Liz Healy, Author at The Riverside Connection - Page 172 of 180

    Well in Mind: Happiness During Difficult Times

    1. Happiness itself can bring about a lot of positive life circumstances. It can give us the tools we need to change structures sand change situations in the world. Focusing on our own happiness can give us the resilience we need to change situations both in our personal lives and on a larger scale.
    2. We can harness the toughness to experience the power of post-traumatic growth. By surviving a particularly tough scenario, we learn to appreciate what is truly meaningful and important in life and better prepare us to face future adversity.
    3. If we want to be happier during times of stress, we need to use a special mechanism of protecting ourselves, and we can do that through social connection. Even if Zoom calls are not your favorite, connecting socially is an important protective factor against loneliness and isolation.
    4. The studies on happiness suggest that happiness comes from focusing on other-people. Helping others, especially during times of crisis, makes us feel good and gives us a sense of purpose. *However, make sure you are not giving from an empty cup!
    5. If we want to be happier and if we want to protect our willpower and get more resilient and even improve our performance, we need to harness the power of gratitude. Acknowledging even the little things that we appreciate can improve our overall wellbeing and boost our emotional resilience. Start by writing down 3-5 things that you’re grateful for each day.
    6. If we want to be happy, we need to find ways to be in the present moment, even if that present moment is unpleasant. We spent 46.9% of our day with our minds wandering. Engaging in mindfulness helps us to focus on the present, which enhances productivity and sense of well-being by improving our stress response.
    7. If we want to protect ourselves during tough times, we need to make room for healthy practices. It can feel overwhelming to have to put extra effort into eating healthy and working out, but the reality is that these are the times we need it the most. Exercise is a great way to relieve stress and improve mental well-being. Instead of asking yourself “what sounds good”, practice asking “What will be good for me in bringing me back to balance?”

    Well In Mind is here for you.  Call 815-933-2240 to schedule an appointment or to ask about your EAP benefits.

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    Nurse to Nurse: Find your Inspiration

    Find your inspiration…

    I encourage you to watch the documentary, In Case of Emergency, from filmmaker Carolyn Jones, and to read The Wisdom of Frontline Nurses Report: 14 Solutions.

    Both connected me to purpose and renewed my pride in our profession. Here are a few caveats that came to mind that have helped me stay grounded and focused when I am feeling overwhelmed and distracted by negativity.

    Consider the source. It’s easy to get pulled into discussions on social media or spend a lot of time tuned into the news. Stay updated from reputable sources; go right to the source. Read the studies and interpret the data and consult with trusted colleagues.

    Practice gratitude. Consider starting or ending each day, recognizing/writing 3 things you are thankful for.

    Use your voice. As nurses, we are educators, and we are trusted. Share the facts, focus on the evidence, and be honest about how much remains unknown about COVID-19.

    Avoid engaging. While we can’t control the actions of others, we can control our own reactions.

    Surround yourself with positive people. When you are presented with negativity, take a deep breath and listen. Often, that is enough. If not, see #4!

    Escape. Make time for the things that bring you joy, whether it’s getting outside, reading a novel, or cooking something new. Self-care is more important than ever.

    Look for the silver lining. For me, my college-aged kids returning home last spring gave us time together as a family that we would not have otherwise had. I will treasure the memories that we made during that time.

    Smile. Even behind your mask ????

    Say hello. Reach out to others, whether greeting them during your walk, making a call or text, or sending a note in the mail. Stay connected.

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    Orthopedic Surgeon brings robotic joint surgery to the area

    Riverside Healthcare is pleased to welcome board-certified orthopedic surgeon and total joint specialist, Mohammed Ahmed, MD.

    Dr. Ahmed completed his Doctor of Medicine at the University of Illinois at Chicago College of Medicine in Chicago, IL. Pursuing additional education went on to complete an Orthopedic Surgery Residency at the Saint Louis University School of Medicine, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery in St. Louis, MO. Dr. Ahmed then completed an Adult Reconstruction Fellowship at Cleveland Clinic Center for Adult Reconstructive Surgery in Cleveland, OH.

    In addition to his education, Dr. Ahmed is a member of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons and the American Association of Hip and Knee Surgeons.

    Dr. Ahmed is board-certified in Orthopedic Surgery by the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery. While Dr. Ahmed is a total joint specialist, he specializes in utilizing robotic surgical equipment for hip and knee replacement surgeries. Dr. Ahmed’s clinical interests include 

    • minimally invasive joint replacement
    • muscle sparing direct anterior total hip replacement 
    • robotic-assisted total joint replacement
    • complex primary and revision total joint replacement

    Dr. Ahmed will be seeing patients at Riverside Orthopedic Specialists, located at 400 Riverside Drive, Suite 1600 in Bourbonnais, IL. Dr. Ahmed is now accepting new patients, to schedule an appointment call (815) 802-7090.To learn more about Dr. Ahmed and Riverside’s full team of orthopedic specialists here.

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    REACH Portal Enhancements

    The REACH portal will be down from January 1 through January 18th for platform enhancements.

    Please log in on January 18th to see the newly updated REACH Platform! Healthy Habits For COVID Vaccination- Get a Jump on your Healthy Habits for 2021. Earn 60 Points! 

    Complete both steps of  your COVID vaccination and earn 60 points towards your 2021 REACH Level 3 Healthy Habits! This accounts for half of your total points required in Level 3. Points will be updated automatically if you receive both doses of the vaccine at Riverside. No need to self-record!

    If you received the COVID-19 Vaccine outside of Riverside, you must provide documentation to the REACH Department of the second vaccination for the points to be awarded.

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