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IN THIS ISSUE
Welcoming Our New Look
Follow GN on Facebook
GERD 101: A Primer
Lighter Notes
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What's New at
Guardian Nurses
We Welcome
Our New Look
We thought it was time for freshening up our 'brand.' Thanks to Kim Landry and her talented team at Hollister Creative, we came up with a new look, new colors, and oh yes, did we mention...a new website.
The good news is...we may look new on the outside, but we're still the same inside! And we will continue to "do the right thing" for our patients!! |
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Follow
Guardian Nurses on Facebook
We are not immune to the social networking phenomenon happening on sites like Twitter, Facebook, Yelp, and now, Google Buzz.
If you find yourself prowling about on Facebook, visit our GN Fan Page and see what pithy entry we may have posted.
Or, if you are a Twitter follower, count Guardian Nurses as one of the Tweeters you're following.
We occasionally hear our nurse advocates musing about how healthcare will be impacted by all the new technology. My favorite is waiting for the day when hospital call lights--those things that light up when patients want assistance---are a thing of the past. Patients, instead of pressing the button/cord at their bedside, will have to text their nurse! |
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Lighter Notes
The City of Philadelphia Mural Arts Program has commissioned nationally-renowned muralist Meg Saligman to design an innovative masterpiece that will replace the A Tribute to Nursing mural at the busy intersection of Broad and Vine Sts. in Center City Philadelphia. The new mural, The Evolving Face of Nursing, will capture the voices and images of Philadelphia's nurses, reflecting our commitment to the patients we serve and highlighting our ever-evolving role at the center of the healthcare.
The 6,500 square foot mural animated with lights will be unlike any other piece of public art that has been created. The mural will be one image by day, and a different one by night with the lights. The project will be dedicated in October 2010. For more information about the new mural, visit the Mural Arts website. |
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After several weeks of occasional chest pressure, coughing, and burping, I gave in, bought some Prilosec OTC, and made an appointment with a gastroenterologist for one week later.
I assumed that my symptoms were related to GERD (aka gastroesophageal disease, formerly known as heartburn). During our disussion of my symptoms, the physician said, "So do you know the triggers for GERD?" I said, "Sure. Chocolate. Coffee. Red Wine. High Fat Foods. Eating late at night." Smiling at him, I said, "What's your point?"
The point is that we can help ourselves. The first part is to understand what GERD is and so we offer this month's primer.
 GERD is not a permanent diagnosis!
Betty Long
Betty Long, RN, MHA, President and Founder
Guardian Nurses Healthcare Advocates, Inc. |
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GERD 101: A Primer
How Does Upper Digestion Work?
- When you eat, food travels from your mouth to your stomach via your esophagus. Your esophagus connects to your stomach by a circular band of muscles called the lower esophageal sphincter (LES).
- When you swallow, the LES relaxes to let food and liquids drain down into your stomach. After it closes up. This stops the acid from flowing back into the esophagus.
What Happens When you Have Acid Reflux?
- Sometimes your LES becomes weak or relaxes when it shouldn't. This allows acid from your stomach to flow back into your esophagus--or even into your throat and mouth.
Risk Factors for Acid Reflux
- being overweight
- smoking
- certain foods or alcohol (spicy foods, chocolate, soda, tomatoes, orange juice, coffee, fatty and fried foods)
- stress or strong emotions
- pregnancy
- asthma
- diabetes
Telltale Signs
- Heartburn--painful burning in your chest or mid stomach
- Chest pain--especially when lying down
- Burning in the back of your throat
- Hoarseness or sore throat
- Bitter or acid taste in your mouth
- Dry cough
- Frequent belching
What Can You Do?
- Stop smoking
- Pay attention to the foods you eat and then, eat better
- Lose extra weight
- Avoid large meals and eating late at night
- Elevate the head of your bed (4-6")
Treatment
The goal of treatment is to:
- Get relief from your symptoms
- Prevent damage to your esophagus
- Avoid serious complications (like Barrett's esophagus)
Besides making your own dietary and lifestyle changes, see your healthcare provider if your symptoms persist. And know that these medications may be used:
- Antacids (Tums, e.g.): lessen the effects of stomach acid. Won't keep symptoms from coming back or allow your esophagus to heal. If you are taking antacids two or more times a week, it's likely you'll need other treatment.
- H2 blockers (Zantac, Tagamet): limit the amount of acid your stomach makes. Gives longer relief than antacids but they don't act as quickly. Only work in 50% of patients.
- Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs---Omeprazole, Prilosec, Protonix, Nexium): block the production of acid in your stomach. Have to take for at least 6 weeks for your esophagus to heal. Watch for "rebound GERD" in the first few days after stopping your medication. This is normal. Expect that since now your stomach is making acid, you will not be used to it. It may feel very uncomfortable. Talk with your healthcare provider about what to do if you experience this.
Please talk with your healthcare provider about any GERD-like symptoms so that you can be treated properly.
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