St. Mary's Parish Nurse Ministry Program
Ruth E. Williams, RN, MEPD, MSN

Dear Viewers, HAPPY FATHER'S DAY Peace to all in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. June is known as the month for Brides and Weddings, plus Home Safety, Fireworks Safety, and Vision Research Month. Lev. 13:1 states, "The Lord said to Moses and Aaron, "If someone has on his skin a scab or pustule or blotch which appears to be a sore, he shall be brought to Aaron, the priest..."

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In 1975, Lyme, Connecticut, it was noticed that many children were diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA). After sometime of research, this was named Lyme's disease in 1982. This disease is caused by the bacterium called a spirochete Borrelia burgdorferi. The deer tick carries this bacterium in their stomachs. In biting the skin permits the bacterium to enter the body of humans and animals. Some of the signs and symptoms include a rash (ring of redness-erythema migrans), flu like symptoms, and later it can affect the joints, mostly the knees, and the heart and nerves. If any of these are noticed, after the bite, please see your health care provider for diagnoses. The diagnoses could take some time so, discuss all your questions with your health care provider and parish nurse. The key is prevention: in avoiding the woods, high brush,and long grasses. If a person needs to visit these places, please wear long sleeves and long pants, and shoes with covering over the ankles, spray with DEET repellents on these areas. Examine all areas of the skin and head after returning from these places. Mothers, please examine your children when they come in from the outdoors. Pets need to be examined also. Happy Summer! Matt 8:2-3 states, "Suddenly, a leper came forward, and did him homage, saying to him, Sir if you will to do so, you can cure me." My book, A COLLECTION OF PARISH NURSE NEWSLETTERS is available at www.dorrancebookstore.com; amazon.com; Eden Book Store (1-877-627-5653) toll free. Ocooch Book Store (1-608-647-8826).