ONS Connect - June 2008 - (Page 21)

CAREGIVERCARE Maintain Your Good Health Through Routine Prevention and Screening [By Barbara Lubejko, RN, MS, ONS Education Team Project Manager] s oncology nurses, we teach our patients, families, and communities about prevention and early detection. But how often do we take our own advice? For healthy adults, prevention and screening are important. Dental health is an ongoing focus. Adults should visit a dentist one to two times per year for preventive and screening services. Cardiovascular health monitoring is also recommended, including blood pressure checks every two years and blood lipid tests every five years. Other health issues such as diabetes, thyroid dysfunction, and osteoporosis can be evaluated through periodic physical examinations and referrals for appropriate testing. A Other screening recommendations focus on early detection of cancer. American Cancer Society guidelines call for periodic examinations and screening tests tailored to individual risk based on age, gender, exposures, and heredity. Women should receive mammograms yearly starting at 40 and Pap tests every one to two years. Men should have prostate-specific antigen and digital rectal examinations performed annually beginning at 50. For both genders, screening for colorectal cancer should begin at 50 using colonoscopy, flexible sigmoidoscopy, barium enema, or fecal testing. Each of us should work with our healthcare providers to develop an in- dividualized plan for prevention and screening. A helpful tool is the Pocket Guide for Good Health for Adults, available online at www.ahrq.gov/ppip/ adguide. ✱ Winner of 2008 CURE Extraordinary Healer Award for Oncology Nursing Announced CURE Media Group—the source for cancer patient education and publisher of CURE and Heal magazines, with financial support from Ortho Biotech Products, LP—is proud to announce the winner of the second annual CURE Extraordinary Healer Award for Oncology Nursing. CURE received an outpouring of essays from readers describing the compassion and helpfulness of a special nurse in an oncology setting. The 2008 award was presented to Karen Marchman, RN, OCN®, CCRP, from Florida Hospital Cancer Institute in Orlando, at a May 15 reception held in conjunction with the Oncology Nursing Society’s 33rd Annual Congress in Philadelphia. Marchman was nominated by patient Sheila S. McThenia from Oviedo, FL, who referred to Marchman as a “trusted confidante, tireless advocate, and priceless resource.” Alongside Marchman and McThenia at the reception were nurse finalists Linda K. Huber, RN, AP, CS, MH/CNS, of St. Luke’s Hospital in Kansas City, MO (nominated by Patricia Nee), and Randy Wecker, BSN, of Marshfield Clinic in Marshfield, WI (nominated by RaeAnn Thomas). The celebratory reception also honored the field of oncology nursing. Honorary Mistress of Ceremonies Loretta Swit, award-winning actress from M*A*S*H, joined breast cancer survivor and CURE Media Group editor-at-large Kathy LaTour to present the award and thank the oncology nurses present for all they do to aid those dealing with cancer. For details on the 2008 CURE Extraordinary Healer Award, plus pictures and information on the 2009 contest, visit www.curetoday.com/healeraward. June 2008 ONS CONNECT 21 http://www.ahrq.gov/ppip/adguide http://www.ahrq.gov/ppip/adguide http://www.curetoday.com/healeraward

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ONS Connect - June 2008 Contents Editor's Note Just In They Have a Dream A Year in the Life—Month Six Web Connect Capitol Connection Notice Nursing Now Caregiver Care Manage Skin Toxicities Associated With EGFR Inhibitors Blood Test for Ovarian Cancer May Be 99 Percent Accurate Calendar of Events Working For You Staying On Top

ONS Connect - June 2008

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