Health Tip:
The screening tests that are recommended for each age group can be found on the National Institute of Health's website. Although the recommendations for screening can often vary from one doctor to the next, the NIH is considered the absolute, unbiased medical authority on screening for diabetes, cancers, and high blood pressure.
I am often amazed at how many of the medical conditions we face today can be prevented through screening. And yet, there seems to be a lot of confusion as to what tests we should have, and when. For example, did you know as women we only need to have female exams every 2-3 years if all is normal? Or that we should all have cholesterol screening yearly? Or that everyone should have a colonoscopy at age 50? In fact, colon cancer is almost always preventable if we had the appropriate screening. The problem is that many people don't see the value of going to a doctor unless they are sick... it's like the idea is that doctors are there for sick people. But, the more we understand about the body, and the longer we live, the clearer it becomes that screening is the most important thing we can do to protect our health. The absolute authority on what tests we should do is found at : http://www.nih.gov/
One of the saddest things I have found in working in healthcare is that many people don't realize how important it is to protect their health, and often don't come to the clinic until they are having heart disease symptoms..or, their blood pressure or diabetes is causing symptoms. This usually is enough to change their attitude about screening.
George came to the office many years ago with complaints of back pain. It didn't take long to realize that he had uncontrolled blood pressure, high cholesterol, and a mass on his abdomen. He was hospitalized immediately and found to have kidney failure, diabetes, amongst other things. It wasn't until all these conditions were controlled that his back pain could even be evaluated. Thankfully, everything was still treatable, and he was sent home weeks later. After that experience, George became the biggest advocate for screening tests. I can almost still hear him telling all the patients in the waiting room how important it is to get their screening tests.
It makes sense that we must protect and be proactive in caring for this body that God has given us. As Christians, we understand that this body is a temple that God indwells ( 1 Cor 6:19). While we have pain, tears, and illness in this life, we know that one day we will be given perfect bodies- but, until then, we are challenged to treasure this body and care for it, knowing that it is God's gift to us!.
Friday, September 30, 2011
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
How do I know when my child needs antibiotics?
Health Tip:
Most of the time it is difficult to tell the difference between a virus and a bacteria. In general, the first few years of childhood, children spend developing their immune systems. Most of the time they are contracting viruses that their body can combat alone. One key tip is if the fever is low grade (100-102) it can indicate virus. This means, keep your child hydrated ( DRINK, DRINK, DRINK) and you are probably safe to watch and wait a few days. Most viruses are 3-5 days in duration.
I realize in writing this blog I may seem redundant in what I say as a nurse practitioner. The value of hydration can never be overestimated, especially as we raise little ones. Often what causes complications in children's illnesses is that they refuse or don't act interested in drinking when they are sick. Because of this, viruses develop into secondary infections ( ear infections, lung infections, sinus infections, etc). Keeping that sippy cup full of electrolyte rich liquids is pivotal as your child builds his/her immunity.
I often think about how different it feels when my child is the one who is sick. Everyday I tell mothers that after examining their child I think it is probably a virus, and they should keep their child hydrated and rested. And yet, we all want a prescription to get better. When I see my son has been coughing for days, I lose my patience and want a prescription. I almost giggle thinking how I must take my own advice and watch and wait for him to fight off the virus on his own.
This week I saw a little boy, Tony, in the clinic who had severe speech disabilties. He also had trouble sitting still, and I think he covered every spot in the exam room as I followed him around to look in his ears, nose and throat. His mother responded with such patience and love as she held him for me to give him his flu shot. While Tony made loud noises to communicate, they seemed to understand one another, and she was able to calm him. I was amazed by it all, as she rocked her baby in the stroller at the same time!
As I think about Tony and his mother, it seems that no matter what we do in life , the hardest thing God asks of us is patience. I think of Tony's mother and her patience with Tony. I think of the mothers I care for everyday and the difficulty of being patient in waiting for their children to improve. And, of course, I think of myself and how hard it is for me to just wait for my son's cough to go away.
Love is patient. It's as simple, and as difficult as that. To love means to wait on the people we love. Whether that's careful watchful waiting as our child's immune system fights off a cold, or waiting as we hold a child who cannot communicate with words, or waiting for someone whose going through a difficult time- patience is something we are all called to persevere in together!
Most of the time it is difficult to tell the difference between a virus and a bacteria. In general, the first few years of childhood, children spend developing their immune systems. Most of the time they are contracting viruses that their body can combat alone. One key tip is if the fever is low grade (100-102) it can indicate virus. This means, keep your child hydrated ( DRINK, DRINK, DRINK) and you are probably safe to watch and wait a few days. Most viruses are 3-5 days in duration.
I realize in writing this blog I may seem redundant in what I say as a nurse practitioner. The value of hydration can never be overestimated, especially as we raise little ones. Often what causes complications in children's illnesses is that they refuse or don't act interested in drinking when they are sick. Because of this, viruses develop into secondary infections ( ear infections, lung infections, sinus infections, etc). Keeping that sippy cup full of electrolyte rich liquids is pivotal as your child builds his/her immunity.
I often think about how different it feels when my child is the one who is sick. Everyday I tell mothers that after examining their child I think it is probably a virus, and they should keep their child hydrated and rested. And yet, we all want a prescription to get better. When I see my son has been coughing for days, I lose my patience and want a prescription. I almost giggle thinking how I must take my own advice and watch and wait for him to fight off the virus on his own.
This week I saw a little boy, Tony, in the clinic who had severe speech disabilties. He also had trouble sitting still, and I think he covered every spot in the exam room as I followed him around to look in his ears, nose and throat. His mother responded with such patience and love as she held him for me to give him his flu shot. While Tony made loud noises to communicate, they seemed to understand one another, and she was able to calm him. I was amazed by it all, as she rocked her baby in the stroller at the same time!
As I think about Tony and his mother, it seems that no matter what we do in life , the hardest thing God asks of us is patience. I think of Tony's mother and her patience with Tony. I think of the mothers I care for everyday and the difficulty of being patient in waiting for their children to improve. And, of course, I think of myself and how hard it is for me to just wait for my son's cough to go away.
Love is patient. It's as simple, and as difficult as that. To love means to wait on the people we love. Whether that's careful watchful waiting as our child's immune system fights off a cold, or waiting as we hold a child who cannot communicate with words, or waiting for someone whose going through a difficult time- patience is something we are all called to persevere in together!
Sunday, September 25, 2011
Tips to Combat Viruses
Tips to Combat Viruses:
Drinking electrolyte rich liquids ( such as gatorade, orange juice, apple juice) is the best way to treat upper respiratory viruses/colds. It also helps with treating bladder infections and dehydration.
One of the best kept secrets in healthcare seems to be the value of electrolyte liquids. Drinks such as gatorade and pedialyte are practically just oral IVs. The value of these type of drinks cannot be underestimated.
Everyday I treat young children who are dehydrated and develop more severe infections from the common cold because they are not hydrated. The important point is that water is not good enough. Electrolytes help your body hold on water, so, when you are sick you need these type of fluids.
Sometimes the most simple treatments are the best, and to combat simple viruses, I often tell people you can practically 'wash' them away by keeping liquids going. That's better than over the counter relief or even humidifiers.. So, heres to a good glass of lemonade to stay healthy !
Drinking electrolyte rich liquids ( such as gatorade, orange juice, apple juice) is the best way to treat upper respiratory viruses/colds. It also helps with treating bladder infections and dehydration.
One of the best kept secrets in healthcare seems to be the value of electrolyte liquids. Drinks such as gatorade and pedialyte are practically just oral IVs. The value of these type of drinks cannot be underestimated.
Everyday I treat young children who are dehydrated and develop more severe infections from the common cold because they are not hydrated. The important point is that water is not good enough. Electrolytes help your body hold on water, so, when you are sick you need these type of fluids.
Sometimes the most simple treatments are the best, and to combat simple viruses, I often tell people you can practically 'wash' them away by keeping liquids going. That's better than over the counter relief or even humidifiers.. So, heres to a good glass of lemonade to stay healthy !
Friday, September 23, 2011
Tips for this Cold/Flu season
Health Tip:
Besides immunization against the flu, the best things you can do to protect your family against colds/flu virus is to : encourage handwashing ( this has been shown to reduce disease transmission by 80%!), stay hydrated with drinks like: gatorade, orange juice, apple juice, and change a toothbrush when someone's had a flu/cold/strep.
As flu season approaches, I always brace myself for the worst. Over the past 4 years of living in the US, I have come to realize that the symptoms of the flu are truly as bad as malaria. In the clinic where I work, our volume of sick visits triples between October- March. Almost every other person that walks in the door has a fever of over 102.
I want to use this blog to educate you on the value of being prepared for this public health threat in the US- and internationally. As the weather changes, remember to protect your family against the viruses that come as we all stay in more closed in spaces. The value of keeping that hand sanitizer close to you cannot be underestimated!
Last year I took care of a family that developed the flu so violently 2 out of the 5 members of the family had to be hospitalized. This year, they were the first to come in and get their flu shots. So much of healthcare is being proactive, and not reactive about our health. Do what you can to PROTECT your health- this is truly the focus of healthcare today and has the best long term effects.
I end with the story of a ten year old boy named Aaron ( name changed for privacy). Aaron accompanied his sister and brother for their flu shots last year. As his sister cried with fear of the shot, Aaron teased her. He teased his sister for being frightened of one little needle.Oddly, his teasing didn't seem to annoy his brother or sister. As I finished up the shots and they walked out of the clinic, Aaron's mother whispered a thank you in my ear. She told me that Aaron had been diagnosed with a terminal brain cancer and had spent the past few months in the hospital. He had grown accustomed to needles. They had all come today to get their flu shot to protect Aaron from the flu. She proceeded to tell me that she had not seen Aaron smile so much as he did today, as he 'coached' his siblings through the process of shots. It was then that I noticed that Aaron had no hair ( a side effect from his chemotherapy), and wore a cap on his head. I thanked them for coming, and watched as they all walked towards their car- hand in hand.
Aaron's story reminded me of how wrong first impressions can be. I also thought about how when we protect our health we are protecting those around us as well.
So, here's to a healthy flu season- let's all be proactive to promote our health!
Besides immunization against the flu, the best things you can do to protect your family against colds/flu virus is to : encourage handwashing ( this has been shown to reduce disease transmission by 80%!), stay hydrated with drinks like: gatorade, orange juice, apple juice, and change a toothbrush when someone's had a flu/cold/strep.
As flu season approaches, I always brace myself for the worst. Over the past 4 years of living in the US, I have come to realize that the symptoms of the flu are truly as bad as malaria. In the clinic where I work, our volume of sick visits triples between October- March. Almost every other person that walks in the door has a fever of over 102.
I want to use this blog to educate you on the value of being prepared for this public health threat in the US- and internationally. As the weather changes, remember to protect your family against the viruses that come as we all stay in more closed in spaces. The value of keeping that hand sanitizer close to you cannot be underestimated!
Last year I took care of a family that developed the flu so violently 2 out of the 5 members of the family had to be hospitalized. This year, they were the first to come in and get their flu shots. So much of healthcare is being proactive, and not reactive about our health. Do what you can to PROTECT your health- this is truly the focus of healthcare today and has the best long term effects.
I end with the story of a ten year old boy named Aaron ( name changed for privacy). Aaron accompanied his sister and brother for their flu shots last year. As his sister cried with fear of the shot, Aaron teased her. He teased his sister for being frightened of one little needle.Oddly, his teasing didn't seem to annoy his brother or sister. As I finished up the shots and they walked out of the clinic, Aaron's mother whispered a thank you in my ear. She told me that Aaron had been diagnosed with a terminal brain cancer and had spent the past few months in the hospital. He had grown accustomed to needles. They had all come today to get their flu shot to protect Aaron from the flu. She proceeded to tell me that she had not seen Aaron smile so much as he did today, as he 'coached' his siblings through the process of shots. It was then that I noticed that Aaron had no hair ( a side effect from his chemotherapy), and wore a cap on his head. I thanked them for coming, and watched as they all walked towards their car- hand in hand.
Aaron's story reminded me of how wrong first impressions can be. I also thought about how when we protect our health we are protecting those around us as well.
So, here's to a healthy flu season- let's all be proactive to promote our health!
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
Tips for Weight loss
Health Tip:
Having a support group for weight loss efforts is the most effective way to maintain weight loss.
One of the most important health issues facing societies today is the struggle of weight loss and weight maintenance. Weight is a struggle for most people at some point in life. As a clinician, I constantly see the effect of weight gain and a person's overall health. In fact, it is truly an epidemic in the US today.
One of the most fascinating facts about weight loss is that most of us lose weight most effectively if we are surrounded by a support group that can hold us accountable. Evidence continually substantiates that programs such as Weight Watchers have a long lasting effective mostly because of the focus on support groups.
This is a scriptural principle that we see played out in our lives on a personal, spiritual, and physical level. We are encouraged as the Body of Christ to stand beside each other. This is a difficult principle for many who are independent and prefer to 'go it alone'. Both scientific evidence and Scripture confirm our need for one another to live health lives: emotionally and spiritually!
If you are thinking of losing weight, have you thought of a group you could join, or friends that may want to lose weight with you?
I close with the story of Carl. Carl was diagnosed with heart disease, diabetes, and high blood pressure. He was told he needed to lose over 100 pounds. Unsure how he could even begin such a task, he started on a journey of walking everyday- inspired by the people in the neighborhood that were already walking daily. Two years later, Carl has lost 100 pounds just through walking daily- he says knowing that his neighbors will be out and about is what keeps him walking every morning at 6 am.
Carl's story is proof of how much others can motivate us- no matter how informal the group may be!.
Having a support group for weight loss efforts is the most effective way to maintain weight loss.
One of the most important health issues facing societies today is the struggle of weight loss and weight maintenance. Weight is a struggle for most people at some point in life. As a clinician, I constantly see the effect of weight gain and a person's overall health. In fact, it is truly an epidemic in the US today.
One of the most fascinating facts about weight loss is that most of us lose weight most effectively if we are surrounded by a support group that can hold us accountable. Evidence continually substantiates that programs such as Weight Watchers have a long lasting effective mostly because of the focus on support groups.
This is a scriptural principle that we see played out in our lives on a personal, spiritual, and physical level. We are encouraged as the Body of Christ to stand beside each other. This is a difficult principle for many who are independent and prefer to 'go it alone'. Both scientific evidence and Scripture confirm our need for one another to live health lives: emotionally and spiritually!
If you are thinking of losing weight, have you thought of a group you could join, or friends that may want to lose weight with you?
I close with the story of Carl. Carl was diagnosed with heart disease, diabetes, and high blood pressure. He was told he needed to lose over 100 pounds. Unsure how he could even begin such a task, he started on a journey of walking everyday- inspired by the people in the neighborhood that were already walking daily. Two years later, Carl has lost 100 pounds just through walking daily- he says knowing that his neighbors will be out and about is what keeps him walking every morning at 6 am.
Carl's story is proof of how much others can motivate us- no matter how informal the group may be!.
Monday, September 19, 2011
Improving Short Term Memory
Health Tip: Repetition/Routine helps develop your 'motor memory' which decreases the stress of many of the day to day activities.
Its hard to accept the fact that most of us are losing are short term memory as we age.. Like the rest of our bodies, our mind's age with us. If you're anything like me, it's hard to accept that you forget where you left the keys, or the main item you needed at the grocery store, or even what your children's activities are for the week. One of the ways we can help our short term memory is to develop routines. Simple routines, such as where to place the car keys when you walk in the house, help establish what's called motor memory. Basically, motor memory is like riding a bike- your mind just reflexively knows what to do thanks on the repetition and training. So the more habits you create, the less you are taxing your short term memory.
A long time favorite passage of mine is in 2 Corinthians 4:16 which reminds us that although we are wasting away outwardly ( we all know how this feels !), we are continually being renewed in our Spirit. Basically, no matter what is happening to our bodies, we can age with JOY.. with PEACE..and with confidence.. Because we know that we are not defined by this body. Our souls are being renewed.. and one day will be completely restored to our Creator!
I cannot tell you how many times I have seen that age is an attitude.. when you feel old, you will act old.. On that note, I wanted to add a cute clip from youtube that my son shared with me. This elderly couples' fun loving attitude about new technology inspired me. The vitality and youth of their souls transcends the aging of their bodies! I hope this clip will give you a giggle too!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FcN08Tg3PWw
Its hard to accept the fact that most of us are losing are short term memory as we age.. Like the rest of our bodies, our mind's age with us. If you're anything like me, it's hard to accept that you forget where you left the keys, or the main item you needed at the grocery store, or even what your children's activities are for the week. One of the ways we can help our short term memory is to develop routines. Simple routines, such as where to place the car keys when you walk in the house, help establish what's called motor memory. Basically, motor memory is like riding a bike- your mind just reflexively knows what to do thanks on the repetition and training. So the more habits you create, the less you are taxing your short term memory.
A long time favorite passage of mine is in 2 Corinthians 4:16 which reminds us that although we are wasting away outwardly ( we all know how this feels !), we are continually being renewed in our Spirit. Basically, no matter what is happening to our bodies, we can age with JOY.. with PEACE..and with confidence.. Because we know that we are not defined by this body. Our souls are being renewed.. and one day will be completely restored to our Creator!
I cannot tell you how many times I have seen that age is an attitude.. when you feel old, you will act old.. On that note, I wanted to add a cute clip from youtube that my son shared with me. This elderly couples' fun loving attitude about new technology inspired me. The vitality and youth of their souls transcends the aging of their bodies! I hope this clip will give you a giggle too!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FcN08Tg3PWw
Sunday, September 18, 2011
Kris Kues
Health Tip:
To help combat sleep difficulties, don't read, eat, or work in your bed. This helps protect your sleep, both for falling and staying asleep.
I hope you're having a good weekend. Weekends are such a wonderful time to refocus and set priorities for the week. For me, I always look forward to relaxing and enjoying my three men. Being outnumbered by two teenage boys and a wonderful husband has its benefits , as I am often spoiled like a Queen!
A huge discouragement for me recently has come as I have started struggling with sleep. For much of my career as a nurse practitioner I have heard people talking about their difficulties with falling asleep, or staying asleep. I remember being puzzled at how many people have this health issue.. Well, now its my turn! So... I guess now's when I get to put into practice what Ive told people for years.. The concept of sleep hygiene. If you look it up online, you will see that sleep hygiene is basically a way for us to train our minds to 'go to sleep'.. Who would've thought wed need help with that? Well, its part of living in a fast paced society, with constant stimulous around us. The basic idea is that we must not bring our work to bed ( as I type in bed.. sigh.. ;-) Anyway, it really does work, it just takes a few weeks to change our sleep habits...
For many of us, we struggle with sleep because we also struggle with the 'demon' of anxiety.. Our minds are racing... worrying.. I love how many times God addresses anxiety in the Bible.. and for me.. the one I cling to is " He will keep in PERFECT peace him whose mind is steadfast on you".. Resting in God's control is really the only place for perfect peace...
On that note, I leave you with the story of Henry ( name changed for privacy). Henry was an elderly man who had been married for over 50 years. The last year of his marriage his wife was diagnosed with a lung disease that was terminal. Rather than keep his wife in the hospital, Henry brought the hospital to his wife. Her bedroom was full of tubes and machines. And yet, it had always been her wish to die at home. A year after her diagnosis, Henry's wife breathed her last in her own bedroom, laying in Henry's arms.. as he held her close he says he felt a peace that passes understanding, knowing that in that moment his wife was cured.
Now that's the kind of peace I want to live my life with.. the kind that comes from certainty of knowing who holds my every breath, from sleeping to waking!.
To help combat sleep difficulties, don't read, eat, or work in your bed. This helps protect your sleep, both for falling and staying asleep.
I hope you're having a good weekend. Weekends are such a wonderful time to refocus and set priorities for the week. For me, I always look forward to relaxing and enjoying my three men. Being outnumbered by two teenage boys and a wonderful husband has its benefits , as I am often spoiled like a Queen!
A huge discouragement for me recently has come as I have started struggling with sleep. For much of my career as a nurse practitioner I have heard people talking about their difficulties with falling asleep, or staying asleep. I remember being puzzled at how many people have this health issue.. Well, now its my turn! So... I guess now's when I get to put into practice what Ive told people for years.. The concept of sleep hygiene. If you look it up online, you will see that sleep hygiene is basically a way for us to train our minds to 'go to sleep'.. Who would've thought wed need help with that? Well, its part of living in a fast paced society, with constant stimulous around us. The basic idea is that we must not bring our work to bed ( as I type in bed.. sigh.. ;-) Anyway, it really does work, it just takes a few weeks to change our sleep habits...
For many of us, we struggle with sleep because we also struggle with the 'demon' of anxiety.. Our minds are racing... worrying.. I love how many times God addresses anxiety in the Bible.. and for me.. the one I cling to is " He will keep in PERFECT peace him whose mind is steadfast on you".. Resting in God's control is really the only place for perfect peace...
On that note, I leave you with the story of Henry ( name changed for privacy). Henry was an elderly man who had been married for over 50 years. The last year of his marriage his wife was diagnosed with a lung disease that was terminal. Rather than keep his wife in the hospital, Henry brought the hospital to his wife. Her bedroom was full of tubes and machines. And yet, it had always been her wish to die at home. A year after her diagnosis, Henry's wife breathed her last in her own bedroom, laying in Henry's arms.. as he held her close he says he felt a peace that passes understanding, knowing that in that moment his wife was cured.
Now that's the kind of peace I want to live my life with.. the kind that comes from certainty of knowing who holds my every breath, from sleeping to waking!.
Saturday, September 17, 2011
Health Tip for Brain health!
Health Tip:
Always trying to learn something new helps prevent Alzheimers and protects cognitive function!
Did you know that God made our minds with a need to be exercised? Well, maybe when we are in grade school, in high school, and even on into college- we realize this is a task we must conquer. And yet, some studies are showing that are minds begin to atrophy ( nice way of saying "shrivel up") when we stop learning. It seems when we get comfortable in our adult lives that we shouldn't get too comfortable.. For example, trying to learn something new is pivotal to our brain's overall health. How about picking up an instrument? How about learning a new language- well, trying anyway? Hmm.. I can hear the expression " You can't teach an old dog new tricks".. and yet, that's exactly what the old dog needs. It's been shown to prevent Alzheimers! Even something as simple learning to write with the other hand.. Hmmm
As I consider this challenge, I think about how as Christians we know everything we do is really for God's glory. I remember in grade school when I didn't feel like studying my best friend would quote 2 TImothy 2:15.. .. Study to show ourselves approved unto God.. I can almost hear her telling me that today .. And so, I pass this on to you..
You'll have to humor me, but, my special area of focus as a clinician is geriatrics. A lot of my training has focused on learning what happens to us as we age... And one thing that I am constantly amazed by is how much of what the Bible teaches about basic health principles is confirmed in healthcare through evidence .. Love it!
Hats off to learning something new!
Friday, September 16, 2011
September 16th- Fall and Dump Trucks
It's a beautiful, cool morning here in Charlotte. I love the Fall. I remember as a child reading about the Fall and seeing pictures of the beautiful leaves. Living in the jungle, it was hard to imagine what it was really like to experience seasons. Growing up in the jungle, the weather is practically the same everyday of the year ( somedays it rains, somedays it doesn't), I am learning to LOVE seasons! How can Fall not be everyone's favorite? But, like all things in life, this morning I was reminded that perspective is everything....
As I went out for my morning jogg, I felt so envigorated by the cool air engulfing me.. I definitely had an extra bounce in my step.. The breeze, the color of the leaves, the cool air.. ahh.
And then, out of a nowhere, a horrific stench took over my little world. It was everywhere! I looked all around me to see where it was coming from.. Had a run into a garbage ditch? Sure enough, it didn't take long to see that the smell was coming from a huge dump truck driving through the neighborhood. The bounce in my step was gone, and I found myself turning around, trying desperately to get away from the smell. How quickly my attitude had changed. I couldn't help but giggle. It seemed the contrast of the Fall air and the dump truck were such a real picture of life.. I had a choice.. I could continue to appreciate the crisp, cool, air ( while plugging my nose).. or, I could just let the dumptrucks wonderful smells change my whole attitude. In that moment, I remembered a patient I had seen only a few weeks earlier. She had a smile and joy about her that was contagious. . She had come to the office to get medicine for the sores all over her body, that were related to her chemotherapy. She was only 58 years old, and had been given 6 months to live. When I asked her how she kept such a good attitude, she was quick to tell me that life was all about attitude. She had chosen joy despite her circumstances. The gleam that came from her eye- was contagious. It was as if she had chosen to jogg right on through the horrific stench of the dumptruck. Nothing was going to stop her enjoying each day of life! I thought about the stench the dump truck was spreading - very rapidly- and how it reminded me of sin.. of pain, and heartache.. But, the Fall was still around me. I had a choice to make, so.. I took a deep breath, held my nose for a few seconds.. and ran through the great green mist! ha
From a healthcare perspective, there is truly a lot of evidence that a good attitude helps people combat illness more effectively. In fact, studies continually show that people who pray have better control over their blood pressure and other chronic health conditions. Scientists explain it by saying that people who pray are letting off stress and steam.
I know as a Christian, that the desire to control what happens to me will always rage war against my faith and trust in God's plan. Last night I saw a beautiful sign with the verse " Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desire of your heart." To me, that means that only by letting go of my doubt can I truly be free to enjoy life.. I want to choose trust.. I want to choose hope.. and I want to choose to keep jogging- even if does mean plowing through a great green cloud of stench!
As I went out for my morning jogg, I felt so envigorated by the cool air engulfing me.. I definitely had an extra bounce in my step.. The breeze, the color of the leaves, the cool air.. ahh.
And then, out of a nowhere, a horrific stench took over my little world. It was everywhere! I looked all around me to see where it was coming from.. Had a run into a garbage ditch? Sure enough, it didn't take long to see that the smell was coming from a huge dump truck driving through the neighborhood. The bounce in my step was gone, and I found myself turning around, trying desperately to get away from the smell. How quickly my attitude had changed. I couldn't help but giggle. It seemed the contrast of the Fall air and the dump truck were such a real picture of life.. I had a choice.. I could continue to appreciate the crisp, cool, air ( while plugging my nose).. or, I could just let the dumptrucks wonderful smells change my whole attitude. In that moment, I remembered a patient I had seen only a few weeks earlier. She had a smile and joy about her that was contagious. . She had come to the office to get medicine for the sores all over her body, that were related to her chemotherapy. She was only 58 years old, and had been given 6 months to live. When I asked her how she kept such a good attitude, she was quick to tell me that life was all about attitude. She had chosen joy despite her circumstances. The gleam that came from her eye- was contagious. It was as if she had chosen to jogg right on through the horrific stench of the dumptruck. Nothing was going to stop her enjoying each day of life! I thought about the stench the dump truck was spreading - very rapidly- and how it reminded me of sin.. of pain, and heartache.. But, the Fall was still around me. I had a choice to make, so.. I took a deep breath, held my nose for a few seconds.. and ran through the great green mist! ha
From a healthcare perspective, there is truly a lot of evidence that a good attitude helps people combat illness more effectively. In fact, studies continually show that people who pray have better control over their blood pressure and other chronic health conditions. Scientists explain it by saying that people who pray are letting off stress and steam.
I know as a Christian, that the desire to control what happens to me will always rage war against my faith and trust in God's plan. Last night I saw a beautiful sign with the verse " Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desire of your heart." To me, that means that only by letting go of my doubt can I truly be free to enjoy life.. I want to choose trust.. I want to choose hope.. and I want to choose to keep jogging- even if does mean plowing through a great green cloud of stench!
Thursday, September 15, 2011
Hello everyone!!
I am so excited to start a blog to encourage,and hopefully provide health tips and inspiring stories.
I wanted to start my blog by saying that its a NEW day! Yes, its obvious when we wake up in the morning that a new day has begun. And yet, let's seize this day! What are you going to do today that you've been putting off? For me, I plan on going on a long walk and talking to God audibly. There's something powerful about talking to God audibly- even if people think you're nuts talking to yourself;-)
To encourage you in your day, I wanted to share a story with you about a patient I saw this week (I hope to share these types of stories often):
Its the season of flu shots, and I have been giving out about 20 a day (have you gotten yours? Getting the flu is truly worse than malaria from what I've observed!). Anyway, I had an 83 year old woman, whom I will call Edna, come for her flu shot. Because she couldn't figure out how to use the computer to sign in, I walked her in to the clinic and had her sign the paperwork. As we talked, I noticed her tattered shoes and purse. I thought about how most of my elderly patients live on next to nothing and wondered if she had any support from family. I learned quickly with Edna that first impressions are so often incorrect. I had asked her if her insurance paid for her flu shot, and she quickly replied that while she thought they did, it didn't matter. With a smile on her face she said "Money is not a concern for me, honey". Of course, I assumed she was just joking or being sarcastic. I was wrong. She proceeded to tell me that she lived in the area her whole life, and therefore had inherited much of the land south of Charlotte, in a rapidly developing region. She said that she still lives in the same humble home her family has owned for decades. And then, she really surprised me. She proceeded to tell me that her whole life she had wanted to go to college, and was unable to do so as her and her husband were poor farmers. Because of this, in her old age she had decided to use her money to send young people to college who had no means. She grinned from ear to ear as she said this to me.
After I gave her her flu shot, she shuffled to her feet, and slowly placed her purse back on her shoulder. With a sparkle in her eye she said to me "Honey, just remember that you never know how God is preparing you each day for his purposes. He will always make the best out of our lives, if we just let Him".
As I watched her walk down the aisle towards the door, I thought about how mistaken I had been about her humble means. She challenged me that day to remember how WONDERFUL that only God knows my story- beginning to end. What happens to me today may seem like it has no purpose, and yet.. could be the very thing He will use one day to bless others.
I think about the well known verse in Jeremiah 29:11.. He has a purpose for each of us.. Whether we see the full picture or not.. we can choose to trust and hope in this promise!
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