February 8, 2010 by Greg Katz
You may be wondering why I’m writing about being convicted on a site that discusses living life beyond illness, well I’ll tell you. I am not referring to being convicted as in a court of law, but having conviction toward achieving a goal or reaching an inner destination.
It’s important when facing a chronic or life-threatening illness to be filled to the brim with conviction. This was really punctuated for me this weekend when I watched the movie “Gandhi”. Is it possible for one person, a small man with big ideas to change a country? Can one man’s conviction change the lives of 350 million people? The answer is obviously YES and it did change the lives of all Indians.
How is it that Gandhi was able to stay true to his convictions? It’s simple, he deeply believed in the cause. He embodied the ideas he put forth so there was separating his philosophy from his being. He lived as he thought and felt.
Since you’re diagnosis would you say that you have developed a high degree of conviction? What is your conviction? Have you made a declaration for health? Have you proclaimed your right to health and healing? If we met, how would I know about your conviction to get well? Is it visible or palpable?
I ask these questions because when you have conviction it is clear and stands front and center. There is no question about your motives. Your motives, decisions, and actions are all geared towards health and healing; you eat, breathe, think, and feel health. Are you doing that? What would it take for you to move in that direction?
These are the things I focus on when I work with clients newly diagnosed with a chronic or life-threatening illness. Taking the physical, emotional, and spiritual pulse of your current health and creating a plan that moves your toward healing and improved quality of life. It’s not easy, but nothing worth having is ever easy. It’s your conviction that separates you from those who are simply hoping to get well and those who are actively working toward health and healing.
How do you want to live your life? Do you want to stand in the space of focused attention and action or let things happen by chance and hope it swings in your favor? The choice is yours…choose wisely!!!
Posted in Living with Illness, after the diagnosis, coping with chronic illness, coping with life threatening illness, living with chronic illness | Tagged coaching illness, Gandhi, Greg Katz, health blogger, health proclamation, illness coaching, overcoming adversity, patient empowerment, Personal Conviction, self-empowerment | Leave a Comment »
February 5, 2010 by Greg Katz
Welcome to Caregiver Friday!!
Just when you think being a decision maker in the role of caregiver/wellness partner a new study lays an extra burden of responsibility on your shoulders. The findings are in reference to a study done on patients who had been labeled in a permanent vegetative state. In many cases the family is asked if they want to continue the person on life support or have other extreme measures performed. That decision can be easier if you know that the person is truly in a permanent vegetative state. But what if you’re not sure.
The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) reported on the study that was published in the New England Journal of Medicine. The study examined 23 patients who had been diagnosed as being in a permanent vegetative state. Four of the patients showed signs of consciousness…can you believe it 4 of 23.
Using MRI scans the patients were asked questions and their brains were monitored. Certain responses would light-up certain parts of the brain. The WSJ article stated “Four of the 23 vegetative patients responded to the commands and exhibited brain activity in the same areas as healthy control subjects”.
When trying to make potentially life and death decisions as a caregiver (hopefully you were mindful to have a Durable Power of Attorney for Healthcare) you are now burdened with the quandary, “Is the person I’m caring for really in a permanent vegetative state or is he/she one like in the studies that can still responds to questions?’
I believe the medical ethicists are all gathering to take up this matter on a big-picture discussion. How would you handle this situation as a caregiver? If the decision is your, how will you know whether the person you’re caring for has some level of consciousness?
Dr. Allan H. Ropper said, “the line between consciousness and unconsciousness will be blurred” as scientific understanding of the vegetative state depends. This is not the most comforting statement for those of you caring for someone who is facing end of life issues or has been in an accident, but for now it’s the reality.
Who do you have that you can discuss these issues with such as a medical ethicist or spiritual director? Did you have thorough conversations with the person you’re caring for about end-of-life issues? There are those who even though they may have brain activity, on whatever level, wouldn’t want to live the rest of the days unable to speak, move, or communicate. Even if the brain might register some activity is this a life? You know this will wind up in the courts at some point, but for now the onus of responsibility is on you.
I know there is more to come; this is truly the tip of the iceberg. Please have conversations with your loved ones about end-of-life care. Decision-making for caregivers is tough enough without the burden of deciding one’s level of consciousness.
Posted in Caregiving | Tagged partnership with doctors, caregiver health, patient-caregiver relationship, caregiver needs, care for the caregiver, caregiver stress, caregiver support, durable power of attorney for healthcare, caregiver burnout, coaching illness, caregiver empowerment, end-of-life care, Wall Street Journal, New England Journal of Medicine, permanent vegetative state, consciousness, medical ethics | Leave a Comment »
February 4, 2010 by Greg Katz
How do we decide what’s important when on the journey to wellness? You can read the studies in the New England Journal Of Medicine, watch your favorite online doctor like Sanjay Gupta, or have family members in the business, just to name a few. There are times when you’re facing a chronic or life-threatening illness that things seem to fall like a line of dominos so how do you avoid compromising your health?
The past couple of weeks there have been lots of stories about oral health and it’s impact on your overall health. You wouldn’t think that your mouth, teeth and gums could impact your overall health, but the research seems to show otherwise.
My sister-in-law runs a dental office and the focus was on how important oral health is for good health. Remember, when you’re facing a health challenge anything that compromises your chances at wellness is worth putting at the front of the line.
The stories I’ve heard are that because of the bacteria in the mouth, research is finding that the bacteria spreads throughout the body causing other health conditions. The illnesses that seem to be at the front of the line are heart problems and kidney disease. You may be shaking your head saying that can’t be true and trust me I didn’t believe it either, but I went to the dentist today and she didn’t mince words about the importance of good oral health.
So what does this mean for you? If you’re immune system is compromised in any way then eliminating as many risk factors for other complications is critical to your health and healing. It may seem like a low priority when you consider all the other doctor appointments, lab visits, and treatment rooms you’ve seen, but the experts are saying it is part of your overall health, not just the health of your mouth.
What does this tell us? It tells us that the body is a complicated, intricate, and interconnected system. Although the body tries to maintain balance on its own it needs our help to ensure that things don’t get out-of-hand. So call your dentist and make an appointment. Give the rest of your body one less thing to worry about.
Posted in Living with Illness, living with chronic illness | Tagged body in balance, coaching illness, compromised immune system, Greg Katz, health blogger, illness coaching, mouth bacteria and heart disease, mouth bacteria and kidney disease, oral health, patient empowerment | Leave a Comment »
February 2, 2010 by Greg Katz
Look at any magazine and if you’re not pulling out the subscription offers your fending off the pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, or health guru trying to see you something to make you feel better. There are those who have entered the health and healing community for pure profits and has someone facing a chronic or life-threatening illness you’re the target. You’re the one who has a bullseye on your back for these companies.
How susceptible are you to suggestions about what the latest and greatest cure is for your particular condition? Of course there are differing points of view, but how thoroughly to you check something out before plunking down your money, time, effort, or laying your soul on the line?
Most people don’t get sick over night so why do you think that you’ll get well over night? The culture instigates the need for instant gratification and results. Companies that promise huge weight loss with minimal effort are deceiving. They do help you lose weight and quickly, but at what cost to your body? Once you stop the regimen of pills, shakes, and standing on your head, how long before the weight comes back plus a few added pounds?
Don’t fall for the quick fix, look for long-range outcomes. I’m a firm believer in integrative medicine, allowing the mind, body, and spirit to work in harmony allowing each part to boost the power of the other two. Engaging in dialogues with your medical team about your desires for a more integrative approach is a great start.
I’ve mentioned in the past how one of my doctors, a western trained and practicing physician, was exploring Ayurvedic medicine as an adjunct to the treatment I was receiving. I attended support groups to dump the emotional baggage that often comes with a diagnosis, and my spiritual practice has deepened allowing me to feel more grounded, less anxious, relieving the body and mind of unwanted stress.
Don’t have the word “sucker” tattooed to your forehead. Any treatment(s) you’re considering should start with a dialogue with your provider. I’m not even saying you need to see an allopathic physician. If you choose to see only an Oriental Medicine practitioner that ’s your choice, but make each decision using the context of “informed consent”. Make the decisions mindfully and understand all the ramifications of the protocol.
It would be silly to take a fragile system, like your body facing a health challenge, and subject it to more trauma than necessary. Exploring what fits for your personal philosophy is key, but remember the journey to wellness is multi-faceted so cover your bases.
Posted in Living with Illness, after the diagnosis, coping with chronic illness, coping with life threatening illness | Tagged Ayurvedic Medicine, coaching illness, Greg Katz, health blogger, illness coaching, informed consent, informed decision making, integrative medicine, mind body connection, mindfulness, nutraceuticals, Oriental Medicine, patient empowerment, pharmaceutical advertising | Leave a Comment »
February 1, 2010 by Greg Katz
We all have so many things we think we can do better that we often don’t acknowledge our accomplishments. Our society has become so focused on lack or shortcomings that when we achieve something or reach a goal sometimes we overlook the accomplishment. This is particularly true when facing a chronic or life-threatening illness. There is a tendency for the rest of your accomplishments to go by the wayside if your level of well-being isn’t ideal.
I got a good reminder about this very point today from none other than my father. I’m a textile artist and I have a show that is opening tomorrow evening. He called to wish me well and to share his excitement for me on this endeavor. His last words to me were, “I hope you enjoy the art”.
After I got off the phone it took me a moment to realize what he was telling me. He wanted me to acknowledge my accomplishment. He wanted me to take note of the progress and good that comes out of hard work and discipline. He was getting me to turn my attention by on myself, instead of deflecting away from me.
It’s easy to get caught up in the test results from the doctor, or the side-effects from the medication, but what have you accomplished. I know there have been lots of television ads asking people to sign up for the Avon Walk-for-the-Cure supporting the Susan G. Komen foundation. People are coming together to support and honor those of importance in their lives. They are celebrating their loved ones who may have died, are living with breast cancer, or may have a genetic predisposition for the disease. It is a community that is being celebrated.
Maybe you’ve decided, following your diagnosis, to start a new career, or pick up a new hobby. How it going? What do you enjoy most about your actions? How is your life richer since starting these new ventures?
Celebrating You is a gift. It’s an opportunity to create a life around those things you can make conscious decisions about. They aren’t reliant on any cells, pharmaceuticals, or divine intervention. How are you going to celebrate you? I’d love to hear how you start the celebration!
Posted in Living with Illness, after the diagnosis, coping with chronic illness, coping with life threatening illness, living with chronic illness | Tagged Avon Walk for the Cure, breast cancer, Cancer, coaching illness, Greg Katz, health blogger, illness coaching, patient empowerment, Susan G. Komen | Leave a Comment »
January 29, 2010 by Greg Katz
Welcome to Caregiver Friday!!
This week Apple came out with the iPad, another mobile device for all to marvel. There are more smart phones and social networks than one can count and just as you learn to use your phone they add a bunch of buttons and services.
We’ve become obsessed with social networks like Facebook and MySpace but they are off in a distant land. There is no substitution for the real thing; in-person contact with those you know and love. I know in this age of technology that may seem far-fetched, but personal human contact has as many physical health benefits as it does emotional and spiritual health benefits.
We all know that caregiving is tiresome and time-consuming, but if you think communicating with the world in 140 character snippets is communicating then you need to shift your perspective. These types of social networks are great for getting the word out quickly if you need something or there’s an emergency, but how are you getting your needs met? How can someone posting on your wall give you the emotional connection you need when the well has run or is running dry?
The sad thing is in these instances you think you’re connecting but it’s not real. You think you’re getting support but how does a 140 character response compare to a hug from someone who is looking out for your well-being?
Obviously there are constraints with in-person relationships. We’ve become a very mobile society so you may not live near those you go to for support. This is where technology like Skype is great because you can see the person in real-time while talking to them. It’s not simply a few words on the screen. A few short words may work for Hallmark, but in this day and age when so many of us are yearning for connection, a live person works best.
How will you commit to connecting with friends and family in person? You don’t even have to go anywhere, invite those you want to spend time with to your home. Personally, you probably need a change of scenery so going to see them may do you a world of good, but the reverse works too. This is one of those times when I’ll harp on attending a support group. Be in the room with others who share your path and you’ll feel supported. Who knows you will probably get a hug after the meeting and a coffee date on your calendar.
Don’t succumb to technology as a replace for connection. Think of technology as an addition to technology and you’ll feel more supported and connected in your own life!
Posted in Caregiving | Tagged caregiver health, caregiver needs, care for the caregiver, caregiver stress, caregiver support, skype, caregiver burnout, coaching caregivers, caregiver empowerment, Facebook, Greg Katz, support groups, health blogger, apple, iPad, MySpace | Leave a Comment »
January 28, 2010 by Greg Katz
The Smithsonian is one of the most celebrated and prestigious museums in the world. It archives history of the United States like no other museum could ever accomplish. Those who are in the Smithsonian, represented in some way for their accomplishments, achievements, and contributions have a special place in our history.
There’s a bumper sticker/refrigerator magnet etc. that states, “Well behaved women seldom make history”. Think about that for a moment and then see how it applies to your life, compare and contrast the figures you admire most in the Smithsonian. How does your life measure up? If we were putting together a museum just about you what would be the highlights?
When diagnosed with a chronic or life-threatening illness merely trying isn’t good enough. Until your mind, body, and spirit are on the same page with a common goal you’re probably just going through the motions. Your life is too precious to simply just go through the motions. A quote from the show The West Wing states, “You think there’s a room in the Smithsonian for guys who never tried?”
There’s nothing about overcoming an illness that’s easy. For many the simple act of getting out of bed in the morning could be the biggest challenge of the day, but trying is a must. Whether the reason you can’t get out of bed is physical or emotional; the act of trying, desiring, even willing if necessary goes a long way.
I’m not suggesting that you have to fly around the world looking for gurus and healers who will perform miracles. I am suggesting that you take your thoughts and actions one step further than usual. It’s too easy when facing a health challenge to get caught in the rut of the same. Life becomes a routing when it should be a continual mystery.
How will you make history for yourself? What can you do today, just one thing that will move you one step deeper in healing your mind, body, and/or spirit? Who do you need to call to join you in this mission? Don’t be well-behaved, be outrageous!
Posted in Living with Illness, after the diagnosis, coping with chronic illness, coping with life threatening illness, living with chronic illness | Tagged coping with chronic and life threatening illness, Greg Katz, health blogger, illness coaching, mind body connection, patient empowerment, Smithsonian, The West Wing | Leave a Comment »
January 27, 2010 by Greg Katz
Every courtroom drama shows a witness getting on the witness stand and swearing to tell the truth. Even though the person swears to tell the truth there is no guarantee other than threat of a perjury charge. Isn’t it interesting that when we go to the doctor we’re not sworn in to tell the truth? We’re allowed to fabricate whatever story we want in the doctor’s office. We’re free to concoct a story about our symptoms, our habits, our reactions in hopes of not seeming as sick or wanting to not “disappoint” the doctor.
Let’s get to the truth. The truth is that the only person we hurt when we don’t tell the truth is ourselves. Not telling the truth doesn’t hurt the doctor. It does make the physician less effective and potentially negligent, but not as a result of their skills or intentions. Maybe you believe that small lies don’t count, but they could have a huge impact on your treatment plan.
One example is those who are on anti-depressants and are asked about their alcohol consumption. People who are embarrassed by their alcohol intake when they were instructed not to drink or to greatly reduce their intake may not be truthful. Is it any wonder that they also report not feeling any better being on the medication?
How about those of you with high cholesterol, putting you at risk for cardio-vascular incidents and the you’ve been told to change your diet. Let me tell you increasing your vegetable intake is important, but putting butter or cheese on it negates the good; but you still get to the tell the doctor that you’re eating more vegetables.
How about the person who wants to believe they’re getting better and minimizes their symptoms to the doctor. Is it worth suffering needlessly just to look good. That only works in the old Billy Crystal comedy sketch where he used to say, “It’s better to look good than to feel good”. If you subscribe to that philosophy you’re doing you and your body a disservice. There are lots of ways for providers to aid you with reducing symptoms, but they need to know about them. That requires you to be honest with yourself and the provider.
At the end of the day the doctor doesn’t have to go home with you and look in the mirror knowing that the information presented wasn’t true. This is about your integrity and why would you want to compromise that?
You may think you’re putting one over on the doctor, but the truth is that you’re only deceiving yourself. The body will expose you through lab tests, exams, and escalation of symptoms or disease progression. Head the troubles off at the pass and partner with your doctor so you get the best care possible. It’s what you owe yourself and what you deserve!
Posted in Living with Illness, after the diagnosis, coping with chronic illness, coping with life threatening illness, living with chronic illness | Tagged "The Doctors", Being honest with your doctor, coaching illness, doctor-patient relationship, Dr. Travis Stork, Greg Katz, health blogger, illness coaching, Medical truth telling, patient empowerment | Leave a Comment »
January 26, 2010 by Greg Katz
Ever watch babies cry; they do it with such abandon for what others think or care about them as they engage in this behavior. Why do you think that’s so? Probably because they have no other means of communicating what they’re thinking or what they need. It’s their form of language at least for the first few months and it is very effective. If nothing else it gets everyone’s attention.
When does that change? Why is it that crying becomes a bad, almost taboo activity? Does having spoken language really change the primal nature of crying? Isn’t crying still an effective means of communication? If nothing else doesn’t it serve as a form of ultimate self-expression?
Keeping that in mind then it shows us that crying is brave because it goes against the norm. As adults we’re supposed to be tougher than a baby. We’re allegedly able to communicate more directly through our vocabulary. Truth be told, I can’t think of anything more honest, open, and brave than crying. The purity of the emotion makes it a freeing experience for body, mind, and spirit.
I can’t think of a person who diagnosed with a chronic or life-threatening illness who hasn’t wanted to cry after the news. Maybe you are one of those people who believe that when life gives you lemons you should make lemonade, but when shock and dismay hit doesn’t crying seem like a likely candidate for self-expression?
When we’re vulnerable we’re open to receiving love and support from others. It gives others the opening to approach us and lend their words and actions of comfort. Even when you cry in private, there is an openness about you that emerges and others can feel. There’s a receptivity to seeking alternatives to promote health and healing. You’re more inclined to create a wellness team to support you through the good and the bad times. It’s truly a win-win situation; that would make Stephen Covey proud!
If you feel it necessary, have a good cry. If you’re already a weeper then good for you, you have one more tool in your arsenal to promote wellness. If you’re not in that place you may need something to prime the pump, but eventually it will come naturally just like water from the well.
Posted in Emotional Health, Living with Illness, after the diagnosis, coping with chronic illness, coping with life threatening illness, living with chronic illness | Tagged coaching illness, crying, crying and self-expression, Greg Katz, health blogger, illness coaching, patient empowerment, strength and crying | Leave a Comment »
January 25, 2010 by Greg Katz
The poem by Robert Frost speaks about “The Road Not Taken”. The poem starts, “Two roads diverged in a yellow wood, and sorry I could not travel both…” It’s common to feel that way in your life, two roads before you and you can only choose one. How do you know which one will be in your best interest or is the correct on that leads to health and healing?
Last night I was at a lecture and woman speaking is a Shaman. She apprenticed for over 7 years with a Shaman and she delivered a very powerful message. She shared that in this world we have one of two choices to make about lives; you can either choose to be a victim or a creator. I heard her words and I felt as if I had one of those lightbulb moments.
This world is full of those choosing victimhood. As a psychotherapist it was a common issue for clients, but if you watch the news, read the paper, or venture out in public it shows up in everywhere. There are certainly life circumstances that will direct you in one direction or another, but isn’t the eventual goal for everyone to become a creator?
As an artist it’s not uncommon for me, every few years, to lay out my work in chronological order to see its progression. It’s an easy process because the art is something tangible and can be displayed. How can we do that with our lives?
I took a workshop with Angeles Arrien, author of The Nine Muses. We were discussing creativity and one of the exercises was to do an autobiography of our creative lives by decade. Most of us had lived past the age of 30 so we actually had a few decades to explore. Couldn’t you use this method for any and all areas of your life? What would you like to see the progression of in your life? Think about a quality, characteristic, or action you take and see how it has transformed over time.
This is a great practice for those who are facing a health challenge because you can see the personal transformation that often takes place after receiving a diagnosis. It wasn’t the chosen road, but the detour so how have your ideals, ideas, beliefs and values changed over time. This is part of the healing process; it’s part of your healing journey!
Posted in Living with Illness, after the diagnosis, coping with chronic illness, coping with life threatening illness, living with chronic illness | Tagged "The Road Not Taken", coaching illness, Greg Katz, health blogger, healthcare decisions, illness and victimization, illness coaching, overcoming adversity, patient empowerment, Robert Frost, victims of illness | Leave a Comment »
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