Concord Hospital Health System’s Post

Many of you might be aware that I rarely post updates. I've chosen not to personally engage with Social Media, and generally, I don't keep up with the news. As my focus is on cultivating a positive environment and steering clear of negativity as much as possible. I believe in avoiding conflicts while also recognizing the significance of self-appreciation and the value of kindness and compassion. With that in mind, let's begin.. The holiday season often brings into focus the fundamental importance of family and the value of time we spend with them. Every day is precious, and this truth becomes more apparent during these festive times. It's a period that highlights the significance of family bonds and the need for support systems. However, it's essential to acknowledge that not everyone has the luxury of a family or a robust support network. In such cases, it's okay to reach out for help or to offer a listening ear to those in need. Moreover, this season serves as a reminder to live authentically and fearlessly. Often, societal pressures or concerns about others' opinions hold us back. The message is clear: do what you feel is right for you, without fear of judgment. This is particularly true when balancing the demands of business and family life. Business decisions can be complex and have significant impacts on our loved ones. In such times, it's crucial to remain steadfast and prioritize what truly matters. On a personal note, my brother and I have been estranged for nearly 15 years. However, a tragic incident involving my nephew, Kade Walker, 27, during the Baja 1000 race, has served as a stark reminder of the importance of family unity, especially during challenging times. Differences that once seemed insurmountable can become trivial in the face of such adversity. It's in these moments that we must come together and support each other. I encourage you to read the attached article about Kade's incident. If you feel moved to do so, please consider sharing his story and donating to his fund. Any support is greatly appreciated. Kade is a fighter, and we are hopeful that he will overcome this difficult period. https://lnkd.in/gjA3AHts https://lnkd.in/gHBkFS93 As we move through this holiday season, I wish everyone a safe and joyful Christmas and New Year. Let's cherish our families, support those in need, and live our lives true to ourselves.

Please read this enlightening article on the value of receiving hospice care earlier in illness progression vs. receiving hospice care when death is imminent. We need to have this conversation. #hospice

This local news story came out a few days ago. One of my most import topics I speak about is “Who Can Speak For You?” We work on getting a SIGNED healthcare direct completed. It needs to be witnessed or notarized. This news story highlights what happens if you have the wrong person assigned, a stranger, or don’t have one done. There are legitimate healthcare advocates or independent agents who provide this service for their clients. This is a service I provide. It also highlights having this conversation with your family and loved ones before a healthcare crisis so they know to to reach out to. It may also be a great way to highlight the importance of having more than one person assigned - and make sure they have to consult with another person. The next major point is to realize the importance of organ donation. Many support this service - until they realize it is a business. It is not a public service. And you need to be alive to donate organs. In fact, most organs do not go to another person; it goes to research and medical research. Organ donation is big money. This process is prohibited by some religions. Others allow only body parts which are needed to sustain life (bone marrow, blood, kidneys, plasma); but does not include body parts which cannot sustain life (heart, tongue, lunds, stomach, brains, etc). To learn that a loved ones life has been dishonored and the family excluded from the conversation should be considered unacceptable. https://lnkd.in/gxJSk4mD

Alzheimer’s steals joy from people, from couples, from families. My wife, Sheryl, and I started Songs & Smiles to stand in the gap, to bring joy to families facing the challenges of the Alzheimer’s journey. Would you partner with us in this work? We will turn your giving into practical resources, such as helpful books given free of charge to caregivers, new issues of our dementia-friendly magazine, and more in-person singalongs. Every dollar makes a difference. https://lnkd.in/geGtrG4

I've written a page that was published in this e-book that was put together by David Tamale-Sali. It is for Medical Doctors by Medical Doctors. This e-book can be purchased BY DONATION and 100% of the funds go towards charities. It includes 101 MDs from around the world sharing advice for other MDs regarding maintaining wellbeing and avoiding burnout. Interesting to see that many of the Doctors who contributed to this e-book, like myself, have left regular medical practice and gone onto work as coaches, healers, etc. I suppose we all felt the need to leave for our own wellbeing! If you have any Doctors in your life that may benefit from this support please pass this link along! Doctors are among the professions with the highest rates of mental illness, addiction, and suicide. How can they help others if so many are unwell themselves? David writes: "The tragic irony of this is that simply being a Medical Doctor makes a person statistically 3 times more vulnerable to death by suicide than the patients that Medical Doctor is trained to serve." So many factors at play as to why our medical system is failing both patients and health care practitioners! https://lnkd.in/gEpg29x9

Let's talk about invisible illnesses. These come in many different forms, and guess what, no one knows who has one and who doesnt. You don't know who is suffering, how they are suffering or why they are suffering, because you can't see it. Sufferers tend to be good at hiding things, putting on a happy smile, saying they are ok There are not many people who know this about me but I have a condition called Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS). It started around the 2000/2001, I started to suffer with a back pain, something I had suffered with off an on since my early teens.This became worse where I was suffering with pains in my feet, neck and hips. This got a lot worse on my return to university. I went to see the doctor who prescribed me with pain killers, these made no difference, so more trips to the doctors. I got referred to hospital to see numerous specialists, who proceeded to prod and probe me, perform brain scans, nerve deterioration and muscle wastage tests, they didnt find anything. I was in limbo. I was struggling to perform basic tasks, showering, putting socks on and even rolling over in bed was extremely painful. I finished university and came back home and had to go to the doctors, again. I saw a great doctor, a locum who out of the blue suggested I go to see a rheumatologist. Two years after first symptoms I was diagnosed with Ankylosing Spondylitis. Never heard of it, struggled to pronounce it and certainly couldn't spell it. So, what is AS? Well my simple take on it is this, it is an auto-immune disease that attacks the skeletal system, specifically the spine and neck, but can impact all joints, there other effects such as turedness and fatigue. If you can picture your spine, each vertebrae with squishy bits in between allowing you to bend and twist. Now imagine if this was fused together with bone growing between each vertebrae, that is what is happening. This led to years of being on anti inflammatory tablets and eventually biological injections that I take every 2 weeks. These have changed my life, allowed me to play football with my kids, pursue martial arts and generally lead a normal life. I count myself as being lucky, as some people who suffer with AS can't work or they have full fusion of the spine. Ankylosing Spondylitis affects around 200,000 people in the UK, symptoms usually start around the late teens, with back pain. See the link below for more information and a better explanation. This is useful for family members and employers alike. www.nass.co.uk The real message in all of this is that invisible illnesses come in many different shapes and sizes, mental health, anxiety or any auto immune disease and many others. So the message: It's OK not ot be OK, it's OK to say you are suffering, it's OK to ask for help. Be kind, be understanding and don't judge. #MentalHealth #AnkylosingSpondylitis #BeNice #InvisibleIllness #DontJudge #Nass

Keith Reynold Jennings gave an impactful talk last week at the Southwest Gwinnett Chamber on the benefits of generosity for businesses and personal health. He shared findings from Psychology Today highlighting the "trifecta effect" from acts of generosity. When we give to others through volunteering, charitable donations, or helping co-workers, dopamine, oxytocin, and serotonin levels surge in the brain. This boosts mood, reduces stress, and strengthens the immune system. For individuals, generosity triggers the trifecta effect, improving our mental, physical, and emotional health. The positive feelings serving others create are like a health tonic, supporting our immune system to function optimally. It reminds me of the joy I saw my mother experience when, even from her limited resources, she still found a way to help others who were less fortunate. We nicknamed her Santa Claus. What if, as Nurses, we commit to using the next 30 days to boost our health and well-being by using generosity as a strategy? First, we carve out time for self-care through small, consistent acts of personal generosity. Next, we take some time to check in on friends and family, mentor newcomers, and donate funds to causes we care about - these moments of outward focus compound to significant returns for our organizations, patients, and mental health. Keith inspired me to nurture daily practices of generosity to harness the trifecta effect. Organizations experience returns when they foster a culture of generosity. Jackson Healthcare is an excellent example of Company generosity initiatives leading to higher employee pride and loyalty. The personal fulfillment employees gain from generosity results in lower turnover rates and higher productivity. Proud to be in the company with Betsy Pickren. #leadershipmatters #generositymatters #selfcare #nurses

The role of a care partner for a myositis patient is one of immense significance, as it involves providing comprehensive support to individuals grappling with the challenges of this autoimmune muscle disorder. Myositis can manifest in various forms, leading to muscle weakness, fatigue, and a range of physical and emotional hurdles. Care partners play a pivotal role in assisting with daily activities, helping manage medications, and providing a compassionate presence during times of physical discomfort and emotional distress. Beyond the physical care, the emotional and psychological support offered by care partners becomes a cornerstone in maintaining the patient's overall well-being. Navigating the uncertainties of a chronic illness like myositis requires resilience, and care partners contribute significantly to fostering a positive environment that promotes healing and a sense of security for those they care for. MSU honors and celebrates the care partners of this rare community! 💖 If you can, please help MSU continue to empower and educate the patients and their care partners through their various resources, events, support groups and financial assistance/grants To learn more and make a donation (tax-deductible in the U.S.) please go to the link above in the bio or click the link below; https://lnkd.in/eMYh2Y4A And remember, you're never alone! Your MSU Family 💙 #caregivers #caregiver #appreciation #CarePartners #MyositisCarePartners #myositis #MyositisLife #MyositisAwareness #MyositisDisease #gratitude #GiveBack

Join the *Swaasthya Charitable Hospitals' Walkathon*, an event dedicated to promoting health and wellness within our community. Event Details: Date: 20th July, 2024 Start Time: 7 AM (Please assemble by 6 AM) Assembling Point: BT College Ground, Madanaplle Approximate Distance: 3 km Walking is one of the simplest and most effective forms of exercise. Here are some of the benefits you can expect from incorporating walking as regular part of our practice: - *Improved Cardiovascular Health*: Regular walking can help reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke. - *Enhanced Mental Well-being*: Walking releases endorphins, which can help alleviate stress and boost your mood. - *Weight Management*: It’s a great way to burn calories and maintain a healthy weight. - *Increased Energy Levels*: Walking can help increase your energy levels and reduce fatigue. Social Interaction: Enjoy the company of fellow participants, fostering a sense of community and support. Registration link: https://lnkd.in/dwZuDZyW Please ensure you arrive at the mentioned time to allow for a smooth check-in process and pre-walk instructions.