Monday, 11th October 2021 — The month of October is set aside to focus attention on assorted health matters – such as ageing, and breast cancer which effects both women and men. It’s imperative we take good care of our minds, bodies and souls in order to live our lives healthily. This is one of the aspects we often neglect when it comes to daily living.
In the Anguilla community, we’re aware of a number of persons who have been impacted by various ailments, including communicable and contagious infections like the current Coronavirus, colds and influenza (flu) – as well as other chronic non-communicable diseases like asthma, cancer, diabetes (high blood sugar), hypertension (high blood pressure) and kidney failure.
There are a wide range of additional maladies. Back, hip, knee and joint pain. Acid reflux. Alcoholism. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Congestive heart failure. Lupus. Overweightness. Ulcers.
We are fortunate to have private and public healthcare facilities on island with doctors, nurses and therapists who can assist us in healing many of our physical, mental and emotional disorders. Yet, we too must take responsibility for our wellbeing and not become overly reliant on the health professionals thinking they can cure all.
Several of the biggest factors impacting our overall healthiness are anxiety, hassle, pressure, strain, trauma and worry. We’ve heard people say stress can kill. I recall my father frequently commenting: “My back is killing me.” On numerous occasions, I told Dad if he continued saying those words that his body would feel the impact of what he spoke.
Oftentimes, we don’t realise how our thoughts and vibrations can actually have an affect health-wise. When it comes to the “Big C” (cancer), we need to be cognisant that our emotional and mental state of being can seriously influence how our bodies cope with this deteriorating disease.
No one wants to hear a physician’s diagnosis of breast cancer, multiple myeloma, malignant tumours or anything of the sort. It hits us hard when we hear this news. Yet, it can also be a reality check allowing us to recognise that we must make necessary changes to our lifestyles to improve our health.
From first-hand experience, I know that when I don’t care well for my body, and ignore signs that the cells, muscles and bodily parts are revealing, then they react to my neglect. Sometimes it takes us being knocked on our backs, and in bed, to listen to God telling us we need to transform how we are living and caring for ourselves.
Being concerned for oneself isn’t always a top priority, especially if we are also taking care of others. But it’s so important we make time for ourselves. Eat healthily. Exercise and get movement in our day-to-day schedules. Meditate. Pray. Keep hope alive. Find ways to de-stress from life’s ever-present pressures and uncertain circumstances. All of which help mend our otherwise compromised immune systems.
A healthy immunity benefits everyone because our bodies are stronger and better prepared to fight the illness or disease whenever we become sick. Rather than always relying on prescription drugs, or over the counter medicines, we need to utilise naturopathic (natural, non-invasive, self-healing) remedies to help us maintain an optimal health status and shift pre-exiting conditions or family medical history. There are some ails we cannot avoid – such as cataracts – because they’re a part of the natural ageing of the body.
Having a positive outlook regarding ourselves, and our lives, is a great up-lifter when we are faced with life’s adversities. It doesn’t mean that we are always smiling and joyful, but that we are willing to deal with whatever comes our way knowing that this too shall pass. We also need a supportive network to help us when we’re experiencing life’s low points.
We’re fortunate to have organisations and persons coming together to support individuals going through health emergencies in the Anguilla community. Travelling overseas to seek medical services unavailable locally is quite costly. Fortunately, the Princess Alexandra Hospital has a dialysis unit. Yet, a cancer treatment centre is much needed.
Thanks to Women With Heart Inc. for organising charitable community fundraisers – most recently, a telethon on Saturday, 2nd October 2021 and a walkathon for this coming Saturday, 16th October, to benefit Mrs Collette Jones Chin. The donations collected will go towards Teacher Collette’s overseas medical expenses.
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Kay M Ferguson is a contributing columnist who uses a nom de plume, The Empress Extraordinaire. Her words encourage us to explore who we are, evolve as human-beings and transform our world. Link with Kay at anguillawriter@gmail.com.
