Yesterday I made my semi-annual trek to Hyde Park to see my neurologist.  As I was going through my notes for the appointment it got me thinking about how one can best plan for going to the doctor so as to make the most of the precious time.  So here are what I consider to be "best practices" for preparing for a doctor's visit. Let me know if this helps you next time you see your doc.

Best Practices to Consider:

1. Have a list of questions written in a notebook so you can write down the answers next to them
2. Have a list of current medications, including vitamins, and their corresponding dosages
3. Share your health history including allergies, illnesses and surgeries
4. Take any x-rays or test results your physician might not have
5. Wear your glasses or hearing aids, if needed
6. Dress appropriately
7. Arrive early with insurance card in hand to fill out necessary paperwork
8. Be truthful and thorough
9. Bring a trusted family member or friend if you’re nervous or feel you won’t pay close attention
10. If you’re afraid to talk to your doctor, consider getting a new one!  This is one of the most trusted relationships you should have.

Usually I don’t share recipes yet with spring approaching, I thought it would be nice.  So here’s a healthy salad option to put a smile on your face without too many calories on your hips!  ENJOY!!

SALAD

2 large tomatoes

1 seedless English cucumber (or can substitute 2 small cucumbers)

1 yellow pepper

1 orange pepper (or can substitute 1-2 green peppers for the colored peppers)

1 medium or 2 small scallion/onion stems

1 small chili pepper (optional – I do not use this but if you like it, go for it)

DRESSING

2 cloves garlic, crushed

1 Tbs parsley, chopped (I use fresh Italian flat leaf when possible but dried is fine)

1 Tbs mint, chopped

Salt to taste

Pepper to taste

¼ cup olive oil

Juice of 1 fresh lemon

Chop all veggies into small cubes and place in a large bowl.  In a separate bowl, mix the dressing ingredients and whisk thoroughly.  Add dressing to salad and mix well.  Place in refrigerator at least ½ hour before serving and mix well prior to serving.

You can adjust the amount of veggies and dressing ingredients based on your taste preferences and the number of people you plan on serving. 

To Your Wellness!

This winter has plagued many states with unusually harsh amounts of snow, ice and frigid temperatures. Here in Chicago we experienced our third worst snowstorm on record! I recall the snow of ’67, ’79 and now I’ll remember the one of ’11. Here’s a photo of my house after it was plowed out. It’s reminiscent of an igloo!!

Many people have found this winter to be quite aggravating due to the weather. How about you? When you consider your emotions and feelings, do you realize you have a powerful affect on those around you? So when you get depressed or angry with regard to winter and Mother Nature’s alleged wrath, suppose you saw the beauty or positive in the weather, thereby influencing those around you for the positive? Here’s a photo of the calm after the storm: a gorgeous sunset, in my opinion.

"A snowflake is one of God's most fragile creations, but look what they can do when they stick together!" Consider comparing yourself to a snowflake – unique and small. Yet when you combine forces with others, you can create a positive energetic force leading to moments of wonder, beauty and magic.  You hold the power to control your thoughts, feelings and actions.  When shifted to the positive, you too can create wonder in this world by influencing others.   

Last week on Good Morning America they were having the final contestant for their available “Advice Guru” position speak with audience members.  This got me thinking - Would you contact an advice guru for guidance?  Would you turn to someone you don’t know and who doesn’t know you? What about your friends? Do you really want their opinion?

Many of us turn to our friends or family for advice when trying to make the simplest to the most complex decisions. It is natural to seek input from others. But do you really want their opinion? How often do you find you don’t like what is suggested to you? Personally, until I get the answer I really want to hear, I honestly don’t listen to anyone’s advice. Some may call me stubborn; I call it “waiting for an answer to resonate with what I already know to be true deep down at my core.” So who will tell us “the answer we want to hear?”

What would it look like if you asked yourself the question and listened to your gut, instinct or intuition as to how you should respond or act? What if you trusted yourself and your core beliefs & values? What would that look like?

So often we spend our lives worrying about what others think; asking them for advice on how we should act. We “should” all over ourselves everyday trying to be who we think others want us to be. What would life look like if you choose who you want to be and how you want to act? Living a life of “choose to” versus “should” frees you up to be your authentic, fabulous self! Now doesn’t that sound refreshing?  And, if you need help doing this, contact a wellness coach like me who will champion you to your success in a nonjudgmental way.