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With Mayo Clinic oncologist Edward T. Creagan, M.D.

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February 5, 2008 2:09 p.m.

Don't succumb to self-neglect

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By Edward T. Creagan, M.D.

It is human nature to seek comfort in times of crisis and peace in times of peril. Occasionally, a phrase, a quote, or a writing might provide clarity during times of peril. Let me explain.

Several months ago, I was offered the marvelous opportunity of addressing an audience of health care professionals on the issue of stress and burnout and resiliency in the face of adversity.

While preparing, I came across a quote from an obscure Web site, which in effect stated that our culture, our society, and many professions emphasize the notion of "self-neglect." So what does this mean?

If we are not proactive, if we do not take care of ourselves, if we do not create healthy boundaries between work and family life, without question, many of us can spend 18 hours a day in front our computer monitors or 18 hours a day solving the world problems or 18 hours a day trying to provide guidance and insight to troubled souls, and yet, the work never goes away.

A few months ago, a business consultant addressed one of our meetings here in Rochester, and he made the comment that at no time will the inbox be empty. There is always something to do; there is always a soul to be saved; there is always a presentation or a project to be updated. So what is the take-home message?

We have options and we have alternatives. We can sit in front of the television for 10 hours with a glazed-over look or we can consume too many calories, or we can carve out time to be with family and friends, to be physically active, and to recognize that when it comes to health and wellness our hands are on the helm and we need to take charge.

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11 comments posted

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April 16, 2008 9:08 a.m.

Hi. I am a massage therapist in Las Vegas. I personally believe that many CAM's can be of great use either in combination with necessary medication or as stand alone method. Aromatherapy, certain herbs, stress management massage, self-hypnosis, meditation and others are all excellent ways of relaxing oneself and building up the "good" chemicals such as serotonin.

- Carol

February 27, 2008 1:54 p.m.

To Brad: In our area there is a "doctors' free clinic." in which people with your experiences are helped at no charge. Look for something similar in your area. Look to the churches around you. It is my understanding that free medications can sometimes be accessed through drug companies. Investigate. I know it is hard to function while experiencing post surgery depression (I have had it), but if you are determined enough, help will be out there. Be strong.

- way down south

February 27, 2008 11:13 a.m.

This is in response to a previous blog. I feel for you Brad. My parents never had money to get me medical care. They`re dead now.I ,too have no where to turn.My thoughts and prayers are with you and all those in similar situations.

- No name given

February 13, 2008 11:26 a.m.

Knowing that you are eating correctly, exercising (moving) most days of the week, setting boundaries for work related issues that tend to overlap into family/personal time will in itself relieve stress. Forgiveness, learning to let go is healthy too.

- Christine

February 11, 2008 10:16 p.m.

It is always a matter of DISCIPLINE, which is product of MOTIVATION IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION.

- Monica Sancio.

February 8, 2008 7:03 p.m.

5 days in the hospitol,just erased 31 years of savings...I;m past depressed...and have no where to turn..even the v.a. won't help(6 years in military-air forceapparently isn't good enough...and you wonder why people go postal!!!

- brad brenden

February 8, 2008 2:25 p.m.

Easier said than done. It is very difficult to be active while suffering from stress and depression.

- KG

February 8, 2008 1:43 a.m.

We all know that stress is an undeniable part of life.It's impossible to totally eradicate it but each individual must consciuosly learn how to manage it. We very often tend to neglect ourselves, giving little or no time to our own needs. Many of us wait till our bodies rebel, with signs and symptoms of some disorder or the other before according our bodies some regard and respectwhich ought not to be. I agree with Alan, eat less... In the midst of all our often crazy schedules and demands on our time, we must consciously schedule fun in.

- Adenike Ojumu, Lagos, Nigeria

February 7, 2008 11:16 a.m.

There is a baffling array of information out there on health and wellbeing. But cannot all the wisdom be condensed to something on these lines: Eat less, move more, consume more fruits and vegetables, eliminate or go easy on junk foods; find purpose and meaning in life by connecting to people, plants and animals, and by pursuing activities you enjoy--and don't take life's ups and downs more seriously than necessary. Our ancestors didn't worry much about which supplements to take or how many calories to consumer. Why should we?

- Alan

February 7, 2008 7:44 a.m.

The average citizen is baffled by the so-called experts in the medical field in that they keep changing their minds as to what is good for the body and not so good. They use correlations between two things instead of waiting and coming up with a truthful cause to things.

- George Jordan, PEI, Canada