Prevention: Taking Care of You

It wasn’t until I provided cardiac rehab to a 54 year old woman, who had to live in a nursing home, that I quit smoking. A constant stream of 5 liters of oxygen couldn’t keep her from feeling she had just run around the block when going from her bed to a chair in the same room.

While working at nursing homes and hospitals I witnessed what can happen to us during the mid to later stages of life. For many reasons, I am grateful to have had several years of these experiences. It showed me what can happen to us based on the decisions we make, how we care for ourselves, and lack thereof.

I realize there are elements of genetics, unforeseen occurrences, and we can’t prevent everything, but we do have a fair amount of control. We all want to enjoy the many wonderful aspects of life – sometimes too much, and sometimes not enough. A former co-worker would say, “Everything in moderation, including moderation.”

When you do truly love yourself and take care of you, you will feel good in different and better ways. The more we invest in ourselves now, the better we will be and feel throughout our lives.

What ways would you like to take better care of yourself? Please contact me if you would like support with taking care of you. You can reach me at [email protected] or 651-292-9938. Emmy Vadnais, Holistic & Wellness Occupational Therapist.