Tag: life

Help, I’ve fallen

Your wellness depends a lot on preventing falls

 

‘Help!! I’ve fallen and I can’t get up!’ 

 Everyone over the age of 9 has heard this expression stemming from a TV commercial years ago, in the 80’s I believe.  You remember the one, the sweet little ole lady is lying on the floor with her walker on top of her.  I think the commercial was for a life alert or something when they first came out.  That became a catch phase that is still used today in jokes and conversations.

But how funny is it exactly?  A doctor once told me after I had fallen and was complaining of being sore that when we age, we don’t bounce anymore.  Funny but true.  Kids can run, face plant on the floor, have a good cry and they are right back to running and laughing.  Adults, not so much.

Here are some scary facts about falls:

1. Falls are the leading cause of injury in people 65 and older

2. 1 out of 4 older adults fall every year

3. Falls are the leading cause of fractures and head injuries in older adults

4. Falls are the cause of over 95% hip fractures which decrease the life expectancy of older adults.

5. You do not have to be over 65 to die from a fall.

The best medicine is prevention.

 In your home, do not have clutter, cords or loose rugs on the walkways.  If you must have your rug, like a lot of people do,make sure it is secured with non-slip backing or double-sidedtape.

Improve the lighting.  Walking in the dark is asking for trouble regardless of your age.

Wear good shoes, no oversized shoes, sandals aka flip flops, or heels.  Lord knows I would be begging to break my neck if I wore heels.  Age is not a barrier in tripping over your own feet.

The all-dreaded word, exercise.  There I said it.  Seriously, being a couch potato will not cut it.  We need to walk daily, and I don’t mean just to the refrigerator and back.  Do real walking, get in a couple of miles a day.  Not necessarily all at one time but get the walking in.  Your body will thank you for it and your bones will be stronger.  If you need to use an assistive device, there is no shame in being safe.

Absolutely do not take medications that make you sleepy or relax you then try to go for a walk or run or drive heavy equipment.  We have all seen those warnings.  Doing that is a big red flag begging for a fall to come upon you.

Keep that phone handy.  There may be something to keep your phone attached to your hip, especially when going for a walk.  It is better to be able to call someone for help than to lay on the floor or on the side of the road.  See, I have shown you an excuse to keep your phone with you at all times if you’re not a teenager. 

These are just the tip of the iceberg on fall prevention. Look it up, pay attention to your healthcare provider, and use the good sense God blessed you with to stay safe.

 

 

 

Prayer and Good Health

How important is prayer? To me, it’s the most important aspect of my life. Prayer not only draws me closer to God, but it also brings peace and a sense of well-being. After praying about life’s stresses or problems, I experience little to no anxiety. One of my favorite pieces of advice is: “Pray about it and give it to God,” or “Give it to God and don’t take it back.”

Philippians 4:6-7 (NIV)
*Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all…

You may ask, how does good health fit in? Great question—I’m glad you asked.

According to Dr. Brahmanand Nayak, studies show that prayer, along with faith, reduces levels of the stress hormone cortisol. Lower cortisol leads to a calmer, more centered mindset. With less stress, mood improves, and people often feel a greater sense of purpose.

Other benefits include enhanced healing, lower blood pressure, and a stronger immune system.

Harvard Professor Tyler VanderWeele found that daily prayer among young adults leads to fewer symptoms of depression, greater life satisfaction, higher self-esteem, and an overall positive outlook.

Another study in California examined over 2,000 adults with mental illness. Remarkably, 80% of them saw improvement in their condition.

Study after study—even in secular science—demonstrates the power of prayer and its positive impact on individuals. For me, all I need is my Bible and my prayer time to know my day is better when I begin with prayer, continue in prayer throughout the day, and end my day with the Lord.

 

Introduction

A Calling Fulfilled: My Journey into Nursing
By Genera Gilliam

I’ve wanted to be a nurse for as long as I can remember. My mother often told me that when I was just a small child, I sat beside my great-grandmother on her bed, and she looked at me and said, “You’re going to make a great nurse someday.” That moment planted a seed in my heart that never stopped growing.

After high school, I had everything in place to attend Northeast Mississippi Community College. But life took a different turn—I chose to get married instead. Over the next few years, I worked a variety of jobs, never staying in one place for long and never finding fulfillment. I was restless and deeply unhappy.

Six years later, everything changed. I had been a stay-at-home mom for 19 months, caring for my twin sons who were born prematurely at just 33 weeks. At that time, neonatal care wasn’t as advanced, and both boys faced serious medical challenges. Those early months were filled with fear, prayer, and perseverance—but they also reignited a fire in me. I felt a deep conviction, a burden from God, that I had not followed the path I was meant to take.

When I applied to LPN school, I was turned down—told outright that having toddlers at home was the reason. But I didn’t let that stop me. I applied to Northeast and was accepted.

Now, after 34 years in nursing, I can say with complete certainty: this is the career I was born for. I’ve never looked back, and I would do it all over again.

My journey has taken me through 18 years in hospital settings—working in Labor & Delivery, ICU/Stepdown, surgery, and 13 years as a nurse manager. I’ve also spent 5 years in home hospice, 2 in private duty, and the last 10 in home health, with the past 9 years at NMMC.

To me, nursing isn’t just a profession—it’s a calling. It’s not just what I do. It’s who I am.