I never thought I would live through the crisis of a pandemic. But then I never thought I would hear the words, “You have breast cancer.” Both can derail your life. Or you learn to adapt to the new normal. And living through a pandemic will result in a new normal, much like living through a war or cancer.
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50 years marks the golden anniversary of Earth Day. But this year’s celebration feels more like a midlife crisis. We all need to do better!
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Our lives right now could be called “Six Degrees of Isolation.” They mirror Dr. Elisabeth Kübler–Ross’s five degrees of grief with a bonus: Denial: This really couldn’t be happening! Anger: I am so frustrated and angry this is happening in the world! Bargaining: I promise to wear my mask and gloves going out and will wash my hands and sanitize regularly; just please keep me healthy! Depression: I feel helpless and sad.. So many people are dying? When will this end? Will things every be back to normal? Acceptance: Well, let’s just make the most of this situation. It is
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As we move into another week of shelter in place (SIP) that may or may not end April 30, everyone is learning to adapt to less space and more time to fill. I’ve noticed a few interesting developments in the conversations I have with people and see online. Even though we remain in isolation, we stay connected. Here is my “Why Did it Take a Pandemic to Do This List?” 1 Get creative and crafty. People are working with their hands as a form of stress relief. Some are returning to former hobbies or testing skills to learn something new. I have
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Social isolation can have a negative impact on your emotional and physical well-being. Here are tips to cope and maintain calm.
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Being overweight can disrupt your sleep. But a weighted blanket may help you sleep more soundly. Weighted blankets are the latest buzz in sleep technology. They are designed to facilitate restful sleep by placing gentle pressure on the body. It has similar benefits to swaddling an infant to encourage calm and rest. A weighted blanked is a big body cuddle, and who doesn’t feel cozy and relaxed being cuddled? Is all the buzz a big snooze? Maybe not! According to the National Sleep Foundation, there are benefits to a weighted blanket such as: Increased serotonin. We all want more serotonin,
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In my new series S/Heroes Among Us, I spotlight women making a difference. Meet Becca Stevens, Founder of Thistle Farms.
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My Dad used to say with a wink, “there is nothing like a good shtupping to make you feel better.” Well (cringe) he said many inappropriate things with his dirty sense of humor and we just rolled our eyes and groaned. But a little intimacy and pleasure seem like a much better choice than many of the self-help remedies being marketed to people these days, not to mention all the pills and supplements that promise cures and then mention- in small type- dozens of potential side effects. It all starts with the premise: Something is not right in your life.
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– and to those facing the breast cancer journey You’ve just been diagnosed with breast cancer and you are numb and scared. Your world just turned upside-down. Let me help you set it right. I am 10-year survivor, diagnosed August 6, 2009. I was in your shoes that day, shocked, freaked and little ashamed that I’d allowed my health to get away from me. You see, I am a control freak in so many parts of my life. Yet, my world then felt spiraled and out of control. But not for long. The few people I told at first all had
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Recent news reports indicate that diagnosis of colon cancer among individuals under the age of 50 has been steadily increasing. While one’s diet may be a contributing factor (among others), overuse of antibiotics may also be a problem. The American Cancer Society recommends that individuals at average risk for colon cancer have their first colonoscopy starting at age 45. Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer in the U.S. If colon cancer is not detected early, it can pose a greater health risk. That’s one reason an increase among young people being diagnosed who have not yet been screened is concerning. Medical and nutrition experts both agree
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