NEW CASTLE —
I am always happy when I see the lifesaving value of connection happening around me.
It makes my heart smile when many people spontaneously unite. There is a feeling of excitement and community. Everyone gets onto the same page, when often the pages are scattered.
Dr. Dean Ornish says, “Love and intimacy are at the root of what makes us sick and what makes us well; what causes sadness and what brings happiness; what makes us suffer, and what leads to healing.” The more isolated and closed a person is, the more disease progresses. More openness and intimacy brings health and wellness.
Isn’t it a great feeling when you get swept up in the unexpected excitement of a positive event that is unfolding? It’s that kind of head-turning, stop-what-you-are doing-so-you-can-take-a-look kind of event that calls you out of your normal, mundane routine. It begins to gain momentum as it draws many people and develops into unity that connects people just because it feels good.
There is something special, even magical, that urges people to want to unite and participate. Last week, we had that kind of Friday at Jameson Hospital. It was the kickoff day for our Jameson Employee Wellness Program for 2012. The event is part of National Heart Month and is linked to the American Heart Association’s “Go Red for Women” campaign.
Recognizing the Heart Month theme, Jameson is selling red “Love Your Heart” T-shirts for women and black “Love Her Heart” T-shirts for men during February as a fundraiser for The Jameson Healthcare Foundation. The focus is educating the public about the No. 1 killer of men and women in Lawrence County.
The energy last Friday was upbeat and positive as many employees purchased a shirt and wore it during work hours. They are encouraged to wear their heart awareness shirts every Friday during February. It was reported that even patients who saw this enthusiasm wanted to get involved and purchase a shirt. They are available to the public. Purchase in the Public Relations office, fourth floor, North Campus, (724) 656-4145.
I will remind you again that one of the four areas of awareness that have been proven to reverse heart disease is social support. The social support spectrum encourages personal engagement in the activities of giving and receiving. This is what true intimacy is: sharing your time and talent with others and allowing others to share with you.
Dr. Ornish’s research has proven through clinical outcomes that when people learn to connect their feelings (and often their hearts through their interests and talents), they are more successful in the reversal of heart disease. Research also has proven that these people are often more successful at life and live longer.
In The Spectrum Program we point out that there is an “I” in illness and a “We” in wellness. Tapping into and also contributing to whatever activity, organization or interest you have makes a difference in your wellbeing and makes a difference in the world around you.
The lifesaving value of connection can be contagious. When you stay open to where life is calling you to participate the good feelings can create a sense of unity.
*****
For the Garden of Your Daily Living ...
•Plant three rows of peas: Peas of Mind, Peas of Heart, Peas of Soul
•Plant four rows of squash: Squash gossip, Squash indifference, Squash grumbling, Squash selfishness
•Plant rows of lettuce: Lettuce be forgiving, Lettuce be kind, Lettuce be patient, Lettuce really love each other
•No garden would be complete without turnips: Turnip for meetings, Turnip for service. Turnip to help one another
•To conclude our garden, we must have thyme: Thyme for each other, Thyme for family, Thyme for friends.
Water freely with patience, and cultivate with love. There is much fruit in your garden, because you reap what you sow. — Author unknown
Lori Brothers
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About Lori Brothers: Lori is the director of The Dean Ornish Program For Reversing Heart Disease at Jameson Hospital. She writes a weekly column for The News.
Discussion
Lori Brothers: Get connected for better health
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