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......
Do you ever feel like this? have a bad day? depression got you down so low that you almost can't pull yourself back out of that hole? Just think about this squirrel and smile, we are all nuts in this crazy world called life! Nothing worth dying over, believe me I have been there and have the T-shirt for it. You are a person of worth, and even if you think your world is over, you are special to many people..... remember, even me.
Kevin Lucey lost his son to suicide. Please, I know its hard to listen
to. I know it will make you cry to watch this. But please take the three
minutes and hear his story... and pass it along. Joining together,
caring together, we CAN keep people like Jeffrey from falling through
the cracks. We can make a difference.
Suicide is a topic that nobody wants to talk about, but it is very real, just like the
story above of Kevin Lucey. Jeffrey fell thru the cracks and died, he cried out for help
and nobody seemed to have the time to help him, except his parents.
Lets take a look at suicide and what education and resources are out there now.
One of the best ones I have seen lately is the "Kristin Brooks Hope Center-Hopeline", alot of the information here is credited to their webpage (thank you).
Suicide is a permanent solution to a
temporary problem. Suicidal behavior is complex, as some risk factors
vary with age, gender, and ethnic group and may even change over time.
The risk factors for suicide frequently occur in combination. Research
has shown that more than 90% of people who commit suicide have
depression or another diagnosable mental or substance abuse disorder.
The number one cause of suicide is untreated
depression. A depressive disorder is an illness that involves the whole
body, mood, and thoughts. It affects the way a person feels about
oneself and the way one thinks about things. The taking of ones own life
tragically demonstrates the terrible psychological pain experienced by a
person who has lost all hope – a person who is no longer able to cope
with day to day activities – a person who feels there is no solution to
their problem – a person who wants to end the pain by ending their own
life.
Much of this kind of suffering is unnecessary.
Depression is treatable and as a result, suicide is preventable. Love
yourself or a friend enough not to keep thoughts of suicide a secret. If
you or a friend of yours is thinking of ending the pain by ending your
own life, this is not a secret to keep. Talk to your family, friends or
other special people in your life. They can help you find solutions to
your problems and to see ways to cope with your pain without ending your
life. Help is just a phone call away: 1.800.SUICIDE (784-2433)
Things to know about suicide:
• 90% of people who commit suicide have depression or another diagnosable mental illness or substance abuse disorder
• The number one cause of suicide is untreated depression
• Suicide has ranked at the 3 rd leading cause of death for young people nationally
• There are three female attempts for every
male attempt at suicide. However, males are four times as likely to die
from their attempts
What to do if a friend or loved one is suicidal:
• Let that person know you are concerned about
their well-being, and that you have observed certain clues that have
made you think that they may want to hurt themselves. Ask them if they
are depressed or suicidal.
• Listen to your friend, and keep in mind that
you must stay calm. Your friend will more than likely be relived that
someone noticed their pain, and cared enough to confront them and talk
about it.
• Support your friend unconditionally. While
you cannot make someone choose to live, and while you aren't responsible
for their life, you can support them and show them that you care while
giving them ideas about other choices.
• Remind this friend that suicide is a permanent solution to a temporary problem.
• Be honest with your friend and they will
trust your input. Let them know you want to help them, even if it
involves calling an adult or a hotline. Call them in front of your
friend if necessary.
• Call 9-1-1 if you feel their suicide threat is immediate.
• Become trained as a Suicide Prevention Gatekeeper ONLINE! NOW!
The Kristin Brooks Hope Center is pleased to announce the first
suicide prevention gatekeeper training program to be delivered online.
The program is called QPR. It stands for Question,
Persuade and Refer, three steps anyone can learn to help prevent
suicide. Just like CPR, QPR is an emergency response to someone in
crisis and can save lives. QPR is the most widely taught gatekeeper
training program in the United States, and more than 1,000,000 adults
have been trained in classroom settings in 50 states.
QPR Online is taught in a clear, concise format using the latest in
educational technology and takes approximately one hour to complete. A
high-speed internet connection is required.
QPR Online is hosted by actress and author, Carrie Fisher, and uses
Web-based technology, compelling graphics, streamed video and
interactive learning dynamics to teach:
* How to get help for yourself or learn more about preventing suicide
*The common causes of suicidal behavior
*The warning signs of suicide
*How to Question, Persuade and Refer someone who may be suicidal
*How to get help for someone in crisis
After completing a post-course survey, evaluation and passing a
15-item quiz on QPR, a printable Certificate of Course Completion is
available.
The course retails for $29.95. By typing in "Hopeline" in the promo code you receive a 33% discount. The cost will be $19.95.
Next blog post we will talk more about depression and things that can lead up to suicidal behaviors, including my own personal struggles with this sensitive topic.
Makers of the product call it ‘bath salts,’ but it’s anything but a soothing way to relax in the tub. Instead, these little packets of powder carrying names like Ivory Wave, Bliss, White Lightning, Hurricane Charlie and Vanilla Sky are akin to synthetic cocaine or methamphetamine – and very dangerous.
The American Association of Poison Control Centers (http://www.aapcc.org/dnn/Portals/0/prrel/BathSalts11811.pdf) issued a press release Jan. 18 raising the alarm about toxic substances marketed as ‘bath salts’ and said states are beginning to take action. The products cause increased blood pressure, increased heart rate, agitation, hallucinations, extreme paranoia and delusions. What ‘bath salts’ are
‘Bath salts’ contain powerful stimulants methedrone and methylenedioxypyrovalerone, also called MDPV, and there have been scattered reports across the country of drug-induced deaths accidental overdose or suicide.
How are these chemicals used? According to the American Association of Poison Control Centers, most patients calling the poison centers have snorted the substances. In at least one instance, the substance was injected into the individual’s veins. Chemicals still legal for sale in U.S.
The big difference between ‘bath salts’ and cocaine and methamphetamine, which are classified as controlled substances by the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA), is that this latest designer drug – marketed as something not for human consumption — is still legal to be sold in the U.S. The same chemicals in the so-called ‘bath salts’ have also been sold as plant food, pond scum cleaner, and insecticide.
MDPV and mephedrone, according to the DEA, are chemicals of concern, but the agency is currently studying them. The result is that they’re legal at the federal level and in states that haven’t yet specifically prohibited them. States take action
That’s changing quickly – at least at the state level.
After Louisiana had more than 160 poison control cases – and at least three deaths – linked to the chemicals in ‘bath salts,’ Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal banned the chemical ingredients in the stimulants in an emergency executive order this month. The order will remain in effect for 120 days. In order to become permanent, the state Legislature will need to act.
On Wednesday, Florida became the latest state to enact a ban on MDPV, a ruling that stands for 90 days.
North Dakota instituted a ban in February 2010. The city of Huntington, West Virginia outlawed MDPV and mephedrone last December. Officials in Kentucky, Mississippi and other states are beginning to take similar steps, reports the Los Angeles Times.
Always on the hunt for ways to skirt laws, makers of these designer drugs try to stay one step ahead of laws on the books and enforcement to catch offenders. It’s a frequently noted problem. By the time laws catch up to the producers of such drugs, the perpetrators have switched the formulation and morphed the substance into something new.
The Los Angeles Times article noted that California hasn’t yet seen the critical mass of this problem like Louisiana. The California Poison Control System has only received one call on ‘bath salts.’ Parents urged to safeguard children
Still, this issue isn’t going to fade away anytime soon. People can easily buy these ‘bath salts’ at any age. They are available on the Internet for about $20. Parents should be especially cautious and monitor their children’s spending closely, especially if there have been any reports of ‘bath salts’ usage in the area, if the kids talk about the latest cool and cheap way to get high, or parents notice unusual behavior that could indicate drug use.
Poison control centers across the country are ready to answer questions about ‘bath salts’ or any other product that could pose harm to users. Contact the poison control center at 1-800-222-1222.
A new school year is upon us and it brings excitement along with it. I’m guilty of loving new supplies! Nothing makes my heart jump like three new highlighters in annoyingly bright colors. There’s no sarcasm here because I would genuinely look forward to shopping for book and supplies lists.
Kids need to also check their health before they go to school. So I’m getting into the festivity of checklists and created a health related checklist designed specifically for school-aged children:
Lice- Children notoriously share lice when they are in daycare, preschool and starting elementary. If only the shared their toys as much with their siblings. Vacation spots are also a breeding ground for lice so be sure to check their heads before starting school. For example, I got lice in Disneyland! I visited the mouse and he sent bugs my way. No fair if you ask me.
Allergies- Many kids have some sort of allergy like pollen or bee stings. Be sure to let the teacher and school know what they should look out for and how to proceed. Small children who are accustomed to staying home everyday are usually exposed to the same things. Once they start daycare or preschool, they learn to deal with watery eyes and constant sniffles. Be on the lookout for signs of allergies so your child’s school day can be a little easier.
Vision issues- Most parents don’t learn a child needs glasses until they enter school. Teachers may observe the child is squinting in order to see. Others might claim it’s too hard to read and refuse to learn altogether. If your child complains of recurrent headaches, he might have a vision problem that needs correcting.
Immunization- Parents choose whether or not to vaccinate their kids but if you do be sure to keep your child’s vaccines up to date. Ask your doctor to provide you with a copy of his records so you can keep it at home.
Healthy lunches- Children need healthy, balanced meals to help them curb obesity and lead overall healthier lives. Ask your children to help you choose their lunches because involving them encourages healthier patterns for the future. Healthy lunches usually include at least one serving of the big three: fruits, vegetables and proteins.
Healthy behaviors- These include habits like washing their hands before meals and after recess and covering their mouths and noses after coughing or sneezing. Parents do this anyway but it’s incredibly important when kids start venturing out to schools.
This list can be used for any child but keep in mind that all kids are different. Parents with children with specific needs should always inform the school before starting the year. My sister, for example, took an anti-seizure medication for the first seven years of her life. It would leave her groggy for the first hour of class. Teachers knew that by letting her sleep an extra 20 minutes in school she would eventually wake up and get on with her day.
Great info from the @dialdoctors blog page, love to follow them on Twitter
Please visit our blog for more information, I am proud to also work with this team of warriors for the safety of our children. As the Injury Prevention Specialist for Ed4Ed4all,I have been blessed to meet so many people that have suffered great loss due to the death of a child from the "choking game" This senseless behavior has got to stop and that is why we work tirelessly to bring free education to any parent or educator. It will always be free and shared as a resource that it is.
Visit our blog today Ed4Ed4all blog
We are on facebook HERE to like
Follow us on Twitter Here
Kids have various levels of fear when it comes to fireworks.
Some children’s fears are so extreme that they look like they’re going to have an anxiety attack! Then again, some fireworks are so loud that it really is uncomfortable.
If you have a child that is more on the extreme end, you may want to avoid being outside while you watch fireworks. You can generally find a place close to where the fireworks are and sit in your car to watch. You may have children that want to be outside and some that want to stay in the car. It’s great to take turns with your partner for this. It will show the child inside the car that a lot of people like them.
This may sound a bit extreme but you can use earmuffs! OK, it’s summer and it’s July! But you can go to a sporting goods store and get the earmuffs that are used for rifle practice.
One thing that’s very important is to not belittle your child for being afraid. Just tell them, “Some kids don’t like fireworks and some do.” This doesn’t make them feel bad about themselves or feel different. Don’t try to talk them into it. When they see so many people enjoying them, they eventually come around. It may not be this year but it does happen!
If you have a child with a milder fear but really wants to watch, you could give them some tips ahead of time of what they can do. You could say:
“Some people like to cover their ears with their hands.”
“You could tuck your face into mommy or daddy’s neck and just peek at the fireworks or you could close your eyes too.”
“You could shout, “bang” if it makes a loud sound.”
When children know things that they can do, it gives them some control. Practice some of these things before the fireworks. Make it fun!
One thing that you don’t want to do is go “overboard” in comforting your child. What I mean is don’t draw so much attention to a child with milder fears. Don’t tell everyone that “he’s afraid.” You don’t need to be reinforcing that! Of course you can hold them and provide physical comfort but the less you say the better. Make your own comments out loud about the beautiful colors and wondering what color will come next. Eventually the child that is covering their ears and hiding finally stops! Give it time and have fun!
Well here we are another holiday, and more fun!! cookouts, family time, swimming, beach going all the usual summer time 4th of July activities. Fireworks has to be the favorite of my family, how about yours? How many times as a parent have you worried about your child while you were shooting off fireworks in your neighborhood, or even your yard. Depending on what state you live in or how far you are willing to drive and chance getting caught buying fireworks that are not so legal, depends on how safe you might just be at home or at that neighbors house. I thought a reminder on how dangerous fireworks can be would be in order for today. Because we all need to keep our fingers and hands to eat that summer cookout food, right?
Each July Fourth, thousands of people, most often children and teens, are injured while using consumer fireworks. Despite the dangers of fireworks, few people understand the associated risks - devastating burns, other injuries, fires, and even death. The Alliance to Stop Consumer Fireworks is a group of health and safety organizations, coordinated by NFPA, that urges the public to avoid the use of consumer fireworks and instead, to enjoy displays of fireworks conducted by trained professionals.
Facts & figures
In 2009, fireworks caused an estimated 18,000 reported fires, including 1,300 total structure fires, 400 vehicle fires, and 16,300 outside and other fires. These fires resulted in no reported civilian deaths, 30 civilian injuries and $38 million in direct property damage.
In 2009, U.S. hospital emergency rooms treated an estimated 8,800 people for fireworks related injuries; 53% of 2009 emergency room fireworks-related injuries were to the extremities and 42% were to the head.
The risk of fireworks injury was highest for children agres 10-14, with more than twice the risk for the general population.
On Independence Day in a typical year, far more U.S. fires are reported than on any other day, and fireworks account for more than half of those fires, more than any other cause of fires.
VIDEO: A dramatic demonstration of the dangers of consumer fireworks, hosted by the Alliance to Stop Consumer Fireworks (coordinated by NFPA) and the Massachusetts State Fire Marshal's office. This video shows the damage that fireworks could cause a person standing too close to fireworks.
Credit to the NFPA for such great info about fireworks visit webpage here
Summer memories often include lighting sparklers and watching fireworks during 4th of July celebrations, however, hundreds of children are injured by fireworks each summer.
Fireworks can cause serious burn and eye injuries. In 2010, 3,400 children under age 15 were injured by fireworks. Of these injuries, over 70% occurred in the weeks surrounding July 4th.
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The safest choice is to leave fireworks to professional use.
Children should never play with or light fireworks or sparklers.
Adults who use fireworks should not use them around children.
Please be smart this 4th of July and keep those fingers intact :) don't want to see you in the ER as another casualty that could have been prevented.
~~Leslie~~
