As an Advanced Practice Nurse with many years of personal and professional focus on the aspects of illness and injury prevention, the journey to wellness specialist did not happen over night, or with a course or certification obtained over a week-end. While this journey began in 1981 and the first of many certifications in fitness, followed by study and certification in nutrition, while starting Nursing School in 1983, I was a “prudent student” in the health and life sciences. I do wish to make clear that a certification that stands alone (without a college or University Degree), will be lacking in some essential aspects, most notably the anatomy and physiology foundations to which exercise sciences will build upon. Further, nutrition advice coming from someone not degree prepared in health sciences will lack the foundational biology and chemistry as they relate to health, which will be the very important foundation to which nutrition and exercise science will need to build on. In order to understand metabolism, and the important science of Mitochondrial Capacity, and the impact of foods on brain Chemistry, and how brain chemistry drives choices of what, when, how, where and why we eat,…as we do, takes years of trans-disciplinary study.

Too much of todays hype on nutrition, dieting, exercise and stress management is built on ways and means to promote “profitable” solutions. In other words, there are many who wish to turn a buck, in the wellness, weight loss and health industries,…as there is ample opportunity to do so, as individuals seek resolution of their health risks, their health problems, or to improve chances of stress reduction, longevity and to “look good, feel good” with minimal effort or sacrifice.

You can trust me, and I know that you have heard that from others, but check out the credentials, qualifications and the fact of being a professional (with an ethical mandate), and a nurse at that. Nurses rank among the highest of trusted individuals for very good reasons WE work within the context of meaningful ethics and typically are motivated with compassion, empathy and caring, and that is why we choose nursing as a career.

See other areas of specialty, according to your personal interest,

BE well,

Dave

Conceptualizing Wellness

As a presentation to students this week, regarding the development of perceptions and how individuals conceptualize quality of life for themselves, I shared something that they reported as being one of the most frequently cited commonalities, in terms of Nursing Theories. Half way through the presentation, they stopped me to say,…” the vast majority of nursing theories have personal values and beliefs as being the core of person’s conceptualizations of health”… I knew I had gotten this Idea from somewhere. I proceeded with the presentation on a white board and I shared that at the core of values and beliefs is the persons predisposition to be either positive or negative. No one is always positive or always negative, but we have a tendency to gravitate (or polarize) the way we perceive things more often negative or more often positive. Hence, we will be viewed by others as either a pessimist or an optimist.

We can change this at any point in time, and it becomes one of the most important initiatives we can take in terms of quality of life and length of life. There is plenty of literature out there that is suggesting that being an optimist, you live longer. I contend that your quality of life will be better, not just on the level of the “perception” piece, but also, you will have less heart disease, less likely to get cancer,…and less likely to have an ailment or disease, to which you will experience pain, suffering, and/or loss of function, long before loss of life.

Turn back now…you don’t need to go done the road of negativity. You can be more positive. You can be more helpful. You can be more loving. These are all choices. Learning to be more positive is also a choice.

Choose life, Choose health,…Choose, to BE well,

Dave

Defining Wellness:

There will continue to be many definitions (or partial interpretations) for the term wellness. In a “nut-shell”, I define wellness to be inclusive of Wholeness, Healing, Health and Well-being.

I further believe that it does not need to be all- inclusive or “optimal health and well-being”, all the time to be on a wellness journey. There is often a focus on one or two at a time. For example, while not exercising, or eating right, someone could be intensely focused on improving relationships with their family…which could enhance their feeling of Wholeness…and ultimately their feeling of well-being as they let go of guilt and resentments…and sense the peace, serenity…and change in brain chemistry…possibly from then on.

Now if one were to also exercise and eat right, then the body receives both the nutrients to enhance the body, and mind…they are also likely to feel good about such choices and so the spirit is brought closer to optimal wellness, even more-so, if they already loved everyone and were loved. Synergisticly speaking, it is always the collective of efforts of all four, that make for the “most” optimal wellness program. (If I am allowed to use a double positive).

What do I mean by Wholeness. This may be different for many, than what I may define as wholeness. It is inclusive of connection to all things and the feeling of oneness with the universe…while there are some very personal considerations based on our unique life experiences. Wholeness is everything about you…occupation for example…the mechanic will have a great attachment to cars…and the tools to fix…or the diagnostics…that determine the “wellness” of the vehicle. I being a nurse…in some ways…similar to a mechanic…a passion about “fixing” people…inclusive of both mental and physical health…while concerned and sensitive to their spiritual needs as well. I am also…passionate about ways that we can “fix” the health care system…and the education system (especially as it applies to Health Care professionals…needs to be integrated, more collaborative)…and the Social System…needing major overhaul…and has significant impact on all other systems (Health Care and Education).
So for me to approach a feeling or state of wholeness…I need more than just resolving the issues with my loved ones…but I need to love the folks I work with…and work for…the patients and their families. If I hold resentment, towards those I may work with, or my family…it impacts my health in the long term.
Further, for me to feel whole…I need to feel respect…by family members yes…and most definitely for co-workers and from other members of the health care team. I earn respect from my demonstration of work ethic, the care and advocacy for patients and their families…and to earn respect for colleagues of differing orientation and education, (physicians, pharmacist, nutritionists, physio, and social workers….I must show respect and be open to learn, share and contribute to mutual understanding. All this is done for the sake of the patient, but for my sake as well. A sense of whole person health and optimal functioning, does not occur in isolation from others…as we are all one. No one is an island.

The feeling of wholeness for me, is hugely dependent on my connection to the natural world. As is reflected in my blogs and all the metaphors I use about rivers, rainbows, and wildlife…I love the great outdoors…and feel most connected when under an moonlit sky, I hear the call of the loon, and feel the “floating” as the canoe is the vessel which contains me…it is the water which “rocks” and soothes my soul.

So, when I am feeling less than whole, I can return to the woods, rivers or beach (The Pinery, Grand Bend, will always be there waiting for me). So please return to this post and page (will appear as both),…and I will continue on with my take on Healing, Health and how I define Well-being,…okay?

BE wise, BE, well,

Dave