I was waiting for it; it arrived yesterday. A denial letter. Yep, my attempt to secure an individual health insurance plan failed due to medical risk factors that LifeWise couldn’t deal with. Are you kidding?

Those of you who know me, know that I’m probably one of the healthiest people you’ll meet. I eat well, I sleep well, I keep stress low, I exercise (sometimes I even run!). I take my vitamins. I get bodywork.

A couple of years ago my low back started hurting, then my hip. It was really painful. I got some massage. I had a mercedes benz health plan thru my partner’s job at the time. So I went to the chiropractor, the acupuncturist, the DO. I got the recommended XRays and MRI. It got a scary sounding diagnosis. In the end it was massage 2 times a week for 3 weeks that did the trick. No problem since then.

Until now. Now that I’ve been denied coverage because I had some pain and took care of myself. I’m one of the latest causualities in the pre-existing condition debate.

Perhaps there will be change soon. Senator Ron Wyden was among 13 others who voted the Baccus bill out of committee yesterday.

Generally, I pay much attention to the flu hype/propaganda. But now I work in a wellness center where the flu went around a couple of times last year. I don’t want to get the H1N1 vaccination, but I also want to show up each day with 100%. So, vaccination is not off the table, but first I’m doing my part to keep my immune system in peak performance this season. Here’s how:

• I’ve gotten back into shape.

I joined a new club by my house (LA Fitness). Exercise is the best way to keep the lymph fluid circulating through the body. The lymph system is a crucial part of the immune system, because it cleans the crap and junk out. See this post for more.

• I’ve overhauled my nutrition.

I successfully lost 5 pounds (why wait til I have to loose 10 or 40?) a few weeks ago. The program was like a reset button. I have recalibrated my portion sizes, I’m trying make sure I’m getting enough good, lean protein, and best of all (since I like eating!) I eat 5 or 6 meals a day.

That’s not to say I can’t enjoy my favorite burrito at Ole Ole or my favorite stout at Hopworks. I just have to think better about those portion sizes. Thank goodness stout is a meal in itself!

• I sleep well.

After all those burritos and stouts, who wouldn’t! Just kidding. I am making sure I get the 7-8 hours a night. I used to think that was stupid advice, but there’s a lot of research about the importance of good, quality sleep. Growth hormones (aka fountain of youth), anyone?

• I laugh. A lot.

Thanks, Lisa!

Stay well everyone!

As a massage therapist working with people who have been in a recent motor vehicle
accident (MVA), I treat the soft tissue injuries caused by the impact. Of course, the trauma of the
MVA is not confined to the physical body, but affects the emotions as well. Even in minor accidents,
patients often report irritability, fatigue and lack of concentration.
A serious wreck, one in which there are extensive injuries (i.e. hospitalization required) or
even death, can leave a survivor vulnerable to “acute stress reactions.” These stress reactions,
described in I Can’t Get Over It: A Handbook for Trauma Survivors (New Harbinger, 1996), tend
to follow four steps: Shock, Recoil, Attribution, and Resolution. Working your way to and through
the resolution (recovery) stage is very important for resetting your emotional balance. “Lack of
resolution can lead to the development of phobias and fears,” possibly leading to post traumatic
stress disorder.
In order for the physical injuries to heal well, be sure to address any emotional trauma with
a qualified and experienced mental health professional. I am happy to provide a referral.