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Welcome to my blog about health, nursing, caring, kindness and positive change. Our world is full of such negative influences and bad choices, today is the day to make a positive change both physically and mentally in your life.
ERNursesCare is a blog incorporating my nearly 30 years of experience in the healthcare field with my passion for helping others, I want it to encourage others with injury prevention, healthy living, hard hitting choices, hot topics and various ramblings from my unique sense of humor. Come along and enjoy your journey......

Saturday, March 24, 2012

Your Poison Purse~ what if?



What is in your bag? As a mom myself I carry a bag or some kind of pocket book every where I go. I am ashamed to tell anybody what I found in mine today, lots of items that would harm any small child that might get into my bag. So I am doing some heavy spring bag cleaning today! You should too! The Great folks here at The Poison Center have lots of info on their website, one is this http://www.ncpoisoncenter.org/workfiles/Poison%20Purse_compressed.pdf "Poison Purse" pdf that shows you exactly what might be dangerous in your purse.

One of the best resources in our area here is our Poison Control Center at Carolinas Medical Center, areas all over the country also have Poison Control Center's and the main number can get you the right information.
As an ER nurse I have utilized the services of our poison control center many times over and can not say how pleased with the expert care and compassion they have given both the professional and the patients who call them. Visit the website today for great info http://www.ncpoisoncenter.org/





Friday, March 23, 2012

Poison Prevention Week: what can parents do?

Did you know that each year, more than 1.2 million children ages 5 and under are unintentionally poisoned? Whether it's medication on your dresser, cleaning supplies under your kitchen sink, cosmetics in your bathroom or carbon monoxide from gas appliances in your home, you can take simple steps to keep your kids safe.
Have you taken a look closely around your house lately? You might be very surprised to find items like medications that you have left out on the counter, microwave, bathroom cabinet and just not thought about it. Here at our house my kids are getting a little older and we have gotten more relaxed with poison prevention. So I did a survey and was shocked to see the stuff that I just had sitting here and there within child's reach.
When I showed some of our medications to my youngest daughter who is 8, she could not tell the difference in some pills and candy. This lead to a nice discussion about medications and candy look alikes.
Never keep medications out, always keep them in the child resistant containers labeled as they should be, and never call your medications "candy" even if you think you are just kidding around, your child thinks everything you say is true. 



Medication Safety Tips

Safety TipFrom Safe Kids
Store medications out of your child’s sight and reach.
  • Do not leave medicines in your purse, an unlocked kitchen or bathroom cabinet or a kitchen or bedside table.
  • Read labels to find out what can be poisonous. Keep those things separate from toothpaste, soap and other things you use every day.
  • Never leave medicines or potentially poisonous household products unattended while you are using them.
  • Do not leave out loose pills.
  • Buy child-resistant packages when available. 
Be safe when giving medicines to your children.
  • Always read labels, follow directions and give medicines to children based on their weights and ages. 
  • Avoid confusion by keeping all medicines and potentially poisonous household products in their original packages.
  • Do not take medicine or vitamins in front of kids, or involve children as helpers with your medication.
  • Tell grandparents and friends about avoiding medication poisoning when your family visits their homes.
Learn the toll-free nationwide poison control center number (1-800-222-1222), program it into all phones and keep it near every phone.
  • If you suspect your child has been poisoned, take the product to the phone and call 1-800-222-1222. If your child has collapsed or is not breathing, call 911.
  • Poison control centers offer fast, free, confidential help in English and Spanish. Most poisonings are resolved over the phone. The number works from anywhere in the United States 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
  • Follow the operator’s instructions.
  • Do not make the child vomit or give him anything unless directed. 
 Stay tuned, I'm not done yet.............


Tuesday, March 13, 2012

A Spoonful of Cinnamon... makes you sick, thats what!

Photo: katrindell/iStockphoto

What the heck is the "Cinnamon Challenge" another viral video craze that is all over the internet now, can you die from it? Well you can suffer all sorts of health injuries and problems from this crazy stunt, allergic reactions- anaphyaxis, burns, breathing and airway compromise requiring intubation, just to  name a few...
I posted this on another blog Ed4Ed4all.blogspot.com and felt it needed to be heard by all to help educate parents and teens alike.


Some of the things that people do for attention just astound me, the newest craze called the "Cinnamon challenge" has hit the air waves and social media sites like You Tube. What is so special about cinnamon? it is yummy on my toast with some sugar in moderation, in my cinnamon latte sprinkled on top it is good too. Why on this green earth would you want to take a huge heaping spoon full of the stuff and cram it in your mouth? Subsequently coughing, spewing and spattering the powder all over yourself (how attractive) making a huge mess, and oh yeah not to mention inhaling it into your lungs. I guess you like to be a brown powdered, coughing, vomiting, wheezing , pneumonia-prone mess and then video tape the entire thing to make yourself look like an absolute fool in front of all your friends and many non-friends who just think you are stupid.

Now we have not even talked about the health hazards of the intake of to much cinnamon.  Cinnamon powder can cause allergic reactions and breathing problems, and if it is ingested it can lead to serious burns. Some of these side effects can lead to life-threatening medical emergencies. Cinnamon powder can lead to a bronchial constriction, which can be life threatening. If you suffer from an underlying medical condition that may cause problems with breathing, you should be very careful when handling cinnamon powder.

Allergic reactions---can you say Anaphylaxis which can = DEAD if not treated fast!!

According to the University of Michigan, an allergic reaction can occur if you have not previously used cinnamon powder. This is especially true for young babies or children that are being introduced to cinnamon for the first time. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, cinnamon can cause an allergic reaction that can even lead to anaphylactic shock, which is a life threatening medical condition. An allergic reaction can also occur on your skin. Sometimes when cinnamon powder gets on the skin it can cause reddening or even a rash.

Burns!

Cinnamon powder can be very dangerous if you accidentally ingest it by mouth. For example, small children who like to play in the cabinets can easily get into the spice cabinet and ingest the cinnamon powder. This can cause severe burning of the mouth and throat and require immediate medical attention. The burning may be so severe that the child can suffer from swelling of the mouth or throat, which can be life threatening.

This article is from CBS News New York:

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) – A common spice is creating an uncommon problem among teens. It’s called the “cinnamon challenge” and doctors are warning it could be dangerous.

The cinnamon challenge is an old stunt that is making the rounds with a new generation of teens and is popping up all over YouTube and Facebook.

The challenge works like this: A person swallows an entire tablespoon of ground cinnamon without  water, but the results usually end in coughing, choking, gagging, sometimes vomiting and always burning pain.

“It’s dangerous and I never want to have that feeling again,” said one 9th grader, who didn’t want to be identified. She said she was dared to do the challenge last month.

And it’s not just teens who are getting into trouble. New Haven’s Clinton Avenue School principal is on leave, accused of letting  kids in the lunchroom down doses of the spice.

There are no accounts of death by cinnamon, but doctors at Winthrop University Hospital say it’s a dangerous dare. It can raise  blood sugar levels, burn the throat and get into the lungs.

If it gets into your lungs, it can cause asthma or pneumonia,” explained Dr. Joseph Greensher.

Several schools nationwide have formally warned their students about the cinnamon challenge. Doctors say parents should also tell their kids it’s really no joke.

A school in Pennsylvania has actually banned some boots because students were smuggling cinnamon into schools that way.

The video above was on Good Morning America and shows just how crazy ingesting spoonful of cinnamon powder is.

Doctors say the challenge is impossible because the cinnamon cannot be digested without water and warn that by inhaling the cinnamon dust teens run the risk of inflaming or scarring their lungs.

“If you have some fine particles, like cinnamon in your lungs, it may be hard to clear out,” said Dr. Robert Zaid of Providence Hospital in Mobile, Ala.  ”Your lungs can kind of collapse on you. There have been several cases reported where kids needed ventilator support because they weren’t able to maintain their airway.”

Dejah Reed, a freshman at Huron High School in Ann Arbor, Mich., spent four days in the hospital with an infection and a collapsed right lung after she ingested cinnamon two week ago.

“She was going in and out of consciousness. She couldn’t breathe. She was turning pale,” her father, Fred Reed, told local affiliate WXYZ. “I hope parents and kids learn that it’s not fun and games. She could have died.”

Even a site devoted to the challenge, Cinnamonchallenge.com, has this disclaimer prominently displayed on its homepage, “DO NOT ATTEMPT THE CINNAMON CHALLENGE WITHOUT TALKING WITH A DOCTOR.  OBVIOUSLY THEY ARE GOING TO TELL YOU NOT TO DO IT. THE CINNAMON CHALLENGE CAN BE DANGEROUS AND SHOULDN’T BE TAKEN LIGHTLY. YOU NEVER WANT TO PURPOSELY OR MISTAKINGLY INHALE ANY SUBSTANCES SUCH AS CINNAMON. IT’S GOING TO BURN, YOU ARE GOING TO COUGH, AND REGRET YOU TRIED…SO WATCH MOVIES OF PEOPLE ALREADY FEELING THE PAIN.”

Despite the serious health risks the game has been popularized by athletes and even a politician.

In November, during the NBA lockout, basketball stars Nick Young and JaVale McGee attempted the cinnamon challenge in a YouTube video that has been viewed more than 100,000 times and posted on ESPN.com.  In February Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn took the challenge while appearing on a talk radio show, though he drank water to get it down.

Boo to you guys, basketball stars and a Governor acting so stupid, thank you for letting down my children and showing them that people in the public eye that are supposed to be responsible and show some kind of smarts at least are just as stupid as the rest of the dummies out there.

Please be smart and don't do something just because its viral on the internet and "everybody else is doing is momma" well if you fall for that old trick, you are just as stupid as they are and you will suffer the consequences also.

Be safe and be smart, show the world that you are #1 , you have a brain, use it!

ED nurses and doctors be on the look for this crazy problem, kids or college students with brown powder all over them in respiratory distress may have lower blood sugar levels, allergic reactions- anaphylaxis , burns to mouth and throat, require intubation due to swelling of the airways and trauma to the throat and airways due to burns and allergic reactions. 





Sunday, March 4, 2012

So you think you need to die today?

Instead of that thought, how about thinking about getting some help first, there are people out there that do care about you and want you to live, I do, and I don't even
know who you are. I have been in your spot before, down, down, down with no 
light at the end of my tunnel, I thought. I instead got some help and moved on with 
my life. Thinking positive daily helps, plus a little medical help thru pharmacology.

Get Help Now
For Telephone support:
Here is a list of our hotlines in the US
(800)442-4673 .....1-800-442-HOPE
(877)838-2838 .....1-877-Vet2Vet Veterans peer support line
(800)784-2432 .....1-800-SUICIDA Spanish speaking suicide hotline
(877)968-8454 .....1-877-YOUTHLINE teen to teen peer counseling hotline
(800)472-3457 .....1-800-GRADHLP Grad student hotline
(800)773-6667 .....1-800-PPD-MOMS Post partum depression hotline
For a list of hotlines outside the US go here:
www.befrienders.org
For email support 24 x 7:
jo@samaritans.org
It may take a few hours or more to generate a response
For online chat support now:
(none of these are 24 x7 but will tell you if online counselors are available)
http://newhopeonline.org/counseling/liveperson.html
www.crisischat.org

http://www.kidshelp.com.au/teens/get-help/web-counselling
( only available in Australia)

For Reading:
There is a great book to read which is free and online called Suicide: The Forever Decision from the QPR Institute - Download it HERE 


During depression the world disappears. Language itself. One has nothing to say. Nothing. Kristin experienced this misery, yet still managed to touch many lives and even in death continues to help others find help for their depression.
The Kristin Brooks Hope Center was created to help those in crisis find help and hope immediately. The site and her story gives you a raw, personal glimpse into depression, and how it affects those around you. In addition, you will find the only clear, step-by-step path for you to follow out of the darkness. There is hope and you can feel happy again! If you need to speak with someone right now call: 

1.800.SUICIDE 
 (1.800.784.2433) 

Credit to The Kristin Brooks Hope Center webpage
Depression – Depression is a mental illness that is linked to physical changes that occur in the brain. Depression results from an imbalance of certain chemicals, called neurotransmitters, which are responsible for carrying signals in the brain and nerves. While there is no single cause of depression, there are many common factors that can lead to depression. Such factors as: family history, physical conditions, trauma/stress, and other psychological disorders.
Family History - Depression is one of many illnesses that can be passed on to individuals within a family for generations as a result of genetics. Genetics are responsible for all physical and biological traits, and are always inherited from one's parents.
Physical Conditions - Depression can result from the weakness and stress caused by serious medical conditions like cancer, HIV, or heart disease. Depression can actually increase the severity of such physical conditions, for it weakens the immune system and can make pain harder to tolerate.
Trauma/Stress - Traumatic or stressful experiences can drastically increase ones likelihood of becoming depressed. Changing schools, starting a new job, or dealing with the death of a family member are all extreme changes in ones life that can lead to depression.
Psychological Disorders - When one suffers from other psychological disorders such as anxiety, eating disorders, or substance abuse, depression can arise if these disorders go untreated, as a result of the stress that occurs from living with the illness.
Some Warning Signs of Depression:
•  Lack of interest in friends or social activities
•  Drastic changes in ones grades
•  Thoughts of running away
•  Alcohol or substance abuse
•  Fear of death
•  Frequent sadness
•  Problems sleeping
•  Changes in eating habits
•  Constant tiredness
•  Increased irritability

Grief/Loss- Grief is the feeling that you experience with the death of a loved one. Loss is the feeling that you experience when a significant absence or change occurs in your life, but isn't related to death. However, some losses may actually feel worse than a death, (which are the most misunderstood feelings of all). There are several indications of grief and loss, which include: shock, sadness, anger, guilt and sometimes, no feelings at all.
Shock - Shock is the feeling of surprise where you may wonder “why me?”
Sadness - Sadness is the feeling of sorrow where you will miss the person you have loved so much
Anger - Anger is the feeling of rage, where you may wonder “why did this person have to leave”
Guilt - Guilt is the feeling that you could have done something to change the situation, and you may say “I didn't say enough or do enough when the person was here”
No feelings - Sometimes, when the loss of a loved one is unexpected, you may feel confused and may not even know what to feel, or what to say. These feelings are normal and should not be confused with a dislike for the individual.
What you can do:
1. If you feel overwhelmed by grief or loss, are having difficulties getting back to a normal routine, or considering taking your own life because of your grief or loss, please make an attempt to get help and call 1-877 YOUTHLINE, or call 1-800 SUICIDE
2. Talk to an adult that you trust 
 
Learn the Warning Signs of Suicide  
 
Be aware of yourself, your friends, family and people around you,
You never know what kind of battle another person is facing daily
Walk a mile in their shoes first before you judge or talk about them
Hold your head up high and have positive thoughts
God does not make junk!!
You are loved!
Remember that!


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