All Things Health and Wellness

In the last few months I have experienced death of several first cousins, a brother and a few friends. As a friend said “none of us are going to get out of here alive!” Depressing but true, and it does not make the process any easier.

Every dead that I experience, humbles me in ways I cannot articulate. My younger brother died a few months ago, and several months earlier I dreamed about the death. This was quite disturbing because I had three brothers. It was not clear which one of my brothers would pass away. When my youngest brother passed away, I felt as though I had been prepared for the moment; even though it was not expected. I still experienced extreme sadness and despair.

Death is part of life, but it is something we never get use to it and many times it catches us off guard, even when it is expected. Death of a relative or close friend provides us with a new perspective to see life differently. You may realize that life is really short and many of the things we worry about are not that important in the grand scheme of things. It can be a time to reset your life goals.

According to Kubler Ross there are five stages of grief; denial, anger, bargaining, depression and acceptance (Tyrrekk, Harberger, Schoo, and Siddiqui, 2023). Everyone moves through the stages at a different pace.

It always helps me to stay busy. Ask for help if you need it and engage in activities that you enjoy to take your mind off the sadness. Prolonged sadness and grief are not healthy and professional help maybe needed . Learn how to stay present in the moment so you do not drift back into “the what if.” Reach out to friends and family for support. We all go through the stages of grief and sometimes the steps are repeated before we get to acceptance.

Be kind, it goes a long way…

Reference

Tyrrekk, Harberger, Schoo, and Siddiqui, (2023). Kugler-Ross Stages of Dying and Subsequent Models of Grief.

Regardless of what type of music you listen to, music is great way to relax and unwind. I love listening to rhythm and blues (R&B) and jazz it makes my heart sing and takes me back to a time when I had no worries or cares.

According to the American Music therapy Association (2005) music can be utilized to promote wellness, decrease stress, pain, enhance memory, helps you express feelings, and help you improve communication.

“Music Therapy is the clinical & evidence-based use of music interventions to accomplish individualized goals within a therapeutic relationship by a credentialed professional who has completed an approved music therapy program. Music therapy interventions can address a variety of healthcare & educational goals” (2024).

Enjoy the music and “dance like no one is watching” (Mark Twain).

Reference:

What is Music Therapy? (2024). American Music Therapy Association. http://www.musictherapy.org

This is a great time to have your eyes checked and maintain your vision.

Getting regular eye exams is just as important as a physical exam.

The eyes are a sensory organ, that take images and sends them to the brain for interpretation. Getting a regular eye exams can ensure you keeping your vision exceptional and correcting any issue affecting your vision.

The are several issues that could be addressed with your optometrist on an eye exam, include eyestrain, dry eye, colorblindness, cataracts or pinkeye. Other health issues such as hypertension and diabetes can also affect your vision, but these health issues need to be addressed by your primary care practitioner. This is not a full list, however any issue with your vision should be discussed with your eye doctor, especially if it does not resolve within a few days.

You only have one set of eyes, so take care of them and have them checked at least every two years. There is so much to see and appreciate in this world .

Just keeping you informed.

Reference:

WebMD. (2022). Top Causes of Eye Problems. http://www.WebMD.com

Show your appreciation for the nurses in your life and those you encounter, this week and every day. It can be a thankless job and nurses are present for every healthcare encounter related to your life from birth to death. Nurses are the heartbeat of healthcare and hospitals could not function without them.

HAPPY NURSES WEEK MAY 6-12, 2024.

Thanks to my colleagues for all they do for others !

Spring is a time of renewal after the long cold winter. The flowers and trees have new growth, and many of us are doing some type of spring cleaning. Spring is also a great time to reevaluate your goals and readjust.

Every year I make goals for myself, especially around health and wellness. Did you commit to lose weight and going to the gym three times per week or to be more mindful in what you consume?

This is a great time to review your plans and adjust accordingly so you can get back on track and be successful with your goals. Don’t give up, there are eight months left in the year to fulfil your personal goals.

Solicit assistance if your need to, get a trainer, or change the activity to something more manageable. Examples may include walking in your neighborhood a couple days per week, instead of going to the gym every day; or consuming your largest meal in the middle of the day; or reducing your caffeine intake to one cup per day instead of three.

Simplifying your goals can make a big difference. Whatever you need to do to adjust and make the goal easier to obtain, this is the time. This process may occur several times before the goal is realized.

It will be worth it in the long run so you can see your results and celebrate your wins. You can do it!!!

Don Ruiz the author of “The Four Agreements”

Based on ancient Toltec wisdom, The Four Agreements offer a code of conduct that can rapidly transform our lives to a new experience of freedom, true happiness, and love. 

I will be discussing these agreements as it relates to health and wellness..

1. Be impeccable with your word, speak with integrity: Say what you mean and mean what it and be true to yourself. To be impeccable with others it starts with you being true to yourself. Do not make promises to yourself that you do not plan on keeping (especially as it relates to your health).
2. Don’t take anything personally: Nothing others do is because of you. You have to become immune to the opinions of others. Even when others tell you negative information, about yourself, remember it is not about you.
3. Don’t make assumptions: Find the courage to ask questions and express what you really what to know. This step is essential when talking to your physician. Ensure you ask questions so you understand what is being said.
4. Always do your best: Your best is going to change from moment to moment and will be different when you are sick versus healthy. Your body is your temple and letting go of judgement helps you make good decisions regarding your health and wellness so take action.