October is health literacy month for health organizations, literacy programs, libraries, social service agencies, business, professionals associations and government agencies (Office of Minority Health, 2023).
Healthy People 2030, is an initiative that addresses the health disparities for equity, and to improve health literacy for all including individuals and organizations (Healthy People 2030).
You can do your part by taking care of yourself and others by eating well and increasing your exercise. Take this time to increase your personal health literacy about prevention, health and wellness or any chronic disease that you may have.
As a registered nurse I am able to observe and serve in many capacities. I have noticed that many young adults, adolescent and children are not using their five senses to navigate through the world. As a result they are not able to cope or communicate effectively with others, because of abuse and neglect by adults. As a result these individuals have anger issues, anxiety, depression or trust issues, and may become homicidal or suicidal.
Parents do not have the tools or the patience to assist their children with these issues. Many of them are not parenting and leaving their children to their own devices. Some of these parents are refusing to pick up their children from the mental health facility after treatment. Thus leaving them in state custody just reinforces their depression and trust issues.
It is apparent that family counseling is essential for many of these families. Psychiatry facilities interact with families but they are not set up to offer intense family therapy. One or two sessions of family therapy is not effective. If the medical community does not embrace treating the family as well as the patient, we will continue to have this revolving door of patients that can not cope. This could be addressed in an outpatient setting.
I am not saying all children admitted to psych facilities have the same issues but many on them have been abused by adults and not parented in a positive way causing depression, anxiety and anger resulting in suicidal or homicidal ideation.
Currently, patients with mental health issues are treated for approximately 10-14 days in a facility if they are homicidal or suicidal. After treatment they are discharged back into the same environment, and some times the parents or guardian refuse to pick them up. If the children age out of the system, (over 18) and not suicidal or homicidal they may become homeless, resulting in other issues.
They are often readmitted back to another facility within 30 to 90 days with the same behavior, and it become a revolving door, especially if they do not take the prescribed medication.
Corporations now manage many mental facilities, and do not listen to health care professionals about effective treatment. Everything is profit oriented. At one time children were not given a diagnosis of schizophrenia because it was known that they have vivid imaginations and may have imaginary friends. Now it is a common diagnosis for children so it can be billed.
Capitalism has it place but it is not a great incentive in healthcare, because we all suffer. Strong mental health is essential for a productive community. The Governor in my state reduced mental funds, so apparently is not a state priority.
If you or someone you know had thoughts of suicide please get some assistance and call the 988 suicide and crisis lifeline. “The 988 Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals in the United States” (988 Lifeline, 2023).
“Equal educational opportunity is a prerequisite to achieving racial equality in our Nation.” Justice Sonia Sotomayor
Written by Denetra Hampton ( June 30, 2023)
On Thursday, June 29, 2023, The Supreme Court ruled that the admissions programs at Harvard and the University of North Carolina that relied in part on racial considerations violated the United States Constitution. A historical decision that messaged to our students that they must rely on their grades only for admissions. This decision will affect every academic institution, family and student in the country, including nurses.
Without argument our educational system has been disproportionately implemented since the beginning of time and every student of color has been affected on every level disparagingly. The limited use of affirmative action sets our country back decades and widens the gap of disparities for generations. I am deeply saddened.
Why It Matters In Nursing
Disparities in nursing education continue to plaque our ability to move the needle on other issues that in close proximity, keep us from national and global conversations. Whether it is the nursing shortage or access to care, it is important that we are even more intentional about diversity and inclusion in our science narrative. If not, the impact on the mental and physical health of nurses and an entire nation will be catastrophic.
As I continue to press forward the unquestionable relevance of our health and nursing science, the Supreme Court Ruling has been a clear confirmation that the work has to be continued. Let me be clear, the tool of affirmative action has been one of the greatest avenues through which the fight for equity could flow, however as with any life-long fight, it should not be the only one and although deeply disappointed I am confident in the narrative of our next generation of nurse scientists. Onward.
So, to all students, nurse educators and colleagues be encouraged to always be excellent, get involved in those things that challenge your critical thinking, practice and policy. We still have work to do.
Relaxation techniques are needed to invoke relaxation, especially when you feel stressed. These techniques include breathing exercises, visualization and guided imagery (National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, 2023)
Relaxation is essential for the body. It helps to reduce stress, and can assist you to refocus and improve your well being.
There are several relaxation techniques that one can use to relax, which may include meditation, yoga, guided imagery, deep breathing, massage or walking. This list is not complete and there are other healthy ways to relax, however you must be deliberate and be mindful about the activity you chose. Alcohol is not included in this list however many may drink wine or other spirits to relax, remember moderation is the key.
Keep in mind the goal is to relax the mind and body, and decrease stress. Pick an activity you enjoy and engage in it regularly. Your mind and body with response accordingly and should leave you feeling refreshed.
Creating a garden can be rewarding and challenging. I have a small garden, with roses, ferns and other plants that require low maintenance. Recently one plant was found with mealybugs. These are tiny white bugs that suck the sap out of plants. They can infect the whole garden, and it has been challenging trying to control the spread to the other plants.
Do your homework and reach out to your local nursery for questions and assistance. They are a great resource. However, some nursery staff will suggest chemicals to control the local pest in the garden. While others will suggest organic and nontoxic ways to manage the bugs in the garden. It is up to you what you would like to use, but do your homework, especially if you have pets and children that can be exposed to these chemicals.
I have had great success in growing avocado’s plants from seeds. Due to the limited space, I usually give the avocado plants away and I do not know if they ever produce any fruit. The gratification of growing something from a seed or a small seedling can be very satisfying. I have not had much luck with herbs, but will continue to try.
Gardening can be very calming and satisfying, and helps center my soul. Try it and see what it can do for you, even in limited space.
Cuncic (2023) states “Imposter syndrome is the internal psychological experience of feeling like a phony in some area of your life, despite any success that you have achieved in that area. You might have imposter syndrome if you find yourself consistently experiencing self-doubt, even in areas where you typically excel”.
We have all felt that way on an occasion but if your feelings manifest as negative self-talk, which causes you have anxiety and you agonize over events that may have not gone right you may have imposter syndrome.
Other symptoms may include overly sensitive to any type of criticism, attributes your success to luck or outside factors, and or you down play your expertise to others because you may feel like a phony. According to Cuncic (2023) you might have imposter syndrome.
We all have questioned our decisions and outcomes, however it becomes a issue if you can not move forward because of you feel inadequate, and you keep comparing yourself to others. This is not a mental health issue, but a professional counselor can assist with sorting out the negative self talk (Cuncic, 2023).
A heat stroke can be fatal. Being in extreme temperature can be deadly. Fainting maybe the first sign, as a result of the core body temperature being to high.
Some of the signs and symptoms include the following:
“Heat stroke results from prolonged exposure to high temperatures — usually in combination with dehydration — which leads to failure of the body’s temperature control system. The medical definition of heat stroke is a core body temperature greater than 104 F, with complications involving the central nervous system that occur after exposure to high temperatures. Other common symptoms include nausea, seizures, confusion, disorientation, and sometimes loss of consciousness or coma.” (WebMD, 2023),
The national weather service has put out this advisory
Symptoms: Throbbing headache, confusion, nausea, dizziness, body temperature above 103°F, hot, red, dry or damp skin, rapid and strong pulse, fainting, loss of consciousness.
First Aid:Call 911 or get the victim to a hospital immediately. Heat stroke is a severe medical emergency. Delay can be fatal. Move the victim to a cooler, preferably air-conditioned, environment. Reduce body temperature with cool cloths or bath. Use fan if heat index temperatures are below the high 90s. A fan can make you hotter at higher temperatures. Do NOT give fluids.
Changing your eating your habits can be challenging for most, especially if you love to eat. Reduce your intake gradually and give up one thing at a time to make the transition easier.
A friend of mind was having difficulty giving up soft drinks. I suggested she reduce her soda intake by one every day until she was no longer consuming large amounts of her favorite soft drink every day. Small steps can help you achieve your goal and ensure your success.
During your transition do not put yourself in situations where you know there will be an abundant choices of food and drink. I stopped going to brunch until I was sure I was strong enough to stay on my program.
Making thoughtful decisions regarding your food and drink choices is essential when you decide you are going to make healthy diet choices. No longer can you make hasty decisions about your diet if you want to ensure your success.
This is the beginning of summer, and fresh fruits and vegetables are plentiful, unless you are a diabetic then the choices have to be deliberate to ensure you remain healthy.
Time is precious. When I was a child, time seemed to drag but as an adult, days and weeks are moving so fast that everything becomes a blur. Before you know it, life would have passed you by and left you will be wondering where did the time go.
With that said, dance like no one is watching and enjoy yourself everyday. Learn to live in the moment, so you can enjoy your family and friends. Eat in moderation, exercise and mind your own business. Take care of your own needs first so you will have the energy and stamina to take care of others.
Remember to dance like no one is watching, because most likely no one is watching and if they are maybe they will join you.
Nursing is an art, and providing care and comfort to others can be challenging. Nurses experience both the highs and lows of life with patients and their families. We are an intricate part of the healthcare team to ensure continuity of care for all that utilize the healthcare system.
As we celebrate another nurses week, take time and thank the nurses in your circle. The past few years has been tough for all healthcare professionals, especially those who work at the bedside. So many nurses have left the profession due to stress and feeling unappreciated.
Nurses, be encouraged, although many of the task you perform can be duplicated by others, remember you also provide the human touch of empathy and compassion for those utilizing the healthcare system. As younger nurses enter the nursing profession, it is essential that seasoned nurses assist them in developing strong critical thinking skills so they can be an effective member of the healthcare team.
Enjoy the week and know every day is nurses day in healthcare because you make the difference!
I am a registered nurse and critical thinking is an essential tool I utilize daily. I also have a PhD, and with this degree, it is an expectation that you will be a critical thinker.
Critical thinking is an essential tool one needs to analyze, evaluate, and interpret information to make informed decisions. Let me clarify you do not need a PhD. to be a critical thinker. It has come to my attention that many do not have the ability to analyze information and facts. Its obvious that this skill is not taught in school or at home.
Professor Dr. Daniel Black (http://danielblack.org) seemed to concur and spoke about it on the Karen Hunter Radio show (4/17/2023) and conclude that the American educational system is not trying to teach students to be critical thinkers and analyze information. Think about that, if the county had a nation full of people who were critical thinkers and thought producers, it would be impossible to maintain the status quo (Daniel Black, 2023).
The lack of critical thinking skills in the general population is alarming. These skills are essential to make informed decisions in all aspects of your life including your health and wellness and external events. Majority of the population do no read or understand civics and have no idea who their state senators and representatives are and vote against their own interest. Civics is not taught in school and every body passes or gets a participation ribbon.
The decline of education and critical thinking is impeding knowledge, resulting in an ignorant population. Prevention is so much better than restoration. Please take heed! It’s getting serious out here.
This year’s theme is “There is More to the Story. ” The library is a wonderful way to promote reading for all ages. It is a free service and it may not be used as frequently by many due to the internet but it has a place in society. If you are of a certain age group you may remember going to the library to study, for field trips and or story hour.
A reporter S.Benen, (March, 2023) recently published a story about a Republican member of Congress suggest that the nation’s public libraries be replaced with “church-owned” alternatives. Consider this missive Rep. Clay Higgins of Louisiana published on Twitter:
“Over time, American communities will build beautiful, church owned public-access libraries. I’m going to help these churches get funding. We will change the whole public library paradigm. The libraries regular Americans recall are gone. They’ve become liberal grooming centers.”
You may or may not agree with the Congressmen but public libraries serve their purpose. Although many of us do not utilize the library as often as we once did there are still households in this country that do not have access to a computer or the internet.
Support your local library. Stay informed and get active in your community, especially if you care about public libraries and books.
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