and fatigue. Is it any wonder why we as a nation are becoming more obese? Some people eat less when faced with stress and emotions, but many turn to impulsive or binge eating, which usually means comfort foods rather than healthy foods.
My comfort foods are “brain food” laden with sugar, butter, and spice. It is important not to let food become a distraction from conflict and to deal with stress head on. Regardless of what drives us to overeating, the result is usually reflected on the scale and felt in our waistlines. The comfort food roller coaster may become a pattern of strong feelings, emotional eating, and derailed goals with a destination of guilt.
To help stop emotional eating, I suggest these tips:
Tame your stress: Try a stress management technique such as meditation or yoga.
Hunger reality check: Is your hunger physical or emotional?
Food diary: Knowing when, what, and how much food you eat as well as your hunger level may reveal a connection between mood and food.
Support: A good network of friends and family will help protect you against giving in to emotional eating. Consider joining a support group.
Boredom: Take a walk, call a friend, play with a pet, or read instead of eating when bored.
Remove temptation: As my friend Terri says, “Don’t take little snack cakes home—it may be too hard to resist the temptation.” Postpone trips to the grocery store when you’re angry, sad, or hungry.
Healthy snacks: If you have to snack, choose a healthy snack such as fruits, vegetables, or low-fat, lower calorie versions of your favorite foods.
Get enough sleep: Getting enough sleep will not only help you burn calories but can give you more energy.
If you find yourself slipping away from your weight loss goals and healthy eating habits, please don’t beat yourself up with guilt. Recognize the reasons and learn from the experience; focus on the positive things you have learned and make a fresh start tomorrow. As always, it is important to discuss diet and exercise changes as well as your emotional health with your healthcare provider.
Howard Baker, RN BSN
For questions, comments, or suggestions on topics you want to read about please email me at: howard@howardsbaker.com
Because of early life experiences, it becomes easy to see the role that mood and food play in our capacity to lose weight. Stress and emotional eating can sabotage our health and weight loss goals, especially when we turn to our favorite comfort foods that are often sugary, fatty, and high in calories. Emotional eating as defined by the Mayo Clinic is “eating as a way to suppress or sooth negative emotions, such as stress, anger, fear, boredom, sadness, and loneliness.” Stress comes in many different shapes and sizes; the way each of us deals with life’s challenges is individualized. An inconvenience to you or me may be a complete life altering event for someone else—either way, life’s challenges may lead to emotional eating.
Today’s ever changing environment of unemployment, stressful working conditions, health problems, bad weather, world disasters, and politics are often compounded by financial challenges and fatigue. Is it any wonder why we as a nation are becoming more obese? Some people eat less when faced with stress and emotions, but many turn to impulsive or binge eating, which usually means comfort foods rather than healthy foods.
My comfort foods are “brain food” laden with sugar, butter, and spice. It is important not to let food become a distraction from conflict and to deal with stress head on. Regardless of what drives us to overeating, the result is usually reflected on the scale and felt in our waistlines. The comfort food roller coaster may become a pattern of strong feelings, emotional eating, and derailed goals with a destination of guilt.
To help stop emotional eating, I suggest these tips:
Tame your stress: Try a stress management technique such as meditation or yoga.
Hunger reality check: Is your hunger physical or emotional?
Food diary: Knowing when, what, and how much food you eat as well as your hunger level may reveal a connection between mood and food.
Support: A good network of friends and family will help protect you against giving in to emotional eating. Consider joining a support group.
Boredom: Take a walk, call a friend, play with a pet, or read instead of eating when bored.
Remove temptation: As my friend Terri says, “Don’t take little snack cakes home—it may be too hard to resist the temptation.” Postpone trips to the grocery store when you’re angry, sad, or hungry.
Healthy snacks: If you have to snack, choose a healthy snack such as fruits, vegetables, or low-fat, lower calorie versions of your favorite foods.
Get enough sleep: Getting enough sleep will not only help you burn calories but can give you more energy.
If you find yourself slipping away from your weight loss goals and healthy eating habits, please don’t beat yourself up with guilt. Recognize the reasons and learn from the experience; focus on the positive things you have learned and make a fresh start tomorrow. As always, it is important to discuss diet and exercise changes as well as your emotional health with your healthcare provider.
Howard Baker, RN BSN
For questions, comments, or suggestions on topics you want to read about please email me at: howard@howardsbaker.com
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
It's More Than a Smile
Smiles can tell us a lot about a person. Sometimes we make judgments about a person based on his or her smile. Seemingly, we have gone crazy with teeth whitening to perfect our smiles. As I made my way through the mall during the Christmas season, I noticed people sitting in kiosks with these huge devises in their mouths while hundreds of people walked by, staring. Not for love or money could you get me into one of those chairs for teeth whitening.
As with most things that go wrong in my life, they seem to go wrong on major holidays, late at night, or on an island some place far away from any means of relief. This past Christmas was no exception. I started having a toothache on Christmas Eve while my dentist was on holiday. My first thought was that the pain would soon pass, and I would breeze through the family festivities and then see my dentist afterward. I vividly remember sitting in the dentist chair after the x-rays were taken and my cheerful dentist patting me on the shoulder as he said, “You need a root canal.” The news got worse as he continued to examine the x-rays; he said with that familiar doctor’s “hum, ahun, hmmm,” (as if he were puzzled): “It seems you need to see an endodontic specialist.” He told me that appointments were probably WEEKS out because of the holidays. I recall my head swimming in disbelief as my tooth started throbbing even louder while my dentist kept nodding in affirmation. At that moment I could envision myself having a root canal in Grand Central Station, a mall, an airport, or even on a roof top. Suddenly, I was willing to travel any distance, sit in any location, and tolerate any audience to get away from my awful toothache.
This brings me to “It’s More Than a Smile.” Our teeth are more than just pretty looks—in many ways our mouth is the window to our health. Our mouths naturally are full of bacteria; most of us keep the bacteria under control with good daily oral hygiene. Saliva contains an enzyme that helps to destroy bacteria and viruses in many different ways. So, if you suffer from dry mouth, it’s important to discuss that with your healthcare provider or dentist. Healthy gums help prevent bacteria from entering the bloodstream and contributing to or causing other health problems in the rest of our bodies.
Research suggests these conditions may be linked to oral health:
Cardiovascular disease—Clogged arteries, stroke, and endocarditis seem to have a strong association with periodontal disease. More studies are needed to determine the exact link.
Pregnancy—Gum disease has been linked to preterm and low-birth weight. That is why it’s necessary to maintain good oral health and hygiene before getting pregnant and to continue throughout pregnancy.
Osteoporosis—It may be possible to detect early signs of bone loss in our teeth. Frequent dental exams and x-rays by your dentist may reveal early signs of bone loss.
Diabetes— If you are a diabetic, it is imperative to maintain excellent oral hygiene and health. Diabetes can increase your risk for cavities and dry mouth, which can lead to tooth loss and oral infections. Poor oral health and oral infections may present the diabetic individual with unique challenges for controlling blood sugars, requiring more insulin.
Oral cancer—I think it is important to reiterate the risks associated with the good health nemesis, tobacco. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, each year more than 30,000 new cases of cancer of the oral cavity and pharynx are diagnosed, and 8,000 deaths related to oral cancer occur. The five-year survival rate for these cancers is only a staggering 50%. It’s in your best interest to prevent high risk behaviors, including cigarette, cigar, or pipe smoking and the use of smokeless tobacco.
Oral health enhances many aspects of our lives: kissing, touching, and expressing our feelings to one another. More importantly, poor oral health may affect our ability to chew and swallow, or give entry to harmful bacteria in the bloodstream, which could impact our overall health in different ways.
As for me, I think I will start having my teeth cleaned and checked the week before any major holiday to ensure that I don’t have to endure the pain and agony of something that might have been prevented by a more frequent check-up. It’s more than a smile, its good health!
Howard Baker, RN BSN
For questions, comments, or suggestions on topics you want to read about please email me at: howard@howardsbaker.com
As with most things that go wrong in my life, they seem to go wrong on major holidays, late at night, or on an island some place far away from any means of relief. This past Christmas was no exception. I started having a toothache on Christmas Eve while my dentist was on holiday. My first thought was that the pain would soon pass, and I would breeze through the family festivities and then see my dentist afterward. I vividly remember sitting in the dentist chair after the x-rays were taken and my cheerful dentist patting me on the shoulder as he said, “You need a root canal.” The news got worse as he continued to examine the x-rays; he said with that familiar doctor’s “hum, ahun, hmmm,” (as if he were puzzled): “It seems you need to see an endodontic specialist.” He told me that appointments were probably WEEKS out because of the holidays. I recall my head swimming in disbelief as my tooth started throbbing even louder while my dentist kept nodding in affirmation. At that moment I could envision myself having a root canal in Grand Central Station, a mall, an airport, or even on a roof top. Suddenly, I was willing to travel any distance, sit in any location, and tolerate any audience to get away from my awful toothache.
This brings me to “It’s More Than a Smile.” Our teeth are more than just pretty looks—in many ways our mouth is the window to our health. Our mouths naturally are full of bacteria; most of us keep the bacteria under control with good daily oral hygiene. Saliva contains an enzyme that helps to destroy bacteria and viruses in many different ways. So, if you suffer from dry mouth, it’s important to discuss that with your healthcare provider or dentist. Healthy gums help prevent bacteria from entering the bloodstream and contributing to or causing other health problems in the rest of our bodies.
Research suggests these conditions may be linked to oral health:
Cardiovascular disease—Clogged arteries, stroke, and endocarditis seem to have a strong association with periodontal disease. More studies are needed to determine the exact link.
Pregnancy—Gum disease has been linked to preterm and low-birth weight. That is why it’s necessary to maintain good oral health and hygiene before getting pregnant and to continue throughout pregnancy.
Osteoporosis—It may be possible to detect early signs of bone loss in our teeth. Frequent dental exams and x-rays by your dentist may reveal early signs of bone loss.
Diabetes— If you are a diabetic, it is imperative to maintain excellent oral hygiene and health. Diabetes can increase your risk for cavities and dry mouth, which can lead to tooth loss and oral infections. Poor oral health and oral infections may present the diabetic individual with unique challenges for controlling blood sugars, requiring more insulin.
Oral cancer—I think it is important to reiterate the risks associated with the good health nemesis, tobacco. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, each year more than 30,000 new cases of cancer of the oral cavity and pharynx are diagnosed, and 8,000 deaths related to oral cancer occur. The five-year survival rate for these cancers is only a staggering 50%. It’s in your best interest to prevent high risk behaviors, including cigarette, cigar, or pipe smoking and the use of smokeless tobacco.
Oral health enhances many aspects of our lives: kissing, touching, and expressing our feelings to one another. More importantly, poor oral health may affect our ability to chew and swallow, or give entry to harmful bacteria in the bloodstream, which could impact our overall health in different ways.
As for me, I think I will start having my teeth cleaned and checked the week before any major holiday to ensure that I don’t have to endure the pain and agony of something that might have been prevented by a more frequent check-up. It’s more than a smile, its good health!
Howard Baker, RN BSN
For questions, comments, or suggestions on topics you want to read about please email me at: howard@howardsbaker.com
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Tools of the Day
I often write on reflections from past experiences and how they relate to a current event. A professor of mine once told me that life’s experiences are like hooks on a wall on which to hang our stories. So, this week I went to the many hooks in my mind and contemplated which of my life experiences were most relevant to current topics concerning health and wellness. What I found to haunt my heart and soul more than anything else were the two separate accidental shooting deaths of two young men in my community. Being a staunch proponent of the Second Amendment, a gun owner, and an advocate for personal safety—I had many hooks I could choose from for this writing.
Why is it that guns are so mesmerizing to young and old alike? Is it because of Hollywood movies from The Alamo to Zombieland and the 1,400+ movies in-between—encouraging the fantasy of guns as glamorous without considering the final consequences of their use? Then of course, there are violent video games depicting a massacre in graphic detail—once again a lot of fantasy without the reality of finality. I watched in utter disbelief as my nephews played the video game, “Call to Duty Modern Warfare,” that they had received for Christmas. I was not fully over my shock of the “Call to Duty” game when my nephew was attempting to put together a gun that he had gotten as a Christmas gift. Suddenly, I found myself hypersensitive about gun safety because of the recent media coverage of the aforementioned accidental shootings, my personal history with guns, and history in the making with my young nephew. I had my nephew pull up on his new iPhone the news story of the two shootings, which he read aloud, and that ended with somber looks and a heightened awareness about the gun in the room.
Gun safety has to start with the mindset that guns are tools and, just like a saw, once the cut is made, it is permanent. My dad taught me from the very beginning that all guns are considered loaded—never think otherwise; never joke or play with guns because they are not toys. Never point a gun at anything you do not intend to shoot; know the target and what’s beyond it. Safety is knowledge, so never touch a gun that you are not intimately familiar with.
Guns are in about half of American households; therefore, even if you do not own a gun, the chance of your child coming into contact with a gun is significant. It is critical that your child knows what to do if he or she encounters a gun:
STOP
Don’t Touch
Leave the Area
Tell a Trusted Adult
Nothing takes the place of a little common sense. If you are not comfortable with or knowledgeable about guns, then a gun is not a great gift idea. If you own a gun, take the mystery and glamour out of guns by educating everyone in the household about gun safety and hazards. Always take a safety course before purchasing a gun; insist on knowing everything about it and share the knowledge with others in the home. There are a number of gun safety sites for children on the Internet. I like the National Rifle Association Eddie Eagle site at www.nrahq.org/safety/eddie/.
Remember, regardless of our personal views on gun ownership, our responsibilities are to teach our children gun safety, treat all guns with an undying respect, and never treat or view a gun as a toy. Gun ownership is a tremendous responsibility. Know your gun, lock your gun, and know its risk. Guns are not glamorous or cool—they are effective tools of protection and freedom.
Howard Baker, RN BSN
For questions, comments, or suggestions on topics you want to read about please email me at: howard@howardsbaker.com
Why is it that guns are so mesmerizing to young and old alike? Is it because of Hollywood movies from The Alamo to Zombieland and the 1,400+ movies in-between—encouraging the fantasy of guns as glamorous without considering the final consequences of their use? Then of course, there are violent video games depicting a massacre in graphic detail—once again a lot of fantasy without the reality of finality. I watched in utter disbelief as my nephews played the video game, “Call to Duty Modern Warfare,” that they had received for Christmas. I was not fully over my shock of the “Call to Duty” game when my nephew was attempting to put together a gun that he had gotten as a Christmas gift. Suddenly, I found myself hypersensitive about gun safety because of the recent media coverage of the aforementioned accidental shootings, my personal history with guns, and history in the making with my young nephew. I had my nephew pull up on his new iPhone the news story of the two shootings, which he read aloud, and that ended with somber looks and a heightened awareness about the gun in the room.
Gun safety has to start with the mindset that guns are tools and, just like a saw, once the cut is made, it is permanent. My dad taught me from the very beginning that all guns are considered loaded—never think otherwise; never joke or play with guns because they are not toys. Never point a gun at anything you do not intend to shoot; know the target and what’s beyond it. Safety is knowledge, so never touch a gun that you are not intimately familiar with.
Guns are in about half of American households; therefore, even if you do not own a gun, the chance of your child coming into contact with a gun is significant. It is critical that your child knows what to do if he or she encounters a gun:
STOP
Don’t Touch
Leave the Area
Tell a Trusted Adult
Nothing takes the place of a little common sense. If you are not comfortable with or knowledgeable about guns, then a gun is not a great gift idea. If you own a gun, take the mystery and glamour out of guns by educating everyone in the household about gun safety and hazards. Always take a safety course before purchasing a gun; insist on knowing everything about it and share the knowledge with others in the home. There are a number of gun safety sites for children on the Internet. I like the National Rifle Association Eddie Eagle site at www.nrahq.org/safety/eddie/.
Remember, regardless of our personal views on gun ownership, our responsibilities are to teach our children gun safety, treat all guns with an undying respect, and never treat or view a gun as a toy. Gun ownership is a tremendous responsibility. Know your gun, lock your gun, and know its risk. Guns are not glamorous or cool—they are effective tools of protection and freedom.
Howard Baker, RN BSN
For questions, comments, or suggestions on topics you want to read about please email me at: howard@howardsbaker.com
Sunday, January 3, 2010
What's So Funny?
Isn’t it funny how we create special moments, holidays, and traditions throughout our lives? If I were to spend too much time pondering how and why these traditions were set in motion, I am sure it would ruin part of the season’s magic for me. An example of this is the tradition of New Year’s resolutions— how many of us make them? A better question might be how many of us keep them or even remember our well-intentioned resolutions of years past? At first I thought it would be easy to remember my past New Year’s resolutions, so I sat down with pen and paper to write a long list of my personal resolution triumphs. To my dismay and disappointment, I could not recall a single one. I am sure that I have made many resolutions over the years: eat healthy, lose weight, get into shape, and cut out certain foods.
New Year’s resolutions have been around a very long time, dating back to 153 B.C., which is a little further back in history than I would like to cover in this column. In the early 1900s, we really started the New Year’s Eve celebration as we know it today. Nonetheless, the whole point of New Year’s resolutions is about looking forward to something better than we had yesterday; it’s about starting anew with the hope of a brighter, healthier tomorrow.
Here are the most common New Year’s resolutions I have heard recently: QUIT SMOKING, GET FIT, LOSE WEIGHT, GET ORGANIZED, GET OUT OF DEBT, ENJOY LIFE, GET A JOB, and VOLUNTEER. Actually, I like the sound of all of them, and who wouldn’t? They are all worthy routes to better health, better wealth, and better community. So, what do we need to do to stay true to our self promises and bring new joys, wealth, and happiness to our new year? I am glad you asked!
As I sat down to reflect on 2009, set my goals, and make my New Year’s resolution for 2010, I couldn’t help but laugh and that’s when the idea came to me. Laughter may very well hold the key to many of our successes, mentally and physically. It is estimated that the average child laughs 400 times a day, and by my calculations that’s a laugh every two and a half minutes. WOW! What happened in our journey to adulthood that squelched the laughter—robbing us not only of the quick pick-me-ups along the way but of all the many long lasting benefits that laughter has to offer?
Studies have shown that laughter improves oxygen in the blood, stimulates the heart and lungs, and increases endorphins (our natural painkiller) to the brain. A good ol’ belly laugh will heat up our stress responses, increasing our heart rate and blood pressure. When we cool down from the laugher, we’re more relaxed. The stimulation that laughter produces can soothe stomach aches and tension, reducing physical symptoms of stress. Laughter can also help us handle difficult situations a bit easier, decreasing depression and brightening our outlook on life.
In the coming months I will devote an entire column to the health benefits of laughter, which may very well be the link that gives us the power, incentive, and motivation to keep our sights on the things that are truly important, such as building friendships, improving our health, and exercising. In the meantime, think about making your New Year’s resolution something to laugh about. You might be surprised to find that a little laughter may hold the key to a brighter, healthier tomorrow.
Howard Baker, RN BSN
For questions, comments, or suggestions on topics you want to read about please email me at: howard@howardsbaker.com
New Year’s resolutions have been around a very long time, dating back to 153 B.C., which is a little further back in history than I would like to cover in this column. In the early 1900s, we really started the New Year’s Eve celebration as we know it today. Nonetheless, the whole point of New Year’s resolutions is about looking forward to something better than we had yesterday; it’s about starting anew with the hope of a brighter, healthier tomorrow.
Here are the most common New Year’s resolutions I have heard recently: QUIT SMOKING, GET FIT, LOSE WEIGHT, GET ORGANIZED, GET OUT OF DEBT, ENJOY LIFE, GET A JOB, and VOLUNTEER. Actually, I like the sound of all of them, and who wouldn’t? They are all worthy routes to better health, better wealth, and better community. So, what do we need to do to stay true to our self promises and bring new joys, wealth, and happiness to our new year? I am glad you asked!
As I sat down to reflect on 2009, set my goals, and make my New Year’s resolution for 2010, I couldn’t help but laugh and that’s when the idea came to me. Laughter may very well hold the key to many of our successes, mentally and physically. It is estimated that the average child laughs 400 times a day, and by my calculations that’s a laugh every two and a half minutes. WOW! What happened in our journey to adulthood that squelched the laughter—robbing us not only of the quick pick-me-ups along the way but of all the many long lasting benefits that laughter has to offer?
Studies have shown that laughter improves oxygen in the blood, stimulates the heart and lungs, and increases endorphins (our natural painkiller) to the brain. A good ol’ belly laugh will heat up our stress responses, increasing our heart rate and blood pressure. When we cool down from the laugher, we’re more relaxed. The stimulation that laughter produces can soothe stomach aches and tension, reducing physical symptoms of stress. Laughter can also help us handle difficult situations a bit easier, decreasing depression and brightening our outlook on life.
In the coming months I will devote an entire column to the health benefits of laughter, which may very well be the link that gives us the power, incentive, and motivation to keep our sights on the things that are truly important, such as building friendships, improving our health, and exercising. In the meantime, think about making your New Year’s resolution something to laugh about. You might be surprised to find that a little laughter may hold the key to a brighter, healthier tomorrow.
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)
