The Impact of Maternal Stress on Infants

Scientists at the University of Wisconsin-Madison have recently given us even more reason to take the effects of stress seriously. According to the newest results of a longitudinal population study, girls who are born into families with high levels of stress are more likely to suffer from anxiety and disruptions in brain function as teenagers. The study, published in the…

continue reading +

When Times Get Tough

I must admit that it is so much easier for me to have a positive attitude when life is going well. But boy, can it be a slippery slope when things get tough! Over the past few months, I have been paying more attention to the way that I react when disappointments come up. My friend, Jen, has been an…

continue reading +

Colonoscopies Save Lives and Money

colonoscopy, colon cancer, prevent colon cancer

Dear Fellow Nurse, Of the many reasons I was not thrilled to turn fifty, the thought of getting a colonoscopy was at the top of the list. So I did what many people do; I postponed having it done. I thought, “I’m healthy, and I am not at high risk for colon cancer. Do I really need to do this…

continue reading +

What Nurses Should Know About Smoking Cessation and Seasonality

Did you know that contrary to popular belief, cigarette sales in the U.S.peak during the summer months? While there have only been a few studies focusing on the influence of seasonality on smoking behavior, research suggests that there are “several factors contributing to the effect of seasonality on cigarette consumption” including weather conditions, summer vacation, timing of cessation efforts, and smoking restriction…

continue reading +

The Power of the Mind July 2012

Dear Fellow Nurse, As July 4th approaches, I am reminded of a surprising story about Thomas Jefferson and John Adams. Strikingly, these founding fathers both died on the 50th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, July 4, 1826! Herbert Benson, MD, a world-renowned leader in mind-body medicine shared this remarkable story during a training program to illustrate…

continue reading +

The Freedom of Forgiveness

Several years ago I read a heart-wrenching and inspiring story about Kai, a five year old Boston girl. Kai had been paralyzed at age three when a stray bullet severed her spinal cord. Sadly, stories about innocent bystanders getting caught in the midst of violent acts are not unique, but Kai and her family’s response to the accident caught the attention of the media….

continue reading +

10 Great Apps for Nurses

Great nursing apps

From smart phones to tablets, technology, in some form or another, has become integral to both our personal and work life. In recent years, health care professionals have begun to utilize modern mobile technologies to readily access information and more efficiently care for their patients. Here are 10 phone apps that you may find helpful in your nursing practice: MedCalc…

continue reading +

The Skinny on Sweeteners

We’ve all heard countless warnings about how sugar rots our teeth, makes us gain weight, causes hyperactivity and hypertension, and is linked to cardiovascular disease and an array of cancers. However, if you’ve browsed through the sweetener aisle at the store recently, you may have noticed that sweeteners (both natural and artificial) have been snatching up more and more shelf…

continue reading +

Nurses’ Health Study Findings May 2012

Dear Fellow Nurse, Did you know that thanks to over 235,000 female nurses we have gained a greater understanding of the factors that influence women’s health? The Nurses’ Health Study (NHS), which began in 1976 and was expanded (NHS II) in 1989, collects data from dedicated nurse–participants about disease, hormone use, menopause status and lifestyle factors. Amazingly, response rates to…

continue reading +

Buddha on Health

“To keep the body in good health is a duty, for otherwise we shall not be able to trim the lamp of wisdom, and keep our mind strong and clear. Water surrounds the lotus flower, but does not wet its petals.”  ~Buddha