KNOW THE DIFFERENCE

HIGH BLOOD SUGAR:

Watch for:

• increased thirst and urination





• large amounts of sugar in the blood





• ketones in urine





• weakness, pains in stomach, aching all over





• heavy, labored breathing





• loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting





• fatigue

What to do:

• call doctor immediately





• take fluids without sugar if able to swallow





• test blood sugar frequently





• test urine for ketones

Causes:

• not enough insulin





• too much food





• infection, fever, illness





• emotional stress

LOW BLOOD SUGAR:

Watch for:

• cold sweats, faintness, dizziness





• headache





• pounding of heart, trembling, nervousness





• blurred vision





• hunger





• inability to awaken





• grouchiness





• personality change

What to do:

• take 2-3 B-D Glucose Tablets, liquids or food containing sugar





• check blood sugar level





• do not give insulin





• do not give anything by mouth if unconscious





• if unconscious, give Glucagon according to package directions





• call doctor

Causes:

• too much insulin





• not enough food





• unusual amount of exercise





• delayed meal

IT'S YOUR TURN!

National Women's Health Week is a weeklong health observance coordinated by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' Office on Women's Health. It brings together communities, businesses, government, health organizations, and other groups in an effort to promote women's health. The theme for 2011 is "It's Your Time." National Women's Health Week empowers women to make their health a top priority. It also encourages them to take steps to improve their physical and mental health and lower their risks of certain diseases. Those steps include:

• Getting at least 2 hours and 30 minutes of moderate physical activity, 1 hour and 15 minutes of vigorous physical activity, or a combination of both, each week.


• Eating a nutritious diet.


• Visiting a health care professional to receive regular checkups and preventive screenings.


• Avoiding risky behaviors, such as smoking and not wearing a seatbelt.


• Paying attention to mental health, including getting enough sleep and managing stress.

NATIONAL NURSING HOME WEEK (NNHW) - MAY 8-14, 2011

National Nursing Home Week spotlights nursing home residents and staff and encourages all to celebrate those that make a positive difference in their lives every day. A supportive and caring environment, such as a nursing home, provides enrichment for residents and families to continue growing, learning and teaching through various ways. The week also provides an opportunity to honor all those who contribute to our nation's nursing homes - residents, family members, employees and volunteers.

National Nurses Day, also known as National RN Recognition Day, is celebrated on May 6th and opens National Nurses Week. National Nurses Week is one of the nation's largest health care events, recognizing the contributions and commitments nurses make and educating the public about the significant work they perform. The American Nurses Association supports and encourages National Nurses Week through state and district nurses associations, educational facilities, and independent health care companies and institutions.

The history of Nurses Day can be traced back to 1953 when Dorothy Sutherland of the U.S. Department of Health, Education, and Welfare sent a proposal to President Eisenhower to proclaim a "Nurse Day" in October of the following year. The proclamation was never made, but the following year National Nurses Week was observed from October 11-16, marking the 100th anniversary of Florence Nightingale's mission to Crimea.

source: www.calendar-updates.com

MAY IS NATIONAL SKIN CANCER AWARENESS MONTH

May starts National Skin Cancer/Melanoma Awareness Month campaign. Skin cancer is one of the most common types of cancer, with over one million people diagnosed each year! Skin cancer and malanoma account for about 50% of all types of cancers diagnosed combined. Skin cancer is one of the more preventable types of cancer. More than 90% of skin cancer is caused by excessive exposure to the sun. Each hour, 1 person dies from skin cancer.

Skin cancer is divided into two categories: melanoma and non-melanoma. Melanoma is a dangerous form of skin cancer. Although serious, non-melanomas are much less life threatening and easier to treat. Melanoma accounts for 4% of skin cancer cases diagnosed. It is estimated that 62,000 people will be diagnosed with melanoma in 2011. Almost 8,000 are expected to die of melanoma this year. There are two common types of non-melanoma skin cancer: basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. Unprotected exposure to the sun's UV rays are the culprit of most cases of skin cancer. Genetics also can play a role in skin cancer development.

Symptoms of skin cancer:

• A small lump(spot or mole) that is shiny, waxy, plae in color, and smooth in texture.




• A red lump(spot or mole) that is firm.




• A sore or spot that bleeds or becomes crusty. Also look for sores that don't heal.




• Rough and scaly patches on the skin.




• Flat scaly areas of the skin that are red or brown.




• Any new growth that is suspicious.

If you suspect that a lump, spot, or mole may be suspicious of skin cancer, see your doctor. When detected early, skin cancer is highly treatable.

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY FROM HARBOR HEALTH HOME CARE

IT'S ASTHMA AWARENESS MONTH. TIPS TO AVOID ASTHMA ATTACKS.

Asthma affects nearly 25 million Americans, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Asthma has consistently increased over the past decade with more than 4 million additional cases reported, including nearly 1 million children. One out of every 10 school aged children is affected and about 13 million people have reported having an asthma attack in the past year. Asthma results in doctor and hospital visits, lost learnng time, sick days and higher health care costs. To mark Asthma Awareness Month May, EPA recommends these top five things people can do to prevent asthma attacks:

• Smoke outside. One of the most common asthma triggers in the home is second hand smoke. Until they can quit, people should smoke outside, not in their home or car.




• Ozone and particle pollution can cause asthma attacks. Check the Air Quality Index for unhealthy levels.




• Keep it clean. Dust mites are triggers for asthma. For dust mite control, cover mattresses and pillows with allergen proof covers and wash sheets and blankets once a week in hot water.




• Household pets can also trigger asthma. Keep pets out of the bedroom and off furniture.




• Mold is another asthma trigger. The key to controlling mold is controlling moisture. Wash and dry hard surfaces to prevent and remove mold, and should replace moldy ceiling tiles and carpet.

source: http://www.dailypress.com/