Volunteer nurses invaluable

Dear Dr. Gott: I am a volunteer visiting nurse. Recently, upon cleaning out my desk, I came across a memo I had been sent. I know it is rather old but thought you would like to read it, as it holds you in high regard. Thanks for your vote of confidence and support.

“Cheers from all of us at the Central Coast Visiting Nurse Association and Hospice! I’ve sent the following to about 75 of our donors, board members and friends. It has also gone out to each of 300+ VNA staff.

“The dedicated staffs of all VNAs rarely get the pat on the back they deserve. We are the only nonprofit VNA serving nearly 5,000 square miles with lots of ranches, back roads and Dr. Gott readers.

“Memo: Did you happen to read the nationally syndicated ‘Ask Dr. Gott’ column the other day? In answer to a reader’s question, he says, in part, ‘Most communities have a visiting-nurse association that can supply nursing care, free in-home volunteers, hospice treatment for palliative care, social-service input and help with methods to reduce or waive the costs of prescription medications, among other services. Check with your local VNA. You may be surprised at the extent these organizations can assist the needy. In many instances, the VNAs perform astonishing levels of home care because their staffs are comprised of truly dedicated professionals. I cannot credit them enough, and I thank them heartily for serving every elderly patient that I have referred to them.’ ”

Dear Reader: Those are, indeed, some of my words. I have written several times about the value and underappreciation of visiting nurses. Nurses in general get the short end of the deal. They are often the ones caring for the patients but don’t get the respect they deserve.

In my experience, nurses know just as much as doctors, not because they were taught about it in school, but because they see it first hand. Nurses, and especially volunteer visiting nurses, are an invaluable source of knowledge, know-how and caring.

Over the years, I have referred perhaps hundreds of people to local visiting-nurse associations. Their services are incomparable.

Thanks for sending this to me. I am printing the memo as a reminder to all about the great service visiting nurses provide to communities.

Dear Dr. Gott: My son developed a boil on his heel from his shoes rubbing. My 80-year-old mother was visiting at the time and told me to put a small piece of raw bacon on the sore and cover it with a 4-inch-by-4-inch piece of gauze. Within a few days, the head of the boil lifted, leaving a large hole. This then started to heal from the inside out. It cost nothing, unless you count having to smell bacon day and night for a few days.

Dear Reader: This is a new treatment to me. I am not sure how sanitary it is because raw meat can harbor several organisms, such as E. coli. I cannot argue with results, though. However, I recommend anyone who tries this remedy be prepared to face any consequences that may develop. Eating raw or undercooked meat can lead to diarrhea, vomiting and several potentially serious conditions. In much the same way, these organisms may be able to enter the body through an open wound.