NAON News

Let the Countdown to Congress Begin

As NAON's 44th Annual Congress nears, hundreds of orthopaedic nurses and healthcare professionals will convene in Louisville for an enriching experience focused on knowledge exchange and best practices. Esteemed speakers will offer insights to enhance attendees' practice, while dedicated networking opportunities facilitate connections, shared experiences and collaborative solutions. Don't miss your last chance to register and join this vibrant community dedicated to excellence in orthopaedic nursing.

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In Memoriam — Ann Maher 

Our dear friend and colleague Ann Maher passed away on April 12, 2024. Ann was always a steady anchor for NAON. She was an extremely passionate and knowledgeable nurse who touched many and was so kind in her generosity to share learnings and teach the next generation of nursing colleagues.

Healthy Tips from ANA's Healthy Nurse, Healthy Nation™ Blog

Laura Hixon, MSNE, RN-BC, ONC

It is time to prepare and get excited for the NAON annual congress in Louisville! If you are like me, you are looking forward to learning new things and preparing to recertify your ONC in the Learning Builder this session! There are so many benefits to learning, reading and growing. Here are some excellent outcomes when learning and reading: 

1. Strengthening your brain- brain activity increases during reading and learning.

   1. Fiction or non-fiction can spark feelings essential for navigating and enjoying social relationships.

   2. Vocabulary from books or learning materials can improve communication in relationships.

2. Improves/slows cognitive decline- reading and solving math problems keeps the mind working, can decrease the likelihood of developing plaques or lesions in those with dementia.

3. Reduces stress- 30 minutes can help lower blood pressure, heart rate, and feelings of distress.

4. Prepare you for rest- more effective than anything that produce light.

5. Helps alleviate symptoms of depression- can lessen the feelings of being alone and allow you to escape from your world for a while.

6. Books may increase your longevity- those that read books 3.5 hours every week are 23% more likely to live longer than those who do not read.

So how can we regularly read/learn?

1. Start by reading a few minutes a day with either a device, print books, or alternate.

2. Now and then, skip the binging of a show for a book

3. Share reading with your children

4. Visit a library, get a library card, and enjoy the experience of sitting in a quiet place and reading.

Happy Reading and learning! Hope to see you in Louisville!

Stanborough, J. (2019). Benefits of reading books: how it can positively affect your life. Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/health/benefits-of-reading-books