jlhypnosistherapy@gmail.com

Category: Natural Health

  1. Homepage
  2. Natural Health
September 19, 2020

Neighbors and Mental Health by Janet Lynas, Ph.D., N.H.D.

“What do neighbors have to do with mental health?” If you’re asking that question, then you either don’t associate with your neighbors or you have good neighbors.

During this time of quarantine, when people are at home, neighbors have taken on a new meaning. There’s already another article in this blog about neighbors, but let’s look at how neighbors affect our health.

Grouchy neighbor

Our relationships with our neighbors affect our health more than we realize. Social researchers discovered a feeling of connectedness is a good predictor of happiness.

So, your neighbor is grouchy and likes to cause problems in the neighborhood, how does that affect your mental health and physical health?

I have a neighbor who likes to get a group text going with all the neighbors trying to start a fight. Most of us have had a neighbor like that in one point of our life. You have a sense of dread when thinking about this person. Your heart pounds, breathing becomes short, hands become sweaty, and stomach hurts.

Prolonged stress in having to deal with a bad neighbor actually can cause serious health problems if not addressed. Continuous stress has negative affects such as fatigue, inability to concentrate, irritability, worsening heart conditions, and depression.

Dealing with bad neighbors

My neighbors have “blocked” this trouble making neighbor on their phones. ‘Trouble making neighbor’ does not go outside, so this makes it easy to deal with this neighbor. However, since I’m the Property Owners Association (POA) president, I’m the one elected not to block her on my phone. Someone has to keep tabs on the “crazy person” in the neighborhood. It’s easy for me to ignore this neighbor.

There are several kinds of obnoxious people living among us. Loud, messy yards, people who like to meddle, people next door with barking dogs, loud kids, the list is long!

Most of the time a simple non accusing conversation can resolve the issues. But, what can be done when the simple approach doesn’t work?

  1. If you live in a POA or HOA you can refer to that neighborhood’s rules and regulations.
  2. If you do not have a POA/HOA, there still is legal actions and resources in place. Local ordinances and laws can prevent some types of behaviors.
  3. Most neighbor disputes can be resolved with the same resolution path. Talk things out first. If that does not resolve the issues, then approaching the POA/HOA (if there is one) and asking them to step in is an ideal next step. In the absence of an POA/HOA, your local government agencies may be able to help with specific complaints. When all else fails, you may need to speak with an attorney to settle disputes to discovery what options are available to you.
Happy neighbors, happy neighborhood

We set up a barbecue grill last night in the common area of our community. Each person brought a side dish and it’s now a block party while having our POA meeting!

This block party went a long way in the community bonding. Today everyone was outside working in their yard. Two of the men were working in putting up storage units in one of their garages. Laughter was heard throughout the community.

I worked on cleaning out some weeds that have grown in the creek feeding our pond. I wasn’t able to finish the work, but another resident stated that she would also help in removing the grass.

We are working as a group to beautify our surroundings. By pulling together, we’re accomplishing common goals.

I’m truly blessed with great neighbors who really are my friends. During this time of quarantine, people are outside in the natural surroundings of nature. The intentions are to eat healthier and drink less alcohol. (No alcoholics here, just people wanting to be healthier.)

So, what is the health of your community?

September 5, 2020

Let’s Talk Vaccines by Janet Lynas, Ph.D., N.H.D.

There’s a big divide on the topic whether or not to vaccinate. This topic has ended friendships and divided families.

So, I’m going to step in with the facts. But, first a short history into the past. I grew up in a time before vaccines were readily available. There were very few vaccines when I was a child. Polio was the most devastating disease and caused a lot of fear. Childhood diseases such as, rubella, rubeola, chickenpox, mumps, tuberculosis, scarlet fever, meningitis, killed thousands of children each year.

Mothers rushed their children to get the vaccines once they were developed. As a result, these diseases are almost unheard of in recent times. I ran across a photo of myself at the age of six recently. There was something on my left upper arm. I looked closely and realized it was the plastic shield over the chickenpox vaccine I had just gotten. A plastic shield was put over the inoculation to keep the child from scratching it.

I have two friends who barely survived polio. In addition to surviving polio, their lives have been very difficult. One is in a wheelchair and the other has to walk with the assistance of a cane. Soon, he too will be in a wheelchair.

 

Life in the 1950s as a child

Between 1915 and 1945, infections were the leading cause of death for young and middle-aged children. For those ages one to four, infections remained the leading cause of death until 2005.

A dramatic decline in the number of people dying from infectious diseases in the 20th century was seen as immunizations were introduced. Poliomyelitis (polio), diptheria, tetanus, whooping cough, measles, mumps and rubella were all virtually wiped out during the second half of the 20th century, after childhood immunization was introduced.

During the 1950s an annual average of greater than 500,000 cases of measles and nearly 500 deaths due to measles were reported in the United States. Measles is a highly contagious viral disease. Note that 90% of the people exposed to measles will catch it. One in four people who contract measles will need hospitalization.

Between 1950 to 1959 there was an average of 114 chickenpox related deaths per year. The most well-known side effect of chickenpox is shingles which shows up later in life. Very rarely, chickenpox can lead to more serious complications involving the nervous system (brain and spinal cord) in children.

I’m not going to go through each disease, but let’s just say that the childhood diseases were not as harmless as people tend to think. I had rubeola as a young child and as a result there was hearing damage and visual side effects.

Vaccine development

During the first stage of developing a vaccine laboratory research usually takes 2 to 5 years to identify the antigens to include in the vaccine.

The second stage consist of researchers conducting test to assess vaccine candidates’ immunogenicity and their ability to obtain the desired immune response. Next is focus on  short-term toxicology, formulation, and development of a scalable, efficient, and reproducible manufacturing process. This data collection and analysis can take around 2 years.

Third step is clinical trials. Clinical trials consist of three phases. Phase one is a two year process. Volunteers are recruited, usually around 100. This phase is to determine if the vaccine is safe to give and if there is a sufficient immune response to the vaccine. Phase 2 last 2-3 years while the vaccine is given to a larger group of people. Then phase 3 is a 5-10 year process. During this phase there are double blind studies conducted. This group is monitored for possible side effects and if antibodies will be produced by the individual for effectiveness in preventing the disease.

Step four can take 2 years or more to get FDA approval.

In step five, production of the vaccine is ramped up for general distribution.

Step six is continued tracking of the efficiency of the vaccine. Marketing and performance review is done in this step.

To make a vaccine, as you can see takes about 10 to 12 years. But, to be clear it can take 20 years.

My question to you, are you going to take a vaccine that has been developed in less than a year?

Can effective vaccines be made for viruses?

One definition on effectiveness of vaccines is:

Vaccine effectiveness was initially termed “field efficacy”. Essentially, vaccine effectiveness is a “real world” view of how a vaccine reduces disease in a population. This vaccine may already have been proved to be efficacious in clinical trials. This measure can assess the net balance of benefits and adverse effects of a vaccination program rather than the vaccine alone in field conditions.

Vaccine effectiveness is proportional to vaccine potency or vaccine efficacy but is primarily affected by how well target groups in the population are immunized, difficulties in storing, administering, cost, accessibility, availability, stability and manufacturing of the vaccine.

Resource: https://www.news-medical.net/health/Vaccine-Effectiveness.aspx

Sounds like a lawyer wrote these definitions.

Considerations on effectiveness
  • effect of the disease on the local prevalence and incidence of the disease it is targeted against. This needs to be considered over medium and long term as well
  • continued surveillance for the relevant disease following introduction of a new vaccine
  • maintenance of high immunization rates, even when a disease has become rare
  • maintenance of availability, adequate stability, low cost and wide coverage of the vaccine

Resource: https://www.news-medical.net/health/Vaccine-Effectiveness.aspx

Summary

I’m not going to give you my thoughts on vaccinations. My option is mixed, that’s all I will say about it. I have given you some basic information to help you do your own research.

There are a few points I want to make:

  1. Look at evidence base performance. Look who’s behind the money for the study. If the money is coming from the industry trying to prove a point, throw it out. Look for a study where the money for the research is coming from a group who has no vested interest in the results.
  2. Viruses mutate. How effective can a vaccine be when a virus mutates rapidly? Vaccines for the flu is one example. Thousands of people get the flu vaccine each year. However,  thousands still get the flu and thousands die from the flu. Not all viruses mutate easily, but the ones developing from the common cold or rhinovirus, coronavirus, RSV and parafluenza do.
  3. In light of the political chaos, do you really want to put your health in the hands of politicians? Their agenda is not your health! Do you want to take a chance on a vaccine that has not gone through the process of safe development?

September 2, 2020

Just Make a Decision! by Janet Lynas, Ph.dD., N.H.D.

Make a decision and do it! Stop trying to figure out every little detail! You’re driving yourself and everyone around you crazy!

It’s hard to make a decision at times. We oscillate back and forth on what needs to be done. In doing this, we make life harder. However, making a decision doesn’t have to be so hard.

What is a decision?

The definition of decision is:

a conclusion or resolution reached after consideration.

act or process of deciding; determination, as of a question or doubt, by making a judgment

To make a decision can be easy, but at times certain decisions take us down the road of torment. Why is that? In addition to having a difficult time making some judgments in a matter, our brain seems to get caught in a loop. Trapped in this never-ending loop causes despair.

“I want out of this turmoil! I want out now!”

The Command Center

Neurologist have pinpointed the center of the brain where decisions are made as being in the frontal lobe. This is located at the front of the brain directly behind the forehead. This is primarily the area responsible for reasoning, decision making, and long-term memory. It is also crucial for moderating and controlling motor function by processing information coming in from other parts of the brain.

I’m not going into great detail on the brain’s mapping and the neurological processes involved. However, I do have to get a little detailed with information.

The human brain is composed of six basic parts: the medulla oblongata, the pons, the midbrain, the cerebellum, the diencephalon and the cerebrum.

In addition, different brain parts work together to control the body’s actions. Large areas are devoted to complex functions, such as the ability to have thoughts and feelings. These areas are able to express communication by using language and to store thoughts in the memory. Therefore, neuroscientists continue to work on deciphering which parts of the brain work together to accomplish these functions. Similarly, the steps in decision making can be as simple or as hard as one makes it.

Steps in making a decision

How do I make better decisions?

1. Be Aware Of What You Want

2. Ask For Advice If You’re Not Experienced In A Given Area. But Make Your Own Choice

3. Listen To Your Intuition

4. Make Sure You Are In The Right Frame Of Mind. Don’t Make Rash Judgments

5. Learn To Trust Yourself

6. Practice, Execute, Repeat

Learn to trust yourself
  • Avoid people who undermine your self-trust in making decisions
  • Make a commitment to yourself and keep it
  • Self-talk is important. Be kind to yourself when reasoning out a problem. Don’t put yourself down!
Conclusion
  • See yourself as being competent. If you don’t envision yourself as a competent person, you will always be insecure about your choices, and you may never learn to trust yourself.
  •  Make a list of the steps needed to make this decision
  •  Become confident in making choices.
  •  Learn from your mistakes. Everyone makes mistakes.
  •  Give yourself a break.

In other words, trust yourself and just make the decision. You don’t have to make the process hard. Above all, you can do this!

 

September 1, 2020

Are You Engaged in Life? by Janet Lynas, Ph.D.,N.H.D.

I like to watch people as they go about their daily activities. In other words, there’s a lot to learn by observation. I learn a lot by watching people, most are not engaged in life. They simply  go through the motions of living. We are mindless creatures in our actions.

Wake Up!

Driving down the highway, you suddenly realize your destination is just ahead, but getting there is a mystery. Therefore, you’re baffled by your arrival. What happened to the landmarks you should have passed?

This is a form of hypnosis. Often called, road hypnosis. You zoned out as you went by the markers along the way. You are conscious, yet in a trance. For instance, one is traveling along a well known route, however, you are not paying attention to what’s going on around you. You arrive at your destination and never noticed the things around you.

Be aware! Awareness is the knowledge and ability to focus attention on your inner thoughts. Focus on the experiences of the present moment.

Accept the moment at hand! Don’t judge or avoid the sensations felt as you stand in that moment. In addition, to being in the moment, focus on what is going on. Live in the moment!

Is there a purpose to all of this?

Cultivate your perception, be consciously aware of the current moment. Similarly, note what you feel, be aware of one’s surroundings. Feel the emotions in that moment.

Mindfulness helps us tune out distractions. It improves our memory and strengthens our attention skills. Remembering information is greatly improved. In addition, it helps regulate emotions. Those who practice mindfulness experience, a decrease in emotional reactivity. And therefore, an increase in mental focus is developed.

Instead of your thoughts being scattered all over the place, one is able to realize and accept each moment for what it is. Appreciate the little things taken for granted on a moment-by-moment basis.

Be present! In other words, pay attention to what you are doing! You will remember where you put your car keys. Above all, you remember that the door is locked, the stove is turned off, and all is well. Don’t zone out!

Why be mindful?

Be mindful. Take time for what matters to you. Be conscious and aware of the current place in time you occupy.  Accept and be non-judgmental of the events occurring in the present moment. Awareness in your own and other people’s emotions, thoughts and sensations is imperative to stay in the moment.

Some benefits are reduction in:

  • Stress
  • Anxiety
  • Pain
  • Depression
  • Insomnia
  • High blood pressure (hypertension)
In summary

Engage in your life! Life is short. Don’t come to the end of life and wonder, what was the purpose? Engagement is to pay attention to your life and the moments making up your life. Live in the moment, intentionally bring in an open, accepting and discerning attention to everything you do. Find joy in simple pleasures. Treat yourself with kindness and forgiveness. Don’t take live so seriously. Express appreciation, gratitude and gratefulness.

Above all, actually live your life! In other words, the little moments are what makes life worth living. Therefore, I leave you with the saying,

“Stop and smell the roses”

In conclusion, stay in the moment, be engaged!

 

August 25, 2020

Feeling Lost? by Janet Lynas, Ph.D., N.H.D.

Do you find yourself feeling lost during this time of lockdown?  How do you find yourself if you’re feeling lost?

Setting the foundation

You feel very uncomfortable because you are in an unfamiliar situation and don’t know how to deal with the current environment. The feeling of being lost within yourself can cause one to be in an obscure state of existence.

Why people can feel lost
  1. You feel lost because you have lost connection with your heart and soul
  2. We live our lives according to how others think think we should live, not what we think
  3. Believing other people’s opinions about us are more important than our own opinion
  4. You have a distorted perspective of yourself
  5. Listening to the voice of fear about the “what ifs”, instead of seeing the “what is”

This list is short, but touches base on the main reasons why one can feel lost. Everyone feels lost at one time or another. However, feeling lost isn’t the problem. It becomes an issue when you are unable to find your way.

Finding your way

These are precarious times. Life as we have known it, is no longer the same. It will never return to the way “things were”. That’s not a bad thing to happen to the world. Change is more often is a good thing. Change gets us out of the rut!

  • Make time to go “into the closet” so to speak. Be alone. This is very different from being lonely. Listen to that voice deep inside of you.The voice giving you support and love.
  • Know yourself. Drop the opinions of others about who you are. Get to know you. It’s a journey that may take you a lifetime, but it doesn’t matter how long it takes.
  • Dump the mental and emotional garbage that other people have labeled you with. Those are their thoughts and their thoughts don’t count. Develop a healthy attitude about yourself.
  • Take action. Learn what’s important to you. Know your heart’s desire. Realize the only boundaries are the ones you put on yourself.
  • Let go! Let go of the fears, fears are an illusion that hold you back from being the best you can be.
  • Above all, live your life! Do what makes you happy! In the end, it’s the actions you take that bring joy and happiness into your life that counts. It’s the love that you experience within yourself that has meaning. Don’t get to the end of your life only to realize that you didn’t live your life! Doing things isn’t living.

In summary

No power in the universe is going to save you. Only you have that power. Liberation comes from you, no one else can liberate you. Having said this, you believe in what you identify with. Therefore, be very careful with who or what you identify with.

I once was asked to do hypnosis on a young girl who was putting too much pressure on herself to “be on the right path”. The pressure to do the right thing at all times was an enormous burden she was putting on herself. At the age of 15 years old, she was not able to enjoy life because of this self imposed weight. Anxiety had a foothold on her.

Through hypnosis, she was able to see there are many paths in life and they are all the right path. There is no such thing as only having one path to follow. In addition to learning that her choices were unlimited, she was able to see the abundance life has to offer.

Resources are not limited! There is abundance for all! For your own sake, live the life you have been given. It’s only too late when you have died. Make the choice to find yourself now!

 

 

 

 

August 8, 2020

Living Ageless by Janet Lynas, Ph.D., N.H.D.

How old are you? Do you ever think about your age or do you dwell on the fact that you’re getting older? Age is just a number. The number only has meaning if you put emphasis on it.

Be clear on this, you begin to age the moment you’re conceived! 

I’m an ageless person. The number of years doesn’t mean much of anything to me. Being agelessness means not buying into the idea that a number determines everything from your state of health to your attractiveness or your value. However, being ageless is a state of mind more than anything else.

Yes, first of all, it’s important to be proactive in living a healthy lifestyle. Eating healthy is important in maintaining your body. Movement is also important. You know the drill on healthy living styles and as a result this article will not talk about that aspect.

It’s all in the attitude!

What is your attitude? First, are you happy? What is your outlook on life in general? Second, what kind of people do you surround yourself with? Thirdly, what thoughts does your mind dwell on? In other words, what do you tell yourself?

Many years ago I worked for a company that specialized in wound care. Being the vice president of the company, I managed the nursing staff. In addition, to managing the nursing staff, I did marketing for the company. So, medical conventions were an important component of the company’s viability.

Often times, to save money the nurses would share a room while working the convention. On one occasion, I shared a room with a nurse I had worked with at another company. The moment this woman opened her eyes the first words out of her mouth were, “It’s hell getting old.” Every single morning I heard theses words come out of her mouth. At the time, this lovely woman was only in her 40s!

You can be younger at 60 than you were at 20 because you’ve changed your attitude and your lifestyle. To be ageless is to deny the rules of what it means to be this age or that age. In other words, it means quite simply, to never grow “old”. (Like Peter Pan!) This woman believed that the best days were behind her and it’s all downhill from here on out. How sad. I haven’t seen her in years. I wonder about her at times.

Who do you keep company with?

I know people in their teenaged years who are old! They think old and act old! There’s an 82 year old woman I know who is younger than most people half her age. Actually, her husband is 16 years younger and he has to stay on his toes to keep up with her. She’s ageless.

In my career, I saw many men and women in their upper years (80 and above) who were very active and healthy. They take no medications, none are needed. These individuals do what they want. Hiking, tennis, golf, water skiing, nothing slows them down!

For instance, most of my friends are many years younger than I am. One of my closest friends is the same age as two of my daughters. When one of my daughters met Lisa she said, “Oh it’s like having another daughter.” Lisa quickly corrected my daughter by saying, “No! Your mother is my best friend!” To this day, Lisa forgets that I’m the same age as her mother.

Think young, be curious and never stop learning or growing!

Living in the moment

Engage life without fear in thinking you’re growing old. We are long overdue for a radical paradigm shift in our beliefs about growing older. Centenarians are the fastest-growing segment of the U.S. population. This group is increasing at the rate of about 75,000 people per year. (I have written an article on this topic already.) There are about 53,300 centenarians in the U.S. and by 2050, there will be 600,000. Yep, you read that right! Ten times as many Americans will be over 100 years old two generations from now. The same is predicted for the world population. Current estimates put the figure of total centenarians worldwide at about 450,000. Most of these centenarians are active and very healthy.

Surround yourself with active happy people. You will be better off for it.

More thoughts on being ageless

Ageless living is being fearless and courageous. It means not being distracted by the petty dramas in life. You have the experience to know what’s not worth worrying about. You’ve already determined your priorities. Above all, it means establishing a new relationship towards time. You have no fear of time. Embrace where you are in life.

During the course of my career, I asked  people over 100 how they felt about being a hundred or more, the most common answers were blessed, happy, and surprised. In other words, because they’re living agelessly, they don’t pay attention to age. It truly is just a number.

Where the mind goes, so does the rest of your life

Therefore, as I’ve already talked about in other articles, what one’s mind dwells on, is what you will manifest into your life. However, if you pay attention to the thoughts that are foremost in your mind, what will manifest into your existence will be so much better.

Above all, live in the moment with a positive attitude about your life.

In summary

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Age is not even a thought for the ageless individual. Do I practice what I preach? I certainly do!

Being a single woman, I have many opportunities in meeting people. I was recently asked out on a date by a man young enough to be my son. When I told him this he said, “No you’re not!” I replied, “Yes, I am.” His response, “I don’t believe you. I don’t care! Let’s go out!”

He truly thought I was his age. Just as my friend, Lisa, continues to think I’m closer to her age than her mother’s.

Did we go out? Of course we did! We had a great time and as a result, we’ve been friends for a couple of years now.

Go live your life fearlessly! Be in the moment! Enjoy the moment you’re in!

After are, you are ageless!

 

August 5, 2020

Mask by Janet Lynas, Ph.D., N.H.D.

First and foremost, this article is not a debate on whether or not you should wear a mask. It is a discussion on the different kinds of mask. I’m discussing this article from my experience as an Infection Prevention Nurse.

Is one mask better than another?

Have you noticed all the ads about one mask being better than the others? One has zinc in it. Another has copper woven in. Yet, another has a vent so your glasses won’t fog up.

Let’s talk about the N95 mask. It’s used in the medical field, so it has to be better. Not really. Not for the general public. It can is used for care of patients with tuberculosis, varicella, and measles, other infectious diseases where use of an N95 respirator or higher is recommended. When practicing extended use of N95 respirators, the maximum recommended extended use period is 8–12 hours

N95 has to be fitted to your face. It’s quite a process to fit one properly. One size certainly does not fit all. It takes about 15 minutes to properly fit the N95.

It is not used for general purposes in the medical field and hospital.

N95 Respirators Not for Use by the General Public

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) does not recommend that the general public wear N95 respirators to protect themselves from respiratory diseases, including coronavirus (COVID-19). Those are critical supplies that must continue to be reserved for health care workers and other medical first responders, as recommended by current CDC guidance.

  • They are tested for fluid resistance, filtration efficiency (particulate filtration efficiency and bacterial filtration efficiency), flammability and biocompatibility.
  • They should not be shared or reused.
General N95 Respirator Precautions
  • People with chronic respiratory, cardiac, or other medical conditions that make breathing difficult should check with their health care provider before using an N95 respirator because the N95 respirator can make it more difficult for the wearer to breathe.
  • Some models have exhalation valves that can make breathing out easier and help reduce heat build-up. Note that N95 respirators with exhalation valves should not be used when sterile conditions are needed.
  • All FDA-cleared N95 respirators are labeled as “single-use,” disposable devices. If your respirator is damaged or soiled, or if breathing becomes difficult, you should remove the respirator, discard it properly, and replace it with a new one. To safely discard your N95 respirator, place it in a plastic bag and put it in the trash. Wash your hands after handling the used respirator.
  • N95 respirators are not designed for children or people with facial hair. Because a proper fit cannot be achieved on children and people with facial hair, the N95 respirator may not provide full protection.

Surgical mask: Sometimes called a medical mask, it protects people from the wearer’s respiratory emissions. But it’s designed to protect against large droplets, splashes or sprays of bodily fluid or other type of fluid. Surgical masks are regulated by the Food and Drug Administration.

Cloth mask: A dual-layered cloth mask is sufficient to protect people in public settings. It’s unlikely you’ll be infected in public by airborne viral particles. The real threat is touching an infected surface and then putting your hand to your face: Frequent hand-washing is a sure way to avoid COVID-19 or any virus and bacterial infection.

Mask with valves: In a healthcare setting, however, these masks are unacceptable.

They should not be used, says the CDC, “where a sterile field must be maintained (e.g., during an invasive procedure in an operating or procedure room) because the exhalation valve allows unfiltered exhaled air to escape into the sterile field.”

Valved masks are advertised frequently online and often look both functional and fashionable. The buyer, meanwhile, probably doesn’t know they defeat the intended purpose — to protect other people.

These mask are designed for work in shops such as wood working or if fumes are involved in a project like stripping paint from wood.

Waste of money

Do not waste your money on the gimmicks in advertising mask. Once the cloth mask is washed, whatever product such as zinc is gone. There are no real studies to support mask with zinc or copper.

Interesting observation

I live near a state funded garden called Garven Woodland Gardens. The other day I decided to take advantage of the good weather and go for a walk. While I was waiting my turn to show my membership card, I noticed a young woman in front of me with two small children. She was wearing a mask, however, her children were not. It struck me as being interesting, she was concerned about wearing a mask for herself, but not for her children.

I’m not going to address the topic of children wearing mask in this article. My point is, if you’re concerned about going into public without a mask, why would you take your children in public without a mask?

Conclusion

My observation with the general public wearing mask is that it’s a waste of time and money. How can you say that?!!! I say this because people in general do not wear their mask properly. So why bother?

The mask are not effective when one has facial hair, such as a beard. I see numerous people wearing the mask without covering their nose. There are gaps all around the mask and face. Ill fitting mask don’t do much to protect anyone. Oh and the one I like the best, is the mask below the chin, not covering anything.

People often wear a mask to appear that they are following guidelines. Listening to people talk, I have come to the conclusion, that they are not convinced that a mask is really needed in this situation. I applaud people who research and think for themselves. But, I shall not add that topic to this discussion.

So, now you have the information about mask. Use the information as you see fit.

We’re hard wired to believe it’s kind of hard to trust someone wearing a mask. Maybe that’s why there are so many cranky people out in public these days. Look at the eyes in this photo. Can you tell if these people are happy or not?

August 2, 2020

Hand Washing 101 by Janet Lynas, Ph.D., N.H.D.

You’ve been told to sing “Happy Birthday” while you wash your hands. By the time you finish the song, your hands will be clean.

You can sing several rounds of Happy Birthday and your hands will likely still not be clean! It’s not how long you wash your hands, but how well you wash your hands that counts.

Hand washing from an Infection Prevention Nurse’s View

Durning my nursing career, one of the areas I worked was as an Infection Prevention Nurse for the Veteran’s Administration Medical Center (VA). Yes, I took extra epidemiology classes and was tested to see how much I knew. I tracked all the lab results from the hospital and all the outpatient clinics in our vison. I investigated each lab report that showed one of our veterans had an infection. It was necessary for me to make sure that the infection was not acquired during a hospital stay. I would review a couple hundred reports daily.

Once a year the VA would have a health fair for the employees. Early on the staff learned to dread coming to my station. You see, they had to wash their hands. “What’s the big deal you ask?”

Steps to hand washing per nursing protocol

Wet your hands with running water — either warm or cold. Apply liquid, bar or powder soap to a cupped hand. Lather well. Rub your hands, palm to palm, vigorously for at least 20 seconds. Remember to scrub all surfaces, including the backs of your hands, wrists, between your fingers and under your fingernails. Rinse well.

Wash your hands after going to the bathroom with soap and water. Hand sanitizer is not recommended. Anytime you come in direct contact with an individual make sure your hands are cleaned. Having said this, wash your hands anytime they become soiled.

That doesn’t sound too hard does it? Are you sure about this?

Let’s talk alcohol
Do hand sanitizers really kill 99.99 percent of germs?
Manufacturers of hand sanitizers claim that the sanitizers kill 99.9 percent of germs. Since you naturally use hand sanitizers to cleanse your hands, the assumption is that 99.9 percent of harmful germs are killed by the sanitizers. Research studies suggest that this is not the case.
Remember, manufactures don’t always tell the truth in marketing campaigns. I see this daily on commercials. Many of the claims made on commercials are just lies. A cough does not spread 20 feet as one sales pitch claims. Or the hand lotion campaign that says the lotion will penetrate 10 layers deep. Really? When did humans acquire 10 layers of skin. Don’t get me started on ads!
Glo Germ: the dreaded hand washing tool

As I stated earlier, the staff at the VA dreaded coming to my station for the employee health fair. The first time a nurse or doctor would come to my Infection Prevention station, they would be rather cocky. We all know how to wash our hands. So, they thought.

There’s a very effective teaching tool I would use call Glo Germ. Yes, you got it. When this gel was applied to the hands, I would shine an ultra-violet light on the individual’s hands. This liquid or gel contains the plastic simulated germs, and the lamp illuminates them to test the effectiveness of your (and your workers’) hand washing skills. Lord help you if you have dry cracked hands! Shocking isn’t it? This is what the hands look like after applying the gel.

Afterwards, one’s hands were washed and the surfaces appeared clean. However, the ultra-violet light tells a different story. The discovery of the remaining germs will cast a new light on your cleaning effectiveness.

Once the hands were washed and dried, I would again shine the ultra-violet light on the freshly washed hands. Surprise, surprise, traces of simulated germs were still on the surface of the nurse or doctor’s hands! Often times, the medical staff would have to wash their hands 2-3 times to remove the gel.

 

This what the hands looked like after washing the Glo Germ off. It shows that this individual had to rewash their hands.

Summary

Above all, remember, it’s not how long you wash your hands, but how well you wash your hands.

August 1, 2020

The Empty Spot by Janet Lynas, PhD., N.H.D.

“I just bought the cutest pair of shoes! However, I really don’t need them since I already have 75 pairs of shoes. But, they are so cute!”

“My new camera just came in! It has many features that are really cool! I may not use some of the features, but what the heck?”

“I just got my credit card statement. My toys amount to $20,000.00 in debt!”

Spending out of control

Often times people find themselves compulsive buying. The closets are filled with gadgets and clothes that are not used or worn. Before they know it, the spending is out of control. How did this happen? Debt is mounted up to the size of a mountain.

However, we find spending and buying doesn’t satisfy us. The more we buy and spend, the more stressed one becomes from the accumulation of debt.

Eating disorders

“I’ve gained 5 more pounds! What’s going on? I don’t eat that much!”

“I binge eat and then I throw up what I ate to keep from gaining weight.”

“I’m refusing to eat! I’m not going to gain weight!”

The empty spot

How does over spending and eating disorders have anything in common? For instance, one has to do with money and the other with food. There is no common connection between the two!

But, there is a common ground. In addition, I will not only show you the commonality between them, but I will show you the root cause.

Psychologist have long known that when people overspend or have an eating disorder, they are trying to fill up an empty space within. What is this empty space? Above all, what causes it?

Emotional emptiness

Mankind is not good at recognizing our emotions. It’s hard to admit to oneself that there is a ‘lacking’ within. For instance, we don’t always realize that there is a feeling of meaningless in our life. To admit that there is an unoccupied space within us, would be admitting that there is something wrong in our existence.

If there is a feeling of disconnect, then something has to be wrong with me. I’m unworthy and unimportant to others. I feel alone and my life is pointless.

In addition to feeling lonely and unimportant, one doesn’t know how to deal with these feelings. So, subconsciously you begin to try to fill the emptiness with things. If I buy those shoes, I will feel better about myself. That high powered camera will give me new opportunities. It doesn’t matter that in reality, we have no idea about photographic techniques.

The same applies to eating disorders. When you overeat, the need is to fill up that vacant space within. If binge eating is the problem, one is wanting to fill up the space and throw out the space at the same time. In addition, the anorexic is trying to kill or starve the pointless sensation they feel on the inside.

What is the emptiness?

Psychology tells us that the vacancy within has many different causes. While this is true, the root cause can be traced to loneliness.

Loneliness is defined as sadness because one has no friends or company. In addition, it also means the quality of being unfrequented and remote; isolation. Remember, isolation doesn’t have to be in the geographical remoteness.

Loneliness is an emotionally painful sensation. Often it’s associated with an unwanted feeling of not being connected to others or a lack of intimacy.

Keep in mind that one can be lonely in a crowded room. When you do not feel a part of the group or connected emotionally to others, it does not matter if you’re with other individuals or not.

Signs of loneliness
  1. You Have Been Shopping A Lot
  2. Binge-Watching
  3. You’re Not Feeling Rested
  4. One Takes A Lot Of Long, Hot Showers And Baths
  5. You Sleep A Lot Or Not Well At All
  6. We Feel Symptoms Of Depression Coming On
What can you do about being lonely?
  1. Realize That Loneliness Is Actually A Feeling.
  2. Realize That You Are Not Alone. Other People Feel The Same Way.
  3. Get Involved In Some Activities.
  4. Get A Pet. Remember, That Pet Takes Work. Be Responsible.
  5. Find A Support Group.
  6. Call Or Get Together With Those You Know. Reach OUt.
  7. Be In The Present Moment.
  8. Be Kind To Yourself and Others.
Conclusion

Why have I written about loneliness? These are difficult times. In addition, one finds that the quarantine we find ourselves in right now is hard to deal with. Not only have we been mandated to be in quarantine, but society is experiencing prolonged isolation. We have become a faceless community by being forced to wear mask when in public. (I’m not debating the right or wrong of wearing mask.)

The psychological implications are many during this time of isolation. Subconsciously, we don’t have the sense of trust when we’re not able to see the faces of the people being interacted with. Depression and suicide is more of a problem.

In addition, when an infant can’t see the faces of the people caring for them, they smile less and they don’t interact as much.

In conclusion, recognizing the emptiness within gives you better insight into your emotional make-up. Deal with the vacancy deep within and you will have a better outlook on life.

Remember, this too shall pass!

Check out my book, Guilty Prayers by Janet Lynas, Ph.D., N.H.D. For more information on my book look under the announcement section.

 

 

July 31, 2020

Junk DNA by Janet Lynas, Ph.D., N.H.D.

Scientist tell us we have junk DNA. I find it interesting that instead of saying, “We don’t know what this is”, science says, “We have junk DNA.”

What is junk DNA?

The definition of junk DNA is:

  1. genomic DNA that does not encode proteins, and whose function, if it has one, is not well understood.

Another term for junk DNA is non-coding DNA. Non-coding DNA is described as:

Non-coding DNA sequences are components of an organism’s DNA that do not encode protein sequences. Some non-coding DNA is transcribed into functional non-coding RNA molecules (e.g. transfer RNA, ribosomal RNA, and regulatory RNAs). Other functions of non-coding DNA include the transcriptional and translational regulation of protein-coding sequences, scaffold attachment regions, origins of DNA replication, centromeres and telomeres.

Is there a purpose for junk DNA?

The term “Junk DNA” became popular in the 1960s. A man by the name of David Comings came up with the term that is still being used today.

Fast forward to today and we find that science is still using the same term. Why? After sixty years, one would think that our protocol would be updated. We know that these non-coding areas of our DNA actually do have a purpose. The purpose may not be well understood, but there is a purpose.

Dismissing what we don’t understand

Why is it that when mankind does not understand something, the instinct is to dismiss what is not understood? Humans don’t want to acknowledge or admit that we don’t have the understanding to a subject matter. Just dismiss the topic and move on. If it’s not understood, it’s not that important.

One doesn’t want to admit that there is lack of knowledge or understanding. To admit, I don’t know, is to admit that there is a weakness. Not knowing makes us feel inadequate.

Thus, the term ‘junk DNA’. Let’s be honest and perfectly clear, there is NO junk DNA. Just because science doesn’t understand a component of our genetic make-up doesn’t mean there’s no purpose to it.

At the risk of sounding a little preachy, there is nothing within our genetic design that doesn’t have a purpose. When creation began, there was a plan, a design, and a purpose for every cell, atom, proton, and neutron. Each protein and molecule, electron, and microscopic detail in our design has a purpose.

The nature of human thinking

So, this leads me to the real reason for this article. Do you dismiss what you don’t understand as unimportant? Does it bruise your ego to admit “I don’t know”? Are you a follower or one who pushes forward to find the facts and truth in a situation? Do you look beyond the illusion that society has put forward as the absolute truth?

Individuals tend to think that if others do not hold the same belief, that their belief system is faulty. (Yes, you can read this sentence either way. That your belief system is wrong or theirs is wrong.)

However, where is it written that everyone has to think the same? Why is it that we have no tolerance towards those who think outside of the box? Consider where we would be if the visionary’s of past and current history had not had the courage to think for themselves.

Having said this, individual thinking is the true creative force. Children should be encouraged to allow their imagination to run wild! Without imagination, life would be so dull. Celebrate the differences between one another. Embrace the diversity each person brings into the mix of human life.

Change the world

Therefore, change the world by changing yourself. “I have to make a difference”, you say. Change the world and make a difference by starting with yourself. In reality, this is the only way to change the world. You are transformed and now those around you have modified their behavior to adapt to yours.

Allow your imagination to run wild! Become the person you’re intended to be! Change your thinking and change your life! Allow your true-self to escape the humdrum mindless thinking that has been imposed on us since birth.

As a child, my mother would to tell me, “God gave you a brain, use it!” I want to add to that statement, “You are what you think about.”  Where your mind dwells, so is your reality.

Summary

In conclusion, there is NO junk DNA. There is NOTHING in life that has no meaning. Just because you don’t understand a situation, doesn’t mean there’s no meaning in it. Strive to be openminded and curious about life. Remember, just because you don’t know the meaning of a circumstance, don’t dismiss it. It’s in the understanding where growth lies.

 

 

 

© MindBodyConnectionHypnosis.com 2019 | All Rights Reserved.