Author: Genera Canerdy Gilliam

I’ve been a Registered Nurse for 34 years, I achieved my ADN at NEMCC in Booneville, MS and my BSN from The W in Columbus. I have 3 adult children and 2 grandchildren.

Yep, It’s cold and flu season again

How’s the best way to stay healthy this winter

With the cool weather comes the misery of stuffy heads, running noses, sneezing and body aches.  It’s a cold or flu, (or Covid, it’s here to stay as well) and you feel miserable.  The first question we ask ourselves is, why did this happen to me?

While is no foolproof way to stop these invasive and contagious viruses, there are things we can do to protect ourselves. 

  • Hand washing, hand washing and hand washing.  Most people reading this blog are over the age of 5 so I won’t tell you to wash your hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after coughing, sneezing, or touching commonly used surfaces.  If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. And avoid touching your face, especially your eyes, nose, and mouth, with unwashed hands.

Now, when is the best time to wash your hands or use hand sanitizer?  Yes, after going to the toilet, before you eat, we know the drill there but??  When is it also important? 

   Do you open the door after washing your hands in public bathrooms?  Do you know if the other people who opened that same door washed their hands?  Nope.  I use a paper towel to open those doors.  Going into a store, use hand sanitizer after opening the door.  You don’t know the hygiene habits of others who touched that handle.  Use your elbow to open doors going outside if possible.    Using your hands to touch what is probably contaminated objects then rubbing your eyes or touching your mouth, you are rewarded with a virus.  Congrats!!

But that’s not all you can do.

  • Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is a must.  Eating a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains to support your immune system.  Exercise regularly to boost overall health; you will feel better in so many ways.  One of my favorites: get enough sleep—adults should aim for 7–9 hours per night.  And the most difficult thing to do sometimes is to manage stress.  The best way to manage stress is to use relaxation techniques, hobbies, or physical activity.

Oh, and avoid sick people. That’s very helpful too but if you do care or come in contact with someone that is sick, well, refer back to the handwashing tip.

Have an awesome and well fall and winter this year.

Help, I’ve fallen

Your wellness depends a lot on preventing falls

 

‘Help!! I’ve fallen and I can’t get up!’ 

 Everyone over the age of 9 has heard this expression stemming from a TV commercial years ago, in the 80’s I believe.  You remember the one, the sweet little ole lady is lying on the floor with her walker on top of her.  I think the commercial was for a life alert or something when they first came out.  That became a catch phase that is still used today in jokes and conversations.

But how funny is it exactly?  A doctor once told me after I had fallen and was complaining of being sore that when we age, we don’t bounce anymore.  Funny but true.  Kids can run, face plant on the floor, have a good cry and they are right back to running and laughing.  Adults, not so much.

Here are some scary facts about falls:

1. Falls are the leading cause of injury in people 65 and older

2. 1 out of 4 older adults fall every year

3. Falls are the leading cause of fractures and head injuries in older adults

4. Falls are the cause of over 95% hip fractures which decrease the life expectancy of older adults.

5. You do not have to be over 65 to die from a fall.

The best medicine is prevention.

 In your home, do not have clutter, cords or loose rugs on the walkways.  If you must have your rug, like a lot of people do,make sure it is secured with non-slip backing or double-sidedtape.

Improve the lighting.  Walking in the dark is asking for trouble regardless of your age.

Wear good shoes, no oversized shoes, sandals aka flip flops, or heels.  Lord knows I would be begging to break my neck if I wore heels.  Age is not a barrier in tripping over your own feet.

The all-dreaded word, exercise.  There I said it.  Seriously, being a couch potato will not cut it.  We need to walk daily, and I don’t mean just to the refrigerator and back.  Do real walking, get in a couple of miles a day.  Not necessarily all at one time but get the walking in.  Your body will thank you for it and your bones will be stronger.  If you need to use an assistive device, there is no shame in being safe.

Absolutely do not take medications that make you sleepy or relax you then try to go for a walk or run or drive heavy equipment.  We have all seen those warnings.  Doing that is a big red flag begging for a fall to come upon you.

Keep that phone handy.  There may be something to keep your phone attached to your hip, especially when going for a walk.  It is better to be able to call someone for help than to lay on the floor or on the side of the road.  See, I have shown you an excuse to keep your phone with you at all times if you’re not a teenager. 

These are just the tip of the iceberg on fall prevention. Look it up, pay attention to your healthcare provider, and use the good sense God blessed you with to stay safe.

 

 

 

Your health and Blood pressure

What daily habit do you do that improves your quality of life?

Being Healthy Includes Managing Your Blood Pressure

Do you know what your blood pressure is? Do you monitor it regularly? Most people do not.

Normal blood pressure is around 120/80. Relying solely on your doctor to check your blood pressure can have disabling—or even deadly—effects if it’s too high or too low. Regular monitoring is an essential part of living a healthy lifestyle.

One of the most effective ways to manage your blood pressure is by eating a healthy diet. Choose foods that are low in fat and salt:

• Eat fresh or frozen fruits and vegetables.

• Choose lean meats such as fish or chicken. As I like to say, eat meat that naturally flies or swims.

• Avoid highly processed foods like hot dogs, store-bought hamburgers, or anything from fast food restaurants.

• Opt for whole grain pasta, brown rice, and beans.

• Include low-fat dairy products.

Maintain a healthy weight and get plenty of daily exercise. This can include walking for at least 30 minutes, doing household chores like sweeping and mopping, raking leaves, or working in your garden.

Manage stress by taking time to relax during your busy day. Enjoy pleasure reading, find reasons to laugh, visit friends and family, and engage in your favorite hobbies. Limit your time on social media.  We truly wake up every day and choose our moods.  Choose well.

Avoid or limit alcohol consumption, and by all means, stopsmoking. Get plenty of sleep each night. Try going to bed and waking up at the same time every day to build consistency and healthy habits.

Monitor your health, choose habits that improve your well-being, and enjoy life!

Prayer and Good Health

How important is prayer? To me, it’s the most important aspect of my life. Prayer not only draws me closer to God, but it also brings peace and a sense of well-being. After praying about life’s stresses or problems, I experience little to no anxiety. One of my favorite pieces of advice is: “Pray about it and give it to God,” or “Give it to God and don’t take it back.”

Philippians 4:6-7 (NIV)
*Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all…

You may ask, how does good health fit in? Great question—I’m glad you asked.

According to Dr. Brahmanand Nayak, studies show that prayer, along with faith, reduces levels of the stress hormone cortisol. Lower cortisol leads to a calmer, more centered mindset. With less stress, mood improves, and people often feel a greater sense of purpose.

Other benefits include enhanced healing, lower blood pressure, and a stronger immune system.

Harvard Professor Tyler VanderWeele found that daily prayer among young adults leads to fewer symptoms of depression, greater life satisfaction, higher self-esteem, and an overall positive outlook.

Another study in California examined over 2,000 adults with mental illness. Remarkably, 80% of them saw improvement in their condition.

Study after study—even in secular science—demonstrates the power of prayer and its positive impact on individuals. For me, all I need is my Bible and my prayer time to know my day is better when I begin with prayer, continue in prayer throughout the day, and end my day with the Lord.

 

The importance of Pet Therapy

Often my coworkers hear me said, “I ready to go home to my dog”.   They laugh; I laugh, it’s all good.  There is, however, a reason behind feeling this need to just pet your favorite canine.

When I was managing a skilled nursing unit, we allowed family to occasionally sneak a patient’s pet in to spend some time with them.  We found it often helped to calm the patient so they could better get through their physical therapy and revamped their willingness to recover.

Pet therapy has been shown to facilitate stress reduction on both physical and emotional levels. Dogs are commonly recognized as companions with significant therapeutic value. Many pets form strong bonds with their owners and exhibit protective behaviors.

Interacting with animals has been shown to stimulate the release of oxytocin, a hormone associated with bonding and well-being. In addition, this activity can reduce cortisol levels—the hormone linked to stress—while also elevating serotonin and dopamine, which contribute to feelings of calmness and happiness. Other documented benefits include a reduction in feelings of loneliness.

Physical benefits of pet therapy include lower blood pressure, increased activity from walking your dog, and possible pain relief by focusing on your pet instead of yourself.

So, enjoy your best friend, talk to them and just generally love them and pamper them.

Manage Stress

🌬️ Breathe In, Stress Out: Simple Ways to Relax and Recharge

Last week, I found myself juggling work deadlines, family responsibilities, and a never-ending to-do list. Sound familiar? Stress is something we all face—whether at home, on the job, or somewhere in between. And while it’s a normal part of life, how we manage it can make all the difference.

🧠 Why Stress Matters

Stress isn’t just uncomfortable—it can be harmful. Chronic stress has been linked to serious health issues like:

• Heart disease

• Strokes

• Digestive problems

• Skin conditions

Everyone handles stress differently. Some people overeat, others lose their appetite. Some lash out, while others withdraw. The key is finding healthy ways to cope.

🌟 4 Simple Techniques to Help You Relax

1. Deep Breathing

Try the 4-7-8 method:

• Inhale through your nose for 4 seconds

• Hold your breath for 7 seconds

• Exhale slowly through your mouth for 8 seconds

This technique helps calm your nervous system and reduce anxiety.

2. Mindfulness & Meditation

Take 5–10 minutes to sit quietly and focus on your breath. Mindfulness helps you stay present and grounded, easing mental clutter.

3. Journaling

Writing down your thoughts can help you process emotions and gain clarity. It’s a simple way to check in with yourself.

4. Talk It Out

Reach out to a trusted friend, family member, or counselor. Sharing your feelings can lighten your emotional load and offer new perspectives.

🌈 Bonus Tips for Everyday Stress Relief

• 🏃‍♀️ Exercise regularly – even a short walk can boost your mood.

• 🥗 Eat nourishing foods – fuel your body with what it needs to thrive.

• 😴 Get quality sleep – rest is essential for recovery and resilience.

• 🎶 Engage with music, art, nature, or pets – these can be powerful sources of comfort and joy.

💬 Final Thought

Relaxation isn’t a luxury, it’s a necessity. By making space for calm in your daily routine, you’re investing in your health, happiness, and overall well-being.

What’s your favorite way to unwind? 

Introduction

A Calling Fulfilled: My Journey into Nursing
By Genera Gilliam

I’ve wanted to be a nurse for as long as I can remember. My mother often told me that when I was just a small child, I sat beside my great-grandmother on her bed, and she looked at me and said, “You’re going to make a great nurse someday.” That moment planted a seed in my heart that never stopped growing.

After high school, I had everything in place to attend Northeast Mississippi Community College. But life took a different turn—I chose to get married instead. Over the next few years, I worked a variety of jobs, never staying in one place for long and never finding fulfillment. I was restless and deeply unhappy.

Six years later, everything changed. I had been a stay-at-home mom for 19 months, caring for my twin sons who were born prematurely at just 33 weeks. At that time, neonatal care wasn’t as advanced, and both boys faced serious medical challenges. Those early months were filled with fear, prayer, and perseverance—but they also reignited a fire in me. I felt a deep conviction, a burden from God, that I had not followed the path I was meant to take.

When I applied to LPN school, I was turned down—told outright that having toddlers at home was the reason. But I didn’t let that stop me. I applied to Northeast and was accepted.

Now, after 34 years in nursing, I can say with complete certainty: this is the career I was born for. I’ve never looked back, and I would do it all over again.

My journey has taken me through 18 years in hospital settings—working in Labor & Delivery, ICU/Stepdown, surgery, and 13 years as a nurse manager. I’ve also spent 5 years in home hospice, 2 in private duty, and the last 10 in home health, with the past 9 years at NMMC.

To me, nursing isn’t just a profession—it’s a calling. It’s not just what I do. It’s who I am.