ABOUT NURSE PAT

I've been a Registered Nurse for over 30 years. During that time I've come to understand that knowledge is a most powerful attribute one can have. When I was in my late 30's I started to have all kinds of problems, ie: hot flashes, irritability, insomnia. Of course I never would of thought that my body was changing- Not me! Well I was what is known as perimenopausal. Now being over 50 years old, the peri part has been removed! I've had to deal with many health issues and feel that sharing my experience would be worthwhile. I hope you agree. If you have any suggestions for articles of interest let me know. I will also answer any questions about health, mental and physical, by e-mail you send me. I have much experience with medical and mental health problems, and have a large resource base I've developed over the years. I've learned that you must treat body, mind and spirit to be whole. I enjoy many things and can't wait to share them with you. I have listed 6 steps to wellness below.

1. Become more knowledgeable about the health status of Women. Make a commitment to read at least one health article each month.
2. Make at least one health promise to yourself_and keep it! Example, "I promise to eat three vegetables/fruits per day."
3. Schedule your annual OB-GYN exam. If you haven't had your pelvic this year, remember that your reproductive and sexual health are important to your total health and well-being.
4. Foster supportive and healthy relationships.Nurture friendships and relationships that sustain you, and END those that drain or dishonor you.
5. Create an altar. Place pictures, candles and other things that bring you peace. Pray or meditate, ask your Supreme Being for the peace and joy that comes from a spirit-filled life.
6. Make physical exercise a part of your daily life. Find big and small ways to be active. Do sit-ups, walk during lunchtime or join an exercise or dance class.This is the new millenium. We must ensure that our health-mental, physical and spiritual-is intact.
Good luck and God Bless.

A MATTER OF CHOICE

Immaturity is thinking that you have all the answers. Wisdom is knowing that you don't. Weakness is wanting to control everything around you. Strength is gracefully accepting and valuing what is. Insecurity is the constant, gnawing desire to have more and more. Confidence is knowing that you already are enough. Failure is thinking that you can advance yourself by pushing others down. Success is understanding that the more you lift others up, the more you'll be lifted yourself. Despair is committing yourself to shallow, superficial things that too soon will wither and die. Joy is filling your world and your life with the things that truly matter. Every moment, you are fully capable of living with wisdom, strength, confidence, success and joy. It's not a matter of chance, but always a matter of choice. And you can make the choices now that will surely take you there.