How to Recognize and Prevent Prescription Drug Abuse
America spent more than $260 billion on prescription drugs in 2011, according to recent government reports. As a result, about 50 percent of all Americans are taking at least one prescription drug, with 10 percent consuming four or more.
While doctors are prescribing fewer “useless” antibiotics, mainly due to the growing threat of antibiotic resistance, consumption of pain medication is on the rise, creating an equally dangerous situation for patients. The use of opioid analgesics, a class of drugs designed to suppress your perception of pain by binding to opioid receptors, has increased a whopping 300 percent from1999-2010. Unfortunately, an increase of that caliber does not come with consequences.
During that time, death rates in people ages 15 and older involving pain medications more than tripled, highlighting America’s new drug problem.
Unmasking Prescription Drug Abuse
As a healthcare professional, you’re trained to help people and not judge them, which can make for an uncomfortable situation when addressing potential drug abuse in patients. Fortunately, other healthcare workers can offer support in identifying and preventing this problem.
Nearly 70 percent of patients visit their physician at least once every two years, placing doctors in a unique situation to not only treat, but identify drug abuse in patients. According to Jay Rooth, Orlando Criminal Defense Attorney, the most commonly abused drugs are opioids, anti-anxiety medication and stimulants.
Detecting “Doctor Shopping”
While symptoms vary according to which drug patients may be hooked on, one of the most common signs to look for is “doctor shopping,” the practice of visiting multiple physicians in hopes of obtaining several prescriptions. Physicians can detect doctor shopping by checking state RX reporting systems, which document and report all prescription drug transactions to the state Board of Pharmacy. This system can be a powerful tool in helping healthcare workers to identify drug abuse.
Pinpointing Symptoms of Drug Abuse
Other symptoms of drug abuse include frequent visits to the doctor and unscheduled refill requests. People addicted to prescription drugs often exhibit signs of emotional distress including depression, confusion, irritability and poor judgment. Physical symptoms of drug abuse may include weight loss, irregular heartbeat, restlessness, involuntary and rapid eye movement, decreased breathing rate and poor coordination.
Empathy Goes a Long Way
Offering compassion, rather than criticism, is key in helping patients overcome prescription drug addiction. A trusting doctor-patient relationship opens the doorway for better communication, making the patient more likely to ask for help.
Conclusion
Rates of prescription drug abuse are on the rise, with addicts and other abusers finding new means of obtaining drugs and keeping their habit undetected all the time. Considering the risks associated with these behaviors, it is crucial for healthcare professionals to know how to detect and prevent the abuse of prescription drugs.
About the Author: Marlena Stoddard is a freelance writer who received her BA from the University of Georgia.
The practice of mindfulness dates back at least 2,500 years to early Buddhism, and since then, it’s played an important role in a number of spiritual traditions.
Meditation as a basic exercise is spiritually based. Secular authorities have utilized it as just physical.
With this in mind, this article understands the tool of meditation in helping increase spirituality in practically all religions. Different types of meditation and the purpose of each differ from religion to religion and East to West, but the concept is the same in that it helps us become more in tune with our self and God
Physicians prescribing opioids are more often than not looking for ways to evaluate patients more effectively. Knowing more about a patient’s history can assist practitioners with making decisions on pain management treatment options. Understanding a patient’s struggle with substance abuse could be a good place to start.
This article looks at substance abuse and the likely addiction to therapeutic opioids. Physicians need to have a good understanding of patient history regarding substance abuse before prescribing
Alcohol Abuse In Teenagers And How A Substance Abuse Practitioner Can Handle It
by: Donna Planton, MA
Substance abuse has a certain connection the youth population of the world, and most of the addictions start at a young age. Whether it is use of marijuana, opium drugs or alcohol, the youth has been drawn towards these health deteriorating substances like moth to a flame. In order to help teenagers understand the alarming risks of alcohol abuse, we as parents and responsible adults must get to the root of the cause and help them part ways from alcohol addiction, which is responsible for destroying millions of families and individual lives.
Why Do Teenagers Start Drinking?
Teenagers are quite vulnerable to alcohol use and there is a good chance that you’ve had a beer or two while you were still legally young to do so. Since most of the adults around the house may enjoy a drink every now and then, which makes it easier for them to get a hold of the alcoholic drinks right at home. Teenage is a sensitive time when the person goes through groundbreaking physical and psychological changes which compels them to become risk takers or rebel against their parents by doing things they are forbidden to. The added stress of problems in their social or personal life influences teenagers to drink.
The AAR (Advancing Alcohol Responsibility) is an organization that has been supporting the cause of teen age alcohol abuse prevention for more than 20 years. A study conducted by the organization in 2013 reveals that 9 million youngsters, ranging from the age of 12 to 20 in the USA have consumed alcohol in the past 30 days. This alcohol consumption rate has been escalating ever since, with reports that alcohol consumption is prevalent in 12 year olds by 1%, 16 year olds by 18% and in 20 year olds by an alarming 52%. Almost 8% of the teenagers revealed that they usually do binge drinking, or consume more than 5 drinks in a row. These statistics have been rising every year, as many shocking cases of teen age alcohol abuse surface every day.
What Are The Causes Of Teen Age Alcohol Abuse?
It has been generally accepted that addiction to alcohol or any other substance for that matter is not the result of a singular factor. A complex environment involving genetics, social standards, psychological and physical factors are the cause of addictions. Studies show that genetics also play an important role if the teenager is born into a family where are relative is closely affected by addictions well. Although they are potentially at higher risks to develop an alcohol addiction than their peers who do not have a family history of addiction, alcohol addiction can develop in individuals without any profound family history of alcohol abuse.
Medical studies show that teenage alcohol abuse is also a root cause of underdevelopment of the brain. Teenagers who drink chronically or use it repeatedly may develop addictions easily as their still-developing brain grows affinity towards alcohol. The environment of the teenager also dictates whether they are susceptible to alcohol addiction or not. Whether it is about coping with the intense pressure of school and college, the stress of a broken family or the peer pressure among friends, drinking regularly in these situations can escalate their chances of developing a substance abuse problem.
What Are The Symptoms Of Teen Age Alcohol Abuse
The symptoms of developing alcohol abuse problem in teenagers can largely vary depending upon their genetic makeup, usage of other drugs, the amount of alcohol they consume and their frequency of drinking. However, the most common symptoms that can be used to identify a developing alcohol abuse problem in teenagers include:
Behavioral Symptoms:
· Sudden changes in the academic performance of the teenager.
· Change in the group of friends and companions.
· No interest in the activities that they previously enjoyed doing.
· Lowered care for one’s self and personal hygiene.
· Unusual passively aggressive and argumentative behavior.
· Usage of alcohol in spite of previous consequences.
Physical Symptoms:
· Distinctive smell of alcohol from breath or clothes.
· Bloodshot or glazed eyes all the time.
· Reddened skin and garbled speech.
· Deteriorated physical condition with disturbed sleeping patterns.
· Problems with physical coordination and double vision.
What Can Parents Do About Teen Age Alcohol Abuse?
Taking care of a normal hormone raged teenager is a mammoth task for a parent, and the added problem that alcohol brings to the table can feel overwhelming. You may not know what should you say to your kid and they may even try to avoid the conversation every time. To make sure that the conversation turns out to be meaningful, talk to your child in a relaxed environment and don’t try to discuss everything at once. If you have a friendly relationship with your child, putting your point across will be easier and meaningful.
Let Them Elaborate: Don’t start out by reading from the brochure on underage drinking to scare them about the harmful effects, rather let them tell you what they know. Their views on the issue can help you understand what they know about teenage alcohol abuse and what do they think about it.
Debunk Myths And Share Facts: Most teenagers have an image towards alcohol consumption and how it makes them socially important. It is important to make them understand that alcoholics are not the most socially accepted people in the society, but are often looked down upon. Help them understand the alcoholism is a disease, and it can easily manifest into a big problem.
Discuss Why Should Should Be Avoided: Rather than using scare tactics to make your teen more stubborn and rebellious, try reasoning with them and help them understand the effects with facts and statistics. If you have a person in the family who suffers from alcohol abuse, don’t hesitate to use them as a cautionary tale to help your teen understand how alcohol can have adverse effects.
Involve Yourself: It is true that many children are tempted to have their first experience with alcohol as they grow up seeing their parents enjoying it. You can set an example by promising them that you would stop drinking if they did, and work together to make their life alcohol free.
There may be instances when it is too late to help your teenager understand the alarming risks of alcohol addiction. In these cases, you can always look up to a medical professional who can help suggest the right rehabilitation program for your child to fight their drinking problem. Identifying teen age alcohol abuse symptoms at an early stage and with the help of professional counseling, you can prevent your child from suffering the consequences that are associated with alcohol addiction.
Do you feel a calling to work with teenagers who are addicted to substances, or adults too? If you are a health care professional or clergy who counsel, you can consider our program. The AIHCP offers a full continuing education and corresponding certification program in Substance Abuse Counseling. Completing our curriculum of distance education courses allow you to become Certified as a Substance Abuse Practitioner. To preview our program, click here.
What is Reiki and How does it apply to Alternative Medicine?
Complementary and alternative medicine is becoming popular by day. This is because of the high costs and adverse side effects associated with conventional medicine. One of the best conventional treatments available today is Reiki. Reiki is cost effective, requires little technology, can blend easily with all other therapies and has very few side effects. So, what is Reiki?
Reiki is considered a form of spiritual healing where the Reiki Master or practitioner lays hands on the patient. The laying of hands purportedly promotes and stimulate the body to heal itself of malady through the process of detoxing the body and breaking down energy blocks. The energy used is not a person’s own but is in fact a universal energy which surrounds all living things and objects.
Alternative Medicine and Holistic Nursing Health Care often look towards Reiki and other forms of healing.
Basically, the healing energy is channeled through the practitioner’s hands and into the recipient during a non-intrusive hands on healing session. In order to channel this energy, you need to be attuned to it, which can only be done by a Reiki master. Once attuned to this energy, a person can channel Reiki at will, to heal mental, emotional and physical ailments. A Reiki practitioner can also send energy through time and space to heal others, or even to a past incidence which is causing ill effect in the present time. Reiki can be used together with other alternative forms of healing.
History of Reiki
Reiki, pronounced Ray-key, is a Japanese work which means universal life force energy. Reiki was discovered in the middle of 19th century by Dr. Mikao Usui. Dr. Usui was the head of a Christian university in Kyoto, Japan. His students explained to him one day that they never heard of the healing ways used by Jesus Christ. The students asked him to perform this type of healing for them. Unfortunately, Dr. Usui did not have any answers. With that he resigned as the head of the university and went on a journey to look for answers.
He travelled to America to further his studies in Theology. He then travelled to Japan to train in healings of Chinese Sutra and Buddha and then to Tibet where he studied the ancient language of India (Sanskrit) and the Tibetan Lotus Sutra. It was here that he found the answers he was looking for. He went back to Japan and climbed the Holy Mountain of Kuri Yama, where he fasted and meditated for 21 days.
Dr. Usui returned to his abbey in Kyoto to treat people and teach others. Usui relied on his intuition to know where and when to place his hands and how to conduct healings. One of his students, Dr, Hayashi, is credited for adding the specific hand positions that have become standard Reiki procedures. Reiki techniques and principles have been handed down from teacher to student for about 100 years. During this time, many styles, theories and techniques have evolved.
How it Works
A reiki treatment is given to a fully-clothed patient, on a plinth or seated on a chair. The practitioner places his hands on or above the patient. The hands are placed either lightly on or above the patient so there is no pressure on the body.
A practitioner acts as a conduit for the energy. Universal energy is classified as an intelligent energy, and simply knows where it needs to go during the healing session. The practitioner simply places his hands and allows the energy to flow through the hands to where it needs to be.
Each session can last between 20-60 minutes. A full healing session can take about 50-60 minutes and covers all areas of the body. This takes the practitioner through a number of different positions. Every hand position lasts about 3-5 minutes.
Each person’s experience with reiki can be varied, although the feeling of deep relaxation is felt by all. In many cases, patients feel a warm or cold sensation during the healing session. In some cases, they may see colors and feel extremely relaxed. Some experience a glowing radiance that flows through them and around them. Others drift off to sleep, get visions and others mystical experience. It’s also common to see some people shed tears during a healing session. This is because the energy can heal emotional issues which in turn can bring these emotions to the surface in order for them to be released. At the end of the session a person will not only be relaxed but will also have a positive and balanced outlook.
Many ailments can be treated through Reiki, such as panic attacks, pains, aches, migraines and other serious ailments.
Reiki Healing and Holistic Nursing
Reiki energy healing can be introduced to the patient by the nursing staff on all levels if they have received the special Reiki attunement by a Master Reiki Practitioner. Most frequently we see Certified Holistic and Integrative Health Care Nurses providing Reiki treatments. There are no adverse side effects from this treatment, and it can be implemented at any time or stage of an illness.
‘Dis-ease’ is an important messager, indicating the body’s homeostasis needs to be restored. Reiki fuels the homeostatic mechanisms and assist in restoration of physical, mental and emotional balance. Reiki works to enhance and accelerate the normal healing process of the body and mind. By inducing the relaxation response, Reiki encourages integration functioning of the body’s healing system. This deep relaxation acts through autonomic nervous system to lower heart rate and blood pressure. This treatment also augments the ability of the immune system and stimulates the production of endorphins, decreasing pain and creating a state of well-being.
A study by Sanoma State University, focusing on nurses trained in Reiki 1, concluded that that reiki is a natural adjunct to nursing, and can be incorporated in all areas of nursing care. Basically, reiki flows whenever a patient is touched by his/her caregiver.
Reiki can be used in all hospital environments and requires no specific setting or preparations. It can be incorporated unobtrusively into patient treatment to help relieve stress, pain, agitation as well as aiding sleep. It also promotes release of anger, anxiety, and grief. No adjustment to clothing is necessary, reiki healing even flows through casts. This treatment is not dependent upon the consciousness of the patient. Nurses who use reiki treatment report the following benefits.
Benefits of Reiki Treatment
1. Patients sleep calmly, and for longer time periods.
2. Patients have a better attitude, and are more cooperative.
3. Patients report decreased pain. They require less pain medication and leave the hospital sooner.
4. Reiki can reduce the dosage and frequency of pharmacological intervention.
5. Reiki can be used to balance patient’s energy during operations, including heart transplants and surgeries. Nurses’ report decreased post-op depression, leg weaknesses, and pain and reduced rejection rates.
6. Reiki helps in improving circulation and eliminating nerve blockages.
7. For cancer patients, reiki treatments may reduce side effects, like nausea and fatigue caused by radiation and chemotherapy.
8. Reiki treatments offer a gentle way for people traumatized by crime, rape or war to heal.
Certification in Holistic Nursing
Are you interested in learning more about Integrative and Complimentary therapies and how they can be applied in health care delivery today? If you are a Registered Nurse, you can become certified in Holistic and Integrative Nursing Practice. The AIHCP offers a full program of continuing education and national certification specifically for Registered Nurses. You can preview the program by Clicking Here
Holistic Nursing Training and Heart Surgery Recovery
6 Steps to Take When Recovering from Heart Surgery
Whether you’ve have an angioplasty, stent placement, a bypass or another cardiac surgery, you may be wondering what you should do now. This can be an especially confusing time if your surgery was emergent and left you with little or no time beforehand to prepare. Here are five issues you need to focus on immediately following your heart surgery.
Arrange for Your Basic Needs
If you haven’t already done so, make sure that you have the ability to feed yourself, bathe and use the restroom. Some people can rely on close friends or family members to assist them, while others may be more comfortable arranging for a traveling nurse or caregiver to come in.
Schedule Your Post-Operative Appointment
Most surgeons want to see you back in the office within four to six weeks after surgery to make sure everything is going well. Of course, don’t be afraid to call your surgeon’s office before then if you don’t feel well or something seems wrong with your incisions. Arrange a ride to the appointment well in advance, unless your surgery was so minor that you are permitted to drive yourself. Whether you went to ICE, Institute of Cardiovascular Excellence or another health care provider, get directions to the follow-up office before your appointment.
Get Up and Get Moving
When you were discharged from the hospital, you were likely given a series of exercises to do to keep yourself moving. This helps avoid deadly blood clots in your limbs and will also help you to heal faster. Your instructions will vary, depending on what procedure you had and whether or not you had open-heart surgery. Follow all the instructions, but don’t overdo it!
Keep an Eye on Your Nutrition
After surgery, the temptation to live on a steady diet of soup and jello can be overwhelming. This is especially true if you feel worn out and tired much of the time. It’s important to get back into a healthy and balanced diet. Follow any instructions the hospital sent home with you, of course, and get back into good habits as soon as possible. The fiber in fruits and vegetables will also help your bowels regulate, as anesthesia is notorious for causing constipation.
Holistic and Alternative Methods
Recovering from heart surgery is not an easy task. Just having the surgery can be very traumatic and frightening to most people. Therefore in your recovery don’t just focus on the physical side. Focus on your mental and spiritual health as well as it will help your overall recovery process. With that said, you will want to consider some alternative methods of recovery. These methods should include treating the causes of your heart issues in the first place. For example, if stress is causing you to have heart issues consider using treatments like some light meditation. Other alternative methods of healing can include acupuncture, psychotherapy, relationship and spiritual counseling, and massage therapy. The bottom line is focus on healing your whole self physically, mentally, and spiritually after going through the traumatic experience of open heart surgery.
Keep Your Mind Active
Laying in bed after your post-op exercise routine can be maddeningly boring. Do some crossword puzzles, download games for your smartphone or write your memoirs. Do something to keep your mind busy. This will also help keep your mind off any discomfort you’re having.
Recovering from heart surgery can be difficult, especially if you didn’t have adequate time to prepare. By keeping these tips in mind, you’ll be up and back to your regular routines in no time.
About the Author
My name is Lizzie Weakley and I am a freelance writer from Columbus, Ohio. I went to college at The Ohio State University where I studied communications. I enjoy the outdoors and long walks in the park with my 3-year-old husky Snowball.
Heart surgery is an intense recovery and fortunately there are in addition to conventional methods, also alternative treatments for recovery. That is why in this article, we listed an alternative section to remind patients of these options. Holistic Nursing Training incorporates both East and West into full treatment of the patient. If you are a nurse and are considering becoming a Holistic Nurse, then please review our program
Music Therapy: An Alternative Treatment for Stress and Substance Abuse
Music therapy is emerging as a popular and effective supplemental treatment for mental health issues like stress, and addictive disorders such as substance abuse. Music performance and vocalization is as old as civilization, with each culture developing a unique style. Today, people around the world enjoy a variety of genres, including pop, rock, classical, folk, and country, among others.
Learning to tune in meaningfully to a favorite type of music can help to improve health in a number of important ways. This can be accomplished through the guidance of a specially-trained music therapist who has completed a certification program.
Mood Disorders
Those struggling with depression or stress may find it difficult to relate to people in their lives. They feel isolated and alone. Listening to certain types of music with lyrics that express similar emotions can help them to understand they are not alone, that what they are feeling is fairly universal. Some forms of music can also lift the spirits by encouraging serotonin release. While certain songs relax a person emotionally, others energize them.
Substance Abuse
A recovering addict often experiences extreme mood swings and psychological discomfort. Classical music, which is very regulated and precise, can literally evoke a more balanced mindset by settling brainwaves into even patterns. A music therapist with a Kent State University Master’s degree in Music Education says upbeat music can elevate the mood of someone who is emotionally drained or discouraged. A relaxing song, on the other hand, soothes sensitive nerves to encourage a peaceful, more orderly mindset.
Therapeutic Applications
Music therapists use many different techniques to treat patients by using music. While listening to, writing, or performing music is not a cure for disease or disorder, it can be used as a supplemental treatment to enhance a sense of wellbeing. Patients may be advised to listen to a favorite type of music, for example, country songs. Afterward, they can write about their feelings in response to the song, indicating whether they feel better, worse, or the same afterward. They may also be directed to write about their feelings evoked by the song, and then reflect on those feelings and what to do about them.
Conclusion
According to some experts, music has the power to help us meet important health and life goals. Learning to listen for more than basic pleasure is a useful coping strategy and life-long skill, one which can benefit both those in recovery and individuals suffering from mood imbalances. Music, as a positive and motivating force, has long-term therapeutic applications, unlike many drug-based treatments for stress and substance abuse.
About the Author:Marlena Stoddard is a freelance writer who received her BA from the University of Georgia.
There are many alternative therapies that Holistic Nursing incorporates into its complimentary program with conventional medicine. Music Therapy is definitely something to review. Also please review our Holistic Nursing Certification Program
Christian Counseling Program: The Glory of the Body Should not be Under-emphasized
In Christian circles, theology obviously stresses the importance of the soul and its everlasting attributes that are beyond mere matter. Sin, vice and temptation that attacks our senses should be avoided at all costs. This world or this flesh is not worth the cost of everlasting paradise. The story of Faustus reinforces this ideal that worldly gains are not worth the sacrifice of one’s soul.
This has created a distortion on the value of the “Body” and its importance. Does not Scripture refer to it as a “temple of the Holy Spirit’? Unlike Neo-Platonic and Eastern philosophies that reduce the body to a mere shell, Christianity has echoed the importance of the Body in its teachings, most notably in the General Resurrection where the body will rejoin the soul.
So why the distortion, why do some value the soul above the body, if both in reality are important and equal elements of our human nature? The answer is not so much about the innate value that both equally possess in our dual nature of both spirit and matter, but due to humanity’s current state.
The current temporality of existence has imposed upon humanity a decree of death via sin. The body will fade, the soul will struggle with its passions, and man will die. Through Christ, we have been given new life, but not from the scar of Original Sin. We still must die, but only to be later resurrected. In this temporal reality, the value of the soul is greater than the body due to the situation, not inherent value
The sacrifice of the body for the soul is a beautiful companionship through life. As the body becomes older, more tired and weaker, the soul matures, learns and becomes closer to God. The soul, as the body ironically ages and withers, should become more radiant and beautiful as it ages and strips itself of self-love and replaces it with love of God. St Teresa of Avila looks at the evolution of the soul as it moves through the interior mansions of spiritual life. As the soul progresses through life, it can choose to become closer to God or reject God.
It is my hope that within the temporal journey of earth, our souls learn the many lessons to be learned and become closer and worthy of paradise, but what of the faithful steed and friend of the soul, our body? The body that carried the soul through this temporal maze of sin and that is now fragile, old and weakened by the promised curse of death? It has carried the soul to the finish line, initially sustaining temporal existence and providing sanctuary for the soul to grow in beauty and love of God, but as all matter, will eventually succumb to the sands of time. Is this good friend and critical part of our human nature to be left to the side of the curb as the soul elevates to a new and wonderful eschatological state with God?
As a partner in good and bad with the soul, our body’s hands shared in all actions that glorified God. Our lips praised His name, our eyes sought Him, our ears accepted the good news and our feet carried us to worship Him! As promised, the General Resurrection will glorify the body as an equal partner in our human nature.
So let us not disregard this holy temple and its sacrifice–let us not be caught up with false ideologies that degrade it to a mere shell, but instead let us make good use of our body! Let us respect it and care for it physically and treat it like a temple of God! Let us think of it as a good ship sailing through the turbulent waters of temporal reality taking our soul to the safe shores of Heaven—later to share in that same glory itself.
If you are interested in learning more about our Christian Counseling Program than please review the link. If you are a qualified professional or have adequate academic background, you could become a certified Christian Counselor.
Thank you for reviewing and let us know if you have any questions
The approach to healthcare in a holistic manner has been developed on the belief that treating medical conditions of patients not only depends on the physical diagnosis, but also their psychological, emotional, social and spiritual factors that may affect their health. The traditional practice of nursing and patient care is intended to be implemented with a holistic approach. In the fast paced world of care delivery today, often the holistic approach to care is over looked. Since the inception of holistic nurses into the practice environments, much is now being done with this needed holistic view of the patient and the healing plan and environment. The AHNA (American Holistic Nurses Association) regards the role of a holistic nurse as providing nursing care to the whole patient with an emphasis on mind, body and spirit.
Holistic Nursing Practice
In the year 2006, the ANA (American Nurses Association) defined holistic nursing as a distinct specialty. The next year in 2007, the Holistic Nursing Scope and Standards of Practice was co-published by the AHNA and the American Nurses Association. The second edition of the Holistic Nursing Scope and Standards of Practice was recently co-published by the AHNA and the ANA is the year 2013. Both the publications provide guidelines for becoming a holistic nurse by:
· Defining holistic nursing and the scope of the nursing specialty.
· Explaining the settings of practice.
· Defining the educational requirements for practicing holistic nursing.
· Explaining the evolution of holistic nursing.
· Explaining the philosophy, focus and the concerns of holistic nursing.
· Exploring the pertaining issues and trends in holistic nursing.
· Defining The Standards of Competencies of Holistic Nursing Practice at the basic and advanced levels.
· Discussing the Core Values of Holistic Nursing.
· Holistic philosophy, ethics and theories.
· Processes involved in holistic caring.
· Holistic cultural diversity, therapeutic environment and communication.
· Education and research in holistic nursing.
· Self-caring practices for holistic nurses.
Holistic nurses receive education in both complimentary as well as conventional practices of healing. The approach to healthcare in a holistic manner has been developed on the belief that treating medical conditions of patient not only depends on the physical diagnosis, but also their psychological, emotional, social and spiritual factors that affect the health of the patient. The AHNA (American Holistic Nurses Association) regards the role of a holistic nurse is to heal the patient in a whole way (mind and body).
Some of the practicing holistic nurses include specific complementary and alternative modalities of healing in their routine practices. Holistic nurses may choose to practice a few healing modalities such as:
· Practicing body-based manipulation such as acupressure therapy, massage therapy, movement therapy and acupuncture therapy.
· Medicine for the mind as well as body such as hypnotherapy, arts therapy and meditational therapy.
· Practices based on biology such as nutritional counseling and herbal therapy.
· Medicine based on spiritual energy such as prayers, Reiki and healing touch.
Practicing holistic nurses have been working with all populations and in all areas of healthcare including intensive care units, emergency rooms, private clinics and outpatient surgery centers. Many aspiring nurses who wish to become holistic nurses also pursue wellness coaching, which involves management of issues such as weight, stress, health risks and other life issues with a holistic approach.
Become A Holistic Nurse
From entry-level RN (registered nurses) to advanced level NP (nurse practitioner), all are eligible to become a holistic nurse. To achieve certification in holistic nursing education and some practice experience are generally required. There are different organizations that offer a certification for nurses in holistic and integrative health care. There are many programs available to nurses to achieve education in holistic nursing. This includes continuing education programs, college level programs and certificate programs and masters of nursing degree programs with a specialty in holistic nursing practice.
The education programs generally provide the study of both traditional as well as advanced practice nursing core competencies which include health assessment, advanced pathophysiology and pharmacology along with other complementary modalities of healing. All of these courses are taught with a holistic approach and philosophy. Apart from the complimentary modalities of healing, these holistic studies offer additional knowledge of the core holistic nursing concepts such as self-care, intention, presence, holistic healing, holistic ethics, mind-spirit-body perspective and other essential subjects.
Certification For Holistic Nursing
The American Institute of Health Care Professionals, Inc. offers a comprehensive program of continuing education that leads to eligibility for Certification as a Holistic-Integrative Health Care Specialist. The program consists of self-paced online courses with faculty mentoring as needed. One must be a registered nurse with an active license. A degree is not required at this time. Once certification is achieved, it is conferred for a four year period of time. There is also a program for Recertification. Recertification is achieved by achieving contact hours of nursing education and by meeting a criteria for the practice of holistic nursing during the four year period of certification. If you would like to become a Holistic Nurse, then contact us today
Snoring is a typical issue for individuals of all ages as well as both genders and affects around 90 million adults in the U.S. alone. Snoring can occur either intermittently or nightly. People who are most at risk include individuals who are overweight and males. However, snoring is an ongoing problem for both males and females, although it’s possible that females don’t complain as often as men do. The problem can result in un-refreshing and fragmented sleep that leads to poor functioning throughout the day (sleepiness and fatigue). Nearly 50 percent of all people who noisily snore have what’s known as obstructive sleep apnea.
Why Do People Snore?
The noisy and often annoying sounds of snoring happen when there’s an obstruction to the airway through the passageways located at the back of the nose and mouth. This space is the collapsible area of the air passageway where the upper throat and tongue join the uvula and soft palate. When these key structures hit one another and vibrate while breathing, snoring occurs.
Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Snoring could be a symptom of a much more serious disorder called obstructive sleep apnea, or OSA. The condition is characterized by several episodes of paused breathing that can last as long as 10 seconds per pause, which is caused by the collapse or narrowing of the upper airway. This leads to lower oxygen levels in the blood, which ultimately makes the heart work harder overall. It’s also a great nuisance to a person’s natural sleep cycle, interrupting REM sleep cycles and making them feel sluggish and tired in spite of going to bed early. CPAPMan and similar manufacturers have designed “continuous positive airway pressure” devices designed to open airways and prevent the snoring that is a distinguishing feature of sleep apnea.
Sleep Apnea and Sleeping Disorders
Nearly half of all average adults occasionally snore, while 25 percent snore habitually. Problem snoring is more typical in overweight individuals and in males and often gets worse with age. Snoring could be a sign of obstructed breathing and should be taken seriously. An otolaryngologist has the role of finding the anatomic source of a patient’s snoring and can offer helpful solutions to correct this frequently embarrassing and irritating behavior.
Because a person who snores doesn’t rest well at night, they’ll often feel sleepy the next day. This could eventually affect their overall job performance and make them a risk for operating heavy equipment or driving on the job. Obstructive sleep apnea left untreated greatly increases the chance of developing a stroke, heart attack, diabetes, and several other significant medical issues. Therefore, snoring can be a very serious matter and you should talk to your doctor to find a solution.
About the author: A recent college graduate from University of San Francisco, Anica loves dogs, the ocean, and anything outdoor-related. She was raised in a big family, so she’s used to putting things to a vote.
If you are interested in alternative therapies to these issues, then please consider becoming a Holistic Nurse. The field of Holistic Nursing can help people utilize alternative therapies to face maladies of today
