Tag Archives: wellness

Overseas Korean Nurses Association Conference Features University of Phoenix Nurse Leaders

Several University of Phoenix nurse leaders were among the featured speakers at the Sixth  General Assembly and Conference of the Overseas Korean Nurses Association held in Phoenix  on October 22-23. The gathering was the first the group has held since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the theme of the conference was fittingly titled “Superheroes: Rising Above the COVID-19 Pandemic.”

A Life Dedicated to Care: Sun Jones, DNP, RN, FNP-BC

Sun Jones, DNP, RN, FNP-BC, the current president of the Overseas Korean Nurses Association who serves as the Systematic Plan for Evaluation and Curriculum Leader at University of Phoenix. During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic in June 2020, Jones led an effort to secure 20,000 surgical masks for frontline nurses from the Korean Nurses Association in South Korea.

Jones, who gave the closing remarks for the 2021 conference, was led to nursing to better understand and care for her child who had a debilitating illness. But she has since used her experience and position to help many other immigrants, particularly of Korean descent, to learn about their healthcare options, schedule appointments and talk to someone who understands their struggles.

Jones experienced firsthand the extraordinary care nurses provided during her daughter’s short life, who died tragically from complications of a neuromuscular disorder at age three. “Becoming a nurse was a life-altering change for me and took me on a path that I am grateful for every day,” Jones said. “I believe that my daughter’s passing and the challenges that I faced throughout my life made me more passionate about paying it forward through community services and striving to be compassionate and empathetic when taking care of my patients.”

Conference Keynote Featured Celebrated Nurse Kathleen Winston, PhD, RN, Dean of University of Phoenix College of Nursing

Kathleen Winston, PhD, RN, and the dean of the College of Nursing at University of Phoenix, provided the keynote address for the conference. Her presentation was titled “Nurses: The Original Superheroes.” Winston was recently named a finalist for an ATHENA Award from the Greater Phoenix Chamber and is a recognized leader in the nursing profession. She has over 30 years of career experience as a clinician, educator and academic dean. 

Winston has also played an important role in shaping policy and curriculum standards through her work with the National Institutes of Health and the California Healthcare Workforce. University of Phoenix Provost John Woods, PhD, has called Winston “an extraordinary mentor and advocate for up-and-coming nurses and nursing educators alike.”

Available Online Nursing Degree Programs at University of Phoenix

University of Phoenix has a well-established nursing degree program with a number of affordable and flexible options. Students can learn online in programs that emphasize both theory and contemporary practice including evidence-based practice, quality and patient safety and leadership. 

Degree programs include a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) and Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP). All nursing programs allow students to complete their degree one online course at a time to accommodate their busy lives and schedules. In addition, the Nursing Bridge Program at University of Phoenix can enable working nurses with a bachelor’s degree in an unrelated field to finish their MSN degree program faster.  

About the Overseas Korean Nurses Association

The Overseas Korean Nurses Association was established in 2011 following a meeting of Overseas Korean Nurses in Seoul, South Korea. The Association seeks to promote unity and networking among Korean nurses living overseas and to provide information to overseas Korean nurses’ organizations. The Association plays a role in unifying Korean nurses, supporting their professional advancement and promoting the nursing profession to Koreans living outside the country.

About University of Phoenix

University of Phoenix is committed to providing affordable, accessible higher education opportunities for working parents and adults. This includes online nursing degree programs that prepare students for careers in the high-demand field of nursing with flexible course options to fit into busy schedules. Degree options in the University of Phoenix Online Nursing Program include a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) and Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) as well as a Nursing Bridge Program to help working nurses accelerate their path to an MSN.

Whether interested in nursing or other careers, University of Phoenix provides a pathway for working adults to realize their academic goals with convenient schedules, online learning options, financial support and scholarships, transfer credit opportunities and dedicated staff to help students complete their degrees programs.

9 Ways to Be the Best Version of Yourself

If there is any doubt about it, you are one of a kind, amazing and incredible. You have unique ideas to share and important things to say. Simply put: You are a wonderful addition to the world. However, nothing ever starts out as a polished gem. Even a diamond starts out as black, sooty piece of coal. Putting some work into becoming the best version of yourself can help you shine like the shining star you’re meant to be.

1. Be There

So much about life is just showing up. This could mean being there for a friend or family member during a difficult time or transition. It could also mean being involved in the community by serving as a mentor, volunteering or simply setting a good example. Showing stoicism in relationships is a good way to be a rock for those people that need it. Being a person who shows up is a person who cares deeply about others.

2. Learn Something New Every Day

Learning something new every day keeps you interesting, relatable, intelligent and a lifelong learner. You can learn anything from a new word in a new language to a easier way to complete a difficult task. Learning new things also pushes you out of your comfort zone and helps you to grow. Learning something new every day really adds up quickly over time. Making it a habit now can make a huge difference in your life.

3. The Future Test

When you encounter bumps in the road it is so easy to become discouraged. It doesn’t matter if it’s a personal or professional issue, it can all seem earth-shattering in the moment. And maybe it is, but all too often when you are in the moment, you lose perspective. If you slow down for a second and ask yourself, “Will this be important in 10 days? 10 weeks? 10 years?” Oftentimes you realize that what you’re spending so much time worrying about isn’t really worth it.

4. Morning Exercise

Simply changing the time of day you do your workout can really change the impact. Exercising in the morning can give you more energy during the day, and it can contribute to better overall health. Not to mention, that people who work out in the morning state that throughout the day they are more relaxed and focused.

5. Prioritize

It is so easy to get distracted as your day unfolds. New complications and distractions start presenting themselves at every turn. That’s why it is important to make a list at the very beginning of the day of the top three things you want to get done before the day’s end. Having a list helps you to focus on those tasks and not get distracted.

6. Talk to Your Family

A relationship with your family is important, but also, they have information and insight you will never find on Google or in a book on any shelf. They have known you your whole life, they know you better than anyone, they know your strengths and weakness and they can help guide you to your best self.

7. Drink your Fruits and Veggies

Have a green smoothie at breakfast every day. It’s good for you. It’s fast. It’s easy. And it is a great way to get most of your fruits and veggies for the day. Keep your veggies and fruits in the freezer for a better texture and to make them last longer.

8. Be Thankful

Instead of always wanting what you don’t have, try being thankful for all the people and things you do have. You will be surprised at how much that simple change in perspective will change your happiness level. Pick a time every day to choose five things, people or pets you are thankful for. You can write down things you are thankful for daily and place each one in a jar. When you are having a tough day, read through the papers for an instant mood boost.

9. Be Yourself

In the quest to become the best version of yourself, make sure you don’t become someone else. Stay true to your vision and unique voice. Other people are always going to have ideas of what you should be or what they want you to be. Don’t waste precious time and energy trying to become someone else’s idea of what the best version of you is. Remember this is your journey and your journey alone.

 

Preparing Yourself to Take a Cold Shower

One of the many reasons why some people don’t want to head to the shower room in the morning is because the water is too cold. Unfortunately, not all showers have a temperature control you can adjust. You have no choice but to bathe using the water that comes out regardless of the temperature.

If you are heading to a shower room with cold water, these are the tips to help you face the challenge.

Prepare yourself mentally

You already know what to expect when your shower has no temperature control. You need to condition yourself because your body will be shocked by the cold water. It could still shock you, but it won’t hurt as much.

Rinse your hair first

The head is the least sensitive to cold showers. You can bend over to allow water only to hit your hair. Rinse it thoroughly and slowly let the water drip onto your body. Then, you will start to get used to the low temperature.

Shampoo your hair

After bending over to rinse your hair and you are still not ready to have cold water on your body, the next thing to do is shampoo your hair. Take your time while doing it. You can even make silly shapes with your hair up until you are ready for the challenge of having cold water on your body.

Use a loofa

If you want to avoid volumes of cold water on your body, use a loofa. You can scrub your body with the loofa and a shower gel. You won’t feel too cold because you only have a small amount of water on your body. Once it is time to rinse off, you will have adjusted to the temperature.

Hurry up

You only need to have cold water on your body when it is time to rinse your hair and remove the soap. You can hurry things up, so you don’t need to feel the low temperature for a long time. You can also gradually rinse your hair without touching your body so that you can speed things up.

Install a hot shower

Although it is possible to survive a cold shower, you don’t need to suffer. You can buy a steam shower if you want to adjust the temperature based on how hot you want it to be. Some people have a high tolerance to heat while others are tolerant to low temperatures. It is okay either way because you can adjust the temperature of a steam shower. When you don’t have one, you have no choice but to use the water regardless of its temperature.

Steam showers are not too expensive. You can also buy a shower cabin if you want more privacy when you bathe. With the steam shower plus the cabin, you will feel excited about bathing, regardless of the time of the day. You won’t need to stress about the low temperature anymore. You will even receive the benefits of showering at high temperature.

Test Anxiety: It’s a Real Thing. Do You Need Therapy?

Being in college is hard and fun, but still hard. It is a lot of work. Sometimes it can be more difficult than we expect such as when we are taking tests. Taking tests is not the most enjoyable thing to do for anyone, but for some people, it can be downright scary. It is, in fact, a real disorder. According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, test anxiety affects up to 40% of all students.

What Is Test Anxiety?

Test anxiety is a condition that causes extreme feelings of stress and fear when you are in testing situations. While it is true that just about anyone gets a bit nervous or anxious when facing a testing situation, some people have such a reaction that it can cause physical and mental symptoms that can really hurt their performance. Some of the symptoms of test anxiety include:

  • Headaches
  • Dizziness
  • Excessive sweating
  • Shortness of breath
  • Intestinal upset such as nausea, diarrhea, or vomiting
  • Shaking
  • Fast heart rate
  • Feeling light-headed
  • Fainting
  • Extreme fear
  • Anxious
  • Helplessness
  • Anger or aggravation
  • Sadness or depression
  • Inability to concentrate
  • Difficulty making decisions
  • Negative thoughts such as feeling you are going to fail

Treatment for Test Anxiety

One of the best ways to beat test anxiety is to be prepared. Study until you feel comfortable with the subject you are studying for. Join a study group. Talk to other people who have the same problem. Being anxious about an exam is a common problem so you should not have trouble finding others with the same issue.

Here are some other tips.

Study Efficiently

Your school may have special classes or strategy techniques that can help you learn the best way to study. It is different for every person, but when you learn from others about what benefits them, you can figure out your own way to study that makes you most comfortable.

Learn everything you can about what will be on the test and how many questions there are, if possible. Find out how much time you have to take the test and whether it is multiple choice or written response.

Have a Pretest Routine

Once you learn what works, do it every single time the exact same way. Just like baseball or football, players have their own pregame ritual. You need to find a routine that makes you feel ready. This will help get rid of some of the stress you are feeling by doing something repetitive that you relate to a positive experience.

Learn Relaxation Techniques and Use Them

Learning how to relax seems like it should be simple, right? Well, it may not be for many people, especially those who have test anxiety. There are ways to relax but it is different for everyone.

Some people use deep breathing, some close their eyes and picture a positive place, others may practice relaxing their muscles one at a time. Meditation is also an excellent way to relax. If you cannot find a way that helps you relax before a test, speak to a therapist or counselor who can help you find what works for you.

Get Plenty of Sleep

It is essential that you take a test when you are feeling rested. If you were up the whole night before, your body is going to be too tired to concentrate, and you will do poorly even if you do not have test anxiety.

Be sure to get at least eight hours of sleep the night before. If you are having trouble sleeping, talk to a therapist or counselor about learning some relaxation techniques or your physician to get medication to help you sleep.

Talk to Someone

If you are having test anxiety and cannot figure out how to relax and get good grades, do talk to someone. There are professional therapists and counselors that can help you with just a phone call. In fact, they are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. You can call them now.

Marijuana as an enhancer for athletes

In recent years, there has been a tremendous change in the way people view marijuana. Now a lot of science endeavors prove that there are various medicinal and healthy uses for marijuana, which was once considered a dangerous drug.

Recently, endurance athletes are now proving that the long-believed stereotype of lazy marijuana couch potatoes feasting on junk food is totally absurd.

The combination of athletics and marijuana is now a hidden trend in today’s running culture. Athletes use it as a means to boost their run as it makes the longevity of their high last for longer periods.

From time immemorial, people believed that the ‘runner’s high’ was due to the release of endorphins but this is not totally true.

Although the brain releases its own kinds of opioid chemicals during exercises, it also releases some endogenous cannabinoids and our body has embedded an endocannabinoid system of receptors.

Is marijuana truly a booster to the performance of athletes? There is still not a clear answer to that question. But many athletes believe it is.

It is not only runners who can benefit from the use of marijuana. Jiu-Jitsu practitioners and other martial arts athletes along with bodybuilders and those who train by lifting weights have found that marijuana is beneficial for them. They usually prefer sativa dominant strains like Silver haze that boosts their focus and energy before they begin their training. Working out while being high is one of the most underappreciated and least talked about pleasures one can gain from training.

There are some kinds of cannabis that reduces chronic pain, depression and other holdups to exercise thus leading people to a fitter and healthier lifestyle. Now there is greater evidence to prove that some kinds of marijuana can act as analgesic, anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective agents which will help athletes recover faster.

It doesn’t matter whether you take cannabis through smoking, edibles or vapes. The cannabinoids are chemical compounds that regulate memory, pain, appetite and emotions when combined with the receptors in the body and the brain. The compound that brings about a calm, peaceful feeling is cannabidiol (CBD) which is non-psychoactive.

Also, it has been proved that marijuana can increase tissue oxygenation, increase concentration and reduce muscle spasms during, before and after an athletic event.

Currently, the World Anti-Doping Association has a ban on competing while being high. The WADA cites some studies that show that marijuana can reduce anxiety and act as a bronchodilator by increasing airflow to the lungs which will make athletes breath better.  This could mean that the WADA is considering marijuana as doping. This is quite exciting to ponder as they think that marijuana improves the performance of athletes.

People are now starting to see that cannabis can become part of the lifestyle of athletes.

There is not much research available to show how marijuana affects performance so it is very difficult for researchers in the field to study its effects.