Magazine Article Review: Walk Your Way Happy

 Walk Your Way Happy by Gina Way, Prevention Magazine, Hearst, New York, October 2025, pp 40-49.

Hit the pavement, or path, because walking will make you feel better.  Mindful walking is particularly powerful.  Fo us on your environment and how your body feels as you walk.  Even a mini walk, ten brisk minutes, is helpful.  

Focus on your step and breathing, being mindful, going somewhere new, and strolling in nature.  Making a game of your walking is helpful; perhaps an ABC walk, or a scavenger bunt.  Mix in challenges.  Walk in intervals, changing the pace or the slope.  

Walking can be fun!!!  

Magazine Article Review: The Healing Power of Touch

 The Healing Power of Touch, Psychology Today, Novel Insights into the Mental Health Benefits of Physical Contact, by Sebastian Ocklenburg PhD, August 2025, p 6.

A study in Germany, with 13,000 subjects that touch really does have positive effect on physical and mental well being.  In babies holding the baby close reduces the stress hormone cortisol and the baby is better able to calm down.  For adults hugs and massages as useful for feelings of anxiety and stress, and even pain.  Massages from robots and helpful with physical issues but less so with mental issues.  

I thought this was already settled science because I studied the effects of touch in graduate school forty something years ago.  

Magazine Article Review: How to Not Get Sick

 How to Not Get Sick by Marisa Cohen, Prevention Magazine, September 2026 pp 58-71.

This is the time of year when germs abound.  Kids are back in school and bring all kinds of crud home with them.  How to stay healthy becomes an art.

1. Boost your immune system--eat well, get plenty of sleep, exercise, vaccinations up to date.

2. Carry a bottle of hand sanitizer. Soap and water are best, but hand sanitizer will serve in a pinch.

3. Wash with soap.  Even better than sanitizer.  If no soap is available rub hands vigorously under water.

4. Keep some masks handy just in case.  N95 masks do work.  You should keep a few around for those special needs, crowded bus etc.

5. Watch those hands.  How often do you touch your face?  Try to keep germs away from entry points--eyes, nose, mouth.

Special situations are cause for special care.  These include a public restroom, air travel, self-checkout touch screen, self-serve buffet, a family member is sick, 

Good luck and stay healthy.

Effects of Marijuana Usage: Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome

 Hyperemesis means vomiting.  Long term marijuana use can result in stomach pains, vomiting, nausea and abdominal pain.  A warm bath or shower can give some temporary use; however the only way to cure cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome (chs) is to stop using marijuana.  It is prevalent in a bout a third of those who use marijuana.  Symptoms of chs are, nausea, especially in the mornings; repeated vomiting or retching (making sound of vomiting) up to five times an hour; intense abdominal discomfort or pain; fear of vomiting; and loss of appetite.  As noted hot showers or bathes can help reduce symptoms.  These can lead to compulsive bathing or showering--up for hours every day.  This illness comes in stages: Prodromal phase, most common in persons who have used marijuana wince teen years--marked by abdominal pain, morning nausea, and fear of throwing up rather than actually throwing up.  Hyperemetic phase, this phase lasts a couple days and has vomiting and nausea, compulsive bathing and food restriction.  It may also include scromiting--vomiting and scream due to the intense pain.  Recovery phase you stop using marijuana--even small amounts.  Usually symptoms disappear in a few weeks.

People who use marijuana long term are at risk of CHS, but not everyone who uses long term will develop CHS.  

The Heart: Making Sure It Is All Good

 Visited the heart doctor locally.  I had seen a heart doctor in Arizona, who suggested a follow up was needed.  So I have finally arranged this in Nebraska with Dr. Gagnon.  I have already done the echocardiogram and things look good.  I took some pictures in the heart doctor office.

Positive Thinking Statements from Creighton University

Walking around Creighton University there are many positive thinking statements.  Some repeat, some are directly specifically to Creighton students, but many are general in nature.  

Healing Ribbons: The Art of Healing: Indigenous Women's Group

 Healing Ribbons is a place for indigenous women to create in a safe environment.

HOPE

 A sign on the South Omaha Bridge providing hope.  988 is now the national hotline.  

Magazine Artivle Review: Find Freedom from Stress

 Find Freedom from Stress by Stacey Colino, Prevention Magazine, Prevention.com, December 2025, pp 64-75.

High stress reactivity is when you have been overstressed for too long.  It results in being too vigilent and too quick to react and reactions are too intense and prolonged.  Over time this can lead to a heightened fight or flight response.  Being on high alert can lead to relationship issues and snapping at others.  People with PTSD or early exposure to stress are at greater risk.  Unless you find a way to get to a normal baseline stress can become accumulative.  this can up your risk for many health issues: sleep disturbances, chronic pain issues, heart disease, diabetes and cancer and it can exacerbate asthma and arthritis.  It can lead to wear and tear on the body which can accelerate the aging process.  

Tools to bring stress reactivity down include a healthy diet, plenty of sleep and a social network of support.  Consistent aerobic exercise can bring stress levels down.  Slow breathing exercises can be of great benefit.  As can calming your mid through meditation.  Accepting that stress is inevitable can help you bounce back quicker.  Ruminating on a stressful event is not helpful.  Lastly the author suggests the Healthy Minds App developed by Richard J. Davidson can be helpful in building resilience and connectivity.

Magazine Article Review: The Most Important Health Metric You're Not Tracking

The Most Important Health Metric You're Not Tracking by Ginny Graves, Men's Health Magazine, Hearst Magazines International, Spring, 2026, pp 18-19.

The MVP of health metrics is blood pressure.  High blood pressure can lead to stroke, heart failure and coronary artery disease.  It can also lead to kidney and brain issues.  There is also a link with dementia.  A blood pressure cuff is the most accurate way to track blood pressure.  Watches are fun but not accurate.  People with a high risk, sleep apnea, obesity, diabetes, family history, kidney disease or poor diet should track their blood pressure.  Track initially at the same time every morning and every evening.  Good blood pressure is less than 120/80.  If high exercise, losing weight, increased potassium an lower sodium and abstain from alcohol can help lower blood pressure, 

Project Semi-colon: Suicide and Depression Awareness

Project semi colon as in ; and not what needs a colonoscopy.  It is a program for helping people pause when they are depressed, before attempting suicide.  "Whether you are trying to understand your own mental health, support someone you love, or help a child who is struggling, Project Semicolon helps you find a clear next step."  It is a site with links to many articles dealing with depression and suicide from the perspective of yourself or a friend or a child.  

The Amazing Power of Healing

I burnt myself a few years ago just before Christmas.  It is now totally healed.  Look at the amazing difference between these pictures.  The first is Saturday after wound therapy.  The wound clinic worker removed a lot of the dead skin, and everything is red and sore.  The next picture, the following evening shows some healing already.  However the third picture which was taken yesterday at my wound clinic appointment, shows great strides.  There are a few places where the new skin is still weak, but I am healing.  The light spots don't need the antibiotic stuff any more.  The pain is pretty much gone; however there is an itchy phase to healing.  For over a week I couldn't stand putting pressure on my back.  Now I welcome it as it helps to soothe the itching.  I use my pillow to add pressure to my back.  Last night I slept on my back for the first time in two weeks.
In like fashion, Jesus heals.  I can warrant much of the healing to Caleb's priesthood blessing, which comes from Jesus.  However in life, we all receive little knocks from time to time.  We make little mistakes, and they begin to add up.  I want you to know that Jesus heals.  Just as he healed physical pain through His miracles, He also heals spiritual pain.  More than once he said, "Thy sins are forgiven thee, go and sin no more."  He has gone below all things.  He has carried our sorrows.  He can heal.  He will will.  We just need to reach out to Him. 

Magazine Article Review: Not Too Bright by Meryl Davids Landau

 Not Too Bright by Meryl Davids Landau, Prevention Magazine, January 2026, pp 48-54.

Can too much light be bad for you?  Historically when it was night it was dark, when it was day it was bright.  This is no longer reality as we can have light during the night, and poor light during the day as we are indoors.  Light effect melatonin.  Melatonin is the sleep hormone, but more than that it attaches to every cell in the body influencing health.  Disruption to melatonin can have health repercussions.  Today's artificial light tends to be blue light, which effects the secretion of melatonin.  A lack of darkness can lead to diabetes and cancer and cardiovascular issues.  

You can do things to make sure your melatonin is effective.  Be in the sun during the day so the contrast between light and dark is greater, avoid screens before bed.  Make sure there is no light in your sleeping area, switch out blue light, don't leave light on, don't turn on lights when you go to the restroom at night.  A night light that reacts to movement is better.

Magazine Article Review: Doctor's Orders: For a Long Healthy Life

 Doctor's Orders: Do as the Say!  Experts in all sorts of specialties give their absolute best advice for a long, healthy life by Caitlin Carlson, photographs by Ted Cavanaugh, Real Simple Magazime, RealSimple.com, February March 2026, pp 54-58,

Here are expert ideas for healthier and longer life

Strength train at least two days a week.  Muscles act as a metabolic organ.  More muscle improves insulin control, burning fat, releasing hormones that reduce inflammation and boost brain function.  Strength training preserves bone density, enhances hormones and proteins and can even improve cognitive function.

Slather on the SPF.  Even indoors, suns rays can get to you so you should use SPF product daily as a skin cream.

Reach out to Loved Ones.  Connection is important.  Make effort to maintain strong positive social connections.  Face to face is best but ZOOM or Facetime also works.

Floss! Floss! Floss!  Cleaning between your teeth can help prevent periodontal disease which causes gum issues.  Reportedly the daily floser lives six and a half years longer than the non-flosser.

Wear comfortable shoes.  Wear shoes approved by the American Podiatric Association.  These are usually sneakers.  I wear New Balance which are approved.  Have a firm base can prevent many health ussues.

Jump around.  New bone tissue replaces old under stress.  Jumping does this better than walking or running.

Keep a consistent bedtime and wake time.  Inconsistent sleep schedules can lead to many problems.  A random schedule messes with you circadian schedule and hormones.  Sleep irregularity is a risk for obesity, diabetes and cardiovascular issues.  

Eat More Fiber.  This is important for stomach health.  25 to 34 grams per day.

Pick up a new hobby.  Working through unfamiliar tasks helps build up new neural connections and strengthens old ones.  

Get your eyes checked.  Recommended at age 40 an every two to four years after.  Having diabetes I do yearly exams.

Try to eat less meat.  A small change can make a big difference.  The Mediterranean diet can be a guide.  Olive oil, fruits, nuts, vegetables and whole grains.

Magazine Article Review: What it Feels Like to Have OCD

 What it Feels Like to Have OCD as told by Alyssa Shelasky, illustrations by SHOUT, Real Simple: Life Made Easier magazine, February/March 2026, pp 47-50.

A first person history with OCD helped me understand better how the compulsion heled to calme the thoughts.  The individual who provides the story always had thoughts that someone might die if they did not do things, such as tap and count.  She also had issues with closed doors and avoids elevators.  She offers a good description, "It's almost like living with addiction: You spend a lot of time figuring out how to isolate and hide your habits without anyone knowing."  She also offers a good piece of advice, "So much of Mental health is about finding the doctors and medications that are right for you."  This individual was able to go ten years without medications, but then the thoughts started catching up with her again.  Then she had to start treatment again.  She says sometimes you have to avoid the thoughts by focusing on something else.

Cancer Road to Recovery

 This information is at the Cancer Survivors Park in Omaha

                                                           Words of Encouragement

Cancer Free After Skin Doctor Visit

 I am cancer free.  I had a cancerous carcinoma removed through a MOHS procedure in October.  It was on my left cheek.  I still have a scar but the bump there the doctor said is scar tissue and not cancer.  I saw Dr. Cornell at Nebraska Dermatology.  She did not find any other sores to worry about.  She said she will see me again in a year for another exam.  

Book Review: Giving Thanks: A Native American Good Morning Message

 Giving Thanks: A Native American Good Morning Message by Chief Jake Swamp, illustrated by Erwin Printup, Jr., Lee and Low Books Inc., 1995.

This book is based on the Thanksgiving Address, an ancient message of peace and appreciation.  The message comes from the Haudenosaunee people, also known as the Iroquois who were six nations, Mohawk, Oneida, Cayuga, Onondaga, Seneca and Tuscarora.  These are people of upper New York and Canada.  The address is still spoken at ceremonies today.  

The prayer of thanksgiving includes Mother Earth, water, green grasses, food, animals, forests, birds and their songs, four winds that clean the air, thunder beings that bring rain, sun, moon and stars, Spirit Protectors from our past and the Great Spirit.

This is very well done and can be used for qa good example of for what we should be thankful.  

Book Review: The Very Best Baseball Game

 The Very Best Baseball Game by Katie M. Blackburn, illustrated by Anastasiya Kanavaliuk, BH Kids, Brentwood, Tennessee, 2025.

This is a good story about being comfortable with people with disabilities.  It is Carson 's day to volunteer at the baseball game.  This is a special game.  Carson was assigned to a boy named Bryce who was very good at hitting, but needed help with running the bases.  Each of the players had someone assigned.  The volunteers were called buddies.  The kids all had their challenges.  Some were in wheel chairs or had a walker.  Some played in the dirt, or talked too much.  Others had issues with concentration.  As the game began Carson was hesitant, but when Bryce hit the ball he became so excited he didn't run, so Carson helped by leading the way.  The kids all had fun with their buddies.  When Carson's mother picked him up Carson shared that he realized he had a lot in common with the other kids.  They both like baseball.  They like to high five and have fun.  He said, "It's the very best game I ever played."

Hearing Aids Three Years Later

 I have been wearing hearing aids for nearly three years now.  And I still am not use to them.  They tickle my ears.  The problem is ear wax.  I create too much.  consequently I wear the hearing aids less and less frequently.  However I do wear them when I really want to hear.  It is higher frequencies I have a problem with.   

Germs Are All Around You

 A couple of signs from a rest area dealing with germs and disease.

On the Highway: Blow Over Hazards

 Be safe from high winds on the highway.  There is a lot of good advice at rest areas.

Escape Human Trafficking

 I found this at a rest stop crossing Nebraska.  Human trafficking/ sex trafficking is a national problem that we need to address.  

Don't Let the Sleepyzzz Get You

Pamphlet available at a rest area with a matching mural.  Of course I saw this while I was driving across Iowa at night.  I did stop and try to sleep for an hour but couldn't so kept driving with frequent stops.  I never did commit any of the warning signs.  

Three Related Magazine Articles: Find Your Purpose

 Find Your Purpose: How to figure Out What You Truly Want in Life, by PT contributors, Paychology Today, February 2026, pp 24-31.

The Paradox of Purpose by Jordan Grumet M.D.

This article points out the positive effects of having a purpose, lower mortality rate, better heart, More likely to stay active, more happiness.  Having a purpose is good for physical and mental health.  However the paradox if purpose is that if the purpose is too broad, too grandiose, it can have the opposite effect as people can become frustrated.  Purpose can be a source of tremendous joy, but it can also be a source of frustration.  However breaking purpose into smaller purposes can overcome this.  Instead of wanting to be famous it may be best to do well at whatever you do.  Purpose is finding meaning in the small purposes, making sure we prioritize well.  

In the end regret is about failing to become who you expected to be.  Inaction haunts us, not failing but failing to try.

A Brief History of Purpose Seeking: And What Happens when People--and Society--Don't Find It?  by Joseph E, Davis PH.D.

This article points out that too many people are without purpose; especially young people.  This may be the residual effecgt of COVID and lock down.  There seems to be something broken in society.  Fentanyl, drugs, social media, malaise all seem to be fueling this change in society.  We feel empty, inadequate and adrift.  Many young people, despite having success, still feel vacant inside.  This lack of purpose could be called a disorder of self.  

The How of Human Connection: Why do other People Matter So Much when it Comes to Finding Purpose and Joy in Life? Marianna Pogosyan Ph.D.

Other People matter.  Three words summarize the point of purpose.  Our well-being depends on others.  How to find others.  Realize people are interested in you.  Connection is built on reciprocity.  Frequency rather than intensity of positive relations is what matters.  Imagine connection as the physical distance between you and others.  Take a genuine interest in others and pay attention.  By being ready, opportunities to connect will come, and making connection with others you can find purpose.

New CPAP with all the Works

 I have not had a pulmonary/sleep specialist since retiring from Valley Medical Center over five years ago.  I guess this had to do more with leaving California, as my Valley Health Plan insurance wouldn't cover me outside of California.  I had about six masks at this time.  I have been using them longer than the prescribed to make them last.  However I finally have a new machine and masks.  I was worried about the old one as it was getting to old.  My old machine was recalled, so I did get a new machine sent to me in Arizona.  My new machine which I picked up last week is much smaller, sleeker and looks cooler.  The piping has a heater in it. It is set at 72 degrees.  It has a humidifier attachment but I had them turn it off for now.  It is set so all I do is turn it on and off.  The level is set by the sleep doctor.