The State of OUR Union...

Tuesday evening Todd, Ginger and I cuddled up on the couch to watch the President address us, our country.  Regardless of your political stance and preferences, being involved and informed is important but above all, being respectful towards each other and our leaders has always been critical in my political point of view. [I can't imagine the challenge it is being the President, regardless of party affiliation. Being the President of the United States is a huge honor and one I have great respect for - Republican, Democrat, or something else, I will not be the person you'll hear "bashing" a President for any reason.]

Face it - we don't all believe, think, see or smell the same. Politics are no exception.
In President Obama's address he said this quite early:

"Now, by itself, this simple recognition won’t usher in a new era of cooperation.  What comes of this moment is up to us.  What comes of this moment will be determined not by whether we can sit together tonight, but whether we can work together tomorrow.  (Applause.)
      I believe we can.  And I believe we must.  That’s what the people who sent us here expect of us.  With their votes, they’ve determined that governing will now be a shared responsibility between parties.  New laws will only pass with support from Democrats and Republicans.  We will move forward together, or not at all -– for the challenges we face are bigger than party, and bigger than politics."

FYI - This post is not to discuss politics either.... I just had a few things to say and point out about what MY version of "healthcare reform" might be! :)


 As everyone of you know, I'm a healthcare worker, a total health advocate and "junkie". I truly WANT the best health for each and every person in the United States. It's a topic of discussion that I am quite passionate about. As I see it, and like President Obama said in his address, America's health crisis is a challenge bigger than politics.

President Obama has taken a big step to start change in our healthcare systems. I can't and I won't say I know all the in's and out's of the proprosals, but I do know and believe that changes do need to be made. Yea, insurance access is good and stuff... but to me, the "issues" I care most about haven't been discussed (or I've missed it) beyond The First Lady, Michelle Obama's platform on childhood obesity.


If I could make some changes [and I would if I could!!], mine would be along the suggestions of our FOOD supply and policy, and to our MENTAL/BEHAVIORAL HEALTH "system" (or lack there of if you ask me).

In a nutshell (I'm trying to make it a small shell), I believe that an overhaul of our mental health system would change TONS within the whole system. We can alleviate the demand, resources and wait times (for those admitting for assistance and those in the waiting rooms) of our Emergency Departments.... which would drastically change how the REST of the hospital works and runs. But also, by providing ADEQUATE assistance to individuals with psychological needs and substance abuse problems.... we could decrease repeats through the system and hopefully, the end result would ultimately create a healthier (mentally and spiritually) person/society.

Yea, that's big wishing, but hey.... you've got to start somewhere! :)


Now, as to my really BIG IDEAS! *grin*

- Support our Farmers once again
- WIC and other governmental support for food should allow and cover ONLY real food and those GREAT for the body - good ole broccoli, mangos, lemons, cabbage, root veg, bananas, spinach, whole wheat and hearty breads, milk alternatives (soy/almond/rice/etc), etc. Skip the processed crap that's "cheap" and convenient... I just don't understand how was as tax payers can sit back and fund programs that only make health issues (obesity, diabetes, hypertension, etc) WORSE and in the short and long run... cost us MORE in healthcare costs (b/c duh! - if you need help providing food for yourself and your family, you're probably getting help with your health coverage as well)!!
- Let people plant their own personal gardens (no HOA laws prohibiting this!!); we're not feeding the neighborhood

- BMI checks and requirements for insurance coverage and assistance  - no, I don't think you should be denied coverage b/c of your weight, but how much coverage and assistance you get, yes! Obesity is a serious epidemic in our society and extreme measures I think are needed to help "cure" it. (I'm not sure there is enough intrinsic motivation amongst our culture to change this but I believe that a "monetary" motivation of sorts will help reduce our nations belt line.)

(okay.... now get ready for it... my favorite!!)

- Prescriptions for PHYSICAL ACTIVITY! (FYI - there's a whole campaign for this moving up!)- For physicians to Prescribe exercise just like they currently do w/medications, PT, OT, Speech Therapy, etc. This too follows you on your medical record and if non-compliant... it will also show (in the patients numbers).
- Reward those of EXCELLENT health! I'm not sure how we'd do this... tax break, coverage cost break, a free lottery ticket.... not sure, obviously, but I think it's a motivating factor to help our nation TAKE CARE OF ITS SELF!!


And, like President Obama closed his speech, "we do big things". We, the people, need to do big things! Big things for US!

We're American's. We were founded by hard-working and determined individuals. When did we become so lazy and unmotivated about life's BASICS and the only life we have been given to enjoy?! Really...?


Love them or hate them... but you must admit, I make some great points and I have some great ideas! :)
Get up friends! Get moving for something. Let's help our country by helping OURSELVES FIRST!
-a.

Small Changes

For some people, making small changes in the way they go about their day to day activities is hard to do. For others, it's quite simple.

In my opinion, it's a state of mind.

Small changes that add more activity to our day often force a lot of excuses out the mouths of many. Why?! I have never quite understood the whole waiting 10 minutes for the elevator thing when the stairs are literally, right across the hall and you could have saved a lot of time (throughout the day) and worked your heart just a smidgen.

This week on Facebook, a viral video struck my interest and initiated this post. Take a few minutes for a little inspiration...

I encourage each of you [and myself] to stop finding and making excuses for small changes. Find fun in the simple things in life.... not just convenience. Do all those "corny" things you see on posters around the work place...

- Take the stairs

- Park farther away from the store

- Do lunges to the mailbox

- Race your kids to and from the car

- Build a snowman! 

- Walk your dog an extra block each week

.... and my favorite option... take a 15 minute (or more) walk with your sweetheart each evening! :)

Whatever you do.... HAVE FUN! Never torture yourself doing something just because someone else loves it. I'll never ask you to run a marathon if you hate running.... You can't get me in a Zumba class either. Find something you love and have fun! :)

If it's fun; it's not "work" and you're likely to keep up the GOOD WORK! :)

January is almost over.... keep working on your goals. Let's make changes we can stick with and make 2011 the best YET! Remember, you are always worth your investment!

LOVES! :)

My One Word

As we near the end of January, it's a good time for us to take stock of progress toward our New Year's resolutions. If you are making successful progress, I applaud you. If you aren't....well, there may be a better way. No matter if you are well on your way to successfully fulfilling your resolution or your resolution has not crossed your mind in the past week, it may be worth reconsidering our resolutions altogether. I recently heard about this interesting project called "My One Word".

"The challenge is simple: lose the long list of changes you want to make this year and instead pick ONE WORD. It’s okay to want to be a better you—and the New Year is a natural time to start. The question is, how? My One Word replaces broken promises with a vision for real change. When you choose a single word, you have a single focus. You are moving toward the future rather than swearing off the past."

I invite you to visit http://myoneword.org/ and explore choosing one word to focus on for the year. Best wishes for a successful and healthy New Year!

Cheers,
Todd

 

 Soon you won't ask yourself why you do it. You'll ask yourself why everyone else doesn't.

Nurse. Ummm.... Hello!? I need a NURSE!

That's right folks. It's official.... just in case you haven't heard.

I'M A NURSE! 

 

 I don't think I have EVER been so relieved about  ANYTHING in my entire life! I had to clean a house in Greensboro Friday morning and once I was done, while Todd got his hair cut (it's a reserve weekend), I sat at my girlfriend, Mayah's house anxiously waiting for my results to be posted (approximately 48 hours after my 1PM test time). Mayah was I think equally as anxious. The sweet thing that she is also was well prepared for the emotional stress I was under. I personally don't think there is a better "cure-all" junk food than a Twix bar. Mayah had a stash of fun-sized Twix ready for celebratory or panic-induced consumption. [ fyi - yes, like many, i too suffer from emotional binge eating. ] 

Thankfully, about 1:45PM rolled around and after a continuous "refreshing" of the webpage, my results were available. I plugged in my credit card information and then made Mayah steer. 

I couldn't muster the guts to look myself. (I'm a major wimp when it comes to grades and all important, high risk result information!!)

After a few clicks, a few silent pauses and me pacing a path in to Mayah's kitchen floor - she sighed, smiled and before I knew it, she said "that's it, you're a RN!!!" :D

Screaming, dancing, hugging and a few slobbery filled kisses from Kadin (Mayah's handsome little man) began. I made a phone call. Sent a few texts. And most importantly, made the all important Facebook status change! 

I'm pretty sure I've not stopped beaming with excitement all weekend. Mama and Daddy B. has bragged to everyone here in Greenville. I know my parents, Aunts & Uncles, sisters and my wonderful Husband have each done the same.... It's so exciting. 

Now, I can totally say it was worth it. All the hoops. All the studying. All the hard work and sacrifice. It's been worth it. I can't wait to FINALLY be doing what I have worked so hard the last two years to do!! Orientation starts for me Feb. 7th at Forsyth Medical Center in Winston-Salem. I will be working in its ICU with some of my favorite Nurses ever! :) YAY!

I send my continued well wishes and luck to my fellow classmates awaiting their test dates and their results. I'm crossing my fingers for our class to have 100% pass rate!! I REALLLLLLLLY think it can happen! GOOD LUCK GUYS!

Exercise of the Day - Sumo Squat

Exercise of the Day - This is a little "treat" I hope to share a few days a week. After they are posted here, I will also add the "move" to my Exercise Page found on the menu bar on the Left. To get started, I want to share a really effective, heart reeving, thigh/butt/hip toning, and major calorie burning move with everyone.


I LOVE Sumo Squats! Mostly because by nature, I'm a multi-tasker. Sumo Squats kind of are too. You'll feel your entire lower body working just as hard as your heart will. Sumo Squats are also a good "basic" move to master that can be "built on" to make more challenges for your self.


-Start with just your body weight. Eventually, ADD (a safe) WEIGHT! Your legs carry you around ALLLLL the time. They're STRONG. Make them work harder with more weight (plus, you'll burn more calories)

-Even if you don't have great knees, you can do this one
.

-Watch your knee-toe positioning. In any exercise (lunge/squat/etc), your KNEE should never move forward, over your TOES. Focus on keeping a 90 degree angle (or so) with the ankle/knee. Eventually this angle can get smaller - but no matter what, your KNEE, when looking down at it,WILL NEVER GO BEYOND YOUR TOES. [if they are, you're doing it WRONG and risking injury]

SUMO SQUAT

Here's a video link by Fittness.com if you need a demo

• Stand with your feet as wide apart as possible while pointing your toes outward.
• Lower your body until your thighs are parallel to the floor.
• Hold for a beat, exhale, then press back up to starting position. Repeat.

Keep your shoulders directly over your hips at all times. For best results, don't lean forward or let your knees extend beyond your toes. Keep your abs drawn in and don't arch your back.

How many do I do? 
- I personally like time-challenge-intervals; where I do as many repetitions as I can in a certain amount of time. For example: 25/30/45/60 seconds. Rest for an interval. Repeat.

-Repetitions, if you're a counter, you'll probably do best just counting reps. Set a goal of 12-15 reps for at least 3 intervals.

-Resting - this isn't a time to sit down, guzzle water or take a phone call. EVER. In exercise, a rest period is simple to relax the working muscles (including your mind) and hit a reset button to DO IT AGAIN! Don't let your heart rate come back to resting. It doesn't have to stay in your throat, but don't make it think it's done working either.

-TIP -  to really get the butt burn, push your weight through your heels and SQUEEEEZE your thighs and butt cheeks when you're pushing up. I promise, you'll feel it. :)

*Remember - If you're heart is pumping harder, you're BURNING calories.*

And I Wait...

Well, yesterday was "D-day".

The big exam I've been working for the last two years to take and I have to wait. Thank goodness I'm not having to wait weeks or months even. Friday is long enough!! I was cool, calm and I felt very collected going in.

Leaving - was a different story. When I got to question 72... I realized I was getting close to the magic number: 75. (On the NCLEX you can have a minimum of 75 questions and a max of 265. It is a computerized adaptive test that adjusts to the level you are testing at. The higher the level you're testing... in theory, the less questions you will have. But there is always the chance you're bombing it and it will still end at #75.)

Well, I finished #72 and moved on. #73. #74. Then I hit #75 without really paying attention and then, my screen went blank and turned solid blue.

I felt so sick to my stomach. Seriously. I left there in shock that 1.) it was over and 2.) I felt like I knew NOTHING it was asking of me!!!! ugh!

I immediately went to FTCC to see a few classmates, drop a few things off and pick up a few things. Every instructor that saw me had nothing but Positive thoughts and comments... which helped me get over some of the stress, but overall. I still left and woke up this morning nervous as hell. I HATE THIS FEELING! AH!

So, I got to thinking about stress and all the incredible things this BROAD physical response does to enhance our skill/focus in the short term and how it can seriously wreak havoc on us in the long-term or chronic sense.


So - What is Stress?
Stress is a normal physical response to events that make you feel threatened or upset your balance in some way. When you sense danger – whether it’s real or imagined – the body's defenses kick into high gear in a rapid, automatic process known as the “fight-or-flight” reaction, or the stress response.

The stress response is the body’s way of protecting you. When working properly, it helps you stay focused, energetic, and alert. In emergency situations, stress can save your life – giving you extra strength to defend yourself, for example, or spurring you to slam on the brakes to avoid an accident.

Chronic Stress:
The body doesn’t distinguish between physical and psychological threats. When you’re stressed over a busy schedule, an argument with a friend, a traffic jam, or a mountain of bills, your body reacts just as strongly as if you were facing a life-or-death situation. If you have a lot of responsibilities and worries, your emergency stress response may be “on” most of the time. The more your body’s stress system is activated, the easier it is to trip and the harder it is to shut off.

Long-term exposure to stress can lead to serious health problems. Chronic stress disrupts nearly every system in your body. It can raise blood pressure, suppress the immune system, increase the risk of heart attack and stroke, contribute to infertility, and speed up the aging process. Long-term stress can even rewire the brain, leaving you more vulnerable to anxiety and depression.

Many health problems are caused or exacerbated by stress, including:

Pain of any kind Heart disease Digestive problems Sleep problems

Depression Obesity Autoimmune diseases Skin conditions, such as eczema

How do we know how much is TOO much?
Because of the widespread damage stress can cause, it’s important to know your own limit. But just how much stress is “too much” differs from person to person. Some people roll with the punches, while others crumble at the slightest obstacle or frustration. Some people even seem to thrive on the excitement and challenge of a high-stress lifestyle.

Your ability to tolerate stress depends on many factors, including the quality of your relationships, your general outlook on life, your emotional intelligence, and yes, even your genetics.

The following are some of the common warning signs and symptoms of stress. The more signs and symptoms you notice in yourself, the closer you may be to stress overload

Stress Warning Signs and Symptoms

Cognitive Symptoms	Emotional Symptoms
Memory problems Inability to concentrate Poor judgment Seeing only the negative Anxious or racing thoughts Constant worrying	Moodiness Irritability or short temper Agitation, inability to relax Feeling overwhelmed Sense of loneliness and isolation Depression or general unhappiness
Physical Symptoms	Behavioral Symptoms
Aches and pains Diarrhea or constipation Nausea, dizziness Chest pain, rapid heartbeat Loss of sex drive Frequent colds	Eating more or less Sleeping too much or too little Isolating yourself from others Procrastinating or neglecting responsibilities Using alcohol, cigarettes, or drugs to relax Nervous habits (e.g. nail biting, pacing)

Keep in mind that the signs and symptoms of stress can also be caused by other psychological and medical problems. If you’re experiencing any of the warning signs of stress, it’s important to see a doctor for a full evaluation. Your doctor can help you determine whether or not your symptoms are stress-related.

DEAL WITH IT! 
Well, this is usually the hard part about stress. Everyone will tell you to eliminate those stressors in your life for optimal impact on your health, but we'll be realistic... you can't just quit your job or kick the kids out of the house permanently. And you can't go to nursing school without taking the NCLEX eventually! So, we have to learn to cope.

For me - Exercise and cleaning are my major stress relievers. I am CONSTANTLY changing up my exercise routines to keep me from getting bored and to continuously keep challenging my mental and physical fitness. Cleaning is also a big one for me - it not only helps me get a little anxiety out while scrubbing a sink/floor, but the cleanliness in turn helps minimize organizational chaos and clutter... which creates more stress for me. So, We just keep it neat. :)

Other techniques you can try or use include:

• Help someone else by volunteering
• Have lunch or coffee with a co-worker
  
• Call or email an old friend
• Go for a walk with a workout buddy
• Schedule a weekly dinner date
  
• Take a class or join a club

Like your physical health, our mental and emotional health are extremely important!!! Holistic health.

Many people put off and/or flat out ignore their mental well-being.  Face it, like a "sick-day", we all really need mental-health days. Just as your physical health requires time and energy to build or maintain it, so does your emotional well-being. The more you put in to it, the stronger it will be. People with good emotional health have an ability to bounce back from stress and adversity. This is called RESILIENCE. You can remain focused, flexible, and positive in bad times as well as good.

So, today is kind of a mini-mental health day for me! :) I really am just way overwhelmed with worry and fear that I haven't passed this HUGGGGE step in my nursing journey... that I need to not think and just deal. Yes - there will be lots of exercise and cleaning done today. Probably something really yummy for dinner (and yes, Vino!)... and maybe even a nap with my sweet and super snuggly Ginger-snap. :)

I hope you all can take some time to focus on YOUR mental health. Where are you on the stress pendulum?Are you ready to do this:

 Or are you already like this?

Either way, you probably need to work on how you deal with stress. We can't live in the world we live in without needing to put our feet back on the ground and do what we need to do. BUT - we don't need to add inches to our waists, destroy marriages and families, induce and/or exacerbate heart disease, put off sex (it's one of the best stress relievers available!!) and loose control of ourselves.

Take care of yourself first, and then you can take care of everyone else in your life. Remember the saying: "if Mama ain't happy, ain't nobody happy"? Well.... this is the perfect time to think that way!

Have a great day friends! Please do something for YOU today. (preferably, not a trip to Cook-Out for a milk shake though.)

LOVIE!


I got a lot of information for this post from an article by Melinda Smith, M.A., Ellen Jaffe–Gill, and Jeanne Segal, Ph.D. Last modified: November 2010