Gary R. McClain, PhD is a patient advocate, therapist, and author, who specializes in working with clients who are facing chronic and catastrophic medical diagnoses, as well as their caregivers and healthcare professionals. His counseling and education program for newly-diagnosed patients, Prepared for the Road Ahead ®, is organized around emotions, Chronic Communication (sm) (relationships), embracing change, communicating with healthcare professionals, staying informed, making treatment decisions, self-image, and planning for the future. He maintains an award-winning Website, JustGotDiagnosed.com with advice, inspiration, and information. |
| :: 212-227-0515 Keep in Touch! Please visit my Website, www.JustGotDiagnosed.com, for more information and to learn more about my services. To let me know what you think about what my newsletter, what you would like to see more of, and to ask any questions you have, drop me a line to [email protected]. |
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Hi!
Welcome to my newsletter! I have been talking with clients a lot lately about decisions they have to make, often related to their health. Inevitably, the word "intuition" comes up, and I ask them what their "gut" is telling them. In my lead article this month, I am sharing some of my thoughts about how to tap into your own intuition.
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Intuition: How to Listen to Your Gut
What is intuition?
Intuition describes those moments when you just know something. Even before you have given it any thought. Intuition is also referred to as having a "gut feeling, a "hunch," or a "sense." Like that time when you were introduced to the person you automatically knew was going to be a friend. The time when you were about to get on the road and then changed your mind, and soon after that a storm hit. Or the car you decided not to buy because you had a bad feeling about it. Times when you are presented with a decision and just know what you should do, even without thinking about it, can be chalked up to intuition.
Some people seem to be more intuitive than others. Is it because they have a special gift? Maybe. Or maybe they have learned to listen to that inner voice - their gut - and take it seriously.
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| Recent News
I recently spent a weekend in Detroit where I served on a panel as a mental health advocate at an educational event for US Too, "Prostate Cancer Pathways." This was a featured event at the Karmanos Cancer Institute Cancer Symposium 2019.
I am now writing regularly for the Good Men Project,
goodmenproject.com, on relationships and chronic conditions, and continue my association with HIV Plus Magazine,
hivplusmag.com.
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Pay Attention!
Its getting colder where I live, I am already starting to feel the urge to avoid going outside. And not going outside means not walking as much, not as much exercise. So I am going to share the advice I give myself with the goal of giving you some encouragement, too.
Getting exercise benefits you in more ways than one. First, moving benefits you physically, as your doctor has probably already explained. But it also gets the positive hormones flowing, which benefits you emotionally. Exercise gives you a sense of mastery and it will help you to look better, both of which enhance your self esteem.
Making regular trips to the gym is a great way to exercise, but it is not the only way. So is turning on some music at home and dancing. Or taking a brisk walk, one of my favorite ways to exercise. Just parking your car at the far end of the parking lot when you go out shopping can add some steps to your day.
Of course, always check first with your doctor to see what level of exercise they recommend, as well as any cautions. This is especially important if you are living with a chronic condition.
Based on your doctor's recommendations, consider committing to an exercise plan that works for you. It will benefit your body, your mind, and your spirit. |
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Founded in 1951, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists is the specialty's premier professional membership organization dedicated to the improvement of women's health. With more than 58,000 members, the College is a 501(c)(6) organization and its activities include producing the College's practice guidelines and other educational material.
ACOG.org has some great information on women's health.
Check it out!
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