Congregational Nurse Note
Although I have written a previous column on Shingles, some information is worth repeating, and based on the number of questions I have had concerning shingles, this is one of those topics. Shingles occur when the varicella zoster virus (the one that causes chicken pox) re-emerges. The lifetime risk for developing shingles is about 1 in 3 (30%). If you have not had chicken pox, you will not get shingles unless you are directly exposed to someone with chicken pox or active shingles and come in contact with open blisters. Transmission is usually low if the rash is covered.
How do you know if you have shingles? Shingles should be diagnosed by a doctor but itching or burning on one side of the body may be the first signs of shingles. There may also be headache, malaise, and sensitivity to light followed by a rash or blisters. The earlier it is diagnosed, the earlier treatment can begin and that is very important. Antivirals are usually started at the first sign of shingles and healing of blisters often occurs in 2-4 weeks. If shingles involve the eye, it is very important to see an ophthalmologist.
In May, 2006, the FDA approved the shingles vaccine, Zostavax, for people over 60 who have had chicken pox. Research suggests that this vaccine decreases your chance of developing shingles by 50%, and if you do contract shingles, the case is generally milder. On May 15, 2008, the CDC officially recommended the vaccine for those 60 and over who do not have contraindications. Those include compromised immune systems and those taking certain medications. The vaccine may be covered by some insurance plans and must be administered within one half hour of pick up from a pharmacy. It must be administered by a physician or nurse. Inquire with your physician and pharmacy as to the availability of this vaccine.
If you have had shingles and still suffer from postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) you may want to go to a specialized pain clinic for follow-up care. Although PHN is not life threatening, it can lead to weight loss, sleep deprivation and depression. I hope that you are not one of the people who will have to deal with this pain issue. If you have additional questions, feel free to speak with me.
Ellen Van Arsdale
Congregational Nurse
Exercise Sessions Have a Schedule Change
Exercise group sponsored by the Worship Committee walking a labyrinth in the Church parking lot
Weekly Exercise Sessions
The exercise sessions held in Fellowship Hall are now being offered on Monday (Ellen as leader) and Thursday (Judy Archer as leader) from 9:30-10:30 a.m. This schedule will be maintained through the summer months and we will be notifying you of any changes that might occur (location or date changes ) in the Sunday bulletin.
We thank Jean Montgomery for her help with the Monday classes and appreciate her willingness as well to fill in if needed. We invite those of you who are attending to bring a friend that might benefit from these sessions. There is no cost and we do not take attendance, so come when you are able to do so.
If you have questions about these sessions, please feel free to call Ellen at the church. Please note that there will be no class on Monday, May 26, Memorial Day. Have a safe and sound summer.
—Ellen Van Arsdale
Congregational Nurse
