Marijke Vroomen Durning's Blog
June 10, 2019
"Have I read anything you've written?"
I've been asked a few times, "Have I read anything you've written?" My first smart-ass instinct is to reply, "I don't know, what do you read?" But I don't. Because for some people, meeting a writer is surprising. They don't know what to say and that's the statement that comes out. But once I give them some examples, they often nod and say something like they didn't realize that you could actually make a living as a writer, and they'll watch for my work.
I'm part of a few writers' groups and associations and we often talk about how others perceive us and our work. Here are some of the most common questions my colleagues and I get:
What kinds of things do you write about?
Because I'm a nurse, I focus on health and medical writing, but I've also written on lifestyle issues and other topics. I once wrote about newest design ideas for powder rooms and recently, I wrote about divorce after age 50 and how to volunteer in your community.
Where can I see your writing?
I write for magazines, websites, agencies, and companies. Some of my writing is bylined but much of it isn't. Some of the magazines I write for are for healthcare professionals and others are for the public. For example, if you read Costco Connection, you may have read some of my work, in both the US and Canadian editions. I recently wrote some articles for the Canadian magazine Good Times. Sometimes you will see my writing but won't know it. I've ghostwritten many pieces for healthcare professionals. Their name appears on the byline. I don't mind. It's all part of the job.
What do you do all day?
Write. Research. Prospect. Market.
How do you do that all day?
Just how you do your work at your office or place of work. I sit down and do it. I may jump up and down from my desk more than you do, because there's no one around to make comments or silently judge me, but it really is just the same.
How do you manage to work alone all day though?
This question is answered differently depending on who you ask because writers are as different as workers in any profession. I love being alone to work. I get distracted way too easily to work around other people. When I worked as a nurse, this wasn't an issue because it's a very physical job and you do certain tasks before moving to the next. But distraction was a problem for me at school and again when I worked in an office. I had one job where I went in to the office twice a week and worked from home three days. My production level plummeted those two days a week because of everyone walking around, talking, noises, smells from food, and I found myself reading the same words over and over again, never fully being able to complete my tasks. At home, I sat at my computer and worked, completing everything in silence.
I know several writers who like to work in coffee shops or libraries. I can't. The noise and movement around me distracts me too much. I even have a hard time working at home if there's someone else around.
Don't your chores at home distract you?
No, they don't. Having said that, I do do some chores during the day. Because I take breaks, I wander and may empty the dishwasher, throw in a load of laundry, or walk over to the grocery store or bank. But that's no different than an employee popping outside for a cigarette, running over to a nearby store to pick up a few things, or a couple of employees spending time in the coffee shop for their break.
Do you make any money working at your little job/hobby/work thing?
I do get this question sometimes and I'm never sure what to answer without sounding defensive. Yes, I make a good living doing my "little job." I never imagined this was possible. It's not a little job. It's no more a little job than the job my husband goes to each morning or the hospital job I went to for years. My writing isn't a hobby and it's not something I do for pin money. I work five days a week (mostly) and earn enough to pay my share of the bills and more.
I'm interested in being a writer. How do I do that?
First, it's important to understand what you mean by being a writer. Do you see yourself at a desk, typing out the next prize-winning novel? Do you want to write only for major news magazines or women's magazines? What do you mean "be a writer"?
Most writers I know do a combination of writing, from writing content to articles for magazines. Content is anything you read, from newsletters and articles for trade magazines to captions below photos and the back of cereal boxes. One of my major clients is Sepsis Alliance (sepsis.org). I wrote just about all their content. From describing what sepsis is to providing materials for people to buy or download, that's my work. It's not bylined and you won't see my name anywhere on the text. One of my favorite/favourite pieces is a guide I wrote for caregivers. Again, my name isn't on it, but I know I wrote it and that's what counts.
But I also write bylined articles for other clients. I write content like "what is asthma" and pieces like that for another anchor client and others when they hire me. I've also done some journalistic writing for medical and health stories. For those, I get to speak to incredibly interesting people, from world renowned experts to members of the public. There are so many stories to share.
I don't do long-form journalism. I leave that to others. The longest stories I've written were about 2,500 words. Generally, my pieces are much shorter. I did write my own book, Just the Right Dose: Your Smart Guide to Prescription Drugs & How to Take Them Safely. I do have ideas for other books, but I've not gotten around to actually writing them yet.
So, that's a long way of saying, you need to decide what you want to do to be a writer. Do you want to specialize, as I did, or be a generalist, like many others? Do you have the skills to be a writer? Do you know other writers? Do you know what kind of writing you want to do?
A word of advice if you're starting out.
I'm anti-content mill. Absolutely and totally anti-content mill. Content mills are sites that recruit writers to work pennies, for less than minimum wage. I've seen ads offering $10 for a 300 word or longer article. Some will argue that some writing work is better than no writing work, especially when starting out. But content mills that pay so low do not put out good quality work. They don't (generally) have great editors, which is how you learn to be a great writer. A great editor makes your work much better. And with the content mills, you have to write so much to make any real money, you don't have time to market yourself for higher paying jobs, and to improve your skills.
If you are serious about wanting to be a freelance writer, there are some books and groups I recommend. For example, I highly recommend Jennifer Goforth Gregory's book, The Freelance Content Marketing Writer . (I'm not affiliated, just a big fan of the book and I know Jennifer. She's awesome.) Jennifer's advice is spot on. She explains how to find work that doesn't pay below minimum wage. She also has a Facebook group that is chock full of advice and experience.
Early on, I learned a lot from a group called Freelance Success. There is an annual fee, but I credit this group with my success. The members range from beginners to very experienced, and their input and answers to questions are invaluable. Don't be fooled by the basic website design. I still learn from the other members, but now I'm able to offer information and answer questions myself.
Other tips:
If you're not sure about basic grammar and writing rules, find a class. It can be online or in person, but refreshing your knowledge is important. For some reason, I kept writing "alot" instead of "a lot," in a college English course. The teacher patiently kept correcting it until I finally figured it out. Read a lot (see, I got it right there!). Read what you would like to write. See how others write, see their style, and how they outline their articles. The best way to learn how to write is to read what successful writers have already published.
Be professional. Even if you're just starting out, you can be professional. That means sending out professional emails and responses. Don't use an email address like MommyLovesDaddy@whatever.com. Be punctual. Deliver on time. Use spell check, but don't depend on it. Reread and reread again before pressing "send." Back up your work. Your editor doesn't want to get an email asking for more time because you lost your files when your computer crashed. Ask questions when you don't know something. Ask for help if you need it. And listen to your clients' critiques. We don't always get it right the first draft. Sometimes we write in the wrong voice. Or there are times when we don't interpret the instructions properly and we have to redo your work. It happens. How you react to those issues is what distinguishes you from others.
Don't be too hard on yourself. I was lucky. Most of my first clients were wonderful. They had great editors who helped me learn how to adjust my writing for each client. Then I hit an editor who ripped my work apart. Ripped. It. Apart. She made me feel like the world's worst writer and I was devastated. There was so much red in the tracked changes, it looked like there'd been a massacre on my screen. After a day of angst and beating myself up, I rewrote the piece and she ran it. When she retired a few months later, she wrote to tell me I was one of the best writers she worked with. That made my jaw drop. But it also made me realize that although she might have been a bit kinder in her approach, it wasn't *me* that she was trying to fix. It was the writing.
If you want to be a writer, give it a try. But be realistic. Know what you are getting in to and have a business plan. Because you're not just being a freelance writer. You're running a business. One where you are the boss, the employee, and the quality control.
I'm part of a few writers' groups and associations and we often talk about how others perceive us and our work. Here are some of the most common questions my colleagues and I get:
What kinds of things do you write about?
Because I'm a nurse, I focus on health and medical writing, but I've also written on lifestyle issues and other topics. I once wrote about newest design ideas for powder rooms and recently, I wrote about divorce after age 50 and how to volunteer in your community.
Where can I see your writing?
I write for magazines, websites, agencies, and companies. Some of my writing is bylined but much of it isn't. Some of the magazines I write for are for healthcare professionals and others are for the public. For example, if you read Costco Connection, you may have read some of my work, in both the US and Canadian editions. I recently wrote some articles for the Canadian magazine Good Times. Sometimes you will see my writing but won't know it. I've ghostwritten many pieces for healthcare professionals. Their name appears on the byline. I don't mind. It's all part of the job.
What do you do all day?
Write. Research. Prospect. Market.
How do you do that all day?
Just how you do your work at your office or place of work. I sit down and do it. I may jump up and down from my desk more than you do, because there's no one around to make comments or silently judge me, but it really is just the same.
How do you manage to work alone all day though?
This question is answered differently depending on who you ask because writers are as different as workers in any profession. I love being alone to work. I get distracted way too easily to work around other people. When I worked as a nurse, this wasn't an issue because it's a very physical job and you do certain tasks before moving to the next. But distraction was a problem for me at school and again when I worked in an office. I had one job where I went in to the office twice a week and worked from home three days. My production level plummeted those two days a week because of everyone walking around, talking, noises, smells from food, and I found myself reading the same words over and over again, never fully being able to complete my tasks. At home, I sat at my computer and worked, completing everything in silence.
I know several writers who like to work in coffee shops or libraries. I can't. The noise and movement around me distracts me too much. I even have a hard time working at home if there's someone else around.
Don't your chores at home distract you?
No, they don't. Having said that, I do do some chores during the day. Because I take breaks, I wander and may empty the dishwasher, throw in a load of laundry, or walk over to the grocery store or bank. But that's no different than an employee popping outside for a cigarette, running over to a nearby store to pick up a few things, or a couple of employees spending time in the coffee shop for their break.
Do you make any money working at your little job/hobby/work thing?
I do get this question sometimes and I'm never sure what to answer without sounding defensive. Yes, I make a good living doing my "little job." I never imagined this was possible. It's not a little job. It's no more a little job than the job my husband goes to each morning or the hospital job I went to for years. My writing isn't a hobby and it's not something I do for pin money. I work five days a week (mostly) and earn enough to pay my share of the bills and more.
I'm interested in being a writer. How do I do that?
First, it's important to understand what you mean by being a writer. Do you see yourself at a desk, typing out the next prize-winning novel? Do you want to write only for major news magazines or women's magazines? What do you mean "be a writer"?
Most writers I know do a combination of writing, from writing content to articles for magazines. Content is anything you read, from newsletters and articles for trade magazines to captions below photos and the back of cereal boxes. One of my major clients is Sepsis Alliance (sepsis.org). I wrote just about all their content. From describing what sepsis is to providing materials for people to buy or download, that's my work. It's not bylined and you won't see my name anywhere on the text. One of my favorite/favourite pieces is a guide I wrote for caregivers. Again, my name isn't on it, but I know I wrote it and that's what counts.
But I also write bylined articles for other clients. I write content like "what is asthma" and pieces like that for another anchor client and others when they hire me. I've also done some journalistic writing for medical and health stories. For those, I get to speak to incredibly interesting people, from world renowned experts to members of the public. There are so many stories to share.
I don't do long-form journalism. I leave that to others. The longest stories I've written were about 2,500 words. Generally, my pieces are much shorter. I did write my own book, Just the Right Dose: Your Smart Guide to Prescription Drugs & How to Take Them Safely. I do have ideas for other books, but I've not gotten around to actually writing them yet.
So, that's a long way of saying, you need to decide what you want to do to be a writer. Do you want to specialize, as I did, or be a generalist, like many others? Do you have the skills to be a writer? Do you know other writers? Do you know what kind of writing you want to do?
A word of advice if you're starting out.
I'm anti-content mill. Absolutely and totally anti-content mill. Content mills are sites that recruit writers to work pennies, for less than minimum wage. I've seen ads offering $10 for a 300 word or longer article. Some will argue that some writing work is better than no writing work, especially when starting out. But content mills that pay so low do not put out good quality work. They don't (generally) have great editors, which is how you learn to be a great writer. A great editor makes your work much better. And with the content mills, you have to write so much to make any real money, you don't have time to market yourself for higher paying jobs, and to improve your skills.
If you are serious about wanting to be a freelance writer, there are some books and groups I recommend. For example, I highly recommend Jennifer Goforth Gregory's book, The Freelance Content Marketing Writer . (I'm not affiliated, just a big fan of the book and I know Jennifer. She's awesome.) Jennifer's advice is spot on. She explains how to find work that doesn't pay below minimum wage. She also has a Facebook group that is chock full of advice and experience.
Early on, I learned a lot from a group called Freelance Success. There is an annual fee, but I credit this group with my success. The members range from beginners to very experienced, and their input and answers to questions are invaluable. Don't be fooled by the basic website design. I still learn from the other members, but now I'm able to offer information and answer questions myself.
Other tips:
If you're not sure about basic grammar and writing rules, find a class. It can be online or in person, but refreshing your knowledge is important. For some reason, I kept writing "alot" instead of "a lot," in a college English course. The teacher patiently kept correcting it until I finally figured it out. Read a lot (see, I got it right there!). Read what you would like to write. See how others write, see their style, and how they outline their articles. The best way to learn how to write is to read what successful writers have already published.
Be professional. Even if you're just starting out, you can be professional. That means sending out professional emails and responses. Don't use an email address like MommyLovesDaddy@whatever.com. Be punctual. Deliver on time. Use spell check, but don't depend on it. Reread and reread again before pressing "send." Back up your work. Your editor doesn't want to get an email asking for more time because you lost your files when your computer crashed. Ask questions when you don't know something. Ask for help if you need it. And listen to your clients' critiques. We don't always get it right the first draft. Sometimes we write in the wrong voice. Or there are times when we don't interpret the instructions properly and we have to redo your work. It happens. How you react to those issues is what distinguishes you from others.
Don't be too hard on yourself. I was lucky. Most of my first clients were wonderful. They had great editors who helped me learn how to adjust my writing for each client. Then I hit an editor who ripped my work apart. Ripped. It. Apart. She made me feel like the world's worst writer and I was devastated. There was so much red in the tracked changes, it looked like there'd been a massacre on my screen. After a day of angst and beating myself up, I rewrote the piece and she ran it. When she retired a few months later, she wrote to tell me I was one of the best writers she worked with. That made my jaw drop. But it also made me realize that although she might have been a bit kinder in her approach, it wasn't *me* that she was trying to fix. It was the writing.
If you want to be a writer, give it a try. But be realistic. Know what you are getting in to and have a business plan. Because you're not just being a freelance writer. You're running a business. One where you are the boss, the employee, and the quality control.
June 2, 2019
Infection Following Natural Disasters - Take Care
Following every natural disaster, we see television news and online videos of destruction. Images of destroyed homes, cars and trucks flipped over, and boats well inland instead of in the water, show us the massive damage nature can cause. But for the thousands who are living through the seemingly unprecedented number of tornadoes, serious storms, and flooding, it’s not a video. It’s very real. The disasters are leaving thousands of families uprooted, with some losing loved ones.
But after the storms have passed over and the waters have receded, after the news cameras leave and people stop taking videos, the residents are left with not only putting their lives back together, but with the potential of serious illness or injury, after the fact.
While the emergency is occurring, the most important issue is survival. This means taking cover or evacuating. But once the imminent threat has left, other dangers may lurk. From broken water and sewage systems to terrified wild animals, survivors may be exposed to dangers they’ve never faced before.
Infection following a natural disaster is common in many areas. Infections can spread quickly in crowded shelters. People who walk around the disaster area can injure themselves by tripping on debris. They can cut themselves while trying to move things or be hit by material that may still be falling. Frightened pets and wild animals may be driven into unfamiliar territory and may bite.
With so many tornadoes touching down in North America this spring, I thought it would be a good idea to discuss the topic. A while ago, I wrote about the connection between national disasters for Sepsis Alliance, an organization I work with. If you would like to read more about the types of infections that could follow a natural disaster, visit Sepsis and Natural Disasters, found on the Sepsis Alliance website.
But after the storms have passed over and the waters have receded, after the news cameras leave and people stop taking videos, the residents are left with not only putting their lives back together, but with the potential of serious illness or injury, after the fact.
While the emergency is occurring, the most important issue is survival. This means taking cover or evacuating. But once the imminent threat has left, other dangers may lurk. From broken water and sewage systems to terrified wild animals, survivors may be exposed to dangers they’ve never faced before.
Infection following a natural disaster is common in many areas. Infections can spread quickly in crowded shelters. People who walk around the disaster area can injure themselves by tripping on debris. They can cut themselves while trying to move things or be hit by material that may still be falling. Frightened pets and wild animals may be driven into unfamiliar territory and may bite.
With so many tornadoes touching down in North America this spring, I thought it would be a good idea to discuss the topic. A while ago, I wrote about the connection between national disasters for Sepsis Alliance, an organization I work with. If you would like to read more about the types of infections that could follow a natural disaster, visit Sepsis and Natural Disasters, found on the Sepsis Alliance website.
May 13, 2019
Dementia: It's More Than Alzheimer's Disease
Say the word "dementia," and most people think about Alzheimer's disease. We can't blame them; Alzheimer's disease affects almost 6 million Americans and many millions more across the world. It is the most common cause of dementia. But dementia is more than Alzheimer's disease.
So, what is dementia? Dementia is a decline in mental ability that affects your daily life. Dementia is not a specific disease on its own. It can be caused by Alzheimer's disease, Lewy body dementia, vascular dementia, or frontotemporal dementia (FTD), among others. It can also be caused by other diseases, like Parkinson's disease and Huntington's disease.
But if the end result is the same and there's no cure, is it really important to know what type, what it's called? Absolutely. We need to know that there are different types of dementia because the research and management differs according to the disease. For example, Alzheimer's disease is caused by plaques and tangles that build up in the brain. It usually strikes later in life, although there is a rare form of early-onset Alzheimer's disease that can strike people in their 40s and 50s. Lewy body dementia is caused by a build up of protein in the brain and it can start in the 50s. FTD is caused by a degeneration of the neurons (nerve cells) in the frontal and temporal lobes of the brain. It is these parts of the brain that control language, personality, and behaviour. There are three main groups of FTD: progressive behaviour/personality decline, progressive language decline, and progressive motor decline. What makes FTD particularly brutal is it strikes early, most often from about 45 years on, often when couples still have children at home and may even be caring for their own parents. But it can affect people as young as in their 20s.
It's difficult to tell how many people in North America have FTD. A study published in 2016 found that the diagnostic process was so diverse that it was impossible to tell how many people were truly affected by FTD. The authors looked at 26 studies looking at the incidence or prevalence of FTD, published between 1985 and 2012. They concluded that about 2.7% of all cases of dementia (any age) were caused by FTD. Yet, the National Institute of Neurologic Disorders and Stroke estimates that there may be many more people with FTD than we realize, perhaps as many as 10% of people with dementia.
Aside from the toll FTD takes on the people who have it and the ones who love them, it has a high financial toll. A study published in the journal Neurology in 2017 compared the economic burden of FTD in the U.S. with Alzheimer's disease. The researchers found that the annual cost of caring for someone with FTD was twice that of someone with Alzheimer's disease. Part of the increased cost is the young age of people diagnosed with FTD, compared with Alzheimer's. Younger age at diagnosis means a loss in household income as the patient can no longer work, and the spouse or partner may have to miss work or quit altogether to provide care.
I have a particular interest in FTD. Dear friends have been living with this disease in their family for the past few years. It's a cruel disease that so few people know about. I was glad to see earlier this month, the CBS news show 60 Minutes ran a segment on FTD, called Frontotemporal dementia: Devastating, prevalent, and little understood. If you have 15 minutes, I encourage you to watch it.
This blog post touched very briefly on FTD. There is so much more to the disease. To learn more about FTD, visit The Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration and/or the National Institute of Neurologic Disorders and Stroke's section Frontotemporal Disorders: Hope Through Research. If you suspect that someone you love may have FTD, seek help. If you have resources you would like to share, please leave the information in the comments. While there is no cure, having a diagnosis and support are important.
So, what is dementia? Dementia is a decline in mental ability that affects your daily life. Dementia is not a specific disease on its own. It can be caused by Alzheimer's disease, Lewy body dementia, vascular dementia, or frontotemporal dementia (FTD), among others. It can also be caused by other diseases, like Parkinson's disease and Huntington's disease.
But if the end result is the same and there's no cure, is it really important to know what type, what it's called? Absolutely. We need to know that there are different types of dementia because the research and management differs according to the disease. For example, Alzheimer's disease is caused by plaques and tangles that build up in the brain. It usually strikes later in life, although there is a rare form of early-onset Alzheimer's disease that can strike people in their 40s and 50s. Lewy body dementia is caused by a build up of protein in the brain and it can start in the 50s. FTD is caused by a degeneration of the neurons (nerve cells) in the frontal and temporal lobes of the brain. It is these parts of the brain that control language, personality, and behaviour. There are three main groups of FTD: progressive behaviour/personality decline, progressive language decline, and progressive motor decline. What makes FTD particularly brutal is it strikes early, most often from about 45 years on, often when couples still have children at home and may even be caring for their own parents. But it can affect people as young as in their 20s.
It's difficult to tell how many people in North America have FTD. A study published in 2016 found that the diagnostic process was so diverse that it was impossible to tell how many people were truly affected by FTD. The authors looked at 26 studies looking at the incidence or prevalence of FTD, published between 1985 and 2012. They concluded that about 2.7% of all cases of dementia (any age) were caused by FTD. Yet, the National Institute of Neurologic Disorders and Stroke estimates that there may be many more people with FTD than we realize, perhaps as many as 10% of people with dementia.
Aside from the toll FTD takes on the people who have it and the ones who love them, it has a high financial toll. A study published in the journal Neurology in 2017 compared the economic burden of FTD in the U.S. with Alzheimer's disease. The researchers found that the annual cost of caring for someone with FTD was twice that of someone with Alzheimer's disease. Part of the increased cost is the young age of people diagnosed with FTD, compared with Alzheimer's. Younger age at diagnosis means a loss in household income as the patient can no longer work, and the spouse or partner may have to miss work or quit altogether to provide care.
I have a particular interest in FTD. Dear friends have been living with this disease in their family for the past few years. It's a cruel disease that so few people know about. I was glad to see earlier this month, the CBS news show 60 Minutes ran a segment on FTD, called Frontotemporal dementia: Devastating, prevalent, and little understood. If you have 15 minutes, I encourage you to watch it.
This blog post touched very briefly on FTD. There is so much more to the disease. To learn more about FTD, visit The Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration and/or the National Institute of Neurologic Disorders and Stroke's section Frontotemporal Disorders: Hope Through Research. If you suspect that someone you love may have FTD, seek help. If you have resources you would like to share, please leave the information in the comments. While there is no cure, having a diagnosis and support are important.
May 6, 2019
Do Celebrities Owe Us Health Information? Prince Harry & Meghan Markle, for example
It's all over the news - a new royal has been born. Prince Harry's glowing announcement of his son's birth was delightful. He was awed and in love. But how much does he owe the public about the details and photos, and everything else people want to know?
There was a lot of discussion when people realized that Meghan Markle's delivery wasn't going to be done the same way as her sister-in-law's. Catherine/Kate Middleton, Duchess of Cambridge, was pushed into the spotlight hours after the birth of her three children. Many felt her appearance was unfair to both her and women around the world who know it's not common to look so spectacular after having a baby. Yet, many others felt it was their right to know about Baby Cambridge when he or she did arrive.
We also see this when celebrities become ill or are injured in some way. Some famous people choose to speak out early, often to beat gossip. The most recent example is Alex Trebek, who spoke out about his pancreatic cancer diagnosis and, most recently, about depression and other issues that surround living with such a serious disease. And when they die, the public also wants to know why. Luke Perry and John Singleton both died after having a stroke. This seemed all the more tragic because of their young age. But other times, celebrities die and the cause is never announced. Their fans are curious, but the family may prefer to keep quiet.
Do those in the public eye owe it to anyone to share their health news? Some argue that if people choose to live publicly, all bets are off. And to be fair, when a celebrity does share a diagnosis, public awareness skyrockets. Parkinson's disease saw a big increase in awareness after it became known that Muhammed Ali and Michael J. Fox had/have it. When awareness grows, so does screening, diagnosis, and treatment. Donations for research may increase and this all works for the better. But if someone is living with a serious illness, publicity is an added stress - one that can make life much more difficult.
I have to admit, I was delighted for Prince Harry. I have a soft spot for him. I still picture him walking behind his mother's coffin. As rich and privileged as he is, losing your mom at that age is devastating. So to see him happy pleases me. But do I have to know? No, I don't. And if he chooses to keep certain details secret, then I feel that is his choice. Life will go on, whether we know about Baby Sussex or not.
There was a lot of discussion when people realized that Meghan Markle's delivery wasn't going to be done the same way as her sister-in-law's. Catherine/Kate Middleton, Duchess of Cambridge, was pushed into the spotlight hours after the birth of her three children. Many felt her appearance was unfair to both her and women around the world who know it's not common to look so spectacular after having a baby. Yet, many others felt it was their right to know about Baby Cambridge when he or she did arrive.
We also see this when celebrities become ill or are injured in some way. Some famous people choose to speak out early, often to beat gossip. The most recent example is Alex Trebek, who spoke out about his pancreatic cancer diagnosis and, most recently, about depression and other issues that surround living with such a serious disease. And when they die, the public also wants to know why. Luke Perry and John Singleton both died after having a stroke. This seemed all the more tragic because of their young age. But other times, celebrities die and the cause is never announced. Their fans are curious, but the family may prefer to keep quiet.
Do those in the public eye owe it to anyone to share their health news? Some argue that if people choose to live publicly, all bets are off. And to be fair, when a celebrity does share a diagnosis, public awareness skyrockets. Parkinson's disease saw a big increase in awareness after it became known that Muhammed Ali and Michael J. Fox had/have it. When awareness grows, so does screening, diagnosis, and treatment. Donations for research may increase and this all works for the better. But if someone is living with a serious illness, publicity is an added stress - one that can make life much more difficult.
I have to admit, I was delighted for Prince Harry. I have a soft spot for him. I still picture him walking behind his mother's coffin. As rich and privileged as he is, losing your mom at that age is devastating. So to see him happy pleases me. But do I have to know? No, I don't. And if he chooses to keep certain details secret, then I feel that is his choice. Life will go on, whether we know about Baby Sussex or not.
March 14, 2018
February 9, 2018
Over 90,000 Page Views for a Post I Wrote in 2008
Wow. Just wow.
I was poking around in my blog stats this evening. I began writing this blog almost 11 years ago now, so there are lots of posts. Some years, I'm great about posting often. Other years, well, to be honest I don't think about posting here. For a several years, if you Googled "nurse writer," I was one of the top three hits and often the first one. Now I'm not even on the front page. Ouch. I get busy with paying work and feel guilty about not posting here. But it is gratifying to know that even whien I'm not posting, people are reading. Some of my posts have been read thousands of times.
I try to write about topics that I think you will find interesting. Sometimes I get it, other times I don't. But I sure struck a chord when I wrote, How Can You Die From Pneumonia? Bernie Mac Did.
The post has been viewed as, of this evening (11 pm EST, Friday night), 90,415 times. This is a particularly interesting post for many cases, but maybe even more now given the flu season we're having. The runner up post, Broken Hips in Elderly Can Lead to Death, has been read almost 45,000 times.
So stay tuned for more stories. Who knows what I may find.
I was poking around in my blog stats this evening. I began writing this blog almost 11 years ago now, so there are lots of posts. Some years, I'm great about posting often. Other years, well, to be honest I don't think about posting here. For a several years, if you Googled "nurse writer," I was one of the top three hits and often the first one. Now I'm not even on the front page. Ouch. I get busy with paying work and feel guilty about not posting here. But it is gratifying to know that even whien I'm not posting, people are reading. Some of my posts have been read thousands of times.
I try to write about topics that I think you will find interesting. Sometimes I get it, other times I don't. But I sure struck a chord when I wrote, How Can You Die From Pneumonia? Bernie Mac Did.
The post has been viewed as, of this evening (11 pm EST, Friday night), 90,415 times. This is a particularly interesting post for many cases, but maybe even more now given the flu season we're having. The runner up post, Broken Hips in Elderly Can Lead to Death, has been read almost 45,000 times.
So stay tuned for more stories. Who knows what I may find.
February 6, 2018
This Is Us took a beloved character, but how?
If you have been following the TV show
This Is Us
, you've known from the start that a popular character, Jack Pearson, had died. But what the audience didn't know until this past weekend was how Jack died. Now we know. (If you haven't watched this episode yet and you plan on it, there is a spoiler ahead. Stop reading now if you don't want to know.)
The series has been following the lives of a family, three adults (Kevin, Kate, and Randall) and their mother (Rebecca), 20 years after Jack dies. His children are haunted by his death and we're given glimpses of the past throughout the episodes. On Sunday's episode, the family home burns down. Jack rescues everyone in the house, goes back to get the dog and some treasures. He comes out of the fire, but succumbs later in the hospital to a heart attack, what Rebecca was told was a widowmaker. But what is a widowmaker heart attack?
A widowmaker is a term used to describe a massive heart attack usually caused by a total blockage of the largest of the heart's arteries, the left anterior descending artery. It's frequently fatal and it strikes people in their 40s or 50s, although it is much more common among men. In the show's story line, Jack's heart attack was caused by smoke inhalation, but there is usually no one specific cause of a widowmaker. Many of us have heard of seemingly healthy men (usually) going about their day and suddenly having a massive heart attack, often with no advance warning. However, some survivors will tell you that they did have symptoms, but they just didn't put two and two together.
Since February is Heart Month, it's a good time to review the signs and symptoms of a heart attack:
A feeling of pressure, squeezing or tightness in your chest Pressure or pain radiating down one or both arms, your jaw or into your backNausea, indigestionSweatingDizzinessFeeling of impending doom
Women may have different symptoms. They may not have that typical chest pain but more nausea or indigestion, lasting for long periods.
If you feel that you may be having a heart attack, call 9-1-1 immediately. The 9-1-1 operator may advise you to chew a low-dose aspirin if you have them on hand. Do not try to drive yourself to the emergency room because if you pass out while you are driving, you will cause an accident that could injure others. At the same time, having someone else drive you could cost you valuable time. First responders are trained to assist people who are having heart attacks and may be able to stabilize you before transporting you or during transport.
If you find someone who having or has had a heart attack, call 9-1-1 immediately. If they are unconscious, do not try to give them an aspirin. If the heart has stopped, start CPR.
Not everyone knows how to give CPR, but it is strongly recommended that everyone learn how and also to learn how to use an automatic external defibrillator machine. More public places are placing these AEDs in strategic places so they can be used in case of emergency. To learn more about CPR, even if you've not taken a course, go to the Mayo Clinic site, where they explain the steps.
Heart attacks are frightening. If you have a family history of heart disease or have risk factors for heart disease, consult your doctor about how best to reduce your risk of a heart attack. You can also visit the American Heart Association or the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada to learn more.
The series has been following the lives of a family, three adults (Kevin, Kate, and Randall) and their mother (Rebecca), 20 years after Jack dies. His children are haunted by his death and we're given glimpses of the past throughout the episodes. On Sunday's episode, the family home burns down. Jack rescues everyone in the house, goes back to get the dog and some treasures. He comes out of the fire, but succumbs later in the hospital to a heart attack, what Rebecca was told was a widowmaker. But what is a widowmaker heart attack?
A widowmaker is a term used to describe a massive heart attack usually caused by a total blockage of the largest of the heart's arteries, the left anterior descending artery. It's frequently fatal and it strikes people in their 40s or 50s, although it is much more common among men. In the show's story line, Jack's heart attack was caused by smoke inhalation, but there is usually no one specific cause of a widowmaker. Many of us have heard of seemingly healthy men (usually) going about their day and suddenly having a massive heart attack, often with no advance warning. However, some survivors will tell you that they did have symptoms, but they just didn't put two and two together.
Since February is Heart Month, it's a good time to review the signs and symptoms of a heart attack:
A feeling of pressure, squeezing or tightness in your chest Pressure or pain radiating down one or both arms, your jaw or into your backNausea, indigestionSweatingDizzinessFeeling of impending doom
Women may have different symptoms. They may not have that typical chest pain but more nausea or indigestion, lasting for long periods.
If you feel that you may be having a heart attack, call 9-1-1 immediately. The 9-1-1 operator may advise you to chew a low-dose aspirin if you have them on hand. Do not try to drive yourself to the emergency room because if you pass out while you are driving, you will cause an accident that could injure others. At the same time, having someone else drive you could cost you valuable time. First responders are trained to assist people who are having heart attacks and may be able to stabilize you before transporting you or during transport.
If you find someone who having or has had a heart attack, call 9-1-1 immediately. If they are unconscious, do not try to give them an aspirin. If the heart has stopped, start CPR.
Not everyone knows how to give CPR, but it is strongly recommended that everyone learn how and also to learn how to use an automatic external defibrillator machine. More public places are placing these AEDs in strategic places so they can be used in case of emergency. To learn more about CPR, even if you've not taken a course, go to the Mayo Clinic site, where they explain the steps.
Heart attacks are frightening. If you have a family history of heart disease or have risk factors for heart disease, consult your doctor about how best to reduce your risk of a heart attack. You can also visit the American Heart Association or the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada to learn more.
February 4, 2018
Is the flu as scary as media stories make it out to be?
The seasonal flu, influenza, is front page news across North America. Every day we are reading or hearing of someone who has died - and often it is someone young and healthy, the last person you would expect to die from the flu.
So is the flu as scary as the media is making it out to be? Yes - and no.
Millions of people around the world get the flu. They can be very sick for a few days with body soreness and muscle aches, terrible cough, fever, and more. But after a few days of rest and rehydration, they start to recover and gradually return to their daily activities. Some people may feel fatigued or have a lasting, nagging cough for weeks after the flu, but for the most part, they get better and the flu becomes part of the past.
But some people who get the flu get seriously ill. Some die. Some survive, but leave the hospital weeks and months later, with amputations or other life changing complications. And, because we can't tell ahead of time who may become so sick, this is why the flu is scary. I know of a woman who is 94 and was hospitalized last week with pneumonia following the flu, and she is now fine. Usually, it is seniors or those with chronic diseases who are the most likely to become severely ill from the flu. Yet this year, we have also heard of young children and young adults who were perfectly healthy before they got the flu, and they died.
The most common path to severe illness from the flu is pneumonia. Because influenza is a respiratory illness, it can lead to pneumonia. (There is no such thing as a gastro flu or a tummy flu.) Pneumonia can be very serious and can cause you to develop sepsis, your body's reaction to an infection. This is what can lead to death.
Every year, researchers try to come up with a vaccine for the seasonal flu. Some years, it's fairly effective. Other years, it's barely effective. And the researchers and pharma companies get a lot of flak for this. What many people don't realize is that we can't know 100% what flu virus is going to be the one to hit the hardest from year to year, so the scientists are working on an educated guess. The seasonal flu viruses change and mutate, and because it can take months to produce a vaccine, what may have been effective against a specific virus one month, may no longer be effective months later because the virus mutated and changed.
This begs the question - why bother with a flu vaccine at all then? Because it is somewhat effective. The flu vaccine can help prevent the flu for some people. It can help lessen the severity of the illness in others. But it can't claim to protect you completely - it can only be used as one tool in a toolkit for flu prevention. Compare it to wearing a seat belt. The seat belt helps reduce your risk of injury or death in a car accident - but it can't guarantee it. (When seat belt laws came into force where I live, I knew a woman who would pretend to wear the seat belt, just loop it over her shoulder, because she said that no law would tell her that she should wear her seat belt. Now, 30+ years later, you should see how fanatical she is about making sure her grandchildren are securely fastened in the car.) We know that seat belts save lives. We also know that if you do have the flu vaccine, you've decreased your risk of getting sick.
There are still people who believe that the flu vaccine can make you sick with the flu. It can't. As has been said over and over again, it doesn't contain a live virus, and you need a live virus to cause illness. That's not to say that some people don't get sick after they've been vaccinated. Some people are exposed to the flu before they have their injection - it takes up to two weeks for the vaccination to work. So if you're exposed to the flu just before or just after you have your vaccination, you're still going to get it. Other people report feeling fatigued, feverish, not well overall after getting their vaccine. This isn't the flu, but likely their body's way of coping with a vaccination. It's not comfortable and it would be best not to be sick at all, but it's not the flu.
I've read people saying that more people are dying now of the flu than before precisely because of the vaccines. They say that no one died of the flu before that. To those people, I say Google the Spanish flu. I am pretty sure we didn't have vaccinations back then yet (yes, that is sarcasm). Then Google other flu epidemics. There are others that occurred before we had seasonal flu vaccines.
How can you prevent getting or giving the flu?
You can reduce your risk by washing your hands frequently. The flu virus can live on solid surfaces like door handles, bank machines, even store counters, for days. Wash your hands as soon as you get home or arrive at work. Clean your hands if you've been out shopping or handling things that others may have. Try to avoid touching your face, especially your hands, nose, and eyes, before you've washed your hands. Cleaning your hands will also reduce the risk of you spreading the virus if you have the flu but don't know it yet.
Get vaccinated. There's still time. Flu season can run up to the end of April, so some protection is still possible. If you don't want to get vaccinated, there's nothing I can say that will convince you, but if you do want to get the vaccine, you still can.
Stay home if you're sick. I know it's not easy. We all have bills to pay and responsibilities to uphold. But going out sick will just make more people sick. And although the chances are very likely that you'll get better and go on, someone else who gets the virus from you may not be so lucky.
Sneeze or cough into your sleeve. Your clothes are washable and less likely to come into contact with a surface that someone else will touch.
What should you do if you get the flu?
Rather than repeating what has already been written, you can go to this information I wrote for Sepsis Alliance: Sepsis and Influenza. There, you'll find not only more information on the flu itself, but the signs and symptoms, as well as when to see a doctor.
Good luck during this flu season. It's a bad one.
So is the flu as scary as the media is making it out to be? Yes - and no.
Millions of people around the world get the flu. They can be very sick for a few days with body soreness and muscle aches, terrible cough, fever, and more. But after a few days of rest and rehydration, they start to recover and gradually return to their daily activities. Some people may feel fatigued or have a lasting, nagging cough for weeks after the flu, but for the most part, they get better and the flu becomes part of the past.
But some people who get the flu get seriously ill. Some die. Some survive, but leave the hospital weeks and months later, with amputations or other life changing complications. And, because we can't tell ahead of time who may become so sick, this is why the flu is scary. I know of a woman who is 94 and was hospitalized last week with pneumonia following the flu, and she is now fine. Usually, it is seniors or those with chronic diseases who are the most likely to become severely ill from the flu. Yet this year, we have also heard of young children and young adults who were perfectly healthy before they got the flu, and they died.
The most common path to severe illness from the flu is pneumonia. Because influenza is a respiratory illness, it can lead to pneumonia. (There is no such thing as a gastro flu or a tummy flu.) Pneumonia can be very serious and can cause you to develop sepsis, your body's reaction to an infection. This is what can lead to death.
Every year, researchers try to come up with a vaccine for the seasonal flu. Some years, it's fairly effective. Other years, it's barely effective. And the researchers and pharma companies get a lot of flak for this. What many people don't realize is that we can't know 100% what flu virus is going to be the one to hit the hardest from year to year, so the scientists are working on an educated guess. The seasonal flu viruses change and mutate, and because it can take months to produce a vaccine, what may have been effective against a specific virus one month, may no longer be effective months later because the virus mutated and changed.
This begs the question - why bother with a flu vaccine at all then? Because it is somewhat effective. The flu vaccine can help prevent the flu for some people. It can help lessen the severity of the illness in others. But it can't claim to protect you completely - it can only be used as one tool in a toolkit for flu prevention. Compare it to wearing a seat belt. The seat belt helps reduce your risk of injury or death in a car accident - but it can't guarantee it. (When seat belt laws came into force where I live, I knew a woman who would pretend to wear the seat belt, just loop it over her shoulder, because she said that no law would tell her that she should wear her seat belt. Now, 30+ years later, you should see how fanatical she is about making sure her grandchildren are securely fastened in the car.) We know that seat belts save lives. We also know that if you do have the flu vaccine, you've decreased your risk of getting sick.
There are still people who believe that the flu vaccine can make you sick with the flu. It can't. As has been said over and over again, it doesn't contain a live virus, and you need a live virus to cause illness. That's not to say that some people don't get sick after they've been vaccinated. Some people are exposed to the flu before they have their injection - it takes up to two weeks for the vaccination to work. So if you're exposed to the flu just before or just after you have your vaccination, you're still going to get it. Other people report feeling fatigued, feverish, not well overall after getting their vaccine. This isn't the flu, but likely their body's way of coping with a vaccination. It's not comfortable and it would be best not to be sick at all, but it's not the flu.
I've read people saying that more people are dying now of the flu than before precisely because of the vaccines. They say that no one died of the flu before that. To those people, I say Google the Spanish flu. I am pretty sure we didn't have vaccinations back then yet (yes, that is sarcasm). Then Google other flu epidemics. There are others that occurred before we had seasonal flu vaccines.
How can you prevent getting or giving the flu?
You can reduce your risk by washing your hands frequently. The flu virus can live on solid surfaces like door handles, bank machines, even store counters, for days. Wash your hands as soon as you get home or arrive at work. Clean your hands if you've been out shopping or handling things that others may have. Try to avoid touching your face, especially your hands, nose, and eyes, before you've washed your hands. Cleaning your hands will also reduce the risk of you spreading the virus if you have the flu but don't know it yet.
Get vaccinated. There's still time. Flu season can run up to the end of April, so some protection is still possible. If you don't want to get vaccinated, there's nothing I can say that will convince you, but if you do want to get the vaccine, you still can.
Stay home if you're sick. I know it's not easy. We all have bills to pay and responsibilities to uphold. But going out sick will just make more people sick. And although the chances are very likely that you'll get better and go on, someone else who gets the virus from you may not be so lucky.
Sneeze or cough into your sleeve. Your clothes are washable and less likely to come into contact with a surface that someone else will touch.
What should you do if you get the flu?
Rather than repeating what has already been written, you can go to this information I wrote for Sepsis Alliance: Sepsis and Influenza. There, you'll find not only more information on the flu itself, but the signs and symptoms, as well as when to see a doctor.
Good luck during this flu season. It's a bad one.
June 27, 2017
Cue the Music: It's a Small World (and you meet people in the most unexpected places)
I'm sending out this blog post from lovely Charleston, S.C. I was invited here on a press trip sponsored by the American Cancer Society and Extended Stay America hotels, to highlight a Hotel Keys of Hope. It's a program that offers low or no-cost hotel rooms to people who are diagnosed with cancer and must travel away from home for treatment.
It's no secret that being ill with an illness like cancer can have a significant financial impact and this program aims to help relieve some of that impact and stress. I'll write more about the program tomorrow - we have one more day (today) of this event and I have more to learn. But I was psyched about a "it's a small world" moment I had yesterday.
When you're on a press trip, you rarely know anyone else. It's like being invited to a big party and you don't even really know the host. So no matter how introverted or shy you may be, you have to put yourself out there. In this case, I have stories I have to write about the people I meet, so I really need to put myself out there.
So, as I was going around meeting my fellow event attendees, I saw a lovely young woman and her companion who I'd not met yet, so I went over to chat. As we exchange the usual "where are you from?" question, she told me they were from Montreal. OK. I live in Montreal. Small world. Where in Montreal. St-Henri. Ok, small world continued. My oldest son lived there for a while and my youngest son works in that area now. I told her I live in NDG (another borough). She said she had too and mentioned a street not far from me. Ok, this world is getting smaller. Then I mentioned the suburb I grew up in and raised my children (Chateauguay), and that's when things got really "woah." She went to school on our street. She is the same age as my daughter, but they went to different schools.
Nalie Augustin (she's the younger, prettier one!)And then I realized who she was. Nalie Augustin. She is a young woman who had been diagnosed with breast cancer when she was 24 - a very unusual diagnosis at that age. She had been featured in our local news and that's where I'd seen her. You can read about her on her website and her blog.
She and her boyfriend, Vee, are taking videos and lots of photos of their time here because that's what they do. Nalie has a YouTube show, in addition to her site, blog, and other social media presence. She offers tips to others who are living through cancer. She has a mission:
She's an amazing woman with a great message to share. I'm glad I met her.
It's no secret that being ill with an illness like cancer can have a significant financial impact and this program aims to help relieve some of that impact and stress. I'll write more about the program tomorrow - we have one more day (today) of this event and I have more to learn. But I was psyched about a "it's a small world" moment I had yesterday.When you're on a press trip, you rarely know anyone else. It's like being invited to a big party and you don't even really know the host. So no matter how introverted or shy you may be, you have to put yourself out there. In this case, I have stories I have to write about the people I meet, so I really need to put myself out there.
So, as I was going around meeting my fellow event attendees, I saw a lovely young woman and her companion who I'd not met yet, so I went over to chat. As we exchange the usual "where are you from?" question, she told me they were from Montreal. OK. I live in Montreal. Small world. Where in Montreal. St-Henri. Ok, small world continued. My oldest son lived there for a while and my youngest son works in that area now. I told her I live in NDG (another borough). She said she had too and mentioned a street not far from me. Ok, this world is getting smaller. Then I mentioned the suburb I grew up in and raised my children (Chateauguay), and that's when things got really "woah." She went to school on our street. She is the same age as my daughter, but they went to different schools.
Nalie Augustin (she's the younger, prettier one!)And then I realized who she was. Nalie Augustin. She is a young woman who had been diagnosed with breast cancer when she was 24 - a very unusual diagnosis at that age. She had been featured in our local news and that's where I'd seen her. You can read about her on her website and her blog. She and her boyfriend, Vee, are taking videos and lots of photos of their time here because that's what they do. Nalie has a YouTube show, in addition to her site, blog, and other social media presence. She offers tips to others who are living through cancer. She has a mission:
"As a Writer, YouTuber and Speaker, I share my journey for 3 reasons:
Inspiration: I want to inspire you to NEVER GIVE UP! Whether it’s cancer, or whatever it is you wish to conquer, take whatever you can from my crazy journey and let it catapult you into LIVING the life you’ve always dreamed of.
Aspiration: I have big dreams and I refuse to let cancer stop me from achieving them. Knowing that life is short and clearly, we have no idea what tomorrow will bring – every day, I aspire to be better, do better and make a difference in this world for as long as I’m in it.
Awareness: It is my duty to prove that breast cancer doesn’t just happen to elder women. That even the healthiest people are not exempted. Generation X- Y – Z: Check your boobs! I vow to leave as much information as possible for women who may follow my footsteps by providing knowledge that I wish I had!"
She's an amazing woman with a great message to share. I'm glad I met her.
June 26, 2017
Do Nurses Have a Role in Complementary Therapies?
<!-- /* Font Definitions */ @font-face {font-family:"Cambria Math"; panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4; mso-font-charset:1; mso-generic-font-family:roman; mso-font-format:other; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:0 0 0 0 0 0;} @font-face {font-family:Calibri; panose-1:2 15 5 2 2 2 4 3 2 4; mso-font-charset:0; mso-generic-font-family:auto; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:-536870145 1073786111 1 0 415 0;} /* Style Definitions */ p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal {mso-style-unhide:no; mso-style-qformat:yes; mso-style-parent:""; margin:0cm; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;} a:link, span.MsoHyperlink {mso-style-priority:99; color:#0563C1; mso-themecolor:hyperlink; text-decoration:underline; text-underline:single;} a:visited, span.MsoHyperlinkFollowed {mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-priority:99; color:#954F72; mso-themecolor:followedhyperlink; text-decoration:underline; text-underline:single;} .MsoChpDefault {mso-style-type:export-only; mso-default-props:yes; font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;} @page WordSection1 {size:612.0pt 792.0pt; margin:72.0pt 72.0pt 72.0pt 72.0pt; mso-header-margin:35.4pt; mso-footer-margin:35.4pt; mso-paper-source:0;} div.WordSection1 {page:WordSection1;} </style> --> <div class="MsoNormal">Last year during the Olympics, the practice of cupping was brought to the forefront. Many athletes were spotted sporting large round welts on their their back, shoulders, and upper chest that were caused by cupping. This caught the attention of the sports analysts and reporters, and the Western world quickly became interested in this new-to-them practice.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://www.acupuncturetoday.com/abc/c... an old traditional form of Chinese medicine, often used in conjunction with acupuncture. I went for acupuncture last week to help deal with a headache I had since January. It was a sinus-type headache but tests and scans showed that there was no infection, allergies, inflammation, nothing. So, I returned to an acupuncturist I'd visited a few years before. I forgot that she did cupping after the acupuncture session:</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ig6CvRRCvY..." imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="721" height="200" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ig6CvRRCvY..." width="150" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cupping mark on my shoulder</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">It doesn't hurt while cupping is done and while it looks like a nasty bruise, it's only tender if you press hard on it. It looks awful but - my headache is virtually gone. It's down to about 10% of what it was before. I'll be going for another session later this week. So was it the acupuncture? The cupping? Both?</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Practitioners claim that cupping can treat many disorders, including asthma, arthritis, GI upsets, and chronic pain, among others. Generally, the practitioner heats the air in a cup, usually with a flame, and the cup is placed on the skin. This produces suction. It’s believed that this suction promotes blood flow to the area, resulting in better health. When the cup is removed, a red or bruising mark may be left behind.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Regardless of what we may personally believe about complementary and alternative medicines, patients are using them. An article I wrote for <a href="http://nursing.onclive.com/publicatio... style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Oncology Nursing News</i></a> in 2015 stated that, “53% of American adults used CIT [complementary and integrated therapies] at some point in their lifetime, and 42% said they used it within the past year. People with cancer reported even higher use: 65% of cancer survivors used CIT at some point, and 43% used it within the past year.”</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">As nurses in North America, we generally work in facilities that focus on evidence-based medicine. Some facilities have developed integrative therapy departments, where patients can benefit from complementary medicines, such as acupuncture or massage therapy, along with Western medicines. These include facilities such as <a href="http://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/integr... Hopkins</a>, <a href="http://my.clevelandclinic.org/service... Clinic</a>, and <a href="http://www.mayoclinic.org/departments... Clinic</a>. I wasn’t able to find any similar departments associated with Canadian hospitals, although many major cities do have integrative medical clinics. So what do we say if patients ask us our opinions on complementary medicine?</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">The College of Registered Nurses of Nova Scotia <a href="https://crnns.ca/wp-content/uploads/2... guidelines</a> for nurse practitioners and registered nurses on the topic. The document reviews the nurses’ role in therapies, the nurses’ ethical and professional responsibilities, and how nurses might have a role in practicing complementary therapies. The college concluded: “Registered nurses and nurse practitioners can be actively involved in the delivery of CAHC therapies or simply help clients access appropriate information and make treatment decisions. Regardless of their role, RNs and NPs must be well informed and possess the appropriate knowledge and skills to provide safe care. Having evidence informed knowledge of potential benefits and risks of particular therapies is crucial. As RNs and NPs strive to provide comprehensive care for their clients, they must always ensure that they practise CAHC within the context of a nursing framework and within their standards of practice and code of ethics.” </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Personally, I believe in some types of complementary medicine, but not necessarily alternative medicine. I have used acupuncture and massage therapy with good results. Complementary means that the treatment is in conjunction with evidence-based medicine practices. Alternative implies that the treatment is instead of. However, regardless of our own beliefs, it is vital that our patients trust us enough that they tell us if they are undergoing other forms of treatments or therapies. They may be more willing and open to telling their nurses than their doctors, for fear that their doctors will insist that they stop their treatments. As nurses, we can help them understand why it’s important that they be open with their treating physicians.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Do you see a role for nurses in complementary health practices?</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div>
