It’s important to remember that mud is only mud. None of us has to be bogged down by sticky behavior patterns. We simply have to have a sense of humor about our situation, and resolve to move forward.
We can start by getting into the spirit of the season, and give our “self” a spring cleaning.
Spring Cleaning Task #1: Taking Stock
According to the American Heart Association, every adult should know his numbers. These include blood pressure, weight, body mass index (this can be calculated at www.nhlbisupport.com/bmi), waist circumference, blood sugar and cholesterol levels. See whether your numbers fall in the healthy range by visiting www.americanheart.org. Another important number for smokers? The Maine Tobacco HelpLine: 800-207-1230.
If you don’t know your numbers, schedule a visit with your healthcare provider. Then determine what other tasks you may need to accomplish. April is “National Cancer Control” month. Do you know someone over over 50? Tell them to think colonoscopy. For other cancer-related screenings, visit www.cancer.org. Immunizations are another worthwhile preventive measure. Familiarize yourself with the latest recommendations at www.cdc.gov/nip.
Spring Cleaning Task #2: Clearing out
As you’re waiting to see your provider about shots, numbers testing and other screening tasks, clear out your health-related closets. Start with the medicine cabinet. Ask your pharmacist about the best way to dispose of your old prescriptions, supplements and over-the-counter medications. Then create a list of all the pills you take and make copies: one for your healthcare practitioner and one for your wallet.
While you’re at it, fancy up your wallet list. Add on your past (and present) illnesses, surgeries, hospitalizations, accidents, allergies and family history. Include relevant dates, healthcare practitioners and contact information. This gives you a head start in filling out medical forms and something to share with others in an emergency.
After you’ve completed your wallet list and tidied your medicine cabinet, you can tackle your fridge and pantry. It’s easier to revive your diet (see my March column at www.themaineswitch.com) with whole grains, fruits, vegetables and legumes (beans) if your shelves are clean. How many containers of expired capers do you need, anyway? Don’t forget to recycle the containers and compost the food scraps, then you can take on …
Spring Cleaning Task #3: Re-Organizing
Make a plan for moving forward. Need dietary revival tools? Sign up for a free class at the MaineHealth Learning Resource Centers (I’m participating in a talk about “Food & Mood” on April 12 — I’d love to have you come). Ask for re-organizational help from friends, if necessary. Crack open a calendar and chart your progress.
Finally, reward yourself for the progress that you have made. Spring cleaning the “self” is no easy job — especially if it means getting unstuck from negative behaviors. Just remember, have a sense a humor about your situation. Mud is only mud.
Dr. Lisa Belisle is a family physician and advisor for the MaineHealth Learning Resource Centers (866-609-5183). She practices medical acupuncture in Yarmouth. Contact her with your own ‘self-cleaning’ suggestions via www.drlisabelisle.com or www.bountiful-blog.com.