Category: Uncategorized

What a time we live in when so many people are so angry over everything. I was angry today over some horrible customer service I received. What a nightmare that was. It took hours to get it resolved and I ended up posting a negative review. That was my outlet. I”m not angry anymore. It’s over. And, it was something I could do something about.

Turns out most people get angry over things they cannot control and just feel powerless. Like politics. Unless it’s November, you haven’t got much power over what politicians and/or billionaires are doing. So, what do we do – we get angry, mad, frustrated. Some people reach for substances that are deleterious to their health and minds. Some turn their anger inward and do physical self harm or harm others.

What happens when anger is how we react in everyday life. Not just angry over things we have no control, but anger at loved ones, co-workers, bosses, wait staff, and dare I say, customer service people. So, why is it?

The main reason is that people seem to have this innate need to be right. Now if you need to be right and I need to be right, how does that work? That means I am wrong and you are wrong. Again, how does that work? It doesn’t. If you didn’t have the need to be right about almost everything, how would your life be?

For me, letting go of being right makes me calmer, happier and able to function in life a whole lot better. So, to sum this up – forget about being right all the time. Tell the other person – okay – you’re right (even if they’re not) and no argument. Are you yelling at the tv – it’s because you are right and they are most assuredly wrong. Change the channel. It stops.

Yes, there are many things wrong in the world. But, getting angry and turning yourself into knots and making everyone around you miserable, is not an answer.

There are ways to have a productive ‘argument’…a better way to communicate. But for now, just let go of having to be right all the time. Arguments will end immediately. Go for a walk and know you are okay the way you are.

Everyday I am bombarded with another article or blog or email about what is and is not good for my health. I have lived many years now and I realize that people can go pretty crazy with all the information that attacks their inboxes. After awhile, you don’t care how much meat or potentially carcinogenic products you consume. BUT, for me, that “I don’t give a damn” attitude lasts for a day or two and then I am back on the wagon of ‘health.’

I ran across another well researched article form Well.org today that I wanted to share. Of course, it is one more thing to make us believe big corporations want to kill us, but that would mess up their base. They do, however, want to addict us to their products and make us ‘loyal’ customers who come back no matter what they put in their products or how they modify the size of the containers.

The article focused on chemicals in products we use daily that are incredibly harmful to our health and can be not only carcinogens, but also hormone disruptors. Hormone disruptors can cause many health conditions, including behavioral issues, i.e., depression, irritability, ADD, anxiety, even autism and more. Here are some of the chemicals to look for when shopping for anything you may put in and on your body.

1. Formaldehyde – A known carcinogen that has been banned in cosmetics and toiletries in both Japan and Sweden. Its use has also been restricted by the European Commission. Of course, in the U.S., no such ban exists because it is all about money and definitely not your health. You can find this in nail polish, shampoos (watch out for baby shampoos), hair gel, body soap, and lots of cosmetics.
2. Parabens – Another toxic ingredient found in beauty products. They are known hormone disruptors. As an endocrine disruptor they mimic estrogen and may cause breast cancer.
3. Phthlates – Another hormone disruptor that is used to affect texture in products. Found in nail polish and hairspray, as well as many perfumes. It can also be labeled as DBP, DEHP and DEP. If you ask a sales person, they are not likely to have any knowledge of the chemical composition of any of their products. You will have to look on a label or do some research.
4. Toluene – A solvent that is toxic to both the liver and the immune system. It also goes under the name of BHT. It is usually found in nail polish and hair dye. Toluene can also cause birth defects. Be studious if you are pregnant about using any product with this substance.
5. Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) – is typically in almost all cosmetic products. It is a harsh sulfate found in shampoo, toothpaste, soaps and is part of the family of nitrosamines. These can lead to cancer, liver and kidney damage. Look for Sulfate free products. More and more companies are making SLS free products.
6. Polyethylene Glycol (PEG) – Another toxic ingredient found in beauty products that is used as a thickener. The common form is called PEG-10 LAURATE and is also a skin irritant.
7. Triclosan – Though banned by the FDA in soaps, it is still used in antiperspirants mostly. A 2018 study linked this chemical to gut inflammation and tumor growth. Look for it on your products and avoid it completely.
8. Ethanolamine Compounds (MEA, DEA, TEA) – Linked to Liver tumors. These chemicals can be found in so many cosmetics that you will need to research any hair conditioners, dyes, lotions, shaving creams, waxes, ointments, sunscreens, eyeliners, mascara eye shadows, blush and even foundations. I probably have this in my make-up drawer now. In Europe, they are prohibited. The U.S. does not prohibit any of these chemicals from our products.
9. Benzophenone – Linked to cancer, endocrine disruption, developmental and reproductive and organ toxicity. This chemical can be found in baby sunscreens, lip balm, ail polish, shampoo and conditioners, moisturizers and foundations.

Typically, the daily products we use that contain these chemicals are a lot cheaper than the organic and safe ones. But, the healthier you are, the less you will spend on the doctors, medicine tomorrow. If you use products today that cause your body to go toxic, you will not be able to work and make the money to buy even the cheap ones. You don’t have to wash your hair daily (too drying). You can use less products than you think and they will go a long way.

Your health and happiness is the most important thing in life. If using a simple product can change how you feel and act, it is worth a few extra pennies – even dollars. I am definitely going to be careful about any nail polish I use. Most are unsafe.

Look for products that contain safe chemicals, like aloe vera, polysaccharides, vitamin E. hyaluronic acid, and organic and natural ingredients. There are lists of these products on the internet. Research before you buy. If you see these chemicals in any of your products, avoid them if at all possible.

To your health…

Janeen

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

Just had the delightful experience of being on Dr. Sarah Young’s podcast discussing my book (PAIN MADE ME CRAZY AND WHAT I DID TO HEAL) and alternative treatments. Take a moment and listen – you can go back and pick up where you left off if you can’t listen to the entire podcast at once.

The link is: https://drredsays.libsyn.com/a-conversation-with-janeen-weiss

It is also available on Dr. Red’s website and through Facebook: DrRedSays.

Of course, you can go to Amazon or your local bookstore to get the book (also available as an e-book) and have it forever. Use it as a reference book as well as it contains lots of information on off the beaten path treatments that I tried, personally.

Look forward to hearing from you.

Enjoy the book.

It’s been quite sometime since I had an entry in this blog. So, for my readers, I apologize. Life has been interesting under Covid both for me and my clients. It seemed that I thought it did not bother me so much as I am able to work remotely from home and have family around me. Also, we are all vaccinated, and have felt pretty safe,

But, I realize that in spite of all this, this pandemic has taken its toll on me and many of my clients – causing more anxiety than previously. It is also interesting that most of us are unaware of the toll that the pandemic has taken on our psyches. We feel we are managing – and most of us are. But, never knowing if someone you are near is spreading something or even if you might be asymptomatic and spreading to someone else, can be unconsciously stressful. Feeling isolated, which is horrible in itself, and not being able to move about freely just feels so UnAmerican.

I began to realize more deeply the effect of this rampant virus when any of my plans to travel or visit others or even attend a book club meeting were being severely curtailed. People are returning to traveling now, but the thought of getting on a crowded plane and going through a crowded airport with people who don’t wear masks or wear them incorrectly (below their nose) is upsetting to me.

I do not mind wearing a mask. It is much better than having to be intubated and wearing a ventilator and not being able to breathe. A mask is a minor inconvenience. If that will help me stay healthy and help others, I am not offended. What kind of a person would I be if I wouldn’t do that? What kind of therapist and healthcare professional would I be if I complained about wearing a mask when out and about.

I don’t like masks either. It would be nice to feel free again and not worry. But, perhaps this virus is a lesson for all of us. That lesson is showing us what kind of people we are if we do not care about each other or about the world. Who are we if we blame a race or a doctor or a politician or whomever for a ‘disease.’ Can you imagine if we politicized cancer or diabetes or muscular dystrophy. Please – this kind of thinking is absurd.

We are so fortunate to have a vaccine that works. That in itself is pretty amazing. Both the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines have over 90% efficacy. This is almost unheard of in medical research. The flu vaccine is only 40-60% effective – yet everyone is willing to take that. And, yes, people do die from the flu. Our children are vaccinated against childhood diseases. Why do we do that? Because we love them and want them to be safe.

I understand not wanting vaccinations – I really do. There is a lot of information that some of them have done harm. But, by and large, vaccinations have changed our healthcare system. People live longer and do not die from polio or smallpox, nor diphtheria anymore due to vaccinations.

And, for those of you who might be reading this who do not want to get vaccinated, nor wear a mask, nor even wash your hands frequently, think of those you love. Think of others as well as yourself. If you get covid and are not vaccinated, it is a little too late to beg the doctors to give you the vaccine.

Be gracious, be kind. Let us all care for each other by respecting each other during this extraordinary time. If you want to get back to normal, or at least a semblance of normal, please get vaccinated; wear a mask and understand that we are all going through this – together.

It will reduce Covid anxiety.

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

testing 1 2 3

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.