What's New at Guardian Nurses
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Family Turns to Guardian Nurses for Help
When Mr. Daniels (not his real name) was diagnosed with prostate cancer, his wife was telling her co-worker that both she and her husband were "at a loss" for what to do, where to go, who to see, and what questions to ask about her husband's cancer.
Referred to us by her co-worker, a nurse advocate called that night to speak with the patient and his wife to better understand what they needed. After learning of an upcoming appointment with a local urologist who specialized in cancer, the nurse offered to accompany the couple to the appointment. They readily agreed. That began the relationship that would last through their long journey of treatment.
The couple and their family expressed their gratitude at the successful completion of his treatment. "We would have been lost without you."
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Happy
St.Patrick's Day!
Since EVERYONE is Irish on
March 17th,
we want to wish everyone a Happy
St. Patrick's Day!
And, if you're making summer weekend plans, pencil in the
Philadelphia
Irish Festival
Sunday June 6, 2010
at Penn's Landing
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Last month, we recognized American Heart Month. This month, our thoughts turn to spring and renewal (and the start of another Phillies season.) When we think of renewal, who doesn't think about eating better. Maybe that's why the American Dietetic Association celebrates National Nutrition Month this month. Though most of us know that we should be "eating right," it's hard to stay on track. We are sharing suggestions from the ADA website in the hope that you might adopt several into your life, or at the very least try them out. If you do, you'll likely lose weight and feel energized, not to mention markedly improve the overall quality of your diet.
Eat well and enjoy!
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National Nutrition Month
21 Tips & Tricks to Boost Your Nutritional Fitness*
- Have breakfast within an hour or two of waking up; try to include 1 cup low fat/skim milk, 1/2 oz nuts/seeds or 1 Tbsp nut butter or 1 egg, and at least one whole grain (oatmeal, whole wheat cereal, whole grain bread or English muffin.).
- Don't waste more than one bite on any food that doesn't taste good (or is not worth the calories).
- Think about what you should eat more of, and not what you "shouldn't" eat.
- Turn off all distractions (including your cell phone) at every meal and snack; really focus on your food.
- Try one new food today from the vegetable group; opt for something bright in color (bright green, orange, or yellow).
- Try one new food today from the fruit group. Fresh, canned, dried or frozen varieties are all fine (but make sure none contain added fat or sugar).
- Drink at least 4-6 eight oz cups of plain water. Keep a water bottle on hand that you can refill and be sure to wash thoroughly at day's end.
- Have two healthful snacks each day that cover two food groups; examples include one green apple, sliced with 1 tbsp nut butter, or 1/2 cup low fat yogurt mixed with 1/2 cup berries.
- Limit alcohol to no more than about 100 calories (about 5 oz of wine, 1-1/2 oz spirits, or 12 oz of light beer). And this month only, green beer is OK!!
- Plan a treat that adds up to 100 calories (two small cookies, or 4 small pieces of chocolate for example).
- Leave a few extra bites on your plate at all meals.
- Drink all caloric beverages out of an 8 ounce cup ONLY.
- Have an ounce of nuts or seeds (preferably raw and unsalted) as part of a snack or meal.
- Eat only while sitting down at a table.
- Brush teeth/rinse with mouthwash after each meal; floss at least once during the day.
- Have 4-6 oz of fish, healthfully prepared (unbreaded, unfried).
- Go meatless for the day; incorporate other protein-rich foods like beans, soy foods like tofu or tempeh, low fat dairy foods, and whole grains.
- Instead of having your usual fruit-on-the-bottom or flavored yogurt, go for plain low-or non-fat yogurt (or Greek yogurt) and add 1/2 cup of berries, 1-2 tbsp of nuts, seeds, or dried fruit.
- Clean out your refrigerator and freezer (and of course throw away all spoiled or expired food).
- Clean out your pantry (throw out all spoiled and expired food).
- Before having your usual bed-time or after dinner treat, ask yourself "Am I really hungry or am I eating this out of habit?" If the answer is no, skip it and instead brush, floss, and rinse with mouthwash to end your day of eating.
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| * With thanks to Ivonne Cueva, RD from the American Dietetic Association |
Guardian Nurses' advocacy services are available to guide patients and families through the healthcare system. We are here to help you "figure it all out." We even "make house calls." As you know, our team of nurse advocates is happy to help. We're nurses, it's what we do.
Best wishes for healthy eating. And remember, green beer (in moderation) is OK on St. Patrick's Day!
Betty Long
Betty Long, RN, MHA
President and Founder
Guardian Nurses Healthcare Advocates, Inc. | |
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