Peaceful Balance Health & Wellness Services

Peaceful Balance Health & Wellness Services Dr. Lorraine Bock is a board certified nurse practitioner with experience in family practice and emergency medicine.

She has been providing primary care in Carlisle for over 25 years. Dr. Bock, CRNP is a skilled clinician and a tireless patient advocate.

I SCREAM! YOU SCREAM! WE ALL SCREAM FOR ICE CREAM! Happy National Ice Cream Day! While ice cream is a tasty treat especi...
07/20/2025

I SCREAM! YOU SCREAM! WE ALL SCREAM FOR ICE CREAM! Happy National Ice Cream Day! While ice cream is a tasty treat especially during the hot months, it also has some potential health benefits to consider.
- Ice cream has vitamins A, B-6, B-12, C, D, and E as well as minerals such as calcium and phosphorus, both of which are good for bone health
- Certain varieties of ice cream have added probiotics that may support a healthy gut
- Ice cream contains the right contributions (carbs, proteins, and fats) to energy production
- Ice cream can trigger a release of serotonin and dopamine, which are the two 'happy hormones'
- It can be enjoyed with friends, making it a positive mood social setting
- There is a study (linked below) that suggests ice cream consumption may be linked to a lower risk of developing insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes

The key is moderation! It is calorie dense so it needs to be a part in a well balance diet. Lower fat or lower added sugar and/or probiotic enhanced or lactose free options can be considered to make it healthier.

https://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2023/05/ice-cream-bad-for-you-health-study/673487/
https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/the-surprising-health-benefits-of-eating-ice-cream #:~:text=In%201984%2C%20July%20was%20designated,that%20promote%20a%20healthy%20gut.

Warm weather and outdoor activities can bring and all too common statement to pass: "Ouch! Something bit/stung me!" When...
07/18/2025

Warm weather and outdoor activities can bring and all too common statement to pass: "Ouch! Something bit/stung me!" When we get stung or bit, it is always helpful to know what type of critter you are dealing with. While some can be pretty harmless like a mosquito bite, others such as ticks and spiders can have deadly affects. So how can you tell the difference simply by looking at the injection site? We can help!

-Mosquito bites typically present with a round red/pink skin bump; the area may also be itchy. While usually harmless, mosquitos can transmit Zika virus (very harmful to pregnant women), West Nile virus, eastern equine encephalitis (EEE), or malaria.
-Bedbugs do not usually cause pain with the initial bite but may appear as red mark clusters of 3 or more, often forming a line, and can take up to 14 days after the bite to occur. Some people can develop a mild or severe allergic reaction.
-Spiders such as a black widow or brown recluse are extremely dangerous and can have severe reactions. Black widows bites cause immediate pain, followed by numbness along with 2 puncture wounds. Other symptoms such as breathlessness, swollen or drooping eyes, over production of saliva; symptoms can take up to 3 days to show up. Brown recluse victims do not usually know they've been bit till approximately an hour later, when the bite is swollen and looks like a bruise/blister with a bullseye. As time passes the bite will become crusty and scarring. Brown Recluse spiders are common mostly in the Midwest and southern states.
-Tick bites, quite common here on the east coast, can be hard to spot and go without detection. While some are painful, itchy, and produce a hard, bumpy rash, other people show no symptoms. Ticks carry many diseases including Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain spotted fever. There is also a condition known as 'Tick Bite Paralysis' which is an rare ascending paralysis starting in the lower extremities moving upwards.
-Flea bites can appear within hours of being bitten and are often in groups of 3 or 4 clusters or in a line. Common symptoms are itchy and swelling with an off-color ring around it; most commonly found on the legs and ankles. Fleas commonly come from infected pets.
-Bee stings appear with a sharp pain that can continue for several minutes and can be sore to the touch for hours or days later. A red bump on the skin may appear at the site of the sting. Bees are a common severe allergy (anaphylaxis); for those with a severe allergy the common treatment is an EpiPen and to call 911.

How can you help prevent a bite or sting?
- Understand the insects in the environment you are near or visiting
- Reduce outdoor activities that increase exposure or possible bites/stings; camping, hiking, interacting with wild animals
- Use an insect repellant that is registered with the EPA
- Use a mosquito net when possible/applicable
- Wear permethrin clothing that covers skin
- If traveling find out about shots or medications you can get as precaution
- Shower after being outdoors
- Report any symptoms to a provider!

https://www.everydayhealth.com/skin-and-beauty-photos/how-to-identify-common-bug-bites.aspx #:~:text=Flea%20Bites,-Joe%20Fox/Alamy&text=You%20may%20notice%20itching%20and,off%2Dcolor%20ring%20around%20it.&text=Flea%20bites%20are%20most%20common,flea%20bites%2C%20blisters%20may%20form.&text=If%20you%20have%20a%20pet,that%20you%20have%20flea%20bites.&text=Scratching%20the%20rash%20can%20lead,and%20may%20need%20medical%20attention.&text=Per%20the%20Cleveland%20Clinic%2C%20antihistamines,honey%20can%20reduce%20the%20itching.

As Glenn Frey would say 'the heat is on"Temperatures are keeping in the high 80's this week and into next; and weather y...
07/07/2025

As Glenn Frey would say 'the heat is on"
Temperatures are keeping in the high 80's this week and into next; and weather you know this or not, certain prescription medications can cause heat intolerance. Medications and meds interact in 3 primary ways:
1. Certain medications interfere with thermoregulation ( the process by which organisms maintain a stable internal body temperature) and/or fluid balances
2. High temps can degrade or damage some medications
3. Sun exposure can increase skin sensitivity while using certain medications

Common higher risk medications from the heat can include:
- diuretics
- psychotropics
- anticholinergic agents
- acne treatments
- antibiotics
- insulin
- EpiPens
- chemotherapy
- blood pressure medications
-NSAIDs (ibuprofen, aspirin, and naproxen)

How to store:
- never leave in an unattended vehicle
- don't store in the bathroom, due to high humidity
- when driving, keep in passenger areas; do not store in trunk or glove box
- throw medications away if they stick together, have a change in color, texture or odor, or are cracked or chipped
- keep away from heat generating appliances
- pick up mail-order medicines as soon as possible, as to not expose them to the elements

*Most bottles have instructions on temperature and storage*

https://www.cdc.gov/heat-health/hcp/clinical-guidance/heat-and-medications-guidance-for-clinicians.html
https://www.ouhealth.com/blog/2024/august/oklahoma-summers-medication-safety-protecting-yo/ #:~:text=Heat%20can%20negatively%20impact%20the,unsure%2C%20check%20with%20your%20pharmacist.
https://www.bcm.edu/news/heat-medications-dont-mix #:~:text=Capsules%20or%20tablets%20that%20stick,need%20to%20be%20thrown%20out.

Final joke of the day:Why didn't the one nurse find the other nurses joke funny?- She had an irony disorder
07/01/2025

Final joke of the day:

Why didn't the one nurse find the other nurses joke funny?
- She had an irony disorder

Joke 3:What's it called when a hospital runs out of maternity nurses?- A mid-wife crisis
07/01/2025

Joke 3:

What's it called when a hospital runs out of maternity nurses?
- A mid-wife crisis

Joke 2:What do nurses and wood frogs have in common?- Both can hold their bladder a really long time
07/01/2025

Joke 2:
What do nurses and wood frogs have in common?
- Both can hold their bladder a really long time

Happy International Joke Day. The first joke is often attributed to the Greeks, specifically Palamedes. Greece also boas...
07/01/2025

Happy International Joke Day. The first joke is often attributed to the Greeks, specifically Palamedes. Greece also boasts the first comedy club, though its purpose was sharing jokes among friends rather than stand-up performances as we have now.

We will be celebrating the day with posing several nurse related jokes! Be on the look-out! Also nobody is promising these jokes will be good folks LOL.
The first joke of the day is:
Why are nurses afraid of the outdoors?
- Too much poison I.V.

https://www.daysoftheyear.com/days/joke-day/

Well it looks like the hot weather is here to stay, though slightly cooler predictions for next week, high 80's-90's are...
06/28/2025

Well it looks like the hot weather is here to stay, though slightly cooler predictions for next week, high 80's-90's are expected. To end our week of beating the heat we wanted to educated our followers about the different degree of heat related illness there can be:
Heat Rash: skin irritation caused by excessive sweating during humid and hot weather; usually includes red clusters of pimples/blisters appearing on the neck, upper chest, elbow crease, under breasts, and the groin. Treatment includes keeping the area dry using powder and cooler environment if possible, avoid creams and ointments.

Heat Cramps: affects workers who sweat a lot doing strenuous activity and is caused by a depletion of salt and moisture levels, lack of salt causes painful cramps. Can also be a sign of heat exhaustion and include cramps and pain or spasms in the legs, arms, or abdomen. Treatment includes drinking water and snack or a sports drink to replace carbohydrates and electrolytes every 15-20 minutes (avoid salt tablets)

Heat Syncope: a fainting episode or dizziness that usually occurs when standing for too long or standing after sitting or laying down, and can be accompanied by fainting for a short time, dizziness, or light-headedness. Can be a factor of dehydration and a lack of acclimatization and should be treated with sitting or laying down in a cool place and slowly drinking water, clear juice, or sports drink.

Rhabdomyolysis: a medical condition associated with heat stress and prolonged physical exertion which causes rapid breakdown, rupture, and death of muscle. When the muscle dies large proteins and electrolytes are released into the bloodstream; causing irregular heart rhythms, damage to the kidneys, and seizures. Symptoms can also include muscle pain/cramps, weakness, abnormally dark (cola or tea colored) urine, intolerance to exercise, or be entirely asymptomatic. Treatment would be to stop activity, drink more fluids, seek care at a facility immediately and ask to be checked for it (just a blood sample)

Heat Exhaustion: the body's response to an excessive loss of water and salt, usually through sweating, and can include symptoms such as: headache, thirst, heavy sweating, nausea, weakness, dizziness, elevated body temp, decreased urine output, and irritability. First aid would include: go to a clinic or ER, call 911 if necessary, stay with the person till someone arrives, remove from hot area and give water, remove clothing such as shoes and socks, use cool compresses or use cold water on the neck, head, and face, encourage frequent sips.

Heat Stroke: the most serious heat-related illness occurring when the body can no longer control its temperature (body temp rapidly rises, sweating mechanism fails, the body can't cool down) and can raise a persons temp to 106 or higher within 10-15 minutes. Heat stroke can permanently disable and even kill without emergency treatment. Heat stroke can be identified with symptoms like: loss of consciousness, confusion, slurred speech, altered mental status, hot/dry skin or excessive sweat, seizures, or very high body temp. First aid includes the following: call 911, stay till help arrives, move them to a shaded cool area and remove outer clothing, cool them quickly using cold water or ice bath, circulate air around them, use cold wet cloths or ice on the head, neck, groin, and armpits; if need be soak their clothing.

https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/heat-stress/about/illnesses.html

It has been HOT these past few days☀ In order to help you beat the heat our goal this week is to remind you how!Next is ...
06/27/2025

It has been HOT these past few days☀ In order to help you beat the heat our goal this week is to remind you how!
Next is to keep your body temperature down:
- taking cool showers or baths can lower your body temp; swimming is also a good option
- apply cool cloths or towels to your neck, forehead, temples, and wrists to help cool down; also known as cold therapy
- consider a cooling towel or vest
- use fans to circulate air and create a cooling effect; some even have built in misters
- wear light, loose-fitting clothes the cover your body; long sleeves, long pants
- wear a wide-brimmed hat, ball cap, or visor
- wear sunglasses
- use light fabric bedsheets
- go somewhere with cool air
- try to limit exercise and movement
- if outside seek shade
- avoid heavy meals; they can increase body temp
We also want to add to keep an eye on your pets:
- never leave animals or people in a car on a hot day
- ensure plenty of cool drinking water
- ensure access to shade if outside
- be mindful of asphalt and dark pavement temperatures as they can be very hot and damaging to your pets feet (use the back of your hand to test where your pet will be walking

https://www.who.int/news-room/questions-and-answers/item/heatwaves-how-to-stay-cool #:~:text=How%20do%20I%20keep%20my,hat%20or%20cap%20and%20sunglasses.
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/326235 #:~:text=Applying%20cold%20water%20or%20ice,the%20body%20to%20feel%20cooler.

It has been HOT these past few days☀ In order to help you beat the heat our goal this week is to remind you how!Fist and...
06/26/2025

It has been HOT these past few days☀ In order to help you beat the heat our goal this week is to remind you how!

Fist and most importantly, STAY HYDRATED:
- to figure out on average how much water to drink take your weight in pounds and divide by 2 and that number in oz in how much you should aim for; ex: 200lb person should drink at least 100oz of water, 175lbs = 75oz, 250lbs = 125oz
- make it a habit; drink water with every meal, when you wake up, and before bed. You can set reminders or use an intake app to track it. You can also break it up:
- carry a water bottle; and yes your Stanley counts! have water readily available to sip throughout the day!
- choose foods that are hydrating; fruits such as watermelon, cantaloupe, and strawberries and veggies such as lettuce and celery can also contribute to your daily water intake as a lot of fruits and veggies are a high % water based. You can also add fruit to your water!
- consider other beverages: soda and high sugar drinks can lead to dehydration. milk, herbal teas, and electrolyte drinks (Gatorade) or water additives (Liquid I.V.) can also aid in hydration
- do not wait till you feel thirst to drink; thirst can be a sign of mild dehydration. Consistently drinking can help avoid dehydration
- be aware of conditions such as heat, exercise, or medication that can increase fluid needs
- monitor your urine; pale yellow urine is a sign of good hydration. if your urine is orange or dark yellow it is suggested to increase fluid intake
- drink water before, during, and after a workout; sports drinks are also suggested for intense or longer periods of activity
- ensure little ones are getting enough fluids as well; breastmilk and formula are the only recommended fluids for children 6 months and younger, children 6 months to 1 year can be offered 4-8oz of water a day, and for children older than 1 year water is the recommended main hydration source (1-3 years old 4 cups/day, 4-8 years old 5 cups/day, 9-13 years old 7-8 cups/day, and 14-18 8-11 cups/day)
- listen to your body! if you feel dizzy, unwell, or experience headache you may be experiencing dehydration

https://www.mayoclinichealthsystem.org/hometown-health/speaking-of-health/tips-for-drinking-more-water #:~:text=Many%20fruits%20and%20vegetables%20have,your%20intake%20in%20your%20calendar.
https://www.massgeneralbrigham.org/en/about/newsroom/articles/tips-for-staying-hydrated #:~:text=Follow%20a%20hydration%20plan%20every,better%20while%20you're%20exercising.

Dr. Bock spent Friday at the AANP conference in San Diego California interacting with attendees. She also was photograph...
06/23/2025

Dr. Bock spent Friday at the AANP conference in San Diego California interacting with attendees. She also was photographed with AANP PA State Liaison Eugene Lucas NP after receiving her award for the 2025 PA State Award for Excellence.

HAPPY FIRST DAY OF SUMMER!!!!☀👙🩳With the fist day of summer can come with a lot of fun things, but we should not forget ...
06/20/2025

HAPPY FIRST DAY OF SUMMER!!!!☀👙🩳
With the fist day of summer can come with a lot of fun things, but we should not forget a small thing than can make a HUGE difference; the color of your child's swim suit. Above we have a photo of different colored swim suits under the water at a pool and a lake.

Say YES to bright colors: pink, red, orange, neon orange or yellow/ patterns that are high contrast are also a good option
Say NO to colors that blend with water: blue, dark green, black, white

Remember:
- water hides
- stay visible
- stay on the surface
- choose bright colors that contrast water

Address

Carlisle, PA

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

Telephone

+17174400098

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Heathcare Without the Hassle

In 1999 I opened Bock CRNP Services, PC with the goal to serve patients by providing accessible, high-quality primary care via a new model of care, the nursing model. Nurse Practitioners provide wholistic care that addresses not only the medical problems we have but also cares for family, your finances, your emotional health, and how your health impacts your life. I kept the practice open until 2014 by having partners, offering innovative services, and by working other jobs outside the practice. During that time I hassled with every insurance company. Either they didn’t recognize nurse practitioners as legitimate healthcare providers, they didn’t pay nurse practitioners directly, they limited the types of care I could bill them for, and/or they paid me 85% of what they would pay a physician to deliver the same service. I was able to make this work for 14 years but by 2014 I was losing money, patients, and working more and more at the office to keep the business going. I cried for 3 months as my loyal patients had their last visits with me and I moved on to working several other jobs including the emergency department, teaching, and in someone else’s practice.

All this was paying the bills and I had lots of free time. But....I was missing my patients and they seemed to be missing me. Every time I saw a former patient, on my page, and when they talked to other former patients, the message was the same, “When are you going to open another practice? No one takes care of me like you did.” Well I learned about Direct Primary Care and began thinking about opening a new practice. One that gave me financial security, with the freedom to spend as much time as I would like to with the patients in my care. I found a mentor and I learned as much as I can about Direct Primary Care, and guess what - it is what I needed to allow me to practice again in my own office.

So on November 12, 2018 I opened Peaceful Balance Health & Wellness Services at 9 East High Street - Rear. The space is intimate and personal - just like the care we provide. The name chosen in honor of my friend Joe Glogowski, who believed in me always. A Direct Primary Care practice in Carlisle, PA. I have my former staff assistant - Pattie Richwine working with me again and we are looking forward to growing and expanding our practice to care for everyone who needs access to healthcare. Please come talk to us about your health and the direct primary care model. You can finally get the healthcare you deserve.