My Rx for Summer

How many times have you written prescriptions for your patients? Even after they leave your office, you strive to ease their pain, head off their infections, and get them back to healthy lives. I’m not a dentist, but I have played one for almost 20 years now! So, for this summer issue, it’s my turn to write a prescription – to encourage ongoing mental and physical health for our dedicated readers.

My Rx for a Productive and Rejuvenating Summer

Vitamin D: Take some time to get out in the sun and soak up the relaxing rays! Change out of your scrubs and breathe some fresh air – and don’t forget your hat and sunscreen. You will return to work revitalized and ready to tackle any patient.

Get moving: Even if you don’t have time to get to the beach or take a longer vacation, exercise is one of the best ways to relieve tension and clear your mind. The CDC recommends 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity per week. You don’t even need to join a gym – a daily walk will keep that blood flowing. Breaking the time up into 30 minutes a day for 5 days is very doable and can become a healthy habit.

Give your mind some thought: Every day, take some time for mindful thought or meditation. It doesn’t have to be the same time every day, or even done in the same way. Just pick a comfortable spot, close your eyes, breathe deeply, and focus on your breathing. Picture the beach, a mountain trail, or any spot that brings you peace. Taking a few minutes can reduce stress, ease frustration, and open the door to serenity.

Read, watch television, or listen to music: Having a way to unwind first thing in the morning or before bed can calm your mind and body.

Eat healthy, but give yourself a treat: We all know the drill – eat healthy fruits, vegetables and grains, go big on the protein and low on fats and sugars. But, as with all things under heaven, there is a time for ice cream and cake too (in moderation).

Build a trusted team, in and out of the office: Having support people to boost you when you are sad, and laugh with you when you are happy can make life a warmer, more welcoming place.

Forgive yourself! One of my main mantras throughout this journey of life is to give yourself a break. Everyone makes mistakes, and no matter what some people think, no one is perfect. Every mistake is an opportunity to learn from and grow.

Keep learning: Whether you are in the office or on vacation, take MedMark specialty publications with you! Keep learning new concepts so when you return to work, you can expand your patients’ options for care.

In this summer issue, our Cover Story talks about the mission of SomnoMed’s Medical Collaborative™ that is providing the most effective and accessible treatment options for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) patients, including oral appliance therapy as a primary treatment option alongside CPAP or surgery. The CE by Ann Blau and Kaitlyn Shrum,“Pediatric Sleep-Disordered Breathing and Obstructive Sleep Apnea: The Role of the Speech-Language Pathologist,” explains the use of the Fairest-6 pediatric clinical airway screening tool for objective screening alongside speech-language pathology. In the Medical Insight column, Dr. Allison Kole looks at gender differences in sleep and OSA for more precisely tailored diagnostic and therapeutic approaches. Check out the AADSM Special Section to discover products and treatment options that bring your DSM practices to a higher level, and increase your clinical and financial success.

Even if your summer is busy with patients, there are plenty of ways to keep a healthy outlook on life. Journalist Charles Bowden once said, “Summertime is always the best of what might be.” Try a few of my Rx recommendations, and you will feel that endless summer in your hearts and minds for all future seasons.