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The Power of Positivity

by Jennie Johnson RN | 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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The Importance of Sleep

by Jennie Johnson RN | 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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Monkeypox: How Dangerous is it?

by Jennie Johnson RN | Sep 10, 2022 | Uncategorized

The new scourge to hit may be Monkeypox, but how dangerous is it? Recall that a plethora of viruses and bacteria are found throughout the earth; most do not cause disease. Monkeypox belongs in the family of viruses like Cowpox and Smallpox which were certainly much more deadly!

Primarily it’s been infecting people in Nigeria and the Congo. Due to international travel, an outbreak occurred within a gay community of homosexual men in England and is now spreading to other countries. In June 1, 2022 there were minimal cases in the US. Currently there are 21,000 in the US with 0 deaths and 56,600 cases globally.

It’s spread by direct contact with the lesions of an infected person, droplets exhaled or contact from infected drainage on materials such as linens.

COVID was much more contagious as the virus droplets were much smaller, airborne and could linger in the air for hours. Monkeypox droplets are heavier and fall to the floor. Close contact is needed to acquire the disease.

Common symptoms are chills (from fever), headache, back and joint pain, weakness, sore throat, other respiratory symptoms, itching and pain from the pox lesions.

The incubation period is 6 to 13 days from exposure. The rash appears 1 to 5 days after the first symptoms. The rash begins as a raised reddened area much like a pimple. Over time it opens…drains, forms a scab and falls off.

The CDC recommends isolation from other people and pets (can also spread the disease) “from the time symptoms start until the rash has fully healed and a fresh layer of skin has formed.” This may take between 2 and 4 weeks.

Children and unborn babies are at the greatest risk as they haven’t built immunity strong enough to fight it. However, most cases are currently in gay men.

In 1980 the World Health Organization stated that the deadly Smallpox disease had been irradicated. While the Smallpox vaccination program ended in the US in 1971, it does provide some protection for those who were vaccinated. It is currently the vaccine being used to treat highly at-risk populations where Monkeypox is spreading.

The good news is that Monkeypox is a much milder disease than Smallpox, but it is spreading. Governments all over the world have stockpiled the Smallpox vaccine in case of a bioterrorism event. Time will tell if it will be utilized for Monkeypox.

A great place to go for current information that you can trust is from Dr. John Campbell at https://www.youtube.com/c/Campbellteaching/videos. The CDC has good information as well.

When the sun was setting, the people brought to Jesus all who had various kinds of sickness, and laying His hands on each one, He healed them. Luke 4:40

Source:

–CDC, Monkeypox, https://www.cdc.gov/poxvirus/monkeypox/about/faq.html#Basics

–CDC, 2022 Monkeypox Outbreak and Cases, https://www.cdc.gov/poxvirus/monkeypox/response/2022/index.html

–Dr. John Campbell, videos https://www.youtube.com/c/Campbellteaching/videos

–CDC Smallpox https://www.cdc.gov/smallpox/

–C. Henry Kempe, “The End of Routine Smallpox Vaccination in the United States” (1972), https://publications.aap.org/pediatrics/article-abstract/49/4/489/47117/THE-END-OF-ROUTINE-SMALLPOX-VACCINATION-IN-THE?redirectedFrom=fulltext

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

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

The Battle of the Bulge

by Jennie Johnson RN | Jun 4, 2022 | Uncategorized

Recall that studies completed all over the world have shown that 80% of all heart attacks and strokes could be prevented if people ate a healthier diet, managed a healthier weight, increased physical activity, quit smoking, controlled blood pressure, glucose and LDL (bad) cholesterol. This month I will write about successful weight management.

National statistics indicate that 73.6% of Americans are overweight while 41.9% of those are considered obese. Each year those numbers have been increasing to dangerous levels. Part of the problem is that restaurant portion sizes have increased dramatically along with waistlines. It’s estimated that one entrée is enough food for 2 or 3 people.

Many of us struggle with weight loss. We lose a few pounds for a short amount of time only to regain them. So, what works? Psychologist Brian Wansink PhD in his excellent book, Mindless Eating describes the simple strategies that are the most helpful. His famous quote is, “The best diet is the one that you don’t know you’re on.” I couldn’t agree more. I tell my patients, “Diet is a four-letter word!” Simple lifestyle changes do make a huge difference. The following top 10 tips are a combination taken from Dr. Wansink’s book and mine (Wake Up Call 911).

#10 Replace high caloric drinks with sparkling water and avoid artificial sweeteners.

#9 Remember that restaurant entrees are generally enough food to feed 2 to 3 people.

#8 When you’re hungry eat a palm size of nuts to stabilize your blood sugar.

#7 Use a smaller plate which will make you feel fuller and more satisfied to eat less.

#6 Fill your plate with more fruits and vegetables.

#5 Add protein to every meal.

#4 Eat regular smaller meals.

#3 Keep junk food out of sight and better still out of the house!

#2 Don’t get discouraged if you have a bad day. Eat better the next.

And the #1 most important thing to remember when managing a healthy weight is…

Food is a gift from God. It’s meant to be enjoyed. Don’t deny yourself but eat very small amounts of high caloric sweets occasionally not daily. Life is filled with challenges. We all have them. Just take it one day at a time and pray for patience.

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

In the next blog I’ll tackle exercise.

Sources:

“Simple 7”, American Heart Association, https://www.heart.org/en/professional/workplace-health/lifes-simple-7.

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

–Arthur O’Connor, Study Details 30-Year Increase in Calorie Consumption (2004), https://www.nytimes.com/2004/02/06/us/study-details-30-year-increase-in-calorie-consumption.html.

–Brian Wansink, Mindless Eating: Why We Eat More Thank We Think (2007).

–Overweight and Obesity Facts, CDC, https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/fastats/obesity-overweight.htm.

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

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

Healthy Eating for a Healthy Heart

by Jennie Johnson RN | May 5, 2022 | Uncategorized

Recall (from last month) that studies completed all over the world have shown that 80% of all heart attacks and strokes could be prevented if people did 5 things (also known as the Simple 7): ate a healthier diet, increased physical activity, managed a healthier weight, quit smoking and controlled blood pressure, glucose and LDL (bad) cholesterol.

In this blog I’ll talk about healthier eating. It can be overwhelming, and advice abounds. You’ve probably struggled with a healthier diet for years and are now discouraged about what you’re supposed to do. The following tips may help.

Keep it simple…

Add fruits and vegetables to your diet whenever and wherever you can. The natural chemicals provide invaluable health benefits. I heard a doctor once say that the cure for cancer is in them… we just don’t know where to find it and the more colorful the better. If you’re a diabetic do check with your dietitian regarding fruit intake and blood glucose.
Eat lean meat the size of a deck of cards no more than twice a day. Keto diets are popular right now and I would work with your physician if you chose this eating plan. For most of us high protein diets are much too restrictive
Chose dairy products low in fat.
Eat whole grain breads high in fiber.
Use olive oil and canola oil for cooking and baking.
Avoid processed food – If it comes in a box, jar or can it’s probably not good for you.
Use a smaller plate which will reduce your portion size. You’ll feel fuller psychologically.
Eat a handful or palm size of nuts between meals when hunger strikes.
Keep hydrated with a glass of ice water or sparkling water (without sweeteners) handy.
Keep snacks out of reach or out of your house to promote success.

God bless you on your journey toward better heart health.Whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all to the glory of God. 1st Corinthians 10:31

Sources:

“Simple 7”, American Heart Association, https://www.heart.org/en/professional/workplace-health/lifes-simple-7.

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…

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

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

The Top 5 Things to Do to Prevent 80% of Heart Attacks and Strokes

by Jennie Johnson RN | Apr 2, 2022 | Uncategorized

April 2, 2022, Jennie Johnson, RN-BC, PhD

Living for a Healthy Heart, LLC

Studies completed all over the world have shown that 80% of all heart attacks and strokes could be prevented if people did 5 things (also known as the Simple 7):

Ate a healthier diet.
Increased physical activity.
Managed a healthier weight.
Quit smoking.
Controlled blood pressure, glucose and LDL (bad) cholesterol.

Great, now that we know what to do…why don’t we do it? Psychologists have taught us a great deal about motivation. World renowned expert Dr. James Prochaska found that only 20% of us have enough motivation to really change a harmful behavior.

In his book, Changing for Good, he stated that 80% of us are stuck in a non-action stage. The stages range from someone not interested in changing (Denial), thinking about it (Precontemplation), trying the change with small baby steps (Preparation) to doing it (Action) and maintaining it (Maintenance).

Further, complicating the problem is that most well-meaning advice from healthcare providers only work for the 20% in the action stage. What do the rest of us 80% do? The answer is to start with small, doable, little baby steps that we can do.

If you’re inactive…take a walk 5 or 10 minutes away from your house while listening to music.
Add an apple or orange to your diet each day.
Use a smaller dinner plate. You’ll feel psychologically fuller.

In the next blogs I’ll tackle each of these 7 things with simple strategies to consider reducing your risk for a longer healthier life.

Source:

“Simple 7”, American Heart Association, https://www.heart.org/en/professional/workplace-health/lifes-simple-7.

Prochaska, J. Norcross & C. Diclemente, (1994) Changing for Good.

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

Whether you think you can or you think you can’t…you’re right. Henry Ford

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

The Power of Positivity

The Importance of Sleep

Monkeypox: How Dangerous is it?

The Battle of the Bulge

Healthy Eating for a Healthy Heart

The Top 5 Things to Do to Prevent 80% of Heart Attacks and Strokes

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