Caring for the whole self at Angel Medical Center
“Once upon a time…”
I am sure that we all remember those words from childhood stories. They trigger two thoughts for me. The first is that this is the start of a story that’s not based in reality and it’s designed to teach a lesson or make the reader feel good. Second is that this could be something completely false that I need to approach critically and think through before I accept.
How many of us feel like the information we receive about everything — including healthcare — may not be entirely true, is incomplete, or just plain negative? It’s easy to get overwhelmed even when we do something as simple as turn on the news. You go to the doctor and all you hear is that you are overweight or your cholesterol is up, and that you have a new diagnosis, medication, or something else. How can a person maintain a positive outlook?
Here's my fairy tale: Once upon a time, I was healthy, felt good about myself, had a positive outlook on life, and did not feel like the best coping mechanism was downing a half gallon of the best ice cream I could find.
Don’t worry, there is hope — in the form of self-care and self-talk that builds healthy self-esteem. July is Self-Care Month. Even though self-care is a term that is used frequently, you might wonder exactly what it means.
Though this concept is easy to define, it’s not as easy to put into practice in our lives. Self-care simply refers to caring for your entire self — your physical health, mental wellbeing, your heart and soul, and your energy to be of service to others — each of us has all of these.
None of us is made up of just one or two of these things. We are all holistically interconnected beings. We must treat and respect each of these parts of ourselves. Otherwise, we are just made up of pieces that we are trying to keep together with bubble gum and baling wire.
In many cases, insufficient self-care is why you have chronic pain…or the diet doesn’t work…or you can’t seem to shake off that feeling of hopelessness. In other words, our bodies, psyches, and spirits keep a running tally.
I’m not saying there aren’t many instances where medical and mental conditions require treatment, because there definitely are. I am saying that if we take good care of ourselves, we can better manage those conditions and enjoy a better quality of life.
What does good self-care look like? I talk about it in many of my columns — eating well, exercising, reaching out for help to a mental health professional if needed, getting outside, pursuing our passions, volunteering, and connecting with others. It sounds simple, but with how busy our lives are, it can be a challenge.
Simply showing love, support, and being there for someone is critical to our wellbeing — and others’. July 16th is recognized as “Be Love Day” and we’d all be better off if we celebrated love every day. Reach out to someone and show you care, even to the people who challenge you the most.
Before closing, I want to show a little love to my team at the Outpatient Center. If you have had the opportunity to use any of these services, you know they’re excellent. Thank you to our Rehab team (Occupational, Physical, and Speech Therapy Services), our Infusion team, the Cardiopulmonary Rehab team, General Surgery, Orthopedic Surgery, Primary Care, and My Care Now (we’re also adding some new teams in the near future).
Finally, I want to remind readers about having a safe summer. Use your sunscreen religiously, stay hydrated, dress properly and protectively for your chosen activity, and stay safe in and around the water.
If you have a summer health issue arise, know where to seek care. For mild sunburns, insect bites, rashes, minor sprains, or suspected tick-related illness, go to Primary Care, Urgent Care, or a walk-in clinic like Mission My Care Now in Franklin. Head to the Emergency Department for head injuries, severe allergic reactions, broken bones, significant burns, heatstroke, or any life-threatening situation.
Have a happy and safe summer!
Clint Kendall, FACHE, MBA, MSN, BSN, RN, is Chief Executive Officer/Chief Nursing Officer of Angel Medical Center. He started his career as a nurse, and that perspective still informs his work and passion for the patient experience. Clint holds a Master’s Degree in Business Administration, Nursing, and Health Care Management from the University of Phoenix, and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Western Carolina University. Clint has also earned the Certified Professional in Patient Safety (CPPS) certification, and is a member of the American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE), the American Organization of Nurse Executives (AONE), and the American Nurses Association (ANA).