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Cindy Dagg's avatar

Lots of great information here. I am a board certified wellness coach and health navigation coach and this information directly addresses what I coach on. Thank you for the work you are doing. Great read!

Jake Kelly MD's avatar

Thank you Cindy for the feedback. Your work as a BC health navigator and wellness coach is so valuable and I’m glad you use similar tools and information to improve the lifestyle, habits and health of all of us!

Ann Eddy's avatar

Great information! Having previously worked night shifts in a hospital and day shifts on the slope as an RN I’ve lived the struggle of not getting enough sleep. Kudos to Liam for instituting your suggestions!

Ann Eddy's avatar

I don’t think I ever navigated night shift well - between family and the world that happens during the day it’s tough to get on a sleep schedule. If that’s the season of life you’re in I’d say be kind to yourself - not everything is going to get done the way you want right now.

I really enjoyed working on the slope and was mostly able to get on a schedule (we did have middle of the night call outs but that wasn’t frequent). The biggest challenge was to continue to move. It’s dark and cold in the winter and the camps aren’t conducive to walking outside. I was at MCC so the gym and walking track was very accessible - at the very least walking every day was key. I always tried to have a goal in mind to train for - that helped me get to the gym. Also - avoid walking into the spike room - it’s easier to avoid the 10am donut if you don’t see it…

Finally (sorry this is long) if you get to the point where your doctor is prescribing medications take them as prescribed - you haven’t failed and it doesn’t mean your body is turning against you. I have DM2, HTN and asthma but more importantly I am 57 yoa with a VO2 of 43 training for another 1/2 marathon and I lift heavy weights twice a week. I take my meds to help my body stay as strong as possible for as long as possible.

Jake Kelly MD's avatar

You have shared so much real life wisdom and tips here. I’ll see if I can summarize.

1. Keep moving. Have a goal: a 5k, 8-10k steps daily, something.

2. Forgive yourself. Aim to be a little healthier the following day. Life is hard.

3. Follow with your doc, take your meds if needed.

4. Fitness compounds and lift 2-3x a week.

PS- amazing VO2 Ann! Keep up the fantastic work.

Jake

Ann Eddy's avatar

That is a great summary - thank you!

Jake Kelly MD's avatar

Keep sharing such wonderful knowledge with all of us to learn from!

Jake Kelly MD's avatar

Ann - thanks for sharing the real life experience that so many of us encounter. Any other suggestions you have for successfully navigating shift or slope work?