My disease is still with me, so I still have a challenge to keep going.  But being better equipped, my goal is to reach others and make them aware that they also could overcome, and become successful managers of their health conditions.  To me the best salesperson is word of mouth, and if this message could just reach one, and make a difference.  That one could reach another, and sure enough, they will be enough to make it count, and together, we could say "YES, WE CAN"!

Being in the eye of the public is not wrong as long as you are not there for the wrong reasons.  At the same time, most people do not become believers unless they see first.  To me, I  just wish the impact of being in the public eye was to better others with a condition; or at least, motivate them to make positive changes in there life style, and better their health.  I, myself, acquired the proper tools in this challenge to improve my health, and in the public eye, will be the believer to show you it works.  Good health to all.
 
PS:  I challenge you!

Talk about a CHALLENGE, and most people think, work, commitments, changes, rules and regulations.  Talk about the I CAN CHALLENGE, and I will tell you, "YES".  Why?  As one of the challengers, this challenge could best be describe as a motivation, a way of life, and overall, a better you.  Is a program of no fail, for you learn to always get back on track.  It teaches you how to use the freedom of choice, into making wise decisions for the rest of your life; plus is a complete guide to take control of the most valuable aspect of our life, your health.  So ask m how I feel about  completing the challenge, "I feel GREAT and YES, I CAN.
 

Keeping a journal is been a very helpful tool on the crossroads of this challenge. For it constantly reminded me of my motivation and the obstacles and the success of it all.  Where I started, where was I, and where I am going. Looking back a this journal today very firmly and strongly make me say "YES I CAN".  Also, makes me feel, as one who did make it to the mountain top and got to touch the skies.  It is also, tells me, it does not end here, for this is just the beginning of many more accomplishments to come along the way.

Of all the management techniques learned with the I CAN CHALLENGE, I really enjoyed the Mind and Body with Dr. Rogers.  It was one that really showed the control that the mind achieves over your body as a whole, and how could it guide it into a complete mode of relaxation, making it stress free.  Also, the peace
and comfort it leaves you with in your inner self.  Coming back to reality as if waken from the best rewarding stress free moment of the day.  The experience help you to wake up with other attitude toward our daily routine.

Stress is everywhere and affects people mentally, physically and emotionally.  There are many of things that causes stress, such as, violence, economics, work, a flat tire, and many other things we are surrounded by on everyday basis.   Some people illustrate stress as a pressure cooker on high heat, without a relief valve.
There are many things you could do to manage stress and its levels, from yoga, music, prayer to exercise, read a book or dance; but first, you need to look into  the signs and causes of stress to determine the best approach, also, it is important to always keep a positive outlook on any situation you were facing.  STRESS is the new pet that will always be next to you, but you could tame it.  Remember, you are not alone, do it for you and your health.

I am glad to say Yes, I am receiving quality health care for when I walk out of my physician office.  I have answers, a plan of action, and the necessary referrals to make it happen.  Wellspan has incorporated a system, where my doctors are linked in my care as teamwork.  My cardiologist, together with my CHF Clinic, PCP and Nephrology, get feedback of all my blood work, stress test, etc.  They know who's prescribing this or that and for what.  They are also very informed with my health condition, something which I did not have before.  This has also helped me in minimizing risk, and taking control of my health and, of course, is been a great pleasure working with them to make a healthier me.
 

What is quality health care?  To me, is what happens to the patients after walking in the door to see a doctor.  You believe that with the soaring cost in coverage you would get the best.  But regardless whether you have coverage or not, many are not getting quality health care.  Quality health care is care that works, is safe and appropriated for an individual or patients needs.  Statistics show that Americans will spend 2.3trillion dollars on health care this year, and yet, not get the quality service  they need.  Where is the downfall?  A recent article in the New York Times, noted that insurers will not pay for a Podiatrist, associate with foot ailment for diabetics, but yet, will pay $30,000 for an amputation, (instead of a $150 for prevention);  among the fact that the care provided is not  necessary.  Is there a solution, and if so, what is it?  There is a tug of war, one pulls one way and the other the opposite way.  People need to get together and work together (politicians, physicians, employers, insurers, etc.)  Not to mention the patient needs to also take responsibility by taking part of the health management.  Also the sense of rewarding good performance and directing attention to quality improvement.

Talk health care, and everybody listens.  This is one issue that concerns the whole world.  But then, again, so many questions arise, at just the mention health care.  Questions such as, affordable, and to whom?, quality health care, where?, etc.  Most of these questions are now being answered.  Many practices are opening there doors and letting you take a look inside.  You are able to have data (information) in making a wise choice.  Also, understand to be judgmental for you, should be aware of your geographical area, search and the income levels.  There could be many of physicians considered good doctors, but on the scale of percentage, might not seen to be. 
 
A good rule to follow is:
1.  Number of patients
2.  Insurance access
3.  Rate of mortality
 
But there is a way of becoming better informed, ask questions to the attending physician, such as "I am dealing with diabetes, is my AIC going to be a routine check for me?" How will you deal with my illness, etc.  You have a right, and if not comfortable, you have other choices.  Remember, a great relationship with your doctor and a good physician, works wonders for your health.
 

Everything you learn about your condition becomes a great "light at the end of the tunnel"  For it, shed light on how to better manage and control it; at the same time , prevention of risks associated with your condition. 
For example,  a person with diabetes know the risk of wounds that don't heal, and also, knows how important is to have his/her vision checked.  At the same time, a person with a heart condition knows about the swelling of the legs, shortness of breath and the gain of weight within days. It pays to know your condition, and the chances your body takes at the presence of any risk.  Now, there are many resources, library, Internet, brochures from your office physician that provide the information you need.  The more knowledge you acquire, the less risk you will have.  So do it for yourself and mainly for your health.

Understanding your condition is vital in decreasing risks, and useful in maintaining your health together with your doctors.  The resources available nowadays are a world of its own.  You have numerous websites, your local library, toll free numbers, besides many other organizations ( American Diabetes Association, Heart Association, Cancer Association, etc.)

The information and terms used are of importance for you to understand; how they relate to your condition, and make you able to manage your health.  Taking control of anything in life involves, first, knowing (so you are not in the blind), also, understanding (Knowledge) and management (working with it).  In today’s world, you need to do this for yourself for around the corner; there will be those that try to take advantage of your situation.  The ones that promise that miracle cure, or wonder drug, but yet, nothing to uphold it’s statements.  And also, remember not all information on internet or books or elsewhere constitute medical advise, but that of a medical professional.  With all the resources at the reach of your hands, you could come along with  me and  take the I CAN CHALLENGE for YES, YOU CAN.

Knowledge, the key that unlocks many of close doors. But, how do you acquire said knowledge about your health issues? Specially, nowadays with so many abbreviations and terms used.  Have you ever tried to read a medical prescription, or a doctor's note?  Sometimes is very difficult, imagine terms you are not familiar with, such as A1C, BNP, Creatine, CAD, CHF, LDL, HDL.  This week challenge was an insight on opening these doors.  The meaning of these medical terms, and the need to have then done.  Take for example your A1C, it records your blood sugar levels for over the past 2 to 3 months.  And how about the term hypoglycemia (where there is not enough sugar in the blood).  Knowing your medical condition, and the great number of things that could be determined by just a simple blood test is very rewarding.  Examples are follow with blood work, we could determine your cholesterol levels (HDL,LDL), your (BNP) hormones put by the heart to determine congestive heart failure (CHF).  Among many other aspects of your health.  So understanding your conditions, the terms used to diagnose them, together with a broad number of websites for health, puts you in the drivers seat of your health and management.  Also minimize or decrease your risks.  Again Good Health to ALL.

Heart diseases and diabetes get controlled, but the disease and impact does not disappear.  So why so much on increase activity, portion control and managing your health?  Walk back in time with me and you will understand why.

At the beginning of this Challenge, my first steps were baby steps; setting goals, getting motivated. Going into the program helped me understood the overwhelming reasons of taking control of my health.  This past week started off with an impact. It was Tuesday in my PCP's office, the diagnosis came back as bronchitis.  Meds were prescribed (Z-Pack, Flovent, Cough Syrup with codeine), Friday was going to be one in which a special event was schedule. 

At the early part of the afternoon I had to drop everything and go directly to the ER (York Hospital). I was short of breath, could not walk more than five steps...I knew something was wrong. Sure enough, I was going through a Congestive Heart Failure (CHF).  According to the doctor, it was an acute heart failure exacerbated by the bronchitis. 

How did everything I have being doing benefit me? Sunday morning I started walking on the York Hospital second floor tower hallway. My body was responding very well and my lungs were clear of fluids from the CHF.  This was all due to the accomplishments made with my part of the I CAN CHALLENGE.  My hospital stay was of two days compared to six or seven days in the past.  By the way, I did go around the hallway a total of 15 times, approximately 2 miles distance. I was discharge that day at 1:30 pm.

Some people say, “I could eat this for the rest of my life“.  Did you know there were a lot of wars, started because of only having certain things to eat as a diet?  Human beings become tired of the same things all the time.  That is why most of us look for a variety or something different.  Exercise and physical activity is the same, but the good thing  is there is a large variation of things to do .  There is from jumping jacks to push ups to treadmill, to exercise equipments, yoga, swimming, Wii Fit, or just a simple chair at home.  Sometimes, is just the changing of a routine, and just move, with so much to keep you active, there is really no excuse to not take a step ahead.  Most of us at a given time in life have wished, “only if I could be young again”, and I say you could still feel young, be active, get involved and feel young; turning back the hands of being inactive.....”Move to the Grove”

I have already started exercising,  and I’m feeling  better.  Again, let's take a look  at just the facts; but, at the same time, hold that thought;

Fact:  Our metabolism takes a decline around the age of 30.

Fact:  Exercise (activity) increases your muscular endurance, which makes you stronger and makes activity easier.

Fact: It improves the function of your immune system, decreases onset of diabetes, and helps your heart rate to a more efficient heart.

The facts are much more, but with only the ones mention, there is strong reasons to do so.  Then, looking on the other hand, what are the consequences?  There is losing focus, motivation, the going back to old routines, the uncontrolled diabetes, the weight gain, the hearts decrease function, the high blood pressure and everything we started to challenge, is now challenging us and saying, “we shall overcome”.  Remember your commitment was, and is with yourself, the most important person; and for sure, you don’t give up on yourself.  So, your answer should be “YES, I CAN”, Watch out, there is a new me around the corner!!!