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Body Talk
By Dianne Hart Pettis, MS, FNP-BC
The Truth Contributor
Have you ever felt
like an illness or disease just sneaked up and attacked you?
Or you’ve gone to your primary care provider or a specialist
and have been surprised by test results? ‘Suddenlies’ do
happen in life, but not where your health is concerned.
Your body is always giving you signals. They may be slight
and barely noticeable, but they’re there. They may occur
months, or even years before they force you to go get
examined.
We have these amazing
bodies. We have complex chemical and electric feedback
systems that are created to work perfectly to keep our
bodies working in perfect balance or to warn us if there is
any kind of imbalance.
It starts in the
cells, which make up tissues, which make up organs, which
are part of systems. For example, when you eat something,
your nervous system (brain), endocrine system (hormones),
and your gastrointestinal (digestive) system are all
involved – beginning with each tiny cell of each system.
Each system even
has multiple kinds of cells that each has different
functions. If you happen to be diagnosed with something like
a stomach ulcer, it could have originated from a malfunction
of any of the involved systems, down to a very tiny cell in
one of the systems.
The complex feedback
systems are normally able to handle upsets in balance in
your body. If the situation that created the imbalance
continues over time, or worsens; the tissue becomes
affected. Diseased or malfunctioning tissues become diseased
or malfunctioning organs.
Usually, the
body is screaming out at you to go to your primary care
provider or urgent care by then. The trouble is – well, one
trouble is – that we tend to be so busy every hour of every
day, that we don’t notice the signals that our bodies give
us. So much on the outside has our attention; from the time
the alarm goes off in the morning, until we pass out at 1
a.m. from exhaustion in front of the TV.
The other trouble is
that we haven’t paid enough attention to our bodies to know
what’s normal and what’s not normal. There are normal
changes; such as seasonal changes, age-related changes, or
gender-related cycles. Some of those changes can be
anticipated, and are normal. When you know your normal self,
you can be alerted by subtle or early changes in sensations
or function. Sometimes the signals come and go, but should
be noted.
Some people are very
sensitive and in tune to their bodys’ signals. If you are
not one of those people, you may need to practice to get to
know yourself. Take (make) time regularly to just stop.
Choose a time when you won’t be disturbed for about 15
minutes. Sit or lie down with electronics off and cell
phones in another room; and get quiet. Close your eyes and
take 8 to 10 slow deep breaths, while paying attention to
the air flowing in and out. This helps to relax you.
Now just listen and
notice. You may want to focus on one part of your body at a
time. Are there any sensations you notice? Any pain or
discomfort? Any muscle twitching? Is your heart racing? Is
your mouth dry? Is your stomach making weird sounds? Get to
know you.
Sometimes, when
you’re in this relaxed state, you may get a ‘message’ that
you should do something or stop doing something to improve
your health. You should pay attention and follow that
‘guidance’, or gut feeling. Also, really look at your body
– nude. Do regular skin checks for new moles or skin
texture. Of course monthly breast exams or testicular exams
are a must.
Pay attention to
subtle signs, but danger signals should be handled
immediately: severe pain, bleeding, severe changes in
function, sudden changes in hearing or vision, numbness, and
drastic weight loss or gain. Your body is wise; it was
created that way. It will talk to you; just listen.
Dianne Hart Pettis, MS,
FNP-BC
Family Nurse Practitioner
724-375-7519
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