The Collapse of Damar Hamlin

The Collapse of Damar Hamlin

by | Feb 4, 2023 | Uncategorized

February 4, 2023, Jennie Johnson, RN-BC, PhD

Living for a Healthy Heart, LLC

Recently the nation was shocked when a healthy elite professional football player collapsed during an NFL game into full cardiac arrest. Thankfully, he is recovering but questions remain regarding the cause.

While congenital abnormalities are certainly a possibility; it’s unlikely. NFL players undergo extensive medical screenings before signing with a team.

Some physicians have described his problem as Commotio Cordis which is a rare condition that usually occurs in young males with growing thinner chest walls who are under 20 years old with an average age of 15. Most commonly, either a small, sharp baseball, lacrosse ball, hockey puck or punch straight to the chest during a vulnerable part of the heart cycle disrupts the rhythm leading to a complete cardia arrest.  

Others have wondered whether he had a myocarditis secondary to a vaccine reaction or an aftermath of Long COVID? While COVID vaccines are no longer required by the NFL, 95 % of players have received it. No information was provided regarding his vaccination status. There has been an increase in myocarditis among young men around the world following a COVID vaccine.

Myocarditis is an inflammation of the heart muscle which can lead to sudden cardiac arrest and death. Complete rest is indicated while the inflammation subsides. It may occur with minimal symptoms which may explain the increase in sudden deaths that were observed around the world in 2022.

The symptoms of myocarditis are:

  • Fatigue
  • Shortness of breath
  • Fever
  • Chest pain
  • Hard, rapid or irregular heart beats
  • Dizziness
  • Flu like symptoms

Treatment for mild cases is rest and medications. More severe cases may require lifelong medications, implantable devices or surgery. Competitive sports or severe exertion should be avoided until the inflammation subsides.

Damar is a warning to all of us to take a moment during February Heart Month to examine how well we’re caring for our hearts. The American Heart Association and my book are a tremendous resource for more information, Wake Up Call 911: It’s Time to Reduce your Risk for a Heart Attack and Stroke.

Resources:

Cleveland Clinic, “Commotio Cordis”, January 1, 2023 https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/24572-commotio-cordis.

Mike Gavin, Associated Press, “Latest NFL Rules on COVID, Fan Vaccinations Plus Cases”, August 3, 2022. https://www.nbcsports.com/chicago/bears/latest-nfl-rules-covid-fan-vaccinations-and-positive-cases.

American Heart Association, “Myocarditis” September 27, 2022, https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/myocarditis.

Health Feedback, “What Can Explain the Excess Mortality in the US and Europe in 2022?” December 6, 2022. https://healthfeedback.org/what-can-explain-the-excess-mortality-in-the-u-s-and-europe-in-2022/

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I’m a Christian nurse who helps people navigate the murky waters of healthcare.

 ã All rights reserved 2023,

Jennie E. Johnson, RN-BC, PhD Author of:

Wake Up Call 911: It’s Time to Reduce your Risk for a Heart Attack and Stroke (2015)

Helping the Hurting: Nursing Ministry in the Body of Christ (2022)

Paperback copies of both books for sale at:  ask@jenniejohnsonrn.com.

The Power of Positivity

The Power of Positivity

by | Jan 10, 2023 | Uncategorized

As we begin a new year and leave many of the challenges of 2022 behind, it may help to face 2023 with a more positive way of looking at the ones ahead of us.

Dr. Barbara Frederickson (renowned researcher on negative mood) wrote the book Positivity. She stated that reducing depression does not mean that one will be happy. Happiness is vague and elusive. Positivity is more realistic and doable. When a negative thought surfaces, it is more beneficial to replace it with 3 positive thoughts. In addition, for a balanced life people should include the following 10 concepts each day. I added a Christian perspective:

 

  • Serenity –       Spend 20 minutes each day deep breathing—relaxing and in prayer.
  • Interest –        Do something new and interesting to avoid the danger of boredom.
  • Hope –              Have the attitude that things will get better.
  • Inspiration –   Enjoy inspirational stories (Chicken Soup books).
  • Awe –                Appreciate nature – the beauty of God’s creation.
  • Amusement – Laugh more.
  • Gratitude –      Be thankful for all your blessings—look for them.
  • Joy –                   Remember times of joy and fun.
  • Pride –               Succeed in small accomplishments.
  • Love –                Treasure family, friends and the love of Jesus—seek out people.

I loved this story that she shared as well:

One evening an old Cherokee told his grandson about a battle that goes on inside people. He said, “My son, the battle is between two wolves inside us all. One is Negativity. It’s anger, sadness, stress, contempt, disgust, fear, embarrassment, guilt, shame and hate. The other is Positivity. It’s joy, gratitude, serenity, interest, hope, pride, amusement, inspiration, awe, and above all, love. The grandson asked which wolf wins? He answered…the one that you feed.”

Finally, the sermon topic this week was a reminder that challenges will always be a part of life but we’re not alone. God uses those opportunities for us to be a positive witness in a dark, negative world.

So, the next time that you encounter someone who holds an opposite point of view as you do…take a deep breath, say a quick prayer that our Lord will use you to His glory.

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to His purpose (Romans 8:28).

Sources:
Barbara L. Fredrickson (2009) Positivity: Top Notch Research Reveals the 3 to 1 Ratio that Will Change your Life.

Jennie Johnson RN-BC,, PhD  – Author of the following books:

Wake Up Call 911: It’s Time to Reduce your Risk for a Heart Attack and Stroke (2015)

Helping the Hurting: Nursing Ministry in the Body of Christ (2022)

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ã All rights reserved 2022, Jennie E. Johnson, RN-BC, PhD

Healthy Living through the Holidays

Healthy Living through the Holidays

by | Dec 6, 2022 | Healthy Eating

Healthy Living Through the Holidays

The holidays are a wonderful time to offer thanks for many blessings, celebrate the birth of our Savior and ring in the New Year but it can also be a challenge on waistlines. Food and especially holiday food is certainly a wonderful gift from God. Here are a few things that you can do to navigate December safely.

  • Eat a healthy meal before you add the sweets.
  • Check out all the items on the buffet or at the party before you make a selection.
  • Don’t deny yourself but select small portions (bites) of the high caloric foods.
  • If you have a high caloric day, eat healthy the day before or the day after.
  • Walk more…it’s a great stress buster and improves mood.
  • Simplify your activities.
  • Get the same gift for everyone.
  • Call an old friend or check in on a lonely neighbor.
  • Take a moment each day to remember a very special miracle.

Jesus is the reason for the season.

Have a blessed Merry Christmas and a very Happy New Year!

So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do it all to the glory of God.
1 Corinthians 10:31

Author of:  HELPING THE HURTING: NURSING MINISTRY IN THE BODY OF CHRIST (2022)

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ã All rights reserved 2022, Jennie E. Johnson, RN-BC, PhD

The Importance of Sleep

The Importance of Sleep

by | Nov 1, 2022 | Uncategorized

The American Heart Association recently revamped its Life’s Simple 7 recommendations by adding sleep to what is now the Essential 8 lifestyles to prevent a heart attack and stroke.” Why? Researchers found that sleep provides important health benefits for a longer life.
The Essential 8
1.Eat a healthy diet. 
2. Increase physical activity.
3. Quit smoking and tobacco use.
4. Manage a healthy weight.
5. Maintain a normal glucose.
6. Maintain normal cholesterol values.
7. Maintain a normal blood pressure.
8. Get 7 to 9 hours (adults) & 8 to 16 hours (children and teens) of sleep each night.

4 Levels of Sleep
Stage 1 NREM (Non-Rapid Eye Movement).  1-5 minutes (Dozing off.)
Stage 2 NREM                                                  10-60 minutes (Brain activity slows.)
Stage 3 NREM                                                  20-40 minutes (Deep sleep).
Stage 4 REM                                                     10-60 minutes (Vivid dreams).

We move through these stages 4 to 6 times each night. During the last deeper stages hormones such as testosterone, estrogen and progesterone are made. Blood pressure and heart rate decrease. Cognitive thinking and creativity are enhanced. Importantly, immunity to eliminate pathogens and abnormal cells is enhanced.

The Danger of Insomnia 

Sleep apnea or “not breathing” occurs as sleep progresses. The airway becomes blocked causing oxygen levels to plummet. The dangerous lower oxygen levels damage organs! The brain senses the problem and releases adrenalin to increase heart rate and blood pressure to awaken the person to resume breathing.

Unless the blockage is resolved the person will have continuous sleep interruptions all night never entering deeper beneficial sleep. In addition to organ damage, thinking, creativity, hormone production, glucose control and immunity will be reduced. Heart attacks, stroke, high blood pressure, obesity and diabetes may result.

If you suffer from insomnia, ask your doctor to find out if you have sleep apnea. Recently, my Sleep Study indicated dangerous, low oxygen levels throughout the night. Surprisingly, (I don’t snore) I was prescribed a CPAP machine to protect my heart. During the study while connected to a CPAP machine, I had the BEST sleep in years!

An excellent book by Matthew Walker is “Why We Sleep: Unlocking the Power of Sleep & Dreams.” You can also visit the Sleep Foundation for more information.

If you lie down, you will not be afraid; when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet. Proverbs 3:24

Sources:

–Todd Neale, “AHA Revamps Life’s Simple 7, Adding Sleep to Create ‘Essential 8,” June 9, 2022.  https://www.tctmd.com/news/aha-revamps-lifes-simple-7-adding-sleep-create-essential-8.

–National Heart Lung & Blood Institute, “How Sleep Works, Why Is Sleep Important?” March 24, 2022.

–Eric Suni, “Stages of Sleep,” October 7, 2022, National Sleep Foundation. https://www.sleepfoundation.org/stages-of-sleep.

–Jay Summer, “What Is REM Sleep & How Much Do You Need?” April 26, 2022. https://www.sleepfoundation.org/stages-of-sleep/rem-sleep.

Author of:  HELPING THE HURTING: NURSING MINISTRY IN THE BODY OF CHRIST (2022)

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ã All rights reserved 2022, Jennie E. Johnson, RN-BC, PhD

It’s Time to Gear Up for the Cold & Flu Season:

It’s Time to Gear Up for the Cold & Flu Season:

by | Oct 4, 2022 | COVID-19 Top Ten

What To Do……………………

As the leaves begin to turn in October, it’s our reminder to get ready for the cold and flu season. Thankfully, the worst of COVID ended with the Omicron variants and blessings of natural herd immunity. Due to concerns over the COVID vaccines, many are opting out of the flu vaccine as well. Whether you decide to get the flu shot or not there are simple things that you can do to decrease your risk this season.

  1. Increase your Vitamin D3. During the summer, being outdoor raises it naturally through skin absorption but once days become shorter those levels plummet. The best way to know how much to take is to get a Vitamin D blood test and speak with your doctor. Experts vary on the correct amount Interestingly, some have called it the Low Vitamin D Season rather than the Cold/Flu season.

  1. Increase your Vitamin C intake through juice or citrus fruits.

  1. Go for a walk each day. Physical activity enhances immunity.

  1. Get a good night’s sleep. The body heals when in deep sleep. People should strive for 7 hours each night. If you don’t sleep well, ask your doctor for a Take Home Sleep Study test. It often identifies the problem.

  1. Keep busy! Volunteer at your local church or school. Teachers need the help. Children suffered from school closures. My neighbor is a kindergarten teacher who had 23 kids last year and NO aide. She spent most of her time teaching them preschool skills that they missed and regulating troublesome behavior.

While it’s certainly great being back with people; be mindful when flu outbreaks occur in your area. Consider avoiding crowds during those times and maintain good hand hygiene.

Beloved, I pray that all may go well with you and that you may be in good health,
as it goes well with your soul. 3 John 1:2

Author of:  HELPING THE HURTING: NURSING MINISTRY IN THE BODY OF CHRIST (2022)

If you found this blog helpful, please pass it on…

ã All rights reserved 2022, Jennie E. Johnson, RN-BC, PhD

Author of new book: Helping the Hurting: Nursing Ministry in the Body of Christ