Walk With A Doc

"Drinking alcohol these days feels less like a vice and more like a survival skill." In this weekend's Virtual Walk, Linda Corinne, NP discusses alcohol use during the pandemic and some helpful tips for dealing with stress. After watching, head out for a walk and let us know all about it in the Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/211870763256882 Learn more about the #VirtualWWAD Series at www.walkwithadoc.org/virtual... Thank you Live Well Watertown!

There’s a common medical condition called atelectasis (at-e-lec-ta-sis). With atelectasis, the tiny air sacs (alveoli) do not fully expand causing the lung to shrivel up and make it painful when we take a deep breath and try to expand our lungs. There are many causes, but one is prolonged shallow breathing due to pain. Those lungs shrivel up, real tight.... I believe we’ve been seeing ‘emotional atelectasis’ in this country for a while now. Atelectasis is painful. You don’t get over it immediately, it takes time, but you almost always have a full and complete recovery. We treat it in part with deep breathing exercises, often including the ’breathing thingy’ (https://amzn.to/398FZlS). Now, as many are taking their first deep breaths in years, I suggest you lean into it. Or dive, if willing. So, if we stick with the analogy, what is our ‘emotional’ incentive spirometer/breathing thingy? Self-compassion, right? At least part of it. A gentle reminder that... Self-compassion is NOT selfish, it is actually generous. When you take that breath, you can be there for the ones who need you. I lucked into having a brilliant chief resident, Dr. Jim O’Brien, who taught our class something that has stuck with me all these years. When you go into a ‘code’ the first pulse you need to check is your own. 2021 is about simplicity, love, kindness, and healing so let’s do one very important tip. Please treat yourself today, and tomorrow, as you would treat a friend. Simple. That’s it. But, you have to do it. Don’t worry, even knowing this golden rule, like me, you will break it countless times (today). But, if you recognize it and peel back even once today, that’s a huge win. You’re well on your way. Slow down to go faster. You got this. david *see you in the Canyon: https://walkwithadoc.org/adventure

Join us this weekend as Linda Corinne discusses the rise in alcohol use during the pandemic and some healthy alternatives for dealing with the everyday stresses of life. Learn more and sign up to receive the video via email at http://www.walkwithadoc.org/virtual Thank you Live Well Watertown!

5 reasons you should join our Grand Canyon Adventure from February 13-26. You will... 1. Be motivated to move 2. Connect with others 3. Learn nutrition tips from WWAD physicians 4. Virtually explore the Grand Canyon - no passport needed! ... 5. Have fun on this FREE adventure! Learn more and register here: https://walkwithadoc.org/adventure

Snack time. Exercise snack that is... https://www.nytimes.com//for-an-exercise-snack-try-the-new

In honor of Heart Health Month, and in response to the Surgeon General’s Call to Action to Control Hypertension, we are partnering with Love One Today to show our hearts some love! We will combine movement (any kind you like that is safe to do in your area - walking, swimming, housework, table tennis) with education about heart-healthy nutrition (hello fresh avocados) to fuel our bodies. And we’ll do it together, because investing in yourself by stepping up movement, good nutrition and social connections are all important ways to improve heart health. Learn more at https://walkwithadoc.org/adventure Love One Today #LoveOneToday #HeartHealthy #Avocado #AD