Ways childhood cancer survivors avoid post traumatic stress disorder

February 10, 2012

sick little girl

Dealing with childhood cancer is not easy, whether you are going through it or have survived it. Cancer at any age can have long lasting effects on a person’s mental health. A study reported that Post Traumatic Stress Disorder was found significantly more often by survivors of childhood cancer (those over the age of 18) than by the sibling control subjects. It’s not easy for someone to hear that they have cancer, let alone deal with the treatments that go along with it. It does have a mental and psychological toll on the individual. However, there are ways that one can learn to mentally cope with the disease.

Here are some tips for coping with post traumatic stress from childhood cancer.

Support Group. Know that you are not alone. Many people go through PTSD after surviving cancer. It will comfort you to meet with others that may have similar symptoms or experiences as you. They may be able to offer coping skills or just be there for emotional support. It may be scary to think about sharing your PTSD experience with others, but it can be the best way to help yourself.

Therapy. Seeing a therapist might seem scary, but it’s a great way to overcome PTSD. Different types of therapies may be used. Crisis intervention is a method that may be used in attempt to lessen symptoms and help the patient return to a normal life. The therapist may teach coping skills and problem solving to help the individual change their way of thinking. Relaxation training is another therapy to treat PTSD. This can help the patient change their upsetting thoughts to positive ones and lessen the sensitivity to certain triggers.

Prevention. As always, it is a good idea to become aware of PTSD if you or your loved one is diagnosed with cancer. Being able to understand the disorder is important. You will be able to figure out a way to help your child hone those negative emotions before it becomes PTSD. Joining a support group or seeking therapy whilst dealing with cancer may help the patient in the long run.  A home healthcare nurse will be an asset to your life if you are going through this. Not only will she be there through radiation and chemotherapy, she will be a support system for your family and child. At PSA, we will be there every step of the way. We make sure to comfort both child and family by implementing the right care plan for you. For more information on PTSD, coping with PTSD, and how PSA can help you, visit each to learn more or call to find out how our nurses can assist you and your family.


Guide to PSA resources for families

February 3, 2012

little girl

At PSA, we make it a priority to provide the best care services for your loved one. We not only care about those who need to be taken care of, but also the families so closely affected by it. We go beyond traditional home healthcare to offer support, guidance and education for all of your needs.

Our Resources page offers a list of agencies and institutions focused on specialty diseases and disorders.This guide is right at your fingertips on our Resources page.  We also offer an online support forum called Forum for Families, where you can connect with others who have similar experiences.  It’s an asset because friends and doctors can listen to you, but they may not always connect the way other families in similar situations can relate. The forum is a great way to express your feelings with people who can empathize with you, rather than sympathize.

If this is something that interests you, visit PSA Healthcare, the nation’s leading pediatric home care provider. Qualified to care for respiratory conditions, cardio-pulmonary conditions, complicated of prematurity, genetic syndromes and more, our nurses are highly skilled and specialized within the field, making us a sought after healthcare provider. With more than 50 locations nationwide, we make life convenient for you. We stand out because we not only work with you, but we work closely with doctors, case managers and discharge planners to care for your loved one the best way possible. For more on our experts, go to PSA Heathcare.   We look forward to caring for your loved one!


How nurses can eat healthy on the job

January 25, 2012
nuts and fruit
Nursing is a demanding profession that requires physical, mental, and emotional engagement each shift. Therefore, being healthy is an important aspect of your job. Intellectually you know the importance of eating healthy, but it is human to slip up every now and then! Here are a few food options to keep your mind and body alert :
– Red Peppers: To keep up your energy levels, lower cancer risks, and boost your beauty, crunch on red peppers. They provide vitamins A and C, as well as lycopene. Red peppers are so beneficial to your health, as well as delicious. Next time you are just craving a crunch, grab red peppers instead of reaching to the vending machine for a processed bag of potato chips.  

– Organic Dark Chocolate: For those of you with a sweet tooth, try organic dark chocolate to satisfy your craving. Sweets high in sugar can slow you down during the day. Dark chocolate provides antioxidants that will keep you energized throughout the long hours of your shift.

 – Apples: As the saying goes, an apple a day keeps the  doctor away, and although you may work side-by-side with them, you definitely do not want to be in the patient’s seat.
They are packed with vitamins, minerals, flavonoids and polyphenols. These antioxidants will keep you healthy and on point while at work.  
– Hummus: Are you a fan of dips? Instead of a creamy onion dip or ranch, try dipping your healthy veggies in an equally healthy dip–hummus. Made of chickpeas, tahini, olive oil, lemon juice, salt and pepper, this snack is packed with amino acids and calcium.
– Pumpkin Seeds: Loaded with magnesium, calcium, vitamin K, protein, and iron, pumpkin seeds will get you through your longest days. Whether you are forever away from your lunch break or are working the night shift, pumpkin seeds will hold you over until your next meal.
– Oatmeal: A great way to start your morning is with a bowl of oatmeal. A healthy carb, oatmeal will give you a natural surge of energy. Add blueberries or cinnamon into your oats for extra health benefits.


A small change in your eating habits can make a big difference! What tips can you add to helping your fellow nurses stay healthy?


5 ways social media benefits nurses

January 11, 2012

These days social media has become a prominent part of everyday life.  From your best friend posting a picture of running her first marathon to the joy of your sister-in-law announcing she’s engaged. People are sharing their funny stories, accomplishments, and even misfortunes through social media platforms every day. For nurses in particular, we love that social media fosters professional connections, is a source of support and a way to share feelings about the nursing profession. There are many benefits and reasons why nurses should use social media.  Here are our top three reasons: 

1. Using Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin and blogs can help build your credibility as a health professional, as well as spark discussions within the health care community.
2. Nurses can provide basic health tips to the general public, i.e., the latest study on nutrition and exercise. After all, people daily turn to the web to find answers to their health concerns or read up on new studies.
3. You can share the daily routine of a home health care nurse, revealing the satisfaction you receive in providing quality care to your patients.  This is valuable information for someone considering the nursing profession or a nurse looking at work in the home health care field.Social media is a great tool, but some discretion must be taken when posting certain information. Keep these points in  mind when using social media to protect yourself and your patients!

• Leave your work at the office. Make sure when posting to your social media that you don’t accidentally divulge any information that may be private to your patients.

• Remain impartial on support pages and blogs.


The continuing growth of social media makes now the best time to get started. It can be used to your advantage, through career growth and helping others.


Holiday traditions from around the world

December 21, 2011

holiday candles

Does your family have unique holiday traditions that have been passed down from parents or grandparents?  Many of us have some traditions that revisit our childhood and when we’re deciding how to make the holidays fun for our children we look to those traditions to help us out.   To celebrate the season we thought we’d take a quick trip around the globe and check out several interesting traditions from other cultures.  Let us know if your family already enjoys some of them and how you make it exciting for your children.

  • In Nova Scotia Canada carolers stroll the streets singing traditional Scottish songs.
  • In Greenland they focus on eating lots of cake, singing carols and playing games.
  • In France they celebrate the holidays with a feast of food, including the buche de nol cake.
  • In South Africa families celebrate with a big meal outdoors with camping over the long holiday.
  • In Japan they recognize the holidays as a time to visit the sick in the hospital and do a service for someone else.

Happy Holidays from all of us at PSA!!


National organizations offer family assistance during the holiday season

December 7, 2011

sick little girl

The holidays are a fun time for all families, however those that are dealing with long term illness, it can also be a tough time to get everything done.  Many families are faced with continuing treatments and surgeries during the holiday season, making it tough to find time for the siblings in the family.  There are several national organizations that assist families with providing outstanding research and care for children; making sure they can enjoy the holidays with their families.  Here’s a list of three that are working to find cures, raise funds and assist with meeting the needs of the entire family:

Do you know of other local and community organizations that are a making a difference in families lives?  Let us know by leaving a comment below.

Benefits of utilizing a PSA Healthcare nurse

November 16, 2011

infant vomiting

Having a family member with a long term illness brings about a lot of questions many families rarely face.  However, when the time comes to consider finding a nurse who you trust to care for your child or parent many people are unsure where to begin.  Home healthcare nursing is an intimate situation, due to the time that nurse spends in your home and one-on-one with your loved one.  Keeping this in mind we have worked to make sure we offer families the best home healthcare nurses in the industry.  We work to pair nurses with your family that will make your entire family comfortable and secure.

What are other benefits about working with us to find the ideal home healthcare nurse for your family?  We have more than 3,100 skilled nurses who are trained and specialized in pediatric care.  We make sure our nurses, as well as our families can get their questions answered by reliable, clinical customer support 24/7.  We also offer a multi-disciplinary team approach, giving families the best all around care in the industry.  We pride ourselves on being leaders in pediatric home healthcare and make sure our approach remains family centered.  To learn more please visit us our website or call us at 770-441-1580.


Understanding body language can help home healthcare nurses

November 9, 2011

home nurse with boy

Bridging the communication gap between a healthcare professional and their patient can be difficult, especially when dealing with children and long-term illnesses. Using verbal language is always a great way to relay information to patients and their families, but take it to the next level by being aware of your non-verbal communication. In fact, body language can make or break important conversations with patients and their families, even if it is not intentional. According to Jennifer Ward at Nurses Together, you can implement these 5 tips for positive body language:

1. Always make eye contact. This ensures the patient or colleague that you are giving them your full, honest attention.
2. Avoid finger pointing. It is an obvious signal that this person is your topic of your conversation. Pointing is also considered rude in our culture.
3. Avoid nonchalant stances. Sitting with your hands behind your head or hands on your hips are considered a sign of superiority and unprofessional. Only use these poses when in the presence of close friends.
4. Avoid eye rolling. Even if you are having a disagreement with a co-worker, do not roll your eyes. It is unprofessional, offensive, and is likely to escalate the argument.
5. Avoid invading the personal space of others. This can make your patients and/or colleagues uncomfortable. Keep in mind, the immediate 4 square feet around a person is considered adequate personal space.
For more tips on how to communicate non-verbally with body language, visit HCP Live.

How nurses can balance daily stress

November 4, 2011

doctors and nurses

Everyone experiences stress on the job. The healthcare industry, in particular, incurs a great deal of stress, especially nurses. In fact, according to Nurse Zone, a  nurse’s stress can be physical, mental, or emotional. Physical because of the constant movement and lifting, Mental because of the requirement to accurately administer medicine and answer important questions to patients, and Emotional because of the innate feeling to help patients recover and the sadness when recovering isn’t possible.

Here are a few tips to alleviate stress and maintain healthy life balance.

  1. Balance life between work and play. Utilize leisure time, plan vacations, exercise regularly, and maintain a healthy diet. It is also important that nurses don’t overwork in order to keep this balance. Utilize your breaks and try to avoid taking overtime.
  2. Plan ahead. Since stress is unavoidable, think of what future events will trigger stress and brainstorm ways to cope with it. Manage stress through time management by making a to-do list and prioritizing your tasks. Always keep in mind that the list may change throughout the course of the day.
  3. Self-support. Avoid negative thinking and don’t be afraid to give yourself a pat on the back. Remember you are helping others and improving the lives of many!
  4. Let out your emotions. It’s okay to cry or feel angry. Talk to others in the healthcare industry– a fellow nurse, doctor, or administration. Many hospitals have support groups or counselors to improve employee’s mental health. Just make sure you are expressing yourself safely!
  5. Remember that some stress is good for you. Try to strike a balance between being relaxed and energized. Use this energy to fuel your passion for nursing!

Celebrate healthy eating with Food Day

October 21, 2011

fresh fruit

The national Food Day is Monday, October 24th and there are so many ways for you and your family to participate this year.  Cities nationwide will be hosting events that support local farmers, sustainability and offering ways to eat healthier.  According to the organization, “Food Day seeks to bring together Americans from all walks of life—parents, teachers, and students; health professionals, community organizers, and local officials; chefs, school lunch providers, and eaters of all stripes.”

You and your family can make Monday Food Day in your home with a few simple ideas:

  • Visit a local farmers market this weekend
  • Plan a healthy meal together, giving everyone the opportunity to participate in the preparation
  • Commit to only eating healthy food for one day; leave the junk food in the pantry and dive into those fruits and veggies
  • Look for grocery stores and markets that promote local farmers and sustainable practices
What other ways can all of us support Food Day and commit to healthier eating?  Let us know your ideas and even share your favorite healthy recipe!