Woodstock First Nation
Nurse's Page
Knowledge Is Power
EN-WE-OW-LE-TENEH
10 Turtle Lane • Woodstock First Nation, NB • E7M 3B4 • Telephone Number: 325-3570
Flu Prevention Checklist and Understanding Pandemic Influenza • Immunize! • Important Information • Mosquitoes • Johns Hopkins University Regarding Cancer • Tips for Eyes • Update on smoking cessation seminar and a presentation on cardiovascular disease that I attended • Controlling you blood pressure • Pandemic Flu - Stocking up
Flu
Prevention Checklist
and Understanding Pandemic Influenza
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To view Flu Prevention Checklist article go to: http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/influenza/flupc_e.html
To view Understanding Pandemic Influenza article go to: http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/influenza/faf_e.html
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http://www.immunize.cpha.ca/english/poster/immunize/2006/immunize.pdf
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What is a pandemic?
-A pandemic is a disease outbreak occurring over a very wide area. Crossing international boundaries and usually affecting a large number of people.
It can last for a long period of time even years. Influenza (the flu) can be a pandemic since it has the ability to rapidly spread around the entire world.
What is the bird flu? What is the avian influenza?
-The bird flu (avian influenza) is a type of influenza deadly to birds.
We need to be relatively concerned about a possible pandemic. This situation will happen within a reasonable amount of time. It may be this year or a few years form now. However scientists are uncertain if the "bird flu" will be the cause or if it will be another "flu", or how severe it will be. There are many questions about the "bird flu" that remain unanswered. It is know that some forms of "bird flu" are more serious than others. Right now there is an extremely low chance that we could get the "bird flu" here in Woodstock, NB today, since the only way you can get it is through eating contaminated BIRD MEAT, and coming in contact with bird poop. The only places as of now which this has happened is Cambodia, aIndonesia, Thailand, Vietnam, and Turkey. So again our threat is very low. What scientist are concerned with is if it can be passed form one human to another. Right now that has not happened.
What we need to do right now is to become informed about the pandemic (the reason for this info). One very important thing we can do to prevent any illness is WASH YOUR HANDS! If you are sick stay home and if your children are sick keep them home.
-If you have any questions you can contact me at the health center or just stop by and I can give you additional information.
TOBI PAUL, LPN
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Greetings form the Nursing Office!
Summer days are here and so are the mosquitoes! I have included some fun and practical tips in combating those pesky little critters.
OK, Mosquitoes...
Prepare to be repelled!!
- Use Bounce Fabric Softener Sheets best thing ever used in Louisiana... Just wipe on and go...
- Bob, a fisherman, takes one vitamin B-1 tablet a day April through October. He said it works. He was right. Hasn't had a mosquito bite in 33 years. Try it. Every one has has talked into trying it works on them. Vitamin b-1 (Thiamine Hydrochloride 100mg.)
- If you eat bananas, the mosquitoes like you, - something about the banana oil as your body processes it. Stop eating bananas for the summer and the mosquitoes will be much less interested.
- This is going to floor you, but one of the best insect repellents someone found (who is in the woods every day), is Vick's Vaporub.
- Plant marigolds around the yard, the flowers give off a smell that bugs do not like, so plant some in the garden also to help ward off bugs without using insecticides.
- "Tough guy" Marines who spend a great deal of time "camping out" say that the very best mosquito repellant you can use is Avon Skin-So-Soft bath oil mixed about half and half with alcohol.
- One of the best natural insect repellants that I've discovered is made form the clear real vanilla that is sold in Mexico. It works great for mosquitoes and ticks, don't know about other insects.
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Johns
Hopkins University Regarding Cancer
I recently received an email posting from Johns Hopkins Unversity regarding cancer causing chemicals which may result form the way we prepare our food. Please see this article on dioxin chemicals, included in this newsletter.
Cancer update -- Johns Hopkins--Cancer News from John Hopkins:
- No plastic containers in Micro.
- No water bottles in freezer.
- No plastic wrap in microwave.
Johns Hopkins has recently sent this our in its newsletters. This information is being circulated at Walter Reed Army Medical Center as well.
Dioxin chemicals causes cancer, especially breast cancer.
Dioxin are highly poisonous to the cells of our bodies. Don't freeze your plastic bottles with water in them as this releases dioxins from the plastic.
Recently, Dr.. Recently, Dr. Edward Fujimoto, Wellness Program Manager at Castle Hospital, was on a TV program to explain this health hazard. He talked about dioxins and how bad they are for us.
He said that we should not be heating our food in the microwave using plastic containers. This especially applies to foods that contain fat. He said that the combination of fat high heat, and plastics released dioxin into the food and ultimately into the cells of the body.
Instead, he recommends using glass, such as Corning Ware, Pyrex or ceramic containers for heating food. You get the same results, only without the dioxin. So such things as TV dinners instant ramen and soups, etc., should be removed form the container and heated in something else. Paper isn't bad but you don't know what is in the paper. It's just safer to use tempered glass, Corning Ware, etc.
He reminded us that a while ago some of the fast food restaurants moved away from the foam containers to paper. The dioxin problem is one of the reasons.
Also, he pointed out the plastic wrap, such as Saran, is just as dangerous when place over foods to be cooked in the microvave. As the food is nuked, the high heat causes poisonous toxins to actually melt out of the plastic wrap and is drip into the food.
Cover food with a paper towel instead.
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I am including some safety - tips for "Eyes." Sight is a precious gift and sometimes common summer activities can put our eyes at risk.
Enjoy the sunshine- a wonderful source of Vitamin D! But don't forget the sunscreen.
Eye mishaps are among the injuries most frequently treated in hospital emergency rooms. some cuts and abrasions can be treated by the doctors on duty there. More severe eye problems are referred to ophthalmologists. An ophthalmologist is a physician and surgeon who specializes in the care of the eyes.
Ophthalmologists have long realized that most of the injuries they deal with could have been avoided by taking simple precautions. In short, many cases of blinding or severe visual handicap are unnecessary; prevention is the best medicine. The advice below is based on the experience of Canadian ophthalmologists.
In the home
Because everyday products can sometimes cause serious burns when they touch your eye:
- Ensure all spray nozzles paint away from you before pressing the handle.
- Read instructions carefully before using cleaning fluids, detergents, ammonia or harsh chemicals. Wash hands thoroughly after use.
- Use grease shields on frypans to decrease spattering.
- When using powerful chemicals, wear special goggles to protect your eyes from fumes and splashes.
- Use opaque goggles to avoid burns from sunlamps.
- Be especially careful when using "S" hooks - seven blinded eyes have resulted in Canada form this cause in recent years.
- Do not lean over the bottle while uncorking sparkling wine.
In the workshop
Because objects can unexpectedly fly into your eyes and hurt them:
- Use safety glasses against possible impacts, splashes or radiation.
- Read instructions thoroughly for tools and chemicals, and follow the precautions recommended for their use.
- Think before you begin work about protecting your eyes form flying fragments, dust particles, fumes and splashed chemicals.
- Beware especially of power tools and other sources of fragments, such as concrete chips when driving nails.
Around children
Because many toys and games can be dangerous:
- Select toys and games suitable for the age of the child. Avoid projectile toys such as darts, pellet guns, peashooters and arrows that can enter the eye form a distance.
- Supervise children who are playing with possibly dangerous toys or games.
- Teach children to handle with great care dangerous items such as knives, scissors and pencils.
- Keep out of their reach spray cans, powerful, fast-acting glues and caustic substances such as oven cleaners.
In the garden
Because garden tools and chemicals are the cause of many outdoor accidents:
- Do not allow children or adults to stand at the side or in front of an operating lawnmower.
- Pick up rocks and stones before going over them with your lawn mover. These stones can hurl out of the rotary blades and rebound off curbs or walls, causing severe injury to the eye.
- Ensure pesticide sprays point away form your face.
- Avoid low-hanging branches.
Around the car
Because sparks and fumes can ignite rapidly and explode, and battery acid can cause serious eye damage:
- Before opening the hood of the car, put out all cigarettes or matches. Use a flashlight, not a match or lighter, to illuminate the battery at night.
- Beware of the fluid when working on air conditioners.
- If you are working on the auto body, wear protective goggles when grinding metal or striking metal against metal.
When jump-starting a car
- Use proper attachments.
- Keep protective goggles next to your jumper cables and wear them.
- Ensure the cars are not touching.
- Be sure the jumper cable clamps do not touch.
- Never lean over the battery when attaching cables
- Attach one end of the positive (red) cable to the positive terminal of the dead battery first, then attach the other end to the good battery.
- Attach the negative (black) cable to the negative terminal of the good battery and then attach the other end to a grounded area on the engine away form the negative terminal of the dead battery. (Never attach a cable to the negative terminal of the dead battery.)
In sports
Sports injuries have increased considerably in recent years. Therefore:
- Use protective eyewear in such sports as hockey, racquetball , squash, badminton and tennis, and in baseball and basketball.
- Wear helmets and faceguards in ice and field hockey and in lacrosse.
- When playing war games, ear goggles and keep them on at all times (19 blinded eyes have recently been reported in Canada form this sport alone).
Around fireworks
Because all fireworks can be dangerous to people of all ages:
- Exploding fireworks should be treated with great care.
- Rockets should be set firmly in the ground before lighting. About 90 percent of all fireworks-related eye injuries occur when rockets are set into bottles or are otherwise not firmly placed.
- Children should never be allowed to light them.
- Do not stand nearby when others are lighting fireworks.
- Fireworks should never be tossed around carelessly or as a joke. This is highly dangerous.
Treatment of eye injuries
Like other parts of the body, the eye has the ability to heal. Unfortunately, the healing process can leave a scar or other abnormality, which can impair the sight permanently, It is difficult to know how badly an eye has been injured, so medical help should be sought form a hospital emergency room, a family doctor or an ophthalmologist immediately after first-aid steps have been taken.
Never rub an eye. If there is a speck or particle, the upper lid should be lifted over the lower one, which should allow the lashes to remove the speck. Blinking a few times also can be helpful.
If the eye has received a blow, an ice cold compress applied for 15 minutes will reduce pain and swilling. A black eye or blurred vision could signal an internal injury that needs medical attention.
Cuts of the eye or lid should be bandages lightly and medical help sought immediately. Do not try to wash out or remove an object stuck in the eye and do not rub or apply pressure.
If the injury is the result of fumes or chemicals, flood the eye with clean water immediately, using your fingers to keep the eye as wide open as possible. Hold you head under a tap or pour water into the eye from a clean container for at least 15 minutes, continuously and gently. Roll the eyeball to wash out the eye. Do not bandage. After doing this, seek medical help immediately.
Above all, remember : the best way to save sight is prevention.
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Update
on smoking cessation seminar and a presentation on cardiovascular disease that I
attended
On June 13th, I traveled to Elsipogtog for a session on smoking cessation seminar and a presentation on cardiovascular disease. I am including a hand-out from this seminar (below). It is very informative, so I hope you take the time to read it. Also, if you are a smoker and thinking about "quitting" I am willing to help in any way possible. There is now a toll-free Smokers' Helpline. This service is confidential and professional. It could be the resource you are looking for. It is 1-877-513-5333. I learned something new regarding 'cravings'; the average craving form a cigarette lasts 20 seconds. Therefore, doing something for 20 seconds each time a craving hits, could help you through the hard times. Some examples are: get up and walk around, take a drink of water or juice; phone a friend; or do a household chore.
As many of you know, I will be away the first week of July. I encourage anyone with health questions to call Tobi Paul LPN while I am away on my honeymoon. Yea, I am signing my like away - ha!
summer thoughts, Susanne
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Controlling
your blood pressure
By adopting the "4 winning strategies", limiting the intake of salt and alcohol and learning to manage stress, you can better control your blood pressure.
1. Eat Health ~ Cutting down on salt is one of the main dietary recommendations for individuals with high blood pressure. Although this measure does lead to dome improvement in most cases, we now know that blood pressure is influenced by overall eating habits.
According to the latest studies, an eating plan called the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) would be especially indicated in the control of high blood pressure, given its high potassium, magnesium, calcium, fiber and protein content. This diet is based on vegetables and fruit, whole grain cereal products, lower fat mild products, poultry, fish, legumes and nuts. It limits the consumption of red meat, fat and sweets. Just another good reason to invest in variety and quality. The results are further improved when you limit you intake of salt.
2. Be active 30 min. on most days ~ We now know that regular physical activity lowers blood pressure in addition to helping with weight control. A good goal is to accumulate as least 30 minutes per day - on most days of the week and all year long!
It is important to choose activities that you like and to be active whenever possible, You can practice a sport or simply walk at a brisk place, take the stairs, play with the kids, dance, take the bike to the corner store, mow the lawn, etc.
If you have been inactive for a number of years and have high blood pressure, you should consult your physician before considering strenuous physical activity. When you get the green light, start slowly and gradually increase the number of minutes per day, the number of days per week and the level of activity.
3. Maintain or reduce your weight ~ The incidence of high blood pressure is tow times higher among overweight individuals. For these individuals, weight loss is a major contributing factor in controlling high blood pressure. It has been observed that as soon as the weight starts coming down, there is an improvement in blood pressure, even before a healthily weight is reached. Weight control also prevents the onset of diabetes, a serious illness that aggravates the dangers associated with high blood pressure.
Losing extra pounds is great, but the real challenge lies in not gaining them back. If diets make it possible to lose with in the short term, their success rate in the long term is generally disappointing for they rarely deal with real causes of the weight problem. As a result, once the diet is finished , the extra pounds are a quickly regained.
The best way to control with is to eat a well-balanced diet, limit serving size, eat only when you're hungry and exercise regularly.
4. Do not smoke ~ Blood pressure begins to increase two to three minutes after smoking a cigarette. Nicotine has a direct and immediate effect by constricting arteries. Tobacco also increases the risk of developing atherosclerosis, the accumulation of fat on the lining of blood vessels, which in turn reduces the flow of blood in the arteries.
Obviously, quitting smoking is not easy. There are however many methods and resources to help smokers kick the habit. What's important is to be really determined. Talk with your physician or pharmacist about it. you only lose when you stop trying!
I'M TAKING CONTROL
Cutting back on salt ~ Limit your consumption of foods rich in sodium such as:
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Restaurant food, fast food and ready-to-eat meals
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Smoked or salty meat: bacon, ham, deli, sausages, etc.
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canned or dehydrated soup, sauces or broth
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salted crackers, chips or nuts etc.
Use salt sparingly in cooking and avoid using the salt shaker at eh table, It is a matter of have it: the less salt you use, the less likely you are to crave it.
Bring out the flavour of your foods with herbs, spices, garlic, ginger, pepper or citrus juice and zest.
And also...
Limit drinking ~ Small quantities of alcohol may have a beneficial effect on the heart. Since it may increase blood pressure and reduce the effectiveness of some medication taken to control high blood pressure, it is better that individuals with high blood pressure limit drinking as much as possible.
Lean to manage stress ~ Being stressed and having high blood pressure are two different things. You can be a calm person and yet have high blood pressure or be the nervous type and have normal blood pressure. Toa person with high blood pressure, learning to mange stress can only be beneficial. Getting to know yourself better, learning to control your anger and anxiety in stressful situations, resolving your conflicts and mastering relaxation techniques could certainly help in controlling high blood pressure.
For a smooth transition ~ Start a new, you might be tempted to change everything at once. In most cases, your chances of success will be greater if you proceed gradually.
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Focus on once change at a time.
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Set realistic goals.
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Congratulate and reward yourself when you reach your goals and don't feel guilty if things don't always work out perfectly.
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Know how to appreciate the benefits of the changes you have made (taking care of yourself, feeling better, etc.).
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Ask your entourage for support.
Should you need medication...
Some people need medication to help control their blood pressure, or the levels of cholesterol, triglycerides or sugar in the blood. If this is your case, it is important to take the medication as prescribed, even if you feel well. If the medication has undesirable side effects, don't stop taking the medication before talking to your physician or pharmacist about it. And don't forget the "4 winning strategies". They can help limit the amount of medication you may need.
What about natural products?
Always consult your pharmacist or physician before taking natural products. Some products may interact with your medication or have undesirable side effects on your health.
Defeat this silent killer... have your blood pressure checked regularly.
For more information on staying heart healthy, visit www.healthycholesterol.ca
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Pandemic
Flu -
Stocking Up
With the impending flu that we know is coming, stocking items can be a wise decision to make. To start stocking up now is more logical and economical than to do it when the time is here that you have to.
When buying non-perishable items remember.. the later the expiry date, the better. Be sure to check your stock every 3 months or so and if the expiry date is coming up soon, use it and just re-stock.
No room in your cupboards? NO PROBLEM!! Buy some staking containers and clearly label them.
Below are just a few items to consider start stocking up on that you may not of thought of:
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Water
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fruit juices
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canned meats
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canned veggies
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canned soups canned brown beans
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fruit cups
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Mr. Noodles
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crackers
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flour sugar
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cooking oil
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salt
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peanut butter
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boxed pasta packages
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baking soda
(NEW) Just a reminder, when stocking items, the later the expiry date, the better.
Here are a few more stocking items that you may want to consider:
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Boxed rice
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Pancake mix (the just add water kind)
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if you have pets -their food
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Hand/dish soap
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Toilet paper
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batteries
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candles
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matches/lighters
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sanitary napkins
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garbage bags
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disinfectants such as: Lysol, rubbing alcohol, anything that says kills or disinfects bacteria, not items that only say "help to eliminate odours".
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Here is another idea: you may want to consider buying a couple of solar power generators; ie. Eliminator that is advertising by Canadian Tire.
Look for more stocking item ideas in our next newsletter.
Until than, STAY HEALTHY, STAY HAPPY
You Health Team
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