TECH TIPS FROM PRACTICAL NURSING — Andre Ward is one of five instructors at Washington-Holmes Technical Center's Practical Nursing Program.  Andre was born in Marianna, but his family returned to their duty station shortly after his birth.  He has lived in many places to include Germany and Hawaii where he graduated high school, and briefly attended the University of Hawaii.  Andre then followed in his parents' footsteps and joined the Air Force where he spent the next 10 years serving his country.  He was trained and performed as an aerospace medicine craftsman and eventually worked in an AF emergency room, 4NOX1-LPN instructor and lastly as a unit manager.  He earned an EMT-B Certification (AF & DOT instructor) and Practical Nursing License through the Air Force.  He used his off-duty time and educational benefits to earn two Associates Degrees in Allied Health and Science, Nursing, and later earned a Bachelors Degree in Nursing.  After leaving the Air Force, Andre decided it was time to move closer to his extended family and relocated to Chipley with his three children and was immediately employed at Washington-Holmes Technical Center. 

Andre offers the following health tips: 

TO GIVE OR NOT TO GIVE – INSULIN

It has been asked if it is ever wise not to give a Type I diabetic their Insulin. 

The answer is NO.  Specialized cells of the pancreas of an individual with Type I Diabetes no longer make any Insulin, and therefore the energy available from the foods we eat cannot be used by our cells without the aid of Insulin.  Speak with your Family Provider of specific doses for "sick days," periods of excess stress and the use of certain medications like steroids. 

STRESS  IS UNAVOIDABLE

Unfortunately, stress is unavoidable in any person's life.  Some mild/moderate stress can make us perform, study or even work better.  However, long term or excessive stress can be harmful to our system. 

Learning to deal with stress can make you feel better.  The best ways to minimize the effects of stress include: maintaining a healthy diet; exercising regularly -- at least a half-hour, three to four times a week; and avoiding drugs, tobacco and alcohol.  You may also consider using community resources such as your pastor, family practitioner or mental health expert if the stress becomes overwhelming. 

TREATING ANIMAL BITES

People often wonder if they will need a Rabies shot if they are bitten by an animal.  The typical wild animals that can harbor rabies are bats, raccoons, skunks and foxes.  Rabies is rare, but can be FATAL if not treated. 

If you are bitten by a wild animal, immediately wash the wound thoroughly with soap and water for approximately five minutes.  This is very effective at reducing the number of viral particles.  If available, apply a virucidal antiseptic such as povidone-iodine, iodine tincture, aqueous iodine solution or alcohol (ethanol) after washing.  Then see your doctor immediately and report the bite to the Health Department.