Health

As the weather is warmer and sunnier, now is a great time to think about new fitness goals. More time can be enjoyed outdoors that allows for more movement of our bodies by favorite activity or trying something new. The goal is to simply add more movement during the day that is individualized to each person and where they are currently at. It will look different for everyone.

There are many different sports and activities available to switch up your exercise routine. Pickleball is growing in popularity, and youtube has many great yoga and pilates videos for any skill level. Even a few simple stretches throughout the day helps blood to circulate better through the body.

The American Heart Association (AHA) recommends 150 minutes or 2.5 hours of moderate intensity aerobic activity a week.. This includes activities such as a brisk walk, gardening, tennis, dancing, and biking. If you are not currently meeting these recommendations, start by adding 5-10 minutes of movement gradually. If you have trouble with keeping your movement goals, find a friend to keep you accountable. You can do activities together or have a friendly competition. This helps both of you stay motivated while increasing your overall health, including mental and emotional health, and reducing the risk of heart disease.

Read the full article from AHA here: https://www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/fitness/fitness-basics/aha-recs-for-physical-activity-in-adults

Thanks, Holly Wood, RN – Bachelor of Science in Nursing – School Nurse at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic School, Ann Arbor, Michigan. nurse@stfrancisaa.org

many individuals start experiencing seasonal allergies. Those with asthma may also experience more symptoms in the springtime related to the weather and pollen. On January 12, CEO of Weather Trends 360, Bill Kirk, addressed the weather trends and how that will affect allergies and asthma for the Spring 2021 season during an online webinar. Year ahead trends indicate that this spring will be warm and dry overall causing a high risk asthma and allergy season. Year ahead trends are more accurate than 2 week forecasts and are determined with “trillions upon trillions of statistical calculations.”

Many factors are examined when considering how the weather will impact health. During dry seasons, dust and pollution tend to suspend in the air longer causing more severe symptoms as opposed to seasons with more rain that help to minimize dust from farming and other pollutants. Colder, wetter springs wash the pollen down resulting in less exposure and fewer allergy symptoms. 

One emphasis of the webinar was premedication to stop symptoms before they start and before they lead to more severe outcomes. This is a common practice for exercise induced asthma and will be important to continue this season as we spend more time outdoors again as the weather warms. Taking daily allergy medication will help to keep symptoms under control while albuterol 15-20 minutes before you head outside on high pollen and pollutant days can help prevent an asthma attack. Talk to your doctor about your best action plan and to keep prescription medications up to date.

To watch the free webinar, visit https://allergyasthmanetwork.org/webinars-updates/spring-2021-asthma-allergy-season/. An updated webinar will be posted in April.

Thanks, Holly Wood, RN – Bachelor of Science in Nursing – School Nurse at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic School, Ann Arbor, Michigan. nurse@stfrancisaa.org

caused from the same pathogen as varicella commonly known as chicken pox. After having chicken pox, the virus remains dormant in the body’s immune system until reactivated presenting with painful blister-like lesions not crossing the body’s midline. The risk of shingles increases with age as the body’s immune system gradually weakens as well as when experiencing high stress. However, there is a vaccine that prevents shingles from occurring. The CDC recommends that healthy adults age 50 and older receive two doses of the shingles vaccine, Shingrix. Even if you do not remember having chicken pox or have already had shingles, best practice is to get vaccinated to prevent shingles from occurring as most Americans 40 years and older have had chicken pox.  A serious side effect of shingles is postherpetic neuralgia (PHN). PHN is nerve pain in the area that presented with lesions that last three months or longer after having shingles. This pain can be excruciating as the nerves are damaged from the virus. The best way to prevent experiencing this pain and continue participating in the activities you enjoy is to get vaccinated. Visit https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/vpd/shingles/public/shingrix/index.html and talk to your primary care provider for more information.

Thanks, Holly Wood, RN – Bachelor of Science in Nursing – School Nurse at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic School, Ann Arbor, Michigan. nurse@stfrancisaa.org

at any moment to anyone. It is best to be prepared when an emergency occurs. One such way to be prepared is to be trained to do CPR and use an automated external defibrillator (AED). When a person becomes unresponsive and stops breathing, CPR and AED use have proven to save lives. 

Most basic CPR and AED training programs are inexpensive and do not take long to complete. Over the course of a few hours, you could be certified in life saving techniques including the heimlich maneuver for up to two years for adults, children, and babies. Classes include demonstrations, practice time, and certification tests. There are even some hybrid classes with lessons online (very common right now during the pandemic) that you move through at your own pace. After completion of the online portion, you can schedule an in person portion to complete certification and get feedback from an instructor. 

After certification, you will receive a completion card that is good for two years stating that you are certified. When the two years have passed, it is easy to get recertified. Be sure to schedule a refresher course to recertify before the expiration so your skills are always up to date.

Have peace of mind that if an emergency were to occur you would know what to do and have the necessary skills to help whoever may need assistance. Visit https://cpr.heart.org/en to find a CPR class near you during February as part of American Heart Month. 

Thanks, Holly Wood, RN – Bachelor of Science in Nursing – School Nurse at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic School, Ann Arbor, Michigan. nurse@stfrancisaa.org

from Great Britain has been identified in Washtenaw County. This variant spreads more easily and quickly than the original, making our mitigation efforts that much more vital. As we all continue to navigate life with COVID-19 and the many precautions to keep everyone safe, here is a reminder of best practices during this time. 

If you or anyone in your household is feeling unwell, please stay home. It is advised that you do not attend mass, work or volunteer in the community. COVID-19 has many symptoms which mimic other respiratory illnesses, including the common cold and flu. Until ruled out, we need to assume it is COVID. Community spread is possible along with spread from close contacts. Many people who have tested positive have had mild symptoms.

If feeling unwell, please consult your primary care physician. They can recommend a COVID test or make an alternative diagnosis based on your symptoms. After getting tested, stay quarantined at home until you get your results back. If you test positive, you will need to isolate. If someone in your house is tested, it is best to stay home until you know they have a negative result.

Please continue to wear masks and social distance as much as possible. It is currently recommended by the CDC to continue these efforts even after getting vaccinated. There is still so much to learn about how effective the vaccines are and if you can spread COVID after receiving both doses. 

I know that we are all tired of this strange way of living. Even after a year, it is not normal. There is hope that, with our efforts and the vaccine, we may put this virus behind us in the coming months. Until then, please stay diligent. Thank you.

Thanks, Holly Wood, RN – Bachelor of Science in Nursing – School Nurse at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic School, Ann Arbor, Michigan. nurse@stfrancisaa.org

brought some new hope of overcoming the virus and returning to a state of normalcy. Although the initial roll out of the vaccine will take time and coordination over many months and the results of said vaccinations will not display results immediately, we can expect a more positive outlook soon. We are now in the 1B stage of the vaccination rollout which includes additional frontline workers including law enforcement and teachers as well as those 65 years of age and older. 

Researchers are learning more about the virus and vaccinations every day. There is some nervousness related to the vaccine and how quickly it was produced. Many have heard that there have been a few cases of allergic reactions noted upon receiving the Pfizer vaccine. There are still some unknowns regarding the vaccine; however, what is known is that the vaccine will help end the pandemic and save many lives that need not be lost. Safety and health of the population is the focus of the efforts. 

Most side effects of the vaccine that are reported are similar to those of any vaccine as the body creates antibodies including tenderness at the injection site, low-grade fever, and mild headache within 24 to 48 hours. These symptoms do not mean you are infected with COVID as you cannot get the virus from getting vaccinated against it. With that said, if and when you are able to get the vaccine, you are encouraged to do so. It will help protect you, those you love, and anyone you may interact with throughout your day. Remember, it currently takes two doses of the vaccine to effectively produce antibodies against the virus.

Visit https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/index.html  and https://www.washtenaw.org/ for more information which is frequently updated. 

Thanks, Holly Wood, RN – Bachelor of Science in Nursing – School Nurse at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic School, Ann Arbor, Michigan. nurse@stfrancisaa.org

or new year resolution you could make is to visit your doctor. If you haven’t seen your primary care physician for an annual wellness check in over a year because of the pandemic or some other reason, now is the time to make an appointment. A doctor’s office visit isn’t just for illnesses but also for preventative health. Annual health checkups are the best way to be informed about your body’s needs including changes that you may need to make in your lifestyle or diet to stay healthy. Annual visits also help to catch early signs of a disease process such as high cholesterol and blood pressure. 

We have different needs throughout life; our doctors can help us to navigate these needs long term. Primary care physicians also refer to specialists for more indepth care and treatment of diseases to help you feel and function your best.

Building a trusting relationship with your primary care physician is important. When this relationship is built, the likelihood of going for routine visits increases. You wouldn’t take advice from someone you don’t trust. This also applies to the relationship you have with your doctor. Don’t be afraid to find the best fit for you and your family.

When children know that their parents go to the doctor for checkups and go to checkups themselves, it starts the process of healthy habits in the younger generation. Let’s encourage healthy habits for all members of the family for the coming year.

Thanks, Holly Wood, RN – Bachelor of Science in Nursing – School Nurse at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic School, Ann Arbor, Michigan. nurse@stfrancisaa.org

Many ups and downs can affect our individual mental wellness leaving us feeling stressed, distanced from others, and anxious. Life events can cause trouble coping. This year has been particularly difficult as we have needed to social distance for the physical wellbeing of the population. Life still looks and feels abnormal for most. However, there are steps that can be taken to combat the negative feelings that come and help us to feel our best during trying times not just now but in the future. 

Don’t forget to address mental health and wellness with children. This year has been a whirlwind of changes for them as well; it is important to consider how children may need extra attention and support to develop appropriate coping skills. Anxiety in children often present physically with symptoms such as headaches and stomach aches. Age appropriate conversations can be really impactful in developing a lifetime of healthy coping skills and trust.

Trails to Wellness has resources for all ages to develop healthy habits regarding mental health and wellness. The Self-Care During COVID-19: For Everyone resource addresses many natural emotions that are being experienced during this time as well as ways to combat the thoughts from overrunning our minds. Remember, it is okay to feel overwhelmed. We all feel this way at times. When feeling overwhelmed, take some deep breaths, focus on what is important and in your control, ask for help when you need it, and remember your faith. We are all doing our best. You are not alone.

Thanks, Holly Wood, RN – Bachelor of Science in Nursing – School Nurse at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic School, Ann Arbor, Michigan. nurse@stfrancisaa.org