Despite all the talk about critical thinking, nurses operate in a very task-oriented system. In our rush to take care of all our patients’ needs, we are prone to neglect ourselves, which affects not only our own health but also our ability to care for patients. Remember, there are few things that can’t wait five minutes, so take a moment for yourself. Much of my increased efficiency at the bedside results from the way I now manage a shift. I use...  Read More »

There is a reason why, “The family that plays together stays together.” Recreation is about reconnecting and redefining relationships. Fun makes us human to each other, it opens opportunity to build understanding and connect on a deeper level. I’ve done volunteer work with families that have placed their teens in interventional boarding schools. When those children come back home, relationships have to be rebuild and redefined, and family...  Read More »

None of us see the world as it is, we see the world the way we are. We all operate from different experiences, values, cultural norms, etc., that affect how we treat each other. When I walked into a room and a patient or family member would start to complain, I use to feel as if I was a bad nurse and become defensive. I now recognize that complaints are actually requests in disguise–when patients or families are complaining they are operating from a place...  Read More »

Ever seen the charts that say how much you should weigh based on your age and height? Much of the research on what is a healthy weight is based on self reported values. Studies show that most people underreport their weight by 10 to 20 lbs. The first weight charts came out of telephone surveys done by insurance companies collecting data on health risk related to weight. Body mass index (BMI) has become the gold standard for determining healthy weights because...  Read More »

Most of us grew up with the food pyramid that had grains at the base of what we should be eating. Then about 10 years ago, researchers announced that was out of date. Because there is a natural lag time between research and translation into public materials, we are just now seeing an updated food pyramid filter into the system. The updated food pyramid has fruits and vegetables at the base of what we should be eating, and grains have moved up to take the previous...  Read More »

The term “organic” originated in the agricultural industry. Organic farmers used environmentally friendly and sustainable methods for growing produce instead of relying on cheap pesticides and fertilizers. We now see all kinds of products being labeled as organic because they are free of certain chemicals and/or synthetic compounds. But when it comes to selecting between the traditional and organic brands, there is often a significant price difference....  Read More »

Many of the products we buy are infused with chemicals that may be harmful to our health. Take formaldehyde for instance, which is a cheap preservative the U.S. Federal and Drug Administration allows in cosmetics because it is used in very low doses. The problem is formaldehyde is a fat soluble chemical that is absorbed through the skin and stored in fat tissue, meaning formaldehyde levels can build up over time. While you may not care about your face being...  Read More »

Supplements are a great tool for getting all your vitamins and minerals into your diet. Some supplements have even been shown to reduce cholesterol. While there is sound research on the benefits of supplements, purchasing one can be a dicey game. In my article, “Why doctors tend to prefer prescriptions to supplements” I explain how the lack of federal regulation has made the industry vulnerable to snake oil artists. I haven’t heard of every...  Read More »

I have worked in the healthcare industry as a nurse and in the wellness industry as a health coach. While these two different industries have very similar goals, their philosophies and approaches can be quite different. I have found few healthcare professionals are able to combine the best of both worlds for a holistic approach to their practice. And there are several reasons for that lack of crossover. 1.  Education and training. Out of eight years of medical...  Read More »

Class started back up last week. It’s hard to go back after the long break between semesters, but it is also exciting to know this is my last semester. Balancing work, school, and a personal life is a great challenge, and it’s at times like this that it can be so easy to stop taking care of yourself. However, I can feel the difference between my old life and my healthy life, and I can do more when I take care of myself. I’m a good cook, but...  Read More »