Thursday, 30 November 2017

Escape by Catherine Short


Escape
 
This house is a box.
What lurks behind those secretive walls?
Two parents, two children.
A story of ridged rules, control and submission.
Like a young lamb to the slaughter, I've no thoughts of escape.

This house is an asylum.
Adult children with bone-deep, weeping wounds,
Issues with fear and abandonment.
I am the perpetual chameleon.
From a life-time of suffering, can there be no escape?
 
This house is a prison.
Forced serenity and stifled emotion,
not daring to disagree or offer opinion.
Dreading the unknown,
Am I too paralyzed with fear to find my escape?
 
This house is a cabinet.
My heart leaps with relief at the sight
Of my fist full of pills,
Washed down with bitter-sweet wine.
In death shall I submit to my inevitable lonely escape?
 
This house is recovery.
Sterile white walls, crisp cotton sheets.
Sins bathed in bleach.
Smiling kind faces, they lock doors at night.
Terrified screams shake the shadows, pointless panning escape.

This house is a church.
Built from stone, sweat and tears.
Choirs of heavenly angels
Bathe me with love and pure peace.
Cocooned within gentle walls, I've no desire to escape.
 
This house is a meadow.
Resplendent with green pastures
And rays of buttercup sunshine
Trickling ice-blue brooks.
In God's beautiful creation, I have found my escape.

Tuesday, 28 November 2017






                                                                       









https://www.amazon.co.uk/Essential-Guide-Asthma-Need-Guides/dp/1910843512

Hi Folks,
I'm so excited to share with you my brand new cover of The Essential Guide to Asthma. The third edition has been launched recently. It is wonderful that the book is selling so well. The more informed people are about their asthma, the better they are able to protect themselves. Information is the key to successful self-management of this debilitating and sometimes fatal chronic disease.
Don't forget, asthma can lie dormant and then suddenly rear its ugly head. If you or your child are suffering with a persistent cough, especially at night, a wheeze, or shortness of breath, you may have asthma. If this describes you or your child, make an appointment with your GP or asthma nurse without delay.




Tuesday, 17 October 2017

Sahara Dust Creates a Satsuma-like Sun but Poses a Risk to Asthmatics!




Image result for red sun


Hi folks,

After the many reported weird sightings yesterday of a green or yellow sky, punctuated by an eerie, orange or red sun, is it any surprise that I dreamed of alien spaceships descending from outer space? So it was only me then?

Apparently, this unusual phenomenon is due to the winds created by Hurricane Ophelia kicking up the Sahara desert sand. More worryingly,  Asthma UK have warned that this blanket of dust is very likely to trigger severe asthma attacks, which could be fatal!

We've long been aware of the many environmental factors which trigger asthma symptoms. For example, Thunderstorm Asthma was first described over thirty years ago. This asthmatic environmental trigger appears to be worse during the pollen season. Between November 21st and 22nd 2016, following a thunderstorm,  Melbourne in Australia described 9,900 patients presented in hospital with acute asthmatic attacks. Sadly, nine asthmatics died.

The more commonly known environmental triggers for asthma are house dust mite, pet dander, grass and tree pollen and cigarette smoke. Also, certain foods such as peanuts, alcohol and food additives can affect asthma. Aerosols and perfumes can all affect asthmatics too.  Another important environmental factor which may pose as a trigger currently, is the autumn moulds. During the autumn, mushrooms, toadstools, and the moulds found in rotting leaves and plants can all trigger asthma symptoms.

More worryingly, today the met office have warned that the Sahara dust will be back on Wednesday,  therefore likely creating another wave of asthmatic symptoms and attacks.

Don't get caught out. For up-to-date information, visit www.asthma.org.uk This web site really is the very best site for vital information, including prevention measures and advice on how to recognise asthma attacks.

You can find all this information and more in my book, Asthma-the Essential Guide with Need2Know Books LTD. To order from Amazon, just follow the tabs at the top left of this blog.

love
Cathx




Thursday, 25 May 2017

https://www.nursingtimes.net/opinion/book-reviews/asthma-essential-guide/7018022.article





Hi folks,

Can't say enough thanks to the wonderful Ibadete Fetahu at the Nursing Times for the glowing review posted online for my book, Asthma-the Essenial Guide (see the link above for details).
It means so much, but more importantly, if my book helps people to keep control of their symptoms and keeps them safe, then it was all worthwhile.
Two local companies have offered to promote my book, which is wonderful. As a thank you, for any books bought directly from me as a result of this local promotion, I am going to donate £2 per book to the wonderful Asthma UK charity.
If you get a chance, take a look at the Asthma UK website. It is a wonderful source of information for the general public and health professionals alike.

keep safe,

Cathx