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The VNA Answer Nurse is a monthly column appearing in The Barefoot Tattler newspaper. To submit a question, write or call: The VNA Answer Nurse, 1110 35th Lane, Vero Beach, FL 32960, 772.978.5636, or e-mail answernurse@vnatc.com.
Diane Cerny is a registered nurse with more than 20 years of health care experience in pediatrics, geriatrics, obstetrics, gynecology, internal medicine, dermatology and allergy treatment. As the VNA's Community Education Nurse, Cerny performs blood pressure and blood sugar screenings throughout Brevard and Indian River counties.
Questions & Answers
4. My baby turns “blue” when she cries. Does she ha ve a heart problem?
7. How will I know if I’m having a stroke?
1. I recently had a heart attack. I’ve read some scary stuff about hormone replacement therapy. Should I be using it?
The American Heart Association recommends that hormone replacement therapy should not be used for the purpose of preventing heart attacks and strokes – even in women who have cardiovascular disease; however, there may be other reasons to take hormone replacement, so talk to your doctor.
2. I’ve heard some new guidelines for preventing heart disease and stroke in women. What does that mean for me?
The American Heart Association 2004 guidelines call for rating a woman’s risk of a heart attack in the next 10 years as low, immediate or high. Treatment is recommended according to the risk level. But – regardless of your risk level – lifestyle changes such as stopping smoking, getting regular physical activity, eating a heart-healthy diet and maintaining a healthy weight are important. Ask your doctor about risk factors and what you can do.
3. I’m a senior citizen. Is it too late for me to become physically active? Should I take special precautions?
More and more seniors are proving every day that they aren’t too old to exercise. In fact, the older you are, the more you need regular exercise; however, you should take some special precautions:
- If you have a family history of heart disease, check with your doctor first.
- Don’t try to do too much too fast.
- Exercise at an intensity appropriate for you.
- Pick activities that are fun, that suit your needs and that you can do year-round.
- Wear comfortable clothing and footwear.
- Choose a well-lighted, safe place with a smooth, soft surface.
- Take more time to warm up and cool down before and after your workout. Stretch slowly.
- Don't rely on your sense of thirst; drink water on a fixed schedule.
4. My baby turns “blue” when she cries. Does she have a heart problem?
It's very common for babies to develop a “blueness” around the mouth when they are crying or if they seem to be holding their breath. It's also common for babies to get blue hands and feet when they're cold. This is a very common observation made by parents and describes a normal condition termed “acrocyanosis.” It’s a normal response in babies and adults to reflect cool fingers and toes. Even normal room temperature may seem cold to an unclothed baby. A physician should be consulted for persistent blueness (even at rest), blueness involving lips or gums, or blueness associated with difficulty breathing or lethargy and poor feeding.
5. What is glaucoma?
Glaucoma is optic nerve damage, which can result in decreased peripheral vision and possibly blindness. Glaucoma is the second leading cause of blindness in the U.S. In most cases, it is characterized by elevated intraocular pressure. There usually aren’t any obvious symptoms of glaucoma. Because one is usually unaware of it until serious loss of vision has occurred, it’s important to have regular eye exams, including having your eye pressure checked. There is no cure for glaucoma, but it’s important to treat it, as it can cause blindness.
6. My doctor wants me to have physical therapy after I have my knee replaced. He gave me the option of having my rehab at home or at an outpatient facility. Which is better?
Depending on your situation, both are viable options. If you choose to have your rehab at home, it has been shown that the healing process is accelerated in the home setting, due to familiarity within the home setting/routine and decreased patient anxiety. If you choose the VNA, you will receive an individualized plan of treatment to include patient and family education, along with individualized attention, all of which increases patient compliance leading to an optimal clinical outcome. Feel free to call the VNA with any additional questions you may have on this subject.
7. How will I know if I’m having a stroke?
Learning to recognize the signs and symptoms of a stroke can mean all the difference in minimizing the effects, or even saving your own life. You should call 911 immediately if you develop any of the following:
- Sudden numbness in your face, arm or leg, especially if it’s only on one side
- Suddenly having trouble speaking or understanding
- Immediate vision loss in one or both eyes
- Sudden difficulty in walking, having dizziness, or loss of balance
- Sudden severe headache with no cause
