Feb Challenge: Day One

Facebook Updates: Yesterday - Goal stated + shared how I intend to meet the goal. Today - Shared resources, a recipe for an apple cider vinegar tonic (plus reasons why I am incorporating this drink into my wellness plan). and ideas that may help you achieve your personal goal.

Tip: If you have chosen a health-related goal, such as weight loss or pain management, consider this 10-day challenge as a step towards lifelong behavior change. Oftentimes we set a target date and then lose momentum afterwards. By setting small, achievable goals you are allowing yourself to set a foundation for loftier goals such as maintaining a healthy weight.

Check-in and participate with me on Facebook, If you are new or just seeing this…a FREE printable template to customize your own Nourish & Self-Care Challenge goal can be found here. Tomorrow I will share more tips and answer reader questions. Contact me with your questions or comments at tiffany@andersontherapeutics.com

Be Well! ~Tiffany

Nourish/Self-Care Challenge: Today is PREP DAY!

Hello Tribe Members. Happy Groundhog Day! Punxsutawney Phil predicted an early spring this year; though in my home town we are bracing for a severe storm…could be commuting to work tomorrow in 6-10” of snow. Brrr!

February’s Wellness newsletter* offered a challenge to invest in self-care and invites you to better nourish yourself. Did you accept and opt into this 10-day Nourish and Self-Care Challenge? If so, today is PREP DAY! Remember to access the FREE printable to support you. The first page = example of my plan, as well as tips and resource links. The second page = a template for you.

Time and Money Saving Tip: Batch cook and meal plan. Before I shop for groceries I scan store ads for sale items, decide on dishes I will cook for the week, check my pantry for items I need to restock, and have a grocery list in hand.

My Batch Cooking Today =

  • Roasted Russet Potatoes (I baked an entire 10 lb. bag, cooled, then refrigerated them for the week ahead. Precooked potatoes save me time when I need them as an ingredient and are some of my favorite grab and go snacks.)

  • Roasted Red Pepper Spread (This is similar to hummus and a tasty dip and spread. I also use this as a topping for potatoes or rice dishes.)

  • Vegetable Stock (I made enough for soup later this week plus a container to freeze.)

  • Steel Cut Oatmeal (One of my favorite breakfast meals = oatmeal with blueberries. Quick, filling, delicious.)

  • Cleaned and chopped fresh vegetables to use for salads, soup, stir-fry, and snacks.

Check back on Monday when I declare my goals, state my intentions, and prepare myself to begin the challenge on Tuesday, February 4th. Have a terrific Sunday and enjoy Superbowl if you are watching. I have a grandkitty awaiting my visit.

Join the Challenge and Be Well! ~Tiffany

*Didn’t receive or view my February Wellness newsletter? Read it here. Subscribe online and never miss an issue. :)

Show Sensitivity, Tact Toward Chronically Ill

After decades of good health, I faced liver failure, heart failure, and osteoarthritis leading to artificial hips. I’ve come to understand how difficult it can be adjusting to a new lifestyle when faced with an illness that will likely never go away. Chronic illnesses are increasing, In fact, it’s predicted that by 2030, 37% of adults age 50 and older will be affected by some type of chronic illness. According to a 2019 report from the National Health Council, “…chronic diseases affect approximately 133 million Americans.”

Try to be sensitive to people living with these conditions and be aware of what not to say.

For example:

  • “I know how your feel.” - The truth is you probably don’t.

  • “But you don’t look sick.” - Many chronic illnesses aren’t detectable by outward appearances. This isn’t what people like to hear and leaves them feeling as if others don’t believe that they are truly sick.

  • “You have to think positive.” - This can be a frustrating platitude for someone who can never walk away or take a break from being ill. It’s okay to acknowledge that being unwell is rotten and unfair.

Listening, education, and awareness are the keys to care. Remember to never ‘Dis-ability’, meaning, allow the ill person to demonstrate his or her own capabilities and limits. Our assumptions about what a chronically ill person can and can’t do are sometimes incorrect. No one wants to be defined by a disease. Help empower them and focus on abilities and interests.*

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

Article can be viewed on page 6 of the PEHP Cycles 2014 publication here.

*(First published in the PEHP Viewpoint Holiday 2013 issue, p.8 - while employed at PEHP as their Wellness Communications Specialist. Responsibilities included production and designing the monthly PEHP Wellness newsletter (distributed statewide), conducting biometric health screenings, and writing articles such as this one for numerous PEHP publications.)

Licensed Professionals and Codes of Conduct...

Too many of my clients, readers, followers, family, friends, and colleagues have spoken to me about negative experiences they have had with healthcare providers and other licensed professionals. These stories sadden, frustrate, and remind me of times I have sought to reduce my risks as a patient and consumer seeking quality healthcare providers. When seeking services it is in your best interest to understand there are codes of conduct and ethics that professionals are expected to follow. These codes protect you as a patient and maintain the integrity of specific fields by setting a standard that practitioners are expected to follow. Licensed professionals are held accountable and are subject to laws, regulations, and can be disciplined. When a complaint is brought against an individual practicing in a regulated profession or occupation, there is a process that follows. Complaints may lead to investigation, suspension or revocation of license (view the process in Utah here).

Finding a surgeon to perform my hip replacement surgery is an example of when I personally sought a licensed professional with impressive credentials and positive references. I wanted to secure the services of a surgeon who was willing to work both with me and for me. In Chapter 1 of my book, Butternut to Bionic (excerpt below), I wrote the following suggestions to fellow patients:

“Ask if they have patient testimonials to give you an idea of who you are working with. Many insurance companies and doctors offer websites providing you with these details - it’s okay to ask for reassurance and credibility.

State medical boards also offer information regarding physicians’ backgrounds and whether they have been subject to any disciplinary actions. A detailed list can be found at the Federation of State Medical Board’s website at www.docinfo.org.

The medical marketplace is very competitive, and a surgeon who is ethical and professional will want to reassure you, impress you, and earn your business. If you feel rushed or that your questions are disregarded or unanswered, shop around for a surgeon who is attentive, responsive, and respectful toward you. Your health and welfare are worth the time and effort.” - Tiffany Anderson, Author, LMT, RMT, BS, CHES

The aforementioned suggestions can apply to any type of licensed service provider. Licensing and credentials I hold as a Certified Health Education Specialist, Massage Therapist, and Reiki Master are also subject to codes of ethics and codes of conduct that I strive to follow. Laws and rules governing massage therapy in Utah are strict. I am grateful for any and all of the laws designed to protect the integrity of a field I have practiced in and sought services from. In Utah, the Division of Occupational Licensing governs and displays codes of conduct for a wide range of professions. Did you know that the DOPL offers a consumer tool to benefit the general public? Visit the DOPL website to verify a professional license the next time you are seeking professional services.

Remember…your health, welfare, time, and money are worth the effort to research and seek out professionals who maintain high standards. Every aspect of my business as an author, a writer, a health coach, an educator, and an alternative healthcare provider are part of a competitive industry. To earn your business I encourage you to visit my website, check my credentials, and read my book reviews. Patient advocacy and health education are my business.

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

Exercise Before and After Surgery? Here's how it worked for me...

“There’s only one growth strategy: Work hard.” - William Hague

This quote introduces readers to Chapter 5, Recuperation - Milestones & Timeline, in my book, Butternut to Bionic: A Resource Guide for Hip Replacement Surgery. Working hard is what I have done and will continue to do to in order to care for my health.

Movement heals. Managing my chronic conditions and healing from three life-changing surgeries has required a great deal of my time and attention. Relying on the knowledge of professionals has helped me return to an active lifestyle, return to and maintain a healthy weight, and regain strength and flexibility that I feared I had lost forever. In the book excerpt below I share my fitness experience both before and after hip replacement:

“The morning of my first hip replacement surgery, my significant other and I went to the gym for a full upper body weight training workout. Is this suggestion an option for you? That depends on you and your activity level. The morning of my second hip replacement surgery, I still exercised to a certain degree. By my third revision surgery, even though I was on crutches I still went to the gym for an upper body routine that morning. For me, exercise is therapeutic for my body, mind, and emotional well-being. Getting out of the house, distracting my mind, and focusing on what I was able to do rather than worrying about the surgery was a boost for my self-confidence. Exercise provides energy, promotes circulation, and enhances your immune function. I viewed my time at the gym those days as added insurance to protect me against infection, assuring me that I was going to be okay. Surgery is scary.” - Tiffany Anderson, Butternut to Bionic, Chapter 2 Preparing for Surgery, pg. 47

Reviewed by Paige Lovitt for Reader Views (1/2020): The detailed timeline at the end of the book will really help individuals know what to expect from the beginning to 5+ years in the future. This is highly recommended reading.

After surgery I knew that preparing for movement was crucial towards a successful recovery. Expectations were high and physically I of course felt awful. The pain, inflammation, and added weight from my new bionic parts left me feeling as though I woke up in the body of a stranger. Grieving the loss of my ‘old self’ and embracing the new has been part of my recovery. Healing from my procedures took years. Learning to walk again, especially after my second hip replacement and subsequent revision surgery left me on crutches for months. Muscle atrophy, joint pain, and infection were just a few of the obstacles for me to overcome. Step-by-step I made it through and invest in my health every day. My quality of life is worth the effort.

How can my advice and experience help you? Team with your healthcare providers as I suggest in my recovery guide. I would not be where I am today without the support, guidance, and advice from my own health and wellness team. Each of the professionals I have sought have also been my greatest cheerleaders. Snag a copy of my resource guide - the recovery tools, tips, and candid insights have helped many. Read the high praise my book received recently from Reader Views here. Butternut to Bionic was nominated for the 2018 AARP Purpose Prize, the 2018 Health Literacy Award, and is currently being judged for a Literary Award by Reader Views.

Yes, I am proud of my accomplishment…this guide was crafted and designed to help others.

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

Founder, Anderson Therapeutics

Reiki Master in Salt Lake: Specializing in Women's Health

“During my health crisis, medications failed and diagnostic procedures nearly bankrupted me. For relief I turned to nutrition, meditation, prayer, Reiki, and acupuncture during what I believed were my final days. Through those methods, I found healing and pain management. Reiki and a plant-based diet rejuvenated my liver and calmed my heart. Through a regular Reiki practice my health improved and freed me from many medications.” — Excerpt from, Butternut to Bionic: A Resource Guide to Hip Replacement Surgery (p. 8), written by Utah author and Salt Lake native, Tiffany Anderson, LMT, RMT, BS, CHES & Founder - Anderson Therapeutics

Reiki is a Japanese word meaning universal life energy. This gentle, non-intrusive method can alleviate pain and stress. Reiki practitioners use little to no pressure and follow a series of hand positions on or slightly above the head, shoulders, back, chest, stomach, and limbs. This technique is adaptable to nearly any setting such as a hospital bed or chair, and through bandages. Interested in receiving Reiki? Learn more here.

Tiffany Anderson is a Reiki Master Teacher and has attained initiation and knowledge in the Reiki Method of Natural Healing and has demonstrated proficiency in administering hands on transmutation of disease through universal light energy transmission. The title and all rights of Reiki Master Teacher were granted by Dr. Carol A. Wilson on August 9, 2009.    

Anderson Therapeutics

Specializing in Women’s Health

Reiki can soothe your senses and improve your quality of life. When illness or pain lingers you need an advocate in your corner, a coach, a mentor, a guide—even a mechanic for those tough under the hood situations. Our bodies are a lot like the vehicles we drive—regular maintenance is how we can help them to run a little better and keep us safely on the road. As a mother, caregiver, educator, and health professional I recognize and specialize in the unique health needs of women. Managing my own chronic conditions empowered me to participate more fully on my health journey. Improvements are available to each of us, are you ready for an opportunity to feel better?

Chronic conditions turn our bodies into high maintenance vehicles. As we mature, chronic conditions evolve and sometimes worsen. Working with a Reiki Practitioner is motivating, can recharge your batteries, and places an expert in your corner. Visit my website, review my credentials, and explore my 3 Key Concepts to improved health. Practicing what I preach has enabled me to return to an active lifestyle.

Partner with Me & Be Well!

Contact: tiffany@andersontherapeutics.com

Introducing My Hero, Dr. John McDougall

Ridding myself of blood pressure medication and lowering my cholesterol has saved me time and money. Arthritic pain and aches due to artificial hips are easier to manage now that I am comfortably maintaining a healthy weight. Shingle outbreaks are rare, eruptions heal more quickly, and I manage the pain without prescription medication. A debt of gratitude goes to Dr. John McDougall and Mary McDougall who wrote The Starch Solution. The McDougall’s have taught me how to properly nourish my body, and in doing so, I join their quest to help heal our planet. If you want to feel better, lose weight, and achieve miraculous results, keep reading.

Yesterday I tuned into a webinar hosted by Gustavo Tolosa interviewing my hero, Dr. John McDougall. Ready to watch? Check out the FREE webinar. Scroll down for the link.

Background: Anyone who has read my book (see pg. 54-56), browsed my website, followed Anderson Therapeutics on Facebook, subscribed to my free monthly wellness newsletters, or read my free weekly wellness blog has read the name of the board certified internist that I call a hero.

Allow me to set the record straight: Sharing information about Dr. McDougall’s work is one small way I demonstrate gratitude and respect. When I published Butternut to Bionic in July 2017, his office was contacted by me and given an electronic copy to ensure that The McDougall Foundation was fully aware of the content I included. Informing readers how to best nourish themselves, especially when healing from an invasive surgery like hip replacement was a necessary resource. Basically…I asked a bit of forgiveness as a new author and permission after publication. Dr. McDougall responded to my email personally and wrote that I had the potential to help many people. An endorsement is not what I was looking for, nor did I receive one. I reached out to say thank you and wanted to learn more, which is why I invested time and money to attend a McDougall Intensive Weekend Program in Santa Rosa, California. To further demonstrate my appreciation I personally contribute funds to The McDougall Research and Education Foundation a 501(c)(3) Nonprofit Organization.

Following Dr. McDougall & Mary McDougall’s Book, The Starch Solution:

After my hip replacement and revision surgery I struggled for years to effectively decrease inflammation and achieve a healthy weight. I thought I knew a great deal about food and health. After all, I had taught Nutrition at the college level as Adjunct Faculty at a local community college. My degree is in Health Education and Promotion and I am a Certified Health Education Specialist. Sadly, my education failed me.

Watching the film Forks Over Knives informed me that I knew very little about nutrition. Forks Over Knives is where I was introduced to Dr. McDougall, and where I first heard about the benefits of eating a whole food plant-based oil free diet. My health improved in ways I hadn’t imagined possible when I changed my diet. The transformation began quickly for me, I simply followed the FREE 10-day McDougall Program.

In September, 2017 I had the honor of meeting Dr. McDougall, Mary McDougall, and their daughter Heather McDougall (CEO of Dr. McDougall’s Health and Medical Center) when I attended the McDougall Intensive Weekend Program. As I shook the hand of Dr. McDougall (see social media photo, taken 9/10/2017) and thanked him with tears in my eyes, I mentioned that I planned to submit my success story and hoped to become a Star McDougaller [Side note: I admit now that I was so nervous and starstruck that I neglected to hand Dr. McDougall the paperback copy of my book; packed specifically for this trip].

With his arm on my shoulder, Dr. McDougall gently replied, “Share your story when you are ready.” I’m working on it Dr. McDougall…I realized in 2017 I still had so much to learn. The knowledge and wisdom offered during that Intensive Weekend Program in 2017 was a bit overwhelming. I would attend again in a heartbeat and hope to do so. The nutshell version is that I learned why starches should be the foundation of every meal and that fat in the form of oils have no place in my diet.

The program works and is easy for me to follow. I feel good, I enjoy delicious food, I weigh between 130-135 pounds depending on the day, I wear a size 5/6 (at age 54 this continues to amaze me), I sleep well, I can’t remember the last time I got sick, I don’t have headaches, and my skin is clear. May you be as inspired and transformed. Read the Success Stories of others!

Dr. McDougall shares his personal health journey and includes an important message to those who seek to improve their health and heal our planet.

WEBINAR LINK HERE

Be Well & Dine Well! ~Tiffany