National Nurses Week! Thank A Nurse Today!

This year National Nurses’ Week is from Sunday, May 6th through Saturday, May 12th. This week is dedicated to acknowledging and honoring nurses for all of their hard work and dedication. The week starts on May 6th, which is National Nurses Day and ends on May 12, which is International Nurses Day. Nurses are essential in delivering the high quality of patient care. This is a great opportunity to recognized the amazing work that they do. Take time this week and every week to thank a nurse for all of their amazing dedication and work that they do.

 

https://www.nursingworld.org/~490a9b/globalassets/education–events/national-nurses-week/ana_nnw2018_logo_color.

Fargo-Moorhead Event on March 21! Keeping Tech/Social Media Positive & Healthy

Cyber Bulling statistics show that over half of teens have been bullied online and have engaged in cyber bulling. They also show that more than 1 in 3 teens have experienced cyber threats online. Come join Professor Dave Eisenmann on March 31st for a presentation for parents and students about keeping technology and social media positive and healthy for students of all ages.  This is a FREE event and is open to the community. Eisenmann will be giving the presentation from 7PM-8:30PM at the First Lutheran Church in Fargo. This presentation will cover topics about cyber bullying and harassment, sexting, and the dangers of pornography. Why students should be careful about information that they share online through Instagram, Snapchat, and Twitter and how this a permanent digital record will also be covered in the presentation by Eisenmann. Attend this event to help students all ages understand how to keep their technology and social media positive and healthy.

For more information about this event click here:

http://y94.com/events/event/community/27230/keeping-techsocial-media-positive-healthy/

 

Cyber Bullying Statistics

101+ Social Networking Sites You Need To Know

Calling All RNs! RN-BSN Applications Due April 1st, 2018!

Interested in earning your BSN? Check out MSUM!

WHY MSUM ???

• TOTALLY ONLINE. MSUM’s RN to BSN program is totally online, it is highly regarded, students love it, and employers see great gains with BSN graduates.
• EXPERT FACULTY Your faculty are experts in their area of practice, as well as distance education.  Dedicated, accessible and supportive.
• EFFICIENT PATH. On average, it takes AD-RN students just 40 credits to complete the BSN. The typical part-time path takes two years. (the pace depends on your transfer courses and personal situation)
• AFFORDABLE. The MSU Moorhead tuition is very reasonable, your degree at MSUM is a value beyond any in the region.
• INDIVIDUALIZED. Each RN-BSN student works at their own unique pace without any pressure to stay within a ‘cohort’ or prescribed schedule. Some students study one course/term and others go full-time – it’s YOUR decision.
• REAL EXPERIENCES. Four courses include clinical assignments which occur in YOUR community (few work with you to arrange them – no traditional clinicals here).
• AND MORE !

 

APPLY SOON !

• The next general application pool review deadline is April 1, 2018.  Rolling admissions will continue into April/May, and close as soon as the Fall 2018 course fills.

 

Application Info & More

• More information and the application process is described here: http://www.mnstate.edu/snhl/bsnadmission.aspx

 

Thank YOU !  

Eating Disorder Awareness and Screening Week: February 26 – March 4th

The last full week of February is Eating Disorder Awareness and Screening Week. Eating disorders are defined as mental illnesses that cause serious disturbances in a person’s everyday diet. This can mean eating both too much or too little, obsessing over food, and distress or concern about body weight/ shape. The purpose of Eating Disorder Awareness and Screening Week is to fight myths and misunderstandings about various eating disorders, as well as to help people identify whether or not they have a problem.

There are multiple types of eating disorders. Warning, this section may be triggering to some as it details harmful behaviors that accompany some eating disorders.

1. Anorexia Nervosa

This eating disorder is characterized by distorted body image and severe weight loss that can lead to severe weight loss, with a pathological fear of becoming fat. Some warning signs that you or someone you know may be suffering from anorexia nervosa include but are not limited to:

• refusal to eat
• denial of hunger
• difficulty concentrating
• obsession with body size and shape
• skipping meals
• making excuses for not eating
• adopting meal or eating rituals, such as cutting food into small pieces or spitting it out after chewing
• eating only certain foods perceived as “safe”
• excessive exercise
• repeated weighing of themselves
• wearing baggy clothes
• cooking elaborate meals for others but refusing to eat

2. Bulimia Nervosa

This eating disorder is characterized by frequent episodes of binge eating, followed by purging behaviors such as self-induced vomit, fasting, excessive exercise, or the consumption of pills to induce bowel-movements in order to avoid weight gain. Binge eating is the act of eating large amounts of foods in a short period of time. Some warning signs that you or someone you know may be suffering from Bulimia Nervosa include but are not limited to:

• eating large quantities of foods, followed by a compensatory behavior
• dehydration or weakness
• disappearing to the bathroom after meals
• finding food in hidden and unusual places
• intense fear of gaining weight
• dental issues due to vomiting
• scars on fingers or knuckles due to self-induced vomiting
• social withdrawal
• over-exercise

3. Binge Eating Disorder

This eating disorder is characterized as recurring episodes of eating significantly more food in a short period of time than most people would eat under similar circumstances, with episodes marked by feelings of disgust or lack of control. Some symptoms that you or someone you know may be suffering from binge eating disorder include, but are not limited to:

• Eating exceedingly quickly
• Eating even when full
• Feelings of guilt, embarrassment, or disgust
•  Frequent dieting without weight loss
• Frequently eating alone
• Hoarding food
• Hiding empty containers

Some people may show signs of disordered eating that do not fit these symptoms or definitions. These are called “eating disorder not otherwise specified”.

What to do if you think you or someone you know may be suffering from an eating disorder:

• Approach Them
  • Be Prepared–
    • Educate yourself on eating disorders.
    • Realize that the person you are concerned for may be suffering from feelings of anxiety, guilt, and shame.
  • Choose the Proper Environment–
    • Approach the person in an environment where they feel safe and comfortable.
  • Use the Right Language–
    • Take into account their fear of disclosing their feelings or behaviors.
    • Let them know you care about them and support them.
    • Encourage them to express how they feel, rather than how you feel. Listen respectively, and let them know you won’t judge or criticize them.
    • Encourage them to seek help.
  • AVOID–
    • Putting the focus on food; instead, try talking about how the person is feeling.
    • Using language that implies blame or that the person is doing something wrong, i.e. “You are concerning me”. Instead, try “I am concerned about you”.
    • Taking on the role of a therapist. You do not have to have all the answers. Instead, focus on listening and creating a supportive space.
    • Using manipulative statements, i.e. “Think about how you are affecting me”, or “If you cared about me, you would eat”. This can worsen feelings of guilt and shame, and feed into their disorder.
    • Using threatening statements. For example, “If you don’t eat properly I will punish you”. This can negatively effect peoples emotions and behavior, and can make the problem worse
• Contact a Helpline
  • If you feel like you cannot confide in anyone you know, or would like more information on how to further help someone you think may be suffering from an eating disorder, it may be helpful to talk to a stranger about whats going on. Some helplines you can contact are;
    • The National Eating Disorder Association
      • 1-800-931-2237
    • National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Other Related Disorders
      • 1-630-577-1330
    • Overeaters Anonymous
      • 1-505-891-2664
  • A good resource for some additional helplines, along with a detailed paragraph on what they can offer, can be found on Bulimia.com 

Some Misconceptions about Eating Disorders

• Eating disorders are a choice
  • Eating disorders are not a choice. They are a complex mental illness.
• It is not a big deal
  • It is a big deal. Eating disorders have the highest mortality rate of any mental illness.
• Anorexia is the only serious eating disorder
  • All eating disorders are serious.
• If my love one insists they are fine, I should believe them
  • Some people with eating disorders have problems with self-awareness. They may believe they are fine when they are actually ill.
• If someone isn’t emancipated, they’re not that sick.
  • Most people with an eating disorder are not underweight. You cannot tell if someone has an eating disorder just by looking at them.
• Eating disorders only focus on food.
  • Eating disorders often focus on food in order to have control and to reduce anxiety that may be caused by other parts of life.
• Eating disorders are only for girls
  • Anyone can suffer from an eating disorder, regardless of gender.

 

Links used in the article

https://www.timberlineknolls.com/eating-disorder/anorexia/sign-effects/

https://www.news-medical.net/health/What-is-an-Eating-

Disorder.aspxhttps://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org

https://www.waldeneatingdisorders.com/8-warning-signs-of-bulimia-nervosa/

http://www.timberlineknolls.com/eating-disorder/binge-eating/signs-effects/

http://www.nedc.com.au/what-to-say-and-do

https://www.bulimia.com/topics/eating-disorder-hotline/

https://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/toolkit/parent-toolkit/eating-disorder-myths

https://www.pnw.edu/counseling/neda-month/

Safely Watch the Great American Eclipse August 21st!

Classes begin on August 21st for MSUM students. What better way to add some excitement to this day than to see the first extreme solar eclipse in Fargo-Moorhead in over thirty years? As exciting as this event may be, we all must take precautions to keep our eyes safe. It is very tempting to look directly at the eclipse. However, the eclipse can cause permanent eye damage if you look directly at it, even if it is just for a second. It’s important to wear special glasses made specifically for viewing an eclipse. Please do not use any other types of sunglasses! If you are purchasing your own pair of eclipse glasses, make sure they are certified.

The MSUM Planetarium will be having glasses available at their viewing on campus. Join them on August 21st from 11:30a until 2p in the G3 parking lot (corner of 6th Ave S. and 11th St. S). They will have the glasses as well as special telescopes for all to use and view the eclipse safely! If you are unable to attend in person, check out the live stream of the eclipse on their Facebook page Department of Physics and Astronomy.

The F-M area will be able to experience a partial eclipse. About 80 percent of the sun will be blocked from view. Don’t miss out on this rare opportunity! And don’t forget to be safe!

July is Social Wellness Month

Humans are a social species. No matter how often or how much we socialize, having some sort of a social life is very beneficial to our health! July has been dedicated as Social Wellness month as a reminder that no matter what our social goals are, creating new and maintaining current relationships is so important. Here are some facts about having social connections:

• Socially isolated people are more at risk to have illness and have a death rate two to three times higher than those who are not.
• Those who have social support do better under stress and are physically and mentally healthier.

Social media and technology has become a huge part of many peoples’ lives. It helps us stay connected with friends and family and know what is going on around us. Want to stay connected with long distance friends or family? You can stay connected through email, but you could also get connected though social media sites such as Facebook and Instagram. Do you have a friend from the past that you want to reconnect with? Find them on social media! Social media and technology have made it easy to stay connected! Start building up your social connections today! Your overall health will thank you!

 

Sources:

How To Create A Connection Mindset To Boost Resiliency

http://keywordsuggest.org/561502-social-wellness.html

Cord Blood Awareness 2017

Cord blood is the blood from the umbilical cord and placenta when a baby is born. When the cord is cut, some blood stays in the cord and the placenta attached to it and the baby no longer needs it. However, research has shown that saving this blood could be very beneficial and lifesaving in the future! Cord blood has all elements of blood plus blood-forming stem cells.

There are many uses for cord blood. Instead of using bone marrow in transplants, cord blood can be used! Transplants are used to assist treating people with blood, immune system, genetic, and metabolic diseases. There are so many people that benefit from transplants. Cord blood can make the transplant process easier as it can often be difficult to find a matching donor. Another use for cord blood is the stem cells that are in it. Research has shown a possibility that stem cells could replace other tissues of the body. They could be used to treat various cancers, blood diseases, and many other conditions.

There is still a large amount of research that needs to be done to learn more about cord blood and its benefits. Dedicating July as Cord Blood Awareness Month is a way to promote what we do know about cord blood. Take the time to learn more about cord blood and you’ll be amazed with how much science is changing and creating possibilities for the future!

Sources:

https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/about/directorscorner/messages/national-cord-blood-awareness-month

http://www.nationalcordbloodprogram.org/qa/

https://www.consumerhealthdigest.com/health-awareness/cord-blood-awareness-month.html

Celebrate Fourth of July 2017 at MSUM!

Looking for a way to celebrate the Fourth of July this year? Come to Minnesota State University Moorhead for some fireworks and fun! The Moorhead Business Association has raised funds to continue this day of celebration and MSUM is honored to be able to host this night of fun. The event begins at 8:30pm and will go until around 11:00pm. This year, there will be a special performance by Post Traumatic Funk Syndrome. This is a classic rock, horn band out of Fargo that plays songs by Chicago, Blues Brothers, Phil Collins, Earth Wind and Fire, plus so many more! A fireworks display will follow the performance and begin at 10:30p.

This event is located at Nemzek Stadium on the Minnesota State University Moorhead campus. Admission is FREE! Don’t miss out on this fun filled evening!

 

Sources:

https://mhdmba.wildapricot.org/event-2437026

http://www.cnbc.com/2016/12/31/new-year-begins-in-asia-with-fireworks-sydney-pays-tribute-to-fallen-icons.html

Practice Fireworks Safety – 2017

It’s finally fireworks season! There is a lot of fun packed into fireworks as there is a huge variety! Loud, quiet, big, small, what is your preference? These exploding pieces of entertainment are so fun, but don’t let them end up putting a damper on your Fourth of July celebration! Incorporate the following safety tips to ensure a night full of fun and prevent potentially serious accidents.

• Know the laws of your city in regards to fireworks and follow them!
• Read instructions and warning labels before lighting. Know what the firework will do so you know what to expect to ensure the safety of others in the area.
• Responsible adults should supervise the use of fireworks. Fireworks should not be lit by someone under the influence of alcohol.
• Wearing safety glasses can protect your eyes from debris and sparks.
• Light one firework at a time and back away quickly.
• Do not relight “duds.” Instead, wait 20 minutes then put it in a bucket of water.
• Have a bucket of water nearby.
• Do not put fireworks in pockets or shoot them into glass or metal containers.
• Avoid the use of homemade fireworks.
• If you have pets, make sure they had IDs and keep them in a safe place.
• If it is windy, make sure the wind won’t blow the fireworks into the crowd or wait to light the fireworks until the wind dies down.

Follow these rules and use common sense when around fireworks. It may seem ridiculous to have so many rules, but they are there to protect everyone! Have a fun and safe fireworks season!

 

Sources:

http://www.fireworkssafety.org/safety-tips/

https://www.fireworks.com/fireworks-university/fireworks-safety-tips/

https://www.firefighter-pgh.com/author/i-g-o-t-a/

How Is Technology Affecting Your Health?

Technology is everywhere. Some people say it is great while others think the opposite. Whatever the opinion, technology can be both! Like many great things, there can be some setbacks. One of the main concerns with technology is the devices that are being invented. How do those affect our health?

First, let’s look at the benefits of technology! Some forms of technology such as phone apps, Fitbits, pedometers, and much more encourage users to exercise more! Computer programs also provide a variety of online videos to guide users through a workout. The websites fitnessblender.com and workoutz.com are just two with several videos. Check them out! Apps can also be used to track weight loss and calorie intake. It’s amazing how easy is can be! Some apps are even being created to help diabetics manage their blood sugar. There are also apps to track sleep. Do you know how much sleep you are really getting at night? One of the best benefits of technology is the ability to maintain social connections. Stay up to date with friends and family through texts or on social media such as Facebook and Twitter.

Technology can also be bad. Although it can encourage users to exercise more, it can also lead to exercising less. Video games, television, games on phones, social media, the list could go on. These things are keeping people from being active. Other downfalls include back and neck pain which can be caused by someone who is a frequent user of phones and computers. Tilting of your head puts a lot of stress on your back and neck which can lead them to be sore. Another way technology can be bad is the germs that build up on our devices. Sure germs are everywhere, but when was the last time your devices were cleaned? Good thing this is an easy fix! Headaches and eye strain can also be caused by technology use. Take breaks by looking away from the screen. Also avoid technology use before bed to get a better night’s sleep!

All of this technology can be beneficial to our health. The list of these benefits could keep on going! However, moderation and proper care of these devices is necessary to maintain good health. Enjoy the convenience and fun of technology, but be careful with the amount of time you spend on them!

 

Sources:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/12/05/health-effects-of-technol_n_6263120.html

8 Ways Technology Is Improving Your Health

https://thenextweb.com/dd/2014/09/19/smart-devices-can-disruptive-without-intrusive/#.tnw_R6bwFUAQ