The Bethlen Home Messenger, 1992-1993 (1-4. szám)
1992-12-01 / 1. szám
çSfrom tljg ^Birector ©f purging by Jane Eicher JANUARY IS NATIONAL EYE CARE MONTH Vision is one of our most important senses and should be protected. It is very important to have routine visual exams, not only to correct visual problems, but also to ensure healthy eyes. Eyes can be affected by many factors, both internal and environmental. Pollutants in the air can cause eye irritations and infections. A tiny speck of dirt blown into the eye can cause not only irritation but serious corneal abrasions. Corneal abrasions can be very painful and require a doctor’s care and medication in order to heal properly. One of the most serious threats to our older population is glaucoma. Glaucoma is a disorder characterized by a gradual rise intraocular (eyeball) pressure causing slowly progressive loss of peripheral vision, and if uncontrolled, a late loss of central vision and ultimate blindness. Glaucoma is generally considered an “old person” problem, but actually, it can occur any time over the age of 30. Glaucoma should be suspected if a person, over the age of 40, requires spectacle lens changes frequently, has mild headaches or vague visual disturbances, sees halos around electric lights or has impaired dark adaptations. There are two types of glaucomas, chronic and acute. Tonometry (measuring the pressure within the eyeball) and charting visual acuity should generally be checked semi-annually when a diagnosis of glaucoma has been established. Pilocarpine eyedrops are usually prescribed to lower and control the intraocular pressure. It is suggested that the individual with glaucoma should avoid fatigue, emotional upsets, use of tobacco and drinking large quantities of fluids. Glaucoma is a great concern in the nursing home setting, because the cognitiely impaired resident may be unable to express that he feels eye pain. As a result, these individuals may become agitated and combative as a result of the pain. They may also become frightened due to the decreased and/or blurring of their remaining vision. Again, they may become agitated and combative as a result. Several years ago, the Bethlen Home established an annual visual screening program in conjunction with the office of Dr. Ronald Vittone. Dr. George Toohey and Dr. Robert Rogers conduct visual screening and glaucoma testing for our residents. Approximately 75% of our residents were screened this past year. This program has been very successful and has identified several cases of previously undetected glaucoma. We feel that this has been an invaluable service for our residents and we hope to continue and expand the program in the future. Merry Christmas and a “Thank You” to all of the Bethlen Home employees. Well, it’s that time of year again ... the time when we feel warm inside, generous and wanting to have everyone share our good feelings. However, not everyone is happy at this time of year, so I guess it is up to us silly hearts to cheer them up. There has been much written and said about Christmas becoming too materialistic. While this is often true, I really feel our materialistic ideas stem from our feelings of wanting to give and wanting to make this a happy season. After all, this is a happy season ... a season when our Lord was born. It is also a time to review the year that has passed and give thanks for all the good times. Forget the bad times . . . they are past . . . but hold close to your hearts the good times. In these stressful times we live in, it is the good memories that make life worth living. So, when someone gives you a Bah-humbug, return a smile and wish them a “Merry Christmas”, and hold on to those memories!! MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!! Jane Eicher, Director of Nursing CHRISTMASTIME IS HERE by Mrs. Paul E. King Hearts are filled with laughter And everybody’s gay; Passersby all greet you In a warm and friendly way. There’s the greatest kind of feeling, One that fills the heart with cheer And lingers like a sweet refrain, For Christmastime is here. Lights are shining softly Through windows sparkling bright; Snow, like purest ermine, Has dressed the world in white. There's the greatest kind of feeling Lingering round this time of year, Making everybody happy For Christmastime is here. Carollers are singing The Christmas carols sweet, And the season’s best wishes Are exchanged by all who meet. Bells high in the steeple Ring out in tones so clear, Today was born a Savior And Christmastime is here.
