A drug currently prescribed to treat cancer appears to reverse Alzheimer's symptoms in mice.

Amazing breakthrough discovery!!! I'm posting the link and encourage everyone to read it....such great news!!
http://www.pharmaceuticalonline.com/article.mvc/Alzheimers-Breakthrough-Cancer-Drug-Shows-0001?atc~c=771+s=773+r=001+l=a

How to Handle Someone With Alzheimer's Who Wanders

Look for the trigger

• If the behavior is new, determine if there have been any big changes in his/her life. A recent move or change of caregiver can be stressful, for example, and frustration and anxiety can cause wandering. Take extra measures to calm her in stressful times, such as following a steady routine. A new medication could be causing agitation as a side effect.
• Look for a pattern in wandering episodes. If it always happens at night, for example, it could indicate fear or loneliness and he/she may need extra support after dark. If it's at mealtimes, he/she may be hungry or thirsty and unable to follow through on these desires. Some people wander at specific times linked to activities from their previous work life or other former routines.
• Assess whether your patient is busy enough. Sheer boredom is a common cause of wandering. He/she should ideally have access to a variety of activities (sorting laundry or blocks, making art or crafts, watching calm nature-type videos, and talking).

Low levels of Vitamin D

So I went to the doctor yesterday and she recommended me getting tested for my levels of Vitamin D. She said #1 because its winter time and #2 because I work third shift. Well, the test came back and I was super low so thank goodness she wanted to check. So today Im going to post one of the articles I found on Vitamin D deficiency There are many out there so look around and if you do shift work or live in a cold climate during the winter, you might want to get checked.
vitamin-d-deficiency

Fascinating Facts You Never Knew About the Human Brain

1. Weight. The weight of the human brain is about 3 lbs.
2. Cerebrum. The cerebrum is the largest part of the brain and makes up 85% of the brain’s weight.
3. Skin. Your skin weighs twice as much as your brain.
4. Gray matter. The brain’s gray matter is made up of neurons, which gather and transmit signals.
5. White matter. The white matter is made up of dendrites and axons, which create the network by which neurons send their signals.
6. Gray and white. Your brain is 60% white matter and 40% gray matter.
7. Water. The brain is made up of about 75% water.
8. Neurons. Your brain consists of about 100 billion neurons.
9. Synapses. There are anywhere from 1,000 to 10,000 synapses for each neuron.
10. No pain. There are no pain receptors in the brain, so the brain can feel no pain.
11. Largest brain. While an elephant’s brain is physically larger than a human brain, the human brain is 2% of total body weight (compared to 0.15% of an elephant’s brain), meaning humans have the largest brain to body size.
12. Blood vessels. There are 100,000 miles of blood vessels in the brain.
13. Fat. The human brain is the fattest organ in the body and may consists of at least 60% fat.

A NURSING AIDES JOB DESCRIPTION

Someone suggested putting up this article on the the Nursing Aide job description....will do with pleasure! Thanks for the suggestion! :)Job purpose of Nurse assistant are to performs any combination of following duties in care of patients in hospital, nursing home, or other medical facility, under direction of nursing and medical staff:

Key duties of Nurse assistant:

1. Turns and repositions bedfast patients, alone or with assistance, to prevent bedsores.
2. Changes bed linens, runs errands, directs visitors, and answers telephone.
3. Takes and records temperature, blood pressure, pulse and respiration rates, and food and fluid intake and output, as directed.
4. Cleans, sterilizes, stores, prepares, and issues dressing packs, treatment trays, and other supplies.
5. Answers signal lights, bells, or intercom system to determine patients’ needs.
6. Bathes, dresses, and undresses patients.
7. Serves and collects food trays and feeds patients requiring help.
8. Transports patients, using wheelchair or wheeled cart, or assists patients to walk.
9. Drapes patients for examinations and treatments, and remains with patients, performing such duties as holding instruments and adjusting lights.
10. Dusts and cleans patients’ rooms.
11. May be assigned to specific area of hospital, nursing home, or medical facility.
12. May assist nursing staff in care of geriatric patients and be designated Geriatric Nurse Assistant.

A NURSING AIDES NEW YEAR RESOLUTION!

  Well, with only hours left until we ring in the new year, Id like to suggest some new years resolutions for nursing aides everywhere!

1:  Take care of your self physically. Take meal breaks and bring snacks. Stay as hydrated as an athlete.

2: Laugh every day.

3: Go to a day spa at least twice during the year to treat yourself. You deserve it.!!!

Getting ready for Christmas!

Wishing all my fellow LNA's and CNA's a wonderful holiday season and a very happy new year!!!!