Valentines Day is taunted as the day of love. I often wonder who made that decision, and why can’t every day be the day of love for someone you care about?
Every February 14th, people are buying flowers, candy and stuff animals. I don’t want to be a cynic but flowers die, candy gives you cavities,and the stuff animals collect dust. How about just spending time with your loved one and enjoy creating a meal and watching a movie? Simple huh? Or be creative and think of your own activity, the goal is to be loving and attentive, with or without gifts.
Everyone has a different love language and for healthy relationships it is wise to understand your partners love language, instead of trying to guess. Couples who have been together for many years, still may not know their partners love language. Many women love gifts, and men usually like touch, but this is not always true. Take the quiz below to find out your love language and share it with your partner, you maybe surprised.
Black History is American history. It is time to embrace all of America’s history the good, bad and the ugly. The counter narrative that was established to keep Black Americans in “a place” has been a disservice for all Americans by ignoring history and its affects.
Black Americans have been essential in the growth of America, even though the United States would not see them as full citizens, until 1966. It was only 56 years ago, that Black Americans got the right to vote without any barriers. Black people have had a difficult relationship with America, and have had to fight for citizenship and equal rights since they were brought to this country (Hannah-Jones, 2022). Think about that and why does this matter?
Understanding the past, hopefully will decrease and dispel the stereotypes that have plagued Black Americans for generations. The contributions of Black Americans to American culture can be seen in various areas that include but not limited to health, food, music, fashion, and industry. I invite you to take time to learn more about Black American history, and read about the stories that have not been told.
Reference
Hannah-Jones, N. (2021). The 1619 project. Penguin Random House.
Prime Video (2022). Black history, freedom & love, Master Class. Here is a link if you do not have Prime Video.
Bullying and violence in the workplace in not new. Nurses and others have experienced bullying and violence in the workplace by various disciplines, including peers, families and patients.
The Workplace Violence Prevention of Healthcare and Social Workers Act (H.R. 1195) was passed by the House of Representatives in April, 2021. I have been following this bill since it was introduced in the House in November, 2019 (H.R 1309). The Senate has not voted There are other less serious crimes to which you confess whaton the bill. The bill will hold healthcare employers accountable for addressing the risk of workplace violence. This is essential because many healthcare organizations turn a blind eye to nurse bullying and pretend it does not occur.
For those who have experienced violence at work, realize that this is a real issue for nurses and others. I suspect it is getting worse because of the additional strain related to the high patient load related to COVID-19.
Although both the American Nurses Association (ANA) and the Joint Commission have denounced violence in healthcare facilities, there is no incentive to ensure hospitals are doing their part to reduce the practice. The ANA reported one out four nurses were assaulted (as cited in Stand & Francis, 2021) in the workplace. Nurse bullying continues to be an unreported issue in the workplace (Crosby, 2020). In fact many people outside of the healthcare system are surprised to hear nurses are bullied by others.
Nurses remain devoted to patients by advocating for their well-being but we can not continue to be bullied and abused by the public and others. To ensure efficient and safe healthcare occurs nurses and others in healthcare need the public to understands that we have your best interest in mind, and are not here to do you harm.
The volume of critical patients has increased due to COVID-19. Some patients and family members remain distrustful and disrespect healthcare professionals while they are trying to provide care. This additional stress has caused many nurses and others to leave the bedside, thus adding to hospital staff shortages which also affects patient care and outcomes (Crosby, 2019).
Thread lightly people. Nurses have been voted the most honest and and the most ethical professionals for the last 20 years (ANA, 2020). This should emphasize the need for hospital administrators, and others to acknowledge workplace violence in all forms and put real effort in abolishing the practice to protect the nursing workforce.
Never criticize yourself you have your friends and family for that. When was the last time you did a personal self-assessment and reflected on your positive traits. In others words, what are your strong points? We all have friends and family that can point out our negative traits and make you feel sad and nonproductive. During these times of isolation and polarization, so many people are negative and nasty to others.
I recently asked my friends and family for a self assessment and was pleasantly surprised by some of the responses. There were a few people who did not answer my request and I was perplexed. Once again it is human nature to dwell on the negative. The individuals that had not answered my request was seen by me as hurtful, especially when its a relative or close friend but overall the input from my other friends was positive.
Remember to stay positive and be kind, words are hurtful. This world needs more kindness and reverence for others.
It appears edibles are the latest crave. Edibles are food products that contain cannabis in baked good, candies, and beverages (Leonard, 2020). So many people want instant results and edibles can assist with a mild medical issue, like stress, or anxiety, but they are not for everyone. It is best practice to seek medical advice instead of self medicating.
It appears that people feel better about ingesting an edible instead of smoking cannabis or taking a pill. Keep in mind the packaging may not list all the ingredients in the product, except the amount of THC, which may or may not be accurate. Edibles do not affect everyone in the same way.
Edibles have not been evaluated for efficacy by the Food and Drug Administration, or been confirmed by research. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease, but to make you feel better.
Shops may have sprung up all over your town, but remember to do your research before you indulge. Edibles are not for everyone, and a simple life style change maybe all you need to get lasting health benefits.
As we move into another year, most of us revisit our goals and make new resolutions for the new year. The previous year, 2021 has been an eventful year for many including the country. Hopefully you have made it through this year and are looking forward to 2022 with positive expectations.
I create goals and resolutions every year and use this time to reflect on my achievements and make change for the next year. Last year, was the first year I did not make any resolutions or goals. I made short term goals and did not write them down, and was not very deliberate about completing them even though I had an intention.
Goals should be documented and have an end date and worded in a positive manner to reflect your intention. These are some of the phrases I use when I write my goals, I will, I am so happy and grateful that.. and I have.
You can also create a vision board. The mind loves pictures and it sparks energy to create action. Vision boards are simple to create. Cut out pictures and words that generate a positive mood and reflect what you would like to accomplish for the following year. It is a great way to encourage children and others to create goals.
Happy New Year and be intentional, it is your year!
The Omicron variant is spreading quickly and it does not appear to be slowing down. Symptoms are not as deadly for those who have been vaccinated. Getting vaccinated may keep you out of the hospital and prevent death from the virus. Symptoms for Omicron variant may range from fatigue, chills, fever, headache, cough, and or a sore throat to nothing at all.
The point of this story is to let you know that it is your responsibility to keep yourself healthy and well. This can be achieved by getting vaccinated, and wearing a mask. Nothing is 100% but it may decrease your odds of catching the Omicron variant.
For those who are worried about what is in the vaccine, think about all the things you consume that have unknown ingredients. The goal of this announcement is to keep you out of the hospital and from dying, but it is your choice.
I have learned several new things this week about childbirth. It has been many decades since I have had a baby. Things have changed, but somethings remain the same. These last few years, the pandemic has given rise to in home births, and the use of midwives at a birth center. This was a common practice in the early 1900’s, but by the 1950’s hospital births were the norm.
Women are keeping the placenta (the after birth) once the the delivery is completed. I thought what could they be doing with a placenta at home? Apparently this is not a uncommon practice. Some of my friends were aware of this practice and others were just as surprised as I. I have recently obtained a list of what to do with a placenta.
Plant it under a tree, watch it grow with your newborn.
Keep it attached to your newborn, this is called Lotus birth. It naturally dries and falls away within 3-5 days.
Pamper your skin with it. Hire someone to turn it into a salve to massage into c-section scar/or stretch mark.
Turn it into artwork. Stamp it onto paper to make a natural blood print or paint it and stamp it into paper for a beautiful piece of art/statement piece.
Wear it. Hire someone to dehydrate and make it into jewelry.
Encapsulate it. Hire someone to dehydrate and place into capsule to ingest to help with post birth hormone imbalances, milk production, and energy.
Donate it. Ask your doctor or midwife if they would like to keep it.
Throw it away. Do nothing and throw it out in the trash, preferable double wrap in a Ziploc bag and put it out on trash day. I have recently found out that kitty litter should be placed in the bag to reduce the smell and leakage.
I showed the list to a friend. She was also amazed and baffled, but we both learned something new. I would love to hear your comments.
Celebrating the holiday can bring extra pounds, as a result of constant eating during this season. The cold weather increases the need for indoor activities and creates the perfect conditions to catch colds, flu and now the spread of COVID-19 and the variants. Here are a few health tips to help you through the holidays and stay well.
Get plenty of rest. Try to keep your bedtime schedule the same.
Consume a healthy diet, but it is the holiday season. So I am going to suggest you eat your favorite deserts in moderation.
Wash your hands prior to consuming any type of food or snack. It sounds elementary but so many people still do not wash their hands prior to eating or drinking.
Limit your alcohol intake, and drink more water.
Exercise, and pick an activity that you enjoy. This will enhance your pleasure and commitment.
Enjoy your family, we are social beings and not meant to be alone. However, if you have elderly family members as part of the celebration, I hope all your family and friends are vaccinated . Remember vaccines are not 100% so social distancing and or wearing a mask maybe appropriate. Happy holidays and stay well!!!!
It is early December, and I do not feel like I am in the mood for Christmas. Every year I say I am not buying any Christmas gifts and I end up shopping at the last minute. Is it out of guilt or the spirit of the holiday that finally gets me in the mood? Something happens, and off I go, decorating and shopping. I am amazed that I get everything completed.
Many people experience sadness during this time of year and it may have to do with the absence of family and all the dynamics that occur. I suggest you volunteer to assist others during this time. I have found it is a great way to apprecitate your own circumstances. There are plenty of volunteer opportunities available through your church, clubs and city venues.
It appears this holiday season will be better than last year. We all remember how we sheltered in place in 2020 to reduce the spread of the virus. This year people seem to be taking the virus with a grain of salt and have returned to interacting with friends and family without hesitation. Graduations seem to be back in style and the airlines are just as busy as they were pre pandemic. It would be in your best interest to be cautious and wear a mask during these encounters.
It is odd, that the good will that goes on during the holiday season is not duplicated during the year. I have always been baffled by the willingness of others to be so giving during the holiday season. Hopefully we can start caring for each other once again regardless of race, creed and/or sexual orientation. That is the only way the human race will survive.
Remember the reason for the season, and see if you can do your part to extend the goodwill for the next few months, after the holiday has passed. It may catch on!
I traveled to the west coast during the Thanksgiving holiday. My travels took me to Las Vegas, Los Angles (LA) and Seattle, to care for sick relatives and friends. I have been back home in Texas for a week, and noticed that Texan’s act like the pandemic is over. The majority are not wearing a mask.
I went to an event today and it was outside, and I could count the individuals that were wearing a mask. Every city I visited, the majority of the population wore mask, even in Las Vegas. In LA you were asked to produce your vaccination card if you were dining inside a restaurant. I had no problem with the process and I complied.
I can think of plenty of reasons why you should continue to wear your mask. A. The pandemic is not over.
B. There is a new variant.
C. Although you may be vaccinated it is a possibility that you still may be exposed to COVID-19, or a variant, and become ill. Nothing is 100%.
D. You do not know who is vaccinated and who is not.
E. Wearing a mask will be a great deterrent from the flu and or a cold that typically occurs during the winter months.
So do yourself a favor, mask up to stay well and be a part of the solution, and not the problem.
I hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving with your family and friends. It has been a challenging year for all. The pandemic has caused all of us to re-evaluate our relationships. If you are like me, you have determined what relationships are important to you.
Get vacinated, to ensure you do not pass the virus to your love ones during this holiday season. It is true that some individuals who have been vacinated have caught COVID. I have several friends that were vacinated and got sick, but they did not experience the severe symptoms associated with the COVID virus, and were not hospitalized. Keep this in mind and make good choices for you and your family.
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