Author: Janeen Weiss

The number one mental illness in the U.S. (and probably worldwide) is ANXIETY. It affects some 40 million American adults. Though considered treatable, most people do not get any treatment for it. On top if it all, anxiety is on the rise. With Covid, financial issues, environmental stressors and defective diets, along with the 24/7 press coverage of everything dramatic and horrible that happens in the world, no wonder anxiety disorders continue to escalate.

Though occasional boughts of anxiety are normal, you might be one of the millions suffering from anxiety or continual anxious feelings, what can you do about it. The standard response from the medical profession is get on meds – all of which have many side effects, including addiction. And, therapy is recommended. Talk therapy is the norm for most therapist, but too often standard or CBT – Cognitive Behavioral therapy – does not work in cases of anxiety.

There are other non-invasive treatments for anxiety along with the use of supplements that can assist in decreasing those feelings that overwhelm you and interfere with your sleep and well-being.

Though the current thought is that anxiety disorders are not curable, I beg to differ. Anxiety is common when something stressful happens in your life. It occurs, typically, after some ‘anxiety producing’ event or a series of events. That does not mean it is incurable. However, it does mean that as long as you are alive on this planet, you will be subject to stressful events – occurrences that are unexpected and come out of left field for you. That would cause stress and naturally some anxiety. It is when anxiety continues, long after the event ceases, that becomes the problem.

The medical profession seems to blame so much on genetics – but your genes are NOT your destiny. It is more likely the environment you were raised in that bring out anxiety. For example, if a parent was always anxious, you would have learned that being anxious was how to handle issues. Much like getting angry at everything and acting out can be ‘inherited’ from a parent who acts that way.

There are other outside influences that can make you anxious. Too much caffeine, substance abuse and some medications have the side effect of anxiety (those can include some anti-depressants). There are also medical conditions that can mimic anxiety disorders – such as heart, lung and thyroid conditions.

Of course, a history of trauma, abuse, even a chronic physical condition, or being a caretaker for a seriously ill relative can increase your likelihood of developing anxiety.

Outside of medications and cognitive behavioral therapy (which does not always work in these cases), what can you do.

Here are some other suggestions:

1. Make sure you are not ingesting substance that are anxiety producing, i.e., caffeine, too much sugar, alcohol and other substances, medications, or any other foods that evoke anxiety for you. For example, you may have an allergy to nuts or a sensitivity to gluten – be mindful that what you put into your gut does affect your mental health.
2. Do you watch a lot of tv, are you on your computer and get the latest newsfeeds? This does produce anxiety. Give yourself a break from the news. Stop watching the murder shows or being on your phone an hour before bedtime. Now, I realize how impossible this has become. But, if you must watch – no games. They are also an addiction and the blue light from the screens prevent decent and restorative sleep – adding to anxiety. Instead, consider reading. Yes, the old fashion reading a book or even a magazine. You will be amazed at how differently you feel. Minimize the news watching. It is typically all bad news anyway and, for the most part, you will find that if you watch once a week, nothing much has changed
3. Sleep – yes the restorative power of sleep is amazing. How many of us get a 7 to 8 hour nights rest regularly.? How many of us wake up raring to go in the morning and not groggy as we haven’t had restorative sleep? If you are one of those who do not sleep well, consider making changes suggested in 1 & 2 above. Also, a dark, cool and quiet room are part of good sleep hygiene. When you have a restful sleep, a lot of anxiety can disappear. If you snore, you might consider seeing your doctor for sleep study. Sleep apnea, which is becoming more and more common, has many negative side effects – including increased dementia. Sleep issues should be taken seriously. If it is once a week, that is okay But, if it is daily, you would benefit from a medical consult on this. And, alcohol before bed is not a cure- all. Alcohol will turn to sugar later and wake you up.

There is more, of course, lots more, but that will wait till next post.

In good mental, physical and emotional health.

Janeen

It seems that getting a good night’s sleep is problematic for way too many people these days. We need sleep in order to handle daily functions, improve our cognition and to be able to communicate clearly – among other things. We all know how good it feels to wake up after a good night’s sleep feeling energetic and ready to face the day.

But, what about those days you don’t get a decent night’s sleep. Have you noticed how you function and feel the next day? I’m sure it’s not great. There are many suggestions for what is referred to as sleep hygiene. Most people don’t do what is suggested. But, even those who do, often can’t sleep. Nagging thoughts about something that either happened during the day that you want to change or an event you have to deal with the next day plague you all night. For some, ruminating thoughts about things that happened years ago still invade your brain. You toss, turn, take a benadryl to help, maybe you think drinking a glass or 3 of wine might help, but lo and behold it doesn’t.

Do you ask your doctor to prescribe Ativan or Ambien or some other sleep aid (all have side effects)? Do you give up? If you are a first responder or have a job that requires you to work evenings or off hours, when do you sleep? How do you sleep?

Well, not to get into all the issues that sleep deprivation causes – let’s just say you want to sleep. The brain and body need it to rejuvenate – every night. Since all creatures sleep – even the ones under the water – why can’t you? (Yes, even sharks have restful periods.)

Main sleep hygiene suggestions are:

*Go to bed at the same time and get up at the same time daily (or within an hour of your typical time). This sends signals to your brain and body that it is time to wind down and sleep.

*It is often said that you should not eat within 2-3 hours of bedtime. For most people this is true, however, some people need a bit of tryptophan at bedtime – hence the glass of warm milk. You might be the one person that needs a small piece of cheese or even half a hard boiled egg to help you sleep. As for alcohol before bed…well, it might knock you out initially, but the alcohol will turn into sugar and your metabolism revs up. The result is you wake up and cannot sleep. Alcohol, like caffeine, should not be consumed close to bedtime. That also goes for chocolate or ice cream. Have you even noticed that you do not sleep well after eating lots of sugar before bedtime? Try to keep food down to a minimum, especially sugar, 2 to 3 hours prior to bedtime.

* Turn off your electronics. In my opinion, this is the most difficult thing for people to do and is the most prevalent reason people are having for not getting a decent night’s sleep. For some, it may not bother them, but for most, it does. And, it is not healthy to have your IPad, your smart phones and the tv on with their blue lights and electro magnetic frequencies (EMF) pulsating and attacking your brain and body before going to bed and even while you are in bed. They signal your body to actually stay awake. And, who knows what else all these EMFs do to your body. Turn off the phone and the rest of your electronics at least 1 hour before going to bed. You can pick up a book and read or make some notes in your gratitude journal before bedtime or even meditate. (You can also have intimate relations with your partner – something that is also on the decline with the advent of constant cell phone usage.) This may be difficult at first, but it is nice to quiet down. You’ll do yourself and your body a favor by doing this.

*What is your day like? Do you exercise at all during the day? Do you get outside and get some light or do you live in the dark all day. We know that those who have a regular exercise program typically sleep better than those who do not. I don’t recommend you exercise to close to bedtime (like 1-2 hours before) as may wake up your system. Besides, it’s good for you, your heart and your brain. Do it anyway.

What about sleep aides – like melatonin, or sleepeze, etc. Melatonin does not work for everyone. It helps you to fall asleep, but does not keep you asleep for the most part. If you want a non-prescriptive to help you sleep there are those that contain valerian root and hops and passion flower. This has helped many people stay asleep. There could be some side effects for some – so check out to see if it is good for you.

Meditating before bedtime also helps you fall asleep. If you are not sure how to meditate – it is noticing your breath and letting your thoughts go. It is easier than you might think. And, there are loads of free videos you can find to see how best to meditate. There are also free meditation trainings as well. It is a technique that improves your sleep and also your brain functioning and moods. The more you do, the better you will feel. I highly recommend it.

There are problems with Ambien, trazadone and other medications as well as some over the counter aids. And, if you become dependent on them, it is hard to sleep without them. Try other methods before you decide to just go on another medication.

Do you need 8 hours every night. No, you actually don’t. You might be the person who functions well on 6 hours. Between 6-8 hours is best for most people. Growing children and teens need more hours. If you have a tendency to sleep 9 or more hours, this might indicate other issues – like depression or some medical issue. Too much sleep is almost as bad as too little.

If you have any suggestions that have worked for you and might help others sleep, please email me and I will put it in my next blog. Reference this blog in the subject line.

Janeen Weiss – jwlcsw@hotmail.com

We now have a new President who will take over January 20, 2021. It is time for this nation to heal from 4 years (and more) of divisiveness and anger and downright hatred. How sad that any official would condone and even encourage Americans to hate each other, let alone others of different races and creeds.

You have the right to vote for whomever you wish in an American election. But, like many, you do not have the right to interfere with the ability of others to cast their ballot nor of the bipartisan volunteers who are counting the ballots.

If you think of yourself as a true patriot and an American, you would encourage everyone to vote. You would protect those counting the ballots to complete their jobs. Afterall, the vote count could be for your candidate.

You may like the current President. Many of us have liked previous Presidents who did not get reelected. But, we did not start a civil war nor riots over this. We did not intimidate others to not vote, nor interfere with ballot counting.

Even during the 1960s and 1970s, when this country was enormously divided over a very unpopular war, we allowed the peaceful transition of power. We accepted the results even if we were unhappy with them. And, every President up until now, has been gracious and dignified in accepting the election results and welcoming the new President into office….even offering assistance. But, not this one. Why not?

So, though you may not like this blog, it is shameful that any real American President would act so infantile and childish and so utterly unAmerican as to deny results and refuse the will of the American people.

We only had one major crisis during Trump’s tenure and that is the Corona Virus. He couldn’t handle that one and even made it into a political issue. Can you imagine making Cancer or Diabetes a political disease? How silly. And, now there are over 234,000 Americans dead from a virus that is NOT the flu. That is highly contagious and deadly for many.

If he couldn’t handle this one, what makes you think he could handle anything else. He created years of chaos and such anger that it affected friendships, families, business relationships and more. That, my friends, is the mark of a someone with a severe personality disorder. It is not the American way…unless he has made it that way now.

So, it is time to heal and to accept we all have differences of opinions in many areas. But, the hatred needs to stop. Acceptance and forgiveness now is the way.

Try it.

As many of you know, my book is available on Amazon in paperback and ebook form. Perhaps you would like to know more about it and have a sample. So, here goes.

The book is about alternative healing and lots of energy healing I did to get to optimum health and out of pain. Perhaps, many of you have had a similar experience and have tried lots of unique methods like I did. Some may work. Unfortunately, many do not.

Let’s, for example, take healing waters. I tried what is known as Double Helix Water and became part of a study to see if this magical, tasteless liquid could heal me. Double Helix water was an odorless and tasteless liquid that allegedly contained millions of nanometer sized stable water clusters that have taken the form of a double helix. This is considered a solid phase of water that remains stable at room temperature (though I did put it in the fridge, as it’s homeopathic). According to long term studies, this water was supposed to stimulate the body’s immune response system and repair the meridian system so that self-healing can occur. 

The Ph.D. who was doing this study in California seemed very reputable and even quite famous. He wanted to have thousands of case results so that he could have a valid study that showed what double helix water does. According to the website, doublehelixwater.info, the purpose of this study is and had been, from the beginning, to simply develop a thorough understanding of water, strictly from a physics viewpoint.  

First, I had to fill out a questionnaire which asked about my health and levels of pain and location, as well as sign away my rights to sue. Then I was put in an area behind a screen and told to strip. Infrared photos of my naked body were taken by the female assistant. This was to get a baseline of where the hot spots were in my body. I had plenty of them. Wow, my head was red, too (and I was a blond at the time). Then I drank a glass of water with a few drops of the DHW. 

After waiting 15 minutes, more pictures were taken to see if there was a difference. There was. I now had some cool spots where I had hot spots before, as shown by the infrared. The doctor asked if I wanted to buy the double helix water and be part of this study to see if there was any change over the course of 3 months. Of course, I said yes – after all, it was me. I paid and took home this little bottle of double helix water. (Typically, when you are part of a study, you don’t pay. In fact, you are often paid. Silly me.)

The directions said to put 20 drops in a gallon of distilled water. I misunderstood and thought I was supposed to use 20 drops in a glass of water. I have no idea how I heard that, but I don’t even remember being told it was 20 drops in a gallon. I could have read the instructions … but no, I listened to the woman who took my naked hot photos. 

It did not remove the pain at the time. I did not follow up on the study after 12 weeks. In 2014, the whole thing was outed as quackery. The Dr. touted it as a cure for autism. I wish there were a cure for autism, but double helix water isn’t it. Nor was it a cure for my hot spots. 

This is just one of the sections from my book. If you are interested in more about alternative healing methods, take a look at the book. Better yet, buy it. Let me know what you think.

My book Pain Made Me Crazy and What I Did to Heal is now available in paperback on Amazon. You can find it under the title or my name.

Read it and let me know what you think. Post a review. Send me an email about your journey into health and what you have done to heal. What worked for you. What didn’t work?

That is what my book is all about. After suffering my own health crisis 11 years ago, I embarked on a journey to get healthy and back to my old self. The medical profession did their best, but it wasn’t good enough.

So, off I went into an exploration of alternatives.

The book is highly informative, funny and may be able to help guide you in your health journey.

Can’t wait to hear from you. You can also leave me message on my janeenweisshealthcoach@protonmail.com address.

Janeen Weiss

I am befuddled by the overwhelming resistance so many people (especially the young) have to putting on a mask for a few moments while they are around others. What is the problem here? Is it too difficult to put something around your face or to be considerate of others?

Somehow these same people don’t have an issue with the KKK wearing full body coverings and a face mask that covers everything but their eyes. So, does that mean that not wearing a mask now means you are what?: a resistor, a racist, a Trump supporter, a Republican. What the heck does it all mean? For me, it signifies people who just are totally selfish, inconsiderate and have no regard for their own lives let alone others.

Do you wear a mask when it is cold around your face to protect you from the wind? Why? Afterall, the wind just might be a hoax. Have you ever been in the hospital and noticed that the doctors and nurses wear masks? Why? To protect what – maybe everyone? Do they wash their hands – yes. It took many years before doctors realized that washing hands between patients prevented the spread of diseases and infections. Now, it is mandated in hospitals and healthcare settings. Do you or someone you know have a problem washing your hands? Is it okay if someone near you coughs, sneezes or hacks in your general direction and neither of you have a mask on? It has never been okay and now it is even more important to cover your face to prevent that.

I just had a 5 1/2 hour flight where I, and the other passengers, had to wear a mask the entire time, as did the flight attendants. I am grateful they did. One person carrying this virus, knowingly or not, could have infected the entire plane. It was not comfortable. But, it was a minor discomfort to having a disease where I might not be able to breathe at all. Why would anyone refuse to do this except someone so self involved and dare I say, ignorant and uninformed.

This disease does not have a political party affiliation. It infects anyone that it finds who just might be a good host. And, it is finding more young people, ages 20-40, who are really great hosts.

So, to you who are assuming that over a million cases around the world and the U.S. being number one in both cases and deaths is a hoax, get off the dark web and now Russian hacked sites. Start educating yourself. How would you feel if you knew you made someone else in your family sick. If you brought home this virulent virus and it lead to a long and painful hospitalization or death of a friend or family member. Would it make wearing a mask seem so difficult then?

It’s a simple thing. And, I have no idea why it is such a problem for anyone. It is not in the Constitution that you have the right to not wear a mask. Most people don’t even have an idea what is in the Constitution or Bill of Rights anyway.

Well, there is my rant. Wear a damn mask. It isn’t a difficult thing to do. You don’t have to wear it in your car or your own home or even if you are over 6 feet feet away from someone else. And, when Walmart or any place doesn’t allow you to enter without a mask, have some respect. Your essential workers are just regular people trying to make a living and feed their families. They are subject to anyone who might be carrying any disease. Stop giving them a hard time. Either put a mask on or leave. No shirt, No shoes, No mask, No service.

Most people do wear masks and observe the rules. Most people don’t want this horrendous pandemic to resurface again and again. Everyone, no matter what political or non-political party you are in, wants to get back to work. And, I assure you, people in other countries who are suffering may not give a darn about American politics. Most of them just think we are stupid anyway. Now, many countries won’t even let Americans in because of their resistance to wear masks and the prevalence of this infection.

Listen to the experts or at least your own doctor. If you want this disease to end and to get this country and the world back to some semblance of order again, wear a mask. It really isn’t that hard. I don’t care if you like it or not. I would prefer not to wear one as well. But, I value my life and respect the lives of others. What is your excuse for not wearing a mask or not keeping social distancing? Whatever it is, it has little import when compared to the ravages of Covid-19.

If you really love your country and your family or even yourself, wear a damn mask when you are around others. Being a good American is wearing a mask and practicing social distancing.

I have yet to fully psychoanalyze those who won’t wear a mask. Let others do that. For now, I don’t care what your underlying psychosocial issues are or how you and your parents did or did not relate. Just do the right thing, wear a mask.

Are you frustrated having to be quarantined at home? Are you missing your former social life? Do you want to go out to eat and not sit 6 feet apart? Are you so done with wearing a face mask that you just rip it off and don’t care what happens?

Well, welcome to life with Covid-19. After Memorial Day celebrations and massive crowds, there is now a resurgence of the virus in many cities. The United States has the most cases and now, more deaths due to this virus than anywhere else in the world. Latest reports state we could have 200,000 deaths by October 2020. This is not a number to be ignored. With July 4 celebrations upon us and people swarming the beaches now that summer is here, the death toll could be even higher.

I know that neither you nor I have any desire to get sick. We are assuming because we are strong that it can’t happen to us and if it does, it will just be a mild case. You know, there is some evidence of that…if you are young, have a strong immune system and don’t hang with people who have been ill, this may be the case. But, guess what? Most people in the U.S. have poor immune systems, eat very unhealthy and get little exercise.

Those who got the sickest from Corona Virus had underlying medical conditions. Diabetes, obesity, heart disease, lung disease, and autoimmune disorders are all contributors to poor outcomes in getting through this or any other virus, regardless of age. And, according to the National Research Council, and Institutes of Medicine, Americans have one of the highest rates of obesity, diabetes and heart disease in the world. In other words, we are not a healthy nation at all. These studies were for those age 20 and over. Clearly, just because you are young does not mean you are immune.

So, while you are shuttered at home (which most of us are not), you might consider taking this time to get healthy. Instead of adding the Corona 15 to your waist line, find ways to eat a leaner, cleaner diet. Get off the processed foods. It is NOT more expensive to eat healthy. In fact, in the long run, it is a lot cheaper. By eliminating junk foods and sugar laden carbs and putting those same dollars toward organic veggies, fruits and grass fed meats, you will come out pretty even. And, your medical bills will be lower.

Your future health depends on this. What you put in your mouth today, will show up in your brain and body over the next 20 years. And, the years go by very fast. The next thing you know you will be looking in the mirror and asking yourself how you go this way. You will also be asking yourself why you feel so sluggish.

Wouldn’t it be great to come out of this pandemic healthier, better looking, feeling more energized and even protecting your brain against memory loss. You can do it. So, besides being smart enough to keep your distance from others and wearing your masks if you can’t keep away, start researching ways to get healthy.

With a plethora of websites, there is no excuse to be ignorant of what a healthy diet is. Check out one of the 100s (yes 100s) of diets from keto to intermittent fasting (easy to do) to vegetarian and more. You can experiment with what is best for you. Make it fun. Take your family along on the ride. Do you want to be the one to care for a sickly parent or child later on when all of it might be avoidable just through changing your diet and lifestyle?

I wish you all luck. Let me know how you do. If you want any guidance, feel free to email me. I’ll be happy to answer your questions.

Millions are currently out of work and seriously concerned about where their next meal is coming from and how they can pay their mortgage. It is a sad state of affairs to have to choose between your financial well being and your health. But, taking your anger and frustration out on healthcare workers, police, mayors and governors trying to protect you is unacceptable.

Recently, people are carrying guns in protest (and wearing Nazi flags…not very American). What are you going to do? Shoot the virus – or maybe the police or the nurses? How idiotic. How utterly mean. This is incredibly foolish and dangerous. Going out without masks and not keeping social distancing is endangering not just others, but yourself as well.

I know there is a lot of misinformation coming down off social media. I have read them. By the way, they have not only been debunked, but are downright lies. But, even if you do believe the lies, there is something out there that is killing people. And, this virus does not care about your politics, or your sex or race nor if you carry guns.

So, my question to those of you who just want everything to get back to normal and think you are immune, what would you do if you were the governor or mayor? Would you just let people resume their lives as if nothing happened? Would you not show any caring for those who are dying? Are you so concerned about yourself and yourself alone, that you do not give a damn if anyone else gets sick? How would you, if you were an elected official, handle this pandemic?

Anyone can take to the streets and complain. It takes a real intelligent leader to make a plan. I really don’t think officials are trying to hurt any of us. They want to save you, from yourself. So, what is your plan? Or is all you can do is complain?

I do my best to stay appraised of this situation. I want desperately to travel to see my new grandson and be able to hold him. But, alas, I would not take the chance for myself or my family. I wear a mask and gloves when I go out. If I’m on the beach and 6 or more feet from someone, I pull the mask down. But, I have it with me. Many don’t. It really isn’t so difficult nor confining to do this.

Like everyone else, I want this country to get back to work. It is difficult not being able to spend time with others or go to places. If I don’t get to a hairdresser soon, I may consider just letting myself go gray. But, I have to wait. And, I didn’t get any unemployment, nor that extra $1200 from Uncle Sam. I’m stuck on a limited income. But, I will be patient, as hard as it is because I don’t want to get sick. And, I care about others as well.

During World War II, British citizens had to live on rations and stay inside for years, for fear of being bombed. There may have been those who complained, but citizens did not attack citizens for helping protect them. Young Anne Frank, had to shelter in a small secret annex for two years in the Netherlands. There were 8 people being secreted in an annex fit for 2. No one could go out shopping or take a run, nor could they even yell. Where is your patience?

I believe we can slowly reopen businesses, as is being done. We are not all New Yorkers. But, New York is a good indicator of what could happen if we don’t continue to practice protective measures. So behave, be patient, and be a good American and care about your self and your fellow citizens. Wear a mask, wash your hands and stay 6 feet away from anyone.