Taking the Hell out of Healthcare

Thrive with True Inspiration Using these Important Leadership Ideas and Skills

by Angeline Pacy on 11/14/18

Why adopt healthier leadership styles and management culture? What’s in it for YOU? For starters, it improves outcomes! An unethical or toxic leadership style may be conventional, but often leads to destruction. You don’t have to look long to find that the news headlines are filled with stories of resignations, firing, closures, and layoffs that are a direct result of toxic management. The inferior leadership style examples described below create a toxic energy (company, community, and family culture) that propagates errors, rather than improving outcomes. Read more to discover healthy and unhealthy leadership skills and practical tools that you can adopt today (or thankfully leave behind)…

In these next sections, I describe the concept of “driven” leadership and “driven” personality types versus truly motivated (and inspirational) leadership and personality types. What are the differences between “driven” leaders and “inspired” leaders and management style?

As a general observation, “driven” leadership styles and personality types primary operate within what neuroscientists describe as the “Fight or Flight Response.” This comes with specific qualities (outlined in more detail below).

In contrast, truly motivational leadership and inspired personalities operate in a more balanced way, moving fluidly between the “Relaxation Response” and the “Fight or Flight Response” as situations demand (and are appropriate). What does this translate into tangibly?

Achievement-Oriented or “Success-Driven” Leadership Exhibits the Following Signs:

Self-seeking behavior, primarily operating for self-benefit, adopting the “do-me first” philosophy rather than acting on behalf of the betterment of the whole group
Neuroticism, working to achieve success at any and all costs (legal or illegal), overlooking human rights issues, worker safety, healthy boundaries, and work-life balance, even making irrational self-sacrifices at the cost of personal and worker health, family, and personal obligations
Adopting an “Ends Justify the Means” attitude to not just “tighten up the belt” but cut corners for short-term benefits, arbitrary milestones and appearances of success (sometimes illegal or morally questionable)
Shame and fear-based motivation, operating from the standpoint of lack rather than abundance, a doom-and-gloom attitude that deflates others rather than uplifts and encourages others.
Aggressive or passive-aggressive communication style and behavior adopts controlling behavior and procedures such as manipulation, embarrassment, and humiliation, while shaming, isolating, or alienating others inappropriately; utilizes sarcasm as a means of communication
Hasty decision making (‘trigger happy’) is characterized by a lack of mindfulness. This lack of mindfulness does not take into account long-term consequences; does not carefully plan ahead; often takes on too much responsibility without delegation
Routinely does not consider the insights, experience, opinions of others
A lack of responsibility and ownership for mistakes or poor communication, blaming others, allots as much or more time to covering mistakes instead of preventing mistakes
Taking too much credit, without acknowledging the vital contributions of others (big or small) that create overall success
Unhealthy criticism, using overly critical language, overly inflammatory or dramatic, or frames criticism poorly, using blanket phrases like “you ALWAYS do this…” which ensures alienation of the listener and is often unbalanced (simply not true)
Unreasonable expectations that instigate “a fight or flight response” culture that is higher stress than healthy or necessary
Focuses too much energy or resources in job justification or gossip
Inability to connect with staff, picking favorites, building cliques rather than building bridges

Truly Motivated and Inspired Leadership Styles and Personality Types Demonstrate:

Healthy boundaries with self and others
Frames criticism respectfully and positively, using “the sandwich method” that first introduces both successes, areas that need improvement, and finishes on a positive message
Continues education in healthy communication areas to adopt positive communication skills and reinforce good habits
Leadership has a team- or community-oriented emphasis for better collaboration, inclusion, unity, and high group and employee-satisfaction
A strong value and skill-set in delegation that seeks to discover the talents and limitations of self and others; delegates tasks to appropriate individuals (not punishing or overly-criticizing others who are not properly trained or naturally skilled in a task, re-assigning duties as appropriate)
Effective coping skills for stress management such as good self-care, work-life balance; expanding healing modalities for stress; observing labor laws
Reasonable expectations set reasonable timelines and goals for self and others; abides by laws (including labor laws and environmental laws)
Utilizes a positive reward system for self and others, such as healthy rewards and activities for project milestones and achievements, because it propagates positive behavior and reinforces behavior change
Utilizes mindfulness skills which consider the consequences of actions and feelings of self and others
Leads by example, by keeping a humble, gentle servant’s heart; removes ego; does not expect more out of employees and others than what they are willing to do themselves
Takes ownership and responsibility for mistakes and behaves honestly and forthright
Makes amends to others, self, and community as appropriate
Practices patience with self and others, implementing good "pacing" skills
Uses conflict-resolution and crisis-prevention tools; adopts an intelligence-over-emotion attitude
Celebrates individuality and diversity, conveying a healthy minimum standard of respect and tolerance for natural differences and reasonable and appropriate self-expression
Celebrates cultural and emotional intelligence (CQ and EQ, respectively), not just IQ
Clearly communicates and outlines practices, expectations, and company culture to prevent confusion and reduce embarrassing situations

Conclusions

Effective leadership requires plasticity in attitudes and thinking. We must never grow:

Completely comfortable
Completely self-satisfied

Instead, we must:

Assess and re-assess self, staff, partners, relationships on a regular basis to discover what is and is not working
Engage in life-long learning, training, coaching, and mentoring

Adopting healthy coping skills is a daily, life-long process that creates motivational leaders, healthy groups, and pleasant environments. To make this a lifestyle rather than a pop-psychology fad, seek-out self-development and training resources that don’t just focus on achievement-oriented life-skills, or conventional appearances and perceptions of success. Instead, seek out motivated communities that inspire and train-up leaders for lasting, positive change!

Quality leadership resources can be found online and through networking. Wellness and behavior change coaches and advisors can be an important resource for inner-development. Some spiritual and leadership organizations, that work for healthy (balanced) personal development, and also for the common good, provide inspirational leadership training. They mentor leaders and also help members to develop effective communication tools.

Don’t just get inspired to be a leader. Be an inspiration to your world today!

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Quick and Easy Tips for Boosting Energy

by Angeline Pacy on 07/09/16

When someone I love (or a client) tells me that they feel exhausted, I can't help but inspire and motivate them. As a road-warrior and wellness-victor, I keep a handy energy mental checklist of favorite energy bursting tips. Discover some of them right here for FREE!

Exercise...

Exercise has a paradoxical affect on energy. When tired, a small microburst of exercise can help improve energy as it releases endorphins and improves circulation. Energy increases the size of a tiny organ within ours cells called mitochondria. Mitochondria help to produce energy. The more exercise, the more energy we may ultimately unlock from our calories and nutrients we consume. Remember to exercise to tolerance and in accordance with doctor-recommendations.

I like to take out my weighted hula hoop and hula for about 15 minutes. I listen to energizing music like oldies or salsa music. It gets my attention focused, boosts mood and changes the outcome of my day.

Am I thirsty?

Dehydration is a common source of fatigue and afternoon headaches. To get a fast and easy pick-me-up, make hydrating drink (containing electrolytes).

I create this hydrating drink at not just at home but in the office for maximum personal success. I like a pinch of minerals (like salt, fruit/vegetable juice for potassium and glucose) or buy a commercial mineral drink supplement that comes in the form of drops to add to water.

Remember to keep hydration drinks low in sugar and artificial ingredients (whether in the form of table sugar, fructose from juice or high-fructose corn syrup). Recognize that what goes up (blood sugar) must come down (and sometimes comes crashing down and that can create an energy slump and lead to diabetes). Some glucose is good. A lot can be dangerous and lead to chronic health problems.

Instead, a slow, steady supply of glucose (very diluted juice) is much better than straight-up juice, soda or a chemical-filled hydration sports drinks. Even better, squeeze fresh lemon, lime and oranges. They contain live enzymes and more vitamins, and they also transport well to work (thanks to their natural protective peel that keeps them fresh and stable for a longer period of time).

Non-Stimulant Energy...

My favorite energy supplements are actually not traditional stimulants at all. Traditional stimulants (like caffeine, like coffee and tea, or nicotine) are ok for most people in very small moderation. But, stimulants, in general, can be habit-forming and also wear out the adrenal glands over the long-term (creating a state of chronic stress and burn-out that can lead to immune dysfunction, mood disorders, endocrine dysfunction such as long-term weight gain and sexual dysfunction); they can also deplete vitamin stores by increasing urination (diuretic and laxatives effects).

For more energy, I enjoy the pure, stabilized, enhanced, and standardized mitochondrial nutrients from Geronova Research such as carnitine (taken on an empty stomach twice daily) and their lipid-soluble mitochondrial antioxidants and AMPK-stimulators (taken with fatty meals/snacks). Research shows that mitochondrial nutrients facilitate the production of energy by aiding in the production of ATP (the body's energy molecule). Unlike traditional stimulants, they also have positive side-effects in the body (such as an anti-aging effect and better glucose and fat metabolism).

30 Minute Power Nap!

The French do it and they are considered sophisticated...many Italians do almost everyday! In fact, people all over the world take afternoon naps everyday and many of them have productivity equal to and even higher productivity than American counterparts who stand in Puritanical juxtaposition). Make sure that your afternoon nap is short (less than an hour) and earlier in the day, so as to not interfere with bedtime sleep. Disclosure: please remember to nap responsibly.

Pacing...

Pacing, breaking up daily activities into smaller increments and then take mini breaks, is an effective way to break up activities in a more manageable way. We can't do it all at once, so pacing allows us to better manage time, energy, activities, and relationships. Let pacing make a big impact on your energy levels and life!

*Remember to consult a highly trained integrative physician before beginning any new health or exercise regimen.

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It’s Finally on the Map: Get to Know Your Vagus (updated article)

by Angeline Pacy on 06/07/15

Since the onset of the COVID19 dilemma, the public has been more formally introduced to the autonomic nervous system in new ways. The virus spike protein and its correlation to neurovascular inflammation has finally placed “Vagus” on the map where it always belonged! But, we have more people to reach. Vagus, a word that sounds like Vegas, is a politically charged topic. Both places (vagus and vegas) can get people into ‘hot-water,’ so-to-speak, without the right strategy. The vagus nerve, like Vegas, can cause people to blow through a fortune!

The vagus nerve is an important regulator of the autonomic nervous system. You don’t want to live life NOT knowing what this is or what that means for your everyday life!

Damage from the COVID19 spike protein, in the form of both acute and long-hauler COVID19 infection (among other things), is associated with dysautonomia and/or autonomic nervous system dysfunction. Long before there was the spike protein to contend with, this larger syndrome called ‘autonomic nervous system dysfunction,’ that often involves the vagus nerve, was disabling people.

But, can you get it under better control? First, we must understand what the vagus nerve does; how it impacts people on an individual basis; and what the dysfunction looks like for society. Billions of dollars are being spent in healthcare today. It is ideal for everyone to understand why so YOU don’t go broke. It’s also important to know so that we can uplifted society. Don’t let the metaphoric “house” win without a putting up a good match…

Let me guide you to a few special insights about this fascinating place called the vagus nerve. Together we can raise the consciousness of health, medicine, and our world!

What Does the Vagus Nerve Do?

The vagus nerve acts as a bridge of sorts, with a wide impact on the body. It does this through:

Alpha and beta adrenergic signaling responses that control the release of some neurotransmitters that speed up or slow down vital functions
Some regulation of the autonomic nervous system, the part of the nervous system that controls vital signs like heart rate, blood pressure, blood sugar, blood volume, the bowel movement, and breathing rate

What Does Vagus Nerve Dysfunction Look Like

Symptom presentation can be wide. Basically, when it's dysfunctional, fluctuations in blood volume (blood pressure), heart rate, blood sugar, bowels movements, breathing, and even sweating or low moisture in the skin, can cause a lot of chaotic symptoms. But, that’s not all. Sometimes dysfunction influences mood disorders (changes in thinking and behavior). People with this kind of dysfunction can get too easily “stressed-out” or not “stressed-out” enough. They can respond to stimuli around them in abnormal ways (poor stress tolerance). They can have an over-active or under-active "fight or flight" response. But, that's not all.

The dysfunction may also produce seemingly random episodic conditions that are easy to miss, and even easier to dismiss, if that is what a healthcare system is inclined to do. People with lower functioning areas may only perform well under stress, while people with higher functioning responses may have very poor responses to stress. But, if it’s an episode and not continuous, that’s hard to diagnose and treat! It comes down to an old analogy: “If a tree falls in the woods…” and no one documents it or sees it, did it happen?

The causes are very individual but can include the nerve's control on blood sugar, blood pressure, and neurotransmitters like epinephrine (a neurotransmitter that releases dopamine and changes how the body relates to the environment). Episodes can include problems with attention, confusion, even trouble walking (a gait problem) that comes and goes. Other symptoms, like fainting, are not unusual.

Patients often have dips or spikes in blood pressure. Some of it can be provoked just by seeing a stimulus, like a doctor who provokes fear or anger (called white-coat syndrome) and creates a spike in blood pressure. Speaking of "white coat syndrome," people with vagus nerve dysfunction can get over-emotional when their body chemistry (physiology) is disrupted too (emotional deregulation). With adrenaline surges, or dips, some patients may experience explosive rage, tears, pass-out, or become completely disengaged during times of danger or stress.

As a result, sometimes people managing various types of related dysfunction are labeled very negatively in medicine. Perceptions and labels used to described this population have included 'small-heart syndrome,' cry-babies, wimps, character weakness, basket-case, or having "coping problems." In reality, these people are actually quite physically limited by a complex syndrome (often inflammatory and sometimes demyelinating).

Interestingly, the nerve regulates some autoimmunity too. As a result, this type of dysfunction falls under an umbrella-discipline called psychoneuroimmunology. While most people can benefit from greater emotional support, including learning new coping skills, the physiological component is still profound and often not within patient control (especially if the underlying condition is not addressed).

For example, prescribing meditation for a patient with tachycardia and pain seems like the right thing to do; but, that’s not the case if the patient has tachycardia from low blood pressure (caused by autonomic nervous system dysfunction). It takes skilled clinicians in nearly all disciplines, and watchful eyes, to be vigilant that patients are not overlooked or dismissed.

"Functional" Neurological Conditions

The belief that vagus nerve dysfunction is "neurologically functional" pervades medicine. It was originally a belief that the dysfunction somehow serves an emotional function or purpose, and this belief dominated medicine for many years (and still does so when it’s convenient). It was often used synonymously with somatoform disorder or a physical manifestation of mostly psychological illness.

Today, the vague definition of "functional neurological conditions" has expanded to mean "idiopathic" or "cause unknown." More often than not though, today "functional disorder" this is code for the following:

- "I am not obligated to investigate your condition anymore due to politics, economics, and similar conflicts. I do not specialize in root-cause care. I was never trained in root-cause care. I wouldn’t even know if I was or not in some instances. I work for the hospital and your insurance company, not for you."

Patient’s have reported that their heart rate variability testing, another diagnostic tool to measure some types of autonomic nervous system dysfunction, was under-reported in their medical records (by up to 30 points). If only frontline workers and healthcare professionals weren’t forced to speak in code, communicate in charades to push patients away, and other maladaptations that lead to chaos and suffering in innocent people. But, education and healthy healing partnerships can help to transition consumers (and all stakeholders) out of the victim cycle and mentality.

The right diagnostics can be instrumental. When one looks more carefully on a physiological level, these conditions are often far more complex and involve areas in medicine often not covered by insurance (such as inflammation, neurometabolism defects, demyelination or irritation of the nerve and nervous system as a whole). Medical imaging (like QEEG, F-MRI, and PET scans) reveals abnormalities (sometimes very signifigant).

Politics of the Nervous System

Underlying causes include toxicity (the spike protein is a toxicant, as well as other types of biotoxins, not just chemicals); hypoxia; trauma/injury; and neurological infection (in addition to autoimmunity). These issues are often politically charged. Neurology is politically charged.

One may not identify a neurological patient purely through visual observation or even a 30 minute consult (most consults are less than 10 minutes); and in broader terms, our healthcare system has used this issue to their own economic advantage (much to the detriment of patients and a society in chaos). But, we need a deeper assessment of under-treated neuro-inflammation, toxicity, and related neuropsychiatric dysfunction.

Advanced diagnostics are rarely covered by standard insurance (and the chronically ill are often under-insured, facing economic challenges and barriers to diagnostics and services). Also important to acknowledge, sometimes imaging study results are not fully disclosed to the patient or disclosed at all in some instances (due to a combination of the politics associated with root-causes AND insurance limitations/contracts with hospitals and providers). As a result, few reliable publications are available about abnormal vagus nerve tone and vagus nerve response or the root-causes of dysfunction and low stress tolerance; what is published on the topic is rarely flattering. It's sterilized research produced by hospitals on the payroll of corporate giants and special-interest groups.

Just because someone has an abnormal vagus nerve response and low stress tolerance does not mean that they are "hysterical" (a sexist term to relate to female duress). It means that there is something off. It’s very often a symptom that needs to be paid attention to.

Men and women will both experience autonomic nervous system dysfunction. But, presentations in females were often deeply pathologized; estrogen was always perceived as a risk-factor for this nerve dysfunction (making it easier to associate women with weakness). Real scientists frame it in a different way. Research reveals that testosterone is neuroprotective. While diseases like lupus and multiple sclerosis do impact a disproportionate number of women, men transitioning into "manopause" and men with endocrine dysfunction will also be more vulnerable to neurological disease. Infectious disease, among other environmental conditions, can place virtually anyone at-risk.

A Neglected At-Risk Group

Because an abnormal vagus nerve response and abnormal vagus nerve tone (see highlighted link below to find a fascinating article with key definitions) are often interpreted in the clinic to be some sort of coping problem (somehow the result of the inability to cope with everyday-life stress), masses of chronically ill and even dying patients are rejected for routine medical care. Too many online forums report the same stories, only the faces change; if they first fall under this misunderstood umbrella, are triaged incorrectly, they can be blacklisted as patients. This is especially easy to happen with the convenience of the electronic medical records, where patients are labeled incorrectly and those damages carry over everywhere they go. There is no where to hide except in private care...or another country. Over the long-term, these patients’ voices may be silenced by deprivation, drugs, alcohol, and suicide.

Most people have preconceived ideas about the prison population, the under-employed, the chronically ill, homeless people, and people struggling with things like opioid addiction. Our society too often treats them as "bums" who are experiencing the consequences of their poor actions. Research defies our stereotypes.

As a rule of thumb, human behavior is best to be viewed impartially and without moral judgment. You don't know what someone's brain looks like (and chances are, neither does the patient's doctor or nurse). I pray for people like "Florida Man," an example of the disdain in our society for the poor and mentally ill. I don't judge. Research shows that brain injury rate is 7 times higher within the prison population. A 2019 study reveals that 65% of imprisoned women have brain injuries. Are these people being rehabilitated or cared for like animals? How many prisoners actually get a diagnosis and treatment? Brain injury, autonomic dysfunction, and poor vagus nerve response are interconnected. One’s brain does not need a traumatic injury to be equally as damaged in different ways.

Stress and the Vagus Nerve

It would be an understatement to say that stress impacts this nerve; but, stress comes in many forms (including central nervous system inflammation, a common contributor). It is absurd to try to distinguish between the "chicken and the egg" relationship between stressors and inflammation. While the mind-body connection is strong, these interrelating issues cannot be tweezed out from one another simply by willing them away or meditating it away (although meditation can help some symptoms, unless a patient is severely hypotensive…low blood pressure, that is).

The Problem with Under-Treating this Population

Some people would like dice patients up, and sever the nerve, to control hyper-immune responses (autoimmunity). The problem is, it never addresses the root-causes in most instances.

The dysfunction of the nerve is a symptom of something larger, in Bio-Pyscho-Social areas. Like many psychiatric diseases, vagus nerve dysfunction can be an early-indicator of neurodegenerative disease (or a late one in some cases) and other neurological problems (such as epilepsy, processing disorders and other malfunctions that are not detectable with conventional tests).

Coping with Dysfunctional People

Do you have people in your life who drive you insane? Push you over-the-edge with frustration, embarassment, neglect, or abuse? Are you holding on to bitterness and resentments because your loved-ones can't perform to your expectations? Does your family disappoint you? How about your bestie? That is sometimes understandable, but it may be time to make a change in your strategy for coping with the dysfunctional people in your life.

As an example, my own beloved loved-one presented early on with all sorts of autonomic nervous system dysfunction (among other things). Her pleas for help from conventional healthcare providers were met with distrust and dismissed as "an over-active fight or flight response" and sometimes worse. She lived in humiliation for years, and was even accused by a physical therapist of trying to "get something for nothing." Her untreated neuropsychiatric symptoms and associated vagus nerve dysfunction often made her life dysfunctional and the butt of jokes. Sometimes she coped well. Sometimes she didn't set enough healthy boundaries. She was never on-time. She made promises she couldn't keep. But, that dysregulation eventually escalated to full-blown amyotrophic lateral sclerosis or Lou Gehrig's disease (an often fatal neurodegenerative disease). The warning signs were everywhere but our society did not want to listen. She was not the only one in our family and community dismissed and left with few, if any, services or help. Everyone judged her because we are a society of uneducated people regarding the neuropsychiatric issues associated with untreated inflammation...and we can not get her back. But, we can learn from her precious life and what it means to live with invisible illness.

As the article above suggests, vagus nerve surgery could be a valuable intervention in some extreme cases; but, not if the underlying problems are unaddressed. Why not get to root-causes first, before performing experimental and potentially dangerous brain surgery? All other options should be exhausted first. There are wonderful health products and medical devices that support the autonomic nervous system.

If prevention were valued in our society, early signs of neurodegenerative disease and neurological dysfunction could be slowed or halted. Countless healthcare dollars could be saved, simply by providing the correct diagnostics and getting to the root-causes of dysfunction early-on.

But more importantly, cleaning up the dysfunction of society reaps it's own rewards for everyone. Temporarily saving money, by ignoring the signs of neuroinflammation and related problems of underlying neurological dysfunction, is counter-productive and immoral. You may not want to help your neighbor, but ultimately it may save society from from tragedy (and reduce crisis-spending). We have a sick healthcare system and a sick society. Most crimes and underlying health conditions don't make the news or vital statistics. We can do better. YOU can do better. Your family needs you to step up and take control of your health and lives!

Hope

Addressing the whole person is vital. I take a Bio-Psycho-Social and Mind-Body-Spirit approach to health and nervous system care. My treasure chest of skills (crafted by life-experience and research) overflows with tools for these very unique, very individual needs and more. Reach out for inspiration today!

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