Your Bridge to Health; Promoting Optimal Wellness for Mind, Body and Spirit
Valentine’s Day is Just Around the Corner – Good reminder to take good care of yourself so you can enjoy more quality time with those you love.
Lecture – ‘Loving Others Begins With Loving Yourself. Self-Love Begins With Self-Care.’ Thursday. February 16th. 6:30 – 7:30 pm. Hearty healthy snacks and beverages will be available. Cost: ‘By Donation.’ Contact us for details and to register. Advance Registration Required.
Contact us for other wellness and self-care workshops available through Dreamtime Wellness™ (Ask in advance if you wish to receive continuing education contact hours/ceu’s for nurses, social workers, body workers and case managers for some workshops.)
February is a Big Month for ‘Heart Health’ Awareness –
Women’s Heart Week – First week of February.
‘Wear Red’ Day – February 3rd. #GoRedWearRed
National Heart Month – the entire month of February
‘Get Your Red On’ and Help Spread the Word.
Having worked in cardiac medical/surgical intensive care units, I know all too well the dire effects of heart disease. There has been progress made in prevention, diagnosis and treatment of heart disease. Thankfully, people are living longer, healthier lives.
Education for prevention, symptom awareness, early intervention and treatment of heart disease helps save lives. Healthy lifestyle management and decreased cardiac risk factors lead to healthier hearts and lives for All.
Some Cardiac Risk Factors Cannot Be Controlled: Age, gender, race, and family history.
The Good News – You can take steps for healthy lifestyles that prevent heart disease! Everything you do to prevent heart disease also helps prevent stroke. Ask Your Doctor.
Your Bridge to Health; Promoting Optimal Wellness for Mind, Body and Spirit
It’s January, and Attendance at the Fitness Centers High. After the holidays, attendance at fitness centers increases as people focus on healthy New Year’s Resolutions and try to work off excess pounds and inches from holiday festivities.But, after the 1st month of the year, motivation tends to slide and attendance tends to drop off.
So What Can You Do?
Set goals. Make a plan with a short-term goal in mind. This can make it easier to achieve your desired results. Start with a goal for ‘today,’ then ‘this week,” this month.’ Goals should be short-term, realistic and attainable.
What are Your Goals for Exercise in 2017?
2. Keep At It – With repetition, the healthy steps you are taking become your new positive, healthy habits.
“It Takes 21 Days to Change a Habit.” How often have you heard this saying? Actually, there is no scientific evidence that supports this old adage and it is now considered a myth. A study in 2009 showed that when we want to develop a relatively simple habit like eating a piece of fruit or taking a 10 minute walk daily, it could take anywhere from 18 – 254 days of daily repetitions for the behavior to become a habit, with the average about 66 days. The simpler the task, like “drinking water every day” the easier for the task to be automatic.
The study concluded that “performing the behavior more consistently was associated with better model fit.” Also, that “missing one opportunity to perform the behavior did not negatively affect the habit formation process.” Simply put, repetition of a behavior in a consistent manner increases the likelihood of that behavior becoming your new norm.
Seine Field is an Essex Greenbelt Property – A beautiful spot in East Gloucester near Bass Rocks. If you didn’t know to look for it, you might blink and miss it. Look for the Greenbelt sign. There is room for 2 – 3 cars at the entrance on East Gloucester Road.
Seine Field’s Tie to Gloucester Fishing History and Culture – For over a century, local fisherman used the field to spread out and dry their large nets (“seines”) in the sun and make any necessary repairs. The seine boats (and their crews) are iconic and have been immortalized by artists and photographers for generations. Seine boat fishing is celebrated at the annual Seine Boat Races held every June during St. Peter’s Fiesta.”
A Place to X-Country and Snow Shoe – In milder weather, Seine field is great for a leisurely walk.Covered with snow, the field is perfect for a quick snow shoe or x-country ski. Seine field’s circumference is about 1 mile. After the first snow of 2017, my husband and I ventured hereto x-country. We made tracks in the virgin snow, then skied around the field, changing directions and skiing for an hour to get in a descent workout. One hour of x-country skiing = 400 – 500 calories expended; a welcome caloric burn post-holidays. We delighted in the bluebird sky, sunshine, and a red tail hawk sitting in a tree. St. Peter’s Fiesta and boating were a distant memory while out on this frozen field.
Courtesy Kim Smith. Lock and Load Seine Boat. Fiesta 2015. https://kimsmithdesigns.com/
New to snow shoeing or cross-country skiing? With enough snow, Seine Field is an easy place to begin and a great way to enjoy exercising and meditating in nature. – Karen Pischke
Your Bridge to Health; Promoting Optimal Wellness for Mind, Body and Spirit
Karen Pischke B.S.N., R.N., C.C.R.N. Alumnus. Certified Hypnotherapist, Tobacco Treatment Specialist, Usui Reiki Teacher/Komyo Shihan. Owner/Founder of Dreamtime Wellness LLC. Your Bridge to Health. Promoting Optimal Wellness for Mind, Body and Spiritwww.DreamtimeWellness.com. Find us on Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/pages/Dreamtime-Wellness-/348619611849199
Disclaimer: This blog provides general information and discussion about health and related subjects. The words and other content provided in this blog, and in any linked materials, are not intended and should not be construed as medical advice. If the reader or any other person has a medical concern, he or she should consult with an appropriately licensed physician or other health care worker. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this blog or in any linked materials. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or 911 immediately. The views expressed on this blog and website have no relation to those of any academic, hospital, practice or other institution with which the authors are affiliated.
Your Bridge to Health; Promoting Optimal Wellness for Mind, Body and Spirit
No, NOT this kind of Big Mac ….
… THIS Kind of BIG MAC –
Join Today/Come Often is the Motto at the MAC. I recently renewed my membership and made a commitment to myself to attend regularly. Whether at the Big MAC, Little MAC, or any of the number of fitness centers on Cape Ann, the key is to find at least one, two or three exercises you enjoy, can afford, and that fit into you lifestyle. Then, make time to engage in them regularly. Mix it up and have FUN!Continue reading →
GloucesterTEASE:Together Everyone Achieves Something Extraordinary.™ Each new shirt we launch will include a contest to win a FREE shirt.
Join in Our GloucesterTEASE™ Contest and WIN a FREE ‘Just for the Halibut’ T-shirt.
‘Come to Gloucester, Just for the Halibut.’ ><))))jº> ><))))jº> ><))))jº>
Three Ways You Can Enter: (‘One entry per person, per category.’)
<>< Nominate Your FAVORITE FISHERMAN.
<>< Share a POSITIVE Story About Your Favorite Fisherman.
<>< ‘Like’ or ‘Share’ Your Fishermen’ Stories on this Post, on our FB page, or ‘Share’ to your FB Timeline.
Earn up to 3 Chances to Enter into a Raffle to Win A FREE Shirt!
Soft, durable, short-sleeved T-shirt in military green. Designed and made locally.
Contest Ends at 5 pm this Friday January 13th. Good Luck!
Here is one contestant’s entry:“To all the hard-working fishermen like my dad was who had to risk their lives at sea to support their families. They are such an important part of our fishing history and forever in our 💕 hearts. We thank them for making Gloucester Known as the Oldest Fishing port in America!!” – Kathleen Quinn, Gloucester MA.
(Kathleen earned 3 entries by ‘liking’ the post, nominating her father, and sharing a story. Thanks for entering Kathy! Good luck)
Gloucester is America’s ‘Oldest Seaport’ and a Great Place to Live, Love and Create.
Together Everyone Achieves Something Extraordinary™ represents our vision of ‘community.’ A % of GloucesterTEASE™ profits will be donated to charity as a way to pay forward’ our gratitude.
See GloucesterTEASE™ On-line store for more available apparel items. Next Shirt Coming SOON!
Follow Us and Catch the Wave of Optimism, Positivity, and FUN!
-Karen Pischke and Diana Whitten, Co-Owners of GloucesterTEASE™
Your Bridge to Health; Promoting Optimal Wellness for Body, Mind and Spirit
The World Has Lost ‘Bright Lights’ with the passing of ‘Mother-Daughter’ actors Debbie Reynolds and Carrie Fisher. Two strong women known for their resiliency and humor, especially in the face of adversity and mental health issues. May they be together in everlasting peace. Peace to their family and friends.
A Home in the Meadow – (The tidal beach pictured in this video reminds me of Good Harbor Beach.)
Sung by Debbie Reynolds in the movie How the West Was Won, now seems a prelude to welcome her ‘home.’Carrie Fisher died from complications of a heart attack. Her mother, Debbie Reynolds died one day later. While it is has been reported that Debbie Reynolds died from a stroke, dying from a broken heart is a real syndrome, and severe stress can cause the release of stress hormones that elevate blood pressure, constrict blood vessels and contribute to heart attack and stroke.
Dying From a Broken Heart – I first came across this syndrome while working as a registered nurse in cardiac rehab. One of our patients suffered what was believed to be a heart attack that occurred after hearing about the sudden and unexpected loss of their adult child. The patient was found to have clear heart arteries and no heart damage. They were later diagnosed with stress-induced cardiomyopathy.
Broken Heart Syndrome- also called stress-induced cardiomyopathy or takotsubo cardiomyopathy. (Tako tsubo is the Japanese name for octopus traps, which are thought to resemble the lower chamber of the heart.)
Characteristics of Stress-induced Cardiomyopathy –
Brought on by emotionally stressful events (E.g. the death of a loved one, divorce, break-up, outburst of anger, or even the sudden shock of something positive, such as winning the lottery.)
Caused by the reaction to a surge of stress hormones (from an emotionally stressful event.)
The heart temporarily enlarges and doesn’t pump well.
Women are more likely than men to experience the sudden, intense chest pain.
Can lead to severe, short-term heart muscle failure.
Broken heart syndrome is usually treatable, with most people making a full recovery within weeks.
Irregular heart rhythms and cardiogenic shock can occur, which can be fatal
Heart attack versus broken heart syndrome – In broken heart syndrome, symptoms occur suddenly after extreme emotional or physical stress. Here are some other differences:
EKG results are different than that of a person having a heart attack.
Blood tests show no signs of heart damage.
Tests show no signs of blockages in the coronary arteries.
Tests show ballooning and unusual movement of the lower left heart chamber (left ventricle).
Recovery time is quick, usually within days or weeks (compared with the recovery time of a month or more for a heart attack.)
Learning ways to deal with stress and our emotions is good for the heart, and can benefit our overall health and well-being. Talk to your doctor about your risks of heart disease, prevention, and stress management. Contact me if you wish to discuss quick, easy and healthy ways to relax and decrease stress.
Knowledge is Power. Carrie Fisher and Debbie Reynolds continue to help people, even after their passing. Carrie helped many people with her open and frank talk and writing about addiction and bi-polar disease. And before today, few people may have heard of takotsubo cardiomyopathy. Thank you to these two strong women. Keeping their family, friends and devoted fans in our thoughts and prayers. ~ Karen
Karen Pischke B.S.N., R.N., C.C.R.N. Alumnus. Certified Hypnotherapist, Tobacco Treatment Specialist, Usui Reiki Teacher/Komyo Shihan. Owner/Founder of Dreamtime Wellness LLC. Your Bridge to Health. Promoting Optimal Wellness for Mind, Body and Spiritwww.DreamtimeWellness.com. Find us on Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/pages/Dreamtime-Wellness-/348619611849199
Disclaimer: This blog provides general information and discussion about health and related subjects. The words and other content provided in this blog, and in any linked materials, are not intended and should not be construed as medical advice. If the reader or any other person has a medical concern, he or she should consult with an appropriately licensed physician or other health care worker. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this blog or in any linked materials. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or 911 immediately. The views expressed on this blog and website have no relation to those of any academic, hospital, practice or other institution with which the authors are affiliated.
Thanks for Posting and Sharing in the FUN! Enter our Contest for a FREE T-Shirt; the latest in our Gloucester line.
GloucesterTEASE™ is a new Gloucester t-shirt (currently on-line) store with a message: Together Everyone Achieves Something Extraordinary; Promoting Optimism, Peace, Love, Community and the City of Gloucester withUnique designs.
High quality shirts that are “so soft” and “wash and wear well.” T-Shirts are designed, created, and manufactured locally by Gloucester residents. Pet Bandanas – ‘Paws for Peace’ and ‘Paws for Love’ also available. Portion of proceeds donated to charity.
Last month, GloucesterTEASE™ released the “Thank Cod for Little Fisherman” youth shirt (shown below.) NOWwe’re about to release our next t-shirt in our Gloucester Line, promoting the city where we Live, Love, and Create.
GMG followers – Join in Our CONTEST and ENTER a RAFFLE to WIN a FREE t-shirt. Comment and Post Guesses here about the latest of our Gloucester line to Enter and Win. Contest Ends at 5 pm December 22nd.
Our Latest CLUE:Why Come to Visit or Live in Gloucester? Share your reasons here and be entered into our contest.
Current entries – “The great restaurants.” – Jess Winn “Feels like home.” –Pat Dalpiaz
Clues #1 and 3 with photos can be found on GloucesterTEASE FB.
Clue #2 – included these Facts about Gloucester MA:
Gloucester is America’s oldest seaport
Most of the city’s visitor attractions are closely tied to the region’s maritime setting, economy, and history.
Aside from any single attraction, visitors are drawn to City of Gloucester, MA to observe the working waterfront, particularly the operations of the fishing fleet.
There are 16 business offering deep-sea fishing excursions.
Can you guess the theme for our next design? Or maybe, the design itself??
Another clue is buried in this post. 😉
Comment and enter guesses here on this post, or at GloucesterTEASE Facebook to Enter and WIN.
Note: Family, friends and neighbors that previewed the shirt are ineligible to win, but you can still join in the fun comment on ‘Why you Come to Visit or Live in Gloucester? ‘Otherwise, Fair Catch for everyone else.
Follow GloucesterTEASE on Facebook (website under construction) for upcoming new releases, contests and promotions.
Join in the Fun. Share the Optimism and Positivity.
-Karen Pischke and Diana Whitten, GloucesterTEASE™ Gloucester MA
Cape Ann Wellness 