The sun is out and the weather is warming up. It is getting close to what those of us in health care term "Trauma Season". People are out riding ATVs, bikes, long boards, and skate boards without helmets putting them at high risk for head injury. "Wearing a helmet reduced the risk of head injury by 63%, and loss of consciousness by 86%" (1) You can't put a bandaid on your bruised brain, and you can't put a cast on a broken skull. These just have to heal. Head injuries and con
The first Wednesday in April every year is #NationalWalkingDay! What are the benefits of walking for just 30 minutes a day? Helps your heart - decreases risk of heart disease, stroke, and high blood pressure. Improves your mood. Studies show that activity can improve mental health - reducing anxiety, depression, and negative mood. Increases your energy - going for a walk in the afternoon can be more effective than a cup of coffee at boosting your energy. Burn Calories - depen
When I started in health care in 2006 I quickly realized that preventive care was lacking. This was partially because people didn't have access to care, and partially because people didn't know they needed preventive care. Working in a busy emergency room I watched person after person come in with "no medical problems" having a heart attack, stroke, or issues with diabetes they didn't know they had. In 2011, my first year working as a certified Nurse Practitioner I had a youn