"A happy heart makes the face cheerful, but a heartache crushes the spirit" Pr. 15:13
HEART FAILURE..........What is it??
If you or someone you love has experienced heart failure, you are not alone; nearly 5 million Americans already are in heart failure and 550,000 new cases are diagnosed each year.
Many of us have heard the term "heart failure", but often it leads to questions and misunderstanding on what it actually is and how it effects the body.
By definition, heart failure is a progressive condition where the heart gradually loses its ability to pump enough blood to supply the needs of the body. While currently there is no cure, early diagnosis and intervention with proper treatments can provide an improved quality of life and a more normal life expectancy.
Some risk factors for developing heart failure include:
* Untreated high blood pressure
* Heart valves that do not function properly
* Heart attack
* Bypass surgery or angine
* Severe lung disease
* Severe anemia
* Untreated hyperthyroidism
* Heart arrythmias
Some symptoms or warning signs may include:
* Shortness of breath with activity or even at rest
* Waking up short of breath at night
* Needing more pillows to sleep on, especially more than 2
* Swelling of the feet, ankles or legs
* Feeling tired
* Weight gain of more than 2# overnight, or 3 to 5# over 2-3 days
If you have or are experiencing more than one of the symptoms or have any of the risk factors, it is important to speak to your physician about them.
May you be blessed with God's heart healing peace.
"A heart at peace, gives life to the body....." Pr. 14:30
Nancy Rader, Parish Health Nurse
One question regularly asked is, "How do I know if this upper respiratory infection (URI) is the flu or a cold?" since many of the symptoms mimic each other. Here is a chart to help you determine which it might be:
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SYMPTOM COLD FLU
* Fever Pretty rare Usually present
* Body aches/pains Slight Severe
* Chills Uncommon Fairly common
* Fatigue Mild Moderate/Severe
* Sudden Symptoms Over a few days Rapid onset (within hours)
* Coughing Hacky/productive Dry/nonproductive
* Sneezing Common Uncommon
* Stuffy nose Common Uncommon
* Sore throat Common Uncommon
* Chest discomfort Mild/moderate Can be severe
* Headache Fairly uncommon Very common
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Unlike colds, flu can lead to complications like pneumonia, especially in the elderly, the young and those with chronic or serious health issues. Viruses are transmitted by contact with objects the infected person has touched after coughing or sneezing. Germs can be transmitted 1 day after symptoms appear and up to 5 days after becoming sick. Stay healthy by eating well, exercising routinely, getting plenty of rest and practicing GOOD HAND WASHING. If you have the cold or the flu, cover your nose or mouth with a tissue when coughing/sneezing, avoid people while ill, wash your hands after coughing/sneezing and avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. If you are ill STAY HOME; don't share your germs!! Treat your symptoms by hydrating yourself, get plenty of rest, gargle to moisten a sore throat, drink hot liquids to clear nasal passages, apply hot or cold paks to congested sinuses, use an extra pillow when sleeping to relieve congestion and avoid traveling by air. And if you are the healthy one, remember those who are ill by sharing Jesus' love through your prayers and doing a little kindness for them, like taking them some chicken soup, watching their children or running to the store.
Nancy Rader RN, Parish Nurse
"Then shall the light break forth as the morning, and thine health shall spring forth speedily ......." Isaiah, 58:8