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 ..read more

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 ..read more

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 ..read more

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 (ne ..read more

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 ..read more

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, diab ..read more

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 ..read more

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 ..read more

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 ..read more

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 S ..read more