Wellness Notes – October, 2011

For as in one body we have many members, and not all the members have the same function”   (Romans 12:4)

The National Wellness Calendar indicates a number of areas of focus for October.

October is Eye Injury Prevention Month, also National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and National Medical Librarians Month.  Let’s take note of each of these areas of wellness.

Have you had your annual eye exam, assuring your sight is the best it can be?

Are you wearing protective eye wear when you do craft, home, or outdoor tasks?

Are your eye drops recommended by your eye Doctor?  Some can damage rather than heal.

Ladies, have you had your annual mammogram?  Recent information from the National Cancer Institute indicates not EVERYONE needs as frequent a screening.  Check with your Physician about your individual risk factors, genetic concerns, age, and overall health as you plan your mammogram schedule.  High Risk individuals often benefit from breast MRI as well as mammogram.  Be sure you know what is best for YOU!!

Breast health responds well to daily exercise, stress management, and low fat meal planning.

Be sure you are doing your monthly self breast exams without fail.

Honor your local Medical Librarians:

Check out the wonderful new Medical Library at VVMC (located just behind the gift shop) where the Librarians are helpful in finding the latest and best information for your needs.

Check out online information nbcamquestions@yahoo.com and  www.nbcam.org

Our church librarians have new and interesting web sites and information about new cancer treatments and awareness. Be sure to talk with them.

Wellness awareness and illness prevention is such an individual thing, but ‘as we are one body with many members and not all members have the same function’,  so there are many theories and methods of attaining wellness and we need to be educated consumers.

BE WELL—-BE WISE—BE INFORMED

Alice Stephenson BSN,RN,PN

Parish Nurse Consultant

(602-290-0164)

Leave a Comment

19 − 7 =