Nurse Nan's Natural Home Remedies & First-Aid

How's the New Year's Diet Coming?

2012-01-29T16:00:00.000-08:00

Given up on that diet already? If you're not a fast food junky, this simple tip might help. Studies show we eat the least when dining with blue china.

That's right, just invest in a set of new dinnerware (and we know you've been wanting an excuse anyway), and you'll cut down on approximately 100 calories a day. That might not seem like much, but in a month's time, you'll notice a difference.

Happy dieting!

Can't Wear Your Pants After Surgery?

2011-09-15T17:41:00.000-07:00

Recently I've heard several comments from patients who've had surgery. They find they can wear only sweatpants, or worse, have to stay home until their incisions heal completely.

Simplicity makes a great product, pictured above. There are four expanders in each box. I purchased a box for a patient this morning at Jo-Ann's. They're having a coupon sale until Sunday, and I paid $1.61 including tax for the box.

Oh, for you guys who've gained a little weight, they double as collar expanders!

Nurse Nan

Wieners & Starlight Mints

2011-03-17T22:45:00.000-07:00

First, sorry for the long delay between blogs. As many of you know, Trader and I have started our own Internet magazine The Connection, and it has taken up a great deal of time. So, what brings me back to "Nurse Nan?"

I had to re-certify in Basic Life Support this week, and had a fantastic instructor--Jesse Testerman from MedCall Ambulance Service. Mr. Testerman asked if we could name the most dangerous food for small children. Many quickly replied "hot dogs" or "wieners." This was certainly the right answer, but wieners account for only 70% or so of this kind of choking hazard.

Parents need also to be aware of mints--the Starlight kind that are roughly the same circumference of a wiener. Both wieners and mints can easily become lodged in the throat of a young child. If you don't know the Heimlich maneuver, please go online and take any of the many courses available to you. You don't even need to leave your own home to become a lifesaver...and the life you save may be your child's.

Kudos to all you parents out there,

Nurse Nan

The Connection/What Kind of Children Are We Raising?

2010-10-09T00:01:00.000-07:00

The Connection is now up and running. By next week, we hope to have most of our departments in service and to begin offering you a unique local Internet experience. This blog will now be available through the magazine, as will several others.

Thanks to all have encouraged us and helped make it possible. Here's a link to our temporary URL:

The Connection

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I was once 16--in the last millennium. I'm sure I said, "Oh, Mother!" and "Oh, Daddy!" so often my parents couldn't wait for that magical age when I would turn 25, the age psychologists predicted children would finally become adults and develop a modicum of common sense.

If you read any forums or blogs, you know for the past year there's been much controversy about Sweetwater Mansion, aka the Weeden Home. It seems there's not much middle ground--you either think the restoration efforts justify the means, or you think the owner is a crook and you wouldn't give her the time of day. Surely, there could be some compromise...at least I have felt that way until recently, until I've seen the remarks made by both adults and children concerning this project.

In the past few days I posted some questions on Facebook. These questions didn't denigrate the work the volunteers were doing, but asked if they realized it could be all in vain. I've been quite surprised by one 16 year old, by her language and her attitude.

What do they teach in schools? Do students learn grammar and syntax? Do they learn debating techniques? Do they even learn good manners?

I'm attaching a message I received from the sister of one of the volunteers. At first I debated if I should black out her name in some way, but it's still there on Facebook for the world to see. This young girl insults "Bible Thumpers" and praises Neo-Nazis. What kind of children have we raised? What kind of students have we produced? Perhaps most importantly, are we aware of how many are utterly lost?

Smoke & Die Happy?

2010-09-14T22:00:00.000-07:00

Pictured: Advanced Oral Cancer

Nicholas McCormick's picture was on the front page of today's TimesDaily. The Muscle Shoals High School student was depicted smoking what appears to be a 72 mm cigarette. Nicholas states that he smokes a pack a day and thinks that he will die happy. Sorry, Nicholas, I don't agree with you. Let's see how your life will play out.

2010: If you just have to smoke when you eat, you aren't able to dine in any nice restaurants. That's really okay, since you probably can't get a nice girl to go out with someone who smokes.

2015: You tried college, but had to drop out. There just wasn't enough time to study and work enough hours to support your cigarette habit. The average price of a pack of cigarettes is $5.50, so you have to come up with at least $165.00 a month for your enjoyable habit, not to mention rent, food, gasoline, car payment, and car insurance.

It's not like you can find a decent job either. The Human Resource managers can smell the smoke on you, see the nicotine stains on your fingernails. No, it looks like you're going to be living a blue collar life.

2020: You wake up each morning with a smoker's cough. You have to cough up yellow sputum before you can even light up your first one for the day.

By now you're married--to another smoker, of course. You and she drop your child off before going to work, a child that's also coughing because of your smoking. A child confined to a closed vehicle for one hour with two smokers consumes the equivalent of eight cigarettes. You probably haven't noticed how underweight your child is because you don't have insurance at your blue collar job and there's no money for regular doctor visits.

2030: Your smoker's cough lasts for over an hour each morning now--and you sometimes cough up blood. There's still no insurance, so you make a mental note to cut back on your smoking. It's hard to do since your wife still smokes and by now so does your child. That son or daughter you love so much wants to be just like Daddy and Mummy...and that means smoking just like you do.

2035: You're back in the hospital for the third time in as many years. You've lost one lung...or maybe it was the esophagus. That's easy to cure; they removed part of your intestine to replace it so you can eat, but of course you can't speak because your larynx was removed with the esophagus.

2036: You've just pushed the button to the morphine pump again. Your family is standing around your bedside. Well, your wife is sitting since she can't stand long with her COPD. Oh, and your child comes and goes since there's no smoking allowed in the hospital.

Your family decides on a grave side service for you since it has to be a closed casket ceremony. Plus, that way they can smoke as soon as it's over, but at least they're happy.

Are you happy, Nicholas? It doesn't have to be that way...for any of you.

Nurse Nan

Sunburn? Itchy Back?

2010-07-16T05:35:00.001-07:00

So far this summer, I've had two friends turn into lobsters--and it's not like they had never heard of sun screen. If you tend to burn, it's best to get the sun screen with the highest UVA rating.

As Labor Day draws near, all the major drug stores will drastically reduce the price of their sun screen. So stock up for next year at a fraction of the price--and use it!

Well, that helps for next year, but what about now? You probably know that our favorite tried and true aloe vera gel with lidocaine is tops for the pain, but what about just itching?

Should you try one of those bamboo or hard plastic back scratchers from Dollar Tree or Spencer's? Don't even think about it. You already have enough damage to your skin without using the equivalent of an industrial grade shredder on it. You need a hair brush.

That's right, but not just any brush. Purchase a cheap plastic brush with ball-tipped bristles. Once you've tried this for that irritating itch on your back, you'll never use anything else. Just be sure the brush has the balled-tips and that you keep it placed safely out of the way of household germs when not in use.

Now, all together, let's repeat the pledge: We will use sun screen the next time and every time!

Happy Dog Days,

Nurse Nan

Upset Tummy - Break Out the Coconut Cake!

2010-05-13T22:10:00.000-07:00

No, we haven't lost it. It seems recent studies, confirmed by individuals with all sorts of GI tract diseases, prove that desserts including coconut have an almost immediate effect on diarrhea. If you're looking for a scientific rationale, it seems that coconut oil is a medium chain triglyceride--most fats are a long chain triglyceride which contribute to diarrhea.

We've had several patients who felt Immodium was just too strong. In essence, they just swapped one problem for another. We're interested in hearing what our readers have to say about this tasteful home remedy, so let us know if you've tried any coconut products for this less than glamorous complaint.

Oh, and if you have extra cake, let me know that too.

Nurse Nan

Is Colored Bath Tissue Safe?

2010-03-19T05:32:00.000-07:00

About twice a year someone will ask me this question. The answer is yes and no. If you've ever had an allergic reaction to any dye products or have just given birth, it's best to stick to plain old white. It's also best for the environment, according to green mavens, especially where septic tanks are concerned.

Assuming you still want that extra splash of color in your guest bath, where do you find it? It is still out there, even though Northern discontinued making colored tissue in the early 1980s. Apparently cost was as much a factor as any concern for customers' allergic reactions. Scott still makes pastel tissue under its own brand and for several smaller companies. The top selling bath tissue is white, with pink and peach following a distant second and third.

However, with the advent of new hypo-allergenic dyes, colored TP is making a comeback. The Renova Company offers specialty bath tissue in black or fuchsia, but it will cost you. Six rolls go for around $13.50 plus shipping.

By now I'm sure you're wondering why such a long answer to such a short question. While I was in nursing school, a co-worker had recently given birth and was concerned about using the tissue at her sister's. When I asked an instructor about the safety of such products, I was promptly told that no one made colored toilet paper anymore-period. I decided not to contest her opinion since she held at least part of my grade in her hands; however, I did write her a poem. Did she like it? Don't know--I never had the bad judgment to send it to her, but here for your reading enjoyment:

We looked around and easily found
Umpteen hundred emporiums
With TP in hues galorium.
So, new mothers won't find it sparse,
But is it safe to wipe their arse?

Now, don't all of you want to redecorate your powder rooms?

Nurse Nan

Nurses on Drugs - What You Can Do

2010-02-24T05:10:00.000-08:00

A number of years ago I was involved in a serious automobile accident resulting in broken bones and surgery. The standard pain treatment at the time was Demerol--and not too much of that. Now it's common protocol to control severe pain with morphine; a few weeks of sedation will lead to improved healing--not drug addiction as was once feared.

Even though I was fairly young, I remember one nurse who visited me daily at the beginning of her afternoon shift, asking if I needed more pain meds. At the time I thought she was being kind, but I also wondered why she was the only nurse to inquire about my need for narcotic pain killers.

My curiosity concerning her kindness was answered a few months after I left the hospital. It seems this angel of mercy was pilfering from the medicine cabinet, often stealing half of the patients' meds. Was this nurse a rare exception in the sisterhood of Nightingales? Hardly. A few years later a medicine nurse at ECM was killed over a cocaine deal gone bad. I doubt this nurse started her drug habit with cocaine; I also doubt the hospital's medicine stash had never been the object of her quest for narcotics.

Does a drug habit make a bad nurse? Well...I certainly don't think it makes a better nurse. She or he is often impaired while giving patient care and, as in the the two cases we mentioned, often stealing from the hospital or patient. Obviously there have been enough incidents over the years that the general public is aware of this problem, so why am I addressing it now?

Three weeks ago a candidate for the University of North Alabama's BSN program was arrested for felony drug possession. We understand the charges may either be upgraded...or downgraded to that of a juvenile offender. The question is: Do you want this young man to be your nurse? He may become the best nurse in the history of the profession, but do you want to risk that?

We feel for this young man in many ways, but there is also another reason that we have chosen to make a political and perhaps controversial statement considering this would-be nursing student. A friend of ours died at ECM hospital on Monday. I sincerely hope that Bill's nurses were all caring and competent. Let's make sure that we can say that about all of them.

If you have questions or qualms about any nursing or proposed nursing student at UNA, please use the above numbers to make your feelings known. Nurses aren't perfect, but they should at least be drug-free.

Nurse Nan

Kudos to Discovery Middle School Nurse in Madison, Alabama

2010-02-05T18:01:00.000-08:00

School nurses deserve a special place in our prayers. Certainly the nurse at Discovery Middle School on Hughes Road in Madison deserves to be called a hero. When she signed on for the job, I doubt she even considered the possibility of attending to a gunshot victim. Yet, by the accounts we have at this point, this is what she did and did well.

I don't know how much training this nurse had in emergency medicine, but unless she had worked previously as an EMT, probably not much. When she reached the scene of the shooting victim this afternoon, she had to make some decisions and make them quickly.

Emergency medicine uses the "ABC" rule. As she approached the wounded student, he would have probably been lying on his back. No matter the direction of a gunshot, a head wound will usually cause the victim to fall backward. Next she would have seen the blood surrounding his head. Using the "ABC" rule, she would have first ensured a patent airway. His chest would have been rising and falling, even with shallow breaths, so she would have known his airway was patent. Breathing, or respiration, is the second part--she would have ascertained this at the same time she checked the rise and fall of his chest.

The third part of the assessment is circulation. The flowing blood indicated that he needed pressure applied to the wound immediately, but that would have meant turning him over. Did he have a second wound she couldn't see? Had he damaged his spine in the fall? She had to consider these things, but still stop the blood flow. The Discovery Middle School nurse did all these things, from what little we have been told, and she obviously did them in a short period of time with throngs of traumatized students looking on.

If you know who your school nurse is, send her a note of appreciation next week. When the name of the Discovery Middle School nurse is published, I hope everyone realizes what a hero she was in a situation no one should have to face.

Should I Use a Vaporizer for my Child?

2009-12-14T13:12:00.000-08:00

Several mothers have recently asked about the pros and cons of a humidifier or vaporizer for a child's room. Both systems add moisture to the air, making it easier for those small, stuffed-up noses to breathe.

As long as vaporizers are anchored safely, this is a no-brainer. Humidifiers, along with adding moisture to a room's environment, promote mold. Since vaporizers produce steam via intense heat, bacteria and fungi are kept at bay. It is a good idea to clean the system with vinegar or disinfectant once or twice a week.

The next two months should be the worst for colds and flu among the younger set, so don't hesitate to keep your child inside when necessary. We're pretty sure Santa still makes house calls.

Merry Christmas,

Nurse Nan

Important Information? Try Poster Putty...

2009-11-21T22:33:00.000-08:00

Do you know the telephone number for poison control? No, well, you have it posted somewhere, don't you? No, you say there's no where to post it on today's phones?

We have the answer to that problem in two words: Poster Putty. Both 3M and Duck manufacture poster putty. It's available at most big box stores as well as office supply outlets for under $1.50. This miraculous putty won't harm most surfaces and is reusable.

We recommend that you place all your important phone numbers inside a plastic sheet protector and secure it to the wall next to your main phone. It's also great for parents of teenagers who insist on covering their walls with posters of groups you've never heard of. It's also perfect to anchor those small items that toddlers love to pick up and place in their mouths.

Now, you're ready to post all those important numbers; just be sure to tell your mother-in-law that you have no idea where the pizza take-out number came from.

Happy posting,

Nurse Nan

Is That Ankle/Knee Sprained or Just Strained?

2009-10-15T23:31:00.001-07:00

After our blog on bandaging cuts and scrapes to knees, elbows, and other hard to wrap areas, we received several inquiries concerning the difference between sprains and simple strains. While a simple strain produces pain, swelling is usually minimal. If the injury is to an ankle, soaking the joint in warm water with Epsom salts is often the best and most economical treatment. Any cuts and abrasions to the area can be wrapped in a simple homemade bandage as we discussed earlier.

If the injured joint is extremely painful and presents with marked edema (swelling), it's best to see a physician for an X-Ray. Remember, docs-in-a-box are not usually set up for treating these kinds of injuries and will in all probability refer you to the emergency department of a hospital. If there are no cuts involved in this kind of injury, it's best to leave the joint unwrapped until you can seek medical treatment. Knees are much trickier to diagnose and often produce more debilitating injuries; they are always best checked out by physician.

If you've suffered previous knee injuries that have resulted in osteoarthritis (OA), you've probably been prescribed COX-2 inhibitors (Celebrex, etc.) to take on a daily basis. There are some new long-term treatments on the market--one, Synvisc-One, is listed in our ads to the right. If one of these treatments doesn't work for you, be sure to tell your physician you aren't getting the results you would like. He or she should be happy to work with you on long-term treatment plans.

Finally, remember if you injure yourself while playing baseball, basketball, football, etc., for the first time in twenty years, be sure to come up with a less humorous explanation for your family and co-workers.

Keep safe,

Nurse Nan

No Stuffed Animals in the Hospital?

2009-08-31T01:34:00.000-07:00

What should you take a child in the hospital? That would depend on the child, but we can certainly say what not to take: Large stuffed animals. These stuffed creations look so cute in the gift shop, but in the hospital room much less so.

I've heard some visitors say, "Oh, but they make the child happy." Yes, they do, for a few hours until their pain returns or they begin to feel so much better their only interest is getting dressed and going home. Then the toys are relegated to a corner to take up much needed room or, even worse, set on the floor where they become a hazard in emergencies. Once the child is ready to leave the hospital, the stuffed animal becomes something Mom or Dad has to tote to the car and then find room for at home.

One of the best presents to take a child in the hospital is an activity or pop-up book. They take up little space when folded and are easily transported home to enjoy over and over. Depending on the circumstances, taking some coffee or sandwiches to a waiting parent can be a very much appreciated gift.

With flu season about to start, we hope none of your children becomes ill. Remember to call your physician as soon as possible to set up a vaccination appointment for your whole family.

Nurse Nan

You're Going to Give Me a Shot Where?

2009-07-28T04:43:00.000-07:00

Due to a local physician having some problems at his office, we've had several questions concerning just who's who at the doctor's. Here's the run down of what type personnel you will usually find:

Physician - either a Medical Doctor or an Osteopath
Physician's Assistant - these are licensed and usually possess a Master's Degree
CRNP - these highly trained nurses are licensed and also usually possess a Master's Degree
RN - professional nurses; there are currently four kinds practicing in the state, but all have the same legal status
LPN - trade nurses that are called LVNs in some states
Medical Assistant - these are not licensed, do the basics, and do not usually administer injections
Phlebotomist - personnel trained in drawing blood, found in larger offices

If you have any doubt about who is assisting your physician or administering vaccinations, etc., feel free to ask. All competent personnel will be glad to answer your questions concerning their credentials.

The Alabama Department of Health is mounting a campaign for massive vaccinations this fall. Without vaccinations, their estimate is 30% of the state's population will contract swine flu. The vaccine should be available here in early to mid October.

And just where should you get your injection? We've actually had a question about this, and the answer is it depends. Some injections need to be given in a large muscle, usually in the buttock. Untrained personnel can easily injure the sciatic nerve while administering these injections--one big reason to ask who's who if you aren't sure.

If you take frequent injections that don't require a large muscle, standard protocol is to administer the medicine subcutaneously, avoiding the muscle; however, if you receive minimal injections each year, don't hesitate to ask for the shots to be given in the deltoid where less pain and soreness result.

Again, we urge everyone to begin making plans for this year's flu shot. Shots are no fun, but neither is the flu, and we don't want to lose any readers.

Wishing you good health,

Nurse Nan

Home Remedies - How About Them Apples?

2009-06-20T00:31:00.000-07:00

What do you think when you hear the words "home remedies?" We certainly hope no one thinks of do-it-yourself lobotomies or curing gout by burying their toenails under a Hawthorne tree during the full moon.

No, home remedies are simply tried and true, and sometimes economical, solutions to everyday problems involving our health. By far, the most asked question I encounter has to do with, well, not going. You would be surprised at how many people recite the long list of laxatives they've purchased over the years--some of them working, some of them not.

Before you try any OTC laxatives, try eating the proverbial apple a day. Other fruit will do as well, but the versatile apple is available fresh, dried, or cooked into high-calorie concoctions that we all love. A spot of hot coffee or tea is also beneficial, yet most who relate this problem tell me they've never tried either "home remedy."

Now, excuse me, I have some eye of neut simmering in my cauldron...

Have a great weekend,

Nurse Nan

Corinne Malvern - Nurse Nancy's "Mom"

2009-06-01T00:00:00.000-07:00

We're going to step outside our usual format and talk about a fantastic talent. Corinne Malvern was the artist behind Nurse Nancy, Doctor Dan, and many other popular characters from the 1930s to the 1950s. Sadly she died at the age of 51 in 1956. I'm sure her Nurse Nancy character inspired many little girls to become nurses, and we hope that many remember her art fondly.

The copyright on her Nurse Nancy ended approximately 10 years ago, but perhaps there's some good in that. Above is a collage of Nurse Nancy images that are used in a line of decorative storage boxes. Now the world may see Nancy in a variety of settings away from the book that originally featured Malvern's beautiful drawings.

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Just what is a "natural home remedy?" Our next blog will attempt to shed some light on home remedies and clear up some misconceptions.

Until then, stay safe and happy,

Nurse Nan

Nurse Nan's Credentials

2009-05-29T00:18:00.000-07:00

Late last year, a group of politically minded individuals started the Shoalanda Speaks group. Initially it was just a blog dedicated to conservative local politics, but later it branched out into other areas. Originally, I was asked to help edit the Shoalanda blog; later I was asked to do a fun type first aid blog--one that would answer questions from Shoals area residents. Currently, there are four blogs in the Shoalanda group, and each uses the same e-mail address: shoalanda.speaks@gmail.com.

In the past few days, I have received several questions from Tollie Williams concerning my credentials. We prefer to keep things light and breezy at our blog, but since Mr. Williams' questions seem to point in the other direction, and since these questions have been asked on a public forum (Twitter), I will address them here.

Nurse Nan's Credentials, Affiliations, & Academics:

1. Academic diploma from Coffee High School
2. BA in English from UNA
3. BA in History from UAH
4. ASN from Calhoun Community College
5. BSN from UAH
6. Certification in Growth Hormone Education
7. Certification in Emotional Effects of Violence on Children
8. Author of two local histories
9. Editor of one local history
10. Editor of two novels
11. Member Phi Alpha Theta
12. Member Sigma Tau Delta
13. Member Phi Theta Kappa
14. Founder - Information Campaign for AED Readiness & Education (ICARE)

We hope the above will satisfy Mr. Williams' curiosity.

Thanks for your patience today,

Nurse Nan

How Do I Bandage Those Knees & Elbows?

2009-05-28T04:13:00.000-07:00

By far, most of the questions I receive involve children. With those bundles of joy and angst come skins and scrapes, a great number of them to knees and elbows, or perhaps to the ends of tiny toes. So, how do you keep them clean while they heal?

After thoroughly cleansing the wounds (remember: deep gashes require an emergency room visit), cover the area with damp gauze; Big Lots or even the Dollar Tree carry inexpensive 2x2 and 4x4 cotton gauge. Now...the hard part: How do you keep gauze in place on an area that bends so freely and frequently?

Look no further than your closet. While you may use some old tee-shirts as dust clothes or rags to absorb oil in the garage, be sure to save some for bandages. Wash the shirt, preferably all cotton, and cut into 3" strips, the longer the better. Now you have a clean inexpensive bandage to hold the gauze in place. Most wounds should be healed enough in 24 to 36 hours to dispense with bandaging, but continue to spray or manually apply a good antiseptic until they heal completely.

Finally, remember, they do grow up eventually,

Nurse Nan

Dr. Lloyd Johnson Jr.

2009-05-23T04:42:00.000-07:00

Dr. Lloyd Johnson Jr. passed away Tuesday. I distinctly remember our first meeting: I was a teenager lying on a gurney in a draped-off emergency room at the old Colonial Manor Hospital. I had never heard the name Dr. Johnson before and was obviously frightened while waiting for this unknown orthopedist to arrive.

When Dr. Johnson first entered the small area, I had no idea who he was and I was not particularly impressed by his appearance, other than he was tall. Then he spoke in reassuring words, telling me of my injuries and explaining what needed to be done.

In later years I would see Dr. Johnson at various civic events. He was always surrounded by family and friends--a man rich in more ways than one. Even before I became a nurse, I knew that Dr. Johnson and his partner Dr. Frank Hatchett had introduced the modern world of orthopedics to the Shoals area, an area that had until then been often served by what could traditionally be called "sawbones."

Dr. Johnson continued to work after retirement from his orthopedic practice a few years ago and remained an active presence in the Shoals. He was truly an inspiration to all who knew him and he will be greatly missed.

My sympathies to his family,

Nurse Nan

Does Your Doctor Speak Martian?

2009-05-20T20:24:00.000-07:00

Judging from my e-mail, most of my readers have very little idea what their physicians actually say during their office visits. Even hospital dismissal paperwork is sprinkled with Med-Speak and incomprehensible to many. So, how do you know what's actually going on with your health and your medical treatment?

Should you buy a Physician's Desk Reference to check out the drugs you take? Well...you could, but a Davis Drug Guide is handier for the layperson to use and much cheaper. New drugs enter the market monthly, but information about the majority of meds doesn't change, so a used copy purchased form Amazon.com or even at a yard sale is a good investment. The Davis Drug Guide is preferable to other such books, listing meds alphabetically, rather than by type (after all, how many laypeople know drugs ending in "lol" are usually beta-blockers? You get the idea).

Now that you're fixed on drug info, how do you know exactly what your diagnosis means or what treatment it will entail? If you just need a good medical dictionary, Tabor's is the best. Again, these books can be purchased used, and 99% of the material does not change from year to year.

If you're more concerned about treatment or progression of certain maladies, you need a Merck Manual. These are written for physicians, but much of the material is easily comprehended by the layperson. These books are harder to find used, but usually a few show up on Amazon.com.

One word of caution: Just because you have one symptom of a disease doesn't mean you actually have that illness. The only thing a physician hates more than having a patient read the Merck is having a patient who is a Merck-reading nurse, but of course I would never do that myself...

Good luck and happy book hunting,

Nurse Nan

Now, About Those Face Masks...

2009-05-10T00:49:00.000-07:00

If you purchased a box of face masks for an epidemic that failed to arrive as advertised, we suggest you keep them for future use. There's no expiration date, and they take up little storage.

However, if you just have to get rid of them in order to purge any bad thoughts concerning WHO and the CDC, we suggest you donate them to Safeplace, Inc. Our sister blogger Shoalanda has a column dedicated to that wonderful organization, just in time for Mother's Day.

http://shoalandaspeaks.blogspot.com/

If there's not a Safeplace in your area, please contact your local United Way for the name of an appropriate organization.

Thanks,

Nurse Nan

A Scarf?

2009-05-01T05:36:00.000-07:00

All out of masks at the pharmacy? Yes, you can use a scarf. Natural cotton or silk is preferable to synthetic fabric and will dry more quickly. Just remember to spray with Lysol or other disinfectant at the end of the day.

And what goes with hand washing? If you're at your home sink, take the time to rinse your mouth with an antiseptic each time you wash.

It's the first of May; let's keep the flu away.

Nurse Nan

WHO Says Pandemic is Coming

2009-04-30T03:37:00.000-07:00

Medscape release:

Breaking News - April 29, 2009

Swine Flu One Step Closer to Pandemic
Swine flu has pushed the World Health Organization (WHO) to raise its pandemic alert level to phase 5, which means that a pandemic is imminent. It's the second time in a week that the WHO has raised its pandemic alert level, which ranges from phase 1 (low risk of a pandemic) to phase 6 (a full-blown pandemic is under way).

Should I Take Eucalyptus Oil for Flu?

2009-04-29T09:01:00.000-07:00

We've discussed before the benefits of eucalyptus oil as a decongestant. One reader has asked if this native Australian plant has any influenza fighting properties. The answer is yes; however, whether it would specifically combat swine flu is another question.

If you should choose to take eucalyptus in any of its forms, remember that large doses are poisonous--eucalyptus should never be given to children in any form except as a mild inhalant. Also, do not take eucalyptus if you are also taking echinacea. The combined effects of the two drugs can over stimulate the immune system.

Judging by the number of questions I'm receiving concerning the Swine Flu, many readers are concerned for their personal health. By all means, try eucalyptus in the appropriate dosage. Any protection from this virus is a plus.

Remember, hand washing is your best defense, and avoiding crowds your second. This too shall pass.

Nurse Nan

Swine Flu Redux?

2009-04-27T01:05:00.000-07:00

Two readers have contacted us asking about the Swine Flu inoculations of 1976--specifically if this vaccine would offer any protection against a possible outbreak of the 2009 version. In my opinion it would, and while it would be very little, a little is still better than nothing.

Swine flu vaccines were provided to those under 25 or over 70 and to those in chronically bad health. A series of two inoculations was recommended, but I'm sure many were like me and stopped with only one. The vaccine came with some hard to take side effects, namely serious flu like symptoms that lasted for 24 hours. To an active teenager, the risk didn't seem to outweigh the discomfort and the possible necessity of canceling social activities.

I will stress again, if you have traveled recently and suspect you have contracted the disease, contact a physician immediately and ask for Tamiflu. Also, while regular flu shots are usually given in October in order to be effective during the winter flu season, and are not expected to combat this new strain, any extra protection is better than none.

Think of it this way, staying home the next few weeks may not only save you money in this recession, but also save your life.

Good luck,

Nurse Nan

A Flu Pandemic?

2009-04-26T03:16:00.000-07:00

If you've read or seen the news in the past two days, you know that a flu pandemic may be at hand. While I doubt this is the case, we all need to take some simple precautions whenever confronted with what could be a serious threat to our health.

If you haven't taken any echinacea recently, immediately begin a regimen of 14 days. Do not take this herbal supplement for longer than two weeks, as it can overstimulate your autoimmune system.

While expensive, Tamiflu has proved to combat all strains of influenza and should be administered if you have been exposed. Above all, wash your hands often and when mingling with large groups, don't be afraid to shy away from handshaking or to wear a mask.

Your friends won't care if you look like Michael Jackson, but they will care if you wind up, what's the word, oh, yes, dead.

Good luck to everyone and remember Summer is just around the corner!

Nurse Nan

Chapped Lips?

2009-03-02T03:40:00.000-08:00

It snowed yesterday, and you were out in it, weren't you? Tell the truth. That's what I thought, so now you have chapped lips--what should you do?

Actually, I would recommend that you avoid sore, cracked lips to begin with. Women can do that by always wearing lipstick. Most women have several tubes of lipstick or pots of gloss lying around the house; therefore, there's no need to invest in lip balm if you remember to wear a little lip color each day, touching it up after you eat or drink. Not only will you avoid chapped lips, but cancer of the lips as well.

That's fine for women, but what about men? Guess what, they can come out even more cheaply. There are no oil glands in our lips, but you don't have to resort to wearing lipstick. Simply run your fingers through your hair two or three times a day. Then rub the oil residue over your lips. There's even an added advantage since you won't be allergic to the oil your scalp produces.

So, that's fine for future reference, but what if your lips are already chapped? As long as your lips are just dried out, with no lesions, your best bet is beeswax. Any product by Burt's Bees is great, but again guess what? Carmex contains the same beeswax at a much lower price.

Now...you're set to go for the rest of the winter.

Nurse Nan

Winter Sunburn

2009-02-04T01:50:00.001-08:00

When we think of sunburn, we usually think of sunny beaches or other warm locales. So we don't always remember to use a sunscreen during the cloudy days of winter. The past few weeks I've encountered several who have received a (thankfully) mild sunburn while repairing wind damage or performing other outdoor chores.

These winter sunburns are usually on the hands and face and don't present the intense discomfort of an all over summer burn. For such mild burns, natural aloe vera is a great quick fix. If you don't have an aloe vera plant, an over-the-counter aloe gel is an inexpensive remedy that offers the same results. Panama Jack makes an aloe vera gel with the added painkiller of lidocaine. It can be found at most dollar stores and, if you're lucky, the Dollar Tree.

Remember to wear that sunscreen whenever working outdoors and have a great remaining six weeks of winter.

Nurse Nan

Fight Back Against Cold & Flu

2009-01-10T20:48:00.000-08:00

Most of us don't know what germs we inhale during our average day, but sometimes we do know when we've been exposed. If you braved the rain to take your Aunt Tildy her birthday gift, only to find she has "the worst case of 'flu since 1957," there's some hope for you.

Sure, you know to wash your hands upon arriving home, but what else can you do? Plenty--try this little known preventative and reduce your risk of infection by at least 50%.

Take hairdryer in hand, set the heat to warm, and breath in. That's it, but be sure to do it for 15 to 20 minutes. The warm air isn't hot enough to damage lung tissue, but it will dissipate the cold and flu viruses.

Nurse Nan

Stuffy Nose?

2009-01-08T17:45:00.000-08:00

It's cold, it's hot, it's cold again. Can you blame your nose for feeling like a cotton warehouse? To top it all off, you had to work over and your feet hurt? Don't worry, one treatment fits both ailments.

Prepare a steaming foot bath. If you haven't yet seen those tubs called "Flatbacks," you've been missing out; they fit snug to your chair so you can sit back and relax while you soak your feet. Now get a large bath towel and some eucalyptus oil (available at pharmacies, health food stores, and even dollar stores). You're ready for a wonderful experience.

Place a few drops of the eucalyptus oil in the steaming water, insert feet, place towel over head and breath in. Warning, a few breaths of this wonderful concoction will more than clear your stuffy nose. Now you're ready to sit back and watch CSI or the ballgame while the foot bath completes your renovation.

Take care in the cold and remember to bring your pets in.

Nurse Nan

Luggage Under the Eyes?

2009-01-01T18:52:00.000-08:00

Did you wake up this morning (or afternoon), look in the mirror, and see a matched set of bags under your eyes to remind you of last night? If so, there are some things you can do to at least lessen the appearance of that luggage.

For starters, sleep with two pillows--it will decrease swelling in the face as well as help the sinuses. Remember using Preparation H for burns? A little under each eye at night will shrink those bags; just remember to place a soft towel on your pillow to protect it from greasy residue.

Once you're awake, head for the kitchen for more help. Holding an ice cube under each eye will also reduce bags. If all else fails and you have the time, there's more help in the fridge. Break an egg, separate the white, and spread a little under each eye. This simple mask may be used on the entire face if desired. Just remember to protect the eyes themselves. Allow the mask to dry, wash off, and moisturize.

Now, you're ready to face 2009. All the best to everyone!

Nurse Nan

Ate Everything! Got Gas?

2008-12-27T09:27:00.000-08:00

One of the most common holiday problems is eating too much; even for those with a castiron stomach, gas can be a problem. For some, it's an everyday event that's uncomfortable and worrisome.

The easiest and safest remedy is simethicone. (Try not to use that proverbial pinch of baking soda unless it's a dire emergency.) Many over-the-counter medicines include simethicone as an ingredient, while in others this old standby is the only active ingredient.

Perhaps the most recognized name is Gas-X, but you can purchase Equate at Wal-Mart or other generics at Big Lots and the Dollar Tree for only pennies. As long as it's simethicone, it works. If you purchase the chewable variety, be sure to actually chew, as this releases the simethicone into your system more rapidly. Simethicone is one of the safest drugs around and can be used during pregnancy and nursing.

Now that your stomach feels like normal again, you're ready for New Year's Eve. A happy 2009 to everyone!

Nurse Nan

Minor Cuts

2008-12-16T08:26:00.000-08:00

Anyone in your family a great turkey carver? Well, if the answer is no, don't worry.

First, when preparing any food, it's better not to use a serrated knife. Cuts from these knives take longer to heal and are more apt to develop infections or leave scars.

If you do receive a small cut, simply wash in cool water and apply Benzoin. Benzoin is a natural styptic (it will stop the bleeding) and antiseptic. It also leaves a protective barrier on the skin. One warning: Benzoin does, shall we say, burn slightly, so be prepared. A four ounce bottle can be found at Walgreen's or other pharmacies for around $6.00.

Remember: Careful cooking!

Nurse Nan

Snoring?

2008-12-11T09:29:00.000-08:00

Is his snoring driving you crazy? While snoring can be symptomatic of often serious illnesses, sporadic snoring may be the result of something easily preventable.

This is the season when many of us eat and drink at odd times. Such behavior can not only lead to added weight for the new year, but to snoring as well. If you think this is your (or his) problem, refrain from eating a heavy meal or consuming alcohol for three hours before retiring. Both excessive meals and the consumption of potables can result in swollen throats that exacerbate snoring.

Here's to your holiday enjoyment!

Nurse Nan

First Degree Burns

2008-12-09T06:45:00.000-08:00

With the holidays fast approaching, many are in the kitchen cooking for several hours a day. Others are lighting festive candles to add holiday cheer to the home.

Each of these can easily lead to minor first degree burns. These types of burns do not leave a blister, but are red and painful for several hours; they may also produce some minor swelling. While everyone should have a properly stocked medicine cabinet or first aid kit, many don't. So what do you do?

First rinse the area with cool water. This will dissipate the heat. Do not use butter, as this is tantamount to basting the turkey awaiting in your kitchen. If you don't have a burn ointment, you might very well have another product in your house that's just perfect--Preparation H. That's right; the old standby Prep H not only numbs the pain, it reduces tissue swelling.

I hope everyone has a safe and burn-free holiday season. Please e-mail me with related questions.

Nurse Nan

Sore Throat?

2008-12-07T11:11:00.000-08:00

At least here in the Northern Hemisphere, it's almost winter, and that means a sore, scratchy throat for most of us. We forge on, not bothering to see our physicians, but not exactly enjoying the feeling that comes with swallowing either.

If you fall into that category, there's help for you. You can make two gargles right in your own kitchen. They're inexpensive and reliable.

The simplest is one teaspoon lemon juice mixed in one cup water. The lemon is a natural astringent, meaning swelling is almost immediately reduced in your throat. The acidic environment also kills many viruses and bacteria on contact. An older favorite involves changing the lemon to salt; for this one add one tablespoon Listerine for germ-killing power.

These are about as inexpensive as it gets, and we recommend immediately discarding them after one use. Remember, you're trying to kill germs here, not breed more.

If you've done natural battle with your sore throat, but feel like it's won, a doctor's visit may not be the only alternative left. Give a Cepacol or Chloraseptic lozenge a try. These cost a little more than our homemade gargles, yet they're both still cheaper than a doctor's visit.

Good luck with your winter ills and keep checking back with us. We're here to help you and welcome your health questions and comments.

Nurse Nan