4 Reasons Why Setting New Year's Resolutions and Goals can be a Healthy Practice

 

1.  Stress Relieving. The very act of getting your thoughts, dreams, visions and goals out of your head and onto paper can be therapeutic and stress relieving. You may feel a sense of relief come over you as you take the first step in achieving your goals by writing them down in an organized fashion and prioritizing them. Make sure the goals you set are SMART -> Specific. Measurable. Attainable. Relevant. Time-bound.

2. Confidence Boosting. Part of goal setting is reflection. Take time out to reflect on what you accomplished in 2014. It can be big or small, personal or professional. Knowing that you have been able to accomplish what may have looked like an insurmountable task in the past will give you the confidence to pursue your future goals. Furthermore, as you take the steps necessary to make your current dreams a reality, you will get closer and closer to bringing those dreams into fruition giving you another boost in confidence. Get into the confidence boosting cycle.

3. Productivity. Goal setting forces you to think about what you really want out of life. This is important because knowing what you want out of life puts you in a better position to go after what you want in life. It gives you a visual reminder of what you have to work towards. (Refer to our post on vision boards for more about visual goal setting).You know what you need to save for, study for, invest in, and pray about. Most people write goals down the same way the make a grocery list. There's no sense of urgency with list making. Maybe you'll go shopping this week, maybe you'll go next week. As you set goals, set actions. Write down actionable points for each day to help you accomplish the goal and give yourself a deadline. People who take action tend to be more productive and happier. Happiness and productivity are important to your mental health.

4. Healthy Resolutions! You can make resolutions regarding your health! Here are just a few points to get you started:

• Exercise 3 to 5 times a week
• Eat healthier
• Sleep better
• Meditate every morning
• Schedule in fun time 

Bonus: Click here for a goal setting worksheet from New Leaf Fitness.

What's Your Vision?

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As we prepare to enter the new year it is time to rethink, refocus, and re tune ideas for the future. One of the best ways to jump start the new year is to create goals and objectives you wish to complete. I would be lying if I said I never have issues staying on track with my goals. Most times I either forget them or give up hastily if I have difficulty accomplishing them.This year I decided to try something new to improve my goal setting and attaining. I had heard of vision boards in the past but after recently reading the story of Lucinda Cross, a former convict who's life was changed with the help of vision boards (read more here), I knew it was something I had to try.

Vision boards, also known as dream or inspiration boards are a visual technique for creating and pursuing your dreams. It's often said that if you see something over and over again, you are most likely to remember it and this holds true for ideas and plans. Dreams can become realities when they move from your thoughts to actions.

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The process of creating a vision board consists of cutting photos and phrases from magazines and catalogues. These images and quotes can represent who you are, where you are in life, and where you hope to be. Positive thoughts, words of affirmation, and visions of the life you want can all be added to the board. Great topics to envision through your board include financial prosperity, health and fitness, travel, education, and career.

 Most vision boards are created using poster board or cork board, but online versions can also be made, especially through the popular website Pinterest. One important aspect to consider when creating a vision board is where you will place it.  It should be placed in an area where it can be easily seen and offers the ability to  constantly reassess your goals (i.e. a window sill or bedroom or office wall).

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A vision board party is a great way to get the ball rolling on this craft. When like minded people are together, they can feed off of one another's positive energy. Being with other's who want to take control of their lives may also encourage you to do the same. So grab a group of friends, put on great music, pour yourself a drink, and get to cutting!

Hear are some other tips to help set and execute your vision for 2015:

1. Congratulate Yourself- Many people say they want to change but never do the things necessary to make their ideas come to fruition. By simply stating you want to change and working towards it, you are one step closer to completing your task.

2. Don't Stress- As the old adage goes"If at first you don't succeed, try,try,try again!" If your road does not go exactly as "planned", don't fret. Many times you may have to stop, regroup, and re tune your plans to get to your ultimate goals. The great thing about a vision board is it can help you remember where you want to be and hopefully give you the drive to keep going.

3.Take Small Steps- Though your dreams may be big (and they should be!), it can sometimes be overwhelming if you try to do to many things at once. Rather, efficiency can be achieved by breaking goals down into smaller parts so they are easier to tackle.

4. Copy- There is nothing wrong with taking a page out of another person's book who is where you want to be. Often times the best inspiration comes from seeing other individuals who have what you want.A great place to start is by following blogs, read inspiration books or autobiographical, and speaking with people you admire.

5. Have Fun- Life is meant to be lived, no matter what situation you are in. Even if you are not where you aspire to be, take a deep breath and enjoy the blessing of being alive. Find enjoyment in the everyday things, no matter how small they may look in your eyes.

With the help of a few magazines (and glasses of wine) I completed my vision board.

The finished product!

Have you done vision boarding in the past or plan to do one? What will you focus on?

Wishing you a healthy and prosperous New Year!

HOLIDAY CELEBRATIONS!

As busy as we all are we must remember to take time out to enjoy life with family and friends! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

HOLIDAY DINNER

Spinach  stew

PUERTO RICO

Flying in to SJU!

El Yunque National Rain Forest

Mofongo!

El Yunque National Rain Forest

El Yunque National Rain Forest

Hotel rooftop

Brunch

Brunch

Hotel rooftop

Old San Juan

Lunch

Brunch

GALAS

West African Health Foundation Gala

 

 

SEVEN SENSATIONAL MEDICAL ADVANCEMENTS OF 2014

1. THE BIONIC EYE

The “Argus II” takes video from a camera built into glasses (as shown in the picture) and wirelessly transmits that image to implants in the retinas of blind patients. The technology has been available in Europe since 2011, but it was approved for use in the U.S. by the FDA in 2014. The technology is not perfect, but it does help patient's distinguish white from black or the curb from the sidewalk.


2. BREAKTHROUGH TREATMENTS FOR HEPATITS C


In the past, Hepatitis C therapies had cure rates of about 70% and would take almost an entire year to complete. Not only that, but patients may have undergone injections with interferon that produced difficult to tolerate side effects. Now, there are newer oral drugs with cure rates of 91 percent to 100 %. These therapies only last 12 weeks and have been proven to treat more difficult to cure patient populations such as those who also have HIV. One major down side to these newer treatments are the price, they can set you back anywhere from about 85k to 95k.

3. THE POOP TRANSPLANT IN A PILL FORM



I know how this sounds, but fecal transplants have been helping people who have suffered with a serious infection called Clostridium difficile (C. diff). C. diff is a toxin that can produce life threatening diarrhea and in fact about 15k people die from it each year. C. diff is typically an infection that we see in hospitalized patients, immunocompromised patients or patients who have taken broad spectrum antibiotics.

When the usual antibiotic regimens don't work, poop transplants may actually do the trick and have pretty good success rates - some studies quoting 81%. The transplants work by replacing good bacteria from the donor poop into the recipients colon. At present the transplant is preformed via an enema, but recently researchers in Canada have been able to get the good bacteria (minus the poop) into an oral pill!

 4. THE CANCER GENOME


By reviewing the mutated genome of a tumor, we can now tell whether or not some cancers will respond to current chemotherapy regimens. This is helpful because if your doctor knows you won't respond to current treatments he or she can get help you make the decision to get into a clinical trial much sooner.

5. NEUROPACE, STOPPING SEIZURES BEFORE THEY START



Although the NeuroPace has been in development for some time, it was just approved by the FDA this year. The device is a neurostimulator - a small, battery powered device surgically implanted in the skull that continuously monitors brain electrical activity. The neurostimulator delivers brief pulses of stimulation when it detects activity that could lead to a seizure, this can help to prevent the seizure before it happens. Seizure activity has been reduced in participants by 40%.

6. IBRUTINIB, MISSILE GUIDED CANCER TREATMENT


Normally, cancer treatments kill good cells along with the bad cells. Researchers have discovered that the growth of some lymphomas and leukemias is controlled by a protein called Bruton's tyrosine kinase (BTK). Now there is a new drug called Ibrutinib that blocks BTK and leaves the good cells alone.

7. 3D PRINTED BODY PARTS

 

We've all heard of using 3D printers to replicate everyday household items or make toys, but did you know that scientists are using them to make embryonic stem cells, skin, blood vessels, heart tissue, cartilage, bone and organs? Some of these advancements are still in the works, but one day researchers may be able to help thousands of people who are waiting for organ donations by printing the organs they need using biologic material. Pretty cool stuff!

There's a new Surgeon General in town. What does that mean?

On December 15, 2014 Dr. Vivek Murthy was confirmed as the 19th United States Surgeon General. Educated at Harvard and Yale, Dr. Murthy is a Boston based Internal Medicine physician and educator at Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School. He is the first Surgeon General of Indian descent and the youngest at 37 years of age.

After the confirmation, the Office of the White House released a statement stating “ Dr. Murthy will bring his lifetime of experience promoting public health to bear on priorities ranging from stopping new diseases to helping our kids grow up healthy and strong,”President Obama said in a statement , “Vivek will also help us build on the progress we’ve made combating Ebola, both in our country and at its source.” Murthy himself said as Surgeon General he would focus on preventing childhood obesity, increasing rates of childhood vaccination, and decreasing smoking rates as he is “deeply passionate” about disease prevention.

The Office of the Surgeon General is part of the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Health in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. In order to become the US Surgeon General a physician must first be nominated by the President of the United States then be confirmed by majority vote by the US Senate for a 4 year term in office.

With his new role, Dr. Murthy oversees all public health initiatives and programs for American citizens that involve the federal government's money. As the medical spokesperson for the federal government, he also represents its views on public health policy.  Referring to the prestigious role, the Office of the Surgeon General states that "As the Nation’s Doctor, the Surgeon General provides Americans with the best scientific information available on how to improve their health and reduce the risk of illness and injury. " A well known act done by a former Surgeon General was the Surgeon General Warning on tobacco products indicating it can be hazardous to health ( Rear Admiral Luther Leonidas Terry, M.D , 1964). The Surgeon General also awards several public health awards for exemplary acts of services as well as chairs the National Prevention Council, a  partnership of 20 different government agencies to promote community-based wellness programs including tobacco cessation and expanding access to healthy foods.

As the operational head of the US Public Health Service Commissioned Corps (PHSCC)  Dr. Murthy  will lead the Commissioned Corps, a group of 6,500+ uniformed health care professionals. These authorities,who are on call 24 hours a day, can be dispatched in the event of a public health emergency (such as Ebola), natural disaster, and assist in international health issues.  Along with their day to day duties which include holding offices within the NIH, CDC, FDA and other federal agencies, they also have a common  mission to protect, promote, and advance the health of the nation.

So why is a Surgeon General necessary? Essentially the Surgeon General is a leader, the American health leader. Though he can not directly affect policy making he can serve as a spokesperson and educator for critical health issues affecting physical, mental, and community well being. Important messages can be sent through the Office of the Surgeon General in a way that all people, no matter what level of medical knowledge, can understand. From obesity prevention, to the importance of seat belts this position works towards the unbiased prevention of illness, advocacy of wellness, and promotion of positive health activities.




Office of the Surgeon General

Cole Said It Best

J. Cole

Michael Brown. Eric Garner.
I Can't Breathe. Hands Up. Don't Shoot.

 These are the names and terms that have been heard from the mouths of people across the country and globe for the past several weeks. The tragic shooting death of Michael Brown by Ferguson, Missouri police and the choking death of Eric Garner by Staten Island, NY police in 2014 have resonated in the souls of men, women, and children alike. The shooting death of 12 year old Cleveland native Tamir Rice by a police officer has also ignited fury and calls for justice for those affected by police brutality and a criminal justice system that has at times not acted appropriately towards members of the community.

Hip hop artist J. Cole said it best in the lyrics of his song "January 28", off the album 2014 Forest Hills Drive.
What's the price for a black man life? I check the toe tag, not one zero in sight~ J. Cole
 
African American men are continually dying in the hands of those that have sworn to protect them. There are many correctional officers who are doing a great job of serving their community, however there are a few whom may be doing more harm than good. After grand juries failed to indict the officers involved in the Brown and Garner cases thousands of protests, marches, and boycotts have occurred throughout the nation demanding change.

#WhiteCoats4BlackLives, a coordinated protest on December 10 by medical students in over 70 medical schools in the US and Caribbean was created to not only protest against racial discrimination and police brutality, but to also shed light on the injustice which happens to blacks within the health care system.

"Die-In's consist of medical students in white coats and other individuals laying on the ground, most for four and a half minutes- representing the four and a half hours that Michael Brown's corpse layed on the ground after being shot.

The hope in these demonstrations is to open a much needed dialogue amongst health care professionals, healthcare systems, and the general public about the large disparities people of color face in receiving sufficient health care. Racial discrimination in itself has a direct impact on mental health, leading to increased stress, behavioral issues, depression and suicide. To often minorities are unable to receive the medical help they need due to various socio-economic or prejudicial constraints. The alarming low rate of African-Americans matriculating into US medical schools is also raising concerns that lack of diversity amongst providers will  affect the patients' views and possible use of the health system. 

As student doctors we are obliged to recite the Hippocratic Oath during medical school. The oath is a public declaration of our aim to uphold certain ethical standards. Do No Harm (non-maleficence)  claims a physician will refrain from providing futile treatments or act with malice towards a patient.

I believe that just as physicians are held accountable for inappropriate conduct and malpractice, police officers should be held accountable for improper handling of force and weapons, as well as discrimination. How a choke hold is not considered unlawful is beyond my understanding, but the continual abuse of members of the general public by law enforcement needs to come to an end. Both the criminal justice system and the health care system are responsible for the general well-being of the community at large.If the public can not trust us, we who have dedicated our lives to helping them, then who can they trust?

Look at the nation, that's a crooked smile braces couldn't even straighten ~ J. Cole


Below are photos of various Die-In's

John Hopkins School of Medicine

Albert Einstein College of Medicine

Texas A&M Health Science Center College of Medicine

Morehouse College

Howard University School of Medicine

University of California, San Francisco

Harvard Medical School

Image Source

** OhemaasMD in no way supports the recent shooting death of two NYC police officers, in apparent revenge for Eric Garner

TIME Person of the Year

Last week, TIME magazine bestowed it's beloved award of Person of the Year, not to an individual but to an entity. The Ebola Fighters were named 2014's Person of the Year for their “tireless acts of courage and mercy." Recipients include the many doctors, nurses, and numerous health care workers working to end the epidemic which has already claimed over 6,000 lives. The people in the field also included Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), and the Samaritan Purse Christian medical relief team. 

The epidemic, which initially wrecked havoc in Liberia, Sierra Leone, and Guinea eventually crossed international water with cases in the United States and Europe. The White House welcomed the TIME magazine award as a tribute to the "heroism and selflessness" of countless health care workers."The administration, including the president, could not be prouder of the brave men and women who've committed themselves to this effort in a foreign land," said spokesman Josh Earnest.

  

                                           TIME Magazine Ebola covers

The resilience, tirelessness, and dedication of  The Ebola Fighters is unrelenting and under appreciated. Fighting a disease which could (and did) easily claim their own lives, the health care workers put their own well being aside to take care of individuals and even entire families. We must also not forget the ambulance drives and burial teams who also aided in providing care and peace to thousands.
 The war against Ebola is not over and the global health system is not as strong as previously perceived. Those who are not on the front line can still help, by supporting organizations fighting in Ebola stricken countries like The Red Cross and Doctors Without Borders. Monetary contributions, supplies and even prayer are welcome. We are grateful to the Ebola fighters as TIME magazine stated, "For tireless acts of courage and mercy, for buying the world time to boost its defenses, for risking, for persisting, for sacrificing and saving".



If you would like to donate,
Mamawa Inc and Sierra Leone Water are two organizations  spearheading the war against Ebola in Sierra Leone.
Also check out Doctors Without Borders