Bonding From Generation To Generation
When I was growing up, I was fortunate to know both sets of my grandparents. My paternal grandparents were farmers and lucky to keep their farm in spite of the depression, which was no small feat. My maternal grandparents were farmers as well. Read More
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The Final Piece of Your Bucket List
Creating a bucket list is fun! Itâs great to think about and list all the things we want to do in life. What isnât so much fun is thinking about the health care we do or donât want during an emergency or as we near the end of life. Read More
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The Best Skin Care Routines for Your 30s, 40s, 50s and Beyond
Invest in Your SkinâIt’s With You for Life
Investing in your skin at any age can payoff in the long run. Take it from me, the teenage sun-soaker with good ole baby oil and iodine. Sound familiar? Not until my early 30s did I start to see the damage creep up to the visible layer of my skin. I was mortified. It was also at about that time I was completing my physician assistant program (career #2).
Taking Control of My Skin Care Routine
Several light therapy laser treatments and a new medical grade product line later, I was finally reaping the benefits of my investments. No more brown splotches, no more gaping pores. I was on track.
Fast forward to todayâŠIf I had a dime for everyone who asks me how they can get their skin to look as good as mine (disclosure: Iâll be 50 next week), Iâd back down to working only 10 hours a week. That being said, very few people can start out with the complexity of my daily product routine without having major anxiety.
Four Simple Skin Care Steps For Every Age Group
If youâre interested in improving your skin, here are the four overall steps I recommend to everyone.
- Cleanse Your Face: Morning and Night
Yes, two times even if you arenât wearing makeup or are just waking up for the day. Donât tell me you donât brush your teeth twice a day! - Use Vitamin C: Morning
(Or equivalent antioxidants) - Moisturize: Morning and Night
- Sunscreen: Morning and Before Going out in the Sun
Thatâs it! If you can do this at any age, five or more times a week, you are doing better than 80% of the population.
Letâs Talk About Cleansers
First things first, please donât use body soap on your face. Use face-specific products so you donât strip your skin and dry it out.
Hereâs what you can do in your:
- 20s:Â This depends on your skin type. For oily or acne prone skin, a cleanser with salicylic acid is beneficial to address these issues and cleanse your skin. For normal skin, a simple foaming cleanser is a good choice.
- 30-50s:Â I recommend a cleanser with glycolic acid to help exfoliate dead skin.
- 50 and up:Â I typically recommend the glycolic based cleansers OR a gentle cleanser depending on your skin.
- For those with dry or sensitive skin:Â A good ceramide-based or gentle cleanser works wonderfully.
Vitamin C & Antioxidants
Antioxidants help protect your skin against free radicals and conditions in our environment such as dirt and air pollution. These rob your skin of oxygen and steal electrons from healthy cells. Topical Vitamin C is best known to protect your skin against these stressors. There are also some other new products now available.
Hereâs what you can do in your:
- 20s-mid 30s:Â At this age, you can get by with a product that contains 10% or 15% Vitamin C. The maximum percent that your skin can absorb is 20%.
- Late 30s and up:Â This is the time to really step it up with a multi-defense antioxidant product that contains Vitamin C and may also include Vitamin E, Ferulic Acid or Resveratrol. These are just a few ingredients that provide an extra boost to your skin.
Be aware:Â Not all Vitamin C is created equal! To penetrate your skin and make a difference, it has to be formulated in a serum that has a pH of 3.5 or lower. Spoiler alert, over-the-counter products canât achieve this!
Moisturizers are Simple!
Easy tips for all ages:
- Find one that fits your skin needs, or come ask me.
- Medical grade products are able to offer more specialized components not found in over-the-counter products to address specific needs.
- SPF is not needed in your moisturizer because you simply donât need it at night and it is intended for reapplication throughout the day.
SPF â Itâs Not Your Momâs Sunblock Anymore!
This brings me to the last and most important step, SPF! It is crucial to start using this every day of your life, no matter what! If you like a tan face, use a bronzer or self-tanner.
Did you know?
- SPF only rates UVB rays, not UVA.
- SPF 32-50 provides the most effective protection and are essentially of equal value.
- Infrared (IR) light and blue light (think computer screens and phone screens) contribute to skin damage.
Two specific sunscreens that should be in everyoneâs arsenal for the face are:
- Total Defense and RepairÂź by SkinMedicaÂź (tinted or non-tinted)
- ColorescienceÂź SunforgettableÂź line of sunscreen
- These both block infrared light and ColorescienceÂź additionally blocks blue light
How to Start Your 4-Step Routine or Step Up Your Game
I recommend you find the right products for your age and skin in each of these four areas and begin using them every day! If youâre confused or donât know where to start, Iâm happy to visit with you. I take the time to get to know your current routine (or lack thereof) and go from there. At The Spa at Bryan LifePointe, we offer free consultations to help you determine whatâs best for you.
To learn more about services to enhance your skin, visit bryanlifepointe.org/spa.
Carrie Kleinschmidt
PA-C, Bryan LifePointe MedSpa
Carrie earned her physician assistant degree in 2001 from Union College after working as a registered dietitian for eight years. Following graduation, she worked in both family practice and aesthetics offices. Her experience in aesthetics led her to The Spa at Bryan LifePointe. Carrie enjoys working individually with patients to help them look and feel their best.
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Operation Cheetos
Our youngest grandchild and only grandson was asked to participate in a contest/skit during his high school pep rally. Seeing pictures of the event made me smile. I was pleased to see he actually attended the pep rally and supported the fall athletes and coaches! Remember, I’m a retired high school principal, and there were always kids who thought a pep rally was a reason to skip school.
The contest consisted of two-person teams of students, one person put on a shower cap with whipped cream on top and the other tried to throw Cheetos on top of the shower cap. When the time was up the team with the most Cheetos on the shower cap won. My grandson, who donned the shower cap, and his partner won!
Operation Finale
When I texted him to see if he would have another contest in the winter pep rally. He responded with, âhow about operation finale”. Operation finale? What did that mean? Usually, I am confident in my interpretations or translations of the grandkids’ messages, but this time I needed to follow up, âWhat does operation finale mean?â
His reply was, âI want to see the movie Operation Finale.â I laughed out loud! I should have realized there was no connection between the pep rally and the finale. That would make too much sense. It was his way of asking us to take him to see the movie.
After I laughed at my mistake, I was thrilled. My teenage grandson was asking us to take him to the movies and even be seen in public with us. BONUS!
Lessons from the Past
Operation Finale follows the story of the Mossad post-WWII. This group of Israeli intelligence officers located and tried to extradite Adolf Eichmann, a Nazi officer and major organizer of the Holocaust, to Israel to face war crime charges. The movie was very informative and very intense. I even jumped a few times. During the movie I managed to sneak a look at my grandson from the corner of my eye and he was enthralled with the movie.
The end of the movie really brought the past and present together, as videos of the 2017 Charleston riots were replayed. The Nazis were evident in the past and still are visible in the present. We talked after the movie about history repeating itself and why we don’t always learn from our mistakes. He reminded me there are people who don’t think they are making mistakes. I’m proud he gets it, but I’m thrilled he’s still catching Cheetos on his head and winning pep rally contests. Wouldn’t the world be a better place if we all caught Cheetos on our heads?
Nancy Becker
Grandkids & Grandparents
I have four grandchildren ages 14-17. In some ways, Iâm a very typical grandma, always proud of everything the kids do and wanting to help support them in whatever way I can. In other ways, Iâm not very typical. My goal as a blogger is to share my thoughts and experiences that I think are funny and meaningful as I adventure through grandmahood.
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How Can You Stop Frustration and Share Joy?
I’m typically seen as a positive person. My life word is ‘joy’ for a reason. I have a quote hanging in my classroom, âAttack the day with kindness.â I actually share this mantra each day with my own kids before they head off to school. Yet, even though my mission is to share joy, there are days where this mission seems worlds away.
Frustration Wins the Day
For example, last week frustration, anger and resentment got the best of me. I was mentally exhausted from problem-solving. I was annoyed by the fact my children were being lazy. I was frustrated that my husband was still in an arm sling and angry that I couldn’t call my mom just to talk to her. Frustration, anger and resentment weaved into my mind, my heart, every single bone. Yes…I was completely frustrated…everyone could see it on my face. I am pretty sure I was called crabby or worse more times than I would have liked in a 24-hour span.
All of these emotions had me so wrapped up in what I couldnât control that it affected my personality and behaviors. As I let anger weave its way into my mind, I started to doubt my purpose. Frustration dominated my conversations and won the day. I gave in to all of the negativity and I let those emotions steal my joy.
Learning to Slow Down
When I reflect on this day I realize that I was thinking about my to-do list and focusing on future tasks. The frustration built up and, really, all I needed to do was step away. This is my goal for the year â to be still.
But how can we remember to “be still” when frustration starts to creep in? Here are a few steps we can all take to slow down:
â Focus on breathing. I need to take one to two minutes, close my eyes and breathe.
â Appreciate the positives.
â Focus on what I can accomplish at this moment.
Here are some ways we can stop frustration, resentment and irritation from controlling our thoughts, minds and hearts:
â Share joy.
â Extend grace to others and to myself.
â Be curious and keep absorbing new ideas.
â Be thankful.
â Find a balance between my career, my home and my schedule.
Frustration doesn’t have to control my days. There will be frustrating days and days I’ll be irritated; however, realizing how incredibly blessed I am, sharing the joy with others, extending grace each day and pausing will ultimately overshadow those frustrations.
Shelly Mowinkel
K-12 & Teens
My husband and I have three kids. Our oldest is a freshman in high school, and our youngest is in second grade. Most days, I feel like we are a âtag-team chauffeuringâ service, yet I wouldnât have our life any other way. Not only I am a business/technology teacher at Milford, I am also the district technology integration specialist. I love teaching because I get the opportunity to make those around me better. My hope is that, through my blogging, I am able to inspire, encourage, and share with you my adventures of being a wife, mother, and professional.
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Am I Pushing My Kids Too Hard?
We all want whatâs best for our children. But our idea of what’s best for them might not always be what they want. Recently, I’ve noticed myself giving my children little nudges towards the decision I think is correct and what they should make. Now Iâm trying to find that delicate balance between encouraging and pushing too hard.
When my son was younger, we made the decision to wait until he was in kindergarten to enroll him in any kind of sports or activities. Now, he’s in second grade and continues to play soccer, and loves it. However, my daughter wanted to take gymnastics. She’s 4 years old and just started preschool. We enrolled her this summer and she seemed to enjoy it and was actually pretty good (thatâs not just a mom being proud of her daughter, she was actually good for her age). But now she doesnât want to do gymnastics, she wants to dance. Iâm torn because I want her to stay in gymnastics, but sheâs only 4…how big of push should I give her?
I believe getting my kids to do things that are challenging for them will teach them grit and flexibility while also widening their worldview; whether itâs participating in sports, trying out for a play or engaging in any new social situation. But, you always hear famous athletes, singers, dancers say theyâve been doing this talent since they could walk. I see talent in both my children. Shouldnât I push them to see their potential? My fear is that pushing my children too far can cause them to retreat inward, become resentful or develop even greater anxiety about trying new things.
Is it in their best interest if I push?
I push Cohen academically, urging him to study harder in school. I also push him to try new things and meet new people. I think it gives Cohen a sense of confidence and accomplishment when getting through something fun but challenging. I realized that the most important factor is knowing when and how much to push by thinking about their personality. If I’m met with resistance, then it might be time to examine how my motivations for pushing him in a certain direction. Cohen is older and more outgoing than my daughter Collyns. She is more reserved and I’m worried about pushing her too hard.
So should I push her more?
I donât want her to make the same mistakes I made. When I was younger I participated in clogging, baton twirling, basketball, volleyball, track, swimming, gymnastics…I did it all! I want her to find something she loves and sticks with it. But how can she find something she wants to do unless I enroll her in all the different activities? But again, sheâs only 4!
When it came to gymnastics practice, I repeatedly asked Collyns if she wanted to go and her response was NO every time. So, even though we paid for the month, we didnât make her go. I felt she might be feeling too pressured, and it was important for me to take a step back. I didnât want her to feel overwhelmed. I praised her for trying something new and told her how successful she was at gymnastics. I guess itâs on to dance class!
I donât want either of my kids to feel pressured, especially from me, but I do want them to realize that if they commit to something they should at least try. My goal is to motivate them and help them along the way, even if itâs with a little push.
Mallory Connelly
Babies & Toddlers
In addition to the time I devote to being a mom, I also work full-time outside the home, which means my day is hardly ever as simple as nine to five. With an all-too-established schedule, as soon as I walk through the door, my day doesnât end, but rather just begins. Itâs a balancing act, especially with two children, but being a mom is one full-time job that I never want to quit!
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The #1 Deadly Condition Treated in the Hospital May Surprise You
Itâs unknown to most people but serious and life threatening.
Being an ICU nurse, I have seen it all. Iâve seen young children come in struggling to breathe due to an asthma attack. Iâve seen elderly people come in after having CPR to restart their heart. Iâve helped bring people back to life. But, the thing that I have seen most in the hospital might surprise you. When you think of what the number one cause of death in the United States would be, what comes to mind? Cancer? Heart disease? While those are prevalent throughout the United States, it might surprise you to know that sepsis is the leading cause of death in United States hospitals.
So, What in the World is Sepsis?
With September being Sepsis Awareness Month, I feel it is important for you to know what sepsis is and how to prevent/detect sepsis in yourself or your loved ones. So, what in the world is sepsis? In general, it is the bodyâs overwhelming response to an infection that can lead to tissue damage, organ failure, amputations, and even death.
You may have never even heard of sepsis. Most people havenât. Yet, it is the number one killer with people coming to the ER when they are already in organ failure. Like a heart attack or stroke, time is of the essence when treating sepsis. This is necessary to protect your organs from going into failure.
Do You Know the Warning Signs and Importance of Immediate Treatment?
Here are some facts that may surprise you:
- Less than 1% of the population can name the signs and symptoms of sepsis
- Death from sepsis increases by as much as 8% for every hour that treatment is delayed
- Most cases of sepsis begin at home (up to 87% of sepsis cases) and not in the hospital
- As many as 80% of sepsis deaths could be prevented with rapid diagnosis and treatment
Most people either donât know about sepsis or they assume it only happens to a vulnerable population. The truth is, sepsis knows no age discrimination, it doesnât affect men more than women, and it doesnât affect the older generation more than young children.
What are the Warning Signs?
Sepsis can start with something as simple as a small cut or a toothache that can develop into an infection. Now, not every cut or toothache develops into sepsis, but it is important to know what to look for as a possible indication of sepsis. So you may be asking, what are the signs and symptoms?
Think SEPSIS
SÂ â Shivering, fever, or very cold
EÂ â Extreme pain or general discomfort (âworst everâ)
PÂ â Pale or discolored skin
SÂ â Sleepy, difficult to rouse, confused
IÂ â âI feel like I might dieâ
SÂ â Shortness of breath
Take ACTION
If you see a combination of these symptoms and suspect sepsis, see a medical professional IMMEDIATELY. The sooner treatment gets started, the better chance you or your loved one has at surviving and making a full recovery.
When caught early, immediate administration of IV antibiotics and fluids can be all you need to make a full recovery. However, if organ failure has already started by the time someone comes to the hospital, they may need to come see me in the ICU. You may need medications to raise your blood pressure or have a breathing tube hooked up to a ventilator to help provide the oxygen you need. The longer someone delays getting treatment for sepsis, the greater the likelihood that the person will have severe complications such as kidney failure requiring dialysis or problems taking care of themselves (such as walking by yourself, bathing, brushing your teeth, etc.). It can even lead to death.
Be Informed, Tell Others â Letâs Raise Awareness and Save Lives
As a nurse, I have made it my job to tell all my friends and loved ones about the signs and symptoms of sepsis, and ways to prevent it.
Prevention starts with something as simple as washing your hands and cleaning any cut/injury. A lot of people donât realize that bacteria naturally lives on your skin and given the right circumstances can grow into an infection from something as little as a cut or burn.
I urge you to tell everyone you know about the signs and symptoms as well as the ways to prevent sepsis. With your help, we can increase awareness of sepsis so people will seek treatment sooner, and lives will be saved.
Learn More About Sepsis
To learn more about Sepsis, listen to our latest Bryan Health podcast. Bill Johnson, MD, Nebraska Pulmonary Specialties shares how you can spot this condition, and emphasizes how early diagnosis and treatment can be lifesaving.
Paige Fellers
RN, ICU
Paige Fellers is a registered nurse in the ICU at Bryan Health.
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Talking About the #MeToo Movement with My Grandkids
The list of famous men accused of sexual harassment these past few months seems endless. At first, because of their fame and presence on our screens, the *#MeToo movement almost felt like it was happening in another world. But it wasnât. Local marches and discussions, even in Lincoln, Nebraska, showed us that itâs everywhere. No one knows if this is part of a revolution or if the #MeToo movement will pass. Despite that, I think it was important to talk about it with my grandkids.
Donât Worry Grandma
Recently, I met up with my grandkids for lunch for one last gathering before the new school year and their days fill up with class, clubs, sports and other new challenges. I was curious to learn if my granddaughters knew about the #MeToo movement and if they knew how they would respond to sexual harassment. Would they confront the person? Would they share their story with a friend or adult? Would they feel comfortable sharing it with their parents? I also wondered about my grandson. Is he prepared to act if he encounters harassment or assault either towards himself or another person?
I also wanted to share my thoughts and feelings about the #MeToo movement and tell them the story of Tarana Burke, whoâs 2006 story of sexual assault and advocacy started the #MeToo movement. After listening to a young woman share her sexual assault story, Tarana, a sexual assault survivor herself, didnât know what to say. Later, she wished she would have said, âme, too.â This is how the #MeToo movement began.
When I brought up the #MeToo movement during lunch that day my oldest granddaughter said, âDonât worry about it grandma. Weâve got it figured out.â They wanted to share their excitement over the new school year, laughing and teasing each other, not talk about sexual violence. I get it. This wasnât the time for grandmaâs serious talk. So, I let it go.
What Was In It for Me?
Maybe I wanted to have this discussion because of my life as an educator. My eagerness to make sure all students are safe and taken care of is important to me. But mostly I care about having a plan to help young people deal with sexual harassment and assault. The plan canât always be carried out exactly as planned, but I feel better when there’s something we can look to in a time of crisis. Unfortunately, I didnât get to this with my grandkids that day, but thatâs okay.
Or, maybe I wanted to have this discussion because Iâm a nosy grandma? I really was curious to hear where my grandkidâs minds were on this topic.
Lastly, maybe I wanted to have this discussion because itâs on my mind. I donât want it to be lost in the never-ending news cycle.
It’s Out of My Control
Whatâs funny is, I used to worry about my grandkids falling off bicycles or climbing too high on the playground equipment. I still worry about them every day, but what Iâm worried about has changed. Iâm not in control when it comes to their response to the #MeToo movement. Iâm confident that their parents have helped them prepare for the future, but itâs not up to me. I have to take a deep breath and trust that they will do their best, just as theyâve always done.
Itâs always been my belief that change doesnât happen until thereâs a crisis. Society needs to shift in order to disrupt the narrative around sexual violence to make the changes we need. Tarana Burke said, âIf in this country, we had an outbreak of some communicable disease that 12 million people got in a 24-hour period, we would be focused solely on the cure. Thatâs the difference in how people think about the disease of sexual violence.â
*Please note, I may not have used the correct way to address the movement, #MeToo. Sorry, I donât have any idea what a hashtag stands for or means. Guess Iâll need to ask my grandkids!
If you or a loved one needs help after a serious trauma such as sexual assault, the Bryan Medical Center emergency department offers specially trained, discrete sexual assault nurse examiners who can help. The Bryan Counseling Center also offers compassionate counselors who work specifically with those who have endured serious trauma or abuse.
To schedule an appointment with the Bryan Counseling Center, call 402-481-5991.
Nancy Becker
Grandkids & Grandparents
I have four grandchildren ages 14-17. In some ways, Iâm a very typical grandma, always proud of everything the kids do and wanting to help support them in whatever way I can. In other ways, Iâm not very typical. My goal as a blogger is to share my thoughts and experiences that I think are funny and meaningful as I adventure through grandmahood.
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The Importance of Student Organizations
The first day of school is one of my favorite days of the year. The excitement of back-to-school photos, seeing students walk into our building for the new school year and listening to their favorite summer memories fills my heart with joy.
Our principal, who happens to be my husband, planned the best back-to-school day ever with both the staff and students â a parade down Main Street. Even though the parade was the highlight of the day, the build-up to the parade stuck with me. The parade and rest of the back-to-school activities centered on a theme â nobody watches the parade.
Join the Parade
This idea, inspired by Bob Goff and Donald Miller in âA Million Miles in A Thousand Years,â encourages people to participate. Nobody can watch the parade. They can only be in the parade.
I keep thinking why this theme and why this year? Why would I encourage my own children and students to join the parade and participate in one or more student organizations? First, as a parent, I want our children to be a part of something bigger and make a difference. As a teacher, I want children to develop and enhance their skills as an extension of the classroom.
Being part of a student organization hugely impacts a studentâs educational experience. My husband and I have already noticed the positive impact they have had on our daughter during her junior year. Because of this, we’re encouraging our two younger children to be involved in groups beyond the regular school day, too. But what are our children getting from joining the parade?
Develop Soft Skills
The essential soft skills, also known as people skills, teach students how to work with others, communicate with others and enhance critical thinking skills. Students not only enhance these soft skills in student organizations, they also learn to interact with small and large groups and develop time management and organizational skills.
Explore Interests
Student organizations give our children the opportunity to explore interests and expose them to other learning opportunities. For example, our oldest daughter has no interest in accounting or business law. Yet, she is part of a business organization which allows her to understand the importance of the business world.
Develop Leadership Skills
Student organizations encourage leadership. We are all leaders, but whether we choose to be a positive one or a negative one is up to us. Through these groups, students can learn to develop characteristics that we admire in effective leaders: trailblazer, honest, inspirational, competent and fearless.
Unfold a Purpose
Student organizations provide a multitude of opportunities to serve others. Through serving others, our children learn to be part of something bigger than themselves. They see firsthand the reward of giving their time and talents to others. As parents, we get to see our children take pride in their work, learn to love the process and grow a thankful heart.
Student organizations are a great way to develop all these skills and so much more! Most importantly, our children will be joining the parade, not watching.
Shelly Mowinkel
K-12 & Teens
My husband and I have three kids. Our oldest is a freshman in high school, and our youngest is in second grade. Most days, I feel like we are a âtag-team chauffeuringâ service, yet I wouldnât have our life any other way. Not only I am a business/technology teacher at Milford, I am also the district technology integration specialist. I love teaching because I get the opportunity to make those around me better. My hope is that, through my blogging, I am able to inspire, encourage, and share with you my adventures of being a wife, mother, and professional.
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What Anxiety Feels Like When Youâre a Mom
Today has been a rough day. No wait, itâs been a rough couple of weeks! Recently, anxiety told me I couldn’t be a mom, wife, daughter, friend or co-worker. Some days it brings me to my knees and makes me cry for hours. It makes me hide in my room, afraid for my husband and kids to see me so upset. Anxiety makes me believe Iâm not good enough.
When It Gets to Be Too Much
Recently, the stress of my job, daily life, and being an organized wife and mother brought me to tears. I cried out for help from my husband and my mother. As a mom, I struggle with the daily demands. I think of myself as a very organized person. But some days I just want to throw the toys in the air, that I just picked up, and say no.
I asked myself why. Why do I have to be the one who pays the bills? Signs the kids up for activities and takes them to doctorâs appointments? Why do I have to lay their clothes out for the week ahead? Make sure their homework is done? It just kept going and I needed help.
Asking for Help
My husband witnessed my meltdown and was frustrated. Not necessarily at me, but heâd never seen me this overwhelmed. He thought he did something wrong. However, it was just the stress of my daily life. My husband realized he needed to step in and help. He asked my mom to watch the kids for an hour so we could sit down and figure out how I could be less stressed.
After deciding what my husband could take off my plate and realizing that I could ask for help, I felt relieved. I could breathe again and not be so caught up in my head with the constant: âNow I need to do this, then I need to do this and donât forget about this, but first finish this.â
Take Time for You
I want others to know that even though someone appears put together on the outside, we are all struggling with things on the inside. There’s no such thing as perfect. Some anxiety is easier to deal with than others. Mine was realizing I could and need to ask for help.
Some other moms I talked to about dealing with anxiety suggest a form of therapy. Activities like meditation, acupuncture, meditation, exercising, journaling or visiting with a therapist can really help. Â The moral of this story? Remember to take the time to care for you, and never be afraid to reach out for help when needed.
Mallory Connelly
Babies & Toddlers
In addition to the time I devote to being a mom, I also work full-time outside the home, which means my day is hardly ever as simple as nine to five. With an all-too-established schedule, as soon as I walk through the door, my day doesnât end, but rather just begins. Itâs a balancing act, especially with two children, but being a mom is one full-time job that I never want to quit!
Remember there is help and there is hope. If you’re concerned about overcoming anxiety, Bryan Health has the support you need. Take our free, confidential online screening now.
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If you could prevent your child from getting cancer, what would you do?
You have the power to prevent cancer your child could get later in life
The dog days of summer are upon us and my family of six has spent countless days at the pool, baseball games and summer camps. Now a new school year is starting, and itâs a good time to make sure our children are up to date on their check-ups with the doctor, dentist and optometrist. As a parent of kids ranging in ages from eight to 13, this year also included discussions about the importance of getting the HPV vaccine for cancer prevention.
What is HPV, and how does it lead to cancer?
HPV stands for the human papillomavirus. It includes a group of more than 150 related viruses. Some types of HPV can cause warts or papillomas, which are non-cancerous. Most of the time our bodyâs natural immune systems can fight off the infections the virus can cause. But, some types of HPV cause cancer in both men and women. According to the American Cancer Society (ACS), HPV causes most cases of cervical cancer, and nearly all cases of pre-cervical cancers. It also causes many vaginal, vulvar, anal, penile, throat and tongue cancers.
As I began to learn more about HPV, I found myself wondering how common is the virus. What I found was astounding:
- Each year in the United States 31,500 people are diagnosed with a cancer related to an HPV infection.
- The virus spreads through skin-to-skin contact. Any man or woman who has ever had sex, including vaginal, anal or oral, can get the virus.
- Four out of five people will have HPV at some point in their lives, according to the latest estimates. The virus is so common that the best way to prevent an HPV infection is to get vaccinated.
Is the HPV vaccine safe?
This is the first thing I wanted to know after hearing about this cancer prevention vaccine! I felt comforted knowing that more than 270 million doses have been given around the world since 2006, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). As a registered nurse, I understand any vaccination has potential side effects. Yet many people who get the HPV vaccine report no side effects. Potential side effects of the HPV vaccine have been mild like other vaccines. The HPV vaccine is approved by the CDC, and like all vaccines, receives ongoing monitoring.
So how can I prevent cancers that my kids could get later in life?
As a cancer nurse navigator and a mom of four children, I was very interested in the current recommendations to prevent HPV related cancers. I started by having a conversation with our family doctor. I learned my kids could receive the two series vaccination (six-12 months apart), as early as age nine or ten. The CDC highly recommends kids be vaccinated at ages 11 or 12, as that is when the vaccine has been shown to be the most effective. If a child starts the vaccination series between the ages of 15-26, a third vaccination is recommended.
The HPV vaccine prevents infections from nine HPV types that cause HPV cancers. According to the American Cancer Society, receiving the vaccine before being exposed to the virus can prevent up to 90% of HPV cancers!
As I was making doctorâs appointments for my kids, my almost 11-year-old son openly shared his disgust in having yet another âshotâ scheduled with his upcoming appointment. This brought up a great moment to have a conversation about the purpose of this vaccine in preventing certain cancers later in life. He has heard many of my stories over the years of people struggling with cancer. He asked several great questions about the vaccine, and I didnât hear him complain again.
A week later his sister was giving him a hard time that he was the ONLY kid who needed a shot this year. He promptly responded, âIâd rather have a two-second sting than a cancer that I didnât need to have!â Proud mom moment!
I have had the personal experience of caring for patients with HPV related cancers. With this new cancer prevention vaccine, I feel so lucky to live during a time where these types of cancers could be greatly reduced or even eliminated in my kidsâ generation!
My suggestion for parents is to talk with your childâs doctor about the HPV vaccine, and to your children about why âanother shotâ is so important. For more information, check out the links below.
*Information for this blog provided by American Cancer Society.
Carmen Orr
RN, Cancer Nurse Navigator
Carmen Orr is a Bryan Medical Center oncology nurse navigator, which is a  specially trained nurses who are here to help you and your family through each step of your cancer journey.
How Important is the HPV Vaccine?
Listen to our podcast with Dr. Philip Boucher, a pediatrician with Lincoln Pediatric Group, to learn more about the importance of the HPV vaccine, research done on its effectiveness and tips on talking to your child about why they are getting the vaccine.