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Edward T. Creagan, M.D.
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Edward T. Creagan, M.D.
Edward T. Creagan, M.D.
"The magic of the electronic village is transforming health information. The mouse and keyboard have extended the stethoscope to the 500 million people now online." - Dr. Edward Creagan
The power of the medium inspires Dr. Edward Creagan as he searches for ways to share Mayo Clinic's vast resources with the general public.
Dr. Creagan, a Newark, N.J., native, is board certified in internal medicine, medical oncology, and hospice medicine and palliative care. He has been with Mayo Clinic since 1973 and in 1999 was president of the staff of Mayo Clinic. Dr. Creagan, a professor of medical oncology at Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, was honored in 1995 with the John and Roma Rouse Professor of Humanism in Medicine Award and in 1992 with the Distinguished Mayo Clinician Award, Mayo's highest recognition. He has been recognized with the American Cancer Society Professorship of Clinical Oncology.
He describes his areas of special interest as "wellness as a bio-psycho-social-spiritual-financial model" and fitness, mind-body connection, aging and burnout.
Dr. Creagan has been an associate medical editor with Mayo Clinic's Web sites and has edited publications and CD-ROMs and reviewed articles.
"We the team of (the Web site) provide reliable, easy-to-understand health and wellness information so that each of us can have productive, meaningful lives," he says.
Latest entries
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Feb. 5, 2010
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Jan. 29, 2010
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Jan. 23, 2010
- Got stress? Get a hobby
Jan. 16, 2010
- Learning from the past helps us move forward
Jan. 9, 2010
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Stress blog
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Nov. 17, 2007
'Letting go' a simple path to peace
By Edward T. Creagan, M.D.
I am profoundly grateful for the spirited and thoughtful dialogue on the issue of Mother Teresa, stress, and dealing with some of life's challenges. This issue became especially relevant one evening last week.
I had the opportunity of addressing a marvelous group of clergy honoring a deceased minister for his contributions to the mind, body, spirit connection. I was asked to address the issue of stress and burnout among the clergy.
As with many professionals, the clergy are under enormous stress because of the demands of the parishioners and the need to be constantly "on call" in our current digital age. Upon review of the literature, I learned that many clergy in fact become the CEOs of multimillion dollar corporations with a volunteer staff numbering into the hundreds and many of them were not trained to deal with these sorts of responsibilities. Burnout can certainly be the result.
Now for the fascinating part; before the program began, a respected member of the clergy community offered an invocation. He specifically made the comment " ... letting go gives us peace ... " He then offered a simple gesture of his outstretched hands and his palms upward clearly indicating a sense of letting go of many of the entanglements that tend to wear us down.
A very simple phrase and a very simple gesture which really stays with me as our lives continue to be buffeted by forces and factors over which we have no control. But, we do have control over our attitude and how we face some of these struggles.
May this week bring peace and harmony to each of us.
Dr. Ed
19 comments posted
January 6, 2010 10:27 p.m.
I once attended a church with over 3000 members. I used to think that a pastor's job was easy. All he had to do was show up on Sunday and give a sermon. The pastor of this church became so stressed he had to take a month's vacation to avoid major health problems. We all need to know our limits. Barbara A. "Cry Depression, Celebrate recovery."
- Barbara A
March 24, 2008 8:40 p.m.
At 22 years old three children 5, 3 & 2 I knew I had to make some changes my husband was a big drunk, verbally abusive & very controlling. This October will be 10 years I have made a wonderful life for myself and my children. I met a very kind man who has opened his heart and home to us. He is wonderful with the kids who are now 15, 13 & 12 but at everyday I am faced with something that triggers the past not by intention but my fears that I don't want the kids to be like their biological father. So many say just "let it go" you worry to much they are wonderful kids. I have been doing alot of natural healing which does help.Everyday is a step in the right direction but sometimes it just seems that no matter how much I let it go it is still there.
- Michelle
March 20, 2008 8:51 a.m.
I would like to know how to "let go" - since 6 years I have had two major ligament tears and bone inflammations that kept me out a work for 2 years at a time- I am finally back at work- and poof 4 months into it- I slipped on ice and torn an ankle ligament- I am only 40- and I cannot understand why I have these injuries- doctors just say they are accidents- but it is so disruptive to my life- as i cannot walk and do for months/years at a time- it is ruining my career- as I have to stay on myfeet all day long-- I used to be in great shape- and travelled the world- now every time I get well- something gets me- I want to "let go" of this pattern- cannot get why this happens to me? is it because I should let go- of my job? something of my life? anyone have any insight?
- patty
February 20, 2008 5:59 a.m.
It is wonderful to hear how people are striving to 'let go'. yes, we all have our burdens, each one different from the other, but isnt it wonderful that there is a God in heaven who neither sleeps nor slumbers? and He cares for us! Indeed! Let Go and Let God!!!!!
- Mbayi
January 17, 2008 2:12 p.m.
I have raised five children by myself.I lived with someone the father of my children for 18 years . He was alcholic and abusive. 2 off my chilren followed in his footsteps. My 3rd son would have but was in a accident and got Tramatic Brain Injury. I developed alcoholizm my self. I have been recoving for 14 years and for the first time in years I have a recovering family. I learned through counceling to let go of the past and learn from it. You cannot change it. Believe that a higher power is their for you. I have heard many times that if you have a positive attitude about life good things will come.
- Joan
January 4, 2008 4:23 a.m.
There is a God. Kneeling down, raising your cupped hands as if to say,"here God, I give up, I cannot cope, take my pain/frustration/depression/oppression/big stress outs, etc," does work. Yes we may have to do it several times a day/week, but this is so simple a thing. I was diagnosed with syjogren syndrome 4 years ago and I went from a very healthy woman to having all of the above sicknesses come into full force in the last 12 months. Regularly I am down on my knees holding up my cupped hands to God. Am I completely healed? NO, but I am in a much better frame of mind today and I am coping in this moment. One positive step at a time is what it is taking to overcome.
- Dorothy
January 3, 2008 1:07 p.m.
reading these posts are helpful, especially when dealing with BiPolar disease!! I have a daughter who has this, and is also alcoholic, so you can understand the frustration i have. I am confident that her meds will work if she stays sober, but lying and manipulation is part of this condition. I hate to even call is a disease, because I feel we need to help ourselves, and Ive dealt with this for 25 years. I fear the rest of the family will have no contact with her, once Im gone. prayers are appreciated, thanks for letting me vent.
- mary
December 5, 2007 2:13 p.m.
What a delight to have found these wonderful blogs and at a time when I need to hear what is being said. I have 2 grown children, both with mental disabilities and addictions, who can be very challenging. But I am learning to let go -- hard for this mother to do. I've come up with a solution for me. I turn each of them over to a higher power when I arise in the morning and when I turn in for the night. Do I take them back sometimes during the day, sure, but then I remember and turn them over again. Thanks to all who share their wisdom.
- Jinny
December 5, 2007 10:53 a.m.
"Don't live in the past, let it go", huh? Not easy for some of us as we have plenty of regrets to keep us anchored there. Where are those pesky instruction for "letting go" anyway? I've been searching for years to no avail but I won't quit yet.
- Susan
December 4, 2007 5:48 p.m.
I am trying not to live in the past but it is most difficult. I left my native San Francisco and moved to the desert and now to San Diego. I wake up every day and regret the move but it is impossible to go back to San Francisco for economic reasons and also I am well established with Kaiser here. Just have to work on not looking back every day. It is difficult. Bill
- Bill
November 30, 2007 8:01 a.m.
"Peace, be still" has been my stress mantra for 40 plus years.
- Ann
November 29, 2007 6:52 a.m.
When I can "let go" I am free. I like to be in control but I am really placing myself into a tight knot...it is a struggle for me daily to truly surrender myself and for me when I do surrender it is to God. I have to remind myself He is in charge and I am not. God bless everyone.
- Irene
November 27, 2007 7:46 a.m.
Well,it may be easier said than done,but its worth putting your right foot forward and say 'I will'.Lets do it.Wishing happiness to all.
- abhay
November 21, 2007 3:12 p.m.
I've just been diagnosed w/ Pulmonary fibrosis,copd,my knees are bad and I'm not eating.I'm scared of dying but not really death.This is the 1st time i've been on a blog and it really gave me some hope.I have noone to talk to except my husband and I feel like a burden to him.I am exhausted most of the time and if i do exercise(minimal)I break out in a sweat all over my face and its hard to breathe.A trip to the grocery store is like torture.Due to the lack of oxygen, i am easily confused and my knees get weak after a short while.It's hard to put this all out of mind, there are constant reminders everyday.My faith in God is what i hang on to and i know one day he will free me from this suffering.i worry about my husband and two grown children,though.Anyway, thanks for poitive ideas. people need it.
- johanna
November 21, 2007 2:48 p.m.
Thank you for your valued input. Here is a quick tip for anyone dealing with Alzheimer's patients, relatives, &c.: If you notice things being flushed down the toilet by someone suffering from Alzheimer's disease, this can become expensive very quickly. We solved this problem easily by going to the hardware store and purchasing a small "C" clamp and attaching it just under the flush handle of the toilet. That way, with the clamp in place, the toilet could not be flushed unless the it was loosened and moved slightly. It saved us untold plumber's visits and bills. Perhaps this tip will help one person avoid this same issue. I do hope so. Thank you for reading my suggestion. From Chris in South Portland, Maine, U.S.A.
- Chris
November 21, 2007 7:34 a.m.
Thanks Alan for your thoughts. If I can surf my way around this site, I'll check out the previous comments to which you referred. I think the doctor is right - simply living for today is a method of letting go of the past. However, in my defense, I've experienced more grief, change, heartbreak, etc., over the past 7+ years than the previous 40 (I'm 63) - not an easy thing to experience at ANY age, but more difficult at my age. I consider each new day a gift from God!
- Pat
November 20, 2007 3:37 p.m.
Sometimes when we try too hard to let go, all we end up doing is practicing holding on. Actually letting go for most mere mortals is no one-time event--it's a continuing practice. A few posts ago the doctor wrote about living in the present, and also learning to take the reins (i.e., learning to control what we can, while accepting what is beyond our control) in a world that seems unfair from a personal point of view. Those posts are well worth reading again.
- Alan
November 20, 2007 10:13 a.m.
Letting go... two words I've been struggling with for 7+ years. In 2000, my ex-husband of 38 years left me for a friend from church, has since moved on to a much younger woman. In 2004 I married a wonderful man who couldn't do enough for me. Little did we know he was in stage 4 cancer and passed away 25 months later. As a Christian, my faith is unchanged, but letting go of my anger and disappiontment is not happening.
- Pat
November 19, 2007 10:12 a.m.
Thank you for the thoughtful letter. It comes at a good time for all of us. When we are so seperated between the material world and the spiritual one. No matter what your belief, you can raise your arms and turn "it" over to a higher power. I am thankful for all the wonderful people who work with this most difficult side of life on a daily basis. Still they manage to treat us as if we were the only ones they have tpo care for. Thank You Again
- Cathy
19 comments posted