We had a great conversation about navigating the health system post-pandemic with Scott Becker in an episode of his Becker’s Hospital Review podcast series. Listen to the full episode here:
We had a great time and discussion on Chicago’s Morning Answer! We appreciate Amy Jacobson for sharing her own personal experience of navigating through a complex health system and feel honored to help educate others on how to help themselves and their loved ones with healthcare needs.
We appreciate Dina Bair at WGN TV for the lively conversation about Becoming a Confident Patient. We hope the tips included from our book continue to help families along their healthcare journeys.
Developing and maintaining connections along with having a true sense of community, is critically important for all stages of our lives. Unfortunately, some of us feel like we lack meaningful connections at times. Feelings of loneliness are increasing in levels throughout the country and world. Former U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy states, “During my years caring for patients, the most common pathology I saw was not heart disease or diabetes, it was loneliness.” Especially when dealing with a complex medical issue, we need to make it a priority to reach out to and surround ourselves with people we can rely on, those we can trust. Making and maintaining meaningful connections can help us be healthy and stay healthy. Take a moment and reflect on the long term and short-term connections you can count on: family members, friends, neighbors, and colleagues.
Also, there are a number of organizations that can provide additional support as well. When someone is dealing with a cancer diagnosis, for example, Gilda’s Club has free services that are available to support the entire family, not just the patient. Their motto is, “No one has to face cancer alone” and their mission is to ensure that all people impacted by cancer are empowered by knowledge, strengthened by action, and sustained by community.
If you or a loved one is affected by Alzheimer’s or Dementia, The Alzheimer’s Association has a helpline that is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to assist in many ways: communication strategies when those with the disease may be in crises, to share strategies for redirection, research opportunities, or simply to lend a listening ear. Their website also has education available for those dealing with the disease as well as the caregivers who are supporting their loved ones affected by these diseases.
Some organizations focus on providing physical assistance like rides to and from treatment and meal supplements and others help by connecting those who have had similar medical situations. These are just a few examples of thousands of community support systems that can be helpful. Ask your medical team for recommendations and reach out to others inside and outside your community. Learning more about what various organizations have to offer may turn into meaningful connections that are often available to those who are dealing with specific health concerns. Take a moment now and consider who your connections are and then do some research on how organizations can also be of help to you. There are countless ways that your current and future connections can potentially support you and your loved ones going forward.
Beth Myers, Founder and CEO of 2×2 Health, was honored to be a panelist this week at the official release party of the film, “To Err is Human: A Patient Safety Documentary.” Working collaboratively, we can all significantly improve our own and our loved ones’ safety! Read more here: https://www.toerrishumanfilm.com/about/
This holiday season, we are thankful for so much, including time with those we care about! Many of us think of our family and friends when asked what we are grateful for around the holidays. We appreciate the gift of spending time with those we love. At 2×2 Health we wanted to take a minute and discuss other things we are grateful for this time of year. We talked with some of our team members and clients and asked what they truly appreciate in addition to their support systems. A few of their highlights include:
A cozy bed
Celebrating beauty in nature
A cuddle with a pet
A warm drink when it is chilly outside
Getting a win from our favorite football team
Having time to work out during the week
Hugs from our friends
Comfort food
Seeing fresh fallen snow without needing to go anywhere
An unexpected break in traffic
A movie or television show that makes us laugh
A job we love
Not setting our alarm clocks on the weekend or a day off
A really good book
Cocktail around a fire
Appreciating the small things
Hearing a funny joke
Seat warmers
Stain glass windows
A delicious meal
Making a new friend
Wearing our slippers
Planning a warm vacation when it is cold outside
Ordering or making a dessert
A Sunday afternoon nap
Laughing with a friend
Getting dressed up for a meal in a restaurant
A long hot bath or shower
Bubble wrap
A chat with an old friend
Freshly brushed teeth
Receiving a card in the mail
Holding hands
A floral delivery
A fuzzy sweater
At 2×2 Health, we are especially grateful for our compassionate, dedicated team members who consistently give of themselves for our clients.
time with those we care about! Many of us think of our family and friends when asked what we are grateful for around the holidays. We appreciate the gift of spending time with those we love. At 2×2 Health we wanted to take a minute and discuss other things we are grateful for this time of year. We talked with some of our team members and clients and asked what they truly appreciate in addition to their support systems. A few of their highlights include: