A Gift of Reassurance - Estate Planning

Prior to my first hip replacement, my surgeon took the time to discuss worst case scenarios with me…such as the possibility that I might have bone cancer, I could experience rejection due to metal allergies, will always be at a high risk for dislocation, and how dangerous an infection could be. Facing these topics was challenging and helped me understand the severity of my condition. I also entered surgery knowing that my doctors and family had a copy of my Living Will. Having candid discussions about your state of health and end of life care with your loved ones is a gift everyone will appreciate.

My son and I have had conversations about my chronic conditions and end of life wishes for many years now. Death and dying is an inevitable time. As a caretaker and mature woman I have mourned the loss of many loved ones over the years, and know my time will come. Estate planning is my responsibility that ultimately helps my son and provides me with peace of mind. These discussions aren’t easy, and sadly, many people avoid talking about end of life concerns. You can find templates to help you write your wishes and guide you through those challenging conversations surrounding end of life care. Stanford University’s Letter Project offers a template for those in good health and one specific for those of us with chronic conditions.

Be Well. ~Tiffany

https://med.stanford.edu/letter/letters-in-other-languages.html

http://dearfamily.dear-doc.appspot.com/html/sickletter.html

Managing and Understanding Inflammation

For many of us, myself included, inflammation is common. I’m especially prone to swollen ankles and puffiness around my eyes. To alleviate these complaints I typically reach for ice. I also elevate my legs and feet daily, and of course, watch my diet. Inflammation is a response from our body. It shows up from a variety of factors such as injury, chronic conditions, infections, medications, and certain ‘trigger’ foods that can cause bloating. Rather than reaching for another pill, I opt for natural remedies to avoid and manage inflammation.

Inflammation is a reaction we have a great deal of control over. The article Inflammation 101, written by Andrew Beauchesne who received his master’s in Nutritional Epidemiology from Tufts University Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy, describes the mechanics of inflammation and how to better manage it. Follow the link below to read the article.

Be Well! ~Tiffany

Gratitude and Giving...

Happy Thanksgiving Tribe Members!

The healing acts of gratitude and giving support emotional, mental, and physical health. Anderson Therapeutics is supporting a number of local charities this year; including the YWCA Women’s Shelter, The Road Home, The Inn Between, and Primary Children’s Hospital. If you’re looking for a national charity, I’ve noted a few below that support the little ones.

To celebrate Thanksgiving this year I am in The Happiest Place on Earth – yes, today I roam Disneyland! Readers and followers may have noticed that Disneyland holds a special place in my heart. Throughout my recovery from three life changing surgeries, thoughts of my “happy place” kept my spirits up. On my website and book, I share insights to my fascination with the house of mouse. Visit my Meditations with Mickey page to read more. Wherever your happy place might be today…may it be filled of warmth, comfort, and the best in health.

Be Well! ~Tiffany

• Projectlinus.org

• Readertoreader.org

• Newbornsinneed.org

• Powermylearning.org

• Onesimplewish.org

The Healing Power of Touch

Touch is healing. In regards to well-being and your wellness regimen, touch is a valuable resource and aspect of self-care that offers numerous health benefits. As a Professional Licensed Massage Therapist with over 22 years of experience, I have witnessed the benefits first-hand, both as a practitioner and recipient. Consider the following ideas to access the healing power of therapeutic touch:

• Hug a special someone (with their consent of course). Live alone? Hug yourself…hug therapy has been shown to release helpful pleasure hormones like oxytocin and reducing high blood pressure.

• Cuddle a four-legged furry friend. I treasure every second I spend visiting my grand kitty. My mood improves immensely as I pet that darling cat, or any friendly critter for that matter! Pet therapy is proven to decrease pain, ease stress, and lessen depression.

• Schedule an appointment for self-care. I practice what I preach and receive some form of bodywork and/or pampering at least once or twice a month. Therapeutic bodywork such as Massage Therapy, energy modalities like Reiki, or Reflexology can reduce inflammation, improve sleep, relieve tension, and boost immune function. Even a facial, manicure, or pedicure provides the benefits of human touch.

Invest in your health, especially at this time of year to ward off seasonal illness such as the flu and to feel your best during the upcoming holiday season. Check out all of my resources to Live Well & Be Well at my website. I encourage others to follow my 3 Key Concepts to Soothe - Nourish - Rest in order to better manage chronic conditions. As with any health recommendations, speak to your doctor before implementing lifestyle changes that could alter your health.

Be Well! ~Tiffany Anderson, LMT, RMT, BS, CHES

“Sometimes a hug is all you need to make you feel better.” - Daily Quote

The Coconut Oil Fad

For nearly 4 years I have followed the dietary plan outlined in The Starch Solution and rid my diet of oil…and yes, that especially includes coconut oil. My results? Miraculous! I no longer have high blood pressure or high cholesterol. Also, I am maintaining a lean weight of 131 pounds as a post-menopausal 53-year-old woman who has dual hip replacements, Hashimoto’s disease, and arthritis. I take very little medication, have an active lifestyle, and sleep well.

I admit being sucked into the draw of using coconut oil for cooking before I adopted a plant-based diet. Not once did I fully research the effects of coconut oil in my diet nor did I consider the fact that, like any other oil, coconut oil is overly processed and offers no nutritional benefits. Worst of all, this artery clogging substance is simply one more fat that led me to excess weight and poor health. Educate yourself! Do you trust corporate food manufacturers and believe they have your best interest at heart…or are they simply trying to sell you a product? Click the link below to read a fascinating article by Dr. Jeff Novick, MS, RD. He discusses the research surrounding coconut oil and how marketing turned it into a miracle cure.

Be Well & Make Informed Decisions in Regards to Your Health! ~Tiffany

Got Pain? Get Poked!

In 2011 I received my first hip replacement. Prior to surgery I had been receiving regular acupuncture to manage both the pain and stress leading up to my prognosis. Followers of my website and book may recall that I took a medical mystery tour in my mid 40’s for over a year. I was desperately trying to discover why I suddenly experienced jaundice, liver failure, then heart failure with no known cause. I was vibrant and fit one day and rapidly faced death within a handful of months. Thankfully my journey offered resolution and recovery. After my first surgery in 2011 I received weekly acupuncture. This was an effective way to help me recover and manage pain alongside minimal prescription medication use. Acupuncture served me well during my recovery throughout both hip replacements, one revision, and is a crucial aspect of my wellness regimen to this day. Are you curious about acupuncture? Learn more here and read on for a perk!

During the month of November my local acupuncture clinic, Wasatch Community Acupuncture, is offering $10 treatments to POCA members (I am a patient member! Join and learn more here.). The clinic is also hosting a fundraising event on Monday, November 19th called ‘Pokesgiving’ to benefit the Utah Food Bank. What Pokesgiving is, according to my patient monthly newsletter…”All day long we are going to offer walk-in treatments in exchange for a monetary donation that will go directly to the Utah Food Bank. You decide how much to donate.” This is a great way to care for yourself and others at the same time. The clinic plans to be busy and will also take appointments to accommodate as many people as possible that day

Wasatch Community Acupuncture is located at 470 E. 3900 S., Ste 103 in Salt Lake City, UT. For more details about the November offerings at Wasatch Community Acupuncture call 801-364-9272 or email them at info@wasatchacupuncture.org. Check it out! Live outside of Utah? Visit POCA and use their clinic search tool to find an affordable acupuncture clinic near you.

Be Well! ~Tiffany

Living with Invisible Disability?

KRCL 90.9 is my local community radio station. I am a sustaining member and have been listening to this station for over 25 years. One of the programs I enjoy is called RadioActive. In honor of Disability Awareness month speakers recently discussed invisible disabilities. My own arthritis, Hashimoto’s disease, and titanium parts that allow me to walk are hidden to others, though each of these conditions require constant care, pain management, and remind me minute by minute that I have limitations. I relate well to the term invisible disability. A representative from an advocacy group called the Disabled Rights Action Committee Utah shared resources on the radio show to help those of us that may experience discrimination and misunderstanding from those we encounter on a regular basis.

Did you realize that 1 in 5 people worldwide live with a disability and 45% of Americans live with one or more chronic conditions? Many of these conditions are not visible to the naked eye…hence the term ‘invisible disability’. This can be problematic when needing a handicap restroom, using a handicap parking spot, or accessing health services. Personally, I have been confronted, reprimanded, and treated harshly more than once when using a handicap stall simply because I don’t “look the part” of someone with limitations. Click the link below to hear the radio program in it’s entirety and better understand the wide range of disabilities and how we can better treat one another with dignity.

Be Well! ~Tiffany

For show notes from RadioActive for October 23, 2018, visit https://krcl.org/blog/radioactive-october-23-2018/