Hand washing

Chances are, you don't wash your hands as often or as well as you should! In health care, hand washing is so vital, an entire nursing practicum class was dedicated to the washing of our hands. After coating our hands in a substance called, "Germ Juice" we were instructed to perform hand washing as we normally would in every day situations. The next step was to place our hands under a black light and see how much of the substance was left over. Even though I scrubbed vigorously, my hands looked disgusting under the black light! This was an interesting lesson learned, and ever since I have been more conscious of my hand washing. Considering all of my blogs so far have been based on the prevention of illness, I figured this topic was one that could not be skipped. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention did a study on hand washing and found that:

- the human influenza virus can survive on surfaces for a surprising two to eight hours
- A staggering one out of three Americans skips hand washing after going to the bathroom.
-Only 30% of people who have coughed or sneezed into their hands wash their hands afterward.
-In a survey of junior high and high school boys and girls, only 58% of girls and 48% of boys wash up after using the restroom (CDCP, 2007).

Protect your own health, and the health of those around you. Lather up!

(2007). Hand washing Centers for Disease Control and

Prevention.Retrieved on December 1, 2008 from http://www.cdc.gov/

Have an Extra 30 Minutes?

To avoid the freshman fifteen I have been attending the gym regularly. In learning about the benefits of prevention of illness in my nursing classes, regular exercise seems to be a common theme. After researching, I found that the average person could really benefit from a mere 30 minutes per day. You could reduce the risk of many conditions, including obesity, heart disease, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, stroke and certain types of cancer (Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 2008). All you need to do is jump on an elliptical, hit the track or the great outdoors. Raise your heart rate, and enjoy the benefits! As I discussed in my previous blog, I am also looking for ways to stay away from illness. According to the Mayo Clinic, "Aerobic exercise activates your immune system. This leaves you less susceptible to minor viral illnesses, such as colds and flu." (Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 2008).
So, go on. Reduce the risks of disease, and give your immune system a boost. It only takes 30 minutes.

BURN OUT

"Nursing Burnout" is a term we hear often. It can be described as a seriously stressed feeling, and inability to cope in everyday situations. The reality is, anyone can suffer from burnout. As a nursing student, I am finding it difficult to manage the amount of work due, along with the amount of studying I need to do to be successful. This sounds very framiliar to most of us as we approach our final exams. Many of us over load ourselves with busy scheduals and extreme work loads. Personally, I believe the best way to avoid burn out is to recognize the problem and figuring out ways you could adjust your environment to reduce stressful situations. Although eliminating stress is impossible, learning how to manage it in a positive way, is very beneficial. I try to set aside one hour per day to focus on myself. I'll read a non school related book, watch tv, enjoy food, or go for a walk. Anything! For one full hour my mind is not thinking about spot testing, the functions of the nervous system or what could possibly be on the praxis exam.

Go on, give yourself one hour.
See what difference it makes in your stress levels.
You deserve it.

Flu Season!

Well, it's that time of year again! Flu shot season. With the University's hallways plastered in posters, and free offerings of the flu vaccination, it's difficult to deny it. I received my flu vaccination yesterday, and I'm happy about my choice. Living in residence, I find it really difficult to stay healthy. After spending the first three weeks living here sick, and now battling mono, I feel as though I made a valuable choice in receiving it. I have a hard time understanding why people don't receive the shot. Many people believe they can obtain the flu from getting the shot. (As shown in this image!) This is a very popular misconception. As described by the Center of for Disease Control and Prevention, the vaccination is made from a killed virus, so it is not possible to get the flu from the shot (CDCP, 2008). Others complain about the pain from receiving the shot. From my experience, I can promise you, you will survive. The choice is yours, but I believe any step in preventing illness is worth the effort.
(2008). Let's Beat the Flu. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The importance of technology in health care

I believe that the use of technology is very beneficial in overcoming communication barriers in health care. An example of newer technology in health care this would be the use of electronic health records. The use of electronic health records enables better communication through the health care team, forming a stronger network in the hospital. The patient’s information is readily available and updated, this is vital if the patient is transferring units or facilities. Since time is spent on documentation, more time can be spent creating a better quality of care for patients. Therefore, technology is very important in the progression of health care.

A little about myself..

Hello, my name is Angie Miller! I am a first year nursing student at the University of Ontario. This is my first attempt at creating a blog. I have mixed feelings about the use of blogs, I don’t have any experience with them and I hope to learn more. I think they are a valuable tool in communication if used properly. It will be interesting to read other people’s blogs who are studying nursing; I believe I will be able to gain valuable information this way. As seen in my Information and Communication in Technology class, it is important to know who your audience is. I hope to create a blog that is visually appealing and interesting to fellow nursing students.