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Coach Su and Coach Tony

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February 19, 2024

Your Body, Your Temple: A Lesson in Self Care (A Personal Journey)

Introduction: In life, we often encounter unexpected challenges that test our resilience and teach us valuable lessons. By being at the side of my husband this weekend while he endured the most unexpected turn of events with his health we both discovered a number of things.

Our personal journey of understanding CK levels, pneumonia, and sepsis all at once became a transformative experience that emphasized the importance of self-care. Through this journey, we've learned the significance of listening to our body, seeking timely medical attention, and prioritizing our well-being.

The Peril of Sepsis and the Power of Self-Care During his battle with pneumonia:

It all began with a typical cough that turned into an unknown infection in the bloodstream. We learned about the potential complications this had lead to, including sepsis which was at a level 2 when he arrived at the emergency department. This knowledge instilled a sense of urgency and reinforced the importance of self-care. We realized that taking care of ourselves was not a luxury but a necessity. Forced to embrace prioritizing rest, and adhering to the prescribed treatment plan, suddenly learned he needed to be admitted for a few days.

The Unexpected Encounter with Pneumonia:

As if sepsis wasn't enough, he found himself facing an unexpected challenge - pneumonia. What started as a persistent cough and fatigue gradually worsened, leaving him breathless and weak. Recognizing the symptoms was now something we learned not to take so lighlty. The diagnosis of pneumonia was a wake-up call, reminding us both of the importance of not ignoring seemingly minor health issues. It was a pivotal moment that highlighted the significance of self-care and proactive healthcare management.

Unraveling the Mystery of CK Levels:

As if that wasn't enough, we learned that the CK (creatine kinase) were extremely elevated, almost to the point of kidney failure. Confused and concerned, we embarked on a quest to understand the implications of these results. Through research and consultations with healthcare professionals, we learned that elevated CK levels could indicate muscle damage or disease. This realization prompted us to pay closer attention to the body and its signals, leading us to the next chapter of our journey.

Embracing Self-Care as a Way of Life Through This Journey:

What we discovered was that self-care is not just a temporary fix but a lifelong commitment. It involves actively listening to our body, seeking medical attention when needed, and making conscious choices to prioritize our well-being. It's not just important to incorporate regular exercise but also stress management techniques, and healthy lifestyle habits into our daily routine. By nurturing our physical, mental, and emotional health, we can become better equipped to face life's challenges.

A Few Things to Keep in Mind:

Knowing when to properly rest is essential for maintaining overall health and well-being. Rest is not just about getting enough sleep at night; it also involves taking breaks and allowing your body and mind to recover from physical and mental exertion. Here are some key indicators that can help you determine when it's time to rest:

  1. Fatigue and Lack of Energy: Feeling consistently tired, lacking energy, or experiencing a decrease in productivity can be signs that your body needs rest. Pushing through exhaustion can lead to burnout and negatively impact your physical and mental health.
  2. Muscle Soreness and Pain: If you're experiencing muscle soreness or pain after physical activity or exercise, it's a sign that your muscles need time to repair and recover. Ignoring these signals and continuing to exert yourself can lead to overuse injuries and prolonged recovery times.
  3. Decreased Concentration and Focus: When you find it challenging to concentrate, make decisions, or stay focused on tasks, it may be a sign that your mental energy is depleted. Taking short breaks or engaging in activities that help you relax and recharge can improve your cognitive function and productivity.
  4. Increased Irritability and Moodiness: Feeling irritable, easily frustrated, or experiencing mood swings can indicate that you're mentally and emotionally drained. Taking time to rest and engage in activities that bring you joy and relaxation can help restore emotional balance.
  5. Weakened Immune System: Frequent illnesses, such as colds, flu, or infections, can be a sign that your immune system is compromised due to inadequate rest. Resting allows your immune system to strengthen and better defend against pathogens.
  6. Persistent Stress and Anxiety: Chronic stress and anxiety can take a toll on your physical and mental health. Taking regular breaks, practicing relaxation techniques, and engaging in activities that promote stress reduction can help manage these symptoms.
  7. Lack of Enjoyment and Motivation: If you're finding it difficult to find joy in activities you usually enjoy or experiencing a lack of motivation, it may be a sign that you need a break. Resting and engaging in activities that bring you pleasure and fulfillment can reignite your enthusiasm and motivation.

Remember, rest is not a sign of weakness but a necessary part of maintaining optimal health and performance. It's important to listen to your body and mind, recognize the signs of fatigue and exhaustion, and prioritize rest when needed. By doing so, you can recharge, rejuvenate, and maintain a healthy balance in your life.

Conclusion: Something as a simple cold, if left untreated or managed improperly, can potentially progress into a more severe infection, such as pneumonia, and in rare cases, even lead to sepsis such as in Tony's experience. This journey of understanding CK levels, pneumonia, and sepsis taught us invaluable lessons in self-care. It emphasized the importance of being proactive about health, seeking timely medical attention, and making self-care a priority. By embracing self-care as a way of life, you will not only improve your overall well-being but also gain a deeper understanding of the power of self-awareness and self-advocacy. This journey has transformed us into stronger, more resilient individuals, ready to face whatever challenges lie ahead.

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