One of the unique things about Lumigrate is that I've worked in the health care arena since the mid-90s and have also found my way through some health challenges since about the same time. That combination changed the dynamic of how I treated patients (I understood where they were 'at'), and therefore it changed what I received from them as their therapist. The concept you see on the home page of Lumigrate, which is about YOU (the medical consumer) having the central 'spot' in your healthcare team and getting the best palate of providers and support around you (including good education and resources) has been influenced over the years by patients and providers I came in contact with. So, in effect, those before you affected what you see now and you have the opportunity to influence today and in the future what Lumigrate will offer. We've asked for input today on facebook about topics people want to see here in the future, for instance. If you're not a friend yet, please join us on facebook (link below)! Or email us here at the website -- we love hearing from you.
When I was doing internships to become an occupational therapist I purchased a Flavia poster which struck me as summarizing what I was seeing going on between the patients and the medical teams:
Some people come into our lives and quickly go.
Some stay for awhile, leave footprints on our hearts, and we are never, ever the same.
As with anything, everybody's different, but generally medical providers gain a lot from their patients -- they learn from them. I don't think most 'patients' realize what influence they can have. Lumigrate views each person we help educate and motivate as a 'deputy' who can help spread the concept and progress education about the important topics we are dealing with.
Tonight I'll be attending a seminar about colon health by the naturopath and acupuncturist at The Integrative Medicine Center of Western Colorado and will summarize that next for you here. Colon cancer just surpassed breast cancer, and one of those influential patient's I've been referring to here is being honored at a memorial service today which I am unable to attend. For the last many years of her life she dealt with a couple types of cancer as she also continued to enjoy family, friends, music, and looking at the beautiful western Colorado views. It was my honor and privilege to be one of the people who came into her life, just as she came into mine, leaving footprints and change. Today, YOU can be as well -- with us (communicate with us, or let us know through what you download and read or write here on the website), with your providers, friends, coworkers and family. And don't forget the influence you have with 'you' at the center of the team.
Links: The Integrative Medicine Center of Western Colorado: www.imcwc.com [1]
Flavia cards, books, inspirational 'stuff' (not to be confused with a similarly named coffee) www.flavia.com [2]
Facebook link to our page: www.facebook.com/lumigrate [3]
Live and Learn. Learn and Live Better! is my motto. I'm Mardy Ross, and I founded Lumigrate in 2008 after a career as an occupational therapist with a background in health education and environmental research program administration. Today I function as the desk clerk for short questions people have, as well as 'concierge' services offered for those who want a thorough exploration of their health history and direction to resources likely to progress their health according to their goals. Contact Us comes to me, so please do if you have questions or comments. Lumigrate is "Lighting the Path to Health and Well-Being" for increasing numbers of people. Follow us on social networking sites such as: Twitter: http://twitter.com/lumigrate [4] and Facebook. (There is my personal page and several Lumigrate pages. For those interested in "groovy" local education and networking for those uniquely talented LumiGRATE experts located in my own back yard, "LumiGRATE Groove of the Grand Valley" is a Facebook page to join. (Many who have joined are beyond our area but like to see the Groovy information! We not only have FUN, we are learning about other providers we can be referring patients to and 'wearing a groove' to each other's doors -- or websites/home offices!) By covering some of the things we do, including case examples, it reinforces the concepts at Lumigrate.com as well as making YOU feel that you're part of a community. Which you ARE at Lumigrate!
Links:
[1] http://www.imcwc.com
[2] http://www.flavia.com
[3] http://www.facebook.com/lumigrate
[4] http://twitter.com/lumigrate