Get moving Rhode Island!
Pandemic made us all adjust how we practice medicine, seek medical work up, diagnostics and treatment. There is less surgeries and knee replacements. Folks are skipping dental clearance and mammographies. But we need to get back to caring for our health, we need to keep moving. Sedentary lifestyle is one of major determinants of health and can negatively impact longevity and life quality. Dr. Nula from Elite PT in Rhode Island talks with me about options of PT, in office safe visits, remote and in-home treatment options. Listen to this less than 9 minutes informative interview and get moving!
Author of new book “Reflections on Transcendence” Libby Lykins.
The interview of author and clinician (Libby) who just released her book Reflections on Transcendence with images of Cape Cod artist Steve Lyons. I interviewed both of them for this website in past. I hope to inspire those that search for beauty and reflection.
Supplements to boost your immunity?
What I do is eat plenty of fresh fruit (vitamins C)and vegetables that have easily absorbable vitamins and minerals if you introduce that as part of your meal planning strategy. In cold and scratchy throat season I use herbal teas with turmeric and ginger, both anti-inflammatory. I make my own teas from these spices. While I do use supplements in my diet, mostly vitamins D with Calcium, as I do not consume enough of milk and dairy to have proper amount to augment and maintain my bone and muscle cells, I do try as best as I can to get most of my vitamins and minerals from food sources, that is why we always have greek yogurt in the fridge.
Meditation series, podcast. Stay tuned for first episodes!
Learn, Listen and Meditate with DocOffClock. Find ways and times that you discover space for taking care of your health, your meditative, balanced mind that does not require any extra room in your house, fancy gadget or expensive app.
Fellowship interviews - remote edit.
In this short video I talk about my interview experience in 2020. The year when we do so many things differently….adjustment or innovations? The same can be said about job interviews. I recorded this short clip with no interviewees in as my reflection on the day of the rheumatology fellows candidates interview. Also on these blog pages you will find post on remote interview with tips how to make sure it goes well for you and your guests. You will find it in section Moments published October 19th 2020.
Physical therapy in time of pandemic, Dr. Nula tells all.
My full conversation with Dr. Nula, PT in Rhode Island @Elite Physical Therapy Offices is presented without edits in video below. While I published abbreviated version previously this full talk addresses much more: we talk about health integration, benefits of therapy on musculoskeletal and rheumatology health, relations that we establish with therapists and the therapists with their patients. We address issue of Telehealth that is being utilized in physical therapy as well, and how we wish that this technology helping patients to stay connected and treated is here to stay. I mention that Telehealth is in my opinion an equalizer that bridges health access for patients with various disorders and Dr. Nula talks about that as well. In this time of multitude of social justice discussions it is important we bring that aspect of care to the table as well. Change in policies should follow so Telehealth is not a nuisance, but part of treatment and management strategies for years to come.
Photo from Elite Physical Therapy Website.
Up close and personal with Dr. Brian Williams
2020 has been challenging not only due to pandemic, but also events of social activism and unrest related to aftermath of death of George Floyd, who lost his life in hands on police. While Mr. Floyd was suffocated with the knee in hands of those who should protect us, this event brought to the surface the fact that we are out of collective breath and can watch no more how inequalities affect all of us in negative way and prevent us from moving forward with healthy and balanced society, especially in time of pandemic, where so many goals of humanity should be (at least in theory) aligned in fight with the deadly virus. If that was only that one dimensional and easy. I speak with Dr. Williams about his career, what sparked his activism, road that lies ahead to heal us as a society, but also hard work that needs to be done so we all have voice in the system.
Interview with Ellie Collins, advanced practice Nurse in Psychiatry: mental health in time of pandemic.
The recent events shook us to the core. We deal with emotions and challenges of pandemic in different ways. I do not think there are two people on this planet who go through this common experience in the same way. Some deal with long standing mental illness, some suddenly found themselves anxious, frozen, or possibly feeling superpower and engaging in reckless behaviors. I work with Ellie at the same institution for the last six years and we share not only patients, but also friends and experiences together. This togetherness and connection created a perfect set up for talk with Ellie about her field of medicine in relation to pandemic and human emotions.
Music as passion and therapy.
Music has been used to cope with mental health disorders, dementia and pain among others, as part of receptive music therapy. At times audiotherapy has been referred to as alternative treatment, but more recently it has been part of growing movement of integrative treatment plans. An active music therapy refers to modality used in patients with breathing disorders, such as COPD, when patient through music, singing and deep breathing, inhales and exhales air to augment their lung functionality. While we cannot go to music concert in closed, or even open venue due to pandemic, there is an explosion of media-based concerts, balcony opera signing and neighborhood musical gatherings, and other creative ways that artists continue to perform.
Talk with Doc - dietitian Emily talks nutrition in time of pandemic.
I am honored to have my friend Emily to talk to me about all things diet and answer questions that emerged during Covid19 pandemic. Emily works in Rhode Island and that is where I met her. She is an amazing person and a dietitian who is board certified in gerontological nutrition. Her treatment philosophy is promoting patient wellbeing through education on neurobiology of a healthy diet. I am happy that she is quite adventurous to agree for this interview with me and even better - share science behind all this diet talk, including why we indulge on ice cream in this time of national anxiety.
Talk with Doc videos - part 1.
Today I take you on the journey with medical assistant Jeannette who I work with and who has over 3 decades of clinical experience in the filed of rheumatology. She is a champion for patients, but she also inspired me with her handling of the pandemic with her strength, wisdom and grace. See more by watching the video.
Libby Lykins, PA talks about Magnificent Metamorphosis.
I met Libby through our mutual friend Steve Lyons, the Cape Cod artist that I interviewed for these pages in spring. Libby is a woman who wears many hats - she is a practicing clinician, editor, author and transformation enthusiast who wants to reach broader audience with her Magnificent Metamorphosis Magazine, see link to blog I wrote about it 2 weeks ago. I sat down to talk to Libby about her passion in this 18 minute video, hope you enjoy.
Do you think of change, balance or transformation? Do you need minute for yourself, or perhaps you have strength to help and listen to others? Perhaps you are ready for Metamorphosis..
Follow the journey.
