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Articles by Lisa Smiley
Factors Associated With First-Time NCLEX-RN Success at a Predominantly Black Institution
. (2019, April). Fact sheet: Enhancing diversity in the nursing workforce. https://www.aacnnursing.org/news-data/fact-sheets/enhancing-diversity-in-the-nursing-workforce > Google Scholar (2018). Tailoring NCLEX-RN indicator assessments for historically Black colleges and universities: Literature review. Journal of Professional Nursing, 34(5), 331–345. 10.1016/j.profnurs.2018.05.007 PMID: 30243689 > Crossref MedlineGoogle Scholar (2022).
Can Doing Squats Induce Labor?
No specific exercise, squats included, has been shown to induce labor. Squatting is generally considered safe in pregnancy, and it’s been shown to improve posture and reduce the risk of falling . Incorporating squatting into daily activities like household chores or in a workout routine can also help to maintain core and leg strength , which can be important for the labor process.
Can Yoga Induce Labor?
Yoga specifically hasn’t been shown to induce labor, but regular, moderate exercise may increase the likelihood of labor starting on its own. Certain yoga poses like the butterfly pose, malasana (squat pose), goddess pose, warrior pose, and more can help open up the pelvis, making it easier for the baby’s head to descend and put pressure on the cervix, which can encourage dilation and effacement.
Can Bouncing on a Yoga Ball Induce Labor?
While there’s currently no evidence that suggests bouncing on a ball will induce labor, it can still be a helpful tool to use both in the later stages of pregnancy and during active labor. Performing pelvic tilts, circles, or figure eights while sitting on the ball or leaning on the ball in a hands-and-knees position can be helpful in reducing back, pelvic, and hip pain as well as pelvic pressure in pregnancy.
Can Curb Walking Induce Labor?
Curb walking, where you walk along the length of a street curb with one foot on the raised part of the curb and one foot on the street, is thought to be helpful in opening the pelvis to encourage the baby to drop—but it won’t bring on labor if your body isn’t ready yet.
Take a Knee in Prayer with Coach Kennedy
Coach Joe Kennedy returns to the football field on September 1st to take a knee in prayer. After a decade-long fight for his right to silently pray at the 50-yard line after games, Coach Kennedy won his case at the Supreme Court last summer. This landmark victory is not just a victory for the coach but for all Americans who value our First Amendment religious freedom.
Can You Jump Rope During Pregnancy?
Irem Duzgun, Gul Baltaci, Filiz Colakoglu, Volga Bayrakci Tunay, Derya Ozer. "The effects of jump-rope training on shoulder isokinetic strength in adolescent volleyball players", Human Kinetics, vol. 19, no. 2, May 1, 2010, pp. 184–199, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20543219/. Kazuyoshi Miyaguchi, Shinichi Demura, and Masashi Omoya. "Relationship Between Jump Rope Double Unders and Sprint Performance in Elementary Schoolchildren", Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, vol. 29, no.
Can You Use a Heating Pad During Pregnancy?
Heating pads are safe to use during pregnancy with proper precautions. According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, heating pads can be used to help reduce low back pain during pregnancy, but they should be used at the lowest possible setting and wrapped in a towel to prevent burns. Using heat on the body helps to improve circulation, relax the muscles, and reduce pain and stiffness .
Can You Use a Vibrating Back Massager During Pregnancy?
It’s best to get approval from your healthcare provider before using a vibrating back massager during pregnancy. Back pain is one of the most common complaints during pregnancy, with the majority of studies reporting approximately 50% of pregnant people experience it . A vibrating back massager might be a good way to relieve discomfort, reduce stress, and improve circulation during pregnancy. Vibration has been found to be effective in reducing pain and increasing strength and flexibility.
Can You Use a Massage Gun During Pregnancy?
During pregnancy, massage guns can be helpful to alleviate certain aches and stiffness, but it’s important to consider certain precautions. Massage guns are percussive devices used to relieve tension and soreness in muscles, promote relaxation, and aid in recovery. They use rhythmic pulses to provide short-term improvements in muscular strength, flexibility, and pain .
Can You Snorkel During Pregnancy?
Snorkeling is a low-impact form of exercise that can be safe to do during pregnancy with some considerations. It can feel good to be in the water during pregnancy, as the buoyancy can help relieve weight and pressure on your joints, and hydrostatic pressure can help reduce the swelling in your legs and feet. If you’ve noticed increased fatigue or shortness of breath, be sure to avoid holding your breath and take frequent breaks.
Can You Ski During Pregnancy?
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommends not participating in downhill skiing during pregnancy due to the risk of falling, which can be harmful for you and your baby. Cross-country skiing may be a safe alternative. Even if you’re an experienced downhill skier, you still have to worry about other skiers running into you while on the slopes. Falling, especially directly on the abdomen, could lead to preterm labor, .
Can You Kayak During Pregnancy?
Kayaking can be a good form of cardiovascular exercise during pregnancy, but consult your healthcare provider prior to participating. If you’re experiencing preeclampsia, placenta previa, severe anemia, preterm labor, cerclage, certain heart, or lung diseases or are pregnant with multiples, you shouldn’t exercise. Paddling by itself is generally safe to do during pregnancy—it’s the variety of other factors of kayaking that influence whether it’s a good idea.
Can You Crack/Pop Your Back During Pregnancy?
In general, it’s safe to crack or pop your back during pregnancy as long as you exercise some caution. Joint cracking or popping, called cavitation, is caused from a pressure change within your joint and is often the result of spinal manipulation therapy. This change in pressure allows dissolved gas to escape from the joint, which results in the audible pop. Spinal manipulations influence the surrounding tissues and nervous system to decrease restriction and pain levels.
Can You Ride a Bike During Pregnancy?
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity every week during pregnancy, and biking can be a great way to meet those recommendations. A stationary bike might be a better option during pregnancy because it reduces the risk of falling that comes with riding a standard bike. As your pregnancy progresses, you may need to make some adjustments on your bike to remain comfortable.
Can You Do a Plank During Pregnancy?
Like with a lot of exercise recommendations during pregnancy, it depends. One of the concerns with a plank specifically is diastasis recti, or a separation of the rectus abdominal muscles and a widening of the linea alba (the connective tissue running down the middle of your abdomen) of more than two centimeters. It’s been suggested that diastasis recti is a normal adaptation that occurs during pregnancy—it’s your body's way of making room for the baby.
Can You Use a Massage Chair During Pregnancy?
Massages during pregnancy can help alleviate aches and pains, reduce stress, improve relaxation , and reduce depression . Massage chairs are generally safe to use during uncomplicated pregnancies as long as you’re using them as intended, and they can be a helpful alternative to seeing a licensed prenatal massage therapist.
Can You Golf During Pregnancy?
Golfing is a great way to stay active during pregnancy. You should be mindful of the outside temperature and humidity when golfing and choose morning tee times so you aren’t out during high temperatures. Stay hydrated and wear loose-fitting clothing to avoid overheating. Use the cart and take breaks if you’re feeling fatigued. Compression socks or leggings can help with swollen feet and ankles from prolonged walking and standing.
Can You Wear a Waist Trainer During Pregnancy?
Waist trainers are worn to slim the waist and shrink the belly, and they should be avoided during pregnancy. Instead, look for soft, gentle compression garments to wear. Something like a belly band, biker shorts, or maternity-specific shapewear can be helpful in supporting your body and reducing discomfort from low back, pelvic girdle, or round ligament pain, improving balance and increasing mobility .
Can You Snowboard During Pregnancy?
Snowboarding is generally not recommended during pregnancy because of the increased risk of falling. The high speeds of snowboarding put you more at risk of higher-impact falls. A fall on your belly could be dangerous for you and your baby and lead to . You also don’t want to risk orthopedic injuries like ACL tears or broken bones during pregnancy. If you are an experienced rider and still want to snowboard, talk with your healthcare provider about modifications you can make to be more safe.
Can You Ride Roller Coasters During Pregnancy?
To date, there are no studies researching the safety of roller coasters during pregnancy. They are generally recommended to be avoided due to the jerking motions, high accelerations, and sudden stops. This increases the risk of placental abruption , where the placenta separates from the uterus and poses a serious risk to you and your baby. A placental abruption prevents oxygen and nutrients from getting to the fetus and places the pregnant person at risk of hemorrhage.
Can You Ride a Horse During Pregnancy?
Horseback riding should be avoided during pregnancy due to the risk of falling. Some healthcare providers may be okay with you continuing to ride if you’re already an experienced rider, so it’s best to have a discussion with your provider to talk through your individual risks. Even for experienced riders, though, there’s still the risk of being kicked or thrown off the horse.
Can You Jump on a Trampoline During Pregnancy?
Jumping on a trampoline while pregnant isn’t recommended, as the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends avoiding activities that have an increased risk of falling during pregnancy to prevent injury to the pregnant person and the baby. Aside from the risk of falling, jumping on a trampoline presents risks to the musculoskeletal system of the pregnant person.
Can You Bowl During Pregnancy?
Bowling is a fun, low-impact activity that can be considered safe during pregnancy, but it does come with certain considerations. Hormonal changes during pregnancy contribute to increased laxity in your ligaments , the connective tissue supporting your joints. In combination with the asymmetrical motions of bowling, this may lead to increased discomfort in your back, pelvis, or hips.
LifeWise Academy: Bringing Bible Education to Public School Children
On July 25-26, Patriot Mobile proudly sponsored LifeWise Academy’s summit in Columbus, OH. Hundreds of teachers from around the nation gathered to learn how to bring back biblical education to students in public schools during school hours. Founded in 2019, LifeWise Academy provides educators with a program that gives students the opportunity to learn God’s word as part of their school day. The LifeWise program is not a comparative religions course.
FlashPoint Live Truth and Freedom Tour Inspires Action to Take America Back
On February 17, Leigh Wambsganss, Chief Communications Officer at Patriot Mobile and Executive Director of Patriot Mobile Action, had the honor of speaking at the FlashPoint Live Truth and Freedom Tour in Pensacola, Florida. FlashPoint is a Victory Channel show providing commentary on current events from a Christian, conservative viewpoint. Looking at news from both the natural and spiritual perspectives, host Gene Bailey gives a unique, prophetic view of what’s happening in our world.
Leftists Attack Grapevine Police Department - Patriot Mobile Remains Resolute in Supporting First Responders
January 17, 2023, Grapevine, TX – Patriot Mobile remains resolute in its four pillars of supporting the First Amendment, Second Amendment, the Sanctity of Life and standing with our Military and First Responders. Background: On Thursday, January 12, 2023 Patriot Mobile donated a $1,500 pizza party gift certificate to the... Patriot Mobile’s corporate giving experiences significant growth.
What Is Christian Nationalism?
When parents across the nation spoke out against the destructive indoctrination of Critical Race Theory, they were called racists and targeted as “domestic terrorists” by the US Department of Justice. But these labels didn’t slow their progress or silence their fight. When Matt Walsh of the Daily Wire was attacked...
Why Is It Important To Vote? Dispelling 3 Myths For Increased Christian Engagement
Since our founding in 2013, Patriot Mobile has given Americans an alternative to Big Mobile and the progressive agenda they fund and support. As a mission-driven company, Patriot Mobile donates a portion of every dollar earned to support organizations that fight for our God-given Constitutional rights and freedoms. Patriot Mobile’s...
It’s Not Racist To Call It The ‘Chinese Virus’ - And I’m Chinese
Editorial Comments March 23, 2020 6:53 PM ET Font Size: The liberal establishment media won’t stop crying racism over President Donald Trump’s use of the term, “Chinese Virus” when referring to the novel coronavirus. You’d think a global pandemic that’s halted our entire economy would cause them to give political correctness a rest, but no. This past week, we’ve had to endure listening to democrats and liberal pundits accuse President Trump of inciting racism against Asian Americans ad nauseam.
Coronavirus Shuts Down America - The Worst Is Yet To Come
March 18, 2020 11:57 AM ET The novel coronavirus has hit all 50 states, with more than 5,800 cases now confirmed. Not too long ago, it was just a new virus afflicting parts of China. Thanks to President Donald Trump’s early travel ban from China, the spread of the virus to America came slower than it did to Europe. That gave us some time. But now it’s come to us. In the last week, we have seen schools closed and businesses shut down all throughout the nation.
The Democratic Establishment Lifts Joe Biden To Stop Bernie Sanders
March 10, 2020 5:48 PM ET After winning big on Super Tuesday, former Vice President Joe Biden has taken the lead in the delegate count in the Democratic presidential primaries. Biden is now officially the frontrunner, with Independent Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders trailing him. Biden has received a wave of endorsements from former Democratic presidential candidates in the last few weeks. Former South Bend Mayor Pete Buttigieg, Democratic Minnesota Sen.
All The Ways Bloomberg Is Trying To Buy The Presidency
Editorial Comments February 28, 2020 8:28 AM ET Font Size: Billionaire and former New York City mayor Michael Bloomberg has shot up in the polls since he announced his presidential campaign last November. Bloomberg spent more than $188 million in the last quarter of 2019, with billions more in his war chest. Many of the other democratic candidates have called him out for allegedly trying to use his vast wealth to buy up support and endorsements.
Why The Democratic Establishment Hates Bernie Sanders
Editorial Comments February 19, 2020 3:28 PM ET Font Size: Independent Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders, a self-described democratic socialist, has become the clear front-runner in the Democratic primary, at least according to recent national polls. The Democratic establishment, however, is still in denial. Behind Sanders at this point is former South Bend, Indiana, Mayor Pete Buttigieg and latecomer Michael Bloomberg, who is also surging in the polls.
How Demographic Trends Will Affect The 2020 Election
Editorial Comments February 17, 2020 10:08 AM ET Font Size: Do demographics determine destiny? If they do, Republicans may be in big trouble in the 2020 election and beyond. Decades of unrestrained, mass legal and illegal immigration have added millions to the U.S. population – and millions new voters to the electorate. It has exploded the population of states like California and New York, which partly explains how these states turned blue.
Trump Is The Only Choice For Pro-Lifers In 2020
Editorial Comments January 31, 2020 2:08 PM ET Font Size: It’s not even a question anymore: Donald Trump is the most pro-life president in history. President Trump’s historic speech at this year’s March for Life rally cemented his support from pro-lifers. While there may have been doubt about his pro-life convictions before the 2016 election, President Trump has proven his pro-life commitment over the last three years of his administration.
Why America Is Great, According To An Immigrant
Editorial Comments January 30, 2020 3:24 PM ET Font Size: Patriotism is on the decline in America. According to a recent Pew Research poll, 36% of young Americans between the ages of 18 and 29, think other countries are better than the U.S. – the highest share of any age group. Should this worry us? What is going on with America’s youth? Lisa Smiley, an Asian immigrant, laments over America’s declining patriotism.
Podcast: Everything You Need To Know About Democrats Overturning Gun Rights in Virginia
Editorial Comments January 20, 2020 4:17 PM ET Font Size: The fight for gun rights is raging in Virginia right now. After taking over Virginia’s General Assembly last November, Democrats are going through with their promise to roll back Second Amendment rights and Democratic Governor Ralph Northam is fully on board. But law-abiding gun owners aren’t backing down. Monday’s gun rights rally in Richmond saw thousands showing up to protest the bills.
The Democratic Party’s Diversity Problem: All Frontrunners Are White
December 29, 2019 9:27 PM ET The Democratic Party has long prided itself on being the “Party of Diversity” which represents racial minorities and women. But this election cycle has shown the party has its own diversity problem — all its presidential frontrunners are white. Unfortunately for Democrats, they can’t blame it on Republicans this time.
Just Say Merry Christmas
Editorial Comments December 24, 2019 1:09 PM ET Font Size: Around this time every year, leftists claim there isn’t a war on Christmas. They claim that it’s just a made up, Republican talking point to drum up fake outrage from their base. But every year, something happens to prove them wrong. Last week, Supreme Court Justice Neil Gorsuch said Merry Christmas on Fox News, and the left went crazy. Lisa Smiley asks, why is the ‘C’ word so offensive to the left?
Are The Democrats Too Far Left For Obama? | Pod & Country
Editorial Comments December 18, 2019 1:40 PM ET Font Size: Former President Barack Obama recently came under fire for warning Democrats not to go too far left. He may have a point. This election cycle, we’ve seen the Democratic presidential candidates campaign for extreme, leftist policies like gun buybacks, Medical-for-all, and reparations for slavery. With every debate, the candidates appear to be fighting to see who’s the wokest of them all.
Ex-Californian Explains Why Texas Is A Better State
Editorial Comments December 02, 2019 1:55 PM ET Leftist policies destroy the once beautiful state of California. So, Californians are voting with their feet … to Texas. Despite California‘s coastline, mountains, and beautiful weather, the latest census data show Californians can’t stop moving to the Lone Star State. Lisa Smiley, an ex-Californian, explains why the conservative policies of Texas make it a better state for both families and businesses.
Pod & Country Episode 2: Is Kanye’s Turn To Christianity Good For America?
November 18, 2019 4:00 PM ET Kanye West turns to Jesus and now says, “my only mission and calling is to spread the gospel.” He has taken his Sunday Services all over the country and thousands have now converted to Christianity. While American culture has become increasingly hostile to God, Kanye West is running towards God. Lisa Smiley explains why this is good for America. Pod & Country is a new weekly show produced by the Daily Caller.
No Middle Ground For Bernie Sanders On The Government Running Your Life
Opinion Comments June 27, 2019 11:01 PM ET It’s no secret Bernie Sanders wants to push the Democratic Party further to the left. He recently declared there is “no middle ground” compromise with Donald Trump and the GOP. In a way, he’s right. There is clearly an ideological difference between Donald Trump’s MAGA policies and Bernie Sanders’ socialist vision.
Pro-Life Chinese Mother of Five Children Responds to New Planned Parenthood President
I am an immigrant. When I was four, my parents emigrated from China — first to New Zealand and then to America. China had a one-child policy. Often, women caught pregnant after more than one child, were dragged out of their homes, beaten, and forced to abort their babies. But there are five girls in my family. The three youngest, including myself, were born illegally after the law was passed. My brave mother risked her life to keep me safe from the government.
Watch: 5 reasons why we must defund Planned Parenthood
(Bound4LIFE) Planned Parenthood makes many lofty claims about its “services” critical to women’s health. But just digging a little deeper into its actual practices and history reveals something much less positive — and a lot more sinister. As a pro-life blogger and speaker, who escaped abortion myself in Communist China, and chose life for my “imperfect” child, I feel called to expose abortion lies wherever I see them.
Donald Trump -- Pro-Life, He Is Not
In my decision to vote for a candidate in an election, the right to life is the most important issue I consider. Perhaps it is because my own life was saved and redeemed from abortion. I am alive today because my Chinese mother broke the law and gave birth to me. Raising my sisters and me in Communist China, where a violent family-planning regime forces parents into aborting additional children, my mother risked her life and safety to keep us from being taken by armed government agents.
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