Siloam Family Health Center

TheraputicThursday - Great American Smokeout!

2011-11-16T10:43:00.000-06:00

The American Cancer Society 36th annual Great American Smokeout is scheduled for this Thursday November 17^th. This is a day set to encourage those who smoke to quit. Even quitting for one day can reap benefits. It can also help get a smoker on the path to quitting for good. Quitting smoking is the number one thing smokers can do to improve their health.

According to the American Cancer Society the single largest preventable cause of disease and premature death in the USA is tobacco use.

Siloam is committed to helping our patients who smoke achieve a tobacco-free lifestyle.

For patients who smoke or chew tobacco, regular discussions on tobacco cessation with medical providers and consults with the Behavioral Health Consultant are a regular part of a patient's visit.

Quitting smoking is hard work, yet millions have been successful.

Family Doctor ( www.familydoctor.org) offers the following tips on quitting smoking:

How can I stop smoking?

You'll have the best chance of stopping if you do the following:

· Get ready.

· Get support and encouragement.

· Learn how to handle stress and the urge to smoke.

· Get medication and use it correctly.

· Be prepared for relapse.

· Keep trying.

Steps to make quitting easier:

· Pick a stop date. Choose a date 2 to 4 weeks from today so you can get ready to quit. If possible, choose a time when things in your life will change, like when you're about to start a break from school. Or just pick a time when you don't expect any extra stress at school, work or home. For example, quit after final exams, not during them.

· Make a list of the reasons why you want to quit. Keep the list on hand so you can look at it when you have a nicotine craving.

· Keep track of where, when and why you smoke. You may want to make notes for a week or so to know ahead of time when and why you crave a cigarette. Plan what you'll do instead of smoking (see list above for ideas). You may also want to plan what you'll say to people who pressure you to smoke.

· Throw away all of your tobacco. Clean your room if you have smoked there. Throw away your ashtrays and lighters--anything that you connect with your smoking habit.

· Tell your friends that you're quitting. Ask them not to pressure you about smoking. Find other things to do with them besides smoking.

· When your stop date arrives, STOP. Plan little rewards for yourself for each tobacco-free day, week or month. For example, buy yourself a new shirt or ask a friend to see a movie with you.

What about nicotine replacement products or medicine to help me stop smoking?

Nicotine replacement products are ways to take in nicotine without smoking. These products come in several forms: gum, patch, nasal spray, inhaler and lozenge. You can buy the nicotine gum, patch and lozenge without a prescription from your doctor. Nicotine replacement works by lessening your body’s craving for nicotine and reducing withdrawal symptoms. This lets you focus on the changes you need to make in your habits and environment. Once you feel more confident as a nonsmoker, dealing with your nicotine addiction is easier.

Prescription medicines such as bupropion and varenicline help some people stop smoking. These medicines do not contain nicotine, but help you resist your urges to smoke.

Talk to your doctor about which of these products is likely to give you the best chance of success. For any of these products to work, you must carefully follow the directions on the package. It's very important that you don't smoke while using nicotine replacement products.

How can I get support and encouragement?

Tell your family and friends what kind of help you need. Their support will make it easier for you to stop smoking. Also, ask your doctor to help you develop a plan for stopping smoking. He or she can give you information on telephone hotlines, such as 1-800-QUIT-NOW (784-8669), or self-help materials that can be very useful. Your doctor can also recommend a stop-smoking program. These programs are often held at local hospitals or health centers.

Give yourself rewards for stopping smoking. For example, with the money you save by not smoking, buy yourself something special.

Remember, you will need some help to stop smoking. Nine out of 10 smokers who try to go "cold turkey" fail because nicotine is so addictive. But it is easy to find help to quit.

What about stress and my urges to smoke?

You may have a habit of using cigarettes to relax during stressful times. Luckily, there are good ways to manage stress without smoking. Relax by taking a hot bath, going for a walk, or breathing slowly and deeply. Think of changes in your daily routine that will help you resist the urge to smoke. For example, if you used to smoke when you drank coffee, drink hot tea instead.

How will I feel when I quit?

You may feel edgy and irritable. You also may get angry or upset faster, have trouble concentrating and feel hungrier than usual. You may have headaches and cough more at first (while your lungs are clearing out). All of these can be symptoms of withdrawal from nicotine. Keep in mind that the worst symptoms will be over in a few days. However, you may still have cravings for tobacco. Those cravings have less to do with nicotine addiction and more to do with the habit of smoking.

Will I gain weight when I quit?

Some people gain a few pounds. Other people lose weight. The main reason some people gain weight is because they eat more food as a substitute for smoking. You can avoid gaining weight by watching how much you eat, staying busy and working out. Exercise will become easier as you will begin to breathe better.

What if I can't quit?

You can quit. Most people try to quit more than once before they succeed. So don't give up if you slip. Remind yourself of why you want to quit. Think about what happened to make you slip. Figure out how you'll handle that situation differently next time. Then recommit yourself to quitting. You can do it!

For more information and helpful materials on The Great America Smokeout please visit:

http://www.cancer.org/Healthy/StayAwayfromTobacco/GreatAmericanSmokeout/

Post by Laurie Tone, Siloam's Behavioral Health Consultant.

Medical Monday - Domestic Abuse

2011-10-31T15:25:00.000-05:00

October is Domestic Abuse Awareness month.

Here are some facts about domestic abuse offered by the YWCA:

One in three women will experience abuse at the hand of a loved one during her lifetime.
Every 9 seconds a woman is physically abused in the United States.
Domestic violence is a leading cause of homelessness for women.
Tennessee ranks 10^th in the nation in the number of women murdered by men each year.
Domestic violence is the leading cause of injury to women, exceeding rapes, muggings and auto accidents combined.
Up to 10 million children witness some form of domestic violence annually.
80% of runaways come from homes where domestic violence occurs.
40% of girls ages 14 to 17 report knowing someone their age who has been hit or beaten by a boyfriend.
94% of men in jail have been witnesses or victims of domestic violence in their younger years.
64% of women who reported being raped, physically assaulted and /or stalked since age 18 were victimized by a current or former husband, co-inhabiting partner, boyfriend or date.

Would you recognize a victim of domestic violence?

Common signs:
Heavy makeup
New bald spots
Scrapes, bruises, cuts, or fractures
Frequent injuries
Loose or broken teeth
Cigarette burns
Bite marks
Rope burns
Welts with the outline of a belt buckle or other weapon

Could you be a victim?

Are you often afraid of your partner?

Is your partner overly jealous?

Do you avoid certain topics or spend a lot of time figuring out how to talk about certain topics so that you do not arouse your partner’s anger?

Do you ever feel that you can’t do anything right for your partner?

Is your partner controlling and won’t let you see your family and friends?

Does your partner insult you?

Do you sometimes wonder if you are the one who is crazy, that maybe you are overreacting to your partner’s behaviors?

Do you sometimes fantasize about ways to kill your partner to get him or her out of your life?

Are you afraid that your partner may try to kill you?

Do you feel that there is nowhere to turn for help?

Are you feeling emotionally numb?

Were you abused as a child, or did you grow up with domestic violence in the household?

Do you sometimes feel like you deserve to be physically hurt?

Are you afraid of losing your children and pets if you leave your partner?

Source: Edited from contributions of YWCA's around the country

If you think you could be a victim, the Nashville Police offer this quiz:

HAS ANY OF THE FOLLOWING EVER HAPPENED TO YOU?

Does your partner:

Blame everyone else especially you, for his or her mistakes?
Yes___ No___
Prevent you from seeing your family or friends?
Yes___ No___
Curse you, say mean things, mock you or humiliate you?
Yes___ No___
Force you to have sex or force you to engage in sex that makes you feel uncomfortable?
Yes___ No___
Restrain, hit, punch, slap, or kick you?
Yes___ No___
Intimidate or threaten you?
Yes___ No___
Ever prevent you from leaving the house, getting a job, or continuing your education?
Yes___ No___

If you answered "yes" to ANY of these questions, you may be in an abusive relationship. The Domestic Violence Division of the Metropolitan Police Department can assist you in obtaining warrants, orders of protection and counseling.

Help is available.

Contact your local YWCA at 615-242-1199 or at 1-800-334-4628

In an emergency, always call 911.

The National Domestic Violence Hotline 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or 1-800-787-3224 (TTY) is always open.

Nashville Police Domestic Violence Division (615) 880-3000

Information gathered by Laurie Tone, Siloam's Behavioral Health Consultant.

Friday Feature - Nicole C. Mullen

2011-10-20T14:08:00.000-05:00

Siloam Family Health Center recently celebrated our 20th Anniversary! Our luncheon and fundraiser was held at Loews Vanderbilt Hotel and included a scrumptious meal, words of encouragement from Mayor Karl Dean and concluded with special music by Nicole C. Mullen!

Nicole blessed our 400+ guests with two of her songs, including the well-known, much-requested, "Redeemer"... singing some of the verses in Spanish, Swahili and sign-language. Perfect for Siloam! It was an incredible time of worshiping the Lord for all He has done in and through Siloam.

Nicole C. Mullen's ministry goes far beyond her music. Whether working to help free the Trokosi slaves in Ghana, mentoring young people through her Baby Girls' Club and Team NCM, or penning signature songs for other artists -- such as the Jaci Velasquez hit “On My Knees” -- Mullen has long channeled her considerable energy into not just sharing the gospel, but living it. Her passion for God has never burned brighter than on “Captivated,” a new collection of worship songs produced by Ed Cash.

“Captivated” is filled with songs that celebrate God’s majesty such as the powerful “Kingdom Come,” a duet with longtime friend Michael O’Brien. “Every other day there is a tornado or an earthquake or a tsunami or an oil spill or whatever,” says Nicole. “Even nature is crying out for the return of Christ, for His kingdom, but His kingdom actually is already here. The kingdom of God is among us. God is already the king. We’re not going to make Him king at the end of time. In the song, it is asking ‘let your kingdom be revealed among us. Let your kingdom be seen by all. Let your kingdom be acknowledged by all. May your justice rein and rule.’ I’ve seen the audience stand up and sing it. It is the heart’s cry of many people, not just myself.

Nicole is excited about this new season in her life and sharing the worship songs on “Captivated.” “My mom told me a long time ago ‘when you sing, never sing to the people, always sing to the audience of one and invite the people to worship along with you,’” she says, “and so that’s my new aim these day -- to sing to the ‘Audience of One’ and hopefully it becomes so contagious and the melody becomes so soothing and so inviting that people will want to sing along.”

Many of our attendees asked where to purchase Nicole's CD's... you can find "Captivated" and her other CD's on iTunes or on her web site at http://www.nicolecmullen.com/music.htm

To read more about Nicole C. Mullen visit her website at www.nicolecmullen.com

Medical Monday - Suicide Prevention Month

2011-09-19T11:43:00.001-05:00

September has been designated as suicide prevention month. A recent report indicates that 8 million Americans consider suicide every year. We often have patients with very strong suicidal ideation. Please pray for our patients dealing with some extremely difficult life circumstances and pray for us for His wisdom in reaching out to them.

Seek help as soon as possible by contacting a mental health professional or by calling the National Suicide Prevention hotline 1-800-273-TALK if you or someone you know exhibits any of the following signs:

Suicide Warning Signs from the National Suicide Prevention US Dept of Health and Human Services:

Threatening to hurt or kill oneself or talking about wanting to hurt or kill oneself
Looking for ways to kill oneself by seeking access to firearms, available pills, or other means
Talking or writing about death, dying or suicide when these actions are out of the ordinary for the person
Feeling hopeless
Feeling rage or uncontrolled anger or seeking revenge
Acting reckless or engaging in risky activities-seemingly without thinking
Feeling trapped-like there’s no way out
Increasing alcohol or drug use
Withdrawing from friends, family and society
Feeling anxious, agitated, or unable to sleep or sleeping all the time
Experiencing dramatic mood changes
Seeing no reason for living or having no sense of purpose in life.

Please remember prevention is key…

All suicide threats and attempts must be taken seriously. Know the risk factors previous attempts, depression, talking about suicide, planning a suicide ( see above). Be willing to listen, don’t be afraid to ask the hard questions, seek professional help and in a crisis take the person to an emergency room, call 911 or mobile crisis 726-0125. Remove any firearms, pills or other objects that could be used in a suicide attempt.

Stay in touch, follow up, pray, show that you care…

Written by Laurie Tone, Siloam's Behavioral Health Consultant

Wordless Wednesday

2011-08-17T11:55:00.000-05:00

(taken by the little patient in the pink hat in the above photo)

Please be aware that going forward, Wordless Wednesday will be updated once a month, instead of weekly. Thanks for following our blog!

Medical Monday - Power Foods

2011-08-15T09:39:00.000-05:00

How would you define "power food"?

Would it be food that:

Was effortless to prepare
Inexpensive
Heavenly tasting
Satisfied our hunger
Had minimal calories
Made us feel happy and energetic
Had lots of good fiber and contained all the vitamins, protein, and minerals we need on a daily basis.

Probably no food can fulfill all these criteria. In fact, the key to "power" foods is variety. To provide your body with the nutrients it needs, eat a wide variety of vegetables, fruits, nuts, whole grains, low-fat dairy, fish, and lean meats.

Hydro Power

One of the most essential nutrients is water. About 55 percent of the average body is made up of water. About 60 percent to 70 percent of your water comes from drinking liquids. The rest come from water that is part of solid food including fruits/veggies, soups, and even chicken and cheese.

Always think of fluids as a way of preventing rather than treating thirst. If you feel thirsty, you are dehydrated. Begin every day with a glass of water, drink a beverage between and at every meal, and create the habit of taking a bottle of water whenever you go out. Caffeinated beverages serve as diuretics but are better than no liquid at all.

Keep Your Grains Whole

Another important mark of a good diet is grains, and switching to whole grains is surprisingly easy. Think of ways to translate your diet into one containing more whole grains and fewer refined grains. Switch breakfast cereals. Change from white to whole grain bread, from white to brown rice and from regular to whole grain crackers. A rule of thumb is to avoid foods that are white. Generally, the richer the color of your food the better it is for you!

Protein Variety

Everyone needs protein on a daily basis but we tend to get much more than we need. The average woman needs about 50 grams to 80 grams of protein daily; an average piece of chicken contains 34 grams so perhaps we don't need to worry so much about getting large amounts of protein-rich foods with every meal. Make sure to eat proteins from a variety of sources. Some of the best ways to get protein are legumes, nuts, fish, eggs, dairy foods, and fermented soy products.

Close to Perfect Foods

Fruits and vegetables are as close to perfect foods as possible. They're easy to prepare, they taste good, and they're unbelievably good for you. Build a habit of bringing more of them into your daily life. Add fruit to your breakfast (add to cereal or yogurt for example), try new types of fruits to see what you like. Prepare fruit for snacking. Buy half a watermelon, cut it into bite-sized pieces, and see how easily it becomes a favorite snack.

Wordless Wednesday - Siloam's Board Members Call Donors to Say Thank You and Take Prayer Requests

2011-08-10T10:38:00.000-05:00

Medical Monday - Lyme Disease and Tick Bites

2011-08-08T12:11:00.000-05:00

Many bugs give us reason for pause, including poisonous spiders, chiggers, bees and lice. But few get under our skin - quite literally - like the tick. If you enjoy the outdoors, be careful of ticks -- they can attach as you brush past grass and plants. Ticks don't always carry diseases, and most bites are not serious. But they can carry diseases including Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain spotted fever.

Infected ticks usually don't spread the disease until they've been attached for at least 36 hours. The first sign of infection is usually a circular skin rash. Early symptoms due to the pathogen(s) that the tick transmits during its bite may include:

Flu-like symptoms, fever, numbness, rash, confusion, weakness, pain and swelling in joints, palpitations, shortness of breath, and nausea and vomiting. Untreated Lyme disease may spread to other parts of the body, including the muscles, joints, heart, and nervous system.

The results of the illnesses transmitted by ticks often begin days to weeks after the tick is gone. That's why doctors may not suspect a tick-related illness because many people ignore or forget about barely noticeable "bites." The most important clue about any tick-related illness is to tell the physician about a tick bite. Also, the individual needs to tell their physician about outdoor activity in tick-infested areas even if the person does not remember a tick bite.

Severe fatigue unrelieved by rest, insomnia, headaches, nausea, abdominal pain, impaired concentration, poor short-term memory, inability to sustain attention, difficulty thinking and expressing thoughts, difficulty reading and writing, being overwhelmed by schoolwork, difficulty making decisions and confusion.

Once a tick latches onto skin, it often moves to the warm, moist armpits and groin -- feeding on blood and passing on any disease it carries. A tick bite can also trigger an allergic reaction. If you have a tick, it is important to remove it properly and promptly. To prevent tick bites, keep your arms, legs, and head covered when outdoors. Use tick repellant with DEET. Check for ticks after spending time in grassy or wooded area. The majority of tick bites result in few, if any, immediate symptoms.

Ticks may cause a "bull's-eye" rash.

Ticks are the leading carriers (vectors) of diseases to humans in the United States, second only to mosquitoes worldwide. It is not the tick bite but the toxins, secretions, or organisms in the tick's saliva transmitted through the bite that causes disease.

Lyme disease is most common among boys aged 5 to 19. Around 25 percent of all reported cases are children.

One of the biggest obstacles patients find is that their symptoms are vague at best and most often mimic other diseases and disorders. Flu-like symptoms are common, so caregivers and pediatricians may attribute the child's symptoms to another cause, such as the flu or common cold.

Effects on children

Children bitten by ticks around the head and neck are considered more vulnerable to brain and central nervous system infections.

When to Seek Medical Care

Call or see a doctor if any of these conditions exist:

The person or child bitten by a tick exhibits any weakness, paralysis, lethargy, confusion, fever, numbness, headache, or rashes.
The tick cannot be removed from the skin, or the head and mouth-parts remain in the skin after removal.
Symptoms listed above persist or get worse.
Pregnant individuals should inform their doctors of tick bites and particularly before they take any medications.
Immunosuppressed individuals should inform their physicians of tick bites.

Go immediately to a hospital's emergency department if a tick bite causes any of the following: fever, headache, confusion, weakness or paralysis, numbness, vomiting, difficulty breathing, or palpitations.

References

Wordless Wednesday - the evening shift

2011-08-03T10:08:00.000-05:00

Medical Monday - Swimmer's Ear

2011-08-01T09:53:00.000-05:00

What is swimmer's ear?

Swimmer's ear (otitis externa) is an inflammation or infection of the ear canal, the passage that leads from the outer ear to the eardrum. This condition is called swimmer's ear because it commonly occurs in people who have been swimming. But other people can get it too.

What causes swimmer's ear?

You can get swimmer's ear when bacteria or fungus grows in your ear canal. This happens when water, sand, or other small debris irritates the delicate skin in the ear canal. Other things that can irritate the ear canal include hearing aids, lots of ear cleaning, and eczema of the ear canal.

Swimmer's ear is more likely if you have a very narrow or hairy ear canal; live in a warm, humid climate; have little or no earwax; have lots of ear infections; or have eczema or dry skin. If you have had swimmer's ear in the past, you are more likely to get it again.

What are the symptoms?

Swimmer's ear can be very painful. The pain can get worse when you touch the earlobe or another part of the outer ear or when you chew. Other symptoms can include itching, a feeling of fullness in the ear, and a yellowish or brownish discharge from the ear. Your ear canal may be swollen. In severe cases, the outer ear can be red and swollen too.

If you think you have swimmer's ear, call your doctor to find the best way to treat it.

If you have diabetes or take medicine that suppresses your immune system, swimmer's ear can cause severe problems. Call your doctor right away.

How is it treated?

Follow these tips when treating swimmer's ear:

If your doctor prescribed ear drops, use them as directed.
Talk with your doctor before putting anything in your ear.
Avoid getting water in the ear until after the problem clears up.
Use a hair dryer to carefully dry the ear after you shower.
Take an over-the-counter pain medicine like acetaminophen (such as Tylenol), ibuprofen (such as Advil or Motrin), or naproxen (such as Aleve). Read and follow all instructions on the label. Do not give aspirin to anyone younger than 20. It has been linked to Reye syndrome, a serious illness.

Some home treatment can help swimmer's ear. But it is important to see a doctor first. If your doctor says it is okay, you can try the following:

If your ear is itchy, try nonprescription swimmer's ear drops, such as Star-Otic or Swim-Ear. Use them before and after swimming or getting your ears wet.
To ease ear pain, apply a warm washcloth or a heating pad set on low. There may be some drainage when the heat melts earwax.

Do not use a heating pad when you are in bed. You may fall asleep and burn yourself.
Do not use a heating pad on a child.

In severe cases, the ear canal should be carefully cleaned out by an ear specialist. Occasionally, if the ear canal is very swollen, a wick with antibiotic drops will be placed in the ear canal.

Do not use ear candles. They have no proven benefit, and they can cause harm.

How can you prevent swimmer's ear?

You may be able to prevent swimmer's ear.

Do not scratch or clean the inside of the ear with cotton swabs, bobby pins, your fingernails, or other objects.
Avoid prolonged use of earplugs and in-ear headphones. Like cotton swabs, these can cause irritation and itching and can plug the ear with wax.
Keep soap, bubble bath, and shampoo out of the ear canal. These products can cause itching and irritation.
Keep your ears dry.

After you swim or shower, shake your head to remove water from the ear canal.
Gently dry your ears with the corner of a tissue or towel, or use a hair dryer on its lowest setting. Hold the dryer several inches away from the ear.
Put a few drops of rubbing alcohol or rubbing alcohol mixed with an equal amount of white vinegar in your ears after you swim or shower. You can also use over-the-counter drops, such as Star-Otic or Swim-Ear, to help prevent swimmer's ear. Wiggle the outside of the ear to let the liquid enter the ear canal, and then tilt your head to let it drain out.

Do not swim in dirty or polluted water.

Swimmer's Ear Causes

The skin lining the ear canal and outer ear serves as a barrier against infection from bacteria and fungi. The ear is protected against infection because the lining is slightly acidic. The lining is also a physical barrier that protects against excessive moisture.

Any break in the skin lining can lead to infection, allowing bacteria or fungi to invade the outer ear. The barrier can become broken and lead to an infection in the following ways:

When you attempt to clean your ears with cotton-tipped swabs or other objects inserted in the ear, the skin lining of the ear canal may break. This can also remove the protective ear was from the ear canal.

Excessive moisture in the ear canal from showering or swimming also alters the acidic environment of the ear canal, and allows for the invasion of bacteria or fungi. This is the reason this condition happens mainly in the summer months, and hence, is called swimmer's ear.
Ear plugs, hearing aids, headphones, and other devices that may be inserted into the ear canal may increase the risk of swimmer's ear.

Chemicals such as hair dyes, bleaches, and shampoos may irritate the ear canal and alter its protective properties. An infection can result.

Generally, any inflammation of the outer ear canal, such as infections, allergies, or skin conditions, can lead to swimmer's ear.

The most common bacteria responsible for outer ear infection are Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Other bacteria are less common. In minority of cases (less than 10%), a fungus is the cause of swimmer's ear.

Call a health care practitioner immediately in any of these situations:

Pain is not controlled with over-the-counter medicines that are taken as recommended on the label. Any pressure on the outer ear may cause great pain, so it is often difficult to lie down with the affected side against a pillow. Many people with swimmer's ear have trouble sleeping until they get medical attention.

The person feels dizzy.

The person has any signs of facial weakness or double vision.

The person has diabetes or some other condition that prevents the immune system from functioning normally.

Swimmer's ear, in general, is not an emergency. However, the person should go to the emergency department at the hospital if they are experiencing symptoms of swimmer's ear and have diabetes, are running a fever, are experiencing dizziness or facial weakness, or have a history of prior ear surgery.

For more information visit these sites:

http://www.emedicinehealth.com/slideshow_anatomy_of_an_ear_infection/article_em.htm

http://www.emedicinehealth.com/swimmers_ear/article_em.html

Wordless Wednesday - Our Volunteer Doctors & Nurses

2011-07-27T10:22:00.001-05:00

photos courtesy of Carolina Gruber

Medical Monday - UV Safety Month!

2011-07-25T12:16:00.000-05:00

UV Safety Month is a great time to spread the message of sun, fun and UV safety to your community. Ultraviolet (UV) radiation is the main cause of skin cancer. Don’t forget UV rays can also damage your eyes.

Facts About Sun Exposure

The sun radiates light to the earth, and part of that light consists of invisible ultraviolet (UV) rays. When these rays reach the skin, they cause tanning, burning, and other skin damage.

Sunlight contains three types of ultraviolet rays: UVA, UVB, and UVC.

UVA rays cause skin aging and wrinkling and contribute to skin cancer, such as melanoma. Bec UVA rays make up the majority of our sun exposure. Beware of tanning beds because they use UVA rays as well as UVB rays. A UVA tan does not help protect the skin from further sun damage; it merely produces color and a false sense of protection from the sun.
UVB rays cause sunburns, cataracts (clouding of the eye lens), and effects on the immune system. They also contribute to skin cancer.
UVC rays are the most dangerous, but fortunately, these rays are blocked by the ozone layer and don't reach the earth.

TIPS:

Avoid the sun between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.

Use sunscreen with SPF 15 or higher.

Cover up with long sleeves and a hat.

Check your skin regularly for any changes.

Applying sunscreen properly
When you apply your sunscreen, you should apply it on clean skin for the best protection and not over moisturizer or foundation. Apply sunscreen on your skin and let it soak in — this is the way to have the best protection.

We all need some sun exposure; it's our primary source of vitamin D, which helps us absorb calcium for stronger, healthier bones. But it doesn't take much time in the sun for most people to get the vitamin D they need, and repeated unprotected exposure to the sun's ultraviolet rays can cause skin damage, eye damage, immune system suppression, and skin cancer.

Most kids rack up between 50% and 80% of their lifetime sun exposure before age 18, so it's important that parents teach their children how to enjoy fun in the sun safely. With the right precautions, you can greatly reduce your child's chance of developing skin cancer or vision damage.

African-Americans and people with dark skin have a natural SPF 16 UV protection, although dark skin blocks vitamin D3 production even more. So darker-skinned people require 10 to 20 times the sun exposure length (which equates to about two hours of exposure) than lighter-skinned people to build up the same amount of vitamin D. While dark skin does offer this SPF protection, it's not enough to protect the skin fully so African Americans and people with dark skin should still use sunscreens when they'll be in the sun for prolonged periods. ( Michael Roizen, M. D.)

EYE PROTECTION

Most are aware of the harm UV radiation can do to the skin, but many may not realize that exposure to UV radiation can harm the eyes or that other components of solar radiation can also affect vision.

UV-A and UV-B radiation can have adverse long- and short-term effects on the eyes and vision. Don’t forget protection for children and teenagers. They typically spend more time in the sun than adults. Wearing sunglasses can protect children from harmful UV exposure. Like a “sunburn of the eye”, photokeratitis may be painful and include symptoms such as red eyes, a foreign body sensation or gritty feeling in the eyes, extreme sensitivity to light and excessive tearing. This is usually temporary and rarely causes permanent damage to the eyes.

Long-term exposure to UV radiation, however, can be more serious. Scientific studies and research have shown that exposure to small amounts of UV radiation over a period of many years increases the chance of developing a cataract and may cause damage to the retina, a nerve-rich lining of the eye that is used for seeing. Additionally, chronic exposure to shorter wavelength visible light (i.e. blue and violet light) may also be harmful to the retina.

The longer the eyes are exposed to solar radiation, the greater the risk of developing later in life such conditions as cataracts or macular degeneration. Since it is not clear how much exposure to solar radiation will cause damage, the AOA recommends wearing quality sunglasses that offer UV protection and wearing a hat or cap with a wide brim whenever you spend time outdoors. Also, certain contact lenses can provide additional UV protection.

For more information visit these sites:

American Academy of Ophthalmology at eyemd@aao.org

http://kidshealth.org/parent/firstaid_safe/outdoor/sun_safety.htm

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, SunWise Kids School Program

Friday Feature - Pastor Ron Baptiste

2011-07-22T11:09:00.001-05:00

L-R: Mark McCaw, Crickett Baptiste, Pastor Ron Baptiste, Dr. Jim Henderson

Pastor Ron Baptiste is a quiet, gentle soul clad in a leather biker vest and Harley-Davidson do-rag. He is the Senior Pastor of Covenant Confirmers Ministries, Inc and the founder of the Tennessee Biker Medical Clinic in Springfield, TN (Robertson County).

Pastor Ron and his wife Crickette recently visited Siloam to present us with an appreciation plaque for our service to their patients. The "biker clinic" is only open on Saturday mornings until noon. If one of their patients needs to be seen by a specialist or their needs can not be met during their clinic hours, they refer them to Siloam.

This is the third year we have received this honor from the Tennessee Biker Medical Clinic and it has been a privilege to serve alongside them since 2008.We have enjoyed getting to know their community and look forward to our continued friendship.

God bless you Pastor Ron!

The Tennessee Biker Medical Clinic provides quality, affordable health care to a growing number of Biker Families with no health care means at all. This free clinic seeks to meet the health care needs as well as the spiritual needs of the people who are physically challenged and have no insurance or any monetary means.

The "biker clinic" has been featured on The 700 Club, WKRN and Nashville's Channel 4 news! Read more about them by visiting the website at http://www.tennesseebikermedicalclinic.org

Wordless Wednesday - Doing what we do...

2011-07-20T09:57:00.002-05:00

Photos courtesy of Carolina Gruber and Debbie Barnett

Patient photos used with full consent and are property of Siloam Family Health Center

Medical Monday - Health for Hot Weather

2011-07-18T10:14:00.000-05:00

During hot weather, it’s important to take necessary precautions against heat-related illnesses. Illness can stem from heat exhaustion or heat stroke, as well as food-borne illnesses because of inappropriate handling of food.

Heat-related illness and deaths are preventable if you take the appropriate steps. The elderly, the very young, and those with mental illness and chronic diseases are at highest risk. However, even young and healthy individuals can succumb to heat if they participate in strenuous physical activities during hot weather.

TOP TEN TIPS FOR STAYING COOL:

Drink plenty of non-carbonated liquids like water or electrolyte-enriched liquids to replace your fluids even if you don’t feel thirsty.
Avoid liquids that have alcohol, caffeine or lots of sugar because they will speed up fluid loss.
Stay in air-conditioned areas such as malls, libraries, movie theaters and community centers. Even a few hours can cool your body’s temperature.
If you feel very hot, cool off by taking a cool bath or shower. Opening a window or using a fan may not prevent heat-related illnesses.
Do not cool children in alcohol baths. Cool, plain water baths or moist towels work best.
Wear lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing, such as cotton, so sweat can evaporate.
NEVER leave anyone or pets in closed, parked cars during hot weather.
Do not bundle babies in blankets or heavy clothing. Infants do not tolerate heat well because their sweat glands are not fully developed.
Limit physical activity to morning and evening hours. Avoid physical activity or exercise between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. typically the hottest part of the day. Rest often in shady areas.
Wear a wide-brimmed, vented hat or use an umbrella because your head absorbs heat easily.

Hyperthermia, heat stroke, dehydration, heat rash

The body can adapt very well in hot weather, but it takes time to acclimate. The actual temperature is just one factor when a person decides to work, play, or exercise in the heat. The heat index adds humidity to the equation since sweat cannot evaporate if the water content in the air (humidity) is high. If the air holds as much water as it can there is no place for sweat to go, and evaporation cannot cool the body.

Hyperthermia is overheating of the body. Hyperthermia is literally high heat. Summer can bring heat waves with unusually high temperatures that last for days and sometimes weeks. In the summer of 1980, a severe heat wave hit the United States, and nearly 1,700 people lost their lives from heat-related illness. Likewise, in the summer of 2003, tens of thousands of people died of the heat in Europe. High temperatures put people at risk.

What causes hyperthermia and heat-related illnesses?

People suffer heat-related illness when the body's temperature control system is overloaded. The body normally cools itself by sweating. But under some conditions, sweating just isn't enough. In such cases, a person's body temperature rises rapidly. Very high body temperatures can damage the brain or other vital organs.

Several factors affect the body's ability to cool itself during extremely hot weather. When the humidity is high, sweat will not evaporate as quickly, preventing the body from releasing heat quickly.

Other conditions that can limit the ability to regulate temperature include old age, obesity, dehydration, fever, heart disease, poor circulation, sunburn, and drug, and alcohol use.

Those at greatest risk of heat-related illness include: infants and children up to four years of age, people 65 years of age or older, people who are overweight, people who overexert during work or exercise, people who are ill or on certain medications.

Infants and children up to four years of age are very sensitive to the effects of high temperatures and rely on others to regulate their environments and provide adequate liquids.

People 65 years of age or older may not compensate for heat stress efficiently, and are less likely to sense and respond to changes in temperature.

Overweight people may be prone to heat sickness because of their tendency to retain more body heat.

Any health condition that causes dehydration makes the body more susceptible to heat-related illness. If you or someone you know is at higher risk, it is important to drink plenty of fluids, avoid overexertion, and get your doctor or pharmacist's advice about medications being taken for: high blood pressure, depression, nervousness, mental illness, insomnia, or poor circulation.

To avoid heat-related illnesses, avoid working or exercising in extreme heat. If it is required, to avoid dehydration and other complications, take frequent breaks to get out of the heat and drink plenty of fluids to replenish fluid lost via sweat.

Early signs of heat-related illnesses include lightheadedness, weakness, and nausea. It is important to get out of the heat, cool off, and rehydrate immediately to avoid heat-related problems such as heat exhaustion and heat stroke.

Heat Stroke

Even short periods of high temperatures can cause serious health problems. Two common problems are heat stroke and heat exhaustion. Heat stroke occurs when the body becomes unable to control its temperature. The body's temperature rises rapidly, the sweating mechanism fails, and the body is unable to cool down. Body temperature may rise to 106°F or higher within 10-15 minutes. Heat stroke can cause death or permanent disability if emergency treatment is not given.

What are the symptoms of heat stroke?

Warning signs of heat stroke vary but may include: an extremely high body temperature (above 104°F), red, hot, and moist or dry skin (no sweating), rapid, strong pulse, throbbing headache, dizziness, nausea, confusion, seizures, unconsciousness.

What is the treatment for heat stroke?

If you see any of these signs, you may be dealing with a life threatening emergency. Have someone call for immediate medical assistance while you begin cooling the victim: get the victim to a cool indoor or outdoor area. Cool the victim rapidly using whatever methods you can. For example, you may immerse the victim in a tub of cool water or place them in a cool shower. You may also spray them with cool water from a garden hose or sponge them with cool water. If the humidity is low, loosely wrap the victim in a cool, wet sheet and fan him or her vigorously. Monitor body temperature, and continue cooling efforts until the body temperature drops to 101-102°F or lower. If emergency medical personnel are delayed, call the hospital emergency room for further instructions. Do not give the victim alcohol to drink.

Sometimes a victim's muscles will begin to twitch uncontrollably (seizure) as a result of heat stroke. If this happens, keep the victim from injuring himself, but do not place any object in the mouth and do not give fluids. If there is vomiting, make sure the airway remains open by turning the victim on his or her side to prevent choking.

Dehydration

It is hard to gauge how much water is lost through sweat, and the thirst mechanism may not be sensitive enough to remind a person to drink enough. In general, the kidneys are a good guide to whether there is enough water in the body. If the body is dehydrated, the kidneys will try to hold on to as much water as possible. Symptoms and signs of the kidneys preserving water are decreased urine production, urine concentrated in color, and a strong urine odor. Urine is clear when there is enough fluid in the body.

In a hot environment, a person should drink enough water to make the urine clear, and make sure the body is producing sweat.

What is heat rash?

The skin's job is to protect the inside of the body from the outside world, and acts as a preventive barrier against intruders (for example, infection, chemicals, or ultraviolet light). It also plays an important role in the body's temperature control. One way that the body cools itself is by sweating and allowing that sweat or perspiration to evaporate. Sweat is manufactured in sweat glands that line the entire body (except for a few small spots like fingers, toenails, and the ear canal).

Sweat glands are located in the dermis or deep layer of the skin and are regulated by the temperature control centers in the brain. Sweat from the gland gets to the surface of the skin by a duct.

A heat rash occurs when sweat ducts become clogged and the sweat can't get to the surface of the skin. Instead, it becomes trapped beneath the skin's surface causing mild inflammation or rash. Heat rash is also called prickly heat or Miliaria.

What are the causes of heat rash?

It is uncertain why some people get heat rashes and others don't.

The sweat gland ducts can get blocked if excessive sweating occurs, and that sweat is not allowed to evaporate from a specific area. Some examples of how blockage may occur include the following:

Creases in the skin like the neck, armpit, or groin have skin touching adjacent skin, which makes it difficult for air to circulate preventing sweat evaporation.
Tight clothing that prevents sweat evaporation.
Bundling up in heavy clothing or sheets. This may occur when a person tries to keep warm in wintertime or when chilled because of an illness and fever.
Heavy creams or lotions can clog sweat ducts.

Babies have immature sweat glands that aren't able to get rid of all the sweat they produce, which can cause a heat rash if they are exposed to warm weather, are overdressed, excessively bundled, or have a fever.

Heat rash may occur as a side effect of some medications (for example, isotretinoin [Accutane] or clonidine [Catapress].

What does heat rash look like?

The appearance of the heat rash depends upon where the excess sweat gets deposited in the skin. Tiny blisters that look like small beads of sweat are seen if the sweat is blocked at the most superficial layers of the skin where the sweat duct opens on the skin surface. Called miliaria crystalline, it has no symptoms other the "sweat bubbles."

If the sweat causes inflammation in the deeper layers of the epidermis, the classic heat rash occurs, which is referred to as miliaria rubra. Like any other inflammation, the area becomes red (and therefore the name rubra) and the blisters become slightly larger.

Because the sweat glands are blocked and don't deliver sweat to the skin's surface, the area involved is dry and can be irritated, itchy, and sore. This rash is also called prickly heat.

Less commonly, after repeated episodes of prickly heat, the heat rash may inflame the deeper later of the skin called the dermis, and cause miliaria profunda. This rash is made up of larger, harder bumps that are more skin colored. The rash begins almost immediately after exercise, and again no sweat can be found on the affected areas. This type of heat rash may potentially dangerous if enough skin is involved, since the lack of sweating can lead to heat-related illnesses like heat cramps, heat exhaustion, or heat stroke.

What are the symptoms of heat rash in children and adults?

The common symptoms of heat rash are red bumps on the skin, and an itchy or prickly feeling to the skin. These are due to inflammation of the superficial layers of the skin and the prickly sensation is similar to the feeling of mild sunburn.

The symptoms of heat rash are the same in infants and adults; however, since an infant can't complain about the rash sensation, he or she may be fussy.

How can heat rash be prevented?

Prevention is the most important treatment for heat rash. By allowing the skin to be exposed to circulating air, the potential for sweat glands to become inflamed decreases.

Other strategies to prevent heat rash include:

avoid exercising in hot, humid weather,
wear loose clothing made of breathable fabrics like cotton,
use air conditioning, and
keep the skin clean with frequent baths or showers to prevent sweat glands from becoming clogged.

How effective are electric fans in preventing heat rash?

Keeping the skin cool on hot days is an important preventive measure. Air circulation (with fans or by other methods) usually will help with skin cooling. It is important not to bundle newborns and infants too tightly so that air can get to the skin, but it also is important to keep them warm enough.

Always consult professional medical advice for health emergencies.

This and more information can be found at the Center for Disease Control and Prevention Web site at http://www.bt.cdc.gov

Wordless Wednesday - We Will Miss You, Blair!

2011-07-13T12:42:00.001-05:00

Medical Monday - Juvenile Arthritis

2011-07-11T10:17:00.000-05:00

Juvenile Arthritis is an umbrella term used to describe the many autoimmune and inflammatory conditions that can develop in children ages 16 and younger.

Arthritis typically affects joints -- the word “arthritis” literally means joint inflammation: arth (joint) and itis (inflammation) – but JA can involve the eyes, skin and gastrointestinal tract as well.

In addition, there are several different types of juvenile arthritis. As JA’s prevalence rises, researchers and doctors alike are working to develop a more sophisticated understanding of the differences between the different forms.

The most common type of JA is juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA). To receive a diagnosis, a child should be younger than 16 and have initial swelling in one or more joints for at least six weeks. Over time, a child with JIA, now an umbrella term for several types of arthritis previously known as juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, may exhibit a variety of symptoms including muscle and soft tissue tightening, bone erosion, joint misalignment and changes in growth patterns.

No known cause has been pinpointed for most forms of juvenile arthritis, nor is there evidence to suggest that toxins, foods or allergies cause children to develop the disease. Some research points toward a genetic predisposition, which means the combination of genes a child receives from family members may cause the onset of arthritis when triggered by other factors.

Oligoarthritis and polyarthritis are both more common in girls, while boys and girls are equally vulnerable to systemic arthritis. Boys are more commonly diagnosed with enthesitis-related arthritis. Like everything else, there are exceptions to every rule, so work with your child’s doctor to get a proper and timely diagnosis.

Medications used to treat JA can be divided into two groups: those that help relieve pain and inflammation (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDs, corticosteroids and analgesics) and those that can alter the course of the disease, put it into remission and prevent joint damage, a category known as disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) and a newer subset known as biologic response modifiers (biologics).

Each child responds to his or her treatment plan differently, so there’s no set course of attack for JA. Your child's doctor might try several different medications and/or dosages until your child responds positively to treatment. Some medications affect the immune system or have other side effects, making careful and frequent monitoring very important.

The most important step in properly treating your child’s JA is getting an accurate diagnosis. The diagnostic process can be long and detailed, but be patient. Your child’s pediatrician will likely recommend that you visit a pediatric rheumatologist who will then take a complete health history to determine the length of time and type of symptoms present.

Happy Independence Weekend from Siloam!

2011-07-01T13:02:00.004-05:00

We're taking a little holiday from the blog July 1-4 to celebrate Independence Day! Who wants to be reading blogs on a gorgeous, sunny weekend? Let's all enjoy the great outdoors!

We are so grateful for our ancestors -- immigrants who founded this great country in hope of a better life.

Enjoy your families, your friends and your freedom!

Happy 4th of July from your friends at Siloam!
(Remember Siloam's clinic will be closed Monday July 4th).

ps... please be safe and don't forget your sunscreen!

Wordless Wednesday - Front Desk Fun

2011-06-29T14:37:00.000-05:00

Medical Monday - National HIV Testing Day

2011-06-27T10:57:00.000-05:00

HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) is a virus that can infect the human body.
Viruses are not like cells, which have all the biological machinery they need to live and reproduce. Viruses are just packages of genetic instructions – usually DNA, sometimes RNA – that hijack living cells’ machinery to manufacture copies of themselves. HIV specializes in hijacking and destroying the cells of your immune system. When enough of your immune system has been destroyed, you become vulnerable to opportunistic infections (OI’s) – unusual infections and cancers that a healthy immune system could overcome but yours can’t.

Within a few weeks of being infected with HIV, some people develop flu-like symptoms that last for a week or two, but others have no symptoms at all. People living with HIV may appear and feel healthy for several years. However, even if they feel healthy, HIV is still affecting their bodies. All people with HIV should be seen on a regular basis by a health care provider experienced with treating HIV infection. Many people with HIV, including those who feel healthy, can benefit greatly from current medications used to treat HIV infection. These medications can limit or slow down the destruction of the immune system, improve the health of people living with HIV, and may reduce their ability to transmit HIV. Untreated early HIV infection is also associated with many diseases including cardiovascular disease, kidney disease, liver disease, and cancer. Support services are also available to many people with HIV. These services can help people cope with their diagnosis, reduce risk behavior, and find needed services.

AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome) is a stage of disease caused by HIV infection.
The AIDS disease stage is marked by severe damage to the immune system and proceeds to death if left untreated. The damage can be measured by very low counts of T-cells (one kind of white blood cell in your immune system), with counts below 200 indicating what is often called full-blown AIDS. Even with T-cell counts above 200, you will be considered to have full-blown AIDS if you are having certain OI’s that only occur when the immune system has almost stopped functioning.

People who are infected but have not progressed to full-blown AIDS should not be called “people with AIDS.” They are people living with HIV.

No one should become complacent about HIV and AIDS. While current medications can dramatically improve the health of people living with HIV and slow progression from HIV infection to AIDS, existing treatments need to be taken daily for the rest of a person’s life, need to be carefully monitored, and come with costs and potential side effects. At this time, there is no cure for HIV infection. Despite major advances in diagnosing and treating HIV infection, in 2009, there were an estimated 42,959 new diagnoses of HIV infection in the United States.

Visit HIVtest.org site to find a testing center near you.

Friday Feature - Next Door Neighbors

2011-06-24T12:40:00.001-05:00

This past Monday, June 20, was World Refugee Day... a day dedicated each year to raising awareness about the situation of refugees around the world. The theme for 2011 is “One Refugee Without Hope is Too Many.”

Siloam celebrates refugees every day. Our patients come from more than 100 homelands and speak 70 languages. We find great joy in interacting with people from around the globe and feel deeply privileged to provide them with quality health care, not just physically, but spiritually and emotionally, as well. Read more HERE about our patient population.

In honor of World Refugee Day, NPT (Nashville Public Television) ran a special series this week called, Our Next Door Neighbors. The documentary series covered refugees who have resettled in the Nashville area, from Sudan, Bhutan, Kurdistan and Somalia. This is an excellent series that helps us understand our new next door neighbors... who come from lands so unlike ours. What is it like to have to adjust to new food, language, laws, systems, culture?

Here is a link to watch each episode online: http://www.wnpt.org/productions/nextdoorneighbors/index.html. Just click on the photo of the series you'd like to view and it will take you to the video. Each one is roughly 30 minutes long.

Another fascinating link is this interactive map of all foreign-born residents throughout the United States. Davidson County has more than 39,000 foreign-born residents. So let's get to know our next door neighbors!

Wordless Wednesday - Celebrating World Refugee Week

2011-06-22T14:37:00.000-05:00

Medical Monday - What is Aphasia?

2011-06-20T14:33:00.000-05:00

What is Aphasia?
Aphasia is an acquired communication disorder that impairs a person's ability to process language, but does not affect intelligence. Aphasia impairs the ability to speak and understand others, and most people with aphasia experience difficulty reading and writing.

What Causes Aphasia?
The most common cause of aphasia is stroke (about 25-40% of stroke survivors acquire aphasia). It can also result from head injury, brain tumor or other neurological causes.

How Common is Aphasia?
Aphasia affects about one million Americans -or 1 in 250 people- and is more common than Parkinson's Disease, cerebral palsy or muscular dystrophy. More than 100,000 Americans acquire the disorder each year. However, most people have never heard of it.

Who Acquires Aphasia?
While aphasia is most common among older people, it can occur in people of all ages, races, nationalities and gender.

Can a Person Have Aphasia Without Having a Physical Disability?
Yes , but many people with aphasia also have weakness or paralysis of their right leg and right arm. When a person acquires aphasia it is usually due to damage on the left side of the brain, which controls movements on the right side of the body.

For more information on Aphasia visit the official site at http://www.aphasia.org

Friday Feature - Paul Burns

2011-06-17T12:49:00.005-05:00

Reverend Paul Burns, pastor of Priest Lake Presbyterian Church in Nashville, serves on the Pastoral Care Committee at Siloam and volunteers his time tending to the spiritual needs of our patients.

We are so grateful for his care and leadership and are so proud of him for the article he wrote that was published in The Tennessean on June 11, 2011.

Below is the article from The Tennessean as well as the link to it online.

We're so thankful for your heart Pastor Paul!

_____________________________

Message of the Week: 9/11 news evokes loss, but Lord brings peace.

"Last month, as Jennifer and I sat listening to the wonderful jazz of New Orleans, tapping our feet and clapping our hands, the news on the television above the bar read: “Osama bin Laden dead.” The whole club took out their phones to verify this event and to send messages to loved ones. The jazz band kept playing.

Not only did they keep playing, but the manager turned the television off as if to say, “We’ve got more important things going on here. Listen to the music.” Meanwhile, in other parts of the country, people gathered in the streets, on campuses, near the Capitol, in Times Square and at ground zero. Some chanted “USA!” Some wept. And some did both.

Tears formed in my eyes as I turned to my wife, whose eyes met mine with a tearful look. I couldn’t have told you at the time why there were tears. That’s often how tears are. As we listened to the nonstop jazz, we still tapped our feet some and clapped some, but with the realization that it wasn’t the same ol’ jazz.

I lived and worked in Manhattan on 9/11 as a financial consultant. My friends and I all lost colleagues.

On the day bin Laden was killed, I received a text from my friend Brian Katzman, “I know I will never forget that day, my friend.” And then another message from another friend Paul Leonardo, “Remember, a million people on the street and we ran into Brian O’Donnell.”

The four of us walked up Park Avenue together along with a million others. Some were in a panic, some were stunned, others pretended like it was just another day. Phones to ears. Trying to call. Trying to get through. Lines jammed.

Thousands were feared dead and indeed they were. But I couldn’t cry. I can’t explain it. Weeks went by, months went by, no tears.
Tears waited

Sunday night almost 10 years past, listening to jazz, breaking news, texts from friends and the tears came. Tears that waited for the end. Tears shed for that day, for those lives, for that city, for un-lived dreams replaced by the nightmare that one man brought.

You won’t find me in the streets pumping my fist, although I feel a great love for my country. But I still weep even as I write. Not for the death of a hated man, but for the loss that remains deep in the heart of this country and beyond.

A Scripture comes to mind, “But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. For he is our peace; in his flesh he has made both groups into one and has broken down the dividing wall, that is, the hostility between us.” Ephesians 2:13-14.

There is only one man whose blood brings peace, and I call him Lord."

View the article HERE.

Wordless Wednesday - Homelands

2011-06-15T16:57:00.001-05:00

Medical Monday - Myasthenia Gravis

2011-06-13T11:01:00.000-05:00

June is Myasthenia Gravis Awareness Month...

Myasthenia Gravis (pronounced My-as-theen-ee-a Grav-us) comes from the Greek and Latin words meaning "grave muscular weakness." The most common form of MG is a chronic autoimmune neuromuscular disorder that is characterized by fluctuating weakness of the voluntary muscle groups. The prevalence of MG in the United States is estimated to be about 20/100,000 population. However, MG is probably under diagnosed and the prevalence may be higher. Myasthenia Gravis occurs in all races, both genders, and at any age. MG is not thought to be directly inherited nor is it contagious. It does occasionally occur in more than one member of the same family.

The voluntary muscles of the entire body are controlled by nerve impulses that arise in the brain. These nerve impulses travel down the nerves to the place where the nerves meet the muscle fibers. Nerve fibers do not actually connect with muscle fibers. There is a space between the nerve ending and muscle fiber; this space is called the neuromuscular junction.

Common symptoms can include:

A drooping eyelid
Blurred or double vision
Slurred speech
Difficulty chewing and swallowing
Weakness in the arms and legs
Chronic muscle fatigue
Difficulty breathing

Read more HERE for information on treatments for MG. As always, consult your primary care physician if you have any chronic symptoms.

Friday Feature - Green Pastures Landscaping

2011-06-10T13:22:00.002-05:00

We are so grateful at Siloam for the folks at Green Pastures. They donate their time and expertise to provide us with quality care for our grounds. Rain or shine they're taking of our grounds' needs, including shoveling snow off our steps or blowing away the dead cicadas covering our entrance!

To quote Nancy West, Siloam's President and CEO “When Siloam Family Health Center moved into its new facility in 2005, we had tiny trees, tiny shrubs, and newly planted flowers that could be maintained by volunteers or through intermittent yard service. But as our program grew, so did our landscaping needs! We are so thankful to be involved with Green Pastures Landscaping who provides Siloam with such high quality services. Their professional employees and state-of-the art equipment have brought our grounds to a whole new level.”

Their mission statement says it all: To understand our client’s landscape objectives, and provide the highest level of service to meet those objectives, while leading our industry in quality, innovation, professionalism, and integrity. The resulting by product being the cultivation of long-term relationships based on our client’s experiential confidence in our uncommon way of providing service.

If you have any commercial landscaping needs - these are the people to call!

http://www.greenpastureslandscapeco.com

Siloam Family Health Center

Wordless Wednesday - Oh Technology!

2011-06-08T15:00:00.001-05:00