It’s almost three years, and counting since our world completely changed. We are beginning to see the light at the end of the tunnel, but we must continue (or start) taking care of ourselves.

What is self-care, and why is it important? If we don't take care of ourselves, we will not be able to take care of anyone else, and while we suffer, so will the ones around us. Self-care is doing what is good for us: eating well, exercising, getting a good night's sleep, going out into nature, possibly meditating and taking care of our own health needs; making our doctor visits as scheduled, keeping up with any immunizations, going to the dentist and seeing our health care provider if we become ill. Our work-life balance has most likely been affected for those who have been working remotely. And not in a good way. Our computers are always on, we get emails at all hours and feel compelled to answer them, and since we are not commuting, we tend to sit at our desks more and snack during the day.

We have all heard for years about meditation and its benefits on our well-being and overall health. There are many different programs that you can download, and so many people say it helps them, and others feel that they are "unable" to meditate. It is hard to still your mind and not think about anything for a while, especially if you are constantly moving and thinking. Many of us also struggle with mild insomnia; we find it more challenging than ever to go to bed, relax, and not worry. Our minds are constantly spinning about everything we need to do, and can’t seem to quiet the mind.

Recently Katie Couric revealed that she was diagnosed with breast cancer; she underwent a lumpectomy and radiation therapy, and her prognosis is excellent. She also revealed that she was six months overdue for her annual mammogram. Many people had positive comments, wished her well, and said, “thanks for being so open,” but others admonished her for not being up to date. She is considered a role model for being so open with screening for colorectal cancer (her first husband died from this), and, according to the naysayers, should not have been late.

Katie also stated that she has “dense breasts.” She said that having an ultrasound for someone with dense breasts is important as mammograms may not be as accurate. I will not debate this, as it is a medical issue to be discussed with your provider. But if you have dense breasts, ask the ordering provider if more testing is required.

I just received an email from the local “doc in the box,” as we commonly call Urgent Health Care Centers. When they first opened, most people used them for emergencies, when their health care provider was closed, on weekends, or as opposed to going to the emergency room. However, more and more, they are the primary provider for many people due to the changing healthcare system. It is difficult to find a primary care provider for many of us; most will not see us for the simplest problem, i.e., a bad cold, sore throat, or back pain, until we have had an initial physical, and often, that may take months to schedule. So, we turn to urgent care facilities.

Sorry to report; that Covid isn’t going away; we need to continue to learn to live with this. And we are doing so. The numbers continue to go down; part of this is that many people probably get a mild case and are not even tested
(but can still pass it), that people are home testing and not reporting, and that people are getting vaccines and continue to be vigilant.

Some people believe that Covid is not real, that you can get Covid from the vaccine, and that wearing masks is an affront to their freedom. We all have choices, whether or not to mask, except in certain situations, i.e., in hospitals, doctor offices, etc. I have changed things in my life and choose not to associate in any close environment with any unvaccinated person; that is my choice. People have an option not to get the shot, and I have a choice not to have contact with them or to wear my mask.

Help!!!! The cry comes from your child who has been playing on the swing set. Or from your husband who is slicing bagels. Or from your daughter who was playing on the deck and has a foot full of splinters.

Are you prepared? Do you have a first aid kit in your house? Do you have one in the car? Do you know where it is, and has it been checked recently?

If you don’t have one, it is easy (and necessary) to buy one ready-made (Amazon, REI, drugstore) or put your own together. And, if you use up an item, be sure to replace it. Check your first aid twice yearly when you change the batteries in your smoke alarm.

What Is an Ambassador?

An ambassador is a volunteer for Gilchrist who talks to audiences at community centers, senior centers, and other local organizations about what is arguably one of the most important conversations a person can have.

Why Plan for the End of Life?

Gilchrist ambassadors talk about serious illness, hospice and death. We also discuss advance care planning, healthcare decision making and why these things are so important. Many people prefer to avoid these topics and wonder why planning for the end of life is necessary. The answer is this: We are all born, and we are all going to die, so let’s make the experience as positive, easy and meaningful as possible.

At some point, many of us will be admitted to the hospital. It can be frightening if you have never been a patient. And as ill-prepared we may be to be a patient, we may find we are even less prepared with our needs once discharged. Hospital stays have gotten shorter and shorter for many reasons, and often patients are not ready for their discharge, particularly if it was a complicated hospital stay and if more than one provider saw them. The hospital's goal is to discharge you as quickly as possible, even when you don't think you are ready. And sometimes,
you may not know until late in the day that they are planning to send you home. So let's get you prepared to make it as smooth as possible

If we talk with our friends and tell them that we have an impending elective surgery or medical procedure, often we are met with, "Don't go in July. The new "doctors" are there, and “they don't know anything." And June isn't much better, as the fellows typically have one foot out the door, and some people may complain that the care is not what we want.

Is it true? Are we more vulnerable at the end of June and in July, when many of our doctors went from Mr., Ms. Mrs. to "Dr. Smith" overnight? It may be, but it reminds us of the need to continue to do our due diligence and not assume that things will "flow" perfectly" and there will be no glitches in our care. So, how do we do that?