Grossnickle Church of the Brethren Notes From Your Parish Nurse

Carrie Spade's Article on Melanoma - As Promised!!

Fri, 27 Apr 2012 01:22:27 GMT

The Mamas with Melanoma Club Doesn’t Want Any New Members

By: Carrie Spade

Hello Spring. The temperature is rising and it’s the time of year when everyone wants to be outside to enjoy it. Like many other college students, I can’t wait until my day’s classes are done so that I can take a blanket outside and read in the warm sunshine.

But there is something a little odd about me: Before I take off to claim a good spot on the Bridgewater College campus mall, I lather up from head to toe with sunscreen. I make sure to get the inside of my ears and the part of my hair. This process only takes a few minutes, and yet I am probably one of the few college students who even consider it before soaking up the hot southern rays of Virginia.

Why do I bother with the hassle? My mother has skin cancer. She was first diagnosed before I was born. At 24, she was just a couple years older than I am now. For my whole life, my mom has either been finding spots of cancer or been in an in-between time of remission. Every six months, she goes to the doctor to get pieces of her skin cut off. EVERY six months.

Years ago, she lost track of how many times she has found spots of basal cell cancer. Basal cell is the “good kind” of skin cancer if that is possible. I t is the kind that won’t kill you. But several times she has also had melanoma. That’s the bad kind, the variety that can spread to your brain and other organs. It’s the kind that can be fatal.

Last month, my mom faced her scariest skin cancer surgery yet. After finding an area affected with melanoma on her ear, she was told that part of it would have to go. The doctor was not sure how much of her ear he would have to take until she went into surgery. He ended up taking a chunk off of the bottom of her left ear, so she now resembles a victim of Mike Tyson. Skin cancer isn’t a joke.

Stop. I know what you’re thinking. “Well that really too bad and I’m sorry for her, but I don’t burn.” I don’t care. I DON’T CARE that you don’t burn. You don’t have to burn to get cancer. You can have the most beautifully golden skin that could have landed you a spot on Baywatch in 1995. Good for you. But melanoma affects one in 50 people. Some of those 50 people are tan and never burn just like you.

And for those of you whose skin resemble lobsters after spending time in the sun, listen up. Teenagers and young adults who get sun burnt are 10 times more likely to develop melanoma later in life. Parents, protect your children. Teens, you’re smarter than that. Put on sunscreen before going outside. And for the love of all that is holy, stay miles away from the tanning bed. You might as well tie a boulder to your ankles and jump in the ocean.

Melanoma is the fastest growing cancer in the world. And if you are a young adult, you are more likely to develop skin cancer than any other form of cancer. Are you ready to dig the sun screen out from the depths of your beach bag yet?

The most important fact about melanoma is that it is preventable. Be smart about sun safety. Remember that “sexy” tan skin right now is not worth going to the doctor every six months for the rest of your life to get parts of you cut off. Think about the consequences of your actions. The two minutes that you spend putting on sunscreen now could save you hours of surgery later.

Go ahead and enjoy the sunny days of spring. I know I will. But before you spend hours laying out in the sun, protect yourself with some SPF. Trust me, in ten years when your friends are covered in scars from numerous skin cancer surgeries and your skin will still be smooth and flawless, you won’t regret it.

April Showers

Wed, 11 Apr 2012 23:19:55 GMT

April showers bring May flowers, or so the saying goes....

Let's shower each other with love and see what flowers may bloom!

Happy New Year!

Wed, 11 Jan 2012 04:51:50 GMT

Welcome to 2012. In beginning the new year from a place of safety, let us all replace the batteries in our smoke & fire & carbon monoxide detectors now.

Plan ahead. EDITH.... (Exit Drills In The Home) - Make sure everyone knows where the exits are (including windows), make sure you know who is responsible for each young child, make sure you arrange a pre-planned area to meet once you are out of the house, call 911. Practice this plan often so everyone is familiar in an emergency.

Be safe and be prepared.

Christmas

Wed, 21 Dec 2011 03:36:09 GMT

Have a wonderful, blessed and healthy Christmas!

It has been a pleasure being your Parish Nurse. I look forward to working with you all in 2012.

Don't Let the Flu Get You!

Thu, 03 Nov 2011 22:43:40 GMT

Now is the time to get vaccinated with your annual flu shot. It takes 2-3 weeks for the vaccine to be fully effective.

What is the Flu? The flu is a respiratory virus that can can strike anyone of any age. However the flu is most dangerous for the elderly,young children and those with chronic medical conditions.

What are flu symptoms? The flu can cause fever, cough, aches, fatigue, sore throat and just down right misery.

Who can get vaccinated against the flu? Anyone over 6 months of age who is not allergic to the vaccine.

Where can I get vaccinated? At your doctors office, local pharmacy, local health dept or a scheduled "flu clinic".

Don't Hesitate - Vaccinate!

Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Mon, 03 Oct 2011 03:44:03 GMT

October is breast cancer awareness month. We will be reminded to schedule our mammograms, participate in cancer walks, contribute to worthwhile fundraising events, and purchase anything pink to raise awareness of this devastating disease.

In all this sea of pink, we need to remember that this disease affects real people and real families. Many,many families have been touched by breast cancer; mine included. My mother is an eleven year survivor of breast cancer. Her cancer was detected early, and after a double mastectomy and months of radiation she has remained cancer free.

This past March I had my own scare with breast cancer. While performing my yearly mammogram a lump was detected; that same day I received a sonogram with the lump still visible but undefinable. A biopsy was scheduled. The biopsy was painless but the results would be a few days. The call came three days later - it was not cancer. I was truly blessed!

So, please get your mammogram, support research and thank God for all the blessings in your life.

Journeys

Sun, 07 Aug 2011 17:57:08 GMT

Sometimes even in the midst of spring and summer, some darkness falls. Personally I have seen the death of my father, the decline of my mother, and the decision for her to enter an Assisted Living Facility during this season.

Needless to say it has been an emotional journey. Unknowingly I had let myself think that I was in charge of my parent's care. I ordered and administered all their medications, I took them to all their doctor's appointments, I visited often, and I even bathed my Dad since no one else could or would. I became indespensible, or so I thought. Maybe it is the nurse in me, the one who takes charge when others fall apart; or maybe it is the youngest daughter in me, the one who feels responsible; or maybe it it is just being part of a large caring family who always looks out for each other no matter what happens. Maybe it was all the above.

On July 11th, God reminded me that "we don't know the day or hour" when he took my Dad home to be with him. No acute sickness, no premonition, no warning, just a peaceful death while he slept. It was truly a blessing as my Dad had dementia and his life had become very sedentary and I am sure confusing from his perspective. As my Mom stated "he would have been a terrible patient." How right she was.

One day later, while staying at my home, my mother fell and fractured a vertebra in her back (her 7th). She endured excruciating pain throughout my Dad's funeral week and for weeks that followed with surgery and rehabilitation. My Mom returned, not to an apartment that her and Dad had shared for six years, but to an Assisted Living facility that Dad had only known for a week. Herself having dementia, she returned to a place full of strangers, a room that was unrecognizable, and a routine that was totally unfamiliar.

If I had any illusions that I was still in charge, they vanished during the weeks that followed. Pain, both emotional and physical, and confusion became my mother's daily burden. Unable to help with either condition was truly frustrating, and humbling. Today, Mom says she is happy with her living conditions and we all try to visit and engage her as often as we can. We really have no insight to her true feelings as her thoughts are forgotten as soon as they appear and stories are repeated over and over.

Winter, spring, summer, or fall; let go of feeling that you are in control of life and are responsible for everything. Trust that God has a plan for you and all your loved ones, and live like there is no tomorrow for only God "knows the day or the hour".

Spring

Fri, 29 Apr 2011 17:48:31 GMT

Spring is the time for renewal. Renewal of body, mind and soul.

Our bodies need to shake off the darkness of winter, our biological clocks spring forward to get the most of the daytime hours. Our mood lightens, we get more sun thereby increasing our seretonin and in turn increases our mood.

Our minds need to shake off the cobwebs that winter inactivity can create. In winter we "hibernate" and "store for the lean times ahead". We are less likely to initiate any new ideas and actions.

Our souls need to rejoice in the resurrection of Jesus. His struggles are over and by his grace we are all called to be one with God. Embrace his sacrifice and open your souls to his call and his love.

Be Renewed - Embrace the Light - Take Action - Rejoice in Jesus!!

Organ Donation

Wed, 16 Mar 2011 13:41:42 GMT

Fact: Anyone can sign up for organ donation.

Fact: COB supports organ donation as an act of love and generosity

Fact: There is no cost to donors

Fact: Medical Providers will ALWAYS try to save a life regardless of donation status

Fact: One life may save up to 8 lives through organ donation

Sign up today at organdonor.gov

Pastor Tim's Africa Trip

Fri, 25 Feb 2011 20:26:56 GMT

As a church we have sponsored FRB for about 5 years. We have donated many thousands of dollars to help our brothers and sisters help themselves. Our efforts have helped many strangers fight the horrors of hunger and poverty.

Hunger and poverty effect a great many persons in other countries as well as our own. It is a major health concern that all persons do not have enough food to eat or clean water to drink. Children of poverty cannot learn when stomachs are empty and brains cannot focus, many die before ever reaching adulthood. Adults of poverty face many difficulties including walking miles for clean water, enduring drought and then floods when trying to grow even small quantities of crops, and most were never able to finish school themselves to enable them to understand even the basics of farming.

As ambassadors of our church and FRB, Pastor Tim and many others, are traveling to Africa to see the strides being made, assess further needs and to interact with FRB's "in country partners". As they all travel these next two weeks, please keep them all in your thoughts and prayers and ask God to continue to guide them in their efforts to empower and assist those in need.

Welcome 2011

Sat, 29 Jan 2011 17:24:26 GMT

Well 2010 is now history, 2011 is ripe with possibilities. Possibilities for what you might ask? Well for anything really. With God's help all things are possible.

Let's start out small. How about tackling that medicine cabinet? Let's get rid of all those expired medications, prescriptions and Over the Counter. All of those medications however do need to be replaced, so let me help you with a list:

Pain Reliever (Motrin or Tylenol or Aleve); Benadryl; Aspirin (325 mg to chew in case of suspected heart attack); Anti-itch cream (calamine, caladryl); Antibiotic cream (neosporin or bacitracin); toothache remedy (orajel); cold medicine (Nyquil, mucinex, robitussin).

Bandaids; 4x4 gauze pads; ace wraps; icepacks; kling; floss; extra toothbrushes.

As always feel free to add whatever else you may need to keep your family and yourself comfortable. Happy Winter!

Thanks

Sun, 21 Nov 2010 12:47:21 GMT

With Thanksgiving coming later this week, it is only natural for me to ponder the question "What am I thankful for?".

With my church family I am thankful for our wonderful Pastors who daily help us walk our journey with Christ. I am thankful for my fellow parishoners who always inspire me to me be more - more loving, more generous and more open to God's plans for me life. I am thankful for my nurse ministry in that I am able to assist others with questions, referrals, or information on medical issues that may concern them.

I am thankful that God continues to bless Grossnickle Church of the Brethren with people who really do "continue the work of Jesus peacefully, simply, together." Thank you to you all. Happy Holidays.

Health Survey

Sun, 17 Oct 2010 20:26:45 GMT

Having been the church Parish Nurse for over seven years now, I was getting rather complacent. My ministry had stalled, and I felt that I was not in sync with what my church family needed.

In an effort to re-engergize this ministry I have asked God to assist me in moving forward. In meeting with Pastor Tim, we have decided that it was time for another health survey to find out exactly what is needed by this congregation. In this regard I have disseminated a survey in the church bulletin this week and ask that you take a moment to fill this out. I very much value your opinion and am looking to you to help me move this ministry in the right direction. Any comments or suggestions would be greatly appreciated on the survey or in direct response to this blog posting.

Your assistance is greatly appreciated.

Summer.......

Fri, 30 Jul 2010 23:29:45 GMT

Summer is in full swing. The crazy extremely hot days, the lightening bugs, the workcamps, the concerts, National Youth Conference, the laughing heard at the area pools, FRB annual meeting, fireworks. All a chance to meet and socialize with your neighbors.

Take advantage of this wonderful season, where everyone is out and looking to chat. Develop a larger group of friends and neighbors. Learn about their lives, their loves, their interests. God said man was not born to walk this earth alone. Show good stewardship to your fellow man and watch all the wonderful returns you will receive.

God Bless Us All. Stay Well.

Well.....Weight

Wed, 16 Jun 2010 12:52:27 GMT

Ok, it has been a month and I am just reporting now. I am 8 pounds lighter but beginning to struggle a bit as this is not my first time doing weight watchers and I feel like "been there, done that". Not a very healthy attitude I must admit.

Have started better behaviors though - Eating breakfast and trying to limit night time snacks. I do have to say that eating breakfast has helped me not to visit those fast food drive thru's so often. If you have any ideas for breakfast foods that aren't "typical breakfast" let me know, as I truly have never liked breakfast even as a child and am open to new suggestions.

Hope some of you have silently joined my commitment to eating better and I will say a prayer for continued health for us all.

Weight - Wait - What?

Mon, 17 May 2010 21:43:07 GMT

I know that subject line has scared a few of you right off the bat. Weight? Isn't that a taboo subject? Isn't it just plain rude to mention that fact that one's health my be in jeopardy due to excess pounds? Well probably; but here it goes anyway.

Knowing that my weight had been causing me some unwanted problems (high blood pressure for one), I have joined Weight Watchers. I hesitated and wondered if I should announce this to the whole world (Ok, let's be real, its only the church), but still I debated. Then I decided that since I had asked God to lead me in this journey, I should include my church family. So please say a prayer for my success in the rebuilding of my health. If you feel so moved, join along and we can finally have a real discussion about weight.

For those of you lucky enough, or more apporopriately disciplined enough, not to have a weight problem, I promise my blogs will not center on this issue but just include periodic updates. Have a wonderful summer.

May 6th - National Day of Prayer

Fri, 30 Apr 2010 20:58:14 GMT

Let us all stop for a moment and thank God for the health that we possess at this very moment in time.

We may have some sort of ailment or heartache; maybe diabetes, maybe hypertension, maybe a little too much weight, maybe achy bones and muscles, or maybe a personal crisis that is consuming us. Let us put those aside for just this day, this moment, and thank God for health and moments of happiness that we do enjoy. Let us not forget our friends and neighbors too. Ask God to bless them and their families and to give them continued good health.

Ask God to also look over those less fortunate; the hungry, the lonely, the sick, the dying, the jailed, the victims of disaster. These brothers and sisters are often forgotten and could use our prayers to help lift them up to the Lord.

Maybe your prayer will take the form of the written word, or maybe the prayer offered in silence, or maybe the voice lifted in song. Whatever your personal preference let us all join in this National Day of Prayer and lift our voices of thanks and petitions to our God.

April Happenings

Mon, 29 Mar 2010 00:11:34 GMT

April signals the beginning of Spring and as such I have way too many thoughts "springing" forward in my head.

I would like to continue to encourage all people to educate themselves on the issue of organ donation. This special gift for others calls for us to look beyond ourselves and truly consider the gift of life God has given to us. (donatelifemaryland.org)

I am also noting that Earth Day is April 22. This is a good time to stop and take note of the wonderful world that God has created for us. We also need to take stock of how each of us takes care of this earth. For myself, sometimes I find that I take the easy way out. I use way too many plastic bottles, chemical cleaners, and standard lightbulbs. I find sometimes I am too lazy to find the recycle bin, like my car clean during the summer, and am not too fond of being cold in the winter. No Earth Day role model here.

"Doing no Harm" was a theme in our Lenten study, and one I hope to take to heart. I found that I was unwittingly doing harm not only to myself, but the world as well. Sin of omission I think they call it. Turning a blind eye to the environment was an easy way to live, but not a healthy one. "Reduce, Reuse, Recycle" has become a silent mantra. My trash is looking smaller and my recycle bin larger, I ordered Meghan a Brita Filter (her idea), and I have 6 ink cartridges waiting to be taken to STAPLES to be refilled. Small steps to be sure, but steps just the same.

Another step I am taking is asking you to recycle your eyeglasses. I will have a box in the Narthex for your used eye and sunglasses for the Lions Club to distribute to the less fortunate. Donations will be delivered on Earth Day, April 22. I also heard mention this morning at worship that old shoes are being collected to be sent to Haiti. A box will be available for them as well. Be part of a healthy earth, a healthy church, a healthy life.

FRB - Not!!

Fri, 26 Mar 2010 21:45:38 GMT

Well, as most of you know, I had hernia surgery last week and I was just not up to going to Capitol Hill as I had hoped. I was really distressed, but I guess we just don't recuperate like we did at 20 anymore!

Dan did go though (along with 3 others from Illinois and Iowa growing projects) and was truly impressed with the amount of time and effort it takes to keep this type of organization in the limelight of Congress and influential groups. They met with Senator Cardin's aide, Senator Mikulski's aide, Congressman Bartlett, Senator Hardin, USDA, USAID, and Bread for the World. FRB seemed to be widely known and respected and as always Marv made a wonderful spokesperson for this truly special project that God has put before us.

Please keep FRB and their work in your prayers and if you get the chance, you are always welcome to go to Capitol Hill as part of the FRB group.

FRB

Thu, 11 Mar 2010 11:40:19 GMT

I am excited to report that Dan and I will be traveling with Foods Resource Bank (FRB) to Capitol Hill in DC later this month to discuss the urgent issue of trying to end global hunger.

As you know through the growing projects our church has sponsored that FRB and ourselves have helped many countries from Kenya to Zambia give themselves a hand up in learning how to grow their own food and help them sustain food security. FRB goes to DC on a regular basis to keep this issue in front of Congress and try to secure funding to keep their mission going.

I am curious to see how the "other arm" of FRB works within our government structure. We know first hand the integrity and Godly purpose from which FRB operates and I will be interested to see how this is integrated within the Congressional circles.

I am not sure of our total agenda at this time, but we are meeting with an aide to Senator Cardin and attending a reception with the Alliance to End Hunger; a group which FRB is a member. Please say a prayer for FRB's continued success and abilities to secure funding. I will keep you updated on our agenda and results after our trip.