ADVICE FROM A NURSE
Image provided by Joli Medical Spa
Kristen MacNeil administering COVID Vaccines to Our First Responders. Medical Reserve Corps. Photo Credit: Rob Reardon
Image provided by Joli Medical Spa
TEACHING YOU HEALTH, NOT SICKNESS.
By Kristen MacNeil, RN
Owner, Joli Medical Spa Marshfield
Over the last 28 years of nursing I’ve met thousands of patients. Chronically ill, acutely ill, and everything in between.
During my time working for Boston and Norwell Visiting Nurses, we took great pride in caring for patients within their homes. Teaching health, wellness, and healthy habits; while guiding and instructing them on safety in the home, disease management and prevention.
Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, I rarely hear anyone teaching beyond distancing, isolation, masks and the age old yet very effective directive to wash your hands with soap and water or an alcohol based solution.
Today, I would like to remind you of some things you can incorporate into your daily life as added layers of prevention.
Get some fresh air everyday. Take a walk with your dog, your child, your loved one , whether a few steps or a mile.
Meditate -there are plenty of apps available for free! Remove yourself from your daily grind and listen to the sweet sounds of the ocean, a rain storm or a soft mellow voice.
Speak to your doctor about mental health concerns such as anxiety and depression. Brain health is of the utmost importance. Turning your negative thoughts into positive takes time and may need the help of a skilled social worker or MD.
Eat a healthy diet-lots of fruits and veggies. Make yourself a nutritious smoothie or a fruit blend, green leafy vegetables and protein for the win.
Hydrate with water, low calorie fluids, tea and honey.
Take Vitamin D daily. Vitamin D is one of the most important immune system-strengthening nutrients that can reduce the risk of colds and flu; this should be taken on a regular basis.
Vitamin C daily. Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that can strengthen your body’s natural defenses. Antioxidants are molecules that boost the immune system. They do so by protecting cells from harmful molecules called free radicals.
Zinc daily. Zinc is found in cells throughout the body. It helps the immune system fight off invading bacteria and viruses.
Melatonin every night for a restful night. Sleep deprivation can cause a multitude of stress and illness.
Gargle with LISTERINE® every day to kill bacteria and viruses. Do not swallow.
Avoid or limit alcohol.
Use a nicotine patch to assist with quitting a smoking habit or speak to your doctor about specific medications that can help.
And yes, please wash your hands frequently and keep hand sanitizer in your car, bag or on your key chain. And use it!
Be Healthy!! Be Safe!!
Kristen MacNeil, RN, is the owner of Joli Medical Spa and is a certified Aesthetic Nurse Specialist and clinical instructor under Dr. Joseph Russo of the Aesthetic Institute of Massachusetts. Kristen is dedicated to providing clients with professional, quality and safe cosmetic care. With over 25 years of nursing experience in a variety of clinical areas, facial aesthetics is one of Kristen’s niches.
Kristen is also a member of the National Reserve Corps. The Medical Reserve Corps (MRC) is a national network of volunteers, organized locally to improve the health and safety of their communities. The MRC network comprises more than 190,000 volunteers in roughly 800 community-based units located throughout the United States and its territories. To learn more >> ABOUT MRC
Image provided by Joli Medical Spa
“It is the unqualified result of all my experience with the sick that, second only to their need of fresh air, is their need of light; that, after a close room, what hurts them most is a dark room and that it is not only light but direct sunlight they want. ”