Human suffering is all around us and people seem to be suffering more every day. In my childhood memories I seemingly cannot recall specifics about suffering, was it because as child I could not recognize suffering, was I simply sheltered from the suffering around me—or did we live in a happier time. Suffering goes back to biblical times so we know suffering has always been part of life. Without sorrow could there be happiness—would we know the joy of laughter?
Suffering is all around us every day and it knows no boundaries of age, wealth or health. For the teenager who suffers from acne or the disappointment of being dumped before the prom, their pain is real and just as devastating. The person who loses a job and suddenly faces unemployment in a down economy, or a spouse files for divorce—what if all this happens on the same day. None of the above illustrates or begins to describe the suffering associated with the loss of a child or loved one, a devastating illness, addiction, hunger, or disaster. We all suffer—some in silence, some unheard, and some without compassion nonetheless, we all will experience the pain of suffering.
Our society over time has improved and refined the art of inflicting suffering on one another as if there is a reward for it. We disregard or minimize the pain felt by the teenager who was dumped before the prom by saying “it is just a date,” or the loss of pet by saying “it is just a dog.” Our lives are full of “could have—would haves”, and “only ifs,” as we get caught up in providing for our families from day to day, week to week, month to month, as our own suffering fades into the obscurity of everyday lives. The mundane causes the suffering of others to fade into acceptance or worse we blame those who suffer.
We all have stories of a doctor or nurse who have great bedside manners, and how these talented individuals impact the care and perception of a person’s ailment. When your healthcare provider is embodied with kindness, grace, love, and forgiveness, you find gentleness with a deeper healing as you realize they stand with you and help carry the burden. You still have the same illness, the same disease, the same cares—but the difference is the grace of caring improves the science of medicine.
You don’t have to be a doctor or nurse—have the right words or phrases; the giving of one’s time enhances healing by standing with those who suffer. I am convinced as we share the struggles of others the weight of our own cares are lightened. Together by encouraging, love, acceptance, and forgiveness, we reassure and support those who suffer while we inflict love and healing on those we touch.
Howard Baker, RN BSN
For questions, comments, or suggestions on topics you want to read about please email me at: howard@howardsbaker.com
Thursday, October 25, 2012
Thursday, October 18, 2012
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
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