Medical Directory - March 2023

What Is A Nurse Practitioner?

Annualwellness visits have long been considered a vital component of preventive health care. That hasn’t changed, though the dynamic between patient and health care professional during those visits has changed considerably for many people. Once a realm exclusive to patients and their physicians, annual wellness exams now often involve patients and nurse practitioners. In fact, the American Association of Nurse Practitioners notes that NPs have become the preferred health partner of choice for millions of people, which makes it worthwhile to explore just what NPs do.

What is a nurse practitioner?

The AANP notes that NPs are highly educated clinicians who blend clinical experience in diagnosing and treating health conditions with an added emphasis on disease prevention and health management. All NPs must complete a master’s or doctoral degree program and have advanced clinical training beyond their initial professional registered nurse preparation. The education and training required of NPs prepares them to practice in various health care settings, including primary care, acute care and long-term care.

Which services can NPs provide?

Some people may not even realize that the NP they speak with during an annual wellness exam isn’t a physician. That’s because NPs can perform a host of services people often associate with physicians. The U.S. National Library of Medicine notes that NPs are allowed to provide a broad range of services, including:

• Perform a physical exam

• Order laboratory tests and procedures

• Diagnose, treat and manage diseases

• Prescribe medications and write prescriptions

• Coordinate referrals

• Provide information regarding preventive care and healthy lifestyles

• Perform certain medical procedures

What are the qualifications to be an NP?

The AANP notes that NPs undergo rigorous certification, periodic peer review and clinical outcome evaluations. NPs also must adhere to ethical codes. In addition, due to the fluid nature of health care, NPs must self-direct their continued learning and development to ensure they maintain their clinical competency.

Why do I see an NP and not a physician?

The AANP notes that NPs help to address a shortage of primary care physicians. With their expertise and accepted range of responsibilities, NPs are helping to ensure patients receive timely and accurate medical advice. Without NPs, patients may have to wait especially long periods of time to see their physicians, which could have dramatic and adverse long-term effects on their overall health.

Nurse practitioners play a vital role in modern health care settings. These versatile, talented professionals routinely apply their rigorous training and extensive education in ways that benefit their patients every day.

How To Determine If Nursing Is Right For You

Nursing is a popular career choice. With strong job security and the potential for growth, it is no wonder nursing draws such interest. In 2021, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimated there would be about 203,200 openings for registered nurses each year for the next decade. And employment of registered nurses is expected to grow by 6 percent between 2021 and 2031.

A strong job outlook and competitive pay (nurses earn median salaries of $77,600 as of May 2021) appeals to any aspiring professional, but a career in nursing is about more than opportunity and compensation. Individuals considering nursing need to determine if the field might be the right fit for them. It’s not always glamourous being a nurse. In fact, it can be quite challenging and often stressful. However, the rewards tend to outshine the trials and tribulations.

The following are some components of nursing that can help individuals determine if the field is right for them.

Training time constraints

There are different levels of nursing, each of which requires a different amount of training and certification, according to Nurse Money Talk. A certified nursing assistant must complete a program at a specific CNA vocational school, and such programs run between four and 10 months, on average. Licenced vocational nurses can expect to study for 12 to 18 months, and must pass the NCLEXPN licensing exam. Registered nurses will need two to four years of schooling and are expected to earn an associate’s degree or bachelor’s degree. Aspiring RNs also will need a passing grade on the NCLEX-RN licensing exam. Most nurses will have to complete clinicals to showcase skills in real life situations.

Flexibility

Nurses need to be adaptable and flexible. Shifts may not be consistent and the demands of the job may differ from day to day, even though there may be some overlap. If challenging new experiences come easy to you or if you have the flexibility to work different shifts rather than a set schedule, then nursing could be a good option.

Problem-solver and critical thinker

Although nurses are part of a larger health care team and may need to leave certain decisions to physicians, there are plenty of critical decisions and think-on-your-feet actions that may need to be taken to ensure patient health. It is essential for nurses to keep their emotions in check so they can think clearly in stressful situations.

Good communicator

Nurses must be able to speak and interact with doctors and others in a clinical setting, but also communicate effectively with patients who may not fully understand all of the medical jargon nor what is happening to them. Nursing requires social skills and an ability to pivot between many different roles — all the while adjusting communication tactics depending on the audience.

Organized and diligent

There isn’t too much room for mistakes in health care, which means nurses will need to maintain their attention to detail; otherwise, they could subject patients to injury or even death. In addition to these traits, good nurses should have compassion for patients. A desire to help others during difficult times compels many people to become a nurse.

Care & Services

• Assisted Living

• Memory Care

• Respite Care

Hospice Nurses Provide Care During Some Of Life’s Toughest Moments

We Care Like Family

Northwood Meadows provides quality care for residents who can live independently but also to those who need an extra hand. Our focus is to provide exceptional services, by people who truly care, in an environment with spacious residential suites and a beautiful living area with great medical amenities close by

Coping with terminal illness can be challenging, even for those people with immense support systems behind them. At some point in one’s care plan, it may be recommended to transition from actively treating or trying to cure a condition to making the person more comfortable. This is when hospice steps in. Generally speaking, hospice is reserved for people who expect to die from an illness within the next six months. Hospice care can take place in a health care setting or in a person’s private home. Hospice nurses are vital parts of a hospice care team. These people care for those who have opted for hospice at the ends of their lives and fulfill the hospice philosophy of comfort and quality based on each person’s unique needs.

According to

Samaritan LifeEnhancing Care, a hospice nurse serves many purposes. A hospice nurse discusses and explains the patient’s prognosis, and performs assessments and reviews medical histories. The nurse will administer medication for pain and monitor conditions and additional needs. Hospice nurses work to support the family and advocate for care according to the patient’s wishes. They also can answer questions and address concerns, serving as sounding boards in difficult situations. Hospice nurses also provide emotional support and can facilitate spiritual support. Nurses also may be present at the time of death if asked. Hospice nurses also may help coordinate counseling for surviving family

members who are experiencing grief. Hospice nurses may be classified as intake admissions, case managers, visit nurses, and triage nurses. One or more hospice nurses will be involved with patient care over the course of treatment. Most hospice care providers are Certified Hospice and Palliative Nursing Assistants or Certified Hospice and Palliative Licensed Nurses. It is important for people considering hospice care nursing to determine the certification and coursework necessary for a career in the field. Families seeking hospice care needs should work with certified individuals. It takes a compassionate person to work in hospice care. These invaluable individuals step in to offer assistance during trying times for individuals and their families.

How Communities Can Honor Local Nurses

Thestress associated with the nursing profession has been well documented. A 2022 study published in the journal BMC Nursing found that job stress not only has an adverse effect on nurses’ health, but also may reduce performance and quality of care, potentially affecting the outcome of patients. There’s no denying nurses have a lot of weight on their shoulders. That reality underscores the importance of letting nurses know how much they’re appreciated. Community leaders can consider these ideas as they look for ways to honor local nurses.

• Recognize nurses at public events. Parades, high school sporting events, holiday tree lighting ceremonies, and other communitycentric events draw large crowds. That makes these events the perfect time to honor local nurses and emphasize all the work they do to help their neighbors. Ask a local nurse or two to serve as grand marshal(s) in a holiday parade

and/or let local nurses flip the switch at a tree lighting ceremony. Community dignitaries like a mayor or local police chief can explain who the honoree is once the crowd gathers.

• Support a nursing charity. A community-wide campaign to support a charity that benefits nurses or causes important to nurses can be a great way to thank them for all they do. Various domestic and international organizations are linked to the nursing profession. Prior

to introducing a campaign, community leaders can speak with local nurses to see if there is any specific charity or cause important to them. Some charities may provide job training in communities where nursing shortages have made it hard for locals to access quality health care, while others may finance health care operations, including staffing of nurses, in underprivileged countries.

• Publicize and support efforts to improve on-the-job safety for

nurses. The American Nurses Association noted that nurses were forced to reuse masks or purchase their own safety equipment during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic. Communities that want to express their appreciation for nurses can support efforts to ensure working conditions are safe for nurses and that nurses don’t need to reach into their own pockets in an effort to avoid illness.

• Embrace public health efforts. One of the most effective ways to honor local nurses is to take a little off their professional plate. Community leaders can urge residents to get their annual flu shots and update other vaccinations in an effort to keep hospital admissions low, which in turn makes nurses’ jobs easier. Nurses are worthy of praise. Communities can do much to show these invaluable health care professionals how much their efforts and sacrifices are appreciated.

nurses who work with children Different types of

Individuals get involved in nursing for many different reasons. Many pursue a career in nursing to help people who are sick. Others might have been compelled to pursue nursing after overcoming their own illness with the help of nurses. Many people become nurses to help children, and such individuals will find that there’s no shortage of opportunities to help kids in a health care setting.

• School nurse: Perhaps no role within the nursing profession is more synonymous with helping kids than a school nurse. School nurses perform a range of tasks, from administering medication to students during the school day to managing injuries or illness that arise while kids are on school grounds. Since they work outside of a health care facility, school nurses typically work alone in an environment that tends to be less stressful than many settings. According to the nursing and health care education resource NursingProcess.org, school nurses typically must be a registered nurse (RN) and receive their education from a four-year bachelor’s degree program or a two-year associate’s program.

• Pediatrician’s office: Many nurses work in the office of a pediatrician. Nurses working in such settings may administer vaccines and assist in routine wellness visits. A pediatrician’s office may be the ideal setting for aspiring nurses who want to work with children of all ages, as many kids see their pediatricians into their teenage years. NursingProcess.org notes that nurses in a pediatrician’s office must be an RN and receive their education from a four-year bachelor’s degree program or a two-year associate’s program.

• Pediatric intensive care unit: Nurses who work in a PICU work with children ranging in age from infants to teenagers. Patients in a PICU need round-the-clock monitoring, so this can be an intense setting for nurses. Though the requirements to be a PICU nurse are similar to school nurse and a nurse in a pediatrician’s office, the field is competitive, so it’s unlikely new

graduates will find a job in a PICU right away. Experience gained outside of a PICU also can prepare nurses for the stress that comes with working in such a facility.

• Pediatric emergency department: Another potentially stressful position for nurses who hope to work with children is a job within a pediatric emergency department. NursingProcess.org notes that patients in pediatric emergency departments typically have suffered trauma or injury, so this environment can be fast-paced and keep nurses on their toes. In addition to being an RN and earning a degree from a four-year bachelor’s degree program or a twoyear associate’s program, pediatric emergency department nurses may need to become a certified pediatric emergency nurse (CPEN).

• Labor and delivery nurse: Labor and delivery nurses work alongside mothers before, during and after the labor process. NursingProcess.org notes that labor and delivery nurses monitor the vital signs of both the mom and baby and provide care for the baby immediately after birth. Labor and delivery nurses must be an RN and earn a degree from a four-year bachelor’s degree program or a twoyear associate’s program.

These are just a handful of the many professions within the field of nursing in which nurses work with children. More information is available at NursingProcess. org.

The Latest Updates on Alcohol and Overall Health

The subject of alcohol and its effects on overall health is complex. Alcohol figures prominently at many social functions and even in situations where individuals are operating in a professional capacity, such as at business dinners or conferences. As a result, many adults find it hard to avoid alcohol, even if they have concerns regarding its potential effects on their shortand long-term health. The issue of alcohol and overall health has garnered additional attention in recent years thanks in large part to the COVID-19 pandemic. Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital utilized data from a national survey of adults in the United States and found that excessive drinking increased by 21 percent during the pandemic. Those researchers, whose findings were published in the journal Hepatology, estimated that a one-year increase in alcohol consumption during the pandemic will result in 8,000 additional deaths from alcohol-

related liver disease. Such research highlights the link between alcohol consumption and overall health. Individuals interested in learning more about recent research into that link can consider the following information.

• According to the Dietary Guidelines for America, which are jointly developed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Department of Health & Human Services, emerging evidence indicates that even drinking within the recommended limits for alcohol consumptions can increase the overall risk of death from various causes. Such causes include various types of cancer and cardiovascular disease.

• The notion that moderate consumption of alcohol can have protective health benefits is increasingly being questioned. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention notes that various studies have suggested it’s impossible to determine if improved health outcomes among moderate drinkers are

due to moderate alcohol consumption or other differences in behaviors or genetics between people who drink moderately and people who don’t.

• A 2022 study of binge drinking published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine found that binge drinking increases the risk of experiencing alcohol-related harm in the short-term and in the future. The CDC defines binge drinking as consuming five or more drinks on an occasion for men or four or more drinks on an occasion for women.

The link between alcohol and overall health is significant. Individuals concerned about their alcohol consumption are urged to speak with their physicians. Individuals in need of immediate help in the U.S. can contact the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration helpline 24/7/365 at 1.800.662. HELP (4357). In Canada, individuals can contact Wellness Together Canada 24/7/365 at 1.866.585.0445.

Differentiating IBS from IBD

Digestive issues can be difficult to confront. The terms irritable bowel syndrome and inflammatory bowel disease might be recognizable to most people, and it can be easy to mistake one for the other. Although similar, they are not interchangeable.

According to the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation, IBS and IBD are two distinct gastrointestinal disorders that require different treatments. Learning what makes these conditions different can help a person find relief.

IBS

Cedars-Sinai says IBS affects the lower gastrointestinal area, which includes the colon, large intestine and small intestine. People with IBS can experience constipation, chronic diarrhea or both. According to Dr. Mark Pimentel, director of Cedars-Sinai’s GI Motility Program, up to 70 percent of IBS patients have experienced severe food poisoning, which he believes is the primary cause of the disease. IBS is characterized by abdominal cramps and gassy feelings. Women are more affected than men, and symptoms may begin in late adolescence or early adult life during times of emotional stress, says the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation. Antibiotics, as well as dietary changes, often can help alleviate IBS symptoms.

IBD

IBD will cause inflammation of the

intestine and is a broad term for a spectrum of disease, including Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.

The Mayo Clinic says, unlike IBS, IBD can put patients at risk for colon cancer, and bleeding is a common symptom during bowel movements. Watery diarrhea can be common in both conditions. But if blood is present, that likely indicates IBD.

Weight loss is another symptom of IBD, which may be a side effect of malabsorption of foods. IBD abdominal pain is different from IBS in that it tends to occur constantly in a specific location, and is not relieved by bowel movements.

Since IBD can cause irreparable damage to the intestines as a result of inflammation, anti-inflammatory drugs often are used to treat IBD. Corticosteroids also are used to induce remission, says the Mayo Clinic. Immunosuppressant drugs also may be used to suppress the immune response. These drugs release inflammation-inducing chemicals into the body that can damage the lining of the digestive tract.

Like IBS, dietary changes also may be recommended for IBD, particularly omission of certain foods that can contribute to attacks. Anti-diarrheal medications along with fiber supplements can help alleviate loose stools. IBS and IBD share some characteristics, but they are two distinct conditions that are treated differently.

Lowering Blood Sugar May Reduce Alzheimer’s Risk

Aging is associated with certain ailments, some of which concern seniors more than others. One of the conditions many older adults worry about is dementia, particularly in the form of Alzheimer’s disease. Though there’s no cure for Alzheimer’s disease, recent research suggests reducing blood sugar may be associated with a lower risk. Doctors and researchers have determined a link between high blood sugar levels and the formation of dementia, which includes a loss of memory and thinking skills that afflicts millions of older people. A 2013 study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that, even when diabetes was not evident, there is a correlation between sugar and dementia. A blood sugar level above normal levels (depending on activity level and weight, among other factors) can contribute to an elevated risk of developing dementia. Furthermore, a longitudinal study published in 2018 in the journal Diabetologia, which followed 5,189 people over 10 years, found those

with high blood sugar had a faster rate of cognitive decline than those with normal blood sugar — whether or not those blood sugar levels classified the people as being diabetic.

The link could be due to an enzyme that breaks down insulin. Insulin-degrading enzyme, a product of insulin that breaks down both insulin and amyloid proteins in the brain, which are the same proteins

that can lead to Alzheimer’s disease, is a factor in the connection to dementia.

Melissa Schilling, a professor at New York University, reviewed studies and found that people who have type 1 diabetes and don’t produce enough insulin can’t break down the amyloid proteins naturally. Furthermore, those who take insulin to treat diabetes can end up with a surplus of insulin in the body.

The insulin-degrading enzyme gets used up trying to break the surplus down. This doesn’t leave enough enzyme to tackle amyloid brain clumping proteins. These same scenarios can occur in people if their blood sugar levels are elevated, even if they don’t have diabetes yet.

Data published by Harvard Health Publishing indicates “any incremental increase in blood sugar was associated with an increased risk of dementia.” Individuals who have elevated blood sugar levels, or roughly 100 mg/dL or higher after a fast, can tame sugar levels by exercising, losing weight and shifting away from highly refined grains. Individuals also may want to favor a Mediterranean style of eating, which focuses on fish, olive oil, fruits, vegetables, and beans over a processed carbohydrate- and sugar-laden diet. High blood sugar is another factor linked to the formation of Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias. Making lifestyle changes can keep seniors healthy throughout their golden years.

The Basics Of Soyfoods

When visiting a modern grocery store, consumers may recognize that their options are seemingly unlimited. Those options abound whether you typically visit a large chain grocery store with 20-plus aisles and expansive specialty sections or you tend to go to smaller stores that emphasize organics and other health foods.

Regardless of where consumers buy their food, soyfoods are one option they’re likely to encounter. Many people have undoubtedly encountered soyfoods, even if they didn’t realize it. For example, edamame is a commonly used soyfood that’s found in various recipes. In addition, a trip to the dairy aisle of a favored grocery store will likely lead to an encounter with soymilk. Given the ubiquitous nature of soyfoods, consumers may want to learn the basics of this widely available option.

What are soyfoods?

The United Soybean BoardTM notes that the term “soyfoods” refers to a broad category of soybean products that are consumed by humans. Foods that are in the category of soyfoods include tempeh, tofu, miso, soy milk, and soy-based meat alternatives.

How common are soyfoods?

Soyfoods are more common than consumers may realize. In fact, the Kansas Soybean Commission notes that individuals likely have soyfood products in their pantries even if they aren’t aware of that. Protein shakes and baking flour are two examples of foods that include soy ingredients.

How healthy are soyfoods?

First and foremost, anyone considering adding more soyfoods to their diets is urged to speak with a physician before doing so, as any dietary changes, however insignificant they may seem, are best adopted under the supervision of a physician. Physicians also can discuss the latest

research into various types of foods, including soyfoods, with their patients.

In regard to the nutritional value of soyfoods, the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health notes that there is debate regarding soyfoods. The school notes that nutritional scientists often tout the significant health benefits of soyfoods, but also points out that

some research has indicated soy can have negative effects in certain situations. That’s led to some hesitancy regarding whether or not to recommend soyfoods without qualification. This debate underscores the need for people to discuss soyfoods with their physicians prior to altering their diets.

Soyfoods are considered

rich in B vitamins, fiber, potassium, magnesium, and high-quality protein. However, the Chan School of Public Health notes that soy also can have estrogenic properties, which can affect hormone levels in the body. Since no two people are the same, the effects of soyfoods on the body figure to be different among individuals as well. Research studying

the effects of soyfoods on human health is ongoing, which is another reason why it’s so important to discuss soyfoods without a physician before changing a diet.

Soyfoods are available at many different grocery stores. Such foods are worthy of consideration and discussion with a qualified healthcare professional.

‘Moove’ over beef; get on board with pork

Culinary options multiply when individuals and families are open to trying different foods and recipes. There are many protein sources individuals can consider, and pork ranks highly among them. Pork is consumed worldwide and, when enjoyed in moderation, can be part of a healthy diet.

According to WebMD, ground, cooked pork comes in at roughly 297 calories for a 3.4-ounce serving. One such serving of pork offers 25.7 grams of protein and is richer in thiamine than other red meats like beef and lamb. Thiamine is a B vitamin that is vital to a range of bodily needs. Selenium found in pork is essential for thyroid function. Pork is considered a “red” meat. Don’t let pork’s lighter coloring fool you into thinking it is closer to poultry products. Despite that classification, today’s pork has about 16 percent less fat and

27 percent less saturated fat compared to the pork of 30 years ago, according to the National Pork Board. In addition, thanks to changes in feeding practices and quality control, pig-borne trichinosis, which was once behind the well-done cooking recommendations regarding pork, has dropped to relatively nil. That means diners may be able to enjoy pork at slightly pinker temperatures than once believed. However, an internal temperature of at least 145 F for whole pork and 160 F for ground pork is recommended, according to Healthline. Pork is quite versatile, as evidenced by its availability in many different forms. It’s amazing to think that breakfast bacon and pulled pork enjoyed at dinner is from the same animal. Pork also shines in lunch meats and specialty cured products like salami and prosciutto. In fact, a

typical charcuterie board features a variety of pork products. With that in mind, when curating food options for your own charcuterie platter, consider these ideal pork and cheese pairings that will delight guests, courtesy of the National Pork Board.

• Prosciutto with parmesan

• Aged country ham with sharp cheddar

• Salami with gouda

• Pepperoni with aged goat’s milk

• Guanciale with asiago

• Pâté with gruyere

• Mortadella with Swiss

• Pork rinds with queso fresco Chopped bacon in cream cheese or neufchâtel also can make a tasty spread for charcuterie crackers or crostini. Pork is a versatile meat with plenty of flavor and nutrition. It can be worked into weekly meal plans in many different ways.