Netflix’s “What the Health” wants you to be a vegan

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netflix what the healthExtreme viewpoints entertain, not educate

I finally got around to watching the Netflix documentary What the Health.

Bottom line on top: This film is too extreme and manipulative to be a good source of information.

In short, the filmmakers cherry pick statistics and use fear mongering to promote their hypothesis that veganism is the only healthy lifestyle choice. That is a gross oversimplification of a complex and hard-to-study topic—nutrition.… read on

The HPV vaccine after 26

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hpv vaccine after 26Younger is better, but…

Bottom line on top: There is a benefit to getting the HPV vaccine after 26.

The HPV vaccine protects against the most common types of viruses that not only cause cervical cancer, but mouth, throat and anal cancers, as well.

It’s most effective when given before a child becomes sexually active.

But what about all the 20-somethings out there who didn’t have access to this vaccine? … read on

Home treatment tips for sunburned eyes

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treatment tips for sunburned eyesProtect your eyes this summer

Seattle just experienced an unusually hot and sunny stretch of weather. We had to dig out our hats and sunglasses early this year. Anyone who didn’t might have ended up with a case of sunburned eyes.

Bottom line on top: Eyes can get sunburned, too!

Eyes are especially prone to sunburn when sunlight is reflected off water, sand or pavement (or snow in the winter).… read on

The healing power of mahjongg?

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mahjonggMahjongg for stress relief

For more than five years, one of my best friends has been battling ovarian cancer. A fierce fighter (and fabulous friend), she has endured surgeries and several rounds of chemotherapy to keep this grim disease at bay. Her oncologist monitors her condition with the blood test CA-125.

Early last summer, her CA-125 began creeping up into the “let’s watch it but not get too excited—yet” territory. … read on

Be a Citizen Scientist – Cochrane Crowd

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What is a Citizen Scientist?

More and more scientists are taking advantage of the power of the internet, or the “crowd,” to help gather and process huge amounts of data.

A Citizen Scientist can be anyone. You just have to have an interest in science (and a computer).

I’m taking part in Cochrane Crowd.

Support evidence-based medicine

The Cochrane Library has been the go-to … read on

Happy National Nurses Week!

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national nurses weekThank a nurse this week 😊

This is National Nurses Week, so I wanted to give a shout out to all my fellow nurses.

Thank you for your hard work and dedication to your patients, even though I know it’s often under very difficult circumstances. 

There continues to be a nursing shortage in this country, but nursing schools don’t have enough slots for all the young men and women … read on

De-stress with diaphragmatic breathing

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diaphragmatic breathingAll deep breathing isn’t the same

Finding ways to relax and reduce stress is one of my tenets of good health, along with eating well, exercising and spending quality time with friends and family.

Bottom line on top: Deep breathing is recognized as an effective way to calm down when you’re feeling anxious or angry.

Did you know there is a wrong way and a right way to breathe … read on

Skin cancer prevention tips

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skin cancer prevention tipsMay is Melanoma and Skin Cancer Awareness Month

We’re on the cusp of summer, which is a great time to think about protecting your skin from the sun.

More than 4 million people are diagnosed with some form of skin cancer every year in the US. Damage from ultraviolet (UV) radiation is responsible for the majority of cases.

The best skin cancer prevention tip? Limit your exposure to UV light, … read on

What is a dry drowning?

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dry drowningDry drowning and secondary drowning

The weather is warming up and soon schools will be out for summer break. That means more kids playing in the water.

Bottom line on top: Kids can actually drown outside of a pool or lake

Dry drowning and a similar but different condition called secondary drowning are relatively rare, thank goodness, but can happen up to 24 hours following a near-drowning when parents think … read on

Frugal Nurse celebrates World Book Day!

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world book dayReading is my favorite pastime 🙂

There are so many great healthcare books! I’m excited to share some of my favorite reads to celebrate World Book Day (which was actually yesterday, but whatever).

Some books are very informative and can help us get better care from our doctors, or guide our health decisions, or keep us safe in the hospital.

Others help us change our lifestyles to sleep better, eat … read on