Borowide
White scrubs are just the prescription for borough daughter Regina Alexander, a recent graduate of the New York University College of Nursing and proud recipient of the Future Nurse Leader award from the American Nurses Association, New York.
The plaudit honors outstanding nursing students and encourages them to continue developing professional and leadership skills throughout their careers. Standing O pal Regina was recognized along with 29 other students graduating from nursing schools around the state.
Regina was selected on the basis of her skills and on her leadership as president of the college’s Undergraduate Nursing Student Organization, vice-president of the NYUCN Black Student Nursing Association, as well as her active participation in the college’s Health Career Opportunity Program and Nurse Externship Program at NYU Langone Medical Center.
“Regina Alexander exemplifies a future nurse leader in every aspect of her life,” reads an excerpt from her nomination.
Elizabeth Mahoney, president of the Nurses Association, said Regina represented exactly the high standards that the association advocates.
“By earning a degree in Nursing, Regina has laid the groundwork for a distinguished career in professional nursing, providing patient care and health care leadership in a wide range of settings and roles,” she said.
Regina received a certificate of recognition, a DVD copy of “The American Nurse,” and a year’s complimentary membership in the American Nurses Association and ANA-NY. She can now add a Standing O to the list!
Boro Park
Healthful tips
Our good friends at Maimonides Medical Center want to share some summer safety tips.
Dr. John Marshall, chairman of Emergency Medicine at Maimonides Medical Center, offers a variety of strategies for safely navigating the dog days of summer.
“A few precautions will ensure that you and your family enjoy the summer safely,” he said.
Sunburn: Prevention is key. Use a sunblock of SPF 30 or greater and apply it at least 20-30 minutes before going outside. Reapply often, especially after swimming or sweating. Skin does not have to feel hot to get burned, so protect yourself even on cloudy days. Wear UVA-UVB protective sunglasses and a hat with a brim that shields your face from the sun’s rays.
Pools and beaches: Adults should always be within arm’s reach of children and weaker swimmers. Swimmers should always use the buddy system and never swim alone. Do not dive into shallow water and never run around a pool. Always walk. Always follow the instructions of lifeguards. Rescue equipment should be easily accessible. Wear swim shoes to reduce your risk of foot injury and infection. Avoid swimming during stormy weather.
Playgrounds: Always keep children in sight. Ensure that all surfaces under playground equipment are safe and cushioned. Jewelry and clothing with drawstrings can get caught on equipment, so dress children appropriately. Be sure children are only playing in age-appropriate sections of the playground.
Barbecues: Never leave perishable food out of the refrigerator for more than two hours. When the air temperature is above 90 degrees, do not leave food out for more than one hour. To avoid fires keep the grill at a safe distance from the house and outdoor furniture and shrubbery, never leave a grill unattended, and always keep a fire extinguisher nearby. Keep young children at a safe distance away from the grill
Bug bites: Use insect repellent containing DEET to protect you and your family from disease-carrying insects. Avoid scented soaps, perfumes, and hair products when planning to be outdoors.
Poison ivy: Immediately rinse skin that comes in contact with poison ivy using lukewarm, soapy water. To relieve itching, take lukewarm baths or apply cool compresses to the affected area. Taking oral antihistamines such as Benadryl can help reduce the itch. Apply topical creams such as Calamine lotion or hydrocortisone cream to skin to relieve irritation.
Biking-skating: Wear a helmet. Helmets are the primary defense against serious head injury. Wearing protective gear, including elbow, knee and wrist protectors also help to reduce the risk of injury. Wear closed-toe shoes or sneakers. Bare feet, flip-flops or other sandals can impede your ability to brake safely and expose your feet to injury. Ride your bicycle in the same direction as traffic, and avoid skating on busy streets, sidewalks and intersections. Do not skate on wet or uneven surfaces.
Even when taking precautions, accidents can happen at any time, and if you or someone you know has sustained a significant injury, seek medical attention as soon as possible.
Maimonides Medical Center [4802 10th Ave at 50th Street in Borough Park, (718) 283–6000].