Why My Kidney Has a Name
In today’s world, it seems so easy to take a life; we see the heartbreak of mindless violence daily every time we turn on the TV or listen to the news, yet, recently, I had an opportunity to bring some balance into the world. For me, it was a simple choice. I decided to test for a kidney donation when I had a conversation with one of my sisters. She told me of a story posted to Facebook about an old friend in need and on a very long waiting list for a kidney transplant. After reading the information on her struggles myself and learning that the recipient had type O-negative blood, my first thought was that I had O-negative blood. That is the beginning of how uncomplicated this journey unfolded for me. If you could make the world a little more beautiful, lovelier, and loving, would you? That statement is how my kidney came to have a name, but the significance of that consideration unfolds more as you read on. Why? I’ve thought about this choice much in the last several months, and in retrospect, the first thing that motivated me was that I possess a rarer than most blood types. The mention of the blood type made the situation-specific in its needs for a particular outcome. Only 7% of the population in the United States has type O-negative blood. However, type O-negative blood is universal, meaning we can donate to any other blood type without complications. Still, a person with type O-negative blood must receive type O-negative blood. Does that make me extraordinary? As unique as I am, the smirk crossing my face reinforces that opinion as I type away, so yes, I am exceptional. Yet, my heart led the way here; I told my husband I felt a powerful need to help. There is much more to this story, as the recipient had other health issues, but mostly, her kidney was failing, she was on hemodialysis, and what I could offer her could save and change her health for the better. The only factor that would discourage my desire to remedy her afflictions would be an unfavorable workup on my health, so I investigated this choice on a deeper level. Subsequently, I connected with this person and related my desire to get tested for a potential kidney donation. She and her husband were overwhelmed, elated, and concerned about my sudden contact. A transplant surgery would be no walk in the park for me either, as I would have to endure thorough testing, surgery, and recovery. I understood and moved forward. We had not communicated in over twenty-five years. As life has it, we are young and indestructible one day, and the next quarter century flies by, mocking our inability to appreciate time and its precious existence. However, I lead a healthy life, I stay active, and although time shows up with wrinkles and some laugh lines, in my heart, I am capable, and my spirit is determined. Still, I continued to think if I could help in a way far beyond what I ever thought imaginable, why wouldn’t I? The need for kidneys for transplants has reached a public crisis. In the United States, there are about 90,000 people on a waiting list for a kidney. More than 5,000 new patients are added to that list each month. Daily, 13 people die waiting for a transplant. The wait time for a transplant is 3-5 years or longer. About 20,000 kidney transplants occur yearly, meaning we are not catching up. If you have type O blood, your odds of receiving a kidney are about 40%, compared to AB blood types being around 70%, type A 55%, and B about 42% This decision to show love and compassion to someone outside my immediate family or close-knit circle was not always met with warm and fuzzy discussions. I didn’t share my intention to become a living donor with many during the testing process. Why start a conversation about it when I wasn’t sure if the pairing had been medically verified? Upon discovering I was a match, I assured those worried that I had done my due diligence and that the statistics were in my favor. I understand that opinions vary, and fear may halt some, but I had researched much of the process to make an informed decision. I would openly discuss it with those who were unsure about the procedure. This was also an opportunity to demystify any misconceptions about living donor donations. By dispelling these myths, I hoped to educate and reassure. The comprehensive testing sealed my desire to move forward, and it was extensive, to say the least. I connected with two prior donors I knew and joined a living donor group on Facebook for support and the many questions I had about what would follow. Through my support group, I learned that certain items for post-surgery were a must, so I planned for that as well. It came to my attention that some donors experience a psychological loss of their organs post-recovery. I learned the emotional well-being of a donor is not always fully addressed, and some long-term effects, such as grieving the missing organ, occur for some. A phantom limb is the sensation that happens when you have an amputated limb but feel it’s still attached. Would the ghost of my kidney haunt me? Something else to ponder. As I told this to a friend, she immediately suggested that we name my transplant kidney, honor it accordingly for safeguarding me this far, and lovingly bid it farewell to give life to another. You must love and cherish friends like these. My next task before surgery was to name my left kidney appropriately and wish it well. Telling my husband that I needed to name my kidney still prompts jokes and digs, but he willingly threw out random names he thought appropriate. Naming your organ isn’t a task I took casually. The name had
The Season of Health
Your Guide to a Nourishing Feast Preparing for a healthier holiday feast doesn’t mean you have to give up on taste, flavor, or tradition. Shifting your pallet to enjoy more wholesome choices is a work in progress in tune with healthful achievements. You may be putting much effort into newer health goals, so when you wonder how to keep it going around holiday celebrations, don’t agonize. That renewed mindset won’t take a severe hit because we’ve got you covered with guidance. When one strengthens a solid foundation of healthier habits, our confidence grows with small changes that significantly improve overall well-being. However, holidays and celebratory occasions are the times most feared by those intent on making positive changes. We may dread the overindulgent meals or options that might not align with our determination to consume less inflammatory foods. This unnecessary anxiety should be avoided at all costs. As we strive for progress, not perfection, in our quest for optimal health, remember that getting together with loved ones is more than just about the food. Embrace the comfort of your traditions around the holidays and express gratitude for the simple fact that you will be with those you love. Awareness and practicing the mind-body connection over the holiday entails expressing gratitude and making lasting memories. If you are in a situation where you cannot control, contribute, or assist in the preparation of a meal, consider the following guidelines to make the most of the moment: Start your day with a balanced breakfast and lunch, if applicable, to keep your metabolism functioning steadily. Saving calories and skipping meals during the day often leads to overindulging at mealtimes. Before the event, exercise to boost energy levels and digestive processes. A post-meal walk is also an excellent way to get some fresh air and lend to ideal digestion responses. A 30-minute walk after dinner can significantly impact regulating blood sugar and reducing your disease risk. Hydrating throughout the day will help curb the desire for sugary, high-calorie drinks. Think of more refreshing options, like sparkling water or seltzer with a squeeze of lemon or lime. If you look forward to a cocktail, live it up and never attach shame or guilt to an indulgence. Consider a mocktail, wine spritzer, or lighter alcohol choice mixed with club soda or tonic. If you are a guest looking for healthier options, choose a lean protein cut and skip the skin, which can significantly reduce the calorie load. Balance the abundance of rich dishes with lighter ones. For example, choose a smaller amount of a cheesy-type dish and offset that indulgence with a fresh salad, steamed greens, or an array of colorful vegetables. Swap out bread or stuffing with whole grains or rice for a more fiber-rich option. Watch creamier dressings and gravies. A simple squeeze of lemon and olive oil is a great substitute when you are more mindful. If dessert is on your radar, conscious choices and smaller portions will keep you on track. A taste of one or two desserts will not exhaust your efforts. Balance and moderation will help you maintain a healthy relationship with food. Allow yourself a treat to enhance your overall joy and be in the moment without derailing your intentions. With food choices, make a decision that aligns with your goals. Guilt and shame do not have to show up when you decide to partake in a sweet treat. If it brings you joy, savor it and enjoy it in moderation. When we don’t deprive ourselves, we are more likely to curb cravings and sustain a balanced eating regimen. House Guests? However, look no further if you have a house full of guests and need inspiration for delicious, less-inflammatory meals and beverages. By being flexible when trying new foods and recipes, you can share your desire to improve your circumstances. With guidance, you may inspire and create a ripple effect of inspiring habits for your guests. Have your visitors wake up to the cozy smell of Chai sweet potato muffins, an omelet station, and freshly juiced ginger, pineapple, celery, and oranges. Start the day with a positive vibe and habits others will happily follow. A big pot of Seasonal Minestrone has you covered for lunch. It’s filling and nutrient-rich. The wonderful thing about soup is that you can make it ahead of time and freeze it for any occasion. Consider the following sides to enhance the healthiest celebratory dinner of your dreams. Mashed Turnip, Celery Root, and Potatoes: This dish is better than traditional mashed potatoes and promotes diversity for your microbes. Buckwheat and Roasted Vegetable Tabbouleh Salad is a delightful side salad that holds up beautifully for a next-day meal. Another delicious side dish is the ever-popular Escarole and Endive Salad. This trending recipe hits every tastebud and often takes center stage on the table. It also holds up well for next-day meals. Apple Pie is so last year; try this Chai Pear and Apple Compote. It’s a warm, spicy, healing dish with seasonings that promote anti-inflammatory responses. Top it with a handful of granola, and you will be satisfied without the heaving feeling of relentless bloat from overindulging. Another refreshing bite is the Matcha Raspberry Quinoa Squares. They are high in antioxidants and a pleasant alternative to store-bought, over-processed sugar bombs with little to no nutrients. Tradition and time with loved ones are always unchanged. Mixing old and newer rituals is evolution and growth. Nutrition is one of the most powerful things we can change to jumpstart optimal wellness. Add in some consistent self-care, and balance is attainable. Embrace and welcome the desire to be the best version of yourself, keep it fun, and create lasting memories reflecting your journey for your best foundational progress. In good health!
Cauliflower and Red Lentil Bolognese
Cauliflower tout nutrients that are especially high in vitamin C, K, B6 (brain health), and folate. Red lentils are also superior in B vitamins and hit high marks for protein, fiber, and carbs that are heart-healthy, manage blood sugar, and support the digestive tract. Sneaking in the additional roasted vegetables adds flavor and more diversity to feed those beneficial microbes we need for our best health.
Purple Potato Gnocchi
The most consumed potato in Okinawa is this unique-colored Japanese sweet potato. The purple color comes from natural pigments called anthocyanins, which have antioxidant properties. Additionally, the anthocyanins in purple potatoes have been associated with potential health benefits, including anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. Get creative and add these to soups or stews or come up with your unique way to showcase the potatoes that people eat daily in the blue zones and live to 100. Longevity and clean eating. Looks like they are on to something.
Collard Green Superfood Wrap
This is a great way to get your daily dose of vitamin A, vitamin C , potassium, iron, folate, B6 and much-needed fiber for a healthy microbiome.Collard greens boost bone and liver health, and aid in optimal digestion.Prepare collard greens by steaming in a skillet with about 2 inches of salted (optional) water. Dip greens one at a time until softened (about 10 – 20 seconds). Lay flat on a kitchen towel to dry. Trim the thick part of the stem away.
Escarole and Endive Salad
The wonderful thing about escarole is the slightly bitter taste of the outer leaves and the sweet and tender inner leaves. It is the perfect centerpiece of a salad packed with vitamins A, K, C, fiber, and folate. The addition of endive, roasted veggies, and lentils brings these powerhouse greens to life as the perfect plant-based meal. Complementing and popping the flavors is a lemon and olive vinaigrette. Leftovers hold up well for a next-day lunch.
Spiced Pumpkin Bites
Pumpkin is a powerhouse of vitamins and minerals not to be ignored. The antioxidant beta-carotene converts to vitamin A, which is essential for eye health, immune functions, and skin health. There is also a hearty dose of vitamin C and dietary fiber. Making small shifts like these puts you in the driver’s seat when it comes to nourishing and indulging with foods that support immune, heart health, and beyond!
What is Health Coaching?
What is HEalth Coaching? The health coaching market predicts an increase in qualified educators in the next several years. This strong outlook and growth result from individuals, employers, and healthcare insurers recognizing the need for coaches who help facilitate change, offer guidance, and motivate clients to enhance lifestyle habits, age gracefully, and focus on prevention while living their best lives. You will most likely find health educators through insurance plans, apps, corporate wellness settings, and, most recently, private practices. These are places where medical professionals have recognized the need and advantages associated with improving patient health and cutting claim costs. Accountability, empathy, and compassion are attributes effective health coaches practice as they create a supportive environment where clients feel heard. Struggles are real, and every experience is individual. Most coaches are in this occupation because they are passionate about helping others live their full potential. We actively listen because, at one time, we have experienced not being understood. We ask thoughtful questions because we know the feeling of being dismissed. We convey information clearly and respectfully because we appreciate the emotion and intentions behind the information. A health coach’s services can be accessible and valuable for people from all walks of life. Effective and consistent communication builds a relationship, secures a bond, and ensures that messages and tasks are understood without confusion. With a reliable flow, effective change is more likely to become sustainable. Coaches bring clarity to a goal or situation, and we want to champion the benefits of a realistic, actionable plan tailored to a client’s needs. Wellness journeys look different for everyone, and the skill set they bring jump-start action, motivation, and a positive outcome. A valuable coach will most likely lead a well-rounded and healthy lifestyle. They are inspired and eager to share and help others by optimizing their client’s current habits and behaviors. However, as deeply as they care about aiding in the journey to help others feel their best, they have health challenges also. Their health concerns, whether personal or related to someone close to them, have fueled their desire to guide others. Most can relate to feeling out of balance, but they believe progress is achievable with a foundational approach to habit stacking, stability, optimal health, and optimism. Their comprehensive training, skills, and personal experiences make them more empathetic and relatable as they support your desire to facilitate your health and wellness goals. Health coaches are driven to help clients find answers and create a ripple effect of awareness and knowledge much needed to help them advocate for their best health, facilitate progress, and become aware of what works specifically for their situation and goals. We all must do the work, though. It’s crucial, but the journey is so rewarding. We work in tandem with healthcare providers rather than against them. Ultimately, with a motivational approach, we want our clients to take ownership of their health rather than just follow instructions. Many think we are a luxury ticket item reserved for the wealthy when that is so far from the truth. When you invest in your health, you reduce the need for medical intervention as you age. As a health advocate, embrace that self-care goes beyond food, water, and exercise, and take a moment to reflect on what health means to you. When you are ready, look for a coach you can align and feel comfortable with. What a coach can offer can become a powerful tool for improving overall well-being. With your commitment, trust, and openness, long-term success is within your grasp. In good health!
Habit Stacking Vs. Quick Fixes
Habit Stacking vs. quick Fixes Quick fixes in health, fitness, and wellness rarely achieve long-term success. Although your efforts may offer short-term results, they may fail to produce a sustainable outcome. What we typically see in the media: 30 days to fitness, fad diets, and rapid weight loss declarations to consumers promise the sun and the moon, but the reality of short-term progress without a sustainable plan often leads to those feeling frustration, disappointment, and a sense of being misled. Plans tailored to the masses do not focus on the individual or foundational growth fitting into their daily lifestyle needs. Let’s investigate the consequences of most quick fixes: Restrictive dieting often leads to a regain of weight in the long term. Not consuming enough calories puts the body into what’s commonly called ‘starvation mode’; the body conserves energy by slowing the metabolism, resulting in fewer calories burned. Selective eating patterns, or an unhealthy obsession with food, can often stem from restrictive diets. These fixations vary from person to person, but most will usually experience distress and anxiety surrounding their food choices. Metabolic slowdown is often the result of extreme dieting and excessive exercise regimens. Eating too few calories decreases the body’s ability to convert food to energy, resulting in fewer calories burned and more stored as fat. A lack of quality sleep, too many sugary beverages, and a lack of physical movement also contribute to a slower metabolism. Stress and anxiety over extreme dieting regimens often present mental health challenges and disordered eating patterns. Jumping in too quickly to change, fear of being judged, or worrying too much about food choices they cannot control before they address their basic needs contributes to undue psychological pressure. Adopting a more lenient approach around food choices and making practical, sustainable changes with food and other healthful habits leads to more confidence in food and health advocacy. Lasting change stacks in a positive direction when one can mindfully adopt small, sustainable habits with gradual improvements over time. These transformative advancements leave harmful habits of the past behind as the newer behaviors progress and reinforce positive rewards such as better health outcomes, longevity, and realistic goal setting. The action-based cue is crucial in forming favorable habits in health and wellness. It’s the mindset that triggers the adoption of new behaviors. Habit stacking is simply attaching a new behavior to one you are already performing. Let’s say you get up and walk most mornings. A great habit to stack would be adequately hydrating with a glass of lemon water soon after. Another example would be taking three deep breaths to calm your body and digestive tract before you sit down to any meal. If you are prone to opening your phone first thing in the morning to check emails, consider downloading a meditation app (Waking Up) and engaging in a five or 10-minute meditation instead. When you anchor a new habit to an existing well-established habit, these modest changes become manageable and more likely to stick over time. Initiating the newer behavior creates the routine; the rewards are improvements in your overall well-being. Rewarding your intentions with positive affirmations or having someone close to keep you motivated and accountable for your goals lays the groundwork for consistency and motivation. The supportive framework of positive, incremental steps systematically changes behaviors for the better. Affirmative goal setting, actionable steps, and reinforcement of these routines aid in achieving long-term success. You cannot force change on anyone. The pressure does not evoke a constructive outcome. Yet, when I ask my clients what they want to achieve in their health and wellness goals, the answers are simple yet powerful. We all want to feel more energized and have better physical and mental well-being. The following are some critical aspects of how habit stacking advancements and foundational progress accelerate positive results: Physical activity: Movement is vital, even just a short walk. Advancements like adding a mile to the walk and including a round of sit-ups or squats are fitness-related stacks. Goal setting sets one up for achievable health objectives. Start small with a simple but effective intention. If work productivity needs more efficiency, aspire to review meeting notes with the proper follow-up soon instead of waiting till later. After your lunch break, take 5 minutes for a quick walk to clear your head for the remainder of the afternoon and strengthen your digestive processes. These achievable objectives inspire optimism and keep you motivated on your health journey. Cognitive mental energy and decision-making are more structured and easily accessible because you are stacking on established routines, making that habit more automated daily. Checking in with your emotions more often instead of checking off a never-ending to-do list is a stacking improvement, never to be underrated. When you sit down to dinner, share something positive from your day. Instead of a text to check in with a friend or loved one, make a phone call for a short chat to hear a voice and have a conversation. These self-improvement examples may not always free up time, but they can help you discover effective ways of establishing sustainable routines that nurture body, mind, and spirit. When you reflect on the life you want to create, remember you are in the driver’s seat. Releasing unfavorable habits and replacing them with positive behaviors are proactive responses that will significantly modify your environment. Gradual change and establishing newer patterns will reward your efforts and bring balance, creating a more robust and reliable foundation than any quick fix. In good health!
A Glimpse into a Heart-Warming Community
A Glimpse into a Heart-Warming Community Four days across the pond w/Mom wasn’t exactly how I envisioned my past week playing out. Still, in a moment of grief for the sudden death of her brother Jim, accompanying my mother to her hometown of Blacklion in County Cavan, Ireland, was what I needed to do to give her comfort. Off we went to the land of green pastures and a culture I had not visited for nearly 32 years. Four days of ceremonious rituals to celebrate a man’s life I hardly remember, but this trip wasn’t about me; it was all for immediate family, or so I thought. If you ever want to be embraced by a society that defines community, traditions, and values, this is a destination you should pay attention to. From the moment we landed until our very quick stay ended, the outreach of love and support reinforced how compassion and the power of unity conquer all in times of grief. Where do I begin? This culture strives to hold on to what bonds humans: an environment where inhabitants appreciate that they have each other in times of need. The generosity, selflessness, and unconditional actions warmed me to the core, mostly because I witnessed first-hand what it meant to my mother and her immediate family who joined us. I will always cherish feeling welcomed, supported, and included. We all have experienced grief, and when these moments are ours to endure, a familiar face, a story, and a hug are the best remedies for healing. My experience this past week in a foreign place gave me a renewed perspective on humanity. I want to keep this feeling close at a time when I feel so much division wrestles with my beliefs of hope and humankind. At times, the ill will and negligence we witness in the world and around us negatively hampers our spirits. Getting into a habit of practicing more community-driven acts could very well raise us above indifference. “When you are in the presence of others that care, you are not alone.” Fr. Loughlain Carolan relayed that message in a beautiful eulogy to honor my late uncle. That phrase went straight to the center of my heart, and in those several words, I surmised the thoughts I was searching for to define all I had witnessed in those three days. Tradition and culture are alive and thriving through generations in this peaceful community where a quick hello is rare. A stranger becomes a friend quickly as people want to talk, get to know you, and offer a smile. Open arms, comforting food, and lots of tea cures all. Thank you, Fr. Carolan, for your compassionate tribute and the well-put summation of all I observed as a spectator. Initially, I felt like that fish out of water, but that uneasiness quickly vanished. I was often addressed not by my name but by the endearing use of the term “love” so frequently I understood that I came as a stranger but left as family. Community and connection are self-care practices we should prioritize and practice regularly. Making the best of an unexpected situation where neighbors come together to aid in the grieving process is a beautiful opportunity to express love, empathy, and kindness. Remember, even the most minor acts of goodwill can be transformative. These actions guide with a greater sense of purpose as its beacon. As the community united in grieving with us, I acknowledged it wasn’t just about direct family members; this community was sorrowful, too. They were Jim’s secondary family; together, we honored his life and memory respectfully. As Irish folklore states, “A stranger is someone you haven’t met yet.” Just as divided as the world seems lately, some will drop it all and lend a kind word, a nod, and loads of freshly baked brown bread (the best!) to show how much they care. In times of sorrow or celebration, collective unity and strength contributed to something larger than all of us, offering reassuring hope and comfort to those who needed it. Up Cavan In good health