EmPower Family Medicine is about more than routine healthcare. It is about empowering you to take charge of your own life and health so you can live life to the fullest. Under "resources" above you will find high quality websites on a variety of health topics. "Library" includes a list of health and wellness related books I recommend. These will be available in our clinic library to members. Under "blog" you will find articles I have written based on my personal experiences in life as a physician, as a mother & spouse, and sometimes as a patient. "How To Guide" is a series of talks on how to handle common medical issues such as pain, colds, sleep problems and other conditions that come up often in primary care clinic. "Know Before You Go" is a series of informative talks on things to know before you go to a clinic, specialist, urgent care, hospital or rehab visit.
Last, under "inspiration" you will find a variety of web-links to ideas beyond healthcare that may enrich your day. My favorite inspirational link is a TED talk by author and psychologist Shawn Anchor on happiness. I think it is a useful starting point for approaching health, life and work. Based on his review of psychology research, Dr. Anchor suggests 5 ways to create lasting positive change in life:
3 Gratitudes - list three things you are thankful for each day.
Journaling - write down one positive thing that has happened each day.
Exercise - walk, run, stretch, or move. Movement is key to good health.
Meditation - may include: formal meditation, prayer, study of scriptures, mindfulness
Random Acts of Kindness - do something nice for some one else each day.
These are great practices that empower the mind and heart in addition to the body. I will look for ways to incorporate them into my day, and I hope you'll do the same!
Melissa Black M.D.