Understanding Type 2 diabetes: part 1 - causes and prevention HELLO I AM DR. SUGAR, YOUR INTERNET DOCTOR, HERE TO GIVE YOU YOUR DOSE OF MEDICAL INPIRATION FOR THE DAY. OUR TOPIC IS Understanding Type 2 Diabetes- - so let's get started shall we...
Type 2 diabetes accounts for more than 90% of the cases of diabetes in this country. It is the kind that used to be called adult onset diabetes, as it was only seen in adults, and usually in people 50 or older. Nowadays, it is even seen in children, so it’s no longer accurate to call it adult-onset diabetes.
What are the causes of Type 2 diabetes and is there a way to prevent it? Some people are born with insulin-producing cells in the pancreas that are very sensitive while other people have very robust insulin-producing cells. In general, a person who eats lots of white carbohydrates like sugar, white flour (including white bread or tortillas) as well as white pasta and white rice will need more insulin – especially if they do not exercise regularly and are overweight. Lets compare this to a person who exercises regularly, is lean and eats a healthy diet with lots of fruit, vegetables, and whole grains - - this type of person will need much less insulin.
However, if you are born with very robust insulin producing cells lifestyle choices alone will most likely not make you diabetic. Similar to how some people who smoke cigarettes every day never develop lung cancer. Unfortunately it is a little like Russian roulette because nobody knows who has robust and who has sensitive insulin-producing cells until the first symptoms develop. So it is a great idea to maintain a healthy lifestyle now instead of taking your health for granted and just hoping for the best.
Family history of Type 2 diabetes is usually a good hint that you should be careful, and in general it is always better to err on the side of caution. Type 2 diabetes is preventable; the best way would be to always live a healthy lifestyle. Now some of you may think as you are listening that is easier said than done, and for some people the idea of preventing diabetes becomes only urgent when their Doctor diagnoses prediabetes. Prediabetes is the diagnosis we make when somebody develops subtle symptoms that their insulin-producing cells are severely stressed, but before they have actually developed diabetes.
According to the American Diabetes Association the recently completed Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) study conclusively showed that people with pre-diabetes can prevent the development of type 2 diabetes by making changes in their diet and increasing their level of physical activity. They may even be able to return their blood glucose levels to the normal range. And I believe that this is EASIER DONE than SAID.
While the DPP showed that some medications may delay the development of diabetes, diet and exercise worked better. Just 30 minutes a day of moderate physical activity, coupled with a 5-10% reduction in body weight, produced a 58% reduction in diabetes. Now lets look at this 30 minutes of moderate physical exercise – that could mean brisk walking out in the neighborhood or even at your local park, or you could go to the gym if that is more your style, how about riding a bike or swimming, or joining a yoga or Pilates class – these are all activities that could definitely be fun in addition to being very good for you. And how about that weight loss recommendation – lets say you weigh 150 pounds – a 5-10% reduction in weight is only 7 to 14 pounds. Or if you weigh 180 pounds a 5-10% reduction in weight is only 9-18 pounds. With moderate exercise and cutting back on carbs, incorporating more fruits and veggies in the diet and choosing water instead of soda, this is easily accomplished. Why don’t you start today and incorporate a healthier way of living. Think about lowering your risk of diabetes by almost 60% - that is definitely a great reason to get moving today! You can do it, I know you can.
I am Doctor Sugar and I want to invite you to join me for part 2 of my blog series on Understanding Type 2 Diabetes. In the next section, I will go into a lot more detail on those healthy eating choices that are very important for all diabetic patients. Make sure to check it out. I’ll see you there!!
References: American Diabetes Association: www.diabetes.org Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: www.cdc.gov Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) study American Diabetes Foundation New England Journal of Medicine, September 30, 1993 Gregg et al., Annals of Internal Medicine, 2007 Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation
The information contained in this blog is not medical advice. Please consult your medical doctor before making any decisions or taking any actions on your health or the health of your family.
I am very blessed to have my wonderful father alive and well at the age of 76. He has been my biggest fan and supporter for as long as I can remember. Always with a smile to share, a hug and kiss, an "I Love You", and a sincere and warm compliment for me. Lesson: Give and Show Love at every Opportunity
From the time I was very young, my father always encouraged me to be my best and to give my all and to never ever quit. And all my life, I lived to make him proud of me and couldn't even imagine doing something to disappoint him. This unwavering belief that he had in all my dreams has pushed me to achieve far greater things than might otherwise have been possible. Lesson: Tell your children you believe in all their dreams and that they can do anything, be anything and become anything. Let them know that you stand behind them 100%. Give Encouragement without Pressure.
When I was a little kid, my mom was very busy and rarely (actually never) cooked - - but my dad was a great cook. I remember Sunday mornings - - he would get up early and cook eggs, bacon and cream gravy - - (terrible to think of how unhealthy this was - but absolutely delicious none the less) - - then we would sit around in our jammies and watch cartoons and he would read us the Sunday "funnies" Lesson: Kids remember the small things -
My parents came from nothing to become self made millionaires - through this came many lessons - - they worked long long hours - when I was little, I remember how the business always came first - that we worked 7 days a week - we only took a day off on Christmas - that if there was work to be done, that you did it before doing anything else. Lesson: I will do today what others won't so I can live tomorrow like others can't. This is one of my favorite quotes - I learned this first hand by watching my parents.
My dad was a saver. My mom was a spender. He always said as long as he could make it faster than she could spend it then it was all good. He had a great outlook on life and truly enjoyed making money - I say enjoyed - that should actually be in the present tense - enjoys - because even at age 76, he still goes to work every day and loves to tell me about any great deals he makes. He taught me through example many lessons about wealth: Invest in assets. Have respect for money. Only spend money that you have saved. Never over extend yourself.
When I was in College, the one thing I most looked forward to was my daily talks with my dad. I might go days without talking with my mom, but every night, I would call my dad and I would bring him up to date on my day and my dreams and he would tell me all the latest happenings at home. The conversations always ended with "I love you, I miss you and I am so proud of you!" Lesson: Listen to your children, Love your children Unconditionally and Tell them how you feel.
My dad is one of the nicest guys you will ever meet - he has never met a stranger and can have an hour long conversation with anybody that happens to stop by or call on the phone. He is a great talker but also a great listener. I can remember times when I would walk into his office with something to tell him and he would be on the phone - - I would wait and wait until finally he would hang up from this in depth conversation... I would say - "who was that?" and his reply "I don't know someone trying to get me to change my long distance carrier or something." unbelievable !! Yes he is quite a conversationalist. Lesson: Take an interest in all people. Ask people about their lives and their loves and Listen to their reply.
Now I know my intention for this post was to honor my father - and with all my honor and respect, I feel I must share a few things I learned from my dad that aren't things I want to emulate.
My mom and dad argued and fought a lot in front of us. They were married for 49 years when my mom passed away in 2004. They had been in business together since the 1950's and I am sure there was much pressure that came with that - but as a child it was frightening to see my parents fight. As an adult - I just thought it was such a waste of time to argue so much. Lesson: Never argue in front of the children and never go to bed with unresolved anger.
My dad is a very generous man - somehow I learned how to be a saver like him - to have ambition and have goals and dreams, but unfortunately it seems my siblings only learned that mom & dad would make the money and they could spend it. Neither my brother or sister ever graduated from high school or worked - they just live off of my parents. Certainly this is a point of great contention in our family. Lesson: Teach children values, Give them love not money,Teach them to earn money so they understand the value of money and the value of a good days work.
My life has been blessed with two wonderful parents. On Father's Day I give Love, Honor, Respect and Great Tribute to my Amazing Dad who is my hero and one of my best friends in life - a man who I absolutely Love and Adore. A man who is a great dad and an even better Papa.
I was at my father’s place yesterday evening. We were having a nice visit when suddenly my 2-year-old daughter picked up a plate of salad that my 6 year old was eating and dumped it all over the floor. I gently told the girls that it was ok and asked them to clean it up as best as they could. AS they tried to please me, they of course proceeded to make an even bigger mess despite their best efforts. At this point the floor was a sticky mess thanks to the salad dressing. I had to laugh and simply said “thank you so much for helping” to my babies and bent over to clean the rest of the salad up.
My father said - "Sugar - you don't have to clean that - one of my assistants/secretaries can come by tomorrow and clean up." I continued cleaning it up and then mopped the floor since the dressing had made everything so sticky.
I then turned to my girls and said..."Girls - whenever you make a mess or a mistake - you must always tell the truth and acknowledge that you made a mess and then YOU must clean up the mess you made. This is called being responsible."
In life, you will find that you will make many mistakes or messes and that is ok – we all make messes sometimes - - just make sure you are always honest about the mistakes and take responsibility for cleaning up the mess - -
I put my girls in the car after they kissed their Papa good night and then I went back in and in private said – “Dad – I love you but PLEASE do not ever teach my children that they don’t have to be responsible for their own actions.”
I know in his heart he meant well by telling me not to clean and mop (what can I say – I am a princess – who has many other talents besides domestic engineering) but when I realized the implication and what my babies were watching – I realized that this was a valuable opportunity to teach a lesson – so mop away I did because children will learn what they watch.
We must all lead by example.
So... did they get it? When I got to the car I said to Mariah - - did you learn anything after the salad spilled? And she said - "yes Mommy - I learned that we have to be responsible and honest and always clean up our messes"... and little Malaya pipes in "Yah mommy - messes"
I am Doctor Sugar and when you have a medical question simply click on my picture and go to my profile to see a variety of blogs and videos on many wellness & self-esteem topics. Have a great day BraveHeart Sisters!
Most doctors will balk when they read this but I am going to be bold and say it anyways… As a physician I consider intuition to be a very valuable and reliable tool.
Ever been there and done that? Heard a nagging little voice, or one that was pretty much yelling in your head, saying words to the effect of "Do it!" or "Something is not right here!" And then, well, you went ahead and ignored what that voice was saying?
Most doctors will balk when they read this but I am going to be bold and say it anyways… As a physician I consider intuition to be a very valuable and reliable tool.
One of the more vital skills a doctor will acquire in their years of practice is that inner voice that decides within roughly 3 seconds flat of entering the exam room, that a patient is either Sick or Well.
Sick or Well??
What will a doctor do when a patient looks sick but Intuition says WELL?
What about when the patient looks well but Intuition says SICK?
As a Medical Doctor, I HAVE accepted the fact that Intuition is my great ally when I choose to listen.
They didn't teach me about INTUITION in medical school!
There are many things we don't learn from school or from main stream ideology! But that doesn't mean we shouldn't learn them on our own! After all, you are your biggest teacher!
There is another VERY important topic that I didn't learn in medical school that I had to learn the hard way.
It is about the Female Prosperity Hormone! Most Doctors have no idea about this 'connection'!
Understanding this 'connection' will change your life. I know, because it changed mine!
As a medical doctor and as a self esteem & prosperity coach, here is my diagnosis:
Most women are struggling physiologically, emotionally, & yes financially because no one has taught them this 'connection'! I am talking about the connection between your 'Prosperity Hormone' and your 'Financial Life'!
Are you listening to your intuition?
I'll bring you my point of view on the prosperity hormone call...I'm laying it out on the line because I know it'll benefit you tremendously!
Ok – back for a real life example of Listening to Intuition. I am going to share a story of a time when Intuition said SICK but my mind was telling me WELL. Did I listen??
I said in my previous blog that I consider Intuition to be very valuable to physicians. That little voice that tells you - SICK or WELL - within 3 seconds of entering a room - while you are still saying "Hello, I am Dr. Singleton. What brings you in today?"
Many years ago, I was sitting in my Doctor’s office taking a minute to myself between patients. I was suddenly called to the front desk, by the receptionist, to assess a small boy who was “choking.” Under “normal” circumstances – the front desk usually gets a nurse to evaluate the patients first and decide if they must be seen immediately or wait their turn. However, the entire nursing staff was suddenly no where to be found at this second and so in a state of panic – the receptionist said Dr. S. “help!”
I ran to the front desk to find a half hysterical mom – holding a perfectly well appearing child. There was no choking, there was no altered breathing, there wasn’t even any crying. LOOKED great. My mind said – “he can wait for a nurse.” My intuition said, “bring him right back.” I motioned to the receptionist to allow them to come straight to the back.
Now - - again normal procedure would be for the nurse to take over at this point and triage the patient – (get the chart ready, why are you here, weight, height, blood pressure, heart rate, oxygen, respiratory rate and what not) - - Mind says, “let the nurse triage the patient.” Intuition says – “take the boy into a room and see him while the nurse is getting vitals.” Thanks to some higher being - - I actually listened - - remarkable that I did - - because like I said - - perfectly normal appearing child.
We go into a room together - - I start immediately doing a physical exam while the nurse is simultaneously getting all the vital signs. Everything I am checking looks perfect – no bells or whistles going off - - everything still looks and sounds great. At this point I happen to glance down and notice the oxygen monitor on the child’s toe - - he’s moving around a lot and the nurse is fiddling with the monitor trying to get it to read right…. Monitor says O2 40% - - (should be 100%). Mind says to me, “can’t be right –it’s just the monitor – relax.” Intuition says, “ground yourself and then take quick action!” –
Very calmly I said to the nurse – “do you think that is right” and she said, “no – I think it is just the monitor.” “OK” I replied, “but just in case I am going to grab some oxygen.” I came quickly back into the room and started the oxygen – and interestingly enough – the monitor started going up up up.
Suddenly mind is now in tune with intuition - - saying “SH@#$%!!!! - that IS a real reading.” Within 4 minutes of that child hitting the front door we had him stabilized and out the back door in an ambulance on his way to a helicopter to be airlifted to a bigger city and a higher level of care.
For any medical personnel reading this - - you will understand that IF at any ONE of those CRITICAL junctures, I had chosen to listen to my mind instead of my intuition, that child would have died in my waiting room – or died in my triage room - - it was only mere minutes before this would have been a critical situation even though on the surface – the child looked fine.
Thank you Intuition and thank God – I listened!
This was an extreme case which truly was a life and death situation - - and it taught me a very valuable lesson - - When Intuition speaks - - you better listen!
I am Dr. Sugar and when you have a medical question simply click on my picture and go to my profile to see many blogs and videos on a wide variety of topics. I’ll see you there for your next dose of medical inspiration.
P.S. The Doctor in me wants to remind mom's and everyone who cares for young children - - to always be cautious what you are feeding them. No hot dogs, peanuts, marshmallows, grapes, or other small things that could get caught in their wind-pipe
P.S.S. (FYI:Some of this scenario was modified to protect the patients privacy)
What an inspiring day today in our BraveHeart Women Community.! This evening as I was preparing for one of my conference calls, we got a much needed rain - - actually it was more of a down pour.
It was only about 30 minutes prior to the call starting - my girls were outside under the porch staring at the rain - - then Mariah (7) got an umbrella and started walking around in the driveway. Of course Malaya (2) had to follow her big sister and before I knew what was happening, I looked up from my laptop and saw them both out in the driveway in the rain - in their SOCKS.
I went to the door and said - - "Girls, could you at least take your socks off.!" So they did and threw the dripping socks to me. My first thought was... "I really don't have time for this... I have to prepare for my conference call..."
But then remembered a time when I was about 15 and my best friend and I were in a rain storm - - it was the middle of summer - warm - and pouring rain. We took our shoes off and went out into the street and danced in circles - - and laughed and had the best time.
Oh what the heck - lighten up - it doesn't rain that often in New Mexico ... better take an opportunity to make a memory. So I kicked off my shoes and said "Come on Girls - - lets go find some BIG puddles!" We laughed and jumped and ran and danced and just as we were talking about how WARM the water puddles were, the sky opened up and absolutely dumped on us. Mariah and I got the giggles even though Malaya didn't think getting soaking wet was all that fun. "Hold you - mommy"
Well - needless to say - it was fun, we had a great laugh and I got inside just in time to dry my feet off and get on an amazing call with my BraveHeart Sisters.
With Love, Wellness, & Compassion, Dr. Sugar
Do you know about the Female Prosperity Hormone? Click here to sign up for one of the few remaining spots so you too can learn what all the buzz is about!
They didn't teach me about INTUITION in medical school!
There are many things we don't learn from school or from main stream ideology! But that doesn't mean we shouldn't learn them on our own! After all, you are your biggest teacher!
I am Doctor Sugar and I used to wonder what people were talking about when they said Intuition. Going through nearly a dozen years of rigorous post graduate training to become a doctor is enough to nearly shut down your entire right brain forever if it weren't for places like BraveHeart Women where inspired women from all over the globe can come to share, learn and grow and if it weren't for good friends like Ellie Drake and her life-changing advice. "Sugar, of course you are intuitive - we all are - we're women - you just have to allow yourself to turn your mind off and listen" (thank you my friend!)
So What exactly is the voice of intuition? The standard definition for it (kind of hard to quantify something so elusive really) is the ability to sense/know something immediately without any form of apparent reasoning. Many people also consider intuition to be a divine or prophetic power.
Where does it come from and how does it manifest itself? All those are good questions, and for each person there is usually a different answer. What is our inner guidance system? While there are many theories about what intuition is, the most popular one seems to be that it is an inner warning system that is instinctively reacting to subtle cues we receive from others or our environment. Those cues are then filtered at the speed of light thought our brains and signals sent out that cause us to act or react in a certain manner.
Most times we have no idea why we arrived at a particular conclusion about a situation, but just knew that "something" prompted us to check further, do a procedure in a different manner or ask a question we normally would not ask.
Where did the "nudge" come from? This is interesting, because many people report reacting on intuition in several ways. The most common "intuition or inner guidance" locations seem to be the brain and the solar plexus area. When the nagging voice originates from the brain area, we seem to "hear" a voice that says, "act now." If the solar plexus gets in on the act, it seems to produce a sensation akin to being poked in the middle with a finger, a sort of prickly, uneasy feeling that makes us take a closer look at whatever we are doing.
This isn't to say that we don't experience both kinds of "inner guidance nudges," because we do. The real key here is how we choose to use the blessing of intuition to help others, or ourselves. This inner voice is not to be ignored, and many people have spoken quite eloquently about not following their intuition and wishing they had. If there is any lesson that needs to be learned from using versus ignoring intuition, it is LISTEN closely to what your inner guidance system tells you. It is seldom wrong.
Don't let logical fears talk you out of doing what you instinctively feel is the right thing to do. Your inner guidance system, your intuition, is something we all have for a reason. Usually that reason is to guide us in our daily activities, get us out of hot water, or give us a heads up when something doesn't seem right. Intuition can also guide us on great journeys that our minds would rather not allow us to take. Intuition sometimes says - wake up - get out of your comfort zone - be spontaneous - Ignore the nudging at your own peril. Your intuition is usually right! Listen.
As a Medical Doctor, I HAVE accepted the fact that Intuition is my great ally when I choose to listen. If you want to read about a real life or death situation in which my intuition saved a life - click here.
I am Dr. Sugar and when you have a medical question simply click on my picture and go to my profile to view a wide variety of blogs and videos on wellness and self esteem. I'll see you there for your next dose of Medical Inspiration!
Do you know about the Female Prosperity Hormone? Click here to sign up for one of the few remaining spots so you too can learn what all the buzz is about!
Intuition is something that we need to harness to its full potential. It has amazing things to tell us and if we choose to listen to those messages, our lives will be richer, fuller and more abundant. This is a nod to the concept of what you put out, you attract, and this is a part of using your intuition as well. Listen to what that voice is saying to you, act on the prompts, and the results are the attraction of joyful, bountiful and meaningful experiences.
Look at it this way. Our intuition isn't going to tell us to do something so dumb even your grandkids will hear about it at every family picnic from now until you're in your nineties. No, the only thing they will hear about is what happened when you chose NOT to listen to that inner voice and, "Brother, was that ever a mess."
Most of us know, without spending too much time thinking about it, what intuition is and what happens when we ignore it. You can read my blog titled "I didn't learn about Intuition in Medical School" which explains a lot more about what intuition is. However, having said that, for those who want the short and sweet version, let's define it by saying, "Intuition is when you know something, but don't know for sure how you came to know it or where that knowing came from."
If there was ever a more reliable inner guidance system (call it your own personal tracking device) then I don't know what that would be, save the true Divine power. Nonetheless, we all have that little inner nag and are able to develop it into a full-fledged voice (and no, it doesn't have to sound like your mother-in-law).
Over the years I have developed my inner guide, and have found several methods that work for me to take advantage of the voice. I'd like to share some of them with you.
1) Your inner voice is different from the usual chatter you hear in your mind every day. It is quiet, measured and definite in its delivery to you. When you hear it, ask a question that needs answering. E.g. Is this job right for me? Now, listen to what comes back as options. One will usually jump right out as being "IT." If not, try asking again. Write the "replies" down and revisit them later. From the replies a course of action usually becomes clear.
2) Many people link intuition with the concept of intuitive dreaming. It's funny how many people believe in the power of intuition through that gut level little nag but don't believe in intuitive dreams. Well, if you have one, why wouldn't you have the other?
What's the secret to using intuitive dreams? The secret is asking for insight, a response to a question, prior to drifting off to sleep. Yes, this takes some work to sort out what the dream responses mean, as they are in symbols, but many times the symbols are painfully clear – much like being hit over the head by the equivalent of a spiritual 2 x 4. Even our sub-consciousness has an opinion to offer. When you wake up, write down what you recall of your dreams and review it later.
3) I've often been asked if there is such a thing as emotional intuition. Yes, there is. A great deal of information comes at us on a daily basis and much of it gets filtered appropriately to its eventual destination – junk folder, pending folder, intuitive reaction folder, etc. Our feelings and emotions – for emotions are the result of feelings – tell us when we "feel wonderful" about a decision or action.
On the other hand, if we meet someone we distrust, or are in a situation that feels "wrong," our intuition is operating at full throttle. It pays to listen to these "feelings," as they will provide you with positive choices. By the way, often in instances like this, one of the feelings we have is a knot in our stomach. The knot is there for a reason, as in, "You're not making a good, positive choice."
While it may take some work to develop your intuition, it is a journey well worth taking. I hope you choose to take that journey.
I am Doctor Sugar and when you have a medical question or just want your dose of medical inspiration, click on my picture and go to my profile where you will see a wide variety of blogs and videos on many different wellness and self esteem topics. I'll see you there!
Inner knowing is not something that a lot of women spend time thinking about. They have way too much to do. You will know this right away if you have a family, job, house, kids, dogs, aging parents, a mortgage, two jobs and a husband. Did I forget something here? Yes, I did, your personal time. But then, how many women these days actually have personal time?
I don't see a lot of hands going up out there. I didn't really expect to because personal time is like gold to many of us. How do we do it all? Sure, we hear the "clone" jokes and secretly wish it were true, that there were two of us. The truth is we do it because no one else will, because we are good at what we do and we thrive on challenges. Yes, but enough already!
There comes a time when you need to listen to your inner spirit, call it intuition if you will and pay close attention to what it says. Who has time to listen? We need to deliberately make the time out of our busy days, even if it is only a 5-minute slice of peace and tranquility.
Why would we want to listen to our intuition? We need to listen to our intuition because that is what truly guides us through life's ups and downs, helps us resolve thorny issues and provides flashes of insight into how to solve problems. No doubt you've been in situations where you didn't listen to that quick flash of inner knowing and regretted it immensely. Right? I thought so. I know I've been guilty of that myself. ☺
We all do it, stuff that little voice yelling inside our heads down into a box and over ride it with logic. Women seem to be better at listening now and then, but they still have a few miles to go to harness the power.
To harness the power we need to quiet our minds, calm the thoughts that zap through our heads in a continuous flow. The best time to stop the chatter in your mind is in a steaming bath, door closed, eyes closed and totally relax. Now listen closely. Your inner spirit, intuition will speak to you if only you will acknowledge and listen to it and then act on it.
If the bath routine doesn't work, short 5-minute periods of mediation time will also work. Try for a quiet room, a comfortable chair, peaceful music, closed eyes and utterly let go. The thoughts and feelings will come. Write them down and listen with your heart and not your mind. Inner knowing brings inner peace and unleashes the potential power you have inside.
I am Doctor Sugar and when you have a medical question, simply click on my picture and go to my profiles to see many videos and blogs on a wide variety of wellness and self-esteem topics. I'll see you there!
Having You in My life is one of the Best things that has ever Happened to Me!
In this fast-paced, impersonal, sometimes unfriendly World, I know that I'm really fortunate that you are here, too. You make me feel not so alone. Thank You for all that you are to me.
I hope we will be there for each other during all the season of our lives, no matter where the road takes us. I can't imagine a circumstance that I would not be around for you or a place in time that I would not want you there with me.
Having you in my life is like the best present anyone could ever give me. I have grown to trust you and care about you and I love sharing the time we spend together. Knowing you lifts me up. You fill an empty space in my heart, and I hope you will stay in my life forever!.
~Donna Fargo
You are an Angel in my Life and I am so Grateful for YOU!
To my Soul-Sisters... Ellie, Crystal, Lisa, Lana & Deborah and to all of my BraveHeart Sisters in this community joining together HERE from all over the world.... to make a difference.... to BE the change we want to see in the World....
Dear Ones - - After my last retreat ended, I received this wonderful poem in a card from one of the most amazing, beautiful, inspirational women I have ever met. After reading it like 50 times over the last 3 days (with tears I might add) I decided it must be posted and shared with this global community of beautiful amazing inspirational women - - - so... this is for all of my BraveHeart Sisters everywhere - - along with a beautiful song for each and every one of you!
Have a Brave Heart Day!
Love Can Build a Bridge!!!!!!!!!
Don't you think it's Time?
With Unconditional Love, Total Wellness, & Deep Compassion
I recently read a beautiful touching blog about a tree house, champagne, caviar, and a very special friend. Then my soul-sister Lisa reminded me of this....
Here's to SOUL-SISTERS!
Girlfriends live in each other's Heart... just like family.
Girlfriends walk through life together, whether they live close or far apart. They know that the other one is there... to share the highs and the lows and everything else...
Girlfriends are connected at the heart, and their commitment to their friendship is permanent. They believe in each other. They are sensitive and supportive and they can talk about things they may not even talk to their families about. Each of them knows the other will understand, no matter what.
Girlfriends aren't afraid to break the rules, defend each other, and go out of their way. They've cried together and laughed together, and they have been there when it mattered. Their loyalty is strong and lasting, and their bond is unquestionable and unconditional. They know that they'll keep on being there through everything life has in store for them.
No once can take the place of a girlfriend...
You will always live in my heart.... just like family. ~Donna Fargo
This is a good question isn't it? Do you have any idea of what YOUR assets are? Have you stopped to think about that lately, or at all? Are you aware of how valuable your assets are and what they can do for you on your journey to success? How do your assets Inspire you? How do your assets lead you in the direction of your Purpose? More good questions that perhaps we should all take the time to ponder.
I believe that one of the main reasons many women don't reach their goals and fulfill their dreams is because they are not only "not" aware of their assets, but don't even know how to catalogue them or implement them in achieving their goals. Knowing your assets has a great deal to do with the presence of self-confidence and self-worth in your makeup, or at the very least, in being able to connect with those assets through training.
One of the best ways to truly understand what your assets are is to 1.)Sit down 2.)Take 5 Deep Breaths 3.)Begin to Connect with your Body 4.)Now close your eyes and focus on the BEST of You 5.)Take out a piece of blank paper or a special journal 6.)What do you Value about YOU? 7.)Now get out your PEN and start writing….
and write all of your assets down on a piece of paper. While this might sound a bit like tooting your own horn, how else are you going to see, in black and white, how talented, smart, creative, caring etc. (you get the idea) you are? Sure, you could discuss this with a friend, but when talking about your assets, things get forgotten, side tracked and second-guessed.
What you require is a fixed list that you can look at, refer back to, and add to on a regular basis. A list that shows you, at a glance, what your assets are. Once you have the list you will notice that some of the assets on the list you truly embody in every sense of the word - - while others you may feel you are just beginning to connect with and could really use some work on. So from here you can begin to use these qualities in your personal affirmations to boost your self-esteem.
Self-esteem and your assets go hand in hand, and don't let anyone tell you otherwise. Your assets often dictate your level of self-esteem and your perceived ability to reach for your goals.
Notice I said perceived ability in the foregoing sentence. Perception plays a huge part in our assessment of ourselves, and if we come up short somewhere, it often inhibits achievement. Perceptions speak to what we feel is "right" about us, what our assets are, or are not and there in lies the problem. Our mind seizes on the negatives far more often than the positives, thus making it difficult to sustain a positive, upbeat approach to itemizing our assets.
It's at this point that we have to search for the off switch inside our busy mind and sometimes just kindly say “thanks for sharing – I choose this belief…” and then replace that negativity as you contemplate the delightful assets that WILL make you a success. This is the "key" to success, the powerful belief that you WILL succeed because you DO have the assets to be a monumentally powerful force to be reckoned with every day.
Now when I say that I don't mean to be reckoned with by other people, although that may be a part of the overall equation. I am talking about a force to be reckoned with – period. You KNOW within yourself that you have the assets, the power, the skills, the intuition, the dedication and innate talents to make something of your life. There was never really any doubt was there?
It doesn't matter what your previous circumstances may be, or what they are now. If you have the unshakeable belief that you WILL succeed in life using your assets to their best advantage, then there is no doubt you WILL.
I am Doctor Sugar and when you have a medical question, simply click on my picture and go to my profile to view a wide variety of blogs and videos about wellness, self-esteem and medical inspiration. I’ll see you there and I sure hope to see many of you at RISE…. our upcoming live event in Los Angeles on October 2,3 & 4th. Take Inspired Action today and join us at an event that is sure to be life-changing!
Hello BraveHeart Sisters. I have been seeing patients all day today and have had little time to reflect on the memories of 9-11-01 - - as the evening comes to a close and I consider that I will be going home soon, I pause for a moment of silence, a moment of remembrance...
In Memory 9-11-01
We are blessed to live in the Land of Liberty
It almost seems hard to believe that it has been 8 years since the fall of the twin towers. I remember it like it was yesterday. I was working in a busy University Hospital doing a surgical rotation. I had gone in to the hospital at 4:00 am for pre-rounds. I finished seeing all of my patients and ran down to the cafeteria to grab some breakfast about 5:40 am and remember hearing that a plane had hit the twin towers. I was in a rush and in my mind I was thinking that a little commuter plane had had an accident. I ran upstairs to the surgical floor to meet my team and we began rounds.
Rounds at a teaching hospital consists of the "team" (medical students, externs, interns, residents, chief, fellow and attending) all gathering outside of a patients room and a thorough discussion of the patient's history, physical exam and surgical progress ensues. Then the team enters the patients room to see and assess the patient together and decide the plan for the next 24 hours.
So rounds began at 6:00 am in front of the first patients room.
64 year old male 12 hours status post emergency appendectomy - doing well since surgery - pain well controlled on pca - positive flatus no bowel movement since surgery....blah blah blah.... We talked and then entered the patients room and as we were seeing him, I remember glancing at the television in his room. By this time the second plane had hit the twin towers and that was all that was on the news. We finished our assessment and moved on to the next room - with no mention of what we were witnessing on television.
On to the next room - 37 year old female 3 days status post left hemi-colectomy secondary to colon cancer doing well today afebrile overnight pain well controlled with morphine pump...blah blah blah.... we enter the room to see the patient .... glancing to the television that the patient couldn't get her eyes off of - - - the first tower had just fallen - and the second tower was a blaze of fire.
Next room 44 year old female 5 days status post bilateral radical mastectomy secondary to breast cancer. Increased pain with fever to 38.5 degrees overnight. Chest x-ray, blood cultures and urinalysis ordered upon last temperature spike - no sign of wound infection - very concerning given patients immune status....blah blah blah.... we enter the room to see the patient ..... glancing to the television - - - an airplane has just hit the pentagon.
Next room 78 year old male 8 days status post total colectomy secondary to diverticular abcess with hemorrhage. Stable for last 3 days awaiting nursing home placement for discharge...blah blah blah... we enter the room to see the patient .... glancing at the television - - - the state department and the capital are under attack.
Next room 47 year old female 2 days status post open cholecystectomy secondary to multiple obstructing stones doing well on po pain meds ready for discharge...blah blah blah.... we enter the room to see the patient .... glancing at the television - - - the second tower has just fallen.
And this is how the morning rounds proceeded with another horrible image being flashed each and every time we entered another room and I remember that every cell in my body just wanted to stop and watch television and see what the heck was happening but knowing as a doctor - - that the patients come first.
Finishing rounds then going downstairs to the operating room for our morning surgeries... how can life just go on.... why can't we stop and watch tv? .... what is happening to our country?
The patient is ready doctor....
Yes - - right
scalpel please...
bovi...
suction...
It was probably the most surreal day of my life... finishing up surgeries and then doing evening rounds, I finally retired to my apartment around 7:00 pm that evening, took a quick shower, threw on some sweats and jumped on the couch with a bowl of Ramen noodles - - flipped on the television to finally find out the state of our country and our fallen brothers and sisters - - only to have to arise again at 3:30 am for another day in the OR....
9-11-01
just another day in the life of a doctor.
The patient always comes first.
I am fortunate to live in the Land Of Liberty.
Let us never forget the sacrifices of our Fallen Heroes.
They bear hardships and they carry burdens,
but they hold happiness, love and joy.
They smile when they want to scream.
They sing when they want to cry.
They cry when they are happy
and laugh when they are nervous.
They fight for what they believe in..
They stand up to injustice.
They don't take "no" for an answer
when they believe there is a better solution.
They go without so their family can have.
They go to the doctor with a frightened friend.
They love unconditionally.
They cry when their children excel
and cheer when their friends get awards.
They are happy when they hear about
a birth or a wedding.
Their hearts break when a friend dies.
They grieve at the loss of a family member,
yet they are strong when they
think there is no strength left.
They know that a hug and a kiss
can heal a broken heart.
Women come in all shapes, sizes and colors.
They'll drive, fly, walk, run or e-mail you
to show how much they care about you.
The heart of a woman is what
makes the world keep turning.
They bring joy, hope and love.
They have compassion and ideas.
They give moral support to their
family and friends.
Women have vital things to say
and everything to give.
HOWEVER, IF THERE IS ONE FLAW IN WOMEN,
IT IS THAT THEY FORGET THEIR WORTH.
'May today there be peace within. May you trust that you are exactly where you are meant to be. May you not forget the infinite possibilities that are born of faith in yourself and others. May you use the gifts that you have received, and pass on the LOVE that has been given to you. May you be content with yourself just the way you are. Let this knowledge settle into your bones, and allow your soul the freedom to sing, dance, praise and love. It is there for each and every one of us.'
I read this poem and had to share with my BraveHeart Sisters. Have a Happy Thanksgiving and always remember You are an Amazing BraveHeart Woman!
Today I am filled with Gratitude for all of the Blessings in my life. Allow me to share a few things that I am grateful for with you.
I am so incredibly grateful to be able to share thoughts, wisdom and awareness with purpose driven women from around the world. I am grateful to the BHWGC founder Ellie Drake for her vision & her friendship. I am grateful for all of the BraveHeart Support Team for their dedication. I am grateful to have excellent health and the ability to participate everyday in my total wellness. I am so incredibly grateful to be married to my best friend & soul-mate, Rick. I am equally as grateful for my 3 healthy, beautiful, intelligent children. I am grateful that my father is healthy and well at age 77. I am grateful to be surrounded my so many friends and family. I am grateful that each day I get to live my purpose. I am grateful that I make a positive difference in the World. I am grateful for all of my BraveHeart Sisters and for the special soul-to-soul bond created with the Brave, Bold and Inspired women who have come through RELEASE.
On this Thanksgiving Day 2009, I wish the best to each and every one of you.
May your thoughts today be filled with Gratitude for all the Blessings in your life.!!!!
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He had a great outlook on life and truly enjoyed making money - I say enjoyed - that should actually be in the present tense - enjoys - because even at age 76, he still goes to work every day and loves to tell me about any great deals he makes. 
(thank you my friend!) 
