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EDITOR IN CHIEF Joan Herrmann —
ASSOCIATE EDITOR Lindsay Pearson —
CREATIVE DIRECTOR Matt Herrmann —
GRAPHIC DESIGNERS Chris Giordano Andrea Valentie Oliver Pane —
CONTRIBUTORS Guy Finley Lorie Gardner, RN, NBC-HWC Gayle Gruenberg, CPO-CD, CVO Rick Hanson, PhD Joan Herrmann Mark Hyman, MD Linda Mitchell, CPC
FROM THE EDITOR — We are experiencing things in life today that most have never encountered before. People are navigating a pandemic, financial uncertainty, employment insecurity, and a host of family-related issues. When people do not receive the outcome they desire, they experience a range of emotions. Some get angry, protest, and blame themselves or others. Some get despondent, feel hopeless, and sink into a depression. Many get entangled with woulda, coulda, shoulda type thoughts, that continue to fuel their emotions. Whatever a person’s modus operani, learning to accept what is and surrender the notion of what was wanted, is vital in order to achieve peace of mind and heart. The Serenity prayer offers sage advice that can guide us through life: God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, courage to change the things I can, and wisdom to know the difference. While it is always important to do our part in enacting change, equally important is garnering the wisdom to know when acceptance is the only remaining action. Acting out, melting down, disparaging others, doesn’t alter an outcome, it adds unnecessary pain and suffering.
Things happen throughout the course of our lives that we simply cannot control, no matter how hard we try. All of the stress, pain, and resentment can be a heavy burden to bear. Here are a few ways we can mitigate an unwanted outcome and emerge stronger and happier: Untangle from negative thoughts. Ask how acting on emotion will help us live life in the long run. Will an angry outburst solve the problem or will it create a greater divide? Become aware of thoughts and strive to change the internal narrative. Feel emotions. Don’t fight what is felt because those emotions will linger longer. Grieve the loss and then find ways to let it go. Take part in activities that are calming – practice meditation or yoga, or take a walk. Breathe into the part of the body where tension is felt and release it. Embrace the moment. Be teachable and ask what can be learned from the situation. Can the opportunity enhance a personal trait? Can patience, kindness, empathy or endurance be strengthened? As the Rolling Stones said, we can’t always get what we want. Learning to accept the unacceptable can be the pathway to peace.
— Joan Herrmann
KIMBERLY FRIEDMUTTER
ISSUE NO.121
INSIDE THIS
ISSUE EAT HEALTHY ON A BUDGET WITH THESE STRATEGIES BY MARK HYMAN, MD
PAGE 12
ARE YOU TOO HARD ON YOURSELF? BY RICK HANSON, PHD
PAGE 18
HOW WILL YOU REMEMBER 2020? TIPS TO REWRITE THE NARRATIVE BY JOAN HERRMANN
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ON THIS MONTH’S
C OV E R MANY PEOPLE TODAY ARE LIVING LIVES THAT FALL SHORT OF WHAT THEY TRULY DESIRE. ACCORDING TO KIMBERLY FRIEDMUTTER, WE HAVE THE ABILITY TO DESIGN THE LIFE OF OUR DREAMS, AND THE POWER LIES WITHIN US. KIMBERLY WORKS WITH HOLLYWOOD A-LISTERS, POLITICIANS, CEOS, AND TITANS OF INDUSTRY TO HELP THEM CONNECT TO THEIR SUBCONSCIOUS TO GET WHAT THEY TRULY WANT OUT OF LIFE. SHE BELIEVES THAT EVERYONE HAS THE BIRTHRIGHT TO EXPECT THE EXCEPTIONAL. KIMBERLY IS A BOARD-CERTIFIED MASTER HYPNOTIST AND NLP TRAINER, WHO HAS APPEARED ON ENTERTAINMENT TONIGHT, THE DOCTORS, TLC, AND CNN, AMONG MANY NATIONAL MEDIA OUTLETS. SHE IS THE AUTHOR OF THE BOOK, SUBCONSCIOUS POWER: USE YOUR INNER MIND TO CREATE THE LIFE YOU’VE ALWAYS WANTED . LISTEN TO KIMBERLY ON CYACYL: https://spoti.fi/31rLQhB
WAKE UP AND BE FREE TO LOVE WITHOUT LIMITATIONS BY GUY FINLEY
PAGE 26
OUR ISSUES LAND IN OUR TISSUES BY LINDA MITCHELL
PAGE 30
VIRTUAL ORGANIZING: NOT JUST FOR A PANDEMIC BY GAYLE GRUENBERG
PAGE 32
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT HAVING SURGERY BY LORIE GARDNER
PAGE 36
NOVEMBER 2020
24 SEVEN MAGAZINE
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ISSUE N O. 1 2 1
N OV E M B E R 2020
E AT H E A LT H Y ON A BUDGET WITH THESE S T R AT E G I E S Knowing full well we are short on time and often money, fast food manufacturers and grocers lure us into convenient, heavily processed meals that take a toll on our waistline, our overall health, and believe it or not, our budget.
Written by Mark Hyman, MD
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With our busy lives, these temptations seem so much easier and affordable than cooking. Between our never-ending to-do lists, demanding jobs, children’s busy schedules, and perhaps less-than-stellar skills in the kitchen, cooking seems to slide down to the bottom of our list of priorities. Unfortunately, we’ve now raised several generations of Americans who don’t know how to cook. And it’s killing us. The food industry wants us to believe that cooking is difficult, time-consuming, inconvenient, and expensive. They’ve brainwashed us to believe that we “deserve a break today.” Nonsense. You can eat well for less money by making simple, whole, fresh food. In fact, a simple dinner for a family of four consisting of roast chicken, vegetables, and salad can cost about half of what dinner at a fast food restaurant would. While today over 50 percent of meals are consumed outside the home, I want to help you reconnect with your kitchen, discover the bounty of benefits it offers, and learn just how inexpensive eating healthy and preparing your own food can be. The Expensive Cost of Cheap Food When people tell me they cannot afford organic produce or healthy cuts of meat, I ask them to consider the gargantuan markup of many convenience foods. Manufacturers package them in “value-priced jumbo sized” containers and grocery stores promote them with price cuts to create the illusion we are getting value. When people tell me eating healthy is expensive, I ask them to factor in what they spend on designer coffees, bodegas, grab-and-go meals, and other conveniences that might spare them a little time but at the expense of their health. Relying on inexpensive, overly processed food is tempting given our demanding lives and schedules, but the cost is quite large.
Feasting on the sodium, fat, and sugar bombs disguised as food can lead to serious diseases that cost hundreds of dollars in doctor’s visits and prescription drugs. Chowing down on these things make us sick and sluggish, resulting in less productivity. When we feel crummy, it ripples into other areas of our lives. We have less patience for our loved ones, for instance, and less energy to work or enjoy ourselves. In the bigger picture, that “value menu” is anything but a value. You Don’t Need to Spend Half Your Paycheck to Eat Healthy Even if time and money aren’t on your side, you can still eat healthy. This is one of the most common misconceptions I hear. I understand the challenges of trying to eat well with limited financial resources, limited time, or both. But you don’t have to be rich or retired to eat well and take care of yourself. Dispelling 3 “Healthy Eating on a Budget” Myths The food industry spends billions of dollars each year and has become incredibly crafty at convincing us that sugary, processed foods are a real value. Let’s look at three of their myths and consider the truth about eating healthy. 1. Healthy food costs more. Research shows eating healthy, whole, real food isn’t necessarily more expensive than eating junk food, fast food, processed foods, or convenience foods. In fact, the top four things purchased in supermarkets are ALL drugs: sugar, caffeine, nicotine, and alcohol! If you give up those “drugs,” your grocery bill will go down dramatically. 2. Healthy food is hard to find. You don’t have to shop in a gourmet food store, a health-food store, a farmer’s market, or eat only organic to eat well. There are plenty of healthy foods right in your local supermarket. Just shop around the outside aisles of the store. Another convenient way to access healthy food is online. 3. Healthy food takes lots of time to prepare. You don’t have to spend hours cooking complex meals to eat well. Good quality, fresh food is easy to prepare and enjoy once you learn how. Strategies to Eat Well on a Budget Ultimately, it is up to us to take control of our kitchens and our lives. The most radical message we can send the food industry – which considers money, not our health in regard to its bottom line – is to prepare our own meals, make the best food selections within our budgets, and reclaim our health. This does not mean turning bargain food shopping into a second hobby. We are all overworked, overstressed, and overtaxed. Most of us don’t have time to scrupulously compare store prices or cut coupons.
Even so, there are ways of making choices that work within our resources. Here are ideas based on how I save time and money and create better health for myself. • Keep a journal. This might be the most eye-opening experience you will encounter to better budget your time, resources, and money. For just one week, keep a journal of every cent you spend and how you spend every hour of the day. Think of money as your life energy. It represents your time in physical form. How do you want to spend this life energy? • Choose three things that give you more money. For example, don’t buy that $2 coffee every day — that’s $730 a year! Likewise, you might find yourself gravitating to the vending machine daily. You can put that money towards much better use. • Buy in season. You will almost always get fresher produce, probably locally grown, for less money, when it is in season. • Learn the dirty dozen. Not everyone has the budget to buy 100 percent organic, but the more you can, the more you will avoid GMOs and have better health. • Frequent discount grocery stores. Search out cheaper sources of fresh, whole foods in your neighborhood. My top choices are stores like Trader Joe’s and shopping clubs like Costco or Sam’s Club, where you can buy vegetables, olive oil, fruits, nuts, canned beans, sardines, and salmon at much lower prices than regular supermarkets or other retail chains. • Think about joining your local food co-op. Co-ops are community-based organizations that support local farmers
and businesses and allow you to order foods and products in bulk at just slightly over the wholesale price. This takes a bit of advance planning but will save you money. • Join a community-supported agriculture program. Buy direct and cut out the middleman. We get organic, mostly seasonal, local vegetables delivered to our house for $55 a week, or a little more than $10 a person for a family of four per week. We don’t always get to choose what we get, but it makes us more creative cooks. • Keep some basics on hand. Develop a repertoire of cheap, easy-to-prepare meals. Have the ingredients available at home at all times so you don’t get stuck eating food that doesn’t make you feel well or help you create the health you want. This takes planning but is well worth it. • Order staples online. Why pay retail for healthy kitchen staples like turmeric, coconut oil, and almond butter?
About The Author
MARK HYMAN Mark Hyman MD is the Director of Cleveland Clinic’s Center for Functional Medicine, the Founder of The UltraWellness Center, and a ten-time #1 New York Times Bestselling author. To Learn More Visit: www.drhyman.com
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Are You Too Hard on Yourself? Written by Rick Hanson, PhD
M Most people know their less than wonderful qualities, such as too much ambition (or too little), a weakness for wine or cookies, something of a temper, or an annoying tendency to rattle on about pet interests. We usually know when we make mistakes, get the facts wrong, could be more skillful, or deserve to feel remorseful. Some people err on the side of denying or defending these faults (a word I use broadly here). But most people go to the other extreme, repeatedly criticizing themselves in the foreground of awareness, or having a background sense of guilt, unworthiness, and low confidence. It’s one thing to call yourself to task for a
fault, try to understand what caused it, resolve to correct it, act accordingly, and move on. This is psychologically healthy and morally accountable. It’s another matter entirely to grind on yourself, to lambaste your own character, to fasten on the negative and ignore the good in you, to find yourself wanting – in other words, to beat up yourself. This excessive inner criticism tears you down instead of building your strengths; it’s stressful and thus wears on your mood, health, and longevity. Nor does beating up yourself help others. Most of the time, they don’t even know you’re doing it, and if they do, they usually wish you’d stop it. Harsh selfcriticism can also be a way to avoid feeling genuine remorse, taking responsibility, making amends for the past, and doing the hard work of preventing the fault in the future. Further, the charges and scorn we throw at ourselves are often based on nasty scoldings, shamings, rejections, and humiliations experienced as a child: bad enough that they did this to you back then, and even worse that you’re doing it to yourself today. How to Stop Beating Yourself Up Pick a small fault – such as being a few minutes late, interrupting, or having too much dessert – and then try on two approaches about it. First, talk to yourself about it like a supportive but no-nonsense friend, coach, teacher, or therapist. Notice what this feels like, and what the results are for you. Let’s call this the encouraging approach. Second, talk to yourself about it like an alarmed and intense critic – maybe like your dad, big sister, or a minister or teacher talked to you. What’s this approach feel like, and what are its results? Let the differences between approaches sink in. How do you feel inside when you’re “listening” to each one? What’s your sense of the influences in your life that have created each approach? What are the distortions or
From The Story
“This excessive inner criticism tears you down instead of building your strengths.”
fixations on the negative in the critical approach? Let a real conviction form as to which approach is better for you – and a real resolve to truly use the one that’s best for you. Then, when you find a fault in yourself – no need to go looking, they appear on their own! – really try to use the encouraging approach. Name the fault to yourself and admit the facts of it unreservedly. Open to any appropriate remorse. Commit to skillful corrections for the future. And then take a big breath and very deliberately name to yourself three strengths or virtues you have. Let the sense of them, and of your natural goodness, sink in. And then take another big breath and move on.
About The Author
RICK HANSON, PHD Rick Hanson, PhD, is a psychologist, Senior Fellow of the Greater Good Science Center at UYC Berkeley, and a New York Times bestselling author. His books have been published in 29 languages and include Neurodharma, Resilient, and Hardwiring Happiness. To Learn More Visit: www.RickHanson.net
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H O W W I L L YO U R E M E M B E R 2 0 2 0 ? T I P S T O R E W R I T E T H E N A R R AT I V E Written by Joan Herrmann
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Yesterday, as I was driving in my car, my minded started to wander, as it usually does, and I pictured a day in the future when I will be sitting with my grandchild reminiscing about the pandemic of 2020. As I envisioned that encounter, my mind immediately shifted to my grandmother, who for most of my life, brought every conversation back to her experience during the Great Depression. When the market crashed in 1929, she was a young wife and mother. The years that followed turned her life upside down. Lack became the mental foundation on which she built the remaining years of her life; it became her story. The trauma, pain, and scars stayed with her like a noose around her neck and she was never able to break free. As I remembered my grandmother I wondered, what will my story be? Today, people are experiencing financial devastation similar to those during that horrific time in history. Many have lost their jobs and homes, friends and family members are sick, and they no longer have a sense of security. It is easy to get stuck in the pain, and it’s challenging to see the proverbial bright side. Over the years, I have witnessed people become a victim of circumstance, bound to the dark periods of their life. They got so lost that they couldn’t find a way out. For awhile, I was one of those people. I felt sorry for myself and played the same story over and over in my mind. But once that story got old, I realized that it was time to let it go and change the way I viewed the hand I was dealt. I finally understood that no matter what happens around us, we always have the power to change the way we see it and handle it. The year 2020 will be a defining moment in many of our lives, one that we will carry with us until our death. Health concerns, financial insecurity, loss of loved ones, isolation, caregiver PTSD, political unrest, have altered the world that we know. The psychological fallout will likely be devastating. It will be my grandmother’s depression. And, as I imagined, years from now, we’ll share stories with family and friends and tell our grandchildren about life in 2020. But, how will we really remember this unprecedented event?
Will it be a source of pain from which a person never recovers, like my grandmother, or will it be a springboard to something different or possibly better? While there’s no way to avoid what’s happening in the world, there are ways to regain a sense of control, even when everything feels so out of control. Psychologist Dan McAdams developed the Theory of Narrative Identity, which he describes as an internalized story we create about ourselves. This story evolves and changes based on the experiences we have. According to McAdams, our stories tend to focus on the most extraordinary events, good and bad, because those are the experiences we need to make sense of and that shape us. Research suggests that we can edit, revise and interpret the stories we tell about our lives even as we are constrained by the facts. Our power comes in rewriting the story in a more positive way. So, while we can’t change the past, we can change the story to provide meaning from hardships. So, when thinking about your story, ask: Does the story serve you? Is this the story you want to tell? If the answer is no, here are a few ways that we can navigate difficult times and not allow them to define us: Accept what is. Change is an inevitable part of life. Fighting events outside of our control drains our energy and creates anxiety. Accepting a situation provides the freedom to devote precious energy to the things we can control and change. Don’t identify as a victim. A victim is defined as a person harmed, injured, or killed as a result of a crime, accident, or other event or action. By this definition we all are victims at one time or another. But, some feel like victims all the time. Don’t waste energy blaming or getting angry, but rather do what you can to change the narrative. When the blaming begins, turn your attention away from the negative thoughts. Look for the positive in any situation. There is always something for which to be grateful. Sometimes it may be harder to find, but it is always there. Focus on the happy memories being created by spending time with family. Dream about the new job you may find. Recall the conversations with long lost friends. Be thankful for good health. Remember, we write our story and the power of the pen can be life changing. So, how will you remember 2020?
About The Author
JOAN HERRMANN Joan Herrmann is the creator of the Change Your Attitude… Change Your life brand and host of the radio show and podcast, Conversations with Joan. She is a motivational speaker and the publisher of 24 Seven magazine. To Learn More Visit: www.JoanHerrmann.com
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November 2020 Issue
Wake Up and Be Free to Love Without Limitations Written by Guy Finley
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When in a fight of any kind, over anything, we look over at the other person and “see” – almost magically – exactly what’s wrong with him or her in that moment. So confident are we in our conclusion as to the nature of their problem – that the following has almost no chance to dawn on us: We can’t see that person is looking at us in this exact same kind of “light” that is not a light at all. Negative reactions have no awareness of themselves; there is no light in them, any more than a cluster of bombs has compassion for whatever they fall on and destroy. What we need in these moments is the light of a new kind of understanding. We need to awaken to, and realize a higher level of awareness that allows us to appreciate two things at once: first, to see that just like us, the other person is in some kind of pain and is being moved, just as we are, to find someone to blame for it. In other words, the same negative forces are at work in both of us. And second, even though these opposing forces are blind, that doesn’t mean that we have to be! The more we can wake up to the presence of these unconscious forces and how, undetected, they keep us at odds with one another, the freer we become to love without their limitations. When we’re negative – in a “power struggle” with someone over whatever is being contested – we’re reduced to being little more than a puppet. We’re literally “strung out” – momentarily animated – by unseeing forces in us that can only do one thing: mechanically oppose whatever seems to oppose them. I understand this last image is not very flattering, but let’s be honest: experience validates the fact of it. Each time we’re drawn into a fight, it’s exactly as if someone “turns out the lights.” All
we can “see” in that slowly enveloping darkness of our negative state is someone that we’re sure it’s our duty to change, control, or “make sorry” for what he or she has done to us... even as they are trying to do the same to us. The conflict in these emotional tugs-of-war is the stuff of sorrow and take us nowhere except back and forth. If this is true, and we know it is, then, with what are we left? From where will come this new light needed in the midst of these dark moments knowing, as is obvious by now, that we can’t illuminate our partner, our friends, or anyone else. Assuming we can all agree with this last revelation – that it’s not in our power to illuminate another – here’s what we’re left with; its simplicity is both beautiful and powerful at the same time: If we hope to see any real transformation take place in our relationships – whether with family, friends, or our partner for life – then it is we who must become illuminated. The kindness, the patience, the love we seek is going to have to start with us... even if our best efforts get thrown right back in our face! Challenging? No doubt – perhaps more so than anything we may have ever tried to do before. Rewarding? Let’s see, and then you decide: What if rather than allowing these blind, opposing forces to set you against another person, you could learn how to start using them; where even a hint of their pressure would not only awaken you to their presence but – in that same moment – empower you to consciously separate yourself from their punishing influences? This would be like owning a kind of spiritual “alarm clock” that goes off just before you start to blame – or resent – another; a silent but unmistakable alert system that serves, at once, to reveal and release you from the unseen parts of your own consciousness that tend to automatically oppose any unwanted moment.
About The Author
GUY FINLEY Guy Finley is the founder and director of Life of Learning Foundation, a nonprofit center for spiritual discovery in Merlin, Oregon. Finley presents two free online talks each week open to all. Every class is different, but the underlying theme is “The Limit of Your Present View, is Not the Limit of Your Possibilities.” This article is excerpted from Relationship Magic by Guy Finley, Llewellyn Worldwide, 2018. To Learn More Visit: www.guyfinley.org
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November 2020 Issue
Virtual Organizing: Not Just for a Pandemic Written by Gayle M. Gruenberg
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After sheltering in place for the majority of 2020, and in anticipation of functioning in an environment that continues to be uncertain, clients are looking at their homes and offices as places where they can still exercise a modicum of control. Creating systems, being organized, and feeling the attendant sense of peace is crucial to that exercise. But how is that possible if we can’t let people into our homes or workplaces? Enter Virtual Organizing (VO), which uses technology to connect an organizing professional with client. Over a video platform, or even with still photos and a phone, the professional can guide the client through the organizing process, as long as the client is physically able to do the work. A virtual session can be useful when someone needs to create a new system at work and internal guidance is nonexistent, is still working from home and balancing personal and professional lives, or may be comfortable with video technology but shuts down when faced with having to create a digital file system. VO is good for clients’ physical and
mental health. Many of my clients are chronically disorganized and/or have brain-based conditions that inhibit their ability or desire to get organized. Depressed clients may take to their beds and not get up for days. Result: a neglected house. A virtual organizing session forces the client to get out of bed. It gives a purpose to a person’s day, gets their blood flowing, and encourages him or her to get things done. Moving around, doing the actual organizing, brings oxygen to the brain, promoting focus and enhancing mood. People with Hoarding Disorder or OCD can get help without having to let someone in. The organizer sees only a screenor photo-worth of space, saving the client from feeling embarrassed or ashamed. For people who live alone, Virtual Organizing is a lifeline. Studies have shown that social isolation and loneliness can contribute to premature death. The virtual session may be the only social interaction a client may have that day. Neuroplasticity is the brain’s ability to reorganize itself by forming new neural connections, essential for coping with a constantly changing environment.
VO creates new neural pathways. Since the client must physically participate in the process, she/he learns new skills; during on-site sessions, the organizing professional may do most of the work, and the client may tune out or get distracted. Repetition is the key to building neural pathways. VO sessions are often shorter and more frequent than on-site sessions and focus on organizing concepts. This serves clients with attention challenges by keeping the momentum going, preventing backsliding, creating more structure and accountability, and supporting clients to overcome procrastination. The organizing process is sped up, and clients gain insight into their thought processes, emotions, and perspectives.
About The Author
GAYLE M. GRUENBERG Gayle M. Gruenberg, CPO-CD®, CVO, is the chief executive organizer of Let’s Get Organized, LLC, an organizer coach, and the creator of the Make Space for Blessings system. To Learn More Visit: www.LGOrganized.com
Our Issues Land in Our Tissues Written by Linda Mitchell, CPC
Is there a particular part of your body that’s chronically bothersome? Are there a few areas that always ache, irritate or give you trouble despite non-specific diagnostic results? Your body is calling out to you – it has a message and it’s trying to get your attention! Our bodies hold immense amounts of valuable information if you’re ready to listen. The body speaks its own language; constantly sending messages and nudging you to its truth. The body never lies. It holds so much wisdom and intelligence yet it’s a resource that’s often overlooked or underappreciated. As a bodyworker and coach, I’ve spent the last 20 years listening to the wisdom and information of other’s bodies and teaching them how to discern the valuable knowledge held inside in order to heal old physical and emotional wounds. When we listen deeply, we find a treasure trove of precise healing directives. When this idea of listening to the body is first introduced, people either raise their eyebrows in intrigue or furrow them in dismissiveness. It’s a new concept for many and let’s face it, humans often disregard things they don’t understand. But for those willing to learn to listen to the wisdom of their bodies, it’s a welcome wakeup call to better health and deep healing. Each body part has its own meaning and holds different issues. Your body knows best and once you tune in, it becomes a trusted compass for optimal health so you can live with more ease, joy and peace. Many eastern and ancient traditions revere the body as a sacred temple but here in the west, we limit ourselves to consulting the brain for
catalyzing information. That’s not wrong – it’s just woefully incomplete. Our bodies hold all sorts important insights and intelligence and is a bountiful and accurate resource. From decades of doing in person bodywork and long-distance healing, I’ve seen very specific patterns emerge. Let’s examine some of the most obvious places where our issues land in our tissues. Ever wonder why people hold so much tension in their shoulders? Those who have boulders in their shoulders are people who constantly remind themselves of all their obligations and all the things they should do. To these people I say; stop ‘shoulding’ on yourself! Do you often take on other’s duties and responsibilities or feel unduly obligated to a situation or person? Over time your shoulders will feel like they’re holding the weight of the world. It’s the shoulders that are burdened under our sense of obligation and responsibility. Is your neck often tight, tense or stiff? The neck reflects lack of choice. When we feel out of control, feel like others are controlling us or we have a strong desire to always be in control, it’s the neck that begins to absorb this stress and tension. Each body part holds its own story. Those who prefer everything to be just right and delight in structure and order or have tendencies towards perfectionism often display right shoulder issues. Show me someone who’s left shoulder is chronically irritated or always higher than the other and I’ll show you someone who feels they rarely get what they want. Experiencing lots of accidents, injuries or issues on the left side of your body? Our left is our feminine side. It’s all about receiving and reflections of future. Ask yourself two things. First, how comfortable are you receiving help? Do you struggle to receive compliments gracefully and really prefer to be the one giving versus receiving gifts? Second, how are you feeling about the future? Do you typically worry or fear future conditions? These issues land in the left side of the body. In contrast, the right side of the body represents our masculine side, linear thinking and thoughts about the past. Issues like fear of repeating the past or dealing with difficult male relationships will land
From The Story
“Our bodies are the outer representation of our inner landscape.”
in the right side of the body. What the specific issue is, determines where on the right side of the body it will present. What about your legs? While different regions exhibit different issues, they are largely about moving forward. If we’re in a place where we’re fearful about moving forward in our personal or professional lives, often these issues will land in the lower limbs. The knees hold so much detailed and site-specific information that they deserve their own dissertation; but in general, fear of commitment, reluctance to allow yourself pleasure and specific relationship issues, land in our knees. The lower back holds issues of safety, security, stability and conflict with authority. Recall times when your low back was painful and reflect on what was happening in your life personally and professionally. It’s likely you had financial woes or your life lacked the security you desired. Issues in the lungs often center around grief and unexpressed emotion. Every organ and body part represent a different issue. Elbows reflect flexibility issues. Foot issues represent questioning or conflict with our foundational beliefs. TMJ reveals unexpressed emotion or resentment. Even facial creases have meaning. Look at your friends and family…anyone have that cute dimple in their chin? Warning - they’re the people who always need to be right. This just scratches the surface; the body is a vessel of valuable information! When we learn to appreciate and properly assimilate its wisdom and messages, we can properly identify root causes which then help us clear out old emotions and more rapidly heal physical symptoms. Our bodies are the outer representation of our inner landscape. Our thoughts, beliefs, emotions and unresolved issues land in our tissues. The good news is, by listening to, discerning and honoring the messages from the body, we can heal old patterns, wounds and issues.
About The Author
LINDA MITCHELL Linda Mitchell, CPC, is a board-certified coach, speaker, reinvention expert and LMT. She empowers people who are stuck, overwhelmed or ready for change to release the struggle, gain clarity, balance and radiant health as they move through life’s challenges and transitions and step into their highest purpose. To Learn More Visit: www.LivingInspiredCoaching.com
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ISSUE NO. 121
CULMINATION
NOV 2020
Written by Lorie Gardner, RN, BSN, NBC-HWC
W H AT YO U N E E D T O K N O W A B O U T H AV I N G S U R G E RY Many people had to delay their elective surgery due to COVID-19. Now, many of these surgeries are being scheduled as the pandemic numbers start to decrease and necessary precautions and protections have been put in place.
What is important to know before you agree to surgery? First and foremost, you should understand the details of the surgery, why it is being recommended, and what would happen if you did not do the surgery. As a nurse-patient advocate, I always recommend a second and sometimes a third medical opinion so you can be sure you have enough information to make your best decision. Many health insurance companies are requiring these second opinions. The importance of getting second and third opinions can’t be stressed enough. Equally important is knowing what the benefits of the surgery will be and how long those benefits will last. Discuss with your doctor if there are different techniques for the surgery and why your surgeon does it one way over another. Ask if there are any alternatives to surgery such as medical or nonsurgical alternatives, or could “watchful waiting” be an option.
“The importance of getting second and third opinions can’t be stressed enough. ”
Selecting a Surgeon Isn’t it ideal to get a surgeon with the most experience? That is why it is crucial to find out how many surgeries a year a surgeon conducts. By seeing a second opinion surgeon you can compare this statistic. A review of the surgeon’s outcomes, complications, such as infection rate and side effects, is important. You can get a surgeon scorecard at Propublica.org to assist you. Not only can it matter greatly the surgeon you choose to do your surgery, but the hospital you select is important, too. Make sure to review the hospital and what its safety score is by checking the LeapFroggroup.org website. Ask your surgeon who the anesthesiologist is and what his or her credentials are. Ask to meet the anesthesiologist before surgery. Special Considerations for COVID-19 Here is a list of questions and answers that should be considered when you are planning to have elective surgery based on the recommended Re-Open protocols for elective surgery: • When and where should I be tested for Covid-19? Most of the time the surgeon’s office will provide you with directions on where to get tested. Your test results will be sent directly to your physician. In most cases, patients should be tested 72-96 hours before their scheduled surgery. This result should be known prior to surgery to safeguard the healthcare workers
and other patients. • Should I be self-isolating once I have my pre-surgical Covid-19 test? Yes. Once you have your pre-surgical Covid-19 test, you should be self-isolating at home and avoid going out, if possible. • Should I report if I have been in contact or exposed to anyone with Covid-19? Yes. If you were exposed to someone with known Covid-19 or suspected Covid-19, with signs and symptoms, such as coughing, sneezing, fever, or shortness of breath, report this to your surgeon’s staff. This may delay or postpone your surgical procedure. • Can my family come into the hospital with me? This depends on hospital policy. Some hospitals may allow one family member or no family members, depending on its Covid-19 policy and the current CDC Guidelines. If a family member is permitted, their temperature will be taken prior to coming into the facility. Your temperature will also be taken and you both will be checked for signs and symptoms of Covid-19. • What can I bring with me to the hospital? Hospitals are advising that you limit personal items and clothing, especially for “same day” surgical procedures. In most cases, you are advised to wear comfortable loose clothing and will change into a hospital gown at the facility. You should also bring identification, your insurance card, your cell phone, and a charger. • Is the staff at the hospital being screened for Covid-19 on a regular basis? Yes. The hospital or ambulatory surgery center is required to screen staff daily by taking their temperature and screening them for signs and symptoms of Covid-19. They are also asked about any known contact with a person who has Covid-19. • Are hospitals cleaning and disinfecting patient equipment and rooms regularly? Yes, hospitals or surgery centers must follow the cleaning protocols set by the CDC and use approved disinfectants. • Has the staff been educated on the protocols to prevent the spread of Covid-19? Yes. The hospital or surgery center must educate its staff on the CDC infection prevention protocols that prevent the spread of Covid-19, such as meticulous handwashing for 20 seconds, using personal protective equipment for contact with patients, universal masking, social distancing, and cleaning and disinfecting patient care equipment between use.
Know What Insurance Covers This article does not go into detail on the insurance issues involved with having surgery, but it is extremely important to contact both your insurance company and all the providers involved (surgeon, hospital, anesthesiologist, pathologist and any specialists) to ensure you will be covered by insurance and not get any surprise bills. More and more patients are being able to determine the costs of the surgery ahead of time. You can also go to websites such as Healthcare Bluebook and Fairhealth Consumer to find out the typical costs in different areas. Be Prepared for Discharge Ask about the recovery after surgery. You need to determine if you will require help at home or if you will be going to a rehabilitation facility first before going home. Ask about any specific medical equipment, therapy, or home care assistance for treatments or devices that you will need after surgery during recovery. Prepare Your Body and Mind It is important to physically and mentally prepare for an upcoming surgery. You will need to follow any preoperative instructions the surgeon and medical team provide you, but you can do more yourself. The list below are some recommended suggestions to help you prepare: • Eat plenty of protein to promote wound healing and boost your immune system. • Eat a high fiber diet of fruits and vegetables to keep your GI system healthy when you are not moving as much. • Avoid sugary and processed foods. • Increase your physical activity. • Lose weight, if needed. • Get a good amount of sleep. • Discuss any fears or anxieties with a trusted friend or therapist. • Envision and focus on a positive outcome and that your body is strong and will heal quickly. • Have your Hospital toolkit bag ready consisting of: - A list of your medications with dosages and frequency and supplements as well as a list of your medical conditions and past surgeries and hospitalizations - Insurance cards and you can keep a copy of them in your bad
From The Story
Being in the hospital requires that you have someone to help you understand everything going on and be at your side with a “watchful eye”.
- Advance directive - HCP document - POSLT if you have it - POA - Name of a contact person and phone number - Your physician’s names & phone numbers - Notebook and pen to take notes - Cell phone and charger - Book, newspaper or crossword if there is waiting time - Socks, sweaters in case of cool temps - Disinfectant wipes- use frequently to wipe down all high touch surfaces Don’t Go It Alone! You can see that there is a lot of preparation and questions to be asked prior to surgery. Enlist the help of a loved one or friend to navigate this journey. You can also hire a private healthcare advocate to assist you as well. Remember, being in the hospital requires that you have someone to help you understand everything going on and be at your side with a “watchful eye”.
About The Author
LORIE GARDNER, RN Lorie Gardner RN, BSN, NBC-HWC, founded Healthlink Advocates, Inc., to assist people with all aspects of their healthcare. As private nurse patient advocates and board certified health & wellness coaches, they partner with clients seeking assistance navigating the complex healthcare system and those seeking self-directed, lasting health improvements aligned with their values. To Learn More Visit: www.healthlinkadvocates.com
