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.

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.

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.

Helping Kids (of all ages) Control Their Emotions

Helping Kids (of all ages) Control Their Emotions

by | Sep 4, 2023 | Healthy Living

If you’re a parent, grandparent, teacher, or childcare provider, effective discipline can be a challenge. Recently, I came across an amazing book that will help when dealing with an angry, frustrated, emotional child: The Whole Brainchild: 12 Strategies to Nurture Your Child’s Developing Mind (2011).

Siegel and Bryson describe the developing young brain and the reasons frustration leads to negative responses. Adults learn simple approaches to help the child gain control of their emotions to prevent outbursts. Admittedly, I was skeptical at first but frankly I’ve been stunned at how effective this approach works with my young grandchildren.

First, they explain that the child’s brain is divided into a bottom emotional center and a top cognitive or thinking part. Uncontrolled emotions and frustrations erupt from this bottom area. It takes the child some time for the cognitive, thinking center to figure out how to handle the negative emotion. The technique gives the child time to pause and think before they explode.

Example:
A 9-year-old is getting ready to get out of a boat with her grandparents. She is to remain seated until the lines are secured, etc. However, she is becoming very anxious to get out and help her grandfather, frustrated that she must wait until it’s safe. A rude, impatient, attitude is building with a disrespectful response coming.

Grandma: Sally…I know that you love helping Papa tie the lines and help him. You’re such a big help. I get that…but it isn’t safe for you yet. Do you think you could wait a few more minutes and as soon as Papa is ready you can go out and help him?

Sally: Ok Grandma… I’ll wait.

Her feelings and emotion were identified which gave her time to think more rationally and calm down. I wonder if children get frustrated because he or she can’t express those feelings fast enough. Soon it was safe for Sally to hop off the boat and work with her grandfather…no tantrum…a happy ending.

In retrospect this technique is a good one for adults as well. When we’re feeling those negative emotions erupting…pause…and take a moment to think about our response as well. It’s good advice for all of us and much better for our blood pressure.

So, the next time you feel a harmful eruption coming on…don’t just 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).

References:

Daniel Siegel & Tina Bryson, The Whole Brainchild: 12 Strategies to Nurture Your Child’s Developing Mind (2011), Bantam Books Trade Publishers: New York.

Jennie E. 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.

Palliative Care

Palliative Care

by | Aug 7, 2023 | Healthy Living

Recently, a wife shared a concern regarding her husband’s chronic headaches and suffering with end stage dementia. At times he didn’t recognize her. She believed that his physicians were fearful to treat the headaches and make the dementia worse. I shared information about a resource that few know much about: Palliative Care.

 Palliative Care resides within the Hospice system. Most people are fearful of Hospice as a last resort. However, palliative care is incredibly helpful for people suffering from chronic pain, disability, or dementia in the last chapter of their life. A nurse visits the patient monthly to review medications and treatments with the goal to relieve pain and suffering. Generally, a physician is involved in the treatment as well.

 Personally, we utilized palliative care for a year before my mom went to Heaven. Mom was in an assisted living environment receiving excellent care. But she had moments of severe agitation, which raised her blood pressure to dangerous levels. She refused to take any meds to help lower it and calm her down.

 The palliative nurse provided ideas that allowed for a much better quality of life. The staff could apply a small dose of a tranquilizer to her skin during the agitated moments. The probiotic Kefir milk helped to reduce her chronic diarrhea. During a mentally clear moment, a discussion was held with Mom and my siblings regarding her wishes if her condition deteriorated.

 She fell at 4 am resulting in a serious hip fracture. The Palliative nurse was at the center when I arrived. Mom was still on the floor awaiting the ambulance.

 Astoundingly, Mom had a moment of clarity and refused the surgery. As a retired nurse, she knew how difficult it would have been with her compromised, frail condition and asked for Hospice instead. Her wishes were granted, and the nurse remained with us while she was transferred to the Hospice center.

 Finally, the wife (first story) contacted the local palliative team and was comforted that there was a solution for her husband’s terrible chronic headaches while he remained at home under his family’s tender care. The nurse will visit him monthly to ensure that he is comfortable in this last chapter of his life.

 With an aging population we will experience more situations like these. You can contact your local Palliative/Hospice center or Alzheimer’s Association for more information. Call your local church to find out about pastoral home visits that share the true peace of Jesus that passes all understanding. God bless you all.

 We cannot change the outcome, but we can affect the journey. Ann Richardson

 Reference: Palliative Care. Merriam-Webster.com Medical Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/medical/palliative%20care.

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.

Wildfire Season is Upon Us

Wildfire Season is Upon Us

by | Jul 5, 2023 | Healthy Living

The 4th of July is a great reminder of the blessings from our nation but also the beginning of Wildfire Season. Thunderstorms and unfortunately careless people can set a vulnerable forest a blaze. The smoke that results can be very harmful. If a wildfire is in your area; it’s important to understand three important levels!    

Level 1: Be Ready– which means a fire is in the vicinity; be ready if an evacuation order is issued.

Level 2: Be Set– the fire is close. Pack your things and be ready to get out immediately. Most people leave during this warning.

Level 3: Go – which means the fire is closing in on you and you must leave now while you have a chance. You may not get another one.

The American Red Cross opens shelters whenever an evacuation is ordered.

Wildfire smoke contains tiny hazardous materials which are easily inhaled. The EPA’s Air Quality Index will guide you regarding the safety of outdoor activities.      

0-50:    Good

51-100: Moderate (a few sensitive people may be impacted).

101-150: Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups (many more people may experience symptoms).

151-200: Unhealthy (almost all people will be somewhat impacted).

201-300: Very Unhealthy (all should reduce outdoor activity).

301-500: Hazardous (all should avoid outdoor activity).

In addition, be prepared and know how to protect yourself and your loved ones for any summer emergency: wildfires, tornados, hurricanes, water disasters, etc. Enjoy your summer.

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

References:
Wildfire Evacuation Levels Explained, Western Fire Chiefs Association, August 9, 2022, https://wfca.com/articles/wildfire-evacuation-levels-explained/.

EPA’s Air Quality Index, https://www.epa.gov/sites/default/files/2014-09/aqiguidepm.png’s

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.

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.