Wake Up America: Stop Childhood Trafficking

Wake Up America: Stop Childhood Trafficking

by | May 6, 2024 | Uncategorized

This blog was initiated 3 years ago to inform the reader about current health-related topics that are underreported in the news; even the controversial ones. Last night My husband and I watched the Sound of Freedom. We kept waiting for the right time to view it. Sadly, we should have watched it much sooner. It was a call to action for us and I hope you’ll watch it and feel the same motivation to do something about this horrific problem facing us today.


Childhood Trafficking

The movie was based on the real story of Agent Tim Ballard an undercover operative for Homeland Security who served on the US Child Sex Tourism Jump Team. It’s the story of the horrific problem of child abduction that facilitates egregious sexual abuse by pedophiles. No matter what your position is on the southern border, untold numbers of children are being smuggled across it to suffer repeated sexual abuse.

Startling quotes from the movie:

·      Human trafficking is a 150 billion dollar-a-year business. The United States is one of the top destinations for human trafficking and is among the largest consumers of child sex.

·      There are more humans trapped in slavery today than any other time in history-including when slavery was legal. Millions of these slaves are children.

·      It’s one of the most lucrative crimes because a single child can be forced into sexual abuse with a different pedophile 5 to 6 times a day.

·      God’s children are not for sale.


The cartels are making billions of dollars on their ability to smuggle children and illicit drugs across our borders. One has to ask…why is hardly anyone doing anything to stop it? How can we sit by and allow this to happen to these little ones? God is certainly watching and awaiting our response.


Call to Action

First, I’d recommend that you watch the movie Sound of Freedom to better understand the issue. It’s available for free if you’re an amazon Prime Member.

Secondly, I suggest you get involved. Find out who the do-nothing political wolves are hiding behind sheep’s clothing. Some of the worst have been in government far too long and have become corrupted by greed, yet they keep getting reelected. The wolves exist in both parties! They sing a song that they’ll represent us and vote in ways to solve problems but do the opposite. Be informed. Look at what they’ve done– not what they say they’ll do.

In my local area, we have a state senator (elected 2 years ago) who is truly working to pass laws that reduce corruption and change government. He has a huge target on his back now and running against a wolf in our own party. Money is pouring in from out of the state to stop his effective common-sense positions on troubling issues of the day.

I’ve decided to get involved, donate to his and other campaigns, and do what I can to get the word out. The primaries in each state provide the opportunity to eliminate the wolves within our own parties. If we all do our part, we can truly change things.

Besides, getting involved in whatever way you can, will be good for your blood pressures because you’re actively doing something to change the world. Like it or not the US is still the leader of the free world because we’re so blessed to live in a country with so many riches. Until recently our system has served us well, but will it remain if we continue to allow evil to prosper?


Finally, may the Lord watch over us. May the people rise up and stop all of this evil and nonsense. May we be blessed with a better Judeo/Christian government that fears the Lord as our founders intended.


He (Israelite King Manasseh and people) did much evil in the sight of the Lord, provoking Him (God) to anger…I am bringing upon Jerusalem and Judah such disaster that the ears of everyone who hears of it will tingle … and give them (the people) into the hand of their enemies (2 Kings 21: 6).

And He did…


I would appreciate your comments if you’ve seen the movie or what you’ve done to eliminate the wolves within your own party or government.

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).

   
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

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

Unexpected Deaths from Heart Attacks, Strokes, and Myocarditis Have Increased Worldwide: Do You Know the Signs & Symptoms

Unexpected Deaths from Heart Attacks, Strokes, and Myocarditis Have Increased Worldwide: Do You Know the Signs & Symptoms

by | Mar 3, 2024 | Uncategorized

Death rates worldwide has increased dramatically in the past 3 years especially among young people 35 to 44 years old. Questions remain regarding the cause. Is it related to a lingering Long COVID-19 phenomenon, a post COVID vaccine complication or something else? More importantly, would you recognize the symptoms in yourself or in a loved one? Would you know what to do?

How do heart attacks develop?
When you’re born, the inside lining of all your arteries is smooth like the inside of your cheek. Over time damage may occur. High blood pressure causes a sandpaper effect on the lining, while elevated blood sugar scratches it. Smoking of any kind worsens the buildup. The body sends white blood cells to the area to heal it which becomes reddened and swollen much like a pimple. LDL (bad) cholesterol traveling through the blood can become lodged in the irritated damaged areas. The inflammation worsens.

A tear or rupture can occur in the damaged area. Platelets move in to stop the bleeding. A large blood clot forms which blocks the artery. If a chewable baby aspirin is taken immediately, it may slow down the platelet or clotting activity.

How can I discover if I have a blockage?
Most alarming is that most heart attacks and strokes occur in small lesions that aren’t typically found on most diagnostic medical stress tests until they are much larger. However, there is a new test that is available in most major cities, recommended by national guidelines, but underutilized in far too many communities: Non-contrast Coronary Artery Calcium Score Test.

When there is inflammation anywhere in the body for a long time it becomes calcified and usually visible on X-rays: old tumors, TB or arterial plaque build-up, etc. This test measures the amount of calcified deposits in 4 main coronary arteries. It’s a marker for how much plaque is building up: a small, moderate or large amount.

Who should get this test?
If you’ve already had a heart attack, have a diagnosed blockage or had a stent inserted this test is NOT for you. It’s already known that you’re at greater risk because you have a problem and are being treated. However, if you’re a woman over 50 or a man over 40, with a strong family history of heart disease, or you have risk factors…I recommend the non-contrast screening test.

What are the risk factors for a heart attack or stroke?

  • Smoking
  • High blood pressure
  • Abnormal cholesterol and triglycerides
  • Diabetes
  • Obesity
  • Inactivity
  • Poor sleep
  • You are a woman over 50 or male over 40.
  • Family history with a male relative who had a heart attack before 55 or female before 65.

What do the results mean?

Calcium Score

Presence of Coronary Artery Disease (CAD)

0 No evidence of CAD

1-10 Minimal evidence of CAD

11-100 Mild evidence of CAD

101- 400 Moderate evidence of CAD

Greater than 400 Extensive evidence of CAD

*Radiology Info for Patients

Higher amounts require more aggressive treatments to slow the plaque buildup and heal the inflamed areas. A harder fibrous cap forms over the damaged areas preventing plaque rupture or heart attack. Follow up tests may be needed.

Most larger hospitals have this test available. Some states require a healthcare provider’s order or referral while others do not. You can call any major hospital center and find out if they have it and requirements to get it.

What are the signs and symptoms of a heart attack?

  • Any discomfort from the chin down to the naval.
  • Any discomfort that moves down the arms or into the back.
  • A toothache or jaw pain.
  • Dizziness
  • Nausea
  • Unusual fatigue

There are a lot of organs in this region and the symptoms may not be related to a heart attack. You’ll be treated as if it is coming from the heart until tests reveal its another problem. The symptoms may be mild or severe. Dizziness, nausea, and fatigue are more common in women while men may experience more crushing chest pain. If in doubt seek immediate care!

What is myocarditis (inflammation of the heart)?
It’s now well known that the COVID-19 mRNA vaccines can cause myocarditis. The spike protein can travel to the heart causing inflammation and swelling in the damaged area. The heart’s normal electrical pattern may be disrupted. Physical activity in the presence of myocarditis stresses the heart and may cause lethal arrythmias (abnormal heart rhythms) and sudden death. The immediate treatment is rest (no exercise) and steroids to reduce the inflammation and allow the area to heal. It’s diagnosed with an echocardiogram.

What are the symptoms of myocarditis?

  • Fatigue
  • Shortness of breath
  • Fever
  • Chest pain
  • Hard, rapid, or irregular heartbeat
  • Light-headedness or fainting
  • Flulike symptoms including headache, body ache, joint pain or sore throat.

How do strokes develop?
A similar clot formation occurs in 87% of strokes while 13% are caused by bleeding. Tragically few people get to the hospital in time to get the special medications to stop or reverse a stroke. There is a 4.5 hour window from the time the symptoms begin until it’s safe to give special clot busting drugs. Immediate surgery is often needed for strokes caused by bleeding.

What are the signs and symptoms of a stroke (FAST)?

  • F          Face:      Is there drooping of one side of the mouth more so than the other?
  • A         Arms:    If both arms are raised…does one arm droop?
  • S          Speech: Are words slurred when speaking?
  • T         Time:    Note the time symptoms began. Call 911 to get to the hospital fast!

Clearly, a great deal of research is needed to understand why the sudden death rate especially in young people has increased around the world since 2021. Scientists question whether the spike protein from a lingering COVID infection or a complication from a COVID vaccine may be contributing to this problem. It could also be some other phenomenon as well. All individuals need to be aware of the potential causes and know the signs and symptoms of a heart attack, stroke, and myocarditis. Get screened if you think you might be at increased risk and pray for answers to these puzzling questions.

Additional resource
My book, Wake Up Call 911: It’s Time to Reduce your Risk for a Heart Attack and Stroke is available as an eBook on amazon or a paperback via my website. It was written with a nurse’s voice in a simple, easy to understand manner filled with stories for an easy read. It contains everything that you need to know about heart attacks, strokes and risk factors. Simple strategies that people can easily do are included to live a healthier life. Psychologists have taught us a lot about “what works” when changing harmful behaviors. You don’t have to eat like a rabbit or exercise daily in a gym. Small changes pay huge dividends in your health. God bless you as you learn strategies to deal with a potential heart attack, stroke or myocarditis.

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’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).

References:

  1. Lory & M. Pfeiffer, “More Yong People are Dying-and It’s Not COVID. Why Aren’t We Searching for Answers?” USA Today, (August 8, 2023). https://www.usatoday.com/story/opinion/2023/08/11/more-americans-dying-than-before-pandemic-covid-deaths/70542423007/

“Coronary Artery Calcium (CAC) Test,” American Heart Association, (2024). https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/heart-attack/diagnosing-a-heart-attack/cac-test

“Cardiac CT for Calcium Scoring,” RadiologyInfo.org, (April 15, 2022).  https://www.radiologyinfo.org/en/info/ct_calscoring

Khan et al. “COVID-19 Vaccine-Induced Myocarditis: A Systematic Review & Literature Search,” Pubmed, Cureus (July 28, 2022). https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9419896/

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

“Types of Strokes,” John Hopkins Medicine, (2024). https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/stroke/types-of-stroke

Brown, R. “Stroke,” Mayo Clinic, (December 12, 2023). https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/stroke/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20350119

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.

Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff

Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff

by | Jun 6, 2023 | Uncategorized

Recently we attended our 8-year-old grandson’s Little League baseball game and came across this amazing sign. It has life lessons for all of us.
Reminders from Your Child –

I’m a kid.
It’s just a game.
My coach is a volunteer.
The officials are human.
No college scholarships will be handed out today.
If you would like to change something…volunteer.

Hillside Little League (Omaha, Nebraska)

It made me think about how we all handle the stressors of our daily lives. Do we overreact or do we try and remain calm? A great quote from the book, The Gift of Failure: How the Best Parents Learn to Let Go So Their Children Can Succeed:

So, if you want to become the kind of person your child wants to be around after the big game, act more like a grandparent…Grandparents don’t criticize or micromanage in the moments after the game…. critique the coach’s strategy or referee’s call. Even in the face of embarrassing failures on the field, grandparents support their grandchildren.

What a great quote that avoids overreactions and is good for heart health.

Years ago, our son’s Pony League coach literally yelled at the officials whenever he perceived a bad call or when his son made an error on the field. I wasn’t surprised when a few years later he died from a massive heart attack in his 40’s.

An angry response or emotional reaction raises blood pressure to dangerous levels which damage the arteries and organs throughout the body leading to heart attacks, strokes, dementia and kidney damage.

So, the next time you have a situation that induces a great amount of anger, take a time out and go for a walk, deep breathe or say a prayer. Don’t count to 10…count to 1,000.

A fool gives full vent to his anger, but a wise man keeps himself under control (Proverbs 29:11).

Reference:

Jessica Lahey, The Gift of Failure: How the Best Parents Learn to Let Go So Their Children Can Succeed (2015).

Jennie 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…

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.

Are You Ready for an Emergency?

Are You Ready for an Emergency?

by | May 9, 2023 | Uncategorized

Whether it be a tornado, hurricane, flood, fire, or manmade disaster; dangers await just around the corner. Are you ready with survival kit supplies? The American Red Cross provides a great deal of information. The following cover only the basics.

  1. Water: 1 gallon per person/day (3-day supply for evacuation or 2 week supply for home).
  2. Food: easy to prepare, non-perishable (3-day supply for evacuation/2 weeks for home).
  3. Flashlight
  4. Battery powered or hand-crank radio (NOAA Weather Radio if possible).
  5. Extra batteries.
  6. First Aid Kit.
  7. Medications and medical supplies (for 7 days).
  8. Multipurpose tool and manual can opener.
  9. Sanitation and personal hygiene items.
  10. Copies of personal documents:
    a. Medication list, pertinent information, proof of address, deed/lease to home
    b. Passports, birth certificates, insurance policies.
  11. Cell phone with chargers.
  12. Family and emergency contact information.
  13. Extra cash.
  14. Emergency blanket.
  15. Map(s) of the area.
  16. Hearing aids with extra batteries, glasses, contact lenses, syringes, etc.
  17. Baby bottles, formula, food, diapers, etc.
  18. Games and activities for children.
  19. Pet supplies (collar, leash, ID, food, carrier, bowl).
  20. Two-way radios and extra set of car and house keys.

Visit the American Red Cross for additional supply items. May God keep you safe and prepared for any future disaster.

By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail (Benjamin Franklin).

Resources:

 “Survival Kit Supplies,” The American National Red Cross (2023). https://www.redcross.org/get-help/how-to-prepare-for-emergencies/survival-kit-supplies.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.

High Blood Pressure: The Silent Killer

High Blood Pressure: The Silent Killer

by | Apr 12, 2023 | Uncategorized

Recently, the news was filled with a great deal of stress and sadness. It’s a good time to check your blood pressure. Adrenalin surges from stress damage the inside lining of the arteries leading to heart and kidney disease, strokes, blindness and dementia.  Most people can’t feel it!

You can tell how you’re handling stress by checking your blood pressure at home. I recommend an automatic blood pressure machine that fits around your arm and plugs into power. You can find one online or at any pharmacy.

First, create a log with columns for date, time, first and second set of numbers. It’s helpful to have a column for unusual events such as whether you were under stress, consumed a salty meal or alcohol.

Normal blood pressure is 120/80 or lower. Anything higher than 130-139/80-89 is considered too high and begins to cause damage.

Sit in a chair with your back against it, feet on the floor and arm resting on a table. Sit quietly for 5 minutes than push the button. Record the blood pressure and pulse rate. Repeat the process in 3 minutes and record those numbers.

Do this in the morning before coffee or smoking and again at night before bed. It’s best to do this for 2 weeks, but one week will do. Give your doctor this information before each blood pressure follow-up visit.

If you’re having a stressful moment…stop and record the numbers. It will give you an indication of how your body is reacting to stress. Some people are fine until they are under stress. You may need a medication or lifestyle strategy to protect your heart during those bursts of adrenaline.

Eating a healthier diet lower in salt helps. The chemicals in fruits and vegetables naturally lower blood pressure. Exercise of any kind, reducing caffeine, smoking and weight also help.

Even if you do all these things your blood pressure may remain high. Your doctor may prescribe medications to protect your heart, brain and kidneys. Most have minimal if any side effects and are inexpensive.

Deep breathing and prayer help to put the fires out in an anxious heart. May God bless you as another day of traumatic news and daily annoyances may come upon us.

A fool gives full vent to his anger, but a wise man keeps himself under control (Proverbs 29:11).

Reference:

“Monitoring your Blood Pressure at Home,” (2023), American Heart Association. https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/high-blood-pressure/understanding-blood-pressure-readings/monitoring-your-blood-pressure-at-home.

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.

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/

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 at:  ask@jenniejohnsonrn.com.