My Posts - Jennie Johnson RN

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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Healthy Living through the Holidays

by Jennie Johnson RN | Dec 6, 2022 | Healthy Eating

Healthy Living Through the Holidays

The holidays are a wonderful time to offer thanks for many blessings, celebrate the birth of our Savior and ring in the New Year but it can also be a challenge on waistlines. Food and especially holiday food is certainly a wonderful gift from God. Here are a few things that you can do to navigate December safely.

Eat a healthy meal before you add the sweets.
Check out all the items on the buffet or at the party before you make a selection.
Don’t deny yourself but select small portions (bites) of the high caloric foods.
If you have a high caloric day, eat healthy the day before or the day after.
Walk more…it’s a great stress buster and improves mood.
Simplify your activities.
Get the same gift for everyone.
Call an old friend or check in on a lonely neighbor.
Take a moment each day to remember a very special miracle.

Jesus is the reason for the season.

Have a blessed Merry Christmas and a very Happy New Year!

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

Author of: 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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It’s Time to Gear Up for the Cold & Flu Season:

by Jennie Johnson RN | Oct 4, 2022 | COVID-19 Top Ten

What To Do……………………

As the leaves begin to turn in October, it’s our reminder to get ready for the cold and flu season. Thankfully, the worst of COVID ended with the Omicron variants and blessings of natural herd immunity. Due to concerns over the COVID vaccines, many are opting out of the flu vaccine as well. Whether you decide to get the flu shot or not there are simple things that you can do to decrease your risk this season.

Increase your Vitamin D3. During the summer, being outdoor raises it naturally through skin absorption but once days become shorter those levels plummet. The best way to know how much to take is to get a Vitamin D blood test and speak with your doctor. Experts vary on the correct amount Interestingly, some have called it the Low Vitamin D Season rather than the Cold/Flu season.

Increase your Vitamin C intake through juice or citrus fruits.

Go for a walk each day. Physical activity enhances immunity.

Get a good night’s sleep. The body heals when in deep sleep. People should strive for 7 hours each night. If you don’t sleep well, ask your doctor for a Take Home Sleep Study test. It often identifies the problem.

Keep busy! Volunteer at your local church or school. Teachers need the help. Children suffered from school closures. My neighbor is a kindergarten teacher who had 23 kids last year and NO aide. She spent most of her time teaching them preschool skills that they missed and regulating troublesome behavior.

While it’s certainly great being back with people; be mindful when flu outbreaks occur in your area. Consider avoiding crowds during those times and maintain good hand hygiene.

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

Author of: HELPING THE HURTING: NURSING MINISTRY IN THE BODY OF CHRIST (2022)

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

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

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

Is the Pandemic Finally Over?

by Jennie Johnson RN | Aug 7, 2022 | COVID-19 Top Ten

I apologize for not posting a July blog, but our family finally became ill with Covid (BA5 variant). It’s such a blessing that this variant is passing over all of us. Whether you’re vaccinated or not…you’ll probably get this milder COVID too. However, it’s a tremendous gift from God that is finally ending this 100-year pandemic by leaving powerful natural immunity in its wake.

I was asked recently “Will this ever end? We’ll just keep seeing one variant come after another.” It helps to understand the trajectory of corona viruses to understand why I’m so thankful.

First, there are many different types of viruses as there are bacteria. The common cold is a corona virus. Experts disagree whether the corona virus that caused COVID was altered in a lab or came from the natural world.

Once here it began to mutate or change. So far there have been 4 major changes: Wuhan—then Alpha—then Delta—then Omicron with 5 alterations. The Omicron BA5 is the most recent. Each change became less virulent yet more infective.

The Pfizer, Moderna and AstraZeneca vaccines were designed to slow down virus replication from the first strain. They are less effective with the Omicron strains which explains why so many people are getting it despite being vaccinated.

You can tell which type of strain you received by a lab test or the date when you were infected. Currently, the CDC reports that 84% of COVID in the US is from the Omicron BA5 variant.

We were sick for 2 weeks with an overall unpleasant symptomology. My brother and I had a lingering cough while my husband had GI upset symptoms. The whole thing was annoying but certainly not as bad as it would have been with those initial outbreaks.

So be hopeful… Jesus has His healing hand upon us. It looks to me like so many of us are now getting it that we’ve reached herd immunity and life is returning to normal.

O Lord my God, I cried to you for help, and you have healed me. Psalm 30:2

In the next blog I’ll tackle the Monkey Pox virus.

Source: –“Monitoring Variant Proportions,” CDC, https://covid.cdc.gov/covid-data-tracker/#variant-proportions.

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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

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

Helping the Hurting: Nursing Ministry in the Body of Christ

by Jennie Johnson RN | Mar 3, 2022 | Uncategorized

This month I want to bring you news of my latest book released on February 1st:

HELPING THE HURTING: NURSING MINISTRY IN THE BODY OF CHRIST

Back cover Information about the book:

Helping the Hurting: Nursing Ministry in the Body of Christ is an inspiring book to help any church establish a healing ministry of Jesus Christ. True stories from around the world prove the impact of this healing ministry. A must read…—LeAnn Thieman, author Chicken Soup for the Christian Woman’s Soul

Never has there been a more important time for every church to have a parish nurse to guide members through the murky waters of healthcare, but few know anything about it. Parish means church. Why now? Because you’re needed!

With a love for Jesus and people, any Christian nurse can become a parish nurse and guide his or her people through the problems that any church may encounter living in a fallen world:

Depression
Acute Illness
Aging Parent
Live Shooter
Troubled Teen
Natural Disasters
COVID-19 Outbreak

Through nursing skills, spiritual gifts and prayer, Jesus works through the Christian nurse to heal the body and soul.

Written in the fire of the great pandemic, you’ll learn what parish nursing is, how to become one and the simple A to Z steps to set up a ministry. If you’re currently a parish nurse, you’ll gain new, innovative ideas for enhancing your ministry. If you’re a pastor or church leader, you’ll learn the benefits of this ministry to spread the gospel when nurses meet the needs of hurting people.

Whether your congregation is small or large— this book is your roadmap to get you started.

Jennie Johnson, RN, PhD is a Lutheran parish nurse, professional speaker and writer who lives with her husband John in northern Idaho.

It’s easier than you think!

Intended Audience:

If you’re a Christian nurse or church leader this book is for you. You’ll gain information on how to implement this ministry easily and cheaply to help the hurting members within your congregation.

Availability:

Paperback and eBook are available on Amazon.com

Audiobook narrated by me: chirpbooks.com (no membership fee required to buy it).

Or wherever books are sold.

Please take a moment to review it wherever you purchased the book to spread the word about this ministry.

Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me. Matthew 25: 40

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

Healthy Living through the Holidays

The Importance of Sleep

It’s Time to Gear Up for the Cold & Flu Season:

Monkeypox: How Dangerous is it?

Is the Pandemic Finally Over?

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

Helping the Hurting: Nursing Ministry in the Body of Christ

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