Nurses Week - May 6 through May 12

from FW May 2021

Wearing Your Faith

How To Show The Nurses In Your Life You Appreciate Them

BY KAREN COOPER

Considering the year we have just come through and the pandemic that still remains, National Nurses Week seems especially significant for 2021. As we inch our way toward what we hope will be a light at the end of the tunnel, many nurses and healthcare providers are finding themselves exhausted, burnt out, emotionally drained…yet hopeful and proud of this unprecedented time we have all made it through.

Nurses Week is recognized from May 6 – 12, ending on Florence Nightingale’s birthday. Nightingale was a model for how to overcome adversity and thrive in a crisis, and she paved the way for modern nurses who fight every day against disease and death.

Nursing has grown and progressed by leaps and bounds since Nightingale’s day, but one thing remains constant. Nurses are some of the hardest working professionals you’ll ever meet. Being a nurse requires a high level of empathy and compassion… often in the face of difficult patients, hard to please families, and impossible emotional situations that there is often no time to mentally process. It can also be a job that goes without much recognition or praise…. but a job that is always vitally important, and especially so in times like these.

Whether the nurses in your life are family, friends, employees, or your own caregivers, let them know they are appreciated during Nurses Week and all year long. These are some ideas to help you say thank you and make them feel special.

Self-Care: Nurses are so busy and on their feet for long shifts. The physical work of nursing is demanding and for these reasons, the nurses in your life may love some items for pampering themselves. Anything that relieves their tired, aching bodies and especially their backs, hands, and feet will be welcomed! Think about a special heating pad (maybe with a massage setting), cute compression socks, wonderful hand cream, or even a pair of their favorite work shoes. These things will delight any nurse. Help Out at Home: One thing nurses definitely don’t get enough of is sleep! Especially since COVID entered the picture and ESPECIALLY if they have small children. If you are close to a nurse and are so inclined, offer to take the kids for an afternoon so your nurse friend can catch a nap or ask for a grocery list and do the shopping for the week. If this seems too personal, you could bring over a bag of necessities like paper products, cleaning supplies, and favorite foods with a note of thanks.

Caffeination: Most nurses love (and need) their caffeine fix. A Starbucks gift card (or any coffee shop of your choice) or a special mug with a bag of delicious coffee will be a lovely and welcome treat!

Give Them a Shout Out: If you have been treated well by a nurse or if you happen to know a nurse who is working extra hard during the pandemic, give them a shout-out online! Nurses often don’t get recognized for their contributions; knowing you “see” them and appreciate what they are doing will absolutely make their day, their week, their year! Let your feelings be known to the online masses!

Food Talks: What you hear is true…it can be very hard to find time to eat when you are a busy nurse taking care of critically ill patients. When there is a chance to eat, nurses are ALL ABOUT GOOD FOOD! A gift card for a great meal, a credit for a food delivery service (Door Dash, Grub Hub, etc.), a basket of delicious goodies…this is the way to a nurse’s heart!

Give Them Pens: Nurses always need pens! If you gift a nurse a basket of ballpoint pens, sharpies, whiteboard pens and throw in a gift card or two, you can rest assured you have made that nurse very happy!

Share Your Appreciation With Their Manager: If you have been a patient and been cared for by a particularly great nurse…. let it be known! There are drop boxes in the hospital to share your comments, and you can also call or write a letter to the hospital’s Patient Advocate department expressing your thoughts about the excellent care you received.

Nursing, for most, is a calling and nurses are fulfilled and gratified by the moments that happen each day in which that nurse sees how he or she is making a difference in a patient’s life. In the moments in between, nursing can be a difficult profession…. physically, emotionally, and mentally. It is so important that we show our appreciation to the nurses we love and let them know we see how hard they work and the sacrifices they are making for the good of patients who cross their paths. When nurses feel appreciated, they are at their best, and when they are at their best, everyone in the community benefits!

Celebrate the nurses you love during Nurses Week May 6 – May 12 and continue to celebrate their achievements all year long!

Salemtowne

Safe Fun in the Sun Safe Fun in the Sun

(See sun shines, sunglasses pool bags etc.)

BY BROOKE ORR

UVA V. UVB

UVA rays (or aging rays) can prematurely age your skin, causing wrinkles and age spots, and can pass through window glass.

UVB rays (or burning rays) are the primary cause of sunburn and are blocked by window glass.

Did you know…?

Even on cloudy days, up to 80 percent of the sun’s harmful UV rays can penetrate your skin. Snow, sand, and water increase the need for sunscreen because they reflect the sun’s rays. Dermatologists recommend using a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30, which blocks 97 percent of the sun’s rays. Higher number SPFs block slightly more of the sun’s rays, but no sunscreen can block 100 percent of the sun’s rays.

COMMON SUNSCREEN QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS:

Can I use the same sunscreen each year until it runs out?

The FDA requires that all sunscreens retain their original strength for at least three years. Some sunscreens include an expiration date. If the expiration date has passed, throw out the sunscreen. If you buy a sunscreen that does not have an expiration date, write the date you bought the sunscreen on the bottle. That way, you’ll know when to throw it out. You also can look for visible signs that the sunscreen may no longer be good. Any obvious changes in the color or consistency of the product mean it’s time to purchase a new bottle.

Is “Natural” Better?

Scientific evidence supports the benefits of using sunscreen to minimize short-term and long-term damage to the skin from the sun’s rays. Claims that sunscreen ingredients are toxic or a hazard to human health have not been proven. If you are concerned about certain sunscreen ingredients, you can select a formula that contains different active ingredients as long as your sunscreen is broad-spectrum, waterresistant and has an SPF 30 or higher How do I treat sunburns?

It’s important to begin treating a sunburn as soon as possible. In addition to stopping further UV exposure, dermatologists recommend treating a sunburn with:

• Cool baths to reduce the heat.

• Moisturizer to help ease the discomfort caused by dryness. As soon as you get out of the bathtub, gently pat yourself dry, but leave a little water on your skin.

Then apply a moisturizer to trap the water in your skin.

• Hydrocortisone cream that you can buy without a prescription to help ease discomfort.

• Aspirin or ibuprofen. This can help reduce the swelling, redness, and discomfort.

• Drinking extra water. A sunburn draws fluid to the skin surface and away from the rest of the body. Drinking extra water prevents dehydration.

• Do not treat sunburns with “-caine” products (such as benzocaine). If your skin blisters, you have a seconddegree sunburn. Dermatologists recommend that you: Allow the blisters to heal untouched. Blisters form to help your skin heal and protect you from infection. If the blisters cover a large area, such as the entire back, or you have chills, a headache, or a fever, seek immediate medical care.

*All information is from The American Academy of Dermatology website. More Information can be found at AAD.org*

Aging is a gift. If you are blessed by receiving it show gratitude each day by accepting, respecting, and protecting your body. The skin is the body’s largest organ and first line of defense--its number one enemy?

The sun. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, an estimated one in five Americans will develop skin cancer in their lifetime, and it doesn’t discriminate. Anyone can get skin cancer regardless of age, gender, or race. Using sunscreen can help prevent skin cancer by protecting you from the sun’s harmful ultraviolet rays. They recommend using a broad-spectrum sunscreen because it protects against both UVA and UVB rays.

Experts from the Academy also recommend choosing sunscreen that is SPF 30 or higher and water-resistant.

Sunscreen is essential every day that you go outside because the sun emits harmful UV rays year-round. It is important to apply enough sunscreen to adequately cover the whole body, including feet, neck, ears, and the top of the head. Skin cancer also affects lips, so use a lip balm or lipstick that contains SPF 30 or higher. Apply sunscreen to dry skin 15 minutes before going outdoors and reapply every 2 hours or after swimming/sweating and according to the directions on the bottle. Reapplying also pertains to products that combine sunscreen with moisturizers and cosmetic products.

Sunscreen helps to protect your skin from sunburn, early skin aging, and skin cancer. However, sunscreen alone cannot fully protect you. In addition to wearing sunscreen, dermatologists recommend taking the following steps to protect your skin and find skin cancer early:

• Seek shade between 10 and 2 and/or if your shadow is shorter than you are

Restoration Med Spa

BY SUSAN B. B. SCHABACKER

FIND PEACE OF MIND AND REPRIEVE FOR EVEN THE BUSIEST LIVES Kick Stress and Anxiety to the Curb with Healthier Habits:

Busy lifestyles and miles-long to-do lists? It’s easy to get overwhelmed and overstressed. Even for the even-keeled, anxiety can attack us. And it doesn’t just affect the way we feel, but it also affects our mental and physical health, crippling confidence, and stagnating growth.

Stress-induced anxiety can keep us at bay from living our best lives. So, enough of the bad stuff. Even with the busiest lifestyles, we can overcome this.

POWER OF POSITIVITY

Reconsider Your Outlook – Stay positive. When you look in the mirror, look past what you or others view as flaws. Make a habit of saying “I love you” to yourself and your loved ones, even when you feel unloving, unloved, or unlovable. Let love lift your spirits.

Reflection, Prayer & Meditation – Studies show that prayer and meditation are not just spiritual practices but also yield health benefits, helping us cope with stress and anxiety and even promoting longevity. Taking just 15-30 minutes a day to pray and/ or meditate can make a powerfully positive difference. Relax your body, quiet your mind, turn to your higher power, focus inwardly, and reflect on how you feel. Whether written reflections, recorded audio, or focusing inwardly, get in touch with who you really are and how you really feel. Check into that place of calm with this intrinsic vacation, a much-needed break from your daily duties. Embrace opportunities to experience peace of mind. And try out apps that encourage prayer and meditation.

Cleaning, De-Cluttering, & Organizing – Spring green cleaning with non-toxic, natural products (also DIY) can give you the reprieve you need with a cleaner (and healthier) environment. Open windows for fresh air, decorate with plants for better breathability and spray your room (and yourself) with a combo of distilled water and essential oils. Before cleaning, de-clutter and organize. The more you can manage your environment, the better you’ll be and feel in it. However sentimental about stuff, it’s an ideal time to part with some of it. Be selective about what you keep around. Rethink what you need versus what you want and find the right place for it, whether in a storage bin, another room, another person’s life, or the trash bin. Don’t overdo it, cleaning to an extreme, but maintain your environment. You’ll be healthier and happier, making your space more breathable and livable.

Diet, Supplements, Sleep, Exercise, & Body Conditioning – Opt for healthy foods and beverages, keep hydrated, take vitamins and supplements, get enough sleep, actively exercise, and body condition (e.g., yoga, Pilates, and tai chi) for healthier living. Improve your health and resiliency in dealing with stress and anxiety.

Planning With Priorities – What’s a building without a blueprint? What’s a business without a business plan? What would our bodies be like without bone structures? Without a framework and a solid foundation to build on, we lack stability. So, get a game plan and figure out your priorities before you check things off your list. Do what’s most important and urgent first and foremost. What would a garden be like if we didn’t do any weeding? Narrow down your list to avoid getting overwhelmed. Less is sometimes more. Allow yourself to say “no.” What do you already have going? Consider this before adding other items to your list. Also, allow yourself to gather support. We all need help sometimes, so recognize when you do need help, and don’t be reluctant to ask friends, mates, or professionals for insight about planning and priorities.

Deep Breathing, Relaxation, & Massage – Often, we forget the importance of breath and tend to breathe more shallowly. Simply taking deeper breaths from our diaphragm can improve our health, lower blood pressure and cortisol levels that rise during “fight or flight” in response to stress, calm our anxieties, and even help us live longer.

Other creative ways to reduce stress and alleviate anxiety might include laughing with loved ones, getting creative with visual and/or performing arts, and/or embracing our ears with music. Don’t overlook pet therapy and reconnecting with nature. Try walking or jogging and relaxing afterward with a calming cuppa tea.

Embrace these stress-busting and anxiety-relieving tips to breathe easier, get healthier, and live better!

Fraleigh’s Boutique

Watch our daily videos on Facebook!

The Benefits of Getting Outdoors More

BY JEAN MARIE JOHNSON

Most of us are on-board with the notion that being outside is good for us. We see the many commercials and advertisements of retired folks and senior citizens walking, jogging, and simply basking in the beauty of Mother Nature and we get it. What we may not “get” quite as well is the significant “why” behind it. Consider these science-based benefits:

IMPROVED OVERALL HEALTH

When we spend time outside, we can improve our overall immunity by boosting our white blood cell count. We can also increase our level of Vitamin D. This is particularly important for seniors as having a sufficient level of Vitamin D translates into a lower risk for rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, and heart attack. A mere 15 minutes basking in those sunny rays can get you to the recommended daily dose of this essential vitamin. Don’t forget the sunscreen!

REDUCED CHRONIC ILLNESS AND PAIN

While time spent outdoors won’t cure a chronic disease, many studies suggest that it can reduce pain and stress levels. This, in turn, boosts the immune system in ways that help treatments to work and bodies to heal. And on that note, my favorite piece of science-based research is this: hospital patients healed faster and experienced fewer complications when they were able to look out upon nature during their recovery.

IMPROVED MENTAL HEALTH

Experts concur that nature heals and protects us in other ways as well. For example, seniors who regularly spend time outdoors experience less anxiety and depression, while improving their mood and their overall feeling of happiness. Taking one’s exercise outside (instead of on that indoor cycling machine!) has been shown to reduce the risk of mental health problems, lowering levels of depression and stress. Even for folks whose mobility may be compromised, time spent out of doors in a natural setting provides welcome relaxation along with fresh air and sunshine. Research from the University of Michigan found that “Interacting with nature can have similar effects as meditating…People don’t have to enjoy the walk to get the benefits. We found the same benefits when it was 80 degrees and sunny over the summer as when the temperatures dropped to 25 degrees in January.” My only question: What are you waiting for?

IMPROVED MEMORY AND CONCENTRATION

Memory retention is a topic of great interest to many seniors as short-term memory becomes more challenging. While there is every good reason to invest in tools and challenges that support memory and improve concentration, here’s something else you can do: spend more time in nature! Once again, The University of Michigan found that “memory performance and attention span” can improve by as much as 20 percent simply by spending 60 minutes outside.

IMPROVED ENERGY LEVELS

Even with the energy boost that a well-timed nap can supply, many of us would like to find other ways to increase our energy levels. Well, you guessed it: spend time outside in nature and you are likely to feel more alive and to experience an energy boost.

AND ONE MORE THING…

So far, we know that the mere act of getting outside has the power to boost our immunity, reduce physical pain, make us happier and less stressed, and improve our memory, concentration, and energy levels. In case you need one more reason to get outside, consider this: doing so may just increase your longevity. A major Harvard University study found that people live up to 12 years longer, on average, when they live near trees and other forms of vegetation.