Norman Wells
Director of Nursing, Saint Thomas Midtown and West Hospitals
Habits aren't made overnight. Take some time this week to reflect on the habits you want to maintain for a healthy lifestyle and the habits you wish to change. Your health journey is in your hands and you're in full control of your choices. Habits shouldn't be an accident. Take advantage of that power and work on keeping the good habits and eliminating habits that are holding you back. Which habits are you most proud to practice and which would you like to change? Jot it down in your journal.
Tara Roth
Director of Nursing, Saint Thomas Midtown and West Hospitals
The little things add up! If you have the chance this week, think about how you can incorporate more activity into your day-to-day tasks. Walk the dog an extra block or park at the far end of the lot. The journey to health is never ending and can be fun! Find a buddy to take the stairs with you or use your break to take a walk with a friend. Think about the ways you can get just a little more activity this week and reap the health benefits. How will you take the first small step toward a more intentionally active lifestyle?
Stacy McDowell
Director of Nursing, Saint Thomas Midtown and West Hospitals
What is your motivation to stay healthy? Is it a person? A goal? Reflect this week on the reason you want to focus on your health journey. Keeping your motivation top of mind – even writing it down somewhere you see it every day – will continuously encourage you. Visualize the benefits of living a healthy life and make it a self-fulfilling prophecy. This week, journal about your intention to keep going. Then, come back to this journal entry when you need a motivational boost!
Bob Peglow
Chief Nursing Officer, Saint Thomas River Park Hospital
When it comes to exercise, there are never enough hours in the day! As you begin the week, care for yourself and plan ahead to make sure you have time dedicated to physical activity. When you spend so much time caring for others, it's absolutely necessary to dedicate time to love and care for yourself. Plan ahead this week to reach your exercise goal whether it's 10,000 steps each day or 30 minutes of cardio. How will you make time for physical activity this week?
Marco Fernandez, MSN, RN
Associate Chief Nursing Officer, Saint Thomas Midtown and West Hospitals
They say variety is the spice of life! As you prepare to care for others this week, care for your body by giving yourself a variety of nutritional options. We recite the food pyramid to our patients day in and day out, but are we following our teachings with our own daily intakes? Remember that carbs, protein, fruit and veggies all have different benefits that help to keep your mind sharp and your body energized. Maybe spend part of your journaling time this week jotting down the food you're eating to figure out where there might be nutrition gaps.
Peter Lindquist, DNP, RN, CCRN
Chief Nursing Officer, Saint Thomas Midtown and West Hospitals
It's all too easy to grab a quick unhealthy snack during your shift. This week, try to slow down and plan your snacks ahead of time. Think about filling up your grocery cart with whole food options like almonds, sliced veggies, and fruit that you can quickly pack before work. We challenge you to journal about the snacks you catch yourself eating when you're underprepared, and think ahead about replacing them with intentional and nourishing options.
Stacey Beaven
Chief Nursing Officer, Saint Thomas Rutherford Hospital
Looking for something healthy and tasty to fuel you through your shift? If you're packing your meal, make sure you're including a variety of food groups resulting in a colorful plate. The cafeteria has a whole section dedicated to healthy options – and it's not just the salad bar. Be mindful of what you're putting into your body and focus on foods that provide the most energy – fruits, vegetables, protein and fiber-rich options. Even during a busy shift, it's so important to give your body the fuel it needs so that you can focus on your patients and keep hunger at bay.
Amy D. Wilson, RN, MSN, CPHQ
Chief Nursing Officer
You've heard it a million times – breakfast is the most important meal of the day. The right breakfast foods can help you concentrate, give you energy to take on the day and maintain a healthy weight and fast metabolism. The first meal of the day is important for everyone, especially caregivers. Kick the day off with wholesome options like fresh fruit, eggs, oatmeal or whole grain cereal. This week, we challenge you to devote an extra ten minutes to your morning routine for a healthy breakfast to start the day.