CONNECT: Putting the Pieces Together (Finally) 10/30/15

Putting the Pieces Together (Finally)

Over the last few weeks, more than a handful of you have asked that I take a moment to write and share the latest chapter of "my story"...recap my recent little jaunt through the streets of Chicago from earlier this month...something that any who have seen our "In Pursuit" board know has been a goal I've been pushing towards.  And though I'm incredibly honored that there's interest (by at least a couple of you), full disclosure, it's not been easy for me to sit down and hammer it out.  Of course, it's not for a lack of thoughts swirling in my head to pull from...but instead because (although it may shock some) writing about "me" in this forum pushes pretty far out of my comfort zone...it's taken more personal reflection than I'll probably admit...and frankly, just doesn't come as easily as it does to celebrate about "you".

So where do I start....well first, with a message of thanks to those that have pushed me to write this...I'm hopeful you'll enjoy reading as much as I gained from the reflection associated with writing......And second...a free pass to any that'd rather not trudge through my literary toilings...certainly no offense will be taken :)..feel free to skip to the announcement section below (don't forget to register for the Harvest Dinner or this year's Turkey Trot team).

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For as long as I can remember, I've considered myself an athlete...someone reliant upon body, mind, and spirit in pursuit of "something" greater.  Of course the "something" has changed, evolved, and grown over time, but my belief in needing all three (body, mind, spirit) to get closer to "it" hasn't.  And while my pursuit continues...and I know I won't get "there" till I get "there"...maybe surprising to some, I've never considered myself a runner, but instead often choose to run...and have even set running-specific goals, for the lessons it's continued to teach, and the ways it's helped me to strengthen (my body), sharpen (my mind), and enrich (my spirit) along the way...

I guess you could say breaking the 3 hour marathon mark has been a bit of a lifelong goal...or at least the primary athletic focus since 2010 when I first "publicly" stated it...not exactly sure why...maybe it's because I've always been inspired by my Dad's story of breaking his marathon goal by exactly 1 second...maybe it's because after my first marathon in '08, I knew it was something that was possible with a great deal of work..but not something I could just wing or rely on "natural" ability to achieve...or maybe it's because in my five failed attempts and the events leading up to each in the years precedingChicago 2015 (2:58:30), I've continued to learn more about myself and things I'm passionate about (health, training, nutrition, fitness, the importance of relationships, faith, community, etc.)...and have met so many great people, training partners, and  friends throughout.  

But when I look back...the "how I did it" isn't really all that different than anything we've talked of before......the pieces of the puzzle were the same...the elements that make them up..the same...it's just that this time around, I paid closer attention to them...acted upon them with more discipline, focus, and precision...

BODY: MOVE + FUEL + RECOVER - For years I've placed too much value on "harder" and not nearly enough on "smarter".  This year I made use of all of the resources available to me...and with the help of our team here and the various training systems we use, I closely monitored each training session and the stress (training load) each placed upon me...training almost exclusively with a watchful eye on heart rate (the body's objective window into the inner workings) instead of subjective "pace" as my guide.  I followed a systematic progression where I provided ample time for my body to establish a fitness "base" prior to encouraging it to "build" speed and strength via increased intensity, all while balancing and allowing the appropriate time to recover both in between workouts, and throughout training cycles (3 weeks up, 1 week easy, repeat x 4-5).  Although looking back, I probably could have done a better job adhering to my strength training routine (2x / wk), I made sure to jump in the treatment room whenever I was on the verge of breakdown or felt something not "right" (happened twice), and was so very fortunate to be able to rely on our PT's to help me get back on track and facilitate the recovery process, FIRST, prior to returning to intense training....the results?...The blue line below is indicative of fitness progress / gains from 5/27-10/12 (race day)...something I was able to complete injury free for the first time since I took up this type of training...maybe the tortoise was on to something with his slow and steady approach.

 

My FUEL choices moved from primarily to almost exclusively a whole-food, plant based selection, and for the first time since I began extensive marathon training I didn't "ache" post long run....I was somewhat surprised to finish a 19+ miler on more than 5 of the final 8 weekends in the season and still feel relatively fresh later in that given day...I guess I shouldn't be given the anti-inflammatory properties of this type of nutrition...but to take it one step further, I was very excited to get down to "race weight"...nearly 15 lbs lower than I started in January...without ever feeling hungry, all while completing LESS total training volume (mileage) than in years past....can only be attributed to one thing...the right mix of FUELING (actual myfitnesspal results below).

 

MIND: ENDURE - If I'm totally honest, in years past...I'd have to admit that I'd often slip mentally before physically.  I'd approach workouts with ONLY the end in mind...cutting a little off the front here and a little off the back there....I'd tell myself I'd listen to my body if I was aching..but wouldn't totally trust it and would default to cranking out more mileage just because "that's what the plan says to do"....I'd tell myself how I'd eat "almost vegan", but often almost turned out to be during the week with a junk binger on the weekend because "hey I just worked out really hard"....and what's worse...if / when I failed, I'd often be more worried about my pride than the ways in which to improve....

Enter the world of positive psychology...the power of mindset...theways to make stress your friend...the concepts of grit and resilience..and so many more....with the help of these "friends" and their teachings...my mind stayed (for the most part) focused in the moment....on incremental change...knowing full well that my actions in the moment would dictate my outcome in the end.

SPIRIT: CONNECT - I had the opportunity recently to attend a mindfulness meditation led by a Tibetan monk...and though much of what he spoke of was fascinating...the two things that stuck with me were 1) we are all connected by something much greater than each of us individually...and 2) faith above all is the most powerful thing in this world...A "believer" even before I attended, not sure I could agree anymore strongly.  

Throughout the training, and most especially on race day, there were so many people in this community I was pulling strength from.  If you've read this far, you're most assuredly one, and I'm not sure any words will do justice to the gratitude I feel towards each of you.  When the going got tough...as it always does...I thought of you...struggles you may have gone through and obstacles overcome....I prayed almost continuously, and especially when the "hurt" set in between miles 22-25 and I began to lose time while fighting with what I had left not to lose faith......it became a bit of a mantra for me, "I can do all things through God who strengthens me". With calves literally seizing on and off from mile 22 to 26.2, I'm convinced that your strength, prayers, and God saw me to the finish line right when I was supposed to arrive, in time to reconnect with a stranger I've only met once before on the sidelines of the Boston Marathon 2011, where he tells me I may have helped save his life (scoll to bottom of linked page), and in achievement of my goal, one step closer to "there".  Somethings aren't coincidence.

The 2015 Chicago marathon and events that led to it pushed my body...it pushed my mind...and it pushed my spirit...and when I crossed the finish line, arms outstretched in gratitude, it broke me emotionally, like only something you've emptied yourself for can.  Whether you know it or not, whether we've connected recently or not...you and yours helped push me through.  Should you be ready, I eagerly await the opportunity to repay the favor.

Happy Training,

-E

CONNECT: 9/17/15 Connecting with the Environment

The Law of Nature

 

Spoiler summary - Get out there...it's just so darn good for us.

This time of year can be a bit like a guessing game for the body. Is it still summer? Is it fall? Is it both?  For many people it's a favorite time of year as we get back into our routines -- even if that means more cars on the road and back to school nights to attend -- it also means that the really oppressive weather (usually) breaks, the playoff hunt in baseball is heating up and football fans everywhere feel like the world is once again spinning on its axis.  Sure, transition back to routine can be hectic, but if we play it right, it can also be a chance to rebalance...before the stress of winter rolls in.

So what does it mean to "play it right"? 

For some, it might mean downtime, a chance to decompress from a busy day/week/etc. For others it might mean some exertion, a way to nudge a too-sedentary body & mind into action. Still for others, it might just mean a breath of fresh air, literally.

And....for a little while longer.....while the conditions are welcoming....it might mean a good dose of nature, which, as it turns out includes all of the above and more.

In a recent review, researchers from the University of Illinois set out to answer what it is about being "out there" (in nature) that is so good for our health. They reviewed many studies that linked the two and came up with (what they think) is a singular pathway....and it turns out.....it's a combination of many things, all of which seem build on one another to stimulate our immune system.  

You can read about it here [http://journal.frontiersin.org/article/10.3389/fpsyg.2015.01093/full] -- or, you can just get "out there" and enjoy it.  

I strongly recommend NJ's "Columbia Trail".

CONNECT: 7/24/15 The Foot - Our Connection to the World

Spoiler Summary - It tells us what we're on and where we're at. It acts as our platform and our propulsion. It's the base of our pyramid.  So why do we abuse it so much?

The human foot is basically a bag of bones. Sure it has some muscle and soft tissue, but a little like the hand, it's mostly made of oddly shaped bones and vessels wrapped in skin. But, if you think about it, the foot has one of the hardest jobs in the body and requires amazing versatility.  

• It's sensory organ: feeling for the subtle changes in the texture of what we're standing or walking on and relaying those messages a very long way (in terms of the body) back to the brain for interpretation.
• It has to take commands: stiffening or loosening ever-so slightly depending on the message it gets back from the brain.
• It has to be a shock absorber: conforming to the surface we're on sometimes
• It has to be a propeller: acting like a springboard so we can walk or jog or run
• It has to be a platform: providing a stable base that the entire body can balance on when we're standing.
• And we expect it to be a workhorse: providing hours of work on a daily basis, for years and years without complaining.....too loudly.

Truly, it's one of the most important pieces of equipment we own.  So why don't we treat it that way?

Now, to be fair, not everyone abuses their feet.  I've met many people who are of the mindset that a good pair of shoes is a wise investment and that a dry pair of socks is an absolute must.  I've met people who inspect for cuts, nicks and cracks in the skin, who make sure it remains flexible and well maintained, and who exercise the foot just like they would any other body part......but not many.

It's more common to meet someone who crams their feet into any available boot or a into a shoe that looks cool, not even considering if it's a good fit.  It's rare to see someone who gives the tissues a stretch-break or invests any time in keeping them strong; and it's very rare for a person to ask about ways to keep the foot healthy.

So, just in case your "dogs are barking" by the end of the day and you never stopped to think about how best to give them a little TLC, here is a list of "tips to think about" in regards to the foot:

1. Shoes *disclaimer* beware not to go too far, at some point shoes are shoes....but up to that point fit does matter.

A. Start with shape -  Think about the way your foot is shaped.  Some people have longer feet which appear to come to a point in the middle (at the 2nd or 3rd toe).  These folks will usually do fine in a traditional shoe.  Others have a more square forefoot - in the same shoe they will suffer.  Some feet come to a point, but closer to the big toe than the mid-two, they need a shoe that matches the shape.

B. Consider the mobility - if you have a highly flexible foot ("flat") it is absorbing a significant amount of shock every step but doesn't propel as well.  A shoe with some support or stiffness can help offset this pressure and provide a bit more spring.  On the other side, if you have a high arch and a rigid foot (not much motion), you may want more shock absorbing material between your foot and the surface, so consider a softer shoe.

C. Replace when needed - as the material of the shoe breaks down, they are no longer doing their job.  Even if the upper (leather or other) looks fine, if the material is worn or no longer providing the proper level of stiffness, they are changing the angle of strike and motion. 

2. Rule of opposites - If you sit all day, get up and get moving your feet need exercise like any other body part.  If you stand or walk all day, give them a break and get them elevated for a few minutes.  As with any other body part, balancing the stress-load with recovery is the only way to maintain health.

3. Keep an eye out for swelling - it's not uncommon for feet to swell a bit during the day.  Static postures allow for fluid to pool with gravity.  If you've noticed the sock-line a bit more pronounced this time of year, it's likely that there is increased pooling and therefore increased pressure.  A few minutes with the feet elevated can go a long way. If it's a common occurrence, you might consider a compression sleeve or sock that you can buy at any local pharmacy.

4. Foot massage? - Although it's pretty hard to find someone who wants this job (yuk!), a golf or lacrosse ball can be a very easy way to get the benefits of kneading and rolling-out the tissues.  It doesn't take much pressure, just some rolling on the soft tissues of the arch to keep them supple and moving.

5. Keep them strong and mobile - there aren't many, but there ARE foot muscles. Just like any other muscles they can get stiff and weak if they're not being exercised regularly. Although some of these are harder than they seem, HERE are some good examples of foot exercises.

Of course there's more to it than we could ever fit into a single post....so reach out with questions.

Have a great weekend,

Mike E.

CONNECT: June 5, 2015 - The Most Powerful Hinge I Can Think Of

Most of us take the lowly elbow for granted.  It's not as complex as the shoulder, not as cranky as the back and not nearly as intricate as the hand or foot.  In fact, it's really a pretty boring joint....until it doesn't MOVE like it should....then you really really appreciate this "simple hinge".  Want to eat something? It's tough to FUEL the body without bringing your hand to your mouth.  Want to read a book or send a text? Very difficult without the elbow.  Need to re-position the pillow so you can be comfortable while you RECOVER? Try it without bending or straightening your arm.  The list is long.  So, as I continue to explore some of the common aches and pains we see, here's a bit of a different take on one of the most underrated joints in the body.

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Over the last few days and as part of my new duties in the American Physical Therapy Association of NJ, I attended a conference in Washington DC with some of my colleagues from around the country to discuss health issues that face our clients and profession. We dove in and debated fiercely how we can best help our clients ENDURE the health risks they face and ultimately take back health....and although this was my first time attending this type of meeting (and so I was a bit skeptical we would actually accomplish anything with this many differing points of view), it didn't take long to realize we could...and in this case "many elbows would lighten the load".

It dawned on me that supporting and affirming each other's ideas, CONNECTs us with people on a deeper level and ultimately builds us up -- something known to positively influence health. As these simple acts improve our ability to work with others and create a positive atmosphere we are rewarded with a relaxation-response, the opposite of being "stressed" something we all can benefit from. Although I suppose we don't officially need functioning elbows to clap (makes me think of seals), it's a lot easier to provide this positive feedback with them.

Every time we outstretch an arm to introduce ourselves or formalize a commitment by "shaking hands", we CONNECT with the other person and let them know we care. Much like the elbow, this too is an incredibly underrated health action. We are social creatures, hard wired to feel strength and safe in a community.  When we "shake on it" we tell the other individual we are "with them", that we consider them, at some level, part of our community which has a major impact on our health.....and it's just not the same without the lowly elbow. 

And....after a series of exhausting "dawn to dusk" days....I can't wait to get home, put my things down and re-CONNECT with my family. Although I suppose we could figure out a work-around (some cultures touch noses), I can't imagine not getting a bear hug from my kids....like a handshake with a turbo boost....a pretty big role for elbows in there.

Not unlike any meeting or work group that has a big goal or challenge it faces, we certainly did not solve all of the problems related to health. We definitely didn't agree on everything and not everyone walked away satisfied with the outcome; but regardless of the meeting, setting or community, when you've got a great end-goal, people who care and many pairs of functioning elbows, anyone can play a role in improving the health of our community....we can CONNECT.

Sometimes it's the little things....

Have a great weekend,

Mike E.

CONNECT: March 27, 2015

Spoiler Summary: We are all unique in our own way. We each have a very unique combination of personal goals and desires as well as fears and vices. However, when there's something we're passionate about, we are more similar than different, and we share.

The meeting started like many do - with a "safety contact" - which is essentially a chance for each person to say something about a moment when they were particularly aware of health or safety in their day. The only difference this time was that each participant was asked to elaborate a bit on what they had been doing (or were going to do) differently in regards to health & safety.  The answers ranged from things purely safety related (such as driving related items like following-distance), to items that were more purely about health (such as early detection or healthy behaviors). Now this could easily have been mechanical.....just people filling in the time......however, quite the contrary, for most of the people in the room it wasn't contrived at all.  It was genuine and it was heartfelt - an entire room of people willing to talk passionately about health and safety and how it impacted them, what they can (or did) do to make their workplace a safer or healthier environment.  It was an entire room of people willing to (very openly) take personal ownership over actions that promote health and safety. I was thinking about it the rest of the day.....wondering why every group doesn't seem to be so open or care so much.

The next day I was with a different group entirely....theirwork is different, they have different risks and even the format of the session was entirely different.....but, about 15 minutes in, there it was again.....a person with passion standing in front of a crowded room talking about what he (and his wife together in this case) were pledging to do, to promote health & safety....in this case in their community.  Now, this was not a professional speaker or a rehearsed speech....it was a few minutes, from the gut, by a person who cared so much that he was willing to get up in front of a group and give his honest and genuine account.  I was super impressed and left wondering how different the world might be if everyone cared as much as that guy does.

And then, later in the day, I met a guy who was just about bubbling over.  When I saw him walk in the door I did a double-take.....he had clearly made some health changes.....and I said "wow, you are looking lean"....his smile engulfed his entire face and he said "I was hoping we'd cross paths....I've really been working on it"....and we talked a bit longer about how he had literally transformed himself, how much more energy he had and how his entire outlook had changed. He was charged up and feeling great....and talking passionately about it - rightfully so, I thought.  I drove home that evening wishing more people got to see in first person the power a health change can have.

So why aren't there more folks like these (relative) few? Why do so many people sit back and let the moment pass...even when they've got a fire burning inside them about something?  Why don't more people step up to the mic and put themselves out there about what they care about most?

Of course, we all know the answer already....it's about trust.  When we believe it is safe to do the healthy thing.....cool even.....then we will....but not until then.  If, when we go a bit out on the limb, we are given some positive response, we'll do it again, maybe even a bit further....enough positive feedback and it eventually becomes a habit, something that we pass on to others automatically.  

Want to take on a health-challenge? Want to make an impact? What if every time we noticed a person trying to make an improvement we simply said (in words or actions) "hey....I respect the effort you're making, Keep up the goodwork....I'm an ally"....would it make a difference?  Yes....and bigger than we might realize.

Health, Safety and Prevention are not just good ideas worth learning about, they are a way of living....a lifestyle worth promoting and sharing....with everyone we care about. When more of us who do care seek out & support those who want to, the faster caring this much becomes the norm.  ANYONE can improve the health and safety of the world around them, it only takes one step to be moving forward, and the support of allies to just keep going.

To all the individuals who have stepped up to share - thank you - we all benefit from your passion.

CONNECT: February 6, 2015

Stronger, Happier People through Better Health

Spoiler Summary: The risks we face loom large.  There are many. Maybe worse than the sheer number, in many cases the whole is greater than the sum of its parts....but it doesn't have to be as paralyzing as it sometimes is.  Keep it simple.

If we look at the total number of risks we face it's easy to get lost.  There are health risks, there are safety risks, there are financial risks and the list goes on.  It can be pretty daunting especially when you consider that some combinations of risk can have an exponential effect.  If, for example, we are carrying a few extra pounds around the middle there is an increased risk in both the health and safety category.  The same is true if our blood pressure is creeping up, or if our blood markers (especially triglycerides, glucose and "good" cholesterol) are going the wrong way; but when they combine, things get really dicey.  In fact, that particular combination can be lethal.  Having all 5 listed (metabolic) risks increases the odds of having a cardiovascular event (heart attack & related) dramatically as well as diabetes and congestive heart failure......but that's not all.....because of some of the impact that poor circulation can have on ALL tissues in the body, it's even been linked to movement and pain syndromes like joint pain and lower back pain as well as things like stress/anxiety/depression that might first show up as fatigue.

To say combined-risk gets complicated is probably an understatement.  For people with three or more of the risks listed above, it could easily mean multiple medications, lots of side-effects, and a major burden on our quality of life and the quality of life of those around us....but it doesn't have to. Some research for example has shown that a moderate reduction in weight (6-10%) for folks with this condition could lower risk by nearly 20%.  This is not new news.  Most folks with this combination of risk know (whether they heard it from their healthcare team, friend, family, news, TV, etc) that if they can take their weight down some it will benefit their health.....and many want to.  Now the question becomes: How?

The reality is, especially in the realms of health and safety, if we get to the root of the weeds we're looking at, as scary a process as that sometimes can be, the simple CAN defeat the complex because the same few roots supply lots of problems.  

Here are some "minimum doses" to consider.

MOVE: either every hour for a few minutes or continuously for 25 (vigorously) to 40 minutes (moderately) every single day.  Don't know what "vigorously" or "moderately" means?  We prefer heart-rate as the indicator of choice.

FUEL: eat more plants - 5 servings per day, every single day.  Not sure what 1 serving is? Something the size of an apple or a cup of leafy greens if you really want to get the good stuff.

RECOVER: for every hard "push" you need quality recovery.  That can mean reducing your exposure to system stressors (like smoking) or maximizing the quality of your recovery time. Get some sleep.....6 hours, deep and uninterrupted every single night.

ENDURE: in essence, this is about preparedness....about having enough reserves to battle life's storms when they come - for some it's physical, others it's mental, many it's emotional and others it's spiritual.  For everyone though, it's possible; and mindset is usually the place to start.  Try the 3-W's of gratitude - What Went Well today? Write it down.  Find at least 3 and do it every day.

CONNECT: we are hard-wired as social creatures - we can survive for a while in isolation, but we will not thrive.  Couple this with the simple reality that there is "strength in numbers" and finding others that we can band-together with has a major impact on your health.  This is how we learn, and it has a surprising way of motivating us to keep taking small steps over time. Find an ally and have a conversation about something positive you did to lower your risk - every single day.

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Yes, the simple CAN defeat the complex.  Healthy actions CAN battle back risk (and even cure disease).....and every single one of us CAN live stronger, happier lives through better health.

Now,  Go Do Something Extraordinary,

Mike Eisenhart, PT

CONNECT: January 9, 2015

Sometimes It's Not (only) What You Know: CONNECT, A Year in P/Review

Spoiler Summary: Whether you call them goals or resolutions....if you're looking to achieve more in 2015, the people you surround yourself with can make a very big difference on whether you'll be successful.

Happy New Year!  Can you believe it?  2015.....15 years AFTER Y2K.  Seems like yesterday that we were worried about a turn-of-the-clock meltdown of everything computer driven.  Of course we had no idea at the time that the iPod was about to storm-in and once again change our relationship with computers....or that soon enough our phones would be with us at all times and would have far more computing power than some of the most important devices in history, like both Voyager 1 and Voyager 2  some of NASA's most significant satellites.....and yet, even with all this amazing technological development and the promise that comes with even more amazing devices (wearables, smart-clothes, etc), the evidence clearly shows that one of the most important factors in determining our health is something that's about as low-tech as it gets.....and something that experts believe has been around in one form or another for 100,000 years......it's supportive relationship and conversation - and it goes a little something like this:

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Person 1: "Hey, how've you been?"

Person 2: "eh, could be better....I just found out I my blood pressure is up...and my doctor said she might have to put me on medication, which I really don't want to do"

Person 1: "oh $*W!# (bummer), I'm really sorry to hear that - what are you going to do?"

Person 2: "She said diet and exercise....which I know, but I'm not really sure exactly what"

Person 1: "you should talk to ______ he went through the same thing"

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We hear these types of conversations all the time.  As simple and quick as they are, the can be incredibly important. Since conversations influence our beliefs and beliefs drive our actions, our conversations can have a major impact on whether we succeed or fail when it comes to the goal we're after.  

Let's say for example person 1 refers person 2 to someone who scoured the evidence, has a great relationship with their healthcare team AND has elevated BP for the same (or similar) reasons......In this case person 2 might get great results.

But what if person 1 refers person 2 to someone who only consulted Dr. Google?  What if that same person had a completely different reason WHY their BP was elevated....what if they suggested something to person 2 that has a negative interaction with some other medication he's taking?  Or simply said - "I tried the medication but didn't feel any different, so I took myself off".  No matter how well-intentioned, it might not turn out nearly as well for person 2.

Social support (or "undermining", the evil twin) has a major impact on our health.  We call this ELEMENT #5 - CONNECT and the science continues to show that it's a really big deal since we all behave a bit differently depending on the environment we're in and the people we're around.

Whether it's evidence that shows support for leisure activity promotes health or that social support makes a difference in advanced cancer or in the protection against PTSD, we know that WHO you know (and have relationships with) can impact your health - but it's not just at the level of injury or disease....it can also be related to health risk and behaviors such as Fruit/Veggie Consumption and even weight loss.

We hope 2015 will be filled with new achievements in terms of health and safety - we are absolutely SURE it can be.  Whether it be as simple as this weekly newsletter, or a much more custom-tailored approach, we hope you know that you have our support whenever you're ready to CONNECT and join the conversation.

Have a great week,

Mike E.

CONNECT: November 21, 2014

Something to be Thankful for..... Spoiler Summary: Take a minute to count your blessings - it might just make you healthier! When I hear the phrase "you should count your blessings" I always think of my Mom.  I'm not really sure why, I don't actually remember her using that phrase so often....but maybe she did. I think it might be the image of the Thanksgiving table and the dreaded moment of having to come up with something to be thankful for or run the risk of keeping the entire family (there are lots of us) waiting - talk about your social pressure.   At the time, we of course thought it was just some silly thing her inner-schoolteacher couldn't let go of (this is still a possibility)....or maybe it was a ploy to get "us kids" to actually admit that we loved each other out loud (could be).  Or, maybe she just understood that taking a minute to say a meaningful thanks was as good for us....even if she wasn't sure why exactly. As it turns out, you SHOULD count your blessings.....in fact, we all probably should.  It's really good for you.  Not only because during this time of year it comes with good food, friends and a no-guilt reason to pass-out asleep on the couch...not only because it's an excuse to enjoy tradition and put up with the idiosyncratic nature of family & friends....and not only because, as it turns out, you're not eating actual yams, but sweet potatoes (thanks Matt R, this was new to me) but because all by itself, gratitude goes hand in hand with health; And if more recent findings about the current state of our health are correct, this time that our seniors were "sicker than their counterparts abroad" and have a harder time accessing care, we need continued diligence at helping ourselves as early as possible if we want to the enjoy the high quality of life we all work so hard to achieve. So, in the spirit of the holiday, I hope you'll take a minute to count your blessings....in fact, I hope you'll give yourself a dose of blessing-counting for ten weeks because if you do, you might just get the same response as the folks in this study did: not only a better outlook, but improved exercise habits and better health overall - pretty simple and pretty awesome. I hope your list of things to be grateful for is long and I hope you enter the unofficial beginning of holiday season with a bright and healthy outlook.  Thank you for taking the time to read this far....and thank you for investing in health, safety and prevention with your actions. On behalf of the entire team, have a great weekend and a wonderful Thanksgiving, Mike E.

CONNECT: November 14, 2014

When the lightbulb goes on....

Spoiler Summary:  We each have an amazing ability to help the other improve health and it can happen in an instant....all it takes is CONNECT.

Have you ever experienced the frustration of trying to explain something to someone that they just don't seem to get?  No matter how hard you try and how many times you rephrase, the message just doesn't seem to get through.  It's a frustrating scenario. In many ways, that's what the idea of prevention has been for a very long time in the healthcare industry.  Everyone seems to know and understand that injury, illness and disease are some of the greatest burdens on the quality of life that Americans face AND most everyone agrees with the notion of "getting ahead" of these problems, but as a society we still put a very small percentage of our resources toward preventing and reserving a much larger percentage for treatment after the damage is done.  

Every once in awhile though, when the combination is just right, you find yourself talking through something and the bulb goes on.  The person's face lights up with the look of "I GET IT!" and the great feeling of validation that comes with making this connection fills you. Yesterday I was lucky enough to have such a moment.  I was attending a professional conference of my peers where I was asked to present some ideas and findings related to prevention - a topic that is of course very near to my heart.  I was asked to review some of the research that says it's both doable, and worth the effort; to show that people really can get themselves healthy and when they decide it's worth the effort, they do.  In essence, I was asked to talk to a room of my peers about the same things I talk about every day....so no problem right?

Having given similar presentations in the past (and getting more than a few blank stares) I was not sure the message would make it through. So, I put my "never-say-die" best foot forward and got up and did my thing.......and then it happened.  Right at the point when most folks check-out by telling themselves that it all sounds good "but could never work in my world" (usually any easy way of saying "I'm just not ready to hear this") something else happened.  A look of complete understanding washed over some of the faces in the crowd.....heads began to nod and I could see the wheels beginning to turn.  People were starting to work it out in their heads.....they were starting to see the value of identifying risk factors and getting at them BEFORE they were injuries or disease.  Instant connect.  I even had a few folks that I really respect come up and congratulate me on giving a message that "we all need to hear and do better with".  Lightbulbs.

But beyond the obvious - more healthcare providers (perhaps) starting to wrestle with how best to weave a message of prevention into their work - what does this have to do with risk reduction?  What do connections like this have to do with safety?  Surprisingly, a bunch.  If you were to ask Dr. Barbara Fredrickson, PhD from University of North Carolina who has done significant research in the area, she might cite a stack of research (some her own) that shows exactly how powerful it can be.  For example, when people feel positive emotions such as validation by others their brain's ability to focus changes, almost like looking through a wider lens......they are literally more aware of what is going on around them and can often process it faster and in more creative ways......sounds a lot like "situational awareness" doesn't it?  In addition, findings show that during emotionally positive interchanges the nervous system relaxes and things normally associated with being stressed (blood pressure, altered blood sugar, immune system suppression, etc) return to a more normal setting.....almost as if to hit a reset button.  Last, she might even say that making a "connection," which is in the same emotional family as "love," can actually improve cardiovascular health and point you HERE to a study she did showing how meditating on "goodwill toward others" actually changed how the heart functioned in participants.

Will this group of peers actually try to learn more and start using prevention tactics for their clients and the greater good?  I don't know.  Will they start pushing ideas about moving more or fueling better to their clients?  I can't say.  I do however know....for a brief moment in time - they "got" it.....a connection that had an instant impact on my health state at the time. Even better? It's something ANYONE (whether in a random professional meeting or as frequently as a staff meeting or pre-job brief) can pay-forward if we use the next time we find ourselves in a position to listen intently.....to truly CONNECT.  

Have a great week,

Mike E.