Issue 2
January 2011
New Year’s
Wacky Resolutions
From Intern To Employee
Volumetric Diet Guys PMS Survival Skills
Introducing Capoeira
Brazilian dance and martial arts
Dealing With Pet Loss
Kids Anti-Bullying
Guide
Ovulation: The Kit, The Signs
SPOTLIGHT ON NURSES
In Defiance of Logic
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Fabulous Nurse magazine
WRITERS Elsie Ekwa Editor-in-Chief
Founder of Lissie Harrington Publishers, Elsie, is the vision behind Fabulous Magazine. As a nurse, she saw the need for a lifestyle magazine that all at once serves as a celebration of nurses, a guide for better living, and a guilt-free escape from the sometimes grueling shifts nurses work. Unless otherwise stated, articles in this magazine are provided by Elsie. She is also the managing editor for the Pacific Writer’s Corner online magazine. Elsie writes as Sonya Justice and speaks on health and wellness issues, the business of writing, and entrepreneurship. Visit Elsie at www.sonyajustice.com.
Masthead/Contributor Publisher Lissie Harrington Publishers
Editorial Elsie Ekwa
Art & Graphic Design
Zee Nickerson
Art Department Fabulous Nurse magazine Lissie Harrington Publishers
Zee Nickerson has a B. S. in Psychology, has owned several successful businesses, and is currently a writer, fashion consultant and public speaker. Contact Zee via email at Zeechic2000@yahoo.com
Advertising
Writer
Maila Davenport, PhD
Advertising Department Fabulous Nurse magazine Lissie Harrington Publishers
Writer
Maila Davenport is an archetypal mythologist and shamanic practitioner. She lives in Portland, OR with her family, two cats, two tortoises, and seven shrines. She teaches visioning with altars for healing people and places at http://www.altarplaces.com
Dylan Romero Writer
Dylan Romero is a freelance writer/marketer for the videogame industry and beyond. He is currently writing a memoir about his pilgrimage in Spain. For further information, do visit him at http://walkingthecamino.wordpress.com/
Maria Bertolini
Featured Nurse “Writer”
Fabulous Nurse magazine will like to thank Maria Bertolini and her gal pals Elizabeth and Brandy for sharing their very intimate story with us. Nurses work very hard but their work is not done even when they come home. It is always an inspiration to read from nurses who have experienced so much, and to know that when the dawn breaks they’ll dust off the pain and aches of the previous day to focus their energy in the care of another. We hope to read more about the events on New Year’s Eve. Good luck to you all! 4
How to reach us Lissie Harrington Publishers ATTN: FN magazine 29030 SW Town Center Loop E Ste. # 202-143 Wilsonville, OR 97070-9490 info@fabulousnurse.com www.fabulousnurse.com
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Editorial
Time For Resolutions Get swept by the tide of change. Resolve to be better. Resolve to do more.
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t is that time of the year again. New Year. Let that roll over your tongue for a minute. New Year. Two words that herald in robust, roaring new beginnings, full of ambition, and dreams. The season itself screams it is time to welcome change and time to do away with old fears and attitudes. The air is filled with forgiveness, resolve, hope, and thanks. We forgive ourselves the sins of the last year. We resolve to do better this time around. We are hopeful we can keep our resolutions. Most of all, we are thankful we lived to see another year. This is a magical time of the year when our paths are suddenly clear of debris and the board has been wiped clean; the future is once more ours for the taking. Take a moment and think on that. You can change everything today, in the here and now. You can begin the steps towards your dreams. There are no pitfalls and no debris to clutter your way. What can you accomplish if nothing stood in your way? What do you resolve to do better? Who do you hope to become? No lingering on what was not done last year. You can start afresh. Isn’t the New Year a wonderful thing? We, at Fabulous Nurse magazine are not immune to the excitement of the New Year. We too have been swept away by tides of change, new resolves, and new beginnings. We resolve to bring to all nurses of the world, a magazine you can be proud of; a magazine that heralds the joys of being you. We resolve to introduce ideas that offer you choices for a better, happier, healthier, and more productive life. We resolve to discuss the issues that are dear to you at home and at work. We resolve to engage you and listen to your directives. We resolve to better serve you. Even more, we resolve to continue the tradition of celebrating nurses. We resolve to treat all nurses as one, united in your pledge to help the sick, the needy, and the underserved. We resolve to put the spotlight where it belongs, squarely on you, the unsung heroes of the world. Go Nurses. Go. You Rock!
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TABLE OF CONTENT
Fabulous Nurse magazine
COVER ARTICLES
24 32 44 65 73 86
Ovulation: The Kit, The Signs Guys PMS Survival Guide Introducing Capoeira Dealing With Pet Loss From Intern To Employee Wacky New Year’s Resolutions
FEATURES
17 49 20 52 46 28 80
Time For Resolutions
FASHION WATCH
11 13
Perfecting The Club Look
16
The Secret To Soft Feet
22 26 29 8
A Season-Proof Wardrobe
BEAUTY SECRETS
ATTITUDE REDEFINED Top 10 Food Affirmations
LIVING WELL Simple Guide To Cosmetic Surgery Alopecia In Men
Fashionable Reading Defining Eutopia: Claiming Your Happiness Daddy’s Little Soldiers Nurse In the Spotlight: In Defiance of Logic Medical Benefits Of Rosemary Avoiding Foreclosure
LOVE & SEX MADE SIMPLE
EDITORIAL
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Are You Threading?
34
The Ideal Mate
37 38 39 40 41
Wine Tasting Terminology
FABULOUS FOODIE
Quick & Healthy Breakfast Ideas Fabulous Recipes Volumetric Diet Plan Candida-Free Diet
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JANUARY 2011
43 45 55 57 59 61 62 63 66 71
FABULOUS & FIT Toned Abs In Ten Minutes Running For Beginners
PARENTING Keeping Your Child’s Attention Kids Anti-Bullying Guide
HOME ORGANIZATION Home-Décor: Combine Taste & Functionality
HOBBIES Indoor Herb Garden
76 79 82 83 84 87 87 88
CAREER TALK Things Patients & Families Say...
FINANCE Gas Mileage Saving Tips Boost Your Income With Etsy Saving For Retirement
POETIC VOICE Ring In The New Year
LAUGH OUT LOUD Nursing Humor Jokes Of The Month Ode To The Timeless Cartoons We Still Love
Make Your Own Cards
PETS Exotic Pet Ownership
TRAVEL New Year’s In New York Planning A Trip
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FASHION Watch
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Perfecting The Club Look Issue 2
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tyle matters. Perhaps you are into grunge, or punk rock, glamour or even the new rage in western wear. One thing unites these different styles. The desire to look your best in the club. I have as yet to meet a club goer who is not conscious about the impact their look will have. Where will it place you on the social order tonight? This is where Fabulous Nurse comes in. This article is aimed at sexing-up your look. Fabulous Nurse define sexy as whatever looks attractive on you and is comfortable. We define the ultimate sexy look as the outfit that brings you the exact reaction, the oohs & ahhs, you are looking for. Anything less, and the outfit has failed you. So how can you guarantee the proper reaction each time you step into the club? How can you perfect your club going look? We have some tips. Confidence. This may not be immediately evident but confidence is the ultimate sexy look. A person that is confident in their skin, moves and talks with an attitude that is sure to generate envy. You may not look like Giselle Bunschen or
Naomi Campbell. You may not be ready to win America’s Next Top Model but when you stroll into a room with effortless ease, you ooze charisma and that is very sexy. Look people in the eye when you speak and smile easily. There is nothing like a genuine smile to disarm even your worst enemy; at the very least they will skulk and leave you alone. Away from your frienemies, you will be surrounded by more positive energy which boosts your self-confidence further. Cleanliness. Not even the most confident person can pull off a dirty, smelly, raggedly look. Body odor is a major turn-off. It may be sexy to some if you leave the gym looking sweaty and somewhat disheveled. This look however does not meet the sexy club test. Nothing repels potential admirers more than B.O. B.O. covers the body’s natural pheromones which attract others to you. Take a shower or bath before heading out. Use deodorant. Clean under your fingernails and give it a good trim. Shave. Also, remember to brush your teeth. Bring a mint, or two. Clean is sexy. Very clean is uber-sexy.
Clothing. Finding the right ageappropriate clothing for your body-type is essential. A fifty year old in twenty-something wear looks like a hoochie. Likewise, a mid-twenties to thirtysomething year old in teenage clothing looks juvenile. You can be sexy at any age in the right clothing. Plus, it helps to wear something classic or trendy. A little black dress never goes out of fashion. To stand-out however dare to use color. Wear colors that match your skin tone. Avoid long sleeves even in cold weather. That is why you own a coat and scarf. Don’t wear a turtle neck, either. Skin is sexy. A hint of skin is uber-sexy.
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Fabulous Nurse magazine
Perfecting The Club Look
Hair & Make-up. Most women spend ages putting on a face before heading out. Makeup does not need to be cakedon. Put on enough to lightly cover flaws and even out your complexion. If you are not convinced, consider the fact that you will be sweating on the dance floor or in a crowded room. How sexy will you look in running make-up? Hair. What can I say about hair? I once was of the opinion that there was nothing more sexy than a head full of hair. Then I met someone who was “allergic” to extensions. Bottom line – wear your hair long, medium, short or bald. The only thing that matters is how you feel in your hairdo. You can rock a short haircut as easily as you can rock long hair. It is all about self-confidence. Wear extensions if you must but make sure they are not obvious. A wigy look is not sexy. How confident do you feel in your hair and make-up? Are you rocking a 21st century look or are you stock in the past? Classic is sexy. Trendy is uber-sexy. Shoes. Ahh, shoes. So much to say, so little magazine space. To wear high-heels, or not to wear high-heels? That is the question. High-heels are unquestionable sexy and make you silhouette look more slender. A word of caution though, if you are not 12
comfortable walking and dancing in high-heels, keep them at home. Practice is a girl’s best friend. Practice wearing high-heels out to dinner, to events, and to church. Get comfortable before you wear heels to a club. Most assuredly, that confident smile you walked in with will disappear into an unattractive grimace if your feet hurt. High-heels are sexy. Comfort in high-heels is uber-sexy. To recap, it does not take much to perfect your clubbing look. As you have seen, you can sexyup your look without spending a dime. Assume an aura of confidence, make a few changes to hair & make-up, stay clean, and wear comfortably sexy shoes. There is not much to it. Add the above tips to polish your look, be yourself and you will become a sexy diva the next time you walk into the club. Imagine all eyes on you. Potential suitors wanting to be with you and women wishing they were you. Let your inner-diva, the confident you, out. That’s uber-sexy.
A Season-Proof Wardrobe Issue 2
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t’s the change of a season and you’re dreading it because you can see the numbers adding up as all of your clothes will have to be replaced. Wrong! There are ways that you can season proof your clothing so that what you wear in the summer is still viable in the winter and vice versa. In other words, you can season proof your wardrobe to get the most bang for your buck. Add accessories to your outfits and make them last through several months and utilize basic items already in your closet for the maximum saving power. Accessories are a girl’s best friend, so use them! Accessories come in all different styles - belts, purses, necklaces or anything you use to complement an outfit is considered an accessory. Use your accessories
throughout the seasons to match your outfits. In the winter time add a scarf to your outfit - it will keep you warm and exude fashion sense. Do not be afraid to be bold in your statements if that is your nature. By reusing accessories you will be creating new looks inspired by the season change.
Mix and match your basics. We all have basic items in our closets, whether it is a pair of black slacks for any occasion or a pair of jeans and a tee shirt collection. These basics carry over to the different seasons without any trouble. Mix and match with these basics for different color combinations that will last all year long. Cotton items can be worn virtually all year long.
layer tees and create a new look that way. Sweaters can be layered over your basic items in months where you feel a little cool then removed when the weather warms up. The same remains true for skirts. The new trend is to wear tights under your skirt when it gets too cold out to go bare legged; boots will complement the outfit. In the summer months, you can remove the boots and tights and add a pair of sandals or chic dress shoes. When you are shopping for clothes, keep
In the cooler months, you can
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Fabulous Nurse magazine
in mind the usage of the items. Cotton items are good for all seasons and so are other textiles such as silk and satin. Light wool can typically be worn year round as well. Neutral colors are your best bet for basic items and include beige, tan, black, white and grey. The changing of the seasons does not have to be a budget breaker. Keep a few coordinating accessories in your closet along with a few basic items that are neutral in color. Many different types of fabrics can be worn year round such as cotton and silk. Using the above tips will help you fascinate a wardrobe that will last you through all of the season changes.
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BEAUTY SECRETS
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Fabulous Nurse magazine
will thank you for it.
These two steps will guarantee you the softest sexiest feet you have ever had. However, having soft feet should not be the end of your process. It does not matter how soft your feet are if your toe nails look unsightly. Although
The Secret To Soft Feet
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edicures
Nurses stand on their feet and walk most of their shifts. As such, the nursing profession is very hard on a nurse’s feet. It is no secret that unattended a nurse’s feet is at risk to become calloused and hardened. Moreover, dry weather, feet are especially vulnerable and can become cracked and unsightly. Yet some people always mange to have feet that are baby soft? How is this possible? The answer is regular pedicures. Pedicures can be done at home or at a salon. We recommend regular feet care between pedicures for consistently soft feet. Here is how:
Prevent dead skin.
Regular feet exfoliating in the shower with a pumice stone works wonders. You may choose to use something like PedEgg on dry feet to exfoliate. Apply moisturizing lotion after you are done to keep your feet hydrated. 16
Prevent hardened & calloused feet.
This is a hard one, no pun intended. Dr Scholl’s has many over the counter remedies for calloused feet. How do you prevent callouses from forming or from coming back? The secret is night time care. Liberally apply a thick layer of lotion or cream to both feet before bed. Try different creams and lotion. You may find that petroleum jelly is simple and effective for you. We have been known to promote diaper rash cream, as well. The possibilities are endless.
length is subjective, generally, you don’t want to grow your toenails longer than a quarter of an inch past your toes. Not only does this verge on tacky, it will affect how well your feet fit into the closed toe shoes nurses wear to work. In order not to be a spoiler for those who love to “go crazy” on their feet, there are fun things you can do.
Nail art is especially eye-catching. You can do an elaborate design on your big toes or a single small design on each one. Bejewel your toes, if you fancy that but keep it very simple. We also recommend colors that reflect your mood or the season. For example, you can use yellows, greens, pinks, blues, etc., in the Some will say wear socks afsummer and reds, glitter, jewel, terwards and you are done. etc., in the winter. Keep your Through personal use, we find that wrapping your feet in a thin finger nails simple. But that’s a plastic wrap for 15 – 30 minutes topic for another FN magazine and placing it in socks, gives you issue. an added benefit. You can do so There are lots of books and while watching TV or reading. We don’t recommend wearing magazines on pedicures. We the plastic wrap overnight. After swear by the simple tips above. you take off the wrap, re-lotion Your feet will feel softer, smoothand wear socks to bed. Do this er, and sexier when you regularly and often. Your feet are done.
Are You
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Threading?
hreading is over-taking the salons in America like wax on a candle. Not that long ago, waxing eyebrows was très chic. Today, all the rage is on this ancient hair removal method called threading. Like many Americans, nurses are not immune to this trend.
A brief history of threading. One of the oldest techniques in hair removal, threading has been practiced in the Middle East & Far East for centuries. Traditionally, threading is used as a way to shape the eye-brows. However, many threading aestheticians are well practiced in the art of removing all facial hair by threading. Tooted to be faster than tweezing and painless when compared to waxing, threading can also be used on the hairline, cheeks, chin, and upper lip. This fast approach for hair removal is appealing to many busy nurses.
PROS. As noted, threading
is fast and painless. The precise nature of threading in wellskilled hands makes for perfectly shaped eye-brows. There are no chemicals involved so you need not worry about allergic reactions. The effect of threading can last anywhere from 2 – 4 weeks.
CONS. Threading works best in flat surfaces. This means that it is not the ideal technique for bikini area hair removal. If you are acne-prone, this technique can exacerbate break outs.
Preparation. No preparation is required. The salon you patron may require an appointment. If you have very sensitive skin, be sure to tell your aesthetician. How it is done. One strand of hair is pulled at a time. At a threading shop or salon, a threading practitioner uses a long twisted double strand of cotton thread. One end of the thread is wrapped around the practitioner’s non-dominant hand and the other end is held between the teeth. The aesthetician then wraps the single strand of hair in a loop using the dominant hand which she pulls. Presto! The hair is removed. Post Threading. Although little to no pain is felt during this fast hair removing process, some people may experience redness in the treatment areas. This disappears rather quickly. Finding a threading practitioner is as easy as calling up your local salon. However, be sure to find someone that is experienced in this technique. We find that word of mouth works best. Question salon patrons and see the final effect for yourself. A good rule of thumb is to navigate towards aestheticians from North Africa, the Middle East, and India where threading has been practiced for centuries.
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ATTITUDE RE-DEFINED 19
Defining Eutopia Fabulous Nurse magazine
Claiming Your Happiness In The New Year
A special report by
Sonya Justice
W
hat is Eutopia? Literally, Eutopia can be defined by first looking at the origin of the word itself. The term Eutopia is freely associated and sometimes interchanged with Utopia, an ideal or perfect place. In said Utopia, nothing bad happens, the predominant intentions and effects of one’s actions are always good and naturally, there is a pristine balance between the wants of any given individual and the society thy exist in. Many tomes have been written by world renowned authors depicting various Utopian societies, most notably by Plato and Sir Thomas More. In some versions of Utopia there is a fountain present that provides everlasting life and one can experience any self-indulgent pleasures imaginable for all eternity and without consequences. This Utopia has been given many names by many different world religions; it is the afterlife, paradise for some or the Garden of Eden for others, still. So what is the connection between Utopia and Eutopia? Eutopia is generally accepted as a positive utopia. Moreover, Eutopia refers to a place that is very much real whereas Utopia is magical, allegorical or fictional. Indeed, Wikipedia defines Eutopia as “a positive utopia, different in that it means “per-
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fect” but not “fictional”. So if Eutopia is real, where is Eutopia and how can, a nurse, you live like a Eutopian?
You define Eutopia in your everyday life. Until now, your worldview has been influenced by your family, teachers, coworkers, physicians, pateints, and the mass media. These factors have shaped and defined your Eutopia. It is time to seize the day and start defining your world and happiness and you want it. You will need to find the courage to reject all things, persons, and circumstances that have held you back. You will need to focus on the possibilities ahead and make your happiness a priority. The goal of defining your Eutopia and claiming your happiness is to come up with ideas and actions that will set the tone for a life reflective of your inner joy and beauty. Only when you let go of the past and embrace your future will you allow yourself the freedom to see your cup as half full, at the worst; and overflowing at the very best. This is the quintessential message of this article. Eutopia is not some far off place in a distant world. Eutopia is not some way of life you may someday achieve. Eutopia is each and every day of your life, henceforth. Eutopia is defined by each breath you take, each
word you utter, each action you make. Your Eutopia springs into reality and happiness takes root because it is what you want and dream for yourself. Eutopian living becomes the purest translation of the divine presence that exists in you through your everyday life. Eutopia aka Your Ideal Life Once upon a time, there was a world more perfect than the one we now live in. One that was free of air pollutants, oil spills from drilling, pedophiles, and murderers. Maybe even a world where
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beast and man co-existed in perfect harmony. Well, no such place exists on the global map right now. I have taken the liberty to check for you. That said it is still very possible to live your ideal life. Living Eutopian will focus your mind on the hows and whys of achieving your ideal state of happiness. From this vantage point of view you can and will achieve everything you want and enjoying each moment to its fullest. How might you experience your ideal life, you may ask? There are a great many ways to achieve your ideal life none more important than understanding that you have the
presence of the divine in you which translates into a very powerful creative force that can and will bring into existence anything you want and dream about. The single catch is that you have to be honest with yourself about your innermost needs and desires. You have to be able to absolutely & clearly define your ideal life, at any single moment in time. This is so that the realization of your Eutopia becomes as guarantee and effortless as the constant changes in the heavens and the earth. With the breath of life that is within you, all things are possible. Your ideal life is then defined by your state of mind, your goals, your dreams, your aspirations, and always by your most sincere wishes for your own happiness. What will it take to make you happy? If it were up to you, how would you define that perfect place where all your dreams do come true? How would you envision this ideal world you can exist in? What things will have to be real and happening to you right now for you to realize your Eutopia is not only a very real place, it is right here in your everyday? Describe these things very clearly to yourself. Write them down or surround yourself with images of these things so you have a visual reminder. There is a commonly held adage which states that God helps those who help themselves; the same goes here. Once you define and write down your ideal goals for happiness. The next step is to define and write down all the possible and very attainable ways you can accomplish this. What do you need to do? What do you need to change?
How many steps are required to reach your ultimate goal? Set baby steps and give yourself a great big pat on the back as you accomplish each one on your way to living your ideal life and claiming your happiness. Is this easier said than done? What if you were told that it is very easy because everything you want is already available in the world and only requires a little extra effort on your part? What if you were told all you needed was drive, persistence, and a fundamental believe in yourself? What if you were told that all you need do is change your current mind-set? What if you were told that you need only believe in the choices you will make from now on, and it will all work out in your favor? Will you take the steps towards claiming your happiness? See yourself living the very life you once thought was a dream and believe it will and is happening to you. Make every action you take and every word you speak a conduit for your goal(s). In a nutshell, define what Eutopia is to you, embrace it, and wear it like the badge of honor that it is. Be positive and know you will, can, and will live your dream. Seek optimism always. Become optimism personified. Allow yourself the freedom and every opportunity to see your circumstances as full of potential and unlimited possibilities. Bend all the odds in your favor. View stumbling blocks as challenges you can overcome. Stop trying very hard to merely survive. Start living the life of your dreams to the max. It can and will happen to you. Believe it. Visualize it. Live it. 21
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TOP Fabulous Nurse magazine
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Food Affirmations
efore reading the list below, you should know that affirmations are most successful when you internalize the saying and repeat it frequently. Whether you’re having a good or bad day, you need to be constantly repeating these positive statements in your mind. Temptation will strike when you least expect it, so it’s better to be prepared!
1.
I can neutralize bad habits with good food, exercise, and healthy living.
2.
I am proud to reach out to my support network instead of leaning on food for comfort.
3. 4.
I am losing weight for me because I love me. I set aside time just for me.
5.
My good health and productivity are the rewards for the nourishing foods I eat.
6.
Weight gain happens over time, so my weight loss equally requires time, patience, and lifestyle changes.
7. 8. 9.
I use self-care, not self-control. The more I take care of myself, the better I feel. I am firmly committed to staying active and healthy.
10.
I deserve a healthy body and mind.
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When you look at these food and nutrition affirmations, they may seem like ideals - behaviors and thoughts that you only wish you could have - but each time you reaffirm them by saying them aloud, you’re slowly changing your mindset. Over time, these ideals will become a reality through your thoughts and actions. But remember, you must first believe you can change. Once you make the commitment to your success, you will change your attitudes about food and you’ll be thankful you did!
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Living
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Ovulation Fabulous Nurse magazine
The Kit, The Signs
H
ow to know when you’re ovulating. Knowing when you are ovulating is a good thing when you are trying to get pregnant. Getting pregnant requires having sex at the right time, during the peak of your ovulation cycle. There are a few ways to determine if you are ovulating or if you should wait before trying to successfully get pregnant. • Know your menstrual cycle. Ovulation typically occurs halfway through a 28 day cycle. If you have irregular menstrual cycles, this method will likely not work for you as you will not be able to pinpoint the exact time you will be ovulating. • Use an ovulation calculator online. These, again, are dependent upon a regular cycle, however, they do allow you to put in the beginning date of your period and can calculate your most fertile days dependent on the accuracy of your entries. Using an online ovulation calculator is very easy, one can be found by searching through a search engine for the term “ovulation calculator.” • Buy an ovulation kit. Using an ovulation kit can help to 24
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measure the amount of LH in your urine. While there is always a trace of the LH hormone, the hormone is heavy in presence during the time when your eggs are released. Using an ovulation kit is much like using a pregnancy test. You can choose between a dip stick test and a midstream test. They are readily available in many places such as drug stores and department stores such as Wal-Mart and Target. • Your basal body temperature will change when you are ovulating. The change is not significant, but it is noticeable. Your basal temperature will decrease then dramatically increase. This method requires checking your temperature every day so it can be a bit of a challenging method. • Increase in cervical mucus. This may sound gross, but it is entirely true. When your body begins to ovulate, the cervix softens itself up and produces a lot of mucus which you recognize as discharge. When you begin to see a lot of discharge, it is a sign of your cervix softening up in preparation for ovulation and pregnancy. An important factor in getting pregnant is to know when you are ovulating. There are several ways to determine when you will be ovulating. Knowing your menstrual cycle is beneficial as well as purchasing an ovulation kit.
Other methods include knowing your body – basal temperature changes and increase in cervical mucus are often strong indicators that you are or will be ovulating shortly. The Kit When planning to get pregnant it is always a good idea to be aware of your ovulation schedule. Having sex when you are ovulating is the key to becoming pregnant. Since a woman typically releases one egg a month, buying an ovulation kit is a good way to track your cycle and plan accordingly. Ovulation kits are designed to let you know when you will be ovulating, thus the best time to get pregnant. Ovulation kits come in two versions – test strip and midstream test. The test strip version allows you to urinate in a cup and place the strip in the cup for a few minutes, typically five. The midstream test is used when you are urinating, much like a typical pregnancy test. Neither method is considered better than the other and both are reliable methods so choose the one that you feel most comfortable using. Ovulation kits are designed to measure the Luteinizing Hormone (LH) in your urine. The presence of LH is a determining factor that you are, indeed, ovulating and your best chances of getting pregnant are when LH is present. The best time to get pregnant after the presence of LH is within 36 hours.
Be aware, however, that LH is usually present in urine in small amounts and will show up on an ovulation test. You can tell when you are ovulating when the resulting line is darker than the line shown on the ovulation test. There are many different brands of ovulation tests, including generic brands. One does not claim to be better than another, so do not feel as if you have to buy the most expensive version to get the best results. Be sure to follow all instructions given in the kit to achieve optimum, accurate results. Getting pregnant just got easier with the help of an ovulation kit. Designed to measure the Luteinizing Hormone (LH), which is the indicator of ovulation. Ovulation kits will help you predict the best times to get pregnant. There are two different methods, both have been proven reliable. Ovulation kits can be found in your local drug store or in such department stores as Wal-Mart or Target. Using an ovulation kit can help boost your chances of getting pregnant by pinpointing the time of your ovulation. Once you know when you are ovulating, you can pinpoint the days when you will be most fertile. A good hint, be sure to have sex a few days before ovulation to increase your chances of pregnancy. A man’s sperm can live inside your body for up to 6 days after intercourse which increases the chance that some will be present when your egg is released. 25
Cosmetic Surgery Fabulous Nurse magazine
A Simple Guide
P
erhaps someone you know is contemplating cosmetic surgery. Perhaps you feel the need to nip and tuck a few things. You are not alone. Still, before you are snipped, know the difference between plastic surgery and cosmetic surgery. And be aware of available options. Historical Fact: Dating back thousands of years the first known cases of plastic surgeries were performed in India. It is postulated that the practice of plastic surgery in India stemmed from the need to reconstruct noses after they were cut off as punishment for adultery or cut off to warn evildoers. Plastic surgery has since remained a part of human culture. Interesting, huh? Defined, plastic surgery is the medical specialty most concerned with the correction and restoration of human likeness. The practice requires the removal of excess tissue or the addition of new tissue. You may be interested to know that the two
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primary reasons why people request or require plastic surgery have not changed even with the passage of time.
1. 2.
Correction of a disfigurement & the restoration of function.
To trade a perceived aging look for a more youthful appearance. Regardless of the reason, the end goal is the same; the human form and appearance is forever changed. Cosmetic surgery, on the other hand, is a sub-specialty of plastic surgery. Cosmetic surgery exists primarily because of human vanity; it is required for aesthetic reasons. More often than not, cosmetic surgery procedures are elective. People have been chasing the fountain of youth for as long as the human race has matured & aged. Cosmetic surgery is just one more trick in our attempt to turn back the clock. It is interesting to note that many people will opt to live
for a long time but few of these same people want to deal with the many physical and cosmetic changes that are a natural part of the aging process. Thankfully, for these people there is cosmetic surgery. Many cosmetic surgeons consider their work a form of art; the art of sculpting and molding a living human form. It is quite extraordinary if you think about it. So if you or someone you know is contemplating cosmetic surgery, what are your options? The possibilities are quite varied. Cosmetic surgery can be done on any part of the body from the face past the buttocks and down to the toes. Everything between the scalp and sole of the feet is fair game. Some of these procedures include rhinoplasty, blepharoplasty, breast augmentation, liposuction, face-lifts, and tummy tucks, to name a few. Face lifts have become less frequent with the advent of Botox. We will not discuss the fish-like pucker lips. It is interesting to note that the bulk of cosmetic surgeries are done on the nose, ears, and breast.
Issue 2
Other non-glamorous areas include vagina labia folds and the anus. Yes, I worked with a nurse who admitted to anyone within listening distance that she had both done per her husband’s request. Apparently, he wanted some things tightened up from over use. Speaking of nurses who have had cosmetic surgery; have you noticed that after someone has breast augmentation they suddenly loose inhibition? Why is it that they invite others to look and feel their new breasts? Why must they share this in the break room at work? The first nurse I met who did this, I dismissed as a lack of professionalism. But I swear every single one that I have encountered over the years has proudly exhibited the new addition to their figure. Now, if I did not have a pair of rather fine natural melons myself, I would state that perhaps I was being a tad bit envious. So, if you are reading this article and have a possible answer for this, we at Fabulous Nurse would love to hear about it. Well, that’s it for this issues discussion of cosmetic surgery. FN hope’s you are a little more enlightened than you were before you read this article. Hopefully you have been entertained in the process.
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D
Fabulous Nurse magazine
erived from the Latin meaning sea dew, rosemary is a small evergreen shrub. With needle-like leaves that are dark green, rosemary is notable for its use in a variety of dishes. The leaf of the plant, however, is used for medicinal purposes. Here are some healthful advantages in using this herb.
Medical Benefits of
Rosemary Rosemary may improve memory, relieve muscle pain, and stimulate the nervous system. It is used for digestive problems, circulatory problems, pain, neuralgia, spasms, wounds, eczema, rheumatism, and depression. As an antispasmodic herb, it is used to increase urine production. Another fact about rosemary is that used in combination with St. John’s Wort and ginkgo biloba, it may improve disorders associated with brain inflammation. In addition to calming the nerves, rosemary relaxes muscles, eases pain, and reduces tension and anxiety throughout the body. Thus it has been very helpful in treating headaches, migraines caused by stress, depression, nervous exhaustion and apathy. As a circulatory and nerve stimulant, rosemary activates the flow of digestive juices. While traditionally rosemary has been used by herbalists to 28
improve memory, it also aids in the treatment of headaches and poor circulation, and embodies an effective stimulant producing increased memory function. The components in rosemary enhance a stronger blood flow. It not only improves brain function, as mentioned earlier, but has also been used to treat disorders characterized by circulatory weakness such as: high and low blood pressure; varicose veins; bruises; and sprains. Rosemary is said to be fight bad cells and has shown anti-cancer and anti-tumor activity. Because it possesses strong antioxidants, it may prevent cancer-causing chemicals invading cells, most notably in the liver and bronchial areas. Described as potent enough to kill bacterial infection, it should be stated it cannot totally expunge bacteria from the digestive tract. However, rosemary has been shown to treat toxic shock syndrome.
Because rosemary stimulates and improves circulation throughout the body, it increases the blood supply to the skin, which is thought to help restore a youthful glow. Another benefit is if your hair is dull from product buildup, you can try a rosemary tea rinse. Rosemary cleans hair follicles and promotes hair growth. Use it once a week to obtain a thick, clean hair and scalp. Along with sage and thyme, rosemary is yet another culinary herb which also embodies medicinal benefits. If you have an herbal garden, or wish to plant one, you may prefer to begin with adding these three herbs as your starting point. At least you will be off to a healthy start!
W
hy do men lose their hair? In some cases, baldness which occurs naturally in men is genetically inherent in families. While baldness is considered a natural process, it is nonetheless a problem most men have to grapple with. Hair loss in men can be viewed as a sign of aging, however, this is a false assumption. Other likely causes for hair loss are stress; and alopecia areata; surgery or chemotherapy; poor diet; thyroid disease; certain medications; scalp ringworm; and chemical treatments. The condition alopecia areata occurs when the immune system shuts down because it assumes the hair follicles are antibodies. This condition usually causes patchy loss. It is estimated that men typically lose 50 to 100 hairs a day, which is part of the hair renewal process. Fortunately or unfortunately, as the case may be, most people lose hair at one time. While the loss may be temporary, other losses are more permanent. One of the most common causes of hair loss for men occurs from the
Alopecia Issue 2
In Men
front to the crown and is considered a hormonal imbalance. Treatment. Today, unlike years ago, men can have their hair replaced using three specific methods. One is taking a medication such as Propecia, which has been FDA approved. The second option would be to have hair replaced surgically; and the third option is purchasing a hairpiece. Propecia seems to be the method of choice, but it is not for everyone. Sexual side effects using this drug have been reported. Hair loss can be treated with two additional medications: Minoxidil, which is applied directly to the scalp, helps slow the balding in most men. In fact, it begins new hair growth. While this medication only works for younger men, who are just beginning the balding phase, it takes about a year to determine if the medication was successful. Another medication is Finasteride, which taken orally, blocks the testosterone which causes hair loss. This medication has shown to be effective in stopping hair loss in men, and start new hair growth. The results of this medication may also take a year before any progress is shown.
Surgery involves shifting sections of the scalp or transplanting plugs of hair. This is the fastest and most effective way to replace hairloss. Results are noticed between 3-6 months. A repeat procedure may be required; this depends on the surface area being treated. Whereas surgical intervention is most dramatic & has proven efficacy any surgical procedure comes with some risk. The last option, purchasing a hair piece is certainly viable; especially today that advanced technology has made hair pieces more natural and accessible. Hair loss in men can be devastating; especially when at a young age. For some, the hair grows back; for others, they have to decide whether to take medication, have surgery or buy a hair piece. While there are three options to remedy hair loss in men, it would be a good idea to research each method to determine the best course of action for you. Check with your doctor, especially if you are inclined to take medications. While some men view baldness as sexy and shave their head with pride; others find receding hairlines and loss of hair undesirable. Thankfully, there are options to address alopecia in men who demand treatment. 29
Fabulous Nurse magazine
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Issue 2
Love & SEX
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Fabulous Nurse magazine
Survival Guide
Guys
N
PMS
ot all women are alike. Some are tall, while others are short. Some are curvy, while others are skinny. Some are nice, while others are not. Some are smart, while others are not so bright. Some like men, while others do not. Many women, however, do experience the monthly “changes” in their own special way; with varying degrees of antagonism brought on by PMS. Ahhh, PMS. Otherwise known as a woman’s monthly license to become a Potential Murder Suspect; no motive required. Note that I said she is licensed. It, therefore, behooves the men who love women and live with women to learn how a guy can survive the monthly cycle unscathed. So here are a few tips to get you started.
To prepare for PMS, spend the better part of the month practicing how to lie down on a bed of hot sharp nails because the pain of hot nails searing through your flesh pales in comparison to what you will face if she is displeased.
1.
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Love her pissy murderous moods moods or bust!
Learn how to walk on fragile egg shells without cracking a single one. This is imperative if you don’t want her transforming into a head-spinning, gravity-defying, levitating, demon-possessed version of the woman you knew.
2.
She is always right. Become acquainted with the following terms, “yes, dear,” “you are right,” “I’m sorry,” “I know nothing,” and “I am wrong, you are right.”
3.
Whatever you do, never call it PMS, not if you value your life. She is simply adorable and loveable, as always.
4.
Do not take attention away from her. When you answer the phone, limit your conversations to 5 minutes tops and not a second longer; not even if she
5.
gives you permission. Put all calls on speaker so she knows it is not another woman. Trust me, anything less and you’ll hear about it later. Absolutely no hugging the remote control. Remember that the TV screen, free standing household objects, and any body parts you value are fair game.
6.
She keeps a great home and is a great cook. It does not matter if she is feeding you mold ridden Spam directly from the can. It does not matter if your home looks like hoarders moved in. She is simply the best at taking care of you.
7.
Issue 2
If she does not reach out and practically wrestle you to the floor, keep your amorous hands to yourself. This is a tricky one. The flip side of this is that if you don’t touch her, she will assume (a) you are cheating or (b) you don’t find her attractive. Yep. You are damned if you try and damned if you don’t.
8.
Have you told her lately just how beautiful she is laying on the couch, still dressed in last week’s sweats and drooling spit from one side of the face? You guessed it she is as beautiful as the day you first realized you were in love with her. Remember that day? It seems like a long time ago now, doesn’t it?
9.
Most importantly, if she picks a fight and argues irrationally about something profanely stupid & insipid, you will always take her side. She is the goddess of the universe, after all. You are grateful she is allowing you to live in it.
10.
The bottom line is that there is no guarantee that the above tips will help you survive PMS unscathed, but it just might save your life. If not, take consolation in the fact that her ass will be hauled off to jail; she might even get the needle. LOL!
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Fabulous Nurse magazine
The Ideal
Mate Road Map To The One
D
efine your ideal mate. What do you want from a mate? How do you see your ideal mate fitting into your life? What kind of adjectives would you use to describe your ideal mate? In order of hierarchy, the most important at the top, list the characteristics of your ideal partner. Be definite because these will help you narrow your search by giving you a guideline or blue print on which to work from. Do not settle. However, it is OK to modify and redefine those attributes that fall in the bottom two thirds of your list as you continue to date and meet potential mates. Many will come close but always remember that you only seek one. Here are a few steps to help you narrow your choice of characteristics: For each characteristics, identify them under the following - Very Important, Important, Not so important, Don’t care. For example if dress size makes your list, place
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Attribute Faith Christian Jewish Muslim Other None Size Thin Average Pleasantly Pl Obese Height Tall Short Average Skin Tone Dark Fair Very Fair Translucent Color of Eyes Grey Brown Green Color of Hair Black Auburn (red) Brown
Very Important Important
Not so Important Don’t care
Issue 2
the size you prefer under very important, important, and not so important or don’t care one way or the other. Remember you are building a real person so their physical appearance as well as their personality and lifestyle do count. Below is tabular form of the above to serve as a guideline for you. Replace each characteristic under attribute with the ones you hold dearest. If you could marry your ideal mate what will they be like? The basic picture of your ideal mate will form when you select the characteristics you listed under very important and important. These characteristics in no way must you settle on. They are your deepest desires. They are your Wealth Opulent Very Average Education High School College Masters PhD Personality Spit Fire Reserved Out going Chemistry Affectionate Shy Wild Humor Dry wit Slap stick Unruly Acerbic Job Accountant Lawyer Politician Wisdom Superior Average OK Ambition Go with flow Driven None Level of Attachment to you Independent Very High Average
deepest wishes. They are your truest view on what you dream of and think about when no one else is watching or judging. Choose carefully and be true to yourself. It is your life after all. Most importantly, no matter how old you are, know that time is on your side. Do not be in a hurry. Do not rush. Do not compete with how fast others are proceeding in achieving their goals. It is imperative that you understand that in the grand scheme of things, time is always on your side. A self-imposed and artificial timeline that is one hundred percent set in stone will only serve to heighten your level of anxiety as you watch and try to beat the clock. When you understand that you will end up with your ideal mate sooner or later, you let go of artificial constraints and relax into the business of enjoying your life as you meet the potentials. Moreover, don’t force yourself to stay with someone who meets all or most of your criteria but somehow you both can’t seem to connect. The connection that is missing is the glue that binds together all the characteristics you find so very important in a mate. That connection is the bond that will unite the two of you together through the harsh times and good times in life. Don’t overlook it and settle. Your ideal mate will naturally connect with you and fit with your ideals and projected lifestyle.
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FOODIE
FABULOUS
Fabulous Nurse magazine
36
Wine Tasting Terminology Issue 2
upon the nose. This is due to the presence of acetic acid and ethyl acetate.
Austere. This is another way
T
he world of wine tasting world is full of unusual words, like tannin, maderized, ponderous and even cloying. No matter how strange the words seem to you, in order to effectively communicate within a group of wine tasters, you should have a basic understanding of the terminology. Let’s take a look at some of the words used in the wine tasting world. Some you may know, others may seem strange to you, but keep your mind open as some of the descriptors might just surprise you.
Acidity. Used to describe
a tart or sour taste when the overall acidity in a wine is extremely high. Usual acid content of either lactic acid, citric acid or malic acid should be around 0.6 and 0.7 percent of the total volume. Anything above this is usually referred to as “acidic.” Ascescence. This term is used to describe the vinegar-like taste in the mouth, with a slight twinge
to describe the dry, acidic wines that are shallow and hollow in body and flavor. This word is also used to describe a wine that is made with young grapes, grown in cooler climates, giving the wine a sharp pinch on the inside of the cheeks. Big. This term is used to describe the rich, full flavor of a wine; the overall body and taste of a wine. Red wines are usually big in tannin, while white wines usually have a higher alcohol content. Of course, “big” is supposed to be within a context, for example some wines are said to be more elegant than big.
Buttery. A creamy texture,
often found in extremely good white wines, such as Chardonnay. This is a full mouth, thick feeling as the wine is in the palate area. Finish. The aftertaste, or amount of time the flavors linger in your mouth. A exceptional finish will last anywhere from 15 to 40 seconds. Anything less than this is considered standard, or if under 8 seconds, a poor finish.
Flinty. Similar to mineral, flinty
literally means rock-like taste. This is a smoky, dark taste that may be slightly hidden behind the floral bouquets of the wine,
said to be similar to if you actually licked a flint rock. Green. This term refers to a wine made with under-ripe fruits. It can also be significant in dealing with colors, such as Rieslings, which have a greenish color indicating a youthful wine.
Hollow. Wines have dimensions. A hollow wine is one that is missing a mid-palate taste. These wines usually have a strong attack and finish, but are lacking in flavor while in the mouth and on the tongue. Nose. The nose of the wine is the aroma produced. A balanced nose is one which does not strike the taster as having too much of any one component. Tannin. This is the pucker
factor of wines. An astringent taste, naturally occurring in grape skins, seeds and stems. It is responsible for the bitter component in wines and acts as a preservative to aid in proper aging of the wine. Wine terminology is a fun world to live in for wine tasters, as well as plain old wine enthusiasts. It is full of descriptors ranging from chalky to burnt rubber. If you rub elbows with any group of wine tasters long enough, you will surely become familiar with these terms and even enjoy throwing a few terms out yourself! 37
Quick and Healthy
Fabulous Nurse magazine
Breakfast If you are the type to skip breakfast, here is a solution to starting the day with a good breakfast which will help you keep hunger in check as well as give you the natural energy boost to start your day.
B
reakfast is the most important meal of the day. Unfortunately, many of us neglect breakfast. And there’s a lot of evidence to suggest that your body and mind will suffer unless you have a healthy breakfast each morning. You spend six to eight hours sleeping. After that time, your body needs fuel to keep going. Without breakfast at home, your options for on the run nutrition may amount to too much fat, too much sugar and too many carbs. And, that convenient run to the fast food joint is not as convenient and time saving as you think if everyone else has the same idea. The fifteen or twenty minutes spent in line could have been used to fill your belly with something good at home.
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1. Oatmeal - This food makes a good hot meal that contains lots of filling fiber to keep you from getting hungry later on in the morning. Depending on your taste, you can take five minutes to fix it on the stove or use the microwave for instant oatmeal. Kids tend to like the variety of flavors that come with instant oatmeal. The night before, put together a container of add-ins like blueberries, strawberries and bananas that can be tossed on top for a bit of antioxidant power.
2. Fruit smoothies - These are good any morning but particularly on a hot day. You’ll have to blend the ingredients together in the morning, but the prep work can be done at night. Cube your fruit and place it into a container. Instead of frozen yogurt in the morning, use a cup of plain yogurt. Add ice cubes, a little water and blend.
Ideas
3. Egg sandwich - The eggs
can be cooked the night before and placed in a sealed container. In the morning, warm up the eggs in the microwave. If you want, add some chopped veggies or shredded cheese. Serve on toasted wheat bread. The night before, place two pieces of bread into a Ziploc bag for each family member. They can toast their bread as they get up and place the sandwich in the bag for easy transport in the car to work or school.
4. Yogurt with granola and fruit - Some people like to eat yogurt. But, yogurt by itself won’t keep you from being hungry. Add some granola and a few blueberries to the mix. This makes a great breakfast idea for those mornings when you are running late. Keep small bags of granola and blueberries in the fridge next to the yogurt so you can grab them and run. Are you fighting the breakfast battle? To get a filling meal you don’t have to opt for too much fat, calories or carbs. These quick and easy breakfast ideas can be made within minutes and are a much healthier alternative to skipping breakfast or grabbing a high fat alternative.
Fabulous Recipes
Issue 2
Blueberry Bran Muffins LOW GI
Ingredients: 2 cups oat bran 1/4 cup sugar 2 teaspoons baking powder 1/4 teaspoon baking soda 1/2 cup nonfat or low-fat vanilla yogurt 1/2 cup orange juice 1/2 cup fat-free egg substitute 2 tablespoons canola or walnut oil 3/4 cup fresh or frozen (unthawed) blueberries
Grilled Ginger and Lemon Chicken LOW FAT
Instructions: In a large bowl mix together oat bran, sugar, baking powder, and baking soda. In another bowl combine yogurt, orange juice, egg substitute and oil. Add yogurt mixture to the oat mixture and stir until they are well blended. Next, add in the berries. Spritz muffin tin with nonstick spray. Fill cups approximately 3/4 full. Bake at 350 degrees F for 15 minutes or until toothpick/fork stuck in the center comes out clean. Leftovers keep nicely in the fridge or freezer! You can easily substitute raspberries for blueberries for a different muffin.
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice 2 tablespoons lite soy sauce 1/2 cup red raspberry preserves 2 tablespoons fresh ginger root, peeled and grated 1 teaspoon fresh garlic, minced 4 boneless, skinless chicken breast halves 4 lemon wedges (for garnish, optional) Instructions: In a baking dish blend together lemon juice, soy sauce, preserves, ginger root and garlic. Marinate chicken in this mixture for at least 15 minutes (longer is even better!) Grill the chicken for 7 minutes per side or until no longer pink and juices are clear. Serve garnished with lemon wedges. Marinating before grilling helps keeps the chicken from drying out for a tender and juicier result than if you just grilled plain chicken.
Sheperd’s Pie LOW CARB
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef or turkey 1/2 onion, chopped 1 10 ounce package of frozen cauliflower 2 tablespoons heavy cream 4 ounces cheddar cheese, shredded salt and pepper Instructions: Brown ground meat and onion as usual, drain. Spread meat and onion in the bottom of pie dish evenly. Cook cauliflower according to package directions, drain. Whip together cauliflower, 2 tbsp heavy cream, and cream cheese as if whipping mashed potatoes. Season with salt and pepper to your liking (or any other seasonings you might like) Spread whipped cauliflower over the meat layer in the dish. Sprinkle with cheddar cheese across the top. Bake at 350 degrees F for 15 20 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbling. 39
Fabulous Nurse magazine
Popular Diet
Volumetrics Eating Plan
Healthy Lasagna
Who doesn’t love lasagna? The downside of this delicious dish is that all that cheese, meat and cream isn’t great for you (or your waistline). This version is totally skinny, yet simply delicious. Ingredients: 1 teaspoon olive oil 1 onion, finely sliced 2 sticks of celery, finely sliced 1 carrot, grated 4 cloves of garlic, peeled and crushed 1 pound of quality lean ground beef - organic if possible (alternatively you can use organic ground turkey) 1 can of plum tomatoes ╜ teaspoon dried oregano 2 zucchinis, thinly sliced lengthways 1 cup of already roasted red peppers (or you can make your own at home) 4 sheets of lasagne (whole wheat if possible) Salt and pepper to taste For the cheese sauce * By using an extra mature, strong cheddar you’ll need much, much less and still get a full flavor. 8 ounces skimmed milk 3 tablespoons corn flour 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard 8 ounces mature cheddar cheese Dash of nutmeg Instructions: In a large saucepan add the olive oil , onion, celery and carrot and cook over low heat for approximately 4 minutes. Add the garlic and cook a further one minute. Set aside. 40
In a frying pad fry the meat until completely cooked through. Drain away the oil and add to your large pan of onion and vegetables. Turn up the heat and add the wine, stir continuously until all the wine has been absorbed. Then add the tomatoes and oregano. Season with salt and pepper and simmer for approximately 30 minutes, until the liquid has reduced.
I
f you’re tired of diets and dieting and just wish there was a way to eat, feel full and lose weight, then the Volumetrics Eating Plan could be right for you. This book is written by Dr. Rolls, who is one of the leading researchers and physicians in the country. Her approach can take you where you want your weight loss to go.
Who Is Dr. Rolls?
Heat the frying pan again and add the zucchini. Char grill for approximately 2 minutes on each side. Remove from heat and set aside. Do the same thing with the roasted peppers (drain if using jar peppers). Set aside.
It seems every diet and nutrition book is written by an expert. However, many of these experts have very little experience behind them. Dr. Rolls has a wealth of experience and education, and it is all there for you to benefit from.
Make the cheese sauce by heating up the milk and nutmeg gently over low heat. Mix the corn flour with a little milk in a small bowl and whisk until smooth. Add this mixture to the milk and nutmeg. Whisk continuously over low heat for approximately 2o to 3 minutes until thickened. Then add the mustard and half of the cheese. Add salt and pepper if necessary.
While it’ll take too much time to list all her credentials and resume here, Dr. Rolls has more than twenty years of experience studying hunger and obesity. She holds several prestigious positions with research associations, universities and organizations and her work is published around the world. In short, she is the expert of experts when it comes to managing your weight.
Now put it all together. Take a lasagna dish and start with a layer of meat, then roasted peppers, then more meat, then roasted zucchini, then more meat, finally your four sheets of pasta. Now pour your cheese sauce over the top and top with the remaining cheese. Bake for approximately 20 to 30 minutes until bubbly. Serve immediately with a side salad.
What Is Volumetrics? Volumetrics is essentially knowing how to choose foods that make you feel full while losing or maintaining your weight. It doesn’t eliminate foods or restrict foods. Instead, it helps you create meals based on your goals. In addition to the Volumetrics Eating Plan which is perfect if you want to maintain your weight, there is a Volumetrics
s
Most Unusual Diet
Weight Loss Plan designed to help you lose weight. Both plans help you choose the right foods for your goals. The book includes: • Recipes with complete and easy to follow instructions • Menu planners • Charts • Sidebars on healthy food choices The plan, both the weight loss and the maintenance plan, are designed to help you personalize your meals to match your goals and lifestyle.
Is Volumetrics Right for Me? If you don’t like the restrictive nature of most diet plans, then Volumetrics is well worth considering. If you enjoy variety and like to eat lots of different foods and flavors, then Volumetrics is right for you. If you like choice, variety and control over your own weight loss plan and destination then again, this is the book for you.
Where Can I Buy Volumetrics? Volumetrics is found at any book store or library. You can buy it an any online or offline book store. As of yet, it isn’t available on the Kindle; however, if you’re looking for the electronic version of the book you can send a note to the publisher to request it. Hopefully, they’ll release a digital version of it soon. The list price is $15.95, but you can find it for much lower, around $10, on Amazon. If you’re looking for a different approach to losing weight and keeping it off, check out both the Volumetrics Weight Loss Plan and the Volumetrics Eating Plan. Benefit from the decades of experience Dr. Rolls has to offer, and finally lose weight.
Issue 2
Candida-Free Eating Plan
A
Candida diet requires you to eliminate sugar and foods that act like sugar in your body. This can feel like an overwhelming diet with a number of restrictions. Let’s take a look at the foods you need to avoid to eliminate Candida and then the potential substitutions and alternatives. Don’t worry, there are still tons of foods you can enjoy and still eliminate your Candida overgrowth.
The basics of the Candida diet require you to eliminate:
1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
Sugar and all products containing sugar Refined grains
Yeast and any products containing yeast Stimulants
Dairy
What’s left includes vegetables, protein and whole grains which is actually quite a lot. However, you’re likely accustomed to dairy, drinking something other than water and sugary foods. Let’s take a look at what you can have. You can have - Rice Cakes, Crisp breads, and Oat Cakes. Smear them with sugar free peanut butter or natural peanut butter. Read the labels. Make sure there is no malt in the crackers and no sugar or sugar substitutes in
the peanut butter. You can also have yeast free bread. You can find a number of these bread options in a natural food market. You can also find them at specialty bakers. Dairy is a no no on the Candida diet however; you can have Soya, Rice, and Almond Milk. You can also have a little bit of butter and you can have plain yogurt. In fact, Greek yogurt is high in protein and very good for you. You can also have cottage cheese. Beans and pulses make great snacks. Hummus is made from sesame paste and chick peas and is delicious with fresh vegetables like carrots and celery. You can also dip your whole grain crackers in it. Eggs, whole grain pastas, cold pressed oils, nuts, and seeds are all allowed on the Candida diet and this is a great time to try every vegetable under the sun. As far as drinking things other than soda, alcohol and juice, try mineral water and flavored mineral waters as long as there is no added sugar. Herbal teas area also acceptable and during the summertime they make tasty ice teas too. And don’t forget when you’re preparing foods you can season them with herbs and spices. We rely on sugar a lot for flavoring. It’s in our ketchup, our toothpaste and even our milk. This means changing your dietary habits can take time. However, once you eliminate Candida from your diet you can resume eating many previously banned foods. A healthy and balanced diet low in sugary and yeasty foods is the key to eliminating Candida for good. 41
Fabulous Nurse magazine
42
FABULOUS & FIT
Issue 2
10 S
Flat Toned Abs In Minutes
ummer, and swimsuit season, is just around the corner. That means it’s time to start working on those flat abs you want so badly. Don’t have time to work out for hours every day? Not to worry, with a little planning and ten minutes a day, you can have the flat, toned abs you want. Step #1 Pay attention to your fuel. Track what you eat and what you burn each day. Abdominal fat is just that, fat. If you want to see the muscles underneath and get rid of the bulge you’re going to have to consume fewer calories than you burn. There are wonderful, free, and easy to use programs and iPod/iPhone applications that will help you track what you eat and what you burn each day. Use them to stay on track. One pound of fat is 3500 calories. That means that by simply burning 500 more calories a day than you eat you can lose a pound in 7 days. Tracking what you eat will also help you see what foods fill you up longer and what foods burn quickly. Quick burning foods mean you’re hungry soon after you eat them. Aim for lean protein, lots of fiber and fruits and veggies.
Step #2 Get moving! Move your body; it wasn’t designed to sit on a couch or at a desk all day. Take the stairs, take a walk around the block, move your body and find a way to take at least 10,000 steps a day. Studies have shown that people who take 10,000 steps a day lose weight faster and keep it off. They’re healthier and thinner. You can be too! Step #3 Okay, now you have pounds melting off just by tracking your intake and moving your body. The next step is to work your core muscles, and you can do that in just ten minutes a day. The best fitness activities are ones that focus on your entire core, your back and stomach. Sit-ups are great but they only work specific muscles in your abdominals. Instead of sit-ups, spend ten minutes working through a low rep workout. Do full crunches where your legs also
come off of the ground, bridge, single leg abdominal press, plank pose, and side plank. Move through each repetition slowly so you get the full benefit of the movement and hold the exercise for a few seconds before releasing it. You’ll build muscle and burn more fat. Repeat each exercise 8-10 times then move onto the next exercise. The good thing about these core exercises is that you don’t need any fancy equipment to do them. All you need is ten minutes. Get down on the floor during your favorite television show or do them right when you get up in the morning before your shower. With commitment, a plan of action and a little bit of willpower you can have those flat abs you want. Watch what you eat, get moving and find ten minutes each day to work your core muscles. You’ll have that beach body in no time. 43
Introducing Fabulous Nurse magazine
Capoeira
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hen it comes to exercise, many people find it hard to stay motivated. This is often because they find it boring and monotonous. But those who feel this way probably haven’t been exposed to capoeira. Capoeira is more than just a type of exercise. It is an art form that originated with African slaves in Brazil in the 16th century. Capoeira combines elements of dance, acrobatics and martial arts into a graceful and exciting game. Traditionally, capoeira began with participants forming a circle. They would then take turns sparring in the middle, using a combination of acrobatic moves and African and Brazilian fighting styles. Music was also an
important part of the ritual. Capoeira was outlawed in Brazil in the late 1800s due to its use to disrupt political life in the country. Although it remained illegal until 1920, capoeiristas still practiced it under the guise of folk dancing. When capoeira became legal once again, capoeira masters began to open schools to teach the art. It is now considered a national sport.
Learning Capoeira Although the sport has gained worldwide attention, capoeira schools are not particularly common outside of Brazil. They can be found in most major cities, and some colleges and universities offer classes or clubs. Still, capoeira is intimidating to many people due to its intricate moves and cultural ties.
There’s no doubt that capoeira isn’t the best choice for those who have previously had no interest in fitness. It is physically and intellectually demanding, and understanding it requires a serious commitment. Those who are not physically fit are often advised to participate in regular exercise for a while before starting. People with a background in dance, gymnastics and martial arts often do well in capoeira. They already have a good foundation to work with, because they have greater strength, balance and flexibility. Their biggest challenge is often learning to move in different ways than they are accustomed to. As with any martial art, capoeira is more than just losing weight or gaining strength. It is a cultural experience. Students get the most out of it by learning about its colorful history, music, and the philosophies behind it before they start learning the moves. These elements provide a richer understanding of capoeira. There are capoeira resources online, as well as books and videos that demonstrate the techniques. But most students and instructors agree that capoeira is best learned through live personal instruction. This allows for personalized feedback and interaction with other players. Almost anyone can do capoeira if they set their mind to it. You may need to work on a few things before you get started, but people of all ages and abilities can participate. Capoeira is challenging, but learning it is its own reward.
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I
f you’re considering beginning a running program then congratulations are in order. Running is a great way to get in shape, improve your cardiovascular health and many runners swear their mental health improves with running too - all those endorphins are proven to have a positive effect. Before you begin running, here are a few considerations, tips and advice to stay safe.
Benefits Of Running Compared to other forms of exercise, running is considered one of the fastest calorie burners, which means if you’re running to lose weight then you’ll be hard pressed to find an exercise which will help you attain your weight loss goals faster. It’s also a cost effective form of exercise. All you really need is a good pair of running shoes and a place to run. The good news is that you can purchase a good pair of running shoes, designed for your foot and running form, for as little as $50. Running places are fortunately easy to find and are essentially right our your front door. The downside to running is that it can be hard on your joints and painful overuse injuries often occur including sprains and strains. These injuries can be avoided if you make sure you have good shoes designed for your foot, form and chosen style of running - for example trail running, cross country, or street running.
Running For Beginners
Issue 2
Goal Setting Why are you running and what do you hope to achieve? Are you running to lose weight? If so then your running goals are essentially weight loss goals and running 30 minutes a day will go a long way to helping you attain your goals. Additionally, if you’re looking to improve your cardiovascular health then the same 30 minutes will accomplish that. That being said, if you’re running goals include meeting certain distance or time goals, for example running a 7 minute mile or running a 5K, 10K or marathon then your training will reflect that. Therefore the first decision to make is why are you run-
An Overview
ning and what are your goals. The second decision to make is what are you capable of today that will contribute to your long term goals. This is important, you may be capable of running ten miles today however doing so may result in injuries which prevent you from running again for a few weeks. So what can you accomplish today, realistically, and still be able to run tomorrow? Many experts advise starting with an interval program. Interval programs are used by the most experienced runners because they work. The idea, for beginning runners, is to combine walking and running. Each time you work out you’ll increase the amount of time you run and decrease the amount of time you walk until you’re running the entire distance. You can also use the interval training concept to improve your speed as your running program evolves. Running, when approached safely and slowly with common sense, is a wonderful way to achieve many goals. It’ll improve your health, help you lose weight and achieve the fitness level you desire.
You can also avoid injury by starting small and that begins with setting your long and short term running goals.
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SPOTLIGHT A Nurse's Story ON NURSES Fabulous Nurse magazine
T
he evening started out as it always did. Get out of bed, hurry to my car, & rush to work; invariably making it in the nick of time. Report goes well. I have been doing this long enough that I don’t need to write anything down. Most people tell me this is unusual but it has been years since I had a note. I can tell you last week’s patient’s diagnostic results, their family stories, what brought them in, and every treatment attempt we made to save their lives. I just can’t help it, such is my memory. The patient I receive today is new to me. Evolving stroke, I’m told. Patient has not responded well to TPA which surprised everyone since it was administered within 3 hours of symptom onset. There are co-morbidities involved, of course. It wouldn’t be an ICU if there weren’t. Nothing new there. The day shift nurse said something that caught my attention. His blood pressure is uncontrolled. “What do you mean? He was given TPA!” My response was more of a gasp than the scream I really felt like letting out. “What do you MEAN?!” I repeated. “Don’t get your panty in a twist. It is nothing we did. ED followed protocol. His blood pressure was well within control before intervention. Has been
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In Defiance of Logic
most of the day until about 2 hours ago.” Figures, most things happen around shift change. She glances up and looks at the monitor. It is still within parameters right now but I’ve been fighting to keep it that way.” She then uttered the words I didn’t want to hear. “His BP is very labile. So watch out. Neuro wise he is A&Ox3, faint droop of the face, and noticeable drift in one hand.” So far, those seem to be the only issue. TPA and intractable BP was not a good combination. “Thank you and drive safe.” I said to her before leaving for my patient’s room. Someone called my name and I turned to see the person approaching. “Hey Lori.” I answered back. “Hey. I’m glad you have the guy in room 9.” In a mixed unit such as ours many nurses preferred one specialty over ours. Neurology is such an underappreciated specialty in the ICU that when someone who understands the pathologies also indicates a love of neuro, it is an added bonus for charge nurses. Lori was no exception. Almost without pause she continues. “He is your only patient right now. I’m thinking you are first admit but I will like your assessment of his condition first.”
“Okay will do.” I walked confidently down the hall to my room. It was only a few rooms from the nurses station but sometimes it can feel like a very long walk. Nothing in my tenure as an ICU nurse prepared me for what I saw. The patient who apparently was A&Ox3 lay intubated and sedated in the room. He was black not Caucasian and I thought I recognized him. This time it was a scream that escaped me. I did not mean to. I just lost it. I ran towards the nurses station and headed for the elevators before Lori caught up with me. I shaking and crying uncontrollably. “What is going on? In have NEVER seen you like this. EVER.” “My dad. It is my dad in the room. He is in a coma & on a vent.” “That makes no sense. Your dad lives in another continent.” “Don’t you think I know that? I’m scared. I cannot go back in there. I saw him as clearly as I see you now. What does that mean Lori? Tell me what’s happening?” I knew nothing I said made sense but the facts are the facts and that’s how I saw it. Up till then science had served me very well. It was easy to differentiate the logical from the illogical. So what now? I knew there was nothing logical about the words that I left
Issue 2
hanging in the air between Lori and I.
We’d hate to lose you.”
“I’m scared. I am really scared. Maybe it is a sign. Perhaps that’s my cue to retire.”
If anyone ever asked how I made it home. I could never tell you. The next few days were a blur. It was almost New Years. I had a lot to celebrate. My family was fine, particularly my dad. The incident had shaken me so much that I made him go for a physical.
“Retire? Are you kidding me? No one on this unit has the heart and soul that you have. You were born to do what you are doing right now.” “I don’t know Lori. I just cannot go back to that room.” “You need to see that your dad is not in there or you will never be the same.” “Not tonight.” “Come with me.” I followed her in a bit of a fog. Of course my dad was not in there. The patient in room 9 waved. I waved back sheepishly.
My dad died in March of the following year. And yes he was intubated and in a coma during his last few days on earth. As nurses we see and experience things that influence and change us in different ways, some are minor and others are major. I moved from being the least superstitious person I know to one that believes in premonitions. I have been a nurse for over a decade and this is my story.
“What now?” “You take the night off. You are scheduled to work in a couple of days. Come back then. You’ll be good as new.” “Lori, you make it sound as though this is normal.” “Honey when you have been a nurse as long as I have nothing surprises you anymore.” She continued, “ You are stressed. Call your family make sure everything is ok. But if I give you the night off you have to promise you will be back.” “Promise. But who’ll take over my patient care tonight.” “I’ve got that covered. We were overstaffed tonight. I’ll call someone in.” Thank you Lori. “You bet. You are too good a nurse. 47
Fabulous Nurse magazine
Lifestyle
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Issue 2
Fashionable Take on Reading By
Zee Nickerson
A
fter moving 27 boxes of books, my boyfriend said to me, “That’s it. You may not buy any more books.” Smiling, I didn’t bother to tell him 6 more boxes of magazines and books sat in the garage; still in there boxes because we had no more bookshelves. Oh, did I mention the 3 bags of paperbacks double bagged with handles in Trader Joe’s sacks? No, better not. Telling a book lover they cannot buy any more books is like telling a kid they cannot have any more candy, or a sports fan he cannot watch anymore football. They will find a way around you, not even consciously. Suddenly they are at a buddy’s house on Monday night, snitching candy from a neighbor’s bowl, borrowing a book from a friend and forgetting to return it. It’s like an addiction. Book lovers love books just as much as sport fans love Monday night football. Where else can you get the wisdom of the ages, certainly not from Hollywood. Where else can you get great, cheap advice? Where else do you armchair travel? Ride a time machine?
Engage warlocks and ghouls? Lose your life in some hero’s horrific problems and come out winning-usually. In a book, of course. It’s not even the same as going to the movies, where people crunch popcorn, spill drinks, and cell phones ring. Ah, the peace and quiet of the lounge chair. There is just one problem I’m out of storage. One friend said, “You need a Kindle.” “A what?” “A Kindle. I got one for Christmas last year. You read books on it. It’s cool.” She waved it at me like a magical wand. My resistance to staring at electronic boxes strong, I said, “No, thanks. I don’t want to hold a box. I like the smell and feel of paper in my hands.” At rodeo time I visited her in the
Wallowa mountains where she explained it further… But still no sale from me. A few weeks later at the Willamette Writer’s Conference I briefly saw the Nook. When my Uncle visited in September he hooked his iPad onto somebody‘s WI-Fi and showed us pictures of the his yearly soup supper. 100 people slurping soup in a Florida retirement community. Yawn. Where is the beach? I’m firmly entrenched in the dark ages and I like it that way. Never thought the 20th century was the dark ages, but nerds assure me it was. But, but I liked it that way. Then came the tsunami of water logged novels. The water heater rusted out while we were away 49
Fabulous Nurse magazine
for the weekend and now my rare The Log of Christopher Columbus--His own account of the voyage that change the world, in the acclaimed new translation by Robert H. Fuson became as water logged as Christopher’s ships. The Nagel Journal faired better but not happily. Okay, what are these reading contraptions and what is the big deal?
Kindle, Nook and iPad have in common? They are electronic reading devices. The Kindle is primarily for reading downloaded e-books and magazines. It also plays audio files. It is small & light-weight with a soft back lighting for ease of reading. The biggest problem my friend, Insurance Agent, Ame Leggett says is everybody wants to borrow it and read on it. She loves it because the Kindle is lighter in weight than the typical book and with arthritis in her hands it is less painful to hold. It has a button to turn the pages with and even in her mountain home, AT&T access is impossible with the Nook.
While the woman at Barnes & Noble intoned to me, “A Nook is an electronic reading device,” I noticed in the background, the cute, pretty pastel covers behind her. If you got enough of them you could have a different color every day of the week. You could use an application on your iPad to pick a nook cover to coordinate with your outfit. Then You don’t even need a computer you’d have a Nook-book outfit. to download files from Amazon. Now wouldn’t that be cute? It also includes a web browser. However, you are limited to Amazon and Wikipedia. But there With these covers you could are compatible sites you can look serious business, don’t add. Books in the public domain mess with me business, casual are free. The wireless service business, oops forgot my act is free but you have to buy the business but my nook is with it, e-books to download them. The I’m just too cute for business, prices range from 99 cent and no business at all, socialite, hot momma, can’t find my clothes in up. Most are about $10. my closet but look my Nook is together. The fashion possibiliMoreover, the Kindle is like ties are endless. What do the
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a mix between a book and a word processor. It bookmarks, highlights, looks up definitions. Pages can be dog-eared while making notes on the side for study. Transferring text is easy, just save the particular pages as a text file and use a USB connection. You can’t play games, call someone, or send text messages and you have limited internet surfing capability. Barnes & Noble introduced the Nook as a way of competing with the Kindle. The early edition has no backlight but comes with a light that bends over the reading screen. The new edition out in time for Christmas has backlighting. It comes with a 7” touch screen, over 2 million books, magazines, newspaper and interactive kids’ books available; Wi-Fi and a 3-G signal for AT &T. Books are $9.99 or less, same or less than paper. You create an account to purchase books. The Nook is a family of three: one with Wi-Fi is priced at $149, another free 3-G + Wi-Fi $199, and the Nook (ultimate) $249 which has a range of covers from $29.95 - $54.95. This is definitely a step up from the Kindle. It has Games, Sudoku, etc., Lend me Technology which means you can lend & borrow from friends, share and recommend reading with Nook-Trends, personalize your shelves, chooser your font and bookmarks and do personal shopping.
Issue 2
In some ways iPad is the leanest, meanest machine of all. Okay, not leanest with a screen 10” multi touch LCD screen and weighs 1.5 lbs. This makes it heavier and not as easy to slip into a purse or pocket. It was designed for Web browsing, e-book reading and supports HD video at 720p. Still, the iPad runs most iphone/ ipod touch applications intact and will scale them to the bigger screen. All built-in apps (mail, Web Browser, video player, etc.) are designed for the bigger 1,000 sensor screen. And that’s nothing to sneeze at. The great news to a writer is that the keyboard is the
same size as regular keyboards. The I-book flips to reveal a bookstore behind it. It comes with 100,000 applications. 10 hours of battery life. Price $499. Now, that’s a lean, mean, e-reading machine. Whatever fashionable reading device you choose, I recommend that you find the Clash of the iPad trailer, on the internet. It is a short, hilarious, farce on the iPad. Go to videosearch.yahoo. com/video/play/clash of the IPAD trailer. It’s worth a few good laughs. With an iPad, Kindle or Nook not only are your book storage problems solved, you will look cool, fashionable, and ohh, so modern.
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Fabulous Nurse magazine
Dad's Little Soldiers
By
Maila T. Davenport PhD
W
hat does a Sonoma landscape, portraits of drooling babies, and blue light all have in common? The ability to trigger our autoimmune system to heal our bodies. By teaching people to use visionary images, they can set their natural ability to heal in motion. Contemporary medicine searches for ways to duplicate organic cell regeneration to heal tissue and organs. Both stem cell research and cloning have their share of controversy, and now we all know too many intimate details about sheep canoodling. The modern approach renounces the human body’s intelligence and looks elsewhere for cures. What if the answer lies not outside us in some petri dish, but actually lives deep within? For the last 10,000 years and counting, indigenous healers worldwide engage with a patient’s energy body through 52
ceremony, story, and image to set their autoimmune system in motion. True, the rational mind cannot instigate physical healing, but an altered state of consciousness can. It is time to bring the best of both medicine worlds together and empower patients to promote their healing through visionary skills while receiving modern medical treatments. What does healing look like? When my dad began prostate cancer treatment, healing
looked like columns of numbers on a spreadsheet with a decreasing PSA count. My dad, Alpo, is a retired civil engineer who built skyscrapers, suspension bridges over canyons, and offshore oil platforms in the North Sea – all with a slide rule (personal computers had not been invented yet). He has a brilliant mind for calculating, assessing, and solving. Since the numeric tables reflected his understanding of how the world works, it brought him comfort. However, when oral medication could no longer contain
Issue 2
his cancer and it spread to his abdomen, healing took on the shape of the stork-like I-V pole dangling a clear bag of chemo solution. Healing felt like Johnthe-Nurse with his wry humor, belting a bar room greeting across the room, “Hello, Alpo, glad you’re back!� Where everybody knows his name, like the Portman Hotel bar in London Dad frequented during the oil platform years. Dad and I spent countless hours in doctor offices and treatment rooms. We had time to talk. He told me heroic stories from his engineering years, and I had more time to listen. Dad became curious about my work with energy and imagery, my world of no slide rules. At
the time I did not realize how carefully he listens. Michael Samuels MD is a founder and on-going expert in body, mind, spirit medicine. His book Healing with the Minds Eye based on research at the University of Florida remains a classic in the field. He explains visions, imagery revealed in altered states such as meditation and deep relaxation, heal people by releasing blocks in our energy body and freeing our life-sustaining force to flow strong. As a result, both our autonomic nervous system and autoimmune system trigger into action. Blood pressure lowers and cancer cells are extinguished. Dr. Samuels emphasizes that through out time and across cultures, healing energy has always been a cen-
tral concept in healing, He goes on to explain that the US is one of the few cultures in history that does not include a disturbance in the energy field as a source of illness. The good news is that each of us can access our energetic core using visionary images to awaken our body intelligence. Meditation, once thought to be esoteric, is now a common complimentary medicine for cancer, heart disease, and natural childbirth. Visioning is another emerging, complimentary medicine that unlocks our innate ability to heal. More good news, patients do not have to alter their consciousness with a sweat lodge or ecstatic dance (although I highly recommend
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Fabulous Nurse magazine
them for us seeker-triathletes). They can gather photos, images, and objects to be their map. Here is the bad news: this map is called a healing altar. As a teacher of shrine tending for over twenty years, I tried other names—“vision scene”, “healing toolbox”—awkward, right? Besides being boring, these secular labels eliminate the very thing that has the force to change us at our core: Life Source. Altars are doorways to the in-visible layers of our lives that we sense and know but cannot see or measure. They stand as a landmark between ordinary mind and expansive mind. What triggers healing energy? Our expansive mind is the Healing Conscious. Be certain, altered states should not be confused with vague, detached denial mechanisms such as “blind optimism” or “naïve belief.” On the contrary, the expanded mind keenly sees connections and patterns in places once thought impossible-possibly like attaching a 3300ton canyon bridge to sandstone where no one thought it possible, and with only a slide rule (geotechnical engineering had not been invented yet). Wisdom Traditions teach that instead of asking “what” brings regeneration, the more efficient questions are, “Who brings regeneration?” and “Where does regeneration live?” This line of inquiry shifts us into an I/thou curiosity that propels images from the personal and collective 54
depths to surface creating the bridge between ordinary mind and our autonomic physiology. I came to pick up Dad to take him to the oncologist. He smiled wryly and invited me into his study. I assumed he had another spreadsheet forecast of his investments to show me. Instead, he pointed and smiled broadly, “I made myself an altar.” Carefully taped to his dresser mirror was a symmetrical diamond of photographs of his 7 greatgrandchildren, one drooling, and a second in her ladybug costume, another cheesing for the camera. At the apex was 3-year old little Zoe in her fairy costume with wings almost as wide as she is tall. “These are my little soldiers, “ he said, “I talk to them every morning and ask for their help to beat this cancer.” He continued, “I figure they all know a helluva lot more about growing strong cells.” Dad’s little soldiers are not the commonly prescribed cell warriors who kill enemy cells. His infantry are the freshest ones who just arrived from the source of Life itself. Think of it, their cells tirelessly regenerate at an astounding rate and their immune systems are vibrant; children are concerned with “booboos,” non-judgmental, and have an endless supply of hugs and wet kisses. I say that describes what we all long for to heal us. It must be difficult having a mythologist for a daughter because a cigar is never just a cigar.
Finding Healing Imagery: Invite your patients to imagine who brings healing or inquire if they could receive their treatment anywhere in the world, where would they go? It is a surprisingly easy conversation to start because there is no wrong answer. With genuine curiosity, ask for lots of juicy details with sensory information to round out the visual. This engages many levels of body wisdom and people will begin to feel more relaxed even as they describe it. You can use that sense of ease as evidence that visioning is worth a try! Encourage them to find a picture of this healing source from a magazine or a Google Image search. Have them carry it with them or keep it in a readily accessible place at home. Here is where I used to give specific guidelines about how many minutes per day and number of days a week to “be” with the image. But I learned from an 84-year old civil engineer, who cannot be told what to do (nor what is possible or not), to let their organic experience take the lead. Dad sometimes sits with his morning coffee to visit, other times he brings his book then quietly reads with them near. Come to think of it, he and I spend time together in clinics in the same way. It is all about the hospitality to welcome home our innate healing.
Issue 2
Keeping Your Child’s
Attention
D
oes your child have a full toy box but only play with a select few? Toys that only do a small, limited number of things often get tossed aside. They are fun for awhile but pretty soon they become too predictable. That results in boredom and kids don’t like to be bored. So they find something else to play with and the boring toys end up in the bottom of the toy box. The best toys are those that require imagination and can be used in a variety of ways. Here are ten toys that are good for keeping your child’s attention.
1.
Blocks - Blocks are a staple for kids and they never seem to outgrow them. They are one of the simplest types of toys around, yet their possibilities are limited only by the child’s imagination. Younger children can also use them for such learning activities as counting games and experimenting with basic addition and subtraction. Blocks provide numerous learning opportunities and keep kids busy.
different voices for each one. That’s not only fun for them, it’s fun for you to watch too.
Dolls and Stuffed Animals - Children love to pretend that their dolls, action figures and stuffed animals are real people or animals. This can provide them with hours of entertainment. They may even play with two or more at a time, making
Wagons - A wagon can be used in numerous ways. Kids can use it to transport their toys from one place to another but that’s only the beginning. It can serve as a vehicle for their stuffed animals or dolls, a pullalong “tray” when they’re play-
2.
3.
Play-Doh - You probably played with Play-Doh when you were a kid. Chances are that if you did, you have fond memories of it. Similar to blocks, Play-Doh allows children to make anything they can imagine. The factories and tool sets you can buy to go with it are nice but they are not a necessity.
4.
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Fabulous Nurse magazine
ing restaurant or even as transportation for the child himself with you pulling it.
5.
Art Supplies - Budding Picassos can spend hours making new masterpieces. Art is a great way to keep kids occupied because it fosters creativity and self-esteem. And you get the added bonus of new refrigerator decorations.
6.
Musical Instruments Most children love music. The only thing better than listening to it is making it themselves. If real musical instruments are not an option, there are toy drum sets, xylophones, kazoos and more that kids can play with. They could even get other kids together and form a band.
7.
Housekeeping or Gardening Tools - Kids love to imitate adults. A kitchen set, toy vacuum cleaner or a set of gardening tools can help them do so more accurately. You could enlist them to help you when you’re doing housework or yard work. They will stay occupied and feel a sense of accomplishment.
8.
Sandboxes - A sandbox full of toys provides a wealth of opportunities. Kids can learn a lot by playing in sand. They can use sticks to
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make designs, add water and make sandcastles, or make trails with their toy cars.
9.
Dress-Up Clothes - Playing dress-up lets kids put together outfits and pretend to be anyone or anything. You don’t have to buy a dress-up set. Just get out all of the old clothes you can find and let their imaginations run free!
10.
Balls - Balls not only keep a child busy, they also encourage physical activity. There are numerous ways that children can play with them, so they never get boring.
Kids Anti-Bullying Guide
O
nce upon a time kids had to worry about was getting their heads flushed in a toilet, being laughed at in gym class, cruel pranks in the classroom, hallway, or cafeteria and the occasional merciless beatings by a bully. As though that is not enough to render any child socially reclusive, ashamed, and depressed, today’s kids have to contend with online bullying, as well.
It seems time has served the bullies well. Thanks to technology, they have more creative ways to humiliate their victims. Online bullying comes in many forms. There may be a post of their humiliating experiences at school for the world to see. There may be a post filled with mean rants about the kid. There may be compromising pictures of the kid, some of which have been photoshop. These same images may be posted all over school or passed around through text messaging. With the advance in
technology, there are no time delays; some of the humiliating experiences are streamed live on You Tube.
Many victims of bullying have resorted to suicide or mass murder in an act of vengeance against a social system that did nothing to protect them. What if your child is the victim of a bully? You cannot protect your child from every instance of bullying. You cannot be with them every second of everyday, so there goes your desire to shield them from mean kids. You may be feeling helpless. Most importantly, you cannot make a bully change their ways. More likely than not, if you interfere it makes things worse for the victim. What can you do as a parent to protect your child from the horrors of bullying? A normal reaction is to teach your kid how to fight. While self-defense classes are great for the child’s self-esteem,
Issue 2
teach your child to refrain from fighting. If someone gets hurt, there are legal issues to contend with. It is important to note that fights result after negative verbal interaction. It is important, therefore, to arm your child with the skills necessary to avoid the instigating verbal interaction. Make sure your child can stand up for themselves without throwing the first punch. How can this be done? Human behavior is mostly learned. This is good news because there are behavioral changes you can teach your child and arm them against victimization. First and foremost, teach your child that they are not responsible for the actions of the bully. It is not their fault that another kid chose to pick on them. Almost always, the bully is acting out on personal issues. They may be suffering from a very low self-esteem. They may be the victims of physical, emotional, and/or sexual abuse at home. They may be acting out because of extreme anxiety and fear brought on by their parent’s divorce. They may have been victims of a bully, too. Bullying is usually the externalization of their fear and anger at not being able to control the negative influences in their own lives. Your child is not the cause of this. They are simply caught in the cross-fire. This does not excuse the bully. However, explaining this to your child will help them 57
Fabulous Nurse magazine
view the bully not as an ogre that cannot be tamed but as a whimpering child who does not understand what’s happening to them. Bullying is akin to a toddler throwing a temper tantrum, unfortunately, someone gets hurt in the process. When you teach your child to acknowledge, honor and view the wonderful attributes of their character, they will undoubtedly develop a high sense of self. High self-esteem is a very effective counter-bullying shield. Bullies generally want to elicit fear, anger, pain & sorrow. When they get the response they are looking for, they continue to bully the victim. A child who understands their own strengths is less likely to be victimized by a bully’s words. This means that their sense of self will not be determined by the bully. Bullying almost always ends when the bully’s actions do not elicit the desired response.
your child to say phrases like, “that’s nice,” “it is good to see you, too,” “oh, well,” etc. These phrases will not work without the proper stance. Nothing says “bully me” more loudly than a slouched shoulder, inability to make eye contact, nervousness, poor hygiene, looking down or a low (simpering) tone of voice. It is one thing to tell your child how to behave, and another for your child to actually follow through when faced with a bully. This is where role-playing comes in. Play out a bullying incident and place emphasis on body posture, tone of voice, and eye contact. Practice how to avoid a negative reaction to the bully’s words.
Of course none of these will be possible if you do not know that your child is being bullied. Bring this up in conversation. Perhaps you saw a movie in which one child was victimized; you can casually bring up anti-bullying techniques. What could have This does not mean that your child has carte blanche to speak been done differently? What does your child think of the bulfreely and challenge a bully’s ly? What does your child think of truthfulness. Challenging the the victim? Their responses can bully or calling them names, give you insight into their place i.e. liar or stupid is akin to saying “bring it on.” That is exactly in the social order. Let your child what the bully will do. However, know that it is ok to come to you when they physical, emotionif your child simply neutralizes the bully’s words, they can avoid ally, verbally or sexually abused. And most importantly, let them a confrontation. One way to do know they are not the cause of this is to simply walk away and mentally shrug off the incidence. the bully’s behavior. Empathizing with a victim is ok as long as Another thing to do is to acyou are also teaching them how knowledge the bully by agreeto behave when confronted by a ing with them. This will stun the bullying into inaction giving your bully. child time to walk away. Teach
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HOME DECOR Issue 2
Combine Taste & Functionality
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hen organizing your home, you want it to look neat, but you also want it to look nice. There are so many options out there that are well designed and fit into almost any decor. There is something to fit any taste.
matter of fact there are companies dedicated to helping you design the perfect closet organizer for your home. They can be as simple as plastic or metal adjustable shelves, or beautiful wood cabinets that are built to fit in your closet. They can have shelves, drawers, and places to hang clothes and baskets.
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crafted pieces of furniture. They can be incorporated into a media center in the home, or used as stand-alone pieces. Some of them are designed to look like antique pieces of furniture.
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Jewelry boxes are a wonderful way to not only organize all your precious pieces, but many are almost as beautiful to look at as your jewelry. You can find hand-carved pieces, or boxes with inlay. They look great on a dresser.
Desk organizers are a must-have for any home office or homework area. In addition to the standard pencil can and paper clip holders, there are Carts with wheels are a nice wood pieces that are great handy form of storage, for sorting mail and important as they can be used anywhere papers. A classic desk blotter in the house. Plus, if you don’t and penholder will add a touch need it all the time, they can be Baskets are always a popu- of class to any desk. tucked away in a closet, pantry lar organizational item. If Clothes trees can add an or corner. They can have drawthey are wood baskets, they old-fashioned flair to any ers or shelves and offer addigive a nice natural look to the room. There are also more tional workspace. They are great room. They are handy for holdmodern designs to choose from. for kitchens. ing all kinds of things, from They can be used near an entry makeup to toys. Caddies are great for for guests’ coats, or in the bedthings that may need rooms as a great place for kids Shoe organizers are someto travel from room to room. to put their PJ’s, robes, or even thing no family should be They can be nice looking bucka towel after a bath. without. Who doesn’t get tired ets or baskets. There are also of either tripping over shoes as Furniture with drawers fabric caddies that have pockets they come in the house or not can be great in homes that can be hung on the wall. being able to find the mate to with limited space. There are These can be found in a wide the kids’ shoes as you are getvariety of styles. They are great ting ready to head out the door? couches and beds that have drawers built into the bases that in kids’ rooms for storing small There are different styles availmake great places to store out treasures. able, from shoe racks that fit in of season clothes or toys. There the bottom of a closet to those that hang on the back of a door. are also coffee tables that come No matter what your taste is in decorating, it’s pretty easy to with built in storage. find great accents to your home Closet organizers are beVideo and audio storthat add not only to the form, coming big business; as a age are often wonderfully but to the function of your life.
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O
ne of the more popular food show chefs are occasionally seen with a row of herbs sitting on her countertop. If you lack a garden and wish to grow herbs indoors, here are some tips to help you. Growing herbs indoors is just the same as growing them outdoors as far as conditions are concerned. They will need the same sunlight and well-drained soil and mix that are not too rich. To begin, select a south or west window; depending upon the herb, different light requirements are needed, however, but herbs need a sunny location. To begin the planting process, mix two parts sterilized potting soil to one part coarse sand. To ensure sweetness of the soil, add one teaspoon of lime per 5-inch pot. There should be an inch of gravel at the bottom of each pot to ensure good drainage. Now you have to think about the water needs of each herb. Most growing plants need water. This holds true for herbs in clap pots or hanging baskets as well. Never give herbs too much water; you don’t want their roots to get soggy. The good news is that annual herbs can spend their full life cycle in a pot indoors. Perennial herbs, however, will do better if you place them outdoors during the summer. Just put the entire pot in soil up to its rim. Since herb plants need sun, you can place them in areas where summer sun will directly hit them. If you notice the herb plants are losing their leaves, bring them
Indoor
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Herb Gardening
indoors before the frost arrives. Speaking of frost, note that a light frost is good for mint, chives, and tarragon. Apparently it allows the herbs to rest which results in new and fresh growth. Maintaining an indoor herb garden indefinitely can be created by periodic light feeding, yearly repotting, renewing annuals, seasonal moves outdoors for perennials, and occasional pruning. Water plants as needed. Use several planters or a divided one to allow for different moisture needs of plants. When gathering a large quantity of herbs, use an open-weave basket or containers that allow good air movement. Don’t stuff herbs into plastic bags, which can heat up and cause rapid deterioration of herbs. You can cut back a perennial herb to about half its height and can cut
down an annual to a few inches. You can also remove an annual completely near the end of the season. Just think, the next time you are preparing dinner, you will have all of the herbs you need right in your own home. In addition, most of these herbs can be used to make tea and are known to contain medicinal properties as well. If you have any questions, visit your local gardening supply store for more details. In the meantime, you can always check online to determine which herbs you would like to grow in your herb. Your kitchen is going to smell so sweet once they are in bloom!
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Homemade Cards I Fabulous Nurse magazine
nstead of giving out a store-bought card for the next special occasion, try your hand at making your own cards. Making your own cards does not require a lot of hard work, but rather a bit of creativity and the right materials. To start creating your cards visit your local arts and crafts store to search for materials. Most arts and crafts stores have big scrapbooking sections. This is where you will be able to find the materials to make your own cards. Let your inspiration guide you as the possibilities are unlimited. You can create various themed cards such as Christmas, birthday, Valentine’s Day cards and much more.
Things you will need:
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Rubber stamps are widely available and you can buy virtually any color ink to go with the stamps. There are several stamping methods that you can use when making cards including embossing. Embossing is the process of creating a raised image on the card and it can give the card an elegant appearance.
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There are several die cuts and die cut machines available as well. Die cuts allow you to punch a shape out with ease. They come in all different shapes and sizes and can be very useful in achieving a layered look. Die cuts can be punched out of different color papers to display a colorful card.
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Scrapbook papers come in all different colors, textures and themes. Patterned paper can be purchased as well as glitter paper and pre-scored card kits.
ers to your cards can help to foster even more creativity when matching colors and themes. You can further enhance your handmade cards by adding ribbon or brads.
Card kits come with the note cards already made and ready to decorate. The kits come in different sizes and often different colors to meet a variety of needs. During seasonal periods, such as Christmas, card kits come out with note cards, envelopes and many different die cut shapes.
Ribbon comes in a plethora of colors, shapes and textures. Brads can be used to hold items such as die cuts on the card without the use of an adhesive.
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Stickers are available, both regular and 3D and also come in many different themes. Disney stickers are available as well as licensed characters and many 3D designs. Adding stick-
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Simply put, making cards is a creative process that only you can foster. Cards can be created with a variety of items found in your local arts and crafts store. You can play around using different methods to decorate the cards and have fun at the same time!
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xotic pets can be extremely fun to own. You have the opportunity to bond with an animal that is unlike any other pet. It can also be tremendously challenging, educational and ultimately rewarding. However, the success of your exotic pet experience rests with a very im-
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portant decision – what kind of pet are you going to own? Here are a few things to consider when buying an exotic pet.
Why do you want an exotic animal as a pet? What is your motivation? Many people want an exotic animal as a pet because they want something different. They want an animal that is unique. That’s fine;
Are you prepared for the responsibility?
Generally, an exotic animal can make a fine pet if the owner is 100% prepared to take care of it. This means being knowledgeable about the animal’s behavior, care giving needs, and habitat. In addition to being knowledgeable about behavior, health, habitat and food, you also need to be prepared to provide these things. In
Exotic Pet Ownership
however, just because an animal is different doesn’t make it a good pet. A good pet is a pet that you can accommodate into your life and vice versa. It can easily accommodate you into its life. An animal that is accustomed to being out of doors, for example, generally doesn’t make a good pet. They want to be outside and can be destructive indoors.
What do you want from a pet? Do you want love? Cuddling? Loyalty? Affection? If this is why you want a pet, then most exotic animals will not meet your needs. If you want to be able to train your pet, again an exotic animal may not be the best decision.
addition to being a good exotic animal owner, it’s important to be prepared for the financial responsibility. Owning an exotic pet is expensive. Perhaps that’s why it has become such a status symbol. Regardless, it’s important to be prepared for the care, feeding, housing and maintenance of an exotic animal. Do you have the time? Many exotic pet breeds need aroundthe-clock care. If you do not have this kind of time to devote to your new pet, an exotic may not be right for you.
Do you have the space? Even smaller exotic pets can require a large space. Sugar gliders, for example, need room to jump and glide. Lemurs need room to climb trees and play. And even large snakes need room to grow. 63
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Do you have children? Many exotic pets are not compatible with children. They can bite, scratch and many carry salmonella. Not to mention that many exotic pets are quite delicate and children can unintentionally harm a pet. Do you own other pets? If you already have a domestic pet then you may want to tread carefully with an exotic pet. Many pet types don’t mix well. Are you prepared to educate yourself about the needs, behaviors and habits of an exotic pet? In addition to having access to a veterinarian, you’ll need to be educated yourself. You’ll need to know what to expect from your pet, how to feed and care for them properly and what health concerns to look for.
Are you prepared for the risks? Exotic animals are not going to live by your rules. They will bite, destroy, scratch and behave as if they are in the wild. In fact, if they’re not cared for properly they’ll behave much worse than they would in the wild. This can leave you with a disaster, injuries and heartache.
Are you prepared to deal with health issues? Exotic pets have unique health problems. The health of your exotic pet is important and it poses two challenges for pet owners. The first is that you may not have a veterinarian nearby that is experienced in treating your particular animal. You may find that the closest expert for
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your particular pet is hundreds of miles away. In a medical or health emergency this can present a real problem. Secondly, you may not be aware of the potential health problems and common issues for your exotic pet. You can educate yourself; however, there may be a lot to know and it’s important to have an expert to rely on.
What will happen to your pet while you are on vacation? It may be quite difficult to find a pet sitter who is ready, willing and able to watch your pet while you’re out of town. And most hotels and vacation homes do not allow exotic pets. This may be okay if you don’t ever go out of town. But if you ever intend to take a vacation then you’ll need to consider your petsitting option.
Safety. Many exotic pets are perfectly safe. However, many others can be quite dangerous. Teeth, claws and other defense mechanisms are natural for animals in the wild. And because exotic pets are not domesticated, meaning they’re unaccustomed to being around humans, they don’t understand our behaviors and may react by defending themselves. Many birds and reptiles carry salmonella and a number of exotic pets do too. These pose a real risk to you, your friends, and family.
Where will you buy their food? Finally, how are you going to
feed your new pet? Many exotic pets have very specialized diets and it may be extremely expensive to feed them. It’s also possible that finding their specialized food will be extremely difficult. So do exotic animals make good pets? Yes, they can make fine pets if you’re prepared for the risks and responsibilities. Before you make a decision to buy an exotic animal and keep it as a pet, educate yourself. Talk to your veterinarian. Talk to other people who own this type of animal. Read books and communicate with experts. Analyze your motivations and expectations – what do you want from a pet. And investigate feeding options before you buy. Finally, make sure you go into exotic pet ownership fully committed and ready to take whatever challenges come your way.
Dealing With
Pet Loss Losing a beloved pet either through illness, accident, or old age can be a devastating event for the entire family. Here are tips for dealing with a pet loss.
Pet loss can invoke the same feelings as losing a loved one. The stages of grief (guilt, denial, anger, and depression) can overtake you and leave you in an emotional state of angst. At the same time, the grieving process is necessary in order to be able to get passed the pain. • The first thing you have to remember is that it is okay to grieve. Tune out those who offer little comfort. Don’t try to hide or ignore how you feel; grieving is a natural process and a necessary one. • If you find that you cannot talk about the loss to a friend or loved one, you will have to find the words to offer comfort to your children. Be as open and honest as you can. You may find this dialogue will not only help to comfort them, but allow the child in you to share the loss with them as well. • It is important that you continue your daily routine. You may not be able to put away the pet’s leash, or put the toys away, or remove the pet’s dish from the kitchen just yet. That’s okay. There will be constant reminders
that you have to confront on a daily basis. Confront them. • If it helps, have a family memorial service for your pet. Some owners have their pets cremated. You may wish to bury the ashes in the back yard (if you are a homeowner), or keep the ashes in an urn somewhere in your home. It’s a family decision and one that can bring a certain amount of closure. • If you have another pet in the home who was a companion to the one you lost, it is important to recognize that they are grieving as well. If you can, offer as much love and attention as you can muster. • Give yourself enough time to go through the process of grieving. It is a mistake to think that jumping in and getting another companion to replace the one lost will make things better. It will only serve as a reminder that may cause resentment among family members, and especially the surviving pet.
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Loss of a pet can invoke unexplained feelings as well. Don’t play the if game. It serves no purpose. If your pet died of an illness or accident, come to terms with the fact you did everything humanly possible to offer intervention and comfort during the pet’s last days. If your pet died of old age, think about the good times. Perhaps you put a scrapbook together from the first day the pet came into your life. Take out the scrapbook and look through it with family members. Talk about the good times; it will help to alleviate the sadness. Without knowing it, one day you will wake up and realize that although you will never forget your beloved pet and that no other pet will be able to take his place, you nonetheless miss the love and companionship. You are ready to move forward. Today may be the day when you take that leap of faith and find another pet who you can love again and who needs love in return. After all, pet owners have huge hearts and have lots of love to give.
• When you are ready to move forward, then and only then should you consider another pet. 65
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Fabulous Nurse magazine
New Year's
his is the most exciting time of the year for me. Sure there is Easter, Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day, Fourth of July, Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. Nothing beats New Year’s Eve celebrations for me; the ball dropping in Time Square, the songs, and the fireworks. Granted I have not had cause to celebrate the last few years but it is New Year’s all the same and I am hopeful.
In New York
Joe, that’s my husband, lost his job, got into a fight at the local bar, and lost his legs in the process; in that exact order. His bar fight had continued onto the busy streets at night. Lucky for him, he was only injured. The other guy had it bad; he did not survive the impact of the motor vehicle. Although to hear my husband say it, he got off scot free. Joe swears he is the one in hell because he cannot walk and has to spend the rest of his life on disability. If you know my husband, you will understand why becoming handicap is truly the worst thing that could ever happen to him. So I have not had much to celebrate lately. I double up on shifts in the hospital almost daily just to make ends meet. Thank goodness I love my job so it does not feel like a chore even when I come home exhausted and tired. My two young boys are fast growing 66
out of everything. Sometimes I wish I could stall their growth for a few years until our finances are back on track and I actually start paying bills on time. Unfortunately I can’t slow down time. I suppose that is a good thing. Joe drinks now, more than he used to. Of late, he yells at me for no reason and breaks his empty beer bottles on the walls. It has been heartbreaking to watch his transformation. I am at my wits end. So this year our two boys are with their grand-parents for the holidays.
By Maria Bertolini
I cannot handle them seeing their father like this. I know none of us signed up for this twist in our life but that’s the way it is. My kids should not have to suffer because of the choices we make; it is not fair to them. I want to spare them pain and with my girlfriends help perhaps I can forget the woes and enjoy the idea of something new and promising like the New Year. My girlfriends convinced me I needed to leave the house and take off work, so that is what I
Issue 2
am doing today. Tonight we are actually going to celebrate New Year’s Eve, my first such celebration in over two years. Joe has given his blessings; not that I was really asking. We, married gals, Brandy, Elizabeth, and I, are going to welcome the New Year in style; in Time Square no less. I have not gone to Time Square to ring in the New Year’s since my last son was born. Joe does not like being packed in the Square with a bunch of people from out of town. I have a suspicion that with all the adult stores gone from the Square, he no longer has an incentive to visit Time Square. To me Manhattan is always exciting. Although we can only afford to live in the Boroughs, I am a fan of Sex & The City, and tonight we are going to do Manhattan like Carrie and her gal pals. I could feel my excitement building. Brandy and Elizabeth were right, I do need a break. “Don’t go flirting with other women’s men. Not like that Elizabeth friend of yours.” Joe taunted as I walked out. I closed the door behind me. You knew better than to say that about someone who really is a nice person except for that one flaw in her character. Elizabeth had fallen hard for a married soon after taking a travel contract in our hospital. I knew that if I responded to Joe’s comment it would lead to a fight and I was not in the mood. Nothing was going to spoil my celebra-
tory mood tonight. Nothing. I ran down the front steps of our Brownstone to meet Brandy and Elizabeth who were waiting in a cab. They both looked exceptionally beautiful tonight. It is always nice to see one’s friends out of scrubs. It never ceases to amaze me how different we look then. Our personalities actually show. One look at Elizabeth and you will know she hangs around money; Brandy on the other hand wore what she felt like exactly when she felt like it. Still sporty a haircut out of the 80s, today was no exception to the rule. They smile as I approached. “You found a cab!” I exclaimed. “I told you I would. I reserved a week ago. I know how New Year’s Eve is in New York.” Brandy said. Her Brooklyn accent is very strong.
“So how are we getting back?” I was confused. I am not taking the subway on New Year’s Eve. Not all the way back to Brooklyn. “Never mind that. Let’s worry about what we’ll be doing.” Brandy and Elizabeth giggled.
“Dish guys. What don’t I know?” “The ball will be dropping tonight that is all you need to know. We are going to have the best time ever.” “You deserve a break. What with that ungrateful husband of yours.” “If I were you, I would have left him by now.” Brandy’s words took me by surprise. “He wasn’t always this way. The accident changed him.”
“Yeah. I cannot believe he actually came, though. He could be making a killing in the city.” Elizabeth added.
“Girrrl. Are you kidding? He only got worse after the accident. He used to take you for granted all the time. He is such a dog.”
“Sure I did. Her husband and I go way back.” The cabbie said winking. His smile a gold filled grin. The bling was almost blinding. He mood matched the bling in his mouth; festive.
“I never saw that.” My instinct was always to defend Joe.
“Ohhh. Thanks. So are you going to be with us all night?” I asked trying not to stare.
“Respect. That’s my husband you are talking about. I still love him.”
“No of course not. We don’t know how long we will be.” Brandy answered.
“Yep. I don’t know what is wrong with us nurses. We see a guy we know we should run
“A dog who can’t bark anymore. No wonder he is mad all the time.”
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clear away from and all we can think about is how to take care of them.” Elizabeth said. “You don’t have to love the rejects.” Brandy was proselyting, again. “Look who is talking.” I shot back. “Didn’t your husband leave you twice already for other women? And you keep taking him back.” Elizabeth looked out the window and said nothing. “That’s why we don’t want you in a bad situation. Elizabeth and I can handle our husbands but you can’t handle Joe when he is being mean. You have too good a heart. He’ll just walk over you.” It was Brandy who spoke. We knew she wore the pants in her house. Something I did not envy. I’d rather my man be a man. “He is in a chair, guys.” “Who put him there? His own stupidity, that’s what.” Ok enough. Oh my God…I had not noticed. Where did you get that bracelet, Elizabeth? I changed the topic. “Tony, for Christmas.” “Wow! Sometimes I wish I had your life.” ‘Yes I know. Until I start complaining about him never being home and me raising my stepkids all by myself.” 68
‘Oh let’s not forget he has a thing for curvaceous nurses, young and old.”
tonight? This is supposed to be a man-free fun night for us.”
“Let her be Elizabeth.” Brandy came to my defense. I had no “Stop it.” idea why Elizabeth was on my “What? He married another one, case tonight. Usually she was didn’t he? You should be proud. bragging about the wonderful You tamed Dr. I am God.” Bran- life she had with Dr. god. dy was laughing. “Suit yourself. I came to party.” “Whatever…We are here guys.” Elizabeth simply glided through the doors. The doormen stared “Where is here?” I was now very after her. She is very attractive. confused. “You’ll see.” “This is not Manhattan.” “We know. But we can see the fireworks and the ball drop from here.” “Are we really going in there?” I was incredulous as I stared at the majestic building with two not one doormen. It was obvious they were used to people who owned their own planes. “I have a key. We can stay all night. We can even invite whomever we want.” Elizabeth laughed as she said this. “This is not what I had in mind. My man may be a jerk in a wheelchair but I intend to stand by him.” “Ohh don’t be such a prude. It gets tiring to hear how much you love him. Men are jerks. When are you going to see that?” “Guys must we hate on men
“The Party is on the roof.” She said as the elevator opened to reveal our final destination. “I can’t believe I left my husband for… Oh my word .. holy cow. This is amazing!” “I told you you would like it.” “The view is incredible. How did you manage the tickets?” “Invitation for one of Antonio’s patients. The event planners did an incredible job. So you see, nothing bad can touch us here tonight.” “Let’s party!” I called out as I made my way into the crowd. The rhythmic call of the music was irresistible. “I must admit this is fun. How do the keep it so warm out here in the open?” What if it snows?” “You worry too much. It’s New Year’s Eve, live a little.” It was Brandy. I agreed. I should allow myself to live a little.
Issue 2
It was very easy to get lost in the excitement, the music, and the booze. Everyone looked so beautiful and happy. You would never imagine they had a care in the world. The food was scrumptious too. We ate and drank a little more than we should have. The theme of the night was not a care in the world. And by the time the ball dropped and balloons on the floor made it difficult to stand, we really had no more cares in the world. “Guys, I have to admit this is the best time I have had in a very long time. Thanks for bringing me.” I realy meant it, too. Burp. “Oh, scusi.” “Here we go, she is speaking Italian. She must be drunk as a skunk.” Brandy said as we took a second look at Elizabeth. There was no way she was making it anywhere without some physical assistance. “Qualsiasi. Whatever.” “We’ll need that room she reserved.” Brandy said handing me the keys. “For someone with a perfect English name, you show your husband’s roots whenever you are drunk.” Brandy and I practically dragged Elizabeth to the room the room number on the key. I couldn’t help but agree that the room reservation was a great idea. There was no way I was
going home now. In ten years of being together my husband had never once seen me drunk. Tonight was not going to be the exception. Burp. “Scusi. Excuse me.” Elizabeth said with such a grin on her face that I could not help but smile back. “Oh no, qui si tratta…”
for her as she sat on the floor, her Channel purse covered in puke. She really looked defeated.
“What happened? I thought he broke off the last affair.” “So did I. She texted him this morning. So I replied. He is not going on a business trip. He is not going on a business trip.”
When I confronted him, he asked for a divorce. Just like that. He said, “I want out.” He had the papers. He just threw them on the bed and walked out! Egli sta succedendo vaBurp. Scusi. Lo non volevo. canza con lei! To Rome! He is taking her to see his family! He “We know. You did not intend to wouldn’t take me, his wife! He do that. But it’s done. Why did is going with her. Why? Perche you drink so much? This is too succeed questo? much even for you.” Brandy was exasperated. “I don’t know why this is hapAlmost as soon as she warned us of a pending event, a stream of projectile vomitus wretched itself out of her body and into the now open doorway.
It was common knowledge Elizabeth could hold her drink, and boy did she drink. We sometimes joked that if she was not tanned all the time, her skin would be jaundiced. “Mi ha lasciato per lei.” “Huh? Speak English, you know I don’t understand Italian.” I said. Elizabeth started to cry. I was perplexed.
pening, Elizabeth. I am so sorry.” This was definitely not the time to tell her that a man who cheated on his first wife and married her was not to be trusted. Some men nest, while it is the lore of the chase that drives other men. Her husband it turned out was one of those. He loved the chase and only the chase. “I am soo sorry Elizabeth; so very sorry.” I meant it.
“The bastard he did it. After all I have put up with he has left. He f-----g left me for her! Mi ha lasciato per lei!”
“I learned Italian for him. I was supposed to meet his family.”
No translation needed. We got it. It was hard not to feel sorry
“I moved from Arkansas for him.”
“We know.”
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“We know.” ‘My parents don’t speak to me because of him.” “We know.” “Perche succeed questo? Egli sta succedendo vacanza con lei! I cannot live without him. I love him so much. So so very much. He is my life!” It was awful to see Elizabeth, the “sunshine girl” on the unit a patient dubbed her in this state. She really looked like the world had come to an end. Nothing we said could make her pain go away. Not tonight anyway. For the first time since I met
Elizabeth I actually felt sorry for her. Her whirlwind romance with Dr. god had turned into dust. The poor girl. She gave up so much for love. Even as I felt bad for her, I knew that she like myself will power through this because our patients need us to be strong for them. It is funny how work which makes us physically exhausted can also be our source of comfort. At that very moment I thought of my hubby; my dear nesting hubby. He may have become a drunk lately and lost use of his legs plus everything in between but one thing he had always been was loyal to me. He never
even looked at another woman when I was around. I was very thankful for him. I missed him. I missed him so much. I could not believe I actually spent NY’s Eve without him. I should be home. I’ll get a wash rag from the bathroom.” I said. Alone in the bathroom I called Joe. Before I could say anything, he said, “Honey you deserve better. I have no right to treat you this way. I will go to rehab and stay for as long as I need to. Whatever it takes. I do not want to lose you. Come home baby, come home to me. I love you.” I melted. Can you blame me? I have been in love with this guy for 10 years. So what if he couldn’t perform, there are other ways to give pleasure. He is my husband, he loves me, and I love him. We’ll find a way through this. This morning when I woke up, my kids were away from home. My husband rolled out of bed with a bottle in his hand cursing the stars in heaven. Today had started with a promise of being the worst day yet. But it was all turning around. This is why I love the New Year so much. We get another shot to do things over until we get it right. Here’s to hopping yours will turn out right, too. And here’s to hoping all the Elizabeths of the world find peace in the New Year. Happy New Year from new York!
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Planning
Issue 2
A TRIP
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raveling is part of the human nature. Our primitive ancestors traveled in search of better food, security, home and climates. Later, driven by the need for adventure and with fantasies of wealth, many traveled to unexplored regions. People traveled to conquer new regions, establish their own supremacy and to spread religions. Thus over times, there always had been travelers, who traveled for many reasons. But now there is a new breed of travelers - those who travel for the fun of travel and just to see other places and take a break from mundane life. If you are planning on a trip as a vacation and want to choose a destination, here are a few things that can help you select the right place.
Budget: Before you decide on where you will be traveling, take a look at your budget. How much money you are willing to spend for the travel? Then take look at places taking into account the number of people who will be coming along with you, the transport fare, hotel stay, food, cost of purchasing souvenirs there. Also include the cost of entertainment and activities that you plan to influence your destination. Shortlist the names of places
those fit your budget perfectly.
Time and Transport: Consider the number of days you will be allotting for your trip. Travel to places you can reach sooner, if you do not have much time in hand. Distance is not always a concern in the modern world. Sometimes you can go to a foreign country faster by flight than making a trip to a local place by road! So it would also be a wise thing to look at the mode of transport when you think of your commuting time. Do not spend too much time on the journey and end up compromising on the time for the destination. However in some cases, the fun of the trip is in the journey itself- for example if you plan to go on a cruise- this criterion can be secondary.
Security: Let’s face it, these are times of terrorism and no place is 100% safe. Nevertheless, it would be
really unwise to plan a trip to a place that is reputed to be a hotbed of violence. You have to look at the hygiene and sanitation, incidents of violence, crimes, thefts etc and the overall attitude of the place towards tourists before you narrow down your choices.
Personal preferences: Apart from those mentioned above, you have to always keep your own choice in mind. These choices include whether you like and the time when you plan to travel to a certain place should match. The place should also go with what you would like to do once you get there. Are you into adventure sports, sightseeing, art or simple fun? Choose accordingly. Do not make the final decision without consulting others who will be traveling with you. Enjoy your travel holiday, knowing that you have made the right choice. 71
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career 72
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n December’s issue we met Janet and Cori who were both in different places in their careers. Janet, as you may recall, is a brand new grad who is fresh out of school, pumped, and ready to make her mark in nursing. Cori, on the other hand, has been a nurse for a while and is suffering from a bad case of burn-out; as such, Cori has become restless and dissatisfied in her current position. She wants a change but is not sure about what she must do to find her dream job. Both nurses love nursing and want to continue in their chosen profession, helping people. Our challenge is to share different aspects of job hunting that will help them strategically find, apply for, interview, and land their dream job. In December’s issue, we discussed seven job search strategies. In this issue, we will shed light on networking strategies and internships. How can this benefit Cori and Janet? How does a nurse go about networking? Why would an experienced nurse ever consider an internship? These are the types of questions we will be answering, amongst others. What do networking and internships have in common? They are both a non-traditional way of looking for a job. They both require the job seeker to step outside their comfort zone and think outside the box. In our chosen field, internships can be viewed as a form of networking. When done right, you can transition from intern to employee. Let’s step outside our comfort zone for a minute. What does it mean to step outside your comfort zone?
Part 2 of 5 Issue 2
Networking & Internships
Dream Job Series Stepping Outside Your Comfort Zone
You see it time and time again. Some people who let opportunity pass them by simply because they are afraid. When looking for a job, they unintentionally let fear hold them back. They pass up opportunities, or fail to recognize an opportunity, because it will take them out of their comfort zone. Or they approach the entire job search process from a limited perspective. A prime example of this is Cori who has been a nurse for over 12 years. In, as much as, she decries her current state, in some ways she is in a state of inertia. The feeling of being stuck and the comfort of her environment have made her stay in this low paying job for over twelve years. Change does not come easily to a lot of people. As such, we
cannot underestimate the power of a comfort zone. The result? Long lasting feeling of burn out. It’s tough sometimes to step outside of your comfort zone. However, that’s often where the most promising opportunities are. Here are a few tips to help you look outside your own boundaries and structure to find your dream job:
1.
Take an honest look at any job opportunity that comes your way – even if it’s in a specialty you’ve never done before.
2.
Connect with new people in and outside of your industry. Since you have been trained as a nurse, your nursing skills will serve you well in any specialty area, and even outside of nursing too. You may find yourself enjoying a different experience and a new group of people.
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3.
Take a different job just to try it out. One of the reasons people stay inside their comfort zone is ego. They don’t want to do something different or ‘beneath them.’ However, sometimes any job is better than no job at all and there’s always something to learn.
4.
Try a new approach. If the old resume and cover letter to the classified ad posting isn’t working to get you a job, try a new approach. Register to volunteer and network. There are many ways to find great jobs and many of them don’t involve the traditional methods.
5.
In the meantime, do something you want to do. What do you enjoy? What have you always wanted to try or learn? Do it now. For example, if you’ve always wanted to become a teacher, start volunteering at your local school. If you’ve always wanted to learn how to cook, take a cooking class.
comfort zone and network. Networking is said to be the single most effective way of landing a job. What is networking? And how does one network in nursing?
What is Networking?
Networking is a fancy term for getting out and talking to people. It’s connecting with people you know and forging real relationships and friendships. Some people view networking as calling up everyone they know and saying, “Hey, I’m looking for a job.” And while this strategy may work, it’s a bit like throwing spaghetti at the wall to see what sticks. Others view networking as a calculated way of joining groups and targeting key individuals to meet them and ask them to hire you. That’s stalking, not networking. It rarely works.
Networking is becoming actively engaged in the nursing indusWhy? Because this is the first try. Even if you’re not currently step to getting you out of your employed it doesn’t mean that comfort zone. And because mangers have stopped going when you’re doing something to nursing association meetings you love to do, opportunities and community events. It really will come to you. You’ll meet is a small world and when you people in that cooking class who make friends with people and know the perfect job that just talk, you’ll learn what healthcare opened up. You’ll be there and companies and nursing units are ready when that position opens hiring. up and because you made such a great impression, you’ll get Networking is also attending the job. your local community events. Talking to your neighbors and Stepping out of your comfort your daughter’s coach or scout zone is more than a life experience. To get a job in today’s job leader. They’re connected to the community and conversamarket, it’s a survival tactic. tions can be enlightening, if not rewarding. How Networking Can
Help In Your Job Search As mentioned above, it is a good idea to step out of your 74
One of the best ways to get a job is to learn about it from a
friend, neighbor or associate. Why? Because then you have a connection to the job itself. This can get you an interview without ever having to send a resume. Or it can put your resume and application at the top of the pile. It can also help you better understand the company before you ever set foot inside the door. And an employee referral is almost as good as a “welcome to the team” handshake.
Where to Network
We’ve already mentioned a few offline places to network. You can network at: • Industry association or organization meetings • Little league games • The grocery store • Social club meetings (like your local book club or running club) You can also network online. Networking online works in much the same way as offline networking. You connect with people via blogs, nursing forums, and social networking sites like Facebook and LinkedIn. You interact, communicate and engage with others. Often, you’ll learn about opportunities in your industry. The key with online networking is to make real connections and to be professional and courteous, at all times. If you’re looking for a job or want to change your job, freshen up your social skills and get out there. There are opportunities just waiting for you, you just have to find the right people to show them to you.
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before you pass your NCLEX exam. It’s also a great way for you to try out a company before you sign a contract with them.
Volunteering
Another way companies are solving their hiring issues is to fill positions with volunteers and internships. There are paid and unpaid internships and they can be a valuable way to both earn experience and get your foot in the door at a company. Volunteer positions help you meet people within the organization and you’re often the first person to know outside of human resources when a new job is going to be posted. This gives you an advantage over other job seekers.
How Internships & Volunteering Can Help You Land A Permanent Position
Times are still tough for everyone. The economy is improving yet many are still unemployed. Companies are tight too. However, this present job situation also presents opportunities. When the budget is tight, many companies hire temporary employees. This is because the budget for temporary and/or contract employees generally comes from a different account than full time salaried employees. Additionally, temporary and contract employees cost a company less in the long run because they don’t have to pay benefits, payroll taxes, or invest in protracted training , healthcare, and retirement benefits.
Internships
As a person looking for employment you can use a temporary position such as an internship to gain access to an organization. This is assuredly the most effective networking technique. Many mangers hire from their pool of interns. This is because during your internship you are vetted by the people you will be working with. Internship is also another way to learn a new skill. So if you are a seasoned ICU nurse but have never worked with open hearts, an internship is a fine way to begin. Or you might be an Oncology nurse that is interested in transitioning to Hemodialysis. Moreover, if you are a student a job as a graduate nurse or intern will help you put one foot inside the door, well ahead of other job seekers; even
Hospitals are common for using volunteers to fill positions as are non-profit organizations. You can find internships and volunteer positions in much the same way as you will find a permanent position; use the job search strategies discussed in last month’s issue to get you started. If you want to be proactive you can call the company to find out if they have any openings or needs. Once you’re in a volunteer or an intern, make sure that people around your know you’re interested in working for the company on a full time, salaried basis. If you’re doing a good job, they may find ways to bring you on. Get creative and open yourself up to new strategies when seeking a job. That internship may lead you to your best job ever. 75
Things Patients & Families Say... Fabulous Nurse magazine
Patient: You look awfully young to be a nurse. You do have to graduate before you can work as a nurse, right?
Nurse: Yes ma’am. That’s why my badge says RN on it. I had to graduate AND take the national exam to work here. Patient: (pauses for a minute) Hmmm...They farm you guys younger and younger each year. It is hard to keep up...
legs so the foley catheter insertion remains a sterile procedure. Spouse: Good luck finding what you are looking for. I have not been able to for years.
Nurse: She is very sick. Right now she is in shock and has not been responding to our treatments.
Spouse: He normally has the runs ALL the time. Be prepared to have a fun night. I’ll see you in the morning. Moments later - “code brown” alert. Housekeeping and three staff members were required to clean the bed, rails, & floor. New aide: I had no idea anyone could have that much s--t inside of them.
Patient: I am happy you still work here. I have been thinking about you. It was worth getting my neck cut open to see you one more time.
Spouse: If she dies, I’ll kill you.
Nurse: Welcome to nursing.
Nurse: Can anyone say, “code silver”
Thankfully the patient was too sick and therefore blissfully unaware.
Nurse: Stunned silence...
Spouse: I don’t think the other nurses thought this through.
Patient: Help me put it in the urinal. I can’t from this position. Nurse: Glad to help. Patient: Don’t go. I’ll need you to shake it when I’m done. I’ll only be a minute. Nurse: (under the breadth) Oh boy, here we go...
Nurse: (Calling the nurses’ station) I’ll need a couple more hands in here. Patient: You’ll need more than that. This is as far as I can open up. Nurse: I’m sure we can handle it ma’am. I just need a couple more people to help hold your 76
Nurse: What do you mean? Spouse: The other nurse had the bright idea to start him on an aggressive bowel program. Nurse: I am aware. It was passed on to me in report. Why is that a problem?
Issue 2
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Finance
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Gas
three Mileage Savers
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uring hard economic times frugal spending is the key to making your budget stretch far. One way to avoid blowing cash you can use on something else is to save on gas. Here is what we suggest:
1. The green alternative. You can ride a bus to go to work, school or to run your errands. Catch a train or subway whenever you can. Carpool with friends and colleagues. In some cities there are carpool hotlines you can call to ride with likeminded individuals. This can be a great way to network, meet new people, save the planet and some change. Not a bad way to go!
2. Highway driving. Your car uses more care when you drive very fast, usually greater than 70 miles/hour. If you must drive at this speed or higher, put up all your windows to limit drag and resistance. Your car will not have to work as hard to overcome the force of air pushing your car backwards.
3. Local driving. Local driving involves a lot of stop and go because of traffic lights. Also if you were driving at crawl speed on the highway, the tendency is to follow the stop and go pattern of other cars. This adds to the wear and tear of your car, even as you burn gas money. The best way to drive under such circumstances is to keep a good distance be-
tween you and the car ahead of you. This way, you can drive at a constant speed with little stop and go. This might not sound like a lot but if you spend a considerable amount of time on the road, it adds up.
4. Tire Check the air gauge of all two or four tires regularly. A tire that is filled to its recommended limit drives more efficiently and uses less gas. Well, there you have it. Four easy gas saving tips you can start using today. Happy savings. 79
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Fabulous Nurse magazine
oreclosure is affecting more Americans than ever before. You see it on the news constantly, and are always hearing about the crumbling housing market and the people that are losing their homes because they can’t afford to pay their mortgage. Too many of these people waited too long to do something about their financial troubles, or got in over their head with their purchase, and are now paying for their mistakes. If you want to know the easiest answer to how to avoid foreclosure, you might be surprised at how simple it really is. The best way to avoid foreclosure is to never get a loan that you can’t afford to pay back. Many of the people that are facing foreclosure in today’s economy were buying homes in a good market years ago, when mortgage companies and banks were happy to lend $200,000 to the people who barely made enough to make the monthly payment on a loan of that size. They figured the economy would improve over time, and people would be just fine paying back their loans. Now, both the banks and the borrowers alike are paying for their decision, which leaves many homeowners trying to figure out how to avoid foreclosure. If you are past the point of overpaying for a home or buying more than you can afford, you might be wondering how to
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Avoid Home
avoid foreclosure at this point in the game. First, you need to assess your financial situation. • Get rid of any expenses that aren’t necessary. • Pay off credit cards if you can, avoid wasting money on entertainment or unnecessary expenses, and re-evaluate your financial ability to repay your debts. • Get help from a credit counselor if you need it, because you can find many solutions that you might not have thought of on your own. • If it comes to a matter of not being able to pay at all, call your
mortgage company or bank. Many times, these people are willing to work with homeowners to help them avoid foreclosure by changing the terms of the loan, extending longer grace periods, or offering hardship assistance for those who have lost their jobs or taken a pay cut. In 2009, President Obama stated that there was a refinance and loan modification plan in the works for the several thousands of Americans suffering from pending foreclosures. Depending upon your homeownership status and how much you are struggling with the recent economic turmoil, you may qualify under the Obama Refinance and Loan Modification Plan.
• There must be an unpaid balance that is equal to or less than $729,750 • Financial hardship must be proven. An affidavit is required • Your mortgage payment must be more than 38% of your gross income. Your gross income is the amount of money you make prior to taxes being removed. If you meet these conditions, visit your lender today to see if you can qualify for a loan modification on your existing mortgage.
There are two parts to Obama’s plan. Loan modification is the first part. The loan modification is not a new loan; rather it is a modification on your current mortgage. If you qualify for the modification, you and your lender will work to establish new terms on your existing mortgage. To qualify for the loan modification you must meet the following conditions: • Loan must be financed through Freddie Mac or Fannie Mae • This must be your primary residence • Mortgage must be originated before January 1, 2009
Issue 2
rent market value If you meet these requirements and you would like to refinance your home, visit your lender to see what can be done. Although the Obama Refinance and Loan Modification Program is government run, it never hurts to consult your real estate attorney. An attorney can read a contract better than you can and make sure that you are not missing any key points. The program is designed to help existing homeowners save their homes from potential foreclosure.
The only rule in learning how to avoid foreclosure is that you need to do something. Understandably, many people feel hopeless and defeated. The worst thing that you can do if you are in this situation is to do nothing. Take an active role in your financial troubles, no matter how hard it might be. Find out what options you have, and • The home must be occupied take action. Before proceeding, by you, the owner talk to a financial consultant, accountant or lawyer to see if • Mortgage payments for the past year must have been made these correcting actions apply to on time or no more than 30 days you. late Remember: The only real way to avoid foreclosure in today’s • You must have the income to economy is to take a stand and support the new mortgage fight to do whatever it takes to save your home. • The loan must be financed The other part of the Obama plan is the refinancing of your existing mortgage. If you refinance your home, you will be taking on a new mortgage with new terms. Like the modification plan, there are requirements that you must meet in order to be considered.
through Freddie Mac or Fannie Mae • The mortgage you currently hold must be worth between 80% - 105% of the home’s cur81
Boost Your Fabulous Nurse magazine
Inc$me With Etsy
E
tsy is a popular site for retailing handmade products. The site is based in the United States. However, people from other countries can sell there as well. Why should you sell there? One of the reasons is that it is one of the biggest marketplaces for hand-made items. So you can really boost your popularity by using it. It’s a very secure site, which means you don’t have to worry about your personal information getting stolen by a third party. And they accept many forms of payment, such as cash, check, PayPal, and so on. However, while there are lots of potential customers that use it, there is also a lot of competition. So you can’t just put something up and expect it to sell. Here are four tips for making money on the site: #1) Do good product research Without knowing what sells, you won’t make a lot of money. So if you are marketing hand-made t-shirts, first check and see the average selling price of comparable t-shirts on the site. If the sale price isn’t sufficient to make a big profit, either market another product or sell your t-shirts somewhere else. #2) Use pictures This will make your product
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stand out, because a picture is worth a thousand words. #3) Be active on the Etsy forum This will help you establish yourself as an expert. Therefore it will be more likely that people will listen to you. Engaging your customers is one of the best strategies for making money. Make sure to ask them a lot of questions about what they want, and provide useful answers. Giving away great free information is the best way to brand yourself an expert. #4) Have a good profile Don’t just use your profile to talk about things like payment methods and return policy. This is not interesting. Instead, tell a little of your story here, such as why you are selling your particular product, what got you into it, and what keeps you motivated. Incorporating personality into your business is important. Customers do not buy from
businesses; they buy from people. So bringing your personality into your marketing is smart. Keep the paragraphs short and to the point, and emphasize your passions for the topic. Also, mention rewards or publicity you’ve gotten. If you’ve received a write-up in a popular niche magazine or the newspaper, mention it here! This gives you more credibility, and will help build you as an expert without being a blatant ad. So Etsy is a great site for making money - when you do it right. However, you can’t just throw something up and expect it to sell. Instead, you need to brand yourself as an expert. This is how to make a lot of money on Etsy, selling items you are passionate about.
No better time
Issue 2
The solid facts are, no matter if you are 25 or 55, there is no time like the present. One of the big debates is that a person who can put away $1,000 a month when they are 18 will be much better off than someone who waits until they are 28 to start saving. This debate doesn’t make much sense because not too many 18 year olds have $1,000 a month to start stashing away for a rainy day. When you are older, funds are typically more readily available.
Saving For Retirement
W
hen you start talking about saving for retirement, have you ever noticed that neither money nor age are the first things to come up? Actually, money and age aren’t anywhere in the picture. Go ahead, ask someone, anyone, about when they think is the best time to start saving for retirement and see what kind of answers you get. The older generations wish they started saving sooner while the younger generations figure they have plenty of time to start. Time is apparently the commodity in abundance or severe lack, but either way, it turns out that time is of the essence. What exactly does this mean? I am glad you asked. Let’s take a good look at when is the best time to start saving for retirement.
Best Time To Start
Younger is better The younger you are when you start investing, the more money you will have gaining interest over a longer period of time. This will help out in the long run, due to the magic of compounding interest. Sure, having a bigger bank account would be great and going out with friends on the weekends is a lot of fun, but putting a chunk of your earnings away will reward you a hundred-fold in fifty years. Older has an advantage Sure, $15,000 compounding over fifty years sounds appealing, but why not wait until you get that big promotion before you start saving? After all, your company is matching your contributions dollar for dollar right now. Not only that, but it is much easier to max out all of your retirement accounts each year now, versus when you were young.
While putting money away at 18 would be fantastic, there are limited options available for retirement planning. Not many younger people are working in a career with the benefits of company retirement programs such as stock options, 401(k) and the entire fund matching incentive. You see, the 18 year old has to put all $1,000 in the account himself or herself while the adult working in the corporate world with benefits like this only has to put $500 and the company will match. Compounding interest is not a force to be taken lightly. Think about the old adage; ‘which would you rather have, a million dollars today or a penny doubled every day for a month?’ Do the calculations yourself if needed, but I can tell you compounded interest is the answer. There are benefits to starting at both ends of the spectrum, but why wait for another day? Go ahead and take advantage of as many of the positives you can and start saving for retirement today. After all, it is only the rest of your life we are talking about.
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Fabulous Nurse magazine
Ring In The New Year! With Alford Lord Tennyson
Ring out the old, ring in the new, Ring, happy bells, across the snow: The year is going, let him go; Ring out the false, ring in the true. Ring out the grief that saps the mind, For those that here we see no more, Ring out the feud of rich and poor, Ring in redress to all mankind. Ring out the want, the care the sin, The faithless coldness of the times; Ring out, ring out my mournful rhymes, But ring the fuller minstrel in. Ring out false pride in place and blood, The civic slander and the spite; Ring in the love of truth and right, Ring in the common love of good. Ring out old shapes of foul disease, Ring out the narrowing lust of gold; Ring out the thousand wars of old, Ring in the thousand years of peace.
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L O L
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Six Wacky
Fabulous Nurse magazine
Ny's Resolutions 1. 2.
I will ask mother to stop wearing her lipstick. My wife insists I am cheating on her.
I will stop sneaking up on animals and taking pictures of them...doing their business. It really is none of my business.
3. 4. 5. 6.
I will help out more with house chores. I found a $20 bill and now it’s addictive. I will be try to be more creative. A lawnmower is not a romantic Valentine’s Day gift. I will try not to believe everything I read on the internet. Google is not God spelled wrong. So many men, so little time – I will make more time.
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JOKES
General Humor
Issue 2
A Fisherman’s Tale
Two fellas are fishing in a boat under a bridge. One looks up and sees a funeral procession starting across the bridge. He stands up, takes off his cap, and bows his head. The procession crosses the bridge and the man puts on his cap, picks up his rod and reel, and continues fishing. The other guy says, “That was touching. I didn’t know you had it in you.” The first guy responds, “Well, I guess it was the thing to do - after all, I was married to her for 40 years.
25 Things To Do In The Mall 1. Ride mechanical horses with coins fished out of the reflecting pond.
Nursing Humor
A brand new graduate nurse walks into an examination room to find the doctor upset and agitated. He was shouting at the top of his voice, “Typhoid!” “Polio!” “Tetanus!” “Measles!” Confused, the graduate nurse turns to another nurse and asks, “What the heck is he doing?” “Oh, don’t worry,” the senior nurse replies. “He just likes to call the shots around here.”
2. Try pants on backwards at the Gap. Ask the salesperson if they make your butt look big. 3. Dial 900 numbers from demonstration phones in Radio Shack. 4. Sneeze on the sample tray at Hickory Farms and helpfully volunteer to consume its now unwanted contents. 5. At the bottom of an escalator, scream ‘MY SHOELACES! AAAGH!’ 6. Ask the sales personnel at the music store whether inflated CD prices are in pesos or rubles. 7. Teach pet store parrots new vocabulary that makes them unsalable. 8. Stomp on ketchup packets at Burger King.. 9. ..but save a few to slurp on as snacks. Tell people that they’re ‘astronaut food’. 10. Follow patrons of B. Dalton’s around while reading aloud from ‘Dianetics.’ 11. Ask mall cops for stories of World War I. 12. Ask a salesman why a particular TV is labeled black and white and insist that it’s a color set. When he disagrees, give him a strange look and say, ‘You mean you really can’t see it?’ 13. Construct a new porch deck in the tool department of Sears.
14. Wear pancake makeup and new clothes and pose as a fashion dummy in clothes departments, occasionally screaming without warning. 15. Test mattresses in your pajamas. 16. Ask the tobacconist if his hovercraft is full of eels. 17. If you’re patient, stare intently into a surveillance camera for an hour while rocking from side to side. 18. Sprint up the down escalator. 19. Stare at static on a display TV and challenge other shoppers whether they, too, can see the ‘hidden picture’. 20. Ask appliance personnel if they have any TVs that play only in Spanish. 21. Make unusual requests at the Piercing Pagoda. 22. Ask a salesperson in the hardware department how well a particular saw cuts through bone. 23. At the pet store, ask if they have bulk discounts on gerbils, and whether there’s much meat on them. 24. Ask for red-tinted lenses at the optometrist. 25. Hula dance by the demonstration air conditioner. Rodney D. one liner: My mother never breast fed me. She told me that she only liked me as a friend 87
Fabulous Nurse magazine
Ode to the
Classic Cartoons Betty Boop Betty Boop is a raven head figure eight beauty with pouty lips and flirtatious eyes. Who dreamed this one up? Genius. From its debut in the 1930’s through the present, this cartoon figure has melted the hearts of many young boys, now men. Before Barbie came along, many a young girl and wife wished they had the quintessential girly habits and looks of this delightful character. It is a mark of greatness that she is still relevant some seventy years later.
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Tom & Jerry Try watching re-runs of this cartoon while eating a pintsized tub of Tom & Jerry icecream. How cliché is that? We love this fun cat and mouse rivalry that just for fun we would do exactly that; dorky as it might be.
any more cartoons deserve to make our list but there are only so many pages in a magazine. Email us and post your suggestions on our blog. Cartoons provide a guilt-free healthy dose of entertainment. You will LOL and reap the many benefits of joyful living. If you think cartoons are for kids only, you are missing out on a world of fun. As Porky Pig would say, “that’s all folks.”
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Popeye the Sailor Man If you are a parent, and your children can’t stand vegetables, read several Popeye cartoons. The subliminal message is clear. Eat your vegetable like Popeye did and you too shall be transformed from a frail kid that gets picked on at school to a powerfully built muscular character. Spinach; it does the body good. This classic is a must have if you collect cartoons and still has themes that are relevant today.
Issue 2
There are nurses
and there are
fabulous nurses...
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