MEDICAL GUIDE + A Guide to Better Health in 2022
NATIONAL NURSES WEEK
A SUPPLEMENT TO THE DAILY REPUBLIC • MAY 6, 2022
Let The Bright Spot be ‘Your Spot’ for your cannabis needs
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in need. A place that is comfortable, inviting and that people could come and discuss their needs with their sales associate.
hat does it take to explore cannabis for the first time? It takes experiencing a family member in need. That is how The Bright Spot came to fruition. Co-owner Valerie Inglebright’s mother, Doris, experienced grueling arthritis. After seeking many medical solutions and exhausting all other avenues, they decided to explore the use of cannabis gummies. The possibility for Doris to find relief by eating gummies with no harsh side affects was very appealing.
How do they compete and find the best products?
A little more about Doris Meet Doris Trean, Valerie’s mother who, in her 90s, was still living life to the fullest. As part of her aging process, the development of arthritis became very apparent in her joints; primarily her hands and hips. She began taking opioids to easy her pain. This seemed to be a good option until the pain medication became very regulated by the medical industry and she had reached her pain threshold. And like many other people, Doris became worried about her prescription; often counting the amount of pills she had left and worrying about the refill date. In 2018, Doris suffered a fall. This fall ultimately turned into a broken hip for Doris. It was from X-rays that it was discovered that Doris had lung cancer. After surgery, she received additional pain medication to overcome this affliction, but unfortunately the underlying bigger issue remained. She began overtaking her opioids. What would follow is her daughter requesting for the refills earlier than prescribed. Though her doctors were always understanding, it became too much to ask for this favor every month.
They needed a better solution Vallejo was the home to some of the first
dispensaries in Solano County. It was out of desperation that Valerie Inglebright walked into her first store. “I did not know what to expect or what to ask for,” Valerie said. As she approached her first “bud tender,” she explained that she needed pain relief for her mother. Valerie walked away with her first package of gummies, Kanha Cannabis Infused - 20:1 CBD Watermelon favored gummies. Fortunately, these gummies worked! They provided relief on both fronts; giving Doris pain relief and the ability to be a little more independent from her opioid prescription.
The Bright Spot idea was born! If we can do this for our family, why can’t we help others who may not have the ability to travel to neighboring cities? Jim Inglebright, The Bright Spot founder, takes pride in the services he has offered the community with his towing company and automotive repair shop. He knew he could build a dispensary that everyone could turn to
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Jim hired his son-in-law, Jacob Wulff, as his general manager and Brett Fortney, who Jim considers an expert in the field of cannabis, as his buyer. Both Wulff and Fortney attended seminars, conventions and met with a wide variety of cannabis vendors who provided safe, tested cannabis for consumer consumption. The Bright Spot became home to many products from Sacramento, Humbolt County, from the Bay Area stretching to the Los Angeles basin. Offering only the best products along every price point became an essential for The Bright Spot.
Now, how do we get the word out? Jim believes in grassroots marketing. He believes that word of mouth is more valuable than any marketing campaign had to offer. Jim believed that if you build a first class operation and offered excellent customer service, that one friend will tell two. At The Bright Spot, customers are greeted by the friendly receptionist who will guide their first experience of the store. From there, they will have their own personal “budtender” who will give their customers insight to the selection The Bright Spot has to offer such as flower, extracts, gummies, topicals and concentrates.
When do people need to come in? Whenever they want! The Bright Spot is open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday. You can visit us online at www. thebrightspot.com.
Agreements between Touro, community colleges benefits nurses TOURO UNIVERSITY CALIFORNIA
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ost people like the idea of a trial service, a free sample, or a “try before you buy” offer. Newly formed agreements between Touro University California and San Joaquin Delta College in Stockton and Solano Community College in Fairfield allow nursing students in associate degree nursing programs to take a 2-unit graduate level nursing course at no cost to see if graduate level nursing is right for them. The course is far better than a free trial. Students who choose to continue at Touro will be able to apply those two units toward their degree program, which comes at a savings of more than $1,600 in tuition. The class, “Current Issues in Nursing and Writing in the Profession,” is offered via Zoom and Canvas during the summer semester, over a 5-week period. The course is available to students who have completed their first year of their associate degree in nursing program, upon graduation from that program
or during the first fall semester of their entry into Touro’s ADN to MSN (Associate Degree in Nursing to Master of Science in Nursing) program. Not only does the course offer students a savings in tuition, but it also affords them a time-savings, which is a welcome relief for working nurses and nursing students. Touro’s nursing programs are for nurses that already have their RN license and want to advance their careers. The pathways at Touro include the Master of Science in leadership and the post master’s family nurse practitioner certificate program. This agreement with community college partners provides an opportunity for students to go directly to a master’s degree in nursing after graduating with their associate degree. The ADN to MSN program is accelerated and is completed in 18 months. The ADN to MSN track at Touro allows nursing students to transition from an associate’s degree to a master’s degree in one process. Nurses with bachelor’s degrees can
also seek their master’s on the same pathway, it just takes a shorter time to complete the program. “Often, students in associate degree programs have heard that they must have a BSN (bachelor’s degree in nursing), when in fact, a higher degree is preferable,” said Ann Stoltz, Touro’s Nursing School co-founder and interim assistant program director. “Upon graduation [students] from the ADN to MSN program gain not only the MSN, but also are qualified to apply for certification as a public health nurse by the CA Board of Registered Nursing and may sit for the exam for national certification as a Clinical Nurse Leader,” Stoltz said. This relationship benefits nurses and nursing students, but also provides a benefit to both Solano and San Joaquin counties. “The graduates of the SON (School of Nursing) are typically from the area, continue to practice in our local communities, and contribute to elevating the quality of health care,” Stoltz added.
DAILY REPUBLIC — Sunday, April 25, 2021 | 5 | Medical Guide/National Nurses Week 2022
Nurse honored to play role as hero In honor of Nurses Week, NorthBay Healthcare shares this story about one of the organization’s many nurses who make a difference in the lives of their community.
DIANE BARNEY
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ony Lopez was happy to be getting back into action after the pandemic sidelined his weekly badminton games at the Georgie Duke Sports Center. At 74, the Vacaville resident knows it’s important to stay active and connected, especially with his gym friends, who he says are like family to him. He was lucky that on March 4 one of his friends, Andy Mukundan, R.N., was just a few courts away when Tony started feeling strange. His energy level dropped and he had to sit down on the court for a minute. “Someone said, ‘You look like you need a break.’ I actually wasn’t feeling bad until that moment,” he said. “That’s all I remember. They tell me I collapsed.” That was when Andy went to work. “The nurse in me stepped up and took over,” he recalled. Tony was unresponsive, so Andy asked a bystander to dial 9-1-1, and called for an AED. “The AED recognized that Tony needed a shock, and so I gave him one. I couldn’t find a pulse.” One of their gym friends started CPR,
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Andy Mukundan, R.N., visits his friend Tony Lopez at NorthBay Medical Center in Fairfield. It has been a couple of years since Andy worked a full-time bedside job. After 20 years in nursing, (14 of those at NorthBay Healthcare) took on a new role as a clinical documentation improvement coordinator in Quality. And while he loves the value and importance of his new role, there’s something about being able to deliver life-saving care in an instant, he admits. It’s probably why he volunteered during the height of the recent Covid-19 surge to take on a few nursing shifts in the Intensive Care Unit. “I like to think that all the stars aligned for Tony,” Andy said. “Not only was I there, but one of our gym friends just passed her nursing board exam as a nurse, and it played out exactly the way it does during our drills. It almost felt like I was in a movie.” Once Tony arrived at NorthBay Medical Center, it was clear he needed more than
‘When Tony’s eyes opened and that innocent face looked back at me, it was the most gratifying moment for me as a nurse.’ — ANDY MUKUNDAN, R.N.
and then Andy did a round. “When Tony’s eyes opened and that innocent face looked back at me, it was the most gratifying moment for me as a nurse,” Andy said.
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CPR. He was quickly scheduled for a quadruple bypass and valve replacement, and both were completed successfully. From the moment Tony went to the ICU, and then later on Unit 1600, Andy became a regular visitor. “We were always friendly before,” Andy said, “but now we’ve really bonded.” Another surprise for Tony came when his case manager stopped by. It turned out to be a woman he’d gone to high school with in Vallejo in 1966. That, also, was fortunate. When Tony arrived at the hospital, he didn’t have his phone or wallet, and was in no shape to remember phone numbers for family. But it turned out Ginger Young, his case manager, knew Tony’s sister and had stayed in touch. She was able to help him connect with his family. The care he’s received at NorthBay has been phenomenal, Tony said, and it has also been wonderful for him to realize how many of his gym friends really care. “I have a bunch of good friends who are watching over me now,” he said. “We really are like family.”
IBS
Good, bad foods for METRO SERVICES
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rritable bowel syndrome, previously referred to as spastic colon or nervous bowel, is a common disorder affecting the large intestines. The Mayo Clinic says individuals with IBS experience cramping, abdominal pain, bloating, gas, diarrhea or constipation. IBS is a chronic disorder, which means it can last for years. Doctors may recommend dietary changes to help treat symptoms. Dietary changes typically must be instituted for several weeks to see if symptoms improve. Dietician and researcher Gail Cresci, PhD, RD, often recommends easily digestible foods, an approach to eating known as a low-FODMAP diet. The Cleveland Clinic says FODMAP stands for “Fermentable Oligosaccharides, Disaccharides, Monosaccharides And Polyols.” FODMAPs are carbohydrates that are not easily digested nor absorbed by the small intestines. Researchers also found they increase the amount of fluid in the bowel. Undigested carbohydrates are later metabolized by intestinal bacteria in the colon, which produces excess gas. The fluid and gas in the bowel leads to bloating and can cause diarrhea and/or constipation as well as abdominal pain. Low-FODMAP choices can mitigate IBS
symptoms, including pain. Harvard Medical School says one study found that 76 percent of IBS patients following the low-FODMAP diet reported improvement with symptoms.
Foods to avoid When following a low-FODMAP diet, one should consume less of these items: • Lactose, which is found in cow’s milk, custard, ice cream, pudding, cottage cheese, ricotta, and mascarpone. • Fructose from apples, pears, peaches, cherries, mangoes, pears, and watermelon, as well as sweeteners like honey and agave nectar. • Fructans in vegetables, such as artichokes, asparagus, Brussels sprouts, broccoli, beets, garlic, and onions, and also grains such as wheat and rye. • Galacto-oligosaccharides from chickpeas, lentils, kidney beans, soy products, and broccoli. • Polyols from apples, apricots, blackberries, cherries, nectarines, pears, peaches, plums, watermelon, cauliflower, mushrooms, snowpeas, and several sweeteners, such as sorbitol and xylitol.
Foods to enjoy The idea behind a low-FODMAP diet is to
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limit problematic foods in dietary categories. That means eating foods that are less likely to cause pain, which can include: • Lactose-free milk, rice milk, almond milk, coconut milk, hard cheeses, and lactose-free yogurts. • Bananas, blueberries, cantaloupe, grapefruit, honeydew, kiwi, lemon, lime, oranges, and strawberries. • Bamboo shoots, bean sprouts, bok choy, carrots, chives, cucumbers, eggplant, ginger, lettuce, olives, parsnips, and turnips. • Beef, pork chicken, fish, eggs, and tofu. • Almonds, macadamia, peanuts, pine nuts, and walnuts. • Oat, oat bran, gluten-free pasta, and quinoa. Individuals can speak with a dietician or a doctor to experiment with dietary changes in an effort to manage their IBS. Some people may tolerate certain “safe” foods better than others. The Canadian Society of Intestinal Research suggests taking a soluble fiber supplement prior to a potential trigger meal, which may protect against symptoms. Try to avoid oil in cooking, relying on grilling, baking, steaming, or broiling instead. Plenty of low-FODMAP diet plans can be found online. Individuals can do their research and find foods they like that don’t trigger symptoms of IBS.
DAILY REPUBLIC — Sunday, April 25, 2021 | 7 | Medical Guide/National Nurses Week 2022
Strategies to prevent back pain METRO SERVICES
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en and women are well aware that minor aches and pains are part of aging. A balky knee that acts up on rainy days or an old sports injury that still triggers periodic discomfort may not be much to worry about, but a more serious condition such as chronic back pain can be so debilitating that it’s wise for individuals to do whatever they can to avoid it or delay its arrival. Millions of cases of chronic back pain undoubtedly go unreported. That’s because many individuals accept back pain as a side effect of aging, while others lack access to health care, making it difficult to pinpoint just how prevalent chronic back pain is. However, the Global Burden of Disease Study 2017 estimated that around 577 million people across the globe experience lower back pain, or LBP. That prevalence should not give the impression that chronic back pain is unavoidable. In fact, various strategies can be employed to prevent back pain and all the negative consequences that come with it. • Be active. The Office of Disease
Prevention and Health Promotion notes that physical activity strengthens the back and lowers the risk for developing back pain. The ODPHP recommends individuals engage in back-strengthening and stretching exercises at least two days per week. Chiropractors or personal trainers can recommend safe backstrengthening exercises, which the Mayo Clinic notes include the bridge exercise and shoulder blade squeeze. Stretches individuals can try include the knee-to-chest stretch, the lower back rotational stretch and the cat stretch. • Embrace new exercise routines. Individuals accustomed to strength training that involves dumbbells and circuit training machines should know that there are other ways to build strength and benefit the back at the same time. For example, studies have shown the value of Pilates in increasing the strength of core muscles, including those in the lower back. In addition, the ODPHP recommends yoga to individuals who want to make their backs stronger and lower their risk for back pain. Many fitness facilities have long since recognized the value of yoga and pilates
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and now include each approach in their class schedules. • Perfect your posture. Another way to prevent back pain is to make a concerted effort to maintain good posture. The ODPHP urges individuals to avoid slouching when standing and sitting and to stand tall with head up and shoulders back. When sitting, sit with back straight against the back of the chair and feet flat on the floor. If possible, keep knees slightly higher than hips when sitting. Alternate between sitting and standing to avoid being in the same position for too long. • Lift correctly. Poor technique when lifting things, even items that are not excessively heavy, can contribute to back pain. When lifting items, do so with the legs and not the back. The ODPHP urges individuals to keep their backs straight and bend at the knees or hips when lifting items. Avoid lifting especially heavy items without assistance. Despite its prevalence, back pain is not a given. Individuals can keep various strategies in mind to avoid joining the hundreds of millions of people across the globe who suffer from back pain every day.
Fibromyalgia treatment options METRO CREATIVE GRAPHICS
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ibromyalgia is a clinical syndrome that presents as widespread body pain. If left untreated, fibromyalgia is a potentially debilitating condition. Middle age women are especially vulnerable to fibromyalgia, and early diagnosis is key so that treatments can begin. Treatment is likely to be more effective if introduced early, according to a 2017 study in the journal Australian Prescriber. The Mayo Clinic says doctors attempting to diagnose pain used to check 18 specific points on the body to determine if pain was linked to fibromyalgia. However, newer guidelines from the American College of Rheumatology no longer require a tender point exam for diagnosis. Instead, the condition is considered present when widespread pain throughout the body lasts for at least three months. Newly diagnosed fibromyalgia patients may have many questions about the illness and their treatment options. Fibromyalgia symptoms wax and wane, so Johns Hopkins Medicine says treatment strategies continually need to evolve and are tailored specifically to each patient’s needs. However,
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treatment strategies tend to fall into four broad categories: education; symptom management; cognitive behavior therapy; and complementary approaches. Symptom management tends to include a variety of medications. The Mayo Clinic Says doctors will recommend pain relievers such as acetaminophen, ibuprofen and naproxen sodium, which are available over-the-counter.
Opioid pain relievers usually are not recommended because of side effects and risk for dependence. Antidepressants are the most frequently used and best studied drugs for the treatment of fibromyalgia, indicates Johns Hopkins. They are effective in treating pain, sleep disturbances, fatigue, and depression. Anti-seizure drugs often are useful to reduce certain types of pain. In addition to medications, complementary approaches include physical therapy, acupressure, massage, acupuncture, hypnosis, osteopathic manipulation, and other techniques. Cognitive behavior therapy also may help those with fibromyalgia manage their condition by applying relaxation therapy and cognitive pain management, among other techniques. Speaking with a mental health counselor also can give individuals additional tools for dealing with painful and stressful situations that arise due to fibromyalgia. Fibromyalgia affects many people, notably women. There is no cure, but various treatments can relieve pain and assist with other symptoms.
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Administrator Mary Felix: Mary@SolanoLifeHouse.com DAILY REPUBLIC — Sunday, April 25, 2021 | 9 | Medical Guide/National Nurses Week 2022
Weightlifting
tips for
beginners
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trength training is a vital component of an effective exercise regimen. Guidelines from the Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion recommend adults include moderate- to high-intensity strength training activities in their workout regimens at least twice per week. Individuals with little weightlifting experience may not recognize the value of strength training, which is often associated with building as much muscle as possible. Though strength training helps build muscle, it’s also a great way to burn fat. Muscle increases resting metabolic rate, which means individuals who engage in strength training will burn more fat during rest than they would if they did not include such exercise in their workout regimens. Stronger muscles also provide more support to bones and connective tissues, which reduces injury risk. That’s an especially important benefit for aging men and women. As valuable as strength training is, it’s imperative that individuals approach weightlifting and other strength-building exercises with a measure of caution. Improper form or
going too hard too soon can increase injury risk. Beginners can heed these tips as they acclimate to strength training. • Work with a personal trainer. Proper form is imperative to avoiding injury while strength training, and personal trainers can guide individuals through an assortment of exercises to make sure they’re performing them correctly. If a long-term commitment to a personal trainer is beyond your financial means, find a trainer with limited commitment packages or one who lets clients pay on a session-by-session basis. Many fitness facilities include one or two free personal trainer consultations for new members, so take advantage of these opportunities when they’re offered. If you plan to work out at home, ask a friend with weightlifting experience to show you the correct form or watch online tutorials. • Begin with light weight. Beginners should avoid reaching for the heaviest dumbbells on the rack. Mastering form is vital at the beginning stages of a new strength training program, so go for lighter weights and gradually add weight as your body acclimates. If you find yourself completing a set without much effort, you can add a little more weight. But start with light weight and build from there.
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• Warm up with some light cardio prior to lifting any weight. The fitness experts at Gold’s Gym note that some light warmup prior to a strength training workout increases range of motion, decreases injury risk and contributes to more permanent change in muscles. Keep warmup sessions to between five and 10 minutes, opting for anything from a low-intensity jog on a treadmill or session on an elliptical. After warming up, perform some stretches that target the muscles you’ll be focusing on during your workout. A trainer or online tutorial can be good sources of stretches to perform before working out a particular muscle group. • Recognize the need for recovery. Rest and recovery is vital for any athlete, and that includes strength training beginners who are not yet lifting a lot of weight. Rest helps to build lean muscle tissue and prevents injuries. When planning a strength training regimen, ensure muscles get adequate rest by never working out the same muscle groups on consecutive days. Strength training beginners should take things slowly and gradually change their routines as their bodies become more acclimated to exercises designed to make them stronger.
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Strategies to lose weight safely METRO SERVICES
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he struggle millions of individuals experience in regard to maintaining a healthy weight has led public health agencies to characterize overweight and obesity as a major public health crisis. According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, nearly one in three adults in the United States are overweight, while more than 40% are considered obese. Data from Statistics Canada indicates individuals also are struggling with their weight in Canada, where nearly 27% of adults can be classified as obese and more than 36% are classified as overweight. With so many adults in North America classified as overweight or obese, it’s no wonder that fad diets and additional programs to lose weight are so easy to find. Individuals who are overweight or obese should aspire to lose weight, as doing so can lower their risk for various conditions, including some which can be deadly, such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes. But it’s vital that individuals lose weight in a safe way that gives them the best chance to keep weight off. In recognition of that, the U.S. Department of Agri-
culture offers these tips to lose weight safely. • Recognize what makes up a healthy weight loss program. Individuals have all sorts of options that promise to help them lose weight, but that doesn’t mean each of those options is safe and/or effective. For example, the American Academy of Family Physicians notes that the typical fad diet is unhealthy and does not result in sustainable weight loss. Some such diets can even be dangerous to your overall health. The USDA describes healthy weight loss programs as those that consist of reasonable and realistic weight loss goals. A reduced-calorie, nutritionally-balanced eating plan is another feature of a healthy weight loss program. Such programs also should encourage routine physical activity and a plan to help people change their behaviors so they can stay on track and meet their goals. • Know what to expect out of a healthy meal. The USDA notes that calories, portion sizes and nutrition all combine to make a healthy meal. Avoid high-calorie meals by limiting portion sizes. The online health resource Verywell Fit offers a useful breakdown that can help people determine healthy portion sizes:
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• 1 palm: a serving of protein • 1 fist: a serving of vegetables • 1 thumb: a serving of fats • 1 cupped hand: a serving of carbs This breakdown can act as a guideline for individuals, who also can discuss appropriate portion sizes with their physicians or a licensed dietician. • Change your lifestyle, not just your diet. A successful weight loss strategy will help individuals develop lifestyle habits that help them maintain healthy weights. Fad diets and other quick fixes only provide short-term weight loss, and the USDA urges individuals to avoid programs that they “go on” and “go off” at predetermined intervals. Long-term, healthy weight loss is achieved by changing one’s lifestyle, which requires a permanent commitment to physical activity and healthy eating. A significant percentage of adults in both the United States and Canada is considered overweight or obese.When attempting to lose weight, those individuals can look to a comprehensive approach rooted in healthy eating and routine exercise that can help them shed pounds and keep those pounds off for good.
Melanoma signs, symptoms METRO SERVICES
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elanoma is a type of skin cancer that affects melanocytes, or the cells that produce the skin pigment melanin. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says that the sun’s UVB rays stimulate melanocytes, and more than 90% of melanomas are thought to be caused by ultraviolet exposure. Melanoma can exhibit different symptoms depending on the part of the body it is affecting, and may not affect everyone in the same way. The following are some of the signs and symptoms of melanoma. • A new spot on the skin that changes in shape, size or color. • A spot or mole that looks different from the other moles or spots on the skin (known as the ugly duckling sign). • A sore that doesn’t heal. • Spreading of pigment from the border of a spot into the surrounding skin. • Changes in sensation in the skin, such as itchiness, tenderness or pain.
• Changes in the surface of a mole, whether bleeding, oozing or scaliness. • A dark line beneath the nail bed. • The presence of hard or swollen lymph nodes. • A hard lump on the skin. • Unexplained pain, weight loss or fatigue. • Ocular melanoma, or melanoma that occurs in the eye, may be difficult to see without a professional eye exam. Enlarged blood vessels in the eye could indicate the presence of a tumor. Any symptoms, however benign they may seem, should be brought to the attention of a doctor who can determine if melanoma is present. The Melanoma Research Alliance says there is now a 98% five-year survival rate for stage 0, I and II localized melanoma. METRO SERVICES
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Taking solace in nurses’ laughter PETER ROSENBERGER TRIBUNE NEWS SERVICE
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s the intercom announced the end of visiting hours, I grabbed my coat, kissed my wife (without a mask – don’t tell Dr. Fauci), and headed toward the elevator. Hanging my head a bit, I sighed while recalling countless hours in hospitals during 35-plus years as her caregiver – and through her more than 80 operations. A 1983 car accident left Gracie severely disabled and eventually cost her both legs, and most recently, a 9-hour surgery on her back. Briefly lost in reflection, I overheard a group of nurses laughing loudly. Turning to see the commotion, I discovered they put baby pictures of themselves on a wall, and their colleagues had to guess who belonged to which image. To hear lively conversations and laughter seems a stark contrast to the difficulties of daily care those nurses undertake. Yet joy and even hilarity are not mutually exclusive to difficult times. Caring for those following complex operations is hard enough. However, medical care in the Covid world is brutal and isolating – and the laughter of nurses served as a welcome reverberation against the painful circumstances felt by patients and at least one weary caregiver. Just as I thought I’d spent all my optimism and humor, a group of laughing nurses lent me theirs. Decades of caregiving for Gracie through a medical nightmare continues to reinforce the importance of exuberance – especially in difficult times. Optimism, hope, and humor can all thrive in the soil of hardship. Our tears and impotent fury at severe challenges seem
endless, but can we laugh, tease, and express a lust for life – even in the ICU, a pandemic, or a stressed and politically divided country? Not only can we – we must. Caregivers for a chronically impaired loved one eventually learn that one cannot wait for circumstances to improve or worsen to live a healthier life. Part of that healthiness includes laughter and optimism – and both are contagious. A moment in the ICU recently drove home the transmittable properties of hope in an unexpected way. The acute pain team daily arrived to assist my wife with her intense post-operative pain – as well as the daily pain she’s endured for a lifetime. After logging so many hours in hospitals, we simply act like our usual goofy selves – and often don’t realize the signal it delivers to others. As the pain team started to leave, Gracie thanked them profusely and apologized for the extra time they had to spend with her. The professor leading the team turned, walked to her bed, and said the most remarkable thing. “We are around misery every day – all day long. Walking into this room is a breath of fresh air!” Checking on my wife during rounds, the neurosurgeons asked how things were going. With a serious expression, I inquired if Tourette’s syndrome was a complication of this particular surgery. With an indignant look, Gracie hoarsely whispered out that she did not have Tourette’s syndrome – and to not listen to me! Even through their masks, the smiles of the surgical team lit up the room. For just a moment, laughter distracted us all from the hardship of her recent surgery – and her considerable pain. Gracie’s keenly aware of her disability and
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the seriousness of her challenges. She hardly needs me to remind her of those things. However, she does require a lifeline to brighter days ahead and companionship along the journey. Hence, I tease and flirt outrageously with her – even in such a serious place as a hospital. She weakly smiled and rolled her eyes at me when I lapsed into my best Jeff Foxworthy impression, “If you hang a sock on your wife’s hospital room door, you might be a redneck!” I couldn’t help but notice that her eyes were not filled with tears. Nurses laughing at their colleagues’ baby pictures, pain doctors feeling encouragement from chronic pain patients, and a husband teasing his wife in a room full of surgeons. All of these things reflect life – regardless of the painful journey. Fearless optimism and hope remain our greatest weapons against despair. While we cannot remove many of the challenges and heartaches from our lives, we can purpose to live with joy and gratitude. Wishing for a better life is futile. Living a better life in the midst of whatever - remains a worthier goal. During the pandemic and ensuing national and global discord, it seems too many focus on mitigating risks - and avoiding suffering and hardship at the expense of living. Sadly, fear leads many of us to twist ourselves into pretzels to achieve normalcy in life. But, as Val Kilmer stated when playing Doc Holliday in Tombstone, “There is no normal life, there’s just life, ya live it.” Peter Rosenberger hosts the nationally syndicated radio program, “Hope for the Caregiver,” www.hopeforthecaregiver.com.
Does your home have good air quality?
T
he Covid-19 pandemic is finally slowing to a halt across much of the U.S. It’s been a long 15 months, but many of us are starting to get back to some semblance of normalcy. The pandemic taught us a lot about our health. Whether you were fortunate enough to evade infection or know someone that got sick, the past year made everyone realize how precious our health can be. Dust, bacteria, allergens, and other airborne particles often make it harder to breathe. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency says that poor air quality is one of the biggest threats to public health. After a year of wearing masks and washing our hands non-stop, use these tips to make sure you and your loved ones are breathing clean air every single day.
Check air quality Air quality tends to change on a dime across much of the country. Pollution, smog, and other toxins can easily blow in one minute and blow away the next. Use the Air Now website to check current air quality levels in your neighborhood. The agency will rate the quality of the air based on sensitivity to those
with respiratory conditions. If you think you’re safer inside your home than out, think again. Studies show 87% of American homeowners are not aware that pollution may be worse inside their homes than outdoors. Watch out for wet or damp areas that can spread mold. Regular activities, such as cooking, cleaning, and remodeling, can cause air pollution. Millions of homeowners took on new projects at home during the pandemic. Dust and other debris may be floating around without your knowledge. Use an indoor air quality monitor to see how your home stacks up to the outdoors.
Call a professional to test air quality Contact an air quality expert to inspect your home. They will test the air throughout your home to make sure it is safe to breathe. This is essential if someone with respiratory issues or immune deficiencies is living or staying in your home. Having poor air quality doesn’t mean your home is dirty. Even a clean home can have lots of bacteria floating around in the air. Experts say that around 30% of newly constructed and
remodeled homes have indoor air quality problems. The issue usually has to do with your home’s HVAC system. It may need a new filter or thorough cleaning. The technician will clean the inside and outside of your unit to make sure you and your loved ones can stay comfortable without putting your health at risk.
Install an air cleaning system Your system should do more than just change the temperature; it should remove harmful toxins and particles from the air. The technician can install an air cleaning system to improve the overall quality. They can also add the iWave air purifier to your HVAC system for more air pollution control. It uses special needlepoint bipolar ionization (NPBI) technology to eliminate potential hazards. It can get rid of up to 99.98% of all airborne allergens, including those that can cause Covid-19. Don’t take a chance with your health postCovid-19. Use these tips to keep your loved ones safe and healthy all year long. Contact the professionals at A-1 Guaranteed to schedule your consultation today!
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iWave is an air purifying device that installs in any air conditio conditioning or heating system. When air passes over the iWave, ions produced by the device reduce pathogens, allergens, particles, smoke and odors in the air, creating a healthy environment without producing any harmful byproducts.
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DAILY REPUBLIC — Sunday, April 25, 2021 | 15 | Medical Guide/National Nurses Week 2022