Sisters in Medicine: Healers

America will change with health care reform, but there is more work to be done. I had the opportunity to go to a lunch time talk with Bylle Avery, she's a long-time community organizing activist and founder of the now Washington, D.C. based Black Women's Health Imperative.  Her enriching and inspiring talk for a small diverse group of physicians, women in ministry and others working in communities throughout New York City was just the motivation I needed.


This talk was part of a day long program "Raising Women's Voices for the Health Care We Need." Dr. Avery was reflective and also gave her perspective on the current issues that women continue to battle, while there have been some victories there is still more required.  She offered story-telling and lessons in self-care for women. Her reflections on the women's movement revealed even more of the need for women to keep pressing on collectively to work for change in America because far too many don't have the access to opportunities that allow for healthy living. 

The afternoon continued with a talk by Dr. Janet Taylor, psychiatrist and health strategist on "Fighting the Blues" and stress management tips.  She clarified the difference between "the blues" and major depression.  Do you know the signs of depression? Check out this screening tool to help yourself, your loved ones and those around you who may be suffering from depression.  Seek professional help if you have more than "the blues" and encourage those around you to do the same if they seem a little more than blue. Here's a glimpse of statistics of the statistics:

We also talked about the effects of chronic stress on the mind and body, you can visit my previous post on this topic.  Dr. Taylor discussed self-help strategies to help reduce stress by :

• using coping strategies
• identifying your sources of support
• creating downtime for yourself
• understanding "No" is a complete sentence
• living your own values
• getting out of abusive relationships
• exercising regularly
• practicing relaxation and meditation techniques

It's great to bear witness with sisters in medicine and those who are committed to healing for themselves and our communities. A new day is here and there more resources available to help those who need it and that's good news. 

Time Management - "I'm Busy"

I often hear people make the vague statement "I'm busy" as a reason to reject another commitment or engagement.   When people tell me they are busy, I try to listen closely to hear more.

Life can be full and overwhelming. Just moving through the routines of the activities of daily living can be time consuming, yet these mundane tasks help to shape the quality of your life and determine how well you function. Getting adequate amounts of sleep and rest each day is a goal worth setting in your time management plan.  It takes time for your body and mind to adjust to new schedules and demands so you should consider the cost when adding new activities to your schedule or workload.  Are you an early bird or a late night owl? Do you need a nap during the day? What are your highest and lowest points of the day? Understanding the answers to these questions may help you to become more productive and effective with time management.


One of my favorite talks on time management is "The Last Lecture: Really Achieving Your Childhood Dreams" by Randy Pausch. It's a candid talk about pursuing life with your God given dreams and working creatively to make them a reality. He offers practical lessons for example, understanding the "Four Quadrant To-Do List" to help you prioritize tasks by showing you how to put more focus on the what matters most in your time. 


I have read a few other helpful books on time management and will share more in future posts. Time management strategies can help you find balance in your life and improve your well-being.

Sundays

Sunday is a day when I relax, spend time with family and friends. First I attend worship services where the inspirational message of the sermon, fellowship and singing as well as dancing from the pew offer a high spirited time. I take time to reflect on the week gone by and anticipate the days ahead.  Some Sundays I go for a long walk, take time for some writing and/or reading.  Other Sundays, a long talk with a good friend will do.

Last Sunday, I had a chance to visit the New York Botanical Gardens with a friend to see the exhibit of the spectacular display of orchids.  Orchids bear beautiful flowers yet there elements are tough.  Orchid plants withstand seasons to bloom and bloom again. Did you know that the orchid genus Vanilla yields the flavor used in cooking. It was a brisk day, but worth the trip to share and discover in nature.  This Sunday, I've just finished up with presenting at a medical convention and now sit outside in the warmth of the sunshine to write, here and now.

My time and schedule continues to change with the demands of medical training and related pursuits.  It's not always easy to find balance. I try to keep my appointment to check-in with myself and God on Sundays about my dreams, hopes, desires, needs. There are some Sundays when sleep and rest are the best remedy and this may be especially true as today is time when many of you will "spring forward" for daylight savings time.

What do you do for self-care and wellness?  Did you have a good Sunday experience? Please share.