Mindset

Aging Attitude

Take a look at your attitude about aging. Did anyone ever tell you that aging is an inside job?

It is! Just look around you.

It’s more, much more than just the physical work that keeps a 94 year old woman young.

That same “think” and mindset is what makes the 38 year old woman so old.

When it comes to aging, perhaps the single most important thing you can do for yourself is to learn how to develop and maintain a positive attitude. Develop a “can do attitude” unaffected by dangerous thoughts of “I can’t do that, I’m too old”.

If you think you’re old, you are and you will act that way.

On the other hand, if you don’t think of yourself as being old, [Read more…] about Aging Attitude

Mental Health First Aid

By Barbara Phillips, NP Leave a Comment

I wanted to share something that I received from our local hospice agency.

They send out information to grieving family members, and I though this information was appropriate as it can impact all of us…not just those of us who have lost loved ones.

So here is their list for First Aid for Your Mental Health. [Read more…] about Mental Health First Aid

Depression and Baby Boomers

By Barbara Phillips, NP 5 Comments

The CDC released statistics today showing that 80% of Americans aged 12 and over have Depression. The rates of depression are higher in women and baby boomers as well as African-Americans.

As a primary health care practitioner, these numbers don’t surprise me. This is something that I see absolutely every day in my practice. And just like the statistics, it is often women who are 40 and over. [Read more…] about Depression and Baby Boomers

Mock Funeral = Living Well?

By Barbara Phillips, NP Leave a Comment

In Korea, there is a trend to experience a “well death”. At some universities, students experience a mock funeral by reading their wills and then are placed in coffins that are closed and sprinkled with dirt. 15 minutes later, they are opened and “reborn”. The thought is that you will then experience life on a different level. In order to live well, you must die well. [Read more…] about Mock Funeral = Living Well?

Need help to quit smoking?

By Barbara Phillips, NP Leave a Comment

You know all the reasons to quit smoking, yet you still do it. That is the power of that Nicotine Demon that lives in your head. I tell my patients that their little demon is akin to a toddle having a major temper tantrum in the middle of the cereal aisle at your favorite upscale grocer.

Becoming a smoke free individual is not easy, but there are lots of resources available to help you quit. In WA State we have Quit Line – a service where you can actually call and talk with a Quit counselor 7 days a week. Your state health department may have a similar program.

Other online resources to check out include:

Tobacco Free Nurses – the first national program focused on helping nurses and student nurses to stop smoking
Tobaccofreenurses

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention – Tobacco Information and Prevention Source
CDC.gov/tobacco/

Surgeon General – ‘You Can Quit Smoking’ Consumer Guide
surgeongeneral.gov/tobacco

American Lung Association – Tobacco Control
lungusa.org

American Cancer Society – Guide to Quitting Smoking
Cancer.org

Quitnet.com – Savings Calculator
Quitnet.com

Smokefree.gov
Smokefree.gov

Smoking is an issue that seems to penetrate all aspects of an individuals life. It’s not just an individual health issue anymore…it’s a quality of life issue, a societal issue, a financial issue, and a public health issue. It affects you, your children, your grandchildren, your partners, your friends.

It’s time to stop…for good.