Kemper Sosa, Dr. Eric Fretz, and Dr. Stefanie Simmons at LeadersConnect this past Friday
This past Friday, I had the absolute pleasure of hosting a LeadersConnect event on Mind, Body, Spirit, and Heart. The audience raved about the program. They left with specific ideas on what they could do to improve their health and the health of their employees. I urge you all to watch the video. Watching with your employees and/or your family will provide a lively discussion and help you learn about some life-saving techniques.
The inspiration for the program was my book, Men: A Guide to Healthy Aging: 365 Ways to Staying Strong in Mind, Body, and Spirit. I want to thank the hundreds of people who have purchased the book already and the dozens who have taken the time to write a review. Here is a link to purchase the book and to review it.
There are so many takeaways from the event that it is difficult to summarize, but here are some of the key suggestions made by the speakers:
Dr. Stefanie Simmons, Emergency Medicine Physician and Chief Medical Officer for the Dr. Lorna Breen Heroes’ Foundation:
- Humanity is a mixed bag. There are many amazing, wonderful high notes in dealing with patients, but the low points create tremendous stress on healthcare providers.
- Medical students and residents receive little education on how to deal with the emotional side of medicine. “I think of healthcare professionals carrying around a backpack. As stressful events occur, they put these events in the backpack because they have to be ready for the next patient. If you do not unpack your backpack, you will eventually flip over and not be able to stand up. You need to unpack it and speak about the traumas, but no one ever teaches healthcare professionals how to unpack that backpack.”
- Part of the reason that doctors have a high suicide rate is because they experience strong stigmas around receiving mental health care. The stigmas can be categorized into:
- Internal: Concerns about self-perception and the quest for perfection.
- External: Fear of judgment from others.
- Institutional: Potential professional consequences of disclosing mental health or substance abuse treatment.
- If you have ever dealt with a medical professional who you did not think had enough compassion or empathy for you, it’s probably because they are carrying a very full backpack. They can’t even imagine putting one more thing in.
- Because of her concern about the well-being of physicians, Dr. Simmons has been drawn to work for the Dr. Lorna Breen Heroes’ Foundation. Their mission is to support health workers’ mental health and well-being. Her work so far has led to laws destigmatizing the mental healthcare of healthcare professionals in 26 states.
Kemper Sosa, Co-Owner of Applied Fitness Solutions
- Recognize the importance of any physical activity for overall health.
- Physical activity encompasses all bodily movements, not necessarily aimed at a specific goal. In contrast, exercise is a structured activity with a specific goal in mind.
- Over half of adults do not meet the recommended physical activity guidelines of 150 minutes per week.
- Making impactful health changes can be simpler than expected; just 10-20 minutes of low to moderate-intensity activity daily can significantly improve health.
- Benefits of regular physical activity include increased muscular fitness, improved mood, reduced depression and anxiety, enhanced self-image, and better team relationships.
- Neglecting self-care, including physical activity, getting enough sleep, and discussing personal challenges, can negatively affect both team dynamics and organizational impact.
- Steps to improve health:
- Conduct a self-reflection to understand your current health status and its significance.
- Incorporate a 10-minute walk before work or in the evening; consistent practice can lead to substantial health improvements and enhance life quality.
Dr. Eric Fretz, Retired Navy Commander and University of Michigan Lecturer
- Be mindful of your body’s signals.
- When experiencing a stressful work environment, your body can react in negative ways.
- Eric Says, “I kept experiencing symptoms of heart failure like coughing and swollen legs for 2 and half years but I kept being stubborn about going to see medical professionals.”
- “When I couldn’t walk across the backyard or even make it up the stairs when I sought help. The turning point was the inability to walk across the backyard or climb stairs.”
- His personal experience emphasizes the importance of not taking second chances for granted; seeking prompt medical consultation is crucial.
- “If I had paid closer attention and went to seek professional help earlier, I would have suffered a lot less. If I would have gotten to the hospital when I had the initial symptoms, none of this would have happened.”
During the event, we asked the audience to jot down their key insights from the speakers. Below are their responses.
Attendees Takaways:
Everything can go into a backpack, we all carry one. Please take the time to unload the backpack, it is okay. Listen to your body, there is something more to do.
My primary motivation for taking care of my mind, body, and spirit is a strong desire to be able to play with my children and grandchildren throughout life.
Listen to when your body whispers for help … Don’t wait to go to the doctor as you age.
Great event, amazing stories, with lessons for all of us.