|
Ostomy Association of Greater Chicago Visiting Committee
Chairperson's Message Visiting
Chairperson: Peggy Bassrawi Tel: 847-251-1626 Email: pbassrawi@hotmail.com One of the missions of our Association is to provide
support and information to new or potential ostomates. To further this goal we have a wonderful
Visitor Program. We have a caring and
experienced team of volunteers to visit people in the hospital, at home or on
the phone. We will answer all
questions about our new life. The
following are some missives from our Visitor’s column published in The New
Outlook. We though you might enjoy
them. Visiting a Patient with a
Temporary Ostomy By Muffy Truscott As a certified visitor with the local
ostomy chapter, I have had many occasions over the years to visit patients
who have just undergone surgery leaving them with a temporary ostomy. Usually a temporary ostomy is done on an
emergency basis, as the result of a blockage or obstruction in the colon,
where stool cannot pass through. This may be the result of diverticulitis
or cancer of the colon, or sometimes inflammatory
bowel disease or Crohn’s Disease may necessitate a temporary ostomy in order
to allow the bowel to heal. The intent
is to reconnect the bowel later, and many patients are told by the attending
physician to expect to have an ostomy for anywhere from three to nine months.
My first thought, as I headed off to
visit a patient with a temporary ostomy, was that this would be a piece of
cake, and the visit would involve lots of questions about management of the
ostomy. I also figured that the
patient would be greatly relieved knowing they would not have to deal with an
ostomy on a permanent basis. Boy was I
wrong! This particular patient was angry beyond
all belief, upset at what had happened to her, and definitely not prepared to
deal with anything as disgusting as a colostomy. To be sure, she was not angry with me, but
the medical profession as a whole suffered her wrath, and it was quite
evident that the nursing staff gave her a wide berth. She was not going to like this ostomy
thing! Not having encountered this
kind of reaction before, I was not exactly sure how to proceed, but I found
myself listening to her frustration and empathizing with her situation. This calmed her somewhat, and she told
me that I was the first person who had not treated her fears about the ostomy
lightly. She felt people did not take
her seriously because hers was only a temporary situation. The visit actually went fairly well after
that, and although she was still angry at many things, I left feeling that
she would manage her colostomy quite well in the short period of time she
would have it. It impressed upon me
that people with temporary ostomies struggle with the same fears and
anxieties that all of us who have permanent ostomies do. In addition to this, because the surgery is
done on an emergency basis, they have absolutely no time to prepare
themselves for the eventual outcome…the ostomy. Do I sound like an all-knowing and
understanding saint? Well, I do not
feel like one on some of these visits.
In general, I find most of those who have just had surgery resulting
in a temporary ostomy to be very upset and unusually angry. They just had not expected this! I am sympathetic, as mentioned before, but
the thought also crosses my mind, “Deal with it!” Recently, I paid a visit to a woman after
her emergency surgery who asked me how I could tolerate having a permanent
ostomy! At that moment, it seemed
bizarre that I should be counseling her when I am the one who has to live
with this thing on a full time basis. She could look forward to a
reversal. On the other hand, hard as
it may sound, her comment actually helped me, and I did not have to hesitate
a second for the answer. I know, I cope with it because I would not be here if it were
not for my surgery for colorectal cancer.
I was 37 at the time, and I suppose I had every reason to be angry,
but I wanted so desperately to live.
The surgery and colostomy gave me a second chance at life for which I
am truly grateful. I would like to remind some of the
people who have to live with temporary ostomies that their surgery likely
saved their lives too and that a few months are not such a long time to live
with an ostomy. Nevertheless, I also
have to remember how very frightening this surgery is, and how it is still
considered such an awful thing to have an ostomy. Despite our attempts to educate the public
about the normal lives we lead, who among us would choose to have an
ostomy? Therefore, I internalize my
thoughts, sympathize, and try to make the patient
feel better about coping with their new situation. However, a question still lingers, why do
some people marvel at their good fortune while others retreat into anger and
disgust? We humans are truly a complex
lot. The Ostomy Visitor --Green Bay News Review When working with a new ostomy patient,
the goal is total rehabilitation so that this person will return to his/her
normal activities. ET nurses teach the patient all the basics
he/she needs to know about his/her new stoma, barrier, pouch and all the
other technical requirements necessary for satisfactory ostomy care. However, the ostomy nurse—unless he/she has
an ostomy him/herself—cannot understand and share the emotional part of
having ostomy surgery. This is where
the ostomy visitor steps in…as the ET's ostomy resource. Before there were ET nurses, the person
with the knowledge of ostomy care was the another ostomate—the ostomy
visitor. At that time, visitors instructed
patients on the equipment they would need as well as daily management. Today, the role of the ostomy visitor
has changed. However, it continues to
be an important role. Who can better
share with the patient the emotional strain of a new stoma than someone who
has been through it? Who can better
convince a new ostomate that life will get back to normal than another
ostomate who has returned to work and recreation? Who can offer new ostomates the best advice
about the little everyday things that really make life easier? Yes, the ostomy visitor can do
this. The CWOCN nurse plays a large
part in a new ostomate's rehabilitation, but the
ostomy visitor plays an equally important part for most patients. The Importance of a Visitor --The ReRoutes,
Rockford Ostomy Association We are all experiencing—in one way or
another—the many cutbacks in how services are provided for us. This is especially true in the medical
field. With this in mind, the ostomy
visitor plays an important role, whether it is before or after ostomy
surgery. The appearance of a
well-adjusted, well-dressed, neat, clean, well-spoken, positive and pleasant
ostomy visitor provides reassurance that the patient will also return to normal. Many times, the pre-op visitor is able
to simplify the understanding of the surgery.
The idea of the visitor having been-there-and-done-that often helps a
person to make the vital decision finally to have ostomy surgery. The normal lifestyle and excellent
appearance of the post-op visitor provides emotional support and reassurance
as the patient travels the road of recovery ahead. Training to become a visitor is
available from our Chapter of the United Ostomy Association. After certification, the visitor will be
chosen to make a visit matching ostomy type as well as the age and sex of the
patient—as much as possible. The
actual visit in a hospital must be authorized by the doctor, the ET nurse,
and, of course, the patient. Many of our new ostomates realize the value
of an ostomy visitor by becoming a visitor themselves to reciprocate for the
visit they had at the time of their surgery.
In the future, another training session will be held, and members are
urged to participate in this important part of the UOA organization. No price can be placed on the many benefits
received from a sharing and caring ostomy visitor. Deposit
Happiness This story is about a 92 year old, petite,
well-poised and proud woman. She is
fully dressed each morning by eight, with her hair fashionable coifed and
makeup perfectly applied, even though she is legally blind. She is moving to a nursing home today. Her husband of 70 years recently passed
away, making the move necessary. After many hours of waiting patiently in
the lobby of the nursing home, she smiled sweetly when told her room was
ready. As she maneuvered her walker to the elevator, I provided a
visual description of her tiny room, including the eyelet sheets that had
been hung on her window. "I love
it," she stated with the enthusiasm of an eight year old having just
been presented with a new puppy. “Mrs. Jones, you haven't seen the
room...just wait.” “That doesn't have
anything to do with it,” she replied.
“Happiness is something you decide on ahead of time. Whether I like my room or not does not
depend on how the furniture is arranged, it is how I arrange my mind. I already decided to love it. It’s a decision I make every morning when I
wake up.” “I have a choice; I can spend the day in
bed recounting the difficulty I have with the parts of my body that no longer
work, or get out of bed and be thankful for the ones that do. Each day is a gift, and as long as my eyes
open I'll focus on the new day and all the happy memories I've stored
away...just for this time in my life.” “Old age is like a bank account...you
withdraw from what you've put in. My
advice to you is to deposit a lot of happiness in your bank account of
memories. Thank you for your part in
filling my memory bank. I am still
depositing.” If I knew it would be the last time That I'd see you fall asleep, I would tuck you in more tightly and pray the Lord, your soul to keep. If I knew it would be the last time that I see you walk out the door, I would give you a hug and kiss and call you back for one more. If I knew it would be the last time I'd hear your voice lifted up in praise, I would video tape each action and word, so I could play them back day after day. If I knew it would be the last time, I could spare an extra minute to stop and say "I love you," instead of assuming
you would know I do. If I knew it would be the last time I would be there to share your day, Well I'm sure you'll have so many more, so I can let just this one slip away. For surely there's always tomorrow to make up for an oversight, and we always get a second chance to make everything just right. There will always be another day to say "I love you," And certainly there's another chance to say our "Anything I can do?" But just in case I might be wrong, and today is all I get, I'd like to say how much I love you and I hope we never forget. Tomorrow is not promised to anyone, young or old alike, And today may be the last chance you get to hold your loved one tight. So if you're waiting for tomorrow, why not do it today? For if tomorrow never comes, you'll surely regret the day, That you didn't take that extra time for a smile, a hug, or a kiss and you were too busy to grant someone, what turned out to be their one last wish. So hold your loved ones close today, and whisper in their ear, Tell them how much you love them and that you'll always hold them dear Take time to say "I'm sorry," "Please forgive me," "Thank you," or
"It's okay." And if tomorrow never comes, you'll have no
regrets about today. Helping Patients Adjust --Ostomy Highlife The patient with an ostomy is apt to foresee a life of
ostracism. Even though he/she may have
been ill and limited in activity for a long period, it will be difficult for him/her
to acknowledge the inability voluntarily to control his/her bowel or urine
function. As his/her family doctor, you may be able to handle the
patient's questions and emotional difficulties better than the consultant
may, who is a stranger to the patient.
However, the best medicine is a visit by a healthy, happy, fellow
ostomate. It is also important that
the patient is associated with an enterostomal therapist. If the patient is a woman, the sight of an ostomate in a
slim sheath without a telltale bulge can provide assurance. In addition, the visitor will answer the
type of questions the patient might be reluctant to ask others. The following are typical questions new ostomates
ask, and the answers a fellow ostomate can provide. Can I have intercourse?
When the patient asks about the potential for sexual intercourse, it
is a harbinger of a successful adjustment.
A man will be concerned about his ability to perform, a woman about
her ability to attract and satisfy.
All too often, the subject is skirted or, even worse, is handled
negatively with, "What difference does it make at your age?" or
"This operation is going to save your life—isn't that enough?" According to the United Ostomy Association, it is
estimated that approximately 10-20 per cent of male ileostomates
suffer impairment of sexual function and potency. However, fortunately, this is only
temporary in most cases. Males who have had urinary ostomies early in childhood can
usually perform sexually, but they may be sterile. More than half of the males who have
urinary surgery as adults for bladder malignancy are impotent. The average age for this surgery is 74. Male colostomates vary in their
degree of potency from full potency to complete impotency. In many instances, potency is retained, but
in these cases, the patient is sometimes sterile. In some patients, potency is lost due to
the extent of the surgery. In a few
cases, regardless of the type ostomy, it may take as long as two years to
regain potency. Is marriage possible for me? Many ostomates have married. An ostomy is not a barrier to getting
married. The first ET nurse, Norma
Gill, was married after her ostomy surgery.
Moreover, usually, no marriage breaks up solely based on
the ostomy, although it may put added pressure on an already weak
relationship as will any serious illness or emotional event. In fact, a remarkable 82% of ostomates are
still married to the same spouse a year after surgery. This compares to 76% of the normal
population. Can I have a child?
A patient contemplating pregnancy should consult her physician for
evaluation of her individual situation, but an ostomy in a woman does not
preclude a successful pregnancy. In
addition, an ostomy is not an indication for a caesarean section. Many ostomy women have normal vaginal
births. There is a need, however, for close medical care during
pregnancy. The ostomy may tend to
enlarge or protrude. This may require
a temporary change in her ostomy management system to permit the
modifications to the size and location of the stoma. An ostomy woman may also require more
careful monitoring of her diet and fluid needs. However, on the other side, ostomy women
never worry about constipation or hemorrhoids like their continent friends. Can I travel? The patient
can go anywhere in any type of vehicle.
An ostomy alone does not stop someone from climbing mountains; riding
horseback; flying in airplanes; driving in autos; riding bicycles; taking
cruises; etc. All ostomy patients should buy a copy of the book, Yes We Can! by Barbara
Kupfer. It is currently the best
resource on traveling, and offers all types of valuable advice on traveling
with an ostomy and tips for everyday living. Will I be able to sleep at night? Any comfortable position may be assumed
with a correctly applied ostomy appliance.
Having an ostomy will probably improve the sleep of a patient who has
previously been sick. Can I participate in sports? Ostomates report enjoying many types of
sports—water skiing, body surfing, skin diving, tennis, golf, baseball,
football, hockey, weight lifting, running, bicycling, hiking…you name
it. Rough contact sports require special protection for the
stoma. However, there are professional
athletes in all types of sports with stomas.
An ostomy alone is not a reason not to participate in sports. You can assure your patient that he/she
will be back on the golf course, hitting them as good as always. The ostomate’s
desire is to return to his/her normal way of life, and there is every reason
he/she will do just that. What to Say By Georgia Photopulos,
WAOS Newsletter What should one say to someone who is sick? There is not a set of guidelines for being
a good friend. However, if you would
like a few simple tips, well, here they are—direct from the patient's mouth: ·
Do
not be afraid to ask me what I have, how I am doing or what my treatment will
be. At worst, I will say I do not want
to discuss it. At best, I will welcome
the opportunity to talk about my situation. ·
Are
you worried about what to say? What
did we talk about before I became ill—politics, art, religion, the PTA,
children? I am still interested. ·
Don't
try to cheer me up by telling me things could be worse; that I'm lucky my
spouse hasn't left; that I could have been hit by a truck. It does not help. In fact, do not try to cheer me up at
all. What I need most when I am depressed
is a compassionate comforter and listener. ·
I
do need a sensitive, empathetic listener.
Do not assume you know how I feel.
It is not even important. A
husband will visit his wife after she has given birth to their child, and
yet, The man has no real frame of reference for what
his wife has just experienced.
Regardless, the wife is always happy to talk to the husband about
everything that has happened. ·
If
I look horrible, do not tell me I look great.
Your lie will hang between us and undercut anything else you say. You do not have to comment on my looks at
all. ·
Remember,
I chose my doctor and unless I say otherwise, I am probably satisfied with
him/her. Do not ever bring articles
about other doctors, other hospitals, or other
treatments unless I ask you about them. ·
I
really like it when you bring flowers, books, games—whatever you know that I
like. Most of all…bring you. Illness interrupts so much; do not let it
interrupt our friendship. ·
If
anything about my illness trouble you, if it makes you upset, sad or nervous,
tell me. Your silence may hurt
me—something I know you do not want. The Ostomy Visitor --Green Bay News Review When working with a new ostomy patient, the goal is
total rehabilitation so that this person will return to his/her normal
activities. ET nurses teach the patient all the basics he/she needs
to know about his/her new stoma, barrier, pouch and all the other technical
requirements necessary for satisfactory ostomy care. However, the ET—unless he/she is an
ostomate him/herself—cannot understand and share the emotional part of having
ostomy surgery. This is where the
ostomy visitor steps in…as the ET's ostomy resource. Before there were ET nurses, the person with the
knowledge of ostomy care was the another ostomate—the ostomy visitor. At that time, visitors instructed patients
on the equipment they would need as well as daily management. Today, the role of the ostomy visitor has changed. However, it continues to be an important
role. Who can better share with the
patient the emotional strain of a new stoma than someone who has been through
it? Who can better convince a new
ostomate that life will get back to normal than another ostomate who has
returned to work and recreation? Who
can offer new ostomates the best advice about the little everyday things that
really make life easier? Yes, the ostomy visitor can do it. The ostomy nurse plays a large part in a
new ostomate’s rehabilitation, but the ostomy
visitor plays an equally important part for most patients. The Ostomy Trap --Tulsa Ostomy Association One trap we must avoid is letting our whole life revolve
around our ostomy. Preoccupation with
managing an ostomy can sometimes make us fail to realize how unimportant it
is to other people. Our families and friends are only concerned that we join
them again in our usual activities of work and play. Sure, we have challenges managing our
ostomies on occasion. However, people
without ostomies have elimination problems at times, and if we think back, we
can probably remember when we had more than our share. Now, we can enjoy a freedom not possible before our
operation. We will continue to have
upsets from time to time, but so do those who never had an ostomy. Our own experience together with the shared
knowledge of our fellow ostomy members along with the advice of our doctors
and ET nurses will see us through these infrequent and unpleasant episodes. To all our members: I
came across this short story and was so inspired that I wanted to share it
with all of you. Jeri Zaslavsky Everyone Can't Be in the Front Row Life is a
theater--invite your audience carefully.
Not everyone is healthy enough to have a front row seat in our
lives. Some people in your life need
to be loved from a distance. It is
amazing what you can accomplish when you let go, or at least minimize, your
time with draining, negative, incompatible, not-going-anywhere relationships
or friendships! Observe the
relationships around you. Pay
attention. Which ones lift and which
ones lean? Which one encourages and
which ones discourage? Which ones are
on a path of growth uphill and which ones are going downhill? When you leave certain people, do you feel
better or feel worse? Which ones
always have drama or really understand, know or appreciate you? The more you seek quality,
respect, growth, peace of mind, love and truth around you, the easier it will
become for you to decide who gets to sit in the "front row" and who
should be moved to the balcony of your life.
You cannot change the people around you...but you can change the
people you are around! ********** Walking on a
summer day, jumping into a swimming pool, or lifting a child up into your
arms…these are just a few of our every day activities; all of which require
us to have strong, healthy
bones. Our bones are what allow us to
partake in everything that we do, therefore, it is imperative that they
function properly. It has come to my attention that ostomy
patients, especially those with ileostomies, are at an increased risk for
bone density loss. This loss is due to
the lack of calcium absorption into the bones. I can speak about this topic from personal
experience, because I was recently given a test to measure how much calcium
my body has been absorbing. My level
of absorption was quite low. Many
doctors feel that because of my ileostomy, I may not be absorbing the proper
amount of calcium. The lack of calcium
in the bones can lead to a disease called osteoporosis. Contrary to popular belief, men as well as
women may have difficulty absorbing calcium, leading
them to have a loss in bone mass. It
is important for us ostomates to be aware of this, and make sure that our
doctors are monitoring this potential problem. Osteoporosis is a silent disease that
causes bones to thin, become weak, and fracture with no warning especially in
the hip, spine and wrist. Today in the
United States, anywhere from seven to 8 million individuals already have this
disease. Approximately 17 million more
people have low bone mass, placing them at increased risk for
osteoporosis. The good news is that
osteoporosis is preventable and treatable.
There are steps you can take to keep your bones stronger. My best advice to you is to check with your
doctor. He/she can further inform you
about osteoporosis and bone mass loss, and the preventive measures that you
can take to lessen your risk of the problems associated with osteoporosis. ********** Many times as a visitor we are asked by
a patient, "Why do I need a support group?” Most of our members know how important
support can be for a new ostomate.
Even if someone is part of a strong supportive family, it is difficult
to share fears, concerns, and intimate details related to ostomy surgery. Often a patient may feel alone; like no one
is able to feel his/her pain; or that no one understands what he/she is going
through. Support groups put people in
touch with others who have gone through the same experience and have the same
feelings. The tendency for most of us
is to withdraw from close contact during this period of adjustment. This isolation may slow the healing
process. Help a new patient consider a support
group as a healthy and safe way to deal with whatever issues he/she may be
experiencing. It has been proven
repeatedly that a patient who does not feel isolated will make a much quicker
recovery mentally and physically. ********** Reflecting
on our January 2002 program, I am very inspired by the panel of
ostomates. Each of them had an unusual
and difficult personal story to share.
Our group participation was also most interesting. I cannot thank those of you who are already
on our Visiting team for all your cooperation whenever it is needed. Most new Ostomates are eager to become
visitors, and we would love to have each one of you on our team. I know first hand that giving back, makes
you feel wonderful now that you are making a difference in our special
world. However, there is much more to
be done in our group that would allow a new ostomate to feel fulfilled. A small job like greeting people at the
door during our General Meeting, making them feel welcome and less stressed
is a way to get to know people and begin to get involved. The Visiting team needs volunteers continually to contact
Doctors and ostomy nurses, to remind them of our wonderful services. This is a huge job and we can use a few
capable volunteers. Each position on
our Board would jump at the chance to have help in continuing to make this a
support group that will enable us to reach as many people as we can. That is our main objective after all. Remember we need help from everyone, if you
have one hour to give a month or one hour a day, just call and we will find
something that would interest you. ********** The more you do unselfishly, The
more you live abundantly. ********** The Visitor is living proof
that life goes on. Visitors are out
doing the very things the new patient wonders about. They are the symbol for hope in the midst
of pain, confusion and fear. Making a
visit might seem like a small thing to you.
It is like lighting a candle in someone's darkness. Please, let us keep spreading the
word: The Visitor can be one of the
most important aspects of a patient's full and happy recovery. ********** A Request from
your Visitor's Team Our Visitor team needs up-to-date
Ostomy Quarterly's for the packets given to new ostomates. When you are finished with your Quarterly,
please bring it to the meeting. Leave
it on the Welcoming table. Thank You ********** I am eager
to hear from more of you as we lay our plans for continuing the effective
work of the Visitor Team. As an
ostomate, you surely have experiences that would be worth sharing with someone who is just beginning to live with an ostomy or who is facing the prospect with understandable
uncertainty. Many
individuals are apprehensive when asked to talk about their ostomies. But with training and a heart willing to
reach out to others, each of us can be that person who got
someone started right, and brought
comfort and hope to another. We know the secret that an ostomy truly
can afford an opportunity for a full life for
those who need this surgery. Sharing the secret gives others support and ourselves a
deep sense of satisfaction. Call me to
discuss your participation on our Visitor Team. ********** You all know we run a visiting program. The idea is that if we all join forces, we
can help each other reach our goals of finding more patients who are faced
with the decision of ostomy surgery.
We are actively supporting one another on a daily basis, and we plan
to continue our quest for ET nurse and doctor support. Please help us
continue to spread the word about this wonderful program. Tell your doctor and your nurse how helpful
this program was, or would have been to you.
If you know of anyone who would benefit from talking with a trained
ostomy visitor, please call us. ********** Dear
Friends, The holidays are approaching, and images of peace, love, and harmony are
popping up everywhere. It is a time for great joy, good feelings,
and family togetherness. Right? Well, what happens when Uncle Jim comes to
visit, and has an argument with one of his kids, and ruins your holiday
spirit? Alternatively, family members refuse to help with last
minute details. Then there is the
shopping! You are not alone. Each year millions of people suffer from
increased stress and tension during the Holidays. Much of this stress can be avoided. I would like to share some of my thoughts
with you about how to decrease holiday stress. The ideas are quite simple when you think
about them, and could be applied to your own situation. ********** Five Causes of Holiday Stress #1 Social
and Personal Expectations
time for
everyone. Not everyone feels in a
partying mood all the
time. Yet, just about, everyone feels compelled to look and feel merry during
the holidays. This
is a form of social pressure that can be very stressful, especially if you happen to be in
an emotional down cycle at the time. #2
Too Many Responsibilities #3
Blaming yourself or others when Things Go Wrong #4
Using Food, Or Alcohol to Cope With Stress
#5
Dealing With Financial Stress during the Holidays
I wish you and your families a Very Happy and Healthy
Holiday Season, Jeri Z. ********** People volunteer for a wide variety of reasons,
especially those wanting to help I know first hand how making that connection
between the patient and the make those connections
made me feel good about myself, and what I am Do not just consider volunteering as something you
do for other people; Please help the visiting team do this very
important job. Continue to ********** Support groups are all about sharing personal
stories with others in the hopes that your story will benefit someone
else. Sharing one's personal
experience is a common way in which a visitor helps a new ostomy
patient. April 2001 is
the four-year anniversary of my ileostomy surgery. It is amazing how it has changed my life
for the better. I lived with
intermittent severe pain for most of my life, and the surgery gave me a new
life. I have devoted myself to helping
others not live in fear of a surgery that I once dreaded and for which I am
now thankful. I would like to share a
personal story with our Chapter with the hope that somebody may benefit from
the challenging experience I had just last month. I was at the
movies with a friend. As is my usually
routine, I had a bag of popcorn.
However, I did not eat lunch this day and instead had a large bag
instead of a small one. I always eat
popcorn slowly, carefully, and with plenty to drink. However, much to my surprise later that
evening, I developed cramps and pain that I had not experienced since long
before my surgery. After phone calls
to Chapter members for guidance, and at the urging of my husband, I went to
the emergency room of our local hospital late that evening. After many
hours and procedures, I do not care to mention these not to offend the faint
of heart ... my blockage began to release.
If it did not break up on its own, I would have needed surgery to
relieve it. It was a
very frightening experience, not to mention the pain and discomfort that I
unnecessarily endured. After
being released a few hours later, I was fine, but sore for a few days. I encourage
all of you who eat popcorn on a regular basis to switch your snacks to
pretzels, Cheetos, potato chips and new snacks. I have discovered that these types of
snacks are enjoyable and are recommended for ostomates. I was dramatically reminded that my
plumbing is at times more temperamental if it is abused. I will also remember that certain foods can
cause blockages, which can be painful and injurious to my plumbing. With summer
approaching, I wish you all carefree days at the park, baseball games, and street fairs. ********** Dear Members, I read this tip
in Top Health, the Promotion and
Wellness Newsletter. I hope
that we can all benefit from this information. Six Reasons why you
should walk Walking is
simply one the best exercise you can do.
Why? It is easy. You already know
how-no special training required. It is safe. At a brisk pace (about
3-4 mph), walking can burn as many calories as running. However, it is easier on your bones and
joints and is less likely than running or jogging to cause injuries. It is cheap. Walking does not
require any special equipment, except for comfortable, well-fitting shoes. It is a
weight manager. Walking helps increase the number of
calories your body burns and helps control your appetite. Note.
Weight control helps prevent Type II, "adult onset"
diabetes. Its weight bearing. When
you walk, whether it is around the block, or up and down the stairs, you are
bearing the weight of your body. In
addition, weight-bearing exercise helps build bone mass, which prevents
osteoporosis. It is a
lifesaver. Walking is an aerobic exercise, so it is
good for your heart. It lowers blood
pressure and reduces the risk of heart disease, stroke and cancer. And that's not all: Studies
show walking gives you more energy, reduces stress, promotes better sleep,
and builds muscle and reduces fat in your legs and abdomen. How Much Should
You Walk? Aim for a half-hour most
days of the week. Recent research
reported in Circulation showed
that walking at least three miles per week reduced risk of heart disease by
10 percent. Short on
time? The journal also reported
that two 15-minute sessions of moderate exercise (like walking) are as
beneficial as one 30-minute session. I
suggest walking during this beautiful time of year to help a new ostomate
regain strength after surgery, and promote a healthy and happy state of mind.
Visiting
Chairperson: Peggy Bassrawi Tel: 847-251-1626 E-mail: pbassrawi@hotmail.com
|
