Article by Nanette Wiser
If you’re not sure what your personal song of summer should be, we encourage you to pick one now. Mine is Pharrell’s “Happy” so PN went in search of some thought leaders who can help you achieve quieter minds in difficult…but improving times.
Don’t Worry, Be Happy: Gary King is the author of “The Happiness Formula – The Ultimate Life Makeover” and around town, he’s posting signs of positivity. Eighty of them, recently featured on ABC Action News. But he’s so much more. A motivational speaker and successful entrepreneur, this renaissance man is a success in so many diverse businesses: He is an expert in event production and produced and directed major sports events here including powerboat racing. He is also an internationally known artist and sculptor honored by President Bill Clinton, as well as a former TV executive.
Working with Anthony Robbins and Robbins Research International for 25 years, he refined his message and mission. He now lectures internationally on the subject of Character, Ethics, Integrity and Forgiveness. His message has appeared in articles featured in Oprah Magazine, O’s Guide to Life, Positive Impact Magazine, and has had numerous articles published on the topic of “Character Is Our Bailout.” www.garykinglive.com
Grief As Medicine: Dr. Michael Mantell is the author of “Don’t’ Sweat The Small Stuff” and “The Daily Five,” an internationally known coach, psychiatrist and motivational speaker with regular television appearances who writes weekly for Thrive Global. A personal friend and colleague, I find his Daily5 on Facebook to be inspirational and comforting.
1. These days, it seems like the hip marketing tool is to make everything from exercise to gratitude, medicine. Well, let’s add another one. Grief. That’s right, grief is now medicine.
2. Medicine seems so confused and confusing about so many things lately, and maybe always, and maybe we just see it more clearly than ever. So why are so many things “wanna be” medicine? Ever hear medicine is exercise, or gratitude is or grief? Nope. Never.
3. Grief isn’t necessarily unhealthy, though resisting grieving, avoiding it, can be. In that case, healthy grief and experiencing the emotional pain associated with it can be healing. It’s a natural response to loss. Natural.
4. Being able and willing to share your feelings and giving your pain a “voice,” offering to help others even while grieving over your own personal loss are two key positive ways to grieve.
5. The physical, emotional and spiritual symptoms of normal grief, moving through the process from shock to acceptance, are all healthy ways to prevent the need for anti-depressant medication. So perhaps like exercise, grief is not medicine. Grief, like exercise, can prevent the need for medicine.
Bug Off: Mosquitos and pesky no-see-ums think my skin is their cake. As a holistic enthusiast, I am always in search of wellness solutions to replace chemical concoctions. Avon Skin So Soft doesn’t work for me, Cutter fragrance-free does, but I still wanted to know more about battling the infernal pests of summer. Be sure to eliminate standing water to decrease breeding spots. Check out these insect-fighting tips.
- In addition to not going out from dusk to dawn, skip the perfume and other fragrances.
- Lemon Eucalyptus. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has classified lemon eucalyptus, an EPA registered repellent, as an active ingredient in mosquito repellent. You can also try catnip, peppermint, tea tree or lemongrass oil.
- Burn a citronella candle and use a fan.
- IR3535, a synthetic amino acid, is one of the most common active ingredients in insect repellents. Repellents containing IR3535 come mostly in cream form, and are available in most drugstores. The amino acid messes with the insects’ sense of smell and is an excellent repellent.
- Try eating mosquito-repellent foods like garlic, onions, apple cider vinegar, lemon grass, chili peppers, tomatoes, grapefruit, beans and lentils.
- Grow lemongrass, lavender, rosemary and citronella plants to repel skeeters.
- Reduce the itch of a mosquito bite with crushed ice, aloe vera or an oatmeal ointment. Make an oatmeal paste by mixing equal amounts of oatmeal and water in a bowl until you have a spackle-like substance. Spoon some paste onto a washcloth and hold it, paste-side down, on the irritated skin for about 10 minutes. Then wipe the area clean. Or try a baking soda paste. Mix 1 tablespoon of baking soda with just enough water to create a paste. Apply it to the bug bite, and let it sit for 10 minutes before washing it away.
Sage Summer Advice: Do not let your fear of contracting COVID-19 stop you from going to the Emergency Room or having a procedure at Baycare. (Some protocol may change after presstime.) Screening, Separating, Sanitizing and Safeguarding is BayCare’s mission and their top priority is the health and well-being of our communities. To protect you and our team members during this time, they have put enhanced safety measures in place at all facilities. All safety processes and cleaning procedures are based on CDC guidelines.
Continued Entrance Screening: Everyone entering BayCare hospitals or surgery centers will have their temperature taken and be screened for symptoms of COVID-19.
Constant Cleaning: All spaces, including treatment rooms and waiting areas, are thoroughly cleaned and disinfected on a consistent basis.
Enhanced Use of PPE: All team members will wear appropriate personal protection equipment (PPE) at all times. Patients are asked to wear a mask while in our facilities. If needed, a mask will be provided upon arrival.
COVID-19 Testing: All patients will be tested for COVID-19 before having any surgical or other invasive procedure.
Separate Treatment Areas: All hospital patients being treated for or suspected of having COVID-19 are cared for in separate parts of the hospital.
Restricted Visitation: Visitors are not allowed in BayCare facilities, except in limited circumstances such as labor and delivery or end of life situations.
Social Distancing: Social distancing measures are in place, including limited furniture in waiting areas. Some facilities are offering check-in procedures via smartphone so patients can wait in their cars until it’s time for their appointment.