The Annoyed Army

Since I have not yet christened my opinion forum, it seems like the right time.

I think I will just start out with Nurse Towanda's health tips. None of them are new and shocking, but sometimes it is good for each of us to look at what we should be doing, and see where we are.

1. If you smoke, STOP! If you are thinking of smoking, DON'T.

2. If you are overweight, LOSE SOME POUNDS.

3. Three words: exercise exercise exercise! If your joints hurt like mine, try low impact exercise, like walking, bicycling or water aerobics.

4. I know this is the part we all hate, but reduce the saturated fats in your diet and increase your intake of fruits and vegetables.

5. Drink lots of water. LOTS OF WATER.

6. Drink alchohol in moderation or not at all.

7. If you are over 40, see a doctor for a physical exam once a year. (Most insurance plans cover it.) This is especially important if you are at risk for medical problems like heart disease or diabetes.

8. Get your lipid levels checked: not just cholesterol, but triglycerides, HDL and LDL.

9. Ladies: After 40, mammogram every year.

10. Men over 50: Prostate screening every four years.

11. If you have a history of colo-rectal cancer in your family, talk to your doctor about having screening tests done regularly.

12. If you have a sore that does not heal, see your doctor. If you have a wart or mole that suddenly changes in looks, especially if it gets scaly or rough, see a doctor to have it checked!

13. Bleeding is not normal. If you have blood in your urine, stool, sputum, or are vomiting any blood, you must see a doctor!

14. Avoid too much time in the sun; repeated sunburns can be lethal. Wear sunscreen, especially if you have fair skin.

15. Taking vitamin & mineral supplements is good; taking megadoses may not be so good for your body. Take the advice on the pill bottle.

16. If your doctor gives you a prescription for antibiotics, take every one until they are gone. Antibiotics are meant to have a time frame; stopping them if you feel good may be too soon.

17. Try to get at least 6 - 8 hours of sleep a night. (I have to keep reminding myself about this one!)

18. REDUCE STRESS!!! I know I know....it's very difficult. Try anything that works: naps, prayer, meditation, hobbies, reading, listening to music, physical activity. Many diseases are stress-related.

19. If you do not feel entirely comfortable with what your doctor is telling you, get a second opinion.

20. KNOW the drugs you are taking: name, dose, frequency, reason, side effects, and adverse effects. It is amazing how many patients I see who tell me they take "a little yellow pill twice a day."

21. REMEMBER that YOU are responsible for your health status. You are the one who needs to take control and become an advocate for yourself.

22. Ask questions about everything: your health conditions, your symptoms, your medications, any diagnostic tests. Ask everyone: your doctor, the nurse, your pharmacist, any people who perform any tests on you. If your doctor won't take the time to answer your questions, get another doctor.

Just one final thought: Please keep in mind that the situation in most hospitals in this country is critical; severe shortages in nurses and other allied health care professionals have resulted in not-so-pleasant conditions in hospitals. If you are a patient, you may have to wait to get your needs met. Try not to take it out on the hospital employees as they are overwhelmed and doing the best they can.

~~Nurse Towanda, R.N.