H
appy Thanksgiving! Happy Hanukkah! Merry Christmas! Happy New Year! Happy Holidays! We are in the season of celebration for many, where we wish others well.
I am a pretty positive person in general, often saying these salutations to people around me. I am also aware that many people struggle through this season, a time of year that can bring stress and sadness. We may be around family, friends and patients who aren’t so cheerful: people who have physical, social, and financial challenges who are just trying to hang on and get to 2016. This year, I happen to be around several friends and family members who are in situations where they are sad, struggling and just want to get to the other side of the holiday season.
This is a time of year when we might need to hold on the reflexive, cheerful salutations and be perceptive enough to see a person who is struggling.
I think that most healthcare professionals, especially diabetes educators, are sensitive to people’s issues and needs. We can see when someone is not having a great day or week or season. This is a time of year when we might need to hold on the reflexive, cheerful salutations and be perceptive enough to see a person who is struggling. It’s a time to offer an ear or a hug or to try to help someone find a solution.
As we go through the next few weeks, I hope we can enjoy the happiness and cheer of many, as well as appreciate the challenges and struggles of others around us. The greatest thing we may do in a day is to help someone who is just hanging on for 2016.
About the Author
Karen Kemmis is a physical therapist, exercise physiologist, certified diabetes educator, and also holds certifications in Pilates for rehabilitation and exercise for aging adults. She is based out of SUNY Upstate Medical University in Syracuse, NY and splits her time between a Joslin Diabetes Center affiliate, an outpatient rehabilitation department, and a PT program where she is an adjunct professor.