A Chronic Health Challenge - episode 133
I asked Shaun to come back to the show to have a conversation about a health challenge he has had for the past few years. Chronic digestive issues along with brain fog has made Shaun’s life difficult to say the least. And to watch from the sidelines knowing there is very little I can actually do, is a source of constant heartache. They say ‘a mom is only as happy as her least happy kid’ and on some level I have to agree.
I’ve accepted my lot as cheerleader, head encourager, while asking questions to keep the brainstorming going. (What is the latest? What does that doctor say? What does the other doctor say? Is there a new plan? What about the Mayo Clinic?) He’s been to many doctors, tried many meds, supplements, etc. It’s definitely a ‘wait and see’ kind of a thing and proving very hard to keep the hope alive. Of course my despair pales in comparison to what Shaun actually lives day in and day out. No restaurants, no enjoying family meals, eating four foods and four foods only: poultry, white rice, cooked carrots and peeled cucumber. Oy vey.
Pain is real, but so is hope.
— Jimmy Dooley
Are You in Good Health?
Thoughts from A Chronic Health Challenge
When I think about the word ‘health’ I do generally think about being free of physical illness, etc. Apparently it is more than that. (I should go back into the recesses of my brain’s files and find the one that entails the health class I took to become a credentialed teacher. Of course that was back in the day and that info is very difficult to access.)
According to the World Health Organization:
Health is a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.
I like the use of the words ‘complete’ and ‘well-being.’ That helps a lot. Not only do we need to look at genetics, environmental factors need to be considered. There are three different areas to look at in ascertaining good health. Here we go.
physical - this is the area most closely associated with health. It’s certainly the first one I think of. Physical health includes regular exercise, balanced nutrition and adequate rest. I know I sure feel better when I move, eat well and get lots of sleep. Eight to nine hours please.
mental - this is probably the second area we think of and thankfully this topic is becoming more and more prevalent. It’s sooo important. The stigma is lessening as more and more people talk readily about the areas they are challenged by. I would imagine that very people go through this life unscathed by experiencing some sort of mental health challenge. Put anxiety on my list. Plenty of experience there.
People with good mental health:
enjoy life
are adaptable
maintain balance
are safe and secure
achieve potential
social well-being - WHO defines wellness as the optimal state of health of individuals and groups. There are two focal concerns: the realization of the fullest potential of an individual physically, psychologically, socially, spiritually, and economically, and the fulfillment of one’s roles and expectations in the family, community, place of worship, and other settings.
To attain wellness it’s advised we do the following:
eating a balanced, nutritious diet from as many natural sources as possible
engage in exercise every week
screening for diseases
learn to manage stress effectively
partake in activities that provide purpose
connect with and care for other people
maintain a positive outlook on life
define a value system and put it into action
Once again I have learned a few things and am reminding to take good care of all the aspects of my wellness. If we each do that it will make a world of difference to us and individuals and our loved ones. It matters because you matter.
The greatest wealth is health.
— Virgil
Berries are my favorite!
