The Nurse's Orders

24/10/2025

Yesterday, The Nurse's Orders was proudly represented at the ESWERA-DEASA-KEAS-RSTP 2025 International Conference, held at The Royal Science and Technology Park.

Our Vice Chairperson, Miss Nonhlanhla Rachel Dlamini ( Langeny Rachel ), took the stage alongside our founder, Mr. Ndwandwe Meluleki( Kingsavage Nxumalo ), for a collaborative workshop with Visionaries United and the Ambassadors of Hope Charity Club. The session focused on Peer Driven Pedagogy, and Miss Dlamini and Mr. Ndwandwe contributed as case studies under the expert guidance of Dr. C.P. Dlamini and Dr. S.S. Shongwe-Gwebu ( Sithembile Shongwe ).

We wish to express our sincere appreciation to Dr. C.P. Dlamini and Dr. S.S. Shongwe-Gwebu for their recognition of our work. We also extend our profound gratitude to the conference organizers for providing a global platform to showcase our community impact initiatives.

The workshop and the conference as a whole were profoundly enriching, revealing significant pathways for our organizational growth and the vast opportunities available for our continued development and service.

13/10/2025

Health tips for breast cancer early detection... The Nurse's Orders

Take charge of your health.
Do a breast self-exam once a month — early detection starts with you.

05/10/2025

The Nurse's Orders: Your #1 health plug on the socials

You asked, we're delivering! 🙌 Following our chat on Breast Cancer Awareness, let's talk about Breast Self-Exams (BSEs). Knowing your body's normal is your first line of defense! This isn't about replacing mammograms, but about being in tune with yourself. 🧠↔️❤️

Your At-Home Check-In: The How-To Guide 👐

⏰ The When: The best time is about 3-5 days after your period ends, when breasts are least likely to be tender or lumpy. If you no longer have periods, pick a easy-to-remember day each month, like the 1st! 📅

Step 1: The Visual Check 🪞

Stand topless in front of a mirror with your shoulders straight and arms on your hips.

Look for:
1️⃣ Changes in size, shape, or color.
2️⃣ Dimpling, puckering, or bulging of the skin.
3️⃣ A ni**le that has changed position or become inverted (pushed inward).
4️⃣ Redness, soreness, rash, or swelling.

Now, raise your arms and look for the same things. ✋

Step 2: The Feeling Check (Lying Down) 🛏️

Lying down spreads breast tissue evenly. Use your right hand to feel your left breast and vice versa.

Use the pads of your 3 middle fingers. 👆👇👆
Use a pattern:
Choose a circle pattern, moving from the outside to the ni**le, or up-and-down lines. Be consistent!
Cover the entire breast: From your collarbone to the top of your abdomen, and from your armpit to your cleavage.
Use three pressure levels:
1️⃣Light: To feel the tissue just under the skin.
2️⃣ Medium: To feel a little deeper.
3️⃣ Firm: To feel the tissue closest to the chest and ribs.

🔍 What Are You Feeling For?

First, what's NORMAL?
A normal breast can feel lumpy, bumpy, or ropy! This is called fibroglandular tissue, and it's common. The key is to learn what your normal is so you can detect any NEW changes.

🚨 RED FLAGS: Report ANY of these to your doctor ASAP!
1️⃣A new, hard lump or knot that feels distinct from the rest of the breast tissue. 🪨
2️⃣A lump that doesn't go away after your next period.
3️⃣Thickening or firmness that doesn't resolve.
4️⃣Nipple discharge (especially if it's bloody, clear, or happens without squeezing).
5️⃣Any change in the skin, like dimpling (like an orange peel), puckering, or scaliness.
6️⃣A new, persistent pain in one specific spot.

So, you feel something concerning... NOW WHAT? 🤔

DON'T PANIC. Most breast lumps are NOT cancer. But DO ACT.

1. Schedule an appointment with your doctor or gynecologist.🗓️
2. Tell them exactly what you felt and when you felt it. Your observations are vital!
3. They will perform a clinical breast exam and may order imaging like a mammogram or ultrasound to get a better look.

You are the expert on your own body. Trust your instincts! 👏

Share this life-saving knowledge with your circle! Tag a friend you'll do your self-check with. 💕

03/10/2025

From The Nurse's Orders: Your #1 health plug on the socials

Happy October, everyone! 🍂🎃 While we're enjoying the pumpkin spice, let's paint the town PINK! 💕 This is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and your fav health plug is here to break it all down. Knowledge is power, so let's get into it! 👇

🧬 What is Cancer, Anyway?
Simply put, cancer is a disease where some of the body’s cells grow uncontrollably and spread to other parts of the body. Think of your body's cells as having a strict growth and division schedule. Cancer cells are the rebels that ignore the rules! 🚦

👙 Let's Focus on Breast Cancer
This is when this uncontrolled cell growth begins in the breast tissue. It most commonly starts in the ducts that carry milk to the ni**le or the glands that produce milk.

How It Starts & Spreads (The Real Tea ☕️):

It Starts Local: It begins as a tiny lump or in the lining of a duct/lobule. At this stage, it's often highly treatable! ✅

Invasion: If not treated, these rebel cells can invade nearby healthy breast tissue.

Metastasis (The Big Scary M): This is when cancer cells break away, travel through the blood or lymph system, and form new tumors in other organs like the bones, lungs, liver, or brain. 😥 This is why early detection is EVERYTHING.

⚠️ Know Your Risk Factors (Don't Skip This!)
Some factors are in your control, others aren't. Knowing them helps you and your doctor make a plan!

Non-Modifiable (You Can't Change These):
🔹 Being Female: The biggest risk factor (but yes, men can get it too!).
🔹 Age: Risk increases as you get older.
🔹 Family History: Especially a mother, sister, or daughter diagnosed with it.
🔹 Inherited Genes: Like BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations.
🔹 Personal History: Previous breast cancer or certain non-cancerous breast diseases.
🔹 Dense Breast Tissue: Makes tumors harder to see on mammograms.

Modifiable (You Can Influence These!):
🔸 Physical Inactivity: Get moving! 🏃‍♀️
🔸 Being Overweight or Obese: Especially after menopause.
🔸 Hormone Replacement Therapy: Long-term use of some types.
🔸 Alcohol Consumption: The more you drink, the higher the risk. 🍷
🔸 Not Having Children or having your first child after 30.

Source: American Cancer Society, National Cancer Institute, WHO

Here's the bottom line, fam: This might sound overwhelming, but breast cancer can be managed and often CURED if it's caught early. 🙌

Schedule that mammogram. 🗓️ Know what your normal feels like. 🤚 Talk to your family about your history. 💬 You are your own best advocate!

Share this with a sister, friend, or loved one to keep the squad informed! 💖

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28/09/2025

The Nurse's Orders: Your #1 health plug on the socials🩺💚

Today we're talking NUTRITION for a person diagnosed with hypertension (high blood pressure). 🍽️

First, a Quick Reminder:
Hypertension is often caused by narrowed or stiffened blood vessels, forcing your heart to work harder. ❤️➡️📈
Certain foods make this WORSE by increasing fluid retention & blood vessel stiffness.

Foods to LIMIT or AVOID:
🚫 High-Sodium Foods (Canned soups, processed meats, fast food)
🚫 High-Saturated/Trans Fats (Fried food, pastries, fatty red meats)
🚫 Sugary Drinks & Snacks (Soda, sweetened juices, candy)

So, how should your plate look? 🌈

Forget all green! Think RAINBOW. A colorful plate ensures a wide range of blood-pressure-friendly nutrients!

Here’s Your Hypertension-Friendly Food Guide:

🥬 VEGGIES (Load Up!)
- Leafy greens (spinach, kale): High in potassium 🥬
- Beets, carrots, broccoli: Rich in minerals & fiber 🥕
- How it helps: Potassium helps your kidneys flush out excess sodium! 💧

🍎 FRUITS (Nature's Candy)
- Berries, bananas, citrus fruits: Packed with potassium & vitamin C 🍌
- How it helps: Antioxidants protect blood vessels, potassium balances sodium. 🛡️

🌾 WHOLE GRAINS (Your Energy Base)
- Oats, brown rice, quinoa: Full of fiber & magnesium 🌾
- How it helps: Fiber helps with weight & heart health. Magnesium relaxes blood vessels. 😌

🥜 PROTEIN (Go Lean & Plant-Based)
- Fish (salmon, mackerel): Omega-3s reduce inflammation 🐟
- Beans, lentils, skinless poultry: Low in saturated fat 🍗
- How it helps: Reduces strain on your heart and improves blood vessel function. ❤️

🍶 SNACKS & BEVERAGES
- Snacks: Unsalted nuts, Greek yogurt, carrot sticks with hummus 🥜
- Beverages: Water, hibiscus tea, low-fat milk 💧
- How it helps: Keeps you full, provides key nutrients without the salt/sugar crash.

🚨 Alcoholic Beverages VS Hypertension 🍷🍺

The Verdict: NOT Recommended.

Why?
➡️ Alcohol can RAISE your blood pressure directly.
➡️ It is high in empty calories, leading to weight gain. ⚖️
➡️ It can interfere with the effectiveness of blood pressure medications. 💊

Today's Nurse's Order: Fill your plate with a rainbow of whole foods, skip the salty processed stuff, and cheers to better health with a glass of water! 💦

23/09/2025

Acute Stress Disorder: Revisited previous lessons that you should take one more look at This Su***de prevention month💜😊 FROM The Nurse's Orders: Your #1 health plug on the socials💜😊

From The Nurse's Orders : ACUTE STRESS DISORDER

🧠 Men's Mental Health Awareness Month: Understanding Acute Stress Disorder (ASD) 🚹
June is Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month—a vital time to break the silence, challenge stereotypes, and put men’s mental well-being front and center. At Nurse’s Orders, we’re focusing on a condition that often flies under the radar: Acute Stress Disorder (ASD).

❓ What is Acute Stress Disorder (ASD)?
ASD is a short-term mental health condition that can develop after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event—like a car accident 🚗, assault 🥊, natural disaster 🌪️, or sudden loss. Symptoms appear within 3 days to 1 month after the trauma. If not addressed, ASD can lead to long-term issues like Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

⚠️ Common Symptoms of ASD

✔️Intrusive Thoughts: Flashbacks or unwanted memories of the event 🌀
✔️Nightmares: Disturbing dreams that disrupt sleep 😴
✔️Emotional Numbness: Feeling detached or “in a fog” 🌫️
✔️Avoidance: Steering clear of people, places, or things that remind you of the trauma 🚫
✔️Mood Changes: Feeling low, hopeless, or unable to experience positive emotions 😔
✔️Hyperarousal: Irritability, anger, trouble sleeping, or being easily startled 😠😳
✔️Difficulty Concentrating: Trouble focusing or remembering things 🧩

👨‍⚕️ Why Focus on Men?

1️⃣Men are less likely to talk about their feelings due to societal pressures to “tough it out” 💪.
2️⃣Men often use unhealthy coping strategies like alcohol or substance use 🍻, which can worsen mental health.
3️⃣Men are at higher risk for su***de—often because they don’t seek help soon enough.

👨‍👩‍👦 How ASD Affects Families, Finances & Social Life
ASD doesn’t just impact the individual—it affects those around them in profound ways:

🚨 Family Impact & Violent Behavior

🔵Emotional Distance: Men with ASD may withdraw, causing confusion and hurt within families.
🔵Anger & Violence: Heightened irritability can lead to aggressive outbursts, putting loved ones at risk and increasing household tension.
🔵Stress Cycle: Family members may experience secondary trauma and emotional strain.

💸 Economic Strain & Work Challenges

⚪️Avoidance of Trauma Triggers: Avoiding people or places linked to trauma can lead to absenteeism or job loss.
⚪️Financial Hardship: Loss of income adds stress and can delay recovery for the whole family.

👫 Social Life Disruption

✔️Isolation: Avoiding social interactions can erode friendships and support networks.
✔️Loss of Community Support: Reduced social contact makes healing more difficult for both the individual and their family.

🛑 Why Early Help Matters

Ignoring ASD symptoms can worsen mental health. Early intervention can:

✔️Prevent ASD from turning into PTSD 🛡️
✔️Improve overall mental and physical health 🏋️‍♂️
✔️Strengthen relationships and work performance 🤝

💬 What Can You Do?
👂 For Individuals & Families

✔️Be Patient & Listen: Offer support without judgment. Sometimes just being there helps.
✔️Encourage Professional Help: Trauma-focused therapy like CBT is effective. Offer to help find resources or attend appointments.
✔️Learn About ASD: Understanding symptoms helps families respond with empathy.
✔️Promote Safety: If violence is a risk, seek immediate help to protect everyone.
✔️Self-Care: Caregivers should also seek support to avoid burnout.

🏘️ For Society & Community

✔️Build Support Networks: Peer groups and trauma-informed services provide safe spaces.
✔️Reduce Stigma: Open conversations about men’s mental health encourage seeking help.
✔️Offer Practical Help: Financial aid and job support ease economic burdens.
✔️Encourage Connection: Invite affected individuals to community activities to reduce isolation.

🏆 Real Strength is Asking for Help
Being strong doesn’t mean suffering in silence. True courage is reaching out, sharing your story, and getting the support you deserve.

This Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month, let’s break the stigma and build a community where every man and his loved ones can heal and thrive.

From The Nurse’s Orders🤝:
If you or someone you care about is struggling after trauma, you are NOT alone. Help is available, and healing is possible. Let’s talk, support, and thrive together. 💜👨‍👩‍👦‍👦.

22/09/2025

From The Nurse's Orders: Your #1 health plug on the socials

Hey everyone! 👋 Today, let's talk about a silent but serious condition: how you can assist someone having a hypertensive emergency (a severe high blood pressure crisis) while you wait for the ambulance. 🚑

First things first: What is High Blood Pressure? 🤔

High blood pressure, or hypertension, is when the force of your blood pushing against the walls of your arteries is consistently too high. 💔 Think of it like a garden hose with too much pressure—over time, it can damage the hose itself.

It often occurs slowly over years due to a combination of factors. Key predisposing factors include:
Family history👨‍👩‍👧‍👦
Age (risk increases as you get older)
Being overweight or obese🍔
Lack of physical activity🛋️
High salt diet 🧂
Smoking 🚬 and excessive alcohol🍷
Chronic stress😥

Why is it Called "The Silent Killer"? 😶

Most of the time, high blood pressure has NO obvious symptoms. It damages your heart, kidneys, and blood vessels silently for years. However, when blood pressure spikes to dangerously high levels (a hypertensive crisis), symptoms can appear suddenly and are a medical emergency! 🚨

EMERGENCY SYMPTOMS to Look Out For:
If someone experiences these symptoms alongside high blood pressure (if you can check it), it's an emergency:
Severe headache🤯
Severe anxiety or confusion 😵‍💫
Chest pain❤️‍🔥
Shortness of breath 😮‍💨
Blurred vision or other vision changes👁️‍🗨️
Nausea or vomiting 🤢

What YOU Can Do While Waiting for the Ambulance: 🆘

As a bystander, your role is to provide comfort and prevent further stress.DO NOT try to give them any medication, even their own, unless specifically instructed by a 977 operator or doctor.

1. CALL FOR HELP IMMEDIATELY: Dial your local emergency number (e.g., 977) first. This is the most important step. 📞
2. STAY CALM: Your calmness will help keep the person calm. Panic can raise their blood pressure even more. 😌
3. HELP THEM SIT OR LIE DOWN: Guide the person to a comfortable position, preferably sitting up or semi-reclining. Loosen any tight clothing around their neck. 🪑
4. PROVIDE REASSURANCE:Speak to them in a soothing voice. Let them know help is on the way. 🗣️
5. DO NOT GIVE THEM FOOD OR DRINK: They may have difficulty swallowing, and it could cause choking if their condition worsens. 🚫🥤

Remember: Your job is to be a calm, reassuring presence and to ensure professional medical help is on the scene as quickly as possible. You've got this!

Stay informed, stay healthy!

21/09/2025

From The Nurse's Orders : Your #1 health plug on the socials💜😊

As we try to change the narrative on su***de this September, we're focusing on our most powerful tool: our support systems. You are not designed to navigate heavy thoughts alone. 🤝

“A problem shared is a problem halved.” Talking allows you to release the weight you’ve been carrying and see your situation through a new, often clearer, lens. 🧠✨

“Two eyes see better than one.” When you're in a dark place, it's hard to see a way out. Talking to someone else can help you explore options and solutions you hadn't thought of, shining a light on paths you couldn't see by yourself. 💡

Do you feel like you want to be heard? Do you wanna talk to somebody?
You are worthy of support. Reaching out is a sign of strength, not weakness. Remember: Su***de is not the option and this is not the end of the world. Your story is not over yet. 🌅

Here is a list of contacts you can call right now. There are people who are willing to help you and hear you out:

🏥 Local Support in Eswatini 🏥

🩺 Crisis & General Support:
• Sifiso Mental Health Foundation: +268 7946 9682
• National Psychiatric Referral Hospital (Manzini): 2505-6550 / 2505-5170
• Mbabane Government Hospital: 2404-2111
• Piggs Peak Government Hospital: 2437-1111

🎓 For Students:
• UNESWA Student Counseling: 2517-0279 (free for students)
• Uneswa Mental Health Society (Mbabane campus): +268 7953 4341

🤝 Specialized Support:
• SWAGAA (Trauma & Abuse):Helpline 951 (Toll-free) / 7619-2233 (24/7)
• Family Life Association of Eswatini (FLAS): +268 2404 3983 / 2404 7462

You can also get help at your local clinics 🏥 around the country...they are there for you, visit them..talk to them, your mental health matters

Your support system is your foundation. It’s the people who see you, hear you, and hold you up when you feel like crumbling. You are a vital thread in someone else's safety net, and they are in yours. Let's continue to lead with compassion. 💜

***dePreventionMonth ***dePrevention

20/09/2025

From The Nurse's Orders : Your #1 Health plug on the socials😁💜

🌟 What is a Diabetic Foot? 🌟

Ever heard the term and wondered what it really means? Let's break it down! 👇

A diabetic foot is a serious complication where nerve damage (neuropathy) and poor blood flow (vascular issues) lead to sores, infections, and serious problems for people with diabetes. 🦶💔

How Does It Happen? 🤔
It’s a one-two punch:
1. Nerve Damage: High blood sugar numbs your feet. You might not feel a small cut, blister, or pebble in your shoe.
2. Poor Circulation: Reduced blood flow makes it harder for even tiny injuries to heal, turning them into big problems.

Diabetic Foot vs. Diabetes: What's the Link? 🔗
Think of it this way: Diabetes is the condition. A diabetic foot is a potential (and preventable!) complication of uncontrolled diabetes. Not everyone with diabetes gets it, but everyone with diabetes is at risk.

Stop It Before It Starts! 🛑 Your Prevention Plan:
✅ Control Your Blood Sugar: This is #1!
✅ Check Your Feet Daily: Make it a habit, like brushing your teeth!
✅ Wear Proper Shoes: No walking barefoot, ever!
✅ Keep ‘Em Clean & Moisturized: But not between the toes!
✅ See Your Doc:Regular foot exams are a MUST.

🚨 RED ALERT! Signs to Look Out For 🚨
Don't ignore these! See a doctor if you spot:
• 👀 Any cuts, sores, or blisters that won’t heal
• 🚩 Swelling, redness, or areas that feel warm
• 🧦 Strange odors (a sign of infection)
• 🎨 Skin color changes (darker or lighter)
• 📏 Ingrown toenails or fungal infections (like athlete's foot)

Your feet carry you through life—let's give them the care they deserve! 💜

Tag a friend who needs to see this! 👇

19/09/2025

Yesterday, The Nurse's Orders team represented the Purple Nation with pride and purpose at the Mafutseni Community Outreach!

Our dedicated delegates embodied the very spirit of our organization, giving their hearts, time, and professional expertise to serve the community with compassion. The positive impact they made is already resonating, and the feedback from their journey has been profoundly appreciated.

This is the culture we live for: selfless service and a unwavering commitment to elevating the standard of our profession. We are incredibly inspired by our team's dedication to answering the call.

This is who we are. This is what we do. For at The Nurse's Orders, we give our hearts to the cause! 💜

The Nurse's Orders in set💜

19/09/2025

Thanks for being a top engager and making it on to my weekly engagement list! 🎉 Malindery Lindi, Sane Swa Coolwane, Malingela Cebile Masilela, Princess Sukati, Neliswa Mazibuko, Emmanuel Sinethemba, Sifiso T. Shabangu

15/09/2025

The Nurse's Orders: Your #1 health plug on the socials

Alright, team! 👋 Let's talk about the foundation of feeling fantastic: NUTRITION. 🍎🥑 We're kicking off a new series where we break down the basics, so you can feel empowered to make choices that fuel your best life. Let's dive in! 💦

So, what exactly is NUTRITION? 🤔
Think of your body as a high-performance engine. 🏎️ Nutrition is simply the process of providing your body with the fuel it needs from food to run that engine. It's about getting the right nutrients to function, grow, repair tissues, and have energy all day long! It’s the science behind the saying, "You are what you eat." 💪

Okay, but what's a BALANCED DIET? ⚖️
A balanced diet means eating a wide variety of foods in the right proportions. It’s not about perfection; it’s about consistently giving your body all the different types of nutrients it craves. The goal is to consume the right amount of energy (calories) to maintain a healthy weight.

The main players on your nutritional team are:
Carbohydrates: Your body's main source of energy! 🍠🌾 (Think: whole grains, potatoes, oats).
Proteins: The building blocks for your muscles, skin, and bones. 🥩🍗🧈 (Think: lean meat, fish, eggs, beans, lentils).
Fats: Essential for energy, absorbing vitamins, and protecting your organs. 🥑🥜 (Think: avocados, nuts, olive oil – but in moderation!).
Vitamins & Minerals: The tiny but mighty helpers for hundreds of processes in your body! 🍊🥬 (Think: fruits and vegetables of all colors).
Water: The most essential nutrient of all! Keeps everything flowing. 💧🚰

What does a HEALTHY PLATE look like? 🍽️
A simple way to visualize a balanced meal is the "Healthy Plate" method. Imagine your dinner plate:

1. ½ of your plate should be COLORFUL Vegetables and Fruits. 🥦🍅🥕🍓
(The more colors, the wider the range of vitamins and minerals!).

2. ¼ of your plate should be Lean Protein.🍗🐟🥚
(Grilled chicken, fish, tofu, or legumes).

3. ¼ of your plate should be Whole Grains or Starchy Carbohydrates. 🌾🍠
(Brown rice, quinoa, or a sweet potato).

Served in Colors vs. Balanced Diet: What's the Link? 🌈
Eating a "rainbow" is a fantastic part of a balanced diet! Different colors in fruits and veggies often represent different phytonutrients and antioxidants. So, filling half your plate with color is a powerful step towards balance. But remember, true balance also includes those other crucial elements: proteins for strength and whole grains for energy!

It's all about building a plate that is as nutritious as it is delicious. 😋

Today's Nurse's Order: 🩺📋

look at your next meal and check for the rainbow! 🌈 Do you have at least 2-3 different colors on your plate? Start there. That's your first mission towards building a balanced, fuel-filled plate.

Tag a friend who needs a health plug! 👇