The Parish Nurse ministry at Prince of Peace helps to care for one another by attaining, maintaining and regaining the best possible whole person's wellness of body, mind and spirit. The role of the Parish Nurse is a health counselor, referral source, and an advocate for an individual. The Parish Nurse is a blend of professional nursing and spiritual caregiving. The Parish Nurse visits members at the church and in their homes or care facilities.
Mary Hume was commissioned as the first Parish Nurse of Prince of Peace in July, 1999.
LPNI Health Topic – April 2024
April is Alcohol Awareness Month. The use of alcohol increased during COVID pandemic and it’s use continues. It can be related to loneliness, boredom and lack of social support. Alcohol is a depressant, so it slows the nervous system and the function of the heart, as well as having an effect on the liver and other organs of the body. Alcohol can make a person experience a more aggressive behavior. The use of alcohol in the older adult can be a serious problem.
As we get older, our metabolism slows and alcohol starts to affect an individual more than usual. The body does not process it as it does in the younger years. This can lead to risks, worsening conditions, adverse reactions to medications and so much more. Older people might have difficulty walking or following conversation after drinking a small amount and it can lead to compromised ability to hear, see, and react to situations. They also have a tendency to be unsteady on their feet, losing their balance causing breaks in the bones.
Alcohol is absorbed through the small intestine, processed by the liver, and circulated through major organs. In the older person, there is less muscle mass and the liver is not as strong. This leaves a larger amount of alcohol in the bloodstream. This causes the effects of alcohol to be stronger, even if the amount of drinking is the same.
Nutrition can be a concern when consuming excess alcohol. It can interfere with the nutrition process by affecting digestion, storage, utilization, and excretion of nutrients. Consequently, chronic heavy drinkers are hit with a double health whammy—they don't consume enough nutrients, and the nutrients they do consume are not utilized well.
Some health conditions are exacerbated by consuming alcohol. The most noted ones are diabetes, hypertension, stomach ulcers, osteoporosis and mood disorders. Adults are often times on prescription medications that can react adversely with alcohol, which can be noted on the information that accompanies the medication. A person might think that a small amount of alcohol with a particular medication is okay. This is not true. Even over-the-counter medications can be dangerous when combined with alcohol. Some examples include drinking while taking aspirin can lead to serious health problems, like the increased risk of stomach bleeding. Drinking while on Tylenol can cause excessive liver damage. Cold and allergy medicines can also be dangerous because some already contain alcohol which can cause increase drowsiness. Special consideration should be given as to how medications may change their reaction to alcohol.
Alcohol can affect the older adult more quickly. This can be dangerous for people who already have slower reaction times and poor balance without alcohol. Doctors recommend that most adults over 60 not drink alcohol or no more that 1 standard drink each day. Rather than consuming alcohol, enjoy non-alcohol drinks when offered what others might be drinking an alcohol beverage.
“Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies.” 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 (NIV)
Mary Hume, BSN, RN
Parish Nurse
Prince of Peace Lutheran Church
Topeka KS 66614 USA
Maryhme29@cox.net