Omicron COVID Update

Omicron COVID Update

 

Just a note about the Omicron COVID BA1 & BA2 variants sweeping the nation. The good news is that this may be the end of the pandemic. We certainly pray so…Europe and South Africa have been ahead of us, and it looks like a much milder disease for most, similar to a bad cold. The bad news is that it’s so contagious that everyone will probably get some form of it. The virus has found a way around both natural and vaccinated immunity, however, it will leave a stronger natural immunity in its wake.

If you get sick the following is a reminder of what to do to keep complications low.

THE TOP 10 THINGS TO DO TO BEAT THE OMICRON VIRUS WHILE RECOVERING AT HOME

#10.  Recognize common Omicron symptoms (runny nose, headache, fatigue, sneezing and cough).

#9.    Some may have loss of smell and taste but it’s unlikely with the Omicron variant.

#8.    Get tested. Check to be sure any home test is FDA approved and hasn’t expired.

#7.    Quarantine for 5 days (first day of symptoms, positive test or exposure is Day 1) and then if symptom free wear an N95 or KN95 mask that fits your face well for the next 5 days (6 thru 10) when out and about. If you have glasses on you should not be able to see any fog. Adjust the nose piece for a tighter seal.

#6.     Rest, save your energy to allow the white blood cells to kill the virus.

#5.     Push fluids. Drink Ensure if you lose your appetite. The protein promotes healing.

#4.     Take Vitamin D3, Zinc and Vitamin C to boost your immunity. Check doses with your pharmacist or healthcare provider.

#3.     Use caution; once recovered your immunity may be low.

#2.     Be vigilant; while Omicron is less severe you may feel quite uncomfortable for a few days while some may need hospitalized care. Seek early treatment for a worsening condition.

#1.     And the #1 most important thing to do if you get sick with the Omicron Variant is…measure your oxygen levels! Call your doctor if you drop below 94%. If you don’t have a fingertip pulse oximeter, I would get one.

A good source for balanced, COVID information is Dr. John Campbell Today. He provides current data on COVID in Europe and in the US.

Sources:

“Quarantine and Isolation,” CDC.gov. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/your-health/quarantine-isolation.html

“Pulse Oximetry,” American Lung Association. https://www.lung.org/lung-health-diseases/lung-procedures-and-tests/pulse-oximetry

Dear friend, I pray that you may enjoy good health and that all may go well with you, even as your soul is getting along well. 3 John 1:2

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

Jennie’s new book: Helping the Hurting: Nursing Ministry in the Body of Christ
is now available – Paperback & Kindle: Amazon.com; Hardback: Ingramspark;
Audio: shortly

 

 

 

 

 

 

New Year’s Resolution Strategies that Really Work

New Year’s Resolution Strategies that Really Work

 

Living for a Healthy Heart, LLC

Each year many of us make New Year’s Resolutions only to find that by February they didn’t stick. What went wrong? Psychologists have done a great deal of research on this topic and may provide us with some answers.

Stages of Change (Dr. James Prochaska)

World renowned psychologist and researcher James Prochaska describes six stages that people move through on their way to positive behavior change. First, think of something that you would like to change and consider where you are on this path.

Stage 1 Precontemplation (I don’t want to or I’m not ready to change a harmful behavior.)

Stage 2 Contemplation (I’m thinking about changing a harmful behavior but I’m not ready yet.)

Stage 3 Preparation (I’m starting to take baby steps in making a change, but not committed.)

Stage 4 Action (I’m changing my harmful behavior.)

Stage 5 Maintenance (I’ve kept at it for over 6 months. It’s becoming a habit now.)

Stage 6 Relapse (I’ve slipped back to my old ways.)

What’s fascinating about these stages is that Prochaska found that only 20% of us are really ready to actively change a behavior. However, most healthcare providers give us messages that are designed for people in the action stage. Eat like a rabbit and aerobically exercise on most days of the week. While that advice absolutely works to improve our health; most of us are in the 80% non-action stages and aren’t ready to hear that message, let alone do it.

What does work…simple, small, doable, baby steps that you can do and be successful!

  • Add an apple to your diet each day.
  • Go for a short walk 5 minutes away from the house.
  • Use a smaller dinner plate.

If you try to do too much, too fast, you may fail which leads to a downward spiral of discouragement and despair. Rather, start slow, with small changes that are easier to do. They will lead to more confidence, a positive mental attitude and ultimately more behavior change.

In my book (endorsed by Dr. Prochaska), Wake Up Call 911: It’s Time to Reduce your Risk for a Heart Attack and Stroke, I describe these strategies in more detail. An eBook is available through amazon.com or a paperback through my website.

God bless you with small changes that you can do on your journey toward better health.

So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.

1 Corinthians 10:31

Source: Prochaska, Norcross & DiClemente, Changing for Good: A Revolutionary Six Stage Program for Overcoming Bad Habits & Moving your Life Positively Forward (1994).

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

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

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

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

A Unique Gift Idea for the Holidays

A Unique Gift Idea for the Holidays

 

Living for a Healthy Heart, LLC

As Christmas draws near, I have three gift ideas for you to consider. 

Home Care

First, if you have an elderly loved one in your life, you can pay for a few hours a week of Home Care. Often these companies will provide staff to run errands, prepare meals, do light housework, provide personal hygiene care or any number of tasks. It’s a wonderful gift for an elderly loved one. Check with a local Retirement or Assisted Living facility for their recommendation.

Honor Flight Program

 Secondly, many of you may not be aware of the Honor Flight Program for the veteran in your family. It has been around for several years. I heard about it on Good Morning America years ago. My father-in-law served in the South Pacific in World War II and was in the first Honor Flight group out of Rock Island, Illinois.

 It is a free trip to travel with other veterans to Washington DC to see the memorials erected in their honor. Currently, World War II veterans take priority followed by Korean veterans or any other veteran who is seriously ill, etc.

 One family member is allowed to travel with their loved one. They see all the memorials and often meet the Secretary of Defense. It’s an amazing gift for our veterans who sacrificed so much for the rest of us. Contact: honorflight.org to get your loved one on the next trip.

Time 

Finally, it’s hard to know what to get that older senior who seems to have everything. Consider providing a gift of your time.

 Merry Christmas and may you have a blessed New Year.

 In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said, “It is more blessed to give than to receive. Acts 20:35

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

If you are a new reader, you may visit my website to sign up for future monthly blogs at jenniejohnsonrn.com

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

ã All rights reserved 2021, Jennie E. Johnson, RN-BC, PhD

 

 

 

 

 

 

Beat the Winter Blues: Overcome the Darkness

Beat the Winter Blues: Overcome the Darkness

 

November 1, 2021, Jennie Johnson, RN-BC, PhD

Living for a Healthy Heart, LLC

On November 7th., we will once again reset our clocks for Daylight Savings Time. As the saying goes, we should…spring forward…fall back. It will get darker one hour earlier. In northern Idaho the darkest days will begin at 3:45 pm. We seem to cope with the darkness better during the holidays but immediately after New Year’s Eve, the Winter Blues or Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) often sets in.

What is Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) or the Winter Blues?

Merriam-Webster defines seasonal affective disorder as depression that tends to recur chiefly during the late fall and is associated with shorter hours of daylight. The main cause is lower levels of the feel good hormone serotonin in the brain. You may be born with a body that doesn’t make enough or doesn’t allow it to circulate long enough in the brain to get the mood elevation benefit.

What are the Symptoms of Low Levels of Serotonin?

Common symptoms are fatigue, sleep problems, loss of libido, anxiety, irritability, and inability to cope with stress. Panic attacks, obsessive compulsive behaviors, increased sensitivity to pain and migraines may also occur. Cravings for carbohydrates and sugar lead to harmful binge eating to lift serotonin levels but work only briefly with devastating consequences. The excess weight leads to poor self-esteem and depression increasing social isolation.

How Does Light Therapy Reduce the Symptoms?

A phenomenal book that I highly recommend for people who suffer from SAD is Brown and Robinson’s When your Body Gets the Blues: The Clinically Proven Program for Women Who Feel Tired, Stressed and Eat too Much. While its written primarily for women, men will find the concepts helpful as well.

The authors recommend 20 minutes of being outdoors 5 days per week… no matter rain, sleet snow or sun to increase light entering the retina of the eyes. However, you should NOT look directly into the sun as that will tremendously damage the eyes but rather let the light filter in as you’re walking.

Simply put, the light stimulates the brain to produce more serotonin which will help you feel better. They also suggest increasing interior light as much as possible by placing furniture near windows, opening curtains, turning on lights and trimming bushes that block windows.

As an example, while outside on a bright sunny day, you may get 10,000 units of LUX light. However, a dim inside room may provide only 50 units of LUX light, while a bright office may provide 400 LUX. Some people may need to utilize artificial light to improve serotonin levels.

The authors describe the various types of artificial light available and how to use them safely. Do some homework and check with your healthcare provider. Select artificial light with the lowest ultraviolet light (UV) as possible to avoid harmful skin damage. If you suffer from a Manic disorder, the excess light could make your condition worse so do speak with your doctor.

I asked my Social Ministry Committee members how they dealt with Idaho’s dark winters. Answers included: traveling to sunny places, volunteering in a local school to be around children, starting a new hobby of painting, and keeping busy with church needs.

Personally, as the darkness lingers in our rural setting, I begin to get sleepy around 7 or 8 pm so I’ve had to come up with strategies to stay awake until bedtime. Each year I do something different such as needle work, sewing, writing a book or simply catching up on interesting television programs.

You can also speak with your healthcare provider about medications that may help you get through it. Brown and Robinson recommend vitamin therapy to enhance serotonin levels as well. If you suffer from the Winter Blues…try something new this year, keep busy and seek people out even if you don’t feel like it. You will feel better and the dark days will seem shorter as you look forward to spring.

Again, Jesus spoke to them, saying I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness but will have the light of life (John 8:12) 

Sources:

Brown, Marie-Anette & Jo Robinson, When your Body Gets the Blues: The Clinically Proven Program for Women Who Feel Tired, Stressed and Eat Too Much. Danvers: Rodale Books, 2002.

“Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD),” Mayo Clinic, October 25, 2017, https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/seasonal-affective-disorder/symptoms-causes/syc-20364651 

Dee Dee Stiepen, “Lift your Mood with Light Therapy,” Mayo Clinic Minute, January 1, 2021, https://newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org/discussion/mayo-clinic-minute-lift-your-mood-with-light-therapy/

“Light Therapy,” Mayo Clinic, February 8, 2017, https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/light-therapy/about/pac-20384604

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

If you are a new reader, you may visit my website to sign up for future monthly blogs at jenniejohnsonrn.com

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

ã All rights reserved 2021, Jennie E. Johnson, RN-BC, PhD

 

 

 

The Benefits of Vitamin D to Fight COVID-19

The Benefits of Vitamin D to Fight COVID-19

 

October 1, 2021, Jennie Johnson, RN-BC, PhD

Living for a Healthy Heart, LLC

Vitamin D Research

Research is emerging that Vitamin D otherwise known as the Sunshine Vitamin may be a powerful protector against the coronavirus or COVID-19 disease. A research study conducted in Israel indicated that low levels of Vitamin D resulted in more positive COVID-19 infections and hospitalizations.

They looked back at the records of 1,400 patients who tested positive for COVID between February and April of 2020 and had a Vitamin D blood test in their medical record.

Results:

  • Only 10% tested positive for COVID-19 when their Vitamin D levels were above 30.
  • Nearly 90% of those who tested positive for COVID had Vitamin D levels below 30.
  • Adults (average age above 50) who tested positive for COVID-19, with low Vitamin D levels, were also more likely to be hospitalized.

It appeared that higher Vitamin D levels were protective. Research is also emerging that Vitamin D may help prevent heart disease, improve blood pressure control, diabetes control, decrease cancer risk and a host of other conditions. Anecdotally, I’ve heard doctors say that it may not be a Cold/Flu Season but rather a Low Vitamin D Season that drives fall and winter illnesses.

The Connection Between the Sun and Vitamin D

Ultraviolet rays hit the skin, converting a protein into Vitamin D3 which is absorbed into the blood. However, dermatologist, Dr. Anne McNeill in an article for the Skin Cancer Foundation, Sun Protection and Vitamin D cautions people to be careful. DNA damage increases risk for skin cancer after 10 to 15 minutes of sun exposure (without sunscreen).

She advised people to wear sunscreen daily and stated “Research has never found that everyday use of sunscreen leads to Vitamin D deficiency. In fact, people who use sunscreen daily can maintain their Vitamin D levels.”

Dr. McNeil encourages people to ask their healthcare provider to measure Vitamin D levels and follow the following guidelines:

<30                              Deficient                          Talk to your doctor about a supplement.

30 to 50                     Generally Inadequate     For bone and general health.

>50                              Adequate                          More is not necessarily better.

>125 and above:       Too high                            May have adverse effects.

Your doctor may have specific concerns about the appropriate level of Vitamin D for you, based on your medical condition. Please speak with your healthcare provider regarding how much Vitamin D3 you may need.

Behold, I will bring to it health and healing, and I will heal them and reveal to them abundance of prosperity and security (Jeremiah 33:6).

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

If you are a new reader, you may visit my website to sign up for future monthly blogs at jenniejohnsonrn.com

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

ã All rights reserved 2021, Jennie E. Johnson, RN-BC, PhD