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 Hello Parish of St. Joseph,
My name is Mary Bohlen and I am your new Parish Nurse. While this role is new for me, I am not new to nursing, having been a nurse in various capacities and institutions for the past 25 years.
Frequently, folks ask what a parish nurse does – well, here’s the short version:
- A parish nurse (PN) provides surveillance for members and refers to physicians for diagnosis and treatment
- A PN teaches families about medications but does not dispense them
- A PN understands the spiritual dimension and need of clients and makes referrals to clergy, spiritual leaders, or other leaders in faith communities
- A PN assists faith leaders with the physical / health-related issues of members
- A PN works with volunteers to provide assistance to members of the faith community
- A PN helps improve the health of both the faith community and its leaders
In the Christian faith, a PN follows the biblical mandate to preach, teach, and heal (Deaconess Parish Nurse Ministries, 2009)
I’m honored to carry on the important work conducted by our two outstanding former parish nurses – Diane O’Brien and Sister Kathy Scott. Both have been extremely gracious in welcoming me and sharing vital information. I will also need the help of each of you, the parishioners of St. Joseph. If you would like to hear more about various health topics, if you need health advice or assistance, if you’d like to be visited in the hospital or at home, or receive help in other ways - please contact me via e-mail or by phone. Once my schedule settles down a bit, I hope to establish regular office hours. Until then, feel free to drop by and say hello if I’m in the office (located in the Burke Center). I look forward to serving you.
Wishing you joy and good health,
Mary Bohlen RN
St. Joseph Parish Nurse
708.798.0622
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Most people understand the link between ultraviolet (UV) radiation exposure and skin cancer. Many folks do not know about UV exposure and eye damage. Prolonged exposure to UV radiation can increase the chances of developing the following eye disorders:
- Cataracts – a clouding of the lens of the eye causing blurred vision
- Snow Blindness (Photokeratitis) – a temporary but painful burn to the cornea caused by reflections off snow, water or concrete or exposure to artificial light sources such as tanning beds
- Pterygium – an abnormal, but usually non-cancerous, growth in the corner of the eye which may require surgical removal
- Skin cancer around the eyelids – basal cell carcinoma is the most commonly occurring cancer; most frequently developing on the lower lids but able to develop anywhere around the eyes or adjacent skin
Look for sunglasses that block 99-100% of UV-A and UV-B radiation. Wrap-around sunglasses and wide-brimmed hats add extra layers of protection because they block UV rays from entering the eyes from the sides and above. UV-blocking contact lenses provide added protection against the direct and reflected rays not blocked by sunglasses or hats. As is the case with overall sun safety, a combina-tion approach works best (Environmental Protection Agency, 2007).
Wishing you joy and good health,
Mary Bohlen, RN
708.798.0622
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