UPSIDE – As Opposed to a Downward Spiral

Over the weekend, before the storms hit, before we lost power that took down two electrical poles, before an errant light bulb exploded into a million bits of sparking electricity all over my head…I read a book that affected how I viewed this sudden loss of power, comfort, and control.

Because the premise of this text is learning to accurately “read” the state of our nation and is titled, “UPSIDE: Surprising GOOD NEWS About the State of Our World,” I was already prepared to push past my discomfort and find something positive (or at least extract a teachable moment) from this unexpected event.

Author Bradley Wright, PhD, discusses how essential embracing an “UPSIDE” mentality is for individuals since viewing the world as getting worse bears many personal costs. Wright says, “Constant negative thinking can result in a shorter life span, increased depression and distress, less resistance to the common cold, worse psychological and physical well-being, increased risk of cardiovascular disease, and diminished coping skills during times of stress.”

Wright offers many stats on the true state of our world which will have readers shocked (in the best way possible) and then rethinking where they get their information and more important, why are they believing these glib negative statements without checking to be sure they’re true?

To get all the “goods” this book has to offer, you’ll have to read it for yourself.

Wright offers a few “send-off” suggestions for handling media related reports like a pro.

1. Be aware of good news.
2. Be skeptical of what you hear, especially negative news.
3. Distinguish “is” from “ought.”
4. Match resources to problems.
5. Simplify, consume less.
6. Entangle yourself in social relationships.

As we know, knowledge, insight, experience, means nothing until it is “applied” to our lives…how did I apply Wright’s upside thinking this weekend?

I was gratefully aware it could have been much worse.

1. No one was hurt.
2. No one’s home was leveled.
3. The discomfort was temporary, not permanent.
4. It was a timely reminder of how much people need other people’s goodwill during times of trouble.

Birthdays and Bone Density – How One Should Remind Us of the Other

I love birthdays…my own and everyone else’s!

Call it a hangover from childhood memories and those early traditions…but birthdays are the single one day of the whole year when it’s just fun to pick what you where you want to go (sitting on a warm beach) and what you want to do (sitting on a warm beach with a great book and playing my favorite music) and what you want to eat (sitting on a warm beach with a great book and playing my favorite music while enjoying iced tea + pizza + dark chocolate) …so when I’m trying to decide to how “help” a friend celebrate their special day…I try to tailor their wants and needs and match it to them specifically (and their age)!

In a similar way, every birthday we pass should cue us into thinking about our health…in particular, our bone health. Often, we give very little thought to proactively caring for this aspect of our bodies…but we should.

If you’ve ever wondered what “bone density” means as you age, here’s your answer.

At every decade of life, specific changes are occurring. Below, orthopedic surgeon Dr. Christopher A. Foetisch explains this aging process and how to keep your bones at their strongest density ever.

TWENTIES: As we age, bodies go through a gradual process of breakdown. In the early twenties, bone density is at its greatest. From that point forward, bone density begins to gradually decline. Therefore, women want to start at the point with the greatest bone density, so that when the breakdown process begins they have a higher starting point from which to decline.

THIRTIES: This means that in the thirties, it is vital to consume the proper amount of calcium and vitamin D. Also, weight-bearing exercises are important to stimulate the formation of strong, dense bones. At this age, the most common injuries are traumatic in nature.

FORTIES: Bone loss now begins to increase at a faster pace. If there is a strong family history of bone related issues, it is important to make one’s primary care physician aware of this fact. Exercise and calcium with vitamin D become even more important. Again, any bone injuries tend to be traumatic in nature.

FIFTIES: In the fifties, osteoporosis can become a real issue. If you have not done a good job of maintaining good bone density, osteoporosis related fractures can begin to occur. Typically, the type of injuries seen are that of wrist and ankle fractures. A bone density scan should be considered at this time.

SIXTIES and SEVENTIES: Here, osteoporosis related problems begin to significantly increase. This is commonly seen in the form of hip, pelvic and spinal fractures. More aggressive medical treatment such as medication to reduce bone loss should be considered at this time. A follow-up bone density scan should be performed at this point.

How Your Child’s Sports Training Program Might Be Hurting Her Health

When my kids were younger, each season brought with it a different type of sport. That meant fall, winter, spring and summer, they were participating (or just enjoying) varied kinds of physical activity.

As they got older, I started noticing that coaches were pushing for same-sport off-season training (year around). It bothered me for several reasons. First, I think kids need to explore a variety of kinds of activities to discover their giftedness (and they don’t know until they try new things). Second, the major push to be super competitive (at the risk of an athlete’s health) bugged me too. I’m all for athletic events and team sports if they teach kids to demonstrate good sportsmanship, a teamwork mentality, and it’s a health/strength enhancer (not detractor).

So, it was especially telling to me that some of my hesitations about year-round same-sport conditioning have a fact basis from a medical standpoint alone. Read on…you’ll discover some very good reasons for rethinking your child’s sports training regime as well as what to look for if you’re not sure when enough is enough.

Dr. Christopher A. Foetisch, orthopedic surgeon, weighs in on the trends he is observing between kids and sports training.

As a physician who specializes in sports medicine, I routinely evaluate kids with sports injuries. Over the past several years, I have noted an increase in problems related to overuse injuries.

• In years’ past, kids would play a fall sport, winter sport and a spring sport. This essentially amounted to a cross training program. Now children participate in outdoor, indoor and camps focused on one sport. As a result, their bodies are being subjected to repetitive stresses that result in overuse injuries.

• Typically, these problems are not serious. The child will experience pain in a particular body part that occurs after a specific activity.

• Occasionally, the pain will cause the child to favor or protect the painful extremity and this can lead to an acute injury that can be very significant.

• Parents need to be aware if the child is in pain at a level that begins to affect performance. If this occurs, the child should be rested for a sufficient period of time that allows the athlete to resume their sport without pain.

• If they resume their activity and the pain returns, the child should be evaluated by a physician experienced in sports injuries.

• Also, I am strongly in favor of children crossing training with different activities. I do not believe it is wise for a growing body to participate in the same sport or activity year round.

• I am commonly asked “How is my child going to get a scholarship if they don’t play and practice all year long?” My response is: “Schools do not give scholarships to injured athletes.”

As with anything in life there needs to be a balance. Certainly, in sports there can be too much of a good thing.

But Not Without Sacrifice — Giving Thanks Even When It Hurts

My good friend, Joan Canning, dressed here in typical 1940′s fashion, spent last Saturday serving the World War II veterans at a huge outdoor gala in Swanton, OH. This event, called the Stage Door Canteen was a full day of special acts to acknowledge and honor the veterans’ service to our country.

Joan, like many of the volunteers, felt grateful to have the opportunity to demonstrate how appreciative she is for our military men and women. Saying “thank you” and feeling grateful for all their sacrifices (which are both numerous and costly) is always the right and appropriate response.

But sometimes “giving thanks” isn’t so “emotionally” cost-free. Reading from a brand new book by Nancy Leigh DeMoss titled, Choosing Gratitude, we’ll see that disciplining our hearts and minds to be thankful…no matter what… is wiser and “less costly” than the alternative of allowing bitterness and resentment…no matter what…to fester and steal away the best of our lives.

Nancy writes… “The capacity to respond to adversity with faith and gratitude is not limited to “superheroes.” There are countless people whose names and stories few have ever heard, who endure the worst that life has to offer and still come up thankful. Not unscarred, not unmoved, not functioning out of reality like robots, but still spotting reasons for hope and promise. They seem to know that the only thing more debilitating than what they’re going through would be going through it ungratefully.

No, the days don’t always get easier. The nights can still drag until utter exhaustion finally pulls a person under for a few hours’ sleep. But those who say, “No” to resentment and “Yes” to gratitude, even in the face of excruciating pain, incomprehensible loss, and ongoing adversity, are the ones who really survive. They stand against the tide of memories, threats, loss, and sadness, and answer back.

With gratitude.”

Happy Physician — Happy Patient (The RX in Three Simple Steps)

Your doctor wants to see you happy and from the moment you enter an exam room, the attention is centered on you as the patient. Your physician takes notes of your symptoms, your pain, and every medical reason for being in his office. As he listens, your doctor is also making mental notes on how to best diagnose and then treat your condition. He is developing a plan of action scripted just for you. It’s his job to help you get better and he’s happy to take on the role of caregiver.

What physicians aren’t happy about is when their patients ask for the impossible without taking personal responsibility to follow the step-by-step guidelines offered them.

It’s good to remember that once a doctor shares his recommendations and you come to an agreement, an essential exchange takes place. The responsibility has now shifted heavily toward you as the patient. When any individual seeks out medical assistance, the implication is that the sick person recognizes his need for expertise and intervention found solely through the insights and skills offered by a physician. However, what’s not so clearly stated is that the primary job of every patient is to see to it that he heeds the instructions given him by his health care provider.

Never forget – both you and your physician work toward the same ultimate goal of optimal good health.

Dr. Christopher A. Foetisch, orthopedic surgeon at the Toledo Clinic, offers some practical suggestions on what make doctors smile. Read on to discover if you’re adding to or subtracting from your physician’s happiness factor.

Your physician will be Happy if you have –

1. Reasonable expectations – Understand that your pain, your problems very likely did not occur overnight. Multi-layered health issues frequently require multi-layers solutions and cures, all of which can take time to unravel.

2. Motivation – Accept and anticipate that the bulk of the responsibility for regaining good health (and maintaining it) falls to you once begin the process.

3. Self-accountability – Come to your physician’s office seeking expert advice and medical help not expecting someone to come look over your shoulder every minute of every day.

Your physician will be Unhappy if you have –

1. Unrealistic expectations – Doctors are not miracle workers and they must work with both your past and present illnesses/injuries. Your health habits and lifestyle practices can limit how much of a difference a physician can make.

2. Are looking for the quick fix – No one wants to be sick or injured, but wishing it away won’t alter the fact that most medical issues require stretches of time to heal. Your doctor can’t make your body heal quicker than it can.

3. An unwillingness to invest in your own health – It’s your body, your life that’s in jeopardy. Don’t frustrate your physician’s efforts by failing to do your part by giving all the effort you can to grow strong.

No Matter What Team You’re On – The Only Thing That’s Contagious Is Your Attitude

When I hear the word contagious I get worried. Real worried. Whatever “it” is, I don’t want to get it. I don’t want my kids to get it. Nor my friends and anyone else I care about.

But there’s another kind of contagious we should all want to “catch” and pass on to everyone around us…whether it’s at work, at school, on the playing field, or in the home.

It’s a positive attitude.

I’m reading my tenth John Maxwell book (right in a row) and honestly, this guy’s attitude is changing mine! Instead of seeing “what’s wrong” or “what needs fixing“…because as a reviewer I’m trained to look for the flaws and make note of them…I’m first focusing on “what’s right” and “what’s working” and that simple exercise has helped me “work through” some difficult challenges that have had me frustrated and “stuck.”

I could go on and on about how “positively” life-changing Maxwell’s work has been…but better yet…let me just share a brief paragraph on how the contagion of “attitude” spreads.

“Several things on a team are not contagious. Talent. Experience. Willingness to practice. But you can be sure of one thing: Attitude is catching. When someone on the team is teachable and his humility is rewarded by improvement, others are more likely to display similar characteristics. When a leader is upbeat in the face of discouraging circumstances, others admire that quality and want to be like her. When a team member displays a strong work ethic and begins to have a positive impact, others imitate him… People have a tendency to adopt the attitudes of those they spend time with – to pick up on their mind-set, beliefs, and approaches to challenges.” Excerpted from The 17 Indisputable Laws of Teamwork by John Maxwell.

1, 2, 3…Simple Ways to Reverse the Aging Process (No Purchase Necessary)

Sometimes we make things way more complicated than they are. Every marketer tries to sell us a product that includes a promise to reverse the aging process. In truth, it would be much easier if these products worked. But since they don’t…we have to rely on doing things the old-fashioned way by implementing self-discipline and doing some lifestyle introspection.

Like most people, I love shortcuts…but with health and aging, they simply don’t work.

Here’s what does…in three simple steps.

There are several lifestyle changes that can result in improved health and positively affect the aging process. Promise. And this guarantee comes straight from a physician who specializes in helping people age strong.

Read Dr. Foetisch’s recommendations for reversing the aging process.

Simple as 1, 2, 3…

ONE: Weight loss is one of the most significant ways to peel off the years, not only will you obtain the cosmetic benefits of weight loss, but you will also receive many physical benefits. These include less stress on your joints and back, reduced risk of diabetes, improvement in blood pressure, increased mobility, and better sleep. FOCUS POINT FOR CHANGE: Concentrate on lowering fat and sugar intake for fastest results.

TWO: Get seven to eight hours of sleep a night. Caution: too much sleep can have an adverse effect on overall health. FOCUS POINT FOR CHANGE: clock in your nighttime sleep hours, but do not nap excessively during the day. Researchers from the California Pacific Medical Center Research Institute found that elderly white women who took a daily siesta were 44% more likely to die from any cause, 58% more prone to dying from heart problems, and nearly 60% more likely to die from non-cardiovascular or non-cancer causes. Those who napped less than three hours a week showed no increased chance of death.

THREE: Address your stress, as it is one of the biggest factors in premature aging. Stress causes the brain to produce chemicals that directly affect health negatively. FOCUS POINT FOR CHANGE: Exercise several times a week to add muscle mass and strength and also gain improved cardiovascular health. A study of 9,611 adults in Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise showed that those who were regularly active in their 50s and early 60s were about 35 percent less likely to die in the next eight years than those who were sedentary.

The Anatomy of Listening Effectively

I admit it. I’ve always considered myself a good listener. I was wrong. Not until I read Stephen Covey’s book, The 8th Habit, did I realize how limited my listening skills have been. Perhaps my biggest mistake is trying to formulate a response while someone is still talking with me. Instead of giving my full attention to the speaker, I’m guilty of (1) allowing my mind to race ahead trying to solve a problem and (2) busy deciding if I agree (or not) with the one talking. In either scenario, I’m not fully engaged in what’s being said and therefore, I’m not listening effectively (and that has to change).

According to author Stephen Covey in his newest title, “The 8th Habit: From Effectiveness to Greatness” communication is the most important skill in life. Covey writes that people spend about two-thirds of their time reading, writing, speaking or listening. There is one of these areas, however, that takes up between 40 and 50 percent of individuals’ time every day. Can you guess which area?

It is listening. Covey shares that most people “think” they know how to listen because they do it so much. But the truth is, the majority of us listen solely within our own frame of reference. This author explains that there are five levels of everyday listening beginning at the lowest level include:

1. Ignoring
2. Pretend listening (patronizing)
3. Selective listening
4. Attentive listening
5. Empathic listening

The first four areas in this continuum fall within one’s own frame of reference. Only the last, Empathic listening, does a person actually “transcend your own autobiography…out of your own history and judging tendencies, and get deeply into the frame of reference or viewpoint of another person.”

Covey underscores that the primary need to feel understood is like the body’s need for air in the lungs. Unless and until a person feels understood (and listened to), you will get no farther in communication with that individual.

Read on to learn Stephen Covey’s practical insights on how to further develop your ability to listen empathetically (and well).

• Be sincerely open to what others see and why they see the world as they do.

• People react to new information based on their previous experiences and personal history.

• There are always multiple ways to interpret information, keep this in the mental forefront of every conversation.

• Frequently, communication breaks down because of how people define the words spoken. However, when a spirit of empathy is present, true understanding heightens.

Orthopedic Surgeons are People Mechanics and Here’s Why

A few weeks ago I started reading in earnest about total hip replacement surgery and thought I understood how amazing it was that surgeons can remove what’s broken and replace our worn-out “parts” with new ones. I was wrong. Yesterday, actually being in an operating room and seeing up-close this same procedure I had previously only read about was completely different. And better. Much better.

Like so much in life, reading about an experience is a good thing, but having the opportunity to experience it up-close and first-hand makes a world of difference. For two fast-faced and physically demanding hours, I watched my co-author, Dr. Foetisch, manipulate, maneuver, and remake a seventy-four-year-old woman’s hip. Taking furious notes throughout the procedure, I observed Dr. Foetisch and his team work in perfect rhythm as he removed the damaged bone and then replace it with brand-new components. Here’s a few photos (courtesy of WebMD to show in brief what happens).

In the next couple of weeks, I’ll be describing the entire procedure in fuller detail. But for now, that common phrase, “I feel better than new!” are the words I’m confident this patient is going to be saying in a few weeks’ time.

Inspire Me Today!

Today, I’m so grateful to have the opportunity to share on Inspire Me Today!…here’s the opening quote for my essay…but please go to this link and read the entire “inspiration” and then comment and share…please do.

It takes more courage to stay tender and sensitive in a tough world than to allow your heart to become hardened and unresponsive toward the needs of others. ~ Michele Howe