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

Dear Viewers, Peace to all in the Name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Happy Thanksgiving! "There is an appointed time for everything, and a time for every affair under the heavens" (Ecclesiastes 3:1). November hosts the Month of the National Alzheimers, National Epilepsy, National Diabetes and Eye Disease, National GERD Awareness Week, and The Great American Smokeout Day. Therefore, it is the month of and for change. Webster's Dictionary defines change as exchange, to put or take in place of something, to alter, to vary, to take turns, and to barter.

About the Coordinator... A Parish Nurse is a... The Basic Parish Nurse Ministry Program is... Examples of Parish Nurse Ministries... St. Mary's Parish Nurse Newsletter... Notes from Students & Clients... Home Page

Change is always present and happening especially during the change of seasons. Fall and Spring are associated with the pattern in the occurrence of the Peptic Ulcer. A Peptic Ulcer occurs when harmful stomach acids increase and erode the stomach wall. Some of the symptoms of Peptic Ulcer are burning pain, nausea, vomiting, pain during the night and early morning, which maybe relieved after eating, use of antacids and an empty stomach. Some causes can include the use of aspirin, NSAIDS (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), smoking, alcohol, stress, and the bacterium Helicobacter Pylori. This bacteria is capable of living in an acid environment. See your Health Care Provider in order to relieve many of these symptoms which will also require a change of life style dir.yahoo.com/Health/Diseases_and_Conditions/(Search for "Peptic Ulcer"). Some important interventions a person will need to do is take prescribed medication as ordered, reduce the stress, stop smoking, no alcohol consumption and take the time to pray every day. "Casting all your care upon Him, for he cares for you" (1Peter 5:7). Happy St. Cecilia's Feast Day November 22nd. Celebrate All Saints Day November 1st and All Souls Day November 2nd.