headline

What Should You Know about MRSA?
What is MRSA? MRSA is methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus a potentially dangerous type of staph bacteria. It is dangerous because of it’s resistant to certain antibiotics and it is easily transmitted to other persons.

Where is MRSA? Although MRSA is more likely to be found in healthcare settings there are many strains of MRSA in the community and they are often the cause of skin and soft tissue infections. In fact community-acquired or community-associated MRSA is the single most frequent pathogen responsible for this type of infection.

Who is at the most risk for MRSA? Anyone with an uncovered opening in the skin is at risk if they come into contact with a contaminated item or surface. Individuals with close skin-to-skin contact with others (eg, athletes, children in day care centers or those in crowded surroundings) are at risk.

How is MRSA spread?

  • Having direct contact with another person’s infection.
  • Sharing personal items, such as towels, razors or clothes.
  • Touching surfaces or items containing MRSA.

What are the signs and symptoms of MRSA? Most staph infections (including MRSA) appear as a bump or infected area on the skin that is:

  • Red
  • Warm to touch
  • Swollen
  • Full of puss or other drainage
  • Painful
  • Accompanied by a fever

What if I suspect a MRSA infection? Cover the area with a bandage and contact your healthcare provider especially if a fever is present. Do not attempt to drain the infection yourself.

How are MRSA skin infections treated? Treatment may include draining the infection and prescribing an antibiotic. If you are given an antibiotic take all of it unless otherwise directed.

How can I protect my family from MRSA?

  • Know signs and symptoms
  • Wash hands frequently
  • Encourage good hygiene
  • Keep cuts/scrapes clean /covered
  • Discourage sharing personal items

For more information call 1-800- CDC-INFO or visit www.cdc.gov/MRSA/.

Reference: MRSA Fact Sheet retrieved from at http://img.medscape.com/article/737/932/737932-fig1.pdf on 12/27/11

Make Small Changes for Big Health Payoffs
1. Floss more often. According to dental specialists flossing is one of the easiest, quickest ways to remove bad bacteria from your mouth that brushing does not remove. Plaque that accumulates eats away the bone that holds teeth in place. Bacteria from teeth can enter the bloodstream and can worsen diabetes and hypertension and lead to other infections.

2. Make your coffee at home. This will not only save you money but possibly hundreds of calories. When you brew your java at home, you avoid unhealthy temptations at coffee shops.

3. Wear a pedometer. Becoming aware of how much you move can be a motivation to move more. Why not make it a family challenge about movement, not exercise. 2,000 steps equal one mile. Challenge yourself and others to increase your steps every day and boost physical and mental health.

4. Sleep in your exercise clothes. This will make it easier to go for a walk or to the gym. Keep your sneakers by the bed. It could be the next step to a healthier you.

5. Women only - Do your Kegels. Pelvic-floor strengthening exercises known as Kegels were found to be an effective way to minimize urinary incontinence. Contract these pelvic muscles and hold for about 3 seconds; repeat 10 times. Do these as often as you like, and anywhere you like—no one will know.

6. Add oat bran to your diet. Oat bran is a high-fiber food that has the ability to lower cholesterol, lower the risk of high blood pressure, heart disease and stroke. It is also beneficial for those dealing with diabetes, constipation and excess weight. It can be added to cereal, recipes or used as a topping. Look for more info on it in our March/April insert.

7. Turn on some classical music at dinner. Experts say we tend to mimic the pace of the music we’re listening to. To keep from eating too fast—and too much—put on some slow music. A research study that found people who listened to fast music on average ate five bites/minute. Those not listening to music ate four bites/minute; those listening to slow music ate three bites/minute.

Reference: Jio, S. 10 Small Changes with Big Health Payoffs, retrieved from http://shine.yahoo.com/love-your-body/10-small-changes-with-big-health-payoffs-1888478.html on 6/11/11


Preparing to Stay Safe in Winter
Although winter comes as no surprise, many of us are not ready.
Prepare your car for winter.

  • Service the radiator and maintain antifreeze level
  • Check tire tread or replace tires with all-weather or snow tires
  • Keep gas tank full to avoid ice in the tank and fuel lines.
  • Use a wintertime formula in your windshield washer.

Keep a winter emergency kit in the car to include:

  • blankets
  • food & water
  • booster cables
  • flares
  • tire pump
  • bag of sand or cat litter (for traction)
  • compass
  • maps (GPS)
  • flashlight
  • battery-powered radio & extra batteries
  • first-aid kit
  • plastic bags (for sanitation)

Safety rules to follow if you are stranded in your car.

  • Stay with your car unless safety is no more than 100 yards away.
  • Continue to move arms and legs.
  • Stay visible: Put bright cloth on the antenna, turn on the inside light (when engine is running), raise the hood when snow stops falling
  • Run the engine and heater only 10 minutes every hour.
  • Keep a downwind window open.
  • Make sure the tailpipe is not blocked.

Check on family and neighbors who are especially at risk from cold weather hazards:

  • young children
  • older adults
  • chronically ill

If you have pets, bring them inside. If you cannot bring them inside, provide adequate, warm shelter and unfrozen water to drink.

Reference: Be prepared to stay safe and healthy in winter retrieved from http://www.cdc.gov/features/winterweather/ on 12/27/ 11

spacer

Parish Nurse Scholarships Available in 2012
Because of a generous grant from Hancock County Savings Bank Charitable Foundation Valley Parish Nurse Ministry will offer two scholarships to local registered nurses to receive parish nurse training. Details of how a nurse can apply for this educational opportunity will be available in February. In the meantime please consider the following information.

spacer

How Could Our Church Benefit from a Parish Nurse?
Illness can cause isolation. Have you ever heard this? "No one called. I thought the church had forgotten me." A parish nurse or her volunteer can break that isolation and help to affirm the church's concern. Measures can readily be taken to reconnect the individual and congregation.

A parish nurse can encourage and supports the medical regimen through warm presence and reinforcement of that regimen. Often a prayer, an explanation of the purpose of the suggested remedy and expected results can be critical to patient participation and eventual healing. Personal follow up and counseling can foster better results.

A parish nurse can connect personal responsibility with gospel motivation and planned activity. Members are often responsive to the invitation to join others in the Christian community in joint wellness programs. Shouldn’t personal wellness be a significant fruit of the Gospel?

Some members can profit from joining a support group. A Christian health ministry can facilitate persons who are bereaved, single parents, the divorced, the overweight and substance abusers to seek help at church or other local locations.

The parish nurse can initiate activities in support of healthy lifestyles which are today's key to tomorrow’s health.

Please prayerfully consider the potential congregational benefits of a parish nurse ministry to raise the awareness of spiritual, relational, emotional and physical health of your congregation.

Reference: National Caregivers Library at http://www.caregiverslibrary.org/Default.aspx?tabid=792 on 12/27/ 11

spacer

New Search

Search for:

Search:

Match:

Browse through our Bulletin Inserts

 

 

Home • About VPNM • Services • Events • Get Involved
Bulletin Insert • Our Archives • Contact Us