Nurses are our business and we truly appreciate all that you do. Thank you for your passion, your dedication and your continued commitment to patient care and safety.

As a nurse, we know that you never stop learning, so we’d like to give you a FREE online course, the opportunity to win an Apple® iPad®. Happy Nurses Week!

Your FREE online course  – Assessment of Pain in Special Populations – shares numerous tools and instruments as well as techniques that can be used to assess pain in special populations such as neonates, infants, children, older adults, patients with cognitive impairments, and/or developmental disabilities.

Join us on Facebook for more great Nurses Week celebrations!

HINT #1: Get ready to FREE your mind!

HINT #2: We’ll be the APPLE of your eye if you win!

Visit www.westernschools.com/nursesweek between May 6th and 12th to join the celebration!

Autism is a complex developmental disability that typically appears during the first three years of life. It affects a person’s ability to communicate and interact with others. Autism is defined by a certain set of behaviors and is a “spectrum disorder” that affects individuals differently and to varying degrees.

Since the 1970s, the Autism Society has been celebrating National Autism Awareness Month in order to highlight the growing need for concern and awareness about autism.

Please do your part by becoming informed on how to properly care for autistic patients. Order Western School’s informative continuing education course – Growing Up with Autism – today.

This advanced-level course offers current evidence-based practice recommendations for professionals working with school-age children with autism and their families in preparation for the transition to adulthood.

Growing Up with Autism: Working with School-Age Children and Adolescents

Authors: Dina E. Hill, PhD; Robin L. Gabriels, PsyD

Contact Hours: 21

Item No.: N1186

Diabetes Essentials for Nurses
Author: Sandra Drozdz Burke PhD, APRN, CDE, BC-ADM
25 Contact Hours
Item No. N1344

This course provides a comprehensive overview of diabetes in the adult. Written by a renowned expert in the field, the course is packed with practical information that nurses can use when caring for their patients with diabetes. Check it out here.

Complete Nurse’s Guide to Diabetes Care
Authors:
Geralyn R. Spollett MSN, ANP, CDE
Marjorie L. Cypress PhD, MSN, CDE, C-ANP
Belinda Childs ARNP, MN, CDE
Anne P. Manton PhD, RN, PMHNP-BC, FAEN, FAAN
32 Contact Hours
Item No. N1315

This comprehensive advanced-level course, written by leading experts, provides a current in-depth analysis into all aspects of the care and management of diabetes. The course addresses type 1 and type 2 diabetes and the necessary lifestyle adaptations, such as diet and physical activity, involved in the successful management of the disease. View course now.

1 in 8 Americans Diagnosed With Type 2 Diabetes: Poll

Only 21 percent of those interviewed say they’re well-versed on the disease, Harris Interactive/HealthDay survey finds.

By: Amanda Gardner, HealthDay Reporter

WEDNESDAY, Feb. 20 (HealthDay News) – A staggering one in eight Americans has been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, a new Harris Interactive/HealthDay poll suggests.

And more than one third of those polled have been diagnosed with diabetes or have a parent, sibling, spouse or child with the condition.

“Type 2 diabetes has become one of the most common and fastest growing diseases. Fully one in eight adults – approximately 29 million people – now report that they have been diagnosed with this dangerous condition,” said Harris Poll Chairman Humphrey Taylor.

Added Dr. Ronald Tamler, clinical director of the Mount Sinai Diabetes Center in New York City: “Diabetes is very insidious. You don’t know you’re in trouble until the complications hit or until it’s so out of control you have uncontrolled urination and thirst” – two of the common symptoms of diabetes.

While type 2 diabetes is occurring in epic proportions, the new poll also found that awareness of the disease is still surprisingly low, with only 21 percent of those surveyed considering themselves well-versed on the disease. That means the remaining 79 percent may not know they’re at risk or may already have the disease, which is known as the “silent” killer.

But people already diagnosed with diabetes tend to be much more aware of the health risks, with slightly more than two-thirds considering themselves either “extremely” or “very” knowledgeable about the disease, the poll found.

Still, 35 percent of respondents with diabetes said their diabetes was only “somewhat” controlled and 5 percent said it was “not at all” well controlled.

“Because diabetes is a chronic condition, the treatment of which is critically dependent on patient behavior and self-care, this may be the most alarming finding,” Taylor said.

On a more encouraging note, many people polled do understand that a number of factors can contribute to type 2 diabetes, including being overweight (79 percent of respondents realize this is a risk factor), diet (74 percent) and physical inactivity (62 percent).

These numbers were greater among people who had been diagnosed with diabetes.

Interestingly, 60 percent of respondents know that genetics can be a component of type 2 diabetes.

“We have a public perception that type 2 diabetes is entirely a disease of lifestyle and that is not true,” said Dr. Robert Ratner, chief scientific and medical officer of the American Diabetes Association. “There is no question that lifestyle contributes to it, but the problem is one of biology . . . Environment really does play a role but the biology sets them up.”

Indeed, certain ethnic groups, including many Native American tribes, bear a disproportionate diabetes burden, Ratner added.

Most adults, whether they actually have diabetes or not, seem fairly knowledgeable about the long-term consequences of the disease, which can include amputation of limbs, blindness, kidney disease and heart disease, the poll found.

There was an exception. Only 39 percent of adults overall and 56 percent of those with type 2 diabetes knew that the disease can cause strokes.

“People need to be aware that this is another disease caused by diabetes that can be prevented,” said Nancy Copperman, director of Public Health Initiatives at North Shore-LIJ Health System in Great Neck, N.Y. “The idea of having a stroke might motivate them to change their lifestyle.”

The disease seems to be taking a toll on those polled, with 20 percent acknowledging it has been a “significant” burden and 43 percent saying it has been “somewhat” of a burden for themselves and their families. The burden comes in the form of dietary restrictions, medication costs, eye problems, cardiovascular problems and foot problems.

In addition, 9 percent of people with type 2 diabetes said the condition has rendered them unable to work.

Still, with awareness of genetic factors as well as lifestyle contributors, “you can live a very full and happy life and thrive with diabetes,” said Mount Sinai’s Tamler.

In people with type 2 diabetes, either the body doesn’t produce enough of the hormone insulin or cells can’t use the insulin properly. Insulin is necessary for the body to use glucose – blood sugar – for energy. When glucose builds up in the blood instead of going into cells, it can lead to diabetes complications, according to the American Diabetes Association.

The prevalence of type 2 diabetes found in this new poll is higher than that reported by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, although the CDC data is more rigorous, Ratner said.

The poll was conducted online within the United States by Harris Interactive from Feb. 4 through 6, among 2,090 adults aged 18 and older. The survey was not based on a probability sample, so no estimate of theoretical sampling error can be calculated.

SOURCES: Humphrey Taylor, chairman, The Harris Poll; Ronald Tamler, M.D., Ph.D., clinical director, Mount Sinai Diabetes Center, New York City; Nancy Copperman, R.D., director, Public Health Initiatives, North Shore-LIJ Health System, Great Neck, N.Y.; Robert Ratner, M.D., chief scientific and medical officer, American Diabetes Association

Last Updated: Feb. 20, 2013

Health News Copyright © 2013 HealthDay. All rights reserved.

From March 11-17, people all over the nation will come together to share, educate and build awareness about Multiple Sclerosis (MS).

What It Is
MS is a chronic, often disabling disease that attacks the central nervous system (CNS), which is made up of the brain, spinal cord, and optic nerves. Symptoms may be mild, such as numbness in the limbs, or severe, such as paralysis or loss of vision. The progress, severity, and specific symptoms of MS are unpredictable and vary from one person to another. Today, new treatments and advances in research are giving new hope to people affected by the disease.

How You Can Help
Visit the National Multiple Sclerosis Society web site and check out all the ways you can help – participate in your local MS walk, donate your Facebook status, dress in orange – the list goes on and on!

Where To Learn More
Western Schools offers an informative CE course – Multiple Sclerosis: Nursing Strategies to Improve Patient Outcomes – that provides nurses with an introduction to the comprehensive care needed by individuals and families living with MS. Nurses who are knowledgeable and sensitive to the issues faced by patients with MS are more effective in educating, motivating and supporting those living with this unpredictable chronic neurological condition.

Author: Cira Fraser; PhD, RN, ACNS-BC
Item No. N1326
3 Contact Hours

● 1.7 million people sustain a traumatic brain injury in the U.S. each year?
● 5 million Americans have long-term disabilities as a result?

Be prepared to minimize or prevent complications and to promote the best possible outcome for these patients by taking Western School’s informative nursing continuing education course – Traumatic Brain Injury.

This course presents an overview of Traumatic Brain Injury and describes essential patient care and management from the acute through the rehabilitation phase.

Traumatic Brain Injury

Author: Johanna Demirjian; RN, MSN, APN, C
3 CONTACT HOURS
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Here’s what our customers are saying:

As a result of taking this course I’ll have a better understanding of violence on the development of behavioral issues and/or mental health concerns in addition to treatment options. – Rebecca Tate, VA

This course exceeded most I have used for CEUs in the past. The references are current and the material is useful for the therapist. The trauma focused basis is current and well-summarized. – Peggy Skinner

I enjoyed the section on trauma based play therapy because it is a new concept for me and it was interesting topic. I thought the content of the course was well written and informative. – Megan Ellison, MO

Treating the Mental Health Needs of Children Exposed to Intimate Partner Violence

N1409
3 Contact Hours

This intermediate-level course discusses the detrimental effects of IPV on child witnesses, the complex issues and negative sequelae that accompany exposure to IPV and their impact on addressing the mental health needs of these children.

To learn the most effective treatment modalities and how to identify, assess, and intervene with children who have been exposed to IPV, order this course today.

To learn more about recent advances and research in the prevention, detection and treatment of cervical cancer or HPV, order one – or both – of these informative continuing education courses from Western Schools today:

Women’s Health: Contemporary Advances & Trends

24 Contact Hours
Item No. N1192
For a complete course description, click here.

Cancer in Women

28 Contact Hours
Item No. N1404
For a complete course description, click here.

You might think that by the time the holidays arrive, allergy season is long gone. However, for millions of allergy sufferers, the reality is that allergens still abound. From pet dander to volatile organic compounds, indoor allergens can cause discomfort and health issues as bothersome as when pollen is in season.

The holidays can be particularly difficult, as we visit family and friends and welcome guests – and the allergens they bring with them – into our homes.

“The holidays can present a variety of challenges for asthma and allergy patients,” says Dr. Cliff Bassett, an ambassador for the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA).

“Our environment changes in many ways during the holidays, from having new people in our homes to bringing in potential irritants like pine trees and dusty old holiday decorations.”

AAFA offers some advice for helping minimize allergy and asthma triggers in your home this holiday season:

* Most people store holiday decorations in attics, basements or garages and they can pick up dust, mold and other irritants while in storage. Thoroughly clean all stored decorations before using them in your home. If one or more of these irritants is a trigger for you, wear a mask while cleaning. When you’re done with the decorations this year, clean them again before you seal them in plastic bags and store them in airtight containers.

* If you or a loved one suffers from a tree or pollen allergy, artificial trees can be a less irritating substitute, provided you opt for one that’s not coated with sprayed-on “snow.” If you will be using a live tree, you can reduce mold problems by thoroughly wiping the trunk with a solution of lukewarm water and diluted bleach (one part bleach to 20 parts water). Before you bring the tree inside, use a leaf blower to remove pollen grains.

* Everyone loves the smell of the holiday, but scent-creating home accessories can be irritants. Limit the use of air fresheners like candles, oils and potpourri. If you really want to fill your home with a holiday aroma during a special occasion, try baking using naturally fragrant ingredients like vanilla, cinnamon or citrus.

* A crackling fire can create a warm, festive mood for holiday gatherings. To minimize potential irritation, don’t use wood-burning stoves or fireplaces at all. If you use a gas fireplace, check vents and use secured doors, rather than screens, to reduce smoke entering the room.

* When giving a gift to someone with allergies or asthma, keep their potential triggers in mind. For example, some children with asthma may be irritated by the materials commonly used in stuffed animals. Look for products that do not have sensitizing or allergenic chemicals such as formaldehyde. You can also find a list of allergy and asthma-friendly products on the AAFA website, www.aafa.org/certified.

* When welcoming guests who have allergies or asthma, take preventative steps to help minimize irritants. Give your home a thorough cleaning (you probably would anyway because of the holiday) using cleaning products that can reduce allergens from hard surfaces, but that do not use harsh, potentially irritating chemicals. Vacuum using a high-quality vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter to reduce the chance of disturbing dust into the air. Don’t forget to change your furnace filters as well. Use a high efficiency filter that can last up to 90 days.

No one wants to experience an allergy or asthma attack during the holiday season. By taking steps to minimize irritants in your home environment, you can help ensure that everyone’s eyes are bright with holiday joy – and not because of allergies.

To learn more about asthma, please see Western Schools 23-hour nursing CE course Asthma: Nursing Care Across the Lifespan.