February 2013
Welcome to the monthly Ask Dr. Marty Newsletter. In response to several requests, I have decided to share some information based on questions that I frequently receive regarding natural health topics. I promise to keep the newsletter short. But if at any time you get overwhelmed with emails, please let me know and I’ll be glad to take you off of the mailing list. In the meantime, I hope you enjoy the newsletter and hope that you will forward any questions you may have as well. Even if they don’t make it into the newsletter, I promise to answer all questions. All questions will be anonymous.
“We interrupt your regularly scheduled program for a special announcement…” Does that bring back memories? Whether you’re too young to recognize that phrase from TV land long ago, or not, please excuse the interruption. I know you were on pins and needles, anxiously awaiting the newsletter that explained a fatty liver, but you’ll just have to wait ‘til March. Oops. It is March. Now to explain why I’m late with the March newsletter…
One of the most basic laws of health, either from the perspective of an M.D. or the perspective of a naturopathic doctor, is sufficient rest. We all know that a sufficient amount of quality rest is required for the body to heal itself from emotional, mental, spiritual and physical wear and tear. We need real rest (not just sleep), just like we need good air to breathe and good water to drink. We all know this on an intellectual level. But how well do we accept this reality at the “gut level”? For example, do we check emails or watch an action packed movie until 10:00 p.m., then expect our glands to automatically realize it’s dark and time to go to bed at 10:01 pm? Our body needs rest and low light levels to prepare us for sleep.
I recently had the opportunity to test my own commitment to that reality. Guess what? I failed. I ended up with a severe case of bronchitis and flu combination that was a definite interruption to my schedule (How ironic). And let me explain how humbling it is to actually admit you’re sick when it’s your job to know how to help others get well and stay well.
Why did I think I needed to keep pushing myself with a far-too-overloaded schedule? To continue teaching classes with half a voice and fever? I can think of a long list of excuses. But hindsight is the best teacher and I’m looking in the rearview mirror to assess the train wreck. I’ve come up with a realistic, workable plan. I’ve already changed my schedule. And with some creative input from some beloved friends for whom I have great respect, I’ve also come up with some alternatives I’m excited about. And on the suggestion of a great friend, I have designated my rest time in a creative, fun, relaxing way. Before that, I realized that I truly considered rest time to be a time when I would just say to myself “There are a hundred other constructive activities that I need to be doing right now!”
If you designate an appropriate amount of time for rest on a daily or weekly basis, that’s great. I sincerely applaud you. If on the other hand, you’re a work in progress in that area of your lifelike I am, genuinely consider your answers to the following questions:
What are the areas in your life that you allow to create the tyranny of the urgent?
What are your time gobblers?
What activities help you to achieve your short term or long term goals? Which activities don’t?
What are some areas that need some creative thought for alternatives in your own life?
What does rest mean to you?
What do you want rest to mean to you?
I really encourage you to brutally examine the real reason you do this to yourself. I did. And I sincerely hope you find the rest you need. You may be preventing lots more than a case of bronchitis or the flu.
Next month…once again. A fatty liver
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Maureen (Marty) Kernion is not a physician and does not diagnose nor prescribe. She received a bachelor’s degree in secondary education from Louisiana State University, and a Master of Science degree and Doctorate of Natural Health degree from Clayton College of Natural Health. She is the author of Going Natural with Herbs. Marty lectures on natural health topics across the country and has been featured at 78 Barnes and Noble book stores since her book was published. She is also a retired adjunct professor with Clayton College of Natural Health where she authored 39 courses in nutrition and herbal remedies.
It is always wise to advise your pharmacist or health care practitioner about any change in diet or supplements you plan to take, especially if you take any prescription medication.
“Their fruit will serve for food and their leaves for healing.” Ezekiel 47:12
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