Category: Senior & Elderly Issues

Atrial Fibrillation and Stroke Risk

  By , , , , , ,

ATRIAL FIBRILLATION AND STROKE RISK

 Assessing stroke risk in patients is an important part of managing Atrial Fibrillation.

Atrial Fibrillation and Stroke Risk

A-fib can lead to blood clots in the upper chambers of the heart increasing the risk of having a stroke fivefold.

 

By D.S. Mitchell

Costco Connection

I am a Costco member and as such I get a copy of the Costco Connection magazine every month. The publication is full of useful information. In the February 2023 issue, I found a great article by Andrea Downing Peck, on the dangers of atrial fibrillation, a very dangerous heart rhythm disorder. I’m a retired RN and I’m always looking for information that will help people recognize symptoms of dangerous health conditions.

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar

Recently, I have seen numerous public service announcements made by NBA basketball legend Kareem Abdul-Jabbar who tells us that he suffers from atrial fibrillation. Well Kareem is not alone; an estimated 2.7 million American live with atrial fibrillation (a-fib). A-fib is the most common sustained heart rhythm disorder seen by doctors.

What Is A-Fib?

A-fib is an irregular, disorganized heart rhythm where the heart’s upper chambers (the atria) no longer beat in coordination with the lower chambers (the ventricles). The rate is usually more rapid than would normally be expected for the level of activity being engaged in.  A-fib is extremely dangerous because the rhythm commonly causes blood clots and blood clots cause strokes. Patients may experience a-fib without symptoms, but when symptoms do appear they may include chest discomfort, light-headedness, palpitations, shortness of breath, and fatigue. If left untreated it can be deadly.

Common Victims

The risk for a-fib increases after age 65. Several medical conditions also increase the risk of developing a-fib whether you are young or old: High blood pressure, Sleep apnea, Obesity, Heart failure, Diabetes, Overactive thyroid, Pericarditis, and coronary artery disease.

Triggers

Lots of studies and research have been done over the last fifty years to discover how to prevent heart disease. Researchers have known that the risk of coronary disease increases with predictable lifestyle factors. Now much of that research is telling us that those same factors and prevention strategies are most likely relevant to heart rhythm disturbances such as a-fib.

Alcohol vs Caffeine

Caffeine has been suspected as a trigger in patients who experience intermittent a-fib. Intermittent a-fib is defined as a temporary episode of the disorder that starts suddenly but resolves quickly without medical interventions, usually within 24 hours. The studies clearly indicate that caffeine does not appear to increase episodes of a-fib, but alcohol did frequently act as a trigger. Drinking more than one alcoholic beverage per day is clearly a trigger for the disorder.

More Than One Trigger

Smoking, sleeplessness, dehydration, stress, obesity, high blood pressure, and sedentary lifestyle are factors that seem to trigger a-fib events. The caveat here, as with many things, it is often a combination of several factors that trigger the event. Over the next several decades the prevalence of a-fib is expected to increase significantly. It’s the combination of these co-morbidities that increase the risk of a-fib.

The Answer

There’s an epidemic of obesity, Type 2 diabetes, inactivity, and alcohol abuse, in the United States. According to experts, we need the population to move, lose weight, drink less alcohol, and as practitioners, doctors need to aggressively treat diabetes and high blood pressure.

Treatment

 Treatments can vary. Medication or surgical intervention, in some cases, may be required. Medications are used to control heart rate and rhythm. Anti-coagulants are used to prevent clotting. A cardioversion is sometimes used as an emergency intervention. A catheter ablation is a procedure used to permanently restore the heart’s proper electrical currents.  There is also for some patients an implant called the Watchman that offers an alternative to blood thinners.

Outcomes

It is important to educate the public about a-fib and other heart rhythm disorders. It is important that if an individual is experiencing symptoms, they should contact their physician as soon as possible to diagnose the problem and above all prevent stroke.

 

Is A Tiny House For You?

  By , , , , , , , , ,

Is  A Tiny House For You?

A lot of people in America are looking to downsize and are changing housing options by going tiny house.Is A Tiny House For You?

D. S. Mitchell

Affordable Housing Is Getting Harder To Come By

Housing in the United States is expensive and growing more expensive by the day. In fact, the lack of affordable housing is a major social issue in the world’s richest country.  As housing pressures stress the country some folks are looking around for different options.  There has been a growing trend in the United States toward minimalist living and the tiny house is at the forefront of that movement. Many people are attracted to the prospect of financial freedom, a simpler lifestyle, and a smaller human environmental footprint.

Downsize Revolution

The downsize revolution promotes living structures with sizes between 300 and 700 square feet. In general, the tiny home is 400 sq. ft or less. In some cases, the homes are on wheels. Despite the stated positives, they are not for everyone. Small does not necessarily equate with cheap. A tiny house can cost anywhere from $10,000 to $150,000. Holy Moly. The cost of course is dependent on a series of factors: location, building complexity, materials, and finally are you doing it yourself, or are you having it built. A contractor construction package will generally cost twice as much as a “do it yourself” house.

Small Often Costs More

Not always identified, but a serious matter, are the extra building costs for appliances, fixtures, water heaters and heating & cooling systems because of their reduced size. The rule it seems is that the smaller, the more expensive. It is important that you do some very careful figuring before you commit yourself to building a tiny home. One recommendation would be to get a minimum of three bids. Many builders  do sizeable markups on small projects.

Carefully Weigh The Pro And Cons Of A DIY Tiny House

Before you decide to DIY you need to understand that construction of a tiny home can take from three to six months if you are working at it full-time. When taking on such a project it is important to consider that while you are trying to save money on contractors you need to account for the money you won’t be earning while you are acting as your own contractor. Unless you are an experienced carpenter the frustration and potential areas for significant error should be added into your equation. Weigh those pros and cons carefully.

NOAH Certification

There are pre-fab tiny homes being made, but this is a case where buyer beware. Avoid potential pitfalls by making sure the NOAH (National Organization of Alternative Housing) certifies the plan and the builder. Things like windows, framing, roofing, insulation, become very expensive if you need to go back and fix things done incorrectly the first time.

Research Is The Key

I know it looks like fun, and even exciting when seen on TV, but before you commit the time, energy, and money required to build a tiny house, please do some big time research. Self education is essential before you go tiny. This should not be a decision made one Sunday night after watching a television show featuring tiny houses. There are books, magazines, videos, workshops and even Facebook groups which provide excellent information.

Try It Out First

I saw one article where the writer recommended that anyone considering building a tiny home to try it out first. I thought that was a great idea. You can rent tiny cabins all over the country. Give it a try. For at least a week, I would suggest. And bring a lot of stuff with you, and remember, this tiny space could potentially be your full time home, with all of your junk, and the necessities, that go with actually living in a home.

Before You Build

I can imagine a lot of people loving their tiny home and never wanting to go back. However, I can also visualize a significant number of people not adapting well to the smaller lifestyle, and regretting their purchase. Please, don’t be a regretter, be a planner, be a student, before you build.  Have fun. Even if you don’t go “tiny” you will have learned a lot about the “Tiny House” industry,  yourself, and your needs.

Let’s Move It!

  By , , , ,

Let’s Move It!

Time to get moving. Sitting is the new smoking.

Let’s Move It

D. S. Mitchell

 

Sedentary and Overweight

Our society is becoming more sedentary and overweight. Many of us spend hours behind a desk at our jobs.  We drive our cars to the fast food drive thru, never even getting out of our cars.  We use our computers to shop, without ever leaving the house.  With decreased activity people are increasingly complaining of posture related aches and pains, depression, anxiety and low self-esteem.

Too Much Sitting

Just like we enjoy eating and drinking too much, we enjoy sitting too much. We are surrounded by cars, snacks, elevators, sugary drinks and fast foods. The problem has become serious enough that the World Health Organization has a new agenda focused on encouraging physical activity.

Exercise For Mental Health

A “Black Dog Institute” of Australia study found that 1-2 hours of exercise per week can prevent depression. In addition to improved mental health multiple world-wide studies have shown that vigorous movement can stave off heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, fatigue, diabetes and even cancer.

Sitting Equals Smoking

Our country, and most of the industrialized economies are suffering from a “sitting disease”.  Physical inactivity is one of  the top 10 causes of disease and disability according to a recent study. That study attributed 1 in 6 deaths to “sitting” which is equal to smoking in that country.

Continue reading

Old Wellness Myths Debunked

  By , ,

Old Wellness Myths Debunked 

Old Wellness Myths Debunked

By D. S. Mitchell

A recent article in the March 2023 AARP Bulletin by Michelle Crouch highlighted 16 well-known health myths. I’m sure you’ve heard most of these common beliefs and perhaps subscribe to one or more of them yourself. However, these long accepted health beliefs fail the test of time and science. So in an effort to limit misinformation, here are some assumptions about wellness that fall flat.

  • Myth: If  you are having an actual heart attack you will have chest pain. Recent studies indicate that 42% of women and 31% of men do not experience chest pain even when having a full blown heart attack. Symptoms that are nearly universal to most people having a heart attack are shortness of breath, light-headedness, nausea and perhaps even vomiting, back, neck, jaw, and pain in one arm or both. If you experience any of these symptoms don’t delay, call 911.
  • Myth: Everyone should take a daily multivitamin.  In 84 studies by Preventive Services Task Force there was no evidence that multivitamins have any benefit for nonpregnant adults. The best advice experts say is to eat a healthful diet of fruits and vegetables.
  • Myth: You need to drink 8 glasses of water a day. Where did this number come from? There seems to be no science behind the number. Like many things the origin of this myth is probably lost to the mysteries of time.  Urologists say you can tell if you are drinking enough water by the color of your urine. The darker and more concentrated the urine color tells you to drink more water. If the urine is very light, nearly clear, you are overhydrated.  Urine color should be light to medium yellow.
  • Myth: Running will damage your knees: Recent studies contradict this assumption. One of the largest recent studies indicated running actually protects knees and joints. Runners are half as likely to develop osteoarthritis of the knees as nonrunners. One important reason for this is that runners typically have stronger quadriceps than nonrunners which helps protect the joints.
  • Myth: 10,000 steps per day to promote longevity: Current research indicates that as few as 6.000 steps per day will promote longevity. A 2022 found that adults who walk those 6,000 steps can reduce their chance of early death by 50 to 60 percent.
  • Myth: Coffee dehydrates you: The research shows that although caffeine is a mild diuretic it can also stimulate your body to produce extra urine meaning liquid coffee counteracts any dehydrating effects. Another study found that people urinate the same amount whether they drink coffee, soda, tea or water.
  • Myth: Rest  when you have back pain: Resting for the first day or two after a back injury is fine. However, studies over the last fifty years indicate that you will recover faster if you remain active. Extensive bed rest usually makes most back pain worse. It is important to use your muscles or you will get progressively worse.
  • Myth: Avoid exercise if you are sick: Research has shown that mild to moderate exercise when you have an upper respiratory infection may help you feel better sooner. Laying in bed will weaken your muscles and predispose you to pneumonia. Light exercise promotes deep breathing and coughing which stimulates spitting up mucus.
  • Myth: Avoid dairy products if you have a cold: The theory that milk increases mucus has been around for several centuries. A recent study found no correlation between ingestion of milk with increased phlegm production or congestion. Another study found no difference in mucus production between cow’s milk or soy milk.
  • Myth: Air hand dryers are more hygienic than paper towels: Air hand dryers may save trees but they do not remove germs as well as paper towels. In fact, they may spread germs around.  One study noted that air borne bacteria counts were 27 times greater when jet air dryers were used.
  • Myth: A juice cleanse can help you lose weight and clear toxins: The hype promotes weight loss and cleansing. Research however, shows no such benefit. In fact, one recent study found zero benefit in detox diets.
  • Myth: You’ll get sick if you go out with wet hair or without a coat: There is no evidence that either of those activities can cause illness. Colds are caused by viruses not cold weather. However, cold weather can lower the immune response in humans, so if you encounter a virus you are more likely to get sick.
  • Myth: The flu shot can give you the flu: This claim is totally bogus and biologically impossible according to experts. The vaccine is made from inactive bits of virus. People who say they have gotten the flu after the shot may have picked up a different type of respiratory infection. It takes usually about two weeks for the flu shot to become fully effective.
  • Myth: Green or yellow sputum means you need an antibiotic: The green or yellow mucus is evidence that your body in fighting an infection. Most respiratory infections are caused by viruses, not bacteria, and antibiotics don’t work on viruses.
  •  Myth: CPR requires mouth to mouth contact: Studies of adults who experienced cardiac arrest outside a hospital found that cardiopulmonary resuscitation involving only chest compressions given by rescuers who were not professionals was just as effective, if not more effective than CPR administered with rescue breathing.
  • Myth: Cranberry juice cures urinary tract infections: Cranberries are linked with preventing not treating infections. If you have symptoms of burning while voiding you typically need antibiotics provided by your doctor.

Like most things in life if something is repeated often enough it becomes fact; even when there is no evidence to support the claim. Most of the items discussed in this article are not of life and death concern but when it comes to our health misinformation is potentially dangerous.

Mindfulness For Better Health

  By , , , , , , , , ,

Editor: While I was researching this article I came upon a site that recommended mindfulness practice for children. I don’t know why I was surprised that mindfulness was as good for kids as it is for adults. Focusing on the present moment, and ignoring distractions is good for us all. Mindfulness promotes happiness and patience by lowering social anxiety and stress, teaching practitioners to stay calm in the face of life’s stressful times, like school shootings. Furthermore it improves attentiveness which is sure to improve the grade point average. And then of course the biggie; impulse control. It supports good habits for the future, and so much more. Look for The Mindfulness Minutes series to learn more about mindfulness and children.

 

Mindfulness for Better Health

Mindfulness can provide relief from modern day stress.

Mindfulness For Better Health

 

By D. S. Mitchell

It Came From the East

Mindfulness is a form of eastern spiritual meditation. Today’s mindfulness has expanded to include various practices that bring the individual back into their body and personal awareness. Practicing mindfulness techniques offer a broad spectrum of therapeutic benefits.

Ancient Techniques

Mindfulness is the ability to tune in to what’s going on inside of you and around you. It’s the act of being intentionally present in the moment and accepting things as they really are. Mindfulness is an old idea with lots of modern scientific backup. The practice may not turn you into a Jedi master, but it can help you develop the strength and resiliency to meet life’s challenges.

Lots of Case Studies

After reviewing more than 200 studies on mindfulness based techniques the American Psychological Association concluded that there appears to be real benefit for people experiencing a variety of psychological challenges, particularly, those experiencing stress, anxiety, depression, self-judgement, and brain fog. It has even been shown to promote and enhance compassionate feelings.  Furthermore, mindfulness based techniques have shown positive results in treating major depressive disorders, chronic pain, and improved immune function.

Present Moment Awareness

What does ‘mindfulness’ mean and how can it help? Basically, mindfulness is staying in the moment instead of revisiting past experiences, rehearsing for bad events, and any other variety of things that distract us from what is happening right now. ‘Present moment awareness’ helps us tolerate unpleasant emotions rather than trying to battle them endlessly. It allows us to place past experiences in perspective, to reduce the impact of PTSD flashbacks or phobic reactions. Mindfulness involves acknowledging the thoughts that detrimentally effect and frequently overwhelm us. Mindfulness allows us to gain new perspective on destructive patterns of thought, feelings, and behaviors.

Stress and the Disabled

Stress affects nearly every system in the body, including your musculoskeletal, respiratory, gastrointestinal, and nervous systems. If you are a person with disabilities you experience stress significantly more deeply than those without disabilities. When left untreated stress can develop into a chronic condition that negatively impacts an individual’s physical and mental health. Once acknowledged a person can then work toward healing. If you have had a stressful day consider implementing a handful of mindfulness techniques that will minimize the impact of stress on your health and well-being.

Engaged in the Present Moment

Although theoretically we all have access to the present moment, not everyone participates in it. So often people are distracted by normal things; their to-do lists, repeated negative thoughts, bad memories, and self-criticism. It is here that the intentional aspect of mindfulness comes into play. You can’t be consumed by your busy mind and your stressors, if you intentionally accept the time and place you are in. It takes practice.

Five Techniques 

Experience natural stress relief by following these 5 techniques:

1.) Body Scanning

Body scanning is the process by which a person tunes in to the sensations in their body.  Your busy mind slows down, while increasing body awareness. The common result is an increase in your energy level and more focus. The length of time spent on this exercise is optional.

Find a comfortable spot, lying or sitting; then close your eyes. Next, focus your attention on the expansion and contraction  of your chest and the movement of oxygen into and out of your lungs. As you begin to feel settled, visualize a specific body part. Start with your toes. What do you feel? Do you feel clothing, pain, warmth, cold? Acknowledge those feelings, spend a few moments absorbing the sensations before moving on to another body part. Repeat the action, until you have spanned your entire body.

Now, imagine calm energy spreading throughout your body. Visualize calm. Let it form a picture in your mind; visualize it as a glowing light, as a warm liquid, or whatever you imagine calmness to look like. As the calmness flows through your body you can slowly bring yourself out of the meditation. You will be extremely relaxed. Good job.

2. Recorded Sessions

Body scanning is one type of meditation, but there are many more. If you are curious, go online. there are a wide variety of free meditations, using a variety of techniques, including breathwork, awareness, imagining, and relaxing to natural sounds. There is something for everyone. You can chose between meditations that lasts for 5 minutes, or several hours. Guided meditations involve a narrator who quietly suggests different ways to focus your attention, breath, and thoughts. The results are a relaxed state of mind, and noticeably reduced stress level.

3.) Engage the Senses

If you are feeling the physical symptoms of stress, such as rapid heart rate, elevated blood press, gastric issues, and sleeplessness take five and unwind. During these five minutes, focus on your five senses.  Take one minute and direct your mind to your hearing. Notice all that you can, make no judgement or criticism. Next take another minute and focus on smell. Then the next minute on sight, the next on taste, and finally touch. It is human nature to let the mind wander. If you notice this happening, gently redirect yourself back to the sensations you are feeling.

This practice disconnects you from stressful thought patterns by linking you to the present moment. If you have a sensory disability you can still do this exercise within your ability.

4.) Write a Gratitude List

Cortisol is a hormone produced when we become stressed. It is basic for human survival. It is the body’s biological response to a life-or-death situation. Most of our daily activities are not a fight or flight situation. However, sometimes our amped up body doesn’t seem to understand the difference between life and death, and 21st century drama-trauma. At such times the body manufactures a fresh batch of cortisol and dumps it into the bloodstream leading to high levels of stress hormones which then speed up your heart, stun your immune system, and shut down your digestive track. None of which are a good thing for healthy living. One great suggestion to combat day-to-day stress is to write a gratitude list.

Researchers have shown that expressing gratitude can reduce stress hormones by nearly 25%, while elevating ‘feel good’ transmitters like serotonin and dopamine. Get out pen and paper and jot down all the fab things in your life. It can be big things or small things. I’m damn glad I have food in the fridge and a roof over my head, but I also have long time friends, good health, and a sound mind. The idea is to find as many things as possible to be grateful for, regardless of how big or small the thing is. You can be grateful for your family, a rainbow, or a flowering rose bush, just express thankfulness.

5.) Change Your Environment

If you are experiencing stress, try to change your environment. It could be a simple jog in the park, getting out and playing 9 holes. It could mean taking a trip, going into nature, or simply sitting outside on the back deck in the sun. Studies have proven that getting outside can reduce psychological stress. Apparently, you don’t even have to be doing anything; simply being outside has therapeutic benefits.  Just make sure you silence your cell phone..

Keep in mind, not all stress in within your control. If you’re experiencing unfair working conditions, look for a new job. Sometimes it is the situation that is causing the stress and pain. Be honest, if you are in a bad relationship daily mindfulness practices won’t fix the problem.. Once you identify the source of your stress look for support to change your environment. This means changing the people you socialize with, perhaps even a person you think you love. Whatever that stressful situation find someone to talk to, a friend, a teacher, a parent, but talk to someone. Each of us deserves as little stress as possible, it is all about our health and wellbeing.

 

Take A Walking Approach To Knee Pain

  By , , , , , ,

Take A Walking Approach To Knee Pain

Walking can provide relief for OA

Take A Walking Approach To Knee Pain

 

By Dani Davis

“Bone On Bone”

I am considered well-aged.  In other words, I qualify for all those senior citizen discounts. At 75 I have been dealing with increasingly debilitating Osteoarthritis (OA) of both knees for at least the last ten years. “Bone on bone” as the doctor keeps reminding me. I have been putting off knee replacement surgery due to both fear of the surgery and my ongoing hope for a better answer.

From Miles to Feet

I have always been active and ready to take on whatever the world has to offer, skiing, swimming, hiking, and walking. In fact, I walked four or five miles every day of my life since I was a high schooler. Walking has  always been the mainstay of my exercise routine. However, as my knee pain has worsened I have retreated from former activities and have been reduced to limping about my apartment or using the electric scooter at the local Walmart. The final blow to my exercise routine came, when my dog, my prime motivator for walking, died two years ago.

Dr. X

In December I met with Dr. X, the surgeon scheduled to do my right knee replacement. He told me I am  within a hair’s breadth of the top end of the weight limit; and suggested I lose a few pounds, strengthen my legs, and workout to build my upper body strength. I told him if I could do all those things I wouldn’t be knocking on his door. He laughed, and told me to, “Try. You have ten months.” “Ten months?” Yes, ten months, I was told. “Mostly due to COID-19 issues such as surgical back-log, shortage of nurses and support staff, plus endless employee sick calls.” The medical assistant came in, opened the computer and tentatively scheduled my surgery for November 16th, 2022.

Continue reading

Cannabis: A Safe Exit From Addiction

  By , , , , , , , , , , , ,

OPINION:

Cannabis: A Safe Exit From AddictionIf you are experiencing side effects with your pharmaceuticals you might give cannabis a try

OPINION:

Cannabis: A Safe Exit From Addiction

Editor: Cannabis and its usage by humans dates back at least 8,000 years. For millennia, the plant has been valued as fiber and rope, as food and medicine, and also for its psychoactive properties for religious and recreational use. Some have gone so far to declare it a ‘miracle’ plant.

 

By D. S. Mitchell

 

The Controlled Substance Act

In 1969, Richard Nixon, announced that Attorney General, John Mitchell was  preparing a comprehensive new measure to more effectively meet the narcotic and dangerous drug problems challenging the country. At the federal level, Mitchell devised the Controlled Substance Act. The Act combined all existing federal laws and expanded their scope into a single new statute. More importantly, the CSA changed the nature of federal drug law policies and expanded federal law enforcement authority over controlled substances.

Fear Of Success

The Comprehensive Drug Abuse Prevention and Control Act of 1970, established the National Commission on Marijuana and Drug Abuse. Raymond Shafer, one of the bill’s sponsor’s fearing it’s restrictive nature, made this statement to Congress, “The criminal law is too harsh a tool to apply to personal possession even in the effort to discourage use. It implies an overwhelming indictment of the behavior which we believe is not appropriate. The actual and potential harm of use of the drug is not great enough to justify intrusion by the criminal law into private behavior.”

Continue reading

Looking At Elder Care

  By , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Looking At Elder Care

Caring for an elder family member requires strength, patience, and support.

Looking At Elder Care

The Build Back Better legislation stuck in the Senate would provide relief for many American family members struggling to keep a family member living at home vs being placed in a nursing home.

By D. S. Mitchell

Caregiver Risks

Most of the people called on to help an ill or disabled family member have no training in being a caregiver. Not only that, but many spouses, sisters, brothers, sons and daughters have their own health problems and physical limitations. The risks of being a family caregiver is premature aging, sickness, death, depression, anger, resentment and potential financial loss. Aside from that, it can be rewarding and more worthwhile than anything you will ever do.

Financial Resources Make the Difference

Receiving affordable or free home care may be what makes the difference between a family member being able to stay in their home or being moved into an assisted living or nursing home. One in five Americans provide unpaid care to family members so they can continue to live in their home, according to a recent AARP report.

Continue reading

OPINION: Sorting Out Generational Differences

  By , , , , , , , , , ,

OPINION: Sorting Out Generational Differences

Family gatherings often result in anger and hurt feelings.

Minding the Gap

OPINION: Sorting Out Generational Differences

The pain of family dysfunction is frequently on display over the holidays

By Megan Wallin

Farewell Patience

Despite the cries of “holiday cheer,” the truth is holidays can drain you of every ounce of patience and good humor you possess. The dark underbelly of family gatherings is that they often culminate in contentious  counter viewpoints. These instances can be quite grating for all parties, especially where generational gaps are involved. While it’s easy to dismiss such disagreements as being a result of an ageist culture, one that neither admires nor protects its most experienced members, I sense there’s more to it than that.

Times Change

Often, the mindset that genuinely worked for one time in history does not work when applied to another. During times of war, hardship and economic depression, children grew up fast. They often skipped the phase that allowed them to develop as individuals and instead adopted a more collectivist perspective, with an absolute respect for authority. Case in point: The idea that children are to obey all adults—absolutely and without question—is a concept that has actually led to insanely corrupt and egregious cover ups of child predators.

A Shift in Parenting Priorities

Now, armed with this knowledge, parents no longer tell their children to trust all adults or do as they’re told without a prior relationship established. Perhaps as a result, we have more self-aware young people and more challenging behaviors at times as today’s kids test boundaries with their parents, teachers, and older family members. Gone are the days of “Because I told you so,” as we usher in the new era of, “I understand that you’re upset, but you cannot do that because . . . .” We are demanding accountability from parents as well as children, and while it may be an exhausting way to parent, it’s by far the preferred method for newer generations.

Continue reading

OPINION: Joe Manchin Shows His Political Ass

  By , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

OPINION: Joe Manchin Shows His Political Ass

OPINION: Joe Manchin Show His Political Ass

I think it is time to remove the obstructionists from the Democratic Party

D. S. Mitchell

Joe’s Talking on Fox

12/19/2021. Joe Manchin (D.W.V.) is on FoxNews (sic) telling Bret Baier he “cannot vote” for the Build Back Better bill. Finally after months of dancing about, throwing up one road block after another Manchin, playing with the press and his colleagues has finally come clean and said it out loud. He, the lone Democrat,  was now going to squash the bill, that would have given assistance to 70% of his constituents.

Out of Touch

I am dumbfounded. How could this rich, fat, white, yacht sunning, coal mine owning, entitled man be so cruel, and corrupt? How can he shut his eyes to the basic needs of the most vulnerable people in his state? West Virginia is one of the poorest states in this country, it seems Joe wants to keep it that way. By standing against the BBB act Manchin is not only denying West Virginians food on the table, affordable prescriptions for life saving medicines, and dentures in their mouths, but every other person in the country. Without remorse, apparently.  Enraged, I switched to CNN where Jake Tapper was interviewing Bernie Sanders (I.Vt).

Unrestrained Passion

Bernie Sanders went after the failed senator from West Virginia with unrestrained passion. Bernie called Manchin a “coward” for not standing up to the lobbyists and special interest groups (which Manchin is part of). Bernie, is also a wealthy man, just like Joe Manchin. But, Bernie seems to have a deep well of human empathy, decency, and compassion, which apparently, Manchin cannot understand or emulate. Is Manchin capable of embarrassment?  Being the only Democratic senator that is willing to let kids go hungry, not only in West Virginia, but across the nation, should make him red faced with shame and embarrassment.

Purge the Party 

It is time to purge the Democratic party of obstructionists, like Manchin, that are willing to stop a president and his policies by their single vote. Joe Manchin you were not elected president of the United States. Get in line and support President Biden and the Democratic platform. Support voting rights. If you are a Republican, Mr. Manchin, run as one, don’t pretend to be a Democrat. Be brave. Be courageous. As I see it Mr. Manchin, is intent on his legacy being nothing more than the dark smear left by a wet fart.

Quotes on Courage

Here’s a brief collection of some pretty smart comments by some pretty smart people on the topic of courage in life and politics.

1.) “Courage is what it takes to stand up and speak; courage is also what it takes to sit down and listen,” Winston Churchill

3.) “Courage conquers all things,”  Ovid

4.) “The strongest, most generous and proudest of all virtues is courage,” Michel De Montaigne

Conclusion

It is time to fight the obstructionists in the Democratic party. Joe Manchin cannot be allowed to stand in the way of progress much longer. He has ‘shown his ass.’ as they say in Texas, and a few other places; time for Mr. Manchin to vote with his party or leave the party.