For about 10 years I worked on an amazing Inpatient Medical Oncology Unit with dedicated, team-oriented health care professionals consisting of nurses, nurse practitioners, pharmacists, physical therapists, Nutritionists, social workers, residents, attendings, housekeepers and our Chaplain par excellence. We were all focused on one mission-to meet the needs of the patient. This team is what I like to refer to as Champions for Healing for which I felt most blessed to be part of
Which brings me to November, the month of the Thanksgiving Holiday. It is a wonderful month to take a deep breath and give thanks and gratefulness for our circle of family, friends and support! I have for many years felt that eating well, exercising and managing stress were the keys to a long, healthful life. This year, I learned that those factors are only part of the equation and not even the most important part. The research shows that those who have positive supportive social interaction and strong relationships actually live longer than those who stop smoking or drinking, get regular exercise, or even get a flu vaccine …boy was I surprised! So I did some more investigating and surprise, surprise found out that women live longer than men by about 6-8 years and happily married women actually live longer than most.
This all leads to the importance of a Strong Social Network of Support and Connection as a KEY to survival, living longer and frankly, for the better when surrounded by a Positive Social Network of Support. So the next time you get together with wonderful fun-loving, positive, supportive family, friends, or colleagues, remember that they are the KEY to your good health!!
To your Good, Better, Best Life through W.E.L.L.N.E.S.S.!!!!