PARISHNURSE
HEALTHYSUMMER
It has been a while since I wrote an
article for the newsletter. Now we have
gone, “high tech”, I am now fortunate to write to the website for not only the
congregation, but for those touched by the website. Since Summer came in practically on the
first of June, I think it is important to remind you of a few summer tips for
protection. Protect your skin from the
sun; protect your skin and body from dehydration, and to protect your GI tract
from unsafe foods.
Protect your skin from the rays of the sun:
Be
sure to wear sunscreen daily. Make it
part of your daily routine to apply each and every day. It will decrease your
potential for skin cancer. (Be sure to
have your skin checked annually by your physician). Moisturize your skin, also. Drinking water will also help with
moisturizing the skin.
Protect yourself from dehydration:
If you are
exercising, you should be taking in 8-12 eight ounce glasses of water per
day. If you are thirsty, you are already
dehydrated so drink a glass for your thirst and a glass to re-hydrate yourself.
Our bodies are amazing, but there comes a time we need to be aware of what is
happening internally. If you are working
outside, pre-hydrate and double your intake for that time outside. Even in the air-conditioning, one
perspires. That is our own personal
temperature regulating system. The
intake of water is the only way to maintain that system.
Protect your GI tract from unsafe foods:
Prepare
chicken on a separate cutting board than the other meats. Be sure to clean board with hot soapy water and
completely dry as soon as you are finished using it. Washing your hands is just as important. Be sure to keep cold things cold and hot
things hot. Be sure to place anything
with creamy or mayonnaise base on ice. Use a warming plate to keep those yummy meats hot. Don’t forget your condiments. Your GI tract handles things(microbes) daily,
but let’s not try it for more than it
can handle.
Protect each other:
We have already had Severe Low Quality Index days. Check in on the elderly in your neighborhood. Make sure they have air-conditioning and are drinking their water. If you find them confused, have them drink some water, cool them with a cool washrag and call 911, as they are severely dehydrated and need medical intervention. Offer water to the homeless by carrying a few bottles in your car.
“As you do it to the least of these, you have done I unto Me.” (Jesus)
Blessings, Karen Curtis, MSN,RN,
Parish Nurse for Antioch Christian Church.