Spring Awakening

It's early Saturday morning, and I'm sitting in my little loft, waiting for the sun to come streaming in through my windows and for my new little birdie friends to come visit me on my windowsill.  I almost feel like Cinderella... now if only I could get them to do my laundry... haha.  It promises to be another beautiful day here in Baltimore, and I am grateful for the change in season.  I used to think that summer was my favorite time of year, but after this winter and the recent shift in weather, I realize how much I LOVE spring.  Not just because it allows me to walk to school in the morning without the need for 5 layers of clothing, but rather for what it symbolizes: REBIRTH.  I've enjoyed walking through the city streets, admiring the budding and blossoming flowers, rejuvenated after a long winter hibernation.  Despite the 80+ inches of snow we had this winter, these marvelous works of nature are able to "come back to life" and share their beauty for us all to appreciate.  I know I personally appreciate the return of the sun, and the warmth that it brings with it, but I feel like I've reawakened - to life, to possibilities, to the wonder of this Earth, and to our individual significance as a member of humanity and one of God's children.  Easter is next weekend, and when you are able to look past the chocolate bunnies and see what the day really represents, it is humbling.  The most important and significant "rebirth" -- the true symbol of this time of year.  I feel so blessed... for many more things than I have time to share here.  But I am grateful for the knowledge that I have, the opportunities and experiences I have been given, and for the people that give my life meaning.

SO.  One thing that I struggle with is being present, in the moment, and recognizing and appreciating that which is right in front of me.  My mind likes to race forward, planning and preparing for the coming weeks and months, and before I know it, another day has passed me by.  Here I am, end of March... I only have one more full month in Baltimore, and then I'm OUT!  April will definitely be a busy one, so I know that it will be over in the blink of an eye... I have much to look forward to, but I'll get there soon enough.  So let me focus on what has happened the past couple weeks since I last posted...

I had the opportunity to return to the OR for another surgery... it was an incredible experience.  Watching the surgeons repair a thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm was... awesome.  Not sure how else to describe it!  And let me just mention that the guy they were operating on was 6'5" and 450 pounds.  No joke.  Unfortunately, the surgery lasted much longer than I could stay for (I had tutoring with Ivan) but I do hope that he is doing well and making a full recovery to return home to his family and then to work as a middle school principal.  I will say... that is one thing I appreciate about bedside nursing -- the opportunity to develop a connection with the person behind the diagnosis.  It's not enough for me to understand the diagnosis and treatment plan; I need to know what events brought them to the hospital, and other factors that may be helpful pieces of information to improve the course of their care. 

After my second day in the OR, I was able to escape Charm City to enjoy a few days of my Spring Break in the Big Apple.  And I couldn't have asked for better weather!  The first day of spring in the city was well over 70 degrees, and I was thrilled.  New York can be one of the most miserable places to be when it's cold and windy... I was ecstatic when I was able to walk down Fifth Avenue with my sunglasses on :]  haha.  It's the little things that really do it for me!  The other highlights of my weekend included spending a sunny afternoon at the park relaxing on blankets with some new friends, , exploring the hidden beauty of Battery Park along the banks of the Hudson River, wandering through the halls of the impressive New York Public Library, and spending quality time with one of my favorites as we did yoga underneath a willow tree in Central Park.  Not a typical weekend in the city, by any means, but one of the most enjoyable and memorable ones to date. 

 

 

 

But of course, good times must always come to an end... and usually much quicker than you hope.  So Sunday night I returned to Baltimore, just in time to get a few hours of sleep before a painfully long and busy week of school.  Projects... assignments... exams... everything is piling on as we near the end of this semester -- only 3 more weeks to go!  At least I'm having an enjoyable time in clinical -- much less intense and stressful than Adult Med-Surg.  Thursday of this week, we spent the day at a catholic elementary school with the school nurse, and did some health education with a class of second graders.  Topic of discussion:  HEALTHY SNACKING!  Not just healthy eating... but what to reach for (or ask for) when they are hungry between meals.  I hope our activities at least got them to recognize that fruits and vegetables are better than chips and candy.  Gahhh -- don't even get me started on the obesity crisis that we are currently experiencing in the US!  That is definitely one of my interests when it comes to health promotion and education... here's a video that can better illustrate the nature of this problem that we must acknowledge and deal with:



 ... and here are some facts that I'll add on to that message:

• In 1990, ten states had a prevalence of obesity less than 10%, and no states had a prevalence greater than 15%.  By 1999, NO state had prevalence less than 10%, eighteen had prevalence between 20-24%, and no state had prevalence greater than 25%.  In 2008, only ONE state (Colorado) had a prevalence of obesity less than 20%.  Thirty-two states had a prevalence greater than 25%, and six of those states had a prevalence greater than 30%.  
• This is the first generation where the child's life expectancy is SHORTER than their parents.
• In 2000, obesity-related health care costs totaled an estimated $117 billion.

SO.  Take from that what you will... but this is more serious than people want to admit...!!  And after that educational moment on Thursday, I spent my day at clinical with a patient who is obese... spends 6-8 hours every day watching television, and refuses to participate in sports because she doesn't enjoy it.  It's a cycle -- kids aren't active, they get teased because they're overweight and unable to participate, and then they hide at home to escape the hurt and embarrassment they face at school.  It's terrible.  I tried to talk with the girl (13 years old) about her habits, but she wasn't really willing to listen.  I know it's tough for her... she comes from a broken home in East Baltimore, where it probably isn't very safe to be outside, with a mom who probably can't afford to buy healthier food (which is another community issue altogether), but hopefully she can find something to motivate her to be more actively involved in life.

Speaking of being active and eating healthy... I'm keeping up with my yoga practice, and I feel amazing.  I treated myself to some shopping in NYC at my favorite yoga store:  Lululemon Athletica.  I'm hoping to get a part-time job at one of the stores in Denver/SLC this summer.... keeping my fingers crossed!  I've also stuck with my "no sweets, no soda" pledge for the past 34 days -- SOOOO pleased with myself!  And what's even better, because I haven't had much sugar for the past month, it really doesn't sound appealing... maybe I should just keep this trend going... except for the dark chocolate of course (antioxidants, it's a healthy choice!) :]  Well, I have to get ready for my Saturday morning yoga session... Namaste!