Sleep Apnea & Restless Leg Syndrome: Is Tossing & Turning Keeping You Up at Night

Sleep Apnea & Restless Leg Syndrome: Is Tossing & Turning Keeping You Up at Night

by | Jun 13, 2024 | Healthy Living

It’s estimated that 65% of Americans don’t get the recommended 7 to 9 hours of sleep at night. Many are impacted by sleep apnea due to an obstruction in the airway, but others may have a sleep disorder called Restless Legs Syndrome. It’s more common than Type 2 Diabetes and tragically few know that they have it. It’s estimated that 8% of the population suffer from this neurological condition. Of those 3% need medication to control it to improve their quality of life.

Importance of Sleep
It’s vital to get between 7 to 9 hours of sleep each night for good health. During certain stages of sleep the brain clears the metabolic debris from daytime usage which helps prevent dementia. In addition, the immune system destroys abnormal cells that could lead to cancer and fights infections. Two chronic reasons that good sleep is disrupted is either sleep apnea and or restless legs syndrome. Both can be present at the same time.

Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea results in times throughout the night when you literally stop breathing. The brain detects the low oxygen level and stimulates the release of adrenalin to wake you up. You resume breathing and improve oxygenation but at a price of higher blood pressure, heart rate and a host of other adrenalin side effects. Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) devices deliver small amounts of pressure to keep the airway open.

Restless legs syndrome is still poorly understood. It’s a neurological problem coming from the brain that results in twitching and or leg movements throughout the night during certain cycles of sleep. Low oxygen in the brain may stimulate the problem or the leg movements may come from something occurring in the brain. It’s unclear but good sleep is disrupted.

Five Characteristics of Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS)
While loud snoring is a key sign of sleep apnea, restless legs syndrome may be less obvious as a cause for your sleep disorder. If you notice your bedding is in disarray in the morning or your partner complains of you tossing and turning throughout the night you may have it. The following are the five key symptoms:

  • You have a strong urge to move your arms and legs.
  • Symptoms are worse when you’re resting, sitting or inactive.
  • Symptoms are relieved with movement.
  • Symptoms are worse in the evening or at night.
  • You may have Periodic Limb Movements (PLM’s) which are jerking of the arms or legs that interferes with sleep.

If you think you may have sleep apnea or restless legs syndrome don’t suffer any longer. Get it checked out. The consequences of poor sleep and chronic adrenalin surges may include stroke, stress on the heart, high blood pressure, heart disease, damaged heart valves, irregular heart rhythms, poor mood, daytime sleepiness, loud snoring, diabetes, obesity, gastroesophageal reflux disease, sexual dysfunction, frequent nighttime urination, colds, dementia, cancer, or sudden death.

Diagnostic Sleep Studies
There are 2 major types of sleep studies. Your healthcare provider will generally begin with a Take Home Sleep Study Test. You pick up the device and are provided with simple instructions on how to use it. At bedtime a nasal canula is applied to your nose, much like when taking oxygen. A small monitor goes on top of your chest while a pulse oxygen saturation device is attached to your finger. The equipment is returned the following morning and analyzed by a technician.

Throughout the night data is gathered of oxygen levels, respiratory rates and snoring. It detects the frequency that your breathing was interrupted, the length of time and how your oxygen levels were altered while you slept. However, it doesn’t provide any information on restless leg activities. You need an In-house Sleep Lab Test for that information.

The Sleep Lab Study is done in a clinic or hospital setting where you spend the night and is a much more comprehensive test. In addition to measuring oxygen levels, respiratory depth, frequency, and apneas (when you stop breathing), you’re connected to electrodes that measure neurological data. The number of times twitching, or leg movement occurs is noted and the relationship with sleeping and apnea episodes.

What is not detected is the cause for the neurological sleep disorder. Is the sleeplessness caused by being awakened several times at night because the legs are moving? Or are the legs moving because the brain is lacking oxygen? Researchers are beginning to better understand restless legs syndrome, but much is still unknown.

Sleep Specialists
Most sleep clinics are run by pulmonologists who specialize in sleep apnea. It’s more difficult to find a neurologist who specializes in Restless Legs Syndrome. However, you can locate the one nearest to you via the Restless Legs Syndrome Foundation (rls.org) which also has a wealth of information. For both problems the National Sleep Foundation (thensf.org) has helpful information as well.

Lifestyle Treatments for Sleep Apnea and Restless Legs Syndrome
Lifestyle changes may help and are worth a try. The National Sleep Foundation (www.thensf.org) and the Restless Legs Syndrome Foundation (www.rls.org) have a great amount of bedtime hygiene ideas which may help.

  • Reduce caffeine, alcohol, refined sugars and chocolate.
  • Keep physically active during the day.
  • Avoid long naps (>20 minutes).
  • Go to bed at the same time each night.
  • Maintain a healthier weight as obesity is a leading cause of sleep apnea.

Treatments for Restless Legs Syndrome
Low iron levels have been associated with Restless Legs Syndrome. The typical hemoglobin blood test may look normal but further exploration with a ferritin level may show a problem. Other iron level tests are done as well to look for abnormalities. Guidelines to control RLS encourage a ferritin level >75. Low levels are treated with oral or IV iron. There are a variety of medications that may relieve symptoms, but they also have potential side effects.

The Restless Legs Foundation has set up a website for healthcare providers to answer their questions at RLS Curbside (www.RLSCurbside.org). If you suffer from this problem, join the RLS Foundation (www.rls.org) or the national sleep foundation (www.thensf.org) for more information to advocate for resolution and better sleep.

Bedtime Prayer
Dear Lord, as I prepare to sleep, I thank you for all the blessings that you have showered upon me this day. Forgive me for any sins of omission or commission. Help me to rest deeply tonight so that I may be ready and eager to serve you tomorrow. In His heavenly name, our Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Amen

It is in vain that you rise up early and go late to rest, eating the bread of anxious toil; for He gives to His beloved sleep (Psalm 127:2).

If you’d like to read my other blogs you may visit my website for more information (jenniejohnsonrn.com). Author of Helping the Hurting: Nursing Ministry in the Body of Christ (2022) and Wake Up Call 911: It’s Time to Reduce your Risk for a Heart Attack and Stroke (2015).

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

References:

“NSF Poll Highlights Strong Link between Sleep and Depressive Symptoms in US Population,” National Sleep Foundation, (March 9, 2023) https://www.thensf.org/nsf-poll-highlights-strong-link-between-sleep-and-depressive-symptoms-in-us-population/

“Symptoms & Diagnosis,” Restless Legs Syndrome Foundation, (February 24, 2024) https://www.rls.org/understanding-rls/symptoms-diagnosis

  1. Silber et al. “The Management of Restless Legs Syndrome: An Updated Algorithm,” Mayo ClinicProceedings(July 2021). https://www.mayoclinicproceedings.org/action/showPdf?pii=S0025-6196%2820%2931489-0

  ã All rights reserved 2024, Jennie E. Johnson, RN-BC, PhD

Should Grandparents Discipline their Grandkids: What are the Rules?

Should Grandparents Discipline their Grandkids: What are the Rules?

by | Apr 14, 2024 | Healthy Living

If you’re a parent or grandparent you’ve probably wondered what the rules are regarding the appropriate use of discipline with grandchildren. Should you, or shouldn’t you? What about those uncomfortable times when children misbehave in front of you and the parents? What if you disagree on their approach? Rather, are you afraid to be a bad guy or do you spoil them? This blog will describe parenting styles that work best and provide insight into some of these questions.

Today nearly 7 million grandparents live with at least one grandchild <18. Of those 2.3 million are raising the grandchild. Many others are helping on a regular basis. Whether you’re a parent or grandparent it’s important to know which parenting style is the most effective.

In 1966 psychologist Diane Baumrind identified 3 different parenting styles: Authoritarian, Permissive and Authoritative. Later Neglectful Parenting was added. A plethora of research has been conducted over the years to identify which approach has been the most successful.

Neglectful Parenting
This style is the unhealthiest. The child is neglected in physical, emotional and a myriad of other ways. No standards or rules are imposed. The most damaging to the child is the lack of warmth, kindness and love.

Authoritarian Parenting
This parent provides a bit more warmth but lacks the amount needed by the child. Mom or Dad demand blind obedience and use harsh punishments and threats to gain the desired behavior. While this style may appear to be affective, the child grows up resenting the parents and distances him or herself from the family.

 Permissive Parenting
This parent provides an abundance of warmth but is reluctant to set rules and boundaries. The children are allowed to regulate themselves.

Authoritative Parenting
Research has shown that this style is the best for raising healthy, resilient loving children who will be successful in life. The parents are warm, share positive feedback for good behavior and set limits. Parents explain and reason with their children but do apply consequences for poor behavior choices. Bad behavior is not tolerated.

Authoritative Parents May Say:

  • I take my child’s wishes and feelings into consideration before I ask her to do something.
  • I encourage my child to talk about his feelings.
  • I try to help when my child is scared or upset.
  • I provide my child with reasons for the expectations I have for her.
  • I respect my child’s opinion and encourage him or her to express them…even if they are different from my own.

Less Authoritative Parents May Say:

I ignore my child’s misbehavior.
I bribe my child to get him to comply with my wishes.
I explode in anger toward my child.
I punish my child by withdrawing affection.

I don’t know about you, but many of us have probably found ourselves on both lists at one time or another. We’re human. Bad behavior and temper tantrums can be exhausting! What’s important is not that we don’t make mistakes but that we learn from them.

As a grandmother I’d love to go back and do things differently for my own children. I have that chance now with my grandchildren. I’m not responsible for them 24 hours a day and can enjoy the time I’m with them. My gift of time gives Mom and Dad a much-needed break. I’ve learned that playing with children makes up for a lot of mistakes. I’ve also learned to frequently ask Mom or Dad permission when to provide snacks, TV time or discipline ideas as needed. We’re a team and they’re the boss. I’m updating my childhood strategies skills again and found the following resources extremely helpful:

The New Strong-Willed Child (2017) by Dr. James Dobson
I read this book twice when I was a young mother and again as a grandmother. While I don’t agree with all his approaches I’ve found his writing style, wisdom and storytelling timely and helpful. Child psychologist Dobson helps describe the thinking and behavior behind a strong-willed child. I firmly believe God gives each of us at least one to keep us humble. Our firstborn was so easy I couldn’t understand the big deal about raising children until our #2 barnburner  came along. He was into everything and required so much more regulating. Dobson helped me understand to say what you mean and mean what you say and follow bad behavior with immediate consequences. Our little barnburner grew up into a very loving father, husband, finance guru and head elder for his church.

The Whole Brain-Child: 12 Revolutionary Steps to Nurture your Child’s Developing Mind (2012) by Daniel Siegel and Tina Bryson

My younger daughter and son-in-law recommended this book. They had 4 children in 6 years and were looking for helpful parenting tips in a very busy household. I loved how it helped me understand the impulse control issues of children. Siegel and Bryson’s techniques taught me how to help our strong-willed 10-year-old granddaughter stop and take a pause before she acts inappropriately.

Sophie…I know that you’re frustrated that you can’t watch TV right now. It’s important to get your math homework done to take back to school tomorrow. Do you think that you could get your math done first and then watch TV?

First, I’m acknowledging her emotion and that I hear her. Secondly, the mini timeout gives her a moment to let her emotions catch up with the cognitive thinking parts of her brain. If she reacts emotionally, she’ll get into trouble but if she takes a breath, she’ll have a moment to figure out a more positive coping response to a frustrating situation…a win for both of us.

If this technique doesn’t work…then I would use the Super Nanny technique (described below). We don’t always get it right, but it’s helped us many times to avoid an escalation in troubling behavior. Taking a pause when confronted with frustrating situations is good advice for us all.

The Gift of Failure: How the Best Parents Learn to Let Go So their Children Can Succeed, (2016) by Jessica Lahey

My children also recommended this book. It was written by a teacher with years of experience with children. Lahey describes the students who succeed and those who struggle and the parenting approaches that were most effective. How many times do we bail our children out of situations they’ve created because we don’t want them to fail? She argues that consequences teach responsibility. Life will be hard for children who don’t learn to overcome failure. A boss won’t bail them out when they forget to complete a task so why do we?

Super Nanny TV Series
This show was truly a delightful surprise. Our children were in college when this show ran. My son and his wife watched this program before they had their family. To this day, they can’t explain why. However, they learned incredible parenting skills. They potty trained their little ones in a few days, run a tight ship, are truly fun and have 3 little ones that absolutely adore them. They credit it to God and Super Nanny. From my perspective, they’re best kept secret is that they are as tough as they are fun. I watched one episode, and I was hooked. It’s such commonsense parenting. I loved it!

Best Tip of the Day from Super Nanny (Season 7, Episode 4)
With Mom’s permission, we worked with our grandchildren (3, 8 and 10) that we watch 3 days a week. Following Super Nanny’s advice from this episode, we had them make a list of bad behaviors. They wrote each one on a paper plate and hung them from some thread or ribbon.

We discussed the consequence for each misbehavior. The more serious bad behavior, the stronger the consequence. However, timeouts work for the minor infractions, even for the 10-year-old. I really loved the Nanny’s verbal techniques when intervening in a challenging situation. She said, You must use a non-conversational firm voice in simple terms while giving the child a warning.

Sophie, look at me! If you continue to use that rude tone with me, you’ll go into time out for 10 minutes on the kitchen chair by yourself.

If the behavior continues,
Sophie, look at me…eyes on me…you have broken one of the rules. Go into timeout. If you continue to be rude the consequence will be greater. You’ll lose TV tomorrow.

I can’t tell you how many young parents I’ve seen use a super polite voice when a firmer one is required to differentiate that I mean business. Watch the episode when Nanny is working with Dad. It really does work and grabs the child’s attention. This technique has worked for us time and again.

A Word to Parents
If you grew up and became a wonderful successful adult, it didn’t happen by accident. Someone nurtured, guided, and disciplined you in a loving kind way or you got a lot of therapy to make up for their mistakes. If you’re struggling with a discipline problem, ask your parents for their thoughts. Chances are they see it too and have a wealth of insight that may help. Don’t wait for them to approach you with their concerns. Besides you don’t have to take their advice. Thank them and let them know you’ll think and pray about it. Forgive them for their parenting mistakes, you’ll be making them too. Apologize to your children when fatigue or daily stressors they don’t understand impact your discipline. Play with them…it makes up for a lot of our mistakes.

A Word to Grandparents
It’s so hard to keep quiet when a little one is acting out of control, and we see the writing on the wall if the behavior isn’t corrected. God bless the adult children who ask for our advice before we have to share our concerns. Our motivation is love.

However, remember, our adult children are living in dangerous times to be raising children. Most of us (Boomers) don’t have the foggiest clue about how the internet works and the perils today’s parents face. Pornography, game addictions, web bullying and all other atrocities are easily accessed over the internet with a cell phone or computer. So many children spend too much time on technology, robbing their social skills. We must trust and pray they’ll get the wisdom they need to deal with the harm from all of it.

Further, children in the past who struggled emotionally in junior high often suffered from an eating disorder, now those same children question their gender. Time will tell if gender identity therapies have helped or permanently harmed. Further, parental rights are being eroded. We must have empathy for today’s parents dealing with issues we never faced. Be patient, polite and approach them with an Oreo. For every negative comment (which I hope are few) sandwich it between 2 positive ones. The medicine will be taken more easily.

For those of us blessed to live close to our grandchildren and be in their lives on a regular basis, we must be a team, and they’re the coach. Our goals are to raise little people to do battle with all of the hurts, struggles and demons that they will face in adulthood. Let’s remember to honor one another. And where there is love, there is forgiveness for our mistakes.

 A Final Word from Me.
Two of our children live in other states so we’re the visiting grandparents. We discipline if a problem arises, and especially if the parents aren’t around. We’re much more fun with them. However, we help our single daughter three days a week. We work together to develop strategies that are best for all 3 young children. Mom is exhausted when we arrive after battling parenting alone.

We pick up the house, prepare meals, help with baths, homework and play with them. It’s hard work but an act of love. She thanks us for our time with a tax-free financial gift which is so appreciated on a fixed income. Recently, I heard a young man brag how his mother-in-law babysits for them several days of the week, so they don’t have to pay childcare. I wondered if he remembered her in a special way at Christmas or other holidays or just took her for granted.

Finally, my mother-in-law was a brilliant student who gave up college to devote her life to care for her family. She taught me how to be a good wife and mother. Just before I left to care for our first grandchild she said, the best thing you can do is…keep your mouth shut and just wash the dishes. Sage advice indeed. Discipline is a challenge for all of us but a very important aspect of love. God bless you in this chapter of your lives for adult children and grandchildren are a gift from God…every single one of them.

No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it (Hebrews 12:11).

If you’d like to read my other blogs you may visit my website for more information (jenniejohnsonrn.com). Author of Helping the Hurting: Nursing Ministry in the Body of Christ (2022) and Wake Up Call 911: It’s Time to Reduce your Risk for a Heart Attack and Stroke (2015).

References:
“National Grandparents Day, September 10, 2023,” US Census, (September 10, 2023). https://www.census.gov/newsroom/stories/grandparents-day.html

“The Authoritative Parenting Style: An Evidenced Based Guide,” Parenting Science (April 7, 2023). https://parentingscience.com/authoritative-parenting-style/

 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. Email me for details at:  ask@jenniejohnsonrn.com.

The Link between Vitamin D and a Stronger Immunity: The Role in Infection and Cancer Prevention

The Link between Vitamin D and a Stronger Immunity: The Role in Infection and Cancer Prevention

by | Feb 2, 2024 | Healthy Living

Research is emerging connecting higher blood levels of Vitamin D with improved immunity to fight infections and cancers. However, most people are seriously deficient and unaware of the danger to their health. Few healthcare providers measure it, let alone treat it.

Why is Vitamin D so important?

Vitamin D is needed to absorb calcium and promote cellular functions. Every immunity cell in the body needs Vitamin D to activate thousands of specific genes to fight infections, inflammation and destroy abnormal cells. If someone has a low amount of Vitamin D, immunity will be greatly reduced. Studies have shown that higher D levels prevent heart disease, reduce cancer risk, improve blood pressure and diabetes. A blood test will help you identify if you’re dangerously low. Anecdotally, I’ve heard doctors say that it isn’t Cold/Flu Season that brings on illness but rather low Vitamin D Season.

Early in the Pandemic, Israeli researchers examined the Vitamin D levels of 1,400 participants who took a COVID-19 test from February 2020 to April of 2020 (before COVID-19 vaccines).

· Only 10% tested positive for COVID-19 if their Vitamin D level was above 30 ng/ml.

· However, if the Vitamin D level was below 30 ng/ml, nearly 90% tested positive for COVID-19.

· Adults with an average age of 50 were also more likely to be hospitalized with a COVID-19 complication if their Vitamin D levels were below 30 ng/ml.

 What impacts Vitamin D levels?

Sunlight, oily fish, some fortified foods and supplements increase Vitamin D levels but most of us don’t get enough. It’s challenging because too much sun increases risk for skin cancers. Darker skinned people are at greater risk for Vitamin D deficiency due to higher levels of melanin in their skin which blocks the sun. People living in northern climates or use high levels of sunblock are also at greater risk. Supplements are needed to raise levels to protect against infections and cancers.

How does the body produce Vitamin D?

Sunlight absorbed through the skin and foods turns into cholecalciferol which goes to the liver. Vitamin D3 supplements are in the form of cholecalciferol. It’s a slow process that takes approximately 21 days for the liver to change cholecalciferol into 25(OH) D calcifediol, the form needed by the immune cells. Calcifediol is then stored in the blood. It is this form of Vitamin D that is measured by a blood test. Thus, once you increase your Vitamin D intake, it will take 3 weeks before it’s ready to be used.

When an infection, illness or abnormal cell develops, the immune cells use some of the stored calcifediol to make a fast-acting form of Vitamin D called calcitriol. It only takes 2 hours to change the stored calcifediol into calcitriol. The T lymphocyte fighter white blood cells use this form to activate 11,000 genes that destroy infections, and abnormal cells. If your Vitamin D levels are low, you will not have enough for the fighter cells to do their job. Infections and cancers worsen.

A small study in Spain found immediate benefits from administering the fast acting (2 hour) calcitriol form of vitamin D to ill patients hospitalized with COVID-19 Pneumonia. While a study done in Brazil gave the slow acting supplement cholecalciferol to ICU patients which showed no benefit. Their results are not surprising since slow acting cholecalciferol would take 3 weeks for the liver to convert it to a form the cells could use. Sick patients need Vitamin D immediately. The faster acting form calcitriol probably would have shown a huge benefit but wasn’t given.

Interestingly, calcitriol is not available throughout the world. One has to wonder why studies haven’t been done and why this faster acting safe effective supplement isn’t available everywhere for sick patients. The bottom line for now is to increase your Vitamin D3 cholecalciferol (slower form now available) weeks before you think you might need it or remain on it all year long.

What does the lab value of Vitamin D mean?

Quest Diagnostic Values

Optimal                      30 ng/ml to 100 ng/ml

Low optimal               20 ng/ml to 29 ng/ml

Low deficiency           less than 20 ng/ml

While guidelines vary, increasingly, most recognize that anything below 30 is deficient and unsafe. Many recommend reaching a level above 40.

How much should you take?

As a nurse I’m not at liberty to tell you how much Vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) you should take, since I don’t know anything about you or your medical history. It’s best to begin with a Vitamin D blood test and follow your healthcare provider’s advice. My husband and I take 4,000 IU’s a day with 100 mcg of K2 (MK-7) to keep our D levels around 40.

Vitamin D plays a major role in regulating blood calcium levels. When it’s too low, Vitamin D will pull calcium out of the bones needed for body processes. Higher doses of Vitamin D can cause too much calcium to circulate in the blood. K2(MK-7) is a vitamin that helps to keep calcium in the bones when taking Vitamin D supplements.

It’s always important to check with your provider, especially if you’re taking blood thinners! Vitamin K makes the blood clot more easily. Supplements of any kind may NOT be appropriate for some people.

Speak with your provider about the appropriate dose of D3 for an infant, toddler, older child, adult, senior, obese patient, people with mal-absorption syndrome and anyone taking medications. Specific guidelines are not available for pregnant and breastfeeding women.

What are the side effects from Vitamin D?

Most people tolerate Vitamin D3 supplements very well but it’s important to get your blood level checked and work with you provider. Some side effects may be:

· Increased calcium blood levels

· Nausea and vomiting

· Constipation

· Weakness

· Confusion

· Kidney stones

On a personal note:

Recently, a friend saw her healthcare provider who diagnosed her with osteopenia, a disease that leads to brittle bones that may fracture easily. Her Vitamin D level was in the 20’s and was told to take 2,000 units of Vitamin D each day. I was shocked at this prescription. The level is probably too low for her problem and most likely requires a much higher dose. I encouraged her to get a second opinion with a provider who is more current on the treatment for osteopenia. She agreed. My advice to you is learn more about Vitamin D deficiency. Get your level tested and ask your provider how much you need to raise it to safe levels.

Gracious words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the body.

(Proverbs 16:24).

References:

Ghelani, D,  Alesia, S. & Mousa, A. “Vitamin D and COVID-19: An Overview of Recent Evidence,” Pubmed, September 29, 2021. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8509048/

“Vitamin D,” Mayo Clinic, August 10, 2023. https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements-vitamin-d/art-20363792

Merzon, et al., “Low Plasma 25(OH) Vitamin D Level Is Associated with Increased Risk of COVID-19 Infection: An Israeli Population Based Study,” The FEBS Journal, July 23, 2020. https://doi.org/10.1111/febs.15495

Elamir, Y. M et al. “A Randomized Pilot Study Using Calcitriol in Hospitalized Patients,” Pubmed, January 2022. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8425676/

Murai I.H. et al. “Effect of a Single High Dose of Vitamin D3 on Hospital Length of Stay in Patients With Moderate to Severe COVID-19: A Randomized Clinical Trial.” JAMA. 2021;325:1053–1060. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33595634/

“Vitamin D Numbers What the Really Mean,” Quest Diagnostics,2024. https://www.questdiagnostics.com/healthcare-professionals/about-our-tests/endocrine-disorders/vitamin-d-numbers    

Daniel A. “Meet Vitamin D3 + K2: The Potent Pairing of Essential Vitamins You Need Daily” BrainMD, May 15, 2023. https://brainmd.com/blog/benefits-of-vitamin-d3-k2/

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 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. Email me for details at:  ask@jenniejohnsonrn.com.

Understanding Chronic Post Vaccination Syndrome

Understanding Chronic Post Vaccination Syndrome

by | Dec 7, 2023 | COVID-19 Top Ten, Healthy Living

Understanding Chronic Post Vaccination Syndrome

Recently there has been an increase in reported complications following COVID-19 infections and COVID-19 vaccines. This article will explore the new potential phenomenon of chronic post vaccination syndrome while the January blog will explore long COVID symptoms.

According to the CDC the most common COVID-19 vaccine side effects following an injection are pain, swelling, arm redness, fatigue, headache muscle pain, chills, nausea and fever. Rare complications are anaphylactic shock (potential fatal allergic response), Guillain-Barre Syndrome (neurological problems), Myocarditis, Pericarditis and Thrombosis (blood clotting).  

However, Yale researchers have identified a potential new phenomenon called Chronic Post Vaccination Syndrome. They evaluated 241 adults with a median age of 47 from May 2022 to July 2023 who completed the Yale Listen to Immune, Symptom and Treatment Experiences Now (LISTEN). The median time of adverse symptom onset was 3 days after vaccination (range 1 to 8 days). For many the symptoms lasted up to a year or more.

The five most common symptoms reported were exercise intolerance (71%), excessive fatigue (69%), numbness (63%), brain fog (63%) and neuropathy (63%). The median number of different treatments for symptoms was 20 (range 13 to 30). While this was a self-reported study and had a relatively low number of participants it does raise questions regarding the potential for long term problems following a COVID-19 vaccine injection. Cleary more research is needed to understand the significance of these findings.

Further, in the United States the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS) was designed to determine if any harm occurred related to any vaccine. Before the pandemic there were on average 60,000 reports filed each year regarding vaccine injury but in 2021 that number rose to 660,000. It’s difficult to ascertain the relevance of this increase as the number of people vaccinated increased dramatically as well.

It is well known that most people do not complete VAERS reports following vaccine injuries. Some have reported that VAERS’ employees are understaffed and it’s a very complicated system to use when reporting a negative event. Honestly, I had a nasty reaction to a vaccine 12 years ago and it wasn’t on my radar to report it and I’m a nurse with a PhD.

Interestingly, another controversy arose regarding whether the technique for administering the vaccine may explain some of the longer-term harm that has been observed. Some who experienced serious vaccine injury complained of a metallic taste in their mouth seconds after receiving a COVID-19 vaccine. Members of the Danish Serum Institute postulate that perhaps the vaccine or Spike Protein was inadvertently carried directly into the heart via the venous system rather than remaining in the muscle as intended. They wondered if the lack of utilizing the aspiration technique may explain some of the myocarditis observed following a COVID-19 vaccine.

For many years, aspiration was the preferred method for safely administering any intramuscular (IM) injection. The needle was inserted into the muscle and then the plunger was pulled back to check for a blood return. If any blood was visible, it was assumed the needle was in a blood vessel. If the medication was injected it could become intravenous and spread throughout the body. The medical technician was to remove the needle, discard the entire vaccine and try again. If no blood was observed, it was assumed the needle was in the muscle and safe to inject the medication.

Although rare, it has been well documented that young men have been especially impacted by myocarditis from the COVID-19 vaccines. The theory is that the Spike Protein infects the heart muscle causing inflammation and perhaps leaves a scar. The damaged area interrupts the electrical current of the heart. If one exercises vigorously the disruption could lead to cardiac arrest.

The World Health Organization and the CDC do not recommend the aspiration technique which may increase pain during the injection. However, the Danish Serum Institute stated there is enough data to recommend the aspiration technique for all COVID-19 vaccines.

Finally, in the United Kingdom they are now recommending that unless you have a serious medical condition or vulnerability that healthy people under the age of 65 do not need the COVID-19 boosters. However, in the US the CDC recommends it for anyone over 6 months old.

Clearly more research is needed. You can help! if you suffered any vaccine injury…please report it to the VAERS program so they will have more data to evaluate the situation. You may call them at 1-800-822-7967 or email them at info@vaers.org. Their website is https://vaers.hhs.gov/

God bless you as you prayerfully make decisions regarding your health.

Merry Christmas to you all…

God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble (Psalm 46:1).

References:

“Getting Your COVID-19 Vaccine,” CDC, September 29, 2023. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/expect.html

“Selected Adverse Events Reported After COVID-19 Vaccinations, “ CDC, September 12, 2023. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/safety/adverse-events.html

Krumholz et al. Preprint “Post-vaccination Syndrome: A Descriptive Analysis of Reported Symptoms and Patient Experiences after COVID-19 Immunization.” MedRX Preprint, November 10, 2023. https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.11.09.23298266v1.full.pdf

Vaccine Adverse Reporting Event System (VAERS), https://vaers.hhs.gov/

  1. Block, “Is the US Vaccine Reporting System Broken?” The BMJ, November 10, 2023. https://www.bmj.com/content/383/bmj.p2582

  1. Rzymski & A. Fal, “To Aspirate or Not to Aspirate? Considerations for the COVID-19 Vaccine,” Pharmacol. Rep. March 23, 2022. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8941363/

  1. Schnirring, “UK Releases Recommendations for Fall COVID-19 Boosters,” CIDRAP, August 8, 2023. https://www.cidrap.umn.edu/covid-19/uk-releases-recommendations-fall-covid-boosters

“Updated COVID-19 Vaccination Recommendations Are Now Available,” CDC, September 12, 2023. https://www.cdc.gov/respiratory-viruses/whats-new/covid-vaccine-recommendations-9-12-2023.html

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 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. Email me for details at:  ask@jenniejohnsonrn.com.

How to Use an Inhaler to Reduce Your Cough

How to Use an Inhaler to Reduce Your Cough

by | Nov 7, 2023 | Healthy Living

As we embark on the cyclical COVID/Flu/Cold season, it’s a good time to review how to use an inhaler properly to reduce the impact of a virus or other irritation within your lungs.

Healthcare providers prescribe inhalers for a variety of reasons. Anything that irritates the lungs may be a very good reason to have one: asthma, lung damage from smoking, viruses and bacteria. There are different medications delivered directly into the lungs via an inhaler. The two main types either open tight narrowed airways (Albuterol) or reduce inflammation and irritation (inhaled steroids).

The main problem that I witness in patients is how to use one properly to receive the benefits of the inhaled medication. A respiratory therapist provided me with some great tips to get the best benefits from the inhaled medicine.

First, it’s very important to use an aerochamber with the inhaler. It’s also known as a valve holding chamber or spacer and makes using an inhaler much easier and I highly recommend that you get one.

The following steps will help you get more medicine deeper into your lungs to relieve the tight feeling and annoying cough. 

  1. Shake the inhaler for 10 seconds. If its new or hasn’t been used for 1 to 2 weeks push a few puffs into the air.
  2. Place the inhaler into the aerochamber and your mouth around the mouthpiece.
  3. Take a deep breath, blow it out. As you inhale again (deeply) take a puff from the inhaler and hold your breath (if you can) for 10 seconds to allow the medicine to move deeper into your lungs.
  4. After the 10 second breath hold, slowly breathe in and out for 3 to 5 times. If you hear a whistle, you’re breathing too fast. Slow down until the sound stops.
  5. Don’t speak for 5 minutes to allow the medicine to move deeper into the lungs.
  6. After 5 minutes, you can take a second puff if ordered by your doctor. Repeat steps 2 through 5.

The first puff begins to open the airways which allows the medication from the second puff to go even deeper into your lungs. Follow your healthcare provider’s directions on what inhaler to use, how many puffs, when to use it, and how often to use your inhaler.

If you’re vulnerable to wheezing or have a tight cough an inhaler may be very helpful. You may be able to reduce the irritation in your lungs if you use it at the first sign of a cough.

Remember to describe any side effects with your healthcare provider. The American Lung Association has additional information.

God bless you as you navigate through this winter season.

The Lord sustains him on his sickbed; in his illness you restore him to full health (Psalm 41:3).

Resources:

“How To Use a Metered-Dose Inhaler with a Valve Holding Chamber (Spacer),” The American Lung Association. https://www.lung.org/lung-health-diseases/lung-disease-lookup/asthma/treatment/devices/metered-dose-inhaler-chamber-spacer 

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 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. Email me for details at:  ask@jenniejohnsonrn.com.

Vitamin D3 & K2: What You Should Know

Vitamin D3 & K2: What You Should Know

by | Oct 4, 2023 | Healthy Living

As we move into the Cold and Flu season, it’s important to review the relationship between Vitamin D3 supplements and the need to also take K2.

Vitamin D helps maintain good calcium levels in the blood needed for strong bones and other body functions. Importantly, the Vitamin D receptors are found in every immune cell of the body and thus play a powerful role in immunity. A recent study found that low levels of Vitamin D increase risk for asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, TB and viral respiratory infections …most notably COVID-19. It’s also protective against hypertension, diabetes, cancer, dementia, and kidney disease.

However, too much Vitamin D may lead to high levels of calcium in the blood. This excess calcium may get deposited in the tissues where it doesn’t belong leading to hardening of the arteries or other problems. Vitamin K2 helps regulate where the excess calcium goes keeping it in the bones. While K2 may be increased through fermented foods, most of us don’t get enough.

Vitamin D levels can be measured, and you should ask your doctor to order a test. Blood levels between 40 to 60 ng./ml. have been shown to be most protective. Most people are well below these levels.

Increasingly, researchers are finding that Vitamin D3, K2 and calcium are needed for good health. They are inexpensive, easy to take, have minimal side effects with huge benefits but they can be dangerous in some conditions. Always speak to your healthcare provider before taking them. If you’re on blood thinners, it’s especially important because K2 supplements may increase blood clotting.

May you be blessed with good health this next Cold/Flu/COVID season.

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

References:
Ogasawara et al. “The Effect of 1 Hydroxy Vitamin D Treatment in Hospitalized Patients with COVID-19: A Retrospective Study” Clinical Nutrition, October 2023.

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0261561423002790

“What to Know about Vitamin K2 and It’s Health Benefits” Nutrition, Cleveland Clinic, March 9, 2023.  https://health.clevelandclinic.org/vitamin-k2/.

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 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. Email me for details at:  ask@jenniejohnsonrn.com.