With springtime drawing near, people may begin to notice the blooming flowers, warm weather and opportunities for travel over spring break. However, these factors may cause risks to a person’s health. To combat this and make an effort toward a healthier lifestyle, the Clarion spoke with Chair of the Nursing Department Janice Mains.
She has spent her career in nursing education, in addition to 15 years as a critical care nurse in the intensive care unit at the Miami Valley Hospital.
Mains offered advice for staying healthy to students.
What is the proper procedure if you’re with someone that might have broken a bone?
If a fracture is suspected, the patient will require an x-ray. Typically you could transport the patient yourself; but if the bone is exposed through the skin, I advise calling [the emergency medical service.] In fact, EMS should be called anytime an injured patient is experiencing severe pain and anytime someone has been unconscious, even for a very short time.
If a person becomes dehydrated, what should they do?
People who over-exercise, spend too much time in the sun or drink alcohol are at risk of dehydration. The best treatment is prevention. People need to drink water or a sports type drink (Gatorade) to compensate during all three activities. If someone becomes severely dehydrated, he/she may need intravenous therapy (infusion of liquid directly into the vein).
For those who are active and go overboard, what’s an effective way to treat common aches and pains?
People who have been fairly sedentary may begin exercise and athletic activities, resulting in strains and injuries. People need to remember to stretch and warm up before most activities. If someone suffers a strain or sprain, basic care with elevation, ice and anti-inflammatory over-the-counter medicines may be helpful.
What is an effective way to combat allergies?
If you know of any, what are some home remedies?
Many people suffer seasonal allergies. Springtime brings flowering trees and shrubbery, which may cause allergy symptoms. There are many over-the-counter medicines to treat allergy symptoms. A home remedy many people rely on is using local honey. The value of eating local honey is that the bees obtained nectar from local trees and it is the local foliage that may be causing the allergic response.
Is there anything else that you’d like to include that I may not be aware of that you’d like to bring to light?
Springtime also brings spring breaks, often a time of travel. Every year, we hear of communities grieving the loss of someone due to a car accident. We are all aware that no one should be operating any vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs — this includes many prescription medicines. And during spring break, drivers are often “driving straight through,” meaning they do not stop to rest. We have many fatigued drivers, often on unfamiliar roads and highways, during every hour of the day or night. The newest contributor to accidents is texting and driving; this is a distraction and has no place behind the wheel, so people need to be aware of their vulnerabilities.